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MapQuest has unveiled a new brand identity and launched a new consumer experience that puts the journey front and center, taking consumers beyond just maps and directions, into the world of discovery.
The site also integrates Patch’s directory information into its search results. MapQuest aims to educate users about where they are going and provide locally relevant information about the places in between.
That relevant information is available on computers and across an expansive and growing roster of mobile devices.
“We are committed to providing accurate maps and directions to millions of people every day,” said Christian Dwyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager, MapQuest. “And under the new leadership at AOL, we have invested in creating a new user experience that helps users discover what is there, nearby and along the way, making it more than how to get from Point A to Point B. The MapQuest evolution is underway and aims to transcend how consumers engage with maps by adding seamless context and sharing capabilities.”
Part of the new experience includes:
* One-box search for finding directions, maps and businesses;
* Enhanced My Maps with a simplified login process using existing services (AOL, OpenID, Yahoo, Google, Facebook and Twitter);
* The ability to easily save and customize information, including My Maps trip itineraries, and share it with friends via social networks, including: Facebook and Twitter;
* Ways to plan and personalize travel with notes, anecdotes, landmarks and short cuts; and
* Integration of Patch’s directory information into MapQuest’s search results (e.g. restaurants, stores, government offices, local services, parks and schools).
The MapQuest.com experience will continue to be replicated on mobile devices via the company’s various mobile products including MapQuest 4 Mobile, MapQuest Navigator and MapQuest Mobile Web.
MapQuest also recently announced the availability of basic voice guidance on MapQuest 4 Mobile for iPhone, a key differentiator from many other free navigation apps.


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Textile Exporters Hold Back Shipments Amid High Freight Costs
The Indian Commerce Ministry is monitoring developments on the situation at the Red Sea, amid textile and garment exporters holding back their shipments owing to fears about higher freight costs.
The cost of freight and insurance has risen due to ships being compelled to avoid the region and take a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
“Shipments are being held back by exporters because they are feeling the pinch of additional freight costs,” Business Standard reported a senior government official as saying.
“If this prolongs, then it is a matter of concern adding that containers could face delays of 12-14 days in their turnaround time although there was no shortage of containers,” he added.
“We have not got the signal yet whether exporters abroad are holding back shipments,” the official stated.
While exports to the US west coast are intact, shipments to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia have been affected.
Another official said many consignments were being escorted with security in high seas with help from the Ministry of Defence due to the challenges on the Red Sea.
Danish shipping giant Maersk will divert its vessels around the Cape of Good Hope for the foreseeable future.
“The situation is constantly evolving and remains highly volatile, and all available intelligence confirms that the security risk continues to be at a significantly elevated level,” Maersk said in a statement.

domain: news


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All of John Graber's training and practical experience centers on research and writing. He earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism from the University of Arizona, and a master's in communications from the University of Oregon. He spent a decade as a full-time staff writer at daily newspapers, worked in various communications positions for several non-profit organizations, and taught at community colleges in the Phoenix area.
The LightWave 3D Group's latest 3D modeling and animation software includes a number of options for importing and exporting the popular STL and PLY file formats...[read more]
One legend holds that ancient Egyptians celebrated their love for their betrothed more than 3,000 years ago by wearing a ring...[read more]
Brian McLoughlin, the 3D modeler at People Wear, had a problem with his five 3D printers. A lot of his prints we were coming out warped...[read more]
Adjectives like "hot" and "sexy" are frequently used to describe the 3D printing market these days, but Victoria's Secret took it to a whole other level during its 2013 fashion show in New York. Model Lindsay Ellingson...[read more]
The University of Texas at El Paso will lead the effort to create an automated assembly line of 3D printers that can produce and test aerial vehicles and satellites while in flight...[read more]


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Beth Belton, USA TODAY
AOL announced Wednesday that it is buying AdapTV, a video programming company, for $405 million.
In an interview on CNBC early Wednesday, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong said the acquisition will help the company improve its ability to integrate advertising with video content.
The company also posted second-quarter results that bested Wall Street estimates on revenue and earnings. And it raised its guidance for full-year results.


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Blink has put out word that online retail goliath Amazon has bought the startup specializing in wireless home security cameras. “We’ll continue to operate under the Amazon umbrella,” Blink said in a blog post. “It’s Day 1 for us at Amazon, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can deliver to our customers together.” The US startup added video doorbell priced at $99 to its home security system offerings. Amazon recently stretched its delivery arm inside homes with the debut of a smart lock and camera combination that also signaled a move into home security.
“Amazon Key,” available to members of the internet giant’s Prime subscription service in an array of US cities, was pitched as a secure and trackable way for packages to be delivered inside homes when people aren’t there. Each Key kit includes an Amazon Cloud Cam synced to the internet and a smart door lock from either Yale or Kwikset. Prices for kits start at $250, according to Seattle-based Amazon. Prime members with the service can use a smartphone application to track packages and then watch deliveries happening or review video of in-home drop-offs, the company said.
Key allows someone making a delivery to request access to the recipient’s home, with Amazon checking to make sure the proper driver is at the right location at the intended time before unlocking doors, according to a description of the service. A Cloud Cam providing a view of the inside entryway goes into action when doors are unlocked, recording a delivery. Delivery people will not be given access codes, as unlocking doors will be done via the internet. Amazon said it is working on partnerships with professional service providers such as cleaners, pet sitters, and dog walkers to allow Key to be used to allow them access into houses as desired by customers.


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Hyundai has announced that it will sell the Hyundai Kona alongside the Hyundai Creta in the Middle East. China is also a market where both models are sold. Hyundai suggests that the Hyundai Kona will have a pricing higher than the Hyundai Creta. Both models will appeal to very different customer groups, and so, they won't cannibalise each other’s sales.
Commenting on the announcement, Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East, said:
The Kona will supplement the Creta in showrooms, with premium features and more fashionable design to set it apart.”
Mr. Song thinks of this situation as similar to that of the Veloster selling alongside i30, in which the Veloster is a sportier offering and attracts “younger, more style-conscious buyers”.
Introduced in summer last year, the Hyundai Kona is the South Korean automaker’s B-SUV aimed largely at the developed markets. Till April 2018, Hyundai sold 37,688 units in South Korea and 94,523 units in its overseas markets. The small SUV features an offbeat design and is underpinned by the same platform as the latest Hyundai i30 and Hyundai Veloster.
The Hyundai Kona had made its Middle East debut at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show in November. Two engine options for the new sub-compact SUV were listed there: 120 PS 1.0L T-GDi and 177 PS 1.6L T-GDi. The turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine will come with a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will come with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an AWD system. The display model at the show was in the 1.6L T-GDi 7-DCT AWD configuration.
Also Read: 2018 Hyundai Creta (facelift) launched at INR 9.44-15.04 lakhs
The Hyundai Kona will go on sale in the Middle East in summer this year.


