Sands Regency On line casino in Downtown Reno Renamed J Resort
Posted on: March 8, 2023, 09:11h.
Final up to date on: March 8, 2023, 09:38h.
The Sands Regency on line casino lodge in downtown Reno is now often known as J Resort. The property’s rebranding comes almost six years after Jacobs Leisure acquired the then-deteriorating resort for simply $30 million.
Jeffrey Jacobs, the namesake of the gaming and hospitality agency based mostly in Golden, Colo., introduced an intensive growth of the realm surrounding Sands Regency quickly after his Jacobs Leisure acquired the on line casino in July 2017. Two years later, Jacobs revealed a greater than $1 billion blueprint to develop a mixed-use corridor called the Reno Neon Line District.
The residential and leisure district is to run roughly from Keystone Ave. between W. third and 4th streets east to West St. The progress of the downtown overhaul has been tremendously impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial issues.
Regardless of the Reno Neon Line undertaking interruption, Jacobs Leisure has upheld its pledge to renovate the Sands right into a first-class on line casino vacation spot.
Throughout a rebranding announcement ceremony on the on line casino on Tuesday, Jacobs introduced that the Sands is now formally often known as J Resort. The information wasn’t precisely stunning, as hypothesis concerning the brand new title has been circulating since a “J” letter went up just lately on the outside of the lodge.
“After 5 years of land assemblage, design, and development we’re happy as we speak to announce J Resort, Jacobs Leisure’s flagship property and Nevada’s first artwork and entertainment-themed resort property,” Jacobs stated, as reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal.
First Part Full
Jacobs revealed Tuesday that solely the primary of his firm’s anticipated three growth phases in Reno is prepared. The preliminary overhaul included renovating J Resort’s 750 guestrooms, reworking the on line casino flooring with new slots and desk video games, and including greater than 1,000 floor parking areas.
J Resort additionally now options two new eating places — Hannah’s Desk and J Paul’s Italian Steakhouse — and a nightclub known as the Afterglow Lounge. An exterior digital wall spanning 65 toes may also show digital artwork curated from artists world wide.
The preliminary overhaul, Jacobs Leisure officers stated, price about $300 million. The price range for the second part is $100 million and is to incorporate an growth of the gaming flooring, a rooftop swimming pool and spa, a sportsbook, and Asian-focused eateries.
A 3rd and last growth part is to incorporate a brand new lodge tower with 1,200 guestrooms, 100,000 sq. toes of conference area, and a dinner theater able to accommodating 400 company. No price range was offered for the third part.
Lights Go Down on Neon District
Jacobs has confronted a lot criticism domestically for purchasing up and demolishing price range motels and low-income housing items that surrounded his on line casino to make method for his Reno Neon Line District. Jacobs stated the blighted buildings have been deterring investments within the downtown space.
The present economic system, he provides, has stalled the progress of the Neon Line. However the firm is unapologetic for evicting residents from their former digs.
Jonathan Boulware, the regional vp for Jacobs Leisure, stated these tenants have been residing “in probably the most horrific circumstances.” Officers with the on line casino firm stated they helped these displaced discover new, superior housing. The agency stated about 95% of these displaced discovered new houses with help from the on line casino operator.
If that’s the definition of displacement, you then’re rattling proper we’ll be displacing individuals all evening lengthy,” stated Boulware. “We deal with individuals.”
Jacobs Leisure is willing to work with the City of Reno to develop a few of its now-vacant parcels of land after it demolished the previous seedy motels. However Jacobs has little curiosity in bankrolling the housing tasks himself.


Published June 06, 2020
It has been one week since George Floyd was murdered under the knee of a Minneapolis Police Officer in Minnesota; one week since Tony McDade was gunned down by law enforcement in Tallahassee, Florida; 12 weeks since Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by a police officer in her own home in Louisville, Kentucky. There are countless more Black men, women, and gender-nonconforming individuals who are murdered by police each year and do not make national news. Let us be clear - this is not new. 400 years of slavery, oppression, and violence have traumatized and murdered Black people in the United States of America. Since the beginning of our country, our political and social systems were built to promote the legacy of slavery by causing, and perpetuating, instability of Black communities, massive social, health and economic inequities, and violence against Black bodies. The violence we witness today is a direct consequence of the systems of racism and oppression designed by, and continually reinforced by, White people. Our history has brought us to this moment.
As the leadership of the Violence Prevention Institute (VPI), and violence prevention researchers at a majority-White university, we acknowledge our role in the long history of racism in academia, including the exclusion, silencing, and exploitation of Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous communities, and the larger systems that promote racism and violence in this country. Most of us are White women. We recognize the absolute need for us, along with all White people in this country, to continuously educate ourselves and be leaders in dismantling White supremacy. White supremacy includes lack of knowledge and lack of action. We must learn, and relearn, how to fight in solidarity with Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous communities for racial equity and justice. We must take leadership roles in actively dismantling our oppressive and violent systems, while we also partner with others to rebuild equitable ones. We commit, as leaders in violence prevention and as individuals of privilege, to do the work ourselves.
The VPI Leadership Team is developing action steps to promote a no tolerance stance on racism of any kind in any aspect of our work. We pledge to pursue an anti-racist agenda to create research and practice that is anti-racist, to continually advocate for anti-racist systems at all levels, and to contribute to the training of the next generations of anti-racist leaders in the field of violence prevention. Our actions steps include:
As we build our action plan and create an infrastructure for all faculty, students and staff working in violence prevention at Tulane to learn and engage in anti-racist work, we pledge transparency about both our progress and our challenges.
Black Lives Matter. We will continue to fight, and we we will continue to hold each other accountable in that fight.
The VPI Leadership Team
Stacy Drury, MD, PhD - Executive Director
Julia M. Fleckman, PhD, MPH - Associate Director
Samantha Francois, PhD - Executive Director
Katherine Schulze, MPH - Program Manager
Cathy A. Taylor, PhD, MPH, MSW - Outgoing Senior Director
Katherine P. Theall, PhD, MPH - Incoming Senior Director


- This event has passed.
Parade of Lights & Colorfest
November 30, 2019 @ 6:00 am - 7:00 pm MST
The Hometown Holidays Parade of Lights
marks the start of the Christmas season
for Trinidad and Las Animas County!
For 20 years, Trinidad’s Parade of Lights has been a tradition slated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, featuring festive, colorful and clever floats, cars and bicycles, jolly elves and other holiday characters, and of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Parade goers are also festooned with lights as part of the Colorfest! The event thrills hundreds of spectators as the parade passes this year from Linden , west on Main Street to Animas Street and north on Animas to Modica Street where they will disband.


Welcome back to canada
We are excited to announce that the BC Government has added Oxford International to the federal government’s list of British Columbia institutions approved by the Province to receive new international students with study permits, with our BC COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan having received approval.
This means that as of 20th October 2020, we will be able to once again welcome new international students to our Vancouver school in beautiful British Columbia, and we are proud and excited to be one of the first institutions to receive this approval in BC.
Our Toronto School
For our Toronto school, our Ontario COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan has been approved by the ministry, and so we hope to receive similar approval from Ontario shortly.
Government of Canada Announcement (2nd October 2020)
This provincial approval follows the announcement made by the Government of Canada, on Friday, 2nd October 2020, that international students will again be able to travel to Canada, starting October 20, 2020, if they are attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID 19 readiness plan in place. A list of all approved DLI’s, which includes Oxford International, will be available on the Government of Canada’s webpage shortly here.
Visa Application Processing
While this is exciting news, we are still waiting to hear further updates from the federal government as to how visa applications will now be processed, and when visa offices will open. As soon as we learn of any updates pertinent to students’ application process, we will let you know. Updates are due to be made on the following page of the Government of Canada’s website in the coming days, here.
Thank you to all our partners for your continued patience and cooperation during a testing six months for our industry, and we look forward to welcoming new students to Canada once again.
Marina Silva – Marketing and Sales Director – North America
Discover our Canadian Schools
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful and liveable cities in the world, Vancouver is ideal for students looking to combine city life with the great outdoors.


The Stirling-Rawdon Firefighters are conducting their annual Food Drive from 9am until 12 noon on Saturday April 8th. Please have your non-perishable food items to the curb by 9am. The firefighters will be collecting food donations in the Village of Stirling and in the Village of Springbrook.
Drop off locations are at Stirling-Rawdon Station 1, 2529 Stirling-Marmora Road and McKeown Motor Sales, 2589 Springbrook Road in Springbrook between 9am and noon.
All donations are being delivered to the Stirling Food Bank.


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・Test vehicle of the next generation eCanter unveiled for the first time
・Over 1 million km of driving tests to be completed by official product launch
・The next generation eCanter lineup will be expanded to meet various transportation needs
・MFTBC increases its EV investment in electrification with new EV-focused testing facilities
Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC; headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Karl Deppen), has unveiled test vehicles of its next generation eCanter for the first time at the company’s Kitsuregawa Proving Ground (Sakura City, Tochigi). After launching Japan’s first series-produced all-electric light-duty eCanter truck in 2017, MFTBC introduced an improved model with advanced safety features for the Japanese market in 2020. Currently, the company is proceeding with the development and testing stages of its next generation eCanter, in preparation for its upcoming launch. This mass production model will come with further upgrades in terms of range and safety features, and will be offered with an expanded lineup of variations that meet diverse transportation needs. The truck has being tested under severe conditions in both hot and cold climates, both domestically and abroad. Driving tests surpassing a total distance of over 1 million km will be completed by the official launch.
Since its initial launch in 2017, the eCanter has been supporting the logistics needs of various companies including those in the apparel industry, furniture sales, health care, newspaper distribution, as well as food and entertainment. So far, over 350 vehicles have been introduced in Japan, Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and have collectively covered a distance over 4.5 million km worldwide through daily operations. The eCanter has been contributing to the sustainability goals of businesses worldwide as economies around the globe transition toward CO2-neutrality.
MFTBC earlier announced plans to electrify all new models for the Japanese market by 2039 and accelerate its shift to CO2-neutrality. Following this commitment, the organization has increased its investment in EV development infrastructure. Since 2021, MFTBC has been installing high-voltage quick chargers, an EV workshop, as well as battery test benches used to disassemble and analyze lithium-ion batteries at the Kitsuregawa Proving Ground. The newly installed EV workshop is also equipped with a test bench to verify the external power supply functions of the eCanter in the event of a natural disaster. At Kitsuregawa, other existing facilities have also been developed to evaluate high-voltage EV components and verify the driving functions of electric trucks.
“We are proceeding with the development of electrified vehicles and further expanding our EV-dedicated infrastructure,” said Hironobu Ando, Vice President and Head of Product Engineering. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve CO2-neutrality in our commercial vehicles. Through this ambition, we hope to contribute to the sustainability of not only our customers’ businesses, but also that of society as a whole.”
Test vehicles of next generation eCanter unveiled at the Kitsuregawa Proving Ground
About the “eCanter”
The “eCanter” is the series-produced all-electric truck developed by MFTBC as a solution to urban environmental issues such as noise, exhaust gas and CO2 emissions. As the “eCanter” is locally emission-free with its electric motor and produces less noise and vibration compared to conventional diesel-powered vehicles, it is particularly suited to inner-city routes as well as operations during late night and early morning hours. The “eCanter”, which falls under the 7.5-ton gross vehicle weight class, ensures a range of about 100 kilometers per charge. The electric drive system carries a motor (maximum output: 135 kW; maximum torque: 390 Nm) and six high-voltage (370 V, 13.5 kWh) lithium-ion battery packs. With quick-charging stations, the vehicle only takes approximately 1.5 hours to fully recharge. Having already launched a new model with advanced safety features in August 2020, MFTBC is currently developing the next generation of the “eCanter” with further upgrades and a wider range of variations.
MFTBC at a Glance
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is one of Asia’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, with 89.29% of its shares owned by Daimler Truck AG and 10.71% by various Mitsubishi group companies. An icon in the Japanese commercial vehicle industry with a longstanding history of 90 years with its FUSO brand, MFTBC manufactures a range of commercial vehicles including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and buses, and industrial engines for over 170 markets worldwide. In 2017, MFTBC introduced the “eCanter”, the first all-electric light-duty truck in series-production and in 2019, the Super Great – Japan’s first heavy-duty truck fitted with Level 2 Automated Driving Support Technology, a benchmark in the Japanese commercial vehicle market. MFTBC operates under the umbrella of Daimler Truck Asia, together with its partner organization Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) in India. This strategic unit allows the entities to collaborate on areas such as product development, parts sourcing and production to provide the best value to customers.


Prosecutors claim that the owner of the bar told employees to take the man outside of the establishment and call 911 after the incident. According to the charges, no one ever called 911. Instead, the 20-year-old man was found outside the bar by someone passing by.
According to police, the owner of the bar allegedly tampered with the video surveillance system in the bar, but it wasn’t clear what the tampering involved or what kind of evidence may have been altered or lost. The owner has been charged with misleading an investigator and withholding evidence in regards to the May 23 incident. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on July 9.
When a fall that results in a brain injury is caused by the negligence of a property owner, there may be grounds for a civil suit. Business owners have the responsibility to take adequate safety precautions, including ensuring any areas of potential danger are clearly marked to protect their customers. In cases where a property owner is found negligent, the courts may award the victim compensation that can help pay for medical bills and rehabilitative treatment.
Source: The Washington Times, “DA: Boston bar owner covered up patron’s injury,” July 10, 2014


The Fifth Grade class at The Willow School in Gladstone, NJ participated in the 2014 Species on the Edge: Art and Essay Contest, sponsored by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. Students were asked to submit an essay and artwork on one of the 82 endangered or threatened wildlife species that live in the state. Over 2000 entries were received from across New Jersey.
Contest judges were impressed by the content and quality of the entries submitted by The Willow School fifth grade students. The committee was pleased to announce Lauren Radi, first place winner, and Evan Bravstein, runner-up, both from Somerset County.
First place winners were invited to attend an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 29th in Trenton.
In March, Willow’s seventh and eighth grade Latin students participated in the National Latin Exam, competing with over 153,000 students from all fifty states and 20 foreign countries. Both classes performed extremely well; 13 out of the 19 students who took the exam won prizes.
In the seventh grade, 4 students won purple ribbons for outstanding achievement; 3 students won achievement certificates; and every student scored at or above the national average.
In the eighth grade, 1 student won a silver medal maxima cum laude; 2 won magna cum laude; 3 won cum laude; and the class average exceeded the national average.
Congratulations to all the participants for their diligent and successful pursuit of excellence!


Big News: Stamp duty for new homes reduced by 50 per cent
Following the handing down of the 2020 Victorian State Budget on Tuesday, we’re celebrating the news that stamp duty will be cut by up to 50 per cent for residential property transaction up to $1M.
This is great news for Victorian real estate and was announced by the Andrews Government in direct response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full 50 per cent discount will only apply to newly built homes valued up to $1 million and will be in place until the end of June 2021.
In more good news, those buying existing homes will receive a 25 per cent discount on stamp duty, up to the same value for the same period.
The news is also good for regional areas in particular, with the government announcing a 50% stamp duty concession on the purchase of commercial and industrial properties from January 2021.
Here at CLK we have no doubt this announcement will support regional businesses to re-open, relocate or expand with confidence in the coming months.
CLK Co Director Troy O’Brien welcomed the news, saying it will foster an appetite for buyers, builders and developers to invest in new housing and commercial/industrial building projects.
Troy explained the benefits of the budget announcements for the real estate industry were two-fold.
“Firstly, the 50% reduction in stamp duty for regional commercial and industrial buildings will provide a boost for developers keen to invest in the regions,” Troy said.
“Secondly, the 50% reduction for new residential builds and 25% on existing properties will provide instant financial relief for buyers and a much-needed boost in confidence for those keen to enter the real estate market,” he said.
When handing down the budget Treasurer Tim Pallas said these discounts were aimed at enticing people back into the property market.
Property took a major hit during the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly during the second wave, from mid-July through until early November when restrictions were finally eased. Post lockdown, the state government has predicted an 11 per cent peak-to-trough fall in house prices, forecasting the lowest point for June next year. On a positive note, the government has predicted a full recovery of the market, to pre COVID numbers, by 2022-23.
The government is also hoping these measures will add an extra 5000 homes for renters and provide greater choice and diversity of housing options for renters and support Victoria’s economic recovery as we all adjust to the ‘new COVID normal’.
Victorian budget papers revealed a drop of 25.9 per cent in stamp duty revenue to $4.6 billion in the 2020-21 financial year – a massive fall from the previously estimated $7.1 billion in revenue.
The papers also stated that land transfer [stamp] duty is expected to recover from 2021-2022 and grow by an average of 15.4 per cent a year, over the forward estimates, but is not expected to reach the 2018-2019 level until 2022-23.
The Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build emergency tax relief will apply to contracts entered into from Wednesday November 25 up until June 30, 2021.
Source: First National Real Estate and Domain.com


We are delighted to announce the inaugural Harris Cup, taking place this year in the K Club. This is a new Ireland-China amateur golf tournament in the mould of the Ryder Cup which will promote the burgeoning links between the two countries. The tournament will take place annually, alternating between the K Club and leading Chinese courses, with a corresponding Ladies Tournament launching in 2019. Leading amateur golfers from Ireland and China will contend for the Harris Cup over three days of Four Balls, Foursomes, and Singles matches from the 8th to 10th of September.
The objective of this tournament is:
To build on the current momentum of Sino-Irish friendship
To further enhance the growth of Sino-Irish business, culture and tourism activities
To ensure a strong Irish contribution in welcoming the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year
To promote and leverage the launch of direct flights between China and Ireland
The Harris Cup is named in honour of Robert ‘Pino’ Harris, one of Ireland’s leading importers of Chinese vehicles.
The tournament is hosted by Red Shamrock Event Ltd. and endorsed by Fáilte Ireland.


The Queen’s Cup, is the oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the UK, dating back to 1719 and entrusted to the Royal Aero Club by the Royal Family.
In October 2023, The Queen’s Cup will be a hot air balloon race for the first time in 10 years, attracting entries from some of the most adventurous and characterful pilots and crew in the country.
We’re excited to have several sponsors and partners supporting us and the teams for this event. We will announce them all in due course.
The main sponsor for the Queen’s Cup 2023 is Audi.
The theme of this year’s event is sustainability, so in addition to sponsoring the event, Audi are providing a fleet of Audi Q8 e-trons for a selection of the competitors and they are entering the Audi eco-balloon into the competition.
Gavin Ward, Head of PR & Communications of Audi UK, says: “The Audi philosophy is to continuously push boundaries and our support for The Queen’s Cup certainly takes us to new heights. The race will showcase extraordinary skill, sustainable innovations and progress. It’s guaranteed to be a rare and thrilling spectacle”.
The Race Rules
The competition will be a distance race with a set starting location on the Saturday morning, going over the whole weekend and finishing Sunday afternoon. The specifics on the rules of how the distance will be accumulated by each pilot/team will be determined closer to the event, based on wind speed/direction.
We will announce the start location closer to the event, but it will be in the Cheltenham area.
The Queen’s Cup is open to all pilots who are members of the BBAC, however only a British citizen can be awarded the Queen’s Cup.
Balloons of any volume up to 120,000 cubic feet can be entered.
Entries will open on 1st January 2023 and close 21st September 2023. There will be a limit on the number of balloons that can compete, but we will keep entries open and entries over the limit will be put on a reserve list. We therefore advise entering as early as possible.
The entry fee will be £100 for entries up to the 31st March, from 1st April to 31st July it will be £150 and from 1st August to the closing date it will be £300.
Full rules of the competition will be available to view and can be downloaded from the BBAC Member’s site:
Entries have now closed.
The Great British Balloon Launch
Running in conjunction with The Queen’s Cup, the BBAC is inviting all UK pilots to launch from their home area at the same time as the start of the Race, whether that be alone or together with friends.
The Great British Balloon Launch will see a cumulative mass ascent of hot air balloons representing the sport across the UK and draw attention to the start of The Queen’s Cup Balloon Race.


