Thursday, August 22
From New York Times’ Dealbook and the Financial Times:
It turns out President Trump may have been pretty serious about trying to buy Greenland from Denmark. Yesterday he attacked the Danish prime minister, after she called the idea “absurd.”
Mr. Trump called Ms. Frederiksen “nasty,” one of his preferred insults for women who offend him, for dismissing the idea of the U.S. buying the island. That was after he canceled a state visit to Copenhagen.
If you think this is ridiculous, you’re not alone. The FT editorial board said that “the era when big countries could trade territories and people is long over.”
Henry Mance of the FT drew up a satirical term sheet for a Greenland deal. And George Hay of Breakingviews jokingly suggested that Mr. Trump should buy Britain instead.
Recession Watch: German Companies Signal Looming Recession After Demand Plunges (Bloomberg)
Brexit Latest: Emmanuel Macron Pours Cold Water on Boris Johnson’s Optimism Over Brexit Deal (Bloomberg)
Angela Merkel Sets Boris Johnson Challenge: Solve Brexit Backstop in 30 Days (Bloomberg)
2020 Watch: Jay Inslee, Governor Centered on Climate Change, Drops out of Presidential Race (Washington Post)
Mike Bloomberg tweeted: “Thanks @JayInslee for highlighting the urgent need for action on climate change throughout your campaign and setting a strong example of leadership in Washington.”
Advertising Blitz: Everytown for Gun Safety Launches Campaign Against Suburban Republicans in Virginia (Washington Post)
“We have one simple goal: Hold gun lobby lawmakers accountable for their choices,” said John Feinblatt, president of the Mike Bloomberg founded and funded Everytown for Gun Safety.
Cindy McCain: My Husband was a Man of Civility. Americans Can Still Learn from Him (Washington Post oped)
It is time to inspire a renewal of civil engagement that is so critical to meet the challenges of the future.
Today in Financial News.
Future of Work: Artificial Intelligence is Displacing Finance Jobs, but also Creating New Ones (Bloomberg)
FinTech Today: As London’s Trading FinTech Rockets Ahead, Investment in Asia Pacific Fintech Down in First Half of 2019 (Finance Feeds)
Headlines from around the world.
Amazon Fires: Freakish Weather in Sao Paulo Alarms Public Over Deforestation as Bolsonaro Blames NGOs (Bloomberg)
Trade War Impact: South Korea to Stop Sharing Intel With Japan (Bloomberg)
HK Latest: Hong Kong Rents Set to Fall as Protests Curb Housing Demand (Bloomberg)
Today in Expansions: Amazon Opens Its Largest Campus Yet — Accomodating 15,000 Employees in Hyderabad, India (Bloomberg)
Tech Today.
Revamp Alert: Apple Readies New Camera-Focused Pro iPhones, New iPads, Larger MacBook Pro (Bloomberg)
Apple is planning to announce three new iPhones at an event next month, including “Pro” iPhones that will feature a new camera system on the back with a third sensor for capturing ultra-wide-angle photos and videos. The new system will take higher resolution pictures, better images in low-light, and significantly upgraded video capabilities.
Travel section.
Get Ready! Qantas Tests 20-Hour Non-Stop Flights to See If Passengers Can Bear It (Bloomberg)
The aim is to start direct Sydney-New York and Sydney-London flights as soon as 2022 using the new Boeing 777-8X or the Airbus A350.
Best of late night.
“CVS is launching its own membership program that comes with free home delivery. They’ll deliver within a 10 mile radius or roughly the length of one receipt.”
— Jimmy Fallon
“Customs officials in Los Angeles announced yesterday they seized over 5,000 counterfeit luxury products, including almost 700 pairs of fake Nike shoes, which is bad news for people who thought they got a great deal on a new pair of Air Gordon’s.
— Seth Meyers
Tweets of the Day:
@GeorgeTakei: Overheard: Trump offered to buy Greenland from Denmark. In response, Denmark offered to buy America from Russia.
@GeorgeTakei: Overheard: Waiting for Trump to blame Jeff Bezos for the Amazon fires.
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