Recalled coffee might have given guys a different type of rush
A recalled coffee might have given guys a different kind of boost.
Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee because the FDA found it contained an ingredient similar to the active one in Viagra.
Bestherbs Coffee LLC voluntarily recalled all the lots of New of Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee after an FDA lab found "the presence of desmethyl carbodenafil. Desmethyl carbodenafil is structurally similar to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, an FDA-approved prescription drug for erectile dysfunction."
The analysis also said instant coffee brand also contains undeclared milk.
The recall notice also said: "These undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. In addition, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product."
Now, it should not be a total shock as "New of Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee is used as a male enhancement."
Still, the recall notice has been issued for the 13 gram, red packs with UPC 557205060083 on the box and containing 25 packets.
The packages were distributed from July 2014 through June 2016. New of Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee is consumed as an instant coffee. No illnesses have been reported so far.
The recall notice advises: "Bestherbs Coffee LLC is notifying its customers by phone. Consumers that have New of Kopi Jantan Tradisional Natural Herbs Coffee which is being recalled should stop using/discard/ and contact their doctor. Please return the product to Bestherbs Coffee LLC, 4250 Claremont Dr, Grand Priarie, TX 75052. Customers returning the product will be reimbursed by check for the returned goods and postage. Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Bestherbs Natural Coffee at 817-903-2288 or Albertyee.abc@hotmail.com, Monday thru Friday 9am to 5pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product."
Author Antonio FinsPosted on July 19, 2017 Categories Business, consumer, newsfeedTags news, newsfeed, pbpmobileLeave a comment on Recalled coffee might have given guys a different type of rush
2 million Floridians to hit the road this Memorial Day
Better wrap up your plans and plan to head out early: More than 2 million Floridians — roughly 10 percent of the state's population — are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend.
AAA said Wednesday that projection is the highest in 12 years for Florida. And coupled with a record tourism pace in the Sunshine State, 31 million visitors in just the first quarter, it would represent a massive movement of population in a short period of time.
So, expect crowded highways, airports and beaches. But it's also good news for Florida's tourism economy, which is on a torrid pace to exceed 120 million visitors in 2017.
Across the country, lots of other people will also be on the move for what is the traditional start to the summer vacation season.
Low gas prices plus a long-weekend equals an estimated 39.3 million Americans traveling this Memorial Day weekend, AAA also estimated.
The automotive and travel group's projection would mean equate to to 1 million more Americans traveling than during Memorial Day 2016.
"The expected spike in Memorial Day travel mirrors the positive growth seen throughout the travel industry this year," said Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President, Travel Sales Development, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "So far in 2017, travel bookings with AAA in Florida are up 17 percent, compared to the same period last year. Higher confidence, rising wages, and recent gas price declines have bolstered consumer spending, leaving many Americans with more money to spend on travel this Memorial Day."
Author Antonio FinsPosted on May 17, 2017 May 17, 2017 Categories AAA, Business, consumer, gas pricesTags AAA travel, air travel, holiday travel, news, newsfeed, pbpmobile, travelLeave a comment on 2 million Floridians to hit the road this Memorial Day
Gas prices drop for 18 days in a row; PBC highest in Florida
Gasoline prices in Florida have plummeted 7 cents in the past week to reach the lowest point in a month.
But, unfortunately, Palm Beach County now ranks as the most expensive market in the Sunshine State for a gallon of regular gasoline. The West Palm Beach/Boca Raton market segment's average is $2.45, highest in Florida.
On Tuesday, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline was down another penny to $2.35, and down from $2.42 just over a week ago. And — just as good — drivers should see even cheaper pump prices as the week rolls on, according to AAA.
At a time of year when pump prices rise, gasoline is getting cheaper. And that's good news with Memorial Day weekend and start of summer travel season around the corner. (Michael Ares/The Palm Beach Post)
"Gas prices are falling due to continued high production rates from U.S. refineries, moderate demand, and a recent drop in crude oil prices," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "If this trend holds, gasoline will be near or below year-ago levels by Memorial Day, and rival prices seen last summer."
AAA said Florida ranks eighth among states with the sharpest weekly decline at the pump. Ohio ranked first, if you're wondering.
The price of regular fuel has been dropping for 18 straight days across the Sunshine State. Since its $2.47 peak on April 21, the average price has dropped more than a dime per gallon.
After a sharp rise in gasoline prices to start the year — in February, for example, gas prices were 54 cents higher than the year before — the average in Florida has now fallen 16 cents.
Orlando ranks as the urban area with the cheapest fuel per gallon ($2.33), followed by Tampa/St. Petersburg ($2.34) and Pensacola ($2.34).
With the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer travel season just weeks away, prices still have a long way to go before they get as cheap as they were a year ago. Last year, the state average was $2.25 on Memorial Day, and averaged $2.19 from June 1 to August 31.
The U.S. national average has also dropped 4 cents in the past to $2.34.
Author Antonio FinsPosted on May 9, 2017 May 9, 2017 Categories AAA, Business, consumer, gas prices, UncategorizedTags allpbc, news, newsfee, newsfeed, pbpmobileLeave a comment on Gas prices drop for 18 days in a row; PBC highest in Florida
Cars in 2015 set a record for fuel economy, feds say
If you purchased a model-year 2015 vehicle, chances are it has better fuel economy than the car you traded in.
Cars, SUVs, minivans and light duty pickups in the 2015 model year all improved their fuel economy by half a mile per gallon, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new average: a record 24.8 mpg.
New Ford F-150 pickups are displayed on the sales lot at Serramonte Ford on April 28, 2015 in Colma, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Automakers also surpassed the federal greenhouse gas emission standards that took effect in 2012, the EPA said. Vehicles were down an average of seven grams of carbon dioxide output per mile past the goal, which was to be down 13 grams per mile.
"Car buyers can go to the showroom knowing that no matter what kind of vehicle they buy, it will be better for the climate – and their wallets – than ever before," Christopher Grundler, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality director, said in a news release. "This report highlights that the industry is providing vehicles that customers want, while reaching new levels of environmental performance."
The report notes that since 2011, average fuel economy has gone up by 2.4 mpg, while carbon dioxide emissions per miles traveled have dropped 10 percent.
👍 Vehicle GHG emissions are going down while fuel economy is going up. A win/win for drivers and the Earth: https://t.co/MGc2a6Yy8f pic.twitter.com/3PPGMVUJyJ
— EPAair (@EPAair) November 2, 2016
In 2011, the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released jointly set national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goals, which have a deadline of 2025, include achieving an average of 54.5 mpg for passenger vehicles, saving consumers more than $1.7 trillion and reducing the United States' dependence on foreign oil.
The EPA in its report cites automakers' swiftness to embrace new, fuel-saving technology: many cars have seen cuts in weight, increases in aerodynamics and improved air-conditioning systems.
Author Kristina WebbPosted on November 4, 2016 November 4, 2016 Categories Business, TransportationTags allpbc, auto industry, EPA, fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, mobile breaking business, nationworld, news, newsfeed, NHTSA, transportationLeave a comment on Cars in 2015 set a record for fuel economy, feds say
Feds ban Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all flights
A Samsung Galaxy Note7 lays on a counter after it was returned to a Best Buy on September 15, 2016 in Orem, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
The federal government late Friday issued an emergency order banning Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices from all flights, effective at noon Saturday.
The move came the day after the technology giant issued a full recall on the most recent generation of the popular smartphone, saying it is no longer safe for people to continue using the device.
The U.S. Department of Transportation said in a news release that people who have a Note7 cannot "transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from or within the United States."
The DOT also said the phone now is considered "a forbidden hazardous material" under federal law.
"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in the news release. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
The devices have been the focus of intense scrutiny from U.S. officials after repeated reports of smoking and, on occasion, fire while charging or soon after charging the battery.
Samsung, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recalled all Note7s and issued new ones, only to renew the recall after reports of replacement phones having similar issues to those that were recalled.
The total cost of the recall for Samsung is expected to reach $5.3 billion, the LA Times reports.
The Federal Aviation Administration had issued a notice last month to Note7 owners not to check their devices when flying. That was expanded Monday, when the FAA told Note7 owners to "power down, and not use, charge, or stow in checked baggage, any Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, including recalled and replacement devices."
Last week, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated after a passenger's Note7 that had been verified as a replacement by Samsung began to smoke.
Another replacement Note7 caught fire in Texas, according to The Verge, which has closely covered the device's issues and resulting fallout.
As part of the ban, passengers who try to bring a Note7 onto a plane could have their devices confiscated; they also may face fines, the DOT said.
Those who stow a Note7 in checked luggage could face "criminal prosecution," the DOT said, because those passengers "are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident."
Note7 owners: Click here for details on Samsung's recall.
Here is the full news release from the Department of Transportation:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), today announced it is issuing an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States. Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.
"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
Device owners have experienced documented incidents of dangerous evolution of heat with both recalled and replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. Samsung and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) acknowledged this imminent safety hazard with the company's September 15, 2016 and October 13, 2016 recalls. Additionally, on October 11, 2016, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.
"The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall," said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. "I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do."
What air travelers should know
• If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, the phones may be confiscated and passengers may face fines.
• Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.
• Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/ [external link]. Samsung is also answering customers' questions at 1-844-365-6197.
• If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Note7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests themselves and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage.
• If a flight crew member identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member must instruct the passenger to power off the device, not use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, protect the device from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and keep the device on their person and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for the duration of the flight.
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 device is considered a forbidden hazardous material under the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-185), which forbid airline passengers or crew from traveling with lithium cells or batteries or portable electronic devices that are likely to generate a dangerous evolution of heat. PHMSA has issued a special permit to Samsung to facilitate commercial shipment of the recalled devices by ground transportation.
Author Kristina WebbPosted on October 14, 2016 October 14, 2016 Categories BusinessTags allpbc, FAA, flights, mobile breaking business, nationworld, news, newsfeed, transportation, travel, USDOTLeave a comment on Feds ban Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all flights
Florida sets new record for seat belt use
(Palm Beach Post staff file photo)
If you buckle up when you get in the car, you're part of an upward trend in the Sunshine State.
The Florida Department of Transportation said the state's seat belt usage has hit an all-time high, with a recent survey showing that 89.6 percent of drivers are strapping in.
» RELATED: Death in Boca crash may have been prevented by seat belt use
Florida first began measuring seat belt usage in 1999, and the state has conducted a survey each year since. In 2009, lawmakers voted to make it a primary offense to not wear a seat belt in Florida, and FDOT said in a news release that the state has ranked above the national average every year since.
"Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash," FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold said in the news release. "Safety belts save thousands of lives each year."
To conduct the survey, FDOT hired a research group to post observers at certain areas throughout the state to count and categorize the number of seat belts they saw.
In Palm Beach County, observers were posted at several spots, including Lyons Road, Florida's Turnpike, Congress Avenue, the Beeline Highway and Wellington Trace.
Author Kristina WebbPosted on September 22, 2016 Categories BusinessTags allpbc, Florida, Florida Department of Transportation, mobile breaking business, news, newsfeed, taxon:allpbc, transportationLeave a comment on Florida sets new record for seat belt use
Palm Beach County has best used-car prices in Florida, study says
A new study says Palm Beach County is the most affordable place in Florida to buy a used car.
The Autolist.com survey looked at nearly four years of used car sales from across the country, and found that a used car in Palm Beach County on average is about $817 lower than the state's average.
Palm Beach County also just narrowly missed the cut for the top 10 most affordable places in the U.S. to buy a used car, ranking eleventh. In that list, Palm Beach County's average price is about $2,102 lower than the rest of the U.S.
In the four years of data it examined, Autolist's study took into account sale prices for more than 72 million vehicles, the company said in a news release.
Broward County ranked next on Autolist's Florida affordability ranking, followed by Orange County. Here's the top five:
1. Palm Beach County, $817 below the state average
2. Broward County, $535 below the state average
3. Orange County, $454 below the state average
4. Sarasota County, $251 below the state average
5. Martin County, $157 below the state average
Autolist also looked at which makes and models of used cars are the most affordable in Palm Beach County. The top five includes four luxury vehicles:
1. Lincoln MKS, $1,867 below the state average
2. Lincoln MKZ, $1,642 below the state average
3. Lexus RX 350, $1,641 below the state average
4. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, $1,578 below the state average
5. Mercedes-Benz M-Class, $1,546 below the state average
Interestingly, when broken out by city, Miami-Dade County dominates:
1. Miami Beach, $1,360 below the state average
2. Wellington, $1,223 below the state average
3. Miami, $1,057 below the state average
4. North Miami, $1,035 below the state average
5. Hialeah, $1,027 below the state average
6. North Miami Beach, $1,012 below the state average
7. West Palm Beach, $973 below the state average
8. Fountainebleau, $967 below the state average
9. Boynton Beach, $959 below the state average
10. Country Club, $954 below the state average
Author Kristina WebbPosted on September 22, 2016 September 22, 2016 Categories BusinessTags allpbc, autolist.com, mobile breaking business, news, newsfeed, taxon:allpbc, transportation, used carsLeave a comment on Palm Beach County has best used-car prices in Florida, study says
Is your car seat installed correctly? There are people to help with that
It's like a litmus test to see if you'll be a good parent: the installation of the car seat.
It's OK to be confused by the process, said Candice Guis, marketing and safety training coordinator for the Safety Council of Palm Beach County — many parents are. In fact, about 95 percent of car seats are not installed correctly, according to safety advocacy group Safe Kids Worldwide.
