Daily Archives: June 6, 2020

Nextdoor Is Courting Cops And Public Officials Using All-Expenses-Paid Trips To Its Headquarters – Techdirt

Posted: June 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

from the lobbying-for-a-worse-America dept

A COP IN EVERY HOUSE: that's the American dream. Maybe they can't enter the home, what with the Fourth Amendment and all, but they can be invited to every online get-together thrown by apps that promise neighborhood unity while asking law enforcement to get in on the action.

Ring, Amazon's doorbell/camera company, has made the relationship between neighborhood "sharing" and law enforcement explicit. It's right there in the term sheets. While Ring takes the PR reins to steer the official discourse, it's offering cops steeper discounts on Ring cameras they can hand out to citizens in exchange for pushing citizens to sign up for Neighbors, Ring's snitch app. Once attached to the app, Ring makes sharing of camera footage seamless and encourages homeowners to report suspicious people and activities. Unsurprisingly, many of the suspicious people reported are minorities.

It's not just Ring and Neighbors, as Citylab has discovered. Nextdoor -- a hyperlocal Facebook clone (and hotbed of bigotry) -- is courting cops as forcibly silenced partners in its plans to increase its user base.

Charles Husted, the chief of police in Sedona, Arizona, couldnt contain his excitement. He had just been accepted into the Public Agencies Advisory Council for Nextdoor, the neighborhood social networking app.

Youre the best!!! A great Christmas present, he wrote in a December email to Parisa Safarzadeh, Government Relations Manager for Nextdoor.com Inc., obtained by CityLab through a public records request.

The invitation was too good to turn down: an all expenses paid trip to Nextdoor's headquarters in San Francisco. The company covered the costs for all invitees. In exchange for their participation, Nextdoor picked up the estimated $16,900 tab. And it swore participants to silence with a non-disclosure agreement.

Unfortunately for Nextdoor, this doesn't cover public records, which is what Citylab used to uncover this unseemly relationship between the social media company and US law enforcement. Chief Husted has no regrets -- or at least none he's willing to share publicly, possibly because of the NDA he signed. From what he can see, this isn't questionable. It's just a step in the right direction.

Husted says that leaning on social media not just Nextdoor, but also Facebook or Twitter in the line of duty is an inevitability of the current age. Its naive to think as public safety folks that we can keep doing our work the same as we have for years and years, he said. We have to evolve with the times, and the times have to do with social media: Thats where our communities are at. We have to find a way to be there too.

He's right. Social media can't be ignored. But Nextdoor isn't inviting anyone from its largest group of stakeholders: members of the public. Instead, it's paying for government employees and officials to travel to San Francisco to hear its pitch for greater government involvement in a private company's communications platform. Nextdoor may claim to be connecting locals with each other, but its efforts are focused on roping in the people who are supposed to be serving its users: public servants.

Robbie Turner, a senior city strategist with Nextdoor, wrote to Husted that when expanding Nextdoors reach to Canada, the company was using the same strategy we used when we first launched in the U.S. recruit the major Police Departments and have them help us grow membership and engagement quickly.

That's the bottom line: bumps in usage and users. Turning public entities into tools of corporations is seldom a good idea and it's certainly a bad idea when Nextdoor's user base appears to be willing to turn themselves into snitches at the drop of a hyperlink. If cops want to break bias patterns, they need to steer clear of unsubstantiated reports from biased Nextdoor users. Instead, Nextdoor is encouraging police to embrace the platform and all the problems inherent in its "see something, say something" nudges.

As for other public officials who took advantage of Nextdoor's all-expense-paid offer, they're having a problem seeing a problem with any of this. Never mind the optics. Officials want everyone to focus only on the letter of the law, which contains enough loopholes to drive an entire junket through.

Several public officials who were part of the Public Agencies Advisory Council say that the trip didnt conflict with any city policies. Lara Foss, a corporate communications marketing consultant for the City of Austin, told CityLab that since the trip was work-related, it did not violate the citys gift policy. Sedonas Husted also said there were no endorsement regulations that prohibited him from participating. Katie Nelson, social media and public relations coordinator for the Mountain View Police Department in California, said that because the citys policy prohibits taking paid trips on clocked time, she took a few days off from work to participate in the San Francisco meet-up.

Being wined and dined on a corporate tab makes people more receptive to their pitches. Everyone knows this. And that's why nearly everyone thinks things like this reek of buying off cops and politicians. Everyone, that is, but the cops and politicians being seduced by a whirlwind trip to a tech company's headquarters.

Once the dirty has been done, it's time to let what happened at Nextdoor HQ stay at Nextdoor HQ. This isn't so much a slogan as it is an existential lawsuit threat. Shut up, says Nextdoor, or it will be more than an un-invite to future events. It will be your proverbial ass in a litigation sling. Public officials owe a duty of transparency to their constituents. But Nextdoor is appending a whole lot of asterisks to the duties of public officials. The exceptions include a completely separate arm of the government.

In the terms of Nextdoors NDA, advisory council members are not allowed to release public statements about the partnership without the consent of Nextdoor, nor are they able to follow a court order to disclose any information deemed confidential by Nextdoor without alerting the company first.

And Nextdoor has made it easy for its snitchiest users to bring the government in on conversations other Nextdoor users might have thought were private. The platform can't allow users to file actual police reports but it does give users an option to screw other users over. A feature called "Forward to Police" allows users to send copies of private conversations to officers monitoring accounts. This feature is activated by police departments themselves, so those willing to further demonstrate their indifference for the people they serve can give people an one-click solution for all their snitching needs.

Sure, any participant in a private conversation could take screenshots and hand them to law enforcement. Removing the minimal tech hurdles, however, encourages people to use this option anytime they come across something that bothers them. It's a "speak to the manager" button, but one that potentially involves government-blessed use of deadly force. If people don't even have to leave their chairs to engage in SWATting-adjacent activities, they won't. Giving them a button just increases the chance someone's going to get hurt or killed.

At the end of the day, it's problematic all over. Public officials are endorsing a platform that paid to have them feel good about it -- both by covering their trip to San Francisco and by giving them the impression they are doing something to make their communities better by making them members of a private company's "Public Advisory Council."

Filed Under: law enforcement, nextdoor, police, social media, surveillanceCompanies: nextdoor

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Nextdoor Is Courting Cops And Public Officials Using All-Expenses-Paid Trips To Its Headquarters - Techdirt

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US must look to ‘future proof’ the dollar with a CBDC – Finextra

Posted: at 5:03 pm

Accenture and the Digital Dollar Foundation have published a whitepaper laying out proposals for the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the US.

The partnership, known as the Digital Dollar Project, is seeking to future-proof the dollar against developments in the way consumers and businesses transact across the world.

Specifically, the Project wishes to protect the USDs status as the worlds reserve currency, which may be under threat with other national governments exploring launching CBDCs.

The paper also highlights the decline in the use of cash accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis, while also emphasising the potential financial inclusionary benefits of a digital dollar, as is stressed in all discussion around digital currencies.

