With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass, Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. Now through June 22, the USA Rail Pass is available for $299, a savings of $200 off the regular $499 price. Customers taking advantage of this special introductory offer will pay less than $30 per ride for ten travel segments over 30 days.
To make the experience as seamless and touch-free as possible, customers can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak and start building their itinerary on the website or on the Amtrak app. By leveraging the app, customers can also access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.
“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”
USA Rail Pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer’s first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase. After purchasing the pass, customers can book and modify their trip itinerary and will receive an electronic ticket for each segment to present to the conductor when boarding.
USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Coach class—featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom, and no middle seat. A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak’s scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass. Upgrades to Business Class and private room accommodations are not available at this time. Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass following travel on the first segment. Additional restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amtrak.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
By: Kai Yeo, Vaughn Lowery, Armon Hayes,Emily Bunn x Sydney Mayer
Lexus has announced its brand new 2022 NX model, equipped with updated technology and driving dynamics. Toyota and Lexus invited 360 Magazine to fly out with Delta Comfort+ to visit the automaker’s headquarters in Texas, so the company embarked on a Covid-friendly, four-day lifestyle trip for the first time since the pandemic. The trip offered participants the opportunity to experience the new 2022 Lexus NX, learn about Lexus’s initiatives and launches for the near future, and even ride with celebrity drivers like Scott Pruett.
The headquarters in Plano, TX is a state-of-the-art corporate campus oasis. The architecture displays outstanding craftsmanship and an innovative foundation, which are the principles upon which that Toyota was founded. Meredith Ezinma Ramsay, – classical hip-hop violinist who has worked with artists such as SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and most famously with Beyoncé on her Coachella stage – performed a strings piece at the campus to introduce the Lexus NX 2022.
Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel
The Renaissance Dallas was breathtaking. An anchor to the upscale complex of Legacy West in Plano, the cosmopolitan hotel was located in the city within walking distance of top dining and shopping options. Drink in hand, visitors can gather at the rooftop pool or by the fire pit to relax and enjoy our food. The rooms were also equipped with pillow-top bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a smart TV.
Designed to highlight local and regional cultures, Renaissance Dallas allows guests to immerse themselves in a creative blend of North Texas western influences and Asian culture. The hotel prides itself on “West of Zen” visual art experiences, as well as an urban mixed-use development. As Lexus is a brand that originated from Japan, this theme was fitting for the trip. Simply staying in the hotel was already a vacation in itself.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota. Marketed in more than 70 countries and territories worldwide, the Lexus brand is Japan’s largest-selling maker of premium cars. Akio Toyoda, current CEO and grandson of Toyota founder, has promoted sports models like the Lexus IS-F and Lexus LF-A at auto races. He also participates as a driver at racing events under the fake name “Morizo.” It’s unusual to see a brand’s president be so hands-on with development, but that’s just another reason that Toyota is a unique company prepared to lead the future.
Since the pandemic started, global mobility has been essentially halted and there has been a huge financial downturn, even for the giants of the car manufacturing industry. AutoBlog has posted that Toyota hit their decade’s lowest sales in 2019, “The Japanese automaker said its sales in July fell 19% versus the same month in 2019, to 169,484 units.“ Despite being one of the top brands of car manufacturing, Toyota was also affected by the Covid crisis, “In its financial year (FY) ending in March 2021, Toyota only produced 7.55M units of vehicles compared to 8.82M in FY 2020. FY 2021’s figure is also the lowest number of vehicles produced by Toyota since FY 2012 when Toyota only produced 7.44M vehicles.“
As they compete with Volkswagen for the top car brand spot and struggle with sales during the pandemic, Toyota continues to produce car models with strong, new developments.
The NX will be available in a variety of fresh colors, including Redline, Cloudburst Gray, and Grecian Water. There will also be options that include Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultra Sonic Blue Mica 2.0, which are exclusive to the F Sport NX models.
Luxury Inside and Out
The 2022 NX will also have additional updates made to alleviate interior cabin noise and reduce exterior distractions. On the inside, drivers can choose their nature theme of choice with Thematic Ambient Illumination, an optional feature that transforms the NX interior with 14 themes and 64 colors. Each mode has been carefully selected “to express ephemeral emotions and evoke nature-inspired feelings.” The themes included are Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset.
