Neo-Noir Thriller that cuts close to home in 2019…
This weekend, Lionsgate and CBS Films will be releasing Strange But True, the Rowan Athale adaptation of John Searles’ 2004 bestselling coming-of-age thriller novel. Although Athale is but an up-and-coming director, his short filmography has merit and the film touts an impressive cast including Nick Ryan, Margaret Qualley, Amy Ryan, and Greg Kinnear amongst others. While Amy Ryan and Greg Kinnear are the film’s best known veteran actors at this point, each having an academy award nomination under their belts, it is the young Nick Ryan and Margaret Qualley who play the main characters, and thus will have to carry most of the story’s emotional weight.
Luckily, the two rising stars have already proven themselves as talented and recognizable through recent hit movies like “Love Simon” and “Jurassic World” for Ryan, and “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” for Qualley.
British Helmer Athale sets unique tone
The cast is promising, but what really makes “Strange But True” stand out is its cross-genre energy and unique tone. Like Searles’ source material, the trailer presents the film as a generic blend of horror, teen movie, and family drama. It suggests that fantastical elements such as Immaculate Conception and spiritual entities will play a role in the plot, but also grounded concepts such as rape and murder. At the same time, though, it all seems somewhat disguised in a teenage love story and a heartbreaking tale about loss.
Essentially, the complex plot seems to boil down to this: on prom night, a couple gets into a car accident and the boy dies; five years later, the girl shows up at the boy’s house; she is pregnant with what she claims is the boy’s child, and the family must dissect whether this is some miraculous truth or if there is a more disturbing form of deceit at hand.
Needless to say, “Strange But True” is not the kind of straightforward blockbuster narrative that will rake in hundreds of millions of dollars, but it is understandably not trying to be. With limited marketing and a shared release date with “IT: Chapter Two”, “Strange But True” comes across as completely aware of its indie status.
In a way, the film is a thriller, but unlike “IT” or other conventional horror flicks, it does not seem like “Strange But True” will rely on monsters or jump scares, but rather on mystery, psychological twists, and a touch of social commentary.
Perhaps call it a neo-noir picture, with a layered and labyrinth-like structure that keeps viewers and characters alike wondering what is real and what is fabricated. As evident from the title alone, truth vs. untruth will be one of the film’s major themes.
The tagline on the film’s promotional poster reads “some things are impossible to conceive” and in the trailer, the words “the only thing stranger than the mystery is the truth” flash across the screen before one of the characters’ voice overs asks, “if we knew the whole truth, would we be less afraid, or more?”
Whether intentional or not, given current trends in media and politics, the movie’s focus on truth verses lies may serve as some kind of latent social commentary. Thrillers and noir films have a long history of reflecting socio-cultural trends in America, and “Strange But True” may be an interesting addition to that pattern.
Rather than creating a blatant political drama, by using the power of suburbia and family mixed a hint of fantasy the film tells a story that is timely and subtly relevant in a quasi-political sense.
Of course, all of this is just speculation for now. After all, a good mystery movie can only give away so much from its marketing. Actually seeing the movie is the only way that viewers will really be able to tell what kind of message and story Strange But True is trying to relay.
But from where we currently stand, just on the brink of knowing the actual truth, it seems like that there will be many different ways to watch and interpret Strange But True, and hopefully each way will meet expectations and deliver for a film that certainly seems unconventional, but appealing nonetheless. Strange, but somehow… intriguing.
According to “a source knowledgeable about the probe” and quoted by Reuters and The Washington Post in stories today, more than 30 attorneys general will announce the investigation next week.
In response to the news Google issued the following statement:
“We continue to work constructively with regulators, including attorneys general, in answering questions about our business and the dynamic technology sector”
Google representative Jose Castaneda
The source also intimated that the probe would be focused “on the intersection of privacy and antitrust”, but did not give any further detail.
In July, the US Justice Department announced that it would begin a broad investigation into the possible anticompetitive practices of the largest technology companies. It has been considered likely that Google, Amazon, Facebook and possibly even Apple would be in the crosshairs.
The Federal Trade Commission, who are also responsible for the enforcement of antitrust violations, is looking into Amazon and Facebook and whether they have abused their dominance in online retail and social media, respectively.
Google, after having large fines levied against them in Europe in March for antitrust violations relating to online advertising, will now face the task of changing the outcome of similar accusations of misconduct in the US.
Amazon also has had difficulties coming out on top in European cases. Only yesterday in Paris, the Commercial Court handed down a verdict against the online giant, resulting in a 4 million euro fine and a demand that 7 key clauses in their agreement with “marketplace seller partners” be brought into compliance with French laws.
Meanwhile, Facebook is also under scrutiny as they are under investigation by the FTC for a potential breach of antitrust regulations. Similar to Google in the European case mentioned above, the probe into facebook involves its social media, digital advertising and mobile applications.
Graphic / Lynxotic / Adobe Stock
In a separate matter, Facebook is also under scrutiny by the European Commission in questions relating to its new Crypto Currency “Libra”. A more general inquiry into its possibly anticompetitive behaviors within the EU in also underway.
Overall, it appears likely that these various probes are only the beginning, as all of the massive tech companies mentioned are already the target of governments and politicians, particularly in the US and Europe.
In a peculiar twist, both Republicans and Democrats in the US seem to agree on at least one thing, that these companies are too big and too powerful and should be investigated at minimum and potentially targeted in antitrust actions for illegal behaviors.
The Trump Administration, AOC, Elizabeth Warren, even Joe Biden have come out in favor of breaking up big tech at the hands of the government, after serious violations of antitrust law have been established.
Most significant aspect is not the tiny fine, but the requirement that Amazon change it’s marketplace seller agreement on 7 of 11 practices that were deemed unfair
In a related development to our opinion piece published yesterday, the commercial court in Paris fined the giant US firm for clauses in it’s mandatory agreement for sellers that were found to be abusive and unfair.
In an exclusive story published (in French) by Next INpact the verdict was explained based on ongoing local coverage of the story.
In the article, which you can read in a google-generated translation provided below, it is noted that, similar to the US marketplace, in France approximately 60% of the income for Amazon’s online retail sales is generated by third-party sellers, using the Amazon Marketplace. Total sales are approximately 5 billion Euros per year.
Screen Shot of the Court Document (can be downloaded as PDF below
Of the 11 clauses that were scrutinized in the suit – 7 of them were deemed to be in violation of:
”Article L442-6 of the Commercial Code prohibits “to submit or attempt to subject a trading partner to obligations creating a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties”.
– Next Inpact reporting on the verdict in the commercial court of paris
Some examples of the offending clauses are summarized in the verdict, which will sound very familiar to US marketplace sellers:
“one of them allows Amazon to modify at any time, without notice, and in its absolute discretion the contract binding to sellers.
Result: either the seller resigns or he loses a significant share of turnover. A clause deemed “exorbitant of French law and contrary to all uses” concludes the decision.”
Nextinpact.com
“Another clause pinned, the one that allows Amazon to terminate a contract with immediate effect “for any reason and at any time by simple notification.
‘A contractual condition much too “general, discretionary and imprecise”, considers the court which notes the absence of notice and proportionality.”
“In the end, the court ruled that 7 of the 11 clauses pinned by Bercy were clearly unbalanced to the detriment of third-party sellers.“
nextinpact.com
With US anti-trust actions potentially moving forward at anytime, it is doubtful that this ruling, although representing little more than a “parking fine”, will be overlooked by prosecutors seeking to build a future case against the giant retailer.
As follows the full, rough, translation of the original article:
EXCLUSIVE.
The Paris Commercial Court sentenced Amazon to a fine of 4 million euros. The platform is also obliged to amend seven clauses under penalty. In question, the existence of a significant imbalance to the detriment of third-party sellers passing through this marketplace. Next INpact releases the judgment of 2 September 2019. In 2015 and 2016, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control launched several surveys of marketplaces accessible in France. The goal? Gauge this sector and update any anti-competitive or restrictive practices.
Three companies stand out, all related to Amazon: Amazon Payments Europe, Amazon Service Europe and Amazon France Services, respectively APE, ASE and AFS. In December 2017, Bercy revealed his procedure initiated before the Commercial Court in July 2017. The administration recalled the ban on restrictive practices. Article L442-6 of the Commercial Code prohibits “to submit or attempt to subject a trading partner to obligations creating a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties”.
It claimed for this purpose in particular a civil fine of 9.5 million euros. The importance of this amount is easily explained. The company generates in France a turnover of over 5 billion annually.
And more than the majority of sales (60%) are made by third-party sellers, those using its marketplace. During its investigation, the DGCCRF identified several clauses that constitute a significant imbalance. They relate to contracts linking third party vendors with Amazon.
The jurisdiction of the French courts
Over the 49 pages, only APE, which deals with the part “payment”, could finally be put out of cause, not the other two companies. In this respect, Amazon France Service has been considered as a commercial partner of ASE, associated in the development of marketplaces.
ASE has also tried another circumvention: to oppose to the court the clause that attributes jurisdiction to the Luxembourg courts, while ensuring that two thirds of its sellers would be installed abroad.
The blow of the sword touched the water: the provisions in question being police laws, they are not subject to contractual conditions.
A significant imbalance
In the body of the decision, three points were sought: the existence of an economic bid, obviously unbalanced contract clauses and finally a possible rebalancing for the benefit of sellers in the benefits of using this platform.
The criterion of the tender was retained without difficulty, by the combination of several ingredients. Vendors face non-negotiable clauses. Amazon enjoys an economic power without equivalent.
The site is even essential for small third-party sellers, boosted by the network effect (or snowball).
“Amazon is obviously one of the” superstars “of the Internet, which this network phenomenon explains the exponential growth.
11 clauses were identified by the Minister of the Economy in his procedure.
For example, one of them allows Amazon to modify at any time, without notice, and in its absolute discretion the contract binding to sellers. It is up to the seller to look for this information published in the conditions of the site.
Unhappy, he can still terminate the contract, “but then without having had time to find a substitute,” said the court.
Result: either the seller resigns or he loses a significant share of turnover. A clause deemed “exorbitant of French law and contrary to all uses” concludes the decision.
