This will not end well. Redbox, in position to be the cheap, local, easy alternative to the confusing, troublesome Netflix, has decided to raise its rates to $1.20 per day. I guess they wanted a piece of Netflix’s humble pie.
Coinstar, the company that owns the Redbox brand and boxes, explained it this way: “The change is primarily due to the increase in operating expenses, including the recent increase in debit card interchange fees as a result of the Durbin Amendment.” And naturally, that cost should be passed right back onto their loyal customers.
I can’t help but editorialize here. It’s just hard to think of a more wrongheaded and shortsighted decision for them to make. Here they have a strong brand built on thrift and a major competitor being laid low by an untimely and confusing rate change. If they plan on being in business for more than a couple years, maintaining the $1 pricing is essential.
Why not take another tack? Renegotiate contracts with grocery stores and bodegas where the Redbox machine arguably brings in business. Slim the margins elsewhere so you can afford the hit. Or just charge an extra quarter on debit card transactions, and give the customer an option to select a different payment method. Anything but reneging on the deal that made the brand known in the first place.
Netflix lost 800,000 subscribers, and many more have been dissuaded from ever joining. But it’s not an instantaneous change, and Redbox needed to make a soft landing for them, not act with the same entitlement that Bank of America did in passing on the debit fees to customers. People are leaving that bank in record numbers, and I don’t see how Redbox can expect anything different.
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Thursday, 27 October 2011
Short statement from Shorty...outside Kartel's court house hearing
There was more drama outside the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court yesterday as Vybz Kartel's family and followers streamed out yet again to show their support for the incarcerated entertainer. The comments that some of the fans had to say about the self proclaimed World Boss were very interesting.
Vybz Kartel's common law wife, Tanesha 'Shorty' Johnson turned up at the court house along with her relatives and members of Vybz Kartel's entourage.
She told THE STAR that she was advised not to give any more comments to the media, however, she did mention that she was okay and that the children were doing well.
"I can't do anymore interview until I understand fully what is going on but I am fine," she said.
Her cousin Kesha also intervened saying, "The lawyer sey she nuffi give no comment, the kids are okay and she is okay and that's that, no further comment," she said.
Shorty had recently told the media in an interview on DRAP, that the children were traumatised about the situation.
traumatised
Shorty also said that Vybz Kartel's mother had collapsed as a result of her son's imprisonment.
"Based upon all this lock up thing, the kids dem traumatised bad because di morning when dem come them carry him from the hotel come a di house, and ma big son Adijah Palmer him start cry and run up and dung and all a dat. Akeel (Kartel's other son) guh to school, mi get a call from him teacher sey mi muss come fi him because him just keep on crying. Wey dem have him (Vybz Kartel) suh long fah, him need fi come home now to him children dem, cuz him children worried bout him an him is a loving father," she said in the interview.
The STAR spoke to some of the persons who stood in the sun, hoping to get a glimpse of Kartel, and not surprisingly they all pleaded his innocence.
"Gaza mi sey, leggo offa mi artiste, Vybz Kartel a my man a him put mi to sleep, if my man nuh sey Gaza mi nuh want him, him haffi come out a mi house," said one female fan.
Another Gaza supporter who wished to have her name withheld told THE STAR that Vybz Kartel was a victim of the system.
"The system corrupt, him innocent, them have some man inna jail fi all three, six years straight and dem cyaah find nutting, why dem hate him we don't know, a spite dem a spite him," the obviously upset female said.
Despite all the drama on the outskirts, Vybz Kartel was remanded in custody, and is slated to appear again at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court on Monday, October 31, to be tried on charges of Marijuana possession.
Vybz Kartel's common law wife, Tanesha 'Shorty' Johnson turned up at the court house along with her relatives and members of Vybz Kartel's entourage.
She told THE STAR that she was advised not to give any more comments to the media, however, she did mention that she was okay and that the children were doing well.
"I can't do anymore interview until I understand fully what is going on but I am fine," she said.
Her cousin Kesha also intervened saying, "The lawyer sey she nuffi give no comment, the kids are okay and she is okay and that's that, no further comment," she said.
Shorty had recently told the media in an interview on DRAP, that the children were traumatised about the situation.
traumatised
Shorty also said that Vybz Kartel's mother had collapsed as a result of her son's imprisonment.
"Based upon all this lock up thing, the kids dem traumatised bad because di morning when dem come them carry him from the hotel come a di house, and ma big son Adijah Palmer him start cry and run up and dung and all a dat. Akeel (Kartel's other son) guh to school, mi get a call from him teacher sey mi muss come fi him because him just keep on crying. Wey dem have him (Vybz Kartel) suh long fah, him need fi come home now to him children dem, cuz him children worried bout him an him is a loving father," she said in the interview.
The STAR spoke to some of the persons who stood in the sun, hoping to get a glimpse of Kartel, and not surprisingly they all pleaded his innocence.
"Gaza mi sey, leggo offa mi artiste, Vybz Kartel a my man a him put mi to sleep, if my man nuh sey Gaza mi nuh want him, him haffi come out a mi house," said one female fan.
Another Gaza supporter who wished to have her name withheld told THE STAR that Vybz Kartel was a victim of the system.
"The system corrupt, him innocent, them have some man inna jail fi all three, six years straight and dem cyaah find nutting, why dem hate him we don't know, a spite dem a spite him," the obviously upset female said.
Despite all the drama on the outskirts, Vybz Kartel was remanded in custody, and is slated to appear again at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court on Monday, October 31, to be tried on charges of Marijuana possession.
Shawn Storm back in custody
Upcoming deejay Shawn Storm, whose real name is Shawn Campbell, is back in police custody.
Radiojam understands that the deejay surrendered to the Constant Spring Police on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by his attorney Michael Deans.
Storm was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Clive Williams, alias 'Lizard', who was killed on August 16 in Havendale, St Andrew.
This is the second time this month that Storm has been taken into custody as on October 10 he surrendered to the police after being named a person of interest.
Checks made by THE STAR earlier this month with the St Catherine South police revealed that the artiste was interrogated about several crimes committed in the parish.
In the meantime, Vybz Kartel, who is the head of the Portmore Empire which Storm is a part of, is expected to answer to murder-related charges and was remanded until October 31 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Radiojam understands that the deejay surrendered to the Constant Spring Police on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by his attorney Michael Deans.
Storm was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Clive Williams, alias 'Lizard', who was killed on August 16 in Havendale, St Andrew.
This is the second time this month that Storm has been taken into custody as on October 10 he surrendered to the police after being named a person of interest.
Checks made by THE STAR earlier this month with the St Catherine South police revealed that the artiste was interrogated about several crimes committed in the parish.
In the meantime, Vybz Kartel, who is the head of the Portmore Empire which Storm is a part of, is expected to answer to murder-related charges and was remanded until October 31 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Kartel To Know Bail Decision Next Wednesday
Jamaican dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel should know next Wednesday if he will be granted on bail in one of the two murder cases brought against him.
That is when a judge in the Gun Court Division of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court will rule on a bail application made yesterday by attorneys for the popular entertainer, whose given name is Adidja Palmer.
One of Palmer's attorneys, Christian Tavares-Finson, said the bail application was made after prosecutors handed over a statement given to the public defender's office by a key witness in the original case.
In custody since oct 1
At the same time, Palmer was scheduled to return to the Gun Court on Monday in connection with the second murder charge brought against him arising from the death of Clive Williams, also known as 'Lizard'.
Palmer has been in custody since October 1 when he and three other persons were arrested at a New Kingston hotel for possession of ganja.
Three days later, he was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of firearm arising from the death of businessman/promoter Barrington Burton, also known as 'Bossie'.
Burton was shot and killed while standing with friends along Walker Avenue, in Gregory Park, St Catherine, in July.
Williams was allegedly killed on August 16 in Havendale, St Andrew, but his body has not been found.
That is when a judge in the Gun Court Division of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court will rule on a bail application made yesterday by attorneys for the popular entertainer, whose given name is Adidja Palmer.
One of Palmer's attorneys, Christian Tavares-Finson, said the bail application was made after prosecutors handed over a statement given to the public defender's office by a key witness in the original case.
In custody since oct 1
At the same time, Palmer was scheduled to return to the Gun Court on Monday in connection with the second murder charge brought against him arising from the death of Clive Williams, also known as 'Lizard'.
Palmer has been in custody since October 1 when he and three other persons were arrested at a New Kingston hotel for possession of ganja.
Three days later, he was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of firearm arising from the death of businessman/promoter Barrington Burton, also known as 'Bossie'.
Burton was shot and killed while standing with friends along Walker Avenue, in Gregory Park, St Catherine, in July.
Williams was allegedly killed on August 16 in Havendale, St Andrew, but his body has not been found.
Police To Intensify War Against Lotto Scammers
SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT of Police James Forbes has said the police will be stepping up the ante as it continues to wage an all-out war against lotto scammers across the island.
Forbes, who was speaking on Sunday at the launch of the Tryall Gardens Citizens' Association and Neighbourhood Watch, said while the police have snared some of the main operatives of the pervasive lotto scam, the war on lotto scammers is set to heighten.
"But more and more we are getting together and catching those who are fleecing people of their money and using their money to purchase drugs and guns to kill people. But more important, we are going to rid them of every single thing they have that they bought with the money they got from fleecing people.
We are going to seize the cars, we are going to seize the houses and, if push comes to shove, we seize the clothes they wear."
Forbes also indicated that, when the lotto scammers are caught, the police are going to ensure that they get locked away for a long time.
"Once they have been identified, we will lead them to some places where they will spend a long time, and by the time they come out, they are old and grey. What we want to say is that the money that they use to buy guns and kill people, we will rid them of that privilege."
He indicated that the police were making serious inroads in the criminal activity in Jamaica, citing that the title of the 'don' is no longer a 'celebrity' badge.
Ruiz Warren, lecturer at Northern Caribbean University, said it is sad that people have allowed criminals to imprison them while they roam free.
"...We have become the prisoners, but I want to say that what you have to do now is to transfer the fear from the victim to the criminal. The criminals must know that if they come to the community, we are going to lock them away," said Warren who was the guest speaker at the function.
He charged that a community is not defined by the size of the houses or the material possession of its residents, but by how well people relate and work to achieve a common goal.
Forbes, who was speaking on Sunday at the launch of the Tryall Gardens Citizens' Association and Neighbourhood Watch, said while the police have snared some of the main operatives of the pervasive lotto scam, the war on lotto scammers is set to heighten.
"But more and more we are getting together and catching those who are fleecing people of their money and using their money to purchase drugs and guns to kill people. But more important, we are going to rid them of every single thing they have that they bought with the money they got from fleecing people.
We are going to seize the cars, we are going to seize the houses and, if push comes to shove, we seize the clothes they wear."
Forbes also indicated that, when the lotto scammers are caught, the police are going to ensure that they get locked away for a long time.
"Once they have been identified, we will lead them to some places where they will spend a long time, and by the time they come out, they are old and grey. What we want to say is that the money that they use to buy guns and kill people, we will rid them of that privilege."
He indicated that the police were making serious inroads in the criminal activity in Jamaica, citing that the title of the 'don' is no longer a 'celebrity' badge.
Ruiz Warren, lecturer at Northern Caribbean University, said it is sad that people have allowed criminals to imprison them while they roam free.
"...We have become the prisoners, but I want to say that what you have to do now is to transfer the fear from the victim to the criminal. The criminals must know that if they come to the community, we are going to lock them away," said Warren who was the guest speaker at the function.
He charged that a community is not defined by the size of the houses or the material possession of its residents, but by how well people relate and work to achieve a common goal.
Caricom chairman welcomes Holness
CARIBBEAN Community (Caricom) Chairman Dr Denzil Douglas says the new Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness takes over the leadership of his country “in an era characterised by unprecedented challenges and phenomenal developments that are reverberating indiscriminately throughout the international community”.
In a congratulatory message to Holness, Dr Douglas — who is also the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis — said he also looked forward to working with Jamaica for the continued development of the regional integration process.
Holness was sworn into office last Sunday, after Bruce Golding tendered his resignation as both the head of government and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party. Golding remains a member of the Jamaican Parliament, as the representative for the West Kingston constituency.
Dr Douglas said: “Inspired by your own vision for the betterment of your country and the wellbeing of the proud people of Jamaica, there is no doubt that you would initiate the changes that, in your view, would engender the requisite reform in areas of priority and advance the thrust towards sustainment of best practices, especially in these critical times.”
The Caricom chairman said he is convinced that the confidence reposed in “your good self by the Government and people of Jamaica will inspire your own determination to stay the course as you take the helm of Government as their ninth and most youthful prime minister of your beloved country”.
In a congratulatory message to Holness, Dr Douglas — who is also the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis — said he also looked forward to working with Jamaica for the continued development of the regional integration process.
Holness was sworn into office last Sunday, after Bruce Golding tendered his resignation as both the head of government and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party. Golding remains a member of the Jamaican Parliament, as the representative for the West Kingston constituency.
Dr Douglas said: “Inspired by your own vision for the betterment of your country and the wellbeing of the proud people of Jamaica, there is no doubt that you would initiate the changes that, in your view, would engender the requisite reform in areas of priority and advance the thrust towards sustainment of best practices, especially in these critical times.”
The Caricom chairman said he is convinced that the confidence reposed in “your good self by the Government and people of Jamaica will inspire your own determination to stay the course as you take the helm of Government as their ninth and most youthful prime minister of your beloved country”.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Warmington, Bartlett Clash Over PM's Title
A verbal clash between Constituency Development Fund chairman Everald Warmington and committee member Dr St Aubyn Bartlett, took centre stage at yesterday's meeting of the committee as the two locked horns over Bartlett's decision to strike out the word 'Most' from Prime Minister Andrew Holness' title.
The prime minister, who is member of parliament for St Andrew West Central, was seeking funds from the unit to finance a project in his constituency.
Documents submitted to the meeting by the CDF unit referred to the prime minister as Most Honourable Andrew Holness.
Bartlett struck out the word 'most', and that's when sparks flew.
"Who crossed out The Most Honourable Andrew Holness on here?" Warmington asked.
No response.
"Which one of you crossed it?" Warmington asked again.
"I did," came the reply, from Bartlett.
"You don't have the authority to cross out anything here. Why are you being so ... today Mr Bartlett? What you cross it out for?" said Warmington.
"Because he is not The Most Honourable," Bartlett said.
"What is he?" Warmington asked.
"He is The Honourable," said Bartlett.
"You determine that?" Warmington asked.
Bartlett repeated that the prime minister was The Honourable Andrew Holness.
"A prime minister, once he is there, is entitled to The Most Honourable. Parliament granted that. Your former prime minister (Bruce Golding) did not take it. He chose not to take it. So you don't dictate to the prime minister whether or not he uses the word, or we use the word 'Most Honourable'. He has never told us not to use it. He is entitled to it Mr Bartlett. Don't cross anything that come before you again," Warmington warned.
Warmington wrong
Bartlett, in a less vociferous tone, repeated that Holness was not The Most Honourable.
"The Act of Parliament provides for that Mr Bartlett!" Warmington declared.
However, Warmington, arguably one of the most knowledgeable members on parliamentary matters, was this time incorrect.
Holness who was sworn in on Sunday, has not been conferred with the Order of the Nation (ON) a protocol officer at the Office of the Prime Minister told The Gleaner yesterday. It has also been suggested that the prime minister could be called Most Honourable if he were also conferred with the Order of Merit, but the officer said she could not state that as fact, and promised to get the information.
When he became prime minister in 2007, Golding declined the ON conferment, which would have caused him to be referred to as The Most Honourable.
The prime minister, who is member of parliament for St Andrew West Central, was seeking funds from the unit to finance a project in his constituency.
Documents submitted to the meeting by the CDF unit referred to the prime minister as Most Honourable Andrew Holness.
Bartlett struck out the word 'most', and that's when sparks flew.
"Who crossed out The Most Honourable Andrew Holness on here?" Warmington asked.
No response.
"Which one of you crossed it?" Warmington asked again.
"I did," came the reply, from Bartlett.
"You don't have the authority to cross out anything here. Why are you being so ... today Mr Bartlett? What you cross it out for?" said Warmington.
"Because he is not The Most Honourable," Bartlett said.
"What is he?" Warmington asked.
"He is The Honourable," said Bartlett.
"You determine that?" Warmington asked.
Bartlett repeated that the prime minister was The Honourable Andrew Holness.
"A prime minister, once he is there, is entitled to The Most Honourable. Parliament granted that. Your former prime minister (Bruce Golding) did not take it. He chose not to take it. So you don't dictate to the prime minister whether or not he uses the word, or we use the word 'Most Honourable'. He has never told us not to use it. He is entitled to it Mr Bartlett. Don't cross anything that come before you again," Warmington warned.
Warmington wrong
Bartlett, in a less vociferous tone, repeated that Holness was not The Most Honourable.
"The Act of Parliament provides for that Mr Bartlett!" Warmington declared.
However, Warmington, arguably one of the most knowledgeable members on parliamentary matters, was this time incorrect.
Holness who was sworn in on Sunday, has not been conferred with the Order of the Nation (ON) a protocol officer at the Office of the Prime Minister told The Gleaner yesterday. It has also been suggested that the prime minister could be called Most Honourable if he were also conferred with the Order of Merit, but the officer said she could not state that as fact, and promised to get the information.
When he became prime minister in 2007, Golding declined the ON conferment, which would have caused him to be referred to as The Most Honourable.
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