All posts by The Silo

US Climate Scientist Pushes For Canadian Carbon Tax Serfdom?

February 1, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

(Calgary, Alberta) The Canadian Federation of Taxpayers (CTF) has issued a new report on global carbon taxes, showing most countries have frozen or rolled back carbon taxes, but US climate scientist James Hansen is pushing for a $210/t carbon tax in Canada by 2030. Hansen’s argument is that the tax has to be high enough that people will buy into the carbon dividend (rebate to lower income households) – effectively making Canadians into carbon serfs and a carbon welfare society. CTF reports: “About half of the emissions covered by carbon taxes are priced below US$10/tCO2e, according to the World Bank’s most recent State and Trends of Carbon Pricing (2019).” Canada has more than 600 greenhouse gas reduction/incentive measures on the books, which have never been audited for effectiveness.

This begs the question of “what is a climate scientist doing dabbling in Canada’s domestic affairs on carbon taxes, pushing a carbon tax that is 21 times that of the world,” says Friends of Science Society.

As revealed by Lawrence Solomon in the 2009 article “Enron’s Other Secret” “James Hansen, the scientist who more than any other is responsible for bringing the possibility of climate-change catastrophe to the public, was among the scientists Enron commissioned.”

Chart: How the World Puts a Price on Carbon | Statista

Enron had profited from cap and trade, but the company collapsed into a pile of ashes in 2001 due to off-book accounting and financial fraud.

None-the-less, a group of green billionaires took up the global cap-and-trade challenge, apparently working from the Enron carbon/cap-and-trade scheme model, as reported by Nisbet in 2018. Like Enron, they have funded local and global environmental groups to agitate for policies in countries around the world, favorable to their proposed global cap and trade plan. The plans require a price on carbon with the intention of funding their trillions in vested interests in renewables. Many of these groups are associated with the Tar Sands Campaign that has falsely created “Fear and Loathing” of the Alberta oil sands and driven a downturn in the economy.

Michael Moore’s recent movie “Planet of the Humans” revealed how this green crony capitalism is destroying the planet for no climate benefit.

Canadians now face an onslaught of Carbonbaggers – the number one being Mark Carney, now UN Climate Czar and former Bank of England and Bank of Canada governor. Carney threatens firms with bankruptcy if they do not comply with his demands to report on climate risk and abandon fossil fuel investments.

As Robert Lyman’s new report shows: “Broken Promises: Why Renewables Offer No Resilient Recovery”, Carney is misleading the public and investors on global oil consumption and demand.

Both oil production and consumption have risen by more than one million barrels per day per year since 2012.

• Oil demand is at its highest level in history.

• In absolute terms, oil demand is growing twice as fast as renewables.

• Global oil reserves have risen throughout the period, from 1141 billion barrels in 1998 to 1730 billion barrels in 2018; peak oil is nowhere in sight. That is a 10 million barrel per day increase over the nine years.

• In absolute terms, natural gas is experiencing the fastest rate of growth of all energy sources, almost three times as fast as renewables.

• Natural gas demand is at its highest level in history.

Friends of Science Society says carbon dioxide from human industry is a nominal influence on climate change, known since the 2013 IPCC AR5 report. The fact that financial ‘experts’ like Mark Carney are still pushing the climate-carbon dioxide catastrophe theme constitutes a violation of securities regulations related to ‘material change’. Furthermore, as Roger Pielke, Jr. reports, climate catastrophe scenarios are the product of green billionaires pushing the ‘climate porn’ scenario, which is far from reality or business-as-usual.

“Green” groups in Canada are demanding that the new Canadian Infrastructure Bank be used to finance their green crony capitalist schemes.

Friends of Science Society issued a request for ethics investigation into the development of the Canadian Infrastructure Bank in Nov. 2017. The Conflict of Interest concerns expressed there are still valid in their opinion.

Evidence from Norway to Zimbabwe shows that carbon taxes have no discernible impact on emissions reduction and are simply oppressive to taxpayers and industry. Friends of Science Society says Carbonbaggers should not be using carbon taxes as a means of creating a Canadian climate welfare state, especially not driven by foreign influences, street theatre, and deception.

See “The Roots of Global Warming”.

About

Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens who are celebrating its 17th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).

Featured image by @HeatherLibby

Culture

How To Setup A Low Budget Home Gym

January 30, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

Back in college, I used to be very fit.

I swam three times a week, ran a few miles every other day and on weekends, I would bike with friends. There was not an ounce of fat in my body. But as years passed, I became too busy with work and eventually with raising a family that exercise became less important and I didn’t bother going to the gym. It came to a point when I saw myself in the mirror and hardly recognized my own body. In a span of 14 years, I gained over a hundred pounds. Plus Minus 100 Pounds Man Example I realized I needed to do something about it and fast. So I browsed the best online shopping sites looking for affordable gym equipment that I could just set up at home. I can’t go to a gym because, well…… Covid duh! Plus I can only workout in the wee hours of the morning when everyone else in my home is still fast asleep.

Start Cheap

Many of my friends made the mistake of investing in equipment that cost over a thousand dollars and ended up not using them anyway. The truth of the matter is that it’s very possible to create a home gym for very little money. In doing so, you won’t be wasting money in case you find yourself not using your home gym and if you do decide to fully commit yourself to a healthy and active lifestyle then you can always upgrade your equipment and machines in the future.

The following are the most essential things you’ll need:

1. Private Space

It’s difficult to work out when you have screaming kids running around you. Ideally, pick a room with a door so that you can exercise uninterrupted.

2. Full-Length Mirror

Being able to see yourself working out is a great motivator and it’s also a good way to check your form and technique. You can buy a full-length mirror for around $20 – $30.

3. Weights

Every home gym should have a set of dumbbells. For women, start with 5, 10 and 15 lbs. Men should use heavier weights. Or you can get an adjustable dumbbell that will enable you to add or swap weights easily.

Okay some old school equip has seen it's day but don't dismiss all vintage gym gear! — Okay some old school equip has seen it’s day but don’t dismiss all vintage gym gear!

4. Stability Ball

Old school trainers would never recommend the use of a stability ball but it’s actually very popular among fitness experts today. With a stability ball, you can improve your core strength and balance. Besides, there are many exercises you can do with this ball – body bridges, squats, crunches, hamstring curls, and others.

5. Resistance Bands

These bands are very versatile despite looking plain and simple. You can strap it to a door, bench or table to do squats, chest presses, and lat pull-downs, to name a few.

6. Cardio

You can get a skipping rope so that you can do cardio exercises in your home gym. Or you can just go outside to run, jog or walk. Cardio exercises are essential to help your body burn fat faster. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff.

Supplemental– Looking for some examples of cool home gyms on a budget?

Culture

5 Ways to Stay in Touch With Your Customers

January 26, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

If you are a business owner, you probably know the importance of taking care of your business to last longer. This includes various steps, such as audience retention, brand reach and customer satisfaction. There are many practices that help in building the brand and trust. Staying in touch with your audience can be a great way to build your business.

This is a great way to remind them of your service. This builds trust and authenticity. Keeping the existing customers happy can be. There are many ways one can go about staying in touch with your customers. Initially, a business can start with manual modes of staying in touch. This can be feedback calls, offers, SMS, etc.

Here are five ways to stay in touch with your customers and audience to build brand authenticity and trust.

Automated Bulk SMS

SMS is a quick way to update your customers about offers, deals, etc. Although this can be done manually up to a certain point, it gets difficult once the number increases. There are many SMS API providers that enable you to send bulk messages to your customers. Bulk SMSes helps in providing timely and personalized information to the customers.

This increases user engagement, satisfaction rates and customer lifetime values. You can check out any SMS API provider to understand the deals and go with the one that suits your requirements.

Lead Nurturing

Be it an inquiry or just someone who has come in touch with your brand, treat them as your potential customers. Lead nurturing is an integral process of branding and growing your business.

Take care of them by checking on them, letting them know about your business, offering them a solution for their needs. Be the brand that strikes them when they have a business need that is similar to yours.

By email marketing, you can nurture your leads. Send them monthly emails about the new things in your company or brand. Update them with the latest deals and offers, and invite them to experience your service. This increases brand retention.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing has been on the rise and is proven to be one of the efficient ways to market in today’s digital world. Social media marketing is a form of digital marketing. Unlike traditional marketing, digital marketing focuses more on the customer than the brand itself.

This is a great way to tell your customers that you care about them. Social Media marketing also enables you to have a one on one conversation with your audience.

Make sure you use this space to increase customer satisfaction and to understand your audience better. Be present on all the relevant social media handles and nail down a content strategy that will add value to your customers.

Adapting and Improvising

Adapting is a fundamental process for a business to sustain. With new trends emerging every day, it is essential to keep moving forward along with it.

Be it strategy or message; it is important to improvise it according to what the customers need at the moment.

One way you can do this is to constantly be updated. Be aware of the new trends. Keep track of your audience and their activity.

Value Customer Feedback

Be it any business; the customer is the king. You are running the business for the customers, and it is essential to value customer feedback highly.
Customer feedback tells what a customer actually feels about your service. This valuable information can be used to improve your service to improve satisfaction.

A business that has an idea of a customer’s opinion goes a long way. This can also let you know about the needs of the customers.

You can send in a monthly customer feedback form the customers where they can rate their experience with you. This can be based on different areas of business like service, product, after-sales service extra.

Running a business is a journey that constantly needs an upgrade and improvisation. If you wish to run a successful long term business, you must start putting your customer before you. Little gestures you make for your customers will certainly take your business a long way.

It is a long term process, but taking customer satisfaction for granted can seriously cause great damage to your business.

Stay in touch with your audience and remind them that you care about them. This will take your business a long way and help in growing in the right direction. For The Silo, Esther Adams.

Finance

Bitcoin Can Now be Purchased Through PayPal but is it Ready for the Average Internet User?

January 25, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

After many years of toying with the notion of moving into the cryptocurrency market, 2020 finally saw PayPal admit to its ongoing interest, and embrace Bitcoin (and others) within its existing online payment services

The news has, within the crypto circles, been long anticipated. Following a disastrous attempt at collaborating with tech giants like Facebook and Mastercard on the Libra Project a while back, it looked as though PayPal may have gone shy on the idea altogether. That, coupled with the fact that interest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies among the ‘general digital public’ failed to take off in the way that was once predicted, made it seem as though a mainstream uptake of virtual currencies was nothing more than a pipe dream.

Of course, all that has now changed, and the company has finally enabled all users to buy, sell and store cryptocurrencies within its platform.
But, will this bring the average internet user to crypto for once and for all, or will the alternative currency remain relatively niche online, in spite of efforts to make it more accessible? Read more below.

Online Payment Services Are Adapting to User Requirements Better than Ever Before

In its heyday, PayPal was the go-to online payment service for anyone looking to make their digital dealings safer, more convenient, and more efficient. Rather than storing their personal details with multiple sites and companies, users could provide them once and once only, and allow PayPal to handle the security side of things.

The only issue was that PayPal was famed for its high transaction fees – both for merchants, and customers.

Now, the realm of online payment services has evolved to ensure that companies have fine-tuned their process for a relevant service – and that, in the process, transaction fees are kept competitive. In the realm of the online entertainment industry, digital casinos now offer Idebit deposit options for Canadian players over 18, for instance; in the US, vastly popular apps like Cash App and Venmo enable instant peer-to-peer payments with minimal processing fees.

There are two consequences to this evolution within the online payment services industry. For one, digital payment services are growing more attuned to the needs, concerns and demands of their users than ever before. They have to, if they are going to compete with the years in which PayPal has stood as the paradigm for payment security. This means that, for the average internet user, crypto will remain largely obsolete; they can feel safe in the payments they make online, and do not need to explore other avenues.

Secondly, it means that PayPal is facing significant competition on all sides, and that more and more users run the risk of abandoning the service altogether in favour of something cheaper, more convenient and easier to use.

Does the Average User Even Need Crypto?

PayPal is infamous for keeping the details of its new projects close to its chest, which means that we cannot be sure exactly what their motivations behind embracing crypto really are. Some already believe that it is ensuring a revolutionary stimulus for Bitcoin. It may simply be another move intended to ensure that they keep up with digital trends, rather than a fully-fledged commitment to the future of online payments.
In reality, many using the internet today have no need of crypto. Sure, it is safer and more private – something we all need to prioritize – but so are the services currently working to unseat PayPal at what it does best: simplicity.

Bitcoin is not simple – in fact, it is far from it. PayPal’s move toward the realm of virtual currencies does not make the technology itself any simple or more accessible to those who hold only limited knowledge about it, and only by targeting these user groups does it look likely that they will begin to embrace this alternative currency. For the Silo, Mildred Austria.

Politics

Cost Of Marijuana In 120 Cities And How Much Tax Revenue If Legalized

January 21, 2021 The Silo 4 Comments

First a few quick facts….

