On March 28, the urbanist city in China of Shanghai began to lockdown. As of now, all people continue to be quarantined at home, with schools and businesses closed.
During the extended quarantine of Shanghai, the number of infections has continued to climb. A few things about the gravity of the lockdown are worth noting.
First is the treatment of positive patients. In most countries, people with mild infections only need to be quarantined at home to wait for self-recovery. China differs from often countries as they have adopted centralized quarantine, which includes quarantine of close contacts.
After the outbreak, countless shelter hospitals were built in Shanghai, with some schools, office buildings, and stadiums were requisitioned to build shelter hospitals. Because the speed of construction could not keep up with the spread of the virus, many covid positive patients waited at home for more than a week for treatment and were later sent to shelter hospitals even after testing negative. Many patients even spend whole days in transfer cars because all the shelter hospitals are full.
The conditions of shelter hospitals are also very diverse. Some places have sufficient food supply, and the environment is very hygienic. However, the sanitary conditions of some hospitals are shocking. Hundreds of people share one restroom, and in severe cases, toilets may even be filled with excrement.
Next, it is important to dicsuss the lack of food, specifically outage of all packages and restaurant delivery. The government issued a statement on March 28th, which entailed the Pudong district being locked down from March 28th to April 1st. Remaining areas would be locked down from April 1st to April 5th. Many people stored food for four days as directed by the government, but Shanghai’s lockdown was not lifted by the fourth day.
The government distributes food and daily necessities to residents, but the food everyone received could not sustain a month-long confinement. Some open supermarkets began taking orders in the morning hours, but a community with tens of thousands of people can only take hundreds of orders, leaving most citizens with no way to order food.
As a result, some people spontaneously initiated group purchases, with a resident of the community as the leader, negotiating with food suppliers, and then ordering the food needed by the entire community, and then distributing them by themselves. In communities with few households, everyone can only rely on supermarket deliveries.
Lastly, non-COVID-19 patients have not been receiving adequate treatment. During the quarantine period, all citizens were unable to leave their homes, which led to the difficulty of seeing a doctor for patients with underlying diseases. There are many patients who need hemodialysis, chemotherapy, and surgery that cannot be treated in time.
For emergency patients, it is even more difficult, because hospitals need Covid PCR test reports within 24 hours before they can accept patients. There are some acutely ill patients, such as myocardial infarction, renal failure, etc., who died at the hospital gate because they were waiting for the PCR test report.
As April 21, Shanghai had been closed for 24 days, with the number of infected people beginning to slowly decline on April 17. The government declared that “Zero-Covid policy” must be implemented. It remains to be seen where Shanghai will go in the future.
Warner Music artists took the stage at the prestigious Latin American Music Awards 2022. The ceremony was broadcast live from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on the TelemundoNetwork.
The energy of the numerous dazzling performances by Warner Music artists, including Jesse & Joy, Lit Killah, Maria Becerra, Sofia Reyes, and Tiago PZK, was felt by attendees and their colleagues in the audience. As the opening act of the ceremony, several artists joined forces in solidarity with Ukraine along with artist NK and Black Eyed Peas performing their song “Where Is The Love,” in which Warner Music artists Lit Killah, Sofia Reyes and Tiago PZK were part of.
Among the stellar musical performances by Warner Music artists was Jesse & Joy’s captivating performance of their hit song “Respirar,”which will be part of their upcoming album “Clichés,” which will be available on May 6th. The duo delighted the Latin American Music Awards audience on a stage surrounded by flowers.
Mexican artist, Sofia Reyes, followed with an electrifying performance alongside Los Angeles Azules and Esteman of their song “Esa Parte De Mi,” making it the first live performance of the track. During the night, Sofia Reyes also presented the “Best Regional Mexican Song” category along with Panamanian artist, Akim. This comes after the huge success of her song “Marte” with Maria Becerra, which reached the #1 spot on Spotify in Argentina.
Later in the gala’s big night, emerging artists leading the new wave of urban artists coming out of Argentina, Tiago PZK, Lit Killah, and Maria Becerra, took the stage with a magical and mesmerizing performance of Tiago PZK’s hit single, “Entre Nosotros Remix,”causing an immense amount of excitement among the audience. All this success follows Tiago PZK’s recent single release “Hablando de Love” and Lit Killah’s hit collaboration “KU” alongside De La Ghetto and L-Gante.
Maria Becerra, the Argentinean artist who continues her global domination, also took home the “New Artist of the Year” award, in addition to her three performances during the night.
Also, among Warner Music’s winners of the night were superstars Anitta and Myke Towers. Anitta took home an award in the “Favorite Video” category for her global hit “Girl From Rio” and Myke Towers won in the “Favorite Pop Song” category for “Para del Año” with Sebastian Yatra.
Once again Warner Music has positioned itself as one of the most renowned record labels at a global level.
Nothing signifies a night out quite like the experience of a perfect cocktail made by an expert bartender surrounded by close friends. Yet, when entertaining at home, many hosts opt for wine or a basic spirit and mixer, because they are easier to make and serve – that is, until now. Beginning May 1, Batch & Bottle will be available nationwide to simplify the home cocktail experience with three simple steps: chill, pour & garnish.
Batch & Bottle, a range of four premium, pre-batched, ready-to-serve cocktails, features some of the world’s most beloved spirits brands, bringing bar-ready cocktails directly to your home, effortlessly elevating any hosting occasion. Created by the family-owned, independent spirits company William Grant & Sons, Batch & Bottle marks the parent company’s first major foray into the Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cocktail space.
Made with meticulous attention to detail, the Batch & Bottle offerings include the Monkey ShoulderLazy Old Fashioned, the brainchild of Joe Petch, the Monkey Shoulder Global Ambassador; the Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan, which leverages the Icelandic glacial vodka and unique ingredients to create a reimagined twist on the classic cosmopolitan; the Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan, which includes the secret ‘Granny Gordon’s bitters’ recipe for a cocktail that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world; and the Hendrick’s GinMartini, created by Ms. Lesley Gracie, the Hendrick’s Master Distiller, in collaboration with five of the world’s best bars—Brujas, Nutmeg & Clove, Yaldy, Maybe Sammy, and Nauticus—to deliver a light, yet intriguingly complex flavor.
“As consumer drinking occasions continue to rapidly evolve, and as Ready-To-Drink cocktails continue to explode in popularity across the US, we want to arm our fans with elevated and exciting cocktail options from the iconic brands they already know and love,” said Paul Basford, William Grant & Sons US President and Managing Director.
“As Master Distillers, industry leaders and cocktail aficionados, we know our spirits best, so we wanted to offer our expertise, batched for people to be able to finally enjoy bar quality cocktails at home, without the hassle. Batch & Bottle is uniquely positioned to meet consumers’ desires for premium quality drinks that they can share with their friends, with total ease of enjoyment.”
With a range of different tastes, moods and occasions, Batch & Bottle allows consumers to amp up a date night, a dinner party for your dearest friends, or anything in between. With simple a simple three step prep, you only have to chill, pour and add the appropriate cocktail garnish to indulge in the Batch & Bottle.
“The ready-to-drink category today offers consumers more choices than ever before, but none are doing what Batch & Bottle is: delivering full-proof, bar-quality drinks that look striking on any bar cart or dinner table and elevate a special evening with the perfect cocktail for any palate,” said Jared Currier, Brand Manager, Innovation at William Grant & Sons. “And the exceptional ease of service—just chill in advance, pour into your favorite glass and add a garnish—means that offering an incredible cocktail is finally as easy as opening a bottle of wine.”
Let’s dive into each of the four Batch & Bottle expressions:
Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned: An Old Fashioned should be no-nonsense. So, what better malt for the job than one that’s made for mixing? The Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned combines Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky’s rich, vibrant and smooth blend with bold, bespoke bitters and golden sugar to give imbibers a legendary Old Fashioned.
