Posts made in February 2020

New Sites on Historic Civil Rights Trail

Leave a reply

Memphis’ Beale Street Historic District and WDIA Radio Station Added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Beale Street Historic District joins together the Historic Daisy Theater/Randle Catron Interpretive Center, the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery, Historic First Baptist Beale Street Church and Robert R. Church Park.

WDIA Radio and the Beale Street Historic District are now stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail as announced today by Gov. Bill Lee; Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development and Secretary/Treasurer of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance; Memphis Mayor Strickland; Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris; and President and CEO of Memphis Tourism Kevin Kane. The announcement was made during a press event hosted by Memphis Tourism at the original B.B. Kings on Beale Street.

“Today is a special day as Tennessee shines a brighter light on the brave men and women who stood up for equal rights,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I am proud that with the addition of these two sites, travelers from around the world will have the opportunity to learn more about Memphis’ deep civil rights history.”

This acceptance is in large part due to Memphis Tourism’s efforts alongside Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s continued leadership and their sustaining membership of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance.

WDIA Radio was the first radio station in the country programmed entirely for African Americans. Efforts to break down racial boundaries pushed WDIA Radio to the top of the charts, both on the air and in the Memphis community.

The Beale Street Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. The 15-block area was a hotbed for several African American businesses, a Freedman’s Bank, the headquarters of Ida B. Wells’ anti-segregationist newspaper, “Free Speech,” and churches after the Civil War. African Americans came to work, entertain and be entertained, shop and strategize during the Civil Rights Movement.

“The addition of Beale Street and WDIA to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail will help spread the word of the historical significance of this community to our country’s long journey to equality and human rights,” said Mayor Lee Harris, Shelby County Mayor. “Both these sites will be invaluable additions to the trail and these additions will lead to countless conversations and learning opportunities for visitors and our residents.”

WDIA Radio and the Beale Street Historic District join original stops in Memphis which include Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple Church of God in Christ and the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks in the Southern states and beyond that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of history.

With the newly-added stops, Tennessee now has 12 stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail including Fisk University and Woolworth’s on 5th in Nashville and Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton. Visitors from around the world travel to Tennessee to explore where history was made.

For more information on Tennessee’s trail sites, visit www.tncivilrightstrail.com.

To learn about other states’ sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, visit civilrightstrail.com.

About the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks primarily in the Southern states where activists challenged segregation in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s to advance social justice. Famous sites such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama; Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas; the Greensboro, North Carolina, Woolworth’s where sit-ins began; the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee; and Dr. King’s birthplace in Atlanta, to name a few. The people, locations and destinations included in the Civil Rights Trail provide a way for families, travelers, and educators to experience history firsthand and tell the story of how “what happened here changed the world.” For details about dozens of significant sites and to see interviews with civil rights foot soldiers, visit civilrightstrail.com.

About Memphis
Memphis is a world-class sports destination that is complemented by the legendary food and music the city is known for around the world. The city is headlined by live music and full of one-of-a-kind experiences that include Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Memphis Zoo, home to two giant pandas. Stunning Mississippi River views, mouthwatering barbecue, lively festivals, and intriguing galleries and museums round out the many attractions and activities for visitors to experience in Memphis. These only begin the list of what’s so great about the Home of the Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll. For more information, visit www.memphistravel.com

About the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Tennessee is the home of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll-delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” In 2018, Tennessee’s tourism industry generated $22.02 billion in economic impact, more than $1.81 billion in state and local tax revenue and more than 187,757 tourism-related jobs. Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “tnvacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube or “Tennessee” on Snapchat.

IRONMAN 2020 Course Announced

Leave a reply

THE 2020 CARILION CLINIC IRONMAN 70.3 VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE TRIATHLON ANNOUNCES COURSE DETAILS WITH A MAJOR PORTION OF THE BIKE COURSE SET TO TAKE PLACE ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Swim to take place in Carvins Cove Reservoir; bike portion from Roanoke County to Botetourt County and along the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Town of Vinton ending in Roanoke City and run portion along the Roanoke River Greenway

The IRONMAN Group, a Wanda Sports Group company (Nasdaq: WSG), announced today course details for the inaugural Carilion Clinic IRONMAN® 70.3® Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2020. The center piece for the 70.3-mile route includes the bike course that will roll along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service filled with scenic views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

“Adding to the long history of endurance events throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, this year’s Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon will feature epic locations for the swim, bike and run portions of the first year event,” said Keats McGonigal, Head of Operations, North America for The IRONMAN Group. “Specifically, for the bike portion of the event, the scenic byway will offer athletes a picturesque view like no other along America’s Favorite Drive. This event presents a unique opportunity for recreational access to the park and invites participants to share in the stewardship of this special place — the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of our nation’s treasured landscapes. We are excited about the course that athletes will have the chance to experience as they achieve their dreams of crossing the finish line at the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge. We are also grateful to everyone who responded in support of the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon, realizing the overall economic benefit of the competition and recognizing the limited access of motor vehicles ensuring a safer experience for bikers.”

The 2020 Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon, taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2020, will begin with a rolling start format. The 1.2-mile swim will take place in the clear waters of Carvins Cove Reservoir. After careful consideration, the Western Virginia Water Authority is partnering with IRONMAN to hold its swimming event in Carvins Cove Reservoir because of the extraordinary opportunity this event will have to showcase the entire region to a worldwide audience. The Authority worked closely with IRONMAN to make sure that the water quality and beauty of Carvins Cove will be preserved for the benefit of all residents.

Once out of the water, athletes will take on the 56-mile bike course that is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Athletes will depart from Carvins Cove in Roanoke County and continue east into beautiful Botetourt County towards the Town of Buchanan, a quaint, walkable town with antique shops and a great view of the James River. It is the starting point for an epic four-mile climb on Route 43 to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469-miles links Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Athletes will experience breathtaking views of the valley, as they ride and descend 21-miles of completely closed roads to the Town of Vinton at Route 24; Vinton is a gateway community to the Blue Ridge Parkway with small town charm and is adjacent to the City of Roanoke. The ride will end at the beautiful River’s Edge Park, next to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, in the heart of Roanoke, Va.

“On behalf of the National Park Service, we are delighted to welcome triathlon participants to the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of their experience this June,” said J.D. Lee, Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Organizers and sponsors have embraced a shared stewardship ethic in their planning approach, and we are excited to be part of this exceptional regional event.”

After transitioning to the run at River’s Edge Park, athletes will experience the Roanoke River Greenway, a paved trail alongside the Roanoke River Blueway for the run course, providing athletes shade while running through several parks along the course. The finish is conveniently located on the streets adjacent to River’s Edge Park.

Located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is the largest metropolitan area in Virginia’s beautiful mountain region. It is a hub for outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and business west of Richmond. Roanoke is best known for the iconic Roanoke Star, which sits atop Mill Mountain and is adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. For outdoor lovers, Roanoke offers a bevy of hiking and biking trails convenient to downtown and was designated a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Virginia’s Blue Ridge has staked its claim as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital and is the perfect setting for an IRONMAN 70.3-branded event.

“Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) is poised to welcome IRONMAN athletes and fans as the host destination,” said Lee Wilhelm, Chair of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “The outpouring of support from athletes, longtime residents and community stakeholders who took the time to contact the NPS was truly remarkable. We are grateful to live in a region where the people are passionate about tourism. Visit VBR is committed to working collaboratively with our regional partners and IRONMAN to ensure the race is a success.”

Headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, Carilion Clinic, a not-for-profit health care provider that serves more than one million people in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Southwest Virginia regions, has been named title partner of the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon.

“Carilion Clinic is excited about collaborating to sponsor the IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” said Dr. Thomas K. “TK” Miller, vice chair of orthopaedics and chief of sports medicine at Carilion Clinic and Chairman of the IRONMAN Global Medical Advisory Board. “Inclusion of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the bike route completes a trio of scenic natural settings for the triathlon course with unparalleled beauty at every turn. Carilion is looking forward to this unique opportunity to team with IRONMAN to promote the benefits of exercise and fitness and advance our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve.”

