A Conversation with TVTibi's Andrew Goldman TVtibi http://tvtibi.com Internet Television’s next wave. Is the next wave of choice in internet television with TVTibi? The playing field in the internet TV space continues to grow at lightning speed. While the front-runners in the OTT space have a huge lead (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime), there is a continual queu of platforms and streaming services entering the lineup almost daily — hoping to catch them or catch the next wave in the space. One of the new kids on the block with high expectations is TVTibi, owned by San Antonio-based Ready, Set, Sync, Inc. As an emerging global over-the-top (OTT) service, the start-up already offers direct to consumers a variety of channels, shows, episodes, films, and other programming, both live and on-demand. We caught up with TVTibi Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officier (CSO) Andrew Goldman to get the 411 on the fledgling start-up’s quest to join the fray as a leading contender. (C) TVTibi TVTibi Co-Founder & CSO, Andrew Goldman Goldman oversees and acquires all content acquisition and sets long-term program strategy for TVTibi. A veteran in the television programming world, Goldman comes from a lengthy stint at HBO/Cinemax, where he most recently was Vice President of Program Strategy and Planning. He was responsible for the linear and digital strategic planning of all programming for the cable networks’ 15 multiplex channels and platforms such as HBO Now (OTT), HBO Go, MAX Go, and Video On Demand. Ready, Set, Sync and TVTibi are banking on Goldman’s expertise and experience to set them apart from the pack of newbies. Here’s what he has to say. Socially Sparked News: What is TVTibi? Goldman: We are a global platform offering individually purchased channels, series, episodes and movies, Live Channels and On-Demand. Think of us as The a-la-carte network. Our tag line is Global Content for a Global Audience. Socially Sparked News: How long have you been up and running? Goldman: We launched in 2015 with a soft launch. Things are moving steadily along. In the last six months alone, we’ve nearly tripled our subscriber base. Socially Sparked News: Tells us how subscribers or those wishing to watch your programming can gain access to the platform? Goldman: They can download TVtibi from the app store. We are now available as an app on iOS; Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 TVTibi’s first exclusive boxing event is Feb. 18 Socially Sparked News: Tell us about TVtibi’s entree into live boxing and what kind of impact you anticipate for reaching the boxing fan or fair-weather fan. Goldman: Expanding into live PPV sports is a significant move for us . We are able to exhibit our extensive capabilities to deliver on a global scale and set ourselves apart as a provider of premium live content. Socially Sparked News: Are there plans to pursue this type of live action programming in the future or is this a one-off? You seem to have a lot of sports content offerings. With the addition of the upcoming live boxing event, can we assume that sports content is a niche direction TVTibi may continue to pursue to separate themselves from the pack? Goldman: You can count on seeing more live-action on-demand events from us in the very near future. As we speak, we’re working on partnering with other platforms and providers to ensure the widest reach possible for these events. (c) Socially Sparked News, LLC Sample of TVTibi Program Offerings Socially Sparked News: What sorts of programming do you currently offer besides sports? Goldman: Current channels include Newsy, MyJam TV, Britrox TV, The Children’s Reading Channel, duckTV and more.

Socially Sparked News: There has been a lot of discussion amongst the experts that the next stage of OTT is in individual channel creation by the subscriber. We are already seeing binge viewing. What are your thoughts on this? Goldman: Content is a buffet, and brand loyalty of internet TV providers only extends to the shows themselves right now. The brand of the show is more important than the provider that houses that show. Inventory is key. So, in answer to your question — yes, individual channel creation is the next wave. And, TVTibi is primed to be that a-la-carte service of choice. Socially Sparked News: – Lastly, tell us about your subscription packages.

: TVtibi offers free and individually purchased channels, series, episodes and movies through both live and on-demand content via a free downloadable app. The platform is accessible on televisions, computers, phones, and tablets globally. We offer both, a free-content, ad-supported plan and a subscription, video-on-demand version with either a pay as you go option for .99 or an opt-in plan (without commercials) for $2.99. It remains to be seen how the next wave of OTT will shape up, but it will be fascinating to watch. — Abbe is Socially Sparked! @sosparkednews TAGSOTTINTERNET TVTELEVISIONTVTIBIANDREW GOLDMANNETFLIXHULU PLUSAMAZON PRIME THE AUTHOR Abbe Sparks Abbe Sparks is the Founder of Socially Sparked News http://sociallysparkednews.com. Abbe is a social media and content influencer covering the entertainment, digital, tech and advocacy sectors, which she has been writing about for over 20 years. Socially Sparked News is her labor of love. 

Submitted by Abbe Sparks 

Notre Dame's Cal Petersen got his 8th Career shutout Saturday afternoon and season high 34 saves as Notre Dame beat Alaska 5-0 at Compton family Ice Arena in a new year's Eve hockey game.

The most anticipated day of the year is celebrated at Times Square along the streets of New York City. Millions of revelers anticipate the crystal-covered ball to drop and countdown to a new year. A place not only natives of NYC celebrate their new year but millions travel from around the world to see. 

Thursday September 15th THE JOURNEY FASHION FESTIVAL by Malena Belafonte made a New Statement during Fashion Week in New York... . THE JOURNEY FASHION FESTIVAL did press event at New York’s MERCEDES CLUB ...

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V could be the ultimate track-ready race sedan with a 640hp and 630 lb-ft supercharged V8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. To top it off, the CTS-V features performance traction management (PTM), magnetic ride control, electronic limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, and the best steering feel on the planet. Of course, what makes a CTS-V look like the real deal is the optional Carbon Fiber Package. Let's check out the CTS-V with some real-world driving. 

Climate Change and Implications for National Security By Thomas Omogi 

Substantial evidence indicates that the 21st century will experience significant changes in climate, either warming or cooling. Despite the debates and because the changes have thus been gradual, the effects of climate change will likely be manageable for most countries. However, recent research suggests the gradual global warming has the potential to cause an abrupt slowing of the ocean’s thermohaline circulation resulting in reduced soil moisture, harsher winter weather, and more intense winds in areas that produce a significant percentage of the world’s food. Without adequate preparation, the result may be substantial loss in the human carrying capacity globally. This research proposes that when temperatures rise over a particular threshold, unfavorable weather conditions could occur relatively abruptly with unrelenting changes in atmospheric circulation instigating drops in average temperatures of 5 -10 degrees Fahrenheit within one decade. Paleo-climatic evidence points to altered climate patterns that spanned an entire century, such as they did when the thermohaline circulation abruptly collapsed over 8,000 years ago. An abrupt change in climate has the potential to destabilize the global political environment, leading the minor skirmishes, individual battles or all out war resulting from constraints like: Food shortages from decreased agricultural output Diminished availability and access to potable fresh water caused by changing precipitation patterns leading to droughts and floods Disruption in energy resources due to expanded sea ice and increased storms As carrying capacities decrease, political tensions could increase globally, which would like lead to two primary strategies: offensive and defensive. Countries with adequate resources would develop fortress mentalities to protect those supplies. Countries with inadequate supplies, especially those with long histories of enmity amongst neighboring nations, may instigate struggles for access to clean water, food or energy. Alliances might form around basic survival needs rather than ideologies, religions or national honor. Some current indications suggest that climate change has reached, or is close to reaching, that threshold over which the thermohaline conveyor may be impacted. These include documentation that melting glaciers may result in lower oceanic salinity levels and higher precipitation rates in some areas. This risk for a major abrupt change in global climate patterns, while relatively small and unclear, should be included in discussions regarding national security. Disruptions and violence resulting from the stresses produced by a diminished carrying capacity pose atypical threats, and military confrontation could be triggered by primal needs for resources such as food, water and energy. The change in motivation would change the geopolitical landscape, and previously stable countries may become vulnerable and unable to respond to early warning signs of national security threats. A long standing debate about how extensive these environmental disruptions would need to be in order to lead to conflicts. Some believe that the changes alone could lead to conflict, others argue that climate change could act as the trigger of clashes between nations with existing economic, social and political tensions. Regardless, severe environmental changes due to global warming seem like to intensify the degree of global discord. In the event of a significant and abrupt change in climate patterns, it is probable that energy, water and food resource constraints will be managed via economic, diplomatic and political pathways such as trade embargoes and treaties. Over time however, clashes of water and land use are likely to grow in severity and violence, as nations become increasingly distressed. Australia and the United States will most likely adopt the defensive, fortress mentality due to their self-sufficiency and abundant resources. With its wealth, diverse agricultural regions, technology and other resources, the United States is equipped to survive shorter growing seasons and harsher weather conditions without catastrophic consequences. Borders would likely be strengthened to stem the flood of starving immigrants from Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and South America. Energy supplies would be complemented with alternates such as renewable and nuclear energy and perhaps additional contracts with Middle Eastern petroleum producers. Skirmishes over agricultural support, fishing rights, water rights, and disaster relief may become common, while tensions between Mexico and the United States would increase if the U.S. reconsiders its adoption of the 1944 treaty addressing water flow from the Colorado River. Relief workers would need to respond to flooding in the south east states and drought relief in the drier inland regions. However, even in a long-standing state of emergency, the United States would be well positioned versus other countries. The obdurate problem facing the U.S. might be responding to increasing military tensions in other regions of the world. As weather-related disasters, famine and disease grow due to climate change, other nations may exceed their carrying capacity, resulting in desperation and an offensive approach to obtain additional supplies. For example, eastern European countries may look to Russia if their own supplies of food, water and energy fall drastically. Or perhaps Japan, experiencing flooding along coastal regions and contamination of its potable water supply, may look to Sakhalin Island (Russia) for its gas and oil reserves to operate desalinization plants. China, India and Pakistan, nuclear powers, might clash with neighbors as refugees arrive at borders and to gain access to rivers and arable acreage. Portuguese and Spanish fishermen might clash over rights leading to conflicts on the ocean. With more than 200 river basins situated along multiple countries, disagreements over access to clean water for drinking, transportation and irrigation would escalate. For example, the Nile flows through nine nations, the Danube runs through twelve countries, and the Amazon flows through seven separate nations. Some recommendations to prepare for threats to national security due to climate change include: Implement improvements to predictive climate models. In the era of big data and predictive analytics weather models can produce better results by including current, historical and predictive forces, improve understanding of global warming, and more accurately predict abrupt changes. Integrate data to create more comprehensive predictive models of global warming effects, including the potential economic, ecological, political and social impact resulting from abrupt change. Sophisticated scenarios and models should be created to anticipate regional weather conditions, and a system should be developed to identify the impact of global warming on world-wide distribution of economic, social and political powers. The predictive quality of the analytics can be utilized to minimize potential sources of conflict. Utilize vulnerability metrics to measure a nation’s potential vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Metrics should address impact on existing water, agricultural and mineral resources, social cohesion, technological capabilities and adaptability. Develop and train for adaptive responses. Response teams should be created to plan and prepare for climate driven change such as epidemics, massive migrations and shortages in water and food supplies. Explore regional and local implications of global warming, such as potential increases in pest and insect prevalence and the severity of alterations in agricultural productivity as a result. Analysis should be done to identify which regions and crops are vulnerable and the potential acuteness of the impacts. Identify options for geo-engineering for some control over climate. Suggestions have arisen that warming the atmosphere through the release of gases, including hydrofluorocarbons, might offset the effects of atmospheric cooling. Conclusion It may be distinctly possible to identify imminent abrupt changes in climate soon, and those predictions will increase in reliability and clarity. In addition, sophisticated models will enhance to potential to predict climate change consequences. Nations should prepare to take urgent action to mitigate the most severe impacts. Diplomatic efforts may minimize the potential for conflict, although large population migrations are most likely inevitable. Preparing adaptive responses will better manage those migrations and lessen border tensions. New security agreements addressing specific needs for food, water and energy are advisable, as conflict and disruption will be endemic characteristics of life in a global environment affected by intense climate changes.

Submitted by Thomas Omogi