Recent Marketing News: Butterfly Sticker, Ice Cream, Maps, and More

During the last few weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand naming, brand storytelling, brand strategy, customer experience marketing, employee experiences, logo design, personal branding, product marketing, product naming, special event marketing, word choice, and more.

DEATH OF GLORIA STEINEM

American writer, lecturer, political activist, and feminist organizer who made "HERSTORY" died on September 2nd at the age of 92. According to the AP, she "became the most visible symbol of the U.S. women's movement and remained a fierce and eloquent advocate for equality for six decades." In 1971, Steinem founded the National Women's Political Caucus with Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, and Bella Abzug. In 1972, Steinem co-founded Ms. Magazine and remained as an advisor until it was purchased in 2001 by the Feminist Majority Foundation. Though many saw her as a singular figure in history, she often liked to say that if she hadn't come along, someone else would have accomplished the same things."

California women's rights attorney Gloria Allred said upon hearing the news, "Gloria Steinem was an inspirational role model, a pioneer, and a person who made herstory. Not history, but herstory. I had to stop for a moment when I learned that she passed, but I knew that she would not want me to pause one more moment and to continue the fight, which I intend to do. We're not going back; we're only going forward. She has passed, but the torch is being passed...she would want us to continue."

According to Letty Cottin Pogrebin, who with Steinem and other women founded Ms. magazine, "She felt that battles were unfinished. But she focused me and everybody else on the future. She really didn't want to give the tradwives and the manosphere the credit for being long-lasting."

SHARE THIS: Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. ~Gloria Steinem #PersonalBranding #EqualityForWomen #EqualPayForEqualWork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: I'm keeping my torch. And I'm using it to light other people's torches. ~Gloria Steinem #PersonalBranding #EqualityForWomen #EqualPayForEqualWork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

DEATH OF ROBIN MORGAN

Poet, editor, feminist - and friend of Gloria Steinem - Robin Morgan died on September 5th at the age of 85. According to NBC Los Angeles, "During the 1960s and 1970s, Morgan embodied and inspired historic changes in how women lived and thought. As she was happy to point out, she was a rule breaker and justice seeker with a notable list of achievements, along with a prison record and an FBI file. Morgan was at the center of some of the defining moments of what came to be called second-wave feminism, expanding upon the achievements of the suffragists a half-century earlier. In 1968, she was among the organizers of the first protest against the Miss America pageant, joining fellow activists in tossing their bras (soon mythologized as burning) into a "Freedom Trash Can." The 1970 essay anthology she edited, "Sisterhood is Powerful," is considered one of the essential texts of the modern women's movement. Gloria Steinem would call her an ideal "utility player," gifted in almost every way a protest movement might require. In 1984, she was a founder of an early feminist think tank, the Sisterhood Is Global Institute. And in 2005, she, Steinem and Jane Fonda launched the Women's Media Center, which has a mission to support the visibility, viability and decision-making power of women and girls in media."

Morgan is widely credited with coining the term "HERSTORY," the feminist reworking of "history," and popularizing the clenched fist/female symbol icon of the liberation movement.

TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON

The Guardian reported, "The Tennessee Volunteers, a college football team, will be honoring Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season. The singer died on August 25th at the age of 80. She grew up in Sevierville, roughly 30 miles east of Knoxville, where the University of Tennessee is located. The sticker, in the Volunteers' signature orange, features a butterfly similar to the one in the logo of Dollywood, Parton's theme park. The logo also has "Dolly" written at its center."

WATER IS REASON FOR EVOLVING ROLE OF WOMEN IN VENICE, ITALY

The Guardian reported in early September, "Beyond the dominant narratives of overtourism and climate breakdown, another, quieter transformation is taking place. Venice lies on contradictions – appearance and structure, illusion and rootedness. One of these tensions emerges in the role of women in shaping the city's identity. While many Venetian traditions are historically grounded in women's labour, from lace-making to textile work and other forms of craftsmanship, women have long been excluded from what in Venice constitutes public space: water.

In Venice, water functions as the street. The city is crossed by about 150 navigable canals, which remain its main routes for movement, work and social exchange. For centuries, these waterways have been spaces governed by explicit rules and implicit codes that largely excluded women. As in many other cities where women have historically been marginalised from the street, in Venice they have been marginalised from the water. From navigating boats, from professions such as gondoliera and sandolista, from boatbuilding and competitive rowing. Today, these boundaries are beginning to shift.

Women are reclaiming space through tradition, carrying forward skills and professions that have long defined Venetian identity while simultaneously reshaping them. In 2010, Giorgia Boscolo became the first woman to obtain a gondolier licence, breaking a centuries-old barrier and opening the way for others. Today, women practising the profession are still few. According to fellow gondoliers, those actively working can be counted on the fingers of two hands, although more women have passed the qualification exam in recent years. There are about 440 licensed gondoliers in Venice, alongside approximately 200 substitutes – qualified gondoliers who have passed the exam but do not yet hold their own licence.

A similar profession is that of the sandolista, who rows a sandolo, a traditional flat-bottomed Venetian boat once widely used for everyday transport across the lagoon. Today, there are only about 20 sandolisti left, and just one of them is a woman: Chiara Curto. In the city’s remaining squeri – the traditional boatyards where wooden boats are built and repaired – Silvia Scaramuzza is the only female maestra d’ascia, or master boatbuilder. Other women are creating new paths into these spaces. In 2020, Marta Canino founded "Fie a Manetta," a name that roughly translates as "Girls at Full Speed," while also evoking the image of women taking the helm. It is the first, and still the only, motorboat navigation school in Venice run by women and open to everyone. The idea grew from the awareness that navigation remains a predominantly male environment."

TESLA'S ROBOTAXIS

CNN reported, "Nothing is more important to Tesla than its ambitious plan for self-driving "robotaxis." But it still has a long way to catch up to the competition in an industry where few have made any money...The public first got a look at the Cybercab at a glitzy Hollywood event two years ago, and prototypes have been seen in cities across America since then...If Tesla wants to be successful, it also has a long way to go to get past a key rival: Waymo, the self-driving car service from Google parent Alphabet. Waymo said in March that it was up to 500,000 paid rides in its driverless cars a week, and that number had doubled in the previous year. The company rolled out its service in three more cities – Denver, San Diego and Tampa – bringing it to 14 cities in which it provides driverless rides. And it said that through March, it had provided 220 million miles of driverless rides to customers since it began in 2018. Tesla, on the other hand, said in July it had provided 380,000 cumulative miles of unsupervised rides in its robotaxis, less than 0.2 percent of Waymo's total."

MAPQUEST KEEPS "LAKE ONTARIO"

The Guardian reported, "MapQuest, which was openly dismissive of Trump's August 27th executive order directing federal agencies to refer to the smallest of the Great Lakes as "Lake America" amid a trade spat with Canada, leapfrogged rivals Google Maps and Apple Maps to top the most-downloaded list, as first reported by TechCrunch. The app held the Number 1 spot on Apple's App Store as of Tuesday morning, September 1st...MapQuest, a 30-year-old company that bills itself as "the OG" (original) of the internet mapping era, appears to have been rewarded for standing firm...MapQuest's general manager, Doug Berger, said in a statement that usage of its app was running at about 50 times its usual rate. As a bit of fun, he said, the company was also offering subscribers the chance to generate their own name for the lake."

Reuters reported, "Apple changed the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on the web version of its Apple Maps following U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order renaming the lake. The move by Apple on September 1st followed a decision by Alphabet late on August 29th to change the name of the lake on its Google Maps for U.S. users. Apple confirmed that U.S. users will see "Lake America" following a change to the body of water's name in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System. Users in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," and users in the rest of the world will see both names, following the same approach Apple used after Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America."

According to Google, "The U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) has formally changed the name for "Lake Ontario" to "Lake America" in the United States. Since we update Google Maps to reflect name changes in official government sources, which is GNIS for the U.S., people using Maps in the U.S. will see "Lake America," those in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names. These updates follow our long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country, and are starting to roll out now."

LAKE ONTARIO TREATY

Kimberly Wehle, law professor at the University of Baltimore, wrote in The Hill, "The leader of the Seneca Nation has argued that Trump's action is barred by the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, which the U.S. entered into with a group of six tribal nations."

According to the AP, "The leader of the Seneca Nation in upstate New York criticized President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America," saying it violates a more than 225-year-old treaty and shows a "blatant disrespect" for the Indigenous people who gave it its name in the first place. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called for Trump's order to be rescinded and for the Lake Ontario name to remain as a reflection of the Indigenous people in the U.S. and Canada who lived in territory around and along the lake long before the creation of either nation. Seneca said the renaming violated the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, which was signed by President George Washington and the Haudenosaunee confederacy promising perpetual peace and friendship. The Seneca are one of the six nations of the confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The name Lake Ontario comes from the Huron Indigenous people's word meaning "lake of shining waters." The Canadian province of Ontario, founded in 1867, took its name from the lake."

MAP OF AFRICA

NPR reported on September 4th, "The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution aimed at changing the way Africa and other regions are represented on world maps. The "Correct the Map" resolution, introduced by the West African country of Togo on behalf of the African Group (the 54 African member states at the U.N.) and supported by the African Union, was adopted on by a vote of 164 to one, with six countries abstaining. The United States was the only country to vote against it (Mike Waltz, US Ambassador to the UN). Before the vote, Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps are far more than simple representations of geography. The resolution is not legally binding and does not require countries or institutions to abandon the centuries-old Mercator projection, one of the world's most widely used maps. Instead, it encourages wider use of equal-area projections such as Equal Earth, which more accurately show the true relative size of countries and continents, particularly Africa, although their shapes are somewhat distorted. Members of the Correct the Map campaign are encouraging governments, international organizations, and educational institutions to adopt the Equal Earth projection. Developed in 2018 by cartographers Tom Patterson, Bernhard Jenny, and Bojan Šavrič, the map was designed to provide a more proportionally accurate picture of the world's land masses."

WHAT'S AN EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT?

Have you heard this title? Does your organization have an "experience architect?" According to Wikipedia, "An experience architect (also known as an XA) is responsible for authoring, planning, and designing the experience architecture deliverables...This person is responsible for ensuring that the customer experience meets or exceeds needs and objectives of the intended or wide users."

According to Salesforce, here's what an Experience Architect does:

(1) Creates the "invisible scaffolding" and frameworks that guide user journeys across multiple touchpoints.

(2) Plans information flow rather than just individual interface screens.

(3) Connects human emotions and behavior patterns with business goals, ensuring system provide clear and coherent feedback.

(4) Collaborates with product managers, software engineers, data analysts, and content designers to align the experience layer with technical constraints and business rules.

MILEY CYRUS BECOMES JUST "MILEY"

According to Variety, "Miley Cyrus dropped her last name in the lead up to her tenth studio album, "Bass Persuades," prompting her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to speak out on X in defense of the decision. Miley's announcement fueled the rumor mill about alleged ongoing tensions between the pop star and her father, but according to Billy Ray, Miley notified him about the name change in advance and he had nothing but support for his Grammy-winning daughter."

Billy Ray Cyrus said, "I told Miley I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more...Elvis...Prince...and so on. It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues! Looking forward to the new album."

NORAH O'DONNELL RETURNS TO MORNING TV

CBS announced that Emmy-award winning journalist Norah O'Donnell will be returning to morning news: to "CBS Mornings" as co-host alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson, starting September 8th. "O'Donnell co-hosted the show with King for seven years before moving on in 2019 to anchor the "CBS Evening News." She was recently named a "60 Minutes" correspondent and also hosts "Healthful," a weekly women's health podcast. O'Donnell has earned nearly every major recognition in journalism for her work covering some of the biggest stories in the world and conducting impactful, news-making interviews. She has covered eight presidential elections and has interviewed every living president of the United States, as well as the late former President Jimmy Carter. In 2024, O'Donnell spoke exclusively with Pope Francis in Rome for a historic and first-of-its-kind papal interview for an American journalist. Prior to her roles as an anchor, O'Donnell served as CBS News' chief White House correspondent during the Obama administration. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "We the Women: Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America," a book launched as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."

