Steve Wozniak isn't getting iPhone

Steve Wozniak isn't getting iPhone X on launch day

Commentary: The Apple co-founder says he’s happy with his iPhone 8. Which is also an iPhone 7.

Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that's taken over our lives.

Can it be that the world will be deprived of one of the great Apple traditions?

It seems that on every launch day, the company's co-founder Steve Wozniak is at an Apple store to add his characteristic bonhomie to the affair, often on his Segway.

On Nov. 3, however, he says he won't be there.

As CNBC reports, Woz spent Monday at the Money 20/20 conference in Las Vegas.

There, he declared of the iPhone X launch: "I'd rather wait and watch that one. I'm happy with my iPhone 8 -- which is the same as the iPhone 7, which is the same as the iPhone 6, to me."

That feels a little like criticism, doesn't it?

Many might agree with his assessment that these three phones resemble each other rather closely. But the X is supposed to be, in Apple's words, "the smartphone of the future."

Why would Woz want to miss out on that? He didn't seem to fully explain.

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"For some reason, the iPhone X is going to be the first iPhone I didn't -- on day one -- upgrade to," he said. Some reason? What reason?

Oddly, he revealed his wife will be upgrading immediately, "so I'll be close enough to see it."

The wry might speculate that Woz was merely offering entertainment with his pronouncement.

Still, earlier this year he insisted that though iPhones are expensive -- and the 256GB version of the iPhone X will set you back $1,149 -- they're "a safe bet."

Is this bet not safe enough because of, say, Face ID, which some believe is a security risk?

On the other hand, he also said earlier this year that Apple wouldn't bring forth the next great tech moonshot. That would be Tesla.

Is he concerned, then, that the iPhone X isn't all that? Well, it certainly isn't all screen.

The Apple faithful might not be able to cope with a Woz who's lost the faith. We'll see what happens by the time Nov. 3 comes along.

Tech Enabled: CNET chronicles tech's role in providing new kinds of accessibility.

Technically Literate: Original works of short fiction with unique perspectives on tech, exclusively on CNET.

Policy continuity to maintain steady growth

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is scheduled to begin on Oct 18. It is expected to signal the policy direction for the next five years, and to maintain steady growth, policy continuity is likely.

Attendees will discuss the strategy for building a “moderately prosperous society”, decisions that will have a significant impact on the country’s development.

The CPC has profoundly shaped the destiny of Chinese civilization, and the national congresses have been paramount in plotting the country’s course. The Third Plenum of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, for example, ushered in the reform and opening-up.

Since 1980s Party congresses have ushered in three generations of leaders, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao and the current General Secretary Xi Jinping.

Given Xi’s objective since he assumed power at the 18th Party Congress in 2012 has been to double per capita income by 2020 from the 2010 level, the government will probably continue to pursue a growth target of around 6 percent over the next three years.

Since his “Four Comprehensives” instruct the party to comprehensively build a moderately prosperous society; comprehensively deepen reform; comprehensively advance the rule of law; and comprehensively and strictly govern the Party, the new generation of leaders will be more inclined to develop the economy following the Party Congress.

We believe deleveraging efforts will expand from the financial sector to the real economy and from the traditional to online financial sector.

Liquidity remained relatively stable at the end of the third quarter, despite rising borrowing costs and slowing credit growth. The central bank announced on Sept 30 a targeted 50 basis points reserve requirement ratio cut for banks if new or outstanding lending to small- and mediumsized enterprises exceeded 1.5 percent of their total loans in 2017. The cut will have no immediate effect, but it will release 400 billion to 500 billion yuan in liquidity when it comes into effect early next year. Fiscal policy remains supportive of economic stability, with infrastructure investment by local governments slowing due to deleveraging efforts.

We believe the overarching themes and strategies will remain the same. As such, we expect a continuation of economic policies that promote financial deleverag- ing and the curtailment of property market bubbles, strengthened environmental protection, and the transformation from an investment and manufacturing-driven economy to a services and consumption-oriented one.

We expect the need for SOEs, fiscal and financial reforms and housing policies to be reiterated during the congress, themes that should play out in the next 6 to 12 months.

The SOEs reform discussions will likely focus on industry consolidation to reduce overcapacity and improve efficiency and the implementation of a mixed ownership structure. We believe the objective is to make central SOEs bigger and stronger via favorable policies, tax incentives and access to funding. Meanwhile, the budget reform should strengthen the government’s supervision of local government debt and limit irregular local government borrowing. Local government officials will probably be tasked with taking lifelong accountability and retrospective responsibly for any local government debt problems.

Despite their political importance, Party congresses have not been key events driving the market in the past and the 19th is unlikely to have a strong fundamental impact on the market. The market conditions and macro environment and the policies that follow the event will play a bigger role.

We expect important economic policies and key development objectives for 2018 to be announced at the Central Economic Work Conference this year. More specific policy details, including the 2018 growth target, monetary and fiscal policy guidance, and reform plans will likely be covered at the National People’s Congress in early March 2018.

... the new generation of leaders will be more inclined to develop the economy following the Party Congress.

