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On December 23, 1930, Mexico City witnessed an unprecedented event at the National Stadium. Thousands, including countless children, gathered to see the introduction of Quetzalcoatl as the new Christmas icon.

A man dressed as the Mesoamerican god appeared in a majestic temple adorned with elements of Mexican culture, distributing gifts among the children.

Failed attempt: The banishment of Santa Claus

However, the idea of replacing Santa Claus with Quetzalcoatl did not deeply resonate with all Mexicans. For some, Santa Claus embodied a more universal Christmas spirit, transcending borders and cultures. For others, the concept of a god like Quetzalcoatl as a symbol of Christmas simply did not permeate.

It was illogical to ask an overwhelmed pre-Hispanic god to become a festive element of Catholicism’s most important holiday, a religion that devastated his world.

The story of Quetzalcoatl’s attempt to replace Santa Claus in Mexico holds an ironic analogy to the plot of Tim Burton’s masterpiece “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” In this film, Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, captivated by the joy and color of Christmas, decides to kidnap Santa Claus and take his place, believing he can do it better.

Unlike Jack, Quetzalcoatl was imposed and presented as a new protagonist for a festival foreign to his origin, in an attempt to merge two very different cultures. Both figures, although from different worlds, sought to inject their own style and vision into an established tradition, believing they could improve it or give it new meaning.

In the end, Quetzalcoatl failed in the attempt to become a Mexican Christmas symbol.

Historian Alejandro Rosas recounts this in an article published on WikiMéxico:

“The society completely opposed the official disposition; not so much to defend the already unlikable Santa Claus, but because Christmas was a Catholic celebration commemorating the birth of Christ, and if within that tradition, Saint Nicholas already figured, there was no reason to make changes.”

Branding lessons with Quetzalcoatl and Santa Claus

The attempt to impose Quetzalcoatl as the symbol of Christmas has interesting implications for marketing and branding.

Reflecting on this episode from a marketing and branding perspective underscores the importance of identity and cultural relevance in promoting brands and symbols.

The attempt to establish Quetzalcoatl as the Christmas emblem was more than a political move; it represented an effort to impose a Mexican cultural identity in an era where the motto was to banish any foreign influence at all costs, in this case, Christmas personified in Santa Claus.

For a major brand, this episode offers valuable lessons. First, it underlines the importance of aligning marketing campaigns with the values and culture of the target audience. In a globalized world, respecting and celebrating local cultural identity can be a key differentiator.

Second, it shows the risks of underestimating established emotions and connections. Perhaps Mexicans’ bond with Santa Claus wasn’t very strong in 1930 (consider a country without Coca Cola Caravans). But the myth of Quetzalcoatl was not the symbol that the predominantly Catholic population could associate with Christmas. (Imagine now a nativity scene, the figures of the birth, all crowned with the figure of a feathered serpent…).

Brands cannot always impose their own symbols and values on consumers. Consumers are free to choose the brands they like, and often are drawn to brands that reflect their own identities and values.

Another important lesson from this episode: brands can coexist successfully, even if they represent different values. In the case of Quetzalcoatl and Santa Claus, both figures are symbols, but they represent different cultures and traditions. However, both figures can coexist in the same culture, without the need for one to dominate over the other.

The story of Quetzalcoatl and Santa Claus in Mexico is not just a tale of a failed symbolic change attempt. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions.

Smart brands are aware of these implications. They know that consumers are free to choose, and that they must reflect the values of consumers to be successful. They also know that they can coexist successfully, evolve, and adapt over time.

LEE TAMBIÉN. What is the most popular Christmas food in Mexico?

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Christmas is a time of celebration and family reunion around the world. In Mexico, Christmas traditions date back to pre-Hispanic times and have merged with Christian traditions. One of the most important traditions is food, which is plentiful and delicious.

If there is something that characterizes Mexicans, it is their taste for good food. Their cuisine is considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During Christmas and New Year’s, there are typical Mexican dishes that are a delight for the palate.

Christmas food in Mexico

The typical Christmas meals in Mexico are varied and reflect the country’s cultural richness; it should be noted that recipes can vary depending on the region of the country. Some of the most popular Mexican Christmas dishes are:

• Mexican Christmas turkey: The turkey is stuffed with a mixture of dried fruits, vegetables, and spices, and is roasted until juicy and flavorful.
• Romeritos with mole and shrimp patties: Romeritos are a green plant prepared with a mole stew, a thick and aromatic sauce made with chilies, spices, and chocolate.
• Tamales: Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, chicken, vegetables, or cheese.
• Roast pork leg: The pork leg is cooked in the oven with spices and aromatic herbs until golden and juicy.
  Mole poblano: Mole poblano is a thick and aromatic sauce made with chilies, spices, and chocolate. It can be served with a variety of dishes, such as meat, chicken, or vegetables.
• Cod: Traditionally prepared for Christmas Eve dinner, this dish includes desalted cod cooked in a tomato sauce with olives, chilies, and capers.
• Pozole: This is a broth prepared with meat (usually pork or chicken) and seasoned with chilies and other spices.
• Cochinita pibil: This traditional dish from Yucatán is prepared with pork marinated in a mixture of annatto, sour orange, chilies, and spices. It is slow-cooked in an earthen oven and served with tortillas, red onion, and avocado.

What is eaten on December 24th in Mexico?

Christmas dinner in Mexico is celebrated on December 24th. The tradition is to gather with family and friends on Christmas Eve to enjoy a delicious meal. The most common dishes are those mentioned above, as well as:

• Apple salad with nuts: Apple salad with nuts is a fresh and light dish prepared with apples, raisins, peach, pineapple, nuts, chantilly cream, and cream. Some prefer to add grated carrot and condensed milk.
• Buñuelos: Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican dessert that are fried and served with a variety of sauces, such as honey, caramel, or chocolate.
• Churros: Churros are another traditional Mexican dessert that are fried and served with a variety of sauces, such as chocolate, caramel, or caramel.
• Mexican Punch (ponche mexicano): Can’t be missing, prepared with piloncillo, tamarind, cinnamon, and fruits like guava, apple, prune, tecojote, sugar cane, raisins. It can be accompanied with rum.

What is “el recalentado” mexicano?

El recalentado is a Mexican tradition that consists of eating the dishes from the Christmas dinner the following day. It is a way to take advantage of the food and enjoy it again. For many, in the recalentado the food is much tastier than at the Christmas Eve dinner.

What can be served at a Christmas posada?

Christmas posadas are a Mexican tradition that dates back to colonial times. They are held during the nine days leading up to Christmas and consist of a series of gatherings where people pray, sing, and eat.

The dishes and drinks that are usually served at Christmas posadas are:

• Atole
• Tamales
• Punch

What do Mexicans eat on New Year’s?

New Year’s is a time of celebration and good wishes around the world. In Mexico, Christmas traditions extend to New Year’s, and food is an important part of the celebrations.

In Mexico, many families choose to spend Christmas Eve together and go out to a restaurant or party on New Year’s. The dinner is usually similar to Christmas but some rituals are carried out:

• 12 grapes: Eating 12 grapes at midnight on December 31st is a Mexican tradition believed to bring good luck in the new year.
• Lentils: Lentils are a symbol of prosperity and are usually eaten on New Year’s to attract good fortune.
• Three sweet dishes: Eating three sweet dishes on New Year’s is a Mexican tradition believed to bring happiness and joy in the new year.”

YOU CAN READ: The curious case of the Poinsettia, a mexican flower patented in the United States

Scheduled for March 3, 2024, the exhibition match will take place in Las Vegas, showcasing the talents of Nadal, a seasoned champion with an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, and Alcaraz, the current No. 2 ranked men’s player. Netflix plans to broadcast the event live, bringing the excitement of the matchup directly to its global audience.

This move aligns with the broader trend among streaming platforms to incorporate live sports events into their programming. The appeal of sports lies in its ability to attract viewers who prefer to watch events in real-time, presenting a unique opportunity for advertisers to engage with an audience deeply immersed in the content. Competitors like Amazon.com’s Prime Video and Alphabet’s YouTube have already invested significantly in streaming live National Football League (NFL) games, underlining the appeal of live sports for streaming services.

Netflix, traditionally known for its on-demand streaming model, had been cautious about entering the live-sports arena due to the escalating costs associated with securing sports rights. However, the company recently dipped its toes into live sports streaming with “The Netflix Cup,” a golf tournament featuring athletes from its Formula One documentary “Drive to Survive” and the show “Full Swing,” which explores the world of professional golf.

The decision to broadcast a live tennis match is a strategic move by Netflix to diversify its content portfolio and tap into the massive fanbase of sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, discussions about potentially airing a live boxing match indicate the streaming giant’s growing interest in expanding its live sports offerings.

“The Netflix Slam” will be accessible to a wide audience, with the match set to air in both English and Spanish. This bilingual approach reflects Netflix’s commitment to catering to its diverse global subscriber base.

As the announcement comes amid Nadal’s ongoing battle with injuries, his return to the court at the Australian Open in January is highly anticipated. Both Nadal and Alcaraz have expressed their enthusiasm for the exhibition match, with Nadal stating, “I am sure it will be a fantastic night of tennis.”

Netflix’s foray into live tennis marks a significant step for the streaming giant, indicating its willingness to explore new avenues and capture the attention of sports fans around the world. The success of “The Netflix Slam” could pave the way for more live sports events on the platform, solidifying its presence in the dynamic and competitive streaming landscape.

The Power of Smart Automation

One of the key ways AI can make companies more productive is through smart automation. AI-powered automation can handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more important and complex tasks. This not only increases productivity but also reduces the risk of human error.

For example, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries and support, freeing up customer service representatives to handle more complex issues. This not only improves response times but also allows employees to focus on tasks that require human interaction and problem-solving skills.

Another example is the use of AI in data entry and analysis. AI-powered tools can quickly and accurately process large amounts of data, reducing the time and effort required by employees. This allows them to focus on analyzing the data and making informed decisions, rather than spending hours inputting and organizing it.

Productivity Enhancement with AI

AI can also enhance productivity by providing valuable insights and recommendations. By analyzing data and patterns, AI can identify areas for improvement and suggest strategies to increase efficiency and productivity.

For example, AI-powered project management tools can analyze data from past projects and provide recommendations for optimizing workflows and timelines. This not only saves time but also ensures that projects are completed more efficiently and effectively.

AI can also assist with resource allocation and scheduling. By analyzing data on employee availability, workload, and skills, AI can help managers make informed decisions on how to allocate resources and schedule tasks. This can prevent overloading employees and ensure that tasks are assigned to the most suitable team members, ultimately increasing productivity.

AI Productivity Tools

There are a variety of AI productivity tools available that can help companies increase efficiency and productivity. Here are a few examples:

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, can help employees manage their tasks and schedules. They can set reminders, schedule meetings, and even provide information and insights to help employees make decisions.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics uses AI to analyze data and make predictions about future outcomes. This can be extremely useful for businesses in making informed decisions and planning for the future. For example, predictive analytics can help companies forecast sales, identify potential risks, and optimize inventory levels.

Chatbots

As mentioned earlier, chatbots can handle customer inquiries and support, freeing up employees to focus on more complex tasks. They can also assist with internal communication and provide employees with quick access to information and resources.

Virtual Collaboration Tools

Virtual collaboration tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, use AI to improve communication and collaboration among team members. They can suggest relevant documents and resources, schedule meetings, and even provide real-time translation for international teams.

Strategies for Implementing AI in the Workplace

While the benefits of AI in the workplace are clear, implementing it can be a daunting task. Here are some strategies to consider when introducing AI into your company:

Start Small

Instead of trying to implement AI across all departments and processes at once, start with a small pilot project. This will allow you to test the technology and its impact on productivity before committing to a larger implementation.

Involve Employees

It’s important to involve employees in the implementation process and address any concerns they may have. This will not only help with the adoption of AI but also ensure that it is used effectively and efficiently.

Provide Training and Support

AI technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important to provide employees with the necessary training and support to use it effectively. This will also help them feel more comfortable and confident in using AI in their daily tasks.

Monitor and Evaluate

It’s important to monitor the impact of AI on productivity and make adjustments as needed. This will help ensure that the technology is being used effectively and that it is providing the desired results.

Real-World Examples of AI in Action

Many companies have already implemented AI in their operations and have seen significant improvements in productivity. Here are a few examples:

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola uses AI-powered vending machines that analyze data on customer preferences and purchasing patterns to optimize inventory levels and product placement. This has resulted in increased sales and reduced costs for the company.

UPS

UPS uses AI-powered route optimization software to plan and optimize delivery routes for its drivers. This has resulted in significant time and fuel savings, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing costs.

IBM

IBM has implemented AI-powered virtual assistants to assist with internal communication and provide employees with quick access to information and resources. This has improved collaboration and efficiency among team members.

The Future of AI in Productivity

The potential for AI to enhance productivity is vast, and we are only scratching the surface of what is possible. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advanced AI tools and strategies being implemented in the workplace.

Some experts predict that AI will eventually be able to handle more complex tasks and decision-making, further increasing productivity and efficiency. However, it’s important to remember that AI is not meant to replace human workers, but rather to enhance their capabilities and allow them to focus on more important and creative tasks.

By implementing smart automation, using AI productivity tools, and following effective strategies, companies can reap the benefits of AI and stay ahead in today’s competitive business landscape. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative ways in which AI can make companies more productive.

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The Departure of Kevin Warren

Kevin Warren, the current Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at UPS, is set to leave the company at the end of the year. Warren, who joined UPS in 2018 after a 33-year tenure at Xerox, has been instrumental in enhancing customer experience and digital access platforms, making significant contributions to UPS’s market presence. His departure signifies the end of an era at UPS, where he oversaw crucial departments, including U.S. and international marketing, product development, pricing, and customer loyalty.

Restructuring at UPS

Following Warren’s exit, UPS is not just removing the CMO role but also restructuring its leadership. Matt Guffey, formerly president of UPS Global Strategy and Transformation, has been promoted to chief commercial and strategy officer. Guffey will oversee global revenue, product management, global strategy, and transformation in this new role. Additionally, he will manage UPS’s on-demand network, encompassing UPS Stores and Happy Returns, acquired from PayPal in October.

This restructuring at UPS occurs in the wake of a challenging economic environment. The company recently slashed its sales outlook after a 13% decline in third-quarter revenue. CEO Carol Tomé cited subdued online sales and other macroeconomic factors as significant contributors to this downturn. These challenges are not unique to UPS, as the delivery industry faces global economic pressures and a shift in consumer behaviors.

Rising Competition from Amazon

Despite these internal changes at UPS, Amazon has emerged as a formidable competitor. Surpassing UPS and FedEx in parcel volumes, Amazon’s delivery business is expanding rapidly. With projections of delivering 5.9 billion packages in the U.S. by the end of the year, Amazon’s growth trajectory starkly contrasts with UPS’s more conservative volume expectations.

The removal of the CMO position at UPS is more than an executive shuffle; it reflects the company’s strategic realignment in response to changing market conditions and increasing competition. As UPS navigates this transitional phase, it will focus on adapting its business model and strategies to maintain its position as a leading player in the delivery industry.

The once-booming luxury industry, riding high on the wave of pandemic-induced spending, is now navigating a more subdued terrain. According to Bain & Company estimates, sales in the sector soared by 15% in 2022 at constant exchange rates, only to witness a shift in consumer behavior as the year unfolded. Belt-tightening among U.S. shoppers and a European slowdown have set the stage for a growth rate in 2023 that is expected to be only half of the previous year’s achievements.

In the face of this deceleration, luxury brands find their boutiques, online platforms, and partner stores brimming with unsold treasures. MyTheresa, a leading online purveyor of luxury goods, laments facing “the worst market conditions since 2008,” with a staggering 44% increase in inventory compared to the previous year. Burberry, not to be outdone, is taking the proactive approach of repurchasing unsold products from department stores.

While mainstream fashion chains resort to deep discounts, luxury brands, guardians of their exclusive allure, eschew the high-pile, low-price strategy. Burning excess inventory, once a discreet practice, has fallen out of favor, with EU countries recently outlawing the incineration of fashion waste.

Luxury brands, recognizing the need to adapt, have diligently minimized discounts over the years. Prada, for instance, has significantly reduced its reliance on wholesale accounts since 2018, opting to exert control through its own stores. Gucci follows suit, maintaining discipline by halting discounts in its boutiques.

In this era of restrained discounting, luxury brands seeking an outlet for excess inventory are turning to off-price channels. These outlets, now responsible for 13% of luxury goods sales by value, offer a discreet means of offloading stock while preserving brand perception. The Bicester Collection, operated by Value Retail, exemplifies this trend, requiring brands to offer an average discount of 35% to secure a spot in their exclusive retail “villages.”

Navigating this landscape requires finesse, as luxury brands explore alternative avenues to clear stock and generate cash. Unofficial resellers have emerged as a backchannel solution, capitalizing on regional price gaps to profitably redistribute unsold goods. While brands attempt to curtail this practice through contractual stipulations, recent indications suggest a potential shift as brands themselves reach out to resellers, signaling a potential compromise.

The luxury industry’s history of snubbing bargain hunters faces a new test as unsold inventory accumulates. Yet, with strategic maneuvers and a flair for marketing finesse, luxury brands are poised to emerge victorious, ensuring that the allure of exclusivity remains intact even in the face of market challenges.

French Luxury Dominates

In 2022, the global landscape of luxury brands showcased a clear dominance of French fashion houses, as evident from the brand values of the top 10 most valuable luxury brands. Louis Vuitton from France emerged as the indisputable leader with a staggering brand value of 124,273 million U.S. dollars, reinforcing its position as a symbol of opulence and style. Following closely, Hermès, another French luxury brand, secured the second spot with a substantial brand value of 80,323 million U.S. dollars, underlining the enduring appeal of French craftsmanship in the luxury market. Chanel, also hailing from France, claimed the third position with a brand value of 53,021 million U.S. dollars, showcasing the strong influence of French haute couture on global luxury preferences. Notably, the list also featured iconic Italian brands such as Gucci and Prada, emphasizing the enduring international allure of Italian fashion. The United Kingdom’s Rolex stood out as the sole representative outside France and Italy, highlighting the brand’s timeless reputation. Overall, this ranking emphasizes the continued global prominence of traditional European luxury brands, with French fashion houses leading the way in defining and shaping the luxury market in 2022.

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Is the poinsettia toxic for dogs and cats?

Yes, the poinsettia, or Nochebuena flower, is toxic to dogs and cats. The sap of the plant contains a substance called calcium oxalate, which can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, stomach, and intestines. In severe cases, poinsettia poisoning can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and even death.

Signs of poinsettia poisoning usually appear between 12 and 24 hours after the pet has ingested the plant. If your dog or cat has been in contact with the poinsettia, it is important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are some things you can do to help prevent poinsettia poisoning in your pet:

• Keep the poinsettia out of reach of pets.
• If you have pets, place the poinsettia in a high spot where they cannot reach it.
• If your pet has access to the poinsettia, closely monitor for any signs of poisoning.
• If your dog or cat has ingested the poinsettia, follow these steps:
• Call your veterinarian or the animal poison control hotline.
• If your pet is vomiting, offer them water to drink to prevent dehydration.
• If your pet is showing signs of poisoning, such as lethargy or seizures, take them to the veterinarian immediately.
• Poinsettia poisoning is a veterinary emergency, but with prompt treatment, most pets recover completely.

What dos a poinsettia symbolize?

The poinsettia, a plant with striking red and green foliage, carries various symbolic meanings, particularly in the context of Christmas and its cultural origins in Mexico:

• Christmas celebration: The most widespread symbolism of the poinsettia is its association with Christmas. The plant’s red and green color scheme naturally complements traditional Christmas decorations. Its blooming season aligns with the Christmas holiday, making it a popular choice for festive decor.
• Star of Bethlehem: The shape of the poinsettia’s leaves, often thought to resemble a star, is commonly linked to the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story. This association gives it a religious significance in Christmas celebrations.
• Joy and hope: In the context of the holiday season, poinsettias symbolize joy, hope, and goodwill, reflecting the festive and positive spirit of Christmas.
• New life and renewal: In some interpretations, especially in its native context in Mexico, the poinsettia is seen as a symbol of new life and renewal, given its blooming in the midst of the winter season.
• Success and celebration: In some cultures, the bright red color of the poinsettia is associated with success and celebration, making it a fitting plant for festive occasions.

Where are the poinsettias from?

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to Mexico and Central America. They were known to the Aztecs as “Cuetlaxochitl” and were used for various purposes, including medicinal uses and as a dye. In their native habitat, poinsettias are perennial shrubs that can grow up to ten feet tall.

The plant was introduced to the United States in the 1820s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, after whom the plant is named. Poinsett, who was also a botanist, sent cuttings of the plant he discovered in Southern Mexico to his home in South Carolina. The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired to gather weeds from the roadside that miraculously bloomed into bright red flowers.

Today, poinsettias are not only a popular holiday plant in Mexico and the United States but are also widely grown and appreciated worldwide for their vibrant seasonal color, particularly during the Christmas season.

YOU CAN READ.The curious case of the Poinsettia, a mexican flower patented in the United States

How often water a poinsettia plant?

Watering a poinsettia plant properly is crucial for its health and longevity. Here are some guidelines for watering poinsettias:

• Check the soil: Water the poinsettia whenever the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water thoroughly: When watering, do so thoroughly until the water drains out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root ball is moistened.
• Avoid waterlogging: After watering, let the excess water drain out and then discard any water left in the saucer. Poinsettias do not like to sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
• Monitor frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on factors like the size of the plant, the size of the pot, the temperature, and humidity of the environment. Typically, poinsettias need to be watered once a week, but this can vary. In warmer, dryer conditions, they may need more frequent watering, while in cooler or more humid environments, they may need less.
• Seasonal adjustments: Remember that indoor heating can dry out plants more quickly in the winter, so you may need to water more frequently during the plant’s blooming period (usually around Christmas).

In Mexico this flower is known as Nochebuena.

How it became a symbol of Christmas?

The story of the Poinsettia as a Christmas symbol began in Mexico. The Aztecs valued this plant for its beauty and religious significance, naming it Cuetlaxóchitl, which means “flower that withers”. Its use spread during the pre-Hispanic era, where the flower was not only decorative but also had medicinal and symbolic applications.

The transformation of the Poinsettia into a Christmas symbol is attributed to the Franciscans in the 17th century. They incorporated the flower into Christmas festivities due to its red coloration and December blooming period. The plant became an essential decorative element in Christmas celebrations, both in Mexico and other countries.

The meaning of the Poinsettia

The meaning of the Poinsettia encompasses various cultural and religious aspects. In Mexican culture, the flower symbolizes purity and new life, related to the beliefs and rituals of the Aztecs. In the Christian context, the Poinsettia acquired a new meaning: its red leaves represent the blood of Christ, and the star-shaped form of the flower is associated with the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi.

A Symbol of Christmas in Mexico and the United States

The Poinsettia is a plant native to Mexico that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas around the world. Its striking red, yellow, or white flowers make it a perfect plant for decorating during the holiday season.

In Mexico, this flower has a long history. The Aztecs called it “cuetlaxochitl” and considered it a sacred flower. They used it in their religious ceremonies and associated it with the blood of sacrifices.

Spanish Franciscans brought the Poinsettia to the United States in the 16th century. There, the flower quickly became popular as a symbol of Christmas. In 1825, the Mexican ambassador to the United States, Joel Poinsett, brought a Poinsettia to Washington D.C. The flower was so appreciated that President Andrew Jackson planted it in the White House.

In 1937, the Ecke family, one of the main producers of Poinsettias in California, decided to patent the flower. Like the Franciscans, the Eckes took advantage of the fact that the Poinsettia blooms between November and January to associate and market it as a Christmas flower.

Since then, the Poinsettia has become one of the best-selling flowers in the United States. Poinsettia sales exceed 100 million dollars a year.

The Ecke family alone has created more than 100 varieties of Poinsettia, which are patented. This means that producers who want to grow these varieties of Poinsettia must pay royalties to the patent owners.

On several occasions, Mexican producers have insisted on abolishing this patent, as they consider it unfair that for a flower native to Mexico, they have to pay rights for its production.

The controversy over the Poinsettia patent is an example of the complex relationship between Mexico and the United States. On one hand, the flower is a symbol of Mexican culture that has been exported worldwide. On the other hand, the patent of the flower benefits an American company, which has caused discontent in Mexico.

It is likely that the controversy over the Poinsettia patent will continue in the future.

When is Poinsettia Day celebrated and why?

Poinsettia Day in the United States is celebrated on December 12th. This date commemorates the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico and played a crucial role in introducing the poinsettia (Nochebuena Flower) to the United States.

Poinsett, a botany enthusiast, discovered the beauty of this plant during his stay in Mexico and sent specimens back to his home in South Carolina. His interest and efforts led to the poinsettia becoming popularized in the United States and eventually around the world as an iconic plant of the holiday season.

Poinsettia Day not only honors Poinsett for his contribution to horticulture but also celebrates the poinsettia as a symbol of joy and the Christmas spirit. The choice of this specific date reflects both the recognition of Poinsett as an individual and the cultural significance of the plant he helped to popularize.

In Mexico, December 8th is celebrated as National Nochebuena Day. This date honors the cultural and botanical importance of the flower in the country. The celebration not only recognizes the beauty of the plant but also its place in Mexico’s history and culture.

How to care for a Poinsettia?

Proper care of the Poinsettia ensures its beauty and longevity. This plant prefers an environment with indirect light and constant temperatures between 16°C and 21°C (61°F to 70°F). It is recommended to water it when the soil is dry to the touch and to avoid waterlogging. This flower also benefits from moderate ambient humidity and balanced fertilization during its growth season.

Are poinsettias sun or shade plants?

The Poinsettia prefers conditions of bright but indirect light. Direct sun exposure can damage its leaves. On the other hand, total shade does not favor its flowering or the maintenance of its characteristic coloration. A balance between light and shade is ideal for the optimal growth of this plant.

The story of the Poinsettia, from its origins in Mexico to its patenting in the United States, reflects a complex interplay of culture, history, and business. Despite controversies over intellectual property, the Poinsettia remains a beloved symbol of Christmas worldwide, maintaining its cultural roots and significance through the centuries.

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December 6, 2023, will be a special day in Google’s history, as it marks the launch of Gemini, their largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to date.

Through their corporate blog, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, announced the launch of the first stage of this still-developing project. Gemini aims not only to compete but also to surpass OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

What is Gemini?

Google’s Gemini is a large-scale factual language model trained on a massive dataset of text and code. Developed by Google DeepMind, it represents a multimodal and flexible approach designed to enhance the integration of technology into everyday life and business development. Notably, Gemini can manage and analyze information efficiently across multiple formats, including text, code, audio, image, and video. It is already considered a rival to OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model.

Gemini is larger than GPT-4, boasting 1.6 trillion parameters compared to GPT-4’s 1.5 trillion. This means it has a greater capacity to learn and understand language.

Why is so relevant to Google and AI?

Gemini is significant for Google for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a powerful tool that can enhance a wide range of products and services. For instance, it could improve the accuracy and naturalness of Google’s virtual assistants, like Google Assistant and Chat, and enhance the quality of translations in Google Translate.

Secondly, it represents a significant advancement in AI development. As a large-scale factual language model, it’s trained on a massive dataset of text and code, giving it unprecedented language learning and understanding capabilities.

This is considered a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize our interaction with technology.

Specific examples of how Gemini can optimize Google’s products and services include:

• Virtual assistants: Enhancing Google’s virtual assistants’ ability to understand and respond to user queries.
  Automatic translators: Translating languages more accurately and fluidly, even for those with vastly different grammatical structures.
• Search products: Improving Google search results by generating more comprehensive and accurate summaries or providing more relevant content recommendations.
• Other companies and organizations could use it to create more natural chatbots, generate more original creative content, or even write more efficient code.

What is Gemini used for?

An advanced assistant in areas like science, finance, and programming. Its ability to understand, explain, and generate high-quality code in popular programming languages makes it a fundamental tool in the coding world.

• Text generation
• Language translation
• Creative content writing
• Informative question answering
• Creating more natural chatbots
• Generating original creative content
• Efficient code writing
• Improving search results
• Developing new products and services

Additionally, its integration into Google products like the digital assistant Bard and the Pixel 8 Pro smartphone indicates its practical utility in everyday and business applications.

Versions

The different versions of Gemini, the AI model developed by Google DeepMind, are designed to cater to various uses and device capabilities. These versions include:

Gemini 1.0

• Parameters: 1.6 trillion
• Training dataset: 1.56 trillion words
• Launch date: December 2023
• Execution: In the cloud

Gemini Nano

• Parameters: 100 billion
• Training dataset: 1.56 trillion words
• Launch date: December 2023
• Execution: On the device

Gemini Ultra

• An experimental version still under development, undergoing testing and trustworthiness checks with a select group of specialists.
• Parameters: Significantly more than previous versions, at 100 trillion.
• Execution: Optimized for complex multimodal reasoning processes.
• Gradual release to select customers.

Gemini Pro

• Parameters: Up to 100 trillion
• Training dataset: Customized
• Launch date: 2023
• Execution: In the cloud
• Cost: Subscription-based

Gemini AI Versions Comparison

Source: Google

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Differences with Bard

The main differences between Gemini and Bard are:

• Size: Gemini is significantly larger than Bard. Gemini 1.0 has 1.6 trillion parameters, while Bard has 137 billion.
• Training dataset: Gemini is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, while Bard is trained on text only.
• Multimodal capability: Gemini is multimodal, meaning it can understand and generate text, code, images, and audio. Bard specializes in generating text.
• Execution: Gemini runs in the cloud, while Bard can run both in the cloud and on devices, making
• In summary, Gemini is a more powerful language model than Bard, with a larger size, more comprehensive training dataset, and multimodal capabilities. However, Bard is more efficient for applications requiring quick and efficient processing.

A Blast from the Past 

While the official launch date remains undisclosed, one curious onlooker stumbled upon a yet-to-open CosMc’s location in Bolingbrook, Illinois, offering an impromptu sneak peek into the galactic-themed venture. Boasting an otherworldly aesthetic inspired by the extraterrestrial character “CosMc,” this new spinoff promises a unique personality while retaining the familiar DNA of McDonald’s.

Mcdonald’s is launching a new brand called CosMc’s–named after their 1980’s mascot pic.twitter.com/ooCQhYo7Yj

— Preston ¬‿¬ (@prestonattebery) December 1, 2023

What is CosMc’s?

Described by Kempczinski as a “small format concept,” CosMc’s aims to capitalize on the nostalgia market that has proven successful for McDonald’s in recent times. The cosmic character, absent from the McDonald’s universe for over three decades, is making a comeback with a space-based, futurism-of-the-past aesthetic. The move follows McDonald’s successful ventures into nostalgia, including adult Happy Meals, the return of the Hamburglar, and the revival of Grimace with a special birthday meal and a purple shake.

McDonald’s is launching a new concept and I was just there and grabbed pics of a whole new menu of items never been offered before

The concept is being launched in Bollingrbook, IL and it’s called CosMc’s

It’s not open yet and there was a full team of actors in the drive thru… pic.twitter.com/Z64g4ykZXT

— Iman Jalali (@Stealx) November 29, 2023

The Enigmatic CosMc

The character CosMc, introduced in a 1987 commercial titled “The Story of CosMc,” is remembered for his trade mission to McDonaldland, where he engages in a series of humorous exchanges with Ronald McDonald and other characters. With a round, googly-eyed orange appearance, antennae, and a chrome space suit, CosMc is an emblematic figure from McDonald’s past. It remains uncertain if the mascot will make a return as part of the CosMc’s concept launch.

The Cosmic Menu Unveiled

Although McDonald’s has not officially disclosed the CosMc’s menu, a Chicago-area real estate investor, Iman Jalali, claims to have captured images of a menu board outside an upcoming CosMc’s location. The drive-thru menu features an array of teas, lemonades, coffees, slushies, frappes, and signature fruit drinks called “Galactic Boosts.” Excitingly, the menu includes items such as the Spicy Queso Sandwich, Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich, Pretzel Bites, Savory Hash Brown Bites, and a selection of classic all-day breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin, Bacon McMuffin with Egg, and Sausage McMuffin with Egg. Traditional McFlurry flavors are also set to make a comeback.

Jalali’s photos were taken in Bolingbrook, the site of the first CosMc’s opening, providing a glimpse into the cosmic culinary offerings. However, it remains uncertain if the items featured on the board will be part of the official launch.

McDonald’s is launching a new concept and I was just there and grabbed pics of a whole new menu of items never been offered before

The concept is being launched in Bollingrbook, IL and it’s called CosMc’s

It’s not open yet and there was a full team of actors in the drive thru… pic.twitter.com/Z64g4ykZXT

— Iman Jalali (@Stealx) November 29, 2023

McDonald’s promises to reveal additional details about CosMc’s during the upcoming Investor Day at the end of the year. Until then, the cosmic journey into McDonald’s nostalgic past has enthusiasts counting down the days until the limited chain’s highly anticipated launch in early 2024.

READ MORE:

The Power of Integrated Marketing Communications

Can AI Extend the Boundaries of Privacy to the Unconscious Mind?

IMC is a strategic approach to marketing that focuses on creating a seamless and consistent brand experience for consumers across all touchpoints. In this article, we’ll explore the power of integrated marketing communications and how it can benefit your business.

What is Integrated Marketing Communications?

Integrated marketing communications is a holistic approach to marketing that combines all aspects of marketing communication, such as advertising, public relations, direct marketing, and sales promotion, to create a unified and consistent message for consumers.

The goal of IMC is to ensure that all marketing efforts work together to deliver a clear and consistent message to consumers, regardless of the channel or medium. This approach recognizes that consumers are exposed to multiple touchpoints and messages from a brand, and aims to create a seamless and cohesive experience for them.

The Benefits of Integrated Marketing Communications

Consistent Brand Messaging

One of the key benefits of IMC is the ability to deliver a consistent brand message to consumers. By integrating all marketing efforts, companies can ensure that their brand message is consistent across all channels and touchpoints. This helps to build brand recognition and trust with consumers, as they are exposed to a unified and cohesive message.

Cost-Effective

IMC can also be a cost-effective approach to marketing. By integrating all marketing efforts, companies can avoid duplication of efforts and resources. This can lead to cost savings and a more efficient use of marketing budgets.

Increased ROI

By delivering a consistent and cohesive message to consumers, IMC can also lead to increased return on investment (ROI). When all marketing efforts are working together, they can reinforce each other and create a stronger impact on consumers. This can lead to increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales.

Better Understanding of Target Audience

IMC also allows companies to gain a better understanding of their target audience. By integrating all marketing efforts, companies can track and analyze consumer behavior across different channels and touchpoints. This can provide valuable insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and needs, which can inform future marketing strategies.

How to Implement an Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy

Define Your Brand Message

The first step in implementing an IMC strategy is to define your brand message. This should be a clear and concise statement that communicates your brand’s values, mission, and unique selling proposition. This message will serve as the foundation for all marketing efforts and should be consistent across all channels and touchpoints.

Identify Your Target Audience

Next, it’s important to identify your target audience. This will help you determine which channels and touchpoints are most effective for reaching them. By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your messaging and marketing efforts to better resonate with them.

Integrate Your Marketing Efforts

The key to successful IMC is integration. This means that all marketing efforts should work together to deliver a consistent and cohesive message to consumers. This includes traditional marketing channels such as print, TV, and radio, as well as digital channels such as social media, email, and websites.

Use Data to Inform Your Strategy

Data is a powerful tool in IMC. By tracking and analyzing consumer behavior across different channels and touchpoints, companies can gain valuable insights into their target audience and the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. This data can then be used to inform future marketing strategies and improve ROI.

Real-World Examples of Successful IMC Strategies

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign

In 2011, Coca-Cola launched its “Share a Coke” campaign, which was a prime example of successful IMC. The campaign featured personalized bottles and cans with popular names and phrases, encouraging consumers to share a Coke with their friends and family. This campaign was integrated across all channels, including TV, print, social media, and in-store displays. As a result, Coca-Cola saw a 2% increase in sales and a 7% increase in consumption.

Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign

Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” campaign is another example of successful IMC. The campaign, which launched in 1988, has been consistently used across all marketing channels, including TV, print, and digital. This consistent messaging has helped to build Nike’s brand recognition and has contributed to its success as a leading athletic brand.

Careers in Integrated Marketing Communications

As the importance of IMC continues to grow, so do career opportunities in this field. Some common job titles in IMC include marketing manager, brand manager, advertising manager, and public relations specialist. These roles require a strong understanding of marketing principles, as well as the ability to integrate and coordinate marketing efforts across different channels and touchpoints.

By integrating all marketing efforts, companies can save costs, increase ROI, and gain a better understanding of their target audience. As the business landscape continues to evolve, IMC will become even more important for companies looking to stand out in a crowded market.

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It is estimated that only 5% of our brain activity occurs at a conscious level. The remaining 95% operates below the conscious threshold, without us having any real control or even awareness of it happening. However, as Ignasi Beltran de Heredia, professor of Law and Political Science Studies at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) and author of the book Artificial Intelligence and Neurorights (Aranzadi, 2023), explains, this does not mean there are no ways to influence beyond consciousness.

“Artificial intelligence can do so in two ways,” says the researcher. “First, by collecting data about our lives and creating an architecture of decisions that leads you to make a specific choice. Second, by applications or devices that directly generate irresistible impulses for our unconscious mind, thus achieving subliminal responses.”

As AI systems become more advanced and interconnected with humans, both options will likely become more commonplace. Algorithms will have increasing amounts of personal data to create detailed behavior profiles. Instruments capable of eliciting impulsive reactions will also improve. This poses significant risks of people “dancing without knowing why,” as Beltran de Heredia vividly puts it.

The professor argues that workplace health and safety is one area where attempts at conditioning human behavior via AI may first emerge. Various intrusive technologies are already in use, like bus driver microsleep monitoring devices or EEG sensors tracking employees’ brain waves to detect stress and attention levels at work. “It’s hard to make projections about the future, but if we don’t set limits on these types of intrusive technologies, which are still in early development stages, they will likely keep improving and spreading in the name of productivity,” highlights the researcher.

The EU’s proposed new AI regulations aim to anticipate potential risks. However, subsequent amendments have watered down initial outright bans. The latest version prohibits “deliberately manipulative or exploitative” techniques that “significantly impair a person’s ability to make an informed decision.” But as Beltran de Heredia argues, this leaves the door open. It requires proving not only harm but also that a person wouldn’t have behaved that way otherwise. Yet by definition unconscious processes are inaccessible, so meeting that burden of proof would be impossible.

Permitting any access to unconscious mental processes, even with good intentions, relinquishes control over who can access our innermost sense of self and for what purposes. As the professor emphasizes: “Our unconscious minds refer to the most intimate aspects of our personalities and should be absolutely shielded.” Regulations must reflect the gravity of potential intrusions into this last frontier of privacy in the AI age.

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The Economic Context

The global economic landscape has been slowing down, with capital becoming increasingly expensive. This challenging environment has not spared the tech industry giants, leading to a trend of workforce reductions across various companies. Spotify’s layoffs are a part of this larger narrative, reflecting the need for companies to reassess their strategies and resources in light of economic uncertainties.

Despite Spotify’s impressive strides in recent years, including a positive earnings report, the company faces a crucial gap between its financial aspirations and operational costs. Reducing its workforce is rooted in a strategic realignment to ensure the company’s sustainability and continued growth. Ek’s communication emphasizes that this decision, albeit difficult, is essential for Spotify to remain competitive and achieve its goal of being the world’s leading audio company.

Impact on Employees and Company Culture

The layoffs at Spotify affect many individuals who have contributed significantly to the company’s success. Ek acknowledges these employees’ talent and hard work, stressing that their efforts have profoundly impacted millions of users and creators worldwide. While necessary from a business perspective, this move is not without its human cost, which the company addresses with severance packages, healthcare coverage, and career support services.

Economic Growth vs. Operational Efficiency

One of the critical aspects of Spotify Layoffs is the balance between economic growth and operational efficiency. The tech industry, known for its rapid expansion and competitive edge, is now facing a phase where efficiency and productivity are as crucial as growth. Spotify’s layoffs can be seen as a response to this changing dynamic, where having a leaner, more focused workforce is critical to navigating the current economic climate.

Looking ahead, Spotify’s decision to reduce its workforce is a strategic move aimed at forging a stronger, more efficient future for the company. This step is not just about cost-cutting but is also about realigning the company’s resources and focus. As Spotify navigates through these changes, it will be essential to monitor how this decision impacts its ability to innovate, grow, and maintain its position as a leader in the music streaming industry.

Spotify has demonstrated remarkable revenue growth over the years. In 2022, the company reported over 11.7 billion euros in revenue according to information from the company, mainly driven by its premium subscribers. This growth trajectory, however, contrasts starkly with its financial challenges. Despite increasing revenues, Spotify has experienced significant jumps in operating losses, which climbed from 73 million euros in 2019 to 293 million euros in 2020.

High Costs and Operational Efficiency

The underlying reason for Spotify’s financial strain lies in its high operational costs. Investments in content creation, marketing, rights acquisition, and expansion into new verticals have been pivotal to Spotify’s growth. However, these areas have also contributed to a bloated cost structure, pressuring the company’s profitability. The recent layoffs can be interpreted as a strategic move to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Investment Strategies and Their Impact

Spotify’s aggressive investment strategies, especially during the years of low-cost capital, have paid dividends in terms of growth and market share. However, these strategies require reassessment in the current economic climate, where money has become more expensive. Spotify’s decision reflects a shift in focus from rapid expansion to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

An insightful metric in Spotify’s financial assessment is the revenue per employee. Over the years, this figure has fluctuated, indicating the challenges in maintaining efficiency amid rapid growth. In this context, the layoffs are an attempt to optimize this metric, aligning the workforce size with the company’s financial and operational goals.

Year-over-Year Growth and Future Outlook

Spotify’s year-over-year revenue growth paints a picture of a company that has successfully expanded its market reach. However, this growth needs to be balanced with profitability. The layoffs signify a strategic pivot, focusing on a leaner structure that can support sustainable growth and profitability.

Spotify’s financial journey, marked by impressive revenue growth but challenged by significant operational losses, highlights the complexities of scaling in the digital music industry. The recent layoffs are a strategic response to these challenges, aiming to realign the company’s cost structure with its financial goals. As Spotify moves forward, its ability to balance growth with profitability will be crucial in determining its long-term success and its role as a leader in the music streaming market.

Spotify Layoffs: One Last Dance

Spotify’s recent announcement of layoffs, as detailed by CEO Daniel Ek, is a telling sign of the times for the tech and music streaming industries. This move, a reaction to the global economic downturn, is about reducing headcount and realigning the company’s strategic direction. In an industry where growth and expansion have long been the benchmarks of success, Spotify’s decision underscores the need for a more balanced approach that weighs the importance of operational efficiency alongside ambitious growth. The move also speaks to the broader narrative within the tech world, where companies, even the most successful ones, are forced to adapt swiftly to economic realities and market fluctuations.

While the financial aspects of Spotify’s layoffs are evident, the human cost of such corporate decisions should not be understated. The impact on the lives of those who have contributed to Spotify’s growth is significant, and the company’s handling of this transition – through severance packages, healthcare continuation, and career support services – will be a critical measure of its commitment to its values and workforce. This approach will affect the company’s internal morale and its reputation in the industry and among consumers.

While a reflection of current economic challenges, Spotify’s layoffs also mark a pivotal moment for the company in balancing growth with profitability. This strategic shift is likely to have lasting implications not just for Spotify but for the tech and music streaming industries. As the market continues to evolve, how companies like Spotify navigate these changes will provide valuable insights into growth, sustainability, and corporate responsibility dynamics in the digital age.

Backer’s insights highlight how platforms such as Facebook and Instagram intricately manipulate our brain’s reward system, triggering bursts of dopamine that foster addictive behavior. Sophisticated algorithms capitalize on the vulnerabilities within the human amygdala, exploiting our instinctual responses to novelty and potential threats.

The consequence? A barrage of captivating content that perpetually distracts us, undermining our ability to focus and potentially reshaping how we encode and retain information into enduring memories.

However, amidst the concerns, Backer acknowledges the constructive facets technology offers. It has fueled unprecedented avenues of creativity. Yet, the paradox remains: a hyperconnected world often leaves us starved in vital areas. Meaningful interactions, social skills development offline, and moments of undistracted introspection dwindle in this digital deluge.

In response to this landscape, the author proffers pragmatic solutions. From parental control applications to minimalist phone settings, and conscientious rituals fostering deep socialization and learning, Backer advocates a mindful approach. He contends that while we need not sever ties with technology, a more conscious and value-driven engagement is imperative.

The crux lies not in abandoning technology but in harnessing it with informed intention, aligning it with our true values and priorities as individuals. It’s about reclaiming our agency in a digitally inundated world and forging a balanced relationship that respects our humanity.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this exploration invites us to consider the transformative potential of technology while urging us to navigate it with greater mindfulness and purpose.

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