END OF AN ERA AT APPLE: GOODBYE TIM COOK

August 31st, 2026 was an important date in Apple history. Inc. reported, "Yesterday was the end of what is arguably the most successful tenure of a modern CEO. Tim Cook, who served as CEO at Apple for 15 years, stepped down from his role on Monday, August 31st, passing the baton to John Ternus, a 25-year veteran who most recently served as SVP of hardware engineering. Cook will stay on as executive chairman, and he has said he's eager to help in any way he can, but the most highly anticipated tech company CEO succession is finally here. The company looks a lot different than it did when Cook took over. It grew more than 1,100 percent during his tenure, becoming the most profitable—and for much of that time the most valuable—company on earth. That's largely due to the success of the iPhone, as well as the services business that Cook nurtured into what would—by itself—be a Fortune 100 company.

Cook shared an email to employees on his final day, "There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary."

SHARE THIS: This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. ~Tim Cook #Apple #PersonalBranding #Leadership #CorporateCulture #EmployerBranding #DebbieLaskeysBlog

BEG‌INNING OF NEW ERA AT APPLE: HELLO JOHN TERNUS

John Ternus made his debut as Apple's new chief executive during the company's most important event of the year, its annual iPhone event on September 9th. According to CNN, Ternus faces the following challenges as he steps into the CEO shoes: "Criticism over AI, pressure to deliver hit products, memory shortage, and European regulation."

According to Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan, "Apple is already so large, profitable, and deeply embedded in its customers' lives that incremental excellence may no longer be enough to redefine the company. Ternus's challenge will be to preserve the profitable machine Cook built while restoring a stronger sense of technological surprise."

TACO BELL ADDS "ICE CREAM TACO" TO MENU

USAToday reported, "The menu at Taco Bell just got a lot cooler because the ice cream taco is back, but only for a limited time. Ice cream tacos have been a hit for the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain and Portland, Oregon-founded ice cream company Salt & Straw. Last year, they teamed up on the Tacolate, a waffle cone taco shell filled with cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, dipped in chocolate and topped with toasted brown rice. But the treat was only available at Salt & Straw stores. This year's treat, the Salt & Straw Churro Ice Cream Taco ($3.99), is available at Taco Bell locations nationwide for a limited time...Salt & Straw created a new Churro Ice Cream to fill the ice cream taco's crispy waffle cone shell, which is finished with puffed rice and a dark chocolate-flavored coating."

SNOOP DOGG'S NEW JOB

According to Global News, "Snoop Dogg is searching for someone to put their taste buds to work for his Dr. Bombay ice cream brand for $10,000 a month. The three-month gig is open to applicants around the world, with the successful candidate earning a total of $30,000. The taster will travel in search of frozen desserts, discover new and emerging food trends, and report their findings to the Dr. Bombay team. They'll also help develop new flavors and ideas for the brand and create content along the way. Dr. Bombay is encouraging creators, foodies, marketers, students, entrepreneurs, journalists, chefs, and people from unconventional professional backgrounds to apply. Applicants must speak English, have a valid passport, and be available for the full three-month contract.

Snoop launched Dr. Bombay Ice Cream in 2023, with his son Cordell Broadus playing a key role in developing the brand. Dr. Bombay is now looking beyond the U.S. for flavour inspiration as it expands. The company says the ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of food and flavor trends and an ability to spot what's coming before it goes mainstream. Snoop's team will be involved in reviewing the shortlisted candidates, with Snoop himself expected to call the lucky applicant who lands the job."

Since I'm curious what the job application looked like, here were three interesting questions:

(1) Enter your social profile with the biggest reach! The following platforms are acceptable: Instagram, Tiktok, X, and LinkedIn. 

(2) How much ice cream do you eat per week? How many pints, cones, bowls, etc.

(3) Select the flavors you have experience with: baked blueberry muffin, peanut butter jelly time, strawberry cream dream, tropical sherbert swizzle, iced out orange cream, sticky caramel apple pie, long beach fruit cart, mango sticky rice ice cream, and cookies & cream.

NON-TRADITIONAL GROWTH VENUES FOR LITTLE CAESARS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Little Caesars has committed to four new locations across U.S. Navy installations, building on its first military base opening at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, last year. These locations are part of the chain's broader focus on non-traditional growth. In addition to military bases, the chain is also targeting universities and sports venues."

COCA-COLA'S GLOBAL REDESIGN

According to Brand Innovators, "The Coca-Cola Company has launched a new global visual identity system to support a new era of brand consistency across more than 200 global markets including: Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The new design, which builds on the brand's iconic red and white assets, includes three new visual cues – larger "Zero Sugar" text, a prominent black Dynamic Ribbon on cans, as well as a black bottle cap on PET packaging. It will be more featured across packaging, retail environments, equipment, and digital experiences."

According to Rapha Abreu, global vice president of design at The Coca‑Cola Company, "The strategy is really about making Coca-Cola more Coca-Cola. Rather than reinventing one of the world's most iconic brands, we're doubling down on the distinctive assets people already know by heart: our red and white, the Spencerian Script, the Dynamic Ribbon and the Arden Square, and creating a stronger, more consistent Coca-Cola experience across every touchpoint and more than 200 markets. The inspiration came directly from almost 140 years of Coca-Cola design history. We went back to the archives and found that Coca-Cola was at its best when it was simple, confident, and expressive, so we amplified the assets that have always made the brand unmistakable, while creating a system that feels both timeless and timely. This is much more than a packaging refresh; we created a complete design system that works across packaging, retail, digital, equipment, experiences, and communications. For a brand operating in more than 200 markets and across thousands of touchpoints, consistency and distinctiveness are enormous opportunities. The new system gives us a simple, flexible foundation that can scale globally while helping ensure that wherever someone encounters Coca-Cola, they get the same uncompromised Coca-Cola brand experience."

MIFFY MADNESS

Modern Retail reported, "Move over, Hello Kitty and Labubu. Retail's latest "IT" girl is a 70-year-old cartoon bunny from the Netherlands. Her name is Miffy, and she has white ears, colorful outfits and an "X" for a mouth. The brainchild of Dutch artist and author Dick Bruna, Miffy made her debut as a children's book character in 1955. She went on to appear in TV shows and movies for decades — but she's also become a merchandiser's dream. Over the last five years, Miffy has collaborated with dozens of properties, including LeSportsac, Calpak, the Museum of Modern Art, Baggu, and Starbucks.

This Miffy mania is proving big business for brands. Starbucks' 2026 collection with Miffy — which included cups, a plushie and a tote bag — launched in May in the U.S. and Canada and sold out within 24 hours at many store locations. In 2025, MoMA debuted a "Starry Night" Miffy doll, figuring it had enough inventory on hand for six months. The product sold out in less than one month, and it continues to be a top seller at MoMA's Design Store. Today, the term "kidulting" (a cultural trend where adults actively enjoy toys, games, and activities traditionally meant for children to reduce stress and find joy) has entered the mainstream. For now, customers continue to clamor for all things Miffy. In other words, the Miffy phenomenon is not a case of "hare today, gone tomorrow," and brands aren't hopping off the bandwagon any time soon."

DYSON LAUNCHES FLOSSING PRODUCT

The company known for expensive vacuums has launched a new product to address flossing. The device called the Dyson CameraJet, scans your mouth 28 times per second and fires tiny bursts of liquid into tight spaces where plaque can settle. The process is so subtle that it feels like regular brushing. However, will you pay $499 for the flossing product?

TEDDY BEAR TREND

KTAL reported, "Teddy bears are having a moment — and not just with kids. This year, cozy nostalgia is driving some of the biggest holiday trends: Starbucks kicked off a social frenzy with its sold-out Bearista merch, Ralph Lauren's iconic Polo Bear is trending everywhere, and nostalgic childhood comfort items are having a resurgence. Thanks to the revival of cozy-core aesthetics and a collective craving for soft, familiar joy, the bear trend has jumped across categories from apparel to home decor to giftables."

KING CHARLES SEES BAYEAUX TAPESTRY

As I shared in my "Recent Marketing News" post on August 31st, Forbes reported, "The Bayeux Tapestry is normally housed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Centre Guillaume le Conquérant) located in the town of Bayeux in Normandy, France. However, this masterpiece of art is temporarily residing in The British Museum in London, England, on a historic once-in-a-generation agreement from France while its permanent home undergoes major museum renovations. It is on display at the British Museum from September 2026 through July 2027, marking its first return to England in nearly 1,000 years."

On September 2nd, the BBC reported, "King Charles hailed the unprecedented loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum, calling it the "best possible symbol" of the closeness between the UK and France. After viewing the medieval tapestry in London a week before it goes on public display, he spoke in French and English to guests including President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The King said he was the direct descendant of one of the key figures in the tapestry, William, Duke of Normandy, whose army invaded and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Describing the tapestry as a "masterpiece," French President Macron said a loan had first been proposed in the 1930s, but he was delighted that the idea had come to fruition. The tapestry, believed to have been embroidered by English women for the new Norman rulers in the 1070s, includes 58 separate scenes, with 627 human figures, 737 animals, 37 ships, 23 trees, and a Latin narration accompanying the images. There was strong demand for tickets to see the tapestry, with the exhibition already sold out until the end of 2026. The next tickets, covering visits between January and March 2027, will be available from the British Museum from 21 October."

WASHINGTON, D.C. ARCH

According to The New York Times, "President Trump is breaking ground on his 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery even before a federal review panel has approved the project. The National Park Service published a report acknowledging that the arch would disrupt views and symbolism of dozens of other historically significant sites around the capital. And a group of Vietnam War veterans has sued to stop construction arguing that the arch would obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery."

THE "ILLITERATE BOYFRIEND" TEST

According to The Guardian in early September, "People online are distressed at men butchering words such as 'hyperbole' and 'hors d’oeuvres' – highlighting a gender reversal in 'intelligence gaps.' There are common non-negotiables we look for in a prospective partner. They should be kind, caring and thoughtful. Having a shared interest helps. So does remembering important dates and anniversaries. But how much does it matter if they know how to pronounce the word 'gnocchi?' 

Turns out that's a potential dealbreaker, at least according to a (rather judgy) cohort on TikTok. See: the "Illiterate Boyfriend" trend, which is testing some couples on the app. Users have compiled a list of what are essentially SAT words for women to ask their male partners to read. Many of these men – this is an overwhelmingly heterosexual activity – fail to finish the list unscathed. They trip over entries such as hyperbole, cynicism, diaphragmatic, and the oft-butchered French term, hors d’oeuvres.

According to a 2024 Pew Research report, in 1995, young men and women were equally likely to hold a bachelor's degree. Now, 47 percent of women ages 25 to 34 have one, compared with 37 percent of their male counterparts. One thing people do want is an equal. According to Robin Hamilton, a couples therapist, "It's not necessarily that someone needs a specific degree or to know every word in the dictionary. It's more: are you able to communicate with me, are you able to meet me halfway with the subjects that I'm talking about?"

One of those subjects might be reading, an indicator of vocabulary range. Men's rates of book reading have slipped over the past decade; nearly half of all women read just one novel or short story in 2022, but only one in four men did. According to data from Tinder, mentions of books in bios on the dating app jumped 40 percent this year among women, but only 23 percent among men."

SHARE THIS: I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career. ~Gloria Steinem #PersonalBranding #EqualityForWomen #EqualPayForEqualWork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Tennessee Volunteers and Mapquest.

2025 Was the Year of #BrandIdentity Changes

Was your brand in the news during 2025? If not, don’t despair. There were numerous brands that made headlines during 2025.

SHARE THIS: Products are made in a factory, but brands are created in the mind. ~Walter Landor #BrandIdentity #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Here's a recap of brands that either rebranded, changed their logo, changed their name, changed their tagline, formed an interesting partnership, created a unique hashtag to match a campaign, changed iconic packaging, or in some other way made branding or brand marketing news during 2025. What stood out as memorable to YOU?

BRAND IDENTITY:

1. Coors Light rolled out a limited-time promotion "designed to bring chill to one of the worst Mondays of the year - the day after the Big Game (which is advertising speak for the Super Bowl)." The company explained that it "wanted to lean into humor with a harmless "oopsie" moment to show that even a brand like Coors Light can have a case of the Mondays." (February)

2. Delta Air Lines celebrated its 100th anniversary. (March)

3. During a speech by President Trump to a joint session of Congress, many female Democratic members of Congress wore pink to protest the administration's policies that were negatively impacting women and families. According to Susan Scafidi, a professor, and founder and director of Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School, "When played right, color coordination can be powerful. In moments when you’re not empowered to speak, fashion can do the talking for you. On an evening when the members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus have no microphone, their collective splash of bright fuchsia in the House Chamber at least reminds viewers of their existence every time the camera pans across the room." (March)

4. Disneyland (Walt Disney's theme park in Anaheim, California - the park that started the Disney theme park brand) celebrated its 70th anniversary beginning in May 2025 (and continuing through summer 2026). (May)

According to long-time Disney partner, Dooney and Bourke, "Since opening its gates on July 17th, 1955, Disneyland has continued to enchant guests with beloved attractions, immersive lands, and ever-evolving experiences. Disneyland park-goers can expect special entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and festive decorations honoring this milestone."

5. Pollo Loco launched a re-brand and accompanying campaign as the fast-casual grilled chicken chain continued its ongoing three-year strategy around strengthening its identity, keeping pace with culture, and increasing awareness. A new tagline, "Let's Get Loco," a double entendre that serves as both a call to action ("What should we have for dinner? Let's get Loco") and a play on the Spanish word for crazy. (May)

6. JetBlue and United Airlines announced BLUE SKY, a new and unique collaboration that gives customers of both airlines more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines. (June)

7. Hawaii became the first U.S. state to charge a climate impact tax to fund climate change resiliency projects and environmental stewardship within the islands. The tax will apply to travelers staying in hotels, short-term vacation rentals, and for the first time, cruise ships. The tax goes into effect on January 1st, 2026. (June)

8. Apple announced a change to how it names its software updates. According to CNET, "This is an approach that may seem familiar to anyone who's familiar with Windows 95 or a 1957 Chevy. Apple is rebranding its operating systems by using the last two digits of the upcoming year. So the current iOS 18 will be replaced by iOS 26, not iOS 19, when it arrives in the fall of 2025. That is, the new numbering system reflects the last two digits of 2026, rather than the current year of 2025, similar to how new automobile models are introduced." (June)

9. Late-night TV viewers were shocked by the announcement that Stephen Colbert's show would end in May 2026. According to TIME Magazine, "Late-night TV has been on the decline for years, as viewers spend more time on streaming services and often favor late-show clips on YouTube or TikTok over nightly viewing. But CBS's "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" was still leading the race by a mile. And on July 15th, it received a Primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding talk series. So when Colbert told his audience at a taping on Thursday, July 17th, that "Next year will be our last season," viewers were blindsided. Spectators at the Ed Sullivan Theater booed. More than three decades since it first aired, The Late Show is making its final curtain call in May 2026." (July)

10. American Eagle launched an advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Titled "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans," the campaign sparked a debate about race, Western beauty standards, and the backlash to "woke" American politics and culture. Most of the negative reception focused on videos that used the word "genes" instead of "jeans." American Eagle defended the ad on Instagram in an attempt to stop the criticism: "[The] Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" [campaign] is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone." (August)

Marcus Collins, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, said, "The criticism could have been avoided if the ads showed models of various races making the "genes" pun. You can either say this was ignorance, laziness, or intentional. Either one of the three isn't good."

11. Fortune reported that, after 133 years, the Kodak brand may cease operations. Following a bankruptcy and multiple reinventions, there is substantial doubt that the brand can stay in business.

12. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a newspaper that started in 1868, stopped providing a print edition on December 31st, 2025. Atlanta is now the largest U.S. metro area without a printed daily newspaper.

13. Nike explained its tagline change on its website, "When Nike launched “Just Do It” in 1988, it wasn’t only a tagline — it was a call to action. A challenge to start, to try, to move forward even when it’s hard. Now, after nearly four decades of inspiring athletes to reach their dreams through “Just Do It,” Nike is reintroducing the iconic rallying cry to a new generation with the launch of its latest campaign, "Why Do It?” Designed to meet young athletes where they are, the campaign reframes greatness as a choice, not an outcome — handing “Just Do It" to today’s generation and emboldening them to write the next chapter." (September)

14. The White House issued unsubstantiated claims that there is a link between Tylenol and autism. NPR reported, "President Trump's suggestion that a link exists between autism and acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — has raised concerns within the scientific community." Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE) at Boston University and founder of the Coalition of Autism Scientists, called the administration's announcement "appalling." She said it was "a very significant distortion" of what science says about any possible links between acetaminophen and autism. She added that the message "is likely to impact millions of lives of pregnant women right now. Mothers of autistic children who are going to be so fearful that this is what they did to cause their child's autism, which is absolutely not the case." (September)

15. The most famous museum in the world was robbed. Thieves disguised as construction workers stole eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels valued at $100 million from the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The robbery took less than eight minutes, of which the thieves spent four in the museum itself, and occurred during regular opening hours. (October)

LOGO RE-DESIGNS:

1. The Seattle Kracken hockey team often modifies its logo for special celebrations. In early 2025, there were four tweaked logos: Anchor Auction (player-signed hats and jerseys were auctioned to benefit two nonprofits), Lunar New Year Night presented by Alaska Airlines, Black Hockey History Night presented by Amazon, and Women in Hockey Night presented by PitchBook. (January — March)

2. Since ABC's show Nightline celebrated its 45th anniversary during 2025, it got a new logo. According to Variety, "The show is bringing back an updated version of its old logo. Having gone with an all-lowercase "nightline" since 2017, a new take on the show's all-caps "NIGHTLINE" that had been in use between 1997 and 2017 will now be introduced. According to ABC News, the new logo honors its iconic legacy, blending elements from its original look with an updated, modern design." (April)

3. Hotels.com unveiled a new "spokesbell" for the brand. According to MarketingDive, "Hotels.com is putting a mascot front-and-center in its marketing once again, this time through what the platform bills as the first "spokesbell." A major part of Bellboy's directive is educating people about tools available via the Hotels.com app, like a new price alert function that notifies users when a hotel they are watching drops its rates, that could help drive loyalty." (April)

4. The restaurant brand Cracker Barrel announced a new streamlined logo. However, there was so much uproar, including comments from the White House, that the brand ditched the new logo, returned to using its old logo, scrapped plans to redesign its restaurants — and then, while not a surprise, fired its design agency. (August and September)

5. Domino's unveiled a new look. USA Today reported, "Domino's is cooking up a new branding look and sound with a bolder color scheme and a new jingle created with help from a Grammy-nominated musical artist. The pizza delivery company is adding splashier reds and blues to its pizza boxes – and adopting a black and metallic gold motif for the pizza boxes used to deliver its Handmade Pan and Parmesan Stuffed Crust pizzas. The new, thicker “Domino’s Sans” font spells out a tweak to the company name (“Dommmino’s") in some spots. That's also the name of a new jingle, created with the help of "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" hitmaker Shaboozey. The brand's new look will roll out in stores, on TV, social media, and the Domino's website and app over the coming months." (October)

6. Apple+ TV became simply Apple TV. According to The New York Times, “With the change, Apple TV will no longer be part of the lengthy roll call of streaming services that use the plus sign, including AMC+, Discovery+, Disney+, ESPN+ and Paramount+. (For a few weeks in 2022, there was also CNN+.) Apple still has Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and iCloud+.” And let’s not forget the disappearance of Google+. (October)

7. Lay's potato chips unveiled a new look. PepsiCo announced the largest brand redesign in Lay’s nearly 100-year history. The company said the new Lay’s visual identity features a warmer and more distinct sun. Sun rays, or ‘Lay’s Rays,’ beam from the logo, a nod to the light that helps potatoes grow. There is also a refined color palette that is based off the ingredients of Lay’s recipes, and close-up visuals that highlight the golden color, crisp texture and seasoning of each chip. Lay’s describes the new packaging as letting the "potato itself and rich farm imagery take center stage." But Lay’s isn’t just updating the look of its products – it’s also ensuring that they are made with cleaner ingredients, aligning with the White House's health goals under its “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, as well as updating its packaging. (October)

PERSONAL BRANDING:

1. On January 4th, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 recipients in his last opportunity to give out the nation's highest civilian honor ahead of his exit from the White House. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received the honor. According to Columbia University's Spectator, "Clinton served as a lawyer, first lady from 1993 to 2001, a New York senator from 2001 to 2009, and Secretary of State under President Barack Obama. She received the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2016, becoming the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party. Clinton joined the Columbia University faculty in February 2023 and has taught the course 'Inside the Situation Room' since fall 2023." (January)

2. Jane Fonda became a brand spokesperson for Italian sneaker brand Golden Goose to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary. Her campaign was called "Born to be a Super Star," and the new campaign "celebrates those who take risks, dream louder, and redefine the possible." (February)

3. Kirsty Coventry: The 41-year-old Zimbabwe sports minister and two-time Olympic swimming gold medalist, was elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She will become the first woman and first African to lead what many refer to as the largest international sporting event. According to the AP, “Coventry will formally replace her mentor Thomas Bach at a June 23 handover, officially Olympic Day, as the 10th IOC president in its 131-year history.” Coventry, whose term will be from 2025-2033, said, “This is a signal that we are truly global. I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men in high positions since I was 20 years old. What I have learned is that communication will be key.” (March)

4. Pope Francis: According to The Conversation, "From papal selfies to the viral generative AI images featuring a stylish puffer jacket, Pope Francis became a prominent popular culture figure during his papacy. News media called him the "People's Pope," branding that also circulated online on social media to turn Pope Francis into an icon who symbolized the progressive ideals of 2010s popular culture. His 2013 election was significant for many reasons, including the fact that he became the first Jesuit and first pope from Latin America. His acension to the papacy represented an attempt by the Catholic Church to rebrand itself through Francis's "progressive" public image. The Catholic Church as an institutional brand has been at the centre of numerous scandals and controversies after committing grave injustices for generations. Pope Francis, on the other hand, became what branding expert Douglas Holt calls an "iconic brand." Pontiffs have always been subject to branding, making them unique subjects for public fascination and popular culture. Decisions about what shoes to wear and what papal name to take are, in fact, acts of branding. Pope Francis chose his papal name to align himself with Saint Francis of Assisi. He also chose to wear a simple white cassock for his first public appearance on the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica. These decisions were branding strategies. Francis's use of social media brought the papacy into a new digital age. It provided him with a platform to build his brand in a manner similar to politicians. Iconic brands can transform the institutions they represent. Pope Francis’s image demonstrated how papal branding is no different than other forms of branding." (April)

5. Upon the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the first U.S.-born pontiff and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. The 69-year-old from Chicago stepped into his role as the 267th Pope. According to Vatican News, "In the early centuries of Christianity many Popes changed their names because their original names were of pagan origin. However, not all Popes followed this practice. Out of the 266 Popes in history (267 including the new one), only 129 have chosen a new name. This tradition became standard practice starting in 955 with Pope John XII, and has continued to this day." (May)

And on a related note, "Portillo's, the Chicago-based hot dog and sandwich chain, named one of its sandwiches "The Leo" after the new Pope, who was born in Chicago. According to the restaurant, "In the name of the gravy, the bun, and hot giard, we introduce The Leo: a divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy and finished with the holy trinity of peppers — sweet, hot, or a combo. The Leo is Portillo's original "sacred sandwich" that is made in honor of a moment that's historic for Portillo's hometown." (May)

6. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was thought to be a candidate for the next Governor of California, however, she announced that she would not be running. Her announcement opened up the race for candidates in both parties. (August)

7. Taylor Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce via Instagram with a clever post, "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married." The level of interest in this announcement rivaled the engagement of England's former Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Following the announcement, brands swiftly posted their own spins on the news. (August)

A few clever posts follow:

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: Where can I apply to be the wedding venue?

