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Black History Month: Reflecting

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Black History Month: Reflecting

A quick search indicates that slaves may have been brought to North America in the 1500s.  Other sources point to the early 1600s.  It is safe to say that slaves were brought to North America over 400 years ago.

As Black History month nears its end, we should all think about how patient, tolerant, and forgiving the African-American community has been toward this country and its political leaders throughout this country’s history.   

Black history was not taught in schools when I was growing up.  Perhaps the biggest U.S. historical event taught in schools relating to African-Americans was the U.S. Civil War.  President Lincoln issued his final Proclamation Emancipation on January 1, 1863, which freed all persons held as slaves.

Though not taught in school, my “education” about black history was through television news broadcasts during the 1960s.  The images of fire hoses, dogs, and beatings of African-Americans seeking to get the same rights as white citizens.  Indeed, there were also images of violence during the summer riots of the 1960s. 

The idea of all-white or all-black schools was foreign to me.  Most of my schooling occurred on military posts where integration was taken for granted. 

During the 158 years since January 1, 1863, we have come to accept that we do not enslave African-American citizens today.  It is also true that a significant number of white Americans accept African-American citizens as equals. 

But, there are some harsher truths that must still be addressed.  For those of a certain age, we remember the outrage caused by two African-American athletes on the podium during the 1968 Mexico Olympics raising their fists, bringing attention to the treatment of African-Americans.  This non-violent way of promoting black power was unacceptable to many Americans.

More recently, the reaction to Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee to underscore the continuing unequal treatment of African-Americans caused outrage and threats.  The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has also received its share of criticism and hostile reaction because of BLM’s advocacy for scrutiny of police conduct and overall social injustice.

In late 2020 and early 2021, it must be acknowledged that there is a significant segment of the U.S. population that engages in and continues to support efforts to prevent our African-American citizens from participating fully in our democracy.  The history of efforts to disenfranchise minority groups or people of color continues.  In the wake of the November 2020 presidential elections, a wave of efforts to change voting laws is targeting the African-American community. 

It is interesting that, after a secure election where evidence of fraud was scarce, states are racing to introduce and change voting laws.  Thus, we see a 21st century effort that continues the horrible traditions of the past to disenfranchise specific segments of the voting public.

The patience, tolerance, and forgiving nature of the African-American citizenry became more strikingly clear in January 2021.  Our African-American citizenry has never attacked or stormed the U.S. Capitol despite enduring hundreds of years of injustice and because of continued mistreatment by law enforcement. 

They have not stormed state capitols where majority white legislators actively work to limit their vote or to disenfranchise them.  Yet, we did watch the U.S. Capitol get stormed by a predominant white insurrectionist mob because of an election that saw one old white man lose to another old white man. 

Upon reflection, we should be thankful that the overwhelming majority of our African American citizenry continues to cling to the hope that by working within the democratic system we will move forward.  Despite the passage of time, there is evidence of much work that must be done. 

COVID-19: Beware Criminal Profiteering

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COVID-19: Beware Criminal Profiteering

The life-threatening Covid-19 virus began its global march a little over a year ago.  As it spread around the world, governments began taking steps to try to slow its spread in view of the absence of a cure.  The virus spread unchecked given the lack of effective treatments in the early going. 

The combination of fear, lack of protective equipment, and the need for any concrete measures to attack the virus provided, as usual, a business opportunity for those who seek to profit in times like these. 

In March 2020, INTERPOL reported the results of its PANGEA XIII operation that was conducted during the week of March 3-10, 2020.  The global operation had the participation of police, customs, and health regulatory authorities from 90 countries.  INTERPOL warned that the virus “has offered an opportunity for fast cash, as criminals take advantage of the high market demand for personal protection and hygiene products.”  The operation’s results included the seizure of counterfeit masks, testing kits, and surgical instruments.  In addition, government authorities seized counterfeit and substandard medical products.

It’s worth noting that PANGEA XIII was conducted in March, during the early months of the global pandemic.  As 2020 progressed without a cure or vaccine, the stresses among governments and their populations increased.  Lockdowns and resistance to lockdowns provided continued opportunities for those who were exploiting the situation.  And, this prompted reactions from organizations attempting to protect the global consuming public. 

