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Should Facebook Users Invest In Facebook’s Stock?
Can Zuckerberg Make Facebook Users Into Facebook Investors?
Markets Buzz About Facebook Going Public!
So the investment world has been abuzz over the last several weeks, due to the recent revelation that the much anticipated Facebook IPO would soon be announced. Obviously Facebook has proven to be a social networking phenomenon like no other. The site reportedly has over 800 million users and will likely grow to over a 1 Billion in membership within the next several years. Indeed what seemingly started as a small project in Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard dorm room has now morphed into one of the most popular and widely used (some sources indicate FB is the most visited site in the world, even beyond Google) websites in the world. The growth accomplished by Facebook has been amazing. The following graphics pretty much say it all.
Impressive Facebook Stats
The Pictures Show Allot of Promise!
As we can see the site has grown it’s active users by 100s of millions in the last 5 years (Adding Around 300 million just since the beginning of 2011). Perhaps even more impressive though is that Facebook has consistently managed to monopolize more of their users time. Time is valuable, of course, and the more of it that users are spending on Facebook the more valuable the users become to Facebook!
Growing Facebook And Growing Riches
With the growth in popularity of their social networking site, Facebook has also managed to grow the amount of money flowing through their operation. There have been a number of high profile investments announced at different points in the company’s trajectory. These included deals with computer giant Microsoft and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, among others. Facebook’s actual business activities have also started to generate more cash. Facebook’s revenue has grown from $777 million in 2009 to $3.7 billion this year. According to the IPO filing, they have also achieved profitability, with their bottom line now at $1 billion, up from $229 million in 2009! With the growing revenues, profits, and popularity, Facebook has already made numerous people very rich. Given that reports are indicating that the their IPO will be valued at around $5 billion, their will now be a direct path for company insiders and investors to cash in their Facebook shares for millions and even billions! Mark Zuckerberg himself has a 28% stake that is likely to be valued in the $20-$30 billion range. So yes Facebook has been a tremendous success story. The company’s short but explosive history has exemplified the entrepreneurial dream and some key players have gotten rich because of this fact. Now there is excitement building among those in the financial media who are talking allot about the prospect of individual investors being able to take part in Facebook’s wonderful success story as it enters the public markets. However this begs the question can Facebook continue to live up to the hype and expectations? Or can Facebook’s many users find a way to profit from the business success they have helped to build?
Can Facebook Users Become Successful Facebook Investors?
This question makes me think of the old investment quote that says “people should invest in what they know”. Following this logic would indicate that Facebook’s public shares present their many users with a wildly profitable investment opportunity. Of course, as with many things in life, it’s probably not that simple. As I have explained above, Facebook has certainly emerged as an influential force in the world of technology. It’s also true that they have a lot of potential to grow and expand their business in the future. The IPO itself will bring a lot of benefits to Facebook’s position. The company will be injected with around $5 billion of capital, giving them the resources to pursue numerous strategic initiatives in order to further their future growth and development. Expansion in foreign markets, and building the sites capabilities to generate new sources of revenue from areas like online payments, mobile advertising, and social gaming are all possible areas for the social networking powerhouse to invest in. Strategic acquisitions of other tech startups that would give Facebook access to new niche markets or valuable pieces of intellectual property, could also be on the table. So making money on investing in Facebook will be a sure thing right? Well not so fast.
Opportunity Comes With Risk!
Certainly Facebook may hold a lot of investment potential for those willing to take a leap. With that said investors should consider that there are also numerous risks that will be attached to the company’s newly public shares. Before putting any hard earned money in Facebook it will behoove traders and investors to take some things into consideration. One of the first red flags that should be jumping out at anyone considering the shares at this point is the high price tag that the company will begin trading at. Facebook will have a Market Cap of around $100 billion at the time of their IPO. To put this in perspective they are valued as high as McDonald’s and more than Boeing. This is in spite of the fact that McDonald’s and Boeing generate much more revenues and profits. McDonald’s had around $24 billion in revenues and Boeing had over $64 billion last year. In other words there is a lot of very high expectations priced into Facebook’s market valuation right now. Investors are certainly not going to be getting bargain prices if they put money in at this point. If the company fails to meet these expectations by showing strong growth in future profits and revenues the share price will get hammered. There are also other significant risks that investors need to think about. Many analysts question Facebook’s staying power. Their social network has attracted and continued to engage many users for some time now, but asking if Facebook could become the next MySpace is a legitimate question. After all there are many savvy competitors looking to steal market share in the social networking space. Google, Twitter, or maybe even some college student in their dorm room could potentially craft the next hot social network that knocks Facebook out of the leadership role and into being one of tech history’s many fads. Another risk and possibly one of the bigger ones is that Facebook will be unable to successfully build a business model that monetizes their large user base. Even if Facebook continues to rapidly grow their users, they still have to figure out how to turn those users into revenue and profits. Especially profits! The markets are not valuing Facebook at $100 billion because they are expecting them to lose money. This could prove to be challenging, due to the fact that perhaps the most valuable thing about Facebook’s many users is their information. The issue for Facebook will be in finding a way to monetize their users information without disturbing the company’s relationship with users. Part of Facebook’s appeal at this point is that users seem to trust the site enough to share all kinds of information with it. If Facebook ever breaches this trust, in any way, there would likely be adverse consequences for the company’s reputation and of course the shareholder’s investment dollars. So what call should those looking to invest make on Facebook.
My Opinion On The Opportunity In Facebook’s Stock
The first point I will hit on, is don’t invest money that you can’t afford to lose. In fact if its money you can’t afford to lose you shouldn’t have it in the stock market at all, much less Facebook. My second point, would be that anyone investing money should be taking the time to understand what an investment in Facebook will be like. As I have already noted above, Facebook does have potential, but there are also many very real risks. The share price will likely resemble a roller coaster for investors, due to the many uncertainties. Think about whether this volatility is something you are ready to have your money exposed too. Remember, scared money never seems to win! Most important, in my opinion, is for potential investors to realize that the odds are not in their favor when it comes to investing in or trading Facebook’s stock. One of my previous articles detailed a number of hard truths regarding personal finances. As there are now many media pundits and market analysts out hyping Facebook’s public offering (as a great new opportunity), it is important to look past all of the opinions and hype to search for the truth. The hard truth about Facebook’s offering is that its not about providing a new opportunity for the average joe retail investor. It is all about facilitating a way for company insiders and hedge fund investors to cash in their tremendous gains (that are only on paper right now). This graphic shows just what I mean.
Allot Of "Insiders" Are Ready To Cash In!
A Number of People Will Make Money Off Of Facebook, Will You Be One Of Them?
It is also an avenue for Wall Street bankers to make another killing in 2012 as well as being an opportunity for the giddy financial media to profit from having an event to hype up and promote. If the average guy makes an extra buck as well, then so be it, but just remember, thats not the main reason Facebook is going public.
To Buy or Not To Buy?
Facebook has obvious potential and the shares could vary well start off hot when they begin trading, but I would still caution buyer beware. They are expensive from my view and come with lots of risk attached.
My Overall View On How To Approach Facebook’s Stock
The above points don’t mean that Facebook has no chance of ever making money for investors now that they are going public, but they are simple facts that individual investors should be looking at before committing their own hard earned capital. Me personally, I plan to stay away from Facebook at this point. I don’t think the potential rewards justify the heavy risks. That’s my opinion though. For those who want to take the risk right when Facebook goes public, I would recommend having a plan to manage the downside risk. Pick a point (preferably 10% or less) were you will cut your losses. The main goal should be not to lose money. Remember too, you can always get back in at what would be a better and more attractive price if it tanks. Also continue to learn everything you can about Facebook’s still developing business model. If you are interested in investing, you should stay interested in learning about what your committing money to. Don’t just passively buy and hope for returns, but buy and continue monitoring how Facebook will achieve those returns on your behalf. To conclude do allot of homework before making any decision and be careful to separate the hard facts from the hype.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor and this is not a solicitation to buy or sell anything. I do not plan on investing in Facebook or any other companies mentioned in the article, but may change my mind. This article is just an opinion piece and I am not registered as an advisor with the SEC. You should always do your own research before making any investments.


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To say Lew Freedman is happy would be an understatement. Freedman, president of distributor Professional Audio Associates (PAA), is “ecstatic” these days since the Woburn, Mass.,-based distributor joined the Catalyst AV distributor network group as its New England member last year.
“Being part of Catalyst AV network has made a tremendous difference,” says Freedman. “We have added a bunch of new lines and done extremely well with them. They have been pleasant surprises. I am ecstatic with everything that is happening.”
He says the group dynamic is exciting.
“I am working with other distributors there who I have known for years. Many of them have more experience than me. What I am most impressed with at Catalyst AV are the people. They are spectacular. Everybody is helpful. Everybody is thrilled to have us in the group. There are no weak links in the group, even with Allnet leaving.
“The fees are reasonable and the deals they get with the vendors are great. We fit right in,” he says.
“That line has been unbelievable. It has been fabulous for us,” says Freedman ebulliently. “Vanco has also surged. We were already doing Vanco, but now we have brought in the Catalyst AV brand cable made by Vanco and it has been a godsend.”
“We lost Sonos as a rep, but we have continued to sell their products as a distributor. In the last 60 days, we have added the entire Sound United lines (Denon, Definitive Electronics, HEOS, Marantz, Polk Audio and others). We also added Sony last year when we acquired Home Entertainment in Canton, Mass. We have 17 new lines in the barn this year,” says Freedman.
PAA 12th Annual Open House Showcases LG
PAA recently held its 12th annual Open House event at its headquarters location in Woburn, Mass., location. The event, which drew more than 200 integrators this year, started out as a way to unveil LG products, and this year featured 30 vendors.
“This event is a ‘thank you’ to our dealers and an opportunity for us to showcase the new LG line every year. LG comes out with a new line every year and the full line becomes available roughly this time every year. This year, we have the OLED 77C8PUA (MSRP $8,999), which we got stock on this week, as well as more of the LG 86SJ9570 UltraHD 4K with HDR LED TVs, which we have been selling like hotcakes,” comments Freedman.
PAA carries LG’s consumer, commercial, and hospitality lines. PAA consistently introduces the commercial product lines to residential integrators so they can expand their businesses, according to Freedman.
During the Open House, PAA offers a laundry list of discounts for the day in an attempt to shed inventory leading up to the close of PAA’s fiscal year on June 30.
One service PAA offers integrators (that will never show up in a discount price sheet) is connecting them with each other as a labor pool, in essence. When integrators tell PAA they have a lull or are in-between projects, the distributor connects them with other integrators who need help during a crunch time.
“I whole-hearted believe in doing that. If these guys can help each other, everybody wins,” says Freedman.

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Tomorrow’s Reserve Bank announcement is likely to see the cash rate put on hold as the board waits to see the effects of the August cut fully take shape.
This year has already seen the cash rate cut twice and it now sits at the historic low figure of 1.5 per cent. While this may seem like good news for borrowers, access to such low interest rates on mortgages has contributed to Australian households having more debt, compared to the size of the country’s economy, than any other in the world.
The higher our debt levels, and the closer we get to a zero cash rate, the less effective each cut becomes which will also be a key influence in steadying the board’s hand at tomorrow’s meeting.
This ineffectiveness is largely because cash rate cuts are intended to boost spending and stimulate the economy, however, the banks withheld almost half of the last cut, reducing the total impact.
Consumer confidence is also down at the moment, despite recent cuts, as consumers have a negative outlook of the current economic situation. These economic indicators point towards the cash rate remaining on hold for the rest of the year.
The board will make their announcement at 2.00pm tomorrow.


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We don't mean to alarm you, but OnStar could be spying on your GM car.
Read This Article
Kia Motors is having a busy year, reloading with seven all-new or refreshed vehicles this year, not the least of which is the 2014 Kia Soul that we first saw at the New York Auto Show.
The next-gen Kia Sorento will feature a bolder, striking design.
It isn't often we see cars here that were never meant to drive on our shores.


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Kroger and Nuro announce pilot market
The Kroger Co. and Nuro announced Scottsdale, AZ, as the city for their self-driving grocery delivery pilot.
Earlier this summer U.S. supermarket retailer Kroger and driverless delivery vehicle maker Nuro announced a partnership to begin testing grocery delivery using Nuro's robots. The program plans to use the new self-driving delivery vehicles to deliver groceries to customers curbside.
As of August 16, customers can place delivery orders from Fry’s Food Stores, located at 7770 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Customers shop via frysfood.com or the Fry's Food Stores mobile app and place their order based on slot availability. Grocery orders can be scheduled for same-day or next-day delivery by Nuro's fleet of self-driving vehicles. The price is a $5.95 flat fee with no minimum order.
"Scottsdale is proud to be the home of Kroger and Nuro's partnership," said Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane. "We welcome innovative technology that can benefit the lives of Scottsdale residents. We feel this partnership holds tremendous potential and promise, and offers our residents real, not-yet-experienced convenience for everyday routines."
"We're excited to launch our autonomous vehicle delivery pilot with Fry's in Scottsdale," said Kroger Chief Digital Officer Yael Cosset. "Kroger wants to bring more customers the convenience of affordable grocery delivery, and our pilot with Nuro will help us test and learn to understand customer acceptance of autonomous vehicles in our seamless offering. We thank Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, and the Scottsdale community for being terrific partners and for supporting customer-focused innovation."
"Arizona is home to some of the most innovative autonomous vehicle testing," said Nuro Co-founder Dave Ferguson. "We're proud to contribute and turn our vision for local commerce into a real, accessible service that residents of Scottsdale can use immediately. Our goal is to save people time, while operating safely and learning how we can further improve the experience."
Nuro will begin the pilot using its self-driving Toyota Prius fleet and plans to introduce its custom R1 driverless vehicle this fall.


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Fullscreen MCN Acquired by Otter Media, Cuts Monetization Deal With Loudr
Fullscreen is a leading multi-channel network on YouTube that has been making the move to be something more. That includes providing services to their clients. One recent addition was a music distribution and monetization deal with Loudr. Today Fullscreen had even bigger news with the announcement that Otter Media, a partnership between The Chernin Group and AT&T, will purchase a majority stake in Fullscreen.
Fullscreen is one of the top multi-channel networks on YouTube though they don't seem to use that phrase. They work with a wide range of creators on YouTube, including musicians, to build their brands and monetize their videos.
Music Monetization With Loudr
The competition among MCNs has been growing and they also need to build their businesses, so they now do more to help creators and, in some cases, are looking for ways to move beyond YouTube. Fullscreen recently turned to Loudr to help their clients monetize their music.
The deal includes a better rev share with Loudr keeping only 15% on cover songs rather than 30% as is their normal take to cover licensing costs.
In addition, Fullscreen creators can:
- Sell your music on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Loudr, and beyond
- License cover songs so you can monetize your recordings
- Split earnings with your collaborators
- Get started completely free!
So clients can make some money and also have a presence beyond YouTube.
Otter Media Takes Controlling Stake
Otter Media, the joint venture between AT&T and The Chernin Group, is self-described in an earlier video business acquisition announcement as:
"focused on acquiring, investing in and launching over-the-top (OTT) video services, positioning the alliance to take advantage of the rapid growth of OTT subscription video services."
They continue on that path with today's announcement that they will be taking a majority stake in Fullscreen. Founder George Strompolos remains as CEO.
Fullscreen is said to work with "more than 50,000 content creators who engage 450 million subscribers and generate 4 billion monthly views."
With Otter Media's support, it seems even more likely that the vision of Strompolos will be realized:
"Imagine recreating NBCUniversal or Viacom in today’s online world. What would that look like? How would it be different? Would you have 10 channels or 10,000 channels? We are in the process of figuring all of this out at Fullscreen. We envision a global network, accessible on multiple platforms, built on incredible technology and fueled by the creativity of thousands."
"This is not about recreating the old Hollywood system – why would we move backwards? This is about innovation. Fullscreen is building a global network and studio model for the future of video."
- YouTube Rivals: Yahoo Launching This Summer, Fullscreen MCN Developing VOD Service
- Loudr's Cover Song Licensing and Sales Platform Opens To New Signups For VidCon Relaunch
Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith (@fluxresearch) recently launched DanceLand. Send news about music tech startups and services, DIY music biz and music marketing to: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.


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MyGate, a security management app for gated premises, said on Thursday it has raised $56 million (Rs 400 crore) in a Series B funding round.
The company raised the capital from Chinese conglomerate Tencent, US-based investment firm Tiger Global Management, JSoros and existing investor Prime Venture Partners, it said in a statement.
MyGate will use the funding to build more solutions.
The startup, run by Bengaluru-based Vivish Technologies Pvt. Ltd, allows users to communicate with neighbours, manage visitors, and maintain attendance records, among other things. It also helps users discover services and pay society maintenance bills. The firm currently has presence in 1.2 million homes across 11 cities in India.
The company has over 700 employees and is planning to triple its workforce over the next two quarters.
MyGate was co-founded in mid-2016 by Vijay Arisetty, a former Indian Air Force pilot who has also worked with Goldman Sachs, and Abhishek Kumar, a former vice-president at Goldman Sachs. Other co-founders are Vivaik Bhardwaj, who was an air force pilot; and Shreyans Daga, an alumnus of the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
The startup had raised Rs 65 crore in a Series A round led by Prime Venture in October last year. Prior to this in January 2018, it had raised Rs 16 crore ($2.5 million then) in its first round of external funding led by Prime Venture.
Another funded player offering mobile-based security management solutions for gated premises is Biizlo, which had raised angel funding in November last year.
Other major security services providers in India include Security and Intelligence Services (India) Ltd, Tops Security Ltd and G4S.
Tiger Global, an early backer of online retailer Flipkart, has increased the pace of its investments in India ever since it ended a three-year hiatus towards the end of last year.
Just earlier this week, it invested in mobile app analytics startup CleverTap and software-as-a-service platform UrbanPiper.
Its other deals in the past two months include quick-service restaurant chain Wow! Momo Foods, ed-tech startup Vedantu, financial technology startup Cred, artificial intelligence-based wealth management venture INDwealth and home services marketplace UrbanClap.
Tencent has also stepped up its India presence this year. Earlier this month, it invested in Khatabook, a platform that enables small and medium enterprises to record and track business transactions.
In July, it joined the Series B funding round of neo-banking startup NiYO.
In September last year, the Chinese conglomerate led a large investment round in Mumbai-based Dream11 Fantasy Pvt. Ltd, which operates a fantasy sport website.


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- Amazon (NASDAQ:) sales rose only 7% in the first quarter, compared to a 44% increase in the same period a year ago;
- Despite setbacks on the earnings front, most Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about the company’s long-term prospects;
- Bank of America announces “significant” profit margin growth from 2023 to 2025;
- For data and content tools to help you make better investing decisions, try InvestingPro+
E-commerce, one of the most secure sectors of the digital economy to date, is starting to show signs of weakness after two years of strong growth.
The world’s largest online retailer, Amazon.com (NASDAQ6435 | AMZN), grew just 7% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to 44% a year ago. This represents the slowest growth rate for a Seattle-based company since the dot-com crash in 2001 and the second straight period of single-digit growth.
A week later, the latest results from Ottawa-based Shopify (NYSE:) also disappointed investors. The buyers’ platform said earnings per share were well below analysts’ expectations. The company also presented weaker prospects for acquiring new professional customers in 2022, saying that the increase in the number of suppliers on its platform will be comparable to 2021.
These dismal earnings reports have led to a sell-off from these and other e-commerce players, suggesting investors aren’t seeing a rebound in this segment any time soon.
Since Amazon reported results on April 28, shares have fallen more than 14% to close at $2,295.45 on Friday, the lowest level in about two years. Since the start of 2022, stocks are down more than 30%.
The massive spike in e-tailer stock prices seen at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 is coming to an end quickly, with major online retailers facing multiple challenges, including inflation approaching a 40-year high and rising prices. rising labor costs, problems in global supply chains and a pandemic.
It will be difficult to reverse the trend
To offset some of these losses, Amazon earlier this month introduced a 5% fee for some of its US sellers, for the first time in its history; and last quarter, Amazon raised the price of its US Prime subscription to $139 for the first time in four years. from $119
Despite these actions, Amazon management sees no prospect of a rapid reversal of the negative trend. CEO Andy Jassy said in a statement accompanying the release of the latest results:
“It may take some time, particularly as we work under constant inflationary pressures and address supply chain challenges, but we are seeing encouraging progress in many dimensions of the customer experience, including delivery speed, which is now approaching levels immediately preceding the pandemic.” at the beginning of 2020″.
Despite the setback on the earnings front, most Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about the company’s long-term prospects and its leadership in e-commerce. While some have revised their target prices due to the drop in selling, many believe that any lingering weakness offers a good buying opportunity.
Of 56 analysts polled by Investing.com, 52 had a “buy” recommendation for AMZN because the stock would be “above the market.”
Among those surveyed, the 12-month average target price was $3,676.75, representing a stock price increase of 60.18%.
Amazon Web Services, the company’s cloud services division, is one area where the company continues to impress. It is she who currently generates the bulk of the company’s profits. AWS reported a 37% increase in revenue to $18.4 billion. Indeed, the sum of commitments customers made to future AWS purchases increased 68% year over year to $88.9 billion.
Bank of America, reducing target price from $4,225 to $3,770, in post-release memo, says cost pressures should be manageable, and Amazon will see significant increases in profit margins in 2023-25 on the cloud, advertising and third-party market.
Cowen & Co. analysts think Amazon has a lot of pricing power when it comes to Prime. They note that a further increase in the membership fee could offset AMZN’s losses in the e-commerce segment.
Amazon will struggle to grow its e-commerce business in the current inflationary environment, which in the near term will significantly weaken the company’s stock price. That said, analysts are nearly unanimous that the company’s dominance in many areas of the digital economy is not in jeopardy and that investors should see this period of weakness as a buying opportunity.
Want to find your next big investment idea? InvestingPro+ gives you the ability to scour 135,000 stocks to find the fastest growing or most undervalued stocks in the world using professional data, tools and opinion. Learn more »


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Yuta Watanabe “As long as you have the Jordan brand, you can’t play unreasonably.”
The Japan Basketball Association (JBA) announced today that it has changed the new nickname of the Japanese national team to “AKATSUKI JAPAN”.
From the previous “AKATSUKI FIVE”, the nicknames of the Japanese national teams in various categories such as 5-person system, 3-person system, boys and girls have been unified to “AKATSUKI JAPAN”. “Akatsuki” is a motif that symbolizes Japan, which is also familiar to the Hinomaru, and has the meaning of bringing “the momentum of sunrise” to the Japanese national team who challenge the world. In addition, he said that he wants the teams that challenge the world to be united and supported without separating them.
It also announced that it has signed a partnership with the Jordan brand as a new uniform supplier for “AKATSUKI JAPAN”, which will make a new start. Japan is the first association supported by the Jordan brand in Asia, and it will be the fourth national team in the world after France, Croatia and Slovenia.
JBA Chairman Yuko Mitsuya, Yuta Watanabe, Japan Women’s National Team candidate, Maki Takada, 3×3 Men’s Japan National Team candidate Tomoya Ochiai, and 3×3 Japan Women’s National Team candidate Moe Nagata participated in the meeting. After the Tokyo Olympics, Chairman Miya commented that she “decided to renew the nickname of Japanese basketball at this time in order to make a further leap forward,” and she continued her strong feelings. “I would like to fight the world with the pride and determination of the Japanese national team, and I would like to strongly emphasize that meaning.” Energize Japan with basketball “, an existence that brings the momentum of sunrise to Japanese society in order to realize this motto. I want to be
Watanabe, who wore a new Jordan brand uniform, said that he was “a word of honor.” “As long as I put this on, I don’t think it’s worth playing, and I’m grateful. It’s a real honor to be able to play with the Jordan brand as a logo in the world, so I’d like to do my best.”
Takada also said, “I’m happy to be able to wear a uniform as the Jordan family.” “I was happy with the Nike logo at the time of the Olympics, but the French national team who played at the Tokyo Olympics put the Jordan mark on it. I was a little jealous of it, so I’m happy. “
This new uniform will be worn from the warm-up game of the men’s Japan national team and the women’s Japan national team, which will be held in Sendai from August 11.


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February 12, 2012
I’m going to sue you!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
- FB – deleted photos still on their servers3 years later.
- Flash -free Google Chrome for Android (Edward uses chrome://plugins to disable this Flash pest on pc)
- SSL revocation check removed from Google Chrome http://arstechnica.com/business/guides/2012/02/google-strips-chrome-of-ssl-revocation-checking.ars
- RIM’s board is under fire for running the company into the ground
- Mother got a Nook tablet and thinks she’s The Geek now. (Edward asks: what qualifies to be a geek?)
- Sony PS Vita, available Feb. 22: dual analogoue controllers, accelerometer controls, field digital buttons, touch screens front and back, and a 16:9 ratio 5″ screen.
- Edward angry at godaddy ‘s unreliablity: is justanothergeeksite.com blog running on godaddy hosting? – just asking…
- Easy Macro
- Google Wallet hacked? Google blames users with unsecure phones.
- Fake iPhone 4s for Android – give your Android phone an iOS appearance
(similar: fake windows phone on iphone:
- Google TV?? Just bought one today!
- New Samsung Galaxy Note with a 5.3” screen…but Gingerbread. (Edward played with it at trade show in Berlin – IFA – where it was unveiled for the first time ever in the world, it’s really pocketable though! but not digitizer pen)
Follow Alli on Twitter
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Call the Just Another Geek Site Google Voice number, and leave us a message! (304) 884-JAGS (5247)
Download the episode directly here. Subscribe via iTunes. Add our RSS podcast feed.


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LOS ANGELES—Cybersocket, one of the pioneering resources on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender web, has opened the nomination period for its 10th annual Cybersocket Web Awards. Surfers and industry insiders are invited to submit their favorite websites for consideration.
The Cybersocket Web Awards is the only event of its kind to recognize outstanding LGBT websites. New awards this year in the Surfers Choice division include Best Mobile Site, Best Massage Site and, in a nod to the brick-and-mortar world, Porn Movie of the Year.
“We feel that it is essential to honor these individuals and companies as being technological entrepreneurs, important agents of free expression and cultural change, and innovators in queer online media and entertainment,” Cybersocket co-founder Morgan Sommer said.
Online nominations for both the surfer and webmaster divisions opened July 27 and will close Sept. 24. Nominations may be submitted via the online form here.


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Apple TV 4K 2022
Another best-ever bargain is for the 64GB Apple TV 4K, now on sale for $139.99, down from $199.00
To take advantage of the Prime Day bargains, you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership
– If you haven’t already, you can sign up for Amazon Prime.
– Find the best Apple deals on Amazon Prime Day by reading our article on the most popular shopping event of the year.
Apple is preparing a new Apple TV, codenamed J255, with the A14 CPU, which will deliver an additional gigabyte of RAM,
Apple launched a new Siri Remote with an aluminium body and a click wheel that matches the one on the iPod Classic with the new Apple TV 4K.
Swipe Up to Know Further Information.


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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Tesla chief Elon Musk on Thursday urged workers to make helping with the “biggest wave” of deliveries in the electric car maker’s history their top priority, Business Insider reported.
The news website posted a copy of an internal email from Musk rallying Tesla troops to pitch in with “a massive wave of deliveries” throughout Europe, China and North America.
“This is the biggest wave in Tesla’s history,” the email read. “For the last ten days of the quarter, please consider your primary priority to be helping with vehicle deliveries. This applies to everyone.”
The firm is experiencing the kind of tremendous increase in delivery demand seen in North America last year in Europe and China, according to the email, which added the situation was exacerbated by component supplier shortages in Europe.
Musk was reportedly seeking volunteers to drive Tesla cars to destinations such as shipping points, but said he did not expect the delivery crunch to recur in future quarters. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.Meanwhile, a message from Tesla’s official Twitter account on Tuesday said that due to trouble processing an unusually high volume of online orders, a planned slight increase in prices of some models was postponed a day. Tesla currently makes all its cars at a plant in the Northern California city of Fremont and aimed to deliver 400,000 cars this year.
The firm recently introduced a new electric sports utility vehicle slightly bigger and more expensive than its Model 3, pitched as an electric car for the masses.
Tesla last week showed the all-electric Model Y with a starting price of US $39,000 for a version with a 230-mile (370-kilometer) range.
Deliveries were expected to begin late next year that model, with the standard-range version likely to get to buyers by spring 2021, according to the company.
Musk, 47, is a visionary and inventive boss but also highly unpredictable, especially on social network Twitter, where he has often communicated in defiance of rules imposed on executives of publicly-traded companies.


