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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - May 11, 2017
May 11, 2017
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Mother's Day is Sunday:
Hallmark says Mother's Day is the third-most popular card-buying holiday, with 162 million cards sold. That's because so many people use the occasion to celebrate relationships with sisters, aunts, and other important women in their lives, it. (Only Christmas and Valentine's Day are bigger.) And among Hispanics, Mother's Day is the single biggest card day of the year.
The National Retail Federation predicts total Mother's Day spending will reach $23.6 billion this year, the highest in the 13 years it has tracked the holiday. Mom will get $5 billion spent on jewelry --bought by 36 percent of shoppers-- another $4.2 billion on special outings such as dinner or brunch and $2.6 billion on flowers (the most common gift).
About 80 percent tell the NRF they'll also buy Mom a greeting card.
The NRF reports that consumers spend about $172.22 on average on their Mom. (Kaye)Idle gossip & unconfirmed rumors:
Do you have the chops to become the next "American Idol?" You may score your ticket to Hollywood at the Happiest Place on Earth! TMZ reports the show will be hosting auditions at Walt Disney World in Orlando because it's cheaper than hitting up different cities and promotes the family brand.
Meanwhile, sources say KELLY CLARKSON has expressed "serious interest" in becoming a judge on the show that jump-started her career and her people are trying to clear her schedule. (Lee)Off the beaten path:
If you're in the market for a new home and happen to love clowns, we have just the house for you.
A 748-square-foot "charming brick bungalow" for sale in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, whichfeatures wall-to-wall clown memorabilia. Realtor KYLE JANSINK says, "We are not clowning around." Jansink admits the hundreds of clown photos, dolls, and statues in the bungalow drove away potential buyers at first. But, the real estate listing has now gone viral worldwide and he has "multiple offers lined up."
The asking price is just below $240-thousand but Jansink expects it to sell for much more, thanks to the décor. (Still)Grace notes from Vinny Marino:
DIDDY is the world's wealthiest hip-hop artist. Forbes' new list has him on top with an estimated net worth of $820-million dollars. That also includes Diddy's earnings from his deals with Ciroc vodka, and his Sean John line of clothing. JAY-Z is second with $810-million dollars, mostly thanks to the $200-million Sprint invested in his Tidal music streaming service in January. DR. DRE is third with $740-million; BRIAN "BIRDMAN" WILLIAMS has $110-million and DRAKE rounds out the Top 5 with $90-million dollars. (Marino)
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