2025 - Page 42 of 98

Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift

24 Jul

Auction sales see 6% drop in H1, heightening art market shift fears

Auction revenues declined by around 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, prompting fresh concerns about the global art market's strength. This occurs amid broader weakening in fine‑art sales, signaling a shift in collector behavior and challenging prevailing business models.Although major houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips continued to lead, their combined total slipped to just under $4 billion in H1 2025. Fine‑art auctions—the core of their business—dropped by approximately 10%. This signals a market that is either consolidating at a lower baseline or possibly entering a longer-term structural change.Despite the decline, some…

Crypto kidnapping: How armed gangs are hunting the internet's high rollers

24 Jul

Crypto kidnapping: Armed gangs pursue high-value targets online

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies have created a new class of millionaires. But this digital wealth has also attracted a dangerous kind of attention — not from hackers, but from armed criminals. These groups are now targeting individuals known to hold significant crypto assets, leading to a troubling rise in what has become known as “crypto kidnappings.”A new kind of targetUnlike conventional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets may often be accessed from various devices, and frequently don't have the same protective measures as financial institutions. For criminals, this creates a unique chance. They simply require physical access to the individual and…

No formula, no food: Mothers and babies starve together in Gaza

22 Jul

No formula, no food: Mothers and babies go hungry in Gaza

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

In the midst of a deepening humanitarian crisis, families in Gaza are facing extreme challenges accessing basic necessities, particularly infant formula and food. The widespread shortages have left many mothers struggling to feed their babies, as the local population copes with deteriorating conditions and limited aid.For numerous women in Gaza, breastfeeding stands as the sole option for nourishing their babies. Nonetheless, due to the ongoing conflict, poor nutritional intake, and insufficient healthcare, mothers are finding it harder to produce the necessary amount of milk. Consequently, some infants are not receiving the nourishment required, jeopardizing their health and growth.The absence of…

There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

22 Jul

Why the right tariff level matters: Trump and market reactions

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

As talks regarding possible economic policy under a second Trump administration intensify, an issue once again emerges as highly relevant: tariffs. Although a degree of trade protectionism might attract certain groups of voters and complement wider political objectives, financial markets generally react sensitively to these actions. There seems to be a balance — an ideal level — for tariffs, past which investor confidence might decline and economic stability could be at risk.Donald Trump has consistently championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance international trade and bolster American manufacturing. During his first term, his administration imposed levies on hundreds of billions…

Can Volodymyr Zelenskyy recover from his self-made crisis?

22 Jul

Will Volodymyr Zelenskyy overcome his self-inflicted crisis?

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

Volodymyr Zelenskyy—once a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and global wartime leadership—now confronts a serious domestic crisis largely of his own making. With anti-corruption institutions under threat, public demonstrations underway, and mounting international concern, his ability to rebound hinges on restoring institutional trust, honoring democratic norms, and maintaining support amid Russia’s intensifying war.Since 2019, Zelenskyy’s journey has been defined by two distinct political arcs. Initially elected on promises of ending corruption and reforming entrenched political elites, he faced early disappointment when progress lagged. His popularity dipped dramatically through 2021 alongside stalled reforms and unclear leadership direction. Critics argued he had overpromised and…

22 Jul

Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Intel Corporation has initiated a major restructuring effort that includes reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive semiconductor industry, where the company has faced increasing pressure from rivals and shifting technological demands.The job cuts, affecting thousands of positions across multiple departments, reflect Intel’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and refocus resources on key areas that align with its long-term growth objectives. According to company sources, the reductions are not limited to a specific region or function but are instead distributed across several…

What if your house changed color with the seasons? This ‘climate-responsive’ paint could make it happen

22 Jul

Imagine your house changing color with the seasons—climate-responsive paint explained

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

Imagine a home that subtly transforms its exterior hues as the seasons shift—warming up with richer tones in the winter and cooling down to paler shades in the summer. This futuristic vision might soon become a reality thanks to advancements in climate-responsive materials, particularly a new kind of paint engineered to react to changes in temperature.Este concepto innovador de pintura trasciende los pigmentos que cambian de color de manera tradicional. A diferencia de las pinturas novedosas que reaccionan momentáneamente al calor o la luz solar con fines decorativos, los recubrimientos adaptativos al clima se están desarrollando pensando en la funcionalidad.…

Make your daily walk do more for your body

21 Jul

Simple ways to make your daily walk work harder for your body

Roger W. WatsonHealth

Walking is one of the most accessible forms of physical activity—requiring no special equipment, no gym membership, and very little planning. But while it’s an excellent way to stay active, most people don’t realize how much more they can get out of a simple walk with just a few small adjustments. With the right approach, a daily walk can go beyond basic cardio and become a more comprehensive workout that benefits the entire body.Essentially, walking enhances heart health, aids joint movement, and boosts mental health. Nevertheless, the pace, length, body alignment, and surroundings during a walk can all impact the…

The Fed just gave a rare look at its .5 billion renovation — right before Trump’s tour

21 Jul

Rare insight into Fed’s $2.5B renovation — preceding Trump’s tour

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

The Federal Reserve has offered a rare glimpse into its ongoing $2.5 billion renovation project, a major overhaul of its historic headquarters in Washington, D.C. The unveiling comes just days before former President Donald Trump is expected to tour the central bank’s facilities, drawing heightened public interest to a project that has largely remained out of the spotlight.Situated on Constitution Avenue, the primary edifice of the Federal Reserve, referred to as the Eccles Building, has been emblematic of U.S. monetary policy for almost 100 years. Crafted in a neoclassical design and finalized in 1937, it has functioned as the core…

South Park creators make mock apology to Trump

21 Jul

The story behind South Park creators’ mock apology to Trump

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The creative minds behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have once again stirred attention with a characteristically irreverent response involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. Known for their sharp satire and fearless commentary on political and cultural figures, Parker and Stone used their platform to deliver what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek "apology" that, true to form, was layered with irony rather than contrition.Over the years, South Park has built a reputation for tackling controversial subjects head-on, often walking the line between comedy and critique. The show's long-standing approach has been to highlight the absurdities of real-world events…