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  • Macron announces France will invest billions to neutralize Europe’s largest threat to liberty since WWII

    Macron’s Bold Bet on Defence

    When French President Emmanuel Macron rolled out his new defence budget plans on Sunday, he wasn’t just signing a check‑book—he was shouting a warning to his neighbors: Europe is up against a threat that feels like a giant, rum‑blowing storm, stronger than any straight‑line menace since the end of World War II.

    What the Plan Looks Like

    • Boost national defence spending by €30 billion over the next four years.
    • Focus on cyber‑security and drone technology as the new frontlines.
    • Allocate funds for more advanced fighter jets and cutting‑edge naval vessels.
    • Increase cooperation with the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to push unified action.

    Why It Matters

    Macron says Europe’s gloom isn’t just a political buzzword. He points to:

    • Rapidly evolving state‑sponsored cyber‑attacks that can cripple a country overnight.
    • The growing influence of unpredictable actors on the global stage.
    • Recent intelligence suggesting a coordinated shadow strategy by hostile neighbours.
    What the European Community Thinks

    While some European leaders nod in agreement, others are worried about the trade‑off: Will the coffee shops and croissants feel the pinch? Some economists argue the priority should stay on climate change and social welfare.

    But Macron isn’t backing down: “We must act now,” he says, adopting a tone that feels more like a rallying cry than a policy brief.

    The Bottom Line

    In short, France is stepping up its game. The President’s speech is a dramatic showcase that France intends to go from a “defense whisperer” to a “hard‑talking defender”, with a budget that will keep the region on its toes—hopefully with fewer surprises and more coffee breaks.

    Macron’s Military Money Parade

    When the French President Bows for a Bigger Defense Budget

    On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron rolled out a €6.5 billion “boost” in defense spending—think of it as buying an extra cup of coffee for the whole army, but for two years and with a lot more paperwork.

    • Why now? “Freedom feels like it’s about to get the world’s biggest haircut,” Macron declared as he addressed the troops on the eve of Bastille Day. “Since 1945, liberty has never seemed so under threat.”
    • “To be free, you must be feared; to be feared, you must be powerful.” — because apparently nothing says protection like a confident military.
    • Target figure for 2027: €64 billion. Twice the budget that existed when Macron first took the helm in 2017.
    • Can France afford it? The president insists so—despite a pledge to trim national debt. “We’re tightening our pockets and tightening. Who knew?” he quipped.

    Political Reactions

    • Conservatives & far‑right throw their hats in: “We’re ready for the extra beef!”
    • Left‑wing parties are throwing a cold shoulder: “Looks like we’re trimming social welfare to beef up the army.”

    The Liabilities on the Horizon

    Macron’s warning list is long: Russia’s war in Ukraine, simmering Middle‑East tensions, and a new breed of foreign disinformation campaigns aimed even at kids.

    Nuke Talk

    • He wants a “strategic dialogue” with European allies about France’s nuclear arsenal—because nothing says “collaborate” like potential bomb diplomacy.
    • France and the UK recently decided to team up on nuclear defense—so basically, “we’re in this together.”

    Timing is Everything

    The speech came just as Joe Biden looks to speak about Russia, Donald Trump (yes, the returns) is expected to drop some news on Monday, and the top NATO leader is off to Washington for a “two‑day chat” that could very well involve more budget spreadsheets.

    Bottom line: France is shoving more money into its guns, trying to keep Europe safe and feeling big.

  • British Comedy Writer Arrested For Three Gender-Critical Tweets; Hospitalized As A Result

    British Comedy Writer Arrested For Three Gender-Critical Tweets; Hospitalized As A Result

    Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news,

    An acclaimed comedy writer in the UK was arrested and thrown in a jail cell over three tweets that were critical of gender ideology, causing him to become extremely stressed and require hospitalisation.

    In a recent Substack post, Graham Linehan recounts his arrest at Heathrow Airport upon returning from the US, a development he attributes to complaints from trans activists over three tweets.

    Author JK Rowling shared the news via her X account.

    The ordeal began even before Linehan boarded his flight in Arizona. “When I handed over my passport at the gate, the official told me I didn’t have a seat and had to be re-ticketed,” he writes, initially dismissing it as a typical travel mishap. In hindsight, however, he believes it was a sign he’d been “flagged” by authorities, speculating that “Someone, somewhere, probably wearing unconvincing make-up and his sister/wife’s/mum’s underwear, had made a phone call.”

    Upon landing at Heathrow, Linehan says he was met by “five armed police officers” who escorted him to a private area and informed him he was under arrest for the tweets. He emphasizes the absurdity of the situation, noting “In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer for this tweet (and no, I promise you, I am not making this up.”

    The tweets in question included one showing a man in women’s clothing with the caption implying a call to challenge such individuals, and a follow-up referencing a “punch in the bollocks” as a metaphorical point about height differences and self-defense, not literal violence.

    Linehan’s initial reaction was one of disbelief and humor: “When I first saw the cops, I actually laughed. I couldn’t help myself. ‘Don’t tell me! You’ve been sent by trans activists,’” he writes.

    At the Heathrow police station, Linehan recounts how his belongings were confiscated, including his belt, bag, and devices. He was placed in a “small green-tiled cell with a bunk, a silver toilet in the corner and a message from Crimestoppers on the ceiling next to a concave mirror that was presumably there to make you reflect on your life choices.”

    During the police interview, Linehan remarks that the tone became more intense. An officer questioned him about each tweet “with the sort of earnest intensity usually reserved for discussing something serious like… oh, I dunno—crime?”

    Linehan defended his posts, explaining that the ‘punch’ tweet was “a serious point made with a joke,” explaining that “Men who enter women’s spaces ARE abusers and they need to be challenged every time.”

    Search for the Mangoes… JUST arrived

    The conversation touched on terminology when the officer used “trans people,” prompting Linehan to challenge: “I asked him what he meant by the phrase. ‘People who feel their gender is different than what was assigned at birth.’ I said ‘Assigned at birth? Our sex isn’t assigned.’” He dismissed the officer’s response as “semantics” and accused him of using “activist language,” lamenting that “The damage Stonewall has done to the UK police force will take years to mend.”

    Linehan recounts that the stress of the situation took a huge physical toll on him, and when a nurse checked on him, it was discovered that his blood pressure was “over 200—stroke territory,” and he was rushed to A&E for observation.

    Linehan attributes this to “The stress of being arrested for jokes,” combined with travel fatigue, and his ongoing eight-year battle against “trans activists working in tandem with police in a dedicated, persistent harassment campaign because I refuse to believe that lesbians have cocks.”

    Linehan’s account paints a picture of a surreal clash between free speech, activism, and law enforcement, highlighting his frustration with a system that now prioritises ideological complaints over real crimes.

    Is it a coincidence that Linehan was on the world’s most popular podcast just three weeks ago talking about how much of a police state Britain has become?

    Linehan has been targeted for cancellation and much worse for years now, since making his views on the gender issue clear:

    The Free Speech Union in the UK has announced that it will back Linehan, posting on X:

    We do not believe Graham’s arrest or the bail conditions imposed were lawful. We will be backing him all the way in his fight against these preposterous allegations and the disproportionate response from the police.

    When @Glinner landed at Heathrow, he was met by five armed police officers, and immediately arrested.

    His ‘crime’? Three gender-critical tweets.

    As Graham says in his Substack:

    “In a country where paedophiles escape sentencing, where knife crime is out of control, where women are assaulted and harassed every time they gather to speak, the state had mobilised five armed officers to arrest a comedy writer.”

    Graham’s single bail condition is that he does not go on X.

    All of this comes in the wake of Prime Minister Kier Starmer repeatedly claiming that the UK is proud of free speech.

    *  *  *

    Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.

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  • Scott Bessent Unveiled: Top Takeaways From Fox and Bloomberg

    Scott Bessent Unveiled: Top Takeaways From Fox and Bloomberg

    Inside the Treasury: Bessent Talks Deals, Deficits, and a Dash of Musk‑Style Hyper‑Efficiency

    Imagine a morning where two big news outlets—Fox News and Bloomberg TV—get a front‑row seat to the Treasury’s chief, Scott Bessent. The result? A series of promises, half‑sheared numbers, and a sprinkle of sarcasm that might just keep your coffee unconscious.

    Deal‑Making on the Fast‑Track

    • Bessent says “several large” trade deals will be announced in the next couple of weeks.
    • He expects in‑person sit‑downs with China as the tariff negotiations heat up.
    • The 90‑day pause on the steep reciprocal rates is about to run out—no time to dilate.
    • “We’re moving quick, see,” the official jokes, because the countdown feels like a hallway on a coffee‑guzzling day.

    China, China, China

    The U.S. is set on handing out tariff talk cards again. “Negotiating in person again,” Bessent stated, giving the Chinese side a full‑blown invitation to the party. Democrats? Maybe a handshake without a handshake.

    EU: The “Collective Action Problem”

    While most partners have been “in very good faith,” the EU stands out like a lumpy sock in a well‑fed marbled deck. Trump’s looming 50% tariff threat on EU goods (starting June 1) was almost a comedic slap—“Because their discussions are just nowhere.” Bessent mused that a 20% tariff was a modest pledge, a short‑stop comparison to his actual threats. He added a cheeky shoutout to Germany, hinting at a potential U.S.–Germany reset under Chancellor Merz, just in case.

    Deficits, Growth, and Gravity‑Defying Numbers

    • Bessent’s prediction: the U.S. budget deficit by 2028 could be about 3% with revenue from tariffs.
    • He argues that a growing economy must outpace debt—the classic parenting mantra: “Make the baby grow faster than the cost of feeding it.”
    • He admits Congress is notorious for “resistance to spending cuts,” which truly opens a floodgate of sarcastic sighs.

    Tariff Equilibrium: The Numbers Party

    The Treasury chief claims a tariff equilibrium is on the horizon. As tariff and non‑tariff barriers shrink, friction dwindles, resulting in “hundreds of billions” of extra revenue each year. He’s confident that this will reduce the need for bond issuance, essentially turning out a slick new finance growth diagram on a crowded blackboard.

    From Musk to Money: Bessent’s Impromptu Ode

    While the collector’s item of Elon Musk’s Dogecoin venture is arguably the highlight of Bessent’s speech, he also pledges to keep bureaucracy from stalling progress. “We need to get costs under control,” he says, jotted down in a tweet spelled as if it were a prophecy from a supercharged AI. The tone is fitting: “One of the most important of my lifetime.” Spontaneous humor aside—fear not, no laughs at Elon’s expense—mindful of humor, yet human.

    Banking Buzz: The Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR)

    • Bessent says we’re very close to moving the SLR for banks.
    • When it shifts, yields could drop by “tens of basis points”—a subtle reminder that not all interest rates come from a plug‑and‑play button.

    Tick‑Tock: The “Big, Beautiful” Tax Bill & Bonds

    Despite the “Big, Beautiful” tax package rushing home to Congress, Bessent’s not worried about bond market spirals. He’s implying that market changes, including bond sell‑offs, are global. Oh, and yes—he’s biased toward the idea that our debt story’s beats “US growth” is the headline, not a policy speculation episode.

    There also is a placating mention of parallel trade deals that would soon shift focus to privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while the G7 worries about imbalances around China.

    All‑in‑One Summary

    • Heavy tariff revenue promised.
    • Deficit optimism (3% by 2028).
    • Deals announced soon, especially with China.
    • EU’s collective action problem aired.
    • Potential U.S.–Germany reset.
    • Minimal worries over bond moves; focus on growth.
    • SLR tweaks near summer, potentially easing Treasury yields.
    • Privatization goals after trade deals settle.
    • Harvard called a “giant hedge fund” in a surprise side remark.

    That’s the low‑down. A snapshot that’s all coffee‑house banter—treat it like it’s the next headline you’ll want to read before you turn back to that endless spreadsheet.

  • 10 Ways to Get Rid of Acne and Pimples? – Health Cages

    10 Ways to Get Rid of Acne and Pimples? – Health Cages

    Many people, about 85%, deal with acne and pimples at some point in their lives. It can be frustrating because these pesky pimples are hard to get rid of. The usual treatments sometimes cause problems like irritated and dry skin.
    (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})Because of this, many people try natural solutions to quickly get rid of acne and pimples. However, not all natural remedies work. 
    (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})Here are 10 ways to quickly get rid of acne and pimples, but keep in mind that there might not be a lot of scientific proof for their effectiveness.
    (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})

    1. tea tree oil

    Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a tree called Melaleuca alternifolia, which is found in  Australia. It’s known for fighting bacteria and reducing skin inflammation. This oil is great at battling the bacteria that cause pimples.
    (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})In one study, a gel with 5% tea tree oil was almost four times better at reducing acne and six times better at lessening its severity compared to a fake treatment. Another study showed that the tea tree oil gel worked just as well as a lotion with 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medicine, but with fewer side effects like dryness and irritation.But be careful – tea tree oil is strong and can make your skin red and irritated if used directly. So, it’s best to mix it with another oil before applying. Not a lot of research has been done on using tea tree oil on the skin, but some suggest it might help with acne, says the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. If you want to try it, be safe and test a small area of your skin first because undiluted tea tree oil can be irritating.
    (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({})

    2. Apply apple cider vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple cider, which is the juice from pressed apples.It’s like other vinegars and can fight bacteria and fungi. The citric acid in it, as found in a study from 2016, can kill P. acnes and zinc oxide.Another study from 2017 says that the lactic acid in apple cider vinegar might make acne scars look better.But, right now, there’s no proof that it works for acne. Some skin doctors say not to use it because it could make your skin irritated.

    3. Avoid touching pimples

    It might be hard but don’t touch your pimples. Touching, rubbing, or popping them can make your skin more irritated, and the pimple could get worse. It can even spread pimples to other parts of your skin.When you touch or squeeze a pimple, more bacteria can get in, making the infection worse. Squeezing can also push bacteria and dirt deeper into your skin, so the pimple might come back even worse.If you have big or deep pimples, it’s best to talk to a doctor to figure out how to treat them safely.

