Posts made in July 2023

Rising Popularity of Smart Homes

What It Means for Your Health

Technology has taken over our daily lives, and it has changed the way we function. With technology’s advancement comes the rise of smart homes. Smart homes have been gaining attraction, with people making efforts to amplify their home with digital connections.

Homes can now be connected and controlled via smartphones, tablets or computers. These smart homes come with a range of benefits- increased security, improved energy efficiency, and better convenience. But what about health concerns, how does smart home technology impact lives? Let’s explore the rising popularity of smart homes and what it means for your health and ownership of your home.

Improved Air Quality

Smart homes are connected to systems that monitor air quality; this means in-home pollutants are monitored in real-time. This benefit is particularly useful for those who live in cities with heavy pollution.

A connected home will automatically take steps to purify the air in your home to reduce the number of pollutants present. It can also remind you when filters need replacing. This kind of technology can also be used to extract smoke, pollen, and dust from your home, improving the health of those who suffer from allergies.

Improved Nutrition

We all know that eating healthy is good for us, but it’s not always easy, particularly if you have a busy lifestyle. Smart homes can help!

Automated smart home kitchens can remind you to use specific ingredients that are about to expire, help you cook balanced meals and even make personalized nutrition recommendations. This kind of technology can make a massive impact on our health and well-being.

Better Sleep Habits

Smart homes can help us reduce stress levels and promote better sleep. By using technology to track and monitor sleep patterns, smart homes can adjust thermostats, lighting, and sound levels to promote better sleep quality.

Additionally, automated home systems can help you wind down before bed by reducing blue light exposure and avoid disruptors like phone notifications that affect your ability to drift off to sleep.

Improved Home Management

Home repairs can be a headache for homeowners. However, smart technology can make these problems more manageable. Smart homes can monitor appliances and alert you when they need maintenance or repairs.

Moreover, smart technology can help mitigate the risk of home invasions and assist with smoke and fire detection, a great bonus when it comes to your home warranty and overall peace of mind.Home warranty companies offer coverage for many of these systems, giving you an additional layer of safety as stipulated here: https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/home-warranty-Mississippi.

Smart Home Appliances and Health Monitoring

Smart home appliances such as scales, blood pressure monitors, and glucose monitors can help you track and monitor your health more efficiently.

With smart appliances, you can monitor your vital signs and get alerts when there is a change in your health status. By detecting health issues early on, you can take appropriate measures to prevent serious health problems.

Smart Home Devices and Energy Savings

Smart home devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances can help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. For example, smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced energy consumption.

Additionally, smart lighting systems can turn off lights when not in use, saving energy and prolonging the lifespan of light bulbs. By reducing our energy consumption, we can contribute to a healthier environment and better health outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, smart technology has come a long way in recent years, with smart homes becoming increasingly popular. While these homes come with numerous benefits, the most significant advantage for homeowners may be the impact on their health. With everything from air quality monitoring to energy management to better sleep habits, these homes can contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Additionally, smart homes can alleviate problems related to home warranties, home repairs, home appliances and ownership, bringing a great sense of relief to homeowners. In the end, it’s clear that smart technology is here to stay, and it’s important we understand the benefits it has to offer.

The Estate of Whitney E. Houston

This year’s Honorary Chairperson is Clive Davis, the chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment; along with special guests Harvey Mason, Jr., president of The Recording Academy; Larry Jackson, founder of Gamma; and Rickey Minor, Whitney’s longtime musical director. Musical performances will include six-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist and songwriter BeBe Winans, Gospel music songstress and songwriter Kim Burrell, and Gary Houston, Whitney’s brother and former NBA basketball player for the Denver Nuggets, who also recorded and toured as a background singer and duet partner with his beloved sister. The gala will be co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and Atlanta’s broadcaster Karyn Greer.

Initially established in 1989 as the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, the organization helped and provided much-needed resources to homeless children, build inner city parks and playgrounds, and provided college scholarships. The Foundation also supported many other charities including the Children’s Defense Fund, Childhood Diabetes, The Rain Forest Foundation, Hale House, Special Olympics, United Negro College Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research, and Whitney’s historic South Africa concerts, which a portion of the proceeds benefited local South African children’s charities.

On August 9, The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, will present, with Sony Corporation of America as the premium partner, the 2^nd Annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love Gala, in celebration of what would have been Whitney’s 60 birthday. The gala will be held at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2020, The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation was formed to continue the mission and important work with today’s youth through programs and services that reflect the values and needs of our young people. The Foundation also serves as a source of empowerment to help rebuild, repair, and restore the self-esteem of our youth and assist them in living productive lives.

