This isn't a normal cruise, and these aren't normal passengers. They're on board what's known as a shakedown cruise, a final stress test before a cruise ship makes its public debut. The passengers are all Royal Caribbean employees and their guests, and their job is to push the ship to its limits.I boarded the Celebrity Excel just days before its maiden voyage. My goal to find out what it takes to launch a massive new cruise ship. It turns out even the smallest details are scrutinized.More feathers were need ...

Tax Law Impact on Businesses - The new tax law extended tax cuts and created new deductions for overtime pay, tipped workers, and senior citizens [1] - The law also expanded the state and local tax (SALT) deduction [2] - Bonus depreciation allows companies to deduct 100% of the cost of certain equipment immediately [4] - The 20% deduction for pass-through businesses was made permanent, potentially boosting companies like Gulf Distributing with $750 million in gross revenue per year [7] - The per-person estate tax exemption increased to $15 million, providing certainty for family-owned businesses [10] Winners and Losers - Gulf Distributing is benefiting from the new tax law, using it to expand and invest in equipment [3][6] - Solar Alternatives is facing challenges due to the phasing out of the 30% clean energy credit for homeowners and commercial credits [15] - Solar Alternatives anticipates a reduction in its workforce due to the new tax law [15] Renewable Energy Sector - The 30% clean energy credit for homeowners will expire at the end of the year, and commercial credits will be phased out over the next few years [15] - A solar system without batteries costs approximately $20,000, while adding a battery can add another $20,000 [14] - The solar industry argues that the phase-out of tax credits does not provide enough time for businesses to adapt [18]

Investment Philosophy & Strategy - Charles Schwab emphasizes the importance of long-term investing and diversification for wealth accumulation, particularly for young investors [1][9][10][14][15] - The company cautions against conflating investing with gambling, highlighting the potential risks of "quick-hit" strategies and the blurring lines between the two [7][8][15] - Schwab aims to empower investors with a wide array of investment options while guiding them towards prudent financial decisions [12] Market Trends & Competitive Landscape - The brokerage industry is experiencing a divide due to the increasing influence of retail investors, potentially shaping wealth accumulation strategies [1] - Prediction markets, particularly those related to sports, are viewed with caution due to concerns about gambling and potential regulatory arbitrage [5][6] - Schwab acknowledges the need to monitor the competitive landscape, including the potential demand for prediction markets, but prioritizes client interests and responsible investing [6] Client Focus & Growth - Schwab is experiencing success with young investors who are taking a long-term view and focusing on diversification [17] - The company has $118 trillion (11.8%) of assets and has brought in $400 billion of new assets this year through October [18] - The average age of Schwab's new client is in their thirties, with significant interest in fundamental investment topics like bond investing among younger demographics [17] Company Strategy & Values - Schwab is committed to democratizing access to investing and helping clients achieve their financial goals [20][21][16] - The company prioritizes lowering fees to benefit clients, believing it fosters trust and encourages more business [25] - Schwab expresses support for initiatives like "Trump Accounts" that promote saving and investing from a young age [19][21]

Executive Power & Policy - The report highlights a significant increase in the President's audacious use of executive power and the sheer number of policies pursued in the second term [3] - The administration focused on Middle East diplomacy, brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, leading to hostage release and a ceasefire [6] - Emergency powers were used to deploy National Guard troops to crack down on crime and support deportation agendas [7] - The President targeted universities, law firms, cultural and media institutions, securing agreements for financial contributions or policy changes [8] - Aggressive trade agenda implemented, levying large tariffs globally to force negotiations [12] - Legal experts question the overreach in the expansive use of article 2 powers, sparking legal and congressional concerns [13] Political Influence & Control - The President appointed loyal leaders to the Department of Justice, leading to the ouster of officials deemed disloyal at the FBI and DOJ [9] - Efforts were made to suppress dissent from Congress, with success in passing legislation [10] - The President's attempt to prevent the release of the Epstein files was unsuccessful, marking a rare defiance from Congress [11] White House & Image - The President significantly redesigned the White House, including turning the Oval Office into gold and building a large ballroom funded by private interests [14][15]

Incident Overview - An attack occurred at Bondi Beach, a well-known and iconic location in Australia, causing shock and disbelief in the community [1][6] - The incident took place near a Hanukkah festival with approximately 1,000 people in attendance, between 4 PM and 7 PM [1] - Initial reports indicated gunfire, leading to panic as people fled the scene without knowing the direction of the shooting [2] - The shooters were identified by police as a father and son, with local media circulating their names; one was reportedly an immigrant [3] Heroic Intervention & Aftermath - A bystander tackled one of the gunmen, disarming him and potentially saving lives; the hero is currently hospitalized [4] - The event is described as an act of pure evil, terror, and anti-Semitism [4] Government Response & Gun Control - The government is prepared to take necessary actions, including tightening gun laws [5] - Australia has strict gun regulations implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur shooting, making mass shootings rare [5] - Politicians are discussing further tightening gun laws, but the specifics remain uncertain [5]

Law Enforcement Actions - Police presence and intervention [1][3] - Instructions for individuals to raise their hands [3] - Assurance of safety and assistance from law enforcement [3] - Orderly evacuation instructions [3] Incident Management - Assessment of potential injuries [3] - Instructions to retrieve personal belongings [3] - Emphasis on quick and orderly movement [2][3]

We're coming into the dome. Really the featured area here at KSM. Uh that was a 27 meter LED dome.>> It's like walking into the stadium. >> It's sharper than what your eyes would see from pretty much all the seating points here. >> And I think what we've seen is fans are willing to pay for quality.>> We paid I think about 140 each. >> Uh $180. >> Couple hundred bucks.>> Our team's on the ground shooting with five 8K cameras that are capturing those live streams. And that means for fans sitting here, it's ju ...

Stay behind. >> These soldiers are training for a new era of warfare. One fought with drones of all shapes and sizes.But some of these drones aren't like the others. They weren't shipped in from the mainland. They were designed, manufactured, and tested right here in Hawaii.This is Lightning Labs at Scoffield Barracks on the Hawaiian island of Wahoo. This is the US Army's test site for 3D printing on demand. Soldiers here are designing, building, and tweaking drones from digital files, turning raw plastic i ...

The reason why we're in the midst of a turnaround is we kind of just lost our focus. You know, the the the focus for Starbucks historically was all about creating that third place where there's a moment of humanity. Um whether it was between work and home or whether it was a place that you just wanted to have a moment.And you know, I would say COVID really kind of took the soul out of Starbucks because the challenge became, well, maybe you're not supposed to socialize um the way we historically had encourag ...

Legal Proceedings - Evidence includes a backpack with a red notebook, silencer, and firearm seized from Luigi Manion [1] - Manion's lawyers argue the backpack seizure was prior to a search warrant [1] - Statements made by Manion before Miranda rights were read are being challenged [2] - The judge has directed prosecutors to release some evidence, including pictures and videos [3] Incident Details - A McDonald's manager reported Manion due to customer suspicion, referencing the "CEO shooter" [3][4] - The manager noted a visible eyebrow feature despite Manion's face being mostly covered [4] Public Support - A small group of supporters attended the court hearing [4] - One supporter wore a "New Yorkers for Luigi" t-shirt [4]