● ‏Tokyo, Japan has the most expensive cannabis‏ ‏, at 32.66 USD per gram. ‏

● ‏Quito, Ecuador has the least expensive marijuana‏ ‏, at 1.34 USD per gram.‏

● ‏Based on the average US marijuana tax rates currently implemented, ‏ ‏New York City could generate the highest potential tax revenue by legalizing weed‏ ‏, with 156.40 million USD per year. New York City also has the highest consumption rate of cannabis, at 77.44 metric tons per year.‏

● ‏Cannabis costs ‏ ‏$7.82 per gram in Toronto, Canada‏ ‏. ‏

‏Berlin, Germany – ‏ ‏Automatic cultivator device, ‏ ‏Seedo‏ ‏, after much research and data gathering, previously released the 2018 Cannabis Price Index, detailing the cost of marijuana in 120 global cities. Seedo is one of the many new ventures embracing the newly legalized cannabis industry. Their main goal is to allow both medicinal and recreational consumers to grow their own supply, avoiding extra taxes and bypassing harmful pesticides. The aim of this study is to illustrate the continuous need for legislative reform on cannabis use around the world, and to determine if there are any lessons to be learned from those cities at the forefront of marijuana legalisation.

‏Although Seedo’s technology enables smokers to get off the grid, this study considers one of the biggest byproducts of legalising cannabis—the potential tax revenue for the local government body. For this reason, Seedo decided not only to research the cost of cannabis around the world, but also to calculate how much potential tax a city could generate if they were to legalise marijuana. ‏

‏The study began first by selecting 120 cities across the world, including locations where cannabis is currently legal, illegal and partially legal, and where marijuana consumption data is available. Then, they looked into the price of weed per gram in each city. To calculate how much potential tax a city could make by legalising weed, Seedo investigated how much tax is paid on the most popular brand of cigarettes, as this offers the closest comparison. They then looked at what percentage marijuana is currently taxed in cities where it’s already legalised in the US. ‏

‏“This study has revealed some incredible insights into the kind of tax revenue that legalising weed could generate.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “Take New York City for instance, which has the highest consumption level in the study at 77.44 metric tons of cannabis per year. If they taxed marijuana at the average US cannabis tax level, the city could make $‏ ‏156.4‏ ‏ million in potential tax revenue per year. This is equivalent to providing nearly 3 months worth of free school meals to every single public school kid in New York City.” ‏

‏The table below reveals a sample of the results for ‏ ‏Toronto, Canada‏ ‏:‏

‏City‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏	‏Total possible tax collection, if taxed at cigarette level, mil US$‏	‏Total possible tax collection, if taxed at average US marijuana taxes, mil US$‏	‏Total consumption in metric tons‏
‏Toronto‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.82‏	‏124.15‏	‏33.38‏	‏22.75‏

‏The table below shows the ‏ ‏top 10 most and least expensive cities for cannabis‏ ‏:‏

‏Top 10 Most Expensive Cities‏					‏Top 10 Least Expensive Cities‏
‏#‏	‏City‏	‏Country‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏	‏#‏	‏City‏	‏Country‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏
‏1‏	‏Tokyo‏	‏Japan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏32.66‏	‏1‏	‏Quito‏	‏Ecuador‏	‏Partial‏	‏1.34‏
‏2‏	‏Seoul‏	‏South Korea‏	‏Illegal‏	‏32.44‏	‏2‏	‏Bogota‏	‏Colombia‏	‏Partial‏	‏2.20‏
‏3‏	‏Kyoto‏	‏Japan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏29.65‏	‏3‏	‏Asuncion‏	‏Paraguay‏	‏Partial‏	‏2.22‏
‏4‏	‏Hong Kong‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏27.48‏	‏4‏	‏Jakarta‏	‏Indonesia‏	‏Illegal‏	‏3.79‏
‏5‏	‏Bangkok‏	‏Thailand‏	‏Partial‏	‏24.81‏	‏5‏	‏Panama City‏	‏Panama‏	‏Illegal‏	‏3.85‏
‏6‏	‏Dublin‏	‏Ireland‏	‏Illegal‏	‏21.63‏	‏6‏	‏Johannesburg‏	‏South Africa‏	‏Illegal‏	‏4.01‏
‏7‏	‏Tallinn‏	‏Estonia‏	‏Partial‏	‏20.98‏	‏7‏	‏Montevideo‏	‏Uruguay‏	‏Legal‏	‏4.15‏
‏8‏	‏Shanghai‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏20.82‏	‏8‏	‏Astana‏	‏Kazakhstan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏4.22‏
‏9‏	‏Beijing‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏20.52‏	‏9‏	‏Antwerp‏	‏Belgium‏	‏Partial‏	‏4.29‏
‏10‏	‏Oslo‏	‏Norway‏	‏Partial‏	‏19.14‏	‏10‏	‏New Delhi‏	‏India‏	‏Partial‏	‏4.38‏

‏N.B. These tables are a sample of the full results. To find the complete results for all 120 cities, please see the bottom of the press release. ‏

‏The table below shows the ‏ ‏top 10 cities who could generate the most potential tax ‏ ‏by legalising cannabis, if taxed at the same rate as the most popular cigarette brand:‏

‏#‏	‏City‏	‏Country‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏	‏% of cigarette tax‏	‏Possible tax revenue, mil US$ ‏
‏1‏	‏Cairo‏	‏Egypt‏	‏Illegal‏	‏16.15‏	‏73.13‏	‏384.87‏
‏2‏	‏New York‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.76‏	‏42.54‏	‏354.48‏
‏3‏	‏London‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.20‏	‏82.16‏	‏237.35‏
‏4‏	‏Sydney‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.79‏	‏56.76‏	‏138.36‏
‏5‏	‏Karachi‏	‏Pakistan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.32‏	‏60.7‏	‏135.48‏
‏6‏	‏Melbourne‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.84‏	‏56.76‏	‏132.75‏
‏7‏	‏Moscow‏	‏Russia‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.84‏	‏47.63‏	‏128.97‏
‏8‏	‏Toronto‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.82‏	‏69.8‏	‏124.15‏
‏9‏	‏Chicago‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.46‏	‏42.54‏	‏119.61‏
‏10‏	‏Berlin‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏13.53‏	‏72.9‏	‏114.77‏

‏N.B. % of cigarette tax refers to the tax percentage on the most popular brand. Possible tax revenue refers to the total possible tax collection per year, if taxed at cigarette level. For a full explanation of how the study was conducted, please see the methodology at the bottom of the press release. ‏

‏The table below shows the ‏ ‏top 10 cities who could generate the most potential tax‏ ‏ by legalising cannabis, if taxed at the average US marijuana tax rate:‏

‏#‏	‏City‏	‏Country‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏	‏Possible tax revenue, mil US$‏
‏1‏	‏New York‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.76‏	‏156.4‏
‏2‏	‏Cairo‏	‏Egypt‏	‏Illegal‏	‏16.15‏	‏98.78‏
‏3‏	‏London‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.20‏	‏54.22‏
‏4‏	‏Chicago‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.46‏	‏52.77‏
‏5‏	‏Moscow‏	‏Russia‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.84‏	‏50.82‏
‏6‏	‏Sydney‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.79‏	‏45.75‏
‏7‏	‏Melbourne‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.84‏	‏43.9‏
‏8‏	‏Karachi‏	‏Pakistan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.32‏	‏41.89‏
‏9‏	‏Houston‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.03‏	‏39.32‏
‏10‏	‏Toronto‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.82‏	‏33.38‏

‏N.B. Possible tax revenue refers to the total possible tax collection per year, if taxed at average US marijuana tax rate.‏

‏The table below shows the‏ ‏ top 10 cities with the highest and lowest consumption of cannabis, ‏ ‏per year:‏

‏Highest Consumers of Cannabis‏

‏ Lowest Consumers of Cannabis‏

‏#‏

‏City‏

‏Country‏

‏Legality‏

‏Price per gram, US$‏

‏Total consumption, metric tons‏

‏#‏

‏City‏

‏Country‏

‏Legality‏

‏Price per gram, US$‏

‏Total consumption, metric tons‏

‏1‏

‏New York‏

‏USA‏

‏Partial‏

‏10.76‏

‏77.44‏

‏1‏

‏Singapore‏

‏Illegal‏

‏14.01‏

‏0.02‏

‏2‏

‏Karachi‏

‏Pakistan‏

‏Illegal‏

‏5.32‏

‏41.95‏

‏2‏

‏Santo Domingo‏

‏Dominican Rep.‏

‏Illegal‏

‏6.93‏

‏0.16‏

‏3‏

‏New Delhi‏

‏India‏

‏Partial‏

‏4.38‏

‏38.26‏

‏3‏

‏Kyoto‏

‏Japan‏

‏Illegal‏

‏29.65‏

‏0.24‏

‏4‏

‏Los Angeles‏

‏USA‏

‏Legal‏

‏8.14‏

‏36.06‏

‏4‏

‏Thessaloniki‏

‏Greece‏

‏Partial‏

‏13.49‏

‏0.29‏

‏5‏

‏Cairo‏

‏Egypt‏

‏Illegal‏

‏16.15‏

‏32.59‏

‏5‏

‏Luxembourg City‏

‏Luxembourg‏

‏Partial‏

‏7.26‏

‏0.32‏

‏6‏

‏Mumbai‏

‏India‏

‏Partial‏

‏4.57‏

‏32.38‏

‏6‏

‏Panama City‏

‏Panama‏

‏Illegal‏

‏3.85‏

‏0.37‏

‏7‏

‏London‏

‏UK‏

‏Illegal‏

‏9.20‏

‏31.4‏

‏7‏

‏Reykjavik‏

‏Iceland‏

‏Illegal‏

‏15.92‏

‏0.44‏

‏8‏

‏Chicago‏

‏USA‏

‏Partial‏

‏11.46‏

‏24.54‏

‏8‏

‏Asuncion‏

‏Paraguay‏

‏Partial‏

‏2.22‏

‏0.46‏

‏9‏

‏Moscow‏

‏Russia‏

‏Partial‏

‏11.84‏

‏22.87‏

‏9‏

‏Colombo‏

‏Sri Lanka‏

‏Illegal‏

‏9.12‏

‏0.59‏

‏10‏

‏Toronto‏

‏Canada‏

‏Partial‏

‏7.82‏

‏22.75‏

‏10‏

‏Manila‏

‏Philippines‏

‏Illegal‏

‏5.24‏

‏0.6‏

‏N.B. Total consumption is calculated per annum. ‏

‏Additional quotes:‏

‏“The way that the legalised cannabis industry is rapidly evolving alongside new technologies shows how innovative emerging tech companies are today.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “Take the way that cannabis and cryptocurrency have joined forces, with ‏ ‏examples such as HempCoin or nezly, which manage processes and payments in the new marijuana industry.‏ ‏ When you consider too the potential that these new technologies have to disrupt the cannabis industry, there’s no denying that these are very exciting times.” ‏

‏“At Seedo, we’ve built technology that helps regular smokers to grow cannabis plants of the utmost quality from the comfort of their own home, avoiding pesticides and taking ownership of their personal supply.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “We believe that by understanding the cost of weed around the world, we can help to educate smokers about the potential financial benefits of hydroponic growing technology.” ‏

‏“That illegal cannabis use is so high in countries that still carry the death penalty, such as Pakistan and Egypt, those in power ought to see how desperately new legislation is needed.” comments Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “By removing the criminal element from marijuana, governments will then able to more safely regulate production, take away power from underground gangs, and as we’ve shown in this study, generate huge tax revenues.”‏

‏Further findings:‏

● ‏New York City, USA has the highest consumption rate of cannabis‏ ‏, at 77.44 metric tons per year.‏

● ‏Boston, USA has the most expensive cannabis of all the cities where it’s legal‏ ‏, at 11.01 USD, while Montevideo, Uruguay has the least expensive at 4.15 USD. ‏

● ‏While Tokyo, Japan has the most expensive cannabis of all cities where it’s illegal, at 32.66 USD, ‏ ‏Jakarta, Indonesia has the least expensive at 3.79 USD, despite being classed as a Group 1 drug with harsh sentences such as life imprisonment and the death penalty.‏ ‏ ‏

● ‏For cities where cannabis is partially legal, Bangkok, Thailand has the most expensive at 24.81 USD, while Quito, Ecuador has the least expensive at 1.34 USD. ‏

● ‏Bulgaria has the highest tax rates for the most popular brand of cigarettes, at 82.65%, while Paraguay has the lowest, with rates of 16%. ‏

● ‏Cairo, Egypt would gain the most revenue in tax if they were to legalise cannabis‏ ‏ and tax it as the same rate as cigarettes, at 384.87 million USD. Singapore, Singapore would gain the least, at 0.14 million USD, due in part to the city’s low consumption of marijuana at 0.02 metric tons per annum.‏

● ‏Based on the average US marijuana tax rates currently implemented,‏ ‏ New York City could generate the highest potential tax revenue by legalising weed, with 156.4 million USD per year‏ ‏. Singapore, Singapore would gain the least, at 0.04 million USD

‏About “Seedo”‏ ‏: Seedo is a fully automated hydroponic growing device which lets you grow your own medicinal herbs and vegetables from the comfort of your own home. Seedo controls and monitors the growing process, from seed to plant, while providing optimal lab conditions to assure premium quality produce year-round. Seedo’s goal is to simplify the growing process, making it accessible for everyone, without compromising on quality. ‏

‏The full results of the 2018 Cannabis Price Index:‏

‏#‏	‏City‏	‏Country‏	‏Legality‏	‏Price per gram, US$‏	‏Taxes of cigarettes, % of the most sold brand‏	‏Total possible tax collection, if taxed at cigarette level, mil US$‏	‏Total possible tax collection, if taxed at average US marijuana taxes, mil US$‏	‏Total Consumption in metric tons‏
‏1‏	‏Tokyo‏	‏Japan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏32.66‏	‏64.36‏	‏32.14‏	‏9.37‏	‏1.53‏
‏2‏	‏Seoul‏	‏South Korea‏	‏Illegal‏	‏32.44‏	‏61.99‏	‏31.61‏	‏9.57‏	‏1.57‏
‏3‏	‏Kyoto‏	‏Japan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏29.65‏	‏64.36‏	‏4.64‏	‏1.35‏	‏0.24‏
‏4‏	‏Hong Kong‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏27.48‏	‏44.43‏	‏19.72‏	‏8.33‏	‏1.62‏
‏5‏	‏Bangkok‏	‏Thailand‏	‏Partial‏	‏24.81‏	‏73.13‏	‏99.11‏	‏25.44‏	‏5.46‏
‏6‏	‏Dublin‏	‏Ireland‏	‏Illegal‏	‏21.63‏	‏77.80‏	‏29.31‏	‏7.07‏	‏1.74‏
‏7‏	‏Tallinn‏	‏Estonia‏	‏Partial‏	‏20.98‏	‏77.24‏	‏22.13‏	‏5.38‏	‏1.37‏
‏8‏	‏Shanghai‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏20.82‏	‏44.43‏	‏49.12‏	‏20.75‏	‏5.31‏
‏9‏	‏Beijing‏	‏China‏	‏Illegal‏	‏20.52‏	‏44.43‏	‏43.10‏	‏18.21‏	‏4.73‏
‏10‏	‏Oslo‏	‏Norway‏	‏Partial‏	‏19.14‏	‏68.83‏	‏19.28‏	‏5.26‏	‏1.46‏
‏11‏	‏Washington, DC‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏18.08‏	‏42.54‏	‏47.51‏	‏20.96‏	‏6.18‏
‏12‏	‏Cairo‏	‏Egypt‏	‏Illegal‏	‏16.15‏	‏73.13‏	‏384.87‏	‏98.78‏	‏32.59‏
‏13‏	‏Reykjavik‏	‏Iceland‏	‏Illegal‏	‏15.92‏	‏56.40‏	‏3.97‏	‏1.32‏	‏0.44‏
‏14‏	‏Belfast‏	‏Ireland‏	‏Illegal‏	‏15.81‏	‏77.80‏	‏13.55‏	‏3.27‏	‏1.10‏
‏15‏	‏Minsk‏	‏Belarus‏	‏Illegal‏	‏15.80‏	‏51.15‏	‏9.08‏	‏3.33‏	‏1.12‏
‏16‏	‏Athens‏	‏Greece‏	‏Partial‏	‏14.95‏	‏79.95‏	‏7.42‏	‏1.74‏	‏0.62‏
‏17‏	‏Auckland‏	‏New Zealand‏	‏Partial‏	‏14.77‏	‏77.34‏	‏106.03‏	‏25.73‏	‏9.28‏
‏18‏	‏Munich‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏14.56‏	‏72.90‏	‏50.90‏	‏13.10‏	‏4.80‏
‏19‏	‏Helsinki‏	‏Finland‏	‏Partial‏	‏14.42‏	‏81.53‏	‏27.12‏	‏6.24‏	‏2.31‏
‏20‏	‏Singapore‏	‏Singapore‏	‏Illegal‏	‏14.01‏	‏66.23‏	‏0.14‏	‏0.04‏	‏0.02‏
‏21‏	‏Berlin‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏13.53‏	‏72.90‏	‏114.77‏	‏29.55‏	‏11.64‏
‏22‏	‏Stuttgart‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏13.50‏	‏72.90‏	‏20.20‏	‏5.20‏	‏2.05‏
‏23‏	‏Thessaloniki‏	‏Greece‏	‏Partial‏	‏13.49‏	‏79.95‏	‏3.17‏	‏0.75‏	‏0.29‏
‏24‏	‏Stockholm‏	‏Sweden‏	‏Illegal‏	‏13.20‏	‏68.84‏	‏15.06‏	‏4.11‏	‏1.66‏
‏25‏	‏Vienna‏	‏Austria‏	‏Partial‏	‏12.87‏	‏74.00‏	‏59.21‏	‏15.02‏	‏6.22‏
‏26‏	‏Copenhagen‏	‏Denmark‏	‏Partial‏	‏12.47‏	‏74.75‏	‏20.65‏	‏5.18‏	‏2.22‏
‏27‏	‏Moscow‏	‏Russia‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.84‏	‏47.63‏	‏128.97‏	‏50.82‏	‏22.87‏
‏28‏	‏Hamburg‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.64‏	‏72.90‏	‏50.16‏	‏12.92‏	‏5.91‏
‏29‏	‏Chicago‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.46‏	‏42.54‏	‏119.61‏	‏52.77‏	‏24.54‏
‏30‏	‏Philadelphia‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.30‏	‏42.54‏	‏68.37‏	‏30.16‏	‏14.22‏
‏31‏	‏Bucharest‏	‏Romania‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.18‏	‏75.41‏	‏17.23‏	‏4.29‏	‏2.04‏
‏32‏	‏Cologne‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.14‏	‏72.90‏	‏28.51‏	‏7.34‏	‏3.51‏
‏33‏	‏Geneva‏	‏Switzerland‏	‏Partial‏	‏11.12‏	‏61.20‏	‏5.90‏	‏1.81‏	‏0.87‏
‏34‏	‏Boston‏	‏USA‏	‏Legal‏	‏11.01‏	‏42.54‏	‏28.59‏	‏12.61‏	‏6.10‏
‏35‏	‏Adelaide‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.91‏	‏56.76‏	‏41.60‏	‏13.75‏	‏6.72‏
‏36‏	‏Istanbul‏	‏Turkey‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.87‏	‏82.13‏	‏21.79‏	‏4.98‏	‏2.44‏
‏37‏	‏Melbourne‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.84‏	‏56.76‏	‏132.75‏	‏43.90‏	‏21.58‏
‏38‏	‏Sydney‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.79‏	‏56.76‏	‏138.36‏	‏45.75‏	‏22.59‏
‏39‏	‏New York‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.76‏	‏42.54‏	‏354.48‏	‏156.40‏	‏77.44‏
‏40‏	‏Düsseldorf‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.70‏	‏72.90‏	‏15.82‏	‏4.07‏	‏2.03‏
‏41‏	‏Brisbane‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.63‏	‏56.76‏	‏66.88‏	‏22.12‏	‏11.09‏
‏42‏	‏Hanover‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.51‏	‏72.90‏	‏13.46‏	‏3.47‏	‏1.76‏
‏43‏	‏Prague‏	‏Czech Rep.‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.47‏	‏77.42‏	‏63.95‏	‏15.50‏	‏7.89‏
‏44‏	‏Frankfurt‏	‏Germany‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.29‏	‏72.90‏	‏18.06‏	‏4.65‏	‏2.41‏
‏45‏	‏Wellington‏	‏New Zealand‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.11‏	‏77.34‏	‏19.53‏	‏4.74‏	‏2.50‏
‏46‏	‏Dallas‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.03‏	‏42.54‏	‏51.01‏	‏22.50‏	‏11.95‏
‏47‏	‏Houston‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏10.03‏	‏42.54‏	‏89.13‏	‏39.32‏	‏20.89‏
‏48‏	‏Vilnius‏	‏Lithuania‏	‏Illegal‏	‏10.00‏	‏75.76‏	‏5.20‏	‏1.29‏	‏0.69‏
‏49‏	‏Zurich‏	‏Switzerland‏	‏Partial‏	‏9.71‏	‏61.20‏	‏10.33‏	‏3.17‏	‏1.74‏
‏50‏	‏Montpellier‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.70‏	‏80.30‏	‏12.21‏	‏2.85‏	‏1.57‏
‏51‏	‏Canberra‏	‏Australia‏	‏Partial‏	‏9.65‏	‏56.76‏	‏10.96‏	‏3.63‏	‏2.00‏
‏52‏	‏Zagreb‏	‏Croatia‏	‏Partial‏	‏9.43‏	‏75.26‏	‏24.35‏	‏6.07‏	‏3.43‏
‏53‏	‏Nice‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.40‏	‏80.30‏	‏15.80‏	‏3.69‏	‏2.09‏
‏54‏	‏Phoenix‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏9.35‏	‏42.54‏	‏58.26‏	‏25.71‏	‏14.65‏
‏55‏	‏Paris‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.30‏	‏80.30‏	‏102.25‏	‏23.90‏	‏13.69‏
‏56‏	‏Miami‏	‏USA‏	‏Partial‏	‏9.27‏	‏42.54‏	‏16.24‏	‏7.16‏	‏4.12‏
‏57‏	‏San Francisco‏	‏USA‏	‏Legal‏	‏9.27‏	‏42.54‏	‏30.94‏	‏13.65‏	‏7.85‏
‏58‏	‏London‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.20‏	‏82.16‏	‏237.35‏	‏54.22‏	‏31.40‏
‏59‏	‏Colombo‏	‏Sri Lanka‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.12‏	‏73.78‏	‏3.98‏	‏1.01‏	‏0.59‏
‏60‏	‏Riga‏	‏Latvia‏	‏Illegal‏	‏9.00‏	‏76.89‏	‏10.23‏	‏2.50‏	‏1.48‏
‏61‏	‏Bratislava‏	‏Slovakia‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.92‏	‏81.54‏	‏7.24‏	‏1.67‏	‏1.00‏
‏62‏	‏Milan‏	‏Italy‏	‏Partial‏	‏8.85‏	‏75.68‏	‏46.06‏	‏11.42‏	‏6.88‏
‏63‏	‏Varna‏	‏Bulgaria‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.83‏	‏82.65‏	‏4.84‏	‏1.10‏	‏0.66‏
‏64‏	‏Marseille‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.69‏	‏80.30‏	‏36.23‏	‏8.47‏	‏5.19‏
‏65‏	‏Glasgow‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.65‏	‏82.16‏	‏15.21‏	‏3.47‏	‏2.14‏
‏66‏	‏Toulouse‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.62‏	‏80.30‏	‏18.67‏	‏4.36‏	‏2.70‏
‏67‏	‏Birmingham‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.58‏	‏82.16‏	‏27.73‏	‏6.34‏	‏3.93‏
‏68‏	‏Kuala Lumpur‏	‏Malaysia‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.54‏	‏55.36‏	‏6.61‏	‏2.24‏	‏1.40‏
‏69‏	‏Monterrey‏	‏Mexico‏	‏Partial‏	‏8.45‏	‏65.87‏	‏4.17‏	‏1.19‏	‏0.75‏
‏70‏	‏Edinburgh‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.41‏	‏82.16‏	‏12.22‏	‏2.79‏	‏1.77‏
‏71‏	‏Lisbon‏	‏Portugal‏	‏Partial‏	‏8.36‏	‏74.51‏	‏4.69‏	‏1.18‏	‏0.75‏
‏72‏	‏Strasbourg‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.35‏	‏80.30‏	‏11.13‏	‏2.60‏	‏1.66‏
‏73‏	‏Warsaw‏	‏Poland‏	‏Partial‏	‏8.31‏	‏80.29‏	‏29.27‏	‏6.84‏	‏4.39‏
‏74‏	‏Lyon‏	‏France‏	‏Illegal‏	‏8.20‏	‏80.30‏	‏19.45‏	‏4.55‏	‏2.95‏
‏75‏	‏Los Angeles‏	‏USA‏	‏Legal‏	‏8.14‏	‏42.54‏	‏124.88‏	‏55.10‏	‏36.06‏
‏76‏	‏Liverpool‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏7.94‏	‏82.16‏	‏10.86‏	‏2.48‏	‏1.67‏
‏77‏	‏Amsterdam‏	‏Netherlands‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.89‏	‏73.40‏	‏20.94‏	‏5.35‏	‏3.61‏
‏78‏	‏Manchester‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏7.88‏	‏82.16‏	‏58.99‏	‏13.48‏	‏9.11‏
‏79‏	‏Rome‏	‏Italy‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.86‏	‏75.68‏	‏88.16‏	‏21.86‏	‏14.82‏
‏80‏	‏Toronto‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.82‏	‏69.80‏	‏124.15‏	‏33.38‏	‏22.75‏
‏81‏	‏Denver‏	‏USA‏	‏Legal‏	‏7.79‏	‏42.54‏	‏20.53‏	‏9.06‏	‏6.20‏
‏82‏	‏Naples‏	‏Italy‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.75‏	‏75.68‏	‏29.82‏	‏7.40‏	‏5.08‏
‏83‏	‏Leeds‏	‏UK‏	‏Illegal‏	‏7.67‏	‏82.16‏	‏16.93‏	‏3.87‏	‏2.69‏
‏84‏	‏Seattle‏	‏USA‏	‏Legal‏	‏7.58‏	‏42.54‏	‏20.59‏	‏9.08‏	‏6.39‏
‏85‏	‏Madrid‏	‏Spain‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.47‏	‏78.09‏	‏93.40‏	‏22.45‏	‏16.01‏
‏86‏	‏Calgary‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.30‏	‏69.80‏	‏52.23‏	‏14.05‏	‏10.25‏
‏87‏	‏Luxembourg City‏	‏Luxembourg‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.26‏	‏70.24‏	‏1.62‏	‏0.43‏	‏0.32‏
‏88‏	‏San Jose‏	‏Costa Rica‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.23‏	‏69.76‏	‏7.84‏	‏2.11‏	‏1.56‏
‏89‏	‏Buenos Aires‏	‏Argentina‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.13‏	‏69.84‏	‏25.32‏	‏6.81‏	‏5.09‏
‏90‏	‏Brussels‏	‏Belgium‏	‏Partial‏	‏7.09‏	‏75.92‏	‏15.50‏	‏3.83‏	‏2.88‏
‏91‏	‏Santo Domingo‏	‏Dominican Rep.‏	‏Illegal‏	‏6.93‏	‏58.87‏	‏0.67‏	‏0.21‏	‏0.16‏
‏92‏	‏Graz‏	‏Austria‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.84‏	‏74.00‏	‏4.81‏	‏1.22‏	‏0.95‏
‏93‏	‏Budapest‏	‏Hungary‏	‏Illegal‏	‏6.74‏	‏77.26‏	‏7.70‏	‏1.87‏	‏1.48‏
‏94‏	‏Sofia‏	‏Bulgaria‏	‏Illegal‏	‏6.66‏	‏82.65‏	‏12.83‏	‏2.91‏	‏2.33‏
‏95‏	‏Ottawa‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.62‏	‏69.80‏	‏35.43‏	‏9.53‏	‏7.67‏
‏96‏	‏Vancouver‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.40‏	‏69.80‏	‏23.44‏	‏6.30‏	‏5.25‏
‏97‏	‏Sao Paulo‏	‏Brazil‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.38‏	‏64.94‏	‏68.55‏	‏19.81‏	‏16.55‏
‏98‏	‏Rotterdam‏	‏Netherlands‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.33‏	‏73.40‏	‏12.75‏	‏3.26‏	‏2.74‏
‏99‏	‏Ljubljana‏	‏Slovenia‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.32‏	‏80.41‏	‏3.43‏	‏0.80‏	‏0.67‏
‏100‏	‏Barcelona‏	‏Spain‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.23‏	‏78.09‏	‏39.59‏	‏9.51‏	‏8.14‏
‏101‏	‏Montreal‏	‏Canada‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.15‏	‏69.80‏	‏60.52‏	‏16.27‏	‏14.10‏
‏102‏	‏Kiev‏	‏Ukraine‏	‏Partial‏	‏6.00‏	‏74.78‏	‏14.73‏	‏3.70‏	‏3.28‏
‏103‏	‏Abuja‏	‏Nigeria‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.88‏	‏20.63‏	‏7.40‏	‏6.73‏	‏6.10‏
‏104‏	‏Lima‏	‏Peru‏	‏Partial‏	‏5.88‏	‏37.83‏	‏12.28‏	‏6.09‏	‏5.52‏
‏105‏	‏Mexico City‏	‏Mexico‏	‏Partial‏	‏5.87‏	‏65.87‏	‏22.58‏	‏6.43‏	‏5.84‏
‏106‏	‏Cape Town‏	‏South Africa‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.82‏	‏48.80‏	‏2.47‏	‏0.95‏	‏0.87‏
‏107‏	‏Karachi‏	‏Pakistan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.32‏	‏60.70‏	‏135.48‏	‏41.89‏	‏41.95‏
‏108‏	‏Manila‏	‏Philippines‏	‏Illegal‏	‏5.24‏	‏74.27‏	‏2.32‏	‏0.59‏	‏0.60‏
‏109‏	‏Rio de Janeiro‏	‏Brazil‏	‏Partial‏	‏5.11‏	‏64.94‏	‏28.82‏	‏8.33‏	‏8.69‏
‏110‏	‏Mumbai‏	‏India‏	‏Partial‏	‏4.57‏	‏60.39‏	‏89.38‏	‏27.78‏	‏32.38‏
‏111‏	‏New Delhi‏	‏India‏	‏Partial‏	‏4.38‏	‏60.39‏	‏101.20‏	‏31.45‏	‏38.26‏
‏112‏	‏Antwerp‏	‏Belgium‏	‏Partial‏	‏4.29‏	‏75.92‏	‏4.10‏	‏1.01‏	‏1.26‏
‏113‏	‏Astana‏	‏Kazakhstan‏	‏Illegal‏	‏4.22‏	‏39.29‏	‏1.78‏	‏0.85‏	‏1.07‏
‏114‏	‏Montevideo‏	‏Uruguay‏	‏Legal‏	‏4.15‏	‏66.75‏	‏19.54‏	‏5.50‏	‏7.06‏
‏115‏	‏Johannesburg‏	‏South Africa‏	‏Illegal‏	‏4.01‏	‏48.80‏	‏3.76‏	‏1.45‏	‏1.92‏
‏116‏	‏Panama City‏	‏Panama‏	‏Illegal‏	‏3.85‏	‏56.52‏	‏0.81‏	‏0.27‏	‏0.37‏
‏117‏	‏Jakarta‏	‏Indonesia‏	‏Illegal‏	‏3.79‏	‏53.40‏	‏1.92‏	‏0.68‏	‏0.95‏
‏118‏	‏Asuncion‏	‏Paraguay‏	‏Partial‏	‏2.22‏	‏16.00‏	‏0.16‏	‏0.19‏	‏0.46‏
‏119‏	‏Bogota‏	‏Colombia‏	‏Partial‏	‏2.20‏	‏49.44‏	‏15.80‏	‏6.00‏	‏14.53‏
‏120‏	‏Quito‏	‏Ecuador‏	‏Partial‏	‏1.34‏	‏70.39‏	‏0.56‏	‏0.15‏	‏0.60‏

‏Methodology‏

‏Selection of the cities:‏

‏To select the cities for the study, Seedo first looked at the top and bottom cannabis consuming countries around the world. Then they analysed nations where marijuana is partially or completely legal, as well as illegal, and selected the final list of 120 cities in order to best offer a representative comparison of the global cannabis price. ‏

‏Data:‏

● ‏Price per gram, US$ ‏ ‏- Crowdsourced city-level surveys adjusted to World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.‏

● ‏Taxes on Cigarettes, % of the most sold brand‏ ‏ – Taxes as a percentage of the retail price of the most sold brand (total tax). ‏ ‏Source‏ ‏: Appendix 2 of the WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2015.‏

● ‏Annual possible tax collection is calculated in the following way: ‏

● ‏Total_Possible_Tax=Population_City*Prevalence*Avg_Consumption_year_gr*price*tax_level, where:‏

● ‏Population: latest available local population data sources.‏

● ‏Annual Prevalence (percentage of population, having used weed in the year). Source: World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime‏

● ‏Average Consumption of weed per year in grams (people who consumed weed at least once in the previous year). ‏

● ‏Estimation, with the assumption, that one use of weed on average means one joint. ‏

● ‏One joint is assumed to have 0.66 grams of weed as in the paper of Mariani, Brooks, Haney and Levin (2010). ‏

● ‏The distribution of use during the year is assumed to be the same as in Zhao and Harris (2004), where the yearly usage varies from once or twice a year to everyday.‏

● ‏Total Consumption in Tons‏

● ‏Consumption=Population*Prevalence*Consumption_year_gr‏

● ‏Population: latest available local population data sources.‏

● ‏Annual Prevalence (percentage of population, having used weed in the year). ‏ ‏Source‏ ‏: World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime‏

● ‏Average Consumption of weed per year in grams (people who consumed weed at least once in the previous year).‏

● ‏Estimation, with the assumption, that one use of weed on average means one joint. ‏

● ‏One joint is assumed to have 0.66 grams of weed as in the paper of Mariani, Brooks, Haney and Levin (2010). ‏

● ‏The distribution of use during the year is assumed to be the same as in Zhao and Harris (2004), where the yearly usage varies from once or twice a year to everyday. ‏

● ‏US tax level ‏ ‏- Average tax level in the states of US where weed is legal: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Includes retail sales taxes, state taxes, local taxes and excise taxes.‏

● ‏Legality‏

○ ‏Legal, if possession and selling for recreational and medical use is legal.‏

○ ‏Illegal, if possession and selling for recreational and medical use is illegal.‏

○ ‏Partial, if ‏

■ ‏Possession of small amounts is decriminalised (criminal penalties lessened, fines and regulated permits may still apply)‏

■ ‏OR medicinal use legal‏

■ ‏OR possession is legal, selling illegal‏

■ ‏OR scientific use legal‏

■ ‏OR usage allowed in restricted areas (e.g. homes or coffee shops)‏

■ ‏OR local laws may apply to legality (e.g. illegal at federal level, legal at state level)‏

‏First quote: Based on New York City Council’s free lunch initiative which began in September 2017, with 1.1 million public school children, at a cost of $1.75 per child per day.‏

Sci-Tech

High Tech Houseplants That grow air

January 15, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

Clairy is an astounding handcrafted object that monitors your indoor air quality and when VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds such as cigarettes, solvents, pesticides, copy machine chemicals etc.) levels are bad, eliminates pollution in your home. It makes you and your beloved ones breathe better and live better. It is much more than a pretty houseplant.

How is that possible?

Following an 80s NASA Clean Air Program research project, Clairy uses the power of specific species of plants to trap the air pollutants into their roots. That’s why it doesn’t need filters: the plant is the filter!

Clairy has also tech sensors that communicate with an app, so you can check directly the levels of humidity, temperature, and VOCs of your home with your smartphone.

What makes Clairy so beautiful?

It’s 100% Made in Italy by the artisans of Nove, near Vicenza, where the techniques of working with ceramics have been transmitted from father to son for centuries.

You can choose from four different colors: Corallo, Alabastro, Acquamarina and Blu Mare.

You should also consider our Premium Edition, Nero and Rame, made with the special technique called “Terzo Fuoco”. A masterpiece of Italian design you must have in your home. Holiday time is approaching, and we all want to give a gift that can be beautiful and useful at the same time. Clairy is the answer. For the Silo, Andrea Passador.

Vintage

Warhol, Lichtenstein Art Auction look back

January 11, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

Almost one decade ago: Andy Warhol’s “Endangered Species and Ads” prints bring a combined $677,000 USD alone at this notable Modern and Contemporary Art event.

Two complete portfolios by Andy Warhol, Endangered Species, 1983 and Ads, 1985, sold for $338,500 USD each to far exceed their estimates among a field of fresh-to-market iconic works during Heritage Auctions’ $2.9 million USD Modern and Contemporary Art Signature® Auction, May 22 in Dallas.

The auction sold 90% by value and 78% by lot.

Close up of one of the ten screenprints up for auction by ANDY WARHOL (American, 1928-1987)
Ads, 1985
Portfolio of ten screenprints on Lenox Museum Board
38 x 38 inches (96.5 x 96.5 cm)
Ed. 50/190
Each signed and numbered in pencil
Printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York
Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Texas
LITERATURE:
Feldman & Schellmann, II.350-359
Warhol, Andy:. American painter, photographer, filmaker and publisher, 1928-1987

ANDY WARHOL (American, 1928-1987)

Ads, 1985

Portfolio of ten screenprints on Lenox Museum Board

38 x 38 inches (96.5 x 96.5 cm)

Ed. 50/190

Each signed and numbered in pencil

Printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, New York

Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York

PROVENANCE:

Private collection, Texas

LITERATURE:

Feldman & Schellmann, II.350-359

Warhol, Andy: American painter, photographer, filmaker and publisher, 1928-1987

Condition Report*:

With original Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc. cardboard portfolio box and index print. All screenprints unframed and in good condition with specifics listed below. Mobil: Minor rubbing 3/8″ in due to former frame. A few incidental surface scratches and rubs. One 5/8″ abrasion, resulting in very minor loss. Paramount: Minor rubbing 3/8′ to 1/2″ due to former frame. Very minor bumping to bottom right corner. Chanel: 1/2″ to 1″ light rubbing due to former frame. Slate purple backgrund has hazy toning, beginning about 1/4″ in. Apple: Very minor incidental rubbing to edge. Rebel Without A Cause (James Dean); Van Heusen (Ronald Reagan); Blackglama (Judy Garland): All have only very minor edgewear. Volkswagen; Life Savers: Very minor surface rubbing and edgewear. Donald Duck: Very minor edgewear. Top corners have minor wear. Light handling creases. Some wrinkling and an indentation at end of signature. Left side center shows some moderate wrinkling and creases with some minor loss, beginning at 11″ from the bottom up to 24″, and affecting 3″ into the work. The face and body of Donald Duck is affected somewhat, as well as the background near edge. Light wear in top left corner and a small abrasion on middle right side. Unframed

Two works by Ed Ruscha responded well among buyers as his gunpowder on paper titled Rustic Pines, 1967, realized $290,500 USD and a color screenprint, Double Standard, 1969, sold for $182,500 USD , setting a record for the work. Mel Ramos’ Georgia Peach, 1964, fresh from a Texas collection, sold for $158,500 USD.

“The market for good contemporary art doesn’t seem to have hit any ceiling,” said Frank Hettig, Director of Modern and Contemporary Art at Heritage. “Our focus is presenting fantastic, fresh-to-market discoveries and bidders certainly responded in kind. It gives us high expectations for our November 2 Modern and Contemporary auction in Dallas.”

Among the modern masterpieces in the auction, the magnificent, 7-foot Cobalt Chandelier, 2003, by Dale Chihuly reached $158,500 USD. It is the largest Chihuly chandelier to appear on the secondary market and was offered through a federal court-appointed receivership overseeing the sale of assets previously owned by R. Allen Stanford of Stanford Financial Group.

Forms in Space by Lichtenstein earned $53,125.

Roy Lichtenstein’s Forms in Space, 1985, a screenprint published by the artist for the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Rally round the Flag benefit, achieved $53,125 USD and Georges Rouault’s Chemineau, 1937, realized $40,625 USD.

Here’s a look at what some Lichtenstein’s other pieces sold for.

Sculptural art performed well as Étienne Hajdu’s La Mer, 1964, sold for $35,000 USD and Pablo Picasso’s Vase deux anses hautes, 1953, sold for $30,000 USD while Robert Graham’s Frieze Figure I-G, 1989/1990, brought $21,250 USD.

So what is that Volkswagen Warhol worth today in 2021? It’s hard to pen the value but in Spring 2019 one single print ad brought 30,000 UK Pounds ( 52,000 $ CAD) in a Christie’s auction.

ROY LICHTENSTEIN (American, 1923-1997)

Forms in Space, 1985

Screenprint in colors on Rives BFK paper

31 x 47-1/2 inches (78.7 x 120.7 cm)

Ed. 35/125

Signed, dated and numbered in pencil

LITERATURE:

Corlett, 217

NOTE:

Published by the artist for the Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Forms in Space has been created especially in honor of ICA’s benefit, Rally round the Flag (label on frame verso) .

Lichtenstein, Roy:. American painter, printmaker; born 1923 in New York City, died 1997 in New York City

Condition Report*:

Sheet: 35.75 x 51.5 A crease in upper center at extreme sheet edge; small pressure mark at lower right corner; lower right corner lightly bumped; paper lightly undulates; framed. Framed Dimensions 36.25 X 52.5 Inches

Supplemental- Apple logo designer dishes on history http://www.macworld.com/article/1142322/logo_design.html

Culture

Being In Canada 54 Years And Involved In Social Change

January 2, 2021 The Silo Leave a comment

This year, I have been in Canada 54 years. It is difficult to define what I need to do but I have to be more active, more involved in positive social change…….The state of Trumpism gnaws at me.

A few years ago, during March 2017, about 40 of my photographs (1967 – 1974) of Toronto’s Baldwin St. were exhibited at the Toronto Arts & Letters Club. I recently spoke at the Club about my experience as an immigrant in 1967 with a draft dodger avoiding the Vietnam War.

In Feb. of that same year, I was fortunate enough to have exhibited photographs at Unlovable Gallery that John Phillips (my ex-husband and late husband) and I took of the American Civil Rights Movement. Last year, I gave a slide presentation at the Women’s Art Association on Canadian women photographers who worked between 1865 -1915. Three projects – war resisters, civil rights, and feminism.

My son, Bennett Jones Phillips, and his partner, Lisa Pereira are in the process of creating a record store on Baldwin St. and I am going to have an exhibition space- provided the current Covid epidemic is managed, controlled and finally defeated. (I had a gallery in the past on Baldwin). Here is a chance to be more active and socially involved. My plan includes an expanded “coming to Canada” exhibit with blow ups of my and John’s photos and some pages of John’s FBI file and underground papers. It looks like the space will be a shipping container. The opening event will likely include having a tent in the former Silverstein Bakery parking lot and having music, poetry, and a 60’s feel with Baldwin Street history – Irish, Jewish, Chinese, and American immigration being part of the opening focus.

There are lots of possibilities. I am very open to ideas and involvement of other people. So what do you think? Cheers, Laura Jones.

Culture

Big Money! When North America’s Most Expensive Home Was For Sale

December 11, 2020 The Silo 2 Comments

In 2016, the most expensive home on the U.S. market was in Manalapan, Florida and priced then at USD$195 million. Let’s take a look back in this feature via our friends at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. as North America’s elite homes get more elaborate and expensive every year.

The mansion that was at the top of the price list a year earlier in 2015 near Fort Lauderdale, Florida was priced at USD$159 million and came with its own IMAX theater, a USD$2 million staircase and an entry gate decorated with 22-karat gold leaf. This year, Southern California has the #2 home on the market at USD$150 million with 38,000 square feet that was built on the site of Barbara Streisand’s former estate in Holmby Hills. In third place is Palazzo di Amore on 25 acres in Beverly Hills with 12 bedrooms and 23 baths at USD$149 million. An 11-acre estate in the Hamptons comes in at #4 for USD$140 million.

In 2016, Florida again claimed the top for-sale spot with the Gemini Estate near Palm Beach at USD$195 million. Designed by architect Marion Sims Wyeth and built in the 1940s for the Lambert pharmaceutical family (“Listerine kills germs that cause bad breath”), the Gemini estate was eventually sold to high-society couple Loel and Gloria Guinness as a winter retreat. It was purchased by the current owners, the Ziff publishing family, in the 1980s and underwent a four-year expansion and reconstruction that was completed in 2003.

Sited on almost 16 acres on a barrier island in Manalapan with over 1,500 varieties of tropical trees and plants acting as a nature preserve and privacy hedge from coastal highway traffic, the estate stretches from its 1,200 feet of Atlantic Ocean beachfront to 1,300 feet on the Intracoastal Waterway. The coral-clad main residence with over 62,000 square feet includes 12 bedrooms, 12 baths, two libraries, golf trophy room, kitchen with hand-painted tiles and three dishwashers.

Also, a seven-bedroom home named Mango House, a manager’s house with four apartments and two four-bedroom beach cottages with private quarters for extended family and friends. Grounds are thoughtfully planned with both activity and relaxation in mind. A sports complex offers a half basketball court, tennis court, practice golf course with two greens, a swimming pool surrounded by cultivated jungle, treehouse and butterfly garden, miniature golf course, a wide deserted beach and a boat dock with ocean access. A tunnel with its own living room and fireplace runs under South Ocean Boulevard to connect the mansion with the estate’s guest house and boat dock on the Intracoastal Waterway. Overall, the property totals almost 85,000 square feet of living space with 33 bedrooms and 47 baths.

The walled compound can be self-sufficient with two generators, gas pumps and propane tanks. America’s most expensive home is listed by Joseph Liguori of Premier Estate Properties in Boca Raton, Florida at USD$195 million. For the Silo, Terry Walsh.

Sci-Tech

5G Technology And Induction Of Coronavirus Into Skin Cells

December 11, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

NOTE- the journal paper was retracted by the author a few days after receiving publication. We do not hold that the paper is factual or not, only that the content is interesting and deserves speculative consideration.

In this research, we show that 5G millimeter waves could be absorbed by dermatologic cells acting like antennas, transferred to other cells and play the main role in producing Coronaviruses in biological cells. DNA is built from charged electrons and atoms and has an inductor-like structure. This structure could be divided into linear, toroid and round inductors. Inductors interact with external electromagnetic waves, move and produce some extra waves within the cells. The shapes of these waves are similar to
shapes of hexagonal and pentagonal bases of their DNA source. These waves produce some holes in liquids within the nucleus. To fill these holes, some extra hexagonal and pentagonal bases are produced.

These bases could join to each other and form virus-like structures such as Coronavirus. To produce these viruses within a cell, it is necessary that the wavelength of external waves be shorter than the size of the cell. Thus 5G millimeter waves could be good candidates for applying in constructing virus-like structures such as Coronaviruses (COVID-19) within cells.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the main problem this year involving the entire world (1- see full PDF below).

This is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. This virus is a member of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.

Among them, COVID-19 is an enveloped virus with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome and a nucleocapsid of helical symmetry. The genome size of coronaviruses ranges from approximately 27 to 34 kilobases, the largest among known RNA viruses (2, 3 see full PDF below). To date, many scientists have tried to find a method to cure this disease (4, 5 see full PDF below); however, without success.

COVID-19 may have effects on different types of cells. For example, it has been argued that this virus may have some effects on dermatologic cells (6 see full PDF below). On the other hand, it has been known that some waves in 5G technology have direct effects on the skin cells (7 see full PDF below).

Thus, there are some similarities between effects of COVID-19 and waves in 5G technology.

A new question arises regarding a relationship between 5G technology and COVID-19. The 5G technology is the fifth-generation mobile technology in which its frequency spectrum could be divided into millimeter waves, mid-band, and low-band. To find out how this may cause the creation of COVID-19 in human cells continue here to read the full PDF.

Silo article via – Biolife 0393-974X (2020)
Copyright © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s.
This publication and/or article is for individual use only and may not be further reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder.
Unauthorized reproduction may result in financial and other penalties
DISCLOSURE: ALL AUTHORS REPORT NO CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST RELEVANT TO THIS ARTICLE. 3
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL REGULATORS & HOMEOSTATIC AGENTS Vol. 34, no. 4, xx-xx (2020)

Dr Massimo Fioranelli,
Department of Nuclear,
Sub-nuclear and Radiation Physics,
Guglielmo Marconi University,
Via Plinio 44-00193, Rome, Italy
e-mail: [email protected]
5G Technology and induction of coronavirus in skin cells
M. Fioranelli1, A. Sepehri1, M.G. Roccia1, M. Jafferany2, O. Yu. Olisova3,
K.M. Lomonosov3 and T. Lotti1,3
1Department of Nuclear, Sub-nuclear and Radiation Physics, G. Marconi University, Rome, Italy;
2Central Michigan Saginaw, Michigan , USA; 3Department of Dermatology and Venereology, I.M.
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia

Gaming

How Videogames Are Classified As Age Appropriate

December 2, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Christmas is coming and kids across Canada and the World will be telling their parents, and Santa Claus himself, about the latest and greatest video game excitement they want under the tree on the big day. Buying age-appropriate videogames can be a daunting proposition but a great place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed is the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s video game classification system, a series of easy-to-use ratings designed to help parents pick out the right games for their kids.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board was established by the video game industry in 1994 to provide age-based purchasing guidelines for games. ESRB rankings, which are used in both Canada and the United States, have been applied to nearly 20,000 individual video game titles since then, making it easier to decide what to bring home by providing a snapshot of what’s in the box.

The ESRB assigns virtually every video game on the market one of four rankings: E (Everyone), T (Teen), M (Mature) and AO (Adults Only.) The E rating indicates that a game is suitable for all players, while games rated T are considered appropriate for gamers aged 13 and up. Games with an M rating are for players who are at least 17 years old, and AO games are reserved for those of at least 18 years of age and generally aren’t sold by mainstream retailers. Age ratings are prominently displayed on the front of the game box, while “content descriptors” on the back provide details about specific game content, like alcohol and drug references, mature humour, strong language and violence.

ESRB ratings are a fantastic tool and studies by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission have consistently shown that the video game industry boasts better rating compliance than any other entertainment medium in North America- better, even, than MPAA ratings for movies. But ultimately, only parents can decide what their kids should play. Not sure about what they’re asking for? Check the box and then make the call.

To learn more about video game ratings, have a look at the Rating Board’s website where you can also access a detailed list of all currently-rated games. For the Silo, Andy Chalk.

Gaming

Canadians Playing Way More Video Games During COVID

November 19, 2020 The Silo 2 Comments

With his controller in hand and a hockey game already in progress on the screen

Jayson Hilchie - Entertainment Software Association of Canada

Culture

Protect Your Belongings With Self Storage

November 16, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

A person standing in front of a box

Description automatically generated

People often store their belongings because they want to use them at a later time. However, keeping your items in your garage, crawlspace, or any other makeshift storage areas in your home can compromise your belongings and your overall organization and indoor air quality.

Instead of turning your home into a storage facility, consider saving space and protecting your items by keeping them in a self-storage unit. This option is a much better alternative to storing your items at your home in a shed or garage.

When you store your items outside, you have no control over the rising and dropping temperature. You won’t even know how these temperatures impact your belongings until you reach for something, and it’s not working anymore.

The good news is that there are many spacious, climate controlled storage units in Canada available so that you can store your belongings without compromising them or your space. Consider how keeping your items in a self-storage unit can not only benefit you but benefit your belongings.

Store Items in a Controlled Climate

When you store your items outside in your garage or shed, you can’t regulate the storage temperature. Keep your things in a climate-controlled self-storage facility so that you can have peace of mind knowing that they are being stored at regulated temperatures.

You’d be surprised how many things you need to store in a cool area. Climate control plays an essential role in protecting your belongings like artwork, electronics, paperwork, and furniture, which can be compromised by humid or freezing temperatures. Properly storing your belongings in a space with regulated temperature can also help to extend their overall lifespan.

A large brick building with a tiled floor

Description automatically generated

Create More Space & Improve Air Quality

Clutter is not just an eyesore. Storing your items close together can cause them to scratch and damage one another. Even more importantly, packing items so close together can impact the air quality of a space, which can compromise your belongings’ integrity.

When items are packed together in a small area, there is no air-flow. Poor ventilation causes humidity, moisture build-up, and condensation. All of which can damage electronic items internally and the external surfaces of furniture.

Cluttered furniture, appliances, and other devices can also trap and hold dust. This dust can build on your furniture and trigger allergies in those living in the space. Like humans, our belongings need space to thrive.

Protect Items During a Renovation

Home renovations are exciting, but the dirt, dust, and contractors in and out of your house are often overwhelming. When you are doing a home renovation project, protect your existing belongings by storing them in self-storage.

This way, you can protect your things from dirt and dust build-up and prevent damage from tools, fallen objects, and movement. You move around furniture so much during a renovation that it is better to move the furniture out of the way entirely. Utilizing self-storage to store items will also help create more space for you and your contractors to work.

Maintain Security & Privacy

Maintain the privacy of your items while you are protecting them from wear and tear. Your self-storage unit should offer security to ensure that your items are adequately protected and can only be accessed by you.

Choose a storage facility with state-of-the-art security features like passcodes and durable locks that can ensure your belongings’ safeguarding. For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.

Sci-Tech

Whole City COVID Testing Will Begin In Liverpool UK

November 12, 2020 The Silo 2 Comments

Pasadena, Calif. (November, 2020) – Innova Medical Group, Inc. (IMG) has partnered with the UK Government in its roll out of whole city screening and testing, beginning in Liverpool, with its INNOVA SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Qualitative Test Kits.

Innova Medical’s lateral flow antigen test uses nasal and throat swab samples to screen for infection, with highly accurate results in as little as 15-minutes. This test can be easily and safely administered anywhere, on both asymptomatic and symptomatic people, without costly delays and the need for a full-scale laboratory. With its low cost per test, about the same as a coffee and biscuit in London, at-risk populations and many with inequitable access to healthcare, can achieve peace-of-mind with a negative result. U.K. Government data showed the IMG rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test screened asymptomatic individuals with 98.98 percent accuracy.

https://youtu.be/S2qRibNrBPs

Dr. Susan Hopkins, Incident Director at Public Health England, said, “The tests we are using in Liverpool are accurate, especially in finding people who are infectious at that moment in time and so are more likely to pass it on to others. Part of the purpose of working with Liverpool to roll out whole city testing is to better understand how these tests work in the field, improve understanding of why people get tested, and the impact of this approach on reducing the transmission rate.”

Using the National Health Service (NHS COVID-19) app, people can book a test and later input their test results.

Individuals taking part in the roll out of Operation Moonshot will be notified of positive or negative results by text or email. With this important test-and-trace system in place, public health authorities can diagnose cases, isolate infected patients, trace their contacts, and implement stringent infection control policies to reduce outbreaks.

With colder months and the holiday season ahead, the risk of virus transmission accelerates with more indoor gatherings and travel. If people do not know they have COVID-19, it is unlikely they will take precautions to prevent virus spread. Research studies show that to achieve disease control both asymptomatic, people who are infected but never develop symptoms, and pre-symptomatic, infected people who develop symptoms later, must be isolated.

Under Operation Moonshot, the UK Government hopes to flatten the curve by employing proactive, rather than reactive, measures in its COVID-19 response. Up to 1-in-5 United Kingdom coronavirus infections present with no symptoms, but they are still contagious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says up to 40 percent of infected people are asymptomatic and should be tested if they have been exposed. Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected; however, infectivity was found to be highest a day before symptom onset. After symptoms, such as a cough, fever, and shortness of breath, first appear, a person can remain contagious for at least ten days.

The Innova Rapid Antigen Test quickly identifies infectiousness. The lateral flow test can identify people with a high viral load who are the most likely to spread the virus. Daniel Elliott, President of Innova Medical Group, Inc., said, “Our lateral flow device incorporates a German nitrocellulose membrane partially composed of nanoparticles of colloidal gold. [ Colloidal gold is nanoparticles of gold in a liquid solution. These gold nanoparticles are coated in such a way that they detect Covid antibodies. CP ] This advanced, proprietary technology combined with our room temperature reagent, allows testing at point-of-care settings such as workplaces, universities, and airports.”

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND PRODUCTION

Innova Medical Group Inc. offers a global supply chain including the innovative and respected firms, GE Healthcare (USA) and Sartorius (Germany). IMG secured exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreements for its best-in-class portfolio of screening and diagnostic tests. By the end of November 2020, IMG will produce millions of kits per day in its Brea, California plant, combined with activity from plants in other global locations. After being selected over a large number of submissions to take part in Operation Moonshot, IMG is also exploring options for production in the United Kingdom.

The Innova test carries a CE Marking indicating that this IVD device complies with the European In-Vitro Diagnostic Devices Directive (98/79/EC). This device may be legally commercialized in the European Union (EU). For the Silo, Julie R. Manley.

About Innova Medical Group

Innova Medical Group, Inc. (IMG), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pasaca Capital (Pasadena, Calif.). IMG strategically pivoted and leveraged its expertise in Healthcare and Medical Devices to create an ecosystem to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Innova Medical Ecosystem is delivering millions of tests every day to satisfy the diverse, point-of-care requirements of the world’s governments, large corporations, and institutions. IMG offers a global supply chain including the innovative and respected firms, GE Healthcare (USA), and Sartorius (Germany). IMG secured exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreements for its best-in-class portfolio of screening and diagnostic tests. For more information, visit www.innovamedgroup.com.

Culture

Hope & Horror Of War Brought To Life At Canadian War Museum

November 10, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Every Remembrance Day I try to tour the Canadian War Museum – a mammoth exhibition of battle since earliest times. Each year, “lest I forget”, the photos and exhibits tell a story of fear and courage, sacrifice and survival, humanity, brutality, violence, and hatred.

Early combat was limited to the distance you could throw a spear, fire an arrow or swing a club. Armour was made of wood. Much of war consisted of ambush and surprise. Today, though Canada’s military still use snowshoe and canoe, they not only prepare for ambush, but also for nuclear threat.

The War Museum describes 150 years of French-British conflict in North America, ending in the Seven Year’s War and the British conquest of Canada.

CanadianWarMuseum2 — The Canadian War Museum

Then in 1775, American anger exploded into revolution – creating two countries in North America. For Americans, their invasions of Canada during the American Revolution and War of 1812 are considered minor campaigns. Yet north of the border, they were struggles for survival.

Canadian forces went abroad in 1899 and again in 1914 to fight wars as part of the British Empire. One thousand volunteers fought in South Africa; 620,000 fought World War I.

In 1914 Europe was a powder keg. Opposing alliances and secret treaties divided the heavily armed great powers. After the assassination of Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand, countries rushed to settle old scores or to support allies. Britain, France and Russia stood against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. The rest of the world was dragged into a war that killed nine million and destroyed empires.

The War Museum focuses on the trenches of France and Belgium from 1915 to 1918, and the battles of the Somme, Vimy, Passchendale and the Hundred Days. Systems of fortified trenches stretched the length of the Western Front. Frontal assaults led to tremendous casualties. It was a long, bloody war.

In the 1930’s, Germany, Italy and Japan became aggressive dictatorships. The leading democracies – Britain, France, and the United States – tried to negotiate adopting a policy of appeasement. But the dictators responded with even more aggression.

War Museum exhibits cover Adolf Hitler and the rise of fascism, including an infamous Mercedes limousine used by Hitler at Nazi rallies. As World War II became a reality, Canada was the first Commonwealth country to send troops to Britain in 1939 – by the end of the conflict, 1.1 million Canadians served. Museum exhibits cover boots on the ground, as well as the costly Battle of the Atlantic where Canadians sunk 50 enemy submarines. The story of Canada’s air war is told, as well as our involvement in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan – much of which took place at local airfields.

The Second World War alliance of the Soviet Union and the Western democracies was short lived. Opposing world views, and territorial disputes deteriorated into the Cold War of 40 years.

Communist North Korea’s invasion of South Korea in 1950 sparked a three-year war that killed or wounded 3.5 million.

And Canadians have gone on to serve in NATO, NORAD, the United Nations, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.

The War Museum is well worth the visit.

It reminds us that history is filled with both horror and hope.

History is not only the story you read, it is the one you remember.

We will remember! For the Silo by MPP Toby Barrett

Culture

The Strength Of The Past And Its Great Might

November 8, 2020 The Silo 2 Comments

Within the last generation, archaeology has undergone a major transformation, developing from an independent small-scale activity, based upon museums and a few university departments, into a large-scale state organization based upon national legislation.

This has entailed an increase in resources on an unprecedented scale, and has drastically changed the profile of archaeology, which is now firmly fixed within the political and national domains. Moreover, decision making within the discipline has shifted from museums and university departments towards various new national agencies for the conservation and protection of the cultural heritage.

The consequences of this development for the discipline as a whole had remained largely unnoticed until …..click here to read the complete electronic essay by Kristian Kristiansen University of Gothenburg.

Also available via our friends at academia.edu

Earth

The Canada Goose

November 6, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

CANADA GOOSE aka Branta canadensis

The Giant Canada Goose is one of the most common and widespread species of goose in North America. It is most easily identified by its brownish-grey body, long black neck with a black head, and white patches on the face.

Canada Geese live around ponds, rivers and lake shores, and have become quite a common sight in parks. It’s hard to believe that they were nearly extinct in the 1960’s!

Geese feed mostly on land and frequently spend 12 hours a day or more feeding. Their diet consists of a variety of grasses, aquatic vegetation, and various grains.

Canada geese find mates during their second year and once paired, the geese remain together for life. Females usually return to the same nesting area each year.

Although an increasing number of Canada Geese are choosing to winter in Canada, especially in urban areas, the majority fly south to the United States and even Mexico

The spectacle of Canada Geese migrating in long, honking, irregular “V” formations across spring or autumn skies is one of the most dramatic indications of the change of seasons in Canada. For the Silo, Dixie Greenwood.

Culture

4 Ways To Fortify Your Marriage & Manage Your Differences

November 2, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Marriage is a complex, ever-evolving relationship that challenges partners to remain active in their efforts to maintain the relationship. While the components of a healthy relationship – passion, commitment and intimacy – may seem abstract, I have found specific actions through my practice as a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist that couples can do to prioritize their relationship and make it last.

• Continue or learn to communicate well. We all know to be polite to our bosses at work or strangers we meet, but it is often with those we are closest to that we slip into unhealthy habits of disrespect or inattentive listening. Most likely, at the point in your relationship when you plan to get married, you feel close and communicate well with your partner. It is over time that partners become busier, more distracted or simply make fewer efforts to communicate respectfully and openly with their spouses. But communication is a critical component to a healthy marriage. Couples must schedule time to check in with each other weekly. This “weekly check-in” may seem less necessary in the early years of marriage, but you will appreciate the habit later when work hours become longer and kids enter the picture. Use this time to coordinate schedules, check in about any issues in the relationship, and take time for each other away from technological distractions (that means no phones or TV in the background).

• Create a budget agreement. One of the most common areas of newlywed conflict is managing a joint budget. Even if you cohabitate with your partner before marriage, it is unlikely that you pooled all of your resources, and there is a lack of education about shared budgets. But money is important for your personal and relational well-being. Talk with your partner about your financial goals and concerns. Your spouse should be an equal partner in financial decisions. It is helpful for partners to regularly check in with each other about financial changes and decisions (you can easily incorporate this into your weekly check-ins). I advise couples to set a monthly personal budget – say $500 – that each partner can spend on individual expenses without consulting the other. If a partner wants to make a purchase that goes above the agreed-upon amount, he or she should wait until the other partner is consulted and agrees. By forming healthy spending habits and open communication about finances, partners can avoid one of the most common areas of marital conflict and feel closer as equals.

• Share responsibility for maintaining intimacy. In the early years of a relationship, intimacy seems to come naturally, so many partners take for granted the importance of actively maintaining a sense of emotional connection. This is not the responsibility of one partner, but a requirement that both spouses maintain an interest in fostering intimacy and keeping tabs on ways the other partner wishes to feel loved and cared for (because this does vary from person to person and over time). Date nights are a simple way to establish time to reconnect during a busy week, and they are essential in the early years of marriage and beyond. Take turns planning an evening for each other, and do not get trapped in thinking it has to be extravagant. If your lives are incredibly busy that week, find a time to relax at home or try to cook a new meal together.

Remember that human beings like novelty, so be willing to try new things together.

• Never be afraid to manage your differences. If I had to pick one major takeaway for couples considering marriage, it is to ensure that you are able to tell your partner when you are upset with him or her. That way your partner stands a chance of trying to fix the problem. Without this, resentment takes root and will continue to grow over time until it is addressed. This is so important because resentment often underlies any deficit in the previous points I made. It may sound basic, but it is often difficult for partners to place themselves in a vulnerable position where they can voice their concerns about the person closest to them. For couples to manage resentment, it is essential that partners create a safe conversational space where each can be heard and listen without feeling defensive or attacked. It is inevitable that you will have a different perspective than your partner at some point – whether regarding the family budget, division of household labor, or even the right way to show intimacy. Use any and every opportunity in the early years of marriage to practice talking with each other when one partner is upset with the other. Skills such as empathy, active listening and managing anger and frustration can be learned and need to be regularly utilized in couple conversation. For the Silo, Dr. Anne Brennan Malec.

Gaming

Can You Really Eat & Drink For Free In A Casino?

October 30, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

The short answer…yes!

But, of course, there’s always something you are missing. Nothing is ever really free, especially in a casino. But hey, before we take any firm stand on the issue, why not examine the mechanics of it?

Both land based and online casinos are a great place to entertain yourself with gambling and other thrills offered at the cards table or the roulette wheel. It’s all a matter of picking your game and playing it to the best of your ability and relying on a generous amount of luck.

If you are getting some drinks and food out of it, even better! Right?

The Customer Is Royalty

The customer-centric sentiment is true for any business and more so in a casino. When they are not looking through the cameras to find some ‘Rain Man’ type gambler, they are studying you, and they found out that people who stay in the casino longer gamble more.

When in a casino, you are seeking the thrill of gambling and possibly winning something. You can do this for a while, but then, at some point, you’re going to be hungry and thirsty.

It’s a great night out; you need to get some drinks and some food to round out the fun. The casino is not a restaurant. If you have to leave the casino to eat somewhere else, chances are, you are not coming back.

If you are just a local having fun, maybe you might come back. However, if you are holidaying, once you leave the casino, that’s probably it.

Complimentary Drinks and Cheap Meals

Gambling needs you to pay attention. Drinks cause you to lose the ability to pay attention effectively. If you are dulled out, you will probably gamble more and be looser with your wallet. Complimentary drinks might seem like a nice thing to have at first, but could they be your downfall?

Alcoholism and Gambling Addiction - Alcohol Rehab Guide

It is not an inevitable outcome, though, as you could be very lucky or very good at the game you are playing. But most of the time, the casino will recoup the money spent on complimentary drinks, in the form of what you spend on the casino floor.

Drinks can only get you so far. At some point, you have to eat something.

Why would you pay premium prices to eat at a restaurant somewhere else, when you can take a few steps and be at the casino restaurant where they have meals with great discounts and offers?

The thinking here is, the casino does not want you to leave. If you stay for as long as possible, you will spend more under their roof, even though there are some guides that try to explain how to win money on online casinos.

Not So Free After All

As it turns out, casinos are not big on being charitable to their patrons. You are the source of income for a casino. They are not there to help your financial situation. So, as you gulp that complimentary drink to wash down the meal on offer you just had, pause for a second and ask, ‘what am I getting out of this?’

Art

Electronic Opera Uses Physical Spaces To Connect Narrative With Sound

October 28, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Pullitzer Prize winning composer Lewis Spratlan.

Back in 2005, composer Lewis Spratlan and I began work on an opera inspired by Louis Kahn. Kahn, who excelled in music and once considered becoming a composer, was especially cognizant of how sound works in a physical space. “Space has tonality,” he often said. Kallick, a professor of music at Amherst College, made recordings of the “acoustic envelope” at several Kahn buildings, which were employed in composing the work’s prelude and interludes.

Key elements from Spratlan’s music were integrated into this electro-acoustic music, creating a seamless connection between the narrative world of the characters and the sounding spaces that ﬁlled their dreams. Opening in the ruins of Rome and ending with the healing waters at Kahn’s Salk Institute, ARCHITECT: A Chamber Opera narrates the dramatic arc of Kahn’s journey from dreamer to master builder.

Click the link below to read about Spratlan discussing the project with Frederick Peters, board chairman of New Music USA, which supports composers, performers, and audiences of new American music. For the Silo, Jenny Kallick- Amherst College.

Click here to read the full PDF article.

Gaming

National Conference On Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling To Be Held Online

October 24, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

It has been announced that the National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling is to be held online this year. The event, which is organised by the National Council on Problem Gambling, has been rearranged with dates for both November and December with the event being held entirely on a digital platform for the first time.

This year marks the 34^th such event from this organisation, which has become the largest and longest-running of its kind in the United States. The event is designed to bring a range of industry professionals together, and this includes counsellors, researchers, government officials, gambling industry executives, and a variety of other professionals.

Supporting Harm Prevention and Reducing Gambling Addiction

As the name suggests, the conference is designed to help push forward measures to support harm prevention and reduce gambling addiction in the United States and North America. With gambling facilities and legalization increasing rapidly across the nation, the need to have proper measures in place has become all the more vital.

By bringing together officials from all aspects of the industry, the conference has been helping to tackle this problem for many years. The needs of those that require support have changed over the years as have the measures and tools available to help and support them. The conference helps to ensure that professionals in the industry can collaborate and innovate in order to provide the most effective support possible.

One of the directors of the NCPG said, “The familiar forms of in-person support from both professionals and 12-step programs for people and families affected by problem gambling have been sharply curtailed this year. And opportunities to gamble have changed, with more online gambling occurring, which poses some new problems.”

The conference was originally scheduled for the summer and was meant to take place in Washington DC. However, in the current climate, organizers had to delay the conference so that it could be rearranged as an online event for this year. It will be headed by Loreen Rugle Ph.D., a well-known training expert and counselor with a global reputation for her work.

As part of the conference, many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for those attending the digital event. Dates for the main conference are now scheduled for 5-6 and 12-13 November between midday and 4.00 pm. There will also be recordings of the sessions available for up to 30 days following the main conference events.

In addition, the dates of Master Classes have also been changed and will be taking place online on 2^nd, 3^rd, and 9^th December between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm.

Covering a Range of Topics

A wide range of gambling-related topics will be covered as part of this year’s event. This includes some of the topics that have to be discussed and updated each year such as prevention, recovery, and treatment. Sports gambling is thought to be a particular concern this year, and this will be discussed in detail as part of the conference.

One of the things that may raise additional concerns this year compared to previous years is the rise in the number of gambling states in the country. Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act 1992) in 2018, more and more states have been jumping on board.

In addition, many states are now keen to aid their economic recovery, and for some this has resulted in a closer look at the viability of sports betting and casino gaming. With a lot of states legalizing online gambling and sports betting, this could lead to a sharp increase in the number of problem gambling cases across the country. For the Silo, Filip Cakic.

Sci-Tech

Audiophile Release Ups Ante With Innovative Mix Mastering

October 22, 2020 The Silo 2 Comments

Octave Records Releases Temporary Circumstances by Clandestine Amigo, Recorded in Pure DSD Hi-Res Audio

PS Audio label’s second release featuring singer/songwriter Jessica Carson is available on SACD and via download, with limited-edition vinyl to come –

Boulder, Colorado, October, 2020 – PS Audio’s Octave Records label has released its second album, Temporary Circumstances by singer/songwriter/pianist Jessica Carson and the band Clandestine Amigo. Featuring Jessica’s reflective songs about lost love and resilience, Temporary Circumstances is recorded in pure high-resolution Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and mastered using Octave Records’ DSD Direct Mastering process, where the mastering occurs at the same time as the mixing, thereby eliminating a generation of audio processing to maintain maximum sonic purity.

Limited Release

Temporary Circumstances is available in a limited-edition release of 1,300 hybrid SACD discs that have a master DSD layer and a CD layer, and as a download bundle including DSD64, DSD Direct Mastered 192kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/24-bit and 44.1kHz/24-bit PCM formats. The album will also be offered as a 2-disc 45 RPM virgin vinyl edition limited to 500 copies, in December, 2020.

Temporary Circumstances was engineered by Gus Skinas, mixed by Gus Skinas, Giselle Collazo and Jessica Carson, and mastered by Gus Skinas. The recording was made using a Sonoma digital audio workstation (DAW) in pure one-bit DSD. The C24, DPA 4006 and Sony C-100 microphones were fed into Forsell SMP-2 and Grace m108 mic preamps and an EMM Labs/Meitner ADC8 A/D converter, then to the Sonoma, and mixed on a Studer 963 console.

Bit Wars

Currently, most DSD recordings have a short fall in that they must be converted to PCM and back to DSD a multitude of times in order to perform post production such as mixing and mastering. This is where PS Audio ups the ante- by mastering during the mixing phase, the back and forth conversion which results in noticeable degraded listening experiences is avoided.

The ‘old’ PCM pulse code modulation system.

The ‘new’ DSD direct stream digital system.

The musicians include songwriter Jessica Carson (vocals and piano), Michael Wooten (drums), Giselle Collazo (vocals), Chris Brunhaver (bass), Kyle Donovan (guitar, vocals), Miguel Ramos (violin, viola), and “The Burroughs” horn section featuring Alec Bell (trumpet), Scott Flynn (trombone), Hayden Farr (baritone saxophone) and Briana Harris (trumpet, horn arrangement).

Jessica recorded her piano parts on a Yamaha 7-1/2-foot concert grand piano at Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, Colorado. Next, the vocals and other instruments were tracked at Octave Records’ recording facility at PS Audio. Jessica’s lead vocals and Giselle’s harmony vocals were recorded simultaneously using a single Tim de Paravicini-modified AKG C24 stereo mic and a Bock Audio 507 mic. Temporary Circumstances’ sparse but full-bodied arrangements let the personality of each vocalist and player be heard with stunning clarity, presence and dimensionality.

Audiophiles Take Note

The goal of recording and producing Temporary Circumstances was to combine musically accurate, state of the art sound with inviting and compelling music. As Jessica Carson notes, “I know what the songs mean to me but I think they’ll mean something different to every listener.”

For the Silo, Frank Doris.

About PS Audio

Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners. www.psaudio.com/octave-records www.psaudio.com

Supplemental-

Paul’s Daily Posts
PS Audio Community
Copper Magazine

Culture

Why It’s The Best Time Of Year To Try Laser Hair Removal

October 22, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

The temperature is dropping and the leaves are changing color, which makes it the perfect time to get this cosmetic procedure: laser hair removal. It sounds counter-intuitive to get rid of body hair when you’re going to be wrapped up in wool scarves and thick fall jackets, but it’s not. Find out why fall is the best season to start this treatment.

The Results Take Time

One of the biggest reasons why fall is a great time for laser hair removal is that it gives you enough time to get your sessions done before the next summer arrives. Laser therapy doesn’t work in a single session. You will need to book multiple appointments to get the results you want.

On average, people have to undergo five to seven sessions of laser hair treatment to get smooth, hairless skin. The number can vary depending on your rate of hair growth and the area you are targeting.

You will have to take breaks between sessions to go through a new hair growth cycle — this can take 4 – 12 weeks of waiting. The buffer between appointments prevents your chances of unwanted side-effects like scarring, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

So, if someone wanted to get their legs done, they would have to account for approximately seven sessions. After adding in the necessary buffer-time, the treatment spans seven months at the bare minimum. By planning ahead in the fall, the client can guarantee that they’ll have smooth legs to show off in shorts by the time the summer rolls around.

