How to Hurt Your Business: Have Rev. Al Sharpton Show Up, As Costco May Be About to Find Out the Hard Way

Business News

Costco is trying to swim against the current lately. As Trump tells the divisive and counterproductive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion movement to take a hike and get out of the federal government, and while major companies including Walmart, Meta, Boeing, Ford, John Deere, and more have also eliminated or scaled back their DEI programs under pressure from activists like Robby Starbuck, retail giant Costco is standing firm and refusing to let go of the controversial ideology. 

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It’s a mistake that may just cost them, just as similar woke moves thrashed Target and Bud Light in recent years.And they now have an ally in the “fight,” but he’s one many people won’t like (with very, very good reason). Lo and behold, the Rev. Al Sharpton showed up at a Harlem location Sunday with a bunch of his cohorts:The controversial civil right activist led 100 members of his National Action Network through the Harlem Costco to spend their money in a show of gratitude for the decision.’Leading a buy-in with 100+ @NationalAction members at the @Costco location in Harlem, NYC to show support for the company’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),’ Rev. Sharpton said in a post on X. Sharpton revealed in a speech outside the store that he’d bought 100 $25 gift vouchers for each buy in participant to spend inside. ‘We’re going shopping at Costco because they’ve stood with us. People that stand with us, we will stand with them,’ he said. Watch:AL SHARPTON: Costco said they will not back off DEI. Today, we are going shopping at Costco, because they have stood with us. People that don’t stand with us – we will boycott them. We will not pay them anything.pic.twitter.com/o0nHSy5iDG— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 26, 2025

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Costco, however, may wish he hadn’t made the appearance, because the online backlash has been brutal, including from Starbuck himself:Does @Costco really want to be in a fight where it’s Al Sharpton & MSNBC vs. the entire movement behind President Trump?Bold move if so. I think they’ll deeply regret it.They still have a little bit of time to consider turning back. I hope they make the right choice. pic.twitter.com/ebsdi76s2I— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 26, 2025It’s time to move on:Anti-DEI Warrior Robby Starbuck Notches Another Victory—Nation’s Largest Retailer Dials BackMcdonald’s Becomes Latest Corporation to Walk Away From WokeWill consumers make them pay?To @Costco :I’m black and I just canceled my membership.All Sharpton doesn’t represent me. America is done with DEI discrimination.You are running a BUSINESS, not a social service organization. This was a VERY stupid move.#Costco— Karen Kennedy (@realkarenjean) January 26, 2025Nothing would make me cancel my Costco membership faster than trying to get my shopping done and having this walk in the door…pic.twitter.com/WUi3UhrffK— Big Tom Callahan🇺🇸 (@CallahanAutoCo) January 26, 2025

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Sharpton’s despicable past antics—see especially: Tawana Brawley—and his never-ending race-hustling make him an extremely polarizing figure (which is why he’s mostly relegated to that home of the America-hating loons, MSNBC).Costco may just end up wishing he didn’t show up to give out free samples of his alienating rhetoric.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Lee Majdoub Has A Heartwarming Take On Why The Films Are So Well-Received, And I Couldn’t Agree More” target=”_self” data-before-rewrite-localise=”/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-3-lee-majdoub-heartwarming-take-films-well-received

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The following article contains SPOILERS about Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Beware!When Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released in theaters, it was a hit everywhere. Sprinting past Mufasa: The Lion King at the box office during opening weekend, and already earning a Sonic the Hedgehog 4 announcement, this is the video game franchise that keeps on giving. Now, Lee Majdoub has offered his honest thoughts on what makes this series so well-received and adored by fans everywhere.Majdoub plays Agent Stone in the Sonic films, the assistant to Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Majdoub has appeared in all three movies, and in honor of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releasing to home video this past week, I had the chance to talk to the series veteran and ask him what he believes makes the Sonic movies so incredible. His answer boils down to how much “heart” is put into each film and the story anyone can connect to:I think because our films have so much heart, and I think because the teams involved do legitimately care. We all grew up on Sonic. We all grew up on Jim Carrey. We all wanted to do the best job we could. And I don’t think that’s changed over the three films. The priority has always been for Jeff and the creative team, it has always been, ‘where’s the heart of this story?’The Sonic the Hedgehog 3 actor continued, saying that there’s always a story in each film that anyone in the audience can relate to, and it brings people back to the theaters each time:And I think if you look at each film, there is a story. The first one is a fish out of water – Sonic’s looking for a place to belong. In Sonic 2, you’ve got Knuckles who’s kind of misguided, is being used by Robotnik, and Sonic has an opportunity for growth and to teach Knuckles a different way. And then in Sonic 3, it goes even further with how far Shadow is willing to go with revenge. And we get to see Sonic having to deal with his own anger and his own yearning for vengeance and what does that look like? So I think every film we’ve kind of delved into, in a sense, the human condition, and how do we deal with emotions and how do we deal with grief? And I think that speaks to a lot of people.As someone who has always watched the Sonic movies and has been comforted by each one, I could not agree more—because truthfully, there’s something we can all connect to with these films.It’s been proven time and time again. The Sonic films are considered some of the best video game movie adaptations, and the fact that they keep creating sequels is proof that people love them. Majdoub’s explanation only adds to it and makes me wonder what kind of story they are going to tell next that will be just as compelling.At this point, we don’t know what will be next in Sonic’s world. Amy Rose was introduced in the post-credit scene for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and that is a major deal for a lot of fans and the cast and crew. Tails’ voice actress, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, even spoke about how she’d be so excited for the team aspect of Amy Rose joining the crew in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Your Daily Blend of Entertainment NewsWe’re not even close to the release date of the next film (March 19, 2027), and the plot is still up in the air. But there is one thing we can always count on: that no matter what they’ll be about, these films will have heart, and we’ll keep going to see them.

Star Trek’s Alex Kurtzman Clarifies His Involvement In The Upcoming Theatrical Films As He Tells Us Why Section 31 Was A Paramount+ Movie” target=”_self”…

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Star Trek: Section 31 is available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription, and that’s the only place fans can go if they want to see the first film for the franchise in nearly nine years. Given the circumstances and Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh’s involvement, I wondered why it didn’t get a theatrical release.. CinemaBlend asked franchise head Alex Kurtzman for an answer and learned some surprising information regarding the future of the movies.I was grateful to talk to executive producer Alex Kurtzman and director Olutande Osunsanmi ahead of Star Trek: Section 31’s premiere, and asked why we couldn’t see the action-packed title in theaters. Kurtzman is the driving force between upcoming Trek shows, so I assumed he had the answer, but he informed me that is not the case:I actually have nothing to do with that is the truth. Those decisions are made by people above my pay grade. My focus has just been on the television shows, and because Section 31 started originally as a television show and then through COVID and a million different things and Michelle winning an Oscar and her schedule changing, it ended up making sense to make it as a film to best serve both the story but also to be able to accommodate Michelle. So. It made sense to do that as a Paramount+ film because it was, you know, it was already sort of part of that family, but as far as the larger vision for Star Trek beyond the TV shows, you’d have to ask Paramount.Alex Kurtzman was a big part of Star Trek’s return to theaterical adventures long ago, having co-wrote the script for 2009’s Star Trek and its sequel Star Trek Into Darkness. He’s also served as co-creator on every live-action series for the franchise in the streaming era. So to hear he’s not involved in what’s happening with the vision for the film side and that upcoming origins movie we keep hearing about is a shock to this fan.While it’s not necessarily out of the ordinary for different people to dictate the direction of a franchise, one does have to wonder what’s going on with this new Star Trek movie for it to sidestep one of the primary creatives behind the franchise’s return to form over past decade and a half. It seems Paramount would sooner keep Kurtzman on what’s working on the television side, while perhaps bring something new to theaters.It’s worth noting this quote was received before the reviews of Star Trek: Section 31 hit the internet, which was largely unfavorable. The movie currently has a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and 18% from the Audience Score. As mentioned by Alex Kurtzman, the movie originally started out as a series but was reconfigured into a film to accommodate Yeoh’s busy schedule.It remains to be seen how many people checked out the action film and whether this attempt to step outside of the traditional Star Trek adventure will encourage Paramount to greenlight further sequels with Michelle Yeoh back in the saddle. We also continue to be largely in the dark about what to expect from the next Trek movie on the big screen, though we know it’s directed by Andor director Toby Haynes and written by Seth Grahame-Smith. My only hope is that it’s tied to some of the franchise’s successes on television in recent years, but we’ll just have to wait and see.Stream Star Trek: Section 31 on Paramount+, and check out the wide variety of content there as well. We’re expecting Strange New Worlds to return before the end of the year, and hopefully, we’ll get more news on that movie as well.Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

Trump Revokes Colombian President’s Visa and Slaps Colombia with Tariffs, Travel Bans, and Financial Sanctions

Travel

Trump Targets Colombia with Retaliatory Measures: Visa Revocations, Tariffs, and Travel Bans

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a series of harsh retaliatory measures against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his government, escalating tensions between the two nations. The move comes after Colombia reportedly refused to accept deportees from the United States, turning back two U.S. military flights carrying Colombian nationals.

In response, Trump has implemented sweeping actions:

Visa Revocations and Travel Ban: U.S. visas for Colombian President Gustavo Petro, government officials, and their allies and supporters have been revoked. A broader travel ban has also been imposed, extending to party members, family members, and other supporters of the Colombian government.

Emergency Tariffs: Effective immediately, a 25% tariff has been placed on all goods imported from Colombia. Trump warned that this tariff would double to 50% within a week if no resolution is reached.

Enhanced Inspections: Customs and Border Protection has been directed to conduct heightened inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo entering the United States, citing national security concerns.

Financial Sanctions: Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the U.S. Treasury Department will fully impose banking and financial sanctions on Colombia, restricting access to U.S. financial systems and services.

These measures represent a significant escalation in U.S.-Colombia relations, with Trump framing the response as a necessary defense of American sovereignty. “If they won’t take back their deportees, they can no longer expect preferential treatment in trade, travel, or finance,” Trump stated in a press release.

The Colombian government has yet to issue an official response to the sanctions, but critics argue that the measures could have severe economic and diplomatic consequences for both nations. Colombian exports to the U.S., particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, could face significant disruption under the new tariffs and enhanced inspections.

Analysts suggest that the measures might also strain regional alliances and complicate U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking, an issue that has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Colombia relations for decades.

The escalating standoff underscores the broader challenges in managing deportations and maintaining diplomatic ties amid competing national interests. Observers await further developments as the U.S. presses Colombia for compliance.

‘Mind-blowing’ cuts in greenhouse gases needed for Ireland to meet climate pledges, scientist warns

Science and Health

Professor Kevin Anderson said the true scale of cuts needed were “mind-blowing” and Ireland had just two years left before overshooting the target.Prof Anderson is an expert in energy and climate change at the universities of Manchester, Bergen and Uppsala.His warning comes before a High Court hearing tomorrow in which environmental and ­human-rights campaigners accuse the State of failing to meet its climate-action commitments.Prof Anderson said Ireland should be cutting emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most common greenhouse gas, by 30pc annually to be in line with the global goal of keeping temperature rise from exceeding 1.5C.Deep cuts in methane from agriculture were also essential, he said.Ireland’s current targets are for overall cuts of 4.3pc a year in all greenhouse gases until the end of 2025 and 8.3pc annually from 2026 to 2030. The country is already off-track to meet those much more modest targets.The global goal sets 2C as the absolute limit temperature rise must not exceed if dangerous climate change is to be avoided.That gives Ireland more wriggle room, but would still require 12pc annual reductions in CO2 – much higher than planned for.However, the 2C global goal was set in the Paris Agreement of 2015, when it was believed maintaining temperature rise to 1.5C would avoid the worst impacts of climate change.Gender-neutral toilets. Stock imageScientists have since been shocked at how quickly temperature has risen – the 1.5C threshold was hit all of last year – and how severe the impacts have been.Heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms and fires have become more frequent and severe than predicted.“The impacts for 1.5C were what we were thinking would be the impacts for nearer to 2C,” Prof Anderson said.Every country that signed up to the Paris Agreement – only a handful have not – is due to submit revised climate action plans next month setting out the cuts they will make to emissions.Wealthy countries that have had the highest emissions for the longest time are meant to make the bulk of the cuts.It is under that arrangement that Prof Anderson said Ireland would not live up to its obligations.At Ireland’s current rate of emissions, it would use up its “carbon budget” within two years if aiming for the 1.5C goal, or 7.5 years for the 2C goal.Globally, cuts of 19pc per year were needed to stop a further rise from 1.5C and 7pc per year to stay within 2C.These were “mind-blowing” cuts, Prof Anderson said, and he did not believe they would be achieved.“For Ireland and globally – and I say this with a very heavy heart – to have a 50pc chance of [keeping temperature rise to] 1.5C requires 20 to 30pc cuts in CO2 from now and it would also mean significant cuts in non-CO2 emissions. I can’t see how that is any longer possible,” he said.The Department of Environment was contacted for comment.

Six Bahraini Startups Showcase Promising Tech Solutions to Investors and Industry Leaders During Riyada Business Accelerator Demo Day

Business News

The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) in partnership with Salica Investments (previously known as Hambro Perks) concluded a successful demo day event for the Riyada Business Accelerator Program in the presence of representatives and leaders from both the private and public sectors as well as international investors. During the event, the participating founders delivered compelling pitches, showcasing the progress of their startups through the program, and highlighting the future potential to take them to the next level.On this occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) commended the innovative Bahraini entrepreneurs who showcased their tech startups during the event, highlighting the importance of providing a platform such as this for startups to receive the awareness and recognition that can accelerate their growth. She also emphasized the importance of championing entrepreneurship in Bahrain through various programs and initiatives aimed at helping startups innovate and find success, therefore creating a positive impact on the Kingdom’s economy.She added: “Supporting Bahraini entrepreneurs in utilizing advanced technologies and launching innovative solutions can foster tech adoption in the local market, therefore boosting productivity and enhancing the role of the private sector as a key engine of economic growth, which aligns perfectly with our objectives.”The Riyada Business Accelerator Program contributed to the creation of 30 job opportunities through its first cohort of six participating startups including founders, full time employees and fractional resources. The participants successfully raised over USD 225,000 in funding through investments, grants, and competitions as a result of the mentorship and guidance they received throughout the program, which focuses on four key pillars: product development, fundraising, team development and business development.The success of this demo day is a testament to the program’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting the startup ecosystem in Bahrain. The program will continue to focus on supporting tech startups by providing specialized guidance, essential resources, and opportunities to expand their professional networks.The initiative aligns with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor market and private sector.

Trump should employ ANTI-DRONE TECHNOLOGY to shoot down any drones flying over U.S. military bases, nuclear facilities or the White House

Technology

Trump should employ ANTI-DRONE TECHNOLOGY to shoot down any drones flying over U.S. military bases, nuclear facilities or the White House

Drone Threat Remains Unsolved: The origin and purpose of the recent drone scare in Washington DC are still unclear, with theories ranging from U.S. military manipulation to a Chinese-led communist takeover attempt or even alien involvement.
Trump’s Plan of Action: With Trump now in control of the U.S. military, there’s a suggestion to use advanced technology from companies like Dedrone to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones, particularly those posing a threat to critical installations, nuclear plants, and civilian areas.
Introduction of Dedrone on the Move: Dedrone has developed a new solution called Dedrone on the Move, which provides real-time drone detection and response capabilities for mobile platforms. This technology could be crucial in protecting mobile assets, critical infrastructure, and ensuring aviation security in various environments.

The big rush of the drone psyop scare is over now that the communists have been expunged from Washington DC. Americans who understand this are breathing a huge sigh of relief. The drone scare still hasn’t been solved. Were they owned by the U.S. military and used to scare Americans or distract them while the O’Biden regime embezzled billions more dollars and pre-pardoned the entire Biden crime family and their cohorts? Were the drones Chinese owned and controlled and part of a proposed communist takeover of the country before Trump took office? Are the drones aliens?
There’s one way to find out. Shoot some down and examine them. Now that Trump is in control of the U.S. military, it’s time to act. There’s a very advanced company called Dedrone, that has new-age drone detection and counter-drone “solutions.” Let’s put them to work on the drone psyop that terrorized America for weeks leading up to the inauguration of Trump.
Trump can employ Dedrone technology to shoot down drones that threaten American military installments, nuclear plants, the White House, and civilians
Dedrone, a leading provider of drone detection and counter-drone solutions, has introduced its latest offering: Dedrone on the Move. This innovative solution is designed to provide real-time drone detection and response capabilities for mobile platforms such as vehicles, ships, and aircraft. It allows users to maintain situational awareness and protect critical assets while on the move.
The core of Dedrone on the Move is a compact, all-in-one system that combines cutting-edge sensors and AI-powered software to detect, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drones in real time. The system includes:

Multi-Sensor Fusion: The solution integrates multiple sensors, including radar, acoustic, and optical technologies, to provide comprehensive coverage and accurate drone detection. This multi-sensor approach enhances detection range, accuracy, and reliability, even in complex environments.
AI-Powered Analysis: Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms analyze data from the sensors to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized drones. The system can also identify the make and model of drones, providing valuable insights for situational awareness and decision-making.
Real-Time Alerts and Response: Once a drone is detected, the system sends immediate alerts to the user via a mobile app or dashboard. It also integrates with counter-drone technologies, such as jamming systems or net-guns, to neutralize the threat. Users can choose from various response options based on their security protocols and the nature of the threat.
Flexible Deployment: The compact design of Dedrone on the Move allows it to be easily installed on a wide range of mobile platforms, including vehicles, ships, and aircraft. This flexibility enables users to protect their assets and personnel while on the move, whether in urban, rural, or maritime environments.
Scalability and Customization: The solution is scalable and can be customized to meet specific security requirements. Users can add or remove features, adjust detection ranges, and integrate with existing security systems to create a tailored solution that fits their needs.
Remote Monitoring and Management: The system can be remotely monitored and managed through a cloud-based platform, allowing security teams to oversee multiple deployments from a central location. This feature is particularly useful for organizations with distributed operations or large-scale security requirements.

Dedrone on the Move offers a range of applications, including:

Protecting Mobile Assets: The solution is ideal for protecting high-value assets such as VIP transportation, military convoys, or sensitive cargo shipments.
Securing Critical Infrastructure: It can be used to secure mobile installations such as offshore oil rigs, construction sites, or temporary event venues.
Maritime Security: The system can be deployed on ships and offshore platforms to detect and respond to drone threats in maritime environments.
Airborne Protection: It can be installed on aircraft to provide real-time drone detection and response capabilities for air travel and aviation security.

In conclusion, Dedrone on the Move represents a significant advancement in mobile drone detection and counter-drone technology. By providing real-time situational awareness and response capabilities, it enables organizations to protect their assets and personnel while on the move, regardless of the environment.
Trump can use this innovative solution to address the growing threat of drones in mobile settings and offers a robust, flexible, and scalable solution for a wide range of applications.
Tune your apocalypse dial to preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Democrat-led aggression, lies, and propaganda that comes at us every day now.
Sources for this article include:
DeDrone.com
Censored.news
NaturalNews.com