PANERA BREAD: She said yeast. A real life loaf story.

HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE KISSES: Hershey's kisses in bulk will be a delight at any wedding.

8. Following statements made by Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night TV show, The Walt Disney Company (parent company of ABC) indefinitely suspended his show - under pressure from the Trump Administration. Then, over 400 actors, musicians, and film directors (including many A-list stars) signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that decried "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation." Even some Republicans spoke up for free speech. Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel's show would return on September 23, and at the beginning of his show, he was greeted with a standing ovation. The highlight of his 15-minute monologue was this: "I don’t want to make this about me, because – and I know this is what people say when they make things about them, but I really don’t – this show, this show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and spend time with comedians and talk show hosts from countries like Russia, countries in the Middle East who tell me they would get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power. And worse than being thrown in prison. They know how lucky we are here. Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country.” (September)

9. Claudia Sheinbaum: She took office as Mexico's first female president in the nation's more than 200 years of independence. According to Business Standard, "The 62-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist campaigned on a promise of continuity, of protecting and expanding the signature initiatives of her mentor, former President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador. Sheinbaum is also the first president with a Jewish background in the largely Catholic country. Sheinbaum's victory came 70 years after women won the right to vote in Mexico. Since 2018, Mexico's Congress has had a 50-50 gender split, in part due to gender quotas set for party candidates. Still, Sheinbaum inherits a country with soaring levels of violence against women. There are also still many parts of the country, especially rural Indigenous areas where men hold all the power." (October)

10. Sanae Takaichi: As reported by AP, "In a country that ranks poorly internationally for gender equality, the new president of Japan’s long-governing Liberal Democrats, and new prime minister, is an ultra-conservative star of a male-dominated party that critics call an obstacle to women’s advancement. Sanae Takaichi, 64, admires former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and is a proponent of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conservative vision for Japan. Takaichi is the first female president of Japan’s predominantly male ruling party that has dominated Japan’s postwar politics almost without interruption. She hardly touched on gender issues during the campaign." (October)

11. Britain's Prince Andrew lost his "Duke of York," "Prince," and "His Royal Highness" titles as well as his royal patronages and royal residence. While Andrew's former wife, Sarah Ferguson, would no longer be known as the "Duchess of York," their two daughters would continue to have the title of Princess. (October and November)

12. Martha Stewart, the 84-year-old lifestyle guru agreed to be the new spokesperson when American Eagle asked her to be the face of its GIVE GREAT JEANS holiday campaign to promote denim as a universal gift that never goes out of style. Stewart explained, "I have spent decades helping people create beautiful holidays — from setting the perfect table to trimming the tree to finding that last-minute gift that saves the day. So when American Eagle approached me about being part of their holiday gifting campaign, I was immediately intrigued. Denim is a universal gift that works for everyone on your list. Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe, and giving a great pair of AE jeans is always a nice gift to give. I’m constantly moving between decorating, cooking and, most importantly, wrapping gifts, and I need to make sure I have an outfit that is comfortable and stylish. The beauty of AE jeans is their versatility and ability to move with you throughout the day. They are flattering, sleek, and soft enough to make wrapping gifts or hosting a dinner in them effortless." (December)

13. Diminished value of the Sussex Brand: According to Cosmopolitan, "There have been persistent rumors that Prince William will strip Prince Harry of his title once he's king. However, a source says William plans to leave his brother's title intact because he thinks the Sussexes' brand is "worthless." The heir apparent also doesn't want to be seen as vindictive or petty...A well-placed insider explained that by the time William takes the throne, the Sussex brand will be so diminished it won't even matter. Why take away something that's already worthless? Ignoring them will hurt more." (December)

BRAND NAME CHANGES:

1. GULF OF MEXICO was renamed GULF OF AMERICA by President Trump. (January)

Following Trump's Executive Order, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote to Google, arguing that the U.S. did not have the right to unilaterally rename the Gulf. Google responded to President Sheinbaum's letter, saying that they intended to comply with Trump's order and expressed willingness to meet with the Mexican government to discuss the issue further. According to NPR, "In a press briefing on February 10th, President Sheinbaum announced that her administration would wait for a response from Google before taking additional steps. She said, "If not, we will proceed to court. If a country wants to change the designation of something in the sea, it would only apply up to 12 nautical miles. It cannot apply to the rest, in this case, the Gulf of Mexico. This is what we explained in detail to Google."

2. DENALI was renamed MT. MCKINLEY by President Trump, however, the Alaskan state government has recognized the mountain's official name as DENALI since 1975 and continues to do so. (January)

3. The BOY SCOUTS officially became SCOUTING AMERICA. The change became effective on this date to celebrate the organization's 115th birthday. The name change reflects the organization's commitment to welcoming and providing a safe environment for all youth. The announcement also serves to celebrate the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into the organization's programs. Currently, Scouting America serves 176,234 girls and young women across all programs including more than 6,000 who have earned the esteemed Eagle Scout status. The name change is a result of years of scandals, and the organization filed for bankruptcy in 2020 to handle the flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. (February)

4. Following the 2022 merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., executives hoped that the name "Max" would reflect a broader mix of programming and signal more family-friendly content. But the change never really caught on, so the streaming service will once again be called "HBO Max." (May)

5. Cable TV channel MSNBC rebranded to become MSNOW. As the news brand separated from NBC News, it unveiled a new name, logo, and acronym-driven identity: MS NOW, meaning "My Source for News, Opinion and the World." The change retires a name that was christened in 1996 with the launch of the co-branded partnership between Microsoft and NBC News that carried the MSNBC name. (August)

6. NPR reported a name change for the Department of Defense. "President Trump signed an executive order to give the Department of Defense a new name: the Department of War. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the rebranding reflected a new tone for the country and its military. A White House fact sheet explains that under the executive order, the name "Department of War" will serve as a "secondary title" for the Department of Defense. According to the fact sheet, the order will also authorize Defense Department officials to substitute the word "war" into their titles. For example, the Secretary of Defense could use the title Secretary of War. Trump does not have the authority to change the department's name without congressional action. The legal name was established by Congress in 1949, when it renamed the newly unified military service branches under a new "Department of Defense" following World War II. Almost from the country's founding, the army was overseen by the War Department, but the sprawling agency took on its current name following an act of Congress in 1949. At the time, the change marked the culmination of an effort by President Harry Truman to unify the Air Force, Army, and Navy under the umbrella of a single department." (September)

7. Maxwell House Coffee became Maxwell Apartment Coffee for a limited time. According to the brand's website, "Today, Maxwell House rebrands to “Maxwell Apartment” to meet the needs of today’s consumer and remind fans that the brand is synonymous with great tasting, affordable coffee. In a time where value matters now more than ever, Americans seek value in areas of their everyday, including where they live with nearly a third opting to rent versus purchase a home. To celebrate, the brand is offering consumers even more value with a 12-month “lease” of Maxwell Apartment, designed to stock up coffee lovers nationwide. Beginning on National Coffee Day (September 29), Maxwell House’s 12-month “lease” offer of Maxwell Apartment coffee is available on Amazon.com while supplies last. For under $40, fans can stock their pantry with a full year of coffee designed to save coffee enthusiasts more than $1,000 annually, compared to daily cafe runs, which on average can add up to more than $90 per month. Along with the rebranded canisters, the year-long supply of coffee will come with an official Maxwell Apartment “lease” to sign." (October)

8. A progressive public school in New York City has long been known by its acronym, ICE, but it has now decided that it's time for a rebrand. According to Gothamist, "Parents and staff at the Institute for Collaborative Education say those letters have taken on a grim connotation in President Trump’s second term, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, waging a crackdown nationwide that has resulted in deportations, including of New York City students and recent public school grads. The Institute for Collaborative Education now refers to itself as "Ny.ICE" — often pronounced NICE...The rebrand is another example of how immigration policies have reverberated through the city’s public school communities, with some becoming hubs of resistance." (December)

PACKAGING, PACKAGING RE-DESIGN & BRAND PRESENTATION:

1. Do you remember this news from early 2025? The NFL has a position called FASHION EDITOR. According to The New York Times, "Kyle Smith started his job last fall with a directive to use fashion and style to reach new audiences through the NFL's media platforms. He works with athletes to create and share content — photos or videos of them showcasing their off-duty style at events like men's fashion week — and helps players and teams build relationships with traditional fashion media brands like GQ and Vogue. At Super Bowl LIX, he was part of a team covering what players and other notable attendees wore to the game during a new red-carpet segment. While the NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS have also been focusing more attention on athletes' style as the industries of fashion and sports have become more intertwined, those leagues have yet to underscore that focus by creating a job with the word "fashion" in its title." (February)

2. After the inauguration of President Trump, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., underwent a series of changes. The President ousted the arts institution's leadership in an attempt to change the type of programming featured. Some artists responded by canceling appearances. (March)

And in July, a bill was introduced by Representative Bob Onder (a Republican from Missouri) to "designate the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts." However, it's important to note that two months after John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Congress and President Johnson signed into law legislation renaming the National Cultural Center as a living memorial to Kennedy: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

And on December 18th, The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted to rename the facility as "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." While the new name has been added to the building, apparently, the official name change must be made by an act of Congress. According to Joe Kennedy, III, a former Congressman and the great-nephew of JFK, "The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial."

3. Heinz created a limited-time item called LEFTOVER GRAVY. Made with real turkey broth and "delivering a rich, smooth, homemade taste," the Leftover Gravy comes in a squeezable bottle and is the "perfect addition to every feast – and leftover meal. According to Retailer News, "During the protracted Thanksgiving celebrations, it is estimated that 94 percent of Americans craft sandwiches from their leftovers. Half of these sandwich makers regard gravy as a vital ingredient. With these statistics in mind, Heinz Leftover Gravy was conceived. The introduction of this product aligns seamlessly with Heinz’s ongoing emphasis on gravy during the high-demand holiday season. The company aims to appeal to millennial consumers, a demographic known for reshaping Thanksgiving traditions." (November)

4. PepsiCo launched a new line called Simply NKD, a reinvention of iconic Doritos and Cheetos flavors made with no artificial flavors or dyes, and completely colorless. The term "naked" (NKD) was used to tap into growing consumer skepticism about processed foods and appeal to those who want the indulgence of junk food without the "guilt" of artificial additives. It's designed to be an "additive option, not a replacement" for the original products. (November)

Rachel Ferdinando, CEO of PepsiCo Foods U.S., explained, "Rest assured, our iconic Cheetos and Doritos remain unchanged. NKD is an additive option, not a replacement, introduced to meet consumer demand. This move underscores our commitment to flavor leadership, demonstrating that our taste remains strong even without visual cues. As part of our broader transformation, we are expanding choices while still protecting our iconic brands. More choices, same flavor, same brand power."