There’s Less Sunshine

Too much sun exposure before a laser treatment appointment heightens your risk of experiencing unfortunate side-effects. You could deal with painful burning and blistering. Or you could have long-term problems like scarring and hyper-pigmentation (darkened skin tone). That’s why professional clinics recommend that you avoid sun exposure for about six weeks before your session.

Avoiding sunshine during the summer months is a challenge. You will have to slather on sunscreen every day and opt out of popular outdoor activities to guarantee positive hair removal results. You can lessen the anxiety over sun exposure by scheduling your sessions during seasons with less sunshine, colder temperatures and full-coverage wardrobes.

It’s More Convenient

A small test that comes with laser hair removal is growing out your hair six weeks before the session. No waxing. No electrolysis. No plucking. You’re only encouraged to shave a day before your appointment.

If you’re worried that this step will be embarrassing, you should definitely plan your treatments for the fall and winter. The seasonal wardrobes give you more options to cover up and there are tons of people participating in month-long campaigns like No Shave November and Get Hairy February. You won’t feel singled out for your stubble.

Timing is everything. If you want to get rid of body hair so that you can feel confident when you pull on a pair of shorts or put on a bathing suit during the summer, you need to think about booking your laser therapy appointments now.

Finance

How Sixty Percent Of Consumers Have Changed Shopping Behaviors Due To Covid

October 20, 2020 The Silo 1 Comment

Global Consumer Spending to Plunge by 8.6% to $44.3trn by end of 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost every aspect of people’s daily lives, and consumer spending is no exception. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis caused considerable changes in consumer habits, forcing them to cut down their budgets and prioritize spending.

According to data presented by StockApps.com, the coronavirus outbreak is expected to cut global consumer spending to $44.3trn in 2020, an 8.6% plunge year-over-year.

$4.2trn Drop in Spending Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Falling consumer spending has significant effects on overall Gross domestic product (GDP) growth, considering it accounts for almost 70% of GDP.

Before the COVID-19 crisis, global consumer spending has witnessed steady growth for five years in a row, revealed Statista, IMF, United Nations, World Bank, and Eurostat data. In 2015, it amounted to over $41.5trn. Over the next twelve months, this figure rose to $42.5trn and continued growing. Statistics show that in 2019, consumers worldwide spent a total of $48.5trn, the highest amount in a decade.

However, the coronavirus crisis triggered a sharp fall in 2020, with global consumer spending expected to plunge by $4.2trn year-over-year. Nevertheless, statistics show the following years are set to witness a recovery, with consumer spending growing by 20% to $53.5bn in 2022.

Statista data also revealed that Switzerland represents the leading country globally, with over $40,000 in consumer spending per capita in 2020. Luxembourg ranked second with around $5,000 less than that. Iceland, Denmark, and Norway follow, with $34,300, $25,800, and $25,600, respectively.

60% of Consumers Changed their Shopping Behavior

The Mc Kinsey & Company survey showed consumers became increasingly cautious with their spending in 2020. Even after countries lifted lock-downs, many consumers still see their incomes fall, forcing them to reduce budgets and change shopping habits.

Statistics show that increased time spent indoors led to significant growth in consumer spending on groceries, household, and home entertainment. Brazil, South Africa, and India lead in this category, with up to 30% consumer spending growth. Major consumer markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and China witnessed around 15% grocery shopping growth in the first half of the year.

However, with consumers being mindful of their spending and turning to less expensive products, 2020 has witnessed a plunge in clothes and accessories, outside entertainment, services, travel, and transportation spending. Respondents in all countries said they cut down spending in these categories between 20% and 50%.

The McKinsey survey also revealed the COVID-19 outbreak triggered a significant change in the shopping mindset. More than 60% of consumers globally have tried a different brand or shopped at another retailer during the crisis, mostly for convenience, value, and quality.

In China and the United States, over 75% of consumers reported trying a new shopping method, and 60% plan to stick with it post-crisis. The United Kingdom and Germany follow with 71% and 54% of consumers who practiced new shopping behavior. In Japan, where lockdowns weren’t imposed, only 33% of consumers changed their shopping mindset. For the Silo by Jastra Kranjec.

Featured image- Wicker basket by George’s Baskets.

Art

Coffee Table Book Expands Art Collecting By Including Original Works of Art

October 17, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Vivant Books brings to the world a very exclusive breed of coffee table book. Their Deluxe Editions are not only fine art coffee table books, but also include collectible works of art at a price most art lovers can afford. A select number of Deluxe Editions contain original artwork by the artist that is featured. Not only does this component differentiate VivantBooks amongst other publishing companies, but it also enables expansion of an art collecting demographic.

“We found that sold separately, an original piece by the artists we feature in our deluxe packages could range anywhere from $3000 to over $100,000,” says Mia Benenate “What we want to do and what the artists are really interested in, is broadening the audience that is able to acquire a piece of their work.”

Vivant’s book features internationally renowned artist Brett Amory. Amory has gained extensive acclaim for his haunting, mesmerizing series, Waiting. His work is often depicted as architectural and structurally elegant, stark and emotive. Waiting focuses on the transition of individuals in precise moments of existing. The lush book, which contains a collected array of work which includes the Waiting series, was first offered earlier this year by a release party at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. Deluxe Editions includes the collected works, a biography, excellent essays by luminaries such as Gwynn Vitello and an original piece of artwork by Amory himself.

In this age of digitalization Vivant Books presents fine art in a way that’s both elegant, stylish and inventive. Upcoming Vivant Books will feature such artists as Kimberly Brooks and Gottfried Helnwein.

Brett Amory — Limited Edition

95.00USD

Brett Amory, the American artist who rose to international acclaim for his “Waiting” series is featured in this deluxe coffee table edition. Alongside four-color reproductions of the artwork, the book includes a biography and selected essays from art world luminaries and patrons. Hardcover book housed in a full-color protective sleeve.

Deluxe Edition with original artwork also available.

You can learn more at: book at http://www.vivantbooks.com/ or email: [email protected] for ordering and price information.

Culture

DirtSearch Helps Members Spot Male And Female Gold Diggers

October 14, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

On the heels of the Top 10 names of men who are likely to cheat on you, , a free background check that searches public, criminal, arrest, civil, speeding tickets and more has just released the Top 10 Female Gold Diggers and the list puts Jennifer on top.

Identity theft has been on the rise with 1 in 8 searches coming up with a criminal past, and with that comes a rise in ‘gold diggers’ or women who are just chasing the money, legally or not. DirtSearch.org pulled data from over 2 million background searches and looked closely at the female names most often searched. What came back was petty crimes such as personal property, vandalism and identity theft. Out of that list, the names that come up most often in the top 10 are Jennifer, Jessica and Michelle, followed by Lisa and Ashley.

Here are the Top 10:
1. Jennifer
2. Jessica
3. Michelle
4. Lisa
5. Ashley
6. Amanda
7. Melissa
8. Stephanie
9. Nicole
10. Angela

So if you are a man dating a woman ( or a woman dating a man or a man dating a man or a woman dating a woman) and are questioning if maybe your girl has a shady past or are a qualified ‘gold digger’ just after your bank account, here are ways to tell your girl is a Gold Digger or make sure she is not on the ‘dirty’ list:

1. A sense of entitlement: She thinks she is a princess and has no long-term or short-term goals. Search her first name and last name anonymously on a background search site such as DirtSearch.org. Sites such as that one searches through online public records based on an algorithm and aggregates data across the internet to find what is listed online.

2. Trouble paying their bills: Gold diggers drop hints that they may be evicted or their car might be repossessed when instead they are buying $400 shoes and watches.

3. Age range: The girl is 30 years younger than you but tells you that she is 15 years younger.

4. She never pays for anything.

5. She is into expensive and lavish gifts. The girl asks you to pay for nails, hair and lavish trips.

6. They indulge in a pipe dream: She is constantly talking about becoming an actress or a model.

The company also earlier released 10 U.S. states where background checks are most prevalent. The Top 10 States are as follows:
Arizona
California
Texas
Florida
Illinois
New York
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
Georgia

For the Silo, Ana Tackett.

Reviews

NFL’er Designed A Sink Tray For Small Bathroom Space

October 11, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Whether you live in a dorm room, small apartment or a family home, counter space around the bathroom sink can be limited. A unique product designed and patented by an NFL Super Bowl Champion solves that problem. The Smart Sink Tray, by Style Pro 31, is a convenient, portable, lightweight foldout tray that fits over most pedestal and traditional sinks that provides additional surface area and counter space (up to 288 square inches). This affordable tray organizes the clutter that surrounds sinks and expands usable space by allowing objects to be placed directly on it—even with running water.

The tray also promotes bathroom safety by keeping electric appliances like blow dryers, curling and flat irons and shavers—and their cords—out of the sink and away from water hazards. The Smart Sink Tray is heat resistant and dishwasher safe.

Similar to a food tray, The Smart Sink Tray allows users to carry their items all together to and from the bathroom, making it easier to store and pack their essentials and make room for others. When not in use the tray’s collapsible design and drawstring bag allows it to be easily stored and transported.

The Smart Sink Tray is designed for use in homes, apartments, dorm rooms, and anywhere space is limited. For those who travel frequently, The Smart Sink Tray is indispensable and easy to pack.

The Smart Sink Tray is the brainchild of Super Bowl champion and veteran Strong Safety, Bernard Pollard. Pollard came up with the concept in 2012 when he realized a problem in need of a solution: more space and organization while getting ready in the bathroom. Like most travelers, Pollard himself suffered hotel sink areas that were often dysfunctional, not proffering nearly enough space to accommodate all of his personal items. In addition, observing his wife and family Pollard recognized the potential hazard to many corded appliances around the sink posed and made his concept a reality by forming Style Pro 31 and patenting his product.

BernardPollardSafetyNFLDesignerofSmartSink

As an NFL player, Bernard Pollard made one of the most critical plays in the Baltimore Ravens amazing 2011 playoff run and led the Tennessee Titans in tackles in 2013. Along with successfully performing on the field and developing his entrepreneur career, Pollard and his family actively help community families and churches. His Helping Hand partners with food banks and other organizations to provide families with groceries or holiday meals. The Smart Sink Tray sells for $24.99USD and is available at Amazon. For more info contact: [email protected] for ordering information.

Fashion

Celebrity Homes: Andy Warhol Home Sold For $50 Million USD

October 9, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Montauk, New York was celebrating its biggest estate sale ever after the closing on the 5.7-acre beachfront estate at $50 million USD that pop artist Andy Warhol bought in 1972 for $225,000 USD.

The most recent owner of the compound was CEO of J. Crew, Mickey Drexler, who bought it in 2007 for $27 million USD. He listed it in 2015 for $85 millionUSD that included a 24-acre horse farm and equine center, which the buyer, Adam Lindemann, opted out of the purchase. Lindemann is the founder of the Venus Over Manhattan Gallery and a major collector of Warhol’s works making the property’s history especially significant for him.

Warhol’s first gig out of art school was as a fashion illustrator for several of the top women’s magazines. With the money acquired from his illustrations, he purchased a large loft on New York’s West Side and opened the Factory, where he turned toward creating industrial art. It wasn’t long before the Factory and Andy were attracting like-minded modernists from hippies to wannabe journalists and actors to drag queens and drug addicts. It was the start of New York’s avant-garde scene where Warhol held court. In addition to his painting, he branched out into music, film and journalism where he met Paul Morrissey who became the director of some of Warhol’s early films.

In 1972 when Warhol’s popularity and success were peaking, he and Morrissey decided to invest in property in the Hamptons and purchased the family fishing camp of the Church family of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda fame. The estate includes a 3,800-square-foot main house and five cottages completely hidden from public view with wide beaches and ocean views. Totaling almost 15,000 square feet with nine bedrooms and twelve baths, Drexler had it all meticulously restored by architect Thierry Despont.

Warhol’s stream of celebrity guests and renters put Montauk on the international map. Frequent guests included Liza Minnelli, Liz Taylor, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill. The parties were legendary and stories of happy days idled away on the Hamptons’ beach are recounted in many celebrity biographies.

Even though the Warhol home sale set a record at $50 million USD, his most famous paintings such as “Eight Elvises” and “Silver Car Crash” have sold for $100 million USD and higher. The listing agent was Paul Brennan of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Montauk, New York. Visit here for more information.

Supplemental– David Bowie as Andy Warhol in Basquiat

This begs the question of “what is a climate scientist doing dabbling in Canada’s domestic affairs on carbon taxes, pushing a carbon tax that is 21 times that of the world,” says Friends of Science Society.

Michael Moore’s recent movie “Planet of the Humans” revealed how this green crony capitalism is destroying the planet for no climate benefit.

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