The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Wednesday, April 13-19, 2022 - // no. 155

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

Investor optsout from tax incentives P7 Mayagüez Indians to launch first NFTs P9 PR could be Web 3.0, blockchain leader P10

Are we ready

for another hurricane?

The recent blackout confirmed infrastructure is still fragile

L

Istra Pacheco & Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal

50 years after ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ P15

ast Wednesday, April 6, the Costa Sur generation plant in Guayanilla suffered a catastrophic failure in its breakers’ area that took out of service all the power generators in the plant and unleashed a “cascading effect” that also put out of service every single generation plant on the island. From that moment on, all the more than 1.4 million customers of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) were left in the dark.

Despite initial announcements by both PREPA and its

partner in charge of generation, LUMA Energy, that service would be reestablished within a 24 to a 30-hour period, the fact is that it wasn’t until last Monday –five days after the failure– when LUMA claimed that power had been reestablished to most of its customers.

This is the second time in the last five years that Puerto Rico has been totally left without power; the previous being after Hurricane María devastated the island in 2017. Back then, almost all of Puerto Rico’s electric network was destroyed and it took more than a year to restore service to a level GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, April 13, 2022 >

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The primary cause of the United Way of Puerto Rico is early childhood. That is why we are working with the United Ways of Poland, Romania and Hungary to support children and families displaced by the violence in Ukraine.

The efforts include the provision of resources such as transportation, shelter, food, medicines, personal hygiene products, child care supplies, such as formulas and diapers, among other aids.

Your donation is very important, no matter the distance. Donate now to this vital cause by visiting unitedwaypr.org/ukraine or call us at 2-1-1 of Puerto Rico (787-268-5353).

You can also send your donation to United Way de PR, PO Box 191914, San Juan, PR 00919

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

a week in review Mastercard Launches Crypto Education Program Mastercard announced the third round of its Mastercard Start Path Crypto program, which this time incorporates two Latin American startups: Bifty, from Brazil, and Belo, of Argentina.

Mastercards Start Path Crypto is a program designed to support innovation in digital asset spaces, blockchain, and rapidly growing cryptocurrencies. Since its launch in July of last year, Start Path Crypto has incorporated several fintech companies into its program, with the aim of bringing the benefits of blockchain technology to more people. A recent study by Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) showed that cryptocurrencies have a 19% penetration among Latin American adults and that their use by lowerincome consumers is rapidly expanding.

Nissan Advances Development of 100% Electric Vehicles

Iberia Airlines Brings Puerto Rico to Europe

Nissan announced a $500 million investment for the renovation of the Canton plant in Mississippi, where two fully electric models will be assembled. This is an effort to meet the U.S.’s goal of achieving 40% electric vehicle sales by 2030. The announcement, made by Nissan’s chief operating officer, Ashwani Gupta, highlights the Japanese company’s plans globally. They will be introducing 15 fully electric models to their Infiniti brand by 2030. This goal, known as Ambition 2030, will offer exciting electric vehicles and technological innovations, taking into account environmental, social, and consumer needs.

Iberia Airlines will present Puerto Rico to almost 100 European destinations. The airline has produced an Airbus A320 model aircraft with the image of “Discover Puerto Rico”. This is part of an agreement signed between Iberia and the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico to market the country as a tourist destination in the nearly 100 destinations that the airline services in Europe. In addition, Iberia will celebrate 73 years since its first flight to Puerto Rico. Its summer program will feature increased operations to the island with five weekly flights. These efforts strengthen Iberia’s relationship with the Puerto Rico market and leadership in Latin America.

Powered BY El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 1064 Ave Ponce de León 2nd floor San Juan, PR Postal Address: PO Box 15074, San Juan, PR 00902

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

VP of Accounting Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

Human Resources Director Arlene Rolón, PHR arolon@elvocero.com

Vp of Marketing and Business Operations Michelle Pérez Miperez@elvocero.com

VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

VP of Editorial Content Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

Multi-Platform Graphic and Technology Director Héctor L. Vázquez hvazquez@elvocero.com

Phone: 787-622-2300, 787-721-2300

Multi-Plataform Digital Director María Arce marce@elvocero.com

Customer Service: 787-622-7480

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

How Much Of The Network Has Been ‘Transformed’? similar to the one before the hurricane.

In his State of the Commonwealth Address Five years after María, it now begs to question: two weeks ago, Pierluisi assured that with “the How much have we improved necessary change of command” our electric network? And more at PREPA “the power generation importantly, are we prepared to system has been stabilized and face another hurricane? a coordinated maintenance Sunday afternoon, after plan has been established to LUMA Energy reported earlier ensure sufficient generation that almost all customers and avoid blackouts. With FEMA argued it were already connected LUMA’s public-private alliance has not received a to the network, Governor we have achieved greater single transmission Pedro Pierluisi assured stability in power distribution. and distribution “we will continue to focus Despite a bumpy start, project from LUMA our efforts on putting an customers without service are to evaluate, so funds end to the weaknesses already well below previous could be obligated as of our infrastructure.” He numbers.” needed. also mentioned that “the But Wednesday’s failure – complex transformation and due to an expired breaker that reconstruction of our electrical should have been changed 10 system is already underway years ago– seemed to put the because our people cannot continue to suffer the governor’s claims and LUMA’s performance under consequences of an old and obsolete system.” questioning.

In fact,

According to the Central Office for Recuperation, Reconstruction and Resiliency (COR3), there are 10 programs ($3.2B) and 123 projects ($4.1B) already approved by the Transmission and Distribution Bureau. Of these projects, 95 are in the design and engineering phase –82 from LUMA and 13 from PREPA– for a grand total of $1.31billion.

“According to LUMA’s work plan, it is estimated that the first construction projects for the replacement of power line poles, street lamps and minor substation repairs will be out this quarter (April-June); 20 pole projects starting in Maunabo and Ponce; 20,000 street lamps to be replaced in five municipalities, and minor repairs to 15 electric substations in several other municipalities,” reads a report sheet from the COR3.

“On its part, according to its work plan, PREPA has repairs underway/ partially completed in Mayagüez. PREPA’s other projects in San Juan, Aguirre and Cambalache should be about to begin.

Work on the mega generators in San Juan are also in progress,” continued the document.

Last Friday LUMA executives admitted they must make critical improvements to the transmission

The power generation system has been stabilized and a coordinated maintenance plan has been established to ensure sufficient generation and avoid blackouts.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

In fact, Detailed scopes of work (SOW) for units 1 and 2 as well as the infrastructure projects of the Aguirre power plant were filed just two weeks ago.

and distribution system, but those projects have yet to start. The company’s vice president in charge of strategic affairs, Kevin Acevedo, said the delays are due to FEMA’s slow approval processes.

On its part, FEMA argued it has not received a single transmission and distribution project from LUMA to evaluate so funds could be obligated as needed.

FEMA also informed that LUMA has barely presented a detailed scope of work for the reconstruction project of five power substations, and another five generation projects.

On September 2020, PREPA received the $10.5 billion allocation, the largest allocation in the history of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

When management of the transmission and distribution network was privatized –now in the hands of LUMA– the responsibility of presenting the scope of work and completing the processes in that area passed to that company.

“None of these projects are in the construction stage,” acknowledged Daniel Hernández, director of market transformation at LUMA.

According to LUMA’s work plan, it is estimated that the first construction projects for the replacement of power line poles, street lamps and minor substation repairs will be out this quarter (April-June).

COR3 report on the status of electric system projects

However, he said the Cataño substation project, which has to be built new and at a higher elevation because it is located in a flood zone, is at an advanced stage.

“Before the end of the year, it will go out

for bidding in a competitive process for its construction,” he said.

In a written statement, FEMA responded saying “it is up to the applicant to develop the scope and cost of the projects” to be considered a “created” project.

“FEMA can only consider and approve a project once the applicant has completed all these steps,” the agency specified.

According to FEMA files, the detailed scopes of work (SOW) for units 1 and 2 as well as the infrastructure projects of the Aguirre power plant, along with the auxiliary infrastructure projects of the San Juan plant, were filed just two weeks ago.

The SOWs for permanent repairs to the Cambalache plant and the permanent repairs for the Mayagüez gas-fired hydroelectric plant were presented on March 7.

So, after five years after hurricane María, and two since the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) obligated $10.5 billion for the reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s electric system, only small local projects have been partially completed, as reported by the COR3.

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Freelancing Offers Flexibility for Businesses and Creatives

Puerto Rican start-up streamlines the hiring process

E

Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

businesses after co-founder Nina went unpaid for a freelance project she had picked up.

“That [sort of thing] should never happen,” Lopez said in an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL.

@Landi_Zoe

Finding And Hiring A Freelancer

Presenting at Parallel 18’s Pre18 Demoday, an ven before the pandemic, event where local startups present to investors, freelancing was a rapidly growing media, and the community, Buzzzy introduced the sector of the economy. Now, with complications of hiring in the gig economy. the traditional workplace evolving According to the startup’s and allowing for founders, without Buzzzy users different models can spend over a week in their of hiring and search for talent, having to working, digital nomads and navigate multiple platforms, and freelancers seem as common with no guarantee of quality as office workers. Buzzzy The Statista work.

On the other side, as a founders Antonio López and Research Department freelancer, it can be challenging Nina Rodríguez-Quirós describe projects the U.S. to form relationships with freelancing as a spectrum - some gig economy gross potential clients.

In fact, 50% of people take on an odd job here volume to reach freelancers go unpaid at least or there, others ‘moonlight’, and $455.2 billion by 2023. once in their careers. then there are those who are fullWith Buzzzy, businesses and time. freelancers don’t have to worry Buzzzy is a freelance about that anymore - they’ve marketplace, one of many both already been vetted and platforms for freelancers chosen by the team.

Clients don’t need to take and those looking to hire them, that simplifies unnecessary risks in hiring talent, while the the search and contracting process by finding talent can be sure that the job they’re receiving is qualified matches. López was driven to create a legitimate. trusted online space to connect freelancers and

In fact,

Freelancers receive 100% of what they’re owed, and, unlike with competitor Upwork, there is no commission charged by the platform. As the startup continues expanding from the island into the states, it will open up opportunities for Puerto Rican creatives to receive competitive pay and more frequent contracts.

The future Of Freelancing

The Statista Research Department projects the gig economy to reach $455.2 billion by 2023.

A Freelancing in America survey estimated that by 2027, over half of the U.S. population will be freelancing in some capacity. Generation Z is the most likely to work freelance, says Lopez. Half of all Generation Z (those born roughly between 1997 and 2012) have taken on a gig at least once.

According to Deloitte’s annual Global Human Capital Trends report, conducted prior to the pandemic, over 33% of surveyed companies reported hiring gig workers extensively. Among Fortune 500 companies, 30% hired freelancers through platforms like Upwork.

Partaking in the gig economy offers businesses a way to complete a job without having to hire for a new position, which would require providing benefits and a salary. This is especially beneficial to small and medium-sized businesses, that may require a service but not yet have the funds to create an official position within their company for it.

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Without Act 60, Investing in Puerto Rico is Still Worth It

Singaporean firm opens a branch on the island

O

Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

At the end of the day, we find that the most sustainable way forward is first to create value for the people here.

@Landi_Zoe

utside investing on the island is practically synonymous with Acts 20 and 22, combined under Law 60 of the Puerto Rico Incentives Code Act. The incentives create an environment of minimal taxation - something that supporters believe will encourage economic growth for the island’s entire population.

But does a 4% tax rate, not to mention 0% on capital gains, really attract companies that will create significant and long-lasting change by merely creating a few jobs?

Ravi Kumar Investment professional

bit better. And also, now I see a lot of ways that Puerto Rico can learn from what Singapore has done,” said Kumar.

Puerto Rico, Kumar explained, is much like Singapore in that it’s an entry-point, “We see it as an entryway into Latin America while enjoying that stability, or the U.S. recognition, that comes with it.”

A Foreigner In The Market

Opting Out Of Act 60

Ravi Kumar is an investment professional from Singapore with a diverse portfolio of businesses: Launchpad, a global private equity firm; Nought Labs, a global strategy firm, and The 5th Floor, a global coworking brand. He recently opened a branch of The 5th Floor in Puerto Rico.

In conversation with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, Kumar explained his decision to invest in Puerto Rico without opting into the tax incentives that attract so many others.

“At the end of the day, we find that the most sustainable way forward is first to create value for the people here. And that really sets us up for long-term growth. Trying to take advantage of the extra money, I think that that isn’t so well with us, you know, with the philosophy of creating value,” Kumar expressed on the topic of Act 60. “We’ve always been in a position where, let’s see how we can first help. And then you know, we can talk about the rest down the line”.

Puerto Rico and Singapore may seem like they have very little in common, but they have much to learn from each other.

“I come from Singapore. [There are] a lot of

Ravi Kumar, partner at investment firm Launchpad. >LinkedIn

similarities between Puerto Rico and Singapore like both are island states. And here’s a fun fact - Singapore is a copy of Puerto Rico’s blueprint forty years ago. Somehow Singapore just did it a

As a foreigner, Kumar is looking to learn a lot before deciding where to take his next steps. “[Because] we’re relatively new in the market we try to learn as much as possible - what’s going on on the ground, ready for partnerships with entities that have already been here that are wellpositioned. [And] now we’re also trying to talk to the Chamber of Commerce. [Whenever] there’s a foreigner coming in, there’s sometimes a bit of resistance, you know, being a foreigner, so we just want to learn at this point,” he said of his current situation on the island.

From what he’s seen so far, Kumar believes there is a lot to bet on in Puerto Rico.

“So the way forward is, right now [Puerto Rico] is very reliant on the government to help people out. But I think this is a good opportunity for both public and private to come together and see how we can work together. Because you cannot entirely rely on the government, we all know, like, the government can be very cautious and a lot slower implementing things, whereas the private sector, they’re a lot more agile. I think there needs to be a meeting of the minds on this too,” he described the relationship between sectors.

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Lottery winnings and war in Europe among recurring fraud schemes

The cost of fraud in the U.S. has increased to more than 6%

A

Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal

lmost everyone with a cellphone, a computer or an e-mail account has received a communication about an unclaimed lottery prize, the availability of federal funds, or more recently, about funds blocked by the war in Ukraine… all you need to do is provide some basic information and the money is yours. Yeah, right.

These are but a few of the fraud schemes scammers use to steal people’s money or identity Puerto Rico Bankers Association’s public service for illegal purposes. campaign ad.

According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions website, transactions conducted every year, Álvarez the cost of fraud for U.S. financial services and assured. lending firms has increased between 6.7% “Since the creation of the credit card, it [fraud] and 9.9%, when compared to data before the has always been considered something minor pandemic. As of last January, for every dollar lost when compared with to fraud in the U.S., the global use of the financial services payment method. firms lost more than Proportionally, it is $4.00. In 2019, those something minor losses were $3.25, because there are and $3.64 in 2020. hundreds of millions of The LexisNexis Fraud transactions being done Multiplier for U.S. through credit and debit, lenders is now $4.16, and electronic transfers,” compared to $3.90 in explained the PRBA early 2020, prior to executive. the pandemic.

Still, Álvarez “Fraud impacts recognized that all levels [of electronic devices, credit economic activity].

Zoimé Álvarez and debit cards must be We cannot think Executive Vice President, PRBA protected “like if they less of it because were cash.” it only affects one, instead of the other.

It affects everything… from people’s confidence What People Fall For on financial processes to financial assets, even if “Scammers are very creative people and their the defrauded assets are recovered,” said Zoimé success depends on using the trendier methods,” Álvarez, executive vice president of the Puerto Rico argued Álvarez, who quoted as an example of a Bankers Association (PRBA). possible scam the blackout that affected Puerto But, even though the losses due to financial Rico last week. fraud are in the range of billions of dollars every “Local scammers –but they could be anywhere year, that amount is merely “a fraction” of the in the world– could take advantage of this total amount of both personal and commercial circumstance by posing as an official of the

…scammers’ pitch depend on their ability to convince the victim they are who they claim to be and that he can validate the truthfulness of the information they are providing.

Treasury Department and calling a person ‘to inform’ him that he may not receive his tax refund check because of the blackout, if he does not provide some personal information. Knowing there was a blackout, a concerned taxpayer may consider such claim to be true and provide the information the scammers require and be exposed to significant losses,” said Álvarez.

For the PRBA vice president, “scammers’ pitch depend on their ability to convince the victim that they are who they claim to be and that he can validate the truthfulness of the information they are providing.” And this can be done via a phone call, a text message, an email or a regular letter.

According to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (CIC, for its Spanish acronym) of the Puerto Rico Police Department, this type of crime recurs because people do not verify the validity of the source that initiates the contact, and volunteer their personal information.

For María Ripepi, president of the PRBA’s Security Committee, today people are giving away “unknowingly,” all the information scammers need to continue in business.

“People publish all their personal information on their social networks. Scammers identify the latest social and market trends and use that information to create false and fraudulent campaigns. And since many people saw those campaigns on social networks, they assume they are real, and they fall for them,” Ripepi argued.

What To Do

In the second phase of its public service campaign about financial fraud –“Si huele a pescao, es un pescao” (If it smells fishy, it is a fish) – the PRBA identifies the most common fraud methods and suggest people how to act if they come across suspicious communications requiring personal information.

The campaign, which includes print and video ads, identifies phone calls, text messages, emails, unsolicited internet links and printed documents as possible methods for scammers to try to obtain information from victims. People are urged to rely on their suspicions to avoid falling for the scam. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t,” said Álvarez.

To avoid falling victim to fraud, Ripepi reiterated the campaign’s recommendations: 1. do not provide any personal information; 2. do not reveal your passwords/secret numbers; 3. do not follow unsolicited links, and 4. do not act under pressure.

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Mayagüez Indians won the Basketball Championship in 2012.

NFTs make it to the Puerto Rico basketball league

The Mayagüez Indians will be the first team to launch non-fungible tokens

T

Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal

The collection is inspired on the 10th anniversary of the championship as a way to thank the Indians’ fans for their support.

he Mayagüez Indians became Nohely Sepúlveda the first team in Puerto Rico’s Artist Superior National Basketball League (BSN, for its Spanish acronym) to launch its own the Indians’ fans for their support,” said Sepúlveda, collection of NFTs (non-fungible who also drew inspiration from the once popular tokens) to commemorate the sports playing cards. “What we are trying to do is 10th anniversary of its 2012 championship win. to reproduce the experience of the sports cards, “The Indians is the first team in the league to put but with the NFTs.” forth NFTs inspired in the team The artist explained NFTs not itself as part of an innovative only add value to the team’s strategy not only to educate branding, but also to the fans fans in this new technology, that acquire them because they but also to pay homage to our are buying “a digital asset.” players in the 2012 champion Arroyo explained that any team,” said Indians marketing fan acquiring an Indians NFT NFTs not only add director Carlos Arroyo. “We are also participates in a rewards value to the team’s dedicating this season to the program throughout the branding, but also to 2012 team.” season, gets 10% discount on the fans that acquire The NFT collection will Indians official merchandise them because they consist of 50 exclusive pieces and VIP access to season are buying a digital representing each of the games, among other perks. asset. members of the 2012 team.

“Because NFTs have a Each of the 12 players in the blockchain base, fans can team will be depicted in three exchange or sell them very different NFTs, informed Nohely much like it was done with the Sepúlveda, the artist who created the artwork for sports playing cards,” explained Sepúlveda, who the NFTs. also pointed out that blockchain technology allows “The collection is inspired in the 10th artists “to register their artwork, thus creating a anniversary of the championship as a way to thank certificate of authenticity.”

In fact,

The first NFT in the collection, which the artist described as “a great opportunity for Indians fans to reconnect with their favorite players,” will honor the memory of the late Andrés ‘Corky’ Ortiz, who died in a car accident in 2015. He was 28.

“Corky still touches the most intimate fiber of the Indians fan. He was a brave, aggressive player The first Mayagüez Indians and an inspiration to NFT honoring the memory of his teammates. He Andrés ‘Corky’ Ortiz. embodied what the Indians are,” Arroyo said.

The rest of the collection will be launched later during the season. Each of the NFTs will have a cost of $72.

“We wanted the NFTs to be accessible to the average fan and the price is also symbolic. That was our score on the fifth game of the series when we won the championship,” Arroyo said.

The Indians marketing manager anticipated the team will be launching a second collection of NFTs later in the year, but declined to offer any details on the subject, except that the people who buy the first NFTs would have advanced access to the second collection.

“I’m convinced the other teams in the league will follow suit with the NFTs. I don’t have any doubts about it. And that would be a good thing for boosting their following,” Arroyo said referring to the other 11 teams in the BSN.

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/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Keiko Yoshino

Executive Director, Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association

P

Adoption importance of Web 3.0, blockchain Puerto Rico’s Leadership Role

uerto Rico has become internationally known as a destination for blockchain and crypto enthusiasts. But more interesting, are the contributions of local Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, builders and creatives who have seized the opportunities blockchain technology represents to participate in the future of communications and interconnectivity: the Web 3.0.

Web 1.0, or the first “iteration” of what we commonly call the internet, was the beginning of a communication technology revolution. However, back then in the age of Netscape and Geocities, the accessed information was mostly static and allowed for people to upload and read information with little to no additional interactivity.

Around 2004 Web 2.0 surfaced, igniting the concept of online communities, which later would solidify the “social web” where user-generated content is central and social media is king. Tech giants have become centralized repositories of massive amounts of data gathered from the activities of their users. What they do with the data is not always clear and they sometimes sell it to third parties or use it to inform marketing campaigns.

Some argue they might even use it to sell more products and even manipulate public opinions.

This is where Web 3.0 comes in, which promises to kick-start an evolution away from centralized entities offering communications and transactions, and replacing them with a blockchain network where the users maintain ownership of their data.

Just like the internet we use today, you don’t have to understand exactly how blockchain works to appreciate its application or be inspired by the Puerto Ricans who are currently exploring its use and building the future of the internet.

How are Puerto Ricans leveraging their knowledge and skills to build the Web 3.0?

Aside from our outgoing nature and charm, Puerto Ricans are also known for being extremely creative. The amount of talented digital artists on the island, alongside traditional artists willing to explore digital tools to build new ways to unlock their creativity, have become a strong catalyst for local adoption and creation.

Tattoo Skullz Society

Take Puerto Rican celebrity tattoo artist Juan Salgado who launched “Tattoo Skullz Society”, an NFT profile picture (PFP) collection of 5,000 generative art pieces designed in collaboration with another Puerto Rican artist, Eliezer Fontánez (aka OWTLW). Owning one of Salgado’s NFT unlocks certain perks such as the opportunity to participate in special giveaways

and access to his Discord community. However, the most attractive aspect of owning one of these pieces (at least for tattoo lovers) is that the only way to book an appointment with the artist. Note: he’s already booked for the next two years.

Neftify

Just as exciting is the fact that Salgado’s NFT “drop” was made possible by a partnership with Neftify, a local Puerto Rican Web 3.0 startup. Neftify was founded in September 2021 by Steven Rivera and Ernesto Ojeda. In less than 6 months, Neftify has managed to raise seed capital under a $15 million valuation led by Infinity Ventures Crypto.

Neftify’s mission, according to their medium post, “is to make the participation in the metaverse economy accessible to all.”

Video Games

However, Neftify’s main venture is within a niche called “GameFi”, which combines Decentralized Finances tools with video games by rewarding players with tokens that can later be exchanged for fiat currencies. Web 2.0 introduced online gaming and esports. Web 3.0 has created online games, such as Axie Infinity, that allow players to earn cryptocurrency for playing. But in order to participate, you need a minimum of three Axie NFTs to play and the cost of Axies range from $29 to over $100. This is where Neftify comes in.

They created a platform where creators, lenders, and gamers come together and can pool their Axie NFTs so players can borrow a team of three to play. In return, the lenders receive a cut of the player’s earned tokens.

Aside from financial tools and community building, blockchain tech has opened the floodgates to artists to enter the digital space while keeping the unique value and utility of their pieces.

Convergence Between Art And Technology

Aside from financial tools and community building, blockchain tech has opened the floodgates to artists to enter the digital space while keeping the unique value and utility of their pieces.

Liz Isabelle (The Alluring Peacock) is an NFT fashion designer who creates unique pieces of “slow-fashion” i.e., garments made from durable, responsibly sourced, high-quality materials and she uses NFTs to present and sell her creations.

Likewise, American-Puerto Rican artist Christina Lewis Vizcarrondo (Bonesy), who combines her traditional oil paintings with Augmented Reality (AR) filters, integrates NFTs as a way to sell her creations in both physical and digital form, and because NFTs allow the original creators to receive royalties from the secondary market, by using this technology both artists are guaranteeing a cut from any future sales of their pieces.

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< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, April 13, 2022

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12

/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Those Without Social Connections Fare Worse Clinically Social isolation increases risk of dementia and heart failure

A

Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

@Landi_Zoe

lone, but not lonely? A study completed by Dr. Julianna HoltLunstad for Triple-S analyzed the differences and correlations between social connection, social isolation, and loneliness.

It is quite possible to be alone but not lonely - as long as you have a support system available.

Precisely defining these terms and identifying their specificities is key to properly measuring the scope of the problem. Social connection is a broad term that encompasses the ‘structural, functional, and quality aspects of social relationships’, an umbrella under which loneliness and social isolation fall.

Although many of us believe loneliness to be a modern ailment - something caused by the digital age and the pandemic - the very first studies linking social isolation and loneliness with depression were carried out at the end of the 19th century.

“We tend to associate loneliness with depression. It’s not a new issue, it’s just the understanding of it, the multifactorial. There’s an increasing understanding of causality. Depression can lead to social isolation, social isolation can lead to depression and physical issues as well, not just mental health issues,” explained Triple-S President Robert García.

In an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, Triple-S President Robert García and Medical Director Dr. José Novoa Loyola elaborated on the study’s findings, which concluded that there is a causal link between strong social connections and better health and longer life “Over the years, over the past decade, we’ve seen the ongoing economic crisis in Puerto Rico continue. That continues to have a real toll besides just the economic consequences.

As so many young people have left the island, they’ve been leaving, in many instances, their parents and grandparents behind. Anecdotally, we sense that there is a growing crisis with our elderly population,” García explained why Triple-S commissioned the research.

Social Isolation

From individual acts of kindness all the way to public policy - It really does take a village.

A person experiences social isolation when they are objectively alone, with few relationships, and infrequent social contact. “[We are] trying to make sure that when we’re

Robert García President, Triple-S

talking about social isolation, it’s really an objective lack of social contact with others. Loneliness is a perception - a discrepancy between the perceived level of contact, and the actual level of patients’ contact,” Dr. Novoa pointed out.

“Hurricane María was a wake-up call. We had to reach out to the community and address so many needs - hurricane, earthquakes, pandemic - [social isolation] is an increasing problem in Puerto Rico,” García said.

Even prior to the pandemic, several studies showed that lack of social connection was an issue.

A 2018 study by the Kaiser Foundation revealed that almost half of the U.S. population felt alone.

Nevertheless, the pandemic exacerbated issues and heightened awareness.

Understanding of these issues needs to be uniform across the entire health ecosystem to create policies and intervene medically.

Dr. Novoa boiled down to “your world dies before you die”.

According to Dr. Novoa, social isolation and loneliness can worsen clinical outcomes in patients with chronic conditions. Socially isolated elders suffer an increased risk of premature mortality and a 50% greater risk of developing dementia.

Heart failure patients who are socially isolated are at a 68% increased risk of hospitalization, over 60% risk of an Emergency Room visit, and almost four times more likely to die. Loneliness and social isolation can cause systemic inflammation to flare up and exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

Check Up On Your Neighbors

For many elderly people, their monthly or weekly check-up from their healthcare provider is their only social interaction. When Triple-S began to offer the option to pay through an online bank account, many elderly clients declined the service.

In many instances, their insurance agent was the only person to visit them for the entire month.

“I think there is some research about how simple acts of kindness can have a significant impact on that feeling of loneliness. For those that provide the care, to perform a small act Socially Risks of Social Isolation of kindness for your neighbor isolated elders “Older people are at a higher - a phone call, talk to them. In suffer an increased risk on the island. Because of doing that, they found significant risk of premature Hurricane Maria and migration, improvement in that community,” mortality and a mostly the younger ones, left said Dr. Novoa.

50% greater risk behind their grandparents and García believes that working of developing parents. The medical community together with multiple sectors of dementia. knows that now there are too society would create a continuum Source: Triple S many elderly people living alone,” of solutions and interventions, Dr. Novoa said of the situation going from a basic understanding with an aging population and high of kindness all the way to public levels of out-migration. policy decisions like England’s The elderly population is one of the most at risk Ministry for Loneliness and “Health in all policies” for negative health impacts of social isolation. They initiative, which requires legislatures to determine often live alone, they’ve lost family and friends, and the health implications of any potential policy. usually have a chronic illness, which makes it even “From individual acts of kindness all the way more difficult to maintain a schedule of regular to public policy - It really does take a village,” said social contact. Many of the elderly experience what García.

In fact,

13

/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

China used TV, TikTok

stars in discreet Olympics campaign

Influencers and social media were used to subtly proffer propaganda to users

W

Amanda Seitz, Mike Catalini and Eric Tucker The Associated Press

ASHINGTON (AP) — A “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” TV star, a Paralympic swimmer and a self-described “brand king” were among the Instagram and TikTok influencers who were paid by Chinese officials for a discreet campaign that promoted the Beijing Winter Olympics, new Justice Department documents reveal.

The social media posts fanned across a variety of popular Instagram and TikTok accounts that have a combined following of 5 million people who follow their videos, photos and content about travel destinations, sports, fashion and women’s issues.

The Chinese Consulate in New York paid $300,000 to New Jersey-based firm Vippi Media to recruit the influencers. The posts were not properly labeled as ads in the way that TikTok and Instagram requires.

“It allows them to boost the reach and the resonance of their messaging to make it appear to be authentic, independent content,” Jessica Brandt, a Brookings Institution expert on foreign interference and disinformation, said of China’s social media campaign.

More details about the social media campaign were disclosed in filings with the Justice Department, just days after an Associated Press examination revealed that China is using a sweeping network of influencers and social media accounts to subtly proffer propaganda to users around the globe.

The AP’s reporting found that Vippi Media had not yet filed updates with the Justice Department

on its influencer campaign, even though federal law requires the company to do so within 24 hours of materials being disseminated. The company had registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a 1938 law that is meant to allow Americans to know when foreign entities are trying to influence public opinion or policymakers.

Vippi Media’s campaign, targeted at U.S. social media users, reached roughly 4 million users with ads that were scattered in stories, videos and posts across TikTok and Instagram in January, February and March by nearly a dozen influencers. The accounts named in the filing shared posts promoting the Olympics with the hashtags #Beijing2022, #partner and #ad.

It [the social media spot] allows them to boost the reach and the resonance of their messaging to make it appear to be authentic, independent content.

Jessica Brandt

A majority of the Instagram and TikTok content shared by the influencers simply advertised the Winter Olympics, shared pictures from some of the ceremonial events or gave insight on Chinese cultural customs.

Crystal Kung Minkoff, a cast member of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” who was listed as one of the influencers hired by Vippi Media, posted a video on her Instagram where she conducted an at-home, faux news-style broadcast of a mock Olympics game of musical chairs with

her children. Later the post congratulates “Team USA” and says Beijing is the first city to host the summer and winter games. A message left with Minkoff was not immediately answered.

Meanwhile, Jessica Long, a decorated Paralympic swimmer and popular Instagram personality, celebrated the upcoming Olympics in a Jan. 27 post to her nearly 100,000 followers. “Have fun making lasting memories at the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China.” Long didn’t immediately return request for comment.

One of the most striking videos came from TikTok influencer Ryan Dubs, a “brand-king” with more than half-million followers on his account, where he frequently hawks skin care products.

Dubs posted a 3-minute-long interview with China’s Consul General in New York, Huang Ping, who spoke with the Chinese and U.S. flags behind him.

The spot’s caption includes hashtags for the Beijing 2022 games. Huang and Dubs decry U.S. tariffs against Chinese imports. Dubs says he has amazing suppliers in China and encourages entrepreneurs in the U.S. to do business with China.

Haung followed up by inviting U.S. businesses to come to China in the video. The Beijing games feature briefly, with Dubs saying they “helped define China in 2022.” Dubs did not immediately respond to the AP’s request for comment.

It’s unclear how much each influencer was paid to post the content.

Minkoff, Long and Dubs used #partner in their posts, but did not directly identify who sponsored the content. Instagram requires that influencers tag the sponsor, and both TikTok and Instagram require their users to register the posts as a paid partnership with the company. Most influencers, however, flout those rules — leaving social media users in the dark about who is paying for the posts they see in their feeds.

A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

14

/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

In fact, Since the beginning of the alliance in 2014, more than 28,660 students have benefited from the donation of musical instruments with a total value of more than $560,000.

Lin-Manuel Miranda surprised the students during a performance of his plays.

Lin-Manuel Miranda joins forces with Latin Grammy Foundation The artist donated musical instruments to the George Washington Educational Campus

P

The Weekly Journal Staff

uerto Rican descent and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda joined forces with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and the Ford Motor Company Fund to donate $40,000 worth of musical instruments to the George Washington Educational Campus in Washington Heights, New York.

The donation was part of Latin Grammy’s first live, in-person educational program since 2020 in schools and included a talk with and performance honoring Miranda, followed by a student Q&A moderated by Bianca Marroquín.

Some 800 music students from the George Washington Educational Campus were shocked when Miranda came to see a performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Dos Oruguitas,” an Oscar-nominated song. The two songs were composed by Miranda for the Disney film Encanto, winner of the Oscar for Best Animated Film this year.

What a thrill to be able to see personally the incredibly talented students from the George Washington Educational Campus perform my plays to a standing ovation from their peers.

Lin Manuel Miranda Puerto Rican playwright, composer, actor

“What a thrill to be able to see personally the incredibly talented students from the George Washington Educational Campus perform my plays to a standing ovation from their peers,” said Miranda.

“We live in a world with little room for creativity, and the arts allow our students to explore their creative genius and unlimited possibilities,” said Zulaika Velázquez, artistic director and teaching artist at the George Washington Educational Campus.

Velázquez launched the school’s performing arts program in 2015 in collaboration with

former director Juan Villar. Both teachers saw the unique opportunity to use musical theater as a comprehensive teaching resource for students to cultivate their performing skills in a safe place, gain confidence, and also learn and master English and better understand complex subjects in a creative and immersive environment.

On his part, Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, reaffirmed “we have a solid commitment to promoting the next generation of Latin music creators. Through the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, we strengthen programs that provide young musicians with access to first-class instruments and education.”

Since the beginning of the alliance between the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and the Ford Motor Company Fund in 2014, more than 28,660 students have benefited from the donation of musical instruments with a total value of more than $560,000 in schools in cities such as Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and New York, as well as in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; and Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco and San Juan, in Puerto Rico.

Among the artists who have participated in the program are: David Bisbal, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nach, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Ednita Nazario, Ángel “Cucco” Peña, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin and Sebastián Yatra, among others.

15

/ Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Half a Century of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ “Superstar” is the most commercially successful adaptation of a biblical story

with deep suspicion for what they considered an irreverent approach, questionable theology and its rock ‘n’ roll-influenced score.

‘Jesus Is Cool’

Though set in the Jerusalem of 2,000 years Henry Bial, University of Kansas ago, the play uses modern language – “Jesus is cool” – and imagery, such as n the days leading up to Easter Sunday, paparazzi following Jesus Christians around the world will through the streets. By participate in retellings of the story of representing Jesus as a the last days of Jesus’ life, from his entry charismatic celebrity whose into Jerusalem to the Last Supper and fame spirals out of control, to his trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

“Superstar” offers audiences They may walk the Stations of the Cross a contemporary framework – a processional ritual marking key points in the for understanding the biblical narrative – attend a pageant or simply ancient biblical narrative. gather in church for religious services.

The musical’s theology was And some people will view or listen to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the 1971 rock musical by Andrew troubling for many religious leaders and conservatives.

Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. NBC’s “Jesus Christ “Superstar” is structured Superstar: Live in Concert,” featuring R&B star John Legend in the title role, was first broadcast on similarly to a traditional Christian Passion play, Easter Sunday 2018 and re-aired for Easter 2020. depicting Jesus’ final days.

“Superstar” is the most commercially successful But it abruptly ends with the crucifixion, omitting adaptation of a biblical story in Broadway the resurrection that is at the heart of the Easter history, with well over 1,000 performances story – and Christianity itself. What’s more, the play spanning multiple productions. In some ways, hints at a romantic relationship this is unsurprising. Church between Jesus and his supporter reenactments of biblical Mary Magdalene, and gives a scenes were foundational for prominent role to Judas, the the development of Western disciple whom the Gospels say theater, especially the “quem betrayed Jesus – in fact, Judas is “Superstar” quaeritis trope,” a 10th-century arguably the show’s leading man. is the most dialogue that reenacts the Meanwhile, Jewish commercially moment when Jesus’ body is organizations expressed concern successful supposedly discovered missing that the play would inspire adaptation of a from the tomb. Put another way, antisemitism by perpetuating the biblical story in Christians have seen drama as an idea that Jews bear responsibility Broadway history, appropriate way to communicate for the death of Christ. A trio of with well over 1,000 the story of Jesus’ passion and Jewish priests sings “This Jesus performances resurrection for more than a Must Die,” and later pressures a spanning multiple millennium. reluctant Pontius Pilate to have productions.

Yet something about Jesus crucified.

“Superstar” has always seemed a In 1971, this was a particularly bit improbable, and its depiction sore spot for Jewish-Christian of Holy Week set off controversy relations. The idea that the from the start. Composer Lloyd Jewish people bore collective guilt for killing Jesus Webber has recounted how London producers had long been part of antisemitic rhetoric from initially regarded the project as “the worst idea in Catholic leaders like the Rev. Charles E. Coughlin. history.” Many religious audiences viewed the play

I

In fact,

In fact, it wasn’t until 1965 that the Vatican officially declared, “what happened in [Christ’s] passion cannot be charged against all the Jews, without distinction, then alive, nor against the Jews of today.”

Rock ‘n’ Rebels

Still, most early objections to “Superstar” were driven less by its content and more by its form. The mere idea of turning the Bible into a loud, flashy, rock ‘n’ roll spectacle was often seen as a kind of sacrilege.

For such critics, “Jesus Christ Superstar” seemed to pose a threat simply by juxtaposing the sacred narrative of the Bible with the profane atmosphere of the rock concert.

Yet half a century after its premiere, the musical no longer generates much controversy. The recognition and appreciation of Jesus’ humanity has gradually become more acceptable among American Christians, though not to the exclusion of his divinity. Compared with earlier generations, Generation X and millennials are less likely to read Scripture, and therefore less likely to be concerned over fine points of theological interpretation.

Rock music, meanwhile, is aging along with its fans, while the rise of the American megachurch has blurred the line between rock concert and church service, between celebrities and spiritual leaders. No longer are electric instruments, flashy costumes, spotlights and microphones seen as disrespectful or inconsistent with worship.

Perhaps most significantly, today’s audiences, both religious and not, may simply have a greater regard for so-called superstars. For many people in the 1970s, the musical’s comparison of the deification of Christ and the idolatry of a rock star was inherently derogatory, undercutting Jesus’ spiritual significance. Yet today, in an era when Lady Gaga has six times as many Instagram followers as Pope Francis, arguably the title – and the musical itself – reads as a more sincere form of appreciation.

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