And Biden’s polling paints a grim picture for Democrats | The Morocco Earthquake is a test of US foreign policy | 57 Watch Brands | Navigating 6 Expensive Razors
September 16, 2023
Good morning, Ambassadors. Here's your weekly news round-up - this week on Saturday: Our favorite "fast casual" restaurant, Chick-fil-A, is expanding into the UK (again). For real this time. And we look at Biden's latest polling, talk about the Moroccan earthquake as a decision point for US-Middle East foreign relations, and round out with an overview of men's watches and expensive razors. Let us know if you have any feedback, comments, or ideas by emailing us at editor@ambtimes.com. Stay informed, timely, and well-groomed.
Marketplace
Chick-fil-A expanding into UK in 2025 (Fox Business)
Chick-fil-A, the American fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches, has announced plans to expand to the United Kingdom in early 2025. The company aims to open the first of five restaurants in the U.K. within a two-year span, marking its “first permanent store outside of North America.”
The expansion comes after a brief, unsuccessful stint in the U.K. in 2019, which faced protests from LGBTQ activists. Chick-fil-A plans to invest $100 million in the U.K. over a decade and is projecting to create between 80 and 120 jobs at the new locations. The company also has further expansion plans in Europe and Asia.
Current Affairs
Panic Button? More Brutal Polling for Democrats (Townhall)
The article from Townhall discusses recent polling data that paints a grim picture for Democrats, particularly concerning President Joe Biden’s economic policies. According to a Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School, and USA TODAY Poll, only 20% of respondents feel the economy is improving, while 70% believe it’s getting worse. Additionally, 47% trust Donald Trump more to improve the economy compared to 36% for Biden.
The article suggests that these numbers, along with other unfavorable metrics, indicate that Biden could face significant challenges in the upcoming election, even if he runs against Donald Trump, whom the article describes as his “preferred opponent.”
Foreign Affairs
The Morocco Earthquake: A Test for US-Morocco Relations (Ambassador Times)
Our article from Ambassador Times discusses the recent devastating earthquake in Morocco and its implications for U.S.-Morocco relations. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.8, resulted in significant loss of life and property, affecting areas near the High Atlas mountain range and the city of Marrakesh. The disaster has prompted international aid and support, including from countries like France, Spain, and even Algeria, which had severed diplomatic ties with Morocco.
Our article argues that this natural disaster serves as a critical test for the relationship between the United States and Morocco, especially in light of the U.S.’s controversial stance on Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory. It suggests that the U.S. has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to Morocco by providing aid and support, thereby strengthening its alliances and standing in the Middle East.
Men’s Style
Ranking 57 Watch Brands – Best & Worst (Gentleman’s Gazette)
The article from Gentleman’s Gazette provides an in-depth ranking of 57 luxury watch brands, featuring insights from Federico Iossa, a watch business owner and influencer. The ranking covers a wide range of brands, from industry giants like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet to lesser-known names.
The article discusses various factors that contribute to the ranking, such as brand recognition, craftsmanship, and value for money. Brands like Rolex and Omega are considered solid but not spectacular, while Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Söhne receive high praise for their craftsmanship. The article is a tremendous guide for readers to navigate the complex landscape of luxury watches, offering both expert opinions and detailed explanations for each ranking.
Manhood
We Tested Six Expensive Men’s Razors. One Stood Out. (WSJ)
The Wall Street Journal article explores the efficacy and value of six high-end men’s razors, ranging in price from $59 to $520. The author tested both multi-blade cartridge razors and traditional safety razors, finding varying levels of comfort, design, and shaving effectiveness. While some razors like the Acqua di Parma’s Barbiere Yellow Shaving Razor ($435) and the Leaf Single Edge Razor ($59) impressed with their design and performance, others like the Bolin Webb X1 Carbon Razor and Stand ($520) fell short.
Ultimately, the Henson AL 13 ($70) stood out for its sleek design and efficient shaving, leading the author to conclude that it has “ruined drugstore razors” for him.