Posts made in August 2021

Purdue University × First Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow

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A professor who will connect Purdue University expertise with faculty and student startups has been named the Krannert School of Management‘s first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. These fellows connect the research enterprise with the commercialization enterprise.

Zhan Pang, the Lewis B. Cullman Rising Star Associate Professor of Management, has co-founded and been involved with startup companies in other ways since he was an undergraduate in mathematics at the Nanjing University. Pang is faculty affiliate of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, faculty affiliate of the Integrative Data Science Initiative, a member of the Krannert Ph.D. Committee and a member of the Purdue University Graduate Council. He also is on the board of China Titans Energy Technology Group Co. Ltd., a public company listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

“The innovation and entrepreneurship fellows, as representatives of different schools or disciplines, can facilitate the knowledge exchange across disciplines and help connect people to academic experts in different colleges,” Pang said. “This is in line with Purdue’s vision of building an interdisciplinary environment for discovery, learning and engagement to become or remain the most innovative university in America and the world.”

David Hummels, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Krannert School, expressed support in Pang and the fellowship.

“Krannert holds a unique position at the intersection of business and technology, and we say that big ideas don’t change the world until they go to market,” Hummels said. “Professor Zhan Pang is not only an outstanding scholar; he has co-founded or been involved in a number of tech startups, and he has served in an advisory capacity connecting companies to venture capitalists. He will be an excellent bridge-builder as we work to expand faculty efforts to help commercialize the world-changing discoveries that happen at our university.”

Along with one of his former Ph.D. students, Pang co-founded Data Analytics Technology to develop advanced data analytics tools and AI technologies dedicated to the health management industry.

Pang becomes Purdue’s third Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. In January, the College of Agriculture appointed Christian Butzke as its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow. In June, Yung-Hsiang Lu was named the first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow in the College of Engineering. The campus-wide program will be coordinated through the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship.

DABABY, HOMOPHOBIA × CANCEL CULTURE

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By: Andrew Shibuya

No one thought that the return to normalcy – or at least the path towards it – would be without hurdles. Indeed, the past six months have proven similarly difficult to the previous twelve, and the coming few seem to promise no respite. And so, in the now past and brief interlude in mask mandates and lockdowns in the United States, surely one would think that crowded events such as music festivals would be about celebrating reunion and unity.

Unfortunately, with the precedent of a certain performer at Rolling Loud, it is clear that unity was not the first thing on everyone’s mind. No one has made this more clear than rapper DaBaby. During his performance at the festival, the rapper is reported to have said several homophobic comments including, “If you didn’t show up today with HIV, AIDS, or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that’ll make you die in two to three weeks, then put your cellphone lighter up,” as well as the peculiar, “Fellas, if you ain’t sucking d**k in the parking lot, put your cellphone lighter up.”

Of course, the Internet had something to say, and the deserved virtual tirade against DaBaby began. Twitter users in particular took up arms against DaBaby’s comments, lambasting the rapper for what they deemed to be some mixture of idiocy and ignorance.

And while fools’ remarks should hardly be considered worth coverage alone, the following onslaught and festivals’ responses are worth discussing. In the past week, numerous notable festivals have pulled DaBaby from their lineups, including Lollapalooza, New York’s Governors Ball, and Day N Vegas. The festivals all shared similar messages to their social media channels regarding the change, citing the need for and value of inclusion and diversity. The former’s message read: “Lollapalooza was founded on diversity, inclusivity, respect. And love. With that in mind, DaBaby will no longer be performing at Grant Park tonight.” Read our coverage of Lollapalooza and its implications with COVID HERE.

These festival changes seemed to have induced an apology from DaBaby, who, at first, was reluctant to apologize or recognize any wrongdoing. In response to the first wave of criticism, the rapper responded on his Instagram Story, stating, “What I do at a live show is for the audience at the live show. It’ll never translate correctly to somebody looking at a little five, six-second clip from their goddamn crib on their phone. Because, regardless of what y’all motherfuckers are talking about and how the internet twisted up my motherfucking words, me and all my fans at the show, the gay ones and the straight ones, we turned the fuck up.”

This was just the first response of many, with each becoming increasingly apologetic as more of his shows were cancelled. The most recent of his apologies, which many on Twitter have dubbed “DaApology,” reads: “I want to apologize to the LGBTQ+ community for the hurtful and triggering comments I made. Again, I apologize for my misinformed comments about HIV/AIDS and I knew education on this is important.” And while some fans online deemed his response to be acceptable, many did not see it as adequate.

Celebrities similarly took to Twitter and other social media platforms to offer their two cents on the situation. Many decried DaBaby’s words, such as his recent collaborator Dua Lipa, who claims to be incredibly taken aback by this side of DaBaby. Other big names in the music industry such as singer-songwriter Elton John and pop legend Madonna have similarly criticized the ignorance and inaccuracy of DaBaby’s comments on HIV and AIDS. Most recently, Miley Cyrus has shared on social media that she has reached out to DaBaby to “learn from each other” in the wake of this incident.

And still, some rappers and other industry names have come to DaBaby’s defense. Some, like rapper NLE Choppa, insist that this is just a slight hiccup in DaBaby’s career, with NLE Choppa recently tweeting, “Dababy Gone Come Out Bigger Than Ever While Y’all Tryna Down Play The Man.” Rapper T.I. similarly called for more equality and fair treatment for DaBaby, seeming to suggest the praise Lil Nas X has recently received. In an Instagram comment, T.I. wrote, “If Lil Nas X can kick his s**t in peace… so should DaBaby.”

DaBaby’s comments come after a recent onslaught of homophobic vitriol directed toward Nas X this past summer. Following the release of the rapper’s successful singles “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” and brazen accompanying videos, many – both fans and other rappers – took to Twitter. And while many people did support Nas X as T.I. seems to allude to, the openly gay rapper received far from unanimous praise.

In addition to spurring an inundation of homophobic sentiment online from quotidian users, Nas X proved to be similarly divisive amongst other rappers in the hip hop industry. While some voiced their support and praised the rapper’s bravery and bold works, some were similarly quick to voice their disproval. Many condemned the rapper for what seemed to them to be brazen lewdness, though many Twitter users thinly veiled homophobia.

The discourse over “cancelling” is rather interesting in light of so much present discussion over the actual existence of cancel culture and its implications. Especially in the music industry, where the effects of “cancelling” someone seem to be diminished – Chris Brown still plays on the radio, Dr. Luke still produces number-one hits, and most recently “cancelled” country singer Morgan Wallen has seen his popularity grow tremendously despite this year’s earlier controversy. This is in contrast with the film industry, where, although far from free from offenders, certain players have been blackballed far more effectively and efficiently.

Surely, all those people could be an argument against the existence of cancel culture. The consequences to their actions seem to have faded as quickly as people’s memories of their wrongdoings. And so, as to the question of whether or not DaBaby has been “cancelled” is unclear. The action against him – at least at the level of cancelling his headlining performances and shows – has so far managed to induce at least a single apology from the rapper. And while what lies in store for DaBaby remains unclear, one certainty remains – the Internet has at least some power to affect change in the real world.

HD4President – Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (Bow Bow Bow)

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BATON-ROUGE, LA-BASED HD4PRESIDENT SHARES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR TOUCH DOWN 2 CAUSE HELL (BOW BOW BOW)

TikTok Views Surpass 1.5 Billion

HD4President shared the official video for his breakthrough hit, Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (Bow Bow Bow). View HERE.

I feel like the ‘Touch Down’ video captures the right vision for the song and matches the viral moments from TikTok and social media, says HD4President. And it shows good vibes and fun times, bringing fun back to the music scene.

Initially released independently, Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (Bow Bow Bow) exploded after a TikTok user uploaded a video of herself and a friend dancing to the track in May 2021. To date, there have been over 1.2 million TikTok creations, including clips by Lizzo, Coi Leray, City Girls, Latto, Niecy Nash, Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, and over 1.5 billion views on the platform. Complex included Touch Down 2 Cause Hell (Bow Bow Bow) in its recent round-up of The Best TikTok Trends and Challenges Right Now.

HD4President delivers brazen lyrics, serving as a reflection of his life experiences. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he found inspiration for his music in life itself, as well as in the music of favorite artists such as Soulja Slim, JAY-Z and Juvenile. While still staying true to his Baton Rouge jiggin roots, HD4President’s music is a unique mix of hip hop, R&B, soul and pop, which translates into infectious, high energy hits.

