Posts made in July 2018

Agenda Festival 2018

By Rana Salloom × Vaughn Lowery

Long Beach, known for its skate culture and diverse community, hosted the largest skate/surf convention in Southern California called Agenda. The engagement took place on June 28 to June 30. It showcased top designers as well as emerging brands while simultaneously hosting panel discussions on industry trends. Investors from all around the world attend in hopes of discovering what will make a huge impression in 2019.

This year Agenda collaborated with another annual skate competition event called the Dew Tour. The combination of these two industry events was a major success for the skate/surf industry bringing both fashion, athleticism and music under one roof.

The last day of Agenda was called Agenda Festival and it held the music portion of the convention. Agenda Festival had major headliners such as Brockhampton, Lil Yachty, Billie Ellish, and Fidlar. These headliners were all completely different in style, age, and genre bringing an eclectic twist to this industry giant. Agenda is the place to be for all things skate and surf and provides a new wave of trends for these two cultures.

Arkonik Defender 90

Arkonik are back with another Summer Promotion, and this time it’s big.

 

For the first time ever, Arkonik is giving away a Defender 90 soft-top (worth over $130k) to one client to accompany their custom order upon delivery. So if you’ve been thinking about creating your perfect custom Defender, now is the time to make that dream a reality.

 

The first 30 people to make a 25% deposit between 1st July – 30th September 2018 will be entered into a competition to win a unique D90 curated by the team at Arkonik HQ. As an added incentive, place your deposit this month (July 2018 only) and you will also receive a $10,000 deposit contribution.

Visit the website for full details here.

 

Arkonik are Land Rover Defender specialists based in the heart of England, exporting to the USA and Canada since 2007. They are collaborating with carefully selected partners to create a one of a kind Defender in a dazzling shade of Firesand Orange offset with an Exmoor Trim black canvas soft-top. Externally the edition will feature KBX wing-top vents and Sawtooth alloy wheels supplied by BEARMACH shod with BFGoodrich AT tyres. Internally this stunning truck will feature black leather with orange stitch seating, matching door cards and Arkon X steering wheel by Exmoor Trim. This premium interior will also include black aluminium gear knobs and door furniture as well as one of Exmoor Trim’s new Lock Boxes.*

As for your custom order, there are hundreds of bespoke options available. Exterior options include engine type, alloy styles and a host of off-road accessories to name but a few. Interiors are made to order; from premium leather seating with contrast stitching to embroidered headrests and choice of LED lighting, Arkonik’s sales team will guide you through the process from start to finish.

 

Depending on your location, your Defender will be of a 15-25 year old vintage. With almost 200 immaculately restored trucks imported into North America to date, Arkonik guarantees importation to the USA, Canada and many other parts of the world. They also provide further reassurance in the form of an inclusive warranty. All vehicles are designed, built, equipped and shipped to meet with regional regulations and local environmental needs. Clients are able to watch their build from start to finish via the online Client Portal and can even visit Arkonik HQ in the Land Rover motherland of England for a guided tour whilst choosing their custom options.

Arkonik handles the entire process from procurement to restoration, design consultation, build and shipment, right through to delivery and a comprehensive handover on your own doorstep. This leaves you to focus on the fun stuff; like planning your first adventure!

 

Travel to South Africa in Honor of Mandela’s Centenary 

2018 is a momentous year for South Africa with the Nelson Mandela Centenary marking what would have been 100 years since the iconic leader’s birth. Officially July 18, 2018 – Mandela Day – marks this historic milestone as throughout the nation, and across the world, people celebrate South Africa’s first black President. Mandela’s legacy as an inspirational anti-apartheid revolutionary and one of the greatest human rights advocates the world has ever seen, cemented his place as one of the 20th century’s most important political figures. This year, South African Tourism invites US travelers to explore this legacy.

