Podcast: iClassPro Shares PF Lessons Learned

Chris McNabb didn't set out to run an online registration tool for children's activity centers, he just wanted a better way to register kids for classes at his gymnastics facility. A techie but not a developer, he shopped his cloud-based solution at tradeshows around the turn of the century and in 2008 founded iClassPro.

Then, he used third party payment gateways but the hassles of the multiple gateways and extra friction "was weighing us down," he says. Three years ago iClassPro became a payment facilitator and McNabb gained peace of mind and business growth. In this week's edition of the paymentfacilitator.com podcast, McNabb explains the switch: what it solves, what the change entailed, how it has helped, and what the future holds.

Treasury Speaks AML And All Is Well

There's no such thing as too often to clarify financial regulations, and the U.S. Treasury did so Aug. 30 - apparently in response to foreign criticisms of its anti money laundering (AML) practices - and any time the Treasury speaks about AML PFs should listen.

Calling the Treasury's AML oversight so strict as to discourage relationships between U.S. banks and foreign correspondent banks, critics-most recently the International Monetary Fund-at least succeeded in getting the Treasury to further explain its stance on AML and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) with a blog post and a four-page fact sheet. The communication did not announce any changes to regulations, merely emphasized a few points.

Is Google Trying To Steal Venmo Users Or Score New Customers for Android Pay?

Google Wallet has Venmo (and Square Cash and maybe Facebook and Snapchat) in its crosshairs with its latest app update, the ability to have person to person transfers go directly to a user's bank account. But is the competition for share or for users who don't yet have a P2P app? One analyst says attracting new customers for Android Phones and Android Pay is the goal.

The P2P game is played best with less friction and more speed and Google wants more people to play it with Wallet, then try transacting with Android Pay, says Gil Luria, head of technology research at Wedbush Securities.

Vintage Elton John Autographed Publicity Photo

Elton John, is one of the most popular musicians of the 20th Century. He taught himself, how to play the piano, when he was only 4 years old. Today, Elton is a world famous singer, pianist, songwriter, composer and Icon ! He, has sold more than 250 million albums. Elton, has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin from the very beginning. His, 1970 debut album, offered Elton John's signature # 1 hit, “Your Song.” As a result, he became an international star.   Elton, has had decades of # 1 hits. “Rocket Man,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock,” are just a few of his classics. With lyricist Tim Rice, E.J. co-wrote the score, for the animated “Lion King.” His song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” brought Elton John, his first Academy Award. He's, considered one of the Greatest Showmen of All Time. All his concerts are S.R.O. around the world.   Inducted, into the R. & R. Hall of Fame in 1994. Knighted in 1998. Elton John's, catalogue of Classic Hit Songs, is what you'd expect from Sir Elton. My Forever Treasures, rarely has an opportunity, to offer such a world class treasure. An […]

3D Printing Ted Talk – Using AI and 3D Printing Together

What do artificial intelligence and prostheses have in common? The software uses artificial intelligence algorithm to customize 3D printable prostheses and orthoses to fit the individual wearers' needs. It allows creating individual supportive devices based on a 3D scan of the limb and does it in minutes rather than hours.

Janis Jatnieks believes that involving AI and advanced technologies, has a huge potential to help people with special needs. Technology advancements and human creativity will open up new horizons and possibilities for human body. Janis is passionate to push the limits and be in the frontline of adapting these technologies.

Janis Jatnieks is one of the creators of a new artificially intelligent 3D modeling software, which enables mass customization of designs based on a 3D scan.

According the 3D Printing Trade Association: “3D Printing Is 33 years old and still in it's infancy. Watch the technologies converge.

Natural Foods and Beauty Boosting Supplements for Glowing Skin, Healthy Hair and Nails – Health and Beauty Tips

15 Foods to Eat for Glowing Skin and Healthy Hair

Research is now showing that it's possible to influence your looks simply by choosing specific foods. Hair growth (and fallout), skin collagen production, hormone balance and more are all tied to what you choose to eat.

