• Rudy Giuliani, speaks at a news conference in the parking lot of a landscaping company on November 7, 2020 in Philadelphia. AFP
    Rudy Giuliani, speaks at a news conference in the parking lot of a landscaping company on November 7, 2020 in Philadelphia. AFP
  • Visitors pose for a portrait outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
    Visitors pose for a portrait outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
  • Shuttered buildings with a sign "OUT NOW" and a US flag are seen directly across from Four Seasons Landscaping, the location of a press conference with President Donald Trump's legal team in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reuters
    Shuttered buildings with a sign "OUT NOW" and a US flag are seen directly across from Four Seasons Landscaping, the location of a press conference with President Donald Trump's legal team in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reuters
  • A lock fastens a chained link fence at Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
    A lock fastens a chained link fence at Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
  • Visitors gather outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
    Visitors gather outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
  • Abby Webber photographs her daughter Tara, 18, outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
    Abby Webber photographs her daughter Tara, 18, outside Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
  • Barbed wire stretches across the fence at Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters
    Barbed wire stretches across the fence at Four Seasons Landscaping. Reuters

Four Seasons Total Landscaping looks to cash in on US election cameo


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

A navy blue hoodie with the United States flag and "Four Seasons Total Landscaping" emblazoned across the chest – it could just be the must-have look this winter.

Whether that is for staunch Joe Biden fans revelling in the Democrat's US election victory, or for Donald Trump supporters who wish to mark what has quickly become an infamous press conference held at the little known venue in Philadelphia is open to debate.

The former seems more likely given the global reaction to the bizarre event on Saturday when Mr Trump’s team, led by his attorney Rudy Giuliani, stood in a car park to address the puzzled media who were expecting something more akin to the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia in the city centre.

The landscaping company have moved quickly to make the most of the spotlight shone upon it.

As well as the $50 hoodie, customers can also purchase a white or blue T-shirt of similar design costing $25.

The Four Seasons merchandise.
The Four Seasons merchandise.

"We were honoured to be asked to host a press conference at our facility," it posted on its Facebook page.

"We thank all of those that have shown support for our business and while we understand the negative comments, it saddens us that we have received such harsh judgment.

"Our team at Four Seasons would have proudly hosted any presidential candidate’s campaign at our business. We strongly believe in America and in democracy. We hope that our fellow Americans can join together and support all local small businesses during this time."

It then added that it is working on adding more options to its merchandise.

"36 hours ago, we could not have imagined we’d be the centre of attention. We appreciate your patience as we work to get more merchandise options," it said.

The online shop is also offering stickers costing $5, one of which says "Make America Rake Again . Lawn and Order'.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets