Podcasts about microsoft corp

US equity markets advanced on Friday (16 May) to cap a strong week and despite news Moody Ratings had downgraded the US's highest investment grade position - Dow rose +332-points or +0.78% to 42,654.74, moving into positive territory for 2025. UnitedHealth Group Inc rebounded +6.40%, clawing back some of the heavy losses posted in the prior session amid reports that the insurer's Medicare Advantage business was the subject of a criminal probe. News of the investigation came on the heels of the insurance giant withdrawing its full-year guidance and announcing the departure of its CEO. Nvidia Corp added +0.42% ahead of CEO Jensen Huang taking the stage on Sunday (18 May) at Computex, an annual technology trade show, with this year's theme - “AI Next” - focused squarely on the emerging technology that has lately powered growth in the company's business. Microsoft Corp after offering a series of new concessions to the European Commission (EC) in a bid to settle a long-running antitrust investigation into the bundling of its Teams communications app with Office 365. Its proposal reportedly included unbundling Teams from its Office and Microsoft 365 software suites, offering those products at a lower price without Teams, and enhancing interoperability for rival services.

• US equity markets advanced - Dow slipped -89-points or -0.21%, with Merck & Company Inc down -4.12% was the worst performer in the 30-stock index. UnitedHealth Group Inc dropped over >7% in extended trading (after sliding -1.08% in regular trading) after the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Justice Department is investigating the insurer for potential criminal fraud in its Medicare Advantage business. Nvidia Corp logged a third consecutive session of gains (up +4.16%), climbing over >15% over that stretch and seeing the chipmaker become the third member of the so-called ‘Magnificent Seven' cohort of large capitalisation stocks to move back into positive territory for the calendar year-to-date – joining fellow Dow component Microsoft Corp (+0.85%) and Meta Platforms Inc (+0.51%). Nvidia also saw its market capitalisation climb back above the US$3 trillion level for the first time since February a day earlier. Boeing Co (up +0.64%) inked a record-breaking order with Qatar Airways that will see the Middle East airline buy up to 210 jets from the US aerospace giant, marking Boeing's largest ever order of widebody aircraft. Qatar Airways also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace (+0.75%) for more than >400 engines to power the Boeing planes

US equity markets advanced - Dow eased -99-points or -0.24%, paring an earlier decline of over >250-points. Microsoft Corp (up +0.2%) extended the gap over Apple Inc (down -3.15%) as the largest company in the U.S. by market capitalisation

 US equity markets advanced to cap as investors reacted to strong monthly employment data and news that China is evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the U.S. - Dow rose +564-points or +1.39% to 41,317.43. American Express Co (up +3.09%), 3M Co (+3.03%) and Nike Inc (+3.22%) all climbed over >3%. Nvidia Corp rose +2.59% a report in The Information that the artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker is working to design semiconductors to sell in China that would comply with U.S. trade restrictions. Microsoft Corp rallied +2.32%, lifting its market capitalisation to ~US$3.235 trillion and pushed passed Apple Inc (down 3.74%, market capitalisation ~US$3.067 trillion) to become the largest company in the U.S. by market capitalisation as investors responded to the latest quarterly results from the technology giants last week. Apple CEO Tim Cook said Trump administration tariffs could cost the iPhone maker US$900M this quarter. Meanwhile, Microsoft closes Skype tonight AEST, the pioneering video-calling service it acquired for US$8.5B 14 years ago.  

US equity markets advanced to cap as investors reacted to strong monthly employment data and news that China is evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the U.S. - Dow rose +564-points or +1.39% to 41,317.43. American Express Co (up +3.09%), 3M Co (+3.03%) and Nike Inc (+3.22%) all climbed over >3%. Nvidia Corp rose +2.59% a report in The Information that the artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker is working to design semiconductors to sell in China that would comply with U.S. trade restrictions. Microsoft Corp rallied +2.32%, lifting its market capitalisation to ~US$3.235 trillion and pushed passed Apple Inc (down 3.74%, market capitalisation ~US$3.067 trillion) to become the largest company in the U.S. by market capitalisation as investors responded to the latest quarterly results from the technology giants last week. Apple CEO Tim Cook said Trump administration tariffs could cost the iPhone maker US$900M this quarter. Meanwhile, Microsoft closes Skype tonight AEST, the pioneering video-calling service it acquired for US$8.5B 14 years ago.

US equity markets made a positive start to May, with the Dow and S&P 500 extending their rally into an eighth consecutive session amid fresh gains for megacap technology stocks - Dow added +84-points or +0.21% Microsoft Corp +7.63% was the leading performer in the 30-stock index the technology giant reported better-than-expected third-quarter financials after the close of the previous session amid soaring cloud demand. Nvidia Corp rose +2.47% investors welcomed the news that Microsoft and Meta Platforms Inc expect to continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI)  infrastructure

US equity markets made a positive start to May, with the Dow and S&P 500 extending their rally into an eighth consecutive session amid fresh gains for megacap technology stocks - Dow added +84-points or +0.21% Microsoft Corp +7.63% was the leading performer in the 30-stock index the technology giant reported better-than-expected third-quarter financials after the close of the previous session amid soaring cloud demand. Nvidia Corp rose +2.47% investors welcomed the news that Microsoft and Meta Platforms Inc expect to continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure

On today's podcast: 1) Microsoft Corp. shares jumped after the company reported stronger-than-expected quarterly sales and profit growth, suggesting customer demand for cloud services has held steady despite a wave of tariffs and economic turbulence. 2) Meta Platforms Inc. quelled Wall Street concerns about the impact of the Trump administration’s trade war on advertising sales, reporting first-quarter revenue that beat expectations and forecasting additional spending. 3) The US and Ukraine reached a deal over access to the country’s natural resources, offering a measure of assurance to officials in Kyiv who had feared that President Donald Trump would pull back his support in peace talks with Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US equity futures rallied Thursday on stronger-than-expected tech earnings and signs the Trump administration may be close to announcing the first round of trade deals to reduce planned tariffs. The advance for US futures came after the S&P 500 erased an intraday drop of more than 2% Wednesday to close 0.2% higher. Shares in Japan and Australia both edged lower Thursday. A number of markets are shut for holidays across Asia including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. Meantime, the outcome of Australia's tight federal election could be the next catalyst for local assets as a tariff standoff between the US and China continues to rattle markets. We preview Saturday's federal election with Bloomberg's Paul Allen in Sydney. Plus - contracts for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both gained at least 0.9%, helped by a post-market rally for Microsoft Corp. and Meta Platforms Inc. following their bullish corporate results. Microsoft posted better-than-expected sales, while Meta also exceeded analysts' sales forecasts, suggesting customer demand hasn't been rattled by tariffs. We discuss the day's Mag Seven earnings and the latest eco data out of the US with George Cipolloni, Portfolio Manager at Penn Mutual Asset Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US equity markets advanced following two session of heavy losses as investors eyed a near term reprieve for the automotive sector from President Trump' tariff measures that may be a portent of further concessions - Dow rose +486-points or +1.14% Microsoft Corp (up +3.23%) and Caterpillar Inc (+3.59%) both rallied over >3% to be the leading performers in the 30-stock index.

US equity markets advanced following two session of heavy losses as investors eyed a near term reprieve for the automotive sector from President Trump' tariff measures that may be a portent of further concessions - Dow rose +486-points or +1.14% Microsoft Corp (up +3.23%) and Caterpillar Inc (+3.59%) both rallied over >3% to be the leading performers in the 30-stock index.

US equity markets advanced albeit the major indices settled well off their session highs, with chipmakers trading particularly strongly - Dow slipped -26-points or -0.06% Nvidia Corp rallied +3.43% to be the leading performer in the 30-stock index for a second straight session ahead of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang delivering a keynote speech at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Chip-related stocks more broadly traded strongly after Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn Technology Co Ltd - whose customers include Apple Inc (+0.67%) and Nvidia Corp – reported record fourth-quarter revenue (up +15% year-on-year to 2.132 trillion New Taiwan dollars or ~US$65.09B). Amazon.com Inc (+1.53%) and Microsoft Corp (+1.06%) both gained over >1%. Procter & Gamble Co (down -2.43%) was the worst performing Dow component overnight.

US equity markets advanced albeit the major indices settled well off their session highs, with chipmakers trading particularly strongly - Dow slipped -26-points or -0.06% Nvidia Corp rallied +3.43% to be the leading performer in the 30-stock index for a second straight session ahead of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang delivering a keynote speech at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Chip-related stocks more broadly traded strongly after Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn Technology Co Ltd - whose customers include Apple Inc (+0.67%) and Nvidia Corp – reported record fourth-quarter revenue (up +15% year-on-year to 2.132 trillion New Taiwan dollars or ~US$65.09B). Amazon.com Inc (+1.53%) and Microsoft Corp (+1.06%) both gained over >1%. Procter & Gamble Co (down -2.43%) was the worst performing Dow component overnight.

US equity markets advanced amid light trading volume to conclude a holiday-shortened week, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq snaping five-session losing streaks - Dow rose +340-points or +0.80%, ending a run of four consecutive session declines. Nvidia Corp rallied +4.45% to be the leading performer in the 30-stock index ahead of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang delivering a keynote speech at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas tonight AEST which is expected to highlight how Nvidia's semiconductors are powering some of the most advanced products being shown off at the conference. Microsoft Corp (up +1.14%) announced that it would spend US$80B on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled data centres in fiscal 2025. Apple Inc (down -0.20%) retreated for a fifth straight session, on the cusp of becoming the first company ever to surpass US$4 trillion in market capitalization a week earlier. Apple has kicked off the new year by offering iPhone discounts from 4 January to 7 January in China, according to the company's website in the country.

US equity markets advanced to open the final month of the year on a positive footing, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq logging fresh intra-day and record closing highs - Dow fell -129-points or -0.29%, with Amgen Inc (down -1.69%), Honeywell International Inc (-1.28%, sliding further in after-hours trading after the company lowered its earnings and free cash flow guidance for 2024), JPMorgan Chase & Co (-1.39%), Merck & Co (-1.01%) and Verizon Communications Inc (-1.11%) all down over >1%. Technology giants Amazon.com Inc (up +1%), Apple Inc (+0.95%) and Microsoft Corp (+1.78%) were the leading performers in the 30-stock index.

Technology stocks led US equity markets lower ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday - Dow eased -138-points or -0.31%. Salesforce Inc fell -3.84%, while ‘Magnificent Seven' members Amazon.com Inc (down -1.02%), Microsoft Corp (-1.17%) and Nvidia fell (-1.15%) all fell over >1%

Both the Dow and S&P 500 settled at fresh record closing highs as investors digested results from a host of retailers and awaited quarterly earnings from some technology companies after the closing bell - Dow added +124-points or +0.28% to 44,860.31, with Amazon.com Inc (up +3.18%) the leading performer in the stock index. 3M Co (+2.02%), Microsoft Corp (+2.2%) and Walmart Inc (+2.02%) all gained over >2%. Amgen Inc fell -4.76% to be the worst performer in the Dow overnight after data from a Phase 2 study for its experimental weight-loss drug, MariTide, recorded up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks, below analysts' estimates of a weight-loss reduction up to ~25%.

米マイクロソフトの研究開発拠点の開所式で、撮影に応じる日本マイクロソフトの津坂美樹社長ら、１８日午前、東京都港区米マイクロソフトは１８日、東京都港区に、人工知能やロボット技術の研究開発拠点を開設したと発表した。 Microsoft Corp. said Monday that it has opened an artificial intelligence and robotics research and development base in Tokyo's Minato Ward as part of its investment in Japan.

Microsoft Corp. said Monday that it has opened an artificial intelligence and robotics research and development base in Tokyo's Minato Ward as part of its investment in Japan.

Ambrish Shah, US Technology Analyst of Phillip Securities Research team, will cover our first quarter 2025 earnings report on Microsoft, dated November 5th, 2024, and titled “Azure remains a key growth engine.” Listen to this podcast to stay updated on the latest corporate news. Additionally, you can visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.poems.com.sg/stock-research⁠⁠ to access the full report and gain more insights. #PhillipCapital #YourPartnerinFinance #Servingyousince1975  #FinTech #PYTCH #PYTCHMedia #USCompanyInsights #FinanceNews #US #Microsoft Follow PYTCH Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠

Jean-Philippe Courtois, a Microsoft veteran of nearly four decades, shares his journey from the early days of MS-DOS to leading global sales and spearheading national transformation partnerships. He discusses key inflection points in Microsoft's history, including Windows 95, the rise of cloud computing, and the current AI revolution. Courtois emphasizes the importance of positive leadership, coaching, and using technology for social good. He now focuses on empowering youth through social entrepreneurship and hosts a podcast on positive leadership, aiming to create global impact through technology and innovation. 00:09- About Jean-Philippe Courtois Jean is the EVP and former president of the National Transformation Partnership at Microsoft Corp. He served on the Executive Committee alongside CEO Satya Nadella as President and Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Sales, Marketing, and Operations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tbcy/support

Infor announced significant platform technology updates to its industry-specific CloudSuite portfolio on Day One of the company's 2024 Infor Velocity Summit. Acumatica Cloud ERP unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 R2 product. Microsoft Corp. and Rezolve AI, a leader in AI-powered commerce solutions, announced a strategic partnership to empower retailers with advanced capabilities for digital engagement. Epicor announced it has acquired Solenium Group Inc. and its sister company Visual SKUs Inc., both long-standing Epicor partners and providers of Product Information Management (PIM) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) solutions for the Automotive Aftermarket. Sage is enhancing its supply chain software capabilities by acquiring Anvyl, a New York-based technology firm focused on the high-growth $20 billion supply chain software sector.Connect with us!https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com866-499-8550LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/erp-advisors-groupTwitter:https://twitter.com/erpadvisorsgrpFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/erpadvisorsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/erpadvisorsgroupPinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/erpadvisorsgroupMedium:https://medium.com/@erpadvisorsgroup

Microsoft announced it is expanding its Global Engineering Development Center footprint to the UAE. One of Microsoft's first engineering centers to be launched in the Arab world will be established in Abu Dhabi. KT Corporation and Microsoft Corp. unveiled a five-year, multibillion-dollar partnership which includes an investment from KT in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, cloud technologies, and IT business, and a resource commitment from Microsoft in the areas of infrastructure and people. Salesforce signed a definitive agreement to acquire Zoomin, a leading data management provider for unstructured data. Smartsheet announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds managed by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $8.4 billion.Connect with us!https://www.erpadvisorsgroup.com866-499-8550LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/erp-advisors-groupTwitter:https://twitter.com/erpadvisorsgrpFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/erpadvisorsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/erpadvisorsgroupPinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/erpadvisorsgroupMedium:https://medium.com/@erpadvisorsgroup

Thanks for joining UnWired with your host Jim Pyers. Jim shares info and a high-level review of his CoPilot Surface Pro! What apps and config I setup, the pros and cons and why AI PC's are in your future. Come explore with me the first AI based PC family, the Surface Pro CoPilot+. These come with the excellent Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite series of processors, and more. Check me out here or on linkedin - James (Jim) Pyers | Link Please Support UnWired @ www.wiresworld.net Please follow me and what I am working on at ⁠⁠⁠wiresworld.net/⁠⁠⁠mybiz. For show notes and AI musings Check out my blog at ⁠⁠⁠wiresworld.net/blog⁠⁠⁠ Keep the show thriving by donating at ⁠⁠⁠wiresworld.net⁠⁠/⁠⁠donate⁠ Credits: Show Music: Thank you Kevin Keith, “Like a Holiday”. ⁠Avenida Atlantica/Losing You, Kevin Keith - Stick (youtube.com) ⁠. Visit Kevin at ⁠Kevin Keith – Producer • Composer • Chapman Stick Artist⁠ Qualcomm: All Product mentioned that are Qualcomm related (i.e. Snapdragon) are trademarks/copyrights of Qualcomm Inc. Microsoft: All Product mentioned that are Windows related (i.e. Windows, Office, CoPilot, etc) are trademarks/copyrights of Microsoft Corp. All reviews, opinions, recommendations, etc. are my own. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-pyers9/support

Topic:A Thoughtful Leader   Guest: Arnon Kraft   Bio:    Arnon Kraft's most recent job was Chief Operating Officer at Payoneer, Inc.  He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer at Big 4 Strategic Consulting Ltd. from 2019 to 2021. Prior to that, he worked at Microsoft Corp. as the GM-Partner Management & Strategic Sourcing from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2011, he held the position of Vice President-Operations at Modu Ltd. Prior to that he worked at SanDisk. Mr. Kraft obtained an MBA from Tel-Aviv University in 2000 and completed his undergraduate studies at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in 1996.   *In this episode we learn the skills necessary to become an impactful manager and skillful worker plus how to multitask effectively.  

This Day in Legal History: Dutch Low Countries Independence from SpainOn July 26, 1581, the Dutch Low Countries signed the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe, also known as the Act of Abjuration, formally declaring their independence from Spanish rule. This monumental document marked the culmination of a prolonged struggle against the oppressive policies of the Spanish Habsburgs, particularly under King Philip II. The Act of Abjuration justified the Dutch rebellion by asserting that a ruler who does not protect his subjects and instead oppresses them loses his legitimacy. The declaration was a pivotal moment in the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), which ultimately led to the establishment of the Dutch Republic.The Act of Abjuration is often compared to the later Declaration of Independence of the United States, as both documents articulate the right of a people to overthrow an unjust ruler. The Dutch provinces, driven by the desire for religious freedom, economic independence, and political autonomy, took a bold step in severing ties with one of the most powerful empires of the time. The Plakkaat van Verlatinghe underscored the principle that sovereignty resides with the people, a concept that would influence political thought in Europe and beyond.By declaring their independence, the Dutch not only sought to free themselves from tyranny but also set a precedent for future nations seeking self-determination. The Act of Abjuration remains a significant milestone in the history of democracy and the fight for human rights. It symbolizes the enduring struggle for freedom and justice, themes that continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse.The California Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 22, allowing Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy companies to classify drivers as independent contractors. This unanimous decision supports the 2020 voter-approved law, preventing a significant shift in labor costs and maintaining the companies' current business models. Had the ruling gone against Prop 22, these companies would have faced increased costs and operational challenges in California, one of their largest markets.Following the ruling, shares of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart surged, though the gains later moderated. Justice Goodwin H. Liu stated that California's constitution does not prevent voters from passing initiatives affecting workers' compensation. He emphasized that this ruling does not bar future legislative decisions to extend workers' compensation benefits to independent contractors.Gig companies hailed the decision, emphasizing that it reflects the will of millions of Californians. However, labor advocates criticized the ruling, arguing it unfairly burdens gig workers by denying them essential protections like minimum wage, sick leave, and overtime pay. Advocates, including the plaintiff Hector Castellanos, renewed calls for unionization to combat these perceived inequities.The ruling is seen as a victory for gig economy companies but signals ongoing legal and legislative battles. States like Massachusetts, New York, Washington, and Minnesota have tackled gig worker classifications with varying strategies, indicating the complexity and ongoing nature of this issue.California Gig Workers to Remain Contractors, Prop 22 Upheld (2)Justice Elena Kagan has proposed that Chief Justice John Roberts appoint a panel of experienced and respected judges to enforce the US Supreme Court's newly adopted code of conduct. Speaking at a judicial conference in Sacramento, Kagan expressed trust in Roberts to establish such a committee. This suggestion comes amid controversy over reports of lavish gifts received by Justice Clarence Thomas, highlighting the need for an enforcement mechanism to accompany the recently adopted code of conduct.Kagan acknowledged the challenges in determining who should enforce ethics rules for the justices but emphasized the necessity of finding a solution. During her discussion at the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit's annual judicial conference, she also criticized the practice of justices writing multiple opinions in a single case. She argued that this complicates the work of lower courts and prevents the Supreme Court from providing clear guidance.Kagan specifically mentioned the court's fractured decision in United States v. Rahimi, where seven justices wrote separate opinions despite only one dissent. This case, which upheld a federal gun law related to domestic violence, illustrated divisions among the justices on interpreting firearm restrictions. Kagan's comments follow a term marked by several controversial Supreme Court decisions, including limiting federal regulatory power and providing immunity to former President Donald Trump for certain official acts.Elena Kagan Endorses High Court Ethics Enforcement Mechanism (1)Apple Inc. has agreed to adopt a set of voluntary artificial intelligence (AI) safeguards established by President Joe Biden's administration. These safeguards aim to guide the development of AI technology and encourage companies to protect consumers. Apple joins other tech giants like OpenAI Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., and Microsoft Corp. in committing to test their AI systems for discriminatory tendencies, security flaws, and national security risks. The companies also pledge to share test results transparently with governments, civil society, and academia, and report any vulnerabilities.This commitment coincides with Apple's plan to integrate OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, into its iPhone voice-command assistant. However, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc., has threatened to ban Apple devices from his companies if OpenAI's software is integrated at the operating system level, citing security concerns. Musk has his own AI startup, xAI, which has developed a chatbot named Grok.AI technology has become mainstream, but its use in areas like law enforcement, hiring, and housing has faced criticism for fostering discrimination. President Biden has emphasized the benefits of AI while also warning of its potential dangers, advocating for responsible industry practices. Although the White House guidelines are comprehensive, they are not enforceable, relying on companies to adhere to the standards voluntarily.In response to the challenges of regulating AI, Biden signed an executive order last year requiring powerful AI systems to undergo testing to be eligible for federal government purchase. He is set to receive an update on the implementation of this directive. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress has expressed interest in regulating AI, but legislation has not yet been prioritized.Apple to Adopt Voluntary AI Safeguards Established by BidenManhattan prosecutors argued that Donald Trump's conviction should stand despite a Supreme Court ruling that presidents cannot face criminal charges for official acts. In a recent court filing, prosecutors emphasized that the charges against Trump involved personal conduct, specifically the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels, and were unrelated to his presidential duties. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to cover up the payment made by his lawyer, Michael Cohen, before the 2016 election. Trump denies the encounter and plans to appeal the verdict. Legal experts believe the request to overturn the conviction is unlikely to succeed as the conduct predates Trump's presidency. Trump's defense claimed the prosecution improperly used evidence of his official acts during the trial, including Twitter posts and testimonies from White House aides, but prosecutors argued these were related to personal matters. The judge, Juan Merchan, postponed sentencing to September 18 to allow Trump's lawyers to present their case. If the conviction is upheld, sentencing will proceed, and Trump can then appeal to a higher court.Trump hush money prosecutors say conviction should stand despite immunity ruling | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Ludwig van Beethoven, a composer of some note.Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most revered composers in the history of Western music, was born in 1770 in Bonn, Germany. His innovative compositions bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, leaving an indelible mark on music that continues to inspire and move audiences worldwide. Despite becoming profoundly deaf in his later years, Beethoven's prolific output includes symphonies, concertos, string quartets, and piano sonatas, showcasing his genius and resilience.One of his most remarkable works is the Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, completed on July 28, 1822. This sonata is the last of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, representing the culmination of his explorations in the genre. The piece is notable for its profound depth, structural innovation, and emotional intensity, characteristics that reflect Beethoven's mature style.The sonata consists of two contrasting movements. The first movement, "Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato," opens with a dramatic, solemn introduction that sets the stage for the ensuing allegro. This section is marked by its passionate energy, dynamic contrasts, and intricate rhythms, driving forward with a relentless, almost fateful momentum. The movement's thematic material is both complex and expressive, embodying Beethoven's masterful ability to fuse technical brilliance with deep emotional expression.The "Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato" serves as a testament to Beethoven's ingenuity and his capacity to convey profound human experiences through music. It challenges the performer with its technical demands while offering listeners a rich, emotional journey. The sonata's significance lies not only in its technical mastery but also in its philosophical depth, inviting interpretations that delve into the realms of struggle, resolution, and transcendence.As we close our week of shows we invite you to immerse yourself in the powerful and evocative sounds of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111. Let the intensity and passion of the first movement, "Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio Ed Appassionato," carry you through its intricate and emotive landscapes. Enjoy this timeless piece and allow Beethoven's genius to resonate within you.Without first ado, the first movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111, enjoy.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

システム障害の影響で待機を強いられる利用客ら、１９日、成田空港米マイクロソフトのシステム障害による影響は、日本国内でも広がった。 A worldwide system glitch at U.S. technology giant Microsoft Corp. affected businesses in Japan on Friday, with Jetstar Japan canceling about 20 domestic flights.

-Welcome to CNBC-TV18's Marketbuzz Podcast. Here are all the important updates ahead of the trading session of July 12 -Tech stocks will be in focus today. A good set of earnings from TCS is likely to aid sentiment today. Not only did TCS Q1 revenues and margins beat estimates, the company says FY25 will be better than FY24. Brokerages are also positive on the TCS stock. UBS has raised target price to Rs 4,600. -Another IT stocks to watch today is HCL tech which is due to report its earnings after market hours today, whereas Infosys will report on July 18. Among other big names, Reliance Industries earnings report is due on next Friday i.e. July 19. -The Nifty 50 holds firm at 24,300. While it finds support between 24,150 - 24,200 levels, it continues to face hurdles at the 24,400 mark. That has been the pattern all through this week and the weekly options expiry session yesterday was no different. -On the global front, hopes are rising that the US Federal Reserve will eventually bite the bullet and start cutting interest rates by September. But, back home, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, in an exclusive interaction with CNBC-TV18, said that it is too soon to think of interest rate cuts. -Besides TCS, stocks like Anand Rathi Wealth and GTPL Hathaway will also react to their quarterly results reported after market hours on Thursday. -Foreign investors were net sellers in the cash market on Thursday, while domestic investors were net buyers. For the week, the Nifty is absolutely flat. -The GIFTNifty was trading with a premium of nearly 65 points from Nifty Futures' Thursday close, indicating a gap-up start for the Indian market. -Asian technology stocks fell Friday, echoing declines on Wall Street as slowing US inflation sparked a rotation out of Big Tech. The yen was volatile. A gauge of Asian tech stocks fell as much as 3.1%, reflecting declines of more than 1% in Japan and South Korea. Equities in Hong Kong and Australia gained, while Chinese shares fluctuate. -The Nasdaq 100 dropped 2.2% Thursday, weighed down by some of the year's big winners, including Nvidia Corp. and Microsoft Corp. -The moves followed data showing US core consumer prices rose at the slowest pace since 2021, bolstering the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Optimism over lower rates sparked a sector rotation from Big Tech into the likes of real estate and materials companies. Tune in to Marketbuzz Podcast for more cues

Our guest on this week's episode is Don Hicks, CEO of Optilogic. We saw during the pandemic how badly our ports were jammed with all of the many imported goods we needed and wanted to keep us happy while stuck in our homes. The congestion had eased a bit in the past year or so, but now things are beginning to jam up again. What's causing that congestion? Our guest has some answers as well as advice on how to deal with these new problems.  Software giant Microsoft Corp. and the German supply chain management and e-commerce solution provider Arvato  plan to team up to develop plans for what they call a “self-managing warehouse of the future.” They call this the “Moonshot” research project, and say it will be powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and cloud computing.Shipments of autonomous industrial lift trucks are expected to double from 2024 to 2025 in North America and Europe, driven by a declining industrial workforce and related demand for automated and tech-connected equipment. That's according to data from global technology research firm ABI Research, which was released earlier this month. We discuss their projections and what's behind trend. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:OptilogicDemand for automated forklifts to grow as warehouse labor issues persistMicrosoft and Arvato to design self-managing warehouse of the futureGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Equipment DepotOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

Dell Technologies today announced the expansion of its AI PC lineup with the introduction of new Copilot+ PCs, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. This new range includes five laptops: XPS 13, Inspiron 14 Plus, Inspiron 14, Latitude 7455, and Latitude 5455. These devices are designed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and security for consumers and professionals. The new AI PCs are equipped with Qualcomm Oryon CPU, GPU, and NPU, offering 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI performance and extended battery life. On-device Copilot enables instantaneous results without requiring an internet connection, ensuring seamless and secure operation. Key features include Recall, Cocreator, Live Captions, Windows Studio effects, and Auto Super Resolution, which collectively enhance productivity and creativity. " There's no doubt the AI PC revolution is here. New transformative AI experiences will bring enhanced productivity and efficiency to the hands of consumers and professionals alike. Those with an AI PC will never look back, and everyone will want to be part of the action. We're here to lead the way. Our five new laptops, XPS 13, Inspiron 14 Plus, Inspiron 14, Latitude 7455, and Latitude 5455, offer a range of consumer and commercial options that deliver exceptional speed and AI performance to elevate computing and simplify tasks." said Sam Burd, President, Client Solutions Group, Dell Technologies. Amplified creativity Build for AI, the XPS 13 is Dell's first XPS to feature Copilot+ powered by Snapdragon X Elite. It is the thinnest and lightest XPS model, offering up to 27 hours of battery life, making it suitable for everyday productivity and content creation. The Inspiron 14 Plus features the Snapdragon X Plus platform with up to 15 hours of battery life, enabling a faster and more efficient experience. The device offers an upleveled video and audio experience with quad speakers and a QHD+ display with 400nit brightness. Inspiron 14 is powered by Snapdragon X Plus and provides an easy-to-use platform with features like voice commands and a mechanical privacy shutter for extra security. Unmatched productivity for the business professional New Latitude AI laptops with Copilot+ pack game-changing performance and exceptional battery life. The Latitude 7455 is a premium AI laptop up to 21 hours of battery life stacked with a stunning 14-inch QHD+ touch display and quad speakers with AI noise reduction. The Latitude 5455 packs performance in a mainstream AI business laptop option with a 16:10 FHD+ display. New AI experiences The Dell Copilot+ PCs take productivity, creativity and communication a step further. Using Cocreator, users can create AI generated images using a combination of descriptive words and brushstrokes. New Windows Studio effects adjust lighting and offer new creative filters to enhance call collaboration. Auto Super Resolution uses AI to upscale videos and games in real-time for smooth streaming and gameplay. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM, Compute and Gaming Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., stated: "Leveraging Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus, Dell has created best-in-class products that can keep up with the AI use cases that will simplify consumer workflows. Together, we are delivering powerful and intelligent Copilot+ capabilities, and empowering customers, compute and gaming, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "Together, it adds up to powerful performance, long battery life, and on-device generative AI. We are proud to power these products and enable Copilot+ for Dell users." Speaking on the unveiling of new lineup of Dell PCs Mark Linton, VP device partner sales, Microsoft Corp said: "It's a thrilling new era of AI PCs, and our collaboration with industry leaders like Dell enables us to develop innovative devices that seamlessly integrate new AI experiences, enhancing our customer's productivity and creativity like never before. Our deep enginee...

“ Focus on solving the big problems that difficult problems the easy ones will resolve themselves.” David Ednie Top Five Tips For Aligning Strategy and Execution 1.      Raise your standards2.      Align your people3.      Sharpen your focus4.      Pick up the pace5.      Transform your strategy  TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:34 What are you focusing on? 06:05 Raising the bar11:04 Sharpening your focus16:45 Don't over complicate it Where to find David?Website          http://www.saleschannelcloud.com/  LinkedIn          https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidednie  David Ednie Bio David R Ednie is President and CEO of SalesChannel International. He is an expert in  Cloud GTM Strategy and Execution, Cloud Sales Acceleration, Acceleration of Customer Adoption of Cloud Services and End2End Customer Experience. David has over 25 years international business experience working in culturally diverse markets in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. SalesChannel International's clients include Microsoft Corp, AWS, Acronis, VMware, HPE, Palo Alto Networks, ServiceNow, Veeam and Verisign. Prior to founding Sales Channel International David worked in a variety of Senior Executive roles in High Tech – Internet. Services, IT and Telecommunications for US, British and French companies, including NTT/Verio, Genuity, Integra, British Telecom, Data General and Intel.David is an Australian national and has lived in Paris, France for the past 20 years. He has significant multi-cultural experience and gained extensive personal knowledge and insights resulting from working with diverse and different cultures.SalesChannel International works with Senior Leadership and Management Teams to develop GTM and multi-channel sales strategies that deliver sustainable performance in today's increasingly complex and competitive Cloud Services business environment.

GENERAL ELECTION–STATE OF PLAY The 2024 presidential debates have been unveiled  “The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Monday that the three 2024 presidential debates will be held next year on Sept. 16, Oct. 1 and Oct. 9. “(https://www.axios.com/2023/11/20/2024-election-debates-biden-trump-republicans ) Swing states that are expected to decide the 2024 presidential election “The titanic Biden-Trump election likely will be decided by roughly 6% of voters in just six states, top strategists in both parties tell us.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/05/06/biden-trump-election-swing-states ) POTUS CANDIDATE: BIDEN Biden's historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters PHOENIX (AP) — President Joe Biden may eventually ban TikTok, but he's moving to give something back to the young people who dominate the popular social media app — a looser federal grip on marijuana.” (https://apnews.com/article/biden-young-voters-marijuana-reclassification-dea-193e97fc2dd7b32b7d7ad50b4ea80aa0 ) Biden touts new $3.3 billion Microsoft data center at failed Foxconn site Trump backed “U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled plans by Microsoft Corp to build a $3.3 billion data center in southeastern Wisconsin, drawing a sharp contrast to his Republican predecessor who had backed a previous $10 billion project at the same site that was significantly scaled back.” (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-unveil-33-billion-microsoft-ai-investment-battleground-wisconsin-2024-05-08/ ) Axios Poll of College Voters - Next Gen America  (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/poll-students-israel-hamas-protests&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1715304228880446&usg=AOvVaw2gVrmRZ0q-sgs2JekbcTPA )   POTUS CANDIDATE: TRUMP  Trump reportedly solicited $1 billion from oil executives to support his campaign, offering them concessions related to climate policies in return. This development underscores the high stakes of the upcoming 2024 election, particularly in the realm of climate policy. While President Biden has implemented numerous regulations aimed at addressing climate change, Trump, who has a history of rolling back such regulations and dismissing climate change as a hoax, presents a starkly different approach. The intersection of Trump's skepticism towards climate science and penchant for corruption poses a significant challenge and opportunity for the Biden campaign. This recent revelation highlights the critical importance of the election in shaping the future direction of environmental policy. Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of voters lack awareness of President Biden's major domestic accomplishments, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which featured substantial climate investments and green incentives for both businesses and individuals. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding among voters regarding Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, with some mistakenly attributing similar achievements to former President Trump, despite his failure to deliver on infrastructure promises during his tenure. This highlights the urgent need for the Biden campaign to educate the public on how his policies positively impact their communities. In contrast, Trump's apparent willingness to prioritize personal gain by making promises to oil companies further underscores the contrasting approaches of the two leaders on critical issues like climate and infrastructure. How Far Trump Would Go “Donald Trump thinks he's identified a crucial mistake of his first term: He was too nice.” (https://time.com/6972021/donald-trump-2024-election-interview/ ) Every Awful Thing Trump Has Promised to Do in a Second Term The former president has pushed a slew of terrifying proposals, both publicly and privately, that he plans to unleash on America should he take down Biden” (https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-second-term-plans-wildest-proposals-1234947327/)) R.F.K. Jr. Says Doctors Found a Dead Worm in His Brain “The presidential candidate has faced previously undisclosed health issues, including a parasite that he said ate part of his brain.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/us/rfk-jr-brain-health-memory-loss.html ) Here's Who's On Trump's Most Likely VP Shortlist—And What He's Saying About The Contenders “Former President Donald Trump spoke highly of nearly a dozen potential running mate picks over the weekend as they gathered at donor event at Mar-a-Lago for what was widely viewed as a pseudo-tryout, as Trump has reportedly begun to narrow down his list.” (https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/05/06/heres-whos-on-trumps-most-likely-vp-shortlist-and-what-hes-saying-about-the-contenders/?sh=60cf1d11c3a8 ) Barron Trump makes political debut as Florida delegate for GOP convention “Donald Trump's son Barron, 18 and about to graduate high school, was named as a delegate at large for the GOP national convention in Milwaukee. “ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/09/barron-trump-florida-delegate-gop-convention/ )   TRUMP'S TRIALS Trump threatened with jail after violating hush money gag order again “A New York judge on Monday threatened to jail former President Trump after his latest violation of the gag order in his hush money criminal case.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/05/06/trump-fined-gag-order-hush-money-trial ) Trump's N.Y. criminal trial: Who has testified and who hasn't “Former President Trump's first criminal trial in New York has so far featured witness testimony from a former top White House aide, a veteran tabloid publisher, a former longtime Trump assistant and a former director at a bank.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/04/30/trump-trial-hush-money-witnesses-testimony-updates)    CONGRESS Mike Johnson signals House power play in 2025 “Ahead of a potential motion to vacate vote this week, Speaker Mike Johnson is tipping his hand for how he or a successor should rebuild the power of the House speakership.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/05/06/mike-johnson-house-rules-republicans-congress-2025 ) Bernie Sanders will run for re-election “Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the 82-year-old progressive icon, announced on Monday that he will run for re-election.” (https://www.axios.com/2024/05/06/bernie-sanders-re-election-us-senator-vermont ) Money isn't enough to smooth the path for Republican candidates hoping to retake the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Frustrated by the seemingly endless cash flowing to Democrats, Republicans aiming to retake the Senate have rallied around candidates with plenty of their own money. (https://apnews.com/article/gop-campaign-rich-candidates-senate-majority-68a8eb884c96ec53f13e1472d225cb21 ) MISCELLANEOUS executive about agencies view soq Recent data from the Association of American Medical Colleges indicates that medical school graduates are increasingly opting to avoid states with abortion bans or newly imposed restrictions following the Dobbs case when selecting their residency programs. In states with near-total abortion bans, the number of new residencies has declined by 4.2%, a significant contrast to the overall decrease of 0.6% across all states. This trend is even more pronounced among graduates entering OB/GYN residencies, suggesting a notable impact on specialty choices as a result of these restrictive regulations. Section 241 of Title 18 is MAGA Law's New Shiny Object  “The Project 2025 plan for the Department of Justice recommends using 18 U.S.C. § 241, an 1870 civil rights law, to prosecute state officials (maybe even judges) if DOJ disagrees with how they apply state election law.” (https://randomlysecured.substack.com/p/section-241-of-title-18-is-maga-laws?utm_medium=ios )

Bloomberg Radio host Barry Ritholtz speaks to technology, media and financial services executive Joanne Bradford. She was previously president of Honey, where she orchestrated the company's sale to PayPal Holdings Inc. for $4 billion. She has been named one of Ad Age's 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising. She previously held executive leadership positions at Social Finance Inc., Microsoft Corp., Yahoo! Inc., Demand Media Inc. and the San Francisco Chronicle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Day in Legal History: Civil Rights Act of 1875On March 1, 1875, a significant milestone in the journey toward civil rights in the United States was reached with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1875. This groundbreaking legislation aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in public accommodations, such as inns, public conveyances, theaters, and other places of public amusement, declaring that all persons, regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, were entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of these facilities. The Act represented a bold step towards equality, affirming the rights of African Americans and other minorities to access public services and spaces without discrimination.However, this progressive movement faced a severe setback in 1883 when the Supreme Court, in a series of decisions collectively known as the Civil Rights Cases, declared the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional. The Court argued that the Act exceeded the powers granted to Congress by the 13th and 14th Amendments, stating that the federal government could not regulate the conduct of individuals or private businesses. This ruling effectively removed the protections afforded by the 1875 Act, leaving African Americans and other minorities vulnerable to segregation and discrimination in public accommodations for decades to come.The Supreme Court's decision underscored the limitations of the federal government's ability to intervene in matters of racial discrimination in the private sector, a stance that persisted until the civil rights movement of the 20th century. It wasn't until 1957 that Congress would pass another piece of civil rights legislation, marking a long hiatus in the legislative battle against racial discrimination. The 1883 ruling and the ensuing period of legislative inaction highlight the challenges faced in the pursuit of equality and justice, demonstrating the complex interplay between law, society, and the fight for civil rights in America.Elon Musk has initiated legal action against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing them of deviating from the organization's foundational objective of prioritizing humanity's welfare over profit. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI who has since divested his stake, asserts that OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft Corp has led the AI startup away from its commitment to open-source technology development, aligning instead with corporate interests. This lawsuit highlights Musk's ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence's potential dangers, especially in the context of the rapid advancements and widespread adoption triggered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. Despite claiming to uphold a charter focused on the broad benefit of humanity, Musk argues that OpenAI has effectively become a "closed-source de facto subsidiary" of Microsoft, betraying its original mission.The legal challenge also scrutinizes the reorganization of OpenAI's leadership, particularly the events surrounding Altman's brief removal and subsequent reinstatement as CEO, which Musk attributes to a collusion between Altman, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, and Microsoft. This shift in governance, according to Musk, replaced a board previously dedicated to AI ethics and governance with individuals more oriented towards profit-making and political connections. The lawsuit emerges amid a context where OpenAI's innovations, like ChatGPT and GPT-4, have propelled AI integration across various industries, with Microsoft leading the charge in leveraging these technologies for its services. Musk's legal action not only spotlights a significant rift within the AI community but also signals potential ramifications for OpenAI's future direction and Microsoft's burgeoning AI ambitions.Musk Sues OpenAI, Altman for Breaching Founding Mission (1)In Georgia, a judge is scheduled to preside over a critical hearing concerning former U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to disqualify the prosecutor, Fani Willis, in his election interference case. This motion stems from Willis' undisclosed affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, which Trump and his co-defendants argue represents a conflict of interest. Trump, leading the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, faces charges of attempting to unlawfully influence Georgia officials to reverse his 2020 election defeat. Despite pleading not guilty alongside 14 others, a potential disqualification of Willis could introduce significant delays into an already complex racketeering case, though it would not necessarily terminate the proceedings.During recent hearings, Willis acknowledged the affair with Wade but disputed allegations regarding its timing and impact on the case. The controversy surfaced after a defense lawyer for a Trump co-defendant cited the relationship as a conflict of interest that unjustly benefited Wade. Despite the defense's accusation of deceit regarding the affair's onset, Willis and Wade maintain that their relationship commenced post-hiring, asserting its irrelevance to the case's integrity.Moreover, Trump is entangled in three additional criminal cases, including allegations of hush money payments, efforts to contest the 2020 election outcome, and mishandling classified documents. His legal challenges are further complicated by debates over the trial dates and potential presidential immunity. Trump contends that these legal battles are politically motivated attempts to thwart his political aspirations, emphasizing the unique vulnerability of the state court case in Georgia to his potential presidential powers, unlike the federal cases.Judge in Trump Georgia criminal case to hear arguments over bid to disqualify prosecutor | ReutersIn Colorado, a significant sentencing is forthcoming for Peter Cichuniec, a paramedic found guilty in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. McClain, a young Black man, tragically lost his life after a police encounter involving a chokehold, followed by medics administering a potent sedative. Cichuniec, convicted of criminally negligent homicide, potentially faces up to 16 years in prison, marking a rare instance where paramedics have been held accountable in court for their actions during an emergency response. His colleague, Jeremy Cooper, also guilty of the same charge, awaits sentencing later in April.This case, the last in a series of trials stemming from McClain's death, underlines the legal and societal repercussions following the incident, which initially led to no charges against the involved parties. It was not until the global outcry after George Floyd's murder in 2020 that Colorado's Governor Jared Polis initiated a re-examination of the case, culminating in the 2021 indictment of the officers and paramedics by a state grand jury.McClain's encounter with the police on a warm August night in 2019, flagged for wearing a ski mask and appearing suspicious, quickly escalated to a fatal confrontation. The updated autopsy report in 2021 attributed his death to complications from the administered ketamine, contrary to the initial "undetermined" cause. This legal and moral saga underscores the renewed scrutiny on law enforcement and medical response practices, especially in interactions with Black individuals, reflecting a broader call for justice and accountability in the wake of national protests against racial injustice.Colorado judge to sentence paramedic for Elijah McClain killing | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Frédéric Chopin.Today marks the birthday of Chopin, the Polish composer and pianist who remains one of the most celebrated figures in classical music, renowned for his emotional depth, technical precision, and revolutionary approach to the piano. Born on March 1, 1810, Chopin has left an indelible mark on the world of music with his romantic compositions that blend technical mastery with lyrical beauty. His works, primarily composed for solo piano, have captivated audiences and performers alike with their expressive intensity and innovative use of the instrument's capabilities.Chopin was not only a composer but also an extraordinary pianist, known for his unique ability to convey emotion through music. His compositions, characterized by their nuanced dynamics and intricate melodies, continue to challenge and inspire pianists worldwide. Despite battling health issues throughout his life, Chopin's output was prolific, contributing vastly to the piano repertoire with nocturnes, polonaises, mazurkas, and ballades that explore the full range of human emotion.As we celebrate Chopin's birthday, it's fitting to highlight one of his most beloved pieces, the "Fantaisie-Impromptu" in C-sharp minor, Op. 66. Composed in 1834 but published posthumously in 1855, this piece exemplifies Chopin's ability to fuse technical brilliance with deep emotional expression. The "Fantaisie-Impromptu" is a whirlwind of passion and virtuosity, its outer sections marked by rapid fingerwork and ardent melodies, surrounding a serene, lyrical middle section that provides a moment of reflective calm.This piece, with its contrasting moods and technical demands, encapsulates the essence of Chopin's musical genius. As we close out the week, let the "Fantaisie-Impromptu" serve as a reminder of Chopin's enduring legacy, a celebration of his life and contributions to the world of music on his birthday. It's a piece that continues to inspire and move listeners, embodying the spirit of one of the greatest composers to have ever graced the art of music.Without further ado, Frédéric Chopin's “Fantaisie-Impromptu” in C-sharp Minor, Op. 66.  Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Elon Musk has initiated legal proceedings against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, for allegedly deviating from the startup's foundational goal of contributing to humanity and instead prioritizing profitability. Musk, an initial financier of OpenAI, accuses the firm and its leadership of compromising its mission due to its close ties with Microsoft Corp. He emphasizes that this shift undermines the commitment to open-source technology and its intended widespread benefit.

This week, enter the inner sanctums of Microsoft Corp.'s executive suite and discover the tech wizards and vipers who worked there. Our guest is Jane Boulware, author of Worthy: From Cornfield to Corner Office of Microsoft. Over the course of her career, Jane launched three billion dollar businesses, was VP of the largest merger in U.S. history, and became one of the ten highest-ranking women at Microsoft by the time she turned 40. On her climb up the corporate ladder, Jane was hit on, spit on, and actually shot at. Listen closely as Jane — who grew up poor in rural Iowa and is donating 100% of her proceeds from sales of Worthy to Boys & Girls Clubs — shares practical insights that every owner and entrepreneur can utilize — good and bad — from her experience.  Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Jane Boulware, Worthy: From Cornfield to Corner Office of MicrosoftPosted: February 12, 2024 Monday Morning Run Time: 47:15 Episode: 12.32

On today's podcast: 1)  Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. — three companies working harder than nearly anyone to weave artificial intelligence into their products — are finding that investor expectations for the technology are hard to meet.  2)  Six in 10 swing-state voters say President Joe Biden bears responsibility for a surge in migrants at the US-Mexico border, a downbeat signal for his reelection prospects as Republicans largely avoid blame on the issue, a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll found.  3)  Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package at Tesla Inc. was struck down by a Delaware judge after a shareholder challenged it as excessive, a ruling that would take a giant bite out of Musk's wealth and put the fate of his companies in question. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast: 1) Iran urged the US to use diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East, as Tehran braces for a military response to a deadly attack on an American base over the weekend. 2) US earnings grab the limelight later as the busiest week so far of this reporting season moves up a gear. Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. will offer the first evidence of whether the bullish sentiment around the so-called Magnificent Seven looks sustainable.  3) Elon Musk said that the first human patient has received a brain implant from his startup Neuralink Corp., a significant step forward for the company that aims to one day let humans control computers with their minds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Day in Legal History: The United Nations Security Council Convenes its First MeetingOn January 17, 1946, the United Nations Security Council convened for its inaugural meeting, marking a crucial moment in international law and governance. This event symbolized the global commitment to peace and security following the devastations of World War II. The meeting, held at Church House, Westminster, London, brought together representatives from 11 nations, reflecting the diverse political landscapes of that era.The council's establishment under the United Nations Charter represented a new approach to international conflict resolution and legal diplomacy. Unlike its predecessor, the League of Nations, the Security Council was endowed with the authority to make binding decisions. This feature underscored a collective endeavor towards maintaining international peace and stability.Discussions at this first meeting set the tone for future operations, emphasizing cooperation and legal frameworks to address global challenges. The Security Council's ability to impose sanctions, authorize military interventions, and make legally binding decisions was a novel development in international law. It signaled a shift from purely diplomatic negotiations to actionable, enforceable resolutions.Importantly, the Security Council's first session underscored the principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention, foundational elements in modern international law. It highlighted the role of international cooperation in addressing conflicts, a principle that continues to influence global legal practices and policies.This historic meeting laid the groundwork for numerous legal precedents and interventions in the years to follow. It showcased the potential of international law as a tool for peace and justice, shaping the landscape of global governance in the 20th century and beyond.California's leading role in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is being challenged by new initiatives in New York and New Jersey. These states, under their respective governors, are positioning themselves as emerging centers for AI. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a partnership with state universities and a $250 million investment over ten years to create a super-computer facility in upstate New York. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has aligned with Princeton University and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for a similar AI endeavor.Both governors are focused on enhancing research capabilities to attract more AI firms and jobs. New York is already home to companies like IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, while New Jersey hosts Panasonic Corp.'s North American headquarters and a major IBM facility. In contrast, California hosts many of the largest AI companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet, and Meta, as well as major research centers like UC Berkeley and Stanford University.California Governor Gavin Newsom is determined to maintain California's AI dominance, promoting a hands-off approach to AI regulation in the private sector, while ensuring state agencies effectively control AI systems. Other governors are adopting similar administrative strategies, avoiding sweeping regulations that could hinder AI development. These approaches echo federal AI rules introduced by President Joe Biden, allowing government use of AI with monitoring of its impacts.New York and New Jersey have avoided imposing broad restrictions on AI, focusing instead on facilitating its growth and mitigating potential risks. Their budget processes and collaborations with academic institutions will shape the scope of these AI initiatives. New York Assemblymember Alex Bores highlighted the importance of computing power as a key factor in attracting tech talent and industry growth, aiming to rival California's AI dominance.Elected officials in other states also express a desire to diversify the AI landscape beyond Silicon Valley. Efforts are underway to ensure wider participation in AI development and to address concerns such as algorithmic discrimination, job losses, surveillance, and misinformation. This national interest in AI underlines its potential to reshape the economy and influence a variety of sectors.California Tech Dominance Challenged By AI Initiatives in NY, NJApple Inc. is adjusting its US App Store policies to include external payment options, following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear its appeal in an antitrust lawsuit. This change will allow third-party apps to use links directing to external websites for processing in-app purchases, thereby bypassing Apple's own payment system which typically charges a 15% to 30% commission. However, Apple intends to collect a revised revenue share of 12% or 27% from developers opting for external payment systems.The Supreme Court's choice left in place a 2023 appeals court ruling, which found Apple's business model compliant with antitrust laws but in violation of California's Unfair Competition Law due to restrictions on developers' communication about alternative, potentially cheaper, payment systems.The decision comes amidst the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, with both companies having sought the court's review. The ruling impacted Apple's stock, which experienced a temporary decline.Developers will now need to apply for an "entitlement" to access external payment options. Apple had previously allowed reader apps to direct users to external websites for subscriptions. The company will issue a warning to customers about external transactions before proceeding.Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Apple's plan to charge a fee on external transactions, arguing it would prevent developers from offering lower costs to consumers. Sweeney also disapproved of Apple's warning message to customers, calling it a "scare screen," and plans to challenge Apple's compliance approach in court.The stakes are high, with in-app spending projected to reach $182 billion in 2024 and $207 billion by 2025. Competitors like Microsoft Corp. are already considering entering the mobile app market, with a focus on gaming.The decision aligns with previous court findings largely rejecting claims by Epic that Apple's App Store policies violated federal antitrust law, while acknowledging some issues with its business practices. This ruling also concludes the temporary stay in the case, allowing Apple to proceed with its new policy. The case is one among several global challenges Apple faces, including pending antitrust cases in Europe against its App Store rules.Apple to Allow Outside Payments for Apps After US Decision (4)Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, is set to argue in federal court that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should not regulate the tokens traded on its platform as securities. This hearing marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Coinbase and the SEC, which could have major implications for the digital asset sector. The SEC's lawsuit against Coinbase, filed in June, claims the exchange facilitated trading in at least 13 crypto tokens that should have been registered as securities. The agency also targeted Coinbase's "staking" program, asserting it should have been registered. Coinbase has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit, referencing a separate case where a judge ruled in favor of Ripple Labs, while the SEC cites another case to support its stance.Coinbase, SEC set to face off in federal court over regulator's crypto authority | ReutersThe U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could significantly impact the regulatory powers of federal agencies, centered on a dispute over a government program monitoring overfishing of herring off New England's coast. Two fishing companies, Loper Bright Enterprises and Relentless Inc, are challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service's requirement for commercial fishermen to help fund this program. This case presents an opportunity for the Court's conservative majority to reconsider the 1984 "Chevron deference," a legal doctrine that directs judges to defer to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous U.S. laws. If you have any interest in Chevron deference and learning a bit more about what might be at stake, see our Max Min episode on the topic. The Supreme Court case, seen as part of a broader effort to limit federal bureaucratic power, involves the cost of monitoring fishing activities, with implications for other cases concerning agency authority, including those involving the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Decisions in these cases are expected by the end of June.Supreme Court may reel in US agency powers in fishing dispute | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

On today's podcast: 1) Donald Trump tightened his grip on the Republican presidential nomination after Iowa voters delivered him a victory in Monday's caucuses and moved him one step closer to returning to the White House. 2) Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said while he wants consistency and good governance at partner OpenAI, he's not worried about the company's nonprofit structure and doesn't want greater control over his partner. 3) Slashed earnings estimates are creating the optimal platform for US companies to beat expectations this earnings season, according to Morgan Stanley's Michael Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reid Hoffman is under fire from shareholders at Microsoft corp as they call for him to step down or be removed from his position on the board due to his ties with Epstein.In this episode we take a look at that request and if there is any chance that the boardroom at Mircosoft will comply or even take the request seriously.(commercial at 7:15)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors (yahoo.com)

This Day in Legal History: Dr. Spock IndictedOn this day in legal history, January 5, 1968, a noteworthy moment in the intersection of legal and social history unfolded as Dr. Benjamin Spock, a renowned child psychologist, faced indictment by a federal grand jury. He, along with several others, was charged with conspiring to assist individuals in evading the draft during the Vietnam War. This act was a bold statement against the contentious military draft and the war itself, reflecting the era's intense political and social turmoil.Dr. Spock, already famous for his influential book on child rearing, became a symbol of anti-war activism. His indictment was not just a legal proceeding but a cultural event, marking a stark confrontation between the U.S. government and war dissenters. The trial that ensued was a high-profile affair, drawing widespread public attention and media coverage.In the trial, the prosecution argued that Dr. Spock and his co-defendants had willfully conspired to undermine the draft system. Defense attorneys, however, presented their actions as an exercise of free speech and a moral stance against an unjust war. The courtroom became a venue for broader debates on civil liberties, government authority, and individual conscience.Ultimately, Dr. Spock was convicted, a decision that sent shockwaves across the nation. However, this was not the end of the story. The case ascended to the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals, where a crucial development occurred. In a landmark decision, the appellate court overturned Dr. Spock's conviction. The ruling in United States v. Spock was a significant moment in legal history, underscoring the delicate balance between government authority and individual rights.The case of Dr. Spock remains a vivid chapter in American legal and social history. It highlights the power of the judicial system to both enforce and check governmental power and reflects the era's profound struggles over war, peace, and freedom of expression. This episode, while rooted in its time, continues to resonate, illustrating the ongoing tensions between civic duty and personal beliefs.New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed an innovative plan to extend paid family leave benefits to include prenatal care, aiming to establish New York as the first state in the nation to offer such a program. Emphasizing the severity of the maternal and infant mortality crisis, Hochul, speaking in New York City, expressed a personal commitment to addressing these issues with supportive policies. This initiative surpasses even progressive states like California in broadening the social safety net, as it would allow New Yorkers to use 40 hours of paid leave for prenatal care, expanding beyond the current short-term disability benefits available only in the final weeks before childbirth.The funding details for this proposal are expected to be revealed in the upcoming state budget, following Hochul's State of the State address. The plan also includes the elimination of co-pays and out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy-related care in state-controlled insurance plans, and aims to remove referral requirements for doula services. During the announcement, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the potential impact of this expanded support on reducing the disproportionately high mortality rates among infants and minority mothers. Bichotte Hermelyn, highlighting her own experience with maternal loss, voiced strong support for the governor's comprehensive approach to improving maternal health and combating rising infant mortality rates.Hochul Aims for Nation's First Paid Prenatal Leave Benefit in NYNew York City has initiated a lawsuit against 17 bus companies for their role in transporting over 33,000 migrants from Texas, a move prompted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott's campaign to send migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally to Democrat-led cities. Filed in a Manhattan state court, the city is seeking $708 million for costs incurred in providing shelter and services to these migrants over the past two years. Texas itself is not a defendant in this case, but the focus is on the bus companies, primarily based in Texas, which the city alleges earned millions from these transports.The legal action claims these companies violated a 19th-century New York law that mandates anyone bringing a "needy person" likely to seek government aid to New York from another state to cover their expenses. Additionally, some companies are accused of not complying with a New York City order requiring bus operators to notify the city if they transport 10 or more passengers likely to need emergency shelter.Governor Abbott started sending buses of migrants to cities like New York in 2022 as a response to what he perceives as inadequate federal action on the high numbers of illegal border crossings. He has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's immigration policies and has introduced various measures to discourage illegal migration. In contrast, Abbott defends the busing initiative, asserting the migrants traveled voluntarily and were authorized by the Biden Administration to remain in the U.S.This lawsuit comes in the wake of the Biden administration's own legal challenge against a new Texas law granting state officials extensive authority to arrest, prosecute, and deport migrants. The conflict underscores the growing tensions between state and federal approaches to immigration and the burden on cities like New York to accommodate an unexpected influx of migrants.New York City sues bus companies for transporting migrants from Texas | ReutersSpaceX has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), following accusations by the NLRB that the company illegally terminated employees critical of CEO Elon Musk. The fired employees had sent a letter branding Musk as "a distraction and embarrassment" and accusing him of making sexist remarks. This case, filed in Brownsville, Texas, challenges the NLRB's structure, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution due to the protected status of board members and administrative judges, who can only be removed for cause, not at will.The NLRB's complaint against SpaceX concerns the firing of eight workers in 2022 who signed the letter critical of Musk. This case is set to be heard by an administrative judge and a five-member board appointed by the President, with the option to appeal their decisions in federal court.SpaceX's lawsuit aims to halt the NLRB's proceedings against them. This legal strategy mirrors SpaceX's previous approach in a case involving the U.S. Department of Justice, where the company contested the hiring process for refugees and asylum recipients. In that instance, a federal judge in Brownsville paused the administrative case, citing constitutional concerns over the appointment of administrative judges.This lawsuit against the NLRB reflects SpaceX's broader legal strategy to challenge administrative procedures and the structure of federal agencies. The NLRB itself is facing a similar challenge in a separate case involving a Starbucks Corp employee contesting the unionization process at her workplace.SpaceX sues US agency that accused it of firing workers critical of Elon Musk | ReutersPolicy groups are advocating for an exemption to the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, allowing independent hackers to legally circumvent digital security measures to examine artificial intelligence (AI) models for bias and discrimination. This proposal, part of a triennial review by the US Copyright Office, aims to increase transparency and trust in AI technology. It would enable researchers to access the models behind generative AI products from companies like OpenAI Inc., Microsoft Corp., Google, and Meta Platforms, Inc., to test for potential biases.The proposal, initially put forward by a graduate student, Jonathan Weiss, suggests that such access is crucial for ensuring AI models are free from biases, especially as they are increasingly used in decision-making. The Copyright Office has advanced this proposal along with others for review, with virtual public hearings scheduled in the spring.Supporters of the exemption, including the Hacking Policy Council and OpenPolicy, argue that it would allow researchers to expose and address biases and other harmful outputs in AI systems, leading to more reliable and fair technology. They stress that without such an exemption, there could be a chilling effect on research due to fear of legal repercussions.Critics, however, are expected to emerge, particularly from companies that consider their AI models confidential and proprietary. The exemption is seen as different from traditional concepts of fair use, and while it aims to facilitate independent research, it is not intended as a blanket protection for malicious hacking. The discussion around this exemption reflects the evolving relationship between AI development and the need for independent oversight to ensure fairness and reliability in these technologies.AI Copyright Hacking Exemption Would Boost Trust, Advocates SayThe unsealed ruling from the US International Trade Commission (ITC) reveals why certain Apple Watch models were initially banned from importation. Apple Inc.'s argument that it would face "unquantifiable harm" from the ban was rejected by the ITC due to a lack of evidence. This decision came after the ITC ruled that Apple's smartwatches infringed on patents held by Masimo Corp., a medical-device maker.Despite Apple's claim, the Commission found no evidence to support the alleged harm Apple would suffer from the import ban, which only affected a portion of one product line. Apple had gained a temporary reprieve from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, allowing the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to resume. However, this stay is only until the appeals court decides whether to extend it for the duration of Apple's appeal.The ITC also noted that while Masimo might suffer some harm from the stay, it wouldn't lose substantial revenue since Masimo is not selling its competing product, the W1 Watch, in significant quantities in the US. Additionally, the Commission dismissed Apple's vague reference to a potential detrimental impact on the healthcare field, finding that the public interest does not support a stay pending appeal.Apple is pursuing a multi-faceted strategy to overcome the ITC's decision, including redeveloping software for non-infringing versions of its watches and continuing its appeal. The US Customs and Border Protection is considering Apple's case, with a decision possibly impacting sales as soon as January 12. The Federal Circuit has given the ITC until January 10 to respond to Apple's request for a stay during the appeal.Unsealed Apple Ruling Reveals Why Watch Was Initially Banned Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

