Posts made in July 2020

JAJA-peño Margarita

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With National Tequila Day (July 24th) around the corner, celebrate with a new cocktail from JAJA Tequila called the JAJA-peño Margarita!

Ingredients

1.5 oz JAJA Blanco
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1/2 oz Agave Syrup
2 Jalapeño slices

Garnish

Rounded Lime

Method

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice to chill the mixture and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a rounded lime and serve!

Pronounced “HA HA,” JAJA was founded in 2018 by brothers Maurice and Elliot Tebele and their childhood friend Martin Hoffstein, with the mission of creating a fun, modern and authentic luxury tequila. Soon after they expanded their team to include Alex Pall and Drew Taggart of the DJ duo The Chainsmokers as Co-Owners of the brand. All the products in JAJA’s portfolio are produced using slow non-industrial methods at a heritage distillery led by a group of distillers who have over fifty years of experience in the industry. JAJA’s three varieties (Blanco, Reposado and Añejo) are all available nationwide. Priced between $34.99 – $52.99.

Follow JAJA: Facebook | Instagram

Van Eaton Gallery – Disney Auction

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The 65th anniversary of Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California is this month. It is a one for millions of fans worldwide, and an important milestone in the history of American pop culture. With Disney theme parks closed across the globe due to the pandemic, Van Eaton Galleries will celebrate the anniversary of Disneyland with an exciting free exhibition and auction. The auction event Disneyland: The First 65 Years will take place at Van Eaton Galleries over two days, Saturday, August 15th, 2020 and Sunday, August 16th, 2020 beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day.

The on-site auction will follow all COVID-19 guidelines. The auction house will also stream the auction live and bidders can participate by phone or online.

The collection to be offered includes over 1,100 rare artifacts which trace the history of the iconic theme parks and Walt Disney’s vision from their inception to present day. Many of the items are coming to public display and auction for the very first time. The items include some of the earliest documents and conceptual pieces representing Walt’s visions for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as extraordinary theme park props, ride vehicles, audio-animatronic figures, hand-painted attraction pieces, very rare early documents, remarkable memorabilia, signs, and more.

Walt Disney theme parks have welcomed over 200 million visitors since they opened and Walt Disney park-related memorabilia remains one of the hottest collectibles of the last several decades, with prices increasing more than 500% on many items over the last five years. The vast array of items to be offered at auction will surprise even the most avid collectors. Several iconic pieces in the collection date back to 1954, a full year before Disneyland opened. The collection also includes ephemera, stage-worn articles, artwork, programs, souvenirs, and more. Also featured in the Disneyland: The First 65 Years’ auction will be several items from Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo and Hong Kong Disneyland. An unusual item in the auction is a very rare sign for Don DeFore’s original Silver Banjo Barbeque. DeFore was a famous actor in the 1950s and 1960s and was a close friend of Walt’s. He opened a restaurant called Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbeque and it was the only place in Disneyland that had the name of a living person on it other than Walt Disney. They are featured in the book Growing Up Disneyland and have never gone up for auction before.

Highlights include stage and screen star Don DeFore’s original signage for his Silver Banjo Barbeque restaurant in Frontierland (Estimate: $60,000-$80,000), this sign represents the only person other than Walt Disney that had his name on a sign in Disneyland; a unique 1955 Disneyland Plot Plan created as part of an engineering report (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); an extremely rare Gold VIP ticket to the park’s opening day (Estimate $3,000-$5,000); a collection of never-before-seen 16mm films taken by Disney Legend Milt Albright that showcase locations on Main Street as they appeared when the park first opened (Estimate: $500-$800); an original hand-painted Stretch Painting from the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World (Estimate $60,000-$80,000); an original Space Mountain Ride Vehicle from Disneyland (Estimate $40,000-$60,000); original Attraction Posters from Disneyland (Estimates $8,000-$15,000); a Walt Disney Signed Disneyland Guidebook (Estimate $4,000-$6,000); a park used It’s a Small World Attraction Poster (Estimate: $2,000-$4,000); an original Haunted Mansion Tombstone Prop (Estimate ($8,000-$10,000), and hundreds of other items.

Walt Disney’s words from the dedication of Disneyland on July 17, 1955, have never been truer than they are today: Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America; with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.

Other highlights include an original Eyvind Earle concept painting for the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through (Estimate: $10,000-$15,000); a rare Shooting Gallery rifle from the Main Street Shooting Gallery (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); a hand-painted Fountain Shield prop from the Enchanted Tiki Room (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); an It’s a Small World Animatronic Doll (Estimate: $15,000-$20,000); a Dumbo the Flying Elephant prop (Estimate: $1,000-$2,000); original paintings by Imagineer Walt Peregoy from the park’s opening year (Estimates: $2,000-$4,000); early Club 33 artwork (Estimate: $600-$800); a Haunted Mansion Ghost Maquette (Estimate: $1,000-$2,000); an original hand-drawn mock-up of the Pirates of the Caribbean souvenir guidebook (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); a 1954 original concept drawing of Tomorrowland (Estimate: $8,000-$10,000); an original Epcot Center overview prepared for President Jimmy Carter (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000); and much, much more.

Our Disneyland: The First 65 Years auction showcases the history of Walt Disney’s original vision for his park, and its growth to today. This collection brings together a massive and varied array of artwork, props, original paintings and drawings, memorabilia, and collectibles from the most famous family of theme parks in the world. The auction offers the excitement of very rare items never sold before at auction, but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality for those artists and performers whose work helped shape and define our popular culture. We are honored to be able to offer such remarkable items to fans and collectors around the globe and to be able to offer this collection during the 65th anniversary of Walt Disney’s original theme park, Disneyland.

The Disneyland: The First 65 Years; auction covers decades of Disney history, from the 1950s through today. The extraordinary collection has taken years to amass and comes from ex-employees of the park and their families, as well as from avid collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. Van Eaton Galleries will conduct the two-day auction on-site, online, and by phone. Interested bidders are encouraged to register early. Media interested in covering the event is requested to email or call the press contact listed below.

DISNEYLAND: THE FIRST 65 YEARS LOCATION

Van Eaton Galleries, 13613 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, California 91423

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION

Session 1: Saturday, August 15th, 2020 (10:00 A.M. Pacific Time)

Session 2: Sunday, August 16th, 2020 (10:00 A.M. Pacific Time)

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PREVIEW ON DISNEYLAND’S 65TH BIRTHDAY!

Friday July 24th, 2020 10 AM to 6 PM

FREE PUBLIC EXHIBITION

Saturday, July 25th – Friday, August 14th, 2020

Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sundays 12 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. PT

EXHIBITION IS BY RESERVATION ONLY AND LIMITED AS TO COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Van Eaton Galleries is one of the world’s premier original animation art and collectibles galleries. The Gallery is located in Sherman Oaks, California and specializes in unique original animation artwork. Established in 1994, the gallery offers distinct collections from the world of animation and special exhibits and events for collectors, fans and guests from around the globe. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Van Eaton Galleries has offered such collections as That’s from Disneyland, The Story of Disneyland, The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, and animation artwork from Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Hanna-Barbera, Don Bluth, and many others. For more information, please visit www.vegalleries.com.

Follow Van Eaton Galleries: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Trevor Daniel – Falling

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Since its release, Trevor Daniel’s “Falling” has been breaking records and topping charts across the globe. Today, the Houston, TX artist’s break-out Platinum certified single has officially topped the Pop Radio charts. The track appears on Trevor’s debut major label album, Nicotine (Interscope/Alamo Records), which was released in March this year.

It’s been a major week for the young artist who earlier this week released the official video for “Past Life” Remix with Selena Gomez. In case you missed it, watch the video here.

FOLLOW TREVOR DANIEL: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Finding Home Farms Featured In O

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Finding Home Farms, a family-owned business in Middletown, N.Y., was recently featured in the July/August issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Finding Home Farms was one of 11 small businesses included in the “Made in America” O List, a roundup of products selected by O magazine’s editors.

With an increased focus on supporting local businesses, including restaurants, farms, and retail shops, the “Made an America” story in the latest O magazine highlighted everything from T-shirts and sun hats to plant-based candles and vegan bellows. Finding Home Farms’ organic maple syrup and pancake gift set made the list, and was included in both the print and digital feature.

“This syrup from fourth-generation maple farmers in New York’s Hudson Valley has a slightly buttery flavor that’s unique to the region. Talk about the breakfast of champions,” reads the O magazine article.

