Are new ride sharing entrepreneurs from Massachusetts guilty of sexism? Is the POTUS about to sign an executive order WITHOUT being pilloried from the right? And we wish we could interview Inky the Octopus, but he’s gone to sea. Here’s what you may have missed this week….
Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft have faced all sorts of controversy since launching earlier this decade. Whether its taxi unions fighting them, price surge outrage, reports of violence from driver to passenger or even from passenger to driver, there is no shortage of headlines dedicated to this business model. In spite of all that, ride share companies are incredibly popular with consumers, and entrepreneurs are looking for ways to capitalize further. Cue women-only car services and a new debate. A Massachusetts couple plans to launch Chariot for Women this summer as a response to the safety issues some have experienced with existing ride share services. While the company’s intentions are admirable, questions of legality and potential discrimination have arisen and can’t be ignored in a nation continuing to strive for inclusion and equality. Click the hyperlink to learn more.
It’s no secret that President Obama exercises his right to use executive orders to get things done. What other choice does he have? Our do-nothing Congress has rendered these orders a necessity of governance. The POTUS has signed executive orders more times than many are probably aware of during his two terms in office. Most have been free from controversy, while others create a firestorm of trumped-up GOP wrath. But Obama is getting ready to sign a new executive order that (gasp!) might just possess inter-party appeal. Think you pay too much for your cable TV service? At upwards of $225 a month, I sure as hell do. If you’re tired of the usury and think something ought to be done, you’ll want to read the hyperlinked article.
The BeckySarwate.com team has found great value and comfort in locating feel-good stories amongst the rubble of global chaos. We particularly love stories about animals because they make their own rules. This week it was reported that an octopus (“Inky”) broke out of the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The hyperlinked article likens the episode to The Shawshank Redemption, but our team can’t help but think of Finding Nemo. The Pixar film was set in Australia (very close to New Zealand for the geographically challenged – like me) and featured the protagonist breaking free from the isolation of a dental office aquarium to reunite with his father. As someone who struggles heavily with the idea of animals in captivation, and likes a bit of determined chutzpah, Inky the octopus is an inspiration.
becky sarwate 