This Day in Legal History: Texas Becomes a StateOn December 29, 1845, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as Texas, after a complex and contentious journey, officially became the twenty-eighth state of the United States. This event was the culmination of a series of political and diplomatic maneuvers, beginning with the U.S. Congress passing the Annexation of the Republic of Texas Joint Resolution on March 1, 1845. Texas, with a history as part of Mexico and then as an independent republic, faced a unique path to statehood, marked by debates over territorial claims and national sovereignty.In October 1845, the people of Texas, exercising their democratic rights, voted in favor of the Ordinance of Annexation, setting the stage for the final steps of this historic process. The U.S. Congress, recognizing the strategic and political significance of Texas, ratified the annexation. Finally, on this day in 1845, President James K. Polk signed the Ordinance of Annexation, officially welcoming Texas into the Union. This act not only expanded the United States territorially but also added to the complex tapestry of its federal structure.However, the story of Texas' statehood did not end there. The post-annexation years brought their share of challenges, culminating in the secession of Texas during the Civil War. This led to a significant legal confrontation in the case of Texas v. White. In this landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that despite Texas' unique history and path to statehood, it did not possess the right to secede from the Union. This ruling reinforced the indissoluble nature of the Union and set a precedent for the legal status of states within the United States.Thus, the annexation of Texas stands not just as a historical event but also as a legal milestone, and a study in the complexities of statehood, federalism, and the nature of the Union. This day in legal history reminds us of the intricate interplay between law, politics, and history in shaping the nation.The New York Times Co. has initiated a significant legal action against Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI Inc., alleging copyright infringements related to the development of AI services. This lawsuit underscores the growing tension between media organizations and emerging AI technologies. The New York Times accuses the technology firms of using millions of its copyrighted articles to train AI chatbots like ChatGPT and other features, causing substantial financial damage. The exact monetary demands of the lawsuit, however, were not specified.OpenAI, known for its popular chatbot ChatGPT, has faced previous lawsuits from authors but this is the first challenge from a major media company. Efforts by OpenAI to secure licensing deals with publishers, similar to those of Google and Facebook, were highlighted. Despite ongoing discussions with the New York Times, which reportedly started in April, an amicable solution was not reached, leading to this legal confrontation. OpenAI expressed surprise and disappointment at this development, stating their respect for the rights of content creators and their intention to work towards mutually beneficial arrangements.OpenAI has previously secured agreements with news agencies like the Associated Press and Axel Springer SE, suggesting a willingness to legally access content for AI training. Despite these efforts, OpenAI continues to face multiple lawsuits, including from cultural figures like Sarah Silverman, George R.R. Martin, and Michael Chabon. These cases, still in early stages, highlight the complex legal terrain AI technology companies must navigate.Amidst this legal challenge, OpenAI is reportedly seeking new financing, aiming for a valuation of $100 billion, which would make it one of the most valuable U.S. startups. Microsoft, OpenAI's primary backer, is implicated in the lawsuit for allegedly using the New York Times' content in its Bing search engine, contributing to a significant increase in its market value. The lawsuit contends that both Microsoft and OpenAI have failed to obtain necessary permissions for the commercial use of the New York Times' work.The New York Times' lawsuit against Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI Inc. over alleged copyright breaches is a multifaceted legal battle that raises questions about the ethical use of AI in journalism. The Times claims that both firms used its vast repository of articles, including news pieces, opinion columns, and reviews, to train their AI systems like ChatGPT without permission, leading to potential financial and competitive harms. This lawsuit, however, extends beyond a straightforward copyright claim, delving into the broader implications and practices in the news and technology sectors.The Times portrays itself as a defender of journalistic integrity, highlighting its 170-year history of providing independent journalism. It argues that the use of its content by AI technologies like GPT not only infringes on its copyright but also threatens the viability of its journalistic model. This stance, however, has been critiqued for potentially leading to an array of legal consequences, not just for OpenAI and Microsoft but for the Times itself. Critics point out that the Times regularly summarizes articles from other sources without credit, a practice that could come under fire if their lawsuit sets a precedent where such summarization is deemed infringing.OpenAI has previously navigated these waters by striking deals with other publishers, such as Axel Springer, suggesting a willingness to find legal avenues for content use. The Times acknowledges its attempts to reach a similar agreement with OpenAI, indicating that the lawsuit might partly be a negotiation tactic. However, OpenAI's recent decision not to strike a deal with the Times, speculated to be due to high cost demands, might have triggered the legal action.The lawsuit also highlights the role of Common Crawl, a resource used in training AI models. The Times' decision to exclude its articles from Common Crawl, combined with its allegations against GPT's use of its content, stirs debate over fair use and the nature of content archiving on the internet. This aspect of the lawsuit underlines the importance of preserving web history and the legality of utilizing such archives for AI training.Furthermore, the Times' complaint includes claims that GPT's responses often mimic or summarize its articles, which could be seen as bypassing its paywall or creating substitutive products. The Times argues that this practice infringes on its copyright, yet this stance is contested on grounds of fair use, especially when considering that summarizing factual information is generally not copyrightable.The lawsuit also opens up discussions about the nuances of AI-generated content. It points out instances where GPT produces outputs closely resembling Times' articles, but critics argue this is due to the way GPT is prompted, rather than an inherent flaw in AI training methodologies. The effectiveness and accuracy of AI in replicating or substituting for human journalism remain a topic of debate.Ultimately, the Times' lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft is not just a legal dispute over copyright infringement. It's a complex case that touches upon the ethics of AI in journalism, the challenges of preserving internet history, and the evolving landscape of fair use in the digital age. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for AI development, journalistic practices, and the broader relationship between technology companies and content creators.New York Times Sues Microsoft, OpenAI for Copyright Breaches (2)The NY Times Lawsuit Against OpenAI Would Open Up The NY Times To All Sorts Of Lawsuits Should It Win | TechdirtMaine has become the second U.S. state, following Colorado, to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on a Republican presidential primary ballot for the 2024 election. These actions are based on legal challenges invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office. This provision was originally enacted in 1868 to prevent former Confederacy members from serving in the U.S. government.These challenges argue that Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, when he encouraged his supporters to stop the certification of the 2020 election results, amounted to insurrection. Following this, his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. In Maine, a group of former state lawmakers successfully argued that Trump, due to these actions, is not qualified to serve as president again under this constitutional provision. Maine's top election official, Democrat Shenna Bellows, ruled to keep Trump off the ballot for the Republican primary, although this decision is on hold pending appeal.Colorado's highest court similarly ruled that Trump engaged in insurrection, but this ruling is also on hold to allow for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump's defense challenges these disqualifications as undemocratic and argues that Section 3 does not apply to presidents and that his actions on January 6 were protected free speech. Additionally, Trump has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges related to the 2020 election but has not been charged with insurrection.While some states like Minnesota and Michigan have rejected these ballot challenges, at least 12 states have pending cases. The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to review the Colorado case due to its significant political and legal implications. The outcome of these cases could have profound effects on the 2024 presidential election and the broader political landscape in the United States.Trump foes turn to Constitution's 'insurrection' ban to keep him off 2024 ballot | ReutersCelsius Network, a cryptocurrency lender, has received approval from a U.S. bankruptcy judge to shift its focus to bitcoin mining as part of its restructuring process. This move comes after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected Celsius' original plan to earn fees from validating crypto transactions and start new business lines. The bankruptcy judge, Martin Glenn, ruled that this pivot to bitcoin mining does not adversely affect creditors and customers compared to the previously approved bankruptcy plan.Celsius had filed for Chapter 11 protection in July 2022 amidst a series of bankruptcies in the crypto lending sector, triggered by rapid industry growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised plan involves parting ways with some of the original bidders selected to manage the new company, leaving US Bitcoin Corp, led by Hut 8's Asher Genoot, to run the creditor-owned mining business.The change in the company's direction had raised concerns among some creditors and the U.S. Department of Justice's bankruptcy watchdog, who argued that the shift was significant enough to warrant a new vote by creditors. However, Judge Glenn ultimately approved the new mining-focused restructuring plan without requiring a fresh vote.Celsius' interim CEO, Chris Ferraro, expressed optimism about the decision, stating that the company's focus remains on promptly distributing cryptocurrency to its creditors. The revised plan also releases $225 million in cryptocurrency assets, previously allocated for the rejected business lines, increasing the amount of cryptocurrency to be returned to customers. In addition, customers will receive equity shares in the new bitcoin mining business. Celsius anticipates emerging from bankruptcy in early 2024.Celsius Network wins court approval for shift to bitcoin mining | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