Not long after Whitney’s career started in the mid-80s, she was steadfast and focused on starting her foundation for children and young people,says Pat Houston, the executor of The Estate for Whitney E. Houston. Especially now during this time in history with our young people, the work of the foundation is more important than ever. She would be proud to know that we are continuing the work and extending our hand and love to today’s youth, who are dealing with a myriad of challenges. And she would be happy that we are having this occasion and celebrating on what would have been her 60^th birthday, surrounded by love with family, friends, and supporters.

The annual fundraiser will also include a silent auction with specially curated items from the Whitney E. Houston Estate, along with other specialty items from ten-time Grammy Award winner Dolly Parton and basketball legend Julius Erving II, among other packages from Broadway to music to fashion to other one-of-kind originals and keepsakes. There will also be a presentation of the 2023 grant recipient of Atlanta’s Living Live Foundation‘s Lighting the Way Youth Mentor program. The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation will also provide several scholarships to students of historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to study the arts. In 1988, Houston was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana.

For more information about The 2^nd Annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love Gala, click here.

Two New Durand Bernarr Singles

Today, Spotify released two new singles from your favorite singer/songwriter on your daddy’s side, Durand Bernarr. The singles include a rendition of his second single, Leveled, off of his Wanderlust album, and a new track KFAR, a cover of Sealߣs beloved song, Kiss From a Rose. The release of these singles come as the final installment in a series of Spotify Singles from artists featured on Spotify’s R&B Rising playlist, a playlist dedicated to shining a spotlight on emerging R&B talent.

Listen to Leveled and Kiss From A Rose HERE

In his first single, Durand reimagined his song Leveled offering a pared-down version that allows his vocals to shine. For his second single, he covered Sealߣs song, Kiss from a Rose, offering a passionate rendition of the iconic song while incorporating his unique sound.

“When my father gave me Seal’s eponymous second album at 10 years old, I knew I wanted to create something similar at some point in my life. Revisiting the album as an adult evokes the same childhood thought, but I feel the lyrics more now, says Durand. Honestly, the way he expresses love, life, loss, and gratitude in his stories makes me weep. That raw emotion gave me the push to approach “Kiss From a Rose” in a way I wouldn’t have been able to before experiencing my own trials in life. It’s a song that I hadn’t sung before and I wanted to showcase a different dynamic with my art. I hope my cousins enjoy it!”

In addition, Durand recently announced My Bad For Taking So Long, The Wanderlust Tour Continues. The 16-city tour begins on September 6th at The Abbey in Orlando, FL., and will make stops across the U.S. in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and more before concluding in Berlin, Germany, on November 20th.
TICKETS: Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased on https://www.durandbernarr.com/tour.

MY BAD FOR TAKING SO LONG, THE WANDERLUST TOUR CONTINUES DATES:
Sept. 6th – Orlando, FL – The Abbey
Sept. 7th – West Palm Beach – Lake Pavilion
Sept. 9th – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Sept. 10th – Memphis, TN – 1884 Lounge
Sept. 13th – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
Sept. 15th – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Sept. 16th – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre;Sept. 18th – Columbus, OH – Skully’s
Sept. 19th – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave Bar
Sept. 20th – Detroit, MI – The Magic Stick
Sept. 22nd – Minneapolis, MN – The Fine Line
Sept. 23rd – Kansas City, MO – The Encore Room
Nov. 10th – Paris, France – Le Hasard Ludique
Nov. 15th – London, UK – Jazz Cafe
Nov. 17th – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Super-Sonic Jazz Festival
Nov. 20th – Berlin, Germany – LARK
In March, NPR’s Tiny Desk debuted Durand Bernarrߣs highly anticipated concert, which has amassed 1M+ views. Reflecting on his performance, Durand told the Tiny Desk team, I had to show on this platform Iߣm so much more than just R&B. Iߣm not meant to be understood; Im meant to be experienced.

ABOUT DURAND BERNARR:

Durand utilizes his viral personality to his advantage as he ushers listeners and audiences in with his candid anecdotes, playful melodies, and mesmerizing falsetto. Such is evident in his sophomore album Wanderlust, which debuted at No. 1 on iTunes and Top R&B/Soul albums chart and No. 31 on iTunes Albums chart (all genres). Written and arranged by Durand Bernarr, Wanderlust, available today, embodies an intimate unveiling of Durand‘s introspective journey and his arrival to renewed self-awareness.
Since the debut of his self-titled album DUR& in 2020, which debuted at the #1 spot on the Apple Music R&B charts, Durand, the ever-lively, groovy songster and multi-hyphenate, has continued to skate his way towards mainstream success. His vocally energetic performances coupled with his live roller-skating and flamboyant fashions are standout components of his artistry. Durand showcased his versatile persona and style in his video Company off DUR&.
Following the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album Wanderlust and his sold-out 17-city tour, “The Wanderlust Tour,” performance artist Durand Bernarr recently announced My Bad For Taking So LongߪThe Wanderlust Tour Continues.” The 15-city tour begins on September 6th at The Abbey in Orlando, FL., and will make stops across the U.S. in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and more before concluding in Berlin, Germany, on November 20th.
In 2021, Durand opened for Erykah Badu on her BADUBOTRON tour in Nashville, TN; headlined MOBIfest 2021; performed for Netflix and Hillman Grad’s Moments in Love; performed for and hosted the 2022 Road to Roots Picnic, a presentation of influential Black voices and creatives across genres at The Kennedy Center, curated by The Roots; followed by a crowd-favorite performance at the official Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, PA; headlined the 2022 NYC PrideFest which included a live broadcast of his performance for Stuck, on ABC7; and received a Grammy honor for ߢFreefallߣ, featured on KAYTRANADAߣs Grammy-winning album BUBBA, just to name a few.
For updates and to receive additional information on all things Durand Bernarr, please visit https://www.durandbernarr.com/.

