Posts made in August 2019

Lexus ES, Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE, Seabrite Beach, Fun, Summer

5 Great Ways to Have Fun Alone

Many people think a fulfilled life is cramming all kinds of social events into their life. But what happens when those plans fall through and you’re left alone? While some turn to playing video slot game online, there are better things to do. Consider these activities the next time you’re alone.

Visit a Nearby Town

Having an opportunity to decompress can do wonders and one way to do that is to visit another town. Of course, there can be a gambling casino in the area, but consider other places to. Take a mini-vacation and go out for lunch in the area or check the other shops.

Doing this can give you ideas for your next outing with friends. After all, you don’t know what sort of gems can be found in even the smallest of towns.

Learning a New Skill

Getting tired of the hobbies that you have? This could be a clear sign to learn something new or acquire a new skill. You don’t need to have any prior experience or talent in it. In fact, it’s better if you don’t.

Learning a new skill can provide someone with new challenges and thrilling opportunities too. Take some time now and think: have you ever tried to learn a new language? How about playing an instrument or writing poetry or blog articles?

Jogging/Walking in Nature

Exercise is a good way of de-stressing, but can also be a good time to reflect and overcome other challenges. The idea with this activity is to go at your own pace. Best of all, you can stop whenever you like.

Spend Time with a Pet

Studies show that bonding with a cat or a dog can lower stress, make you feel less lonely, and improve fitness. Finding a way to get access to another animal can provide ample benefits. Ask a friend to look after their pet for a day or get one yourself.

Write

Whether it’s a journal or a blog, devote some time to writing. Share your deep and personal thoughts. It passes the time and provides ample of other benefits too. Other prompts are things like:


● Processing recent events.
● Discussing certain challenges.
● Discussing goals you have.

Conclusion

The list for things to do alone is endless so don’t feel like you’ll be bored. The actions mentioned above are a lot of fun and can lead to further development of your life.

Lexus ES, Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE, NYC, rooftop

Benefits of SIP Termination Systems

Today, businesses cannot survive without efficient communication with partners and clients. In the digital age, landline systems of the past have become largely obsolete. You may often hear of VoIP and SIP as two major tech phenomena facilitating calls over the web, often for free.

Voice over IP is a well-known technology for Internet-based calling.
We all know that Skype users can call and see each other, and instant messengers offer similar features free of charge. When two people are online, they can talk freely. But what if you need to reach a cell phone number from an Internet-connected device? This is where SIP termination comes into play. If you choose your provider correctly, the benefits will be tangible.

The Term

The abbreviation stands for session initiation protocol, and termination refers to outbound calling. This option enables outgoing calls from Internet-based telephone systems to regular ones, whether cellular, or PSTN (public switched telephone network).

This way, you can make voice calls from your IP-based device (VoIP) to external phone networks anywhere on the planet. This outgoing call option is opposite to SIP origination, which refers to incoming calls to VoIP devices. A special number, referred to as either DID or DDI, will be assigned, and it is suitable for anyone who calls you, whether using a cell phone or PTSN.

When such a call is received, it is directed to your SIP user or IP address and can be answered from a VoIP/SIP device.


Advantages to Consider

1. Cost-cutting

The first obvious advantage of using the service is saving on communication costs, which are often significant, especially for international calls. You will be able to contact your partners, both locally and overseas, at a reduced cost.
For example, if you are based in the USA, but communicate with partners in Asia, they may call you on your DID number, which will cost them less. Meanwhile, you will be receiving calls in your American office via IP technology. You may be offered an unlimited number of channels that can be active at the same time, with payment per minute.

Tariffs generally depend on the following factors:


● the provider,
● the number of active lines (unless unlimited),
● the destination country,
● the city,
● the receiver’s mobile operator.

2. Format Diversity

SIP termination will make possible not only voice calls. The service may include extra features, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, streaming media, and even online games.

3. Expanded Reach and Flexibility

There are clear benefits for any company, regardless of type or size. SIP termination offers a market opportunity that should not be overlooked. Multinationals, airports, banks, and hotels are embracing the technology.

Overall, SIP systems are becoming increasingly widespread, and for a good reason. They help companies of any size and sector to streamline communication with partners and customers. SIP enables effortless communication between regular phones and IP-based devices with no geographical constraints.

Most Expensive States For Speeding

The United States is a vast nation connected by the automobile. But while our car culture helps connect the far reaches of the country to each other, it also comes with some clear limitations. Like how fast you can travel whilst zipping from the Grand Canyon to the Great Smoky Mountains on your cross-country road trip. And few things can ruin a vacation quite like getting slapped with a speeding ticket.

However, depending on where you get it, a speeding ticket can range from a minor annoyance to a significant financial burden. A $20 fine isn’t always a huge burden to bear, but relatively few Americans can afford to fit an unexpected fee of $300 into their normal budget. So, before you set out on your great American road trip, it might be worth learning how much a ticket would cost you in the states along your route.

To determine this, GOBankingRates delved into the cost of a speeding ticket in each state using data from GoCompare.com’s Harsher Penalties 2018 study. The GOBankingRates study then compared the cost of a ticket for traveling 13 mph over the posted speed limit for a first-time offender and assuming no additional fees established a ranking of the expected cost by state.

Key to Auto Dealer Satisfaction

As auto dealers confront a rapidly changing consumer landscape in which many customers now apply for credit online before visiting a dealership, the experienced and empowered credit and sales personnel at captive and non-captive lenders are becoming critical elements in the success of an automotive finance operation. According to the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study,SM the ability to answer dealer questions correctly the first time, facilitate electronic transactions and resolve contracts quickly is key to helping dealers successfully navigate the changing marketplace.

“Dealers are able to put together more attractive, seamless transactions for their customers when they are able to work in lock-step with lenders they trust to deliver fast, accurate and competitive products,” said Jim Houston, Senior Director, Automotive Finance Intelligence at J.D. Power. “That relationship becomes more important as vehicle sales slow and more buyers may seek to secure financing outside of the dealership. Credit analysts and sales personnel perform some of the most important functions for dealers looking to match customers purchase with the right financial transaction. When these teams are available, knowledgeable and empowered, they improve dealer satisfaction and enhance the lender’s value proposition.”

The 2019 U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study is based on 16,870 retail credit and 2,117 floor plan provider evaluations from dealer personnel, a 17% increase in response rate from the 2018 study. The study was fielded in April-May 2019, measuring auto dealer satisfaction in three segments of lenders: non-captive, captive mass market and floor planning. The non-captive analysis evaluates the dealer/lender relationship across three factors: relationship; provider offerings; and application/approval process. In the captive segment, four factors are evaluated: relationship; provider offerings; application/approval process; and lease return. Three factors are measured in the floor planning segment: relationship; portfolio management; and provider credit line.

5 Seconds of Summer “Teeth”

“Teeth,” the explosive new single from 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS), was released today by Interscope Records. Produced by Andrew Watt and Louis Bell, the track ventures deeper into the dark sonic territory that 5SOS explored on their summer hit, “Easier.” “Teeth” features the legendary Tom Morello soloing on guitar throughout the track. Listen to “Teeth” HERE.

The official video for “Teeth” was helmed by French director Thibaut Duverneix (Elton John, Tierra Whack). In the clip, 5SOS become subjects in a consciousness-altering experiment that triggers harrowing hallucinations. Watch the video HERE. “Teeth,” which is the second single from the band’s forthcoming album, will also appear on the original soundtrack to 13 Reasons Why (Season 3), set for August 23 release via Interscope Records.

“’Teeth’ came about after a month or two long blur of writing and pushing ourselves to go a step further than Youngblood,” says lead vocalist Luke Hemmings. “It was a tumultuous time in my life and the lyrics in the song definitely reflect that. It speaks lyrically about a trying time in my current relationship. Musically it’s another step forward from ‘Easier’ and really embraces industrial sounds and rhythms.

Collaborating with Ryan Tedder was incredible as was Andrew Watt, Ali Tamposi & Lou Bell. ‘Teeth’ captures the soul of 5 Seconds of Summer and I truly believe it is a unique song to us as a band and doesn’t sound like anything out at the moment. It’s my favorite song we’ve released ever and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Last week, 5SOS released the Charlie Puth remix of “Easier.” Listen HERE.

“Easier” is currently #11* at Top 40 radio and has amassed over 231 million streams worldwide across video and audio. Hailing “Easier” as a “Song You Need to Know,” Rolling Stone observed, “‘Easier’ culls inspiration from Nine Inch Nails’ industrial pop hit ‘Closer’…The added edge of their new sound is a promising sign.” GQ named “Easier” as one of the “Best Songs of 2019 So Far” and noted, “Why fight a good thing when it’s this damn good?” Entertainment Weekly praised the “edgy music video,” which can be seen HERE.

5SOS is the only band (not vocal group) in chart history to see its first three full-length studio albums enter the Billboard 200 at No. 1. Across their catalog, 5SOS has sold more than eight million equivalent album units and sold over two million concert tickets worldwide, while cumulative streams of their songs now surpass seven billion. 5SOS –comprising Luke Hemmings (vocals/guitar), Michael Clifford (vocals/guitar), Calum Hood (vocals/bass) and Ashton Irwin (vocals/drums) – are recognized for an array of prestigious accolades including an American Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, eight MTV European Music Awards, five ARIA Awards, two APRA and two MTV Video Music Awards. The band will be touring North America this fall.

Saint Bodhi releases Flowerchild

DEF JAM RECORDINGS ARTIST SAINT BODHI RELEASES HER ARRESTING DEBUT SINGLE “FLOWERCHILD” VIA THE FADER TODAY

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE 

WATCH ON THE FADER

“A unique voice and cutting lyricism…dazed, twinkling production….dark and sharp-edged…It’s a forceful and purposeful introduction.”

South Central LA native, SAINT BODHI, releases her arresting debut single “Flowerchild” off of her forthcoming album.  The songstress who has a knack for bending genres told The Fader “Flowerchild is an introduction into my dark and beautiful mind and shows you some of my childhood struggles. It is me in my all gorgeous, beautiful, fucked up glory.”

Saint Bodhi will be performing select dates at the courvoisier amplified series

D.C. TODAY AUGUST 21ST, AT IVY CITY SMOKEHOUSE

NYC SEPTEMBER 5TH & LA SEPTEMBER 10TH

Rebecca Friedrichs’ book #1 on Amazon

Friedrichs appeared Sunday on Fox News Channel’s “The Next Revolution” with Steve Hilton to discuss how corrupt teachers’ unions inject their agenda into every aspect of the education system and beyond. Watch the full interview here.

When asked about the school choice debate, Rebecca stated, “There’s only one reason America does not have school choice teachers’ unions state and national teachers’ unions.”

According to Rebecca, state and national teachers’ unions employ teachers’ dues money to plan, lobby for and enact a radical leftist social, sexual and political agenda. This is despite the fact that, according to three internal studies* conducted by the NEA, most teachers lean conservative. This means most teachers unknowingly fund — via their union dues — the demise of their own beliefs, safety, authority, and classrooms. Rebecca says the best remedy is for Americans to adopt teachers educate them through her book Standing Up to Goliath, and empower them to reject union control.

After the interview, Rebecca’s book Standing Up to Goliath jumped to #1 on Amazon’s best-seller list in all three of its categories — Educator Biographies, Education Reform & Policy, and Labor & Industrial Relations. Due to the influx of demand, Amazon has been forced to delay shipping while awaiting more copies from the publisher.

*NEA’s Status of the American Public School Teacher 2005-2006 (most recent available)

 

OFFSHORE WIND FARMS

Rhode Island’s five-turbine Block Island Wind Farm was the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States. (Credit: Shaun Dakin)

While Federal Government Orders Additional Environmental Review of Offshore Wind Projects, Some Ask Why Great Lakes Project Is Not Included

A recent move by the federal government to expand the environmental review of the first major offshore wind farm in the U.S., Vineyard Wind, and the “cumulative impact” of offshore wind projects off the Atlantic Coast has left some in the Great Lakes asking why Lake Erie’s proposed Icebreaker Wind project was not included. According to the agency tasked with completing the enhanced environmental review, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the new effort is a result of “comments received from stakeholders and cooperating agencies request a more robust cumulative analysis,” and comes in response to concerns from anglers, the fishing industry, and coastal communities.

BOEM’s Vineyard Wind website reports, “Considering such comments, and taking into account recent state offshore wind procurement announcements, BOEM is expanding its cumulative analysis of projects within its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Because BOEM has determined that a greater build out of offshore wind capacity is more reasonably foreseeable than was analyzed in the initial draft EIS, BOEM has decided to supplement the draft EIS and solicit comments on its revised cumulative impacts analysis.” The agency, which is part of the Department of Interior, further acknowledges that there will be an opportunity to comment on the supplemental EIS, which it expects to complete by no later than early 2020.

The fate of Icebreaker, to be located 8 miles from downtown Cleveland, is currently in the hands of the Ohio Power Siting Board and in the last stages of a multi-year decision-making process.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nation’s largest recreational boating advocacy, services and safety group, says it’s puzzled as to why the first project planned for freshwaters of North America that would initially site six turbines with backers planning for hundreds more did not garner the same consideration as other wind projects including Massachusetts’ 84-turbine Vineyard Wind and others in planning stages off the Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina coasts.

“Regardless of how you feel about wind energy, all wind turbine projects must be treated equally, regardless of siting, in salt and freshwaters,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “We have BoatUS members on both sides of this issue, but what unites them is the need to ensure an environmental review process that doesn’t arbitrarily treat projects differently.” BoatUS has more than 104,000 dues-paying members in the four states bordering Lake Erie.

Lake Erie Marine Trades Association President Michelle Burke has previously raised concerns about Icebreaker’s environmental assessment shortcomings. Said Burke recently in Soundings Trade Only’s Dealer Outlook blog, “… This (Icebreaker) would be the first such (wind farm) installation on fresh water, the source of drinking water for 12 million people.” Burke and others are concerned about stirring up contaminated Cuyahoga River dredging spoils that were dumped years ago into the lake, potentially in areas of future turbine sites.

Michigan Boating Industries Association Executive Director Nicki Polan added, “While the (environmental) reviews will initially focus on the East Coast, we will immediately urge BOEM to put the proposed project on Lake Erie on their radar, too.” Polan says a full Environmental Impact Statement on Icebreaker is required before any construction is permitted.

Hudson Yards, New York City, 360 MAGAZINE, Vaughn Lowery

Miracle-Minded Mojo?

It’s More than Looks and Appearances that Attract You

By John J. Murphy

In this fascinating world of innovative music, stunning fashion, eccentric new looks, and digital methods of expression, we are often mesmerized by the physical appearances of things. Stop and consider the amazing images we share with one another every day. Music videos. YouTube clips. Instagram messages. And photographs. Ahh, yes, the photographs! Foods. Sunrises. Sunsets. Mountains. Rivers. Beaches. Animals. You get the picture (pun intended).

Now stop and consider that there is a lot more to what we see than meets the eye. In fact, everything we see with our physical eyes is over 99.9% empty space. That glorious mountain. That riveting sea. That rising moon. That graceful butterfly. That beautiful celebrity. That delicious plate of pasta. Just ask your favorite physicist. At the atomic level, everything physical is predominantly empty space. Take an atom, for example, and enlarge it to the size of the Superdome. The nucleus of the atom is now the size of a grain of sand on the 50-yard line, while the electron circles the outside of the stadium. The rest? It appears to be empty space.

So, what are we really seeing, and experiencing, when we are wowed by an image, a person, or a sound? What is it that we are connecting with? The answer in a word is energy. We are feeling something that is unseen. We are resonating with an energetic frequency, like a song on the radio. Some will enjoy it, because it resonates with their “vibe.” Others will not like it and may even change the channel to find something that appeals to them. How beautiful is that? Can you imagine this world if everyone were the same?

Contrast is exciting and enriching. And it serves as a positive teaching aid, too. How are we supposed to know up without down, or day without night? Thus, the more we can learn to appreciate and respect diversity, in one another and in the multitude of expressions we see day to day, the more at peace we can be. This is the essence of miracle-minded thinking and behavior.

The Miracle-Minded Manager™ sees beyond the physical. She recognizes the sacred light in others, and she lights up the room because others now see the sacred light in her. What goes around comes around. She knows that her perception of the world and her “vibration” is the only thing she really has any control over. So, she manages her “signal” in a loving, helpful, kind and generous way. She appears as a ray of light in a dark and frightening world because she lets go of criticism, judgement and condemnation. She embodies joy and enthusiasm and hope, fully aware that she could join in the “misery loves company” crowd if she so chooses. Some may call this charm or charisma or inspiration. It doesn’t really matter what we call it. We know it when we feel it. Some people, without even saying a word, simply bring us hope and joy and renewed faith because they are present.
We also know now that we can measure it. The late Dr. David Hawkins did brilliant work on this, ultimately developing a “Map of Consciousness.” Put simply, Dr. Hawkins used a method called Applied Kinesiology to test and measure the various energetic frequencies of everything from animals to songs to books to vegetables and to people. With people, he measured the frequencies of feelings like shame, guilt, apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger, pride, courage, acceptance, love, joy, bliss and enlightenment. In other words, we send out a signal – a vibration – everywhere we go, and it is this signal that is the only thing we really have any control over. We have no control over anyone else’s signal – only our own. And we can change our signal by changing our minds about things.

This is the essence of miracle-minded management. When we shift our thinking about someone or something, we shift our vibration, and when we shift our vibration, we alter our experiences in the world. Think of this like changing the radio channel from an angry, violent song to a relaxing, soothing song. Or, turning off a news story of something horrible and negative, and taking a walk on a beach or sitting in a garden, listening to songbirds rejoicing to life. Peace is ever-present. All we need to do is tap into it.

Once we begin to realize that we live in a field of energy, and we are energetic (spiritual) beings – beyond physical time and space, we can begin to manage ourselves in more miraculous ways. A Course in Miracles defines a miracle as a shift in perception, a correction of wrong-minded thinking. It is something we all have the capacity to do. We just need to surrender the root cause to our problems – the fear-based, dualistic ego thought system, and awaken to an alternative that is always right in front of us. A shift at this level changes everything. A shift at this level turns the mundane into the miraculous. A shift at this level attracts more beauty into our lives by sharing more beauty with others.

Lexus ES, Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE, Seabrite Beach, NJ

Lexus ES 350 F Sport

By Flore Chaumont × Vaughn Lowery

Lexus just released their new ES 350 and it’s now available in over 90 countries. The entire skeleton and skin of the previous Lexus ES has been redefined to attract a broader audience – scoot over empty nesters. Coupled with its F Sport package, the new Lexus ES is destined to attract a much more youthful and active generation. So, we decided to take it on an impromptu road trip from Manhattan to Maryland and all the hot spots in between during this summer’s blistering heat wave.

Koichi Suga, General Manager of Lexus Design Division, describes it as the most aggressive change for the emblematic ES. And indeed it is, the car now comes across as being more boisterous and bold. From the outside, the car has distinctive features which are unique to the F Sport trim. The 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, the dual integrated exhaust outlet, the F Sport badging as well as the low hoodline and long shoulders really make this car appear track ready. The inside reveals the same vibe, with aluminum pedals, Hadori sword wave-patterned aluminum appointments, red double stitching and red race-inspired interior seats. The 3.5L V6 24 Valve DOHC engine produces 302 hp and 287 lb-ft torque. Although it’s front-wheel drive, engineers managed to capture the emotional response of driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle. And, with 25 mpg (combined city/hwy), you can spend more time driving and less time at the pump.

Lexus has been traditionally known for the quietness of their ride. With active noise deadening technology and sound insulating wheels (which absorbs impact and vibration on the tires), the car is extremely silent, even while in sports mode. However, for the diehard car enthusiasts, there’s a setting to amplify exhaust notes. Overall, the drive is orgasmic; and one can easily cruise in it for long periods of time, feeling comfortable and pampered with ventilated heat/cool front seats. We practically lived inside the cabin when temperatures reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, this year’s extra two inches of wheelbase allows backseat passengers to have additional legroom.

At $44,635, one would expect a manufacturer to sacrifice quality during the fabrication process. Contrary to one’s expectations, most materials used feel supple and soft, from the steering wheel to the dashboard. There are also three different types of woods incorporated in the overall interior design, including a matt bamboo finish, a nod to Japanese culture and heritage. An apparent step forward from its predecessor which was full of peeling plastics.

In addition, the car is well-equipped with innovative technology. The ES features a an animated gage cluster, a trackpad with tactile sensors as well as a sleeker instrument board. Tech savy drivers will be pleased to pair it with Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free or Google Voice CTRL. Our favorite is Lexus Enform which is an intuitive system that allows you to speak to a live agent to obtain an address and have it sent directly to your vehicle’s infotainment system. The representatives are accessible 24/7 and help you stay alert if you succumb to driver’s fatigue while on a lengthy trip. This came in handy while we were in traffic or already in route to a location. Not to mention, all the safety technology is standard: blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane departure assist.

In short, the all-new 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport has a bodacious body that contantly turns heads and a 10-speaker Lexus premium sound system to make them nod.

Experience amazing.