This Day in Legal History: President Lincoln Offers Amnesty to Confederates On this day in legal history, December 8 marks a significant moment during the American Civil War era. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln initiated a groundbreaking approach towards reconciliation and reconstruction of the nation torn by civil strife. He issued a Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, extending an olive branch to those who had participated in the Confederate cause. This proclamation invited all Confederate citizens, except for certain excluded classes, to swear allegiance to the United States and its Constitution, thereby offering them a chance to reintegrate into the Union.However, the initial rollout of this amnesty program encountered logistical and administrative challenges, particularly regarding the process of administering the oath of allegiance. To address these complications, President Lincoln released a subsequent proclamation on March 26, 1864. This second directive expanded the authority to administer the oath, allowing any commissioned officer, whether civil, military, or naval, in the service of the United States to do so. Furthermore, it extended this authority to officials in territories not actively involved in the insurrection, provided they were legally qualified to administer oaths.It's noteworthy that while these proclamations opened the door for many Confederates to rejoin the Union, they explicitly excluded certain groups. These included military prisoners and individuals detained for offenses against the United States. However, an interesting exception was made for Confederate deserters, who were permitted to volunteer for the oath and thus become eligible for amnesty.This dual-proclamation strategy by Lincoln was a pivotal step in the United States' journey towards healing and unification after the Civil War, reflecting a balance between justice and mercy in a period marked by deep national divisions.Seven states, led by Ohio, have filed a lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) challenging its Transfer Eligibility Rule as anti-competitive. This rule restricts student athletes from competing for a year if they transfer between Division I schools. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, alleges that the rule violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits trade restraints. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, one of the participants in the lawsuit, criticizes the rule for its minimal connection to academic or athletic amateurism and argues that it harms both college athletes and consumers.The lawsuit was prompted, in part, by the NCAA's denial of a transfer waiver for athlete RaeQuan Battle, who sought to play basketball for West Virginia University after transferring from Montana State University. The NCAA's transfer rules require student athletes to obtain permission for transfers, usually only granted under specific circumstances like health or urgent needs.The complaint argues that the transfer rule unfairly restricts players' mobility and opportunities, ironically under the guise of protecting their welfare. It prevents athletes from optimizing their own welfare by making them choose between immediate ineligibility and transferring to a better-suited school.Additionally, this lawsuit is among several recent legal challenges against the NCAA. These include lawsuits by student athletes over fair compensation for their name, image, and likeness, and by NCAA volunteer coaches alleging a conspiracy to avoid paying them. Recently, college athletes gained class action status in a lawsuit against the NCAA for denying compensation for the use of their likenesses, potentially leading to damages up to $4.5 billion. Another class action in California challenges the NCAA's cap on athlete compensation.NCAA Transfer Rule Challenged by States as Anti-Competitive (1)The Los Angeles trial court system is experimenting with an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to redact minors' personal information from court records. This initiative, led by Accenture PLC, involves using AI to identify and remove sensitive data such as social security numbers, addresses, and medical information from minors' case files. This is part of an effort to enhance privacy and efficiency in handling court documents.Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner supports the use of AI for good, believing that this tool can improve efficiency in managing similar tasks. Currently, the court employs software akin to Microsoft Word's find-and-replace feature, requiring manual input by court staff.Fordham University School of Law Associate Professor Chinmayi Sharma sees potential in this AI tool to alleviate long wait times and backlogs, particularly in family court proceedings. However, the tool is still in development, and it's uncertain whether the Los Angeles Superior Court will ultimately implement it.The Court Technology Services division plans to manage access to the tool. Clerks will feed documents into the system for redaction, and logged-in users will be able to view the redacted documents. The staff will review these redactions to ensure accuracy.Sharma notes that human oversight is crucial, as the tool's suggestions are subject to final approval by a person. If errors are identified, documents can be taken down, corrected, and republished.Concerns exist regarding potential AI biases, especially since AI models often perform better with data associated with more represented demographics like white people. However, if the AI relies solely on court documents for training, which more accurately reflect the court's demographics, the likelihood of bias might be reduced.David Evan Harris, a scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the need for public scrutiny, bias testing, and transparency regarding the vendor. He also stresses the importance of considering the overall ecosystem surrounding the tool, including user interface ease and staff workload.Sharma warns of the risks of over-reliance on the AI system by employees, drawing parallels to law firm associates who might trust AI-generated sources without thorough verification. This highlights the need for careful checks even as AI assists in the redaction process.AI Tool to Redact Minors' Info in Testing for Los Angeles CourtDonald Trump is launching an appeal that could reach the Supreme Court, representing his best chance to avoid a trial next year over criminal charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Legal experts suggest that the appeal might not succeed on its merits but could delay the trial, allowing Trump to continue his campaign against President Joe Biden. His lawyers are appealing a ruling by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., which rejected Trump's claim of immunity from prosecution for actions taken while president.The trial is scheduled to begin in March, but this appeal could significantly postpone it. Trump's legal team has requested to halt all proceedings before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan while the appeal is pending. Special Counsel Jack Smith's office has accused Trump of consistently attempting to delay and disrupt the trial.Trump faces charges of defrauding the United States and obstructing Congress through schemes to halt the transfer of power after losing the 2020 election. He has pleaded not guilty and argued that prosecuting former presidents for official actions would weaken the presidency, an argument dismissed by Judge Chutkan.The timeline for the appeal process is uncertain. The D.C. Circuit court could expedite its review, possibly maintaining the current trial schedule. However, if the appeals process is prolonged and the Supreme Court decides to hear the case, the March trial date becomes highly unlikely, potentially delaying the case for months.Trump's appeal strategy could impact his simultaneous criminal prosecutions in other cases. Any significant delay could affect the timing of these trials, especially as the 2024 election approaches. Trump has consistently denied all charges, labeling them a "witch hunt."Trump immunity appeal offers best chance to stave off 2020 election trial | ReutersGene Levoff, Apple's former top corporate lawyer, has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to U.S. insider trading charges. U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark, New Jersey, handed down a sentence of four years of probation and 2,000 hours of community service. Additionally, Levoff was ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and forfeit $604,000, the amount he gained illegally through insider trading.Levoff admitted to six counts of securities fraud, each of which could have carried a maximum 20-year prison term and a $5 million fine. His lawyer, Kevin Marino, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, considering it fair and appropriate.Prosecutors revealed that Levoff used his positions at Apple, including corporate secretary, head of corporate law, and co-chair of a committee reviewing the company's financial results, to make illegal trades. He gained $604,000 from trading over $14 million between 2011 and 2016, exploiting confidential information and ignoring Apple's "blackout periods" that prohibit trading before financial results are publicized.Levoff was also responsible for enforcing Apple's insider trading policy, which he violated. Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, terminated Levoff in September 2018, five months before he faced criminal charges.Ex-Apple lawyer sentenced to probation for insider trading | ReutersA lawsuit has been filed in a Chicago federal court against major video game developers, including Activision Blizzard Inc., Epic Games Inc., Roblox Corp., and other companies, alleging that their games have led to addiction in a 9-year-old. The child, identified as D.G. in the complaint, reportedly suffers from severe emotional distress, diminished social interactions, loss of friends, poor hygiene, and withdrawal symptoms such as rage and anger due to playing games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto for six to eight hours daily.The lawsuit claims that video game addiction is a national epidemic affecting youth, driven by feedback loops, reward systems, and microtransactions in games. These microtransactions allow users to spend real money on in-game perks, exploiting psychological mechanisms and neuroscience, particularly impacting vulnerable groups like minors.D.G. plays across various platforms, including Xbox, PS4, iPhone, and Android devices. The complaint also points to patents owned by the gaming companies that allegedly encourage in-game spending, thereby deceiving and harming children while benefitting the companies financially.The Entertainment Software Association, a video game trade group, responded to the lawsuit, stating that the industry prioritizes positive experiences for players and provides tools for managing gameplay aspects. The trade group argues that billions of people globally enjoy video games healthily and responsibly, and claims to the contrary are not fact-based.The lawsuit also names Apple Inc., Google LLC, Microsoft Corp., and Nintendo of America Inc. as defendants. Activision, Epic, Video Game Developers Face Addiction Suit (1) Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Conventional wisdom says Microsoft Corp. is the big winner in the recent OpenAI saga. We don't quite see it that way.Both Microsoft and OpenAI are in a worse position today than last Thursday, prior to the firing of OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and the ongoing public drama that ensued. Microsoft and OpenAI had a huge lead in market momentum, artificial intelligence adoption and feature acceleration, and were setting the narrative in AI.Our discussions with customers and industry insiders leads us to conclude that the duo has put its substantial lead at risk. Although Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is making lemonade from lemons, the window was just cracked open for the competition and it's more clear than ever that one large language model will not rule them all.

