By Ali Cinar -  President Trump welcomed President Erdogan at the White House over four hours for bilateral discussions on a range of important issues despite concerns from Congress over Turkey's military operation into northern Syria. Trump's face-to-face meeting with Erdogan  was a very significant step in resolving disagreements. Both leaders seemed in reducing tensions and finding a way forward which benefits both sides. There are many areas of interest and benefit to both nations, from the economy to education, energy, and technology, and the previously discussed trade goal of $100 billion was part of their conversation when the two leaders met.

TURKOFAMERICA Magazine, which has been awarding successful people of the United States in different categories since 2014, has announced today the names of this year's award winners. 5th TOA Outstanding Achievement Awards (Outstanding Achievement Awards, Heritage + Diversity + Legacy + Business) ceremony presented by TOA Consulting and U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be held at U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s historic building in Washington DC on November 15, 2019. The award ceremony will showcase the artworks of three artists and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a non-profit institution.

The American Turkish Society’s Annual Gala celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Vehbi Koç Foundation at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York. Gala Chair, Ms. Peggy Dulany Rockefeller gave the award of “50 years of Excellence in Philanthropy” to Mrs. Semahat Arsel, director of Koc Holding, who received the award on behalf of the Vehbi Koc Foundation and Koc Family. The evening’s entertainment was offered by Ms. Zeynep Alpan, former recipient of The Ahmet Ertegun Memorial Scholarship at the Juilliard and The Society’s former late Chairman, Ahmet Ertegun’s favorite event band, Joey Morant and Catfish Stew.

Since it was installed in Chicago’s Millennium Park in 2004, Anish Kapoor’s mirrored metal sculpture Cloud Gate—more affectionately known as “The Bean”—has become a magnet for art loving residents and tourists alike. Now, New York is finally getting its own shiny statement piece by the artist, his first permanent public work in the city, but instead of a luxe legume it will resemble a squashed balloon.