Posts made in January 2018

Big Island Romantic Dining

Leave a reply

Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from the Big Island of Hawaii where he discovers a romantic dining destination at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast.

Manta is the Mauna Kea Resort's fine dining restaurant overlooking Kauna’oa Bay

Manta is the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s fine dining restaurant overlooking Kauna’oa Bay

Everyone I’ve ever met who’s stayed at the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii —invariably speaks in reverential tones about the place, and they’re quick to voice a desire for a reprise visit. And those who’ve never had the pleasure of making a date with the Mauna Kea, often mention the resort as tops on their must-do list—typically inspired by the raves of their friends who who’ve been there, done that.

Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a special destination-resort that touts an astounding multi-generational fan base. There are many who’s grandparents stayed there in the 1960s, and their parents first took them there as kids, and now they are making pilgrimage-holidays with their kids at the Mauna Kea.

Tranquility envelops the spirit upon entering the Mauna Kea’s guest check-in reception area Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

The centerpiece of the resort’s setting is the seductive beauty of crescent-shaped Kauna’oa Bay–and the fine-dining establishment, Manta, overlooking the bay with ultra-romantic al fresco dining.

An LGBT couple enjoys brunch at Manta Restaurant at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island, Hawaii. zachstovall.com

Brunch at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Manta restaurant out on the Pavilion. zachstovall.com

Whether or not you’re staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Manta is a killer place for a bayside buffet breakfast, Sunday brunch, and of course a romantic dinner date—ideally out on the pavilian overlooking the bay, framed by palms and plumeria.

That’s the big story—the nuances that make Manta a must-do are predicated on the chefs’ culinary philosophies that honor and meld the multi-ethnic roots of the islanders, along with paying homage to the Hawaiian’s Polynesian roots through utilization of “canoe crops”.

Manta and Pavilion Wine Bar sunset dining

Manta is Mauna Kea Bech Hotel’s fine dining with sunset a most romantic time

Sourcing local/fresh from the farmer and sea are anchors of the culinary arts at Manta.

Manta sources everything imaginable from Big Island farmers, and the restaurant even put on special dinners—shades of a wine maker dinner–where a farmer or two will join the festivities and talk-story about their passion for producing fresh, local, healthy food with Manta’s dinner guests.

Seafood doesn’t get any fresher, as the local fishermen’s catch is delivered daily to the kitchen’s back door.

Mauna Kea Resort's Rio Miceli, Executive Sous Chef. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Rio Miceli, Executive Sous Chef. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer

Executive Sous Chef, Rio Miceli was raised on the island but honed his craft in Healdsburg, California, and subsequently fine tuned his skills at the New England Culinary School before returning to settle in on the Big Island.

Miceli’s duties include menu development, and innovations at Manta as well as the resort’s other dining venues.

A taste of Manta’s culinary offerings include a killer Kona Kampachi Sashimi and the Keohole Lobster Papperdelle with garlic cream, summer squash and pork belly lardon for starters.

Tempting entrees include Hawaiian Sweet Potato Encrusted Ahi, and the Mac Nut Encrusted Mahi Mahi.

Wendle Lesher Director of Food & Beverage at the Mauna Kea Resort and neighboring Hapuna Resort

Wendle Lesher, Director of Food & Beverage at the Mauna Kea and the neighboring sister property Hapuna Beach Resort, works with Miceli developing innovative new dishes.

Lesher also drives creativity in partnership with the mixologists, and plans special culinary events. Lesher’s latest passion is working with local beekeepers.

In addition to doing his part to provide onsite beehive habitats, the distinctive and incredibly flavorful Mauna Kea honey is utilized by the chefs and is available for purchase by the guests.

Click here to listen to Rio Miceli and Wendle Lesher talk about their culinary passions on the KCBX/NPR podcast.

KCBX, NPR.ORG, NPR One, iTunes, Stitcher.com podcast

You are invited to subscribe to the Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR Podcast travel show Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer via:

Apple Podcast

NPR.ORG Podcast Directory

NPR One (APP)

Google Plus

Stitcher.com

Twitter: TomCWilmer

Instagram: Thomas.Wilmer

Culture Editor @360magazine

Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer winner of the Lowell Thomas Award 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013

Manta and Pavilion Wine Bar at Mauna Kea Resort

EDEN RELEASES ALBUM

Leave a reply

Dublin-based vocalist-producer and multi-instrumentalist EDEN, born Jonathon Ng, releases his debut album, vertigo, today via all digital providers. An exclusive T-shirt is available for purchase along with a digital album bundle for one week only beginning today here: http://shop.iameden.eu/.

EDEN also premieres the video for the song “float” today. “Walking the line between stirring beats and subdued lyrics, “float is a literal medley of earnest emotion and ingenuity,” saysLadygunn.

Shot in Ukraine, the “float” video completes the trilogy directed by Zhang + Knight, who also lensed EDEN’s videos for “gold“ and “crash.” Watch it HERE.

On March 1^st, EDEN kicks off the North American leg of his headlining vertigo world tour. The 21-year-old musician sold out several shows almost immediately and added additional dates and upgraded venue sizes in over ten cities due to high demand. Fourteen shows, including two nights at Irving Plaza in New York City and one night at The Fonda in Los Angeles, are sold out. Tickets for the remaining shows are on sale now at http://iameden.eu/tour. All dates can be found below.

Several tracks from vertigo have been released, including “gold,” which flew to No. 10 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart upon release and has over four million Spotify streams to date, as does “crash.”

Pigeons & Planes declared that “‘gold’ showcases [his] songwriting skills and forward-thinking arrangement choices, and it’s an exciting look at an artist poised for a breakthrough year … EDEN is set to have a big 2018.” “gold” followed “start//end,” which Billboard called,“striking … a nostalgically cast reflection on youth and all-too-relatable feelings of desperation and hope – there’s a secret depth to [EDEN’s] sound.”

V Magazine declares, “both (EDEN’s) music and his persona seem reflective of his overall goal on his upcoming debut album – to make something grand and magical out of something that seems much smaller… Given the captivating and utterly intriguing output he’s given us so far, the task should be easily doable.”

On his 2016 breakthrough EP i think you think too much of me, EDEN struck a rare balance of ingenuity and intuition with its guitar-heavy take on electronic pop. With vertigo, he takes an even more instinct-driven approach to his music, a process he perceives as a form of exploration. “Even when I’m writing, I don’t feel like I’m actually creating anything,” he says. “It’s more like I’m uncovering something that’s already there. Like how an archaeologist doesn’t create a fossil – they’re just finding it and uncovering it, and maybe rearranging it if it’s broken. Releasing this body of work is terrifying and exciting and overwhelming for me. A lot of it is so personal. This album is not a coming-of-age story, but it caused one.”

Racking up over 90 million streams on Spotify to date, i think you think too much of me EP hit No. 1 on the iTunes Alternative Chart, and No. 2 on Billboard‘s Heatseeker chart. From the bedroom of his childhood home, Ng initially began to cultivate a large online following and made his EP debut with End Credits in August 2015. Despite making no effort to promote it, he soon found the work gaining major attention – ultimately amassing more than 145 million streams combined across his two EPs. EDEN’s first U.S. tour sold out immediately and he spent that summer performing at major U.S. music festivals including Governors Ball, Bonnaroo and Firefly. He also performed at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK and Fuji Rock in Japan.

