Next Exit Observations

Monday, July 11, 2016

And We're Kinda Ok With it

10 Sneaky Ways Las Vegas Casinos Take Your Money

Casinos are windowless traps

What time of day is it? Where is the nearest exit? Good luck finding some daylight at many mega-casinos like MGM Grand or Caesars Palace. These palatial facilities may be beautiful in a kitschy sort of way, but are designed to keep you numb to the outside world. While some newer Vegas casinos like the Cosmopolitan are getting away from this type of design, many still hope to leave you in casino purgatory with a maze-like design of games, shopping, and restaurants, where there's nothing else to do but give up your cash.

Dirty hidden fees, part one

Many casino hotels charge what are called "resort fees" -- daily charges tacked on to the hotel bill for "resort amenities" rather than just including them in the cost of the hotel room -- which is just a way to bump up what you thought was a reasonable bill. Imagine you've taken a beating at the tables for a few days and then the casino hits you with another $50 upon departure. "This is one of the worst," says Anthony Curtis with LasVegasAdvisor.com. "The fee should be transparently included in the rate. Only a few casinos no longer charge the resort fee."

The club you don't want to be a part of

Joining the players club at casinos will earn you "cash back" or "player points" -- the more you gamble, the more perks and points you get, redeemable for things like merchandise, free room and meal comps, or cool jackets. But remember the big picture -- these clubs are designed to keep players at the tables and slot machines longer. Curtis argues that players should always join the clubs to get something back, but the casinos wouldn't offer these programs if they weren't getting the better end of the deal. Don't defy logic by losing hundreds of dollars to earn points that score you a beer koozie.

Complete list (Thrillist.com)

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Friday, July 8, 2016

Trends Vs Fads - Foods Edition

What Is The Difference Between Food Trends And Food Fads?

According to the biweekly business magazine, trends are identifiable and explainable. For example, it’s no secret that soda sales have declined over the past few years in the U.S., due in part to an increase in warnings regarding sugar and artificial sweetener consumption. As a result of these numbers, multiple brands have entered the category, offering more-nutritious alternatives (think: different types of flavored waters, such as coconut, maple and watermelon). These products pick up steam slowly and are consistent with lifestyle trends, such as pledges to consume healthier foods and beverages. Yes, that officially makes kale a “food trend” as well.

On the other hand, food fads are unpredictable and often take the market abruptly and by storm. These typically one-off items gather hype in a matter of weeks or days — sometimes even hours — through word of mouth, the internet and/or various social-media channels. These items may attract viral attention and long lines but are characterized by a brief shelf life that may see them linger around for a little while before fading into obscurity. You won’t find anyone waiting patiently at the crack of dawn for a Cronut anymore (though, in all fairness, that particular fad has somewhat transcended time).

(FoodRepublic.com)

I Concur

(BroBible.com)

Build Bridges, Don't Burn 'Em

With that said, don’t underestimate the value of your [network]. They are highly connected, accomplished veterans in their industry. Focus on building relationships with them that will go on long after you graduate. You never know where your most valuable advisor, partner, investor or client is going to come from.

[W]hat I see time and again is most of them don’t realize how many opportunities are out there and available to them. The world is a lot bigger than you think, so think bigger and aim higher.

(BroBible.com)