For more information on the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon, visit www.ironman.com/im703-virginia-blue-ridge. For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com. Athlete inquiries can be directed to virginia70.3@ironman.com.

The course maps will be available here.

About the IRONMAN Group:
As part of Wanda Sports Group, The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, IRONKIDS®, ITU World Triathlon Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and The Sun-Herald City2Surf® presented by Westpac, Ultra-Trail® World Tour events including Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with more than 235 events across 55+ countries. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.

About Wanda Sports Group:
Wanda Sports Group (Nasdaq: WSG) is a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform with a mission to unite people in sports and enable athletes and fans to live their passions and dreams. Through our businesses, including Infront and The IRONMAN Group, we have significant intellectual property rights, long-term relationships and broad execution capabilities, enabling us to deliver unrivalled sports event experiences, creating access to engaging content and building inclusive communities. We offer a comprehensive array of events, marketing and media services through three primary segments: Mass Participation, Spectator Sports and Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS). Our full-service platform creates value for our partners and clients as well as other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from rights owners, to brands and advertisers, and to fans and athletes. Headquartered in Beijing, China, Wanda Sports Group has more than 60 offices and 1,600 employees around the world.

About Carilion Clinic:
Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profit health care organization serving more than one million people in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Southwest Virginia regions. Headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, Carilion’s comprehensive network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices, and other complementary services deliver high quality, patient-centered care close to home. Carilion has a robust partnership with Virginia Tech through its creation of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, both located in Roanoke. Carilion’s commitment to advance care through education and research elements in partnership with Virginia Tech and Radford University improves the health of the communities we serve. From leadership in electronic health records and investments in and applications of digital health to developing new and innovative methods to promote health and wellness, Carilion Clinic leads advances in health care that continue to transform the regions we serve and help deliver better patient care, better community health, and lower costs. For more information, visit www.carilionclinic.org

About Virginia’s Blue Ridge:
Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) is located on the East Coast of the United States in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, Roanoke has a wide array of metro-mountain adventures. Along with our hundreds of miles of thrilling mountain bike trails, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is best known for the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most visited national park systems and memorable scenic drives. The region also offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, which includes the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The running scene in VBR has an expansive greenway trails system along the panoramic routes of rivers and creeks. VBR offers a multitude of water sports activities including kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the Upper James River Water Trail, Roanoke River, Philpott Lake, Carvins Cove and Smith Mountain Lake. Roam the region’s many farmer’s markets or sample the craft beverage scene while exploring the VBR Cheers Trail. After a fun day of adventuring in the great outdoors, visitors can enjoy a farm-to-table experience at one of our many local restaurants. To cap off an adventurous day, catch the sunset from the scenic overlook at the iconic Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain. Come be a #Trailsetter in Virginia’s Blue Ridge: www.visitvbr.com/ironman

J. Cole x PUMA Collection

Leave a reply

PUMA AND J.COLE ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH TV SPOT THAT WILL AIR DURING 2020 NBA ALL STAR GAME

Collab footwear and apparel to be part of multi-year partnership

Today, global sports company PUMA officially announced a multi-year partnership with Grammy-winning artist J. Cole with a short film and TV commercial that was concepted and co-directed by Cole himself. The theme of the spot speaks to never abandoning one’s dream, despite the obstacles faced or time passed. The commercial was a joint PUMA x Dreamville production and will air during Sunday’s NBA All-Star game on TNT. PUMA has tapped Cole because of his connection to basketball, fashion and music culture.

“Our partnership with Cole is deep-rooted,” said Adam Petrick, Global Director of Brand & Marketing at PUMA. “Cole’s involved in product creation, marketing campaigns and cultural guidance. He is going to be a key player in many of the things we do at PUMA moving forward and we’re excited to work with him not only on a product level but even more importantly as one of our athletes.Cole sits at the intersection of musicand sport and represents everything that PUMA stands for as a brand.”

