Posts made in May 2021

E! Reunion Road Trip

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E! TAKES A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE AS NEW SPECIAL EVENT SERIES

“REUNION ROAD TRIP” PREMIERES THURSDAY, JUNE 10 AT 9 PM ET/PT

Four Part Series Reunites Iconic Casts Including “All My Children,”

“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “A Different World” and “Scrubs”

E!, the global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture, reunites some of the most celebrated TV casts as its new event series “Reunion Road Trip,” launches on Thursday, June 10 at 9pm ET/PT. The four-part special event series catches up with the beloved cast members as they reconnect with old friends, reflect on their trailblazing shows that helped shape the television landscape, and share surprising revelations and behind-the-scenes scoop. With exclusive, candid conversations with the stars as viewers have never seen them before, each episode delves into their earliest days from auditions to first impressions, their continuing legacy and everything in between.

Below is the episode rollout:

Reunion Road Trip: With All of My Children – Premieres Thursday, June 10 at 9pm ET/PT

Fan favorites Rebecca Budig, Eva LaRue, Cameron Mathison and Jacob Young come together at an exclusive Hollywood mansion to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary with surprise visits from former cast members Susan Lucci, Alicia Minshew, Debbi Morgan, Kelly Ripa and Darnell Williams. As one of the most unforgettable soap operas of all time, the group dishes on the show’s origins, off-camera romances and series cliffhanger that always left fans wanting more.

Reunion Road Trip: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy – Premieres Thursday, June 17 at 9pm ET/PT

The Original Fab Five, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley and Jai Rodriguez reassemble in Los Angeles as they makeover Jai for his 40th birthday. As the group works their magic, they think back to their most heartfelt, meaningful makeovers and the impact on the LGBTQ community then and now.

Reunion Road Trip: It’s A Different World – Premieres Thursday, June 24 at 9pm ET/PT

For a very special college homecoming, alumni Sinbad and Kadeem Hardison invite Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Dawnn Lewis and Cree Summer for an intimate, sit-down discussion to look back on the sitcom’s overall success and long-lasting cultural impact on generations by tackling a range of substantive issues and giving a voice to the Black community. They are joined by the show’s director and executive producer Debbie Allen and executive producer Susan Fales-Hill.

Reunion Road Trip: Back in Scrubs – Premieres Thursday, July 1 at 9pm ET/PT

Cast members Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison reconvene as they go on a quest to track down Rowdy, the show’s treasured taxidermied dog. Along the way, they reminisce on their time on the groundbreaking sitcom, spill their juiciest behind-the-scenes stories and are surprised by a few of their favorite co-stars, Robert Maschio and Judy Reyes.

“Reunion Road Trip” is produced by Studio Lambert USA, part of the All3Media Group, with Stephen Lambert, Jack Burgess, Alex Walton and Rene Rainey serving as Executive Producers.

About E! Entertainment

E! is the only global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture, and airs some of the most sought-after reality series on TV, including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “The Bradshaw Bunch,” “Botched” “Overserved with Lisa Vanderpump” and “E! True Hollywood Story.” “E! News” is the leading multi-platform publisher delivering breaking entertainment news and pop culture coverage 24/7 across EOnline and all digital and social media. The brand’s programming slate includes “Daily Pop,” “Nightly Pop” on linear and “E! News’ The Rundown” on Snapchat. “Live from E!” covers signature red carpet events, keeping fans connected to their favorite stars on pop culture’s biggest nights and the “E! People’s Choice Awards” celebrates the best in pop culture and is the only award show for the people, by the people. E! is part of the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming portfolio, which includes NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms: NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, SYFY, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock. For more information, visit EOnline.

About Studio Lambert

Studio Lambert is a British and American production company producing high quality scripted and unscripted series. It was established in 2008 by Stephen Lambert, creator of many well-known global formats including the CBS Emmy-winning “Undercover Boss” and BAFTA-winning “Wife Swap” and BAFTA-winning “Gogglebox”. Studio Lambert is part of the All3Media group. Most recently, the company made several versions of “The Circle” for Netflix; two series of ‘The Hustler’ for ABC; and is currently producing scripted series for the BBC and Amazon as well as several new unscripted series for UK and US networks. In two recent UK industry polls, Studio Lambert was ranked No. 1 by its peers, and it also won the Best Independent Production Award in the most recent U.K. Broadcast Awards.

Kiss U Right Now

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DUCKWRTH RELEASES NEW VIDEO “KISS U RIGHT NOW”

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DEBUT ALBUM SUPERGOOD AVAILABLE NOW

“…Duckwrth will be an inspirational artist for years to come.” – Essence

“SuperGood channels the soulful pop of Pharrell, the funk of Anderson Paak and Thundercat and the stylishness of Outkast to come up with an essential summer sound” – The Evening Standard

“Duckwrth makes shimmy-inducing, heart-pounding, soul-smiling music. His style is distinct, high fashion without the barriers to entry.” – DJBooth

“…showcases just how versatile he is in an optimistic sonic landscape of warmth, nostalgia and soul.” – HYPEBEAST

“Duckwrth keeps hitting the mark with his eclectic blend of alternative hip-hop.” – Earmilk

“Duckwrth has been proving himself to be one of the more unique artists in hip-hop right now and if there is one hyphenated word to describe his sound, it would be “genre-bending.” – HotNewHipHop

Critically acclaimed Los Angeles rapper Duckwrth returns with yet another cinematic visual for “Kiss U Right Now.”

Watch “Kiss U Right Now”: HERE

Capturing quarantine vibes, he sanitizes his entire crib in the clip directed by Alex “Grizz Lee” Loucas. He’s armed with Windex and toilet paper and a whole lot of shrink wrap as he chats with a girl played by Arlissa over video. What ensues is both hilarious and timely as a virtual rendezvous just doesn’t compare to the real thing, so he dons a full Hazmat suit, hops on his bike, and visits her in real life. You’ll have to watch it to see what happens next!

