Posts made in August 2019

Billy Ray Cyrus Celebrates 19 Weeks No .1

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Billy Ray Cyrus is celebrating 19 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre chart with Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road, the Billy Ray Cyrus Remix.” Cyrus also happens to be the only country artist nominated for the upcoming MTV VMA Awards, with seven nominations. “Thank you everybody! This is YOUR song! YOU took this song to the top and kept it there,” Cyrus shared.

The global superstar’s hot streak continues with the announcement that he’s co-hosting the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards September 8. Recently, Cyrus released his new single, “Chevys and Fords,” with fellow BBR Music Group/BMG artist Johnny McGuire.

On August 26, Cyrus will attend the MTV VMA Awards where he’s nominated in the following categories:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
21 Savage ft. J. Cole – “a lot”
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”

SONG OF THE YEAR
Drake – “In My Feelings”
Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”

BEST COLLABORATION
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco – “ME!”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv”

BEST HIP HOP
2 Chainz ft. Ariana Grande – “Rule the World”
21 Savage ft. J. Cole – “a lot”
Cardi B – “Money”
DJ Khaled ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend – “Higher”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)”
Travis Scott ft. Drake – “SICKO MODE”

BEST DIRECTION
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy” – Directed by Dave Meyers
FKA twigs – “Cellophane” – Directed by Andrew Thomas Huang
Ariana Grande – “thank you, next” Directed by Hannah Lux Davis
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Directed by Calmatic
LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo – “No New Friends” – Directed by Dano Cerny
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Directed by Drew Kirsch & Taylor Swift

BEST EDITING
Anderson .Paak ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Tints” – Editing by Elias Talbot
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Editing by Calmatic
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy” – Editing by Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Editing by Hannah Lux Davis & Taylor Walsh
Solange – “Almeda” – Editing by Solange Knowles, Vinnie Hobbs, Jonathon Proctor
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Editing by Jarrett Fijal

BEST ART DIRECTION
BTS ft. Halsey – “Boy With Luv” – Art Direction by JinSil Park, BoNa Kim (MU:E)
Ariana Grande – “7 Rings” – Art Direction by John Richoux
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road (Remix)” – Art Direction by Itaru Dela Vegas
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita” – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter
Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down” – Art Direction by Brittany Porter
Kanye West and Lil’ Pump ft. Adele Givens – “I Love It” – Art Direction by Tino Schaedle

Savannah May

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Actress Savannah May can next be seen leading the cast of the Lifetime original movie,
“The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders” opposite Denise Richards. In the movie, Savannah plays ‘Ava’ an incoming transfer student, reluctantly tries out for the cheerleading team at the insistence of her overly-ambitious mother, Candice (Richards). Katrina (Allie DeBerry, A.N.T Farm), the head cheerleader and most popular girl in school, unexpectedly cozies up to Ava who makes the squad and instantly becomes high school royalty. As she transitions into her new life, Ava discovers becoming part of the squad comes at a price. “The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders” is produced by HYBRID. Additionally, Peter Sullivan serves as the director and Anna White serves as the writer. The show airs September 2nd at 8pm PST / EST.

The nineteen-year-old actress is best known for her role one Nickelodeon’s series “Knight Squad” where she played the series regular role of “Buttercup.”

Savannah was born on August 12, 2000 in Sugarland, Texas. At the age of 4, she caught the acting bug after seeing her first musical with her family. She would go on to explore her talents to become a triple threat in singing, dancing and acting. At 11-years-old, Savannah started training at the Theater Under the Stars (TUTS), Humphrey School of Musical Theater where she trained for over 5 years to develop her craft. She has performed alongside multiple respected Broadway alumni through TUTS and performed for iTheatrics in New York City. Through iTheatrics, Savannah had the opportunity to perform on Broadway with the cast of “Chicago” for a special tribute (what year did this happen). Cast performers at the time included Chita Rivera (Sweet Charity), Bebe Neuwirth (Cheers, Jumanji), Joel Grey (Cabaret) and more to celebrate John Kander’s 90th birthday. Years later she would move to Los Angeles to pursue acting, booking her first full-time gig on the pilot of Nickelodeon’s “Knight Squad,” which debuted in the Spring of 2018. Savannah also appeared in Nickelodeon’s “School of Rock” (2017), Disney’s “Bizaardvark” (2016) playing Jade, and now she’s filming season 2 of Nickelodeon’s “Knight Squad,” premiere in early 2019.

Savannah is a supporter of the fine arts. She regular supports the River Performing and Visual Arts Center in Texas, amongst others. Currently she resides in Burbank California.

Photo by Amanda Elkins

Alexander 23 “Another Summer Night Without You”

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Alexander 23 shares the visual for his track “Another Summer Night Without You,” from the Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why (Season 3) Sountrack. Watch the video directed by Alexander 23 (Alexander Glantz) and Kenny Okagaki HERE.

O’Gara Coach

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On Sunday morning (August 11th), high-end car dealership maven O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills hosted its summer edition of the Sunset Granturismo: “Road to Pebble Beach”, bringing Southern California’s car community together to enjoy a morning of cars and coffee at Sunset Plaza. To kick off the anticipated Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance drive beginning this Thursday, August 15th, O’Gara brought out the old and the new, spotlighting cars such as the Koenigsegg Agera RS1 and Agera S HH Edition alongside classics from the O’Gara family including Bugatti, Lamborghini, McLaren, Rimac, Rolls-Royce, amongst others.

Car lovers were given the opportunity to mingle and enjoy their coffee while admiring the incredible line-up of approximately 250 luxury cars, including multiple Bugatti Chiron’s, Rimac Concept One and Concept Two, Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari F40, Pagani Huayra BC and Roadster, and Lamborghini Miura all in extravagant color palettes. In addition, car aficionados had the chance to view the iconic 1939 Bugatti Type 57, courtesy of the Petersen Auto Museum.

Sunset GT welcomed over 3,000 spectators with a special appearance from automotive fanatic Tim Burton aka Shmee150, whose iconic “Shmee mobile” Ford GT was brought in from Miami to LA. Sunset GT additionally welcomed automotive influencers such as Supercar Blondie, Vehicle Virgins, Seen Through Glass, Effspot, Whitesse Jr, and Matt Farah.

To view the complete photo gallery, please click here. Photo credit: Robert Grubbs.

About Sunset GT

Letizia Silvestri and Giulia Acampora founded Sunset GT in March 2017, which successfully reinvented “cars and coffee”. Sunset GT brings the very best of hypercars together in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Car aficionados from across Los Angeles gather together at the iconic Sunset Plaza to experience cars, coffee, and more. Powered by O’Gara, Sunset Plaza, Obica, and Roger Dubois.

About O’Gara Coach

O’Gara Coach, established in 1976, has served Southern California for more than 42 years, with locations in Beverly Hills, La Jolla, and Westlake Village. O’Gara Coach is a factory-authorized dealer for Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, McLaren, Maserati, Rimac, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Through unparalleled performance, O’Gara Coach has become respected as one of the largest and most prestigious dealer groups in the entire world.

www.ogaracoach.com

Photo credit: Robert Grubbs

Jonas Brothers “Only Human” Music Video

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Maintaining momentum for the biggest comeback of the decade, Jonas Brothers unveil the music video for their latest single “Only Human” today.

Watch it HERE.

Last night, the group announced a YouTube watch page would launch at 10am ET today, featuring a countdown clock and chat with the band, followed by the exclusive worldwide premiere of the official video for “Only Human” at 1PM ET.

The video also saw broadcast premiers with MTV Live, mtvU and the iconic Times Square Viacom billboards. Directed by Anthony Mandler, who also directed the band’s videos for “Sucker” and “Cool,” the video evokes an eighties throwback vibe as Jonas Brothers perform to a packed audience, crooning into vintage microphones and kicking old school dance moves.

The video release comes as “Only Human” heats up at radio, quickly ascending both the Hot AC and Top 40 chart- where it is already Top 15. This week, the band took home two 2019 Teen Choice Awards for “Artist Of The Decade” and “Choice Summer Group.” The band also received four nominations at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards taking place on August 26, 2019 in Newark, NJ. The nods include “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Best Pop” for “Sucker” as well as “Artist of the Year.” Vote HERE.

Speaking to the widespread success, “Sucker” also achieved a platinum certification from the RIAA. Recently, Jonas Brothers ignited their sold-out Happiness Begins Tour in Miami with an explosive performance. Joined by special guests Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw, the jaunt canvases North America through the end of the year. Check out the full itinerary below.

Happiness Begins became the third #1 album of the Jonas Brother’s career and first release since 2009. This #1 bow represented a landmark moment for the group and pop at large as they retain the place at the top of the charts they claimed a decade ago. Jonas Brothers achieved the biggest sales week of 2019 for an album. Not to mention, Happiness Begins generated a greater total consumption of more than the rest of the Billboard 200’s Top 10 combined!

A global success, the album also landed at #1 in Canada, with additional career high debuts in countries including UK, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands and more. These achievements solidified Jonas Brothers’ return as the biggest pop moment of 2019.

SOCIAL HOUSE DROPS DEBUT EP EVERYTHING CHANGED

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Hot off the heels of their chart topping single “boyfriend” and a surprise performance at this year’s Lollapalooza, buzzing LA singer, songwriter and producer duo Social House unveil their highly-anticipated debut EP, Everything Changed…, out today via School Boy Records/Republic Records—listen HERE !

Upon release, “boyfriend” skyrocketed up the charts, claiming the #1 spot on both the iTunes Overall Song & Music Video Charts, #1 Spotify U.S. Chart and the official music video became the #1 YouTube Trending video. Globally, the song also peaked at #1 on the iTunes Chart in 35 countries. Now with over 75 million total streams and counting, “boyfriend” is bound to continue chart domination. Everything Changed…, recorded in Big Bear, CA over the span of two weeks earlier this year, features six songs which capture Social House’s signature sound, including “boyfriend,” as well as their

recently-released soulful ballad “Haunt You ” and new lead track “Tropical Rain.” Under the influence of relationships experienced by the duo, the EP examines “a breakup in reverse” as it traces “the ups and downs of a relationship starting from its end and tracing back to its beginning.” Of Everything Changed…, Social House says, “Our EP is the story of the different stages of a relationship from the end to the beginning. It was the first time we really ever wrote and recorded a project for ourselves as Social House, so we’re really excited for our fans to hear it. Can’t wait for you guys to see what’s coming up next!” Fans can stay tuned for more from Social House this fall! Both born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Social House—made up of Michael “Mikey” Foster and Charles “Scootie” Anderson—initially struck a chord by sharing feelings from behind-the-scenes. The musicians met by way of producer Tommy Brown, sharing a house and creative hub in Sherman Oaks, CA. Together with Brown, they collectively penned and produced multiplatinum number one smashes such as “thank u, next” and “7 Rings” for Ariana Grande’s blockbuster thank u, next. One day, the pair cooked up an idea they couldn’t part with, which resulted in their debut single as Social House, “Magic in the Hamptons ” feat. Lil Yachty. Not only did the track surpass over 100 million cumulative streams within a year, but it also paved the way for widespread acclaim from Billboard, Refinery29, HotNewHipHop, LADYGUNN, Ones To Watch and more. Now, they welcome everyone home on their debut EP, Everything Changed…

Everything Changed… Tracklist:

1. “At Least We Can Say That We Tried”

2. “Haunt You”

3. “Why You Always Gotta Start Something”

4. “Love Me Back”

5. “boyfriend”

6. “Tropical Rain”

Image courtesy of: Parsa Ana

Memphis × West Tennessee

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By Shelby Barbour × Vaughn Lowery

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development held the Memphis and West Tennessee Media tour March 19th-23rd. This trip was filled with amazing food, noteworthy experiences and monumental moments.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 journalists arrived bright and early at the Memphis International Airport and were met by Geiger & Associate staff, and were shortly off to lunch. Lunch was held at The Beauty Shop, which is a hip spot located at the center of the Cooper-Young Entertainment District. The name of the restaurant is the theme. 1940’s beauty dryers are scattered around the salon. Along with this old-fashioned décor, the trendy restaurant also serves amazing, American cuisine. Grilled peaches with blue cheese and balsamic vinegar, herb-crusted trout, cheese grits, and succotash are just a few of the delicious bites they have. After breakfast, the groups split for afternoon activities. The journalists were able to choose between three different activities.

First day activities include taking a tour of Graceland – Home of Elvis Presley, visiting Cooper-Young Entertainment District and Overton Square, and taking a tour of the Memphis Botanic Garden.

Dinner was held at Blues City Café, located on Beale Street. Their ribs have been featured on many food channels and in Bon Appetit’s barbeque issue. Then after, having the options to go out for the night.

The following days were very similar to this one. Starting the day with a delicious breakfast, then continuing to do some fun activity. A lot of the activities include touring Memphis’ popular attractions like The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, Shelby Farms Park, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Peabody Hotel; just to name a few.

Beale street is known for its music, and soul so it’s no doubt that was a must-see on this trip.

This trip was full of opportunity. Tennessee has so much culture, soul, and influence that it’s a no brainer why people fall in love with it. Although the trip mainly focused on food and sight-seeing, some history was thrown in there as well. Tours of the National Civil Rights Museum were given. The museum was established in 1991 and is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This museum offered the visitors a full immersion experience through the American civil rights movement.

When exploring Tennessee, it’s hard to not eat everything that comes into view. Luckily on this trip, it offered multiple foods. This trip was all about the food and travel destinations, so without a doubt, there was going to be some great food options. Food varied from fried chicken sandwiches to impossible burgers which are made from plant-based meats and even deep-fried oysters.

What’s a good trip, without good alcohol? Wine tasting, beer tasting, any alcohol tasting you can think of, Tennessee has it. Century Farm Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that is located right on a working farm. Journalists were able to tour the winery and enjoy a selection of handcrafted and award-winning wines. The wine wasn’t the only alcohol being tasted, good olé’ moonshine was available for taste as well. Samuel T. Bryant Distillery was a hot stop on this tour as well. Just like with the Winery, the journalist was able to have a tasting and tour at the Distillery. Samuel T Bryant Distillery tries its hardest to use locally grown produce in their products. The berries in the Blueberry Moonshine and the Blackberry Moonshine come from local farms and the corn they use comes from Madison County farms. They even use local Sorghum Molasses to make a very unique rum product.

The Memphis and West Tennessee Media Tour was filled with so much culture, inspiration, passion, and warmth. Journalists were able to put their creative skills to the test; write and visit places they’ve never been before. When traveling it’s important to try new things and always think outside the box. New foods, drinks, experiences, and great times are what make a trip unforgettable.

Memphis is definitely a place that needs to be on everyone’s travel list. It’s full of so much culture, experiences and food. Memphis is the definition of an affordable visit, foodie town with tons of music history.

Armin van Buuren

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When you get to celebrate the milestone number of 1500 (!) label releases, you better choose the right track for the job. Armin van Buuren got to decide for himself as his Armind label reached the aforementioned number, and what better choice than a highly anticipated, stadium-quivering blast of Trance that truly is in a league of its own: ‘Stickup’.

Listen to Armin van Buuren – Stickup

Bringing the classic Trance sound back to the current era, ‘Stickup’ sees Armin van Buuren go all out with guns blazing. Holding the crowd hostage for a few minutes of fist-pumping, ‘Stickup’ offers a moment of thrill and utter madness you’ll find yourself talking about for several weeks straight.

‘Stickup’ has been a mainstay in Armin van Buuren’s live sets for a long time now. First played at A State Of Trance 900 in Utrecht, the track is now featured prominently on his new ‘A State Of Trance, Ibiza 2019’ album and ready to blow speakers to pieces across the globe now that it’s officially available for listeners worldwide.

Best Places to go South of The Equator

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According to SouthAmerica.travel the ultimate travel planning service specializing in trips to South America – these are the top four places to travel to south of the equator this September.

1. Lima, Peru

Why travel to Lima in September? This is the region’s dry season and with kids back in school, less people are traveling at this time so there aren’t a lot of crowds. During this time, Lima’s temperatures are mild, between the 60s and mid-70s, so it isn’t too hot or cold for travelers – it also allows people to visit other places in Peru including Machu Picchu or even the Amazon. Lima is known as the Gastronomy capital of South America, so it’s the best time to visit for food because the Mistura Food Festival takes place in early to mid-September.

Highlighted SouthAmerica.travel Tour

The GastronomyTour

Known for its ceviche and Pisco Sours, the national cocktail, Lima has quickly become a place for foodies and vinos. This tour offers travelers a chance to taste world-class food and beverages throughout the region. Guests will not only explore the Larco Museum, the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, but will partake in wine tastings at the wine bodegas – close to the desert oasis town of Huacachin – and the Tabernero Winery or the Viñas de Oro pisco winery and factory inChincha.

Recommended SouthAmerica.travel Accommodations:

5-Star – Hotel B

4-Star – Villa Barranco

3-Star – Second Home

All these hotels are located in Barranco, which is Lima’s new up and coming neighborhood!

2. Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Why travel to Puerto Madryn in September? September is the start of this lesser-known region’s season and weather is cool with temperatures reaching mid-60s – great time to see whales and penguins, which arrive towards the end of the month. Less people are traveling to this part of the country at this timeso travelers won’t have to deal with crowds.

Highlighted SouthAmerica.travel Tour:

The Classic Argentina and Patagonia Tour

One of the most important wildlife reserves in the world, Puerto Madryn is home to a wide variety of marine fauna such as whales, sea elephants, sea lions and penguins and travelers can witness these creatures while visiting places like the Peninsula Valdés. In addition to wildlife, guests will head to Ushuaia, nicknamed the “End of the World,” for a city tour making stops at a prison and the End of the World museum. Finally, travelers will spend time in El Calafate for a visit to the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park in addition to witnessing the wonders of the Upsala Glacier and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier.

Recommended SouthAmerica.travel Accommodations:

5-Star – Hotel Terrotorio

4-Star – Australis Yene Hue
Hotel Península Valdés

3-Star – Hotel Tolosa

3. Pantanal, Brazil

Why travel to Pantanal in September? This time of year, it’s Spring in Pantanal, with temperatures reaching 70-85 degrees. For animal-lovers, September is the best time to spot the elusive Jaguar and with the waters lowered, travelers will have an easier time spotting other creatures around the same watering holes.

Highlighted SouthAmerica.travel Tour:

The Pantanal Wetlands & Rio De Janeiro Tour

Half the size of Texas, Pantanal stretches across the borders of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. As a wildlife sanctuary, Pantanal is home to giant river otters, anacondas, iguanas, jaguars, ocelots, cougars, and deer, among other animals. This tour starts with travelers in Rio De Janeiro visiting Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. After Rio, guests will make their way to Pantanal where they will partake in a canoe tour, a night safari, piranha fishing and a hike through the woods to see howler and capuchin monkeys and birds.

Recommended SouthAmerica.travel Accommodations:

3-Star – Araras Lodge

3-Star – Pousada Rio Mutum Eco Lodge

4. Easter Island, Chile

Why travel to Easter Island in September? Temperatures are pretty moderate throughout the year, reaching mid-60s. However, during September, the weather can be very dry, making it easier for travelers to explore. Also, wildflowers are in full bloom this time of year.

Highlighted SouthAmerica.travel Tour:

The Highlights of Chile Tour

On this tour, travelers will admire the Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, Santa Lucia Hill, the Metropolitan Park in Santiago and visit vineyards in the Maipo or Casablanca Valleys. Next is Easter Island, and here guests will make stops at several ancient altars including Ahu Akivi and Ahu Tahai, study the towering moai, symbols of tradition and statues, visit the famous site Puna Pau, a quarry located near Hanga Roa, set sail to Hanga Piko Bay to spot turtles and fish, trek to the top of Rano Kau Volcano and finally, visit Ahu Vinapu, the ceremonial village of Orongo. Other mainland destinations the tour stop in are Torres Del Paine, San Pedro De Atacama, Toconao and Laguna Chaxa.

Recommended SouthAmerica.travel Accommodations:

5-Star – Explora Rapa Nui

4-Star – Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

4-Star – Altiplanico Easter Island Hotel

Equinox Members Feel Bamboozled

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After The Related Companies (parent company of Equinox, SoulCycle, Hudson Yards) Founder/Chairman Stephen M. Ross announced his Trump fundraiser (tickets which will cost up to $250,000) in the Hamptons, all hell broke loose – tons of memberships have been cancelled online, over the telephone and in person. After all, Ross is a ‘passive investor’ for Equinox and SoulCycle which are premier fitness centers for celebrities, political leaders and senior level executives alike whom all seem to be proactively involved within the LGBTQ+ and art communities.

Why are members so infuriated?

Many feel they were a part of a movement of societal justice and equality, not just a fitness institution since its inception twenty years ago. Fast forward to present day, Equinox has popped all over every urbane and metropolitan area’s infrastructure largely in part to real estate mogul, Ross.

Lately, the brand has announced a slew of designer duds, hotel chain and talent agency geared towards their top instructors. Today, more or less of its constituents will gather at the West Hollywood location (8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069) at 4PM to protest against Ross’s decision to host such a lavish engagement for one of the most ridiculed US Presidents in modern day times. A man who’s rhetoric has possibly fell upon the ears of young white supremacists like the alleged shooter at El Paso last weekend who gunned down dozens of Hispanic people at a local Walmart.

Maybe after today’s outrage, the Miami Dolphins owner, who was shunned for his actions by some of its players, will renege on tomorrow’s elaborate event. According to the LA Times, the soldout venue may raise close to 12 million dollars for Mr. Ross’s friend of over 40 years.

As of late, Equinox has announced the construction of a 20-story hotel and residential building downtown LA which is scheduled to be completed around 2021.