    4. green tea

    Green tea has lots of good things for your health because it’s packed with antioxidants. Drinking green tea might also help with acne.In a study from 2017, it was found that the stuff in green tea, called polyphenols, can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne.There’s not a lot of research on how drinking green tea helps with acne, and more studies are needed. In a small study from 2016, women who took a green tea extract for 4 weeks had less acne around their noses, chins, and mouths.Putting green tea on your skin might also be helpful. A study from 2020 showed that applying green tea extract to the skin can reduce oily stuff and pimples in people with acne.You can buy creams with green tea or easily make your mixture at home.

    5. fish oil

    Omega-3 fatty acids are good fats that are healthy for you. They can be found in certain foods and take some time to show results. Fish oils have two main types of omega-3s: EPA and DHA.A study from 2019 found that having a lot of EPA and DHA can lower things in your body that cause inflammation, which might make acne less likely.You can also get omega-3s from eatingsalmonSardineswalnutsanchovieschia seedsground flax seedsyou can take fish oil supplements.

    6. Reducing stress

    The American Academy of Dermatology says that stress can make acne worse.When you’re stressed, a hormone called androgen goes up, which can make the hair follicles and oil glands in your skin work more, leading to more acne.Here are some tips for handling stressTalk to your family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people.Make sure to get enough sleep.Eat a healthy and balanced diet.Exercise regularly.Don’t have too much alcohol or caffeine.Try deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation.

    7. Moisturize with aloe vera

    Aloe vera is a plant with gooey gel in its leaves. When you put this gel on your skin, it can fight bacteria, reduce swelling, and help wounds heal.People often use aloe vera for different skin problems like psoriasis, rashes, cuts, and burns.There are few studies on how aloe vera works for pimples, but the ones we have look promising. Aloe vera has stuff like lupeol, salicylic acid, and other things that can stop bacteria that cause pimples.In one study, they mixed aloe vera with clove-basil oil, and the more aloe vera they used, the better it was at reducing pimples.Another study found that using 50% aloe vera gel with an acne cream called tretinoin worked better than just using tretinoin alone.Even though aloe vera alone didn’t do a lot for pimples, it made other things, like clove-basil oil and tretinoin cream, work better. So, aloe vera might be more helpful when used with other treatments.

    8. Honey and cinnamon mask

    A mix of honey and cinnamon was shown in a study from 2017 to fight against P. acnes, the bacteria causing acne. Another study from 2020 said honey alone can stop P. acnes from growing or kill it. But just because honey does this doesn’t mean it’s a sure way to treat acne.In a study from 2016 with 136 people having acne, using honey on the skin after using antibacterial soap didn’t work any better than using the soap alone.Even though honey and cinnamon might help with acne because they can fight bacteria and reduce swelling, we need more research.Here’s an easy way to use honey and cinnamon: mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to make a paste. Put it on your face for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off and pat your face dry.

    9. witch hazel

    Witch hazel comes from the bark and leaves of a plant called the North American witch hazel shrub. Right now, there’s not much research on whether witch hazel helps with acne.In a small study from 2017, 30 people with mild or moderate acne used a special treatment with witch hazel for 6 weeks. Most of them saw a big improvement in their acne by the end of the study.Another study from 2019 suggested that witch hazel might fight bacteria and reduce skin irritation and swelling, which are things that can make acne worse.

    10. Rosemary

    Rosemary extract has things in it that can help fight against bad stuff in your body, like antioxidants, antibacterial stuff, and things that can make swelling go down.We need more research to know for sure if it works, but a study from 2016 said that rosemary extract might be able to make the swelling from acne-causing bacteria less.

    How do you get rid of acne and pimples quickly?

    tea tree oil Apply apple cider vinegar Avoid touching pimples green tea fish oil Reducing stress Moisturize with aloe vera Honey and cinnamon mask witch hazel Rosemary

    How do you get rid of acne permanently?

    Approximately 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin after it attacks all four causes of acne bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation.

    How can I remove acne at home?

    Apply 1 drop of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to pimples with a cotton swab. Follow with moisturizer, if desired. Repeat this process 1–2 times a day.

    Can ice remove pimples?

    Ice cubes can temporarily reduce swelling and numb the throbbing pain of deep acne. But they cannot prevent acne from returning. 

  • "We Haven't Heard Her Say She Didn't Do It": Bessent Burns Cook Over Mortgage Fraud Fiasco

    "We Haven't Heard Her Say She Didn't Do It": Bessent Burns Cook Over Mortgage Fraud Fiasco

    On Monday, President Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook – after Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte asked the DOJ to investigate her for suspected mortgage fraud. Pulte has been dropping receipts for over a week showing that Cook claimed two properties as her ‘primary’ residence – allowing her to benefit by double-dipping on tax and mortgage advantages. 