Luxury is not only about looks, but also about how the customer feels. The new NX comes with standard heated front seats and optional heated rear seats for added comfort throughout the cabin. Increased head and legroom, as well as storage space, have also been added. Interior seat and console colors come in Black, Black with Rich Cream, Palomino, and Rioja Red NuLuxe.
For the NX’s first time, the panoramic moonroof lets passengers see the sky with the push of a button. The smooth gliding opening and closing elevates the luxury feel and provides easy stargazing and airflow.
Cockpit Design and New Multimedia System
The NX driver-centered cockpit has been updated with the driver in mind. To better connect the driver to the vehicle, the new 7-inch Multi Instrument Display (MID) and optional 10-inch Head Up Display (HUD) are designed to convey vehicle information as well as alerts within the driver’s line of sight. All functions are accessible through the steering wheel to allow for intuitive operation while still ensuring safe driving practices and keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.
An optional 14-inch touch screen (first for NX) features an immersive multimedia experience. The large screen allows for easy operation and viewing. Dial controls remain for frequently used functions such as climate control and media volume, and comfort features are readily accessible. This all-new interface allows the NX to integrate and navigate swiftly, providing intuitive technology at the driver’s fingertips. Equipped with Human Machine Interface (HMI), user interaction is enhanced through sight, touch and voice, thus catering to accessibility needs. Following the customer-first approach, the newly developed Virtual Assistant (VA) is intended to be the primary way occupants interact with the new multimedia system. The voice-first approach allows front seat occupants to access features such as navigation, media, phone, and other vehicle settings. The built-in VA responses allow for intuitive replies, thus creating a human-like conversation.
The Lexus Interface was devised with function and easy access in mind. 100% cloud capability and Google POI integration allows the system to have faster and more accurate navigation to get the driver and passengers to their destination quickly and safely. Enhanced navigation allows for offline mode, which detects when vehicles enter areas with low connection and then automatically downloads maps in advance, saving trouble and panic.
In the age of digital transformation, the user profile feature creates a more personalized experience so that moving from vehicle to vehicle is convenient. The driver’s personalized settings will be retained on the cloud and are accessible each time they return to the vehicle. Once created, users can use a Bluetooth device to access their profile. An extension of the user profile feature, vehicles equipped with this new system will enable owners the access to a digital key. This digital key allows drivers to lock/unlock and start/stop their vehicle through the Toyota of Lexus app (when within Bluetooth proximity to the vehicle). The digital key can be shared with up to seven different guest users and no password or PIN is required, creating a seamless guest experience via the app.
Through the app, drivers also receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports to help maintain their vehicle. For the 2022 model, Lexus NX will also feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, as well as a new addition to charge your phone wirelessly.
Safety System
With the safety of all passengers in mind, the new Lexus NX will come equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System +3.0 for safe driving. Functions of the system include:
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – supports collision avoidance within the lane by providing gentle braking and steering operation.
Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the driver turns left in front of an oncoming vehicle.
Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if a driver turns left or right in front of an oncoming pedestrian or cyclist.
Oncoming Vehicle Detection added to the Pre-Collision System – designed to alert the driver, and potentially activate automatic emergency braking to help avoid a frontal collision.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management – maintains a cruising speed in alignment with the flow of traffic while managing speed on curves.
Additions to the current Lexus Safety System features for NX:
Road Sign Assist – displays select road sign information in the instrument panel.
Pre-collision System – provides the potential to detect a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in low-light situations.
Lane Assistance – designed to provide an audible alert if an inadvertent lane departure is detected.
Intelligent High Beam– provides greater visibility for drivers with added illumination when the road ahead is clear, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.
Road Sign Assist – uses a built-in camera to help provide road sign information in the instrument panel or even on the available Head-Up Display. The system can also alert the driver of certain detected signs that otherwise might have been missed.
Safety Exit – seamless door opening with the push of a button, when activated it makes sure that door does not open when there are passers-by such as bikes or pedestrians. Available for rear doors as well for protection of children and family.
These safety features provide peace of mind for unexpected emergencies and connect drivers with a 24/7 emergency response agent.
The all-new 2022 NX will start production in the third quarter of 2021. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
New NX 350 2.4 Turbo Engine
Enhancements in vehicle rigidity now allows the NX for a higher horsepower 2.4 turbo gas engine. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but the new 8-speed transmission also provides the gas-powered NX with the feel of a performance vehicle with the perspective of a crossover utility vehicle. The turbo gas-powered engine has an estimated 275 horsepower and 317lbs. per foot of torque. When combined, the engine results in a 0–60 second time of 6.8 seconds, which is half a second quicker than the previous models.
This is made possible by improvements to torsional rigidity through laser peening welding and the addition of high rigidity foam. The twin hood lock also adds front lateral flexural rigidity that improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid
The new plug-in hybrid PHEV system brings Lexus Electrified to life through performance and design, as well as through the signature quietness of this model. The NX 450h+ has an estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the newly developed lithium-ion battery. The system achieves the EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine. When combined with the newly developed hybrid transaxle, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers on the performance luxury guests are seeking with an estimated 6.0 second 0–60 second time.
The high-output and high-efficiency systems were constructed to reduce power loss when converting AC power to DC power, resulting in shorter charging times. The NX plug-in hybrid can be fully charged in about two and a half hours when equipped with the optional 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger. With the standard 3.3 kW charger, it will take about four and a half hours.
For a sporty driving experience, the NX 450h+ uses a newly developed, electronically-controlled, full-time AWD system. Optimizing front and rear torque distribution according to the driving conditions, the driver can control the vehicle as intended, with elegant control for a wide range of driving styles.
Along with the navigation, Predictive Efficient Drive will be coupled to learn driving habits and predict the expected roadway ahead while analyzing real-time traffic reports. This helps to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. With more miles clocked on the NX, more data is gathered to help optimize fuel consumption. With accumulated knowledge about the driver’s behavior, the system will be able to predict when the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. This allows for more efficient energy to be recovered and recharged into the hybrid battery, optimizing battery capacity for the electricity plug-in hybrid model. While Lexus is unable to give us the exact specs yet, an official announcement will be made later on.
Hybrid Performance and Fuel Economy
Known for their signature driving performance, passengers can experience great performance and fuel economy with the new Lexus NX 350h. With a combined 239 horsepower, a 20% increase over the current model, and an estimated 36 MPG, the NX hybrid brings a brilliant performance that illustrates the brand’s hybrid leadership. Passengers will also be able to feel the quicker 0–60 time with 1.5 seconds taken off the time from previous NX generations at 7.2 seconds.
The hybrid drive system pairs the D4-S fuel injection 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for strong acceleration and passing performance. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft for the rear wheels, the AWD system employs a second, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels to maintain optimal traction.
Teammate Advanced Drive Backgrounder
The Teammate advanced driver assistance will debut on select 2022 Lexus LS 500h models with AWD and is expected to arrive in the US this fall. The Level 2 system evolves from adaptive cruise control to automatically change lanes and pass vehicles while driving.
Designed to partner with and assist the driver on the highway, it enables automatic steering, acceleration, and braking on the highway under the active supervision of the driver. This technology also enables the car to parallel park itself or back into a parking spot. Lexus Teammate teams two systems: Advanced Drive and Advanced Park.
Safety is the first priority of the automated driving development program, so Lexus has committed Advanced Drive to this cause. The Advanced Drive integrates the vehicle’s mapping system and plans 6 miles ahead to help reach the car’s destination. This benefits the driver by reducing fatigue from driving. A series of fail-safe operations are also included to help prevent loss of control for up to four seconds in the event of a system malfunction or limitation.
Developed in close coordination between Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor North America, engineers used the same test vehicles in both countries. This allowed for the development of U.S.-specific considerations, such as HOV lanes and draw bridges. These tests helped to incorporate catered design and performance into the Advanced Drive system.
Electrified Cars
Alongside the safety of passengers, the environment is also a top priority. Toyota and Lexus will debut a new, electrified model lineup, with two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). These models are eco-friendly and brilliantly created, similar to a “Mission Impossible” movie.
The new electrified models further expand Toyota’s leadership in alternative powertrain vehicles. Toyota’s goal is to have 40% of new vehicle sales be electrified models and expects that to increase to nearly 70% by 2030. Toyota hybrid vehicles sold globally have avoided emitting an estimated 139 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. In the US alone, Toyota hybrid vehicles have avoided 38 million tons of GHG. This achievement was made possible with Toyota’s commitment to the environment.
Toyota’s internal research found that both the BEV and PHEV models provide similar environmental benefits. By factoring in pollutants created by electricity production and using it to charge batteries, the production of a PHEV emits less GHG. Both of these models have a unique profile and by diversifying their car portfolio, consumers will have a bigger range of models to choose from to best suit their usage needs and cost profile, while still maximizing GHG reduction.
At the press conference, Toyota promised 20 new models by 2025 for more sustainable development and looked to continue expanding their electrified car models. As further proof of Toyota’s commitment to the environment, they agreed to purchase power from a Clearway Energy Group wind farm to reduce the overall carbon footprint from electricity used from the power grid. For transparency and positive environmental impact, Toyota writes an annual environmental report to update its consumers.
Marvel Unlimited, Marvel’s digital comics subscription service, offers members unlimited access to over 28,000 issues of Marvel’s classic and newer titles as early as three months after they’re in stores, delivered digitally through your desktop web browser and the award-winning Marvel Unlimited mobile app. Unlock this all-access experience by starting your 7-day free trial today.
This month: The iconic cinematic terror that is ALIEN makes its Marvel Unlimited debut!
Creators Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Salvador Larroca team up to tell an all-new tale of the horror and science fiction titan that has scared audiences for decades. And, the next generation of teen mutant heroes are put to the test in CHILDREN OF THE ATOM! Creators Vita Ayala and Bernard Chang introduce this brand-new team inspired by fan-favorite X-Men.
Here are the other binge-worthy titles hitting Marvel Unlimited this month.
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About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
On Monday 8 June, the United Nations will launch its second-ever fully digital rendition of its annual World Oceans Day event in celebration of its 2021 theme, The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods. Produced in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, presented by Blancpain and supported by La Mer, United Nations World Oceans Day 2021 (UNWOD) will be a day-long event featuring keynote speeches, panels, presentations and musical performances kicked off by the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly, with leading voices including: Sylvia Earle, Gael Garcia Bernal, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Sam Waterston, Nathalie Kelley, Danni Washington, Céline Semaan, Amanda Cerny, and more.
While traditionally an in-person event at the UN Headquarters in New York City, due to COVID-19, UNWOD became fully virtual and open-to-the-public for the first time in 2020. This year’s celebration will again be open to the world by livestream from 10:00AM-5:30PM (EDT) on the United Nations World Oceans Day website and the Oceanic Global website as well, with the content reshared on the social channels.
Music is a universal language and impactful tool to raise awareness, appeal to emotion, and inspire meaningful action. While most of Seun’s and Fela’s music deals with social justice issues, social justice enables the people and governments to be more passionate and careful stewards of their seas. Amplifying global music and the arts has always been integral to UN World Oceans Day and this year’s all-star line-up features artists and activists alike hailing from: West Africa, Columbia, England, Cuba, USA, Sweden and beyond.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 will be performing songs from his most recent album Black Times as well as a brand-new song entitled “Move” during the event’s closing concert, Concert For The Oceans, a collection of musical performances that will unite people from home in celebration of our ocean, raise awareness and highlight the need to create a sustainable and inclusive ocean space. From 4:00PM-5:30pm (EDT) the closing concert will feature additional performances by international musicians including EARTHGANG, Angélique Kidjo, Bomba Estéreo, Little Dragon, Valerie June, and Penguin Cafe.
“I’m proud to lend our voices to the UN’s call for responsible stewardship of our oceans,” Kuti says. “We and our fellow performers on the world stage hope to make that world more generous, kinder and more livable to its underrepresented people, who bear the brunt of catastrophic environmental degradation.”
The youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti is the standard-bearer of the Afrobeat Movement, a role he was literally born to play. He started opening for his dad at age nine and joined the band before he was twelve. He assumed leadership of the band Egypt 80 following his father’s passing in 1997 and has led it ever since.
Along the way, Seun both performed his father’s compositions and also added his own twists to the seminal music, digging deep into various African traditions to reflect the continent’s struggles and cultures. In 2011, Seun recorded From Africa with Fury: Rise, his first album for Knitting Factory Records. Co-produced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds, this live set proved to be his breakthrough, and landed on both Billboard and digital international charts. Today, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80—still retaining three-quarters of the group that played, protested, and were arrested with his father—hopes to return to touring the globe relentlessly, reclaiming their reputation for playing multi-hour shows as heavy on group improvisation as they are on composition. His latest recording, Black Times, received a Grammy® nomination in 2018; he joined Knitting Factory Management’s artist roster in March of this year.
The annual United Nations World Oceans Day event comes midway through “World Ocean Week” (1-14 June) during which subsequent events hosted by members of the Friends of UN World Oceans Day platform and other ocean enthusiasts from around the world will continue the conversation surrounding the official theme of UN World Oceans Day 2021- The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.
Increasing buzz following her critically acclaimed debut, Melbourne singer songwriter Tassia Zappia unveils a new single and music video entitled “When I Was Four” via Republic Records today. Listen to “When I Was Four” here. Watch the lyric video here.
On the autobiographical track, her voice glides over soft piano as she details her journey from humble beginnings in Australia to the door of a seemingly impossible dream. The momentum builds towards a powerhouse hook evocative of her range. The accompanying video begins with a grainy confessional by Tassia as she explains her resolve to make this dream real. The clip follows her alone through Los Angeles before intercutting original home video footage of her performing as a kid. It all culminates on an uplifting finale.
Tassia introduced herself with her very first single “You Don’t Want Me.” Right out of the gate, it amassed playlist support from the territories around the world. Additionally, the debut received widespread acclaim with press raving, “We already know it’s going to be on heavy rotation for us.”
Right now, she’s preparing her debut EP for release this year. Stay tuned!
Tassia Zappia, Italian born in Melbourne, doesn’t gloss over the little things in her music. She approaches her lyrics with a keen eye for detail only amplified by her show-stopping delivery, outsized vocal flare, and free spirit. Listening to the Australian singer and songwriter can feel like being in the room right next to her during some momentous turning point.
As a kid, Tassia discovered Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra through her parents, developing an appreciation for “super old school classics.” Feeling like an outsider, she turned to poetry and music. By 12-years-old, she began writing songs. She discovered Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill and incorporated all of these inspirations into a raw, unfiltered, and soulful style. In 2019, she took a trip to Los Angeles for a music camp that wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Instead, it “felt like Fyre Fest,” but she ended up with her first break, nevertheless. After performing her original composition “WHEN I WAS FOUR” during a visit from chart-topping songwriter Heidi Rojas [Little Mix, Cheryl Cole], she left the audience in tears. Rojas asked for Tassia’s phone number, and they met for coffee a few days later. The following day Heidi took Tassia to a session with Lauren Christy, formerly of The Matrix [Avril Lavigne, David Bowie, Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Rihanna], and this led to Tassia signing a development deal with Heidi and Lauren’s production company. Along the way, she inked a deal with Republic and crafted her debut single “You Don’t Want Me.”
“Tassia Zappia wastes no time to prove just how powerful her voice is with those high notes, reminiscent of the late Amy Winehouse, in the opening measures in ‘You Don’t Want Me.’” – The Honey Pop
“…she’s going to take over the world by storm” – Alfitude
“Tassia Zappia is making sure your first impression of her music is a spicy one” – PLNKWIFI
ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Thought, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G). In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.
The larger-than-life music video has amassed just shy of 1M views since dropping on Friday
‘Jena Rose is entering the race for song of the summer with her latest single, “Checkmate”’ – US WEEKLY
Following its release on Friday, Jena Rose debuted her latest music video “Checkmate” in the Top 10 on MTV’s Friday Live show with Kevan Kenney. The larger-than-life music video is quickly approaching 1M views since dropping on Friday. You can watch the video HERE.
Featured by Entertainment Tonight, US Weekly, BELLO Magazine, Just Jared and more, Jena’s latest track, released via Gem Street Music and Sweety High, was inspired by “The Queen’s Gambit” and her lifelong fascination with chess. “Checkmate” visually follows Jena as she takes the power back in a toxic relationship.
Christened a “tour de force” by American Songwriter, Jena broke down the new track saying: “Relationships and chess have a lot more in common than I ever considered, until I had one that woke me up… ‘Checkmate’ is a homage to all the girls who’ve had to act strategically to protect their hearts.”
Written with Nick Furlong (Machine Gun Kelly, 5 Seconds of Summer) and produced by Chapters (Simon Jay and Luke Shrestha), the high-energy track features Jena’s signature brand of pop with nods to 80s influences Duran Duran and Depeche Mode.
“Checkmate” kicks off an exciting new chapter for Jena Rose and previews her forthcoming debut EP “Baby, Maybe.” The project is slated for release later this year and will feature collaborations with all-star co-writers/producers including Furlong and John Feldmann (Blink 182, Panic! At The Disco). The new track follows her 2020 release, “Forever Yours (ft. Casper Magico)” which earned global recognition, over 6M streams, and was featured on the soundtrack for the 2020 Netflix film Work It.
Growing up with a father who immigrated from Cuba and a mom raised in Chicago, Jena was inspired by a wide array of musical influences from a very young age. Displaying a precocious talent early on, she started playing her own songs on tour with AJR, Echosmith and Why Don’t We when she was only 17-years-old. Trained as a multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer, with over 1M social followers and 10M likes, she is an artist to watch in 2021. Gearing up for a slate of releases, fashion week, and her debut EP, Rose will be back on tour just as soon as the world allows.
ABOUT GEM STREET MUSIC:
Gem Street Music, based in LA and Nashville, was created as a solution to a new music market that requires artists to drive continual growth across their digital platforms. Their core business, spanning from A&R and content production to growth and distribution, delivers the cultural scale essential to building real fan bases and driving positive ROI. Owning one of the largest Gen Z platforms and growth networks in the U.S. (Sweety High and Social Impact), they leverage their diverse audiences and employ innovative, collateralized strategies for both established stars and promising newcomers.
Tomorrow marks the end one of the most revolutionary Marvel sagas of the last decade: Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman’s VENOM. The superstar creative team will close out their redefining work on Eddie Brock and the symbiote mythos in Venom’s milestone 200th issue. Over the years, Cates and Stegman have torn Eddie Brock’s life asunder, uncovering long-hidden mysteries behind the nature of symbiotes while exploring Venom’s very nature as a Marvel hero. This bold era launched two line-wide events, Absolute Carnage and King in Black, and will leave a lasting impact not only on the character of Venom but on the Marvel Universe as a whole. The acclaimed duo recently sat down to reflect on their run in a special farewell video, spotlighting their greatest moments as well as a sneak peek at tomorrow’s issue.
“We’re gonna end this run the way that we started it—by exploding everything you ever thought that you knew, and setting the stage for something that’s truly and honestly going to change Eddie and the Marvel Universe forever,” Cates said.
“We’ve got some of the coolest images in the series coming up in 200,” Stegman promises. “If you thought that Venom with a battle axe with a star field on his costume with glowing eyes was crazy, you haven’t seen much yet.”
Pick up this historic end of an era digitally or at your local comic shop when VENOM #200 debuts tomorrow!
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games and digital media. For more information, click HERE.
Le Rouge Lounge crushed its opening weekend with VIP appearances by Diplo & Cuba Gooding Junior and performances by Soul Brothers, Cris Cab & more.
Le Rouge Lounge is Wynwood’s ultimate avant-garde nightlife destination. The 7,000 sq. ft. venue opened June 11 to uproarious success and has taken a new spin on live performance entertainment.
Open Thursday through Saturday from 9 PM through 3 AM, this French-inspired enclave will serve as a destination for national music acts and world-renowned DJs, bringing a next-generation live music venue experience to the city.
Le Rouge Lounge is a meeting place where service is paramount and privacy guaranteed, where beauty in every form is nurtured and the unexpected is to be expected. It provides a luxurious and visually stimulating ambiance, highlighted by its vintage decor, state-of-the-art sound, video, and 3D mapping projection systems.
The lounge will be the first venue in Miami to be centered around a 360-degree DJ “in the round” booth, showcasing a diverse array of performers, DJs, bands, and solo artists in an intimate and upscale setting. It boasts a live stage draped in red velvet, spacious enough to accommodate a 10-piece band.
The opening weekend lineup featured renowned Miami-based artists Cris Cab and Oscar G, the brilliant Mexican duo “The Soul Brothers” and other local artists, followed by Luca Bachetti, Damaged Goods, and Manu Manzo in the following weeks. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Diplo also made an appearance at Le Rouge Lounge’s opening weekend, contributing to its successful debut.
At Le Rouge Lounge, mixology is an art form, with veteran mixologist Samer Abdallah crafting prohibition-era cocktails with an unexpected, modern twist. This intimate and upscale space allows publishers, influencers, decision-makers, movers & shakers to connect; it’s a space where synergies percolate, stars are born, and masterpieces are conceived.
With their dance card already booked with album release parties and city events including Swim Week Miami and Art Basel, Le Rouge Lounge promises to be the Magic City’s hottest destination for live entertainment and private events.
Le Rouge Lounge is located at 318 NW 23rd St. in Miami, FL 33127, and offers valet parking, as well as the largest self-parking lot in Wynwood.
Motorcycles enjoy such a high demand from their consumer base that they’ve become part of American culture. Moto sports, dirt bike racing, and motorcycle clubs are a testament to the love that people have for these nimble vehicles. However, there’s no denying the fact that motorcycles account for a significant percentage of fatalities in vehicular accidents.
Their speed and maneuverability come at the cost of protection and durability. With this in mind, it’s important to keep in mind that the best upgrades are those that mitigate these drawbacks. Here are five upgrades that will improve your motorcycle’s safety.
Better Tires
Tires are the only part of a motorcycle that should ever make contact with the ground while riding, and they are directly responsible for traction while navigating corners and curves. Performance tires are thicker than stock tires, which means they have a greater surface area for gripping the road. While they can indeed be expensive, it’s easy to mitigate their cost by selling your stock tires, which are also in high demand.
Performance Brakes
Performance brakes go best with performance tires because motorcycles need better traction to take advantage of the improved braking power without losing control. Brakes aren’t only meant to stop a motorcycle, they also help maintain control while driving through sharp curves and corners. This is especially true for anti-lock braking systems which apply varying brake pressure to both wheels to ensure that speed is reduced without sacrificing control of the motorcycle. Anything that reduces the risk of crashing makes your motorcycle that much safer.
LEDs
The primary cause of motorcycle accidents is that motorcycles are difficult to see, especially in low light, because of their narrow frames. More often than not, motorcycle collisions occur because the motorists weren’t aware of the other. Motorcycle LEDs can make it easier to see riders, whether it’s by using daytime running lights or through the advantages of an LED license plate. Being seen is just as important as being able to see your surroundings.
Performance Windshields
Performance windshields don’t just keep the wind off your face while speeding down the highway. They are also angled in a manner that significantly improves the aerodynamics of the motorcycle. This minimizes drag and maintains traction at high speeds and it helps keep the motorcycle stable. Performance windshields also indirectly improve fuel efficiency, acceleration, and overall engine performance.
Frame Guards
Finally, while the first four upgrades are aimed at minimizing the risk of crashing, frame guards are meant to protect your motorcycle engine and your limbs during a crash. Frame guards are attachments that keep your motorcycle frame from making contact with the ground during a fall or crash. Engine and frame repairs are extremely expensive and sometimes, you may even be better off by simply buying a new motorcycle. Frame guards are an inexpensive and widely-available preventive measure.
Motorcycles are inherently dangerous. In fact, the matter of a crash ought to be treated more as an eventuality rather than a possibility. These upgrades are some of the best ways to mitigate this inherent danger and they should be among the first upgrades that motorists should consider investing in.
Today, queer singer, songwriter, and “funky Mexicano soul” Georgel released his new single “No PutX – Spotify Singles” together with Molotov’s vocalist Tito Fuentes.
“NO PUTX – Spotify Singles” was selected as the first Pride Spotify Exclusive Single by a Mexican Artist. The track is a neo hip-hop that talks about the homophobia and hypocrisy of Latin society in a satirical way, and reaffirms the empowerment of an LGBTQIA+ demonstration that demands equality and justice.
In 1997, legendary Mexican band Molotov released the song “Puto” to a very different audience from the one that exists in 2021. Originally a song of criticism towards Mexican politicians, it became a shadow of homophobia, characteristic of Mexico and Latin America. Now, the word ‘puto’ is forced to redefine itself, since there is no longer any place for criticism for sexual identity or gender identity.
“By bringing attention to the real origin of words such as ‘puto’ or ‘maricón,’ hopefully this song will contribute to the eradication of their use in our vocabulary,” Georgel said. In Georgel’s mind, the only way to achieve it, was by getting together with “Puto’s” original creator, Molotov’s lead vocalist Tito Fuentes, and together write a song that made clear that ‘PUTO’ is no way to refer to anybody, especially any member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For Molotov, this is a way to reaffirm their own commitment to support and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The music video, which premiered exclusively on Billboard, is a visual masterpiece that shows Georgel fiercely confronting different scenarios of torture similar to many conversion therapy methods. “I wanted to make a short music film about the the many different forms of abuse that members of the LGTBQIA+ community suffer, and how a ‘simple slur’ such as ‘puto’ can torture a human spirit,” Georgel said.
With “No Putx – Spotify Singles,” Georgel is taking back a word that was used to hurt him, and removing its power over him. He’s turning it into any other word by removing the taboo, stigma, and the negative connotation that it has, that way, it won’t have power over anyone. “The only thing that’s ‘puto’ is the ‘puto’ machismo” Georgel says.