It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC

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IN COMMEMORATION OF HIP HOP’S 48TH ANNIVERSARY THE UNIVERSAL HIP HOP MUSEUM & THE CITY OF NEW YORK PRESENTS IT’S TIME FOR HIP HOP IN NYC, A FREE CONCERT SERIES DURING NYC HOMECOMING WEEK, AUGUST 14-22

HEADLINERS INCLUDE KRS-ONE, REMY MA, TOO $HORT, SLICK RICK, BIG DADDY KANE, DESIIGNER, AND MORE! GEORGE CLINTON & THE P FUNK ALL-STARS & SPECIAL GUESTS TO CLOSE THE WEEKLONG CONCERT SERIES

Free tickets now available HERE for the It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC concert series produced by New York City, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and IDEKO

The Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) and the City of New York proudly present It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC, a series of free concerts during New York City’s Homecoming Week, August 14 – 22. In celebration of Hip Hop culture’s 48th anniversary, the UHHM is bringing the culture back to the boroughs where it all began. The concert series will make its way to each of the boroughs of NYC (The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, & Queens), kicking off in The Bronx on Monday, August 16th, and wrapping up in Queens on Friday, August 20th.

The UHHM has tapped an array of Hip Hop and Hip Hop influenced artists (Latin freestyle, dance, techno, and funk) to grace the city’s outdoor stages, in celebration of New York City’s comeback during NYC Homecoming Week. The dynamic lineup, representing every era of Hip Hop, includes KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma, Raekwon, Ghostface, Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, Too $hort, and a much anticipated set from George Clinton & The P-Funk All-Stars on Friday. The free concerts will be live-streamed by Behind The Rhyme, a channel on Twitch. See the full lineup below:

Monday, August 16th, 3:00 p.m. at Orchard Beach in The Bronx – KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma, Busy Bee, CL Smooth, DJ Hollywood, DJ Jazzy Joyce, DJ Kevie Kev, Fantastic Five, Furious 5 featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio, Grand Wizard Theodore, Joeski Love, Kid Capri, Nice & Smooth, PopMaster Fabel, Soul Sonic Force, T La Rock, Ultra Magnetic MC’s

Tuesday, August 17th, 4:00 p.m. at Midland Beach on Staten Island – Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Crystal Waters, DJ Chuck Chillout, EMPD, Force MDs, Hakim Green, HeeSun Lee, Kool Keith, Lizzy Ashliegh, Pharoahe Monch, Rikki, Rob Base

Thursday, August 19th, 4:00 p.m. at Brooklyn Army Terminal in Brooklyn – Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, C&C Music Factory, DJ Mr. Cee, Elle Varner, Judy Torres, Lizzy Ashliegh, Maino, Obasi Jackson, Papoose, PopMaster Fabel, Special Ed, Stetsasonic, Sweet Sensation, Young Devyn

Friday, August 20th, 4:00 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens – George Clinton & The P-Funk All-Stars with Special Guests, Too $hort, DJ Hurricane, DJ Wiz, EPMD, Havoc of the Infamous Mobb Deep, Yo-Yo

Hip Hop comes home to celebrate NYC Homecoming Week! said Rocky Bucano, Executive Director and President of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Many of the artists performing in these shows are native New Yorkers hailing from the five boroughs. It’s their talent, creativity, and passion for the culture that spread it from the stoops, parks, and playgrounds to stages worldwide. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is proud to welcome them home, back to where it all began.

I’m excited to see this marquee event for NYC’s homecoming kick off in The Bronx. The Birthplace of Hip Hop will set the tone for the upcoming “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts around New York City. This will be a show you do not want to miss, said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

You don’t want to miss the local, legendary talent performing throughout NYC Homecoming Week, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. As we celebrate this Summer of New York City, we’re proud to partner with Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop Museum to bring these momentous concerts to our boroughs, free of charge. And if you get a ticket, you can go as long as you have proof of your first dose of an approved COVID vaccine.

Tickets for all NYC Homecoming Week concerts are now available and can be found HERE.

PA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

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Today, Patrick Mulcahy who has served as Producing Artistic Director of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) since 2003, announced that he will step down from his role at the Festival at the end of the summer 2022 season.

Mulcahy will work with the Festival’s Board of Directors, staff, and the Festival’s parent company DeSales University to support a seamless transition to its next artistic leader, determined through a national search in the coming year. PSF is the professional Equity theatre at DeSales University.

