The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Wednesday, February 16-22, 2022 - // no. 147

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

Inflation: Private sector avoided a greater impact P6 Millennials and Generation Z new digital nomads P7 Puerto Rico’s future shouldn’t be tax exempted P8

Government ponders

whether to jump on the crypto wagon Still, the federal government is yet to issue specific guidelines on the subject

Super Bowl ads bring back the past P15

P

Juan A. Hernández - The Weekly Journal

uerto Rico government agencies worries about the possible regulations that could be enacted in the case of cryptocurrency, specifically about its acceptance as a form of payment in government transactions. The federal government is yet to issue specific guidelines on the

subject.

“The [government] agencies have expressed their concerns… Nevertheless, we can still work

out the concerns of the Financial Institutions Commissioner’s Office about cryptocurrency and its jurisdiction over the Bitcoin Teller Machines (BTMs) –which are like cryptocurrency ATMs– that are already operating on the island,” said Representative Jesús Manuel Ortiz (Popular Democratic Party) after the first public hearing on the subject.

Rep. Ortiz is the chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Government, which is investigating “the concept of blockchain as a GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, February 16, 2022 > 2

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a week in review Dulce Caña and local artist collaborate on new packaging Sugar manufacturer Dulce Caña has collaborated with Alexis Díaz in creating new images for the promotion of the brand. Díaz is a Puerto Rican muralist and painter, and works with in several other mediums as well.

He has exhibited his art in galleries around the world and collaborated with prestigious brands such as Adidas, BMW, and Rag and Bone. Dulce Caña’s new packaging will be featured on the 4 lb bags of refined white sugar and on 2 and 3.3 lb bags of brown sugar.

Dulce Caña is a reflection of the history of sugar in Puerto Rico –an homage to the generations of men and women that worked to create a central part of the island’s socioeconomic development.

Plaza Las Americas launches virtual platform Plaza Las Americas and Plaza Del Caribe have launched Plaza+, a new virtual platform to get to know the participating stores in each mall. In the first phase of Plaza+, guests are able to view the most recent product arrivals, browse trends, and find their favorite stores. Currently, there are close to 30 participating stores including: JCPenney, Arte Arte, Bakers, Bared, EGO, Florsheim, Galería, Kiyume, Kókomo, Kury, L’bel, La Carreta Natural, La Favorita, La Gran Vía, La Nueva Era, Naturalizer, Novus, O bag, Reinhold Jewelers, Roma, Sumaq, Sunny Planet, The Room Surf & Skate Shop, Torrid, Tous, Uno de 50, Valija and Rodeo.

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

Garage Isla Verde recognized as best in the US Garage Isla Verde, the only authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in Puerto Rico, received the highest award from Mercedes-Benz USA –“Best of the Best– Golden Laurel 2021”. The prize recognizes the success of the local business as an independent who, after 60 years, consistently surpasses the expectations of Mercedes-Benz owners. The award is based on the dealership’s quality of customer service, new vehicle sales, sales of certified used vehicles, their department of parts and services, market penetration, and leadership and administration. Garage Isla Verde was chosen from over 380 other dealerships to receive the award.

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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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

forbidden, there is a lot of uncertainty at the regulatory level. That is why banks have assumed government filing system, as well as the use of conservative positions based on risk,” said digital coins (cryptocurrency) as a form of payment Zequeira. in Puerto Rico,” as ordered by House Resolution Along the same line, Zoimé Álvarez, Executive 527.

Vice President of the Puerto Rico Bankers While all the government agencies offering Association, mentioned that regulations on testimony in the hearing admitted cryptocurrency vary depending financial transactions with on the jurisdiction and “is not cryptocurrency are currently based on the assets themselves, taking place, most expressed but on the activities (transactions) reservations on the possibility for which it is used.” of developing a legal framework Álvarez recalled the Financial The anonymity to allow its use on the island Crimes Enforcement Network of virtual because the U.S. government (FinCEN) has issued bulletins currency reduces must first adopt a policy about the possible illicit activities the transparency of regarding its operational aspects. that convertible cryptocurrency transactions and the transactions could entail. identities of the parts “Banks insured by the Federal Cryptocurrency involved, as well Deposit Insurance Corporation “Because the concept of as the origin of the (FDIC) are subject to strict cryptocurrency as a method funds. compliance of federal laws of payment is new in our and regulations about money jurisdiction, we recommend the laundering… and there are no guidelines issued by the U.S. regulatory controls currently in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) be considered in place to detect the use of said cryptocurrency for the analysis of this resolution, since Puerto Rico illegal activities,” said Álvarez. is a territory of the U.S., and the legal tender is “In light of the lack of certainty and clarity the American dollar,” said Treasury Department regarding of our obligations (the banks’) in undersecretary Ángel L. Pantoja in his deposition. complying with anti-money laundering, terrorism Financial Institutions Commissioner Natalia financing, and others, our members will keep Zequeira expressed similar reservations. watchful to regulatory developments that would “Even though this activity is not legally

In fact,

Even though this activity is not legally forbidden, there is a lot of uncertainty at the regulatory level. That is why banks have assumed conservative positions based on risk.