The World Customs Organization (WCO) reported in October 2020 that it, too, had conducted a global operation.  Through its various global regional offices, the WCO conducted Operation STOP from May 11 to July 12.  This operation resulted in preventing over 300 million units of medicines, as well as more than 47 million units of medical supplies (masks, gloves, COVID-19 test kits, thermometers, and gowns) and approximately 2.8 million liters of hand sanitizer gel from entering the global stream of commerce.

News of vaccine availability at the end of 2020 and entering into 2021 caused INTERPOL to issue an alert to all its member countries.  INTERPOL’s December 2020 Orange Notice outlined potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft, and illegal advertising of COVID-19 vaccines.  INTERPOL’s concerns also underscored the need for the traveling public to be more aware of possible threats.  As international travel gradually resumes “it is likely that testing for the virus will become of greater importance, resulting in a parallel production and distribution of unauthorized and falsified testing kits,” INTERPOL warned.

With the virus continuing to be a threat and months before significant numbers of people are vaccinated, it is worth noting the continued efforts by the illicit profiteers to exploit fear and continue their efforts.  Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world.  On January 14, 2021, its Customs and Excise authorities seized 330,000 suspected counterfeit medical-grade masks that were being shipped through its port.  While the ultimate destination was not disclosed, this is a snapshot of one day’s activity.  It begs the question as to the actual quantity of illicit, substandard goods being shipped around the world to unsuspecting consumers. 

In the US, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a warning in December that it expects “criminal networks will try to illegally introduce and sell counterfeit vaccines and medical treatments that could endanger lives of U.S. consumers.”

As we approach a year of mask wearing, lockdowns, home-schooling, and other obstacles to normal life, it is important to be aware of the fact that, as consumers, we must be vigilant to prevent ourselves from being victimized by those who seek to spread illness and, potentially, death, through illicit and substandard medical products and equipment.   

Tech is Enabling the New Normal

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Tech is Enabling the New Normal

We are entering a new era where technology has become an integral part of our daily life, the “new normal.” At CES 2021, this was one of prevalent messages. Our lives are going to change forever…and if you believe the hype, which we do, for the better.

Microsoft Selected as Strategic Cloud Platform Provider for an All-Digital CES 2021

John Paul
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Microsoft Selected as Strategic Cloud Platform Provider for an All-Digital CES 2021

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced  it has selected Microsoft as its technology partner for the first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021. Microsoft will provide solutions, support and the underlying cloud technologies that will enable the all-digital event platform for CES 2021, the world’s most influential technology event, happening Jan. 11-14. The event experience will use Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Power Platform to deliver an exhibitor showcase, media events, conference programming, networking events and more.

CES 2021 will bring together the entire global tech community to connect and collaborate. Attendees will have a front row seat to the latest technology breakthroughs. Global brands and startups will launch the latest cutting-edge products. Thought leaders will share ideas that will shape the future.

“CES is a truly global event, unique in its scale and audience diversity,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president of CES. “For an all-digital CES, we sought a platform that allows attendees from around the world to participate easily and securely.”

“After a rigorous search process, we selected Microsoft for its technical expertise, global scale and experience in creating compelling digital event.” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Microsoft is a global innovation leader and longtime supporter of CES. We look forward to working with them to bring CES 2021 to the world.”

Microsoft Corp. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Capossela added, “Digital events are an opportunity to re-imagine what’s possible. By harnessing the power of the Microsoft cloud and broader partner ecosystem—we’re excited to help CTA transform CES into an all-digital event. From hosting our own global, virtual-only events to empowering our customers and partners in leading theirs, we have a lot of learnings to share and look forward to creating an event full of the compelling experiences that people have come to expect at CES.”

CES 2021 Makes History as Largest Digital Tech Industry Event

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CES 2021 Makes History as Largest Digital Tech Industry Event

The first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021 made history as the largest digital tech event. Almost 2000 companies unveiled next-gen innovation for a better future. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, the all-digital CES 2021 featured product launches from startups to tech giants, keynotes from global industry leaders, live entertainment from Hollywood and more than 100 hours of conference programming.
 
“The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry. From the latest innovations for the home and entertainment, and advances in 5G, vehicle technology, AI and digital health, the technologies at CES 2021 will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
 
CES 2021 kicked off Jan. 11 with Media Day, featuring 19 press conferences with companies including Bosch, Canon, Caterpillar, Hisense, Intel, LG Electronics, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Sony breaking news and launching products. Trends from Media Day focused on “the home” with innovation that personalizes work, health and entertainment at home, as well as advancements in transportation and mobility. 
 
Almost 2000 companies launched products during the all-digital CES 2021, including almost 700 startups from 37 countries. Exhibiting companies included tech giants, such as Intel, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Sony, as well as non-traditional tech companies, from AARP to Bridgestone, Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, L’Oréal, Moen and Procter & Gamble. New companies exhibiting at CES 2021 included ASUS, BioIntelliSense, Bose, Sono Motors and Volvo Penta.
 
“The industry came together digitally at CES 2021. This was a medium for companies to make announcements, launch products and connect with their audiences,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “The all-digital format brought new voices to the tech conversation.”  
 
Keynote Announcements
Industry leaders took to the all-digital CES keynote stage to make major announcements, including:

  • Verizon: Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon, demonstrated the immersive 5G experience across sports, education, connected communities and live music, and announced partnerships with the NFL, UPS, Live Nation Clubs and Theaters, The Met and the Smithsonian.
  • General Motors: Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), launched new product lines from GM, including the Cadillac eVTOL, a concept air taxi; and a new business unit devoted to electrifying the goods delivery market.
  • AMD: Dr. Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, revealed the new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors with two categories – the H-series, for laptops intended for gaming and content creation and the U-series, for ultraportable notebooks.
  • Best Buy: Corie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, shared how the company shifted during the pandemic and put the customer in control of buying, whether from home, curbside or in person.
  • Future Reimagined: Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, predicted tech trends they expect to see over the next decade.
  • Walmart: Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, discussed ways 5G, AI and robotics will change the business; how Walmart pivoted to keep employees healthy and customers satisfied; and the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Microsoft: Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, gave his vision on ensuring cyber security and customer privacy protection, and discussed the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise our conscience.
  • Entertainment Transformed: Michael Kassan, chairman and CEO of MediaLink, and Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, described the ever-evolving entertainment industry and what the industry will look like in a post-pandemic world. Maverick Carter, CEO of The Springhill Co.; Adrienne Lofton, VP, North America Marketing, NIKE; and Deborah Wahl, Global CMO of General Motors, discussed how marketers and brands are adjusting and creating in today’s landscape.

Key Themes at CES 2021
The all-digital CES 2021 featured groundbreaking innovation that will improve our world, from health to safety, sustainability and accessibility.

  • Tech Innovation Accelerated by COVID-19
    • Tech companies innovated during the pandemic, with companies at CES 2021 featuring smart masks, disinfecting robots, body sensors that detect COVID-19 symptoms and smart air filtration systems.
  • Consumer Privacy and Trust
    • The heads of privacy at Amazon, Google and Twitter discussed new privacy regulations and the need to increase consumer trust, stating that tech companies must give users more control over their data.
  • Global Tech Challenge
    • The Global Tech Challenge, launched at CES 2020, in partnership with the World Bank and CTA, rewards tech solutions in three areas: digital health in East Africa, resilience in India and gender equality around the world. The selected winners were announced this week from more than 1000 applications, with three winners selected for gender equality, 10 for resilience and 17 for digital health.
  • Space Tech
    • NASA was joined by leaders from Lockheed Martin and Space Tango to discuss technology’s role in accelerating space research and breakthroughs that will benefit all of humanity.

CES Anchor Desk
The CES Live Anchor Desk was a true broadcast experience, bringing the latest CES news and highlights with anchors including: 

  • Justine Ezarik (iJustine) – Host + Tech Content Creator @ijustine
  • Rich DeMuro – Tech reporter for KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles @richontech
  • Naomi Kyle – Host and Producer @NaomiKyle
  • Brian Tong – Tech Host & Content Creator @briantong

The Anchor Desk featured interviews with top industry leaders and visionaries including entrepreneur Mark Cuban; musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am; HRH Constantijn van Oranje, The Netherlands; Shelley Zalis, The Female Quotient and CES Official Equality Partner; and leaders from AT&T, Audi, Bosch, FIFA, Humana, Hyperion, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Material Impact, OMRON Healthcare, Philips, P&G, Samsung Electronics and United Talent Agency.
 
Conference Program and Special Events
The CES conference program showcased more than 100 hours of programming. Sessions covered pressing topics including privacy, the future of AI and health care, autonomous transportation, trends in retail and tech policy.
 
The future of entertainment was reimagined at CES 2021, with a special event featuring Ryan Seacrest and music superstars Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, as they discussed how tech has enabled the creation of a new immersive fan experience.
 
Diversity Commitment
CTA continued its commitment to driving diversity in tech with its latest investment, announcing an investment in VC fund Plum Alley. This is part of its $10 million commitment to venture firms and funds that invest in women, people of color and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. Plum Alley invests in founding teams of women, and women and men and has an impressive representation of women founders from many backgrounds and ethnic groups in the STEM fields including Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who recently won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. CTA announced its $10 million funding commitment on stage at CES 2019.
 
Government Leaders at CES 2021
Government leaders and policymakers from the U.S. and around the globe participated in the all-digital CES 2021, sharing their insight into the future of innovation. Policymakers included Director-Designate of the U.S. National Economic Council for the incoming Biden administration Brian Dreese; French Minister of State for Digital Transition and Electronic Communications Cédric O; State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for The Netherlands Mona Keijzer; and UK Minister of Transport Rachel McLean.
 
Global Reach of CES 2021
CES 2021 was truly a global event, with attendees joining from over 150 countries and over 1300 exhibitors coming from outside the United States, including more than 530 international startups. Country Group Organizers brought large delegations of exhibitors included Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Japan and South Korea. CES 2021 featured startups from Nigeria and Russia for the first time.
 
CES 2022 will take place in person in Las Vegas, and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022.

Asia: On the Trade Radar?

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Asia: On the Trade Radar?

The Trump Administration devoted significant time and attention to China.  The effort to bring back jobs, reduce our trade deficit, restrict investments by US firms, impose tariffs, and ban Chinese tech companies from certain US sectors were all elements of a strategy to bolster the US. 

There are many ways to evaluate and assess the success of these tactics.  One big focus was the trade imbalance.  As 2020 ended, it is clear that despite all the tactics used, the trade imbalance remains fully in favor of China.  A January 14, 2021 article states that China’s trade surplus with the US soared to $317 billion in 2020.  This reflects a 7% increase as compared to 2019. 

The Asia “challenge” is not simply a China issue.  There have been major developments in Asia that may pose trade problems for the US in the short term. 

Though there is a long list of major developments, these four are worth noting because they include China or have an impact on the US’s ability to influence (or not) our trading partners in Asia.  President-elect Biden and his team were unable to convince the European Union (EU) from finalizing a Comprehensive Investment Agreement with China on December 30, 2020.  Because of this agreement, it begs the question how much the US can persuade the EU to work with the US in opposing market distorting policies imposed by China.  The question is whether there will be limitations on the EU and its willingness to challenge Chinese economic and trade practices and policies.

On January 23, 2017, President Trump had the US withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and agreement, which did not include China.  After years of negotiating and getting eleven other governments to agree to many US demands, the US abandoned the TPP and allowed the remaining eleven governments to conclude the agreement, renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), without a number of provisions that were favored by the US.  The finalized and signed version of the CPTPP does not include numerous stronger provisions that had been favored by the US.

In addition to a finalized and signed CPTPP, 15 countries, including a number of countries that signed on to the CPTPP, finalized the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in November 2020.  Among the 15 countries is China.  While some may argue that it was not led by China, the sheer magnitude of China’s economic influence makes the RCEP an agreement that cannot be overlooked.  The RCEP includes the second and third largest world economies and leaves the US on the outside looking in.

The new Biden administration and his trade team will not be able to ignore these four developments: US withdrawal from the TPP, the finalization and signing of the RCEP and CPTPP and the new EU-China agreement.  For those who may frown on international trade, we ignore its effects to our own peril. 

How much do these agreements put US businesses at a disadvantage?  How can the US offset China’s rising international economic and trade influence?  The Biden Administration will have to work to claw back to a point where the US can be a trusted partner in trade negotiations.

The challenges in Asia will require a lot of hard work.  There is a need for some blunt closed-door discussions between US government policy makers and US business executives.

CES 2021 in 60 Seconds

John Paul
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CES 2021 in 60 Seconds

The first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, opened its full digital experience to audiences around the world. Here is a short video giving you a taste of what’s happening.

Asian-Americans in U.S. Films

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Asian-Americans in U.S. Films

In 2020, a South Korean movie, Parasite, won the Oscar for best picture.  Being a South Korean production, it had an Asian cast.  This begs the question, what about our Asian-American actors and actresses and their opportunities in today’s films that are American made?  In a New York Times article in November 2018, a University of Southern California study was cited as finding that Asian-Americans represented only ONE percent of all leading roles in Hollywood.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to believe that there are no original works such as books, short stories, screenplays and other sources that cannot be adapted for movies and television that include major roles for Asian-Americans.  One would think that there must be opportunities beyond playing roles in martial arts films, stories about the Triads or Yakuza, and other crime/police-based stories.  The NY Times article mentioned movies such as Crazy Rich Asians and The Joy Luck Club as having all-Asian casts.  These two movies tended toward social and cultural issues.  In nearly thirty years, these are the only two movies with all-Asian casts.

The issue is less about all-Asian casts and more about substantive roles for Asian actors and actresses.  The novel, Pendulum Over the Pacific, published a few years ago, though not a best-seller on any list, is the type of original material that could broaden the kind of work available to Asian-American actors and actresses.  A novel such as Pendulum, set in Tokyo and Washington, DC, provides both opportunities and substance of characters for Asian-American actors and actresses.  The novel’s Japanese characters include a translator, doctor, journalist and a police officer as well as other supporting characters.

The potential for interesting and substantive roles for Asian-American actors and actresses should be exploding as there are more dynamic changes in the real world.  The rise of China as an economic global power and the fast-paced changes in Vietnam are just a couple of examples where real-world changes are rich areas for future stories to be told in film.  The tensions that we read about every day between the United States and our Asian trading partners should allow for future entertainment. 

The time is ripe for Asian-American actors and actresses to look for greater depth of character and breadth of roles in a more complex world.

CES 2021 Opens in Digital Format

John Paul
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CES 2021 Opens in Digital Format

The first-ever, all-digital CES® 2021, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, opened its full digital experience to audiences around the world. Following a day of exclusive, media-only press conferences and a keynote from Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg on Jan. 11, this transformational event provides audiences with a front row seat to the innovation and technologies that will move the world forward. CES 2021 will feature more than 1900 exhibitors representing the entire tech spectrum and more than 100 conference sessions will showcase industry leaders who will share visions for a better future. General Motors (GM) Chairman and CEO Mary Barra presented the official opening keynote address at 9 AM EST on Jan. 12, where she shared GM’s transformational strategy to advance mobility.

The Owl Network

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The Owl Network

The Owl Network is determined to transform the world by encouraging and helping others to lead the life they are destined to share with the World.

Deep down inside every one of us, we secretly desire a dream in which we are happy, fulfilled, and an asset to the planet Earth. All too often, life and its experiences sidetrack us to living in the world rather than with the world. We all have been given gifts that if we allow ourselves to share with others, we enrich the lives of everyone. The Owl Network wants to provide encouragement, but more importantly, provide the tools and information we can use to transform our lives.

We are dedicated to providing a group of people who are authentic and know what they are talking about. We want to provide a direct pipeline so you can hear from the experts directly, and not through the filter of the media. And in the process, we want to encourage you to contact us to share your experiences and the knowledge you have gained by making changes in your life.

John Paul Owles
John Paul Owles, Executive Editor

To reach John Paul Owles, Executive Editor, send an email to:
jpo@owlnetwork.com

Phone:
(312) 474-9800

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