Posts made in May 2020

Amazon Discrimination

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Amazon‘s board of directors pushed investors at today’s annual shareholder meeting to reject a Free Enterprise Project (FEP) proposal that sought to end the company’s practice of viewpoint discrimination against conservative and Christian organizations within the Amazon Smile charitable giving program.

The shareholder resolution specifically called into question Amazon’s reliance on the widely-discredited left-wing Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as the gatekeeper for AmazonSmile charitable recipients.

“Amazon consistently brags about its commitment to ‘diversity and inclusion,’ but I don’t think its board of directors knows what that means. By relying on the SPLC to decide which charities are eligible to receive donations through AmazonSmile, the company is expressing public and open hostility toward conservative and religious organizations,” said Justin Danhof, Esq., General Counsel and FEP Director at the National Center for Public Policy Research, who submitted the proposal. “That’s viewpoint discrimination and it’s abhorrent.”

In the proposal, Danhof noted: We are also concerned that the Company’s failure to respect diverse social, political, and religious viewpoints in the Smile program is symptomatic of a tendency to discriminate against such views more broadly. For example, although Amazon’s policies state “we provide our customers with access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable,” it has recently begun removing books based on customer objections. And, while Amazon publicly affirms its commitment to different perspectives, it officially opposed a shareholder proposal to gauge progress in ideological diversity on the Board of Directors in its 2019 proxy materials.

The shareholders should be aware of the extent to which discrimination against social, political, or religious views by Amazon in its partnerships, content policies, and options for customer-selected charitable donations may jeopardize Amazon’s current market-dominance and may negatively affect important social dynamics beyond Amazon’s immediate business impact.

The full proposal and Amazon’s response to it are available on pages 41-43 of company’s proxy statement.

In presenting the proposal, Danhof stated: Amazon allows the SPLC to pick and choose which charities are eligible for the Smile program. Why? The extreme leftists at the SPLC use this power to exclude groups that it disagrees with ideologically, while it, in turn, reaps tremendous windfall from the Smile program. This is wildly hypocritical and calls into question Amazon’s poor governance controls.

Audio of Danhof’s presentation can be heard here. A written, annotated version of Danhof’s statement can be found here.

During the meeting, Danhof and other conservative shareholders repeatedly questioned Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos as to why the company engages in such blatant viewpoint discrimination. Bezos refused to address their questions.

“If Bezos can defend Amazon’s outright bigotry, then we invite him to do so,” said Danhof. “It’s pathetic that one of the most powerful men in the world can’t answer a simple question. Yet it is also telling that Bezos seems to have zero defense for this deplorable behavior.”

Earlier this month, Danhof penned an article published by Breitbart in which he noted: Today the SPLC is known mostly for publishing an annual “hate map,” which it claims is a census of the hate groups operating within the United States. In reality, this cynical yearly exercise is little more than a public listing of SPLC’s political enemies.

How else can one explain SPLC categorizing groups such as the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) with the Ku Klux Klan? ADF is the nation’s preeminent legal advocate for religious liberty. Litigating to advance the principles espoused by America’s founders and enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, ADF has scored 10 victories at the United States Supreme Court since 2011. What exactly have the racists at the Ku Klux Klan done in that timeframe?

Everyone knows the Klan is a hate group. What the SPLC is trying to do is convince gullible leftists that conservative and religious organizations are morally equivalent to the KKK. It’s reprehensible and it’s fake news. And Amazon’s partnership lends a corporate veneer of credibility that only perpetuates this false narrative.

Conservative investors can learn how to support proposals that align with their values and how to vote down leftist resolutions by downloading FEP’s Investor Value Voter Guide. A thorough discussion of the resolution presented today to Amazon starts on page 52 of the guide.

Today’s Amazon meeting marks the 21st time FEP has participated in a shareholder meeting in 2020.

Harry Hudson Releases Music Video

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Harry Hudson Releases Music Video For New Single “Give Up On Us” PRESS HERE

To Watch Announces Positive Pack No. 1 Merch Collection Out Friday, May 29th PRESS HERE

For The Lookbook Featuring Harry Hudson and Jaden Smith “‘Give Up On Us’ [is] a must-listen… this song is the perfect musical retreat…” – V Man “Hudson defies the trends while defining himself” – The Fader

“[Harry] is ready to ride into the spotlight” – Harper’s Bazaar

“Harry Hudson is as eccentric, fantastical and enthusiastic about life as you would expect” – Billboard

“[Harry is] defying odds and showcasing his strengths as an undeniable force in the music industry” – V Magazine

“[His music] overflows with the unbridled optimism Hudson displays when you’re around him with songs that are rooted in folk with pop, rock and urban influences” – LA Times

“There is no one else quite like Hudson who weaves sonic meditations from the threads of infectious pop-minded vocal melodies” – Ones to Watch

Singer-songwriter and fast-emerging pop star Harry Hudson has released the music video for his new single “Give Up On Us,” out now via Roc Nation. PRESS HERE to watch. The track, a stripped-down guitar and vocal confessional recalling the bittersweet moments of a relationship and pondering its future, was recently featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and Apple Music’s Beats 1 with Zane Lowe, with support from Justin Bieber who talked with Harry on his Instagram about the new song and why using your voice to help others is important – PRESS HERE to watch their conversation.

“It’s about loving yourself enough to know what you deserve in a relationship. It’s about letting go of what once was and walking into a new light. Life is too short to be living in fear. This video is a portrayal of a broken, one-sided relationship told through FaceTime,” shares Harry.

Today, Harry has also unveiled a sneak peek of the Positive Pack No. 1, his brand new merch collection out this Friday, May 29th. PRESS HERE to check out the lookbook featuring Harry and Jaden Smith, which includes the hoodie Harry is wearing in the “Give Up On Us” video. On the collection, Harry shares, “Hey, you woke up today. I’m happy you’re here. Staying positive is tough. So I made a merch collection called the ‘Positive Pack No. 1.’ Now you can share positivity with everyone around you, even when you aren’t feeling that way.”

Stay up to date with Harry’s new merch collection by heading over to www.instagram.com/hhmerch.

To purchase the Positive Pack No. 1 this Friday, PRESS HERE.

Harry Hudson and Jaden Smith For The Positive Pack No. 1 Collection An intriguing and multi-faceted young voice in music, Harry Hudson’s artistry is marked by a wisdom beyond his years and a positive outlook informed by his life experience. After surviving and recovering from cancer, and bolstered by the strength and support from his family and friends, Harry emerged with a brighter view of the world that inspired him to put pen to paper, creating music that shares a path of understanding the meaning of loving yourself, embracing individuality, and using our voices to help others. A creative soul and global citizen, as well as an ambassador for Teen Cancer America, Harry’s honest, visceral songwriting and philanthropy, continue to bring light to others.

“Give Up On Us” follows a string of previously released singles including “Let Me,” “Just Slide” ft. Jaden Smith, “Mean To Love,” and “Pendulum.” Harry’s stunning 2018 debut album, Yesterday’s Tomorrow Night, is a highly personal batch of pop music released via Roc Nation and Willow and Jaden Smith’s MSFTS Music. The album has garnered over 35 million streams on Spotify alone and features hit single, “Yellow Lights,” which has amassed over 17 million streams and reached Spotify’s Top 10 on the U.S. Viral Chart. Harry has garnered major media attention from Billboard, People, Rolling Stone, MTV, LA Times, Harper’s BAZAAR, Complex, The Fader, Nylon, WWD, Teen Vogue, HighSnobiety and more, and has been named an artist to watch by Pandora and Ones To Watch.

Stay tuned for a lot more music from Harry Hudson coming soon!

Limited COVID Race Data

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Last month, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law sent two letters to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, requesting comprehensive national race and ethnic demographic data for tests, cases and fatalities related to COVID-19. The Lawyers’ Committee received a letter in response last week from the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Robert Redfield.

The director’s response, lacking in substance, indicates that it could be weeks, or even months, before HHS provides a true and accurate account of the impact of this devastating this virus.

The coronavirus has been circulating in major U.S. cities since January. And five months into this pandemic, neither HHS nor the CDC has provided a full and complete data set showing the number of African Americans, and other racial and ethnic minorities, who have been tested for, contracted, or died from the virus. However, the limited data that has been released shows communities of color are suffering disproportionately from the pandemic. Robust and comprehensive race and ethnic demographic data is critical to shape effective policy responses that direct resources to African American communities and other communities of color, and to stem community spread of COVID-19.

“How many African Americans have to die before either HHS or the CDC can provide substantive data on the true racial impacts of COVID-19 and provide a clear plan to address the existing disproportionate impacts on African Americans and other communities of color?” said Kristen Clark, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “This is a public health emergency that requires a strategic response that directs resources to hot spots and towards African American communities that are suffering at higher rates. We cannot properly address a growing problem if the nation’s top health agencies will not adequately report useful data. Everyday there is a delay costs more lives and causes suffering.” Read the CDC response letter here.

MGM Resorts Reopening

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MGM Resorts International announced its planned June 4 reopening of Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature, following the closure earlier this year of all of its U.S. properties amidst the coronavirus crisis. At opening, amenities at all properties will be limited. As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will reopen.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities where we operate, and around the world, who has been personally impacted during this time of crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President, “As we plan for these openings, the health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. The team is ready and we can’t wait.”

Key Initiatives include;

A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminder
For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App will allow hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms
In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests receive text message notification when their tables are ready

MGM Resorts’ full “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees, and rapidly respond to potential new cases can be viewed here.

For a full list of offerings and to make reservations, click here.

Mental Health × The Coronavirus Pandemic

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In 1963, President John F. Kennedy stated, “It was said, in an earlier age, that the mind of a man is a far country which can neither be approached nor explored. But, today, under present conditions of scientific achievement, it will be possible for a nation as rich in human and material resources as ours to make the remote reaches of the mind accessible.” This sentiment rings especially true today as our country battles one of its most enduring enemies: COVID-19.

As Americans continue to stay at home and adhere to social distancing guidelines to fight the coronavirus pandemic, it cannot be forgotten that social isolation, financial burden, and job loss can be extremely difficult, especially for those who are struggling with their mental health. In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly half (45%) of adults in the U.S. reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus. As our nation continues to weather this crisis, mandated public health measures such as shelter-in-place and social distancing, albeit necessary, are contributing to poor mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, and increased substance use.

We are now at a watershed moment in American history. Will the Administration reevaluate and prioritize the mental health of U.S. citizens? Will they look the other way? Immediate action is particularly important for those who are already in jeopardy including individuals living with disabilities, veterans, and seniors.

To combat COVID-19’s toll on our economy, states have been asked to institute budget cuts, which will in turn cause great harm to programs that support vital mental health services. Furthermore, of the $2 trillion invested in the recent CARES Act, only 0.04 percent of the economic relief package was allocated to mental health programs. During a time when diagnoses and symptoms are mounting, these critical programs will most likely lack the funding needed to survive the pandemic.

Our past demonstrates clearly that nothing will change without power or demand. That’s why renowned, national leaders such as Easterseals and The Kennedy Forum are spearheading a dialogue grounded in advocacy to bolster mental health services and expand access to treatment. Unfortunately, it’s taken a global pandemic to generate conversation about the greater need for funding.

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly spurred change in the way mental health is treated and talked about in our society. It’s no longer considered a taboo subject. In fact, discussion on how to create opportunities for awareness, empathy, collaboration, and funding is now encouraged and celebrated. So, let’s act on this important paradigm shift and do whatever it takes to spark lasting change.

To learn more about how Easterseals and The Kennedy Forum are addressing mental health amid the coronavirus pandemic, we are happy to have the opportunity to share our recent one-on-one discussion. Ultimately, the expansion of, and increased access to, mental health services will continue to be critical to minimize the adverse effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy is the founder of The Kennedy Forum and author of the New York Times Bestseller, “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction.” He also co-chairs Mental Health for US and the Action Alliance’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19.

Angela Williams is President and CEO of Easterseals, a 101-year-old nonprofit which delivers high-quality services and powerful advocacy to 1.5 million individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families each year through its network of 68 affiliates in communities nationwide. Its services include early intervention, autism services, mental health care and support, workforce development and senior services.

Moab Adventure Center Reopens

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As the community opened earlier this month, the staff of the Moab Adventure Center- the pulse point for all things adventure-related in Moab, Utah- is prepared with newly instituted pandemic-prevention protocols to serve visitors.

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. And just announced, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are scheduled to reopen on May 29.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly-scheduled activities along with newly added private tours. These include Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures, exclusive Arches National Park morning tours and private stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people.

These programs, assisted by dedicated staff and guides, adhere to new COVID-19 mitigation, operation, and safety protocols enacted to give travelers confidence and assurance. Protocols include cleaning of equipment and vehicles; daily staff and guest health screenings and regulations around food preparation and service.

Vacation-related accommodations are open with occupancy limitations and mandatory 24-hour rest periods between each room use. Moab restaurants are open for carry-out and will also seat a limited number of diners with appropriate spacing. Details on Moab Adventure Center’s full COVID Mitigation and Operations Plan can be found here.

“We’re offering most of our regular adventures in addition to new private tour options for families and colleagues who self-designate as small groups for multi-day rafting adventures and full- and half-day programs,” said Cort Wright, General Manager, Moab Adventure Center. He noted that bookings for private tours of all kinds are up considerably over the same time last year.

The six tours that have been re-tweaked for private groups are;

Private Slickrock Hummer Safari, a two-hour, off-road excursion in the world’s most serious 4×4. The rate for up to nine people is $795.
https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/private-moab-hummer-tours-hells-revenge
Private Sunset Hummer Tour with hors d’oeuvres and the setting desert sun for three hours. The rate for up to nine people is $895.
Private Canyoneering Adventure for five hours with two rappels: 90′ into a hidden chasm and 120′ off a giant rock arch. The rate for up to six people is $795.
Private Moab Rock Climbing Lessons for three hours for gym and beginning climbers and kids. The rate for up to four people is $595.
Private Arches National Park Morning Tour, a four-hour scenic bus excursion for up to six guests, at $695 per group.
Private Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons on the Colorado River, a three-hour float with transportation, board rental, instruction, guide, snacks and water. The rate for up to six people is $595.

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TURBO – HEART STOP

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A truly original and fearless artist, Calgary-bred, singer, songwriter and producer Turbo, combines the gritty authenticity of outlaw country with hard-hitting hip-hop inspired beats and rhymes on his debut single “Heart Stop,” released earlier this month. Today, he follows up the single’s breakthrough success with an accompanying music video.

Filmed at Ghost Lake in Alberta, Canada, he invites viewers onto “Turbo’s Ranch.” Featuring sports cars, horseback riding, smoking and drinking, Turbo tells the story of his own fantasy life: living fast, falling in love, and flaunting it all.

Featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday US and New Music Friday Canada, Wild Country, Fresh Finds: Country, and Next from Nashville, Turbo’s debut single “Heart Stop” was heralded by rising artist blog, Ones to Watch, as the artist “proving country/hip hop [crossovers] are more than a passing fad.”

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE

TELLY AWARDS

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Summers Strategies Wins Three Coveted Telly Awards Honoring Excellence in Video and Advertising

National strategic communications and marketing firm Summers Strategies won three coveted Telly Awards for video advertising and social media campaigns on behalf of not-for-profit organizations across the country last year.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards honors video and television made for all screens and is judged by The Telly Award Judging Council; a group of leading video and television experts from some of the most prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising, and emerging technology.

Summers, a national company with deep roots and offices in suburban Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, Nevada, received the news this morning.

The awards were for three campaigns representing the diversity of the firm’s clients. They were:

A Silver award for Local TV General-Political Issues/Campaign Advertising for “Virginia’s Superpower,” a 30-second ad on behalf of Energy Foundation promoting clean energy policies. You can watch the ad here.

A Silver award for Social Video Series-Not for Profit for the San Diego-Imperial County International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 highlighting the benefits of union membership. Watch the five-part series here.

A Bronze award for Local TV General-Public Interest/Awareness for a 30-second PSA for the New York State Association of Counties highlighting how county workers are the heroes in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Watch it here.

“These ads and social media videos were held up against some of the biggest names in our industry, so this recognition means a lot to our team,” Jon Summers, president of Summers Strategies, said. “But beyond that, these awards also make it clear that you don’t need an endless budget to produce content that moves people and delivers results. Since we work with a lot of clients who have limited budgets to drive major changes in the world, that’s important.”

Summers Strategies also won a Bronze award in 2017 for branded content produced for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Among the past winners of the Telly Awards are some of the world’s largest and most influential communications companies, including Bloomberg, CBS Interactive, Comcast, Condé Nast, DC Entertainment, Discovery Communications, Disney, ESPN, Fox, HBO, Hearst, Microsoft, MLB, NBC, PBS, The Guardian, The History Channel, Time Warner, Universal, Univision, Viacom and Vice+. View the winners of the 41st Annual Telly Awards winners at www.tellyawards.com/winners.

About the Telly Awards

The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, The Telly Awards receives over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. Entrants are judged by The Telly Awards Judging Council—an industry body of over 200 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks, reflective of the multi-screen industry The Telly Awards celebrates. Partners of The Telly Awards include NAB, StudioDaily, Stash Magazine, Storyhunter, ProductionHub, VR/AR Association, The Wrap and Digiday.

Jennifer Watson

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The Untitled Space is pleased to introduce works available by artist Jennifer Watson. Watson is a recipient of the NJ State Council on the Arts Painting Fellowship and has been included in solo and group exhibitions at Morgan Lehman Gallery, NY; Geoffrey Young Gallery, MA; Brian Morris Gallery, NY; The Noyes Museum of Art, NJ; ada Gallery, VA; Project for Empty Spaces, NJ; Trestle Gallery, NY; R.Jampol Project(s), NY; Exit Art, NY; CWOW, NJ; and more. Watson is included in the current Spring Edition of ArtMaze Mag and her reviews and features have appeared in ARTnews magazine, Gannett Newspapers, The Star Ledgerand The Huffington Post. Watson holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied visual arts at Mason Gross School of the Arts. She resides in Long Branch, NJ, and works in Newark, NJ.

LUCKY DAYE – PAINTED

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To celebrate the one year anniversary of its initial release, Grammy-Award nominated singer/songwriter Lucky Daye announces his Painted (Deluxe Edition) album is set for release on May 29th via Keep Cool/RCA Records.

The original, critically-acclaimed album, which received a Grammy-Award nomination last year for Best R&B Album will have new tracks including “Shoulda” ft. Babyface as well as a “Roll Some Mo” reggae remix ft. Chronixx and MediSun. Both tracks are produced by frequent collaborator and Grammy-Award winning producer D’Mile and are available to buy/stream now across digital service providers.

The artwork for Painted (Deluxe Edition) is designed by Chris Jordan.

2019 was a breakout year for the R&B crooner with four Grammy-Award nominations across all of the R&B categories, a nomination for Best New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards as well as sold out tours across the country and over 200 million streams and video views. Lucky also delivered incredible performances at the NPR Tiny Desk twice and at the 2019 BET Awards. Most recently Lucky was featured on Kehlani and Kiana Lede’s albums.

Last year, Lucky Daye established himself as a force to be reckoned with in R&B and this year is looking to be no different.