5. "AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...YOUTUBE"

Beginning in 2029, the annual Oscars telecast will move from broadcast television to a streaming service. Say goodbye to ABC and hello to YouTube. On December 17th, a deal was reached by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with YouTube for the annual telecast from 2029 through the 2033 telecast. ABC has been the home of the Oscars for decades and will continue to broadcast the awards ceremony through 2028.

BRAND MISSION CHANGES:

1. Starbucks announced its new mission statement, "To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time." (January)

2. For the first time in the nearly 60-years of Southwest Airlines' existence, no more “Bags Fly Free.” Starting with flights booked on or after May 28th, Southwest began charging for checked bags with some exceptions. The new policy aligned Southwest with other major airlines that already charge for checked baggage. (March) And later in the year, Southwest added assigned seats - also a big change to the brand's core mission of open seating. (July)

STRATEGIC BRANDING & CO-BRANDING CAMPAIGNS:

1. Subway partnered with OREO to create Subway's first Footlong Cookie collaboration. (February)

2. Puma partnered with Hello Kitty to unveil a limited-edition sneakers collection to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty. (March)

3. Burger King partnered with the "How to Train Your Dragon" movie with menu items inspired by the movie. (May)

4. Jetblue and Dunkin' partnered to unveil a new Dunkin'-themed livery.The vibrant design of the freshly painted Airbus A320 aircraft, appropriately named Brewing Altitude, features Dunkin's iconic pink and orange branding brought to life with a playful donut and coffee motif. The plane celebrates almost two decades of partnership between the two brands. Dunkin' coffee first became available on JetBlue planes in 2006. Five years after that, the companies inked a deal to make the coffee and donut chain the carrier's "exclusive onboard coffee provider" and Dunkin remains so to this day. (May).

5. Sesame Street announced that, "We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to Netflix worldwide, and new episodes will also release the same day on PBS stations and PBS Kids platforms in the United States, preserving a 50+ year relationship. The support of Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder." (May)

6. Georgia Aquarium and Coca-Cola: For a limited time, a two-for-one combo ticket provided admission to both the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. The $75 price was a twenty percent discount off regular anytime ticket prices. The Georgia Aquarium is known for its 11-million gallos of blue wonder, where visitors can walk through a 100-foot tunnel surrounded by whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish. At World of Coca-Cola's Beverage Lab, visitors can experiment with different flavors to create a unique drink. (June)

7. Best Buy and Uber partnered to bring consumer electronics from more than 800 stores to the Uber Eats platform. From headphones and chargers to laptops, gaming gear, and small appliances, Best Buy customers now enjoy the convenience of on-demand delivery or scheduled drop-offs, all within the Uber Eats app. (September)

8. Kahlua and Dunkin' partnered to introduce Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, the latest addition to Kahlúa’s permanent line of thoughtfully crafted liqueurs, marking Kahlúa’s largest investment in the cream liqueur category and Dunkin’s very first foray into cream liqueur. (October)

9. CeraVe was named the official skin care and hair care partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The partnership brings together the number one dermatologist-recommended skin care brand in the U.S. with, perhaps, the sports league that is the most-digitally engaged in the U.S. Jasteena Gill, vice president of marketing at CeraVe U.S., said, "The NBA is a testament to how sports can transcend the sports world and impact culture, fashion, and skincare, and have so much influence on people’s lifestyles." (October)

10. In preparation of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Google announced its partnership with LA28, Team USA, and NBCUniversal to create a more personal and interactive experience for U.S. fans, athletes, and the 70,000 volunteers and workers who are planning and will produce the event. According to Google, “The partnership will bring together the latest advancements across Google Search, Gemini, and Google Cloud to bring viewers closer to the action. We’ll support the analysis of Team USA’s training and bring viewers new ways to search for information during NBCUniversal’s coverage. And we’ll help LA28 Games organizers as they prepare for the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in the United States in 26 years. NBCUniversal will also partner with YouTube to provide fans with even more exciting content.” (October)

11. M&M'S, proudly part of Mars, announced the brand's first-ever collaboration with global footwear leader Crocs. The limited-edition collection brought together the iconic world of M&M'S with the comfort and style of Crocs, creating a unique fashion statement to surprise and delight fans worldwide. (October)

12. WICKED: FOR GOOD, part two of the musical film sensation, partnered with dozens of brands in a promotional blitz very similar to the BARBIE film in 2023 and the first WICKED film in 2024. Some notable brand partnerships and/or co-branding campaigns: Lego, Mattel, Amazon Prime, Puma, Stanley, Johnny Rockets, Compartes, Freskas, Le Creuset, Cascade, The Noble Collection, Classic Whipped Light Cream, Swiffer Sweep+Mop, Care Bears, Monogram Collectibles, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Marks & Spencer, Dobly Cinema, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, AMC Theatres, Sophia Webster, American Girl Doll, Wrigley's Extra Chewing Gum, 7th Heaven, Owala Drinkware, June's Journey+Wicked For Good, Dunkin', Build-A-Bear, Lexus, General Mills, Bubble lip balm, Dancing with the Stars, Precious Moments, Printfresh, Lovepop, and Little Golden Books Wicked Series. (October and November)

13. Starbucks partnered with Hello Kitty. With the arrival of Starbucks' annual holiday collection in November, this year, it included a special line of Hello Kitty merchandise. (November)

14. Air Canada partnered with Walt Disney Animation Studios and unveiled a new aircraft livery inspired by the Disney film Zootopia 2. The airline announced that the Airbus A220 (Fin 138) will be used for flights to several major cities, including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York LaGuardia, Denver, and Boston. Andy Shibata, Vice President of Brand at Air Canada, said, "This special livery reminds us that travel, like storytelling, is about imagination, connection, and a little bit of magic." (November)

15. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Sega Corporation announced a new multi-year licensing deal to launch a co-branded merchandising program that celebrates Sonic the Hedgehog alongside the Olympic rings, highlighting shared values such as friendship, excellence and respect. (October)

16. Krispy Kreme partnered with a myriad of partners to create special doughnut collections: Pop Tarts, Hulu, Hershey's, Pebbles, Bandi Namco Entertainment America, Inc. (PAC-MAN), Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, Crocs, Universal Studios (Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts Collection), and Peanuts. (all year)

UNIQUE BRAND EXPERIENCES:

1. ITALIAN MUSEUMS AND DOGS: Italian museums started offering free dog-sitting services in a bid to boost visitor numbers. The scheme, initiated by the Bauadvisor dog services company, launched in Rome at four major cultural sites. Forty dog owners reportedly used the service on its opening day. A 2024 report published by the Eurispes research company found that a third of Italian families have pets, and that almost 50 percent of those pets are dogs. The service, which can be booked online, will tour 15 tourist hotspots across Italy for one day each month until April 2026. Dog owners will be able to leave their pets with trained minders at the entrances of selected museums. The dogs will then be walked and fed while their owners roam free inside each institution. (January)

2. GIANT PANDAS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.: The zoo welcomed two new bears, Bao Li and Qing Bao. In a ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit, the Zoo was declared as the "District of Panda." Hotels, restaurants, and even the Washington, D.C. public library got into the panda spirit: "Check out panda-themed books, stream documentaries about the species, create a panda paper mache mask, and more." (January)

3. HONOR FOR MATTEL: Mattel received the Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award to recognize the societal impact of its Barbie brand to empower ALL to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. According to Toy World Magazine, "Evelyn Y. Davis, the namesake of the Corporate Changemaker Award, and Ruth Handler, Mattel's co-founder, first corporate president, and Barbie's creator, both shared a vision of challenging how women are perceived in society. Evelyn was an advocate for transparency, accountability, and gender equity in the corporate world, while Ruth revolutionized the toy industry by creating toys that challenged traditional gender roles and empowered girls to dream big." (March)

4. BLUE ORIGIN: Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, sent an all-female crew to space. The crew included singer Katy Perry; morning TV host Gayle King; Bezo's fiance Lauren Sanchez who brought the mission together; space engineer Aisha Bowe; civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen; and film producer Kerianne Flynn (whose credits include "This Changes Everything" (2018) about the history of women in Hollywood and "Lilly" (2024), which was a tribute to fair-pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter. (April)

5. 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAWS: "When "Jaws" first came out in 1975, we virtually knew nothing about sharks, and nobody knew how important of a role they play in their ecosystem," explained Megan Winton, a scientist at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy on Cape Cod. As reported by USA Today, "On Martha's Vineyard − the real-life version of Steven Spielberg's fictional Amity Island − planning for the 50th anniversary of "Jaws" has been in the works for years. There will be screenings of the film and a documentary about its production, a live performance of the movie's famous score, and parties where fans can meet some of the cast and crew. Most shops and restaurants are decked out with "Jaws"-themed merchandise from custom-poured shark candles to a bloody-looking cranberry sweet treat at Murdick's Fudge." (Summer)

6. PUFFINS IN ICELAND: IFLScience reported, "In Iceland, as summer draws to a close, locals give baby puffins a helping hand as they leave their burrows for the first time and attempt to find the ocean. It's a long-held tradition in the Westman Islands, where puffins nest in large numbers. The island cluster is home to the largest puffin colony in the world with around 830,000 breeding pairs - approximately 20 percent of the global population - arriving each spring/summer to mate and lay their eggs. As nights begin, puffin chicks (known as pufflings) start to flee the nest, embarking on an often-treacherous journey to the sea. The baby birds are guided by the light of the moon, but tend to be drawn by the bright city lights, and instead, head inland. Their wings are too weak to take off again, so they can end up stranded on the island, where they make easy prey for local predators. To set them back on the right course, the people of Iceland will intervene. There are designated rescue teams and hundreds of volunteers who scour the nearby towns and villages each night, scoop up hapless pufflings, take them home, and gently throw them off a cliff the next morning. Rescuers can scoop up as many as 10 pufflings a night during the peak. Once in the air, the pufflings know how to handle the rest." (September)

7. MATTEL’S BARBIE AND MUSEUM OF MODERN ART: A limited-edition series of toy brands from Mattel were reimagined through the lens of modern art and New York City's Museum of Modern Art's timeless influence on global design. These include Barbie, Hot Wheels, and more. According to MoMA's website, "As the collection’s centerpiece, the MoMA-inspired Barbie captures the essence of modern creativity — sleek lines, abstract color palettes, and fashion that echoes the harmony between art and individuality. Barbie's look feels at once timeless and contemporary, bridging childhood nostalgia with the sophistication of gallery-worthy design. Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece “The Starry Night,” the doll transforms one of the world’s most iconic paintings into couture fashion. Barbie wears an exquisite evening gown in swirling shades of deep blue and turquoise, echoing the brushstrokes and rhythm of Van Gogh’s night sky. The fabric captures the motion and emotion of the artwork, while her sculpted blonde hair, accented with shimmering blue tones, mirrors the painting’s luminous energy. Every detail — from the fluid silhouette of the dress to the sculptural curls framing her face — pays homage to Van Gogh’s vision of light and movement. The collection was available beginning in November online at Mattelcreations, MoMA’s website, and at MoMA Design Stores in New York and Japan.” (October)

8. LOUVRE THEFT IN PARIS, FRANCE: In news that shocked the world, on October 19th, thieves disguised as construction workers stole eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels valued at $100 million from the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The robbery took less than eight minutes, of which the thieves spent four in the museum itself, and occurred during regular opening hours. Following the news of the Louvre break-in and robbery, the Cafe Saint Honore in Paris shared a post on Instagram of two teddy bears wearing red French beret hats climbing on the Louvre Museum's triangle - as if they were the thieves. In a related post, they shared a cover page of Le Parisien newspaper with the following story, "Breaking News: The Heist of the Century? Priceless pieces stolen from the world's most famous museum. The suspects were seen yesterday and captured in this photo, their whereabouts are still unknown. Some people claim to have seen them drinking tea at Cafe Saint Honore and acting suspicious. We're sure the bears at Cafe Saint Honore could only steal smiles. Neighbors in the area say they are extremely cute and adorable and the only thing they could steal would be smiles and tenderness." (October)

9. IKEA COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026: With all the appropriate brands that announced their Colors of the Year for 2026, i.e., graphic design and paint color brands, this brand definitely stood out among the noise. According to Apartment Therapy, "Swedish furniture brand IKEA announced its 2026 Color of the Year as Rebel Pink, a hue that brings "a bold response to the need for joy, energy, and self-expression," explained Abbey Stark, home furnishing direction leader at IKEA U.S. "When selecting Rebel Pink as the Color of the Year for 2026, we looked deeply into macro trends across design, fashion, and culture, and how they influence life in our homes. We see [Rebel Pink] as a new neutral that energizes everyday spaces while staying true to Scandinavian simplicity; it’s not just a color, it’s a movement that invites people to push boundaries and embrace individuality.” The color is heavily featured in the new GREJSIMOJS collection, a set created by 12 designers that celebrates the importance of joy and play for both kids and adults. (December)

With all these changes, one wonders if brands that don’t make changes have staying power. Do logos and brand names need to be refreshed every so often? How do these changes impact brand equity and customer/fan/stakeholder recognition? These are important questions before considering, planning, and executing strategic branding changes.