In a groundbreaking study published on February 19th in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), researchers unveiled a remarkable revelation: women gain greater health benefits from exercise in nearly half the time compared to men. Not only do women receive superior benefits, but they also experience a lower risk of premature death for the same volume of exercise.
The study, led by Hongwei Ji, MD, and his team, conducted a comprehensive analysis of 412,413 U.S. adults over a span of 22 years. The participants, with a mean age of 43.9 years, reported their physical activity levels from 1997 to 2019 through the National Health Interview Survey. The findings shed light on the profound impact of exercise on longevity and overall health, particularly for women.
Key findings from the study include:
1. Accelerated Benefits for Women: Women engaging in aerobic exercise were found to be 24% less likely to die from any cause and 36% less likely to die from cardiovascular events compared to their male counterparts.
2. Reduced Risk of Premature Death: Women required only 140 minutes of moderate weekly exercise to achieve an 18% reduced risk of premature death, whereas men needed 300 minutes. Similarly, with just 57 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, women gained a 19% reduced risk of premature death, whereas men required 110 minutes.
3. Strength Training Benefits: Weekly strength training significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death by 19% for women and 11% for men. Moreover, cardiovascular-related death risk decreased by 30% in women and 11% in men.
The study also highlighted a concerning disparity in exercise participation between genders. While 43% of men engaged in weekly exercise and 28% in strength training, only 33% of women engaged in weekly exercise and 20% in strength training. This imbalance underscores the importance of reshaping exercise recommendations and encouraging more women to prioritize physical activity.
In an accompanying editorial comment, Wael A. Jaber, MD, FACC, and Erika Hutt, MD, emphasized the significance of these findings in influencing sex-specific exercise guidelines. They noted that the study’s outcomes could motivate physically inactive women to embrace leisure-time physical activity, thus breaking down barriers to exercise.
Dr. Susan Cheng, senior author of the study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, emphasized the accessibility of exercise benefits for women. She highlighted that even a modest amount of regular exercise, such as 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise a few times each week, can yield substantial health gains.
As we absorb the implications of this groundbreaking research, it’s clear that exercise holds the key to unlocking a healthier, longer life—particularly for women. Let’s harness the power of physical activity to empower individuals of all genders to prioritize their health and well-being.


This year's Gay and Lesbian Fair is to be held from 10am on Saturday 16 March, at the usual venue of Newtown School, Wellington. Following her successful performance last year, Daphne has been invited back to play again, and will be appearing around 11am. The entertainment is a major contribution to the wonderful atmosphere of the fair, which attracts people of all ages and orientations (even *gasp* heterosexuals). A rare opporunity to catch Daphne live for free. Random Static will also have a stall at the fair, where you can buy the albums.
[Home] [About] [Discography] [Appearances] [Purchase] [Contact]


Green Car Congress: “Ceramic pump moves molten metal at a record 1,400 ˚C; new avenues for energy storage and hydrogen production”October 12, 2017 | by Green Car Congress
A ceramic-based mechanical pump able to operate at record temperatures of more than 1,400 ˚C (1,673 K) can transfer high-temperature liquids such as molten tin, enabling a new generation of energy conversion and storage systems. The pump was developed by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology, with collaborators from Purdue University and Stanford University. The research was supported by the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) and reported in the journal Nature.
Read more here:


Driving Back to Normal …
I am writing this year’s letter from the passenger seat heading down I-95 to Orlando FL.
This is the third time I wasn’t able to write my annual letter at the beginning of the new year. The pandemic rendered any projections made in January of the past two years moot because:
- In March 2020, pandemic mandated shutdowns of business and lockdowns of Americans started in the Northeast and worked their way across the US, throwing everyone’s plans for the year out the window.
- Vaccinations started in Dec 2020 and gave hope that 2021 would start the return to normal only to be hit with the Delta variant.
- And now in 2022, we are seeing in-person conferences retuning and other signs that this third year might be the charm in returning to business the way it was in 2019.
Hence the reason for the road trip to Orlando – it’s our first in-person MSPWorld in two years – and our attempt to return to normal!
For the details of what we saw and learned at MSPW, please see our recent blog on the conference.
MSPWorld confirmed several trends we have noticed in our own MSP community:
- Major focus on Network Security and Information Risk Management – Ransomware attacks cost insurance companies a lot of money, so they are now basing their premiums for cybersecurity insurance on the protections each company has in place to protect against cyber attacks.
- States are passing new laws to regulate MSPs – Two of the largest security breaches involved Kaseya (used by many MSPs) and SolarWinds (sold and managed by MSPs). The negative publicity from these breaches is resulting in additional regulations for MSPs in the coming years.
- MSPs, for the most part, continued to grow their revenues over the past two years — and they started off this year with full pipelines of closed and near-term opportunities.
The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said: “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” When it comes to MSPs, it turns out that he was right.
The pandemic did not kill the MSP business model – it made it stronger because of how MSPs helped keep America’s small businesses with over 40 million employees running during the pandemic – no matter if the businesses were shutdown and the employees and customers were forced to work from home. MSPs saved many small businesses because they were there to create new home/workspaces that allowed their employees to be productive and continue serving their customers.
On our drive back home to NJ (1,093 miles) we thought about how much of MSPWorld felt normal – manning the booth, attending keynote and breakout presentations, cocktail receptions in the exhibit area, etc. – just like in 2019. Hopefully, these are all signs that the pandemic is in our rear-view mirror.
As for the rest of 2022, if the first quarter is any indication, this year will be better than the last two.
If now is the time for your MSP to consider adding D3UC’s white label UCaaS solution to your portfolio of services, please reach out to me at 973-333-3322 or firstname.lastname@example.org and we will set up a demo to show you everything we have created exclusively for MSPs to help them grow their revenues and business.
Warm Regards and best wishes for a normal 2022!


Zynga has bought OMGPOP, the developer of the world-wide smash hit pictionary game Draw Something. According to trustworthy sources the deal was made for roughly $210 million making the game one of the most successful of its kind.
Of the 210 million 180 million is paid for the actual purchase of OMGPOP and 30 million for the preservation of the 40+ members of the development studio.
Something Draw, a pictionary-based game for mobile platforms is currently one of the most popular games to have ever hit the market. The game has been downloaded approximately 50 million times and is available both in the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch and on the Google Play network for all other Android devices. Reportedly the makers currently earn about $250,000 per day with Draw Something. The 250K is a net amount since the 30% cut that needs to be paid to Apple has already be deducted.
OMGPOP and Zynga
The New York-based OMGPOP studios first made its entrance into the market in 2006 and has made several games for mobile platforms, including Facebook. The studio could not manage to launch a successful game up until Draw Something became a world-wide hit.
Zynga is the largest contributor for Facebook games including games to the likes of Farmville, CityVille and Words With Friends. That last game Zynga has acquired was through acquisition of the Newtoy developers. Before acquiring OMGPOP the company had reportedly paid $53 million two years ago for Newtoy studios.


The Rise of Advanced Privacy Cryptocurrencies
In recent years, the world of cryptocurrencies has witnessed a significant shift towards privacy and security-focused digital assets. With growing concerns about surveillance, data breaches, and the erosion of personal privacy, users are increasingly seeking ways to protect their financial transactions and shield their identities from prying eyes. This article will delve into the rise of advanced privacy cryptocurrencies, with a particular focus on the likes of Monero and Zcash, and analyze their ability to meet users' ever-growing demand for financial privacy.
Monero, often referred to as the "untraceable cryptocurrency," has gained substantial traction in the crypto community due to its strong emphasis on privacy. Built on the principles of anonymity and unlinkability, Monero utilizes a combination of ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions to obfuscate transactional details. By employing ring signatures, Monero ensures that the true sender of a transaction remains indistinguishable among a set of possible signers. This feature makes it exceedingly difficult for outside observers to trace the flow of funds within the Monero network.
Moreover, Monero's use of stealth addresses adds another layer of privacy by enabling the recipient to generate a unique one-time address for each transaction. This prevents the public association of addresses with specific individuals or entities, further safeguarding the privacy of both the sender and receiver. Additionally, Monero's confidential transactions conceal the transaction amount, making it nearly impossible for external parties to discern the precise value being transferred.
Similarly, Zcash has emerged as a prominent contender in the realm of privacy cryptocurrencies. Zcash employs a cutting-edge technology called zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge), which allows users to prove possession of certain information without revealing the information itself. This cryptographic technique enables Zcash users to shield their transactional data while still ensuring the validity of the transaction. By utilizing zk-SNARKs, Zcash strikes a delicate balance between privacy and transparency, offering users the option to shield their transactions selectively.
Unlike Monero, Zcash provides users with a choice between transparent and shielded transactions. Transparent transactions operate similarly to Bitcoin transactions, where the sender, receiver, and transaction amount are visible on the blockchain. On the other hand, shielded transactions leverage zk-SNARKs to obfuscate these details, providing a higher level of privacy. This flexibility caters to users with diverse privacy preferences, making Zcash an attractive option for those seeking customizable privacy features.
While Monero and Zcash have made significant strides in enhancing financial privacy within the cryptocurrency space, they are not without their limitations. One concern often raised is the potential misuse of these privacy coins for illicit activities, such as money laundering or funding criminal enterprises. Critics argue that the anonymity provided by these cryptocurrencies can facilitate illicit transactions, making it arduous for law enforcement agencies to track and investigate criminal activities.
Another challenge faced by privacy cryptocurrencies is regulatory scrutiny. As governments and regulatory bodies worldwide grapple with the regulation of cryptocurrencies, privacy coins often find themselves under increased scrutiny. Some jurisdictions have even gone as far as banning or restricting the use of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies due to concerns over their potential misuse.
Nevertheless, the demand for privacy-centric cryptocurrencies continues to grow, fueled by a desire for financial autonomy and personal privacy in an increasingly interconnected digital world. As users become more aware of the importance of safeguarding their financial information, the appeal of privacy coins is likely to persist. It is crucial for developers and proponents of these cryptocurrencies to strike a delicate balance between privacy and regulatory compliance, working towards ensuring the legitimacy and long-term viability of privacy-focused digital assets.
In conclusion, the rise of advanced privacy cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Zcash reflects a growing demand for financial privacy in the digital age. These cryptocurrencies employ innovative technologies and cryptographic techniques to enhance the anonymity and security of financial transactions. While they face challenges in terms of potential misuse and regulatory scrutiny, the appeal of privacy coins remains strong. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, striking a balance between privacy and compliance will be paramount to the success and widespread adoption of privacy-focused digital assets.
Questions to consider:
1. How do Monero and Zcash ensure the privacy of financial transactions?
2. What is the significance of zk-SNARKs in Zcash's privacy features?
3. What challenges do privacy cryptocurrencies face in terms of regulatory scrutiny?
4. Why is there a growing demand for privacy-centric cryptocurrencies?
5. What measures can developers and proponents of privacy coins take to ensure compliance and long-term viability?
Certainly! Here's some additional information to further explore the topic.
1. Monero's Privacy Features:
Monero employs several privacy features to ensure the confidentiality of financial transactions. One of the key technologies it utilizes is ring signatures. Ring signatures mix the sender's transaction with other inputs, making it challenging to determine the true originator of the transaction. This feature helps obfuscate the link between the sender and the recipient, enhancing privacy.
In addition to ring signatures, Monero incorporates stealth addresses. When a user initiates a transaction, a unique one-time address is generated for the recipient. This ensures that the recipient's public address is not directly exposed on the blockchain, making it difficult to associate the address with a specific individual or entity.
Confidential transactions are another privacy measure employed by Monero. These transactions hide the transaction amount by utilizing cryptographic techniques such as Pedersen commitments and range proofs. This ensures that the value being transferred remains concealed from prying eyes.
2. The Significance of zk-SNARKs in Zcash:
Zcash's privacy features are made possible by a technology called zk-SNARKs. These zero-knowledge proofs allow users to prove the validity of a transaction without revealing any sensitive information. In the context of Zcash, zk-SNARKs enable users to demonstrate ownership of the funds and the transaction's validity without disclosing the sender, recipient, or transaction amount.
This cryptographic technique provides a high level of privacy, as transactional details remain shielded while still allowing for verification. By utilizing zk-SNARKs, Zcash achieves a balance between privacy and transparency, offering users the ability to choose between shielded and transparent transactions based on their privacy preferences.
3. Challenges in Terms of Regulatory Scrutiny:
Privacy cryptocurrencies face challenges when it comes to regulatory scrutiny, primarily due to concerns surrounding their potential misuse for illicit activities. The anonymity and privacy features of these cryptocurrencies can make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace and investigate criminal transactions. Consequently, some jurisdictions have expressed concerns and implemented regulations to restrict or ban privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.
Regulatory authorities are actively working on establishing frameworks to address these concerns and strike a balance between privacy and compliance. Implementing know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) measures for exchanges and ensuring transparent transaction reporting are some approaches being explored to mitigate the risks associated with privacy coins.
4. Growing Demand for Privacy-Centric Cryptocurrencies:
The growing demand for privacy-centric cryptocurrencies can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, individuals value their financial privacy in an era where personal data is increasingly vulnerable to breaches and surveillance. Privacy coins provide a means to transact securely, shield identities, and protect sensitive financial information from prying eyes.
Moreover, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies offer an alternative to traditional financial systems that are often subject to centralized control, censorship, and data harvesting. Cryptocurrency users who prioritize financial autonomy and decentralization are drawn to privacy coins as a way to regain control over their monetary transactions.
5. Ensuring Compliance and Long-Term Viability:
To ensure compliance and long-term viability, developers and proponents of privacy coins can take several measures. Collaboration with regulatory authorities and policymakers can help establish guidelines and standards that strike a balance between privacy and regulatory requirements. By actively participating in discussions and addressing concerns, privacy coin projects can demonstrate their commitment to responsible use and compliance.
Additionally, promoting education and awareness about the legitimate use cases of privacy coins can help dispel misconceptions surrounding their potential misuse. Emphasizing the importance of responsible financial privacy and highlighting the benefits of privacy coins in protecting individuals' rights can foster a more favorable regulatory environment.
Furthermore, implementing self-regulatory measures within the privacy coin ecosystem, such as enhanced KYC and AML protocols, can help address concerns related to illicit activities. By proactively addressing these issues, privacy coins can enhance trust and credibility, ensuring their long-term viability in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
Overall, the rise of advanced privacy cryptocurrencies reflects a growing demand for financial privacy and autonomy. While they face challenges in terms of regulatory scrutiny, privacy coins continue to evolve, striking a balance between privacy-enhancing features and compliance measures. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem matures, finding common ground between privacy, transparency, and regulatory requirements will be crucial for the widespread adoption and acceptance of privacy-centric digital assets.
Certainly! Here are some additional details on the topic:
1. Monero's Privacy Enhancements:
Monero continually seeks to improve its privacy features to ensure robust financial privacy. One notable upgrade is the implementation of Bulletproofs. Bulletproofs are a cryptographic technique that reduces the size of confidential transactions, making them more efficient and cost-effective. By reducing the transaction size, Bulletproofs enhance privacy while also improving scalability on the Monero network.
Another significant development is Triptych, a ring signature construction introduced in Monero. Triptych improves the efficiency and privacy of Monero's ring signatures, further enhancing the anonymity of transactions. This technology allows for smaller ring sizes, making it more challenging to trace the true sender among the potential signers.
2. Zcash's Shielded Pools:
Zcash has introduced the concept of shielded pools, which enable users to combine their transactions with those of others in a cryptographic pool. This technique enhances privacy by obfuscating the transactional details and making it more challenging to link individual transactions to specific users. Shielded pools aim to increase privacy for Zcash users by providing a greater level of anonymity in transactional data.
Additionally, Zcash has been working on a project called Halo 2, which aims to eliminate the need for a trusted setup in the zk-SNARKs protocol. Trusted setups have been a point of contention in cryptographic systems, as they require participants to generate initial parameters, potentially raising concerns about the security and privacy of the system. By removing the trusted setup requirement, Zcash aims to enhance the trustworthiness and long-term viability of its privacy features.
3. Regulatory Landscape and Privacy Coins:
The regulatory landscape for privacy coins remains complex and varies across different jurisdictions. Some countries have taken a more proactive approach in regulating privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, while others have imposed restrictions or outright bans.
To address regulatory concerns, certain privacy coin projects have embraced transparency initiatives. For example, the Zcash Foundation has collaborated with various regulatory bodies to establish frameworks for compliance, transparency reporting, and protecting against illicit use. Such proactive engagement can help foster a constructive dialogue between privacy coin projects and regulatory authorities, bridging the gap between privacy-enhancing features and regulatory requirements.
4. Evolving Privacy Coin Ecosystem:
Privacy coins are not limited to Monero and Zcash alone. Several other cryptocurrencies and projects have emerged with a focus on privacy and security. For instance, projects like Grin and Beam employ Mimblewimble, a privacy-oriented protocol that allows for confidential transactions and improved scalability.
Furthermore, the development of cross-chain privacy protocols aims to provide privacy features across multiple blockchain networks. These protocols facilitate secure and private transactions between different cryptocurrencies, expanding the options available for users seeking privacy-enhanced transactions.
5. Balancing Privacy and Financial Transparency:
The discourse around privacy-focused cryptocurrencies often involves debates about the balance between privacy and financial transparency. While privacy coins offer enhanced privacy features, they also attract concerns related to anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).
To address these concerns, some privacy coin projects have implemented compliance measures, such as integrating AML and KYC protocols within exchanges or providing optional transparency features. These measures aim to strike a balance between privacy and regulatory compliance, ensuring that privacy coins can coexist within the broader financial ecosystem while adhering to necessary legal requirements.
Overall, the evolution of advanced privacy cryptocurrencies like Monero and Zcash demonstrates the ongoing efforts to enhance financial privacy in the digital realm. Through technological advancements, collaborations with regulatory bodies, and proactive engagement with compliance measures, privacy coin projects aim to navigate the complex landscape of privacy, security, and regulatory requirements. As the demand for financial privacy persists, the development of privacy-enhancing technologies and the establishment of responsible practices will continue to shape the future of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.