Founded by Laura and Dana Putnam, Finding Home Farms has grown from a lifestyle blog to a full-time sugar-making business with a Sugarhouse, an online store, and a wholesale line. The online shop offers products such as maple syrup, soy candles, home decor, and holiday items.

“The recent feature in The Oprah Magazine is such a sweet reminder that great things can happen for our small businesses even during this challenging time,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “Finding Home Farms is a shining example of creative marketing combined with a fantastic product line.”

To read the article, click here.

Finding Home Farms is located at 140 Eatontown Road, Middletown, N.Y.

For more information, visit findinghomefarms.com or call (845) 355-4335.

Moonyeenn Lee Dies at 76

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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the legendary South African agent and casting director, Moonyeenn Lee. She passed away on Saturday morning, 18th of July 2020 in Johannesburg. Her death was due to complications caused by the coronavirus.

Her 47 years in the film industry earned her a formidable reputation. In 2003 Moonyeenn was nominated to the National Executive Committee of the Independent Producer’s Organisation and to the Film Board of Create South Africa. In the same year, she formed Khulisa Productions to make South African films. The first film produced by Khulisa was Promised Land. Moonyeenn’s passion for South African stories and local talent was well known. Over the years, she would travel around the world introducing producers and directors to South African actors. She would always do everything in her power to convince them to rather cast local actors over foreign actors. Her dedication eventually paid off as many international productions trusted her to cast locally.

She was renowned as one of South Africa’s leading agents and represented some of South Africa’s best-known actors through her company, Moonyeenn Lee; Associates (MLA). She cared deeply for actors and was a fearless defender of their rights.

Work was central to her life. Her actors were her family. The directors and producers she worked with were all her friends. She was brutally honest, a bit too much for some, but she believed in saying things as they were. Her quick wit, her wicked sense of humour and deep understanding of her craft made her interesting company. Her family and friends will remember her for her generosity and kindness to those in need, for her fighting spirit as well as for her unwavering commitment to the local industry.

She received the Lionel Ngakane Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Film Television Awards in 2017. A highlight in her illustrious career was when she became the first South African member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which votes for the Oscars and the Television Academy, which votes for the Emmys.

She managed the casting of films such as The Bang Bang Club, Disgrace, the Oscar-winning Tsotsi, Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, the Oscar-nominated Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, Hotel Rwanda and Blood Diamond; the Oscar-shortlisted Black Panther and Life, Above All; the Golden Globe nominees Machine Gun Preacher and Mandela and De Klerk; and Emmy-winning series like Homeland, as well as nominees like The Prisoner and No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, among others. Moonyeenn was nominated for two Emmy Awards for The Looming Tower and Roots.

Moonyeenn helped shape the lives of many actors, directors and writers through her fierce honesty and passion. The South African film industry has lost an icon and a formidable champion of the arts. She will be sorely missed by us all.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Lee, her son, David Lee and her pets, Hitchcock, Eva and Spice.

Miyagi – Japan’s Most Relaxing Vacation

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Geothermal wonders that rejuvenate the body and mind, Japan’s onsens (naturally occuring hot springs) are a must for any traveler, and Miyagi Prefecture has no shortage of them. With many dotted throughout Miyagi’s diverse terrain, each onsen provides a unique experience with different water sources producing baths of different temperatures, mineral content, texture and more. As these onsens are often located in the mountains, by the ocean and in forests, they provide a great place for travelers to practice the tradition of toji, extended stays at onsens to recuperate from illness or overexertion. Below is a sample of Miyagi’s best onsens for travelers to dream of relaxing in once travel restrictions are lifted.

Reflective pond at Tenshukaku Gardens (©Visit Miyagi)

One of the more popular onsen towns due to its proximity to Miyagi Prefecture’s capital Sendai, Akiu Onsen is tucked in the region’s mountains. The town features about a dozen hot spring hotels located along the scenic Natorigawa River with many offering day use of their hot spring baths. Nearby, Tenshukaku Gardens is home to its own onsen, known as Ichitaro no Yu. After strolling through the traditional Edo-style garden, guests can warm up in the hot spring with a view of Mount Osawa. Lucky bathers may even get to catch a glimpse of kamoshika, a rare Japanese goat-antelope often seen roaming on the mountainside. While the onsen’s water will leave skin soft and silky, Akiu Onsen water is also said to improve quality of sleep, circulation and reduce stress levels.