Recommended Serve: Chill and pour over ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan: The mighty Manhattan needs a mighty Scotch. So, Batch & Bottle chose a bold contender: Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This bright and balanced single malt soothes the sharp bitters and envelops the sweet vermouth, creating a cocktail both bold and delicate.
Recommended Serve: Chill and pour neat. Garnish with an orange twist.
Hendrick’s Gin Martini: The Hendrick’s Gin Martini is distilled with the unusual inclusion of cucumber and rose, and replete with undertones of floral, citrus and herbal curiosity. The Hendrick’s Gin Martini is light, yet complex.
Recommended Serve: Freeze or stir over ice for extra chill. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan: Fans can plummet into adventurous Icelandic depths with this playful Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan. The glacial Reyka Vodka, made of Iceland, mingles natural rhubarb, tangy blood orange and zingy fresh lime to create an eruption of Icelandic intrigue.
Recommended Serve: Freeze or shake over ice for extra chill. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Previously made available in the UK and Australia, Batch & Bottle will be available nationwide in a 375ml bottle for a suggested retail price of $16.99. Each 375ml Batch & Bottle cocktail contains a recommended four to five serves and cocktails range from 25% to 35% in ABV.
To stay up to date on the latest with Batch & Bottle, head HERE or follow on social at @BatchandBottleUS.
About Batch & Bottle
Batch & Bottle contains a range of luxurious pre-mixed cocktails from some of the world’s most iconic spirits brands, including a Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned, Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan, Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan and Hendrick’s Gin Martini—all meant to be simply chilled, poured and garnished.
Batch & Bottle is available in a 375ml bottle for a suggested retail price of $16.99. Each 375ml Batch & Bottle cocktail contains a recommended four to five serves and cocktails range from 25% to 35% in ABV. For more information on Batch & Bottle, head to batchandbottlecocktails.us or follow on social at @BatchandBottleUS.
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W.® Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie® Scotch Liqueur.
Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the US with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Drambuie, Milagro Tequila, Fistful of Bourbon, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Flor de Caña Rum, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit HERE.
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad has debuted new single ‘Favorite Peeps,’ the second offering from his upcoming album, The Way That Lovers Do, which is set for arrival on May 20th via Elektra Records. Recorded at Seattle’s secluded Bear Creek Studio with Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers, Vance Joy), the album features 11 brand-new tracks about human love, friendship, and connectivity. The Way That Lovers Do is available for preorder now via Elektra Records.
The deceptively light and sweet sounding ‘Favorite Peeps’ describes a low point in the singer’s life. “I realized how your friends and your family and people who love you , they can really help you push through the bad thoughts in your head,” Kuhad revealed. “And being there for them feels like a responsibility that gets you back on track.”
Last month, Kuhad shared intimate lead single ‘Just A Word,’ which arrived alongside a whimsical music video directed by Alex DiMarco (Khalid, Lauv, Wiz Khalifa). In celebration of the record, Kuhad also announced The Way That Lovers Do tour, a North American headline run which kicks off June 2nd in Dallas, TX. The monthlong trek includes a performance at Lodge Room in Los Angeles on June 7th before wrapping up at New York City’s Irving Plaza on June 28th.
April 19, Kuhad announced additional tour dates in San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Boston due to overwhelming demand, with general on-sale for the new dates beginning Friday, April 22nd at 10am local time (tour itinerary below). For up-to-date ticketing information, please visit HERE.
Last year, Kuhad shared the Shehron Ke Raaz EP, a four-track collection that included an acoustic version of his 2020 breakout hit ‘Kasoor,’ and was heralded by singles ‘Tere Hi Hum’ and the EP’s title track. Kuhad returned to his Indian roots on the project, recording in Bombay and singing in Hindi as he explored the intimate, often hidden worlds that lovers create for themselves. In 2020, the artist announced his signing to Elektra Records, making history as the first solo Indian act to join the storied label. The news was heralded by the re-release of his 2018 breakthrough EP cold / mess, lauded by Atwood Magazine an “an utterly breathtaking, expansive piece of indie folk mastery.” The collection has racked up critical praise from NPR, Vulture, Billboard, Uproxx, and former President Barack Obama, who featured ‘cold / mess on his 2019 Songs of the Year playlist.
About Prateek Kuhad
Hailed byRolling Stone India as “one of the country’s leading singer-songwriters,” Prateek Kuhad has been quietly carving out a unique role for himself as a globally recognized pop musician from India for just over a decade. Originally from the northern city of Jaipur, Kuhad, who sings in Hindi and English, easily connects with fans of all ages and backgrounds.
Earning comparisons to indie balladeers like Sufjan Stevens and Jose Gonzalez, Kuhad has generated universal praise and accolades for his pop and folk-driven songs about love and desire in all its forms. His third studio album, The Way That Lovers Do, arrives May 20th via Elektra Records andfeatures 11 brand-new tracks about human love, friendship, and connectivity. Recorded at Seattle’s secluded Bear Creek Studio with Ryan Hadlock (The Lumineers, Vance Joy), Kuhad for the first time was writing and recording away from the circle of musicians he was accustomed to being around during the recording process. Ultimately, the process forced him to adapt and learn to work with a fresh set of collaborators, freeing his mind and arriving at Kuhadߣs most authentic album to date.
Prateek’s debut album In Tokens and Charms was an instant hit earning the artist an MTV Europe Music Award, Indie Album of the Year honors from iTunes, and the title of Best Pop Artist at the Radio City Freedom Awards. The album’s opening track, ‘Oh Love,’ captured first place in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition, which previously helped launch artists like Gotye and Passenger to global audiences. Kuhad has sold out auditorium and amphitheater dates across India, landed arena support slots with the likes of Alt-J and Mike Posner, and traveled the world for headline and festival performances in the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and France.
Set course for a bridal Fair on the Pier! To gear up for wedding season, Sable at Navy Pier will host its first ever Bridal Fair on Sunday, April 24 from 11am to 5pm. This bridal showcase will be held at the first and only hotel located on Navy Pier that also features a Latin-inspired restaurant Lirica, and the world’s largest rooftop deck, Offshore. Offering patrons world-class food and beverage and luxurious accommodations, this event will showcase premier Chicagoland vendors in bridalwear, event planning, floral, jewelry and more! The Bridal Fair is free to attend, and patrons can RSVP by registering here.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this inaugural showcase to Chicago’s Navy Pier,” said Scott Waters, Hotel Manager at Sable. “We believe we offer a truly unique experience for the newly engaged with not just one, but three spectacular spaces to choose from for their upcoming nuptials with the help of some exclusive vendors to make wedding planning a breeze.”
Attendees will be offered light bites and passed bubbles throughout the event, with the opportunity to enjoy a pop-up food station from 12pm-2pm, along with light massages courtesy of Windy City Massage. The event will also feature several raffle drawings with grand prizes such as a Theater Date Night Package which includes two tickets to The Notebook at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, an overnight stay at Sable, and a prix-fixe dinner for two at Lirica; and a Stay-cation On The Water Package which includes a Lake Michigan cruise for two courtesy of City Cruises Chicago, an overnight stay at Sable, and a breakfast experience for two at Lirica. Other unique raffle prizes will include a $100 Lirica gift card, as well as gift certificates to Offshore and a floral arrangement gift certificate courtesy of Cresco Stems. The fun will continue after the event at Lirica, where patrons are invited to enjoy live music at the restaurant from 5pm-7pm.
Please visit HERE or call 872.710.5700 to learn more about this exclusive bridal fair.
About Sable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton
Perched astride one of Chicago’s most beloved and iconic destinations, Sable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton, is poised to become one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Bringing together world-class accommodations and spectacular city and Lake Michigan views, the property offers patrons 223 guest room and suite options which feature floor to ceiling windows that allow for unbeatable views in every room, along with corner room upgrades, serenity beds, and spacious living room areas, plus over 44,150 square feet of corporate, banquet, and restaurant event space, as well as on-site dining concepts including the world’s largest rooftop restaurant & bar recognized by Guinness Book of Records, Offshore Rooftop & Bar. With walking proximities to The Navy Pier Fireworks, the Children’s Museum, The Crystal Gardens, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Sable at Navy Pier will serve patrons in need of a safe staycation option, as well as those traveling in and out of town for business, leisure, and upcoming events as they begin to appear.
About Maverick Hotels & Restaurants
Headquartered in Chicago and Boston, Maverick Hotels & Restaurants is a national developer and operator of distinctive hotel, resort and dining properties, focused on impeccable operations, understanding the unique needs of owners and unparalleled appeal to consumers. The firm’s portfolio and development pipeline include flagship property Sable at Navy Pier, a Curio Collection by Hilton, which is home to the world’s largest rooftop bar. Company Founder & CEO Robert J. Habeeb, CHA and President & COO Robin Kirk have more than 60 years combined institutional and entrepreneurial experience in the hotel industry, including in development, investment and operations. For more information, visit HERE.
The France team took gold in the first medal event in which sixteen nations went head to head in a test of driving, navigation skills and team work.
Competitors tackled tough terrain on a specially built off-road course with water obstacles, a rock crawl and steep inclines.
The Duke awarded medals to the top finishers, with the team from France taking gold, Romania finishing second, and Georgia claiming bronze.
The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 presented by Jaguar Land Rover is a multi-national adaptive sporting event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen, servicewomen and veterans, and includes archery, athletics, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
Laura Wood, Head of Global PR Brand and Partnerships, Land Rover, said:
“The long-awaited Games began in true Invictus style today – with passion, team work and sheer dedication. The commitment shown from every competitor was unprecedented. We celebrate each one of them and all those who played a part in their journey here today. I know everyone at Jaguar Land Rover wishes each of them the very best of luck for the rest of the Games.”
The Land Rover Driving Challenge is the first medal opportunity of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 preceding the opening ceremony on 16 April.
Modern dating apps are often draining, sucking the fun out of the thrilling experience that finding a partner should be. Amidst the craze of hookup culture, it’s hard for those of us looking for a real relationship to find someone that isn’t just in search of a fun night. Luckily, we’ve found the perfect app that is based all around fostering positive relationships – its not a dating app, it’s the relationship app – Official.
Make things official with Official, the app that nurtures positive relationships no matter what stage of dating you’re in. Via the app, users have the choice to swipe “Yay” or “Nay” to differing date ideas. To “match” with a partner, you both have to choose “Yay” for a specific date idea. Once matched up, you can plan a date immediately, or you can come back to your match later.
Official encompasses an array of features for partners to build and cultivate positive relationships. From well-needed daily check-ins, a personalized intimacy section, a shared notes folder, countdowns to special events and the opportunity to earn points through practicing healthy relationship habits, Official encompasses all of the tools that you need to cultivate a strong, open partnership.
Official was founded by Zac Stern, business expert and graduate from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Interning with a selection of startup companies throughout his college years, Zac knew that he was interested in this realm of business ventures. Working as a VC his senior year at Stern, he worked his way up to become an associate just in time for his graduation in 2020. Diving into other projects, Zac knew that he wanted to begin his own development in the realm of dating apps, which birthed Official.
Created to encourage healthy relationships, Zac built Official around the next-generation model of social media and apps. The app has continuously gained widespread acclaim, becoming viral on TikTok, and rising to the #5 placement atop the US on Apple’s Lifestyle Charts.
360 Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Zac regarding the app’s inspiration, its various features and why you should start dating on Official.
What inspired you to create Official app?
While working in VC, I analyzed the business models of everything from jetpacks to cancer research; dating apps somehow fall within that range. When looking at a business, you learn that you want to keep your customer. This may seem relatively obvious, but not when it comes to dating apps. Dating apps are an interesting business because they lose their customers when they do their job correctly. But, the same thing happens when they do their job poorly, or when an outside force accomplishes their “goal.” So, from a financial perspective, I realized that it made more sense to focus on helping people stay together because the longer they are together, the longer they want to be our customers. Official switched the incentive so that when our users are happy in their relationship, we win, and if our users struggle in their relationship, we lose.
On the personal side, I was dating someone long-distance at the beginning of 2019 while still in school and studying abroad. I was in London; she was in NYC. I met her two weeks before I left to study abroad, so we started our relationship with many calls, texts, and facetimes. To remember everything, I made a note on my phone about her, another note about her family, Instagram-saved things to do in the future, and pinned every future date spot on my phone’s map. While tedious, this was the only option I thought of. I knew there had to be an easier way. Many of my friends were in relationships, and I noticed everyone wanted to be the “perfect” couple: the couple that had the best dates, cutest photos, and best sex. All of these things happening led me to the idea of Official.
Walk us through the different features available to the couples who join Official.
Official’s goal is to help couples through promoting self-discovery and enhancing communication between partners. We do this because we know how important it is to communicate with your partner and help you find and experience new activities.
As Aron et al says it best in ‘The self-expansion model and optimal relationship development’, “According to self-expansion theory, engaging in activities with a romantic partner that broaden one’s sense of self and perspective of the world (e.g., novel, exciting, interesting, and challenging activities) can reignite feelings of exhilaration and passion reminiscent of when couples first fell in love.” We wanted to create this sense with the Official.
Within the app, we allow couples to check in with each other in multiple ways that promote conversation both on and off the app. We let our users tell their partner how they are feeling, guess how their partner is feeling, and tell their partner they are in the mood.
Official also allows you to discover more things around you to try with your partner from a literal sense like restaurants, concerts, or events, but also at home dates or things to try in the bedroom. We let our couples swipe left for no, right for yes, or up in the intimacy section for maybe, and this creates an opt-in process to indicate what each person wants to do. While it’s simple, it lets couples discover new things that they both want to do.
We also let couples share their dates and experiences privately or publicly. Users post memories within the app to remember what they do with their partner. By posting publicly, couples can show off that crazy exciting or unique date that they did. Official is a community of people who love love; we want to encourage everyone to have the best relationship.
One of the most important things is that we don’t try to make couples feel like they can only communicate on the app. I firmly believe that Official can be an excellent catalyst for communication, but should not be the only way you communicate.
Is there any exclusivity on the app for members? Such as first access to tickets/events/reservations?
We partner with some of the best companies in the world that provide incredible experiences anywhere. We let our users access exclusive discounts on events and experiences near them. We also allow them to 50% off almost any sex toy from our partners. We believe in creating value for each user, which we will continue to do.
What is your biggest tip for couples to stay consistent on the app, planning dates, etc.?
The biggest tip I have is to complete the Daily Question every day. It’s a quick feature, but the value it brings to relationships is massive. We ask you and your partner a new question every day, and if you both answer it, you can see each other’s answers. Our goal is to spark new conversations and let you discover something new about your partner or yourself that you may not have thought to bring up.
I highly recommend the Intimacy Section to have the most fun and check out the craziest sex positions you will ever see… I am still baffled at how some of these are possible.
Do you plan on adding any additional features to the app?
I probably come up with a new feature a week, much to my team’s dismay. There are so many things to come on Official. Our random date generator will plan a date for you using machine learning to understand preferences. We are still in prototype, but I cannot wait until it’s ready for release.
Do you have any tips for readers who may be interested in your app now that they’ve heard of it but are new to this type of app?
Dive in; it’s easy. On Official, you can do anything, but you don’t have to do everything. Use what you think is interesting, and ignore what you don’t. We understand that people communicate in different ways, and that’s why we have an eclectic mix of features to suit any communication style or relationship. I don’t expect every user to use every feature; I just want every user to find value on Official.
What is your favorite feature on the app?
Most likely, it would have to be the In the Mood feature. It is such a unique feature that when I first told people about the idea, they thought I was crazy. We refer to it internally as the “I’m horny button.” The button allows a user to say that they are in the mood, and if their partner hits the button within 12 hours, we send them a notification and let them do whatever their hearts desire. If one hits it and the other doesn’t, we say nothing because we want to promote double opt-in.
What’s next for Official?
