Posts made in April 2022

Yarge – El Vuelo

Leave a reply

Venezuelan artist Yarge released her latest single and music video, “El Vuelo,” a soft, melodic song about being in a long-distance relationship. See HERE.

A perfect blend of pop, R&B and hip-hop, “El Vuelo” showcases Yarge’s effortless voice and identifiable lyrics. “The Flight” (English translation) is a story of two lovers who have been separated by living conditions, and captures the feeling of wanting to take a flight to see someone you love.

Yarge sings, “and let the bad be left behind / we no longer have to suffer / we are going to love each other and we are going to see each other / imagine that it happens like this”, asking to leave behind evil and suffering and imagine being together.

The music video was filmed in Caracas, Venezuela, and delves into the history of wanting to be with someone but not being in the same place. The video reflects images of Yarge and her lover doing FaceTiming and wishing to be together.

“For me, ‘The flight’ is so special for its lyrics and its rhythm, since when we started producing it I really wanted to give it that very marked R&B vibe… [but] as we were advancing with the beat we added hip hop and… [less] reggaeton.

Yarge is the first Latina woman to sign with United Masters and her first single with United Masters, “más de mi,” garnered more than 300,000 views in the first two weeks of release.

Yarge began by releasing covers on social networks, one of those covers being “Dile A El” by Rauw Alejandro, who showed his support. Yarge’s first single, “PICK UP,” featuring Ramon Vega with over 100,000 views and multiple viral videos on TikTok with over 800,000 views contribute to her success on TikTok with over 141,000 subscribers, and it continues to grow.

About Yarge

Yarge (born April 13, 2005 in Punto Fijo, Venezuela) is a singer-songwriter. From a young age, her parents pushed her to try different sides of the art world, however, her voice left everyone in the family speechless. In 2017, Yarge started posting small covers on social media, which gave her the opportunity to expand and start building followers on her own path Yarge is currently working on new music with her brother to be released at the UnitedMasters Team.

ELLE Canada Spring Edition

Leave a reply

KO Média is excited to unveil the Spring issue of ELLE Decoration Canada featuring the home of interior designer Arianna De Gasperis, who set out to capture the spirit of New York’s West Village within the calm environment of a Victorian-style property in Jersey City. “Once we got inside, the original staircase that was straight out of another era completely won me over,” says the Toronto-based designer and founder of And Studio. The home took nine long months to renovate, but De Gasperis insists the attention to detail was worth it. “Speeding things up can result in regret. Taming a space, and really taking the time to bring together all the elements that make sense to form a cohesive vision, is an essential part of the process.”

This edition is all about reimagining spaces. Architecture and design firm Campos Studio helps a family of five create a feeling of greater openness while preserving the historic charm of their Vancouver home. The duo behind Warren Garrett play with avant-garde accents to make the new Montreal residence of the Consul General of Belgium a space suitable both for welcoming distinguished guests and daily family life. The team at La Shed converts a Montreal Mile-End duplex into a single-family home that allows three retirees to live together while maintaining their privacy. Content creator Claude-Alicia Guérin-Roy, of the Conscience Coupable platform, shares the inspiration behind her daughter’s fairy-tale nursery.

They sat down with Los Angeles-based Canadian creative director Willo Perron to talk about his new line of custom furniture (his Pillo couch is arguably the ultimate place for a nap) and designing spaces for the likes of Rihanna and Jay-Z. French artisan and artist Helios Nasal introduced them to lime, a traditional material that offers a sustainable alternative to acrylic and latex. And Alberta entrepreneur Treana Peake inspired them to consume differently thanks to Obakki, a brand and philanthropic foundation built around real partnerships with local craftspeople.

In an attempt to discern what makes the perfect couch, they turn to three experts: Thien Ta Trung of Montreal’s Élément de Base boutique, Tim Zyto of Montauk Sofa, and Mjölk co-founder John Baker. In Newfoundland, the Fogo Island Workshops continue to make waves in the international design scene with the release of their latest collection; and an outward-looking design by Toronto-based architect Omar Gandhi makes panoramic coastal views the focal point of a Nova Scotia home.

For those seeking an escape, this issue proposes four not-so-humble abodes that capture the flavor of local life in the Bahamas, Portugal, Sweden and Puglia, Italy. Or, to keep things closer to home, we offer a roundup of candles with scents that can send you on a journey from the flower markets of Sri Lanka to the trails of Cootes Paradise along Lake Ontario.

The Spring issue of ELLE Decoration Canada will hit stands and Apple News+ on April 18, 2022

For You, Paige

Leave a reply

For You, Paige, the first commissioned TikTok musical, will be performed live on stage in New York City and streamed globally, exclusively on TikTok, via the TikTok handle on April 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Hosted by Andy Cohen (Bravo), and starring Roman Banks (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) and Sri Ramesh (EarCandy), For You, Paige, was created by Daniel Mertzlufft as a follow up to his work on viral sensation, Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. On this new production, Mertzlufft serves as executive producer, co-writer, composer, executive music supervisor and music supervisor, leading a team of incredible creators including co-writer Kate Leonard, songwriters Julia Riew, Katherine Lynn-Rose, RJ Christian, Blake Rouse, Morgan Reilly, Alex Engelberg, and Kate Leonard with orchestrations by Macy Schmidt, who also serves as co-executive producer.

Alongside Banks and Ramesh, the production stars Krystina Alabado as Kaia, and features James Henry as Tyler and JJ Niemann as Jarek, along with Aveena Sawyer, Alysia Velez, Fernell Hogan, Cori Jaskier, Max Antonio Gonzalez, Emily Stillings, Thursday Farrar and Paul Schoeffler.

Media.Monks, an international creative agency and innovation leader with 50+ talent hubs around the world, co-created the project with Mertzlufft and brought together an impressive team of Broadway creatives to bring the collective vision to life. Leadership from Media.Monks on this project is highlighted by executive producer Joshua Asen, and producers Danielle Dioguardi and Jessica Norton, with support from Global Head of Entertainment Eric Shamlin.

Mertzlufft was inspired by the extensive musical theater community on TikTok to develop For You, Paige, collaborating with creators from all over the world to build this show.

“The way theater is being created and consumed is changing,” shared Mertzlufft. “We are now able to give theater access to people across the globe through their screens, and TikTok is the perfect platform to empower this. It’s not about follower count, it’s about the work you are putting out there. It’s so exciting to constantly see new voices emerge from this platform, and even more exciting to see TikTok not only acknowledge that community but embrace it. I hope For You, Paige serves as a love letter to all of those people.”

In a story inspired by real TikTokers, teenage music nerd Landon (played by Roman Banks) collaborates with his best friend Paige (played by Sri Ramesh) on a TikTok song inspired by her favorite book series. Landon’s TikTok goes viral, thrusting him into the spotlight—leaving Paige behind. When a producer offers Landon the opportunity to adapt the book series into a musical, Landon discovers that the glory of doing it all himself isn’t worth the stress and enlists the help of Paige and the TikTok community to turn the show into a huge success.

This production follows the wildly successful Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, which raised over $2 Million for The Actor’s Fund and provided a sense of hope and excitement amidst a challenging time for theater during the pandemic.

Behind the curtain, returning artisans and craft leads include co-EP, executive music producer and music director Macy Schmidt, a 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and her Broadway Sinfonietta, the acclaimed all-women, primarily women-of-color orchestra, which recorded the score for the show.

For more on the For You, Paige musical, follow Daniel Mertzlufft and TikTok.

Preakness LIVE Festival

Leave a reply

1/ST EXPERIENCE, curators of world-class entertainment and hometown hospitality for Preakness 147, announces a collaboration with Baltimore’s own Kevin Liles, CEO and Chairman of 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group, to launch Preakness LIVE Culinary, Art & Music Festival as part of an expanded Preakness entertainment and cultural celebration set to take place on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 20. The festival is just one part of 1/ST’s new long-term campaign, Baltimore 1/ST, kicking off this year.

In consultation with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and in collaboration with Baltimore notable Kevin Liles, Preakness LIVE will be the first event to take place as part of Baltimore 1/ST, a holistic new campaign that heralds the Preakness’ lifelong home and represents a commitment from 1/ST, owner and operator of the Preakness, to support and build on the optimism and enthusiasm for the future of the city. Baltimore 1/ST will champion the race’s connection to Baltimore by leveraging the Preakness platform to highlight and impact local culture year-round across the pillars of music, art, fashion, culinary, sports and community, featuring both international and local Baltimore talent.

“I am incredibly excited about this new collaboration being led by a true son of Baltimore. This will not only improve the Preakness experience, but also support and elevate Baltimore culture through art, sports, fashion and food year-round,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott.”I look forward to the profound impact this new focus on Baltimore art and culture will have on our city’s next generation of creative minds. I want to thank Kevin Liles, 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group, and 1/ST EXPERIENCE for their investment in our city and it’s unique cultural fabric.”

Taking place in the iconic Pimlico Infield, Preakness LIVE will feature performances by GRAMMY Award winners Ms. Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion, NAACP Image Award winner D-Nice and Baltimore-bred talent including rising singer Brittney Spencer, Darin Atwater and The Soulful Symphony, plus a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by WanMor and more. Local talent will also perform on the Charm City Stage throughout the evening. Preakness LIVE is produced in collaboration with Karlitz & Company.

“Baltimore is more than a city, just as Preakness is more than a race,” said Kevin Liles, CEO and Chairman of 300 Entertainment and Elektra Music Group. “What we’re building with Preakness LIVE is a movement, not a moment. As a native son of this great city and a life-long fan of Preakness, I’m so proud to help bring an event of this scale and scope home, creating a cultural milestone both for residents and visitors rediscovering Baltimore’s charms.”

Celebrity chefs Tom Colicchio, Marcus Samuelsson, Gail Simmons and beloved Baltimore chefs Saon Brice of BLK Swan and Mario Moise of Bar ONE will perform culinary showcases on the main stage. Chefs Colicchio, Samuelsson and Simmons will collaborate to develop unique offerings for guests in the Finish Line Suites, Turfside Terrace and the Home Stretch Pavilions. Preakness LIVE will also debut Restaurant Row, made up of a diverse group of local eateries featuring regional culinary delights serving fans on both Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day.

Baltimore’s vibrant art scene will be given a showcase in the Pimlico infield during Preakness weekend with unique installations throughout the art garden, curated by acclaimed Baltimore multidisciplinary artist and founder of “The Last Resort Artist Retreat” Derrick Adams. The art garden will display works from a multitude of local artists as well as entrants of the Preakness 147 Art of Racing campaign, among other exciting activations.

To further connect the Preakness weekend celebrations to Park Heights, Park Heights Renaissance will sponsor and lead the first annual George “Spider” Anderson Preakness Music and Arts Festival in recognition of the first African American jockey to win the Preakness Stakes in 1889. The day-long festival on May 21st will feature live music, arts & crafts, the days’ races live-streamed, top food trucks and will highlight community businesses and partners.

Park Heights Renaissance Executive Director Yolanda Jiggetts says, “We are committed to engaging the community in the history of Preakness. This will be a celebration of the Preakness in a way that’s groundbreaking and we hope connects residents and local businesses like never before. 1/ST continues to show its commitment to strengthening its reach in the community through its growing relationship with Park Heights Renaissance.”

During the third running of the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, the recipient of the George E. Mitchell Park Heights Community Fellowship Grant, awarded by Park Heights Renaissance, will be recognized with a special presentation from the Winner’s Circle. The iconic race was renamed in 2020 to highlight the extraordinary legacy of Mitchell himself and to create a platform for the recognition of those in the Park Heights community who share in Mitchell’s vision and leadership towards revitalization of the Park Heights community.

“The Preakness 147 celebration, including everything we are doing on Black-Eyed Susan Day and on Preakness Day, will bring together entertainers, artists, lifestyle, hospitality and culinary leaders, and the community for weekend of events that will put Baltimore front and center,” said Jimmy Vargas, CEO, 1/ST EXPERIENCE. “We are thrilled to be working with Mayor Scott, Kevin Liles, Yolanda Jiggetts and some of the city’s top cultural shapeshifters to reaffirm and evolve the connection between the Preakness and the people of Baltimore.”Tickets for Preakness LIVE go on-sale April 13th and range from $49-$175. These and other Preakness weekend tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE. As part of the ongoing partnership between 1/ST and Park Heights Renaissance, tickets for Preakness LIVE and for InfieldFest will be distributed to the Parks Heights community through Park Heights Renaissance.

TOP SHADES

Leave a reply

Everyone knows that a pair of sunglasses can elevate one’s entire presence. You’ve seen it before; the most mysterious and chilled individuals always seem to be donning a pair of fashionable shades. Whether you’re wearing them to block out the sun or the haters, we’ve assembled the most high-fashion, chic shades on the market today. And many of them, do not require eye exams.

9Five

The elaborate, exclusive eyewear collection at 9Five radiates pure luxury. With many styles sporting 24K gold plated steel, these shades will have you feeling that twenty-four karat magic. Offering polarized, clean les and prescription shade choices, 9Five has something suited best for you eyewear needs.

