Category: CONSUMER NEWS

How Vegas hotels inspire loyalty among patrons

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 10, 2019)–The customer, like all businesses, is the most important person in both the hotel and casino industry and by extension, their loyalty is vital to their success.

Loyalty schemes and bonuses aren’t anything new – just about every business offering a product or service utilizes them. Pick up a coffee at any local shop and you’ll fill another space on the loyalty card, log on to an online casino and you’ll be able to claim comp points for the games that you play.

Loyalty schemes and rewards aren’t anything new, but how effective each method is is still up for debate. But those discussing will struggle to argue that the Vegas hotels and casinos are at the forefront of the loyalty business.

There are

so

many different hotels in Vegas and with each one competing for the same customers, it’s hardly a surprise that loyalty is a serious business. So, how exactly do hotels inspire loyalty among patrons?

The brand itself

The single most important marketing consideration that any business faces is the brand itself and, done correctly, this is enough to make for strong loyalty.

By marketing the hotel for the correct audience and selling the lifestyle rather than the hotel itself, businesses are much more likely to receive new customers that they may otherwise fail to have caught. This can be done in a number of different ways, perhaps the most interesting in recent times being

digital and social media marketing

.

Branding is particularly important through the hotel itself too with the decor, feel and staff all linking to the lifestyle that the brand portrays. In the era in which the everyday person chooses to share their life online – everything matters and the good (and bad) will be shared.

Traditional loyalty schemes

A traditional loyalty scheme structure seems to be the preferred way for the Vegas hard-hitters to instill loyalty and create a loyal fanbase.

From offers and discounts on rooms, the chance to bag tickets to events before the rest of the crowds and VIP treatment wherever you go – it does a very good job of keeping customers happy. But this doesn’t tend to come easily and there’s a price to pay before the benefits can be reaped, often in the form of

tier credits

. The more tier credits earned, the better the benefits that can be claimed.

The best we to run through this to give you an idea of what to expect is to have a look through a case study and get to grips with the loyalty offered.

Case study: MGM Resorts – M Life Program

Maybe the

best example of hotel loyalty

schemes comes from the bosses at MGM Resorts and their loyalty program “M Life” consistent across all hotels owned (MGM Grand, Bellagio, Mirage, etc.).

The company uses a five-tier system with each tier offering bigger and better benefits for those staying at any of the MGM resorts.

A certain number of tier credits is required before the next level can be reached which are earned with spending on gaming activities, hotel rooms, dining, entertainment, etc. If you’re spending money at the resort, chances are that

you’re collecting tier points

in doing so.

Sapphire

The first loyalty level that all guests will receive is the Sapphire status – the level received for simply signing up for the rewards scheme.

Members will receive a 10% discount on rooms at valid MGM properties with an additional 5% discount at the participating shops found at the resort. There’s even the chance to earn early access to tickets for events at MGM resorts around the globe.

Pearl

Next up is pearl, the status reached when earning 35,000 tier credits inside a program year.

Alongside the benefits earned from Sapphire, members will find themselves with a 10% points-earning from slot play and an additional six months of expiration time. There’s the chance to be invited to members-only events and the shopping discount is bumped up to 10% at those stores participating.

Gold

Gold follows Pearl and requires members to earn 75,000 tier credits per program year to qualify.

The benefits of Pearl will still stand, but there’s a 20% bonus on slot play and express comps, the availability of priority check-in lines and room upgrades for hotel stays. Gold members will also be able to make priority reservations at restaurants as well as VIP lines in both buffets and select nightclubs.

Platinum

A huge 200,000 tier credits inside a singe program year are required to reach the Platinum level and the benefits that come with it.

Those at the Platinum level are entitled to one free cruise per program year on either Royal Caribbean of Celebrity in either the Bahamas or the Caribbean for 3, 4 or 5 nights depending on gambling history. That’s just the start and Platinum members should also be able to earn 30% on slots and express comps alongside a 15% discount at shops.

Noir

The highest tier available in the M Life Program is Noir, an invitation-only program that’s rumored to only be available for those spending $250,000 or more per year in MGM casinos.

Benefits include a complimentary week-long cruise, a 40% bonus on slots play and express comps, VIP check-in services, private lounge access, guaranteed hotel and restaurant reservations, complimentary limo service from the airport to the hotel and the list goes on…

To cut a long story short

To cut a long story short, there’s a huge number of ways that Vegas hotels

could

inspire loyalty among patrons, but, as our case study points out, it’s the traditional loyalty scheme that proves popular with the Vegas hard-hitters.

By introducing a tier-system, customers have the incentive to try and earn tier points and move up the levels to gain access to improved benefits and amenities. With cruises, slot and express comp bonuses, shop discounts and even limo service all available and working with the brand itself, it’s not difficult to see why the

loyalty schemes are so effective

.

images courtesy of unsplash.com

AG Bill Barr Blasts ‘Completely Irresponsible Press,’

Hits FBI For ‘Gross Abuses’ In Trump Probe

CHUCK ROSS

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

Attorney General William Barr blasted the “completely irresponsible press” Tuesday as well as the FBI for their respective roles in pushing the debunked theory that the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government in 2016.

Barr said in

an interview

with NBC News he disagreed with

a Justice Department inspector general’s report

, released Monday, that said the FBI had a legitimate rationale to open an investigation into Trump campaign associates in July 2016.

Barr said he believes the FBI may have acted in “bad faith” in opening the investigation.

“I think there were gross abuses … and inexplicable behavior that is intolerable in the FBI,” Barr told NBC News. “I think that leaves open the possibility that there was bad faith.”

WATCH:

The inspector general’s office said the FBI had a proper predicate for opening the investigation; however, the report also laid out extensive evidence of FBI agents omitting and withholding information regarding the Steele dossier, which the bureau used in applications to conduct surveillance against former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

(RELATED: Watchdog Report Puts Final Nail In Steele Dossier’s Coffin)

The report said FBI agents working the case failed to disclose exculpatory information regarding Page and George Papadopoulos, another former Trump aide. FBI agents also withheld information that called the credibility of dossier author Christopher Steele into question.

Barr doubled down in the interview on remarks he made earlier this year that he believes the U.S. government spied on Trump campaign associates.

“It was clearly spied upon,” Barr said of the FBI’s actions towards the Trump campaign. “That’s what electronic surveillance is … going through people’s emails, wiring people up.”

Barr criticized the press on two fronts. He faulted the industry for largely ignoring the parts of the inspector general’s report that undercut the collusion conspiracy theories. He also accused news outlets of overhyping allegations of Trump-Russia collusion.

He lamented that the inspector general’s report has not been “accurately reported by the press over the last day.”

Barr also added: “I think our nation was turned on its head for three years based on a completely bogus narrative that was largely fanned and hyped by a completely irresponsible press.”

The special counsel’s report, which was released on April 18, said there was no evidence that the Trump campaign conspired with Russia or that any Trump associates acted as agents of Russia. The FBI opened its investigation on July 31, 2016 to find out whether anyone on the campaign was working with Russia to hack and release Democrats’ emails.

As part of the probe, the

FBI relied heavily on the unverified Steele dossier

to assert that there was probable cause to suspect that Page was conspiring with Russia to release emails.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact

licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org

.

published here with permission

Atlantic City Electric Gift of Energy Program

Program helps bring customers a brighter winter and holiday season

MAYS LANDING, N.J.

(Dec. 9, 2019) – This holiday season, Atlantic City Electric hopes to bring out the spirit of giving in local communities through its Gift of Energy program. For those looking for a last-minute holiday gift idea, Atlantic City Electric offers the Gift of Energy. From helping someone meet their energy needs to giving a gift that’s bright, literally, this program has you covered.

The Gift of Energy allows anyone to purchase credits for Atlantic City Electric customers—including family and friends—that go toward their winter energy bills. The Gift of Energy is an easy way to treat someone you care for this holiday season – all from the comfort of your home or personal winter wonderland.