    Cook, an ‘autopen-appointed’ (we assume) DEI hire who was overwhelmingly unqualified for the job, and ‘wholeheartedly’ supported the Fed’s decision to help former President Biden by dropping interest rates in the home stretch of the 2024 election (with inflation soaring), has yet to actually deny the allegations – which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed out today during an appearance on Fox Business. 

    “She keeps saying Trump doesn’t have the authority to fire her, but we haven’t heard her say that she didn’t do it,” he told host Maria Bartiromo – calling for Cook to be investigated and prosecuted if true. 

    via The Patriot Oasis

    Meanwhile, White House top economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Wednesday that Cook should go on leave while her status is litigated.

    “If I were her, in her circumstance, I would take leave right now,” said Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, adding that it would be the “honorable thing to do.” 

    Meanwhile, the talking points have gone out…

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) – who committed fraud masquerading as a Native American to reap manifold benefits, took to CNBC to insist that Cook’s alleged mortgage fraud doesn’t matter because it wasn’t ‘related to her job’ – and therefore not ‘for cause.’

    “What I care most about is that we follow the law here and the law is pretty clear that firing for cause means job related… like someone who has been inefficient or someone who’s been corrupt in doing the job,” Warren said. 

    We’d show you the clip, but nobody thought Warren’s comments warren-ted clipping and sharing. That said, we should point out that Warren demanded an investigation into Dallas Fed President Kaplan’s “ethically questionable” stock trades. 

    Last night Warren appeared on CNN to criticize Bill Pulte for exposing the fraud!

    And of course, Cook is a ‘special case’ when it comes to Fed officials exiting stage right amid financial fuckery…

    And while the Fed claims to be ‘apolitical,’ in 2020 Cook said that Donald Trump was “definitely a fascist.” 

    So it appears Cook will continue to dig in. It’ll be interesting when ‘indicted pre-trial Cook’ insists on remaining in her role until the very last possible second. 

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  • Always choose the people you work with rather than building a business for investors

    Always choose the people you work with rather than building a business for investors

    Why we chose to build a franchise instead of the investor-beloved marketplace platform? If you are a small business owner in the services industry, a platform can look very appealing…

    It gets your business out there. You could potentially get found by a lot of people if you choose the right platform.

    Sure, some platforms cost money. But in return, this could be a big new marketing channel for your business.

    Yet that’s all it is. A marketing channel. Compared to the other options you have – such as franchising – you’re not getting much bang for your buck.

    Plus, there are some pretty hefty downsides to listing your business on a platform. Because, unlike a franchise network, a platform is a competitive space.

    When you sign up to one, you aren’t joining a supportive network. You better be ready to dive into the shark tank.

    Competing in a whole new arena

    A platform is not a collaborative business environment. You are usually in direct competition with all of the other similar businesses that use the platform in your area.

    This means you’re going to need a couple of things to do well on a platform:
    Firstly, a good idea of how to market your business on it. Some platforms might help you with this. But even then, you are going to need to know the unique selling points of your business you want to promote.

    For example, if you are a reliable plumber, what sets you apart from another reliable plumber on the platform?

    In the eyes of your potential customers, perhaps not much. Or, more to the point, perhaps only the reviews you’ve received.

    1000 new bosses governing your every move

    Your reviews are those 1000 new bosses. In a platform environment, your reviews can help you swim. Or they can sink you.

    Speak to many people who have their businesses listed on platforms and they will tell you how they live in fear of bad reviews.

    Of course, every business owner should want to deliver a great quality of service. You should want and in many cases ask your customers to leave you reviews to show off what you can do.

    But you don’t want to be in a position where you are held hostage by them. On many platforms, this is a situation that is all too common.

    It’s easy to find small business owners or self-employed service professionals on platforms who feel they can’t turn down any job even if they’re overwhelmed. They can’t take a day off. They live in fear of getting sick.

    Because they know that any one thing could lead to a reduction in their overall “score” and less work in future.

    Platforms vs franchising

    I’ll level with you. When we were growing Fantastic Services, we briefly considered creating a platform rather than a franchise.

    Investors love platforms, people would tell us. Sure. But do the people on the platforms love the platforms?

    I would argue not very many of them do. So for us, it became the difference between creating a place for small business owners to compete against each other on one hand.

    And building a communal network where it’s in everyone’s best interests for us all to succeed on the other.

    Competition vs community

    You always need to think about what you want to actually get out of the business opportunity you are considering.

    If you’re thinking about putting yourself or your business on a platform, this is the key difference between the two business models.

    One is a competition. The other, done right, is a community.

