Latest news with #How
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Amaze Surpasses 200 Million Storefront Visits, Solidifying Leadership in Rapidly Expanding Creator Economy
Fueled by Over 13 Million Global Creators, Milestone Reflects Platform Growth, Strategic Positioning, and Accelerating Creator Monetization Amaze Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American:AMZE) ('Amaze'), a global leader in creator-powered commerce, today announced that its subsidiary, Amaze Software, Inc. ('Amaze Software') has surpassed 200 million lifetime storefront visits across its platform. This achievement underscores the platform's scale and influence in the rapidly expanding creator economy and is powered by a global community of over 13 million creators who use Amaze to build and sell products. As more people turn to creators for entertainment, inspiration, and product discovery, Amaze is enabling those creators to monetize their content, audiences, and ideas through streamlined e-commerce tools. Amaze helps creators design, launch, and sell physical and digital products directly to fans, eliminating barriers between content and commerce. 'Crossing 200 million storefront visits is proof that when creators are given the right tools, they become economic engines,' said Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze Software. 'This milestone reflects the shift we're seeing in global commerce, away from traditional retail and toward community-powered shopping experiences. We're proud to support over 13 million creators driving this movement forward.' This milestone comes at a time of sustained growth across both the creator economy and global ecommerce: The creator economy is projected to reach $480 billion by 2027 , nearly doubling from $250 billion in 2023¹. Global creator count is estimated to rise from over 67 million creators globally in 2025 to 107 million by 2030 , with monetization pathways like product commerce outpacing sponsorships². Global retail ecommerce sales are forecast to reach $6.42 trillion in 2025³, rising to over $7.5 trillion by 2027, with2.77 billion global digital buyers driving the shift⁴. By aligning with these macroeconomic tailwinds, Amaze is uniquely positioned to scale with the future of creator-led commerce. Through ongoing investments in platform innovation, fulfillment, and strategic partnerships, Amaze is building a future where creators everywhere can launch and grow businesses their fans love. To learn more about Amaze and how it powers the creator economy, visit ¹Source: Goldman Sachs Research, Creator Economy Report, April 2023 ²Source: Forbes, How The Creator Economy Is Changing The Future Of Work, citing Goldman Sachs Research, July 2023 ³Source: eMarketer, Worldwide Retail Ecommerce Sales Forecast, 2023 ⁴Source: SellersCommerce, Global Ecommerce Statistics, 2023 For investor information, please contact IR@ For press inquiries, please contact PR@ About Amaze: Amaze Software, Inc. is an end-to-end, creator-powered commerce platform offering tools for seamless product creation, advanced e-commerce solutions, and scalable managed services. By empowering anyone to 'sell anything, anywhere,' Amaze enables creators to tell their stories, cultivate deeper audience connections, and generate sustainable income through shoppable, authentic experiences. Discover more at Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). These statements relate to future events and developments or to our future operating or financial performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based estimates and assumptions. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our strategies, initiatives, growth, revenues, expenditures, the size of our market, our plans and objectives for future operations, and future financial and business performance. These statements can be identified by words such as such as 'may,' 'might,' 'should,' 'would,' 'could,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'potential' or 'continue,' and are based our current expectations and views concerning future events and developments and their potential effects on us. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statement. These risks include: our ability to execute our plans and strategies; our limited operating history and history of losses; our financial position and need for additional capital; our ability to attract and retain our creator base and expand the range of products available for sale; we may experience difficulties in managing our growth and expenses; we may not keep pace with technological advances; there may be undetected errors or defects in our software or issues related to data computing, processing or storage; our reliance on third parties to provide key services for our business, including cloud hosting, marketing platforms, payment providers and network providers; failure to maintain or enhance our brand; our ability to protect our intellectual property; significant interruptions, delays or outages in services from our platform; significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems or networks and cyberattacks; risks associated with international operations; general economic and competitive factors affecting our business generally; changes in laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, online liability, consumer protection, and financial services; our dependence on senior management and other key personnel; and our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel and senior management. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other future filings and reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of the press release. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or developments. SOURCE: Amaze Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Air is Money: Underinflated Tires Cost U.S. Drivers $18.6B Each Year, Firestone Estimates
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — American drivers overspend approximately $18.6 billion annually on fuel because nearly half are driving on underinflated tires, according to a report released today by Firestone Complete Auto Care (Firestone)1. As summer driving season begins, the company estimates drivers could take an extra 500-mile road trip with the money they may save by properly inflating their tires each year2. The survey from America's largest network of automotive service providers is based on data collected from the 9.7 million cars serviced at the more than 1,800 Firestone stores between June 2024 and March 20253. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which may require a vehicle to use more gas to move forward. Underinflation could also result in accelerated tire wear and increased vehicle emissions. 'Paying attention to your tires saves money, helps the planet, and keeps you safer on the road,' said Melissa Vaglio, vice president of retail operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations. 'Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your wallet. We encourage drivers to lean on us as a trusted neighbor for a free inflation check and air top-off, early and often.' In its official report, 'How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation,' the tire and automotive service provider outlines surprising findings, including: 42% of cars serviced at Firestone stores had underinflated tires4. The average vehicle's tire pressure was 13 PSI lower than the recommended pressure5. States and districts with the highest rate of cars with underinflated tires included District of Columbia (72%), Hawaii (61%) and California (57%)6. Northeastern drivers had the lowest rate of cars with underinflated tires of any region in the U.S. (28% overall), with New Hampshire (18%) and Rhode Island (22%) leading the charge6. Vehicle types that most often needed more air in their tires included sports cars and minivans7. Eliminating the need for 4.5 billion extra gallons of gasoline burned each year would reduce CO2 emissions from automobiles by an estimated 40.5 million metric tons. This is the equivalent carbon impact of more than 2 million garbage trucks of waste recycled instead of landfilled8. Firestone recommends drivers check their tire pressure monthly, as well as before long trips or when carrying an extra load, using a tire pressure gauge. In addition to potential savings at the pump, proper tire inflation pressure can help maximize vehicle performance, improve steering and handling, avoid irregular tire wear, and may extend tire life. Drivers can find the correct tire inflation information for their vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire information placard located in the driver's side door panel. Drivers can visit any Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a free tire pressure check and air inflation9. For store hours and more information, visit To learn more about how tire air pressure can help drivers save money and download the full report, visit 1 Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics March 2025 unleaded premium per gallon (BLS), DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, calculated as follows: 273,486,407 Total Data Set Vehicles (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by 16.69 Average Gallons Wasted Per Vehicle (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by $4.08 Average Gas Price (BLS).2 Based on data from the DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, DOE 2025, calculated as follows: 18.4 Average Wasted Gallons by Vehicle Type multiplied by 27.83 Average MPG results in 512.03 miles.3 Based on Firestone Complete Auto Care first-party (FCAC 1p) data from June 1, 2024 to March 2, 2025, excluding Alaska, Maine, Utah, and Vermont, as FCAC does not have service centers in these states.4 Based on FCAC 1p data (excluding states without FCAC service centers), calculated as follows: 4,030,986 Vehicles with Air Pumped by FCAC divided by the number of 9,687,710 Total Vehicles Seen at FCAC. 5 Based on FCAC 1p data, calculated as follows: Volume of Air Added to Vehicles divided by the Number of Vehicles Needing Air. 6 Based on FCAC 1p data.7 Based on the Department of Energy's 2025 Datasets for All Model Years (DOE 2025) and FCAC 1p data.8 Based on wasted gallon input of 4,564,488,132.83 (where 1 gallon of gasoline is equal to 0.009 metric tons of carbon dioxide) into the US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator found at: No purchase necessary. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. About Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC: Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Air is Money: Underinflated Tires Cost U.S. Drivers $18.6B Each Year, Firestone Estimates
