Posts made in July 2020

Table Mountain Inn Reopens

Leave a reply

The charming Southwestern boutique hotel, Table Mountain Inn, and on-property restaurant, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, re-opened to welcome guests on June 1st, 2020. During to the temporary closure of the hotel and restaurant due to COVID-19, both businesses made updates and renovations to ensure the safety and comfort of guests who overnight or dine at the property.

When guests visit Table Mountain Inn, they’ll be transported to a Southwestern haven that feels like a home away from home. The newly remodeled lobby has been designed to create a cozy community space where guests can soak up the hotel’s unique ambiance. Since re-opening in early June, Table Mountain Inn has observed the need for the folks to partake in socially responsible fun and also to get outside and enjoy nature, whether that be to challenge oneself with an outdoor activity or to enjoy a romantic getaway in a beautiful setting. Encouraging the exploration of the beautiful outdoors, guests have the opportunity to indulge in new packages at the unique oasis.

One of these packages is the Colorado Fishing Package. With this package, guests will enjoy luxury accommodations for two as they explore the beautiful outdoors during a 6-hour guided fishing trip. Another package is the “Elope on Tabletop Mountain” Elopement Package; perfect for brides who are looking to elope in picturesque Golden, Colorado, the Elopement Package fills any mountain wedding needs.

Since their closure, the Table Mountain Inn and Table Mountain Grill & Cantina have implemented the additional sanitation and safety protocols based on the most current information available for the hospitality industry. For example, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina re-opened on June 1st, 2020 to offer dine-in service, while continuing contactless pick-up service and delivery through the DoorDash delivery app. All around the inn and restaurant, social distancing and masks are required, and guests will find sanitizing stations throughout the property. Find comfort and adventure at the Table Mountain Inn today and book your stay.

Learning from Lizzo

Leave a reply

By Sandi Curtis, author of “Music for Women (Survivors of Violence)”

We can learn a lot from Lizzo and other strong female singer/songwriters. In “Truth Hurts,” Lizzo tells it as she sees it on men, break ups, and self-respect: “Why men great ‘til they gotta be great. I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m a hundred percent that bitch.” Hers is a strong, confident song coming from her own experiences. When we listen, it becomes our strong, confident song.

Fans turn to their favorite songs for consolation, inspiration, and motivation. They know there’s something about music and they’re right. My many years of music therapy practice and research show that music can be an incredible resource for healing and empowerment. Music is unique and powerful in how it moves us physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. Music in combination with words and images is all the more powerful.

Many turn to music on their own. Others use a rich variety of music making experiences for deeper personal exploration in consultation with a music therapist. These therapists have the musical and therapeutic training that makes it possible to take full advantage of the powers of music.

In my work with women survivors of violence, I’ve seen women find healing, build resilience, and re-gain self-acceptance through music. In listening together to the songs of female singer/songwriters, we explore the sociopolitical factors that constrain the lives of women and men. We hear women’s stories about male violence, but also about love, relationships, gender, power, and control. In singing these songs together, we internalize them and make them our own. In writing songs, we are able to give voice to our own experiences. In recording these songs, we are able to reclaim our voices – and this can be so important for abused women whose voices have been silenced for so long, by so many. Not just the abuser, but also those who fail to help them – those who blame, shame, or disbelieve them.

I’ve found that “Praying” by Kesha, is a powerful song for those recovering from male violence. Kesha wrote it for herself, as part of her healing after sexual assault by her music producer and the silencing that followed. Kesha also wrote it for every woman survivor who listens to it. Her response to the violence is complex, complicated, and authentic. It confirms that every woman’s response is right, it reflects their own authentic journey to healing. The song also leads the way for other women to put their own journey to song.

A lot can also be learned from “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks who experienced a very powerful and public silencing of women. Because of political comments made about former President Bush, they were blacklisted by many in the music industry and received considerable hateful and violent messages for many years. “Not Ready to Make Nice” reflects women’s righteous anger in response to silencing and violence. It’s the perfect you-can-kiss-my-ass song for the current times where women are “mad as hell” and not going to take it anymore.

