Posts made in June 2020

360 MAGAZINE, RITA AZAR, ILLUSTRATIONS, FOOTBALL, NFL

Is Kaepernick going to return to the NFL?

With all of the protests on civil injustices and the league backing the black lives matter movement, it’s left many of us wondering, will Kap finally get back in the NFL?

So, will he get another shot? Let’s dissect a few factors that may determine the answer to this question.

He’s Past The Prime Age

Colin Kaepernick is just a little bit on the other side of the ‘right’ age. He’s 32. So, this also means his window of opportunity is closing. He needs to get into the league now … or next season if he wants to have a legitimate chance for success on the field again. Most QBs play their best football at the age of 28. It’s the year they peak, and after, it’s typically a bit downhill from there. That said, it doesn’t mean a 32 or 35-year-old QB is going to play poorly, just that they were probably a little better at 28. 

In Kap’s case, he was 28 during his final season, but he peaked when he was 26. In 2105 he had an injury-riddled year that left his stats wanting, and in 2016, he came back and played 12 games but went 1-10 and passed for just 2,241 yards. 

The Talent Factor

There is no doubt that Kap is a talented athlete, but people forget that leading up to his civil rights activism and alleged blackballing from the NFL, he had consecutive not-so-great seasons. So, even though I think the league eventually blackballed him, I don’t believe that was the case when all the trouble started. It’s just an opinion based on observation, but I think that initially, he just wasn’t worth the trouble. Because of his performance in the two previous seasons, he was a risky buy. Then you add in the uncertainties surrounding his socio-political stance, and it becomes even more precarious.

With all that said, he was still probably at least a worthy guy to have as a back-up, and I believe it took the league way too long to get on board with how the bulk of their players feel. It’s something that should have been considered and respected a long time ago. Instead, the issues that Kaepernick was bringing to light on a household level were distorted. Instead of, ‘hey, this is a real problem,’ it turned into, ‘anyone who kneels is unAmerican and hates freedom; hates the military.’ The media did a great job of flipping the script and ignoring the real issues.

But where does a guy like Kaepernick fit in the landscape of the NFL now? The odds at SBR say that he’ll play in 2020 are +275, so it’s a moderate dog number, also the favorite time to sign him at the moment are the Ravens: 

  • Baltimore Ravens +225
  • Seattle Seahawks +275
  • Houston Texans +400
  • Los Angeles Chargers +450
  • Kansas City Chiefs +600
  • Jacksonville Jaguars +750
  • Minnesota Vikings +800
  • Tennessee Titans +1000
  • Philadelphia Eagles +1200

Team Needs

The last two seasons were really where Kap could have been put to use. There was a severe lack of QB talent in the 2018 season, and the 2019 season saw a fantastic train wreck of injuries. But what about now? 2020 doesn’t have the same QB needs. There have been a couple of decent QB draft years, so there are many QBs right now, but not many starting jobs. Which means, some starters will be playing second-chair, also taking away back-up jobs.

That said, teams like the Bengals and Panthers are still in need of a capable back-up, in my humble opinion. But, is Kap NFL ready? He may be, but is he more prepared than the handfuls of guys who haven’t missed four years?

The Intangible

Colin Kaepernick is a ‘people’s champion’ right now. He has become a folk hero. Brett Favre recently compared Kap to Pat Tillman, who sacrificed his NFL career to join the Army Rangers after 9/11. It’s opposite ends of the spectrum, but both of these people actively stood up for what they believe. 

Farve also brought up a good point. Even though Kap is 32, he hasn’t been getting hit over the last four years, so his body will much younger than a typical 32-year-old QB. But more than anything, it’s a chance for the team that signs him to support social justice truly. If a team were to sign, Kap it would garner millions of new fans — it would probably also lose thousands … but who wants racist fans anyhow? So, will Kap return? We’ll have to wait and see.

Nasty C, T.I., celebrity, entertainment, music, 360 MAGAZINE

Nasty C & T.I. Collaboration

SUPERSTAR RAPPERS NASTY C & T.I. PERFORM PROTEST ANTHEM “THEY DON’T”  ON LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS

TONIGHT, JUNE 23 12:35E/11:35C

Today, global rappers, Nasty C and Tip “T.I.” Harris will join Late Night with Seth Meyers for a virtual performance of protest anthem, “They Don’t,” created by the rappers in the wake of global unrest over rampant police brutality and racial injustice. The powerful new track is Nasty C and T.I.’s very first collaboration. Tune in tonight to Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:35 ET/11:35 CT to watch the first performance for “They Don’t”.

