Veterans were left upset when initial plans to remember the Normandy Landings in 1994 included sand-castle building contests, and even a spam fritter cooking contest, new documents show. Reported by MailOnline 7 hours ago.

We tried to make the design of our Alfa Romeo concept as forward-thinking as the company's earlier models

Reimagining cars from the past is a trend we applaud. Twelve months on from our last go, we try again – with mixed results

More often than you might think, new cars are created by people whose names aren’t on the bonnet badge.

Car makers, especially start-ups spurred on by special circumstances like the rapid rise of the Chinese market and the onrush of electrification and autonomy, enlist the aid of discreet specialists who conceive, style, engineer and ready new cars for production, then fade away as if nothing ever happened. The UK has a good selection of such expert consultancies, and business is brisk.

 

When we decided to repeat last year’s successful Christmas wheeze of reimagining a quartet of well-loved classics (via our resident designer Ben Summerell-Youde), it seemed sensible to get them assessed by proven car creators. 

We have again approached Envisage Group, the Coventry-based consultancy with whom, a couple of years ago, we created and part-engineered an all-new five-door electric saloon for 10-15 years hence. This time, four of us proposed new iterations of old cars – an alternative Mercedes A-Class, a new-era Audi A2, an Alfa Romeo Duetto and a Ford Capri crossover – and each wrote a short justification of the concept. These were assessed for practicality, market appeal and innovative content by a three-man Envisage team led by engineering director Paul Arkesden, with project manager Craig Bonham and engineering manager Stuart Smith, all greatly experienced in other projects and at other companies – but unable to talk very much about any of it, such is the secrecy in car creation. 

Talking about our projects, though, was something the team was happy to do. Not that their reactions were all sweet music to our ears, as the comments make clear…

*Steve Cropley: Ford Capri*

What makes me want to recreate this highly successful last-century Ford coupé is the catchy advertising label that always went with it: “The car you always promised yourself.” For car nuts, such cars are always lurking in the back of the mind. 

Get serious about making a new Capri and you soon strike trouble. Any mission to recreate a long-nosed European 2+2 runs into two major problems: firstly, the fact that there isn’t a suitable Ford front-engine/rear-drive powertrain available on this side of the Atlantic; and secondly, the fact that Europe’s best-selling sports coupé is already a Ford – the Mustang. No sense in launching against that. 

What would the people who built Ford’s performance image so high in the 1960s have done? Well, in Detroit a bit over a year ago, their descendants explained that Ford’s grand plan is to use iconic names to sell first-gen electric cars. To me, ‘Capri’ stands in the front rank of Ford’s great names, but what kind of electric car makes sense? What kind of electric car am I promising myself? Electric saloons are everywhere and the Capri was never a family car. SUVs sell strongly, but there’s no argument for a boxy Capri. The challenge is to propose something whose styling says compact, stylish, agile, at least semi-sporting and, above all, relevant to modern life. After all, that original Capri worked so well because it fitted people’s lives at the time. 

That’s why I’m proposing the new Capri as a kind of diminutive, high-rolling electric fastback coupé, reminiscent of a stubby, downsized Aston Martin DBX concept but with the footprint of a Ford Ecosport, maybe plus an inch or two. That way, the car can be proud and practical, with sportiness chucked in, and its height can provide battery space more easily than a saloon. 

There can be a bit of off-road toughness, with the wheel design and tyre tread adding character, along with a non-corporate grille (nothing says ‘mainstream’ more than a corporate grille). A radical roofline is essential, too. I’m seeing a fastback rear meeting a rising belt, with more extravagant surfacing than you normally see on a small car, although never overdone. It’d be a question of balance. Great designers might also find a detail or two, maybe even a rear window outline, to echo the original Capri. I’d certainly like to see them try. 

There’s a need, or soon will be, I believe, for affordable electric cars that are compact, sporty and, above all, a little bit special. There’s absolutely nothing in this space at present and the customers are getting impatient. 

*Expert view: there’s nothing like it*

“This one really got us thinking, mostly because there’s nothing like it on the market. That’s where we struggled: it helps to have a buyer in mind even though both electrification is coming very rapidly and crossover architecture is fashionable. 

“You can take comfort from the fact that there are no cars like this in the chosen size and price range — maybe you’ve discovered a car as special and trend-setting as the new Mini — or you can be alarmed by it. Or maybe it’s a car no one will want. 

“It’s not obvious what existing platform you’d build this off, given the dimensions and that it’s electric. But we note the suggestion that Ford’s strategy for future EVs will be to attach iconic names and shapes to them to earn credibility and justify higher pricing. From that viewpoint, it works.”

*Matt Prior: Audi A2*

How to revive the Audi A2? Just restart the original production line. The A2 was a car so far ahead of its time that maybe we’re almost ready for it now. I’m joking, of course. Some of the original A2 bits would have to go, I suppose. We’d have to can the diesels, for a start, even though the original 1.4 TDI was good for 119g/km and 65.7mpg – 18 years ago. Later, there was a 1.2 diesel that averaged 94mpg. Key to the A2’s so-2018 frugality was that it weighed only 895kg, owing to its diminutive size and aluminium structure. It also had extremely slippery aerodynamics. 

The A2 couldn’t be so light today, because a new version, if it matched the forward-looking ethos of its predecessor, would have to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electrified platform, have a floor full of batteries and an electric motor at one end or the other. Which means that, just like 18 years ago, hardly anyone will buy one, because unless you can plug it in at home and have a predictable commute, you’re exposing yourself to the wild west of the public charging network. And no one will do that unless they’re forced to, which is why soon we all will be. 

Powertrain aside, for the new A2 little changes. The A2 didn’t rely on retro styling, which is why it still looks fresh. Its thick door pillars were for crash protection and its bluff, high rear and accompanying tiny window made for good aero but hurt visibility. Today, blindspot sensors and rearview cameras can fix that. 

There’s no obvious fix to the original A2’s hard ride, save for the fact that we’ve become quite accustomed to EVs and Audis riding harshly and no one seems to mind. 

The original A2’s only other issue is how few of them Audi managed to sell, which, given that it was priced from around £16,000, left profit margins far too slim. Today, we’re used to paying a lot for small Audis, so restart the cogs and price the new A2 from £30,000. 

*Expert view: who would buy it?*

“You’ve got to ask yourself why Audi never built another A2. A few people loved them and still do, but the questions linger: how do you make sure this car has appeal? What’s the USP? 

“We think selling it would be the problem. Sure, the original A2 was light, but it wouldn’t be as light in production nowadays, and the original also had serious cost issues, like special plastic wings and a bespoke HVAC system. 

“The Autocar proposal could have been a lot more radical, more edgy, we think. The proposed design looks like not much more than a mid-cycle action on the original model. The roof is a bit different, but we’d predict difficulties with getting in and out of the back seat as a result of that. Having said all this, it wouldn’t be too difficult to do, depending on the aggressiveness of the cost targets.” 

