30th anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards to Honor Courtney B. Vance, Stan Lathan, Tyrese Gibson, Zaila Avant-Garde, Princess Sarah Culberson, Senators Raphael Warnock & Jon Ossoff, Airs Jan. 17 at 8 P.M. Et

Dec 23, 2021 | Business



Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans, will present the 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards — a night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African American achievements and contributions — on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. ET. Promo here.


The 2022 Bounce Trumpet Awards will honor:

  • Courtney B. Vance (Excellence in Entertainment Award): Vance’s debut in “Hamburger Hill” launched a prolific cinematic career that includes “The Hunt for Red October,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The Adventures of Huck Finn.” His work in television includes “The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story” for which he won an Emmy, Critics Choice and NAACP Image award.
  • Stan Lathan (Living Legend Award): Lathan launched HBO’s groundbreaking “Def Comedy Jam,” produced and directed comedy specials featuring Dave Chapelle, Cedric The Entertainer and much more in his storied career.
  • Tyrese Gibson (Luminary Award): Gibson is a popular R&B singer, songwriter, actor, author, television producer and model, well known on the screen for his role as Roman Pearce in the “The Fast and Furious” movie franchise.
  • Zaila Avant-garde (Rising Star Award): The Louisiana native was the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner and the first Black American to win the academic competition. She also holds three basketball-related Guinness World Records.
  • Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff (Xernona Clayton Award of Distinction): The senators from Georgia will be honored with this award, named after the founder of the Trumpet Awards, for succeeding against immense odds, fighting for change and working to improve the lives of all. Warnock has served as senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for over 15 years (the former pulpit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Ossoff was mentored by civil rights legend and former Trumpet Award honoree Congressman John Lewis.
  • Princess Sarah Culberson (Impact Award): This award is given for demonstrating tremendous vision, leadership and innovation that has led to a positive impact on the community. Culberson and her brother founded the non-profit Sierra Leone Rising, which distributed aid during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and 2020’s COVID-19 crisis and continues to raise funds for community growth.


 The gala event will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 15.


Among the special guests paying tribute to this year’s honorees are Wendell Pierce, Sanaa Lathan, JB Smoove and Tamron Hall. Musical performers and more presenters will be announced soon.


The 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards will also feature a tribute to The Warriors of Justice, honoring those institutions and their leaders who have been on the front lines fighting for social, political, legal, educational and economic equality for people of color. The group includes:

  • The NAACP, the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation led by Derrick Johnson, President and CEO.
  • Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the international human and civil rights organization founded by Jesse Jackson, one of America’s foremost civil rights, religious and political figures.
  • National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization run by Marc Morial, President and CEO.
  • Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the African American civil rights organization closely associated with its first president, Martin Luther King Jr., led by current President and CEO Charles Steele, Jr.


“After a year in which we couldn’t celebrate in person, this year’s show is monumental, honoring the past 30 years of Black excellence and achievement while inspiring future generations,” said Cheryle Harrison, head of Bounce. “Bounce is honored to continue the vision of Ms. Xernona Clayton, the civil rights leader and social justice warrior, who has paved the way and inspired all of us. This event is truly a special moment in Bounce history.”


David Hudson, head of original programming for Scripps Networks, will serve as executive producer of the 30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards, along with Rikki Hughes, CEO of Magic Lemonade Productions. Hughes is an Emmy and Grammy-winning producer of award shows, comedy specials and independent features.


About the Trumpet Awards


The Bounce Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African American Women of the U.S. Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee. For more information about past honorees, presenters, performers and information about The Bounce Trumpet Awards visit here.


About Bounce


Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over the air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over the top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docuseries and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).


By Michael Perry

80th Anniversary of the Festive Conference Commemorating Alisher Navoi in the Hermitage under Siege

Dec 20, 2021 | Business



On 10 December 2021, the Hermitage Theatre was the venue for an event marking the 80th Anniversary of the festive conference devoted to Alisher Navoi held in the Hermitage on 10 December 1941, during the total siege of Leningrad, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the great Uzbek poet’s birth.