READ MORE

 

7 Natural Beauty Boosting Supplements

There are loads of anti-aging supplements out there that promise to make you look younger. We dove into research and talked to top dermatologists to find the few worth popping…

READ MORE

 

80 Beauty Tips and Tricks Every Woman Needs to Know

We love good beauty tips, so we've rounded up our best get-gorgeous tricks in one spot. Whether you want to learn how to create the perfect wavy hair or brush up on your smoky eye technique, you'll find beauty tips galore to help you get pretty from head to toe…

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Healthy Beauty: Skin, Hair, Nails, Anti-Aging, and Cosmetic Surgery Tips

Looking for skin, makeup, hair, or nail care tips? Considering cosmetic or anti-aging procedures? Find the latest beauty information here…

READ MORE

 

 

Customer Reviews – Beauty Smart

“I was referred to Deana through my doctor for a small spot I had on my nose. I didn't know what it was, but every time I looked in the mirror, there it was, for almost one year. I went in and in 2 treatments that each lasted probably 5 minutes each, the spot disappeared after the second treatment in only days. The nice part of the experience was that Deana checked in by text EVERY DAY to see how things were moving along for me. I was so impressed by her follow up and that she really wanted to make a difference for me. She is professional and really cares about her customers. I would recommend her and her services to anyone that wants to feel and look better. I can't wait to go back for some of her other services. Thank you!” – Lauren Golen

“I have been to BeautySmart since they have opened. I have had several treatments from laser to micro needling with PRP. All successful and a pleasure to go knowing I'm in good hands!! Not to mention they have great skin care products and unique clothing hand selected from California to New York – I highly recommend!!” Jill Foxman

“I am always treated in a professional friendly manner and receive the best medical care. Thank you.” – Susan Ofarrell

“I am always pleased with the way my concerns are met by Dr. Jakes.” – Shirley Farnes

“Hey guys, Trust me on this, women will appreciate you more with less back hair. It's easy to get rid of all unwanted hair. Deanna and her team are awesome. And…don't wait till your hair turns gray, once it does it's much harder to remove. Go bald early guys!!!” – Frank Celino

“Great place, friendly people. Very clean and up on the latest products.” – Pamela Rea

“Professional and knowledgeable.” – Kerry Tucker

 

 

Podcast: Beneficial Ownership Defined And Analyzed

As Rich Consulting president Deana Rich explains in this week's paymentfacilitator.com podcast, the Treasury's beneficial ownership rule announced in May will require banks to perform KYC on all owners with more than 25 percent ownership as well as the person that manages or runs the business, and banks will likely turn that extra work over to ISOs or PFs underwriting merchants or submerchants.

There are different impacts to banks and their PF partners based on the size and ownership/operation structure of the merchant. The largest category of submerchants are sole proprietors or owned by one person, who also runs the business. All PFs are performing KYC on these owners and therefore there is no change to this category.

Millennials, Seeking Uniqueness, Flock To Klarna To Pay Their Way

Millenials' decreasing use of credit cards and increasing use of debit opens doors for companies like Swedish company Klarna, a payment facilitator that offers mobile and online buyers the choice of traditional payments – charge now-or within 14 days or in installments.

Klarna works seamlessly at checkout, says Klarna North America CEO Brian Billingsley-an email address and zip code is all a shopper needs if not paying immediately. Once that info is inputted it doesn't need to be entered again at Klarna merchant partners. Billingsley says Klarna gives millennials a little of what they're looking for when shopping, control and uniqueness.

3D Printing And Additive Manufacturing Coming to Berlin In Partnership With The World's Leading Consumer Electronics Show

Inside 3D Printing and RoboUniverse Join with IFA Berlin to Host 3DPrinting@home and Robot@home; September 4-7, 2016

(Berlin, Germany – August 22, 2016) – Rising Media announced its partnership with IFA, the leading trade show for consumer electronics & home appliances to host 3DPrinting@home powered by Inside 3D Printing and Robot@home powered by Innorobo at IFA Berlin on September 4-7, 2016.

The 3DPrinting@home and Robot@home expo takes place within IFA Global Markets, an exhibition which focuses on the B2B2C and retail channels. In addition to consumer and retail 3D printers and robots, other cutting-edge exhibitor groups from around the globe will be on display within IFA Global Markets. IFA attracts over 249,000 visitors, 60% of whom are from the channel.

Confirmed exhibitors include: Formlabs; JER Education Technology Co. Limited.; SemVox; and Trinkle.

