Daily Archives: August 23, 2022

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

If you dont run a small business, you might have already forgotten about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as many businesses were struggling to stay afloat during lockdown, the federal government introduced a relief program for businesses with up to 500 employees.

The program provided loans whose full amounts could be forgiven under certain circumstances, which amounted to acting in good faith: using the money to maintain employee payroll and pay other necessary expenses like business rent and utilities.

But as we detailed in 11 Restaurants That Filed for Bankruptcy Amid COVID-19, even millions in PPP loans couldnt keep some businesses afloat.

The program was also an attractive target for fraud, with as much as $80 billion stolen, according to some estimates.

Then there are the PPP loans made to celebrities most people probably wouldnt consider strapped for cash.

A database of loan information from the U.S. Small Business Administration, created by nonprofit publication ProPublica, shows that household names borrowed millions of dollars and many of them have had their loans partially if not fully forgiven.

Heres a look at some celebrities who got free money out of the Paycheck Protection Program, with some receiving multiple loans.

Loan applicant: TB12 Inc., a fitness and nutritional supplement company co-founded by Tom Brady. The champion quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots recently accepted a 10-year sportscaster contract worth $375 million, more than the $333 million earned in his NFL career, according to The Bleacher Report.

Loan amount: $960,855

Amount forgiven: $972,280 (includes interest)

What the applicant said they would spend the funds on: Payroll

Loan applicant: Draper James LLC, a womens clothing company founded by Reese Witherspoon. The actress and producer was worth $400 million as of 2021, according to Forbes.

Loan amounts: $975,472 and $719,222

Amounts forgiven: $987,793 and $726,310 (figures include interest)

What the applicant said they would spend the funds on: Payroll and rent

Loan applicants: A company in the publishing industry (Observer Holdings LLC) and two in the hotel industry (Princeton Forrestal LLC and Esplanade Livingston LLC) that are tied to Jared Kushner. The son-in-law of former President Donald Trump and senior adviser during his term is a businessman worth around $800 million as of 2019, according to Business Insider.

Loan amounts:

Amounts forgiven:

What the applicants said they would spend the funds on: Payroll and rent

Loan applicant: EDI Associates, a restaurant business owned in part by Paul Pelosi. The husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a venture capitalist is worth around $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Loan amounts: $711,708 and $996,392

Amounts forgiven: $720,658 and $1,002,343 (figures include interest)

What the applicant said they would spend the funds on: Payroll

Loan applicant: Good American LLC, a womens clothing company cofounded by Khloe Kardashian. The reality TV star and business owner had an estimated net worth of around $40 million as of 2018, according to Money.

Loan amount: $1,245,405

Amount forgiven: $1,257,306 (includes interest)

What the applicant said they would spend the funds on: Payroll, rent and health care

Loan applicants: Green Day Inc. and Green Day Touring Inc., businesses for Green Day. The rock band got two of its loans fully forgiven and the other two partially forgiven. Each of the current band members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool is worth between $55 million and $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Loan amounts:

Amounts forgiven:

What the applicants said they would spend the funds on: Payroll, rent, health care and utilities

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

Continued here:
Rich and Famous People Who Had PPP Loans Forgiven - Money Talks News

Dan Skantars letter Trump is a RINO (July 25, TribLIVE) was excellent and filled with nothing but facts. President Trumps enablers, Reps. Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz and Ron Paul and Sens. Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and Lindsey Graham and the majority of the Trumplican party are all RINOs.

There are few true and loyal Republicans left. Im sure Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan would be ashamed of todays Republican Party and the actions of Trump and his Trumplican RINOs.

The letter Jan. 6 committee, what a show (July 14, TribLIVE) was a joke. I think the letter-writer is a Trump worshipper, still in denial, who believes Trumps every word, the Big Lie, his incitement of the Capitol riot and his attempt to steal the election. His comparing the Jan. 6 hearings to the TV show Twin Peaks speaks for his mindset.

In my opinion, the riot at the Capitol was written, produced and directed by the worst example of a president ever. The hearings are totally justified. The investigation is not a conspiracy against Trump. May God bless the Jan. 6 committee and right the wrongs of two of the most legitimate impeachments of a president in this countrys history.

