Posts tagged with "Vaughn Lowery"

“Parade” Cast Album

The cast album for the “brilliant” (Variety) 2023 revival of Parade — Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown’s award-winning musical, which opened on March 16 at New York’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre to rave reviews – is out now via Interscope Records. Parade (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) features the vocal talents of Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award® winner Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, and is conducted by three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown. Listen HERE.

Leo and Lucille Frank (Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond) are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.

The current revival of Parade, which is directed by Michael Arden, has received overwhelming acclaim since its debut. Entertainment Weekly called it “a phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” while Variety said, “Ben Platt stuns in a powerful Broadway production of an essential American musical.”

Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon) and Diamond’s performances (The Cher Show) were singled out for praise. Deadline gushed “Ben Platt has no trouble reminding us just why he’s become one of Broadway’s most beloved performers. His vocals here are stunning in a pitch-perfect performance,” while The Guardian raved that “Micaela Diamond’s singing voice is luminous.” “Micaela Diamond, as Lucille Frank, breaks your heart with no affectation whatsoever, and a voice directly wired to her emotions,” wrote The New York Times in its Critic’s Pick review. Tickets are available now at https://paradebroadway.com/.

Parade (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) showcases their voices, as well as other members of the all-star cast, while capturing the essence of a musical that, Entertainment Weekly writes, “is the most gorgeous production on Broadway.” Viewers received a special preview of the musical on March 23 when Platt and Diamond performed its signature ballad “This Is Not Over Yet” on NBC’s Today accompanied by Jason Robert Brown on piano. Watch HERE.

CityPickle

Today CityPickle, New York City’s home for pickleball, and Wollman Park Partners are announcing that the country’s fastest-growing sport is coming to Wollman Rink in Central Park from April 7 to October 9.

Pickleball is played by people ages 8 to 88 and of diverse physical capabilities, making it a perfect fit for Central Park, one of New York City’s most democratic spaces. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong on a badminton-size court that requires a net, paddle and wiffle ball. Enjoying a day of pickleball requires no existing knowledge of the game.

CityPickle at Wollman Rink, presented by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies and Equinox, represents the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast, with 14 courts that accommodate 4-8 people a piece from 7:00am-9:00pm ET – representing 196 hours of pickleball play available daily pending weather. Full price court rental options range from $80-$120 total per hour for off-peak and peak times respectively, translating to as little as $10 per person for an hour of play. Each game lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, offering the flexibility to share an hour of play with a rotating group of players. CityPickle custom paddles are available to rent for $6 per paddle, or players are welcome to bring their own. Court reservations will be available beginning March 31.

CityPickle programming includes lessons, clinics, open-play, leagues, and tournaments and offers countless opportunities for beginners to advanced players. A diverse slate of CityPickle coaches are available to teach and can be booked by visiting www.city-pickle.com. The venue will also accommodate birthday parties and corporate events.

CityPickle at Wollman Rink will welcome all New Yorkers and visitors. In addition, CityPickle and Wollman Park Partners are rolling out the season’s programmatic partnerships with several organizations– the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the Boys Club of New York, YMCA of Greater New York, Solutions Now, and Fountain House. The Challenged Athletes Foundation will have weekly, two-hour sessions this spring, including a CityPickle coach to help facilitate play among athletes playing in wheelchairs or with other physical challenges. The Boys Club of NY will bring campers to CityPickle at Wollman Rink each week as part of a continuous partnership throughout the summer. CityPickle is also training Boys Club staff so that they can continue to facilitate play offsite. YMCA, Solutions Now and Fountain house will also receive free courttime and instruction. CityPickle and Wollman Park Partners will continue to grow their roster of programmatic partners throughout the season to ensure delivering robust services to New York.

CityPickle has grown quickly since its launch with seasonal courts at Hudson Yards and TWA Hotel in Fall of 2022. CityPickle will open its first permanent location in Long Island City in late Spring of 2023, which combines indoor, climate controlled courts with a full bar and restaurant.

“Our mission when founding CityPickle was to bring pickleball to as many New Yorkers as possible,” said Co-Founder of CityPickle Mary Cannon. “Thanks to our partnership with Wollman Park Partners, we are thrilled to offer 196 hours of pickleball play each day in New York’s most iconic destination right in the center of Central Park,” said Co-Founder of CityPickle Erica Desai.

CityPickle at Wollman Rink is hosted by Wollman Park Partners — a joint venture between Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies and Equinox— which offers an energized, year-round experience of Wollman Rink to New Yorkers and visitors alike, with an emphasis on creating a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive space that promotes equitable economic opportunity in our City.

“Wollman Park Partners continues to transform an iconic piece of New York City – Wollman Rink – into a community asset that serves every New Yorker so they can enjoy popular programming at flexible prices. Our partnership with CityPickle captures that spirit and brings to life one of the world’s fastest-growing sports for individuals and families across the city,” said Josh Harris and David Blitzer, Founders of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

“Equinox was founded on the notion that fitness can empower a life well lived. In collaboration with Wollman Park Partners and CityPickle, we are excited to bring the country’s fastest-growing sport to the very heart of our city at Wollman Rink, and most importantly help bring joy to our New York community this summer.” said Harvey Spevak, Executive Chairman & Managing Partner, Equinox Group.

“As pickleball takes New York by storm, we’re happy to add this fun, accessible sport to Wollman Rink’s growing slate of offerings in partnership with CityPickle. Bringing a new activation to Wollman Rink is another example of why we’re so excited to be a part of this iconic New York institution – our city is about innovation and excitement – and that’s exactly what we’re proud to bring this summer,” said Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies.

As in seasons past, food and drink will be provided by Great Performances.

The venue offers many ways to host events including birthday parties, family gatherings, and corporate team building. Nine private courtside cabanas are also available to rent for socializing and special occasions. The cabanas come with certain courts to maximize opportunities for people to take advantage of the communal nature of pickleball.

CityPickle at Wollman Rink offers a professional-level playing experience. Court sponsor PickleballUnited, the official court partner for MLP and APP professional leagues, is providing the 14 court surfaces. C&D Nets, CityPickle’s net sponsor and the official pickleball nets of the PPA and APP professional tour, is providing the nets.

Partners, Elected officials, advocates and others hailed this announcement:

“Pickleball is a sport that became immensely popular after the pandemic – it’s a fun, fast-paced sport that’s easy to pick up and accessible for players of all ages and abilities. We’re thrilled to see pickleball coming to Central Park’s Wollman Rink, a highly visible and well-loved space that is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.

About CityPickle:

CityPickle is New York City’s home for the country’s fastest growing sport. As the first indoor pickleball club in the city, CityPickle will combine climate-controlled courts with a full bar and restaurant, making it the ideal indoor destination to connect and spend quality time with friends, family and colleagues alike. CityPickle’s first permanent location launches in spring 2023 in Long Island City following the launch of CityPickle at Wollman Rink. CityPickle was previously activated at both Hudson Yards and TWA Hotel in Fall of 2022.

About Wollman Park Partners, LLC:

Wollman Park Partners (WPP) is a coalition of New Yorkers representing decades of experience across multiple sectors; including sports and entertainment; finance; health and wellness; diversity, equity, and inclusion; real estate; culinary; non-profit; youth development and sustainability. The companies and organizations that make up WPP include Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, Equinox, Ice Hockey in Harlem, Figure Skating in Harlem, Great Performances, Melba’s Restaurant, YMCA of Greater New York, The Boys’ Club of New York and Green City Force.

With this expertise, and a deep passion for New York City, WPP offers an energized, year-round experience of Wollman Rink NYC to both New Yorkers and visitors alike, with an emphasis on creating a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive space that promotes equitable economic opportunity and recovery in our City.

Introducing The NFTY Award

The Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture (ADASC) founding member Chris J. Snook and E! Entertainment Television founder Larry Namer recently announced the pre-eminent Web3 innovation awards show gala, The NFTYS. Today, the duo unveiled the striking NFTY Award that will be presented at the inaugural awards gala at The NIKO Theatre at Worre Studios in Las Vegas on June 14, 2023.

The NFTY award, designed by New Jersey-based artist Connor McLoughlin, known for his branding and design work for Master & Dynamic, Netflix, Peacock, Nike, Puma and Timberland, will be 3D printed in clear polymer that will be filled with lead and resin. The award manufacturing process is a blend of environmentally friendly and 3D printed methodologies, with each award costing thousands of dollars to produce standing over 12 inches tall and weighing approximately 6 pounds. The ribbons of the award design will be hand-painted, making each a one-of-a-kind, unique work of art. The 3D model design is by TurboSquid.com/Nn_Man. The official teaser can be found here.

“The NFTY is an iconic reflection on the historical depth that culture has always played in moving society into its next revolution or evolution,” comments Snook about the award design. “The award is a representation of the bold and bright future that lies ahead because of the creatives and innovators that earn her recognition.”

“Our goal with the presentation of the NFTY Award is to become a true career highlight for its winners, and a genuine keepsake befitting of the honor it bestows on its recipients,” adds Namer.

Each NFTY will be simultaneously minted as a digital twin when awarded to the recipient on the XRP Ledger as part of the support received from the Ripple Creator Fund, with an enhanced and vibrantly animated 3D digital twin and model of itself with each winner’s metadata. This will be stored on the Arweave PermaWeb to ensure an immutable historical record of the awards.

Additionally, the NFTY Award pays a special homage on its base to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, the co-inventors of the decentralized ledger/blockchain technology in 1991. They were also responsible for the first-ever mention and patent associated with what has become widely known now as the NFT – non-fungible token. The inscription reads “With Gratitude from Us All Who Stand on Your Shoulders to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, Jr.”

The NFTYS is the first ever live global broadcast show of its kind recognizing the cultural innovators who are redefining fashion, art, music, entertainment, and technology across the Metaverse. Nominations for the 2023 NFTYS will remain open until midnight PST on April 15, 2023. Nominate A Project to a NFTY — NFTYS.org | Academy of Digital Art, Sciences, & Culture and the shortlist of finalists in each category will be announced on May 15, 2023.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF DIGITAL ART, SCIENCES, & CULTURE (ADASC) – ADASC is a social benefit diversified DAO advancing the benevolent use of breakthrough technology innovation across Art, Sciences, and Culture. Its membership includes a variety of invite-only and public tiers that form the decentralized and diverse nomination committee of awardees and grants at its annual public celebration and broadcast of The Annual NFTY Awards Gala. For more information about membership to the Academy and nominations for The NFTYS please visit https://nftys.org

WAHLBERG – VERY SCARY PEOPLE

DONNIE WAHLBERG STARS IN A CHILLING NEW SEASON
OF VERY SCARY PEOPLE ON INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY

–New Episodes Premiere Sunday, April 16 at 9/8c on ID–

VERY SCARY PEOPLE, hosted and executive produced by Donnie Wahlberg, returns for a new season next month on its new home Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network. Through in-depth interviews and incredible archival footage, each two-hour episode of VERY SCARY PEOPLE will offer unprecedented and comprehensive insight into not only the twisted crimes of these individuals, but a glimpse into their background, possible motives, psyche and the investigations that subsequently brought them all to justice. Featuring local authorities and journalists who investigated and covered the cases, as well as interviews with those close to both the victims and the killers, each episode of VERY SCARY PEOPLE will offer an expansive look into some of society’s most evil minds. New episodes of VERY SCARY PEOPLE will premiere Sunday, April 16 at 9/8c on ID and will be available to stream the same day on discovery+. All previous seasons of VERY SCARY PEOPLE are available to stream now on discovery+.

“I could not be more excited for a new season of VERY SCARY PEOPLE to air on Investigation Discovery,” said Wahlberg. “With each episode, we bring new insights into the lives of terrifying criminals to create awareness and hope this knowledge helps prevent similar crimes from happening in the future.”

“With an impressive background of work in the true crime space, Donnie Wahlberg has become one of the most trusted faces for fans of the genre,” said Jason Sarlanis, President of Turner Networks, ID and HLN, linear and streaming. “And as the leader in true crime television, we at ID are delighted to become the new home of ‘Very Scary People’ and welcome Donnie to our family of first-rate storytellers known to be the most credible, passionate and knowledgeable in the business.”

The season premiere of “The Trailside Killer” on Sunday, April 16 at 9/8c on ID focuses on serial killer David Carpenter. From 1979 to 1981, Carpenter terrorized Northern California’s typically tranquil hiking trails, shocking the quiet community surrounding them with his cold-blooded violence and led local authorities on a twisted and challenging investigation to bring him to justice. The new season of VERY SCARY PEOPLE also digs into some of the most diabolical individuals of the past few decades, including: Larry Hall, the American murderer and rapist whose true nature was exposed by drug smuggler turned F.B.I. informant James Keene; the Times Square Killer, Richard Cottingham; The Happy Face Killer, Keith Jesperson; John Robinson, the internet’s first serial killer who dubbed himself the “Slavemaster;” and Judy Buenoano, a deadly Black Widow lurking behind the facade of nurse, wife and mother.

Follow ID social on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for exclusive videos, articles and conversations around the series. Engage on social using #VeryScaryPeople.

VERY SCARY PEOPLE is produced for ID by HLN.

About INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY (ID)

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the leading crime network on television, delivering the highest-quality programming to approximately 80 million U.S. households. Viewers can enjoy their favorite shows anytime, anywhere on discovery+, the definitive non-fiction, real-life subscription streaming service. ID’s true-crime programming is also available via the network’s aggregated TV Everywhere offering, IDGO, where fans can access thousands of episodes from the Discovery family of networks. For exclusive web content and bonus material, fans can follow ID on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or check out the network’s true crime blog, CrimeFeed. Investigation Discovery is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a leading global media and entertainment company available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others.

Asher Bennett | Electric Vehicle Adoption

The IPCC just this week said that the world can still avoid the worst of climate collapse with genuine change, but that if we keep emitting at the current rate, the carbon budget for 1.5C will exhaust by 2030. That juxtaposition of hope and grim reality should be enough to focus everyone’s minds on the opportunities and threats that lie ahead.

At Tevva we believe that further government action is required to ensure that the UK achieves its net zero goals in the best and fastest possible way for the good of the environment, economy and British people. The recent Net Zero Review set out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net zero in the UK, by creating a new era of change and opportunity. Yet the report also made clear that more should be done to ‘back business’ and reap the economic benefits.

Our expertise lies in electric vehicles and specifically the electrification of trucks. Despite accounting for just two percent of vehicles on our roads, heavy-duty trucks (HDVs) are responsible for over a quarter of road transport emissions. Road transport and HDVs are also one of the largest sources of air pollution which causes 350,000 premature deaths per year in Europe.

Clearly more must be done to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial vehicles, and we’re asking the UK government to bring truck incentives in-line with those found in Europe. Brexit put us in a position where as a nation we were free from EU state aid rules which limited the amount of support governments could give to certain industries. Yet, the UK is lagging behind its European neighbors when it comes to incentives for electric truck adoption.

As a vehicle manufacturer, Tevva can offer its customers discounts at point of sale thanks to government incentives, with a maximum of £16,000 for small trucks and £25,000 for large ones. Yet, if you compare this support to what’s on offer in other European countries, you’re left with a feeling that more could be done. In Germany, for example, the government provides 80% of the price differential between diesel and battery-electric trucks, in the Netherlands it’s 45%. That’s potentially between £50-90,000 per truck more than what’s on offer in the UK.

We appreciate the British government’s support which enables us to make our 7.5t battery-electric truck even more appealing to fleets. But for this country to meet its net zero goals, more action is needed to stimulate electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK, which is really the only bright spot in an industry that has reached its lowest ebb for over 60 years.

The electrification of trucks is inevitable, and the technology has developed to a point where an electric truck is a viable proposition for many operators. There’s a huge appetite among fleets for electric trucks, as the opportunity to reduce emissions makes good business sense. Obviously there needs to be trust in the technology and clarity on total cost of ownership (TCO). Tevva is working with its customers to address both of these points and we’re confident that our electric trucks will save them money over the lifetime of the vehicle and improve their fleet and driver performance.

By developing a range of battery-electric and hydrogen-electric medium- to heavy-duty trucks that can improve air quality, vehicle safety, and lower total cost of ownership, Tevva is leading commercial vehicle decarbonization in the UK. Yet the market isn’t ready to adopt on scale without further incentivization, at least not with the required urgency.

Opinion Piece By Asher Bennett, Tevva CEO and founder

North Lake Tahoe Spring 2023

North Lake Tahoe spans two states (Calif. and Nev.) and boasts two dozen beaches, 11 downhill ski resorts and 10 cross country ski areas, hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, and communities filled with local artisans and shopping experiences. North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.

North Lake Tahoe is still experiencing amazing snowpack with some of the best snowfall we have seen in decades. With spring on the horizon, you can soon experience the best of both worlds, hitting the slopes in the morning and exploring the lake in the afternoon.

The Resort at Squaw Creek will now be known as Everline Resort & Spa. The new name is reflective of the mountains and connection to each other and was decided in collaboration with the Washoe Tribe.

Wild Pine opened at Northstar in the heart of the Village. With family-friendly dining complete with hearty meals, shared plates and signature cocktails, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day.

WinterWonderGrass returns to Palisades Tahoe Mar. 31 to Apr. 2. There will be 25 bluegrass and Americana bands playing across four different stages.

The Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival is Mar. 25 to 26. Participants will race up to the top of the Diamond Peak Ski Resort and then ski, snowboard, or run down the hill in this human-powered challenge.

A Wilderness First Aid course is being offered by the Tahoe Rim Trail Association on Apr. 29 and Apr. 30. The two-day course provides first-aid training for a remote backcountry environment.

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center has a new augmented reality app called Find Tahoe Tessie where you can look for the mythical Tahoe Tessie. It’s an easy way to start the conversation about climate change and the impact it has on the lake.

Tahoe Adventure Company is now offering a kayak tour of Thunderbird Lodge. Tours are every Tuesday from May to Sept. and include lunch.

Tahoe Star Tours is expanding to include Spooner Lake State Park for stargazing. From June to Labor Day, join the fun Thursday and Sunday evenings.

If your child has a passion for fly fishing, Matt Heron Fly Fishing will host classes and a two-day school for kids of all levels of expertise. Students will learn the fundamentals of fly fishing, from casting and tackle selection to knot tying and fly tying. They’ll also get to explore the waters of our local rivers.

If the mountains are more you child’s speed, they’ll love Alpenglow Expeditions rock climbing camp. The camp offers a safe and fun environment for kids to learn the basics of rock climbing while building strength and confidence. Experienced and certified instructors provide hands-on instruction and teach safety and proper climbing techniques. All the necessary safety equipment is provided. Students will get to explore the great outdoors, while also learning about the environment.

Tahoe Flow Arts & Fitness is offering a unique circus camp to learn and experience the amazing world of circus arts. Students will learn the artistry and athleticism of circus skills such as balance, object manipulation, aerial arts and acrobatics.

The Tahoe Trail Thrashers summer mountain bike camp is back again this year, giving campers the opportunity to explore the beautiful mountains of North Lake Tahoe and learn a variety of mountain biking skills. From navigating trails, understanding gear and practicing basic bike maintenance, students will develop their skills through challenging activities and games.

TART Connect’s spring hours will be from Apr. 10 to June 2 and will feature hourly service across all TART bus routes, though there will be some mid-day breaks. Placer and Washoe County TART Connect service will operate non-peak season hours. Zones one and two will operate from 6 to 10 p.m. daily. Zone three will run from 6 to 10 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The WAAV

The WAAV is a massive art installation created by Fort Lauderdale-based Architect & Artist Scot DiStefano for a local affordable housing development named Poinciana Crossing. The community was developed in partnership by the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale and Miami-based Atlantic Pacific Companies.

After receiving the word ‘wave’ as the concept for this commission, DiStefano approached it with his personal philosophy of Organtech Architecture™, a style that is based on the Organic and high-tech aspects of modern architecture. He shares that “Organtech is an architecture that takes only what is necessary, still touches the soul, and gives whenever possible.”

Teenage Entrepreneur to Millionaire Tech Mogul

Why Dropping Out of College was the Best Decision of My Life

By James Barlow

The decision to leave college before completing my degree may seem unconventional to some, but for me, it was the most sensible choice for my career path and personal growth. Despite enjoying the college experience, I felt a sense of restlessness, as if I was merely biding my time. I was eager to take on real-world challenges and pursue my passion for entrepreneurship. The idea of building something from scratch and being in control of my destiny was exhilarating, and I knew I couldn’t wait until I graduated to start my own business. By leaving college early, I was able to get a head start on my career and focus all my energy and resources on developing my entrepreneurial skills. It was a bold move, but in hindsight, it was the best decision I ever made.

I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. As a child, I was always looking for opportunities to make money. At the age of 16, I took the leap and started my first business, and the feeling of being my own boss was invigorating. The experience was so rewarding that I continued to look for new business opportunities wherever I could. By the time I graduated and went to college, I had already achieved a level of success that many entrepreneurs never reach.

So, I made the decision to leave college early and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. At the time, it was a difficult choice. I was giving up a lot of things, including the security of a college degree but I knew there was no other way.

One of the biggest benefits of leaving college early was that I was able to focus all of my energy on my business. I didn’t have to worry about juggling classes, homework, and studying. Instead, I could devote all my time and energy to building my company. And that’s exactly what I did.

Over the years, I have founded numerous successful tech companies, with expertise in AWS, Fintech, Healthcare, E-commerce, and more. By the time I was 20 years old, I was already generating over $1m in revenue from eBay sales monthly. None of this would have been possible if I had stayed in college.

It’s easy to look at successful individuals and assume that they have had a smooth journey to the top. However, the reality is quite different. Early success does not mean that there are no struggles or issues to face along your path to career success.

For me, my early success was from hard work diligently striving towards my goals, and I saw the fruits of my labor grow. However, along the way, I faced personal difficulties that needed to be overcome.

Like many young entrepreneurs who achieve financial success early in their careers, I too faced struggles with focusing too much on making money from my new ventures rather than the product itself during those initial years. Despite my accomplishments, I came to realize that success is not just about making money, it’s about creating a product or service that adds value to people’s lives. Realizing this was my issue took a great deal of reflection and the advice of mentors to emerge from those difficult times after such early success. Although the journey was trying, I refused to give up and eventually found a solution that worked for me.

My journey to success has had its fair share of struggles and difficulties, but those experiences played a significant role in shaping my character and outlook on life. My early success gave me the confidence and motivation to persevere through tough times, while my struggle with focusing on money over product made me more mindful and conscious of the value I was providing to my customers. I realized that my struggles were not unique, and many other entrepreneurs faced similar challenges. These experiences taught me the importance of creating value for customers, being mindful of business practices, and never losing sight of the purpose behind the product or service.

About James Barlow

James Barlow is the founder of Triumph Technology Solutions LLC; a leading AWS cloud native services provider. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he is an accomplished Tech Entrepreneur, expert, and business leader with a deep understanding of the development of IT Services and Software Businesses with domain expertise in AWS, Fintech, Healthcare, E-Commerce, and more. James has started numerous tech companies that have focused on everything from Business Web Development to e-commerce. In the early 2000’s James founded an eBay-based business and was one of the first eBay “power sellers.” At only 20 years old, James was generating over $1m revenue from eBay sales monthly.

James Studied Business with a minor in economics from Northern Illinois University. He left college early in order to pursue his entrepreneurial passions and to build his eBay-based computer hardware sales business. He has also earned certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect, reflecting his commitment to staying current with emerging technologies.

Outside of work, James is a passionate volunteer who is deeply committed to several causes, including civil rights and social action, economic empowerment, education, disaster and humanitarian relief, politics, and science and technology.

Global Business Hit Hard by Rising Energy Costs

Zurich, Switzerland: Research shows that businesses around the world remain concerned about the impacts of energy security and prices, which could be a catalyst for a range of environmental, social, and economic ripple effects. According to the ABB Energy Insights survey 1 of 2,300 leaders from small and large businesses across a range of sectors, 92 percent of respondents feel that the continuing instability of energy is threatening their profitability and competitiveness. Energy costs and insecurity are having a significant impact on the workforce with decreased investment in employees. Business leaders are also concerned about potential impacts on them meeting their sustainability targets.

Restricting business investment and growth

Rising energy costs and security are forcing business leaders to rethink how they operate and where they invest in their businesses, to stay competitive, let alone grow. The key impacts on businesses due to rising energy costs in the last year include lower profit margins (34 percent) and cuts to spending in some areas (34 percent), leading to a shift away from investment in R&D and other business growth initiatives. Over a third (38 percent) have or plan to reduce technology investment, while a third (33 percent) expect to cut spending on infrastructure and 31 percent foresee a decline in marketing spend.

Impact on employees

Businesses say they have reduced investment in their workforce in the last year because of increased energy costs and the need to implement mitigation measures and expect this to continue over the next three to five years. Three of the top five business areas highlighted for budget reductions are related to the workforce: 42 percent will spend less on recruitment; 38 percent will decrease spending on salaries, overtime and bonuses; and 37 percent will reduce investment in staff training and development.

Delaying decarbonization

Respondents further cite concerns that energy pricing and insecurity could delay progress on climate change, with carbon reduction commitments considered less of a priority than reducing energy costs. Over half (58 percent) of business leaders surveyed said the cost of energy could delay achieving their sustainability and carbon reduction targets by anywhere from one to five years. While reducing energy costs is the top priority for 61 percent of companies, only 40 percent are currently prioritizing reducing carbon emissions.

Energy security

83 percent of business leaders express concern about the security of their business’s energy supply, and many are taking action to address energy insecurity and fluctuating energy prices. Over a third (36 percent) are worried about further rises in energy costs, 31 percent are concerned by power cuts and blackouts, and a quarter by energy rationing. In response, 34 percent have already put in place energy efficiency measures and 40 percent are looking to install on-site renewable energy generation to become less dependent on the grid.

Morten Wierod, President, ABB Electrification, said:

Businesses say they need to insulate themselves from energy prices and insecurity and are re-evaluating current and future spending plans. Taking action to mitigate this is a clear priority, but this doesn’t have to be a catalyst for potential workforce or environmental impacts. Investing in smart and sustainable on-site renewables and energy efficiency technology means businesses can simultaneously cut costs and reduce their emissions. With the right approach, it is possible for industry to achieve cost savings without sacrificing competitiveness, workforces or the journey to decarbonization.

Taking action

While businesses want to take concrete actions to address energy challenges, a third are being put off by the perceived cost of implementing energy efficiency measures, and almost half (49 percent) feel they don’t have the know-how or resources to proceed.

Much of the technology that can help businesses – large or small – to optimize their energy management and reduce costs, is already widely available and at a reasonable cost. For example, at a telecoms HQ in Hanoi, smart building technology reduced energy costs by 20 percent, while retrofitting hardware and using energy management solutions at an ABB factory in Italy has led to 30 percent energy savings.

To find out more about how ABB and our customers are collaborating to mitigate energy challenges, visit Sustainability in Electrification. Businesses can also join the ABB – Energy Efficiency Movement–a global forum of over 300 organizations sharing ideas and solutions that can help industry lower costs, mitigate energy challenges and accelerate climate action.

Louis Vuitton’s High Watchmaking

Louis Vuitton presents a selection of the Maison’s most exceptional timepieces at the pinnacle of watchmaking savoir-faire and creativity. By bringing together the most experienced specialists to express their incomparable savoir-faire at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Switzerland, the Maison pursues its quest for excellence in the art of high-end watchmaking.

Tambour Opera Automata

It pays tribute to the Sichuan Opera’s Bian Lian, and the virtuoso decoration of this specific watch presents a traditional mask that comes to life and changes expression on demand. This “art of changing masks” characteristic of the Sichuan Opera is a major source of inspiration for the Tambour Opera Automatic Watch. During the opera, the performers can put on up to twenty different masks in a fraction of a second, revealing their wide range of expressions. Each has their own technique for making these painted silk figures appear and disappear with a quick hand gesture or a graceful fanning motion. In the 21st century, very few actors still master the ancient art of Bian Lian. To transpose this mysterious interplay of faces to a watch case, for two years, Louis Vuitton enlisted the help of the greatest contemporary craftsmen Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, alongside Master Enameller Anita Porchet and Master Engraver Dick Steenman. This caliber LV 525, totaling 426 components, has a power reserve of 100 hours and five animations. When the latch is pushed, the engraved pink gold dragon’s head rises to reveal the jumping hours inscribed on the forehead of the Bian Lian, while its tail indicates the retrograde minutes. The mask’s expression changes dramatically – its eyebrows frown, its eyelid closes over its left eye, and the pupil of its right eye retracts to reveal a pointed Monogram flower. Going from joy to sadness through the movement of its chin, the Bian Lian mask expresses a wide range of emotions.

Tambour Fiery Heart Automata

Louis Vuitton’s High Watchmaking via 360 MAGAZINE.

Louis Vuitton presents its first in-house self-winding automatic movement and first enamel dial with the feminine Tambour Fiery Heart Automata timepiece. Under the candy-bright hues and alluring textures of an engraved grand feu enamel dial, this watch features a rose motif with entwined thorny vines. At the push of a button at the 8 o’clock position, the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata blooms; at 9 o’clock, a flaming heart emblazoned with “SWEET” unveils; and at 12 o’clock, “SWEET BUT FIERCE” appears. This timepiece features five separate dial elements, rotating roses, gold tongues that simulate real flames, caliber LFT 325, horny rosestems in pink-gold, a 18K pink-gold rotor, a dial-side automata, and 65 hours of movement power reserve. Beauty emerges, refined and transcendent, from the crucible of horological knowledge and combined expertise at Louis Vuitton. The Tambour Fiery HeartAutomata is the multi-layered result of the Madison’s Approach to fine watchmaking, now elevated to unprecedented levels in all 169 years of Louis Vuitton history.

Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon

The final novelty is a true demonstration of the Maison’s craftsmanship and expertise, featuring the two new Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève,” in fluorescent green or yellow, completing the color palette of this exceptionally transparent family of watches.