China determined to keep globalization going

It is fair to say anti-globalization is on the rise. But assuming globalization is in reverse runs the risk of overlooking the fact that China has become one of the most forceful promoters of globalization and pivotal international bodies including World Trade Organization, G20, BRICS, and the European Union remain positive toward it.

President Xi Jinping’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos early this year made clear China’s determination to keep globalization alive and well. Xi’s stance has been endorsed by not just Chinese scholars and citizens, but also China’s steady contribution to the world economy.

As a beneficiary of globalization and a rising power, China has made strenuous efforts to counter the anti-globalization forces worldwide while injecting fresh impetus into global growth. Among all Chinese solutions, the Belt and Road Initiative with connectivity at its core has notable potential to revitalize globalization, as it has no definite geographical boundaries and is open to all eligible participants.

Its focus on policy communication, infrastructural connectivity, cross-border trade and people-topeople exchanges, is in line with building a more inclusive, reciprocal world order, as is the “go global” ambition of Chinese enterprises.

In 2016 alone, according to the World Investment Report 2017 released by the United States Conference on Trade and Development, Chinese companies spent $183 billion on cross-bordeveloping der mergers and acquisitions. This was 36 percent higher than its inward foreign direct investment. Investment on such scale is no doubt a boon to the global economy.

On the other hand, China has made progress in opening its massive domestic market to foreign investors and greatly improved its investment environment, thrusting itself into the elite club of valued investment destinations. And nearly $1.6 trillion of the country’s total foreign trade volume last year, which reached $3.86 trillion, was imports.

Trade aside, China has been among the biggest donors of humanitarian assistance to other economies and the least developed countries, even when its growth was far from satisfactory and its people subject to unpromising living conditions. Between 1950 and 2016, China has provided a total of over 400 billion yuan ($62 billion) in foreign aid, engaged in at least 5,000 assistance schemes and helped train more than 260,000 personnel from developing countries through some 11,000 training sessions.

Seeing itself as a beneficiary and defender of globalization, China always feels the urge to help countries in need and welcomes them to enjoy the dividends of its own economic growth. That should go down in history as a full endorsement of the spirit of globalization. It is universally acknowledged that China contributes over 30 percent of the global GDP growth per year after the 2008 financial crisis.

While providing globalization with practical assistance in the form of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank and other new multilateral financing platforms, Beijing is also an initiator of grand, proactive visions including a community of shared destiny, a new type of major country relationship and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific . The world should have good faith in the future of globalization as China and other emerging economies are ready to play a bigger role.

IT IS NOT A GOOD POINT FOR JOSE

HA! HA! HA! HA! Jurgen Klopp, perched on a table next to the photocopier in an ante-room, unleashed his famously manic laugh. He had just been asked if Liverpool had a plan to stop Manchester United, as Jose Mourinho had intimated. It is fair to say this German does do irony. Watching Liverpool’s manager handle his post-match inquest was much like studying him on the touchline. All his anger, tension and frustration hidden in outbreaks of crazily forced good humour. We know what he wanted to say, after this — but where would it get him? Some 29 years on nobody has forgotten the feud between Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Klopp knew better than to pick a fight with Mourinho. So he threw it back to his inquisitors, time and again. We saw the game. We have seen many Klopp teams over the years. What did we think? Who did we feel was trying to stop who?

He knew the answer. And he knew we did, too. ‘They got the point they wanted and we didn’t get the win we wanted,’ was Klopp’s succinct appraisal. ‘ People around the stadium saw a game they wanted to see — but they all had Liverpool shirts on. They wanted a goal, too, and we didn’t score so that’s not perfect. But the rest? They saw that we threw all we had on the pitch.’

Did Manchester United? In terms of collective effort, yes, but in ambition, no. Mourinho tried to share the blame, even shift it towards Liverpool for keeping a tight midfield unit, denying him the chance to counter-attack with creative substitutions, but few neutrals were buying that.

He said he had no midfielders in reserve, but what he meant was he had no physically imposing ones like Paul Pogba or Marouane Fellaini. He had Juan Mata, who most consider a fine midfield option, but chose not to use him. He said Klopp had made like-for-like substitutions that were no risk, yet what is Marcus Rashford for Anthony Martial, or Jesse Lingard for Henrik Mkhitaryan? The only variation Mourinho offered was when he brought on a centre half for a wide midfielder, in added time.

There is an old Jewish joke about Morty, whose business is failing. Each week he goes to the synagogue and prays. ‘ Lord,’ he says, ‘I am running out of money fast. Please find it in your heart — let me win the lottery.’

This continues for weeks. The pleas grow more desperate, until one day, light fills the room and voice booms from the heavens. ‘Morty,’ says God, ‘meet me halfway — buy a ticket.’

And that’s what United didn’t do. They didn’t buy a ticket. Mourinho has his detractors and many claims against him are overstated, but it was hard to defend this. It wasn’t Inter Milan with 10 men against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. It wasn’t a game where he is accused of parking a bus, when his only crime is to set up a team to win. Mourinho isn’t as negative as is made out. Largely, his teams play very good, exciting, ambitious football.

Yet not here. United are a better team than Liverpool, with a stronger squad. They could have played them at least as equals and, more feasibly, as superiors. Instead, they waited for Liverpool to make the game, they left Romelu Lukaku in isolation for long periods and they settled for a point. And that may prove their undoing this season because a point at Anfield may not be the prize it was.

Manchester City raised the bar with the way they played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They made no compromises, did not lower their ambition by even the tiniest degree — and they will not when they visit Liverpool in January. That doesn’t mean they win. They may draw, or even lose, but the aim will be victory by a margin, as happened when the teams met in Manchester on September 9.

There will be no game in which City arrive happy with a draw. United looked as if they would have taken that from 15 minutes in. This is what Klopp meant when he spoke of United coming for a point. It will not have started that way — but ambition was replaced by pragmatism very quickly.

‘If you want to judge our two match plans then do it,’ Klopp added. ‘Most things they did today were completely clear. Jose obviously did what he thinks is right, or what he wants to do, and that is OK. I won’t moan and say, “Come on, open up a little bit” because that’s not how it is.

‘They want to win the league and I’m sure we couldn’t play like this at Liverpool after a hundred years without the title. We start trying it, we sit back, we say, “Let’s wait” — that is not possible. The challenger has to do more, has to do whatever is necessary.’

Yet are United — without a league title since 2013 when Ferguson stepped down — immune to that pressure, too? Mourinho would argue not. Maybe the locals will take a first one post-Ferguson that doesn’t come with bells and whistles, but after that?

Ferguson delivered the odd masterclass, too, but few ended goalless. Hearing Lukaku defend his record against the biggest teams after a rare blank in a United shirt, made one wonder how often he will have to deliver that speech if United take this same game plan to London, or deploy it in December against Manchester City.

‘Hard work and being solid is the

nature of any team,’ said United’s Phil Jones, ‘and whether you play Liverpool or Burnley away you don’t want to get beat. If you can’t win, make sure you don’t lose and that is the mentality in our dressing room. People may criticise but let them — we’ll see where we are at the end of the season.’

Indeed, there is a long way to go. But one thing is almost certain: United will not be ahead of Manchester City on goal difference or goals scored in this campaign. Meaning they have to lead on points. Meaning they have to risk in the biggest matches. Meaning they cannot afford many more afternoons like this — or convince themselves that a goalless draw at Anfield is the same decent, steady, gutsy point it always was. This title will need more.

You could be better off

SUMMER holiday time, and whether you are going away or staying at home, it doesn’t need to cost the earth to have fun.

You need to plan well ahead and understand where the savings are, particularly if you have a tribe of children and don’t want to hear: “I’m bored”.

For the Koch family of four kids, we went into shock when our eldest turned 12 and we were told on most airlines she had to go on an adult’s fare. Thanks very much. It got even worse as the other three passed this same milestone.

Summer is fast approaching and, while you should be organised by now to get real bargains, there are plenty of ways to keep costs under control.

TRY APARTMENTS

Opting for an apartment, cabin or beach shack rental instead of a hotel room not only saves money but, typically, offers more space and flexibility.

We’ve found we can rent an apartment for, say, $150 per night, where two hotel rooms would be $300 per night. We’re halving the cost and get a living room with space for the kids.

Start your search on home sharing sites www.airbnb. com.au and www.stayz.com.au where it’s easy to filter for certain preferences, including number of bedrooms and proximity to public transport.

BUY GROCERIES

If you do stay at a hotel, avoid the buffet breakfast unless it’s included free. Breakfast is a hotel’s most profitable meal … and your biggest waste of money. While $25 per person might not seem outrageous, it adds up quickly. Pick up staples like yoghurt, cereal, and fruit from a supermarket instead; the kids won’t care and your wallet will thank you.

Having an apartment with a kitchen lets you cook meals. Making your own breakfast and lunch will leave money over if you want to go out for dinner.

Some restaurants offer bargain rates during slow times, so by changing routine and eating the main meal at lunch or an early dinner before 6pm, restaurant bills can be cut.

CHOOSE ACTIVITIES CAREFULLY

Don’t over-commit to a hectic (and expensive) schedule.

A Koch tradition is always a hop-on-hop-off bus tour as soon as we arrive in a new city. It provides a quick whiz around the most famous sites and an opportunity to see which ones are worth coming back to.

The bus guide, and local tourist brochures, will provide a good idea of the popular free attractions and tips on where to buy cheap tickets to shows.

Remember little kids often lose their stamina after a couple of hours so big, expensive allday tours will be a waste.

Mix paid activities with simple, relaxing free ones, such as a day at the pool or exploring a local park. Check whether museums have free entry after, say, 4pm which may leave two hours to tour. We used to do this to see whether it was worth paying for a longer look.

TRAVEL SLOWER

Instead of aiming to take a bunch of quick trips, it’s more cost-effective to take fewer, longer holidays with the family. Once you’ve sunk the money into getting there, the cost per day goes down the longer you’re away.

Longer vacations also play into budget-conscious strategies like buying groceries because there’s no pressure to fit every restaurant and activity into a few days.