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How can individuals best protect their hearts now?
Wearing your heart on your sleeve. Hard-hearted. A heavy heart. In English, we have a lot of terms to describe the state of our emotional hearts. More importantly, though, is to consider the health of our physical hearts. Then words like palpitations, myocardium and pulmonary valve take greater precedence.
Cardiovascular health is an important field and one that is growing due to need as America sees an older generation living longer. Despite this positive change, there is still a great deal of concern over the state of heart—literally—of U.S. people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of American deaths in both men and women across ethnic and racial groups. People at higher risk include individuals with diabetes, those who are overweight or obese, are physically inactive, have an unhealthy diet, and those who use alcohol excessively.
Thankfully, there is good news. Knowing more about heart disease—and prevention—gives individuals a lesser chance of suffering from the disease. And many lifestyle choices may be able to prevent heart disease altogether. In recent years the American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended that people focus on seven areas to do so. Diet is the first. Including lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and nuts and seeds is highly encouraged. Exercise is second. Activity for adults should include two and a half hours of moderate or 75 minutes of strenuous movement weekly. Quitting smoking, managing one’s weight, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure round out the recommendations.
Cardiovascular Health Now: What’s New?
This year, the AHA added an eighth lifestyle modification: getting the proper amount of sleep. Adults should aim for between seven and nine hours a night, a challenge for many. But what about individuals who are following all these guidelines and want to take additional preventative measures? Many promising and proven natural health products in the market currently may further enhance heart health.
According to Globe Newswire, with a 3.8 percent CAGR, the cardiovascular drugs market size is expected to see continued growth and is estimated to reach $63.96 billion (U.S.) by 2026. With that increased interest comes a lot of excitement for manufacturers and retailers in the natural health product space around cardiovascular health.
Brian Keenan, ND, LAc, education manager at Ayush Herbs in Redmond, WA, stated that awareness around two very different parts of the body is of great interest now in this field. “I’m excited about the growing understanding that the microbiome impacts all aspects of human health, and in this case, cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Keenan. “This is exciting because it continues to support the fact that gut health is foundational health, and its effects are long and lasting.” Specifically in cardiovascular disease, Dr. Keenan noted, it’s not uncommon for individuals to become frustrated with slow progress toward better heart health. With gut health, he pointed out, subjective improvements like less gas, bloating, etc., are usually obvious very quickly. “Now, it’s up to clinicians to educate their patients that this is the first benefit of healthy gut function and that cardiovascular benefits are just a matter of time,” he said.
Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Daiwa Health Development in Gardena, CA, Hank Cheatham, stated that he’s looking forward to new developments and further study in this field. “The cutting-edge cardiovascular supplements of the future will have strong scientific research supporting the ability to clean arteries, to remove plaque, to break-down calcium, to eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the blood,” he said.
Cheatham added that successful products in the natural health market for cardiovascular health will provide effective, science-based methods to clear blocked arteries and promote good heart health. “Diet and exercise are touted as the true path to heart health, but without some method of cleaning arteries and the cardiovascular system, diet and exercise alone won’t be enough,” Cheatham said.
Dr. Stacey Smith, marketing and communications manager NORAM, of Gnosis by Lesaffre, with the U.S. headquarters in East Brunswick, NJ, pointed to two studies of interest regarding new developments in the area of heart health. First though, a bit of background.
While most dietary supplements designed to address cardiovascular health—those targeting cholesterol, blood pressure, blood fats, etc.—are often positioned as alternatives to pharmaceuticals, explained Dr. Smith. There is no pharmaceutical solution for atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. “However, today new research shows that a vitamin and specifically vitamin K2 can significantly impact the progression and even regression of hardening of the arteries,” she said.
“We have also noticed more studies coming out identifying that certain pharmaceuticals actually impact the processing of certain vitamins and nutrients intended to naturally support cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Smith. Statins are an excellent example. “While statins are heavily prescribed to support cholesterol reduction, they actually inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K2, which naturally promotes the inhibition of arterial calcification by activating the K-dependent protein Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) already present in the body,” she explained. “So while we are taking one medication with the hopes of supporting our hearts, we are actually lending to potential damage and increased cardiovascular risk.”
Joe Brunner, president of Endurance Products Company in Sherwood, OR, stated that trends in self-care among individuals are creating interesting changes in the cardiovascular health marketplace. As a result of being more tuned into their health, Brunner stated that more consumers are seeking supplements they can trust, those backed by robust research, and which fit into a more holistic form of healthcare. “This new mindset has challenged more companies to up their game, starting with selecting research-backed ingredients—or doing the research themselves—developing formulas that are both safe and effective, manufacturing to high-quality standards, and importantly, working hand-in-glove with naturopaths and other health care practitioners who embrace a holistic approach to wellbeing.
“For me, it’s an interesting trend to watch,” said Brunner. “After all, it’s been our approach at Endurance Products Company since we started over 40 years ago.” Referring to himself as “old school,” Brunner noted that he doesn’t see a downside to this. Doing the hard work, investing in solid research, and delivering quality products is something that makes a difference, he said. “Whether it’s for heart health or another health condition, it’s what consumers have always deserved, but now they demand it.”
Tips for Improving Cardiovascular Health
Self-care might not be the first thing one thinks of when considering heart health, but the new focus in this area is encouraging, said Brunner, who said it’s “inspiring” to see more people take a lifestyle-first approach to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. “They recognize diet and lifestyle habits matter in a big way, they know deprescribing from drugs that only manage symptoms is an option, and they are empowered to make the changes needed to get and stay healthy,” said Brunner. “It may seem simple, but it’s far from easy, which is why working with a like-minded doctor is essential. I can’t think of anyone better qualified than naturopathic doctors.”
There are a few different schools of thought about the best changes an individual can make to improve cardiovascular health. One naturopathic physician, Dr. Serena Goldstein, who is located in San Francisco, CA, believes that following a Mediterranean-type diet is best. The style of eating she recommends includes lots of green vegetables, wild-caught fish, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats like those from avocados. Along with that, she believes that small changes—adding in some extra exercise, eating more vegetables, drinking more water and getting involved with others who will support their goals—are important changes for individuals interested in improving their heart health. “Further, good relationships, stress management and proper sleep are also important to balancing hormones and neurotransmitters, all of which can contribute to heart health,” said Dr. Goldstein.
Brunner noted, “Our Endur-Acin supplement continues to be a favorite among naturopathic doctors and other integrative health practitioners who work with patients with cardiovascular issues.” He explained that the product features novel vegetable wax-matrix tablet technology that delivers “a surprisingly precise dissolution rate.”
He continued, “In fact, in one comparison study that included seven brands of extended-release nicotinic acid supplements, only our wax-matrix form—Endur-Acin—had a dissolution rate similar to the reference drug (Niaspan).”
Preventing Heart Disease: What’s Important Now?
Jacob Teitelbaum, MD (Kailua Kona, HI), explained that there are two “must haves” to prevent heart disease. These include a good multivitamin that’s high in B vitamins, folate and magnesium, and treating hypertension. “To treat angina or heart failure, the key is to increase cardiac muscle efficiency,” said Dr. Teitelbaum. He believes it’s important to include the above as well as coenzyme Q10. “I use the CoQ10 100 milligrams chewable by EuroMedica, as this contains gamma-cyclodextrin, which increases the absorption to the equivalent of about 750 mg of regular CoQ10 daily,” he noted.
Additionally, he recommends acetyl l-carnitine and ribose in differing amounts. “I have seen people who have been given a ‘death sentence’ of a few months to live by their cardiologist go from severe chronic heart failure to being quite healthy and living for many years using this regimen,” Dr. Teitelbaum explained. “This combination usually improves cardiac function dramatically in about six weeks. If more improvement is needed, I will add hawthorne and magnesium orotate.”
Dr. Goldstein concurred with some of these recommendations. In her practice, she begins with magnesium, methylated B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D3/K2—after checking a patient’s levels first—along with fish oil. At times she might also recommend a blend of adrenal-supportive herbs and nutrients, depending on her patients’ lifestyles and compliance with supplements. “… if they’re on the go, I tend to give pills, whereas if they like smoothies, I would recommend powders,” she noted.
According to Cheatham, Daiwa Health Development produces Plasmanex1, Daiwa Krill Oil, powered by Superba 2, and Daiwa Super Krill Oil, powered by Superba Boost, each of which provides benefits for heart health and cardiovascular function. While risk factors can be reduced with changes made to diet, physical activity and other modifications to one’s lifestyle, Cheatham noted that certain conditions, such as myocardial infarction (MI), have significant dangers and can result in death. “In addition to heart failure, other possible outcomes are stroke, thrombus formation that may lead to a lung blood clots—single or multiple—or a significant or massive pulmonary embolus, that may also be fatal. Although the above are partially modifiable, they can become a significant cardiovascular burden,” he said.
Trends in Cardiovascular Health: What Do Natural Practitioners Need to Know?
“The market is hungry for supplements that actually support a healthy rate and rhythm of the heart. Many supplements focus on vasculature, blood pressure support, antioxidant support, but not many appear to focus specifically on the heartbeat itself,” said Cheatham.
Dr. Goldstein said that “Naturopathic medicine and natural medicine can help with when it comes to heart disease, and work with the testing and risk factors from conventional medicine to truly help optimize the health of each patient.”
Dr. Keenan noted that his interest in arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), is great. “This herb has been used for millennia in India to support the heart and cardiovascular system. In the modern day, it has several research studies that demonstrate that it seems very useful in supporting heart tissue itself,” said Keenan. “From supporting the electrical conduction system of the heart to helping blood pressure, and even improving athletic performance. I have really been impressed with this herb and am surprised it hasn’t reached acclaim in the West.”
A recent Vitamin Retailer (Natural Practitioner’s sister publication) article, “CRN Reveals Data From 2022 Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements,” published in October 2022, found that three-quarters of Americans report using nutritional or dietary supplements. More than half of those surveyed, 52 percent, reported taking specialty supplements, including omega-3s, melatonin, fiber and probiotics.
Similarly, Dr. Smith noted that in a survey of 3,500 dietary supplement consumers via the Industry Transparency Center’s, “ITC Insight—2022 Supplement Consumer Survey,” found that 76 percent of participants have used vitamins, minerals, herbs or other dietary supplements to manage their health. More than half, 62 percent of those surveyed, she noted, reported using vitamin K2 supplements. “The 18 to 54 age group brackets showed an increase in the use of vitamin K2 compared to those 55 or older,” said Smith. She said that the “perceived effectiveness” of K2 was greater in the users surveyed compared to “regular users” which suggests, she said, that “…future growth is likely as people who do not currently use vitamin K2 regularly have a high perception of it.”
Another trend in cardiovascular health, explained Dr. Smith, is the interest in preventative health care in younger individuals. “Instead of people reaching their senior years, sadly discovering the impact age has had on their health and are then left with no choice but to begin taking pharmaceuticals to address those issues, consumers recognize they must be proactive about protecting their health so they can age healthily, including shoring up their cardiovascular system to carry them into their senior years,” she said. “They are seeking out heart-healthy supplements, including vitamins and minerals, that give them the opportunity to avoid pharmaceuticals, and recognizing that obtaining proper nutrition can make a significant difference.”
Throughout the pandemic and continuing now, the stress in the lives of Americans tends to be significant. This is bad news for hearts. “Stress, in all its flavors, continues to majorly impact health,” said Dr. Keenan. “The beauty of herbal products in particular is that they are uniquely poised to address both issues.” He noted that arjuna, mentioned above, is an excellent herb that may help individuals in stressful situations. “Another example might be an herb such as motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) which is known to slow the heart rate and promote contractility, but it is also an herb that relaxes tense muscles and minds,” said Dr. Keenan.
Cardiovascular health and the research around it continue to be an area of importance here in the U.S. As the leading cause of death in both men and women and across racial and ethnic groups, there’s good reason for concern. Still, it’s good to know that the outlook for cardiovascular health is bright. As more research, new ingredients, and further education about lifestyle modifications and potential natural treatments emerge, it’s hopeful that a decrease in heart disease will follow.
Healthy Take Aways
• According to the American Heart Association, lifestyle modifications are the first wall of defense against cardiovascular disease. A good diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, and weight along with enough sleep are all important.
• Vitamin K2, magnesium, methylated B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D3, folate, CoQ10, as well as other natural vitamins and minerals may help improve cardiovascular function.
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) an herb used for thousands of years in India, is thought to offer significant heart health benefits.
• Younger individuals are showing an increased interest in preventative measures to support their cardiovascular systems.
• Self-care can play an important role in cardiovascular health, one of the most important being stress management.


