Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Gambia

Lithuania, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Gambia

Marc Ross Daily
February 18, 2019
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross

Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia 

Marc Ross Daily  = News + Analysis at the Intersection of Globalization + Disruption + Politics

TOP FIVE

✔️ Pence and Merkel offer contrasting visions of global security

✔️ War on plastic will dent oil demand

✔️ Obama quietly gives advice, but no endorsement

✔️ Northern Virginia is keeping Amazon’s 25,000 jobs

✔️ NBA announces new Africa basketball league

ROSS RANT

Bloomberg Sound ON: Trump tariffs, national emergency, and Amazon (Podcast): Bloomberg Chief Washington Correspondent Kevin Cirilli delivers insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. Kevin discussed the fallout from Amazon’s decision to drop their NYC expansion plans, President Trump’s national emergency declaration to build a wall and the progress on trade talks with China with guests Marc Ross, founder of Caracal Global and Bloomberg News Congressional reporter Anna Edgerton. Listen here: https://bloom.bg/2SHtOFS

GLOBALIZATION

Pence and Merkel offer contrasting visions of global security: FT reports, discord and division between US and allies on show at Munich conference.

Trump policies unite allies against him at security forum: Reuters reports, in 2009, then Vice President Joe Biden came to Munich to "press the reset button" with Russia. A decade later he came again to offer the world better relations, this time with his own country.

WP: Trump foreign policy under attack from all sides at European security conference

Rana Foroohar: Donald Trump’s ill-timed rift with Europe: There is an opportunity for a new transatlantic alliance to benefit both US and EU.

Lithuanian spy case recalls Soviet-era practices: DW reports, Lithuania has been stunned by the arrest of a scion of the country’s most controversial political dynasty. The repercussions could impact the result of an ongoing trial in Vilnius. 

German export machine braced for global shocks: With free trade and open borders under threat, a debate on how to protect businesses is set to divide coalition politicians.https://on.ft.com/2SGZPhs

Trade war hits SE Asia, growth down for first time in 3 years: Nikkei reports, US-China dispute weighs on Singapore and Thailand economies in 2019.

FT: Data leak reveals China is tracking almost 2.6m people in Xinjiang

Security researcher’s discovery suggests extensive use of facial recognition.

NYT: Chinese and Iranian hackers renew cyberattacks on US companies

Dozens of corporations have been hit, including Boeing, T-Mobile andGeneral Electric, along with multiple US agencies, according to people briefed on the episodes.

Security experts believe the renewed aggression is a result of Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal last year, and his recent trade conflict with China.

Australian political parties hit by cyber attack: FT reports, ‘sophisticated state actor’ to blame for intrusion just months before election, PM says.

Nikkei: 'State actor' hit Australian parliament in cyberattack, says PM

FT: Australia to fast-track UK trade pact in event of no-deal Brexit

Minister pours cold water on British ambition to join TPP.

New Zealand tourism faces Huawei backlash from China: Nikkei reports, Wellington's 5G snub puts the economy at risk, experts say.

Seven MPs resign from Labour in challenge to Corbyn: FT reports, split by pro-EU moderates comes ahead of crucial parliamentary votes on Brexit.

Scotland dreads Brexit. But is it enough to boost sentiment for Scottish independence? https://wapo.st/2N0hSc2

Saudi crown prince pledges $20bn to Pakistan: FT reports, Mohammed bin Salman kicks off tour that is expected to include India and China.

DW: US military planes carrying aid arrive near Venezuelanborder

As US amasses aid on Venezuelan border, Colombian city braces for showdown: WP reports, Cucuta, population 750,000, has for years been overwhelmed by the massive migration over its border. Now there is concern about a massive protest and a benefit concert set for next weekend.

Venezuela’s opposition reaches out to Russia and China: FT reports, Juan Guaidó wants to establish diplomatic ties with Nicolás Maduro’s biggest allies.

Bloomberg: Trump to ramp up pressure on Maduro to leave Venezuela

OTD: In 1965 the Gambia became independent from the UK.

Indian soldiers killed in clashes with militants: DW reports, a gunbattle with militants in disputed Kashmir has left four Indian troops dead. It comes just days after the worst attack on government forces in the region's history, to which India promised a "jaw-dropping" response.