However, the contribution of a digital dollar to international payments is also emphasised. The whitepaper points to the possibilities of enhancing competition in international payments and integrating financial markets, which would appear to be a statement of intent regarding the importance of the dollar retaining the status it has enjoyed for decades as the worlds de facto currency.

It cites the $30 billion in remittances that were sent from the US to Mexico in 2019 as an example of the potentials in cross-border payments without the need for an intermediary, while also reducing costs and other frictions.

The whitepaper concludes that the US must decide the role it wishes to play as this wave of digital token innovation gains momentum and questions over the dollars ability to remain a default analog instrument and unit of account.

The US must therefore take a prominent role in development of CBDCs the launch of a digital dollar is a logical step in achieving this.

This is a widespread view among experts in digital currency innovation, who believe that that the US has the most to lose in a race to develop and rollout a CBDC that achieves international use.

Carlos Cocuzzo, economist at ING, has noted that while countries like Canada and Japan could take a wait and see approach with their CBDC plans, the US cannot afford to.

If, for example, the Peoples Bank of China were to allow foreign customers or clients to access the digital yuan, that would have an impact on the demand for dollars in the foreign exchange market, he said in March.

Opportunity for modernisation

The Project puts forward a champion model that it proposes a digital dollar should follow. This would operate as a third form of money alongside existing fiat currency and commercial bank money and be distributed through the existing architecture of commercial banks and regulated money transmitters.

The whitepaper also favours a token-based system as it more closely replicates the use of cash, rather than an account-based model which relies on the authentication to updates balances on a ledger.

Addressing privacy, the Project describes the balance that needs to be found between complete anonymity and full traceability. The former would be incompatible with law enforcement, while the latter could inhibit adoption.

The whitepaper cites the Fourth Amendment which protects citizens from unreasonable searches or seizures of property, which one assumes would extend to the possession of digital currency.

Developers of a digital dollar would then need to consider where to draw the line, according to the Project, between sensible privacy rights and necessary KYC/AML compliance.

It suggests that one approach would be to treat the CBDC similarly to how cash is in the present system, though acknowledges that the comparison cannot be fully born out: cash is anonymous by its nature rather than by design.

Nonetheless, submitting an IRS form is required when receiving a cash payment of $10,000 or more, which points towards some parameters put in place to control who is allowed to possess digital dollars and in what quantity.

The champion model would also explore the use of blockchain technology, possibly with a number of both private and public organisations validating transactions.

A digital dollar would then spark a flurry of modernisation in the existing ecosystems throughout the banking and payments industries.

This could be compared to the advent of the internet and smartphones, which ushered in a wave of innovation and ingenuity in the way people and businesses are able to transact. A digital dollar, the paper claims, would provide a modern currency architecture to be leveraged and built upon.

One of these areas is cybersecurity, a key requirement of a digital dollar. While there are many solutions that can mitigate risk in this area, the current financial infrastructure is built on legacy systems that could be prone to exploitation.

The Fed would, of course, demand the highest standards of cybersecurity from any organisations wishing to use a digital dollar, which would require new infrastructure with updated technology.

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US must look to 'future proof' the dollar with a CBDC - Finextra

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Best CBD Oil for Pain: Buyer’s Guide – Cleveland Scene

Posted: at 5:02 pm

What is CBD Oil?This popular product is widely used, however, there are certain things worth mentioning if you consider trying CBD oil. Firstly, CBD oil is a product made from a substance called cannabidiol or shortly CBD, which is extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp consists of many cannabinoids - different chemical compounds that are known to have therapeutic properties. CBD is such a cannabinoid and is considered to have a great effect in treating many health conditions. For that reason, people started growing hemp and extracting this cannabinoid in order to produce the CBD oil and offer it to anyone in need.

Very often people are under the wrong impression that CBD is the same as marijuana, hence the myth that CBD can get you high. The truth is that there is another cannabinoid called THC or tetrahydrocannabinol found in the hemp plant and this is the substance that causes the psychoactive effects. In the process of production of CBD oil, this substance is not included or appears at a very low level which is not harmful. Therefore, consuming CBD oil does not cause an intoxicating effect.

Top Picks: Best CBD Oil for PainToday there are many brands offering oil tinctures and other CBD products with different qualities. If you are curious to try it, or you are in the process of selection, we have done our research to help you choose the finest CBD oil to treat your condition. Here are our top picks of the best CBD oil for pain available for sale.

1. Try The CBD

Highlights

Whats great about them is that all their products are tested by an independent lab and the lab results are published on their official website right next to each product. In that way, you can see the ingredient list and reassure that the products are pesticides-free and contain no heavy metal. Furthermore, they offer a palette of CBD oils with different potencies. The strongest oil contains 5000mg and the lowest has 200mg of CBD. With Try The CBD you get a top-notch product that is cost-effective.

Tip: If you subscribe to their newsletter you can take advantage of the numerous discounts they offer and there is even an all-time discount for a certain group of customers, such as veterans, students, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

2. HealthworxCBD

Highlights

HealthworxCBD also uses organic hemp grown in the Colorado fields and adds only natural ingredients. All products available in their shop are tested by an independent lab because they never compromise their quality by using inferior raw materials and tend to be transparent with their customers. Consequently, if you visit their website you will notice numerous positive reviews which is an indicator that HealthworxCBD is a trusted brand.

3. CBDistillery

Highlights

One of the reasons why CBDistillery has a high reputation is transparency. They test all their products to verify the content and purity and publish the results. The goal is to make sure all consumers know what they are buying. At CBDistillery you can buy full-spectrum or THC-free CBD oil with different strengths according to your needs or preferences.

4. Charlotte's Web

Highlights

Charlottes Web prides itself on making CBD oils rich in naturally-occurring phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural ingredients. The hemp they use is organic and originates from Colorado. Like other reputable companies, they test their products by third-party labs and the lab results are available to download them from their website.

5. PureKana

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Furthermore, the Purekana CBD oils have three strengths - 300, 600, and 1000 mg CBD. Overall, you cant go wrong in choosing to try CBD oil made by Purekana.

6. Nuleaf Naturals

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At their store, you can find 5 types of CBD oils - all with different sizes from 5ml to 100ml. Nuleaf Naturals CBD oil is free from preservatives, additives which are usually present in low-quality oils. Here you can get highly effective full-spectrum CBD oil.

7. Royal CBD

Highlights

You have the option to get naturally flavored CBD oil, citrus or mint flavor. Royal CBD is a relatively new brand, but it seems that its finding its place high on the list of the best CBD oil for pain.

How to Recognize a High-Quality CBD Oil?What is the best way to determine whether a CBD oil is of high quality? With so many CBD brands on the market selling their product and promoting it as the best, its understandable that anyone would have doubts about choosing the right one. But, how to verify it?

There are a few factors you need to take into consideration when doing your search for CBD oil. On top of the list is the source of hemp used to extract CBD. Its of prime importance that the CBD oil you consume to treat any ailment should be made from the organic non-GMO hemp plants. If the source of the hemp is from the American fields this is an important indication that the end-product will be top-grade.

Next, find out how the CBD is extracted. The best one is the CO2 extraction process where there are no harmful solvents included which is up to the highest standards. CO2 in the role of a solvent preserves the purity of CBD. Also, the type of CBD plays an important role in the quality of the oil. There are two main parts - the full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum, and CBD Isolate. The main difference between all three is the content. The isolate, as the name implies, is pure CBD, no other cannabinoids are included and the broad spectrum has multiple cannabinoids and no THC. Full-spectrum has the combination of CBD and THC which gives the so-called entourage effect. In other words, when these two substances are combined together they can be more effective than used alone.

Finally, any reputable CBD brand uses a third-party lab to test the quality, content, and purity of the products. These labs verify whether there are any heavy metals or pesticides and if all ingredients listed on the labels are actually included in the product in the right amount. The lab results should be published on the official website or available upon request. If a brand at any occasion refuses to provide them then something must be wrong.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

Since 2018, all products that contain CBD in its compound are considered legal. According to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 also known as Farm Bill, all these products have been regulated and approved. Still, the level of THC needs to be lower than 0.3% and any CBD oil or cream containing THC over that level is considered illegal. Colorado has been the first state that has legalized the CBD products and many states in the USA have a different provision. Its advised that you check the state regulation before purchasing this type of product.

Benefits of CBD Oil for PainCBD is still the number one topic for many researchers. It seems that the benefits of using CBD oil are endless. Many users have reported all kinds of improvements in treating many ailments such as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep deprivation, stress, and even in reducing symptoms and side effects of some diseases.

When people consume CBD, this cannabinoid connects with the endocannabinoid system or abbreviated as ECS and it directly helps in keeping the balance of all internal processes in the body. It helps with the immune boost and keeps homeostasis whenever the body is attacked.

If extracted from organic hemp, CBD has plenty of therapeutic properties, and mixed with natural ingredients can only provide support and is not harmful. For that reason, CBD oil is used even by people that dont suffer from chronic pain or diseases but are only looking for stress relief or relaxation.

What is the Recommended Dosage of CBD Oil?The most important thing to have in mind when purchasing CBD oil is to be attentive to the potency of the product and consider the purpose of its use. There is no standard dosage for any CBD product due to the many factors that influence its effectiveness. Every manufacturer normally provides its users with a recommended dosage based on the strength of the CBD oil, but you should be the one to determine the right dosage for yourself.

Dont worry, that is not a difficult thing to do - there are just a few things to have in mind before you choose your dose. Above all, CBD has different effects on people based on their weight and height. Logically, a higher dose would apply for users that have a higher weight, or a stronger dose. Next, it depends on the condition you are trying to treat whether you should get 1 drop per day or more. Again, consider the strength of the oil. Finally, if you have never tried CBD before you should always start with a low dosage, regardless of your body or your condition. Give yourself some time to adjust to it and see how it works only.

Is CBD Oil Safe?In some cases, there is a chance that you wouldnt be able to determine the suitable dosage for you and end up getting a few drops of CBD more than recommended, have no fear. CBD oil will not cause any health issues if you overdose. All products that contain CBD are considered generally safe.

Even so, there are some mild side effects that might appear and that you should be aware of. These may be a result of your body adjusting to CBD or other factors. Some expected side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, or change in appetite. This might cause a change in your weight and of course a higher sense of thirst. Compared to the side effects that appear as a result of some traditional therapies, these side effects are minor and not at all serious. In any case, they shouldnt be a cause for concern.

Bottom LineAs you probably learned, finding the right CBD oil for pain takes a lot of work and plenty of research to do. There are so many CBD brands that can trick you into buying a low-grade product if you dont have enough knowledge on the topic. This is what motivated us to make this list of the most reputable brands that sell CBD oil and make your job easier. Hopefully, we succeeded in it. Lastly, whichever brand you decide to choose in the end, dont forget to consult with your doctor before you try it. It doesnt harm to get a professional opinion from the person who is examining your health condition and would probably have a piece of good advice for you.

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CBD Oil: What is the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress? TopCBDOils.net 2020 Update – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 5:02 pm

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2020 / TopCBDOils.net - Is comprised of a team of CBD industry experts from all walks of life working together to bring transparency and trustworthy recommendations to the CBD marketplace through consumer advocacy. Recently they have updated and released the top 5 CBD tincture brands which run batch level 3rd party lab testing for CBD and published the results. Their independent research, testing and analysis resulted in bioMD+ taking the TOP RATED CBD OIL' position with an overall rating of 9.9 out of 10.

What is the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress?

Anxiety and depression, like other mental health issues, have a major impact on a person's wellbeing. According to the WHO, over 300 million people suffer from depression across the globe. These disorders are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, drowsiness, and headache.

Our #1 Pick for Best CBD Oil https://biomdplus.com/product/citrus-hemp-oil-full-spectrum/

Countless people have used CBD oil as a natural alternative to help cope with their health disorders. This is because CBD can help regulate anxiety and depression through acting with the brain's receptors for serotonin, which is responsible for regulating social behavior and mood.

Our #1 Pick for Best CBD Gummies: https://biomdplus.com/product/vegan-cbd-gummies-isolate/

How Does It Work?

CBD, attaches to specific receptors in the body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD bonds with CB1 and CB2 receptors, and elevates the effectiveness of these receptors. This aids in maintaining essential health functions and establishes balance within the body.

CBD Dosage Calculator: https://biomdplus.com/cbd-oil/cbd-oil-dosage-calculator-how-much-cannabinoids-is-right-for-you/

Additional Potential Benefits of CBD Oil

There are many promising areas in which CBD oil has shown positive results in treating health conditions. Here we will consider some of the more important uses of CBD oil in improving human health.

Using over-the-counter drugs to treat pain and inflammation has become a norm for millions of people. However, people could benefit from CBD to relieve problems such as chronic pain and inflammation. In a study with mice and rats, CBD helped to reduce these issues. Many CBD users claim that it has worked wonders from pain associated with arthritis and chronic pain. This suggests that it could be a valuable natural remedy for pain relief.

Best CBD Oil for Pain:

https://biomdplus.com/cbd-gummies/manage-pain-cbd-gummies-real-time-relief/

Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance. Because CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, it can help to regulate inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands. This reduction in inflammation causes reduced signs of acne in users.

Best CBD Product for Acne: Healthy Skin CBD Acne Treatment

Assisting with heart health is another promising benefit of CBD. CBD oil may offer assistance to lower high blood pressure, which can then decrease the risk for numerous health problems such as heart attack and stroke.

Best CBD Product for Overall Wellness: https://biomdplus.com/product/cbg-cbd-oil-citrus-full-spectrum/

Summing It Up

CBD oil has amazing potential in improving human health and treating many health conditions. While research continues to provide important support to the many health benefit claims, the use of CBD oil continues to gain in popularity. So, if you experience any of the health conditions above, you may wish to research more about CBD oil potential as a remedy. Or consult your doctor for their expert opinion on using CBD oil to improve your health.

CONTACT:

Jonathan PearsonChief Editor, TopCBDOils.netinfo@TopCBDOils.net(770) 239-7752

References

healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thcncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-people-use-cbd-for-anxietyhighlandpharms.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-using-cbd-oil-for-acne/medium.com/cbd-origin/study-finds-using-cbd-for-addiction-helps-prevent-relapses-d327513a859dnationalpainreport.com/thc-vs-cbd-for-pain-the-differences-and-interactions-by-winston-peki-8837164.htmlcancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer.htmlmdedge.com/clinicalneurologynews/article/163796/epilepsy-seizures/fda-panel-recommends-cbd-pediatric-seizurehealthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits

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Real Tested CBD Brand Spotlight CBDfx – Boing Boing

Posted: at 5:02 pm

Boing Boing welcomes Real Tested CBD as a sponsor!

We at Real Tested CBD are continually striving to bring you information about the best CBD brands and their respective products available in the market. The CBD industry is thriving due to new-found awareness amongst the consumers. Thanks to the Internet and the laws allowing legal use of CBD and hemp-based products.

At Real Tested CBD, we run thorough lab tests on each brand and product on our platform, and it includes checking the authenticity of their claim to be a CBD product. Plus, we also test these products for any traces of industrial pesticides and solvents. Today, we bring you another review of one of the most popular brands in the CBD industry.

CBDfx is a manufacturer of CBD products and oils from Chatsworth, California. They carry a wide variety of CBD products extracted from full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate hemp plants.These products include CBD oils, CBD vape juice, CBD capsules, CBD products for pets, and more. Here are our reviews of six of their products.Its always better to review before you buy!

CBDfxs Hemp Gummies 40 Mg

Our top choice to review a CBDfx product is their Mixed Berry Hemp Gummies. It is an excellent CBD product that comes from broad-spectrum hemp extract. It is a non-GMO product that is 100 percent vegan and gluten-free.

These yummy gummies contain 40 mg of hemp-based cannabinoids, and our lab results found this claim to be spot on kudos to CBDfx. Plus, these hemp gummies had no traces of any pesticides or solvents in the mix.

Are you interested in learning more about what CBD could do for your health as a senior? Click here to learn more and shop for reliable products.

CBDfxs Cbd Tincture Oil

Second, on our list is CBD Tincture oil by CBDfx. This CBD oil tested to be accurate to its claim of containing 500 mg CBD. But other additional beneficial cannabinoids such as CBC, CBD, and CBN were missing. However, it does have 30 ml of hemp and MCT oil.

CBDfx produces all its products within the USA at its cGMP certified facilities, so this is an authentic home-produced product and contains 519.71 mg of CBD per bottle. It has 65 mg of hemp oil and 16.5 mg of CBD goodness per drop, and there are no pesticides or solvents in this useful product.

CBDfxs Hemp Oil for Pets

This hemp oil for pets by CBDfx is for small breed animals. This hemp oil comes from an extraction of the full-spectrum hemp plant in a 150 ml bottle. It is a non-GMO product that is 100 percent vegan and gluten-free. It also contains MCT oil and CBD rich hemp oil.

Our lab test results found the CBD levels to be slightly more than the label claims. It contains 225.24 mg of CBD per pack and has no traces of pesticides or solvents.

CBDfxs Hemp Capsules 200 Mg

Next are CBDfxs hemp capsules; these are one of their full-spectrum CBD products. These capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free. The packet claims to contain 200 mg of CBD per pack and provides 25 mg CBD per capsule. However, we found the CBD levels in the product to be lower than what the label claims.

Our lab tests revealed the actual level to be at 140.31 per packet. However, because it is a full-spectrum CBD product, it does contain other beneficial cannabinoids, including CBC at 6.72 mg, CBN at 1.6 mg, CBG, and 1.3 mg and THC at 4.98 mg per packet.

CBDfxs Deep Tissue Formula

The Deep Tissue formula by CBDfx is the next product on our list. It is a remedy for any deep tissue muscle aches and pains. A good rub can give you a CBD fix that will help you neutralize the pain in no time, and it has zero percent THC in it.

Although this formula claims to contain 150 mg of hemp-based cannabinoids, our tests found the CBD levels to be way lower than what the label says. Our lab results found the CBD level to be 3.43 per pack with no pesticides or solvents in the mix.

CBDfxs Calming Balm for Sensitive Skin

The last CBDfx product we reviewed is their Calming Balm Sensitive Skin that claims to come with 150 mg of hemp-based cannabinoids. This cream sounds like it is full of relaxing and calming goodness; however, we are not sure about it. We found the CBD levels in this balm to be at 256.38 mg per pack, which is higher than what label claims.

Unfortunately, we at Real Tested CBD found this product to contain coumaphos, a pesticide used for killing insects and mites. Therefore, we would recommend you to stay away from this product.

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Marijuana News – 5 Amazing Versatilities Of CBD You Must Know – Caribbean and Latin America Daily News – News Americas

Posted: at 5:02 pm

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. June 1, 2020: In the UK, CBD was legalized for medical and recreational use back in 2018. Since then, many new CBD products have become available, and new uses and applications of CBD are being discovered every day.

While many are under a misconception that CBD is psychoactive and popular only among casual marijuana users, it has numerous health and nutritional benefits that can improve quality of life.

So far, research has suggested that CBD is a superior treatment for chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, cancer symptoms, and more. Its packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that promote better health and overall wellbeing.

Its a versatile hemp-derived product, and its effects are often noticeable right after the first use. So, lets see some of the most common ways that CBD is used and divulge into their benefits.

Vaping has grown in popularity over the last few years, and its become a preferred substitute for smoking cigarettes. While vaping in itself might not be the healthiest of habits (although still better than smoking), it can be beneficial if you need a quick and efficient way to deliver CBD into your body.

There are many flavoured and unflavoured CBD e-liquids and CBD vape additives, which you can readily find on cbdoil.co.uk, that can be used every day.

CBD enters your bloodstream very quickly when its inhaled. Since it goes straight to your lungs, and then into your bloodstream, the effects can kick-in almost instantly. This is why over a third of cannabidiol users prefer to take it through a vaping device.

CBD has excellent analgesic properties, so if youre suffering from chronic pain, inhaling it through a vaping device can be the quickest way of relieving the pain.

If youre not much of a vaper, you can still receive all the benefits of CBD in the form of edibles. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can opt for CBD gummies, CBD-infused tea, CBD honey sticks, and more.

While both vaping and ingesting CBD can bring the same benefits, there are big differences between these two methods of consumption.

When CBD is ingested, it needs to go through your digestive system and be processed there. What this means is that it doesnt enter directly into your bloodstream and your endocannabinoid system. So, it takes a while before its effects kick-in. Typically, it will take between 20 and 30 minutes before you start feeling the effects of CBD.

Since its processed a bit more slowly, its effects can be felt for a more extended time. CBD can stay in your system for up to 32 hours upon ingestion. This method of CBD consumption can be a good choice for those who microdose and need long-lasting effects.

You can receive many of the benefits of CBD through your skin as well, and you have many CBD skincare products you can choose from. Lip balms, lotions, moisturizers, and more are all at your disposal.

You should know that when applied to the skin, CBD needs much more time to take effect, going up to 45 minutes. However, youll receive more than pain-relief this way.

CBD is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant agent. As such, it can help you fight common skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. It moisturizes and rejuvenates your skin, helping it improve its elasticity and shine.

There arent many things that are as relaxing and soothing as a gentle massage. But a massage can be significantly improved with the use of CBD oil.

Together, CBD oil and massage can help you relieve chronic pain, reduce muscle tension, and fight joint stiffness. CBD oil will be slowly absorbed through the skin, offering it many of the same benefits as the CBD skincare products, and a massage is always welcome after a stressful day.

CBD can even be given to pets. Due to its numerous beneficial properties, CBD has a very similar effect on common pets as it has on humans. Studies have shown that CBD can be used for pain relief in dogs, and it can help them deal with separation anxiety.

Its best to talk to your veterinarian to determine the exact CBD dosage that your pet may need.

CBD is one of the most versatile products available on the market. With its numerous nutritive and beneficial properties, it can help fight anxiety, chronic pain, stress, and so much more. There are many different ways to deliver CBD in your body, and the best method is up to you to choose.

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Mota Ventures Signs Binding Term Sheet to Acquire E-Commerce Platform Leader Unified Funding with C$93.8 Million in Consumer Transactions Facilitated…

Posted: at 5:01 pm

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 6, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC:PEMTF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding term sheet (the "Term Sheet") dated June 5, 2020 with Unified Funding LLC ("Unified"). The term sheet replaces the previous preliminary letter of intent entered into with Unified on May 21, 2020.

Ryan Hoggan, Chief Executive Officer stated "The very nature of CBD, natural health products and psychedelics unequivocally points the future of our nascent industry into digital targeting, marketing and engagement of customers who will turn to the web to learn about and acquire the right products for them. Mota has already demonstrated superior eCommerce capabilities in 2020 but this acquisition of Unified will make us a formidable presence in the space."

Hoggan added "From a shareholder value point of view, the one thing the biggest tech companies in the world have in common - according to McKinsey - is that they are all platform-based organizations that owe much of their success to the agility with which they are able to innovate and reconfigure themselves to go after new opportunities. With this acquisition, we hope to establish a platform that will serve a growing global industry going forward."

PLATFORM HAS FACILITATED C$364 MILLION IN TRANSACTIONS SINCE 2015, C$93.8 MILLION IN 2019

Unified is a leading eCommerce platform company established in 2015 by partners with over a decade experience in eCommerce marketing. Unified has developed a proprietary technology platform along with a CRM designed specifically for emerging, small and medium sized eCommerce businesses worldwide. To date, the platform has successfully facilitated over CDN$364,000,000 in consumer transactions, including CDN$93,800,000 in 2019 alone.

The platform generates revenue from licensing, marketing and product fulfillment fees supporting brands in the natural health products sector, including skin care, nutraceutical, essential oils and CBD. Unified brings the platform and experience needed for the Company to expand its product portfolio and brands. Integration of the platform with the Unified experienced team of professionals to run it will allow the Company to develop new products and enter new natural healthcare markets, aided significantly by Unified's ability to closely track current trends through a global network of media partners.

Kevin Keranen, Chairman of Unified, stated "Along with a diverse team of eCommerce experts, we have built one of the most comprehensive eCommerce platforms in the natural health products sector. Our combination of technology with a full team of individuals dedicated to specific segments of the business allows us to deliver robust growth for our clients. As we look to become a part of Mota, we will be able to access the growth capital to further expand our marketing efforts and support any initiative drive by the Company in a more strategic manner."

UNIFIED PLATFORM GOES BEYOND PRODUCT SALES

Unified provides a comprehensive suite of managed services in high-demand by its clients. These services are driven by both technology and a team of over forty United States based employees that include:

Customer Acquisition: Unified creates and executes digital marketing campaigns to acquire customers in the clients targeted demographic. By utilizing Unified's vast marketing channels, clients are able to learn about new market trends and adapt accordingly.

Product Development: Unified is able to guide product development by utilizing intelligence generated by the millions of customer records of opt-in buyers and potential buyers. Unified has relationships with product development professionals, labs and manufacturers to create products within scope and within budget.

Supply Chain Management & Logistics: Through its partners, Unified can help manage clients supply chain to ensure on-time delivery to each customer's doorstep and to adapt to varying levels of product demand.

Customer Service: As part of the technology platform, Unified provides real-time customer service metrics to accurately measure performance of each customer service agent, which significantly impacts the profitability of each clients business.

Profitability Analysis: Most importantly, the technology and staff at Unified are focused on profitability for each and every client. The business manages over 100 key performance indicators that have been developed through experience, which translates to higher success rates for Unified clients.

PROPOSED TRANSACTION

The Letter of Intent contemplates that the Company would acquire Unified in consideration for US$45,000,000, which will be satisfied through the issuance of common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares will be issuable at a deemed price (the "Transaction Price") equivalent to the greater of: (i) the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange in the ten trading days prior to the entering into of a definitive agreement in respect of the acquisition, and (ii) Cdn$0.40.

In addition to the Consideration Shares, Unified will be entitled to receive a one-time bonus payment of US$15,000,000 (the "Bonus Payment") in the event the Company achieves gross revenue in excess of US$15,000,000 from the Unified business in the twelve-month period following closing of the acquisition. The Bonus Payment will be payable in common shares of the Company (the "Bonus Shares"), at the Transaction Price.

The Consideration Shares, and the Bonus Shares, will be subject to terms of a thirty-six month time-release pooling arrangement, during which time they may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise traded. The shares will be released from the pooling arrangement in tranches, of which twenty percent will be released upon issuance, and the balance in six equal tranches every six months thereafter.

Completion of the proposed acquisition of Unified remains subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of due diligence, negotiation of definitive documentation and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. The acquisition cannot be completed until these conditions are satisfied and there can be no assurance that the acquisition will be completed at all.

The proposed acquisition is not expected to constitute a fundamental change for the Company, nor is it expected to result in a change of control of the Company, within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company will provide further information regarding the proposed acquisition, as that information becomes available.

This press release is available for investor discussion on the Company's AGORACOM Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders.

Figures presented in this news release were translated from US dollars into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada closing exchange rate on June 3, 2020 of US$1.00:Cdn$1.3504.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota Ventures is an established eCommerce, direct to consumer provider of a wide range of natural health products including CBD and psychedelic medicine products in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the company sells a CBD hemp-oil formulation derived from hemp grown and formulated in the US through its Nature's Exclusive brand. Within Europe, its Satavida brand of award winning 100% organic CBD oils and cosmetics are sold throughout Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. In German Verrian currently produces natural psilocybin extract capsules under the PSI GEN and PSI GEN+ brand. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire additional revenue producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer, sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MOTA VENTURES CORP.Ryan HogganChief Executive Officer

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or http://www.motaventuresco.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to research and development projects with the University, its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, its plans to cultivate and extract cannabis to produce CBD and high-quality value added CBD products in Latin America for distribution domestically and internationally and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.

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Mota Ventures Signs Binding Term Sheet to Acquire E-Commerce Platform Leader Unified Funding with C$93.8 Million in Consumer Transactions Facilitated...

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CBD Global Sciences CEO and Founder, Brad Wyatt is Interviewed by Podcast Host Positive Phil with OnMarketNews, Micrcap Stock News, Positive Stocks…

Posted: at 5:01 pm

United States, California, Los Angeles 06-03-2020 (PRDistribution.com) CBD Global Sciences Inc. (CSE: CBDN) ( OTC: CBDNF ) ( Frankfurt: GS3)(CBD Global or the Company), a vertically integrated hemp-based CBD producer, extractor, and branding investment vehicle. Founder and CEO Brad Wyatt joins Host Positive Phil to discuss the opportunity in the Hemp Industry, Entrepreneurship

In 2015, co-founders Brad and Glenn recognized the growing demand for hemp and quickly became one of the leading hemp-farming companies in Colorado. The Companys President and CEO, Brad Wyatt, said, the future of Cannabidiol products start from the seed and it doesnt end for us until weve packaged the product to sell.Today, we are working to build a growing and profitable company. Our goal is clearmeeting the needs of consumers better than our competitors to deliver shareholder value. We are doing this by concentrating on developing a strong leadership team, leading in innovative Cannabidiol (CBD) products, ensuring ethical quality management and control, creating protective legal and regulatory guidelines globally, setting new standards of quality, bringing a productive mindset, and inspiring our people to keep the consumer at the center of everything we do.Positive Phil, a serial PODCAST HOST. The Positive Phil Podcast Show, a podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, where Positive Phil talks about personal stories, events and engaging interviews; with famous people, celebrities, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, spiritual educators, thought leaders, as well as others in the social, business and entertainment industry. http://www.positivephil.comThe Interview can be found on Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, PlayerFm and hundreds of digital channels.Listen Now:https://pod.link/1164299957-Tell us about CBD Global Sciences, where, when and how did it start? -What makes CBD work? -Why CBD?-How does CBDGS differentiate itself from other CBD products available? -How does the leadership see CBDGS navigating the landscape of the emerging CBD industry?ABOUT CBD GLOBAL SCIENCES INC.CBD Global Sciences Inc., is a vertically integrated hemp-based CBD producer, extractor, and branding investment vehicle which currently owns two product categories, branded under the name AETHICS (www.aethics.com) and CANNAOIL (www.cannaoilshop.com), which include CBD Oil tinctures (liquid products), CBD capsules, CBD topicals and CBD hydration products. CBD Globals hemp-derived CBD extracts are sold through select distributors, brick and mortar retailers, and online.CBD Global Sciences, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Strasburg Pharms, grows and operates irrigated land in Colorado that grows hemp with only all-natural Colorado water, soil, sun and nutrients that is NEVER sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. Our genetics are hand selected and maintained to present the best cannabinoid profile with extremely high CBD. The extraction/processing facility, operated by CBD Global, is located approximately 40 minutes from the farm.For further information, please contact Investor Relations[emailprotected].https://www.cbdglobalsciences.comMarket News Updates | Engaging Premium News Platform For Emerging Public & Private CompaniesOnMarketNews platform is primarily used to: (1) create and distribute text/audio/video based content related to a particular private or public company or an industry in which a company conducts business; (2) append interview-related and other rich media content to traditional press releases; and (3) for registered investment professionals only, to add interview-based audio & video content to financial research. Content is distributed to 6M individuals online and over 150,000 financial professionals, including North American and international buy-side analysts, investment research professionals and portfolio managers. Follow Positive Stocks for investment news, expert views, insights & commentary. Positive Stocks is a capital market services & financial communications firm based out of San Diego with a proven track record of positively identifying and launching quick-coverage of highly potential small cap & mid cap stocks at an early stage. Meet the CEOs of some of the most ambitious small cap public companies and influencers within and around the industry. Firm specializes in, merger and acquisitions, private equity and investor relations services. This includes, Small cap company descriptions, CEO interviews, video-casts, podcasts, webcasts, corporate documents, and more.https://www.onmarketnews.comMedia Contact:[emailprotected]For IR Services:www.positivestocks.com[emailprotected]This interview may include forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believe, project, estimate, become, plan, will, and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this release.This website provides information about the stock market and other investments. This website does not provide investment advice and should not be used as a replacement for investment advice from a qualified professional. This website is for informational purposes only. The Author of this website is not a registered investment advisor and does not offer investment advice. You, the reader, bear responsibility for your own investment decisions and should seek the advice of a qualified securities professional before making any investment. Full Disclaimer http://www.positivestocks.com/disclaimer

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CBD Global Sciences CEO and Founder, Brad Wyatt is Interviewed by Podcast Host Positive Phil with OnMarketNews, Micrcap Stock News, Positive Stocks...

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How the Coronavirus Makes a No-Deal Brexit More Likely – The New York Times

Posted: at 4:59 pm

LONDON The coronavirus epidemic in Britain has killed more than 40,000 people, sickened hundreds of thousands more, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and paralyzed the economy. Now it may claim another casualty: a trade agreement between Britain and the European Union.

On Friday, the two sides announced that they had made little headway in their efforts to strike a post-Brexit trade deal. With a deadline at the end of the year, and the last chance to ask for an extension looming this month, Mr. Johnsons government argues that it would rather walk away without a deal than prolong the talks.

While that may be posturing and, indeed, Britain now says it wants to step up the pace of negotiations next month, the pandemic has scrambled the governments economic and political calculations. A no-deal outcome, which once seemed all but impossible, now seems entirely plausible.

Far from pressuring Mr. Johnson to plead for more time, the pandemic is reordering the global economy in ways that have led some to question whether an agreement with Europe even makes sense for Britain anymore. With Mr. Johnson under fire for his chaotic handling of the virus, the compromises he would have to make with Brussels might be too great for his embattled government.

Covid-19, in the eyes of the government, has further reduced the value of a deal, said Mujtaba Rahman, a former European Commission economist now at the political risk consulting firm, Eurasia Group. The economy after the crisis is going to look fundamentally different than before the crisis, and the government wants a freer hand in reshaping that economy.