Sakunami Onsen is located deeper into the mountains and the train ride to this town passes through thick pine and maple tree forests with views of the Hirosegawa River below. This onsen town was often visited by weary monks, members of the shogunate and the shogun himself centuries ago as the water was said to treat a variety of illnesses. After cleansing their mind and body at the onsens on the rocky banks of the river, travelers can opt to hike one of the many trails or take a day trip to the Nikka Whiskey Miyagikyo Distillery.

Naruko Onsen’s diverse hot spring water makes for a rich experience (© JNTO)

Known as one of the “Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan,” Matsushima Bay has its own onsens facing towards the bay with views of countless small islands

Several hotels near the bay have their own natural onsen facilities and staying the night is highly recommended. Guests should make their way out to the open-air baths during the night to see thousands of stars light up the bay. For early birds, the baths are also an ideal spot to watch the sunrise. While Naruko Onsen can be a little hard to get to as it’s hidden away in the hills of northwestern Miyagi, the trip is worth it. Naruko Onsen boasts one of the richest onsen experiences anywhere as the town has eight of the ten types of hot spring water found in Japan. Additionally, the town has more than 400 different springs providing an almost endless variety of bathing facilities. Naruko Onsen also has a wide range of ryokans from traditional inns to luxurious private baths.

The Miyagi Onsen Experience: Watch HERE

For more information on Miyagi Prefecture’s onsens, travelers are encouraged to use the website’s Trip Organizer which has plenty of resources and travel tips. Travelers can also watch this short video highlighting experiences at onsen towns in the prefecture.

Oxford Vaccine Shows Promising Signs

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By Eamonn Burke

A vaccine developed by The University of Oxford in the UK and major pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has shown early signs of being a potential success. According to data posted today in The Lancet medical journal, a strong immune response was invoked by early testing of the vaccine in a large human trial of over 1,000 participants.

The vaccine, named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, produced higher levels of antibodies and T-cells that fight the virus, according to the data. In other words, “We’re stimulating both arms of the immune system,” says Oxford’s head of the Jenner Institute Adrian Hill.

By no means does this data guarantee an effective vaccine, but human testing is a major step in the right direction, especially one with positive results. Another good sign is the lack of serious side effects, with most volunteers only reporting fatigue, headache, and soreness at the injection site. Big questions that remain, however, are how the body will react once infected, and if someone can get infected again.

AstraZenaca has received support from the U.S., pledging $1.2 billion dollars to vaccine work, and from the U.K., who has made a deal for 90 million doses of it. It is one of over 100 being developed globally, with 23 in the human trial phase. One of them is Moderna’s, which also showed promising signs in data last week and is set to start a Phase 3 of development on July 27.

7 Best Designed Canadian Online Casinos

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These days, it’s not enough to simply offer an online casino platform. With so much competition, operators need to provide a fresh and intuitive design to attract new attention.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing to play at a Canadian online casino real money. Although the design isn’t necessarily an essential feature, it’s the first thing you notice. Daniel Bennet, our guest author for 360 MAGAZINE, gives us his top ten well-designed online casinos.

Top 7 Best Designed Casinos

We all have different tastes when it comes to aesthetics. The most beautiful online casino designs need to cater to this wide variety. A poker player might enjoy a western theme while a roulette enthusiast would relish something more glamorous. We’re sure at least one of the following casinos would earn your approval.

PlayAmo

The operator entices you with its most popular slots and current promotions, complete with stunning graphics. Its sleek design makes it easy to navigate around. Additionally, its tournament section provides action any competitor would enjoy.

WooCasino

Clarity is the name of the game for this online casino’s layout and colour scheme. It’s sure to tick your boxes if you’re a neat freak. You’ll find symbols depicting the sections, making it a breeze to navigate.
JackpotCity Casino
When it comes to casinos, it’s hard not to imagine Las Vegas. As a result, this operator borrows many of the city’s iconic traits for its online casino website design. Its high level of security should make you feel like a VIP.

Energy Casino

True to its name, this online casino pulses with vibrant colours. Jump into the hottest slot games from top game designers such as NetEnt. The provider also features a bookmaker if you’re a sports fan.

888 Casino

The 888 Casino website stands out from the moment you arrive. It greets you with the top slot games along with the current bonuses on offer. The design is intuitive, and the multiple payment methods provide the convenience you need.