DISRUPTION

Christof Ruhl: The war on plastic will dent oil demand more than anticipated: Companies are underestimating the importance of changed consumer attitudes.

POLITICS

Heather Nauert, who was Trump’s pick to serve as US ambassador to the UN, has withdrawn from consideration.

Timothy O'Brien: In Trump’s world, he never loses: His Rose Garden speech declaring a national emergency and his decades of self-aggrandizement are more closely related than you might think.https://bloom.bg/2DNeWLS

WP: Bill Weld defends decision to run against Trump, says Republicans ‘want to have no election’

@GovBillWeld: "It is time for all people of good will to take a stand and plant a flag...It's for this reason that I have today established an Exploratory Committee to pursue  the possibility for my running for the Presidency of the United States as a Republican in the 2020 election."

NYT: Obama quietly gives advice, but no endorsement, to Democrats

Former President Barack Obama has counseled more than a dozen candidates on how to win the White House in 2020 — but he has no plans to pick a favorite.

The discreet role he has taken on reflects his longstanding ambivalence about acting as a partisan political leader.

Minouche Shafik: Populists have a point, the system has to change: The economic insecurity and fears about identity that they exploit must be addressed.

THOUGHT LEADER TACTIC OF THE DAY

Submit four opinion editorials engaging both national and regional news outlets.

COMMERCE

FT - Editorial: The chastening fallout of Amazon’s hunt for HQ2: Companies and politicians can learn from the ill-fated New York deal.

WSJ: Amazon’s New York project foundered on labor organizing, opposition to subsidies

Amid backlash, talks to resolve differences failed to allay company’sgrowing unease.

LAT: Amazon's New York retreat heralds a new era of corporate welfare fights

Northern Virginia is keeping Amazon’s 25,000 jobs, and wants you to know it: NYT reports, Their message: Their region has its act together, they have been far more prepared, and they were free of drama.

Amazon’s New York ‘disaster’ reminds leaders to address gentrification https://wapo.st/2SWVBBx

In bid to conquer Oscars, Netflix mobilizes savvy campaigner and huge budget: NYT reports, Lisa Taback, who worked on awards campaigns for best picture winners like “The Artist” and “The King’s Speech,” is in charge of the lavish effort behind “Roma.”

Porsche customers in the UK should brace for a price hike of up to 10 percent in case of a hard Brexit, the carmaker warned.

Flybmi is shutting down due to rising fuel prices, carbon costs and uncertainty around Brexit.

Payless ShoeSource is closing its roughly 2,100 US locations in what is likely to be the largest-ever retailer liquidation by number of stores.

CULTURE

Israeli Film 'Synonyms' wins 2019 Berlinale Golden Bear award: DW reports, Nadav Lapid's quasi-autobiographical quest for identity on the silver screen takes the Golden Bear at the Berlinale 2019. Meanwhile, "So Long, My Son" by Chinese director Wang Xiaoshuai won two Silver Bear awards.

SPORT

Today: Chelsea play Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round @ 2:30 pm ET

Female German referee causes Bundesliga broadcast to be canceled in Iran: DW reports, Iranian state TV did not broadcast a Bundesliga soccer match because of the presence of a woman as referee, media say. The Islamic country censors the showing of women in "revealing" clothes such as football shorts.

Barack Obama reportedly set for role with NBA-backed African basketball league: WP reports, the NBA is helping to establish a new professional basketball league in Africa and it has the enthusiastic support of Barack Obama. In fact, the former president will reportedly have a role with the league, although the extent of his involvement has yet to be announced. Over the weekend, before the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte, the league announced a partnership with FIBA, basketball’s international governing body, to create the Basketball Africa League. Set to debut in 2020, the BAL will feature 12 teams from across the continent, with qualifying tournaments to be held later this year.

NBA announces new Africa basketball league: DW reports, the 12-team professional league in Africa will start playing in January 2020. The NBA said the new league will help develop basketball in Africa and create economic opportunities.

