While working at a winery, I've seen guests make a few common mistakes.
Everrgreen Photography
I've been a server at a winery for years, so I've seen guests make their fair share of mistakes.
For example, I often find that guests don't want to expand their horizons during a tasting.
Additionally, some customers don't realize they should tip the staff in a tasting room.
As a server, I've always thought of wine tastings as opportunities to share my love for the beverage with others.
But after working at a winery for over seven years, I've seen almost everything, from wannabe wine sommeliers to guests who think a tasting is an excuse to get drunk with a view.
One of the most common mistakes I've noticed is that people assume they know exactly what a wine will taste like based on its name or varietal.
I've had guests turn their noses up when I say "riesling" and immediately declare that they don't like sweet wines. In reality, not all rieslings are sweet — some are incredibly dry, with crisp acidity and minerality.
That's why I encourage guests to taste wine like it's their first time trying it. You might think you know what you'll like, but sometimes the name of the wine doesn't tell the whole story.
In my opinion, the best part of a wine tasting is discovering something unexpected that charms your taste buds.
Acting unruly when in a large group
It's important to establish your expectations if you're part of a large party celebrating a special occasion.
Katelin Kinney/Getty Images
Managing the expectations of large groups who come in for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or other celebrations can be challenging.
From what I've seen, the tasting-room staff have good reason to run and hide in the kitchen if someone walks in wearing a "bride" sash. Don't get me wrong — I love a good chance to day drink, but sometimes guests arrive expecting to do what they see in the movies.
They envision wine tastings as an opportunity to slam rosé and run through the vines, but an intimate tasting room isn't the space for that. It's a refined experience, focusing on savoring the wine and enjoying the setting.
I always recommend reserving a private tasting room for larger parties or calling ahead to establish proper expectations so everyone can enjoy the experience without stepping on any toes.
Not tipping the staff after a tasting
In my experience, many guests forget to tip their server at a winery.
Kittibowornphatnon/Shutterstock
Many guests forget or don't realize that tipping is customary in a winery's tasting room. The setting is a bit more relaxed than at a restaurant, so some people often don't associate the tasting room with tipping.
However, the tasting-room staff work hard to make your experience enjoyable, and many of us rely on tips.
Tipping might not be required, but it's a small gesture that goes a long way in acknowledging a server's effort to make each tasting special.
An F/A-18 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Logan McGuire
A critical system failed as a fighter jet was landing on an aircraft carrier earlier this year.
The $60 million F/A-18 fell off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman and into the Red Sea.
A new Navy investigation shows how the landing unraveled in a matter of moments.
As the fighter jet landed on the aircraft carrier, a critical piece of the landing system blew apart, shot across the machinery room, slammed into equipment a sailor had been sitting at only moments earlier, and then hit the deck spinning “like the Tasmanian devil.”
"Something bad just happened," a sailor in the room said as he raced to get help. The other sailor who narrowly avoided catastrophe suffered a minor injury and had their headset ripped off in the incident.
One of the arresting gear cables — the tensioned wires that US Navy fighter jets hook onto during landings at sea — had broken as the crucial machinery that absorbs the landing plane's force came apart beneath the flight deck. The failure destabilized the F/A-18 Super Hornet that had just touched down.
Asymmetric forces threw the aircraft off-center. With no chance of regaining flight, the aviators ejected as it shot off the deck and into the sea. It all unfolded in a matter of seconds.
A new Navy investigation into the disastrous landing, reviewed by Business Insider prior to its release on Thursday, highlights how quickly routine carrier operations can go terribly wrong.
The May 6 incident, which injured two naval aviators, marked the second Super Hornet loss in a matter of days — and the third overall for the carrier USS Harry S. Truman's Middle East deployment.
The command investigation into the costly mishap details how one of the carrier's arresting cables failed to stop the fighter jet, which left a trail of sparks and flames as it flipped off the flight deck and into the Red Sea.
Aircraft carriers have multiple arresting cables on the flight deck.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Logan McGuire
Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of the Navy's Carrier Strike Group 8, led by the Truman, said in the investigation that the loss of the $60 million fighter jet was "entirely preventable."
A rough landing
The Truman and its strike group spent months in the Red Sea leading Navy combat operations against the Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group in Yemen that had been attacking important Middle East shipping lanes.
Flight operations were running at a higher tempo, with the carrier launching and recovering aircraft dozens of times a day.
For aircraft recoveries, Nimitz-class carriers like the Truman typically have four arresting cables tensioned across the flight deck to catch the tailhook of a landing plane and decelerate it instantly.
On May 6, as the two-seater F/A-18F was landing that night, everything looked normal right up until the jet hooked the arresting cable.
Arresting gear sailors heard what sounded like an explosion, parts were flying around the machinery space, and on deck, sparks were shooting out of the jet, followed by flames.
It was dark, and the air boss overseeing the flight operations and landing signal officers, unaware that the cable had parted, thought the fighter's engine had ingested foreign object debris.
The carrier Truman suffered multiple mishaps during its Middle East deployment.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike Shen
The aircraft was leaning left as it moved down the landing zone. "POWER!" the lead LSO called. "ROTATE, CLIMB!" The fighter jet was traveling too fast to stop, but not fast enough to take off. A back-up LSO realized the aircraft wasn't climbing and made the call.
"EJECT, EJECT, EJECT!" the officer called out.
The aircraft rolled and then knife-edged at 90 degrees. Moments later, it plunged into the Red Sea.
The "man overboard" call went out a minute after the plane first touched the deck. Sailors on the flight deck didn't see any parachutes deploy after their cockpit ejection amid the disarray, but a few minutes later, they saw the two aviators illuminate their flashlights in the water around 100 yards away.
Twenty minutes later, a rescue helicopter and swimmers arrived on scene to recover them. The aviators suffered minor injuries.
The 'critical point of failure'
The command investigation blamed the mishap on a mix of factors, including the ship's high operational tempo, understaffing, and errors by the arresting gear operator, who ensures the system is ready to counteract the landing aircraft's momentum.
According to the investigation, "the primary contributor in the chain of events that led to the mishap" was inadequate maintenance on the sheave damper crosshead and clevis pin, components of the arresting gear system.
The room where a carrier's arresting cables are operated.
US Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis K. Mendoza
The root cause, the investigation report said, was "the material failure of the clevis pin." The pin lacked a washer, a small part that helps keep the system in place. That maintenance oversight ended with a jet in the water and two aviators overboard.
It's possible this mechanism had been loosening for some time before the mishap, the investigation said. A missing washer could allow the pin in the arresting gear to work loose and shear off, ultimately causing internal parts in the gear to come apart under and the arresting cable to break.
Sailors across the board were poorly trained, the investigation determined, and a maintenance support sailor who was supposed to inspect the arresting cable and its mechanisms hadn't thoroughly done so.
Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, acting head of Fleet Forces Command, wrote in a letter attached to the investigation that Truman's leadership across all levels "allowed the air department's aircraft launch and recovery equipment maintenance program standards to decline, ultimately leading to a critical point of failure."
The May 6 incident was the fourth major mishap that the Truman and the rest of its strike group suffered during the monthslong Middle East combat deployment.
In December, the cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down one of the Truman's F/A-18s. A few months later, in February, the carrier collided with a commercial vessel. And in April, just over a week before the arresting cable incident, a fighter jet and a tow tractor fell overboard as the carrier made a hard turn to evade incoming Houthi missile fire.
Whether you’re preparing for 2026 or looking to position yourself ahead of the next market cycle, a focus on quality stocks remains one of the most reliable long-term strategies.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three high-quality ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that analysts at Betashares have recommended to investors recently. Here’s what you need to know about them:
The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is designed to give investors exposure to some of the highest-quality companies in the world.
It screens global stocks for strong earnings stability, high returns on equity, and low financial leverage. Companies that boast these characteristics tend to hold up well during periods of market stress.
Inside this ASX ETF, you will find big names such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML). These are businesses with long histories of consistent profitability, wide economic moats, and strong cash generation.
What makes the fund particularly attractive in December is the market’s renewed focus on financial strength and earnings durability. When volatility strikes, quality tends to outperform, and this ASX ETF provides a simple way to gain exposure to it.
While the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF looks globally, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF applies a similar quality-focused approach to the Australian share market.
It selects local stocks based on return on equity, earnings stability, and low debt levels. This means the ASX ETF tends to favour companies with strong competitive advantages.
Key holdings include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), which are all businesses known for dependable earnings and world-class management.
One standout is CSL. It remains one of Australia’s strongest global healthcare businesses. Its plasma division, R&D pipeline, and expanding manufacturing footprint provide a long-term growth story that fits perfectly inside a quality-focused ETF.
For investors wanting exposure to strong Australian companies without trying to handpick winners, this fund could be an excellent choice.
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, and the BetaShares India Quality ETF gives investors targeted exposure to the highest-quality companies within that market.
As with the others, the fund screens Indian stocks for strong profitability, low debt, and consistent earnings. This creates a portfolio of businesses positioned to benefit from India’s structural economic expansion.
Holdings include Infosys (NYSE: INFY), Reliance Industries (NSEI: RELIANCE), and Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS). These companies are leaders in software services, telecommunications, and industrial growth, which are sectors that are expected to thrive as India’s middle class expands and digital adoption accelerates.
With global investors increasingly recognising India’s long-term potential, the BetaShares India Quality ETF offers a straightforward way to participate in what could be one of the strongest economic stories of the next decade.
Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF right now?
Before you buy BetaShares Australian Quality ETF shares, consider this:
Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BetaShares Australian Quality ETF wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, CSL, Microsoft, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, CSL, Microsoft, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
Key Points
Alphabet is the world’s most profitable tech company, but only the third-largest by market cap.
Its also the cheapest megacap tech stock on a trailing P/E basis.
The company’s vertically integrated AI stack gives it an advantage that should begin to draw more investor interest in the name.
Nvidia(NASDAQ: NVDA) is currently the world’s largest company with a market cap nearing $4.4 trillion, followed by Apple(NASDAQ: AAPL) at around $4.2 billion, as of this writing. However, I think Alphabet(NASDAQ: GOOGL)(NASDAQ: GOOG) will take the top spot by the end of 2026.
Alphabet is currently the world’s third-largest company with a market cap of around $3.9 trillion, just ahead of Microsoft(NASDAQ: MSFT) at $3.6 trillion. They are the only four companies with market caps above $3 trillion.
Let’s dig into why Alphabet is poised to become the world’s largest company by the end of next year.Â
Alphabet is a market leader
Alphabet is actually already the world’s most profitable tech company. Its trailing 12-month earnings of $124.5 billion and quarterly earnings of $35 billion are both tops among megacap tech names. From a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) basis, it’s also the cheapest of the group.
However, stock prices are often about the future, and Alphabet has one of the brightest futures in big tech. What is so exciting about Alphabet is that it’s the company that developed the best artificial intelligence (AI) tech stack. The company has taken a vertically integrated approach, which gives it an advantage that should only grow wider in the future.
Alphabet’s big edge is that it has developed both its own top-tier custom AI chips and a world-class foundational large language model (LLM). No other company has a tech stock in these areas that is as far along as Alphabet.
In addition, it also has a top machine learning software platform in Vertex AI that helps create, train, and deploy custom AI models, usually based on its Gemini model, although it also supports third-party open-source models like Meta Platforms‘ Llama. It’s also a storage and data analytics leader with Colossus and BigQuery, and it even has its own fiber network to reduce latency. Its pending acquisition of cloud security leader Wiz will only add to its full-stack solution.
The company’s biggest advantage, though, is its custom AI chips, called tensor processing units (TPUs), which entered development more than a decade ago, and they are now in their seventh generation. The chips were optimized for Google Cloud’s TensorFlow framework, and have been battle-tested running Alphabet’s internal workloads. Having its own custom AI ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) gives Alphabet a huge cost advantage both over rival cloud computing and AI model companies like OpenAI. It can just train models and run inference more cost-effectively both for itself and for customers.
This all helps Alphabet achieve a better return on its capital expenditure (capex) than competitors, who depend on Nvidia’s more expensive graphics processing units (GPUs) to train their LLMs, creating a virtuous cycle. Lower costs and a better ROI (return on investment) lead to better products and solutions, which allow it to invest more into them, continuing to make them better.
Meanwhile, by developing its own world-class AI model, Alphabet captures a larger portion of the revenue and can integrate it into other products like Google Search. Today, AI-powered features, such as AI Mode and AI Overviews, are helping drive queries and search revenue growth. At the same time, with its massive ad network, few companies are as capable as monetizing search and AI discovery.
On top of that, Alphabet has other huge advantages. First and foremost is the huge distribution advantage the company has through its ownership of the Chrome browser and Android smartphone operating system, which both have over 70% market share. Throw in its revenue-sharing deal to be the default search engine on Apple devices, and Google is essentially the gateway to the internet for most people. It also has a data advantage, given its decades of search queries and YouTube video uploads.
The road to becoming the world’s largest company
Alphabet is already the world’s most profitable tech company, and as more investors start to recognize its position as the AI company to beat, the stock should have strong upside from here. Its valuation is reasonable, and it should be able to outpace its growth expectations next year.
That should help propel it to become the world’s largest company by next year.
This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
Should you invest $1,000 in Alphabet right now?
Before you buy Alphabet shares, consider this:
Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Alphabet wasn’t one of them.
The online investing service heâs run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…
Geoffrey Seiler has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The cost of a comfortable retirement has hit a record high, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).
For homeowners aged 65 and over, a comfortable retirement now costs $76,505 per annum for couples and $54,240 for singles.
ASFA says this represents a 3.5% increase for couples and 3.6% for singles over the past 12 months.
By comparison, consumer inflation has lifted by 3.2%, indicating retirees have borne a greater increase in expenses than non-retirees.
ASFA said:
This underscores that retirees are experiencing stronger price pressures than the general population because they spend more of their budget on essential items that have risen the most.
ASFA defines a comfortable lifestyle as enough money to cover the basics plus top level private health insurance, many exercise and leisure activities, occasional restaurant meals, a domestic holiday every year, and an international trip every seven years.
ASFA created the Retirement Standard, which is Australia’s definitive retirement budgeting guide, in 2004.
The Retirement Standard is updated every quarter for inflation.
Last week, ASFA released its September quarter estimates of how much retirement costs in Australia.
ASFA also publishes expense estimates for a modest lifestyle for both homeowners and renters.
ASFA defines a modest retirement as having basic private health insurance, a cheaper car, basic internet and mobile phone, infrequent exercise and leisure activities, few restaurant meals, and one Australian holiday per year.
According to the September quarter update, a modest retirement now costs $50,866 per year for couple homeowners.
For single homeowners, a modest lifestyle now costs $35,199 per annum.
For renters, a modest retirement now costs $67,125 annually for couples and $49,676 for singles.
Retirement is more expensive for renters because their housing costs are higher.
Why have retirement costs jumped to record levels?
ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty said prices for essential items have risen faster than other categories, creating a greater impact for retirees.
Retirees might be feeling the squeeze this Christmas because prices have risen fastest in the things they spend most on, like food, energy and health. Some older people may cut back on pricier gifts, travel and social occasions to stay on top of the basics.
However, thanks to superannuation, most Australian retirees are living with additional income beyond the Age Pension each month, which makes them more financially resilient, including at financially stressful times of the year like Christmas.
In the September quarter, the cost of eating out or ordering takeaway rose by 1.3%.
Property rates rose 6.3% and electricity prices increased 9%.
Domestic holidays and accommodation lifted 5.2% and audio, visual, and media services rose 9.3%.
What about superannuation?
The superannuation savings required to fund a comfortable retirement remained the same in the September quarter.
Homeowner couples need $690,000 in super and singles need $595,000 by age 67 to fund a comfortable lifestyle.
A modest retirement for homeowners requires just $100,000 in super for both couples and singles.
Renters need $385,000 (couples) or $340,000 (singles) in superannuation savings to fund a modest lifestyle.
Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?
When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*
Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right nowâ¦
Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
In the last two decades, Netflix has grown from a DVD company to the winner of the streaming wars — and now a major Hollywood acquirer.
Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded Netflix in 1997, launching its DVD rental business the following year. Netflix's video streaming service debuted a decade later in 2007.
The rise of Netflix prompted competitors like Disney, Comcast, and more to launch their own rival services, kicking off the streaming wars. Netflix has remained dominant — and plans to grow larger still, striking a deal to acquire HBO Max and a slew of major film and TV franchises as part of a $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Here's how Netflix rose into a Hollywood behemoth.
1997: Netflix is founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph.
Netflix.com Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings sits in a cart full of ready-to-be-shipped DVDs January 29, 2002 in San Jose, CA. The online DVD rental site has 500,000 subscribers who can rent, receive and return unlimited discs per month by mail.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Netflix was founded after Reed Hastings was charged a $40 late fee for an overdue rental from Blockbuster.
Blockbuster closed in 2014, while Netflix remains atop the entertainment industry.
1998: Netflix launches a DVD-by-mail rental service and former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos offers to buy the company later that year.
Charles Krupa/AP
In his book "That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea," Randolph wrote that he and Hastings met with Bezos in 1998, who offered them "probably something between $14 million and $16 million," Randolph wrote. They turned down the offer.
1999: Netflix begins offering a subscription-based model, in which customers could choose movies to rent-by-mail for a monthly fee.
Netflix DVDs return mailers are shown in a mail box in Encinitas, California Oct. 21, 2013.
Reuters/Mike Blake
Netflix gained 239,000 subscribers in its first year, according to Inc.
2002: Netflix goes public. Randolph exits the company soon after.
Marc Randolph
"As you get older, if you're lucky, you realize two things: what you like, but also what you're good at," Randolph told Forbes in 2019 on why he left Netflix. "The answer to both of them [for me] is early-stage companies. I like the chaos. I like the fact that you're working on hundreds of things at once."
2007: Netflix launches a video streaming service, free for its already-existing DVD-rental subscribers.
Ore Huiying/Getty Images for Netflix
Netflix ended 2006 with over 6 million subscribers for its DVD-rental service.
The company's stock dropped 6% with the announcement. But Hastings, who was CEO at the time, said that he had "gotten used to" reservations.
2012: Netflix debuts "Lilyhammer," its first original series.
"Lilyhammer."
Netflix
The show was originally broadcast in Norway, but Netflix acquired the rights. It laid the foundation for Netflix's binge-release model and its surge in original programming, including expanding into international markets.
"This was the first time we streamed a show across multiple countries and languages … and it worked," Netflix's current co-CEO Ted Sarandos wrote in a blog post in February 2022.
2013: Netflix ramps up its original programming.
Laverne Cox on "Orange is the New Black."
Paul Schiraldi/Netflix
"House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black" are quickly become smash hits for Netflix, gaining critical acclaim and Emmys recognition.
2015: Netflix releases its first original feature film, "Beasts of No Nation."
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Bleecker Street/Netflix
The Cary Joji Fukunaga film, which was shot in Ghana, was the first of its kind to be released only on Netflix.
2017: Netflix surpasses 100 million subscribers.
Netflix.
Photo by Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images
Netflix hit 100 million subscribers 10 years after it launched its streaming service.
2018: Netflix wins its first feature-film Oscar: best documentary feature for "Icarus."
Netflix
Later in 2018, Netflix releases "Roma," which becomes the streamer's first best-picture nominee the following year.
Netflix has yet to nab the Oscars' top prize, though, despite elaborate campaign spending. Apple TV+ won best picture for "CODA," becoming the first streaming platform to do so.
2020: Netflix names Ted Sarandos, its creative chief, as co-CEO with Hastings
Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos speaks onstage during the Netflix portion of the 2015 Summer TCA Tour.
January, 2021: Netflix announces that it surpassed 200 million subscribers.
Netflix.
SOPA Images/Getty Images.
It took Netflix ten years to get its first 100 million subscribers — and under four years to double it.
September 2021: Netflix wins more Emmys than any network or streaming service for the first time.
Netflix
Netflix nabbed best-series wins for the first time with "The Crown" (drama) and "The Queen's Gambit" (limited series).
October 2021: Netflix faces its most public controversy yet, after some employees speak out against Dave Chappelle's Netflix special, "The Closer," in which he makes comments many criticized as transphobic.
Chappelle in "The Closer."
Netflix
Chappelle said in the special that "gender is a fact" and defended "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, who came under fire for past transphobic comments.
Sarandos defended Chappelle in a memo to employees, saying in part: "Chappelle is one of the most popular stand-up comedians today, and we have a long standing deal with him. His last special, 'Sticks & Stones,' also controversial, is our most watched, stickiest, and most award winning stand-up special to date."
Netflix trans employees planned a walkout in response to the special and Sarandos' comments.
November 2021: Netflix launches its first video games around the world.
Netflix
Netflix's video games launch was free as part of a user's subscription.
April 2022: Netflix reports that it lost subscribers for the first time in a decade in the first quarter of 2022.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings
Getty Images for The New Yorker
Aside from the economic strains of the coronavirus pandemic, Netflix blamed the subscriber loss partly on password sharing. It said that it estimated that an additional 100 million people use Netflix with a shared password.
It also acknowledged increased competition. New streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and more entered the space on top of already existing rivals like Hulu and Prime Video.
April 2022: Hastings confirms that an ad-supported tier is coming to Netflix.
Ernesto S. Ruscio/Getty Images for Netflix
Hastings confirmed during Netflix's April 2022 earnings call that the company plans to roll out an ad-supported plan — something it has pushed back against in the past — as the streaming service faced slowing revenue growth and lost subscribers.
Other streamers have, like HBO Max and Paramount+, have embraced ads. Disney+, Netflix's biggest rival, has also launched an ad-supported option.
July 2022: Netflix loses subscribers for the second quarter in a row, a first for the company.
"Stranger Things" season four.
Netflix
In Q2 2022, Netflix said it lost 970,000 subscribers, a sign of company's struggles that further underscored why it was introducing an ad-based plan and cracking down on password sharing.
November 2022: Netflix officially launches its ad-supported plan.
Netflix
When the ad program launched, the streamer said it was nearly sold out of inventory.
December 2022: Netflix ended 2022 strong, breaking Q4 targets.
Netflix outpaces its own Q4 targets for subscriber growth
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix
The end of 2022 represented a bit of a bounce back for Netflix, as the entertainment company outpaced subscriber growth for the quarter by around 3.1 million, adding 7.66 new subscribers despite its own estimates of 4.5 million.
In total the streaming giant amassed 230.75 million subscribers by the end of 2022.
Netflix noted that after a decade into making original content, it was "past the most cash-intensive phase of this buildout."
January 2023: Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings steps down as co-CEO and is replaced by Greg Peters, who was serving as COO.
Greg Peters, COO of Netflix.
Netflix
Reed Hastings spent 26 years leading Netflix, ushering it through an IPO and the growth of its streaming options.
April 2023: Netflix announces its final red envelope DVDs will be shipped out in September 2023.
Netflix will stop shipping out physical DVDs on September 29, 2023.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Netflix announced it would end its DVD-rental services on September 29, 2023. It marked the end of a 25-year chapter for the business, which became known for its red envelopes.
January 2024: Subscriptions soar amid password crackdown as Netflix pushes into live sports.
Netflix made a costly push into live sports content with a $5 billion deal for a weekly WWE show in the US, and to air other one-off pro wrestling events globally. The content will start rolling out in early 2025.
Netflix's former firm chief Scott Stuber also left the company in January 2024. He was later replaced by Dan Lin, who has reportedly sought to implement a new strategy that shifts away from big-budget action films fronted by marquee stars.
November 2024: Netflix shares stellar growth stats for ad-supported subscriptions — and pushes further into live sports.
CFOTO/CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
In November 2024, Netflix's ad business turned two years old. It announced it had 70 million ad-supported subscribers — up from 40 million the previous May — and said that more than half of new sign-ups were for ad-supported plans in countries where the option is available.
Netflix made another massive foray into live sports content in November, streaming a highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which drew a record-breaking 65 million concurrent viewers globally though the stream was beset by technical difficulties.
Netflix also streamed its first-ever NFL game on Christmas Day, following a previously announced pact with the NFL to carry holiday games through 2026. The spectacle featured Beyoncé performing at halftime as the Houston Texans faced off against the Baltimore Ravens.
January 2025: Netflix raises the price of its standard plan to $17.99 a month.
Netflix announced price raises across its standard, premium, and ad-supported subscription tiers.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Netflix announced a price hike in mid-January, raising its standard plan to $17.99 a month, up from $15.50. The premium plan with 4K video, which was previously $23 a month, rose to $25.
The company also lifted its ad-supported tier from $7 to $8 a month.
Netflix last raised its prices in October 2023. The move was aligned with similar increases at YouTube TV and Disney.
May 2025: Netflix updates its homepage design for the first time in a decade.
The new homepage promoted live events, used AI search, and enabled viewers to find what they wanted more quickly, executives said in a blog post and presentation previewing the changes.
The change also included a vertical video feed with clips of Netflix shows that can be tapped to watch immediately.
August 2025: "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is a smash success — and gets a theatrical run.
Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
Netflix's animated musical "K-Pop Demon Hunters" became its biggest movie ever.
The Netflix original, produced by Sony Animation, generated 236 million views in just 65 days. Analysts said that the movie provided a path for Netflix to compete with Disney in the family animation market.
While the streamer has been hesitant about theatrical releases, Netflix put "K-Pop Demon Hunters" in theaters for a sing-along experience.
October 2025: Netflix makes its official move into video podcasting with a Spotify partnership
Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
For much of 2025, Netflix teased a push into video podcasting. The streamer once courted "Call Her Daddy" host Alex Cooper. Then, it struck a deal.
Netflix announced a partnership with Spotify in October, which would bring video versions of Spotify-owned The Ringer and Spotify Studios podcasts to the platform. These included "The Bill Simmons Podcast," "The Rewatchables," and "Conspiracy Theories."
The podcasts will be available on Netflix in early 2026, per the deal, and will be removed from YouTube.
November 2025: The first Netflix House opens outside of Philadelphia.
Fans of "Wednesday" can step inside Nevermore Academy at Netflix House.
kat kendon/Kat Kendon / NETFLIX
Netflix doesn't have a theme park like Disney, but it does have a permanent installation at the King of Prussia mall.
The first-ever Netflix House opened in November outside Philadelphia. The location reimagined Netflix hits like "Wednesday" and "One Piece" into hands-on activities.
More locations are set to open in Texas and Las Vegas.
December 2025: Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros. for $72 billion.
Didem Mente/Anadolu via Getty Images
In a deal widely expected to shake up Hollywood, Netflix agreed to buy the studio and streaming businesses of Warner Bros. Discovery in a $72 billion deal. It is Netflix's biggest acquisition in history.
In the deal, Netflix is planning to buy HBO Max and the top-performing Warner Bros. studio, but not WBD's TV networks like CNN, TNT, and TBS.
"People across WBD have navigated extraordinary change over the last three years, while building a company with real creative, journalistic, and commercial strength," WBD CEO David Zaslav wrote in a memo to staff about the deal. "That deserves to be acknowledged plainly."
I've enjoyed my stints on the East Coast, so I expected to feel right at home in Washington, DC.
The culture felt too work-oriented, though, and it was hard to access nature without a car.
I moved to San Diego in 2022, and this city has turned out to be the perfect place for my lifestyle.
After living abroad for a few years in Italy and Nepal, I was excited to move to Washington, DC, for graduate school.
Although I never dreamed of living in DC specifically, I'd enjoyed attending college on the East Coast, so I expected to love the city.
I imagined running down the National Mall next to cherry blossom trees, exploring museums, and discussing foreign affairs at cultural events on Embassy Row.
Unfortunately, the reality of life in DC didn't match what I imagined.
After three years, I moved to San Diego, a city I'd never pictured myself living in, and was surprised to find that it felt like home.
Living in Washington, DC, wasn't what I expected
There were things I loved about Washington, DC — the historic brownstones, cobblestone street-filled neighborhoods, and gorgeous views of the Potomac River — but all in all, the city wasn't what I expected.
As much as I loved exploring local trails, the summer months were hot and humid. I wished I could dip my toes in the ocean to cool down, but the Atlantic Ocean beaches were all hours away. The humidity triggered my allergies, too.
Often, when I went to happy hours and met new people, I felt like work was the most common topic of conversation, which I didn't like. I missed the relaxed energy and casual happy-hour conversations that I'd experienced living abroad.
Still, I tried to make the city my home, exploring new neighborhoods, restaurants, and music venues. As a graduate student, though, I had a limited budget for new experiences, and I just wasn't clicking with DC.
Finally, for the sake of my happiness, I left the city in 2020.
After living in a few other cities, I moved to San Diego and fell in love with it
I immediately fell in love with the accessible nature in San Diego.
Julia Atkinson
After Washington, DC, I lived in multiple cities searching for my dream home, but none were the perfect fit.
Eventually, I moved to San Diego to see if it could be right for me. I'd previously visited the city several times during my stint in Long Beach, California — its beaches and relaxed vibe kept drawing me in.
After renting in a few different San Diego neighborhoods, I finally settled on North Park, which seemed to have the perfect mix of city life and access to nature.
With a population of around 1.3 million (compared to DC's 700,000), San Diego feels like a true metropolis — but one with a relaxed, casual vibe.
The best part of living here is the sheer amount of things to do and see, from beaches to concerts to comedy performances. I can walk to dozens of breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops. When I search for new hiking spots, dozens of nearby options pop up.
Thanks to my city's idyllic weather, which lingers around the 70s Fahrenheit year-round, I'm active all the time. Just a short drive away, I can snorkel with leopard sharks at La Jolla Cove, hike at Mission Trails Regional Park, or take long runs at Lake Miramar.
I love looking up at the palm trees while I swim backstroke at one of the city's many outdoor public pools, and running past the museums in Balboa Park as the sun sets.
I enjoy San Diego's relaxed culture, too. I don't feel pressured to dress up for happy hours, and conversations with colleagues meander from work to hobbies to camping to weekend trips.
On work days, I often take breaks to spend time outside.
After 4 years in San Diego, I'm so happy I moved here
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Julia Atkinson
Four years later, I'm still in North Park and haven't looked back.
This is the longest I've lived anywhere since graduating from college, and I'm so happy I moved here.
Though I enjoy returning to DC to visit graduate school friends and explore museums, I can't imagine ever living there again.
San Diego still surprises me. Even now, I discover restaurants and music venues in neighborhoods where I didn't expect to find anything new.
I don't believe in the idea of a forever home, but San Diego is perfect for my lifestyle right now.
I'm a registered dietitian and mom who's focused on feeding my family of four on a budget.
I find many products cost less at Aldi than at other grocers, and they offer the same quality.
During my weekly shop, I grab healthy staples such as nuts, eggs, oats, fish, and frozen berries.
I'm a registered dietitian feeding my family of four — including one teenage boy with an appetite for two — on a budget, so balancing nutrition and cost is my priority.
Before I became a dietitian, I was a frugal shopper who relied on store brands and sales that kept my family below our target budget.
When an Aldi opened nearby, I didn't expect switching stores to drastically impact our savings, nor was I convinced that its product quality could match that of other store brands.
It turns out I was wrong on both accounts. And once I began bargain shopping for organic milk to give my toddler, I became a true Aldi enthusiast.
Now, I visit the discount grocer weekly for nutrient-dense staples, such as fish, nuts, frozen fruits, and vegetables that help stretch our grocery bill even further.
Eggs are the one budget protein I always buy at Aldi.
I use eggs for breakfasts and in recipes.
Jennifer Messineo
I buy two dozen eggs every time I'm at Aldi since they cost much less here than at the other stores near me.
My family uses eggs for breakfasts like omelettes, waffles, and pancakes, and we also hard-boil them for an on-the-go snack (each one has over 6 grams of protein).
I use raw nuts as toppings and for baking.
I sprinkle walnuts over my Greek yogurt bowl.
Jennifer Messineo
I like to stock up on raw nuts, like walnuts and pecans, since I can use them in so many different recipes that I know my family won't waste them.
For example, roasted pecans with maple syrup and rosemary are a delicious snack. I also add nuts to Greek yogurt, overnight oats, banana bread, and various desserts.
I keep walnuts, which are packed with heart-healthy fats, in the pantry or the freezer when I want to store them for a long period of time.
My trip to the dairy aisle isn't complete without a large tub of Greek yogurt.
I stock up on Greek yogurt tubs at Aldi.
Jennifer Messineo
I always grab a 32-ounce tub of Aldi's Friendly Farms plain nonfat Greek yogurt with no added sugar.
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, also known as "good bacteria," which offer a range of health benefits. It's also a decent source of protein — this variety has 16 grams of protein per serving.
I eat it for breakfast often and add chia seeds, walnuts, and blueberries for extra flavor and nutrients.
Greek yogurt is also great to have on hand for substitutions in recipes calling for sour cream or mayonnaise.
Sliced sourdough serves as the perfect base for sandwiches and melts.
I make tuna melts, toast, and more using the sourdough at Aldi.
Jennifer Messineo
I like that Aldi's Specially Selected sourdough is made with only a few ingredients.
This bread has the natural tang of traditional sourdough even though it contains commercial yeast, which isn't an ingredient in authentic sourdough made with only water, flour, and salt.
However, I buy this loaf for its flavor and texture, as it works well with tuna melts, avocado toast, or fried eggs sprinkled with Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
Jarred olives are an underrated find I use to flavor salads.
Olives keep for a long time, and they are an easy way to dress up a salad.
Jennifer Messineo
Olives are a low-carbohydrate staple filled with healthy fats and fiber.
Instead of relying on cheese and processed ingredients to flavor salads and grain bowls, Kalamata olives add a delicious briny taste.
Frozen berries are one of the best bargain staples at Aldi.
Aldi's frozen berries make a delicious smoothie, or I can toss them in my overnight oats.
Jennifer Messineo
Frozen berries, which are packed with antioxidants, are one of Aldi's best bargains. The cherry and berry medleys are great in smoothies with almond milk and chia seeds.
I always buy frozen blueberries since we use them almost every morning in overnight oats, yogurt bowls, or muffins.
I use canned fish and frozen seafood to make quick, protein-packed meals.
Canned fish, like this chunky tuna, pack a lot of protein into each portion.
Jennifer Messineo
I often add canned tuna, a lean and inexpensive protein, to my cart.
Northern Catch chunk-light tuna has 20 grams of protein per serving, and my son loves using it to make tuna melts.
The store's canned salmon is another staple for us. I throw it over salads when I don't have anything prepped for lunch.
And if I want a seafood dinner that feels a bit more luxe, I grab Aldi's frozen tuna steaks to make sesame-crusted, pan-seared tuna.
I stock up on steel-cut oats to prep easy high-fiber breakfasts.
Aldi's steel cut oats are perfect in my overnight oats recipe.
Jennifer Messineo
I buy Aldi's old-fashioned and steel-cut oats to meal prep overnight oats for the week. Each serving of them has a nice dose of fiber, and I top them with nuts for even more protein.
My family also uses oats to make energy bars, granola, and toasted oats. We've even used them as a high-fiber binder in place of breadcrumbs in some recipes.
Aldi's produce section is not to be missed.
Fresh peppers are a must when I stop at Aldi.
Jennifer Messineo
Aldi's produce section has my favorite salad ingredients — prewashed arugula, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and radishes — at an affordable price.
I also stock up on zucchini, red peppers, and red onions to make a large batch of grilled or roasted vegetables at least once a week.
I can reheat them as side dishes or mix them with quinoa, arugula, chickpeas, feta, and hummus for a delicious and easy-to-prepare lunch.
The jarred pesto I keep in my pantry gives any meal a low-lift upgrade.
This pesto goes well on meat, veggies, and pasta.
Jennifer Messineo
I buy Aldi's jarred pesto because it tastes better than other brands I've tried, and it's less expensive than making it from scratch (plus, it's way easier).
I keep a few jars in the house at all times since I use the sauce to make one of my family's favorite quick meals: pasta with chicken or shrimp, broccoli, pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese.
I keep chia seeds in my freezer for quick add-ins to Greek yogurt and smoothies.
Chia seeds are an easy add-in to Greek yogurt bowls, overnight oats, or smoothies.
Jennifer Messineo
About 2 ½ tablespoons of these tiny seeds provide about 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat. They're also heart-healthy.
Since we only use about a tablespoon at a time on yogurt or in smoothies for the extra nutrient boost, I store them in the freezer to extend their shelf life.
As a longtime employee, I think the Kirkland Signature peppermint bark and Mikasa Home Accents candle warmer are two of the best things to get at Costco right now.
Veronica Thatcher
I've been working at Costco for 20 years and always look forward to checking out the newest items.
This month, the warehouse has everything from cold-weather essentials to delicious seasonal treats.
Items like a robotic vacuum, cozy slippers, a candle warmer, and an electric cooler caught my eye.
One of the best parts of being a longtime Costco employee is that I get a front-row seat to the new products that arrive each month.
I especially love seeing the new items at the end of the year, as I get lots of great inspiration for entertaining and gifting.
This month, Costco is carrying everything from cold-weather essentials to delicious seasonal treats. Here are eight of the best items I'm seeing on shelves right now.
The Hudson women's puffer jackets are warm but lightweight.
Veronica Thatcher
Nothing says winter quite like a puffer jacket, and this month, Costco has a great selection of women's options from the Hudson brand. I like these coats because they're warm without feeling too bulky.
They come in classic colors like black and navy, and are available in sizes ranging from small to XXL.
I love the cozy Dearfoam slippers.
Veronica Thatcher
As temperatures continue to drop, the Dearfoam slippers have been a popular item at my store.
Perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself), these cozy slippers are made with a comfortable memory foam insole. Plus, the knitted exterior is stylish enough for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Roborock QX Revo vacuum and mop makes cleaning a breeze.
Veronica Thatcher
The Roborock QX Revo is an all-in-one robotic vacuum and mop. It uses navigation technology to map out the space and create the best route for cleaning.
The best part? The mop cleans and dries itself after each use, and the vacuum dust bin automatically empties into a large bag that only needs to be changed once every seven weeks.
This month, Costco has the winter variety pack of Alani Nu energy drinks.
Veronica Thatcher
The Alani Nu energy drinks have been popular on social media, and this month, I noticed the winter variety pack hit Costco shelves.
Each box contains 18 cans in flavors like Breezeberry, Cherry Slush, and Winter Wonderland, which are sugar-free and have 15 calories or less.
Igloo's iceless electric cooler is a total game changer.
Veronica Thatcher
Let's face it — the worst part about packing a cooler is stopping to pick up ice along the way. But with the Igloo ICF40 electric cooler, no ice is needed to keep food or drinks cold.
The electric cooler essentially functions as a portable refrigerator or freezer, as the internal temperature can be set between 0 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be plugged into a wall outlet or the auxiliary outlet in a car for on-the-go cooling.
It's great for long trips, tailgating, or simply keeping food and drinks cold outside.
I look forward to having the Kirkland Signature peppermint bark every year.
Veronica Thatcher
I always get excited for this time of year because of Costco's seasonal peppermint bark. It's made with dark and white chocolate, and topped with peppermint candy.
It's great on its own, but can also be crushed and used as a topping for other desserts.
The Mikasa Home Accents candle warmer is a great way to keep your home smelling nice.
Veronica Thatcher
The sleek Mikasa Home Accents candle warmer is designed to melt scented wax candles without the need for an open flame. Instead, a 50-watt halogen bulb heats the candle from above, slowly releasing fragrance while avoiding soot or smoke.
The height can also be adjusted to accommodate candles of various sizes.
The Kirkland Signature dry facial towels are great for daily use.
Veronica Thatcher
The Kirkland Signature dry facial towels are made from soft, plant-based fibers and can be used to gently remove moisture, makeup, and residue.
Each box comes with 200 towels, which can be used as part of your everyday skincare routine.
I'm glad I skipped Christmas in the US and traveled to Ireland instead.
Goncharovaia/Shutterstock
I moved to Spain from the US, and instead of going home for the holidays, I went to Ireland.
I didn't do a ton of planning, but I decided to limit my trip to West Cork and Dublin.
I had a great time and met many friendly fellow travelers along the way.
Last year, I moved from New Jersey to Spain.
Instead of flying home for the holidays, I wanted to experience something new that would hopefully be a salve to the constant political disappointment I've been feeling as a Black woman living in the country. As much as I love my family, being in the US stresses me out.
Though Barcelona (my current city) comes alive during December with Christmas markets, festive lights, and a wave of tourists, I was craving greenery, the tranquility of nature, and maybe a sprinkle of luxury (at least for a few days).
I knew I'd find that in Ireland, which I've loved every time I've visited. Less than a month before Christmas, I did some last-minute planning to make my dream trip a reality.
I set my sights on County Cork
I stayed at Liss Ard Estate in West Cork.
Shayna Conde
I've been to Ireland a few times, and multiple people I've met abroad have encouraged me to visit West Cork.
The somewhat underrated foodie destination is covered in farmland and remnants of Ireland's once-abundant temperate rainforests.
My curiosity was fully piqued, so I booked an extended weekend at Liss Ard Estate in the town of Skibbereen.
The luxurious estate was a bit of a splurge for me — the cheapest suites start at about 160 euros, or about $186, a night — but I considered it a Christmas gift to myself.
The area's natural views were straight out of a movie
I thought West Cork looked a bit like something out of "Jurassic Park."
Shayna Conde
I hoped to spend time in nature during my trip, but I wasn't expecting to see greenery similar to that of "Jurassic Park" in the Irish countryside in the winter.
I spent most of my time in West Cork wandering the Irish Sky Garden, which James Turrell created in the 1990s.
I didn't even know about the internationally renowned masterpiece of interactive natural art when I booked my stay, but it's safe to say I was forever changed by the beautiful installation.
Every nature lover should visit the Sky Garden.
Shayna Conde
The Sky Garden is basically just a giant concave oval. When standing inside it, the sounds of nature are amplified, and the sky becomes a massive portrait.
As I lay on the rock slab, staring at the sky and hearing blades of grass shuffle in the breeze, I was reminded how wonderful it is to just be present in the moment.
I returned to an old haunt for Christmas Day
I've stayed at Jacobs Inn before.
Shayna Conde
I loved the solitude of West Cork, but I planned on spending Christmas Day in Dublin — more specifically, at Jacobs Inn.
I've stayed in this hostel every time I've visited Dublin. As an avid solo traveler, I rarely find accommodations that organically create the feeling of family among strangers, but this place does it for me every time.
Immediately after entering and putting my bags in storage, I met a travel buddy at the bar who mildly peer-pressured me into going to a reggaeton club (something I didn't even know existed in Dublin).
We had a blast.
There was plenty to do in the capital city
The National Gallery of Ireland is free to visit.
Shayna Conde
Though Dublin was crowded with a wave of holiday tourists and locals gathering with friends and family, I was still able to carve out dedicated time to rest, regroup, and explore the city at my own pace.
Two of my favorite adventures were finding The Little Pig Speakeasy and visiting the city's museums.
The four properties of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery are all free to the public, so I took my time wandering through as many exhibits as I could.
I'm glad I was able to find The Little Pig Speakeasy.
Shayna Conde
The speakeasy was the most authentic-feeling one I've been to in years.
To enter, my hostel buddy and I had to find a pay phone, type in three numbers, say a code we had obtained from a local store owner, enter a trick wall, and then follow the neon pig. The tasty cocktails were worth the effort we made getting into the bar.
My trip ended up being the perfect way to spend Christmas
I can't wait for another solo trip next Christmas.
Shayna Conde
Aside from talking to my mom on Christmas Day, everything about this holiday was new to me.
At times, it was a bit overwhelming. But not knowing what each day would bring during a season that's usually steeped in tradition was also exciting.
Whether I return to Ireland next Christmas or set off to another country, I'm excited to make solo travel my new holiday tradition.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2025, and most recently updated on December 5, 2025.