*Hilton Holloway: Mercedes A-Class (Mk1)*

It’s 21 years since the original Mercedes A-Class became infamous. For some reason, video of the tiny futuristic vehicle rolling over during testing by a Swedish motoring magazine hit the TV headlines around the world, and the phrase ‘elk test’ entered our vocabulary. 

The main reason the new A-Class – just 2000 or so had been built at the time – rolled over when steered violently around an obstacle was because it was so tall and so short, and one of the reasons it was so tall was its ‘sandwich’ platform. 

The double-decker floorpan, which allowed for an empty space under the A-Class’s flat floor, had a number of functions. In the event of a frontal collision, it allowed the slant-mounted engine to be pushed under the floor rather than into the cabin. Sitting passengers high also greatly improved the side-impact safety. 

At the time – and this was 21 years ago, remember – Mercedes engineers also suggested that the space could also be used to store batteries for an electric A-Class or gas tanks for a fuel-cell version. 

Indeed, experimental hydrogen fuel-cell versions of the original A-Class and its B-Class successor were made. (I drove the latter a few years ago in the RAC’s Future Car run from Brighton to London.) 

Mercedes phased out the sandwich floor concept, saying lowish sales made the bespoke engine and gearbox very expensive to do. But I’m still a devotee of the idea. 

The flat floor and tilted drivetrain make for a fantastically spacious package. (The original A-Class gave 70% of its overall length to occupant and luggage space.) Fitting removable seats to this concept turns it into a van, or build it without seats for a bespoke delivery vehicle. 

This concept is inspired by both the experimental B-Class range-extender and Toyota’s new Japan Taxi, which has a petrol-hybrid engine albeit fuelled by LPG. The range-extending concept has much going for it, especially when it uses low-CO2, low-pollution natural gas. 

Using natural gas also allows us to exploit the extensive fuelling network already under our feet. And unlike pure battery power, gas tanks are much lighter and much cheaper and vehicle range is unaffected by weather conditions. Two decades after it was launched, the original A-Class engineering concept is more relevant than ever. Using this architecture and a natural gas (or biogas) range-extender drivetrain could underpin a new generation of diesel-free premium crossovers, as well providing the basis for low-pollution haulage. 

*Expert view: fashionable but flawed*

“Leaving aside that Mercedes has moved on from the original, twin-floor A-Class (and is much more successful with today’s version), this revival of the concept does everything right for the modern era. It is smartly packaged, with the cab forward and a ‘flip diff’ to shorten the nose. These things are very fashionable. But you have to decide whether the market cares as much about the extremes of interior space as the designers. 

“It goes back to the Austin Maxi: the company made much of the fact that you could lay all the seats down and sleep in the car – but nobody did. 

“We’re not struck on that huge glass roof, either. It’s feasible, but you’d consume a lot of the energy you’ve just saved keeping the car cool.” 

*Richard Bremner: Alfa Romeo Spider*

The Alfa Romeo Spider was once the car in which much of the glamour of its maker’s name resided. Not only did it look pretty, with its artfully crafted triple-piece grille, faired headlights, scalloped flanks and delicate boat tail, but it also had the mechanicals to deliver a drive as dreamy as its looks. A rorty all-alloy, twin-cam 1600, a five-speed gearbox, well-engineered suspension and four-wheel disc brakes made it the most sophisticated sports car in its class. And class it had in spades. 

Its fame was hugely amplified by a star appearance in the 1967 Hollywood film The Graduate, with Dustin Hoffman, but it didn’t need such publicity for success. Its basic excellence and loss-making Alfa Romeo’s inability to replace it caused it to live on for 27 years, in increasingly adulterated form, before being replaced in 1995 by the front-drive Spider loosely based on the Fiat Tipo. While not a landmark machine, that 916-series Spider sold decently, survived until 2004 and was eventually replaced in 2006 by the 159- and Brera-derived Spider. More cabrio than sports car, this overweight two-seater sold very slowly until being deleted, yet to be replaced, in 2010. 

Despite this disappointing end, Alfa has a two-seat sports car heritage that deserves reviving. Before you mouth ‘4C’, I mean in a manner a lot more convincing than this Lotus Elise-alike underachiever manages. Happily, Alfa Romeo now has the hardware to make it happen, namely the rear-wheel-drive platform from the Giulia saloon. It’s too long for a two-seat Spider, but with a section of floor removed, an agility-enhancing action in itself, there is the platform, suspension and 197bhp, 276bhp and 503bhp engine range to form the fine basis of a sports car that would be a lot sportier than the Mercedes SLC and possibly the new BMW Z4. Oh, and a manual gearbox would be good. 

A generous bonnet, a tail longer than both the SLC’s and Z4’s, as per the original ’66 Spider’s proportions, should produce a timeless design that would feature a handful of sculptural and decorative references to the earlier car. But this Spider would be boldly contemporary, subtly muscular, elegant, Italian and decidedly not retro. Alfa Romeo designs have always pushed ahead, and this should be no different. Achieving elegance will require a fabric hood, incidentally. 

The interior would be Italian furniture post-modern lush, and the speedo and tacho would individually sprout front and centre from behind the wheel, ’66 style. But all else would be modern, driver-centric and thoughtfully equipped for the passenger, too. Sports cars often go through periods of waning appeal, before being reignited by fresh product. A brilliant new Alfa Spider should do it.

*Expert view: not edgy enough*

"This new version of the sports car that started as Duetto and became Spider looks very feasible. Alfa’s parent, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has platforms and powertrain hardware that could be adapted relatively quickly to make it. 

“The car is very attractive but if anything it’s a bit too plausible. The proposer has a good understanding of how low-volume models are created from high-volume components, but if this were an Envisage project, we’d have made it more radical, with an eye on a longer life. Part of the appeal of cars like this is edgy styling. You want a design that starts as a piece of art and a finished shape that implies we can build this whereas others can’t.” 

*The verdict*

Mostly, we’ve proved again how hard it is to propose, let alone specify, a new car. Our cars all have a degree of credibility, but Envisage’s experts (veterans of dozens of live projects) found our Alfa Spider a bit too safe, our Audi and Mercedes somewhat lacking in sales appeal, and our Ford Capri a bit too off-the-wall for comfort. It might work, but it looks risky. Last year, our results were much like this: nobody proposed a market smash. With a year to improve, we hardly did. Perhaps the lesson for us is to stick to the keyboard. 

*Read more*

*Bettered by design: behind the scenes at Land Rover's design studio​*

*The dark art of car design​*

*How to design an electric car, according to Porsche design boss​* Reported by Autocar 2 hours ago.

Reported by DallasNews 1 day ago.