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Continuing the company’s unusually aggressive pre-Christmas series of deals, officials have announced that Electronic Arts has signed a multi-game sponsorship agreement with sportswear manufacturer Reebok.
The exact terms of the deal have not been revealed, but the comments from both company’s suggests not only ordinary product placement, but also the 'preview' of forthcoming Reebok products in games before they are available in stores. The first game to be affected by the deal will be NFL Street 2
, which is released in the U.S. on December 26th.
"Our goal of enrolling youth into the brand through sports, entertainment and technology manifests itself perfectly in games like this," said Reebok's vice president of integrated marketing Brian Povinelli.
Electronic Arts’ director of marketing, Tom Goedde, simply stated that the deal "adds great authenticity to a wide variety of our games". Whether these games will include non-sports titles is currently unclear, but many assume that product placement in games will become increasingly popular in the coming years.


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Approximately 1% of all U.S. broadband households currently use broadband wireless access technologies, according to Unlicensed Broadband Wireless: Solutions and Applications, a new report being produced by Parks Associates.
For Immediate Release
972 -490 -1113
Unlicensed Broadband Wireless (UBW) Vying for a Larger Piece of Broadband Market
Parks Associates' research provides comprehensive UBW industry analysis
Dallas, TX Oct. 17, 2003 - Approximately 1% of all U.S. broadband households currently use broadband wireless access technologies, according to Unlicensed Broadband Wireless: Solutions and Applications, a new report being produced by Parks Associates. These data, drawn from a recent consumer survey of more than 3,300 U.S. broadband households, indicate an early market for these technologies, yet recent standards announcements and the popularity of wireless technologies may provide a boost to both industry and consumer support for unlicensed broadband wireless (UBW) technologies.
"Broadband wireless has a very small residential market compared to DSL and cable modem services," said Yuanzhe (Michael) Cai, research analyst with Parks Associates. "Of the 21 -22 million U.S. broadband households, approximately 200,000 of them are using broadband wireless services. That estimate includes subscribers to services based on licensed and unlicensed broadband wireless technologies."
The UBW service market has so far been highly fragmented, and equipment vendors are providing a variety of proprietary technologies using different bands and protocols, according to Cai. Residential rollouts of UBW technologies are still largely limited to rural, urban edge, and other underserved markets. Nonetheless, a few independent service providers offering UBW services as part of their service portfolio to both residential and enterprise customers are seeing some success in even the overbuild markets.
"The proliferation of Wi -Fi devices in the residential market and the announcement of 802.16 standards have rekindled the hope of using unlicensed wireless technologies to deliver last -mile broadband access," Cai said. "In actuality, demand for unlicensed broadband wireless products has been slowly building in the past two years, but market fragmentation may preclude large contracts and make the industry dependent on the growth of the number of wireless ISPs."
Unlicensed Broadband Wireless: Solutions and Applications provides analysis and forecasts of the highly complex UBW equipment and service markets. The report profiles more than 30 equipment vendors and their unlicensed products; analyzes different service market segments, including enterprise, residential/SOHO, and MUSH; provides perspectives of incumbent and independent service providers as well as consumers; addresses market challenges; and forecasts market growth.
About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis to its clients on emerging residential, small office, and light commercial technologies. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start -ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom -tailored client solutions.
Its market expertise encompasses the full range of connected -home solutions, including home networks, digital entertainment, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Parks Associates also hosts two industry events, Forum and CONNECTIONS™ (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.


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General Motors and Honda team up on batteries
General Motors and Honda will collaborate to develop new advanced chemistry battery components, "to accelerate both companies plans' for all-electric vehicles," according to a press release from GM.
The battery will have higher energy density, be smaller, and faster to charge.
Once it has been developed, GM will produce the batteries for both companies, mainly for cars sold in the North American market.
The joint venture is expected to save research and development costs as well as lower per-battery costs because of economies of scale.
GM and Honda have teamed up before on to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system. Hydrogen fuel cells are another method of powering an electric car.


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Insect repellant maker hooped over new rules
New federal restrictions on the use of citronella oil in topical insect repellents are rubbing an Alix woman the wrong way.
Edie Stutter, who operates e3 Emu Products, is stuck with thousands of dollars in inventory, ingredients and other supplies related to her Nature’s Defense Outdoor Spray — which she makes, and sells across Canada. That’s because she learned last month that Nature’s Defence can no longer be sold as an insect repellent, because its ingredients include citronella oil.
“They didn’t even notify me that citronella has been taken off the market,” said Stutter, explaining that one of the stores she supplies sent her a letter that it received in January from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
With Nature’s Defense generating up to $35,000 in revenues a year, the news was bad enough. But Stutter had already purchased her supplies for 2013.
“I spent probably close to $15,000 on boxes, new labels, bottles, sprayers, ingredients — all that kind of stuff.
“And it’s all stuff that I don’t use in any other products, so I am hooped.”
Health Canada told the Advocate in an email that it first proposed the phase-out of citronella-based personal insect repellents in 2004. It said tests on lab animals had indicated that citronella oil might cause reproductive and developmental problems, and that the methyl eugenol it contains has been linked to cancer.
Companies registered to use citronella oil in their products were required to limit it to less than 0.0002 per cent, or remove their products from market as of Dec. 31, 2012.
Stutter disputes these findings, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent.
Stutter also points out that other products containing citronella oil — such as coils and candles — are unaffected because they don’t come under the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s jurisdiction.
She argues that the most common alternatives to Nature’s Defense — topical insect repellents with diethyl-meta-toluamide, or DEET — are far riskier.
“I have files and files and files, inches thick, on the hazards of DEET.”
Health Canada said enforcement of the citronella oil restrictions will involve retail-level inspections over the next year. Stores will be asked to remove offending products and distributors will be told that they can only sell personal insect repellents that are registered with the department.
Nature’s Defense Outdoor Spray isn’t registered, said Stutter, but she doesn’t market it as a personal insect repellent. The problem is, many stores display it with such products and Health Canada lumps them together.
“I’ve told the stores not to do that, but of course they do.”
Her battles with Health Canada actually date back to 2004, when the department warned her against selling an unregistered insect repellent. Stutter had to remove any reference on Nature’s Defense’s labelling to it being an insect repellent or that it’s DEET-free.
“I am just so fed up and frustrated,” said Stutter of this latest setback.
She’s decided to throw in the towel and discontinue Nature’s Defense.
“It’s just not worth the fight. I’ve been fighting with them for 10 years.”
Stutter also operates Goat Mountain Soap Company, which produces soaps, ointments, creams, lip balms and other products. But the loss of e3 Emu Products’ Nature’s Defense will take a big bite out of her bottom line.
“We’ve sold thousands and thousands and thousands, and people, every year they buy it again and again because it works and because it doesn’t have DEET.”
It won’t be until mosquitoes emerge in the spring that most customers will realize that Nature’s Defense is no longer available. At that point, said Stutter, they’ll probably resort to products with DEET.
“They’ve taken away everyone’s choices,” said Stutter of Health Canada’s action.


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In the latest development regarding the potential merger between grocery stores Kroger and Albertsons, it was announced last month that a final decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would not come until January 17. Perhaps this is a good thing as it will give the agency ample time to consider the many benefits that such a merger would provide to consumers such as lower prices and more product options. As the FTC weighs its decision, it should block out any outside noise from politicians determined to see the deal fall through.
Much of this recent noise stems from a handful of ideologically driven lawmakers who continue to recycle disproven claims about the merger. In a letter sent to FTC Chair Lina Khan on December 11, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernard Sanders (D-VT), and a handful of their colleagues made several common claims about the merger. Those claims need debunking.
First, they argue that the proposed merger will harm “consumers, workers, and the grocery industry as a whole.” To support this claim, they point out that a Kroger-Albertsons merger would allow the two grocery stores to control a much larger share of the grocery market. With this increased market share they argue the conjoined companies will form a duopoly with Walmart, which they will use to raise consumer prices and harm workers.
However, little about this claim is accurate. Because Kroger will sell 400 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers in overlapping markets and is prepared to sell an additional 237 stores if asked, the merger will not increase market local concentration. Furthermore, while it is true that a merger would allow Kroger to compete with Walmart more effectively, it would not result in a Kroger-Walmart duopoly. Several companies maintain a much larger market share.
Read the full Townhall article here.
Nate Scherer is a policy analyst with the American Consumer Institute, a nonprofit education and research organization. For more information about the Institute, visit us at www.TheAmericanConsumer.Org or follow us on X @ConsumerPal.