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Pasco Is Getting a New Brewery on Chapel Hill Blvd
Pasco is getting a new Brewery that's set to open up in October.
Dreams really do come true for two men who had a dream of opening up their own brewery and Pasco seems to be the perfect location for it at 8425 Chapel Hill Blvd
Tyson Crudup and Ben Grogan are teaming up on a life-long dream of running their own brewery.
Crudup recently resigned his job at Yakima Chief Hops to become co-owner in Sage Brewing.
Sage Brewing will feature a wide variety of beers that includes multiple IPA's with hop-fed pales. Sage Brewing will also have 12 taps and easy-drinking lighter beers.
Sage Brewing's goal is to open by late October and you can check out all the details on the new brewery at their Facebook page.


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Tyga is allegedly planning on buying Kylie Jenner a huge ring for Valentine's Day–and hes double-allegedly planning on making it an engagement ring. That's the latest from several high-level Kardashian sources, who've come forward with the gossip in a new report.
Brace yourselves, people: After 19 months and at least four temporary breakups, we might be on the verge of a genuine Kylie Jenner and Tyga split. According to a new report, Kylie is 'on the brink' of calling it quits with Tyga, who apparently can't stand how much Kylie loves getting attention from other men.
Kylie Jenner and Tyga ring shopping can only mean one thing–unless, as is so often the case with the high-profile teenagers, it means more. The two were recently spotted toting a handful of brand-new bling following a jewelry splurge in Calabasas. The fact that the splurge came just a few short days after Kylie allegedly considered leaving Tyga for younger, hotter rapper 21 Savage, following Tyga's alleged "bailing" during a pregnancy scare, led observers to wonder whether Kylie and Tyga were, at long last, engaged to be married. Or whether he was simply trying to make up for an emotional mistake by digging himself an even deeper financial hole.
Kylie and Tyga, like the Gilmore Girls, might seem destined to repeat the same mistakes indefinitely. According to the tabloids responsible for speculating upon their every move, they've been close to broken up or secretly pregnant as often as Lorelai and Emily fight. But now, according to a spate of rumors, a new man might be winning over Kylie's heart–and Tyga might have lost it at the worst possible time.
Kylie spent $200,000 to keep Tyga out of jail on her birthday this year, so it's fitting that apparently Tyga proposed to Kylie on his birthday–and, in an unexpected show of good faith, paid off some of his own debt to try and prove that he's serious. But is he? Is he, really?
The Pornhub Kylie Jenner connection is strong, thanks to the porn producers' latest attempt at getting Kylie to appear in one of their films. The company made headlines last year after dropping a $10 million offer Kylie's way the minute she turned eighteen; now, in the wake of her eye-opening public birthday gift to Tyga, and the amped-up publicity for her own lingerie and swimsuit lines, Pornhub is trying again.
Everyone knows that age-old American male rite of passage: when you turn 27, your 19-year-old girlfriend straddles you while topless and posts photos on Instagram. Never one to eschew American customs, Kylie Jenner celebrated her boyfriend Tyga's birthday by honoring the tradition.
Rumors of a Kylie Jenner pregnancy are flying fast and furious this week, thanks to Blac Chyna's brand-new little girl Dream Kardashian. According to the latest anonymously sourced rumors, Kylie is desperate for a baby of her own, and is insisting that Tyga–who is still her boyfriend–get her pregnant as soon as possible.


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Elden Ring got a slight delay last year, when the game was pushed back to February 2022. Thankfully, we won't see any more delays, as FromSoftware has confirmed the game has gone gold and is ready to be distributed.
In a presentation from the Taipei Game Show 2022, FromSoftware's Yasuhiro Kitao confirmed the news. In a lengthy video going over everything Elden Ring, Kitao went on to say:
"The master version has already been submitted, and right now, the team is working on a day one patch to make sure everything in the game is just so."
So, that confirms it! Work isn't done yet though, as a day one patch is already in the pipeline to smooth things out before we can all go hands on with the game.
Elden Ring arrives on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on February 25th.
Will you be playing Elden Ring on day one? Let us know in the comments.


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Starline Brass Kicks Off Facebook Promotion
SEDALIA, MO - To promote reloading as a hobby, Starline Brass announced they will be giving away a famous brand reloading press as part of a Facebook contest. Enter to win and see all the details of the promotion at www.facebook.com/starlinebrass
The contest begins April 25, 2014 at 12:01 a.m. CST and ends July 31, 2014 at 12:00 noon CST. The winner will be notified via email on August 1, 2014. For more information, the official rules, and to enter to win, go to Facebook and Like Starline Brass. Share the contest with Facebook friends and receive 2 bonus entries for each friend who participates. Enter once daily to increase your chances to win.
Starline Brass is also now accepting entries for their Cowboy of the Month contest on Facebook. To enter, Like the Starline Brass Facebook page and upload your cowboy/cowgirl photo with names. Share the contest with friends and ask for their votes. Fans can vote for their favorite photos daily. The photo with the most votes at the end of each month will be named Cowboy of the Month and will be featured online and in Starline advertising.
The Cowboy of the Month contest for the month of May begins April 25, 2014 at 12:01 a.m. CST and ends May 31. The winner for the month of May will be notified via email on June 2. For more information and the official rules, visit www.facebook.com/starlinebrass
Starline Brass is a family owned business that prides itself on producing the highest quality brass cases available. For more than 30 years, Starline's unique manufacturing process and commitment from their team of employees has distinguished Starline from the competition.
Contacts: Robert Hayden Jr., (660) 827-6640, firstname.lastname@example.org
Cliff Callis, Callis Integrated Marketing, (660) 826-2822, email@example.com


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Kmart prepares to close stores to the public
Kmart has revealed it has temporarily closed certain stores in Queensland, NSW and Victoria to the public after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in demand for online orders.
As a result, the retailer has converted some stores in those states into fulfilment centres to meet that increased demand.
A Kmart spokeswoman told news.com.au it was part of a plan to offer customers greater convenience.
While the specific sites will now be closed to the public for an unknown period of time, staff will still be working to fulfil orders.
"Over the past few weeks, we have seen a huge surge in demand for our online services and we want to continue to support our customers with shopping in a way that's most convenient for them. That's why we're doing things a little bit differently at Kmart," the spokeswoman said.
"We've made the decision to temporarily convert a few of our stores into order fulfilment sites to help support the growing demand for our online home delivery services.
"Our store teams will continue working instore, as part of this fulfilment team; ensuring that our Kmart customers and communities have easy access to the products they need, at the time they need them most."
Kmart has already successfully trialled the concept at its Brandon Park store in Victoria and it is being rolled out at Top Ryde in NSW and Caboolture in Queensland.
"We recognise that this is a unique time and we are here to support our customers, teams and communities, while we all adjust to this new way of life together," the spokeswoman said.
"Our deepest appreciation and thanks to the local communities for their understanding and support."
The beloved company is operating its online store as usual and is offering free delivery for orders above $45 during the pandemic.
Originally published as Why Kmart shut three stores to public


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The Internet was buzzing yesterday when pictures of Kim Kardashian dressed as Audrey Hepburn  surfaced from a photo shoot in Miami. Sure, we were just as stunned as the next girl — the demure look was a far cry from Kim's usually sexy and Kanye West-approved lineup  of pencil skirts, crop tops, and skinny jeans.
But after a little more research, it seems Kanye isn't the only fashion icon Kim's been paying attention to. The reality-TV-star-turned-fashion-fixture has drawn inspiration from everyone from Mrs. Doubtfire to Jerry Seinfeld  — and we have all the proof. Scroll through for a brief history of Kim's most famous doppelgängers.
Source: Getty  and 20th Century Fox
Kim Kardashian as Audrey Hepburn
A far cry from her usual diet of skin-tight skirts and crop tops, Kim channeled an iconic Audrey Hepburn look on set in Miami .
Kim Kardashian as Carmen Sandiego
More like where in the world is Kim Kardashian ? The jet-setter borrowed a look from another world traveler, stealing Carmen Sandiego's signature wide-brim hat and overcoat, while at the airport.
Source: Getty  and Carmen Sandiego Official Game Site
Kim Kardashian as Bianca Jagger
Kim borrowed Bianca Jagger's iconic wedding-day look, opting for white suiting and the floppy hat to match for an outing in 2011.
Kim Kardashian as Veronica Lake
With glossy golden locks, a red pout, and satin dress, Kim was gunning for Veronica Lake's trademark beauty look.
Kim Kardashian as Jessica Rabbit
With those curves — and that red-hot body-hugging dress – Kim could easily give Jessica Rabbit a run for her money.
Source: Getty  and Facebook user Jessica Rabbit
Kim Kardashian as Seinfeld
The similarities between Jerry Seinfeld 's '90s normcore and Kim Kardashian 's glamazon ways may not be obvious. But when Kim slipped into a ruffled white top she may have unknowingly channeled Seinfeld's infamous puffy shirt.
Source: Getty  and Facebook user Seinfeld
Kim Kardashian as Yoko Ono
Going incognito in black at the airport, Kim showed a striking resemblance to Yoko Ono's typically under-the-radar aesthetic.
Kim Kardashian as Michelle Williams
The bold canary-yellow gown and bright-red lip Kim wore to the 2012 amfAR's Cinema Against Aids event were on point with Michelle Williams 's now-iconic 2006 Oscars dress.
Kim Kardashian as Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe's evening dress and fur set the bar high for Kim's glamorous dopplegänger look.
Source: Getty  and Facebook user Marilyn Monroe
Kim Kardashian as Mrs. Doubtfire
Long before Kim wore her florals to the Met Gala, Robin Williams  rocked them on the big screen as Mrs. Doubtfire.
Source: Getty  and 20th Century Fox


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Debenhams collapse means more jobs wiped away on Rishi's watch
Responding to the news that Debenhams stores are set to close affecting up to 12,000 jobs, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine said:
"The news that Debenhams will be closing its stores is yet another blow to the UK economy. With the Arcadia Group entering administration last night, thousands more jobs have been potentially wiped away on Rishi Sunak's watch.
"During the pandemic when so many are already struggling to get by, unemployment will have a devastating impact. This Government's failure to get a grip on the virus has seen tens of thousands of livelihoods lost, and these extra job losses means thousands more families across the UK wondering how they're going to get by.
“Our high streets now need urgent government action to safeguard their future. A first step must be for Ministers to overhaul the business rates system, otherwise we will see yet more livelihoods lost in our retail sector."