Natalia Zequeira Financial Institutions Commissioner

allow financial institutions to carry out activities where cryptocurrency is used without running the risk of violating any laws or regulations,” said Álvarez.

According to the Financial Institutions Commissioner, cryptocurrency have been gaining ground as of late, to the point of having become a regular form of payment in show business, restaurants, magazines, airlines, hotels, and other service industries.

Zequeira assured cryptocurrency guarantees: a) reduced transactions’ costs because there is no middleman, and b) less transaction time. It also eliminates the need to use financial agents (banks) when making transactions. Citing experts on the

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Banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are subject to strict compliance of federal laws and regulations about money laundering… and there are no regulatory controls currently in place to detect the use of said cryptocurrency for illegal activities.

Zoimé Álvarez Executive Vice President, Puerto Rico Bankers Association

subject, Zequeira also pointed to the impossibility of forging or duplication of crypto coins due to “a sophisticated combination of proven cryptographic technics.”

“Puerto Rico cannot fall behind. The future is all about markets, transactions and digital currency.

It is imperative for us to be at the forefront of this technology, as the city of Miami, where they are developing their cryptocurrency, and in El Salvador, where the Bitcoin was recently approved into legal tender,” argued Zequeira.

But, at the same time, the Commissioner admitted the possible risks these transactions

with digital coins entail due to their “global nature, technology,” said Völckers. limited transparency and the speed of exchange of While the director admitted the decentralized the most regularly used cryptocurrency. Zequeira nature of the blockchain technology would explained, “the anonymity of virtual currency guarantee the pureness of the registries and the reduces the transparency of transactions and the transparency of the transactions, he also advised identities of the parts involved, as well as the origin against using it to replace “all the solutions already of the funds, by using technology in place using other technologies.” that breaks the connection Völckers identified three areas between the sender’s address where the use of blockchain and the address of the receiver.” technology could be implemented Quoting from the Guidance to streamline processes and for a Risk-Based Approach to increase transparency: 1) House Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets electoral results; 2) electronic Resolution 527 orders Service Providers, Zequeira medical records, and 3) validating the investigation further recommended “this kind people’s identity. of the concept of of technology should not be “Unfortunately, blockchain blockchain as a considered simply better because technology is still in a stage of possible government it is innovative, but risks involving evolution and development. So, filing system, as well its implementation must be according to world technology as the use of digital evaluated and the regulatory standards, implementing it coins as a form of mechanisms to mitigate them requires a transition,” he argued. payment in Puerto must be adopted.”

Zequeira, on her part, Rico.

The only agency that did not “reiterated her support to give a specific position on the the implementation of the cryptocurrency subject was new technology” in order for the Puerto Rico Innovation and government transactions to Technology Service (PRITS). become more streamlined, effective and secured.

In its three-page deposition, PRITS executive For Rep. Ortiz, it is clear from the content of director Enrique A. Völckers only attended the the depositions offered during the hearing that Committee’s inquiry on the blockchain system. “blockchain technology will add transparency and confidence to government processes” and that cryptocurrency could improve Puerto Blockchain Rico’s competitiveness in global markets.

“We are currently studying and evaluating Ortiz anticipated his intention of introducing how to efficiently use blockchain technology to streamline government transactions. Nevertheless, legislation for the government to move into blockchain technology and to regulate the use of we are not yet in a position to establish a sound cryptocurrency. public policy about the implementation of this

In fact,

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Private sector forced to make adjustments

Retailers had to obtain alternate sources to effectively deal with delays in the supply chain

I

Ileanexis Vera Rosado

ivera@elvocero.com

In fact, Difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the production and distribution of vehicles have caused the value of used cars to also increase, and they are no longer an affordable option for buyers.

@iverarosado

f consumers feel that their finances are running out and that money is barely enough to pay for necessities, it is because the impact of inflation has been registered in different economic sectors.

The food sector, for example, has experienced the greatest cost increases and is the one sector that reflects the most in people’s daily purchases.

However, Manuel Reyes, Executive Vice The Housing Situation President of the Chamber of Food Marketing, Another segment of the economy that has Industry and Distribution (MIDA, for its Spanish registered strong inflation is the housing rental acronym), assured the sector has made significant sector. According to Rosita Alicea, president of adjustments to prevent increases in the cost of Landlords Association, rental prices have increased food products. He argues these adjustments have between 10 and 20 percent, depending on the allowed food inflation to be lower in Puerto Rico location. than in the United According to Alicea, States. who is also a real estate Reyes also pointed broker, in the San Juan out that they have Metropolitan Area rentals been more efficient does not go below $750 in obtaining alternate per month. She considers sources of supplies to the increase in rent to effectively deal with be a consequence not delays in the supply only of inflation, but also chain. of the transformation of “This has allowed apartments and rental us to have fewer housing into Airbnb, – Pedro Torres empty shelves and which further reduces the President, Puerto Rico Mortgage lower prices than in existing rent inventory. the United States,” he Bankers Association Regarding properties said. for sale, Mortgage Reyes said that Bankers Association for some time now MIDA has been asking the president Pedro ‘Peter’ Torres, acknowledged that Department of Labor to integrate the island’s areas such as Isla Verde, Dorado, Palmas del Mar, Consumer Price Index to that of the United States, Old San Juan, Rincón and housing complexes in and to publish the prices of all articles, not only Santurce, such as Ciudadela, have registered a the variation as it is done today. significant rise in value. But he explained there is no “That way, if the local index is under the same official data on the average increase in sale prices, system as in the United States, we will be able to which may respond to other factors. directly compare prices. Today, that cannot be “The housing shortage has boosted the value of done,” he said. the units. But it is very difficult to determine to what

