Eric Schmidt Backs Out Of Mega Yacht Purchase, Leaving Antigua Government With $28,000 Weekly Bill

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 26, 2023: In a surprising turn of events, Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, has backed out of his intended purchase of the Alfa Nero, a $120 million mega-yacht seized by the Antigua and Barbuda government. This unexpected development has left the small Caribbean nation grappling with a substantial $28,000 weekly maintenance bill for the idle vessel, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Alfa Nero, which had been anchored in Antigua’s Falmouth Harbor since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in August 2022, was linked by the US Treasury Department to Andrey Guryev, a Russian oligarch known to have close ties to Vladimir Putin. Despite winning the yacht auction in June for $67.6 million, Schmidt’s change of heart came after a legal action, filed by a company connected to Guryev’s daughter, thwarted the sale.

The superyacht Alfa Nero docked in Falmouth Harbour in Saint Paul Parish, Antigua, on Wednesday, April 20, 2023. It’s been more than a year since the Russian superyacht Alfa Nero all 267 feet and 2,500 gross tons of it was abandoned in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As a result, the megayacht, renowned for its opulence and amenities, including an infinity pool that doubles as a dancefloor, has remained stationed in Falmouth Harbor for over 19 months. The financial burden of maintaining the vessel has now fallen upon the shoulders of Antigua and Barbuda’s taxpayers, who are footing the $28,000-a-week bill. These expenses cover various costs, such as the salary of an Italian captain and a daily diesel bill of $2,000 to keep the vessel’s air conditioning operational. The constant cooling is necessary to prevent mold from damaging the yacht’s hardwood interior and priceless artwork, including a Joan Miró painting.

The unexpected outcome has posed a significant challenge to the Caribbean nation, which is home to just 93,000 residents. While the Antigua and Barbuda government initially sought to auction the Alfa Nero due to concerns about its inadequate maintenance, Eric Schmidt’s withdrawal from the deal has created an ongoing financial burden that the nation now faces.

We Asked AI To Write A Song Bob Marley Would Write Today. The Result Will Shock You

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 26, 2023: Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley was and remains, the greatest reggae singer of all time even though he has been dead since 1981. With songs like “One Love,” “Redemption Song” and “Buffalo Soldier,” his legacy will live on forever.

What if Bob could write another song? While it’s not possible in real life, it is possible, in a way, thanks to ChatGPT. News Americas reached out to the artificial intelligence system to see what it thought a Bob Marley song would resemble today.

Here are the lyrics to the song ChatGPT wrote:

(Verse 1)
In this modern world, full of chaos and strife,
Searching for a path to a better life.
Where the people stand divided, in their daily grind,
But I can hear the call of unity, it’s deep inside.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Verse 2)
In the concrete jungles, where the sirens wail,
Lost souls looking for hope, as they set sail.
Through the storms of life, we must find our guide,
In the spirit of togetherness, we won’t be denied.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Bridge)
Though the world may try to tear us apart,
We’ll stand as one, with love in our hearts.
In the face of darkness, we’ll be the light,
Spreading peace and harmony, day and night.

(Verse 3)
From the mountains to the oceans, and the cities wide,
Let’s bridge the gaps that separate, let love be our guide.
No matter where we’re from, or the color of our skin,
We’re all part of this world, let the healing begin.

(Chorus)
One love, one heart, let’s come together today,
In this world of confusion, we’ll find a better way.
One love, one heart, let’s rise above the hate,
With compassion and kindness, it’s never too late.

(Outro)
So let’s sing this song of unity, loud and clear,
In the spirit of togetherness, there’s nothing to fear.
With one love, one heart, we’ll find our way,
In this world of unity, we’ll seize the day.