Robot@home powered by Innorobo will also feature two days of conference sessions exploring innovation trends in home and retail robotics.

Session topics include:

• Market Data & Major Trends


• From IoT to Robot@home


• Vacuum Cleaner, Lawnmower: What's Next?


• Robotic Assistance in Elderly care: Learnings from the SmartAssist Project


• The New Home Interface


• The Future of Retail – Feedback on Pepper Deployment in Retail Stores


• Service Robotics in Europe: Current Status, Perspectives in the Frame of the H2020 European Program


• State of the Art and Perspective for Robot@home


• Personal & Professional Use


• Startup Pitches and Demos


• Foresight Session with Robotics as General Purpose Technology

Passes to the expo are free and can be reserved here for 3DPrinting@home and here for Robot@home.

To attend conference sessions, register for a 1 Day or 2 Day Conference Pass here. Conference attendees will also have access to the expo. Prices increase on-site so reserve your pass in advance to save.

If your company is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at 3DPrinting@home or Robot@home in Berlin or an upcoming city, contact sponsorship@risingmedia.com.

About Rising Media

Rising Media is a global events and media producer excelling in Internet and technology-related events and content. Events include Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, Virtual Reality Summit, Data Driven Business, Building Business Capability, Predictive Analytics World, Text Analytics World, eMetrics Summit, Conversion Conference, AllFacebook Marketing Conference, Search Marketing Expo, Affiliate Management Days and Web Effectiveness Conference in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Dubai, India, China, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Brazil.

For more information, please visit www.risingmedia.com.

For press inquiries, please contact media@risingmedia.com.

Vintage Stork Club Ashtray NYC 1930s Edgar Berman and Charlie McCarthy Drinking Glass

The Stork Club, was a nightclub in Manhatten N.Y.C. During it's existence, from 1929-1965, it was one of the most prestigious, in the world. A symbol of Cafe Society, the Wealthy, Elite, Movie Stars, Celebrities, Showgirls, and Aristocrats all mixed together, in the Club's V.I.P. Room. The notorious, Walter Winchell wrote his column and broadcast his radio show, from Table 50.   The club, counted among its guests, The Kennedys, The Roosevelts, Reagans, Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Royalty, from around the world. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, announced their engagement, from the Stork Club. The Club, cashed Douglas Hemingway's $100,000 movie script check, so he could pay his bill.   Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe were regulars. Frank Sinatra, was at the Stork Club with 3 different wives. Elizabeth Taylor, with 5 different husbands. Hedda Hopper, was trolling for gossip. The Stork Club, was considered the “Best of the Best.” This, vintage Stork Club Ashtray is a treasure, probably once used by an Icon.   Edgar Bergen, and his dummy Charlie McCarthy were the comedy team favorites, of the 1930's and 1940's. Edgar, a master ventriloquist never got to show, their huge radio audience his expertise. They never saw him, not […]

Cities Can Offset Carbon Footprint With Reforestation Project In Tanzania

Program Will Include Urban Forestry

The Kilimanjaro region of East Africa is one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Millions of people and several endangered species depend on the snows and rains of Kilimanjaro for survival. As land use encroaches further into local forests, water flows are changing and conflicts with wildlife are rising. A nonprofit organization in Tanzania hopes to reverse those trends with a comprehensive forest conservation, reforestation and community-engagement program.

The Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania will defend the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem with more than 10 million new seedlings, community engagement, wildlife conservation strategies and more. They will educate local stakeholders about sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife management. Unlike past reforestation efforts in the region, it will focus on local needs and long-term sustainability. The seedlings are indigenous species that can help restore and protect the integrity of the ecosystem, while helping rural communities thrive as stewards of the land.

Unfortunately, forests across the region are retreating under the pressures of agriculture and communities that depend on firewood.

Climate change is impacting every continent. Deforestation and intensive agriculture are contributing to the problem. Fortunately, forest conservation, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture are part of the solution.

The foundation plans to save wildlife, capture carbon and reduce deforestation on a massive scale. This investment will benefit the entire planet, while preserving a world treasure.

“Cities can help sponsor the program and claim the carbon credits as one of the many benefits,” said Gary Chandler, founder of Sacred Seedlings, a global coalition that promotes forest conservation, reforestation and coexistence with wildlife. “This is much more than a carbon capture program. Our sponsors will help defend entire ecosystems.”