This announcement comes right before PUMA’s newest Hoops silhouette, the Sky Dreamer, hits shelves on February 13. The Sky Dreamer is a relaunch of the original style, the Sky LX, worn on-court in the ‘80s. It now returns to basket ball nearly four decades later with a heritage-inspired mid-top silhouette infused with a touch of today’s style, including a Dreamville “Dreamer” emblem, which draws inspiration from Cole’s
brand, Dreamville. This new sneaker will be worn on and off the court by PUMA Hoops athletes and has already been spotted on J.Cole over the past few months. The Sky Dreamer is the first of many Hoops products that Cole will be involved in before dropping his own Dreamer footwear and apparel coming later this yearwith PUMA.

The Sky Dreamer, available on PUMA.com and at Foot Locker in the U.S., is equipped with PUMA Hoops technology, including the brand’s signature ProFoam cushioning and high-abrasion grip for peak stability. It also features forefoot webbing for stabilization and lockdown. The Sky Dreamer will retail for $130.

PUMA
PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For 70 years, PUMA has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It engages in exciting collaborations with renowned design brands to bring innovative and fast designs to the sports world. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Dobotex. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 13,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. Follow @puma for more product stories and find all of PUMA’s latest news on about.puma.com

Cloud vs On-premise: What Does Your Company Need

Leave a reply

If you’re looking for a new, efficient document management system, you’re probably noticing that many of your options are either cloud solutions or on-premise solutions.

In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between these two options. That’ll help you figure out which option is best for you.

Cloud Vs On-Premise: What Are My Needs

When considering your company’s needs, think about these five factors:

Functionality
Cost
User interface
How to share files
Integrations with other software

Let’s talk about each of these factors in more detail.

Functionality

Cloud-based solutions earn their ‘online’ monikers due to the fact they can function in-browser on the internet, and this is important for several reasons.

Virtually any information device can gain access to the Internet these days, whereas, with on-premises DMS, access to organizational storage and collaboration features remain tied to the software’s point of installation/origin. Cloud vs. on-premise document management cannot be distinguished from each other without analyzing the functional limitations of on-premise solutions.

However, the cloud can transcend issues with desktop compatibility sometimes found in niche operating systems (niche meaning not within Windows).

Essentially, cloud-based, online DMS is, beyond any serious criticism, more functional than its on-premises counterpart, particularly because of its accessibility via mobile applications and consumer-grade laptops (such as Mac), which are becoming increasingly popular in the enterprise.

Cost

Many know the up-front price differences between on-premises and cloud-based DMS, but few understand the differences in long term value. And, as always, value and price must be viewed hand-in-hand.

This is one of the most complex differences between cloud vs. on-premise document management solution.

Price is the most complex facet of these two technologies’ differences. On one hand, there are simple, bottom-line methods of measuring the expenses of each, and on the other hand, there are ‘benefits’ that are much more difficult to initially calculate as hard ROI.

Initially, the cloud costs less across the board from simple calculations, but both on-premises and cloud-based DMS will generate ROI for organizations because each technology helps organizations go paperless.

However, it should be noted that in general, organizations will have to spend more on electricity costs with an on-premises solution, and on-premises solutions are a better fit for rural offices as these areas have fewer Internet speed/access options.

User Interface

On-premises solutions are typically easier for DMS newcomers to understand. But the cloud, as a web technology, offers a certain degree of customizability that can render the solution more intuitive to its user.

Despite the intuitiveness of the cloud, on-premises is a technology that’s been around for a while and can be likened to the intuitiveness of software comprising the Windows interface.

Despite these differences, both modes of DMS usage provide the software integration needed to make processes more intuitive with an existing tech infrastructure.

How To Share Files

On-premises solutions are great if you only need to share documents across the office. On-premise software solutions usually rely on an office intranet to share documents from employee to employee.

The problem is, businesses oftentimes need to share documents with people outside of the building. There are different secure options for sending messages, but a cloud-based DMS will have that built-in already.

So consider who will need access to documents when making the decision.

Integration

On-premises offers more control over how security is implemented, measured, and contained, whereas the cloud, although not as customizable, is arguably more configurable – meaning external components are more easily integrated into the system.

Cloud vs. on-premise document management provides insight on how much customizability is offered for on-premise over cloud-based alternatives.

An organization with a lot of programming demands may want to consider this option. As with any new technology, there are always going to be somewhat limited integration capabilities with preexisting organizational structures.

However, the right document management software, whether on-premises or in the cloud, can offer software integration to mitigate the impact of customizing challenges.

Cloud Migration Challenges and How To Overcome Them

Firstly, one has to understand that migrating to the Cloud cannot be achieved with the push of a button. It would be wise for a firm or individual planning to make their move to the Cloud to seek assistance from a team that specializes in Cloud migration from on-premise to the Cloud.

Also, do not try to migrate everything all at once or try to pull off an “all or nothing” migration. When moving to the Cloud it is better to take a sub-set approach by uploading a bit at a time.

When all data has been migrated to the Cloud, the next step would be to train staff members in using the Cloud to its full potential. It should be understood that moving to the Cloud will give rise to new processes and procedures that will differ from what was used previously in on-premise systems. In other words, one has to ensure that their firm is “Cloud-ready.”

Last but not least is planning, planning, planning. Be sure to plan what data needs to be moved across to the Cloud. This is especially true with firms that have decades of data, some of which have become “stale.” Moving stale data creates stale data in the Cloud; however, migration can be used as an opportunity to clean up obsolete databases and files.

Is Rubex by eFileCabinet Secure?

We previously mentioned how Cloud security is generally more robust than on-premise, and eFileCabinet is no different. We take security seriously and offer security measures that are above and beyond that which can be achieved by local systems.

When using Rubex by eFileCabinet, all files are heavily encrypted to ensure that data remains safe and confidential. Also, Rubex files reside on SAS 70 Type II secure servers with a variety of physical barriers and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Furthermore, all files are backed up regularly at multiple geographic locations to ensure that lost data can easily be recovered in the event of a fire, theft, natural disaster, hard drive failure, etc.

Going a step further, data that resides on our online systems is protected using SSL: Secure Socket Layer encryption as an added layer of security. Rubex spares no effort in keeping sensitive information safe and secure. Find out how you can keep your files secure today by filling out the contact form provided for a free 15-minute demo.

Andreas Rivera is a technology writer with experience in both reviewing and marketing tech services and products. His areas of expertise include writing about B2B, SaaS companies and how they best address the pain points of businesses. Since early 2019, he has been the Marketing Content Writer for eFileCabinet and has become well versed in how document management software helps businesses reinvent their manual processes and spur growth. Contact him at arivera@efilecabinet.com.

Facebook Enters Stage of World Politics

Leave a reply

By Dr. Nick Oberheiden, Esq.

When political and military leaders from around the world convene this week for the annual Munich Security Conference, one attendee does not seem to quite fit the convention’s profile: Mark Zuckerberg. The CEO of Facebook will sit next to over 40 heads of state, intelligence officers, and military commanders at the world’s preeminent international security conference.

Zuckerberg’s visit marks a dramatic shift in world politics. Governments and law enforcement agencies have discovered the enormous utility of platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram to connect people, places, and events. China and Russia have expanded their definition of national security to include virtually any data set: from military drone footage to online tracing to consumer behavior. Zuckerberg does not wear a military uniform, nor is he an elected or appointed official, but Facebook plays a pivotal role on this intensifying cyberspace battlefield.

With over 2 billion Facebook users, Facebook controls an unimaginable amount of digital data such as user contact information, physical whereabouts, cell-site locations, email addresses, IP addresses of websites visited, and records of interpersonal communications. Zuckerberg is the king of information. Facebook has transformed into a hybrid platform where commercial businesses and political activists spread messages, inform (and misinform) to influence politics, the economy, and society. The few publicly available numbers confirm this heightened political dimension of Facebook. Year over year, Facebook reports an increase of FBI National Security Letter (NSL) requests pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 2709 (Section 201 of the Electronics Communications Privacy Act of 1986).

In this war of information, the United States is at a crossroads. While some lawmakers support consumer activists who attack Facebook for its criticized handling of privacy rights, too many American politicians still overlook the strategic value Facebook plays in what Zuckerberg himself called an “ongoing arms race” with Russia and China in his 2018 congressional testimony. Others hesitate to introduce legislation that could be seen as infringing on the First Amendment rights of speech and association – which apply to corporations as well as natural persons.

When governmental agencies begin to depend on commercial businesses for information, it’s time to rethink national security in this country. For example, how should U.S. companies respond when a foreign country that is considered an enemy of the United States requests sensitive economic information from such a private company? Revised legislation may be needed to capture the geopolitical threats of our time. Congress may need to step in to define how much intel U.S. companies may share with foreign governments and whether the dissemination of certain national security data to non-NATO partner countries may be penalized. Checkpoint Charlie does not exist anymore. Today’s files are carried digitally, no longer by spies with a suitcase. The need for prevention and deterrence, however, remains. Traitors and defectors tempted to cash out by offering critical data are the spies of our time.

Zuckerberg knows that he is holding the oil of the 21st century: sensitive information. Coincidence or not, Zuckerberg’s journey takes him from Munich to Europe’s capital Brussels to negotiate Facebook’s tax and antitrust deal with European lawmakers, many of whom will fawn over him at the Munich Conference. Zuckerberg will enter these negotiations from a position of strength.

Dr. Nick Oberheiden is the founder of federal litigation and trial law firm Oberheiden P.C., which is largely comprised of former Justice Department attorneys.

LATAM × VALENTINE’S

Leave a reply

LATAM Cargo, the leader in air cargo transportation to, from, and within Latin America, today announced, more than 210 LATAM Cargo Boeing 767-300 freighters took off from Colombia and Ecuador, carrying 12,600 tons of flowers for the 2020 Valentine’s Day season. Together with Mother’s Day, this represents the peak of the fresh flower export activity. This year’s figure represents a growth of 45% compared to last year.

The increase is the result of the company’s strategy implemented in 2019, which created a permanent and stable increase of operations in Colombia and Ecuador. This year, roses, mixed bouquets and carnations were the stars of the flower season which started the week of January 14 and ended on February 10. Colombia and Ecuador were the main producers, and their flowers were shipped to the United States, the Netherlands and China, among other destinations.

“In 2019 we decided to expand our cargo operations in Colombia and Ecuador to offer our customers enhanced frequency and capacity options,” said Felipe Caballero, LATAM Cargo Senior Revenue Manager for South America. “For the company, these Valentine’s Day figures are proof that our customers understand and value our commitment and effort to provide permanent and stable solutions for their shipments.”

Chrysanthemums, iris, gypsophila and greenery were also big hits this season, mostly coming from Bogota and Medellin in Colombia and from Quito in Ecuador, and heading to markets in North America, Europe, Oceania, South America and Asia. This connectivity was made possible thanks to the more than 145 destinations that make up LATAM Cargo’s network, linking Latin America to the rest of the world.

More frequencies and destinations

In Colombia, the company operated 110 flights after adding 38 new frequencies to its normal operation during this period, and in Ecuador it operated 100 flights, with 58 frequencies more than the regular operation during these four weeks.

In all, the operation was 2.2 times larger than an ordinary week in Colombia and 3.5 times larger in Ecuador, totaling 6,600 tons of flowers transported from Colombia and 6,000 tons from Ecuador.

The main consumer of fresh flowers was the United States, with 90% of all flowers transported by the company (11,300 tons). Demand went up 65% compared to a regular period and 45% compared to Valentine’s Day 2019.

Miami played a major role as one of the world’s largest distribution hubs and home to LATAM Airlines Group cargo operations base.

Other importing markets include the Netherlands with 850 tons (7%), and to a lesser extent, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing (China), Madrid (Spain) and Sydney (Australia). Flowers were also flown into New York (USA), Santiago (Chile), and New Zealand, among other destinations.

“LATAM Cargo successfully completed a highly complex operation to maintain the freshness and shelflife of our customers’ flowers. This positive result comes at the same time as we introduce to the market our new perishable care, FRESH, which seeks to safeguard the freshness and shelflife of perishable products,” said Cristina Oñate, VP of Marketing and Product Development for LATAM Cargo. “FRESH is our stable and scalable approach to meeting this challenge, and offers a global standard of cold chain management for perishables across our LATAM network.”

LATAM Cargo in Colombia

At the end of 2019, LATAM Cargo launched an expansion plan in Colombia that saw a gradual increase in frequencies to strengthen its presence in that market, and enhance the country’s export and import role.

Currently LATAM Cargo, has nearly tripled its export offerings between Bogota and Miami, going from 6 to 15 weekly flights. In Medellin, the company maintains its presence with six-per-week frequencies to Miami.

On the import side, LATAM Cargo opened the Miami–Cali route with two weekly frequencies, which will provide a greater flow of cargo from North America and offer a new gateway to Colombia. The company will also soon announce the start of operation of a new route from USA to Colombia, in addition to Bogotá and Cali, to continue exploring new destinations in the Latin American country.

THE WEEKND – AFTER HOURS

Leave a reply

The Weeknd has announced the name of his upcoming album, After Hours, coming soon via XO Records / Republic Records. The album has been led by his two Platinum singles “Heartless”, which previously hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Blinding Lights” along with outstanding live performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. “Blinding Lights” also soundtracked the Mercedes-Benz EQC campaign which The Weeknd starred in and served as creative director for. Last week he also scored his first ever UK #1 song with “Blinding Lights” and also earned his 10th #1 song on Billboard’s Rhythmic Songs chart.

On March 7th, The Weeknd will be making his third appearance as musical guest on Saturday Night Live.

Watch the After Hours album teaser HERE

JANE FONDA × ELLE

Leave a reply

KO Média is pleased to announce that the March issue of ELLE Canada stars the inimitable Jane Fonda.

In a special issue that celebrates getting older with an open mind, the inspiring 82-year old actor, activist and icon opens up about her plans for the future and her past regrets.

“I can’t pretend that I’m not vain, but there isn’t going to be any more plastic surgery—I’m not going to cut myself up anymore,” says the refreshingly frank face of L’Oréal who talks about finding confidence later in life.

“I have psychic scars that I will never be able to give up.”

The special issue is packed with thoughtful features that dig into today’s most relevant questions, examining how societal perceptions about age are changing, and asking: Are fillers over? What’s the TikTok take on beauty? When will we finally start taking openly about menopause? In the words of French supermodel and author Caroline de Maigret, who is also featured in the exciting issue, “showing insatiable curiosity will make you look younger than a new pair of breasts.”

The March 2020 issue also boasts an everything-you-need-to-know guide to the season’s hottest trends, in which seasoned ELLE Canada editors decode how to wear must-have suits, trenches, retro prints, cool-girl denim and more.

Also in this issue: behind-the-scenes with Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière and his muses; a new study that hints romantic movies might be able to heal our relationships; and a fresh take on bold patterns and sleek minimalism.

The March issue of ELLE Canada will hit stands on February 17^th.

AMTRAK VALENTINES DAY SALE

Leave a reply

Amtrak Offers Trip for Two with Its Buy One Get One Free Valentine’s Day Sale

At Amtrak, they want to show customers how much they love them by offering a Valentine’s Day Buy One Get One Free Sale. Thursday, February 13, through Monday, February 17, customers can buy one coach ticket and get the second free for nationwide travel between March 9 and August 30, 2020, with no blackout dates. Customers can receive discounted tickets by using the code V214 at checkout or at amtrack.com/valentines-day-sale.

