Charles Passy
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Reporter @MarketWatch. I write about food, drink, finance, arts and all things quirky...Let's just say I write a lot. He/him/his. Email: cpassy@marketwatch.com
Articles by Charles Passy
Why do Americans think we can do socialism? asks hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin
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‘Why do Americans think we can do socialism?’ says hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin Original
Ken Griffin has a few choice things to say about socialism. As noted by the Wall Street Journal, the tax would “target wealthy individuals who own these pieds-à-terre but primarily live outside the city” and is aimed at closing the city’s $12 billion annual budget gap. In his video, Mamdani said the tax would raise at least $500 million for the city and help fund services like free childcare and improvements to street cleaning and neighborhood safety.
Can Shake Shack’s new sandwich challenge the McRib, one of the most celebrated menu items in fast-food history?
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Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Can Shake Shack's new sandwich challenge the McRib, one of the most celebrated menu items in fast-food history?
Charles Passy Can anyone out-rib McDonald's? That's perhaps the question worth asking as Shake Shack has introduced a pork rib sandwich — a menu item best known by the one that McDonald's offers: the iconic McRib. The Shake Shack version is called the BBQ Boneless Baby Back Rib Sandwich. It's billed as different from “your average rib sandwich,” with ribs that have been hand-deboned, marinated in a proprietary barbecue-sauce blend with apple-cider vinegar, then slow-cooked for nine hours.
Can Shake Shack’s new sandwich challenge the McRib, one of the most celebrated items in fast-food history?
The Shake Shack version is called the BBQ Boneless Baby Back Rib Sandwich. It’s billed as different from “your average rib sandwich,” with ribs that have been hand-deboned, marinated in a proprietary barbecue-sauce blend with apple-cider vinegar, then slow-cooked for nine hours. The limited-time offering is also topped with barbecue sauce, coleslaw and pickles. The price? $12.99.
Will you soon be ordering takeout food via AI? Starbucks and Little Caesars launch apps on ChatGPT.
By Charles Passy AI 'is the sizzle in the restaurant world,' industry reps say While some challenges remain with AI platforms and restaurant ordering, most experts say these platforms will play an increasingly important role in the dining world. Imagine ordering your next slice of pizza or cup of coffee through an artificial-intelligence chatbot like Gemini, Claude or ChatGPT. That may be the direction that the restaurant world is heading.
White House Correspondents' dinner has morphed into a 'Hollywoodified' weekend of nonstop parties. Even Grindr is hosting.
By Charles Passy Trump will be on hand for the weekend's main event, while dozens of media outlets and companies throw events that can cost $300,000 The parties around the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner - like this 2024 soiree hosted by Time and Amazon MGM Studios - are becoming as buzzy as the dinner itself. And companies want in.
White House Correspondents' dinner has morphed into a 'Hollywoodified' weekend of nonstop parties. Even Grindr is hosting.
By Charles Passy Trump will be on hand for the weekend's main event, while dozens of media outlets and companies throw events that can cost $300,000 The parties around the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner - like this 2024 soiree hosted by Time and Amazon MGM Studios - are becoming as buzzy as the dinner itself. And companies want in.
Using ChatGPT to order takeout is the future of food
Imagine ordering your next slice of pizza or cup of coffee through an artificial-intelligence chatbot like Gemini, Claude or ChatGPT. That may be the direction that the restaurant world is heading toward.
White House Correspondents’ Association dinner weekend gets ‘Hollywoodified’ as companies from CNN to Grindr host events
The annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has become a buzzy affair on the Washington, D.C., calendar because of all the prominent journalists, politicians and celebrities on hand. And this year’s event, set for Saturday night, is expected to be even buzzier, with the news that President Donald Trump will attend for the first time as a sitting president. And plenty of businesses want in on it.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Here's the real cost of economy airfare after all the fees. ‘What's next — an add-on for access to the bathroom?'
Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development.
Here's the real cost of economy airfare after all the fees. 'What's next - an add-on for access to the bathroom?'