SHOULDER SEASONS

Visiting somewhere just a few weeks before, or after, peak Illustration: JOHN TIEDEMANN

times can be much cheaper. This trick streamlines the entire planning process and has a ripple effect.

By travelling six to eight weeks before or after high season, you save on flights and accommodation, car rentals and sightseeing.

EXCHANGE RATES

If travelling internationally, pay close attention to exchange rates. Find a country with a weaker currency than the Aussie dollar … it will be like everything is on sale.

Make use of travel cards, from most banks or financiers, to load up the currencies you need over the year leading up to a big trip. Buy when the currency becomes attractive. 30-YEAR SURVEY HOW WE SPEND

EVERY six years the Australian Bureau of Statistics conducts a major examination into how the average Aussie spends their money. They’ve been doing it for 30 years so it gives an amazing insight into how spending patterns change. For us the highlights were: ■ The biggest expense was rent at 7.39 per cent of the family budget … interest on mortgages came in third at 5.63 per cent.

■ For the first time, the second biggest expense for the average family was eating out, at $80 a week or 5.64 per cent.

■ Another first is spending more of our budget travelling overseas (3.19 per cent) compared with domestic holidays (2.19 per cent).

■ Cars take less to buy and run now than six years ago. Buying a car now represents 3.61 per cent of spending, down from 3.81 per cent in 2009-10 … filling up the car with petrol takes 3.48 per cent of spending, down from 4.13 per cent.

■ Electricity and gas (2.82 per cent of spending), is only a modest lift from 2.58 per cent of weekly household spending in 2009-10. Would you believe Aussies are spending a smaller proportion of total spending on lights and power than in 1984?

■ Spending on gambling has fallen from $5.86 to $4.44 a week.

■ Alcohol costs have fallen from 2.62 per cent of the family budget to

2.25 per cent .

■ Health costs up from 1.54 per cent to 1.59 per cent.

■ Childcare costs up from 0.71 per cent to 1.23 per cent.

Jürgen Klopp eases Liverpool’s pressing game in the search for solidity

It’s not something you often have to consider, but what if José Mourinho was right? What if, on Saturday, there was for once no bluff or manipulation, no attempt to provoke or deflect attention: what if the analysis he gave of Manchester United’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool was straightforward and correct?

There was, of course, a passive aggressive jibe dividing the world into those who watch football for entertainment (the monsters!) and those who actually understand the game, but beyond that his words seemed fairly straightforward. There was a – grudging – respect towards Jürgen Klopp for the way he had held his nerve, and perhaps that is evidence of a change in the Liverpool manager. The game never broke, Mourinho said, and so “for me the second half was a bit of chess”; this is not chess the actual game, of course, which can be played in as many ways as football, but “chess” the metaphor for something cagey.

“We came for three points but in the second half we felt it was difficult to do that with the dynamic of the match. I was waiting for Jürgen Klopp to change, waiting for him to go more attacking but he kept three strong midfielders all the time.” Klopp substituted all of his forward line, but kept the three of Jordan Henderson, Georgino Wijnaldum and Emre Can in midfield; had he chosen to chase the game, he could have perhaps withdrawn one of them for a forward and pushed Philippe Coutinho deeper or into a central role in a 4-2-3-1.

That restricted United’s capacity to break, something about which Klopp was clearly delighted: he kept stressing after the game how United are “one of the best counterattacking sides in the world”, yet they threatened only once, on the one occasion when Henrikh Mkhitrayan had an impact, opening up the game for Romelu Lukaku’s one-two with Anthony Martial that led to United’s only shot on target. The Armenian’s

anonymity was indicative of how well Liverpool countered United’s counters.

Whether Klopp was right, given Mourinho’s set-up, to remain so cautious is a matter of interpretation – as is the issue of whether Mourinho was right to sit so deep given Liverpool’s recent form – but it was further evidence of a general shift in Liverpool’s play this season.

The question for Klopp at Liverpool was always going to be whether his hyperactive approach could be as effective in the Premier League in which everybody plays at a high tempo. Even towards the end in Germany, there was a suspicion that with other teams also pressing hard and high, Dortmund were diminished. It was no longer sufficient to run further or faster than other sides in the league. In addition, as teams become more used to counteracting gegenpressing, as their players become more inclined to hit long balls over the press, the tactic loses its power to shock. Klopp’s approach is no longer unique; it’s not even unusual.

Familiarity is one issue; fatigue, or rather efforts to stave it off, is another. Last season Liverpool’s form collapsed in January. This season, with the Champions League to worry about as well, the sense is that Liverpool have eased back. They are no longer pressing with the same ferocity. In Klopp’s first two seasons at Anfield, the average length of each spell of possession enjoyed by an opponent was 5.9 seconds. This season that is up to 6.5, which is lower than the league average but far from exceptional. Distance run and high-intensity sprint stats have dropped.

That, presumably, is part of a conscious plan – the fear for Liverpool is that it is a result of players losing faith in Klopp and not pushing themselves to their physical limits as a result – and given what happened in the second half of last season it makes sense. The problem is that by not engaging opponents high up the pitch, Liverpool are having to do more traditional defending in their own final third, and they’re not very good at that. It would be misleading to say that the high pressing of the past two seasons masked defensive flaws, for pressing is itself a means of defence. But what is true is that by pressing less hard, Liverpool are now inviting a form of pressure they are ill-equipped to resist, which is why going into the weekend they had the third-worst defensive record in the league.

On Saturday, though, that vulnerability was barely tested; United had just six touches in the Liverpool box. The nature of the game and the identity of the opponent perhaps legitimised a more cautious approach, but it’s hard then to avoid the conclusion that Mourinho might have tried to expose that weakness a little more rigorously. Just because his analysis was right doesn’t necessarily mean his approach was. In a game of chicken, neither manager blinked.

YOUR STARS

I was watching a documentary featuring a proud stag, majestically displayed against the backdrop of a silver moon. But, it turned out that it was a programme about hunting. The commentary described how the hunter found it so beautiful that he wanted to have the stag as a trophy. Venus’s recent return to the sign of Libra was juxtaposed with Mercury’s opposition to Uranus. One promoted harmony and balance; the other a stark change of mind. Try not to flip between extremes today.

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20

If someone says something negative, it’s natural to respond. The problem is that we can get stuck in a spiral of everincreasing negativity. And none of us want that to be the driving force in our lives. It’s far more productive to focus on the positives. Try, this week, to look for praiseworthy moments. They exist, even in barren situations. You might be amazed by what you find. And once you know what to look for, you’ll be surprised by how many lights there are in what appear to be dark places.

Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

LEO JUL 24 - AUG 23

Every year, surfers flock to Bali, Hawaii, and even Newquay in search of the biggest and best waves. By timing it perfectly, these intrepid individuals can swim through treacherous seas, until, finally, standing tall atop towering waves, they glide serenely and confidently into land. That same wave would flatten an innocent spectator or a surfer who’s fluffed their timing. A series of breakers are lining up on your horizon. Use your intuition, and a tricky situation can work to your advantage.

Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21

Do I have to remind you of the adage, ‘slow and steady wins the race’? Not to imply that you’re impatient, or acting hastily, but everyone is prone to disquiet if progress is slow. Sometimes, you can even doubt that it’s being made at all. But evolution happens in increments; even things that seem to flourish overnight. The bread that rises does so at its own pace, and you must leave it be until it’s ready. Adopt the same approach for the changes you’re trying to implement today. Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21

They say that everyone has a talent - and if that’s truly the case, the future of prime-time TV is guaranteed for years to come. But the trouble with talent contests, is that they require more than just a contestant with a modicum of skill. Performers need ability and hunger (not to mention talent). As Venus and Mercury both get comfortable in their new celestial settings, you’re finding a new-found confidence. It’s an ideal time to show someone how special you are. Chances are, they’ll appreciate it.

Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. Call: 1900 959 005.

VIRGO AUG 24 - SEP 23

If you’ve ever read a book on astrology you’d be forgiven for thinking that the phrase ‘at your service’ was invented for Virgos. Those same books also note the strength of your sense of responsibility. So, I don’t suppose you’ll mind if I point out that you’re responsible for every facet of your work ethic? You’re quite right, that’s unfair. Especially as, following Mars’ link to Saturn last week, and Venus departure from your sign, you’re being much tougher on yourself than you need to be. Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. Call: 1900 959 005.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 20

Anger is like bad weather. It’s unwise to go out in it. Unlike heavy fog, rain or snow, though, there are always weather warnings for a bad mood. Still, the advice is the same: stay indoors and wait out the storm. Since you’re feeling calm, you’re probably wondering why I’m telling you this. Except that you can sense the potential stress building. You have an unforeseen obstacle to negotiate. However it was created, if you can keep perspective (and calm), you’ll be able to move ahead.

Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. Call: 1900 959 005.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 22

Ever seen a ‘queue prank’ on TV? The premise is simple: stand around as if you’re waiting for something, and others will start queueing behind you - without knowing what they’re waiting for. When the hidden camera reveals itself, the passers by realise they’ve been queueing for no reason! We’ve all followed someone else’s lead, thinking that they know what they’re doing. Often they don’t! Watch out today, for people who want you to follow them, without telling you where you’re going. Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23

As a Libran, you’re usually more poised and considered than the proverbial bull in a china shop. But, now that your ruler Venus is in your sign, that image comes to mind. Except that this shop has recently rebranded to become a supplier of rare and ancient brass lamps. So, can you expect to find an army of genies waiting to grant your every wish? Not quite. But you’re about to see that the world is a more beautiful, kind, place than you realise. Your task, is to work out what you want from it. Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 19

A doctor friend is fond of advising that ‘diagnosis is half the cure’. The theory is that, once you’ve ascertained what the problem is, you can go about fixing it. But what happens if you get it wrong? What if you administer one set of cures instead of another? Perhaps nothing will happen. But what if the condition worsens? It’s important to be accurate in your assessment of a situation today. The cosmos is gifting you a surprising amount of power - use it with discretion. Powerful changes are possible now Venus brings inspiration. Call 1900 959 005.

CANCER JUN 23 - JUL 23

According to psychologists, our subconscious wields a powerful influence over our conscious mind. Like a computer programme, running in the background, our unconscious carries out mental processes that influence our thoughts and decisions. So, when we’re trying to make an informed choice, we aren’t limited to what’s in front of our noses. Your situation might feel like a mystery with no clues, but it’s still one you can solve. If you trust your instincts, you’ll see that you’ve already figured this one out.

Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. Call: 1900 959 005.

OCT 24 - NOV 22

In a guessing game, if you rush to a conclusion, the penalty is often, ‘You’re out!’ If the rules are kinder, you might lose a turn. In real life, jumping to a false conclusion can land you in much hotter waters. Decisions based on that conclusion could have negative implications for you and those around you. That’s why it’s best to gather as much evidence as possible. Today, it’s worth looking at a fact you believe to be true. It involves someone close to you. Be certain, before you make a decision. Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. Call: 1900 959 005.

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20

Imagine if we didn’t have emotions. We wouldn’t have to worry about feelings getting in the way. We wouldn’t consider the effects of anything we were doing, on ourselves or on others. Phew! Life would be much more straightforward. But how would that sense of numbness feel? Although Venus has moved out of your opposite sign, you’re imbued with compassion. Be glad of that. Your emotions are powerful tools. They’ll help give meaning to your search for happiness. Venus, planet of love, has changed signs. It’s an exciting week. 

Health and wealth go hand-in-hand

AUSTRALIANS trust their doctors with intimate physical and mental health details and now wealth experts want similar for financial advisers.

Leading Advice managing director Katrina Haskew believes mental, physical and lifestyle factors are integral to a successful financial strategy.

“New clients often think we’re only there to discuss how many zeros they have in their bank accounts,” Ms Haskew said. “They become surprised when we ask the last time they visited the dentist, or (about) their mental health.”

Ms Haskew believes health dictates which financial strategies are achievable.

“There’s no point formulating an aggressive expansion strategy for a business owner who is burnt out, not sleeping and slowly developing a heart condition,” she said, adding that health also affects insurance options.

“If you value providing for family above all else, you will want income protection,” she said. “If you enjoy bungee jumping, life insurance is a must.”

A longer life requires a bigger nest egg, so understanding pre-existing diseases, conditions and other factors helps set targets and avoid high costs associated with some health aspects.

“Being physically and mentally healthy often equates to healthier finances,” Ms Haskew said, adding that quitting smoking could save thousands each year, as well as reducing insurance premiums, and less spent on medication.

Hannah Moreno was building her PR business Third Hemisphere, when she separated from her husband. The personal blow affected her focus.

“I had started seeing a financial planner and spent our first few months cancelling appointments,” Ms Moreno said. “When I finally returned his calls, I told him the truth. The separation had left me completely exhausted and I was fantasising about throwing in the towel with the business. I had no energy left over to care about building my wealth.” The planner had heard it all before. “Far from being put off, he simply changed our immediate planning goals from a ‘growth’ strategy to ‘survival’,” Ms Moreno said. “He calculated I could comfortably pay bills if I halved newer clients’ retainers for three months, and did half the work... It kept the business afloat.”

Two years later, Ms Moreno is in a better headspace.

“We’ve switched back to ‘growth’ mode, have begun an aggressive expansion strategy and are finalising an exciting strategic partnership,” she said. “So even though that initial conversation felt personal and raw at the time, it was a complete financial lifesaver in the end.”

‘Active net router doesn’t mean they were awake’

Allahabad: The Allahabad high court, which acquitted the dentist Talwar couple on charges of murdering their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in 2008, has also rejected the CBI’s submission before the trial court that Dr Rajesh and his wife Nupur were awake on the intervening night of May 15 and 16 as the internet router in their flat was switched on during that period.

The CBI in its charge-sheet before the Ghaziabad trial court had produced internet consumption log and internet service provider (ISP) log of the internet router installed at Talwar’s L-32 flat in Jalvayu Vihar, Noida.

While also adding a testimony of one Bhupinder Singh Awasiya, scientist with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under ministry of communication in 2010, the Central agency had claimed that the Talwar couple manually switched on and off the internet router and therefore were awake between 11:30 pm and 6 am between May 15 and May 16.

While punching holes in the CBI theory, the HC said that the “same internet activity had continued through the May 16 morning up to 1:16 pm which was virtually of the same pattern (as that on 14th and 15th or before)”. “The trial court in our opinion committed a patent error of law and fact as well as evidence in holding that the appellants were awake throughout the fateful night,” the high court judge bench has said.

“After having carefully exami- ned the submissions by learned counsel for the parties,…we do not find any force in the submission of the learned counsel for the CBI because the internet activity during the intervening night of 15/ 16...that the accused had remained awake throughout the night...and had manually switched on and off the modem of the computer which was installed in the room of Aarushi as on each new start and stop,” the bench wrote in the order.

The high court said that the CERT scientist has admitted that he was never supplied with the desktop or laptop log, the router log and the detailed ISP log by the CBI, without which he was not in a position to give in an opinion as to whether the Internet activity was on account of the reasons that Talwar couple was awake.

