Posts made in May 2022

Rolls-Royce Reflects

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ROLLS-ROYCE REFLECTS ON ITS PINNACLE PRODUCT

TO MARK 118TH ANNIVERSARY

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates the 118th anniversary of the historic first meeting between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls – which took place on 4 May 1904
The company they founded together created ‘the best car in the world’, a position still occupied today by the marque’s products
Phantom, Rolls-Royce’s pinnacle product, has continued to evolve technically, aesthetically and dynamically to maintain its pre-eminence in the Rolls-Royce offering, and in the world of luxury
The eighth generation of Phantom reflects Royce’s held conviction that “small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing”.

“As we reflect on Phantom’s remarkable heritage, I am struck by the unique place it occupies in the hearts and minds of our most demanding Rolls-Royce clients. Phantom is the beneficiary of the most ambitious forms of Rolls-Royce Bespoke, transforming into whatever our clients want it to be. Indeed, Phantom is not only the ‘best car in the world’, but the best car for them in their world.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 118th anniversary of the first meeting between its founders, Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, England in 1904.

Through the combination of Royce’s engineering genius and Rolls’ talent for promotion, their company soon became recognised as the maker of ‘the best car in the world’ – a title that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly retains more than a century later.

Today, the marque’s pinnacle product – Phantom – is the ultimate expression of Bespoke luxury designed and handmade at the Home of Rolls-Royce, Goodwood. As part of its annual reflections on its origins and unique heritage, Rolls-Royce looks back through Phantom’s lineage, exploring how its namesakes evolved over the years to remain consistently at the apex of the Rolls-Royce offering.

THE ORIGINS OF EXCELLENCE

In the automotive industry’s earliest days, luxury car makers produced only the mechanical components (engine, transmission, chassis and so on) known as a rolling chassis, which underpinned the car. The bodies were designed and constructed by independent coachbuilders to the customer’s specification.

For manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce, improvements in design and engineering were directed almost entirely towards technical aspects of the car’s performance. These included reliability, hill-climbing capability, ease of control and a set of ride quality attributes still known collectively as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

From the outset, Phantom earned the title ‘the best car in the world’ through the superior quality and designs of the rolling chassis – the finest platform on which coachbuilders could reach the very apex of their craft.

REDRAWING TECHNICAL BOUNDARIES

The Phantom family was born in 1925 when Rolls-Royce launched Phantom I. With its massive low-range torque, cutting-edge technology and ‘Magic Carpet Ride’, the new model immediately established the fundamental traits that would define the family for the next 100 years. Then, as now, Rolls-Royce declined to rest on its laurels, and by 1929, its successor was ready for the market.

Phantom II represented another step-change in engineering and technology. In 1930, the company unveiled the Phantom II Continental, which gave customers a choice of a more performance-orientated model for those who preferred to drive themselves. The ‘standard’ longer-wheelbase car was retained for chauffeur-driven use. This practice set the precedent for today’s Phantom and Phantom Extended.

THE NEED FOR SPEED

While the new Continental could attain speeds up to 95mph, it was still not as fast as some of its rivals. The company decided to resolve the matter once and for all. In 1934, applying its proven experience with aero engines, it developed a new 7.3-litre V12 engine, mounted on a new chassis. The resulting Phantom III, when fitted with lightweight coachwork, was capable of exceeding 100mph.

In 1939, Rolls-Royce produced an experimental car, nicknamed ‘The Scalded Cat’. In later years, this car was often loaned to influential individuals, including HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was so impressed that he persuaded Rolls-Royce to build him a more formal version; the marque obliged with the first Phantom IV, delivered in July 1950. The car remains on front-line (albeit reduced) duty at The Royal Mews, under its pre-delivery codename, Maharajah. Though originally intended as a one-off, 18 Phantom IV cars were completed: 17 were sumptuously appointed commissions for other royalty and heads of state; the other, somewhat bizarrely, was built as a pick-up truck for use by Rolls-Royce as transport and on-the-road component testing.

A FINAL FLOURISH

In 1959, the marque launched Phantom V, equipped with its most up-to-date V8 engine. In 1967, the car underwent subtle technical changes that were deemed, at the very last minute, sufficient to justify its redesignation as Phantom VI.

By 1968 the only true coachbuilder left in Britain was Rolls-Royce’s own in-house company, Mulliner Park Ward. These magnificent cars soldiered on through the mid-1980s, until production dwindled to a mere two or three cars a year, and finally ceased altogether in 1992.

BRINGING VISIONS TO LIFE

Every generation up to Phantom VI was essentially a rolling chassis. The bodies were built to the owner’s individual requirements by some of the most famous and prestigious names in British and European coachbuilding.