All that is needed is the customer’s name and address or phone number associated with the account. The gift will appear on the recipient’s future energy bill as a credit.

Those interested in making a purchase can either do so

online,

by calling 800-642-3780 or visiting their nearest Atlantic City Electric payment center.

For those struggling to pay their energy bills, Atlantic City Electric also reminds customers that millions of dollars in state and federal energy assistance is still available. To learn more about state and local payment assistance programs, visit

atlanticcityelectric.com/energyassistance

or call 800-642-3780.

Readers are encouraged to visit

The Source

,

Atlantic City Electric’s online news room. For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit

atlanticcityelectric.com

. Follow the company on Facebook at

facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric

and on Twitter at

twitter.com/acelecconnect

.

Our mobile app is available at

atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp

.

Approval Given for Railcar Carrying Dangerous LNG to Gibbstown Port

GIBBSTOWN, NJ–(Dec. 9, 2019)–PHMSA has approved a Special Permit to Energy Transfer Solutions LLC, a New Fortress subsidiary. New Fortress is looking to build an LNG facility in Gibbstown, NJ. The permit requests authorization for transportation of liquefied natural gas (methane, refrigerated liquid) by rail tank car. This material is currently not authorized for transportation by rail tank car although materials with similar properties are authorized for transportation.

Modern tank cars carry all types of liquid and gaseous commodities (image source Wikipedia).

“This proposal is fracking crazy. PHMSA is going to allow a rail tank car carrying explosive LNG through our communities and neighborhoods. Granting this special permit to New Fortress’s subsidiary will mean 100s of trains will be coming through our communities and neighborhoods carrying explosive LNG. Some of our train tracks go back before WWI and are not designed to handle this dangerous cargo. The dangers of a possible derailment, spill, or explosion would be catastrophic. This is an accident waiting to happen. We need to stop the federal government and President Trump from allowing that to happen. More importantly, the Murphy Administration and the DRBC need to protect us and stop Delaware River Partner’s LNG facility proposal in Gibbstown,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

The rail will transport the LNG from Wyalusing Twp., PA to Gibbstown, NJ. Trains will be transporting 20 or more tank cars under the permit. The permit is good for two years.

“Trump’s PHMSA has sided with polluters over public safety. These trains carrying LNG are compressed at 600 to 1, so if an explosion happens, it can wipe out a neighborhood and be catastrophic .A train derailment carrying LNG will be much worse than what happened in Paulsboro, New Jersey when a tanker derailed and released 23,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride gas.  A leak from any of those trains could instantly kill everything within 550 yards. A fireball could have a radius as large as a mile-and-a-half. The blast zone from an explosion could spread as wide as two-and-a-half miles,”

said Tittel. “

These trains will likely be close to homes, schools, businesses, fire-prone forests, critical ecosystems, and critical waterways.”

The safety analyses performed in the development of this special permit only considered the hazards and risks associated with the transportation in commerce.

“Transportation of LNG by rail prompts more fracked gas. Natural gas is primarily methane and is 87 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and can cause major climate impacts, while adversely affecting public health, like causing childhood asthma attacks, other respiratory ailments, and even premature death,”

said Tittel.

According to Army Corp.’s supplemental notice, the LNG product will arrive at the proposed structure via truck or tanker railcar. Approximately 13 trucks per hour would enter the site, 24/7. The proposed operations at the Site will generate approximately 15 trucks in and out of the facility per hour on average. Each truck would carry approximately 12,000 gallons of product.

“There will be close to 1400 trucks that would transport LNG to the site each day. The company will bring 3.5 million gallons of LNG a day to the port from truck or rail, this is equivalent to 2 billion gallons of natural gas. These trucks will be bombs on wheels coming through Pennsylvania and New Jersey,”

said Tittel. “

Bridge and river traffic would be greatly disrupted by a LNG port. The National Guard would have to close off bridges to allow tankers through, as happens in Boston.”