Britain formally left the European Union at the end of January, but it is staying under the blocs rules until the end of the year, as the two sides try to hammer out permanent arrangements on everything from fisheries to finance.

Mr. Rahman once argued that an extension to this transition period was likely. But he now predicts a slightly better-than-even chance that the negotiators will fail to come to terms, meaning that Britain would default to trading with the European Union on World Trade Organization terms in 2021 what is commonly called a no-deal Brexit.

Such an outcome would shock the British economy analysts have revived scenarios of trucks lined up for miles at the English Channel that loomed over previous rounds of Brexit brinkmanship but others argue that the disruption would be washed away in the epochal upheaval of the pandemic.

As high as the economic stakes are, the politics are even more important for Mr. Johnson, after three months in which he has faced a drumbeat of criticism over his handling of the pandemic.

By contrast, Mr. Johnson is back in his comfort zone when rehearsing the arguments that he used to win the referendum on leaving the European Union in 2016 and an election three years later.

Mr. Johnsons overriding objective, analysts said, is to be seen to take a much tougher negotiating position than his predecessor, Theresa May. Some key differences with the European Union are on points of principle ones that British officials doubt would be resolved with extra negotiating time. And staying in Europes trading regime for longer would mean paying it billions of pounds more, a politically poisonous outcome for Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Johnsons government escalated tensions with the European Union over the last month through the exchange of antagonistic letters, though on Friday, it took a more modulated tone.

The U.K.s ultimate red line is to be able to say We have beaten up the European Union, regardless of what is in any trade deal, said David Henig, director of the U.K. Trade Policy Project at the European Center for International Political Economy, a research institute in Brussels, who added this was achieved by the sharp exchange of letters.

While Mr. Henig said Mr. Johnson would probably prefer a deal and indeed used similar brinkmanship to retain Brexit hard-liners support in the previous phase of negotiations some around him would be happier without one. The decisions about whether, or how much, to compromise have yet to be made. With crunchtime approaching, political considerations are pulling Mr. Johnson toward obduracy rather than flexibility.

Inside his Conservative Party, Brexit remains a touchstone issue. Some of the critics of Mr. Johnsons coronavirus response, including his cautious relaxation of lockdown and belated plans to quarantine arriving travelers for 14 days, also happen to be hard-line Brexit supporters. For Mr. Johnson, it makes little sense to alienate them now by compromising over post-Brexit trade arrangements.

Much of the governments Brexit rhetoric seems directed more at a British audience than a continental European one, said Joachim Fritz-Vannahme, a senior adviser at the Bertelsmann Foundation in Germany. It is clear that there is infighting among Brexiteers and among the Conservatives in general, he said.

On the European side, the likelihood of failure has grown, too, simply because the trade talks have fallen down the list of priorities, dwarfed by the ramifications of Europes response to the pandemic.

The focus has completely changed, Mr. Fritz-Vannahme said. There are only 24 hours in a day, and leaders are already negotiating almost permanently, so I could imagine them saying, This is a minor problem in comparison to the coming recession and the pandemic.

Although the working-level negotiations have proceeded relatively smoothly by teleconference, David Frost, the chief British negotiator, said, we are close to the limits of what we can achieve in that format. British officials are seeking face-to-face negotiations in July but say they do not want uncertainty for business to linger into the fall.

The European Unions chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said, I dont think we can go on like this forever. If anything, his tone was harsher than Mr. Frosts. He accused Mr. Johnson of reneging on commitments he made in the political declaration that set the stage for Britains exit.

Updated June 5, 2020

The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nations job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.

Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.

Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid, says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. When you havent been exercising, you lose muscle mass. Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.

States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you arent being told to stay at home, its still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.

Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus whether its surface transmission or close human contact is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.

Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.

If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)

The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people dont need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks dont replace hand washing and social distancing.

If youve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.

Moreover, there are tensions over new checks on trade with Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom that shares a border with Ireland, which remains in the European Union.

For now, European political leaders show little sign of wanting to get involved in the talks. The next critical discussion for which no date has been set yet will be between Mr. Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, the European Unions executive body.

Some analysts argue that the pandemic will drive Britain and other countries to bring manufacturing home to reduce their dependence on global supply chains. That, in turn, will lessen the need for an agreement with Brussels.

But while Brexit supporters argue that the effects of leaving without a trade deal could be buried beneath the economic losses wrought by the coronavirus, analysts think there would be visible damage.

Ports could clog and supply chains may seize up. The Japanese carmaker Nissan said this week that its factory in Sunderland, in the depressed northeast of England, would not be economically viable without a tariff-free trade agreement.

For companies already reeling under a collapse of demand and furloughed employees because of the pandemic, the prospect of another shock in January could be too much to bear, according to business lobbyists.

If youre in new levels of debt as a result of coronavirus, you cannot afford to deal with Brexit, Nicole Sykes, head of European Union negotiations at the Confederation of British Industry, wrote on Twitter. Just because the house is on fire doesnt mean also setting fire to the shed is chill.

Some analysts said the consequences of a disruptive break with the European Union would become more obvious after the summer, and that these arguments about burying Brexit in the pandemic would evaporate.

Its quite foolhardy to say that because the economic impact of coronavirus will be large that no one will notice the difference, said Sam Lowe, a trade expert at the Center for European Reform in London. Its a sophistic argument that because weve been thrown to the floor, we wont feel another kick.

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How the Coronavirus Makes a No-Deal Brexit More Likely - The New York Times

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The EU is beginning to believe the UK actually wants the Brexit trade deal talks to fail – Business Insider – Business Insider

Posted: at 4:59 pm

The European Union fears that the UK government is deliberately stalling on Brexit trade-deal negotiations and may secretly be aiming to exit European trade arrangements without first agreeing to a new deal.

The UK is due to exit Europe's trade and customs arrangements at the end of 2020 despite growing pressure from business groups and opposition political parties to extend the Brexit transition period.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government insists the country will leave regardless of whether a new trade deal is negotiated.

The hardline stance, in which few concessions are being offered to the EU, has led some in Brussels to wonder whether the UK government even wants to sign a new trade deal before 2021.

"The chasm is both broad and deep," an EU source close to negotiations told Business Insider.

"Increasing numbers here" in Brussels "wonder if the British government wants a deal at all."

This chasm was illustrated recently by a novel exchange of letters between the UK's chief negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier.

Frost, chosen by Johnson to lead the UK side, said that the UK was "perplexed" by the EU's approach, which he recently branded "ideological," and Brussels was offering an unfair trade deal.

Barnier over the weekend told the Sunday Times newspaper that the UK needed to show "more realism" in talks, and he accused Johnson of rowing back on commitments he signed up to during the Article 50 negotiations.

"There is a big gap on level playing field, governance, and fisheries, and the talks are not going awfully well," Hilary Benn, the chair of the House of Commons' Future Relationship with the EU committee, told Business Insider.

Anand Menon, the director at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, said he didn't think there would be a breakthrough during this week's talks, despite it being the last full round scheduled before a crunch meeting later this month, where both sides are to take stock of progress.

"Neither side is ready to give concessions this week," he told Business Insider. "Both sides are reconciled to a 'meh' sort of summit where everyone is unhappy, but nobody wants to walk."

Raoul Ruparel, who served as chief Europe adviser to Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, said a failure to make significant progress by the end of this week's round of talks could put the entire negotiation in jeopardy.

"It looks like we're heading to some sort of bust-up over the big issues," he told Business Insider.

"And the question is, what is the path back to the table and getting things back on track?

"If there is a falling out, the path back looks quite challenging."

This standoff is fueling concerns that the UK is set to walk away without a deal when the transition period ends in December, creating more chaos for supply chains and businesses being pushed to the limit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

UK opposition parties have urged Johnson to avoid this outcome by extending the transition period, which is scheduled to end December 31. The deadline for doing so is just a few weeks away, on June 31. The two sides can jointly agree to extend transition by up to two years, under the terms of the withdrawal agreement.

Major business groups have issued the same plea. The logistics industry has warned the UK government that British hauliers cannot prepare for January while dealing with the effects of the novel coronavirus. Other business groups are waiting for the outcome of this month's crunch meeting before deciding whether to also go public.

Yet despite warnings about the damage a crashing out on January 1 would do, the UK government is insistent that it will neither request nor accept an extension to the transition period and this message has been heard loud and clear in EU capitals. Johnson's government says extending the transition would only create more uncertainty for business and delay the UK's sovereign decision to detach itself from the EU's core institutions.

The UK's hardline opposition to extending the transition period has created suspicion in Brussels that Johnson's government is actually aiming to leave without a deal.

Phil Hogan, the EU's trade chief, last month said the UK was not approaching negotiations seriously and planned to blame the economic woe caused by leaving the EU without a trade deal on the devastating impact of COVID-19.

One member of Johnson's Cabinet recently told The Spectator that "the costs of an Australian-style deal have dropped massively" because the pandemic had already done massive damage to UK businesses and supply chains.

Menon said he believed that while Johnson would prefer a deal he was not averse to leaving without one.

"There's no doubt they are serious about their red lines," he said. "They are absolutely serious about not being under EU law. The UK is perfectly willing not to have a deal, but they're preference is to have a deal."

He said part of the UK's thinking was that there would be significant disruption for businesses whatever happens, given Johnson is not seeking a close relationship with the EU of the sort pursued by his predecessor, May.

"The gap between deal and no deal is thinner than it's ever been before," Menon said. "They have the argument that businesses are going to have to adapt anyway, so they might as well adapt to all the changes at once."

Labour MP Hilary Benn, who has chaired the Brexit committee since 2017, agreed with Menon, pointing to what he said was a relatively relaxed UK government approach to securing a new trading relationship with the UK's biggest trading partner.

"It's extraordinary that the government has not done an updated economic assessment of the kind of deal it's looking for with the EU, whereas on the US trade deal there were 50 to 60 pages of assessment," Benn told Business Insider.

"I cannot for the life of me understand why our most important relationship is treated in that way."

A detailed new report by the Social Market Foundation for the Best For Britain campaign group says that the combined impact of COVID-19 and leaving the transition period without a trade deal would create pockets of economic damage nationwide, with the northwest and the West Midlands being the most severely affected.

The UK's chief negotiator, David Frost. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir/File Photo

While the prospects of this week's talks producing a breakthrough appear remote, some observers point out that neither side is likely to make key concessions until later in the year anyway.

"The UK and EU only expect real movement towards the end of summer and beginning of autumn," Georgina Wright of the Institute for Government think tank told Business Insider.

"It's completely normal at the start of negotiations for there to be little movement and for both sides sticking rigidly to their positions. They want to get a sense of the full spectrum and what trade-offs are possible."

Wright said a likely outcome of this week's talks was "both sides saying there hasn't been sufficient progress, but they are confident that there will be in the coming weeks," paving the way for talks to continue over the summer.

Menon agreed. "The breakthrough probably won't be until September or October. It'll be late in the day," he said.

Johnson has previously threatened to walk away from negotiations and prepare the UK to trade with the EU on costly World Trade Organization rules if there isn't enough progress in talks by the crunch meeting in June.

Both sides are expected to continue negotiating into the summer, however, even if there is a bust-up this week.

Wright said that while recent exchanges between London and Brussels had been frosty, the UK's decision to publish its draft negotiating text could be key to unlocking negotiations if, as expected, they continued beyond this month.

"That's possibly the best way to try to get the EU member states to move from their position," she said.

"Now member states can reflect on the UK's text, and get a better sense of where the UK is coming from."

If a breakthrough does eventually arrive, what could it look like?

The former UK government official Ruparel said it would "involve a bit of give-and-take on both sides," with the EU making concessions on the emotive issue of fisheries and the UK on what the EU calls the level playing field a set of rules meant to prevent businesses in the UK from undercutting the EU and vice versa.

"In most areas there is a landing zone that would seem reasonable to both sides," Ruparel told Business Insider.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ruparel warned, however, that the toughest issue to resolve would be state aid, on which "the gap is huge."

"The area I find hardest to see a landing zone is state aid," he said. "It's politically and technically complex."

Even if UK and EU negotiators do overcome their differences and reach an agreement, the December deadline for implementation is much tighter than in normal trade negotiations.

"The problem here is we don't have the luxury of time," the Institute for Government's Wright told Business Insider. "You can't take the talks to the wire in December in the same way you did with the Article 50 negotiations."

Compared with talks over the Brexit withdrawal agreement, which concluded late last year, the EU's process for ratifying a trade deal is more complex and will require several weeks before December 31.

This means, in reality, the two sides have just a few months to strike a deal. In total, UK and EU negotiators have less than a year to negotiate a free-trade agreement, while most deals take a few years to be thrashed out and put into law.

"If there is a breakthrough, it can begin to move quite quickly, potentially," Ruparel told Business Insider. "If there is a big breakthrough, the rest can fall into place. But the absolute latest would have to be the end of October or start of November. That's when you'd have to get things pushed towards ratification."

The Institute for Government on Saturday released a paper setting out other ways both sides could create more time for talks while extending transition remains off the table. Both the UK and the EU have already ruled out one option, which is attaching to a trade deal an implementation period for businesses to prepare for new trading arrangements.

The UK in a Changing Europe's Menon said that while a major breakthrough in negotiations was more likely in the autumn, so was Johnson taking the nuclear option and deciding to walk away from talks altogether.

"Politically, a lot of it is about the blame game," Menon said.

"I don't think politically it makes much sense for the UK to walk away now. It makes more sense to continue to negotiate, to look reasonable, and then turn around in the autumn and say, 'Well, look the EU screwed us.'"

The EU is beginning to believe the UK actually wants the Brexit trade deal talks to fail - Business Insider - Business Insider

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