While this was normal practice in the luxury automotive world, Phantom stood apart through its ability – thanks to Royce’s engineering genius and the excellence of the chassis’ components and construction – to carry coachwork of the very finest quality, weight and complexity.

At every stage in Phantom’s development, owners exploited its potential to the full, creating some of the most magnificent, eye-catching and radical motor cars ever to grace the road. And since the chassis and body were separate, it was possible for a subsequent owner to change the car’s appearance to suit their own taste and requirements.

Many Phantoms took on more than one guise over their long, often globe-trotting lives: in some cases, they were merely repainted; in others, the whole car was rebuilt from the chassis upwards, taking on an entirely new form and character. And for all their extraordinary diversity, every one of the examples shown below is a true Rolls-Royce in terms of its underlying engineering, materials and construction, performance, ride quality and comfort – and, above all, in being exactly as the owner wanted it.

1930 Phantom II (62GY)

This handsome Phantom II was coachbuilt by Hooper of London with a Dual Cowl Tourer body. At the request of the owner, a wealthy timber merchant from Texas, 50 additions were specified with touring intentions. These include a larger fuel tank, louvered bonnet and radiator two inches taller than standard. The car was originally purchased for the owner’s honeymoon and went on to tour the Continent extensively until 1939. The present custodian acquired the car in 1998 and has since won prestigious awards including the Louis Vuitton Classic Parfums Givenchy Trophy pre-war tourers and Most Sporting Tourer in the Biarritz Concours.

1933 Phantom II Continental (55MW)

This ‘concealed-head boat body’ was a speciality of coachbuilder Park Ward. Its main feature was the compact folding hood that, when fully retracted, was entirely concealed under the rear deck, giving the coachwork its distinctive uninterrupted line. The original upholstery was textured pigskin.

Source: ‘Park Ward The Innovative Coachbuilder’ by Malcolm Tucker.

1933 Phantom Ill (3BT103)

This rare two-door sedanca coupé was coachbuilt by HJ Mulliner for Apsley Cherry-Garrard, one of the surviving members of Captain Scott’s last, fateful expedition to the South Pole in 1912. The car was originally finished in Primrose Yellow with a dyed Vaulmol leather interior; in the late 1940s it was repainted in black. The car was briefly owned by the legendary actor Sir Ralph Richardson; it then spent time in Wales and the USA before returning to the UK in the late 70s / early 80s. It sat neglected in a barn until 2018 when it was bought by its present owner, and has now been painstakingly restored using many authentic components, including original numbered engine parts.

Source: Alpine Eagle Ltd.

1937 Phantom III (3BT85)

London coachbuilder Hooper & Co built several bodies in this striking saloon-with-division style, which looks fast even when standing still thanks to its semi-razor edge styling and swooping curves. The art-deco chrome-plated flashes to the body and wings simply enhance the sense of kinetic energy.

Source: ‘The Spectre Arises’ by Steve Stuckey.

1965 Phantom V (5VD63)

This Phantom was originally owned by Wing Commander Patrick Barthropp. In 1968, John Lennon purchased the car from Barthropp coinciding with the launch of The Beatles’ White Album. In September 1969 he sold the car to Allen Klein, an American businessman.

The car appeared in the Oscar-winning film Georgy Girl (1966), the classic Let It Be (1970), starring The Beatles, Performance (1970), featuring Mick Jagger, and then prominently featured in The Greek Tycoon (1978) starring Anthony Quinn.

In 2016 after extensive restoration, Jody Klein, a longtime Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club member brought the car to the Concurs d’Elegance, Lincolnshire, where it was awarded first place for Best In Class.

The car currently resides in the United Kingdom.

1966 Phantom VI (5LVF65)

James Young, established in 1863, is renowned for creating some of the most elegant coachwork to ever grace a motor car chassis. Perhaps the pinnacle of their achievements was realised in their PV23 design, developed especially for the Rolls-Royce Phantom V chassis, with 22 such bodies being built.

This model was usually finished in black, but for 5LVF65 the lighter shade of Ivory further enhances the classic elegance of every curve and line from the pen of its acclaimed designer, A. F. McNeil.

The interior contains a remarkably spacious rear compartment, with the finest cabinetry work below the division glass. Champagne cloth to the rear compartment is chosen for greater comfort than the similarly coloured and more resilient leather that the chauffeur would enjoy.

Source: P&A Wood.

2015 Phantom VII (Serenity Phantom)

Rolls-Royce created this magnificent Bespoke Phantom VII Extended for its display at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Inspired by opulent motor cars made for international royalty in the early 1900s, the rear passenger cabin is finished in a unique Smoke Green raw silk, specially handwoven and decorated with hand-embroidered and hand-painted Chinoiserie blossom motifs that took up to 600 hours to complete. The design also appears in the fascia and marquetry inlays in the rear doors; smoked cherrywood and bamboo elements, and details echoing the raked gravel in Japanese gardens complete the interior’s calm, natural ambiance. At the time, the Mother of Pearl exterior paint finish was the most complex – and expensive – the marque had ever produced.

2021 Phantom VIII (Phantom Oribe)

A unique collaboration saw the House of Rolls-Royce and the House of Hermès co-create a Bespoke Phantom for Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa. Named Phantom Oribe, the motor car features a Bespoke two-tone exterior finish, inspired by the client’s world-class collection of ancient Japanese ceramics, Oribe ware. In an unusual move, the Rolls-Royce paint was made available for use on the client’s private jet that the Phantom is paired with.

The interior is finished predominantly in Hermès Enea Green leather. The Gallery features an artwork based on a design by the celebrated French artist and illustrator Pierre Péron (1905–1988), who created many of Hermès’ iconic scarves.

AN ICON REBORN

At one minute past midnight, on 1 January 2003, the first Phantom VII was handed over to its new owner – the first motor car to be produced at the brand-new Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, England. A thoroughly modern interpretation of the marque’s signature lines and proportions, as first set down by Sir Henry Royce himself, it was built entirely in-house by Rolls-Royce, with monocoque bodywork to a standard design rather than coachbuilt. In one important sense, however, it retained a link with its heritage, in that every car was hand-built by a team of skilled craftspeople. Furthermore, the marque’s Bespoke programme meant Phantom was effectively a canvas upon which patrons could realise their own visions and desires.

Over its 13-year lifespan, Phantom VII cemented Rolls-Royce as the world’s pre-eminent superluxury motor manufacturer, and its own place as the marque’s pinnacle product. But just like their predecessors, Rolls-Royce’s designers and engineers understood that perfection is a moving target: that Phantom was never ‘done.’

In 2016, Rolls-Royce presented Phantom VIII. This was the first Rolls-Royce to be built on the marque’s proprietary Architecture of Luxury, an all-aluminium spaceframe designed to underpin every future motor car produced at Goodwood.

Phantom VIII was specifically designed to be the ultimate platform for Bespoke commissions. This has resulted in some of the most technically ambitious and challenging projects ever undertaken by the marque’s designers, engineers and specialist craftspeople. It is also the only Rolls-Royce model to feature the Gallery – an uninterrupted swathe of glass that runs the full width of the fascia, behind which the client can display a commissioned work of art or design.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Phantom: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 329-328 g/km; Fuel consumption: 19.5-19.6 mpg / 14.5-14.4 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 356-341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.0-18.8 mpg / 15.7-15.0 l/100km.
Phantom Extended: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 330-328 g/km; Fuel consumption: 19.5 mpg / 14.5 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 361-344 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.8-18.6 mpg / 15.9-15.2 l/100km.

You can also follow marque on social media: LinkedIn; YouTube; Twitter; Instagram; and Facebook.

Mistakes to Avoid When Marketing on Reddit

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Reddit is a powerful marketing tool, but it can be easy to make costly mistakes if you’re not familiar with how it works. So, this post will outline some of the most common errors people make when using Reddit for marketing and discuss how to avoid them. By understanding the do’s and don’ts of Reddit marketing, you can get the most out of this unique platform.

You’re Not Posting at the Right Time

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when marketing on Reddit is posting at the wrong time. Many people who are new to Reddit might make this mistake since many people post when it is a convenient time for them. However, since you are marketing and trying to reach as many people as possible, it would be a good idea to post at the best times.

How do you know when it’s a good time to post? The great thing about Reddit is that it will show you how many users are online in a specific subreddit at any given time. This means that if you want to maximize your reach, you will have to find out when the best time to post in different subreddits would be.

You’re Not Gaining Karma

Another crucial factor to consider is that on Reddit, you have to build authority. You can do that by generating karma, which is basically the points you earn when your comments or links are upvoted. This is important because the more points you have, the more authority you have on the platform, and the more likely people will be to listen to you.

One way to generate points is by using Reddit Growth Services, which will allow you to buy Reddit upvotes, which means they will upvote your comments for you and generate karma. Another way to gain Karma on Reddit is simply by participating in subreddits, commenting on posts, and providing useful links.

Your Content is Generic

The next mistake you could make when marketing on Reddit is posting very generic content. Examples of generic content include “How to Quickly Gain Instagram Followers” or “Psychology Hacks to Make People Like You.” According to The Small Business Blog, 430 million people use Reddit every month, so one thing you can be sure of is that Redditors will be very aware of generic content on the Internet and are not likely to be entertained by this sort of content on Reddit.

If people don’t find the content you post entertaining, useful, or informative, your account won’t gain any traction. However, keep in mind that there is absolutely nothing wrong with posting someone else’s content as long as it is relevant to your brand, the subreddit, or is informative or helpful.

Your Titles Aren’t Great

One thing that you need to understand fairly early on in your Reddit marketing career is that it does not matter how amazing your content is if no one is reading it. Many people don’t read content on Reddit simply because the titles aren’t great.

The good news is that there are a few tips to follow if you want to write a great title. First, you should be blatantly honest about what your content is about. You should also be specific in terms of what people can expect when reading your content and read through the subreddit rules since some could state that links aren’t allowed in a title.

You’re in the Wrong Subreddits

Finally, the biggest mistake you could make when marketing on Reddit is using the incorrect subreddits. Keep in mind that the entire purpose of marketing on Reddit is to talk to your target audience. If you are not in the correct subreddit, you won’t be targeting your audience.

A great piece of advice for marketers on Reddit would be to carefully comb through the various subreddits until you find ones applicable to your niche. It is far better to be active in a subreddit with 100 active Redditors who are part of your target audience than in an extremely popular subreddit where no one will be interested in your content.

Radisson Tallinn

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Located on Rävala boulevard in Estonia’s charming capital city, Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn is the newest Radisson Collection property to open in the Baltics and Estonia’s charming capital city. The hotel’s prime location is in the medieval cobblestoned Old Town, home to cafés and shops as well as the Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century tower. Tallinn’s main square is within walking distance and is one of the many sites to visit in this UNESCO World Heritage Site city filled with character, history, palaces, churches and other historic treasures.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn features 287 rooms and suites including Family Rooms, Suites and Junior Suites with access to fitness and sauna facilities, and Premium Suites overlooking the old town. The hotel also has a beautiful panoramic Presidential Suite. The fourth-floor relaxation area includes a spa with swimming pool, Japanese bath and three saunas—a Finnish sauna, a steam sauna, and a sanarium—in addition to a spacious gym. All rooms overlook the buzzing cultural city.

The interiors designed by local architect Argo Vaikla feature high-quality, dark Estonian wood panels, which create an overall sense of being in an Estonian forest combined with eco-friendly design elements. For example, the floors in the corridors are covered with a relief carpet made from recycled fishing nets. Photographs by Kristoffer Vaikla of the picturesque Estonian forest captured from above hang on the walls of the rooms and invite guests to explore the surrounding local countryside.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn features two restaurants, a rooftop restaurant and bar, ISSEI on the 24th floor, and MEKK on the first floor. ISSEI serves Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and is the first restaurant to offer Nikkei concept cuisine in the Baltics. In the hotel’s Estonian restaurant, MEKK, its Executive Chef Rene Uusmees creates modern Estonian-inspired dishes and delicacies.

“The opening of Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn is a milestone achievement for us, as we introduce our luxury lifestyle brand to this culturally rich city and region. Radisson Collection properties embrace and represent the local culture and design wherever they are located, and this is true here at Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn as well. Guests will be able to discover Estonian art, design, and photography which are on display throughout the hotel.” says Ain Käpp, CEO of HMP Hotellid OÜ.

The hotel’s 1,000 square meter conference center on the second floor has been completely renovated and offers eight stunning meeting spaces, the largest accommodating up to 300 people. All eight rooms are named after cities where Radisson Collection hotels are located.

With the health and safety of guests and team members as its top priority, Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn is implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program. The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out.

Justice World Tour

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Global superstar Justin Bieber announces the final North American show of his sold-out Justice World Tour, set to take place at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on July 3. Tickets for the July 3 Forum show will go on sale this Friday May 6 at 10am PT via Ticketmaster.

Last week, Justin teamed up with director Cole Bennett for his new single +video “Honest,” featuring Don Toliver. “Honest” marks Justin’s first official single since “Ghost” – the anthemic finale to the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Justice – went #1 at pop radio in January, making chart history with the most #1 hits by a male solo artist in US radio history and the only fifth artist ever to reach twenty Top 5 hits on Hot 100. “Stay” with Kid Laroi, Justin’s eighth career Hot 100 #1 single, made him the youngest solo artist ever to reach 100 hits on the chart. “Peaches,” his certified-triple-platinum smash, made Justin the first male solo artist to debut at #1 on both the Billboard 200 album chart and Billboard Hot 100 singles chart simultaneously.

Justin Bieber’s eighth #1 album Justice has sold over eight million copies globally, amassed over 12 billion global streams, and was nominated for eight Grammys, including Album Of The Year. With an astounding 100 billion career streams and over 75 million albums sold globally, Justin reigns as one of the biggest artists in the world. Bieber is the #1 artist on YouTube with over 68 million subscribers worldwide and is the #1 artist on Spotify global with 79 million monthly listeners.

Justin – who was named Artist Of The Year at the 2021 MTV VMAs and is currently nominated for thirteen Billboard Music Awards – has been wowing fans nightly on the opening leg of his Justice World Tour 2022, the biggest and most ambitious tour of his career. Throughout, Justin has remained committed to using his platform for social good, bringing his ‘Justice In Action’ initiative to fans across the country, raising awareness on important issues like criminal justice reform, climate action, voter registration and much more.

The Justice World Tour international shows start this month in Mexico and will then continue on to Scandinavia for festival shows in August; South America, South Africa and the Middle East in September & October, and then over to Australia and New Zealand in November & December before moving to the UK and Europe in early 2023.

The Justice World Tour, promoted by AEG Presents, is Justin’s first global outing since 2016/2017’s ‘Purpose World Tour’. Described by The Times of London as “mesmerising”, Bieber played to 2.7 million fans over the course of his 2016-2017 run, with the finale seen by 65,000 fans at London’s British Summer Time Hyde Park festival.

As the official wireless partner for the Justice World Tour, T-Mobile and Justin Bieber continue their successful partnership, forged in 2017 with their #UnlimitedMoves Super Bowl campaign. T-Mobile customers can get access to stage-front tickets at every U.S. tour stop, even the sold-out shows! Un-carrier customers can snag their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show at first day prices – just another way T-Mobile thanks its customers simply for being customers.

Visit justinbiebermusic.com for further information.

Maniobra: A Cultural Employment Initiative

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The Mellon Foundation and the Centro de Economía Creativa (CEC) announced Maniobra – a newly launched $8 million cultural employment initiative created to facilitate stable employment opportunities for artists while strengthening the administrative bandwidth of community-based cultural organizations across Puerto Rico. In its inaugural stage, Maniobra – named in reference to “the work of one’s hands” – is providing support including salary, training, health and other benefits, and more to 37 artists and 25 artist-centric organizations across 12 municipalities.

Puerto Rican artists play critical leadership roles within their communities, yet often live in a state of financial precarity, earning a median annual income of approximately $16,000 for their work, with 46% generating less than $12,000 annually. Through Maniobra, CEC and the Mellon Foundation underscore the labor of artists as valued work, while modeling remuneration that reflects artists’ formal education, experience, and contributions to society.

“This initiative shines an important light on the economic state and personal well-being of the artistic community and centers both as priorities for philanthropy and cultural policy,” said Javier Hernández Acosta, Founder of the Center and Dean of the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. “Equity and salary justice within the arts had previously been relegated to a secondary agenda item, but we are now thrilled to work with the Mellon Foundation to advance this important work through real action.”

Maniobra provides participating organizations with the financial support needed to hire at least one full-time artist and $20,000 yearly budget to support the organization’s programming and creative projects over the entirety of the three-year initiative. The funding will not only strengthen organizations’ artistic programming and financial stability, but will also serve as a pilot that could be expanded in the future and has the potential of driving philanthropic support to a more holistic approach.

“Lifting up and celebrating the creativity of Puerto Rican artists, writers, and performers means granting them the resources they need to pursue their callings, supporting the archipelago’s artistic and cultural organizations, and broadly fostering the work and preservation of Puerto Rican culture at a time when stable employment and funding for these efforts has been imperiled,” said Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation.“We are honored to support Maniobra, and excited to see the work that comes from this remarkable initiative.”

Prior to the launch of Maniobra, CEC and the Mellon Foundation collaborated on artists-centered initiatives including the development of Nido Cultural – a platform created to support management services for artistic and cultural production in Puerto Rico, as well as on an initiative aimed at Mapping of Cultural Work in Puerto Rico. Maniobra was inspired by Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) – the $125 million Mellon Foundation-backed initiative created to help reactivate the creative economy of New York State and secure the future of its artists.

The artists selected for Maniobra, which commenced in early April, were selected by an advisory team of key stakeholders from the local artistic community. Considering the diversity of practices and approaches across the islands, collectives and organizations were selected based on their rich experience in artistic and cultural work.

“In addition to supporting these artists, we also expect to strengthen the work of the collectives and organizations by providing technical and managerial support as well as operational budgets for the execution of the initiatives,” said Sonia Méndez, Program Manager of the Centro de Economía Creativa, Inc. “It also represents a unique project that not only offers the artist a salary, but also fringe benefits and health care coverage.”

To learn more about the projects and initiatives of the Centro de Economía Creativa, you can visit its social media accounts or Centro de Economía Creativa Website.

*Photo: Gustavo Castrodad

Predator Variant Covers

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In anticipation of all-new Predator stories coming to Marvel Comics in July, the extraterrestrial hunter will also steal the spotlight on a series of chilling variant covers. Across twenty breathtaking pieces by the industry’s top talents, fans will get to witness their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in epic showdowns with the iconic and terrifying Predator.

Since making its debut in the landmark 1987 film, the remorseless alien killer has invaded pop culture in film, comic books, video games, and more. Now, the Predator begins a new conquest in a comic series launching this summer. Capturing the horrifying, unforgiving nature of Predator with classic Marvel Comics storytelling, these outstanding covers are sure to capture the imagination of both Marvel and Predator fans as they prepare for the launch of “PREDATOR #1!”

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unparalleled mashup by collecting each Predator variant cover starting this July. Check them all out now and don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unparalleled mashup by collecting each Predator variant cover starting this July.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

Polestar Precept

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Today, Polestar Manhattan invited us to preview their Precept, exhibiting design, technology and sustainability.

“America’s newest MVP of the EV game, breaking records and necks!” – 360

Polestar revealed the Precept in February 2020 as a declaration of intent. Showcasing the future direction of Polestar’s design, sustainability and technology, the concept makes a strong statement about the brand’s intent. In October 2020, Polestar confirmed that the Precept will be put into production in the future. Polestar is documenting this journey in a YouTube series, “Precept: from concept to car.” In November 2021, Polestar confirmed that the production version of Precept will be known as Polestar 5.

Polestar continues to believe in collaborating with experts to accelerate development and provide customers with the best available technologies. Precept’s interior is defined by sustainability and offered an opportunity to work with new materials and processes. Similarly, the evolution of the HMI builds on current partnerships which maximise the integration of expertise.

Sustainable new interior materials balance modern high-tech luxury with reduced environmental impact. These sustainable materials include recycled PET bottles, reclaimed fishing nets and recycled cork vinyl. A flax-based composite developed by external partner Bcomp Ltd is featured in many interior and some exterior parts. Polestar’s ambition is to bring much of this sustainability into production.

The next generation HMI, powered by Android, builds on Polestar’s close collaboration with Google. An enlarged, portrait-oriented 15-inch centre touch screen complements a 12.5-inch driver display, and the two are linked by an illuminated blade that encompasses the entire interior. In this execution, the unique Polestar emblem floats holographically inside a solid piece of Swedish crystal between the rear seat headrests.

Supporting the advancement of a personalised and dynamic digital interface, the instrument panel also hosts an array of smart sensors. Eye tracking will allow the car to monitor the driver’s gaze and adjust the content of the various screens accordingly. Proximity sensors also enhance the usability of the centre display when driving.

The sculpted form of the Polestar Precept sets the tone for future Polestar vehicles. The vehicle’s proportions define its presence with restrained surfacing and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency.

The front grille is replaced by the Polestar SmartZone, representing a shift from breathing to seeing. An area which once channelled air to radiators and the internal combustion engine now houses technology for safety sensors and driver assistance functions. Purposefully gathered behind a transparent panel dedicated to intelligent hardware are two radar sensors and a high definition camera. The LiDAR pod, mounted atop the glass roof, is given optimal visibility as a next step towards increased driving assistance. The Thor’s Hammer LED headlight signature evolves with separated elements, taking on a dynamic, more robotic and brand-defining interpretation.

Precept features an integrated front wing above the SmartZone which accelerates air flow over the long bonnet. This allows air to attach itself to the surface earlier, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and thus improves the vehicle’s range. At the rear, the wide light-blade spans the entire width of the car, extending into vertical aero-wings – another aerodynamic feature and a nod to light-weight design.

With product development now underway, Polestar has confirmed it will produce Precept in China, where a new production facility will be established. The aim is to ensure the facility will be climate neutral and one of the most intelligent and connected automotive production facilities in the world.

Watch Precept Documentary HERE.

About Polestar Manhattan

Now officially open to the public, it represents one of 20 Polestar Spaces in a rapidly growing nationwide network. Polestar Manhattan is located in vibrant Lincoln Square and offers customers a captivating retail experience where they can learn about the brand and vehicle lineup.

“New York City is an iconic city with deep roots in design, sustainability and engineering, and opening a Polestar Space in this location will allow us to showcase the superior driving experience and high-tech minimalism that defines and differentiates Polestar,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar. “As we continue to redefine luxury for the sustainable age, Polestar Manhattan will serve as the brand’s retail home in New York City. Polestar plans to launch and showcase three new models by 2024, and I cannot wait to see them in this location.”

Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar in North America, adds: “It was critical that we establish a foothold in one of the most significant and important markets in the U.S., New York. In partnership with Manhattan Motor Cars, this new showroom will allow us to reach customers throughout the New York metro area.”

The Polestar Space is staffed by Polestar Specialists who are well trained to answer questions, assist with the digital ordering process, and coordinate test drives of the brand’s all-electric Polestar 2 model range, which includes two different configurations.

Book Test Drive HERE.

Follow Polestar HERE.

Shanne Wins Sing for the Stars

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What better word to describe Shanne‘s hard-won victory than the word “deserved”. Hailing all the way from General Santos City, in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago, Shanne sang her way to the finish line. Winning was no easy feat, but she had what it takes: talent, dedication, and the courage to take a leap of faith. And let’s not forget the final piece of the puzzle: the technology to reach the farthest corners of the globe, which is where Kumu comes in handy.

The Trajectory To Victory

If you want to reach the stars, you have to break the stratosphere, which is a need answered by having the best technology can offer. Kumu‘s “Sing For The Stars” was the vehicle aspiring singers and musicians rode to see how high they can reach. Hundreds of aspirants joined the country’s first-ever virtual singing contest and called upon their supporters to fuel the journey via the giving of virtual gifts. Much like an actual rocket launch with parts disengaging along the way, there were eliminations that narrowed down the contestant number from 100 down to 30, to 15, and finally, the top 3.

No rocket launch is complete without people guiding its trajectory, which comes in the form of the guest judges: Grammy Award-winning Michael Bublé, and Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, along with other big names in the music industry such as KZ Tandingan and Ben&Ben. It isn’t really the end for those who didn’t make it to the top—a diamond in the rough is still a diamond beneath the surface. During the “Sing For The Stars”‘ virtual press conference, Lea Salonga mentioned that aspiring musicians can still get discovered even if they did not win the competition, which is a very encouraging statement to hold on to. Many can start their musical journey, but only one can call herself a Grand Champion and enjoy the perks that come with it—the title belongs to Shanne Gulle alone.

The New Star Under The Telescope

The now Grand Champion was then a regular Kumunizen live streamer who started her Kumu journey in 2020 at the young age of 16. She had a burning desire to grow her confidence and self-esteem, saying “I wanted to be a live streamer because I wanted to grow and interact with people”. She found the Kumunity to be a very welcoming place, filled with people generous with their time and support, and surely, her confidence began to grow. As Shanne put out her music content, she saw a promotion for “Sing For The Stars” on Instagram, showing the names of two huge legends in the music industry, one of which caught her attention: Ms. Lea Salonga. Her friends rightly pointed out that these types of singing competitions are not common, and was encouraged to give it a shot, to which she excitedly obliged.

The stars aligned for Shanne, whom beat more than a hundred other aspirants to the top. Kumunizens’ kind nature was also properly represented in the rapport Shanne had with the other finalists, Archie Aguilar and Christian Bahaya. The three bonded behind the scenes as they watched the finale stage being set up. With her Kumu friends along with her that day, she came home bagging the grand prize: $10,000, a one-year contract with Warner Music Philippines, and her own Kumu concert, which happened on April 24. In it, she sang huge pop hits such as Olivia Rodrigo‘s “Happier” and “Driver’s License” highlighting her winning vocals. Last on the prize list was a one-on-one coaching session with Michael Bublé himself—a Zoom session Shanne mustered up more of her confidence to join.

What’s Up On Kumu?

The Kumu-verse is a galaxy filled with various types of content that will cater to anybody’s tastes, may it be comedy, music, art, lifestyle and many more. Get in on the live streams, or start your own content and see how great the Kumu-nity can be! Here’s how to get the app for free:

Go to the Google Play Store or the App Store and search for Kumu.
Download the app and create your account for free.
Start following content creators in the genres you prefer or start creating your own content for everyone to experience.

PATH Two Years Operating

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PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) recently celebrated two years of operations at the Placentia Navigation Center, a 100-bed interim housing site for individuals experiencing homelessness in North Orange County. Wraparound services provided include housing navigation, linkage to healthcare and benefits, family reunification, and employment assistance. The ultimate goal is to connect participants to permanent housing.

Thanks to the strong partnerships PATH has forced, they are pleased to announce that the City of Placentia has extended their operational contract for two more years.

On March 31, 2020, North Orange County cities, in collaboration with PATH, opened the Placentia Navigation Center. Despite numerous challenges presented by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, PATH served 179 individuals experiencing homelessness and helped 31 people obtain permanent housing in the first year of service.

Operational capacity was limited due to pandemic regulations for congregate settings, but social distancing, regular testing and on-site vaccine clinics limited the number of COVID-19 outbreaks at the site. This site also received state Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) funding that allowed the organization to welcome participants with pets and provide them with veterinary services.

PATH is proud to report that in 2021, during their second year of operations, they have served 203 individuals and helped 41 people make it home. That is a total of 72 people that are no longer experiencing homelessness.

PATH Orange County’s latest annual report can be found HERE.

“It’s been a true honor to be a part of this project from the beginning when it was just an idea, to what is now a comprehensive service-based Navigation Center that is celebrating its second anniversary. After an extensive review process, PATH was chosen to operate the Navigation Center, and they are doing an amazing job not only managing the facility, but also caring for the residents and treating them with the respect they deserve,” said Placentia Mayor Rhonda Shader. “It’s a great feeling to be able to celebrate the second anniversary and hear all of the positive stories from residents and former residents of the Center of how their lives have changed for the better. I’m so proud of the City, the residents, and all of our businesses who continue to support the Navigation Center and its mission, and I look forward to many more years of success for the Center and the residents.”

The Placentia Navigation Center is part of a regional plan to address homelessness in North Orange County. This Navigation Centers is the product of a collaboration between 13 cities (Placentia, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Villa Park, Stanton, and Yorba Linda) and is designed to provide interim housing and services for those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Tescia Uribe, PATH Chief Program Officer shared, “It takes a community joining together to accomplish great things, and the Placentia community has provided a lot of support. The Placentia Navigation Center opened at the beginning of the pandemic, but PATH’s team of essential workers continued to meet the critical needs of those we serve. As we go into our third year of operation, we are looking forward to serving more people and helping more people in North Orange County end their episode of homelessness.”

A wide range of volunteers, community partners, local businesses, schools and faith-based groups have come together to support this site. In 2021, nearly 400 people volunteered for activities that included pet clinics, holiday parties, and support groups. These efforts allowed them to provide 7,774 meals, which included hot meals served, snack bag and non-perishable donations. Some of their major supporters include the Placentia City Council, Placentia Rotary Club, and Placentia Buzz.

Cabo Platinum

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CABO PLATINUM ANNOUNCES TWO NEW LUXURY VILLA VACATION RENTALS IN CABO SAN LUCAS

Stunning Rentals in the Exclusive Gated Enclaves of Palmilla and Pedregal

Cabo Platinum announces two new villas, Casa Fish and “The Cliff House,” to their award-winning collection of luxury vacation rentals. The in-house team carefully selected each property to create experiences that offer all the amenities of a resort, the utmost privacy of a home, and the five-star hotel services provided by the Cabo Platinum concierge. The 4400 square foot Casa Fish resides in the prestigious Caleta enclave in Palmilla, a quick golf cart ride to the One & Only Palmilla. Located in the gated community of Pedregal, The Cliff House features almost 11,000 square feet with panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Cortez.

“Cabo Platinum is thrilled to bring these two exclusive properties to discerning travelers everywhere,” says Mishan Andre, owner of Cabo Platinum. “Their locations are steps away from the destination’s best beaches and local culture while offering our guests heartstopping views during their vacation.”

Casa Fish: After purchasing in 2017, the owner invested another $1 million USD to raise the bar and improve the spanish-style villa with an outdoor bar and luxurious amenities and finishes. The resort-like home offers the ideal vacation space for families, couples, and groups. The house features four bedrooms, each with private en-suite bathrooms for the utmost privacy, an additional two half baths, an open concept chef’s kitchen, office, and entertainment space: a 40-foot lap pool and jacuzzi complete the secluded and luxurious tropical atmosphere. The home is second row from the beach and a short walk to the exclusive Palmilla sand. Located in the exclusive, gated community of Caleta Palmilla, a short golf cart trip brings guests to the on-site spa services at the One & Only Palmilla. Additionally, the Shoppes at Palmilla provides guests with various dining choices, art galleries, shopping, and a seasonal weekly organic market. Rates begin at $3000 per night, with a minimum three-night stay. The price includes daily breakfast chef service (food cost extra) and butler service for the entire visit.

The Cliff House: Located on a cliff with sweeping views of the Pedregal Beach and the Pacific Ocean, vacationers can enjoy the solitude of a contemporary four-bedroom with four and a half baths, three of which have a private terrace. The modern coastal interiors, designed by Cabo Platinum Interiors, feature plush conversation areas in front of a fire or reading and game nook. A heated pool and a hot tub create the perfect outdoor living experience outside the oversized wraparound terrace. Enjoy a morning yoga session on one of the five terraces and head to the sauna, contemplating the waves from the inset picture windows. A quick five-minute ride from the bustling downtown of Cabo San Lucas, residents and tourists hob-nob at local restaurants, clubs, and shopping districts. Rates begin at $2200 per night and include daily butler service, housekeeping, and a personal concierge.

About Cabo Platinum:

Cabo Platinum is an award-winning villa rental, real estate, property management, interior design, and concierge service in Los Cabos, Mexico. Established in 2011, family-owned Cabo Platinum offers a collection of carefully selected and curated private villas for discerning travelers. The luxury company offers concierge and estate managers in-depth and personal knowledge of the area while providing bespoke vacation and travel plans. These experiences can include private air transportation, yacht charters, personal chefs, excursions, reservations, and more. Visit the website or social media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Twitter.