Author: JD
Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar opens at Los Angeles Airport
The French world-renowned caviar house Petrossian opened a caviar and champagne bar at Los Angeles’ Tom Bradley International Terminal last week. Menu items at the post bar include a caviar martini garnished with a caviar-stuffed olive, caviar deviled eggs, hand-sliced smoked salmon, a smoked trout platter and caviar flatbread, according to The Los Angeles Times. The bar also features over 20 vodkas, a wide selection of high-end champagnes and various caviar choices based on availability, include Royal Transmontanus, Alverta President Transmontanus, Tsar Imperial Siberian, Tsar Imperial Shassetra and Tsar Imperial Ossetra.
NYers shouldn’t complain about Uber’s price surge
We were with Mayor Bloomberg when he pushed for e-hailing — allowing New Yorkers to use a smartphone app to book their cab rides. That in turn led to a pilot program with new taxi companies such as Uber. But as so often happens, the same company whose new service earns accolades eventually becomes successful enough to find itself denounced as an enemy of the people. That seems to be what’s happening to Uber over its “surge” pricing. The concept of surge pricing is nothing new. It means that prices go up when demand is high — during, for example, the recent snowstorm, when prices tripled in New York — and drops when demand is low. The benefit for Uber is obvious: It makes more money when prices are high. But there’s a benefit for consumers, too. It means that there will be a cab when you want one, if you are willing to pay. After all, what good is the right to a taxi ride that will cost you $15 if you have to wait six hours to get a cab, or never get a cab at all? Under normal conditions, you may not value a car at surge pricing. But if the weather is awful and it’s the only way you can make your flight to Paris, it may then look worth every penny. We don’t pretend to know what the right prices are for taxis. But neither do Uber’s critics. So long as the company is up front — and their booking even requires people to type in the price multiplier, to confirm they are aware of it — we say this is something best hashed out between consenting adults. That is, passengers and riders. We’re not saying all taxi services should follow suit. We’re just saying New Yorkers could do with more choice — and competition. Happy Uber Year.
Playboy Magazine December 1999 Cover Model: Naomi Campbell
WORTH SEEING EVERY YEAR
QUOTE OF THE DAY
As we take this time and season to be jolly, we also need to take time to be grateful! Whether good or bad we must always appreciate the fact that we are still here! We must appreciate the fact that we can do it better tomorrow! And also appreciate that we have everything we need right now! Do not make this season only about receiving!! Remember that for whom much is given much is required!! Be grateful by appreciating everything you have and everything that you will continue to get!! Then show gratitude by giving back!! Whether it’s time with your friends and family or whatever you feel in your heart… Whatever it is know that the world is a much better because of your donation back to it!! Live, laugh, love!! You are rich and abundant now!! Realize this fact and enjoy everything that is in your favor!! -Ash’Cash
QUTE OF THE DAY
“Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.” -Sarah Ban Breathnach
‘Beyonce’ Closing In on 1 Million U.S. Sales
Beyonce’s new album is nearing one million in U.S. sales and seems certain to top the Billboard 200 for a second week. After the set blasted in at No. 1 a week ago on the Billboard 200 chart with 617,000 sold in just three days, industry forecasters suggested the surprise album would sell perhaps 260,000 in its second week on the chart (and first full week on sale). Well, that number turned out to be far too low, so say sources. Industry contacts suggest the album sold at least 340,000 copies in the week ending Dec. 22, greatly surpassing its 260,000 forecast. That 340,000 sum should easily place it at No. 1 for a second week on the Billboard 200 chart. The official final weekly sales figure for the album — as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan — will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 26 on Billboard.com and Billboard.biz. SoundScan tracks U.S. music sales on a weekly basis, and their tracking week ends on Sunday. Beyonce’s ‘Beyonce’ Beyonce on Self-Management, Following Madonna’s Footsteps, Developing Other Artists Backbeat: Beyonce Surprises (Again) with Record Release Party at Times Square’s Dave & Buster’s Amazon Not Stocking New Beyonce CD Following iTunes Exclusive If “Beyonce” sold 340,000 in its second week on the chart, then that would bring its cumulative sum (through Dec. 22) to at least 957,000. That number could be higher, once all of the data from the thousands of stores that report to SoundScan has been processed. Also notable: if “Beyonce” sold at least 340,000 in its second week, that would mean it sold more than what the diva’s last album did in its first week. Beyonce’s previous album, “4,” debuted with 310,000 at No. 1, and then sold 115,000 in its second week (also at No. 1). The new album was exclusively available through the iTunes store until late last week. After that, the physical CD version of the album started to reach brick-and-mortar retailers, and the download became available to other etailers. “Beyonce’s” robust 340,000-plus second-week will not include CD sales from Target and Amazon.com, as the retailers opted not to stock the album. It is, however, available at all other major sellers of music, like Walmart, Kmart, Best Buy, Starbucks and so forth.