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Think agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs) have seen a top? The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Supply and Demand report might cause you to think again.
The USDA has forecast smaller harvests for many farm commodities worldwide. That’s because of two primary things: too little rain in Russia and South America, and too much rain in Australia and India.
But there’s also increasing demand, says MarketPlace. Developed nations in recovery mode have consumers spending more, while emerging markets have newly-minted middle classes who want more protein-rich diets. [Ag ETFs: No Signs Of Stopping.]
To that end, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is going to be taking a look at limiting speculation in order to temper prices.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said that food prices, especially cereals and sugar, coffee, cocoa and tea, will remain high in the short-term as demand continues to grow against dwindling supply, reports John Gachiri for Business Daily. [4 ETFs to Play the Food Price Shock.]


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Ford Motor Co. continues working to balance its global business by implementing its first significant production cuts in more than a year while pushing plans to open a new market for Ford-made taxi cabs in southern China.
Ford officials said the automaker will temporarily stop producing the Focus and C-Max at the Michigan Assembly plant for two weeks this fall to reduce growing inventories. The assembly plant will be idle for the weeks of Oct. 28 and Dec. 16.
Inventory of the C-Max, which has been hurt by challenges to its fuel-economy rating, has crept up to a 122-day supply, which is double what most automakers consider as a desirable. With the government shutdown unfolding, Focus started October with a 71-day supply. (more…)


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While the tribe works the new installment collectors , this new CFPB’s complaint alleges your defendants commonly “ fingers of your own tribe ” hence should not be able to show the brand new tribe’s sovereignty. New Bureau produced this type of allegations in support of their belief you to definitely the brand new defendants violated the user Financial Safety Act (“CFPA”) by the entering into financing plans you to violated condition usury and you will financial certification regulations. The new Bureau alleged the funds was emptiness and should not become accumulated according to the CFPA while the finance was usurious below condition laws and regulations. The latest c omplaint plus alleges your defendants broken the actual situation during the Financing Operate (“TILA”) because of the failing to divulge the expense of obtaining the loans.
New Bureau’s c omplaint alleges that the d efendants’ customers had been necessary to shell out a beneficial “services percentage” (commonly $29 each $one hundred out of principal a good) and you will four percent of your modern dominant for each repayment commission. This means that, the fresh new energetic annual payment costs of fund ranged from up to 440% to 950%. Brand new c omplaint as well as alleges that each and every of one’s d efendants’ other sites advertises the cost of cost loans and you will boasts a speed off funds charges however, doesn’t divulge this new annual payment pricing.
With the April 27, the consumer Financial Safety Bureau registered case into the an Illinois government courtroom facing four on line repayment loan companies run by the good California Local Western tribe
Throughout an investigation till the suit was filed, the latest defendants claimed which they were entitled to tribal sovereign defense mechanisms because they acted as the an enthusiastic “arm of your own tribe.” This new CFPB’s c omplaint disputes one to d efendants have earned tribal sovereign defense mechanisms while they allegedly do not it’s run using tribal property , that of their operations is actually presented away from Ohio ( even though the tribal users was indeed for the California ), and that they obtained financing from other firms that weren’t very first had or integrated by the t ribe.
New recovery requested from the CFPB is sold with a long-term injunction facing the fresh d efendants out-of committing coming abuses of your CFPA, TILA, or any other provision out-of “federal individual financial laws,” and additionally damages so you can redress harm to users, and restitution and you can refunds out-of funds repaid and you will disgorgement from sick-gotten profits.
Lenders connected to Indigenous American t ribes was at the mercy of one another regulating and private litigation for abuses of consumer safety laws, as we previously stated here that is where . Recently, inside , the fresh new Ninth Circuit Legal regarding Is attractive denied the fresh new sovereign immunity system arguments one tribal lenders generated and you can confirmed a lowered court’s choice you to about three tribal credit organizations was in fact expected to comply with the latest Bureau’s civil investigative requires for documents. New Ninth Routine reported that fundamentally appropriate federal regulations, including the Consumer Financial Cover Work, apply to Indigenous American t ribes unless Congress expressly provides or even and Congress didn’t explicitly prohibit the 3 tribal lending businesses on Bureau’s administration authority.
The newest d efendants produced the fresh loans in question when you look at the Arizona, Arkansas, Tx, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Brand new Hampshire, New jersey, The Mexico, Nyc, North carolina, Ohio, and you can Southern Dakota
Keith’s feel representing subscribers on the monetary services industry given that a great lawsuits, compliance, regulatory, evaluation (internal and you may regulating), and administration lawyer spans two decades. Keith means subscribers against authorities regulators (CFPB, FTC, SEC, CFTC), globe regulators (FINRA), and private litigants inside the government process of law…
Keith’s experience representing website subscribers on economic characteristics globe just like the a beneficial litigation, conformity, regulating, comparison (internal and you https://empire-finance.com/personal-loans/new-jersey can regulating), and you will enforcement attorneys covers 2 decades. Keith means readers against government authorities (CFPB, FTC, SEC, CFTC), business authorities (FINRA), and personal litigants when you look at the federal courts, state process of law, and in advance of arbitration and you will administrative law boards from the economic characteristics world.


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Siemens Licenses Nokia Series 60 Platform
May 16, 2002, 5:11 PM by (staff)
Nokia and Siemens IC Mobile today announced an agreement to collaborate on mobile terminal software based on open standards. As the first steps in the collaboration, Siemens will implement the Series 60 software platform in Symbian OS-based smart phones. The companies will also work together on the future development of the Series 60. Series 60 is Nokia's platform for smartphones with large color screens, and is used in Nokia's 7650 model.
Jan 5, 2023
Qualcomm has revealed Snapdragon Satellite , the company's solution for connecting Android phones directly to satellites for truly global coverage. The feature uses the Iridium network, a satellite constellation that has has been in operation for 25 years.
Aug 11, 2021
Samsung today announced new smartwatches and Bluetooth earbuds: the Galaxy Watch4 series and Galaxy Buds2. Both feature a long list of small improvements over their predecessors.
Mar 29, 2021
Google recently announced the formation of the Android Ready SE Alliance, a collaboration between Google and the makers of "secure element" chips for phones and similar devices. The new initiative will enable all Android phone makers to more easily implement hardware security features that match the functionality and security of Pixel phones (which use Google's Titan M secure element chip).
May 20, 2021
The FCC today formally proposed moving up the deadline for smaller companies to implement STIR/SHAKEN technology by one year. This technology makes number spoofing difficult, allowing law enforcement and voice service providers to identify and block bad actors.


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2010 Toyota RAV4
As many suspected, it turns out there's more to the claims of unintended acceleration at Toyota than some problematic floor mats. Unfortunately, also like the floor mat issue, Toyota appears to be taking voluntary action only after widespread complaints about the issue. The recall affects 2.3 million vehicles spread across eight model lines.
According to Toyota, the problem has emerged in the past several months as a completely separate condition from the existing floor mat recall, which affected 4.2 million vehicles. About 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both problems.
“Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action," said Toyota Motor Sales group vice president Irv Miller in a release today.
The eight models affected include:
• 2009-2010 RAV4,
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
While Toyota says the condition is rare, when it occurs it presents in worn pedal mechanisms that become harder to depress and slower to return, potentially becoming stuck in the depressed position. With the throttle then stuck wide open, the car can continue to accelerate even while braking. Toyota advises drivers experiencing a stuck accelerator pedal to apply the brakes steadily and firmly, and to shut off the engine at the nearest safe location.
Toyota says no Lexus or Scion-brand vehicles were affected by the recall, though the Toyota Matrix shares its design and construction at California's NUMMI plant with the Pontiac Vibe, so it's possible that more cars yet may fall under the recall.


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Take advantage of our up to date industry insights, tips and news.
These fuels serve not only our heating and cooling needs, but also the manufacturing of countless modern products essential to everyday life.
According to data published by the NASDAQ, Oil prices have dropped so low that a barrel of oil is currently retailing at about $36. In comparison, the price of a barrel of oil was more than $100 as recently as 2014. On the one hand, consumers and some manufacturers have benefited greatly from low oil
Drill pipe protector systems have an enormous role to play in industries such as construction, water drilling, oil drilling, and gas drilling.
Come see us! Learn how we lead the industry at the American Metal Market Conference in Houston, Texas.


