Posts made in June 2020

Dominic Fike

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By Jason Tayer × Vaughn Lowery

Alternative singer/songwriter Dominic Fike makes a powerful statement via Instagram regarding Black Lives Matter protest. He delves deep into systematic racism and how it has an adverse impact on both him and his family.

As Dominic grows his fan and social media bases, he also uses these platforms to spark social change. He uses his unique, eye-opening stories about growing up with direct racial discrimination from police officers.

About Dominic Fike

Born on December 30, 1995 in Naples, Florida, Dominic began playing and appreciating music from a young age. He started playing the guitar, and eventually weaved this talent into some of his Soundcloud and Spotify productions. In 2019, Dominic went public about news that he was creating an album. He ended up collaborating with Brockhampton’s Kevin Abstract and releasing three singles.

Read statement here.

Listen to him on Spotify.

Leon Bridges “Sweeter”

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Leon Bridges releases his new song “Sweeter” featuring Terrace Martin sooner than anticipated with consideration to current BLM movements

Today, Grammy Award winning R&B artist and songwriter Leon Bridges releases “Sweeter” featuring Terrace Martin. The song, written from the perspective of a black man taking his last breath and feeling his spirit leave his body, was originally written and recorded for a future album, however, in light of current events, Leon and Terrace felt compelled to release the song now. You can listen to “Sweeter” on Amazon, Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, and YouTube.

Says Leon, “Growing up in Texas I have personally experienced racism, my friends have experienced racism. From adolescence we are taught how to conduct ourselves when we encounter police to avoid the consequences of being racially profiled. I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.”

Adds Terrace, “It is always an honor to share a platform with my dear brother Leon Bridges. This is meditation music; it is not music for the ears but rather music for the heart. I truly believe that eyes have been deceiving us for so long but the heart always tells the truth. The heart needs to be repaired. Black folk have been deceived so many years, the only thing that can turn it around is a heart full of love.”

The lyrics of “Sweeter” tell a sadly familiar tale of racism:

Hoping for a life more sweeter,
Instead I’m just a story repeating.
Why do I fear with skin dark as night?
Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes.

I thought we moved on from the darker days.
Did the words of the King disappear in the air,
Like a butterfly?
Somebody should hand you a felony.
Because you stole from me,
My chance to be.

Hoping for a life more sweeter,
Instead I’m just a story repeating.
Why do I fear with skin dark as night?
Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes.

The tears of my Mother rain rain over me.
My sisters and my brothers sing sing over me.
And I wish I had another day, but it’s just another day.

Hoping for a life more sweeter,
Instead I’m just a story repeating.
Why do I fear with skin dark as night?
Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes.

Connect with Leon Bridges: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Connect with Terrace Martin: Instagram

R3hab × Tini & Reik

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R3HAB explores uncharted sonic territory on “Bésame (I Need You),” his sultry new collaboration with singer/actress TINI and Latin GRAMMY-winning Latin Pop trio Reik. We quickly find out what happens when three powerhouses of this magnitude come together, as the track subtly fuses exquisite elements of each one’s signature sound. R3HAB delivers his deep, driving drum bass lines that serve as the backbone of the song, asking listeners to get up and dance, while Reik’s influence plays with Latin-infused melodies that give “Bésame (I Need You)” exotic appeal. Platinum-certified TINI and Reik come together for a female/male vocal group, evoking images of a balmy and enthralling night out dancing. The single and video are out now on Hollywood Records and follow R3HAB’s releases “Feel Alive” for the “SCOOB!” movie’s soundtrack as well as “Be Okay” with HRVY.