In Mandela’s honor, national celebrations will see a series of high-profile events and memorials. On July 17, a day before Mandela Day, former US president Barack Obama will deliver the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg. The theme will be “Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active Citizenship in a Changing World,” and will honor the centennial of Mandela’s birth.
In Cape Town’s City Hall, a life-sized statue of Madiba will be unveiled on July 24 in the place where he gave his first speech upon release from his 27 year imprisonment.
Internationally, the world’s largest musical tribute will also take place on Mandela Day through a series of charitable concerts held live across the world in support of improving literacy among children. This musical tribute is organized by Mandela Concertswith the goal of raising millions of dollars towards various projects including building 100 new library units in South Africa’s most vulnerable schools, developing a high school skills program, and providing 200 Toddler Trolley library programs for 5 to 6 year-old South African children by 2021.
Often respectfully referred to by his Xhosa clan name Madiba, travelers interested in following in Mandela’s footsteps can download the Madiba’s Journey app. South African Tourism, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, recently re-launched the app to include 100 historic landmarks and sites that influenced Mandela’s life. From the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg to Cape Town and beyond, the app allows users to customize their own itineraries and helps guide them through key landmarks, offering context, photos and curated audio narration about Mandela’s life and the 27 years he spent as a political prisoner. A few notable landmarks are highlighted below:

  • The Eastern Cape: Explore Nelson Mandela’s birthplace – an area of outstanding rugged beauty with pristine coastline, virgin bush and subtropical forests.
  • Robben Island: Tour the jail cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life, through the eyes of those who experienced it first-hand. Many tours are led by ex-political prisoners.
  • Constitution Hill in Johannesburg: Formerly used as a prison, it was here where hundreds of political prisoners were held, including Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. Constitution Hill is now a living museum and home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court.
  • The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg: Acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, the museum tells the apartheid story.
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Visit this province to see the Nelson Mandela Capture Site. After being on the run for 16 months, Madiba was captured and arrested here in August 1962.
  • Voting Line Sculpture in Port Elizabeth: A tribute to the thousands of South Africans who participated in the nation’s first democratic elections in 1994.

South African Tourism encourages travelers to celebrate, honor and explore the legacy of Mandela through Mandela themed travel packages. A selection of curated experiences are included below:

  • Gate 1 – 8 Day South Africa Tour with Game Drives & Flights — 8 days and 6 nights Enjoy the best of Cape Town by exploring Table Mountain and then visit either the Winelands or Cape Peninsula. After a few days in the “Mother City,” head on to Johannesburg to transfer to the safari portion of your trip in Limpopo Province. You’ll be able to spot all kinds of wildlife while enjoying South Africa’s natural beauty. $1799/ Per person sharing (includes $280pp savings with promo code SATD280) *Terms and conditions apply
  • Africa Answers – Celebrating Mandela’s 100th — 8 days 6 nights On this cultural journey to South Africa, discover Nelson Mandela’s struggle, perseverance, and determination to lead South Africa to Freedom. Explore the bustling city of Johannesburg and spend 3 amazing nights in the cultural rich city of Cape Town. From US $2,499* Per Person Sharing (add a 4th Night FREE in this air-inclusive, 8 night package) *Terms and conditions apply
  • Goway Travel – Walking in his Footsteps – Mandela’s Centenary –10 days and 9 nights Explore the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela with this unforgettable journey into in South Africa. Traveling between Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, you’ll have the opportunity to trace Mandela’s journey from freedom fighter to president and learn about the hardships of apartheid as well as its collapse and the birth of the new Rainbow Nation. From US $3,197* Per person sharing *Terms and conditions apply

For more Nelson Mandela themed packages, visit SouthAfrica.net/deals

For more information about Madiba’s Journey app, visit madibasjourney.southafrica.net

