Monday’s Musings . . .

THE VULTURES ARE BEGINNING TO CIRCLE:  As I previewed in a post on April 13th, we’re starting to see the beginning of the end for iHeart.  The first tangible sign came in the form of a disclosure within iHeart’s Q1 earnings report, in which they reported a -3% decline in revenue against at +3% increase in operating expenses (never a good combo).  In the disclosure iHeart stated “substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months following the date the first quarter 2017 financial statements are issued”.  This problem, of course, is debt their which stands at $20.5B.  A few weeks ago they made an unsuccessful attempt to convince creditors to restructure a chunk of their notes at 9% interest to more favorable terms.  Without that relief iHeart now faces the very real possibility of defaulting on some upcoming notes.  As you’ll see in the attached Marketwatch story, Wall Street insiders are anticipating Chapter 11.  I would say bankruptcy is starting to look more like a “when” and not an “if” for iHeart.

MERLIN FOLLOWS UMG IN NEW RELEASE “GATING” ON SPOTIFY:  Last month Universal Music Group became the first major label to reach a long-term licensing deal with Spotify by forcing a “gating” window on new releases which would only be available on the subscription tier.  Now Merlin, the entity which represents thousands of independent artists and smaller labels, has followed UMG by agreeing to similar licensing terms with Spotify.  I’m guessing the remaining two majors, Sony and Warner, will also ink similar deals setting up a system in which new music is held on the paid side of Spotify before eventually being released to the free ad-supported side.  This will give artists/labels guaranteed royalty payouts when a new release is listened to.  It will also water down Spotify’s free offering.  I’m wondering if this will incentivize more listeners to buy a subscription or flee the service altogether.

THE CHATBOTS ARE COMING:  Since 2014 Amazon has been pushing relentlessly into the forefront of voice-enablement technology.  The centerpiece of their platform is Echo and the embedded Alexa voice activated interface system.  Now Amazon is taking things one step further with the roll out of new in-app Chatbot technology which can run on any IoT device.  Think about what this would look like . . . an Alexa 2.0ish virtual assistant you can interact with by voice, on just about any smart device you own.  If you’ve seen the movie “Why Him?” think of the voice assistant Justine.  Here’s a funny (but racy) YouTube clip from the movie to better explain.  This advancement would accelerate Voice (Audio) supplanting Touch (Visual) as the primary input method of the connected world.

Have a great Monday guys!

370 thoughts on “Monday’s Musings . . .

  1. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

  2. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  3. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!

  4. I am glad for commenting to let you know what a wonderful discovery my cousin’s child experienced viewing your blog. She even learned plenty of things, not to mention what it’s like to possess an excellent giving mindset to get others smoothly completely grasp some impossible issues. You actually exceeded people’s expectations. I appreciate you for distributing these invaluable, trustworthy, edifying and fun thoughts on that topic to Tanya.

  5. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good blog with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  6. Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you just can do with some to drive the message home a little bit, however instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  7. Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and fantastic design and style.

  8. Admiring the time and energy you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  9. Hey there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  10. What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a natural blood sugar support formula created by Tom Green. It is based on scientific breakthroughs and clinical studies.

  11. hi!,I love your writing very so much! share we be in contact extra about your post on AOL? I require a specialist in this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Taking a look forward to look you.

  12. I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  13. It is the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this put up and if I could I wish to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article. I desire to learn more things about it!

  14. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  15. Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks

  16. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.

  17. You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart. “The point of quotations is that one can use another’s words to be insulting.” by Amanda Cross.

  18. What Is Sugar Defender? Sugar Defender is a new blood sugar-balancing formula that has been formulated using eight clinically proven ingredients that work together to balance sugar levels.

  19. certainly like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I will certainly come again again.

  20. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

  21. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  22. Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Kudos!

  23. I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Marriage love, honor, and negotiate.” by Joe Moore.

  24. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  25. I simply had to thank you so much yet again. I do not know the things that I might have created in the absence of the pointers shown by you on this concern. It absolutely was a real terrifying matter in my view, but taking note of the well-written manner you dealt with it made me to cry with happiness. I will be happier for this help and in addition hope you comprehend what a powerful job you are always undertaking teaching others thru a blog. Most likely you have never encountered all of us.