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Steep pot prices will get even higher in some Illinois communities come Jan. 1
At least 10 cities and two counties around the state voted to add local taxes to the cost of weed, including Arlington Heights and Carbondale.
Sky-high pot prices will increase even more at the start of the year in two Illinois cities.
Ten municipalities and two counties will levy an additional tax on recreational weed sales at the start of the year. Though most of those places don’t currently have dispensaries, the new retailers taxes will affect sales at PharmaCann’s Verilife store in Arlington Heights and the Consume location in Carbondale and any future stores that open.
Cannabis consultant Andy Seeger complained that “prices are already way too high” across Illinois, adding that the new taxes will likely “narrow margins even more for the still nonexistent legal adult-use supply chain participants.” In Chicago, an eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower can cost as much as $80 after taxes.
Meanwhile, officials in Arlington Heights plan to impose the maximum 3% local retailers tax, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. That will be added to the maximum 3% retailers tax imposed by Cook County, a 13% combined sales tax and a state excise tax of 10-25%, depending on the amount of mind-altering THC.
That combined rate of up to 44% trumps even Chicago, where taxes can now exceed 41% after dispensaries began tacking on the additional county and local taxes in July.
In Jackson County in southern Illinois, where Carbondale is the most populous city, municipalities will be subject to an additional tax of less than 1%, according to data provided by the IDOR. Starting Jan. 1, customers at Consume can expect to pay up to 35% in taxes.
Unincorporated portions of Jackson County will tax those sales at 1.5%, far less than the 3.75% allowed in those areas, the IDOR said.
While Ogle County doesn’t currently have any dispensaries, officials are imposing the maximum tax rates on localities and unincorporated areas. So are municipalities clearly looking to squeeze much-needed revenue out of the newly legalized drug.
The move comes as existing dispensary operators search for secondary locations and applicants for the next round of 75 pot shop licenses await their fate. Among the localities preemptively imposing new taxes are Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Prospect Heights, Rosemont, Tinley Park and Westchester.


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On Thursday, Trump officially signed an executive order that will ban the use of TikTok in the US.
In the order, which takes effect in 45 days, any transactions between TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and U.S. citizens will be outlawed for national security reasons.
When we talk about sanctions against Russian oligarchs and kleptocrats, well, the sanctions are that no American can do business with them, Stewart Baker, the former general counsel at the National Security Agency.
In a statement, TikTok says it is “shocked” by the executive order, claiming the Trump administration “paid no attention to facts, dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.”
Microsoft was in the process of trying to purchase TikTok.
View this post on Instagram
For Microsoft, a $1.5 trillion company that has focused its business mostly on corporate clients by selling software and cloud computing services, buying TikTok would be its first major purchase of a popular social media platform.
Microsoft already owns game console company Xbox, networking site LinkedIn, and messaging service Skype.
Officials at Microsoft say it is examining a TikTok acquisition that would potentially buy TikTok’s American, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand services, but officials close to the deal say the final offer may include operations in even more countries.
Facebook’s new Reels feature on Instagram allows users to create and share short videos, similar to TikTok.
TikTok is accusing Facebook of stealing their idea and capitalizing on the ban. Like TikTok, users can make short videos set to music, add filters and other effects, and easily share them.
This is not the first time Facebook has been accused of putting out “copy cat” features. That includes Stories, similar to Snapchat’s Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, and Messenger Rooms, a video-call competitor to Zoom that also incorporates elements of the popular video app Houseparty.
Facebook is the world’s largest social network, with more than 3 billion people using both Facebook and Instagram. TikTok which use to be known as Musically has definitely made a huge impact over the past few years as the trendiest new social media platform for teens and millennials.


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The founder and chairman of Quest Apartment Hotels is calling on franchisors to back independent reporting of their businesses to restore trust in franchising.
Paul Constantinou said self-regulation using a rating system could help address the issues raised in the parliamentary inquiry into the $170 billion franchising sector. This should happen, he argues, separate to any process by policymakers.
"Self-regulation is a must, irrespective of whether it is compliant with the law or not," he said. "All the compliance issues must be followed. That should be a core business discipline, it shouldn't have to be administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
"The ACCC and these panels have been set up because people have dropped the ball."
Mr Constantinou started Quest 32 years ago and has grown the business to 176 franchised properties across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The business turns over more than $400 million a year.
In 2017 he sold the majority of Quest to Singaporean serviced apartment giant The Ascott Limited for $193 million, but he retains a minority stake.
If we have franchisees failing, it is hurting our business, it is hurting our equity, it is hurting our capital and our growth.Paul Constantinou
Australian Franchise rating scale
Quest has implemented FRANdata which measures the performance of business franchise systems across seven performance standards. Mr Constantinou wants other franchises to take up the system, which has just released an Australian Franchise rating scale.
"I would like this to become a standard that there is an accreditation process for franchisors to go through to be assessed by an independent party," he said.
Mr Constantinou said the system is widely used in the United States.
"Our brand is out there," he said. "If we have franchisees failing,it is hurting our business, it is hurting our equity, it is hurting our capital and our growth. You can't sell a new franchise to someone who just read in the paper that you lost ten."
Quest faced a class action lawsuit from some franchisees in 2014 when it raised its gross sales fee to 8 per cent alongside a 1 per cent advertising fee.
'A few bad apples'
Mr Constantinou said Quest "probably went about it the wrong way" at the time, but the matter is now resolved.
He said Quest does not have any current issues with franchisees and was not the subject of any submissions to the franchising inquiry.
"When we heard about 7-Eleven and their wage issue about not being compliant to wage rates we did a total audit of all our franchise businesses and updated our process to make sure we were aligned to what [franchisees] were doing and report on it," he said.
"In the past we monitored it, but had never taken it to the level 'Do we really know?'. Now we have taken it to 'These have to be compliant'."
Mr Constantinou said in the past the Franchise Council of Australia used to provide accreditation for franchisors, which provided assurance of certain standards and disciplines.
"At least then people saw you as part of something," he said. "I think that's what people want, that other people have done a due diligence on you to a level. That gives you strength as a franchisor to say 'We are a compliant company'. Because the industry has a few bad apples in it doesn’t mean the industry is bad."
However, former ACCC head Allan Fels said self regulation has its limits.
"Self regulation only works if there is a total unconditional commitment this will be a test of the industry," he said. "It's no substitute for a wider strengthening of the Franchising Code of Conduct."
Mr Constantinou's call for further self regulation comes as the government considers the parliamentary joint committee's damning report into the sector which was published in March.
A spokesperson for small business minister Michaelia Cash said the government is carefully considering the report through its inter-agency Franchising Taskforce which has had three meetings.
"The taskforce is engaged in stakeholder consultation and is carefully considering the concerns raised in the report and each of the committee’s recommendations," the spokesperson said.
The taskforce is expected to provide advice to relevant ministers in the second half of the year.
However Mr Constantinou warned against further regulation in the sector.
"I think government intervention slows things down," he said. "If there are franchisors out there that are doing the wrong thing they should be held accountable.
"We have more regulation than in the United States and New Zealand. The New Zealand franchise industry is basically unregulated, but it still works very well.
"When we overgovern, it makes it harder to do things."


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Choosing a destination can be a difficult decision when you’re looking to maximize your travel budget. By choosing a destination with a favorable exchange rate and strong U.S. dollar, you can make the most of every penny spent in 2019.
Travelers looking to stretch the U.S. dollar this year should consider Latin America and parts of Africa and Asia. Projected prices for Latin America and Africa are expected to decrease by two percent for air travel and about 1.4 percent for hotel costs in 2019, according to the Global Travel Forecast.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for luxury without the high price tag, these undervalued currencies and decreasing foreign exchange rates should be on your radar. Check out the destinations where the dollar is strongest in 2019.
Whether you want colonial cities, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, wine country or wildlife, the greenback will take you far in Argentina. The dollar is so strong this year in Argentina that the Economist’s 2019 Big Mac Index undervalues the Argentine peso by a 64.1 percent, a huge drop compared to last year’s also-favorable 25 percent. The exchange rate, which is likely to continue trending in favor of U.S. travelers, is forecast to decrease by 10.7 percent this year.
If you go: Wine lovers can take advantage of the favorable exchange rate in 2019 by shipping home bottles (or cases) of the Argentine wines you discover on your travels.


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The electric car revolution will not be televised – at least not for another decade anyway after a new survey found that UK drivers will wait nine years on average to buy an electric car.
This is the main takeaway from Auto Trader’s latest research, which also uncovered a split in opinion over the proposed 2040 ban, with 40 per cent believing it is a positive thing and another 40 per cent being opposed.
When explaining why they’ll wait almost a decade before buying an electric or hybrid vehicle, many drivers cited a lack of charging infrastructure and the upfront expense of acquiring the vehicle.
Some could be holding out for the technology to become more advanced, resulting in more efficient batteries and a higher mileage per charge.
More than half 55 per cent found the terminology surrounding electric vehicles to be ‘confusing’ too.
‘Unrealistic’ and ‘alienating’
With drivers changing cars every two or three years on average, it may be the case that many will drive three cars before buying a plug-in vehicle. As such, only 26 per cent would consider going electric for their next car – the same percentage as when Auto Trader asked the same question in March 2017.
Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of the 1,000+ drivers surveyed did not know that the government offers grants for buyers of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Additionally, more than a third (38 per cent) slammed the government’s goal for at least half of new cars sold to be electric by 2030 as ‘unrealistic’.
Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader, commented: “Our research indicates that there are still significant barriers to [EV] adoption, with greater investment in infrastructure and technology needed.
“It’s also crucial that car manufacturers and the government alike ensure that language to describe electric cars is clear and accessible, rather than laden with technological jargon that consumers may find alienating.”
Heather Stark, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “This survey’s findings are even more evidence that plug-in cars have a long way to go before they can be considered commonplace.”


