Consumer Confidential: Jobs picture brightens (sort of), Facebook gift cards

September 2nd, 2010

Here’s your whoppingly Wednesday roundup of consumer news from around the Web: –Some interesting news on the jobs front (no, not Steve Jobs). The latest data suggest that companies have stopped firing people. The only problem is that they aren’t… read more here….

The chef Marc Murphy shopped for good things to put in the basket while the weather is still nice.

read more here….

A Consumer Watchdog group is airing a cartoon that is named “do not track me.” The video depicts Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt has seducing children to come get their “free ice cream.” read more here….

Here’s your traditionally Tuesday roundup of consumer news from around the Web: –Is it OK to eat Frankenfish? Our friends at the Food and Drug Administration say they’ll look into whether genetically modified fishies are safe to eat. The fish,… read more here….

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On Location: In Versailles, a House With a Famous Neighbor

August 26th, 2010

On Location: In Versailles, a House With a Famous Neighbor
Behind a green door in Versailles is a secluded four-bedroom duplex apartment, with a garden for inspiration and a guesthouse for income.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer calendar 8/26/10
To get news of your consumer event in The York Dispatch, send it to Business Editor, The York Dispatch, 205 N.
Source: www.yorkdispatch.com

German Consumer Confidence Strong
German consumer confidence strong
Source: www.forbes.com

Consumer Cellular Earns Spot on Inc. 5000 List for Second Year in a Row
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Consumer Cellular (https://www.consumercellular.com), AARPs exclusive wireless provider, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for the second consecutive year. Consumer Cellular achieved a 262 percent revenue growth rate from 2006 to 2009. Consumer Cellular is …
Source: www.businesswire.com

Consumer Confidence to Increase on Stronger Growth, Employment, GfK Says
German consumer confidence will rise in September as stronger economic growth and declining unemployment boost income expectations, GfK AG said.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Currents | Goods: Dedar Brings its Vibrant Fabrics to the United States
Known for its vibrant fabrics and wallpapers, the Italian company now has a collection at Bergdorf Goodman.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Currents | Open: Nightwood’s Pop-Up Store Opens in Brooklyn

August 18th, 2010

Environmentally friendly furniture is the specialty.

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The graphic designer Katherine Rasmussen shopped for decorative objects with seaworthy style.

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Consumer confidence rose only marginally in the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey. read more here….

A Swedish-Italian architect and artist populated an old industrial building on the outskirts of Milan with sculptures of horses and dragons.

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Wall Street rose on Wednesday, led by gains in consumer stocks after a reassuring sales forecast from discounter Target Corp fueled optimism about the retail industry. read more here….

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Consumer confidence gains in July

August 11th, 2010

Consumer confidence gains in July
Consumer confidence rose for a third straight month in July as people are feeling more at ease as the political climate cools and economic recovery is gaining pace, driven by rising exports and local demand.
Source: www.bangkokpost.com

Consumer confidence rises in San Diego County
Consumer confidence in San Diego County last month rose to its highest point since September 2009, according to telephone surveys by The San Diego Union-Tribune. But it still has a way to go to get to pre-recessionary levels.
Source: www.signonsandiego.com

Consumer morale falls in UK
British consumer morale fell last month to its lowest level since May 2009 as households took a bleaker view of the outlook following June’s austere budget, building society Nationwide said today.
Source: rss.feedsportal.com

On Location: The Hills in the House on the Hill
In a house on a hill outside Prague, floors are pitched at an angle, as in a movie theater.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer confidence surges in August
Consumer confidence has surged as Australians maintain a positive outlooks about the Australian economy.
Source: bigpondnews.com

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Consumer Spending Flat in June, Savings Rate Rises

August 4th, 2010

Consumer spending and personal incomes were flat in June while savings rate rises United States Department of Commerce – Consumer spending – United States – Home – Consumer Information read more here….

Introduced in the 1930s and coveted for decades for their sculptural forms, vintage concrete planters are now sold at Inner Gardens in Los Angeles.

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The painter Michael DesRosiers has filled the farmhouse and other buildings on his property in Lyme, Conn., with playful follies.

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Consumer spending and incomes were unexpectedly flat in June while personal savings were the highest in a year, implying an anemic economic recovery for the remainder of this year. read more here….

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In the Garden: Helping a Flower Garden Survive Summer

July 28th, 2010

Solutions for battling pests, drought and other scourges.

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Consumer confidence sank in July to its lowest since February on job market worries, underscoring the slow path to economic recovery, and home prices rose in May but without signs of a sustained rebound, reports released on Tuesday showed. read more here….

The designer’s colorful plastic floor lamps were a flop when he first introduced them in 1969, but times have changed.

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Two murals recently painted on the walls of a Midtown building were the winners of a contest sponsored by the developer.

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Consumer Confidence Index erodes further in July to 50.4 as job worries take toll on outlook Consumer Confidence Index – Social Sciences – Economics – Indicators and Statistics – Official Statistics read more here….

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Consumer fora can’t direct award of certificates: SC

July 20th, 2010

Consumer fora can’t direct award of certificates: SC
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) The Supreme Court has held that the consumer fora cannot direct a statutory examination board to award certificates to students as it is beyond the purview of the Consumer Protection Act.
Source: www.ptinews.com

Currents | Décor: Walls That Invite Children to Make Their Marks
Skyline Design now makes glass panels that can be drawn on with markers; a spray of glass cleaner makes them sparkle again.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Brazilian Consumer Prices Unexpectedly Decline for First Time Since 2006
Brazils consumer prices unexpectedly declined in the month through mid-July, the first monthly deflation reading in four years.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Consumer electronics boost
MANAMA: The Bahrain consumer electronics market is set to increase to BD159 million ($421.7m) this year, according to a recent forecast by Business Monitor International.
Source: www.gulf-daily-news.com

Currents | Bathrooms: A Stylish Sink for Tiny Spaces
A bathroom basin from AF New York protrudes only 12 inches into the room.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Consumer Reports Won’t Recommend iPhone 4

July 12th, 2010

Consumer Reports said Monday that the consumer testing organization can not officially recommend the Apple iPhone 4 because of its “death grip” antenna issues. read more here….

Consumer Reports, the influential magazine for product reviews, gave the thumb’s down Monday to Apple’s new iPhone because of reception problems it said were caused by a design flaw. read more here….

Consumer Reports has declined to recommend Apple’s iPhone 4 handset. read more here….

Teich Garden Systems creates gardens wrapped in mesh netting, protecting them against marauding animals.

read more here….

Though demand for condos has dipped in recent years, prices have remained relatively stable in the downtown area.

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Consumer Reports says the iPhone 4 has reception problems caused by its antenna design. read more here….

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Taiwan Consumer Prices Climbed 1.18% in June, Sixth Straight Monthly Gain

July 5th, 2010

Taiwan Consumer Prices Climbed 1.18% in June, Sixth Straight Monthly Gain
Taiwans consumer prices rose in June for a sixth month, driven by higher international energy costs on the island that imports 99 percent of its crude oil.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Consumer Product Makers Under Chemical Attack
Lobbyists for consumer product manufacturers are scrambling to prevent the state from listing chemicals in their products as potentially harmful.
Source: labusinessjournal.com

A Curving Roof ‘Bounces’ Light Into a Dark Home
Rather than a tall tower by the sea, this “lighthouse” in Melbourne was designed to be filled with sunshine.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Design Notebook: Peter Buchanan-Smith’s Ax Is a Tool and a Work of Art
Made by a secret source in Maine and hand-painted in TriBeCa, the designer’s sturdy hatchets have a following.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

UAE consumer morale still high
DUBAI Consumer confidence is still high in the UAE for the rest of the year despite a slight decrease, compared to first half of 2010, according to the latest survey by MasterCard.
Source: www.khaleejtimes.com

Consumer Protection Could Derail Financial Reform
How President Obama’s consumer-protection plan threatens his plan to rein in Wall Street excess.
Source: www.newsweek.com

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On Location: In Istanbul, From Ransacked to Revived

June 28th, 2010

On Location: In Istanbul, From Ransacked to Revived
A Turkish town house caught in the crossfire of a divorce gets a $100,000 renovation.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

On Location: Dream of a Home Takes the Shape of a Victorian Retreat
One woman’s cottage, which stands near the trailer she shares with her husband, is a dream of Victoriana.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

A Garden Crawl Through the Garden State
Visiting five public gardens in five counties across New Jersey.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Lighting: Windmill Lamp Uses Rustic Recycling
A new table lamp features a shade made from real flour sacks, so no two are identical.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

New IN consumer laws take effect next week
New consumer protection laws involving abandoned medical records and prevention of mortgage fraud take effect July 1.
Source: www.wave3.com

In the Garden: Roses That Lack Bugs, but Also Perfume
New hybrids of roses bred to survive without pesticides are on display at the New York Botanical Garden. But there is a (fragrant) cost.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Currents | Games: Dressing Up for Table Tennis

June 20th, 2010

Currents | Games: Dressing Up for Table Tennis
The design firm Aruliden, with the sportswear company Puma, created a folding surface for table tennis, for modern interiors.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Lighting: Diesel Adds a New Lamp to Furniture Collection
The denim clothing manufacturer worked with Foscarini, a Venetian company, on the Pet lamp.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer Prices Dip Again _ Break for Shoppers
Consumer prices dip for second straight month, extending break for American pocketbooks Home – Consumer Information – Advocacy and Protection – United States – Governmental Help
Source: abcnews.go.com

Currents | Deals: ABC, Mxyplyzyk and Riedel Having Sales
Discounts at ABC, Mxyplyzyk, Dakota Jackson and Riedel.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer prices fell for 2nd straight month
Consumer Price Index dropped 0.2% in May.
Source: www.azcentral.com

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Consumer Sentiment Index Jumps To 75.5 In June

June 12th, 2010

Consumer Sentiment Index Jumps To 75.5 In June
Consumer sentiment has seen a notable improvement in the month of June, according to a report released by Reuters and the University of Michigan on Friday, with the consumer sentiment index rising to its highest level in well over two years.
Source: www.rttnews.com

Consumer durable industry witnesses 30% growth
The Indian consumer durable industry is witnessing a growth of 30 per cent owing to increase in summer sales which further lead to highest growth of 50 per cent in sales of refrigerators and air conditioners.
Source: www.business-standard.com

Currents | Books: The Art of Wine Cellars
A new book shows a wide range of wine cellars, citing their beauty.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer sentiment strengthens in June
U.S. consumer sentiment improved in early June to its strongest level in nearly 2-1/2 years, bolstered by hopes of better job and credit conditions, a survey released Friday showed. Consumer Confidence Index – Home – United States – Consumer Information – Advocacy and Protection
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

Consumer sentiment strongest since January 2008
Consumer sentiment improved in early June to its strongest level in nearly 2-1/2 years, bolstered by hopes of better job and credit conditions, a survey released on Friday showed.
Source: news.yahoo.com

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Parliament starts debate on Consumer Rights Directive

June 5th, 2010

The European Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee debated a report yesterday (3 June) which completely overhauls the European Commission’s original proposal for a directive on consumer rights. read more here….

WASHINGTON, June 5 (UPI) — Consumer advocates say they’re working to ensure financial reform legislation isn’t weakened in a compromise between the U.S. House and Senate. read more here….

Germany’s consumer protection minister said on Thursday she would quit Facebook over what she called privacy law violations that she believed would lead to the company being fined by German data protection authorities. read more here….

Which hedge to plant to guarantee privacy between neighbors?

read more here….

CONSUMER ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 4, 2010 aaron.sadler@arkansasag.gov SECURE ONLINE DATA LITTLE ROCK– E-mail, instant messaging, social networking sites and blogs help connect people from around the world. While the Internet is a helpful medium for communicating and sharing with others, it is important that users do so safely. June is Internet Safe… read more here….

read more read more here….

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Consumer spending posts weak April reading

May 28th, 2010

Consumer spending posts weak April reading
Consumer spending was stagnant in April while incomes posted a tiny advance, signs that the economic recovery could slow.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Currents | Seating: Greek Columns Inspire Bench Design
The designer Laurie Beckerman’s Ionic bench was inspired by the columns of Greek temples.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Books: Chronicling New York’s Buildings
The fifth edition of the AIA Guide to New York City, with many more buildings since the last edition in 2000, will be published next week.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

In the Garden: Conquering the Strip Between Sidewalk and Street
The weedy strip alongside the urban street has many names and few friends. Horticulturists offer advice on taming it.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

US consumer spending flat despite rising income
US consumer spending was surprisingly flat despite rising income in April as Americans remain cautious amid high unemployment, government data showed Friday.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Consumer Spending Stalls In April
Consumer spending was stagnant in April while incomes posted a tiny advance, signs that the economic recovery could slow. Spending was unchanged last month, the weakest showing in seven months; incomes rose 0.4 percent.
Source: www.npr.org

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On Location: Turning a Fishing Cabin Into a Sophisticated Retreat

May 20th, 2010

On Location: Turning a Fishing Cabin Into a Sophisticated Retreat
A makeover turns a dark, paneled fishing cottage into bright and open weekend home.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Shows: Student Work at a Rhode Island School of Design Exhibition
The school’s graduate thesis exhibition continues through June 5 in Providence.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Retailers can use consumer data and triggered e-mails to capture sales
Its a scenario retailers know well: A consumer putting products into the shopping cart on an online retail site gets interrupted, leaving the site without making the purchase.
Source: www.internetretailer.com

Property Values: What You Get for … $725,000
A two-bedroom two-bath house in Montana, a five-bedroom in New Jersey and a four-bedroom in Minnesota.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Interim Attorney Fees Awarded in Consumer Fraud Suit Over Mortgage

May 13th, 2010

In a case of first impression, a New Jersey judge has awarded counsel fees during a pending consumer fraud suit brought by a couple who claim they were scammed by two foreclosure-rescue companies. The judge awarded fees incurred from the outset of the case to the entry of a preliminary injunction. The plaintiffs lawyer calls the fee award “groundbreaking” and says it means that “litigants — who … read more here….

Godrej Consumer Chairman: Sara Lee Deal To Considerably Add To Profits read more here….

Discounts on accessories and children’s furniture.

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WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama warned Wednesday that exempting auto dealers from a new consumer protection agency would hurt buyers and let dealers continue “deceptive practices.” read more here….

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Pre- or post-consumer recycling?

May 5th, 2010

Question: I’m relatively new to the green product scene and have a question that might seem eco-elementary but has never really been explained to me. What’s the difference between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content? read more here….

Although sales were flat in its enterprise businesses, a jump in consumer sales helped Symantec boost earnings by about 5 percent during its most recent quarter. read more here….

Prices throughout Andalusía, Spain, are 25 to 50 percent lower than they were at their peak in 2005.

read more here….

The fashion designer Anna Sui turns to interiors, choosing objects for the home decorated with butterfly motifs.

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LANGKAWI, May 6 (Bernama) — Consumers in Langkawi can lodge a complaint with the Langkawi Consumer Movement if there was a shortage of sugar. read more here….

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On Location: In Barcelona, Six Stories of Glass

April 28th, 2010

On Location: In Barcelona, Six Stories of Glass
Luis Alonso, an architect, built a town house inspired by glass, air and concrete.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Property Values: What You Get for … $975,000
A two-bedroom two-bath former firehouse in San Francisco, a three-bedroom contemporary in Austin, Tex., and a carriage house in Charleston, S.C.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Open: The Conran Shop at ABC Carpet & Home
The home design purveyor has relocated from its East 59th Street outpost.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

GOP fight against bank bill shifts to consumer protection provisions
WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans have dropped complaints that pending Senate legislation would perpetuate bailouts, and are shifting their criticism to a consumer protection provision that they say goes too far.
Source: www.courierpress.com

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Currents | Recycling: Filmmakers Turn Old Books Into a Couch

April 21st, 2010

Currents | Recycling: Filmmakers Turn Old Books Into a Couch
Replacing a sofa you hate with books that the public couldn’t care less about.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Ford Bonds Tap Consumer Revival With Nordstrom: Credit Markets
April 21 (Bloomberg) — Ford Motor Co. is marketing bonds backed by auto loans at half the relative yield it paid six months ago and Nordstrom Inc. sold notes at its lowest rate ever as investors gain confidence that consumer spending is strengthening.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

First quarter sees slump in consumer confidence
Consumer confidence in Northern Ireland has slumped in the first quarter of 2010, new research published today shows. Related Stories IMF ready to unleash new tax on financial institutions Student loan interest rates to rise after inflation hike Politicians playing Goldman games C4 chief blackballed by exclusive club Jobless total now highest in 16 years
Source: rss.feedsportal.com

Consumer Watchdog Calls on Justice Department to Launch Antitrust Action Against Google, Including Possible Breakup
WASHINGTON, April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Consumer Watchdog today called on the U.S.
Source: www.redorbit.com

On Location: A Small Sanctuary With Mythic Figures on the Walls
The muralist Matthew Willey has painted his small apartment with mythic figures.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

US consumer sentiment drops
US consumer sentiment took a surprise negative turn in early April due to a persistently grim outlook on income and jobs, a private survey released today showed.
Source: rss.feedsportal.com

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Currents | Deals: Sales on Home Furnishings

April 13th, 2010

Discounted rugs, bedding, lamps and other home furnishings.

read more here….

Influential nonprofit magazine Consumer Reports on Tuesday urged car shoppers not to buy the 2010 Lexus GX 460, calling the Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) sport utility vehicle a “safety risk” to roll over. read more here….

Consumer Reports has given a “Don’t Buy” warning its first in nine years to the 2010 Lexus GX 460, saying the large SUV has handling problems that could cause it to roll over during sharp turns. read more here….

Thirty designers were invited to create tables for the annual spring gala, held at Sotheby’s on Tuesday.

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A new line from the British designer helps update a classic.

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