Climate change poses an existential threat to millions of people worldwide who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, sustenance, and cultural identity. Coastal communities, fishers, and aquaculture workers are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, ocean warming, and more frequent extreme weather events, leading to disruptions in economies and ecosystems. Coastal Communities at Risk…
At&T’s Moved to Block iPhone SlingPlayer From 3G Is Poppycock
In the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, corporate decisions about software restrictions often test the patience of consumers and the credibility of industry leaders. AT&T’s decision to block SlingPlayer Mobile from using its 3G network on the iPhone is one such instance that raises eyebrows and questions about fairness, innovation, and transparency. For those…
Social Net Ad Spending Dropped in ’09; MySpace Suffered, but Not Facebook
The digital advertising landscape in 2009 saw a notable decline in social network ad spending, a rare contraction in what was then a burgeoning sector. According to projections from eMarketer, total U.S. social network ad spending was set to drop by 3% to $1.1 billion, down from $1.2 billion in 2008. This reversal signaled that…
When Carbon Tax Got Big Nod From Voters in B.C. Election
In the 2009 British Columbia (B.C.) provincial election, the carbon tax emerged as a contentious yet defining issue, spotlighting the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic strategy. Gordon Campbell’s B.C. Liberals, despite facing opposition from the New Democratic Party (NDP), secured a majority government, reaffirming their stance on implementing North America’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax.…
Medialets Got $4 Million for Mobile Ad, Analytics Service
In an industry as dynamic as mobile technology, few companies capture the attention of both venture capitalists and developers in their infancy. Medialets, a New York-based mobile analytics and advertising service provider, achieved this remarkable feat when it secured $4 million in first-round funding. This investment, led by Foundry Group, DFJ Gotham, and angel investor…
EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Ruling Criticized Within the Government
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long been at the center of contentious debates about environmental policy, and its landmark rulings on greenhouse gases (GHGs) have not been exempt from scrutiny. While these rulings aim to mitigate climate change, they have faced significant criticism from within government circles. This internal pushback underscores the complexity of…
10 (Plus) Ways to Change the World Through Social Media
Social media has redefined how humanity connects, communicates, and catalyzes change. With the power to amplify individual voices and unite global communities, it has become a formidable tool for societal transformation. Here are ten (plus) ways to leverage social media to make a meaningful impact. Citizen Journalism: Ordinary people now have the tools to report…
Twitter Decided We’re Not Smart Enough for @Replies
In the rapidly evolving landscape of social media, where features often seem to change overnight, Twitter’s adjustments to its @reply system in 2011 represented a key moment of tension between platform growth and user experience. At the heart of the controversy was a simple yet powerful feature: the way conversations unfolded in users’ timelines. By…
Oil, Gasoline Prices Rose Ahead of Supply Report
The global oil market in 2011 was a reflection of the intricate interplay between supply dynamics, geopolitical developments, and economic recovery. In May of that year, oil prices surged toward $60 per barrel, driven by an unexpected drop in U.S. crude inventories. The market’s reaction underscored the importance of inventory data as a barometer for…
Hitwise Paid Search Traffic Took a Hit During Recession
The economic downturn impacts businesses in various ways, forcing them to reassess priorities, streamline operations, and reevaluate marketing strategies. One striking example of this adaptation occurred during a past recession when Hitwise reported a notable decline in paid search traffic to websites, particularly for brand-name queries. Paid search, once heralded as a cornerstone of digital…