Syria, China, Australia, NBA, Tammy Duckworth, Roma, Nordstrom, Mattel

Syria, China, Australia, NBA, Tammy Duckworth, Roma, Nordstrom, Mattel

Marc Ross Daily
April 11, 2018
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross

Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia

Marc Ross Daily  = Global Business News at the Intersection of Politics + Policy + Profits

Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/bSQKwA

TOP FIVE

✔️ Trump warns Russia US missiles ‘will be coming’ to Syria

✔️ China accelerates opening to foreign financial groups

✔️ Australia seeks new ASEAN ties as US-China rivalry grows

✔️ In NBA, court, and canvas are intertwined

✔️ Duckworth has baby

GEOECONOMICS

WSJ: Trump warns Russia US missiles ‘will be coming’ to Syria

FT: Trump saysUS poised to take military action against Syria

@spectatorindex: BREAKING: Trump cancels South America trip to focus on response to Syria

Airlines have been warned to steer clear of the eastern Mediterranean over the next 72 hours due to possible air strikes on Syria.

Italy's 5-Star Movement defends guaranteed income pledgehttp://p.dw.com/p/2vmUF

"The 5-Star Movement triumphed in Italy's election and intends to carry through on the promise of a basic income."

Japan hopes rare-earth find will give it an edge against China: WSJ reports, Japan has hundreds of years’ worth of rare-earth metal deposits in its waters, according to new research that reflects Tokyo’s concern about China’s hegemony over minerals used in batteries and electric vehicles.

Nikkei: Australia seeks new ASEAN ties as US-China rivalry grows: Trade and security links make Southeast Asia a natural choice. https://s.nikkei.com/2HbL7Iv

FT: China accelerates opening to foreign financial groups

China takes step toward opening its financial markets to the world: WSJ reports, Beijing pledges to launch stock trading link between Shanghai and London.

LAT: Amid Trump's threats, Xi pledges to slash tariffs, open China's markets

"Certainly we are encouraged by President Xi's kind words but at the same time, we want to see concrete actions from China. We're going to continue moving forward in the process and in the negotiations until those happen," said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

Xi’s vow to cut auto tariffs is less than meets the eye: Politico reports, business leaders and analysts say past Chinese promises to open up its markets have gone largely unfulfilled. Several business leaders were more critical, saying they heard little new and are increasingly frustrated with Chinese pledges to speed up reform with little or no follow-through. “The business community wants to see China move forward with implementing the promised reforms, not just talk about them,” said John Frisbie, president of the US-China Business Council. “The lack of implementation is creating uncertainty and undermining business confidence.”

WP - Isaac Stone Fish OpEd: American companies in China shouldn’t fear tariffs. They should fear a boycott. The nightmare scenario for U.S. companies is a boycott of U.S. goods and services — perhaps targeting an individual company or U.S. products in general. https://wapo.st/2IJSrbn

FT - Martin Wolf: US-China rivalry will shape the 21st century. Beijing’s rising economic and political power poses great challenges to the west. https://on.ft.com/2qpFiNn

IMF chief warns global economy could be ‘torn apart’: FT reports, Lagarde says countries should ‘steer clear of protectionism.’

AMERICAN POLITICS

BREAKING: Axios is reporting Paul Ryan is not running for re-election.

Federal deficit projected to top $1 trillion by 2020: NYT reports, the new analysis from the Congressional Budget Office takes into account the cost of the sweeping tax cuts that Republicans in Congress passed last year. 

Puerto Rico is set to receive $18.5 billion from HUD to help rebuild its battered housing and infrastructure following Hurricane Maria. 

‘How long can we last?’ Trump’s tariffs hit home in the US: NYT reports, a Pennsylvania manufacturer that relies on Chinese steel pipe has few alternative sources — and now its Chinese rival may gain an advantage.

Rare coalition bands together to fight Trump tariffs: Bloomberg, retail, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and other industries say the tariffs on $150 billion in Chinese goods are counterproductive to the goal of holding Beijing accountable for intellectual property theft and other trade practices. The groups are working to keep specific products off the U.S. list and trying collectively to keep levies from being imposed at all.

Zuckerberg concedes Facebook’s missteps in congress testimony: WSJ reports, lawmakers grilled Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg over the company’s handling of user privacy while also signaling they were prepared to embark on a new era of regulation for big tech companies. 