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Takeaways From Tencent's Q2: Analyst Says Chinese Conglomerate Building 'Dominant Position' In Gaming
China-based Tencent Holdings (OTC: TCEHY) reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings Wednesday, and analysts are predicting the company's valuation will pass the $500-billion mark for the first time since early 2018.
Tencent's revenue growth in the first quarter was the slowest seen since it went public in Asian markets in 2004, CNBC reported. The company's video game business suffered from the Chinese government's move to pause new video game approvals last year.
The second quarter marked a turnaround in the company's largest segment, as total online game revenue rose 8% year-over-year to 27.3 billion yuan ($3.89 billion).
Smartphone games accounted for 22.2 billion yuan and rose 26% from last year.
Tencent continued to diversify its business in the quarter, and its financial and technology and cloud computing business grew 37% to 22.9 billion yuan.
The segment now represents Tencent's second-largest business in terms of revenue generated, according to CNBC.
The average price target of 12 analysts who cover Tencent's Hong Kong-listed stock implies a $521.7-billion valuation, CNBC said.
If the figure is accurate, it would put Tencent's stock above the $500-billion mark for the first time since March 2018.
Bernstein: Tencent Stands Out
Tencent is looking to become a player in cloud gaming and happens to be the only company in the world with the necessary infrastructure to do so, Bernstein's David Dai said during a Wednesday CNBC interview.
Tencent can leverage its size as the largest gaming publisher and developer to build an "absolute dominant position" in gaming in the coming years, the analyst said.
Compared to rival global tech giants, Tencent relies less on its core flagship products to generate revenue, Karol Severin, senior games analyst at MIDiA Research, told CNBC in a Wednesday interview. The argument can be made that Tencent is very much diversified, as games accounted for less than 35% of total revenue, he said.
Gaming remains a "significant" part of Tencent's business, but should no longer be viewed in isolation, Severin said.
The company should be viewed instead on how it monetizes other consumer leisure activities, like video and social media, he said.
Over-the-counter Tencent shares were down 4.59% at $41.37 at the time of publication.
Photo by Chris Yunker via Wikimedia.
© 2019 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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It's only been a year since Sony announced Project Morpheus, but at the time, we were impressed with the way that the Japanese giant muscled into the virtual reality space, seemingly nudging Oculus aside. Since then, the latter company has been acquired by Facebook, fierce competitor Microsoft has announced a different approach with HoloLens, and Valve has revealed its own wearable tech. Suddenly, the PlayStation maker looks like the underdog again.
That's not stopped it from quietly overhauling its own headset behind-the-scenes, however, and as the race to dominate the virtual reality space heats up, it may have temporarily regained the upper-hand. In addition to a slightly more specific 2016 release date, it's also announced some significant hardware changes – including a new OLED display that outputs at "1920 x RGB x 1080 resolution", and includes red, green, and blue sub-pixels for impressive clarity.
The most important thing, however, is the screen's 120Hz refresh rate, which is hopefully going to result in some seriously slick looking content. Speaking during a press conference in San Francisco, Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida added that the PlayStation 4 has been built with 120 frames-per-second in mind, meaning that games are going to run super smooth when supporting the peripheral. The firm's also apparently concocted a method of doubling the framerate of titles already running at 60 frames-per-second, which it's demoing to the press.
Lastly, it's reduced latency to 18 milliseconds, meaning that you should see an immediate response when you move your head. This is a significant improvement over the previous prototype, and it's boosted by the addition of three extra LEDs, which will help with head tracking. Expect more on this over the coming days, as Sony provides a big update on the peripheral to the press and developers alike.


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Inflation is a buzzword that permeates the financial world, both traditional and decentralized. International leaders continue to debate whether the current conditions can be considered stagnation. While experts in the financial industry are considering a way out of this situation.
As cryptocurrencies continue to be regulated, accepted and actualized, questions about digital currencies such as bitcoin will (
) – this is the answer.
In the past, stablecoins have been used as a solution to protect savings against inflation. This can be seen in countries such as Venezuela, Nigeria and Argentina, where the local population is struggling with large currency devaluations.
At the Bitcoin conference in Amsterdam on October 12, Cointelegraph spoke with Greg Foss, managing director of strategic initiatives at Validus Power Corp, about whether cryptocurrencies and bitcoin in particular represent a viable inflation exit strategy.
Despite scrutinizing bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation in current market conditions, Voss believes it is one of the “most important technological and financial solutions to the looming debt crisis”.
The CEO participated in a panel discussion on whether Bitcoin is the answer to inflation warnings.
“In my opinion, this is a 100% hedge against money inflation. What other solution is there? I see nothing”.
However, Voss highlighted digital currency as a hedge against money growth rather than as a hedge against the consumer price index (CPI). Despite their association, he said:
“Bitcoin didn’t work as a pure CPI hedge because the simple cash was removed from the system. That’s why all our stocks have fallen.”
He also stated that over time, in his opinion, the role of Bitcoin will evolve, but it is still small.
As bitcoin continues to be questioned as the answer to inflation, gold has become a classic example of a safe investment in times of market volatility.
RELATED: The market won’t rally anytime soon — so get used to the bad times
When asked about Bitcoin’s role in relation to gold as a hedge against monetary inflation, Foss explained the fact that the total supply of gold is unknown, while with Bitcoin the information is 100% available.
“Gold has protection. But in my opinion bitcoin is much better. It has math and symbols. It is secured by a decentralized protocol. Don’t bother with math.”


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Question 3 What should it do to build a majority in the city council? A growing customer base of urban and millennial customers with more thannew shoppers added monthly and an average of 25, daily processed orders. The acquisition will build on and complement the significant foundation already in place to serve customers across the Walmart app, site and stores and position the company for even faster e-commerce growth in the future by expanding customer reach and adding new capabilities.
What should it do to build a majority in the city council?
Approval of each store required 26 votes from the member city council, and the council usually deferred to the wishes of the relevant alderman.
Wal-Mart has garnered its fair share of controversy. In late Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided several Wal-Mart stores, taking into custody undocumented workers employed by custodial service companies that cleaned the stores.
We recognize that there are experiences there that are different from other places. The company remain neutral in any union-organising campaign and 3. Wal-Mart should build support for the stores in both the communities and Chicago more broadly.
The new opening in the new territory is a challenge the new ideas and the new opening of business does not occur naturally but results from hard work, trial and error.
If you're going to employ the bottom half of the working class in America, you're going to employ a lot of Latinos and a lot of blacks, and they do. InWalmart acquired Jet.
With a growing customer base of urban and millennial customers, Jet uses best-in-class technology that rewards customers in real time with savings on items that are bought and shipped together.
Wal-Mart has been able to capitalize on economically distressed areas with what looks to be a panacea on the surface: N offers pickup at 47 locations and more than a stores in its Harris Teeter chain, a company spokesman said.
The study was financed in part by the UFCW.
WMT helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Earlier in the year Wal-Mart had sought to open a acre shopping center in Inglewood, California, but local opposition led the city government to reject the changes in zoning rules needed for the project to go ahead.
That's what some of these pro-Walmart ministers have to understand. If it is below cost, then so it is. For now, residents and politicians will be keeping a close eye on how the new Chicago project pans out. With employment figures in Chicago at Free Two-Day Shipping - Choose from millions of select items online - no membership needed.
Walmart App - Shop our large assortment anytime, anywhere from the palm of your hand. Wal-Mart does not have pickup fees. For now, residents and politicians will be keeping a close eye on how the new Chicago project pans out. The people will get not only the wages; they can learn skills and other incentives.
This, however, was not business as usual, and despite support from Mayor Richard Daley, the city council postponed a vote on the stores. Obviously, a set wage would be a boon to potential employees—especially if more stores are built in the future. Unions there have so far scoffed at a Chicago-like deal, but Wal-Mart can circumvent negotiations with unions and council members, according to Crain's.
This competitive nature has allowed controversy to flourish under their name. The Arkansas-based company made their fortunes by cornering rural and suburban markets.
Easy Reorder - A single-spot view that makes it easy to reorder your favorite items purchased at Walmart and Walmart.This research aims to provide insight regarding Wal-Mart's retail development strategy in its expansion across the continental United States.
The study examines store location patterns and relationships between Wal-Mart's store and distribution center locations and markets. Wal-Mart inched closer to fulfilling their urban expansion plans last Wednesday, after the retail giant received city approval to construct a second store in Chicago.
Walmart achieved extraordinary success and growth in its home country before embarking on a strategy of international expansion. While most of Walmart¹s international expansion efforts were successful, the retailer experienced some challenges in Germany and South Korea, exiting both. JAXPORT AS AN URBAN GROWTH STRATEGY: COMMUNITY IMPLICATIONS AND PROSPECTS enterprise.
The report critically examines an economic urban growth strategy that revolves around port logistics, goods movement, and as possible. These supply chains are often driven by large retailers (e.g.
Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, The Gap) who subcontract. Wal-Mart’s China Expansion Strategy. and target market in the Chinese marketplace — lietuvosstumbrai.com urban.
play in Wal-Mart’s expansion in China is the formation of trade unions by the. Wal-Mart: A Progressive Success Story Jason Furman1 November 28, October“The Impact of Wal-Mart Growth on Earnings throughout the Retail Sector in Urban and Rural Counties,” Institute of Industrial Relations Working Paper Series, University of California, Berkeley.
impact of Wal-Mart on its own workers and workers in the.Download


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CNET Update doesn't trust the night elves:
NSA spy games targeted World of Warcraft
In this episode of CNET Update:
- Learn about the Guardian's latest report on NSA's surveillance, which states government agencies tapped into online games to hunt for terrorists. In the wake of new reports of NSA's far-reaching online spying, several tech giants are calling for the U.S. to limit surveillance.
- Teach yourself how to code with free tutorials on csedweek.org, or sign up for Apple's coding class for kids.
- Speculate if Google TV will be renamed to Nexus TV during a reboot announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.
- Get festive with a the VanD flashing smartphone cases for iPhones and the Galaxy S4.
CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.
iTunes (HD) | iTunes (SD) | iTunes (HQ)
RSS (HD) | RSS (SD) | RSS (HQ)