ABOUT SPOTIFY SINGLES:Driving more than seven billion streams since the program began in 2017, Spotify Singles was created to give artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, the songs of the artists they love, or an original song. To date, there have been over 700 recordings from more than 300 artists across all genres. The complete list of Spotify Singles can be found HERE.

Packer × Reebok

Question Mid, Available August 4

“Packer‘s longstanding relationship with Reebok has seen many color-ups and tooling alterations across silhouettes over the years,” commented Packer. “This next installment draws attention to material usage – similar to that of our Reebok Club C from 2022 – with details such as mismatched upper panels that alternate between smooth, premium garment leather and full grain tumbled leather.”

Reebok issued its Question Mid basketball sneaker for a rising Allen Iverson just ahead of his rookie season in 1996. Iverson’s first signature shoe, Question Mid would soon become synonymous with “A.I”, his electric style of play and unapologetic personality, the bridging of cultures and tearing down of dress codes.

“Question is undoubtedly one of the most iconic basketball silhouettes to hit the hardwood,” continued Packer. “What Allen Iverson brought to the game for an entire career was unlike anything that has come before or after him. Working on his first signature shoe will always be an honor here at Packer.”

Alongside OG Question Mid design elements including a ghillie lacing system, Hexalite-aesthetic cushioning pods, embroidered Reebok Vector and Question logos, and more, the FW23 PACKER x Reebok Question Mid is defined by its chalk/maroon mixed material upper blending premium garment and full grain tumbled leather. The shoe also features a custom Packer sockliner, vintage Packer woven tongue label, and classic ice blue outsole.

Over the years, Packer and Reebok have built an enduring relationship driven by the idea of creating unique product for consumers that merges the brands’ storied histories in sneakers and sportswear.

“Reebok has been an outstanding partner to work with and we are fortunate enough to have such a positive relationship with the brand,” concluded Packer. “There has been nothing but trust shown towards our ideas which has allowed each project to feel natural and never forced.”

The PACKER x Reebok Question Mid is available August 4 exclusively from Packer, in-store and online (packershoes.com).

Tim Sabatino Fine Art

Most people know me as a photographer or director but if you’ve known me a long time then you know that it all started with my paintings! I am currently working on a series of eyes that communicate different tones or emotions. I also have some new exhibitions in the preparation stages which will be touring the east coast! See more here www.timsabatinofineart.com but these below are available now. I am available for commissions so if you have someone or something specific you want me to paint please give me a call!

“Emma’s Inspiration” original – oil with pearls on wood – 30″ x 78″ x 2″ dyptich(2 panels) totaling 13′ wide currently unframed $49,750

“Determined eye of Angelica” original – oil with pearls on canvas – 24″ x 48″ x 2″ with frame(purple heart/walnut) $29,750

From the MOSAICOS series

I painted this series to decorate my own home. After many people asked me to sell them, I have finally agreed

“Monk” limited edition series of 25 48″x60″ on canvas

Limited edition #6 is available $15,000 (the original and #1-5 are SOLD)

“Waiting for Sushi” Original $25,000 oil & mixed media(white oak, sterling silver, glass on 60″x84″ canvas

“Artists Block” original 48″x60″x2″ oil with pearls, gold leaf, glass on canvas $25,000

“Vicky’s Rumors” limited edition series of 25 48″x60″ on canvas

Limited edition #4 is available $15,000. (the original and #1-3 are SOLD)

“Lips Stick” original 48″x60″x2″ oil with gold leaf, glass, stone on canvas $25,000

“Jaime” original 48″x60″x2″ oil with glass on canvas $17,750

“The Grandmaster” (Kim Chan) original 48″x48″x2″ oil with glass on canvas and wood panel $25,000

“Mindi” limited edition series of 25 48″x60″x2″ on canvas

limited edition #1 is available $17,750 (the original is SOLD)

“Olivia & Jack” limited edition series of 25 48″x60″x2″ on canvas

limited edition #1 is available $15,000 (the original is SOLD)

“The Artists Brush” Original $15,000

Oil on 30″x40″ canvas

please call 213-840-2220 or email tim@timsabatino.comto order or commission

www.timsabatinofineart.com

Secret Garden at Civilian

Secret Garden Sunday brunch launches at the CIVILIAN Hotel’s Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room.

