Posts made in June 2021

Valerie Broussard – Iris Music Video

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**PLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER VALERIE BROUSSARD RELEASES CELESTIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR IRIS CLICK HERE TO WATCH FIRST SINGLE OFF HER FORTHCOMING DEBUT EP VOYAGER DUE OUT THIS FALL**

Platinum-certified singer, songwriter and powerhouse vocalist Valerie Broussard has today released the official music video for her single Iris, a breathtaking rendition of the Goo Goo Dolls classic.

Click HERE to watch.

Inspired by a favorite lyric from the song, the video finds Valerie floating through the galaxy alone gazing down at the world below her.

The Goo Goo Dolls music video for Iris’ is the first I ever truly fell in love with, Valerie shared. When making my own video, I wanted to give an homage to theirs. In the original, Johnny is locked away in a tower, looking down upon the city below with various telescopes. I always felt like the concept made the lyrics, especially the line ‘and I don’t want the world to see me’ hit home. In my video, I used the same idea, only I’m looking down on the world from a space station.

Iris is the first official single off Valerie’s forthcoming debut EP Voyager due out this fall. It also marks the second time she’s crossed paths with The Goo Goo Dolls after singing on Money, Fame & Fortune off their latest album Miracle Pill.

Stay tuned for more news from Valerie soon.

Follow Valerie Broussard via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify and Apple Music.

About Valerie Broussard

You can feel Valerie Broussard’s dynamic vocals and emotionally charged songwriting in massive smash collaborations, through hundreds of film, television, and video game placements, projected from some of the biggest stages in the world, and within her solo output. Garnering just north of half a billion total streams, her voice and pen power Kygo’s Think About You and The Truth as well as the 2019 League of Legends theme Awaken with Ray Chen. In May of this year, Valerie collaborated with ILLENIUM and Nurko on the track Sideways, which she wrote as an ode to a friend who was struggling with mental health during the pandemic. It debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Dance / Electronic Songs chart. Her music rings out on tentpole programming across NETFLIX, The CW, ABC, Prime Video, SyFy, HBO, and more. Meanwhile, her solo output has garnered praise from Refinery29, Ones To Watch, and many others. Beyond music, she remains a staunch advocate for a myriad of causes. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a kid, she fought hard to learn how to read, eventually devouring The Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter series and expanding her sci-fi and fantasy fascination any chance possible. Now, she pushes for literacy and even launched a de facto online book club, purchasing How To Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi for various followers to read together with her. However, there was still one final frontier left for the platinum-certified singer, songwriter, and vocal engineer to chart a course for.

On her debut EP Voyager, she presents her own brand of cinematic space pop uplifted by otherworldly vocals, vivid lyrics, and expansive vision.

Going in Reverse of Graphics Escalation

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When one thinks of the cutting edge in gaming, graphics are what comes to mind. How well does this game render characters and the environment? How real does it look? Video games continue to push the boundaries of what modern computers could do. What was once science fiction is now a household name.

As spectacular as these games are to behold, they represent only one part of the gaming market. Not all popular games embrace the hyper-detailed graphics of AAA studio games. Other gamers embrace simpler, less tech-intensive art styles. Many of these games are as popular with the general public for a plethora of reasons. They’ve since carved a niche for themselves in a world where hyperrealism is king.

The Road to Realism

Today’s hyper-real graphics reflect developments that fueled gaming since the early days. Then as now, graphical sophistication was a major selling. Consoles duked it out to see which could render games with better graphics. Each new console and game promised better art than the last. Meanwhile, PC gamers, with their customized rigs, could push graphics even further.

Amazing graphics can immerse players into the worlds they play. Many of the big names in gaming today boast of immersive, hyper-realistic environments. Today’s visual spectacles like Assassin’s Creed and Final Fantasy rival theatrical animated films in detail. The best of these games bring historical and fantasy environments to life at home.

The Limits of Hyperrealism

But as amazing as these visuals would look on screen, it comes at a heavy price. In a very literal sense, playing these games is not easy on the pocket. Many titles from AAA studios are quite demanding from technology. Both consoles and an excellent gaming PC come with a hefty price tag. This proves to be a great barrier to entry for gamers on a budget.

Meanwhile, PC gamers must also contend with the complexity of customization. It takes awhile to learn the ropes of the visual settings. The average player must be patient when tweaking them to one’s liking. Even dialing down the graphics is confusing for the novice.

Games that aim for too much realism stand the risk of evoking the uncanny valley. This term was first coined by roboticist Masahiro Mori in the 1970s to describe unsettling robots. Its impact on realistic graphics, however, mustn’t be understated. Even small breaks in realism will be off putting for audiences. Avoiding this is a taxing endeavor. One either attempts to amp up realism (which is costly) or embrace a more stylized depiction. The best 2D and 3D games, fortunately, avoid the worst of this.

Finally, the aesthetic that comes with games takes a toll on development teams. Game development studios have come under fire for crunch culture that overworks and underpays their developers. Often, this has roots in the near-impossible deadlines brought on by game hype. And better 3D graphics don’t always lead to a better product. The buggy messy Cyberpunk 2077 fiasco alone proves that.

A Different Direction

The big names in gaming embraced more elaborate, graphics-intensive art styles. Others, meanwhile, chose a different path. Many indie developers embraced stylized 3D or more isometric or side-scrolling art styles. Mostly, this was a budgetary choice. Advancements in technology have made developing 2D games cheaper and faster.

In the heyday of Flash, developers could build a simple vector graphics game within days or weeks. It allowed indie developer communities to flourish. Soon, sites like Kongregate and Newgrounds had massive archives of 2D games. Even today, older games once made in Flash could be found in archival sites like Plays.org.

Today, developer teams can create complex games using either 2D engines or a hybrid of 2D and 3D graphics. By eschewing the complexities of hyperreal graphic engines, they can focus on refining other aspects of gameplay. Choosing less graphics-intensive visuals also lets them experiment with other genres. Many small titles embrace 2D graphics without sacrificing storytelling. A cartoony point-and-click, Broken Age toys with two different yet unified narratives.

A Flourishing Market

There are a host of reasons why people gravitate toward games with cartoonish art styles. Lower-tier 3D games won’t tax computer hardware as much. Meanwhile, all but the slowest low-end computers can play 2D Flash or HTML games without a hitch.

Devs can even port these games into social media. There was a reason why elderly gamers flocked to Farmville in its heyday, after all. Mobile gaming also fueled the development of less graphic-intensive games. Side-scrollers and isometric games play smoother in smartphones. By using cartoonier and flatter visuals, these games don’t sap the phone’s batteries. Players on mobile can sink hours into these games. This is a lucrative outcome for mobile game developers.

This level of accessibility and portability can prove to be a winning ticket. InnerSloth’s game Among Us, follows the same cel-shaded 2D style of its previous releases. This simple spot-the-impostor social game became a pop culture phenomenon in 2020.

More Than a Throwback

The appeal of 2D gaming lingered even after the rise of 3D graphics. The most popular games in the 1990s still had dedicated communities well into 2010. Some older games, like Age of Empires, enjoyed incredible appeal through gameplay alone. First released in 1999, Age of Empires II continued to have a fan following well into the 2010s. This led to the development of not one but two remasters of the game. It was also followed by several new expansions introducing a mix of new playable cultures.

Throwbacks to retro-style gameplay became a selling point by the 2010s. The wildly successful game Cuphead combined 1980s-style gameplay with 2D 1930s-style cartoons to great effect. This and other games like it capitalized on a niche that 3D platformers couldn’t fill. They also introduced a new generation of gamers to the joys of 2D platform gaming.

Nostalgia didn’t play as big a role in the staying power of these games as one would think. Many developers created side-scrollers to experiment with unique gameplay concepts. Braid played around with time control, creating tactical challenges for the player. These simple games also play around with many game conventions. The popular Undertale subverts the idea that video game characters should slaughtering their enemies. Here, you have the option to negotiate. Different actions create varying outcomes for the player… all in glorious pixelated 2D. Through its plot twist, Braid makes a statement on how you see its player character.

A Niche of Their Own

There’s room in the larger gaming community for both 2D and 3D games in various levels of realism. Each level of graphics have their own appeal and cater to different types of players. Not every game needs realistic lighting to suspend a gamer’s disbelief.

Graphics-intensive 3D games grew with the idea that video games should be immersive. They are at once a technical and artistic achievement. The best of them are a spectacle that can captivate gamers from all walks of life. Games on the lower end of the graphic scale, however, are no slouches in that department. Some stand out as interactive artistic expressions. They can be an exciting challenge to play and ponder. Others offer a fun and enthralling experience that keeps players on their toes.

Less graphic intensive games add more variety to the gaming market. The lower graphic requirements let developers introduce new gameplay and story concepts. The lower barrier to entry also helps make these games more accessible to a larger audience. Ever wanted a good game that won’t overwork your computer? There’s going to be a 2D or low-end 3D game somewhere.

Katastro × Droptop

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Katastro releases a new single, Droptop, as well as a new album, Sucker.

As they gear up for the release of their new album Sucker next month, emerging alt-rock/hip-hop hybrid Katastro has released their new single, Droptop. The positive, floaty track features background vocals from longtime friend Micah Brown of Iration. Sucker, the Phoenix-based quartet’s sixth full-length album, also features their buzzy summer anthem, The Way I Feel, which is currently featured on a variety of top Spotify playlists including The New Alt, New Noise, PopRox and Beach Vibes.

Sucker, due out Friday, July 16th via Silverback Music’s Controlled Substance Sound Labs, is available for pre-order now at all DSPs, and each digital pre-save will include an instant download of Droptop and The Way I Feel, as well as the singles, One Day, 100 Rips, and Way Too High.

Katastro will celebrate the release of Sucker with a string of West Coast headlining tour dates, beginning July 23rd with a hometown show in Tempe, Arizona. The Sucker Summer Run will also take over The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on August 13th and stop in Denver, San Diego, Sacramento, and Albuquerque, among other cities.

“Droptop is one of the smoother flowing songs on the album,” shares bassist Ryan Weddle. “Featuring backup vocals from Micah Brown of Iration, we take you on a late-night ride through parties and endless summer nights, which is fitting as weߣre gearing up for our first tour since Covid. We can’t wait to get back out there and perform these new songs for everyone!”

Sucker represents a notably more mature sound for Katastro: Andy Chaves [vocals], Andrew Stravers [drums], Tanner Riccio [guitar], and Ryan Weddle [bass], while showcasing their unique melting pot stew of rock, hip-hop, funk, blues, pop, and reggae. The band’s fully collaborative creative approach, and unexpected time off in 2020, allowed for limitless possibilities. The result is a 12-song collection, produced by Matt Keller (Lydia, Anarbor, Redlands), about the constant loop of life, love, hate, and wanting to break the pattern. Sucker brings its listeners along on a ride, providing a summary soundtrack and something a little more positive to look forward to when everything feels off. Opening track The Way I Feel is an upbeat ode to getting over a bad breakup. Recent single One Day is a feel-good track about coming to terms with a broken relationship and finding yourself in the loop of partying to forget about it. Way Too High pays homage to their desert roots with its unique Western vibe and accompanying music video, while 100 Rips truly sets the tone and direction for Sucker. The catchy cruisin’ down the highway escapade features psychedelic guitar solos pumping through a mix of hip-hop and reggae set against an intoxicating chorus. The previously released songs off Sucker have already accumulated nearly half a million plays and are growing daily.

Formed nearly a decade and a half ago, Katastro, who cite Eminem and Red Hot Chili Peppers as early influences, dropped their first EP, The Wonderful Daze, in 2008 and quickly followed with their debut full-length album, Poking Holes In A Pattern, the following year. The group issued a steady stream of releases over the next ten years, mostly all independently, alternating full-lengths with EPs and acoustic Bones sessions. 2011’s Gentle Predator marked a live album zenith for the band and, in 2016, they garnered a national hit with the Strange Nights record. As their songwriting strengthened and became more revealing, Katastro followed with the albums Washed [2018] and Tropical Heartbreak [2019]. Throughout their growing career, Katastro has amassed over 80 million career streams from fans worldwide as well as media support from Alternative Press, The Noise, Substream Magazine, Phoenix New Times, Variance Magazine and more. The four-piece has also been making an impact as a powerful live act, headlining national tours and supporting the likes of Dirty Heads, Sublime With Rome, Iration, 311, Pepper, The Expendables, and gracing festival stages such as the One Love Cali Reggae Fest and Reggae Rise Up Festival.

SUCKER TRACKLIST

The Way I Feel
100 Rips
Droptop
Pocket Fulla
One Day
Sucker
Hotel Lobby
Naked
Too $hort
Way Too High
John T.
Last Call

KATASTRO 2021 TOUR DATES

The Sucker Summer Run

Friday, July 23 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre ~

Friday, July 30 – Denver, CO @ Cervantes’ Other Side

Saturday, July 31 – Pueblo, CO @ Brues Alehouse

Thursday, August 12 – San Diego, CA @ MusicBox *

Friday, August 13 – West Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy *

Saturday, August 14 – Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver *

Friday, August 27 – Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad +

Festival Appearance

Sunday, October 24 – St. Petersburg, FL @ Reggae Rise Up Music Festival

~ Kash’d Out and Barefoot

* Tunnel Vision and The Irie

+ The Irie and local support

Amythyst Kiah Joins Salute the Songbird Podcast

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AMYTHYST KIAH JOINS MAGGIE ROSE FOR A CANDID CONVERSATION IN THE LATEST EPISODE OF SALUTE THE SONGBIRD PODCAST HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN IN MUSIC

LISTEN HERE

LISTEN TO SALUTE THE SONGBIRD WITH MAGGIE ROSE FEATURING AMYTHYST KIAH

For the first 10 years I played music it was sort of like an escape for me. Music was one of the only instances where I could be in my own little world and not have to worry about being rejected or not being liked – AMYTHYST KIAH

In the newest episode of Salute The Songbird, Maggie is joined by singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah to talk about her new album and the experiences that led to her success. Amythyst shares stories from growing up in Tennessee, how support and encouragement from her parents helped her overcome issues with identity and anxiety, and the impact music and writing have had on her personal journey.

Amythyst Kiah’s Rounder Records debut, Wary + Strange, marks the glorious combination of two vastly different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion and the roots/old-time music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets. With an unforgettable voice that’s both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, the Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter expands on the uncompromising artistry she most recently revealed as part of Our Native Daughters, an all-women-of-color supergroup whose Kiah-penned standout Black Myself earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.

Salute the Songbird features candid conversations with Rose’s female musical heroes about their lives in and out of music, challenging the status quo, and with a desire to offer guidance for young artists starting their careers. Season Two will feature guests such as Grammy nominee Hannah Hooper of Grouplove, Noelle Scaggs of Fitz And The Tantrums, Kelly McCartney host of Record Bin Radio, singer-songwriter Shannon McNally, Grammy nominee Amythyst Kiah, singer-songwriter Valerie June and other female musicians, songwriters, producers, and industry mavens who detail their triumphs, struggles and how they continue to succeed as women in the music industry.

Osiris Artist Spotlight shows include Moods & Modes with Alex Skolnick; Comes A Time, with Oteil Burbridge and Mike Finoia; Eric Krasno Plus One; Inside the Musicians Brain, with Chris Pandolfi; Touchdowns All Day with Jon Barber.

About Osiris Media

Osiris Media is transforming how music fans connect with the music they love. We deepen the connection between artists and fans through the power and intimacy of audio storytelling and bring people together for unique musical experiences. Our 40+ podcasts reach 250,000 listeners per month and include podcasts that feature high-profile artists, stories about music and music culture, key moments in music history, and exclusive live performances. Deepen your connection at Osiris Pod.

Salute the Songbird is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Maggie Rose. Produced by Austin Marshall, Maggie Rose, Kirsten Cluthe and Brad Stratton. Production assistance by Revoice Media. Music by Maggie Rose. Artwork by Katherine Boils (Revoice MEdia). Show logo by Premier Music Group.

Petersen Automotive Museum

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PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM CELEBRATES RUWITH NEW LUFTGEKÜHLT EXHIBIT SERIES

Opening May 15, 2021, the first of two exhibits in the Luftgekühlt curated series are a RUF-themed display with eight significant vehicles including a CTR3 ClubSport, a Turbo R Ltd and a 964 RCT EVO

The Petersen Automotive Museum has announced an upcoming two-part exhibit series curated in partnership with renowned Porsche-themed event organizers Luftgekühlt. The first special exhibition, called “Pfaffenhausen Speed Shop – The RUF Gallery,” will feature eight bespoke supercars and restomod classics from German manufacturer RUF. The second display, which is opening on Aug. 15, 2021, will explore the legacy of the Porsche 956 and 962 models.

In 1939, Alois Ruf Sr. founded AUTO RUF, a general service garage located in the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhausen, Germany. When his son, Alois Ruf Jr. assumed directorship of the company in 1974, it released the first RUF-enhanced Porsche. Since then, RUF has twice held the title of “World’s Fastest Production Car” with the BTR and CTR, its cars have been driven by millions in video games like Gran Turismo and it drifted into the hearts of enthusiasts with its famous video “Faszination on the Nürburgring.” RUF’s latest cars, including the CTR Anniversary and SCR, are designed, engineered and manufactured entirely by RUF using RUF parts including the chassis, engine, transmission and body.

“We are proud to partner with RUF to gather some of its most impressive vehicles in The Vault presented by Hagerty,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “‘Pfaffenhausen Speed Shop – The RUF Gallery’ highlights the creativity and vision of Alois Ruf Jr. for one unparalleled celebration of every enthusiast’s favorite event, Luftgekühlt.”

“We are honored to be chosen for a dedicated exhibit at the Petersen,” said RUF Automobile Owner Alois Ruf. “From our beginnings in a small shop in Pfaffenhausen, Germany to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, we have only sought to bring joy through cars. We are grateful to both Luftgekühlt and the museum for helping us spread that joy.”

“Pfaffenhausen Speed Shop – The RUF Gallery” will open to the public May 15, 2021 and be on display in The Vault presented by Hagerty. The RUF vehicles on display will include a 1990 RUF CTR Yellowbird, a 2012 RUF CTR3 ClubSport, a 2007 RUF Turbo R Cabriolet, a 2016 RUF Turbo R Ltd, a 2016 RUF Ultimate, a 1994 RUF RCT EVO narrow body, a 1994 RUF RCT EVO wide body and a 2015 RUF RT12R.

Guests who would like to view the new RUF exhibit and visit the museum must purchase tickets in advance on the Petersen Automotive Museum website. Health and safety guidelines are being followed: face coverings are required (single-use face masks will be provided to those who do not have one); social distancing guidelines of at least six feet will be enforced with designated entrance and exit signs; hand sanitizing stations are available on each floor; and the museum has increased the frequency of routine cleaning.

For more information, please visit Petersen Automotive Museum.

About The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California 90036. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit Petersen Automotive Museum.

June is National Camping Month

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Written by Emily DeLarm

June is National Camping Month, and what better way to celebrate than getting out and camping! In the past year, camping has gained popularity with more people trying it now than ever before because it’s a great way to get outside while social distancing. So why not take the whole family camping this year!

Today’s campgrounds cater to every type of camper, with a range of accommodations to make even the most resolute non-camper comfortable. Combine that with an immersion in nature and a surprising array of amenities, and we think you’ll agree it’s time the whole family went camping. Here’s why:

1.) Being in nature is good for your health

Many have long felt a sense of well-being when out in nature, and research has shown that there is a positive physical response to doing so. Several recent studies have shown that having access to nature reduces stress and enhances a feeling of well-being.

Another study found that people who experience a feeling of awe for the natural beauty of their surroundings have lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory biomarker which can result in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and depression.

2.) Skipping the hotel makes it unique

Today’s camping experience doesn’t have to mean pitching a tent in the middle of nowhere or in a state park where the nearest bathroom is a half-mile hike away. There are campground accommodations to suit every type of camper – from those who enjoy “roughing it” in a tent, to those who bring their RV-home-on-wheels, to those who prefer cabins with electricity, full bathrooms, and all the comforts of home.

For those seeking a true “glamping” experience, try a stay in a tiny house vacation rental that is sure to please the whole family – all the comforts of home in a miniature package that is sure to delight every child (and the little kid in every adult). A few to try:

Leavenworth Tiny House Village is located about two hours south of Seattle in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, WA. While you’ll feel a world away, you don’t need a passport to be transported to small-town Bavaria in your tiny house while you enjoy access to 300 acres of beautiful forests and meadows. The five tiny houses, each with their own unique Bavarian theme and decor, are “glamping” style vacation rentals, with all kinds of amenities to enjoy at the campground. Get to know Hanna, Belle, Otto, Adeline, and Rudolf starting at $129/night.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village is located about an hour north of Boston just outside the picturesque town of Amesbury, MA. The village offers vacationers a unique respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while experiencing a one-of-a-kind vacation. The tiny houses in the village are full of character and personality and range from 180 to 275 square feet. Relax along the tranquil shores of Tuxbury Pond, lounge by the pool, or enjoy a variety of popular local attractions, including apple orchards, farms, and eclectic restaurants. Choose from Emerson, Henry, Clara, Riley, and Murphy, each starting at $135/night.

3.) It’s a great excuse to leave the devices behind

While more campgrounds are modernizing with the installation of amenities such as Wi-Fi, you can still find plenty of destinations where cell service is less reliable. Before you consider that a shortcoming, think about the number of times a cell phone has interrupted a conversation between members of your family, and how nice it would be to hit the pause button on such intrusions.

In fact, studies have shown that just having a cell phone out during a conversation has a negative impact on your sense of connection to the other person, feelings of closeness between you, and the quality of the conversation you experience.

Try vacationing out of reach of a cell tower, and you just might find a real connection and improved reception, with no phone at all.

4.) Be a kid again

In today’s world, adults are burdened and distracted with the responsibilities of being an adult. But even worse, kids seem to be busy trying to be adults. A camp vacation encourages the whole family to set “the real world” aside for a time and focus on having fun with each other. With an assortment of planned events and activities for the whole family, you can let go of the scheduling and planning that are the hallmark of a typical vacation and enjoy what’s happening right on site.

One fantastic destination is O’Connell’s Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Amboy, Illinois. A dizzying array of activity opportunities include three heated swimming pools, spas, kiddie pools, a beach for swimming, double-flume waterslide, paddle boat rentals, mini-golf, four playgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, hayrides, and a fully stocked indoor activity center with daily planned activities.

5.) Enjoy an immersive destination (without costumed characters)

The best part about summer camp as a kid was all the fantastic fun things to do. Everywhere you turned there was an activity being led or a game being played. Campgrounds offer the same appeal. Many offer your standard fares such as lake access, swimming pool, basketball court, sand volleyball, and activities like the ever-favorite tie-dye. Some of our favorites take it a step farther and transport you to another realm:

Rancho Oso in Santa Barbara, CA offers guests the opportunity to camp on a historic working ranch, complete with horseback riding, lasso lessons, and over 300 acres of scenic mountainside hiking trails to explore. Get as authentic as you wish, with a stay in a cabin, covered wagon, or even a teepee. At Gettysburg Farm in Dover, PA, guests can camp on a working farm, enjoy hayrides, farm animal feedings, vegetable picking, and visits to the farm animals, including horses, llamas, pigs, cows, and adorable pygmy goats.

6.) It’s easy to plan

For an easy, convenient way to plan your trip, visit CampUSA.com or download the CampUSA app. There you can quickly search more than 1,200 of the top campgrounds nationwide, including Kampgrounds of America, Encore RV Resorts, Thousand Trails locations and so many more.

The site and app offer the ability to search by map, by state or search for campsites nearby. Then filter your search to find the perfect spot for you when you sort by camping type (cabins and other rentals, RV or tent) and the amenities you’re looking for, like pet-friendly, waterfront sites, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and more (even mini-golf!) Once you have your prospects narrowed, the site provides detailed information about each campground and a super easy booking interface, including the option to enter your credit card information by scanning with your camera phone (on the app). It doesn’t get easier than that!

7.) Nature can grease the wheels of bonding

Some vacations can leave us more stressed and less rested than before we left. To truly rejuvenate the whole family, try immersing yourselves in nature. Several studies have reported the positive effects that viewing beautiful imagery of nature has on people’s emotions and behavior.

In one example, when participants in this study were asked to interact with nature every day for a month reported feeling healthier and happier after the study. In another study, after spending just a minute looking up into a scenic expanse of eucalyptus trees, participants reported feeling less entitled and self-important than those who spent the time looking up at a tall building.

Imagine how much easier it would be to bond and connect with your family when each of you is experiencing a boost in gratitude and a dip in self-importance. If simply watching nature can have such a positive impact on our feelings, think of the impact that experiencing nature can have on the whole family.

Need yet another reason? How’s this: Camping just might be one of the least expensive – and most rewarding – vacations you’ll ever take.

See you by the campfire!

HOT WHEELS ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL LEGENDS TOUR STOP

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The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, the global hunt for the ultimate custom car to immortalize as a Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle, continues as a virtual tour stop on Thursday, June 24. Presented in partnership with Road & Track and sponsored by Mobil 1, Walmart, Dynacraft and Milestone S.r.l., the third stop in the North American leg of the tour will be available on the Hot Wheels Facebook and Road & Track Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 8:00 p.m. EDT (5:00 p.m. PDT) on Thursday, June 24.

Road & Track, known by automotive and racing enthusiasts around the world for their comprehensive feature stories and comparison tests, will once again join the panel of judges on the livestream to see which one of these passion projects has what it takes to make Hot Wheels history as a Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee. Host Jarod DeAnda will be joined by his co-host, professional racer and stunt driver Collete Davis, Road & Track executive editor Daniel Pund, Autoweek’s west coast editor and radio personality Mark Vaughn, along with Hot Wheels designers Phil Riehlman and Matt Gabe.

The North American leg of the 2021 tour kicked off in April, with two incredible virtual events that saw thousands of automotive buffs from across the continent tune in for the live competitions. The winners of these two stops include a 1968 Mercedes Benz 250S from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, and a custom aluminum racer named Lulu from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Both builds exuded authenticity, creativity and, most importantly, garage spirit, winning over fans and judges alike.

The full list of remaining dates for the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour is now available, including the return of live, in-person events starting July 10th.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

June 24: Virtual Livestream
July 10: In-Person Event in Miami, Florida
August 7: In-Person in Detroit, Michigan
August 26: Virtual Livestream
September 18: In-Person Event in Houston, Texas
October 9: In-Person Event & Livestream from El Segundo, California
October 28: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #1
November 4: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #2
November 13: Global Grand Finale In-Person Event & Livestream (Location TBD)

Fans may register their cars for one of the upcoming virtual and in-person events or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by click HERE.

Hundreds of entries have already poured in from across the United States and Canada for these tour stops. The winner of each event will go on to compete in the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour finals to see if their build will become a Hot Wheels Legends vehicle sold in Walmart stores around the world as a 1:64 die-cast toy.

To watch this premiere automotive livestream event, visit the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Facebook page HERE.

About Mattel:
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & FriendsTM, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

About Mobil 1:
Mobil 1TM motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, click HERE.

Savantis Supports Cinema Week to Promote Return of Theaters

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Savantis Supports Inaugural Cinema Week to Promote the Return to Live Entertainment for Moviegoers

Savantis supports Cinema Week’s mission to enhance the moviegoing experience with its cloud-based, omnichannel Intelligent Entertainment Suite built on SAP.

Savantis, a leading provider of end-to-end solutions and support for the digital transformation of cinemas and entertainment venues, announced that they are pleased to support the inaugural Cinema Week campaign, a six-day nationwide event designed to energize moviegoers and encourage audiences to support local movie theaters. With a mission to celebrate the culture of going to the movies, the campaign showcases exclusive in-theater content, activations, giveaways, special offers for loyalty members, and celebrity guests with activities varying depending on the location. Cinema Week takes place June 22 to 27 across the US.

Savantis is proud to sponsor the first-ever Cinema Week, an exciting nationwide initiative to re-engage audiences and revive the cinema industry following a difficult and challenging year, during most of which theaters remained closed due to Covid-19, said Keith Hontz, CEO and President of Savantis. Both Cinema Week and Savantis are aligned in their mission to enhance the customer experience for moviegoers, so we felt very strongly that we must get involved and help preserve the culture, and the magic, of going to the movies, continued Hontz.

In November last year, Savantis announced the launch of its Intelligent Entertainment Suite (IES) omnichannel solution specifically developed for the entertainment industry as a flexible and scalable alternative to Vista and other legacy cinema management software. The application is fully integrated with SAP Commerce and SAP Cloud Platform, which delivers an unparalleled digital experience for end consumers of B2C enterprises.

IES offers a broad range of benefits, modern features, and functions for streamlined cinema management including rapid implementation with little to no downtime, seasonal scalability, and real-time business intelligence metrics, such as sales, cash office, venue occupancy, operations, and more. Hontz further explained that innovations such as: End-to-end contactless interactions, self-service kiosk ordering, personalized loyalty offers, and seamless, omnichannel engagement all work to enhance the moviegoer experience, attract new customers, and keep loyal guests coming back.

With its more than 25 consumer-facing and back-office accelerators, IES allows B2C businesses to build their brand and create lasting relationships with patrons while operations run more efficiently. IES by Savantis is available on the SAP Store, the digital marketplace for SAP partner offerings.

About Savantis

Since 1999, Savantis has been helping companies drive strategic initiatives for sustainable growth by delivering end-to-end solutions that integrate with world-leading business software from SAP. A leading strategic implementation partner within the SAP ecosystem, specialising in expert consulting, outsourcing, and IT staffing, Savantis has earned a reputation for delivering successful and cost-effective IT projects for its clients. Savantis enables organizations to operate more efficiently by solving challenges through digital innovation with the expertise of its people and the quality of its products and services. Through co-innovation, and by using the most advanced technologies to support organization’s digital transformation, Savantis offers solutions for businesses in all SAP-defined core industry segments. Savantis supports the complete enterprise SAP application portfolio – CRM and Customer Experience, ERP and Finance, and Business Technology Platform – and has industry-leading expertise in SAP S/4HANA, SAP CX, and other innovative technologies for retail, alcohol beverage, cinema, entertainment, high-tech, manufacturing, and more.

Savantis has two distinct business units, SAP GLOBAL SOLUTIONS and SAP STAFFING. Intelligent Industry Solutions and Intelligent Industry Portfolios of industry-specific solutions and services provide targeted Customer Experience and Enterprise Consulting, Cloud and Support Outsourcing, and Staffing Solutions, which are exclusively focused on engaging with clients to ensure their success. Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, US, Savantis has a global team of over 750 employees servicing 280 customers worldwide. Visit Savantis’ website to learn more.

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see SAP’s copyright guidelines for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

About Cinema Week

The Cinema Week campaign was launched to celebrate and preserve the culture of going to the movies by giving both a collective point in time to rally around. Cinema Week is a five-day nationwide event designed to energize moviegoers and is inclusive of exhibitors of all sizes. It showcases exclusive in-theater content curated and shared with the in-theater movie-going audience first, pop-up red carpets, and early access screenings.

TWICE × Taste of Love

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TWICE’s new album, Taste of Love, marks their first Billboard Top 10 as the hit reaches #6.

Global K-pop icons, TWICE, officially reached the #6 chart-topping position on the Billboard 200 chart with their new album, Taste of Love, as well as #1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart. This high Billboard 200 ranking marks a first for the group, jumping up 66 slots from their most recent #72 position for Eyes wide open. Taste of Love pushed the musical boundaries for the group, while in return earning TWICE their first top 10 album to date. The group initially ranked in the Billboard 200 chart in June 2020 with their album MORE & MORE, closely followed by Eyes wide open later that same year. To say TWICE had an impressive 12 months would be an understatement, but the group’s driving force remains the same. The focus has always been and will continue to be, the bond between TWICE and their fans, ONCE.

“We look forward to growing more and more with our fans,” said TWICE in a group statement. “Thank you for being with us.”

TWICE has worked diligently to get to this point. In 2019, the group successfully completed their World Tour, TWICELIGHTS, which included sold-out shows in the U.S. at The Forum in Los Angeles, the Prudential Center in Newark (where they performed in front of 11,000 fans), and a show at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. In February 2020, TWICE signed with Republic Records and launched their original YouTube series “TWICE: Seize the Light.” With the higher chart rankings coming in just this time last year, the group turned it up a notch with their recent broadcast hits. TWICE performed I CAN’T STOP ME off MORE & MORE for Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #PLAYATHOME YouTube series. Within the last 6-months, TWICE has been gracing screens everywhere. They performed on the prestigious TIME 100 Talks, had their U.S. broadcast debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and last week performed their new single Alcohol-Free on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Throughout the last six years, TWICE has become a globally renowned phenomenon, rapidly taking the U.S. and beyond by storm – including the moment they graced Allure Magazine’s May 2020 cover. Their 2020 chart-topping albums, MORE & MORE and Eyes wide open, were included in TIME, Billboard, Teen Vogue, PAPER, and BuzzFeed’s roundup of top albums of the year. MORE & MORE also marked the first time TWICE have been included in Billboard’s Artist 100 and Billboard 200 lists, becoming the fifth all-female musical act from their country to rank on the 200 charts. In addition, Eyes wide open, hit the top five slot on the all-genre iTunes US Album Sales Chart, debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, and ranked #72 on the Billboard 200 Chart.

“The collective continues its artistic evolution” – BILLBOARD

“The young women have shown their multifaceted approach to music and ability to showcase new charms with each release, with “Alcohol-Free” being no exception” – ROLLING STONE

“TWICE succeed in their desire to bring their fans ‘good vibes’ in unprecedented times” – NME

About TWICE:

Formed under K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment in 2015, TWICE is one of the best-selling K-pop girl groups of all time regarding physical album sales. The group first rose to prominence with their debut title song Like OOH-AHH, and the 2016 breakthrough single CHEER UP which went on to top multiple Korean pop charts and won ‘Song of the Year’ at the Melon Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards. The group was also included in Variety’s Youth Impact Report as the only K-pop group included in the list. The group was included in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity issue in both 2019 and 2017; and was also included in 18th place and as the only Asian act in Billboard’s 21 Under 21 2017: Music’s Next Generation issue. In 2019, the group successfully completed their World Tour, TWICELIGHTS, which included sold-out shows in the U.S. at The Forum in Los Angeles, the Prudential Center in Newark (where they performed in front of 11,000 fans), and a show at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Last year, TWICE’s album MORE & MORE made its first ranking on the Artist 100 and Billboard 200 lists. Their second 2020 album, Eyes wide open, hit the top five slot on the all-genre iTunes US Album Sales Chart and debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s World Albums chart; and the album’s lead track debuted in the top 10 of the all-genre iTunes US Song Sales Chart. The group hit their first top 10 album for Taste of Love, ranking it at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart. TWICE recently performed Alcohol-Free on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, CRY FOR ME on The Kelly Clarkson Show, I CAN’T STOP ME on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s #PLAYATHOME digital YouTube series, and DEPEND ON YOU on TIME100 Talks.

Oscar Stone LTD

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Oscar Stone LTD is a family-owned jewelry firm based in the B ronx. Oscar Stone sells timeless jewelry, including customizable earrings, watches, bracelets, pendants, chains, and mouth grillz, which are all created from the beginning to the end internally. Oscar’s most popular article, baguette diamond earrings, dazzle his clients with their blinding beauty. Oscar Stone recognizes the value of using durable diamonds and jewelry from the Bronx community.

While lockdown created a lull for other companies, Oscar used the downtime to bolster his burgeoning business. His reach on social media via Instagram featured Oscar to many celebrity customers, including Jojo Simmons, Young Dirty Bastard, and Kid Capri, among others. Oscar Stone‘s jewelry exudes a true dedication to his craft, which is why his extensive list of clients keeps expanding.

The last authentic district of New York, the Bronx, houses the next largest jeweler in New York. Oscar Stone LTD stands apart from other jewelers such as Jacob the Jeweler, Greenwich Street Jewelers, and Martin Busch Jewelers because of its innovative approach to bespoke jewelry and sustainable practices and inspirational dedication to their craft. Oscar’s relentless pursuit of fine diamonds and customer satisfaction during the pandemic has allowed his business to flourish more than ever. Looking to the future, Oscar aims to continue creating custom designs for his customers and grow his business to become a familiar name.

We spoke with Oscar about his background in gemology, his favorite custom orders, and his business expansion plans in the Bronx.

How did you get started in making jewelry and performing gemology for Oscar Stone?

I’m a G.I.A. accredited gemologist. Basically, growing up my whole life, [my] family– aunts, uncles, cousins– we all just did jewelry. So getting the jewelry was the easy part. It’s a family trade, really; it’s one of our best-kept secrets.

How did you build your clientele when you began in the jewelry business?

I knew about jewelry; gold wasn’t something crazy new to me. It’s like all your aunts and uncles own auto repair shops–you fix a couple of the tires, do a couple of oil changes, and you just kind of figure it out by yourself. When I had my own spot, building my clientele did really start from scratch. I didn’t have any celebrities or influencers, so I just had to open up shop and see what I could do. Before I did that, I actually did go to GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diamond school. I knew that GIA offered courses for this type of stuff. I spent a couple of months educating myself–[even] just [concerning] diamonds; there’s so many things about diamonds.

Once I finished the education, I decided to really bring in some clients. I was in business for about three years, and then I just started going heavy on social media. Once I started publishing my work on social media, the followers started coming. You know, not[hing] crazy yet, but I started getting a couple thousand [followers]. That’s when the business started taking off. I started hiring friends of mine and a lot of people, [and] my staff grew from four or five people to like twenty-five people. Business exploded when I started getting people who were verified on Instagram and had 300–400,000 followers. Once I started getting those clientele, the ball really started rolling. And that’s where we are now, about a year later.

What celebrities/notable clients have you done jewelry work for?

I would say the biggest guy that I’ve done work for would be, Jojo Simmons from RUN–D.M.C. I’ve done work for Young Dirty Bastard, who is the son of Old Dirty Bastard from the Wu Tang Clan. [Regarding] household names, I’ve done guys as big as Tonio Skits and Darius D.K. [Also,] I’ve done work for [Kid] Capri.

How do you source the best diamonds/gems for jeweling?

I don’t always get the same diamonds from the same supplier. The reason is, once you start working with somebody for diamonds and you guys get comfortable, then they start sending you lesser quality parcels. A parcel is basically like a bag of diamonds, [which come in] a lot of different sizes. They should all be the same clarity, and you sort through them to see that the quality is consistent.

I can buy 50 carats of diamonds this month [or] this week, and then I’ll run out by making all the jewelry. And so, I need to reorder. If the quality starts to become inconsistent with the price that I’m paying, I’ll switch over to another diamond supplier. Most of my diamond suppliers are in India, so I’ve had to fly out there a few times and look at some parcels, look at some factories, and see how they’re all doing it.

[Or, for example,] if I have to build a watch and do it three weeks, and [clients] don’t give me enough time, I have to get [diamonds] local[ly].

What is your favorite jewelry design you sell?

My favorite designs [are] always the custom pieces I make. I always love doing custom work, I just love like how intricate they are. I just did a piece for a client of mine–it’s this huge custom piece that spins when you spin it. I’ve had the most fun working on it, that’s my favorite piece right now. I’m working on another one that might top it, but we’re gonna keep it under wraps for now.

What is your jewelry specialty?

My signature I would say is the baguette earrings, that’s what most people know me for. Out of all my followers, I would say 20,000 of them might have been from the baguette earrings.

I do really, really good with the baguette diamond earrings that are on my website. I could sell as many as 20 pairs a day. A lot of people [who] are from out of state buy that. A lot of people [come] in store as well. The baguette diamonds are just such a popular thing for me right now. I have to make hundreds and hundreds of pairs just to keep up with demand.

What is the most popular order you receive from clients?

The baguette diamonds are just like something you really don’t see out of New York. And so, people love them. It’s also my bread and butter…It’s gonna go, it’s gonna sell, and sell classic.

What’s next for you?

I’m going to be moving to another location on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx–I’m true to the Bronx, I don’t wanna leave the Bronx. So, I’m moving to a store that is down the block from me. It has three times the retail space, and a basement attached to it. I’ll be able to really put a factory down there. As long as the people keep loving my jewelry and what I do, I’m going to keep delivering the best I can. To do that, and to give the best prices, you need to do things in-house. I’m going to have a 1500 sq ft basement where I’ll be able to put ten diamond setters down there and set diamonds all day. The second floor will be an office to do all the online [work]. On the floor-level will be retail and the showroom, so people who want to see things in-person, I can show them right there. That is my short-term goal in the next one or two years. Long term, I want to be a household name, but one thing at a time.

Photo Credit: Anthony Duque