The NJ DEP have approved the Waterfront Development Permits for the LNG facility. The facility still needs approval from FERC and the Army. Corp and a 401 Water Quality Certificate from the DEP.

“Even though PHSMA acted reckless in approving this permit to transport LNG by rail, the Murphy Administration can still step up. The DEP need to do their job and protect our environment and public safety by rejecting Delaware Partner’s 401 Water Quality Permits. More importantly, Governor Murphy can put a mortarium on fossil fuel projects. Without an LNG, there wouldn’t be anything to transport,”

said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.

“Even though the approval of this permit is a bump in the road, it does not mean our battle is lost. We will fight and keep on fighting until this disastrous LNG proposal is dead. It’s too important for safety of too many people.”

First of Two $100,000 Winning Tickets Sold in Little Silver

Luck Strikes Twice for Little Silver Veteran

TRENTON (Dec. 9, 2019) – Julius B. of Little Silver, a retired veteran helicopter pilot in the Korean War, is a regular lottery player. Julius is no stranger to lottery prizes, having claimed a Jersey Cash 5 jackpot prize approximately ten years ago. November 27, the day before Thanksgiving, he stopped by his local retailer and picked up some tickets for that evening’s Powerball drawing, opting for the Power Play feature on his tickets. Later that holiday weekend, he scanned his tickets at the retail counter. The scanner display surprised him with good news – his ticket was a winner and needed a claim form.

Julius’ Powerball ticket for the Wednesday, November 27, drawing matched four of the five white balls and the Powerball for a base prize of $50,000. His decision to add Power Play paid off as his prize was doubled to $100,000! The retailer joked to him, “I don’t think we have enough cash for you here!”

“I was shocked,” Julius said, admitting he was initially confused about the win before coming to terms with the good news. By the time he arrived home, his wife started to ask what took him so long at the store, but he quickly handed her the ticket and claim form. “Look, you will see,” he told her with a smile.

Julius mentioned some short-term plans for his prize winnings, including paying off some credit cards and taking a trip to London. Afterwards, he plans to invest the rest of the winnings.

The retailer that sold the winning ticket was Little Silver Family Pharmacy, 10 Church St., Little Silver in Monmouth County. There were two tickets worth $100,000 sold for the November 27 Powerball drawing at this store. The winning numbers for the drawing were: 15, 26, 37, 53 and 55. The Red Power Ball number was 21, and the Multiplier number was 02.

6 Reasons Why Men Hire Escorts

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 10, 2019)–One of the most common reasons why men hire escorts is because they are not getting sexual satisfaction in their current relationship. However, there are other reasons, and you will be surprised that they are not all about sex. Here are some of the reasons why men hire escorts.

Partners don\’t make them sexually satisfied

Let\’s start first with the most popular reason, which is their partner doesn\’t meet their sexual needs. Men usually have high libidos, and although they love their partners, if they are not

satisfied with their sex life, it could cause them to look for sexual satisfaction elsewhere. It doesn\’t necessarily mean that they no longer love their partners, but they are looking for a way to achieve their sexual fantasies without any strings attached.

London escorts

are professional in what they do. They will provide their service for business, and they will be discreet, so there will be no calling or texting afterwards unless you initiate the communication with them.

One woman is not enough

Some guys are not content having sex with only one woman. No matter how much they love their partners and how attractive they are, they are still looking to experience sex with other women. It doesn\’t mean that all men are like this. As mentioned, there are some who are, and they want variety when it comes to sexual partners and experiences.

They want a deeper connection

Hiring an escort isn\’t always about sex. Sometimes, men want intimacy, which is more on the emotional side. These men and their partners may not have an intimate relationship as before because of various reasons, including tiredness from work and household chores, and taking care of the kids. They need someone that they can talk to and who will listen to them, and this is one of the reasons why some men hire an escort.

It\’s a convenient way to have company

Men have their sexual needs to satisfy, and this is true with those who travel a lot. Instead of having a relationship in every country they go to, which can be a hassle, they go for a professional escort service because of its convenience. Once they leave the city or state, they don\’t have to worry about anything like maintaining a relationship, since it\’s purely business.

The partner becomes more of a mother

In the first stage of the relationship, things may be running smoothly, and there\’s sweetness all over. However, as time passes by, things gradually change. That once sweet partner is now nagging about everything, including small issues. Men can get frustrated over this, and this might push them to look for an escort who will not nag at them during the duration of the service.

Men feel unnoticed

When men feel that they are not prioritized, they might seek attention from other women, including escorts. They will be their escort\’s priority while they are together, so they will feel wanted and important, which is something that they might want from their partners.

Professional escorts will have their clients as their priority, and they will do everything that they can to satisfy their needs.

image courtesy of pixabay.com

The Best CBD Gummies – Review and Buying Guide

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(Dec. 10, 2019)–We, here at

MarijuanaBreak

, will stop at nothing to find the

best CBD gummies

out there. We recognize that there are a lot of great brands with top-quality products to choose from. However, in our opinion, the CBD gummies in this article represent one of the best

CBD Products

available.

What makes these CBD gummies great? Well, for starters, they are made by some of the most successful brands in the CBD industry. Also, they tick a lot of boxes when it comes to quality and purity. These brands are big believers in transparency; that’s why they provide independent third-party lab-testing results for all of their products.

While transparency is hugely important, there are some other vital factors that potential buyers should consider before making a purchase. We recommend opting for brands whose products contain less than 0.3% THC. Ideally, you should look for CBD gummies made from CBD isolates, which are 100% THC-free.

We also recommend that you choose companies that use solventless extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2 extraction. This ensures that you won’t have to be concerned about any residual solvents in the CBD gummies you are eating.

All of the CBD gummies in this list are sourced from organically-grown, non-GMO hemp, which means they are free from herbicides and pesticides too.

When making your choice, you will also need to consider why you want to consume CBD gummies in the first place. Are you looking for the best CBD gummies for pain? Are you looking for CBD gummies to help you sleep? Or do you simply want to consume CBD gummies as a dietary supplement?

Whatever your needs might be, we hope that this list will help you to make up your mind. Check out these tasty CBD gummies from some of the top brands out there.

Green Roads – CBD Froggie 25mg ($4.95)

If you are looking for a reputable brand, then a great place to start is with Green Roads. They are an award-winning CBD company with over 10,000 retail locations. Not only that; according to the Brightfield Research Group, Green Roads is the largest privately-owned CBD company in America.

Green Roads offer a wide range of CBD gummies, which come in a variety of different shapes, flavors, and CBD concentrations. Many of these are formulated to help relieve specific conditions. For example, Green Roads CBD Sleepy Z’s contain 0.5mg melatonin per gummy and are intended for nighttime use as a sleep aid.

Green Roads describe its CBD Froggies as their “flagship edible product.” According to Green Roads, its 25mg On The Go! Froggies are pharmacist-formulated, supercritical

CO2-extracted

and triple

lab-tested

to ensure what’s on the label is what’s in the package.”

These On The Go! Froggies are a great place to start if you are trying out CBD gummies for the first time.

Pure Kana – CBD Vegan Gummies 500mg Bottle ($40)

As you can see from the price, these CBD gummies by Pure Kana are at the premium end of the market. So, what are you getting for your hard-earned money? Well, this bottle contains 20 gummies, and each one is packed with 25mg of CBD.

All of Pure Kana’s CBD gummies are sourced from a 99% pure CBD isolate, which is 100% THC-free. They are 100% vegan, and non-GMO, too.

Premium Jane – CBD Gummies 750mg ($55)

These premium-end CBD gummies are from the appropriately-named Premium Jane company.

The reason for the higher price is that Premium Jane’s bottle contains 750mg, whereas Pure Kana’s contains 500mg. In simple terms, Premium Jane’s bottle contains 30 CBD gummies, and Pure Kana’s contains 20 CBD gummies.

Premium Jane’s CBD gummies, just like Pure Kana’s, are made from a 99% CBD isolate, which is 100% THC-free. Also, like Pure Kana’s CBD gummies, each Premium Jane gummy contains 25mg CBD.

The similarities between these two brand’s CBD gummies do not stop there either. Premium Jane’s CBD gummies are also 100% vegan and non-GMO. They are organic and free from pesticides, solvents, and chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, Premium Jane’s CBD gummies are lab-tested for safety, purity, and potency.

Whether you opt for Premium Jane’s CBD gummies is largely a matter of personal taste. You may choose Premium Jane’s CBD gummies if you are looking for a slightly larger bottle with more gummies inside.

Hemp Bombs – High Potency CBD Gummies 750mg ($79.99)

As you may have noticed, Hemp Bombs High-Potency CBD gummies are more expensive than both Premium Jane’s and Pure Kana’s. Like Premium Jane’s CBD gummies, Hemp Bombs High-Potency CBD gummies come in a 750mg bottle containing 30 gummies.

Hemp Bombs High-Potency CBD gummies also contain 25mg of CBD per gummy. However, they do offer a less expensive variety, i.e., Original CBD gummies. These contain a lower amount of CBD, with 15mg per gummy. If price is an important deciding factor, then you can always opt for these instead.

Hemp Bombs CBD is extracted from industrial hemp that contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Similar to Green Roads, Hemp Bombs offers a wide variety of CBD gummy products. These include the aforementioned Original and High-Potency variety, as well as CBD Sleep Gummies. Each of these three varieties are sold in packs containing 5, 15, 30, or 60, CBD gummies.

CBDISTILLERY – CBD Gummies 750mg ($55)

Introducing the new and improved CBD Gummies by CBDistillery. CBDistillery’s 750mg bottle contains five fewer gummies (25 as opposed to 30) than Premium Jane’s and Hemp Bombs’ 750mg bottle. While there are only 25 gummies in CBDistillery’s 750mg bottle, each gummy is packed with an additional 5mg per gummy (30mg of CBD per gummy as opposed to 25mg of CBD per gummy).

As is the case with the other brands in this list, CBDistillery’s CBD Gummies are made from 99% pure CBD isolate, which is 100% THC-free. Not only that, they are gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, and kosher. Each bottle of CBD gummies contains a variety of flavors, including raspberry-lemon, raspberry, and strawberry.

What happens when you’re in police custody?

Gloucestercitynews.net(Dec. 10, 2019)–It may be that, unfortunately, some of us will find ourselves in police custody during our lifetime. It can be a scary experience – not only for the person involved, but for their friends and family as well. So, what can you do?

This is just some of the information that you might find useful if you or a loved one has been placed under arrest. It may be helpful to you in some situations, but you may also wish to consult a lawyer before you decide on your next course of action.

What is detention?

This is typically when

law enforcement officers temporarily stop someone in a public place

, and don’t move them to another location. This can be to:

Ask the person to justify their presence and activity at that location

Identify themselves

This may happen if, for example, someone is loitering or acting suspiciously in an area that’s known for drug sales – so the officers may detain this person for questioning. If the officers have reasonable suspicion that the person may be dangerous, they may do a ‘pat down’ to search for weapons. They can go into pockets or bags without permission but, if they feel something, they may believe is a weapon, they can reach for it.

Other ways to search someone may include sniffer dogs, a metal detector, or a computer search for any outstanding warrants. A detention stop allows law enforcement officers to determine whether a suspect should be arrested, investigated further, or take no action. The officers don’t have to inform someone of their rights.

What does being arrested mean?

Law enforcement officers need probable cause to arrest someone, and a reasonable person would not feel free to leave because of the actions of the officers. The person is then taken into custody, and this could mean the person is taken to a police station or the person believes they will not be able to leave within a short time period.

Once arrested, the person must be advised of their rights by the officers before being questioned. This will include their right to remain silent, to have an attorney present during questioning, and to have an attorney provided by the state if they cannot afford one themselves.

A person also has rights to having a reasonable bail imposed

, to see a judge promptly, and to know about the charges against them.

When are you in custody?

Circumstances that suggest you’re in custody include:

Being physically restrained or handcuffed

Whether an officer informs you that you’re free to leave

Your personal property is retained by an officer (e.g. driver’s license)

If there’s a show of force, e.g. loud comments, drawn weapons

If you are in custody, and bail has been set, then you may wish to use a

bail bondsman

. This means that you can get help to post a bond and deal with the other expenses related to incarceration – and you can be released from custody within one to three hours after the bond is posted.

Being in custody isn’t a pleasant experience, but by understanding exactly what it means and what you and your loved ones can do to help, you can hopefully move past the troubling experience sooner rather than later.

Dionne Warwick joins Peace Starts With Me Rally

New York, NY — Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Six-time Grammy winning singer Dionne Warwick has just been added to the list of performers for the most celebrated peace rally in the U.S., “Peace Starts

With Me” December 28th at the Prudential Center. Featuring Grammy award winning talent including Grammy award winning Gospel star Hezekiah Walker, Grammy winning artist Yolanda Adams, and a 2000 Voice Choir made up of local singers from across the Tri-State Area under the direction of Emmy Award winning producer A. Curtis Farrow.  The entertainment will be rounded out by Gospel sensations Kim Burrell, Joanne Rosario Condrey, an Orchestra, dancers and much more. The Peace Starts With Me rallies, gather thousands of people from a wide variety of national, racial, and religious backgrounds to stand united for peace.

Co-sponsored by Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), the Peace Starts With Me rallies have been an enormous success since their inception in 2017 at Madison Square Garden featuring Hezekiah Walker. The second stop on the tour was Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York with Grammy award winner Yolanda Adams and Citizen Way.  The third stop was in Los Angeles at the City of Refuge mega church home of Bishop Noel Jones, and in June the Peace Starts with Me Rally took MGM Grand in Las Vegas by storm. At every Rally the thousands in attendance were treated to a keynote address by the Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.

The last stop for 2019 is Saturday, December 28th at 3:00pm at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.  This rally for peace is a free event and all are welcome.  This event has inspired clergy from around the world to join in.

This is an event you don’t want to miss. For your free tickets, go to

www.peacestartswithme.com

.

It’s not too late to join the 2000 voice Choir for Peace, go to

www.voicesforpeacechoir.com

or call 973-643-6262 for more information.

DIONNE WARWICK

Dionne Warwick is one of the most charted female vocalists of all time, with 56 of her singles making the Billboard Hot 100. She was just awarded Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and has garnered six Grammys over the course of her illustrious career. Her voice and music are recognizable to fans young and old.

BISHOP HEZEKIAH WALKER

Bishop Hezekiah Walker has two Grammy Awards, as well as numerous Stellar, Dove, Vision, Soul Train, and Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Awards. Hezekiah was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, continuing to uplift the masses from far and wide with inspirational songs that focus on maintaining faith and overcoming life’s daunting moments. Hezekiah actively pastors the thriving Love Fellowship Church, which he founded in his native Brooklyn, New York.

YOLANDA ADAMS

After twelve albums, five Grammys and performing for several U. S. presidents, she still wows audiences all over the world, ever since her 1988 debut album, “Just As I Am.”  Yolanda Adams is renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music infused with soul and jazz.  In addition to being a gospel superstar, she has reigned on radio airwaves for more than ten years as the host of her own show, “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” which has been heard in over sixty markets nationally.

KIM BURRELL

Pastor Kim Burrell is a Grammy Award-nominated and Stellar Award-winning singer known for her dynamic, distinctive and captivating voice. Her passion is for ministry and music. A native of Houston, Kim has performed in notable venues and ministries around the world. Her prayer is that she would be used as a vessel of change; that her spirit-filled singing and preaching will touch the lives of many.

JOANN ROSARIO CONDREY

was first introduced to gospel audiences by Fred Hammond with her debut album More More More. Since then, Joann has become a wife, mother, international bilingual worship leader, and pastor. Joann pastors RainFire Church in Douglasville Georgia with her husband, Cory “Coco Brother” Condrey, and is passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

DR. HAK JA HAN MOON

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as the “Mother of Peace.” For the past three years, she has been on a worldwide “Peace Starts With Me” speaking tour, calling every individual to become a co-creator of a lasting peaceful world, starting with themselves. The heart and soul of Dr. Moon’s, and her late husband Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s, lifelong ministry, spanning more than 50 years, is the ideal of the family as the cornerstone of world peace.

A. CURTIS FARROW

A choir director since the age of nine, Mr. Farrow was named as one of the most influential men in Gospel music. In 2014 Mr. Farrow fulfilled a long-time dream to break the Guinness World Record for World\’s Largest Gospel Choir by organizing and leading 1171 voices. In 2017 Mr. Farrow amassed a 3000 Voice Choir for Peace at Madison Square Garden. For the twentieth year Mr. Farrow brought his directing and producing talents to McDonald’s Gospelfest 2019 and has received 14 Emmy nominations and won two Emmy awards for producing the McDonald’s Gospelfest television specials for the past nineteen years. Mr. Farrow was responsible for the organization, planning and execution of the home going services for the Late Whitney Houston, the Queen, Aretha Franklin, watched by millions around the world.

Your Guide to the Rise and Evolution of the Pot Store

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(December 9, 2019)–To say that marijuana has been booming into the avenues of business, politics, and the cultural zeitgeist would be an understatement.

With the advent of more and more legalization across the United States and other countries, the humble pot store has gone from humble origins to big business interests.

Where did it all start? Where does it all lead? The cannabis industry is riding high and we\’re here to follow its evolution.

The Humble Beginnings

Marijuana has long since been a common medicine for calming nerves and healing inflammation and other cases. It wasn\’t until the 20th century that prohibition movements banned the drug and started a mistrustful campaign against it.

In the 21st century that is all overturning and with it comes a rise of many variants on the pot store. Back in the 60s and 70s, the pot business was a bit more wild and uncertain. Dealers sold it almost anywhere and in cheap bundles.

The biggest reason for the coming growth comes from the fast unfolding band of legalization.

Legalization on Multiple Levels

It started with a few states legalizing the use of medical marijuana. Then came the likes of Utah and Washington allowing recreational usage of the plant.

With more and more pressure on the government, the idea of nationally legalized marijuana may be soon around the corner.

With the bounds of government banning coming down, this only invites the potential markets of big business. With the potential of

big profits showcased in Nevada

and Washington, many entrepreneurs are eager to invest in the pot store.

Working Around the Restrictions

For now, there is still legislation from stopping full-on major investment. This hasn\’t stopped any companies so much as made them change tactics.

Figuring out ways to work within the law has been a common theme in many businesses.

1. Vertical Integration

Vertical integration

refers to a company that owns all levels of its production. This means they grow the plant, harvest the plant, process the plant, and sell the plant and its byproducts.

This allows companies to control their limited markets. Because federal law still prohibits marijuana from crossing state lines, this is a good foundation to have.

2. Mergers and Buyouts

Big companies are pushing and moving in preparation for something bigger. Some say that the legalization of marijuana at the federal level is inevitable and some businesses seem to think so.

While the Canadian pot industry is already booming due to its full legalization, American companies are not far behind. Major corporations are snatching up the small-time pot growers who have come from the initial legalizations.

Their ever-growing product and company base pushes them for massive pot franchises and huge superstores.

The Pinnacle of Pot Store Levels

All of this corporate moving and big investments lead to only one thing and that is massive pot store showcases. Things like the

Planet 13 Superstore

may be a common thing in the near future.

The humble pot store is now far from humble. There is a lot more change on the horizon as the potential of full legalization unleashes the floodtides of corporate interests.

History, Information, and the News at Your Fingertips

Your local pot store may become not only a more common site but bigger and more corporate. These changes look to be inevitable as a lot of investments and resources pour in. What this evolution will bring is anyone\’s guess.

For all things news in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas, we have you covered. Check out our other articles for more items and keep yourself updated.