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☆ 2 Wendy's superfans had red-dye makeovers to get free chicken nuggets for a year
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Jyoti Mann | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Two Wendy's superfans won a year's supply of chicken nuggets after dyeing their hair red. The fans are now entitled to a free portion of four-piece chicken nuggets every week. The chain ran a competition for UK fans to dye their hair "Wendy's Red" at a salon in London, offering them a chance to win a free portion of four chicken nuggets a week for a year. As they underwent their makeovers, other redheads queued outside of a Wendy's store in Camden to get their hands on their own portion of free chicken nuggets with their orders. Redheads queued outside a Wendy's store in Camden, north London.

☆ China’s Tech Giants Signal the First Steps in a Bumpy Recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Chang Che | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Eight months ago, the future of China’s largest internet companies looked grim. Covid-era lockdowns crushed sales and Beijing’s harsh tech regulations had spooked even audacious China investors. With China’s economy now reopen, the tech giants this week released earnings reports that showed initial signs of recovery. Revenue rose 10 percent at Baidu, which said on Tuesday that strong digital advertising sales had continued into the current quarter. Tencent, China’s dominant video game company, also benefited from easing restrictions on gaming licenses last year after a nine-month freeze.

☆ I tried the viral decorating AI RoomGPT on my boring living room and it added a pool in my apartment
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

I used RoomGPT to help redesign my living room, but I'm not sure how much I can rely on the tool. The AI program has gone viral on TikTok after a creator used the site to design her patio. RoomGPT's developer assures that interior designers should see the program as a tool rather than a replacement. The AI program RoomGPT is going viral on TikTok after a user posted how the interior decorating site helped digitally style her patio. The developer of RoomGPT, Hassan El Mghari, told Insider that interior designers need not worry about AI taking their jobs.

☆ Ford and GM can afford to put on a brave face
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Jonathan Guilford | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Automakers General Motors(GM.N) and Ford Motor(F.N) reported operating profit well above Wall Street’s expectations in the first quarter. Their battery-powered makeovers carry risks, but 3.6 million missing car sales thanks to Covid-era shortages means their gas-guzzler cash cows can put on a brave face, thanks to plenty of unfulfilled demand. Ford and GM reported total operating profit 43% and 20% above analyst expectations this quarter, respectively, according to Refinitiv. Reuters GraphicsThis price ratchet added billions to operating profit in recent years. GM increased its expectations for full-year operating profit by $500 million, to a range of $11 billion to $13 billion.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Whether or not you're a big spender with Amazon, the Chase Amazon credit cards may fit your spending habits. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesChase's two Amazon credit cards now have new names, designs, bonus categories, and welcome offers. Formerly called the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, these products have been renamed more simply: The Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa . What you need to know about Amazon credit card changesBoth the Prime Visa and the Amazon Visa are getting considerable makeovers.

☆ Travel news: Underwater metro routes and marine discoveries
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. CNN —Incredible Italian home makeovers, jaw-dropping marine discoveries and ritzy new trains in Scotland and Taiwan: We’ve got all this and more in our latest roundup of news and features from CNN Travel. Massachusetts couple Doug and Leah Johnson renovated a 14th-century apartment in the town of Vasanello in Lazio that they bought for less than $14,000. Life on the railsAustralia and India are celebrating milestones in underwater travel. And on April 12, Kolkata’s new underwater metro route completed its maiden run, ahead of opening to the public in November.

☆ Tesla can no longer succeed just on its own terms
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Jonathan Guilford | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEW YORK, April 19 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Tesla (TSLA.O) has been running its own race, but the electric-car maker’s financial results unveiled on Wednesday suggest those days are over. The U.S. government is ramping up support for electric cars, introducing new emissions standards that benefit Tesla more than established peers that probably aren’t making money yet from electric models. Using the gap between Tesla’s credits-adjusted automotive revenue and gross profit per car delivered, costs have shrunk 10% from a recent peak. Tesla reckons it can reduce costs by 50% for new designs, bringing a hyped $25,000 car within reach. After effectively creating the modern electric-car market, Musk faces the challenge of keeping up with it.

☆ Why fans say trips to Disney World are now 'incredibly complicated' to pull off
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

But some travelers aren't thrilled about what it takes to pull off a trip to Walt Disney World these days. He said he goes to Disney World about "once a month." They will leave thinking food at Disney World is a "cheeseburger and a hot dog … which could not be farther from the truth," he said. Walt Disney World comprises four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of themed hotels, plus a shopping and entertainment area called Disney Springs. He called Disney World an "amazing spa destination" and said Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, has shopping, live music and fantastic restaurants.

☆ Review: The Toyota Tacoma is a charming pickup truck — which makes up for its imperfections
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Alanis King | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is one of the last in this generation of the mid-size pickup truck. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

☆ I'm a reality TV casting director — here's what we look for in a contestant on shows like 'Queer Eye'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Sasha Weilbaker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Ally Capriotti Grant is a casting director who worked on "Queer Eye" for five seasons. Then her team looks for someone who is open, honest, and ready for help from the hosts of the show. I started working on "Queer Eye" in December 2016 and worked there through season five, which aired in June 2020. I love that "Queer Eye" celebrates what makes us different. What is the city known for in general?"

☆ M&Ms says it's pulling its beloved 'spokescandies' after right-wing outrage over shoes, gender
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Candy maker Mars said Monday it is replacing its M&Ms "spokescandies" with actress Maya Rudolph after facing right-wing criticism over its mascot makeover. The spokescandies are a team of cartoon M&Ms mascots that have represented the brand in commercials and other marketing materials since 1960. Early last year, the candy brand updated the cartoons and its marketing, rebranding each mascot with a new backstory, clothing and personality to be more inclusive. "Orange" became a mascot riddled with anxiety, and the company added a new purple M&M, which was designed to represent inclusivity. And we definitely didn't think it would break the internet," M&Ms said in a statement Monday on Twitter.

☆ Bud Light and Budweiser are getting a makeovers at this year’s Super Bowl
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The latter, he said, “broke through” during the Super Bowl, but “needs time and commitment” to grow. In recent years, customers have been increasingly choosing premium or Mexican lagers, putting Bud Light out of favor with some beer drinkers. Garbe said the beer is the company’s “number 1 growth engine” and is soon set to overtake Bud Light in sales. Fox, which will broadcast Super Bowl LVII, is reportedly charging $7 million for a 30-second spot during the February 12 game in Glendale, Arizona. Liquor giant Diageo (DEO) is making its Super Bowl debut this year with an ad for Crown Royal whisky.

☆ How January 2023 top diet trends can enable eating disorders
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Erin Harrop | Dr. Erin Harrop Is An Assistant Professor At The University Of Denver Graduate School Of Social Work. Their Research | Teaching | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +12 min

Many fad diets are not actually sustainable or healthy — and some can lead to unhealthy obsessions and dangerous eating disorders. And critically, the majority of people living with eating disorders today do not fit the cookie-cutter stereotype of people with eating disorders. Among adults, people previously thought to be the least at risk for eating disorders — such as men, people over 45 years old and lower-income individuals, have demonstrated the most significant increases in eating disorders. As an eating disorder survivor, many parts of my story fit the eating disorder stereotypes. My journey with my eating disorder was long, and I struggled to get treatment during a time when eating disorder treatment programs were few and far between, and health care lacked mental health parity.

☆ Podcast listeners prefer video over audio alone, according to a new survey, giving YouTube a big edge. Here are more key takeaways.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A survey by Morning Consult found that listeners now prefer podcasts with video than those without. While platforms like YouTube and Spotify have offered audio podcasts for years, another format has been gaining steam recently: video. The poll, which surveyed 2,202 US adults in October, found that 46% of podcast listeners said they prefer consuming podcasts with video. As a result, podcast hosts might be more inclined in the future to invite star studded personalities onto their shows to improve ratings. Live events allow podcast hosts to record episodes in front of in-person audiences and connect with fans after the recording ends.

Some of their daughters echoed that reminder, adding that they think the trend has helped counteract ageism on TikTok, which has become more commonplace. She thinks younger generations view this trend as a glimpse into the future and what they could look like as mothers. “I think this has to be one of my favorite trends on TikTok that I’ve participated in,” Ramirez said. Her video, which has over 721,000 views, shows her mom in high-waisted jeans, a white cropped corset and heels. “That made me feel excited because I feel like it kind of boosted [her] confidence in a way,” Morris said.

☆ Gucci’s Next Revamp Needs a More Classic Look
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Carol Ryan | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

No new designer is lined up yet at Gucci after Alessandro Michele’s departure. Parting ways with Gucci’s designer was an inevitable decision for Kering, the luxury group that owns the brand. The Italian brand’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, is stepping down immediately, Kering said this week, and no one is lined up yet for his job. From his first runway show in early 2015, Mr. Michele more than doubled Gucci’s sales and tripled operating profit in what is considered one of the most successful luxury-brand makeovers in decades. However, the brand has looked wobbly since 2020 as his designs became less popular.

Compare the Chase Sapphire cards Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Sapphire Reserve® Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Apply now On Chase's website Apply now On Chase's websiteThe Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® got makeovers last year, adding new or improved bonus categories and additional benefits. Neither card got an annual fee increase: You'll still pay $550 per year for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and $95 for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card costs only $95 a year, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an annual fee of $550. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card fee is $95, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® fee is $550.

☆ Burger King's new 'Royal Reset' would reward 800 top restaurants but could punish thousands of others. Analysts worry it could kick off a 'Darwinian' battle for survival.
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-19 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Tim Powell, the managing principal at the consultancy Foodservice IP, said Burger King units were long overdue for modernization. But he questioned Burger King's "survival of the fittest" tactic. Jose Cil, the CEO of Burger King's Restaurant Brands International, said the turnaround plan was directed at lifting sales for all restaurants. "All of that will lead to an output which is increased traffic, increased sales, increased restaurant-level profitability, and growth for the brand, from a systemwide sales standpoint. US sales at Burger King increased nearly 4% in 2021.

☆ Burger King's $400 million turnaround plan favors 800 top-performing restaurants. It's a 'Darwinian' move analysts say could leave hundreds of franchisees in the lurch.
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-14 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Burger King unveiled a $400 million "Reclaim the Flame" turnaround plan last week. Burger King's $400 million "Reclaim the Flame" turnaround plan calls for upgrading 800 of the company's top restaurants, a "Darwinian" move that could hurt hundreds of poor-performing locations left without financial support, analysts say. Tim Powell, the managing principal at the consultancy Foodservice IP, said Burger King units were long overdue for modernization. Jose Cil, the CEO of Burger King's Restaurant Brands International, said the turnaround plan was directed at lifting sales for all restaurants. "All of that will lead to an output which is increased traffic, increased sales, increased restaurant-level profitability, and growth for the brand, from a systemwide sales standpoint.

☆ 'Pinocchio' review: Tom Hanks plays Geppetto in a lifeless Disney+ remake
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-08 | by ( Review Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis’ reunion should be a source of curiosity, but their little puppet made of wood is in a movie that’s not so good. They build toward his encounter with the seafaring Monstro, upgraded to “sea monster” status, having maligned whales quite enough. It also largely squanders the vocal talents of the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Keegan-Michael Key as Jiminy Cricket and “Honest” John, respectively. While it’s perhaps unreasonable to expect a whole lot more from this sort of highly calculated leveraging of the studio’s library than a simple diversion for parents to share with kids, it’s not unreasonable to wish the live-action “Pinocchio” might have possessed a little more dimension than this. “Pinocchio” premieres September 8 on Disney+.

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