Reuters: Second day of congressional hearings awaits Facebook CEO Zuckerberg

Pompeo on spot to define Trump strategy in confirmation hearing: Bloomberg reports, at his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Pompeo is likely to be questioned about potential retaliation against Syria over an alleged chemical attack, the administration’s plans to impose tariffs on imports and a planned meeting with North Korea’s leader after months of heightened tensions over nuclear testing. Lawmakers also are likely to ask about deteriorating relations with Russia and whether the administration will pull out of the nuclear pact with Iran.

Duckworth has baby; 1st US senator to give birth in office: AP reports, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has given birth to a baby girl, making her the first US senator to give birth while in office. 

Only 10 women have given birth while serving in Congress.

‘He has unlimited money’: Scott upends battle for the Senate: Politics reports, 'It’s a victory for Republicans outside of Florida as much as it a victory for Republicans in Florida,' one GOP operative says.

ENTERPRISE

Sprint has restarted talks to merge with T-Mobile.

Google is in talks to buy Nokia's airplane broadband business to offer new services to more users by offering high-speed internet during flights. 

Toy maker Mattel is shuttering its New York office: CNBC reports, toy maker Mattel announced on Monday that it is closing its New York office, as part of a previously announced $650 million cost savings plan. The closing, which will take place in phases through the rest of the year, will affect roughly 100 employees.

Amazon spent $22.6 billion in 2017 on research and development, more than any other US company.

Nordstrom is opening its first-ever Manhattan location to woo online shoppers away from their screens with a clubhouse bar, 24/7 store pickup, customized products, and a barber shop. 

Allianz buys $35 million stake in Go-Jek.

TRENDS

Check out Piper Jaffray's semi-annual Generation Z survey of more than 6,000 US teens http://bit.ly/2EDhgDq

Food, beauty and video games continue to dominate teen wallet.

Athletic cycle above historic average but streetwear cycle accelerates.

Teens opt for Snapchat and Instagram as Facebook engagement stabilizes.

CULTURE

In NBA, court and canvas are intertwined: NYT reports, NBA players have become art collectors, out of enthusiasm, as an investment and to have something to pass on to the next generation. https://nyti.ms/2HqfdFT

SOTD

R.E.M. - Finest Worksong http://bit.ly/2GSxL0k

Tears For Fears - The Working Hour http://bit.ly/2qkSdA2

SPORT

Heroic Roma restore Italian pride after World Cup despair: AFP reports, Italy has spent five months grieving over the failure of the national team to take their customary place at the World Cup, but Roma have restored some pride with a heroic victory over Barcelona in the Champions League. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, are not going to Russia, but after Roma won 3-0, to over-turn a 4-1 quarter-final deficit and eliminate mighty Barca on Tuesday night on away goals, the club from the Eternal City can dream of going to a final in Ukraine.

Shohei Ohtani is very clearly not from this planethttp://bit.ly/2Ht7JCc

FIFA looks for $25 billion, 12-year deal for new tournaments: AP reports, FIFA is planning to team up with Saudi Arabian, Chinese and American investors in a $25 billion, 12-year deal that could add two major international tournaments to an already crowded soccer calendar. With preparations for this year’s World Cup in Russia reaching a climax, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is looking to launch an expanded 24-team Club World Cup — played every four years starting in 2021 — and a separate global competition for national teams every two years.

WSJ: Kansas included in expanded NCAA basketball probe

The hockey community is leaving hockey sticks out for the Humboldt boys: LAT reports, many NHL teams paid tribute to the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team, who lost 15 of its players and staff in a crash last week. But that still wasn't enough for many who play and watch the game. https://lat.ms/2Hc5OEi

Caracal Business Insider | December 20, 2017

Australia, China, Catalonia, Italy, Move Here Move the World, Tax Reform, Uber, colette, Kobe

Caracal Business Insider | Daily
December 20, 2017
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross

Caracal Business Insider = Global Business News at the Intersection of Politics + Policy + Profits.

Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia

What Caracal Global is watching today:

✔️ China v India

✔️ China v Australia

✔️ Catalonia votes again

✔️ Detroit's Amazon HQ2 bid revealed

✔️ colette, ‘trendiest store in the world’, bids adieu

GEOECONOMICS

India is unequal: The top 10% in India take home 55% of the country’s income. 