The HC has also found the the scientist cited eight reasons for the start and stop activity, which were not investigated by him. Awasiya had told the CBI trial court that no necessary documents were sent by the CBI during the course of investigation. The eight reasons were router/modem power recycling, inactivity of router/modem which is switched on (which is also called as idle time out), lease time expiry of IP address assigned by ISP, network issues due to admin reset idle time out and login time out.

None of those reasons had ever been investigated by him because no necessary documents were ever sent by the CBI during the course of investigation.

STAR TALK

ARIES (Mar 21-April 20) The employed must try to break away from the routine and bring more innovations and freshness to their work that is sure to yield remarkable results. The very idea of leading from front while taking along your team will be appreciated by the seniors resulting in your getting promotion and independent charge of important section. Business people must stick to routine to avoid conflict. CANCER (Jun 21-July 21) There will be several opportunities to start your own enterprise but some sort of fear or sense of insecurity prevents you from taking the plunge. You will have to take a calculated risk if keen to follow your dreams and now is the right time else you will forever regret that you never gave it a try. Personal life goes through turmoil more due to your irritable and angry frame of mind. LIBRA (Sept.22-Oct.22) Fresh opportunities exist for making some quick money through a deal or trading activity. Even if this particular work does not come under your routine you can try your luck and make some profit. The employed can look forward to receiving an important project that will give a boost to their career. Business people planning to expand their existing enterprise should stay cautious. CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) You are suddenly burdened with extra work due to the absence of a senior colleague. Take this up as a challenge for if you conclude this particular task successfully you may get marked for promotion in the near future. Some of you may plan a long distant journey to scout fresh avenues of work or business. A friend living in another town will be helpful in getting some useful contacts. TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20) Those employed in large companies will get to work independently on a particular project that will give them an opportunity to apply their skill and expertise acquired over a period of time. Young executives may decide to add to their qualifications by enrolling themselves for some specialized course. Business people can take advantage of the currently favorable market trends and make substantial gains. LEO (July 22-Aug 21) A certain job lying unattended due to your lack of interest could now be interfering with your routine activities. It is imperative to conclude this particular task if you wish to avoid a major setback in your career or business. Your investments made earlier will begin to show profit and in case you do not need cash leave these alone for better appreciation of wealth. A new friendship seems to upset your family and cause problems at home. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov.21) Work proceeds smoothly and you can now reconnoiter new areas of interest. Those interested in the performing arts or writing should devote some time in developing their talent further for they will soon get an opportunity to express them. Some of you may even consider taking up some creative work to fulfill your artistic urge little knowing that soon this could become your full time occupation. AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18) The employed seeking a change can look around for fresh openings for they are likely to come across a good offer. You can compromise on position if the offer is from an organization of repute because monthly emoluments in any case will be very attractive. Business people desirous of a tie up or joint venture will successfully conclude mutually profitable partnership. A health check up is due shortly. GEMINI (May 21-Jun20) An important piece of news via email or phone may require you to travel at short notice that will prove profitable and rewarding. An absence from your base station for a few days may also give you some time to reflect over some personal or family issue that has been cause for concern to all. The married seem to be on the verge to split due to major differences that have cropped up between them. VIRGO (Aug 22-Sept. 21) You are doing very well in job and business but seem to neglect your love and family life. The married could be heading for trouble as their mate may decide to terminate their relationship due to your lack of interest in finer aspect of love relationship. You need to reorganize your life to save your marriage or love relationship that you had taken for granted. Be prepared to make all compromises. SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.20) Your business will thrive and can bring favorable results much beyond your expectations despite some minor differences with your partner. Try and remove them, as it will add to your smooth functioning. The negotiations going on for a long time can be successfully concluded provided both of you are in a mood to compromise with a give and take policy. Harmony is restored at home. PISCES (Feb.19-March 20) While choosing a new job do not be in a great hurry as you must think in terms of your future career goals. You have also to know something more about the place you are going to work and the people surrounding it. Your expertise will be amply rewarded, as you are able to finalise a partnership agreement. You are happy that with the parental consent your romance can now be fruitful.

Untimely Rains Take Sheen off Gold Jewellery Sales

Kolkata: The demand for gold jewellery, considered the primary store of value in rural India, fell by as much as 30% in the run-up to Diwali due to untimely rains in the October harvesting season, the lingering effects of demonetisation, and an increase in bullion prices after the rollout of the goods and services tax (GST).

With the impact of these factors unlikely to recede quickly, jewellers are penciling in muted sales even on the eve of Dhanteras on October 17, two days ahead of Diwali. Most Indians purchase bullion on Akshay Tritiya and Dhanteras, festivals linked to farming cycles and symbolising prosperity.

“The rains have marred pre- Diwali sales this year and it is going to impact the Dhanteras sales as well,” said Nitin Khandelwal, chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF). “In those states where rains in October have caused extensive damage, the drop in demand may be as high as 50%. But overall, there is a drop of around 30% in rural India. And the market is subdued.” Demand for the yellow metal in India, as indicated by the World Gold Council (WGC), will range between 650 and 750 tonnes this year. Rural India accounts for 60% of the consumption. Dhanteras is the most important festival from the standpoint of rural gold purchases, with farmers using the sale proceeds of the newly-harvested crop to buy jewellery.

