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A cross-party group of British lawmakers last week called for the UK Government to follow in America’s footsteps by banning so-called prostitution websites, which are widely used by human traffickers to advertise the services of sex slaves. Suggesting there is mounting evidence that sites such as Vivastreet and Adultwork are fuelling an increase in the sexual exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable women, many of whom are smuggled into the UK to be forced into sex work, members of the All-Party Group on Prostitution and the Global Sex Trade urged the UK Home Office to make the owners of these sites accountable for profiting from sexual exploitation.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump signed a bill that gave prosecutors and victims of sexual exploitation the power to take legal action against websites that host adverts for sex work. The Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) allows criminal and civil actions against a website if its conduct violates sex trafficking laws. Prior to the act coming into force, classified website Craigslist closed down its personal listings in a bid to make sure it did not face prosecution, arguing it could not risk jeopardising all of its other services in the event that its personal pages were misused. Reddit also took down pages relating to the sale of services that involve “physical sexual contact”.
On both sides of the Atlantic, sex worker advocates have said outlawing these types of websites is a disastrous idea, and will actually put prostitutes and trafficked persons in greater danger. Critics of the new US law argue that banning so-called prostitution websites prevents consensual sex workers from safely screening potential customers, and could actually aid traffickers by further isolating their victims. Many sex workers and trafficking victims use internet forums to access information and resources, raising fears that outlawing them could stop them from taking part in important conversations about education and safety. Speaking with Motherboard at the end of April, just after FOSTA had been signed into law, Laura LeMoon, co-founder and Director of harm reduction non-profit Safe Night Access Project Seattle, said she had seen evidence that the bill had actually increased sex trafficking, effectively pushing sex workers back into the hands of pimps.
In the UK, calls for a British equivalent of FOSTA have been met with similar opposition. As MPs debated the issue last week, a coalition of sex worker advocacy groups protested outside Parliament, describing the proposals as a “Trump-inspired” effort to remove sex workers from the internet and put them into “more exploitative and harmful situations”. Writing for the Conversation in response to the debate, academic Belinda Brooks-Gordon told readers that banning so-called prostitution websites will simply drive sex workers underground or onto the back streets, placing both trafficked and consensual prostitutes in greater danger. A recent study conducted by the University of Leicester found that online tools and social media platforms had actually improved the safety of sex workers, “enabling independent working and greater control over working circumstances, and improving safety strategies”.
But despite the wide-ranging criticism of FOSTA and opposition to discussion of the introduction of a UK equivalent, it is indisputable that the internet plays a key role in facilitating the crimes of sex traffickers. In both America and the UK, trafficking gangs have routinely used classified listing services to advertise the sexual services of their victims. In Britain, sex traffickers regularly set up so-called “pop-up brothels”, where prostitutes are forced to work for short periods of time before being moved on to avoid police attention. Trafficking gangs use websites such as Vivastreet and Adultwork to advertise the services of their victims as they move from location to location, making it easy for them to set up shop in new areas. In February, Airbnb teamed up with US anti-trafficking charity Polaris in a bid to prevent the service being used by human traffickers who sexually exploit vulnerable women and girls. Days later, police in the Canadian city of Toronto warned that traffickers were renting out Airbnb properties and using them as pop-up brothels staffed by victims whose details were posted on classified listing websites.
While there is little doubt that organised crime networks are using online personal listing services to sell the sexual services of trafficking victims, all manner of other online platforms are all too often used by criminals to facilitate a range of different forms of criminality, be it people smuggling, drug dealing or child sexual exploitation. Rather than banning online services that are used by consensual sex workers, the UK Government would be better advised to avoid following America’s lead and instead work with the industry on developing new methods to better identify cases in which personal listings are being used by sex traffickers. Pursuing the US model will only result in pushing sex trafficking further underground, and consensual sex workers being exposed to greater risk. As banning so-called prostitution websites will do little to tackle the problem of sex trafficking, legislators should look to address the root causes of the problem, rather than one of the symptoms.
Crooked vendors exploiting flaw in eBay’s feedback system to con buyers into purchasing bogus and dangerous items
Buyers on eBay are being duped into purchasing substandard and counterfeit products due to a flaw in the online auction platform’s seller feedback system, according to an investigation conducted by UK consumer group Which?
The watchdog found that dishonest vendors can take advantage of these flaws by linking positive reviews of genuine products manufactured by companies such as Apple and Samsung to fake and low-quality items.
Which? found that crooked sellers are able to link thousands of positive reviews to eBay listings they have nothing to do with.
The organisation discovered that real reviews can be associated with fake products that are potentially dangerous, such as counterfeit mobile phone chargers that can pose a fire risk.
Sellers are able to do this by using “product IDs” associated with genuine items when adding their products to eBay, subsequently benefitting from the positive reviews those items have attracted.
The system is intended to make the process of listing products on eBay quicker and easier by allowing sellers to pull information from similar items that have a linked product ID.
As part of its investigation, Which? purchased 20 bogus Apple and Samsung accessories such as chargers and USB cables that were supposed to be official and shared the same reviews as products manufactured by the two technology firms
Calling for online ecommerce platforms to be held accountable for flaws in their seller feedback systems that allow dishonest vendors to pull the wool over buyers’ eyes, Head of Home Products and Services at Which? Natalie Hitchins said: “Our investigation has uncovered yet another example of online reviews being manipulated to mislead people.
“eBay’s product review system is confusing for consumers and could even direct them towards counterfeit or dangerous products sold by unscrupulous sellers.
“Online reviews influence billions of pounds of consumer spending each year.
“The [UK Competition and Markets Authority] must now investigate how fake and misleading reviews are duping online shoppers, taking the strongest possible action against sites that fail to tackle the problem.”
Responding to the findings of Which?’s investigation eBay said in a statement: “The research does not fully consider that there are distinctions between product reviews (which provide buyers with a holistic review of the same product), and seller feedback (which can be used to see specific reviews of a seller’s performance and may reflect the item’s condition).”
Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that US politicians had called on lawmakers to hold ecommerce companies such as eBay and Amazon to account if they fail to prevent third-party vendors selling counterfeit or substandard products on their platforms.
Major ‘lover boy’ prostitution gang broken up by coalition of European law enforcement agencies
A Romanian human trafficking and prostitution network that used the “lover boy” method to entrap young women before forcing them into sex work has been broken up a coalition of European law enforcement agencies.
The lover boy method, also known as the “Romeo pimp” method, involves young men seducing victims with the objective of coercing them into prostitution.
Lover boy traffickers groom their victims to believe they have entered into a serious romantic relationship before using emotional, psychological and sometimes physical abuse to intimidate them into working in the sex services industry.
Investigators from Spain, Romania, the Czech Republic and several other European nations were involved in the operation that resulted in the dismantling of the gang, which is said to have groomed and exploited at least 10 young women by forcing them to work as prostitutes.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 14 people in Romania and Spain, the safeguarding of 10 trafficking victims, and the confiscation of a number of items, including a quantity of cash, jewellery, expensive vehicles and several electronic devices.
In total, the agencies taking part in the effort raided 16 properties in the Czech Republic, Romania and Spain.
Having groomed their victims, Romanian members of the network would develop manipulative dependent relationships with the young women they targeted before forcing them into sex work.
Once under the traffickers’ control, victims would be abused and drugged before being sold onto other members of the network for as much as €6,000 ($6,632) each.
The women would then be moved between locations and countries on a regular basis as part of the gang’s efforts to avoid the attention of police.
Profits made by the network were laundered through the purchase of property, expensive jewellery and high-value cars.
Ongoing investigations into the network’s activities are focussed on the theory that it was working in cooperation with another gang.
Enquires have already resulted in the identification of more than 40 additional women who fell victim to the two criminal organisations.
In a statement, Europol said: “Europol facilitated the information exchange between the participating countries, provided coordination support and analysed operational information against Europol’s databases to give leads to investigators.
“Europol conducted a financial analysis based on the information provided which highlighted the extension of the criminal activity of the group and the presence and flow of illicit profits to other jurisdictions.”
Taking cocaine will not cure people struck down with the coronavirus, French government warns public
Authorities in France have been forced to inform the public that taking cocaine will not cure people infected with the coronavirus.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the French Ministry for Solidarity and Health told its followers that cocaine is not only ineffective when it comes to fighting the coronavirus, but is also a highly addictive drug that can cause serious harm to users’ health.
The government department was seeking to counter fake news circulating on social media that taking the drug could cure or prevent the virus, including doctored news stories that appeared to confirm the drug’s effectiveness at fighting the disease.
The ministry’s Twitter post included a link to a government information page that provided further guidance on disinformation circulating about the coronavirus outbreak.
As well as encouraging those worried about the coronavirus to start taking cocaine, online trolls have also suggested that bleach can also help fight the disease.
In a post on Twitter that has attracted many thousands of engagements, @Jordan_Sather_ told his followers: “Would you look at that. Not only is chlorine dioxide (aka ‘MMS’) an effective cancer cell killer, it can wipe out coronavirus too.
“No wonder YouTube has been censoring basically every single video where I discuss it over the last year.”
In August of 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about that dangers of consuming bleach, noting: “Drinking any… chlorine dioxide products can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and symptoms of severe dehydration.”
As well as warning about cocaine’s inability to fight the coronavirus, the French government has also told members of the public that spraying bleach or alcohol on their bodies will not neutralise viruses they have already been infected with.
Elsewhere, US Vodka maker Tito’s Homemade was last week forced to urge people not to make DIY hand sanitiser out of its products.
Responding to one of its customers who said they had done just that, the company said on Twitter: “Per the CDC [Centres for Disease Control and Prevention], hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is 40% alcohol, and therefore does not meet the current recommendation of the CDC. Please see attached for more information.”
For its part, the World Health Organisation, which today officially categorised the coronavirus as a pandemic, has published a webpage dispelling misinformation about the disease, noting that the virus cannot be killed of avoided by taking a hot bath or using hand dryers.
- Crooked vendors exploiting flaw in eBay’s feedback system to con buyers into purchasing bogus and dangerous items
- Major ‘lover boy’ prostitution gang broken up by coalition of European law enforcement agencies
- Taking cocaine will not cure people struck down with the coronavirus, French government warns public
- US politicians call for state action against Pornhub over allegations it hosted rape and child abuse videos
- Californian border officers catch Mexican man with enough fentanyl to kill 1.2 million people


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As we are leaving the year ox, looking back, despite covid-19 and Omicron, despite trade war between the U.S. and China — China’s trade surplus continues to grow! As we are reaching the year of the Tiger, China’s trade surplus hits record in 2021 — with exports jumping 30% amid a pandemic, see chart below.
Chinas immense trade and current account surplus has had, and will continue to have a significant impact on China’s economic development and continue to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants. At the same time, the constant inflow of capital has given rise to a discussion, to some extent even concern about an economic imbalance toward other countries, especially western nations.
China's export is the single greatest factor influencing the country’s economic development but has also heavily con-tributed to the economic growth in many other countries globally. Hence, China's export and international competitiveness are, at its core, of course something positive. However, we believe that the imbalance in net trade with other economies will lead to an inevitable consequence in the long term; the capital flow needs to be balanced.
To balance out capital between China and its trading partners, we advocate a strategy where parts of China's current account surplus is reinvested in ventures abroad. Such a strategy - would provide a positive development for both China and other countries.
Large current account surpluses are to be found in other export-oriented nations, such as Germany and Sweden. In the United States, the situation is the opposite, the US has had a current account deficit since the 1990s.
Current account surpluses and imbalances have also been discussed and have given rise to concerns within European borders. In 2013, the European Union (EU) appointed a committee to analyze whether this could lead to potential problems within the EU. At the same time, some experts emphasized that Germany's strong competitive¬ness has been working as a growth engine for all countries in the EU. There are, undoubtedly, large imbalances still within the EU. Countries like Sweden and Germany continue to have large surpluses, while others, such as countries in southern Europe, struggle with deficits and weak competitiveness.
Several experts also point out that current account imbalances may lead to future problems even for countries with large surpluses. As in practice, this means that countries such as Germany carry out investments abroad, rather than investing and consuming in their own country.
Recently, an article in Financial Times, written by Professor Michael Pettis of Beijing University and the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, made comments on Chinas current account surplus. He suggested three approaches to counteract the imbalance and pointed out that surplus is an effect of heavy international investments in China during the last decade.
Some of these activities may be problematic and give rise to limitations on domestic consumption and local investments in favor of doing so internationally. Still, it would be beneficial to complement this reasoning with a quality assessment.
Purchasing foreign currency may be a natural first step that has a direct effect on the current account and thus supports the currency rate. A second alternative would be to lend money to interesting companies and projects globally. This will promote economic growth and have the added benefit of providing long-term return on the investment.
The third alternative has the potential of being even more interesting, since it may provide financial return on investment and make synergies possible with domestic industry. Consequently, contributing to increased growth and profitability both in China and internationally.
Chinese company can, as an example, acquire complementary products and/or technologies and thereby create a better value for its customers. This may also lead to new business opportunities through access to internationally accepted brands, markets, and sales networks. Furthermore, provide security to future deliveries of needed raw materials. Such international investments should generate significant returns in the long term.
The Nordic region has a relatively mature and well-established financial market where innovative companies have good oppor¬tunities to raise capital and establish and develop their businesses. Unfortu-nately, on a global scale, the Nordic market is relatively small. Most businesses are therefore forced to expand internationally to be able to grow. This step might, however, be a challenge, in particular a major step as entering the Chinese market.
The high cost and time required for international expansions come with a relatively high degree of uncertainty. Even though many Nordic companies have competitive products and services, they still face the risk of not penetrating the market well enough and thus creating a sustainable business. However, we are convinced that with the right partners, arrangements, or owners, these companies could enter the huge Chinese market. A market where customers today already associate “Made in Nordic” as something attractive.
Medium-sized Nordic companies thus have great opportunities to find strategic partnerships in China. At the same time - due to the current account surplus - China has both the need and the muscle to finance and realize these collaborations.
Furthermore, to the above mentioned, China is also promoting for “Dual Circulation”. Also known as “internal circulation” strategy, is an official Chinese economic strategy to promote domestic consumption, to jump-start “internal circulation,” China needs to boost household incomes and consumption, this in turn will require a huge demand for foreign companies’ services and know-how. This is what the Chinese leadership refer to as: “internal circulation will be supported by external circulation” (increase domestic consumption with foreign companies filling crucial gaps in Chinese product and technology needs and wants).
In other words, China's large trade and trade surpluses present some risks as well as offer significant positive opportunities. This is summarized well with the well-known proverb derived from the Chinese word for “crisis” (危机) which is a combination of two characters - 危 “risk” and 机 “opportunity”.

domain: news


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The Micropia museum in Amsterdam shines new light on the tiny creatures that make up two-thirds of all living matter.
Researchers have created a biofuel cell made from carbon nanotubes that generate energy from blood glucose.
Scientists have wound carbon nanotube composite yarns around lithium-ion battery fibers and woven them into cotton fiber to create a battery.
Solar Impulse 2 carried out a flight lasting two hours and 15 minutes.
The fastest nano-sized motor and the fastest electric motorcycle round out this week's technology.
A low-tech solution has been found to make industrial-scale graphene.
Tech does double duty this week, as we look at floating gardens that clean rivers, houses that produce oxygen and drones that create a Wi-Fi network.
A new device from Amazon, leaked photos of the newest iPhone and a bionic kangaroo are just a few of the technologies that caught our eyes.
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Unedited news and product information from vendors.
Pandora Announces Timing of its Second Quarter Fiscal 2013 Financial Results Conference Call
Aug 16, 2012 (04:08 PM EDT)
Event to be Audio Webcast live on the Pandora Investor Relations website
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pandora (NYSE: P), the leading internet radio service, announced that its Second Quarter Fiscal 2013 financial results will be released on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, after the close of the market. The company will host a conference call at 2:00 PM (PT) / 5:00 PM (ET) to discuss the second quarter fiscal 2013 financial results with the investment community.
A live domestic dial-in is available at (877) 355-0067 or internationally at (443) 853-1239. A domestic replay will be available at (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 internationally, using passcode 35600795, and available via webcast replay until September 13, 2012.
Live audio webcast of the event will be available on Pandora's Investor Relations website at http://investor.pandora.com.


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In its second consecutive year back since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Haskell Indian Art Market will feature a wide variety of products made by local Native American creators.
Hosted by Haskell Indian Nations University, the annual event brings the Lawrence community together to promote and support Native American creators. During the market, vendors will be selling their jewelry, pottery, carvings, paintings, clothing and other handmade pieces as well as food such as frybread and Indian tacos.
Vendors during the two-day event will be set up underneath tents, where attendees will be able to browse and shop. Live cultural performances will take place throughout each day.
The Haskell Indian Art Market is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.
Live entertainment will begin at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free of cost.
The event will be held at the Haskell Pow Wow grounds, 2535 West Perimeter Road, located off of 23rd and Massachusetts streets in Lawrence.
Road construction on 23rd Street in Lawrence is still underway, so there may be delays for folks driving in from the east.
No pets — with the exception of service animals — are allowed, according to the event flyer. Those planning on attending should note that the market is held outdoors in a grassy area, and wheelchairs or strollers may be difficult to maneuver. Cash payment for purchases is preferred, and there will be an ATM on-site.
See photos from last year’s market in this article.


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Massive Collapse in Trucking Shipments Every Month Since June
- The FedRes says the US economy is recovering and growing. Believe! Believe!
- Massive Collapse in Trucking Shipments Every Month Since June
by Mike “Mish” Shedlock, http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/
A chart of the DAT freight index posted on CCJ Indicators shows a huge, ongoing collapse in trucking shipments. (top of post)
“Spot freight falls 15 percent: The amount of freight available on the spot market fell 15 percent in November from October, DAT reported last week. That dip is in line with seasonal trends, the online loadboard said. Year over year, however, freight volume fell 45 percent from November 2014. Van freight fell 2.9 percent from October, flatbed 39 percent and reefer 9.1 percent, DAT says.”
Also note that in August, September, October, and November, shipping volumes were down compared to the same month in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 except for the single instance of September 2015 vs. September 2012.
Not to worry!
“We expect conditions to improve as we move through the year as the market further prepares for tight truck capacity when the HOS, ELD, and speed governor rules are implemented over the next two years,” says FTR’s Jonathan Starks. “The main risk right now is the weakness in manufacturing and the high inventory levels. The inventory situation needs to be corrected before we are likely to get a sizable burst of manufacturing activity. Look for that to happen early in 2016.”
Sizable Burst of Unwarranted Optimism
Starks foresees a “sizable burst of manufacturing activity.” He provided no reasons for expecting that burst of activity.
I suppose inventories will magically shrink or consumers will go on a record buying spree despite rising interest rates, a slowing global economy, unaffordable home prices, high and rising rent prices, and rapidly rising medical costs, the latter two rising much faster than paychecks.


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(AmmoLand.com) In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Winchester brand, Winchester Repeating Arms will celebrate the event at this year’s SHOT Show January 19-22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada with a special display. Featured in the booth will be several historical guns and items of interest. It’s not every day you have the chance to see firearms with a historical connection, but the attendees will have the opportunity to view some truly unique guns.
Winchester Repeating Arms, working with the Cody Firearms Museum, will have on display five historically significant firearms that match the 150th commemorative firearms being introduced in 2016.
On display will be the first ever Winchester branded rifle, a Model 1866, Buffalo Bill’s Model 1873 Smoothbore that he used in his Wild West Show, President Eisenhower’s custom Model 1894, President Kennedy’s custom Model 70, and former Winchester Canada President R.F. Bucher’s custom Model 101. In addition, Buffalo Bill’s gauntlets and cowboy hat will be displayed.
Also, the Winchester Ammunition booth will have a large historical display of firearms as well. That display will include guns from the collections of John Olin, Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, and most notably, the “Forgotten Winchester” Model 1873 from the Great Basin National Park.
Representatives who are experts in firearms history from the Cody Firearms Museum will be in both the Winchester Ammunition and Winchester Repeating Arms booths during the SHOT Show to answer questions and talk about the history of the guns and items on display.
“A few years ago Winchester Repeating Arms had Jack O’Connor’s famous Model 70 on display in our booth and it drew a lot of attention.” said Glenn Hatt, Winchester Repeating Arms Product Manager. “I’m sure this line up of historic guns and memorabilia will also draw a crowd of gun enthusiasts. I invite everyone who will be attending the 2016 SHOT Show to come by the Winchester booths.”
For more information on Winchester Firearms, please visit www.winchesterguns.com.


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A luxury cashmere knitwear brand in the Scottish Borders has set its sights on expansion after securing funding to invest in new equipment and launch new products. Hawico manufactures cashmere garments for retail sale in its own stores around the world. He plans to use funding of around £250,000 from HSBC, provided in the form of an equipment finance loan, to buy state-of-the-art machinery capable of creating whole knit garments, reports the The Herald newspaper.
Shima Seiki WHOLEGARMENT specialty machines will allow the Hawick-based company to speed up production, reduce material waste and experiment with new designs as it seeks to expand its product lines, according to the report.
Director Ewan Thomson told the Herald: “We are proud to be able to make cashmere garments that are all Scottish from start to finish. Having the support of HSBC UK to invest in the best possible technology will allow us to manufacture faster and more creatively. By providing access to new technologies, we also hope to encourage younger generations to enter the textile industry.
Hawico, a family business, can trace its history back to 1874, when the Hawick Hosiery Company was formed and opened its mill on Duke Street in the city. Today, she continues to manufacture her knitwear in the same location, where the exterior structure of the building remains the same. It sells its cashmere in its 13 stores, as well as online. Stores are located in Scotland, England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, USA and Japan.
Marcus Sangster, Relationship Manager for Equipment Finance at HSBC UK, said: “The Scottish textile industry has an international reputation for creating quality cashmere garments. These new machines demonstrate Hawico’s commitment to keeping craftsmanship alive in frontiers, while modernizing with innovative technology to continue its growth.


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Clean oil product exports through Strait of Hormuz
Vortexa Snapshot: Clean oil product exports through Strait of Hormuz
The spectre of potentially disrupted oil flows transiting the Strait of Hormuz has resurfaced amid deepening tensions between the US and Iran. A potential disruption could impact not only Mideast Gulf crude oil exports to global customers, but also the established flow of refined products to world markets – particularly clean petroleum products, such as naphtha, LPG and middle distillates.
Vortexa Oil News – In Brief:
Around 3mn b/d of clean petroleum products loaded from Mideast Gulf ports and transited the Strait of Hormuz in 2019, according to Vortexa data.
- Naphtha formed the largest component of this clean grouping, with 1mn b/d transiting the Strait last year. Next followed LPG, diesel/gasoil, and jet fuel, amid smaller volumes of other clean products.
- Refinery capacity has grown significantly in the region in recent years, making it a key supplier of clean products globally.
- Any disruption to Mideast Gulf-loaded naphtha and LPG – which are key feedstocks to ethylene crackers – would have a disproportionate impact on the Asia-Pacific region, to which over 90% of these products headed in 2019.
- By contrast, the impact of any disrupted middle distillate exports would be more regionally spread out. Last year, close to 40% of middle distillate exports that passed the Hormuz Strait – having loaded from the Mideast Gulf – headed to Europe; almost 30% to Africa, and just under 15% to Asia.
- But the global impact of any potential disruption to middle distillates flows on this route would be sharpened by the recent step rise in marine gasoil demand, following the global shift to lower sulphur bunker fuels this year.
- Aside from clean product exports, the Mideast Gulf region is also an exporter of dirty petroleum products, primarily fuel oil. Any curtailment on this front would most impact exports of Iraqi and Saudi fuel oil, given the drop in Iranian fuel oil exports post-sanctions.
Interested in a more detailed view of these flows?


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Apple will reportedly launch a new Apple TV and a mystery accessory alongside the iPad 3, according to 9to5Mac website.
A Very reliable sources familiar with Apple’s upcoming product release have said that the company is in fact launching a new Apple TV alongside the next-generation iPad.
The new Apple TV is thought to feature a faster processor, A5X, and 1080p streaming capabilities. It could even sport a Bluetooth 4.0 remote or Siri voice control.
Sources are also telling the site that Apple has a new accessory codenamed B82 that will launch alongside the new iPads.
We’re not sure what it is, but it’s called “B82″ internally. The product is likely some accessory, probably ranging from either a cable, cover, or new audio remote. The new Apple TV will include Bluetooth 4.0 capability, so perhaps Apple will ship an improved remote to that takes advantage of that next-generation Bluetooth protocol.
Apple just announced that it would be holding an event on March 7th in San Francisco.


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The iPad gives the medical industry the flexibility, portability, reliability and practicality that it has needed to move toward electronic medical records with ease. Medical physicians were so excited about the battery life and reasonable costs that many of them purchased their own iPad before their practice adopted them as standard tools in the practice.
Just like the iPhone, Apple’s iPad is a consumer device but also a tempting purchase for many business users. And the business case for the iPad may be nowhere as clear as it is in healthcare, a multi-billion dollar industry and one of the world’s largest consumers of information technology. Nick Volosin, director of technical services at Kaweah Delta Health Care District in Visalia, Calif., immediately saw the potential of putting the iPad in the hands of healthcare workers, who use a variety of medical imaging applications, are often moving from location to location, and don’t want to be tethered to a device with poor battery life. Volosin bought three iPads for testing and plans to deploy more than 100 within the next two months or so. In addition to usual office applications such as e-mail, health care workers will use the iPads to look at X-ray images, EKG results and various other patient monitoring programs, all delivered using Citrix virtual desktop and application delivery software.


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2011 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Show
On the heels of the massive 90th Anniversary Moto Guzzi World Days 2011 celebration at the Moto Guzzi Factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, the Italian company is bringing the celebration stateside.
The "Italian Eagle" will land in Alabama, as Moto Guzzi will be the featured marquee at the Motorcycle Classics Vintage Motorcycle Show. This will all occur at the 7th Annual Barber Vintage Festival, Oct. 7 – 9 at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. The Guzzisti will be out in large numbers as Moto Guzzi USA showcases the latest models available, including modern classics like the V7 Racer and V7 Classic. There will also be a special Moto Guzzi bike show, showcasing 90 years of classic Moto Guzzi models. And if competing for a trophy at the bike show isn’t your cup of tea, feel free to park your ‘Guzzi in the Moto Guzzi owners parking area while you mingle with the rest of the Guzzi faithful.For more information, please visit: facebook.com/MotoGuzziUSA


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US: On-trade wine bottle sales drop in 2012 - figures
Wine by the glass has increased in popularity
On-trade consumers in the US are downgrading from bottles to a single serve as economic pressures continue to bite, a new study has claimed.
The number of wine bottles ordered in restaurants and bars declined by 13% last year compared to 2011, according to analysis released by GuestMetrics today (22 January). Over the same period, the number of servings by the glass sold rose by 4%.
“Given the large difference between the price, we believe this shift was driven by a consumer base that is still feeling pressure from a sluggish economic recovery, not to mention the unusually high level of uncertainty towards the end of the year with spectre of the 'Fiscal Cliff',” GuestMetrics CEO Bill Pecoriello said.
The analysis, based on a database of point-of-sale transactions, also showed the price of a wine bottle increased by 9% last year, compared to a 3% rise for a glass.
Wine bottles in the year accounted for 41% of total wine sales, the figure showed.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc remained the top on-trade sellers last year. However, the varietals were the biggest losers in market share compared to 2011, according to GuestMetrics. The biggest gains were made by Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec.
Last week, a report said this year will see record levels of M&A in the US wine trade, while high grape prices will affect bottom lines.
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GDP per capita in Brazil
Brazil - GDP per capita (U.S. Dollars)
Economy turns corner in Q1
Recent GDP data confirm that the economy is entering a recovery phase after a perfect storm of high unemployment, tight credit conditions and political turmoil held Latin America’s largest economy in the deepest recession on record. GDP fell 0.4% over the same period last year in Q1, slightly worse than FocusEconomics analysts’ expectations. The result was a notable improvement from Q4 2016’s 2.5% decrease and marked the best result since Q4 2014. Moreover, the economy returned to growth on a quarterly basis, expanding 1.0% (Q4 2016: -0.5% quarter-on-quarter).
Despite the positive headline figure, conditions remain weak in Brazil’s economy. All components of domestic demand recorded contractions, although private consumption and fixed investment fell at a more moderate pace than the previous period. High unemployment has weighed on household spending, although easing inflation and improved confidence have provided some respite and private consumption fell 1.9% annually, the smallest decline since Q2 2015. The fall in fixed investment also eased slightly from a sharp 5.4% contraction in Q4 2016 to a 3.7% decline in Q1. Meanwhile, government consumption fell 1.3% as austerity measures dampen spending.
On the external side, a record harvest of soybeans along with higher commodities prices and an improving global backdrop boosted overseas sales and exports swung from a 7.6% fall in Q4 to 1.9% growth. However, soaring imports caused the external sector to subtract from growth as imports rose 9.8%.
While overall the result bodes well for Brazil’s economy, recent political turmoil is threatening to undermine the recovery and is casting a shadow on the country’s outlook. The government has been rocked by a political scandal after a local newspaper reported that President Michel Temer was recorded discussing and approving illegal bribes to jailed politician Eduardo Cunha. The reports have led to mass protests and eroded Temer’s political support and are jeopardizing much needed political reforms.
Despite the highly uncertain environment, the economy is expected to return to growth this year and LatinFocus Consensus Forecast panelists see GDP expanding 0.6% in 2017, which is up 0.1 percentage points from last month’s estimate. However, downside risks to our forecasts have risen in recent weeks and panelists are still factoring in the latest developments. For 2018, the panel sees the economy growing 2.4%.
Brazil - GDP per capita (USD) Data
|GDP per capita (USD)||13,245||12,364||12,278||12,106||8,792|
5 years of economic forecasts for more than 30 economic indicators.
|Bond Yield||10.51||-1.27 %||Jun 16|
|Exchange Rate||3.29||0.56 %||Jun 16|
|Stock Market||61,626||-0.48 %||Jun 16|
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June 13, 2017
Retail sales (excluding cars and construction) rebounded in April after falling in March.
June 9, 2017
Brazilian consumer prices in May increased 0.31% over the previous month, which was above April’s 0.14% rise.
June 6, 2017
In April, industrial production rose 0.6% from the previous month in seasonally-adjusted terms, which contrasted March’s revised 1.3% fall (previously reported: -1.8% month-on-month).
June 2, 2017
In March, economic activity shrank 0.4% from the previous month in seasonally-adjusted terms, according to the Central Bank’s monthly indicator for economic activity (IBC-Br, Indice de Atividade Economica do Banco Central).
June 1, 2017
Business sentiment rose in May, climbing to its highest level in three years.


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House sales in Turkey drop sharply in June
House sales in Turkey fell by nearly half in June compared to last year, the sharpest drop since the start of 2019, the Turkish Statistical Institute (Tüik) said on Wednesday.
Some 61,355 houses sold in Turkey last month, a decline of 48.6 percent from June 2018. Istanbul led the way with 16.4 percent of sales, followed by Ankara and Antalya.
Mortgaged house sales fell 84.6 percent compared to June 2018, while the overall share of house sales with mortgage was 11.9 percent.
Homes sold to foreigners increased 30.5 percent on year-on-year basis in June, with 2,689 units sold. Iraqis ranked first among foreign nationals, with 429 houses purchased in June, followed by Iranians, Russians, Germans, and Britons.
According to Tüik figures, house sales fell to 505,796 properties in the first half of 2019, down 21.7 percent on a yearly basis.
Turkey’s housing market has contracted after a currency crisis last year sent interest rates on mortgages soaring and slashed consumer spending power. The government has cut taxes on home purchases and offered cheap lending via state-run banks to boost the industry and reduce stocks of new homes lying empty across Turkey’s major cities.
But according to Tüik, the number of houses sold for the first time decreased by 59.2 percent compared to the same month of the previous year despite the government’s measures and decreasing prices in real terms.


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Man, do we love Kickstarter. It has been a constant source of amazing, refreshing ideas, especially when it comes to clean technology. One of the latest cool projects on the site is the LIFX LED bulb. The smart bulb is WiFi enabled and can be fully controlled by your smartphone, including turning on and off, dimming and even changing colors, along with a host of programmable features.
WiFi-connected lighting isn't entirely new and we've featured smartphone-controlled bulbs before, but this is definitely the "smartest" bulb to come around. The LIFX bulb is installed like any other light bulb, then you download the app from the App Store or the Google Play store. The app opens up a ton of features like being able to control the brightness and color of your lights room-by-room or for the whole house, special settings for gradually increasing brightness in the morning and dimming at night, an automatic on-off setting that turns the lights on when you get home and off when you leave, and even light that adapts to the mood of the music you're playing.The connected bulbs can also be set to alert you when you have new Twitter or Facebook notifications or get text messages.
Those are the fun features, but at the heart of it all is an energy-saving LED bulb that uses one-tenth the energy of an incandescent and lasts 25 years, or 40,000 hours, before having to be replaced.
The inventor of LIFX, Phil Bosua, has plans for a Windows, Mac and Linux app in the works and he foresees unlimited things that can be done with the bulbs. He writes on Kickstarter that there are "many more things you can do with LiFX smartbulbs, in fact we're creating a software developer kit (SDK) and a hacker kit so hackers and developers alike will be able to release more and more apps to do things we haven't even thought of yet."
The Kickstarter campaign is live through November 14 and a pledge of $69 or more will get you an LIFX bulb. It's clear that many people love this idea -- it's already received almost eight times its goal of $100,000.


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Satoshi Nakamoto: Chicago rapper Kanye West, also known as Yeh, was seen this week channeling his crypto swag with a Satoshi Nakamoto cap. The fashion statement was made in an apparent joke to JPMorgan Chase, who asked the billionaire to find a new bank. This could be the latest indicator of how much bitcoin has disrupted the generally conservative financial world.
West has recently reveled in “disappearing fashion.” He’s pulling up his face with a full-length mask at public events and defying the rules of fashion that lie outside the radar of the accepted world.
It’s not hard to imagine Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous founder of Bitcoin (BTC), as a kindred spirit to the West. Not least because both have targeted institutional finance with arguments for inclusion.
Satoshi and Bitcoin: From radical utopian money to the biggest online currency
With 300 million users, roughly 4% of the world’s population, there is no doubt that bitcoin has grown over the past 13 years. From the radical utopian idea of money, which many called a crazy dream in January 2009, to one of the largest web transaction platforms in the world.
The achievement of bitcoin is enough to make the mind behind the cryptocurrency the rock star of global finance. But he chose to remain anonymous under the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin has spawned a crypto industry whose capitalization now stands at $913 billion, down from $3 trillion last November.
So far, Nakamoto’s true identity has been kept secret. Some claim it was a team, while others argue that it was a man who preferred not to be known. It is certain that some individuals have tried to capitalize on the glory of the work of the enigmatic bitcoin founder.
Perhaps the most prominent is Craig Wright. The Australian computer scientist has sometimes claimed that he is the founder of bitcoin since 2016. Wright has not backed up his claims, making derogatory statements each time he faces investigation.
Recently, he told a Norwegian court that he had stumbled upon a hard drive containing key slices that proved he had indeed mined bitcoin before. Wright’s claims explain how bitcoin has been compromised over the years.
key selling point
One of the major selling points for the digital currency from the days of its launch was how secure it was compared to holding fiat currencies. However, security breaches have affected cryptocurrencies recently.
Although bitcoin has never been made vulnerable to attacks, the cryptocurrency has suffered at the hands of hackers. In 2022 alone, the crypto industry lost $2.32 billion from malware and cyber attacks, according to blockchain security firm PeckShield.
It’s almost the size of Zimbabwe’s annual national budget, lost to hackers. This goes against the reflections shared by Nakamoto in the seminal bitcoin whitepaper in 2008.
“A certain percentage of fraud is accepted as inevitable,” Nakamoto said. “These costs and payment uncertainties can be avoided in person by using physical currency, but no mechanism exists to make payments over a communication channel without a trusted party.”
Continuing, Nakamoto wrote:
“There is a need for an electronic payment system based on cryptographic proof, rather than trust, that allows any two interested parties to transact directly with each other without the need for a trusted third party. Transactions that need to be reversed. are computationally impractical, will protect sellers from fraud, and regular escrow mechanisms can be easily implemented to protect buyers.”
Sadly, that hasn’t happened, as those relying on cryptocurrency, especially emerging platforms like Wormhole Bridge, have bled through the hack.
Satoshi: Has he lost control of his vision?
The Hollywood Left Cult classic, Fight Club, ends with the narrator (Edward Norton), hand-in-hand with his girlfriend, as the credit card company buildings burn down. He has given a memorandum to his anarchist followers to rid the world of the current financial world so that the world can start again.
However, as long as this command is performed, the anonymous narrator is no longer in control of the situation. His disruptively gritty personality Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is in charge. He drums up such confidence in his followers that they go to such an extent that the narrator had not imagined before.
Like Edward Norton, the founder of bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, is not only behind a pseudonym, but he has an anarchist vision for credit card companies, banks, and all global finance. Has he lost control of his vision from the location of the anonymous detachment?
Recently, there has been a departure from the principle of decentralization and privacy in crypto. In April, Ethereum-based crypto mixer Tornado Cash announced that it had started blocking addresses approved by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The announcement indicated the direction the crypto industry was taking with regards to regulation. For governments, crypto is becoming too chaotic to ignore and mainstream to ignore.
Across the world, government agencies are targeting crypto investors with not only taxes but mandatory registration and full disclosure rules.
State regulation increasingly appears to be what the crypto community must pay to assimilate into the mainstream economy. This raises questions about the direction of the industry, in particular, whether decentralization as a tool to resist censorship is a myth.
US President Joe Biden recently issued an executive order justifying his government’s encroachment into sovereign finance in the interest of “national security.”
“We must reduce the illicit finance and national security risks posed by the misuse of digital assets,” Biden said. “Digital assets can pose significant illicit financial risks, including money laundering, cybercrime and ransomware… the financing of terrorism.”
Individuals seeking to operate in an island system away from central bank and state oversight are facing new top-down demands for industry. These include winding up of firms and freezing of accounts.
Some of the regions that have weaponized the law books to govern aspects of the use of digital assets include China, India, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, the European Union and the US.
Much of the infiltration from governments goes against Nakamoto’s vision. He added that there should not be third party players such as banks and authorities involved in bitcoin and, by extension, other crypto assets.
For example, the US government is throwing its weight around cryptocurrency as part of the impetus for sanctions-busting operations by its enemies, North Korea, Venezuela, Belarus and others.
A 2019 UN report estimated that North Korea made $2 billion from such operations, which included stealing cryptocurrency, random attacks, and other shady practices.
An asset seizure application by the US in 2020 described a $250 million crypto theft by the Lazarus Group, North Korea’s major sanctions-busters. The US Justice Department reportedly sought to freeze 280 wallet addresses used by hackers to launder stolen funds.
The department “approves the FBI’s increasing sophistication in detecting and seizing virtual currency that criminals previously thought impossible.” It stressed that the anonymity of the Internet is no longer a cover for cybercrime.
search for satoshi
It appears that the world created by Satoshi is becoming more and more attracted to having a glorified fiat currency, which operates on the web. It is breaking away from its founding ethos that prioritizes decentralization and privacy.
But where is Nakamoto to make his point on these issues? is he alive? Is she on the beach in Maldives? Or is he in a basement in Florida or sunbathing in Cape Town? Now that bitcoin has become a global success, doesn’t he want to take advantage of the glory?
If Bitcoin’s founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, decides to come home, will the cryptoverse be able to look to his institutional dichotomy and geopolitical gamble to identify him?
Perhaps Satoshi knows that the work of the bitcoin community is already cut out for him. His democratic model for him rather than his own celebrity appeal may be what bitcoin needs to return to its traditional values.
Fort Holding Bitcoin Maximalists
In the absence of Nakamoto, there is another group of bitcoiners holding the fort. He calls himself a “Bitcoin maximalist”. According to the online dictionary Investopedia, fanatics believe that BTC is the only crypto asset that will be needed in the future.
He believes that all other digital currencies are inferior to bitcoin and that they are far from the ideals envisioned by Nakamoto. But bitcoin has faced problems dealing with the increase in transaction volume, leading to the emergency of other blockchains that may do so.
Many extremists are adamant in defending bitcoin’s founding ethos. He has also faced criticism for supporting a strategy that has failed to grow bitcoin into a productive asset like Ethereum.
“The maximalist narrative has lost touch with reality,” said Muneeb Ali, founder of Bitcoin open-source smart contract platform Stax. tweeted last. “Bitcoin maximalism assumes a zero-sum world. However, we are in an expanding crypto economy.”
Will the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up?
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All information contained on our website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Any action taken by readers on information found on our website is strictly at their own risk.


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Maritime specialist PR firm Polaris Media is to launch a new English language marketing package for Middle East companies at the Posidonia shipping fair in June.
Polaris, which is based in the port city region of Liverpool, is run by journalist brothers Ben and Sam Pinnington.
Polaris is launching the Middle East service after running a series of successful publicity campaigns for maritime companies based in the Gulf. Polaris has also recruited Omani students based at Liverpool University to help the company communicate in Arabic.
“The prime service we are offering is English language marketing,” said Polaris director Ben Pinnington.
“We know it can be a pain to write in English if it is not your first language and that is the problem we solve. We are trained and qualified journalists so can write to a professional standard of English. We know Middle East firms are really keen to promote their products and services to the maritime press worldwide, most of which is written in English. This is exactly what we can help with,” added Pinnington.
He said Posidonia is a terrific trade fair and many companies from the Gulf will be present.
“It is an ideal location to meet potential clients and show them what we can do."
Polaris' service includes press releases, copywriting, social media, websites, brochures and crisis management.
Earlier this year Polaris worked with Oman Drydock Company, a new $1.5bn shipyard in Duqm, helping it promote its 200th drydocking to the English written media. Polaris has also worked for a range of maritime businesses and manufacturers promoting their work in the Gulf including Cammell Laird, SeaKing, Roxtec, Dantec and ANH Refractories.


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January 9th marks the tenth anniversary of the iPhone (more…)
In an interview with Bloomberg, Nike CEO made an interesting statement about working with Apple on wearables.
Two of Canada’s largest sports broadcasters are facing off over access to exclusive NHL content.
GT Advanced and Apple have officially parted ways.
For all you Clash of Clans players, a new update has been released.
Pangu team has today released the first jailbreak solution for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices running iOS 8.0 to iOS 8.1.
Google has just unveiled a brand new email app called “Inbox”, developed by its Gmail team for iOS, Android and desktop computers.
RBC has plans to launch mobile cheque deposits, coming soon.
MasterCard launched new MLB ads touting Apple Pay and the use of the new mobile payment tech at stadiums across America.
TELUS has launched online sales of Apple’s newest iPads.
Apple has launched a new service designed for small businesses, Maps Connect …
Here’s how Apple Pay works at McDonald’s and Rexall Drug Stores in Canada.
Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Chinese vice premier a day after the iCloud phishing attack.


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Malta – ThunderSpin signs distribution agreement with ParimatchBy Lewis - 11 March 2021
ThunderSpin has signed a distribution agreement that will see the developer’s portfolio of titles go live with Parimatch.
ThunderSpin’s portfolio includes a range of slots including titles such as The Money, Book of Treasures, Angels vs Demons, and Halloween Witch Party.
Commenting on the partnership, Sergey Portnov, CEO at Parimatch, said: “We are delighted to enhance our game library with ThunderSpin’s high-quality and beautifully designed unique slots.”
Catalina Lukianenko, acting CEO at ThunderSpin, added: “This new partnership with a well-respected partner such as Parimatch will definitely strengthen our exposure to a much wider customer base.”


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It’s no secret that 2012 will be a year full of acquisitions in the game industry. Last year, investments grew 96 percent to $2 billion, while the value of acquisitions grew 160 percent to $3.4 billion, according to game-centric investment bank Digi-Capital. The bank expects 2012 to be another big year for deals.
That’s why big companies have to learn how to handle acquisitions. Ubisoft may or may not be a model in this regard, having acquired many companies recently. But the French video game publisher willingly shared its experience in dealing with acquisitions in a panel at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.
When it comes to deals, there’s a right way to do them and a wrong way, said Billy Pidgeon, analyst at M2 Research and moderator of the panel.
The top executives of three recently-acquired companies sang the praises of their new parent Ubisoft in handling its acquisitions. Pictured above, the panelists included (from right to left) Anne Blondel-Jouin, director at Nadeo Live; David Polfeldt, managing director of Massive; Tommy Francois (in the kilt), new IP editorial director at Ubisoft; and Tero Virtala, CEO of RedLynx.
The acquired companies were all very different. Nadeo makes multiplayer online games such as TrackMania and is working on an online first-person shooter. RedLynx made Trials HD and is preparing to release Trials Evolution side-scrolling racing game. Francois said that big companies shouldn’t treat acquisitions like toys they can break. Ubisoft Massive makes real-time strategy games such as World in Conflict.
In looking for companies to buy, Ubisoft looks for studios that make games that it loves, said Francois, who scouts for potential acquisitions. It also looks for opportunities to learn. It’s unlikely for the company to buy a studio that makes games that are similar to what Ubisoft already makes because the chance to learn something new is minimal.
“Acquisitions are difficult,” Francois said. “It’s about respecting the creative culture and identity of a company. You don’t want to erase that. An acquisition is like a wedding. You are looking at what new identity you can create together. It’s not about buying a brand, but the people who are creating games and content.”
Ubisoft hasn’t always done everything right. The company bought the film company Hybride in order to take Ubisoft’s games and turn them into movies. But that deal didn’t work out so well, in part because Ubisoft had to learn that it didn’t buy a movie-making machine. Rather, Hybride was just a piece of what it needed, and now Ubisoft is going to work to try to make the acquisition work out better, Francois said.
“We didn’t understand who we were working with,” Francois said.
Blondel-Jouin said that her deal was a good one because Ubisoft allows Nadeo to do what it does best, which is focus on making games. But she said big companies have processes that can hurt startups. For instance, it may require a staff of 20 people to be fully compliant with the parent company’s way of doing things. Sometimes the startups have to push back to get their work done.
One of the lessons is that the best thing you can do when you acquire a new company is listen, Francois said. Nadeo’s team told Ubisoft that they didn’t want to grow their staff quickly after acquisition.
There are plenty of horror stories when it comes to acquisitions. That’s why it’s rare to find companies that are good at them. The smaller the deal, the more likely it has a chance for success, since big acquisitions seem like they’re setting themselves up for failure, Francois said.
Big companies have big distractions. Ubisoft has more than 500 developers working on releasing a new version of Assassin’s Creed every year. But Francois said that the management team at Ubisoft is set up so that it has dedicated people such as Francois to work with small teams. Ubisoft has a lot of centralized expertise in game design and other creative fields to assist its various studios.
“The Assassin’s team knows what they are doing and maybe they don’t need as much support from us,” Francois said. Virtala added, “We get the management bandwidth that we need.”
Francois said that the team that was working on Child of Eden got advice from Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, to use Kinect as the method of control in the game.
“That’s the level of attention that small teams can get at Ubisoft,” Francois said.
Francois said that some people in the company wanted to raise the forecast for brand new games such as Child of Eden. But he said that other seasoned people were in place to say that they shouldn’t do that or else they would wind up disappointing.
Asked if Ubisoft would consider buying an American development studio, Francois said, “There’s no reason it couldn’t. It could happen.” One of the company’s most successful acquisitions was of Red Storm Entertainment, a Cary, N.C.-based studio that makes the Tom Clancy military games.
As for prices for startups, it may be a seller’s market. But Francois said that discussions for acquisitions at Ubisoft rarely dwell on price.
Virtala said that you can actually get more independence by being acquired. For much of its history, RedLynx found it was always trying to raise money for its next game. That process was all-consuming, and that problem was solved when Ubisoft acquired the company and allowed it to focus on innovation, Virtala said.
“We’re more independent now than we have ever been,” he said.
GamesBeat 2012 is VentureBeat’s fourth annual conference on disruption in the video game market. This year we’re calling on speakers from the hottest mobile, social, PC, and console companies to debate new ways to stay on pace with changing consumer tastes and platforms. Join 500+ execs, investors, analysts, entrepreneurs, and press as we explore the gaming industry’s latest trends and newest monetization opportunities. The event takes place July 10-11 in San Francisco, and you can get your early-bird tickets here.


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BELLINGHAM, Wash. — June 22, 2021 — Today, Tidal Vision announced a new partnership with Leigh Fibers and the opening of a new production facility in Wellford, S.C. These developments transform the textile industry’s access to sustainable bio-based textile treatments that are now displacing millions of pounds of man-made, often toxic, chemical treatments used in the textile industry.
Many consumers are not aware that textile fibers used to produce their apparel, carpet, mattress, furniture and many other products are often treated with toxic antimicrobials and fire retardants. These nonbiodegradable chemicals, such as heavy metals like silver or copper, often end up washing out and polluting waterways. Historically, sustainable bio-based alternatives required textiles manufacturers to compromise on price or performance.
Tidal-Tex™ is Tidal Vision’s product line of water-based textile treatment solutions that are formulated with a non-toxic, abundant, and biodegradable biopolymer called chitosan. To make switching convenient, Tidal-Tex is customized to be a “drop-in” product that is usable in textile manufacturers’ existing infrastructure. Tidal Vision sources, extracts, and processes chitosan from crab and shrimp shells, byproducts of the seafood industry that would otherwise be discarded.
Tidal-Tex can be applied to textiles through a simple dip, spray or coating application where curing is as easy as drying, or removing the water, and leaving behind the desired performance benefits. Tidal Vision formulates different variations of Tidal-Tex to provide biostatic, fire retardant, or anti-odor properties to textiles. Tidal-Tex product line offers formulas with Tidal Vision’s patented crosslinking technology for unprecedented washing durability performance. These high-performance bio-based treatments are applied to fibers, yarn, woven or nonwoven textiles — which make up products ranging from furniture, mattress to apparel and more.
Tidal Vision and Leigh Fibers are looking forward to the positive impact their partnership will have on the textile industry and the environment. Tidal Vision’s CEO Craig Kasberg, said: “Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact. In the textile industry, to have the biggest impact it made sense to start with fibers treated at the top of the supply chain. Leigh Fibers was our ideal partner since their mission, values and business model are so synergetic with ours. Both of our companies produce sustainable solutions by upcycling byproducts that would otherwise end up in landfills, and through vertical integration we provide high performance products out of what was previously considered waste.”
“Partnering with Tidal Vision is a win-win for our company, our customers, and the environment,” said Eric Westgate, senior vice president of Leigh Fibers. “Their Tidal-Tex product line delivers the key benefits that our customers look for in textiles at a lower price and is made from sustainable materials in the USA. At Leigh Fibers, we’re committed to advancing sustainable innovation and repurposing textiles for a cleaner, healthier planet.”
The opening of Tidal Vision’s new 24,000 square foot facility within Leigh Fiber’s 1,000,000 square foot headquarters provides for economies of scale in the heart of the U.S. textile industry. The facility delivers Tidal-Tex chitosan solutions at a lower cost than the traditionally used synthetic chemical textile treatments. This transformational shift in cost and availability of environmentally friendly bio-based textile treatments empowers textile companies to displace toxic chemical treatments without compromise, which ultimately leads to less toxic chemicals washing out or leaching into waterways. Tidal Vision’s strategy is to provide these bio-based solutions at a lower price to advance their mission to create systemic environmental impact.
“Our proprietary lower-cost chitosan technology, combined with lower freight costs from our new facility, allows us to deliver our Tidal-Tex product line to textile manufacturers at a price point less than half of many heavy metal antimicrobials, such as silver and copper. This is the first time that fiber, yarn, and textile manufacturers have had an environmentally friendly option at a lower cost with equivalent or better performance. I believe the entire industry will adopt these bio-based chemistry treatments now that we conveniently have a facility in the heart of the textile industry and a reputable partner in Leigh Fibers” said Kari Ingalls, director of Textile Business Development at Tidal Vision.
Posted June 29, 2021
Source: Tidal Vision


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Deloitte comments on ONS retail sales has been saved
Deloitte comments on ONS retail sales
18 January 2019
Commenting on today’s ONS retail sales figures, Ian Geddes, head of retail at Deloitte, said:
“Retail sales values for December fell 1.1% compared to November, with volumes also falling 1.3% for the same period. These month on month figures indicate a challenging Christmas for retailers. However, both retail sales values and volumes are up, 3.1% and 2.6% respectively, compared to December 2017.
“Christmas arrived late for retailers, but it wasn’t cancelled. December’s figures clearly show some of the effects of heavy discounting from retailers, both in the run up to Christmas where the average pre-Christmas discount reached 48%, and Boxing Day sales thereafter. What remains to be seen, however, is the level of heavy discounting combined with Christmas gift returns and its impact on year-end profitability.
“A record proportion of sales were made online over this period: 20% of overall sales, making December 2018 the most digital Christmas ever. It is worth acknowledging that the period includes Cyber Monday, the biggest on record, which may have boosted overall sales and could explain why December had a slow start for many retailers. This slowdown highlights a shift in consumers making many of their Christmas purchases before December.
“This month’s reporting marks the end of what has clearly been a challenging year that continues to bite high street retailers who are facing pressures from rising costs, more cautious consumer spending, and strong online competition.
“We are seeing a promising level of innovation on the high street, particularly from new entrant brands and online retailers. This is making life difficult for traditional retailers who are having to adapt to the changing consumer and invest significantly to stay relevant.
“As we head into 2019, those retailers looking for inspiration could look to the East. New in-store technologies that seamlessly join the dots between the online and in-store experience, for example, are already mainstream across many cities in China. We are increasingly seeing these technologies experimented with in the UK, with potential to completely change the face of the high street as we know it today.”
Note to editors
In this press release references to “Deloitte” are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity.
Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.
Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NWE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.
The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.
For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited


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Wal-Mart announces iPhone availability beginning SundayWal-Mart on Friday formally announced plans to begin carrying the iPhone later this week but will not be selling the device at rock bottom prices as once rumored.
In total, nearly 2,500 Wal-mart stores will carry the Apple handset, selling the 8GB model for $197 and the 16GB model for $297 with a new two-year service agreement from AT&T or qualified upgrade.
Wal-mart also announced that its price match policy allows stores to match the price of any local competitor's advertised store price on the iPhone should one of its rivals announce lower pricing.
"We are delighted to bring customers this ground-breaking mobile technology," said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Entertainment, Walmart. "Our electronics associates have been preparing for many weeks for the arrival of iPhone 3G. We are excited to now help new customers learn more about the features and services that make the iPhone unique."
Once inside a Wal-Mart store, customers can find more information and assistance at the Apple iPhone 3G kiosks located at the Walmart Connection Center in the Home Entertainment department.
Word that Wal-Mart would join Best Buy as the only other third-party US retailer to offer the iPhone first surfaced in October.
On Topic: iPhone
- How to watch Super Bowl 50 on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV
- TSMC, other Apple suppliers in Taiwan largely unaffected by deadly 6.4 earthquake
- Apple's rumored 4" iPhone to launch with hot pink color option, report says
- Apple acknowledges 'Error 53' glitch, says it's part of Touch ID security [u]
- Apple Pay hits 1,000 US card issuers ahead of planned retail expansions


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As travel restrictions begin to loosen as a part of the Restart B.C. plan, Tourism Golden has decided to resume their “Locals Lowdown” campaign to showcase the true spirit of the city.
The campaign, which launched in March 2019 but was shelved temporarily due to COVID-19, features 19 videos that showcase different residents and why they love Golden.
With restrictions being eased, the videos were re-launched to promote local tourism. The re-launch coincides as well with reports that Alberta-registered vehicles were being targeted due to anti-travel sentiment, spurred by COVID-19 and hopes to help the negative impression left by those experiences.
According to Andy Brown, the communications and social media spokesperson for Tourism Golden, the campaign seeks to showcase the true spirit of community in Golden and counter-act the negative impression left by those who targeted the vehicles.
“We want to put a personality to the town,” said Brown.
“A lot of people come to Golden because they love the outdoors, but it’s the people behind the town who make this little town in the mountains so awesome, it’s really the people who make the community.”
The campaign also coincides with B.C. tourism week. Golden’s tourism industry contributes significant economic benefits to the Golden area, as well as the rest of B.C., with an average 75 per cent of gross business revenues being generated from tourism, according to Tourism Golden.
Brown said the videos focus on Golden as a welcoming spot to visit, once restrictions are lifted.
Brown emphasized that while many have taken to Facebook to complain about their cars being targeted due to out of province plates, he said he was happy to see that the vast majority of the people in the comments did not condone that kind of behaviour.
“Seeing those posts, it makes you shake your head,” said Brown.
“Yeah, someone left a note that read “go home”, but when you read the comments on the Facebook post you quickly see that the overwhelming majority of residents believe that this is not what Golden is all about and that what happened was not right.”
The post in question, from Jessica Ann Sofie Grey, amassed more than 300 comments from Golden locals, the vast majority voicing their displeasure over the incident.
Grey said that she originally made the post to let people know that this isn’t the kind of image Golden wants to convey, as a tourist location for many Albertans.
“My biggest message is that you want to treat others like you would want to be treated yourself, that is the Golden Rule,” said Grey.
“Golden is a tourism destination and when the restrictions are lifted we want visitors to come back. We don’t want to be remembered in a negative way.”
“Right now maybe isn’t the time to come here, but there will be a time where we want them to feel comfortable and happy to visit Golden,” said Brown.
The videos can be found online through Tourism Golden’s various channels.


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Despite the current economic challenges, Bosch continues to promote and expand cross-company cooperation projects with start-ups. As the world’s leading technology and service provider, Bosch is cooperating with more than 300 start-ups in areas such as products or scientific and technological innovation. This year, Bosch awarded the "Open Bosch Award" to the Bosch Asia-Pacific logistics team and its logistics software supplier Shanghai GREA Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "GREA") in recognition of their outstanding achievements in open innovation cooperation: Bosch Intelligent Transport System.
"A culture of open innovation is the key to quickly obtaining solutions in an increasingly complex world." Dr. Stefan Hatton, chairman of the Board of Directors of Bosch Group, said, "In both the business and technical field, start-ups, mature enterprises and customers can benefit from open innovation projects. At the same time, these projects also drive the development of a competitive economy. At the award ceremony, Dr. Hatton stressed that the importance of start-ups is increasing, because they increasingly assume the role of pioneers and have important resources, such as expertise in specific fields.
The "Open Bosch Award" evaluates and confirms the innovation cooperation team composed of Bosch and start-ups after a jury’s comprehensive consideration of business influence, mutual benefit and cooperation best practices. Through the "Open Bosch" project platform, Bosch and start-ups promote business cooperation. In the process, start-ups can gain something from such as industrialization, market access, and even brand marketing. The Open Bosch project builds bridges and promotes commercial cooperation for the Bosch business department and start-ups. Philipp Rose, general manager of Bosch Venture Capital Co., Ltd., said, "The success of Bosch intelligent transportation system is one of many successful cases in which the technology of start-ups can be quickly verified and implemented."
Bosch Intelligent Transportation System is a localized and customized intelligent transportation solution jointly created by the innovation team composed of Bosch Asia-Pacific Logistics Service Department and transporters. At the same time, it is also Bosch’s world’s first cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) application in the logistics field. The entire project team is located in Shanghai and Suzhou. Relying on the comprehensive upgraded logistics management platform, Bosch China Intelligent Transportation System integrates the original Bosch transportation management process and data from offline to online, achieving automation and transparency in cost calculation, order processing and supply chain reporting. Based on data and algorithms, the logistics process and network are continuously optimized, and the system effectively improves the daily logistics operation efficiency.
After 15 months of hardening, the system has been widely used in 24 companies and factories in Bosch China. In the future, it is also hoped that the system can be extended to the global scope of Bosch Logistics to serve modern supply chains and logistics needs. Xia Jin, vice president of Bosch Asia-Pacific Logistics, said. We are very honored to cooperate with global innovation technology leaders. Thanks to Bosch’s business platform, this intelligent transportation system has been quickly implemented and practiced, thus having the opportunity to help accelerate the realization of digital business. Chen Wei, chairman and general manager of Shanghai GREA Technology Co., Ltd., said.
The Open Bosch Award was founded in 2019 to recognize the outstanding achievements of start-ups in their open innovation cooperation with Bosch. The award was initiated by Bosch Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Bosch Venture Capital). Bosch Venture Capital is committed to empowering start-ups and recently set up a fifth round of 250 million euro venture capital fund to better achieve this goal. In addition, the "Open Bosch" project strongly supports Bosch and start-ups to establish cooperation and innovation.


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Date(s) - 15 February 2010
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Kuwait, February 15, 2010 — EQUATE Petrochemical Company’s President & CEO Hamad Al-Terkait said that the company’s annual sales to local Kuwaiti plastic manufacturers have increased by 200% during 1998 to 2009.
During “EQUATE’s Annual Local Customers Gathering 2009,” Al-Terkait said “During that period, the volume of local sales has increased from 11,000 Metric Tons Annually (MTA) to over 35,000 MTA in 2009 with a value of over USD 30 million,” adding that “This is true embodiment of one of the core objectives behind establishing EQUATE, which is encouraging Kuwait’s downstream industry.”
Al-Terkait noted that in 2009, local plastic manufacturers have witnessed a 19% increase in consumption, adding that such a manufacturing hike is a great source of encouragement to EQUATE that supplies these consumers with their polyethylene demands.
Al-Terkait stressed that “As you play a critical role in Kuwait’s overall sustainability and industrial growth, EQUATE has special interest in local customers through extending all necessary support to ensure the development of Kuwaiti downstream industries.”
Hosting over 30 local customers, the gathering was attended by EQUATE Senior Vice President Dan Gibbs, EQUATE Business Director and EQUATE Marketing Company (EMC) President Adel Al-Munifi, as well as EQUATE Regional Sales Manager Muayad Al-Faresi along with several other senior officials from EQUATE and EMC.
EMC is the marketing arm of EQUATE Petrochemical Company.
Considered one of the world’s leading companies in producing Polyethylene and Ethylene Glycol, EQUATE was established in 1995 and it is presently a joint venture between Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company (QPIC). It commenced production in 1997 and currently provides markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe with high quality petrochemical products.


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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA.MI) said Monday that it has agreed to sell its auto-parts business Magneti Marelli to Japan's Calsonic Kansei Corp. for 6.2 billion euros ($7.1 billion).
Calsonic Kansei is owned by U.S. private-equity firm KKR & Co. (KKR), which last year acquired the Japanese auto-parts maker from Nissan Motor Co. (7201.TO) and other shareholders.
Following the closing of the deal--expected in the first half of 2019--Calsonic Kansei will be renamed Magneti Marelli CK Holdings. It will be led by Calsonic Kansei Chief Executive Beda Bolzenius, while Magneti Marelli's chief executive, Ermanno Ferrari, will join the board.
The company will be the seventh-largest automotive-components supplier based on total revenue, Fiat Chrysler said.
The Italian car maker also said it has agreed to a multiyear supply agreement with Calsonic Kansei.


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Mt. Diablo High School’s Digital Safari Academy students wowed the business world with their beyond-the-edge technology GreenBiz Project companies at the eighth annual Innovation Fair.
“This year’s projects were probably the most creative,” said Randy Depew, multimedia instructor of the Digital Safari Academy. “I think we had the best year overall with project quality.”
Twelve companies showcased their products in hopes of catching the eye of small investors, venture capitalists and ultimately the panel of judges representing angel investors making the final winning decision.
Ghostpower raised the largest amount of virtual capital, $1.5 million, for harnessing electromagnetic waves with its so-called Electro Tower to charge phones, laptops and tablets without having to use a chord.
Those attending the fair were staked with $50,000 in virtual money to give to the company of their choice. Those playing the role of venture capitalists were given $250,000 to invest.
Although NeverLost raised the second-largest amount of virtual capital — coming in with $1.2 million — the team with its child safety bracelet walked away with the $1,000 in real-money scholarships.
Raising capital at the fair is only one part of the process, said Mark Westwind, founder of the GreenBiz Project. First, teams are assigned and given the challenge to come up with a product and a company name. Then the product has to be developed — but unlike developing a cutting-edge product — students are told they have no technical limitations.
“The technology doesn’t have to be real. If you can imagine it, you can make it,” Westwind said. “That changed the dynamics to innovation without limitation.”
Westwind and Depew opened a virtual company, Universal Enterprise, which is able to supply students with whatever they need.
“Anything you need, we got it on the shelf,” Westwind said.
And Depew noted, “These kids have to come up with these products out of thin air.”
Although some theoretical projects are too far off cutting edge, many students saw similar projects, such as solar-sensitive paint, collision-sensing vehicle technology and other concepts come on the market soon after being showcased at the fair.
This year, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce became a sponsor of the fair and held its January mixer at the event. Chamber chief operating officer Marilyn Fowler said about 50 members participated.
“We were so proud to bring all those businesses to see the Innovation Fair,” she said. “It is something we definitely want to do next year.”
Businessmen, businesswomen and entrepreneurs commented that products showcased at this year’s fair are nipping at the heals of similar products currently on their drawing boards.
Although the winning product — NeverLost — is not on anyone’s drawing board, it drew a lot of attention, along with repeated advice to Mt. Diablo student CEO Julianna Cecere to register the practical product before it got snatched up by a business or investor attending the fair.
“I got a (huge number) of comments I should put my name on the product before someone else steals it,” said Cecere, who, along with CFO Mary Uy and marketing director Tyler Clark, came up with the product idea.
Cecere said as soon as she has finals out of the way she is registering the product.
The idea came out of a brainstorming session. Cecere comes from a large family and wanted a product that would help parents keep track of their kids. Uy remembered being lost as a child and how scary it was.
The group first thought of creating an application to tie in with 911, but rejected the thought due to the number of applications for all sorts of things currently on the market.
“We are calling this the year of the app,” Cecere said. “The phone already has something like that.”
The three continued their quest, deciding on a bracelet worn by a child that uses “micro-GPS technology to keep track of your child in crowds easily, safely and without worry, giving you and your child the freedom you deserve.”
Some of the features of the bracelet are a panic button if the child thinks she is lost and a special stay-in-place signal so parents can come to the child.
The Ghostpower team wanted technology to compliment the increasing mobility of people by freeing them from having to plug into a stationary electrical outlet.
The other companies represented were Bonkers, Accessibility, Simple Testing, Inspir3D, Case Clothes, Sonic Vision, Smartshop, Jetstream, Sexy Soles and Vital Success.
Before companies showcase their wares, they need to build their product, have a business plan and present it to a board of mentors. Each process is graded and scored, and those are added with the virtual dollars scoring to select five finalists to go before the angel investors.
The finalists were NeverLost, Ghostpower, Sonic Vision, Inspir3D and Simple Testing.
Sonic Vision produces a bat lens using patented sonar vision technology to create a 3D environment for the wearer, allowing them to see in pitch-black conditions. Its target market is first responders, tactical police units and the armed forces.
Inspir3D is a patented zoomable, rotatable and ultra-responsive three-dimensional holographic imaging of an MRI result that responds to touch allowing doctors to use all their senses to solve a medical problem.
Simple Testing is a treatment of diabetes using a new saliva glucose monitoring system for immediate results of a person’s blood glucose levels. It is tied in with a smart phone application for constant monitoring.
Also on display were products to shop for perfectly fitted clothes through individual avatar connection; shopping the grocery aisles with a smartphone bar code scanner that access the nutritional facts and recipe suggestions of food; a new video game system; a smartphone application to simplify and personalize the myriad applications.
Also available was a custom-fitted sole designed to eliminate bunions, hammer toes, back pain and other common foot maladies associated with women’s fashion shoes; an amusement park ride; and a fully immersive virtual reality software for people with special needs.


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BLAME WAS NOT in short supply yesterday as a DAILY NATION team visited City stores following the Campus Trendz tragedy.
From architects to Government, the fire service, police force and store owners, almost everyone pointed their fingers at who they thought were to blame for so many stores in The City lacking proper measures to deal with a fire.
Co-owner of Wild Pair, Samuel Neblett, said some stores were like human ovens.
“This is something landlords and architects needed to get together with Government to work out. It may take a long time but it has to be done.
“Many stores in town have no fire measures at all; no fire extinguishers or back doors. It’s basically working in a human oven; you must feel uncomfortable,” he said.
A supervisor in $50 and Less on Tudor Street, who requested anonymity, said it was time for building owners to come together.
“They need to come together and make sure they follow safety codes as well as provide exits to buildings. Also, they should work with police in setting up surveillance cameras outside the stores in order to see what is happening on these streets. This would be a big help,” he said.
A manager at D&S Boutique, who also declined to reveal his identity, said it was less about doors and more about the criminal element, adding the Civil Service was also at fault.
“Most stores in town cannot put in a back door. The real question is, how can so many buildings be going up without such doors with the approval of Town and Country Planning and the fire chief?
“How much doors in the stores is not the real problem. Criminals are the problem. That store [Campus Trendz] had two doors [in the front] but the thieves were well organised and waited for one of them to be shut before attacking,” he said.
Even though reggae artiste Mark Twin Man Rollins does not own a store, he has observed changes in the buildings along Tudor Street.
“Around 1989-1990 these stores had problems with thieves coming in through the back and stealing their merchandise so they sealed off the back doors. They care more about clothes than life,” he said.
Rollins said while he understood businesses needed to protect their stock, a door and extra security was a small price to pay.
“These stores are making money, nothing sells like fashion. They can afford to build a back door and hire a guard,” he said.
Conversely, Edward “Eddy” Abed blamed no one. He instead appealed that a negative light was not placed on Bridgetown.
“Bridgetown is safe. What happened was a freak occurrence. We have the technology to combat fire in Barbados. Yes, we can improve but let us not assume town is unsafe, especially as we are a huge tourism destination,” he said.
The managing director of Abed’s said they had fire extinguishers and fire blankets “strategically located” in the store as well as an exit which led to the roof of the building, adding they were considering fire detectors.
“We were a part of Sheraton when they had the fire there, so fortunately we benefited from an intensive training programme and have implemented it in all our stores,” he said.
At Woolworth, managing director Martin Bryan said they had an emergency exit plan as well as numerous exits and fire extinguishers.
“We also have a fire hose on the top floor and a metal fire escape from the roof to the sidewalk,” he said.
Hugh Durant, manager of corporate communications at Cave Shepherd, said they had three main entrance/exit doors; fire extinguishers and hoses; smoke detectors and fire escapes.


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From laser tag to bowling, a whole lot of family fun is headed to Olathe.
At its meeting Tuesday evening, the Olathe City Council approved two special use permits that will bring a mega-entertainment center near Bass Pro Shop and expand another entertainment complex near Santa Fe and Interstate 35.
Dallas-based Main Event Entertainment is set to open in the Olathe Gateway shopping center on the south side of 119th Street and west of Kansas City Road.
The $15 to $16 million center, which is just shy of 50,000 square feet, will feature state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, billiards, more than 100 arcade games and a restaurant with a bar.
There are about 25 Main Event locations around the country, with the first area site to open in Independence later this year. Olathe will be the area’s second location.
Adam Smith, a representative for Main Event Entertainment, told the council that there are tentative plans for a third location to open in the area.
A promotional video he showed the council indicated the colorful indoor venue is a popular destination for family outings and date nights.
Council members expressed enthusiasm about the new entertainment center and because it is such a massive investment, they approved a 30-year special use permit, rather than a 15-year one as the Planning Commission had recommended.
Smith had asked the council to consider an indefinite special use permit for the site, but the council did not feel comfortable approving one for that amount of time.
Smith told The Star that construction on the new venue is expected to begin as soon as possible and if all goes well, he foresees the Olathe Main Event location opening up in 2016.
“We’re very excited to be in Olathe — we couldn’t have picked a better second location for the area,” Smith said. “It’s right off the highway, so it’s very visible, and having it next to Bass Pro is wonderful. Olathe is a very family-oriented community, which is important to us.”
Later in the meeting, the council approved a five-year special use permit for Advanced Laser Tag, which is located in the Olathe Landing shopping center at 2026 E. Santa Fe St.
The entertainment center, which features a two-story laser tag arena, video arcade and snack bar, opened in 2003. The new permit not only renews the special use for the existing business but will allow for a significant expansion.
The venue will expand its business into the vacant space to the east of the existing facility and renovate the current space, adding indoor attractions.
With the special use permit, the council reviewed stipulations that would allow the facility to open an outdoor go-kart track within the underutilized parking lot behind the building. It would be fenced and include a pavilion, repair building and fuel tank.
The council, however, chose not to approve those stipulations this week, because of concern about whether a go-kart track was appropriate for a shopping center and whether the activity would cause too much noise for residents living in nearby apartments.
City staff members promised the council they would look into their questions and come back with answers at a later date. Based on that information, the council then will decide whether to allow the go-karts.
Jason Behm, operator of Advanced Laser Tag, told the council the facility plans on using modern go-karts that are quieter than typical ones.
“I’m completely convinced we’ll be within the noise ordinance and there won’t be a problem at all,” he said.
He added that the go-kart track would be open seven to eight months per year, weather permitting. It would abide by the city’s noise ordinance, remaining open on weekdays until 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturdays until 11 p.m.
While most of the council was still uncomfortable with the idea and wanted more information, Behm did have a couple immediate supporters.
“I like the idea and I’m comfortable with the sound,” said Councilman Larry Campbell. “We have a noise ordinance and if they exceed that ordinance, they’ll have to stop. I think this is a good place for go-karts and I want that area to prosper.”
Behm told the council that the go-kart track is a key part of his expansion.
“I think this location in the city is unique and I want to help revitalize the area by bringing customers, which will bring revenue,” he said.
The council agreed the shopping center needs a breath of life, with the mayor urging Behm not to give up hope on the go-karts.
“My family is a customer of yours, we love the place,” Mayor Michael Copeland told him. “We (the governing body) just need more details to make sure we’re comfortable with it. We want you to go forth and be successful.”