Aperçu

The Aperçu brand is named after the French verb APERÇEVOIR, to perceive. Implying a meaning of “a flash of insight,” the name of these shade exemplifies that self-expression is powerful and a key part of our daily life. Displaying high-fashion styles and designs of your choice shades, a pair of Aperçu’s will elevate your wardrobe.

Carrera

Designed in Italy emulating Italian style comes Carrera’s eyewear collection. The distinctive personality of a pair of Carrera shades is sure to captivate any room you step in. Sporting athletic to casual styles with impeccable quality, a pair of Carrera’s are indeed in their own lane.

Celine

With a variety of high-fashion pieces comes Celine’s sunglasses selection. When we say a selection, we mean a SELECTION. Ranging from oversized, cat eye, round, square and even more styles, Celine is sure to have something that appeals to your personality. The fully equipped range of sunglasses in Celine’s collection ensures high fashion freshness.

Fendi

From the Italian luxury fashion house comes Fendi eyewear. The sunglasses collection from Fendi showcases timeless, luxurious pieces. Sporting unique features such as unconventional lens colors with dynamic FF branding, Fendi shades are one-of-a-kind.

Gentle Monster

The Korean eyewear brand of Gentle Monster mimics the meaning of their name in each pair of shades in their collection. ‘Gentle,’ meaning modest yet wearable stand opposed to the ‘Monster,’ meaning of attitude paired with individuality. These avant-garde shades are eye catching and will uplift your entire presence.

Gucci

There’s only one way to illustrate the Gucci eyewear collection; bold. With such profound styles from the aviator to Hollywood-favorite, Gucci’s eyewear is striking and distinct. Fit for those who love to stand out amongst a crowd, Gucci gives you just that and more.

Kate Spade

Notarized for the brands cool and quirky essence, Kate Space shades are no different. The sunglasses available in Kate Spade’s collection, too, offer a conventional feel paired with a modern-day ambiance. Regarded as true elegance, the Kate Spade shades emulate a rare experience.

Linda Farrow

With an eclectic range of sunglasses comes the outstanding Linda Farrow collection. A selection of punchy colors and distinguishing designs, Linda Farrow shades are stand out pieces. With reminiscent, vintage styles to cutting-edge, modern designs, Linda Farrow is one of the most exhilarating and cutting-edge brands in fashion today.

Louis Vuitton

The Louis Vuitton shade collection offers shades for those in search of styles ranging from subtle to statement. The frames of the sunglasses are sure to compliment your face form, no matter the pair! Commonly worn by popular rap star El Alfa El Jefe, snatch up a pair of Louis Vuitton shades to be styled like the stars.

Prada

Prided on the impeccable crafting of their works, Prada never fails to embark on their contemporary promise. Prada shades are exceptionally popular, you’ve probably even seen them on your go-to form of social media a time or two. Although Prada is known for their essential, all-black sunglasses, the brand has a selection of styles, colors and constructions to choose from that you’ll just have to have.

Privé Revaux

Founded on the idea that luxury eyewear should be inexpensive and accessible to all comes Privé Revaux eyewear. Creative directors’ celebrity stylists Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haeen have worked with some of the most esteemed in the entertainment industry, and now they work for YOU! The team works to ensure that you’ll find the picture-perfect pair of shades that fits both your creative style and face shape.

Raen

Inspired by the brand’s home of Oceanside, California, Raen shades imitate the free-spirited and creative vibe of the California coast. Presently now just north of San Diego, these shades pull out everything that you love about the coast, an impeccable blend of surf, sun and culture. Handmade to ensure fit, comfort and durability, Raen shades are a flawless choice of shades for the eccentric.

Ray-Ban

We all know and admire the classic styles that come from the notorious sunglasses brand, Ray-Ban. Whether you’re looking for their iconic, immediately familiar designs like the Aviator of Wayfarer, or something a little bit fresher and more distinctive, Ray-Bans has got you covered. Available in an assortment of frame styles and lens choices, you’ll be sure to find a pair suitable for your taste.

Saint Owen

Saint Owen furthers the space of eyewear, continuously combining cutting edge designs with attentiveness. Handcrafted in Italy and Japan, Saint Owen shades are produced by the best of the best. Showcasing the use of distinctive highlights, like ceramic nose pads and stainless-steel hinges, Saint Owen sunglasses are a step above the rest.

T HENRI

Handmade from 18K Gold and titanium materials, the T HENRI eyewear collection displays the renowned, celebrated view of the T HENRI company. This ultra-luxury eyewear brand aims to produce shades tailored for the elite lifestyle. T HENRI pieces are handcrafted to precision, with inspiration from vintage supercars.

Tom Ford

Pure sophistication pours out of Tom Ford shades. Noteworthy for their standard bold structuring, the sunglasses made a statement without a word. Offered in several edgy styles and colors, Tom Ford shades are a showstopper.

Tory Burch

Defined by traditional sensibility, Tory Burch sunglasses push the envelope for eyewear. These shades sport geometrical shapes, printed patterning and rare lens capabilities. You’ll want to snatch up a pair of these unparalleled sunglasses.

Versace

Glamour, extravagance and modernity; this is how we exemplify Versace sunglasses. With wide-ranging styles that go from simplistic to extraordinary, this eyewear collection has an array of high-fashion pieces. Available, too, in diverse color pallets, Versace appeals to the chic.

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall

Leave a reply

Louis Vuitton’s Men’s and Women’s Pre-Fall 2022 collections remind us of why we admire the luxury fashion house.

The Women’s Pre-Fall 2022 collection showcases an array of accessories platforming bold color stories and ready-to-wear pieces. Whether you’re in search of a scarf, new pair of shoes or sunglasses, Lous Vuitton will have the perfect accessory to add to your luxe collection. Check out some of the stunning new handbags.

The Pre-Fall 2022 Men’s Daybreak Capsule Collection dives deeper into spring fashions and was designed by the late Virgil Abloh. Standing as the second part to the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2022 Men’s Collection, Abloh’s collection personifies his style and methodology as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Artistic Director.

Regarding the collection, Abloh explained, “My philosophy is very much informed by the clothes that people actually wear. What I do is an analysis of a generation: what do people buy and why do they wear it? That question naturally creates an equal interest in tradition as it does in changing tradition. But it’s also about challenging myself and exploring different land. That is creative freedom.”

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2022 Men’s Daybreak Capsule Collection

Eight Baby Health Tips for New Parents

Leave a reply

Being a new parent has its own set of challenges as you experience many new things — from soothing your crying baby to late-night feedings. You have so much to learn as you embark on the journey of parenthood. And knowing how to take care of your delicate baby is the first step.

Every first-time parent feels nervous about managing a fragile newborn. Yet, with time, love and lots of patience, you’ll learn to take the best care of your baby. Each passing day helps you understand the signals for hunger, sleepiness and other reasons for crying. So, soon you’ll be a pro at it.

But for now, you need the right information at your fingertips to endure a fulfilling experience. So, here are the top baby health tips for you as a new parent.

1. Make a Checklist

It’s essential to prepare yourself by making a checklist of the items you require for baby care. Before you bring your baby home, ensure you have enough stock. At bathtime, for instance, you’ll need to gather the essentials, including soft washcloths, baby shampoo and soap, cotton balls, a hooded towel and a bathtub.

If you’re nursing, you’ll need things like nursing pillows, nursing bras, a breast pump, etc.

2. Tips for Breastfeeding Your Baby

Feeding your baby breast milk is nutritious, and it helps boost their immune system. If you decide to breastfeed, try to breastfeed during the first hour after giving birth — this is also known as the “golden hour.” It’s important to breastfeed during the golden hour as the skin-to-skin contact will help you bond with your baby. Plus, the suckling releases hormones helping the uterus contract and stop bleeding.

After the first few months of birth, you’ll want to feed your baby regularly. This means you should be feeding at least every two to four hours or 8-12 times a day — depending on how hungry your baby may be.

It’s also crucial you avoid bottle feeding in the first three months unless you have no other option. After every feeding, it’s important to wipe away any residue off their gums using a soft washcloth for dental hygiene purposes.

3. Handle Your Newborn With Care

A newborn’s body is fragile, and new parents should handle their baby delicately with the utmost care. Supporting the head first with one hand is essential when you hold your baby. The head is the heaviest part of their body, and they’re not ready to support it on their own yet. Once you have a handle on their head, you can rest it in your arm’s cove. Then, you can use the other arm to support your baby’s bottom.

You’ll also need to wash your hands regularly before handling your baby. Newborns don’t have an adequate immune system yet, so they’re always at risk for infection. Plus, anyone else who holds your baby should always have clean hands.

You should also be sure never to shake your baby. Shaken baby syndrome causes a serious brain injury if you forcefully shake them out of frustration or playing.

