Microsoft & Yahoo, Smog Levels and CSPI’s Salt Suit
Microsoft and Yahoo agree to an online advertising partnership.
Global warming is predicted to lead to higher levels of smog.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest sues the restaurant chain Denny’s over high sodium levels in their food.
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1. TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft and Yahoo agree to an online advertising partnership.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Regulatory Studies Fellow Ryan Young responds to calls for an antitrust investigation:
“What is there to investigate? Microsoft and Yahoo are trying to outcompete Google. To succeed, they will need to put together the best search engine they can. The firms believe their announced partnership will help them achieve that goal. They should be allowed to try – their own money is at stake if they fail. Either way, Internet users stand to benefit. Bing and Yahoo Search should improve from the proposed partnership, which will also force Google to make its own search engine better, lest it be left behind.”
2. ENVIRONMENT
Global warming is predicted to lead to higher levels of smog.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis on why any future global warming won’t bring more air pollution with it:
“But maybe the heat will get us by creating more air pollution. That’s what the Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, said in a report titled Heat Advisory. It sounds plausible because smog forms when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds bake in the heat of the Sun. However, the NRDC report is fundamentally flawed… Like heat-related mortality, air pollution levels have fallen as cities have warmed. U.S. air quality should keep improving regardless of climate change.”
3. HEALTH
The Center for Science in the Public Interest sues the restaurant chain Denny’s over high sodium levels in their food.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Senior Fellow Gregory Conko on the impact of the case:
“Unfortunately, lawsuits like these are bad news for companies like Denny’s. Most people won’t bother to see what the facts are, they’ll just hear that Denny’s is being sued for harming customers and it’ll tarnish the chain’s reputation. It’s one reason why so many unmeritorious lawsuits get settled – it’s much easier to pay the plaintiffs, change your behavior in small ways, and be done with it. Still, I hope Denny’s decides to fight this one in court. It’s about time someone started standing up to these bullies. And, if Denny’s does go to court, I for one will make an effort to eat at a Denny’s restaurant more often.”
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