August 11, 2015

State of Emergency in Ferguson, Terror in Turkey, Greece, Google and Buffet… 

 
 

PNUT GALLERY

I’ve had enough Kardashians, I can’t TAKE any more Kardashian stories on this show … It’s a non-story! I don’t care!” -John Brown of Fox 35 Orlando, storms off screen in a tantrum against extensive news coverage about the Kardashians’ new pet rabbit, named Bruce.

IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ

Ferguson: State Of Emergency After Shootings

On Sunday, an intended night of remembrance commemorating the death of Michael Brown, the black teenager who was shot and killed one year ago by a white police officer, erupted into an evening of violence. After peaceful marches and prayers, Governor Jay Nixon reported that incidents of burglary and gunfire against police had taken place through the night. One man was shot by the police and is in a critical condition. Protests continued into Monday, with clergy leading a march at the federal courthouse in St. Louis, resulting in the arrest of a few, notably Princeton Professor Cornel West. County Executive Steve Stenger has now called a state of emergency in St. Louis County.

 

Terrible Terror in Turkey

A number of deadly terror attacks struck across Turkey yesterday killing up to nine people. Here is what we know:
  • Two female shooters attacked the US consulate. The attackers were from the far-left terrorist group (DHKP-C).
  • A car bomb in Istanbul killed two terrorists and a policeman.
  • A roadside bomb in the southeast killed four soldiers.
  • Another attack on a military helicopter killed another soldier.       
The attacks come as Turkey is fighting a comprehensive war against different terror groups (that happen to also be fighting each other). So far it seems that the attacks were uncoordinated… we can’t tell if that is a good or alarming thing.

NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ

Greece: It’s Not Over Until It’s Over

It looks like it might finally be over (well, this chapter at least). Greece and its creditors are on track to approve the country’s bailout today (pending minor and annoying details). But really the drama (and our coverage) isn’t actually over yet. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has a tenuous grasp on the government and rumors are swirling that he might call for snap elections in early September… 

 Greece in a Nutshell

 

Google Rearranges Alphabet And The Company


Google is breaking up and coming back together under a new structure. Here’s the lowdown:
  • All Google shares will become shares in a new company called Alphabet.
  • Google’s search engine and other core functions will be housed under “new Google” headed by Sunday Pichai, wholly owned by Alphabet.
  • All “other” businesses (incl. pharmaceuticals/balloons/drones) will be separate companies owned by Alphabet.
  • Larry Page and Sergey Brin will run Alphabet. 
Facebook responded to this major competitive threat by announcing that the acronym ‘LOL’ had been replaced on the internet by ‘haha’. LOL.

Random Read: “The Most Googled Thing In Your Country”

 

Go Big Or Go Buffett

Warren Buffett (known for bizarre eating habits and being the third richest man in the world) struck his largest deal yet, agreeing to buy metal-parts manufacturer Precision Castparts for $32.5 billion. Strapped with a mere $30 billion in cash post-deal, analysts have said that this would ease the pressure on his eventual successor to make acquisitions. Even then, succeeding one of the greatest investors in history is likely to be terrifying.

Good Read: “How To Invest Like Warren Buffett”

#pnut4prez: Clinton’s $350B College Tuition Plan To Ease Student Debt

Hillary announced her “New College Compact” Monday in New Hampshire to make college more affordable and alleviate student debt (currently at $1.2 trillion). The initiative may be a response to Sanders’ own college tuition proposal and would mean that students would not have to take out a loan for in-state public colleges or universities.  The plan would would cost $350 billion over 10 years, paid for by limiting tax deductions for high-income individuals. Rubio struck back calling it a “20th-century outdated model.”

Keeping Our Eye On…

  • Japan Goes Nuclear: Japan is to restart nuclear power today after a 2013 tsunami caused a nuclear reactor meltdown at Fukushima. Don’t worry, they’ve instituted a huge number of new safety rules.
  • Kiwis and Flags:  New Zealand has called a poll to change its flag. The logic being that is often mistaken for Australia’s. After a not-so-cheap $17 million process here are the 40 shortlisted designs incl. our favorite, the ‘sheep with laser eyes’ design.
  • UK Opposition Leader: British Opposition Labour Party, still recovering from their election loss in May are on course to elect far-left candidate Jeremy Corbyn. Apart from withdrawing from NATO here is his full set of (quite dramatic) proposals.

LOOSE NUTS: FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Europeans Continue To Annoy Each Other 

 
Following the successful Swiss invasion of France in July to fetch water for cows, Spain this week committed a “violation of UK sovereignty” near the tiny territory of Gibraltar (located at the bottom of Spain). Britain has run this territory since 1704 which deeply annoys Spain, who want it back. A Spanish vessel entered Gibraltan waters while pursuing drug dealers and crossed into British waters. The Brits were furious and threatened to do….well, something…..while Spain said they didn’t do anything wrong.
 
John Oliver Discussing The New Zealand ‘Fleg’
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