4. Trim Baby’s Nails Regularly

Ensure you trim your baby’s nails regularly. Babies’ skin is very delicate, and their nails are sharp. Essentially, they could scratch their face at any point. That’s why you must cut the nails at regular intervals because the baby’s nails grow back quickly. However, you want to do this cautiously while the baby is sleeping.

If you’re too afraid to use nail clippers, consider filing the baby’s nails. Just be careful not to trim the nail too far down into the baby’s nail bed. Furthermore, you want to ensure the baby doesn’t scratch himself in the face. To prevent this, you can place soft mittens on your baby’s hands, so he doesn’t scratch himself while sleeping.

5. Bond With Your Baby

Establishing a bond with your newborn is one of the most enjoyable parts of parenthood. It’s crucial to bond with your little one as it helps establish an emotional connection. Plus, it contributes to their overall emotional development, which affects other areas like physical growth.

You have a few ways to bond with your newborn. First, SSC (skin-to-skin contact) begins with bonding by cradling your baby and gently stroking the tummy or back. You want to be sure your baby looks into your eyes so she gets familiar with you. Studies have shown mothers who have SSC breastfeed longer than the average of over 60 days — meaning more women can breastfeed successfully while bonding.

You could also try massaging your baby to enhance the bonding. Or you can use vocal sounds — babbling and singing — as you rock your little one in a chair.

6. Soothe Your Baby’s Cry

Crying is a baby’s way of communicating — whether hungry, tired or feeling discomfort. As you continue to observe your baby, you’ll be able to understand what he is trying to say.

You can look for certain cues that can help you tell whether your baby needs:

A diaper change.

Swaddled

Entertainment

To sleep.

Changed because they’re too hot or cold.

To suck on something.

To cry for no reason.

7. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Setting a nighttime schedule for your baby helps her learn when it’s bedtime. If you let the baby sleep at odd timings, this will set the foundation for many sleepless nights. Set a bedtime schedule as early as possible. That way, you can prepare yourself and your baby for a good night’s sleep.

Establishing a bedtime routine is also beneficial for your baby’s circadian rhythm. This teaches them the difference between day and night and often helps your baby mentally prepare for bedtime.

8. Keep Your Baby Clean

Expect to have a soiled diaper at least 8-10 times per day. Depending on the number of times you feed your newborn, you’ll be doing many diaper changes. So, it’s imperative not to leave the soiled diaper on for too long. Dirty diapers can make your baby feel discomfort, while they can also cause rashes and infections.

Try to change the diaper immediately after you sense a dirty diaper. While changing your baby, use soft baby wipes to get her clean. You can also use diaper rash cream to take care of the redness before placing a clean diaper back on.

Basics for Young People to Know About Health Insurance

Leave a reply

Health insurance is essential in case you ever need medical attention. It prevents you from paying for expensive services, such as hospitalization and surgery. Many people are provided coverage through their work or others by the government. However, understanding how this system works can be confusing for younger adults. So, here are a few basics you should know.

1. How to Get Coverage

The first step in understanding health insurance is knowing where to look. There are multiple ways you can receive coverage. If you’re under 26 years old, you can be on your parent’s plan, even if you’re married or not living with them. This can help you to receive coverage while you’re still getting settled. Suppose you’re attending school or still looking for a full-time job. You might not currently have employee benefits.

Here are a few more plans to consider:

COBRA. COBRA is a short-term plan to prevent people from suddenly losing their coverage. It allows them to continue buying their current health plan for a limited time.
Short-term policy. Some companies temporarily cover students between college and their first job. These plans are usually pretty basic and cost-effective.
Employer coverage: This is the most common and affordable option. Some offer coverage from the start and others need you to work for a certain amount of time.
Individual policy. Buying personal health insurance can be a more expensive option. You may pay more if you’re considered a higher-risk individual, such as being a smoker.
The Health Insurance Marketplace. This option helps people choose the best insurance plan if they need to buy it independently. It’s also sometimes called a Health Insurance Exchange.

2. Mental Health Services Aren’t Always Well Covered

Mental health conditions are a rising concern, especially after the pandemic. In 2008, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act encouraged mental health benefits to be at the same level as physical ones. However, many plans still don’t provide adequate coverage.

Often there aren’t enough in-network providers, leading to longer wait times and farther commutes. Another issue is there are restrictive standards that limit coverage. For example, some companies focus on treating acute symptoms rather than underlying ones. This makes it harder for people with a long-term mental illness to qualify.

However, Biden addressed these concerns in a speech on March 1st, 2022. He proposed all health care plans cover mental health services with adequate network providers, including three behavioral health visits a year with no cost-sharing.

3. How to Pay For Your Plan

After you’ve done your basic research, you want to understand finances. Figuring out how to pay for the policy is critical. The amount you pay depends on your specific plan. In fact, in 2020, annual premiums cost around $21,342 for a family of four. You pay a fixed rate each month for many programs, called a premium. You might also pay whenever you receive medical care or get a prescription refill.

These payments include the following:

Deductible: A deductible is what you pay at the beginning of the year before the provider starts covering services.
Copay: This is a set fee you pay after visiting a doctor or other medical services.
Coinsurance: It’s the percentage you pay for specific covered services.
Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the highest amount you have to pay within a given period for all covered services.

4. How to Find the Right Individual Policy

If you can’t get insurance from an employer or a state-funded program, you must buy your own. When shopping, consider the cost of premiums and deductibles and the outside services. For example, can you visit any doctor or healthcare facility? Some plans may have lower premiums but fewer health care providers to choose from. Also, if you’re hoping to save money, look for a plan with a higher deductible you can use with a health savings account.

These plans also have levels of coverage, including gold, silver, bronze or catastrophic.

They vary in premium and out-of-pocket costs. So, if you have a medical condition and require multiple services, a gold plan may be best. However, a bronze or silver plan might work better if you only visit the doctor a few times a year.

Once you choose your level, you want to pick a specific plan. Here are the main options you have to choose from:

Indemnity Plans: On this plan, you can visit any doctor at any time. Then you pay them upfront and file the claim with your insurance company, which pays you back part of the cost. They often do not cover preventive care, like physicals, and have higher premiums.
Managed Care Plans: Alot of employee coverage is managed care policies. The insurance company works with health care providers to offer low-cost care. This plan also has four basic types: HMO, PPO, POS and EPO.
Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP): This is when you set aside money in a health insurance saving account. So, you’re in charge of how to handle the cash to pay for health care services. It does come with higher deductibles, though.

5. A Plan Through Your University May Not Be Enough

While this is an easy and cost-effective way to get insurance, it might not be enough. Keep in mind it may only cover services on campus. However, it might not be covered if you get an x-ray off-campus.

Also, suppose something happens when you’re on break. Then your current plan might not cover outside providers. So, talk with your Health Center to see what exactly is covered. Some programs may offer services that require just a fee and others that need insurance.

However, many schools require proof of health insurance. So, you can stay on your parent’s plan or a private one. Also, if you qualify as a low-income individual, you can receive Medicaid.

6. Finding Affordable Programs

Some people may worry about the expenses associated with the plan. However, between tax credits and Medicaid, you can find affordable programs. If you apply for coverage through The Marketplace, you can see if you qualify for a premium tax credit.

These credits are based on your local residence, household income and coverage level. If you’re eligible, apply the credit to your monthly premium. Then The Marketplace will send it directly to your insurance company.

Also, consider subsidies for low-income consumers, reducing out-of-pocket costs. You must make a certain income level and be in a state that didn’t expand Medicaid to qualify.

KEM – Stuck on You

Leave a reply

Three-time GRAMMY Award-nominated multiplatinum 21^st century R&B icon KEM returns to the #1 spot on R&B radio this week! His critically acclaimed new single, “Stuck On You” captures #1 at R&B radio, marking his eighth career #1 record. Affirming his place at the top once more, this milestone extends his incredible legacy, which remains one of the most storied and influential in modern soul and R&B. Listen to “Stuck On You” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.

The music video has impressively racked up 4 million Facebook views and nearing a million YouTube views, while the song has generated millions of combined streams and counting. Rated R&B raved, “He’s still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to love songs,” and Soulbounce declared, ” ‘Stuck On You’ finds the singer absolutely smitten with his special someone. He expresses that sentiment over a perfectly adult contemporary groove full of quiet instrumentation and led by a guitar melody that expands as the song progresses.” YouKnowIGotSoul plugged the track, and ThisisRnb summed it up best as “Good ole fashion R&B music, perfect love and baby-making music, and right on time for Valentine’s Day.”