Gold is generally considered an important asset in rural India. But if crops are damaged, farmers prefer liquidity to jewellery purchases, as a shrinkage in farming output puts a premium on the cash in hand.

Furthermore, the lingering effects of the currency clampdown and a 3% GST have combined to magnify the impact of unseasonal rains.

“The effect of demonetisation is still continuing, and a 3% GST has also increased the prices of gold, affecting sentiment,” said Saurabh Gadgil, managing director at PNG Jewellers, which has 12 retail outlets in rural Maharashtra.

“But the rains have caused inconvenience in the rural markets, affecting demand,” Gadgil said, adding that farmers don’t have sufficient cash now to buy gold.

Suvankar Sen, executive director at Kolkata-based Senco Gold & Diamond, said that the government’s August 23 decision to introduce stricter know-your-customer (KYC) norms to prevent money laundering has also affected sales.

“Although it was withdrawn by end-September, we lost one cycle, and it is very critical that the preDiwali sales picked up,” said Sen, referring to the KYC norms. “Sales of bank-financed products, such as consumer durables and automobiles, have picked up. But in the gold market, one has to pay upfront and, therefore, the sale of the yellow metal has slowed down.”

Are my world!

magine your little princess gets up in the morning and finds that her Barbie doll, she loved the most, has disappeared. Also when she walks inside her kindergarten she finds that all toys had been removed and would not be returned for next two months.

Similar kind of scenario was witnessed by thousands of children going to playschools in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland that are participating in a remarkable and innovative project called toy-free kindergarten. The project called “Der Spielzeugfreie Kindergarten” (the nursery without toys) was founded by Rainer Strick and Elke Schubert, public health officers who worked with adults suffering from various forms of addiction. According to the study conducted by the officer, it was found that the addictive habits start early in childhood and wanted to show that children can play happily and creatively when they have no toys around them.

We discuss with experts and parents about the pros and cons of toy-free kindergarten and the ideal situation for the children in Indian scenario.

Every kid has a toy that they believe is their best friend. They believe it communicates with them, and they imagine it being alive, their toy horse or car or whatever it is. Ankur Mehta, director, Pause N Learn says, “Toys and childhood are inseparable to me. Reflecting back to our childhood days, I remember very well that in our toys there existed our own dream world. The Barbie dolls, the small cars, the robots, or the simple kitchen set, the business game or the word game scrabble, Mario as the only video game option and many more.”

As a result the children may not be able to easily separate from their most cherished possession. Bela Kotwani, CEO and principal, Cosmikids International is of the view that, “Any kind of extreme decision rarely has a balanced outcome. We have always had some kinds of toys as part of growing up. Compared to the kind of toys we played as kids which had not much thought behind them, the toys these days are more child centric and learner focused. I am all for striking the right balance between the two concepts. The impact will be different for every child. However a broad generalisation would be that children may find innovative ways to spend their time. I personally feel that taking away toys from the children will take away color from their lives.”

Even Ayurvedic paediatrics which is the first among the medical sciences emphasised on these important aspects of the child’s development i.e. the need of playground (kreeda bhoomi) and toys (kreedanaka) which are child’s best friends. T Rajeshwari, a psychotherapist who specialises in nutrition and health and works as a therapist in Montessori schools, emphasises on the importance of toys and says, “The children will throw tantrums, and some may weep and search for something else. The toys are important in so many ways. They help a child to feel secure. Creative toys help develop thinking, creativity and work as an emotional outlet. Building toys helps in logic thinking, imagination and language development.”

What an adult may term as mere ‘passing time’ as a child plays with his toys is actually much more than that! Through toys and games, social skills (making new friends), patience (waiting for their turn to roll a dice); perseverance, focus and concentration can be easily inculcated in a child by allowing them to play! At a very young age the child develops qualities like compassion (to help a friend who is stuck at a level in the game), alertness and promptness (else they may lose a point) and ability to accept defeat (it completely ok to lose a game).

Dhara Mehta, founder, The Kids Company says, “While I was raising my son from an infant to a toddler, we spent a lot of time playing board games, puzzles and blocks and that’s when I realised the power of games and toys. A child can think, discover, create, explore, interact, and have fun all at the same time while playing games. Children can be taught the biggest lessons of life while they are playing games.” In the Western societies the children are born and bought up in an environment where there is no strong family structure and children stay in crèches. Thus a serious intervention is required for which such experiments are being proposed and conducted time to time. In Indian context we can adopt both the models and this is more important as we can make them realise the importance of human interaction alongwith their cherished toys.

Dr Shashi Mehra, mother of two boys opines, “We are a culturally and emotionally knit society. Spending quality time with family, sharing moments of love and care, creating an environment of mutual growth, bridging the younger generation with the previous one is relatively easy for us to do. Extremity is bad. Neither devoid them from lifeless toys, nor devoid them from life. Even when they are playing with toys if we can become their partners in learning, we can help them become better and stronger.”