Posts made in November 2020

Thornley Kelham’s Restoration of Mercedes Icon

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‘NOT ANOTHER SILVER GULLWING’ – RESTORING A MERCEDES ICON WITH THORNLEY KELHAM

Classic and vintage restoration specialist Thornley Kelham has revealed the story behind its restoration of a Mercedes icon, the rare 300SL Gullwing
The Gullwing was delivered to Thornley Kelham by a renowned collector and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge for a full restoration
The tired-looking silver Coupé came fitted with unusual Roadster lights front and rear, and was totally transformed into period-correct Horizon Blue by Thornley Kelham

Award-winning classic and vintage car specialist, Thornley Kelham, has revealed the full transformation of a rare Mercedes 300SL with a highly knowledgeable and critical owner. The owner’s direction to the Thornley Kelham team was simple: it should be perfect, period-correct and finished in anything but silver…

The 300SL was the result of Mercedes-Benz’s decision to develop a sports-racing car in 1952. Using the engine, transmission, suspension and steering from the existing 300 luxury saloon, it was built around an innovative new chassis frame and clothed in one of the most beautiful bodies ever created. The result was the new 300 Sport Leicht or SL, informally known as ‘Gullwing’ because of its upwards opening doors.

This particular 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing arrived at Thornley Kelham’s HQ in the Cotswolds, following a spell in France during its early days and having resided in the UK since 1981. Its early history isn’t all that well documented, but an inspection carried out on the car in 1971 as it transferred owners revealed it to be ‘in perfect condition’.

Immediately obvious on arrival to the Thornley Kelham team were the Roadster headlights and taillights fitted to this Coupé. By 1957, Mercedes was focusing mostly on building Roadsters and there was a suspicion that this car could have been a special hybrid commission. However, a thorough inspection of the car revealed a more ordinary truth; accident damage at the front and rear had led to the car being rebuilt with Roadster parts.

Thankfully, the tubular chassis was in good condition, but years of wear and tear meant that many of the Gullwing’s mechanicals, including its 3.0-litre straight-six engine were in need of rebuilding. Thornley Kelham’s in-house engine-building team set to work cleaning, crafting from scratch or replacing parts of the Gullwing’s drivetrain to ensure it runs reliably and to its optimum performance for years to come.

Outside of restoring all the mechanicals, the team were also in a position to begin painting and trimming the car to the client’s specifications. Adamant to not have ‘another silver Gullwing’, the owner opted for a striking shade of period-correct Horizon Blue, with an interior finished with a blue plaid non-leather option. But perfecting the finish meant challenges at every corner; the complex doors take hours of careful adjustment and the ‘eyebrows’ above the wheelarch were a particularly delicate operation. Later Gullwings had an almost-invisibly different eyebrow design to earlier cars, and it was crucial to get it correct.

As the car began to come together, the Thornley Kelham team were tasked with sourcing a large number of original parts, including things as difficult to find as the interior lights. In total, buying parts alone was more than six-figures-worth of expense. Two pieces they didn’t require, however, were the bumpers – the client wished to do without, preferring the visual of a de-bumpered Gullwing.

Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: “Restoring a Gullwing is a huge responsibility, and restoring a Gullwing for a Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge like our client also comes with a fair bit of pressure. When you’re working with a car as rare and iconic as this, originality and accuracy is absolutely crucial. We spent hundreds of hours getting the details of this car exactly right, while making sure it adheres to the same standard that every car we work on does – it has to look good, drive well and is made to last. This car has been enjoyed for over 60 years now, and we’re delighted to have extended its lifetime for many more years of pleasure for its owners.”

About Thornley Kelham:

Founded in 2009, Thornley Kelham Ltd is a specialist in concours restoration, maintenance, servicing, rally preparation and support of iconic vintage and classic cars. From its Cotswold headquarters, the team of 36 manage, restore and prepare examples of collector cars for global concours and motorsport events from a state-of-the-art 32,000 sq/ft facility.

With in-house bodywork, paint, engine and fabrication shops, Thornley Kelham is widely regarded for the quality of its restorations of historically significant, often unique vehicles across a variety of marques including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Porsche as well as Amilcar, Bizzarrini and others.

Its prize-winning restorations are frequently shown at top-tier concours such as Pebble Beach, the ‘Royal Concours’ at Hampton Court Palace, Chantilly and Salon Privé, while a dedicated motorsport team supports clients at rally events worldwide including the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, Targa Florio and Peking to Paris.

Thornley Kelham strives to create an enjoyable, informative and collaborative restoration process for the customer, with customer service as important as the restoration itself.

Thornley Kelham is also well known for the creation of the limited-edition, bespoke ‘Outlaw’ Lancia Aurelia B20GT project, details of which can be found at www.fuorilegge.co.uk.

Maluma x The Weeknd

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MALUMA and THE WEEKND have joined forces to release a one-of-a-kind remix of global hit “HAWÁI”, along with its new music video via Sony Music Latin/RCA Records. Both are available now!

The Weeknd’s signature vocals go bilingual (English/Spanish) on the “HAWAÍ” Remix marking the first time the GRAMMY Award-winning artist sings in Spanish.

“I have always admired The Weeknd so it feels nothing short of a dream come true to have him collab on ‘HAWÁI’ Remix – he brought another flow to it and sang in both Spanish and English which is impressive,” expressed Maluma.

The melodious banger written by Maluma, The Weeknd, Keityn, Edgar Barrera and Bull Nene, was produced by the Rude Boyz. It tells the classic tale of a relationship breakup set in the modern Instagram age, where the story one tells and the pictures one posts can be deceiving.

Like with the original “HAWÁI”, the remix video, was shot by renowned director Jessy Terrero of Cinema Giants; but this time, instead of Miami, it took place in Los Angeles and features both artists.

“HAWÁI” has dominated Latin and global charts since its release. It has remained at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for eight weeks; #1 on Billboard’s Latin Streaming Songs chart for nine weeks; and #1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart for three weeks (having scored his eighteenth #1 song on the chart). With “HAWÁI” Maluma has been at #1 on YouTube’s chart of the most viewed videos worldwide for multiple weeks and remains on the chart’s top ten.

The twenty-six year old global Latin music idol has also reached #1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and #2 on Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart. Internationally “HAWÁI” has reached #1 on radio, Spotify and Apple Music in 17+ countries.

Watch here.

Listen here.

Image courtesy of Stoked PR.

Stars on Digital Auction Platform Cryptograph

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Notable Music industry artists such as Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Scott Storch, All American Rejects Tyson Ritter, Eve, The Black eyed Peas’ apl.de.ap, among others, are committed to auctioning off custom digital collectibles via the newly established Cryptograph platform to benefit charitable causes such as Global Wildlife Conservation. The blockchain based digital collectible auction site Cryptograph, which is powered by Ethereum, features one-of-a-kind music collectibles by these top artists, with Eve’s auction currently underway, and having kicked off with Tom Morello in their music auction block on October 22nd. Today, Tyson Ritter of All American Rejects went live.

The recently launched platform Cryptograph is bringing some new innovations to the music industry, with the introduction of their highly anticipated innovative digital auction house which initially kicked off on July 6, 2020. Cryptograph is creating a name as a market leader in blockchain based digital collectibles, also known as NFT’s (Non-Fungible Tokens), featuring digital art and memorabilia from a wide variety of world renowned artists and icons, and now also from top music artists.

Cryptograph is positioned to solve some of the major problems currently plaguing the music industry, primarily giving artists and musicians an opportunity to see more of the value form their work, particularly over the long term.

Music Industry producer and songwriter Scott Storch is also participating in the crypto auction platform

“Cryptograph’s blockchain technology will have huge disruptive implications on many industries including music. Blockchain technology has made it possible for my art and my industry to thrive in an autonomous way, allowing the creative freedom to produce and self publish art and control the financial long term value that the work generates in an automated, permission-less , secure, transparent and trustless way.” – Scott Storch

“We want Cryptograph to become the world’s leading publishing, auctioning, trading and discovery platform for the new market of collectible digital assets. Giving creators a new way to truly realize the intrinsic value of their work over the long term and giving collectors something special and historical that they truly own. We intend on achieving all of this whilst at the same redefining the way philanthropy is done forever by bringing charitable giving and fundraising into the future.” – Co-Founding Partner Tommy Alastra

Cryptograph has already successfully launched digital auctions with celebrities, actors, artists and crypto world leaders, inclusive of Vitalik Buterin, Adrien Brody, Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Green, Kristin Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, David Arquette, Eve, Retna, Gregory Sif, Alec Monopoly and more. The auctions have benefitted Global Conservation efforts to include wildlife and reforestation, Covid-19 relief , Education, Open Source Tech and other incredible causes and organizations

Cryptograph was founded by a team of entrepreneurs, impact investors and blockchain pioneers who share a joint interest in using technology to do good, inclusive of Tommy Alastra , Edouard Bessire, Guillaume Gonnaud, Anthony John Bryan and Hugo McDonaugh (Who also serves as Cryptograph’s CEO),. We interviewed the founders to give insight into this revolutionary platform.

Each Cryptograph perpetually supports a charitable cause and each one is initially sold at auction and then traded by collectors on the platform’s secondary market, raising money for charity every time they are transacted. These digital works are unlike anything else currently offered on the blockchain, and they will be auctioned off and traded using Cryptographs unique auction system that incentivizes participation.

Cryptograph puts forward a new and unique model for ‘crypto collectibles’ with a sustainably philanthropic business model underpinning their whole platform, which has already rolled out unique creations from top crypto leaders like Vitalik Buterin, Emin Gun Sirer and other celebrity tech innovators like Ashton Kutcher, and pop culture icons like Paris Hilton. They continue to position themselves as a new market leader in this ever evolving and exciting young market, now allowing for top music artists to come and use the Cryptograph platform to showcase their talent and creativity in a completely new way. Cryptographs are an entirely new form of collectible that collectors can trade and collect in perpetuity.

One of the biggest challenges faced today by music artists, in our digital society, is making a financial living off music while still maintaining control over rights and publishing. Royalty rates from streaming platforms like Youtube and even Itunes are fairly low. Spotify yields success if the streams amount, but payouts do not occur for months and it takes heavy playlist rotation to really earn the dollars. This evolving revenue element of the music business continues to be navigated by many artists with the exception of top-selling artists who have big label leaders behind them. It has however led many artists to self publish, in order to control all earnings.

Further adds Alasta, “Today’s digital content is all based on followers, likes, and views and it is monetized by selling attention (Youtube, Instagram etc) or access (Netflix, Pateron etc). Now, imagine a world where digital content can be truly owned and digital content can be truly scarce. Each person can have their own collection of unique digital assets that they truly own and that cannot be counterfeited, and people can curate, share and trade/make money directly from these new digital assets thanks to blockchain technology. This new opportunity for digital content is what we at Cryptograph find extremely exciting and the vision of a new digital world where the value of content is not just based on likes and views but rather real ownership and scarcity is what we are working towards and where we believe the future is. We at Cryptograph want to help build this future and at the same time find a new way of putting philanthropy at the core of all of it.”

Whilst the Cryptograph platform centres around the concept of using NFTs to benefit charities and provide new revenue streams to creators, it also opens the door for a new forum of music ownership and digitization. Musical artists can use the platform to create new musical works and then publish these works as Cryptographs.They can attach the various commercialization and catalog rights as they choose, directly to the specific Cryptograph token. This revolutionary system of self-publication that bypasses the big music distribution oligopolies of today. Combined with the innovative price discovery and trading system of the Cryptograph platform, and its unique philanthropic business model. Cryptograph presents a new way for music to be published, bought and sold in a fairer, more secure, and more transparent way. It provides musicians with a whole new avenue to explore, when it comes to publishing and monetizing their work while simultaneously doing good with the charity fundraising element built in.

Cryptographs are one-of-a-kind digital collectibles created by world renowned icons and artists that perpetually support charitable causes. Each Cryptograph is sold at auction and then traded by collectors on the platform’s secondary market, raising money for charity every time they are transacted. These digital artworks are unlike anything else currently offered on the blockchain, and they will be auctioned off and traded using Cryptographs unique auction system that incentivizes participation.

Using smart contract technology to process and automate all transactions in a secure and transparent environment, Cryptograph makes sure that their charity and creator partners will always get a share of the perpetual revenue not just from the initial auction sale, but also from every single bid and subsequent sale that occurs on the secondary market. This powerful model ensures that the interests of the all parties involved in the Cryptograph ecosystem remain forever aligned and that they are continually incentivized to deliver further value over the long term to the community of Cryptograph collectors.

Cryptographs are one-of-a-kind digital collectibles created by icons and artists that support good causes forever, founded by a team of entrepreneurs, impact investors and blockchain pioneers that all share a joint passion in using technology to do good. Thanks to blockchain technology, each Cryptograph is 100% owned by the purchaser and cannot be forged or destroyed. A Cryptograph is a digital legacy. Cryptographs are sold at auction and then traded by collectors on the platform, raising money for good causes every time they are transacted. The platform makes charitable fundraising easier, instantly global and perpetual in nature. It offers a new way to do philanthropy in the digital age.

Image courtesy of Cryptograph.co

In With the Old – The Eccentricities of Generation Z

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Gen Z is….strange.

Born at a time where the Twin Towers were gone, Limp Bizkit were popular and Manchester United were kings of Europe, the genesis of Gen Y was certainly an exercise in the bizarre.

It’s no surprise, then, that those born at the turn of the millennium have no shortage of quirks.

Whether it’s the surreal sense of humor, ‘depression memes’, mumble rap, or hydro flask stickers, the self-expression of Gen-Y’ers is certainly much, much different than previous generations.

Why Are Gen-Z’ers So…Weird?

I don’t mean to use the word ‘weird’ in a derogatory fashion, much the opposite. This generation is more in-tune than ever in noticing, documenting, and even embracing, the absurdness of the human condition in the form of social media and news outlets – and their methods of self-expression are something that Existentialist philosophers would turn their heads at. Maybe this is due to the abnormal cauldron that was boiling away during Gen-Z’s formative years, and what ongoing events are continuing to influence the young minds of Gen-Z.

The 2000’s were a strange decade for us Westerners. We were getting to grips with the Internet, and the juggernaut of social media was in its infancy – never before was it so easy to connect with, talk to, and even stalk, our friends, families, and our friends’ friends. With the all-seeing visibility of social media platforms, Gen-Z developed a level of expectation and social pressure that was completely unknown to their predecessors.

Generation Z was the first generation whose presence was truly immersed in the Internet. The effect of the Web can be seen not only in their sense of humour, but also their fashion choices, too.

Gen-Z’s Value Comfort Above All Else

The rise of athleisure clothing in recent years has brought with it a level of comfort that other styles simply can’t offer.