Right now, he is headlining “The Full Circle Tour” with none other than 12-time GRAMMY Award-winning legend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and three-time EMMY Award-nominated actress, comedian, author, host and television personality Sherri Shepherd joins as the evening’s host. It stands out as KEM‘s biggest and boldest North American tour to date. “The Full Circle Tour” is rolling through arenas across the continent and concludes at Oakland Arena on May 15, 2022. It notably marks the first tour between KEM and Babyface, uniting two R&B titans for one unforgettable run.

Get ready for more from KEM in 2022.

About KEM

Nashville-born and Detroit-raised singer, songwriter, and producer KEM remains one of the most vibrant and vital voices in 21^st century R&B. His catalogue comprises classics such as the gold-certified Kemistry (2003), the platinum-certified Album II (2005), and the gold-certified Intimacy: Album III (2010). Meanwhile, Promise To Love (2014) marked his second #1 debut on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and third consecutive Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. He has sold out shows worldwide and gathered hundreds of millions of streams. He reached another critical milestone with 2020’s Love Always Wins, setting the stage for more to come.

How the Metaverse Could Save Cultural Institutions

Leave a reply

By: Chris Cummings, CEO & founder of Iconic Moments

Museums and cultural institutions are in trouble. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these institutions learned that the typical business model of earning revenue through in-person ticket sales, event rentals and once-a-year galas was too fragile to be sustainable. In March 2020, it was estimated that 15 percent of the world’s museums would be forced to permanently close. By spring 2021, this number reached 37 percent, and today, 25 percent of U.S. museums have less than four months of funding to survive.

So how can the ‘Metaverse’ help? The ‘Metaverse’ provides cultural institutions a way to step outside the traditional four walls, providing them with the tools to explore and expand their reach in a digital environment. The result? Increased revenue and a chance to avoid permanent closure.

What is the ‘Metaverse’?

The ‘Metaverse’ refers to a host of virtual worlds encased in a technology called blockchain. And while the ‘Metaverse’ is referred to as an ‘emerging’ space, it’s simply a rehash of a concept that has been around for a long time: a virtual world that includes the ability to create a virtual self and interact with others in this world.

The ‘Metaverse’ became increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic as audiences turned to digital worlds rather than the physical. And although much of the world is living in some sort of ‘post-pandemic’ society, the use of virtual worlds (and ‘Metaverses’) can continue to encourage engagement in new ways.

‘Metaverses’ function using blockchain technology, a distributed digital database that stores information about any transaction that’s taken place in its network. A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a type of token exchanged within this network that can store information about assets such as artwork or artifacts. We can use this distributed database as a resource to authenticate tokens and identify who owns a particular NFT—which is really just a receipt or certificate of ownership. A blockchain provides a decentralized means to store these receipts.

‘Metaverses’ provide a playground in which to display and exchange NFTs. These NFTs could represent digital assets, such as pieces of virtual land or artworks that could be displayed in a virtual gallery. In other words, ‘Metaverses’ present NFTs in their natural (digital) environment.

Solving A Problem

The ‘Metaverse’ allows us to create a new model to support the culture & heritage industry. Through it, heritage organizations, museums and cultural institutions can engage new stakeholders digitally, while showcasing the stories of archival assets, creating sustainability within the industry and preserving history permanently on the blockchain.

This combination of digital ownership and online interaction highlights an opportunity for museums. Iconic Moments guides cultural institutions into this space by asking them to rethink the museum experience and provide a new digital and creative environment for audiences to explore the collections.

We also support cultural institutions in creating an alternative dynamic revenue stream through NFTs. This will give institutions the much-needed income lost during the pandemic. NFTs will also provide audiences with a way to own and interact with different pieces of history and culture.

Two examples of cultural institutions and organizations looking to the ‘Metaverse’ to generate revenue through NFTs are the National Broadcast Museum in Chicago and the Universal Hip Hop Museum planned for Brooklyn. The National Broadcast Museum holds assets of the most meaningful moments in television and radio in our country’s history. Iconic Moments is working with this museum to create NFTs of significant broadcasts that can be sold to patrons and consumers, such as President Truman’s radio address announcing the end of World War 2.

Meanwhile, Iconic Moments is working with the Universal Hip Hop Museum to explore alternative methods of fundraising, as this much talked about institution is employing an NFT campaign to raise the capital needed to build the museum. Because Hip Hop is itself a multifaceted experience involving both music and art, the NFT is an ideal format.

As the museum industry continues to explore the ‘Metaverse’ and benefit from NFT technology, consumers will find new ways to engage with the culture and history that is meaningful to them while providing much-needed financial support to the institutions they cherish.