TREND WATCH

A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications. Pep Talk: Spectravision, provider of in-room movies at hotels, will introduce a pay-per-view service for business travelers. Business Spectrum will offer business lectures, pep talks and advice for about $7 per viewing. Among the performers: author Tom Peters and comedian John Cleese. USA Today

Deep Spoils: The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking clean-up money from banks and other peripheral businesses associated with toxic dump sites. Before making loans on commercial and even residential properties, some banks have found environmental audits essential for avoiding the costs of hidden toxics. Other businesses feel the pinch when the EPA goes for participants with the deepest pockets, no matter how remote the business association may have been. Tampa Tribune

National Popcorn: Keebler has entered the salted snack food market dominated by Frito-Lay and Borden. Its latest offering is a line of ready-to-eat popcorn, the first to be distributed nationally. The popcorn segment grew 21% to $190 million last year. The company has other salty ideas and says its will “fill out the stable” over the next few years. Chicago Tribune

Revving Refineries: Oil refining in Europe continues to turn around as capacity shrinks and demand picks up. Refineries operated at 79% of capacity last year, up from 56% in 1981. Capacity is expected to shrink further as more environmental regulations take hold, resulting in higher prices to consumers. New Orleans Times-Picayune