Patrick O’Brien
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Articles by Patrick O’Brien
Springbok fanwear pivots as Pick n Pay Clothing and Hello Kitty collab for limited-edition collection
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries As South Africa's rugby season kicked off with the Springboks taking on the Barbarians in Gqeberha - and winning - supporter wear is undergoing a transformation that extends far beyond the stadium.
Taylor Swift faces trademark battle over The Life of a Showgirl
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Global pop star Taylor Swift is facing a trademark infringement lawsuit over her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, after Las Vegas performer Maren Wade claimed the title is too close to her long-running brand Confessions of a Showgirl. Talor Swift for her Life of a showgirl album. Source: TAS Rights Management.
On Men and their Tractors
In a recent post, Suryapratim Roy discusses the Irish fuel price blockades that took place in April. The protests were physically and symbolically dominated by agriculture. Most of its leaders identified themselves as farmers or as farming contractors, and the blockades were agglomerated agricultural machinery: rows of tractors, combine harvesters, dumper trucks, juxtaposed into urban and industrial environments. At the same time, the protests had a far-right element.
Bernini introduces the ritual of real wine: Pop It, Swirl It, Breathe It In
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s only real spritzer made from wine with flavours, has a new look and campaign evoking a classic and timeless style. Introducing a range with effortless elegance, where real wine meets sparkling sophistication.
3rd edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries This article explains the approach taken by the IASB and reflects on the alignment approach adopted by the Board. This article will be followed with two more articles in the same series on the third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard.
South Africa's construction sector sees historic job surge Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s construction sector has emerged as the country’s standout job creator, adding 130,000 positions in the third quarter of 2025. StatsSA reports this surge accounted for nearly half of all new jobs, underscoring the industry’s strong rebound and economic significance today.
Young talent from university campuses across SA rise to the challenge at the Greenovate Awards Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries The 2025 Greenovate Awards marked a decade of student-driven sustainability innovation for the built environment.
Sanlam’s Youth4Tourism scoops the 2025 Trialogue Strategic CSI Award Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Sanlam’s Youth4Tourism initiative has been named the winner of the 2025 Trialogue Strategic CSI Award, recognising its innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment while revitalising South Africa’s tourism sector.
Navigating the storm: How to manage and move on after retrenchment Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries In the shadow of an unsteady economy, retrenchments and layoffs have sadly become an increasingly regular occurrence for South African workers.
Standing strong together: Why protecting your workers matters more than ever Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries When we talk about financial wellness in South Africa, the conversation often drifts toward familiar territory: budgeting, debt, savings, maybe even retirement planning if things are going well. But those ideas usually centre on people who work behind desks, with access to HR teams, online portals, and structured benefits.
Inscape CEO Helen B�hrs honoured with C12 Ubuntu Culture Hero Award Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries As South African higher education reimagines its purpose and societal contribution, Inscape Education Group is proud to announce that its CEO, Helen Bührs, has been awarded the C12 Ubuntu Culture Hero Award, the highest honour bestowed within the C12 community.
Why South African SMEs are switching to Sage Accounting Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries For less than R300 per month, small businesses across South Africa are saying goodbye to the stresses of year-end tax compliance and financial reconciliation. And the cloud-based accounting software, Sage, is making it possible.
Revamping Port of Ngqura could put South Africa on the global shipping map Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa’s Port of Ngqura, the country’s deepest container terminal, is undergoing a strategic transformation to become Africa’s premier shipping hub. With major upgrades, enhanced efficiency, and world-class transshipment capabilities, it aims to boost capacity and compete on the global maritime stage.
New oncology centre brings world-class cancer treatment to the South Coast Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Icon Oncology, South Africa’s leading provider of oncology services, is proud to announce the opening of its new Sapphire Coast Oncology Centre in Amanzimtoti.
LG showcases advanced LED solution at South Korea's largest virtual production studio
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Featuring broadcast-grade technology and seamless camera compatibility, company’s LED solution sets a new standard for K-content creation at StudioCube. LG Electronics (LG) has announced that its dedicated virtual production (VP) LED solution is powering the newly opened Studio V, a cutting-edge VP stage located within StudioCube in Daejeon, South Korea.
Alex Shahini named Stellantis SA brand comms manager for Alfa Romeo, Jeep
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries Stellantis South Africa has appointed Alex Shahini as brand communications manager for Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Leapmotor, effective immediately. Alex Shahini | image supplied Shahini will oversee media strategy, content development, and brand engagement for the three marques, supporting Stellantis’ growth in South Africa.
54% of South Africans overwhelmed by daily life, says Pura Beverage report
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries According to the new Pura Beverage State of South Africa Stress Report, South Africans are feeling the “A.LOT’ness” of it all, from traffic, parking and seasonal family pressure, to macro-tracking, micro-tracking and even deciding which restaurant “slaps the hardest”. Source: Pura Beverage State of South Africa Stress Report.
Jeep Wrangler and thousands of Kia models recalled in SA
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries The National Consumer Commission has issued recall notices for Jeep Wrangler units and several Kia models after suppliers flagged potential safety defects. Jeep Wrangler recall Stellantis South Africa is recalling 323 Jeep Wrangler vehicles sold nationally between 2016 and 2018.
Checkers Hyper opens first Lego shop-in-shop in Paarl
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries The Shoprite Group is well on track to reach its goal of 223 openings for the 2026 fiscal year, having launched 143 new locations in South Africa between July and November 2025.
Bakwena announces holiday traffic plans: What drivers need to know
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries With festive travel picking up across South Africa, the Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire is advising motorists to plan as traffic volumes on the N1 and N4 are set to surge over the coming weeks.
Patrick O’Brien | Winning on and off the field: Protecting the Bok supporters’ jersey
Comments Gift article Bookmark 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Fans in supporters’ garb enjoy the pre-math atmosphere during the Quilter Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on 29 November in Cardiff, Wales. Ian Cook/CameraSport via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
New Texas Text Messaging Law
By Patrick O’Brien, General Counsel, American Med Spa Association A new law in Texas goes into effect on September 1, 2025, and it may affect how Texas medical spas do text, SMS or MMS marketing.
Rhode Island Passes New Med Spa Law
By Patrick O’Brien, Legal Coordinator, American Med Spa Association Rhode Island has passed a law regulating medical spas after several years of unsuccessful attempts. The companion bills, Senate Bill 976 and House Bill 5351, were signed into law on June 30, 2025. Both bills were amended during the legislative process and will require Rhode Island medical spas to make several changes to remain compliant. This post will review the elements and changes of this new law.
What will it take for Holtec to put small nuclear reactors at Palisades?
At the end of 2025, the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station is expected to become the first decommissioned reactor brought back online in the United States. With the backing of both the Department of Energy and the state of Michigan, the plant, which was decommissioned in 2022, is slated to supply 800 megawatts of power to MISO. But traditional nuclear isn’t the operator Holtec International’s only focus.
New Texas Bill Would Impact Med Spas,…
By Patrick O’Brien, JD, General Counsel, American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) A new bill has been filed in Texas that, if passed, would negatively impact many medical spas. The bill is known as House Bill 3749 (HB 3749) and would regulate the training, supervision and scope of practice of cosmetic medical treatments performed in medical spas and elective intravenous (IV) therapy offered in IV clinics.
Texas Restructures Med Spa Rules
By Patrick O’Brien, JD, General Counsel, American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) Has your mother-in-law ever “organized” your kitchen and then you couldn’t find anything? You know all your pots, pans and spatulas still exist, but good luck trying to find them. Recently, the Texas Medical Board undertook a comprehensive review and restructuring of its administrative rules with the aim of streamlining and clarity.
Roadmaps conference lays out global push for nuclear power
World leaders outlined an ambitious push and targeted plans for increasing nuclear energy capacity at the Roadmaps to New Nuclear conference, held September 19–20 in Paris, France. The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency hosted the event, cochaired by Sweden’s deputy prime minister and energy minister Ebba Busch, to bring together government officials, chief executives, and other leaders to support an expansion of nuclear energy capacity—with concrete action plans—to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.
Solar, wind output surpass nuclear in first half of 2024
The combined energy generation in the United States from solar and wind during the first half of the year was more than that of nuclear plants for the first time, according to data from energy think tank Ember.
Can hydrogen be the transportation fuel in an otherwise nuclear economy?
Let’s face it: The global economy should be powered primarily by nuclear power. And it probably will by the end of this century, with a still-significant assist from renewables and hydro. Once nuclear systems are dominant, the costs come down to where gas is now; and when carbon emissions are reduced to a small portion of their present state, it will become obvious that most other sources are only good in niche settings.
American Nuclear Society on DOE loan to restart closed Michigan nuclear plant
The single-unit 800-megawatt Palisades nuclear power plant was shuttered in May 2022 and subsequently acquired by Holtec International for decommissioning. In October 2023, Holtec submitted an operating licensing application for Palisades with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with the intention of seeking financial assistance from the DOE to restore the facility’s commercial operations. Holtec has indicated interest in expanding Palisades with two small modular reactors as well.
Buyers Guide celebrates 55 years
There is no charge to be listed—simply visit the Buyers Guide site by to create a new listing or verify company information. To view last year’s issue and advertisers, click here.
UAE’s Barakah-4 unit reaches start-up
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation announced last week start-up at its fourth nuclear unit at the Barakah plant in the UAE. The plant is run by ENEC’s operating and maintenance subsidiary Nawah Energy Company. In the coming weeks, Unit 4 will be linked to the national electricity grid and undergo testing as power production is gradually increased to full capacity.
State: Holtec must study non-radioactive pollution in Pilgrim’s evaporation
The state of Massachusetts is looking to require Holtec, the owners of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, to analyze water evaporation at the plant for potential air pollution as the unit is decommissioned. At a hearing this week with a state Department of Environmental Protection panel, officials said more study is needed on nonradioactive contaminants in about 1 million gallons of water Holtec has proposed discharging into Cape Cod Bay.
Holtec settles with New Jersey over tax credits
In 2018, Holtec and SRE applied to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) for tax credits from the state’s Angel Investor Tax Credit Program. The state has claimed that Holtec, trying to double a $500,000 tax credit for its $12 million investment in the Eos Energy Storage battery company, created new investment documents after the fact that made it appear that both Holtec and SRE had each invested $6 million in Eos Energy.
An unlikely source of patents: Technical artistry
Artistry is a staple of life, from literature, poetry and theatre to the visual arts. Kurt Vonnegut, the American author and social commentator, wrote, “The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake.” Artistry is something to marvel at, something to distract oneself, something to inspire.
Reflections from COP28
Nuclear News The adage “a rising tide raises all boats” keeps coming to my mind whenever I think about the work ahead for small modular reactor and advanced reactor development companies. The... Another calendar year has passed. Before heading too far into 2024, let’s look back at what happened in 2023 in the nuclear community. In today's post, compiled from Nuclear News and Nuclear...
Sperm chromatin structure and reproductive fitness are altered by substitution of a single amino acid in mouse protamine 1 - Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
Abstract Conventional dogma presumes that protamine-mediated DNA compaction in sperm is achieved by electrostatic interactions between DNA and the arginine-rich core of protamines. Phylogenetic analysis reveals several non-arginine residues conserved within, but not across species. The significance of these residues and their post-translational modifications are poorly understood.
The long and dirty legacy of nuclear power
The long and dirty legacy of nuclear power The trouble is that nuclear-power adherents are now seriously contemplating for future generations a ghastly rerun of the decommissioning nightmare. Small-to-medium-sized reactors, such as envisaged for Trawsfynydd and Wylfa, are the smart way forward, they chorus. Once more, the probably insoluble decommissioning and nuclear waste-management problem is being blanked out.
