July 2025 - Page 19 of 55 - Usa Time Press

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

21 Jul

Could a tariff misstep by Trump spark market turmoil?

As talks regarding possible economic policy under a second Trump administration intensify, an issue once again emerges as highly relevant: tariffs. Although a degree of trade protectionism might attract certain groups of voters and complement wider political objectives, financial markets generally react sensitively to these actions. There seems to be a balance — an ideal level — for tariffs, past which investor confidence might decline and economic stability could be at risk.Donald Trump has persistently advocated for tariffs to adjust global trade and strengthen manufacturing in the United States. Throughout his initial term, his government enacted duties on imports valued…

Earth is spinning faster, leading timekeepers to consider an unprecedented move

21 Jul

Earth’s acceleration prompts timekeepers to consider never-before move

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

The planet’s natural rhythm is changing—and timekeepers around the world are watching closely. Earth is rotating faster than it used to, prompting scientists and international timekeeping authorities to consider an adjustment that has never been made before: subtracting a second from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).This potential step, known as a "negative leap second," would mark a first in human history. While leap seconds have been added to synchronize clocks with Earth’s slightly irregular rotation, the idea of taking one away introduces complex challenges to technology, communications, and global systems that rely on precise timing.For many years, measuring time has involved…

'It's a reference whenever you want to build tension': How Psycho's terrifying music changed film forever

21 Jul

“Why Psycho’s music is the go-to reference for building suspense in film”

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

In the history of cinema, few moments have been as instantly recognizable and profoundly influential as the high-pitched, stabbing violins that accompany the infamous shower scene in Psycho. Composed by Bernard Herrmann, this score didn’t merely serve as background music — it became an integral part of the psychological terror that gripped audiences and left an indelible mark on the way filmmakers approached suspense.Before Psycho, film scores often worked subtly, reinforcing mood or emotion without drawing attention to themselves. Herrmann’s approach was radically different. His use of shrill string instruments, stark rhythms, and minimal melodic variation broke conventions and redefined…

Meta is shelling out big bucks to get ahead in AI. Here’s who it’s hiring

21 Jul

Inside Meta’s big AI spending: The experts it’s hiring

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Meta is making a substantial push to secure its place in the competitive world of artificial intelligence, and a key part of that strategy involves aggressively expanding its talent pool. As the demand for cutting-edge AI capabilities intensifies across industries, Meta is investing heavily in acquiring top-tier researchers, developers, and engineers to strengthen its position.The organization, recognized for its wide-ranging network of social media platforms, intends to be a leading player in AI advancement. This goal has resulted in an extensive recruitment drive to attract individuals with extensive knowledge of large language models, machine learning systems, and the optimization of…

‘It was a nightmare’: Venezuelans deported from US describe conditions in Salvadoran prison

20 Jul

From US deportation to Salvadoran prison: Venezuelans tell their story

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

After being deported from the United States, a group of Venezuelan migrants ended up in what they describe as an extremely troubling and punitive environment within a Salvadoran detention facility. A journey intended to start anew in pursuit of safety and stability rapidly became a harrowing ordeal characterized by overcrowding, restricted access to essential resources, and apprehension.Many of these individuals had arrived in the United States hoping to escape the difficult social, political, and economic conditions in Venezuela. For them, deportation was already a significant emotional blow. However, the circumstances awaiting them in El Salvador compounded their sense of despair.Upon…

India beckons Western fashion brands — but their cultural missteps can be costly

20 Jul

Western fashion brands venture into India — but cultural pitfalls loom large

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends

As the worldwide fashion sector continues to grow its presence in new markets, India has increasingly emerged as a central interest for Western brands aiming to expand beyond already crowded regions. With its swiftly growing middle class, young population, and online connectivity, India offers substantial opportunities for businesses aiming to reach a consumer audience enthusiastic about fresh experiences and international styles. Yet, although the potential gains are significant, making a successful entry into India’s intricate cultural setting requires more than just an astute advertising strategy or a well-liked range of products—it necessitates awareness, flexibility, and a profound grasp of the…

Around 6,000 porn sites start checking ages in UK

20 Jul

UK mandates age checks for 6,000 porn sites

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

In a broad initiative to improve internet safety and guard minors, approximately 6,000 websites with adult content in the UK have started enforcing obligatory age-verification systems. This action represents one of the largest regulatory changes in the online adult industry, with the goal of guaranteeing that only individuals who are 18 years or older can view explicit content.According to recent laws, those who run adult websites are now required to implement strong age verification processes, such as confirming identification or utilizing approved third-party services. This mandate forms a component of a larger initiative by UK regulators aimed at reducing underage…

Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap, but little other progress in Istanbul talks

20 Jul

Russia and Ukraine finalize prisoner exchange, little headway made in Istanbul talks

Roger W. WatsonInternational

A fresh exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine has been completed, offering a rare sign of cooperation between the two nations despite the broader lack of progress in formal negotiations. While the release of detainees has been welcomed by both sides, the wider talks held in Istanbul remain largely stalled, with few signs of a significant diplomatic breakthrough.The exchange of prisoners represents one of the rare points of agreement between Moscow and Kyiv since the extensive conflict began. In this most recent swap, both nations returned multiple individuals who had been imprisoned. Such exchanges typically involve military members and…

Violence is flaring again on the Thai-Cambodian border. Why is it so contentious?

20 Jul

Violence flares up again on the Thai-Cambodian border: What makes it so contentious?

Roger W. WatsonInternational

Tensions have once again escalated along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, reviving a long history of conflict rooted in territorial claims, cultural heritage, and national pride. Though not new, the recent flare-ups are drawing attention to a region that has often served as a flashpoint in Southeast Asia, particularly near the area surrounding the historic Preah Vihear temple.The Thai-Cambodian border has long been a sensitive zone, with disputes simmering over decades. At the heart of many of these confrontations is a relatively small stretch of land near the ancient Khmer Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, which stands atop a…

Trade deal on US tariffs within reach, says EU, as 1 August deadline nears

20 Jul

Trade agreement on US tariffs within reach, EU states ahead of 1 August

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

As the calendar moves closer to August 1, high-level trade talks between the European Union and the United States appear to be making tangible progress. Officials on both sides have indicated that a potential agreement to resolve long-standing disputes over tariffs is within sight. The negotiations, which have spanned months, could finally yield a solution that would ease economic tensions and reset the tone of transatlantic trade relations.At the heart of the discussions is the pressing issue of tariffs imposed by the United States on a range of EU exports. These duties were initially introduced under previous trade policies that…