The housing shortage has boosted the value of the units. But it is very difficult to determine to what extent, since it depends on their location.

extent, since it depends on their location,” Torres argued.

The Auto Industry

In the automobile sector, industry representatives admit prices have increased, although the prevailing low-interest rate in the market –which is between 3.99% and 4.95%– has allowed them to work around the situation.

José Ordeix, president of the United Automobile Importers Group (GUIA, for its Spanish acronym), attributed the inflationary impact to the shortage of new units.

“We have managed to keep the sector up thanks to the distributors’ efforts to offer a respite to consumers [who need to buy a new car],” Ordeix said.

The difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the production and distribution of vehicles have caused the value of used cars to also increase, and they are no longer an affordable option for buyers.

“Used cars have appreciated, contrary to what was the norm –that a car leaving the dealership has already depreciated. This reflects the high demand for cars right now,” said economist Adrián Alós.

According to Alós, part of the acceleration of inflation also responds to the fear of people and businesses of running out of products, or that they will become even more expensive, so they have decided to buy more than they need, which reduces the supply.

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Technology drives independent work Millennials and Generation Z the most among freelancers

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Brenda A. Vázquez Colón, The Weekly Journal

These two generations have less debt, more mobility and less loyalty to jobs. They are more flexible, they are not afraid of unemployment.

he independent contractor –the freelancer– is gaining momentum at a global level in a post-pandemic labor market that has changed and whose priority is a flexibility that technological advances have made possible.

The growth of this sector is reflected in part in the results of a study carried out by AON, a risk assessment firm, on the proactive management of emerging talent.

“This is being seen in displaced employees who saw the need to reinvent themselves and realized that they can offer the same service they used to give, but independently. It motivates them to entrepreneurship by becoming contractors,” explained Edna Guzmán, a human resources consultant.

According to Guzmán, modern society’s priority is to work, to develop professionally and at the same time, have a comfortable and pleasant family life. This aspiration is influencing the search for freelance employment because it provides professionals with a simpler and more comfortable lifestyle.

“The advantage of these services is that they can balance out their professional and family life. Now the market is dictated by the employee and if there is an unhealthy environment and no professional development, the employees who leave don’t come back. Many leave their bosses, not the companies,” Guzmán said.

Edna Guzmán Human Resources consultant

Approximately, 57 million self-employed workers have been identified in the United States, which represent 35% of the country’s labor force.

Younger Generations

The human resources consultant added that this form of self-sufficiency —with more flexible schedules and no eight-hour days— is well seen, especially by the millennial and Z generations, who are characterized by a more practical and untethered way of life. Guzmán argued these young adults move from one place to another when the company does not meet their expectations, and they are not afraid of losing their jobs.

“These two generations have less debt, more mobility and less loyalty to jobs. They are more flexible, they are not afraid of unemployment, they are very prepared and choose the branding of the company they want to belong to. If they don’t like it, they take their backpack and leave,” said Guzmán.

For his part, AON Human Capital Solutions’ consultant Antonio Bermúdez pointed out that employers also look for this type of worker when there is a shortage of talent and to save operating costs.

“There are industries —such as manufacturing— that, due to the type of work, make it difficult for them to hire independent personnel, but there are others that do, such as education, financial, engineering services, etc.”, detailed Bermúdez.

Statistics

According to the study’s data, approximately 57 million self-employed workers have been identified in the United States, which represent 35% of the labor force. Meanwhile, it is estimated that by 2025, about 45 million people will work through digital platforms in the European Union.

These digital nomads embrace a technologyenabled, location-independent lifestyle that allows them to travel and work remotely anywhere in the world, connected to the internet. Some 42% of digital nomads belong to the millennial generation, 22% are generation X, 19% generation Z and 17%

are baby boomers.

A 2020 survey made by the State of Independence of America Report estimated there are 10.9 million digital nomads in the United States – up from 7.3 million in 2019– changing location about three times a year, the equivalent to a 49% increase.

The AON consultant explained that, for employers, the greatest benefits are support in the search for capabilities that they do not have internally, avoiding an increase in the number of employees hired and reducing operating costs.

He added that independent workers have more decision-making power over working conditions, are responsible for their performance and development, have more autonomy and flexibility in relation to traditional employment, can work with multiple organizations, and have more opportunity to balance work and life.

