Posts made in August 2021

image from Dina Allende for use by 360 Magazine

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP FIGHTS AGAINST BREAST CANCER

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Two Automotive Executives Become Co-Chairs of the 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Event in Broward

For the Craig Zinn Automotive Group, joining the fight against breast cancer hits close to home. That’s why two top executives from that organization have stepped up to co-chair this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Broward presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Hollywood, scheduled for October 23, 2021. Fleet manager for Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Michele Alter, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor, and Brittany Zinn, assistant group general manager/CZAG, lost a maternal figure to breast cancer. The two plan to work closely with Trudy Spence, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society® Fort Lauderdale to make this year’s event a success.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® (MSABC) is a national movement. Fundraising events range from large-scale traditional walks to unique local experiences and celebrations. Making Strides has united communities, companies and individuals across the country in the fight to end breast cancer for more than two decades. The organization has known of Michele and her fight since 2002, when she first started participating in their events. Both Michele Alter and Brittany Zinn believe in MSABC’s commitment to create a future that’s free from breast cancer. “As we look to the road ahead, we are more determined and more inspired than ever before. It will unite Broward County communities to honor cancer survivors and caregivers touched by the disease and raise awareness and funds for a world without breast cancer,” said Trudy Spence. In years past, this event has raised over 700,000 dollars, which went towards funding breast cancer research and programs geared towards both men and women. At this time, the event will move forward in person, but it will keep federal, state, and local health guidelines in mind. As the fall season approaches, event-based decisions may be made to best meet the health and safety needs of everyone involved. Michele and Brittany hope to get as many people signed up to help raise funds. “Between now through October, people can fuel the fight against breast cancer by fundraising. It’s as easy as downloading the American Cancer Society FUNdraising App, which will allow you to register for the October event and ask for donations via email, text and social media,” said Michele Alter who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 32.

For many, being diagnosed is a life changing experience, and Michele believes that cancer lit a fire in her soul. Early during her treatment, she decided that she would not only beat cancer, but she would also volunteer and help The American Cancer Society fund a cure. “They were there for me when I needed them the most, so I feel blessed that I am here today ready and able to co-chair this year’s Making Strides/ Broward event.” Michele believes in the programs, because they were the only thing that helped her see the light during those moments of darkness. Brittany comes from an automotive family that happens to also be highly philanthropic. Her father, Craig Zinn, encourages everyone in his company to give back to the community. Despite wearing many hats, Brittany was eager to serve as co-chair for this year’s event to honor the memory of Ingrid, who was like a mother to her. “I’ve seen what breast cancer does to a person. Since I was young, Ingrid kept the true depth of her struggles from me. Had I known, I would have been there for her, much like The American Cancer Society was for Michele,” said Brittany.

According to the American Cancer Society journal, a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, there will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 and 608,570 cancer deaths in the United States. Given the pandemic, it’s believed that people with active cancer may be more susceptible to COVID-19, because of their impaired immune system. For that, the Broward chapter wants to ensure everyone that even if they cannot attend in person, the success of this event will depend on enthusiastic individuals who commit to raising funds, in addition to generous donors who will support those participants.

WHEN:

Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Huizenga Plaza, 32 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

REGISTRATION:

Click HERE to join the walk by signing up as an individual or team. Be sure to download the app to your phone and link the dashboard to Facebook. Fun Fact: Those that connect their fundraiser to FB, raise seven times more money.

image from Dina Allende for use by 360 Magazine

Participants at the 2019 event

image via The Oriel Company for 360 Magazine

A$AP TyY – 100 Rounds

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A$AP TYY DEBUTS NEWEST SINGLE 100 ROUNDS

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

KSUBI ANNOUNCES A$AP TYY AS FACE OF THEIR FIRST GOLD JEWELRY LINE KSUBI GOLD

CAMPAIGN FEATURES SINGLE 100 ROUNDS

Rising Harlem rapper from the A$AP Mob collective, A$AP TyY unveils new single 100 Rounds, released via AWAL.

Click HERE to listen to 100 Rounds.

In tandem with the single release, A$AP TyY has been officially announced as the face of Australian streetwear brand, Ksubi’s first gold jewelry line KSUBI GOLD which launched yesterday, August 10th. In the newly formed partnership, TyY is featured prominently in the brand’s campaign imagery as well as providing the soundtrack for the official campaign video with 100 Rounds. Watch HERE.

As a longtime fan of KSUBI and a regular at their Greene Street store in NYC, the partnership was a natural fit for A$AP TyY. Working alongside Ksubi Creative Director, Brad Triffitt, the campaign visual depicts TyY in a high-octane heist of the new Ksubi Gold line, where he flexes his passion and skill for quad biking as he flees the scene through the streets of Harlem and New York City. 100 Rounds provides the perfect backing soundtrack for this thrilling chase, given its gritty sound and rebellious energy. Furthering the partnership, the 100 Rounds track artwork is designed by Triffitt to coincide with the Ksubi campaign visual.

The release of 100 Rounds follows TyY’s return to music earlier this summer with his emotive track 1990. Written and recorded during the pandemic, the track reflects on the past and present and what it feels like to have your world crumble around you and shifting focus to rebuilding. Click HERE to listen/watch.

A$AP TyY is next up out of the infamous Harlem collective and he’s bringing back grit and hard-hitting rap sounds back to New York. His previous releases have received acclaim from Hypebeast, Complex, HotNewHipHop, and more.

About A$AP TyY

A$AP TyY tells a different kind of Harlem story. His story has all of the hustling, heart, and triumph over adversity you might have come to expect from the borough, but thereߣs much more to it. He quietly grew into a diverse and dynamic presence just as proficient on an ATV as he is on the mic. In 2015, he fueled a pair of bangers O Well and Chamber Lock with the late A$AP Yams. Locking into a groove, he unleashed the 2016 Best Kept Secret mixtape followed by the 2018 Troubles of the World mixtape. He also appeared on chart-busting projects such as A$AP Mobߣs Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy, which bowed at #6 on the Billboard Top 200. In between, he headlined packed shows on three continents, touring the U.S., China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Simultaneously, he hosted an art exhibit and established himself as a style icon, delivering everything from a goggle collaboration with KidSuper to opening Shanghai Fashion Week 2019 in his first runway appearance for INXX and walking in NYFW 2019 for Woo Lee Studios. He joined forces with Milan-based designer Guntas for a line featured in the Spring 2018 Guntas collection. Along the way, he picked up acclaim from Hypebeast, Complex, HotNewHipHop, and more.

Follow A$AP TyY via Instagram and Twitter.

Strawberry Cheesecake image provided by Kristen Mikkelson and RCA Records for use by 360 Magazine

Dempsey Hope × Strawberry Cheesecake

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Seattle-based artist on the rise Dempsey Hope releases his new track “strawberry cheesecake” via RCA Records. Listen HERE. “strawberry cheesecake” follows Dempsey’s latest tracks “birds”, “picture perfect”, “on my mind” and “autumn” which was featured in Billboard’s “10 Cool New Pop Songs To Get You Through The Week” column.

Dempsey says, “this record overall is a fun summer love song but “strawberry cheesecake” in this is a symbol for that special thing you can do for your significant other, maybe they’re in a bad mood or you messed up some plans you guys had and you need to make up for it so you stop and get their favorite treat. kinda like “brownie points” if you know what that means? my girlfriend doesn’t actually love strawberry cheesecake it was more of a metaphor, my girls equivalent to strawberry cheesecake is probably coffee or just my love and affection.”

Last fall, Dempsey released the dempsey hope project. The project was a collection of 10 songs that Dempsey had spent months working on and featured “baby blue” ft. Olivia O’Brien (watch the lyric video HERE) as well as fan favorites such as “roller rink” which was featured in Billboard’s “10 Cool New Pop Songs To Get You Through The Week,” “time flies” and “elephant in the room” feat. gnash.

How to Stay Safe Gaming Online

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Online gaming should be a fun and rewarding experience that, critically, does not have any lasting impact. Staying safe online is vital, especially when gaming, as it is all too easy for a fun and innocent activity to become malicious when the right steps have not been taken. That does not mean to say that gaming online is a dangerous activity. In fact, when you take the right steps, online gaming can be just as safe as playing in person with friends.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network, otherwise known simply as a VPN, is a great measure that everyone should use while gaming online. When you connect to a VPN, you connect to an encrypted server, which means that it becomes a lot more difficult for cybercriminals to track your movements. Not only does a VPN allow you to play anonymously, but it also hides your IP address, which makes you even more difficult to track.

Only Play on Trusted Sites

Before you begin playing online, it is important that you check to see that a site is trustworthy. There are many ways that you can check to see how trustworthy an online gaming site is; you could:

  • Check player reviews – looking at reviews of a gaming site, particularly the negative reviews, should help you learn if the site is unsafe. Make sure to check reviews at a respectable website.
  • Check for the right icons; some sites, like gambling sites, should be regulated by a range of international organizations. You should check to see if the site features the icons of the gaming authorities before playing.
  • Do your research; simply just reading up on the best gaming sites to use can help you to find the best, safe sites. Rather than doing the research yourself, you can easily compare the sites in one place and get playing a lot faster, safe in the knowledge that you are using a trusted site. Click here to compare. 

Keep Your Personal Information Private

Of course, sometimes, when you are buying an online game or signing up, you will have to input your personal details (only after checking the site is safe), but in other situations, you should keep your information private. For example, if you are playing an online multiplayer game, you should avoid using or giving out any personal information, including your name or location. Even if a player seems to be a friend of yours, you should never exchange personal information.

It is also vital that you use an appropriate username that does not give too much of your personal information out. You should also make sure to have a different password for every online gaming site that you use.

Install Anti-Virus Software

If you have taken the previous steps, then you can be pretty confident that you will be safe while playing online, but it is always better to be safe and sorry. You should install anti-virus software on your device to give you that extra layer of added security.

If you are playing games on a free site, it is common for these sites to use adverts, some of which might host more harmful, malicious software. You should be using a VPN and anti-virus software at all times to make sure you are staying safe online, whether you are playing a game or reading Wikipedia. 

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Photo via Eric Gyimah of Warner Music for use by 360 Magazine

ZAHARA × NQABA YAM

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NEW ALBUM ‘NQABA YAM’ IS OUT NOW

There will be light at the end of the tunnel is the recurring theme and text for Zahara’s most honest and personal album yet, Nqaba Yam.

Much like the fiery red dress she dons on the artwork for her anticipated fifth offering, Zahara is the ray of sunshine that many have yearned for in the midst of a global pandemic. Her latest body of work serves as a pick-me-up.

The soothing, healing and soulful melody of the 12-track album, paired with introspective lyrics oozes a newfound confidence in Zahara’s distinct voice. Her aura is effervescent and light as air. She’s letting her masterful guitar skills do all the talking, while taking listeners on a sonic stroll in a botanical garden.

Her new music is fresh, simple and organic like the cornrows she sports on her head. It’s evident in every delicate and soft note that she belts out that the Eastern Cape country girl has found her nirvana. Zahara has also spiritually connected with her faith and found solace in God’s mercy.

This is praise and worship music – given that Zahara va va voom!

With 10 years in the ever evolving music industry, multiple South African Music Awards (Samas), over 400 000 albums sold and 366 000 Instagram followers; Zahara has nothing more to prove.

So she instead welcomes us into her castle and introduces fans to her pillar of strength throughout her trials and tribulations – God.

Penning down every song on the album, Zahara reunites with producer and longtime collaborator Mojalefa “Mjakes” Thebe.

Titular track Nqaba Yam is the perfect album opener and set the tone quite well. Straight off the bet she lets listeners know that this is the gospel of Zahara away from the glitz and glamour. She has given all her trust and hope to the man upstairs. This song is a classic Zahara Afro-pop banger from the instrumental to the piercing vulnerability in her velvety vocals.

With a modern country guitar intro, Sinda Mphefumlo reminds us that Zahara is still unapologetically a country girl at heart. In this journal entry, she is fighting both her internal and external demons – her heart and soul are heavy.

Keeping with the country motif, Ndikhona has written all over it the potential of a Zahara anthem. She creates a mystery and keeps the listener guessing if this is a love letter to a friend or lover. But what’s clear is that Zahara has never sounded this good and felt such tenderness. So much so that she will make all the time in the world for such fondness.

Zahara makes a holy plea to God with emotionally-charged Ndincede. She has been in the trenches, a lot of unpleasant things have been said about her and she needs all the strength in the world to pull through it all. Her voice has never sounded brilliantly exposed and authentic.

Bawo is a first taste of Zahara in full gospel mode as she seems to start connecting with her faith and leaving it all in the Lord Almighty’s capable hands following her prayer request in the previous cut.

Halfway through the album, Zahara switches it up with Systems and our girl shows that she is woke as she fights social injustices. Long story short, Zahara is a freedom fighter. It’s a stripped down acoustic guitar number – exquisitely simple and elegant.

Fresh off making her political statement, Zahara gives a throwback to Sophiatown with Ntak’encinane. The mid-tempo tune displays a more fun and dancey Zahara for the first time on the album. The feel-good song will have you snapping your fingers and kicking up your heels in euphoria.