“While my professional roots are in Shakespeare and the theatre industry, I shifted in the 1990s to pursue a career in academia,” said Mulcahy, who joined the DeSales faculty as Head of Acting in 1996. “When PSF came knocking in 2001 and then again in 2003, I was reluctant because I was happy living my passion for education as faculty.” Mulcahy eventually accepted the leadership position at PSF, reducing his faculty role, and has led the Festival for longer than any previous leader, including the founder Rev. Gerard J. Schubert, OSFS.

“Leading the Festival has been the honor of my life and has provided me with countless opportunities to continue to learn. A few years back, my wife and I began to talk about my returning to the faculty full-time. The timing is right for us, and we will continue to champion PSF to ‘ascend the brightest heaven of invention’ as patrons and fans.” He added: “PSF has never been in a stronger position. In the arts, we’re in the ‘humanity business’ and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished at PSF – artistically, institutionally, and in our communities — and am confident our stakeholders and staff will continue to ensure the Festival’s ongoing success. I look forward to continuing to lead PSF through the 2022 season and then bringing what I’ve learned in these nearly two decades back to our students at DeSales.”

Under Mulcahy’s leadership, PSF attracted its first Tony Award-winning artists to its summer seasons, expanded its offerings to include musicals, productions in repertory, and as many as three Shakespeare plays per summer season. The Festival doubled its attendance, served its one-millionth patron, quintupled its endowment, eliminated its debt, created a modest cash reserve, grew and diversified its Board of Directors and company, and secured its first and subsequent grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and other major arts grant makers. In the last decade, PSF has become just one of a handful of professional theatres on the continent offering this range of programming to destination patrons in a single summer season. He also supported added accessibility programming, championed PSF’s education programs, increased the reach of its school tours, and created a Shakespeare for Kids production each season. Recently, PSF successfully pivoted in the pandemic to offer a broad range of indoor, outdoor, and virtual programming for the 2021 season.

“Patrick’s leadership of PSF is a fitting testament to his talents as a Renaissance man – – a courageous strategist, thoughtful visionary, attentive fundraiser, effective manager, artist, motivator, and friend. Rarely have I witnessed so many successes of a leader during his or her tenure of any organization, be it a diversified for-profit business or a nonprofit arts organization,” says PSF Board President Judy Harris. “We hold enormous gratitude for all that Patrick has built and nurtured while leading PSF to the brightest of futures. We bear equal gratitude to DeSales University for having fostered the creation and growth of PSF, and for ensuring that Patrick return full-time to its esteemed faculty.”

Mulcahy led the 2009 strategic planning process that resulted in PSF’s Vision 2030, a commitment to world-class professional theatre, and a body of work that garnered coverage in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playbill magazine, and The Washington Post. He led The Campaign for PSF in 2013-2015, which raised more than $4 million, primarily for endowment growth to support PSF artistic and education programming. Mulcahy also stewards PSF’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Working Group and, with the support of the entire PSF team, has achieved increasingly diverse programming and summer staffing of artists and artisans.

In addition to having worked closely with Festival founder Fr. Schubert, and having acted and directed at the Festival in the late 1990s, Mulcahy’s tenure as leader of the Festival represents nearly two-thirds of the company’s 30-year history. In his dual role as producing artistic director of PSF and head of acting for DeSales University, Mulcahy has supported the career progression of both emerging leaders and developing artists, including many alumni who are now enjoying successful performing careers or leadership positions at other theatres.

“It’s truly been an honor to work so closely with so many great artists, Board members, and staff. I will continue to support the Festival in any way I can,” says Mulcahy, “once I shift the focus of my attention to serving the students and the DeSales University Theatre Department. It will be a joy to come back full time to this Department, which is rich with distinctive offerings, and to working more closely once again with my gifted colleagues there.”

DeSales University President Rev. James A. Greenfield, OSFS, shared, “on behalf of DeSales University, I thank Patrick for his visionary and transformative leadership of PSF. Its founder, Fr. Jerry Schubert, was famous for his exhortation: ‘Give beauty back.’ Patrick’s work at PSF’s helm has ensured that we will be giving beauty back to countless people for generations to come. I am confident that Patrick’s creative collaboration with the PSF board has fortified the Festival for a transition that will greatly strengthen our future.”

Interview with Ooshma Garg

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Meal delivery services have gained a lot of popularity over the recent years and there are now many different services to choose. I was able to sit down with Oosma Garg, founder of one of these delivery services: Gobble.

Given all of the meal delivery services on the market today, what do you think makes yours stand out?

Unlike other meal kit services, Gobble’s meals only take 15 minutes to prepare. Gobble’s army of sous chefs do the prep work; like simmering sauces, marinating meats, and chopping vegetables, so that members can prepare a gourmet meal at home easily and quickly. We prep complex ingredients for 18 unique dishes every week, which gives members variety and new flavors with every meal.

With freshly prepped meal kit ingredients, Gobble simplifies the process of eating healthy, nutritious, and flavorful food, ensuring that members don’t sacrifice time for taste or vice versa. Convenience is at the core of every Gobble product and experience — The company even launched a text concierge service so that members can chat with a “sous chef” and get real-time, educated answers at any time, especially during their cooking experience.

What inspired you to create the 15 minute meal idea?

I have always been a tinkerer and grew up curious, constantly experimenting. Women have been wondering ‘what’s for dinner’ since the beginning of time. Other companies in this industry approached this question through diets or teaching women to cook. Gobble was encouraged to solve the real problem at hand and fit into the fabric of everyone’s daily life. Gobble’s already prepped and prepared meal kits do the invisible work of solving this timeless mealtime question, in just 15 minutes. Gobble’s 15 minutes philosophy was inspired by the importance of quality time with loved ones, and when dinner isn’t stressful or time consuming, this is made possible.

Are there meal options to fit certain diets?

Yes there are. Gobble’s Lean and Clean meal options feature lean proteins, healthy fats, and are under 600 calories per serving. This meal plan also includes the same flexibility that Gobble’s other plans do, as members can easily add breakfast and lunch options, or skip deliveries with ease.

Additionally, Gobble is a great option for picky eaters, as customers can choose their own proteins, grains, and quantities. And, Gobble gives the user full ingredient control. Gobble does most of the prep, but it leaves the final amounts of sauces and most other ingredients going into your dish up to you (unlike oven-ready, or fully prepped/cooked kits).

Tell us about Gobble’s ingredients.

All of Gobble’s ingredients and production are fresh, as if it was cooked in small batches at home, and the production is devoid of shelf stabilizing compounds or preservatives. This makes the supply chain evermore difficult as the company cannot store these complex and custom prepped ingredients from one week to the next.

Tell us about being a female founder in this meal kit delivery space.

Being one of the only female founders in this space, I was inspired to solve a fundamental aspect of society, mealtimes. I saw my mom working 12+ hours a day while balancing her professional role alongside her role as a mom, that there was a void of solutions that allowed working women to provide for their families without sacrificing time or nutrition. Gobble is designed to solve a real problem and fit into the fabric of everyone’s daily life. I’m proud to be a female founder in this space, and am excited to continue to bring even more solutions to the table. (Literally.)

How did the pandemic affect Gobble?

Gobble has seen a 200% increase in basket size of non-dinner menu items, as people are home all day and demand increased deliveries for all mealtimes. Throughout this pandemic, many Americans found themselves facing COVID Burnout, which led them turning to other meal solutions. During Fall 2020, Gobble ran a survey to better understand how COVID was affecting its members. 78.5% of respondents reported that the pandemic affected how they shop for and prepare food with 48% of people sharing that they order groceries solely online. We offer members the ability to transform one’s kitchen into a new country and transport one’s tastebuds through unique flavors and ingredients by implementing adventure into everyday life at home.

The 2021 Hurricane Report

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Author and climate scientist Bill Pekny says the 2021 hurricane season began early this year, and the forecast is to be active all season long. He explains how this compares to previous seasons, why it is the way it is…and why we shouldn’t assume hurricanes are worsening.

The 2021 hurricane season is upon us again. And according to Bill Pekny—who has an extensive background of tracking hurricanes and studying science—says it’s living up to its preseason prediction of being an active, but not unprecedented, year.

“These days there is a lot of unwarranted fear that these types of storms are getting more frequent and more severe,” says Pekny, author of A Tale of Two Climates: One Real, One Imaginary (Two Climates LLC, 2021, ISBN: 978-1-73493-960-6, $34.59). “This is a misconception driven by the fact that we measure storms in terms of economic damage.”

“We continue to build more and more high-dollar homes, hotels, and resorts in high-risk coastal areas,” he explains. “When hurricanes do make landfall, they naturally create more property damage with higher price tags. In other words, the real culprit is more development, not more hurricanes. People just conflate these two issues.”