Quintessential Outfits To Lift Up Your Style Quotient

Shopping for clothes can be challenging. If you are a fashionista, then the pressure is even higher as you have to meet high expectations. Household chores, school or college, office and other engagements make it difficult to follow fashion trends. A cheat-sheet will come in handy to catch up with what all happened in the fashion world, while you were busy elsewhere. Here are some outfits which have made it to this year’s “must have” list.
Sequin top: Your savior
It is rather tiresome to dress up for a party after a long day at the office. In such cases, a sequin top is your ultimate companion. These sparkly tops need no added accessorizing. Off-shoulder, crop, tank or normal, there are a thousand designs to choose from. The sequins come in golden, silver, copper and other metallic hues. If you are wearing a short halter-neck or tank sequin top, layer it up with printed shrugs or jackets.
Belted trousers are a keeper
Ladies who need to wear pants on a daily basis know how comfortable cotton and linen trousers are. It becomes easy for women to create several looks with belted trousers. These are available in several designs, colors, and materials as well. Whether you are getting ready for another day at the office or have to attend a party, belted trousers will come to your rescue.
Green and white combo
Apart from outfits, you need to keep an eye open to identify which patterns are hot this season. If you don’t possess any short or A-like dress, skirt, jumpsuit, rompers or top that has green and white prints, then you are lagging behind in the fashion game. Subtle white print on a green background is in vogue.
Denim overalls and jumpsuits
Love denim? Who doesn’t right?! This summer, you must get your hands on a denim jumpsuit or overall. These are two styles, which are currently in fashion. Several fashion models and celebs have already been spotted in these attires. The color does not matter as long as the garment fits you correctly. These can be easily dressed up or down. They are suitable for casual and relaxed meetings.
Distresses acid-washed jeans
Speaking of denims, you must have a ton of ripped jeans in your wardrobe. If “yes” then good for you. If not, then you need purchase acid-washed distressed jeans ASAP. Make sure that it accentuates your curves. A jean will fail to serve its purpose if it does not fit the body correctly. These go well with all sorts of tops. Pair it with high boots to get a “high fashion” look.
Cargo printed pants and Ts
After their enormous success, cargo prints slowly faded. As nothing in fashion sector remains submerged for too long, cargos are all set to make a comeback with a bang. If you want to amph up your style quotient, then you must invest in a pair of cargo pants that actually fit. Gone are the days when these were only available in military green. Cargo printed trousers are available in several colors and styles as well. Cargo printed T-shirts will go well with this pant if you deliberately want to create a “print harmony.” Otherwise, cargo printed T-shirts will competent blue, black and grey pants as well.
The plastic trend is in high gear
While the entire world has joined hands to shun the use of plastic to stop environmental degradation, the fashion industry is experimenting with it to create new trends. Hollywood’s “bad girl” Rihanna has already made plastic see-through boots an instant hit. Now, it is time for plastic outfits to shine. Recently, see-through plastic jackets have been launched in the market. These are available in clear as well as colored variants. You can pick either buttoned jackets or zipper jacket. The see-through clear jackets will jazz up your style and will also highlight the top that you are wearing underneath. Opaque plastic skirts are also present in the market for those who wish to bring about a drastic change in their style statement.

Long “top n skirt” combo

Not all ladies are comfortable with skin show. It is not wise to show-up at formal events in mini-skirts and crop tops. In case you want to opt for something other than dresses or long gowns, then check out long top n skirt combos. Western designers have been influenced by long “kurtis” and “ghagra” which are traditional Indian outfits. These are jazzy numbers and are best reserved for special occasions. The long kurti comes with a flared skirt. These Kurtis have slits on both sides. Keeping in line with the Indian flavor, these “kurti n skirt” combos come in vibrant colors. They are made of rich fabrics and often are heavily embellished.
Don’t ignore accessorizing
Once you are done collecting all quintessential attires, which are expected to set the fashion circuit on fire in 2018, it is time to concentrate on your accessorize. All fantastic outfits must be supported with befitting accessories. Too many accessories will make the ensemble visually busy, while lack of it will make the outfit bland. Dressing is like whipping up a recipe. If you fail to add the right spices, your dish will not taste good. The look your desire to achieve is that dish, your attire is the main ingredient and accessories are the spices. You need not put on too many trinkets. Belts, shoes, bags, and scarves also fall in the accessory list. It is imperative that you pick right accessories to complement your outfit. None should outshine the other.

So, wait no more! Today, check out online fashion stores like https://www.nihalfashions.com/. If you are too lazy to leave your couch, then log on to any online shopping site. Grab the best deals and revamp your wardrobe with these “must have” pieces today.

2018 Austrian GP

Quotes from the Race

MAX VERSTAPPEN, Finish Position: WINNER, Start Position: 4th
“I’m so happy to win at the Red Bull Ring, and with so many Dutch fans here. It was also so unexpected, and that makes it even better. An amazing weekend. If you want to win a race this is the perfect place, in a Red Bull car at the Red Bull Ring. For the race I was very happy in general with how the car was behaving but I always just try to do my best race possible; if that is going to be first, second, third, it’s not in your hand. From my side I felt in control, I was driving to the best I could with the car I had and at the end we were struggling a little more than Ferrari with the tyre blistering but we managed to stay ahead. I knew that Daniel and Lewis had to pit again and I didn’t want that scenario so I was not driving to the full limit of the car but just managing everything. It was tougher than perhaps it looked but I just needed to be on top of my tyres. I’m very thankful to the engineers for making that strategy call under the VSC and full complements to the team for that pitstop, because that definitely made our race. The fans in the grandstand were great, so many orange t-shirts there. My focus was always on the track but for the last few laps I could look a little bit to my left and they were really cheering me on, it was amazing.”

DANIEL RICCIARDO, Finish Position: DNF, Start: 7th
“I’m obviously disappointed with how the day went. At one stage it was looking like a one-two, but in all honesty as soon as we put the softs on it didn’t feel like it gave me much. Even though we were able to get Kimi, I didn’t feel like I was able to pull away and then I saw the tyre was getting torn apart. So we had to pit and that put us out of contention for the podium. Then we had what I think was a broken exhaust which put me out of the race. I could feel something was wrong down the back straight before the last sector, so I mentioned it and then tried to do a procedure but the call came for me to stop. I’m happy for Red Bull today, the team, the brand, the people, and happy for Max who has so many fans here. I saw Mr Mateschitz earlier and I can imagine what he is feeling right now. Obviously it’s not my day but from the team’s point of view, for the Austrians and for Max it’s a big day for them, so I’m happy that some part of the team will be celebrating today. I don’t think I’ll celebrate too much for my birthday (today) but you know, maybe a cognac to get over these sniffles!”

CHRISTIAN HORNER, Team Principal: “An unbelievable feeling. To win in a Red Bull car at the Red Bull Ring is something I never imagined would happen this morning. All credit to Max today, he drove a very, very mature race, managing a very tricky situation with the tyres and he completed a very controlled drive to win our first Austrian Grand Prix. It was a great shame not to have Daniel up on the podium as well, after running for many laps in P2, but then his rear tyre started to overheat which caused a second pit stop. Shortly after that we began to see an exhaust crack that was causing gearbox damage, forcing his retirement. A special word to our pit-crew, again executing a faultless stacked pit stop on our route to victory, as they had done previously this year in China. I have to also applaud our entire staff back at the factory and their commitment to produce a competitive race car. The day belongs to them, to Max, to the team, to Red Bull and particularly to Mr Mateschitz who has given so much to modern Formula One. We are all delighted for him.”

Story credit: http://www.redbullcontentpool.com/redbullracing/AP-1W27WJ3F52111

Red Bull Cliff Diving

Steven LoBue earns first Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series victory since 2015 win in Bilbao.

The 33-year-old spun his way to a stunning victory at the second stop of the 2018 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Bilbao, Spain, earning top spot on the podium for the first time since his win in the very same location back in 2015. He was joined in the celebrations by reigning champion Jonathan Paredes of Mexico, who grabbed a much needed second place following a poor start in Texas.

LoBue’s fellow American David Colturi, who currently possesses the hardest dive, finished third. Six-time World Series champion Gary Hunt of England missed out on the podium for the third successive event; his longest run ever without a top three finish. 25,000 fans turned out to watch as the men displayed their art from 27m in rainy conditions beside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

After no victory in 16 competitions, the FINA world champion displayed the best performance of his forward 5 somersaults with ½ twist ever to score the highest note in an optional dive (135.15pts) and repeat his winning feat in the American’s new favourite location. Paredes also earned a new record score for an intermediate dive (100.80pts), which powered him into an early lead after two rounds, while record winner Hunt, who clearly still feels the handicap of his twisting mental block, had to lower his diving programme once more to land him in a mediocre 10th place in the Basque city.

With today’s win, the ‘spin master’ from Florida also took the overall World Series lead ahead of Czech’s Michal Navratiland Blake Aldridge from Great Britain after two of seven competitions in the World Series’ anniversary season. Defending champion Paredes makes up five ranks and sits in 5th place now, while his main contender from previous years, the ‘brilliant Brit’ Hunt, lingers in 11th position, one spot behind Colombian veteran Orlando Duque.

From the place where cliff diving is art and La Salve Bridge with thousands of enthusiastic fans along the river, the cliff diving elite travels on to the remote and pure islands of the Portuguese Azores. The top 24 athletes, men and women, will be back on the cliff-face to continue their fight for the 2018 King Kahekili trophy in two weeks’ time.

Quotes from the winners
Steven LoBue, USA
At the moment it’s less about the location, but more about the feeling. It’s awesome to repeat it in this location, just mentally I’m feeling really good right now. Had a great week of training leading up to this and the crowd pushes through the dodgy weather. It’s fantastic for the sport that so many people are capable of winning at any given point. We had a lot of great dives here today; especially with the weather it’s showing how mentally mature a lot of these guys are, really battling through those conditions. Super excited to come out on top!

Jonathan Paredes, MEX
This is what I wanted. I came to Bilbao with the plan to finish well. Bilbao is a very special place for me and after the bad result in Texas, I could show what I can do. It was a good fight with Steven and David and finally I placed 2nd.
A good result here in Bilbao motivates me to doing better in Portugal and the rest of the Series. Portugal is a special place with diving from the cliffs and it’s been good to me, so I know I can repeat that.

Results – Stop #2, Bilbao | ESP
1- Steven LoBue USA – 416.15pts
2- Jonathan Paredes MEX – 405.55
3- David Colturi USA – 390.90
4- Blake Aldridge GBR – 382.40
5- Michal Navratil CZE – 378.70
6- Alessandro De Rose ITA – 366.40
7- Orlando Duque COL – 362.60
8- Andy Jones USA – 358.70
9- Carlos Gimeno (W) ESP – 349.20
10- Gary Hunt GBR – 347.25
11- Kris Kolanus POL – 277.75
12- Alain Kohl (W) LUX – 275.55
13- Oleksiy Prygorov (W) UKR – 263.00
14- Artem Silchenko (W) RUS – 203.00

Standings (after 2 of 7 stops)
1- Steven LoBue USA – 270pts
2- Michal Navratil CZE – 250
3- Blake Aldridge GBR – 240
4- Kris Kolanus POL – 220
5- Jonathan Paredes MEX – 190
6- David Colturi USA – 170
7- Andy Jones USA – 160
8- Alessandro De Rose ITA – 130
9- Sergio Guzman (W) MEX – 90
10- Orlando Duque COL – 80

Story credit: http://www.redbullcontentpool.com/redbullcliffdiving/AP-1W4VB5UP52111

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
Since 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has provided a platform for aesthetic free-falls and dives of ever growing complexity, spotlighting the sport’s finest athletes as well as the most promising talents and in 2014 it introduced a Women’s World Series. Celebrating its 10th season in 2018, this rapidly progressing sport will crown two new champions during seven demanding competitions for the men and five for the women. Between June and September, this pure extreme sport will hit waters in natural and urban environments as well as remote and iconic venues of World Series classics.

Donald Trump × a “March on Washington”

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), is calling on “all people of good will”, who are outraged by President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies, to join the SCLC at its 60th Annual Convention July 12 -15, 2018 in Washington, which will focus on the current conditions of global racism and poverty. Dr. Steele, who heads the organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., believes the people’s desire to send a strong message about immigration, poverty and other critical matters in the U.S. could lead to another massive March on Washington like the historic rally inspired by Dr. King nearly 55 years ago on August 28, 1963.

“We’re witnessing partisan political gamesmanship when we should be talking about protecting children,” said Dr. Steele regarding President Trump’s most recent “zero tolerance” immigration policy, which has spark hundreds of demonstrations across the nation. “Separating children from their parents at the border is an abomination! This is a humanitarian disgrace.”

Dr. Steele, who has been actively involved with The Civil Rights Movement for more than 40 years, says he is hopeful that President Trump can find empathy for the thousands of immigrants affected by his policy.

“I recommend that the President considers the human aspect of this tragic situation and not merely the politics,” said Dr. Steele. “Immigrants are trying to get to America because they’re being terrorized in their own homes. They’re faced with daily violence, poor living conditions, and their human rights are being threatened every day.”

Dr. Steele, who is in Brazil examining the international concerns of poor people, added, “I will get a global perspective on the problems afflicting the poor and really highlight their concerns at this year’s conference.”

The 60th Annual Convention will also have a heavy focus on mobilizing large groups of people of color to “get out and vote”. There will be various workshops and panels on the power of voting.

“People are mad, people are moved, and people are fed up. It’s time to use this energy in a constructive manner,” said Dr. Steele, who believes if the people unify around another SCLC- inspired massive rally it can surpass the 250,000 who gathered in Washington in 1963.

The SCLC Convention will run from July 12 to 15 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C, 999 9th Street NW. For more information about the 60th Annual SCLC National Convention, please visit their website at nationalsclc.org.

ABOUT THE SCLC: Established in 1957, the SCLC, whose first president was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a now an international organization made up of chapters and affiliates with programs that affect the lives of all Americans: north, south, east, and west. Its sphere of influence and interests has become international in scope because the human rights movement transcends national boundaries.