Can the bodega be killed? Probably not. But two ex-Googlers (ugh) want to try, per a write up from Fast Company:
“Bodega” sounds a bit like the next Juicero, because Bodega is basically touting a reinvention of a vending machine with some Amazon Go-esque technology. Items for sale in this super techy IKEA-like box? Soup, Cheez Its, Listerine, Vitamin Water, M&Ms, Advil, Doritos, and toothpaste. All of which I’ve seen for sale . . . in vending machines.
But “Bodega” requires an app, because today, everything has to have an app. Those credit cards and silly paper things called dollars are too unwieldy. But “Bodega” can sell bigger items, you say . . . Ever been to an airport? Headphones, tablets, battery back ups, Chromebooks . . . big vending machines already exist, too. The idea behind “Bodega” is to target offices, apartments, and dorms with things like pasta and detergent based on the consumer’s preferences. (Cold beer might be a stretch since they’re just big cabinets, so how about Maker’s Mark?)
What happens when the vending machine runs out? “When an item is bought, Bodega gets a note to replace it, and regularly sends people out to restock the boxes.” I’m sure that will be good for the environment! You know what doesn’t have to constantly restock items after two purchases? Bodegas. Yes, there is inefficiency in the corner store. Some items don’t sell. The Mike’s Q Mart down the road from me is the only place in the area where I can get Campbell’s Beef Noodle soup in a can (it’s amazing), and I like that. Which is not to say that vending machines and automation are to be feared.
Long live the bodega.
Buy the world in one click. Amazon had a patent on the one-click buying process, which seems like a silly thing to patent . . . like swiping left or swiping right. But, it just expired! So, be prepared to see it implemented on more sites, sites that weren’t licensing the process from Amazon. As Digiday reports: “The big problem one-click buying eliminates is shopping-cart abandonment. It’s an issue both on mobile and desktop and can represent major revenue losses for retailers. The average shopping cart abandonment rate is about 70 percent, according to a number of studies done this year.” Make sure to keep this in mind when you shop.
There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. Or a free ticket to an NFL game. ESPN‘s “30-for-30” series last night on the 1987 NFL strike was followed by a short interesting look at a sting operation the U.S. Marshals pulled off to arrest fugitive felons: “The incredible story of the U.S. Marshals Service luring 100 fugitives to the Washington Convention Center in mid-December 1985 under the guise that they had won free Redskins tickets from a new all-sports television channel . . .” Watch the trailer here.
Can’t get enough of the Mooch? You’re in luck! The sort-tenured White House communications director is launching a venture called The Scaramucci Post. It’s not clear what this venture will be just yet. But one thing is certain: There’s more Mooch on the way.
It’s quite possible you’re Facebook friends with a paid troll. Especially in journalism and government in our nation’s capitol, where they could even be accounts run by foreign intelligence. But part of intelligence is disinformation, and you know that “friend” you have on Facebook who says he went to high school with you? But it’s been so long you can barely remember? Very few photos, and you just get an odd feeling about the account because all they do is talk politics? It’s probably a troll.
Scott Shane at the New York Times has a great reported story about one such account:
When in doubt, check your yearbooks!
The Indians have the American League Win Streak Record. The Cleveland Indians did it. With a 5-3 win over the Tigers Wednesday afternoon, they’ve won 21 straight. Scott Hatteberg, who hit the game-winning home run to seal consecutive win #20 for the Oakland Athletics back in ’02 said of the Tribe: “I can’t wait to watch them do it.’’ Tuesday night, a 2-0 win over the Detroit Tigers brought them to 20, tying the A’s American League record.
Here are some stats on the impressive streak (updated from David Schoenfield’s original reporting): The +100 run differential is larger than any other historic streak at this point, and they’ve allowed 35 runs in 21 games, while hitting 41 home runs. I like what Schoenfield has to say here:
Now, the Indians have tied the Cubs for the all-time consecutive win record. They’ll go for a new record Thursday night at home against Kansas City. Go Tribe.
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