TOUR DATES:

03/01 Houston, TX White Oak Music

03/02 Austin, TX Scoot Inn (sold out)

03/03 Dallas TX Trees (sold out)

03/06 Phoenix AZ The Crescent Ballroom (sold out)

03/07 San Diego, CA House of Blues

03/09 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory

03/10 Los Angeles CA The Fonda Theatre (sold out)

03/13 San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom

03/15 Portland OR Hawthorne Theater (sold out)

03/16 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo

03/19 Salt Lake City, UT Grand at The Complex

03/20 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre (sold out)

03/22 Minneapolis MN The Cedar (sold out)

03/23 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II

03/24 Chicago IL House of Blues (sold out)

03/26 Detroit, MI Saint Andrews Hall

03/28 Toronto ON Danforth Music Hall (sold out)

03/29 Montreal, QC Corona Theatre

04/02 Boston, MA House of Blues

04/04 New York NY Irving Plaza (sold out)

04/05 New York NY Irving Plaza (sold out)

04/06 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer

04/07 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

04/10 Pittsburgh PA The Club @ Stage AE (sold out)

04/11 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall

04/12 Nashville TN Mercy Lounge (sold out)

04/14 Atlanta GA Variety Playhouse (sold out)

Beth Ditto x I’m Alive

Leave a reply

Beth Ditto‘s compelling version of “I’m Alive” is out today and available for download and streaming HERE. View the static video HERE. Max Factor has licensed the track for an international advertising campaign that will begin airing in the U.K. in February. Written by Tommy James, “I’m Alive” was first recorded in 1968 by R&B legend Johnny Thunder.

“Being alive is radical right now! So let’s live!” said Beth Ditto, who adds she was drawn to the song’s simple, elemental joy, which feels defiant in the darkness of the current social and political landscape.

Ditto will kick off her first tour of 2018 on March 7 in her home state of Arkansas, performing at Revolution Music Room in Little Rock. Tickets are on sale now for the North American run, which includes shows at New York’s Brooklyn Steel (March 14), The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (March 23) and Wonder Ballroom in Portland, OR (March 27). See below for itinerary or visit www.bethditto.com.

Hailed by NPR as the “force-of-nature performer best known for fronting the pop-punk group Gossip,” Ditto recently released her debut solo album, Fake Sugar (Virgin Records). The official video for “Fire,” which has over two million views, can be seen HERE. Other clips include “We Could Run” and the animated lyric video for “In And Out.”

In a four-star live review The Guardian said, “Ditto has said this is her southern record, and opener Oh My God kicks in with a funk-rock beat as she channels the mid-80s power vocals of Bonnie Tyler, complete with a front-of-stage electric fan to give her the perfect windswept look. On In and Out and Fake Sugar, she closes her eyes and draws out the tender trill in her voice, giving her the air of a heartbroken Nashville queen. And like Dolly Parton, Ditto alternates between infectiously warm, wisecracking comic and soul-baring torch singer.”

The Wall Street Journal included Fake Sugarin its round-up of “The Best Music of 2017” and observed, “Great pop for grownups is a rare commodity…Beth Ditto delivers.” The New York Times praised Ditto as a”powerhouse singer” and noted that the album’s songs”have stomp and girl-group melodies, Southernisms in their lyrics and garage-rock swagger.” Paperchristened Ditto “rock’s homecoming queen” while People highlighted Fake Sugar as one of its “Picks,” observing, “Whether it’s a glittering stomper (‘Oo La La’) or stripped-down Stevie Nicks homage (the title track), Ditto shines throughout…”

In addition to releasing six acclaimed albums with the Gossip, Ditto has recorded with such artists as Blondie and disco legend Cerrone, collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier on her eponymous plus-sized luxury clothing line, modeled for Marc Jacobs. She appears in the new Gus Van Sant film, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival today.

S.L.U.T. x Bea Miller

Leave a reply

Co-written by Bea Miller, Steph Jones and Ido Zmishlany, S.L.U.T. (sweet little unforgettable thing) is one of the featured tracks from Bea’s recently released chapter three: yellow EP. The companion video, directed by duo AJ & Miles (whose credits include Billie Eilish, Stanaj, Jaden Smith and Kid Ink), features women representing beauty in all its shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

While the title is provocative, the message of the funk-tinged song is timely. Harassment comes in many forms and it’s what sparked the origin of the song. As Bea tells it, she was wearing a bodysuit and white skirt. It was hot, and I wasn’t wearing a bra, which I thought was perfectly acceptable, she says, noting, I have little baby boobs. But when Miller posted a photo, a young woman who saw it begged to differ, rudely.

The girl called me a slut, and I lost it, Miller remembers. I was ranting. Women should support each other and I don’t understand what the problem is with nipples. Miller had a thought to look up the nasty term on Urban Dictionary, and found a post defining it as an acronym for Sweet Little Unforgettable Thing and a lyric was born. I thought, that’s amazing, recalls Miller, and we wound up writing a fantastic song that was also a cool and funny response to this girl.

If you don’t like what I’m wearing

Well you’re only bothered cuz you’re staring

And you’ll never talk me into caring

Cuz it’s my own and I’ll keep owning it

Just mind your own and I’ll keep owning it

We gotta learn to stick together

Love your color, gender or whatever

Cuz your happiness don’t need a sensor

Just mind your own and we’ll keep owning it

Poseidon Expeditions

Leave a reply

Poseidon Expeditions for 2019-2020 Adds

New Cruises off Scotland’s Coast,

More Arctic and Antarctic Departures

Book by Nov. 1, 2018, Receive Discounts of up to 15 Percent on Most Itineraries

Poseidon Expeditions, the go-to company for Arctic and Antarctic cruises, has a jump on the 2019 and 2020 seasons with new destinations, additional departures of favorite journeys and if booked by Nov. 1, 2018, discounts of up to 15 percent on most itineraries.

The company maintains two vessels, the 114-guest Sea Spirit, recently fully refurbished, and the 128-guest 50 Years of Victory, purpose-built as an ice breaker for expedition cruising. Both are in northern climes in the North American summer; Sea Spirit moves south in the winter for explorations of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

New 2019 Sea Spirit Itineraries

A brand-new itinerary launching for 12 days June 3-14, 2019, is From Scotland Highlands to Arctic Glaciers. Guests depart on Sea Spirit from Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland, and cruise to Norway’s Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), tracking routes of Vikings who invaded Scotland’s (among other) coastlines in search of arable land – and gold. Guests visit:

• Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Orkney Islands

• a birder’s paradise (over 345 species recorded) on Fair Isle (think sweaters) in the Shetland Islands

• Denmark’s Faroe Islands (think salmon) that National Geographic Traveler has designated as “Authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so”

• Norway’s stunning and wild Jan Mayen

• and the High Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, with ghosts of whaling camps and trappers’ cabins and very present polar bears, reindeer, walrus, whale and more, all frisky in Nature’s 24-hour days.

The per person double rate is from $5,396 in a Main Deck Suite, after the discount.

A second brand-new Sea Spirit itinerary, a 12-day May 21-June 3, 2019, Best of the British Isles cruise (web link and more details to come), is also a new direction for Poseidon Expeditions because this adventure has nothing to do with either the Arctic or Antarctica. This trip begins in Plymouth, UK, and proceeds along the magical Scottish coast among legendary islands of both Scotland and Ireland, ending in Leith (Edinburgh), Scotland. Many stops will introduce designated birding – including puffin — habitats. Like all of its journeys, an expedition team that specializes in exploration of the natural world will be aboard to curate the adventure for guests. Also figuring into this journey:

• the high cliffs of Scotland’s St. Kilda (think sea bird eggs harvested for human fodder)

• the basalt columns of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway

• castles and monasteries (including Iona Abbey)

• Waterford (crystal)

• Snowdonia National Park and a 13th century castle in Wales

• Shetland ponies

• a Highland distillery

The per person double rate is from $5,795.

Expanded Sea Spirit Departures in 2019

Poseidon Expeditions has added a second departure of East Greenland

Under the Dome of Northern Lights. This 11-day trip departures in 2019 Sept. 6-16 and Sept. 15-25. This cruise – round trip from Reykjavik – has sold out for four consecutive seasons. The per person double rate inclusive of an early booking discount is from $7,556.

There will also be two departures of the unique Franz Josef Land Archipelago – Russian High Arctic cruise, a 14-day program exploring the Russian High Arctic that is not available through any other expedition ship operator. Departures in 2019 are Aug. 1-14 and Aug. 13-26. The per person double rate inclusive of an early booking discount is from $12,056.

Sea Spirit in Antarctica 2019-2020

For the 2019-20 Antarctic season, Poseidon Expeditions again offers a variety of classic Antarctic Peninsula programs as well as three longer Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands voyages, all utilizing Sea Spirit. The season begins with the 23-day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Islands“Antarctica Awakening” program Oct. 20-Nov.11, 2019, embarking in Montevideo, Uruguay, and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina. The final voyage of the season, also 23 days, includes the same Southern Ocean destinations, February 25-March 18, 20 embarking in Ushuaia and disembarking in Montevideo. Please see: http://poseidonexpeditions.com/antarctica/ for itinerary and information on early booking offers.

Sea Spirit guests enjoy the freshness of a brand-new $1 million refurbishment of all 55 guest suites (square footages up to 463) and public areas. There are two multi-purpose lounges for educational programming and entertainment, a restaurant that can accommodate all passengers in one seating, a well-stocked library, and ample outdoor deck space to enjoy the polar landscapes and wildlife. Activities directed by a team of experienced polar guides and educators include Zodiac excursions, hiking and optional kayaking and camping, along with informative presentations aboard. The ship’s expedition staff-to-passenger ratio of 1:9 is one of the best in the business.

50 Years of Victory and 2019 at the North Pole

Poseidon Expeditions will offer three prime season departures in 2019 – July 7, July 18 and July 29 – of its signature Expedition to the Top of the World, a 13-day voyage to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered 50 Years of Victory. The gateway is Murmansk, Russia. The voyage north includes sightseeing helicopter flights across a frozen land and seascape. After celebrations at the North Pole, on the south-bound voyage Poseidon Expeditions brings passengers through Franz Josef Land, an archipelago of 191 uninhabited, volcanic, mostly glaciated islands (part of the Russian Arctic National Park). The per person double rate inclusive of an early booking discount is from $28,495.

Powered by two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower and capable of crushing a clear path through multi-year ice up to three meters (10 feet) thick, 50 Years of Victory is the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built. This 525-foot working vessel offers comfortable accommodations, all with exterior views and en suite facilities; a dining room; aft salon for lectures, presentations and socializing; a bow-facing bar and lounge; library; a gym, two saunas and swimming pool with heated seawater. The ship is equipped with a modern clinic and physician.

For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, agents can contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at SalesUSA@poseidonexpeditions.com or by telephone at 347-801-2610.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, contact Poseidon’s Hamburg office – Anfrage@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +49-40-7566-8555. In the UK and elsewhere on the globe, contact Sales@poseidonexpeditions.com or telephone +44-870-068-9142.

About Poseidon Expeditions

With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)

Cycling Across Ireland’s West Coast

Leave a reply

Journey from Ireland’s Extreme South to Far North on NEW Cycling Adventure

Wilderness Ireland launches 400-mile Wild Atlantic Way trip for 2018

Wilderness Ireland, specialists in crafting outdoor adventure experiences, has launched a new 12-day bike tour covering over 400 miles along the The Wild Atlantic Way, travelling from Ireland’s extreme south to its northernmost point, through three National Parks and eight counties.

The epitome of an adventure challenge, this is the bike tour of a lifetime. Cycling the best of western Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, travelers will traverse wild mountain passes, find secret beaches, admire steep cliffs, and visit quaint villages while taking in the dramatic coastal scenery from one extreme of Ireland’s west coast to another.

This bucket list journey begins at Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, with a scenic ride past rocky coves and fishing villages following beautiful coastline. Cross the rugged peninsulas and mountain passes of Cork and Kerry and pass through the remote and suitably-named Black Valley (the last place in Ireland to get electricity) before exploring Killarney National Park. On a short break from the bikes, island hop to the famed Aran Islands, a final outpost of the Irish language.

Cyclists continue biking along Connemara’s rocky shoreline, offering some of the most impressive Atlantic panoramas, including the world-famous Sky Road. Visit two of Ireland’s three glacial fjords before covering the quiet back lanes of Yeats Country – Sligo’s stunning, windswept landscapes that have inspired much of the famous poet’s writing. Bike through the Bluestack Mountains of Donegal, exploring its rugged landscapes before ending at Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, a rocky headland that feels so alien, it has been featured in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.

While expert guides interpret this wild place, travelers can focus on the challenge of biking the Wild Atlantic Way, ticking off classic Irish biking routes such as the Ring of Kerry, Corkscrew Hill, and Mamore Gap.

Wilderness Ireland’s new Wild Atlantic Way bike tour includes 11-nights’ accommodation in unique guesthouses, most meals, ride support, luggage transfers, admission and entrance fees. The trip runs July 28 – August 8 and August 18 – 29, 2018, from approx. USD$3,900.

For more information about Wilderness Ireland, visit www.wildernessireland.com.

KAILEE MORGUE DEBUTS MEDUSA

Leave a reply

Kailee Morgue unleashes her anxiously awaited debut EP, Medusa [Republic Records]. Check it out here.

A gateway into the artist’s widescreen sonic wizardry, the four-song set includes her breakthrough “Medusa”and latest track “Discovery”—which Zane Lowe personally selected as a “World First” record on Apple Music Beats 1 just last month. Additionally, she reveals two equally majestic anthems at which to marvel. Produced by Joel Little [Lorde, Khalid], “Unfortunate Soul” tiptoes between clean guitars and glitchy beats as the songstress pleads, “I’m an unfortunate soul. It’s just the way that I roll.” Meanwhile, “Ghost of Mine” haunts and hypnotizes as her voice careens over spacious beats from producers Imad Royal and Brenton Duvall. Check out the official lyric video for “Unfortunate Soul” Here!

“Discovery” arrived hot on the heels of the viral hit “Medusa,” produced by CJ Baran [Melanie Martinez, Panic! At the Disco, Carly Rae Jepsen], quietly transformed the artist into a palpable phenomenon. Upon release, it launched to #1 on Hype Machine, was premiered by Fader and received “Best Track of the Week” by The New York Times, Line of Best Fit, MTV, Coup de Main and reached #2 on the Canadian viral chart on Spotify. Check out the video for “Medusa” Here.

The 19-year-old songstress first teased out the track in 2016 with a brief Twitter video, and it ignited a viral reaction spawning 100,000 “likes” overnight. Over an airy minimalistic soundscape, Morgue exorcises a, hypnotic, and heartfelt melody with haunting and powerful lyrics.

In addition, she recently posted a cover of label mate Post Malone’s smash hit “rockstar” ft. 21 Savage. The track is a follow up to a previous cover she posted of “Feeling Whitney” back in January. Check out the “rockstar” cover here!

Tattooed, green haired, and anime-obsessed 19-year-old Phoenix-born and Los Angeles-based gothic pop siren Kailee Morgue casts a sonic spell with her music. A self-described “introvert” and the second oldest of six kids, she found solace in the sounds of fellow sonic sorceresses such as Stevie Nicks and Gwen Stefani as well as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and more. By the age of ten, she picked up her first guitar, began quietly penning music, and eventually started posting tracks on Soundcloud. Between a gig at Jack in the Box, an 18-year-old Kailee found the beat for “Medusa” on YouTube back in 2016 and cooked up the single. As “Medusa” became an underground phenomenon, she inked a deal with Republic Records in the summer of 2017.

Kailee Morgue Links
Twitter: http://twitter.com/morguemami

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/morguemami/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KaileeMorgueMusic/

Tribute to The Honorable George P. Shultz

Leave a reply

Joined by nearly 250 guests at the historic Old U.S. Mint, the California Historical Society, the state’s official non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Golden State, hosted a Gala dinner celebrating The Honorable George P. Shultz on January 11, 2018.

“Secretary Shultz has had a distinguished career serving five presidents, holding four key Cabinet positions, and overseeing some of the nation’s most historic, pivotal moments,” said Dr. Anthea Hartig, Executive Director of the California Historical Society, “Dr. Shultz is a man of integrity, leadership, and loyalty – a true statesman who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and advancing important causes. His wide-ranging and long-standing contributions have been acknowledged with a truly remarkable array of awards and honorary degrees, their very variety a testimony to the rich diversity of his contributions.”

The black-tie event took place on the 263rd birthday of Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Treasury Secretary. In 1972, as America’s 62nd Treasury Secretary, George Shultz helped save the 1874 Old U.S. Mint – now a National Historical Landmark – from sale and destruction, ensuring the powerful legacy of the Treasury in the western United States.

A distinguished group of leaders in business, education, government, and philanthropy came together to plan and support the Gala in celebrating one of California’s and the Nation’s true civic legends, in one of the West’s most significant historic buildings.

The Honorary co-chairs for the event were Mr. Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr., Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., the Honorable Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and Mrs. Charlotte Mailliard Shultz. The Chair of the Host Committee was CHS Trustee Linda Elliott.

2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK

Leave a reply

The hawk is one of the most powerful birds in the sky. It dominates its territory by fiercely navigating the air, swooping in on its prey with incredible speed and accuracy. Now apply those characteristics to a vehicle and you discover something that is ferociously fast, nimble and adaptable with unprecedented performance.

by Anthony Sovinsky × Vaughn Lowery

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an AWD SUV equipped with the notorious Hellcat engine. A supercharged 6.2 liter V8 delivering 707hp with 645 ft-lb of torque in a 8-speed automatic with Quadra-Trac active on demand 4WD that catapults this brute from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, howling across the quarter mile in 11 seconds and reaches a top velocity of 180 mph. There are no other SUVs in the world exhibiting this type of performance besides the Lamborghini Urus (650hp w/ 626lb-ft torque starting around $200,000). With a height of 67.9 inches, you will be staring at the roof of many vehicles which are capable of keeping up, especially if you follow Launch Control instructions – this bird soars 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.

Weighing in at 5,636lbs, it is armed with an enlarged Brembo performance anti-lock braking system. Up front, the Trackhawk is fitted with big 15.8-inch rotors with 6-piston calipers; and in the back end, it passes 13.8-inch rotors with 4-piston calipers, making it come to a halt from 60 mph in a mere 114 feet. The bright yellow calipers nicely compliment the 20×10 inch black satin aluminum wheels ($995) encased in meaty 295/45ZR20 BSW 3 season tires ($895). Moreover, Blistein competition suspension containing active dampening keeps it firmly planted with very slight roll. Select-Track system allows the driver to elect five different modes – auto, sport, track, snow and tow (w/ 7200lb capacity).

Many drivers in a metropolis are defensive, but some aren’t able to concentrate on what’s in our peripheral during a concrete jungle safari. Precisely for that reason, several safety features have been implemented: parallel and perpendicular park assist; LaneSense lane departure warning; full speed forward collision warning; advanced brake assist; adaptive cruise control to stop, blind spot and cross path detection; park view rear backup camera; and last but certainly not least, a valet mode that significantly reduces horsepower (to about 200 hp) and torque to make the car more manageable to the unfamiliar.

Carrying on to the exterior, the Jeep is tastefully badged with “Trackhawk” emblems (on floor mats as well as rear back gate) and a “Supercharged” side door steel plate informing spectators of what’s under the hood. The front-end features a seven-slot grille equipped with Bi-Xenon HID headlamps. And, similar to its Challenger Hellcat sibling, it features functional air intakes which replace fog lamps to help cool the powerful engine. Continuing towards the boot, Fiat-Chrysler North America (NA) added quad exhaust tips, causing the vehicle to appear more aggressive on most angles.

Upon entering the cabin, drivers and passengers are welcomed by Napa/Suede “Trackhawk” stamped performance seats, carbon fiber trim, blackened chrome accents and a three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters. Adjacent, lies the Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4 inch display which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, the screen can access various drive modes as well as engine performance readouts for the more avid aficionado. And, if you go on to purchase the 2XV package, not only will you have access to a high performance vehicle, but a high performance audio system ($1,995). Outfitted with 19 Harman Kardon speakers alongside a subwoofer and an 825-Watt amplifier. With ample head and leg room, one can expect space for the entire modern family – driver, four passengers and a small to medium sized dog to comfortably run circles in the trunk area. Moreover, there’s adequate room for a few weekender bags to stealthily fit underneath the trunk matt right above the spare tire.

It’s almost hard to believe that such an SUV exists at such an affordable price point: supercar power plant, all-terrain capabilities, tenacious brakes, moderately precise steering (best in track mode), enhanced suspension offers comfortable cornering and hypersensitive acceleration – no one will ever ask, “Are we there yet?” The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk base price is close to $85,900 and the customer preferred package 2XV adds another $4,980 for a total of $90,880. In short, Fiat Chrysler NA once again delivers a huge bargain which cannot be ignored while delivering tremendous curb appeal. Hence, the Trackhawk will leave enthusiasts watering at the mouth for years to come.

http://www.jeep.com/2018/grand-cherokee/performance.html

“The Wolf” x Fifty Shades Freed

Leave a reply

THE SPENCER LEE BAND RELEASE “THE WOLF” FROM

FIFTY SHADES FREED OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK

ALBUM OUT FEBRUARY 9, 2018

CLIMACTIC CHAPTER OPENS IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Republic Records announces The Spencer Lee Band’s “The Wolf” as the next single to be released from the forthcoming Fifty Shades Freed Official Soundtrack [Republic Records].

Get it HERE.

The digital pre-order now includes instant grat downloads of “The Wolf,” “Capital Letters” by Hailee Steinfeld x BloodPop®, and “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)” from Liam Payne & Rita Ora. See the full tracklisting below.

Pre-order the album HERE.

The Soundtrack arrives in stores everywhere and at all digital retailers on Friday February 9, 2018—the same day Fifty Shades Freed opens in theaters nationwide.

This marks the third soundtrack installment in the blockbuster Fifty Shades series. The Fifty Shades of Grey Official Soundtrack bowed at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 in 2015, earned a platinum certification, and became the seventh-best-selling album of the year. The year 2017 saw the Fifty Shades Darker Official Soundtrack capture No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and reach RIAA gold status. 2018 brings the musical story full circle with the Fifty Shades Freed Official Soundtrack.

Grammy Award-winning composer Danny Elfman scored the film while Dana Sano serves as music supervisor.

FIFTY SHADES FREED OST Track Listing:

1. Capital Letters – Hailee Steinfeld x BloodPop®

2. For You (Fifty Shades Freed) – Liam Payne & Rita Ora

3. Sacrifice – Black Atlass featuring Jessie Reyez

4. High – Whethan & Dua Lipa

5. Heaven – Julia Michaels

6. Big Spender – Kiana Ledé featuring Prince Charlez

7. Never Tear Us Apart – Bishop Briggs

8. The Wolf – The Spencer Lee Band

9. Are You – Julia Michaels

10. Cross Your Mind – Sabrina Claudio

11. Change Your Mind – Miike Snow

12. Come On Back – Shungudzo

13. I Got You (I Feel Good) – Jessie J

14. Ta Meilleure Ennemie (Pearls) – Samantha Gongol (of Marian Hill) ft. Juliette Armanet

15. Deer in Headlights – Sia

16. Diddy Bop – Jacob Banks & Louis the Child

17. Love Me Like You Do (Fifty Shades Freed Version) – Ellie Goulding

18. Freed – Danny Elfman

19. Seeing Red – Danny Elfman

20. Maybe I’m Amazed – Jamie Dornan [Bonus Track]

21. Cross Your Mind (Spanish Version – Sabrina Claudio [Bonus Track]

22. Pearls – Samantha Gongol (of Marian Hill) [Bonus Track]