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Such developments raised concerns among domestic retailers about the threat of losing market share, being gradually taken over and then eventually being wiped out.
But in one respect, such blows from foreign companies have awakened domestic retailers, driving them to change, adapt and play by international rules.
Vietnam is currently regarded as one the most dynamic and attractive retail markets in Asia and the world at large.
Domestic retailers are facing growing pressure from an increasing number of foreign competitors as Vietnam is now opening its economy in compliance with international integration commitments.
A recent report by the German market research firm GfK shows that Vietnam’s retail market revenue reached more than US$100 billion in 2015 and the figure is expected to be much higher this year.
Experts have also stated that with a population of over 90 million, Vietnam’s retail market remains enormously appealing to both domestic and foreign retailers.
With such potential, Vietnam has become a favourite destination of many foreign retailers.
The mass appearance of giant retailers such as Aeon (Japan), Lotte Mart (Republic of Korea) and Central Group (Thailand) is likened to a wave sweeping Vietnam’s retail market.
One may think that domestic retailers will give in to foreign competitors, but there are signs that a number of major domestic retailers will not accept inaction nor will they allow themselves to trail behind foreign competitors, on the contrary, many of them are putting together human and financial resources to get ready for a new game where they can compete fairly with deep-pocketed foreign enterprises.
With a wave of mergers and acquisitions, Vietnam’s retail market is arguably no longer the exclusive playing field of domestic companies but has become a fertile ground in the eyes of foreign giant retailers, especially multinationals.
This will increase the challenges for Vietnamese enterprises. Like two sides of the same coin, mergers and acquisitions have both benefits and disadvantages.
They will have a positive effect if domestic enterprises take a proactive stance when Vietnamese enterprises lose their brands and are overwhelmed by foreign ones, and when profits from the retail market are channelled out of the country.
Overall, if the government, associations and enterprises are proactive, mergers and acquisitions will add more energy for growth, otherwise, domestic retailers will miss the chance and lose the market.
Vo Hoang Anh, chief marketing officer of the retail chain Saigon Co.op Mart, says recently mergers and acquisitions are taking place at a faster rate and are mounting greater pressure on domestic retailers.
He adds that Saigon Co.op itself has already been accustomed to competition from foreign enterprises for years and with a strong wave of mergers and acquisitions, the company must adapt by taking a more proactive and serious approach to mapping out strategies.
The company has widened the network of its retail shops and forged closer ties with customers, producers and service providers.
Anh emphasised that mergers and acquisitions create greater competition so that Vietnamese enterprises must adjust their strategies, take bolder steps and learn from foreign enterprises.
Diversifying distribution channels
It can be said that if domestic enterprises are not proactive in seeking new ways for development, they will surely be defeated on home ground in the face of increasingly stronger investment flow into retail.
In fact domestic retailers are still inferior to their foreign rivals in many respects.
Despite having made improvements, domestic retailers still lack professionalism from chain management technology to goods display while their prices are not competitive, goods are not diverse and quality control is below expectations.
In order to survive in this harsh environment, domestic retailers first have to establish their position by seeking new methods.
At the same time, they should pay more attention to e-commerce, multi-channel distribution, and utilise science-technology and online solutions in goods and order management.
Dinh Thi My Loan, Chair of the Association of Vietnamese Retailers, says that multi-channels, both online and offline, will be the inevitable growth trend.
E-commerce is nothing new in Vietnam and almost all general trading companies have embraced online retail for years.
But this is not as simple as it appears, as consumer confidence, which is already very weak, has been further undermined by some recent incidents when customers reported a loss of funds in their bank accounts for reasons they are still unaware of.
This is one of the reasons why online retail and e-commerce have yet to grow substantially in Vietnam.
There is no place like in Vietnam where customers, after ordering their products on the internet, choose to pay in cash when the products are delivered to their homes.
If things continue in this way, Vietnam will not have a fully developed online retail market, says Loan.
Competition in Vietnam’s retail sector has never been so strong like now when foreign distributors rush to the Vietnamese market to gain market share.
This pressure forces domestic retailers to rethink their business models and enhance their capacity to differentiate themselves from foreign competitors.
Therefore, domestic enterprises should carry out thorough market research and draw up their own strategies, strengthen cooperation with producers, diversify their sale channels both online and at physical stores to serve different types of consumers.
(Source: Nhan Dan)


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Pacific Coast Lighting to Open Las Vegas Showroom
January 5, 2011,
CHATSWORTH, Calif.-Pacific Coast Lighting will open a new showroom this month, debuting its new space at Las Vegas Market in Building A, #301. Brand partner Kathy Ireland will be the guest of honor at the showroom's ribbon cutting on Monday, January 24, from 4 - 5 p.m. The showroom is twice the size of its previous location.
"We are very excited to be moving into our new, much larger space in the A building," said Clark Linstone, president, Pacific Coast Lighting. "Not only will we be able to present a more complete assortment of our products in a more inviting setting, but we will also be able to serve our retailers more effectively and efficiently in the new showroom."
Other Articles By Author
SPONSORED: Abbyson's Fashion-Forward Collections Shine in High Point


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Hungary: Consumer prices register steepest decline on record
October 10, 2014
In September, consumer prices fell 0.2% over the previous month, mirroring August’s reading. The fall reflected that a decrease in prices for food, consumer durable goods and services more than offset higher prices for clothing and footwear.
In annual terms, consumer prices dropped 0.5% in September (August: +0.2% year-on-year), which represented the largest drop on record and came in below market expectations of a 0.3% decline. As a consequence, annual inflation moved further below the Central Bank’s target of 3.0%, with a tolerance margin of plus/minus 1.0%. Core consumer prices, which exclude volatile items such as fresh food and fuel, fell 0.3% over the previous month (August: +0.1 month-on-month). Meanwhile, annual core inflation declined from 2.4% in August to 1.4% in September, which marked the lowest rate since July 2010.


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It’s pretty clear that smartphones are so much more than basic phones. They’re more powerful than computers we had on our desks 10 years ago, as such, they need computer-like protection from viruses, malware, and other nasty things. While all apps go through an approval process when they get submitted to the App Store or Android Market, sometimes the bad apples fall through the cracks and weasel their way onto unsuspecting victims. No more, says Google.
That’s why Google has come forward to announce a new service called “Bouncer” just days after Symantec’s announcement of a major malware infection found in some Android apps. Yeah, Android Market is the hippest night club in town and it’s not going to put up with belligerant drunks and would-be thieves. Get out, buddy. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.
In a nutshell, Bouncer will scan developer accounts automatically and look for “potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience.” It also “looks for behaviors that indicate an application might be misbehaving, and compares it against previously analyzed apps to detect possible red flags.” If it finds some bad stuff, it gives that app (and presumably the developer) the boot out of the door, thereby protecting us Android users from the bad guys.
Let’s just hope that Google’s Bouncer isn’t like its Goliath-sized non-digital counterparts where you can just slip them some green to get in the club.
[ source ]


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The Future of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Innovation Engineer Jennifer Andrews offers her perspective on the various factors that will impact the growth of Bell's unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
An array of global players from well-established aviation conglomerates to emerging startups have set their sights on creating revolutionary unmanned aerial vehicles. Aside from the numerous efficiency obstacles they can eliminate for businesses, this new wave of technology ultimately moves the world towards a better quality of life - where on-demand delivery is the new normal.
Bell's Technology and Innovation team is already testing and expanding capabilities for its Autonomous Pod Transport vehicle. Innovation Engineer Jennifer Andrews offers her perspective on the various factors that will impact the growth of Bell's unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
The Urban Air Mobility Vehicles of CES 2020
"The urban air mobility demonstrations at CES 2020 showcase the promising growth of the sector but significant hurdles still need to be cleared before flying taxis become a part of everyd...
CES 2020: Everything You Need to Know
With urban air mobility at the forefront of the modern technology conversation, companies came from across the globe to talk about the future of flight.


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Final decision for production of the Ford Fiesta in Mexico is yet to be made
Ford Motor CEO Jim Hackett is still reviewing the automaker’s global operations, hence a decision regarding production of the Fiesta subcompact in Mexico is yet to be made, Reuters reported in recent days.
The report comes after a Romanian news site, citing a Ford executive, revealed the company plans to manufacture the seventh generation of the Ford Fiesta exclusively at a facility in Koln, Germany, opening questions about the future of the production site in Cuautitlan, Mexico, where Ford currently builds Fiesta’s 4 and 5 doors versions, as well as the Fiesta ST.
Hackett and his team evaluate whether to reduce and consolidate production of the Fiesta and two other midsized sedans that are built in multiple locations around the world, but are experiencing slowing demand, the report says.
“One proposal would shift production of the next-generation Mondeo mid-sized sedan from Europe to Mexico, where it would share an assembly line with its sibling, the Ford Fusion, avoiding the cost of retooling two plants,” revealed Reuters.
Problem is Ford builds the Fusion at the Hermosillo plant, more than a thousand miles away from the Cuautitlan facility. So, future plans for the manufacturing complex inaugurated in Central Mexico back in 1964 are still in the works.
– There’s no plans to build next-gen Ford Fiesta in Mexico, company official says
– New Ford transmission plant starts operations on low-profile mode
– Ford celebrates 30 years building cars at Hermosillo plant


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A unique new exploit is said to take advantage of just Apple's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus running recent firmware, utilizing a small device to brute force hack and bypass the iOS lock screen passcode of up to three handsets at a time.
Apple is introducing a new Smart Invert viewing mode in iOS 11 that intelligently inverts all screen colors except for those is displayed media, such as photos, videos, and icons. The feature might be used to extend battery life on the upcoming OLED-equipped "iPhone 8."
Apple's latest iOS 11 beta release, issued on Monday, contains a few graphical tweaks that bring a fresh feel to the operating system, including a new Maps icon that appears to feature Apple Park's main "spaceship" structure.
Apple's AirPods are currently limited to a trio of controls on both earpieces, but their functionality will be greatly enhanced this fall with the release of iOS 11, giving users the ability to give each wireless pod a separate, customizable function with a double tap.
In the latest iOS 11 beta, Apple has taken the Portrait Mode camera setting out of beta, and has altered how the camera roll handles the pictures to allow for the effect to be removed from a picture with it at any time.
When iOS 11 launches this fall, Apple will roll out a revamped version of its AirPlay protocol featuring speaker support for HomeKit, multi-room audio, shared up-next playlists, Siri integration and more.
Hot on the heels of a fifth developer release, Apple on Tuesday issued a fourth public beta of iOS 11, available to anyone with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Also out are fourth public betas of tvOS 11 for the Apple TV, and macOS High Sierra.
The Apple Pencil will become more powerful and useful than ever with this fall's release of iOS 11, giving users the ability to instantly begin drawing and taking notes as soon as the stylus is in hand. AppleInsider offers a closer look at how the new feature will work on the iPad Pro.
New images published on Thursday offer a glimpse at how iOS 11 could conform to the unique edge-to-edge OLED display of this fall's "iPhone 8," which will have a sensor "notch" at the top, and do away with a physical home button and its surrounding bezel at the bottom.
Apple is introducing a number of new features with iOS 11, which for iPad will make the operating system look and feel more like a traditional desktop environment. One hotly anticipated tablet-specific function is the ability to drag and drop files between apps.


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We’ll grudgingly give this to Innovative Paycheck Solutions and FakePayStubOnline.com.
Blog Posts Tagged with Advertising and Marketing
As the song goes, “A house is not a home.” And as alleged in an FTC lawsuit against the operators of rental listing websites, sometimes an apartment isn’t an apartment.
The FTC just announced a Made in USA hat trick: two proposed settlements and a final order arising from allegedly deceptive claims by a New York hockey puck seller, a California-based backpack business, and an online mattress company. The message for marketers? Given the importance of country-of-origin representations to many consumers, companies can expect the FTC to call offsides on misleading Made in USA claims.
Where do people go when considering careers in the military? Online, of course. Based on the search terms they selected, they often found themselves on sites like army.com, armyenlist.com, and similar URLs for other branches of the service. But according to an FTC complaint against Sun Key Publishing, Fanmail.com, and related defendants, what was going on behind the scenes of those sites will surprise you.
Whether it’s a slimmer waist or an imaginary yacht superimposed in the background, we’re all familiar with the dramatic changes that retouching can make to a photo. A lawsuit the FTC has filed against Tate’s Auto Group and related companies alleges – among other things – that the defendants substantially “retouched” the financial circumstances of customers trying to finance cars.
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. But the same can’t be said for a mailer that looks like an official invoice. It could be an “o-fishy-al” offer that deceptively mimics the appearance of a government document.
There isn’t an actual procedure called an honest-ectomy. But when you hear allegations about scammers who solicit donations for veterans’ charities and then pocket the contributions, you’ve got to wonder.
The scheme started with a Craigslist ad for a rental property and ended with a $5.2 million judgment for violations of the FTC Act, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule.
Like the three sides of a triangle, ROSCA – the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act – has three basic compliance requirements for online sellers who enroll consumers in continuity plans, often known as negative options. The law bans online negative options unless the seller: 1) clearly discloses all material terms of the deal before obtaining a consumer’s billing information; 2) gets the consumer’s express informed consent before making the charge; and 3) provides a simple mechanism for stopping recurring charges.
Do you have one of those massive white boards that takes up the entire wall of your conference room? You may need it to follow the machinations that multiple defendants allegedly engaged in so they could bombard consumers with robocalls by the billions. (Yes, that’s with a “b.”) The FTC has gone to court to put a stop to their illegal activities.
Small business keeps America in business. But while you have your shoulder to the wheel and nose to the grindstone, it can be tough to keep an eye out for scammers. That’s why the FTC and law enforcement partners across the country have your back. Just one example is Operation Main Street: Stopping Small Business Scams, a coordinated initiative involving 24 civil and criminal actions against B2B fraudsters.
When it came to Mobile Money Code’s “system,” money was mobile all right. It traveled in a one-way direction from consumers to the pockets of the principals behind the get-rich-quick venture. That’s what the FTC alleged in a lawsuit filed against an international network of defendants. The FTC says they used affiliate marketing to promise that people would earn “60k a month on 100% autopilot,” but the typical consumer never got off the runway.
It’s unfortunate, but it happens. First came cryptocurrency. Then came the cryptocurrency crooks. In the emerging cryptocurrency marketplace, what needs to be done to protect consumers from scams, schemes, and swindles? That’s the topic of a half-day workshop on June 25, 2018, in Chicago, and the FTC just announced the agenda.
The company’s name is MOBE – pronounced Mōb, not Moby – but according to a lawsuit filed by the FTC, the defendants tell quite a fish story to the consumers they hook with money-making promises.
Chances are that people you know were duped by scammers and wired the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017. This Thursday, May 31st, is the deadline for consumers to file claims to get money back from the FTC’s and the Department of Justice’s settlement with Western Union. Do your friends a favor and tell them about the deadline.
Vision Solution Marketing and related defendants pitch services to prospective entrepreneurs and people looking to supplement their income. Among the defendants’ products is business “coaching” that sets people back as much as $13,995. But given the host of alleged misrepresentations cited in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Utah, the FTC says the defendants definitely aren’t playing on consumers’ team.
Imagine getting a prerecorded robocall claiming to be from a “data service provider for Google” giving you “final notice” that “If you do not act soon, Google will label your business as permanently closed.” Second only to a fire alarm going off, that constitutes an ASAP emergency for many small business owners. But those robocall warnings aren’t from Google.
You can say this about scammers: They tend toward the trendy. As new products and services enter the marketplace, it’s not long before fraudsters find a way to exploit consumer interest in the innovation to make a quick buck. Cryptocurrencies are no exception, which is why the FTC is hosting a workshop in Chicago on June 25, 2018, Decrypting Cryptocurrency Scams.
On April 27, 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit dismissed a challenge to a November 2016 FTC staff letter addressing certain prerecorded calls or “robocalls” using soundboard technology.
Mosquitoes don’t just bug us. A big concern is their penchant for passing along pernicious diseases, including the Zika virus. New Jersey-based Aromaflage claimed its sprays and candles were effective at repelling mosquitoes – including ones that spread serious illnesses – and repelled mosquitoes as effectively as 25% DEET. The FTC alleges those representations were false or misleading.


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Over the past 5 years, Navy Nguyen says she has watched hundreds of worldwide college students arrive at Cape Breton University to find a town that was wholly unprepared for them. A new Equifax Canada survey finds individuals are more and more apprehensive a couple of potential rise in fraudulent exercise as financial pressures build. Alberta, the province that produces most of Canada’s oil, is introducing a brand new tax on electric cars and vehicles, symbolically pushing back towards Business News Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s efforts to encourage gross sales of green automobiles. The mid-January deadline for companies to qualify for partial forgiveness of pandemic loans probably performed a serious role in driving up business insolvencies that month, mentioned the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “I don’t know if most individuals in the country even know what party is within the Senate majority,” she mentioned, including there’s a lack of aggressive oversight.
- Leaders with ‘strategic empathy’, not gladiators, are the need of the day.
- The turning level came when a startup competitor, leveraging Apache Spark without the burden of legacy prices, entered the market.
- “Touchless” expertise is coming online for United Airlines passengers at Chicago’s O’Hare and Los Angeles worldwide airports.
The firm stated that the officers had gone to Buffalo to help clear up issues like understaffing and insufficient coaching, and that it had taken similar steps around the nation since the spring. Investors bid up stock in Ford Motor and General Motors this yr as these corporations moved to make electric autos an enormous part of their product lines. Ford inventory was down 1.8 percent Monday, however was still up about a hundred and twenty percent for the 12 months. “Given the quantity of draw back dangers going into the model new 12 months, it’s hardly surprising to see traders adopting a more cautious method as they log off for the vacations,” Craig Erlam, a senior market analyst at Oanda, wrote in a observe. Airline and travel stocks fell sharply in noon European trading. But the biggest decliner in Britain’s FTSE one hundred was Informa, which organizes massive in-person occasions.


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Two container ships at Port Klang, Malaysia, collided, sending containers and debris into the harbor.
19 Mar 2015
Malaysia plans to invest millions of dollars into the transportation infrastructure supporting Port Klang in an effort to boost exports out of the country’s main maritime gateway.
16 Dec 2014
Malaysia’s port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) passed the 8 million 20-foot container mark at the beginning of December, although with less than a month left and volumes slowing down, the 2014 throughput target of 9 million TEUs looks well out of reach.
28 Oct 2014
Flames raged aboard two container ships, one from UASC, another from Hamburg Sud on Monday after the ships collided at Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur.


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Optomec partners with LENS metal 3D printing distributor in China
3D Printing Industry
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
Metal additive manufacturing specialist Optomec has entered into a partnership with HUSUN Technologies, a distributor of industrial 3D printing solutions. Under the terms of the partnership, HUSUN Technologies will be promoting and selling Optomec’s LENS metal 3D printing systems across China. According to Pascal Pierra, Optomec Director of Asia Pacific Sales, the partnership has already got off […].