Would I consider voting for a Republican as president? Yes, I would. But a true Republican, not a RINO Trumplican. That would be Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger and Sen. Mitt Romney, who put the country over their party and over Trump.

Edward A. Svitek

Brackenridge

See original here:
Letter to the editor: Trump, others not real Republicans - TribLIVE

Rocco Baldellis outburst earlier this month that saw him angrily throw his hat, animatedly argue with a pair of umpires and then kick dirt across home plate sure caught the attention of one of his predecessors, who loved every moment of it.

Oh my God, that was the best ever, former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. That was good stuff right there.

Gardenhire, of course, is plenty qualified to commentate on these types of things. The fiery, passionate longtime manager is seventh all-time on Major League Baseballs managerial ejections list.

But while he was well known for that, that was just a sliver of what endeared him to both players and fans during his tenure in Minnesota. And for a decorated career that saw him win a World Series ring as the Twins third base coach in 1991 and then later take over as the Twins manager for 13 seasons, Gardenhire was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame on Saturday.

He became the 36th person to be inducted to the team Hall of Fame. Former players Dan Gladden and Csar Tovar (posthumously) will join him when they are inducted on Sunday.

During his time at the helm, Gardenhire led the Twins to six American League Central titles between 2002-14, going 1068-1039 (.507). Only one person, Tom Kelly, his mentor, has more wins as a Twins manager.

The induction ceremony, which was emceed by longtime television broadcaster Dick Bremer, included an introduction from Kelly, Gardenhire receiving his powder blue Hall of Fame coat from Rod Carew and ceremonial first pitches thrown by two of Gardenhires grandchildren. During his speech, which lasted around 10 minutes, Gardenhire gave a nod to a group of former players who traveled to Minneapolis to be there for his big day.

This group of guys, some of them got me fired, he quipped at his former players. And I still love them to death. They made me better. They gave me an opportunity to coach and manage and let them play the game.

Gardenhire said he had a sense a number of them would show up some phoned to say that they would once they heard he would be inducted but actually seeing them there made him feel as if you made an impression on some people.

A few current Twins players were in the dugout watching the ceremony, too, including Jorge Polanco, who played for Gardenhire very briefly in 2014, and reliever Caleb Thielbar, who played for him in 2013-14.

I just enjoyed him as a man. Hes a good man. He treated us well, Thielbar said. (He) really cared about us more as people than just ballplayers.

Thats a common refrain from his former players, of which there are hundreds. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter and Joe Nathan were among those in attendance on Saturday and others, like A.J. Pierzynski, taped video messages that were shown on the scoreboard.

Keeping track of all of those players wasnt always the easiest thing. Gardenhire, who managed the Tigers between 2018-2020 before his retirement, showed up to spring training early during his tenure there and, true to his nature, was bluntly honest with his new team.

(He) said, You know, Im going to try to learn all your names. If I call you buddy, it means I havent learned your name yet, Twins reliever Michael Fulmer, who played for Gardenhire in Detroit, said of one of the first days in spring training with Gardenhire.

And in response, Fulmer and a couple of other pitchers had a clubhouse attendant print the name Buddy, on the back of their jerseys to wear around. Gardenhire, Fulmer said, didnt take long to learn his name, and the two wound up bonding over their shared Oklahoma roots.

Hes the ultimate players manager is what Id describe him as, Fulmer said. Hed keep things always light, fresh. He was brutally honest, which is what you want in a manager. Gardy was awesome. It was a pleasure playing for him and Im happy hes getting inducted in the Twins Hall of Fame.

Read the original:
Ron Gardenhire inducted into Twins Hall of Fame - St. Paul Pioneer Press

Michal Plachy / Shutterstock.com

Something borrowed, something blue, something rude? Most guests dont intend to display bad manners when they attend a wedding, but this very special ceremony has its own set of rules and not all of them are obvious.

The guests job is to make the host glad they invited you, says Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

Heres a look at the rudest things you can do at a wedding.