For more information about reforestation across East Africa and beyond, please visit http://sacredseedlings.com/deforestation-threatens-critical-ecosystems-across-africa/

Wildlife Contracting Brain Disease From Sewage Dumped On Farms

Chronic Wasting Disease Fueled By Mismanaged Infectious Waste

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other forms of neurodegenerative disease are fasting-growing cause of death around the world. Brain disease also continues to expand in wildlife. Is there a connection?

Keep reading to find out why:

• Alzheimer's disease is an infectious prion disease;


• Prion infectivity is in the bodily fluids of those with prion disease;


• Wastewater treatment plants are spreading deadly prions via sewage sludge, biosolids and reclaimed wastewater. They also spread nuclear waste and toxic waste;


• Wildlife are contracting prion disease from people because of this contamination. So are people. So are sea mammals.


• Caregivers are in harm's way because of widespread denial and mismanagement.


• It's time for several reforms. It's time to reclassify biosolids and reclaimed wastewater as infectious waste. Prions are unstoppable. It's time to enforce the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

The Brain Disease Epidemic

Alzheimer's disease alone is killing 50-100 million people now. Millions more will contract the disease this year, while just as many will go undiagnosed and misdiagnosed.

Thanks to misinformation and the mismanagement of infectious waste and bodily fluids, people of all ages are now exposed to an expanding spectrum of brain disease. So are other mammals.

The most common forms of neurodegenerative disease include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease–the most aggressive and infectious of them all. According to Nobel Prize Laureate Stanley Prusiner, these brain diseases are part of the same disease spectrum-prion disease. It's also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). The operative word is transmissible.

Pandora's Lunchbox

Many factors are contributing to the epidemic. Unfortunately, it appears that Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are just as infectious as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The bodily fluids of people with prion disease are infectious. Prions are the X factor in the global epidemic.

Prion disease is a spectrum disease that varies in severity. It also varies depending on which region of the brain is impacted first. It affects most, if not all, mammals. Prion disease causes memory loss, impaired coordination, and abnormal movements. Prions are an infectious form of glycoprotein that can propagate throughout the body. TSE surveillance is important for public health and food safety because TSEs have the potential of crossing from animals to humans, as seen with the spread of mad cow disease. TSEs also have the potential of being transmitted from humans to animals. The most common example is chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer species.

CWD was first detected in deer in North America. Then it was detected in a variety of other animals, including an elephant at the Oakland zoo, mink, a dolphin and many other mammals. It's been found in a variety of animals across the United States and Canada. All hypotheses in the past centered around contaminated feed and reckless deer farmers. Deer  also spread the disease via nose-to-nose contact. Those theories were just rocked by the discovery of CWD in Norway in moose and reindeer. The disease didn't jump the Atlantic from the Americas. However, Norway dumps tons of infectious waste on land every year–infectious waste from people with prion disease.

It's not known which patients with brain disease become infectious or when. The medical community prefers to ignore the topic. The legal industry is about to have a bonanza because negligence is the rule and not the exception regarding Alzheimer's disease and the mismanagement of infectious waste. Savvy neurologists won't touch patients with these symptoms because of the risks. Unfortunately, caregivers aren't warned accordingly.

Prions are unstoppable. The pathogen spreads through the bodily fluids and cell tissue of its victims. The blood, saliva, mucus, milk, urine and feces of victims are infectious. Wastewater treatment doesn't touch prions. In fact, these facilities are now helping incubate and distribute prions via biosolids (sewage sludge) and wastewater released. Once unleashed on the environment, prions remain infectious. They migrate, mutate and multiply as they infect crops, water supplies and more.

When the U.S. government enacted the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, it classified prions as select agents that pose an extreme risk to food, water and much more. Unfortunately, the CDC quietly took prions off the list because the regulation criminalized entire industries and several reckless practices.

Unfortunately, prions linger in the environment, homes, hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices and beyond infinitely. Prions defy all attempts at sterilization and inactivation.

Prions shed from humans are the most deadly. They demand more respect than radiation. They are being ignored by regulators and industry alike. As such, food and water sources are being contaminated with the deadliest forms of prions. Municipal water systems can't stop them from reaching water taps in millions of homes. Filtration doesn't stop them. Dumping biosolids on open land like it's fertilizer is foolish.

