Arvind Satyam, Managing Director of Smart Cities & IoT, provides his perspective on the smart city panel at MWCA17
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Dienstag, 19. September 2017
Mobile World Congress Americas 2017: Smart CIty Panel
Arvind Satyam, Managing Director of Smart Cities & IoT, provides his perspective on the smart city panel at MWCA17
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Apparent Email Glitch Sent Amazon Baby Registry Notifications To Non-Parents-To-Be
Getting an unsuspected gift is usually a nice surprise. But some Amazon customers — including yours truly — received a notification that someone had purchased a gift from their baby registry. The only problem? These customers don’t have a baby registry.
The apparent Amazon email glitch occurred around 4:30 p.m. (ET) today when individuals began sharing on Twitter their frustration with receiving an erroneous email from the e-commerce giant.
The email declares “A gift is on the way” next to a baby crawling off the page. Recipients can then click on a box that says, “See Your Thank You List.”
However, clicking on that option originally resulted in an error page.
A second attempt to click the Thank You List or the “get a sneak peek at a gift that’s coming your way,” results in being forwarded to Amazon Baby Registry page, where customers are asked to either create a list or search for someone else’s list.
Two Consumerist editors received the email this afternoon, neither have babies on the way or have ever created a baby registry with Amazon.
However, both have purchased gifts for others via Amazon Baby Registry. A quick, unscientific, survey of the remaining Consumerist team members found that those who didn’t receive the email had never purchased from the company’s gift registries.
Consumerist has reached out to Amazon for comment on the apparent glitch. We’ll update this post when we hear back.
In the meantime, some recipients have started questioning whether Amazon knows something they don’t, while others have shared their disappointment with the company’s emails.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Group Tied To Betsy DeVos Is Trying To Block Feds From Investigating Multilevel Marketers
Direct sales programs that call themselves “multilevel marketing” (MLM) companies run the gamut from being merely annoying to full-blown pyramid schemes, and the folks at the Federal Trade Commission are responsible for holding MLMs accountable when they cross that line from irksome to illegal. But two pieces of legislation, both backed by a trade group with direct ties to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, are attempting to limit the FTC’s ability to investigate and prosecute rogue MLMs.
One piece of legislation, the Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act, has one of those titles that sounds good until you actually see what it does.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN), claims to restrict certain MLM practices that may cross the line into pyramid scheme territory. However, critics say the text of the bill — purportedly written by an MLM industry trade group with direct connections to the DeVos family — actually makes it easier for bad MLMs to operate with impunity.
One of the most common criticisms of MLMs involves the practice of inventory loading — that’s when the company requires that a sales rep purchase a large amount of product, regardless of their ability to actually sell it to customers. For example, a number of LuLaRoe sellers have complained about having to go deep into debt just in order to make these mandated purchases, only to be left with merchandise they can’t sell and can’t return.
Under the Blackburn bill, an MLM is not a pyramid scheme if it has a “bona fide inventory repurchase agreement,” meaning a program for buying back these unsold items. But critics of the legislation point out that Herbalife — which recently reached a $200 million settlement with the FTC for its bad behavior — had an inventory repurchase agreement that would have complied with the definition that Blackburn is trying to establish.
Additionally, while this bill would not specifically stop the FTC from investigating MLMs, opponents of the measure say that the legislation would certainly impede the agency’s ability to take actions against companies that cross the line.
The Blackburn bill is currently still sitting in committee and, despite an in-person lobbying push in D.C. by the MLM industry last week, will likely not make it to the full House for a vote.
A more insidious piece of legislation — and one that seeks to explicitly limit the FTC’s reach — is not a bill, but an amendment to a house spending bill.
That amendment, introduced by Rep. Joe Moolenaar (MI) and adopted by the House Appropriations Committee without any hearings, is now part of HR 3280, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.
It’s an example of pure pork-barrel politics, tacking a controversial piece of legislation onto a completely unrelated spending bill in order to get it to pass.
What Moolenaar’s amendment does is take the idea established in Blackburn’s bill — that merely having a “bona fide inventory repurchase” program automatically exempts an MLM from being considered a pyramid scheme — and literally blocks the FTC from using any of its federal funding to investigate a company that meets this new definition.
Consumer advocates, including our colleagues at Consumers Union, say that this attempt to redefine a pyramid scheme breaks from all legal understanding of the term.
“The courts have consistently stated that the critical difference between a legitimate MLM business and a pyramid scheme is that a MLM’s revenues must come primarily from the sale of products and services to retail customers unaffiliated with the business opportunity,” explained a coalition of consumer advocacy groups in a July 2017 letter [PDF] to Congressional leadership.
In other words, it’s long been understood that a pyramid scheme occurs when the company at the top is making most of its revenue from making sales to its own sales force, rather than from sales to actual customers. The Blackburn and Moolenaar laws attempt to gloss over this long-held legal standard and swap it with the tangential issue of inventory loading and buy-back programs.
A group of six former high-ranking FTC officials recently expressed their concerns in a letter [PDF] to House leaders Paul Ryan and Nancy Pelosi that passing the spending bill with the Moolenaar amendment intact could “put practices now recognized as harmful and deceptive beyond the reach of the law.”
The DeVos Connection
Both the Blackburn bill and the Moolenaar amendment have the firm support of the Direct Selling Association, a trade group representing MLM companies. According to Frank VanderSloot, CEO of MLM company Melaleuca — itself a member of the DSA — lawyers for the association are the actual authors of the bill that Blackburn introduced. It’s unclear if the DSA also authored the Moolenaar amendment, but the organization has publicly lobbied in its favor.
What’s the connection to DeVos? DSA’s most prominent member is Amway. Multiple Amway executives hold spots on the DSA’s board of directors, including the board’s chair, who is head of sales for the company.
Secretary Devos’ father-in-law is Amway co-founder Richard DeVos. Her brother-in-law is Amway president Doug DeVos. Her husband is former Amway CEO Dick DeVos. The DeVos family is an owner of Alticor, Amway’s parent company, which reportedly brings in about $9 billion per year.
Even though Dick stepped down as Amway CEO more than a decade ago, the couple still earns millions of dollars a year from, and holds significant assets in, parent company Alticor. According to DeVos’ financial disclosures filing [PDF], the couple holds at least $106 million worth of shares in Alticor, receiving more than $16 million a year in dividend payments from the company.
by Chris Morran via Consumerist
Sprint and T-Mobile are back in merger talks | Engadget Today
"Active talks" are happening again. http://ift.tt/2xeRDqL Sprint and T-Mobile have been doing a dance of acquistion and merging for years now, and it looks like all the talk might finally be leading someplace. According to CNBC, the two companies are now actively discussing a merger. If you're feeling a sense of deja vu, it's not just you -- this has happened before. The discussions go all the way back to 2014, when Sprint's parent company, Softbank, wanted to buy T-Mobile. However, the bid was withdrawn when it appeared the regulatory challenges to getting the deal approved would be too daunting. Then, earlier this year, we reported the two companies were considering merging. Now "considering" has progressed to "actively discussing." Subscribe to Engadget on YouTube: http://engt.co/subscribe Get More Engadget: • Like us on Facebook: http://ift.tt/1k1iCZT • Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/engadget • Follow us on Instagram: http://ift.tt/1k1iCZV • Add us on Snapchat: http://ift.tt/1UqS18a • Read more: http://www.engadget.com Engadget is the definitive guide to this connected life.