Though wearing gym-gear to the office sounds like something out of 1990s Silicon Valley to some, it’s become the norm to arrive at the office wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt.

The rise of social media influencers have definitely had a part to play, too. Celebrities are often seen in public wearing candid, gym-based uniforms, and actors like Dwayne Johnson and Hugh Jackman have helped make healthy lifestyles cool.

Not only does athleisure provide comfort, some of it is pretty damn stylish nowadays – and both are attributes that Gen-Z’ers value.

Are The Early 2000’s Back?

The fact that the early-2000s were twenty years ago is unfathomable for most of us.

Simpler times, they were, but at least the 2020s have resurrected some nostalgia-inducing outfits for us to remember days long gone by. Whether it’s tiny sunglasses, low rise jeans, or mesh tops (for both men and women) some of the outfits worn by Gen-Z’ers are enough to usher in years of nostalgia, for better or worse.

Luckily for us, frosted tips, and baggy, Eminem-esque t-shirts remain on the ash heap of history, for now anyway.

Perhaps this return to the early-2000s is simply Gen-Z’s returning to the outfits they saw in their youth – perhaps it’s meant as an antidote to today’s current crazy climate, one that will unquestionably define their twenties and thirties. On the other hand, it could be neither of those – and Gen-Z’s are simply wearing them because they like them. Either way, retro-inspired get-up is all the rage in 2020.

The Gen-Z Story Continues to Get Stranger

Those who are a part of Generation Z have had lives book-ended, so far, by two world-defining events – the 9/11 attacks and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It will be interesting to see how this weird and wonderful generation deals with the latter – and what social, personal, and political repercussions they have to deal with. Generation Z have always had their own way of doing things, and their thirst for eccentricity shows no signs of slowing down.

Grow Your Spotify Plays Overnight

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If you are looking for more Spotify exposure, then you can join the millions of other Spotify artists that are trying to do the same thing. However, it feels like all we are ever doing is just treading water. We post songs and playlists only to have them fall into oblivion. They never see the light of day and never get a hit.

Promotions seem to go nowhere. It doesn’t matter how many times you Tweet out a link to your music. It all ends up the same way, low plays, low streams, and low follows. It doesn’t have to be this way. It doesn’t have to be so hard. You have to be proactive about your marketing, but you also need to focus on the metrics that will actually improve your Spotify rankings. Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all great places to start but you won’t grow a following unless you hit the below metrics. Once you understand what you need to do, just rinse and repeat. You will soon be basking in the glow of plays.

You need to market your music by increase your play and follower metrics. You need to buy Spotify plays. This common practice will get your listings over the hump to be seen by a new crowd.

Why Improve Your Plays?

The Spotify algorithm is specific to Spotify platform metrics. This means that you need to focus on improving your Spotify platform numbers. Like what was mentioned above, exposure on other platforms is great but it will only get you so far. You need those marketing events to convert into Spotify metrics.

The first metric you need to improve is the play count. This could be connected to an album, playlist, or a specific song. It all depends on what your goals are for your artistic talents. Song pay count tells the Spotify algorithm that people are listening to your stuff. It shows that you are relevant and significant to the current music scene. It could be based on a genre of music or just the industry as a whole.

Plays matter over the course of time. If you have a bunch of plays in a single day, it isn’t going to boost anything for very long. You may appear higher in the algorithm for the next 24 hours, but afterwards you will be forgotten, again. Instead you want to think about the long term. More plays overtime is the better philosophy. So, if you got 100 plays, it is better to have 1 a day for 100 days than all 100 plays in the same day.

Why Improve Your Followers?

Remember that it isn’t just about plays. If you stuff gets played a bunch, that is great, but it isn’t the end of the story. If you are looking to solidify a top spot in the Spotify algorithm, you need to show that it isn’t just about your music, it is about you as an artist. Take a band like Radiohead. Their music is wildly popular. However, Radiohead as a band is popular as well. So, if they were still making music, they would be recommended alongside similar artists because the “followers” action shows that it is more than just a single song or two that makes them so important.

This is obvious. When you look at other social media platforms you see the same actions taking place. Instagram and Facebook are the best examples of the potential for ranking improvements when there are more followers, not just likes or shares. Instagram like increasing services like Buzzoid are often talked about, but few can deliver on the promises that Buzzoid does, say experts. Their real Instagram likes are the best on the market, and when used in combination with a Spotify boosting service it is a wonderful sight. The Spotify algorithm takes in the totality of the artist’s metrics in order to decide how worthy they are to be recommended to other listeners. Once you get there, royalties will start to improve as organic listeners start to steadily increase with time.

Are Certain Listeners Better Than Others?

Yes, certain Spotify listeners are more important than others. However, you want a mix of all types of listeners in order to really impress the algorithm. What does this mean? There are generally two types of Spotify listeners and they can interact with your account in one of two ways. So, basically, there are four different results that could happen. Let’s go through them.

First, you could have a free listener listen to a song once. This individual has the least amount of impact on your account. Second, you could have a free listener continually listen to your music. This has more impact because it shows that an individual really likes your stuff and wants to listen to it more and more.

Third, you could have a paid premium listener listen to a song once. This has some impact due to a higher royalty payment that comes from premium members. Fourth, you could have a paid premium listen subscribe and continually listen to your music. This has the largest impact of all of them. Make sure that when you are buying Spotify plays that you focus on the mix of different listeners.

10 Times Teen Movies and TV Shows Portrayed Mental Illness in a Helpful Light

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By Shay Siegel

The importance of learning about mental health and debunking the stigmas that come along with it has been expressed more and more in recent years. Mental illness is a valid struggle in the everyday lives of people from all different backgrounds and circumstances—it does not discriminate. Representation of mental health is especially important for teenagers who already deal with issues of identity and belonging simply as part of growing up and all the external pressures they are exposed to. Art and entertainment forms that explore mental health and real societal issues are contributing to these discussions.

These ten shows and movies (some of which are based on wonderful books) have explored mental illness in one way or another and shed some much-needed light, helping teens realize they are not alone.

1. Degrassi

This was my favorite show when I was in high school, and it has done a great job not only shifting to keep up with current times, but it has always confronted a variety of important issues that teens face. I usually think of Degrassi: The Next Generation, because that’s the segment of the show I grew up with, but the new version Degrassi: The Next Class with a different cast for a new generation is exactly what the show has always been about, while keeping up with the current atmosphere. Degrassi consists of a big cast, which is one of the things to love about it and shows a multitude of characters that struggle with different issues, both external and internal. Mental health has always been portrayed in Degrassi and manifested in many ways, from eating disorders, to self-harm and suicide, to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, to identity issues, peer pressure, sexual assault, substance abuse, and so much more. The show is confronting, and it raises awareness and leads to deeper thinking and conversation-starting in a helpful and positive way. Degrassi is my number one pick for a series that shows all the raw and relatable issues teens face, especially mental illness.

2. 13 Reasons Why

I loved the book 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, so naturally I was excited when it was made into a series. I know it has received a ton of backlash and been accused of glorifying suicide, and yes, the show may definitely be triggering and problematic in areas. There are many positives to be gleaned as well, though. The story confronts the very ugly side of suicide and the lasting effects of trauma like sexual assault and bullying on the psyche. It’s not meant to be comfortable because these issues are uncomfortable, and the show can help in processing tough topics. The story provides encouragement to think about how our actions affect others and how we can’t know what others are going through. And regardless of whether the show is hated or loved, it has absolutely started important conversations and raised suicide awareness.

3. All the Bright Places

I actually have not yet read the book by Jennifer Niven, but I watched the movie recently and thought it was a really realistic, while also heart-wrenching, take on depression. It’s helpful for teens to see two characters with different past traumas coping in different ways, and the idea expressed that some are able to heal while others still struggle. There is no one set of symptoms when an individual has depression and that was clearly portrayed in this film. The message of hope to find the bright places everywhere even when we might not feel like one of those places within ourselves is beautiful.

4. Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska is an adapted series based on John Green’s popular novel from 2005, which I also loved, but the series expands upon the book and incorporates updated ideas and messages that fit our current times and conversations, especially those that address mental health. The story unfolds as a mystery, and at times it’s lighter and a fun coming-of-age tale, but it’s so much deeper as it progresses, especially as the later episodes take on a more ominous tone and Alaska’s inner struggles become clearer. This is another instance of not truly knowing what another person is going through, especially when they don’t reach out for help in a direct way. This is unfortunately a reality of mental illness and one of the reasons is that those struggling don’t fully understand it themselves. The open-endedness of the story is realistic because that’s exactly how life is—nothing gets wrapped up neatly, but we learn about others and ourselves along the way.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

This is also one of my favorite books by Stephen Chbosky, and the movie is every bit as emotional. Charlie is an incredibly realistic character. His feelings of loneliness while continuing on day to day with hope are so accurate and relatable for any teen who has ever felt like an outcast. The deeper past issues that we find out he has repressed are heartbreaking, but I think the story does a great job in portraying that past trauma, while contributing to his current situation, might also not have necessarily created it because there are many layers to mental illness and there is no off button once a “reason” is realized.

6. It’s Kind of a Funny Story

This movie is based on the YA novel by Ned Vizzini. We get a look into many of the patients’ lives over the course of a few days in a psychiatric hospital, while Craig, the male lead, learns about himself and his circumstances, ultimately taking steps to heal. One of the most positive messages of the story is that Craig takes it upon himself to seek help, which many (or most) don’t feel acceptable doing. This is so important for teens to see. The idea that others can’t save us, and we have to build our own lives and not look to others to make it all better for us is also done well. The author of the book, Ned Vizzini, committed suicide, but he left a message of hope in allowing Craig to work through his struggles and show readers and viewers what goes on in the mind of someone struggling so deeply in hopes that those who need it may seek help.

7. Eighth Grade

This movie was cringe-worthy at times, which was effective because that’s exactly what this time of life is like. If you feel awkward watching someone, just imagine how elevated those feelings are for them on the inside. Kayla, the thirteen-year-old protagonist, is riddled with worry and anxiety about her every decision and encounter, and many of the times her fears are realized, which I think we all can agree escalates anxiety. It was an accurate and upsetting portrayal of what goes on both inside and outside during this impactful transition in life, maybe not for every single teen but certainly for the ones who feel that specific emotional turmoil.

8. To the Bone

This was an interesting take on how mental illness manifests in eating disorders. The idea of knowing how damaging your behavior is but also not knowing how to stop it or do anything different, or even just not wanting to, is relatable to anyone who struggles with mental illness whether it be an eating disorder or otherwise. This film has also been criticized for misrepresenting sensitive subject matter, but again, it has helped start conversations and it has definitely expressed an important message that recovery is not a straight line.

9. The Edge of Seventeen

I loved this movie, and one of the best things about it is how “normal” Nadine’s mental health issues are treated. Her mental illness is not necessarily what the movie is about, but a driving force behind her as a character, and an accurate portrayal of depression for one unique person, since everyone experiences it differently. Although her struggles may be heightened by exterior circumstances and “being a teen” the way she views herself and the world are real and heartbreaking, and although she might not be in imminent danger she is suffering, nonetheless. The movie is also quite funny in parts! The balance of humor and despair work to provide light to all the darkness that exists.

10. Euphoria

This new series is extremely uncensored, raw, and even shocking, but it definitely captures the issues and pressures of being a teen in this current climate. A realistic and well-done takeaway from the series is how mental illness can completely take over and suffocate a person, even bringing on a terrible feeling of boredom and monotony. Rue, the main character, struggles with addiction, which first became an issue when she was looking for a way to combat her host of mental illnesses, and of course gives her yet another issue to struggle with when she is already in severe pain, if from nothing else then from being born into this world. The uncomfortable honesty in Euphoria is executed with precision and is a look at mental illness, while it has always existed, now in the new generation.

Shay Siegel is a freelance writer, poet, and editor. Her debut YA novel, Fractured, is available now. For more information, visit shaysiegel.com, or connect with Siegel on Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.

Three Important Things to Look for When on a Home Tour

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One of the first things you do when you’re looking at purchasing a property is to go on a home tour. While looking at pictures may give you the general idea of what to expect, it’s essential to view homes in-person to identify if they are the right fit for you. You can see a lot on a home tour that you can’t see in pictures, but you need to know exactly what to look for.

By knowing the essential things to look for on a home tour, you can ensure that you won’t have any surprises when you’re moving into your new home.

1. Condition of the grass

When you’re walking up to the property, the first thing that you should look at is the grass. While a few dry patches aren’t a huge cause for concern, the grass’s condition can reveal more than you might think. A surplus of dry and discolored spots may indicate a fungal disease, which will cost you a lot of money and time to fix, plus means you may have an infestation on your hands. Additionally, extremely wet, and squishy grass areas may indicate areas prone to flooding or even broken sewer lines.

However, if you are looking to relocate to another city or country, visiting in person may not be possible. By using a reputable online property search, such as Kenya Property Centre, you can find high-quality listings that reduce the potential of finding problems like this, in your new location.

2. Smells

You can’t see smells in pictures, but they can indicate some big problems in a property. Pay special attention to any odors that you smell when touring a property. Mold and mildew are the main things to look out for, since not only can it be costly to get rid of, but also negatively impact your health. If you smell a damp, musty smell, it could signify that you have this problem.

Additionally, certain smells can stick inside of homes, like pet urine and cigarette smell. These odors are difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of without some significant investments. Notice if there are strong fragrances present when you tour the home because they could indicate that the owners are trying to hide bad smells.

3. Condition of floors and walls

In pictures, the floors and walls could look perfectly fine. The images can be edited to mask the discoloration, and you can’t feel the texture. Defects on the floors and walls, like cracks, warping, and water stains, could indict structural issues that could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs.

If you see cracks running either horizontally or diagonally on the walls, it could be a sign of water damage or problems with the foundation. Water damage can do some severe damage to a property, so it’s one of the most important things to look out for. Signs of water damage will include the walls bubbling out, water stains or walls, ceilings or floors, warped floorboards, and musty smells.

A warped floor can also signal other problems, such as rotting wood, poor construction, or even termites. Pay careful attention to how the floor feels when you step on it, and if you notice any springiness, that shouldn’t be there.

Oregon Decriminalizes Drugs

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By Justin Lyons

This year’s election will go down as a legendary one in the history of the United States of America, and for some of the bigger fights, the country still doesn’t have an answer.

Where answers do exist seem to be in propositions and measures, and the big winners are those hoping for the decriminalization of drugs. Mississippi, New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and Arizona all approved the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The biggest victory for those in favor of drug decriminalization probably came in Oregon, where the penalty for small amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs was lessened.

According to Ballotpedia, Oregon’s Measure 110 would reclassify the possession of controlled substances such as those listed above from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E violation, which would result in a $100 fine or the necessity of a “completed health assessment.”

The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission estimated that convictions for possession would decrease by 90.7%.

Addiction recovery centers conduct the health assessments, which will include a screening from a certified alcohol and drug counselor and must be completed within 45 days of the Class E violation.

The funds for the assessments and the recovery programs will come from the Oregon Marijuana Account and money the state of Oregon saves from reductions in arrests, incarceration and official supervision. The recovery centers will provide treatment 24 hours per day along with health assessments, intervention plans, case management services and peer support and outreach.

The possession quantity of the now decriminalized drugs to be classified as a Class E violation are as follows: one gram of heroin or less, two grams of cocaine or less, two grams of methamphetamine or less, one gram or five pills of MDMA or less, 40 or fewer user units of LSD, less than 12 grams of psilocybin, fewer than 40 user units of methadone and fewer than 40 pills, tables or capsules of oxycodone.

A person carrying more than the specified amounts may face a misdemeanor with less than a year imprisonment, a $6,250 fine or both.

According to Yes on Measure 110, more than 125 Oregon-based organizations endorsed the measure, including Oregon Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Oregon Nurses Association, Oregon School Psychologists’ Association and Law Enforcement Action Partnership.

Ballotpedia also said the Democratic Party of Oregon, Multnomah Democrats and Working Families Party of Oregon support the bill, right alongside 11-time-GRAMMY-Award-Winning artist John Legend.

The measure is to be implemented no later than Feb. 1 of 2021.

The Black Information Network Presents: Election 2020 – Black Votes Matter – by Roland S. Martin

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Award-winning journalist Roland S. Martin will bring the funk on Election Night 2020, anchoring an exclusive live special “The Black Information Network Presents: Election 2020 – Black Votes Matter – Hosted by Roland S. Martin.” BLACK VOICES, BLACK VOTERS MATTER: #ROLANDMARTINUNFILTERED PARTNERS WITH BLACK INFORMATION NETWORK AND IHEART MEDIA TO SIMULCAST SIX HOUR ELECTION NIGHT 2020 SPECIAL

Award-winning journalist and BIN Commentator Roland S. Martin of #RolandMartinUnfiltered will bring the funk on Election Night 2020, anchoring an exclusive live special from the heart of Washington DC at Black Lives Matter Plaza, “The Black Information Network Presents: Election 2020 – Black Votes Matter – hosted by Roland Martin.”

Simulcast airs on Tuesday November 3, 2020 from 7 p.m. ET until 1 a.m. ET on #RolandMartinUnfiltered via FaceBook Live, YouTube, Periscope, and Black Information Network/IHeart Media Roland S. Martin, Host and Managing Editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered Washington, DC (November 2, 2020) Award-winning journalist and BIN Commentator Roland S. Martin of #RolandMartinUnfiltered will bring the funk on Election Night 2020, anchoring an exclusive live special from the heart of Washington DC at Black Lives Matter Plaza, “The Black Information Network Presents: Election 2020 – Black Votes Matter – hosted by Roland Martin.” The six-hour live stream and radio simulcast airs on Tuesday November 3, 2020 from 7 p.m. ET until 1 a.m. ET on #RolandMartinUnfiltered via FaceBook Live, YouTube, Periscope, and Black Information Network/IHeart Media. Providing real-time updates and analysis as the polls close and election tallies are reported nationwide on the historic race between GOP incumbents Donald Trump/ Mike Pence and Democratic challengers Joseph Biden/Kamala Harris, Martin will be joined by special guests and noted experts during the broadcast, including activists, legal scholars, HBCU professors, political media pundits and more.

Throughout the evening, Martin and his expert contributors will track and breakdown the results of important statewide and local elections around the country, then help provide key insights for Black America on the impact. “The 2020 Election is one of the most consequential we’ve seen in American history, and Black voters will play a crucial role. Our goal at #RolandMartinUnfiltered is to provide unparalleled coverage of not only the presidential and U.S. Senate races, but the many local races that impact our people,” said Martin, who serves as Host and Managing Editor. “From top scholars to civil rights lawyers to health and economic experts and politically-minded celebrities, there will be no other place — digital, cable or broadcast — that will match the plans we have for our collaboration with IHeart Media and Black Information Network on election night.” With more than 75 confirmed guests appearing during the broadcast, experts include Dr. Greg Carr Department of Afro American Studies, Howard University; Ben Chavis President, National Newspaper Publishers Association; Award-winning Actor/Director Bill Duke, Cliff Albright Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter; Derrick Johnson President, NAACP;Erica Savage Wilson Host, Savage Politics Podcast; Hamill Harris, The Washington Post; Kellye Beathea, Communications Strategist; Rashad Robinson Executive Director, Color of Change; Rev. William Barber President, North Carolina NAACP; Robert Patillo, Exec. Dir, Rainbow/PUSH Peachtree Street Project; and Tamika Mallory Co-Founder, Until Freedom, among many others. As Americans stream to the polls to have their say on who will serve as the next President, as well as choose their senators, representatives, governors, and a host of local officials, #RolandMartinUnfiltered will be there to provide coverage from every angle.

ABOUT ROLAND MARTIN

Roland S. Martin is the Host and Managing Editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered. Roland Martin Interviews Eddie Glaude, Jr. on #RolandMartinUnfiltered In his latest New York Times bestseller, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” Princeton professor of African American studies and MSNBC contributor Eddie Glaude, Jr. looks at James Baldwin’s life and work as it relates to the world we’re living in right now. Courtesy of #RolandMartinUnfiltered/Nu Vision Media, Inc. Ice Cube Responds To Critics, Addresses Work On Trump’s Platinum Plan, Looks To Set Record Straight on #RolandMartinUnfiltered Rapper and actor Ice Cube has been allegedly working with Trump’s reelection campaign on issues pertaining to the Black community taken from his Contract with Black America. Ice Cube appeared on #RMU to respond to his critics, address the claims being made by he Trump administration and attempted to set the record straight as to why he is looking to press both Democrats and Republicans on issues that pertain to the African American community. Courtesy of #RolandMartinUnfiltered/Nu Vision Media, Inc. ABOUT #ROLANDMARTINUNFILTERED .#Roland Martin Unfiltered provides news and
information from an unapologetically Black perspective five days a week. Celebrating its second anniversary, the show has carved its niche as a go-to source for interviews with key newsmakers and influencers.

In depth discussion of topics across a variety of fields, including politics, education, health, entertainment, sports, African American issues and culture has been at the forefront of the #RMU mission since day one. When breaking news happens or big shifts in the culture occur, Martin has been there to document, explain and highlight those aspects of the story that most impact the African American community. Over the course of a journalistic career that has seen him interview multiple U.S. presidents to the top athletes and entertainers in Hollywood, Roland S. Martin is a journalist who has always maintained a clear sense of his calling in this world. Martin is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered and the author of three books: Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith; Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America; and The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin. He has been named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States and has been named several times to The Root 100, their annual list of influential African Americans. In his career, Martin has been showered with more than 30 awards for journalistic excellence, including being named the Journalist of the Year in 2013 by the National Association of Black Journalists for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues of concern to African Americans during the 2012 election. He is a four-time NAACP Image Award winner, including named Best Host for two consecutive years. FOLLOW #ROLANDMARTINUNFILTERED ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES AND
MORE! ‌

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Advice for the Holiday Season

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This holiday season is going to be one of the more unusual ones. Between a pandemic and a polarizing political year, the family get-together is going to look a little different. What do you need to know to make it go as smoothly as possible? Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, cross-cultural trainer, author and founder of Access to Culture, has offered her advice.

Plan and Prepare in Advance but Be Flexible

A good host prepares their holiday gathering well in advance, but keep in mind you may have to practice being flexible. If COVID numbers rise, as they appear to be, you might have to postpone or cancel the festivities this year. Invited guests to a holiday celebration should respect the host’s decision to make changes, even if it comes at the last minute.

Follow CDC Guidelines and Local Regulations

To keep everyone safe, follow the latest recommended CDC guidelines such as maintaining six feet of distance from others, providing proper ventilation, frequent hand washing, mask-wearing, smaller gatherings, and spending more time outdoors if the weather permits. Make sure and let your guests know in advance the protocols you will be following and that they are expected to follow as well.

When in Doubt, Stay Home

In years past, maybe you would still attend Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner if you had a little cold or were slightly under the weather. This year, however, it’s just not worth the risk. Keep in mind in this pandemic-driven world that it’s not only about your health and well-being but also about being respectful of the people around you.

Remember Your Manners

This holiday season is going to be especially challenging for all of us as we continue to manage the pandemic. The best thing we can do is be on our best behavior by practicing patience, acting with civility and respect, and being kind to each other. Don’t be a rogue guest. Avoid discussion about sex, politics, and religion. Don’t ask prying questions. Focus on gratitude and treat others how you want to be treated.

BYOM (Bring Your Own Meal & Mask)

BYOM serves double duty this year, with the ‘M’ meaning meal and mask. In the past, it was customary for guests to bring at least one dish to the holiday gathering. This year, for safety, asking each family attending to bring their own meal is not out of the question. It should also go without saying that each guest should arrive wearing a mask. Hosts need to let their guests know the BYOM rules ahead of time so there is no confusion and awkwardness.

Drive Instead of Fly When Possible

Thanksgiving is typically the busiest travel period of the year for air travel. Although air travel has been deemed rather safe despite COVID concerns, nonetheless it still increases your risk. When possible, turn holiday travel this year into a fun road trip. Consider traveling at off-peak times to avoid contact with the crowd of other holiday travelers.

Be Aware of “Naive Realism”

Psychologists identify this as our tendency to believe that the way we see the world is the way the world really exists. Your view of COVID, politics or anything else is only one of a range of numerous perspectives. When in conversation with others, remember that your view isn’t everyone’s reality.