#cost-cutting

[therecordchanger62279]

MILES DAVIS IN BLUE

Record labels are doing me no favors by jacking prices up so high that I can no longer afford to buy anything more than a cheap CD (and even those are getting scarce). But some of these special projects they create for high-grade vinyl pressings make great playlists.

I've been buying Miles Davis albums for more than 50 years, and I have just about everything he's released along with several bootlegs. Miles died in '91, and the labels have been repackaging his catalog, and digging through the vaults ever since for every scrap they can find to separate fans like me from what little is left in their wallets. But at this point, they can't find anything for release that I don't already own. All they can do is reconfigure what there is, and wrap it up in a nice, neat package with a big red bow ('tis the season), and slap an exorbitant price tag on it.

Sorry guys. You're not getting my money. I already own whatever you're peddling. But thanks for the playlist ideas! In November of this year, Prestige (or some facsimile thereof) released Miles '54, a set of the Dark Prince's recordings for the label in 1954, remastered, sequenced, and presented on 2 CD's at a reasonable price or 4 LP's (or "vinyls" as the kids call them) at an outrageous $125 bucks. I already had every track - including the alternates. So I simply collected them all digitally, and recreated the entire set as released for an iTunes playlist. Sounds great, and it didn't cost me another dime.

I enjoyed that so much, I took my Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums set, and made another playlist of that. I even changed the title of the CD set in the playlist to reflect the three original releases. The songs are listed according to the title of the original 10" LP releases. It makes a great 70 minute playlist.

Last night I saw that Analogue Productions, another of those high-end vinyl pressing outfits decided to collect the four tracks the Miles Davis Sextet (you remember them from Kind of Blue - everybody's favorite Jazz album) recorded in 1958 before cutting their sole masterpiece in 1959. Those four songs, "On Green Dolphin Street", "Fran-Dance", "Stella By Starlight", and "Love For Sale" are now available in a limited edition, numbered, blue vinyl pressing (which I understand sold out before it ever reached the market) that will be followed by a standard, un-numbered black vinyl pressing, for, presumably, a couple of dollars less than the $52 list price they slapped on the four track EP. But those four tracks are readily available in any number of compilations - the simplest being the Miles Davis-John Coltrane Complete Columbia Recordings which has all four. By the way, Kind of Blue is also in that set. So, I liked the idea of putting those tracks in front of Kind of Blue for a Miles Blue playlist. Nine songs, and 78 minutes of Jazz heaven.

What did that playlist cost me? Nothing. Call me cheap. I think I'm smart. I see YouTubers in the Vinyl Community making videos every day where they talk about some "new" vinyl pressing they just bought with songs they already had on 32 other releases, but they had to have this new one because this 195? recording sounds better than it ever has, and you haven't heard it until you've heard this version! Nonsense. Clean it up all you want. But I don't need to hear the blood coursing through the veins of the musicians in order to enjoy the music. And I won't go into bankruptcy for a shiny piece of product with music on it I've owned for decades. Would I like to have something like this Birth of the Blue set? Sure. It's a nice looking set. Probably does sound great. But some of those Vinyl Community people get this stuff free in exchange for a review and a plug on their video. The rest of them aren't trying to put food on the table, and pay rent on the paltry money Social Security offers. I love the music, and I might be old, but I'm not ready to just go sit on my couch and watch reruns of Dark Shadows on Tubi. I want some new music. And I want to hear the old music in new and different contexts. I just don't want to pay for it for the umpteenth time. The principle is the same for me with streaming. Why should I pay to stream an old television show that I watched for free with commercials for 30 or 40 years? You got your money. It's all paid for. Stop knocking on my door with your hand out.

It's been an interesting year. I've had to get creative in order to continue to pursue my favorite hobby. Nobody is giving me more money. I got a small bump in Social Security for '25, and a Medicare increase took most of it already. And prices at the grocery store, and at the pump are NOT going down. Don't kid yourself. Prices NEVER go down. If you want to be entertained, you have to get creative. Because entertainment is always going to run a distant third to food, and housing. But these Miles playlists bring something new to the table, and I'm still getting good value for music I paid a fair price for 30, 40, 50 years ago. Just say "no" to piracy.

[diagnozabam]

Nissan Motor to Lay Off 9,000 Employees and Reduce Production Capacity Amid Global Sales Decline

Nissan Motor plans to reduce its global workforce by 9,000 employees and simultaneously decrease production capacity in an attempt to cut costs amid declining sales in major markets like China and the United States. The automotive industry crisis is increasingly affecting manufacturers across the board. Following recent layoff announcements by Volkswagen and Audi, Nissan now joins the ranks,…

[onenettvchannel]

BALITANG LOKAL: Algorithm Computer Services failed to repair PC broadcasting equipment for OneNETtv Channel due to extreme financial difficulties [#OnlyOnOneNETnews]

(Written by Mishelle Patangui / Area Manager for OneNETtv Channel and Assistant News Writer of OneNETnews)

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- On Wednesday morning (October 17th, 2024), a local computer repair shop 'Algorithm Computer Services' (ACS) was unable to repair Rhayniel's personal computer (PC) broadcasting equipment at 'National Highway, Brgy. Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental'.

OneNETnews was first to learn that the broadcasting services of OneNETtv Channel in Dumaguete City refuses to pay the computer repair costs by Rhayniel Calimpong's parents, who is the only independently-funded internet broadcaster and online news reporter, and his parents are facing financial difficulties, making it hard for them to cover the said costs of computer repairs for his small freelance news business.

The repair costs is much more than PHP10,000 (or roughly U$D173). Social media and physical donors have also refused to donate internet TV station, which automatically resulted unfortunately in financial difficulties for indefinite suspension of broadcasting operations beginning this Friday (October 18th, 2024) after the mall opening hours at Power Mac Center for the nationwide launch of Apple's iPhone 16. ONC Foundation will start a massive donation drive effective this week in mid-October 2024, all the way up to early 2025.

Dumaguetenos can support to send donations at 0994-269-6055 for both GCash and Maya users. International donations like Ko-Fi, Throne, Wise or PayPal are all available at "https://allmylinks.com/feling009". Taxes will be shouldered through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Supposedly, due to a series of PC crashes… Rhayniel wants to upgrade the system from his outdated operating system of Windows 7 to Windows 10 in the section of Solid State Drive (SSD), then cloning his own 1-terabyte hard disk drive (HDD) at Western Digital as a back-up, following the expensive production of audio and video editing between Sony Vegas and CapCut, and the only broadcast source is on Open Broadcasting Software (OBS). His online broadcasting media and journalist career for nearly 15 years, may or may not come to an end without your support.

This would allow him to resume full broadcasting operations for OneNETtv Channel and continue his nearly 15-year career in online media and journalism in the City of Gentle People.

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EDITOR's NOTE: We are featured on Dumagueteno's FB Group, but too controversial to discuss from the sucked mods in Dumaguete City. For those interested to donate, you can visit over to our news blog or via AllMyLinks site.

PHOTO COURTESY: Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong (Freelance Photojournalist and News Presenter of OneNETnews)

-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team

[ujusttry]

Google Layoffs Employees In AI Division Amidst Leadership Changes

Google's AI division faces a shakeup with layoffs. Discover the reasons, the impact on Fitbit execs, and the ripple effect in the evolving tech industry landscape of 2024.

Introduction: Google Layoffs Employees The aim of discussing “Google Layoffs Employees” is to provide a concise yet thorough understanding of recent workforce reductions at Google, particularly within its AI division. The article intends to explore the reasons behind the layoffs, highlight the broader context of reorganization, and examine the implications for both Google and the tech…

[ezzybrownmedia]

How to Make Your Small Business More Successful

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, running a small business can be both exciting and challenging. To stand out and thrive, you need more than just a good idea; you need a strategy for success. In this article, we'll explore actionable steps and strategies to take your small business to the next level. So, let's dive right in!

Define Your Unique Value Proposition

One of the first steps to making your small business successful is defining your Unique Value Proposition (UVP). This is what sets you apart from your competitors. Your UVP is not just about what you sell but also how you sell it. Ask yourself: What problem does your product or service solve? Why should customers choose you over others?Tip: Use a SWOT analysis to assess your business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Build a Strong Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial. Start by creating a user-friendly website that reflects your brand. Ensure it's mobile-responsive and optimized for search engines (SEO). Remember, a well-designed website not only attracts visitors but also keeps them engaged.Don't forget to leverage social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with your audience.

Focus on Customer Experience

Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Providing exceptional customer service is essential for success. Invest in training your staff to be courteous and attentive. Encourage customer feedback and use it to continually improve your products or services. ALSO READ: Interesting stories Consider implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to streamline your customer interactions.

Monitor Your Finances

Effective financial management is vital for the sustainability of your business. Keep a close eye on your cash flow, expenses, and profits. Create a budget and stick to it. If you're not comfortable with financial matters, consider hiring an accountant or using accounting software like QuickBooks.

Embrace Innovation

Stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovation. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying up-to-date can give you a competitive edge. Explore new tools and software that can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance your offerings.  Check out the Harvard Business Review for insights on innovation and business trends.

Marketing and Branding

Your marketing efforts can significantly impact your business's success. Develop a clear marketing strategy that includes both online and offline channels. Use social media advertising, email marketing, and content creation to reach your target audience effectively.Learn more about effective marketing strategies from HubSpot.

Network and Collaborate

Building a network of industry peers and potential partners can open doors to new opportunities. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and engage in networking events. Collaborating with others can lead to innovative ideas and mutual growth.Explore LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry.

Stay Resilient

The road to success is rarely smooth. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way. Stay resilient and adaptable. Learn from failures, pivot when necessary, and keep your long-term goals in mind. ALSO CHECK: Affordable products Remember the wisdom of Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It     is the courage to continue that counts."In conclusion, making your small business more successful requires a combination of strategic planning, customer focus, innovation, and perseverance. By following these steps and continually reassessing your business, you can build a strong foundation for long-term success. So, take action today and watch your small business flourish. LEARN MORE: Read blogs and articles here!!! Read the full article

[cassiefairy]

3 Ways to save money on (almost!) everything you buy

If you've got things to buy - whether it's a gift, back-to-school clothing or even your weekly food shop - there'll probably be a way that you can save money on your purchases. Here are three ideas to help you cut the cost of your shopping...

Collaborative feature Even though my website is about living a frugal life, that doesn’t mean I don’t buy anything – I shop just as much as the next person. But, the difference is that when I DO buy something new, I’ll always check if I can save money on it before I hand over my money. Throughout my many years of living a thrifty life, I’ve learnt that there are often deals to be discovered…

[losangelesnewsfeed]

Untitled

[sprintrecruiting]

What are the longterm impacts of the layoffs in tech?

Introduction: In recent years, tech layoffs have become an unfortunately common sight across many industries with some companies predicting more job losses as soon as 2023. This has left many tech firms wondering what this means for their talent and how they should move forward. In this blog, we will be unpacking the impact that tech layoffs have had on the industry, exploring predictions of…

[pangur-and-grim]

I SIGNED UP FOR THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM!

it's 7 courses, roughly 20 hours each, at the culmination of which I'll have to hand in a 25k novella for a panel of Canadian authors to evaluate. so obviously I'm going to write about an ancient demon who swallows the soul of a baby and enters its body, only to get trapped and essentially regress, so that its generals have to hover around nervously trying to parent it.

[3-aem]

universal healthcare is not broken and anyone trying to convince you it is is delusional and a dckrider for big health insurance. yes there are wait times but waiting for care is Not the same as being denied care.

in america your physician prescribes care and an insurer can still cuck you out of it because someone across the continent who has never met you can say: doesn’t seem medically necessary. Leaving you to handle a bill that is wildly inflated by the same insurers that just denied you.

let me drill it through your head you can pay thousands a year in premiums and still end up sick and financially burdened for years by One incident. no insurance company is Avoiding going broke by denying claims. theyre doing it to profit off your misfortune and your illness. Because healthcare fundamentally does not cost the amount that they claim it to be.

[tomorrowusa]

Sadly, in the United States it's cheaper to take lives than to same lives.

For example...

‘No one should have to be fighting cancer and insurance at the same time’

And MAGA Republicans can hardly wait to make healthcare even more expensive and difficult than it is now...

Millions could lose health insurance to pay for Trump tax cuts

Yep, your healthcare benefits could go out the window so that MAGA Republicans can give MEGA tax breaks to overpaid insurance executives so the latter can then increase their campaign contributions to the GOP.

[papermonkeyism]

You know those wooden dinosaur skeleton models you can buy from museum gift shops, that are usually simple and variably off-model? I used to have a tripod Tyrannosaurus back when I was a kid decades ago.

So there's a company in Chile that makes those, but scientifically accurate! Wonder Artistic Models. I've known about them for couple years now, I think, but after losing my job couldn't afford to buy one.

Untill now.

They had a pretty big discount campaign last month and hey, guess how that went.

Oh, boy, let's see how well this goes!

[canisalbus]

as a 16th century clergyman what does machete think of the printing press

I think by the time he was born the printing press had been around for almost a century and a half, so I'd reckon the society as a whole was largely past it's initial novelty and controversy. Machete himself is bookish and nerdy, he's very invested in gathering knowledge about various topics and trying to piece together a good picture of how the world works. Getting access to reading material would be a lot harder if every book was still copied individually by hand. His standards are pretty high though, there's a lot of poorly translated, shoddily printed and flimsily bound books around and he's prone to scrunching his nose at them.

[just-a-itty-bitty-kitty]

Me when people finally see that the Narrator is great and Smitten is fucked up but now they like Narrator and hate Smitten

[blurbofanartdump]

crazy to think I've yet to see one post not begging for the 60 min cut of timebomb content. like it's a collective agreement that the fanbase would rather have more content like this than not. Netflix whyyy do you do this to the fans of your shows

[cassiefairy]

3 Things NOT to scrimp on during the cost of living crisis

Although we may be feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis and might have less money left at the end of every month, there are some things that you shouldn't cut from your budget...

Collaborative feature It’s tough times; bills are increasing, interest rates are going up and even food is more expensive – or, in some cases, scarce. It’s therefore natural to want to take a second look at your monthly budget and reduce your outgoings. BUT before you slash some costs off your expenditure, it’s a good idea to consider how important the bill is and what kind of negative effect…