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fc4c0daf17eb7be9a510b251f4841b14	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2015/07/04/should-we-celebrate-the-fourth-of-july-anymore/	Should We Celebrate The Fourth Of July Anymore?	Should We Celebrate The Fourth Of July Anymore? American flags fly outside a fireworks store in Radcliff, Kentucky, U.S., on Wednesday, June 27,... [+] 2018. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg As the sun starts to set on another Independence Day, the question arises whether the American experiment in self-government is going down with it. A recent piece in Vox.com questions why we celebrate the Fourth and goes on to lament the fact that the former colonies secured their independence from Great Britain. Why? “The main benefit of the revolution to colonists was that it gave more political power to America's white male minority,” while delaying freedom for slaves and doing nothing to help women and Native Americans. It’s an old story, really. Over a hundred years ago, historian Charles Beard wrote that the Constitution was written by wealthy men to protect their economic interests. Although Beard later recanted significant portions of his thesis, it has been treated subsequently by academics largely as gospel. The results of such misinterpretations of the Founding were predictable: Ill-informed pieces like Vox’s are only the latest example. To see this, consider for a moment what better-informed minds have had to say about the meaning and enduring importance of the Declaration, beginning with the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. In his 1963, “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in the National Mall in Washington, D.C., King spoke these immortal words: “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The Reverend King knew better than those at Vox why we celebrate the Fourth. In the first place, we do not celebrate the Fourth because it is the day we declared independence from Great Britain. That was accomplished through an act of the Continental Congress two days prior, on July 2nd. We celebrate July 4th, rather than July 2nd, because the Fourth is the day we adopted the Declaration of Independence. And, again contrary to Vox, King understood that the Declaration did not justify giving “more political power to America's white male minority.” It condemned it, providing future Americans, as King attests, the moral compass by which to bring our practices better into line with the principle of human equality, which stands as the moral foundation of the Declaration and thus as the standard by which we have judged ourselves ever since. Vox’s view that our Declaration-justified War of Independence aimed only to make the “white male minority” here equal with its former brethren in the Mother Country was itself the position taken in one of the most infamous decisions in U.S. Supreme Court history, Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857), in which Chief Justice Roger Taney, like Vox, woefully misread the Founders’ intentions. Taney’s majority opinion asserts that, under the Declaration and Constitution, blacks had “no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” The Supreme Court had spoken. But the last word would belong to Lincoln. The Dred Scott ruling drew him out of political retirement; it breathed life into the new, anti-slavery, Republican party, of which he would become its first successful candidate for president. In his June 1857 speech on the Dred Scott decision, Lincoln explained the conflict between the Declaration’s foundational principle of human equality and the practice of slavery at the time. The Founders, he argued, “did not mean to assert the obvious untruth, that all were then actually enjoying that equality, nor yet, that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. In fact they had no power to confer such a boon.” Instead, the Declaration “meant to set up a standard maxim for free society, which should be familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated. . . . “ He adds, “The assertion that ‘all men are created equal’ was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, nor for that, but for future use.” Here, says Lincoln, is the deepest reason we celebrate July Fourth, and the Reverend King would make history with his “future use” of the Declaration's promise more than a century later. A month prior to Lincoln’s address, famed abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass, delivered a magisterial speech on the Dred Scott decision, in which he rejected Taney’s (and Vox’s) view that, because “the Constitution comes down to us from a slaveholding period and a slaveholding people,” we are “bound to suppose” that blacks are “debarred forever from all participation in the benefit of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.” Instead, he demonstrates that a “plain reading” of both the Declaration and Constitution shows them to include blacks in “in their beneficent range.” Like Lincoln at the time and the Reverend King afterward, Douglass knew that the Declaration’s principles included rather than excluded the black race. The force of Douglass’s appeal consisted in exhorting white America to live up to its Founding principles. But today, Vox—and, to be fair, not only Vox, but many in the Academy—teach the historically and morally ill-founded view that equality can come only through rejecting our racist Founding principles. Famed Lincoln analyst, the late Harry V. Jaffa, saw this coming as far back as 1959. In the introduction to his Crisis of the House Divided, Jaffa observed that then (as today), universities had become “the decisive source of the ruling opinions on our country.” On this basis, he predicted that that the “utopianism and intolerance” taught then (and now) in our universities “would surely spell the end of constitutional democracy.” Jaffa has proved prescient. In the course of his critique of the Dred Scott decision,delivered several days before July Fourth, 1857, Lincoln remarked to his audience, “I suppose you will celebrate” the Fourth, “and will even go so far as to read the Declaration.” That line, delivered by a politician today, might draw only laughter. Most Americans stopped reading the Declaration a long time ago. If we were exposed to it in our K-12 education, the odds are that we failed to receive the deeper treatment it deserves in college-level study. According to U.S. Department of Education statistics, roughly two out of every three college students graduate without having taken even one course in American government. Why? Because so few universities today require it, believing, with Vox, that their understanding of justice has evolved beyond the Founders’. Lincoln foresaw the disastrous effects that would follow the failure to teach our fundamental principles of justice to succeeding generations. In fact, at the tender age of 29, in his speech to the Young Men’s Lyceum in 1838, he saw disregard for the Declaration and Constitution already growing as a result of the dying out of the Founding generation. The only antidote to such degeneration, he argued, was to teach “reverence for the Constitution” in “schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in primers, spelling-books, and in almanacs; let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice.” Who can doubt Lincoln’s premise that a self-governing people can maintain its liberties only so long as its citizens practice reverence for the principles that justify self-government? And who can doubt Lincoln, Douglass, and King’s demonstrations that the foundation of these principles is the Declaration’s argument for human equality? If we are to prevent night from falling soon on the American experiment, we should take seriously Lincoln's urging and restore required study of the Declaration and Constitution at all levels of schooling. In doing so, we would come again to understand why the Declaration has been looked to by nations across the globe as an inspiration for their own efforts at reform. We would come again to understand why Lincoln declared the nation built on the Declaration’s principles to be “the last, best hope of earth.” We could come again to understand why the future of our democracy depends on properly celebrating the Fourth of July.
b57bcf7669e3aa781945b6e6172b29ab	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2015/10/25/disconnect-american-higher-education-versus-the-american-people/	Disconnect: American Higher Education Versus The American People	Disconnect: American Higher Education Versus The American People A Washington Post op ed displays with unusual clarity the growing disconnect between the higher education establishment and the society it serves. Penned by Hunter Rawlings, the op ed, titled, “College is not a commodity: Stop treating it like one,” seeks to correct “most commentary on the value of college,” which is “naive, or worse, misleading.” For Rawlings—president of the Association of American Universities and former president of Cornell and the University of Iowa—the problem is that “most everyone now evaluates college in purely economic terms, thus reducing it to a commodity like a car or a house.” Such an economic focus, writes Rawlings, “while not useless, begin[s] with a false assumption.” If society now insists on treating “college as a commodity,” it needs to grasp the fact that “[u]nlike a car, college requires the ‘buyer’ to do most of the work to obtain its value. The value of a degree depends more on the student’s input than on the college’s curriculum.” However, “most public discussion of higher ed today pretends that students simply receive education from colleges the way a person walks out of a Best Buy with a television.” Rawlings identifies those he believes to be responsible for these skewed education priorities “[g]overnors and legislators, as well as the media, treat colleges as purveyors of goods.” He blames this mindset for the ills from which higher education currently suffers. He criticizes the drive to measure college “outcomes” for its effect at making students “feel entitled to classes that do not push them too hard, to high grades” and to their perceived right not to have to study material that might make them feel “uncomfortable.” “Trigger warnings,” “safe rooms,” and commencement speaker dis-invitations are, he holds, the “pernicious” products of the college-as-commodity conviction. So also is the focus on graduation rates and time to degree, which falsely assumes that these metrics “depended entirely upon the colleges and not at all upon the students.” However, countless public opinion surveys demonstrate that the American people do not recognize the campus world that Rawlings paints. And it is the public—those who toil and save in the hopes of attaining a degree—and not, as Rawlings would have it, merely politicians and pundits, who are demanding greater accountability on outcomes from our colleges and universities. This is evidenced by the fact that politicians from both parties, and across the ideological spectrum—Democrat President Obama, Republican former Texas governor, Rick Perry, socialist Bernie Sanders, etc.—their profound political differences notwithstanding, all agree on the urgent need to better monitor what our taxpayer-funded institutions of higher learning are providing for the money spent. The politicians are simply responding to powerful public sentiments, “leading from behind,” as it were. A national Pew survey discloses that 57 percent of prospective college students believe college is no longer worth the tuition it charges. Seventy-five percent of respondents believe a college degree is simply unaffordable. In my home state of Texas, a survey by Baselice and Associates was commissioned by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. It found that seventy-one percent of voters believe the state’s colleges and universities can improve teaching while reducing operating costs. Ninety percent of voters surveyed believe there should be measurements in place to determine the effectiveness of the education delivered and material learned by students at colleges and universities. Based on this public polling, are the American people merely as deceived (and deceiving) as Rawlings charges the political and media class to be? Is the public blind too to the fact that, as Rawlings puts it, “[g]enuine education is not a commodity, it is the awakening of a human being”? Unfortunately, this disconnect between the higher-education establishment and the American people is far from new and—if Rawlings’s well-intentioned response is any indication—appears only to be growing. Last year’s Inside Higher Ed survey of chief academic officers revealed that ninety-six percent believed their universities “were doing a good job.” However, their confidence stands in sharp contrast to how business leaders and the general public regard the matter. In a Gallup survey, only 14 percent of the American public, and only 11 percent of business leaders, strongly agreed that graduates have the necessary skills and competencies to succeed in the workplace. “It’s such a shocking gap, it’s just hard to even say what’s going on here,” remarked Brandon Busteed, who serves as executive director of Gallup Education. Rawlings interprets this gap between the higher-education establishment and business leaders/the American people as only symptomatic of the latter’s ignorance of the fact that college is not a commodity and its resulting disregard of college’s distinctive purpose—“the awakening of a human being.” However, the data on higher education support the public’s discontent. Moreover, the data speak directly to Rawlings’s proper focus—the central task of “awakening” students’ minds. Rawlings rightly advises that students need to work hard in order to get the most out of college. At the same time, we need to take account of the role that universities have been playing in incentivizing less-than-hard work on the part of students. Consider college grading standards over the past half-century. Rojstaczer and Healy’s analysis demonstrates that, in the early 1960s, 15 percent of college grades nationwide were A’s. Today, the percentage of A’s has nearly tripled, to 43 percent. In fact, an A is now the most common grade given in college nationwide. A’s and B’s today constitute 73 percent of all grades. Rawlings correctly cautions students that they “need to apply themselves to the daunting task of using their minds,” but grade inflation teaches students precisely the opposite. Our colleges must recognize their responsibility for grade inflation, which devalues student transcripts in the same manner, and for the same reason, that monetary inflation devalues our currency. Worse, while students have been enjoying nearly a tripling in the percentage of A’s given by professors, their study times have dropped. Fifty years ago, students studied an average of 24 hours a week. Today, that number has dropped to 14. The consequences of rewarding students more A’s for less homework could have been predicted. The landmark national study of collegiate learning, Academically Adrift, shocked the higher education world when it discovered that 36 percent of today’s college students demonstrate little-to-no increase in critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing skills after four years invested in college. Polling shows that everyday Americans are keen this decline in standards, as well as to the historic increases in tuition, but they continue to send their children to college, because it is still deemed indispensable for a good job. That is, the public’s perception that college is overpriced and of poorer quality than in the past leads it, falsely but understandably, to conclude that college is a mere commodity. When we realize that students today are studying less but receiving more A’s, and this despite the fact that over one-third of them fail to increase their general collegiate skills during college, it becomes time for universities to bear some responsibility. Rawlings’s admonitions to students to study harder is necessary though not sufficient. Our universities also need to step up and reestablish an atmosphere that demands greater rigor. Given human nature, students generally will do no more than is asked of them in college in order to graduate. Too many of our universities are asking too little; and they’re getting it. However, in the final count, we must concede that efforts to improve American higher education are to some extent beyond the capacities of both universities and their students. Both suffer from the societal project that goes under the name of “college for everybody.” When we as a nation decided to send more students to four-year colleges than the roughly 20 percent of high school graduates who can truly handle genuine college work, we simultaneously gave birth to the dilemmas outlined above: tuition hyperinflation; crushing student-loan debt; grade inflation; reduced study time; and poor student learning. I flesh out these contentions here. So, Rawlings is to be commended for reminding students to work hard. And reformers are right to admonish universities to restore standards. But both efforts will be swimming upstream so long as too many students are going to college. College is not a commodity. So understood, college is not for everybody.
9dda9c7e6d49dfc6a077d7c3989402d5	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2016/05/25/was-americas-1787-constitutional-convention-illegal/	The U.S. Constitution: An Illegal Document?	The U.S. Constitution: An Illegal Document? In January, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for a convention of states to propose amendments to rein in the federal government. His Texas Plan employs the states’ power under Article V of the Constitution to call an amendments convention. Under Article V, it takes two-thirds of the states (34) to propose a convention and three-fourths of the states (38) to ratify any proposed amendments. Since the governor announced the Plan, three more state legislatures—in Tennessee, Indiana and Oklahoma—have joined. Alaska, Georgia, Alabama and Florida already have approved the Convention of States Project’s proposed resolutions. However, there has been resistance, and not only from those who favor big government and its expansion-friendly doctrine, the “living Constitution.” Some on the political Right also question the convention of states movement. “Contrary to popular belief, there are no rules for such a convention,” writes Noah Rothman, who concludes that we have “no guarantees that conservative delegates can maintain total control over such a radical process.” The result, contrary to the intentions of those who pushed for a convention, could be a free-for-all. John Yoo agrees: “[O]nce a convention meets, it could propose any amendments it wants or even a completely redesigned Constitution . . . . [N]othing in the text of Article V . . . permits Congress or the states to restrict the scope of the convention.” Thus, Yoo reasons, “the conservative in me thinks a constitutional convention is a bad idea because of the inability to limit the convention’s work.” What might this inability yield? “We could go in with a Constitution with a separation of powers, federalism, and a Bill of Rights, and emerge with a wholly new framework of government that merges all state power into one government. . . .” I have written previously of the fear of some conservatives of a “runaway convention.” The most direct rejoinder to this concern is the Constitution’s requirement that any amendments proposed by a convention—be it “runaway” or not—must garner the approval of 38 states to become law. Merely thirteen states can veto any measure proposed. Shutterstock However, other critics of a convention of states believe their runaway-convention forecast is vindicated by the past: The 1787 Convention, some argue, itself was a runaway convention. If the Founders could not prevent this then, how can we expect today’s politicians to do so now, especially given the fact that today’s politicians are the source of the very problem a convention of states seeks to remedy? Answering these concerns requires first distinguishing an Article V convention from a “constitutional convention.” Oklahoma Attorney General, Scott Pruitt, addressed this in “A Brief Reflection on Article V of the U.S. Constitution.” Granting that concerns over a runaway convention are “understandable,” nonetheless, “safeguards exist to protect our Constitution against abuses.” Conventions called under Article V may “only propose amendments. A plenipotentiary convention—a constitutional convention called for a broad and unrestrained purpose—is not authorized under the U.S. Constitution.” Given the distinction between an amendments convention (what the Convention of States Project and Governor Abbott seek) and a constitutional convention, the next question is whether the 1787 Convention was a runaway proceeding. This accusation was first leveled immediately after the Philadelphia Convention completed its work. The wording authorizing the Convention stated that the delegates would meet “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” But the Convention did far more: It scrapped the Articles. In addition, the Philadelphia Convention altered the ratification process. First, Congress and state legislatures were bypassed in favor of state ratifying conventions. Second, the new Constitution would become the law of the land upon ratification by three-quarters of the thirteen states. Under the Articles, ratification required unanimity. The Constitution’s adversaries argued that neither of these changes enjoyed any legal foundation. These illegalities, argued opponents, would doom America’s constitutional future. “[T]he same reasons which you now urge for destroying our present federal government, may be urged for abolishing the system which you now propose to adopt,” argued Luther Martin. These charges, though strong, lost much of their clout during the period that the new Constitution was debated. Their strength waned because, after all, the fate of the proposed Constitution now rested in the hands of the people themselves. More to the point, the Constitution’s defenders prevailed at the Convention with this rejoinder: Yes, they conceded, the Philadelphia Convention was authorized “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles.” But the authorization also stated that the purpose for revising the Articles was “to render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of Government and the preservation of the Union.” On this basis, pro-Constitution delegates successfully argued that an “adequate” government was the end to which the resolution pointed to the Philadelphia convention as the means. All ends are superior to their respective means. Therefore, since merely revising the Articles would not produce the end of a government “adequate” to Americans’ needs, the Constitution’s defenders argued that scrapping the Articles was justified. As the late political scientist, Martin Diamond, stated the case, “Both sides could make an argument upon the basis of the authorizing documents because they contained an ambiguity, indeed a contradiction. And contradiction cannot command.” What was the contradiction? “The double injunction laid upon the Convention” to produce an “adequately strong union” while preserving “the confederal form.” Diamond asks, “But what if such a union required abandoning confederation and forming a national government? Which of the two parts of the contradictory command would be binding on the Convention then?” Diamond demonstrates how the pro-Constitution camp leveraged this contradiction to justify “ignor[ing] the Articles.” That is, they “took advantage of the contradictory desire of their opponents for both the blessings of close union and those of loose confederal form.” In this light, one is hard-pressed plausibly to assert that our Constitutional Convention was a coup d’état. Moreover, the Constitution crafted at the Philadelphia Convention is among the greatest, if not the greatest, governing document produced in history. If it was the child of a “runaway convention,” then, given the crisis of our overreaching federal government, one is inclined to suggest that we have another.
