Category: MARYLAND

Two Warrant Officers Die When Their Helicopter Crashes in Afghanistan

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr. (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle,

Nov. 21, 2019–The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom\’s Sentinel.

Both soldiers died Nov. 20, 2019, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground. The incident is under investigation.

The deceased are:

Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle, 33, from Tarrant, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., 25, from Keaau, Hawaii.

Both soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

For more information regarding CW2 David C. Knadle and CW2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., media may contact Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, 1st Cavalry Division public affairs officer at 254-287-9398 or

christopher.r.brautigam.mil@mail.mil

.

Report Shows How Google Promoted Amazon Over Over Smaller Competitors

Chris White |

The Daily Caller

Google makes algorithmic changes to help larger corporations over smaller ones and the mega search engine boosted Amazon and Facebook, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing inside sources.

The company made algorithmic changes to its search results that favored fellow big tech giants,

according

to the report, which relied on an analysis of the company’s system and interviews with sources. Google believes customers prefer products from larger outlets, the report notes.

The move to tilt algorithms toward monster corporations, which was a hotly discussed decision inside the company, boosted Amazon’s products, even if such items were discontinued, the report notes, citing sources.

Google pushed back on TheWSJ’s representation of its algorithms.  “It’s inaccurate to suggest we did not address issues like discontinued products appearing high up in results,” Lara Levin, the spokeswoman, told reporters.

Google also takes measures to help Silicon Valley giants Facebook and Amazon appear more often in search results, one source told TheWSJ.

“There’s this idea that the search algorithm is all neutral and goes out and combs the web and comes back and shows what it found, and that’s total BS,” the former executive said. “Google deals with special cases all the time.”

Levin addressed that issue, too.

“We prioritize issues based on impact, not any commercial relationships,” she said, noting that the search team does not seek to provide specialized guidance to website owners. Faster indexing of a site does not guarantee more results, Levin added.

TheWSJ report also highlighted several examples where Google shut off a company’s lifeline. Online marketer eBay, for instance saw a $200 million hit on its revenue in 2014 after Google lowered the ranking of several of eBay pages that provided traffic to eBay.

Executives decided to pressure Google, with employees meeting with search engineers, the report notes.

Google agreed to improve rankings as eBay worked to make its pages more “useful and relevant,” sources told TheWSJ. The corrections did not prevent Google from later levelling more demotions on eBay, the report notes.

TheWSJ report dovetails with an exclusive the Daily Caller

broke in April

in which documents showed Google employed two official policies called the “misrepresentation policy” and the “good neighbor policy” that informed the company’s “XPA news blacklist.”

“The deceptive_news domain blacklist is going to be used by many search features to filter problematic sites that violate the good neighbor and misrepresentation policies,” the policy document states, according to the TheDC’s report.

WSJ’s Friday report will not tamp down calls from Democrats and Republicans to investigate Google.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, for instance, released a plan in March to

impose

new rules on tech companies with $25 billion or more in annual ad revenue, forcing Amazon and Google to dramatically reduce their hold on online commerce. She

announced

her bid to run

against

President Donald Trump in February.

Trump is also a critic of Google and other tech companies. He

laid

into CEO Sundar Pichai in August after a company insider claimed at the time that the tech giant is preparing to foil the president’s reelection bid.

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

The Daily Caller

Senator Booker\’s Marijuana Provisions Pass House Judiciary Committee

2017 Booker bill provided framework for MORE Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

Three key

marijuana provisions designed to reverse decades of failed drug policy and first introduced by

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) passed the House Judiciary

Committee today: record expungement, reinvestment in the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs, and removing marijuana from the list of deportable offenses.

Booker’s

Marijuana Justice Act

, originally introduced in 2017, was the first congressional bill to incorporate record expungement and community reinvestment with marijuana legalization. This legislation along with a

Booker provision

to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses provided the framework for the

Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019

(MORE) passed by the House today.

“This is a significant tipping point. The Committee passage of this bill is an important step towards reversing decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income individuals. These draconian laws have sacrificed critical resources, violated our values, destroyed families and communities, and failed to make us safer,”

Senator Booker said. “

This legislation continues us down the path towards justice and I’m excited to see momentum growing around the movement to fix our nation’s broken drug laws.”

Background on Booker’s leadership on issues of marijuana and criminal justice:

Booker has seen the effects of our broken marijuana laws first-hand, dating back to his time as a tenant lawyer, City Council member, and Mayor of Newark, where he created the city’s first office of prisoner re-entry to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into their communities. He is the author of the landmark

Marijuana Justice Act

, which would end the federal prohibition on marijuana, automatically expunge the records of those convicted of federal marijuana use and possession crimes, and reinvest resources into the communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs through a community fund. Since

introducing the bill in 2017

, Booker has garnered support from Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Ed Markey (D-MA).

In the Senate, Booker was an outspoken

critic of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ effort to revive the failed War on Drugs

. More recently, he pressed Attorney General William Barr on his stance on marijuana legalization and the rescission of the Cole memo, winning a

commitment

from Barr to leave states alone that have legalized marijuana.

In addition to the Marijuana Justice Act, Booker is the co-author of the

bipartisan CARERS Act

, which would allow patients to access medical marijuana in states where it’s legal without fear of federal prosecution, and the

bipartisan REDEEM Act

, which would allow nonviolent drug offenders to petition a court to seal and expunge their drug offenses, while automatically sealing, and in some cases

expunging criminal records

, the nonviolent records of juveniles. These reforms would reduce a major barrier that formerly incarcerated individuals face when attempting to rejoin society. He is also a co-sponsor of the

Fair Chance Act

, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from asking about the criminal history of a job applicant prior to a conditional offer of employment. Earlier this year, the Fair Chance Act

passed

out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government and Reform Committee. In June, Booker

introduced

legislation to remove marijuana from list of deportable offenses.

Ohio State Program Helps Pet Owners Cope During Grief Process

Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – Making end-of-life decisions for your pet or coping with the loss of an animal is something that no pet owner wants to think about. A program at

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

recognizes the importance of human-animal bonds and

provides grief support for pet owners facing tough decisions for their animal.

“Grief is a very real and life-impacting feeling – whether that loss of a loved one is a human or animal,” said Joelle Nielsen, a licensed social worker and Honoring the Bond program coordinator at Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center. “We believe every veterinary medical center should have a social worker available to support pet owners navigating this loss.”

The

Honoring the Bond

program at Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center is one of only about 30 programs in the U.S. that provides a full time social worker to support pet owners faced with the loss of their beloved pet.

“If you go to a human hospital, you’re guaranteed to have the support of either a social worker or a chaplain. That’s rare in a veterinary hospital setting,” Nielsen said.

Credit: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Sally Malaret made a scrapbook to remember her dog, Max. Talking to a veterinary social worker after Max passed away helped Sally cope with the loss and open her heart to her new dog, Fiona.

Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center treats more than 40,000 pets each year with a variety of specialty services ranging from emergency medicine to oncology. Nielsen works as a liaison between the veterinary team and the client to help sort through confusing medical terminology, offer support for those coming in on an unexpected emergency basis, assist with processing difficult end-of-life decisions, facilitate family discussions with children and provide assessment and referral for additional resources.

Nielsen acknowledges that­ – as with any type of grief – the process is different for everyone and stresses that one of the most important things she does with pet owners is to normalize their experience. “It’s common for people to face conflicting feelings generated from a societal stigma surrounding grieving the loss of an animal,” said Nielsen. “I want people to know that it’s completely normal to grieve the loss of their pet.” Nielsen suggests the following to help people through the loss of a beloved pet:

Try not to compare your experience to others.

We all grieve differently.

Remember there is no standard timeline for the grief process.

The goal is to begin to feel better as the days go by but there may be ups and downs.

Find an outlet for your emotions.

If talking about your feelings is difficult, you can also memorialize your pet by making a scrapbook, creating a memory box or journaling.

Find a pet loss support group

, book, website or therapist who specializes in pet loss for ongoing support.

If the sadness doesn’t ease with time,

don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional counselor.

Nielsen developed and coordinates the Hospital-Based Veterinary Social Work Group, which provides support and collaborative opportunities for the small niche of social workers employed by veterinary medical centers across the U.S. and Canada.

“We hope this group can serve as a model for veterinary medical centers and ultimately expand support services to more pet owners,” Nielsen said.

To learn more about the Honoring the Bond Program, visit

vet.osu.edu/honoringthebond

###

PASBDC Business Owners Optimistic about 2020 Economy

KUTZTOWN, PA (11/20/2019) The annual Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (PASBDC) Entrepreneur Economic survey results are in and it looks like small-business owners across the Commonwealth are optimistic for the coming year.

As of the date of this release, 660 small-business owners out of more than 9,000 clients served by the PASBDC over the past three years responded to the PASBDC annual survey. The aggregate results indicate that 25% expect the economy in 2020 to get better and 40% expect it to be the same. Small-business owners are even more positive about their own firm\’s growth with more than 65% expecting their revenue to increase and 60% expect profitability to improve.

When it comes to their intentions to hire more workers, the results indicate that 37% expect to hire additional staff with hiring happening either primarily in the second quarter of 2020, or steadily throughout the year. Please see the charts in the link below for more details:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM-3MJ9WXR7/

The PASBDC network of 16 centers and more than 90 outreach offices serves pre-venture and established business owners throughout the Commonwealth with no cost, confidential professional consulting services. These consulting services include help with strategic planning, market or sales strategies, financial analysis and loan packaging, export marketing reports, cybersecurity, government procurement and certifications. This past year, more than 7,000 small-business owners sought help from their local SBDC as a proactive step toward working on their business to either start or to grow their business.

With such a positive 2020 economic outlook from existing clients and increasing request from growth entrepreneurs for strategic planning, the PASBDC projects the demand for consulting services to remain very high. Professional full-time consultants at 16 premier Pennsylvania higher education institutions deliver world class consulting help to early stage and growth entrepreneurs. Unlike many other programs, PASBDC consultants can work with any for-profit entrepreneur in the Commonwealth that meets the SBA definition of a small business (typically less than 500 employees). To be able to meet these entrepreneurs\’ increasing needs, the PASBDC is seeking additional funding of $2 million from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support the 3E (Empowering Entrepreneurs through Engagement) program for growing the Commonwealth\’s entrepreneurial economy. The 3E program leverages the PASBDC\’s unique placement and affiliation with Pennsylvania higher education and its federal partner, the Small Business Administration.

\”By engaging our existing entrepreneurs, our alumni and our student entrepreneurs, we will expand Pennsylvania\’s position as an excellent state in which to start and grow a business,\” said PASBDC State Director Ernie Post.

Empowering Entrepreneurial Skill Trades Sector Growth

First, PASBDC will use a portion of the DCED 3E investment to apply for other federal grants such as POWER and EDA. The DCED investment will enhance entrepreneurial engagement with skilled trades workers such as electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, masonry and HVAC to increase new business startups within the trade skill workforce. Leveraging existing institutional relationships with community colleges, trade schools and apprenticeship programs will help fuel the launch of new business startups within the skilled trades sector.

Empowering Student Entrepreneur\’s

Building on this program, PASBDC will work with more than 7,000 existing entrepreneurs to offer growth assessments, strategies and tactics to help them remain on a growth trajectory. Leveraging PASBDC\’s place at universities, internship programs will connect students with small growing businesses that desperately need an educated workforce for continued growth.

Using the highly-successful University of Scranton SBDC internship program as a model, the PASBDC will replicate this model in every region of the Commonwealth. This will achieve several economic development objectives including linking college students with existing entrepreneurs, providing experiential learning for students that will lead to them considering entrepreneurship as a career pathway and helping existing entrepreneurs with their current workforce need for continued growth. PASBDC\’s host institutions recruit a considerable number of students to come to Pennsylvania for their education. This program will help students consider staying in Pennsylvania after graduation for job opportunities or to launch a small business.

Engaging Alumni

The 16 universities in the PASBDC network graduate more than 25,000 students each year. This presents an opportunity to launch an alumni event campaign promoting the benefits and resources available in Pennsylvania to help them start a business or to purchase an existing business. This will help to create potential buyers of Pennsylvania existing businesses that having owners seeking to exit their businesses in the future. Pennsylvania has a high percentage of business owners over the age of 55. Their exit will cause a major disruption to the Commonwealth\’s economy if new business owners are not recruited and connected with aging entrepreneurs. The PASBDC is uniquely positioned to run alumni campaigns to recruit potential business buyers. As part of this campaign, the PASBDC will create a webpage that is specifically designed to allow potential business buyers to connect with businesses that are available for sale in the Commonwealth. To help facilitate the successful transition of the Commonwealth\’s aging entrepreneurs, the PASBDC will develop a business valuation and succession planning programs to guide business sellers to a successful transition to a new owner.

Engaging the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Finally, PASBDC\’s host institutions connect the network\’s centers with accelerators, incubators and makerspaces that have been launched across the Commonwealth. A portion of this $2 million DCED investment will be used to connect these accelerators, incubators and makerspaces with PASBDC technical assistance, business consulting and educational programs within these locations.

For more information about the funding request or the PASBDC, contact 1-877-4PA-SBDC.

About Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Pennsylvania SBDC network is the only statewide, nationally accredited program that provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to empower new and existing businesses. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, individualized sessions to help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities and much more. The SBDC program is a public/private partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and 16 universities and colleges across the Commonwealth. For more information on the Pennsylvania SBDC services and impact, please visit

www.pasbdc.org

.

About Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDCs) work with small firms to help them compete and grow in today\’s highly competitive global economy. Combining the expertise of a professional staff with the resources of the state\’s best colleges and universities, the SBDCs provide high quality business management consulting, information, and educational programs that build small firms\’ capacities to compete in domestic and international markets. Funding support and resources for the Kutztown University SBDC program are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and through support from Kutztown University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made. The KUSBDC is also funded under a cooperative agreement from the Defense Logistics Agency.

5 Key Upgrades For Your Business

A smart business owner will always be looking for upgrades to boost their brand. Things can change quickly in the business world, and being able to update and stay current is critical for staying ahead of the competition and satisfying your customers. Even a minor upgrade could have a big impact on the success of your brand, so it is always worth considering any kind of positive change, no matter how big or small. With this in mind, here are a few upgrades to consider, which could help your business and keep you ahead of the curve.

1.Chat

It needs to be easy for your target customer to get in touch with you so that they can get questions answered. If it is hard to contact your team and/or it takes too long to receive a response, then they will simply take their business elsewhere, which is why having a live chat function is so valuable and a simple upgrade that you can easily make.

2. Web Hosting Company

Upgrading your web hosting company to a reliable provider like Krystal is a simple yet highly effective move to make. Modern-day consumers will not wait around for pages to load, and you need to have a website that you can rely on; an experienced and trusted web hosting company is the best way to achieve this.

3. Technology

There is constantly new technology being developed, which means that it can be hard to stay current. Upgrading your tech that you use in the office can streamline the business operation, reduce workload for your staff, increase productivity, boost morale, and much more. New tech can be a huge expense, but you could always look to lease new technology, which also gives you the ability to upgrade again once the lease expires.

4. Marketing

Marketing is another area that is constantly changing and developing, so making a slight change to your strategy could be a fruitful upgrade. Marketing strategies like SEO and PPC remain hugely important, but you could look into another method to revamp your marketing strategy and attract new business. Influencer marketing is a good option to try and is a form of marketing that is on the rise.

5. Cybersecurity

Cybercrime is on the rise and is the biggest threat affecting businesses. It will only become a bigger problem in the coming years, which is why it is so important for businesses to be aware of these threats and to have high-quality cybersecurity in place. Upgrading to industry-leading antivirus software, VPN, and a firewall will be vital for protecting your business and customers and will provide peace of mind during what can be worrying times, especially when you hear of so many horror stories of businesses being affected by cybercrime.

These upgrades could help your business to grow and find greater success. You do not always have to make huge changes and formulate complex growth strategies to boost your business, as even a small upgrade could have a big impact on your business.

Musical Mean Girls Playing at the Kimmel Center

FEATURING PHILADELPHIA NATIVE,

MARY KATE MORRISSEY

(Philadelphia, PA, November 19, 2019) ––

Mean Girls

– the record-breaking new musical comedy produced by Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, and Paramount

Pictures based on the hit film – is now playing at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus at the Academy of Music running through December 1. The

Mean Girls

First National Tour features Philadelphia native, Mary Kate Morrissey.

Mean Girls

features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film; music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond; and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.

The tour cast features

Danielle Wade

as Cady Heron,

Mariah Rose Faith

as Regina George,

Megan Masako Haley

as Gretchen Wieners,

Jonalyn Saxer

as Karen Smith,

Mary Kate Morrissey

as Janis Sarkisian,

Eric Huffman

as Damian Hubbard,

Gaelen Gilliland

as Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George,

Adante Carter

as Aaron Samuels,

Kabir Bery

as Kevin Gnapoor and

Lawrence E. Street

as Mr. Duvall.

The cast also includes

English Bernhardt

,

DeShawn Bowens

,

Will Branner

,

Morgan Bryant

,

Sarah Crane

,

Ixchel Cuellar

,

Mary Beth Donahoe

,

Niani Feelings

,

Sky Flaherty

,

Samuel Gerber

,

Fernell Hogan II

,

Asia Marie Kreitz

,

Olivia Renteria

,

Grace Romanello

,

Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong

,

Marcus Shane

,

Kaitlyn Louise

Smith

,

David Wright Jr.

and

Blake Zelesnikar

.

Mary Kate Morrissey who plays Janis Sarkisian in the

Mean Girls

tour, attended Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA. She was a member of the Philadelphia All Catholic Chorus and most notably was a former Kimmel Center Programming intern. Her family has resided in South Philly and Upper Darby, now living primarily in Downingtown.

New York Magazine calls

Mean Girls

“HILARIOUS! A smart, splashy new musical that delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.”

Chicago Tribune

said “Tina Fey writes FUNNIER, SMARTER, SHARPER satire than anyone else in the business.”

People Magazine

calls the show “FRESH, FUN AND INFECTIOUS – Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin’s songs keep the laughs coming!”

The New York Daily News

said

Mean Girls

“TICKLES THE EARS, EYES AND FUNNY BONE – the direction by Casey Nicholaw packs style, invention and red bull-force energy.” And,

Entertainment Weekly

calls it “A MARVEL: DAZZLING & HILARIOUS!”

Mean Girls

opened on Broadway in April 2018 to rave reviews at the August Wilson Theatre, where it continues playing to packed houses. The show had its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington D.C., in the fall of 2017.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

The creative team includes Scott Pask (Set Design), Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Brian Ronan (Sound Design), Finn Ross & Adam Young (Video Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Milagros Medina-Cerdeira (Make-Up Design), Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Music Director), John Clancy (Orchestrations), Glen Kelly (Dance and Incidental Music Arrangements), Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Jeff Richmond, and Natalie Tenenbaum (Vocal Arrangements), Howard Joines (Music Coordinator), and Telsey + Co / Bethany Knox, CSA (Casting).

Mean Girls (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

, produced by

Atlantic Records

, is now available.

This season, the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus is pairing its 2019-20 Broadway shows with charities, and

Mean Girls

’ charity partner is Susan G. Komen Philadelphia. Use code PINK and $1 from every

Mean Girls

tickets sold with the code will be donated to Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.

MEAN GIRLS

Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Academy of Music

Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 21, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 22, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 23, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 24, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 29, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

Friday, November 29, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 30, 2019, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 30, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m.

Recommended for ages 12 and older.

The listed age is a recommendation, but please use your own discretion when making a decision for your young-theatergoer. Ultimately, the recommended ages are guidelines. Only you will know how your child will respond to the live theater experience. Please consider the following factors when making your decision: the content in the show, age recommendations, the age and personal development of your child, and previous experiences. All patrons regardless of age require a ticket, including babes in arms.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now and start at $20.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting

www.kimmelcenter.org

, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at

www.kimmelcenter.org

.

Hacktivist Sentenced, Man Took Down Government Websites

For a few days in 2017, visitors to the websites for the city of Akron, Ohio, and its police department received error messages instead of the municipal webpages. A hacker had overwhelmed the sites with traffic.

City officials spent about four days in a game of whack-a-mole with the hacker, restoring the sites only to have them attacked again. In this type of attack, known as distributed denial of service (DDoS), bots or other computers overwhelm a single website with traffic until the site shuts down from lack of bandwidth. In addition to denying the public access to the websites, other city services were limited by the outage. After the initial four-day attack, hacking attempts directed at local and state government continued off and on for months.

The city quickly notified the FBI, which opened an investigation.

“When you have a persistent attacker going after a single site, the organizations have to spend a lot of time and effort handling it. There are also often effects on other systems besides the website,” said the special agent who investigated the case out of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office.

This hacker was a “hacktivist” who liked to brag about his work, helping investigators quickly find him. James Robinson, then 32, posted screenshots of the sites he’d taken down and of the tools he had used. When questioned by investigators, Robinson admitted to these attacks and to several previous DDOS attacks on more prominent websites, such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Department of the Treasury.

Robinson told investigators he had grudges against the city’s police department. He was also involved in a hacking group and participated in hacks directed by that group.

“He was very vocal about what he was doing. He wanted to bring attention to his opinions,” the agent said of the hacktivist.

With the availability of “stressor” sites online that will cheaply conduct a DDOS attack on your behalf, Robinson didn’t require any special technical skills to take down these sites. He was adept at using these tools.

“When you have a persistent attacker going after a single site, the organizations have to spend a lot of time and effort handling it.”

Special agent, FBI Cleveland

Robinson pleaded guilty to damaging protected computers and was sentenced in October to six years in prison.

The FBI case agent stressed the importance of organizations protecting their websites and other online infrastructure as much as possible. Quickly notifying authorities of an intrusion or attack is also critical.

“The Internet is based on trust, and it’s like a network of roads. When you’re driving, you trust other drivers will stop at stop signs. Occasionally, a driver doesn’t stop, and someone gets hurt,” the agent said. “When someone acts maliciously on the Internet, bad things happen, and there are real-world impacts. That’s why we have to pursue these types of cases.”

Resources

Akron Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Launching Denial of Service Attacks That Shut Down Websites for the City of Akron and the Akron Police Department

source Department of Justice

Maryland Residents Spend the Most on Christmas

ChamberofCommerce.org

Releases 2019 Holiday Spending Report, Highlighting Spending Average Per State

November 19, 2019

–

ChamberofCommerce.org

published the 2019 Holiday Spending Report, detailing the highest- and lowest-spending states and the disparity among them. The report, via charts, graphs, and analyses, identifies the average amount each shopper spends per state, what they tend to purchase, and where the majority of the shopping takes place.

The average consumer spends $1,047 during the holidays, but data shows that

certain states spend up to twice as much

.

States with the Largest Holiday Budget

Maryland – $2,241

Utah – $2,195

Hawaii – $1,887

New Jersey – $1,843

Virginia – $1,596

On the other hand, the lowest-spending state, West Virginia, spends less than one-tenth of the national average.

See the 2019 Holiday Spending Report:

Which States Spend the Most During the Holidays?

Holiday shopping continues to grow and expand, year over year. Experts predict an overall increase of 4% in spending for 2019, along with a paradigm shift in the market, as online shopping will be overtaking brick-and-mortar shopping for the first time. Despite these shifts and changes, the report illustrates that there is a clear discrepancy in spending among states (and regions) in the U.S.

ChamberofCommerce.org

created the 2019 Holiday Spending Report utilizing the most recent data available from the National Retail Federation, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Deloitte consumer surveys.

# # #

About

ChamberofCommerce.org

ChamberofCommerce.org

is a website dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs start, market, finance, and grow their businesses. By creating in-depth guides, how-tos, and reviews covering relevant business products,

ChamberofCommerce.org

hopes to help readers move past the pitfalls that are often to blame for small business failure.

PHILADELPHIA’S BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST OPENS NOV. 29

Outdoor Ice Skating by the Ben Franklin Bridge, Newly Decorated Cabins, S’mores on the Fire Pits, Warming Food and Drink Specials in The Lodge, All Set in a Sparkling Winter Wonderland

PHILADELPHIA,

PA

(November

19,

2019) —

The holiday season is all about cozying up with friends and family to share in favorite winter traditions, and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is excited to announce that on Black Friday, November 29, 2019, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will kick off the holiday season for the 26th year with the re-opening of an iconic Philadelphia winter experience.

Opening weekend

promises a kickoff to the season for the books and will include an Ice Skating Princesses Performance, Storytime in the Lodge with free cookies and hot chocolate, and Lego building.

Filled with all of Philadelphia’s favorite winter traditions, including skating under the stars amidst the majestic Ben Franklin Bridge on a regulation-sized Olympic outdoor ice skating rink, sipping hot chocolate and eating comfort foods in the chalet-inspired Lodge with food and beverages from Garces Group, Chickie’s and Pete’s, and Franklin Fountain, the fun lasts all season long with arcade games, storytelling adventures, late night dancing, character skating, and more at this picture-perfect winter wonderland.

Now celebrating its 26th year, Blue Cross RiverRink sparkles at night from thousands of lights strung across the site, lighting that washes vibrant colors over the rink, and a majestic holiday tree dressed in tens of thousands of twinkling LEDs (over 100,000 lumens!).

“Winterfest is one of the most festive seasonal experiences for Philadelphia residents and visitors,” said Joe Forkin, president of DRWC. “Thousands of people have been coming to the Waterfront for more than 25 years to ice skate with their families, eat great food, enjoy hot drinks in The Lodge, and just have a wonderful time. It’s a favorite winter tradition in Philadelphia.”

New this year is the design of the cabins and main Lodge. Designer Todd Marcocci of West Chester’s Under The Sun Productions was tasked with reimagining each of the cabins as well as the main Lodge. Marcocci drew his inspiration from his upbringing in Western Pennsylvania and his experiences in the mountain region.

Each of the cabins has two, brand-new, hand-sewn and custom printed Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest logo pillows trimmed in various winter colors. While the design aesthetic will feel new, the warmth and tradition of Winterfest remains.

The new lodge and cabin themes include:

MAIN LODGE

In the main lodge, visitors are embraced by all new soft goods that pull together familiar design elements that create the perfect winter cabin feel. The enhanced decorations are carefully contoured with trees featuring new, hand-made burlap rosettes. Countless cardinals have been incorporated into the décor to add color and texture along with pillows and plush accessories that match the cabins.

CARDINAL CABIN

The theme of this cabin was inspired by the excitement the designer experienced when his aunt would spot a cardinal in her yard during the winter season. The lush colors of red fill the cabin along with themed soft goods.

NATURE CABIN

The nature cabin was inspired by a treasured print of a farm, wagon and pine tree. The space is filled with various representations of the natural environment, along with the inspirational print.

SKI CABIN

This cabin theme was inspired by the designer’s father who was an avid skier and started his son in the sport at the age of two years old. Various skis — including a vintage set — are positioned to compliment the theme.

SKATE CABIN

The skating themed cabin was inspired by the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, where thousands come each year to enjoy skating along the Delaware River. Vintage and modern skates, along with soft goods and pops of vibrant color, make this cabin an ideal place to hang out.

SNOWMAN CABIN presented by Philadelphia Magazine

Everyone loves a snowman and this cabin features different snowman-themed props along with a snowman and snow-themed soft goods.

In addition to traditional favorites, tasty treats include Village Whiskey burgers, Chickie’s and Pete’s famous Crab Fries, fried Oreos, S’MORES, “drinking chocolate” and more! Visitors can also enjoy drinks seasonal hot chocolate, spiked apple cider, and other warmed wintery libations while enjoying the cozy confines of the newly-decorate Lodge and cabins.

“The Blue Cross RiverRink brings people together and helps create memories that last a lifetime,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross CEO. “Independence Blue Cross is so pleased to help make this great Philadelphia tradition possible, as part of our commitment to promoting a fun and active lifestyle in the region.”

And, of course, everyone’s favorite traditions include all of the incredible and largely free events offered at Winterfest.

This year’s annual

Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO

will take place on Friday, December 6th and includes 10 acts and 28 performances that include gospel choirs, Latin ensembles, dancers, synchronized skaters, and more. Returning this year as a headlining performer to sing

O Holy Night

is The Voice, Season 14’s Jackie Verna. New this year as the second headliner is America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Christina Wells, singing

I Know Where I’ve Been.

“PECO is honored to share in the tradition of the Holiday Tree Lighting for the 4th year. For 25 years PECO has proudly supported DRWC’s events and programs, including the PECO Multicultural Series,” said PECO President and CEO Mike Innocenzo, “DRWC does an incredible job of kicking off the holiday season with a night of remarkable performances, capped off, of course, with the moment the tree lights turn on. This magical night, and lighting up the holiday season along the waterfront has become a favorite tradition of ours.”

Another favorite holiday tradition for kids of every age is

Skate with Santa

which will take place every Sunday from December 21st through 22nd.

Perhaps the brightest and most festive traditions is the one that brings everyone together to say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in an exciting New Year. The

Rivers Casino New Years Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

will light up the evening sky with two shows at 6:00 pm and Midnight. Visitors can get the best seat in the house at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest at one (or both!) of the New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice.

“Rivers Casino Philadelphia is proud to support the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows along the Delaware River waterfront,” said Emily Doñes, community relations manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This will be the 10th consecutive year the casino is hosting the city’s traditional celebration and is the perfect way to ring in 2020.”

In addition, the rink, Lodge, and cabins can be rented for holiday parties, winter get-togethers and birthday celebrations. Especially with their new designs, the warming cabins are the perfect place to hold your next gathering. Single Cabins rent for $75 per 90 minutes and fit 8-10 people, and Double Cottages rent for $125 per 90 minutes and can fit up to 18 people.  Parents can also be heroes when they host the ultimate ice skating birthday bash for the youngster in their lives in the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Kid\’s Lodge. Just a few feet away for the rink, this heated space features arcade games, small rides, and classics like pinball and air hockey, and is the home the positively perfect

Portside Pizza

! Interested parties can email

riverrink@drwc.orgfor

more information.

MORE HAPPENINGS ON THE WATERFRONT

DRWC continues every year in its mission to program and develop the Central Delaware River Waterfront for all of Philadelphia and its visitors. By consistently producing innovative programming and design, the nonprofit provides new, authentically-Philadelphia traditions and public spaces that create a new era on the Waterfront.

To that end, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is thrilled to report progress and  exciting new developments.

Studio Zewde

(Harlem, New York) is working on public engagement, site assessment, and design for the

Port Richmond Waterfront & Graffiti Pier

Planning Study project while

OLIN

(Philadelphia and Los Angeles, California) is tasked with the same duties for the

South Philadelphia Wetlands Park

project.

The kickoff to DRWC’s new

Waterfront Arts Program

saw the docking of a 90 foot holographic, site-specific 18th-century “ghost ship” adjacent to Race Street Pier. The three dimensional light and water installation, by Romanian-based Biangle Studio enjoyed a month-long run and saw over 40,000 visitors.

Looking ahead, DRWC has announced exciting developments for it’s most ambitious undertaking and a keystone of the organizations Master Plan, the

Park at Penn’s Landing

. This project includes the reconstruction and expansion of a new bridge over I-95 that will support a new 12-acre riverfront civic space, the extension of South Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the construction of a portion of the Delaware River Trail. Furthermore, DRWC announced a nationwide call for developers for these eleven acres of prime waterfront land.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information about programming, food and beverage options, and season details can be found in our press room. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest high resolution photos can be downloaded via our website (password is aidemdrwc).

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST SPONSORS

Winter Programming is made possible by Independence Blue Cross, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Dunkin’ ,Visit Philadelphia,NBC10 and Telemundo62, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC, and Philadelphia Magazine

ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS

Independence Blue Cross

is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 8 million people nationwide, including 2.5 million in the region. For 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit

www.ibx.com

. Connect with us on

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. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

ABOUT DRWC

DRWC is a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop, program and maintain public amenities such as permanent and seasonal parks, trails, and streetscape improvements to transform the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia as is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan for the Central Delaware. Daily programming throughout the entire year is changing the way Philadelphians see and converse about the waterfront, and is helping to create spaces and communities that connect residents and visitors to the waterfront.