The rebound in oil prices is picking up steam. After bottoming out around $112 a barrel last week, crude has climbed every day this week including a gain of nearly $4 today up to more than $119. The problem seems to be the growing conflict between Georgia and Russia. While there is talk of an easing of tensions, Russia is balking at defensive moves being made in neighboring countries.
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It didn't take very long for Michael Phelps to start signing endorsement deals. You won't see the Olympic swimmer on Wheaties boxes, rather he will be paired up with Tony the Tiger on Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. He is taking some flack over the deal with some groups saying it is hardly appropriate for an athlete to be promoting a high sugar content breakfast food targeted toward children. No word on what he will be paid in the deal.
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We do know that comedian Jerry Seinfeld will get paid about $10 million to be featured in a new advertising campaign for Microsoft. The ads will feature Seinfeld and Bill Gates in new ads that are designed to counter the very successful spots from Apple that are based on Mac versus PC. The overall campaign is budgeted around $300 million.
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More than 5.6 million people voted online to select the cities that will be featured in the new World Edition of Monopoly. Montreal garnered the top spot, followed by Riga and Cape Town. The only U.S. city to make it onto the board is New York. The new game will also feature updated Chance and Community Chest cards that highlight "events and culturally relevant scenarios from countries around the world." In addition, the tokens, houses and hotels will "reflect icons and styles of all seven continents."
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Yesterday's breakfast meeting of the San Diego Military Advisory Council was a real celebration of the economic and social impact the armed forces have on in the local community. Be sure to read Erin Bridges recent stories on the new study that details the impressive impact the military provides here, accounting for nearly a third of all jobs in the region. Admiral Len Herring, however, likes to also praise the service these men and women provide away from their jobs. He cited more than half a million hours are donated each year in support of youth sports and many other activities. Just being around these people at an event like the breakfast is a real morale booster. We can't do enough to thank the members of the military that call San Diego home.
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There is an interesting correction from my column from yesterday. Jan Reiger was quick to point out that I am obviously not a Texan because of the goof I made in my mention of Dr Pepper. I never knew that the Dr was not followed by a period. The Web site for Dr Pepper explains lots of things like the fact that their is no prune juice in the recipe, that it is kosher and how much caffeine is packed into each serving, but it never explains why the period is missing. I must admit I have never enjoyed a DP having sworn off carbonated beverages many years ago.