Senzeni has a maskandi vibe to it and is the most intense song on the album. It’s a female empowerment chant dedicated to victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Bring out the tissues!

Nyamezela is a stand-out track and very radio-friendly. This is a song for everyone with a relatable and strong message of resilience and courage. No mountain is too high with God by your side. The beat is electric, making it a road-trip banger with your windows rolled down.

Forgiveness is what Zahara preaches in Izolo, another mid-tempo song. Zahara nudges that holding onto grudges is never good for anyone – forget the pain of yesterday and focus on the promises of today.

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make love to the dance floor. Forever Yours is all the way up-tempo with a throbbing beat that demands that you lose your mind and morals. It says put me on repeat, full blast and sing along.

Zahara bows out with a message of hope for all the dreamers with Iphupho Lam. She was destined to be great, she is royalty and with God by her side she will continue on her trajectory to the top.

Global Street Dance Graphic for use by 360 Magazine

Red Bull Dance Your Style Announces Return

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The premiere one-on-one street dance competition will bring the country’s top street dance community together this fall

Red Bull Dance Your Style teams up with Caffeine to deliver interactive live streams from each stop on the 2021 USA Tour, allowing audiences everywhere to vote on their favorite dancers

The premiere one-on-one street dance competition Red Bull Dance Your Style returns, bringing together top dancers from around the world to connect and celebrate the diverse dance community. Returning with a stacked tour of U.S. qualifiers, the all-styles competition amplifies dance scenes from all corners of the country: Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington D.C.

Kicking off on Friday, September 10th from the iconic Boston harbor, the best in hip-hop, house, waacking, popping, krumping, locking, and more will battle one-on-one bracket style, performing against a spontaneous soundtrack – from mainstream hits to timeless classics. An audience of dance lovers will play judge, ultimately deciding which dancer will advance from each qualifier to the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA. With no panel of judges, no planned choreography, and no pre-chosen music, it’s all about embracing the moment, wowing the crowd and moving to the beat.

This year, for the first time ever, Caffeine will livestream all Red Bull Dance Your Style events taking place in the US. Caffeine produces and hosts some of the largest live streamed street culture events in the world. Millions of viewers tuned in over the past year to watch live battle rap from Ultimate Rap League, Tommy the Clown, and street dance from partners like BattleFest, and Turf Inc.,with new, related content launching every month.

The Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA in Washington D.C. spans a full weekend, taking place from Friday, October 22 through Saturday, October 23, and provides a platform for artists to come together. The programming will have a line-up of curated dance events, workshops and performances featuring DJ, producer, label owner, and director TT The Artist and other iconic dancers and scene leaders. This final competition will give dancers a last shot to move onto the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals, by battling wildcards at random including Angyil, Krow and Princess Lockeroo.

2021 RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE U.S. SCHEDULE

Following 80 events in over 39 countries all around the globe, dance’s heavy-hitters will come together to battle for the third-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style World Championship title. For more information about where to buy tickets and event details follow the Red Bull Dance Your Style website and be sure to follow Red Bull Dance on Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and Caffeine.

ABOUT RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE 

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global all-styles street dance event series with a unique battle format. From hip hop to house, to locking to popping – dancers participating in Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor.

illustration by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

New Orleans Nonprofits Announce First Equity in Hospitality Working Group

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Beloved Community, the racial and economic equity focused nonprofit, in partnership with the Made in New Orleans Foundation (MiNO), an organization that leads the world in growing, supporting, and financing the success of BIPOC in the hospitality industry, announced the inaugural class of Beloved Community’s Equity at Work: Hospitality. Funding is being provided by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Equity at Work: Hospitality is a first of its kind cohort-based program designed to guide restaurant, hotel, and other hospitality leaders to support a hospitality industry in New Orleans that works for all people, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) who have been historically and systematically marginalized across industries, in this country. Many of the cohort participants have engaged in previous workshops and conversations in the industry via MiNO, the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network and the Racial Equity Institute and were excited to take the next step towards creating policies and practices that forward equity.

“We’re inspired by the work that MiNO is leading in the New Orleans hospitality industry and are excited to see the positive change that can occur in a region when industry leaders deepen their commitments to racial and economic equity,” said Beloved Community Founder and CEO, Rhonda Broussard.

During this two-year program participating businesses will have the opportunity to conduct Beloved’s Equity Audit. The audit will examine areas of governance and leadership, supplier diversity, resources and finance, pedagogies, and curriculum, along with talent and adult culture. In addition to the equity audit, the program scope includes workplace training, consultation appointments, development of a three-year equity work plan, and access to a supportive community of likeminded business leaders committed to equity.

“We have been actively discussing and planning for an Equity at Work Hospitality cohort since 2019 and the events of the past year made it even more clear that this scope of work is crucial for this industry to be able to rebuild in a more racially and economically equitable way,” said Beloved Community Director of Education & Programming, Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston. Dr. Ralston will be serving alongside Kevin Lewis as project manager and consultant for the participating businesses.

Another benefit that Beloved Community and MiNo are offering is drop-in lunch and learn sessions beginning in October that will be open to any hospitality business in New Orleans, even those who are not participating in the full cohort experience. These one-hour sessions will focus on how to center racial equity & inclusion in your business practices.

The 23 New Orleans restaurants and hospitality organizations participating in the inaugural class include:

Addis
Bacchanal Wine and The Elysian Bar
Blue Giant
Commander’s Palace
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Delgado
Faubourg Brewery
Galaxie
Gracious Bakery
Habana Outpost New Orleans
Happy Raptor Distilling
Hotel Peter & Paul
Hotel Saint Vincent
LeBLANC+SMITH
Link Restaurant Group
Marjie’s Grill and Seafood Sally’s
Mister Mao
NOCHI
Paladar 511
Palm&Pine
Pizza Delicious
QED Hospitality
Reginelli’s Pizzeria
Windsor Court Hotel
Cafe Reconcile

“We are excited to be partnering with the equity experts of Beloved Community to address the deep-seated issues of racial inequality in the hospitality industry. The businesses that applied and were selected to join the inaugural class have taken an important step as a cohort to creating equitable work environments where all employees thrive,” said Lauren Darnell, Executive Director of Made in New Orleans.

About Beloved Community
Beloved Community, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a non-profit consulting firm focused on implementing sustainable solutions for racial and economic equity. Through individualized and personalized support, Beloved Community fosters open lines of communication and realistic plans to create and implement tangible, measurable systemic change at work, at home, and in schools. Our approach is universal, achieving results for organizations in the not-for-profit sector, hospitality, school administrations, affordable housing and beyond.

illustration by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

DELTA VARIANT PUTS NORMAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON AT RISK

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By: Clara Guthrie

There was a period in the late spring and early summer of this past year in which it seemed America’s COVID-19 struggles were nearing some long-awaited conclusion: the last few moments of breathlessness before a collective sigh of relief. At that time, students and their parents looked forward to a seemingly normal back-to-school season. Yet, the recent rise in the Delta variant has introduced a new wave of doubt.

On August 8 alone, The New York Times reported 36,068 new Covid-19 cases and a seven-day average of 110,360 total cases in the United States. Covid-related deaths are also on the rise, with a seven-day average of 516 deaths. This figure has risen from a weekly average of 188 deaths only one month prior, on July 6. Experts attribute these rising numbers to the highly contagious Delta variant overlaid with low vaccination rates in certain areas across the country. When asked about these trends in mid-July, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, “This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated. We are seeing outbreaks of cases in parts of the country that have low vaccination coverage because unvaccinated people are at risk.”

Unfortunately, as the Delta variant continues to run rampant throughout unvaccinated communities, people who are fully vaccinated are also being infected. Although, it is far rarer. These “break-through” cases speak mainly to the wild infectiousness of the Delta variant, coupled with the facts that no vaccine is 100% effective and that our knowledge of how long immunity lasts after vaccination is still quite murky. According to CNBC, however, “break-through” cases still represent fewer than 0.08% of those who have been fully vaccinated in the United States since the start of the year.

With that being said, the Delta variant is impacting the hopes of a normal back-to-school season in two distinct ways. The first, perhaps more obvious way, is that parents and teachers are fearing for students’ health. This fear suggests a potential return to online learning and more strict social distancing and mask mandates enforced within schools.

It is important to note that COVID-19 poses a far lesser threat to young children than to adults; the risk of becoming severely ill from the virus increases for those over the age of 50 and only grows with age. According to the CDC, the risk of serious illness or complications from COVID-19 for children is actually lower than that from the flu. However, children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for any form of vaccination. This restriction is raising concerns about how susceptible younger age groups are to becoming sick, even if that sickness does not lead to any serious complications.

Thus, many parents and school districts are pursuing a range COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of students. Time Magazine shared a story last week of a school board in Des Moines, Iowa that has already decided to offer a virtual learning option for elementary school students. The ability to transition to in-person learning is available whenever the family feels comfortable enough to do so. This move was, in part, forced by the recent ruling of eight states, including Iowa, to ban schools from being able to require masks – despite the CDC’s recommendation that all students should wear masks inside schools, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated. “Had we been able to follow the CDC recommendations that everyone in school is masked, regardless of their vaccine status—if we were able to mandate that, then I think we’d be having a different conversation here,” Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines’ Polk County public schools, said.

Other counties are having similar struggles, even without the imposition from state governments to ban mask mandates within schools. For example, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in May that all online learning would be eliminated come fall, a decision that he has not yet reversed. But many parents are now petitioning for online options for their children as safety concerns continue to rise. One parent, Farah Despeignes, who is the president of the Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group and has two middle-school-aged sons, said, “When you think about the conditions of the schools with old buildings, with not enough ventilation, that are co-located, that are overcrowded—for us, in the Bronx, in underserved communities, it’s not as simple as, ‘Well, let’s just get back to school.’”

In California, options for students are equally limited. According to The Los Angeles Times, the state has done away with “hybrid learning, ”a combination of in-person and online learning. As a result of such, Los Angeles County parents had until August 6 to choose between either solely in-person or online learning for their children. The latter option is expected to take the form of an independent study, rather than the supportive online learning of last school year. On August 6th, L.A. Unified School District reported that only 10,280 of their almost 665,000 students opted for the online option.

The second prominent way in which the Delta variant is affecting back-to-school season is through the shopping behavior of students and their families. Back when the hopes of a normal school year were still high, The National Retail Federation predicted that consumers with children K-12 would spend a record-breaking 37.1 billion dollars this year. Furthermore, it was predicted that back-to-college spending would reach 71 billion dollars. These predictions were due to the excitement associated with a long-awaited return to the classroom after over a year away, when items like lunchboxes and backpacks seemed superfluous.

However, according to a recent poll by First Insight, many consumers are feeling anxious about returning to stores, trying on clothing in dressing rooms and making big purchases due to the risk of the Delta variant. In fact, 56% of respondents said they are actively cutting back their spending at retailers. The CEO of Bath Bed & Beyond, Mark Tritton, told CNBC that their stores have observed people delaying their back-to-school investments, and that peak spending may extend further into September than usual.

As many students return to their classrooms and the Food and Drug Administration continues to work on improving vaccines for individuals under the age of 12, it will become more and more clear how great of a mark Covid-19 has left on the American schooling system and the children within it.

Thompson Hollywood image for use by 360 magazine

THOMPSON HOLLYWOOD LOS ANGELES

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THOMPSON HOLLYWOOD DEBUTS IN THE HEART OF LOS ANGELES

The 190-Room Property Expands Thompson Hotels’ West Coast Footprint with Interior Design by Tara Bernerd & Partners, Signature Dining Concepts from Acclaimed Chef Lincoln Carson, the Bar Lis Rooftop Lounge and Beyond

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is proud to announce the debut of Thompson Hollywood, the luxury lifestyle hotel situated on Wilcox Avenue near Hollywood and Vine. A dynamic mix of global sophistication, hyperVaughn-local immersion and intuitive service, the prime location embodies the Thompson Hotels brand’s promise to provide guests with the ultimate “in-the-know” experience at the refined edge of travel. The new 11-story hotel features 190 mid-century-inspired guestrooms, including 16 suites, a sophisticated feature dining concept from acclaimed LA-based chef Lincoln Carson and Bar Lis, a destination rooftop lounge and pool with unparalleled city views. Sure to be a gathering spot for tasteful travelers and the eclectic Hollywood community alike, the much-anticipated project is owned by Relevant Group in collaboration with Steinberg Hart for architecture and interior design by Tara Bernerd & Partners, with Ten Five Hospitality overseeing food and beverage.

Innovative Design and Enviable City Views

Thoughtfully designed by renowned London-based interior architecture studio Tara Bernerd & Partners, the 11-floor hotel innovatively combines the hallmarks of timeless elegance with a raw industrial edge to create a unique atmosphere that is relaxing and inspiring, familiar, and new. The overall design is bold and confident, drawing upon the West Coast Modernist movement and a dash of Hollywood glamour as inspirations to seamlessly blend for a contemporary and elegant approach throughout.

Upon entry, a trellis-covered walkway beckons guests to a lobby adorned in mid-toned timber and teeming with verdant greenery, forming a tranquil and welcoming haven upon arrival. A spectacular custom terrazzo floor awaits guests underfoot, featuring an intricate metal inlay pattern that perfectly complements the elegant mid-century and contemporary furniture, bespoke Tara Bernerd & Partners rugs and inviting terrazzo reception desk. The convenient lobby bar – topped with a striking retro-green onyx – serves up coffee, cocktails, or casual bites for those coming, going, or staying to socialize, all with the laid-back hospitality and inclusive spirit emblematic of the Thompson Hotels brand’s desire to ensure everyone who walks through the doors feels more like a resident than a guest.

Throughout the property and into the guestrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows flood rooms with natural sunlight, offering sweeping vantage points of the Hollywood Hills and beyond, and immersing guests directly in the city’s bustling energy. Guest bathrooms feature walls and vanities finished in rich terrazzo amidst contrasting pale-tiled floors, while exclusive D.S. & DURGA amenities add another touch of luxury to the experience. An honor bar containing various curated selections, lustrous Egyptian cotton linens, 55-inch smart televisions, and a state-of-the art 24-hour fitness studio round out the other exceptional amenities that elevate every stay.

Through layers of inviting textures, timeless mid-century furniture and finishings, luxurious terrazzo details and a curated selection of modern art throughout, Thompson Hollywood redefines the notion of Hollywood glamour and is poised to become one of Los Angeles’ chicest destinations for culturally astute travelers and locals alike.

“Every touchpoint of the Thompson Hollywood experience has been concepted for the discerning traveler, particularly as pent-up travel demand has tourists and locals seeking memorable moments,” states Bruno Vergeynst, Managing Director of Thompson Hollywood. “Whether it’s the thoughtfully designed lobby and guestrooms by Tara Bernerd & Partners, chef Carson’s sophisticated dining concepts, the Bar Lis rooftop lounge or our intuitive guest programming, Thompson Hollywood invites guests to embrace a breezy Angeleno lifestyle.”

Evocative Food and Beverage Concepts 

Thompson Hotels are known for featuring world-class culinary destinations on property. Thompson Hollywood features two exceptional food and beverage experiences created and operated by Ten Five Hospitality. They include the Martin Brudnizki-designed signature restaurant, Mes Amis, a modern French brasserie, and Bar Lis, a French Riviera-inspired rooftop bar with spectacular wraparound views of Hollywood and Greater Los Angeles.

Helmed by celebrated chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis (French for “My Friends”) draws inspiration from bustling cafés and brasseries from Paris to Lyon while reflecting a decidedly Southern California sensibility. The menu reinterprets classic French dishes with an approachable bent, using the freshest produce and ingredients from local farms and markets, including the world-renowned Hollywood Farmers’ Market. Mes Amis is a new chapter for chef Carson following his nationally acclaimed Bon Temps, which received accolades from Food & Wine, Esquire and the Los Angeles Times. An industry leader and James Beard Foundation-nominated pastry chef, Carson’s background also includes stints at New York’s Le Bernardin, La Cote Basque, The Mina Group, Superba Food + Bread and more.

Designed by Bernadette Blanc, Bar Lis sits atop Thompson Hollywood, representing the crown jewel of the experience. Chic without pretention, the new rooftop bar captures the iconic spirit and playfully sophisticated vibe of the Cote D’Azur. Serving inventive cocktails as well as fresh bites of locally sourced seafood, crudité and authentic bistro classics under the open sky, guests can enjoy Sunset Hour with unobstructed views of the Hollywood Hills, including the Hollywood sign. Bar Lis’ retractable roof ensures all-weather, all-year-round entertainment while a dedicated entrance with private elevator allows for more exclusive soirees. At night, Bar Lis comes alive with vintage and contemporary DJ sets, making it the perfect spot to top off the stay.

“Introducing Thompson Hollywood in one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after real estate market is a groundbreaking move for the hospitality brand,” says Grant King, Managing Partner of Relevant Group. “This property not only perfectly sits at the storied intersection of the technology, media and entertainment realms, but will inevitably heighten Hollywood’s visibility as a coveted hospitality destination.”

Located nearby to Sunset Strip, Runyon Canyon, the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Boulevard, the Capitol Records Building and more, Thompson Hollywood sits at the very nexus of Los Angeles’ most appealing sites. The property joins other Thompson Hotels that are slated to debut in 2021, including Thompson Savannah, Thompson Denver, Thompson Buckhead and Thompson Austin.

Nightly rates begin at $399. For more information about Thompson Hollywood, please click here.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here.

1931 Bentley 4.5 Litre Supercharged Sports Tourer car from Linden Bray, Influence Associates for use by 360 Magazine

A BOUNTIFUL COLLECTION OF BENTLEYS JOINS CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

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The Concours of Elegance – famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created – will showcase some of the world’s most extraordinary Bentleys at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display. Taking place from 3-5 September, the event is renowned as one of the top three concours d’elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.

Since it started manufacturing cars in 1919, Bentley has established itself as a pinnacle of both luxury and performance. Built upon the company’s racing pedigree – five victories at Le Mans in the 1920s, plus a sixth in 2003 – Bentley is known across the globe for creating cars with an unrivaled blend of speed and the finest craftsmanship and materials.

Among the earliest Bentleys on display is ‘YB 633’, a very original 1926 6 ½-litre Sports Tourer. The car is reputed to be the last 11 foot chassis with the original one-off aluminum body still on the car – a four-light drop head coupe with a dickey seat and wind-up windows, referred to as a “Simplex Coupe” by Coachbuilder H J Mulliner. In Bentley factory records the car is referred to as a “3/4 folding head coupe”. The car also features its originally installed engine.

Alongside it, is ‘YW 5758’ a 1928 Bentley 4 ½-litre Le Mans Team Car – the most decorated original-bodied car in existence – still featuring its original chassis number, engine number, body number and body. The car’s impeccable racing history includes second place in class at the 1928 Newtownards TT, fifth at the inaugural 1929 Irish International Grand Prix at Phoenix Park, and class winner and third overall, at the 1929 ‘Six Hour Race’ at Brooklands. The car also placed fourth at Le Mans in 1929. The car continued its successes into the 1930s, and is still used regularly at historic meetings today.

Also on display is another Bentley 4 ½-litre with a different kind of history. ‘GC 6002’ was originally delivered via Jack Olding & Co to a Mr Arthur Grout in 1930. Arthur was the landlord of The Southampton Arms which was at the centre of the ‘race track wars’ of the 1920s – recently made famous by the Netflix series ‘Peaky Blinders’. The car is a sports four seater by Vanden Plas with fully valanced wings finished in green. Unfortunately for Arthur, the car’s commanding looks would do nothing to ward off the creditors – his failure to keep up repayments meant the vehicle was returned to the factory in 1935, as denoted on the chassis record. The car has never been rebuilt, only maintained, and is in regular use today, having covered less than 100,000 miles in more than nine decades.

Also gracing the pathways of Hampton Court is an early example of a ‘blown’ Bentley – a 1931 Bentley 4 ½-litre supercharged. The addition of the supercharger was facilitated by then racing driver Tim Birkin who, in 1929, suddenly found himself hopelessly outclassed by the supercharged Mercedes cars that were running away on the straights. Birkin approached engineer, Charles Amherst Villiers, who had already made his name with Brescia Bugattis and the supercharged Villiers Vauxhall Special, and commissioned him to design a super-charger installation for the 4½-litre Bentley. Villiers also reworked the engine to cope with the strains imposed by the supercharger. The example on display at the Concours retains its original four-seater open sports body by Vanden Plas, and its original colour scheme of black with fine lining in red.

Rounding out the selection of 1930s Bentleys is ‘WD 4499’ which is a 1932 Bentley 8-litre, and the 64th of the 100 8-litre Bentleys built in 1930–31. The 8-litre was designed as a fast, powerful chassis capable of carrying heavy closed coachwork with sports car levels of performance. Indeed when the 8-litre was introduced at the 1930 Olympia Show it was the fastest production chassis in the world, capable of 103mph at 3,500rpm. This particular car is a long wheelbase model, with coachwork by H J Mulliner finished in black and green.

These are just some of the beautiful Bentleys that will be on display, with many more examples forming a line-up with the Bentley Drivers’ Club. This display is part of the additional content that makes up the near-1,000 cars on display during the Concours of Elegance, also including a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.

Special features for 2021 will also gather together a line-up of Future Classics, representing the potential concours d’elegance stars of the next 50 years, a celebration of 60 years of the Jaguar E-type and a Veteran Car Run display, gathering the pre-1905 motoring pioneers that each year make their pilgrimage from London to Brighton.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewelry and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces. New long-term partners joining the event in 2021 include The Peninsula London Hotel and Residences, Gooding & Co and McLaren.

Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now ranging from standard entry tickets to full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from Concourse of Elegance.

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About the annual Concours of Elegance

Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organized by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyrioodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.

Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that also looks after the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit Historic Royal Palaces.