“Right after we started working on the song, it was clear what the sound of the track will be like. Tini & Reik brought the perfect energy, which you can hear throughout the entire song. “Besame (I Need You)” is being released right in time to provide these necessary summer vibes to our fans.” – R3HAB

“I am so excited to work with Reik and Rehab. I find it very interesting to explore new musical styles, and Bésame definitely has a special sound, distinctive from other songs. I feel very honored to collaborate with these two great artists.” – TINI

“We love the song. It’s super energetic, it makes one dance and have fun all the time. It’s one of those songs that you really just wanna jump to. Looking back, we remember meeting TINI at a concert in Argentina when she was 15, or so. It’s crazy now having the song together with her. About R3HAB, we just recently met him, and we love what he does. He already remixed our earlier single “Si Me Dices Que Si,” and it blew our mind, as he took the song to another dimension. Collaborating with R3HAB again is awesome” – Reik

Over the last eight years, the Dutch/Moroccan artist Fadil El Ghoul – better known as R3HAB – has established himself as a leader at the forefront of modern electronic music. His talent has been called the “future of the craft” by the likes of Forbes and Billboard, and he’s circuited the globe’s best clubs and festivals, all without the backing of a formal record label. In 2017, R3HAB independently released his debut album “Trouble” through his imprint CYB3RPVNK, which amassed over a half-billion streams globally and officially placed R3HAB among electronic music’s heavy hitters. He made number 14 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list in 2019, topping the charts with tracks like “Lullaby” and “Hold On Tight,” while his sophomore album “The Wave,” revealing more complex, emotional and experimental layers of himself, has amassed over 250 million streams on Spotify alone. In 2019 R3HAB’s “All Around The World”’ with A Touch of Class quickly became his biggest ever record already topping 200M streams across platforms and achieving gold & platinum status in 8 countries. It was followed by “Flames,” R3HAB’s collaboration with ZAYN.

Since her 2016 debut album, TINI has become a global phenomenon, with a social following of 24 million and 3 billion combined audio and video streams. TINI toured Europe and Latin America on her headline “Quiero Volver” tour in 2019/2020, including 9 sold-out Luna Park shows in Buenos Aires. TINI’s most recent releases include “Recuerdo” (99 million combined streams), “Oye” (301 million combined streams), Gold-certified “Fresa” (379 million streams), and Platinum-certified “22” (365 million combined streams.) TINI has had numerous collaborations with fellow A-list artists, including Sebastian Yatra, Karol G, Morat, Greeicy, Cali y El Dandee, Mau & Ricky, Alesso, Jonas Blue, Alvaro Soler, Ovy on the Drums, Nacho and The Vamps. TINI will also be joining Alejandro Sanz as a judge on the upcoming season of THE VOICE (La Voz) in Spain, airing later this year. Multi-platinum and award-winning group Reik is made up of band members Jesus Navarro (vocals), Julio Ramirez (acoustic guitar), and Bibi Marin (electric guitar). With a career spanning over 15 years, Reik are the most listened to Mexican band in the world. Reik’s top singles include “Aleluya” (110 + million audio streams), “Indeciso” (145 + million audio streams), “Me Niego” (575 + million audio streams), “Duele” (52 + million audio streams), “Amigos con Derechos” (337 + million audio streams), “Creo En Ti” (187 + million audio streams) and “Ya Me Entere” (421 + million audio streams.) Reik has a social following of over 45 million and appears courtesy of Sony Music Mexico.

Virtual Festival Programming

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In a new interview with C.M. Rubin, Founder of CMRubinWorld, Artistic Director of the Mumbai Film Festival, Smriti Kiran, talks about the future of film and filmmaking in her country. The Festival and the Indian Film Industry were significantly hit not only by the Coronavirus pandemic but additionally by Cyclone Amphan. “Everything has come to a grinding halt,” Kiran tells C.M. Rubin, and adds that India is “in the midst of the biggest humanitarian crisis the country has witnessed.”

While the bricks and mortar nature of the Mumbai Film Festival is still important, Kiran predicts the Festival will have to make changes to remain vibrant in the future, given the post-pandemic challenges of creating large face-to-face events. “We will have to hone and sharpen our creating opportunities skills: mentoring, discovering, knowledge sharing, film education, co-productions and distribution,” she notes. “Nobody can afford to be technologically challenged anymore. Tech has been and continues to be our savior right now.”

Smriti Kiran is the Artistic Director of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The singular mission of MAMI as an Academy, and the film festival it organizes, is to nurture the best emerging Indian cinema and filmmakers and amplify their voices so that they reach new audiences and find recognition on the global stage.

CMRubinWorld’s award-winning series, The Global Search for Education, brings together distinguished thought leaders in education and innovation from around the world to explore the key learning issues faced by most nations. The series has become a highly visible platform for global discourse on 21st-century learning, offering a diverse range of innovative ideas which are presented by the series founder, C. M. Rubin, together with the world’s leading thinkers.

Cook County Hospital Restoration

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Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District, the first combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels located in Chicago, is set to open this summer in the Beaux-Arts classical-style landmark formerly the site of the remarkable 106-year old Cook County Hospital, at 1835 W. Harrison St. on the Near West Side. This 342,000 square foot adaptive reuse project, part of a $150 million multiphase plan spearheaded by Murphy Development and SOM, in a design-build collaboration with Walsh Construction, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and KOO, will also feature over 4,000 sq. feet of meeting space, open concept public spaces, a 24-hour fitness center, a food hall, medical offices, and a museum paying tribute to the hospital’s legacy. Upon opening, the hotels will be operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.

The hotels will create an experience that enables guests to enjoy the benefits of both brands in one location, while ensuring guests the utmost confidence in public traveling following COVID-19.

“We are excited to introduce the first combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels to the Chicago area, while also paying homage to such an incredible landmark” said General Manager Nilesh Pandey. “Our guests can appreciate the contemporary design and spacious layout of our guestrooms – from the separate spaces to sleep and work, including the Cozy Corner at Hyatt Place, to the apartment-style suites with real kitchens at Hyatt House – our guests can choose the space that fits their needs.”

An inspired design by Paul Gerhardt, the Cook County Hospital created a loud statement amongst the various other medical buildings surrounding it in the medical district. Consequently, both the exterior and interior of the building suffered severe deterioration due to deferred maintenance and exposure to the elements once it closed down. With Ionic columns, along with faces of lions and cherubs emulated throughout, it communicated the ideation of power and strength especially for those less fortunate, a feeling that to this day remains true to the space.

Drawing inspiration from the history of this remarkable piece of infrastructure, the project will restore and preserve the historical pieces that have been rooted there for over 160 years, which includes the original Beaux-Arts masonry detailing and terracotta ornamentation of the exterior, the wood-framed windows, interior decorative plaster work, the double height main lobby and 106-year old restored marble stone staircase, elevator cores, as well as the double loaded corridor and terrazzo flooring of the interior. The team also spent over $18 million to replace all windows and 4,160 terra cotta pieces on the exterior, made of granite, brick, and limestone.

The interior of the building was completely gutted except for the impressive old surgical theaters on the eighth floor, first used by Rush Medical School when the hospital opened in 1857. Replaced by Stroger Hospital of Cook County, the space was later preserved as an architecturally significant landmark, often referred to as Chicago’s “Ellis Island,” a safe haven where anyone was able to receive service and care. The hospital turned hotel is now both an official Chicago landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also known for being host to the world’s first ever blood bank, and inspiration for the hit medical TV drama “ER.” The new adaptive reuse design will include a new façade for a portion of the southern face of the hospital, previously connected to the demolished projecting wings and additions of the building. A museum gallery will also be built on site to pay homage to the history of the building.

Located in the epicenter of one of the most robust medical districts in the world, Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District and Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District embodies the sense of rebirth for a true landmark, a resurgence of life and a sense of inclusion in the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Close to many well-known medical institutions including Rush University Medical Center, the Cook County Hospital is the symbolic heart of the Illinois Medical District that consists of over 560 acres of medical facilities and labs, with over 29,000 employees and 50,000 daily visitors. With close proximities to the United Center, Fifth Third Arena – Chicago Blackhawks Community Ice Rink, UIC and Rush University, the hotels will serve not only the medical district, but also anyone else traveling in and out of town for upcoming events, leisure and much more.

Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District will offer the following, with safety guidelines in place to adhere to the health and well-being of all guests:

103 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper

Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
Event Spaces with more than 4,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free earbuds

Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District will also offer:

107 stylish apartment-style Kitchen Suites with fully-fitted kitchens, comfy living rooms, spacious bedrooms and stylish bathrooms with complimentary skin and hair care amenities from KenetMD™
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
The Commons, a comfy lobby lounge with an open and welcoming space for guests to relax, work or socialize, and the Outdoor Commons, which includes a fire pit and BBQ grill
24-hour Workout Room to keep fitness routines going
Gathering Rooms with more than 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces, a thoughtful food and beverage menu, audiovisual equipment and a House Host to make sure events are a success
Borrows Menu with often-forgotten items from phone charges to razors
A Very Important Resident (VIR) program, which includes a complimentary welcome amenity, H Bar dining credit, laundry credit, and other personalized perks, for guests staying 21 or more consecutive nights

Additional conveniences, including 24-hour Guest Laundry
A pet-friendly policy that welcomes dogs or cats

This project is part of the Cook County Hospital’s transformative $150 million renovation led by Murphy Development and Walsh Group. The multiphase project will also include the opening of Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall, a 10,000 sq. ft. dining destination led by Hospitality HQ and Akhtar Nawab, the award-winning Chef, restaurateur, TV personality, and food hall veteran, along with medical offices, a daycare center, and a museum paying tribute to the hospital’s legacy.

Reservations with opening rates/offers are now available for travel after July 25, 2020.

Rolls-Royce Father’s Day Gifts

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Rolls-Royce offers all of your luxury gift needs for Father’s Day. From car accessories to replicas and everything in between, here are some Rolls-Royce-inspired presents for the father figure in your life.

CULLINAN VIEWING SUITE

Desert sands. Mountain slopes. Rugged river valleys. No frontier is out of bounds to Cullinan. Dare to discover. To embody the essence of the past’s great adventurers. Then open out your Viewing Suite at the touch of a button, and survey just how far you have come. Sociably angled beside a cocktail table and finished in exquisite leather, the bespoke Cullinan Viewing Suite gives you the finest vantage point, anywhere and everywhere.

CULLINAN RECREATION MODULE

Secure, private, and supremely versatile. Cullinan Recreation Module provides automatically deployable storage compartments latched into the boot floor. 48 liters of internal storage space can be effortlessly opened out at the touch of a button. The exterior is perfectly matched to the carpet color. Suited to storing a range of leisure items it offers the most flexible unique storage solution. For the ultimate in organization simply purchase the Utility Bags to easily transport from car to home or work. With Cullinan Recreation Module, endless possibilities await.

REPLICA MODEL CAR – CULLINAN

An authentic 1:8 scale replica of a full-sized Cullinan, in which every detail is reproduced with absolute perfection, can now be enjoyed by clients around the world, in the comfort of their own home. Far more than a mere model, each miniature Cullinan is individually and painstakingly crafted by hand, to the client’s specification, from over 1,000 individual components. This process can take up to 450 hours – over half of the time required to build a full-sized Cullinan at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.

The replica is hand-painted using Rolls-Royce color-matched paint, then hand-polished to the marque’s exacting specification; the coachline is even applied using a fine brush, just as it is on the original. The fully functioning exterior lights are operated by a Cullinan-branded remote control; under the bonnet is a perfect likeness of the ‎iconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. From the headrest embroidery and wood finishes to seat piping and stitching, these Bespoke creations allow clients to recreate their full-size vehicle with astonishing accuracy, or even envision a future Cullinan to add to their collection.

REPLICA MODEL CAR – PHANTOM

Just as your Rolls-Royce Phantom has a unique and iconic presence, so too do our elegant 1:8 scale models of the range invoke an unmistakable aura. Assembled with thousands of minute components, this Rolls-Royce Phantom is the pinnacle of model reproduction. The result of years of development with the designers and engineers of our motor cars assisting in its creation – it captures the perfectionism of the marque in miniature form.

Hand-finished with the same paint that adorns your own Rolls-Royce Phantom, each model undergoes a scrupulous inspection to ensure superior standards. Only then may it qualify for the iconic Rolls-Royce badge. Choose a replica of your bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom – or opt for an alternative specification. Either way, the range of 1:8 scale models offers a symbolic enhancement of your Rolls-Royce collection.