So many people are eager to post photos to Facebook or Instagram and show scenes from the wedding. But the honor of delivering those first images should go to the newlyweds, not you.

Give (the couple) the opportunity to select the photos they want posted first, Gottsman tells Money Talks News, pointing out that this may not apply if the couple have created a wedding hashtag and are encouraging photo-sharing.

Also, theres likely a paid photographer in attendance. Dont ruin their shot by stepping into the aisle or another prime ceremony spot with your cellphone to snap your own images. Stay in your seat, Gottsman warns.

This seems obvious, but weddings have set start times dont wander in whenever you feel like it.

Plan in advance, Gottsman says. Leave early to avoid any (road) detours or other problems.

If you do show up late, slip into a seat quietly and quickly.

Maybe you love children, and yours are mature and perfectly behaved at all times. Still, if theyre not invited, respect that request.

If the babysitter cancels and you cant reach someone hosting the wedding to verify its OK to bring children, its actually better to be a no-show than show up with them, Gottsman says.

Children are one thing, but surely you can bring a date if youre single, right? Not unless your invitation was made out to you and guest.

No surprises, Gottsman says. Its expensive to host wedding guests, and your hosts may have limited food and space.

Not all brides wear white (and not all weddings have brides anymore), but Gottsman says this rule isnt outdated.

Its a sign of respect, to not wear white, she says. There are plenty of other colors in your closet from which to choose.

Again, it may seem obvious to keep your liquor consumption and your reactions under control, but Gottsman says it needs to be stated.

Just because theres a free-flowing bar, doesnt mean you should take advantage of it, she notes.

If youve been asked to toast the couple, respect that request as the honor it is. Dont get dirty or cute.

Keep it light, sentimental, positive and happy, Gottsman says. And whatever you do, dont mention exes.

To some starry-eyed lovers, a wedding seems like the perfect opportunity to pop the question, Gottsman says. Its a romantic, lovely atmosphere, and perhaps the Champagne is flowing. Still, dont do it.

You dont want to take the spotlight away from the couple, she says.

The couple is paying to feed you and no doubt spent a lot of time choosing the caterer or otherwise arranging for the food. Dont look a gift meal in the mouth, even if its not what youd have ordered at a restaurant.

And dont complain if youre not served instantly. Arrive full, Gottsman recommends.

Few things are more cringeworthy at a wedding than a guests cellphone going off during any part of the wedding ceremony or during an important moment of the reception.

Turn it off, Gottsman says. If you have to keep your phone on for emergencies, switch it to vibrate.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

See the article here:
10 of the Rudest Things You Can Do at a Wedding - Money Talks News

Actors:

Amy Adams is 48 (Catch Me If You Can, The Master, Enchanted, American Hustle)

Joan Allen is 66 (Nixon, The Ice Storm, Face/Off, Pleasantville, The Bourne Supremacy, The Upside of Anger, The Bourne Ultimatum, Death Race, The Bourne Legacy, Room, The Family)

Ben Barnes is 41 (The Chronicles of Narnia, The Big Wedding, Sons of Liberty)

Misha Collins is 48 (Without a Trace, Supernatural)

Brant Daugherty is 37 (Pretty Little Liars)

Billy Gardell is 53 (Yes, Dear, You, Me and Dupree, Mike & Molly, Bob Hearts Abishola)

Andrew Garfield is 39 (Lions for Lambs, The Social Network, The Amazing Spiderman, Hacksaw Ridge, Silence)

Peter Horton is 69 (thirtysomething, The Wonder Years)

James Marsters is 60 (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville, Torchwood, Caprica)

Alex Newell is 30 (Glees Wade)

John Noble is 74 (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Sleepy Hollow, Elementary)

Meghan Ory is 40 (Once Upon a Time, The Darklings)

Michael Rady is 41 (The Mentalist, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Sleeper Cell, Greek)

Ray Wise is 75 (Swamp Thing, RoboCop, Twin Peaks, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me Jeepers Creepers 2, 24, Reaper, Fresh Off the Boat, American Horror Story)

Musicians:

Kirko Bangz is 33 (born Kirk Jerel Randle)

Limp Bizkits Fred Durst is 52

John Hiatt is 70

Demi Lovato is 30

KRS-One is 57 (his birth name is Lawrence Parker)

Chicagos James Pankow is 75

Robert Plant is 74

The late guitarist Dimebag Darrell (FAST FACTS: Dimebag was shot and killed by gunman Nathan Gale while on stage during a performance with Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio)(1966-2004) he would have been 56

The late Isaac Hayes(1942-2008) he would have been 80

The late Jim Reeves(1923-1964) he would have been 99

Plus:

Boxing promoter Don King is 91

Former Texas Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul is 87

Journalist, author and reality TV star Carole Radziwill is 59 (The Real Housewives of New York City)

Today Show weatherman Al Roker is 68

Film director David O. Russell is 64 (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook)

The late 23rdS. President, Benjamin Harrison(1833-1901)(FAST FACT: He was the grandson of the ninth President, William Henry Harrison)

The late author H. P. Lovecraft(1890 1937)("The Call of Cthulhu, Cthulhu Mythos) (FAST FACT: He died in poverty, but is now regarded as one of the most significant 20th-century authors in his genre.)

The late author Jacqueline Susann(1918 1974)(Valley of the Dolls, The Love Machine, Once Is Not Enough) (FAST FACT: Her 1966 work, Valley of the Dolls, remains one of the best-selling books of all time).

Follow this link:
Weatherman Al Roker Is 68 Today | 106.5 The Lake - iHeart

The European Central Bank (ECB) is working to harmonize the regulatory framework governing crypto activities and services in the EU. The regulator noted that several regulatory initiatives at the European and international levels are being finalized.

The European Central Bank (ECB) outlined its plan to harmonize the regulatory framework governing crypto activities and services in the EU Wednesday. The regulator explained that banks are increasingly considering whether to offer crypto products and services, and it is the ECBs role to ensure they do so safely and soundly.

The ECB described that it works closely with national regulators to ensure a consistent approach and high standards across countries, elaborating:

There is currently no harmonized regulatory framework governing crypto-asset activities and services in the EU.

This will change with the finalization of several regulatory initiatives at [the] European and international level, the ECB detailed, mentioning the markets in crypto-assets (MiCA) proposal to regulate the crypto sector in the EU. Internationally, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision plans to issue its rules on the prudential treatment of crypto exposures for banks.

The ECB pointed out that the regulatory frameworks for crypto diverge quite extensively between EU countries. For example, certain crypto activities are subject to a banking license requirement in Germany. Several banks have requested authorization to conduct crypto activities in the European country, the ECB said, adding:

It is in this context that the ECB is taking steps to harmonize the assessment of licensing requests.

The ECB also emphasized that it is working on assessing the risks posed by crypto assets, stating:

Crypto assets put the spotlight on certain types of risk, starting with operational and cyber risks, and the ECB is also working to assess these.

In addition, internal governance arrangements and processes need to take account of the crypto-asset AML/CFT [anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism] risk profile of the institution, the European regulator stressed.

ECB President Christine Lagarde said in June that crypto assets and decentralized finance (defi) have the potential to pose real risks to financial stability. She added: This would be particularly the case if the rapid growth of crypto-asset markets and services continue and the interconnectedness with both the traditional financial sector and the broader economy is intensified.

What do you think about the ECB working to create a harmonized regulatory framework for crypto assets? Let us know in the comments section below.

A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Continue reading here:
ECB Creating a Harmonized Regulatory Framework Governing Crypto Activities and Services Regulation Bitcoin News - Bitcoin News

According to a recent report published on Tuesday, the Israeli-American founder and CEO of Celsius Network, Alex Mashinsky, was in charge of the companys trading strategy. The report, citing multiple people familiar with the matter, said Mashinsky sold millions of dollars worth of bitcoin in anticipation to buy bitcoin cheap. Except after the CEO allegedly placed this bet, bitcoin markets followed the opposite trend, and the leading crypto asset accumulated some gains.

On Tuesday, the Financial Times (FT) reported on the embattled and bankrupt crypto lender Celsius and the companys CEO. FTs report citing people familiar with the situation explained that months before the company filed for bankruptcy protection, Mashinsky took control of Celsius trading strategy. Allegedly, the founder and CEO of Celsius made a number of bad bets with large sums of bitcoin (BTC) and other assets.

He was ordering the traders to massively trade the book off of bad information, one of the people quoted in the report said. He was slugging around huge chunks of bitcoin, the anonymous source added. However, another person FT quoted in the report, explains that the Celsius CEOs perspective may have been said out loud, but the individual insisted [Mashinsky] was not running the trading desk.

Despite the contrary opinion from the individual, people familiar with the matter speaking under anonymity, told FT that Mashinsky repeatedly clashed with the companys former CIO. The tensions stirred over Mashinsky allegedly involving himself in specific Celsius trades. He had a high conviction of how bad the market could move south, another anonymous source said in the report published on August 16. He wanted us to start cutting risk however Celsius could, the person added.

The accusations revolving around Mashinsky follow the crypto lending companys customers writing letters to the bankruptcy court, and pleading with the authorities to get their funds back. Customers explained that they were suffering from financial hardships over Celsius freezing their funds and said it was a dire emergency to get their funds back. For instance, Celsius customer Brandon Lawrence wrote:

I am one of the little guys It was my nest egg. Now when I go to work, I drink water and eat any scraps I can find for lunch I am in deep depression and do not know if I can pull myself out of this.

Additionally, five days ago, a Ripple Labs spokesperson spoke with Reuters and explained that the distributed ledger firm Ripple was interested in learning about Celsius and its assets. Celsius is part of a large number of trouble crypto companies in 2022, as Voyager Digital, Babel Finance, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), Hodlnaut, and Vauld have all seen financial hardships this year. Most of these companies have sought help from financial regulators or the courts in order to remedy the insolvencies.

What do you think about the report that says Alex Mashinsky was taking charge of the companys trading strategy? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Jamie Redman is the News Lead at Bitcoin.com News and a financial tech journalist living in Florida. Redman has been an active member of the cryptocurrency community since 2011. He has a passion for Bitcoin, open-source code, and decentralized applications. Since September 2015, Redman has written more than 5,700 articles for Bitcoin.com News about the disruptive protocols emerging today.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Read more:
Report: Celsius CEO Accused of Controlling Crypto Company's Trading Scheme and Placing Bad Bets Bitcoin News - Bitcoin News

There's a trend on TikTok right now where people post old embarrassing pictures of themselves in their "teenage dirtbag" era. View this video on YouTube SME So, here are 38 celebs now vs. in their teenage dirtbag era: Jake Gyllenhaal when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: 2. Justin Timberlake now: Justin Timberlake when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Prince Harry when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Tony Hawk when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ashton Kutcher when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Aaron Paul when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Zac Efron when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Drake when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Miley Cyrus when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ryan Gosling when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: 11. Leonardo DiCaprio now: Leonardo DiCaprio when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: 12. Freddie Prinze Jr. now: Freddie Prinze Jr. when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Kristen Stewart when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Taylor Momsen when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ryan Reynolds when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Justin Bieber when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Taylor Swift when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ariana Grande when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Kylie Jenner when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Justin Long when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Chris Evans when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Rider Strong when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Devon Sawa when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Paris Hilton when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Nicole Richie when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: 26. Dylan and Cole Sprouse now: Dylan and Cole Sprouse when they were in their "teenage dirtbag" phase: Hilary Duff when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Lindsay Lohan when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ashley Tisdale when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Joe Jonas when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: Kelly Osbourne when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Kelly Ripa when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Avril Lavigne when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Madonna when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Ashlee Simpson when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Lorde when she was in her "teenage dirtbag" phase: Jared Leto when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: 38. And last but not least, Pete Davidson now: Pete Davidson when he was in his "teenage dirtbag" phase: BuzzFeed Daily

Keep up with the latest daily buzz with the BuzzFeed Daily newsletter!

Originally posted here:
Here's What 38 Celebs Looked Like In Their "Teenage Dirtbag" Phase Vs. Now - BuzzFeed