ScottMadden Meets Carbon Neutral Goal for 2018 Emissions

ScottMadden, Inc., one of North America’s leading management consulting firms specializing in energy, has reached carbon neutrality through offsetting 100% of carbon emissions from our 2018 calendar year operations. This was made possible by a strong company and employee commitment to take responsibility for and measure our carbon footprint.

A third-party auditor, Lucideon, verified our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and confirmed that our

THE MASTERSONS premiere "Eyes Open Wide" from their new album

THE MASTERSONS PREMIERE NEW SINGLE "EYES OPEN WIDE"From Their March 6, 2020 Album NO TIME FOR LOVE SONGSProduced by Shooter Jennings at Sunset Sounds, Los Angeles Listen to the track today at The Bluegrass Situation Tour Dates Announced With The Jayhawks Catch Them at Folk Alliance International, Cayamo, The Outlaw Country Cruise and SXSW

January 21, 2020: Singer-songwriters/multi-instrumentalists The Mastersons are premiering the first single from their upcoming Red House album, NO TIME FOR LOVE SONGS, today with The Bluegrass Situation. When they're not touring the world as valued longtime members of Steve Earle's band the Dukes, the musical and marital twosome of Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore make inspired albums of their own emotionally vivid, deeply humanistic songs. The duo recorded the song, "Eyes Open Wide," at L.A.'s legendary Sunset Sound Recorders with Shooter Jennings and it was engineered and mixed by five-time Grammy Award-winning engineer, Ryan Freeland.  Listen to "Eyes Open Wide" HERE “‘Eyes Open Wide’ was one of the first tunes we wrote for the record," The Mastersons explain. "It took on Byrds/Gene Clark feel the moment the Rickenbacker 12-string came out, which seemed apropos for a record cut in LA at Sunset Sound. Once Shooter Jennings had Bonnie Whitmore and Mark Stepro add their harmonies it added a Fleetwood Mac vibe and turned into a pretty fun track. It also feels like a song for the times as we can’t bury our heads in the sand with so much going on in the world. It’s tempting to check out with so much bad news every day, but it’s time for all hands on deck.”   "Their take on music and singing and instrumentation is so original, and I knew that I'd be getting something great out of the experience, just by being there," says Jennings of the recording. "They both bring so much to the table as musicians, and they sing so beautifully together, and they write these intricate, beautiful songs. I just love working with them."  NO TIME FOR LOVE SONGS explores the emotional challenges of a morally compromised era, and reflects the experiences that the pair has accumulated in their travels.  "We've had a lot to write about over the past three years," says Eleanor. “After the 2016 election, we felt a profound sense of loss, not only for our loved ones but for our country. We felt a shift away from decency and kindness, towards ugliness. We've traded truth, reason, justice, journalism, facts and revering the Constitution for utter chaos.” Chris and Eleanor's new songs are also partially influenced by the loss of several people close to them, including Chris' father, who passed away just after the release of the Mastersons' 2014 album GOOD LUCK CHARM; friend and fellow musician Chris Porter; Austin musician and producer George Reiff, who played extensively with the Mastersons and produced their 2017 album TRANSIENT LULLABY. The pair also recently lost Dukes bassist Kelley Looney, with whom they toured and recorded for the past decade.   "The changes in our country and in the world make us long for the people we've lost along the way," adds Chris. "Only by cataloging and acknowledging loss and grief can we move forward with gratitude for what we have." With NO TIME FOR LOVE SONGS, the duo also celebrates the 10th anniversary of their partnership and continue their creative journey, crafting a collection of songs that could easily serve as the soundtrack to our lives—or at least one version of it.  Pre-order NO TIME FOR LOVE SONGS here TOUR DATES: JAN 23-24  New Orleans, LA - Folk Alliance International  JAN 29 –FEB 3​  Miami, FL - Sirius/XM Outlaw Country Cruise w/Steve Earle  FEB 3-10​​  Miami, FL – Cayamo Cruise FEB 29 ​​ Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern w/Steve Poltz, The Rugburns, Anthony da Costa MAR 5 ​​ Homer, NY - Center for the Arts of Home w/The Jayhawks MAR 6 ​​ Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl w/The Jayhawks MAR 7 ​​ Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl w/The Jayhawks MAR 8 ​​ Northampton, MA - Academy Of Music Theatre] w/The Jayhawkss MAR 18-21 ​​ Austin, TX - SXSW APR 16 ​ ​Iowa City, IA - Englert Theatre ww/The Jayhawks APR 17 ​​ Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom w/The Jayhawks APR 18 ​​ Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music w/The Jayhawks APR 19 ​​ Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music w/The Jayhawks MAY 6 ​​ Dallas, TX - Granada Theater w/The Jayhawks MAY 7 ​​ San Antonio, TX - Sams Burger Joint w/The Jayhawks MAY 8 ​​ Austin, TX - 3TEN ACL Live w/The Jayhawks MAY 9 ​​ Austin, TX - 3TEN ACL Live w/The Jayhawks

