Numerous senators, a presidential candidate, and some editorial boards have come out against the proposed AT&T-TIME WARNER merger. But much of this fear is based on legacy thinking around content production and IP development (and some on internet access). Time Warner is one of the best in the business when it comes to content, but as we outlined earlier this year it has never been easier or cheaper to make great content. Major media companies can no longer monopolize the content game. A creator used to need Time Warner or DISNEY or NBCUNIVERSAL or FOX or VIACOM. Today, they have countless options – as well as the ability to go direct-to-consumer. The major media companies can no longer ensure a hit. This isn’t to say the merger isn’t without its risks to competition, but it’s important to recognize how things have changed since even COMCAST’s 2009 acquisition of NBCUniversal. We’re in a different world today. And every content owner may need to own a distribution platform tomorrow.... Another heartbreaking story about guns, mental illness and tragedy... What goes on behind the doors of couture ateliers? Read on for scenes of astonishing craftsmanship, the legacy of the French system instituted by the CHAMBRE SYNDICALE DE LA HAUTE COUTURE, and profiles of some of couture's most revered designers in our new REDEF FashionSET: "Life at the Atelier: Haute Couture"... Happy Happy Happy Birthday to my firstborn niece, LILY RACHEL. I can't believe she's 11 years old. She's kind, smart, plays piano, sings, actually looks me in the eye when no device is around, and knows that FREDDIE MERCURY was rock's greatest frontman... More HBDs to MATT FISCHER, IVANKA TRUMP, GREGG LATTERMAN and DANIEL KLAUS.