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We’re so happy to see a lot of Disney World restaurants reopening around the parks and resorts!
We’ve been in to see the newly reopened ‘Ohana, we dined at Trail’s End again, and we’ve even gotten to go inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort again. Now, there’s another snack spot that looks like it will reopen in Magic Kingdom this week!
Prince Eric’s Village Market has hours posted for next Monday, July 26th. You can find this snack spot across from the entrance to Voyage of the Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom.
This snack stop has been closed since Disney World reopened, but with hours showing it looks like it’s set to come back starting Monday, July 26th at 11AM.
Right now, the hours are from 11AM to 6PM for the next few weeks. The reopening isn’t the only surprise, though! There are two exciting additions to the menu!
Besides the Turkey Leg, Jumbo Pretzel, Pickle, and Grapes that you can get as snacks in this spot…
…there are two new slushies! The first is a Frozen Apple Slushy, but the most eye catching addition is the Mermaid Slushy, which is Frozen Blue Raspberry and Frozen Green Apple, topped with whipped cream and a mermaid tail! You may remember this addition as one that was announced by Disney World way back in early 2020, but never actually arrived.
We’re excited to try these new drinks when Prince Eric’s Village Market reopens on Monday! Keep following AllEars for more park updates!
Do you have a favorite slushy in Disney World? Tell us about it in the comments!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!


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Here comes the sun. Along with the pleasures of warm weather and more time in the great outdoors, the usual host of concerns and confusion about sunscreen return. The struggle to separate fact from fiction has become an annual ritual as news reports trickle in and clickbait headlines scream apocalyptic warnings.
The good news is, as more people become aware of the importance — and potential shortfalls — of sunscreen, more and more new research is emerging.
Case in point: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a proposal in February 2019 for updated sunscreen regulations. In 2022, the National Academies issued a report calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the active ingredients in sunscreen, their role in harm to aquatic environments, and how potential changes in guidance could affect usage and human health. And in May 2022 the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocacy organization, released its 16th Annual Guide to Sunscreens.
The bad news is that the new EWG report found that roughly three-quarters of the more than 1,800 sunscreens analyzed don’t provide adequate protection, or they contain ingredients that the FDA has not yet established as safe and effective. Unlike Europe, which regulates sunscreens the same way it does beauty products, and where 27 active sunscreen ingredients are approved by the government, in the United States, the FDA currently allows the use of just 16 active ingredients. Two actives (PABA and trolamine salicylate) are not recognized as safe and effective; and an additional 12, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, were recently determined by the FDA to need further testing before they're considered safe. The good news is that two ingredients are labeled as safe and effective — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are considered physical blocking ingredients, and they're found in sunscreens with a "mineral" or "physical" label.
Americans are becoming more dedicated to using nontoxic products in their households — as noted in a story published in August 2018 in Progressive Grocer — so it’s not surprising that there’s a corresponding increase in internet searches for so-called clean sunscreens. After all, it’s something you apply directly to your body’s largest organ. But there’s so much misinformation on social media that, according to a study in the 2020 issue of Health Communication, some people are clicking on links on how to make your own homemade sunblock — with dangerous results. (Coconut oil and beeswax don’t work — sorry, Pinterest!)
To sort through the report's findings and quickly cut to the bottom line, we narrowed down your sunscreen shopping trip to these six easy steps.
Which Sunscreen Is Right For You?
1. Read the Label First
A list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce, let alone understand, can be downright overwhelming. So what are the key things to keep in mind? “Look for sunscreen that’s labeled broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology in New York City. “This means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.”
One caveat about SPF levels: Doctors recommend at least 30, but according to the EWG, products with claims of high SPF values are on the rise and are often misleading. One problem is that the SPF value on product labels pertains only to UVB protection. So a sunscreen with an over-the-top SPF may not adequately shield skin from the harmful ultraviolet A rays that cause skin aging and possibly melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
According to the FDA, high SPF products can also mislead people into thinking they are completely protected from sunburn and long-term skin damage. This false sense of security sometimes causes people to think it’s okay to spend more time in direct sunlight, so they end up getting more ultraviolet exposure, not less.
2. Learn the Pros and Cons of Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from UV rays, there are so many factors beyond SPF. Some clean beauty proponents will tell you the answer is simple: Choose a mineral over a chemical sunscreen. But not everyone agrees.
What’s the difference? “Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide alone or in combination with titanium dioxide,” Dr. Zeichner says. “They form a protective seal over the surface of the skin and protect the skin by reflecting away UV light. They tend to be chalkier and leave the skin with a white tinge. Chemical sunscreens contain compounds that absorb UV light and prevent it from penetrating into the skin. They absorb fully into the skin, but may cause irritation in people with sensitive skin.” For that reason, “mineral sunscreens have the greatest level of safety data” for those with sensitivities, he says.
The EWG’s stance on how sunscreens should be formulated is firm. “We recommend opting for a mineral-based sunscreen,” says Emily Spilman, the program manager on the healthy living science team at EWG in Washington, DC, who has been involved in their Sunscreens Guide. She suggests choosing products made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (or both) as the active ingredients, because these products generally offer good sun protection and have fewer active-ingredient health concerns.
As with clean eating and clean beauty, it’s become popular in some circles to talk about using a “clean” sunscreen.
The problem is that there is no standard definition for that term. “Some people define clean sunscreen as not containing chemical-blocker ingredients,” says Zeichner. “Others define it as containing only organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. The EWG tends to recommend mineral-based sunscreen. Despite these recommendations, most dermatologists continue to recommend chemical sunscreens in combination as well. The currently available sunscreens in the United States are safe and effective, and the benefit in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays outweighs any perceived risk to our health.”
Holly Thaggard is the founder of Supergoop in San Antonio, Texas, a protective skin-care brand that puts sunscreen at the forefront. She says both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be right for you depending on your skin type. “Chemical sunscreens absorb UV light, so your skin doesn’t, and they allow for weightless, sometimes clear formulas. These are great for daily wear, multiple skin tones, the beach, and working out. Mineral sunscreens are made up of tiny white, UV-protecting particles — zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both — and are more gentle, perfect for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin.”
One issue is that if people feel a sunscreen doesn’t look good on their face, they might not wear it every day. “The knock on mineral sunscreens, as you know, is that they are not cosmetically elegant; they leave a film, and that’s not great, especially on darker skin,” says Sapna Westley, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “I have a lot of patients who are very nervous about anything chemical and just use a mineral, zinc-titanium block and they do perfectly fine.”
Thaggard agrees that mineral sunscreens are not as wearable, and must be formulated carefully to ensure that they are stable and effective, but that both options are viable. “At Supergoop, we believe that there’s a time and place for both sunscreens: clean chemical, aka no oxybenzone and soon-to-be no octinoxate, and 100 percent mineral, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both that still blend beautifully.”
3. Know the Difference Between Oxybenzone and Avobenzone
EWG recommends avoiding oxybenzone in sunscreens. “This ingredient may behave like estrogen. Oxybenzone is absorbed through the skin and can affect hormone levels,” Spilman says.
While an article published May 6, 2019, in JAMA raised concern about how quickly some SPF products are absorbed into the skin, Zeichner says the research was based on tests in which people covered 75 percent of their body with sunscreen every two hours. “It’s unclear whether there is reason for concern about absorption based on the way most people use sunscreen in the real world,” he says. “Based on what we know today, the benefit of wearing sunscreen in protecting the skin against skin cancer and premature aging outweighs the potential risks. If anyone is concerned about the use of chemical blocker sunscreens, mineral options that contain zinc oxide alone or in combination with titanium dioxide are a great option.”
A follow-up FDA study analyzed six active sunscreen ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate). Along with maximal, every-two-hour use, researchers also looked at skin absorption from a single application and found that some of these ingredients remain detectable in the body for up to 21 days. But the implications of this aren’t yet clear. The research looked at whether these ingredients were absorbed and how long they remained in the body, but not if they caused harm. The recommendation to wear sunscreen as directed stands.
Thaggard adds: “Oxybenzone is a frequently used, inexpensive active ingredient found in some sunscreens. While it helps achieve high SPF ratings, it is also widely known as being one of the most irritating raw ingredients to work with, as opposed to the alternative, much more skin-compatible, and noncontroversial avobenzone, which is essential for a broad-spectrum clean chemical sunscreen.”
4. Why Broad-Spectrum Matters in a Sunblock
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA — which causes wrinkles — and UVB rays — which cause sunburn and skin cancer, according to the FDA. “When it comes to sun protection, most people tend to think only about sunburns,” says Thaggard. “But the truth is, they're forgetting an entirely different type of damage. UVA rays enter the skin’s surface even deeper, and they can contribute to skin cancer and also cause signs of aging. It's important to remember that UVA rays are present throughout the year at about the same intensity, even when it's cloudy or through windows.”
5. Check Your Sunscreen’s Water Resistance
If you’re going to the beach or pool in the summer, a water-resistant sunscreen is a no-brainer. But it’s a pretty smart option for daily use as well, explains Dr. Westley. “Water-resistant sunscreens are good because the rule of thumb is that we tell people to reapply every two hours. And a lot of people don’t realize that they’re sweating off their sunscreen throughout the day, especially when it’s humid out, so water-resistant sunscreens give people that extra protection even if they’re not in actual water.” Water-resistant sunscreens are labeled as such.
Since 2011, the FDA has banned manufacturers from claiming that any sunscreen is “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Labels can say "water resistant" but only if the sunscreen has been proved to remain effective in water for either 40 or 80 minutes. “According to the FDA rules, sunscreen labels that claim to be water resistant must indicate how long you can wear the product while swimming or sweating before you need to reapply,” says Westley. “I recommend water resistance for up to 80 minutes just to give you that added coverage.”
6. Keep the Vitamin D Factor in Mind
You’ve probably been hearing about the importance of vitamin D since you were a kid. It’s no secret that vitamin D is critical to overall wellness, whether it’s for bone health, immune function, or managing depression, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). And according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, your body makes vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays. “Internal medicine doctors will tell their patients, ‘Go sit in the sun for 10 minutes a day to get your vitamin D,’” says Westley. “And we dermatologists say, ‘No! Don’t do that without sun protection because you can get skin cancer,’ so that can get a bit controversial.” The compromise? “Because it’s so easy and inexpensive, I tell patients to supplement with vitamin D instead.” Westley, who recommends her patients get their D levels checked every year, says she prefers D3 for its higher bioavailability. You can also eat foods enriched and fortified with vitamin D, including egg yolks, fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon, some cheeses, and beef liver, per the NIH.
The Bottom Line on Choosing a Good-Quality Sunscreen
“UV light is a major cause of skin cancer, including the deadly form, melanoma,” says Zeichner. “Proper use of sunscreen will help lower the influence of cancers in the future. With so many different sunscreens on the market, there is a formulation for every personal preference. As a dermatologist, I tell my patients that the best sunscreen is ultimately the one that you are actually using," he says. “No matter what ingredients the sunscreen contains, they will not work if you’re not applying it to your skin.” Choose a sunscreen in a formula — cream, lotion, gel, stick, spray — that you are happy to use.
The EWG found 247 recreational and 161 daily-use sunscreens that meet their standards, so there are plenty of safe and effective options out there. Shoppers on the go can download EWG’s free Healthy Living app to get ratings and safety information on sunscreens and other personal-care products.
What’s more, Zeichner points out it’s worth protecting skin against visible light, which isn’t associated with skin cancer, but can contribute to discoloration and melasma. Look for tinted sunscreens, which have iron oxide pigments that guard against this visible light, he says.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about sunscreen is that sunscreen by itself isn’t enough. “Proper sun protection includes protective clothing, like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection,” Spilman says. “Being in the shade is essential. Find or make shade under a tree, take an umbrella to the beach, and set up the stroller canopy on walks,” she adds.
Westley tells her patients they can enjoy the outdoors but to be “sun smart,” especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest, according to the American Cancer Society. Most important, make sunscreen a daily habit, like brushing your teeth. For easier reapplication and portability, choose a sunscreen powder or stick, she suggests. “We know that the risk of skin cancer, which I see every week now in younger and younger people, outweighs the risks of any ingredients that we know of at this point,” says Westley.
Additional reporting by Jessica Migala.


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NEW YORK (AP) — In a season that inspires earnest letters about toys, one notable batch is being sent not by kids to Santa's workshop but by parents to the executive suites of real-world toy makers.
The message: Please, in these days of economic angst, cut back on marketing your products directly to our children.
The letter-writing initiative was launched by the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which says roughly 1,400 of its members and supporters have contacted 24 leading toy companies and retailers to express concern about ads aimed at kids.
I've been having this conversation lately with a few different people, and I thought it might be a good topic for some discussion here. Do you think that the way the economy has turned south might change the way people celebrate Christmas on a long term basis?
If you've ever happened to read Laura Ingles Wilder's books, you might remember tellings of a Christmas that was celebrated mostly as a special occasion and was barely focussed on gifts at all. It's hard to believe that as a society, we've gone from a Christmas that was all about family to a holiday that's all about who can spend the biggest amount of money to make their family happy - in only the space of a longer lifetime.
Now, however, we're faced with a Christmas where the economy is doing so poorly that people can't afford to be nearly as extravagant with their gift giving, and odd as it may sound to say, it might actually be a good thing in some ways. If we can make a really concentrated effort to make this season about family and friends again, maybe in the Christmas's to come, the ones where money isn't as much a concern anymore, we'll still remember how good it can feel without all the fancy new toys we've come to expect. Maybe... just maybe... we can learn to cut back on going overboard, on a more permanent level.
What do you think?


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Shopify has helped over 100,000 retailers start selling online worldwide. The platform has also taken hold in Latin America, especially Mexico.
Cuelinks helps content publishers in India, Brazil and Russia monetize their sites. Company CEO Mehul Jobanputra discusses the details.
Out of Brazil, MeSeems is an integrated digital platform that allows its clients to send customizable questionnaires via mobile app to get market insights.
Wearable technologies haven’t quite taken hold – especially in developing markets like Latin America. There are a number of explanations […]
Claudio Cossio discusses the Interesante and its strategies and tactics for monetizing content in the United States and Latin America.
Latin America’s entrepreneurial and acceleration movement has extended beyond the region’s capitals. Such is the case of LPHub out of La Plata, Argentina.
When it comes to picking a one-line descriptor for a startup, the Mandaê team has it down: “Our mission is to make shipping stuff simple.”
For new business entrepreneurs, the idea of a virtual office is becoming more appealing each and every day. Here’s a look at why.
Last week, LatAm tech was marked by two announcements in investment – a new alliance between NXTP Labs and naranya*LABS, and the launch of Magma Partners.


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The New Sensor Boxing Workout Packs the Same Punch at a Low Cost for Users
Liteboxer, the at-home fitness company that combines patented hardware, game dynamics, hit music, and expert training to create the world’s most immersive workouts, today debuts its latest innovation – Liteboxer Go. By using punch tracking sensors that strap around the user’s wrist, Liteboxer Go allows users to shadow box to Liteboxer’s full workout content anywhere, anytime. Just grab Liteboxer Go and either a TV, tablet, or phone then step into the virtual ring!
Since Liteboxer debuted in 2020 with its signature standing LED punching bag, the brand has continued to push boundaries to bring the most innovative products straight to the home. Now with the launch of Liteboxer Go, users don’t have to stress about finding a gym or workout class while they’re traveling – or even clunky workout equipment in their home. Simply strap on the sensors and tap into Liteboxer’s full platform featuring daily-dropped trainer-lead workouts with over 200 workouts through the app. Users can also add egg weights to bring the extra burn during workouts.
Shadowboxing is one of the most effective workouts that can be done in the comfort of your own space and burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes. Plus, Liteboxer Go features the brand’s patented Rhythm Technology that delivers beat-based boxing and full-body workouts synched to Universal Music Group with some of your favorite artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, and Imagine Dragons, and more! To celebrate the launch of Liteboxer Go, OneRepublic’s “I Ain’t Worried” track from the Top Gun: Maverick (Music from the Motion Picture) soundtrack will be available in the app.
“I’m pumped to finally bring Liteboxer Go to the masses as a premium at-home workout experience that can be done from anywhere,” said Jeff Morin, CEO of Liteboxer. “We recognize that not everyone can afford a $2,000 piece of gym equipment for their home. Liteboxer Go is a fraction of the price of current at-home platforms and the answer for those looking to make their workouts accessible. As I look into the future of at-home fitness, I truly believe that it’s vital to ensure everyone can affordably work out at home or on the go with world-class trainers, chart-topping music, and a community-led platform for less than they would spend at the gym.”
There are no up-front costs for Liteboxer Go. When you sign up for the monthly service, users get the sensors and trackers for free.
The Liteboxer Go kit includes the following:
- (1) Pair of Liteboxer Go sensors with wrist wraps with tablet stand, Egg Weights (Standard 1 LB each) with carrying case. Current Liteboxer hardware and VR premium subscribers will only need to purchase the sensors, with no additional membership.
- Current Liteboxer hardware and VR premium subscribers will only need to purchase the sensors, with no additional membership.
- First purchasers of Liteboxer Go will get Egg Weights (standard 1lb) as a way to increase the difficulty and burn for a more challenging workout.


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State Regulator Rescinds Request That Retail Energy Suppliers Cease Door-to-Door Marketing
June 8, 2021 Email This Story Copyright 2010-21 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • firstname.lastname@example.org
The following story is brought free of charge to readers byEC Infosystems, the exclusive EDI provider of EnergyChoiceMatters.com
The Massachusetts DPU has rescinded its prior "request" that retail energy suppliers and marketers cease door-to-door marketing
On March 24, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities had requested that all competitive suppliers and licensed competitive supply brokers cease door-to-door marketing activities until the Department rescinded that request or the state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was lifted, whichever came first. On August 3, 2020, following a significant decrease in COVID-19's rate of transmission, the Department rescinded this initial request. On November 27, 2020 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts saw another spike in COVID-19 cases which led to a second request from the DPU for retail energy suppliers to cease door to door marketing.
The DPU now notes that the Governor of Massachusetts has announced the end of the state of emergency related to COVID-19, effective June 15, 2021.
"Consistent with the requests made in the letter dated November 27, 2020 the Department hereby rescinds the request to cease door-to-door marketing activities coinciding with the June 15, 2021 end of the state of emergency," the DPU said
The DPU cautioned suppliers that, "The Department reminds competitive suppliers and licensed competitive supply brokers that while the request to cease door to door activities will be lifted coinciding with the end of the state of emergency that all Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines must still be followed."