The Biden administration has strongly condemned Tucker Carlson after his recent interview with Darryl Cooper, a podcaster who controversially suggested that the Holocaust was an unintended consequence rather than a deliberate act of genocide. The administration described the interview as “a disgusting and sadistic insult to all Americans,” highlighting its offensive nature to the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust and the American soldiers who fought against Nazism.

In his interview, Cooper, whom Carlson called “the best and most honest popular historian in the United States,” made the unfounded claim that the Holocaust resulted from poor planning rather than a systematic extermination. Cooper also labeled British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as the “chief villain” of World War II, an assertion that the White House refuted, stating unequivocally that Adolf Hitler was the “chief villain” of the war.

The White House’s statement, delivered by senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, emphasized that promoting Holocaust denial and Nazi propaganda is unacceptable, particularly in light of recent global increases in antisemitism. Bates condemned the interview’s distortions and underscored the need for responsible discourse.

Carlson responded by criticizing the White House, alleging that the administration’s focus on the Churchill myth is leading the country closer to nuclear conflict. He dismissed the administration’s comments as being out of touch and provocative.

The interview has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, including Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League, who condemned the interview as “truly revolting” and corrected the record on the Nazis’ planned extermination of Jews.

Since his departure from Fox News, Carlson has continued to spark controversy through his online content and public appearances, frequently featuring radical figures. Despite the backlash, he remains a prominent figure within the Republican Party, having recently been given a significant speaking role at the party’s convention in Milwaukee. He is also set to embark on a live speaking tour this fall, with JD Vance, Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee, scheduled to join him at a September 21 event in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Vance’s campaign has since clarified that while he does not support “guilt-by-association cancel culture,” he does not share the views expressed by Carlson’s interview guest.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has asserted that the world is not obligated to tolerate billionaire Elon Musk’s “far-right anything goes” agenda simply because of his vast wealth. Lula da Silva made this statement in an interview in Brazil, published on Monday, shortly after Musk’s social media platform X was suspended in Brazil, affecting a significant market.

“The Brazilian justice system may have sent a crucial message that the world is not required to endure Musk’s extreme right-wing views just because he is wealthy,” the president remarked.

These comments are part of an ongoing dispute between Lula da Silva and Musk concerning free speech, far-right content, and misinformation within Brazil. Over the weekend, many Brazilians, including the president, bid farewell to X, sharing their profiles on other social media platforms.

Brazil represents a vital market for X, which has faced challenges with advertiser loss since Musk’s acquisition and rebranding of Twitter last year. Approximately 40 million Brazilians, or about one-fifth of the population, use X at least once a month, according to Emarketer.

The platform’s access was blocked following a Supreme Court order due to Musk’s refusal to appoint a legal representative in Brazil. The court had previously mandated the suspension of several X accounts as part of a broad investigation into misinformation and hate speech that threatens Brazilian democracy.

These suspensions have included accounts linked to former President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing party and individuals accused of undermining democracy. Musk, a self-declared “free speech absolutist,” has criticized the court’s actions as censorship, a viewpoint supported by Brazil’s political right.

On Tuesday, Musk further engaged with Brazilian politics by sharing a link on X to an upcoming demonstration advocating for “freedom, protesting judicial overreach, and defending free speech.

The New Rules of Negotiation: Empowering Professionals to Close Deals in 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of business, the art of negotiation has never been more important. Internationally recognized trainer and keynote speaker Mihir Koltharkar has spent two decades honing and teaching the structured negotiation techniques necessary to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Based in Mumbai, India, and Manila, Philippines, Mihir’s influence stretches across the globe, helping professionals from various industries achieve unprecedented results.

Structured Negotiation is Essential

For sales executives, procurement teams, and senior leaders, having structured negotiation skills isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. In an environment where deals can make or break a company’s future, the ability to negotiate effectively can lead to higher profits and longer-lasting business relationships. Mihir Koltharkar’s training programs are designed to develop these critical skills, enabling people to handle high-stakes negotiations with confidence and precision.

Mihir’s approach to negotiation isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about creating win-win situations that build trust and foster cooperation between all parties involved. His interactive sessions have helped organizations around the world increase profits by billions, and his methods have been recognized globally, earning him accolades like ‘Pride of India – Negotiation Skills’. 

Mihir’s Impactful Journey

Mihir Koltharkar’s career is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his passion for empowering others. With an MBA in Corporate Training & Total Quality Management and certifications in various disciplines such as NLP, ISO, and Six Sigma, Mihir has built a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise. Over the past 24 years, he has conducted over 2,500 training sessions in 12 countries.

From his origins in direct sales and market research to leadership roles in prestigious organizations such as JPMorgan Chase, Tata Teleservices, and DAMAC Properties, to starting his own training consultancy MKTI Edge, Mihir has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver results. His structured approach to negotiation has been a game-changer for the companies he’s worked with, helping them secure deals worth billions and achieve significant success.

Global Recognition and Unmatched Expertise

Mihir’s contribution to sales and negotiation has not gone unnoticed. He is among the top 20 global trainers in sales, sharing this prestigious list with industry veterans like Brian Tracy and Jordan Belfort. His book ‘Impossible Sales’ is a testament to his deep understanding of the sales process and his ability to simplify complex concepts into actionable strategies.

As a two-time TEDx speaker and keynote speaker at events such as the SME World Summit, Mihir’s influence extends beyond the training classroom. His sessions are known to be highly engaging, interactive, and impactful, with participants consistently rating his training as ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding.’

Changing Lives Through Negotiation Training

Mihir’s journey to becoming a top negotiation trainer and speaker was not without its challenges. While working in the UAE, he witnessed first-hand the struggles of salespeople who were passionate about their work but lacked the structured training needed to achieve their goals. This experience sparked a deep calling in him to expand his knowledge globally and help professionals unleash their full potential.

Since establishing his training consultancy, Mihir has reached out to thousands of professionals, helping them close major deals and transform their careers. His unique blend of real-world experience, proven results, structured approach, and engaging delivery style sets him apart from his peers, making him a sought-after trainer for organizations looking to achieve measurable results.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Negotiators

Mihir Koltharkar’s vision for the future is clear: to continue adding significant value to people’s lives, helping them achieve their dreams through structured sales and negotiation training. His commitment to client success is unwavering, measuring his success by the tangible results his clients achieve.

As Mihir often says, “Motivation is not enough to achieve your goals; you need a robust plan, strong will, and discipline to work the plan.” This philosophy is at the core of his training [sessions and inspires professionals to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness.

In a world where more than 95% of employees have never received formal negotiation training, Mihir Koltharkar’s work isn’t just important—it’s essential. His structured approach empowers professionals around the world to negotiate effectively, grow their businesses, and inspire those around them to reach new heights.

Americans are turning to Chili’s for their burger cravings, leaving McDonald’s in the dust. Chili’s parent company, Brinker International, reported a nearly 15% surge in same-store sales and a 6% increase in traffic last quarter, thanks to their new Big Smasher burger and a savvy promotional campaign.

With fast food prices on the rise, sit-down chains like Chili’s and Applebee’s are capitalizing on the trend by offering competitive deals. Chili’s latest $10.99 meal deal features the Big Smasher—an oversized burger with double the beef of a Big Mac, though with a single hearty patty and familiar toppings.

This bold move and targeted advertising have allowed Chili’s to outperform competitors in both sales and traffic, contrasting sharply with the struggling performance of major fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s.

Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman highlighted that the Big Smasher promotion has been instrumental in attracting customers frustrated by fast food prices and engaging in broader cultural discussions. The campaign is set to run through the year, continuing to challenge the fast-food giants.

In comparison, Applebee’s has also promoted value-based offers, but without the same impact as Chili’s. The shifting landscape reveals a growing opportunity for sit-down restaurants to draw diners with appealing pricing and a more comfortable dining experience, challenging fast-food norms.

In response to Chili’s Big Smasher promotion, major fast-food chains quickly rolled out their own deals. McDonald’s $5 offer has been so successful that it will remain on U.S. menus through August, the company recently announced. According to a July memo, the promotion is achieving its goal of drawing customers back and even boosting full-priced sales, though the financial impact will be detailed in their fall earnings report.

Despite Chili’s impressive performance in driving traffic and sales, Brinker International’s stock took an 11% hit. The drop reflects a disappointing profit report that fell short of analyst expectations and a cautious outlook from the company.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, brands are no longer just advertisers; they have become content creators in their own right. This transformation reflects a fundamental shift in how businesses engage with their audiences, focusing on storytelling and direct interaction rather than traditional marketing methods. Video production agencies like Cutting Fillum Entertainment are at the forefront of this change, helping brands navigate the complexities of content creation and distribution.

The Rise of Brands as Content Creators

The ability to produce and distribute content has given brands unprecedented control over their image and message. They can now tailor their content to specific demographics, engage in real-time conversations, and foster community around their products and values. This direct engagement creates a more personal relationship between brands and consumers, enhancing loyalty and brand affinity.

The Importance of Strategy and Innovation

For brands to succeed as content creators, they need a strategic approach that encompasses content development, distribution, and promotion. This is where agencies like Cutting Fillum Entertainment play a critical role. They provide brands with the expertise to develop compelling video content, identify the right platforms for distribution, and optimize promotional efforts to maximize reach and impact.

Cutting Fillum Entertainment leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance and expedite video production. By using tools like Midjourney and Runway ML, they ensure rapid delivery without compromising quality. This technological edge enables them to create complex CGI videos and execute campaigns that reach millions, showcasing their ability to craft compelling and far-reaching content.

The Role of Video in Brand Storytelling

Video has emerged as a powerful tool in this new landscape, offering a dynamic way to tell stories and convey messages. With its ability to capture attention and evoke emotion, video content has become a cornerstone of brand communication strategies. It enables brands to showcase their products, share customer testimonials, and highlight their corporate social responsibility efforts in a compelling manner.

Cutting Fillum Entertainment, based in Mumbai, has been instrumental in helping brands transition into content creators. Founded by four high school friends with a shared passion for chai and films, the agency started by creating short films and product videos for Instagram businesses. Today, they serve some of the biggest brands globally, producing over 3,000 videos, including 2,000 animation videos, since their official launch in 2020.

Embracing Emerging Technologies

As brands continue to evolve as content creators, embracing emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) becomes essential. These technologies offer immersive experiences that engage audiences in novel ways, making them valuable tools for brands seeking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

The Future of Brand Content Creation

The future of brand content creation lies in the seamless integration of technology, strategy, and creativity. As AI and automation continue to advance, brands will have even more opportunities to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently. This will allow them to respond to market trends and consumer preferences in real-time, further strengthening their connection with audiences.

Cutting Fillum Entertainment’s vision is to become India’s best and fastest video content consultation and production agency. With a growing team and a relentless commitment to innovation, they are well on their way to achieving this goal. Their tagline, “Videos For The New Age,” reflects their dedication to staying ahead of trends and continuously evolving to meet the needs of their clients.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators

Beyond their commercial success, agencies like Cutting Fillum Entertainment have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and content creators. By sharing their journey and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, they can encourage budding talent to explore the possibilities of digital storytelling and content creation.

In conclusion, the strategic shift of brands becoming content creators is reshaping the marketing landscape. By embracing this change and leveraging the expertise of agencies like Cutting Fillum Entertainment, brands can craft compelling narratives, engage audiences more deeply, and drive meaningful results in the digital era and create videos for the new age.

Asian markets saw notable gains on Wednesday, led by a rebound in Japanese stocks following remarks from a Bank of Japan (BOJ) official that downplayed the likelihood of an immediate interest rate hike.

The Nikkei 225 reversed earlier losses, climbing 3% after initially falling 2.5% earlier in the day. The recovery followed comments from Shinichi Uchida, deputy governor of the BOJ, who suggested that recent market volatility could influence the central bank’s rate hike decisions.

Across the region, South Korea’s Kospi increased by 2.4%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 1.3%, and Taiwan’s Taiex surged 3.8%. These gains come after a turbulent period, including the Nikkei’s largest daily drop since 1987 on Monday.

Uchida’s remarks, which indicated that the BOJ would avoid raising rates amid financial instability, contrasted with the recent more aggressive stance of the central bank. He emphasized that current monetary easing should be maintained given the volatility in financial markets. This dovish tone eased concerns and influenced market sentiment positively.

The US dollar saw a more than 2% rise against the yen, reaching 147.77, reversing recent trends where the yen had strengthened. This change highlights the impact of BOJ’s policy stance on currency movements and market dynamics.

Japan’s broader Topix index also enjoyed a significant uptick, trading more than 4% higher as the session progressed. In the US, the Dow Jones closed up 0.8%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each gained approximately 1% on Tuesday.

Leveraging Google Ads is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to establish brand awareness, reach broader audiences, and create an online-based revenue stream. In fact, eight out of ten ad dollars invested were invested in digital ads in 2023, and internet advertising is predicted to grow even further in the future. 

However, launching a Google Ads campaign isn’t a walk in the park, especially for small businesses that don’t have enough manpower to analyze campaign performance frequently. 

Data from Wordstream shows that the typical small enterprise wastes 25% or more of its total paid search spending, which can take a huge financial toll on start-ups. Optimizing your Google Ad campaigns is therefore crucial to avoid wasting ad budget and implement successful campaigns that boost return on investment (ROI). That said, here’s how to optimize Google Ads to get maximum results for your small business:

Understand the importance of doing a PPC audit

When assessing your Google Ads campaign performance, knowing how to conduct a pay-per-click (PPC) audit is essential. Doing a PPC audit enables small business owners to evaluate their Google Ads campaigns’ performance, cost, and returns. A PPC audit checklist can include account structure, keywords, ad and landing page copy, bidding, and tracking. Based on that checklist, you can examine for any keyword overlap or duplicates and typographical errors that can negatively impact ad performance as well as bid performance, which can help indicate how well your Google Ads campaign is doing. This allows you to find significant areas to improve and recalibrate strategies to help your small business grow.

Explore AI tools

To further improve your Google Ads campaign, you can also look into AI tools to boost your online visibility. Last year, Google introduced Video Peep and Seek Info from Gen, two AI-powered advert solutions that can help small businesses administer their campaigns. The Seek Info from Gen campaigns can seamlessly integrate a small firm’s video and image resources into some of Google’s visual touchpoints like Gmail. Meanwhile, the Video Peep can maximize views of advertising campaigns to help small enterprises reach wider audiences. You can also automate your campaigns with Google AI to help you find the best target audiences to maximize web-based revenue.

Leverage Remarketing Lists for Search Ads

Another feature that can help optimize your Google Ads campaigns is the Remarketing Lists for Search Ads (RLSAs). RLSA is a Google feature that enables you to create a remarketing list audience targeting, which allows search engines to narrow queries to internet users who already visited your site. You’ll also be more flexible in targeting broad-match keywords, which means your small business can easily reach audiences searching for those keywords and who have already been to your website. Eventually, this gives your small enterprise a higher chance of reaching relevant audiences who are more likely to avail of your services and products, therefore increasing conversions.

Keep your keywords local or relevant 

Suppose you’re operating a small business offering services within a particular area. In that case, one Google Ads strategy you can try is to keep your keywords local – including the name of your state or city – so your services can be specific to your region or state, thus enabling you to reach highly targeted audiences. You can check out Radius targeting on Google Ads, which allows your ad to be visible within a specific geographic location, such as 30 miles around your state. To do this, you can open the Campaign tab of your Google Ads account and use the bulk targeting tool, which allows you to set up 1,000 locations at once. Using local keywords also lets your small business save money since your ad won’t pop up when search queries are too broad.

In an ever-changing marketing landscape, small businesses can maintain their competitive advantage by running effective ad campaigns that boost conversions and ROI. Follow these tips to help you optimize your Google Ads campaign for your small enterprise.

Exclusively for levelupmag.com by JB Baker

Spirit Airlines, long known for its ultra-low-cost, no-frills approach, is making a bold move by introducing a new class of business-like seating. The airline is launching its “Go Big” class, allowing passengers to pay extra for premium, extra-wide seats located at the front of the cabin. 

Previously, these seats were available, but the new “Go Big” tickets bundle a range of extras, including complimentary snacks, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), one carry-on bag, one checked bag, and streaming access. Additionally, this class includes priority check-in and boarding—benefits that were not offered with the extra-wide seats before.

Spirit will also offer the option to pay more for seats in rows where the middle seat is kept empty, adding another tier of choice for travelers. 

This move signals Spirit’s response to ongoing challenges in the airline industry, where low-cost carriers have struggled to maintain profitability. Despite its history of low fares and minimal frills, Spirit has not reported a profitable year since 2019 and has faced significant financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic. 

In contrast, major carriers like American, United, and Delta have thrived, leveraging premium seating options to boost revenue. Southwest Airlines, another lower-cost carrier, recently announced a shift to reserved seating to introduce extra legroom for a premium price, although it has not yet ventured into business-class offerings.

Spirit CEO Ted Christie emphasized the significance of this new offering: “We’re unveiling a new era in Spirit’s history and taking low-fare travel to new heights with enhanced options that are unlike anything we’ve offered before.”

This strategic shift highlights the growing trend of low-cost airlines attempting to capture a share of the premium market—a move that reflects broader changes within the industry as carriers adapt to evolving passenger preferences and economic pressures.

Former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, according to the Metropolitan Police. The allegations involve images purportedly shared via WhatsApp between December 2020 and April 2022. Edwards, who was arrested on November 8, 2023, and charged on June 26, 2024, faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years if convicted. 

The charges include six category A images, which represent the most severe classification, 12 category B images, and 19 category C images. Edwards, a prominent figure in British television news for 40 years and formerly one of the BBC’s highest-paid employees, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Media and the public are advised to refrain from publishing information that could impact the fairness of the upcoming legal proceedings.

Edwards resigned from his role at the BBC in late April 2024. During the fiscal year from April 2023 to March 2024, he earned between £475,000 and £479,999, making him the BBC’s third highest-paid employee.

In the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Shridhar Mamidalaa is redefining the architectural landscape with his innovative use of algorithms and advanced technology. As a modern architect with a background as a traditional artist and a degree in architecture, Shridhar’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of creativity and sustainability.

His fascination with computational design began over a decade ago, driven by a desire to transcend conventional architectural practices. Faced with limited resources, he embraced the challenges of this emerging field with enthusiasm and determination. His vision was clear: to create world-class, stylish designs that are also environmentally responsible.

Under Shridhar’s leadership, his firm has achieved several significant milestones in sustainable architecture. They designed and implemented India’s first complete 3D printed interiors, setting a new benchmark in the industry. They also introduced a series of 3D printed furniture, blending cutting-edge technology with practical, elegant design. By the end of the year, Shridhar plans to unveil India’s first 3D-printed pavilion, a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.

The path to success was not without its hurdles. One of the primary challenges was the misconception surrounding sustainability. Many were skeptical about the feasibility of creating stylish, high-quality products while being eco-friendly. To overcome this, Shridhar’s team began with small prototypes to build trust and demonstrate their commitment to green design. This iterative approach has allowed them to scale their projects in both size and complexity.

Shridhar’s journey from lacking even a computer to becoming a leader in computational design serves as a powerful inspiration. He encourages others to take one step at a time and persist through the initial challenges of their careers. His motto, “Sustainability has never been so stylish,” reflects his dedication to merging environmental responsibility with high-quality design.

Shridhar’s firm specializes in large-scale robotic 3D printing and Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) technology. Utilizing 80% recycled plastic and incorporating waste materials like coffee grounds and grain bran, they are advancing the use of sustainable materials in architecture. This approach not only minimizes waste but also avoids the exploitation of natural resources.

The recent economic recession provided Shridhar and his team with an opportunity to reflect and innovate. Rather than being deterred, they used this time to strategize and expand their global reach, positioning themselves as problem-solvers through their sustainable products.

His vision for the future is to continue enhancing the sustainability of his projects and to spread awareness about true environmental responsibility. He aims to reach a broader audience and inspire more people to embrace sustainable practices.

Shridhar’s journey imparts a valuable lesson: perseverance is key. Many give up too soon, but staying committed and continuing to push boundaries can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

As Shridhar Mamidalaa continues to break new ground in the field of architecture, his work stands as a testament to the power of combining passion with innovation. His achievements not only push the limits of what is possible but also pave the way for a more sustainable future in design.