Banterer

Spin-off

6/19/2013

“Hmmm... he sounds dreamy.” – Puss-In-Boots (Shrek 2, 2004)

“Arrested Development”, “Shrek”, and “Sherman and Mr. Peabody” are all part of Netflix move towards original content. A deal between Netflix and DreamWorks has been made, providing Netflix the rights to develop television series with original animated DreamWorks characters, as well as animated classic characters. While the financial terms of the deal are not made public, Netflix stock jumped 7%. (Pepitone, 2013)

The consistency of Netflix increasing stock price has allowed for a return to the Nasdaq100 index. As an index reserved for industry leaders, Netflix was picked up in 2010 when it shares were hovering around $200.00 a share. In 2012, shares deflated to $90 a share and the Nasdaq100 cut them from the index.  This was during the decision made by Netflix to offer DVD rentals and online streaming as two different plans, or members could retain the all-in-one plan at a higher price. (Kelleher, 2013)

Like a cat that lands on its feet when it’s dropped, Netflix quickly recovered.  Their shares have grown by 147% since being cut from the Nasdaq100 in December of 2012. Their performance can be looked at from two angles, their increase in revenue and their negative cash flow. For the time being, the revenue is giving them the appearance of a healthy stock.  They were welcomed back to the index on June 6, 2013.

The entertainment giant is less concerned with short term profits, but is focusing on the long term. They stand the best chance at continued success by offering up original series.   They can draw in new customers  with content not available elsewhere.  Existing customers, who may have pondered the idea of cancellation, may stick around through the end of a series.  With the damage they did to blockbuster in the video business, they are now looking to make HBO a major rival.  Netflix Ted Sarandos puts it this way, “to become HBO faster than HBO can become Netflix.” (Salmon, 2013)

True form may be seen as an ogre to rivals, Netflix shareholders see only the fair princess that lies beneath. After dropping to $90 a share last year, Netflix thought may have been, “but I don’t understand, I’m supposed to be beautiful.”  Shareholders replied with, “but you are beautiful.” (Shrek, 2001)  In 2014, we may see the first originally programing of the Shrek series. As for their stock remaining in the kingdom of “Far, Far, Away”, keep an eye on the spin-offs.

Works Cited
Andrew Adamson, K. A. (Director). (2004). Shrek 2 [Motion Picture].
Andrew Adamson, V. J. (Director). (2001). Shrek [Motion Picture].
Kelleher, K. (2013, June 5). Netflix bulls vs bears: Who has the upper hand? Retrieved June 19, 2013, from CNNMoney: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/06/05/netflix-bulls-vs-bears-who-has-the-upper-hand/?iid=EL
Pepitone, J. (2013, June 17). Netflix to debut original DreamWorks Animation shows. Retrieved June 19, 2013, from CNNMoney: http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/17/technology/netflix-dreamworks/index.html
Salmon, F. (2013, June 13). Why Netflix is producing original content. Retrieved June 19, 2013, from Reuters: http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2013/06/13/why-netflix-is-producing-original-content/

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"Peanuts"

6/5/2013

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“In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.” – Charles Schulz (Charles M. Schulz Quotes, 2013)

White House press secretary, James Carney, has indicated the newest sanctions imposed on Iran target the rial. (Nichols, 2013) As the US looks to create peanuts from the rial currency, there are a few ideas to be taken from Charles Schultz and his creation of peanuts. When Iran is willing to negotiate, the sanctions must be as easy to remove as the football Lucy held in place for Charlie Brown.  Sanctions are meant to encourage Iran to negotiate.  If the sanctions placed are too hard to reverse, the sanctions could cause the opposite response, driving Iran to pursue nuclear weapons. (Sherman, 2013)

“Ten seconds, indication of fear.  Thirty seconds, symptoms of panic.  Forty two seconds, subject began to perspire.  Eyes appear glazed, fifty seconds.  Subject passed out.” (Brad Gibson, 2008)  As we want our opposition to be as nervous as possible about the pressure we’re placing, we also want to give them the option of having their blanket returned. Financial security can be a great bargaining tool. Iran has returned to negotiate more than once during previous times of sanctions.

With Carter as president, sanctions were imposed upon Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis.  The hostages were released in January of ’81, after a deal was reached between the US and Iran. The US had to return Iran to the financial state the nation held prior to the hostage crisis, and all sanctions had to be revoked. The hostages were released within 2 days after an agreement was reached.  This proves the subject recovers upon return of their security blanket.

Time limits are in effect in order for the pressure we place to be taken seriously. No waiting for the “Great Pumpkin” to prove himself.  However, there is enough time for a new president to be elected prior to the new sanctions taking effect.

As luck has it, three consecutive terms in office is not an option for Iran’s current leader.  Accusations flew of the 2009 election being rigged, and their economy has suffered under president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Although the sanctions are not said to be timed against Iran’s presidential race, the elections are scheduled for June 14, 13. The US may weigh out better, if the new president is not one of the original captors of the 79-81 hostage crises. (Shoup, 2009)


Works Cited
Charles M. Schulz Qoutes. (2013). Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/57389-in-the-book-of-life-the-answers-aren-t-in-the
Brad Gibson, J. T. (Director). (2008). Peanuts Motion Comics: Science Project [Motion Picture].
Nichols, H. (2013, 06 03). Obama Authorizes New Iran Sanctions Targeting Currency.  Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-03/obama-authorizes-new-iran-sanctions-targeting-currency.html
Sherman, W. (2013, 06 04). Senate Banking Committee - Iran Sanctions. (E. Warren, Interviewer)
Shoup, A. (2009, 07 01). Governing Iran. Retrieved 06 05, 2013, from PBS Newshour: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/middle_east/iran/leader_ahmadinejad.html

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Spin-off

"Peanuts"

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