En español | WASHINGTON— AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement in response to reports that the U.S. Senate is ready to advance a reconciliation bill that would allow for Medicare negotiation of prescription drug prices:
“AARP is pleased that the Senate is ready to take action on a reconciliation package that includes allowing Medicare to be able to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs. This is monumental and years in the making. For far too long, America’s seniors have been paying the highest prices in the world for their medications. As the Senate takes the next step toward making drugs more affordable, AARP will continue to voice the support of our 38 million members and all older Americans for action to lower prices, including allowing Medicare negotiation.
“Lowering prescription drug prices is the number one health issue Americans want Congress to tackle this year, and with this announcement, they are even closer to making that a reality. Our members are watching and they are counting on their senators to act.
“AARP has called for lower drug prices for years and this legislation for the first time would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, put a cap on out-of-pocket costs that seniors pay for their prescription drugs each year and impose penalties on drug companies that raise prices faster than the rate of inflation.”
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.


Alzheimer’s Association Lebanon was founded in 2003 as a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the quality of life for people with dementia and their caretakers and with the primary objective of raising public awareness throughout Lebanon and the Middle East.
More about the association
21 September 2015
On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer’s Association Lebanon held a conference on “The Behavioral and Psychological Problems of Dementia Patients” under ...
World Alzheimer’s Day
21 September 2015
On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer’s Association Lebanon held a conference on “The Behavioral and Psychological Problems of Dementia Patients” under the patronage of the Minister of Health, Mr. Wael Abou Faour on Monday 21st of September 2015 at Monroe Hotel.
Sponsored by SANDOZ Pharmaceuticals , the conference commenced with the Lebanese National Anthem followed by a welcome word from Dr. Nabil Naja, AAL’s President, shedding light on the work that the association has achieved during 12 years, stressing on its important role in helping families coping with the changes and offering a better quality of life for the Alzheimer’s patients.
Then Dr. Helou , the minister’s representative and Dr. Radi, WHO representative each expressed their full support to the association’s work and cited its important role in spreading awareness.
Four doctors specialized in the Alzheimer’s field were leading the panel: Dr. Naji Riachi, Dr. Elie Estephan, Dr. Georges Karam and Dr. Mona Kraeim.
They presented a case study tackling the following issues:
- Agitation / Aggression
- Going home
- Insomnia / Sleeping problems
- Eating problems
Then the Drs. proposed practical solutions for these common problems that every caregiver can face.
Not the mention that these behavioral problems affect negatively the whole family and main reason for discussing these problems is to ease the burdens on families that have an Alzheimer’s case.
This conference is part of the core work of the association, aiming to help in improving the quality of life for the patients and their families.
The conference was followed by a fruitful Q/A session.
Alzheimer's Disease is literally killing us, and the only way to fight this 'crime' is through a groundswell of people who continue to raise their voices and funds to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Tess Gerritsen
More Quotes on Alzheimer
Princess Yasmin Agha Khan
Bringing the World Intelligent Awareness
Title: AlzIRONPhoto Gallery


The Thames Valley Venus Award’s finalists will find out if they have won one of these coveted awards at the award ceremony being held at Madejski Stadium. Wise Owls would like to congratulate all the finalists on their incredible achievements.
As Venus Awards Ambassador Wise Owl’s founder Cindy Cameron is proud to be part of this new venture. Her aim is to go forth and spread the word about what makes the Venus Awards incredible and how it’s so very important to recognise people when it’s truly deserved. Cindy shares her thoughts about what it means to be a part of the Awards in the Thames Valley:
“I am truly flattered to be an Ambassador for the most successful women’s Awards organisation in the south of England. Tara Howard, its Founder, has such energy and tenacity, she oozes passion for what she believes in and the women she’s supported and given the platform to so they can embrace their talents. It’s a no brainer that I want to share my skills in connecting people and engaging at the right level, to duplicate these Awards in the Thames Valley.”


VIRTUOSO® RECOGNIZES MARLENE SINGER OF LAKE SHORE TRAVEL FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN ADVISING WITH 2018 MOST ADMIRED ADVISOR – UNITED STATES AWARD
Global luxury travel network Virtuoso® congratulates Marlene Singer of Lake Shore Travel in Glencoe, Illinois as the winner of this year’s sought-after Most Admired Advisor – United States at the 30th annual Virtuoso Travel Week. Singer received the award during the Virtuoso Awards Night at Bellagio in Las Vegas. The accolade is especially noteworthy as only a fraction of the network’s 17,500 advisors and 1,000-plus agency members are honored at Virtuoso Travel Week.
“Marlene’s achievements, including exceptional innovation, thorough knowledge and superior service, have helped Virtuoso become the industry-leading network it is today,” said David Kolner, senior vice president, Global Member Partnerships at Virtuoso. “This network is respected for the high caliber of its members, and the close relationships they enjoy with our partners. As one of our exclusive award winners, Singer is enhancing Virtuoso’s reputation as a trailblazer in the luxury travel industry, providing the network with a competitive edge in serving savvy global travelers.”


The Religious Right's Unlikely Union with the Alt-Right, and How It is Changing American Politics
The 2016 election brought large numbers of white Evangelicals (81%) to the polls to vote for Donald Trump, whose questionable conservative credentials and behavior in direct defiance of “family values” make him a seemingly unlikely choice for the religious right. Yet certain underlying fears and grievances have recently united the alt-right and the religious right, giving birth to the powerful Alt-Bloc, an increasingly formidable political force for the Republican Party that will most likely outlive the Trump presidency, and has already made headway in its attack on civil rights, democratic institutions, and a free press.
In her first book, reporter Sarah Posner examines the apparent unification of two formerly distinct voting blocs, Trump’s role as a catalyst in bringing these two movements together, and what exactly this new orientation will mean for the Republican Party in the wake of Trump’s presidency. In the lead-up to a truly pivotal election, Posner brings forth a probing look into the values, anxieties and ideologies shaping the course of Republican politics.


In a momentous event at the 3rd All India Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, former Lok Sabha Popular Karyaksamrat Sansad Ratna, Dr. Sunil Baliram Gaikwad, unveiled his latest scholarly masterpiece titled “Rajbhasha Kise Kehte Hai.” This insightful guidebook promises to be a game-changer for Central Government offices seeking clarity on official language protocols.
Dr. Gaikwad’s book is a product of his extensive experience serving on the Official Language Committee of the Government of India from 2014 to 2019. With meticulous attention to detail, the book deciphers the intricacies of “Rajbhasha” and provides a comprehensive overview of relevant laws and regulations embedded within the Indian Constitution.
The publication launch, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra, Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Shri Harivansh Ji, Union Minister of State for Health Bharti Pawar, and Rajbhasha Committee Vice Chairman Bharathari Mahantab, garnered widespread acclaim.
The book, now available as an ebook on Google Play Books, serves as a vital resource for understanding the essence of “Rajbhasha” and delves into the constitutional aspects that govern its usage in government offices. Minister Ajay Mishra congratulated Dr. Gaikwad on his remarkable contribution to promoting Hindi as an official language and extended his best wishes.
Thousands of attendees, including government officials from various states across India, participated in this momentous event, emphasizing the significance of the Hindi language in the country’s administrative landscape.
This launch also witnessed the presence of Pune Maval MP Srirangappa Barne, Brijesh Kuntal from Sangh Parivar, Home Ministry Official Language Department Deputy Director Abhilasha Mishra, and Scientist Pandey, among other distinguished guests.
Dr. Sunil Baliram Gaikwad’s “Rajbhasha Kise Kehte Hai” is set to become an essential reference for anyone navigating the nuances of Rajbhasha within the Indian government. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this invaluable resource now available on Google Play Books.


Mark Scotch, living kidney donor, 67, is once again hitting “The Organ Trail” ---- cycling his way to promote kidney health, living donor awareness, and post-donation functionality ---- this time with a marathon 1,500-mile bike ride.
Scotch’s fifth Organ Trail began Thursday, March 9th, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas, on World Kidney Day.
From there, he traveled to Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Galveston, Texas, before proceeding to New Orleans arriving in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on approximately April 11th.
Mark’s wife Lynn joined Mark by becoming a living kidney donor herself on Jan. 10th, 2023.
“The Organ Trail is all about generating awareness of the need for kidney donors, especially living kidney donors, but it’s also about showing people that even with one kidney, you can still lead a life full of activities, even if those activities are sustained and vigorous,” said Scotch.
About The Organ Trail
Scotch’s story began in early 2020 when he met Hugh Smith, 56, a former professional horse jockey, at Cane River Brewing in Smith’s hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Scotch learned that during his days as a jockey, Smith suffered frequent injuries. To combat the pain, he took ibuprofen for an extended period of time. This damaged his kidneys, sending him into severe renal failure in 2019 and requiring him to have daily dialysis. This also put him alongside nearly 100,000 Americans waiting for a life-saving kidney.
Just the day before, the two men had been strangers. That day, Scotch knew what he wanted to do: give one of his kidneys to Smith.
Although Scotch’s kidney wasn’t a direct match for Smith, he still wanted to donate a kidney to someone who needed one. Through the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program, he became a “voucher donor” where he would be matched with a recipient somewhere in the country. Once the kidney donation was complete, Scotch could also name Smith as the person he wanted to benefit, which would give the former jockey higher priority on the National Kidney Registry transplant list.
In September 2020, Scotch was matched with a compatible individual in New York and successfully donated his kidney, and in early 2021, Smith received his needed kidney from a donor in California. Hugh’s doctors are pleased with his recovery, and he has returned to work.
“The voucher system allowed me to do everything at my local hospital in Madison, Wisconsin while Hugh went to his local hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, and gave Hugh higher priority on the transplant list,” said Scotch.
To increase kidney disease and living donor awareness, celebrate Smith, and prove that donors can return to their previous level of activity and function on a single kidney, even if that activity is sustained and vigorous, Scotch put his cycling skills to use. In early 2021, he completed his first Organ Trail, cycling 1,500 miles from Madison, where he donated his kidney, to Natchitoches, where Smith and he first met.
With 3,000 new patients added monthly to the kidney waiting list, and 13 people dying every day because of a shortage of kidneys, the cyclist-turned-kidney donor plans to continue raising awareness about living kidney donation through The Organ Trail.


FANUC supports SUPSI to optimise teamwork between human and machine
Robot manufacturer FANUC is supporting the development of an empathetic robot for use in industrial tasks. The EU‐funded research project "Fluently", led by Roboverse Reply, aims to create a robot platform that enables true social collaboration between humans and machines. The objective of the three-year project is to develop an advanced AI‐based wearable device for operators and robots, as well as a dedicated training centre called 'The Fluently RoboGym', where factory workers and robots will train smooth interaction in industrial processes.
A total of 22 partners from science and industry are involved in the project, which is supported by Horizon Europe, the EU's most important funding programme for research and innovation. The Automation, Robots and Machine Laboratory within the Swiss University of Applied Sciences ﴾SUPSI﴿ is responsible for the technical coordination. In addition to researchers from SUPSI, the project involves scientists from several internationally leading institutions like the Politecnico di Torino in Italy and Waseda University in Japan.
"Workers are often exposed to high cognitive or physical loads," explains Professor Anna Valente, head of SUPSI's Laboratory of Automation, Robotics and Machines and a member of the Swiss Science Council. "When a human works closely with a robot, it is important that the robot recognises the human's feelings and responds accordingly, by adjusting its dynamics, for example."
Good teamwork between humans and machines is especially important in modern smart factories, where production volumes and products are constantly changing, and where mobile transport systems and robots co‐exist with static workstations.
"Our industrial robots are already equipped with sensors for seeing and feeling, but as yet they cannot recognise human emotions," says Ralf Völlinger, General Manager of the Robot Division at FANUC Europe. "We want to enable even more people to use our industrial robots easily and efficiently."
'Fluently' researchers are concentrating their development work on three value chains that are instrumental for the European economy: the dismantling and recycling of batteries for e‐bikes and electric vehicles; inspection and assembly processes in the aerospace industry; and the refurbishment of highly complex industrial parts via laser processing.
"These processes are currently almost completely manual, causing workers to experience mental and physical stress," states Professor Anna Valente. "The origins of this stress come from dismantling batteries that carry the risk of explosion or handling heavy parts in aerospace industry, for example."
Robots could in future relieve workers at least partially from the stress involved in these processes and take over some of the more time‐consuming tasks. This outcome would help to preserve the competencies and experience of workers while simultaneously leading to potential upskilling activities.
"We want to train robots to become teammates of humans and support them as best as possible," says Professor Anna Valente. Ralf Völlinger from FANUC Europe adds: "As robot supplier we are proud to support this pioneering development with our robots and technical know‐how."


BlueAllele Corporation Receives Patent for Advanced Gene Editing Technology
Oakdale, Minnesota, August 17, 2021 — BlueAllele Corporation, a biotechnology company focused on advancing transformational gene correction technologies, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted U.S. Patent No. 11,091,756 (the ‘756 Patent), directed to the use of BlueAllele’s foundational PALIDON® technology.
BlueAllele’s PALIDON repair templates feature a palindromic, bi-directional structure that is designed to leverage the high rate of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair observed in cells, while preserving the ability to achieve precise correction of damaged mRNA and protein. PALIDON repair templates are designed to be compatible with existing gene editing nucleases and delivery systems, making PALIDON particularly suitable for targeting an expansive number of loss-of-function and gain-of-function monogenic diseases.
The palindromic design of PALIDON converts what was previously a byproduct (reverse integration) into a functional event that contributes to enhanced efficacy. By integrating PALIDON within introns, any potential error introduced by the NHEJ pathway can be tolerated, thereby minimizing unwanted byproducts. PALIDON captures the natural expression from an endogenous gene, resulting in exceptional control of protein levels with stable and durable edits.
“We are pleased that the USPTO has recognized the significance of our PALIDON technology and granted this patent. Protecting intellectual property is a critical part of our business model, particularly as we continue to develop novel and innovative methods for achieving precise gene correction,” said Dr. Nicholas J. Baltes, BlueAllele’s chief scientific officer. “Further, the grant of this new patent highlights the unmet need for improving the precision, efficacy and versatility of insertion-based gene editing techniques.” As the examiner of the ‘756 Patent noted, PALIDON“… expands the field of CRISPR technology in a novel way that was not recognized by prior researchers in this area.”
The ‘756 Patent includes claims covering methods for using PALIDON to edit genes. In addition, the issued claims cover the use of PALIDON in any cell type and system (e.g., animal cells for in vitro or in vivo applications), as well as its use for correcting any gene in the genome, providing broad coverage for its use in the development and advancement of human gene correction technologies.
“This patent demonstrates our expertise and commitment to unlocking the full potential of gene editing for treating genetic diseases,” said Joseph B. Saluri, BlueAllele’s chief executive officer. “We are excited to continue advancing our PALIDON platform, along with the other innovative gene correction technologies in our R&D pipeline.”
The ‘756 Patent was developed by and is exclusively owned by BlueAllele Corporation.


GE Lighting site to be transformed
The former GE Lighting complex in Rushey Mead, Leicester, has been sitting empty for three years after its American owners decided to close down the light bulb manufacturing plant with the loss of nearly 400 jobs.
The company has since been trying to sell off the 19-acre site, on Melton Road, and has now concluded a deal with Solihull based First Industrial.
Its Development Director, Fergie Taylor, said it had not yet been decided what sort of development will replace the dilapidated former GE buildings. He said: "We haven't actively started marketing the site yet. The number of jobs that could be created will depend on the final use decided and the occupier. Heavy industry is quite labour-intensive. Light industrial and distribution are similar. It could be 500 to 1,000 jobs. It is bound to provide employment and the eventual occupier will be looking for a local labour force."
First Industrial was unable to say how much the site had been purchased for because the information was commercially sensitive, but it had previously been marketed for £10 million. The firm specialises in building large-scale industrial developments, such as distribution centres, and has worked with companies including Bosch Siemens, DHL, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.
Some parts of the vacant site have been contaminated by industrial chemicals used in bulb manufacturing but officials from Leicester City Council say it is suitable for non-residential uses.
Mr Taylor said the site would be decontaminated where necessary to allow a new development. He added: "We are in the process of discussing a planning application with the local authority."
"Like any brownfield site there will be issues of clearance and remediation and we will deal with them as part of the planning process. The buildings on site are not much good to anyone so they will be removed and we will clean up the site where we need to.''
Councillor Abdul Osman, the City Council's cabinet regeneration and transport spokesman, said: "The Council welcomes purchase of the site from GE Lighting for redevelopment and the creation of new employment opportunities."
Oliver Bertram, development director at First Industrial concludes: "The historic shortage of quality development land in Leicester, coupled with strong local and regional demand, underpins our confidence in the site."
Leicester Mercury 18th January 2011
First Industrial on site for Sainsbury’s
Civic leaders were on hand to mark a milestone in the construction of a major new 615,000 sq. ft cross-docking distribution centre in Basingstoke
Ready to deliver at Nottingham
First Industrial and IM Properties have jointly launched a major new employment park called Nottingham 26.
Roll out of Bio-LNG re-fuelling stations
First Industrial has been selected as development partner for the roll out of the UK’s first liquid bio-methane refuelling stations
First Industrial launches the New Product Guide
First Industrial has released its latest version of the industrial Product Guide, detailing the component parts of a standard warehouse.
Construction starts on the
Co-op’s new £35m building
Building work has begun on The Co-operative Group’s new food distribution depot in north Derbyshire
First Industrial opens new Warwick Office
First Industrial has opened a new office at Tournament Fields in Warwick.
New beginnings for Sappa Profiles site
Standard Life Investments with development partner First Industrial have concluded the purchase of the former Sappa Profiles site in Banbury.
GE Lighting site to be transformed
First Industrial concluded a deal for the 19-acre site, on Melton Road, Leicester.
Durham RFI gets green light
First Industrial Developments have exchanged contracts to deliver one of the country’s largest rail connected employment parks.
1m sq. ft pre-let to M&S
Marks & Spencer have agreed to lease a new 1,000,000 sq ft distribution centre at the East Midlands Distribution Centre, near Nottingham
Carter-Wall joins First Industrial
It has been confirmed that Peter Carter-Wall will join First Industrial as Construction Director
The recession has spawned a new generation of industrial property start-ups


"Quality and innovation are the way to go forward and differentiate ourselves in this extremely competitive market."14/03/2019
In the interview, Mr. Popovic emphasized, KROKO's orientation to research, innovation, development, and enhancement saying that:
"Quality and innovation are the way to go forward and differentiate ourselves in this extremely competitive market."
Mr. Popovic also stressed the importance of keeping those high standards.
"We live up to those demands with the usage of a top of the line textiles, cooperating with numerous textile manufacturers on the development of new fabrics, and various international accredited laboratories to assure that we comply with those high demands."
KROKO is a globally successful manufacturer of military, tactical, and law enforcement equipment that has designed more than 300 different products in the last five years.
You can read the whole interview with Mr. Popovic on this LINK.


Several community members participated in a Printmaking class held at the library fall 2022 with Holly Berry from Waldoboro. Their block prints were displayed at the library during January and February. The Liberty Library received a Creative Aging Grant to support the collaboration between artists and organizations in developing high-quality, participatory, arts programs for older adults.
View Online Exhibit
Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and a Maine Public Library Fund Grant.


Prince Carl Philip press conference birth son
A new Royal baby is born. The Marshal of the Realm announced that HRH Princess Sofia gave birth to a healthy child on April 19 at 6.25 p.m. at Danderyd hospital. Both mother and child are in good health. Pictured: Prince Carl Philip is happy to tell that they now have a baby boy, 3,6 kg and 49 cm long. Here with doctor Sophia Brismar Wendel and midwife Anna Stahl.
|Date||April 23, 2016 at 11:04|


An explosion after a blowout on a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20,
2010 triggered the start of a disaster that probably led to the worst oil pollution
in the history of the United States.
Defective blowout preventer
For a period of nearly three months, until 15 July 2010, crude oil flowed out of
the drilled hole through a defective blowout preventer. It is estimated that more
than 800 million liters of oil spilled into the sea as a result of the disaster.
It cost BP, the oil field operator, around USD 8 billion (EUR 5.9 billion). The company
lost EUR 54 billion in market value.


S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald
Sometime after 7:00 p.m. on 10 November 1975, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald mysteriously sank in the icy waters of Lake Superior. Although only one of approximately six thousand shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, the disappearance of the boat known as the Fitz captured the attention of the nation because of the mysterious circumstances and the fact that the disappearance left no wreckage and no bodies.
At the time it was built in 1958, the Edmund Fitzgerald was the biggest ship to sail fresh water and remained the largest vessel to sail the Great Lakes until 1971. The 729-foot freighter weighed 13,632 tons, and its engines generated 7,000 horsepower. Named after the president of Northwestern Mutual Insurance, the company built the freighter to ship processed iron ore. The company spent eight million dollars to build the Fitz which in turn brought pride and financial rewards to the company. It broke a variety of shipping records for the amount of ore it carried.
Prior to leaving dock in Superior, Wisconsin, the Edmund Fitzgerald had been inspected and loaded with 26,000 tons of ore in the form of taconite pellets destined for Detroit, Michigan. It also carried lifeboats and preservers for more than the twenty-nine crew members and was equipped with the necessary communication and radar systems, including back up systems.
Deemed seaworthy by the inspector, the ship departed on 9 November with clear weather, although a storm was moving northeast from the Oklahoma Panhandle. Sailors experienced many severe storms on Lake Superior, yet in November cold arctic winds could collide with warm southern winds to create even more dangerous conditions. The Edmund Fitzgerald was not alone on the lake. The Arthur M. Anderson followed the Fitz during much of the storm. At the height of the storm, winds reached an estimated seventy miles per hour, and ten to thirty foot waves battered the ships. Unlike the Anderson, however, the Edmund Fitzgerald began taking on water soon after the storm hit the lake on 10 November. Later the Fitz lost main radar and back up radar systems. Visibility was low due to the storm, so the crew of the Anderson followed aiding the other ship’s crew. Ernest McSorley, the captain of the Fitz, radioed that his ship was taking on more water, but did not seemed panicked. Yet within a few hours, McSorley’s ship dropped off the Anderson’s radar.
The Coast Guard, despite the storm, initiated a search effort immediately, turning up no sign of the ship. A series of investigations starting that November and continuing until 1995 led investigators to a site near Whitefish Bay, Michigan. The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board both postulated that it took on water through the hatches. Advocates of another theory argue that a wave phenomenon called the “Three Sisters,” or three big seas, pummeled the freighter in three successive waves with ten million pounds of water; considering that the ship already had fifty-two millions pounds of cargo with additional flooding, the Fitz could not withstand the weight of the extra water. Although research dives have provided more data concerning the condition of the ship, the cause of the wreck has not been definitively determined.
Investigators have determined, however, that the freighter probably went down too fast for the crew to escape and they may have remained trapped alive in a pocket of air. Even if they had been able to access rescue boats, their survival was unlikely since Lake Superior is the coldest of the Great Lakes. The water rarely gets above 40 degrees Fahrenheit even in the summer. The combination of storms and cold water make surviving a shipwreck on the lake nearly impossible. The families of the twenty-nine crew members requested that the 1995 effort to recover the bell of the ship be the last trip to the Edmund Fitzgerald and that the area be considered a cemetery.
The sinking of the Fitz fascinated people at the time and for the next two decades. The manner of its disappearance, the reasons for its sinking, and the lack of witnesses and survivors have shrouded the event with mystery. In 1976 the singer Gordon Lightfoot memorialized the ship in a ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and since then numerous books and documentaries have also been produced. The sustained interest in the causes led to the use of the latest underwater technology as it came available.
Iowa State University
Hugh E. Bishop, The Night the Fitz Went Down (2000); Andrew Kantar, 29 Missing (1998); Joseph MacInnis, Fitzgerald’s Storm (1998); Frederick Stonehouse, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (1977).


The stages were set in Los Angeles with the big reveals from the video game show E3 coming thick and fast, but things haven’t even officially started yet.
We got to see a host of games that were highly anticipated but we also saw many more that we didn’t expect, such as the return of fan-favorite games that we thought were long gone and dead, while also seeing the future technologies for the first time being used.
There is a wide range of games to get us all excited for the upcoming months, and here below are just some of the items that blew my mind.
Microsoft officially blew my mind at E3 by putting a whole Minecraft world on top of a table, thanks to the power of the HoloLens. I’m a Minecraft novice, but this made me want to brush up on my Minecraft skills to be able to fully explore this game with the HoloLens. As a huge fan of the HoloLens, I’m looking forward to how this will be used with other games at E3.
Microsoft partnering with Valve for VR
Microsoft announced it was partnering with Valve to make sure Steam VR (and the Valve/HTC Vive headset, presumably) had a great ecosystem on Windows 10. That’s a big deal. Microsoft announced last week that it would partner with VR company Oculus to provide the pack-in controller for its consumer Oculus Rift when it comes out next year.
The Rare Collection
Rare Software are bringing back a handsome 30 amazing classic games, includingPerfect Dark, Battletoads, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Banjo-Kazooie and even Viva Piñata, are coming to the Xbox One in one €30 collection (rough estimate). That still won’t stop people from wanting new versions of these favorite games, but that’s a lot of classics (some of which never appeared on a Microsoft platform) in one place.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
A fan-favourite, BioWare’s beloved futuristic role-playing franchise is back, and with one hell of a bang. The E3 trailer doesn’t give too much away by the lack of details, but it certainly does whet our appetites. Look out for future trailers.
The Last Guardian
It’s been six years after it was originally teased, this aeshetically beautiful game will be returning, if there aren’t any further delays. A sneak peek was given of a young boy interacting with a mysterious dog-bird-gryphon-monster hybrid that we only known as Trico. This game look like a great puzzler/adventure game.
Backwards compatibility on Xbox One
Since day one of the Xbox One console reveal back in 2013, fans have been upset about one thing: You can’t play Xbox 360 games on the new hardware. Microsoft has listened to their fans, heard their pleas and answered their prayers.
Microsoft is hoping that backward compatibility will convince fans to upgrade, the feature will come to Xbox One during the Christmas holiday season this year. Many older Xbox 360 titles that players already own will soon be playable on Xbox One.
Final Fantasy VII remake
The fans have begged for this, and their pleas have been answered, 18 years after its PlayStation debut, the epic tale of Final Fantasy VII will be remastered in stunning HD. The next gen consoles will bring a new lease of life to this timeless classic.
Shenmue III nearly breaks Kickstarter
This much loved Japanese role playing franchise was considered dead and buried. Shenmue III reached half of its $2 million funding goal in two hours, making it the fastest game to hit $1 million on Kickstarter. It even caused the crowdfunding platform to experience server errors. To date, they have raised $2,928,313.
Boba Fett is coming to Disney Infinity
Boba Fett will join the Star Wars edition of Disney Infinity as a playable figure and plastic figure. His existence in the game is enough to make plenty of Star Wars fans squeal, though he’ll be exclusive to the PlayStation platforms for the first few months.
Agent 47 is back in a new Hitman game
The stealthy bald assassin is back, we got a peek at the next entry into the Hitman franchise with a trailer, but we’re expecting even more details to come out of the Square Enix press conference.