There are so many great songs out there now by strong women singer/songwriters that touch on so many important issues in our lives. We can listen to them alone or with company. Used independently or in consultation with a music therapist, they hold great potential for our personal growth and transformation. They’re all out there waiting, so dive in.

Command Sisters – I Like It

Leave a reply

Today, the powerhouse duo Command Sisters, comprised of Charlotte [vocals, keys] and Sarah Command [guitar, vocals], release the music video for their single “I Like It” via 21 Entertainment/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada.

WATCH THE “I LIKE IT” VIDEO HERE!

Filmed before social distancing measures were in effect, the video plays off the sisters’ unique aesthetic, focusing on the color red with a mind-bending visual capture of their distinct sound, style, and talent. “I Like It” was recorded in Los Angeles by award-winning producer Tim Pagnotta (Walk The Moon, Weezer, Blink 182, Neon Trees).

“I Like It” follows the duo’s debut single, “I Can Do What I Want To,” released in May. Watch the official video, which was personally shot, styled and directed in the band’s apartment during quarantine and filmed D.I.Y. on an iPhone HERE.

Stay tuned for more news coming from Command Sisters soon!

About Command Sisters

Command Sisters—Charlotte and Sarah Command—wield the power to turn popular culture red, the color being a signature feature of a finely-crafted image. After playing together since childhood, the siblings honed on a distinct sound and style that has brought them to what you get today. Sarah drew on a lifelong love of shred gods, such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Orianthi, as Charlotte nodded to the songcraft of Sia and The Weeknd, cultivating a sharp signature sound steeped in mind-blowing musicality and tight hooks. Their sense of style got just as loud with a crimson take on high fashion. This careful presentation turned heads. Not only did they perform across the United States and Canada, but they attracted partners such as Martin Guitars, PRS Guitars, Marshall Amps, MAC Cosmetics, and Boss/Roland, to name a few. Additionally, they cultivated a fervent social media following through consistently eye-popping posts. Mind you, they impressively did all of this without one official release. After inking a deal with 21 Entertainment, Universal Music Canada, and Republic Records, Command Sisters are primed for a bold breakthrough with their 2020 singles “I Can Do What I Want To” and “I Like It.”

Follow Command Sisters: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | Website

‘Wayfairgate’

Leave a reply

By Mina Tocalini

Wayfair Conspiracy irrupts over Twitter and Reddit with #wayfair, accusing the company of being involved in a child trafficking scheme. The trend sparked after Reddit user, PrincessPeach1987, posted a speculation on the conspiracy subreddit last Friday. The post expressed concern over the high prices of cabinets found on Wayfair, and contemplated whether it was a front for the sale of missing children.

Conspiracy Claims:

Cabinet prices are unusually high (above $10,000)
Cabinet names correlate with the names of missing children
SKU Numbers searched on a Russian search engine return images of children
Wayfair has supplied furniture to ICE detention centers ( where children have gone missing)

Counter Claims:

Wayfair stated the high prices were accurate for commercial grade products, but the descriptions and images provided by the supplier did not adequately explain the price.
Wayfair explained to Reuters that the company’s algorithm uses first names, geographic locations and common words for naming purposes.
Newsweek reported that SKUs did not return images of a single child and the same results were presented using a random set of numbers.
The Wayfair employee walkout protested contracts with ICE, but no complaints were made regarding posting missing children for sale

Social media’s effective dissemination of information is a clear strength, but we must also acknowledge the fact that it has the power to sensationalize rumors without consequence. The 2016 ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy accused a Washington D.C pizzeria of being linked to a child trafficking ring run by the Democratic Party. Specifically, it targeted Hillary Clinton, the Presidential candidate for the 2016 election and was yet another attempt to discredit her. ‘Pizzagate’ was widely debunked, but continues to be believed by social media users till this day. The Wayfair Conspiracy expresses similar concerns and is based on the inferences and connections derived from little and inaccurate evidence. Furthermore, its claims can be

considered to be a distraction from more concrete searches for missing children. Like any conspiracy, its influence lies more in faith. Regardless, we each have the right to our opinions. Considering the effect this may have on the welfare of the company and its employees, will you debunk the claims made? Or defend the possibility of children being trafficked?

N’Klabe – Nuestra Esquina

Leave a reply

International group N’Klabe is a leader within tropical music with its new production Nuestra Esquina, which includes the song “Probabilidad de amor” which has swept many markets since its premiere. Nuestra Esquina, with eight impactful tracks and full of collaborations with figures such as Andy Montañez, La Tribu de Abrante, Farina, Álvaro Díaz, Elysanij, Ñengo Flow, and Daniela Darcourt, has elevated the upward trajectory of the Puerto Rican group, composed of Felo Torres, Roberto Karlo Figueroa, and Urayoán Lizardi. N’Klabe, together with Peruvian musical sensation Daniela Darcourt, placed the single “Probabilidad de amor” in Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Top 5 in the United States. For a month and a half, it had made its way strongly in the Top 10 of the prestigious list.

Likewise, the song, composed by Grettel Garibaldi, has revolutionized Colombia, conquering first place in distribution for five consecutive weeks, and has been at the top in the Dominican Republic for more than two months. The explosive single, which basically addresses how fate conspires to unite two people who have had heartbreaks, positions them to dance and enjoy Peru. “Probabilidad de amor” is nominated in the Video of the Year category of the HTV HEAT Awards 2020, which will be held in November in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. On the other hand, the video for “Pa’lante y Pa’tras” surpassed 11 million “views” on YouTube and became a worldwide hit. The filming, in which La Tribu de Abrante, Farina, and broadcaster Jacky Fontànez — who collaborated on the song — participate, was carried out in an emblematic neighborhood in Medellín, Colombia. The next single that N’Klabe has on its immediate agenda to release, to continue as number one in the music industry, will be “Me enamoré como nunca” with the Puerto Rican Elysanij.

Follow N’Klabe: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Inspired by Iceland: Let It Out

Leave a reply

Frustrated by dodgy, at-home haircuts? Fed up with endless Zoom quizzes? Pining after the cancelled festivals and celebrations? You need a release and Iceland is the perfect antidote.

With 49% of Americans feeling increasingly stressed, frustrated and tense due to the recent coronavirus-induced lockdown, Inspired by Iceland has launched Let It Out, a bespoke website that invites everyone to record their screams of frustration and have them released into Iceland’s beautiful, wide-open spaces.

For the next two weeks, people worldwide can visit https://lookslikeyouneediceland.com. to let it all out and, with Iceland’s uniquely spacious surroundings and seemingly endless landscapes, the only noises you’ll have to compete with are a nearby waterfall and the crashing waves of the ocean.

Inspired by the practice of ‘scream therapy’ and the fact that 42% of Americans say COVID restrictions make them want to scream, Let It Out will capture screams, yells and shouts from anyone, anywhere in the world and release them through speakers located in seven stunning and remote locations across the island.

From the peak of Festarfjall in Reykjanes Peninsula, the tranquil shores of Djúpivogur in East Iceland to the roaring Skógarfoss waterfall in the south, participants can choose from seven locations in Iceland where their scream is released before seeing and hearing it in real time via a live stream of screams.

Psychotherapist & Mental Health Specialist Zoe Aston comments “The events of this year mean most of us have experienced increased feelings of frustrations, fear, loneliness, anger or guilt, and we have all coped in different ways. Left with a backlog of emotion, we need to find healthy and effective ways of creating a release in order for us to move forward into our new normal. Using a scream as a way to release pent up emotion allows you to reconnect with yourself, hear your own voice and reclaim the power that is inside you. Releasing pent up emotion is not an invitation to attack, influence or express aggression; it is a way to become aware of your feelings and take a step towards being kind to yourself.”

Global research commissioned by Inspired by Iceland shows that lockdown has caused people a lot of frustration, leaving people across the world feeling bored (45%), more stressed than usual (40%) and reporting negative impact on their mental health (37%). While missing friends and family has been the main frustrations, others include missing our favourite bars and restaurants (36%), travelling abroad (27%) and exploring new places (17%).

Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit Iceland stated “Across the world, people have been through a lot in the last few months. We empathise and want to do what we can to help people relieve their frustrations. In Iceland, we are lucky enough to have vast open spaces and beautiful nature that is the perfect place to let out frustrations. We feel this is just what the world needs. And when people are ready to resume traveling, they can come and experience it for themselves”

Iceland’s aim is to give the world a moment to Let It Out and release all the frustrations of lockdown as life begins to resume more normally. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With some countries starting to welcome back visitors, almost a quarter will look to travel abroad this year – when safe to do so – with areas of beautiful, natural scenery top of the list (28%). With the biggest wilderness in Europe, Iceland offers all the space you need to feel renewed, without the crowds.

Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation, comments “Whether you’re virtually visiting the country to scream into the vast, expansive landscapes or coming to see us in person, I am very excited to welcome the world to experience Iceland in this way. We all need a release after the last few months and I truly believe Iceland has everything you need to feel refreshed and reinvigorated.”

Iceland has achieved success against the COVID-19 pandemic through the use of targeted measures. This includes early and high-volume testing, effective tracing efforts, quarantining of at-risk individuals and isolation of confirmed cases.

FOLLOW INSPIRED BY ICELAND: Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Nurse Hospitalized Despite Negative COVID Test

Leave a reply

By Eamonn Burke

Heather Valentine, a 24 year old ICU nurse in Houston, is now in the ICU with a case of the novel coronavirus. After noticing heightened exhaustion during her shifts and later a fever and cough, she got an antibody test. She came back negative, but according to the CDC these tests can be wrong around 50% of the time. A viral test for COVID, taken the next day, also came back negative. Her doctor, however, asked her to come in for a CT scan, and based on these results he was certain that she had the illness.

Initially skeptical that she had the virus, Valentine now spreads an important message. “You never think it’s going to happen to you, but I’m a perfect example,” she said. “Take every precaution, wear a mask, don’t go out if you don’t have to, it’s not worth it.”

This comes as Texas sees one of the worst bouts of COVID-19 in the world, seeing new records in cases daily. The hospitals are overrun and running out of supplies, as are many others across the country with the recent surge of the coronavirus across the nation.

J.I. the Prince of NY × Spotify

Leave a reply

18-year-old rising rapper, J.I. the Prince of NY, has announced his partnership with Spotify for its RADAR Emerging Artists program.

The bourgeoning G*Starr Ent./Geffen recording artist got his start freestyling with his brothers at the age of 11, within a few years he began posting his freestyles on Instagram, and soon caught the attention of legendary rapper/producer/executive Jermaine Dupri. Naming iconic artists like Tupac Shakur, Big Pun and DMX among his influences, he dropped his debut single “No Static” in 2016 and by the end of that year, the then-15-year-old had garnered more than 500,000 views on his YouTube channel. This year, J.I. continued to release music including, Hood Life Krisis Vol. 1, which features his hit track, “Need Me,” (which has gone gold and reached Top 20 at Urban Radio) and Hood Life Krisis Vol. 2. He also toured sold out shows in support of both projects and became first artist ever to sell out 3 consecutive nights at New York’s legendary venue, SOB’s.

Launched in March 2020, RADAR has served as the launchpad for Spotify’s Global Emerging Artist Program, encompassing over 20 global sister programs, and represents Spotify’s commitment to supporting artists across all stages of their development across all genres, and using the strength of its platform to deepen the connection to their audiences. As part of the RADAR program, Spotify will propel J.I. through original content including a fully produced mini-documentary (trailer out now, watch here, Spotify Singles recordings, podcast integration, on-and-off-platform marketing and social support, features in the “On Our Radar” and “RapCaviar” playlists, and more.

J.I. spoke to HotNewHipHop about teaming up with Spotify and giving his fans an exclusive look into his life through the mini-doc: “I just wanted to be able to show the fans the mental process of J.I…I’m just excited. I can’t wait to see how they put it together. I already know Spotify go crazy with it, so I’m just excited for real.” J.I. is set to release his latest EP, Welcome To G Star Vol 1 this Friday, July 17th.