Scientists have shown that infected tissues can transmit prion disease between animals. There is no species barrier. A new study published in the journal Nature renews concern about the transmissibility of Alzheimer's disease between people. The same scientist confirmed his results through a second study in early 2016. There is no evidence that Alzheimer's disease is not infectious.

Although there are many causes and pathways contributing to prion disease, many pathways are being mismanaged around the globe. Not only are homes and hospitals exposed to the prion pathogen, so are entire sewage treatment systems. Wastewater treatment plants are prion incubators. Sewage sludge, biosolids and wastewater released spread the disease.

The risk assessments prepared by the U.S. EPA for wastewater treatment and sewage sludge are flawed. Many risks are not addressed, including prions and radioactive waste. They don't mention prions or radiation because there is no answer. Most nations are making the same mistake. Failure to account for known risks is negligent. Crops for humans and livestock grown grown in sewage sludge absorb prions and become infectious. We're all vulnerable to Alzheimer's and other forms of prion disease right now due to widespread denial and mismanagement.

Sewage treatment plants can't detect or stop prions. Just ask the U.S. EPA. If sick deer are serving as a canary in a coal mine, what is this infectious waste doing to livestock and humans?

It's time to stop the land application of sewage sludge (LASS) in all nations. Safer alternatives exist. Please join our coalition for reform.

Podcast: A PF Platform Is Born

The payment facilitator model is exploding because of the vast number of small to medium sized merchants who like their lives uncluttered by multiple partners trying to help them run their business, including those that enable them to accept electronic payments. They want the simplicity of valuable services as well as payment ability, and not from two vendors.

But becoming a payment facilitator is no picnic; who's there to help potential payment facilitators who are hesitant to take on the maze of underwriting, compliance, fraud risk, and monitoring despite the growing evidence that market share and revenue can be gained?

Is $75 Billion In 2016 Mobile In-Store Payments Realistic?

At least one research firm thinks in-store mobile payments, mobile wallets usage, is set to explode in the U.S., despite accounts of slow uptake by consumers and crawling installation of NFC terminals by retailers.

The Business Insider Intelligence's 2016 Mobile Payments Report predicts volume of in-store mobile payments will hit $75 billion this year and $503 billion by 2020. The authors say despite the hurdles of consumer habit and spotty availability, wallets' benefits to both retailers and shoppers, such as security, speedier checkout process and app integration will boost usage quickly and heavily.

India Is Digital Payments Dynamite

Being No. 2 isn't so bad. India is No. 2 in the world in several key metrics that mark it as a country to watch in digital payments: second-highest population, second highest number of mobile phone users, second-most Internet users, and second most smartphone users.

The Boston Consulting Group and Google recently collaborated on a study named Digital Payments 2020: The Making of A $500 Billion Ecosystem In India, painting a bright future in digital payments for several reasons: technology; 10-fold growth in merchant acceptance; rise of data-driven consumer benefits; consolidation leading to simplification; a unified payments interface (UPI) stokes widespread adoption of digital payments; national ID system eases KYC; and non-cash transaction volume will continue to accelerate, surpassing cash transactions by 2023.

Reforesting Tanzania To Defend Ecosystems

Program Hopes To Mitigate Climate Change, Wildlife Extinction

Ecosystems around the world are under assault like never before. The collapse of any ecosystem impacts life around the world–especially when the ecosystem is an anchor in Africa's greenbelt.

The greater Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and Kenya is one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Millions of people and several endangered species depend on the snows and rains of Kilimanjaro for survival. If these ecosystems collapse, it will have a ripple effect across Africa and around the world.

The Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania has a great vision to defend the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem with more than 10 million new seedlings, community engagement,wildlife conservation strategies and more. They will educate local stakeholders about sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife management.

Tanzania lost more than half of its elephants to poachers over the past decade. They could be wiped out entirely in just five or six years.

Adding to the crisis, there has been loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity as a result of fragmentation and loss of critical ecosystem linkages and over-exploitation of the natural habitats. This loss of habitat brings humans and wildlife into more and more conflict over food, water and space–which means more bloodshed.

Conservationists are demanding more efforts to protect endangered species now. In a letter published July 27, 2016 in the journal BioScience, 43 wildlife conservationists warn that elephants, lions, rhinos, gorillas and many other species will become extinct without urgent intervention, which must include habitat conservation, community engagement and more.

We will plant trees for sustainable timber, rainfall management, groundwater conservation, food, wildlife habitat and other regional needs. We will include an urban forestry program that will help “street kids” generate food and income. The urban canopy can help capture pollutants and water runoff, while making the cities more resilient and energy efficient.

Unlike past reforestation efforts in the region, we will focus on local needs and long-term sustainability. The seedlings are indigenous species that can help restore and protect the integrity of the ecosystem, while helping rural communities thrive as stewards of the land.

Please Help Save Kilimanjaro. We have great rewards for donors, sponsors and volunteers. https://www.gofundme.com/SaveKilimanjaro

Tanzania Loses More Than Half Of Elephants In Past Decade

Proposed Program Will Defend Ecosystems, Wildlife

The Kilimanjaro region of East Africa is one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Millions of people and several endangered species depend on the snows and rains of Kilimanjaro for survival. As land use encroaches further into local forests, water flows are changing and conflicts with wildlife are rising. A nonprofit organization in Tanzania hopes to reverse those trends with a comprehensive forest conservation, reforestation and community-engagement program.

The Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania will defend the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem with more than 10 million new seedlings, community engagement, wildlife conservation strategies and more. They will educate local stakeholders about sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife management. Unlike past reforestation efforts in the region, it will focus on local needs and long-term sustainability. The seedlings are indigenous species that can help restore and protect the integrity of the ecosystem, while helping rural communities thrive as stewards of the land.

Unfortunately, forests across the region are retreating under the pressures of agriculture and communities that depend on firewood.

Climate change is impacting every continent. Deforestation and intensive agriculture are contributing to the problem. Fortunately, forest conservation, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture are part of the solution.

The foundation plans to save wildlife, capture carbon and reduce deforestation on a massive scale. This investment will benefit the entire planet, while preserving a world treasure.

Tanzania lost more than half of its elephants to poachers over the past decade. They could be wiped out entirely in just five or six years. Adding to the crisis, there has been loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity as a result of fragmentation and loss of critical ecosystem linkages and over-exploitation of the natural habitats. This loss of habitat brings humans and wildlife into more and more conflict over food, water and space–which means more bloodshed.

“We have some powerful sponsorship packages,” said Crossbow President Gary Chandler. “We also have some very unique rewards for donors. Please help spread the word to your friends, families and favorite companies. This is a very important program to the entire world.”

Please Help Save Kilimanjaro https://www.gofundme.com/SaveKilimanjaro

Deforestation Contributing To Climate Change, Extinction Across Africa

Campaign Will Help Reforest Kilimanjaro Region

The Kilimanjaro region of East Africa is one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Millions of people and several endangered species depend on the snows and rains of Kilimanjaro for survival. As land use encroaches further into local forests, water flows are changing and conflicts with wildlife are rising. A nonprofit organization in Tanzania hopes to reverse those trends with a comprehensive forest conservation and reforestation program.

The Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania defend the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem with more than 10 million new seedlings, community engagement, wildlife conservation strategies and more. They will educate local stakeholders about sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife management. Unlike past reforestation efforts in the region, it will focus on local needs and long-term sustainability. The seedlings are indigenous species that can help restore and protect the integrity of the ecosystem, while helping rural communities thrive as stewards of the land.

Unfortunately, forests across the region are retreating under the pressures of agriculture and communities that depend on firewood. Water supplies also are retreating.

The foundation plans to save wildlife, capture carbon and reduce deforestation on a massive scale. This investment will benefit the entire planet, while preserving a world treasure.

We will plant trees for sustainable timber, rainfall management, groundwater conservation, food, wildlife habitat and other regional needs. We will include an urban forestry program that will help “street kids” generate food and income. The urban canopy can help capture pollutants and water runoff, while making the cities more resilient and energy efficient.

Tanzania has lost half its elephant population to poachers since 2007. It could be wiped out entirely in just five or six years. Adding to the crisis, there has been loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity as a result of fragmentation and loss of critical ecosystem linkages and over-exploitation of the natural habitats. This loss of habitat brings humans and wildlife into more and more conflict over food, water and space–which means more bloodshed.

Conservationists are demanding more efforts to protect endangered species now. In a letter published July 27, 2016 in the journal BioScience, 43 wildlife conservationists warn that elephants, lions, rhinos, gorillas and many other species will become extinct without urgent intervention, which must include habitat conservation, community engagement and more.

“We will soon be writing obituaries for species as they vanish from the planet,” said authors from Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Society of London, Panthera and many others. Extinction is a slippery slope.

Crossbow is donating its time to help generate sponsors, donors and grants. We also need volunteers and in-kind donations.

“We have some powerful sponsorship packages,” said Crossbow President Gary Chandler. “We also have some very unique rewards for donors. Please help spread the word to your friends, families and favorite companies. This is a very important program to the entire world.”

Please Help Save Kilimanjaro https://www.gofundme.com/SaveKilimanjaro

Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania works with communities across Tanzania on health, environment and welfare issues. It offers research, investigation, health services and free medication to disadvantaged communities and community members who need help. Mellowswan is a registered nonprofit organization (certificate of incorporation ID. No 84760). 

Sacred Seedlings is a global initiative to support forest conservation, reforestation, urban forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation. Sustainable land management and land use are critical to the survival of entire ecosystems. Sacred Seedlings is a U.S.-based program that supports the vision of local stakeholders. We have projects ready across Africa. We seek additional projects elsewhere around the world. We also seek volunteers, sponsors and donors of cash and in-kind support.

Tribute to Ken Elderts: Mahalo to a Great Friend

The payments world lost a favorite when Ken Elderts passed away Aug. 6.

When he wasn't a payments executive for the Western States Acquirers Association, VeriFone, TASQ Technology, Dejavoo Systems, and most recently AnywhereCommerce, Elderts loved fastpitch softball, airplanes and new technology. Elderts was known for his mentorship, warmth, smiles and hugs.

Consumers And Card Brands Moving At The Speed Of Money, So Merchants Will Follow

First, Visa and PayPal scratched each other's backs, and industry observers expect it won't be long until Mastercard and maybe American Express align similarly with PayPal. Then Mastercard announced the purchase of most of U.K. ACH king VocaLink. August 2, Early Warning Services announced that both Visa and MasterCard joined its clearXchange peer-to-peer network.

What will happen next in the maneuvering of card brands gaining major footholds in the world of banking, peer-to-peer payments and ACH?

Podcast: Transaction Laundering - How Not To Get Taken To The Cleaners

One of the cyberthief's favorite tactics these days is transaction laundering, where the bad guy takes their bad transactions-usually for drugs, gambling, counterfeit goods or human trafficking-and runs them through seemingly good web sites, ones ostensibly trying to sell innocuous products.

There are things that a payment facilitator can do to thwart such efforts and that is the focus of this week's podcast, a  re-run from March 30, featuring Deana Rich, president of Rich Consulting.

One of the less-commonly-used but quite effective tactics, Rich said, is do some secret shopping, both on the PF's own customer sites as well as suspected fraudulent sites. That is literally making purchases from both kinds of sites and seeing what then happens.

Rich said she was recently talking “with a banker who told me that she had done that on a site she suspected to be bad and then she made the purchase and it never came through her own system. She never saw it because the purchase didn't really occur. They weren't really selling anything on that site. They were really selling stuff on the bad site. It was that secret shopping, using your own payment card to purchase things, that let her know what went wrong.”

Another thought to consider when performing security sweeps: Thieves rarely work alone nor do they only strike once.

“When you find one bad guy in your system, you can guarantee you have more. They tend to open accounts in groups or packs. So what you then need to do is search on phone numbers, on owners, on addresses, and see if you have other accounts in your system that match,” said Rich. “You might even use a third-party tool to look up the owners on the sites you found that were bad, see who they're linked …

Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley The Ultimate Icons Vintage Pinbacks

