Capital One buying Discover Financial Services in first noteworthy merger of 2024

When you think of CapitalOne, the stock symbol is COF. The company has corporate headquarters in Mclean, VA. The company has Jennifer Garner, Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, Spike Lee, Jim Nantz, and Willie Nelson in their various commercials. One of the slogans of CapitalOne is 'What's in Your Wallet?'. The market capitalization of Capital One is $51 billion. Next, Discover Financial Services has a stock symbol of DFS. The company has corporate headquarters close to Chicago, IL. The company has a market capitalization of $30 billion. One of their slogans is 'It pays to Discover.' Two days ago, Capital One announced that the company will buy Discover for $35 billion. In addition, this merger in the credit card industry will make credit card users live under more pressure from high interest rates. The US public is known to be in record debt, and Elizabeth Warren is one Massachusetts senator that is asking for the FTC to block this deal. Warren is stating that the deal could reduce competition. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are the four biggest credit card brands in USA. Some stock analysts believe that the duopoly is Visa and Mastercard. In this penultimate paragraph, the author states that he used to have a discover credit card and a citigroup mastercard credit card. In 2015, my two accounts were closed due to debt in both of the credit cards. Currently, my only credit card is a Visa through Bank of America. Discover credit card and Mastercard credit card send me more promotions, for credit card offers. It may be better for me to decline those offers, as most world citizens should stop living in credit card debt. In closing, American Express is a credit card that is not for me. If CapitalOne and Discover merger is approved, it would happen in another 8-12 months. The deal could be blocked, and antitrust issues is the reason why the merger may not be approved. See the picture above of Disover's logo. One main advantage of Discover is earning unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter, when you activate. Hope this feature stays, if CapitalOne and Discover merge into one company.

At the Golden Globes 2024, The big winner is 'Oppenheimer'

Last night, the Beverly Hilton hotel was the location of the 81st Golden Globe awards. The host of the show was Jo Koy, and his monologue was not a great moment of the night. 'Oppenheimer' won five golden globes last night, and it was the big winner. Christopher Nolan won for best director, and the movie received the best motion drama picture award also. Cillian Murphy won best actor in a drama motion picture, which was a huge surprise for 'Oppenheimer.' Robert Downey Jr. won best supporting actor in a motion picture, which was a pleasant surprise. Meanwhile, the 'Killers of the Flower Moon' got one huge award for Lily Gladstone. She won for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, for her incredible performance. In her acceptance speech, the fellow Native American gave a cool speech in the Blackfeet language. If you have seen 'Poor Things' movie, the science fantasy black comedy won two golden globe awards. Emma Stone won a golden globe award for the movie, in the best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy category. The movie won the golden globe in the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy category. Next, the foreign language film 'Anatomy of a Fall' won two awards. Also, 'The holdovers' won two golden globe awards. Paul Giamatti won a golden globe for 'the holdovers' in Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy category. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won a golden globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for 'the holdovers.' This movie is on my list of movies to see. In closing, the awards season will continue this month. The Oscars official nominees will be announced on January 23, 2024. The Oscars will be held on March 10, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Other prominent awards shows will happen in February 2024. Until then, enjoy the picture above of Christopher Nolan receiving his first golden globe award for 'Oppenheimer' movie.

Dr. Henry Kissinger and Charlie Munger go to heaven

When you think of Berkshire Hathaway, two names come into the minds of investors. One name is Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha. The other name is Charlie Munger, the 99 year old vice chairman of berkshire hathaway. On 11-28-2023, Warren Buffett is losing his friend Charlie Munger. Munger died in Santa Barbara, CA. Does Warren Buffett have a designated successor to the Vice Chairman role? Next, Charlie Munger wanted to catch a 200-pound tuna fish before he died. This feat did not happen for the Harvard educated lawyer. Munger and Buffett met in 1959, and were friends for the past 64 years. Munger attended University of Michigan and California Institute of Technology, but did not have a degree from either of these renowned institutions. Munger served in the US Army Air Corps, and he lost an eye to failed cataract surgery. Furthermore, the investing legend worked as a teenager at a grocery store called Buffett & Son. This grocery store was owned by Warren Buffett's grandfather. Munger was known as Buffett's sounding board. He helped Buffett to grow Berkshire Hathaway into a multinational holding company. The company's stock symbol is BRK.A, and its market capitalization is above $700 billion. In contrast, Henry Kissinger emigrated to the USA with some family members at the age of 15. He escaped Germany before Europe's present day strongest economy invaded Poland to start World War II in 1939. Kissinger became Secretary of State under President Richard M. Nixon, and Kissinger earned an MA and PhD from Harvard University. Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, along with North Vietnam's Le Duc Tho. This award was a controversial victory, as Le Duc Tho declined the Nobel Peace Prize award. In this penultimate paragraph, Kissinger can be described as the man who negotiated a ceasefire in Vietnam with major help from Le Duc Tho. Henry Kissinger served in the United States Army from 1943-1946, as an Sergeant in the 84th Infantry Division 970th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment. Kissinger was a Republican that left a lasting legacy on foreign policy. He became former President Richard Nixon’s national security adviser in 1969. Besides conducting negotiations to settle the war in Vietnam, he helped normalize relations between the U.S. and China. In closing, Kissinger continued to be Secretary of State during the Ford administration until the end of the former President’s term in 1977. Kissinger chaired the the National Bipartisan Commission on Central America in 1982. He served on the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board under Reagan and former President George H.W. Bush. Kissinger released several books in his lifetime, including “Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy,” published in 2022. Kissinger is survived by his wife, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, and his two children, Elizabeth and David, from his first marriage. The picture above this weblog post is the revered Dr. Henry Kissinger. The world will miss both of these highly successful and intelligent people.

The Sphere is open in Las Vegas. U2 starts their residency at the Sphere

U2 started their residency in Las Vegas, at the Sphere at the Venetian resort. The first show of their twenty five performances was a spectacular display. The Irish band's residency is titled 'U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere.' The Sphere opened on 9-29-2023, to the public. People can invest in the Sphere, as the stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol of SPHR. The sphere is located just off the Las Vegas Strip. By the numbers, the sphere-shaped project is designed by Populous architect. The sphere contains the world's largest LED screen. The sphere is the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas history. The expected cost is $2.3 billion, which beats out the Allegiant stadium's $1.9 billion. The land beneath the Sphere and the Venetian hotel is purchased by Vici Properties. The general contractor on the Sphere is Madison Square Garden. Furthermore, MSG estimated the cost of the property to be $1.2 billion only. MSG took over as general contractor in December 2020. MSG plans on hosting four to six residencies each year at the Sphere. The Sphere displays different images, such as the surface of Mars or the Moon or an eyeball. MSG's Jim Dolan is the visionary behind the Sphere. Going back to James Dolan, he is the same man behind the Beacon Theatre; Madison Square Garden; and Radio City Music Hall. The Sphere is largely paid for by Mr. Dolan. James Dolan is the CEO of Madison Square Garden Company. The Sphere is standing 366 feet (111 meters) high, and the capacity is close to 19,000 seats. The Sphere is home to the world's most advanced audio system, and to five Aura robots that greet guests as they enter. In closing, the Sphere is being billed as the world's largest spherical structure. The spherical structure is 516 feet wide. The arena could fit the entire Statue of Liberty. On September 29, there was a red-carpet premiere attended by Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Snoop Dogg, Jeff Bezos and dozens of other celebrities. If you go to Las Vegas or Sin City, make sure to enjoy the panoramic views of the Sphere. Good day from G. Ripley!

College football realignment for 2024; as Pac-12 conference will disappear next year

In the past two months, four teams moved from the Pac-12 conference to the Big 12 in a huge transformation. University of Colorado Buffaloes started the alteration, with their move back to the Big 12 conference in a major news conference in July 2023. In 2024, the Buffaloes will join UCLA and USC as huge universities, which left the Pac-12 conference. UCLA and USC are moving to the Big 10 conference in Fall 2024. Arizona State University; University of Utah; and the University of AZ will go to Big 12 conference in Fall 2024. Stanford and University of California will leave the Pac-12 conference in Fall 2024, for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In addition, the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma are moving to the SEC in Fall 2024. Both universities will move a year earlier in a massive financial plan, which is cleared by all Big 12 conference officials. The inclusion of the two universities will bring the SEC league, to a total of sixteen universities. The SEC league is split into two divisions: West and East. Sixteen universities are split into eleven states, which covers the Midwest; Southeastern; and Southwestern USA. Next, Southern Methodist University is moving from American Athletic Conference (AAC) to the Atlantic Coast Conference in Fall 2024. With the addition of SMU, the ACC is seventeen universities in Fall 2024. The ACC stretches from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast in 2024. University of Pittsburgh; and the University of Louisville are not in any coastal states. Pennsylvania is in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast; and Kentucky is in southeast USA. In this penultimate paragraph, the discussion of the Power Five Conferences continues. The college football realignment shaved the nationwide University sports from five strong conferences, to a Super Four in collegiate athletics. The Pac-12 conference was stripped for parts that were redistributed, to its competitors for financial gain. The most disruptive round of conference realignment at the highest level of college sports appears to be over, for the near future. Two northern california universities, Stanford and Cal-Berkely; joined the ACC out of pure desperation. The Super four conferences are the Big Ten, Big 12; ACC and the Southeastern conference lastly. In closing, 2021 is considered the first year of the three year realignment phase. The Big Ten conference made a transformational shift to the WEST, by adding Southern California and UCLA in Summer 2022. In the Atlantic Coast, the monumental process of expanding its footprint serves to address both short and potential long-term issues. In 2024, the Southern California coast will change the Midwest and mid-atlantic areas by adding the Hollywood culture. All of these conference changes will make the NCAA a huge moneymaker in the next decade, for athletics and academics. Good night from the gridiron!

Seeing DJ Drama; Berner; Warren G. and Twinz; Too $hort; Wiz Khalifa; Lady of Rage; and Snoop Dogg at TSR Amphitheatre

Last night, Kobe Bryant would have turned 45 years old. Instead, the night was incredible as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa paid tribute to the deceased NBA great, KB; in the song 'See you again.' It was a beautiful tribue by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. The HS (high school) reunion tour started with DJ Drama showing up at 6:30 pm, and he brought the spectacular dramatization by announcing all the performers plus getting the crowd hyped for the epic performances. DJ Drama has an undergraduate degree from Clark atlanta university, in mass communication. He had a backup plan in music, instead of pursuing academics. Next, Berner showed up at 7 pm to do some rapping. He is an entrepreneur as he created the Cookies brand of cannabis products, and clothing gear. This product is from San Francisco Bay area. Berner sang his song called '20 joints.' Berner performed for thirty minutes, and he ignited the crowd in cool ways. Furthermore, Warren Griffin III showed up in a nice surprise move. He is a successful rapper, DJ, and producer. Warren G. was prompt to start performing at 7:35 pm, and he sang 'Regulate' and some other songs with his slain partner, Nate Dogg. The Twinz showed up to sing 'round and round'; which is a really tight track produced by Warren G. Warren acted hilarious by drinking a Modelo beer, and he smoked a joint also. Warren paid tribute to Nate Dogg, by making the crowd aware that Nate died twelve years ago. In addition, Too $hort came up to the stage at 8:05 pm to rap his old school disgusting tracks. Too $hort talked about disgusting, graphic sexual stuff when he sang 'Cocktales' track. He sang 'Blow the whistle' track, which is one of his best songs. Too $hort mentioned that he is performing as a rapper for the past thirty years, which he enjoys thoroughly. One of Too $hort's main goals was to entertain the ladies, which he completed. In a magical way, Wiz Khalifa started his performance with 'Black and Yellow' track. This song pays tribute to his roots as a Pittsburgh Steelers; Pirates; and Penguins fan. Wiz came on at 8:40 pm and he was the one of the main two performers on a super hot August 23rd night, at TSR amphitheatre. Wiz sang 'The Thrill' track, which made the crowd bounce and dance like all the hot ladies were lit. One of the best tracks from Wiz Khalifa's performance was 'You and Your friends.' There were a couple of references to Taylor Gang Entertainment during Wiz Khalifa's performance. Taylor Gang entertainment is one of the best independent labels started by Wiz Khalifa, in 2008. Wiz performed for about forty five minutes. Finally, Snoop Dogg showed up at 9:25 pm in his blue 1964 Chevy Impala hardtop. There were two stripper poles on the stage, with beautiful woman dancing. Snoop Dogg brought out the Lady of Rage, and she performed her popular song called 'Afro Puffs.' This song brought the crowd to do a lot of dancing. The Lady of Rage performed one more song. Also, Too Short performed one song with Wiz Khalifa. Warren G. performed one song with Snoop Dogg; and Wiz Khalifa. For the final act, Wiz Khalifa performed songs like 'don't text, don't call'; and 'young, wild, and free.' Snoop Dogg sang those songs with Wiz. The concert concluded at 10:45 pm, and alcohol was expensive at the event. If you wanted two michelob ultra beers in a can, $30 is the cost. Many beautiful women were smoking joints; marijuana; etc. Overall, g. ripley was glad to make it home. Enjoy the picture above of Snoop Dogg; Wiz Khalifa; and Warren G. performing on stage. Keep banging!