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Retailers now in full Black Friday flow
Retailers from Debenhams to House of Fraser, Screwfix to Currys PC World and Bonmarché to Boots are now running their Black Friday deals, with the biggest day of peak trading, expected to come this Friday. Notable hold-outs include Marks & Spencer, while Asda is offering a series of in-store deals, badged as Green is the new Black.
The Black Friday deals come in what is a make or break Christmas for retailers, says Andrew Westbrook, head of retail at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM.
“With consumer confidence being rocked by Brexit-related uncertainty, the competition between retailers to secure their fair share of spend has led many to go deeper and earlier than ever with their Black Friday discounting,” says Westbrook.
“Retailers such as Amazon and Debenhams have already started their sales in order to capitalise on early consumer online spend in anticipation of the cold snap keeping many indoors this week.
“Businesses that have purchased large volumes of seasonal and gifting stock will be holding their breath in the hope that sales materialise. If they don’t, many stores may be forced deeper into flash discounting. Consumers who hold fire until later in the sale may well be able to pick up bargains, particularly for in-demand tech products.
‘The tough trading environment during the first half of this year underlines how important it will be for businesses to generate strong sales this quarter, even if it means sacrificing margin. The risk of being left with too much stock and a low cash balance to meet payroll and quarterly rent demands in the first quarter of 2019 will be focusing minds in the boardroom.
“The run-up to Christmas has never been more important to retailers’ results – and potentially their survival.”
Latest Black Friday forecasts
Mintel is forecasting that shoppers will spend £23.5bn on non-food retail sales over the course of December, and £18.6bn on food sales, with online sales set to generate £11bn during the month. Overall, it says, December’s retail sales will reach £47.7bn, up by 4% compared to the same time lsat year. Pureplay retailers will see sales worth £5.6bn. The December figures come as Mintel’s research finds that 66% of Black Friday shoppers in 2017 felt discounts were not as good as they were made out to be.
Richard Perks, director of retail research at Mintel, said: “We think that retailers can look forward to a reasonably good Christmas—not outstanding, but it won’t be bad either. While there are some reasons to be cautious, such as falling consumer confidence, there is no real sign of an underlying slowdown in retail sales growth. Retail sales have held up well this year and we expect the recent momentum is likely to be maintained, with retail sales growing at about 4% both in the final quarter of 2018 and in December itself.
“While there’s been much talk of how the High Street is being undermined by online retailing, it still only represents a relatively small part of overall retail sales, with most shopping still taking place in physical stores.”
Research for Mintel’s Black Friday UK 2018 report was carried out among 2,000 internet users aged 16 and over in December 2017.
Black Friday discounts questioned
A Which? investigation has questioned how good the discounts really are on Black Friday. It found that nine in 10 of last year’s Black Friday deals were cheaper or the same price at other times of the year, and it’s warning shoppers to do their research before buying.
Which? tracked the prices of 94 products, from cameras, and TVs to fitness trackers, that were on offer over Black Friday 2017 and found that 87% were cheaper at times of the year other than Black Friday. Looking at the two weeks around Black Friday, it found that 76% of products were cheaper or the same price at other times of the year, and that 74% could be bought for less in the six months following.
Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: “The results of our investigation will disappoint many who are expecting nothing but bargains this Black Friday.
“While retailers are bombarding us with promises of great discounts and time-limited sales, it’s clear that not all deals are as good as they might appear.” The study looked at deals on offer through retailers including Argos and JohnLewis. Argos said: “During Black Friday our customers benefit from a huge range of deals on a wide range of products, all at the same time. This does not exclude these products from other promotions.”
A John Lewis spokesperson said that prices were matched throughout the year as part of its Never Knowingly Undersold commitment, meaning that when competitors run promotions prices are lowered to match, and that the Black Friday period was no different.


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The Slow and Sad Death of Seattle's Iconic Teriyaki Scene
Teriyaki, the dish that the New York Times called Seattle’s version of the Chicago dog, is fading from the collective food brain of the city, as the residents who remember its heyday get priced out of their neighborhoods -- along with the restaurants that served it. For the newly arrived inhabitants taking over, teriyaki holds none of the worldly authenticity of phở nor the trendy uber-local appeal of foraged mushrooms. As the city continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the nation, its signature dish is getting left behind: there are a third fewer teriyaki restaurants in Seattle today than there were a decade ago. What happened?
Sweet and sticky with sauce, all Seattle-style teriyaki stems from the basic formula Toshihiro Kasahara developed when he opened his first shop, Toshi’s Teriyaki, in 1976. The meat, traditionally chicken thighs slippery and brown from marinade, gets slapped on a hot grill. The high heat caramelizes the sugars, crisping the meat and leaving it with a crunch of barely burnt soy on the outside. Sliced into bite-size pieces, it’s served fanned out across a molded mound of white-as-snow rice, the sauce seeping down between the grains. The salad, like the meat, is sweet and crunchy, the iceberg lettuce and slivers of carrot and cabbage reminiscent of coleslaw, with only the rice vinaigrette separating it from old-school American picnic fare.
There are a third fewer teriyaki restaurants in Seattle today than there were a decade ago.
Toshi’s Teriyaki opened its doors on Roy Street in 1976 to almost no fanfare. Business started off slow for the transplant. After graduating from Portland State University, Kasahara had moved to Seattle from Portland, looking for better opportunities. He attended school as a competitive wrestler, but wanted to become an interpreter. However, that's not exactly how things turned out. “All of my friends had restaurants,” says Kasahara, so he figured why not follow suit. While his pals ran traditional Japanese restaurants, Kasahara wanted to specialize. Specifically, he wanted to find something he could operate without depending on other people, “so when they quit, I could still manage it."
“I wish I could say it’s from my ancestors,” Kasahara remarks of the recipe he developed. He always liked cooking growing up, but the closest he can come to defining the origins is to say that what he makes is similar to the Japanese version of teriyaki -- a light finishing of soy sauce, sake, and mirin (rice wine) brushed onto grilled or broiled proteins, often seafood.
Wherever it came from, teriyaki was a knockout. Kasahara owned -- or franchised -- as many as 17 stores, including one in Phoenix. Copycats and rogue former franchises sprung up, as the Seattle Times put it, “like mushrooms in a damp meadow.” There was Toshio’s, Toshi’s Teriyaki the Original, Yoshi’s, Yoshino, Yasuko’s, and so on. Today, there are nationwide teriyaki chains: both Teriyaki Madness and Glaze Teriyaki operate around the country. Teriyaki Madness, which stemmed from a local shop partnering with two former customers, now operates an impressive 31 outlets in 14 states, with 18 more opening this year. CEO Michael Haith is bullish on the popularity, both with customers (“It's a flavor that everyone can relate to, it's healthier, and it's on the go”), and his franchisees, many of which are now opening a second or third location. But for Kasahara, after building up the franchise business, he had to admit he wasn’t cut out for it. “I didn’t really have the management skills. It was a hassle.” For a while, he stepped out of the teriyaki business entirely, but he couldn’t stay away. Now he cooks in a single three-table shop buried deep within the buildings of a Mill Creek strip mall called Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill.
As quickly as the teriyaki tide rises around the country (part of the Asian fast-casual category that’s the fastest growing restaurant segment in the country), it's ebbing in Seattle. The shops fall victim to the same problems as any other small, family-run business. Of the 15 teriyaki shops we rounded up as the best in town in 2014, two have closed (Yasuko's and Setsuna), one changed hands (Katsu Burger), and another is slated to close later this year (King Donuts, as the owners have decided to retire and have no one to take it over). It's a testament that even the best can’t survive.
Teriyaki used to be the ultimate everyman meal.
In 2015, Yasuko Conner closed her namesake teriyaki shop on Broadway after more than twenty years. Long a haven of affordable food alongside the now rapidly gentrifying tracks of the new streetcar, a combination of declining business and rising property taxes -- the assessed value of the building increased 129% that year -- sounded the death knell for the tiny Yasuko’s. The bare walls (blank except for the haphazardly posted and amended menu) hid the vibrancy of the flavors served. The floors, tables, and chairs were all colorless save for mysterious stains, remnants left behind by the customers, homeless, working-class, and affluent alike, plus a good smattering of Seattle’s high school students, coming together in a place serving simple food at eminently reasonable prices. Teriyaki was the ultimate everyman meal.
These days, Amazon workers living in new high-rises get whisked by the building’s corner aboard the streetcar. For lunch, they’ll choose between sushi delivered by Uber and pizza cooked by one of Seattle’s star chefs. Teriyaki doesn’t enter the equation. Its legacy in Seattle, the city where Kasahara created it, is fading.
In 2010, John T. Edge wrote an ode to Seattle teriyaki for The New York Times. He quotes Knute Berger, elder statesman of Seattle media, as saying the shops are “so ubiquitous as to have become invisible.” And once invisible, they actually disappear; two of the four restaurants Edge focused on have since closed. For those who grew up in Seattle, teriyaki was a way of life. Eula Scott Bynoe of the podcast Hella Black Hella Seattle tells the story of bringing a dying relative teriyaki from a favorite spot: "I was there to say goodbye," but the relative, a Seattle native, she joked, "just wanted the teriyaki." For new transplants, the simple dish doesn't fit the narrative of the shiny, new city. Teriyaki shops -- dirty and run-down -- aren't listed on any hot lists of where to eat in Seattle. Not in Seattle Metropolitan's 30 restaurant experiences you "must have," nor in alt-weekly The Stranger's "Eat Like a Local." To Seattle’s latest Amazon and Microsoft recruits -- living here as Seattle earned (and is still earning) acclaim for its culinary scene -- the city was built on Copper River salmon and Taylor Shellfish oysters. A place where neighborhood restaurants like Anchovies & Olives shuck bivalves fresh daily and serve pristine fish, even away from the waterfront tourist traps. To have arrived in Seattle in the last five years was to watch Zoi Antonitsas and Jason Stratton both win Food & Wine "Best New Chef" awards and appear on Top Chef, to see Ethan Stowell's combination of Northwest and Italian cuisines spread to more than a dozen outlets, to taste Blaine Wetzel's food at Willows Inn and Jamie Boudreau's drinks at Canon -- as each were celebrated for being one of the world's best restaurants and bars, respectively.
But for all the seafood and all the awards, former Seattle Times food writer Nancy Leson admits of Seattle's iconic foods, “When people talk about ingredients, I would go with the salmon and oysters, and that’s fine… but when it comes to definitive dishes, teriyaki is on top of the list." In the 2010 New York Times piece, Berger offers insight to why such a major dish isn't more prominent. “Seattle yuppies love the idea of going to some obscure Chinese place for dim sum, but they won’t dare tell you that they eat chicken teriyaki.”
For new transplants, the simple dish doesn't fit the narrative of the shiny, new city.
And while new Seattleites might dismiss the dish, elsewhere people are just discovering its allure. Middle America, for one, doesn’t care that teriyaki didn't descend from a centuries-old Japanese tradition or from Kasahara's grandmother. “We’re in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for God’s sake,” laughs Teriyaki Madness’s Haith. He confesses that the idea of authenticity never occurred to him. He'll even go so far as to compare it to Tex-Mex: “it’s authentic Americanized-Japanese food. They [the customers] like the volume, they like the healthy aspect, and they like the customization abilities.”
In the end, it comes back to a universal appeal: “There's a sincerity to it, from the owners, that really translates. It's comfort food,” states Haith. And he's right. What Teriyaki Madness does is not only imitate the meals that have drawn in Seattleites for decades, but also the environment that bred it. The corner store-style service, the friendly face behind the counter, the bare-bones atmosphere. The dish that Kasahara came up with to open his small Queen Anne shop, with its mangled roots... if it's authentic anything, it's authentically old Seattle.
But new Seattle -- with the locals priced out of the area, those that remain forgetting teriyaki exists, and newcomers ignoring it -- risks losing those real shops for good. Teriyaki could be heading the direction of deep-dish… just ask a Chicagoan about it and they’ll say, “Oh, that’s for tourists.” Teriyaki is from a different era, and it’s fading as fast as traffic-free days on I-5. Since teriyaki came to town, Seattle’s waved goodbye to the Kingdome, Kurt Cobain, and the Sonics. A signature stadium, a signature musician, a signature team -- and now, perhaps, a signature dish.
As cryptic as that may sound, it's still not too late. There are still shops that marinate their chicken and make that perfect teriyaki rice, that use fresh ingredients behind the closed doors of their sauce-stained kitchens. Sixty-six shops remain in Seattle with teriyaki in their name -- plus one special one in Mill Creek. And Kasahara, like Seattle teriyaki itself, isn’t ready to be counted out quite yet: “I’m not quitting. I’m waiting to see how things go here.” Meanwhile, it’s up to Seattle’s umbrella-shunning stalwarts, incoming Amazon hordes, and everyone in between to know -- and support -- what’s great about Seattle. To eat teriyaki. To support the small businesses, the independent shops, the unique and wonderful cuisines that define the town. By eating an affordable, delicious meal, you can save one more bit of old Seattle from going the way of grunge. And wouldn’t that be something?
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Facebook Wins Nearly $1 Billion From Spammer Who Will Never Pay Up
from the still-must-feel-good dept
If only spammers actually had money and could be forced to pay up when they lose lawsuits… Facebook might have actually found a business model that paid. It appears a judge has ruled in Facebook’s favor against a spammer, fining the spammer $873 million for phishing Facebook user logins, and then using account access to bombard other users with millions of spam messages. Of course, the spammer in question has pretty much disappeared, and it’s difficult to believe Facebook will receive a penny from the guy, let alone anything near the $873 million (which is probably more than 3 times Facebook’s revenue this year).


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1. freekickerz (4.14) | 2. Gronkh (4.13) | 3. Kontor.TV (3.64) | 4. BibisBeautyPalace (3.25) | 5. ApeCrime (3.22) | Source: Socialblade
The EU's plan to overhaul its online copyright law aims to further restrict internet content. But claims of fraud and censorship are overblown, says Bernd Riegert. And we'll still be able to enjoy cat memes.
You don't have to be savvy to be safe online. Just sensible. Avoid doing these 5 things, ranked by their increasing stupidity.
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have streamlined their ability to respond and remove hate speech content on their platforms, according to EU officials. But some see the crackdown as an attempt at online censorship.
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Mapping Where Jimmy John's Ex-Employees Are Forbidden to Make Sandwiches
Last week, the HuffPo's Dave Jamieson wrote a great, forehead-slapping story about the ridiculous noncompete clauses that sandwich chain Jimmy John's has its employees sign. The whole piece is worth a read, but here's the nut of it:
A Jimmy John's employment agreement provided to The Huffington Post includes a "non-competition" clause that's surprising in its breadth. Noncompete agreements are typically reserved for managers or employees who could clearly exploit a business's inside information by jumping to a competitor. But at Jimmy John's, the agreement apparently applies to low-wage sandwich makers and delivery drivers, too.
By signing the covenant, the worker agrees not to work at one of the sandwich chain's competitors for a period of two years following employment at Jimmy John's. But the company's definition of a "competitor" goes far beyond the Subways and Potbellys of the world. It encompasses any business that's near a Jimmy John's location and that derives a mere 10 percent of its revenue from sandwiches.
Now, thanks to the work of news-mapping company SigActs, we have the necessary visual companion to this story: a map showing all the places in America where ex-Jimmy Johnners can't make a sandwich.
Is seems there's a lot of them—6,000 square miles, in fact. The interactive map shows a country dotted with crimson-colored noncompete zones like a bad case of measles. Note the thick concentration of criminal sandwich-making spots in cities. In Seattle, for instance, an ex-employee could legally put meat into sub rolls only in the extreme northern and southern neighborhoods (and the situation's even worse in the suburbs). And in Chicago, as pointed out by Maps Mania and shown above, they're basically confined to a teeny-tiny strip of land next to the airport.
Here are a few other cities that SigActs has highlighted on Facebook:
A couple of disclaimers: HuffPo says it isn't aware of Jimmy John's actually enforcing its draconian sandwich restrictions. And an owner of one of the fast-food restaurants adds that it's up to individual franchises to have employees sign noncompetes. Still, as a representation of the chilly heart of American lawyerdom, this map is highly illuminating. Read more about its making here.


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August 15, 2011
Genetically Engineered Salmon: Labels?
The development of genetically engineered salmon and its potential introduction into the American food supply has encountered opposition from Congressional members, who have called on the FDA to suspend its review process for the salmon. There is opposition on other fronts. Legislation has been introduced in California that would specifically target genetically engineered salmon for labeling. Mandatory labeling is a strategy that has largely been ineffective as a tool to educate the public regarding their consumption of GE food, due to the fact that the FDA has not required the labeling of genetically engineered food.


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App banning: it's all the rage these days. Last week came news that Apple had refused entry to an application called Podcaster, because it "duplicates the functionality of the Podcast section of iTunes." Which is either extremely suspect or just someone at Apple not understanding the difference between what the app does and what the podcast section of iTunes does.
ban - News, Features, and Slideshows
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve System have released proposed rules that would require credit card companies and banks to have policies in place to prevent payments for illegal gambling transactions.


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For many global businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of a train wreck, but for Afterpay, it seems to have had the opposite effect.
The buy-now-pay-later giant has been acquired in a A$39 billion deal by the US company Square, whose chief executive Jack Dorsey also founded social media giant Twitter.
Afterpay’s co-founders Anthony Eisen and Nick Molnar have taken the group from zero to $39 billion in just six years, and we are going to take a look at some key events in their history.
Afterpay’s co-founders Anthony Eisen and Nick Molnar met as neighbours, and the pair forged a working relationship. In 2014 they founded Innovative Payments, the tool that would blossom into the Afterpay we know today.
Afterpay took the first step in its mission with the introduction of its first product in 2015, interest-free instalment plans, available instantly at retail stores – either online, on mobile, or in-store. To pursue its strategy, Afterpay needed a technology partner with extensive experience and capability, and partnered with Touchcorp.
Princess Polly became the first retail customer, with young customers many didn’t have credit cards and started using Afterpay. This allowed them to pay in 4 smaller instalments, which boosted average basket size orders by $44 relative to Paypal, directly lifting its revenues by 15%.
In June Afterpay raised $8 million, recruiting the help of stockbroker Hugh Robertson.
May 4th - Afterpay listed at midday at $1 and ended the day at $1.25. The company made a net loss after tax of $1.25 million in the first half of the financial year 2016 on revenue of $220,000.
In February Afterpay and Touchcorp agreed to merge in a deal worth an estimated $500 million. Under the deal, a new listed entity (NewCo) acquired Afterpay and Touchcorp, to be owned approximately 64% by Afterpay shareholders, and 36% by Touchcorp investors.
That year Afterpay hit 1 million customers and over 7,200 merchant partners as they launched in New Zealand.
Afterpay launched in the US. Matrix bought $18.75 million in Afterpay shares at $6.51 each and one of its general partners, Dana Stalder, joined the Afterpay board.
Afterpay launched in the UK market, under the name Clearpay.
They were awarded ‘Retail Technology Game Changer of the Year’ at the World Retail Congress and Best Fintech Innovator of the year at the Australian Banking and Innovation Awards.
The company said it achieved $1 billion of monthly underlying sales in November, representing the highest monthly performance since its inception.
The year the pandemic hit, Afterpay reached 5 million active users in the US, and in June hit 1 million active users in the UK. They also launched in Canada.
Tencent, the Chinese technology powerhouse, paid $300 million for a 5% equity stake in Afterpay, a move both companies are touting as a strategic partnership.
As of June 30, Afterpay serves more than 16 million consumers and nearly 100,000 merchants globally, including major retailers across key verticals such as fashion, homewares, beauty, sporting goods and more.
August 2nd, 2021, US payments giant Square, led by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, acquired Afterpay in a $39 billion deal. It will be the largest M&A deal in Australia’s history.
Afterpay is now looking to expand into new markets in Europe, such as Spain and Italy.
- Encompass: How banks can use technology to stay competitiveBanking
- Highspot: Prioritising revenue and enablement in businessFinancial Services (FinServ)
- Hopper’s Dakota Smith: Innovating for the future of travelBanking
- European fintechs: Uniting against US payments hegemonyFinancial Services (FinServ)


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