Meagan Ward is an entrepreneur who launched her own branding agency, Creatively Flawless. She recently took a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, where she represented the U.S. Embassy on a humanitarian campaign. I recently caught up with her to ask her about the experience. Can you share how you snared such an incredible opportunity, what your role was while there and how you plan to leverage the experience? Ward: I made the recent trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, to represent the U.S. Embassy for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in November 2017. A U.S. diplomat reached out to me after researching work I had done as a women’s empowerment activist in my community. The diplomat had read some of my articles centered around a women’s business lounge called Femology that I opened in Detroit last summer. What captured their attention is that Detroit is very much like the country of Georgia, both revitalizing and in rehabilitation, with a blank canvas full of … [Read more...] about Illuminating Trip to a Former Soviet Nation Inspires This Black Millennial Entrepreneur
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Texas National Guard used cellphone spy devices on surveillance planes
Well, this is disturbing.The Texas National Guard spent over $373,000 for two cellphone spying devices that are capable of intercepting calls and hoovering up content such as text messages and photos. Then they installed the devices on two surveillance planes, but they won’t say how the cell-site simulators are being used or if they get a warrant before using them.The Texas Observer managed to obtain contract documents showing that Maryland-based Digital Receiver Technology Inc. (DRT) installed two DRT 1301C cellphone surveillance boxes in two Texas National Guard RC-26 surveillance planes last year. Those aircraft reportedly used to operate under the front company Air Cerberus, but they now have military registrations to “mask their flight routes and unique tail numbers.”The contract between the National Guard and DRT specified that the deal was done “in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration.” The two “dirt” boxes were purchased … [Read more...] about Texas National Guard used cellphone spy devices on surveillance planes
New National Cyber Incident Response Plan
DHS recently released the refreshed National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP).Since the last version of the NCIRP was released in 2010, the nation has increasingly faced more complex cyber incidents. Every day, incidents across the United States necessitate that jurisdictions and organizations work together to share resources, integrate tactics and take actions to meet the needs of communities before, during, and after cyber incidents. The NCIRP provides a consistent and common approach and vocabulary to enable the whole community to work together to manage cyber incidents seamlessly.This plan expands on recent policy updates, such as the Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-41, to clarify the Federal Government’s roles and responsibilities for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from significant cyber incidents. It describes a national approach to cyber incidents, and explains the important role that the private sector, states, and multiple federal agencies play in … [Read more...] about New National Cyber Incident Response Plan
Central American nations to sign trade deal with South Korea
[SAN SALVADOR] Five Central American nations are to sign a free trade deal with South Korea on Wednesday after more than two years of talks to ease tariffs and barriers on a range of products, El Salvador's government announced.Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama will seal the pact with the Asian country, sending their economy ministers to the signing ceremony.Six Central American countries had been involved in the negotiations, but one of them - Guatemala - was staying outside the deal at this stage.Guatemala said it had yet to finalize trade discussions with South Korea. Belize was not involved.Talks on the pact started in June 2015 and covered 21 chapters addressing market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation, health and phytosanitary measures, trade defense, investment and technical obstacles to trade.The agreement "is an example of how an adequate balance can be found between opening new market opportunities for products and, at the same time, respect … [Read more...] about Central American nations to sign trade deal with South Korea
Fergie was roasted for her sultry rendition of the national anthem prior to the NBA All-Star Game
Fergie gave a sultry performance of the national anthem ahead of the NBA All-Star Game in one of the most bizarre renditions of the song you’ll ever hear. Fans eager for the game to begin after a drawn-out pre-game ceremony were quick to roast Fergie on Twitter for the performance. Fergie’s performance will not be remembered fondly among other great anthems that the NBA All-Star Game has produced. Before the NBA All-Star Game tipped off on Sunday night, pop star Fergie was charged with singing the national anthem. The performance from the Black Eyed Peas vocalist was… certainly a choice – with plenty of vocal ruffles and rolls that were met with some questioning eyes from the players on the court, rumblings and hisses from the crowd, and plenty of jokes on Twitter. You can watch her performance below and judge for yourself. If you missed Fergie’s National Anthem…. Here you go. You be the judge. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/17LwXCXdxj — … [Read more...] about Fergie was roasted for her sultry rendition of the national anthem prior to the NBA All-Star Game