By Charles Passy Airlines are now making over $100 billion a year from add-on fees According to a MarketWatch analysis, the price of an economy ticket can easily double when a few key add-ons are included - and some travelers say it's gotten to be too much. As a travel enthusiast who regularly flies across the globe, Tracy Lamourie is used to contending with airline pricing strategies, particularly for economy fares that often appear affordable - until you factor in the extras.
Here’s the real cost of economy airfare after all the fees. ‘What’s next — an add-on for access to the bathroom?’
As a travel enthusiast who regularly flies across the globe, Tracy Lamourie is used to contending with airline pricing strategies, particularly for economy fares that often appear affordable — until you factor in the extras. But Lamourie says she’s reached her limit.
Here's the real cost of economy airfare after all the fees. 'What's next - an add-on for access to the bathroom?'
By Charles Passy Airlines are now making over $100 billion a year from add-on fees According to a MarketWatch analysis, the price of an economy ticket can easily double when a few key add-ons are included - and some travelers say it's gotten to be too much. As a travel enthusiast who regularly flies across the globe, Tracy Lamourie is used to contending with airline pricing strategies, particularly for economy fares that often appear affordable - until you factor in the extras.
Want to watch every Yankees game on TV this year? It'll cost you over $1,200.
By Weston Blasi and Charles Passy To show how expensive and complicated it can now be to watch all of an MLB team's games, we looked at the Yankees, who will appear on 10 different networks or streaming platforms this season Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning on Opening Day at Oracle Park. What will it cost to watch all of your favorite baseball team's games on TV this season?
Easter is getting so expensive that some parents are putting socks and leftover Halloween candy in their kids' baskets
By Charles Passy With candy prices up, here's how people are saving money while putting their Easter baskets together These days, plenty of parents are finding economical ways to fill out an Easter basket. For many consumers, celebrating Easter has become an increasingly expensive proposition. But for others, it has turned into an opportunity to flex their money-saving muscles - even to the point of stuffing socks and underwear in those holiday baskets.
Could cruise passengers soon be hit with a fuel surcharge?
By Charles Passy At least one Asian cruise line is already tacking on the fee for future bookings Norwegian Cruise Line - whose ship the Norwegian Breakaway is shown here departing from New York on Jan. 23 - says it has no immediate plans to impose a fuel surcharge. You've already spent thousands of dollars for an upcoming cruise vacation. Now could you be asked to shell out even more to compensate for rising fuel costs?
Is the stock market open today for Good Friday? Will banks and the post office be closed?
By Charles Passy The Christian holiday on Friday, April 3, is not a federal holiday, but there are still some key closures. Here's what you need to know. Good Friday falls on April 3 this year. The financial world is taking a Good Friday pause. The two major U.S. stock exchanges - the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq - will be closed on Friday, April 3, in observance of the Christian holiday.
Easter is getting so expensive that some parents are putting socks and leftover Halloween candy in their kids’ baskets
For many consumers, celebrating Easter has become an increasingly expensive proposition. But for others, it has turned into an opportunity to flex their money-saving muscles — even to the point of stuffing socks and underwear in those holiday baskets. At least that’s how Sarah Rubino of Los Angeles, a mother to two boys, is approaching the springtime holiday coming up this Sunday.
Easter is getting so expensive that some parents are putting socks and leftover Halloween candy in their kids' baskets
By Charles Passy With candy prices up, here's how people are saving money while putting their Easter baskets together These days, plenty of parents are finding economical ways to fill out an Easter basket. For many consumers, celebrating Easter has become an increasingly expensive proposition. But for others, it has turned into an opportunity to flex their money-saving muscles - even to the point of stuffing socks and underwear in those holiday baskets.
Could cruise passengers soon be hit with a fuel surcharge?
By Charles Passy At least one Asian cruise line is already tacking on the fee for future bookings Norwegian Cruise Line - whose ship the Norwegian Breakaway is shown here departing from New York on Jan. 23 - says it has no immediate plans to impose a fuel surcharge. You've already spent thousands of dollars for an upcoming cruise vacation. Now could you be asked to shell out even more to compensate for rising fuel costs?
Norwegian Cruise Line — whose ship the Norwegian Breakaway is shown here departing from New York on Jan. 23 — says it has no immediate plans to impose a fuel surcharge. You’ve already spent thousands of dollars for an upcoming cruise vacation. Now could you be asked to shell out even more to compensate for rising fuel costs? Some travelers are asking that question, given the concerns about how the ongoing conflict in Iran is affecting the oil market and in turn, fuel prices —think $4-a-gallon gas.
Most cruise lines can add a fuel surcharge after you book. Here's what to expect in the near future.
By Charles Passy At least one Asian cruise line is already tacking on the fee for future bookings Norwegian Cruise Line - whose ship the Norwegian Breakaway is shown here departing from New York on Jan. 23 - says it has no immediate plans to impose a fuel surcharge. You've already spent thousands of dollars for an upcoming cruise vacation. Now could you be asked to shell out even more to compensate for rising fuel costs?
Is the stock market closed on Good Friday? Will banks and the post office be open?
The financial world is taking a Good Friday pause. U.S. bond markets are expected to close early — at noon — on Good Friday, as per the recommendations set forth by SIFMA, the industry trade association. This is a rare instance when U.S. stock exchanges take a breather on a day that is not a federal holiday. So even if you can’t trade stocks, you can still expect to receive your mail — the U.S. Postal Service is open for business as usual.
McDonald's could make $100 million in just the first few days of selling 'KPop Demon Hunters' meals
By Charles Passy The 'Kpop Demon Hunters' meals hit stores today - and this restaurant analyst says the tie-in with the Netflix film will be a huge hit for the Golden Arches From movie to meal: McDonald's is rolling out themed meals based on Netflix's popular "KPop Demon Hunters" movie This Netflix-McDonald's collaboration should be "Golden" for the Golden Arches.
Want to watch all of the Yankees’ games on TV this season? It’ll cost you over $1,200.
What will it cost to watch all of your favorite baseball team’s games on TV this season? For fans of at least one team: over $1,200. “It’s absolute ridiculousness,” Errol Marks, who hosts a podcast devoted to New York sports, says about the cost and complexity that watching games requires now.
McDonald's could make $100 million in just the first few days of selling ‘KPop Demon Hunters' meals
Charles Passy This Netflix-McDonald's collaboration should be “Golden” for the Golden Arches. McDonald's has enjoyed its share of success with themed limited-edition meals, from one tied to hip-hop star Travis Scott to a more recent one built around the Dr. Seuss Grinch character . But is the fast-food chain about to see its sales truly go up, up, up with its “KPop Demon Hunters” meals ? Veteran restaurant-industry analyst Mark Kalinowski thinks so.
Chuck Norris never dies: How a meme made the actor a cultural icon and multimillion-dollar brand
By Charles Passy Memes didn't just make Chuck Norris funny - they made him an icon, revived his career and may keep paying dividends for years to come Chuck Norris in all his "Walker, Texas Ranger" glory.
Flights will keep getting more expensive and harder to find. Here’s how much worse it could get.
Domestic airfares are up 10% to 15% for flights after spring break and before peak summer travel, and summer trips are already about 19% more expensive compared to last year, according to the travel site Going. That means a $400 summer flight last year could cost $476 to book today. The increases are hitting hardest on the low end, suggesting fewer deals are available for budget-conscious travelers.
Chuck Norris never dies: How a meme made the actor a cultural icon and multimillion-dollar brand
By Charles Passy Memes didn't just make Chuck Norris funny - they made him an icon, revived his career and may keep paying dividends for years to come Chuck Norris in all his "Walker, Texas Ranger" glory.
Chuck Norris never dies: How a meme made the actor a cultural icon and multimillion-dollar brand
Charles Passy With the news of Chuck Norris's passing at age 86, fans are remembering the martial-arts star for his roles in films like “The Delta Force” and ”Missing in Action,” as well as his long run on the CBS TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.” But Norris's most enduring legacy — and perhaps the most lucrative — came much later, when he became one of the internet's first viral icons.
Chuck Norris never dies: How a meme made the actor a cultural icon and multimillion-dollar brand
But Norris’s most enduring legacy — and perhaps the most lucrative — came much later, when he became one of the internet’s first viral icons. The “Chuck Norris facts” phenomenon — a stream of absurd one-liners casting him as an invincible force of nature — helped turn the actor into a meme sensation before memes were a business. And in doing so, it helped revive his career, generating new income streams and creating a brand that could potentially pay dividends for years to come.
Why some Facebook and Instagram advertisers are freaking out about a new payment policy
Charles Passy Thanks to his advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram, Brian Waldman says he has enjoyed a seemingly unlikely perk: He gets to travel the world in style. That's because, up until now, Waldman has charged the online ads he purchases to promote his Camp Snap camera company on his credit cards.
Why some Facebook and Instagram advertisers are freaking out about a new payment policy
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, could save significant money by requiring advertisers to pay via their bank accounts rather than credit cards, experts say. Thanks to his advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram, Brian Waldman says he has enjoyed a seemingly unlikely perk: He gets to travel the world in style. That’s because, up until now, Waldman has charged the online ads he purchases to promote his Camp Snap camera company on his credit cards.
Why some Facebook and Instagram advertisers are freaking out about a new payment policy
By Charles Passy Meta won't let some advertisers pay with credit cards anymore - and these business owners are feeling the pain Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, could save significant money by requiring advertisers to pay via their bank accounts rather than credit cards, experts say. Thanks to his advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram, Brian Waldman says he has enjoyed a seemingly unlikely perk: He gets to travel the world in style.
Is a $130 Costco executive membership the new VIP status symbol?
By Charles Passy Executive membership has grown by 9.1% to nearly 40 million - and these social-media stars are celebrating it in a viral video Kim and Penn Holderness are going viral with their video about the $130 Costco executive membership. Forget about having a platinum credit card. These days, the cool crowd may be more interested in becoming a Costco (COST) executive member. The upper tier of Costco's membership costs $130 a year, which is $65 more than its standard gold-star membership.
Is a $130 Costco executive membership the new VIP status? Original
Forget about having a platinum credit card. These days, the cool crowd may be more interested in becoming a Costco The upper tier of Costco’s membership costs $130 a year, which is $65 more than its standard gold-star membership. And while it confers some key benefits — particularly a 2% reward on Costco purchases, delivered annually in the form of a store certificate — it isn’t necessarily a VIP-type program. That is, there’s no lounge for executive members.
How I got $1,000 back by complaining like a pro
Charles Passy Welcome back to Don't Short Yourself, where each week we offer practical money moves to help you make smarter decisions with your hard-earned cash. Subscribe to Don't Short Yourself for free to receive it weekly. Today we're going to dive into a key consumer issue — namely, making the perfect complaint to get financial results. Because, hey, who doesn't have complaints?
The true cost of daylight-saving time is a $672 million hit to the U.S. economy
By Charles Passy Research suggests the U.S. loses more than just an hour of sleep when we spring forward by turning the clocks back Did you remember to move your clocks ahead one hour Sunday for the start of daylight-saving time? Daylight-saving time started this Sunday, which means Americans once again dealt with the "spring forward" ritual of setting their clocks an hour ahead.
The true cost of daylight-saving time is a $672 million hit to the US economy
Charles Passy With daylight-saving time set to begin this Sunday, Americans will once again be girding themselves for the “spring forward” ritual of setting their clocks an hour ahead and potentially losing some sleep. But if you think that feels like an inconvenience, think about what some consider the real cost of this ritual — namely, a $672 million hit to the U.S. economy.
'Does travel insurance cover war?' Interest in coverage spikes as Iran conflict, global issues rattle travelers.
By Charles Passy Travel-insurance demand is surging. If you're thinking of purchasing a policy for an upcoming trip, then here's what to keep in mind. There are many different types of travel insurance, including Cancel for Any Reason coverage, but they come at a cost. These days, travelers are facing all sorts of situations that could unravel their plans, from the political upheaval in Venezuela and the civil unrest in Mexico to the escalating conflict in Iran.
The true cost of daylight-saving time is a $672 million hit to the U.S. economy
By Charles Passy Research suggests the U.S. loses more than just an hour of sleep when we spring forward by turning the clocks back Be prepared to move your clocks ahead one hour this Sunday at 2 a.m. for the start of daylight-saving time. With daylight-saving time set to begin this Sunday, Americans will once again be girding themselves for the "spring forward" ritual of setting their clocks an hour ahead and potentially losing some sleep.
The true cost of daylight-saving time is a $672 million hit to the U.S. economy
With daylight-saving time set to begin this Sunday, Americans will once again be girding themselves for the “spring forward” ritual of setting their clocks an hour ahead and potentially losing some sleep. But if you think that feels like an inconvenience, think about what some consider the real cost of this ritual — namely, a $672 million hit to the U.S. economy.
‘Does travel insurance cover war?’ Interest in coverage spikes as Iran conflict, global issues rattle travelers.
These days, travelers are facing all sorts of situations that could unravel their plans, from the political upheaval in Venezuela and the civil unrest in Mexico to the escalating conflict in Iran. And that’s to say nothing of the multiple blizzards that recently wreaked havoc in the U.S. All of which likely has many people considering the need for travel insurance.
'Does travel insurance cover war?' Interest in coverage spikes as Iran conflict, global issues rattle travelers.
By Charles Passy Travel-insurance demand is surging. If you're thinking of purchasing a policy for an upcoming trip, then here's what to keep in mind. There are many different types of travel insurance, including Cancel for Any Reason coverage, but they come at a cost. These days, travelers are facing all sorts of situations that could unravel their plans, from the political upheaval in Venezuela and the civil unrest in Mexico to the escalating conflict in Iran.
Why more CEOs are taking a page from Elon Musk and chatting directly with customers
By Charles Passy Executives say it's all about learning how to better run their businesses, but some corporate watchers question if this is just a PR move Elon Musk is just one of a number of chief executives and business leaders who sometimes connects directly with customers. Have a complaint about a company? Or even a compliment to share? The chief executive is expecting your call. At least that's how some businesses are handling customer-service matters these days.
Is it OK to wear pajamas on your next flight? A viral post sparks debate.
These days, it’s not unusual to see people sporting pajamas outside the home — for a walk in the park or even when dining at a fancy restaurant. The trend of sleepwear as everyday wear is all the rage, according to fashion experts. But if you’re considering joining the pajama party, should you think twice if your travel plans include a stop in Tampa, Fla.?
Why more CEOs are taking a page from Elon Musk and chatting directly with customers
By Charles Passy Executives say it's all about learning how to better run their businesses, but some corporate watchers question if this is just a PR move Elon Musk is just one of a number of chief executives and business leaders who sometimes connects directly with customers. Have a complaint about a company? Or even a compliment to share? The chief executive is expecting your call. At least that's how some businesses are handling customer-service matters these days.
Why more CEOs are chatting directly with customers
Have a complaint about a company? Or even a compliment to share? The chief executive is expecting your call. At least that’s how some businesses are handling customer-service matters these days. Tom Curtis, president of Burger King’s U.S. and Canada operations There “is a broader perception that large brands are not listening closely enough, and taking action based on feedback,” Curtis said in a statement to MarketWatch. “I see that as an opportunity.
A $10K credit to be voluntarily bumped from your cruise? Passengers are scoring lucrative deals as trips get overbooked.
Charles Passy When you book a cruise, you're probably not thinking the ship could need to bump passengers. But be forewarned: It can and does happen. Take a sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas earlier this month that departed from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. According to reports , the ship was likely overbooked.
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