This is perhaps my favorite question because I don’t fully know. I have many ideas and ways to take the company, but we will follow what our users want.
I always like to say that we are the first relationship media company. Our focus is couples, but many divergent markets touch relationships, creating the opportunity for Official to expand. My goal is to grow Official to help any relationship you have, whether it’s with your partner, family, friends, or even yourself; Official will be the defacto platform for any relationship in five years. I have a few ideas on how to get there, but I can’t give it all away just yet.
Lids, the leading sports retailer, is expanding its presence internationally with the opening of its first independent stores in Mexico. For its debut in Mexico, Lids will open four locations in the metropolitan area, State of Mexico, and Queretaro: Parque Toreo, Galerías Toluca, Premium Outlet Punta Norte, and Premium Outlet Querétaro, all opening in the coming months.
Each store will have the immersive shopping experience of the extensive licensed and branded merchandise that Lids has long been known for. Products in each store will include a wide variety of products from major U.S. league teams MLB, NFL, and NBA, among others, as well as items from well-known brands such as adidas, Nike, New Era Cap, ’47, Mitchell & Ness, Hurley, Oakley, and more. The Premium Outlet Punta Norte store will feature Lids’ exclusive custom areas, which give consumers the opportunity to embroider a cap of their choice there.
The expansion in Mexico is strategic for Lids, as the brand seeks to further expand its international presence in the future. “For over 20 years we’ve received feedback from Mexico longing for the world’s largest hat and jersey selections to be closer to home. We’re thrilled to finally make that a reality this month as we open four locations in Mexico, bringing the best selection of sports and fashion headwear to the country,” said Lawrence Berger, Co-Founder and Partner at Ames Watson and Chairman of FanzzLids Holdings, which is the owner of Lids.
The news of this international development follows the exponential growth of the brand to become a billion-dollar business since Ames Watson acquired it in 2019. To date, Lids operates nearly 2,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including through its ongoing partnerships with Macy’s and Designer Brands.
Lids also operates the NBA flagships in NYC and London, the NHL flagship in NYC as well as clubhouse stores for the Yankees, Dodgers and Paris St. Germain. Lids is the world’s largest retail store specializing in the sale of branded and officially licensed caps, with more than 30 million caps sold annually.
About Lids
Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico through almost 2,000 retail locations. Indianapolis-based Lids Sports Group carries officially licensed and branded gear aimed at empowering customers to represent their unique and individual style, team, passion and fun. Lids Sports Group operates stores under the Lids, Locker Room by Lids, Fanzz, Yankees Clubhouse Shops, Dodgers Clubhouse, Cardinals Clubhouse, and numerous other nameplates. Lids also has locations within select Macy’s department stores nationwide. To find a retail location near you visit blog.lids.com or join the #LidsLoyal on Instagram (@lids), Facebook (@lids), Twitter (@lids), or LinkedIn.
ATL-based Queen Of Da Souf rapper Latto makes history with her smash hit single “Big Energy.” As the track goes #1 this week at Top 40 Radio, she is the first female rapper to everhave a #1 record at Pop, Rhythm and Urban Radio with the same single. Overall, she’s the first female artist in 12 years to accomplish this feat, joining the company of Rihanna (“Rude Boy”), Alicia Keys (“No One”), Beyoncé (“Irreplaceable”), Mary J. Blige (“Be Without You”) and Mariah Carey (“We Belong Together”), the last five to previously achieve this. Available on all platforms via RCA Records, the Tom-Tom Club-sampled “Genius of Love” single is on Latto’s new album 777 out now.
Listen to “Big Energy (Remix)” with Mariah Carey & DJ Khaled HERE
Additional milestones for “Big Energy” include reaching RIAA-certified Platinum status, skyrocketing to the top 5 at #4 (peak #3) on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on Billboard’sHot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Rap Songscharts plus having a star-studded remix with Mariah Carey & DJ Khaled. Latto’s latest project 777, released March 25th, debuted in the top 20 at #15 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and top 10 at #6 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart. To continue the momentum of an incredible few months, Latto performed a show-stopping medley of her tracks “Sunshine” and “Big Energy” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – watch HERE. You can hear Latto’s new album live on her headlining 777 Tour that’s currently underway –click HERE to purchase tickets.
For the past two years and counting,Latto’s made it known that she’s the one you bitches hate, but they can’t get past. To start off 2021 , Latto released“The Biggest,”the first official release under her new moniker, which explained the 23-year-old rapper’s reasoning for the stage name change, her intentions and moving forward with this new phase of her career. Following that with the release of her hit single “Big Energy”in September 2021 has made Latto inescapable. In November 2021, Latto had her late-night television debut on Late Night With Seth Meyers performing the certified smash hit. With this new chapter of her career, Latto’s star continues to rise. She received her first-ever nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist” at the 2021 BET Awards. She followed that with performances at the2021 BET Hip Hop Awards and 2021 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).She performed amedley of “Big Energy” and “Soufside” at the BET Hip Hop Awards and at the VMA’s she gave fans a sneak peek snippet of “Big Energy” prior to its release along with performances of her RIAA-certified Platinum singles “Bitch From Da Souf” and “Muwop” on their Extended Play Stage. In addition to her VMAs performance debut, she received her first VMA nomination for “MTV Push Performance of the Year” for “Sex Lies.” She was also nominated for two 2021 Soul Train Awards and one 2022 NAACP Image Awardfor Chris Brown’s “Go Crazy (Remix)” with Young Thug, Lil Durk and Future. Most recently, she was nominated for “Top Rap Female Artist” for the 2022 Billboard Music Awards.
From her appearances onLA Leakers and Funk Flex with her viral freestyles to her feature on soundtracks for Halle Berry’s Bruisedand F9: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to her energetic appearances and sets at festivals – her elevation to the top remains unmatched. With over 880 million streams worldwide across all platforms and accolades continuing to rack up from her success, it’s clear that Latto has set the stage to become a global superstar.
Check out her new album 777 out now via RCA Records and stay tuned for more coming soon.
Following A Breakthrough Year At The Forefront of Driving A Worldwide Resurgence of Rock Music On Streaming Platforms and Radio Charts Around The World MÅNESKIN Will Make Their COACHELLA Debut On The Mojave Stage at 8:30pm PT TONIGHT.
“A FIVE STAR CONCERT: Måneskin bring hits and a whole lot of swagger to justify the hype. They were born rockstars … powered on adrenaline and loaded with bravado”.– NME
“Maneskin is one of the most exciting new rock bands in years… the group’s meteoric rise has helped rejuvenate rock ‘n’ roll for the younger generation” – Loudwire
Get An Early Taste Of The Band’s Upcoming LOUD KIDS WORLD TOUR – Which Has Already Added Dates & Venue Upgrades To Meet Fan Demand Following Immediately Sold-Out Shows Across North America.
ABOUT MÅNESKIN
Set to tour North America for the first time, MÅNESKIN is a critically acclaimed Italian four-piece-band that began busking on the streets of Rome as teenagers, and now just a few years later, are a razor tight group of captivating musicians widely hailed for being at the forefront of driving a worldwide resurgence of Rock music. The past year has seen the band collect over 3 BILLION streams, while surging to #1 in numerous countries and across the Global charts of multiple digital platforms (including the #2 TikTok song of 2021). Within just 2 ½ months of their very first visit to The United States for landmark showcases at the BOWERY BALLROOM (NYC) and THE ROXY (LA), MÅNESKIN have skyrocketed from the massive support of social platforms, nationwide radio, an opening slot invitation from The Rolling Stones and multiple breakthrough TV appearances such as The Tonight Show, Ellen, The Voice & The American Music Awards. This resulted in numerous and record-setting Billboard #1 chart placements, including “Top New Rock Band of the Year” and 2021’s longest #1 run at Alternative radio. With no slowdown in sight, MÅNESKIN most recently made a global-trending debut appearance on Saturday Night Live, were announced as Coachella performers, and were hailed by The Los Angeles Times as: “America’s New Favorite Rock Band.”