That's why the Safety Council, and many other organizations throughout Palm Beach County, offer car seat installation experts to help parents make sure they get it right.
(Thomas Cordy / The Palm Beach Post)
With this being Child Passenger Safety Week — it runs through Saturday — federal transportation organizations including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration are urging parents and guardians to double check car seats.
What makes car seat installation such a stressful process for some?
"I think more than anything it is a fear (for parents) that they are not capable of doing it," Guis said. "There are so many different car seats out there, that I think it's very intimidating."
She said that all car seats meet the same safety standards — the difference comes in the "bells and whistles" between a car seat you might find at Walmart and one you can buy for $500.
The most common issue she sees: car seat placement. Is the middle best? Or one of the sides?
Guis said that although the middle statistically is the safest — it's less likely to get hit by a car from the sides, she said — some cars aren't built for that positioning. They may have a hump between the back seats, or a fold-down armrest.
She suggested checking your car's owner's manual to see where the best fit will be.
Another question to ask: Does the car seat you have fit the guidelines for your child's age and height?
Guis said children under 2 years old need to be in rear-facing car seats, and it's better to keep them rear-facing for longer.
"It's about protecting the head, neck and spinal cord of that child," she said.
The Safety Council has car seats available for purchase for $35. Installation help is free, but you do need to make an appointment with Guis by calling 561-845-8233.
"It's important to remember, it's OK to ask questions," she said. "I'll talk to a new mom all day, if I can help her."
Author Kristina WebbPosted on September 22, 2016 September 22, 2016 Categories BusinessTags allpbc, car seat, Child Passenger Safety Week, mobile breaking business, news, newsfeed, NHTSA, safety, taxon:allpbc, transportationLeave a comment on Is your car seat installed correctly? There are people to help with that
Feds release rules for self-driving vehicles
The federal government has released a set of long-awaited rules for self-driving vehicles.
The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday said its four-part Federal Vehicle Automated Policy "sets a proactive approach" to ensure safety and innovation as automated cars become more prevalent on city streets.
In a news release, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said that self-driving cars could "save thousands of lives," and that the new rules represent "an unprecedented step by the federal government to harness the benefits of transformative technology by providing a framework for how to do it safely."
A Google self-driving car is displayed at the Google headquarters on September 25, 2012 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The country saw an increase in fatal crashes in 2015, according to recently released data from the DOT. Florida in particular saw a spike of nearly 18 percent.
Mark Rosekind, administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, said 94 percent of U.S. crashes are caused by human error or choice. Taking that out of the equation could lead to fewer deaths.
"We are moving forward on the safe deployment of automated technologies because of the enormous promise they hold to address the overwhelming majority of crashes and save lives," Rosekind said.
In the past six months, self-driving vehicles have seen a jump in use. Tesla's Model S features Autopilot — a system that came under fire this year after a man using the feature was killed in Florida when his Tesla could not distinguish between the bright white side of a turning tractor-trailer and the sunny sky behind it.
At the same time, Uber has launched a pilot program where several self-driving vehicles offer rides around Pittsburgh. A select pool of frequent Uber riders in the area were given the first chance to test the system, and many already have done so.
President Barack Obama weighed in on his administration's new policy in an op-ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday, saying that while he understands some may not think the U.S. government should regulate the self-driving car industry, he believes "most Americans would agree we still need rules to keep our air and water clean, and our food and medicine safe. That's the general principle here."
But, he added, if people lose faith in a new technology because of issues with safety, it can "slam the brakes on innovation."
The four parts of the policy are:
A 15-point safety assessment, with the goal of fostering safe design, testing, development and release of self-driving cars.
A model state policy, setting responsibilities on the state level as opposed to the federal government. It also suggests how states can set automated vehicle policy to help maintain "a consistent national framework" for self-driving car testing and release.
Current regulatory tools available from NHTSA, including which exemptions allow for testing of "nontraditional vehicle designs" more quickly.
Modern regulatory tools, which officials may be able to use to aid in developing new technologies to respond to safety issues that arise as more self-driving vehicles hit the road.
Public comment is open on the policy for the next 60 days. To weigh in or learn more, go to www.transportation.gov/AV.
Author Kristina WebbPosted on September 20, 2016 Categories BusinessTags allpbc, automated vehicles, cars, mobile breaking business, nationworld, news, newsfeed, self-driving car, taxon:allpbc, traffic, transportationLeave a comment on Feds release rules for self-driving vehicles