5067c2608cd0611c5462dbdd7287bd89	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2017/03/24/the-latest-and-surprising-victims-of-the-student-loan-debt-crisis-older-americans/	The Latest--And Surprising--Victims of the Student-Loan Debt Crisis: Older Americans	The Latest--And Surprising--Victims of the Student-Loan Debt Crisis: Older Americans We have become accustomed to hearing of the financial plight of recent college graduates, a growing number of whom are either unemployed, underemployed, and/or behind on paying their student loans, which today amount cumulatively to roughly $1.3 trillion. As alarming as this is, it barely begins to tell the full story of how bad things have become in American higher education. How bad? Consider the latest report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB report finds that the number of those aged 60 and older “with student loan debt has quadrupled over the last decade in the United States, and the average amount they owe has also dramatically increased.” In 2015, “older consumers owed an estimated $66.7 billion in student loans.” More important, “although most student loan borrowers are young adults between the ages of 18 and 39, consumers age 60 and older are the fastest growing age-segment of the student loan market.” The number of those in this age-group with outstanding student loan debt has increased “from about 700,000 to 2.8 million. During this period, the share of all student loan borrowers that are age 60 and older increased from 2.7 percent to 6.4 percent.” Moreover, “the average amount of student loan debt owed by borrowers age 60 and older roughly doubled from 2005 to 2015, increasing from $12,100 to $23,500” (see graph). Older Americans' Student Loan Debt Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax. Average amounts reported are for consumers with student loans. How did those 60 and older—who thought they’d be looking forward to some hard-earned rest during their retirement years—come instead to be the fastest-growing age-group for student loans? It’s not because they’re hell-bent to return to the hallowed halls of academe. They are not taking out the loans for themselves. The CFPB report finds that “in 2014, 73 percent of student loan borrowers age 60 and older report that their student debt is owed for a child’s and/or grandchild’s education,” whereas “27 percent of student loan borrowers report that their student loan debt is for their own or their spouses’ education.” Are these older Americans able to bear the increased burden they’ve taken upon themselves in their self-sacrificing quest to help their children and grandchildren? Apparently not. The report reveals that “many older borrowers are behind on their student loan payments.” How far behind? The “proportion of delinquent student loan debt held by borrowers age 60 and older increased from 7.4 percent to 12.5 percent from 2005 to 2012.” In percentage terms, “nearly 40 percent of federal student loan borrowers age 65 and older are in default. Older borrowers who carry student debt later into their lives often struggle to repay or have defaulted on their loans.” Time, it appears, is not the friend of student-loan borrowers. Quite the contrary. “Borrowers with outstanding loans are increasingly likely to be in default as they age. In 2015, for example, 37 percent of federal student loan borrowers age 65 and older were in default. In comparison, 29 percent of federal student loan borrowers age 50 to 64 were in default, and 17 percent of federal student loan borrowers age 49 and under were in default.” This younger/older disparity likely follows from the fact that those who are younger generally increase their income over the course of their work lives, whereas those who are older generally do not experience a similar magnitude of wage increases after they reach the age of 60. As dire as the situation has become for older student-loan borrowers, it gets worse: “A growing number of older federal student loan borrowers had their Social Security benefits offset because of unpaid student loans.” Yes, the federal government can “garnish a borrower’s wages and may offset a portion of tax refunds and many government benefits for failing to repay federal student loans.” The number of borrowers 65 and older “who had their Social Security benefits offset to repay a federal student loanincreased from about 8,700 to 40,000 borrowers from 2005 to 2015.” Think about that for a moment. And then reflect on the fact that “social Security benefits are the only source of regular retirement income for 69 percent of beneficiaries age 65 and older” (my emphasis). Is this what retirement’s “golden years” were supposed to look like? Still worse, the report finds that a “large portion of older student loan borrowers struggle to afford basic needs.” The data reveal that older Americans with “outstanding student loans are more likely than those without outstanding student loans to report that they have skipped necessary health care needs such as prescription medicines, doctors’ visits, and dental care because they could not afford it.” This increased burden on older Americans has caused them to tap savings that were being safeguarded for their retirement years. “Among household heads nearing retirement, age 50 to 59, those with outstanding student loan debt have less saved for retirement than their counterparts without student debt.” The extent of financial damage suffered by older Americans as a result of tuition hyperinflation demonstrates the enormity of the student-loan crisis. The statistics recited above tell us—in case we didn’t already know—that something is rotten in the state of higher education. The extent of dysfunction of the present system of higher-education finance is such that, in time, it may come to be said that “Only the dead have seen the end of student-loan debt.”
f699ae191fc99a4e7220ac4d23d8f0bc	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2017/09/29/the-constitution-is-as-racist-as-the-flag-and-anthem-that-celebrate-it/	Is The Constitution As Racist As The Flag And Anthem That Celebrate It?	Is The Constitution As Racist As The Flag And Anthem That Celebrate It? (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) When Colin Kaepernick took a knee last fall during the singing of the National Anthem, it sparked an intense debate over race-based police brutality. Since then, some have defended Kaepernick by arguing that, in addition to the police brutality issue, the National Anthem is racist. This defense then escalated into a larger conflict over the status of slavery in the Constitution—and for good reason: If the Constitution is racist, it follows that its symbols and celebrations—the flag and anthem—are similarly infected. Are the moral foundations of our country—whose laws the police enforce and whose anthem we sing—racist and pro-slavery, as some believe? If America is racist at its core, it is likely that its police are too, and that its anthem and flag likewise celebrate this evil. This issue—whether freedom and equality are promoted or obstructed by America’s Founding principles—lies at the heart of the controversy roiling America today. Much of the debate over this larger question, however, is being conducted without the civic knowledge needed to bring greater understanding, and with it, the social harmony that we all hope for. We have a rich history of thoughtful debate on this question, and we impoverish ourselves if we fail to drink from this fount. This lack of civic education owes to the deficit in such instruction in our universities. According to Department of Education statistics, two-thirds of college students graduate without ever taking even one course in American Government. To fill the vacuum created by our universities, let us consider the arguments on race, slavery, and the Constitution presented by three giants in American history: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Frederick Douglass was no multimillionaire sports or show-biz celebrity. Far from it. Born into slavery in 1818, he suffered physical and psychological abuse at the hands of his master until, at age 20, he escaped north to freedom. By the time he died in 1895, he had risen to become one of this country’s most powerful reformers, abolitionists, speakers, and writers, as well as a counselor to presidents, a diplomat, and a newspaper publisher. In his autobiography, he describes his early life as a slave. “My mother and I were separated when I was but an infant. . . . It [was] common custom, in the part of Maryland from which I ran away, to part children from their mothers at a very early age. . . . I do not recollect ever seeing my mother by the light of day. ... She would lie down with me, and get me to sleep, but long before I waked she was gone. He taught himself to read, often in secret, to avoid additional beatings from his master. He persisted in this effort out of the conviction that “knowledge is the pathway from slavery to freedom.” If anyone was entitled to view the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as racist and pro-slavery, Douglass was that man. In fact, earlier in his life, he had agreed with abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, who deemed the Constitution pro-slavery. However, Douglass came later to concur with Abraham Lincoln that both the Declaration and the Constitution voiced and embodied, not defenses of slavery for some, but of freedom for all. In an 1860 speech delivered in Glasgow, Scotland, Douglass argued: “All [of the Founding generation] regarded slavery as an expiring and doomed system, destined to speedily disappear from the country.” Moreover, the Constitution’s ban on importing slaves, which took effect in 1808, “makes the Constitution anti-slavery rather than for slavery; for it says to the slave States, the price you will have to pay for coming into the American Union is, that the slave trade, which you would carry on indefinitely out of the Union, shall be put an end to in twenty years if you come into the Union.” The Constitution did this, he argued, “because it looked to the abolition of slavery rather than to its perpetuity. . . . This showed that the intentions of the framers of the Constitution were good, not bad.” Lincoln agreed with Douglass’s assessment of American morality. Lincoln focused on the Declaration of Independence’s role as the American spirit to which the Constitution gave flesh. In 1857, he spoke in opposition to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that agreed with some today that the Declaration aimed only to liberate white men from British rule, and nothing else. In Dred Scott v. Sanford, Chief Justice Roger Taney’s majority opinion asserted that, under the Declaration and Constitution, blacks had “no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” In his speech on the Dred Scott decision, Lincoln clarified the conflict between the Declaration’s foundational principle of human equality and the practice of slavery at the time. The Founding generation, he argued, “did not mean to assert the obvious untruth, that all were then actually enjoying that equality, nor yet, that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. In fact they had no power to confer such a boon.” Instead, the Declaration “meant to set up a standard maxim for free society, which should be familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated. . . . “ He added, “The assertion that ‘all men are created equal’ was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, nor for that, but for future use.” As I argued here, making “future use” of the Declaration’s promise would be the task of Dr. King, whose “I Have a Dream” speech observed: “When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Equal rights under law constitutes America’s promise to all. The moral power of Douglass, Lincoln, and King’s appeals consisted in their urging whites to extend to blacks the promise found in our Founding principles. If these three men are correct, it suggests a different tack for those protesting today in the name of racial equality. It suggests that, instead of deeming America racist at its core, we should come both to recognize and celebrate the fact that the justice we hold dear need not be wrested from a racist country that needs to be dragged, screaming and kicking, into accepting “foreign” ideas. The reforms they seek need not come from the outside, for they represent the moral vision on which our country was founded. If these three men are correct, it also follows that the flag we salute and the anthem we sing celebrate not a racist legacy but, instead, the aspirations for equality that that we all share. Finally, if these three men are correct, it follows that the flag and anthem represent what it noblest about America’s aspirations. Therefore, it is counterproductive for those of us who support equality to refuse to take part in these celebrations. Instead, the surer road is to appeal to what Lincoln termed, “the better angels of our nature.”
5ac2546681f933ba8f7239757bbce061	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2017/11/07/madam-secretary-devos-tear-down-these-regional-higher-ed-accreditors/	Madam Secretary DeVos, Tear Down These Regional Higher-Ed Accreditors	Madam Secretary DeVos, Tear Down These Regional Higher-Ed Accreditors WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos speaks during the daily press briefing... [+] in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on July 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Roughly 3,000 American colleges and universities periodically undergo what is called the accreditation process, which is meant to certify their academic quality as determined by one of seven regional accreditors operating in six geographic regions. Since 1952, accreditation by a federally recognized accreditor has been required for a school to qualify to receive student aid funds. Last year, slightly under $240 billion in federal aid was sent to undergraduate and graduate students through grants, Federal Work Study, federal loans, and federal tax credit and tax deductions. That’s a lot of money. Without it, many schools would likely be forced to close. But does the accreditation process serve students, parents, employers, and taxpayers? There are reasons for doubt, as George Leef and Roxana Burris detailed in their ACTA study, “Can College Accreditation Live Up To Its Promise?” They find “little evidence that accreditation is a reliable quality indicator.” While “the approach taken by most accrediting bodies is to check to see that colleges and universities have certain inputs and procedures,” they “give no assurances about the quality of individual courses or programs.” In addition to accreditation’s “significant costs” to universities (costs borne ultimately by students, parents, and taxpayers), “the quality of undergraduate education in America has declined considerably, despite the fact that nearly all colleges and universities are accredited.” Nor has accreditation done anything to address three decades of tuition hyperinflation and its consequence—skyrocketing student-loan debt. Published 15 years ago, Leef and Burris’s conclusions remain compelling. Among their recommendations for reform, they propose that “the connection between eligibility for government student aid and accreditation should be severed.” They are mindful of the political difficulties confronting their reasonable suggestion. While those obstacles remain in place, perhaps a salutary, politically feasible first step would be to place accrediting power with each state for its institutions of higher education. That is to say, let’s make state accreditation sufficient to certify a school’s fitness to receive federal student aid funds. The one-word description of my proposal is “federalism”—federalism, that is, as articulated in the original U.S. Constitution, not as distorted by Court interpretation over the past century. Under the Constitution, all matters related to education were solely the province of the individual states. A move to restore the Constitution’s purposes was proposed two years ago by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), with his “Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2015” (S.649). “Our current higher education system is controlled by the iron triangle of regional accreditation organizations, the schools and federal bureaucrats,” said Lee. “The result is the exploding cost of higher education, which either prevents students from getting the educational experience they need or forces them to take on unnecessarily large amounts of debt.” Lee’s legislation failed to pass. But, in our age of governing via administrative regulations and executive orders, legislation may not be the only road to reform. U.S. Education Secretary DeVos may well be able to return accreditation to the states and, in the process, return us to the Founders’ vision. Why would moving higher-education accreditation from D.C. to the states be better for students, parents, and taxpayers? First, it would help to unclutter the policy and budget confusion that arises from the sheer massiveness of the federal higher education regime. Trying to formulate and then impose single standards for a land as diverse as our fifty-state Union is bound to produce ill-fitting, burdensome regulations, redundancies, and thus wasted tax dollars and effort. Defenders of a top-down, DC-controlled approach to higher education funding (which has been disingenuously marketed as the “new federalism, rather than what it truly is: the abandonment of constitutional federalism) point to those states that fare badly in education funding and student achievement and declare this sufficient proof of the need for federal control. In so doing, they ignore the benefits that constitutional federalism nurtures and enhances in the field of higher education. Chief among the benefits conferred by restoring power over higher education accreditation to the states is that it thereby restores power to those office-holders who are held responsible for their state’s educational achievements. Currently, Washington, D.C. blithely pronounces edicts and requirements in higher education—and then leaves both implementation and accountability to state leaders who have little or no role in determining the policy that they must now administer. What can state leaders do about the tuition-inflating effects of federally subsidized student loans? What can they do about a $1.4 trillion student-loan debt that is the consequence of students borrowing to keep pace with tuition inflation? The answer to both questions is “very little,” for these are federal, not state, policies. But granting states accrediting power to qualify their schools for federal student aid would go no small distance toward ameliorating the unintended consequences of federal control. Most important, states could begin to provide their students the benefits that would flow from education innovation. Such innovation is most likely to be sparked through eliminating the current barriers to new entrants in the higher education field—entrants who have upgraded traditional higher education’s rickety business model; entrants who focus on education outputs (learning outcomes, future employment viability, and average student-loan debt) rather than the “inputs and procedures” that Leef and Burris rightly underscore as the leading features of the regional accreditors’ regimes. But what about the point made by defenders of D.C. control over higher education, namely, that some states have poor records on this score? This is the rubber-meets-the-road point in the clash between defenders of the “new federalism” in higher education versus those championing constitutional federalism. To answer this point, let us take the worst-case scenario rehearsed by proponents of the new federalism: You live in a state that does poorly in higher education relative to other states. What are you to do? To begin, you can get involved in reform of higher education at the state and/or local level. No small task, to be sure, but one far more likely of success than your effort to change policy mandated from Imperial Washington, in relation to which individual citizens are but specks compared to the well-funded lobbies who work in conjunction with other Inside-the-Beltway powerbrokers to run our lives. But let’s take the worst-case scenario one step further: You fail to get reform in higher education at the state and/or local level—and you have college-ready kids. Where should they go? Here, federalism shows its strength as the enabler of the fifty “laboratories of democracy,” to borrow a phrase from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. Allowing states to accredit their own higher education institutions will produce better innovations—in tuition and loan-debt reduction, in creating more marketable degrees, and in increasing access—than any one-size-fits-all approach coming out of D.C. The bottom line is this: If states are given control over accreditation, and you don’t like what yours has done, you can always send your children to schools in states that do the job better—and that have been allowed to do the job better through being granted power over accreditation. Such a cross-state “escape” to a better education will be available to us only so long as escape routes exist. The best higher education alternatives are most likely to be discovered if all fifty states once again get a crack at running what the Constitution always intended them to run.
849db8e3c39dc767a518d24c9d734746	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2018/04/27/8-minutes-hate/	8 Minutes Hate, No Big Deal, Says CUNY Law Dean	8 Minutes Hate, No Big Deal, Says CUNY Law Dean I write this report more in sorrow than anger, for I never thought I’d see the day when a law school dean would damn the First Amendment. This is the point we’ve come to on too many campuses today: Our academics teach suicide for the American experiment in democratic freedom. On March 29, South Texas College of Law professor Josh Blackman came to Shutterstock CUNY Law School to give a speech at the invitation of its Federalist Society chapter. The topic that he had been invited to speak on was “The Importance of Free Speech on Campus.” According to reports, protesters “disrupted Josh Blackman for roughly eight minutes . . . shouting that ‘legal objectivity is a myth’ and calling him a ‘white supremacist.’” They also shouted, “F--- the law!” and held up signs that screamed, “Rule of Law = White Supremacy” and “The First Amendment is Not a Licence [sic] to Dehumanize Marginalized People.” Worse, in response to the shout-down, Mary Lu Bilek, dean of CUNY’s law school, defended the protesters with an interpretation of the First Amendment that would merit an F on a high school civics test. Readers of Orwell's 1984 remember the ruling party's daily staging of collective gatherings known as "Two Minutes Hate." For Bilek, an eight-minute violation of your civil liberties turns out to be no violation at all. Fortunately for the cause of freedom, the Supreme Court has ruled clearly that campus "shout-downs," also known as the "heckler’s veto," are unconstitutional. Through the heckler's veto, protesters prevent an invited speaker from being able to speak, and prevent the audience from being able to hear what it came for. Unfortunately, and somewhat astoundingly, Dean Bilek appears unaware of the last half-century of Supreme Court doctrine on the First Amendment. Indeed, as far back as 1927, in Whitney v. California, Justice Louis Brandeis articulated the “counter-speech” principle: “[I]f there be time to expose through discussion the falsehoods and fallacies, to avert the evil by the processes of education, the remedy to be applied, is more speech, not enforced silence. Only an emergency can justify repression” (emphasis mine). As the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has written, “The increasing use of the heckler’s veto is distressing considering that the judiciary has been overruling the heckler’s veto since the Civil Rights Movement,” during which “black protesters were frequently arrested for peacefully occupying segregated areas because their acts unnerved and unsettled onlookers.” The U.S. Supreme Court addressed this in Brown v. Louisiana (1966), “ruling that the demonstrators’ First Amendment rights may not be curtailed merely because ‘their critics might react with disorder or violence.’” Did Dean Bilek miss this point in her Constitutional Law class while attending Harvard? Is she aware that even Harvard’s own liberal icon, retired law professor, Alan Dershowitz, has warned us of the tyrannical consequences that would follow should we, like Bilek, validate the heckler’s veto? (I contacted Dean Bilek and asked for comment, but received no response.) In an email to Inside Higher Ed, Bilek doubled down on civic illiteracy through attempting to buttress the position that eight minutes of violating the Constitution is okay: "For the first eight minutes of the 70-minute event, the protesting students voiced their disagreements," wrote Bilek. “The speaker engaged with them. The protesting students then filed out of the room, and the event proceeded to its conclusion without incident.” As such, it was a “reasonable exercise of protected free speech” that “did not violate any university policy.” Tell that to Professor Blackman and the audience who came to hear him. As detailed in Campus Reform, Blackman responded to Bilek’s take thus: “I was not able to give the presentation I wanted—both in terms of duration and content—because of the hecklers,” said Blackman. “The Dean is simply incorrect when she said the protest was only ‘limited.’ To date, nobody from CUNY has contacted me." If you are surprised to read that CUNY did not deign to reach out to Blackman to apologize for the poor treatment he received, you do not understand the depths of the hostility that some on the Academic Left hold toward the First Amendment’s protection of the right to debate and disagree. Free debate threatens the intellectual conformity that the Left has so carefully cultivated on many campuses for several decades now. To champion “social justice,” they must cripple the free-speech rights of those who fail to march in politically correct lockstep. Our academic censors know well that the people—if allowed to witness and participate in robust, civil debate—can be counted on generally to choose the better policy as well as the candidate espousing the policy. I have written previously that this confidence in open debate constitutes our “core democratic faith.” Our censorious campus leaders fear that, if students are allowed to hear competing views on various subjects, they will come to doubt the politically correct orthodoxy. In other words, in a free and fair debate, the case for freedom wins. To prevent the case for freedom from being heard, administrators like Dean Bilek are forced to torture the meaning of settled Supreme Court doctrine—turning the prevention of free speech into an act of free speech. Such logic-challenged reasoning reminds one once again of the totalitarian regime described in 1984, which held that “freedom is slavery,” while “ignorance is strength.” However, it would be wrong to focus all blame on one law school dean, despite Bilek’s unintentionally hilarious statement that “CUNY Law students are encouraged to develop their own perspectives on the law . . .” (emphasis mine). It would be mistaken to focus simply on Bilek because, in the final count, she is but a small example of a big problem in legal education: This teacher of censorship was named one of the “’Most Influential People in Legal Education 2016’ nationwide by National Jurist, a leading news source for law students.” In this light, Bilek is much more an echo than a new voice in legal education. Legal analysts have noted that our law schools, like many undergraduate institutions, have been steadily tracking left, jettisoning free speech in the process. We need to remember that Bilek is not simply some outlier. We need also to remember that, if the tyranny-inducing validation of the “heckler’s veto” spreads, there will come the day when we will wake up to realize that the First Amendment has indeed become what Justice Scalia feared—a “dead letter.” But, by that time, it could be too late.
2953e6db1b3481974e01b1e834ff4e52	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomlindsay/2018/10/26/opponents-of-campus-free-speech-laws-forgot-the-history-of-the-civil-rights-movement/	Opponents Of Campus Free-Speech Laws Forgot The History Of The Civil Rights Movement	Opponents Of Campus Free-Speech Laws Forgot The History Of The Civil Rights Movement George Washington's personal copy of the Acts of the first Congress (1789), containing the U.S.... [+] Constitution and the proposed Bill of Rights. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Two weeks ago, a demonstration in support of Supreme Court nominee (now Justice) Brett Kavanaugh at the University of Texas at Austin was met with not only opposition but also some pushing and shoving. UT is far from the only school to witness such confrontations. Even the First Amendment, it would seem, has become a political issue. It has, and it hasn’t. It is political in the highest sense of the word, as voiced by Aristotle, who famously labeled human beings “political animals.” By this he means that for us, political activity is essential to our flourishing. We perfect a part of our nature when we use our reason to discover and then persuade our fellow citizens of what is advantageous, just, and good for the political community. In this sense, the First Amendment is decidedly political. On the other hand—and more importantly, given the current national debate—the First Amendment is not political in the lower sense of the word—as narrow, partisan advocacy. Instead, the First Amendment is the precondition of all partisan advocacy, the indispensable means to ensuring that all of us, be we in the majority or minority, have a fair chance to speak and be heard by those who want to hear us. In short, we all need the First Amendment. We all need legal protection of our right to question and debate, without which democracy declines into stagnancy. Therefore, we need to recognize that, even when we are in the majority, it is in our long-term interest to afford minority voices the same freedom to speak as we enjoy. This is no small task, especially when the opinions confronting us are, in our view, “hateful.” But the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled consistently that even “hate speech” is protected by the First Amendment. That’s why we should be heartened by the UT administration’s response to this confrontation. UT reminded students and faculty that the “free speech of UT community members is fully protected on campus” and it condemned “violence and threats” that undermine free speech. Students were informed by the administration that they “are able to discuss, argue and condemn those views you disagree with, but unwelcome physical contact with those who espouse them or the destruction of property is never acceptable.” Higher education depends on free speech no less—indeed, more—than American democracy does. To fulfill their teaching and learning missions, university campuses should be the most tolerant places in America. The late University of Chicago president, Robert Maynard Hutchins, said it best: “Freedom of inquiry, freedom of discussion, and freedom of teaching—without these a university cannot exist.” Alexis de Tocqueville, author of Democracy in America, hoped that higher education would serve as a needed bulwark against democratic levelling. However, he worried that, in the democratic United States, the “passion for equality” could come to absorb all other principles and pursuits. This is part of what we are experiencing in these campus conflicts today. Equality is threatened, says the Social-Justice Left, by individual freedom—in this case, the freedom of individuals to speak and disagree. As the left-wing professors’ union, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), put it recently: Legislation to protect the First Amendment on campus “is a political agenda masquerading behind ‘free speech.’” Fortunately for our country, the freedom-versus-equality dichotomy is false. We see this clearly when we reflect on the role the First Amendment played in advancing the cause of black civil rights in the 1950s and ‘60s. In 1960, nine African-American students at Alabama State College participated in a sit-in at a segregated cafe in the Montgomery County Courthouse. The restaurant refused to serve them, and ordered them to leave. As reported, “When Alabama State College learned of the students’ actions, it summarily expelled them without notice or hearing. The case was Dixon v. Alabama State Board of Education (1961). When the students appealed, a federal court ruled in their favor, holding that state universities have to obey constitutional restrictions. This was the first time due process rights of students were recognized judicially. Two years later, in Edwards v. South Carolina (1963), the Supreme Court struck down the breach-of-the-peace convictions of 187 African-American students who had marched to the South Carolina statehouse to protest segregation. The Court ruled that the arrests violated the students’ First Amendment rights to freedom of assembly and petition. Most important, the Court in Edwards stressed that government could not criminalize the “peaceful expression of unpopular views.” “The First Amendment right of assembly was the foundation of the civil rights movement of the 1950s,” writes Western Kentucky University professor Linda Lumsden. There’s something else the First Amendment has achieved; it has codified good manners—in that it balances the rights of competing sides. That is, under the First Amendment, protesters are free to protest, and invited speakers are free to speak to those who invited them. For both sides to enjoy the full expression of their rights, a little space should be put between the two. They ought not to take place at the same time and in the same place. This civilizing aspect of the First Amendment—“Wait your proper turn to speak”—should be unobjectionable to all sides. That it is not is a sign of our political and moral fractiousness. Instead, it’s all the more reason to reacquaint ourselves with the basis for the First Amendment and why we all need it.
f0bb74e5a51afa6b4f9d0c8b57f22058	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommcgee/2018/05/15/partnerships-surge-as-brands-seek-edge-with-startups/	Partnerships Surge As Brands Seek Edge With Startups	Partnerships Surge As Brands Seek Edge With Startups In this image released on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, Kantar Retail uses virtual reality with eye... [+] tracking from SensoMotoric Instruments to create a virtual shopping experience at Path2Purchase Chicago, September 20-22, 2016. Press release and media available to download at www.apassignments.com/newsaktuell. (SensoMotoric Instruments via AP Images) Startups are moving into retail in a big way. In recent months, Nordstrom, Walmart and Williams-Sonoma are among the established names that have acquired tech-focused startups to boost their offline and online capabilities. Ikea made news when it acquired TaskRabbit, an online platform that connects independent workers to opportunities, such as furniture assembly. This month, the trend came into greater focus when Macy’s acquired the New York-based concept store Story. Brands pay Story a sponsorship fee to appear in a space that gets an entirely new design, product mix and marketing campaign every four to eight weeks. Story only has a single Manhattan location, but the Macy’s deal means that the rotating concept can now be potentially leveraged to hundreds of locations across the country. These innovative partnerships are surging for a variety of reasons. Retailers are joining forces with startups as brick-and-mortar stores continue align the look, feel and function of their physical locations to market demands. Brands are acquiring companies or adopting capabilities from firms that specialize in experiential promotions, wireless product tagging and interactive displays. As stores become testing grounds for these new features, retailers say the partnerships will help them meet shifting consumer tastes. Brands are also relying on the ingenuity of startups to meet shopper demands for a smoother buying experience. The digitally native menswear brand UNTUCKit is one example. Earlier this year, UNTUCKit launched a technology pilot at a New York City store to count customers as they come into stores, track items as they are tried on, and analyze sizes and styles that are ultimately purchased. The platform includes radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers from SATO Global Solutions, and overhead traffic counters from the IoT platform RetailNext. With the technology, retailers can learn whether products get carried to another section of a store or even the number of times an item is handled before it sells. Visual promotion is another area getting the startup treatment. Glass-Media Inc. makes paper-thin digital displays that include eye-tracking software so retailers can tell how many people have stopped to check out a storefront. Technology embedded within the screens can also measure foot traffic, and provide comparisons between the number of people in a store and actual point-of-sale totals. Intelligent displays are moving into the fitting rooms as well as brands look to create a seamless digital experience in physical stores. Canadian firm iMirror provides an interactive touchscreen that allows shoppers to choose new sizes, colors or products without leaving the fitting room. That’s proving essential given that those who make it into a fitting room are seven times more likely to make a purchase than those who stay on the sales floor. So don’t be surprised if this year’s RECon event feels more like a technology incubator inside of a retail real estate trade show. The industry is rapidly transforming as retailers update their stores and customer experiences. And if the past few months serve as any indication, 2018 is likely to see more acquisitions and partnerships that support the changing way people shop.
31a335b67faf0ff272c0878019cf009b	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/01/10/an-expanded-trade-between-the-sacramento-kings-and-new-york-knicks-might-benefit-both-teams/	An Expanded Trade Between The Sacramento Kings And New York Knicks Might Benefit Both Teams	An Expanded Trade Between The Sacramento Kings And New York Knicks Might Benefit Both Teams INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call during a... [+] game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Munoz/Getty Images) Getty ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that the Kings and Knicks are discussing a trade centering around Enes Kanter and Zach Randolph. According to Wojnarowski, the two sides aren’t currently close to completing a deal, as the Kings would prefer to part with additional expiring contracts. A swap of Kanter for Randolph would be a cap-neutral move for New York. Although it would save owner Jim Dolan some money this year, contracts for both players expire at the end of this season. Thus, it wouldn’t help the Knicks clear any additional cap space for 2019-20 and beyond. However, since the two teams are already engaged in trade conversations, New York should undoubtedly gauge Sacramento’s interest in Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee. It’s a game of inches — and dollars. Get the latest sports news and analysis of valuations, signings and hirings, once a week in your inbox, from the Forbes SportsMoney Playbook newsletter. Sign up here. The Kings already have a pair of quality wing scorers on their roster in Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Yet, the presence of these two sharpshooters did not stop Sacramento from signing Chicago Bulls restricted free agent Zach LaVine to a four-year, $78 million offer sheet back in July. The Bulls ended up matching the Kings offer, and LaVine remained in the Windy City. The Kings ended up signing Yogi Ferrell to a two-year $6.2 million pact later in July. However, Ferrell hasn’t lived up to expectations in Sacramento, as he’s averaging 5.8 points in 13.6 minutes. He’s also been a liability defensively. Of all rotation regulars, Ferrell has the lowest Net Rating on the team. Still, Sacramento has been one of the league most pleasant surprises this season. Incredibly, the Kings have finished more than 15 games under .500 in each of the past ten seasons and haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2005-2006. After losing 55 games last year, it was assumed they would be back at the bottom of the barrel again this season. However, at 20-21, just a game under .500 halfway through the 2018-19 campaign, they are within shouting distance of the eighth seed out west. Furthermore, even if the chances of them sneaking into the postseason this year are relatively slim, the Kings have absolutely no incentive to tank, as they have already traded away their 2019 first-round pick. Thus, it makes sense for them to trade for an immediate upgrade in talent. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks drives toward the basket... [+] during the third quarter of the game against Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty From a Knicks perceptive, their primary goal in the month leading up to the February trade deadline is to clear cap space. It’s well known that New York hopes to make a significant splash in free agency this summer. In order to be able to make a max-level offer to one of the top-tier free agents on the market, they will likely have to move either Hardaway Jr. or Lee. Hardaway Jr. has struggled with his efficiency, as he’s been asked to shoulder the load offensively for a team with limited firepower, yet THJ is still one of only ten players averaging at least 20 points and 2.5 made 3-pointers per game this season. Of those ten, THJ is one of four aged 26 or younger (the other three are Bradley Beal, Kyrie Irving and Buddy Hield). Hardaway has an onerous contract (two years and $37.1 million remaining on his current deal), but the Kings may be tempted to add another gifted scorer to their exciting young nucleus of De'Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, Hield and Bogdanovic. Courtney Lee certainly doesn't offer the same upside at Hardway Jr., but the 33-year old veteran has a more favorable contract (just one year and $12.8 million remaining) and would provide the young Kings with a solid veteran presence in the locker room and a quality 3-and-D option on the floor. This season has been a wash for Lee due primarily to a neck injury which sidelined him for the first two months of the season, but he played well last year. In the 59 games New York played before the All-Star break in 2017-18, Lee was arguably the team's most consistent performer. He led the Knicks in total points, made 3-pointers, steals and minutes played, and he ranked third in rebounds. Beginning in late November, Lee sunk 52 straight free throws, establishing a franchise record. Last season, he was one of only three players to shoot above 40% from 3-point territory and over 90% from the free-throw stripe. The other two were Stephen Curry and J.J. Redick. In addition to Zach Randolph, the Kings have multiple other expiring contracts that would be appealing to the Knicks. Kosta Koufos has an expiring deal worth $8.7 million, Iman Shumpert has $11 million left on his contract, and Ben McLemore’s $5.4 million comes off the books this summer. A trade of Zach Randolph and Kosta Koufos for Enes Kanter and Courtney Lee is allowable under the cap. If the Kings preferred Hardaway Jr. instead of Lee, they could make the money match as well. In addition, the Knicks could use one of the second-round picks they acquired from Charlotte last year to sweeten the pot. Trading away Lee would position New York to the enter July with upwards of $40 million in cap space, which would enable them to make a legitimate run at Kevin Durant. Moving Hardaway Jr. would clear out an extra $6 million in available funds. As an ancillary benefit, trading Kanter would allow New York to give extra minutes to second-round pick Mitchell Robinson over the second half of this season. It’s also important to note that the Kings situation is different from New York in that Sacramento has an abundance of cap space to play with. The Kings have a total of only $46.5 million in salary committed for the 2019-20 season. With their roster as currently constituted, their highest paid player will be Bogdan Bogdanovic, who will earn just $8.5 million. Trading for a player such as Hardaway Jr., who is locked into his current contract through 2021, could be enticing, as the Kings’ challenge may be finding players willing to commit to Sacramento long-term. Considering the recent tumult in their front office, they may have to overpay free agents to get them to sign on the dotted line. And, even if they added Hardaway Jr. or Lee, they would still have plenty of cap space to play with this summer. It certainly seems reasonable for both parties to explore such scenarios. Stay tuned to see if they decide to expand their discussions. SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 29: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks defends against Donovan... [+] Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 29, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) Getty
a4864e9c3581acc5d8b11e962b110594	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/07/09/the-best-free-agents-available-from-kelly-oubre-to-carmelo-anthony/	The Best NBA Free Agents Still Available, From Kelly Oubre To Carmelo Anthony	The Best NBA Free Agents Still Available, From Kelly Oubre To Carmelo Anthony PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Kelly Oubre Jr. #3 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with fans after ... [+] defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 04, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images The last remaining major domino to fall in free agency was Kawhi Leonard, and once new broke that Kawhi was heading to the Clippers, there was a feeding frenzy, with available players quickly being gobbled up. However, while the vast majority of talented free agents are off the board, there are still a number of intriguing players available. Listed below of the best remaining free agents as of Tuesday morning: * Kelly Oubre - Restricted - Phoenix Suns: Oubre is widely considered the most talented player still unsigned. He was inconsistent over his first few years in Washington but played the best basketball of his career for the Suns, following a mid-season trade to Phoenix. Over his final 17 appearances (12 starts) in 2018-19, he flashed plenty of tantalizing upside, averaging 20.1 points (on 48.5% shooting), 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.7 triples, 1.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 32.3 minutes per contest. Remarkably, he's still just 23 years of age. The Suns are expected to match any reasonable offer he receives. * Trey Lyles - Unrestricted - Denver Nuggets After the Nuggets traded a first-round pick to acquire Jerami Grant, Denver rescinded their qualifying offer on Lyles, making him an unrestricted free agent. Lyles (whom the Nuggets acquired in a regrettable draft-day deal in which they traded away Donovan Mitchell) failed to live up to expectations in Denver. In 2018-19, he averaged 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes while shooting just 41.8 percent from the floor. Still, he is only 23 and possesses an undeniably rare combination of size and athleticism. He'll draw plenty of interest from teams looking to unleash his potential. * Justin Holiday - Unrestricted - Memphis Grizzlies One of the best shooters left on the market, Holiday appeared in all 82 games last season, and knocked down two 3-pointers per contest, while shooting 34.8% from downtown. He also averaged a career-high 1.5 steals. Holiday has reportedly received interest from the Lakers, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Hornets, Wizards and Cavs, with Grizzlies open to negotiating a sign-and-trade. MORE FOR YOUCrisis Management: Justin Thomas And His Endorsement Portfolio After Being Dropped By Ralph Lauren * Khem Birch - Restricted - Orlando Magic: Birch hasn't had much of an opportunity to showcase his skill set, as he averaged fewer than 13 minutes a night off the Orlando bench last season, playing behind Nikola Vucevic and Mo Bamba most of the season. However, Birch was extremely efficient when he got on the floor. Per Second Spectrum data, Birch was one of only five qualified players last season to hold opponents to an FG% at or below 52% while guarding them at the rim. On the season, the Magic allowed 107.9 points per 100 possessions when Birch was OFF the court, versus just 102.7 when he was on the floor. He was tied for second on the team among rotation regulars in Net Rating, behind only Vucevic. With Orlando signing Vucevic to a four-year, $100M deal, and Bamba still on the roster, it will be interesting to see if the Magic match a competitive offer for Birch. * David Nwaba - Unrestricted - Cleveland Cavs Nwaba has been a defensive pest since entering the league, and his on/off splits serve as proof that he does impact the game on the defensive end. Despite being a bit undersized, he can guard multiple positions, and also finds ways to score (he's a career 49% shooter). * Kyle Korver - Unrestricted - Phoenix Suns Despite his advanced age (38), Korver still has plenty of value in a league that places such a premium on long-range shooting. The Suns waived him on Monday, and he'll consider signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Houston Rockets shakes hands with his good ... [+] friend LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Lakers' home opener against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 20, 2018. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 124-115. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) MediaNews Group via Getty Images * Carmelo Anthony - Unrestricted - Chicago Bulls It's been shocking to see Anthony's precipitous decline in value over the last two years. His stint with Houston lasted just ten games before both the player and team decided to part ways. It was assumed that Melo would latch on with another team relatively quickly, but it never happened. At 35, he can still certainly provide an offensive spark off the bench, but Anthony has to confirm that he will be content and comfortable in that role. It will be very interesting to see where the future Hall-of-Famer finishes out his career. * Thabo Sefolosha - Unrestricted - Utah Jazz Yes, Sefolosha is 35 years of age and has missed 76 games over the past two seasons; however, he is a reliable, versatile defender who can knock down corner 3's. Last year, Thabo shot a career-best 43.6% from behind the arc. * Cheick Diallo - Unrestricted - New Orleans Pelicans The Pelicans declined the qualifying offer on Diallo, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. At 22 years of age, he is still raw and inconsistent but flashed plenty of promise in limited minutes last season. * Jonathon Simmons - Unrestricted - Washington Wizards Simmons was acquired from the 76ers in a draft-day trade and was due $5.7 million if he was on the roster on July 8. However, the Wiz released him on Sunday. Simmons played very well during his first season in Orlando in 2017-18, averaging 13.9 points (on 46.5% shooting) and 3.5 rebounds in 29.4 minutes, but wasn't able to sustain that production this past year. * Iman Shumpert - Unrestricted - Houston Rockets Shump has been unable to stay healthy, having missed at least 20 games due to injury in four of the last five seasons. Last season, he did show some spark on the defensive end but shot just 37.4% from the floor over stints with the Kings and Rockets. * Lance Stephenson - Unrestricted - Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers were hoping Stephenson would be a reliable role player in 2018-19 when they inked him to a $4.5 million deal. However, he was disappointingly inconsistent on both ends of the floor. * Jamal Crawford - Unrestricted - Phoenix Suns Crawford scored 51 points in the Suns season finale at Dallas, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points and the first to do so with four different teams. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Crawford's 51 points were also the most ever scored by a player coming off the bench since starts were first started recorded in 1970-71. Only Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan have wider ranges from a player's first 50-point game to his most recent. TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 23: Jeremy Lin #17 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the ... [+] Orlando Magic during Game Five of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE/Getty Images * Jeremy Lin - Unrestricted - Toronto Lin couldn't get off the bench for the Raptors in the postseason, but he posted solid numbers in Atlanta before being traded north of the border in February. Over his final 45 games with the Hawks, Lin averaged 11.5 points, 3.8 asissts and 1.0 treys, while shooting 47.6% from the floor and 34.7% from 3-point territory. Best of the Rest: Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson, Kenneth Faried, Monta Ellis, Amar' e Stoudemire, Trey Burke, Pau Gasol, Tyson Chandler, Joakim Noah, Jodie Meeks, Nene, Ian Clark, Jonas Jerebko, Furkan Korkmaz, Lance Thomas, Luol Deng, Jerryd Bayless, Timofey Mozgov, Kosta Koufos, Greg Monroe, Corey Brewer
c0539cd185d1371c5c9eaf4dd585b60b	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/10/15/new-york-knicks-nba-preview-julius-randle-rj-barrett/	New York Knicks Season Preview: Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett Hoping To Establish A Winning Culture	New York Knicks Season Preview: Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett Hoping To Establish A Winning Culture MADISON, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 11: RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the ... [+] 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at the Ferguson Recreation Center in Madison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Getty Images The Knicks have lost more games this millennium (902) than any other team in the NBA. As a result of continued poor performances on the court and embarrassing incidents off the floor, New York has been a league-wide laughingstock for the better part of two decades. Even last season, when they tied a franchise record for ineptitude by posting a 17-65 record, they were unable to reap the rewards that bottom-feeders hope for, as the Knicks lost the Zion Williamson sweepstakes." However, the Knicks were able to significantly upgrade their roster this off-season via the draft and in free agency. Unwilling to spend another year solely looking toward the future, New York's front office made a calculated decision to improve their win/loss record immediately, while also aiming to develop the young foundational pieces in place. Their hope is that 2019-20 will be looked back on as a pivotal turning point, and the first step in an organizational journey that eventually returns the team to what they feel is their rightful place near the top of the league. Which teams look like contenders, and which look like pretenders? Check out Forbes’ full NBA season preview, with best-case scenarios and worst-case scenarios for all 30 teams. What’s New The Knicks had north of $70 million to spend in free agency this past offseason, more than any team in the league. Unfortunately, as we all know, they weren't able to land one of the max-level free agents. They rebounded by signing several young, promising players and a couple of established veterans. New York inked Julius Randle to a three-year, $63 million deal (with the third season a team option). Bobby Portis (two-year, $31 million pact), Taj Gibson (two years, $20 million), Wayne Ellington (two years, $16 million), and Elfrid Payton (two years, $16 million) were added as well. The final free-agent piece was unexpected. Marcus Morris signed on after spurning the Spurs. In the draft, the Knicks selected RJ Barrett with the No. 3 overall selection and traded up in the second round to grab Ignas Brazdeikis at No. 47. Best Addition: R.J. Barrett is the team's highest draft pick since Patrick Ewing. With their inability to sign max-level free agents, it's crucial that they hit on their lottery picks. If the Knicks are going to return to respectability and eventually contention, it is likely imperative that Barrett develops into a star. MORE FOR YOUWWE Raw Results: Winners, News And Notes As Bobby Lashley Wins WWE ChampionshipMarch Madness 2021 Schedule: NCAA Tournament Bracketology And No. 1 Seed Odds For Gonzaga, Michigan, MoreUFC 259: Nunes Vs. Anderson Prediction And Pick Biggest Loss: The Knicks didn't lose any overly valuable on-court contributors from last season's squad. However, they did part ways with Lance Thomas, who was a captain and respected leader in the locker room. What’s Coming The Knicks are trying to walk a fine line between committing completely to winning right away, while also developing their youthful core. The New York front office felt that they needed to put a competitive team on the floor in 2019-20 to convince future free agents that the team is headed in the right direction. However, although compiling wins is important, they also need to carve out enough time for youngsters such as Barrett, Kevin Knox, and Dennis Smith Jr. in hopes that these players have enough room to improve and take a step forward. Lastly, the team has plenty of financial flexibility moving forward, which means they'll likely be open to wheeling and dealing around February's trade deadline. Team MVP: Last season, Julius Randle averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and converted over 52% of his field-goal attempts. The only other player to average at least 21/8/3 and shoot over 52% from the floor was Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Randle can improve defensively, there are legitimate reasons to believe he can develop into a star in this league. Best Value: Mitchell Robinson will make only $1.6 million this season and is locked in at just $1.7 million in 2020-21. Last year as a rookie, he established himself as one of the league's top interior defenders, finishing second in the NBA in blocks. Robinson also joined DeAndre Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain as just the second player in NBA history to shoot better than 68 percent from the floor over an entire NBA season. X-Factor: Last season at Duke, R.J. Barrett became the first underclassman in NCAA history to average more than 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one 3-pointer for a full season. At just 19, he'll have plenty of obstacles to overcome, but is he talented enough to make some significant contributions right away? Best-Case Scenario The good news is that, coming off a season in which they won just 17 games, the Knicks have nowhere to go but up. And while they didn’t hit the grand slam they were hoping for; they upgraded the roster this off-season. If coach David Fizdale can piece together the right combination of vets and youngsters, and everyone is committed to defending and playing unselfishly, this team has enough talent to win 35-plus games. Worst-Case Scenario Unfortunately, adding talent doesn't always directly equate to a vastly improved record. Due to the massive turnover on the roster, this team may never find the chemistry and cohesion required to string together winning streaks. If they stumble out of the gate, it's possible players start focusing on their pending free agency and become more concerned with individual stats rather than team goals. It's not all that far-fetched to see pressure mounting as losses pile up, resulting in another season spent at the very bottom of the standings. It’s a game of inches—and dollars. Get the latest sports news and analysis, once a week in your inbox, from the Forbes SportsMoney Playbook newsletter. Sign up here.
f4875f2e0253472735519aa621b859e6	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/10/22/why-the-new-york-knicks-must-get-off-to-a-strong-start-this-season/	Why The New York Knicks Must Get Off To A Strong Start This Season	Why The New York Knicks Must Get Off To A Strong Start This Season NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first ... [+] quarter of the preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty Images Getting off to a quick start is important for every team in the NBA. Every coach and player in the league will make similar statements this week, spitting out cliches about how they need to begin the season on a positive note. However, for the Knicks, avoiding a stumble out of the gates is imperative. New York is coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, as they ended the 2018-19 campaign with an embarrassing 17-65 record. After failing to entice the marquee free agents (and, as if to run salt in the wound, watching Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving land in Brooklyn), the Knicks attempted to rebound by using their $70+ million in cap space to sign several established veterans and young, promising players. The good news is New York drastically improved their overall talent on the roster. It has become abundantly clear that the Knicks front office was unwilling to spend another season tanking, and have teenagers lead the team in minutes played and shot attempts. One can logically deduce that this summer's free agency debacle played a significant part in the organization's shift in strategy. Just yesterday, Kevin Durant explained that he picked the Nets over the Knicks because Brooklyn was "farther along in the process of being a contender." It appears New York is aiming to follow the Brooklyn blueprint by making incremental progress while also developing their young talent. The next time GM Scott Perry and president Steve Mills go shopping in free agency, they want to be able to point to a dramatically improved win/loss record as proof that franchise is headed in the right direction. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks to pass against Trae ... [+] Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter of the preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Getty Images MORE FOR YOUWWE SmackDown Results: Winners, News And Notes On March 5, 2021How To Watch Or Live Stream UFC 259: Amanda Nunes Vs. Megan AndersonHow To Watch Or Live Stream UFC 259: Jan Blachowicz Vs. Israel Adesanya Thus, Perry and Mills added Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Wayne Ellington, Elfrid Payton and Marcus Morris to immediately improve the product on the floor and push their young core. The primary benefit of this infusion of veteran expertise is that the Knicks have significantly improved their depth, and are two-deep at each position. They have 15 players signed to guaranteed contracts this season, and each of those players undoubtedly feels they are capable of contributing and deserving of significant minutes. The downside, of course, is that all 15 players are not going to see the floor. There are only so many minutes to go around. This number crunch is what will make head coach David Fizdale's job so challenging all year long. During training camp and the preseason, everyone has said the right things. Players have avowed they are committed to each other, professing their desire to unselfishly put the team’s goals ahead of individual statistics. However, it's far easier to make such well-intended proclamations while you still wholeheartedly believed you will be a starter or key rotation player. It's much more challenging for a prideful athlete to keep quiet and toe the company line when he is stuck to the end of the bench, relegated to waving a towel and cheering for his teammates. It's human nature. Yet, as long a team is winning, it's easier for a coach to stick to his guns. It's also less likely a player will bellyache about a lack of playing time if the team is successful. However, if the Knicks are struggling and falling further and further below .500, players on the outside of the rotation may be emboldened to suggest they are capable of delivering wins if only allowed to contribute on the court. These various factors necessitate New York get off to a strong start. Besides, the Knicks haven't posted a winning record since 2012-13. In fact, no team in the NBA has lost more games over the last six seasons. That lack of success can impact an organization's psyche. The players are all well aware that nearly everyone outside their locker room is once again predicting them to finish with one of the league's worst records. Getting off to a slow start would only serve to reinforce those negative narratives. These new veteran's voices, preaching professionalism and "playing the right way," will carry more sway if the team sees substantial progress early on. Unfortunately for the New York, the schedule-makers didn't do them any favors. Their early-season slate is particularly challenging. They begin the year in San Antonio, a notoriously tough place to play. This year's matchup will carry some extra intrigue due to the bad blood between Marcus Morris and the Spurs. Coach Pop and company were reportedly furious that Morris agreed to two-year, $20 million deal in July, which resulted in the team trading away sharpshooter Davis Bertans to Washington to clear the necessary cap space; only to see Morris end up signing with New York. Potentially complicating matters for the Knickerbockers, the team announced on Tuesday that Mitchell Robinson (sprained right ankle) and Taj Gibson (sore right calf) are questionable for Wednesday's festivities. If both Robinson and Gibson are sidelined, the Knicks interior defense would be tremendously compromised. Bobby Portis and Julius Randle would be forced to play heavy minutes, with Randle likely logging time at center in small-ball lineups. Marcus Morris and Kevin Knox would also see extended minutes at power forward. The Knicks then travel to Brooklyn on Friday to take on the Nets. The dislike between these two teams, and their respective fanbases, has undeniably been ratched up this offseason for obvious reasons. Incredibly, the Knicks have won each of their first two games in a season only once this entire millennium (2012-13). New York's home opener will take place Saturday when they host the Celtics. It will be the second night of a back-to-back for NY, but you know the Garden crowd will be amped up. RJ Barrett will be making his home debut, as Julius Randle and the Knicks welcome Enes Kanter back to MSG for the first time since he parted ways with the 'Bockers on acrimonious terms. The schedule doesn't get any easier the following week. New York travels to Orlando the day before Halloween and then to Boston that Friday. After a home game against the up-and-coming Kings on Nov. 3, The Knicks head back out on the road to take on the Pistons and then the Mavs. This contest will undoubtedly generate enormous buzz, as it's the first meeting between Kristaps Porzingis and his former mates. Six days later, Dallas heads to New York. The Garden will be rocking, as MSG denizens get a glimpse of their old flame in a different uniform. This game will be televised nationally on ESPN. DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 14: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game ... [+] at American Airlines Center on October 14, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Getty Images The end of November and into mid-December will be particularly grueling. Over an 11-game stretch beginning on November 20th, the Knicks play 11 consecutive contests against teams that qualified for the postseason last year. Five of those games are on the road, including trips to Philadelphia, Toronto, Milwaukee, Portland and Golden State. As I detailed earlier this month, adding talent doesn't always result in a vastly improved record. Due to the massive turnover on the roster, this Knicks squad may never find the chemistry and cohesion required to string together winning streaks. If the team struggles early on, it's possible players eventually start focusing on their pending free agency (less than half the roster has guaranteed contracts that extend beyond this season) and become more concerned with individual stats rather than team-oriented objectives.
ee7bfcf4de1c127d91c6e63387232b58	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2019/12/24/report-kyrie-irving-could-miss-another-two-to-three-weeks/	Report: Kyrie Irving Could Miss Another Two To Three Weeks	Report: Kyrie Irving Could Miss Another Two To Three Weeks NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Kyrie Irving #11 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during ... [+] the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on December 15, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) Getty Images Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since mid-November, may not return until mid-January. According to Brandon Robinson of Heavy.com, "a source within the Nets organization stated that Irving could be out two to three more weeks with what they are privately calling thoracic bursitis." "We're getting second and third opinions before doing anything," the source stated on Monday, per the report. Irving is "taking his time and trying to get it right," and it was made known that "health is the most important thing," understandably. Irving was initially injured back on November 12th in a loss at Utah. He played two nights later in Denver but has been sidelined since. At the time, the Nets were 4-7. Most pundits assumed Brooklyn would have a tough time keeping their heads above water after losing their leading scorer. However, that's when Spencer Dinwiddie stepped in and stepped up. The Nets won five of their first six games without Irving, and Dinwiddie earned his first-career Player of the Week honors for games played from Nov. 12th through the 18th. Since replacing Irving in the starting lineup, Dinwiddie leads the team in points, assists, free throws made and attempted, and usage rate. He is third in offensive rating and net rating. Per NBA.com, he has recorded a 20-point game, a double-double, or both in each of his 18 starts. MORE FOR YOUMarch Madness 2021 Schedule: NCAA Tournament Bracketology And No. 1 Seed Odds For Gonzaga, Michigan, MoreThe Green Bay Packers Must Use The Franchise Tag On Aaron Jones5 Things We Learned About New Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry During this stretch, Dinwiddie is averaging 26.1 points and 7.2 assists per game. During this stretch, he ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference in scoring (trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young and Bradley Beal) and fifth in the East in assists. He ranks second in the league in points per game off drives, behind only James Harden. Dinwiddie is one of only five players averaging 26+ points and 7+ assists over the last six weeks; the other four are Lebron James, Luka Doncic, Trae Young and James Harden. He's been especially effective of late, scoring at least 24 points and dishing out at least five dimes in each of his last seven games. Per Basketball-Reference, that's the longest such streak in Nets franchise history. He also shot above 40% in each of those seven contests. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 17: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to a call ... [+] during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 17, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) Getty Images Looking at the big picture, it's an incredible story. A player who was traded and waived and toiled in the G League before getting a real shot in the NBA, is now making a case for an All-Star nomination. Dinwiddie had zero 30-point games over the first four years of his NBA career, yet had three 30-point games last week alone. Over the Nets past three contests, Dinwiddie is putting up 37.0 points a night and averaging 13.0 points (on 60.9% shooting) in the fourth quarter alone. He's the first Net to record 30+ points in three straight games this decade. And, it's not as though Dinwiddie is putting up impressive stats in losing efforts. All told, the Nets are 12-6 in the 18 games they've played without Irving. The biggest improvement has come on the defensive end. In their first 11 contests this season (Kyrie started all 11), the Nets ranked 27th in the NBA in opponents' points per game (allowing 119.5 ppg), 25th in Defensive Rating and 13th in opponents' effective FG percentage. In the 18 games with Dinwiddie as the team's starting point guard, the Nets rank 10th on opponents' points per game (106.9 ppg), 14th in DefRtg, and lead the league, ranking No.1 in opponents' eFG%. Their 12-6 record (.667 winning percentage) is the sixth-best in the East over the last six weeks, trailing only the Bucks, Sixers, Pacers, Heat and Raptors. Speaking with reporters on Monday, coach Kenny Atkinson said that Irving has yet to be cleared for contact and that the team does not anticipate Kyrie playing in the Nets' game against the Knicks on Thursday. Considering how well Dinwiddie, and the team as a whole, has been playing in his absence, it makes sense for the Nets to err on the side of caution and give their star free-agent addition as much time as he needs to get healthy.
0adaa2f3b55e1bd67709567d39c6a8e2	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommybeer/2020/10/12/these-stats-suggest-lebron-james-is-the-greatest-basketball-player-ever/?sh=c0191f1cab14	These Stats Suggest LeBron James Is The Greatest Basketball Player Ever	These Stats Suggest LeBron James Is The Greatest Basketball Player Ever LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers exults after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the ... [+] Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Fans, pundits and former players can obviously make a very sound and sensible argument that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player that has ever lived. A convincing, compelling case can also be made for the criminally underrated and underappreciated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Yet, at this point, in the wake of a 35-year-old LeBron James capturing his fourth NBA championship, only those three names belong in the GOAT conversation. However, there will be plenty of time to compare and contrast LeBron and MJ. For now, let's take some time to appreciate what the kid from Akron, Ohio, has been able to accomplish these past 17 years. I'll avoid using flowery language or superfluous prose. Let's get right down to the raw data. In order to appreciate LeBron's statistical domination among his contemporaries, take a look at the leaders in each of these categories in the playoffs this century (notice the gap between first and second place): Points: LeBron James: 7,491 Kobe Bryant: 4,376 Tim Duncan: 4,274 Assists: LeBron James: 1,871 Tony Parker: 1,143 Jason Kidd: 1,046 MORE FOR YOUBillionaire Jay-Z’s Net Worth Jumps 40% With Sales Of Streaming Service Tidal, Champagne BrandGOP Senator Vows To Oppose McConnell As Trump Strengthens Grip On His CaucusSenate Chamber Empties As Reading Of 628-Page Relief Bill Gets Underway Defensive Rebounds: LeBron James: 1,954 Tim Duncan: 1,880 Dirk Nowitzki: 1,234 Kevin Garnett: 1,107 Steals: LeBron James: 445 Manu Ginobili: 292 Dwyane Wade: 273 Made 3-pointers: Stephen Curry: 470 LeBron James: 414 Klay Thompson: 374 Ray Allen: 366 LeBron James, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers, chugs through the fourth quarter against the Miami ... [+] Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images Here’s where LeBron ranks on the NBA’s all-time postseason list: Points: LeBron James: 7,491 Michael Jordan: 5,987 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 5,762 Assists: Magic Johnson: 2,346 LeBron James: 1,871 John Stockton: 1,839 Steals: LeBron James: 445 Scottie Pippen: 395 Michael Jordan: 376 Made 3-pointers: Stephen Curry: 470 LeBron James: 414 Ray Allen: 385 In terms of total rebounds, LeBron ranks sixth, behind only Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem. Now, let's talk about his most recent accomplishment. James took home his fourth NBA championship on Sunday night and was named NBA Finals MVP for the fourth time (second only to Jordan). LeBron is the first player ever to win NBA Finals MVP honors as a member of three different franchises (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavs, LA Lakers). In the 2020 Finals, a couple of months shy of his 36th birthday, LeBron averaged 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists, while shooting a scorching 59% from the floor and 41.7% from 3-point territory. In the clinching Game 6, LeBron tallied 28 points, 14 points and ten assists. Incredibly, it was his 11th triple-double in the NBA Finals, which means James has more trip-dubs in the Finals than all other active NBA players combined. It was also LeBron's 12th NBA Finals game with more than 25 points, more than ten rebounds and more than five assists. Nobody in league history has more than four such games (Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan each have four). James has more 25/10/5 games in the Finals than dis Larry Bird, Magic, MJ, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant, Bill Russell and Steph Curry combined. Over the last 15 years, LeBron has advanced to the postseason 14 times. He’s made it out of the first round each and every year and has reached the Finals ten times. Over the past decade, there have been 57 games played in the NBA Finals. LeBron James has played in 51 of those 57 contests. He’s never missed a single postseason game (Game 6 was his 260th consecutive contest), while averaging over 42 minutes a night. According to Basketball-Reference, James has been his team’s outright leader in points, rebounds and assists in the NBA Finals seven times. Only three other players in league history have accomplished this feat even once (Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, and Jimmy Butler). Other than LeBron, no player has done so more than once. As far as the myth of LeBron not being able to deliver in the clutch, that oft-repeated fallacy has long been proven untrue. James has more game-winning buzzer-beaters in the playoffs than any player in history (including more than Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant combined). LeBron also has the NBA’s highest career-scoring average in Game 7’s (34.9 points per game) and elimination games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, James is 39-11 (.780) in his career in closeout games, the best record by a player in NBA postseason history (min. 25 games). Of course, LeBron's regular-season numbers are incredible as well. In 2019-20, he was named to the All-NBA First Team for a league-record 13th time after averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and a league-leading 10.2 assists. He is just the sixth player with both a scoring title and assist title on his resume. He is only the second player 35 or older to average at least ten assists per game. James leads all active players in scoring and is the first and only player in NBA history with more than 9,000 career points, 9,000 rebounds and 9,000 assists. LeBron James, who still clearly has plenty of gas left in the tank, already has more career points than Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, more career assists than Isiah Thomas or Gary Payton, more career rebounds than Larry Bird or Willis Reed, more career steals than Allen Iverson and Magic Johnson, more career blocks than Scottie Pippen or Yao Ming, more career 3-pointers than Kevin Durant or Peja Stojaković, and more career triple-doubles than Wilt Chamberlain or James Harden, while posting a higher career FG% than Moses Malone or Michael Jordan. LeBron James, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers, rejoices after winning the 2020 NBA Championship ... [+] over the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals on October 11, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
fe8009cff6c02b96a7eb9f9da6f2e62b	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommywilliams1/2021/01/22/meet-aaron-wallace-black-haircare-brand-for-men-now-in-international-retailer-asos/	Meet Aaron Wallace: Black Haircare Brand For Men Now In International Retailer Asos	Meet Aaron Wallace: Black Haircare Brand For Men Now In International Retailer Asos Aaron Wallace & Lina Gadi Courtesy of Aaron Wallace Over the last few years, we have seen diversity increase across beauty products driven by new startup brands launching as well as an increased focus from large brands such as Unilever or L’oreal expanding their assortment through in-house development or acquisitions. A brand that we have featured previously which is making inroads into creating better hair and skin care products for diverse consumers is Aaron Wallace. Aaron Wallace, named after its founder is a brand that has been around for 4 years now but has roots long before this. Wallace was raised in London and started his career at the renowned U.K.-based charity Prince’s Trust which helps young people start businesses. After this, he decided to venture out on his own starting a barbershop which “maintained the community feels you often find in an Afro-Caribbean barbershop but prioritized customer service”. Setting up his barbershop was a steep learning curve as he had limited experience prior and after time he had built up a loyal customer base. However, the most common questions he would get from his customers were around which products they should use for their hair. He couldn’t find any products in the market that truly served his customer's needs to the standard he wanted to so decided to launch his own product. Initially, called Shear & Shine was launched in 2016. Shortly after he brought on his co-founder and head of marketing Lina Gadi and they worked on both a rebrand and reformulation with industry experts which developed Aaron Wallace. The brand's shea, mango butter, and black seed oil-infused natural products have received numerous awards and are helping black men who often feel overlooked by the beauty industry care for their hair in the right way. A recent milestone that exemplifies this was getting stocked in international, multi-billion dollar retailer ASOS who have realized a need to serve consumers in this space. On the new partnership CEO & Co-founder Aaron Wallace says “While we continue to fight discrimination against afro-hairstyles here in the UK and we’re determined to remind folks to celebrate and protect their natural textures MORE FOR YOU3 Keys To Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial SuperpowerWhat Armenia's Rising Basketball Star Can Teach Us About Building A BrandIt’s IPO Time For Coursera With more people all over the world staying home more and with way more time looking at themselves on screens, we’ve seen a boon in skin and hair care, our goal is to highlight the importance of self-care among Black men while becoming a staple in their grooming routines, educating them on the importance of caring for their hair and skin.” You can shop the Aaron Wallace collection at ASOS here. This article is part of a series featuring underrepresented people making a difference. To submit ideas for features or keep up to date with new releases you can find me on Twitter - @TommyASC91.
0af04dceb09921290de9a70a9cb29c88	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tommywilliams1/2021/01/26/meet-vamp-digital-talent--pr-agency-aiding-brands-in-diversifying-their-content-and-reach/	Meet VAMP: Digital Talent & PR Agency Aiding Brands In Diversifying Their Content And Reach	Meet VAMP: Digital Talent & PR Agency Aiding Brands In Diversifying Their Content And Reach Christina Okorocha, Rumbi Mupindu & Ruby Jade-Aryiku Courtesy of VAMP Representation of black people in the media has come into focus over recent years. A well-documented example of this was the complaints around representation and recognition of leading black actors through the roles they were able to land and the awards they picked up which led to movements such as #OscarsSoWhite. These problems are not solely reserved for A-list creative talent but reflect across the industry. A group of entrepreneurs who have been working across Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, and Lifestyle for the last 4 years to help fix this problem are Ruby Jade-Aryiku, Christina Okorocha, and Rumbi Mupindu, founders of VAMP. Early Beginnings The three founders of VAMP met at university and like many of their peers took on graduate jobs in various areas of media and marketing. However, through their interactions at work, they quickly realized that there was a clear need in the industry for a company that could represent black British talent, speak to the Black British community authentically and collaborate with brands in the right way. At 23 the trio took the bold decision to leave their jobs to pursue their dream of building VAMP full time. Whilst being a black-owned agency in a majority white-led industry, the team worked through bootstrapping their new business and combating traditional strategies and the teams that pushed them. Whilst things were difficult at first, they were fortunate enough through their experience in previous roles and perseverance to land their first major film client in their first year, Universal Pictures’ hit film, Girls Trip. The success of this collaboration increased their momentum with 2 more completed campaigns with Disney by the first quarter of their second year. Since then, within the entertainment industry, they continue to work with major clients including Warner Bros., BBC, Atlantic Records and developing a reputation as a go-to agency for entertainment PR. Knacai Ceres-McLeod, a digital marketing manager at EMI records has the following to say about VAMP “It’s always a pleasure working with VAMP. Regardless of the timeline and all the other challenges we put in front of them they always deliver great results & plans for my broad requests. An incredibly attentive and trustworthy partnership when working on priority campaigns and they’re really leading the charge on connecting us with the best black & other minority talent both Macro & Micro.” Working With Influencers In addition to working with the entertainment industry, an ever-growing area for VAMP which they are now expanding is their management of influencers. Since 2019, the team has exclusively managed 5 influencers who have a combined social following of over 2 million followers across platforms. Their influencers reach different audiences and have various strengths and talents that VAMP works hard to support. They work with their influencers to develop ventures outside of their social media platforms and support them in building brands their audience will connect with. These ventures include clothing brands, beauty brands, and more. MORE FOR YOU3 Keys To Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Superpower7 Things You Can Do To Build An Awesome Personal Brand In 2021From Social Housing To Private Equity: Now Paul Wedgwood Wants To Inspire The Next Generation 2020 saw the VAMP teamwork on one of their biggest launches yet, a fashion collection with their exclusive influencer, Mariam Musa and ISAWITFIRST. The collection was the first solo collection by a black female influencer with a fast-fashion UK brand. When launching the collection, co-founder Ruby said, “We know and constantly see the influence black women have on fashion, music, and culture. Therefore, representation like this is so important to encourage and further the next generation of black talent in the UK across industries.” This week they have launched the VAMP Digital Talent Agency which will be a collective of black content creators they have built relationships with over the past 4 years as well as a network of up-and-coming talent who they can help develop their brands, grow their audience, and work with their favorite brands. When talking to influencers from this demographic, the biggest issue they hear is the difficulty to get visibility with the right brands and negotiate the right type of partnerships that benefit both parties. The team at VAMP which now comprises five black women have spent the last 4 years doing exactly this, catering for this demographic giving them a unique vantage point of not only what brands need but also what influencers need to build long-lasting partnerships that benefit both sides. On launching the VAMP Influencer Network, Rumbi Mupindu, Head of VAMP Influencers says “VAMP began because we wanted to show these creators that we see them, even when the industry doesn’t, and to let them know that we’ll always be there to give them a platform and access, so being overlooked is a problem they no longer have to worry about.” Whilst lots of progress has been made, continuously growing and resourceful companies like VAMP are what is needed to achieve the right level of representation. You can find out more about VAMP and the new Digital Talent Agency here. This article is part of a series featuring underrepresented people making a difference. To submit ideas for features or keep up to date with new releases you can find me on Twitter - @TommyASC91.
da15299eb4693999f57dec7025118a68	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomokoyokoi/2020/04/16/the-hackathon-approach-to-covid-19-showcases-agile-innovation-at-its-best/?sh=36d506611e0c	The Hackathon Approach To COVID-19 Showcases Agile Innovation At Its Best	The Hackathon Approach To COVID-19 Showcases Agile Innovation At Its Best The rapid mobilization of hackathons to develop solutions around the COVID-19 pandemic injects new meaning to the old adage, “necessity is the mother of invention.” Since mid-March, over 53 hackathons are known to have taken place, with more events added daily. While some high-profile global events such as the #BuildforCOVID19 Global Online Hackathon and The Global Hack attracted over 18,000 and 12,000 participants respectively, most regional and local hackathons have attracted over 1,000 participants, demonstrating the keen enthusiasm of individuals to contribute and collaborate on solutions for the crisis. In the face of the evolving COVID-19 crisis, the use of hackathons to quickly crowdsource digital ideas and solutions demonstrates the possibilities of open innovation. Hackathons – a portmanteau word created by combining “hack” and “marathon” have gained popularity over the past couple of years. The events, which often produce a working software prototype in a limited amount of time, have become a common tactic for companies seeking to encourage digital innovation and recruit fresh talent. They are also increasingly used by cultural organizations and government agencies. Even the Vatican hosted its first-ever hackathon back in 2018 to encourage technological solutions for social inclusion and interfaith dialogue. One of the first hackathons for COVID-19 was organized in Estonia within six hours in mid-March. The Estonian team inspired a global movement of organizers who have leveraged the learnings from that first coordination to create local and regional hackathons for COVID-19. MORE FOR YOUMore Youthful Entrepreneurs With Moxie8 Books To Put On Your Reading List This YearSmall Business Strikes Back: The Numbers Behind The Next 1000 To date, several thousands of ideas have been generated, spanning ideas ranging from the coordination of inventory and distribution of medical supplies, public education around COVID-19, the support of data collection for hospitals and individuals, and the provision of social networks and gaming experiences to encourage safe social distancing. A sample of 10 winning ideas from recent hackathons include: Social distancing on public transport: An app that provides individualized route recommendations based on train capacity and various distancing measures, while ensuring load balancing for transportation providers. Developed by the Public Spacers team at Hack the Crisis Austria Community volunteers hub: A web platform to connect volunteers with at-risk populations in their local communities. Developed by a group of volunteers at Hack the Crisis Estonia, the platform connects a call center that receives tasks requests such as grocery shopping and delivery with a web app that matches these tasks with volunteers. Cough detection: AI is leveraged to detect cough types. Developed by the Detect Now team at CodeVsCovid19 Zurich, the idea is for users to record their coughing sound through a simple web interface and see if it can be diagnosed. Solve puzzles to accelerate vaccine discovery: This 10-minute puzzle game can be played by anyone to help researchers find a vaccine faster using AI. Developed by the Analysis Mode team at Hack the Virus Netherlands. Stray animal care: A collaborative platform bringing together volunteers, NGOs, municipals, veterinarians and pet owners to care for stray animals. Developed by the BirCan team at the Coronathon Turkey. Digitized queues: An app to digitize queuing when shopping, without physically being in line. Freedom to allow people to shop and be notified when it’s time to go to the counter. Developed by the QuickQ team at Hack the Crisis Denmark Financial assistance navigator: With new stimulus packages announced around the world daily, an app that helps individuals quickly understand what types of financial assistance they could qualify for. Developed by the Crisis Budget team at Hack the Crisis Australia. Hand disinfection stations: By coupling UV lamps with upcycled solar generators, the SunCrafter team at the Global Hack seeks to create a sustainable, reliable and inclusive hygiene solution for public spaces. Virtual government: An online space where politicians continue conducting parliamentary business, with voting and live-streaming. Developed by the Pandemia team at the Global Hack. Meal donations to healthcare workers: A platform to collect and distribute meals donated by restaurants to health workers. Developed by the Eat to Donate team at Hack the Crisis Cambodia. (A full list of all submitted projects can be found on each hackathon’s website) What happens next? Some winning projects receive prize money and coaching support to assist them in developing their prototypes. Others receive access to startup incubators. Dr Zhan Liu and his team, who developed the idea for a machine learning tool to help individuals detect fake news, hopes that the money they received at the versusvirus swiss hackathon will allow them to continue with the project. “We would be interested in developing our idea into a real product and obtain more funding to do so,” he explains. Regardless of the outcome, Liu was happy to participate. “We wanted to make a contribution.” That need to contribute is key to the creativity, focus and drive that characterise these crisis-driven hackathons. As one hackathon organizer acknowledged regarding the voluntary efforts of all participants, “We are all co-creators; and we are all winners.”
a68c6d93e3a4dd98a534efca02d10522	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomokoyokoi/2021/01/24/how-the-philosophy-of-nintendos-game-boy-inventor-is-ripe-for-these-times/	How The Philosophy Of Nintendo’s Game Boy Inventor Is Ripe For These Times	How The Philosophy Of Nintendo’s Game Boy Inventor Is Ripe For These Times A Nintendo Game Boy handheld video game console, taken on July 13, 2016. (Photo by James ... [+] Sheppard/Future via Getty Images) Future via Getty Images 2020 was a record-breaking sales year for video-game makers as people turned to tech-fueled diversions during COVID-19 lockdowns. Video game industry revenues in 2020 are estimated to exceed both sports and film combined, with experts forecasting strong growth well into 2021 fueled by new games and consoles, and an anticipated rush of gaming IPOs, such as Roblox. With the focus on shiny new releases and game changing technology, one might forget that one of the most popular and best-selling game consoles-the Nintendo Game Boy- was designed based on an entirely different philosophy: lateral thinking with withered technologies. Espoused by Nintendo game designer Gunpei Yokoi (no relation to author), the concept is to use cheap and readily available (withered) technology and combine it with creative (lateral) thinking to come up with innovative ways to engage users. The Game Boy was considered an innovative product, but the LCD screens used were affordable and already widely prevalent. Instead of seeking out cutting-edge hardware features, the philosophy was to focus on novel game play using cheap and readily available technology. Yokoi’s philosophy is widely credited in guiding the development of Nintendo's Game Boy, and informing the development of the Wii U and 3DS. The philosophy of lateral thinking with withered technology is particularly relevant in these disruptive times which require rapid innovation and a sensitivity to sustainability. The philosophy is similar in spirit with the Maker Movement-an umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkers, that has grown into a worldwide phenomenon in the past ten years. Makers tap into the spirit of self-reliance and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) to experiment and innovate using widespread technologies such as open-source software, 3D printing and robotics. The activities of the Maker community in response to COVID-19 demonstrates the potential of lateral thinking with withered technologies. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Makers mobilized to find various solutions ranging from face shields to emergency ventilators by applying and combining existing technology in new ways, leveraging rapid prototyping and an agile manufacturing approach. Some observers consider this activity as a type of frugal innovation which could fill voids in fast and targeted ways to disrupt current incumbents. It could result in outcomes that are intrinsically sustainable due to the minimization of costs and resources. But perhaps this philosophy and its potential uptake points to something deeper. Anthropologist Claude Levi Strauss used the word bricolage to describe a way of acting interacting with the environment as “doing things with whatever is at hand.” Bricolage was leveraged by organizational theorist, Karl Weick, in his analysis of the 1949 Mann Gulch disaster as a source of resilience. Weick puts forth the idea that people who are skilled in improvisation and bricolage remain creative under pressure, because they’re accustomed to working in conditions where objectives and structures are unclear. Those who bricolage often work with whatever is at hand and can form them into new combinations and solutions. MORE FOR YOU3 Keys To Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial SuperpowerWhat Armenia's Rising Basketball Star Can Teach Us About Building A BrandIt’s IPO Time For Coursera This philosophy and its embodiment in the Maker Movement could be a manifestation of our deeper desire for resilience. This way of using nonlinear, unplanned and indirect ways of thinking gives us confidence that we might be able act when faced with an unanticipated event. As Dave Dougherty, founder of the Maker Movement describes in an interview with pri.org, “It’s not about how good you are. It’s about the sense of control and the sense of purpose and of setting your own direction.”
a003406ba707a4fc3e14cea7fb99d1ab	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompfister/2019/02/01/three-distractions-when-businesses-consider-leasehold-title-insurance/	Three Distractions When Businesses Consider Leasehold Title Insurance	Three Distractions When Businesses Consider Leasehold Title Insurance Protecting against a domino effect Getty Business tenants who want to protect their leasehold estate may purchase title insurance. Generally, this is accomplished by an owner’s policy combined with the ALTA Endorsement 13-06. That’s the coverage combination, along with other applicable endorsements as requested. Referred to as the Leasehold-Owner’s endorsement, the ALTA 13-06 articulates protections in a leasing context for problems which lessees could encounter if evicted, in whole or in part, due to matters covered by the policy. This endorsement prescribes a formula for valuing the leasehold estate when computing loss or damage to the insured tenant under the policy, and spells out additional items of loss covered. Before closing a lease agreement, commercial tenants frequently will hear one or more of three distractions from their sphere of influence, resulting in not electing to insure their leasehold estate. 1. It’s Not Customary In Our Market That’s it? A commercial lessee bypasses the evaluation of safeguards because a suit says it’s not customary. Except that, the lessee is a consumer in the deal, willing and able to explore becoming an insured, ready to listen despite tales of no tenants in the geographic market opting for coverage. To a business occupier entering into an agreement, the leased premises are valuable to operations. The rights to possess and use parts of lands or buildings for a specified period of time may create obligations impacting the bottom line, like build-out and equipment. Any disruptive, unanticipated eviction arising from title issues would have even more impact on the bottom line. Some enterprises alone wouldn’t be able to weather the storm. Rather than buying the so-called prevailing custom, you may decide that you want to buy title insurance. 2. Landlord Has Owner’s Title Insurance Say there has been confirmation the lessor, or landlord, is insured in fee title via an owner’s policy. On the plus side, the rights and interest of the fee owner are insured under that policy. The assurance feels good and seems in alignment with the due diligence by the contracting parties on the lease deal. However, understand a couple points on the minus side. First, there being an owner’s policy does not mean there isn’t a title defect which could cause loss, damage or eviction, either in whole or in part. Second, the landlord’s coverage under the owner’s policy does not extend to tenants. Without a leasehold title policy naming the lessee as the insured, the commercial tenant is not covered. 3. Save Your Money At Closing There’s logic to a thrifty notion that if you don’t pay the premium for title insurance at closing, you “save” that money, as surplus. Why expend on a premium for coverage against title risks which may never materialize, so to speak? Why not take your money and run? In fact, the propensity is to reallocate those funds to consume another economic good or service, in lieu of self-insuring risks. After forgoing insurance, and when misfortune crushes everything its path, what is their sphere of influence going to do? Nothing but keep up their risk-management shaming. Purchasing something voluntarily seems to attract scrutiny, whereas purchasing something required by institutional arrangement can go for years unchecked. Regardless, a title failure can impair a tenant. Leasehold situations are unique, and so are state laws and court rulings. Don’t get distracted. Discuss questions with a commercial title officer, and seek legal advice from a real estate attorney experienced in title insurance.
19a41ddfee5b028e897dfa38c49671a1	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompfister/2019/03/21/building-awareness-of-surveying/?sh=793757b4120d	Building Awareness Of Surveying	Building Awareness Of Surveying March 21 is Global Surveyors’ Day. This is the second year for a day of worldwide recognition of those unique contributions from professional surveyors and the surveying profession. Global Surveyors’ Day is an initiative of the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) and the Council of European Geodetic Surveyors (CLGE), and endorsed by the International Federation of Surveyors. In the U.S., the day coincides with the 35th Annual National Surveyors Week. Held the third week of each March, the goal is to foster an appreciation and education about land surveying and mapping, and how surveying benefits the public. The work professional surveyors perform too often goes unnoticed. This year’s theme for National Surveyors Week: “Get Kids into Survey.” Helping to build awareness of the profession and its future, the NSPS is facilitating a collective which meets annually to develop a common message and promote the profession of surveying. For parents and educators exploring for a STEM-related career path, and for information on helping children gain interest in the surveying profession and its expanding technologies, visit this NSPS webpage: www.beasurveyor.com/get-kids-into-survey.
72ab9865604fd36963db381e7426f083	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompfister/2020/01/18/reit-donates-500k-to-help-address-homelessness/	REIT Donates $500,000 To Help Address Homelessness In Los Angeles	REIT Donates $500,000 To Help Address Homelessness In Los Angeles Aerial view of Los Angeles, California Getty Hudson Pacific Properties has pledged $500,000 to Union Rescue Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit working to provide both emergency and long-term services to adults and children experiencing homelessness. More than 58,000 people struggle with homelessness on a nightly basis in Los Angeles County, and over 36,000 in the City of Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Last year's point-in-time homeless count for Greater Los Angeles revealed a 12% increase within the county from the previous year, and a 16% jump in the city. “Hudson Pacific is committed to being a part of the solution to the homelessness epidemic that so many of our major cities are facing,” said Natalie Teear, vice president of sustainability and social impact at Hudson Pacific. Their half-a-million dollar donation will directly support Union Rescue Mission over a three-year period. This latest philanthropic contribution is in keeping with Hudson Pacific’s comprehensive efforts to combat homelessness and strengthen communities in their core markets of Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver. With headquarters in Los Angeles, Hudson Pacific Properties is a real estate investment trust, known for their expertise in acquisition, development, redevelopment, leasing and operations. Their geographic focus is on West Coast epicenters of innovation for media and technology, with a portfolio of high-quality office and state-of-the-art studio real estate totaling almost 19 million square feet. MORE FOR YOUHas The U.K. Property Market Hit Its Ceiling? Hudson Pacific’s corporate social responsibility includes Hudson Helps, a philanthropy and volunteerism program. At the corporate level, they partner with leading nonprofits, primarily in the areas of housing and shelter, education, employment and the environment. At the employee level, the Hudson Helps program reinforces positive social impact by providing every employee with 32 hours of paid volunteer time-off annually, as well as providing company-matched donations for employees’ charitable contributions. “Being a responsible corporate citizen is part of who we are, and it is important to our employees, tenants, city partners and shareholders,” Teear said. “We are excited to announce this commitment to Union Rescue Mission, and we will continue to pursue creative ways to work with local partners striving to prevent homelessness and overcome housing affordability challenges in our core markets and beyond.”
a1253c1d9fad6332ac9825b11fef7ead	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2016/11/16/late-night-shopping-14-examples-of-regrettable-purchases-at-3am/	15 Examples Of Regrettable Late-Night Shopping, Plus Trends Found In Shopping Carts	15 Examples Of Regrettable Late-Night Shopping, Plus Trends Found In Shopping Carts Shutterstock Online shopping is quickly growing in the retail industry, with the number of purchases from smartphones challenging those from desktops. As the e-commerce industry lengthens its stride, consumers are taking advantage of the fact online retailers never close, with just under a third of consumers (29%) putting in orders between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, that might be a behavior to proceed with some degree of caution, despite its conveniences. According to data from ShopRunner, purchases of certain types of items tend to spike during the evening. These include blouses and shirts, outwear, accessories, beauty products, health care items, kids clothes and, perhaps least surprisingly, sexual wellness products. According to Lyst and Racked, online buying surges on the weekends, with people spending up to 30% more. This could be due at least in part to an increase in alcohol consumption among many “weekend warrior” buyers, who use the weekend as their time to relax, drink and, if the fancy suits them, score some feel-good deals online. Buzzfeed, EMGN and Viralnova offer some rather humorous examples of perhaps-regrettable purchases made at night while under the influence: Nicholas Cage as Mona Lisa iPhone case Goat skull 1,000 communion wafers Shark socks Megalodon shark tooth Life-size gremlin Taxidermy alligator head Cheshire cat mannequin Horse masks Handerpants (fingerless gloves that look like underwear) Breathalyzer (the irony is not lost on this one) Cat bow and regular ties Crafting with Cat Hair book A mounted squirrel set up with a hat, mini fake pistols and a cigarette (creativity points awarded) Admittedly, as the buying trends from ShopRunner indicate, many of the purchases made online at night likely are from people who have schedules that simply make it difficult to get to brick and mortar stores, or from people who realize they are running low on products as they prepare for the upcoming day. But you might fall prey to some questionable buys even if you’re not a weekend warrior. Research studies have indicated that sleep deprivation can have serious effects on cognition, negatively effecting arousal, attention, memory and—you guessed it—decision making. In fact, additional research shows that even moderate sleep deprivation can impair cognitive and motor performance to a degree equivalent to being legally intoxicated. Online shopping when used well can be an incredibly convenient, cost-effective way to get desired items. Data clearly indicates that people tend to look for personal items when they hit retailers’ sites at night, and those items can help you be healthier and more comfortable. Unfortunately, both alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation can make shopping at night via the Internet a rather risky business, lowering inhibitions and causing issues with cognition and decision making. You might buy items you don’t need or want, making you slightly more financially vulnerable For the above reason, it’s best to leave late-night online shopping as a last resort, or to use simple precautions to ensure you don’t dupe yourself. For example, you could use filters such as those used to limit adult content to limit access to specific sites at certain times, or you could use plugins to block ads. Order verification requests are another route. The specific tactics you use are largely a matter of personal preference and circumstance, so just experiment to find what works best. When in doubt, a shopping support buddy never hurts.
64f38365ad59901e8d4a9259844a5996	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2016/11/21/35-days-of-deals-amazon-just-turned-black-friday-into-black-month/	35 Days Of Deals: Amazon Just Turned Black Friday Into Black Month	35 Days Of Deals: Amazon Just Turned Black Friday Into Black Month Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos demonstrates the new Amazon Fire Phone, Wednesday, June 18, 2014, in Seattle.... [+] (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In the past, Black Friday has been just that. A day. One day where you could hop online or run to your favorite store and score some serious deals. But if retailers like Amazon have anything to do about it, that way of operating could go the way of most commercial fruitcakes and get trashed. Amazon’s Push To Make Every Day Black Friday Amazon began 35 straight days of “Black Friday” bargains this week, meaning that shoppers can get some rock-bottom prices for a decent amount of time before and after Thanksgiving. The company claims it will offer a new deal up to every five minutes from now until Dec. 22, with some of the best opportunities delivered during “Turkey Five”, the five days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Some of the best deals will be on toys, electronics and fashion items, and outlined here by BusinessWire. And Amazon isn’t alone in spreading out its bargains. Macy’s, for instance, started offering “preview doorbusters” on Nov. 17, as did eBay. Walmart reportedly has been offering deals since Nov. 4, and Target is offering various shipping, coupons, gift cards and Cartwheel savings through December. What’s Behind The Early Sales? Retailers have good reason to extend their sales and give into Christmas creep. ShippingEasy’s 2016 Holiday Shopping Guide asserts that, in 2015, 56.6% of consumers already had started their holiday buying by early November. The National Retail Federation puts that number lower at 41.5%, but it also reports that, for the 2015 season, about 40% of shoppers had started looking for gifts by Halloween. What’s more, the number of people shopping by Halloween has been stable for the past 14 years. What’s driving people to shop early isn’t completely clear, but a Time article by Kit Yarrow offers some possibilities. Some individuals admit they’re hitting stores early out of convenience, hoping to pick things up when they don’t have to make extra trips or fight crowds. The desire to spread out the expense of the holidays for budget reasons might also be a contributing factor. Some people might want more time to ensure that they’re not stuck giving poorer quality or less-than-meaningful items to those they care about. Lastly, shoppers might hit sales as soon as they can because they can spend more time during the holidays with their loved ones. Regardless of the psychological motivations, the ability to shop more retailers anytime, anywhere due to technology and e-commerce likely has changed the ball game, too, making more people less willing to wait. But not everybody’s on board with turning the final months of the year into one giant sale blob. Many consumers feel that the degree of Christmas creep has reached outrageous levels, and there are a fair share of retailers who agree. Stores like Nordstrom, Office Depot, REI, and TJ Maxx all are pushing back, committing to staying closed on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you opt to shop early for Black Friday is completely up to you. But as a consumer, you should know that many major retailers are responding to data that shows that a big percentage of buyers don’t want to—and simply won’t—wait to start purchasing holiday gifts. That means you have the option of getting out there and shelling out your cash if you like. And when you have a choice, you can feel much more in control and, subsequently, less stressed. That’s probably not a bad thing during a time when you are supposed to relax, connect with yourself and others and give thanks.
93184503ce42adaacd5a0dd33df89201	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2017/02/28/luxury-brands-are-becoming-big-players-in-the-growing-ecommerce-game/	Luxury Brands Are Becoming Big Players In The E-Commerce Game	Luxury Brands Are Becoming Big Players In The E-Commerce Game Pexels.com Would you hit the “Buy Now” button with a reputable online seller if the price tag for your purchase was worth tens of thousands of dollars? That’s exactly what watchmaker Vacheron Constatin hopes shoppers will do. As Bloomberg News reports via Internet Retailer, the Geneva-based company announced earlier this month that it’s going to partner with New York-based website Hodinkee to sell its Cornes de Vache 1955 timepieces online only. Each of the 36 limited-edition watches sells for $45,000. The release represents the first time in the brand’s 260-year history that the watchmaker will sell exclusively through the Internet. Vacheron Constatin not alone in dive into e-commerce. Just a few years ago, buying high-end meant in-person shopping. Now moves like those from Vacheron Constatin are becoming commonplace. Hermes, Luis Vuitton Chanel, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and Net-A-Porter are just some of the big names entering the e-commerce ring, for example. As Paul Vallois of Luxury Daily points out, the decision to move to digital often is not an easy one. On one hand, luxury consumers aren’t just after an exceptional product. They wantperks like exclusive access, insider knowledge and more personalized, intimate service. Going online makes this part of the buying experience harder to provide. Ready availability also can make a luxury brand lose their superior feel. Luxury brands also have additional security and technology concerns to address, such as how to ship products worth thousands in packaging that’s both discrete and representative of the brand. Subsequently, as much as 40% of high-end brands do not sell products online. But on the other hand, according to Vallois, is that the face of luxury buyers is changing. Well-to-do shoppers now expect brands they support to be online. They’ll shop somewhere else if they can’t hit a website. In an eMarketer interview, Maria del Carmen Fernández González, CEO of marketing and e-commerce agency Infinitum Ecommerce, further notes that the average age of luxury shoppers has gone down from 48 to 34. In other words, millennials are the new rich, and luxury brands are catching on to the fact they have to accommodate a younger, more diverse, tech-loving clientele. Of course, bringing a luxury brand into the e-commerce sphere doesn’t happen automatically. Those brands that are making the shift online are approaching it carefully, doing their best to maintain their traditional image on their sites. According to Hilary Milnes of Digiday, that means content that tells an engaging story and connects to the brands’ heritage, exclusive offers, personalization choices throughout the purchase process and more follow up. Luxury brands also go out of their way in customer service, using live chat, reservations, free shipping/returns, call back and other options. McKinsey & Company predicts that online sales of luxury goods will triple in the next 10 years, and that by 2025, the online share of total luxury sales will reach 18%. But the move online happens for individual companies only when those businesses feel their clients are online themselves. Thus, exactly when particular luxury brands transition to digital is up to you.
1205a8a00fbb1c4182abff9d8fc894c8	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2017/02/28/the-key-to-successful-selling-on-sites-like-amazon-it-might-just-be-ai/	AI Might Be The Key To Selling On Sites Like Amazon	AI Might Be The Key To Selling On Sites Like Amazon Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg Voice recognition software. Self-driving cars. It’s no longer a big deal for people to see some form of artificial intelligence in the products they buy. But AI doesn’t just have to be within products. It can play a critical role in connecting you to products and saving you money, too. That’s the vision behind Feedvisor, a company specializing in algorithmic technology. The company’s products allow third-party sellers to automatically adjust prices, predict product trends, recommend sourcing, and demand planning options and optimize additional factors. That enables the sellers to better understand and direct consumer behavior. The sellers also can take a more proactive stance, predicting what competitors are going to do instead of merely reacting after the fact. In short, the technology makes it possible for third-party sellers to cope with the incredibly dynamic nature of modern online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon). With thousands or even millions of dollars in sales at stake, companies aren’t likely to use AI within online stores unless they have some evidence that the effect on their bottom line will be positive. Researchers at Northeastern University found that when sellers use algorithmic repricing, they’re more likely to be featured in the Amazon Buy Box. This remained true even when the sellers’ prices were higher than the prices of merchants who didn’t use algorithmic repricing. The same study found that prices of products from sellers using algorithmic pricing were 10 times more dynamic. The conclusion? Algorithmic repricing is a must for sellers who want to see their products as Amazon leaders. Victor Rosenman, Feedvisor’s CEO, offers additional evidence based on business impact analysis. He claims that sellers who use his products saw year-over-year growth that outperforming the market by an average of 50%. He also asserts his clients enjoyed: Revenue increases up to 34% Sales increases up to 24% Profit margin increases up to 37% And those kind of results are driving more and more clients Rosenman’s way. Feedvisor saw its customer base grow by 250% in just a year. As shoppers shift their buying behaviors and preferences, sellers don’t want to invest in technologies that can’t perform in more long-term ways. But Rosenman says that his company’s algorithm has machine-learning capabilities. That means that the more data the algorithm gets, the more it can improve and fine-tune what it’s doing for the sellers. And currently, Feedvisor’s algorithm, which supports multiple platforms, has access to about 200 million pricing decisions every single day. Rosenman also is experimenting with game theory and has a team of data scientists that monitors marketplace dynamics for potential beneficial modifications to the algorithm. “As we continue to improve our algorithms,” says Rosenman, “we look forward to continued growth of both our customer base and our customers’ online businesses.” Companies have been tapping big data with various types of software for years in an effort to understand, adapt to and get ahead in the marketplace. But as Feedvisor’s results and increasing presence show, AI is becoming a much bigger part of that process, especially in e-commerce. And that’s good. It means better competition and that selling well online, like buying, doesn’t have to be hard.
a2952942ab68e7112ef75ab7783aee1c	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2017/04/28/the-echo-look-amazons-newest-innovation-may-disrupt-fashion-5-bold-predictions-how/	The Echo Look: Amazon's Newest Innovation May Disrupt Fashion--5 Bold Predictions How	The Echo Look: Amazon's Newest Innovation May Disrupt Fashion--5 Bold Predictions How Amazon Echo Look Application (Photo Credit: Amazon.com, Inc.) Amazon.com, Inc. There is no denying that consumers are in enamored with both selfies and the Amazon Echo, the 'smart' device that serves as your digital personal assistant (and part-time comedian). Now, Amazon has unveiled a new innovation, the Echo Look, aiming to combine those two interests but with a fashion focus. The device will provide all the features of the original Echo, but it also allows you to take hands-free pictures and videos, providing advice on what outfits are the best choice. About the device Technically, Echo Look is an oblong-shaped piece of hardware. It offers Built-in LED lighting A depth-sensing camera Computer vision-based background to blur out what’s around you and ensure you’re the focal point Manual on/off button for the mic and camera, located on the side of the device Cloud-based operation The device works with the Echo Look application, which lets you easily build a photo library (Look Book) of outfits. Users can get outfit recommendations based on their daily look, as well. The application also features Style Check, which allows you to submit two photos for a second opinion on what looks best based on elements like current trends, color, fit, styling and color. It works through a blend of advice from real-life fashion experts and advanced machine learning algorithms. Through fashion, AI might touch (and disrupt) everything. The 5 Bold Predictions: Amazon, like many other companies, already leverages AI and machine learning to offer customers recommendations based on website purchases or browsing history. But there are good reasons not to dismiss the Echo Look as little more than a glorified selfie stick and could actually be a game-changer: The adoption, usage, and retention of the Echo Look may lead other retailers to build their own hardware and software to leverage specific, loyal customer groups for more targeted feedback Depending on the direction Amazon wants to take, brands integration & partnership opportunities may exist with Look, potentially impacting brand personalization and consumer reach Eventually, Amazon could provide fashion expert feedback through real-time video (think like those TurboTax experts) Amazon could provide new incentives, such as Amazon Points or cash payments, to encourage both experts and the general community to offer fashion feedback to others If Look becomes part of a top style/feedback network, Amazon can use their influence and partnerships/integrations to produce a vast range of additional revenue streams In other words, Look has the potential not just to earn Amazon cash (pun unintended) in multiple ways, but also to influence both customer engagement and the strength of specific retail businesses. It could create a new standard for the user experience where customers demand AI-based recommendations for other regular points of daily living, and where a range of outsiders, in providing feedback, have considerable sway over what people ultimately buy and what they pass over. That might make it harder to predict purchase decisions and force companies to reevaluate the way they target each niche market. Of course, not everyone is keen on Amazon’s Echo line, or Amazon in general. Security is still a major concern. Even though the Echo Look provides an off button for the mic and camera, some consumers may still be wary or shy away due to ethical beliefs. And not everyone who is OK with Amazon and the Echo necessarily will want the fashion features of the Look. The degree to which the Echo Look will succeed, therefore, is still to be determined. As such, intrigue and curiosity will both exist as we anticipate what happens 'through the looking glass'.
b2a1bd92eb2d12b4abf983732d46e14d	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompopomaronis/2018/02/02/the-age-of-online-reputation-management-how-consumers-now-own-brands/	The Age Of Online Reputation Management: How Consumers Now Govern Brands	The Age Of Online Reputation Management: How Consumers Now Govern Brands Shutterstock What do Rolex, Lego and Hallmark have in common? According to 2017 data from the Reputation Industry, they're three of the five most reputable companies in America. Their placement is a combination of nostalgia, corporate responsibility and a willingness to focus on reputation strength. Today's online shoppers have a considerable hold on brands. From small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations, the power of social media and online review sites has meant a distinct shift in power to consumers when it comes to brand reputations. Customers are now powerful enough to make or break companies via their online feedback. Brands are increasingly waking up to this new reality and doubling down on reputation monitoring and management as an essential component of their growth strategy. Failure to engage in reputation management can be disastrous for brands, regardless of their business' size. The ability to successfully build a strong brand reputation comes down to a number of factors: Brand Transparency How open your business is with consumers and vendors, both with good news and bad? Social Good How does your business give back to the community and contribute to making the world a better place, even if just in a small way? Integrity Can consumers and business partners trust your company, both in the quality of products/services you offer and your brand communications? Inspirational Branding Does your company's branding make the public feel better/want to do better/think better of your business? Staff Treatment And Happiness Are you treating your staff with respect and fairness, or does your company have a public facade and an entirely different persona when it comes to staff treatment? Massive PR is an online public relations company with a concentration on reputation management for national and international brands. Massive’s president, Nadia Munno, weighed in on the modern-day impact it can have on brands, especially retailers: 91% of searches don’t go beyond Page 1, and Google is your new business card — that’s something we tell all of our clients, and it continues to be humbling how brands, small and large, still let this fall by the waist-side. Being proactive is now a necessity, and if you’re being reactive, the reputation damage has already been done — catch up isn’t a game you want really want to play.” Munno continued, Brands invest so much time, money and resources to tell a beautiful narrative, visually and contextually, but if their customers see even one negative result, massive revenue opportunity is lost — and the e-commerce implications are quantifiably destructive.” Knowing how to build a strong corporate reputation is essential, but so, too, is managing your brand reputation on a consistent basis. The impact on your brand can be severe if you don't react quickly and efficiently to negative public commentary. To address that negativity, Munno offered a few solutions: Address Negative Commentary Immediately In A Polite Manner This isn't the time to snap back at public comments or let your temper get the better of you. Letting consumers know they have been heard and updating them on your efforts to address their concerns is critical — you need to acknowledge them on all channels (social, external review sites, e-mail, etc.). For those particularly complex scenarios, politely isolate them and encourage a direct message or contact. Understand Reasoning Behind Negative Commentary And Attention Retailers that make the effort to understand the reasoning behind negative feedback have a much better chance of repairing the damage. Is your company's negative attention a result of a poor shipping experience? Was a consumer made to feel like they weren't being heard and your company needs to adjust customer service practices or processes? When you understand why negative reactions happened, you are in a better position to develop long-term fixes to avoid such events in the future — proactively investigate and address. SEO Search engine optimization is crucial if your company wants to ensure the top rank of search engine results are filled with positive results rather than negative. A concerted effort to reduce the prominence of negative feedback regarding your company is a must. Proactive Monitoring Regardless of whether your business has ever received negative online attention, ongoing brand reputation monitoring is imperative. Failure to monitor social networks and review sites could mean you not only miss the opportunity to immediately engage with negativity, but you also miss the opportunity to connect with those posting positive feedback about your brand — if the former occurs, it can quickly spiral out of control. Businesses that understand the shift in consumer power are better positioned to maximize their brand reputation opportunities. A Maya Angelou quote is highly relevant: "I did then what I knew best; when I knew better, I did better.” Well said, Ms. Angelou. Retailers and brands need to commit to doing better, knowing their reputation is in the hands of a socially empowered public — one that is exponentially growing.
15579af52b898ea1b0e4df063ff2f000	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tompost/2012/02/15/entrepreneurs-predict-a-great-2012/	Entrepreneurs Predict a Great 2012	Entrepreneurs Predict a Great 2012 Some very good news for small businesses -- and the economy in general. A new survey by the Kauffman Foundation captures a swell of optimism among owners of startup companies: Eight out of ten respondents believe their businesses will be profitable over the next year; two-thirds think the economy will grow (or, at least, remain on the same keel); and one out of four plans to hire. All this, despite the gloom that seems to overhang the globe: the market fibrillations over Greece, Italy and Portugal, and the ever-ratcheting tensions between Iran and Israel (to say nothing of the slide toward civil war in Syria and Sudan). Economists may dismiss the Startup Confidence Index, the first of a quarterly effort by Kauffman and LegalZoom, an online documentation service, as too small (800 responses) and unscientific (it's largely anecdotal).But it's a valuable seismic read of what's happening at ground level, or below, across the country: a conviction that things are finally turning around. And it squares with some of the recent conversations I've had with entrepreneurs who, to a man and woman, feel exceptionally upbeat about the future of their enterprises. Ah, you may say, how typical of idealists. And you would certainly be right--the kind of idealism that took hold of Fred Smith and Steve Jobs, Ted Turner and Bill Gates, who all launched companies in the darkest troughs of recession. One survey doesn't constitute a pattern. "It's not a perfect indicator," says Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at Kauffman. But it's a pulse -- and, perhaps, a harbinger of other vital signs (rising consumer confidence and spending; business investment) that could further brighten the employment outlook. Small businesses, as everyone knows, drive job creation.
151d2844a886f7b87c34ab8a8f8dcb99	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomrodgers1/2019/04/08/ethereum-classic-price-roaring-just-weeks-after-51-attack/	Ethereum Classic Price Roaring Just Weeks After 51% Attack	Ethereum Classic Price Roaring Just Weeks After 51% Attack Ethereum Classic is still recovering from a 51% attack. Why did the price suddenly swing higher? Flickr: ETC, Creative Commons Zero Ethereum Classic is the original blockchain. It’s the 2017 hard fork Ethereum that is the pretender. So ETC fans like to point out at every available opportunity. That Vitalik Buterin’s Ethereum is the de facto second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap must really stick in their throats. But Ethereum Classic is showing a remarkable price rebound lately, ticking up a staggering 35% as of Sunday 7 April. Weekend trading is normally slow, so it was especially unusual to see such large volumes pushed through. By Monday morning ETC was trading at a two-dollar fall from its $10 high. Even the evangelists in Reddit’s r/EthereumClassic subreddit suggested a pump and dump might be at play. ETC prices shot up from $6.66 at 4:00am GMT on San Fransisco-based Coinbase to a maximum of $10.01 at 5:30am. That’s a big 2019 high. There has been no obvious fundamental news to underpin such a sharp continued rise in ETC. Analysts suspect there is simple FOMO going on here, backed by the high correlation between market dominator Bitcoin and the rest of the altcoins. Clem Chambers, CEO of ADVFN and Online Blockchain plc was stark in his appraisal: "The crypto-winter is over," he said. "In a bull market the rising tide raises all ships. The smaller coins are high beta and are therefore prone to bigger moves as the market rises and falls. Ethereum Classic is prone to this volatility as are DOGE and Ravencoin. " But Jehan Chu, Managing Partner at Kenetic hinted there may be more to this story yet. "The recent price surge across a range of left-behind tokens such as Ethereum Classic demonstrates that the smaller crypto markets are still emotionally driven. "The fervor and froth whipped up in these communities quickly become significant price waves. On the other hand, when these waves crash, they'll inevitably leave some bodies on the rocks." Double your money Volume in particular saw a huge upswing, hitting $800 million across all exchanges tracked by CoinMarketCap. That’s more than double ETC's early volume of $350 million. There has been a staggered fall since. As of Monday at 4:00am GMT, Ethereum Classic is back around the $7.80 mark. When the bull market suddenly and mysteriously returned on 2 April after months of flat volume and low volatility, it caught most of us by surprise. A 20,000 BTC buy order spread across Kraken, Coinbase and Bitstamp exchanges likely sparked algorithmic trade wars, as BCB Group Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie told Reuters. Chu, also co-founder of nonprofit grantmaker the Social Alpha Foundation, added: "It's no secret that ETC technical development lags behind many other protocols, but perhaps the price move may re-ignite interest beyond token speculation into real long-term project growth." ETC lags behind in technical terms, according to the experts. But change is on the horizon. Flickr: ETC, Creative Commons Zero Getting technical Some news that might be behind a steep upwards tick is that the network upgrade Atlantis is coming. But that’s not until around mid-September 2019 at current projections. The hard fork proper will hit the Ethereum Classic mainnet at block 8,750,000. That’s after it breaks on the Kotti (block 1,039,000) and Morden (block 4,723,000) testnets in early August 2019. Atlantis will bring forward a few improvements, including Making ETC easier to run. Adding various precompiled contracts and opcodes should improve the interoperability of ETC with ETH and the testnets for greater adoption. Better for dApps. Changing the receipt status should make it simpler for dApp devs to access whether a contract has succeeded or failed. Changing the difficulty formula. The algorithm will now target constant average block times to make issuing ETC a lot more predictable and much harder to manipulate. Sometimes it does feel like a PhD in Maths would be handy when trying to decipher what blockchain upgrades will actually do. A good, if highly technical, outline is on Medium here, while the full Github repo is here if you want more specifics on the Atlantis hard fork. Ethereum Classic 51% attack The rapid price movements of the past few days have left analysts scratching their heads. As a staunch top-20 coin, ETC had been seen as relatively stable. But in January 2019 researchers confirmed a successful 51% attack on the Ethereum Classic blockchain. Gate.io identified the txhashes where hackers were able to roll back transactions and steal around 54,000ETC in total. In a statement, they said: "It happened between 0:40 Jan.7, 2019 and Jan 4:20 Jan.7, 2019 UTC for about 4 hours. "All the transactions were confirmed normally on the ETC blockchain and became invalid after the blockchain rollback. Three of the attacker's ETC accounts are identified as follows: 0xb71d9CD39b68a08660dCd27B3EAE1c13C1267B10 0x3ccc8f7415e09bead930dc2b23617bd39ced2c06 0x090a4a238db45d9348cb89a356ca5aba89c75256 "We suggest all platforms to block the transactions from the attacker's accounts. "Gate.io's censor successfully blocked attacker's transactions at the beginning and submitted them to the manual exam. "Unfortunately, during the 51% attack, all the transactions looked valid and confirmed well on the blockchain. The examiner passed the transactions. It caused about 40k ETC loss due to this attack. Gate.io will take all the loss for the users." A security fail as large as this exploit should have sent the price plummeting and traders running for the hills. Days later, Gate.io reported that the hack may not have been as catastrophic for Ethereum Classic as first feared. “On Jan.10, we found that the recent ETC 51% attacker returned 100k USD value of ETC back to Gate.io. "We were trying to contact the attacker, but we haven’t got any reply until now. "We still don’t know the reason. If the attacker didn’t run it for profit, he might be a white [hat] hacker who wanted to remind people the risks in blockchain consensus and hashing power security." ETC was also one of three cryptocurrencies banned in February from being used in ICOs and as a trading pair by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission. Purists might argue it is no bad thing to be mentioned in such close company with Bitcoin Cash et al. But a trading block is never a good thing, especially with the explosion of the South Asian market and regulators’ desire there to move quickly and decisively to support crypto businesses. After holding in the $7.60 range on Monday morning ETC pushed lower, striking $7.20 on Coinbase by 9:40am GMT.
ce3c6883d57d09cac6f247b4af8d2dd8	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2019/10/23/what-we-learned-from-fc-barcelonas-champions-league-win-over-slavia-prague/	What We Learned From FC Barcelona’s Champions League Win Over Slavia Prague	What We Learned From FC Barcelona’s Champions League Win Over Slavia Prague PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 23: Lionel Messi (C) of Barcelona celebrates with teammates after ... [+] scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Slavia Praha and FC Barcelona at Sinobo Stadium on October 23, 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Getty Images) Getty Images Prevailing out of a thrilling encounter in the Czech capital, FC Barcelona beat Slavia Prague by two goals to one and headed to the top of Group F on Tuesday afternoon. Here’s what we learned from the tie. Barcelona made their brightest start to a game all season Away from home at least, that is. They began this one sharp, first to the ball and quick to close down. Even after the early goal, they chased a second with fitness and stamina levels across the team impressive. Their intensity seldom dropped, even though Slavia Prague also upped the tempo and defended better after falling behind. Yet these relentless pushes forward made them ripe for exposure Better opposition might have punished them, and there were two chances when the hosts could have come back into it on the counter. Yet again, the heroics of Ter Stegen and his sensational blocking of short distance on-target shots saved their blushes. Slavia Prague weren’t here to make the numbers up. Messi is off the mark in the Champions League The third minute opener was his first for 2019/2020 in the tournament he is so desperate to win again, as well as his first on the road since November last year. Playing a one-two with Arthur, he stormed into the box to get the ball back and converted cooly from close range. According to Mr Chip, he levelled with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul for having scored against 33 different opponents on the continent. According to FC Barcelona’s official social media accounts, he is the first individual to score in 15 consecutive seasons. MORE FOR YOUMarch Madness 2021 Schedule: NCAA Tournament Bracketology And No. 1 Seed Odds For Gonzaga, Michigan, MoreUFC 259 Full Fight Video: Watch Amanda Nunes Knock Out Ronda RouseyWWE Raw Results: Winners, News And Notes As Bobby Lashley Wins WWE Championship Griezmann unleashed his inner Cholismo Tracking back while attempting to pressure and muscle players off ball in his own box, Antoine Griezmann unleashed the inner Cholismo installed in him by Diego ‘El Cholo’ Simeone at Atlético Madrid. A quality Ousmane Dembélé doesn’t possess, the $134mn summer purchase offers not just attacking prowess but also tireless defensive work rate. Yet again however, his younger compatriot replaced him in the 69th minute. Racism continues to be a problem in Eastern European soccer A week after England’s black players were mocked and subjected to Nazi salutes in Bulgaria, Nelson Semedo, as reported by Ben Hayward and Marcelo Bechler, was the recipient of monkey chants from supposed fans behind one of the goals. Disgusting behaviour. Arthur carriess on racking up the assists Notching two in the space of a few minutes against Sevilla before the international break, Arthur didn’t stand out on his return from it at Eibar on Saturday. Here, he instantly provided for Messi to complete his fourth of the season in all competitions. But the less said about his start to the second half the better, which is when Arthur twice gave the ball away dangerously near the 18-yarder. The same logic applied to the whole team in the second half Four minutes after the break, the visitors had scuppered their lead when a long ball caught out the back line and Lukas Masopust still managed to find Jan Boril despite being surrounded by Blaugrana men. In the moments following the equaliser, Stanciu came close and Slavia had smelled blood. Just like Barcelona had been in the first 45, the Czechs were first to everything and pressed the Spanish champions in their own half to disrupt their passing game. This was by no means an easy win, with scares as late as the 94th minute. The Suarez away hex continues Skyig a good chance when latching on to a cute through ball from Semedo around the half hour mark, Suarez thought he had broken his away hex in Europe when playing a heavy part in Barcça sneaking 2-1 ahead. Just like at Old Trafford last season however, the strike was credited as an own goal scored by an opposition defender. With around a quarter of an hour to spare, he also hit wide on a clean break towards goal. Barcelona are top of the group Inter beating Dortmund 2-0 at the San Siro, Ernesto Valverde’s men are now top of Group F and can maintain their cushion of at least three points by beating today’s opposition again at the Camp Nou next month.
7ba3b4119e6fbc861ca5edeb4b164049	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2020/03/14/ronaldinhos-prison-team-win-futsal-tournament-and-suckling-pig/	Ronaldinho’s Prison Team Win Futsal Tournament And Suckling Pig	Ronaldinho’s Prison Team Win Futsal Tournament And Suckling Pig Brazilian ex-football star Ronaldinho Gaucho arrives at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in ... [+] Luque, near Asuncion, on March 4, 2020. - Ronaldinho arrived in Paraguay to present his latest book "Genio en la Vida" and a health programme for girls and boys. (Photo by Norberto DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Even in retirement, or indeed incarceration, the silverware continues to roll in for FC Barcelona legend Ronaldinho. Now, the 39-year-old can add a futsal trophy to the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or, after helping his team come out on top in a tournament held within the Paraguayan maximum security prison he currently inhabits over the use of false documents. As has been widely reported, the triumphant outfit was also awarded a 15kg suckling pig for their 11-2 win, with conflicting accounts emerging over how many goals and assists the Brazilian racked up. Some have it down as five and six in each facet respectively, while others contest that his involvement in the match wasn’t as dominant. Elsewhere, though, video footage has surfaced of at least one of his successful strikes. Earlier in the week, teams across the prison apparently rowed with one another over which would have Ronaldinho on their team, while it was also rumoured that the Gremio academy product would not be allowed to score in the competition's games. MORE FOR YOUAEW Dynamite Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021WWE NXT Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021‘Big Show’ Paul Wight Joins AEW In Shocking Development In any event, the tournament went ahead without incident, with Ivan Leguizamon of local media outlet ABC TV alleging that Ronaldinho would have been part of the side including former football agent Fernando González Karjallo. According to Paraguayan television, fellow prisoners were left in stitches when Ronaldinho dribbled fallen deputy Miguel Cuevas, behind bars on corruption charges, and put him on the ground in helplessness. Away from the futsal court, however, matters worsen for Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto, who is also being held in the Asuncion prison. Their third appeal for a transfer to house arrest turned down, as it was again deemed that the siblings pose a flight risk while Brazil does also not extradite its citizens, police yesterday found 6,000 footballs in the home of entrepreneur Dalia Lopez. Lopez believed to have supplied the false document, which cost $12,000, the balls contained the exact same photo as found on Ronaldinho's Paraguayan passport and provided further evidence of a link between the two parties. Ronaldinho tested for COVID-19 on Friday, it has been suggested that Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro, who appointed him an ambassador for tourism despite being legally unable to own a passport, may put pressure on the Paraguayan government to release his ally. Thus far, the protests of Minister of Justice and Public Security Sergio Moro have fallen on deaf ears, and, as things stand, it is expected that Ronaldinho and Roberto could be jailed for at least six months until they face trial.
730822123571de14824a538c3c1c1cc1	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2020/06/23/scrappy-fc-barcelona-versus-athletic-bilbao-result-and-what-we-learned/	Scrappy: FC Barcelona Versus Athletic Bilbao Result And What We Learned	Scrappy: FC Barcelona Versus Athletic Bilbao Result And What We Learned BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 23: Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides first goal ... [+] witj team mates during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on June 23, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) Getty Images At the Camp Nou on Tuesday, FC Barcelona faced Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Here’s the result, what happened, and what we learned from the fixture. No alarms and no surprises in Setien’s XI With Frenkie de Jong still injured, Arthur and Arturo Vidal paired in front of Busquets in midfield, and Setien’s team was pretty much as expected. For the first time on his watch, the MSG front line of Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi was put out and therefore enjoyed their first union since January. There was plenty to speak of in the opening 25 minutes Unai Lopez’s cross almost curving into the net from the wing, were it not for a low Marc-Andre Ter Stegen block, Inaki Williams also broke through on goal on 13 minutes but hit wide. Barça looked lethargic. But weren’t completely pedestrian, however, and had their own chances with Suarez on the end of good link-up play with Griezmann, or Jordi Alba and Messi as well, on a couple of breaks. MORE FOR YOUAEW Dynamite Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021WWE NXT Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021‘Big Show’ Paul Wight Joins AEW In Shocking Development Possession was 65-35% in the hosts’ favor - considerably less than the 80-20% split they are used to at this stage of a match. The cooling break gave Setien a chance to rouse his troops Slow in their stride with some corners suggesting they would have been booed were they playing before an actual audience, the coach needed to wake his men up and hope they would produce something positive in the first half’s last quarter of an hour. FCB are already up against it for their trip to Celta Vigo on Saturday With Busquets suspended after picking up a yellow here, and De Jong crocked, the Catalans are threadbare in midfield facing a game opponent that won 6-0 last time out. Sweet nothing Barça’s travails in the first 45 were summed up by Messi shooting one into the stands on the cusp of the whistle that called the interval. Again, had this been played before Culers, whistles and boos would have rained down on their charges. At this rate, Barcelona looked like handing their league title to Madrid as early as this week, and there were shouts to inject some youth and hunger into the proceedings in the shape of Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig. Setien may have listened Criticised for making his changes too late in Friday’s Sevilla stalemate, Puig and Fati could be seen warming up as soon as the bell rang for the second half. Arthur playing a ball over the back line that nobody understood nor could latch on to, Setien had his head in his hands by the 49th minute. Enter Riqui Puig Putting Arthur out of his misery, Puig came on in the 56th and was offered a huge chance to impress. He instantly provided improved mobility, and helped distribute to the wings with more urgency, but still Barça lacked something in the final third. Maybe Fati could provide it As part of a double sub, the 17-year-old supplanted Antoine Griezmann, and Ivan Rakitic an already-cautioned Busquets simultaneously. And then it came ... From the Croatian senior and not Fati, though. Following Messi’s scrap in the box, the ball fell loose to Rakitic who made no mistake from close range to save Barça’s bacon. What a moment, for his first La Liga goal of 2019/2020. Braithwaite was Barça’s final switch Standing in for Suarez, the Dane was afforded a five minute-plus-stoppage time run out. Gerard Pique might be injured Sat on the turf clutching his groin, the center back asked to be taken off in the 87th but managed to soldier through to the death. Squeaky bum time Nursing one of their most important leads of the campaign, Barça had to hang on to it for dear life. But hang on they did Fati hitting the post deep into stoppage time, it almost ended 2-0. Coming out of this 1-0 victors instead, FC Barcelona march on to Vigo on Saturday. Positives from tonight’s clash were Fati, Puig and Rakitic - who you wouldn’t be scoffed at for suggesting should all get the nod while having raised their team’s performance. With Rakitic’s winner and the mentioned guaranteed absences of Busquets and De Jong, the midfield duo of that trio could be certs at least. In other news, Ter Stegen has now kept five consecutive clean sheets. Back to you, Los Blancos Madrid boasting a game in hand, Barça have still heaped the pressure back on their sworn enemies ahead of tomorrow’s encounter with Mallorca. Three points clear they stand at the summat, for a minimum of 24 hours.
53d3fadaf779fe9ab19235c2309d1817	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2020/07/04/barcelonas-setien-speaks-on-messi-future-griezmann-snub-and-being-fired-ahead-of-villarreal-clash/	Barcelona’s Setien Speaks On Messi Future, Griezmann Snub And Possibility Of Being Fired	Barcelona’s Setien Speaks On Messi Future, Griezmann Snub And Possibility Of Being Fired Barcelona's Spanish coach Quique Setien holds a press conference at the Joan Gamper training ground ... [+] in Sant Joan Despi in the outskirts of Barcelona on February 29, 2020 on the eve of the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Photo by Pau Barrena / AFP) (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images FC Barcelona coach Quique Setien has spoken on Lionel Messi’s future, snubbing Antoine Griezmann, and his possible firing ahead of the Blaugrana’s clash with Villarreal on Sunday. On tomorrow’s opponents, Setien said: “I don't know if they are the best or [one of] the best teams returning from [the coronavirus-induced] isolation. They are doing things very well, with a lot of talent [and] players in good form, who defend well and who are going to compromise us a lot because they are playing at home. But we played a pretty good game against Atlético [Madrid] and I hope we are at that level and get through the game.” “I am not going to speculate on this because I have not heard him say anything about it and it is not my task,” commented Setien on Lionel Messi’s future, after a report emerged that the Ballon d’Or winner will not renew his contract and is set to leave in 2021. “I see him well, Leo. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into. That's what you are there for,” Setien said of the press, when again grilled on the subject. “I see him training well, and [nothing] more.” “In each club there are their echelons and hierarchies that are earned with extraordinary performances [over] many years. Hierarchies are not something that mark me because I aim to convince and transmit,” he said, of player power from the “sacred cows” in the Camp Nou locker room. On Barça’s poor form away from home, Setien remarked: “It is true that in [our] results the team left some points [behind], but in some games away from home I think we were good and we did not deserve to drop those points. It is true that the result is the most important thing, but when [it is] not, other things have to come. We had to do many things against Atlético, due to an error in Vigo. Or rather, because of a [late goal] from [Iago] Aspas, we lost two points. They are things that you cannot control but we still have Liga [left to play] and we will continue fighting.” MORE FOR YOUAEW Dynamite Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021WWE NXT Results: Winners, News And Notes On February 24, 2021‘Big Show’ Paul Wight Joins AEW In Shocking Development In relation to Antoine Griezmann, who was insultingly left on the bench until the 90th minute against his old club midweek, Setien answered: “Antoine is fine, he is a great professional. I have exchanged a few words with him, he is an extraordinary, professional boy and it will not affect him when he has to play again because he is a very [mentally strong] boy and I am sure that we will have him at 100% when he has to go back to the field.” “I have spoken of hierarchies, but I have not spoken of indisputable [players],” Setien later wanted to clarify. “Griezmann is a great player and very important for the club and the team. When he has played, you ask me about Ansu Fati. [Not] everyone can play and I have to decide [on] my [front line] and who I think contributes or does not contribute to the team. I take into account the importance and the hierarchy of each player, but in a club like Barça with so many players ... I know that some are going to get angry because not all are fit and it is a decision that I must take responsibility for, and that is what I do.” “I have already experienced it on other occasions, it is part of the circus,” Setien said on rumors he could soon be out of job. “I know that there is a lot of noise around me but I do not listen [to it] or read [it]. It is not the first time that I have experienced it or that a coach has lived [through] a situation like this, when they don't win a game.” Though the president visited his home on Monday evening, Setien vowed he was not going to reveal the details of their conversation but stressed that he didn’t feel he won’t continue as FC Barcelona head coach next season.
226e8bd778ea0a9055f388c963359076	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2020/07/23/samuel-umtiti-has-been-told-to-leave-fc-barcelona-claims-local-press/	Samuel Umtiti Has Been Told To Leave FC Barcelona, Claims Local Press	Samuel Umtiti Has Been Told To Leave FC Barcelona, Claims Local Press MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Samuel Umtiti of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Liga match ... [+] between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 01, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Getty Images Samuel Umtiti will leave FC Barcelona this summer and is most likely headed for Italy, claims a local report in Catalonia. Deeming the news to be official, SPORT says that, “The French central defender is not living up to what is expected of an FC Barcelona central defender” and “has already been told by the club that a way out must be sought”. “Both parties, aware of the upcoming irregular market, believe that the best option would be a transfer,” it is continued, with a loan to an Italian outfit such as Napoli tipped as a good possibility for the World Cup winner if a permanent sale cannot be arranged. “In Italy, with less dynamic soccer than the rest of the big leagues,” it is harshly written, “Umtiti would be more protected by his teammates and would not be as exposed,” as has been seen in La Liga. Initially impressing when joining from Lyon in 2016, Umtiti has declined through constant injuries and finished the recently-concluded La Liga season on the bench while unavailable for selection. MORE FOR YOUHow The PGA Tour Will Deal With A Post-Tiger Woods WorldFlamengo Retains Brazilian Crown After Final Day Of Drama And DefeatLos Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay Admits His Coaching Fell Short With Jared Goff Despite numerous knee knocks, he has continually refused to undergo an operation causing friction between himself and the club. In the meantime, in the plans of both Ernesto Valverde and his successor Quique Setien, he has been ousted by compatriot Clement Lenglet, who now partners La Masia legend Gerard Pique on the back line. With Ronald Araujo and another French prospect Jean-Clair Todibo on the rise too, Umtiti has become surplus to requirements. Taking his lofty salary off the payroll would be welcomed at an economically-sensitive time, such as that which European soccer giants currently live through. Lastly, Barcelona also have eyes for reinforcements such as Manchester City’s Eric Garcia, who was once on their books as a youth player. If Garcia arrives, SPORT predicts that he will gradually be bedded in and played to give rest to Lenglet and Pique, the latter of whom he is viewed as the natural heir to heading into a period of transition early this decade. If returning to full fitness in August, then, Umtiti’s last performances in Blaugrana could come in the Champions League knockout phases.
729516ec3cf8ed5bb2e014745675bf30	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2020/08/19/fc-barcelona-might-reportedly-offer-suarez-and-busquets-to-inter-milan-in-lautaro-martinez-swap-deal/	FC Barcelona Reportedly Might Offer Suarez And Busquets To Inter Milan In Lautaro Martinez Swap Deal	FC Barcelona Reportedly Might Offer Suarez And Busquets To Inter Milan In Lautaro Martinez Swap Deal GETAFTE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona, Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona ... [+] celebrate 0-1 during the La Liga Santander match between Getafe v FC Barcelona at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on September 28, 2019 in Getafte Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) Getty Images FC Barcelona might offer Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets to Inter Milan as part of a swap deal for Lautaro Martinez, according to the Italian media. Last night, in a widely-publicized interview with Barça TV, the under-fire president Josep Bartomeu spoke on which of his players are not up for sale. “Who's not for sale?” Bartomeu asked rhetorically, “Leo Messi.” “He knows that. He's the best player in the world,” Bartomeu continued, “[But] we'd also be talking about [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen, [Nelson] Semedo, [Frenkie] de Jong, [Clement] Lenglet, [Ousmane] Dembele... [Antoine] Griezmann too.” As MARCA point out, then, “that leaves players like Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Luis Suarez with their futures up in the air”. And in Italy, at the respected Calciomercato site, it has already been speculated that Busquets and Suarez could be offered to the Nerazzurri in order to bring down the price of long-term target Lautaro Martinez. Scoring within two minutes at the Camp Nou, in a Champions League clash between the two outfits in October where Suarez bagged a winning comeback brace, the Argentine striker is an international teammate of Lionel Messi’s who is rated by the skipper. MORE FOR YOUHow To Watch Or Live Stream UFC 259 Early PrelimsMighty India Destroy England And Book Spot In Cricket’s Inaugural World Test Championship FinalVince McMahon Reportedly Making Major Changes To WWE WrestleMania 37 Card Previously available for €120mn ($143mn) by activating his release clause, Barça can no longer afford Martinez by paying such sums flat out and have previously offered a cut-rate fee plus Junior Firpo. The left-back underperforming in his first season in Blaugrana, however, it is through the offering of heavyweights such as the Spanish and Uruguayan veterans that Inter’s resolve may be weakened in parting with their young star, who was on Sunday in blistering form in the Europa League semifinals against Shakhtar Donetsk. “Before La Liga resumed we talked to Inter, but a few weeks ago we interrupted the negotiations because the matches were restarting. They have the Europa League and we will wait for that to finish,” explained Bartomeu yesterday. But now that Barça have their post-Bayern revamp underway, which has seen them fire head coach Quique Setien, sporting director Eric Abidal and also call presidential elections for mid-March, the Catalans will return to the negotiating table with a fresher, more open-minded perspective once Inter have done battle with Sevilla in the competition’s decider on Friday.
4823b1fd8f6c6ebae09cd8f6e611708d	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2021/01/21/youngsters-and-fringe-players-get-chance-fc-barcelona-versus-cornella-preview-team-news-and-lineup/	Youngsters And Fringe Players Get Chance: FC Barcelona Versus Cornella Preview, Team News And Lineup	Youngsters And Fringe Players Get Chance: FC Barcelona Versus Cornella Preview, Team News And Lineup `SER, SPAIN - JANUARY 17: (L-R) Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao, Riqui Puig of FC Barcelona during ... [+] the Spanish Super Cup match between FC Barcelona v Athletic de Bilbao at the La Cartuja Stadium on January 17, 2021 in `ser Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) Getty Images Riqui Puig is expected to get his first start of the season on Wednesday, and will be joined by the hotly-tipped Ilaix Moriba in midfield as FC Barcelona take on cross-city foes Cornella in the Copa del Rey. Refusing to go out on loan and fight for a place in Ronald Koeman’s line up, the La Masia graduate has won favor with the Dutchman for showing courage in last week’s Super Cup semifinal clash with Real Sociedad. Before a tense penalty shootout against the Basques, Puig volunteered to take the fifth and final kick, converted, and put the Catalans through to the final lost in extra time to La Real’s bitter rivals Athletic Bilbao. Turning 18 on Tuesday, big things are expected of Moriba, for whom contract norms were broken a couple of years ago when a bumper deal was offered to the Guinea-born sensation’s family to ward off interest from the likes of Juventus and Manchester City. Together, the youngsters will be charged with controlling the center of the park and looking to avoid an upset similar to that which Real Madrid suffered on Tuesday when knocked out of the tournament by third tier Alcoyano. MORE FOR YOUUFC 259 Full Fight Video: Watch Amanda Nunes Knock Out Ronda RouseyLiverpool Predicted Lineup And Team News Vs. Sheffield UnitedCanelo Alvarez Vs. Avni Yildirim: Odds, Records, Prediction Said to be seeking a Camp Nou exit due to a lack of playing time, Neto will man the goal for the Blaugrana. For left back Jordi Alba, who grew up in nearby L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, this fixture is extra special. Upon being discarded by Barca from their mentioned youth academy, it was Cornella that handed the Spain international his start in professional soccer and eventually got him a move to Valencia. In defense, though, it is instead Junior Firpo that will be joined by Samuel Umtiti, Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza standing-in at right back considering injuries to both Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto. In a 4-3-3 system, Miralem Pjanic provides pivot support to Puig and Moriba while on the front line, Francisco Trincao and Konrad de la Fuente charge down the right and left wings either side of target man Martin Braithwaite. Suspended after his 120th minute lunge at Asier Villalibre on Sunday, which saw him receive a maiden red card in 753 outings for FCB, usual captain Lionel Messi will not be available for today’s game nor Sunday’s away date at Elche. This is how FC Barcelona will line up against Cornella in the Copa del Rey. Chosen11
15e372d4c23e096edbd1e9777d8f9bd1	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2021/02/17/face-it-fc-barcelona-fans-lionel-messi-is-leaving/	Face It, FC Barcelona Fans: Lionel Messi Is Leaving	Face It, FC Barcelona Fans: Lionel Messi Is Leaving Lionel Messi will certainly leave FC Barcelona following another trophyless season. Getty Images FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi already tried to turn his back on his boyhood club of over 20 years last summer. Following a 8-2 mauling by eventual winners Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, the Argentine was distraught and looked to utilize a clause in his contract that he thought would allow him to join Manchester City on a free. However when then-president Josep Bartomeu stepped in and pointed to the activation of a monstrous release clause as the only way Messi could exit stage left from the Camp Nou, his wishes were scuppered. The six-time Ballon d’Or and his lawyers were confident that they had a strong case, yet in a dramatic interview with Goal on the eve of the current 2020/2021 campaign, Messi announced he would stay on so as not to drag Barca through the courts. Disgraced, Bartomeu eventually stepped down in October and Messi appeared to be enjoying his football again under Ronald Koeman while encouraged by the quality of young blood such as Pedri. But despite putting up a good run in the Copa del Rey and getting to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition, the Blaugrana have showed that they are still unable to compete for major honors and win big games. More specifically, they have lost to both Atletico and Real Madrid in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao in the Super Cup final, and now Sevilla and PSG in the cup and Champions League this month. Though there have been four comebacks since the turn of 2021, it seems a bridge too far for this injury-ravaged, threadbare squad to overturn deficits of 2-0 and 4-1 to Unai Emery and Mauro Pochettino’s men. MORE FOR YOUAEW Revolution 2021 Results: Winners, News And Notes With Exploding Barbed Wire Main EventNBA All-Star Game 2021, Dunk Contest, 3-Point Contest, Skills Challenge TV Schedule, Stream, Odds, PicksAEW Revolution 2021 Results: Christian Cage Debuts As Mystery Signee Messi will probably not lose sleep over ceding the Copa del Rey, but his obsession with the Champions League and the Catalans’ miserable failure to lift it again since 2015 means the end is nigh. His deal definitely expiring on June 30 this year, Barca cannot stop him from fleeing this time to either the Parisians or the aforementioned Mancunians. Presidential candidates for the upcoming election have said that the Argentine merely needs to be convinced there is a ‘winning project’ in place in order to stay, but how one is put together while the club is mired in debt and unable to buy new players is anyone’s guess. By this term’s conclusion, it seems increasingly likely that a two-year silverware drought will have been extended and not the 33-year-old’s terms. A couple of seasons ahead of schedule, Barca’s reconstruction in a post-Messi landscape must already get underway from the ground up.
78713a2c353bddcd163c010ff9afe0b9	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2021/02/21/opportunity-missed-fc-barcelona-versus-cadiz-result-and-what-we-learned/	Opportunity Missed: FC Barcelona Versus Cadiz Result And What We Learned	Opportunity Missed: FC Barcelona Versus Cadiz Result And What We Learned Barcelona missed a golden opportunity in La Liga against Cadiz. Getty Images In their first match since midweek’s 4-1 loss to Paris Saint Germain, FC Barcelona took on Cadiz in La Liga at the Camp Nou. Here’s the result, what happened, and what we learned from the fixture. Koeman stuck to his guns Picking the same XI so outclassed by the Parisians, the Dutch coach trusted his men to get the job done against their newly-promoted visitors. This meant that Gerard Pique kept his spot in central defense, and would look to improve on being run ragged by hat trick hero Kylian Mbappe last time out. Milestones were hit With their nods, Sergio Busquets featured in Blaugrana for the 400th time, while captain Lionel Messi finally overtook Xavi as the club’s most picked player in La Liga on 506 outings. MORE FOR YOUUFC 259: Yan Vs. Sterling Prediction And PickSan Francisco 49ers Quarterback Rumors Hit Overdrive For No Apparent ReasonWWE Raw Viewership Tops Cable Ratings For World Title Change A quarter of an hour in, and still no shots on goal Nor shots off target for that matter. The Blaugrana had, however, amassed close to 150 passes to Cadiz’s 22 and enjoyed 87% possession. Despite nearly being caught out on one break, they were in control of the proceedings. Finally Jordi Alba had a go, as did Messi The left back’s ripping shot was just wide of the post, and Messi could have done better with a one-on-one in quick succession despite being pushed onto his weaker right foot. Ousmane Dembele hit over the bar on the next break, and the Catalans were starting to find their range. Messi forced Jeremias Ledesma’s best save approaching the half hour mark The ‘keeper did excellently to keep out the Argentine’s curling shot, which was heading for the top corner. With eight shots and two on target now, Koeman’s men were becoming more threatening each passing minute. Pedri won a penalty, which Messi coolly slotted away The 18-year-old hacked down in the top corner of the box, his mentor converted and put Barca within six points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. With that, Cadiz became the 38th Spanish top flight team the Ballon d’Or holder has netted against, and he also overtook generational rival Cristiano Ronaldo through the most penalties (73) scored in league history. Cadiz almost punished Barca straight away Alba caught napping on the right wing, the incoming cross should have been met by more than just a thigh as it was hit wide past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Frenkie de Jong was denied Barca’s second Offside when receiving the ball, the midfielder finished well but there were no dice on 39 minutes. Close but no cigar for Pedri too On the stroke of the half time whistle, Antoine Griezmann was just a toe past the last defender before the ball found Pedri. Down the tunnel the Blaugrana went, nursing a mere one-goal cushion. Griezmann couldn’t score from close range It had been a quiet start to the second half. But when Busquets and Messi combined beautifully on the hour, Griezmann failed to get to the ball and steal it from Ledesma’s grasp. An amazing run from Dembele deserved a better conclusion “He cut inside, and cut inside and cut inside!” beamed local broadcaster Movistar’s lead commentator. Yet the Frenchman wasn’t able to get a shot off and still it remained 1-0. And again On 65 minutes he once more carved up Cadiz through twisting and turning on the right flank, but hit wide to Koeman’s dismay. Koeman made a double substitution Busquets and Griezmann’s afternoons ended, they were replaced by Miralem Pjanic and Martin Braithwaite respectively. Prior to Pedri being brought off Seconds before Francisco Trincao supplanted him, the Tenerife native almost set Messi up nicely with a cheeky chip that was volleyed over. Even still, his performance went on to be widely-lauded by the online masses. Koeman used up all his switches Riqui Puig and Oscar Mingueza entering the fray for Ousmane Dembele and Sergino Dest, Tintin took advantage of his five subs with 10 minutes to spare. Puig came close His shot zipped past the post shortly after entering. Disaster struck What on Earth was Clement Lenglet thinking? Raising his foot in the box with minutes to spare, the Frenchman gifted Cadiz a penalty that was scored to make it 1-1. A huge blunder. Five minutes to make a difference Pique forced a fantastic save that Ledesma threw his body at, then Trincao was offside in the box on a following move but controlled poorly anyway. Left to rue squandered chances, a winner could not be found. ‘There is league’ ... just maybe not for Barca Apologies for the rigid and too literal translation of ‘Hay Liga’. Though with Atletico beaten by Levante yesterday and Real Madrid winning their match, the title race had become more interesting overnight. Failing to take this opportunity thanks to Lenglet’s error, however, it is one the Blaugrana can rule themselves out of as they still remain eight points behind Diego Simeone’s men. One positive to take is that the Catalans remain unbeaten since December 5, which is coincidentally when they fell 2-1 to Cadiz themselves. With this 1-1 stalemate, that loss has of course not been avenged.
ecb97c16b8f4e60f0fa1575689cbbffb	https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2019/10/01/president-trump-just-showed-us-whats-wrong-with-a-federal-whistleblowing-law/	President Trump Just Showed Us What's Wrong With A Federal Whistleblowing Law	President Trump Just Showed Us What's Wrong With A Federal Whistleblowing Law President Donald Trump’s norm-breaking behavior in office has revealed some previously unrecognized weaknesses in federal laws about everything from emoluments to emergency spending. Now he’s showing what’s wrong with a federal whistleblowing law. The White House's attempt to block the release to Congress of a report from a whistleblower in the intelligence community and Trump's subsequent characterization of the staffer as a "spy" guilty of "treason" have shown weak spots in how these reports are handled, how privacy is protected and how retaliation is received. Here are the facts: A whistleblower came forward to the inspector general for the intelligence community with a tip that President Trump pressured the head of the Ukrainian government to open an investigation into his chief political rival, the White House attempted to prevent it from being forwarded to Congress and the president then attacked the motivations of the whistleblower in stark and unpresidential language. Here’s what you need to know. The Whistleblower Is Following Federal Law Trump and his allies repeatedly complained that former FBI Director James Comey leaked information to the press that spurred the appointment of a special counsel. People may disagree about the propriety of Comey’s actions, but in this case, the whistleblower appears to be doing exactly what the law says they are supposed to do. The Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act was written to provide government workers a safe process by which they could report to Congress instances of abuse or wrongdoing within the intelligence community. There are two ways the whistleblower could report the alleged misconduct to Congress. First, they can prepare a report and submit it to the Intelligence Community Inspector General, essentially an ombudsman for these kinds of problems. The inspector general will then determine if the complaint is credible and of “urgent concern.” Assuming the report is both of these things, they will send the whistleblower report to the Director of National Intelligence, who is supposed to send the report, along with any comments or concerns, to the appropriate congressional committee. Secondly, the whistleblower can submit the report directly to Congress, but only if the inspector general decides the issue is not of urgent concern or is not credible. Additionally, the whistleblower must comply with appropriate security protocols to accommodate the existence of sensitive or classified information in the complaint. The System Envisioned by the Whistleblower Law Isn’t Working This is where the system broke down. The director of national intelligence’s initial refusal to send the report to Congress – which many speculate is at the direction of the White House – left the whistleblower’s complaint in limbo. Without the report in hand, lawmakers were unable to determine how credible the report is. News stories based on anonymous sources fleshed it out and the White House ultimately backed down, releasing both the complaint and an official summary of the phone conversation it highlighted. But the very fact that the White House had the ability to withhold the report in the first place is troubling, as there is no guarantee that a future dispute will end with similar transparency. The Whistleblower Is Not Well Protected From Retaliation Even before much about the whistleblower’s report is publicly known, the president has begun to attack the whistleblower as a partisan critic and assail his credibility, arguing that he is a partisan and even suggesting he is guilty of treason. That raises concerns about retaliation, especially given past cases like longtime FBI employee Andrew McCabe, who was fired the day before his retirement after Trump repeatedly criticized him on Twitter for his actions during the initial probe of Trump’s actions in the 2016 election. The limited protection that the whistleblower has is not in the law itself. For instance, President Barack Obama issued Presidential Policy Directive 19 (PPD-19), which prohibited retaliation against whistleblowers as long as they followed the relevant steps outlined by the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act or other applicable whistleblower law. That means if the whistleblower decides to break the constitutional impasse between the director of national intelligence and Congress, they’ll lose any protection from retaliation. This Is Not How Whistleblower Laws Are Supposed to Work Any good whistleblower law will contain two primary provisions. First, it will provide for the protection of the whistleblower’s identity. For its part, the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act bars the inspector general from disclosing the identity of the whistleblower without their consent. However, an exception exists where the inspector general can divulge the identity of the whistleblower if they deem it an unavoidable consequence during the course of an investigation or if it must be divulged to an official of the Department of Justice concerning whether criminal charges should be brought. That means the whistleblower could be outed if the attorney general – acting independently or at the direction of the president – decided to treat the whistleblowing as a criminal case. Second, the whistleblower law should not only prohibit retaliation against the whistleblower, but also provide for specific remedies if retaliation takes place. Unfortunately, the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act’s anti-retaliation provision is relatively weak in this respect. For example, the law doesn’t have a provision that allows for a court to reinstate a whistleblower who was fired in retaliation. Compare that with the False Claims Act, one of the most commonly relied upon federal whistleblower laws. The False Claims Act allows the victim of retaliation to obtain reinstatement, double the back pay, interest on back pay, compensation for special damages, reimbursement of litigation costs and attorney’s fees. There are literally dozens of federal laws that contain anti-retaliation provisions stronger than what’s available under the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act. For example, the following federal laws have anti-retaliation provisions that allow for the recovery of back pay, preliminary reinstatement, compensatory damages and punitive damages: Surface Transportation Assistance Act Federal Railroad Safety Act National Transit Systems Security Act Seaman’s Protection Act It’s safe to say that the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act’s name is a bit of a misnomer because it doesn’t really offer much protection to whistleblowers. And any additional anti-retaliation protections provided by PPD-19 or other presidential directives are revocable by President Trump. Even if PPD-19 stays in effect, it has several loopholes, such as allowing for the firing the whistleblower for “national security reasons.” It also doesn’t apply to members of the armed forces. Even if PPD-19 or the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act can somehow stop against common forms of retaliation, such as firing, it doesn’t immunize the whistleblower from criminal prosecution for the disclosure of confidential information that deals with national security. Right now, the identity of the whistleblower is still confidential. But should their identity become known and the White House or anyone else decide to retaliate, the whistleblower will have almost no legal recourse. These problems with the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act could be cleared up with a quick update to the law. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely under President Trump, who has turned these flaws to his advantage.