Amtrak is offering a great way for customers and their loved ones to travel for a weekend away or on a leisurely vacation. From couples, to moms, to friends, to every loved one, Amtrak encourages individuals to give more than chocolates, flowers and valentines this year. Instead, consider gifting a trip on Amtrak with a two for the price of one, Buy One Get One Free Sale. The discount is valid for travel across the national network including most long distance routes as well as the Acela, Adirondack, Carolinian/Piedmont, Cascades,
Downeaster, Downstate Illinois Services, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Heartland Flyer, Maple Leaf, Michigan Services, Missouri River Runner, Northeast Regional, San Joaquins, Valley Flyer, Vermonter and reserved sections of the Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service. Two customers can travel together in coach for as low as:

New York – Washington, D.C (Acela)
$183

Los Angeles – Seattle
$126

Washington, D.C. – Boston (Acela)
$192

Seattle – Portland, OR
$36

Washington, D.C. – Chicago
$105

San Francisco – Denver
$149

San Francisco – Los Angeles
$66.50

New York – Atlanta
$164

New York – Washington, D.C.
$98

Chicago – St. Louis
$31

Los Angeles – Albuquerque
$86

St. Louis – Kansas City
$36

Portland, ME – Boston
$29

Richmond, VA – Charlotte
$54

Detroit – Chicago
$40

Washington, D.C. – Orlando
$139

Fares will vary by train

Being able to easily travel to/from city centers, Amtrak has one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags. Amtrak also offers the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room and no middle seat. This sale is valid for one free companion rail fare traveling on the same reservation as one full adult coach fare. This offer is valid for travel on all reserved service except the Auto Train. Adults must travel together and be booked in the same reservation. Valid for coach seats only; no upgrades allowed. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. All prices will be automatically discounted from the standard fare when accessing this promotion at amtrak.com/valentines-day-sale or by using the discount code (V214) when booking their trip.

Other terms and conditions apply.

Super Model Simonetta Lein Opens NYFW Show For Fashion Designer Stevie Boi

Leave a reply

Super Model Simonetta Lein Opens NYFW Show For Fashion Designer Stevie Boi

1) From your viewpoint what was it like walking for famous designer Stevie Boi?

“It was like being home. Many people reach out to me and they are always very surprised when I talk to them with no problem. They think that because I have been named as one of the top 5 in the world I should be unapproachable. I firmly believe that the more you grow the more you should stay humble, and thank every blessing you receive. Stevie has my same philosophy. He is a very talented man who put together a professional yet kind team. That to me is synonymous of real success.”

2) How was the event different from anything you’ve ever done?

“I had many stylists dedicated to me and what I loved is that they were constantly asking me if I felt good in my outfit or I needed to change something. I truly felt that it was Stevie’s special touch and heart. Also it was the first time I got to open a NYFW show. That special feeling of butterflies in my stomach was different, as I felt responsible for the good start of the show. It was a good feeling and also tested me, I feel even stronger now.

3) What kind of vibe did the event hold?

It was an urban grunge type of vibe. My makeup and hair were different from anything else I have ever done and as a model that made me happy, as I could experiment with something different. It was artistic yet contemporary, which I appreciated.

4) As an influencer and trendsetter what did you think of his collection?

I think it was futuristic yet sellable, which is something very important for an artist and a designer. His silver touch and plastic inserts made it very particular and bold, and mixed with fashion staples as jackets, mini skirts, jeans, created an ensemble of clothes that urban people can wear to be seen yet be comfortable and edgy. I also appreciated him being inclusive with a mom with a baby, different sizes shapes and colors of models which represents the world of today.

5) What was your take on New York fashion week this year?

Knits are the new normal. Volume and movement. Plaid is back, as we have seen in my outfit. Everyone is going sustainable. I have been advocating for that for a while now and it is so great to see it happening on the runways.

6) What was your opinion of the outfit you walked in?

I would definitely wear it for an event or a day of work in the city. Perfect to be elegant but different. A retro style with plaid pattern with irregular fringes, a mini skirt and a top that made me feel so cute and feminine.

7) What was the highlight of the event from your point of view?

The show itself was really well done, and that is the major highlight. I think sometimes in fashion we look for too many external components and we forget the basics. A well organized performance leaves the public and buyers happy. He also had performers and a very cool graphic. When I got into my moment and walked for him and I saw the entire room surrounded by waves moving on the wall I thought: this is nothing but the great Stevie Boi.

Pictures on the runway by DWSNAPSHOT

Other pictures by Nicole Tienken