Spin Casino

Spin Casino combines modern design with a touch of elegance. Its high-quality graphics and natural flow make for a great casino website design. The provider also features a live dealer section if you’re searching for a more realistic feel.

GoWild

GoWild Casino uses animated graphics and hints of playful cartoon monsters to set the mood. It’s licenced with the Malta Gaming Authority and provides games from the industry’s best developers.

What to Look For in An Online Casino

Visually appealing websites aren’t the only thing to consider. When you decide on an online casino, you should always take these key features into account.

First, check that it’s licensed and registered with an accredited association. It’s equally important to make sure the operator offers data protection and all-round security.

Next, familiarise yourself with the bonuses on offer as these significantly boost your potential winnings.

Finally, always read up on the terms and conditions before applying to any online casino. By doing this, you avoid any pitfalls in the future.

Air Travel COVID Glitches

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360 Magazine Culture Editor, Tom Wilmer reports on the numerous glitches in the process of traveling safe in the air.

The day before I checked in for an early morning flight to Austin, Texas via SFO and Houston, United Airlines was advertising their promise to maintain empty middle-seat flights. But something went haywire at United overnight, as two of my three flights to Austin were packed to the gills with most middle seats occupied—it would have been all three flights, but I was upgraded to first on one leg.

When I checked in for my flight, a notice popped up on my phone from United informing me that it would be a fairly full flight and they offered alternative flights as an option. Nice gesture but rerouting would have entailed a delay until the following day to get to my destination—with no guarantee that the alternate flight option would have blocked middle seats.

As of this writing, virtually all airlines proudly tout mandatory mask requirements for all passengers—but while en route onboard my flights, the dutiful masked passengers dropped their face coverings as flight attendants dispensed beverages (water) and cookies. So there I was, mere inches from my seat mate, both of us doing our duty, wearing our masks – but now protecting only our chins, from the evil, invisible germ. And throughout the cabin it was the same, basically mask-less, scene.

Arriving at Austin/Bergstrom’s TSA cattle chutes, Social-Distancing sticker reminders adorned the concrete floor, every six feet…and the queued-up passengers were actually compliant in their attempts to maintain their distance — that is until we were flagged past the TSA ticket/identification checker. As passengers queued up to take shoes off, extract make-up bags, computers etc., they suddenly, randomly squished frantically up to within three or four inches from one another.

Throughout this collapse of proper social distancing, TSA workers ignored the traffic jamb and continued barking out reminders to remove laptops etc., from bags—but zero, zippo, nada, commands were interjected to maintain proper social distancing as the jumbled-up passengers squished toward the x-ray bag tunnel and body scanner.

Transiting through Denver’s DIA Airport, gaggles of Boulderites, and Denverians dutifully and proudly wore their masks. However, salted in to the hord of obedient, transiting passengers were the all-too-frequent mask less rogues with chins held high and chests puffed out proudly.

The reality of traveling by air today is akin to rush hour commuting by automobile. One moment you’re flowing along at a comfortably safe, even clip while maintaining a proper distance between you and the car ahead. A split second later the flow of traffic snarls up and you jamb on the brakes—Traveling by air is much the same, it’s a continual battle to protect yourself and maintain a bubble of safety.

BLM Mural Vandalized Again

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By Eamonn Burke

Two women have been arrested in connection with vandalization of the Black Lives Matter mural outside the Trump Tower, the second time in the last 24 hours and the third time in the last week.

The women smeared black paint on a newly painted yellow mural after it was attacked on Friday, an incident which involved 10 people with blue paint. Red paint was used on Monday in another defacement.

A shirt worn by one of the women read “All Lives Matter” and claimed that the mural should read the same. Video captures her yelling “Refund the Police” as she was being arrested. Meanwhile, others witnessing the scene chanted in the opposing favor of their actions. Mayor of NYC Bill De Blasio called it a “nice try” in a tweet, and said that the movement can not be undone. Trump, however, has repeatedly called the mural a “symbol of hate.” Fellow Democrats such as Hank Newsome, leader of the BLM movement, and New York governor Andrew Cuomo are less extreme, but are also not entirely in favor of the mural.

“I like this project because it annoys Trump, but we don’t need de Blasio to sign streets. We need him to sign legislation,” said Newsome, expressing sentiments that the governor agreed with.

The women were charged with criminal mischief and released with an appearance ticket.