Amazon was unsuccessful in arguing that trading with 170,000 vendors was impossible in an automated process. What the court told him was that “the automated system, precisely because it is, would work just as well with notice.”
With a certain malice, he also recalls that billions of transactions are made every day and that Amazon is in perfect ability to send them a letter on the order, and another on the state of delivery.
discretionary clauses
Another clause pinned, the one that allows Amazon to terminate a contract with immediate effect “for any reason and at any time by simple notification.”
A contractual condition much too “general, discretionary and imprecise”, considers the court which notes the absence of notice and proportionality.
Similarly, Amazon offers the possibility of imposing limits on salespeople based on “performance factors” without explaining their scope and the consequences of non-compliance with the evaluation criteria.
Still in the same vein, the platform is sanctioned for having the freedom to prohibit or restrict access to the site “at its sole discretion”. According to Amazon, the idea is to fight against the sale of dangerous products.
Only problem, the consular judges have not found this clarification in the contract. Same fate for the part that authorizes ASE to refund a customer even in case of non-return of the product of the third-party seller.
An imbalance not compensated by the benefits removed
In a logic of “balance”, the court then examined whether the imbalance of most pinned clauses was not offset by a series of benefits for sellers:
consumer confidence for Amazon, tools sharpened to facilitate management commercial operations, in addition to the storage of products.
The judges mainly recalled that these different benefits are not offered, but have as counterpart “the level of the various commissions paid to ASE by the third vendors”.
And these different benefits also benefit ASE for its own products and attract more and more third party sellers.
“On the other hand,” he says, “some of the shortcomings, especially those relating to business performance indicators, are such as to allow Amazon Service Europe to use a stipulation to, after testing a new product on a market. launched by a third-party seller, favoring the sale of his own to determine that of the third-party seller after aligning his price “.
7 censored clauses, 4 million euros fine
In the end, the court ruled that 7 of the 11 clauses pinned by Bercy were clearly unbalanced to the detriment of third-party sellers.
Amazon will have to modify them. 3 will remain intact, and one has been modified during the procedure. Amazon will have to modify them within 6 months, on pain of 10,000 euros per day.
Rather than the 9.5 million euros defended by Bercy, the court has finally revised down the fine to 4 million euros, especially given the good faith of Amazon, and different “positive steps” since the opening of the procedure.
Note however that the DGCCRF had requested the parameters of the algorithm used, from the United States, to highlight the products in the “Buy Box” Amazon … In vain.
The court finally refused the publication on the grounds that the press release of Bercy dated December 18, 2017 had been very widely (disseminated) and that this judgment should suffer a similar fate.
Although it’s been quietly hovering in the shadows since WWDC in May, Apple TV+ is about to explode onto the scene very soon, it would appear. As can be seen in the various teasers we’ve assembled here – big, nay, huge names and stars are onboard.
What’s not so well known, is that there are many, many productions already in the pipeline, presumably to be released over the next year. How many? Already outlined in available information are over 30 original series or features that are at various stages of production.
Here are just a few headline titles:
Amazing Stories (Spielberg revisits classic series from his childhood)
The Morning Show (see above, all star cast: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carell and Billy Crudup)
See (directed by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2), production budget rumored at $15 million per episode)
Little America (topical series of human stories that feature immigrants)
Helpsters (An educational entertainment series aimed at pre-schoolers)
Little Voice (J.J. Abrams executive produced comedy/drama series)
Truth Be Told (10-episode series based on the bestselling book: Are You Sleeping: A Novel)
Servant (produced by M. Night Shyamalan, 10 episode drama series)
Dickinson (comedy series about the early life of Emily Dickinson)
The service will be available in over 100 countries world wide, and the production war chest is rumored to be upwards of Six Billion Dollars.
The size and scope of this “hobby” project, as Steve Job’s once called the Apple TV device, is far larger, from all indications, than the somewhat underwhelming reactions from the press would have one believe.
“There’s truth pumping through your veins and into the story that you’re telling”
– Jennifer Aniston
Although there has not been much noise or hoopla yet, there are many indications that this could be a sleeping giant. Not necessarily an overnight success, but a long grinding campaign that will eventually reach higher and further than anyone is imagining at present.
The Evolution of an Ecosystem, Decades in the Making
Sharing the “plus” with its smaller sister Apple News +, it looks like the plus designation will mark the first foundational bricks of a possible future media empire, while in hardware everything “pro” begins to emerge.
Current rumors indicate that a new “pro” model iPhone is imminent to go along with the already established iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, iMac Pro and newly updated Mac Pro.
It would stand to reason, therefore, that, in the very near future, the “gang of Pro” will meet up with the Plus sisters, and a new extended services based media, software expansion will unite with the upper echelon hardware empire, and, if successful, will reveal a truly balanced spectrum of offerings.
“A story should make you forget your surroundings, forget your agenda, your day and, hopefully, makes you forget yourself”
– Steven Spielberg
And for a company that invented desktop publishing, pushed digital music transmission and photography into the mainstream, not to mention, put the smart into smartphone, there is an unavoidable logic and symmetry that is emerging. As Apple increases its focus on service income, original entertainment and educational production a balance across all sectors begins to take shape.
Naturally, coming “late” on the heels of the extremely successful growth of Netflix Original productions, Amazon, HBO, Hulu and now Disney’s Streaming Service, many will say that Apple is behind the curve and not likely to dominate.
Now, it would be wrong to mention Nokia, Blackberry, or Steve Ballmer, and say that Apple is not a company that you’d be wise to underestimate, but, after all, coming “late” with a significantly better product is what Apple does best.
“Life often makes no sense. There is something about stories, that brings a sense of order and purpose to the world and allows us to live other lives than the life we’re living”
– J.J. Abrams
The hardware, software, media content production and distribution networks are, over a period of decades, evolving into the only ecosystem that has a benign, if not heroic purpose in it’s relationships with its user base as well as its professional partnerships.
Constant complaints that Apple earns too much money or somehow takes advantage of customers often have a hollow ring. When you look at the innovative accomplishments and world changing technology created, and compare that to empty, corrupt almost meaningless advertising empires such as FaceBook or Google, somehow it seems a different level of trust has been earned.
Yes, in a sense Apple is following the lead of other tech behemoths that have upended the Hollywood Power structure, but, at the same time, one gets the sense that the slow, deliberate moves can be traced all the way back to Steve Jobs, his days at Pixar and that, somehow, his superior vision guides the entire evolution, even the new “plus” wing, of the ecosystem to this very day.
In then end, the broad array of product and service offerings that Apple is building, now being expanded into the realm of not just entertainment and educational distribution (as iTunes has had in place since 2001), but also into the production and financing of original programming, marks the beginning of a more complete and potentially better functioning ecosystem.
Overall, this is extremely positive, not only for Apple’s financial health but, indeed, for the vast legion of Apple adherents around the globe.
New Trailer is a hit on YouTube and Twitter: Fans are Talking Oscars…
Joaquin Phoenix's performance in #JokerMovie is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. He fully commits to the role mentally and physically. Todd Phillips delivered a game-changing comic book film, and I cannot wait to see it again. #Jokerpic.twitter.com/cnrL9bsdR2
First, there was a Standing Ovation that clocked-in, reportedly, at over eight minutes. Now, tweets and reviews are gushing out with nothing but raves for the film, it’s director and star. It appears that the promise that could clearly be seen in the two trailers released so far (see above and below) has carried over, with a big bang, into the reaction to the full length film.
As one surveys the two trailers, so far released for the upcoming “Joker” origin-story from Warner Brothers, there is a sense that this is an epic not easily categorized within the Comic-Book movie genre.
Starring Joaquin Phoenix (Oscar nominee for “Walk the Line”, “The Master” and “Gladiator”), directed and co-written by Todd Phillips (“Borat” and “The Hangover Trilogy”) and with Robert De Niro (as TV host Murray Franklin), the focus on how Arthur Fleck becomes “Joker” screams a muted, uneasy tension, that’s oozing from every pixel revealed so far.
In “Joker”, Batman’s Gotham City is a cesspool of dirt and depravity where Arthur appears doomed to live and die encircled with nothing but depression and humiliation. Mentally Ill and mercilessly tortured by the “sane” members of society all around him, he finds some respite in his chosen career of clown-for-hire and hopeful comedian wannabe by night.
We are all Clowns, Echoes of Antifa and Guy Fawkes
The potential for the story to transcend the genre of Comic book heroes and villains is hinted at in the placard with the words “we are all clowns” scrawled on it, that can be seen in a flash, about halfway through the new trailer (above).
Followed by scenes showing mobs of clown-mask-wearing demonstrators / rioters (shades of anonymous, Guy Fawkes, Antifa and Hong Kong), there’s an implication that an anti-social movement is growing up around, and identifying with, the anger and twisted humor of the emerging “Joker” super-villain character.
Joker (2019)Reviews:
IGN: 10/10 Variety: 5/5 Hollywood Reporter (THR): 4.5/5 Empire Magazine: 10/10 Total Film Magazine: 10/10 Collider: 9/10 Forbes: 10/10 L.A Times: 4/5 Guardian: 5/5 Daily Telegraph (UK): 5/5#Joker#JokerMoviepic.twitter.com/YqWn2H1o4Z
The real life parallels in the fictional world of Gotham City and the way many could relate, after having suffered similar fates to those that produced the madness into which Arthur descends, are scary, already in previews, and could portend a film that is, not only horrifically entertaining, but thought provoking when seen in the shadows of current events and today’s zeitgeist.
In the wake of so many “uplifting” but heavily computer assisted films where Comic book superheroes battle cartoon villains (and each other) the emphasis on live action grit and human emotions and failings is, at first look, refreshing and terrifying (in an interesting way), an that seems to have hit a nerve with the general public, well before the first public screening of the film.
Once the reviews flood out this weekend, after the Venice Film Festival World Premiere, the question of, to what degree the full length feature will live up to the promise encapsulated in these first two trailers, will have at least a provisional answer.
There will be before Joker. And there will be after Joker. I don't know if the world is ready for this movie. Or maybe it is? It is GNARLY. It is crazy. It is audacious. It doesn't hold back. Wow. I can't believe it exists. But it does. And it's coming.
In the meantime we can just watch and re-watch these tender tidbits and prepare for October 4, 2019, when the film will see wide release across the USA.
New Trailer is a hit on YouTube and Fans are Talking Oscars…
First, there was a Standing Ovation that clocked-in, reportedly, at over eight minutes. Now, critics at the Venice Film Festival, where the world premiere took place last night, have had nothing but raves for the film, it’s director and star. It appears that the promise that could clearly be seen in the two trailers released so far (see above and below) has carried over, with a big bang, into the reaction to the full length film.
As one surveys the two trailers, so far released for the upcoming “Joker” origin-story from Warner Brothers, there is a sense that this is an epic not easily categorized within the Comic-Book movie genre.
Starring Joaquin Phoenix (Oscar nominee for “Walk the Line”, “The Master” and “Gladiator”), directed and co-written by Todd Phillips (“Borat” and “The Hangover Trilogy”) and with Robert De Niro (as TV host Murray Franklin), the focus on how Arthur Fleck becomes “Joker” screams a muted, uneasy tension, that’s oozing from every pixel revealed so far.
In “Joker”, Batman’s Gotham City is a cesspool of dirt and depravity where Arthur appears doomed to live and die encircled with nothing but depression and humiliation. Mentally Ill and mercilessly tortured by the “sane” members of society all around him, he finds some respite in his chosen career of clown-for-hire and hopeful comedian wannabe by night.
We are all Clowns, Echoes of Antifa and Guy Fawkes
The potential for the story to transcend the genre of Comic book heroes and villains is hinted at in the placard with the words “we are all clowns” scrawled on it, that can be seen in a flash, about halfway through the new trailer (above).
Followed by scenes showing mobs of clown-mask-wearing demonstrators / rioters (shades of anonymous, Guy Fawkes, Antifa and Hong Kong), there’s an implication that an anti-social movement is growing up around, and identifying with, the anger and twisted humor of the emerging “Joker” super-villain character.
The real life parallels in the fictional world of Gotham City and the way many could relate, after having suffered similar fates to those that produced the madness into which Arthur descends, are scary, already in previews, and could portend a film that is, not only horrifically entertaining, but thought provoking when seen in the shadows of current events and today’s zeitgeist.
In the wake of so many “uplifting” but heavily computer assisted films where Comic book superheroes battle cartoon villains (and each other) the emphasis on live action grit and human emotions and failings is, at first look, refreshing and terrifying (in an interesting way), an that seems to have hit a nerve with the general public, well before the first public screening of the film.
Once the reviews flood out this weekend, after the Venice Film Festival World Premiere, the question of, to what degree the full length feature will live up to the promise encapsulated in these first two trailers, will have at least a provisional answer.
In the meantime we can just watch and re-watch these tender tidbits and prepare for October 4, 2019, when the film will see wide release across the USA.
In this, the Ninth Article in a Series Featuring all the Winners, See Photos of the Top Three Awards for the Categories: People and Sunset
People and Sunsets. Two of the most loved categories for snatching photos while traveling or just in the neighborhood. Once again some incredible moments caught with humor and humanity and an eye for the aesthetic.
The top photos in these two categories are clearly extreme examples of being in the right place at the right time. But don’t overlook the “honorable mentions” either. The two mosaic galleries below show how high the competitive artistry was and how difficult it must have been to choose.
Established in 2007, IPPAWARDS have featured the worlds best iPhone photographers and photos since the iPhone’s inception. The deadline to enter the next years program is March 2020, so, use these great images as inspiration to take your best shot. Who knows, it might be you taking the Grand Prize in 2020!
First Place Winner, People : Wei Xiong
First place People photo shot in China on an iPhone X by Wei Xiong – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Wei Xiong – IPPAWARDS
”A mobile phone photographer from Huangpi district, Wuhan, China. Although Huangpi is a small town, it is the sky city of him. He lives, works and takes photos with his mobile phone here, to keep memory, time, ordinary life and simple happiness forever.”
Second Place, Children : Christine L. Mace
Second place People photo shot in Cuba on an iPhone SE by Christine L. Mace – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Christine L. Mace – IPPAWARDS
”Christine L. Mace is a New York City based artist, who has worked in fashion, film and graphic design. She received an undergraduate degree in Fashion Marketing and a MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons The New School for Design. Mace’s photography has appeared in many publications. Recently, her work was a part of the Furies, Fairies, Visionaries exhibition curated by Alice Gray Stites at Pen + Brush gallery in New York City.”
”Dominoes in Havana was captured at the Solar de Aguilar in Havana, Cuba. The building is a mere memory of what it once was, from the wrought iron curving around the grand stair case at the entrance of the building to the non-functioning fountain in the courtyard. Six families occupy the Solar de Aguilar and every afternoon the residents gather in front of the grand staircase to play dominoes. On this particular afternoon, I captured these four neighbors engaged in a friendly game.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: People
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”24″]
Third Place, People : Valeria Cammareri
Third place People photo shot in Lake Maggiore, Italy, on an iPhone X by Valeria Cammareri – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Valeria Cammareri – IPPAWARDS
”I am Italian, born in Sicily , South of the Country, and raised in the North, in a little town on the Lake Maggiore where my parents still live. I currently live in Milan where I work as a pediatrician. I didn’t cultivate any particular interest for photography until 2012, when I bought my first iPhone . Since then I have been using it to write the visual diary of my daily emotions.”
”I live in Milan and during the weekend I often go back to the lake to spend time with my parents. One of my favorite things to do is to take the ferry boat across the lake with no definite destination. I spend hours going back and forth with the sole purpose of observing passengers. People look capivated by the beauty of the landscape. In one of these solitary journeys of mine I focused on this man, as he reminded me of my father’s fragility.”
First Place, Sunset : Sreekumar Krishnan
First place Sunset photo shot in Bangalore, India, on an iPhone 6S by Sreekumar Krishnan – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Sreekumar Krishnan – IPPAWARDS
”Sreekumar Krishnan is an award winning professional photographer and teacher of photography based in Bangalore, India. His work Indian Sunshine was digitally displayed at the Louvre in France and National Geographic featured his photograph, “the mystical birds of Bharatpur” as Shot of the day. His works have also been displayed at various art galleries in Bangalore. When he is not shooting, he teaches meditation.”
”The evening sky marred by some solitary clouds provided a perfect backdrop to this shot. This is the statue of Lord Ram, Hindu God, shot in the outskirts of Bangalore just before sunset.”
Second Place, Sunset : Shirley Xu
Second place Sunset photo shot in the Baltic Sea on an iPhone 6 by Shirley Xu – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Shirley Xu – IPPAWARDS
”I am a professional photographer and photography teacher. Last year was my gap year, I left my job as an editor for a website and went to Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Spain, The Czech Republic, Egypt and India. During this trip, I saw many beautiful views and took lots of photos, I also very lucky to see the northern lights many times.”
”While floating on the ice breaker I saw this marvelous sunset on the Baltic Sea.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Sunset
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”25″]
Third Place, Sunset : Chuangcheng Jin
Third place Sunset photo shot in Shantou, Guangdong, on an iPhone 6 by Chuangcheng Jin – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Chuangcheng Jin – IPPAWARDS
”I’ve been passionate about mobile photography since 2014. My interest in photography brings me a lot of inspiration. I like to record the enthusiastic and moving parts of life by taking photos so that they can tell the stories of life.”
”This was taken by the river in my hometown of Shantou, China. The sunset passed through the leaves and reflected on the river, like a painting.”
New Trailer is a hit on YouTube and Fans are Talking Oscars…
As one surveys the two trailers so far released for the upcoming “Joker” origin story from Warner Brothers, there is a sense that this is an epic not easily categorized within the Comic-Book movie genre. Starring Joaquin Phoenix (Oscar nominee for “Walk the Line”, “The Master” and “Gladiator”) and directed and co-written by Todd Phillips (“Borat” and “The Hangover Trilogy”) with Robert De Niro, the focus on how Arthur Fleck becomes “Joker” screams a muted, uneasy tension, that’s oozing from every pixel revealed so far.
In “Joker”, Batman’s Gotham City is a cesspool of dirt and depravity where Arthur appears doomed to live and die encircled with nothing but depression and humiliation. Mentally Ill and mercilessly tortured by the “sane” members of society all around him, he finds some respite in his chosen career of clown-for-hire and hopeful comedian wannabe by night.
We are all Clowns, Echoes of Antifa and Guy Fawkes
The potential for the story to transcend the genre of Comic book heroes and villains is hinted at in the placard with the words “we are all clowns” scrawled on it, that can be seen in a flash, about halfway through the new trailer (above).
Followed by scenes showing mobs of clown-mask-wearing demonstrators / rioters (shades of anonymous, Guy Fawkes, Antifa and Hong Kong), there’s an implication that an anti-social movement is growing up around, and identifying with, the anger and twisted humor of the emerging “Joker” super-villain character.
The real life parallels in the fictional world of Gotham City and the way many could relate, after having suffered similar fates to those that produced the madness into which Arthur descends, are scary, already in previews, and could portend a film that is, not only horrifically entertaining, but thought provoking when seen in the shadows of current events and today’s zeitgeist.
In the wake of so many “uplifting” but heavily computer assisted films where Comic book superheroes battle cartoon villains (and each other) the emphasis on live action grit and human emotions and failings is, at first look, refreshing and terrifying (in an interesting way), an that seems to have hit a nerve with the general public, well before the first public screening of the film.
Once the reviews flood out this weekend, after the Venice Film Festival World Premiere, the question of, to what degree the full length feature will live up to the promise encapsulated in these first two trailers, will have at least a provisional answer.
In the meantime we can just watch and re-watch these tender tidbits and prepare for October 4, 2019, when the film will see wide release across the USA.
In this, the Eighth Article in a Series Featuring all the Winners, See Photos of the Top Three Awards for the Categories: Still Life and Travel
Creativity comes in all forms at all times. Having a camera in your pocket and being able to follow the flow of your mood can bring unexpected results. Sometimes even brilliant unexpected results. In the Still life and Travel categories there are some results that are truly fortuitous, even surprising.
Don’t overlook the “honorable mentions” either. The two mosaic galleries below show how high the competitive artistry was and how difficult it must have been to choose.
Established in 2007, IPPAWARDS have featured the worlds best iPhone photographers and photos since the iPhone’s inception. The deadline to enter the next years program is March 2020, so, use these great images as inspiration to take your best shot. Who knows, it might be you taking the Grand Prize in 2020!
First Place Winner, Still Life : Clarita Phiri Beierdoerffer
First place Still Life photo shot in Germany on an iPhone SE by Clarita Phiri Beierdoerffer – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Clarita Phiri Beierdoerffer – IPPAWARDS
”Clarita – Maria Phiri – Beierdoerffer, is a Zambia born photographer whose style centers on identity, bravery and emotional exploration. In her photography, Clarita works to reveal her identity and being seen simply as one is, or is not. Her abstract work often includes solitary figures and objects, magnifying her journey of exploration and soul searching.”
”This photo is one of a series where I wanted to document moments where I felt particular emotions and I took a picture whether I felt like it or not.”
Second Place, Still Life : Daniel Kafalas
Second place Still Life photo shot in Manhattan, New York, on an iPhone X by Daniel Kafalas – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Daniel Kafalas – IPPAWARDS
”Coming from an advertising background, I am inspired by the creative New York City life that moves around me. Aways trying to capture the scene that is unseen.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Still Life
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”22″]
Third Place, Still Life : Elena Bolshakova
Third place Still Life photo shot in Russia on an iPhone SE by Elena Bolshakova – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Elena Bolshakova – IPPAWARDS
”For me photography is the magic of the process, thus it requires full emotional dive into the object, be it landscape or fork on the table. I’m inspired by extraordinary things that extend the frontier of the consciousness and create enormous amount of different meanings. It is very exciting to look around for such things in our daily routine, to hunt them, to expose them to light, and through photography to put your own emotions into them.”
”This is part of the “Theater of Dissapearance” exhibition by Adrián Villar Rojas in NYC MoMA. The surreal nature of the exhibit was very inspiring. I spent a long time walking around the exhibit carefully observing details of each sculpture, trying to imagine what it would be like living in their characters. The sun was projecting hard shadows on the sculpture of banquet tables making various items that were placed on tables to appear simple and complete. I wanted to keep this moment in my memory for a long time.”
First Place, Travel : Liu Bo
First place Travel photo shot in Da Nang, Vietnam, on an iPhone 8 Plus by Liu Bo – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Liu Bo – IPPAWARDS
”I started my career as a freelance photographer after my half year of travel with my iPhone. I like to observe this world and when I have something to say deep in my heart photography is the only way. It’s easy to catch those moments in my life with a small mobile in hand. I hope that my pictures let people feel what I feel when I press the shutter.”
”It was a cloudy day. I noticed a man with a small boat floating up and down in the sea when I was walking on the beach. Something occurred to me in that moment, I thought, I want to get closer so I walked in until salty seawater flooded my chest. The man, the boat, and me. I felt a connection in that moment, people are so small between heaven and earth.”
Second Place, Travel : James Cowlin
Second place Travel photo shot in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on an iPhone XS Max by James Cowlin – IPPAWARDS
Photo of James Cowlin – IPPAWARDS
”James Cowlin is a professional photographer specializing in landscape, nature and travel photography. He has traveled extensively in the western United States capturing images of the natural world ranging from broad panoramics to intimate close-ups. His current project is documenting US Route 89 from Canada to Mexico featuring seven of America’s most beautiful National Parks. He has been using an iPhone for several years as a vital tool in his photography practice.”
”The photograph was taken at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley National Park. A bus load of tourist had just arrived and people were walking out into the dunes. The bright light of midday accented the dunes and the colorful clothes of the tourists.”
Third place Travel photo shot in Lake Cartagena, Colombia, on an iPhone 7 Plus by Alfonso Ordosgoitia – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Alfonso Ordosgoitia – IPPAWARDS
”Alfonso Ordosgoitia is a New York-based / Colombian born artist and the founder of Goitia Studio, a multi-media art laboratory. Exploring different creative platforms – Photography, Music, and Video being its main focus – Ordosgoitia has developed a strong artistic identity that has led him to his most extensive and autobiographical project: Embodiment – an immersive body of work about time, space and energy.”
”In this photo that I took in Cartagena – Colombia, I was exploring the contrast between the colonial architecture of the city, next to a “Palanquera” : a Colombian touristic symbol that represents the group of runaway African slaves, now known for selling fruits on the streets with colorful dresses – A “costume” that disguises the episodes of slavery caused by the Spanish colonization.”
Adroitly Handled Feel-Good Plot Showcases Jillian Bell and Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Dramedy Talents…
Have you ever seen a movie where the plot seems telegraphed by the title and yet, somehow, you still want to see how the twists and turns of the story get you there? And once you are in the mix and anticipating the somewhat obvious outcome, you find yourself thoroughly enjoying the journey?
That, in a nutshell is what Director Paul Downs Colaizzo, Jillian Bell (Brittany) along with cast and crew have achieved in “Brittany Runs A Marathon”.
The milieu is believable and the characters, based on “Brittanys” real life story as seen through the eyes of her then real-life roommate (Paul Downs Colaizzo), have an effortless familiarity, and that is all mixed with impeccable comic timing from veteran, Bell.
Not to say that this is all laughs and farce. There are real dramatic moments, adroitly handled by the Director and his lead actor.
As with many New York based productions, the city also factors in as a character in the dramedy. The final act is, indeed, the moment when Brittany does attempt the run her NYC marathon. Again, although telegraphed and known as the clear destination for the story, it is nevertheless suspenseful and emotional once the audience has lived the journey with Brittany in order to get to the climax.
The Amazon funded project (let’s not hold that against them) won the Audience Award, (US Dramatic) at Sundance and appears to likely to do respectably at the box office with a tiered US roll out – on the two coasts starting August 23, 2019, and then nationwide by September 13th.
In this, the Seventh Article in a Series Featuring all the Winners, See Photos of the Top Three Awards for the Categories: Trees and Lifestyle –
With photo submissions from over 140 countries around the world it is no surprise that some amazing shots were captured in incredible locations. – Bayan Ulgi, Mongolia, for example – The authenticity of the subject matter is on clear display and there is something about the light…
Naturally, unbelievable photos can happen anywhere, anytime, which is the beauty of having a camera that is always with you. Don’t overlook the “honorable mentions” either. The two mosaic galleries below show how high the competitive artistry was and how difficult it must have been to choose.
Established in 2007, IPPAWARDS have featured the worlds best iPhone photographers and photos since the iPhone’s inception. The deadline to enter the next years program is March 2020, so, use these great images as inspiration to take your best shot. Who knows, it might be you taking the Grand Prize in 2020!
First Place Winner, Trees : Christian Helwig
First place Trees photo shot in Rügen, Baltic Sea, on an iPhone 6S by Christian Helwig – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Christian Helwig – IPPAWARDS
”My name is Christian Helwig, I am 51 years old, I was born in Hamburg, Germany. Living in Berlin, Germany, married, father of two. I am working as a technical consultant in the banking sector. I’ve been taking pictures since I was 16 years old, having used only SLR until my first iPhone, the 4s. I always liked the easiness, the handling, the always-with-me in the iPhone.”
”This was taken on the island of Rügen, which is a german island in the Baltic Sea. The spot where I took the picture is on the northernmost coast of the island, close to the little village Schwarbe. There was a strong wind from the sea behind me with some snow, and the wind and the flakes produced this kind of “shadow” on the “lee” of the trees. Everything was very black and white, except the smaller bushlike trees in the back that were a little brown.”
Second Place, Trees : Neil Bennett
Second place Trees photo shot in Puglia, Italy, on an iPhone X by Neil Bennett – IPPAWARDS
”Neil Bennett is a professional photographer and picture editor living in Sydney, Australia. He is from the UK originally and has worked in newspapers for 30 years on assignments or managing photographers – his career has taken him all over the world to New York, Ethiopia, Washington, Australia and Europe.”
”An early morning walk as the late summer fog weaves it way through old olive trees in Puglia, Italy. As the sun rose I went for a walk through the olive grove, hunting for an early morning coffee in the photographer’s golden hour.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Trees
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”20″]
Third Place, Trees : Zhang Xiaojun
Third place Trees photo shot in Songyang, China, on an iPhone 7 Plus by Zhang Xiaojun – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Zhang Xiaojun – IPPAWARDS
”I am a travel planner and mobile phone photographer in Shanghai. I like to photograph the relationship between people and nature, and architecture and people during my travels. I think the best camera is your eyes.”
”It was a forest around an old village. In the morning magical plants crept out of the earth, the sky got brighter and brighter, the green leaves were a little transparent and a new ray of sunlight was pouring into all the gaps.”
First Place, Lifestyle : Biao Peng
First place Lifestyle photo shot in Wuban, Hubei, China, on an iPhone 6S by Biao Peng – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Biao Peng – IPPAWARDS
”Biao Peng is a graphic designer from Hubei Province, China, graduated from Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, like write poems and photography.”
”A man fishing by the lake, it feels like it came out of the movie called “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and I wrote a poem at the time：半山融水雾，深树隐渔翁。君钓江中鲤，吾观落日红。”
Second Place, Lifestyle : Lenny Yueng
Second place Lifestyle photo shot in Hongkou, Shanghai, on an iPhone 7 by Lenny Yueng
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Lifestyle
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”21″]
Third Place, Lifestyle : Hleb Drazdou
Third place Lifestyle photo shot in Lake Bobruysk, Belarus, on an iPhone X by Hleb Drazdou – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Hleb Drazdou – IPPAWARDS
”I’m a instablogger from Minsk, Belarus and amateur photographer. I love to show our post-soviet reality at it’s best. In my blog, I tell about my life here in text and photos.”
”This is the former room of my grandfather in my grandparents’ house in Bobruysk, Belarus. Now he is dead and my grandmother has decorated it in his memory in a typical old soviet rural style which used to be chic and gorgeous when she was a child in the poor countryside after WWII. Nowadays we don’t have such interiors in our houses, and it is a kind of museum of those times: all those covered pillows, the abundance of carpets (on the walls as well), austere, neat and tidy.”