“Kiss U Right Now” remains just the latest standout from his critically acclaimed label debut album SuperGood—out now.

Listen to SuperGood: HERE

Duckwrth will be performing on October 27th for his “A SuperGood Night” global live interactive experience in partnership with Headliner.Live who have hosted events for artist like Pink Sweat$, Free Nationals and more. Tickets are on sale now.

SuperGood has generated feverish tastemaker praise. In a four-out-of-five-star review, NME called it, “a tireless exercise in versatility and positivity from the West Coast,” and The Guardian described it as “easy listening funk with the occasional clever twist.” Meanwhile, FLAUNT put it best, “Duckwrth is here to make sure you’re feeling SuperGood.”

Over the last five years, LA-based wunderkind Duckwrth has quickly risen up the ranks as a promising star of the future of music. His collection of critically acclaimed projects including Nowhere (2015,) I’m Uugly (2016), Xtra Uugly (2017) and The Falling Man EP (2019), have transcended streaming platforms and landed in films, TV series, and brand ad campaigns and have received critical acclaim from a vast number of outlets including NPR, The FADER, Complex, XXL and more. This cumulation has led the rapper to become an international touring staple, headlining shows globally and performing at Austin City Limits and opening for superstars Billie Eilish and Anderson. Paak. Duckwrth’s music has appeared on shows like CW’s All American, HBO’s Insecure and Real Time with Bill Maher and his song “Start A Riot” was featured on the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. His music has appeared in campaigns for the likes of Cadillac, Microsoft, Peloton, Amazon and Apple Music, and he’s worked with fashion legacies like Levi’s, Vans and Fila, as well as high fashion men’s suit designer Paul Smith.

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Q×A with The Gnarled Branch

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Q&A with David Irvine from The Gnarled Branch

David Irvine is the multi-talented artist behind the Gnarled Branch. He is known for his imaginative ‘Re-Directed Paintings’, whimsical furniture, original paintings, painted burnt out light bulb ornaments, salvaged record paintings, and so much more. You can visit his Etsy shop here! You can see throughout his work that there is an interest with popular characters which brings life to the rural paintings he often re-directs. Irvine will match the original artist’s style within the painting or counter it intentionally, but he always leaves the original signature clear to see. There’s a story behind each of his works, including the painting “The Last Trick or Treater” which is one of Irvine’s favorites. Read on to learn more about David’s work, inspiration, and so much more.

What is your background – in addition, did your upbringing prompt a specific reference point within your work? Is your work informed by certain concepts or themes from your childhood, background, socioeconomic status, where you lived or were raised?

DI: I was fortunate to be raised by parents who appreciated all the arts. Going to see theatre shows, music performances, and gallery exhibits were always exciting. I was encouraged to develop with the visual arts and musically as well with regular music lessons and art lessons. They were at first concerned when I decided to pursue a career in the visual arts, as they knew it can be a real struggle – but were fully supportive and excited that I was accepted into art college to study illustration.

How does this impact how you see the world and create art?

DI: It’s no secret the art world can be very snooty, takes itself far too seriously and that is a real shame. In a lot of the genres that I do- I am always considering humor and fun as elements in a piece. Especially during these difficult pandemic times, art needs to uplift and provide smiles and not be staunch, same old -same old themes that have been done over and over.

Do you have an educational background or experiences that have contributed to your evolution as an artist?

DI: I studied illustration at Sheridan College, and throughout my childhood would occasionally take art lessons. The rest was experimenting and being self-taught with various mediums and medium combinations. I taught visual art to a wide range of ages through community night school and was an art tutor to a terrific student with special needs. Those were very memorable years.

What does your work aim to say?

DI: I do so many different genres of art, I think there’s a spectrum of what I want to communicate…. from making people laugh and feel good — to the darker, macabre work to scare and bring the viewer into a world that they may not feel comfortable being in… I guess I make art to get a reaction… not just creating something for its sole purpose is to look pretty and match the sofa.

Is there a particular artist that inspired you to pursue art?

DI: My grandfather was an accomplished amateur painter and I’d watch him work and see the pieces he did… maybe that was the first seed…Other than that I would always sign out art books from the library and soak in everything from master painters to illustrators and cartoonists who worked presently.

Whose techniques do you study or admire?

DI: There are so many — but in high school, I always enjoyed Ralph Steadman ink illustrations, Van Gogh for his boldness, Rene Magritte for the unique and surreal visuals … Currently I’ll search through websites like Tumblr or magazines like Juxtapoz and discover artists both old and new who mix unusual mediums or have their own unique style.

How do you cultivate a collector base?

DI: When I first started as a fine artist, I didn’t have a computer- the internet wasn’t a thing yet, so I was reliant on physically going to galleries and public places to show my work. From little gift or record shops to restaurants and cafes. Now with technology, it’s just a matter of updating and refreshing social media, submitting articles to websites, or being lucky and being featured by a blog, website, or podcast…it all helps and a lot more convenient to be able to post an instructional video from home, or post new work in progress photos to a website, than to lug workaround or mail promo packages out to land a show. Once a collector is on board, having top-notch customer service skills and excellent communication is key…

What inspires you to paint?

DI: I’ll have a lot of eureka moments as I’m sketching or planning out new works or series….and I have to then see that eureka image come to fruition. It would drive me bananas having a good idea sitting there on a page and going nowhere. As well it is my chosen job- so those bills must get paid.

How do you look for new ways to challenge yourself?

DI: I get bored very easily… so challenges are always put in place to not get bored. Every artist has a spectrum of color they usually gravitate to when creating a piece…I like to switch things up and use the colors I don’t normally use or come up with different color combinations/ mixing. I’ll even wear tinted sunglasses so the colors I think I’m using wind up making happy accidents when I look at the piece without the sunglasses. Using oil pastels with acrylic paint… various types of inks and papers …are many variables that can be used to break away from regular tendencies when approaching a piece.

Do you have a favorite painting that you have completed? If so, can you tell us the story behind it?

DI: I did a solo show a few years ago with Halloween as the main theme. A few favorite paintings came out of that show including one called the Last Trick or Treater. It showed a bird’s eye view looking down onto an old tyme small hamlet, and one child in a ghost costume running down a street with a lantern. I think I captured the quiet of the night, and the bit of panic the boy was having as he was quickly trying to get home.

What inspired Re-Directed painting for you?

DI: When I first started as a fine artist, I had very little money and art supplies and framing was expensive. I would frequent yard sales and thrift shops to purchase old frames, lithographs on board, and existing canvas prints to paint over and frame. Around 2009 I started to paint weird imagery in an existing piece and then later one piece my Mom was getting rid of was a seascape -where I had the immediate vision of two reapers playing with a beachball. I painted them in, shared them on social media and things snowballed rather quickly from there. I came up with the term re-directed as I used that as a tag and hoped people would begin to associate it with me…and it worked! Other people now use that term – which is fine… I prefer that to ‘Improved Painting’…as I never meant to demean the original artist. All these redirected pieces were salvaged and unwanted and quite likely wind up as landfill. I hate waste and seeing potential thrown away. This was just another method to upcycle. I’ll spend considerable time touching up the piece from scratches, buffs or sun/ water damage then I’ll add in my own visions. ..never covering the signature of the original artist. Research is always done prior to any painting to insure it’s not of significant value. I rarely work on originals, always lithographs, canvas prints, or anonymous paint by numbers.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

DI: Even though most know my work through my ongoing Re-Directed thrift art series, I look forward to continuing my upcycling work (hand-painted ornaments using salvaged burnt-out light bulbs, pop art paintings on discarded, damaged vinyl records, beer cap pins, and redoing/painting discarded wooden furniture…) and preventing landfill.

Follow The Gnarled Branch:

YouTube’s Most Popular Rabbi

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World-Renowned Author Manis Friedman Turns to Technology to Help People Rediscover Balance, Becomes YouTube’s Favorite Rabbi

Way before anyone has even thought about the concept of social media, Rabbi Manis Friedman was already helping people rediscover balance, purpose and spirituality. A well-loved author, philosopher, counselor and lecturer, he is best known for his ability to clearly explain and combine age-old Torah wisdom with modern wit to captivate audiences around the world.

For those unfamiliar with him, Rabbi Friedman received his rabbinical ordination from Rabbinical College of Canada in 1969, he also a Biblical scholar and the author behind the acclaimed books “Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore?” and “The Joy of Intimacy”. He founded Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies in Minnesota, the world’s first yeshiva exclusively for women back in 1971, and continues to serve the institution as its dean.

As times changed, he recognized that he also needed to change the way he reaches people. His first foray into the world wide web happened in 2005 when he created his website, It’s Good to Know, which provides sound solutions to everyday problems stemming from relationships, marriage, intimacy, and grief among many others. As social media gained popularity and became more central in people’s lives, he saw the potential that YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and podcasts hold in helping him bring everyone the wealth of wisdom that he has acquired from years of studying the scriptures.

Today, Rabbi Manis Friedman is known as “YouTube’s Most Popular Rabbi.” His channel, which has already surpassed 100,000 subscribers, allows him to bring the wisdom of Kabbalah closer to people and counsel them regardless of their religious affiliation.

“Ultimately, the goal is to reach the billions of people on the web and bring them closer to God; to bring healing and help people rediscover morality and balance,” he shares. “With everything that is happening in the world right now, it’s easy to find yourself feeling loss and losing balance, and along with it, losing your cherished relationships. You have the power to fix that, but you need to be open to learning.

Rabbi Friedman has made it his mission to help people improve their relationships and deepen their connection with God. He thanks technology for allowing him to do this despite the pandemic and even giving him a bigger platform to reach a wider audience.

To know more about Rabbi Friedman, you may visit the It’s Good to Know website or follow him on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Uncorked with Broadway Benefit

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“UNCORKED WITH BROADWAY” PAIRS WINE AND SONG TO BENEFIT TEEN CANCER AMERICA

Alfie Boe Leads All-Star Fundraiser on Friday, May 21

Teen Cancer America, the national non-profit founded by The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, is partnering with Wine Insiders to host “Uncorked with Broadway,” a virtual wine tasting and music showcase on Friday, May 21. Benefitting TCA’s mission to support teens and young adults with cancer, the live video event will feature appearances and performances by more than a dozen of Broadway’s biggest stars, along with top sommeliers presenting four wines that are currently available for order.

Purchase of one of the wine package options includes registration for Uncorked with Broadway, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on May 21. All wines are specially discounted and proceeds from the event go directly to Teen Cancer America.

Performers scheduled to participate include Tony Award winners Alfie Boe (La bohème), Laura Benanti (Gypsy), Michael Cerveris (Assassins) and Christian Hoff (Jersey Boys), Tony nominees Laura Dreyfuss (Dear Evan Hansen), Megan Hilty (Noises Off), Danny Burstein (Moulin Rouge!) and Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages), and Broadway veterans Elaine Paige (Follies), Erich Bergen (Waitress), Bryan Terrell Clark (Hamilton), Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton), Gabrielle McClinton (Pippin), Donnie Kehr (The Who’s Tommy), Telly Leung (Aladdin) and others.

Boe, a longtime friend and supporter of TCA, became an official ambassador for the charity earlier this year. Best known for his performances in Les Misérables, La bohème and Finding Neverland on Broadway and London’s West End, the British tenor connected with Pete Townshend in 2017 when he performed with Billy Idol as part of Townshend’s “Classic Quadrophenia” tour series, featuring orchestral productions of The Who’s iconic rock opera.

“I am excited for this extraordinary event and being a part of the Teen Cancer America mission,” said Boe. “I can’t think of a more enjoyable evening than raising a glass with some of the most talented stage performers in the world and helping to raise money for such a great cause in the process.”

“Uncorked with Broadway” will include wine tastings guided by professional sommeliers from Wine insiders, Ferdinando Mucerino and Chris Hoel. Mucerino is a Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier and was named 2019’s Best Wine Director by Wine Enthusiast. Hoel is the founder of Harper’s Club, a global wine advisory firm, and is the former director of the wine program at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California.

Featured wines will include Bruno Lafon Blanc de Blancs Sparkling (France), 2019 Le Pied Marin Picpoul de Pinet (France), 2018 George Phillips Cellars Reserve Selection No. 025 Pinot Noir (California), 2019 Henri de Lorgère Costières de Nîmes Rouge, a Rhône red blend (Mediterranean Coast).

Wine must be ordered by Tuesday, May 18 at 4 p.m. ET to be received prior to the event. Orders will be shipped by Wine Insiders and delivered within 1-3 business days. For those unable to attend the virtual event or are not interested in purchasing wines, raffle tickets are available for various prize packages. Separate, tax-deductible donations to TCA may also be made.

Daltrey and Townshend founded TCA in 2012 to provide specialized programs, treatment and facilities throughout the U.S. for teens and young adults with cancer. For more information, please contact Michelle Aland at Michelle@TeenCancerAmerica.org.

About Teen Cancer America

Teen Cancer America seeks to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care by helping the health providers and health systems develop specialized programs and facilities for this age group. TCA brings together physicians and allied healthcare professionals in both pediatric and adult oncology. Age-targeted care for this population is necessary for medical and appropriate psychosocial development. Outcomes associated with some cancers that target this age group have not improved in over 30 years. Teens and young adults with cancer are long overdue for an upgrade and TCA can hopefully light the fire in America’s health systems. For more information, visit Teen Cancer America.

About Wine Insiders

Wine Insiders, with 39 years of heritage and two million customers across the country, is the nation’s Direct to Consumer wine leader. Wine Insiders offers a curated selection of award-winning premium wines to customers in 41 states plus D.C. Customers receive fast, no-cost shipping on orders of more than six bottles, as well as a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee with each purchase. Wine Insiders’ offerings include individual bottles, packs of six or 12, and a no-obligation wine club for a hassle-free way to explore the world of wine. Visit Wine Insiders.

Julia Michaels – Little Did I Know

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GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST JULIA MICHAELS RELEASES EMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR STUNNING NEW BALLAD “LITTLE DID I KNOW” CO-WRITTEN WITH JP SAXE

Last week, Grammy® Award-nominated multi platinum singer and songwriter Julia Michaels released her full-length debut album, Not In Chronological Order, to critical acclaim.

Watch the newly released video for “Little Did I Know,” directed by Blythe Thomas, HERE. Written with Grammy® Award-nominated singer-and-songwriter JP Saxe, the song is a stunning ballad and standout track from the album. Set to perform on The Ellen Degeneres Show May 7th. New album Not In Chronological Order available now!

About Julia Michaels

Over the past few years, no songwriter has had more of an impact on reshaping pop music than Grammy® Award-nominated and multi platinum-selling artist Julia Michaels, whose razor-sharp perspective on love, loss, and the wide spectrum of the human experience has deservedly catapulted her to the forefront of her industry. Lauded for her work on hit singles by artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Niall Horan, Dua Lipa, Janelle Monáe, Shawn Mendes, P!NK, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Hailee Steinfeld, The Chicks, Keith Urban, Jessie Ware, and more, Julia has spent the last decade honing her craft and delivering fans some of the most evocative music of a generation.

In 2017, Julia embarked on a solo career, separate from her work synthesizing the stories of the stars around her, with her 5x-platinum selling debut single “Issues.” A year later, her peers recognized her stunning work with Grammy® Award nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year.” Committing to her solo work, Julia released a series of critically acclaimed EPs, including 2017’s fan-favorite Nervous System and 2019’s critically acclaimed Inner Monologue Part 1 and Inner Monologue Part 2. She also embarked on The Inner Monologue Tour, which marked her first-ever headline tour throughout the U.S. following an enviable run touring the world with an incredible array of artists, including Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Niall Horan, and P!NK.

To date, Julia has notched 25 Billboard Hot 100 entries as a songwriter, including two number 1’s for Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and Selena Gomez’s “Lose You to Love Me,” in addition to four top 10 hits, including her debut single “Issues.” Of those 25, she has charted four Hot 100 entries as a recording artist including “Issues,” “I Miss You,” “Coming Home” and “If the World Was Ending,” for which she received her third Grammy® Award nomination in the category of “Song Of The Year” with collaborator JP Saxe.

“Writing this song with the person I love helped me realize that I could write a beautiful song about love without deriving it from toxicity,” says Julia. “Shooting the music video was incredibly vulnerable for me, because when I wrote the song, I associated it with a significant other. When I made the music video, however, director Blythe Thomas made a wall of mirrors, and it forced me to sing these words to myself. I don’t think I’ve ever been that kind to myself, and that scared me. All that emotion in that video is incredibly real. If this process has taught me anything, it’s that sometimes we’re not as kind to ourselves as we should be. I’m grateful to have experienced this moment, and I hope fans resonate with this song and video in a special way like I did.” – Julia Michaels

Weekly News Roundup: Week of May 3

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President Biden Raises Refugee Admission Cap to 62,500 People

In a move to reverse former President Donald Trump’s stricter admission cap on refugees, President Biden has raised the admission cap to 62,500 people in the next six months. Originally, Trump had administered a cap on 15,000 refugees. At first, Biden said he would stick to this figure, but changed his stance after receiving condemnation from Democrats on Capitol Hill. In a statement issued by the White House addressing this political reversal, Biden commented “This erases the historically low number set by the previous administration of 15,000, which did not reflect America’s values as a nation that welcomes and supports refugees.” The New York Times says that Biden’s statement acknowledged how Trump’s budget and staffing cuts during his presidency makes it more unlikely to handle resettling 62,500 refugees within the coming year. In his statement, Biden admitted “the sad truth is that we will not achieve 62,500 admissions this year,” he said. “We are working quickly to undo the damage of the last four years. It will take some time, but that work is already underway.”

Pfizer Vaccine to be Administered to Adolescents

The availability of the Pfizer vaccine is soon to more accessible to millions more Americans. The FDA is said to authorize the use of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for adolescents aged 12-15 by early next week. Pfizer has recently released trial results in which show their vaccine to be at least as effective for adolescents as it is for the adult population. If granted access, the CDC will likely meet the following day to review the clinical trial data and announce public health recommendations for adolescent vaccinations. Over 100 million adults have already been vaccinated, and with the Pfizer vaccine becoming available to millions more, the level of public immunity is forecasted to rise, and the number of deaths and hospitalizations are to drop.

In order to target vaccinations to younger Americans, Biden announced on Tuesday that mass vaccinations sites would shift to more local settings. He also stated his goal of vaccination 70% of Americans by July’s Independence Day. To those who are unvaccinated, Biden plead: “This is your choice. Its life and death.” On Tuesday, the Biden Administration announced that tens of millions more Americans need to get vaccinated before the rate of the coronavirus will be low enough to return to normalcy.

Subway Overpass Collapse Results in the Death of 23 People

Late Monday night in Mexico City, the collapse of a subway overpass–and subsequent fall of an active train car– resulted in the deaths of 23 people. Dozens of more victims are suffering injuries. The accident occurred on Line 12, one of the newer tracks in Mexico’s subway system. The subway system has been plagued by safety concerns from the public after a severe earthquake in 2017. Over 70 people were transported to the nearby hospitals, most of them delivered to Belisario Dominguez Hospital. Mexico’s fire fighters, military, and forensics department all arrived on scene to aid in the rescuing and recovery of the accident’s victims. Currently, Line 12 will remain closed as authorities investigate the harrowing accident. The Mayor of Mexico City, Claudio Steinbaum, spoke to reporters on Tuesday morning: ” At this moment, we can’t speculate about what happened. There has to be a deep investigation, and whoever is responsible has to be held responsible.”

Derek Chauvin Files for New Trial Regarding Murder of George Floyd

The trial of the police officer involved in the killing of George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder, one count of third-degree murder, and one count of second-degree manslaughter by Judge Peter Cahill. However, Chauvin’ lawyer, Eric Nelson, is now claiming that Chauvin’s rights were violated during the trial since Judge Cahill refused a change of venue regarding where the trial was help. As a result of such, Nelson claims that the pre-trial publicity deprived Chauvin of a fair trial. NPR reports that Nelson also has cited “prosecutorial and jury misconduct; errors of law at trial; and a verdict that is contrary to law.” In Nelson’s file motion that requests another trial, he argues that the court “abused its discretion” because of the nationwide publicity of the high-profile trial. Due to the mass publicity of the trial, Nelson says that the defense’s expert witnesses and jury felt “threatened of intimidated, felt race-based pressure during the proceedings.”

NPR reports that according to Nelson’s file motion, the court abused its discretion by:

When it failed to sequester the jury for the duration of the trial, or in the least, admonish them to avoid all media

When it permitted the State to present cumulative evidence with respect to use of force
When it failed to order that a record be made of the numerous sidebars that occurred during the trial
When it submitted instructions to the jury that failed to accurately reflect the law with respect to second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and authorized use of force

NPR’s Carrie Johnson reports on how infrequently officers are called to conduct while in uniform, “Some studies show only seven police officers since 2005 have been convicted of murder for their actions on the job. That’s even though about 1,000 or 1,100 people a year die at the hands of police.” The way in which Derek Chauvin’s initial trial ended was a long-awaited plea for justice that many Americans felt finally acknowledged and held accountable the perpetrators of police violence and systemic racism in the nation. Ultimately, it is up to Judge Peter Cahill to decide whether to open trial again for Chauvin.

Facebook’s Suspension of Donald Trump Continues

Since the Capitol insurrection on January 1, Facebook has suspended Trump’s usage of the platform. The length and permanence of the suspension has been hotly debated lately, especially since Facebook doesn’t have a standard policy or punishment regarding indefinite suspensions. On Wednesday, a team of journalists, activists, and lawyers upheld the social media company’s ban of Trump. Their discussion ended any immediate return of Trump to the platform, and sparked debate concerning freedom of speech online. Facebook’s Oversight Board cited their reasoning for banning Trump in January, stating that Trump “created an environment where a serious risk of violence was possible. At the time of Mr. Trump’s posts, there was a clear, immediate risk of harm and his words of support for those involved in the riots legitimized their violent actions.” After Facebook reviews its action, Trump may be able to return to the platform later down the line. Other social media giants, including Twitter and YouTube, also locked Trump’s accounts after the Capitol chaos. Trump has responded to the rulings with agitation, stating that “free Speech has been taken away from the President of the United States because the Radical Left Lunatics are afraid of the truth.” The New York Times reports that Facebook responded to their ruling in a statement, stating that the company is “‘pleased’ that the board recognized that its barring of Mr. Trump in January was justified. It said it would consider the ruling and ‘determine an action that is clear and proportionate.’”

Liz Cheney May Be Sequestered from G.O.P.

Rep. Liz Cheyney has received backlash from Republican lawmakers in the GOP party due to her public criticisms of former President Donald Trump. After Trump’s insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, she voted to impeach him from office. This vote to impeach Trump increased tensions between Cheyney and the members of the GOP leadership and other Republican lawmakers. Notably, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy questioned Cheyney’s ability to carry out her position in office, stating “I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair, to carry out the message. We all need to be working as one if we’re able to win the majority.” At the Conservative Political Action Committee, Cheyney was asked if Trump should speak at the conference. She replied, “I’ve been clear in my views about President Trump and the extent to which following Jan. 6 I don’t believe that he should be playing a role in the future of the party or the country.” While her party oppositions have landed Cheyney in controversy, Sen. Mitt Romney tweeted on Tuesday, recognizing her honesty and dedication to her stance: “Every person of conscience draws a line beyond which they will not go: Liz Cheney refuses to lie.”

Olympians And Officials to Be Offered Pfizer Vaccine

The International Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that, in an effort to quell public safety concerns, athletes and official will be offered the Pfizer vaccine before arriving in Japan. Through utilization of domestic inoculation programs, vaccines are to be administered to patients in their home countries. However, there is no requirement for athletes, coaches, officials, or others attending the game to be vaccinated. So far, approximately only 1% of Japan’s residents have been fully vaccinated, according to The New York Times’ database. In a statement put out by the International Olympic Committee, it was notes that “any additional doses delivered by Pfizer and BioNTech will not be taken out of existing programs, but will be in addition to existing quotas and planned deliveries around the world.” Hopefully, the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer will bring celebration, instead of crisis.

Fernanda Lavera – Mr. Freak & Lucy

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Clive Davis, Greg Schriefer, and Steven & Myrthia Manolis welcomed noteworthy Miami artists, socialites, collectors, and celebrities to the Manolis Projects Gallery to attend the launch “Mr. Freak & Lucy” unveiling the works of Fernanda Lavera. Greg manages the artist, and he and Clive have been big supporters of hers. They now are showcasing Fernada’s incredible talent, event, gallery, and private tours of her show through July 31 at The Manolis Projects Gallery. Her vibrant, larger than life, abstracted works that grace the gallery serve as a contemporary approach to neo-expressionism. Fernanda’s works are captivating, expressive, and enthralling to the eye.

“In this new series of works, including huge, captivating canvases that seem to explode with invention and fearlessness, she presents a novel vernacular that is overpowering and unforgettable” –Bruce Helander (Florida Artists Hall of Fame)

The Manolis Projects Gallery is the exclusive representative of Fernanda Lavera’s works in the United States. “Mr. Freak & Lucy” is now available for public viewing seven days a week. Many of Fernanda’s collectible works have sold within the show’s first week. We encourage all art collectors, seekers, and investors to visit now through the end of July. Fernanda’s works are becoming highly collected by the likes of the superstar, legendary music producer, and esteemed art collector, Clive Davis and billionaire political commentator, David Rubin.

“When I saw Lavera’s work, I immediately sensed she was the one….a second-generation neo-expressionist, with a feminine Latin twist, who could pick up where Basquiat left off and take it higher, maybe much higher. I love the stories behind her work!” –Clive Davis, Collector

We would like to extend a special invitation to all press for a private showing of her works, tour of the gallery with founders Steven and Myrthia Manolis, and exclusive in-person and virtual interviews with Greg Schriefer, Steven Manolis, and Fernanda Lavera herself.

This group show features the works of 38 collected, established, and burgeoning global artists, including 92 works (17 giant works from FL), of Steven Manolis, Connie Lloveras, Jojo Anavim, and many more.

“Mr. Freak & Lucy” – Thursday, April 22 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Manolis Projects: 335 NE 59th Street Miami, Florida 33137

ABOUT FERNANDA LAVERA

María Fernanda Lavera (b.1975-), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, discovered her fascination for art and painting through an aunt who imparted to her a love of sketching and textures.

At first glance, her paintings appear to be wall images, graffiti that draws attention to itself through its bluntness, its hypnotic colors, and a unique style, a good street artist needs to stand apart from so many others. By covering every centimeter of the surface with color and with the images of contemporary objects turned into reductions of themselves, becoming more symbols than objects.

The images appear to explode from the depths, releasing outlandish forms of intense colors that, in turn, generate contrasts of surprising expressiveness that seem to have been created by the artist’s unconscious sketches. This is when we glimpse the surreal world manifested by Lavera with an extreme passion and that informs the viewer – the spectator – of a certain state of inner turmoil. Among the recognizable forms are symbols, objects, and everyday contours that approach the realm of Pop Art. Her diverse range of themes ranges from psychedelic cartoons juxtaposed with figures of rabid cats and race cars, to the expression of visibly disturbing events. Watchful eyes and disproportionate and stooping witnesses seem to look on helplessly.

Lavera explains that she likes to let things happen intuitively, without a clear intent: she is fascinated by the effects of color, the play of light and shade that allow her to explore her moods freely. Painting is a visual conversation for her – a moment, a feeling, and, especially, an outlet that allows the possibility to express the mystery of life through a symbolic space of complete expressive freedom.

“I looked at my canvas and asked, can I be free like him? So I let my feelings inspire me, my emotions, and the colours and the shapes that dance in my own being. It gave me the courage to let me be me, who I was, and who I am. Here and now” – Fernanda

About Monolis Projects

Manolis Projects is Florida’s largest working studio and fine art gallery, located in Miami’s Lemon City neighborhood. We proudly feature unique paintings, sculptures and collectible limited edition works from over 40 artists from around the world. We focus on modern master’s and contemporary art, bridging the gap between established and emerging artists and collectors. J. Steven Manolis, a leading and critically acclaimed abstract expressionist artist, also paints and displays his own work.

Manolis Projects also hosts the East Coast’s only Artists’ Salon where artists come to exchange ideas and inspire each other and show their work. We curate three new shows every year. If you want to see a working studio gallery and what happens behind the scenes, this is the place to visit. The Gallery is open by appointment only, seven days a week.

J. Steven Manolis is a well-known philanthropist in the Arts, having served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the National Academy of Design in New York City and on the Board of Trustees of the Vermont Studio Center. Manolis also offers private curation services for collectors, architects, and designers.

“The gallery offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes view of a working studio + gallery.”

ABOUT THE OWNERS

Manolis Projects is a family business owned by artist J. Steven Manolis and his wife Myrthia Moore. Additionally, Myrthia’s sons, Jason and Brian are helping to bring Manolis Projects to the next level of service and expertise. We all have different roles.

Steven brings his business expertise and profound knowledge of art history and curation, both as an artist and as the former (1997-2006) Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Academy of Design in New York City. Prior to his Chairmanship, he spent 1987-1997 serving as a Member of the Advisory Board of the National Academy of Design. He also served as a Trustee and Development Director of the Vermont Studio Center, from 2007 until 2016. This is the largest international artist residency program in the United States. He was also a Trustee of the Emily Mason Wolf Kahn Foundation from 2007-2016.

Many of our gallery artists are members of the National Academy of Design (National Academicians.) Additionally, we strive to bring new artists who have the potential of becoming collectible artists. We want to help our clients invest in art they love and that has the potential to appreciate over time.

Myrthia has a background in finance and economics, as well as, having a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also an artist who designs jewelry.

Manolis Projects is located at 335 NE 59th Street Miami, Florida 33137, is open 7 days a week, by appointment only.

TORSUS PRAETORIAN

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TORSUS PRAETORIAN, THE WORLD’S MOST RUGGED HEAVY-DUTY OFF-ROAD 4X4 BUS, READY TO TRAVEL EVEN TOUGHER ACROSS THE PLANET’S MOST INHOSPITABLE TERRAIN THANKS TO A RAFT OF ALL-NEW 2021 TECHNICAL UPDATES

TORSUS PRAETORIAN benefits from all-new technical updates for 2021
Updates for PRAETORIAN include new LED lights, advanced air conditioning system, new safety-enhancing passenger door and pneumatic footsteps, new fire protection system and improved interior features
Built for the world’s toughest jobs, PRAETORIAN transports personnel and equipment across inhospitable terrain in extreme weather conditions
Transporting up to 35 occupants, PRAETORIAN can wade through water up to 900mm deep, ensuring nothing will stop the vehicle from reaching its destination
For more information on TORSUS, please visit: Torsus

TORSUS, manufacturer of the world’s toughest, heavy-duty off-road buses, today announces a comprehensive range of all-new 2021 technical updates for its flagship vehicle, the TORSUS PRAETORIAN.

Designed to transport personnel and equipment safely across the world’s harshest environments, the PRAETORIAN is a 4×4 off-road bus based on an upgraded, heavy-duty MAN chassis. It is powered by a six-cylinder MAN diesel engine with 286bhp and 1,150Nm of torque, as well as a heavy-duty 4×4 off-road transmission – sufficient for the bus to easily climb a 65 percent incline. From the Michelin XZL off-road tyres specifically designed for emergency response and tactical vehicles to the military-grade elastomeric coatings engineered for maximum durability and impact resistance applied to body parts, no detail is overlooked. The PRAETORIAN is engineered to master any terrain, in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world.

Following extensive customer feedback from all four corners of the globe and continuous vehicle developments, TORSUS is pleased to reveal a series of all-new technical updates to make the PRAETORIAN even more resilient. Underpinning TORSUS’ ethos to build vehicles for the world’s most demanding jobs, the upgraded PRAETORIAN features only the very best materials, technology and construction methods in the automotive industry, ensuring exemplary quality, unwavering durability and meticulous attention to detail. Now, both engineering refinement and every aspect of vehicle performance has been elevated to an even higher level.

‘At TORSUS, we live by and set the highest standards for ourselves and our world-beating 4×4 buses. Our mission is to ensure our 4×4 heavy duty buses conquer the world’s most daunting driving environments, safely transporting people and equipment to locations no other vehicle could ever reach. Achieving this requires rigorous attention to detail coupled with our obsession with delivering nothing but the best. That means we constantly strive to improve our vehicles and make sure they feature the most relevant and beneficial new technology through our ongoing process of product development. By listening to customer feedback, we make certain we are always on-point with our updates and improvements’; said Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, CEO of TORSUS.

‘Our expert engineering and manufacturing teams have helped us to manage the challenges of the past year. The 2021 model year represents the very best of TORSUS – it represents resilience, determination and our desire to succeed in the face of adversity. Like many businesses, the past 12 months have been challenging, but it is testament to our team that we have been able to produce an upgraded product and reach our key strategic targets’: said Yuliya Khomych, Director of Strategy, TORSUS.

From darkness to light

TORSUS creates a range of PRAETORIAN 4×4 buses to cope in highly challenging conditions from disaster evacuation to fire fighting and from motorsport to operations command. Optimum lighting is essential in such circumstances, which is why TORSUS’s engineering team has replaced the halogen lights previously found on the PRAETORIAN with highly energy-efficient all-new LED headlights, which provide significantly enhanced illumination. Roof-mounted lights are also offered for even greater levels of visibility and safety.

To develop the PREATORIAN’s new lighting system, TORSUS partnered with WAŚ – one of the most innovative automotive lighting technology companies in the world. WAŚ offers almost 4000 different lamps for automotive applications and supplied TORSUS with its ultimate W149 driving lamps. Both focused and diffused lighting units are fitted, each providing 4100 lumen, which is more than triple the illumination provided by a halogen high beam car light and perfect for driving safely off-road in darkness. When the PRAETORIAN is stationery, roof and side mounted 991 SIGNAL SL 1000 lumen work lights provide 360-degree illumination for the crew to carry out their tasks quickly and safely in the most demanding situations.

Keeping cool at 50°C

With sales outlets and service and maintenance points across Africa, Australia, Europe and South America, the PRAETORIAN was already comfortably at home in some of the hottest temperatures on the planet. Even so, TORSUS’s engineers have taken the opportunity to further bolster the performance of the vehicle’s air-conditioning system. Working closely with market leader Webasto, the PRAETORIAN’s air-conditioning has been thoroughly upgraded to protect the wellbeing of crew and occupants, whether they are travelling through Australia’s Great Sandy desert or the Sahara in North Africa. Both regions can see outside temperatures rise as high as 50°C and 60°C inside the vehicle, which is within the operating parameter of the air-conditioning system fitted to the PRAETORIAN.

Detailed work was carried out to enhance air distribution to individual luggage rack outlets for more airflow volume and increased nominal air conditioning cooling capacity. The industry-leading 21.52 kW system can cool down a full bus of 35 occupants from 60°C to 30°C in just three minutes, and incredibly, can drop the temperature from 60°C to a comfortable 20°C in under 15 minutes. In fact, so effective is the air-conditioning unit; it can even keep the engine cool should it, for example, become in danger of overheating when climbing sand dunes.

Safer entry and exit

To comply with the latest EU regulations, TORSUS has redesigned the operating system of the PRAETORIAN’s passenger door, facilitating the smooth opening and closing in less than 8 seconds. To ensure optimum safety, the door automatically closes once the vehicle speedometer reaches 3km/h. Incorporated sensors eliminate the risk of passengers or obstacles being trapped in the doorway. All-new pneumatic extending and retracing footsteps and new entrance bars make it more convenient and safer for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle than before. And an updated emergency evacuation system has also been integrated into all doors, which feature both interior and exterior emergency release buttons, and roof hatches.

Another example of TORSUS’s determination to go to any and every length to create the ultimate specification 4×4 off-road bus is the fitment of a highly efficient bus stop brake system. Operated by the touch of a button, it utilizes the air service brake equipment of the rear axle with a pressure of 3.5 bar and negates the need for the service brake or parking brake to be applied during frequent stops.

TORSUS is also about to enter production with first vehicle equipped with fully mechanical doors in the middle section and rear swing doors. This will provide an unmatched versatility offering in fields such as leisure, camping, safari and tourism, and enable customers to create a vehicle that meets their needs and desires perfectly.

Protection against any eventuality

The PRAETORIAN is designed to offer its occupants optimum protection in every condition and circumstance, even in the unlikely event of a vehicle fire. A powerful, new, automatic, fast-acting fire suppression system developed by industry leaders in fire protection BlazeCut, has been fitted to the PRAETORIAN. As per mandatory legislative requirements, the BlazeCut system automatically actuates in the fuel tank area when a fire occurs, extinguishing the blaze in seconds leaving very minimal damage to the vehicle, and keeping occupants safe. However, TORSUS has extended the coverage of the system to other areas of the vehicle, such as the engine compartment, at no additional cost to the customer. Two fire extinguishers are mounted inside the cabin, and new fire-resistant materials and fabrics have also been fitted.

Complete comfort in challenging terrain

The PRAETORIAN’s ability to climb snow-covered mountains, wade rivers and cross rock fields does not come at the expense of occupant comfort. And now, both driver and passenger experience an even more refined travelling experience thanks to an extensive range of upgraded interior features. The positioning of the driver’s seat has been realigned, which improves safety with better side mirror visibility, while passengers now have even more space between seats. The passenger seats have also been upgraded, with the introduction of individual monitors in the back of each seat to facilitate the integration of personal media devices. Additional occupant comfort takes the form of new, efficiency-enhancing insulation materials in the vehicle walls and roof, which provide superior heat retention in cold conditions and help keep the vehicle cool in hot weather. Also, improved mechanisms on the sliding windows efficiently reduce energy consumption.

To enable the PRAETORIAN to cope with extreme cold, whether transporting passengers to a ski-resort or moving crew and equipment around an arctic base for example, TORSUS has equipped the vehicle with a CELLO heating panel. This flat, wall-mounted heating panel essentially generates radiant heat by mitigating cold airflow. Even when the temperature outside drops to -10°C the combination of side wall insulation heating panel raises the temperature inside the vehicle to +20°C, requiring 19 percent less energy to do so compared with a conventional heating system.

Peter Zaicek, Head of Production at TORSUS, said: “As the most adaptable and versatile 4×4 heavy-duty off-road bus on sale, the TORSUS PRAETORIAN is designed and engineered to excel in many different and extremely hostile environments across the globe. Ensuring the vehicle always delivers optimum performance, durability and safety in any location require extensive testing and development– not just of the vehicle but also of the ground-breaking equipment and technology it’s fitted with. At the core of every TORSUS vehicle is quality. We are fully confident that each of the latest updates to the PRAETORIAN matches both our and our customers’ high standards.”

Available in a variety of derivatives, the PRAETORIAN can be used from adventure tourism to the military frontline. There is a specification for every need. Always dependable. Always reliable.

About TORSUS

TORSUS is breaking new ground by designing, developing and manufacturing the world’s toughest off-road buses. The iconic PRAETORIAN makes the world’s most capable heavy-duty off-road bus, and the new TERRASTORM signals the brand’s fearless ambition to grow further into the global heavy-duty 4×4 minibus market. The TORSUS brand was released in 2016, developing and manufacturing heavy-duty off-road 4×4 buses in a purpose-built factory in Slovakia.

TORSUS operates and sells in global markets to customers in heavy industry, utility and government service sectors. Warranty and service backup is provided in all markets with the fastest response times in the sector. Working in partnership with MAN and VW on key chassis and powertrain technology ensures that every TORSUS has ultimate durability, reliability, serviceability, value and, of course, toughness engineered in. TORSUS: BUILT FOR THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST JOBS.

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Desenio × BLUE – Clean Sea

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Desenio is partnered with Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) in its mission to protect the oceans. In support of BLUE and its cause, Desenio continues to celebrate the beauty of our oceans through newly launched art prints. With Clean Sea, our newest collection of art prints, we want to help BLUE draw attention to the crisis in the oceans and support a solution that preserves life and beauty beneath the surface of the ocean.

The threats facing our oceans are not new. They have existed for a long time, and are escalating quickly. 90% of wild fish stocks are now overfished or fully exploited, wreaking havoc on marine ecology. When one fish species is overfished, the chain reaction is immense.

BLUE as a charity makes a difference by securing marine protected areas, developing models of sustainable fishing, restoring marine habitats, tackling unsustainable fishing and connecting people with the sea. These activities won’t only heal the ocean, they will change our future.

CLEAN SEA

Clean Sea is all about celebrating the beauty of our oceans, both above and below the surface. Slow down and bring in the peaceful clarity of seaside living to your home through shades of blue and beautiful ocean art prints.

“We wanted to create a direction of art prints highlighting being present with the ocean both above and under the surface. For this direction, we’re proud to be working in collaboration with Blue Marine Foundation to highlight their efforts to protect our oceans,”says Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio.