Posts made in June 2018

Kirby Chambliss × Hot Air Balloons

Pilot takes to stunning skies to mark National Hot Air Balloon Day in style.

Kirby Chambliss switched chicanes for hot air balloons in a novel and eye-catching display to mark National Hot Air Balloon Day.

Some 99 years after Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first event, a hot air balloon race, the Red Bull Air Race pilot commemorated the anniversary in some style. Here is all you need to know:

  • The display was put on from his Phoenix, Arizona, home – he has a runway in his back garden – with a series of hot air balloons set up on the ground akin to pylons for him to weave through.
  • The American pilot then took to the skies as the balloons were released and showed some of the aerobatic skills, which have made him one of the world’s leading pilots by swerving in, out and above the balloons.
  • Of the venture, he said: “The reason we did it is because the up-and-coming race in the United States will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the very first event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a hot air balloon race. Weaving back and forth between the balloons is a bit different than doing that around our pylons because the balloons are quite a bit wider, and you can’t hit the balloons!”
  • Chambliss currently lies eighth in the Red Bull Air Race Championship with a podium finish in the opening round in Abu Dhabi.
  • He will compete on American soil, where he is a two-time race winner, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 6-7 for its round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
  • The 58-year-old is a two-time world champion in the series having been crowned in both 2004 and 2006. He also boasts 10 race victories.
  • Growing up, he was a motocross rider but always dreamt of being a pilot and, aged 24, became the youngest ever commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines. Four years later, he was a captain. He fuelled aircraft growing up to earn enough money to fly himself.
  • He is married to a fellow pilot, Kellie, and lives on a ranch aptly named Flying Crown Ranch.

Discover more Red Bull Air Race content HERE.

Hot Air Balloon Day

In the United States, June 5 is National Hot Air Balloon Day. On this day in 1909, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) held its first ever event – a hot air balloon race. To commemorate this past milestone, and in anticipation of the upcoming round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship at IMS on October 6 and 7, pilot Kirby Chambliss decided to incorporate hot air balloons into his training regimen. He took to the skies at dawn above his Phoenix, AZ, home, chicaning through the balloons on the ground, similar to the chicanes he races through in the Red Bull Air Race. Once the balloons were released into the air, Kirby got a bit more creative, performing aerobatics above, around and through the balloons. Chambliss will head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for round 7 of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship on October 6 and 7. Tickets are available at www.redbullairrace.com.

Credits: http://www.redbullcontentpool.com/redbullairrace/AP-1VRQ1E87D2111

Culinary Highlights SouthWest Germany

Culinary prowess abounds in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, known as SouthWest Germany. No less than 85 Michelin stars shine over this beautiful area that is dotted with fine restaurants, sustainable farming, traditional foods and timeless recipes adapted and changed to fit modern lifestyles and tastes. Two wine regions, world class Schnapps and delicious beer brewed through the centuries enhance your food experience. The state’s palaces, monasteries and fortresses are full of stories about dining and enjoyment, from the Romans to the stately castle kitchens. Small and large restaurants in urban contexts and village settings also offer memorable meals based on traditional recipes, local products and lots of creativity and training. From the village of Baiersbronn, Germany’s culinary epicenter with eight Michelin stars to the wine hotels in the Rebland outside of Baden-Baden and the castle restaurant in Heidelberg, visitors will be delighted by the quality of their meals and the beauty of the table settings and the professional service. Stuttgart will be celebrating 200 years of the Cannstatter Was’n beer festival this year and this capital of SouthWest Germany is pulling out all the stops for its visitors for the historical festival in the town square. Not to be outdone, Schwetzingen is in the midst of its celebration of 350 years of growing the royal vegetable, white asparagus, that once adorned the plates of only the kings and queens but now is a favorite with everyone.

We are looking forward to an incredible summer! Please come and visit!

Beer Here, Beer There! Beer Everywhere in Stuttgart! 200 Years of the Cannstatter Was’n Beer Festival

The first beer festival on the Cannstatter Wasen was held 200 years ago and this year they are celebrating with special festivities on the Palace Square from September 26 to October 3 with the beer festival extending to October 14. Originally the idea of King Wilhelm I of Württemberg and his consort, Queen Katharina, it began as a combination of a festival for the general public and an agricultural fair, and it was intended to aid the recovery of Württemberg’s battered economy in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Last year more than four million people from all corners of the globe visited the “Wasen.” The original harvest festival has developed into a popular public celebration. This year Stuttgart will celebrate a double jubilee with the “Historical Festival 2018”: 200 years of the Stuttgart Beer Festival and 100 years of the Agricultural Show (September 29 – October 7) on the Cannstatter Wasen.

>>   Stuttgart’s Beer and Historical Festivals

Forty-Three Types of Beer, Four Historic Breweries and an 8.6 mile Beer Trail

Probably nowhere else in the world does a town have four historic, independent and family-owned breweries and offer 43 different types of beer on tap . The tiny town of Ehingen with 26,500 inhabitants is a beer lover’s destination but also a place that has old-fashioned charm and top biking and hiking paths to complement the delicious brews.  From July 7 to 9, the town pours out to celebrate St. Ulrich, its patron saint, and wooden barrels are all the rage. Nestled in the southeast of SouthWest Germany, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, the tiny town of Ehingen has a lot to tap!  Four historic breweries produce 43 different beers and have excellent traditional menus. Ehingen’s motto for itself as a “beer culture city,” has been awarded for the various beer experiences including a brewery tour, the effervescent seminar and the beer hiking trail to the BierKulturHotel, exhibitions and lectures to name just a few. With the free Ehingen app, you can participate in the theme city tour “beer culture city” on your smartphone or tablet: 365 days a year – 24 hours a day.

>>  Beer Culture City Ehingen

Heidelberg is a Fun Loving, Café Hopping, Beer Brewing Town with Centuries of Charm and a University Atmosphere

For centuries, Heidelberg has been home to one of the world’s top universities, intellectual debate and science. The university continues to hold this elevated status today with students and professors from around the world coming to study there. Many people, students included, relish Heidelberg for its cafes, breweries, restaurants, student pubs and confectionaries.  Café Knösel, for example, is the oldest café in Heidelberg, where in 1863 the “chocolate student kiss” was invented. It has a cosy coffee house atmosphere in a traditional ambience. Also right in the heart of the old town, between “Heiliggeistkirche” and the “Alte Brücke,” lies Vetter’s Brauhaus. The inn brewery is an institution in Heidelberg where you can find fresh, home made beer white sausage and oven-fresh pretzels. Traditional student pubs, such as the Red Ox, right off the main square, are a must visit not only for the beer but also the food and convivial atmosphere with a piano player singing old student songs. Taking the funicular up to the castle, or even the steps will reward you with the possibility of eating at the elegant Michelin-starred restaurant,”Scharffs Schlossweinstube,” in Heidelberg Castle overlooking the old town and the river. Culinary tours through Heidelberg are bookable on the website.

>>  Heidelberg

Eat Your Heart Out in Schwetzingen and Follow the White Asparagus Trail

The royal vegetable, first grown in the Schwetzingen castle garden in the middle of the 17th century and once reserved for the Electoral table only, is now available fresh from the field every day at the asparagus market or from the backyards of villagers in Schwetzingen’s old town. This world famous white asparagus season happens in April and May every year and the special types of asparagus shopped for by the Michelin chefs come from the town of Schwetzingen where they were first grown 350 years ago at the palace. Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design, in all its diversity, survives to this day. It is highly recommended to reserve for an asparagus dinner at the palace restaurant where you can really dine like a king and queen and receive a royal welcome. Schwetzingen serves as a perfect base also to visit neighboring palaces and villages along the asparagus trail.

>>  Schwetzingen

Baiersbronn: A Culinary Pilgrimage Worth Making in the Heart of the Black Forest

Surrounded by lush green forests, Baiersbronn is a culinary pilgrimage worth taking. Although the town has only 14,500 residents, three five-star hotel restaurants hold an inspiring eight Michelin stars. The star chefs are not only known for the quality of their food but also for the charming and elegant atmosphere in which they present their masterpieces. This town does not pride itself only on its luxury offers and there is more than meets the eye in Baiersbronn. An impeccable combination of startlingly beautiful nature and delicious gourmet food everywhere from restaurants and inns and to picnic baskets filled with “Baiersbronn Treasures” creates a comprehensive travel and culinary experience for visitors. Also, nearby, in the Murg valley, the Eberstein Castle is flourishing after being renovated by the Overlack family in 2005. The Castle’s main restaurant holds its own Michelin star. The Eberstein Winery’s vineyards have been replanted and produce the highest quality wines. It is a fairy tale experience and the castle offers 14 rooms and suites.

>> Baiersbronn

Little Dreams Foundation

Italian footwear house Giuseppe Zanotti as well as Miami philanthropist and jewelry designer Orianne Collins hosted a charitable evening of shopping at the brand’s marquee Bal Harbour Shops boutique. Proceeds from the intimate event benefitted Little Dreams Foundation, the organization founded by Orianne and Phil Collins in 2000 that is dedicated to uplifting children in the arts, sports and music with little to no financial means. Invited guests browsed the eye-catching collections from the brand’s “Endless Summer” capsule collection and nibbled on delectable bites by Sciuri Café and enjoyed a musical performance by the foundation’s Little Dreamers to round out the evening.

New Story on DNA

Global Entrepreneurs Gather in Monaco for the 2018 EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award

The world’s most successful and innovative entrepreneurs will descend upon Monaco from 14-16 June for the 2018 EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.

EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. In its 18th year, 57 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year winners from 47 countries will compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year title. The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, 16th June.

The event will celebrate the impact that entrepreneurs have through the innovations, jobs and economic growth they create and a series of summits, keynote speeches, panel discussions and events of special interest.

The theme of this year’s Forum imagines the future of business by addressing the question: “Does industry collision shatter or shape our future thinking?”

Attendees will discuss and share disruptive ideas, challenge conventional ways of thinking and crowd solve issues of navigating growth at the new intersection of politics, economics, business, society.

We are offering interview opportunities with the below on Thursday 14th June and Friday 15th June and full (free) satellite service to global broadcasters from 9am CEST to 5pm CEST (Monaco time). Other times may be available.

• Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Winners – full list here.

• EY Leaders (including CEO Mark Weinberger; Annette Kimmit, EY Global Growth Markets Leader)

• Guest Speakers (Including Elle Macpherson, Co-Founder WelleCo; Sebastian Peck, Managing Director InMotion Ventures)

To book an interview, contact Steph or Caterina at +442073808000.

All assets will become available on website digitalnewsagency.com.

Full information about the event, judging criteria, keynotes speakers, this year’s country winners and more available on the EY website.

Youngblood acoustic version

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS), release an acoustic version of their new single, Youngblood; Download/stream Youngblood (Acoustic) HERE. Youngblood is the title track from the band’s third studio album, out June 15 on Capitol Records and now available for pre-order. Fans who pre-order the album will instantly receive Youngblood; and, Want You Back; See below for full album track listing.Youngblood hit #1 on Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits and has over 64 million streams. Rolling Stone says, 5 Seconds of Summer shred on Youngblood. The song has a relentless, thumping rhythm, around which (5SOS) move between delicate verses and a booming chorus. Nylon declares, Youngblood is great. Like, really, really great and Alternative Press calls the song, stunning. Watch the Youngblood live video, filmed across the band’s sold out 5SOS3Tour HERE.

Tickets for 5SOS Meet You There Tour, are on sale now at LiveNation.com. Each ticket purchased for the tour also includes a copy of the forthcoming album. The 25-city North American headline outing will launch on August 27 in Toronto, ON and include shows at several amphitheaters as well as Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, IL (September 8) and Los Angeles Greek Theatre (October 12). Full itinerary can be found HERE.

Following 5SOS five-plus years of recording and touring behind its first two albums both of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 the band decamped across the hemisphere to Los Angeles to find a new set of collaborators, influences, and inspirations. While expanding its musical parameters on Youngblood, 5SOS retains the hooks and trademark DNA that’s always been a massive part of the band’s appeal. They wrote and recorded the bulk of the album with the Swedish producing-writing team Carl and Rami (Nicki Minaj, Madonna). Other collaborators include Andrew Watt and Ali Tamposi (Camilla Cabello), producer/instrumentalist Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem, Fiona Apple), producer/engineer Noah Passovoy (Maroon 5), J Kash (Maroon 5, Charlie Puth), Asia Whitacre (Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd) and Andrew Goldstein (Linkin Park, Simple Plan).

Hailed as the biggest new rock act in the world by Rolling Stone5SOS is the only band (not vocal group) in history to see its first two full-length studio albums enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1. 5SOS’s self-titled debut album has sold more than three million units worldwide, with 1.5 million albums and more than 4.5 million single tracks sold in the U.S. alone. 2015’s Sounds Good Feels Good charted at No. 1 in 12 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. She’s Kinda Hot, the album’s first single, topped the iTunes charts in 44 countries. 5SOS comprising Luke Hemmings (vocals/guitar), Michael Clifford (vocals/guitar), Calum Hood (vocals/bass) and Ashton Irwin (vocals/drums) has won an American Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, an iHeartRadio Music Award, five MTV European Music Awards, two ARIA Awards and an MTV Video Music Award.

70 Years of Porsche Sports-cars

The new beautifully illustrated celebration of the Porsche, 70 Years of Porsche Sportscars from Delius Klasing covers every aspect of Porsche since Ferry Porsche reinvented the spots car in 1948. Broken down into seven chapters, including lifestyle, technology, the company, models, people, motorsport and community, there is not one topic to be missed.

The book, like Porsche, is intoxicating, beautiful and intelligent.

The new beautifully illustrated celebration of the Porsche, 70 Years of Porsche Sportscars from Delius Klasing covers every aspect of Porsche since Ferry Porsche reinvented the spots car in 1948. Broken down into seven chapters, including lifestyle, technology, the company, models, people, motorsport and community, there is not one topic to be missed.

The book, like Porsche, is intoxicating, beautiful and intelligent.

The Maestro Moon Phase

This maestro moon phase watch features a mechanical self-winding RW4280 movement and is housed in a 40mm-diameter stainless steel case with a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is enchanced by a delicate wave-like center motif and moon phase function at 6 o’clock.

South African Airways Vacations Deal

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS VACATIONS® INTRODUCES “CAPE TOWN & WINELANDS

SUPER SAVER” FOR SUMMER TRAVEL WITH SAVINGS UP TO $1000 PER PERSON
Air-Inclusive 5-Night Package Starting at $1,699 for Travel through August 10, 2018.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 4, 2018) – South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways, has introduced a 5-night “Cape Town & Winelands Super Saver” air-inclusive vacation package that brings unprecedented savings of up to $1000 per person for travel from New York to Cape Town this summer. The “Cape Town & Winelands Super Saver” includes air transportation from New York-JFK Airport on South African Airways, Africa’s most awarded airline, 3-nights’ accommodations at the Sun Square Cape Town hotel and 2-nights’ accommodations at the Evergreen Manor & Spa in Stellenbosch, round-trip airport transfers, and a full-day tour to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Africa’s Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope. The hip and trendy Sun Square Cape Town is the hottest new hotel located in the heart of the Mother City. Guests enjoy bright new rooms, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi throughout the property with close proximity to major tourist attractions. Evergreen Manor & Spa located in picturesque wine region town of Stellenbosch, just outside of Cape Town, offers luxuriousrooms each individually decorated with lovely period and antique furnishings. This hotel is a convenient walk to world-class restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. “SAA Vacations® is excited to offer a summer super saver package for last minute travel. If you don’t have a summer vacation planned yet, this is a great opportunity to visit South Africa at a very affordable price” said Terry von Guilleaume, president of South African Airways Vacations®.

The package details are “Cape Town & Wine Lands Super Saver” – $1,699

  • Roundtrip international economy class air transportation from New York-JFK Airport to Cape Town on South African Airways
  • 3-nights’ accommodation at the Sun Square Cape Town
  • 2-nights’ accommodation at the Evergreen Manor & Spa
  • Daily breakfast
  • Full day Cape Peninsula tour
  • Airport transfers in South Africa with meet and greet by South African Airways Vacations’ representative upon arrival in South Africa

This special discount is available for new reservations made by June 11, 2018. To take advantage of the tremendous $1000 per person savings, travel must be completed by August 10, 2018. Travelers should contact their professional travel consultant or call 1-855-359-7228. South African Airways Vacations® offers vacation options for all budgets, with African Specialists on hand to ensure clients experience the vacation of their dreams. For a complete overview of air-inclusive vacation packages to other destinations throughout Africa, visit www.flysaavacations.com.

About South African Airways Vacations®
A division of South African Airways (SAA), South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa and uses SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana and the Indian Ocean Islands. Offering more than 80 air-inclusive packages, which range from value to superb luxury. Our specialty-themed programs offer unique experiences, whether you are interested in safaris, culture, cuisine, romance and adventure. The program is managed and fulfilled by DSA Vacations, founded in 2001, and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges, and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.

About South African Airways
South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years.

Price is per person based on double occupancy and economy class flights. Offer based for bookings made between June 04 – 11, 2018 per person on 2 adults sharing for departures from New York (JFK) valid between June 4 – August 10, 2018. Not valid for group bookings.Cannot be combined with other special offers. Valid for new bookings only. The same itinerary available at higher prices during other travel periods. Other departure points and domestic flights within the U.S. can be booked. Price for other departure cities and/or travel dates may vary. Subject to availability and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice. Package includes all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. Baggage and optional service fees, cancellation charges and other restrictions may apply.

BÜLOW TO RELEASE NEW EP DAMAGED VOL. 2 JUNE 8

Critically acclaimed German born pop iconoclast bülow will release her brand new EP, Damaged Vol. 2 [Republic Records/ Wax Records], on next Friday June 8, 2018.

To advance the EP, she just shared a new song entitled “SAD AND BORED” [feat. Duckwrth]. Get it HERE.

Of the song, she comments, “I was imaging myself trapped in a metaphorical cage of my own boredom. Duckworth’s voice and lyrics helped bring those visuals to life.”

SAD AND BORED,” the EP will boast the stark and soulful “You & Jennifer” as well as the shimmering and vulnerable “Honor Roll”, full track listing below.  This summer, she takes this enigmatic sound on the road, launching a full-scale European festival takeover. Check out the confirmed dates below.

After releasing her powerful debut Damaged Vol. 1, bülow has instantly resonated with critics and new fans alike.  The tracks “Like This Guy”“Lines”, and “Not A Love Song” have clocked over 30 million streams, reaching the Spotify Global Viral chart and earning praise as “beautifully crafted” (NME), “pop genius” (Noisey), and a “star in the making” (Pigeon & Planes).  A child of the globe, the bright-eyed young singer has grown up in five countries including Canada, Germany, the UK, the US, and is currently finishing high-school in The Netherlands. Although bülow has only just begun her musical journey with these three sentimental, playful, and haunting tracks, “Damaged Vol 1” stands tall as an impressive flag-bearer for things to come.

DAMAGED VOL. 2 TRACKLISTING:

1 “SAD AND BORED” Feat. Duckwrth

2  “Honor Roll”

3 “You & Jennifer”

TOUR DATES:

July 8 – Metropolis Festival – Rotterdam, Netherlands

July 14 – Valkhof Festival – Nijmegen, Netherlands

July 18 – FluxFM Bergest – Kreuzberg, Germany

July 21 – Curious Arts Festival – Pylewell Park New Forest Hampshire

August 31 – The Surf Lodge – Montauk, NY