The conference devoted to Navoi (like the event in honour of Nizami held slightly earlier, in October 1941) aimed to demonstrated the greatness of the peoples of the East who had once been part of the Russian Empire and now belonged to the Soviet Union. This period saw the formation of national consciousness among the peoples of the East, among the manifestations of which was the establishment of the Hermitage’s Department of the East and the holding in the museum in 1935 of an International Congress on Iranian Art and Archaeology – an incredibly significant event for the history of Oriental studies, both in this country and worldwide.


Opening the evening event, Mikhail Borisovich Piotrovsky, General Director of the State Hermitage, said that the meeting in beleaguered Leningrad took place, as Boris Borisovich Piotrovsky recalled, on the day when the trams stopped running, under extremely difficult circumstances. It was a very important event for the life and history of the museum. During the Great Patriotic War, in a Leningrad encircled by enemies, the staff of the Hermitage continued to work and, thanks to that, survived. They worked for the future, and what they accomplished did indeed have an effect on the future.


In his speech, Firdavs Fridunovich Abdukhalikov, chairman of the board of the Worldwide Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, spoke about Alisher Navoi’s significance as a man of peace, expressing ideas of humanism and righteousness.


Scholarly presentations followed, devoted to the collections of the museum and other Saint Petersburg institutions that are connected with Navoi and his era. In his contribution, Anton Dmitriyevich Pritula of the State Hermitage’s Department of the East spoke about Herat, Navoi’s native city, and the Hermitage exhibits that come for there. The presentation by Olga Valentinovna Vasilyeva (National Library of Russia) was devoted to manuscripts of Navoi’s works in Saint Petersburg collections.


Finally, some of Alisher Navoi’s ghazals were performed by Munojat Yo’lchiyeva to an accompaniment played on traditional instruments. Russian translations of the ghazals were recited by Polina Liubimova of the State Hermitage’s Department for Scientific and Educational Work.


In memory of the conference held 80 years ago, some porcelain pieces were put on show in the Hermitage Theatre that had been made in the Leningrad Porcelain Factory in 1941 and painted by Mikhail Mokh with subjects inspired by Navoi’s works, as well as a printed wartime bulletin ( Boevoi listok) of the period that included Boris Borisovich Piotrovsky’s report about the conference.

Hong Kong – Speech by CE at HKMA 60th+1 Anniversary Celebration cum Hong Kong Sustainability Award Presentation Ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)

Dec 15, 2021 | International

Speech by CE at HKMA 60th+1 Anniversary Celebration cum Hong Kong Sustainability Award Presentation Ceremony (English only) (with photos/video)

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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) 60th+1 Anniversary Celebration cum Hong Kong Sustainability Award Presentation Ceremony today (December 14):

      

     Dr YK Pang (Chairman of the HKMA, Dr Pang Yiu-kai), Dr David Li (Honorary President of the HKMA), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

      

     Good evening. It is indeed a great pleasure to join you tonight to celebrate the “60th+1” anniversary of the Hong Kong Management Association and witness the presentation of awards to commend organisations, companies and business leaders for their illustrious achievements.

      

     In the past two years, many government functions, business events, family activities and social gatherings have to be rescheduled time after time, or even cancelled ultimately, including the Management Association’s 60th anniversary celebration last year. The celebration of the “60th+1” anniversary tonight reminds us not only of the impressive milestone reached by the Hong Kong Management Association in serving Hong Kong for more than 60 years, but also Hong Kong’s achievement in getting back on track, and we are making up some grounds lost in the pandemic. Our efforts in combating the pandemic have paid off, and many social activities could now be held as normal, although I understand that on this occasion, the large-scale dinner still has to take place at different venues because of the Government’s overall cap. I hope you’ll still have a very enjoyable dinner.

      

     Human capital is the backbone of Hong Kong in both good times and bad times. For six decades, the Hong Kong Management Association has been committed to promoting management excellence and continuing education to nurture talents essential for Hong Kong to grow, contributing enormously to our success as an international business centre today. Even in the shadow of the pandemic, the Hong Kong Management Association has never ceased to run courses to help upgrade executives, broaden their skillset and equip them to rise to challenges. Your tireless efforts in developing human capital to drive Hong Kong forward and contributing to our well-known excellence in management should be recognised.

      

     Among the awards to be presented tonight, I want to talk about two awards, the first is the Hong Kong Sustainability Award, the other is what I’m going to present, the Most Respected Organizations Award. The Hong Kong Sustainability Award aims to honour organisations that have demonstrated due consideration to the environment, the community and employees. We are pleased to see growing emphasis on sustainability, or more broadly on ESG (environmental, social and governance), in business culture in recent years.

      

     In fact, recognising that the Government’s efforts alone could not build a sustainable society, we established as early as in 2003 the Council for Sustainable Development to advise us on Hong Kong’s sustainability strategy and priorities and to facilitate business and community participation in this endeavour. In response to the Council’s recommendations on Long-term Decarbonisation in November last year, I announced in the 2020 Policy Address that Hong Kong would strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Steering Committee on Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality chaired by myself has been formulating the overall strategies, and we estimate that $240 billion will have to be invested to combat climate change in the next 15 to 20 years. Just in October this year, following the announcement of my 2021 Policy Address, the Government further promulgated Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, outlining four major decarbonisation strategies and measures. Low-carbon transformation in all sectors of society is required to achieve our target, bringing substantial changes to the way we live and the way businesses operate. 

      

     This is not to say that the business sector will suffer from our green efforts. In fact, pursuing carbon neutrality will open up new business opportunities for low carbon solutions in the decarbonisation  process. The Government will facilitate the development of green industries and promote innovation and technology development, particularly in decarbonisation technologies, thus creating enormous investment and job opportunities. Moreover, capitalising on the enormous green finance opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, we will continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and catalyst for promoting market development and encouraging more corporates to make use of Hong Kong’s capital markets as well as financial and professional services for green and sustainable investment.

      

     Business opportunities to Hong Kong enterprises certainly are not limited to those in the green industries. The national 14th Five-Year Plan promulgated in March this year has set the stage for Hong Kong to develop into eight international centres or hubs, and integrate into the nation’s overall developments. I do not need to elaborate on the details as I am sure you are all familiar with them. At this juncture, I would like to commend corporations and businesses who will receive the Most Respected Organizations Award this year. I have quickly gone through the list of the awardees, and I am quite sure that each one of them actually has made major contribution not only to the Hong Kong Management Association over its past history, not only to Hong Kong’s economic and social development, but  also to Hong Kong’s integration into the national development. I want to share with you that in these four years, whenever I go to the Mainland visiting provinces and cities, the most sought-after corporations that the provincial and the city leaders want to see investing in their provinces or cities are the Hong Kong corporates. Many of them actually presented me with a list of the companies that they want to attract to their provinces and cities, not only because of the money and the jobs they bring, but because of the branding, because of the value of their projects which will raise the visibility and quality of their respective cities and provinces. That certainly makes me very proud as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR. And that’s why I would encourage more of you to take advantage of the opportunities in the Mainland, not only in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also in other parts of the Mainland, for example, the western part which I visited in September, Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi’an, and also the central part of the Mainland, like Hubei that I visited about a couple of weeks ago. I would stress that for Hong Kong companies to make the most of the immense opportunities from the nation’s developments, availability of talents, particularly local talents, a competitive workforce and management excellence remain to be the key. I believe that the Hong Kong Management Association will continue to be the mainstay in nurturing local talents and training the local workforce to equip enterprises to capitalise on the opportunities ahead, and help build a sustainable and bright future for Hong Kong.

      

     Finally, my warmest congratulations to today’s awardees, and I wish them every success in the future. I also wish you all merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2022. And before enjoying the festival, please remember to cast your vote on the coming Sunday. Thank you very much.

50th Anniversary of Doctors Without Borders

Dec 4, 2021 | Business, Health and Wellness

Doctors Without Borders was founded in Paris on December 22, 1971, to help people in war zones and those in the wake of natural disasters. Today, help is needed more than ever-and it can be hard to find cause for celebration. Yet for ten years, NOMOS Glashütte has been helping people help with watches for humanitarian aid.

GLASHÜTTE, DECEMBER 2021. Paris, 1971: With the intention to help people in need and to speak on their behalf, irrespective of their political or religious views, on December 22 a group of thirteen doctors and journalists founded the organization Médecins Sans Frontières-Doctors Without Borders. Their first mission in a conflict zone occurred during the civil war in Lebanon, where doctors and nurses treated casualties from both sides in a hospital basement. Today, in the winter of 2021 and half a century after its founding, Doctors Without Borders operates in more than 70 countries where more than 65,000 individuals assist people caught in crises. They are doctors, nurses, logistics experts, administrators, epidemiologists, laboratory technicians, mental health professionals, and others whose work is guided by humanitarian principles and medical ethics. In 1999, Doctors Without Borders was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work.

The key to the organization’s ability to act independently in response to a crisis is its largely private, independent funding, and partnerships like the one with NOMOS Glashütte help provide aid to people in need. For ten years, watchmaker NOMOS in Glashütte, Saxony, has been making watches supporting Doctors Without Borders. To date, NOMOS Glashütte has made over 10,000 watches and 14 different models for humanitarian aid, all identifiable by the red twelve. And for each watch-depending on the model and country-between 100 and 250 euros, dollars, pounds go directly to Doctors Without Borders.

Now, in 2021, NOMOS Glashütte has made even more watches to support the organization’s lifesaving work. To mark the 50th anniversary of Médecins Sans Frontières, as well as a partnership of ten years, NOMOS x Doctors Without Borders has its global debut: The NOMOS watch Tangente 38 is the famous hand-wound and hand-made classic with a diameter of 38 millimeters. As a special edition, 50 ans de Médecins Sans Frontières is limited to 2,021 units worldwide. For each watch, 100 euros goes to Doctors Without Borders. Christian Katzer, Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders Germany: “Each watch helps us provide life-saving aid-in places where there is none.” Help which, in the face of emergencies exacerbated in many countries by the pandemic, is needed more than ever.

Press Contact:
NOMOS Glashütte
Alexa Montag
PR department
+49 35053 404-481
pr@glashuette.com

Japan – The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary and New ADV350 Headline Honda’s 2021 EICMA Line-up

Nov 24, 2021 | Business

Following a long line of significant model announcements already this year including the Super Cub, Monkey, CB500F, CB500X, CBR500R and NT1100, Honda reveals its full 2022 European motorcycle line-up in Milan. The line-up includes a very special, limited edition super sports flag ship, a brand new adventure scooter and a host of colour options and graphics throughout the range.

CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, Fireblade SP and Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary

Headlining Honda’s EICMA line-up is the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, Fireblade SP and Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary.

To celebrate the original, ground-breaking Fireblade and 30 years of continuous challenges since the introduction of that 1992 game-changer, a stunning Limited Edition 30th Anniversary version of the Fireblade SP will be available in 2022. Its tricolour paint scheme pays faithful homage to the original, with the ultra-modern feel of the 20YM stripe layout merged with ‘brushstroke’ style elements of the 1992 machine.

The Fireblade SP will also be available in two standard paint options, Grand Prix Red and Matte Pearl Morion Black, both now with gold wheels, while the Fireblade itself wears an updated Grand Prix Red paint scheme with prominent white number boards on the front fairing.

The changes are more than skin deep, with technical changes to the 160kW inline four-cylinder engine that focus on improving mid-corner acceleration and drive. The final drive sprocket also goes up 3 teeth, to 43, further boosting acceleration through each ratio. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been optimised for refined rear tyre traction management with input from HRC’s riders, and throttle feel even further refined.

A new material and surface finish for the Fireblade’s front Nissin brake calipers’ pistons improves braking performance and consistency in race conditions. The Fireblade SP’s Ohlins Smart Electronic Control (SE-C) and Brembo equipment continue to offer top-draw suspension and braking, alongside a newly optimised quick shifter.

ADV350

The success of the X-ADV – the best-selling Honda motorcycle in Europe in 2021 – now sees Honda’s forward-thinking filter down to the mid-capacity scooter market. The new ADV350, built at Honda’s Atessa factory in Italy, mixes the sophistication of a premium scooter with the ability to deal with the roughest of tarmac, and comes wrapped in rugged adventure styling.

The unique look comes hand in hand with optimum practicality and a rich specification sheet. There’s underseat storage space for two full-face helmets, plus a USB charger in the glovebox and the convenience of Smart Key operation. The screen is height-adjustable and the LCD instrument panel also integrates the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is fitted as standard.

The ADV350’s 330cc, enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) SOHC four-valve engine delivers peak power of 21.5kW and 31.5Nm torque. The chassis features motorcycle-style USD forks, tubular steel frame, remote reservoir rear shocks and ample ground clearance. Lightweight 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels wear block-pattern tubeless tyres.

The ADV350 will be available in Spangle Silver Metallic, Mat Carbonium Gray Metallic and Mat Carnelian Red Metallic

NT1100

Making its public debut after being announced in October 2021, the NT1100 ushers in a New Touring era for Honda. Taking the heart of the CRF1100L Africa Twin as a base, engaging handling and characterful engine performance is guaranteed. The NT1100 builds on the platform to offer outstanding comfort and weather protection, making it equally ready for an extended two-up tour as it is for the weekday commute.

Practicality is guaranteed with sizable integrated panniers, heated grips, centre stand, cruise control and USB and ACC charging sockets all standard equipment. Lighting is full LED with Daytime Running Lights for increased visibility, plus self-cancelling indicators and Emergency Stop Signals. Screen height is 5-way adjustable, and upper and lower wind deflectors work with the generous fairing to protect the rider. A 6.5-inch TFT touch screen provides full colour, customisable displays and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Seat height is a very manageable 820mm; tank range is approximately 400km. Sleek, subtle styling with the key words of ‘proactive comfort’ delivers efficient aerodynamic performance with a riding position tailored for enjoyable touring.

The NT1100’s steel semi-double cradle frame employs a short wheelbase, 17″ wheels and sharp steering geometry while premium suspension is via 43mm Showa cartridge-type inverted front forks and single-tube rear shock. 310mm front brake discs are paired with 4-piston radial-mount calipers. Intake and exhaust are tuned for smooth acceleration and pleasing low-rpm sound; maximum power and torque figures are 74kW and 104Nm respectively. The electronic package includes 3 default Rider Modes and 3-level Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is an option.

The NT1100 is available in 3 contemporary colour options: Matte Iridium Gray Metallic, Pearl Glare White and Graphite Black.

The Hornet

Honda is also pleased to confirm that the illustrious Hornet name will return to its line-up in the near future. The Hornet has been renowned for delivering exhilarating engine performance and agility matched to cutting edge street-fighter styling since the model was first introduced in Europe in 1998.

A sneak preview of the concept direction for the new incarnation of the Hornet will be available for visitors to EICMA. Showcased in a special area within the Honda stand, projection mapping is used to full effect in a vivid 3D display of light and sound that both looks back at previous Hornet generations, and forward to what is to come.

Taken in the round, Honda’s new line-up underlines its unwavering commitment to offering even more diversity and value to motorcycling’s broadest, richest product range.

In addition to the new and upgraded models, several new colours for familiar favourites will also be on display at EICMA:

SH125i and SH150i

Two brand-new colours add contemporary sports appeal to the SH125i (Europe’s best selling scooter in 2021) and SH150i. Mat Pearl Cool White and Mat Rock Grey feature exclusive detailing that includes floor stripe with SH logo, red SH logos and silver headlight stripes.

X-ADV

Regarded as the world’s first ‘2 wheeled SUV’, the X-ADV has three new colours for 2022: Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, Mat Iridium Gray Metallic and Harvest Beige.

Forza 125 and Forza 350

Both the 125 and 350 versions of Honda’s sports GT scooter family get new colours for 2022:
The Forza 125 will be available in Pearl Falcon Gray, Mat Black Gray Metallic and Mat Pearl Pacific Blue, and the Forza 350 in Mat Carnelian Red Metallic.

CB650R and CBR650R

The four cylinder middleweight naked CB650R has a new Sword Silver Metallic colour, while both the Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red of the CBR650R feature updated graphic treatment.

CMX500 Rebel and CMX1100 Rebel

Europe’s best selling custom machine in 2021, the CMX500 Rebel has a cool new Pearl Organic Green option for 2022, while its 1100cc sibling will now be available in Pearl Stallion Brown.

GL1800 Gold Wing and GL1800 Gold Wing ‘Tour’

The majestic Gold Wing comes in a contemporary new Mat Jeans Blue Metallic colour for 2022, while the range-topping Gold Wing ‘Tour’ has two new vivid colour options in the shape of Glint Wave Blue Metallic and Pearl Glare White.