CHAMPAGNE CHEST

Enhance any occasion with the Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest, crafted by artisans to the highest standard of elegance and luxury. The chest effortlessly opens at the push of a button to reveal a perfectly appointed champagne set, worthy of the world’s finest automotive marque. The hand-polished aluminum chassis is swathed in Natural Grain leather and flanked by exquisite wood – materials most found in Rolls-Royce motor cars.

From thermal coolers cradled in leather hammocks to the four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes arranged to evoke memories of a V12 engine, this is Rolls-Royce down to the finest detail. Each item has been carefully selected to enhance your enjoyment – from the highly effective thermal flask to keep your champagne chilled, to the delicate mother of pearl caviar spoons. The Champagne Chest can also be personalized to match the interior of your Rolls-Royce motor car. This Bespoke creation includes removable serving tray, champagne bottle thermal flask, two thermal caviar bowls and four hand-blown champagne flutes all with a leather carrying sleeve.

PICNIC HAMPER

Making entertaining as pleasurable as driving, the Rolls-Royce Picnic Hamper embodies the golden age of picnicking, when the picnic was an occasion to be savored. The Picnic Hamper welcomes and entices social
delight. Including lead crystal wine glasses, Wedgwood crockery and handmade stainless-steel cutlery, the Picnic Hamper is handcrafted from oiled teak, saddle leather and polished aluminum and features everything essential for the finest picnic for four people.

KINETIC LUGGAGE COLLECTION

An expression of powerful purpose. Alluring in its architecture, the collection suits those who hold an undeniable energy. Determined, yet dynamic.
Travelling should be an exciting endeavor, right down to your choice of luggage. From observing the techniques of the Head Butler at a prestigious London hotel, the Goodwood Design Team have created a luggage concept for those who seek to travel in style. Innovative engineering meets exquisite craftsmanship and an elegant aesthetic.

The six-piece collection, including two Grand Tourers, three Long weekenders and a Garment Carrier, has been designed to fit perfectly into the luggage compartment of your Rolls-Royce Wraith. The striking two-tone styling of the leather and stitching can be personalized, giving you opportunity to choose from a selection of available colors, or your favorite colors if you prefer. The Spirit of Ecstasy adorns each piece as a token reminder of the Rolls-Royce tradition: taking the best that exists and making it better.

A carbon fiber and high-grade aluminum frame makes the Grand Tourer effortless to maneuver, while also providing your belongings with superior protection. The uniquely designed wheel holds true to the smooth handling of your motor car and feature a self-levelling central monogram. Practical and lightweight, the Long Weekender is an ideal accessory for any journey. The piece features a unique magnetic zip that keeps your belongings safe and secure, as well as distinctively crafted handles to ensure maximum comfort when carried. Lastly, the Garment Carrier keeps your formal attire in pristine condition throughout your journey.

ESCAPISM LUGGAGE COLLECTION

Capturing the essence of the wandering spirit, Rolls-Royce presents the Escapism Luggage Collection. The essential luggage range for those who travel for enriching experiences and spontaneous moments of discovery. Crafted from exquisite leather and durable canvas. This essential range of pieces is beautiful in form, yet relaxed and contemporary. Choose from several curated color ways or for the ultimate bespoke interpretation of your personality choose from ten leather colors and eleven fabric hues. The luggage can be purchased as a full four piece set or as individual bags.

ICON LUGGAGE COLLECTION

A timeless piece of luxury for the discerning eye. Beautifully created by the Design Studio at Goodwood, the Rolls-Royce Icon Luggage Collection is handmade, using only the highest quality saddle leather in a classic tan finish.
Nestling neatly into Phantom’s luggage compartment, this practical, yet stylish range comes finished with subtle Rolls-Royce detailing, including monogrammed catches and embroidered lining. The luggage collection can be ordered individually, or in four, five- or six-piece sets.

