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Business July 7, 2015

Looking At Small Business Perceptions

In small business sentiment movements in the short term are not reliable. As the grand-daddy of small business sentiment survey from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows , there are apparently random month-to-month movements…

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Business July 7, 2015

Microsoft delivers Skype for Business app for Windows Phone

The updated unified communications app formerly known as Lync, includes updated notifications, enhanced security features, synchronization of conversations across devices and updated emoticons as long as youre running the latest server software, Microsoft execs said….

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Entertainment July 7, 2015

Netflix Sets Dates For 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday,' 'Crouching Tiger' Sequel and More Original Movies

Netflix has been doubling down on its original content this year, but since so much of the focus is on TV shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, it’s easy to forget that they’re also expanding on the movie front, too. But now the upstart studio has announced a bunch of release dates, so go ahead and mark your calendars so you won’t need a reminder later.

In chronological order, we’ve got:

Beasts of No Nation
Release Date: October 16
Directed by: Cary Fukunaga (Jane Eyre)
Starring: Idris Elba
Why it’s a big deal: This is Netflix’ first major bid for some serious drama glory, and they may very well find it thanks to this also being Fukunaga’s first project since directing all of the first season of True Detective. Elba stars as an African warlord who mentors a child soldier. If this we’re being put out by any of the traditional Hollywood studios, people would already be placing bets on its Oscar potential.

The Ridiculous Six
Release Date: December 11
Directed by: Frank Coraci (Click)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson
Why it’s a big deal: Adam Sandler comedies haven’t been doing great at the box office, but that doesn’t mean they need to go extinct. Netflix committed to making four movies with the actor’s Happy Madison banner, so if this does well for the company, you can expect three more just like it. And if it does terribly, at least it won’t be taking up precious space at the multiplex.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend
Release Date: First quarter of 2016
Directed by: Yuen Wo-Ping (True Legend)
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Donnie Yen
Why it’s a big deal: This is perhaps the most high profile film on Netflix’ slate purely because it’s the only one that will be getting a simultaneous global release, while also getting released wide theatrically in China and in IMAX to boot..

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday
Release Date: March, 2016
Directed by: John Lee
Starring: Paul Reubens
Why it’s a big deal: Because it’s a new Pee-wee Herman movie. But if that’s not enough for you, Judd Apatow is producing it.

If you don’t happen to have a Netflix subscription, they are planning to give some of these theatrical releases on those same dates, but the trouble is a lot of the major theater chains have refused to play the films since they will also be available on streaming at the same time. So either hope an arthouse near you embraces the new distribution model, or just go ahead and get a Netflix subscription.

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Business July 7, 2015

Carnival Expects to Begin Cruising To Cuba Next Year

Carnival Cruise Lines' main entrance of their office building in Miami. Carnival says it would become the first American cruise company to visit the Caribbean island nation since the 1960 trade embargo.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ main entrance of their office building in Miami. Carnival says it would become the first American cruise company to visit the Caribbean island nation since the 1960 trade embargo. Alan Diaz/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Alan Diaz/AP

Carnival Corp. says it has received permission from the U.S. government to begin travel to Cuba, to provide “cultural, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian exchanges between American and Cuban citizens.” The cruises will operate under Carnival’s new “fathom” brand, which is dedicated to “social impact travel.” The Wall Street Journal reports Carnival is still working with Cuban authorities for approval of the plan.

In a statement, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corp., said, “We look forward to working with the Cuban authorities for their approval to help make the social, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between U.S. citizens and the people of Cuba a reality.” He continued, “We know there is strong demand from travelers who want to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, so this is a historic opportunity for us to enable more people to experience Cuban society.”

The trips won’t be traditional cruises. As NPR’s Greg Allen reported on All Things Considered, the guidelines allowing Carnival to conduct trips to Cuba say U.S. citizens aren’t allowed to travel there purely as tourists. “Travel must fall under one of 12 categories — for the purpose of journalism, education, religious activities, arts events and so forth,” Allen said. The Department of the Treasury has posted a full list of those 12 categories here.

Allen says Carnival’s trips to Cuba will try to “appeal to purpose-driven millennials, families with a social conscience and philanthropically-minded retirees.” And, the trips will be more expensive than traditional cruises, with seven-day itineraries starting at $2,990 per person, excluding taxes and other fees.

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Carnival’s fathom brand, which will operate the Cuba trips, will also host seven-day voyages to the Dominican Republic starting in April 2016, focusing on social impact and cultural and educational exchanges.

As we’ve previously reported, the U.S. approved ferry service from Florida to Cuba this May, and in April, Airbnb, which allows customers to rent private rooms and homes, launched its service in Cuba. Earlier this month, President Obama announced the formal resumption of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, with both countries agreeing to reopen embassies in Washington and Havana.

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