Seeing Bharatnatyam on Maryland and Phoenicia, the avenues of life for one G. Ripley to love and absorb

Almost three days ago, G. Ripley realized that helping an old female friend is fulfilling in many ways. This female friend is a beautiful woman, who is a counselor to me for the past thirty one years. This woman has helped me in myriad situations. She helped me in 1993-1998 to navigate through endless summers of heat; helpful conversations on rap and hip-hop plus pop/alternative music; and acting many years above my age. We were brought together in life, by our fathers working at the same company and religious organization. Today, she lives in Phoenicia or another city. G. Ripley has met this woman in Arizona, California, etc. Next, this highly intelligent benign woman (IBW) has another female descendant that performed the Bharatnatyam on the avenue of Maryland. The female descendant's name is not disclosed today, yet the daughter performed an incredible display of dance and movement for almost 180-200 people in Phoenix (aka Phoenicia). Most of the credit will go to the dancer, the dance teacher; the musicians; and the audience. These four elements will help the dancer to overcome obstacles to wow the public, and to entertain the crowd of supporters in the dance recital hall. The incredible and impeccable performances were compromised of eight to nine dance numbers performed in one of eight Indian classical dance forms recognized, by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Bharatnatyam is an expression of South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas. Furthermore, the dance guru goes by the name of one Asha Gopal. She is in the guinness book of world records for being the teacher, for almost 240-250 arangetrams around the western USA. It is a privilege for G. Ripley to have known this woman, for the past 36 years. Some of her students include almost ten to fifteen different women that have performed the arangetram, which G. Ripley has grown to love and absorb. Greenleaf Ripley has attended almost 10 or more different arangetrams, by brilliant dance performers that shock the public of females and males. These artistic dancers have performed in G. Playhouse on ASU campus, Herberger theater; orpheum theater; various high schools around metro phoenicia plus Tucson and Las Vegas. In less than twelve hours, Mumbai and Delhi celebrate Independence day. Thank you to all Hindus in India; Canada; USA; etc. for the celebrations on a global scale. India will celebrate its 77th Independence Day, marking 76 years of freedom. The main theme for this year is “Nation First, Always First,” as part of the larger “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Celebration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his 10th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort. In this penultimate paragraph, G. Ripley enjoyed the musical interludes on August 12. The food was Indian, and the desserts were American and Italian. The women were dressed in Saris; and punjabi dresses. The men looked dapper in ties; suits; etc. One rahulio ganpuleone attended sans tie. Yet, he helped people on August 12 also. In closing, the women who are practically rahulio ganpuleone's sisters in different ways made the day unforgettable. Remember to thank the Janata, as they can invoke the greater good upon all society. Long live the resilient, structured people that deliver the gamut of reliable information. As yet another au courant, entertaining story is published about the life of one rahul ganpule, may the public and globe continue to view me as the 'behind the scenes' absorber of culture; romance; and artistry which is transparent. Au revoir; Arrivederci; and good night mes amis. अलविदा