FOLLOW J.I.: Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud

Duckwrth – Coming Closer

Leave a reply

Critically acclaimed Los Angeles rapper Duckwrth releases his new track “Coming Closer” feat. G.L.A.M. and Juliana Romana today.

Listen to “Coming Closer” feat. G.L.A.M. and Juliana Romana HERE.

On the track, which is produced by LA based twins Two Fresh and G.L.A.M., Duckwrth once again instigates unpredictable and unprecedented genre alchemy. He threads together bouncy rhymes while G.L.A.M. fires back with a seductive counterpoint as their bars come together before the dancefloor-ready hook sung by Juliana Romana. This anthem glides between hip-hop and electronic only to border on unexpected pop bliss.

“Coming Closer” arrives hot on the heels of his buzzing feel-good anthem “Find A Way” feat. Alex Mali, Radio Ahlee, & Bayli. HipHopDX praised its “melodic message of perseverance,” and Brooklyn Vegan described it as “powerful.” HYPEBEAST wrote, “The single serves as an uplifting anthem during these troubling times, featuring lyrics that showcase the artist’s ability to reminisce about the past and see a way forward.” Earmilk put it best, “The single plays as a welcome beam of light during a dark time.”

Over the last five years, LA-based wunderkind Duckwrth has quickly risen up the ranks as a promising star of the future of music. His collection of critically acclaimed projects including Nowhere (2015,) I’m Uugly (2016), Xtra Uugly (2017) and The Falling Man EP (2019), have transcended streaming platforms and landed in films, TV series, and brand ad campaigns and have received critical acclaim from a vast amount of outlets including NPR, The FADER, Complex, XXL and more. This cumulation has led the rapper to become an international touring staple, headlining shows globally and performing at Austin City Limits and opening for superstars Billie Eilish and Anderson .Paak. Duckwrth’s music has appeared on shows like CW’s All American, HBO’s Insecure and Real Time with Bill Maher and his song “Start A Riot” was featured on the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. His music has appeared in campaigns for the likes of Cadillac, Microsoft, Peloton, Amazon and Apple Music, and he’s worked with fashion legacies like Levi’s, Vans and Fila, as well as high fashion men’s suit designer Paul Smith.

Follow Duckwrth: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About Republic Records

A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, Monkeywrench, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains long-standing strategic alliances with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (Karol G) and Hollywood Records (Zendaya).

In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse), Lionsgate (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films during 2017 in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production is the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.

Stratos Zero Supercar?

Leave a reply

What would the Bertone Stratos Zero Concept look like today if it had made it past the prototype stage and into production? Casey Putsch and a Genius Garage alumni Peyton MacAllister will be coachbuilding a fully functioning modern day supercar that reflects the past and shows what the Bertone Stratos Zero could have been. The King Zero project, named in recognition of Putsch’s longtime YouTube channel sponsor AvalonKing ceramic coatings, will launch this summer and take to the roads sometime later this fall.

Casey and Peyton are going old school ditching 3D and clay modeling for full scale hand drawings to bring to life the epic build (see below). Given the one-off nature of this project, the body of the King Zero will be hand formed over a wire buck using thin gauge steel to create the body. The use of a wooden buck was not considered since there will only be one Zero ever produced, for now. Watch the video detailing the build HERE.

King Zero project will be using the suspension and frame from a Porsche Boxster and a BMW V12 to give it modern-day supercar performance, versus the 115 horsepower Lancia Fulvia V-4 in the original prototype. The dimensions for the King Zero will also increase. The original Stratos Zero was 33 inches tall (7 inches lower than a GT 40), 144 inches long with an 87-inch wheelbase. However, given the Boxster’s 95.2-inch wheelbase the overall dimensions for the King Zero will increase 8 to 9% to provide more room for the V-12 and also its occupants.

“We are hoping to pay tribute to the original masterpiece and art that is the Stratos Zero,” said Putsch. “Our plans are to take it further to represent what a pure supercar should be with simplicity and a stick shift. The goal is to make a drivable supercar that gets back to the basics. I plan on driving it as much as possible and use it to teach future engineers.”

Follow Casey Putsch: Instagram