Both, Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley, are the 2 most loved and recognized figures on earth. Elvis, and Muhammad were very good friends. Presley, visited Ali at his training camp, just before the First Liston Fight. They ran, talked & enjoyed each other. Elvis, would often join Ali, at his pre-fight headquarters.   When, the 2 met, Elvis was already the ultimate superstar. He, had been “America's Newest Sensation,” for more than 10 years. Endless, classic # 1 hit songs and films later, Elvis Presley was “The King.” He, was about to have, a friend at the top !! Cassius Clay, now Muhammad Ali, would K.O. Sonny Liston, and become the World's Heavyweight Champion. As, Brash Young Ali left the Ring, he screamed to the sky, “I Am, the Prettiest & the Greatest of All Time.” His, fans around the world agreed ! Now, and forever Ali would be known as the “Champ.”   The King, and The Champ would remain friends forever. Elvis Presley, released more than 100 Albums. All, went Gold, Platinum or Better. Elvis, starred in 31 Films. All showed a Profit. John Lennon said, “Before there was Elvis Presley, there was Nothing.” Now, years later Muhammad […]

Deforestation Threatens Critical Ecosystems Across Africa

Campaign Will Help Reforest Kilimanjaro Region

Ecosystems around the world are under assault like never before. The collapse of any ecosystem impacts life around the world–especially when the ecosystem is an anchor in Africa's greenbelt.

The greater Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and Kenya is one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Millions of people and several endangered species depend on the snows of Kilimanjaro for survival. If these ecosystems collapse, it will have a ripple effect across Africa and around the world.

“Save Kilimanjaro” isn't about a mountain. It's about life. It's about hope for our children and grandchildren. It's a chance for us to push back against the insanity and devastation that's chipping away at our world.

Stakeholders across East Africa have innovative and comprehensive plans that can defend the greater Kilimanjaro region. They plan to save wildlife, capture carbon and reduce deforestation on a massive scale. This investment will benefit the entire planet, while preserving a world treasure. We can all make a difference.

Our first project will help the Mellowswan Foundation Africa-Tanzania defend the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem with more than 10 million new seedlings, community engagement, wildlife conservation strategies and more. They will educate local stakeholders about sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture and wildlife management.

The Foundation will start three large greenhouses and nurseries to produce the seedlings over the next three years. Hundreds of local stakeholders will help plant and care for the trees. 

The Rombo District Council and the Rongai Forest Plantation Authority have donated several acres for the nurseries. The Moshi Municipal Council offered a third nursery for urban reforestation. (Two nurseries border Kilimanjaro National Park.)

Unlike past reforestation efforts in the region, we will focus on local needs and long-term sustainability. The seedlings are indigenous species that can help restore and protect the integrity of the ecosystem, while helping rural communities thrive as stewards of the land.

We will plant trees for sustainable timber, rainfall management, groundwater conservation, food, wildlife habitat and other regional needs. We will include an urban forestry program that will help “street kids” generate food and income. The urban canopy can help capture pollutants and water runoff, while making the cities more resilient and energy efficient.

In addition to the looming humanitarian crisis, conservationists are demanding more efforts to protect endangered species now. In a letter published July 27, 2016 in the journal BioScience, 43 wildlife conservationists warn that elephants, lions, rhinos, gorillas and many other species will become extinct without urgent intervention, which must include habitat conservation, community engagement and more.

“We will soon be writing obituaries for species as they vanish from the planet,” said authors from Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Society of London, Panthera and many others. Extinction is a slippery slope.

We need sponsors, donors, volunteers and in-kind donations. Please Help Save Kilimanjaro https://www.gofundme.com/SaveKilimanjaro

Asante' sana.

Cyril Saulnier with Lexi Milunovich and Coco Gauff at National Clay Court Championships Girls 18's in Memphis

Cyril Saulnier with Lexi Milunovich and Coco Gauff at National Clay Court Championships Girls 18's in Memphis.

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World renowned coaches will deliver professional instruction and drive our athletes to reach their maximum potential.

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Milunovich Honored by USTA

A recent Greenwich Academy graduate and soon-to-be Harvard University student, Milunovich was recently selected to receive the 2016 USTA National Junior Scholar Athlete Award.

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Cori Gauff 12's Clay Court Supernational Champion

TENNIS RESULTS

 

Cyril Saulnier – Tennis Program Director

Former ATP player from 1996 to 2007, career-high singles ranking is 48th and was reached on March 21, 2005. Cyril played 30 Grand Slams and 30 Masters Series.

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ProWorld Tennis Academy has a hand in creating champions. Imagine training next to a Grand Slam player?

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