‘It’s time to pump the brakes on reintroduction of nuclear energy to Trawsfynydd’
‘It’s time to pump the brakes on reintroduction of nuclear energy to Trawsfynydd’ By Patrick O’Brien | Columnist |Sunday 16th April 2023 ‘It’s time to pump the brakes on reintroduction of nuclear energy to Trawsfynydd’. Giving SMRs a clean bill of health in advance of any researched-based demonstration that such is justified is bad enough, but en route there is a sweeping assertion about the utter desirability of all nuclear power – past and present.
Training Technique May Have an Effect on Permanent Cordon Longevity
Abstract Background and goals A trial was set up at two vineyard sites to quantify the effects of different permanent cordon training techniques on indicators of vine health and productivity. One treatment involved wrapping developing cordon arms tightly around the cordon wire, a practice common in some winegrowing regions. Methods and key findings Results suggest that the constriction applied by the tight wrapping may have had a negative effect on vegetative growth.
Commitment Alert: Davis twins heading to Mars Hill - Phenom Hoop Report
by | May 25, 2022 | Featured, News, Recruiting News | Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player. Here is the latest commitment.
Genetic and chemotherapeutic influences on germline hypermutation - Nature
Abstract Mutations in the germline generates all evolutionary genetic variation and is a cause of genetic disease. Parental age is the primary determinant of the number of new germline mutations in an individual’s genome1,2. Here we analysed the genome-wide sequences of 21,879 families with rare genetic diseases and identified 12 individuals with a hypermutated genome with between two and seven times more de novo single-nucleotide variants than expected.
Does In-Hospital Opioid Use Affect Opioid Consumption After Total Joint Arthroplasty?
Preoperative opioid use strongly correlates with greater postoperative opioid use and complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, there is a lack of information regarding the effect of opioid consumption during the hospital stay and within the operating room on postoperative opioid use. We retrospectively reviewed 369 consecutive patients undergoing primary TJA at an academic center over a 9-month period.
A fundamental change to interpreting development approvals?
To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. One of the fundamental assumptions underpinning the interpretation of development approvals is that ambiguity in an approval should be construed in favour of the approval holder. A recent High Court authority seems to have chartered a course away from this previously settled principle.
Politicians focused on the wrong issues
On one hand, we have a Republican Party that is stuck on blocking every abortion, giving everyone a firearm and giving massive tax breaks to people who don’t deserve them, compared to the Democratic Party, which thinks the Jan. 6 riot was worse than Sept. 11, wants to destroy everything America has stood for (good or bad), no borders and spending the country into oblivion.
Battle Of The Biofuels: Renewable Diesel vs. Biodiesel
By Patrick O’Brien, Summer Intern, Opportune LLP Special to The Digest Find out why knowing the difference between renewable diesel and biodiesel can go a long way in understanding the benefits of each. Fuel standards programs such as the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2) and California’s Low-Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) have incentivized fuel producers to innovate and create new renewable fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel.
Considerations Before Implementing AI in the Oil and Gas Industry
An effective AI platform needs a reliable master data strategy and cloud computing source to build upon, as well as sound data integration and cleansing for optimal performance and outcomes. Over the last few years, adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by companies has surged 270 percent. Companies are pushing to invest more in AI technology and this trend is only going up. Despite the eagerness, however, AI applications are not simply plug and play.
AI’s Critical Role in the Digital Transformation Journey
By taking advantage of reduced inaccuracies and improved productivity thanks to AI, the oil and gas industry can enjoy faster data analysis and more informed business decisions. Beginning in the early 2000s, the term “digital transformation” became a buzzword in the oil and gas industry. Nearly every major energy company set its sights on creating a “Digital Oilfield” that would capture vast amounts of data and allow for better logistics, analytics and modeling.
Examination of Ductility and Seismic Diaphragm Design Force-Reduction Factors for Steel Deck and Composite Diaphragms
Downloaded 0 times Technical Papers Abstract This paper analyzes the ductility and overstrength of steel deck diaphragms and composite concrete on steel deck diaphragms and computes associated diaphragm design force-reduction factors, Rs. First, a database of past tests on steel deck and composite diaphragms was created, and more than 750 specimens were compiled into the database.
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