Boeing and U.S. Navy Complete First Super Hornet IRST Block II Flight

An F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with a Block II Infrared Search and Track prepares for its first flight with the long-range sensor. The passive sensor, which provides aircew with enhanced targeting, will be delivered with Super Hornet Block III aircraft. (Navy photo)

IRST Block II provides F/A-18 aircrew with improved optics and processing power

Sensor enhances collection, use of real-time data for F/A-18 pilots

ST. LOUIS — For the first time, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy flew an F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with an Infrared Search & Track (IRST) Block II pod in late 2019. IRST Block II is a critical component of the Block III Super Hornet. The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, longer range with conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system. The updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come.

IRST is a passive, long-range sensor incorporating infrared and other sensor technologies for highly accurate targeting.

“The IRST Block II gives the F/A-18 improved optics and processing power, significantly improving pilot situational awareness of the entire battle space,” said Jennifer Tebo, Boeing Director of F/A-18 Development.

Currently in the risk reduction phase of development, IRST Block II flights on the Super Hornet allow Boeing and the Navy to collect valuable data on the system before deployment to the fleet. The Block II variant will be delivered to the Navy in 2021, reaching Initial Operational Capability shortly thereafter.

“The IRST Block II sensor gives Navy fighters extended range and increasing survivability. This technology will help the Navy maintain its advantage over potential adversaries for many years,” said Kenen Nelson, Lockheed Martin Director of Fixed Wing Programs, supplier of the IRST sensor.

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

Chief Steve Anderson Appointed to Police Executive Research Forum Board of Directors

Chief Steve Anderson has just been appointed to the seven-member Board of Directors of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the nation’s preeminent independent research organization that focuses on critical issues in policing.

PERF, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization that helps to improve the delivery of police services through the exercise of strong national leadership, public debate of police and criminal justice issues, and research and policy development.

“In joining the PERF Board, Chief Steve Anderson brings with him an exemplary knowledge of best practices and an appreciation for the importance of developing his leadership team,” PERF Executive Director Chuck Wexler said. “He is considered a chief’s chief by his colleagues around the country.”

PERF has 3,000 members. Those on the Board of Directors all lead law enforcement agencies.

“I am grateful to be appointed to the PERF Board, and look forward to helping further the organization’s excellent practice of ensuring today’s law enforcement leaders stay abreast of cutting edge policing issues and lessons learned,” Chief Anderson said.

In addition to Chief Anderson, PERF’s Board of Directors include Chief Sylvia Moir, Tempe, Arizona Police; Commissioner Michael Harrison, Baltimore, Maryland Police; Chief Jeff Spivey, Irving, Texas Police; Sheriff Michael Chitwood, Volusia County, Florida; Chief Daniel Slaughter, Clearwater, Florida Police; and Chief Kristen Ziman, Aurora, Illinois Police. Commissioner Cressida Dick, London (England) Metropolitan Police is an Ex-Officio Board Member.

Chief Anderson received PERF’s Leadership Award in 2016. That award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of law enforcement, and who exemplify the highest principles and standards of true leaders in policing on a national level.

1/25/2020 Oh Rats! A Chinese New Year Celebration

1/25/2020
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Today kicks off the beginning of the Chinese New Year and 2020 is the “Year of the Rat.” Join us at the nature center for a quaint display and celebration highlighting this unique cultural event.

Leaders: Christie Wiser and John Michael Cassidy

Location

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
1900 Davidson Street
Nashville, TN 37206

1/26/2020 The Dirt on Composting

1/26/2020
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Join us at Turnip Green Creative Reuse for a composting workshop. The Dirt on Composting teaches the basics of composting, including backyard composting, vermiculture composting, and other composting options in Davidson County. This program covers what compost is and how it works to reduce food waste and help the environment. The workshops also teach participants the requirements for a healthy compost pile, including bin choices, the perfect compost recipe, and other tips. This program is suitable for schools, community groups, and any other organizations interested in composting. The program can include a reuse art project as well.

Please Note:

• Registration is required for all individuals.
• Programs last 1 hour.
• Programs are open to all age groups.
• Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a FREE Earth Machine Backyard Compost Bin at the end of the program.

Location

Turnip Green Creative Reuse
407 Houston Street
Nashville, TN 37203

1/25/2020 Annual Nashville Public Library Seed Exchange

1/25/2020
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

It’s that time of year! Come join us with our partners at the Nashville Public Library’s Seed Exchange Program. Bring seeds to share and get new ones to take home. Get your seeds now so you will have them on hand when the planting season arrives!

Leaders: Crystal Deane, Nashville Public Library and Christie Wiser

For all ages. No registration required.

Location
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
1900 Davidson Street
Nashville, TN 37206

Mayor John Cooper Creates Performance Management Team, Appoints Diego Eguiarte As Director

1/13/2020
Chris Song

Diego Eguiarte

Today, as part of his agenda to improve accountability and transparency at all levels of Metro Government, Mayor John Cooper announced that his administration has created a Performance Management Team within the Mayor’s Office.

Pursuant to Amendment 1 passed on August 1, 2019, the Performance Management Team will save taxpayer money through greater accountability and improved efficiency and is designed to provide leadership, guidance, and support for all Metro departments on performance management and organizational and process streamlining. These efforts are directed toward improving programs and increasing operational effectiveness and efficiency to provide better service to the Metro customer − both internal and external. The work of the Performance Management Team will serve as a bridge between budgeting and operational management by using performance information to support budget requests and measuring performance results for the sake of financial accountability.

“It’s been said, ‘If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it,’” said Mayor Cooper. “The Performance Management Team will work to improve efficiency in every facet of Metro Government – and they’ll start by measuring how those of us in Metro Government make use taxpayer dollars in delivering core services to Nashvillians. My administration is constantly working to make Nashville the leading example of an effective and results-oriented government. In order to realize these goals, we must ensure that we are supporting our programs and policies through performance management best practices.”

Mayor Cooper also announced his appointment of Diego Eguiarte as Director of the Office of Performance Management. Eguiarte will report to the Chief Operations Officer, Kristin Wilson, and will be responsible for collaborating closely with Metro department heads to develop a comprehensive set of system and department-specific level performance metrics and goals. He will also develop comprehensive data dashboards aligned with the Mayor’s office strategic priorities and deliver reports on a recurring basis. His start date was December 9, 2019.

Previously, Eguiarte worked with financial services firms Scotiabank and Santander Bank, N.A. before shifting into business operations and international business consultancy. Most recently, he was the Associate Director of Managed Services of IHS Markit, a UK-based information services firm.

Eguiarte earned a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and a Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University. He teaches finance and business strategy to immigrant entrepreneurs through the Negocio Próspero business course at Conexión Américas.

Recruitment for additional positions within the Mayor’s Office of Performance Management is currently underway.

1/25/2020 iSpy: Jumping Animals

1/25/2020
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Drop by between 10 a.m.-noon

Age level: All ages

Registration not required

Observe jumping animals when you drop by the Nature Center.

Meet at the Nature Center

Dress to be inside and out

Program will take place rain or shine

Location
Warner Park Nature Center
7311 Highway 100
Nashville, TN 37221

1/25/2020 New Year's Pullin' Party

1/25/2020
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Age level: Adults, 13 and older

Online registration required

Let’s celebrate the Chinese New Year by pulling Chinese privet and other invasive plants that threaten our native forest. Get your hands dirty and join us for a fun workday in the woods.

Leader: Paul Fowler

Register Online

Available Registration slots: 26

Register 1 or more individuals:

  1  2  3    Register

Location

Warner Park Nature Center
7311 Highway 100
Nashville, TN 37221

1/25/2020 The Dirt on Composting

1/25/2020
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Join us at Turnip Green Creative Reuse for a composting workshop. The Dirt on Composting teaches the basics of composting, including backyard composting, vermiculture composting, and other composting options in Davidson County. This program covers what compost is and how it works to reduce food waste and help the environment. The workshops also teach participants the requirements for a healthy compost pile, including bin choices, the perfect compost recipe, and other tips. This program is suitable for schools, community groups, and any other organizations interested in composting. The program can include a reuse art project as well.

Please Note:

• Registration is required for all individuals.
• Programs last 1 hour.
• Programs are open to all age groups.
• Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a FREE Earth Machine Backyard Compost Bin at the end of the program.

Location

Turnip Green Creative Reuse
407 Houston Street
Nashville, TN 37203

1/18/2020 District 13 "Coffee with your Councilman"

1/18/2020

8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Facilitated by District 13 Councilmember Russ Bradford

Location

Dunkin Donuts

847 Briley Parkway

Nashville, TN 37217

Annual Nashville Conference on African-American History and Culture on Friday, February 14th: A Journey from Enslavement to Liberation

7 Day Weather Forecast

Today

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 52. East wind around 5 mph becoming south southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph.

Wednesday

A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 50 percent chance of showers before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers after 7am. Cloudy, with a high near 65. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night

A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7pm. Low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 60. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Join them for their 9th Annual Father/Daughter Dance on February 15th!

From Trinity Arts Center:
Make Memories At Our 9th Annual Father/Daughter Dance!

Make memories with your daughters at Trinity Arts Center's 9th annual Father/Daughter dance on Saturday, February 15th! This dance has become one of the highlights of my year, providing many great memories, and cherished photos of my girls growing up year after year. Make it a part of your annual tradition too, and reserve your spots today.

Our annual Father/Daughter Dance is an elegant night of dessert and dancing, with all proceeds going to fund scholarships at Trinity Arts Center. Come dance the night away with your daughters, friends, and fellow fathers. It will be a night to remember (it always is). We'll spend the evening dancing under the lights at The Venue, in downtown Johnson City, on Saturday, February 15th from 6:00-9:00. Tickets are $20 per person, and include commemorative father/daughter photos. Call or email early to reserve your place. There are a limited # of spots, and we sell out every year! See you there!

Three Stars: The State of Sound, Hamilton: How the Musical Remixes American History, and Museum Store Flash Sale

Three Stars: The Tennessee State Museum Biweekly Exhibitions | Events | Donate | Visit  Exhibition Highlight: The State of Sound: Tennessee’s Musical Heritage Closes Sunday, February 2, 2020. Tennessee has earned a worldwide reputation as an important music center. Throughout The State of Sound: Tennessee's Musical Heritage, the visitor will learn about the people, places, and events that transformed Tennessee into an internationally celebrated music center through an array of artifacts. Highlights include an early Parlor Guitar from Pulaski, images and records connected to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a bow tie worn by Jimmy Rodgers, and a performance outfit worn by Isaac Hayes.  Learn more about The State of Sound at this link. Event Highlight: Hamilton: How the Musical Remixes American History Saturday, January 11, 2020, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Hamilton, has arrived at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) through January 19, 2020. With it, comes Hamilton-mania. On January 11, Dr. Richard Bell will explore the phenomenon of Hamilton to reveal what this amazing musical gets right and wrong about Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, the birth of the United States, and why all that matters. Join us for a thrilling presentation that has already entertained large audiences at Smithsonian, the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh and a dozens of other cultural institutions throughout the country.  For more information, see our Calendar of Events. Get Tickets Upcoming Events January 16, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. — Screening of No Passport Required & Reception with Nashville Public Television January 23, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. — January Tennessee Book Club: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate with Nashville Public Library January 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. — Farmhand Community Dinner with Nashville Farmers’ Market February 2, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. — In Conversation: Alice Randall & Caroline Randall Williams: Authors of Soul Food Love  Event Highlight: Lunch & Learn: The Story of One of Tennessee’s Most Historic Bridges Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Native American historian Toye Heap will tell the story of the 1823 Nashville Toll Bridge, the first bridge over the Cumberland River. The bridge was used by the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears in 1838, and torn down in 1851 to allow the newer, taller steamboats of the day to use the river. A remaining structure of the bridge was discovered in 2012 and is now a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Bring your lunch to the Museum and join us for this free presentation where you can learn a little history while enjoying your meal. More information at this link. Store Highlight: Flash Sale Tuesday, January 7 through Sunday, January 12, 2020 Drop by the Museum Store this week to catch a special Flash Sale with discounts of 20 to 50% off select merchandise. Now's your chance to find even better prices on items such as Music City Suds bath salts and bombs, the Draper James line by Reese Witherspoon, as well as select jewelry, stationery and toys.  Hurry in⁠! The sale ends this Sunday, January 12. Pictured left is a range of Draper James items for 20% off during the Flash Sale.  The Most Popular Museum Blog Posts of 2019 Posts about the history of the state's food traditions, stemming from our latest exhibition, along with stories about Woman Suffrage, explorer Richard Halliburton, and Tennesseans in WWI and WWII, were among the most popular posts on the Museum's "Stories" blog this year. Here are our top 10 stories of 2019. Story Highlight: Christmas in a World War II POW Camp In case you missed it: Second Lieutenant Julian J. Gates of Memphis, part of the Army Air Corps, kept a diary of his time spent as a Japanese POW during World War II—a transcript of which is archived at the Tennessee State Library and Archives as part of the Tennessee Historical Society “Home Front Tennessee” World War II Project. Instead of only reflecting on the poor circumstances he found himself in, Gates shared how the Christmas spirit helped him and his fellow prisoners endure harsh conditions over three years.  Read more on their blog.