Which brands will make news during 2026? Swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog in January 2027 for a recap!

SHARE THIS: Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room. ~Jeff Bezos #BrandIdentity #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Bright Pink Agency.

Marketing News of the Month: Persons of the Year, Snoopy Takes Over London, and More

During the month of December, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, cobranding, holiday marketing, personal branding, and more.

MERRIAM-WEBSTER 2025 WORD OF THE YEAR

Announced on December 15th, Merriam-Webster's editors chose "slop" as its 2025 word of the year and defined the word as "digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence. All that stuff dumped on our screens, captured in just four letters: the English language came through again. The flood of slop in 2025 included absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real, junky AI-written books, "workslop" reports that waste coworkers' time...and lots of talking cats. People found it annoying, and people ate it up. Like slime, sludge, and muck, slop has the wet sound of something you don’t want to touch. Slop oozes into everything. The original sense of the word, in the 1700's, was "soft mud." In the 1800's, it came to mean "food waste," and then more generally, "rubbish" or "a product of little or no value." 

TIME MAGAZINE 2025 PERSON OF THE YEAR

According to TIME, "2025 was the year when artificial intelligence’s full potential roared into view, and when it became clear that there will be no turning back. For delivering the age of thinking machines, for wowing and worrying humanity, for transforming the present and transcending the possible, the "Architects of AI" are TIME's 2025 Person of the Year. One of the cover images replicates the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph from the 1930's, showing eight tech leaders sitting across the beam. And a second cover image shows scaffolding surrounding giant letters reading AI."

TIME MAGAZINE 2025 CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR - LEONARDO DICAPRIO

According to TIME, "DiCaprio, who has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and won one, has a knack for making the seemingly wrong choice that turns out to be completely right—perhaps just another way of saying he has good instincts and he knows when to follow them. He works with people he trusts; he invests in projects he believes in. But there are intangible factors too: he has a face we don’t tire of looking at. More than 30 years into a career built on making largely unpredictable bets, audiences still want to see him, maybe more now than ever...People who care about movies, even as they watch the viewing experience become eroded by the popularity of streaming, often wonder if we have any real movie stars left. DiCaprio is as close as we’ve got. He chooses his roles carefully, while also using his clout—through his production company, Appian Way—to make movies he cares about. This is how he was able to swerve away from playing unthreatening, albeit undeniably charming, heartthrobs like Titanic’s Jack Dawson, or the pensive, impulsive Shakespearean swain in Romeo + Juliet."

TIME MAGAZINE 2025 CEO OF THE YEAR - NEAL MOHAN

According to TIME, "The pilot of the world’s most powerful distraction machine is surprisingly mellow. He’s quiet-spoken, deliberative, hard to ruffle. He likes watching sports, going to his daughters’ dance recitals, and open white shirts, just normal stuff. His favorite candy is the not-very-exciting Butterfinger. If you ask him to be in your YouTube video, he’ll probably do it. He won’t be great in it, but neither will he be horrible. In an era when tech titans are also sometimes trying to win medals in Brazilian jiujitsu or dismantle a government agency or take tourists into space, Neal Mohan is focused on one thing. He just runs YouTube. Since 2023, when Mohan took the helm of YouTube after his mentor Susan Wojcicki stepped down, the social platform has increased its dominance of the attention economy against considerable competition. YouTube, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, is both a brand and a universe. Born on the internet and nurtured on mobile phones, the video platform has now metastasized to the biggest screen in the house and almost every genre of entertainment. In 2025 it cemented its place as part of the living room, both via YouTube TV, which has emerged as people’s favorite cable replacement, and, overwhelmingly, via the free app. Half of YouTube’s viewership is now through a TV screen. It’s also invaded the compact end of the market: YouTube Shorts reports 2 billion logged-in monthly users, similar to recently reported numbers watching Meta’s Reels."

FINANCIAL TIMES 2025 PERSON OF THE YEAR - JENSEN HUANG

The Financial Times named Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang as its 2025 Person of the Year for his crucial role in the artificial intelligence boom, leading Nvidia to become the world's most valuable tech company through the supply of essential AI chips. According to FT, "We gave Huang the title because of the role he has played in the AI mania that is sweeping through the business and financial worlds. This year, Huang led California-based computer chipmaker Nvidia on an unstoppable ascent to become the most valuable public company in the world, and the first to break through the $4 trillion barrier."

According to Euro News, "Born in Taiwan, Huang moved to the United States with his family as a boy and eventually settled in California after attending Stanford University. At 30, he was working as an electrical engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area when he co-founded Nvidia with two friends. Their goal was to develop a graphics processing unit (GPU) that would revolutionise computer graphics for video games. Nvidia’s chips are now the leading hardware used to train powerful AI systems, like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators. Companies including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI use Nvidia’s computer chips in their AI models."

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Pantone Color Institute announced its 2026 Color of the Year on December 4th. Recognized as the global color authority, Pantone chose CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, the first time a shade of white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."

MCCORMICK'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has identified the global trends shaping the future of flavor.  According to the brand's website on December 9th, "For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year. Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavor that's earthy, slightly floral, and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in jams, syrups, candies, desserts, drinks, and liqueurs. It's quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon."

GOLDEN GLOBES AND WICKED: FOR GOOD NEWS

Cynthia Erivo - Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Music or Comedy (the actress becomes the first Black woman to earn two nominations in the category) 

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter shortly after her nomination, Erivo looked back on her Wicked journey, telling the publication that she didn’t think anything else in her career could compare to the “whirlwind” she went through over the last few years. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the experience, and the most wonderful thing about it is that I’m in contact and will always be in contact with every single person who is a part of this journey,” she said. “I don’t know, it doesn’t feel like a goodbye. More like a see you later.”

GOODREADS

Goodreads announced its "Readers Choice Awards" for best books of 2025, and the winner of the fiction category was MY FRIENDS by Fredrik Backman. According to the book's description, "The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Anxious People returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later."

SIMON & SCHUSTER READERS' FAVORITES

Book publisher Simon & Schuster shared their top picks from 2025. One of their "Book Club" picks was also the book chosen by Goodreads (My Friends by Fredrik Backman. One of their two "Fiction" picks was THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLETTE MARCEAU by Kristin Harmel. I read Harmel's book and agree that it was a good choice!

BARNES & NOBLE NEWS

For bibliophiles, this was excellent news: "Barnes & Noble opened 58 NEW bookstores in 2025."

READING STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

According to NPR, "The State Department has reversed a Biden-era font change that aimed to make its paperwork more accessible to readers with disabilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed diplomats around the world to switch from Calibri to Times New Roman 14-point font in all official documents (internal memoranda, papers prepared for principals, or documents shared externally), starting on December 17th. Times New Roman had been the State Department's official font for nearly two decades, from 2004 until 2023. According to the Associated Press, Rubio said in a cable sent to U.S. embassies and consulates that the 2023 change, implemented by then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was part of misguided diversity, equity, and inclusion policies."

FUTURE AMERICAN COINS

According to CNN, "The administration plans to issue a $1 coin with President Donald Trump’s likeness on it next year, despite a century-old precedent of not honoring sitting, or even living former, presidents on coins. Instead of quarters honoring the abolition of slavery, granting women the right to vote, and the Civil Rights movement, the Treasury will INSTEAD issue historical quarters featuring white men from the 18th and 19th centuries who were already well represented on currency and in historical tributes (George Washington for the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence, James Madison and the Constitution, Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address, as well as pilgrims to celebrate the Mayflower Compact). The new coins, coming after the administration stopped issuing new pennies earlier this year, underscore Trump’s drive to put his own stamp on the presidency far beyond the confines of the White House – whether it’s by putting his own face and name on US institutions or by pulling back on diversity efforts to reframe the story of America itself."

Talk about crazy: The US Mint told CNN that instead of the previously recommended tribute quarters to abolition, suffrage, and the Civil Rights movement, the new designs celebrate “American history and the founding of our great nation.” Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement, "While the Biden administration and (then-Treasury) Secretary (Janet) Yellen remained focused on DEI and Critical Race Theory policies, the Trump administration is dedicated to fostering prosperity and patriotism."

TEAM USA ATTIRE FOR WINTER OLYMPICS

According to David Lauren, chief branding and innovation officer at Ralph Lauren Corporation, "We kept coming back to accenting everything in white. We felt the purity and simplicity feels fresh, and is much needed at a time when there is so much complication and so many challenges and so much going on in the world. White seems to resonate."

TIME Magazine reported, "Team USA will march into the Opening Ceremonies in mid-length white wool toggle coats, paired with tailored wool pants and a classic American flag sweater topped with a tasseled knit beanie. The designers focused not just on how the outfit looked on its own, but the impact that several hundred of the uniforms seen together would have. The Closing Ceremonies look is more casual but maintains an anchor in white with white barrel pants under a red ski jacket. Not only will Team USA’s uniforms look sharp, but they will boast new technology as well. Nike is outfitting medal-winners with ThermaFIT Air Milano jackets, which come with an air pumping system that adds air for insulation if athletes want to feel warmer. The technology allows athletes to wear the same jacket and adjust the warmth level they need without having to dress in layers."

DEATH OF FRANK GEHRY

As a lifelong fan of architecture, I was saddened by the news of the death of legendary architect Frank Gehry, who died on December 5th at his home in Santa Monica at the age of 96. Architecture critic and writer Ada Louise Huxtable wrote in 1989, "Gehry’s work goes to the heart of the art of our time, carrying the conceptual and technological achievements of modernism to the spectacularly enriched vision that characterizes the 1990s.”

According to Architect's Newspaper, "Frank Owen Goldberg was born in 1929 in Toronto to Russian-Jewish parents from New York City and Łódź, Poland. His grandfather owned a hardware store in Toronto, and Goldberg was known for building model cities there with the scrap he’d find on the ground. He also famously took up hockey, a hobby he kept up his entire life. In 1947, he and his family moved to California, where he worked as a truck driver and enrolled at Los Angeles City College. He transferred to the University of Southern California’s architecture school where he graduated in 1954, the same year he changed his name to Gehry, stemming from concerns related to antisemitism. Gehry had a brief stint in the U.S. Army after graduation. In 1956, he enrolled in the urban planning program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, but he didn’t graduate, having dropped out. After Harvard, Gehry moved back to Los Angeles where he worked for Victor Gruen, another Jewish emigre. Gruen and Gehry worked on a handful of projects, mostly shopping malls. In 1961, Gehry moved to Paris and briefly worked for André Remondet. Gehry moved back to the U.S. in 1962 and founded his own firm, which was officially named Frank Gehry and Associates in 1967. Gehry Partners—the late architect’s eponymous firm—designed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, Art Gallery of Ontario, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Chicago’s Millennium Park, MIT’s Stata Center, Dancing House in Prague, and 8 Spruce in Manhattan, among many other notable projects. Gehry’s work, which drew from sculpture, also revolutionized architectural technology. Famously, his paper models were translated into 3D models using a laser stylus into CATIA, a software originally used for airplane design. Gehry founded Gehry Technologies in 2002 as a consulting business to better integrate software into architecture businesses. The company was sold to Trimble in 2014."

A stand-out accomplishment was Gehry's Binoculars Building in Venice, California. According to Architectural Visits, "This building was designed by Gehry in 1991 for the advertising agency Chiat/Day, although it was not finished until 2001. It has three different parts with completely different styles. However, the one that draws all the attention is the giant binoculars. The sculpture was designed by Claes Oldenburg y Coosje van Brugge, and it is used as the building's main entrance...Google leased the building in 2011.

DIMINISHED VALUE OF THE SUSSEX BRAND

According to Cosmopolitan, "There have been persistent rumors that Prince William will strip Prince Harry of his title once he's king. However, a source says William plans to leave his brother's title intact because he thinks the Sussexes' brand is "worthless." The heir apparent also doesn't want to be seen as vindictive or petty...A well-placed insider explained that by the time William takes the throne, the Sussex brand will be so diminished it won't even matter. Why take away something that's already worthless? Ignoring them will hurt more."

PUBLIC SCHOOL REBRAND

A progressive public school in New York City has long been known by its acronym, ICE, but it has now decided that it's time for a rebrand. According to Gothamist, "Parents and staff at the Institute for Collaborative Education say those letters have taken on a grim connotation in President Trump’s second term, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, waging a crackdown nationwide that has resulted in deportations, including of New York City students and recent public school grads. The Institute for Collaborative Education now refers to itself as "Ny.ICE" — often pronounced NICE...The rebrand is another example of how immigration policies have reverberated through the city’s public school communities, with some becoming hubs of resistance."

DEATH OF ROB REINER

The circumstances surrounding Rob Reiner and his wife's deaths in mid-December were beyond horrific (his son is the alleged murderer) - his loss was a huge shock to both the entertainment world and his fans worldwide. Rob Reiner portrayed the son-in-law of Archie Bunker in "All in the Family" and was lovingly referred to as "Meathead." He also directed some of my favorite films, "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally." "Sleepless in Seattle," "The American President," "Bucket List," and "A Few Good Men." He was also a voice for many in our communities whose voices were not or could not be heard.

WORLD AIDS DAY (12/1/2025)

According to NPR, "For the first time since 1988, the U.S. did not officially commemorate World AIDS Day. The State Department issued a terse statement saying, "An awareness day is not a strategy." It's the first time the U.S. has not participated since the World Health Organization created the day in 1988 to remember the millions of people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses and recommit to fighting the epidemic that still claims the lives of more than half a million people each year. By contrast, last year former President Joe Biden held a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House with the AIDS Memorial Quilt — with coffin-shaped patches each honoring someone who had died of AIDS-related causes — spread out on the grass. And this year, despite the Trump administration's change of heart, countries around the world are marking the day with proclamations, public health campaigns and commemorative ceremonies."

By contrast, the County of Los Angeles recognized World Aids Day. Participating landmarks that lit up in red included: LA City Hall, LA Memorial Coliseum, LA Union Station, Cal State Northridge Library, Capitol Records, Natural History Museum of LA County, Paramount Studios Water Tank, The Queen Mary, The Rose Bowl, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Dr. Sonali Kulkarni, Medical Director, Division of HIV and STD Program, said, "To advance HIV prevention and care, we need to keep working closely with our community partners and leaders at every level to remove barriers and make essential clinical and social services easier to access. The landmarks lighting red on World AIDS Day reflects that shared commitment and reminds us that when the care and support people rely on are within reach, [then] everyone benefits."

SNOOPY ON DISPLAY IN LONDON

According to Secret London, "It’s been a whopping 75 years since Snoopy first came bounding on to the comic strip scene, and the Fleet Street Quarter is paying homage to this landmark milestone in the form of a free-to-visit art trail. The trail in question features twelve uniquely-designed sculptures of the most beloved beagle of all time. They’ve been hidden around the Quarter this festive season for us lucky Londoners to discover, without having to pay a penny. The Snoopy sculpture trail has been curated in partnership with Wild in Art, an organisation that is no stranger to filling the streets of London with gorgeous things to gawp at. The installation features a dozen Snoopy sculptures, each of which has been uniquely designed by a different artist. Each artist has created their own individual interpretation of the much-loved cartoon character on his famous red doghouse. And a bespoke audio soundtrack accompanies the adorable trail of sculptures. Fleet Street is the historic heart of the UK’s newspaper industry and comic strip culture. The Snoopy sculpture trail seamlessly bridges the past and the present, seeing the legendary cartoon return to the very streets on which it was printed for many years."

From November 19th, 2025 to January 16th, 2026, the world-famous character will take over the streets of the Fleet Street Quarter to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts.

Wild in Art's mission is to connect businesses, artists, charities, and communities through extraordinary public art trails and creative projects which enable its partners to achieve their goals. The organization celebrates people and places, helping millions of people of all ages to experience art in non-traditional settings.

NURSING ISN'T A PROFESSIONAL DEGREE?

According to National Nurses United, "The controversial proposal stems from the harmful student loan cuts included in Congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed by President Trump over the summer. The new law limits how much graduate students can take on in federal student loans after July 1, 2026, based on whether the degree program is categorized as a graduate or professional program. Under these new caps, students pursuing a graduate degree can borrow only half of what students pursuing a professional degree can. Specifically, students earning a professional degree will be able to borrow $50,000 annually, or $200,000 total, while students pursuing a graduate degree will be able to borrow $20,500 annually or $100,000 total. The new law also requires institutions, starting in 2026, to prorate annual loan amounts for part-time students, meaning those attending graduate programs below full-time will have even less support to cover many of the basic necessities that make up the cost of attendance. Considering nearly half (43 percent) of all graduate students attend school part-time, usually while working, this further limits the amount of federal loans they can actually receive. Making matters even worse, for new students after July 1, 2026, the bill also eliminates access to Graduate PLUS loans—which was the sole program dedicated to helping graduate and professional students finance the whole cost of attendance for their education.

Over the last few months, the Trump Administration convened a negotiated rulemaking panel of higher education stakeholders to begin implementing the new law’s sweeping changes, including the new lending limits. The panel ultimately “reached consensus” on which professional degree programs will be eligible for the higher lending amounts based on the definition of a professional degree established in federal regulations, which includes several examples of degree programs including Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Law (L.L.B. or J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.), and Theology (M.Div., or M.H.L.). While current regulations include this list as examples of professional degrees, the panel would limit the definition of professional degree to just the degrees on the list.

Considering the Administration’s recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, it should come as no surprise that many of these degrees are also women-and-minority dominated fields in particular."

AUSTRALIA BANNED YOUNG KIDS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

BBC reported, "Under-16-year-olds in Australia are now banned from using major social media services including Tiktok, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads. They cannot set up new accounts, and existing profiles are being deactivated. The ban is the first of its kind and is being watched closely by other countries. The government says it will reduce the negative impact of social media's "design features that encourage [young people] to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing." A study it commissioned earlier in 2025 found that 96 percent of children aged 10-15 used social media, and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content. This included misogynistic and violent material as well as content promoting eating disorders and suicide. One in seven also reported experiencing grooming-type behaviour from adults or older children, and more than half said they had been the victim of cyberbullying...Under-16s will also still be available to view most content on online platforms which do not require an account. Critics have called on the government to extend the ban to cover online gaming sites like Roblox and Discord, which are not currently included."

How will this ban impact advertising and marketing? Time will tell.

#HASHTAGS ON INSTAGRAM

Instagram announced an end to its limit of hashtags, the words that highlight posts that begin with a number sign or hashtag. The social media platform no longer allowed the use of 30 hashtags and instead only allowed a maximum of five going forward. Since hashtags were a way to find accounts and promote posts, this move will have a significant impact for marketing campaigns on this platform.

For example, if a food brand shared a post, previously, it might have added #foodie #foodieofinstagram #food #productpackaging #marketing #branding #brandmarketing #brandstorytelling #brandmessaging #brandexperience

No longer. A brand will have to think more succinctly in order to share ONLY five hashtags.

KENNEDY CENTER'S NEW NAME

The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, which went through an underhaul earlier this year to now include loyalists to Trump, voted on December 18th to rename the facility as "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." While the new name has been added to the building, apparently, the official name change must be made by an act of Congress.

According to Joe Kennedy, III, a former Congressman and the great-nephew of JFK, "The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial."

STARBUCKS' BEARISTAS

ABC News reported that, "Starbucks' Bearista cold cups have taken the internet by storm this holiday season, selling out in stores as fast as they hit shelves and prompting customers to plead in the comment sections of the coffee chain's social media posts for a re-release. The Seattle-based company's 2025 holiday cups, menu, and merchandise debuted November 6th, including new holiday tumblers, mugs and cold cup additions. Drawing overwhelming attention online was the Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup for iced drinks, a glass teddy bear-shaped cup complete with its own Starbucks beverage, Starbucks beanie lid, and a green and white striped straw. The 20-ounce glass cold cup was priced at $29.95." In a previous statement to ABC News, a Starbucks spokesperson said, "The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast."

THANK YOUR AMAZON DRIVER

Amazon's message to customers appeared on its website, "The feature was first introduced during the holidays in 2022. Four years later, smiles continue, and the promotion reminds us to pause and recognize the drivers who deliver millions of Amazon packages. Customers can send a "thank you" to their most recent delivery driver by saying "Alexa, thank my driver" to an Alexa-enabled device or typing it while shopping on Amazon.The delivery driver will be notified of the customer’s appreciation and receive $5 at no cost to the customer until 2 million "thank yous" are submitted. Once 2 million "thank yous" are submitted in total across all driver types, the most-thanked 1,000 Delivery Service Partner Delivery Associates, 200 Amazon Flex delivery partners, and 50 Amazon Hub Delivery Associates each day may be eligible to receive a $100 award through December 31."

MAURICE DEBOIS LEFT "CBS EVENING NEWS"

CNN reported on December 4th, "Maurice DuBois, who has co-anchored the storied broadcast alongside John Dickerson since January, is leaving the network in December (final broadcast on December 18th). Dickerson announced his departure back in October. So this means the unusual co-anchor pairing on the 6:30 news lasted less than a year."

On December 10th, the network officially announced that Tony Dokoupil would be departing CBS Mornings to become the new anchor of CBS Evening News, effective January 5, 2026.

Perhaps, a better co-anchor pairing would have been Norah O'Donnell and Katie Couric?

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EMBRACED "6-7"

According to ABC7, "Southwest Airlines jumped on the "6-7" trend. As a reminder, Dictionary.com announced "6 7" (pronounced "six-seven" and NEVER "sixty-seven) as its 2025 word (term) of the year, but according to the New York Post, "Despite the accolade, the phrase has no real meaning." The airline offered $67 flights for basic economy tickets. The deal applied to Tuesday and Wednesday domestic flights between January 6th and March 4th for some destinations - and tickets had to be purchased by December 18th.

DECLINING US TOURISM

According to travel reporter Peter Greenberg, "Travel to the US from foreign visitors continues to drop, and the number one reason cited: the perception that the US is either unwelcoming or inhospitable to foreigners, or both. That drop has already resulted in lost revenue to US travel and tourism more than $25 billion, and that's money that can't be recouped...At the same time, global tourism is experiencing double-digit growth."