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Puerto Rico’s Future Is not Built on Tax Exemptions

Argues business strategist David Allio

By Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

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sustainable future starts with a doing away with leadership’s rhetoric of over-promising and delivering mistakes that are paid in dollars and lead to being $132 billion in debt. That is according to business strategist David Allio, who adds that fortunately, the new Plan of Adjustment submitted by the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) brought the price for debt services down to 25 cents to 8 cents on the dollar.

With the framework in place, it is now up to Puerto Rico to stick to the path provided by Jaresko and the new Plan of Adjustment to build towards a future without promises it can’t afford. Puerto Rico “needs to seriously balance its priorities in terms of the allocation of the finite resources that exist,” Allio said in an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL.

The Danger of Quick Fixes

The teachers’ protests from the last week show how the government jumps to quick fixes in a pinch.

After not receiving a raise in about 6-7 years, there is no doubt that teachers deserve one, but the resources aren’t there. What began as a pension discussion became a promise for a permanent

annual raise of $1000.

“It is frightening and downright depressing to think that Puerto Rico could lose its best and last chance to finally reach sustainability and selfdetermination,” Allio said of the protest’s results. “As well as ceasing unbudgeted raises and pensions, the island needs to address its current offerings for investment and growth.”

to create significant growth.

Law 60

According to Allio, Law 60, for attracting revenue to the island, is akin to building a house on sand.

“Using the tax system to attract is not necessarily sustainable because you’re giving away what you need to further develop not only those industries, but your society,” he explained. Law 60 and A Future Crypto the social rhetoric surrounding it also Heaven? creates new problems Various organizations for the government, and have touted the a dual society of those possibility for Puerto who benefit, and those Rico to become a Silicon who don’t.

Valley-esque technology Another issue is what hub, especially for these businesses will do those involved in the if the global minimum blockchain and crypto tax rate is set at 15%, industries. Blockchain which could take effect has real-world by 2023. “Puerto applications for tracking Rico has granted so assets, shipments, and – David Allio, Business Strategist many exemptions in even legal documents so many industries, and certifications. The some grandfathered, technologies that run on some new, and it the blockchain –cryptocurrencies and NFTs– are less dependable, their values not backed by any country will be a difficult conversation to reevaluate and restructure them to enable Puerto Rico to come or finite resource. into compliance with what the US and other nations At the end of January, Bitcoin dropped by 50% agree on as a minimum tax threshold,” Allio argued. from its all-time high. So, the repercussions of Over time, the tax exemptions granted have had a the unpredictability of cryptocurrencies, along regressive effect. Excise and sales taxes, of which with the fact that NFTs’ values are fairly arbitrary, Puerto Rico has some of the highest in the country, might make this sector of technology and finance affect lower income groups the most. a less than desirable target to bring to the island

Using the tax system to attract is not necessarily sustainable because you’re giving away what you need to further develop not only those industries, but your society.

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2021: A Record Year for Tourism

from anywhere. Airbnb’s rentals offer unique and individual options for an experience outside traditional hotels. The firm announced that 26% of hosts in Puerto Rico rent out spaces in their own homes.

The autonomy that Airbnb provides each of its Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal hosts results in benefits for their communities.

99% of hosts surveyed responded that they 021 was a record year for tourism recommend local restaurants, cafes, stores, on the island. cultural sites, and attractions to their guests, who According to Discover Puerto spend an average of $300 per day in total at these Rico, revenue from lodging destinations, according to Airbnb data. surpassed $1 billion in 2021, a 37% “These records in visitor increase from arrivals, accommodation 2019’s record. As a revenues, and collections were result, $98 million achieved even though the start of was collected in revenue from 2021 was slow due to the COVID taxes on short-term rentals. The pandemic. Today, a year later, past decade averaged $66 million Aerostar the Omicron variant similarly annually from the same tax.

Airport Holdings impacts us. However, we are in Visitors arrivals to the island found that 4.84 a better position than last year. also increased. Aerostar Airport million passengers Data suggest that the industry Holdings found that 4.84 million arrived at San Juan’s already experienced the worst passengers arrived at San Juan’s airport in 2021, 2.6% part of the Omicron effect on the airport in 2021, 2.6% higher than higher than in 2019. occupancy rate. On the week of in 2019. These visitors are also January 16, the industry started staying longer. Representing a showing signs of a bounce back,” 5% increase from 2019, visitors said Alisha Valentine, director of stayed in Puerto Rico for an average of 4.6 days, according to the firm Arrivalist. Research and Analysis at Discover Puerto Rico.

Airbnb supports community growth

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Airbnb’s Surge

In fact,

As jobs became remote, or hybrid, people took advantage of the opportunity to truly work

Trends for 2022

Destination Analysts, an independent research firm that surveys American travelers weekly,

These records in visitor arrivals, accommodation revenues, and collections were achieved even though the start of 2021 was slow due to the COVID pandemic.

Alisha Valentine -Director of Research and Analysis, Discover Puerto Rico

reported that 93.3% of Americans plan to take a leisure trip in the next 12 months as a result of heightened optimism regarding the pandemic’s course and their ability to travel safely. Meanwhile, 37.3% of people planning a vacation for Spring Break chose beach destinations.

With a “live anywhere” trend ignited by the pandemic, travel is changing. Airbnb identified the following three trends as people find new places to work from and explore: People will spread out and stay for weeks or months; more people will go live abroad or travel for an entire summer; more people will become digital nomads, and cities will compete to attract these mobile remote workers by changing visa and tax rules.

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Wednesday, February September 2021 // Wednesday, 16,8,2022

Eduardo Hilera, Hilera, M.P.S. M.P.S.

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Emergency Emergency Management Management and and Homeland HomelandSecurity SecurityExpert Expert

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The opioid The Storms of crisis: September An epidemic on the coattails of a pandemic

pidemic and hurricane season— he Atlantic pandemic: the terms the one that impacts Puerto are differentiated Rico—runs from June 1 to byNovember their scope— 30. The peak, essentially the from midhowever,by occurs numbers of people September to mid-October, and areas impacted. which has already started, folks.

In addition, medical and scientific The hurricanes permanently recorded in our debate goes these definitions. memories allinto made landfall in September. Hugo on What does drug use have to on September 10, September 19, 1988; Hortensia do with a contagious disease 1996; Georges on Septemberlike 21, 1998; and Maria COVID-19?

Everything.

Mayo Clinic, on September 20, 2017.

There is a clear trend here. theAbraham AmericanLincoln Medical Association, said: “If I only had one hour to the U.S. Department of Health chop down a tree, I would spend 45 minutes and Human Services, sharpening my axe.” and other prestigious bodies have Applying medical Honest Abe’s wise logic to hurricane recognized addiction as a disease. season, we should do everything possible to get The high demand for illegal drugs is a ready before a disaster. symptom of the disease, All it takes to get readyso is ita follows little creativity, logic that demand will remain at significant and a few bucks. Being prepared makes our levels while the rootresilient. cause of the communities more problem is not addressed.

The most basic emergency management According to the World Healthmanagers agree concept is planning.

Emergency Organization, an epidemic that the first 72 hours afteroccurs a disaster are crucial— attakes the level a region or even it thatof long for help from afirst responders community when a disease is spread, to reach those in need.

In the spirit of planning, while a pandemic exists when a we can all take below is a checklist of the steps disease spreads throughout many to be prepared for those first 72 hours. It doesn’t Damage from Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017 >Carlos Rivera Giusti, Archive areas, an entire country, or the world. involve sophisticated equipment, just a few things continues to increase access to mental health resources,of us have First Aid Kit—Most first aid productsyear after Water—Keep enough drinking water to keep your COVID-19 pandemic, and the we can doisbya ourselves. over 100,000 family duringhydrated for 72 hours. In addition, keep have unfortunately driven but may not many keep them allyear, in thereaching same place. opioid crisis—the spread of opioid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scale to addiction.

The pandemic has Look through your home containers full of tap water for basic household addiction throughout the United Inspect Your Home—Look of the opioid crisis places a burden also changed drug trafficking, as and store them all together. needs.

States—is considered an epidemic. around your home at doors, the American transnational criminal organizations The Redon Cross and otherseconomy. In fact, While some detractors argue that windows, potentially hazardous Food—Cook what you can and use perishables first. in 2018, the President’s of have adapted faster than law provide recommendations of Council addiction is not a disease, and there objects, and anything Make sure to keep non-perishable food as well.

Advisors that specific Economic items to have, suchestimated as is space for debate regarding medical enforcement, making it more easily repairable.

Address thetopical cost ofantibiotics the crisis was $696 billion, Charging Routine—Make a list of all cumbersome for our agencies tobandages, causes and approaches, forfix the The hurricanes whatever you find and can Electronics when yearly deaths due to opioid track and understand the movement and ice packs. purpose of emergency and disaster permanently recorded immediately. Look for loose your electronics and keep them charged. Keep overdoses were only a fraction of our illegal substances throughout the management, the COVID-19 in memories doors, exposedboth windows, and back-up and disposable batteries handy as well.

Emergency Phone of what theyNumbers— are now. That could country into our pandemic and the opioid crisisor are all madeand landfall incommunities. non-tempered glass windows However, the single most important electronic times have represent asmade muchus as $5,500 a year These changes have stretched allModern our similarlyFix problematic and require September.

Hugo panels. or secure everything device is the flashlight. Keep it handy. drift away but use pen perfrom U.S. it, household, according to emergency management resources many of the same resources. on September 19, you can. and paper andCensus write down your recent numbers. thin. Hortensia on Drug addiction, drug trafficking, Tool Kit—Just like your first aid kit, make sure your 1988; most important contacts.

If your paint Prepare Car—If you own a These numbers simply one The impact comes down to drug use Your and the necessary anti-drug tools are organized and accessible. An all-in-one September 10, 1996; phone dies, this could come in car, keep the tank full.one Set thing a part of the picture of the impact thatlike many retailers carry, is a good idea to numbers—lives lost, lives impacted, enforcement all have in tool kit, Georges on September very handy.

This list will has alsoon the United reminder on your phone.

In an the opioid crisis social and and economic common—they place an incredible keep handy.

21, 1998; Mariafactors. on serve as a reminder of the folksvary, in large emergency, a full tank of gasuse will States.

These numbers When cited for the wrong reasons, burden on our society.

Drug September 20, 2017. in touch with Stay not Tuned—Identify and follow your preferred get you wherever youtrafficking need to partkeep because policymakers have some of metrics, in general fuels drug and COVID-19 is a pandemic.

They There is these a clear trendespeciallyyou should during the emergency. news sources.

Make sure they’re reliable and go. addition, identify a safe done enough.

It does not mean that economic ones, can seem to andIn requires the government’s feed each other and overwhelm a here. frequently updated.

In addition, pickhas up already a basic spot where you can park yourand disconnect human suffering from the the funds are sitting somewhere involvement in enforcement, healthcare system that Cash at Hand—Electronic battery-powered unspent, but they do point to equation. However, they can help us car. addiction affects our homes and fallenradio. short in trying to reach all payment platforms, ATMS and faulty policy decisions and a lack frame the impact of this crisis and communities. those it should. banks can go out of service.

Stay Calm—You have done the important work of Medication—If your of legitimate tracking of the efforts change policy.

The impact ofyou the or COVID-19 In the meantime, all we have are Keep enough money on hand to pay for basics getting ready. Now, the most important part is to family take medications, make sure you have a full against the crisis.

The opioid epidemic killed pandemic, such as lost jobs and numbers to make our point and hold following the disaster. remain calm, during and after the storm. week’s supply.

The opioid crisis is an epidemic 70,630 in 2019, and that number livelihoods and more restricted our leaders accountable.

In fact,

The opioid epidemic killed 70,630 in 2019, and that number continues to increase year after year, reaching over 100,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Biophilic design improves human wellness

Design elements that bring the outdoors in

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Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, AD&V Architecture & Interior Design

iophilic design provides ways for humans to meet their need to connect to the natural environment through direct relationships with nature or natural materials. It incorporates nature into the built environment through natural forms, colors, textures, and lighting.

Some of the most popular biophilic design elements include living or green walls, rooftop and vertical gardens, indoor greenhouses, naturally lit glass panels, stone surfaces, green areas, as well as renewable energy sources, greywater systems and air purification systems.

Biophilic design not only connects humans with nature, but it also enhances wellbeing through that connection. Here are five reasons biophilic design improves wellness:

Biophilic design elements can help us stay active, reduce stress, socialize, be productive, and simply feel good all around.

– Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz, AD&V Architecture & Interior Design

1. Reduces Stress & Anxiety

open-air walkways encourage physical activity.

Other integrations, like air purification systems and active green walls that filter air, give people the ability to breathe clean air and improve their respiratory health.

3. Encourages Social Interaction

Believe it or not, biophilic design actually encourages social interaction. According to a study, biophilic spaces can “generate even more healthy social interactions by encouraging their spontaneous occurrence.”

When biophilic design is present, people can’t help but feel good in that space and share their positivity with others. This happens because positive interactions release serotonin in the brain, which, in turn, improves mood.

It has been proven that indoor green biophilic elements facilitate the recovery of physiological stress, while a space with an outdoor view of nature facilitates the recovery of anxiety. Scientific studies show that interacting with biophilic environments improves people’s blood pressure.

Other studies have even found that hospital patients with rooms with a view to nature or even a photograph of natural elements, spend less time in the hospital because they recover more quickly.

Interacting with natural environments can reduce stress and anxiety, since humans have an innate preference for those environments.

4. Enhances Productivity

2. Promotes Physical Health & Activity

5. Boost Energy

Biophilic design provides simple and accessible solutions that promote physical health and physical activity. For example, biophilic design integrations such as indoor walking paths and

Biophilic design promotes productivity and alertness. Design elements like natural lighting and active green walls constructed from plants or moss, bring the outdoors in, and improve performance on cognitive tasks.

According to a report titled “The Economics of Biophilia”, providing access to natural daylight, outdoor views, and natural ventilation can reduce eyestrain, relieve mental fatigue, and retain people’s attention. This is because the more comfortable employees are in the office, the more productive they are.

Countless studies have found that spending time in nature improves wellness. For example, the presence of plants gives people an increased feeling of vitality, boosting their energy levels and mood.

Similarly, lighting systems that simulate natural sunlight or actual natural sunlight, can help maintain one’s circadian rhythm and improve energy. The natural environments that biophilic design provides, help make people feel more alive and active.

More Than Design

As you can see, biophilic design improves our wellness in many ways. Biophilic design elements such as nature views, natural lighting, and open and green spaces can help us stay active, reduce stress, socialize, be productive, and simply feel good all around. So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your or someone else’s wellbeing, applying biophilic design strategies to a space is a great way to do so.

This is the power of biophilic design.

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/ Wednesday, February 16, 2022

In fact, Prior to his incursion in politics, Vargas Vidot was the founder of “Iniciativa Comunitaria” a service and advocacy group that helps homeless people and drug addiction and HIV victims.

Independent Senator José Vargas Vidot. >Courtesy

“Arte-sanar” or the healing power of art through therapeutic dissidence The art exhibit also aspires to end the division between artisans and artists

I

By Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal

ndependent Senator José Vargas Vidot sought art as a means for personal expression that has evolved into a form of physical and emotional healing.

“I was raised in Old San Juan. And whenever my mother went to the market, she used to leave me with [Rafael] Tufiño. I was really young then, and I couldn’t possibly realize he was a great artist… but the particular smell of oil on canvas and the realization of the harmonious organization of the colors always caught my attention,” Vargas Vidot said while recalling that growing up in poverty acted as a self-imposed limitation.

“Since the beginning, I thought that I couldn’t [make art], so I didn’t even dare to touch a brush,” he added.

But the grassroot activist turned senator did away with that after he met renowned Puerto Rican painter Antonio Martorell, while he was a professor at the Cayey Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The relationship with the master artist put Vargas Vidot in contact with various artists that showed him how to “unlearn” all the misconceptions and prejudices he had about art.

One of those artists was Mildred Utroska, a Puerto Rican mother with a Polish last name, and self-taught artist.

– José Vargas Vidot Vargas Vidot recalls Senator Mildred telling him she never studied painting, and that her teacher was cancer. “I am a person with cancer that has been able to get over the idea of loss, searching for a way to deal with my own vulnerability because I am my daughters’ only

support,” he recalled her saying in their first meeting.

After his meeting with Mildred, a cancer survivor that uses art as medicine and a means to live a healthy and productive life, Vargas Vidot decided to try his hand at art.

‘Arte-sanar’ is not only about the healing powers of art, but also because I want to put an end to the idea that artisan work is lesser than art.

The paintings will be displayed until March 10, at the Antonio Fas Alzamora Art Gallery in the Senate wing of the Capitol Building. >Courtesy

The Healing Power Of Art

The senator, who before his incursion in politics was the founder of “Iniciativa Comunitaria” a service and advocacy group that helps homeless people and drug addiction and HIV victims, admits to the evident pun in the title of his art exhibit. “‘Arte-sanar’ is not only about the healing powers of art, but also because I want to put an end to the idea that artisan work is lesser than art,” he pointed out.

Vargas Vidot describes his work as “intuitive sentimental expressionism” with inclinations toward the abstract, and admits he has had to fight against the “trivialization of abstract art.”

“There are some people who have discredited abstract art by making tutorials, and they look at it as if it is a matter of throwing three blotches of paint and moving them around with a squeegee.

That has no substance,” he sentenced.

Vargas Vidot characterizes his artwork as based on real stories, impossible to reproduce. According to the artist, anyone looking at his painting shouldn’t try to decipher their meaning, but rather develop his or her own interpretation.

“Arte-sanar” exhibit will be displayed until March 10, at the Antonio Fas Alzamora Art Gallery in the Senate wing of the Capitol Building.

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/ Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Lotus’ “Menea el Sabor” campaign aims at shaking-up the market

L

Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal

otus, Puerto Rico’s leading juice brand, relaunched its juice lineup with a new and attractive packaging to make their products stand out on the supermarket’s shelf.

The graphics in the new labeling sports a modern twist and includes a QR code through which consumers can access the brand’s new campaign in digital media. A jingle was also developed, “Menea el Sabor” (shake up the taste) to associate the juices with the catchiness of the tune, while emphasizing in the recommendation to “shake the product up” to best enjoy the fruits’ flavors in what should be “the perfect serve.”

The jingle was created by urban music artist Jahzel and will be complemented with performer Didi Romero’s “Menéalo Challenge” throughout social networks.

The campaign also includes juice-based recipes created by renowned Puerto Rican chef and entrepreneur Raúl Correa. The recipes (a drink, a main dish and a dessert) require Lotus juices and are easy to make and enjoy at home.

Guanabacoa

Ingredients: 4 oz. soursop (“guanábana”) juice 1 oz. coconut cream 0.5 oz. beet syrup with basil

Guanabacoa

Procedure: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain over a glass with ice.

Decorate with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.

refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.

One hour before cooking, preheat the oven to 275 degrees and take the pork leg out of the refrigerator. Cook for two hours, or until the skin starts to crackle. Take the pork out and increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. With a brush, baste the pork with the three tablespoons of vegetable oil. Put the pork back into the oven and let it roast for another hour, or until the skin is crackling. Take out of the oven and let it rest for 15 to 25 minutes before carving.

Mix the pork’s drippings and juices in a food processor with the cilantro and use the mix to garnish the pork slices.

Roasted leg of pork

Roasted leg of pork

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. dried cumin powder 1 tbsp. dried oregano ½ tsp. dried chilies 1 ¼ Kosher salt 1 tsp. black pepper 15 garlic cloves 3 cups Lotus Orange Juice 2 cups Lotus Pineapple Juice 1 lime (juice and zest) ½ cup vegetable oil + 3 tbsp.

1 pork leg (7-9 pounds) ½ fresh cilantro Procedure: Score the skin of the pork leg with a knife Cook the garlic in the oil at low heat for 10 min.

Increase temperature to medium-high and add the juices. Cook for an additional three minutes and set aside.

In a food processor or blender, incorporate the juice mix with the rest of the spices, except the cilantro, and mix well.

Marinate the pork leg with the mix and

Panna cotta

Passion fruit panna cotta

Ingredients: 1 can of coconut milk 15 oz. Lotus Passion Fruit Juice 2 cups heavy cream ¼ cup refined white sugar 1 ¼ tbsp. gelatin powder ¼ cup fresh passion fruit pulp ¼ fresh mint Procedure: Dissolve the gelatin in three tablespoons of water and let it hydrate completely.

Heat up the passion fruit juice, the coconut milk and the sugar in a saucepan. Turn off the heat after the mix starts to bubble and the sugar is dissolved. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Mix in the hydrated gelatin. Add the heavy cream and strain the liquid. Pour into 6 to 8 ounce ramekins and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

Unmold the ramekins and garnish with passion fruit pulp and mint leaves.

15

/ Wednesday, February 16, 2022

BMW showed Arnold Schwarzenegger as Zeus, the god of the sky and his wife, Hera, played by Mexican actress Salma Hayek.

Super Bowl ads go heavy on

nostalgia and star power Advertisers were in a tough competition of their own

O

Mae Anderson, The Associated Press

O’Keefe, managing partner of Brand Federation.

“Great link to a well-loved favorite with music that can silence a crowd. When it played, you could hear a pin drop.”

FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange, enlisted Larry David of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” to convey that cryptocurrency is ready for the mainstream.

Toyota enlisted three famous “Joneses” -- Leslie Jones, Tommy Lee Jones and Rashida Jones -- in its ad for the 2022 Tundra. And Verizon’s ad had Jim Carrey revisit his 1996 role as “The Cable Guy” to promote its ultrafast 5G wireless network.

“This is one of the most engaging set of ads I’ve seen in several years,” said Kimberly Whitler, professor of marketing at the University of Virginia.

“Almost all focus on lighthearted entertainment.”

n the field, the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals played a nail biter during Super Bowl LVI, with the Rams emerging victorious.

Off the field, Super Bowl advertisers were in a tough competition of their own. Advertisers shelled out up to $7 million for 30 seconds of airtime during the Super Bowl, so they pulled out all the stops to win over the estimated 100 The Crypto Invasion million people that tune into Cryptocurrency exchanges the game. Big stars, humor and made a splash during the game, Cryptocurrency a heavy dose of nostalgia were with FTX, Crypto.com, eToro and exchanges made a prevalent throughout the night.

Coinbase all airing ads, leading splash during the “The Super Bowl featured some to dub the game the game, with FTX, positive, up-beat advertising,” “Crypto Bowl.” They’re all aiming Crypto.com, eToro and said Northwestern University to make cryptocurrency more Coinbase all airing ads, marketing professor Tim Calkins. mainstream. leading some to dub “For the most part there was no “(Cryptocurrency exchanges) the game the “Crypto mention of the pandemic, COVID have a lot of money, and they Bowl.” or masks.” need to create a lot of change,” Chevrolet recreated the said Mark DiMassimo, founder opening sequence to “The and creative chief of marketing Sopranos” to tout its allagency DiGo. “They want to get electric Chevy Silverado — one of several auto ads crypto assets into as many hands as possible, so promoting electric vehicles. This time, however, people can start feeling comfortable playing that Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano game.” on the show that ran from 1999 to 2007, is in the In a moment of bad timing, Avocados from driver’s seat instead of the Sopranos patriarch Mexico aired an ad that showed Julius Caesar and a played by the late James Gandolfini. rough bunch of gladiator fans outside what appears “As soon as they started playing the music from to be the Colosseum, enjoying guacamole and ‘The Sopranos’ they had me riveted,” said Kelly avocados. But the ad came after news that the U.S.

In fact,

This is one of the most engaging set of ads I’ve seen in several years. Almost all focus on lighthearted entertainment.

– Kimberly Whitler Professor of marketing, University of Virginia

government has suspended all imports of Mexican avocados after a U.S. plant safety inspector in Mexico received a threat.

General Motors, BMW, Kia, and Polestar all advertised electric vehicles. BMW showed Arnold Schwarzenegger as Zeus, the god of the sky (or in this commercial, the god of lightning) whose wife, Salma Hayek Pinault, gives him the EV BMW iX to spice up retirement. And Kia showcased its Kia EV6 electric vehicle in its ad along with a cute “robo dog.” Nissan’s ad also gave a nod to its all-electric 2023 Nissan Ariya.

Nostalgia was everywhere as well.

In an ad for Rocket Mortgage, Anna Kendrick tells kids about the competitive housing market by using examples of classic kid toys like Barbie’s Dream House and Skeletor’s Castle Grayskull. GM enlisted Mike Myers for an “Austin Powers”-themed ad that features a reprise of his role as Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil.

T-Mobile reunited Zach Braff and Donald Faison, stars of the sitcom “Scrubs” that aired from 2001 to 2010. And canned cocktail brand Cutwater Spirits harkened back to an iconic 1997 Apple campaign, “Here’s to the Crazy Ones,” with a twist. The blackand-white ad that honors its drinkers with the salute, “Here’s to the Lazy Ones.”

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