In one of the biggest technology deals, Microsoft Corp yesterday bought LinkedIn Corp for $26.2 billion (£18.4 billion). The $26.2 billion price tag works out to $196 per LinkedIn share (a big premium over its closing last Friday, $131.08).
So what is Microsoft getting that makes it so willing to pay much more than the rest of the free market?
The answer: Us. People. Profiles.
Microsoft’s operations can be divided into seven segments: Client, Server and Tools, Information Worker, Microsoft Business Solutions, MSN, Mobile and Embedded Devices, and Home Entertainment. Since taking the helm of the company, its CEO Satya Nadella has been trying to reinvigorate the once lumbering company since taking over two years ago, and has helped build more credibility around Microsoft’s efforts in areas such as cloud-based services.
In a presentation to analysts, Microsoft said after adding in LinkedIn, the total potential market size of Microsoft’s productivity and business-process segment was $315 billion, up from $200 billion without LinkedIn. And because the acquisition brings a network heavy in marketing and sales professionals, it delivers a shot across the bow to competitors in those areas, such as Salesforce and Marketo.
LinkedIn and Microsoft really share a mission of helping people work more efficiently, said Microsoft CEO Nadella in a conference call with analysts.There is no better way to realize that mission than to connect the world’s professionals. The acquisition, by far the largest in Microsoft’s history, unites two companies in different businesses: one a big maker of software tools, the other the largest business-oriented social networking site, with more than 400 million members globally.
Nadella gave an example of a customer walking into a meeting scheduled on a Microsoft Outlook calendar integrated with LinkedIn, receiving notification that one of the people in the meeting went to college with a colleague.
LinkedIn could also help Microsoft accelerate its shift to the internet by giving it a large online property that has became the de facto standard for posting résumés online. The site is heavily used by recruiters for finding new workers. Microsoft is one of LinkedIn’s biggest customers.
“The future of productivity is around people, identity and data and the relationships between the them,” said Matt McIlwain, a portfolio manager at Madrona Ventures. “Microsoft is buying LinkedIn for the opportunity to leverage these capabilities and combine them with Microsoft’s strong but complementary assets in those three areas.”
Microsoft plans to speed-up monetization of LinkedIn by boosting individual and organisation subscriptions as well as targeted advertising,


In a clash in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla area, security forces managed to neutralise a terrorist.
Two terrorists were neutralised by security personnel in an encounter that occurred on Saturday morning in the Baramulla area of Jammu & Kashmir. Near the Line of Control in Uri, the anti-terrorist operation is continuing in progress.
In a tweet on social media, the Kashmir Police Zone stated: “Encounter has started between terrorists and Army & Baramulla Police in forward area of Uri, Hathlanga in Baramulla district.”
Later, it revealed that the operation had resulted in the deaths of two terrorists.
According to authorities, more information will be provided.
This occurs a day after two terrorist affiliates were apprehended in the Baramulla district as part of the discovery of a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror network, and weapons and ammunition were recovered from them. The two were identified by a police spokeswoman as Zaid Hassan Malla, of Mir Sahib Baramulla, and Mohammad Arif Channa, of Stadium Colony Baramulla.
According to the spokesperson, “they were engaged in the cross-border smuggling of arms and ammunition at the behest of Pakistan-based terror handlers and its further distribution to LeT terrorists for carrying out terror activities.”
An operation to eliminate terrorists who have established positions in the forested area on a high terrain is currently taking place in the Anantnag district. As the operation to drive out the ultras entered its fourth day on Saturday, security authorities used drones to determine the whereabouts of terrorists.
The two to three trapped terrorists will be neutralised, according to Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar, who also stated that the operation was started in response to particular information. Additionally, he cautioned former military and police officers against promoting the ambush theory in the press.
“Retired police and military personnel should stay away from the ‘ambush hypothesis’. It is a particular input-based operation. All 2-3 trapped militants will be neutralised as part of the operation, he said.
Friday brought the death toll to four soldiers who died from their wounds. The death of the fourth member of the operation’s crew has not yet been officially confirmed by the army.
Aashish Dhonchak, a member of the same unit, DSP Humayun Muzamil Bhat, and Colonel Manpreet Singh, the commanding commander of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, perished on Wednesday.
On Saturday, loud explosions were audible as the ongoing battle in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, started its fourth day. In order to find terrorists, drone monitoring was also being deployed.
The data indicated that the forces were on the lookout for further terrorists in the region, despite the Valley’s police chief’s assurances that the terrorists would be destroyed.
The Kashmir Zone Police reported an encounter between terrorists and the Army and Baramulla Police in a post on X. “#Encounter has started between #terrorists and #Army & Baramulla Police in forward area of #Uri, Hathlanga in #Baramulla district,” it said.
In later updates, it was stated that two terrorists had been killed in the encounter and that a search operation was being conducted nearby.
The identities and group membership of the terrorists who were killed have not yet been determined, according to authorities.
The encounter takes place as part of a mission to eliminate terrorists who have established bases in the hilly forest area of the Anantnag district. On Friday, the gunfight’s third day began.


Ivory: a ray of sunshine from Alaska
A bipartisan bill was introduced into the House of Representatives yesterday to protect lawful ivory possession.
‘… the legislation, the African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possesion Act of 2015, would effectively end the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s unilateral moratorium on the importation, exportation, and sale of lawfully possesed ivory, while also making significant efforts to assist anti-poaching efforts in countries with elephant populations.’
This is a welcome sign of the common sense that many expected would evolve as it became obvious that the protection of endangered species was leading to unfair and unintended consequences for those who owned works of art made of, or merely containing, ivory. And the proposals go further by seeking to protect, in general. the rights of all individuals across the United States who have simply come to own old, worked ivory.
The bill would specifically allow ‘legally possessed … ivory to be imported and exportred for museum dispaly and personal use’. This is encouraging progress.
Please CLICK HERE for further details.


Why Cosmetic Retailers in the West are Losing out on a $50 Billion Industry
Understanding the economic impact Muslim women have in the world and their value to global economies can be broken down into some very simple numbers. In an article by Saadia Zahidi (Head of the Centre for the New Economy and Society) titled Working Muslim Women are a Trillion-Dollar Market, she highlights some very interesting facts that many large cosmetics retailers in the west may have overlooked.
Who has the Global Market Share on Halal Cosmetics?
Simply put, the halal cosmetics market is estimated be worth over 50 Billion dollars by 2025. The majority of this market share is held by countries in the Asia Pacific – approximately 75%. The remaining 25% is shared by Central and South America (which holds about two thirds of the remaining market share) and North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (hold the other third combined). So why is it that large cosmetics retailers like Sephora, Ulta Beauty, or Blue Mercury have not taken a leading role in bringing these high demand products to their stores here in Canada and the US?
Cosmetic retailers losing out
Let’s start with this eye-opening statistic from Zahidi’s article - One in ten of us on the planet is a Muslim woman. There are 800 million in total, and that’s more than the combined populations of the United States, Russia and Brazil. In fact, there are already more working women across the Muslim world than there are in the US or Europe.
More Muslim Women are Getting Higher Education
Muslim women are coming out ahead of men today in higher education globally. More women by percentage are enrolling in universities and colleges compared to men. This growth of higher education is even more pronounced in countries in south Asia as well as the South Asian Pacific. There are at least five countries where, among students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, women outnumber men. So what does this mean for the cosmetics industry? Considering that development of cosmetics and skin care products has changed drastically over the past twenty years, more women are becoming aware of the science behind the beauty industry. Or in many cases, the ugly side of the beauty industry. More women today are demanding clean products that minimize or eliminate harmful chemicals and toxins. For those of us in the halal nail polish industry, Muslim women are more educated now about the science of water permeability and are less likely to be fooled by marketing tactics of “breathable” brand polishes. Women have also taken a stronger stance against the beauty industry and demanded cosmetics that are ethically made and tested. This particular aspect of ethical cosmetic manufacturing gives Canadian and US companies an advantage in the market as government regulations provide stricter manufacturing guidelines and ensure higher quality cosmetics.
Cosmetic retailers losing out
More Working Women Means More Demand for Halal Cosmetics
In her article, Zahidi also mentions that almost Fifty million women have joined the workforce for the first time since the turn of the millennium. Just after the turn of the millennium, there were around 100 million working women in the Muslim world's emerging markets. Today, that number has swelled to nearly 155 million, a 50% increase in just 15 years. This means that more women now have access to disposable income and will spend their hard earned money on some of the best products they can find. However, if the products they want (in this case halal cosmetics) are not locally available, retailers lose out on a huge opportunity to provide accessibility to a massive customer demographic. Yes, women can purchase their halal cosmetics online, but women also want the “experience” of shopping for their favourite halal lipstick, eye shadow, or Tuesday in Love nail polish at their nearest Sephora or Ulta Beauty. The sounds, smells, and in person experience of a beautiful cosmetics store is a delight on its own and an experience that can’t be recreated online. Cosmetic retailers losing out
Why Self Care is Important to Muslim Women
It’s also important to consider that many working women also carry the responsibility of the household more than their male counterparts. We often forget that working moms, wives, and family caregivers are not paid for the high stress work they do outside of their work lives. Therefore, products such as halal skin care, makeup, and nail polish play a special role in providing an opportunity for self-care and much needed down time for the working woman. Once again, large retail outlets play an important part in the accessibility of such products and environment for women to enjoy themselves and reward themselves for the long hours they work both inside and outside the home.
Finally, if the above stats don’t impress you, think about this. According to Zahidi, their combined earnings would make Muslim women the world’s 16th richest country. Working women and their disposable income represent a huge new market, with earnings that amount to nearly $1 trillion. The new generation of working women are worldly and digitally connected. They are tapping into and creating new demand in a wide variety of fields, from education, health and food to finance, fashion and IT. If equal participation in the workforce were achieved, Muslim countries could add another $5.7 trillion to their income.
Despite these staggering statistics and financial incentives, there still remains one very important reason that large retailers here in the west need to recognize and consider – Inclusivity. Although we are beginning to see representation of Muslim women (wearing hijab) in commercials, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their consumer needs are being met. If a Muslim woman sees a picture of a model wearing a hijab on a storefront, but the store itself doesn’t carry any halal brands, there’s a good chance that it will be interpreted as “misrepresentation”.
Also, inclusivity isn’t just about the customers, it’s also about the businesses and entrepreneurs who have created products for these customers and need larger platforms to help them grow. By supporting small businesses and niche markets, large cosmetics retailers not only have the opportunity to grow their customer base, but also introduce other products to new customers that may have not even considered their benefits.