The post-pandemic shift to remote work has led to the decline of the corporate happy hour. This trend disproportionately hurts junior staff who lose a valuable, informal setting for mentorship, networking with leadership, and building crucial relationships outside of formal meetings.
Instead of exporting goods subject to tariffs, a growing number of Asian brands like Jollibee and Luckin Coffee are establishing a physical presence in the U.S. This strategy of direct investment in American retail and operations represents a significant shift, creating a "win-win" that is less vulnerable to political trade disputes.
The wealthiest individuals don't have traditional paychecks. Instead, they hold appreciating assets like stock and take out loans against that wealth to fund their lifestyles. This avoids triggering capital gains or income taxes, a key reason proponents are pushing for a direct wealth tax in California to address this loophole.
A controversial feature of the proposed California billionaire tax is its retroactive application. The tax would affect anyone who was a billionaire resident at the start of the year, even if the law passes months later. This legal mechanism is designed to stop wealthy individuals from moving their assets out of state before the vote occurs.
Beyond its stocks and wholly-owned companies, Berkshire Hathaway holds a record amount of cash. This isn't idle money; it earns significant interest while waiting for a market downturn to deploy. This structure makes the stock a form of "bubble wrap" or insurance against a market drop, as it's positioned to buy assets at a discount.
Filipino chain Jollibee is not a typical fast-food company. Its parent company owns diverse brands like Smash Burger and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, blending food and beverage revenue. Uniquely, it also offers its mascot for hire at private events like weddings, adding an entertainment component similar to Disney's character experiences.