1.Israeli scientists develop 'virtual cane'
Yissum Research Development Company Ltd, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented a major new innovation – a virtual cane that will significantly improve the orientation and mobility of sight-impaired people. Unlike a white stick that can give the blind input from only a meter away, the device can function at a much shorter distance and up to some 10 meters in all directions. Dr. Amedi said the device can also distinguish between smiling and sad faces and can be used for research on how the brain flexibly changes upon receiving input and on brain reorganization in the blind.
2.Israeli TV series TLV sold to six countries
Broadcasting rights of the TV series, "TLV Doing Tel Aviv" have been sold to six European countries: Germany, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Poland and France."TLV Doing Tel Aviv" is a reality drama show that follows four young people who move into an apartment together in central Tel Aviv. Each one of them is given the chance to join the entertainment and communications industries.
3.Treasury raises $400m from Asian gov't fund
Today, the Israeli Accountant General's Office implemented a $400 million, one-year, private offering to one of the world's largest Asian government funds. Goldman Sachs, which is currently serving as the head market maker for Israel government bonds, was the underwriter. "The current offering was implemented at the request of the Asian investor, who is considered a strategic global investor in capital markets. This will be its first investment in Israeli government bonds," the Ministry of Finance's announcement said. China's sovereign investment fund, CIC, and Singapore's sovereign investment fund, Temasek, are among Asia's leading government funds.
COMMENT: Bottom line. An Asian Goverment is purchasing Israeli bonds to the tune of $400 million. The third large purchase from Asia and a first as regards an Asian governing body. This is a huge development!
4.May sets all-time high for travel to Israel
Travel to Israel reached a new all-time high in May with the arrival of 268,000 international tourists staying more than one night – a 5% increase compared to May 2010. Also, approximately 1,168,000 tourists arrived in Israel between January and May 2011 – 4% more than the same period last year. Cruise travel to Israel was also expected to reach a new all-time high in June with the confirmed arrival of 50,000 tourists and crew docking in the Israel port cities of Ashdod and Haifa.
COMMENT: Eat your hearts out BDS, BS and others. Looks like the silent majority is thumbing something at you. Nothing more sobering than the numbers. Just a few years ago, a million tourists per annum was regarded as an achievement.
5.Israel Chemicals wins $235m Chinese potash deal
Israel Chemicals Ltd. will sell potash to its Chinese customers at $470 a ton, $70 a ton higher than prices to China during the first half of 2011. Under the terms of the current contract, 500,000 tons will be delivered in the second half of 2011 for $235 million (about NIS 800 million). ICL reported that since 2010, it has broadened its customer base in China, and sells potash directly to Chinese fertilizer producers and distributors.
6.Defense consumption in 2009: 6% of GDP
From 1956 to 1975, the defense consumption expenditure grew at a quick pace of 15-16% a year. In 1973 (the year of the Yom Kippur War), the defense consumption reached a record level of 31% of the GDP. In 2009, the defense expenditure reached 6% of the GDP, after falling 1.5% in 2008 and 2.7% in 2009. In comparison, US spends 4.7%, Russia 4.3%, Saudi Arabia 11.2% and China 2.2%.
COMMENT:Israel's defence expenditure in 2010 was $13 billion (in comparison, Saudi spent $43 billion) and defence exports amounted to $7 billion. Truly an achievement of almost miraculous proportions.
7.Arabs represent Israel in Special Olympics
Tennis players Muhammad Kunbar of east Jerusalem and Jafar Tawil of Beit Safafa played alongside Jewish teammates in the Special Olympic Games in Athens last week. The Israeli Arab athletes, both 20 years old, played with Elad Gevandschnaider, 22, of Be’er Sheva and Tamir Segal, 34, of Katzin. This event marks the first time in history that Israeli Arabs represented the country at the Special Olympics.
COMMENT:The hypocrisy of the academic left-Islamic coalition is mind boggling.
To create a vision, people have to get beyond their current inhibitions-they have to dream - Jack Wells
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