  26. I’d should verify with you here. Which isn’t one thing I usually do! I get pleasure from reading a submit that may make people think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to remark!

  27. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.

  28. Thanks for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  29. Thanks for another informative site. The place else could I am getting that kind of info written in such an ideal means? I’ve a mission that I’m just now running on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.

  30. Hello there, simply turned into aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate when you continue this in future. Lots of folks will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  31. Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  32. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  33. A lot of thanks for every one of your hard work on this web site. My mother loves working on research and it’s really easy to see why. We all hear all of the powerful mode you give precious steps on the blog and as well as strongly encourage contribution from other ones on the topic plus my daughter is without question starting to learn so much. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are conducting a wonderful job.

  34. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.

  35. A lot of of the things you state happens to be astonishingly appropriate and that makes me wonder why I had not looked at this in this light before. Your piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this particular issue goes. Nonetheless at this time there is actually one particular factor I am not too cozy with and while I attempt to reconcile that with the core idea of the position, allow me see exactly what all the rest of the subscribers have to say.Well done.

  36. I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  37. Thanks a lot for giving everyone an extremely brilliant chance to read in detail from this website. It’s always very excellent and as well , jam-packed with amusement for me personally and my office fellow workers to search your site at the very least 3 times every week to see the new stuff you will have. Of course, I’m always fulfilled for the gorgeous opinions served by you. Certain 4 tips in this article are indeed the very best we have ever had.

  38. I’m impressed, I have to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not sufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m very blissful that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.

  39. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i’m happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to don’t forget this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  40. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  41. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. many thanks

  42. Thanks for another informative website. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

  43. Attractive element of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your feeds or even I fulfillment you access persistently quickly.

  44. What Is Neotonics? Neotonics is a skin and gut supplement made of 500 million units of probiotics and 9 potent natural ingredients to support optimal gut function and provide healthy skin.

  45. Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

  46. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in reality used to be a amusement account it. Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact?

  47. Good web site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  48. Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  49. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you

  50. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  51. You can definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart. “The point of quotations is that one can use another’s words to be insulting.” by Amanda Cross.

  52. Hiya very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?KI’m happy to search out so many helpful info here within the post, we need work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  53. I would like to get across my affection for your kind-heartedness giving support to persons who absolutely need help with this important niche. Your personal dedication to passing the solution around came to be really interesting and has frequently empowered somebody much like me to arrive at their pursuits. This helpful information implies this much a person like me and much more to my mates. With thanks; from everyone of us.

  54. I cling on to listening to the news broadcast lecture about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the top site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

  55. Fit spresso stands as a scientifically validated weight loss formula intricately crafted from potent ingredients, aimed at enhancing the body’s metabolic functions. Tailored to support the circadian rhythm and ignite the fat-burning process, this supplement is conveniently available in edible pill form for daily consumption.

  56. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm.

  57. Hi there! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the nice info you might have right here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your weblog for more soon.

  58. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I am experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  59. I got what you intend, thanks for putting up.Woh I am delighted to find this website through google. “Those who corrupt the public mind are just as evil as those who steal from the public.” by Theodor Wiesengrund Adorno.

  60. Unlock the potential of your pineal gland with the potent Pineal XT Dietary supplements serve as a gateway to expanding one’s range of expression, and Pineal gland support supplements, in particular, can elevate mental and spiritual capabilities. Pineal XT vitamins offer a pathway to endless joy, prosperity, health, and love. These supplements are designed to bolster the pineal gland’s function, enhance overall body performance, and boost energy levels. It stands as a premier alternative for reducing the impact of fluoride, pollutants, and the natural aging process.

  61. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again soon..

  62. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  63. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

  64. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

  65. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance. I must say you’ve done a superb job with this. In addition, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox. Outstanding Blog!

  66. Hi there, i read youur bog occasionally and i ownn a simolar onne and i
    wwas ust curious iif yoou gett a llot of spaam responses?

    If so how do you styop it, aany plugin or anything yyou
    caan suggest? I geet so muh lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much
    appreciated.

  67. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *