Technology To The Top!

Technology has certainly transformed our lives, but can you take it to the top? As Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned in the sleeper ballad “Tops” from the Rolling Stones 1981 “Tattoo You” album, “… I’ll make you a star…I’ll be your partner, show you the steps, with me behind you, you’ll taste the sweet wine of success…” Well, if you work in Capital Markets, the sweet wine of P&L success today depends upon innovation, collaboration, efficiency, and government regulation. Innovation ideally adds compelling functionality. Collaboration can mitigate risk and enhance solutions. The two combined have the potential to increase efficiency. Then there’s government regulation, a complex nut to crack that certainly requires both innovation and collaboration for all to succeed.  

In the electronic trading industry, innovation has lowered trading costs for the investing consumer; has made the markets more efficient and transparent; and has shifted real estate from exchange floors to fortressed data centers. Exchanges, data center providers, and electronic trading support firms collaborate to support the trading needs of large sellside banks, buyside asset managers & hedge funds, and new proprietary trading firms spun off from sellside banks in the first round of Dodd Frank reform. As the next wave of Dodd Frank reform implementation is upon us, specifically risk compliance, technology innovation will again play a key role in managing the P&L of all the firms on this food chain. The bottom line? Adding another layer of cost to the already razor thin margins that exist today, simply demands a solution!

A promising new technology that likely holds a piece of the long term solution for the trading P&L is Block Chain technology. A highly secure and encrypted database architecture that creates a distributed ledger, one set of records created at the beginning of the trade life cycle where all market participants have open access to the same copy, the Block Chain contains a high degree of trust, and can ultimately lead to more efficient and transparent same day settlement, and of course lower operational cost. The technology has the ability to process both trading settlement and loan transactions and there are implications for Big Data as well, solving the dilemma of “garbage in, garbage out”. Blythe Masters, CEO of Digital Assets Holding, whose firm has received a Series A $60 million investment led by JP Morgan, to develop this disruptive technology, maintains ‘These systems will tackle settlement latency in mainstream financial markets and will change the way our financial markets operate.’ Blythe Masters on Blockchain.  See more on JP Morgan Blockchain testing.  

Of course this is a huge undertaking, the transformation of multi asset class transaction settlement across a complex and fragmented global market, so it will not happen overnight. At the same time though, as the global capital markets’ P&L has gone through transformative change since the near collapse in 2008, financial institutions are under incredible pressure to improve margins. One way or the other, they will. Block chain could be one avenue to help achieve this goal. Interestingly, JP Morgan has been testing the technology over the past year and plans for live “applications” later in 2016. Stay tuned.

As a veteran analyst, passionate about financial analysis driving P&L growth, and always determined to increase operational efficiency in support of compelling analytics, this subject matter really speaks to my heart! In addition to the obvious operational “value add” Block Chain technology can add in transaction settlement, I see great potential for all of us who have labored over the years in calculating trading p&l’s and discerning key business trends.

Further, as a passionate Rock&Roll fan, I am completely delighted at the intersection with the music world, a subject I touched upon briefly in my September 2015 post “The Musical Artist P&L in Today’s Digital Streaming World”! A very strong potential use case for Block Chain technology is in the recorded music industry. Similar to Capital Markets, the Artist P&L has been transformed dramatically by technology in an evolving and fragmented digital market. Professional Music Advocacy groups, including the newly created Grammy Creator’s Alliance, have been out in force on Capitol Hill urging legislators to adopt new legislation and create mechanisms, using technology, to help Artists earn well deserved and transparent royalties for the music they create, in essence “to make a living”, and to promote and support an enduring legacy of musical creativity. Referencing the U.S. Copyright Office’s “Copyright and the Music Marketplace Report” released early in 2015, one of the recommendations reads “Encouraging the private sector to create a comprehensive database of music-rights ownership information with unique universal identifiers and messaging standards.”

On a lighter note, to round out the Technology to the Top discussion, how would you like to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live? You can be, using new video wall technology that Cisco has built exclusively for the show! Learn more here. Simply sign up at the website and hopefully you will receive an email from a very nice producer named Jamie. You will be sent a link to download the “Cisco Jabber” to schedule a live test with the production team, to make sure you have a solid internet connection. For wireless users, Verizon Fios works very well. Also, lighting is very important. You will then have a chat with the producer, so he can get a sense of your background. If the test is a go, you will then be placed on the priority list to appear on the show, when a particular subject pertinent to your background, is set to air. I am told you will then do a second test before appearing the following night. Very exciting and what a brilliant use of technology to engage the entertainment audience! Jimmy Kimmel Wall of America segment.

So to wrap up in signature concert footage style, I leave you with this incredible live 1993 Argentina performance, a technically brilliant & masterful combination of emotion filled voice & electric guitar by two Rock legends, amid a creative backdrop of carefully choreographed colors, lights, and video sequences. Enjoy! 

 

“The Witch” Advanced Screening with Slash

Written for Myles Kennedy World by International Correspondent Cynthia Drew 

On Saturday evening February 13, 2016, in the Press Junkets and Screening Room at the famed London Hotel in Hollywood, 50 very grateful fans and their guests were treated to an up close and personal evening with legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Slash, for an advanced screening of “The Witch”.  Thank you to A24 Films for creating this incredible evening for the fans and supporting Slash’s up and coming film company Slash Fiction Films. Congratulations on your 2016 Oscar Wins, Best Documentary to Asif Akadia for “Amy” and Best Actress to Brie Larson for “The Room”! 

This masterful horror flick has earned 2 Award nominations and 5 wins including The 2015 London Film Festival Sutherland Award for First Feature Competition, and The 2015 Sundance Film Festival Dramatic Directing Award, both presented to Director Robert Eggers. The film, about a family in 1630s New England torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession, drew in the viewers in hauntingly deliberate and cerebral fashion. The imagery of the haunting forest in the background and the interplay of an evolving threat hidden deep in this forest, and how it succeeded to break the barrier and safety of this family’s home was terrifying to watch! Lead actress and promising young actor Anya Taylor-Joy nailed this performance. She reeled in viewers in the opening scene and we never left! The Witch official trailer.

Slash, who we all know as the consummate musician on the electric guitar from Guns & Roses, Velvet Revolver, and Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, and whose incredible talent and emotion embodies many of Rock&Roll’s greatest riffs, continues to evolve his brand in a very thoughtful and creative fashion. A complete Horror Movie fan, Slash has now created a film company, Slash Fiction Films, with current project “The Hell Within” in development. Slash’s firm commitment to his craft and generous engagement with a devoted fan base, offers his fans very unique opportunities to get involved and support this latest mission. Would you consider investing $50 to participate in conference call updates with Slash on the progress of the movie?   Follow Slash Fiction Films here.

For all of us incredibly lucky and grateful fans, it was surely a Bucket List evening for the memory books! A die hard Slash fan and Twitter follower, I learned about the contest Thursday evening February 4th on my Slash Twitter feed. I entered immediately, which simply required me to follow Slash Fiction Films on Twitter, like on FB, and email my pertinent contact info. It was THAT simple! About noon Friday, I saw my name in the first 20 winners announced. I was stunned and thrilled, no pun intended! The following Saturday, I boarded a plane at JFK and traveled cross country for this incredible opportunity! I should note fans from Germany, Ohio, Michigan, and others from New York made the trek as well! Upon landing, I turned on my iPhone to fetch the confidential text message as to the location of the event. I was all set!

At the London hotel, we were first treated to popcorn and drinks in a little lounge, then entered the actual screening room where I chose a very comfortable seat in the middle of the second row. My first glimpse of this Rock&Roll legend came as he walked down the aisle from the back of the screening room and entered the lounge. Multiple people followed and some chatted with him briefly. He then came into the screening room to address all of us, as the movie was about to begin. He was both engaging and humble, and even admitted being nervous speaking to us. At the conclusion, we all lined up and each took our turn entering the lounge for a quick hello, a personal autograph, and a photo with this famous Rocker taken by a professional photographer. I just have to say, I find that to be incredibly generous! In the new digital age of music, as Artists have to find creative ways to monetize their gifts, I don’t think many would deliver such an up close and personal experience to so many, for the mere act of entering a contest. This simply speaks to Slash’s level of integrity and commitment! It’s very special and certainly an honor to interact with a person of such unique cloth! As we chatted in line, many of us made personal connections and plans around the Guns and Roses reunion concerts April 8 and 9 in Las Vegas. One gal is organizing a get together at the Hard Rock Café the evening of April 7. Brilliant, I’m in! I had already booked my flight and hotel, flying Thursday night April 7. I purchased the Signature VIP ticket for the debut performance Friday evening April 8 at 9:30PM! I will surely not be able to keep my feet on the ground until then!

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As I entered the lounge, I immediately thanked Slash for this amazing experience and what an honor it was to meet him! I told him I couldn’t wait for the Vegas debut GNR reunion performance! Always humble and down to earth, he thanked me. As he autographed my poster, I told him that I also planned to bring a group when the GNR reunion tour comes to NY. He smiled and asked, “Am I going to New York?” I smiled back and said “We certainly hope so!” I then landed a lovely arm hug as the photographer took our picture. She even took the time to take a second photo as I apparently closed my eyes on the first try. I really appreciated that! It was first class all around! As I left, I looked Slash in the eye, and told him I hoped practice was going well and that he was having fun. He smiled and nodded, “Yes, it’s going well.” A larger than life Rock Star evening for the memory books, “Thank you Slash!”

Of course I can’t wait for the next album and tour with Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators! The exquisite combination of Slash’s fierce emotion on the electric guitar, combined with the dynamic and powerful vocal range of the one and only Mr. Myles Kennedy, is pure Rock&Roll joy! Add the veteran brilliance of Todd Dammit Kerns on Bass and Vocals, Mr. Brent Fitz on Drums, and the very talented emerging presence of Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar, how could you not go wild for this performance?

Determine The Truth, Defy The Odds

The truth can actually save lives! A little over a year ago, a doctor told me my brother Geoffrey’s brain was deteriorating and there were no treatment options. A second doctor said the same thing. Just before Thanksgiving, my brother was walking near a Con Ed construction site when he fell. He got back up, and fell again. This happened 4 more times before the workers called for an ambulance. The ambulance team thought my brother was drunk, which really upset him. As an adult on the Autism Spectrum, my brother is extremely sensitive of society’s labels for him and their general lack of understanding of his brilliance and ability to forge solutions, before most have even figured out there’s a problem. Long before these balance problems began, my brother’s ability to speak had declined dramatically. I’m sure it was a confusing picture for all these folks who thankfully came to my brother’s aid. When Geoff came over for Thanksgiving, he could barely stand up, let alone walk. It was shocking to see such a huge progression in a very short period of time. As a consummate cheerleader, I did my very best to make this holiday great. I’m pleased to say my pork roast came out exquisite, much better than last year, and I made all of my brother’s favorite side dishes. Both passionate lovers of music, I played an eclectic list of our favorite songs on You Tube. Thanksgiving rocked!

As a veteran analyst supporting business heads to drive p&l growth, you have to start with the truth. You have to challenge the validity and relevance of all the data and information you receive. You need a solid foundation supported by key metrics that tell a believable story. That truth, combined with experienced judgment and passionate innovation, then puts you in a position to defy the odds. I’m not sure if the drive I have in my career helps me to achieve success as an advocate to my brother, or the other way around. I do know that I have tremendous energy and drive and that I never give up in pursuit of the truth and greater understanding!

I have been seeking greater understanding and solutions for my brother for many years. I knocked it out of the park in 2010, when I got my brother placed with a wonderful organization called Special Citizens Futures Unlimited. Serving adults and children with Autism since 1976, SCFU was started by a sister of a brother, and their mom, long before most people even knew about Autism. They have a client centric focus that is unparalleled, and they are the only organization we have ever dealt with, that demonstrates true commitment to my brother. http://www.specialcitizens.org

I learned about my brother’s rights and available Autism resources in the NY metro area through a terrific organization that offers advocacy to family members, called Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association. AHA was founded by a brilliant and compassionate social worker mom whose son was diagnosed later in life, in college. That’s something we see frequently for older “Aspies”. My brother was actually diagnosed at age 44. While it was clear from birth that he was different, doctors used terms like “organic brain syndrome” when we were growing up. AHA offers monthly support group meetings for family members and sponsors an annual conference at Adelphi University. A few years ago, I was honored to meet one of the featured speakers, Temple Grandin. You might recall the HBO film about Temple. Actress Clare Danes won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini Series or Movie for her portrayal of this incredible woman. As a young child diagnosed with Autism, doctors told her mother that she should be institutionalized. Mom never gave up and Temple went on to make game changing innovation by creating a more humane process for the slaughter of cattle, also improving the bottom line p&l. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States, consulting for firms such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Swift, and others.

http://templegrandin.com 

http://ahany.org

As to my brother’s current challenge, I started to see problems about 9 years ago. He would be in the middle of speaking a sentence, and then suddenly unable to finish the thought. Then a bad fall landed him in a local hospital. He was eventually admitted to a regional medical center with suspicion of meningitis. The spinal tap came back negative and doctors were never able to diagnose the problem. He did bounce back after that, with his speech improving. Then in 2012, he declined again. The speech difficulties returned; there were distinct personality changes; and he had difficulty remembering new people he met. He also started walking slowly, although at the time I did not make the connection. A neurologist diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s. I didn’t believe it, but many people advised me against getting further opinion, as my brother’s situation was complex. Eventually, I did seek a second opinion with a leading Alzheimer’s expert, who confirmed my suspicion and refuted that diagnosis. Beyond that though, she did not offer a concrete diagnosis. She discouraged further evaluation and said there were no treatment options. Determined to make the path forward as positive as I could, I took my brother to his former long time neurologist where we grew up in Long Island, a brilliant & compassionate “New York Top Doctor”, who my brother and I adore. He was so excited! I went in with very realistic expectations and Dr. Barbara Allis surprised us all and sent our hearts soaring with her take of the situation! As a physician with laser focus on the side effects of neurological drugs, she diagnosed Parkinson’s Syndrome due to long term use of Geodon, a very powerful psychotropic medication. She immediately ordered a reduction in dose and follow up 1 month later. While it’s unclear how much of this damage is reversible, she feels strongly we can improve the current situation! It’s very difficult to manage the behaviors that accompany Autism spectrum disorders. Often, Aspies take a cocktail of meds and I am now learning, there is little long term empirical evidence as to what these drugs do to the brain. I was surprised to find this National Institute of Health publication. “..Research by Christian, Snycerski, Singh, and Poling (1999) indicates that practitioners know relatively little about these drugs and would like to know more, and our experience in a variety of applied settings confirms that this is the case…”   Further, you can see the pharmaceutical industry plays a major role in our healthcare system. Autism experts recommend cognitive behavior therapy in combination with pharmaceuticals, but of course it always comes down to budget funding and whether providers take insurance. I suspect, as the incidence of Autism is growing, and there is increasing understanding, dialog, and scrutiny, we will begin to see some change in these practices. I know I will be involved in that discussion.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004683/ 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/27/health/cdc-autism/index.html

As to my brilliant, lovely, and amazing brother, we are now reforecasting his Thirty Year Plan. Land a job; keep building model airplanes; get a ride on a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey; and of course return to Disney World in 2017 with his energetic, rock & roll sister.

Determine the Truth! Defy The Odds!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGbf9txZWMA