China has India surrounded in their new Great Game: Nikkei reports, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan -- Beijing is pulling South Asia into its orbit. https://goo.gl/YsdDS8

Japan is building missile bases to confront rising threat from China: WSJ reports, Japan’s military is laying the groundwork for batteries of anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles in a quiet, sugar-cane-filled valley in its southwestern island chain, as it girds to confront what Tokyo views as its greatest long-term threat: China.

ABC: China's embassy in Canberra issues safety warning for Chinese nationals in Australia

China's embassy in Canberra has taken the rare step of issuing a public safety warning for Chinese students living in Australia due to "a rising number of insulting incidents".

NYT: Espionage bills in Australia stir fears of anti-Chinese backlash

"The Chinese government has been using proxies in Australia for years to polish its image and press for its priorities, including reunification with Taiwan and sovereignty over the South China Sea. These efforts have intensified under President Xi Jinping, who seems to view Australia — which has benefited greatly from trade with China — as a laboratory for efforts to sway opinion abroad and increase China’s global influence."

Twelve days in Xinjiang: How China’s surveillance state overwhelms daily life: WSJ reports, China’s government has turned the northwestern region into a laboratory for high-tech social controls. Citizens and visitors must run a daily gantlet of police checkpoints, surveillance cameras and machines scanning their ID cards, faces, eyeballs and sometimes entire bodies. 

North Korean cyberheists fan fears amid bitcoin frenzy: Nikkei reports, US points to Pyongyang as the culprit behind WannaCry attacks.

Reuters: South Korean cryptocurrency exchange to file for bankruptcy after hacking

LAT: Spain's Catalonia region is set to pick a new parliament Thursday amid ongoing independence fight

Catalonia votes again, this time in a gamble to stall its secessionists: NYT reports, after Catalonia declared independence two months ago, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain took extraordinary control of the region and called elections, gambling that voters would punish the separatists who had propelled the nation’s worst constitutional crisis in decades. That election now comes Thursday, but far from solving the conflict, it could just as easily complicate the task of governing the first of Spain’s 19 regions to have its autonomy stripped, placing the country in uncharted political terrain.

Catalonia in turmoil: Bloomberg reports, while Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sought to halt political chaos in Catalonia by forcing a snap election, the result of Thursday’s vote there may kick off a new phase of upheaval. With no clear winner and mutual resentment increasing, separatists from Edinburgh to Venice are watching closely.

Madrid believes Catalonia independence threat is over: FT reports, the Spanish national government still faces enormous difficulties in the region, analysts say.

Norway is to become the first Scandinavian country to decriminalize drugs as it focuses on treatment rather than punishment. 

2020: The EU expects the U.K.’s post-Brexit transition period to last until the end of 2020 and is aiming for a trade deal to kick in immediately after that, according to a European Commission official.

Reuters: Full Brexit in Jan. 2021 as EU sets transition deadline

The EU wants a transition period after Brexit to end no later than the last day of 2020, according to the European Commission's negotiating directives agreed on Wednesday.

The Times: Theresa May plans new Brexit speech as ministers urge her to aim high

Trump's London visit still uncertain after call with May as tensions continue: Guardian reports, Theresa May spoke to Donald Trump on Tuesday about their country’s very different positions on Jerusalem, but it was left unclear whether previous damage to the relationship had been repaired – or whether the president would visit London in February to open the new US embassy.

The Daily Mail is reporting Trump plans to visit Britain in February to open the new US embassy in London but will not meet Queen Elizabeth.

Donald Trump’s first visit to UK ‘to be announced soon’: The Times reports, details of Trump’s first official visit to the UK will be announced soon, the White House has said. The statement from the US president’s office will strengthen expectations that Mr Trump will dedicate the new US Embassy in London in February. The “working visit”, which is not expected to include a meeting with the Queen, was proposed after controversy around the UK’s offer of a state visit in January.

How Italy turned Euroskeptic
Politico - Naomi O'Leary

"(New voters are) a member of an Italian generation that has known only economic stagnation, and which will head to the ballot box for the first time in a general election next spring. They were born around the same time as the euro — 1999 — and are now old enough to vote. They’ve seen nothing but political and economic crises since their childhoods, and politicians apparently unable to fix them."

Italy's share of world GDP (PPP):

1987: 4.28%
1997: 3.39%
2007: 2.64%
2017: 1.82%

Russia: say 2018, think 2024: To divert attention from growing economic frustrations, Putin in the coming six years must maintain popular belief in the “siege mentality” narrative – the idea of a salient threat from the West that seeks to destabilize Russia’s national security at any moment.
Control Risks - Emily Ferris

Canadian executives push Trudeau to join new US-free Trans-Pacific Partnership: BNN reports, more than a dozen top business leaders are telling Justin Trudeau it's time for Canada to immediately join the revamped Trans-Pacific Partnership that no longer includes the United States. An open letter to the prime minister from 18 chief executives comes after last month's decision by Canada to withhold support from what appeared to be a breakthrough agreement by the 11 remaining TPP countries to sign a newly-configured version of the Pacific Rim trade pact.

Globe and Mail: Ottawa to more than triple cannabis licenses to boost production

Trump is a gift to Trudeau. He makes Trudeau look good: Trump may be a blight on his country and a bane to civilized behavior, but for Trudeau, he could prove to be a considerable asset when the next election comes.
National Post - Kelly McParland

AMERICAN POLITICS

WSJ: GOP nears tax victory as bill passes in Senate

LAT: Congress prepares to deliver Trump's top legislative priority as Senate approves tax bill

The Senate passed the tax-overhaul bill, 51-48, putting Congress on the cusp of passing a $1.5 trillion tax cut and the largest structural overhaul of the tax system since 1986.

Trump hosting an all-cabinet meeting today at 11:30 am ET

The measure will return to the House for a final vote on this morning followed by a White House presser expected around 1:00 pm ET.

This is the best day of the Trump administration so far - he best enjoy this moment because 2018 is the year of the dog.

@CNBC: The big debate on Wall Street right now is whether to 'sell the news' on the tax cut rally

Every vote counts: A Democrat in Virginia defeated a Republican incumbent by a single vote — 11,608 to 11,607 — leaving the House of Delegates evenly split between the two parties.

8,500 firefighters = The number of firefighters who have battled the Thomas wildfire in Southern California — the largest mobilization to fight a wildfire in California's history. The effort has cost $130 million and forced 104,607 people to leave their homes.

ENTERPRISE

Detroit's Amazon HQ2 bid revealed: tax breaks, $120 million talent program, transit vision https://goo.gl/C4uENc

In the sales pitch to Amazon, a reimagined downtown Detroithttps://goo.gl/2pNDQg

Move here, move the world (video) https://goo.gl/xd2sM8

Microsoft's worldwide "advertising expense" for its fiscal year ending June 30 totaled $1.5 billion.

United Parcel Service said it is buying 125 Tesla all-electric semi-trucks.

Uber dealt a blow as EU court rules it is a transport firm: WSJ reports, Uber suffered a major defeat in its effort to overturn strict rules and licensing requirements in Europe, after the bloc’s highest court ruled the ride-hailing company should be regulated as a transportation service, rather than a digital service.

Uber is a taxi service, the ECJ says, in a major setback to the firm: NYT reports, the decision by the European Court of Justice found that Uber operates more like a transportation service than an online platform that matches passengers with drivers. It is likely to restrict the company from expanding services that allowed nonprofessional drivers to offer rides to clients.

TRENDS

Do’s and don’ts brand lessons from 2017: Pepsi, Ikea, Netflix, McDonald’s, Amazon’s Alexa, and others have served up hearty marketing tutorials throughout 2017. https://goo.gl/rjqAdq

QOTD: “You cannot buy attention. You have to earn it by being idea-first and not content-first.” --@ThamKhaiMeng, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide Chief Creative Officer

CULTURE

Paris’s colette, ‘trendiest store in the world’, bids adieu after 20 years: AFP reports, located on rue Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement (district), right in the beating heart of Paris, colette -- the brand's name deliberately spelled in lowercase -- became a “must-visit” for anyone seeking to put their finger on the Parisian trend-setting pulse. It drew crowds from all over the world, including celebrities like Rihanna, Pharrell and Zlatan, who came to experience its unique universe of blending fashion, street art, beauty products, jewelry and high-tech gadgets under the same roof, not to mention its famous water bar which contains some 80 different varieties of the blue stuff.

SPORT

The Lakers have retired both of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys — No. 8 and No. 24.