DAWN AERO COWLING, THE TONNEAU COVER

Dawn Aero Cowling, the Tonneau Cover, blends form with function and exquisite materials to expose another side to the character of Dawn. The elegant sweeping line of the twin leather trimmed cowls flows from the front seats into the rear deck adding dynamism and motion to the cars profile. Fitment of the unit visibly transforms this most elegant of four seat convertibles, evoking the indulgent spirit of the classic two-seater roadster. The beauty of the Aero Cowling Tonneau Cover is not only aesthetic. Milled aluminum webbing underpins the flawless carbon fiber structure. This is then trimmed in the finest natural grain leather matching the main interior color. The aerodynamically sculpted cowls are designed to manage airflow and ensure a calm and unruffled environment for front seat occupants at speed. The twin cowls also feature separately lockable storage compartments for quick accessibility.

DAWN WIND DEFLECTOR

Designed to perfectly complement the Dawn’s elegant silhouette, the Wind Deflector is manufactured using ultra-modern magnesium casting technology for the best possible blend of light weight and strength. When fitted, it significantly reduces turbulence within the front passenger compartment while driving with the convertible roof open. This creates a more relaxed, unruffled experience and makes conversation easier when travelling at speed.

ROLLS-ROYCE UMBRELLAS

The iconic Rolls-Royce umbrella has been reimagined with striking colors. Finished with a polished color-tone handle and detailed with our famous Rolls-Royce monogram, it makes for the ultimate everyday accessory.

PARASOLS

Comprising an ivory cotton twill canopy with contrasting taupe edging, these beautifully hand-crafted parasols protect you from the sun while offering a touch of elegance to any occasion.

ROLLS-ROYCE PURE WOOL LAP BLANKET

Whether you are sharing a cool evening sunset from your Rolls-Royce Event Seats or just out for an evening open top drive in your Roll-Royce Dawn, our pure wool lap blanket is crafted to make your experience effortless and comfortable. Offered in a variety of designs and crafted of 100% pure wool, the blanket is a perfect accessory for any occasion.

ROLLS-ROYCE VALVE STEM CAPS

Even the smallest details matter to a true Rolls-Royce lover. To top off a very special Rolls-Royce Commission we offer custom Aluminum Valve Stem Caps. For those with a darker image for their Rolls-Royce we also offer the stem caps in Anodized Semi-Gloss Black Finish.

Show your appreciation for your loved ones this Father’s Day with any of these unique auto gifts. Visit here for more ideas of perfect presents.

World Oceans Day Event

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In recognition of World Oceans Day, the TerraCycle Thai Foundation announced that it participated in the “Innovation for Sustainable Ocean” event hosted by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) June 8 in Bangkok, Thailand at the request of the Thai government.

The Foundation installed a river plastic capture trap in the waterway of Khodpor public park in Rayong that’s designed to increase the amount of debris and marine plastics that are collected from Thai waterways, by intercepting it before it reaches and pollutes the ocean. Furthering the Foundation’s commitment, it has also agreed to sustainably recycle not only the waste collected through its own collection devices and efforts, but also the waste collected by all the other organizations participating in the project.

Please take a moment to review the release below and let me know if you have any questions, need more information or would like to schedule an interview to discuss the announcement. Interviews are available with:

• Tom Szaky, Chairman of the Board, TerraCycle Global Foundation

• Jon Banner, EVP Global Communications and President, The PepsiCo Foundation

SiR • Black Music Month

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RCA RECORDS’ CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH CONTINUES WITH SiR’S MAGNIFICENT COVER OF THE ISLEY BROTHERS’ CLASSIC “FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK, PTS. 1 & 2”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Today, Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records’ incomparable artist SiR presents his amazing cover of TheIsley Brothers’ classic “Footsteps in the Dark, Pts. 1 & 2,” as part of RCA Records’ “Black Sounds Beautiful” multimedia campaign in celebration of Black Music Month 2020. Click here to watch.

Launched last week, the month-long campaign will feature artists’ commentaries on Instagram concert footage and music videos on YouTube, and a Black Music Month 2020 playlist on DSPs highlighting music from the RCA artists that move the culture – then and now!

Follow RCA Records on social media to rediscover why “Black Sounds Beautiful” during Black Music Month and beyond: YouTube, Instagram ,Twitter and Facebook.

Additional content will be uploaded frequently at BlackSoundsBeautiful.RCARecords.com

Highest Cybercrime Risk Countries

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Although developed countries are better prepared to tackle statewide cybersecurity challenges and have better IT education, that has little impact on cyber threats on an individual level. According to the new global Cyber Risk Index, cybercriminals tend to target people who have higher incomes and spend more time online.

According to the Cyber Risk Index, if you live in one of these countries – you are a more attractive target for cybercriminals:

1. Iceland
2. Sweden
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Norway
5. The United States
6. Singapore
7. Ireland
8. New Zealand
9. Denmark
10. The United Kingdom

NordVPN lists ten countries whose residents are the most enticing targets for cybercriminals according to the Cyber Risk Index, which covers 50 countries.

Black Activists Criticize NFL

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Activists with the Project 21 black leadership network condemned National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell for submitting to player demands that would allow the tragic death of George Floyd to be used to politicize professional sports.

“No, Roger Goodell, disrespecting the flag is not justified,” said Project 21 Co-Chairman Horace Cooper. “Too many Americans – black, white, and brown – have given their lives fighting for our nation’s flag. Neither the NFL nor any organization should let protests or riots be an excuse to encourage this unpatriotic behavior.”

The NFL announced it is reconsidering how it has previously responded to controversies such as kneeling by former player Colin Kaepernick and others during the national anthem. In a social media video, Goodell said, “we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier.” He added that he “will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.” In the video, the League also responded to the demand of several prominent players that it admit it was wrong for “silencing our players from peacefully protesting” as well as declare that it “believe[s] black lives matter.”

“The NFL, like other major sports leagues, has seen the direction the wind is blowing and made a calculated risk to chime in on the happenings of the day. I question the sincerity of this move given the history of its hypocrisy on other matters such as the relocation of its franchises,” said Project 21 member Martin Baker. “This is a move to ingratiate itself to the over 70% of the league’s players who are black. This also is an attempt to entice those younger protestors who sympathize with the struggle to buy League merchandise. The NFL will apparently allow traffic to be stopped as long as people aren’t blocked from getting into its stadiums or fan shops. This is not for the sake of humanity, but careful insurance against risk of dividend fallout – a classic case of the affluenza of billionaires who just do not get it.”

“As a black mother, my heart aches every time I think of George Floyd calling out for his own mother with his last breaths of life. But kneeling against the flag in the NFL is not in earnest when its main objective is directed – as it often has been – at vilifying the president,” said Project 21 member Donna Jackson. “The protest against police brutality began in Minneapolis, which has a liberal mayor, city council and governor. Now it is being used to further hatred and animosity against a president who had nothing to do with the killing of George Floyd. This shows that kneeling is just another tool aimed at furthering a political agenda.”

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson said he will “[w]ithout a doubt” be kneeling when the NFL resumes play, adding that he expects other players to join him in on-field social justice protests. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was harshly criticized for opposing protests against the American flag, and later apologized for his comments.

“The NFL is committing economic suicide. Americans don’t want politics injected into sports or entertainment,” said Project 21 Co-Chairman Stacy Washington. “As more connections are made between the violent riots and property destruction and the Black Lives Matter movement, the NFL will grow to regret bowing to their demands.”

“The NFL should find ways to help heal and promote American unity. Endorsing hatred toward our flag is the exact opposite,” Cooper added.

Members of the Project 21 black leadership network cannot comment on election issues in any way, shape or form as such behavior constitutes “campaign activity” under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Please do not ask Project 21 members questions about election-related issues, and do not anticipate a response if such questions are asked.

Founded in 1982, the National Center for Public Policy Research is a non-partisan, free-market, independent conservative think-tank. Ninety-four percent of its support comes from some 60,000 individuals, less than four percent from foundations and less than two percent from corporations.