On this day in legal history, November 16, 1973, a pivotal moment in U.S. energy and environmental law occurred when President Richard Nixon signed the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act. This Act marked a significant shift in the nation's approach to energy resource development and environmental policy. By sanctioning the construction of an 800-mile oil pipeline from Prudhoe Bay in the north of Alaska to Valdez in the south, the Act aimed to alleviate the 1973 oil crisis by tapping into the vast oil reserves of Alaska's North Slope.Notably, the Act contained a controversial provision that effectively bypassed standard environmental legal processes. This provision expedited the pipeline's construction by limiting judicial review and effectively quashing existing legal challenges related to environmental concerns. It reflected the tension between the nation's growing energy demands and the emerging environmental consciousness of the 1970s.The pipeline's construction, completed in 1977, was an engineering feat, traversing some of the most challenging and pristine terrains in Alaska. However, it also raised substantial environmental concerns, such as the impact on the permafrost, wildlife, and the indigenous peoples' way of life. The project became a case study in balancing economic development with environmental preservation, a debate that continues in modern environmental law.The Act's legal implications were far-reaching. It set a precedent for how Congress could intervene in ongoing environmental legal disputes. This aspect of the law has been a point of debate among legal scholars, with discussions focusing on the balance between legislative action and judicial independence. Additionally, the Act sparked a wave of environmental activism and legal challenges, contributing to the strengthening of environmental legislation in the subsequent years.In retrospect, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act of 1973 remains a landmark in U.S. legal history. It not only transformed Alaska's economy and the U.S. energy landscape but also played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around environmental law and policy. This legislation represents a unique intersection of energy, environment, and law, encapsulating the complexities and challenges of the era.The U.S. Senate has successfully passed a stopgap funding bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, with the bill now heading to President Joe Biden for approval before the weekend deadline. This action marks the resolution of the third fiscal standoff in Congress this year, which previously brought the government close to defaulting on its over $31 trillion debt and nearly led to shutdowns affecting pay for approximately 4 million federal workers. The recent crisis was closely followed by the ousting of Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on October 3, leaving the House leaderless for three weeks.The bill, which received bipartisan support, extends funding for key areas such as military construction, veterans benefits, and various other federal programs until January 19, 2023. This date is notably close to the start of the 2024 presidential campaign season, marked by the Iowa caucuses. Democrats expressed satisfaction with the bill for adhering to previously agreed spending levels and avoiding controversial provisions. In contrast, some Republicans, while keen to avoid a shutdown, voiced frustration with the compromise, vowing to push for reduced federal spending when the current funding expires.The repeated confrontations over government funding have hindered Congress from addressing other significant issues, including President Biden's request for substantial aid for Israel, Ukraine, and U.S. border security. The bill's passage provides a temporary respite, but it also sets the stage for further political negotiations and potential conflicts as new deadlines loom.US Senate passes stopgap funding bill to avert government shutdown | ReutersRight-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is seeking court permission to sell an array of personal items—including firearms, jewelry, cars, boats, and a cryogenic chamber—to fund his personal bankruptcy costs. This move follows his filing for bankruptcy protection last year after being ordered to pay over $1 billion in judgments for falsely claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones plans to promote these sales on his Infowars radio and video talk shows, believing this will increase the items' value due to supporter demand. The proceeds from the sales are intended for legal fees and any remaining funds will be used for payments as part of a Chapter 11 plan. This request comes amidst criticisms of Jones' lavish spending habits and follows a court ruling that about $1.1 billion of his debt from defamation judgments cannot be discharged under bankruptcy laws due to his intentional and malicious conduct.Alex Jones Aims to Sell Guns, Boats, Cars to Fund Bankruptcy (1)A recent study has revealed that GPT-4, a sophisticated AI chatbot developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI, has surpassed the average performance of human test-takers on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), a legal ethics exam required in nearly every U.S. state for law practice. GPT-4 achieved a 74% accuracy rate on a simulated MPRE, compared to the estimated 68% average among human examinees. This study, conducted by LegalOn Technologies, suggests the potential for AI to assist lawyers in ethical compliance and align with professional responsibilities.This finding adds to a growing body of research exploring the role of AI in legal education and attorney licensure. Previous studies showed that an earlier version of GPT-4 scored passably on law school final exams and that GPT-4 could pass the bar exam. Additionally, access to GPT-4 was found to increase speed in legal writing assignments but did not improve the quality of law students' work.Despite GPT-4's impressive performance, particularly in areas like conflicts of interest and lawyer-client relationships, its accuracy was lower in questions about communications regarding legal services and the safekeeping of funds. The National Conference of Bar Examiners, responsible for developing the MPRE, has not assessed the claims of GPT-4's ability to pass its ethics test. A spokesperson emphasized that attorneys possess unique skills that AI cannot currently replicate.The study underscores the evolving role of technology in the legal profession and suggests that advanced AI models like GPT-4 can effectively apply ethical rules, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of AI and legal ethics.AI chatbot can pass national lawyer ethics exam, study finds | ReutersThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, which reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, promised to stimulate economic growth and curb global tax evasion by discouraging offshore profit shifting. However, six years later, evidence suggests its impact on reducing the use of tax havens has been minimal. The constant offshoring of about 35% of foreign profits and the consistent booking of about 50% of these profits in tax havens indicate the TCJA's limited effectiveness.Some positive effects of the TCJA are observed in the actions of six major companies, including Alphabet Inc., Microsoft Corp., and Meta Platforms, Inc., which repatriated intellectual property to the U.S. This movement coincided with changes in the Irish tax code, making it difficult to attribute the repatriation solely to the TCJA.A potential solution to the unresolved issues of the TCJA is a global minimum tax, as suggested by the EU Tax Observatory in the 2024 Global Tax Evasion Report. This tax would create a global tax liability based on a corporation's engagement with different markets, irrespective of where profits are geographically distributed. Over 140 countries agreed to a global minimum tax of 15% on multinational profits under a 2021 G20 and OECD initiative, but the effectiveness of this tax has been weakened due to modifications like the economic substance carve-out.A more robust global minimum tax could provide a cohesive strategy to protect individual countries' tax bases, highlighting the need for a unified approach to combat tax avoidance. The TCJA's limitations underscore the importance of a global, interlinked system of policies to effectively address offshore profit shifting. The resolution to this issue lies in the collective action of the global community to pursue fiscal fairness.An example will bring this into clearer view. Consider a multinational that has profits logged in three jurisdictions: Country A, Country B and Country C. In Country A, they have $10 billion in profits taxed at 10%; in Country B, $10 billion in profits taxed at 5%; and in Country C, $10 billion in profits, taxed at 0%. The global minimum tax in this hypothetical scenario is 15%. The multinational company has $30 billion in profits across three countries—if they all uniformly taxed at 15%, the multinational would owe $4.5 billion in taxes. However, owing to none of the countries reaching that 15% threshold, there are deficits in the percentage each country has collected—in Country A, $500 million has been left on the table, in B the gap is $1 billion and in C all $1.5 billion has been left uncollected. The overall deficit, therefore, is $3 billion.The most straightforward way to apportion that deficit among the three jurisdictions is to mirror the percentage of global sales the company makes in each jurisdiction. So, assuming 25% of sales went to Country A, they would be entitled to collect 25% of the $3 billion deficit—or $750 million. All three jurisdictions would be incentivized to close that uncollected gap by raising their tax rate to the global minimum of 15% and leave as little on the table for distribution through the sales-apportionment mechanism.In this way, the multinational is taxed at the global minimum amount and each individual country is incentivized to “get on board” and collect as much as they are entitled to. Its a relatively simple solution to a complex problem, and it would need a lot of fine tuning–but to my mind it is infinitely closer to a true solution than anything currently in force or proposed. State Global Minimum Taxes Would Combat Offshore Profit Shifting Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Reid Hoffman is under fire from shareholders at Microsoft corp as they call for him to step down or be removed from his position on the board due to his ties with Epstein. In this episode we take a look at that request and if there is any chance that the boardroom at Mircosoft will comply or even take the request seriously.(commercial at 7:15)to contact me: bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors (yahoo.com)This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5080327/advertisement

Reid Hoffman is under fire from shareholders at Microsoft corp as they call for him to step down or be removed from his position on the board due to his ties with Epstein. In this episode we take a look at that request and if there is any chance that the boardroom at Mircosoft will comply or even take the request seriously.(commercial at 7:15)to contact me: bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Shareholder Urges Microsoft to Boot Jeffrey Epstein Pal from Board of Directors (yahoo.com)This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5003294/advertisement

Guest: Bob Muglia, “The Datapreneurs” Co-Author and Former Snowflake CEOLongtime Microsoft executive and former Snowflake CEO Bob Muglia was done with his book about using data to drive the digital economy — and then ChatGPT came out. “The timeline for artificial intelligence moved in by 50 years in my head,” he recalls. Bob then told his co-author Steve Hamm that they needed to update “The Datapreneurs” to focus more on AI. “For the first time, we have intelligence in a computer,” he says. “English has become the primary programming interface of 2023!”In this episode, Bob and Joubin discuss weekly meetings, Amazon's values, the tech industry's Yoda, antitrust lawsuits, the media and Bill Gates, tangling with Andy Jassy, gold rush times, FoundationDB, executive coaches, firing people faster, leaders vs. managers, deepfakes, and the zeroth law of robotics.In this episode, we cover: Bob's post-Snowflake career (00:57)  How he advises startup CEOs (04:12)  Getting fired by Steve Ballmer, twice (09:36)  Why didn't he quit? (14:09) Satya Nadella (16:09) Immigrant families and early jobs (17:21) United States v. Microsoft Corp. (21:14) “It may be shit, but it's compliant shit” (25:26)  Antitrust is not about the law (29:18)  Rose-colored memories (33:01) Competing with Microsoft and Amazon (34:41) Two years at Juniper (37:45) Transitioning into Snowflake (39:38) Earning credibility (42:32) Chris Degnan, Snowflake's first sales rep (45:07) Near-death experiences (50:05) Finding traction & taking off (55:33) Surprising challenges (01:00:55) Fired, again (01:02:16) Tough feedback (01:07:01) “The Datapreneurs” and the AI acceleration (01:09:19) Optimism about the future (01:13:36) The Terminator and Isaac Asimov (01:17:48) Links: Connect with Bob Twitter LinkedIn Buy “The Datapreneurs” Connect with Joubin Twitter LinkedIn Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com  Learn more about Kleiner Perkins This episode was edited by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

As John Rex tells it, when he first arrived inside the finance function at Microsoft Corp. in 2007, one executive greeted him with “Hey, welcome to Microsoft—if you're still here a year from now, let's reconnect.” A senior finance hire with experience in manufacturing and consumer products at such companies as Novartis (3 years) and Kodak (14), Rex was to find the message behind the conditional invitation particularly prescient only 12 months later, when he “very nearly got the boot.”     Seated across from his boss, Rex was “read the riot act” for having absorbed what the boss deemed to be only “superficial knowledge” of the developer's plus-size menu of products and services.    “I knew that he was right, and I realized that what had gotten me ‘here' wasn't going to be enough to take me ‘there'—and that basically I had to go back to college,” explains Rex, who adds that during the months that followed, he spent nights and weekends learning everything that he could about the nuances of the “go-to-market” model  and the licensing approaches that governed the company's flow of revenues.   Still, Rex tells us, he understood that in order to succeed as a finance leader at Microsoft, he needed to dramatically overhaul the management approaches and operating style that had served him well for the first 20 years of career. He continues: “I was accustomed to having information flowing toward me as a key decision-maker, whereas at Microsoft, interestingly, there was a much more egalitarian type of culture. All of a sudden, I couldn't depend on information flowing to me. Instead, I had to become a very proactive consumer of information.” To increase the flow and absorption of information, Rex spent more time every day in reaching out to others in sales and product development, while at the same time allowing himself more “alone time” for consuming new information. In fact, Rex found that “alone time” was an important tenet of the Microsoft culture that underscored its founder's wish to have the company achieve the feel of a university, where every employee had dorm room—aka office—to which to return.   Today, Rex views the hypothetical 12-month tryout period that the Microsoft executive attached to his arrival welcome as being not malicious but simply honest, given that the retention rate of Microsoft senior hires at the time was less than 40 percent. Says Rex: “In the end, I became not just a much more effective leader but also a more credible one because I understood the business much better than I had before.” –Jack Sweeney  CFOTL: As a former CFO and now ongoing C-suite leadership coach today, how do you feel that CFO leadership has changed over the years? Rex: Well, I'm going to take the liberty of extrapolating what I'm observing about leadership and applying it to CFOs because I have a very hard time in separating CFOs from other senior leaders. There are some things that they all very much have in common, but let's look at things from the perspective of the CFO. Over time, particularly in American business, we reward people for knowing their stuff. Now, there's nothing wrong with this. You need to know your stuff. I myself really needed to bone up and know my stuff at Microsoft. Doing so is just vital. The evolution that I see happening in the business world—and this fully applies to CFOs—is that the best leaders are developing this combination of subject matter expertise and deep curiosity. This allows them to show up with what I call “humble confidence.” They are very, very confident in their subject matter expertise, as they should be and as they need to be, because this is required of them. But they are also extraordinarily curious about the vast universe of things that they don't know. Maybe this is the marketplace; maybe it's opportunities. They just have insatiable curiosity. As a result, in virtually every instance they show up not as arrogant—even though they know so much—but as humbly confident and curious. So, whereas the CFO of years gone by would often show up as the know-it-all with a tell-people-what-to-do, tell-people-what-not-to-do kind of attitude, I would say that today's CFO is hypercurious about what's possible for their enterprise, for their market, for their customers, for their organization, and for their people. They're bringing curiosity to every conversation. This leads them to take an approach that is much less interrogatory than it used to be. When I was growing up in the corporate world, it seemed to me that the job of senior leaders was to interrogate everybody else. Every time I went to a strategy review or quarterly performance review, it felt like a dental visit. The best leaders today have a different approach. They're just wildly curious about everything and bring this mind-set of curiosity to every conversation. This has a multiplying effect because it encourages people to think beyond their normal boundaries—including those involved with rank and privilege and propriety. In other words, people used to think, “Oh, I can't say this because the CFO is in the room” or “I can't say this because it's inappropriate for me because I'm too junior” or whatever. The effective CFO today is blowing past this to cultivate a group mind-set of “Let's talk—let's explore together.” I'm a huge advocate of this approach that they're cultivating, which is called “mutual learning.” This doesn't mean that they abdicate their responsibilities or don't appropriately wield their authority. They have to continue to do these things, but they don't do them in an arrogant, know-it-all kind of way. The result is that they just generate so much more out of the people whom they lead.