In this, the Sixth Article in a Series Featuring all the Winners, See Photos of the Top Three Awards for the Categories: News / Events and Floral
Once again, these photos show the dynamic advantages of a small, light, powerful camera in your pocket. Particularly for News / Events where “right time / right place” is essential, but even floral involves a process where unique and natural occurrences must be seen, and captured, at a precise time and place. And you don’t have to wait for the “iPhone 14xs” to produce high quality images, in fact, some of the winners used an iPhone 6s, such as Lianyu Lu, or 7, like Silveira, not necessarily iPhone 8 or XS Max.
In all the winning photos, in every category, it is the emotion and the beauty that has the power to transport the viewer into another world. Don’t overlook the “honorable mentions” either. The two mosaic galleries below show how high the competitive artistry was and how difficult it must have been to choose.
Established in 2007, IPPAWARDS have featured the worlds best iPhone photographers and photos since the iPhone’s inception. The deadline to enter the next years program is March 2020, so, use these great images as inspiration to take your best shot. Who knows, it might be you taking the Grand Prize in 2020!
First Place Winner, News/Events : Lianyu Lu
First place News/Events photo shot in Meizhou, China, on an iPhone 6S by Lianyu Lu – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Lianyu Lu – IPPAWARDS
”Lianyu Lu is a mobile phone photographer, videographer and colorist who prefers to use a mobile phone to record interesting moments in daily life.”
”This photo was taken at the Lantern Festival in Buzhai Town. It is the tradition of this small southern town to hold a dragon dance performance for Lantern Festival that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It is a spectacular scene with the fire dragon being lifted by more than 30 adults while it dances and fireworks are set off from its body. Thousands of people came to watch the event and to pray for their family to be safe and healthy for the New Year.”
Second place News/Events photo shot in Aleppo, Syria, on an iPhone X by Yanan Li – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Yanan Li – IPPAWARDS
”This photo was taken in an abandoned house in Aleppo, Syria. In the Syrian civil war, almost the entire city of Aleppo became a ruin of war and there was hardly a building left intact. In January 2018, I walked into many rooms in the ruins. I found that lives were abruptly stopped by the war, and many rooms still retained the pre-war look.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: News/Events
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”18″]
Third Place, News/Events : Gabriel Ribeiro
Third place News/Events photo shot in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, on an iPhone 8 by Gabriel Ribeiro – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Gabriel Ribeiro – IPPAWARDS
”Gabriel Ribeiro is a photographer and videomaker in Campo Grande, MS. His main interest in photography is to record ephemeral moments that, by virtue of chance, happen daily.”
I photographed this wedding with my father in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. During the religious ceremony, each person kneels to hold a prayer with all present for the purpose of blessing the wedding.
First Place, Floral : Dan Liu
First place Floral photo shot in Joshua Tree National Park, California, on an iPhone XS Max by Dan Liu – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Dan Liu – IPPAWARDS
”Dan Liu, a professional photographer living in China. I have been traveling around the world to more than 40 countries to conduct humanities and landscape photography projects, in which I focus on exploring and recording the independent features of different social and natural groups, as well as the relationship between them.”
”In Joshua Tree National Park in the United States, there is a valley called the Cholla Cactus Garden which is covered by a large number of Teddy-Bear Chollas. This species of Cholla grows freely under the scorching sun, unafraid of the heat and dryness.”
Second Place, Floral : Ted Silveira
Second place Floral photo shot in Santa Cruz, California, on an iPhone 7 by Ted Silveira – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Ted Silveira – IPPAWARDS
”Ted Silveira started in film photography (rangefinder), moved to digital photography (mirrorless), and is now an enthusiastically unprofessional mobile photographer. Less gear, more photos, more fun.”
”I’ve taken quite a few photos of this agave plant, which is tucked away in the corner of a courtyard in downtown Santa Cruz, and every time I walk by it, I take another. The close-up view, especially in black & white, seems to draw out a part of the agave’s beauty that’s easy to miss in real life when it’s surrounded by flowers and sidewalks and benches.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Floral
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”19″]
Third Place, Floral : Guoxi Chen
Third place Floral photo shot in Shenzhen, China, on an iPhone X by Chuangcheng Jin – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Chuangcheng Jin – IPPAWARDS
”I’ve been passionate about mobile photography since 2014. My interest in photography brings me a lot of inspiration. I like to record the enthusiastic and moving parts of life by taking photos so that they can tell the stories of life.”
”During a trip to Shenzhen, China I was captivated by these volcanic rock steps hidden in a secluded corner, embraced by strikingly red flowers on both sides.”
Uber and Uber Eats added to Daily Cash at 3%, more vendors expected soon…
As with most things financial, there are lots of details, but some interesting perks, particularly for frequent customers of Apple products.
Immediate sign up on your iPhone
First perk: no lengthily complicated application process. According to the pre-launch information (see video above), just go to the Wallet app and tap on the Apple Card interface (once the Card is live) and go through the simple activation steps.
Once the sign up steps are complete, you can immediately start using the card as you would Apple Pay.
Small but expected caveat: For non-Apple Pay purchases in a traditional store setting you will need to wait until your physical card arrives in the mail. Also, although a pre-approved status will often be in place, availability is still subject to qualification, like any credit card.
Using the Card
The card will function as would any other card in your wallet for Apple Pay. This includes online purchases and in-store checkout where you normally would use Apple Pay.
You can designate the Apple Card as your default payment method in your wallet for purchases using your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.
The extended uses for the digital and physical version of the card are enabled through the partnership between MasterCard and Apple. You will be able to use the Apple Card anywhere that a MasterCard is accepted.
Goldman Sachs is the credit provider for your Apple Card and they will set your interest rate based, as would be expected, on your current credit score. Rates are projected to be in the range of 13.24% to 24.24% which is below the average in the US.
An extended fixed payment system is likely to be offered for large purchases according to the pre-release data.
There are many unconventional and improved aspects to the use and especially the user experience associated with the new card. In the keynote announcement earlier this year (see video above) a great emphasis was made on the ways that the project was focused on improving the experience and helping users attain a healthier financial lifestyle.
This includes various features designed to help reduce interest charges, not only by offering lower overall rates, but by giving the user options and calculations that can provide payment alternatives to the traditional “minimum monthly” payment currently the norm.
Payments can be made from your linked bank account or can be transferred from Apple Cash in your Wallet app.
There is no annual fee for the card, no international fees and no fee for exceeding your credit limit or making a late payment. Also, there is not increased interest rate penalty, per se, for late payment, which is common in some other credit card accounts. Late payment will, naturally, result in interest accrual, but based on your current rate.
There is an separate app, particularly useful on iPad, which does not have the Wallet app, where data on transactions, payments and other details are provided. This, in typical Apple style, is far superior to any credit card app interface from banks and lenders.
Rewards and “Daily Cash”
Rather than a points system commonly seen on traditional credit card accounts, the Apple Card has a cash back system which can kick back up to 3% on a daily basis.
They call this “Daily Cash” and, as the name implies, your rebated cash will be credited to your account every 24 hours and be directly transferred to your Apple Cash account. If you do not sign up for Apple Cash, you will get your rebates sent to your bank account monthly.
Percentages vary, 3% is for all purchases made directly from Apple, 2% for all Apple Pay transactions and 1% for using the physical card at any non-Apple Pay retailer.
There is no cost to transfer your rewards cash to your bank account and this can take from one to three days. There will be an option to get instant transfers, which will incur a 1% fee. The transfers are done through the Apple Cash card from the Wallet app to the linked bank account.
Best Features and Conclusion
The overall sense is that this is going to be a very popular offering, based on the positive attributes of the card and the deal.
Although the terms are clearly slanted towards encouraging financial activity benefiting the emerging Apple financial eco-system, with the reward percentage on direct Apple purchases and Apple Pay coming in higher than the “out of network” transactions made with the physical card only, the rest of the perks are more than enough to pique the interest of a great number of iPhone users.
The titanium card appearance, styling and feel will attract many for that reason alone. Quel chic! And it is likely that the card will cause an increase in Apple Pay transactions, with double cash back for pulling out your iPhone instead of the physical card.
Ultimately, the software tools enabling privacy – no data to Apple and Goldman Sachs promising never to use or sell your data – along with the fantastic tools for tracking transactions, spend, payments and interest are perhaps the most likely to create love.
Who doesn’t hate dealing with credit card companies and their antiquated interfaces and systems? Some credit card providers do not even allow automatic payment scheduling, apparently hoping you will pay late so they can rack up those late payment penalty fees. Doing away with even the worst, most evil, aspects of credit card accounts is already a huge step forward.
Let’s hope that Apple will manage this as well as it appears. It looks like a top flight offering that has plenty of advantages that make it head and shoulders above the pack, and, for iPhone users it seems like a “must have” if there ever was one.
Easy sign-up on iPhone
Accepted worldwide (wherever Mastercard is available)
Up to 3% cash back
Daily cash back
No fees
Engraved Titanium physical card with concealed numbers
“Emilia Clarke as Kate and Henry Golding playing Tom do, surprisingly, display chemistry, despite “Tom” playing the same dream-boat dashing Prince Charming as he dutifully smiled through in “Crazy Rich Asians”…
Two things stand out from the trailer; London is a really, really romantic backdrop for a Christmas love story, and Emilia Clarke has loads of charisma playing an elf, a princess, pretty much anything one can think of, apparently.
Adding George Michael songs, paired with the London mise en scène, is a sort of emotion pulling machine, even before the adorable elf and the dashing prince begin to mesh.
Directed by Paul Feig and written by playwright Bryony Kimmings and Academy Award Winner Emma Thompson, this is, as long as you are open to a straight up romantic comedy, with emphasis on romantic, and ready to re-live whatever 80s memories George Michael songs will conjure up, a perfect holiday film in a tradition that goes way back. Perhaps all the way back
Congratulations to Emilia Clarke for moving on to a role beyond dragons so soon, and for her performance that appears to show her wit, humor and humanity.
Photo / Universal
The trailer hints at a darker side, deeper romance, just a straght ahead love story…or?
Based on the trailer (see above) there are definitely funny moments in the film, and, yes, an “opposites-attract” chemistry is evident, but what people are wondering, in response to a view of the first trailer, is if that is enough?