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Making Computers Smarter with Google's AI chief John Giannandrea | Disrupt SF 2017
Google's John Giannandrea sits down with Frederic Lardinois to discuss the AI hype/worry cycle and the importance, limitations, and acceleration of machine learning.
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Netflix To Unsanctioned ‘Stranger Things’ Bar: “Please Don’t Make Us Call Your Mom”
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery — or so they say — but that doesn’t mean that just anyone can go around using popular TV shows to make a few bucks. So although Netflix thinks a Stranger Things-themed pop-up bar in Chicago is fun, it’s insisting that the venue shut down after its planned six-week run.
In a cease-and-desist letter addressed to “The Upside Down” — a watering hole that pays homage to the terrifying, eerie alternate reality in Stranger Things, complete with drinks named after the characters — Netflix’s legal counsel nerded out with more than a few references to the ‘80s themed show.
“My walkie talkie is busted so I had to write this note instead,” the letter, published by DNAInfo, begins.
“But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up,” the missive continues. “You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build.”
Although Netflix’s legal team is not going to “go full Dr. Brenner” on the bar, they have a few requests: That the bar not extend the pop-up beyond its six-week run ending Oct. 1, and that they ask for permission next time they plan something similar.
“We love our fans more than anything, but you should know that the demorgoron is not always as forgiving,” the letter notes in closing. “So please don’t make us call your mom.”
The folks behind the pop-up — who also run the Emporium Arcade Bar nearby — sound a bit bummed about having to close eventually, as the season two premiere is scheduled for Oct. 27.
“If Netflix were OK with us running The Upside Down project through the season two premiere & the Halloween weekend we would most definitely have continued this incredible party a little bit longer!” the bar’s manager told DNAInfo in an email.
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
Baltimore Ravens Postpone DNA Test Giveaway After Public Health Officials Get Involved
If you showed up to the Baltimore Raven’s home opener on Sunday expecting to receive a free DNA test, you were likely sorely disappointed. The NFL team’s planned promotion with Orig3n was canceled at the last-minute following increased scrutiny from federal and state health officials.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Orig3n and the Ravens will postpone the Ravens DNA Day until later this year, after the Maryland Health Department and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services raised concerns about the giveaway.
Putting It On Hold
The currently-scrapped promotion involved gifting 55,000 guests at M&T Bank Stadium a Raven’s-themed Orig3n DNA kit, complete with materials that exclaim “purple and black are in your genes — now find out what else is.”
The kits were billed as offering “insight into your mind, body and health.” Specifically, they would have tested four genes, including those that determine if a person has enhanced performance in power and spirit activities, as well as a gene that can predict an increased risk of low levels of Vitamin D.
Those taking part in the test, simply would have swabbed the inside of their cheek with the provided materials, and drop the sample into bins located in the stadium. Participants then register with the company online in order to receive their results.
But the promotion was put on hold before anyone could get their hands on the tests.
Orig3n confirmed to the Sun on Sunday that the giveaway was postponed in response to questions from state and federal officials.
“We are working to address questions from officials from the state of Maryland,” the Boston-based company said at the time without specifying the concerns.
However, the issues reportedly came to a head when HHS’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) raised questions with the state about approvals for such tests, the Sun reports.
CMS said that Orig3n may be required to obtain certification related to laboratory testings of humans before the promotion can move forward.
A rep for the Maryland Department of Health confirmed to the Sun that it was looking into the promotion and whether Orig3n was following state laws.
For instance, direct-to-consumer lab testing is prohibited in Maryland, but genetic testing is allowed when conducted by approved labs.
“While the matter could not be remedied in time for (Sunday’s) game, the state health department is working with both the Ravens and Orig3n collaboratively to help resolve this issue,” the rep said.
As for when the new promotion will take place, that’s currently undecided.
“We received an overwhelmingly positive response to the first-ever DNA Day, and we remain committed to our mission,” Orig3n said in its statement to the Sun. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ravens.”
Changing Privacy
While it appears that much of the state and federal concerns related to Orig3n tests involved the actual testing, others raised concerns about consumers’ privacy.
As we pointed out last week, dumping your DNA in a bin located in a very public place likely seems a bit disconcerting. Could someone take these vials? Is your personal information plastered all over the sample?
Orig3n claimed to use “stringent security standards” to ensure all information is protected. According to Orig3n, once the company receives a participant’s DNA, scientists analyze the sample and then about four weeks later a report will be available on the company’s LifeProfile app.
“All DNA test results are encrypted and sent via a smartphone app,” the company says on its website. DNA samples are attached to a barcode in the DNA Test Kit so that it is clear who the results belong to.
Orig3n noted that it collects users’ names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information. It may then use that information to improve customers service; respond to customer service requests; personalize user experience; and send periodic emails.
At some point in the last few days, the company has changed its privacy policy after concerns surfaced that users wouldn’t be able to understand or read the company’s policies during a lively football game, BuzzFeed News reports.
Orig3n tweaked its terms of service and privacy policy to clarify how it would handle customers’ genetic results and their personal information.
When it comes to genetic testing, Orig3n notes, “our users are the sole owners of their genetic information, and have the sole right to determine how that information is used. We will not use your genetic information for any purpose other than to provide the services, without your prior consent. By default, your genetic information will be kept private until such time, if any, as you consent to use of it in any other manner, or you choose to share your information with others.”
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Crocs Have Made A Comeback By Returning To Hideous Roots
Crocs, a brand of footwear known for being comfortable, non-slip, unattractive, and incompatible with escalators, has made a comeback. The secret has been going back to the thing that made it a success in the first place: Hideous clogs that you can easily hose off.
Returning to what works
After experimenting with wacky ideas like drone-powered retail stores and Crocs brand shoes that look like normal shoes, The Washington Post reports that the company is thriving again because it’s sticking with what it does best: Making colorful rubber clogs.
The brand debuted about 15 years ago, had a brief period of controversial trendiness, and then experts wrote the brand off as dead at the beginning of last decade’s recession. Yet Crocs survived as a company, still has standalone stores, and began listening to its customers even more carefully to find out what they’re using the shoes for.
The original shoes have stayed popular with medical professionals and people who work in food service, perhaps influenced by celebrity chef and noted Crocs enthusiast Mario Batali.
Crocs are popular again, if not necessarily cool
More people are walking into standalone Crocs stores, with visits up 12% this back-to-school season. For the last few years, Crocs’ sales have been above one billion per year, and its profits were up 54% last quarter.
How did this happen? By analyzing sales, the company found some unexpected markets, like high school and college sports teams that buy matching Crocs to relax in before and after events. Maybe they’re wearing them ironically, or maybe not, but the younger generation may have worn the shoes as toddlers and children, and thus, may find them comfortable and comforting.
“Whether or not they’re actually cool — well, that’s up for debate,” a market research executive told the Post. “But our data shows that they’re popular again, especially with the back-to-school crowd.”
by Laura Northrup via Consumerist
Founder Spotlight: Hound Labs
As the marijuana legalization leads to a green rush of pot startups, Hound Labs is working to keep the roads safe as people get comfortable lighting up. CEO Mike Lynn‘s company has built a marijuana breathalyzer. TechCrunch Disrupt is the world’s leading authority in debuting revolutionary startups, introducing game-changing technologies and discussing what’s top of mind for the tech industry’s key innovators.
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iPad Pro — How to magically convert handwritten notes to text then share them with iOS 11 — Apple
Magically convert your handwriting to text with iPad Pro and the GoodNotes app. Learn how to do even more with iPad and iOS 11: http://ift.tt/2wvT8n0.
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iPad — How to copy and paste across devices with iOS 11 — Apple
With Universal Clipboard, you can copy and paste between your Apple devices in just a few simple steps. Learn how to do even more with iPad and iOS 11: http://ift.tt/2wvT8n0.
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iPad — How to retouch a photo — Apple
With the Pixelmator app, iPad, and your fingertip or Apple Pencil, editing photos has never been easier. Learn how to do even more with iPad and iOS 11: http://ift.tt/2wvT8n0.
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How to Turn PoE On/Off on a Single Port | Insight
Learn more: http://ift.tt/2w5rbhz Here's how to turn PoE on or off on a single port, instead of turning the PoE function off the entire switch.
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How to Add a Device | Insight
Learn more: http://ift.tt/2w5rbhz There are two paths to adding an Insight device to your network. The first is claiming an unclaimed device. The second is manually adding a device if the unclaimed device cannot be found. Here’s how to claim an unclaimed device: 1. Open your Insight App 2. Tap on an unclaimed device 3. Tap OK on the subscription message 4. Tap add device 5. Name your device 6. Tap next 7. Tap continue 8. Tap View Devices If you cannot find your devices in the unclaimed list: 9. Tap the plus sign on the top right of the app 10. Tap “Add Device†11. Select your network 12. Tap OK on the subscription message 13. You can either enter your device’s serial number, scan the barcode on your device,or tap the type of device you want to add (switch, ap, storage) If you tap the type of device: 14. Make sure your device is connected to your network, following the steps on this screen 15. Tap Discover Device (make sure your device is on the same network as your Insight network) 16. Tap the device you want to add 17. Wait for processing 18. Name your device 19. Tap next 20. Tap “View Devicesâ€
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How to Create a New VLAN | Insight
Learn more: http://ift.tt/2w5rbhz Here's how to create a new VLAN. 1. Open your Insight App 2. Tap on a switch in your network 3. Tap “VLANs in use†4. Press the plus sign on top right of screen 5. Tap the type of network you want to create 6. Create your VLAN name and ID 7. Tap Save
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How to Create a New SSID | Insight
Learn more: http://ift.tt/2w5rbhz Here's how to create a simple password-protected SSID. 1. Open your Insight App 2. Tap Networks in the bottom bar 3. Tap the WiFi square 4. Tap Add new Wifi SSID 5. Create your SSID name 6. Type in your password 7. Tap Save
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Kensington Keyed Cable Lock for Surfaceâ„¢ Pro
Providing vigorously tested, non-invasive locking technology that is supported by Kensington’s innovative common keying system, the Kensington Keyed Cable Lock is the superior security solution for Surface Pro. Designed for the Microsoft Surface Pro.
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Hot Couple Alert: Sprint & T-Mobile Reportedly Looking At Engagement Rings
The will-they-won’t-they tension has always been high between romantic comedy leads T-Mobile and Sprint, but could their flirtatious ways finally be heading for a serious relationship? That certainly looks to be the next plot twist, as the companies are reportedly in “active talks” about a merger.
Sprint’s parent company, Japanese telecom giant SoftBank, has been looking to grow its U.S. presence ever since investing in Sprint, and T-Mobile’s European overlords at Deutsche Telekom have been trying to marry off their bratty magenta-loving offspring to nice, wealthy American company for years.
Now, CNBC reports that SoftBank and DT have once again entered into talks about a possible deal combining the No. 3 and No. 4 wireless providers.
The sources caution, as they often do, that no deal is certain, and that any possible finalized plan wouldn’t come to fruition for several more weeks. The current talks, the insiders tells CNBC, concern creating a term sheet that would dictate the possible deal.
Just what a combined T-Mobile/Sprint company would look like is up for speculation.
CNBC theorizes that SoftBank would likely take a minority stake in any marriage, while T-Mobile John Legere would probably position himself as the new venture’s head honcho.
Of course, the real question we’re all wondering is, would the new company have a cool celebrity tabloid mashup name? Perhaps SprinT-Mobile, or T-Mobrint?
Heard It Before
Getting a sense of déjà vu? That’s probably because Sprint and T-Mobile have long been the center of merger speculation.
Rumors of a thawing romance between the companies ramped up in May, when SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said he still intended to pursue a merger, and that T-Mobile USA is the most likely target.
A week later T-Mobile executives declared that the companies would likely make a good pair… financially. Chief Financial Officer Braxton Carter explained at a conference that it would be cheaper for them to invest in deploying a 5G network in the future together.
Additionally, with a combined force, the wireless providers could better compete with Verizon Wireless and AT&T, though even a merged Sprint/T-Mobile would likely still be smaller than either of those two companies.
Despite the recent talks and speculation, we’ve been down this road before, and it’s only led to broken hearts.
In Aug. 2014, Sprint’s board pulled the plug on its decision to pursue T-Mobile after early talks with regulators at the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice confirmed that approving such a merger would be politely described as an uphill battle.
And T-Mobile is no stranger to being left at the altar. In 2011, AT&T tried to sweep little ol’ T-Mo off its feet, but the wedding was doomed when federal regulators refused to give their blessing to the marriage. At least T-Mobile got a few billion dollars in cash and wireless spectrum from AT&T for its troubles.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Senate Plans Meaningless Hearing On Obamacare Repeal Bill
One of the reasons that the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act met a dramatic late-night demise in July was the criticism that GOP lawmakers held no actual hearings on this matter that could directly impact many millions of Americans. As Republican senators look to make one last try at repeal before their clock runs out, legislators are finally holding their first, but ultimately pointless, public hearing on healthcare.
I’m just a bill…
Ordinarily a bill goes through an iterative process before it becomes law. The path goes something like this:
- One or more Senators introduce it
- The bill is then referred to relevant committee(s)
- The committee(s) hold one or more hearings and markup sessions on bill, debating its merits and adding or subtracting language (amendments)
- The final, amended bill passes committee by majority vote
- The full Senate then votes on the bill after committees are done
That’s regular procedure. But when you go through the regular procedure, in the regular way, for a regular bill, you run the procedural risk of needing to have at least 60 Senators on your side in order to move forward.
That’s clearly not going to happen with ACA repeal proposals, which are universally unpopular with the Senate’s 48 Democrats (and Democratic-caucusing independents). So all of the the ACA repeal efforts have been moving through a process called budget reconciliation.
To put it briefly, budget reconciliation allows certain types of bills to be fast-tracked through the Senate with only a simple majority. Since Vice President Mike Pence holds the tie-breaker, the GOP need only get to 50 “yea” votes in order to pass the bill.
At the same time, this all has to happen by Sept. 30, which is the end of the federal government’s fiscal year. Any bill passed after that would have to go through the normal channels and would need the 60 votes to end debate in the Senate.
Out of the ordinary
The failed July bill did not go through any committee hearings, which was one of Sen. John McCain’s (AZ) key objections when he voted it down.
“We must now return to the correct way of legislating and send the bill back to committee, hold hearings, receive input from both sides of aisle, heed the recommendations of nation’s governors, and produce a bill that finally delivers affordable health care for the American people,” McCain said at the time. Other Senators also called for a return to “regular order” in the wake of the July mess.
And so, a hearing.
Sen. Ron Johnson (WI), one of the co-sponsors of the Graham-Cassidy bill, personally promised that the bill would get at least one proper committee hearing. He could bring it before his committee, he said: Homeland Security.
“I’m chairman of Homeland Security,” Johnson said. “If either the Finance Committee or [Health, Education, Labor and Pensions] Committee won’t hold a hearing, I’ll notice one this afternoon. We’ll hold a hearing on this prior to September 30th.” And he did indeed put a hearing on the Homeland Security calendar for Sept. 26.
If that sounds ridiculous to you, you’re right: The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has nothing at all to do with healthcare or health insurance legislation. There’s no real overlap.
But Johnson’s political dare paid off: Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, agreed to hold a hearing on the proposal on Monday, Sept. 25. The relevant testimony and witness list are yet to be determined.
“Senators have expressed a strong desire to examine the details of the Graham-Cassidy proposal through a public hearing,” Hatch said in a statement. “A hearing will allow members on both sides of the aisle to delve deeper into its policy and gain a better understanding of what the authors hope to achieve.”
The hearing, however, is largely for show — to tick a box and say they did it. Aside from a few wild cards, Senators’ minds are already made up along partisan and ideological lines.
And what do they hope to achieve?
The one leg up that the Graham-Cassidy bill has over McConnell’s summer attempts is that it’s not being hidden or kept secret. But other than that, it’s a very similar pile of cuts, likely to have consequences every inch as dire… if not worse.
The Congressional Budget Office, tasked with analyzing potential legislation to run the numbers on it likeliest outcomes, won’t have time to churn out a full, deep-diving report on the Graham-Cassidy proposal. However, it is expected to release a high-level, preliminary sketch early next week.
READ MORE: Senate may vote on latest Obamacare repeal bill without knowing how many people it will affect
Anyone with a pre-existing condition would be at risk for incessantly skyrocketing premiums under Graham-Cassidy, Vox reports. The non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities also finds that federal healthcare funding — to programs like Medicaid and individual subsidies — would be slashed by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next ten years.
The American Medical Association sent a letter [PDF] to the offices of McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) asking the Senate to reject Graham-Cassidy because it “would result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance coverage, destabilize health insurance markets, and decrease access to affordable coverage and care.”
Other organizations voicing opposition include the AARP, the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the Arthritis Foundation, the National Health Council, and the March of Dimes, among others.
How’s that math?
There are 52 Republican Senators and one Vice President — so to get to 51 votes, McConnell can only afford to lose three.
An analysis by the numbers-minded folks at FiveThirtyEight concludes that 46 votes are a sure thing or a nearly sure thing right out of the gate. That leaves a couple of likely “no” votes and four “wild cards” to contend with.
Sen. Rand Paul (KY) has already gone on the record in opposition, both in various Tweets and in an op-ed for Fox News. Paul’s opposition comes from the far conservative side: He believes that Graham-Cassidy does not go far enough to remove all traces of the ACA from the world. However, Paul also originally had stringent objections to the July bill at first, before changing his mind and voting for it anyway — so it’s anyone’s guess where his vote would actually fall.
The same is true of Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who also initially opposed the July bill for being insufficiently conservative before then voting for it anyway.
Sen. McCain has indicated that he might be amenable to voting “reluctantly” in favor, but said his approval was contingent on whether the governor of Arizona felt the Graham-Cassidy would help or hate the people of that state. Gov. Doug Ducey put out a statement endorsing Graham-Cassidy on Monday, and so now McCain is considered more likely to go for it.
The other two holdouts in July were Sens. Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski (AK). Both objected to deep cuts to Medicaid and other healthcare spending that would negatively affect the populations of their states — and since the new bill provides for cuts that are either equally as bad or worse, all eyes are on Collins and Murkowski to renew their objections once again.
Neither, however, has yet gone on the record with either full opposition or support. The Portland Press-Herald reports that Collins has “concerns” with the Graham-Cassidy proposal, particularly with regards to Medicaid.
Murkowski is also a long shot to bring on board, CNN reports, because the Graham-Cassidy proposal, as written, would likely be a losing proposition for Alaska overall. Alaska’s governor has come out against the bill.
But as Axios reports, the Trump Administration has gone all-in on trying to sway every single Republican Senator to support the proposal — and so we are once again, as a nation, on tenterhooks, waiting to see which way the breeze blows up on Capitol Hill in the coming days.
by Kate Cox via Consumerist
New Hinge App Lets Wannabe Matchmakers Set Up Their Single Friends
If you’re single and you use dating apps, we’re sure you’ve been there: Your partnered friends grab your phone so they can swipe around and make matches for you. “They didn’t have this when I was single,” your friend might gleefully cackle. And so, in an effort to let the coupled-up join the mobile fun, dating app Hinge is now offering would-be matchmakers the chance to set up their friends
Make me a match
Hinge Matchmaker allows users to see which of their Facebook friends are on Hinge — or invite those who aren’t on it yet to join — then view suggested potential matches, and recommend them to their intended targets. Or, you can choose a friend you want to set up.
Those friends can then decide whether or not they want to connect on the Hinge app.
“We found a lot of people who felt like they missed out on the dating app craze wanted to be able to participate in some way,” Hinge founder Justin MacLeod tells TechCrunch. “A lot of times, people will pull out their friend’s phone and swipe for them on other apps.”
For now, Hinge Matchmaker is a standalone app for iOS only, but it could eventually be integrated into the main app.
Get me out of here
Don’t want your non-single pals poking around in your business — or for them to know that you’re on Hinge in the first place? You can opt out of Matchmaker.
iOS
First update to the latest version of Hinge.
Then:
1. Tap Settings
2. Tap Hinge Matchmaker
3. Scroll to the bottom and toggle off “Let friends matchmake for me”
Android
You’ll have to write hello@hinge.co with the subject line “Matchmaker” and indicate you’d like to opt-out.
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
Webinar: Seagate and Dahua Discuss Surveillance Solutions
View the webinar to hear Seagate’s Jessica Burton and Dahua’s Steve Wilber share their insights on how to tackle some of the key challenges of designing your surveillance system from the ground up by appropriately planning for everything from camera and network/connectivity to storage considerations. Learn more about this unique solution by visiting http://ift.tt/2ikzy1Q
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Neil deGrasse Tyson and rapper Logic discuss race
On this episode of StarTalk on Mashable, Neil deGrasse Tyson talks with rapper Logic about his upbringing, music and science. Check out the full StarTalk podcast featuring interview clips about hip-hop here: http://bit.ly/2x7dGOK Check out more StarTalk podcasts here: http://ift.tt/2e80X6b StarTalk on Mashable is a video series, produced by Mashable and StarTalk Radio. StarTalk Radio is a podcast and radio program hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. StarTalk Radio on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarTalkRadio StarTalk Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio
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Silicon on Wheels from Intel's Brian Krzanich | Disrupt SF 2017
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has a chat with Darrell Etherington about their approach to autonomous driving, how it drives their business strategy, and his outlook on emerging technologies.
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Apple iOS 11 review
Subscribe to Engadget on YouTube: http://engt.co/subscribe Get More Engadget: • Like us on Facebook: http://ift.tt/1k1iCZT • Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/engadget • Follow us on Instagram: http://ift.tt/1k1iCZV • Add us on Snapchat: http://ift.tt/1UqS18a • Read more: http://www.engadget.com Engadget is the definitive guide to this connected life.
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Floe Riing Plus RGB Software
TT Labs shows you how to utilize the software and new lighting modes on the FLOE AIO cooler. If you want to see more from TT Labs, please let us know in the comments! Software Color Modes: https://youtu.be/toSYhOO-60M?t=1m8s More Info: http://bit.ly/2hMfkmb Buy At: http://amzn.to/2xsWuH0 Join the discussion on Thermaltake's Social channels! Tt Community Forums: http://ift.tt/1TERHWS Facebook: http://ift.tt/2qnCHG5 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thermaltake Instagram: http://ift.tt/2qYlwI0
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FTC Approves Walgreens’ Acquisition Of Half Of Rite Aid’s Stores
If there’s a Rite Aid store in your neighborhood, the odds are about even that there won’t be for long. The Federal Trade Commission has finally approved a deal between the No. 2 and No. 3 drugstore chains in the country, Walgreens and Rite Aid. Instead of acquiring the smaller chain, Walgreens Boots Alliance will buy around half of its stores.
Lucky number four
Three previous versions of this deal didn’t meet FTC approval. The first two were acquisition deals that valued Rite Aid at $9.4 billion and around $7 billion respectively, and Walgreens later made an offer to buy around half of Rite Aid’s stores when it became clear that the FTC wasn’t going to let the merger happen.
In this fourth version, Walgreens will pay $4.38 billion to buy around 42% of its competitor’s stores, with purchases beginning next month. The chain will also buy three distribution centers from Rite Aid to support its new acquisitions, most of which are in the Northeast and the South.
What about competition?
The remaining Rite Aid stores will have the option to join Walgreens in group purchases of generic drugs, a major concern of critics of the deal.
“Walgreens’ acquisition of Rite Aid stores in the revised transaction is limited to areas where competition between the two firms is not significant,” Maureen Ohlhausen, acting chair of the FTC, told Reuters.
The FTC has no official chair and has two commissioners when it is suppose to have five. The other commissioner, Terrell McSweeny, still has some issues with the transaction, telling Reuters that she is “concerned that the transaction could reduce Rite Aid’s long-term ability to obtain low generic drug prices.”
Maybe it doesn’t matter in the long run, which is part of the reason why Rite Aid’s shareholders approved the deal in the first place. In the future, there may simply not be room in the marketplace for a small national drugstore chain alongside CVS and a larger Walgreens.
Instead, national standalone drugstores will compete with remaining independent stores and regional chains, and with the pharmacies inside big-box stores and supermarkets.
by Laura Northrup via Consumerist
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Gaming Accessories
Complete your Inspiron Gaming Laptop with Dell-recommended gaming accessories. Please visit this site for more information: http://ift.tt/2eQh8pE
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At Least 163 Children Drowned In Pools & Spas This Summer
Now that summer is over, many of us have fond memories of a few months splashing around in the pool with family and friends. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the potential for danger, as a new federal report claims that at least 163 children drowned while swimming in pools or spas in just the last few months.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with the USA Swimming Foundation, announced today that at least 163 children under the age of 15 drowned in pools and spas from Memorial Day to Labor Day this year.
Of those deaths, which were compiled through media reports, 112 involved children under the age of five.
Florida recorded the highest number of drownings this summer with 25, while Texas and California had 14 each and Arizona had 10.
While these incidents are tragic, the rate of drownings decreased over the past year, the agency notes.
During the same time in 2016, there were 205 reported drowning deaths involving children under the age of 15. Of those incidents, 140 involved children under the age of five.
Safety Steps
“Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, which serves as a sobering reminder of how dangerous water can be for young children,” said acting CPSC Chair Ann Marie Buerkle.
Although summer is quickly coming to an end, and time in pools is running out, the CPSC reminds consumers to take steps to protect children and others around water.
For instance, the CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign encourages consumers to install four-sided fences around pools and spas; teach their children to swim; learn CPR; and ensure pool or spa drains are covered and comply with federal safety standards.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Here’s Which Airlines Are Capping Fares, Adding Flights For Travelers Fleeing Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria continues to gain momentum as it churns through the Caribbean, strengthening to a Category 5 storm after making landfall on the island of Dominica on Monday. Forecasters and safety officials are advising everyone in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to get to safety, and so some airlines are capping fares for travelers trying to get out of the storm’s path.
On Monday, Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida sent letters to 10 U.S. airlines asking them to limit prices on airfare for anyone fleeing Hurricane Maria, citing skyrocketing prices many travelers faced ahead of Hurricane Irma, which led some airlines to cap fares for evacuees as a result.
“As you know, Hurricane Maria is a major hurricane and is threatening Puerto Rico and the Caribbean now and may be a threat to the U.S. coast by next week,” Nelson wrote.
“Individuals and families should not be forced to delay or cancel their evacuation efforts because of confusion over the cost of airfare,” he added in his letter to executives at United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Alaska, Hawaiian, Frontier, and Allegiant.
In response, some airlines have announced their plans for capping airfare, as well as adding additional flights, and offering travel waivers for those who need to change their flights.
United
United says it has capped fares at $384 plus tax for nonstop flights in economy class.
United also says it’s adding more seats on departures out of Puerto Rico beginning with an early morning departure today from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN) to Newark.
Additional seats have also been added on the airline’s three scheduled departures out of San Juan (SJU) on Sept. 19. United has added an extra flight departing San Juan at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, for a total of approximately 500 additional seats out of Puerto Rico.
“We will suspend operations at SJU and BQN on Wednesday with a tentative plan to resume operations on Thursday pending infrastructure assessments,” the airline says. “Our Emergency Response teams are engaged to coordinate any needs. As the storm tracks northwest, we will also develop plans for Punta Cana/PUJ and Santo Domingo/SDQ for Thursday operations.”
United is also waiving change fees and any difference in fare for flights departing through Sept. 30.
American
American says it will also cap nonstop fares at $99 one-way for Main Cabin, and $199 for premium cabins (though connecting fares may be higher) through Sept. 24 in the following markets:
• Antigua, Antigua (ANU)
• Cap Haitien, Haiti (CAP)
• Port Au Prince, Haiti (PAP)
• Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS)
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP)
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
• St. Croix Island, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)
• St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis (SKB)
• St. Thomas Island, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)
“Our team of meteorologists continues to coordinate closely with the National Weather Service; we are also monitoring developing storms offshore,” American notes.
Check here for more information on American’s Hurricane Maria-related travel waivers.
Delta
Delta is capping main cabin, one-way nonstop fares at $199 for flights departing the following airports through Sept. 21:
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
• Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
The airline says it’s also added two extra flights to and from San Juan to Atlanta to help customers leave ahead of the hurricane, and is temporarily waiving fees for baggage and pets in cabin for customers traveling to and from San Juan and several other airports.
A travel waiver has also been issued for passengers flying out of San Juan from Sept. 19-26. The waiver, which allows customers to change plans without incurring a fee, also covers customers from St. Maarten, Saint Thomas, and Turks and Caicos with tickets issued from Sept. 5 to Dec. 31.
For more information, check out Delta’s travel advisory here.
JetBlue
For those looking to evacuate areas in the hurricane’s path, JetBlue is offering any remaining seats on its flights to and from the below destinations for travel through Sept. 25 at reduced fares:
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN)
• Ponce, Puerto Rico (PSE)
• St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)
• Antigua, Antigua (ANU)
JetBlue also says it has added five additional flights to its regular schedule from San Juan to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and New York JFK on Sept. 18 and 19 “in order to help customers and crewmembers evacuate ahead of Hurricane Maria.”
The airline is also waiving waiving cancellation fees, change fees, and differences in air fare customers traveling Tuesday, Sept. 19 through Thursday, Sept. 21.
Southwest Airlines
A spokeswoman for Southwest tells Consumerist that the airline has removed advance purchase requirements to allow customers to have access to fares that were lower than what they would normally have had access to.
The airline has also added five extra flights out of San Juan for Sept. 19, one additional flight out of Punta Cana, and “had all inventory set at the lowest fare.” Southwest says it has “also matched all competitor pricing actions if lower than ours.”
Travelers can check the Southwest site for travel advisories and flexible accommodations.
Other airlines
As for the rest of the airlines, we’ve reached out to each to each to ask if they’ll be capping fares in regions affected by Hurricane Maria, and will update this post as we receive new information. As always, you should check with your airline before you head to the airport to confirm your scheduled flight.
In the meantime, you can check out travel advisories for the carriers below for more information on waivers and change fees related to Hurricane Maria (not all airlines have issued alerts or advisories, depending on which markets they serve):
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus now or wait for the iPhone X? (The 3:59, Ep. 286)
Starts @ 3:08 before the edit We break down today's review of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and talk about camera quality. iPhone 8 & 8 Plus review: http://cnet.co/2w527HC iPhone 8 Plus camera: http://cnet.co/2xeQdws Good morning from CNET NY Studios while we record the daily news-bite podcast: The 3:59. Hangout while we cover a multitude of stories from around the tech world and then Ben Fox Rubin and Roger Cheng will take your questions and comments in the chat. Watch more episodes of 3:59 on Youtube: http://bit.ly/29LVP7F Livestream: http://ift.tt/2sd94Yk Periscope: http://ift.tt/2qU1nTf Subscribe to the audio podcast: iTunes: http://apple.co/29T3fbf Google Play: http://bit.ly/2hkXp5P Feedburner: http://bit.ly/2tVTkqw Soundcloud: http://bit.ly/2hlanQK TuneIn: http://bit.ly/2uVg9vN Stitcher: http://bit.ly/2vfeHXE Cnet: http://bit.ly/2veEfEw Subscribe to CNET: http://bit.ly/17qqqCs Watch more CNET videos: http://bit.ly/1BQxrGw Follow CNET on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CNET Follow CNET on Facebook: http://ift.tt/UQQ9wc Follow CNET on Instagram: http://ift.tt/1YieDuO
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Cue, the robot
Watch out, BB-8. You can talk to this robot via text message or program it to play soccer with you. Subscribe to CNET: http://cnet.co/2heRhep Check out our playlists: http://cnet.co/2g8kcf4 Like us on Facebook: http://ift.tt/1930vfU Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cnet Follow us on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2icCYYm Add us on Snapchat: http://cnet.co/2h4uoK3
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Introducing the NETGEAR Insight App | Business
Learn more about NETGEAR for Business: http://bit.ly/2b00dhq Introducing the Insight app by NETGEAR. Network discovery, setup, monitoring, and management from the palm of your hand—anytime, anywhere. A revolutionary new way to instantly discover, easily configure, and continuously monitor and manage your network of select NETGEAR access points, switches, and storage devices. The NETGEAR Insight app was built from the ground-up to meet the specific needs of small businesses and provide an unrivaled remote management experience. From the palm of your hand, easily discover and install your device through QR code scan or WiFi discovery, identify device status and usage at a glance, and quickly recognize issues or take action on problems on your Insight-compatible devices on any network. Now available for free on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Be sure to subscribe for more videos! http://bit.ly/1JsK6Ej
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Receiving faxes on a Windows® computer – Brother PC-Fax
Learn how to receive faxes on your Windows computer using the Brother PC Fax software in this tutorial. This video covers setting the remote fax options, receiving faxes, and backup print settings. Visit our support site: http://ift.tt/KVp7Rt Quick Links / Table of Contents: Models Covered 00:09 Install software package 00:19 Verify correct printer installation 00:31 Open application 00:45 Remote setup settings 01:06 Backup print 01:46 Receiving faxes 01:59 Transcript: Welcome. Today we are going to learn how to setup the PC-Fax software to receive faxes on your Windows computer. This video will cover multiple models and software versions. Even though your machine may not match the model referred to on the screen the overall process will be the same. Before beginning you will need to install the full driver and software package, either from the installation disc or by downloaded it from http://ift.tt/KVp7Rt. Verify that your Brother machine is installed on your Windows computer and connected to working phone jack with a telephone line cord. If your Machine is installed on a network you will also need to know your PC name. Once the software is installed, open the Brother Utilities application…and click on “Tools.†Then click on the “Remote Setup†icon. If your software package does not include the Brother Utilities application, you will need to open the Remote Setup utility directly from the start menu. Once the program gathers the needed information from your Brother machine the Initial Setup window will open. On the options list navigate to Fax heading and select the Remote Fax option. From the PC Fax Receive dropdown select the “On†setting. Then navigate to the dropdown marked PC. If your machine is connected to your computer by a USB connection select the USB option. If your machine is connected through a network select your PC name from the dropdown. Please note that selected the incorrect computer name will send all faxes to that computer. To automatically print a copy of incoming faxes set the Backup Print option to “On.†Click “Apply†to save the settings and then click “OK.†Back at the Brother Utilities window, click PC-Fax Receive… and then click the Receive icon. For systems without the Brother Utilities application, open the Receive utility from the Start menu. For newer Brother machines, incoming faxes will display in the PC-Fax Receive window. For older models you will need to go to the task bar and display your hidden icons. Then right click on the PC Fax icon and select “View the Faxes.†The Faxes will now be displayed on your computer. For more Tutorials, FAQ's and Videos Visit us at www.brother-usa.com Thank you for choosing Brother Customers also searched for: Receiving faxes Windows PC Fax Windows Faxing on Windows computer PC Fax receive Incoming fax Windows
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vÃvoactive® 3: Monitoring Your Fitness and Wellness
The new vÃvoactive 3 smartwatch includes VO2 max and all-day stress tracking so you can keep an eye on your fitness and overall wellness. With built-in GPS, more than 15 preloaded activities and the all-new Garmin Payâ„¢, vÃvoactive 3 lets you leave your phone and wallet at home. Find out more about this stylish smartwatch here: [link to product page]. Garmin Payâ„¢ lets you make secure contactless payments with your watch1 Features more than 15 preloaded sports apps, including yoga, cycling, running, swimming, strength training, cardio and more – no phone connection required Includes both preloaded workouts and the ability to create and download your own Includes fitness monitoring2, such as VO2 max and fitness age estimate, plus all-day stress tracking2 Get connected features3 such as smart notifications, text message response capabilities4, music controls and more Personalize your watch with free watch faces, apps and widgets from the Connect IQâ„¢ store Battery life5: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode; 13 hours in GPS mode 1Available for supported cards from participating banks; contact your bank for more information. View current supported country, payment network and issuing bank information at Garmin.com/GarminPay 2See http://ift.tt/1Kt3Q8m 3When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble 4Responding capability available for Androidâ„¢ customers only 5Battery life may vary depending on usage Androidâ„¢ is a registered trademark of Google Inc. VISA is a registered trademark owned by Visa International Service Association
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Live from Disrupt SF 2017 Day 2
Live from Disrupt SF 2017 Day 2
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In Wake Of Equifax Hack, New York Wants Assurances From Experian, TransUnion
The Equifax data breach compromised personal information for some 143 million Americans, but there are still two other major credit bureaus — Experian and TransUnion — whose digital vaults are filled with the same sensitive info. New York’s top prosecutor is now asking these companies to explain how they won’t be the next source of a massive consumer data leak.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced this morning that his office has initiated a probe into the security practices of Experian and TransUnion.
Additionally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing for new regulations to ensure that all three major credit agencies aren’t putting consumers in harm’s way.
How’s Your Security?
This morning, Schneiderman said that the Equifax hack has raised “serious concerns about the security of private consumer information held by the largest consumer credit reporting agencies.”
His office sent letters [PDF] to Experian and TransUnion, asking for information about their data security prior to the Equifax breach and any steps they have taken since the hack came to light.
For instance, the AG’s office wants to know what steps each CRA has taken to prevent future hacks and whether the agencies have considered waiving fees for customers who want to ensure their information is protected via credit freezes or monitoring.
“Credit reporting agencies have a fundamental responsibility to protect the personal information they’re entrusted with,” Schneiderman notes. “As we continue our investigation into the Equifax breach, it’s vital to ensure that consumer data at the other major credit reporting agencies is safe.”
Schneiderman gave the agencies until Sept. 21 to provide responses.
Call For Regulations
On Monday, Gov. Cuomo announced that he had called on the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) to issue new regulations [PDF] requiring credit reporting agencies to register with the state and comply with its cybersecurity regulations.
New York’s cybersecurity rules [PDF], which took effect in March, require financial firms to take measures to protect their networks and consumer data from hackers, provide a written policy to customers, and employ a Chief Information Security Officer to help protect data and systems. Currently, CRAs are not subject to these rules.
However, on Monday, Cuomo took steps to change this, noting that CRAs would be required to meet all cybersecurity resolution standards starting in April 2018.
Additionally, under Cuomo’s newly proposed regulations, all consumer credit reporting agencies that operate in New York would be required to register annually with DFS beginning in Feb. 2018, with re-registration taking place each February.
The CRAs would also be prohibited from:
• Directly or indirectly employing a scheme that misleads a consumers;
• Engaging in unfair, deceptive, or predatory acts or practices;
• Providing inaccurate information to any consumer report relating to consumers in New York;
• Refusing to communicate with an authorized representative of a consumer located in the state;
• Making false statements or omitting any material fact in connection with information or reports filed with a government agency
If the DFS superintendent — who can examine the agencies any time it is deemed necessary — finds that the CRA or its members and directors are not trustworthy or have failed to comply with minimum security standards, the CRA could be prohibited from doing business in the state.
“Oversight of credit reporting agencies will help ensure that personal information is less vulnerable to cyberattacks and other nefarious acts in this rapidly changing digital world,” Cuomo said. “The Equifax breach was a wakeup call and with this action New York is raising the bar for consumer protections that we hope will be replicated across the nation.”
Just The Beginning
The New York actions are likely only the start of several states taking actions to hold Equifax accountable and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents at other CRAs.
Just last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA) introduced legislation that would make credit freezes free for anyone.
At the same time, a 32-state coalition — led by Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen — is investigating the Equifax breach. The states have also asked Equifax to put a halt to the marketing of its paid credit monitoring service, claiming that it’s confusing to the millions of breach victims who are eligible for the free monitoring.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Tutorial: VIRB Edit- HyperFrame Director Mode
Learn the basics of HyperFrame Director Mode when using the VIRB Edit application and footage shot on a VIRB 360.
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Young Living Sentenced For Harvesting Essential Oils From Endangered Plants
Essential oils come from exotic plants all over the world, but do the companies selling these oils have the proper permits to import and sell the products made from them? The company Young Living has been sentenced for importing rosewood oil and spikenard oil without permission, and must pay $760,000 for importing the products without permits.
“Protected species of plants”
The U.S. Department of Justice announced this week that Young Living, a company that sells essential oils through multi-level marketing, must pay a fine to the government of $500,000, restitution of $135,000, and a donation of $125,000 “for the protected species of plants used in essential oils.”
The company’s plea agreement says that some of its employees and contractors harvested 86 tons of rosewood in Peru between 2010 and 2014, distilling 1,899.75 liters of oil from the wood. That rosewood oil was worth between $3.5 million and $9 million. The harvesting of the trees and importing of the oil were both illegal under the federal Lacey Act.
The company turned itself in after conducting its own investigation of the rosewood imports, sending a written statement to the federal government about its possible violations of the law in importing that rosewood oil.
Young Living’s investigation found that in addition to the rosewood operation, another group of employees had imported oil from spikenard (a flowering plant related to valerian) that originally came from Nepal.
The company had acquired the spikenard oil from the United Kingdom, but the supplier exporting the oil didn’t have a permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to export it from Nepal or from the UK.
The oil was found to be unacceptable and shipped back, but that was yet another incident related to endangered plants uncovered during the company’s investigation of the rosewood incident.
“The acceptance of responsibility”
Federal law enforcement officials praised the company for investigating itself and coming forward voluntarily.
“While the natural resource violations by certain employees of Young Living were intentional and substantial, the Company’s decision to conduct an internal investigation, voluntarily disclose the initial violations to government enforcement authorities, and cooperate throughout the ensuing investigation is to be commended,” U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah John W. Huber said in a statement. “This sentence reflects both the seriousness of the offenses and the acceptance of responsibility and cooperation by the Company.”
What’s the Lacey Act, anyway?
You may remember the Lacey Act from a piece of news about Lumber Liquidators case a few years ago, where the company pleaded guilty to importing hardwoods that weren’t themselves endangered, but came from forests where endangered species of leopard and tiger live.
The law originally only applied to animals and was meant to keep Americans from hunting or transporting live animals across state lines. This protected over-hunted game animals from being transported and sold by commercial hunters, and also helped keep people from transporting live animals to another area where they might lack natural predators and become an invasive species.
A controversial 2008 amendment changed the law so that it now applies to importing plants, including trees, that are illegal to harvest in their country of origin without a permit.
by Laura Northrup via Consumerist
Senate May Vote On Latest Obamacare Repeal Bill Without Knowing How Many People It Will Affect
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have only a short window of time to vote on the latest Republican legislation to gut and replace the Affordable Care Act, and if the GOP is going to push forward with a vote on this bill they will likely have to do so without having an idea of how many Americans will be affected, or what impact it might have on insurance rates.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is currently attempting to put together a score for the so-called “Graham-Cassidy” bill in the Senate. CBO scores on previous repeal bills provided legislators and the public with estimates on how the proposals would affect the number of uninsured Americans, insurance premiums and other costs, and the overall effect on the federal budget.
However, last night the CBO announced that while it intends to get an initial report out early next week on the Graham-Cassidy bill, that first score will contain very little information, beyond some very specific data about the bill’s potential impact on the deficit.
For projections on how Graham-Cassidy could affect insurance coverage and premiums, the CBO says it will need “at least several weeks.”
And there’s the rub. Aside from a general eagerness among some Republicans to pass some sort of repeal bill this year, the GOP has a relatively narrow window of time to realistically reach that goal.
As with the previous House and Senate repeal bills, Graham-Cassidy is not a traditional piece of legislation. Rather, it is a budget resolution. While there are all manner of rules associated with passing a budget resolution, the two that are most important here are the number of votes needed and the deadline for passing.
A traditional bill needs at least 60 votes in the Senate to avoid dying in a filibuster; a budget resolution only needs a simple majority. In fact, because any tie in the Senate is broken by the Vice President, the GOP would only need to get to 50 votes (and possibly 49, if Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey is unable to vote because of his ongoing trial). This is important because the GOP only holds a 52-48 majority in the Senate; since Republicans can’t realistically hope for 60 votes on a repeal bill, they need to pass Graham-Cassidy as a budget resolution.
But, they also need to pass it this month. Sept. 30 is the deadline for the Senate to pass budget resolutions. If they don’t pass the bill by that date, then they would have to wait until the next budget window opens in 2018.
Unless the CBO is being overly cautious about needing “at least several weeks” to fully score Graham-Cassidy, it seems highly likely that any Senate vote would be made without the benefit of essential information about the potential impact of this bill.
by Chris Morran via Consumerist
Post Strays From Cereal Aisle, Picks Up Bob Evans Packaged Foods For $1.5B
When it comes to breakfast, Post wants to serve up more than cereal: The company says it’s paying $1.5 B for the Bob Evans packaged food business, so it can have a “presence in breakfast sausage.”
Along with sausage, Bob Evans Farms — which also includes the Owens, Country Creek, and Pineland Farms brands — sells things like potato, pasta, and vegetable-based side dishes in the refrigerated and frozen aisles of the grocery store.
The company also has a “growing” foodservice business peddling sausage, sausage gravy, breakfast sandwiches, and side dishes.
“The addition of Bob Evans’ highly complementary portfolio of brands and products will meaningfully enhance Post’s refrigerated side dish offering,” Post Holdings said, as well as “provide Post with a presence in breakfast sausage.”
Post is currently the third-largest cereal company in the U.S. However, the cereal industry in general has taken a hit in recent years, so it’s not surprising that the company is ready to branch out.
The deal has already been approved by both companies’ boards, and is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2018.
Earlier this year, Bob Evans sold off its restaurant brand to a private equity firm, in an effort to focus on its packaged food division.
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
Support: Troubleshooting GPS Reception Issues on a Dog Collar
Learn about some basic troubleshooting steps you can try if your GPS enabled Garmin Dog Collar is having satellite reception issues. For more help, visit http://ift.tt/2b4gG6V
by Garmin via Endless Supplies .De - Brands
Some Kohl’s Stores Will Start Accepting Amazon Returns Next Month
Here’s the thing about online purchases and in-store returns: If you drive to the store to return your online purchase you might get your refund more quickly, but there’s a good chance you’ll stick around and buy something else. Kohl’s already offers this option, but the chain is upping its game, allowing customers to return their Amazon purchases to some of its bricks-and-mortar stores.
Kohl’s announced today that starting next month 82 stores in Chicago and Los Angeles will begin accepting Amazon returns.
Once customers arrive at the store they can park in designated Amazon Return parking spots, walk into the store, and drop off their unpackaged Amazon returns. Kohl’s will then package the items and ship them back to Amazon’s return center.
You won’t be able to return everything you buy on Amazon to Kohl’s, though. Instead, the retailer says only select merchandise will be accepted.
It’s unclear what products are eligible for the service. Consumerist has reached out to Amazon and Kohl’s for additional details, we’ll update this post if we hear back.
“This is a great example of how Kohl’s and Amazon are leveraging each other’s strengths – the power of Kohl’s store portfolio and omnichannel capabilities combined with the power of Amazon’s reach and loyal customer base,” Richard Schepp, Chief Administrative Officer, said in a statement.
Another Option
The new return option appears to be Amazon’s way of increasing convenience for customers who want their returns completed more quickly.
As it stands, Amazon offers several options when customers need to return products. You can drop the package off at the post office or UPS store, or you could arrange for someone to pick it up from your home.
However, in many of these cases — and depending on the product in question — a return might not be processed until the product is received by Amazon or the third-party who sold it. This could leave customers waiting days, if not weeks for the return to be complete and a refund to be issued.
By allowing returns at Kohl’s stores, Amazon could be cutting this window significantly. Consumerist has reached out to Amazon about the return process and wait time for refunds. We’ll update this post when we hear back.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
Toys ‘R’ Us Files For Bankruptcy But Plans To Keep Stores Open For Holiday Shopping
Well, that was quick: Soon after the rumor mill lit up with the news that Toys ‘R’ Us could be preparing to file for bankruptcy, the debt-strapped toy chain has gone ahead and done exactly that.
The largest toy store chain in the country filed for Chapter 11 protection [PDF] late Monday night, and will also seek protection in parallel proceedings for its Canadian subsidiary.
Toys ‘R’ Us will not be packing up its toys and quitting, however, as the holidays are coming. Instead, it will be restructuring its outstanding debt in an effort to “invest in long-term growth.”
“Today marks the dawn of a new era at Toys’R Us where we expect that the financial constraints that have held us back will be addressed in a lasting and effective way,” said Dave Brandon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
This holiday season will be instrumental in those efforts to stay alive, and the company knows it. To that end, the chain’s approximately 1,600 Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us stores will remain open — at least for now — as well as the brand’s online stores.
“We thank our vendors for their ongoing support through this important season and beyond,” Brandon said. “We also appreciate the strong support our investors have provided over time and the constructive role they are playing in this process that will allow us to create a brighter future for our company.”
Thus far, the company has secured a commitment for more than $3 billion in debtor-in-possession financing from lenders. That financing is still subject to court approval, but it’s good news for suppliers who still want to get paid for all the toys they’re shipping out to stores for the holidays.
“Together with our investors, our objective is to work with our debtholders and other creditors to restructure the $5 billion of long-term debt on our balance sheet,” Brandon said.
Again, as a reminder: It’s a good time to use any gift cards you may have, as a Chapter 11 filing often voids the company’s bast gift cards.
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
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