Extreme Kleaner, by Extreme Energy Solutions, gets a chance for a debut launch with Auto Parts International at Pittsfield Location in hopes the popularity of their products will extend to other API locations.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (PRWEB) December 28, 2018

Race fans, track attendees, track employees, and racers that compete at Lebanon Valley and Albany Saratoga Speedways do not have far to go from the speedway to get their supply of Extreme Kleaner.

Auto Parts International Pittsfield Store Location is to give Extreme Kleaner a try at its store. Total car care repair and service centers in the area can now report back to the Advance Auto Parts subsidiary and order their supply of Extreme Kleaner.

Located at 1644 East Street, Auto Parts International Pittsfield location, in partnership with Extreme Energy Solutions, the parent company of Extreme Kleaner, has made samples of Extreme Kleaner available for those who wish to give the product a try.

“We tested the product and it seemed to function well, so we decided to give it a run,” commented Gus Landaeta, Store Manager of Auto Parts International, Pittsfield.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with Auto Parts International,” said Nick Stefeno, Extreme Energy Solutions Business Development Representative, “There are many racers in the area that have had a positive experience with Extreme Kleaner, and now they have somewhere locally they can go to get their supply.”

Stefeno, alongside Auto Parts International Field Reps began the awareness campaign to inform current Auto Parts International clients about the availability of Extreme Kleaner. Stefano and API gave out free samples to clients willing to give the product a test run, with shop owners reporting back the quality in which Extreme Kleaner cuts through the grease and grime.

Auto Parts International was founded in 1957, as a provider of foreign car parts. Today Auto Parts International has grown to over 185 store-dealer locations with coverage in 16 states throughout the Northeast. In addition to auto parts, API also offers a complete line of tools, shop supplies, and automotive detail products such as cleaners and degreasers.

Auto Parts International is a fan favorite with the local racing community as they have been known in the past to extend product/part discounts to racers and the occasional racing sponsorship. In fact, it was through advocacy of the racing community which demanded Extreme Kleaner in their geographic area that led to the initiation of Auto Parts International having Extreme Kleaner available in the Pittsfield store location.

Extreme Kleaner was first introduced to the local racing community in 2015, has since expanded its market footprint, and is now available in over 500+ retailer locations nationwide, including Auto Parts International.

Extreme Kleaner, the Main Street Premium Brand since 2012, is available in two formulas: a multi-purpose cleaner-degreaser, and a glass, tile and more formula. Extreme Kleaner has been vetted by National Sanitation Federation and by the US Bowling Congress.

“Extreme Kleaner is a growing Main Street Premium Brand,” continued Stefeno, “This product is really making a difference and is getting some serious market traction due to the partnerships and alliances throughout the racing community.”

Stefeno also expressed his support to the patrons of Auto Parts International that he would make himself available for on-site product demonstrations if shops wanted to take him up on the offer.

A portion of every sale of Extreme Kleaner is dedicated toward assisting local and/or regional causes. Former causes which received the benefit of this initiative include Project Help, a cause aimed at helping to eradicate Veteran Homelessness, STEM Education, the performing arts, and non-profit educational forums for environmental and economic sustainability. The product’s parent company, Extreme Energy Solutions, has also helped sponsor local 5k runs for many good causes.

Extreme Kleaner most recently partnered with Project Help, lending volunteers and assistance with their Toy Drive, where families of Veterans in need were able to pick up donated toys for holiday gifts for their children.

Extreme Energy Solutions, Extreme Kleaner, and the SMART Emissions Reducer are proud partners of Daytona International Speedway and Daytona 500. For more information visit http://www.ExtremeEnergySolutions.net or http://www.ExtremeKleaner.com Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.

*Release date :* January 11, 2019
*Synopsis :* Highlighting the post-war obstacles veterans face, the film follows Iraq War vet Will Gardner (Max Martini) who suffers from severe ... Reported by AceShowbiz 19 hours ago.

Boots on the Ground hosted a charity pool match between veterans and a Tiverton pool team in November Reported by Western Morning News 18 hours ago.

· Big fund managers tend to blame algorithmic trading when things go haywire in the stock market. 
· But there are other factors adding complexity to this argument: A boom in disparate trading platforms makes price discovery difficult, and low trading volume.
· "The electronification era remains one of the lowest-volatility periods on record despite the rise of high-frequency trading," according to trading news site Curatia.
· No, machines aren't causing all these wild stock market swings.

The wild swings and see-sawing of markets these last few days was unprecedented in many ways. But one aspect of the week ended up being very predictable: Like clockwork after any sudden jolt and market event, big investors come out and point the finger at algorithms.

The argument goes something like this: Electronic trading programs feed off each other to cause an "invisible herding effect"  that amplifies price moves, capable of turning a minor downward market trajectory into a full-blown bloodbath, all in a matter of milliseconds. Now that electronic trading makes up huge swathes of the market, a sea change from only a few decades ago, it's obvious that robot traders are causing the plunges and rallies like those of this week.

"Electronic traders are wreaking havoc in the markets," Leon Cooperman, the billionaire stock picker who founded hedge fund Omega Advisors, told the Wall Street Journal. 

JPMorgan Asset Management's chief global strategist, David Kelly, also chimed in this week, blaming algorithm-led passive investment vehicles for the Christmas week volatility. And next year might be worse: Star economist Torsten Slok at Deutsche Bank said an "algo-driven fire sale" might be one of the big risks of 2019. 

Again and again, market structure experts have pushed back against this oversimplified narrative. But much of the counterbalance is seldom noticed. (Perhaps jargon like "latency arbitrage" in 30-plus page reports from institutions with unsexy names like the Bank for International Settlements are less than headline grabbing.) 

*Read more*: Barclays just hired two Wall Street veterans in its chief investment office

But there are plenty of holes to poke in this theory: For one, as trading news site Curatia notes, linking the increase of the machines to the rise in volatility doesn't even work from a timing standpoint. 

"Huge, rapid stock swings occurred well before the advent of algorithmic trading," it said. "On the whole, the electronification era remains one of the lowest-volatility periods on record despite the rise of high-frequency trading. And the recent surge in volatility doesn’t correlate with any specific increase in market automation."

Adding to the complexity — besides the boom in algos, the market has changed in so many other ways, too. 

There's been an explosion in different types of trading venues, both inside and outside of big banks, that has created more tectonic plate-like platforms in the market. That can make "price discovery" trickier. This is especially true in periods of low liquidity, or thinned out buying and selling, which tends to happen over the holiday period.

And there was plenty of human-led activity going on in the world this year that was arguably scarier to investors than any Skynet-style cyborg speed trader: Federal Reserve policy, the US-China trade war, the "leveraged loan" boom, eurozone drama, emerging-market turmoil, volatile oil prices, and Brexit, to list just a few. 

"We often talk about volatility in financial markets, but we must recognize that we now live in a volatile political climate," the European Principal Traders Association has said in one analysis of "flash crashes." Knee-jerk blame of robots, it says, "is irresponsible."

Curatia sums it up well: "For all the good things about machines, arguably the best is that when you point a finger at them, they don’t point back."

*SEE ALSO: Asian and European stocks rally to track dramatic late-day rebound in US markets*

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The legendary economist who predicted the housing crisis says the US will win the trade war Reported by Business Insider 15 hours ago.

Britain’s postal service issued an apology to veterans Friday over a botched stamp to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing next year. Reported by FOXNews.com 15 hours ago.

Photo blunder 'a gross insult to veterans', say historians Reported by Independent 15 hours ago.

OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Werner Enterprises (NASDAQ: WERN), a premier transportation and logistics company, is proud to be a sponsor of the 11^th annual Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Monday, Dec. 31, at 12 p.m. ET. Werner’s Operation Freedom 13 driver, Quinton Ward, will be recognized with a special on-field ceremony celebrating his designation as the 2018 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award winner.“Werner appreciates our veterans, veteran spouses and their families who continuously strengthen our workforce,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Leathers. “It is a privilege to participate in the Military Bowl and an honor to recognize the teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship of college football.”

The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award is given to one winner each year selected among veterans, guard members and reservists who successfully transition to the trucking industry following military service. As the winner, Ward received a fully-loaded Kenworth T-680, which Werner specially wrapped with a military support theme as part of its Operation Freedom fleet. Ward served his country in the United States Army for five years before beginning his professional truck driving career in 2017. Ward was promoted to Werner’s Operation Freedom fleet in 2018 and is currently one of eight Operation Freedom drivers; these veterans are selected based on their exceptional performance.

The Military Bowl is a premier regional event benefiting the United Service Organizations and other organizations supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families. This year’s game matches the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Cincinnati Bearcats, and will be televised on ESPN.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is a premier transportation and logistics company, with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Werner maintains its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and maintains offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. Werner is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States, with a diversified portfolio of transportation services that includes dedicated; medium-to-long-haul, regional and expedited van; and temperature-controlled. The Werner Logistics portfolio includes truck brokerage, freight management, intermodal, international and final mile services. International services are provided through Werner’s domestic and global subsidiary companies and include ocean, air and ground transportation; freight forwarding; and customs brokerage.

Werner Enterprises, Inc.’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market^SM under the symbol “WERN.” For further information about Werner, visit the company’s website at www.werner.com.

Contact: Fred Thayer, Director of Corporate Communications
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
402.895.6640 ext. 100-2065
fthayer@werner.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 13 hours ago.

Cabinet changes are apparent bid to bring experience and structure to decision making Reported by FT.com 12 hours ago.

SPRING HOPE, NC, Dec. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE – Hemp, Inc. (OTC PINK:HEMP), a global leader in the industrial hemp industry with bi-coastal processing centers including the largest multipurpose industrial hemp processing facility in the western hemisphere (in Spring Hope, North Carolina), announced today that Hemp, Inc. CEO, Bruce Perlowin, wrote an article for Fox Business about the legalization of hemp that was published the day President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill.

The article, “Hemp CEO: Thanks to Farm Bill, the Hemp Revolution will Now be 'Made in America,” was published Dec. 20^th and explains Hemp, Inc.’s role in the hemp revolution sweeping the United States. The bill redefines hemp as an agricultural commodity and removes hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and the jurisdiction of the Drug Enforcement Administration, allowing for a massive expansion of economic opportunities across all sectors of the hemp industry.

Perlowin details his projections of what the legalization of hemp will mean for the U.S. economy. Specifically, he notes that legalization will bring back the small family farm, unleash several multi-billion dollar industries, and transform the health and wellness of America.

“In states like North Carolina, Oregon and Florida, we’re seeing hundreds of high paying jobs emerge because of hemp farming,” Perlowin writes. “We support the local farm worker by paying more than the average farm worker’s $10.95 hourly wage; as an example, we employed 40 trimmers this year that were making more than $35 an hour.”

Hemp, Inc. has been at the center of news coverage regarding the 2018 Farm Bill to discuss the impact legal hemp will have on the U.S. economy and farmers nationwide. Some expect the global industrial hemp industry to hit $20 billion by 2022. Until recently, the U.S. has imported on average $100 million worth of hemp products each year, according to Congressional Research Service. Legalization will allow American farmers and companies to tap that market.

In addition to the company’s industrial hemp processing facility in Spring Hope, North Carolina (its largest), Hemp, Inc. also has one the most sophisticated hemp local processing centers in Medford, Oregon, and a 4,500-acre hemp growing eco-village in Golden Valley, Arizona and is continuing to scout new locations for local processing centers nationwide. The company’s local processing center in Medford, Oregon is one of the most sophisticated hemp harvesting and post processing centers in the state of Oregon and its operations in Arizona consists of a 4,500-acre hemp growing eco-village which they are actively building out 300 acres for hemp cultivation. Hemp, Inc. aims to boost the economies of these towns by offering affordable hemp processing services, which incentivizes local growers to add hemp to their crop rotation.

Hemp, Inc. also has also entered into an agreement with 2 Manifest Studio, LLC, a Wyoming, Limited Liability Company (VED), to create a documentary and subsequent docuseries over the course of an estimated five years. Per the terms of the agreement, VED will create a feature-length film, docu-series, and other video materials about the history of hemp with a strong focus on Hemp, Inc. and other pioneers and companies that are leaders in the modern-day history of industrial hemp.

To see 1 minute videos of Hemp, Inc.’s current activities, go to Bruce Perlowin’s personal Facebook page where he posts daily on all of Hemp, Inc.’s activities around the country. (No other public company has this level of transparency than Hemp, Inc.)

To read the Fox Business article, click here.

*ABOUT LOCAL PROCESSING CENTER INC.*

Hemp, Inc. entered into a majority ownership agreement with JNV Farms LLC for the hemp cultivation and processing company in Medford, Oregon.  As the majority owner of the, now fully functional, hemp cultivation and processing company, Local Processing Center, Inc. (LPC), Hemp, Inc. will be able to create a pipeline of industrial hemp and hemp products in states, where legal, on the West Coast. This makes Hemp, Inc. a bi-coastal hemp processing center in America with many more Hemp Local Processing Centers planned for other areas where Hemp is being grown.  Thus far, the company has created about 50 jobs in its LPC and also helps create even more jobs for the local farmer.  “A to Z” services for the farmers are available - from harvesting to drying, bagging, curing, storing, nitrogen sparging, machine trimming, hand trimming, extracting and selling creating a “one stop shop” for the small to large family farm. Daily updates on LPC can be found on Bruce Perlowin’s personal *Facebook* page.

*DAILY UPDATES ON FACEBOOK*

Hemp, Inc. strives to be one of the most transparent companies in the public sector. To adhere to this company policy of transparency, CEO Bruce Perlowin posts 1-minute video updates daily on his personal *Facebook* page to give an inside look and behind-the-scenes footage of what Hemp, Inc. is doing on a daily basis. “We want them to know how the company is performing and what it is doing to reach its goals,” says Perlowin. To see 1 minute videos of everything Hemp, Inc.’s current activities, go to Bruce Perlowin’s personal *Facebook* page where he posts daily on all the activity Hemp, Inc. is doing around the country. (No other public company has this level of transparency than Hemp, Inc.)

*THE UPCOMING DOCUSERIES*

Hemp, Inc. *entered into an agreement* with *2 Manifest Studio, LLC*, a Wyoming, Limited Liability Company (VED), to create a documentary and subsequent docuseries over the course of an estimated five years.  Per the terms of the agreement, VED will create a feature length film and corresponding docuseries and other video materials about the history of hemp with a strong focus on Hemp, Inc. and other pioneers and companies that are leaders in the modern-day history of industrial hemp. The content will be wholly-owned by Hemp, Inc. 2 Manifest Studio Director, Joseph Trivigno, and his team have been tracking Hemp, Inc.’s progress, as executives meet with farmers throughout the country to document the company’s expansion into new markets.  The documentary is expected to be released by 2020. The docuseries is expected to follow the film’s release. The film crew will also capture hemp developments in markets around the globe.

*VETERAN VILLAGE KINS COMMUNITIES*

The company’s 500-acre strategic growing partner, Veteran Village Kins Community in Golden Valley, Arizona, is also designed to grow hemp and produce CBD products to benefit veterans as well as generate revenue for Hemp, Inc., the Veteran Village and individual veterans living in the community. Hemp, Inc. executives are also continuing to scout new locations nationwide to open additional hemp processing centers in legal markets.

For a more complete description on the Veteran Village Kins Community (as mentioned above), read the following October 24, 2017 press release, “Hemp, Inc. Announces Strategic Hemp Growing Partner ‘Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.’ Completes Final Site Plan Blueprints”, below:

*Hemp, Inc.* has announced that its strategic growing partner, "Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.", has completed its final site plan blueprints for its 500-acre site in Golden Valley, Arizona (20 miles north of Kingman, AZ and 90 minutes from Las Vegas, NV). The site plan was submitted to the Mohave County Building Department for final review. The Company is also in the final stages of completing the necessary infrastructure to support an off-grid, renewable, energy system. With the solar equipment in place, the site's solar power operation will be completed in the next days.

As soon as the live streaming video cameras are up and operational, the world can actually see the way the Veteran Village Kins Community is designed and watch it being built. According to Perlowin, the basic framework or overall plan of the Veteran Village Kins Communities is to create a holistic healing and learning center that is designed to educate and heal veterans with PSTD, alcoholism, meth addiction, opioid addiction, and other psychological conditions while at the same time training them on the numerous aspects of being part of the emerging multi-billion dollar hemp industry. 

 We will also be building hemp-growing communities for other groups such as "Abused" Women & Children Village Kins Communities, the "Orphaned" Children Village Kins Communities, "Homeless" Village Kins Communities and the "Healers" Village Kins Communities (the healers are professionals who are knowledgeable in the modalities to treat these traumatized groups).  These particular communities are all synergistically aligned to work simultaneously supporting each other.

For example, the "Healers" heal the traumatized veterans and women & children; the women support orphan children, and orphan children want to see people living in homes and not homeless. Thus, a portion of the hemp grown in each community goes to create and support another community, giving everybody a sense of giving back and helping others as they help themselves. This circles back to the healers who also work to heal the veterans and the other traumatized groups. This is the economic foundation on how the sale of the hemp products operates as a "quantum economic matrix" or an example of "symbiotic economics" which is more complex than this brief description allows.

Dwight Jory, the Project Manager for the "Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.”, said, "We are very happy with the progress. Our Kins Community is really beginning to come together." In anticipation of planting to begin during the spring, 300 acres have been fenced, 16 overnight trailer park sites are under construction, and six 40x40-ft organic vegetable gardens have been planted and are currently producing food and kenaf, according to Jory. These organic gardens double as experimental growing modules using an entire array of different growing technologies to see which modalities grow the best in a desert environment. As for the 6 geodesic domes mentioned in an earlier press release, 1 is structurally complete with only the electrical and plumbing to be completed. The rest are on site awaiting final site plan approval.

"We are now accepting volunteers who have expressed an interest in helping to build the first Kins Community for our veterans," said Jory. Those interested in making the first hemp growing CBD-producing "Veteran Village Kins Community" become a reality should contact Ms. Sandra Williams via email (swilliams@hempinc.com).

One thousand trees, on 36 of the 500-acres, have also been planted, with an additional 1,000 trees on order. The "Veteran Village Kins Community" will include a 100,000-square foot GMP compliant, central processing plant, a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, and various health and wellness centers to support veterans who may have psychological, emotional or health issues.

"As Hemp, Inc. positions itself on the forefront of America's industrial hemp revolution, we see our partnership with 'Veteran Village Kins Community Arizona, Inc.' being paramount in supporting the small family farm movement that we are confident will reshape the American landscape," said Perlowin. "As we work toward getting our eco-village up and running in Arizona, we are also aggressively scouting strategic locations in other states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Giving veterans and other Americans a place to learn new skills and take part in this multi-billion-dollar hemp CBD market is very exciting. It's a big part of our mission to give back.  Recently we have expanded our Kins Community concept internationally focusing, but not limited to, Israel, New Zealand, Canada, Africa, and Uruguay."

According to Perlowin, we hope to have 50 "master hemp growers" working on their first Veteran Village Kins Community in Arizona. To date, we have growers from Oregon, Colorado, California, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nevada and, Arizona who have expressed an interest in pursuing a joint venture with Hemp, Inc. to each grow industrial hemp on 5 of the 300 fenced acres in Arizona. Perlowin says he'll call this "The Great United American Hemp Grow-Off."  Any grower having an interest in pursuing a joint venture on 5 of the 300 fenced in acres in Arizona should contact Project Manager Dwight Jory. Or, anyone interested in attending the 2-7-day hands-on hempcrete house building should contact Dwight Jory as well. (Dates to be determined.)

*WHAT IS HEMP?*

Hemp is a durable natural fiber that is grown as a renewable source for raw materials that can be incorporated into thousands of products. It's one of the oldest domesticated crops known to man. Hemp is used in nutritional food products such as hemp seeds, hemp hearts and hemp proteins, for humans. It is also used in building materials, paper, textiles, cordage, organic body care and other nutraceuticals, just to name a few. It has thousands of other known uses. A hemp crop requires half the water alfalfa uses and can be grown without the heavy use of pesticides. Farmers worldwide grow hemp commercially for fiber, seed, and oil for use in a variety of industrial and consumer products. The United States is the only developed nation that fails to cultivate industrial hemp as an economic crop on a large scale, according to the Congressional Resource Service. However, with rapidly changing laws and more states gravitating towards industrial hemp and passing an industrial hemp bill, that could change. Currently, the majority of hemp sold in the United States is imported from China and Canada, the world's largest exporters of the industrial hemp crop.

To see Hemp, Inc.'s video just posted entitled, "The Largest Hemp Mill in the Western Hemisphere is Now Online - It's Alive", click *here*. To see the Hemp, Inc. mill in operation and processing product, visit Bruce Perlowin's personal *Facebook page* and scroll down to August 1, 2017.

*THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP AND MARIJUANA*

Hemp is completely different from marijuana in its function, cultivation and application. In cultivating marijuana, the plants are spaced far apart, and the male plants are destroyed to assure that they cannot seed the female plants, which would result in undesirable, less potent and less marketable, seeded marijuana buds. Hemp, on the other hand, is planted close together and commonly hermaphrodites, which creates an abundance of seeds, the main component of Hemp foods and supplements. The Hemp stalks are processed and used for fiber, composite, and other hemp based end products.

Hemp is used in variety of other applications that marijuana couldn’t possibly be used in. These include healthy dietary supplements, skin products, clothing, and accessories. Overall, hemp is known to have over *25,000 possible applications*. Hemp products such as Hemp Milk, Hemp Cereal, and Hemp Oil are used by consumers every day.

For an excellent read on the difference between hemp and marijuana, visit the *Ministry of Hemp*.

*9 GREAT REASONS TO INCLUDE HEMP AS PART OF A HEALTHY DIET* (*Source*)

Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they do not produce a mind-altering effect.  These small, brown seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s. They have antioxidant effects and may reduce symptoms of numerous ailments, improving the health of the heart, skin, and joints. Read all the reasons to include hemp as part of a healthy diet *here*.

*HOW HEMP CAN CHANGE THE WORLD*

Fiber* – *Hemp fiber can be used to make fabrics and textiles, rope and paper. The word ‘canvas’ actually derives from the word cannabis.

Fuel - While the industrial, medicinal and commercial properties of hemp have been known to mankind for a very long time, its benefits to the environment have just been realized in recent years. One of the compelling things hemp offers is fuel. With reserves of petroleum being depleted, it would be nice if we could have a fuel source which was reusable and which we could grow right here, making us completely energy independent.

Food – Hemp seeds are very nutritious and were first thought to be eaten by the Ancient Chinese and Indians. Hemp seeds have a nutty taste and can be eaten raw, ground up, sprouted, or made into dried sprout powder. Hemp seeds also contain a very beneficial oil that is high in unsaturated fatty acids, including an optimal 1:4 ratio of omega-3 to 6.

Building Material - Hemp can be made into a variety of building materials. These include concrete-like blocks called ‘hempcrete’, biodegradable plastics, and wood replacements. These materials have been used in the manufacture of many things, including electronics, cars and houses. In fact, the first American home made of hemp-based materials was completed in August 2010 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Biofuel - Remarkably, the oil from hemp seeds and stalks can also be made into biofuels such as Biodiesel — sometimes known as ‘hempoline’. While this biofuel can be used to power engines, it does take quite a lot of raw material to produce a substantial amount.

(Source/Credit: *A Medium Corporation*)

*SOCIAL NETWORKS*

*http://www.facebook.com/hempinc*  (Facebook)

*https://www.facebook.com/KingOfPot*  (Bruce Perlowin's Facebook Page)

*https://www.hempincpresents.com* (Hemp, Inc.’s YouTube Channel)

*SUBSCRIBE TO HEMP, INC.'S VIDEO UPDATES*

"Hemp, Inc. Presents" is capturing the historic, monumental re-creation of the hemp decorticator today as America begins to evolve into a cleaner, green, eco-friendly sustainable environment. What many see as the next American Industrial Revolution is actually the Industrial Hemp Revolution. Watch as Hemp, Inc., the No. 1 leader in the industrial hemp industry, engages its shareholders and the public through each step in bringing back the hemp decorticator as described in the "Freedom Leaf Magazine" article "*The Return of the Hemp Decorticator*" by Steve Bloom.

"*Hemp, Inc. Presents*" is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by visiting* **www.hempinc.com*. To subscribe to the "*Hemp, Inc. Presents*" YouTube channel, be sure to click the subscribe button.

*UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC EVENTS*

Across the globe, the hemp industry is rising to astronomical levels. In the wake of the hemp industry projected to grow 700% and hit $1.8 billion by 2020, there has been more education and networking within the industry. That means more events and conferences, thus, Hemp, Inc. has started compiling an ongoing list of upcoming hemp events around the world.  Check out the listing of international and domestic events* **here*.

*ABOUT HEMP, INC.*

With a deep-rooted social and environmental mission at its core, Hemp, Inc. seeks to build a business constituency for the American small farmer, the American veteran, and other groups experiencing the ever-increasing disparity between tapering income and soaring expenses. As a leader in the industrial hemp industry with ownership of the largest commercial multi-purpose industrial hemp processing facility in North America, Hemp, Inc. believes there can be tangible benefits reaped from adhering to a corporate social responsibility plan.

*FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES*

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. To clarify the issue of OTC placing a stop sign next to Hemp, Inc.'s stock trading symbol, that symbol indicates Hemp, Inc. does not report their financials. As a non-reporting pink sheet company, Hemp, Inc. is not required to report. The company does, however, choose to publicly report its quarterly and yearly financials on its *website*. According to the company's CEO, the OTC stop sign is a misrepresentation of that reporting fact. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

CONTACT: Hemp, Inc.
855-436-7688
ir@hempinc.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 11 hours ago.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For Virginia senior running back Jordan Ellis, setting the tone at football practice is done more with his pads than his words. Reported by Harrison Daily 9 hours ago.

By Jeoffrey Maitem, Mark Navales and Richel V. Umel

A failure to ratify a Muslim autonomy law in the southern Philippines early next year could ignite fresh violence in the troubled region, with Islamic State-linked militants potentially exploiting the situation to boost their waning ranks, analysts warn.

On Jan. 21 some two million voters are expected to vote on ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). President Rodrigo Duterte signed off on it in July, four years after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended a separatist rebellion, which began two decades earlier and left tens of thousands of people dead and parts of the south in deep poverty.

If the law fails to bring development – as promised by MILF leaders-turned-politicians – it could drive many southerners back into the arms of militant groups, said Ramon Beleno III, head of the political science and history department at Ateneo De Davao University in Davao City.

“There are challenges ahead like how it will be implemented. There is opposition from other sectors. And if it they are not addressed, that situation will lead to another armed group,” he told BenarNews.

The law gives people in the south control over many local government functions, including taxation and education, and will allow Muslim Filipinos to incorporate Islamic law into their justice system.

The upcoming plebiscite is expected take place in the predominantly Muslim provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. It will also include six towns in Lanao del Norte and the cities of Cotabato and Isabela in Basilan.

However, with a few weeks left before the vote, large segments of the Muslim population have not been educated about the concept of autonomy and the implications of BOL, according to Beleno.

“Many people do not understand it. There must be massive explanation on the ground about the consequences if they accept it or not. There were many promises under the new set-up, but if they are not met, we will have a problem,” he said.

Under the set-up MILF would gradually disarm, with its members integrating into the Philippine armed forces.

But the absence of the former fighters from the frontlines could lead to a power vacuum, which more hardline groups inspired by Islamic State (IS) militants could fill, MILF chief Murad Ebrahim has warned.

**BOL: ‘A political experiment’**

Already, militant groups are testing the resolve of the army and police.

In late July 2018, a car bomb set off by militants at a checkpoint in southern Basilan island killed 10 people. Meanwhile, dozens of militants who escaped from southern Marawi city last year after a five-month battle with government forces are busy with frenzied recruitment efforts, the military has said.

“The BOL will require the MILF to stop fighting the Philippine through a military struggle and this will be a big contribution to peace in Mindanao,” Rommel Banlaoi, and expert at the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, told Benar.

“However, there are still threats to peace emanating from the military activities of other groups,” he said.

Apart from holdover militant veterans of the Marawi battle, the military should be wary of extremist groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf, and watch out for a possible revival of the Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP), Banlaoi said.

Among other things to consider, MILF’s many fighters would be left to relearn military discipline under the strict guidelines of their former battlefield foes, he said. The government has estimated MILF’s strength at 10,000 fighters, but the former rebel group has claimed that its forces are three times as big.

Banlaoi said he recently visited MILF areas in the south, and he had reason to believe that “there can be more than a million armed people who can fight on behalf of the MILF.”

“Thus, BOL will require the MILF leadership to tell all their armed followers in their mass base not to use their arms to fight the central government,” he stressed, while acknowledging that the process of decommissioning MILF’s entire arsenal could be difficult.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law is not a “panacea” for multifaceted problems of conflicts in the south that have been aggravated by the presence of IS, Banlaoi argued. Rather, it is a “political experiment that we all hope will work,” he said.

Also, he said, the law could not be expected to “automatically stop the influx of foreign fighters” to the south, and could “even attract some foreign fighters to come to the south to oppose what they perceive as cooptation with the infidels.”

In such a case, he warned, MILF and the new Bangsamoro government must not lose time formulating ways to prevent more foreign fighters from infiltrating local territory.

“Otherwise, foreign terrorist fighters working in tandem with local fighters can undermine the peace aspired by all,” Banlaoi stressed.

**Opposition**

The south’s Muslim population is not entirely united behind BOL. Some local groups have expressed their opposition to the autonomy law.

In October, Sulu provincial Gov. Abdusakur Tan II questioned its legality in a petition before the Supreme Court, arguing that the law was unconstitutional.

And Cynthia Giani, the mayor of Cotabato city, has been actively campaigning against her city’s inclusion in the expanded autonomous region.

“Whatever comes out of the plebiscite, we really have to respect it but I believe that no matter how hard you campaign to residents of Cotabato City, they have a mind of their own. What the people feel is different from what Manila people perceive,” Giani said.

MILF leaders, at the same time, have warned of trouble brewing should the measure be defeated in next month’s vote, particularly in Basilan, the bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and in Cotabato, an administrative capital of the Muslim government.

The Abu Sayyaf, or Bearers of the Sword, is the most brutal of militant groups operating in the southern Philippines. It has been engaged mostly in banditry, kidnapping and bombings.

One of its commanders, Isnilon Hapilon, became the head of the Philippine Islamic State faction. In May 2017, he led an attack and take-over of Marawi city, a major Muslim trading hub. The siege and ensuing five-month battle destroyed the city and left at least 1,200 people dead, mostly militants.

“There should be smooth acceptance from the people. Otherwise, it will spark another group to come out,” Beleno, the political scientist, said. Reported by Eurasia Review 7 hours ago.

· Over 300 students were awarded for their exemplary work at the award ceremony

· 600 International Entries from 70 countries.

 

*Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC)* the leaders in 3D Animation and VFX training hosted the 16^th, 24FPS Annual International Animation Awards 2018 on December 17^th, 2018, at the Sahara Star in Mumbai.

 
*Prajakta Koli at the “Movers and Shakers” award with Mr. Anil Pant, MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd.*

 

The 24FPS International Animation Awards of MAAC is a well known name in the Media and Entertainment Industry that honors the brightest talents in the field of Animation, VFX & Live action film making across the globe.

 

Awards were given out across categories such as, Best VFX Short Film, Best 3D Animated Short Film, Digital Film Making and others. The jury panel comprised of senior personnel from top production houses & institutions such as, DNeg, Prime Focus, Technicolor, Tata, MPC, Assemblage, 88 Pictures, Makuta VFX, NY VFX Waala, FTII, amongst others.

 
*Swapnil Joshi receiving award from Mr. Anil Pant, MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd.*

 

Apart from the main attraction, which is awards, the audience was enthralled by the presence of Marathi Superstar *Swapnil Joshi* who was awarded for his contribution to Cinema & Television, celebrated YouTuber *Ms. Prajakta Koli* (Mostlysane) who was awarded as “*YouTube Sensation*” (Digital Content), *Mr. Vaibhav Kumaresh CEO*, *Vaibhav Studios* who was awarded for his contribution to the Animation Industry and *DNeg* India who were awarded for their contribution to the VFX Industry. All of the above were honored and awarded with the “*Movers and Shakers*” award.

 

Dignitaries from the media & entertainment industry graced the occasion, in the presence of over a thousand students from across India.

 

Around 600 International Entries from 70 countries were received with entries from USA, France, Spain, UK, Italy, Russia and many more contributing amongst these. More than 65 awards were handed out to the winners through the function from amongst 85 nominations by the industry experts in order to inspire and encourage them further.

 

*Mr. Anil Pant, MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd.*, delighted with the turnout and quality of work, commented “The quality of work submitted by the nominees is evidence that animation & VFX is flourishing in our country and the same has potential to grow leaps and bounds. These awards are a way of appreciating the talented youngsters and igniting their passion for a career in the creative arts. It is also an excellent platform for them to mingle & speak to industry stalwarts and aspire to do path breaking work.”

 

In the student’s submission category, over 300 students won awards for their brilliance in various categories. The success of the awards was visible through the sheer number of student and industry people present at the event.

 

*About MAAC*

Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) is India’s leading educator in high-end 3D Animation and Visual Effects. Founded in 2001 & a major brand of Aptech Ltd., MAAC has trained over 30000 students across the country. It has over 80 centers with cutting-edge infrastructure in over 40 cities.

 

MAAC offers industry relevant Career courses on 3D Animation & Visual Effects. It offers Real-life training environment to the students backed by an excellent faculty, infrastructure, and the latest technical educational tools.

 

MAAC’s students are placed as Modeling Artists, Lighting Artist, Render Artist, Character Animator, Layout Artist, Digital Sculptor, Rigging Artist, FX Artist, Roto Artist, Match Mover, Video Editor, Motion Graphics Artist, Compositors, Visualizes, Content Developers and Pre and Post Production executives in blue chip animation studios and entertainment companies like Prime Focus, Rhythm & Hues Studios, Crest Animation Studios, BIG Animation, Cornershop, EFX, Toonz Animation, DQ Entertainment, Paprikaas Animation Studios, NDTV, Studio 9, Redchillies.VFX, Vaibhav Studios, IBN7, Animax, Pixion and Tata Elxsi Ltd. to name a few.

 

*For further information*, please visit* *www.maacindia.com.

 

*About 24FPS 2018*

2018 marks the 16th year of the 24FPS Awards. Since inception, these much-awaited Awards have given students a huge platform to showcase their talent & earn recognition for their work. With every passing year, the quality of entries soars to new heights. This year, the Awards witnessed participation from an overwhelming number of students from different MAAC centers in India. Each entry was judged by industry veterans consisting of the who’s who in media & entertainment. All in all, the 24FPS Awards were about creativity, power-packed talent, magnificent performances and entertaining acts as a complete package.

  Reported by NewsVoir 6 hours ago.

A DEDICATED volunteer who helped blind veterans for more than 70 years is among those to be recognised by the Queen in the New Year’s honours. Reported by The Argus 2 hours ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — It had been months since retired Lt. Cmdr. Michele Fitzpatrick paid attention to news coverage. She was turned off by President Donald Trump's tweetstorms and attacks on critics such as the late Republican Sen. John... Reported by New Zealand Herald 5 hours ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 6 in 10 military veterans voted for Republican candidates in the November midterm elections, and a similar majority had positive views of President Donald Trump's leadership. But women, the fastest growing... Reported by New Zealand Herald 4 hours ago.

Aliveshoes.com launches limited time pre-sales until Jan 20th., for rare sneaker design.

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) December 29, 2018

Hitsquad isn't just a concept. It's a lifestyle. Defy the odds and look cool doing it. Designed by legendary veteran designer Phillip Mitchell Polite, who once lived a very different life. Phil was 19 years old when he was deployed to Iraq. Over 15 years later, Mr. Polite is entering another form of combat: the shoe industry. "I was a combat veteran at 20. When I came home, I was diagnosed with PTSD. I had nightmares, couldn't sleep. It was bad for a while." He has struggled with depression and other conditions in the years since. He even suffered the heartbreak of a judge regulating infrequent visits with his children because of the disorder. Although never violent, Phil decided to take his frustration out in a different way. To take aim on adding value to the sneaker industry. His concepts are fresh and culturally innovative. Phil wants to be a part of changing the stigma of veterans suffering from the disorder.

Phil partnered up with Aliveshoes.com, a designer friendly website based out of Italy and launched his masterpiece. Hitsquad, a winner of the "staff pick" award is a beautiful blend of urban street style mixed with a sense of theatrics. All the shoes are handmade by master Italian craftsmen from pristine Italian leather. Each designer pair is a one-of-a-kind, combining handcrafting tradition, quality and modern style for a product that’s perfectly Italian.

Hitsquad is a protected design concept and Limited Edition product. These shoes are very rare. They are currently only available to Jan 20th. When purchasing one of the few available, you will receive an official Limited Edition Certificate, with the unique Limited Edition design code. Phil hopes that people, veterans and shoe lovers will support. "I just want to make my family and veterans proud. I hope to use my creativity to raise awareness." With resell value on sneakers remaining a hot commodity post market, Hitsquad may be the beginning of a thriving brand. Exclusive shoes for serious sneaker collectors who like to stand out. Get em while they last. Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.

The charitable organization is putting unwanted vehicles & real estate back in circulation for the benefit of individuals and other charities with transport & financial help.

HIGHLAND, Mich. (PRWEB) December 29, 2018

Driving Successful Lives, a Michigan-based national non-profit, has experienced steady growth while yet in its infancy. With its national roll-out, the organization is working feverishly to make the holiday season special for many families around the country.

Through Driving Successful Lives’ car and real estate donation programs, the 501(c) 3 is able to make use of unwanted and unused cars and properties and provide funding to associated charities or by directly providing donations that can be utilized by charitable organizations that include churches, shelters and food distribution programs.

A representative of the organization commented, “Driving Successful Lives has been feeding the hungry, the homeless and disadvantaged people of many communities.” Highlighting a primary focus of the car donation program.

Relating to the organization’s part of the car and real estate donation programs that make vehicles and properties directly available to those in need, the rep added, “Through collaborative efforts - working with other non-profits and charity partners, we have provided donations for many individuals, families and organizations to help to further their missions.”
“The cars and properties that we donate help families get re-established and on their feet as they work towards securing gainful employment. And, larger donated vehicles and commercial properties can be put to commercial use – aiding various programs of the charity.”

“The Stake Truck, the Dump Truck and the 6 - 8 passenger vehicles allow for the transport of materials, building, clearing of areas for improvement and for the shuttling of people to church, programs, counseling, doctor’s appointments and therapy. Everybody works together for the greater good of mankind, the organization and to better the community.”

The representative also detailed how Driving Successful Lives helps to feed those in need: “Various stores and retail locations in the community support our mission to feed people. Most stores we call who provided food will match or outright donate food to our charity and we of course share with other charities so we can serve and reach more people. The quality of our food is primary grade and we pride ourselves on feeding folks fresh food. “

About Driving Successful Lives:

Our mission is to facilitate your donations so that Veterans, Homeless Families, Children, Those with Addictions and other Non-Profits can benefit from your giving-forward.

Every time you give to the charity of your choice it may also create a tax benefit for you. The money, the items and the real property that you have donated to non-profit institutions throughout the tax year may be tax deductible which means that they could end up being the difference between a good tax return and a great tax return. Depending upon the kind of donation and the type of charity or foundation that you chose to donate to, the tax deduction it creates could be very helpful to you for reducing the amount taxes that you owe. Many successful and wealthy people state that at least to a certain degree, a part of whom they are and what they have become comes at least in part from the practice of giving. Contributing to charities can be a very convenient way to reduce your taxes.

Individual Real Estate Donations:

If you own a property that is deeded in your name, deeded to you and your spouse or if it is deeded to you and other individuals, the following rules apply:

If you have owned the property for at least one year it falls under the long term capital gain classification of properties. This will allow you to reduce the maximum fair market price of the property being donated.

The deduction of your charitable contribution is a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income. Surplus contributions can be carried forward for up to five years.

Contact Information

Driving Successful Lives
Charity Representative
1-888-981-9746
drivingsuccessfullives(at)gmail(dot)com

For more information, go to http://www.emailwire.com. Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.