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American drivers overspend approximately $18.6 billion annually on fuel because nearly half are driving on underinflated tires, according to a report released today by Firestone Complete Auto Care (Firestone)1. As summer driving season begins, the company estimates drivers could take an extra 500-mile road trip with the money they may save by properly inflating their tires each year2. The survey from America's largest network of automotive service providers is based on data collected from the 9.7 million cars serviced at the more than 1,800 Firestone stores between June 2024 and March 20253. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which may require a vehicle to use more gas to move forward. Underinflation could also result in accelerated tire wear and increased vehicle emissions. 'Paying attention to your tires saves money, helps the planet, and keeps you safer on the road,' said Melissa Vaglio, vice president of retail operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations. 'Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your wallet. We encourage drivers to lean on us as a trusted neighbor for a free inflation check and air top-off, early and often.' In its official report, " How to Get Money from Thin Air: The Hidden Benefits of Proper Tire Inflation,' the tire and automotive service provider outlines surprising findings, including: Firestone recommends drivers check their tire pressure monthly, as well as before long trips or when carrying an extra load, using a tire pressure gauge. In addition to potential savings at the pump, proper tire inflation pressure can help maximize vehicle performance, improve steering and handling, avoid irregular tire wear, and may extend tire life. Drivers can find the correct tire inflation information for their vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire information placard located in the driver's side door panel. Drivers can visit any Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a free tire pressure check and air inflation9. For store hours and more information, visit To learn more about how tire air pressure can help drivers save money and download the full report, visit 1 Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics March 2025 unleaded premium per gallon (BLS), DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, calculated as follows: 273,486,407 Total Data Set Vehicles (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by 16.69 Average Gallons Wasted Per Vehicle (DOT FHWA 2023 HSSS) multiplied by $4.08 Average Gas Price (BLS). 2 Based on data from the DOT NHTSA report, DOT FHWA 2023 HSS, FCAC 1p, DOE 2025, calculated as follows: 18.4 Average Wasted Gallons by Vehicle Type multiplied by 27.83 Average MPG results in 512.03 miles. 3 Based on Firestone Complete Auto Care first-party (FCAC 1p) data from June 1, 2024 to March 2, 2025, excluding Alaska, Maine, Utah, and Vermont, as FCAC does not have service centers in these states. 4 Based on FCAC 1p data (excluding states without FCAC service centers), calculated as follows: 4,030,986 Vehicles with Air Pumped by FCAC divided by the number of 9,687,710 Total Vehicles Seen at FCAC. 5 Based on FCAC 1p data, calculated as follows: Volume of Air Added to Vehicles divided by the Number of Vehicles Needing Air. 6 Based on FCAC 1p data. 7 Based on the Department of Energy's 2025 Datasets for All Model Years (DOE 2025) and FCAC 1p data. 8 Based on wasted gallon input of 4,564,488,132.83 (where 1 gallon of gasoline is equal to 0.009 metric tons of carbon dioxide) into the US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator found at: 9 No purchase necessary. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. About Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC: Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bridgestone Retail Operations
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Looking for mental health or wellness advice in a book? Check the author's credentials first
The effectiveness of a self-help book depends largely on the quality of its content and how it is used by readers. Self-help books are a mainstay of the non-fiction market. According to a 2022 study by BookNet Canada, self-help titles account for 17 per cent of non-fiction book sales. Some of these books can go on to sell millions of copies, but popularity doesn't always equal credibility. Achieving bestseller status can reflect effective marketing campaigns, a large social media following or the appeal of personal storytelling rather than academic or clinical credentials. To better understand the current self-help landscape, my graduate student and I are reviewing New York Times bestsellers under the 'Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous' category, which includes self-help books. Our preliminary analysis for April 2025 identified 22 relevant books, with only three written by authors with advanced training in psychology or medicine: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD The Ageless Brain: How to Sharpen and Protect Your Mind for a Lifetime by Dale E. Bredesen, MD The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD This isn't a new issue. A 2008 study examining 50 top-selling books directed at anxiety, depression and trauma found that more than half contained strategies that were not supported by evidence. Can self-help books help? It depends The effectiveness of a self-help book depends largely on the quality of its content and how it is used by readers. Books that draw on peer-reviewed research are more likely to offer reliable, evidence-based strategies for improving well-being. Peer review is a process in academic publishing where experts in a given field vet a research study's quality before it's published. This process helps ensure the research is of high quality and adheres to the standards of the discipline. Evidence-based books are ones that rely on peer-reviewed research to support their claims and suggestions for improved well-being. Having psychological science make its way to the general public via self-help books can provide a useful resource to support well-being and self-improvement. In contrast, books that are based on someone's opinion or their lived experiences have not had their ideas tested or verified. Although these books can contain useful information that were helpful to the author, they can also be problematic, as the ideas have not been empirically examined. Risks of non-evidence-based self-help books Relying on untested self-help strategies can delay people from seeking appropriate support for the challenges they face. When they turn to self-help books instead of seeking professional care, it can lead to worsening symptoms and missed opportunities for effective treatment. This can have serious consequences, particularly for those dealing with complex mental health challenges like anxiety, depression or trauma. In addition, exposure to misinformation or disinformation can make matters worse. When such content circulates widely, like through best-selling books, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes or downplay the seriousness of psychological distress. This can perpetuate stigma and make people feel ashamed or reluctant to seek therapy, medical treatment or other professional help. At the same time, the booming global wellness industry has created new risks for consumers. In 2023, the wellness industry was valued at an estimated US$6.3 trillion. The size and growth of the industry has created fertile ground for wellness grifters to financially exploit people's desire for better health and happiness. Community for science-based self-help readers If you're interested in more evidence-based books for well-being and self-improvement, consider joining my Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club. Each month, members receive a newsletter announcing 'Professor Pozzulo's Pick' — an evidence-based book chosen by me that is focused on some dimension of well-being or self-improvement. The newsletter also provides access to a digital platform where my review will be posted, along with a discussion board where club members can share their thoughts about the book. Membership is free and sign-up is located here. You can also hear directly from the authors of the selected books through the Reading for Well-Being Podcast, which provides deeper insight into the evidence and ideas behind each book. Summer reading recommendations For readers seeking self-help books supported by research, here are four accessible and evidence-based suggestions: The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity by Psychologist Catherine A. Sanderson (2019, Published by BenBella Books). Sanderson explains that our level of happiness, physical health and even our longevity is connected to how 'we think about ourselves and our world around us.' In other words, our mindset. By making small changes, Sanderson shows how we can improve our happiness and physical and mental health. The book is full of straightforward, science-backed strategies to 'shift your mindset.' One study Sanderson highlights found that people who read for more than 3.5 hours per week tended to live longer. Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross (2021, Published by Crown Publishing Group). Anyone who has found themselves lying awake in the middle of the night with endless thoughts of potential doom can likely relate to this book. In Chatter, psychologist Ethan Kross examines this inner voice. According to Kross, by changing the dialogue we have with ourselves, we can potentially change our lives and ultimately improve our health and well-being. The last section of the book, titled 'The Tools,' includes several evidence-based strategies to reduce the negative loops that can run in our minds. Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most by Cassie Holmes (2022, published by Gallery Books). Do you ever feel like you never have the time for the things you want or need to do? Management professor Cassie Holmes writes that people who are 'time poor' can 'feel less happy and less satisfied with life.' Several studies have found that when people make time to do the things they want, they feel they have more time to do the things they need. Holmes encourages readers to reflect on how they spend their time. Although we can't change the amount of time we have, we can re-prioritise how we spend it, and by doing so, improve our sense of well-being and life satisfaction. How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman (2021, published by Portfolio). If you feel like you need a change or find it hard to make a change last, you might be using an ineffective strategy or approach. Economist Katy Milkman reviews the science of how to make behaviour change last with several evidence-based strategies to help you reach your goals. Each chapter examines an internal obstacle that stands between people and their goals. By the end of the book, you'll learn how to recognise these obstacles and what you can do to overcome them. DM This story first appeared in The Conversation. Joanna Pozzulo is a Chancellor's Professor of Psychology at Carleton University.
UPI
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
'Dragon' tops North American box office with $83.7M
Gerard Butler's "How to Train Your Dragon" is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo June 15 (UPI) -- The live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon is the No. 1 movie in North America this weekend, earning $83.7 million in receipts, announced Sunday. Coming in at No. 2 is Lilo & Stitch with $15.5 million, followed by Materialists at No. 3 with $12 million, Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning at No. 4 with $10.3 million and From the World of John Wick: Ballerina at No. 5 with $9.4 million. Rounding out the top tier are Karate Kid: Legends at No. 6 with $5 million, Final Destination: Bloodlines at No. 7 with $3.9 million, The Phoenician Scheme at No. 8 with $3 million, The Life of Chuck at No. 9 with $2.1 million and Sinners at No. 10 with $1.5 million.
