United States
No More 'Shamu' Shows for SeaWorld, Ceases Orca Breeding
San Diego SeaWorld announced that it will no longer offer theatrical shows for orcas but instead it will be replaced by an educational show about the killer whale itself. The theme park's declining number of visitors and with the left and right criticism it received from animal activists made them change their tarnished image. However, orcas born and raised in captivity cannot be released to the wild as they could not fend for themselves and might perish.
Moody's cuts Houston's $3-bln debt to Aa3 after oil price drop
Citing drop in revenues, Moody's Investors Service has lowered Houston's $3 billion of general obligation debt by one level to Aa4. Lower oil prices and restrictions on raising taxes are keeping further pressure on Houston's economy.
LivingSocial Cuts Jobs By 50% While Focusing On Card Linking Discount Business
LivingSocial, partly owned by Amazon, has represented itself as a foe in ecommerce business. Gautam Thakar, the new CEO has gone through a massive workforce reduction since his inception 18 months back. Beside job cuts, Thakar has transformed its business focus from daily deals to card linked discount business which is now being tested in three US cities and seems to be popular.
FedEx Said Amazon Needs Tens of Billions of Dollars and Years to Compete With The Company's Network
FedEx said in a statement that “a new entity competing” with the company will have to spend tens of billions of dollars to replicate its current extensive network. The statement, referring to Amazon’s new plan to get into the logistic business, also assured that FedEx’s relationship with Amazon remain strong.