Tag Archives: business

What Are We Eating?

Are we 100% positive?

Despite the previous notion that McDonald’s chicken nuggets are comprised of a pink slime mixture, the company put the debate to rest by supplying the public with a list of ingredients.  While pink slime is not included in the list, there are about ten components in a McNugget, such as white boneless chicken, water, salt, safflower oil, and sodium phosphates.  Although this fast-food item is not exactly 100% chicken, it still remains one of the top favorites among McDonald’s patrons.  Another high-ranking quick service chain, Subway, has become the topic of a similar dispute.  Continue reading →

Search for an Unknown Well-Wisher

Surprise in the mail

The thought that we are practically always under surveillance can feel unsettling.  The idea may lead us to second guess our internet searches, our purchases in the grocery store, or our text messages to friends and family.  Hundreds of reported women throughout the country, however, have recently raised concerns about communication they have received that does not necessarily coincide with their everyday patterns and habits.  Their red flags have triggered the search for a “Jenny B” and her reason for sending them coupons, gift cards, and greeting cards.  What is the purpose of this kindness?  According to the cards, it is to congratulate the women on their recent pregnancies.  The disturbing factor in this string of events is that many of the women who have received the gifts are not pregnant. Continue reading →

Big Breach Leads to Bigger Compensation

What is your identity worth?

Following extensive state and federal investigations, a settlement was reached this month regarding the notorious Equifax breach.  To compensate for the millions of individuals affected by the 2017 data break, the credit reporting agency has agreed to provide $300 million worth of monitoring services to affected consumers and $175 million to settle legal disputes with 48 states.  If it is determined, however, that the $300 million amount for services is not enough, then there is a stipulation stating the amount will increase another $125 million.  Equifax must also pay a $100 million fine to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.  In addition, the company must update and enhance their data security, to avoid any future computer-oriented crimes from taking place.     Continue reading →

From Pirate to Plaintiff

Johnny can’t depend on anyone

Johnny Depp has agreed to settle a lawsuit, in which he accused his former business managers of negligence and dabbling in fraudulent activities with his money.  The amount of money Depp was looking to recover was $25 million.  Depp played the role of victim, claiming the firm did not uphold their fiduciary duties to him.  He blamed Joel and Robert Mandel of the Management Company, who managed Depp’s affairs for 17 years, for issuing loans to outside entities without Depp’s knowledge, and investing the actor’s money in opportunities for which the managers could also claim stake.  Depp also accused the Management Group of failing to file his taxes in a timely manner.  Despite these accusations, Joel and Robert Mandel filed counterclaims in the lawsuit. Continue reading →

Elvis’ Money Has Left the Building

All shook up

If Lisa Marie Presley gets what she wants, her former business manager will be dancing to the jailhouse rock. The daughter of music & American icon Elvis Presley is suing Barry Siegel for allegedly squandering away the Presley family’s hundred million dollar fortune. The lawsuit, filed in California, states that the Provident Financial Management and specifically Siegel “enriched himself with exorbitant fees”. The business manager then turned around and counter-sued for $800,000 and claims that Lisa Marie has extravagant taste and poor spending habits. Reports claim that the Presley fortune, once worth over $100m USD, is now down to around $15,000. A main recommendation from Siegel to Lisa Marie was an investment in the financial firm behind American Idol, an investment that eventually went bankrupt and turned about $25m in stock to about $500k almost overnight. Read More