And NBC News reported, "The Trump administration plans to require travelers from more than 40 countries to provide their social media histories from the last five years to enter the US. The data would be mandatory for new entrants to the US, who hail from 42 countries that are part of the visa waiver program, according to Customs and Border Protection."

IKEA ARRIVED IN NEW ZEALAND

The Guardian reported, "Ikea was founded more than 80 years ago – and now has more than 400 stores worldwide – but the Swedish furniture giant had until now been absent from these shores, making New Zealand one of the last developed nations to get a store...As local media assembled, beaming their reports live into morning TV, the awaiting customers spoke of their excitement to try Ikea’s iconic meatballs, with one group chanting “meatballs, meatballs” at a nearby reporter...The opening is a significant event for a country grappling with a sharp cost of living crisis. Ikea’s global pitch of affordability lands amid a squeeze on household budgets. Keen to amplify any whiff of economic optimism, New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon arrived to cut the ribbon. As the doors opened, Luxon, who was meant to be the first customer, lost the honour to a faster shopper."

"AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...YOUTUBE"

Beginning in 2029, the annual Oscars telecast will move from broadcast television to a streaming service. Say goodbye to ABC and hello to YouTube. On December 17th, a deal was reached by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with YouTube for the annual telecast from 2029 through the 2033 telecast. ABC has been the home of the Oscars for decades and will continue to broadcast the awards ceremony through 2028.

LATEST HOT JOB: STORYTELLER

According to LinkedIn, the percentage of job postings in the United States with the term "storyteller" doubled during 2025 to include some 50,000 listings under "marketing" and more than 20,000 listings under "media and communications."

According to The Wall Street Journal, "Corporate America's latest hot job is also one of the oldest in history: storyteller...Compliance tech firm Vanta began hiring for a head of storytelling, offering a salary of up to $274,000. Productivity app Notion recently merged its communications, social media, and influencer functions into one 10-person "storytelling" team. And military financial services company USAA is hiring its fourth staff storyteller less than a year since it hired its first."

Jennifer Kuperman, Chime's chief corporate affairs officer, said, "Terms like "editorial" are limiting. They put in mind a very specific thing you're doing or creating. Whereas you could tell stories in so many different ways."

THE IMPORTANCE OF KINDNESS DURING TRAGEDY

Actor, director, and activist Rob Reiner and his wife were brutally murdered in their home on December 14th by their son. Everyone in the entertainment world (and most everyone else) mourned the losses, but President Trump chose to speak such vitriole that even his Republican supporters disagreed with him.

Trump wrote, "A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before."

Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been at odds with Trump, "This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies. I thought Trump's statement was absolutely, completely below the office of the president of the United States, classless, and it was just wrong."

Republican Thomas Massie from Kentucky, "Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered. I guess my elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore Trump's comment because they’re afraid? I challenge anyone to defend it."

Republican Mike Lawler from New York, "Trump's statement was wrong. Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period."

Jenna Ellis, a former Trump lawyer who is now a conservative radio host, wrote on X. "A man and his wife were murdered. This is NOT the appropriate response. This is a horrible example from Trump (and surprising considering the two attempts on his own life) and should be condemned by everyone with any decency."

And in true Presidential form, former President Barack Obama wrote, "Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action."

ABORTIONS ON TELEVISION

NPR reported, "Storylines about abortion and conversations about it showed up on television 65 times during 2025, on prestigious dramas like The Pitt and Call the Midwife, on reality shows such as W.A.G.s to Riches and Love is Blind and on lowbrow animated comedies like Family Guy and South Park. That's about the same as last year. In 2024, TV shows featured 66 such plotlines. But in the past few years, there's been a significant drop in the number of characters who actually went through with an abortion. 37 percent obtained an abortion in 2025, a 14 percent decline since 2023. That's according to the annual Abortion Onscreen report. It comes from Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, a research program on abortion and reproductive health based at the University of California San Francisco.

This year, a teenager on The Pitt sought abortion pills to end her pregnancy — one of only three stories depicting medication abortion out of 65 plotlines about abortion this year. That's another disparity between representation on-screen and real-world numbers: research shows that abortion pills account for the majority of abortions in the U.S. Another difference: only 8 percent of people seeking abortion on TV are parents. In real life, most abortion patients have at least one child. But even though abortion has long been a hot-button political issue, researcher Stef Herold says millions of Americans have had some sort of experience with abortions, "Whether it's having one themselves or helping a daughter or a friend," adding that stories that reflect a diversity of abortion experiences will be familiar to many viewers.

One bright spot, Herold added, was that television is doing a better job of reflecting the racial realities of abortion. A slight majority of characters in abortion plotlines are people of color — and although they are by far the majority of abortion seekers in real life, this marks a notable improvement from a decade ago, when TV shows more often portrayed women seeking abortions as wealthy and white."

PENNY NEWS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Since the U.S. stopped minting pennies last month, businesses have had to adapt to the resulting shortage, particularly for prices that don’t end in a “0” or “5.” Many, including restaurants, have started rounding up or down when giving change to cash-paying customers. In response, the National Restaurant Association is urging the federal government to take action, warning that the issue will worsen as pennies become increasingly scarce. The Association recently sent a letter to the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve asking regulators to continue to allow the penny to circulate to lessen the impact on businesses. The Association is also asking federal legislators to establish temporary national rounding rules for when exact change is unavailable. Right now, operators are trying out different tactics, by either rounding up or rounding down. One McDonald’s location — as spotted by NRN executive editor, Alicia Kelso — is rounding down change for cash that ends in one through four, and rounding up when cash change needed ends in six through nine."

Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement, "When operators can’t provide exact change, it creates friction at checkout, frustrating customers. In a highly competitive industry, like restaurants, any change to the hospitality our customers expect could mean a lost return sale for an operator."

A funny but appropriate post appeared on Twitter/X, "Yo quiero my change @TacoBell. Funny how a "penny shortage" turns into a profit." This referenced Taco Bell's famous tagline and chihuahua campaign "Quiero Taco Bell." (Translation: "I want Taco Bell.")

WILL PAPER CHECKS FOLLOW THE PENNY?

According to CNN, "When the US Mint stopped making pennies last month for the first time in 238 years, it drew a lot of attention. But there have been quiet moves to stop using paper checks as well. The government stopped sending out most paper checks to recipients as of the end of September, part of an effort to fully modernize federal benefits payments. And on December 4th, the Federal Reserve put out a notice that suggested it is considering – but only considering – the winding down of checking services it now provides for banks. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in June found that as of last year, more than 90 percent of surveyed consumers said they prefer to use something other than a check for paying bills, and just 6 percent paid by check. That’s a sharp drop from the 18 percent of bills paid by checks as recently as 2017. But even if it’s true that options such as direct deposit, automatic bill paying, and electronic payment systems such as Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle have all reduced the need for traditional checks, paper checks are still an important part of the payment system.

The end of paper checks could cause problems for consumers who don’t have access to a traditional bank account and still depend on the small slips of paper to receive some of their funds, including their paycheck. About 6 percent of adults were “unbanked” in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve, meaning neither they nor their spouse or partner had a checking, savings, or money market account. That unbanked percentage rises to 22 percent for those with an income below $25,000. Older consumers who might not be as comfortable with new technologies, or the estimated 10 percent of Americans who don’t even have smartphones, could also be greatly disadvantaged by a further move towards electronic payment systems."

According to Doug Kantor, general counsel for the National Association of Convenience Stores, "There are significant numbers of people – a minority, no doubt – but still significant numbers, who rely on the [check writing] system.”

DODGER BLUE IN COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK

If you find yourself in Cooperstown, New York, then you probably already have plans to visit the best spot for baseball fans. And if you're a Dodgers fan, then you're going to be very happy because the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum posted "Autumn Glory still runs Dodger blue in Cooperstown. See treasures from the back-to-back World Series Champions in the Museum's post-season exhibit." The 2025 World Series exhibit will be on display through the conclusion of the 2026 MLB post-season.

Artifacts donated by the Dodgers celebrating the 2025 post-season include:

(1) Bat used by Miguel Rojas to hit his 9th-inning game-tying home run in Game 7

(2) Jersey worn by Shohei Ohtani during Game 5

(3) Spikes worn by Will Smith when he hit his go-ahead home run in Game 7

(4) Glove used by Mookie Betts throughout the World Series, including in his series-ending double play

(5) Bat used by Freddie Freeman to hit his walk-off home run in the 18th inning of Game 3

(6) Glove worn by Will Klein, who pitched four shutout innings to earn the win in the 18-inning Game 3

(7) Jersey worn by manager Dave Roberts in Game 7

STUFFED ANIMALS EXCHANGED FOR A TASK OR GOOD DEED

How about this unusual news for the holidays?

KUT News in Austin, Texas, reported, "About 30 stuffed animals sit in crates at a petting zoo down a driveway on the first night of 37th Street Lights. The annual holiday tradition features over-the-top decorations and quirky displays that capture Austin's weirdness. A panda, a snake, and a turtle wait for new owners under a tent with green string lights. Price tags attached to the animals don't have dollar amounts. Instead, they outline a task. Wendy Mitchell, the founder and chief operating surgeon of the Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation, an organization that repairs injured stuffies. "People are basically gonna be able to purchase a stuffed animal, but not with money. If you take the stuffed animal, you have to do the task associated with it."

Ila is rescuing a dolphin in exchange for drawing a picture of a cloud. Nina gets to keep a pink crocodile if she draws what she imagines her Amazon driver had for breakfast. (Eggs and bacon.) To take home an octopus, Gus will be asking a veteran where they were stationed when they first enlisted. Once the recipient has performed the task, they have to describe what they did on a postcard and mail it to Mitchell as proof. She’ll then send out adoption papers, including a certificate saying the purchaser rescued an animal from a no-kill shelter."

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE REPORT FOR 2025

CNN reported, "Large US companies have made progress – albeit slowly – over the past decade when it comes to increasing the number of women in management and leadership roles on every rung of the corporate ladder. But reported changes in company priorities during 2025 coupled with employees’ reported experiences suggest those modest but steady gains may be at risk. That’s one takeaway from the latest annual report on the state of women at work from consulting firm McKinsey & Company and Lean In, a women-at-work advocacy group. According to the report, for the 11th consecutive year, women remain underrepresented at every level of the corporate pipeline, and company commitment to their advancement appears to be declining.

For instance, for the first time, the researchers asked companies about their commitment to “women’s career advancement.” A small majority (54 percent) said they placed a high priority on it, and less than a majority (46 percent) said the same for the advancement of women of color. Another 21 percent, meanwhile, said they give little to no priority to advancing women. In addition, companies’ stated commitment to the broader idea of “gender diversity” has been declining since it hit a high of 88 percent in 2017. The report also notes that some companies said they have scaled back programs like remote work, formal sponsorship, and targeted career development, all of which have proven beneficial to women.

Rachel Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Lean In, said, "In a year when corporate America is rolling back their commitment to women’s careers and women saying they’re feeling it, it feels like we’re at risk of backsliding after a decade of hard-earned, measurable progress."

RARE HOLIDAY NUMERIC PATTERN

For the first time in 100 years, Christmas 2025 will read in the European style as 25/12/25.

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop! And a quick promo, there will be lots of exciting recap posts during January, so stay tuned!

Image Credits: Wild in Art, Darrell G (Binoculars Building), and Visit London/Instagram.

Learn more about Wild in Art UK:

https://wildinart.co.uk/

Read more about the 2025 Women in the WorkPlace report:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/09/business/gender-parity-leadership-corporate-america

and

https://wiw-report.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/Women_in_the_Workplace_2025.pdf