Posts made in August 2020

ZAZ10TS Artistic Billboards

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ZAZ10TS has curated and presented a new concept of art called “In Between.”

This new exhibition can be seen on ZAZ Corner, right in the heart of Time Square. LED billboards are being used to display the artwork for 15 seconds at a time with commercial messages every two minutes. The display will showcase a new artist each month beginning September.

Tzili Charney, the founder of ZAZ Corner, is undertaking this project to display art different from the urban environment. Different artists, organizations, universities and cultural institutions will work together to achieve that goal by providing different art styles.

The initial featured artist will be Ben Hagari, whose “About Face” video series was shot entirely at home during the pandemic. Quarantine protocols forced Hagari to get creative with colors, space, subjects and composition. The result uses a faceless protagonist whose expressions are completely concealed by household items. The subject lacks features and stands and wears clothes backwards.

“The scenarios portray a mundane existence in a world whose marks have been erased. Books have no titles or words, photographs are blanked out, labels are removed; we are left with data. It generates a binary structure: backward and forward, front and rear, serious and funny,” Hagari said.

Artists who would like to participate in “In Between” can submit their art right here, and anyone looking for more information on the project can click right here.

Jacob Blake Shot by Wisconsin Police

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In the most recent incident to incite protests against injustices across the nation this summer, a Black man has been shot in Wisconsin. Jacob Blake, witnesses said, was attempting to break up an argument between two women. Following this, he walked back towards his silver SUV this past Sunday, August 23rd while being trailed by a police officer involved in the confrontation. As three of his children watched from their vehicle, the police officer proceeded to fire seven times at Blake’s back and close range. One can only imagine the trauma for his sons. As of today, Blake remains hospitalized in serious condition, but is expected to survive.

The incident, caught on video, has gone similarly viral to other violent misconducts by the police over the course of spring and summer 2020. The officers involved in Blake’s shooting have been placed on administrative leave and have shocked the small city of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Protests across the city have motivated Governor Evers to call in the National Guard, though he attempted to assure constituents it was not in an effort to mimic clashes between protesters and servicemen in places like Seattle, Minneapolis, or New York. Minor confrontations have occurred over the past two days despite this.

Following George Floyd’s murder this past May, protests against the police and in favor of the movement Black Lives Matter have exploded across the country. Blake’s shooting has added fuel to the fire, inspiring renewed protests and calls to action all across the nation. The incident in Kenosha has furthered the call for cities to cut funding to police departments, restructure their legal practices, amongst other changes.

Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers tweeted in support of Jacob Blake and in condemnation of the actions of police officers involved: “I have said all along that although we must offer our empathy, equally important is our action. In the coming days, we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and country for far too long. And we stand against excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging with Black Wisconsinites.” The Governor also signed an executive order into Wisconsin’s state legislature for a special session to pass legislation and police reforms for August 31st. The reforms are expected to be fought by the state’s Republican leadership.

Calls from the countries Democratic leadership have come again for immediate reform, including the voice of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as he “wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force.” President Trump has not commented directly on the shooting, but Vice President Pence made a statement yesterday emphasizing the administration’s loyalty to their men and women in blue.

The situation involving the shooting of Jacob Blake and ensuing actions in Kenosha, Wisconsin continues to develop.

Jacob Blake Shot by Wisconsin Police

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The situation involving the shooting of Jacob Blake and ensuing actions in Kenosha, Wisconsin continues to develop.

See Las Vegas with Papillon Helicopters

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Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is introducing two brand new, exclusive packages featuring a luxury dining experience and a fabulous night flight of the Las Vegas Strip.

The VIP Fly & Dine Luxury Night Out package is a great way to experience the best Las Vegas has to offer. Starting at $199* per person, guests begin the evening with an incredible five-course tasting menu at Mott 32 at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, a Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star Award restaurant. This contemporary restaurant brings a modern approach to Chinese cuisine. The menu features dishes such as Hot & Sour Iberico Pork Shanghainese Soup Dumplings, Signature 36-month Acorn-fed Barbecue Pluma Iberico Pork, Grilled Sea Bass or Stir-Fried Australian M6 Wagyu Sirloin and a signature Maine Lobster Fried Rice served with king oyster mushrooms and edamame. The meal concludes with the Bamboo Green Forest, an elegant dessert with rich Yuzu cream, yoghurt, lime sorbet with matcha sponge cake topped with crispy yoghurt and a white chocolate bamboo.

Following dinner, guests will be transferred via limousine to Papillon’s VIP Las Vegas terminal to begin their helicopter Strip Highlights Night Flight. Guests will experience breathtaking sights of the Las Vegas Strip as they enjoy views of the Luxor’s Sky beam, the Eiffel Tower, the fountains of Bellagio, Doge’s Palace plaza at The Venetian, the 1,000-foot-tall Strat & SkyPodand Downtown Las Vegas.

The second package, the Afternoon Bites + Night Flights, includes a tasty three-course lunchtime menu from Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano at The Venetian Resort. Priced at $129 per person*, this dynamic menu brings flavors inspired by Northern Italian cuisine with choices that include Cremella, Mandilli di Seta, Branzino, Herb Roasted Half Chicken with Reggiano crema, and Slow Roasted Pork Belly. For dessert, guests will choose between a homemade Cannoli or Panna Cotta. This package will also include the exciting Strip Highlights Night Flight.

To book reservations, call (702) 736-7243 or book online – Fly & Dine Luxury Night Out or Afternoon Bites + Night Flights.

Vaping and Smoking – More Similar Than You Might Think

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You might have heard that vaping, and the many promises it brings, is the best alternative to regular smoking currently available on the market. In reality, they are entirely more similar than you would initially be led to believe.

Vaping is viewed as being ‘safer’ and less hazardous for the sole reason that it relies on heating the liquid substances inside the electronic cigarette or vape pen, with the subsequent release of inhalable vapors.

This is chemically different from the nicotine-filled smoke of a tobacco cigarette, and, supposedly, quite less harmful for the human body. However, vaping can have just as severe consequences as the regular consumption of tobacco. In some cases, it can cause even greater health hazards.

Popcorn Lung

One of the most common illnesses related to vaping, bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as ‘Popcorn Lung,’ is caused by its flavoring liquid – a chemical called diacetyl.

The lung disease gets its moniker from its preponderance in microwave popcorn plants and factories, where diacetyl was used as a flavoring additive, and its mass inhalation caused a significant spike in cases that could not be linked to anything else beyond the chemical itself.

This buttery-scented compound, oftentimes found in vape flavors such as vanilla, coconut, and many others, can cause vape users who inhale it severe long-term health problems. Seeing as vape flavors are usually quite sweet and fruity, the younger generations are especially susceptible to their consumption, and to the risks of developing Popcorn Lung

Besides wheezing, headaches, and fevers, a stark symptom of Popcorn Lung is a persistent dry cough that is virtually incurable and can only be kept under minimal damages through serious medication, such as antibiotics or pills that reduce lung inflammation.

Lung Cancer

While tobacco has been proven time and time again as a direct country-wide cause of lung cancer, some of the chemicals that are present in e-cigarette vapors have also been shown to be linked to traces of lung cancer in the general American population.

On a UK carcinogen study that has been undergone last year, a large number of mice were exposed to nicotine-filled smoke, vapor without nicotine, and regularly filtered air. The studies showed that 9 out of the 40 mice that were exposed to e-cigarette smoke developed lung tumors. None of the nicotine-free batch of mice developed any lung tumors.

The inherent connection that vaping has with lung cancer invariably link e-cigarette and vape pen manufacturers to legal issues of personal injury law.

Because the majority of the brand promotion that is done around vaping is promised as a safe and carcinogen-free, it is your right as a customer, that, should you or a loved one come to suffer from lung cancer post-vapor exposure, you should seek out immediate legal aid. Especially if the victim is underage.

A lung cancer lawyer is able to provide you with all the necessary legal counsel that you require. Through their expertise, you should have all the necessary tools to receive the emotional and monetary compensation that you are entitled to receive, having been victimized by a product that assured you safety, and provided you with illness.

What Is Next for Vaping?

With the PMTA deadline coming up on the 9th of September, the world of vaping and electronic cigarettes will be changed forever.

The FDA’s newly imposed regulations will result in a large number of manufactures being forced to pull their products from the market, albeit gradually. This means that, if you rely on a certain brand or flavor for your current vaping needs, be prepared for the changes that are about to take place.

Just like with the menthol cigarette ban throughout the majority of Europe this past spring, this change will reshape the smoker population of the US from the ground up. It remains to be seen how everyone will adapt to such a significant change in future consumer behavior.

AUTHOR: Kyle Hambright

Improve the Structure of Your Home With These Key Hacks

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You have a lot to consider when you look to improve your home and make the most of it as an asset. Your home is something you should be looking to make the most of moving forward, and there are a lot of things that play a role in this. One of the major factors you need to keep in mind right now is that you are going to need to improve the structure of the home as much as possible.

Assess the Property

First things first, you need to make sure you assess the property and find out where there might be any issues that need to be addressed. Often with homes, you don’t actually realize there is an issue until it occurs, and once you go looking for one issue, others tend to appear. You also need to make sure that the structure of the home is as sound as possible. Try to come up with ideas that are going to help you assess the home!

Make Changes

No matter how much you love your home, there is a good bet you’re going to want to change parts of it to make you love it more. If there are structural issues, it is even more important to make these changes, as it is something that could make or break your home right now. Focus on taking it to next level. There are a lot of changes you can make that will help with this.

Bring in Experts

There are plenty of experts you can bring in to help you deal with the structural issues you might face as a homeowner. This is something you need to do right now so that you can take things to the next level. Try to come up with ideas that will help with this, and make sure you are hiring a foundation problem expert to help look after the structural integrity of the home.

If you can follow these hacks you will find yourself well-placed to make the right changes for your home right now. This is something that is going to improve the property and make it a much safer and more attractive place for you to live. There are a lot of things that play a role in this, and it is so important to try to make the most of this right now.

Do You Vape? How to Prepare for the Upcoming PMTA Deadline

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Do you vape? If you do, there’s an important deadline coming up on September 9 – and if you haven’t already started preparing, now is the time.

Are you left scratching your head after reading that first paragraph? If you have no idea what deadline is coming up or how it’s going to affect the vaping industry, this article is for you. We’re going to explain the upcoming PMTA deadline and describe exactly what you should be doing right now to prepare.

FDA Vaping Regulations: A Brief History

Ever since e-cigarettes and e-liquids first appeared in the United States, the FDA has attempted to exert regulatory control over the industry. The agency’s first attempt at vaping regulations ended in failure. In the late 2000s, the FDA began to seize incoming shipments of e-cigarettes entering the United States, saying that vaping products were unregulated drug delivery devices being sold without approval.

The vaping industry sued the FDA. The district and appeals courts involved in the lawsuit both ultimately decided in favor of the vaping industry, ruling that, as long as sellers didn’t claim that e-cigarettes could be used for quitting smoking, the FDA could only regulate those products as tobacco products – not as drug delivery devices.

The FDA finally announced its intention to regulate vaping products as tobacco products in 2016. Subjecting vaping products to the same legal requirements as tobacco products meant that every vaping product on the market had to comply with the U.S. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which said that, after 2007, all tobacco products must obtain FDA approval before entering the market.

No vaping product being sold today was on the market before 2007. Therefore, every vaping product is a “new tobacco product” that requires FDA approval.

What Is the Vaping PMTA Deadline?

We always knew that this day would come; it was just a matter of when. The vaping industry’s deadline for FDA compliance has been moved from August 2018 to August 2022 before being moved forward to May 2020 and finally pushed back to September 2020. At the time of writing, it appears that September 9, 2020 will be the final compliance date.

To start the process of FDA compliance, the manufacturer of a vaping product must submit an application showing the FDA that the product is beneficial to public health compared to the tobacco products that are already on the market. It costs nothing to file a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA), but the cost of gathering the required data for the application can exceed $100,000. Every e-liquid flavor, every nicotine strength of every flavor, every vaping device, every tank and every coil counts as a “new tobacco product” and requires a PMTA.

What Happens to the Vaping Industry on September 9?

When the PMTA deadline arrives, two things will happen.

Many e-liquid makers have the necessary funds to submit PMTAs for some or all of their products. Timely submission of a PMTA means that a product can remain on the market for another year while the FDA processes the application. If the FDA gets behind on processing applications, it’s possible that the grace period will be extended.
Many other e-liquid makers do not have the funds and are not planning to submit PMTAs. Those companies are required to pull their products from the market on September 9, although that may not happen all at once. Some companies may just continue what they’re doing now until they hear from the FDA.

What Does the PMTA Deadline Mean for Vapers?

The one certain thing is that, after September 9, there will be fewer vaping devices, tanks, coils and e-liquids on the market than there are today. Since most companies in the vaping industry aren’t talking about their plans for the PMTA deadline, it’s impossible to say exactly which products will and won’t be available. With that in mind, here’s how you need to prepare.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Vape Juice Flavors Now

Unless your favorite vape juice brands have already announced that they’re ready for the PMTA deadline, you shouldn’t assume that those brands’ products will still be around after September 9. There will definitely still be e-liquid available to buy after the PMTA deadline – but if you have a favorite brand or flavor and can’t bear to be without it, you should start stocking up right now.

Get a Vape Mod With Removable Batteries

It’s unknown which of the vaping hardware manufacturers – almost all of which are in China – have submitted PMTAs for their products or which products they’ve applied for permission to continue selling in the United States. Your best bet is to choose a vape mod with removable batteries and buy it right away. A mod with removable batteries can conceivably last for years because you can simply swap out the batteries when they stop working correctly. A mod with a permanent battery, on the other hand, is much more difficult to repair. The FDA doesn’t regulate batteries, so you can buy them freely.

Buy a Rebuildable Atomizer

It’s also unknown which vape tanks and coils will get through the PMTA process. If you have a favorite vape tank and want to ensure that you can continue using it, you should stock up on coils now. In the long run, though, it’s even better to grab a rebuildable atomizer and learn how to build your own coils. The FDA can regulate tanks and coils, but it can’t regulate wire and cotton – just like it can’t regulate batteries. Regardless of how FDA regulation shapes the future of the American vaping industry, you won’t ever have trouble finding coil building supplies.

Consider Learning How to Make Your Own E-Liquid

As mentioned above, you will definitely still be able to buy e-liquid after September 9. Many e-liquid companies have already submitted – or are about to submit – PMTAs for their products. They’ll be able to continue selling their products for at least another year, and it seems likely that many or all of those products will eventually receive full FDA approval.

Just in case those products don’t receive FDA approval, though, it’s a good idea to start learning how to make your own e-liquid now. You’re free to buy vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and flavorings. Unless something changes from a legal standpoint, you’re also free to buy liquid nicotine if you’re an adult. As of right now, there’s nothing preventing you from making your own vape juice.

New Music Video for Slatt Zy – Understand Me

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Rising rapper Slatt Zy drops his new video and song Understand Me on his August 22 birthday. Listen and watch the video (directed by DrewFilmedIt) HERE.

The Chattanooga, TN, native has only been recording for nine months and has already amassed over 10 million streams on his own. Slatt Zy hails from a musical family – with 12 siblings (all from the same mom and dad) — and prides himself as a rapper that can sing and freestyle with an incredible worth ethic. In less than a year Slatt Zy has released not only Zy Story but over 10 music videos. With early support from WORLDSTARHIPHOP, SAY CHEESE!, LYRICAL LEMONADE, and ELEVATOR MAGAZINE, his honesty and melodies are already hitting a chord

Slatt Zy – Understand Me Lyrics

VERSE 1

My heart it love so why the fuck would I hate

They try to tell me open up but I don’t have what it take

Them doctors try to save my brother but the shit was too late

My birthday August 22nd, bitch we ain’t get no cake

They try to tell me that I’m stupid, bitch I’m stuck in my ways

Them teachers kick me outta school because I couldn’t behave

Aye 9 to 5 Iߣm steady working, bitch I feel like a slave

Canߣt tell me shit, don’t know my pain, aye thatߣs my blood in them cages

VERSE 1

I say them folks don’t understand me, ain’t walked a mile in my shoes

Yeen seen the shit I did in you don’t what I know don’t understand me aye this the struggle foreal my momma in there fucking stressing because she late on the bills

VERSE 2

But you go step like you don’t care, bitch you showed me the truth I speak my pain to these tracks now talk yo’ shit in the booth

If we ain’t never had shit, bitch we always had a roof

I see new people come around, now put yourself up to use

They criticize me talking down but these folks don’t know shit

I’m out them projects out that gutta out the 4 block them bricks

You stole some money hoe you tweaking, what you thought you was slick move to the A 2015, bitch we was bummed with shiit

My eyes is hurting bitch it’s bleeding from the things I done seen I’m 17 taking these drugs I mix that sprite with some lean

I went to school them bitches laughing I got 2 pair of jeans 2011 lost my cousin left her dead on the scene

BRIDGE

In this pain it never go

I’m down on my last, I’m feeling low

They don’t even know what they did to me

Life is just a game to me

VERSE 3

My heart it love so why the fuck would I hate

They try to tell me open up but I don’t have what it take

Them doctors try to save my brother but the shit was too late

My birthday August 22nd, bitch we ain’t get no cake

They try to tell me that I’m stupid, bitch I’m stuck in my ways

Them teachers kick me outta school because I couldn’t behave

Aye 9 to 5 I’m steady working, bitch I feel like a slave

Can’t tell me shit, donߣt know my pain, aye that’s my blood in them cages

HOOK

I say them folks don’t understand me, ain’t walked a mile in my shoes

Yeen seen the shit I did in you don’t what I know don’t understand me aye this the struggle foreal my momma in there fucking stressing becase she late on the bills

FOLLOW SLATT ZY

Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | SoundCloud

Elle King × Jimmy Kimmel Live – The Let Go

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“….’Elle King: In Isolation’ finds the wrenching emotive singer still haughty and bawdy…As far as recording at home and straight, King’s new music is deeper, rawer, yet even more empowered than in her past.” – Variety

“…a powerful trio of quarantine cuts. The songs are fierce (‘The Let Go’), fearless (‘The Only One’), and funny (‘Over Easy’), centering King’s raspy, athletic vocals over simple guitar and piano arrangements.” – American Songwriter

“Delivering a raw, unabridged version of herself …Spiritual, forthright and gritty, Elle King is the uncut version of a pop-star. A belter, expert writer, and multi-instrumentalist, King’s soul has wrangled itself free through her musical body and mind. She’s an electric performer, showing every melody on her face and tracing the lines with her fingers.” — Ladygunn

Multi-platinum and award-winning recording artist Elle King will be performing her latest single “The Let Go” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Tune in tonight. The single is currently #1 most added at AAA Radio.

“The Let Go” is featured on her latest ep ELLE KING: IN ISOLATION, a collection of raw demos/songs she’s recorded acoustically while quarantining at home in LA. She is working on her third studio album for RCA Records.

Click HERE to watch the “at home” performance video filmed in her living room for “The Let Go” that premiered on Rolling Stone.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Several films and television shows licensed Elle King’s music, streaming now. Her outrageously fun take on the song “My Neck My Back” is featured in the Netflix film The Wrong Missy, and her single “Baby Outlaw” can be heard in the Charlize Theron-starring film The Old Guard. Elle also makes a special appearance performing with her father Rob Schneider on his-just released Netflix comedy stand-up special entitled “Asian Momma, Mexican Kids” and her track “Ain’t Gonna Drown”from her debut album Love Stuff is spotlighted in the final episode of “Yellowstone Season 3,” which aired last night on the Paramount Network.

ABOUT ELLE KING

Multi-platinum and award-winning recording artist Elle King has enjoyed over 1.2 billion streams worldwide. Her sophomore critically acclaimed album Shake The Spirit was released in late 2018. In addition, it follows her debut album Love Stuff, a mix of rock and roll, blues, country, with some pop. Love Stuff introduced the world to Elle King and featured her breakthrough single “Ex’s & Oh’s,” which earned her two GRAMMY nominations and was certified double platinum. Her breakthrough single hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart, and topped the AAA, Hot AC, and Alternative Radio charts, leading King to become the second female artist in 18 years to reach No. 1 at the latter format. Additionally, she’s collaborated with Dierks Bentley on “Different for Girls,” their #1 Country Airplay chart topper and CMA Award-winning single for “Musical Event of the Year.”

Her lead single off of Shake The Spirit “Shame,” marked her fourth radio #1 single. Also, it led Elle to make history, scoring number 1 singles on the Adult Pop Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, Alternative Songs and Country Airplay charts. Her follow up single “Baby Outlaw” achieved Top 15 charting at AAA Radio. Rolling Stone wrote of her Austin City Limits live set: “Elle King is a little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll, but ultimately, she’s punk as fuck.” Variety wrote of her Philadelphia Shake The Spirit tour date “…King churned the clotted cream of punkish country, raw R&B, crotchety rock and deep blues into rich, buttery musical drama with her band, The Brethren… (she) belted, crooned, purred, sauntered and swaggered her way through a tautly rocking set…one thing became very clear: nearly every song that came before (the finale) was equally contagious, catty-cool, and hit-worthy.”

BUY/STREAM/WATCH ELLE KING: IN ISOLATION

Multi: https://smarturl.it/EKInIsolation

“The Let Go” Official Video: https://smarturl.it/EKTheLetGo

FOLLOW ELLE KING

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Nao New Single and Music Video

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Two years following the release of her Grammy-nominated album “Saturn,” Nao is back with a new single and music video.

Her new song, entitled “Woman,” features Lianne La Havas. It is a song focusing on female empowerment, as Nao sings, “if God is a woman on Sunday ima worship us.”

“Woman” is produced by Loxe, who co-produced four songs on Nao’s previous album. It is mixed by Manon Grandjean, who worked with Dave on the album “Psychodrama” and Stormzy‘s album titled “Heavy is the Head.”

Listening to this song, it’s pretty easy to see Nao’s confidence and stranglehold on her own power. Nobody can take that away from her, and she said she considers this song her anthem to empowerment.

“I want to send a message – to all women but especially to women of colour – that we can be in control, we can be leaders, we can have confidence in our minds and bodies,” Nao said. “There’s a lot of darkness in the world but also great things happening in response, many led by women and girls. For the first time in history there’s a global movement for equality, fairness and systematic change that seems to be delivering real results, both personally and politically. Me and Lianne really wanted to sing about that, support it and celebrate it.”

To listen to and see the video for Nao’s new song, you can click right here.