STREAM “THEY DON’T” HERE

WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE

Upon its release, proceeds from “They Don’t,” have been donated to Until Freedom,  an intersectional social justice organization focused on addressing systemic and racial injustice, as well as investing in those who are most directly impacted by cyclical poverty, inequality, and state violence and Solidarity Fund, which provides social support, including access to food and shelter, for those in South Africa whose lives have been systemically and disproportionately affected by
COVID-19.

Minus5° Ice Experience Reopening

Minus5° Ice Experience and 1923 Prohibition Bar at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place has announced reopening dates, updated hours of operation and all-new décor.

Minus5° Ice Experience at The Shoppes At Mandalay Place will reopen on June 25.  Minus5° is a dynamic, exciting attraction that allows guests to chill with more than 90 tons of ice while exploring a winter wonderland filled with dazzling, interactive ice sculptures. Minus5° ice experience is sure to create some fun and Instagrammable memories for you and your friends. Minus5º Ice Experience offers a cool, family-friendly vibe, with signature frosty cocktails served in glasses made entirely of ice for guests age 21 and older and alcohol-free options for all ages.

Minus5° Ice Experience has been maintained at 23 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the citywide shutdown and underwent a complete makeover, now featuring all-new ice décor. The new Minus5° Ice Experience includes displays paying homage to Las Vegas’ new pro-football team, Elvis and murder hornets, as well as an interactive Plinko game, 1923 Prohibition Bar distillery and much more.

Also, opening on July 1, adjacent to Minus5° Ice Experience is the brand-new, prohibition-themed 1923 Prohibition Bar. A private, hidden, modern speakeasy, 1923 Prohibition Bar will serve bourbon spirits and signature barrel-aged specialty cocktails. The elegant venue will also feature live burlesque shows, live rock band karaoke and bourbon education and tasting classes.

Hours of operation will be as follows once the venues reopen:
Wednesday through Sunday
3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Learn more here.

FOLLOW MINUS5° ICE EXPERIENCE: Instagram | Twitter

iann dior, 360 Magazine

iann dior – Pretty Girls

Puerto Rico-born, Texas raised singer and rapper iann dior has released the music video for his single “Pretty Girls,” out now via 10K Projects. Off of his recent 9-track EP I’m Gone, the infectious summer hit “Pretty Girls” was recently featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday and has already been played over 3M times on the streaming service since its release less than two weeks ago.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “PRETTY GIRLS” HERE

The music video for “Pretty Girls” shows the young artist’s quick rise to fame and how differently he is treated before and after his success. Light and confident, “Pretty Girls” shows off iann dior’s ability to write irresistible hooks and turn his personal pain into relatable hit songs.

In discussing his process, Iann reveals that the dreamy and fluid feel of his music has much to do with his purely instinctive creative approach. “Anytime I hear a beat that I love, it’ll bring out the story I want to tell,” he says. “I’ll start humming the melody and the words will follow that—it’s all just whatever comes out of my head right in the moment.” At the same time, Iann’s lyrics mine inspiration from the reflective, narrative-based songwriting of artists like J. Cole. “The whole reason I started making music was J. Cole,” Iann points out. “He showed me that I could use songs to tell my own story, just like he uses his songs to tell his story.”

LISTEN TO “PRETTY GIRLS” HERE

FOLLOW IANN DIOR: Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud | Website

Naomi Campbell, 360 MAGAZINE, supermodel

Naomi Campbell – #BLM Episode

NAOMI CAMPBELL RETURNS WITH THE SECOND SEASON OF “NO FILTER WITH NAOMI” THE SERIES RELAUNCHES WITH A SPECIAL EPISODE DEDICATED TO #BLACKLIVESMATTER AND FEATURES GUESTS REV. AL SHARPTON, OPAL TOMETI AND ALPHONSO DAVID 

LIVE STREAM THE SERIES FOR HER “BEING NAOMI” YOUTUBE CHANNEL WEEKDAYS AT 3PM ET

International supermodel, activist and philanthropist Naomi Campbell kicks off the relaunch of the second season of her highly popular and well received series, “No Filter with Naomi” – a limited-time production as a part of her “Being Naomi” YouTube channel.

The first episode is completely focused around the #BlackLivesMatter movement; Naomi has curated a special guest conversation that will feature Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign) and will touch on current cultural and political talking points that speak toward what humanity is experiencing globally – the fight for social justice, race, gender and sex equality and its effect on world citizens.

The intimate, live streamed daily series which first debuted on April 6th, has invited fans to #stayhome and save lives during this critical time and has focused on in-depth, career spanning conversations between Naomi and a close group of her friends.

“No Filter with Naomi,” which has already amassed over 2,844,000 views, has featured some of the most globally recognized figures in fashion, entertainment and beauty including: Cindy Crawford, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Ashley Graham, Pierpaolo Piccoli, Lee Daniels, Christy Turlington, Adut Akech, SharonStone, Paris Hilton, Serena Williams and Venus Williams, Karlie Kloss, Anna Wintour, Sean “Diddy” Comb and Jackie Aina.

WHO: International Supermodel, Activist and Philanthropist, Naomi Campbell

WHAT: Relaunch of Naomi’s YouTube exclusive series – “No Filter With Naomi,” dedicated to #BlackLivesMatter – featuring guests Rev. Al Sharpton, Opal Tometi (Author and Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter) and Alphonso David (President of the Human Rights Campaign)

WHEN: Weekdays at 3pm EST, starting Tuesday, June 23rd 2020

WHERE: Streaming live on Naomi Campbell’s YouTube Channel

ABOUT NAOMI CAMPBELL:

Naomi Campbell was born in London, England and discovered as a fashion model at age 15. Throughout her career, she’s fronted the covers of over 1000 magazines, been featured in campaigns for celebrated houses including Burberry, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton, and walked iconic shows for Chanel, Azzedine Alaia, Christian Dior, and Versace.

Beyond her work in the fashion & entertainment industries, Campbell has used her celebrity for an array of fundraising and non-profit initiatives across the globe. Environmentalism, as well as Human Rights and Global Health, as it specifically pertains to women and children, have been critical sectors of Campbell’s work.

She has also formed her own non-profit, Fashion For Relief, a charitable organization founded in 2005 that has raised funds for various environmental and humanitarian causes. It holds events in association with the London-based non-profit organization CARE. Today, Campbell is undoubtedly solidifying her place as a cultural innovator- using her incredible platform and success for positive change across industries around the world.

Erin Wiley’s Coping Strategies

During the pandemic, grief is a natural emotion people are feeling for various reasons. Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist Erin Wiley, MA, LPC, LPCC says, “Right now the grief I am seeing in my therapy patients ranges from disappointment and sadness to frustration and anger. People are disappointed by having to reschedule events like weddings, sad about not being able to see family members, frustrated by losing out on once-in-a lifetime events, and angry from the lack of control and unfairness if it all.”

The biggest grief reactions Erin is witnessing are connected to the loss of major events, particularly funerals because of the inability for family members to give their loved one the proper goodbye they wanted. While you can hold a memorial at a later date, there are no do-overs for a funeral.

Weddings are a big loss because of the amount of time and money and energy that go into planning such a large-scale event, but weddings too can be rescheduled or dramatically scaled down and still held.

Proms are once in a lifetime events that seniors lost this year, in addition to the even more important graduation. College graduates were denied a graduation ceremony as well.

“These are all things that cannot be made up and are events that will now never happen,” Erin reflects. “Trips that people have planned for years were just cancelled with no reschedule dates available. Women gave birth and cared for newborns with no supportive family members there to lend support. There is a profound sense of sadness in a loss where there can be no do-over, no make-up, no second chance.”

Erin believes people should be grieving right now. “There are so many complex losses, and most people are grieving the loss of more than one thing,” she describes. “Meaningful and important life events have been lost, but also lost are a sense of normalcy, the freedom to go out as before, the ability to engage in leisure activities like sports and shopping and dining out. There have been losses in how people work, losses of education and the traditional school year, losses of time and energy as people struggled to home school their children while simultaneously trying to maintain work commitments all while learning the ropes of working from home.”

Erin has outlined 5 tips for people to cope with grief during the pandemic:

1. People should be encouraged to talk about their experiences. Find supportive people who can listen with empathy and can validate the losses and the feelings behind them.
2. People should spend the time they need to emotionally process through the details of the loss. Be sure to take care to really grieve each part of what is now gone. Engaging in activities like journaling and self-reflection are ways people can move toward the resolution of grief
3. People should consider helping others who are struggling with loss as a mean to help them through their own feelings. Helping others is a great strategy for moving toward healing as it takes us out of our own situation temporarily.
4. People can be encouraged to remember that grief is not a liner process and has no timeline. They may feel they have moved beyond the pain of a loss only to discover difficult emotions coming up again in the future. That’s normal and to be expected so people need to make room for that.
5. People should look for ways to turn the situation around the best they can to their favor. Finding new and meaningful ways to memorialize a loved one who has passed or celebrating a graduation or birth in a novel and special way can help smooth over the rough edges of grief left behind after a loss.

“To prepare for these inevitable experiences of grieving, we should try to see how our feelings of irritability, anger and frustration can actually be a cover to mask the deeper sadness and worry we have all been collectively experiencing,” Erin suggests. “Being purposeful in searching our own emotions regarding loss can help us better prepare for losses we will encounter in the future.”

Coming to an understanding that no one is immune to loss can be helpful, as it can help build resiliency.

“Developing or honing coping skills that serve to regulate us when upset is a way to be better prepared for future emotional distress,” Erin recommends. “Also, creating or re-enforcing a strong and supportive emotional support system is a great way to brace ourselves for tough times ahead of us.”

About Erin Wiley:

Erin Wiley, MA, LPC, LPCC, is a clinical psychotherapist and the Executive Director of The Willow Center, a counseling practice in Toledo, Ohio. She leads a team of 20 other therapists in their goal of meeting the counseling needs of the people and families of Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan, in addition to clients state-wide through telehealth. The clinical focus of her therapy work is marriage, family, parenting, and relationships. She has extensive training in marriage counseling from the Gottman Institute, located in Seattle, Washington. Her most recent area of research involves the study of the management and regulation of emotion as it pertains to mental health. Learn more about Wiley here.

Erin Wiley, Vaughn Lowery, 360 Magazine

Patients Win in Case Dismissal

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a ruling on Tuesday in favor of patients when it dismissed an attempt by hospital groups to block price transparency regulations. The regulations, issued last November by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), require hospitals, other healthcareproviders, and insurance companies to disclose their cash and negotiated contract prices to patients in a clear, easy-to-access format.

In December 2019, a consortium of hospital groups sued HHS to stop the regulations from taking effect.

In the case, American Hospital Association v. Azar, Independent Women’s Law Center and PatientRightsAdvocates.org filed an amicus brief arguing that providers are fully capable of complying with the rules since insurers routinely disclose their prices in their explanation of benefits statements—after it’s too late for patients to choose the most cost-effective care option.

Independent Women’s Law Center Director Jennifer C. Braceras said, “We are gratified by today’s ruling and hopeful that the nearly fifty percent of American patients with high deductible plans will soon be able to comparison shop until their deductibles are met.” Independent Women’s Law Center Senior Fellow Erin Hawley said, “The Price Transparency Rule upheld by the District Court today is a win for consumers. It injects market-forces into the healthcare economy, making sure that hospital patients—like the consumers of any other product—know upfront the price of a healthcare product or service.”

As a result of today’s ruling, hospitals will soon be required to disclose prices to patients before they purchase care, so that patients can shop for treatment that fits their needs and their budgets.

“The Price Transparency Rule injects market-forces into the healthcare economy, making sure that hospital patients—like the consumers of any other product—know upfront the price of a healthcare product or service.”

360 Magazine, YXNG, rapper

YXNG K.A. QxA

  1. Did you ever dream or think of being in the entertainment/music industry prior to making your first song?

No.

  1. How did your goals and aspirations change when you first signed with Interscope Records just last year?

I knew I had to go a hundred times harder because I’m competing against the world now!

  1. What is the strongest message you intend to convey through your songs and music in general?

I speak a lot about pain and personal experiences, but just letting people know you can get through anything.

  1. How do your childhood experiences in the Abbottsford Homes family development influence the way you make your music?

All my music is real, what you hear, is what it is!

  1. What has been the biggest learning experience ever since you started rapping in early 2019?

If I don’t work and go hard I won’t see the benefits I’m looking for.

  1. Which kind of listeners does your music appeal to, and why?

I try to make music that everyone can relate to.

  1. What was the most special part of producing and releasing “Soul Bleed?”

It was my first project ever. That was special to me.

  1. Is/Are there anyone/any people with which you would want to collaborate on a song or project?

I want to work with whoever wants to work with me, if the vibe there, we can’t get it in.

  1. For young aspiring artists, what kind of advice would you give them, in terms of turning their goals into reality?

I would say anything you put your mind to is possible.

  1. How do you want to advance or alter your music career once you finish High School?

I don’t want to settle for gold, I know I’m a platinum artist, so I’m going to change and do whatever it is that I need to do, to reach that!

Nothing But Thieves Single

Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves have released their new single “Real Love Song,” which was premiered exclusively as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World on Radio 1 and follows their recent single “Is Everybody Going Crazy?”

Remaining on the Radio 1 Playlist for 8 weeks, as one of the longest-running tracks on their playlist, “Is Everybody Going Crazy?” was the band’s biggest Airplay hit to date, achieving 10 million streams worldwide and welcoming the exciting return of Nothing But Thieves. A gritty dark rock song, lyrically it discusses a fractured, barely recognizable civilization and desire for escapism, which proved curiously relevant to the world right now.

Produced by Mike Crossey (The 1975, Arctic Monkeys and Wolf Alice), “Real Love Song” has a self-explanatory title; it is a real love song, which strips the romantic idealistic nature of love away and lays open the unrequited or painful reality experienced by many – “I’ve got a thing about you and it won’t go away”. Richly anthemic and wildly grandiose, it builds triumphantly with a hymn-like euphoric melody alongside singer Conor’s poignant almost operatic vocals. The band says:

“An interviewer in Kuala Lumpur asked us why we don’t have a huge amount of songs about relationships or love. We hadn’t really thought about it before. The answer was that songs like that have been done to death and they rarely capture what love is actually like for most. Songs tend to be idealistic or Hollywood. “Real Love Song” was an attempt to write a song about love from a self-aware perspective. It’s about the darker side of love – the painful, unrequited kind. It’s love lost or love never gained. Thank you to that interviewer from Malaysia – without you, this song would never exist.”

“Real Love Song” and “Is Everybody Going Crazy?” is the band’s first new music since their 2018 EP What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way, their 2017 acclaimed album Broken Machine, which charted at #2 in the UK album chart, and their debut self-titled album Nothing But Thieves. They have just announced the release of their third album Moral Panic, which will be released on 23rd October, with the pre-orders now live HERE.

The past few years have been quite a ride for Nothing But Thieves. Amassing over 700,000 album sales and 750 million streams so far, they have built up a loyal and wide following for their impactful alt-rock sound, cementing themselves as one of the best current rock bands in the world. Selling 150,000 tickets on their last album campaign, which included their biggest UK headline tour to date and a sold-out show at London’s Alexandra Palace, and selling out their entire worldwide Broken Machine headline tour, their success has been global.

The band has performed on US TV shows such as James Corden and Jimmy Kimmel, after their debut became the bestselling debut from a UK rock band in the US in 2015 and played packed out international shows from Poland to Amsterdam, where they headlined an arena to 6,000 fans. After intimately debuting new songs at Tufnell Park Dome recently for a BRITs/War Child gig, they were set to tour internationally this spring, including a show to 6,500 people at Moscow Adrenaline Stadium, but all dates have currently been postponed until further notice.

Channeling their live repertoire through their Youtube account during lockdown, Nothing But Thieves have performed their own songs in their captivating Solitude Sessions and through Conor’s stripped-back Sun Sessions. Last week they released a collaboration with fans of their single “Sorry,” which saw 150 videos of fans singing and performing the song on various instruments alongside the band.

YXNG × “Imagine That”

18-year-old rapper YXNG K.A shares the emotionally charged video for his new single “Imagine That.” Showcasing his powerful skills and lightning-speed flow, “Imagine That” appears on the North Philadelphia native’s recently released debut EP Baby Reaper.

Watch the video for “Imagine That” by YXNG K.A HERE. Filmed by photographer/videographer Tayyofficial, the “Imagine That” video is both cinematic and intimate, offering an up-close glimpse into YXNG K.A’s struggles in life and love. As the beautifully shot visual shares the story of his romantic troubles, YXNG K.A bares his soul about the confusion that’s come from chasing his dreams and finding sudden fame.

Released last month via Double O Records/Interscope Records, Baby Reaper spotlights the phenomenal talent that’s earned recognition from heavyweights like Meek Mill and landed YXNG K.A a major-label deal just months after creating his first song. Along with “Imagine That,” the EP features singles like “Anotha One,” whose throwback groove draws inspiration from YXNG K.A’s lifelong love of classic hip-hop and R&B. Go HERE to stream or download the EP.

Follow YXNK K.A: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook