At CWEB, we are always looking to expand our network of strategic investors and partners. If you're interested in exploring investment opportunities or discussing potential partnerships and serious inquiries. Contact:jacque@cweb.com
Walmart had done away with its $35 minimum shipping threshold for members who join Walmart+. This annual membership program cost $98. It was launched in September 2020 and offers free next day and two-day shipping to members. They also get 5-cent per gallon discount on gas. They can scan items with the store app when they shop in-store plus they can check out without waiting in line.
On Wednesday Walmart said that its fulfillment centers will no longer require a minimum $35 purchase for free shipping. Toys, electronics, clothing and other merchandise shipped through their fulfillment centers would qualify for free shipping though grocery orders, delivered through Walmart stores will still require a minimum purchase.
Analysts had earlier viewed the $35 minimum for free shipping as a weakness, as Amazon Prime requires no minimum purchase amount, except for Amazon Fresh, its grocery delivery service.
This new feature has increased its competition with its biggest rivals including Amazon and Costco as they have been offering good membership plans from years.
Although the number of consumers who have signed up for Walmart+ subscription plans has not been disclosed, CEO Doug McMillon told analysts on a call last month that the retailer was “excited about the results” so far.
In a research note, UBS analyst Michael Lasser estimated that Walmart+ had already gained five million members. He predicted that membership would reach 10 million subscribers within its first year.
Google Maps has updated its features and is introducing its own news feed. Although it is called “Community Feed” as it includes local posts, it is also a vertically scrollable feed. It has added the option of “like” with a small “thumbs up” icon.
Google Maps’ had an updates tab that included a feed with posts from businesses, news, stories and recommendations to encourage discovery. The Explore Tab had thematic groupings such as outdoor dining, bars etc., at the top of the screen. This helps browsers check other lists as well as view photos.
With the update, although the business’ groups by category will feature at the top of the screen, the rest will be a scrollable feed. This may lead to TikTok type of feeds in future.
Although it is currently a standard feed, as you scroll, you can “like” or “follow” businesses and get alerts from them. There’s no comments tab like Facebook. Google hopes that this change will increase app usage. It can also be used while traveling or researching other locations as what you see is not based on your current location but is based on the location you are browsing on the map.
These updates make it more of a Facebook rival. By adding “follow” to businesses like Facebook and giving the option to message them directly like Messenger, Google will give Facebook competition as businesses can set profiles on Google Maps with logos, cover photos and other details, similar to a Facebook Page.
Google has said that this feature has been launched worldwide on Android and iOS
Uber announced that it has purchased Postmates, a popular food and delivery service. This deal has made the company the second largest delivery platform, by size, in the US, Doordash is the largest delivery platform in the US.
In a statement, Uber said that it was committed to keep Postmates as a separate consumer facing brand, but would integrate its backend operations to the Uber Eats platform. Both the companies would work to ensure that they can “strengthen the delivery of food, groceries, essentials and other goods.”
Uber’s thrust forward in the food and grocery business has helped the company thrive. Lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders have diminished the requirements for a ride-hailing business. The online food and grocery business has thrived through the pandemic and hence Uber’s concentration on this division has paid dividends.
In its latest financial report Uber said that the revenues of its mobility division fell by around 53%. However, its Uber Eats division saw a 125% increase. With the pandemic still on, it will continue to invest in this division as its mobility division is in flux, due to the pandemic.
Uber spent huge amounts to push through Prop 22 in California. This was a big loss for labor as it removed basic rights like mandatory sick leave, expense reimbursements and overtime payments. It is looking to push it through in other states as well.
Romance rumors of a relationship between Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have been abuzz ever since there were reports of her split, in January 2020, with her billionaire boyfriend Hassan Jameel. The next month she was seen with A$AP Rocky but sources said that they were just good friends and had been friends from years. The rumors continued for months.
A source confirmed the news of them dating to People after “Page 6” spotted them together having dinner with friends on Saturday, November 28, in New York City.
In July 2020, Rihanna featured the rapper A$AP Rocky in her first Fenty Skin Campaign. They did video interviews together and in a video for Vogue, she joked that her skin type was “just as complicated as men are.” “Y’all always try to say women are complicated…it’s y’all,” she told Rocky. He described his skin as “handsome” when she turned the tabled on him.
In a video for GQ Rocky admitted that it was difficult not to goof off around Rihanna. He said that the hardest part of working with her was trying to stay professional. “This sh*t is comedy,” he said. “The hardest part is not having too much fun. You just forget that it’s still works at the end of the day.”
On Tuesday, an American analyst said that Kim Jong Un, North Korean Leader and his family were given a Chinese experimental vaccine for coronavirus.
North Korea had reported zero coronavirus infections. Experts are skeptical about this claim as the country borders China, the original source of the outbreak and there is a lot of trade sanctioned and unsanctioned between the two countries.
The Kim’s were vaccinated “within the last two to three weeks thanks to a vaccine candidate supplied by the Chinese government,” Harry Kazianis, a North Korea expert at the Center for the National Interest think tank in Washington, wrote in an article for the online outlet 19FortyFive.
He added that it was unclear which Chinese company had provided its COVID-19 vaccine candidate or if the vaccine was proven to be safe.
Citing US medical scientist Peter Hotez, he said that at least three Chinese companies: Sinophram Group, Sinovac Biotech Ltd and CanSinoBio, were developing a coronavirus vaccine. Although none of them have launched Phase 3 clinical trials, Sinophram has said that nearly one million Chinese have used its vaccine candidate.
The vaccination news comes shortly after the North Korean leader is said to have tightened border security to defend the Hermit Kingdom against COVID-19 and had asked its diplomats and ambassadors to show restraint and not to comment against America.
Today, December First’s google doodle uses a cute little yellow bird wrapping bright fairy lights around its colorful logo. Many important festivals are celebrated around the world in December.
Here’s a list with the dates.
Hannukah (10-18 December)
Hannukah, an eight-day Jewish festival, begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month, Kislev. This year it falls on December 10 and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This happened during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
A menorah, a candlestick with 9 branches is lit. One branch above or below the others holds the candle that is used to light the other eight. One candle in each branch is lit every night. Some Jews feast during this festival making latkes and other traditional foods and exchange gifts.
Yule (21 December to 1 January)
Yule or Yuletide is celebrated by the Germans. It has pagan roots relating to the Norse God Odin as well as the Anglo-Saxon festival, Modraniht. People exchange gifts, get together for meals and celebrate using a yule log.
Festivus (23 December)
This is a festival that is parody to Christmas and consumerism. Popularized by the “Seinfeld” episode “The Strike” it is celebrated by standing around a plain aluminum pole, as opposed to a Christmas Tree and there’s “airing of grievances” and “feats of strength”.
Christmas (25 December)
Christmas is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, though his exact birth is unknown. Some celebrate it on December 24 or even in January.
Gifts are exchanged, feasts are shared, and people go for Mass to churches. Many families set up a decorated Christmas tree. Gifts placed beneath the tree and opened on Christmas morning or Christmas Eve.
Boxing Day (26 December)
The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. Alms boxes are given to the poor by churches, a tradition that was started in the Middle Ages.
Postmen, errand boys and servants also expect to receive “Christmas Boxes” from their masters/employers.
Kwanzaa (26 December-1 January)
Maulana Karenga started this festival for African Americans to “give African Americans an alternative to the existing holiday and an opportunity to celebrate their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”It is a result of the Black Power Movement and was first celebrated in 1966.
New Year’s Eve (31December)
New Year’s Eve is celebrated vicariously worldwide. Governments outdo each other with celebratory fireworks and lighting displays. This year celebrations will be muted though many are eagerly waiting for this “pandemic” year to end.
Giant carrier British Airways has opened an investigation into the alleged sale of sexual favors and undergarments by one of their stewardesses. These favors are supposed to be offered in flight and in between flights.
The paper reported that she had priced her underwear for $33 for prospective clients and a passenger could pay twice as much as a “securing fee” to meet her at a hotel. If the price is right, unspecified “adult entertainment on board” was also promised to passengers.
“All you have to do is give me a sum of money and you’ll be treated to a whole different experience of your choice,” she allegedly wrote.
Her social media accounts seemed to have been deleted after the first report of the alleged advertisements. In a statement to Fox News, British Airways has said that they are investigating and will identify the mysterious stewardess.
“We expect the highest standard of behavior from all of our colleagues at all times, and we are investigating the claims,” the airline said.
The electric truck maker Nikola said that it has revised terms with reference to a prior agreement with General Motors. GM will no longer have a stake in Nikola, nor will they work together to manufacture the Badger, Nikola’s pickup truck. After this announcement, Nikola’s shares plunged by more than 21% in pre-market trading.
The earlier higher publicized deal between the two companies fell through after an early September report by short-seller Hindenburg Research who questioned Nikola’s technology. Founder Trevor Milton resigned on September 21 and Mark Russell took over as CEO. Russell had moved to Nikola from Worthington Industries, where he was the COO.
“Absolutely,” Russell told Yahoo Finance Live when asked if the company had a plan to move forward without GM. Time will show whether Russell is able to move Nikola forward.
The new non-binding agreement between Nikola and GM says that the auto giant will supply its Hydrotec fuel-cell system for use in Nikola’s commercial semi-trucks.
Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities, said that in the new agreement that GM won’t take a stake in Nikola. This news “will be viewed as a clear negative.”
Ives wrote, “This went from a game changer deal for Nikola to a good supply partnership but nothing to write home about and the Street will be disappointed accordingly along with lingering lockup worries.”
Source: Yahoo finance
Update- Nikola shares see another ugly sell-off in volatile trading as insider lockup period expires. Source CNBC
On Monday Under Armour launched new footwear and clothes under the Curry Brand featuring NBA star Stephen Curry, who has been with their brand from a longtime. The company wants to reach out to younger consumers as well as compete with Nike’s Jordan brand.
The new line features clothing and shoes for basketball and golf. It will add on shoes and clothes for runners and women. On December 11 performance basketball footwear will be available for holiday gifting.
“We wanted to make sure we did this as close as possible to the NBA season finally launching…and the fact that we’re launching in between Black Friday and the holidays we think is very opportune,” Under Armour Chief Executive Patrik Frisk told CNBC in an interview.
“This also gives Stephen something to really engage in…he’ll be actively involved in the development of the product. And we’re so excited to see one of our athletes being so involved in the product.”
Stephen Curry plays point guard for the Golden Warriors. He has won three NBA championships with them. This 31-year old player has been called the greatest shooter in NBA history and his jersey is a top seller. He has been signed on by Urban Armour from 2013.
Urban Armour has lost its younger consumers to Nike, Gap and Lululemon. The Curry Brand will work with both the Oakland Unified School District and the nonprofit organization Positive Coaching Alliance to launch basketball and to bring professional coaching in the area. It will help them regain momentum against competitors and bring back young consumers who have deserted the brand.
Will this unusual season be the one that finally compels the NCAA to grant players broad economic rights, too?
The public, it seems, is increasingly on board.
According to a newly published study I conducted with Ohio University sports management professor Dave Ridpath, the tide in public opinion — at least when it comes to pay — has already been turning. However, race plays a big role in determining the level of support.
The public support is there
In our study, we analyzed survey data that I collected from nearly 4,000 U.S. adults in late 2018 through early 2019. One of the questions we asked respondents was whether college athletes should be allowed to be paid, as athletes, beyond the costs to attend school.
Based on our findings, 51% of U.S. adults indicated support for this right by early 2019. This coincides with subsequent results from other polls that indicate rising levels of support for college athletes’ basic economic rights. For example, an October 2019 Seton Hall Sports Poll found that 60% of U.S. adults supported college athletes being allowed to be paid for the use of their names, images and likenesses. Results from an AP-NORC survey in December 2019 pegged that support at 66%.
Previous research had consistently found that most U.S adults were opposed to college athletes being paid and were even against college athletes being able to negotiate for rights through a union.
The rising support for some basic economic rights for college athletes comes at a time when people are paying more attention to the massive financial hauls of some college sports programs, particularly through men’s college football and basketball. These profits have led to enormous salaries for many coaches and administrators.
While many college athletes are eager to compete during the pandemic, they lack the leverage held by America’s unionized professional athletes to negotiate the conditions of play. AP Photo/Nati Harnik
The NCAA has long claimed that college sports would lose their allure if college athletes were paid — that the magic of watching amateurs simply playing for pride while representing a cherished university would disappear, and fans would become less enchanted by college sports.
Yet we found that the most passionate sports fans were actually the most likely to support the idea of permitting college athletes to be paid.
Class, race and amateurism
Race, however, does seem to influence respondents’ support for college athletes’ economic rights.
In our study, the odds for white adults strongly agreeing that college athletes should be allowed to be paid were 36% lower than those for nonwhite adults. When we zeroed in on Black and white respondents, we found that the odds for Black adults strongly agreeing with payment allowances were two-and-a-half times those of whites.
Why might this be the case?
It could have to do with the way race and class are intertwined with amateurism.
In the 19th century, white, upper-class Europeans invented the concept of amateurism. They claimed that paying athletes would corrupt the purity of the game and make participants more likely to cheat. In reality, they wanted to discourage working-class athletes from competing, as most couldn’t afford to play for free.
When American universities adopted amateurism in the early 20th century as its model for college sports, these social class distinctions were still in play. There was also a racial element, since, at the time, higher education was the domain of the white and wealthy.
Over the course of the 20th century, nonwhite — particularly, Black — athletes were gradually integrated into college sports, which became increasingly commercialized. Today, Black athletes constitute an outsized proportion of college football and basketball rosters.
Yet amateurism, a relic of classist and racist attitudes, remains, and the bulk of the revenue that Black athletes disproportionately generate — a number that now amounts to billions of dollars — doesn’t go to them. Nor have they or other athletes been permitted to accept outside payments aside from the full cost of attendance.
Still, perhaps the Black respondents in our survey were more aware of this discrepancy between profits, race and labor. We also discovered that — regardless of the respondent’s racial identity — a recognition of racial discrimination in society coincided with greater support for college athletes’ right to be allowed to be paid. This suggests that those inclined to perceive racial exploitation in American society might see college sports through the same lens.
Are the times finally changing?
Pay, of course, is just one right. College athletes can be subjected to abuse, forced to risk their health and made to prioritize sports over academics — and still find themselves powerless to protest or enact changes.
In April, after being pressed to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their names, images and likenesses, the NCAA signaled that they will grant permission for this and will vote on proposals in January 2021. A Florida law is slated to permit this to occur in their state with or without NCAA approval in the summer of 2021.
If the NCAA won’t grant basic economic and other rights to college athletes, it might be up to lawmakers to keep applying the pressure. That’s exactly what a group of senators tried to do in August when they introduced a College Athletes Bill of Rights that would guarantee NCAA players financial compensation, representation, long-term health care and lifetime educational opportunities.
.jpg){kind=link}