• Time Warner’s networks division, which has stations like TNT, TBS and HBO, reported its strongest quarter in the company’s history on Nov. 7, thanks to popular shows like “The Voice,” and “Revolution.” The CEO is also optimistic for the company’s release of “The Hobbit” in December, according to The New York Times.
• This holiday season, shoppers are looking to buy more practical gifts for one another. Sales of gifts in the “home” category (furniture, appliances and decorative items) are expected to jump over 7 percent, according to CNBC News.
• An entrepreneur financed by the musician Sting invented a durable soccer ball that children in poverty stricken nations can play with. The soccer balls that are normally donated rip and pop quickly on the rocky dirt roads used as soccer fields, but the One World Ball is made from a material similar to Crocs and can last 30 years, according to The New York Times.
• Hurricane Sandy is expected to take 0.2 percentage points off the GDP of the October-to-December quarter this year. The storm is not, however, expected to affect holiday sales, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, reported its first drop in monthly sales in nine years. The company attributes the decline to a slow economy and consumers, especially young ones, not eating out as much, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Pet owners are spending more money in their homes to make houses more pet friendly. Homeowners are including features such as dog baths, built-in food dishes and miniature pet rooms, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Governor Christie’s administration announced that college students and families will have an extra month to provide information to complete State financial aid applications and additional time to make loan payments that were by New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, according to the Office of the Governor.
• The Business School’s third Wednesday event “Go Global: London Calling!” will be held on Monday, Nov. 19 due to the holiday break. Alumni will be speaking to students via video chat from India and Brazil, as well as in person. Refreshments will be served.