He says the experimental reality is that hurricanes in the North Atlantic basin, which includes the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico areas, are not trending worse in either frequency or intensity over “climatological” (30 year) time scales. The same is true on a global scale. Even the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded, “Hurricanes have not become more numerous in recent years.” And, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) data shows there has been “no increasing trend in tropical cyclone or hurricane numbers.”

Pekny says storms have intrigued him all his life. (“As a young scientist back in 1969, I had the truly unique experience of flying into the teeth of one as a RADAR meteorologist/crewmember with the renowned U.S. Navy Hurricane Hunters,” he notes.) What he’s learned is that, despite great strides in the technology that allows us to track and measure storms, not much has changed with respect to the storms themselves.

Still, from the much shorter-term “weather” perspective, this looks to be an active hurricane season in the North Atlantic basin, says Pekny. Here is his latest check on tropical cyclone activity this season in the northern hemisphere as of July 19, 2021:

Pekny’s analysis of hurricane season

Basin – Named Storms – Names Storm Days – Hurricanes – Hurricane Days – Major Hurricanes – Major Hurricane Days – Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)

N Atlantic (Includes Caribbean & Gulf of Mexico) – 5 – 13.75 – 1 – 1.50 – 0 – 0.00 – 12.8

NE Pacific (out to Hawaii) – 7 – 20.00 – 2 – 6.75 – 1 – 2.75 – 34.9

NW Pacific – 3 – 8.50 – 1 – 1.00 – 0 – 0.00 – 7.0

N Indian – 2 – 6.00 – 2 – 3.25 – 1 – 1.50 – 13.8

Total – 17 – 48.25 – 6 – 12.50 – 2 – 4.25 – 68.5

Source: Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric Science, Tropical Meteorology Project

It’s been a fairly active hurricane season to date, at least with regard to the number of named storms (17 this year, as compared to the historical average of 14.1, at one-fourth of the way through the six-month hurricane season).

In terms of another cyclone metric—Named Storm Days—there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of short-duration tropical storms (those lasting less than two days). Meanwhile, storms lasting longer than two days have not shown a noticeable increase. The long-lasting storms are the most devastating ones.

Another metric around intensity/severity is Accumulated Cyclone Energy, or ACE. It is a measure of the kinetic energy of hurricanes, and is directly tied to sustained hurricane windspeed. Over the long haul, ACE has been trending downward, and it’s no different this year—relatively calm in terms of kinetic energy.

Only one tropical storm in the North Atlantic basin, and not even a hurricane-level storm at that, has made a meaningful landfall this season. It was Tropical Storm Elsa, which earlier this month dumped a significant amount of rain as it passed northeasterly over Florida and then up the Atlantic seaboard before dying out.

What determines how active this hurricane season will be?

Common ingredients in the recipe for hurricane development are a combination of a weather disturbance and thunderstorm activity as seeds for a tropical storm; warm ocean water to power the storm; and low vertical wind shear to prevent the storm from breaking up as it traverses the ocean. Those conditions, and especially the expected continuance of low vertical wind shear in the North Atlantic basin, favor hurricane development throughout this season.

In other words… “Be prepared for another active hurricane season, just like last year,” says Pekny.

About the Author:

Bill Pekny is the author of A Tale of Two Climates: One Real, One Imaginary. He holds physics M.S. and B.S. degrees from Georgia Tech and DePaul University, plus graduate study in physical meteorology and numerical analysis at Florida State University and the University of Utah, and a visiting scholar appointment at the Ginzton Laboratory of Applied Physics at Stanford University.

Bill’s career in science spans over 50 years in the U.S. Armed Forces and the aerospace industry.

His career highlights include: Project Stormfury with the U.S. Navy Hurricane Hunters; applied atmospheric physics and meteorology research; LASER RADAR development; new product testing in various atmospheric environments; aviation optics and electronics; global climate research; and more.

For more information, please visit: Two Climates.

About the Book:

A Tale of Two Climates: One Real, One Imaginary (Two Climates LLC, 2021, ISBN: 978-1-73493-960-6, $34.59) is available from major online booksellers.

Introducing The Morgan Plus Four CX-T

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Morgan unveils the Plus Four CX-T, a car with adventure at its core. A vehicle with the capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car, it opens up the possibility of routes, landscapes, and destinations inaccessible by Morgan cars until now.

The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is inspired by Morgan’s well-documented history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials. As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in trials competitions, and this spirit of adventure has been key to shaping the Morgan brand ever since. The more adventurous journeys that are frequently undertaken by Morgan customers all over the world have further fueled the desire for Morgan to imagine the Plus Four CX-T.

Following the launch of the Plus Four in 2020, Morgan partnered with Rally Raid UK, renowned creator of Dakar race cars, to jointly design and engineer the Plus Four CX-T. One of the aims of the project is to demonstrate the capability and durability of Morgan’s new CX-Generation platform, along with the Plus Four upon which the CX-T is based.

Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 plus local taxes and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T. Every Plus Four CX-T is built at Morgan’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, before undergoing the final preparation and setup at Rally Raid UK’s own workshop facilities. Morgan’s design and engineering team have worked alongside Rally Raid UK throughout the program to define the concept, specification, technical attributes, and aesthetic of the model.

Technical details

The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximize luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments. Simultaneously, Morgan has ensured that its visual design reflects this capability and purposefulness.

Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with unique side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic four-seater Morgan.
The rack houses two ruggedized and waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminum tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-liter containers, and two spare wheel/tire assemblies.

Additionally, for those who venture further off the beaten track, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach when required. All exterior mounting systems for all storage and equipment have been painstakingly engineered to be tough and easy to access when needed.

The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surfboards, to complement the lifestyle activities of the owner, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle, allowing them to be carried unobtrusively in case of a change in weather conditions.

Rally Raid UK undertook a complete study of the standard Plus Four vehicle to determine the possibilities for the conversion. This study included durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems.

The suspension has been designed to be expedition-ready: tough and fit for purpose. Durability, and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230mm, have been achieved using modified Plus Six wishbones. These widen the track and allow for the extra arc of movement required to achieve the desired suspension performance. The wheel arch apertures have also been modified, allowing the suspension to compress deep into the wheel well, providing maximum traction and stability.

EXE-TC coil over assemblies with internal bump stops are used, these have been developed by EXE-TC specifically for the vehicle. These assemblies are born from off-road competition and are calibrated to provide the ideal balance of compliance and durability.

In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which further increase durability. The combined suspension package is optimized to undertake journeys never before attempted in a Morgan sports car while ensuring composure and comfort during any excursion into the backcountry.

A five-piece underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, midsection shield, and rear undertray – helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. The car is also fitted with a full bespoke exhaust system with a rear side exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230mm of ground clearance.

The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software, calibrated and tested specifically for the application. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied. Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘All-Terrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation in torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential, providing equal torque to both rear wheels. The two All-Terrain modes are designed to be used when tackling rough surfaces and low-traction conditions. The final drive ratio has also been shortened to account for the larger diameter tires and suit all-terrain usage.

Inside the cabin of the Plus, Four CX-T features have been added to improve occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is built into the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil, and notebook holder have also been integrated, all designed to withstand operation in harsh driving environments.Cabin stowage has also been optimized with the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats. Just like the exterior equipment, every interior feature has been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, whether this is for use in remote conditions or the leisure pursuits of the owner.

The cabin is enclosed within a composite hardtop which is unique to the Plus Four CX-T and has been intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages.The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is the second of two special projects being produced by Morgan in 2021, with the first being the Plus 8 GTR. The introduction of the Plus Four CX-T also coincides with the announcement of Model Year 22 updates to the Plus Four and Plus Six and helps to inform technical and aesthetic advancements for Morgan’s current and future range of vehicles. The Plus Four CX-T is on sale immediately, with all vehicles due to be built before the end of 2021.

Jonathan Wells, Head of Design, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The Morgan design team has been conceptualizing modern-day trialing vehicles for many years. Around 18 months ago, our investors and CEO, Steve Morris, were in the studio and remarked how incredible it would be to bring one of these drawings to life. The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle. The CX-T, like many recent Morgan vehicles, demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan design. For me, it’s a complete package: historical integrity, legitimate capability, and a brand-new adventure-lead aesthetic.”

Mike Jones, Rally Raid UK, said: “Applying my experience of 13 Dakar Rallies, 60 Dakar vehicle builds and a lifetime of overland adventuring to an unconventional sports car such as a Morgan has been an interesting and rewarding project. Having the opportunity to design a car for such a prestigious marque has been a responsibility that I never imagined I would have. Rally Raid UK and Morgan have engaged with industry-leading suppliers to source the highest quality components, as well as designing a range of bespoke parts that will remain unique to the model. The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is a genuine overland adventure vehicle and I look forward to seeing the incredible destinations that owners will find themselves in.”

Kidrobot Releases Bucket of Fried Chicken Plush Set

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Kidrobot invites you to get ready for some real comfort food in the form of the new Yummy World Bertha Bucket of Fried Chicken interactive plush pack, featuring the Bucket Brothers and the Saucy Sisters!

The talented Big Bertha is 10 inches of plush packed to the brim with soul and Yummy World Fried Chicken goodness. Pop the top for the 8-piece breaded fried chicken band, The Bucket Brothers, and the sultry stylings of The Saucy Sisters – Betty BBQ, Harriet Honey Mustard, and Frida Fire Sauce. Feathered friends rejoice and recommend the artery-friendly Yummy World Fried Chicken plush!

Retails for $49.99 and shipping now. Available online at Kidrobot and in select retail stores.

The Bertha Bucket of Fried Chicken Interactive Plush is just the latest addition to the universe of Yummy World – check out the full Yummy World plush collection here!

About Yummy World

Yummy World is the softer side of the iconic Kidrobot brand, featuring a selection of deliciously unique and trendy Yummy World plush toys, soft plush food pillows, collectible vinyl keychains, food plushies and more. Yummy World is loved by everyone from celebrities to fashionistas to kids and parents. Jump into Yummy World and start collecting today!

About Kidrobot

Founded in 2002, Kidrobot is acknowledged worldwide as the premier creator and dealer of limited-edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories. An innovative cross between sculpture and conceptual art Kidrobot offers not only a powerful medium for today’s international designers, illustrators and artists, but also the creative canvas for emerging street trends and pop art. Our products can be found online at Kidrobot.com and in select retailers worldwide.

JACQUEES’ RELEASES – NOT JUS ANYBODY FEATURING FUTURE

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Dropping what might be his biggest collaboration yet, rising superstar and multi-platinum singer Jacquees serves up a brand new single entitled “Not Jus Anybody” featuring Future today. Get it here.

As a stark piano drips in the background, he immediately captivates with his signature show stopping vocal range on point. Meanwhile, GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum hip-hop titan Future rolls through with otherworldly rhymes and a hazy melody. The track unites two Atlanta forces together once more, and the results immediately overpower in the best way. The music video, directed by Jon J, is available to watch on all streaming channels along with broadcast partners BET Jams, BET Soul, MTV Live and MTVU. Watch here.

Jacquees recently shared “Bed Friend” featuring Queen Naija. Right out of the gate, it racked up over 2 million Spotify streams. HYPEBEAST named it among the “Best New Tracks,” and Vibe raved, “This composition is one that has bedroom burner written all over it.”

Just prior, his single “Freaky As Me” featuring Mulatto eclipsed 2.8 million Spotify streams and 2.1 million views on the video.

Last month, Jacquees took the stage for a performance at the 6th Annual Black Music Honors hosted by Loni Love on Bounce TV. Jacquees delivered a blockbuster tribute performance of honoree Ginuwine’s hit “So Anxious.” Jacquees joined Cece Winans, Montell Jordan, Chrisette Michele, Zacardi Cortez, and more. In advance, he also appeared on FOX’s Good Day DC.

As a testament to Jacquees’ unprecedented success and reign at the top of R&B, the talented singer has achieved several milestones: his debut album 4275 is RIAA gold-certified and has a string of top-selling hits including “B.E.D.”(double-platinum) and “At The Club” featuring Dej Loaf (platinum) and “Your Peace” featuring Lil Baby (gold).

Everything continues to build towards his anticipated next album, coming soon.

Connect With Jacquees

Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

About Cash Money Records:

Since 1991, Brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams aka “Baby” and Ronald “Slim” Williams have built Cash Money Records into a legendary force in the music industry. Through tireless devotion and an unparalleled work ethic, the duo founded the legendary label in the New Orleans housing projects and elevated it into a multi-million-dollar empire and cultural tastemaker. Not only is the company revered as an iconic and enduring global street brand, it’s become the most successful independent record label in America boasting a bevy of chart-dominating, multi-platinum artists and Grammy Award winners and cumulative sales over 100 million albums worldwide, the roster includes Jacquees, Blueface, Deemic, Juvenile and more. The label also houses Lil Wayne’s imprint Young Money Entertainment (Drake and Nicki Minaj) as well as a publishing arm Cash Money Content. Cash Money Records is distributed by Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company.