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Tag: Michael Bloomberg

  • Climate Change Presents Risk to US Business

    In a nonpartisan study released by the Risky Business Project, leading economic and environmental figures have assessed the monetary threat that climate change proposes to business in the United States. The findings are not optimistic.

    The study, led by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. and former hedge fund manager Thomas F. Steyer, used analysis and calculations conducted by the Rhodium Group, an economic research firm, and Risk Management Solutions, a company which uses catastrophe-modeling to predict risks to insurance companies and other corporations.

    When one looks at the numbers published by the study, one can see why the report is being taken so seriously:

    — Rises in the sea level will put somewhere between $66 billion and $106 billion worth of property along the eastern coast below sea level by 2050, with that number increasing to $507 billion by 2100

    — Drastic increases in temperatures in the South will bring 27 to 50 extra days of 95+ degree temperatures, resulting in at least a three percent decrease in labor productivity of outside workers, along with a 19 percent decrease in crop yields from the Midwest

    — The extra energy needed to power air conditioning due to the rise in temperatures will cost the United States $12 billion per year and would necessitate the construction of 95 gigawatts of generation capacity, the equivalent of 200 coal or natural gas power plants.

    The sponsors of the report recently met with President Obama at the White House to discuss what can be done to incentivize US businesses to adopt greener environmental policies. Those backing the study believe that a carbon emissions tax is the way to force US businesses to invest in clean energy, something many Republicans have spoken out against in the past.

    “Every year that goes by without a comprehensive public and private sector response to climate change is a year that locks in future climate events that will have a far more devastating effect on our local, regional, and national economies,” states the report.

    Three weeks ago, President Obama and the EPA ordered power plants to reduce their carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030, putting the levels at pre-2005 numbers.

    Image via YouTube

  • Katie Couric to Interview Michael Bloomberg for Yahoo News

    Katie Couric will interview former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg in her new role as Global Anchor for Yahoo.

    The interview, which will air March 14 on Yahoo and on Couric’s Tumblr blog, is Bloomberg’s first since being named special envoy to the United Nations for cities and climate change.

    Couric announced the interview and solicited viewer questions via her blog:

    “What would you ask Michael Bloomberg? Better yet, is there a photo or a video clip you’d like him to see that illustrates your point? If a picture is worth a thousand words, social media is filled with volumes and volumes of stories. I’d like to help you tell those stories as we explore the world together.”

    Couric made her unofficial Yahoo debut on January 13, interviewing former Defense Secretary Robert Gates the day before the publication of his memoir Duty.

    The Gates interview was something of a soft launch for Couric. She’s promoting the Bloomberg interview much more heavily, and referred to it as the “first up” in a series of interviews with “politicians, thought leaders, cultural icons, [and] tech titans.”

    Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has called Couric the “face of Yahoo News.” According to Mayer, Couric will shoot features for Yahoo’s homepage and “lead a growing team of correspondents at Yahoo News who will cover the world’s most interesting stories and newsmakers.”

    In late December, ABC announced that Couric’s daytime talk show, Katie will be canceled after the current season. The network called it a mutual decision and said production would continue through June 2014.

    Image via YouTube

  • NY Mayor Bloomberg Sounds Off on Trans Fat Ban

    Earlier today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a new classification for trans fats that would essentially ban partially hydrogenated oils from being used in food.

    While the proposal has reignited a national debate government regulation and public health, other parts of the U.S. have had trans fat bans for years. As with many public health laws, New York led the way with a limited ban on trans fats that was passed back in 2006. Philadelphia months later followed with its own trans fat ban. Many larger U.S. cities now ban trans fats from use in local restaurants.

    Having led the charge for the trans fat ban, New York Michael Bloomberg took today’s news as an opportunity to brag about his city’s foresight in leading the way to a trans fat ban.

    “Seven years ago we became the first city in the nation to prohibit restaurants from using trans fats,” said Bloomberg. “Since then, at least 15 states and localities have followed suit and banned trans fats – and more than ten fast food chains have eliminated trans fats entirely. Today, we’re greatly encouraged that the FDA proposed measures that would virtually eliminate the artery-clogging and unnecessary ingredient from our nation’s food supply.”

    The mayor went on to point out other public health initiatives that New York has led the way on. The city was one of the first to ban smoking in restaurants, a health measure that has now spread widely throughout the U.S. The city was also first to require restaurants to provide calorie information for their menus, something that is now mandated in the U.S.

    New York’s latest high-profile health initiative was a ban on large sugary drinks in restaurants. That mandate was struck down by a New York Appeals Court back in July.

    “Our prohibition on trans fats was one of many bold public health measures that faced fierce initial criticism, only to gain widespread acceptance and support,” said Bloomberg. “Smoke-free restaurants and bars are now the norm in much of the country and increasingly around the world. Calorie counts are now required at all restaurants chains in the United States. The groundbreaking public health policies we have adopted here in New York City have become a model for the nation for one reason: they’ve worked. Today, New Yorkers’ life expectancy is far higher than the national average, and we’ve achieved dramatic reductions in disease, including heart disease. The FDA deserves great credit for taking this step, which will help Americans live longer, healthier lives.”

  • Bill de Blasio Wins New York Mayoral Primary

    Often all it takes to be elected to public office is the promise that you will be nothing like the last guy. Nearly every president in the last twenty years has told the public that they would bring something to the table that was completely different from their predecessor. Now that same strategy is paying off for New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio.

    de Blasio, who recently won a major victory in the city’s democratic primary, has based his campaign on opposing policies instituted by current mayor Michael Bloomberg. Those policies include the controversial “stop and frisk” which allows police to do just that to individuals that have done nothing wrong. The policy has been ridiculed for its ineffectiveness and blatant overuse on minority citizens and in poorer neighborhoods.

    Bloomberg even went so far as to use the slogan “a tale of two cities” in distancing himself from the controversial and oft misliked Bloomberg, who was never truly able to get on the same wavelength with the people of New York. Their disapproval of Bloomberg has propelled de Blasio to the top of the mayoral race, and could very well see him in office soon.

    It also helps that many of the other candidates either never really registered with the people of greatly harmed their own campaigns (see Anthony Weiner). de Blasio’s campaign has been perfectly orchestrated to ensure that he will make some major noise come the final election.

    [Image via WSJ Digital Network]

  • Bill de Blasio Leads Polls In NYC Mayoral Primary

    Bill de Blasio, the 52-year-old underdog of the New York City Democrat Mayoral Primary held Tuesday, has reportedly ended up as the race frontrunner. Political analysts have projected de Blasio to win in a landslide victory over his fellow candidates, namely former Comptroller of New York, Bill Thompson (who previously ran unsuccessfully in the 2009 Mayoral Election) and predicted favorite Christine Quinn (the first openly homosexual female candidate.) The final results have not been officially determined in the city; however, as ballots are continuing to be counted de Blasio has racked up 40.2% (of the 98% of the votes reported.) That being said, de Blasio has already won the minimum 40% of votes he would need in order to almost guarantee a ‘W.’

    De Blasio is currently the New York City public advocate, who only weeks ago had been cast aside as a remote fourth in various voter projections. The Brooklyn native topped the polls in every borough in nearly every Democratic group of voters. De Blasio ran on the pretenses of repairing flaws and issues that “had been ignored by the Bloomberg administration.” After three consecutive four-year terms under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, citizens of New York have mixed emotions regarding the current stage of politics in “The Big Apple.” An overwhelming approval rating of 46% of voters support what has occurred during Bloomberg’s time as Mayor. Regardless, New Yorkers are showing tonight in their support of what looks like a de Blasio win that they, too, want to move in a different direction.

    De Blasio has been vocal in his support of issues such as education and schools, and employment; he has also been extremely public with his opinion on the previous administration’s lack of gusto when it comes to dealing with specific issues, ones that he believes Bloomberg’s office typically ignores. The de Blasio campaign utilized a concept discussed in Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities” – the realization of the social and economic inequality throughout the vast city. Although not expected, de Blasio’s tax the wealthy concept has apparently caught the approval of the city’s inhabitants.

    De Blasio recently stated in a comment made earlier in his campaign, “Tonight is for every one of you out there who have ever been counted out.” But, by the way things are starting to conclude tonight, it doesn’t look like anyone will be counting him out in the near future.

    Image courtesy @BilldeBlasio via Twitter.

  • Mayor Bloomberg Accuses De Blasio of Racist Campaign: Twitter Reacts

    Michael Bloomberg, the New York City Major, accused Bill de Blasio (D), the front runner to succeed him as Mayor, as running a “racist” campaign. The original interview was published in the New York Magazine. During this interview, Bloomberg was asked to clarify what he meant exactly. Bloomberg commented that De Blasio is “…making an appeal using his family to gain support.”

    New York Magazine quickly released De Blasio’s response and amended the original article for clarification per the request of the Mayor’s office.

    The social media sphere released a flurry of opinion and anger at the comments and accusations about De Blasio. Bloomberg’s other comments regarding the economic gap, defending the financial industry and gun control in the whole of the New York Magazine article were also fuel for the Twitter fire.

    “I think it’s pretty obvious to anyone watching what he’s been doing,” Bloomberg told New York Magazine regarding De Blasio. “I do not think he himself is racist. It’s comparable to me pointing out I’m Jewish in attracting the Jewish vote. You tailor messages to your audiences and address issues you think your audience cares about.”

     

     

    “If we can find a bunch of billionaires around the world to move here, that would be a godsend, because that’s where the revenue comes to take care of everybody else.” ~ Mayor Bloomberg speaking to New York Magazine.

     

    The edited and condensed video interview of Mayor Bloomberg is available at the New York Magazine.

    What do you think of Mayor Bloomberg’s comments? Do you share your political opinions via social media?

    [Image via Bloomberg’s Facebook]

  • Electric Zoo Deaths Short Circuit Festival

    The normally Labor Day weekend-long Electric Zoo music festival turned away attendees Sunday after closing up over two ecstasy-related deaths. Four others are in the intensive care units of area hospitals due to suspected overdoses.

    City officials are still investigating the cause of death, but the drug MDMA (a.k.a. ecstasy, molly) is the likely culprit. Police named the two who died: Jeffrey Russ, 23, from Rochester, NY and Olivia Rotondo, 20, of Providence, RI. Russ recently graduated from Syracuse University; Rotondo was still attending the University of New Hampshire as a junior.

    “The founders of Electric Zoo send our deepest condolences to the families of the two people who passed away this weekend. Because there is nothing more important to us than our patrons, we have decided in consultation with the New York City Parks Department that there will be no show today,” event promoters released in a Sunday statement. Patrons were advised that they would receive refunds for their $179/day tickets.

    This was the fifth year of the festival held on Randalls Island. This years performers included Steve Aoki, Armin Van Vurren, Avicii, Diplo and David Guetta. Tens of thousands of attendees were at the event decked out in animal masks, angel wings, rainbow wigs and all manner of paraphernalia. Performer Armin van Buuren posted a series of three tweets after learning of the deaths:

    (image)

    Security appeared to be a main focus of organizers who provided private security, 550 licensed security guards, who stood on raised platforms to better view the concertgoers. Five checkpoints including pat-downs and bag searches were intended for all though some said they received no checks at all. Organizers also used public announcements to advise fans to seek medical help if any drug-related symptoms surfaced. Five medical tents, medical patrols through the crowd and ambulances were provided on site, Julie Wood, a spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg explained.

    Ticket holders have been vocal over Twitter, expressing condolences but also frustrations over the canceled day. Organizers shared their condolences and updates about refunds on the site:

    (image)

    [Image via Facebook.]

  • Spotify Announces NYC Expansion, Confirms Upcoming ‘Unique Content’

    Spotify Announces NYC Expansion, Confirms Upcoming ‘Unique Content’

    Spotify and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg have announced a major NYC expansion for the Swedish company – one that will mean that Spotify’s New York presence is second only to their Stockholm presence in terms of sheer manpower and space.

    Spotify will be opening up a new headquarters on 6th Avenue later this year, and that new HQ is set to be several times the size of their current offices.

    The music streaming company will be adding 130 new engineers to their New York team by the end of next year, which will bring the total number up to around 200.

    So the expansion is big news, and shows that Spotify is not only growing at fast clip but that they are looking to push their international teams as well. But there’s another interesting aspect to the press conference – one that hints at some rumors we heard back a few months ago.

    At the press event at Spotify HQ, the company’s Chief Content Officer (and North American head) Ken Parks confirmed that some of that brand new HQ would be used to “create unique content.” Engadget points to that possibly meaning exclusive live content, and that sounds right. But we’ve also heard that Spotify could be working on some sort of exclusive video as well – possibly taking on streaming services like Netflix or HBO GO.

    Spotify has been expanding as of late. It debuted in Mexico and additional parts of Asia and Europe back in April. As it stands, Spotify is now available in 28 markets around the globe.

    And earlier this year, Spotify unveiled a brand new ad campaign and changed up their logo.

  • Google Joins NYC’s Initiative to Cut Emissions by 30%

    Google, along with a handful of other high-profile companies, has announced that they will join New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is participating in the “Carbon Challenge,” an initiative to “cut greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and fight climate change.”

    Google has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its NYC offices by at least 30%, and up to 40% over the next 10 years.

    As a whole, the “Carbon Challenge” hopes to cut emissions in municipal buildings by 30% by 2017.

    “When it comes to greening Google’s office buildings, we apply the same focus that we use for any of our products: put the user first,” said Ben Fried, Chief Information Officer for Google. “Creating facilities with leading environmental performance improves the health and productivity of our employees around the world. It also helps us reduce waste, save energy and water, and improve indoor air quality. Through our participation in the NYC Mayor’s Carbon Challenge, we hope to inspire companies of all shapes and sizes to take innovative approaches to reduce their own environmental footprint.”

    Bloomberg announced that the citywide emissions are down 16%, which is over half of their stated goal.

    “The Carbon Challenge is an essential partnership between the City and our businesses, universities and organizations who share our commitment to a greener, greater New York,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “I want to applaud the commitment of the 10 companies making the Carbon Challenge pledge, as well as the universities and hospitals that have already taken steps to become more efficient. Their leadership on this issue is not only going to move our city toward a more sustainable future; we also hope it will inspire others to follow suit.”

    The other companies joining Google in signing on to this initiative are American International Group, BlackRock, Bloomberg LP, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JetBlue Airways, JPMorgan Chase, and PVH. The initiative already has 17 universities and 11 major hospitals on board.

  • New York Gas Rationing Begins in Storm’s Wake

    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week signed an emergency order establishing gas rationing throughout the city. The implemented system uses odd-even license plate numbers to designate alternating days on which customers can purchase gasoline and diesel fuel. Commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, busses, doctors, and taxis are all exempt.

    The mayor stated that the rationing was needed to reduce wait times and long lines at gas stations. Flooding and winds from Hurricane Sandy damaged the petroleum infrastructure in and around New York City. Some refineries were shut down, terminals in the region were closed, and many pumping stations lost electricity. According to Bloomberg, most of the region’s infrastructure has been restored and the supply of gas in rising. According to the mayor’s office, the rationing will “ease disruptions and wait times for drivers attempting to fuel their vehicles.

    “Last week’s storm hit the fuel network hard – and knocked out critical infrastructure needed to distribute gasoline,” said Bloomberg. “Even as the region’s petroleum infrastructure slowly returns to normal, the gasoline supply remains a real problem for thousands of New York drivers. Earlier today, I signed an emergency order to alternate the days that drivers can purchase gas, which is the best way to cut down the lines and help customers buy gas faster.”

    NYPD officers have been dispatched to all open gas stations in each of the five boroughs, and will remain there to “maintain public safety.”

  • April 16th Declared Foursquare Day

    April 16th Declared Foursquare Day

    According to Wikipedia, this Saturday marks the shared birthday of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Belichick, Peter Billingsley, Jon Cryer, and Martin Lawrence.  Only now it will also, according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, be Foursquare Day.

    Bloomberg issued an official proclamation on the subject today.  It (in part) read, “New York City is proud to be the home of both the powerhouse companies and small startups that are thinking big, creating new jobs, and leading the global economy.  Foursquare is one such success story.  Started by Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadurai around Dennis’s kitchen table in the East Village, it now employs more than 60 people in New York and has more than eight million users worldwide.”

    Then the proclamation continued, “That is why we are proud to join Foursquare’s founders and fans in celebrating the first global social media holiday.  Today, April 16th – 4/16, the fourth sixteenth of the year – is Foursquare Day in New York City and around the world.”

    This development represents quite an honor for the company.  It’s a solid piece of PR/advertising, too, and seems sure to cause at least a small uptick in Foursquare users.

    The one small downside (which can’t be helped) is that 4/16 is indeed a Saturday this year, meaning a lot of journalists and bloggers who would otherwise generate publicity will take the day off.  A lot of potential users will be mowing their lawns and lounging around the house, for that matter, rather than learning about Foursquare and checking into various places.

    Anyway, happy Foursquare Day in advance.

  • Microsoft Lands Huge NYC Cloud Computing Deal

    The most populous city in America has decided to turn for Microsoft for a cloud computing solution.  New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer met in person to announce a partnership-in-the-making earlier today.

    Many details remain unclear; apparently specific terms are still being hammered out being the scenes.  Still, Ben Popper was able to report, "Under the new plan, Microsoft will power all the city’s computer needs, consolidate their server and data storage, and allow city employees to choose from different levels of licensing, depending on their needs."

    Also, it seems that the agreement is "is projected to save the city $50 million over the next five years."  Which is a rather stunning amount.

    (Los Angeles’s implementation of Google Apps, by comparison, is only supposed to save the city something like $5.5 million during the same period.  And Los Angeles has close to half the population of New York, although there are no doubt many other factors at play.)

    So if all goes well, this development should greatly benefit New York, and it will count as a major win for Microsoft, too.  After all, other cities may want to realize similar savings by moving to the cloud, and may want to follow New York’s lead by having Microsoft, not Google, provide the necessary tech support.

    This is a story we’ll be sure to follow.

    UPDATE: A source familiar with the situation weighed in to provide a different perspective.  One major point worth considering: this new contract is supposed to stem more from a renewal of an existing agreement than any competitive bid process.  Microsoft essentially bid against itself.

    Another interesting detail: whereas Google’s deal in L.A. involved a definite switch to the cloud, it’s possible that not a lot of New York City employees will use Microsoft’s cloud software.  Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Standard Suite may just remain a sort of option for casual workers while most employees stick to traditional solutions that’ll also be available.

    Finally, to return to the subject of competition and pricing, Google’s L.A. deal related to email, not the whole span of products New York’s arranging to use.  Also, a Google spokesperson told WebProNews, "When there is a competitive bid process – like Colorado, Los Angeles and Wyoming – the majority of customers choose Google, and the rest get a great deal on their Microsoft license."