Shortly after the trailer appeared online a twitter guessing game erupted, on the question of the possible plot twists:
The LAST CHRISTMAS trailer definitely seems to hint at some kinda twist — so I broke down all the possible twists it could be: https://t.co/oEzzKA6DZR
— Matt Singer / mattsinger.bsky.social (@mattsinger) August 14, 2019
Many of us are already looking forward to this one. In theaters on November 8, 2019
Stocks decline a day after Trump gave the markets a jolt of optimism…
Truth is, no one knows why stocks bounce one day and collapse the next. Yesterday, the reduction in trade war tensions, due to the postponement of a tariff increase, was credited with the surge in market prices.
Today, all major indices are down around 3%, while the VIX, known as the “fear index” spiked 20% higher, and there are plenty of factors that may have set the sell-off in motion:
This time, it’s the inversion of the yield curve that is given the blame, primarily, for the Dow Jones Industrial Average being down, at the end of Wednesday’s session, over 800 points. Asleep yet?
Don’t worry, this won’t take long:
The Mysterious Yield Curve, Deconstructed
When shorter dated bonds, bonds that “mature” sooner, have higher yields (pay a higher percentage in interest) than longer dated ones, that’s an inverted yield curve. Inverted, because, it is not “normal” to be paid more for taking less risk, that is to say, holding a bond for a shorter period of time. Also, it’s not logical.
Unless, in theory, people are seeing the near term risk as higher than the long term one. Which, honestly, may or may not be accurate, but perception is all and all.
And this is not the first inversion lately. For several months, since March, the 3-month yield rose above the 10-year, then again in July and has remained so. However, today it’s the 2-year vs. the 10-year, and it is considered the “main” pair, and that’s what got the ball rolling down hill.
Extremes are also a concern. For example, the 30-year Treasury yield dropped to it’s lowest rate ever at 2.05%.
And, to top it all off, the snowball begins to roll when the 2-year vs. 10-year curve inverts, particularly due to the history of what happens after this phenomena occurs.
The R word. Yes, recession. Not sometimes. Always. At least so far.
Not necessarily right away. The first inversion prior to the 2008 financial crisis was in December of 2005. However, according to the Fed Bank of Cleveland, a recession can generally be expected approximately one year after the yield curve inverts.
Trump Goes Berserk. Blames Fed Chairman and the “Crazy” Curve!
Does this guy sound worried?
..Spread is way too much as other countries say THANK YOU to clueless Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve. Germany, and many others, are playing the game! CRAZY INVERTED YIELD CURVE! We should easily be reaping big Rewards & Gains, but the Fed is holding us back. We will Win!
Germany and China Numbers and That Pesky Trade War that Tariff-man loves so much
Ok, that’s pretty much the bond story. Other factors weighing on stock prices? There’s that pesky trade war with China which, yesterday’s jubilation notwithstanding, is not over. Not by a long shot.
Then, in came the news that Germany’s GDP contracted for the first time in ten years. What has been called the “Golden Decade” for the mighty Teutonic economy, the world’s 4th largest, is now officially at an end.
This, again, ties back to the trade wars as Germany is an export driven economy and exports to the US and China, (who, as we know are locked in their battle over trade) primarily and mainly cars. Car sales, particularly in China, are very weak. In China the sales figure have gone down for the last 13 months.
Also in China, industrial production, it was announced, in July of 2019 was weaker than for the same month in 2018. Still a positive number, mind you, at 4.8%, but the lowest growth percentage in 17 years.
Other economic numbers for the Chinese economy, also announced today, were weak in many key segments. Retail sales were less than expected and unemployment is on the rise. All in all, a gloomy report for what has been the rising star on the world stage in terms of growth.
Plenty of Triggers, not many Rainbows
So, if we are looking for reasons why people in the stock markets, generally, might be in the mood to sell, we can point to these factors, not to mention political dangers in Asia with the ongoing Hong Kong protests, and tension.
Although sometimes people sell just to sell (often politely called “profit taking”) this appears to be something else.
Also, while it is too early to say that any positive effect will arise in trade talks, with the US and China both feeling weaker and therefore more accommodating, that is, at least one possible silver lining.
Another is that, for the first time in all recorded history of the bond market, the inversion might not lead to a recession, after all.
12 days ago, Trump announced that the remaining $300 billion in Chinese goods headed for the US would receive a 10% tariff, in addition to the $250 billion in other products already tagged with a 25% levy.
The reaction by the markets and the Chinese government was both swift and negative. In a move that was credited ( or blamed depending on your perspective) to the People’s Bank of China, for all practical purposes equivalent to the US Federal Reserve, the yuan was “allowed” to drop below the 7 to 1 rate against the dollar. Hitting the lowest point relative to the US currency since 2008.
The announcement was made today by the administration that the 10% hike, tentatively scheduled for September 1st, would be delayed until December 15th for some of the items on the list that were to have the tariffs applied. Those rescheduled include many important products for the holiday gift-giving season, including consumer electronics, computers and products such as Apple’s iPhone.
Speaking to a group of reporters on an airport tarmac around noon on Tuesday, Trump seemed to acknowledge something he previously had not, that the tariffs, which he appears to love so much, would harm companies and consumers in the US:
“We’re doing this for the Christmas season,”…“Just in case some of the tariffs would have an impact on U.S. customers.”
Donald Trump, August 13, 2019
He then backtracked, apparently attempting to clarify that he still believed, erroneously, that only China would be affected negatively:
“But so far they’ve had virtually none,” he continued. “But just in case they might have an impact on people, what we’ve done is we’ve delayed it, so that they won’t be relevant to the Christmas shopping season.”
The tweet with the original announcement from August 1st:
…buy agricultural product from the U.S. in large quantities, but did not do so. Additionally, my friend President Xi said that he would stop the sale of Fentanyl to the United States – this never happened, and many Americans continue to die! Trade talks are continuing, and…
This move, which amounts to a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree shift from his previous actions as the aggressor and instigator in the trade war so far, was unexpected and, in many quarters, welcome.
Whether China will see this as a conciliatory move or as a clear sign of weakness, by a man known to bluff with threats and then back-track almost on a daily basis, remains to be seen.
Economic problems are looming both here in the US and in Asia, as analysts have begun to talk of a recession, and fears of the trade war fallout have, according to market commentators, weighed on the markets and significantly increased volatility. There is widespread Fear of a repeat of the swoon from December 2018 when the market dropped, capping off what turned out to be the worst performance in a decade, ending the year down over 6%.
For companies like Apple, of course, the delay at least until December 15th is welcome news and that was reflected in the market today, with Apple and Best Buy both rebounding, up around 5% and 8%, respectively.
As many have pointed out, when Tariff-Man imposes a levy on Chinese goods coming into the US, it is virtually everyone except China that pays.
First of all, the actual tax, which is what a tariff is, will be collected from US importers as the goods enter the country. The taxes are paid at that time directly to the US customs.
The impact on China is not positive, however, and the higher prices that inevitably result from the tariffs, when ultimately passed on to the US consumer, cause a decrease in sales volumes, thereby hurting the producers in China directly.
Basically, in a nutshell, as in all previous trade wars, in the end, everybody loses. This is why, in a previous post, we stated that Trump was joining a “circular firing squad” with no hope of a positive outcome.
Since the impact on tariffs takes time to reach the US economy, it is right about now that the levies would create negative fallout for Tump, his campaign and his popularity (and lack thereof). Clearly, it is no coincidence that this retreat is happening now.
With a man in the White House that is known to vacillate, there is no easy way to ascertain if this retreat marks the beginning of a surrender phase for Trump. While the “it’s for Christmas” excuse can help him to save face in this moment, and seeing the stock market’s reaction is certain welcome for many, this war was Trump’s invention and it is unlikely that he will suddenly admit that he was in error for starting it in the first place.
The “American Carnage” that would have been seen in the economy and the stock market, had he gone through with his threats and even raised the 10% up to 25% is almost unfathomable, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief that, for now, an renewed escalation is somewhat less likely than it was yesterday.
A new 6k upgrade for the Pocket Cinema Camera line has been released by Blackmagic Design.
There’s been an explosion in the last year or so in the “prosumer” or semi-pro video production space. The Pocket Cinema 4K and now the upgraded 6k version appear to be aimed at this market.
Examples of a demo music video, a documentary film, an Indie faux film trailer as well as a mock fashion shoot (shown partially in video above) are available to view or download on the Blackmagic web site.
There is also an embedded video player which will play back at up to 4K and if you want to see the original 6k resolution you can load the clips or download.
Photo / Blackmagic
Honestly, with all due respect to the filmmakers hired to do these camera test videos, they almost certainly don’t do justice to what the camera is capable of. They do, however, show a very high quality and texture of what relatively average lighting conditions and subject matter will yield. In the hands of extreme talent the possibilities are intriguing indeed.
One odd feature of our current visual media environment is that camera tech, including the 4K 60fps that any high level iPhone can produce, far outstrips the “broadcast” opportunities, since even 4K phone footage will clog up any average download bandwidth in a heartbeat.
As mentioned above, this higher resolution source footage, as well as the depth of field possibilities and a higher caliber of lenses can all combine to produce magic under the right conditions. This quality will not be lost when seen in less than optimal conditions. And, of course down the road when 5g, Starlink, and all the rest, are the new normal, 4K to 6k to 8k will start to be something even end-viewers will be able to enjoy.
A one minute clip is nearly 7 Gigabytes (!) which gives some idea of how the 6k video is to handle in post production settings. However, even when seen at lower resolutions, online for instance in our video above, the 1080HD version does clearly benefit from the original source footage quality.
A Typical DSLR indoor shot with limited dynamic range (Photo / Blackmagic)An example of Pocket Cinema 6k with increased dynamic range in same setting (Photo / Blackmagic)
Some of the most practical advantages of the higher spec performance include a higher dynamic range (up to 13 stops according to Blackmagic) and cleaner low light performance, using the ultra sensitive sensor with it’s secondary high base ISO of 3200.
As makers of the highly popular DaVinci Resolve Studio 16 post production software, which is provided at no cost if you purchase the camera, the standard file formats and proprietary Blackmagic RAW will clearly assist grading and editing flexibility.
Remote camera control using the iPad app by Blackmagic or 3rd party compatible apps such as Bluetooth+ or tRigger is also available.
It will shoot at up to 50 fps at 6144 x 3456 Super 35. The Cinema 6k can also shoot still photos at 21.2 megapixels and, with anamorphic lenses it will allow true anamorphic 6:5 aspect at 60 fps with a 3624 x 3020 resolution. Or, if you like 120 fps in 1080HD.
The 6k S35 23.10mm x 12.99 and 6144 x 3456 resolution is the headline and the idea of a camera that adds a major increase in resolution, without jumping up to 8k, which would likely require a top of the line Mac Pro to even begin to manage in post, is a great idea and will perhaps spawn a new standard.
There are also many pro features included in the Pocket Cinema 6k package – input options such as: mini XLR, USB-C, full-sized HDMI, mic input, DC 12v and headphone output.
Weighing in at slightly under 2 lbs and using an EF mount the Cinema 6k is compatible with Canon EF lenses.
Available now and having a retail price of $2495 USD this is, for now, the prosumer dream machine.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Features
Use for independent films, documentaries, blogs and more.
Designed from carbon fiber polycarbonate composite.
Multifunction grip allows single hand operation.
2 models with 6K at 6144 x 3456 and 4K at 4096 x 2160.
Compatible with MFT or EF lens mounts.
Wide 13 stops of dynamic range for film looks.
Up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance.
Records full resolution up to 60 fps or 120 fps windowed.
Standard open file formats compatible with popular software.
Built in SD, UHS-II and CFast card recorders.
Features incredible quality Blackmagic RAW recording.
Built in 5″ touchscreen allows accurate focus when shooting 6K.
Blackmagic OS as used in URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras.
Includes Blackmagic Generation 4 Color Science.
Features full size HDMI for monitoring with status overlay.
Professional mini XLR input with 48 volt phantom power.
3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.
USB-C port allows recording directly to external disk.
Built in timecode generator for sync muli-camera shoots.
Supports still frame capture up to 21.2 megapixel.
Localized for 11 popular languages.
Supports remote camera control via Bluetooth.
Powers via 12V DC input and can recharge via USB-C.
Includes full DaVinci Resolve Studio for post production.
Pocket Cinema Camera 6k
Effective Sensor Size 23.10mm x 12.99mm (Super 35)
Lens Mount Active EF Mount
Lens Control Iris, focus and zoom on supported lenses.
Dynamic Range 13 stops
Dual Native ISO 400 and 3200
Shooting Resolutions 6144 x 3456 (6K) up to 50 fps
6144 x 2560 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
5744 x 3024 (5.7K 17:9) up to 60 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) up to 60 fps
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
3728 x 3104 (3.7K 6:5 anamorphic) up to 60 fps
2868 x 1512 (2.8K 17:9) up to 120 fps
1920 x 1080 (HD) up to 120 fps
Frame Rates Maximum sensor frame rate dependent on resolution and codec selected. Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported.
Off-speed frame rates up to 60 fps in 6K 2.4:1, 120 fps in 2.8K 17:9 and 1080HD.
Focus Autofocus available using compatible lenses.
In this, the Third Article in a Series Featuring all the Winners, See Photos of the Top Three Awards for the Categories: Architecture and Animals
Although the cameras built into iPhones have been improving, every year since 2007 when the first iPhone was released, what these collections of the best photos shot on iPhone each year show is how composition and choosing the moment stand out, much more than the technical achievements of the built in cameras themselves.
This installment, focusing on Architecture and Animals, displays perfect examples of those qualities. Mostly still-life such as architecture and elusive living subjects, such as animals, either way, it is the framing, composition and capturing the perfect angle with the perfect light that separates a great photo from a merely good one.
Naturally, unbelievable photos can happen anywhere, anytime, which is the beauty of having a camera that is always with you. Don’t overlook the “honorable mentions” either. The two mosaic galleries below show how high the competitive artistry was and how difficult it must have been to choose.
Established in 2007, IPPAWARDS have featured the worlds best iPhone photographers and photos since the iPhone’s inception. The deadline to enter the next years program is March 2020, so, use these great images as inspiration to take your best shot. Who knows, it might be you taking the Grand Prize in 2020!
First Place Winner, Architecture : Kuanglong Zhang
First place Architecture photo shot in Jaipur, India, on an iPhone X by Kuanglong Zhang – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Kuanglong Zhang – IPPWARDS
I am a professional photographer and photography teacher. I teach many people mobile phone photography skills in China so that everyone can feel the fun of mobile phone photography. ”
”Janta Manta Observatory is very sci-fi looking. I captured the flying pigeon with the building to give the photo a dynamic feeling.”
Second Place, Architecture : Sally Ann Field
Second place Architecture photo shot in Palm Springs, California, , on an iPhone X by Sally Ann Field – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Christian Horgan – IPPAWARDS
”Sally Ann Field is a commercial and fine art photographer who is influenced by human behavior and pop-culture. Sally is based in Hollywood, California, where she brings her art director’s eye to the viewfinder and the printed page.”
”I can’t get enough of the mid century modern architecture in Palm Springs, CA. This building is one of my favorites and I happened to be driving by mid day when the intense light, color and shadow caught my eye. The building does not have a bad angle, but for me it was the palm tree that made the composition complete.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Architecture
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”12″]
Third Place, Architecture : Shuo Chen
Third place Architecture photo shot in Xiamen City, Fujian, on an iPhone X by Shuo Chen – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Shuo Chen – IPPAWARDS
”After graduation from Victoria University of Wellington, I have become a professional photographer and designer from Xiamen, China. I’ m a contributor for many international photo agencies.”
This image was taken in the Xiamen, international shipping center. I was trying to create a futuristic battle scene of Star Wars (I’m a huge starwars fan). When a friend told me about this location, I thought it would be very good to shoot something like this with a lightsaber and two characters fighting. The lighting that afternoon was great, and we waited for the best natural light of the sun to light up the place.”
First Place, Animals : Diogo Lage
First place Animals photo shot in Porto, Portugal, on an iPhone SE by Diogo Lage – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Diogo Lage – IPPAWARDS
”My love for photography began years ago, with black and white film. Today I keep up that taste, including shooting the photos with the active black and white filter and only with rare exceptions do I revert to color. My background is in Art and Design where I always look for inspiration and references.”
”What made me take this photo was the unexpected balance of the composition that reinforces the sense of pride, place and charisma of this peacock. In this public garden, seeing these wild peacocks is one of the most exquisite experiences people can have, they are truly the lords of the garden.”
Second Place, Animals : Yoichi Sato
Second place Animals photo shot in Kisarazu, Japan, on an iPhone X by Yoichi Sato – IPPAWARDS
Image of Yoichi Sato – IPPAWARDS
”Photographer active in Tokyo Japan. I was previously a camera module designer and now takes snapshots of daily life using the iPhone.”
Mosaic Gallery, Honorable Mentions: Animals
[gdgallery_gallery id_gallery=”13″]
Third Place, Animals : Deena Berton
Third place Animals photo shot in the Bahamas on an iPhone X by Deena Berton – IPPAWARDS
Photo of Deena Berton – IPPAWARDS
”Deena Berton has had an abiding interest in making images since high school. In college and business school she was a photographer and photo editor for her college newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun. She creates images in many different media. Her current passions are mobile digital image making, painting exuberant abstracts, Nerikomi ceramics and mixed analog and digital media.”
”I was captivated by the giant fish tanks at a resort in the Bahamas where the fish seemed to be observing people, mirroring the people observing the fish.”
The New Offering Will Take Off Fast, Based on the Perks and Details…
As with most things financial, there are lots of details, but some interesting perks, particularly for frequent customers of Apple products.
Immediate sign up on your iPhone
First perk: no lengthily complicated application process. According to the pre-launch information (see video above), just go to the Wallet app and tap on the Apple Card interface (once the Card is live) and go through the simple activation steps.
Once the sign up steps are complete, you can immediately start using the card as you would Apple Pay.
Small but expected caveat: For non-Apple Pay purchases in a traditional store setting you will need to wait until your physical card arrives in the mail. Also, although a pre-approved status will often be in place, availability is still subject to qualification, like any credit card.
Using the Card
The card will function as would any other card in your wallet for Apple Pay. This includes online purchases and in-store checkout where you normally would use Apple Pay.
You can designate the Apple Card as your default payment method in your wallet for purchases using your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.
The extended uses for the digital and physical version of the card are enabled through the partnership between MasterCard and Apple. You will be able to use the Apple Card anywhere that a MasterCard is accepted.
Goldman Sachs is the credit provider for your Apple Card and they will set your interest rate based, as would be expected, on your current credit score. Rates are projected to be in the range of 13.24% to 24.24% which is below the average in the US.
An extended fixed payment system is likely to be offered for large purchases according to the pre-release data.
Main Perks and Advantages
There are many unconventional and improved aspects to the use and especially the user experience associated with the new card. In the keynote announcement earlier this year (see video above) a great emphasis was made on the ways that the project was focused on improving the experience and helping users attain a healthier financial lifestyle.
This includes various features designed to help reduce interest charges, not only by offering lower overall rates, but by giving the user options and calculations that can provide payment alternatives to the traditional “minimum monthly” payment currently the norm.
Payments can be made from your linked bank account or can be transferred from Apple Cash in your Wallet app.
There is no annual fee for the card, no international fees and no fee for exceeding your credit limit or making a late payment. Also, there is not increased interest rate penalty, per se, for late payment, which is common in some other credit card accounts. Late payment will, naturally, result in interest accrual, but based on your current rate.
There is an separate app, particularly useful on iPad, which does not have the Wallet app, where data on transactions, payments and other details are provided. This, in typical Apple style, is far superior to any credit card app interface from banks and lenders.
Rewards and “Daily Cash”
Rather than a points system commonly seen on traditional credit card accounts, the Apple Card has a cash back system which can kick back up to 3% on a daily basis.
They call this “Daily Cash” and, as the name implies, your rebated cash will be credited to your account every 24 hours and be directly transferred to your Apple Cash account. If you do not sign up for Apple Cash, you will get your rebates sent to your bank account monthly.
Percentages vary, 3% is for all purchases made directly from Apple, 2% for all Apple Pay transactions and 1% for using the physical card at any non-Apple Pay retailer.
There is no cost to transfer your rewards cash to your bank account and this can take from one to three days. There will be an option to get instant transfers, which will incur a 1% fee. The transfers are done through the Apple Cash card from the Wallet app to the linked bank account.
Best Features and Conclusion
The overall sense is that this is going to be a very popular offering, based on the positive attributes of the card and the deal.
Although the terms are clearly slanted towards encouraging financial activity benefiting the emerging Apple financial eco-system, with the reward percentage on direct Apple purchases and Apple Pay coming in higher than the “out of network” transactions made with the physical card only, the rest of the perks are more than enough to pique the interest of a great number of iPhone users.
The titanium card appearance, styling and feel will attract many for that reason alone. Quel chic! And it is likely that the card will cause an increase in Apple Pay transactions, with double cash back for pulling out your iPhone instead of the physical card.
Ultimately, the software tools enabling privacy – no data to Apple and Goldman Sachs promising never to use or sell your data – along with the fantastic tools for tracking transactions, spend, payments and interest are perhaps the most likely to create love.
Who doesn’t hate dealing with credit card companies and their antiquated interfaces and systems? Some credit card providers do not even allow automatic payment scheduling, apparently hoping you will pay late so they can rack up those late payment penalty fees. Doing away with even the worst, most evil, aspects of credit card accounts is already a huge step forward.
Let’s hope that Apple will manage this as well as it appears. It looks like a top flight offering that has plenty of advantages that make it head and shoulders above the pack, and, for iPhone users it seems like a “must have” if there ever was one.
Easy sign-up on iPhone
Accepted worldwide (wherever Mastercard is available)
Up to 3% cash back
Daily cash back
No fees
Engraved Titanium physical card with concealed numbers
On Monday Apple took the first step in launching the Apple Card. Initially called “Apple Card Preview”, selected iPhone owners are able to set up an account through the wallet app. The Next, very simple, steps are shown in the video above.
Remember, even with an invite, you must qualify as per the list here:
Before you start, there are a few things to check.
You are a US citizen or lawful resident at least 18 years of age or older.
If you are not yet invited and you’d like to be notified when Apple Card is available, click here.
If you are wondering about all the details and perks that come with an Apple Card we have provided the whole story, with the original keynote video, below (reprinted from an earlier post):
The New Offering Will Take Off Fast, Based on the Perks and Details…
As with most things financial, there are lots of details, but some interesting perks, particularly for frequent customers of Apple products.
First perk: no lengthily complicated application process. According to the pre-launch information (see video above), just go to the Wallet app and tap on the Apple Card interface (once the Card is live) and go through the simple activation steps.
Once the sign up steps are complete, you can immediately start using the card as you would Apple Pay.
Small but expected caveat: For non-Apple Pay purchases in a traditional store setting you will need to wait until your physical card arrives in the mail. Also, although a pre-approved status will often be in place, availability is still subject to qualification, like any credit card.
Using the Card
The card will function as would any other card in your wallet for Apple Pay. This includes online purchases and in-store checkout where you normally would use Apple Pay.
You can designate the Apple Card as your default payment method in your wallet for purchases using your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.
The extended uses for the digital and physical version of the card are enabled through the partnership between MasterCard and Apple. You will be able to use the Apple Card anywhere that a MasterCard is accepted.
Goldman Sachs is the credit provider for your Apple Card and they will set your interest rate based, as would be expected, on your current credit score. Rates are projected to be in the range of 13.24% to 24.24% which is below the average in the US.
An extended fixed payment system is likely to be offered for large purchases according to the pre-release data.
There are many unconventional and improved aspects to the use and especially the user experience associated with the new card. In the keynote announcement earlier this year (see video above) a great emphasis was made on the ways that the project was focused on improving the experience and helping users attain a healthier financial lifestyle.
This includes various features designed to help reduce interest charges, not only by offering lower overall rates, but by giving the user options and calculations that can provide payment alternatives to the traditional “minimum monthly” payment currently the norm.
Payments can be made from your linked bank account or can be transferred from Apple Cash in your Wallet app.
There is no annual fee for the card, no international fees and no fee for exceeding your credit limit or making a late payment. Also, there is not increased interest rate penalty, per se, for late payment, which is common in some other credit card accounts. Late payment will, naturally, result in interest accrual, but based on your current rate.
There is an separate app, particularly useful on iPad, which does not have the Wallet app, where data on transactions, payments and other details are provided. This, in typical Apple style, is far superior to any credit card app interface from banks and lenders.
Rewards and “Daily Cash”
Rather than a points system commonly seen on traditional credit card accounts, the Apple Card has a cash back system which can kick back up to 3% on a daily basis.
They call this “Daily Cash” and, as the name implies, your rebated cash will be credited to your account every 24 hours and be directly transferred to your Apple Cash account. If you do not sign up for Apple Cash, you will get your rebates sent to your bank account monthly.
Percentages vary, 3% is for all purchases made directly from Apple, 2% for all Apple Pay transactions and 1% for using the physical card at any non-Apple Pay retailer.
There is no cost to transfer your rewards cash to your bank account and this can take from one to three days. There will be an option to get instant transfers, which will incur a 1% fee. The transfers are done through the Apple Cash card from the Wallet app to the linked bank account.
Best Features and Conclusion
The overall sense is that this is going to be a very popular offering, based on the positive attributes of the card and the deal.
Although the terms are clearly slanted towards encouraging financial activity benefiting the emerging Apple financial eco-system, with the reward percentage on direct Apple purchases and Apple Pay coming in higher than the “out of network” transactions made with the physical card only, the rest of the perks are more than enough to pique the interest of a great number of iPhone users.
The titanium card appearance, styling and feel will attract many for that reason alone. Quel chic! And it is likely that the card will cause an increase in Apple Pay transactions, with double cash back for pulling out your iPhone instead of the physical card.
Ultimately, the software tools enabling privacy – no data to Apple and Goldman Sachs promising never to use or sell your data – along with the fantastic tools for tracking transactions, spend, payments and interest are perhaps the most likely to create love.
Who doesn’t hate dealing with credit card companies and their antiquated interfaces and systems? Some credit card providers do not even allow automatic payment scheduling, apparently hoping you will pay late so they can rack up those late payment penalty fees. Doing away with even the worst, most evil, aspects of credit card accounts is already a huge step forward.
Let’s hope that Apple will manage this as well as it appears. It looks like a top flight offering that has plenty of advantages that make it head and shoulders above the pack, and, for iPhone users it seems like a “must have” if there ever was one.
Easy sign-up on iPhone
Accepted worldwide (wherever Mastercard is available)
Up to 3% cash back
Daily cash back
No fees
Engraved Titanium physical card with concealed numbers
Does over 925 points lost by the Dow Jones Industrial Average intraday qualify as a Market Crash? With the NASDAQ down over 4% and Bonds at record low yields, and the Chinese Yuan breaking the psychologically important 7 to 1 barrier against the dollar, it appears the Trade War is getting serious indeed. The Dow closed for the day down 767 points.
After Trump’s now infamous tweet, late last week, that set markets in the US tumbling, now, China’s immediate retaliation plans have been revealed, pushing the markets into a tailspin.
Lowering the currency exchange rate has the effect of countering the tariff by increasing the number of yuan generated by dollar denominated exports. Naturally there are more complex peripheral and ancillary effects that will be debated by economists until the end of time. The People’s Bank, for what it’s worth, claimed that the drop was “driven and determined” by market forces.<p>The yuan is now at its lowest point relative to the dollar since 2008.
The NASDAQ and tech stocks are now down for the sixth straight day. A man who at his inauguration spoke of “the end of American carnage”, and who touts his ability to conjure up stock market gains is now facing a serious problem, in addition to his legal and political woes.
Bonds Hit Record Low Yields in Wild Wall Street Action
The carrot is gone and the sticks are out. After Trump’s now infamous tweet late last week that set markets in the US tumbling, now, the other shoe is dropping as China’s retaliation plans are revealed.
After Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on $300 billion of China goods entering the US, to be levied starting September 1st, China has already implemented a response.
First, the People’s Bank of China, which is the equivalent of the US Fed, allowed the yuan to fall below the peg of 7 to the dollar that has stood as a psychological barrier and is considered an important level to maintain.
Lowering the currency exchange rate has the effect of countering the tariff by increasing the number of yuan generated by dollar denominated exports.
Naturally there are more complex peripheral and ancillary effects that will be debated by economists until the end of time.
The People’s Bank, for what it’s worth, claimed that the drop was “driven and determined” by market forces.
The yuan is now at its lowest point relative to the dollar since 2008.
A second form of retaliation that China appears likely to implement is the reduction of or an outright halt on purchase of US agricultural products.
An increase in the quantities of US agricultural products was one of the concessions negotiated during the recent talks with China during the G-20 summit.
Trump tweeted his displeasure at the lack of follow-through on this promise:
…buy agricultural product from the U.S. in large quantities, but did not do so. Additionally, my friend President Xi said that he would stop the sale of Fentanyl to the United States – this never happened, and many Americans continue to die! Trade talks are continuing, and…
And seemed to imply that this lack of cooperation was possibly the trigger behind his sudden decision to announce the 10% increase in tariffs.
With the US States that comprise the bulk of the large farmers that would be most affected by this issue being the same States that helped Trump win a narrow victory in the Electoral College in 2016, this is a “counterpunch” that will likely not sit well with the current resident of the White House.
Based on what I know, in view of new tariff threat by the US side, the Chinese side has decided to suspend tariff exemption for US farms goods and Chinese enterprises have halted buying US farm products. The Chinese side won't submit to the US.
These small steps, partly perhaps only threats, partly already in effect, are but a tiny slice of possible retaliation by the Middle Kingdom.
Tariff-Man Joins Circular Firing Squad
Tariff-Man is learning, apparently very slowly, some of the many reasons that Trade Wars are famous for not having any winning countries, but rather, are just a “circular firing squad” which produces only losers.
A common boast throughout the Trump Administrations tenure has been that the stock market is at or near all time highs and that he himself is the sole reason it is. With his trade policies being widely blamed for dramatic market losses that boast may have to be taken out of his toolkit, at least for the foreseeable future.
If today’s responses from China, followed by the stock market reaction, are any indication of where we are headed, it looks to be a bumpy Fall with September and October being statistically dangerous months for the financial markets, in general .
