Newsletter Oct 11, 2021

There are only 75 shopping (and shipping) days until Christmas, and you might already be too late due to logistical delays and supply chain issues.

3 things you must know

Supply chain issues threaten holiday shopping season
On the holiday that we honor one of history's pioneers in establishing international trade routes, Christopher Columbus might decide to join the Flat-Earth Society if he could see the sad state of shipping today.
Supply chain disruptions continue to plague the U.S. and world economies, and analysts expect things to get worse before they get better as we approach the holiday shopping season. The perfect storm of factors has retailers worried about receiving their stock in time to find their way into their customers' Christmas stockings.
Logistical logjams in the shipping and trucking industries are months behind schedule, and an energy crisis in China's factories is raising questions about future shortages.Throw in the pandemic-related transportation problems and there could be a lot of empty shelves and disappointed elves this holiday unless Santa orders gifts early.
SEE WHAT ITEMS MAY BE HARDEST TO FIND THIS HOLIDAY

Looming housing crisis calls for public-private partnership
Even before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. was facing a growing housing crisis that made it almost impossible for young professionals and middle-class workers to find affordable rent in big cities. The trend has been even rougher on minorities and low-income individuals, who are twice as likely to be denied housing.
Now the dire situation has gotten even worse. The latest survey of housing costs showed that a full-time, minimum wage worker can afford a one-bedroom apartment in only 7% of the counties in the U.S. Now civic planners and private developers must work together to offer housing to the working class or face more labor shortages.
FIND OUT HOW PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS MAY HELP

Pricing strategies key for B2B success during recovery
Recent inflationary trends and supply chain issues have the business-to-business sector facing some difficult dilemmas during the snail-paced economic recovery. The trick to surviving it may depend on how -- not how much -- price increases are enacted.
The need to generate more revenue during such a critical time is tricky since the risk of losing customers could be devastating. Some experts recommend taking an analytical look at your rate structures and implementing a pricing optimization strategy that will allow your business to not only stay afloat but also thrive during tough times.
FIND OUT HOW TO MAKE A B2B PRICE OPTIMIZATION PLAN

Markets

DJIA	34,746.25	-0.03%
S&P 500	4,391.34	-0.19%
Nasdaq Composite	14,579.54	-0.51%
Japan: Nikkei 225	28,498.15	1.60%
UK: FTSE 100	7,095.55	0.25%
Crude Oil Futures	80.43	1.36%
Gold Futures	1,759.60	0.13%
Yen	112.39	0.14%
Euro	1.16	0.00%
* As of market close

Fauci expects a decline in COVID deaths

Dr. Anthony Fauci has become like the national COVID weatherman for the past year and a half, and sometimes his predictions have been about as accurate as a TV meteorologist. But for the first time in months, Fauci delivered a sunny forecast for the virus in the fast-approaching winter.

Fauci said he "strongly suspects" the number of COVID-related deaths to drop in the coming cooler months thanks to a recent flattening of the curve. But just as the weatherman reminds you to take an umbrella even when there's only a slight chance of showers, Fauci reiterated the need to convince the remaining 68 million unvaccinated Americans to get the shot.

FIND OUT WHY FAUCI IS ENCOURAGED BY THE LATEST DATA

Kardashian makes big splash as 'SNL' host

Kim Kardashian has a net worth of more than $1 billion, but other than being a reality show star, fashionista and ex-wife to the also rich-and-famous, what does she actually do? Well, after her appearance as host of "Saturday Night Live," she can add live theater to her list of credentials.

Kardashian hit several highlights in her surprising role as "SNL" host, including a solid depiction of Disney princess Jasmine and delivering some good one-liners during her monologue. But the cold open stole the show with a hilarious spoof of the Facebook whistleblower hearings and a group of tech-challenged politicians' lack of knowledge on the subject.

CHECK OUT KARSDASHIAN'S HIGHLIGHTS FROM HOSTING 'SNL'

McDonalds giving teachers Thank You Meals

Forget about bringing an apple to the teacher; McDonald's has a better idea with free breakfast Thank You Meals for educators. Starting today and running through Friday, teachers, principals and other education-related workers can claim their free breakfast by flashing their school IDs.

The Thank You Meals come in a standard Happy Meal box but instead of chicken nugs and a plastic toy, teachers can choose from three breakfast sandwiches, a hash brown and a drink. Mickey D's says it's the least they can do to say thank you to those shaping the minds for the future.

FIND OUT HOW TO CLAIM YOUR THANK YOU MEAL AT MCDONALDS