    Control and growth

    Some people might argue that it’s the platform that really lets you be your own boss. A platform might levy some control over your standards. But in a franchise system, doesn’t your franchisor have even more authority over how you run your business?

    To that, first of all, I would say Uber. The UK courts recently ruled that drivers on the Uber platform are most certainly employees rather than self-employed because of the many, many standards the platform expected them to adhere to.

    Of course, those drivers still had to live in fear of getting too many negative ratings and being kicked off the platform. At one point, that “negative rating” meant a score of well over 4 out of 5.

    In a franchise, you are your own boss. But with benefits. Those of us who have grown our own companies know that when you’re starting from scratch, anything can happen. When things go wrong, who do you turn to?

    Usually, you only have yourself or your business partner (if you’re lucky enough to have one) to count on. As you grow and develop your services, you are iterating and testing through a long process of improvement.

    As a franchisee, you skip past all that to use processes that have already been proven, with central expertise to call on should a bump in the road appear.

    Getting your business out there: the right way and the wrong way

    Franchising and signing on with a platform are both ways of getting your business out there. But one comes with a demand that you meet set standards and throws you into a pool of competition where you are at the mercy of bad ratings.

    The other gives you training and access to proven processes so that you naturally meet high quality standards. It supports you throughout the time you are growing your business. And, if it’s a franchise like Fantastic Services, does all of the marketing on your behalf better than any platform anyway.

    Platforms were one of the first innovations back when service companies were trying to get found online back in the early days of the internet. Franchising is the way of the future.

    What do you think? Do you think a platform has advantages over a franchise Comment below and let’s get the conversation started.

  • Space Coast Daily-Friday Night Locker Room Brevard High School Football Week 3 Rankings – Space Coast Daily

    Space Coast Daily-Friday Night Locker Room Brevard High School Football Week 3 Rankings – Space Coast Daily

    SPACE COAST DAILY IS YOUR NO.1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

    BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A wild week of high school football games has the rankings shuffling quite a bit, as the weather was a significant factor in games across the county this past Friday.
    This is the 31st season of high school football coverage for the principals of Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room – brought to you by Erdman Automotive, Health First, 4Ever Young of Merritt Island, and All Points.

    No. 1 – Eau Gallie Commodores 

    WATCH THE REPLAY: The Rockledge Raiders take on the Eau Gallie Commodores in Week 2 action.
    Eau Gallie has now taken the new number one spot in the county after defeating Rockledge 23-14 a week ago. Despite not having their star quarterback, Joseph Allen, the Commodores have many weapons on offense that can get the job done. Freshman star X’Zavier Corbin has stepped up tremendously, scoring five touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season. They will need big contributions from multiple players to keep the offense rolling, however.

    WATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON SPACE COAST DAILY TV!

    No. 2 – Cocoa Tigers

    Space Coast Daily-Friday Night Locker Room Brevard High School Football Week 3 Rankings – Space Coast DailyAfter barely squeaking past Merritt Island in Week 1, Cocoa faced a more formidable opponent in Week 2 in Mainland. With the 51-0 defeat on their minds from a year ago, the Buccaneers traveled to Cocoa looking to get revenge, and they did just that. Mainland led this game 19-0 for about three and a half quarters before the Tigers’ offense was able to produce points. The touchdowns came too late in the game as the Tigers fell 19-14. They will have to quickly work out their kinks as they head to Vero Beach this Friday.

    WATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON SPACE COAST DAILY TV!

    No. 3 – Merritt Island Mustangs

    WATCH THE REPLAY: The Melbourne Bulldogs take on the Merritt Island Mustangs in Week 2 action.
    The Mustangs looked to solidify their legitimacy after nearly upsetting the three-peat Cocoa Tigers. Melbourne came to town trying to earn respect and pull off a big win, but the 35-point second-half effort from Merritt Island ran the Bulldogs out of the O-Dome. The Bulldogs led this game 14-0 at one point and were outscored 42-7 the rest of the contest. A huge statement for the Mustangs as they will travel to Deland to face another Bulldogs team wanting to upset them.

    No. 4 – Heritage Panthers

    Heritage had an opportunity Friday night for a signature win while the season was still early. A talented Seminole High School team came to town and pulled it out on the road, 14-9. The Panthers fought hard and kept this one close, nearly pulling off the upset and showing a lot of potential in the process. Heritage will have another test on its hands and another chance for an upset win against Eau Gallie this Friday night.

    WATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON SPACE COAST DAILY TV!

    No. 5 – MCC Hustlers

    MCC’s matchup with Trinity Catholic looked to be a great battle between two heavyweights, but the weather was a significant factor and unfortunately cancelled this one. The Hustlers are still looking for a monumental victory while trying to prove they are one of the best across Brevard County. They will host Saint Andrew’s this Friday and hope to improve to 2-0 on the season.

    No. 6 – Astronaut War Eagles

    Astronaut has slowly built a program over the past couple of years and is now proving they can compete across the country. After beating Gateway 21-0, they have another in-county matchup against Viera and will look to prove they are ready for any team they face. The defense will need to be great against a Viera team that has many weapons.

    No. 7 – Titusville Terriers

    Titusville Terriers Defeat Holy Trinity 27-22 in Late Surge, Pick Up First Win of the SeasonRelated Story:Titusville Terriers Defeat Holy Trinity 27-22 in Late Surge, Pick Up First Win of the Season

    Titusville lost a heartbreaker in Week 1, but got its first win of the season in another thrilling showdown with Holy Trinity. The offense was able to produce and will have to do so again this Friday as they have a big test traveling to West Orange. The Terriers have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons and will be looking to do so again, now under new head coach Matt Diesel.

    No. 8 – Satellite Scorpions

    Satellite has entered the top 8 after not allowing a single point in their first three matchups of the season. Now, under legendary head coach Dan Burke, the Scorpions have started 3-0 for the first time since 2021 and are looking to make a name for themselves once again. The Scorpions are yet to play a Brevard County foe, but will see their first one in two weeks against their rivals, Cocoa Beach, in the Beach Bowl.

    Brevard County High School Football Week 2 Scoreboard, Watch Replays and See Game Recaps

    ■ Eau Gallie 23, Rockledge 14: WATCH REPLAY HERE
    This one did not start till about 8:15 p.m., as a one-hour and 15-minute lightning delay prevented the normal 7 p.m. start. Coach Sands credits his team for staying ready to play after the delay as the Commodores jumped out to a quick 16-0 start in the first 3:52 of this game. However, the Raiders would climb back into this one, answering the Commodores with 14 unanswered points over a span of three quarters. Freshman sensation, X’Zavier Corbin, was too much to handle, though, as his two touchdowns led the way to victory.
    ■ Merritt Island 42, Melbourne 21: WATCH REPLAY HERE
    Merritt Island is coming off a dramatic loss a week ago and looked to get on the winning train as the Bulldogs came to town. Melbourne, conversely, dominated Cocoa Beach in week 1, 58-7, and went into this game looking to gain respect around the county. The weather was a factor in this one, and it took the Mustangs a while to settle in, but after trailing 14-7 at half, Merritt Island exploded with 35 points in the second half, winning this one by three scores.
    ■ Mainland 19, Cocoa 14
    A season ago, Cocoa defeated Mainland 51-0; this year, the story was different. Last week, we saw Cocoa survive Merritt Island; this week was to be another test as the Mainland Buccaneers came to town. It was all Buccaneers for the first three quarters of this one as they jumped out to a big 19-0 lead. Cocoa would come back, but it was too little too late as the Tigers fell to 1-1 on the year, ending their nine-game win streak stretching from last season.
    ■ Palm Bay 13, Bayside 0
    After a winless 2024 season, Palm Bay has finally broken the losing streak, and no better team to end it against than cross-town rivals Bayside. The Kevin Mays era officially started a week ago at Astronaut, and they lost, but they have moved on in a big way, winning this one in a shutout victory.
    ■ Seminole 14, Heritage 9
    After a wild week 1 overtime win over Titusville, Heritage looked to solidify its legitimacy, facing a talented Seminole team. The defense played well, holding the elite offense to just two touchdowns, but the offense struggled to gain enough traction and put up points. The Panthers still put together a quality effort in the loss, as they will quickly move on from this one and look ahead to Eau Gallie next week.
    ■ Space Coast 54, St. Edward’s 8
    Space Coast continues its winning ways with a huge margin of victory over St. Edward’s. Quarterback A’Zion Sandy and the offense look to be in midseason form early as they go into a bye week before facing Astronaut. The Vipers have been looking forward to the rematch against the War Eagles, as they dropped that game a season ago, 20-19 in overtime.
    ■ Deltona 14, Viera 6
    Viera defeated Rockledge a week ago, 22-21, winning the backyard brawl in a crazy comeback. However, this week was a different story; the Hawks came out flat, and Deltona took advantage. Viera will have to delete this one from the memory bank as they face an up-and-coming Astronaut team next week.
    ■ Satellite 30, Freedom 0
    The Dan Burke era at Satellite cannot start any better than it has. The Scorpions have outscored their first three opponents by a combined score of 87-0, the defense has been nothing short of perfect, and the offense is quickly proving how elite they can be. Satellite will go on the road for the first time this season as they travel to Oxbridge Academy before playing their first Brevard County foe in two weeks, rivals Cocoa Beach.
    ■ Cocoa Beach 27, Master’s Academy 20
    Cocoa Beach could not have been pleased with how they opened up the season a week ago against Melbourne. It was a chance for the Minutemen to gain some respect locally, and they were blown out. This is a great win for Cocoa Beach as they try to get some momentum going. They will host Palm Bay next week in a matchup between two teams seeking their second win of the season.
    ■ Titusville 27, Holy Trinity 22: SEE GAME DETAILS
    Titusville was looking to wipe its slate clean after taking a devastating Week 1 loss at home to Heritage. Holy Trinity was on the hunt for a statement win against a talented Terriers team, but Titusville was able to close this one out without any overtime. Titusville secured a big win and will look ahead to West Orange next week, as that game will be another significant test for the Terriers’ team, which is looking to earn respect around the county.
    ■ Astronaut 21, Gateway 0
    The War Eagles started the season very well with a convincing 38-13 win in week 1 over Palm Bay. Traveling to Kissimmee in week 2 made for a nice little test for an Astronaut team still trying to prove how good they are. Next week, they will have another chance to establish themselves as they face the Viera Hawks. Both teams are looking to find their footing and make a name for themselves across the county.
    ■ Merritt Island Christian 48, Sports Leadership & Management Academy 6
    Merritt Island Christian continues their dominating ways with a 42-point victory. The Cougars are looking forward to next week, as they will play Countryside Christian, whom they defeated in the postseason last year. Merritt Island Christian is in the hunt to win their second state title in the past three seasons.

    DON’T MISS ALL THE LIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY ACTION ON SPACE COAST DAILY TV

    This is the 31st season of high school football coverage for the principals of Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room – brought to you by Erdman Automotive, Health First, 4Ever Young of Merritt Island, and All Points.
    The 2025 season is filled with talented student-athletes all across Brevard County, and many are being sought after by some of the best college football teams across the country.
    With many decisions to be made by numerous athletes on where to pursue their college dreams, the Space Coast Daily – Friday Night Locker Room team is your go-to source for the latest announcements and commitments made by the athletes.
    This year’s coverage on Space Coast Daily TV will once again feature a dynamic broadcast lineup, marking the first official media entity to bring prep football play-by-play coverage to Brevard County on both radio and TV.
    Space Coast Sports Hall of Famers Steve Wilson and Orville Susong of the Friday Night Locker Room will once again bring you all the live action from the broadcast booth. In addition, Tom Palermo, Jim Palermo, Giles Malone, Zach Clark, Zane Garcia, Terry Spain, JC Meyerholz, Matt O’Hern, Gavin Keith, and Brian Dillon will anchor or produce play-by-play football broadcasts and coverage this season.
    Don’t miss these live sports broadcasts featuring cutting-edge coverage on the streaming Space Coast Daily TV, along with player interviews, replays, highlights, pre-game and post-game analysis, and much more!HOT OFF THE PRESS! August 25, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best NewspaperRelated Story:HOT OFF THE PRESS! August 25, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

  • Fancy opening your own restaurant? Sainsbury’s magazine shows you how…

    Fancy opening your own restaurant? Sainsbury’s magazine shows you how…

    Whether it’s dealing with difficult customers or worrying about cashflow, running a restaurant is about much more than putting good food on the table for paying customers. But the hard work, long hours and stiff competition haven’t deterred this plucky foodie couples from pursuing their own dreams.

    Twins Jess and Laura Tilli run the Brown & Green café at Gipsy Hill station in south London. ‘Having to wake up at 5.25am every morning to be open by 6am is a low point, but seeing our hand-painted wooden sign go up over the café showed we were really doing what we’d dreamt of,’ says Laura.

    Husband and wife duo Andres and Marie-Lou Alemany bought and refurbished rundown country pub the Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover, Hampshire, in 2009. Since then, it’s been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide. Says Marie-Lou, ‘We almost never get a weekend away together, but ultimately, the long hours have been worth it. We’re doing what we’ve always wanted to in terms of the food and drink we serve.’

    Twelve years ago, Richard and Lucy Golding gave up their office jobs to run a B&B in Wales, before moving to the Market Bistro in King’s Lynn in 2009.With Richard in the kitchen, Lucy combines running front-of-house with looking after their three children. Says Lucy, ‘When I was pregnant with our second child, I served breakfast in the morning and had my son in the afternoon!’

    Plus, William Drew, editor of Restaurant Magazine, gives prospective restaurateurs his top tips on what to remember – and what to avoid.

    Says Helena Lang: ‘Every foodie I meet – and in my job I meet many – always has a secret fantasy of cooking and getting paid for it. This revealing feature exposes the reality of what it’s really like when it’s not your friends or family at the table, but paying guests. It’s a reality check that every restaurateur-to-be should read.’