Rockwell Group designs a spectacular indoor courtyard dining experience in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district. After an eventful work week, it’s a chique parlor where patrons can gather and unwind. Because the venue is completely covered, this summer’s tropical weather with sporadic showers won’t put a damper on plans. In fact, the picturesque plaza is a perfect getaway for two to six people seeking a social scene with some serious sips. The Wanamaker Playhouse, presented in a small glass chamber with mist, offers an array of nectars: white peach, raspberry puree, and orange juice. Intended to be mixed with Luca Paretti prosecco, this tableside service nicely pairs with most of their menu items. For starters, Grapefruit + Mint, a chilled appetizer, comes with candied hazelnuts. Or, a scrumptious salad with cesar dressing offers just enough tang before the entrees arrive. Wagyu hash and smoked salmon on a bagel were our favorite dishes. It’s a nice departure from the basic bacon and eggs served at several spots.

The local is lavish and layered with various accouterments that add to the ambiance. Clerestory windows, floral arrangements coupled with statement fixtures sprinkled throughout created a memorable citadel refuge. Moreover, the bunker’s rustic silhouette was further pronounced with a vintage door, handmade chandelier alongside a ginormous custom floral banquette by Preston Bailey. It all played nicely off the burnt orange mosaics which permeated the position.

Lastly, Carver Road Hospitality‘s level of service was pristine and polished, resulting in a serene sanctuary of decadence.

Secret Garden Sunday brunch launches at the CIVILIAN Hotel's Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room via 360 MAGAZINE.

Article: Armon Hayes + Vaughn Lowery

New Hit maker NaNa

An intentional wave of untapped talent breathes breath into a cipher soliloquy powered by Red Bull on its new Hip Hop channel, Red Bull 1520, which is featured live and direct on YouTube.

This episodic battle of independent artist, highlights MC’s to spit bars and show their raw talents, like 3 LA based artist LaRussell, Buddy, and NaNa are spectacular. Born and bread in Los Angeles, South Central around the Crenshaw district freestyle rapper, NaNa says, “He’s been rapping for 10 plus years.”

NaNa gives mad props to some East Coast rappers like: Jay-Z, DMX, DJ Quik, and Snoop Dogg, to name a few. He states he has always been a fan and student to the game, as he steps on stage and rips the mic.

NaNa describes his style and flow of rapping as a healthy expression of lives lesson and growth, and he firmly states “When he writes a song 100% is coming from him.” NaNa skillfully delivers every bar and hypnotizes you to the next line, especially with his debut song Legend. He expresses being a part of Red Bull Spiral 1520 as a great experience of free and unstructured, unrestricted writing that he gets to share alongside his friend, LaRussell. He goes on to say, “Red Bull Spiral 1520 highlights California in way never done before, where all districts come together for one cause.

NaNa loves battle rapping but feels comfort in freestyle. As he looks forward, his focus is writing songs, finishing his EP, giving back to his community like the YMCA, and working on other collaborations. Presently, in the dawn, celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop, NaNa says, “He feels like his journal has just begun in GOD’s timing.” Right in the pocket and confident riding the waves of Hip Hop’s success, fulfilling his dreams and excited about the future. Written by Shimi Stallings

Article: Shimi Stallings

Howard’s 50th Anniversary

This November, fans are invited to a birthday blowout for one of comics’ most unique characters in HOWARD THE DUCK #1! Announced this past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Howard the Duck’s 50^th anniversary one-shot will be an giant-sized spectacle that will reunite writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Joe Quinones, the sensational creative team behind Howard’s smash hit and critically acclaimed 2015 ongoing series. Joined by other writers and artists eager to put their own spin on this fan-favorite icon, Zdarsky and Quinones will get into the nitty-gritty of the private-eye’s hectic history with a feather-raising journey through the Howard-verse! This collection of all-new tales will tackle all the different paths Howard could’ve taken during his offbeat adventures, and pose fascinating questions for this furious fowl’s future!

Meet Howard. He’s a hard-boiled P.I. with problems by the duckload. But a cosmic, all-seeing friend(?) known as the Peeper(!) is giving him a chance to see what his life COULD be! The joys he COULD have! All the ways his life COULD suck way less than it does now! In other words: “Whaugh If?”

Here’s some of the craziness that readers can look forward to:

Check out the main cover and a variant cover by Ron Lim and pick up HOWARD THE DUCK #1 on November 29. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Artist Puts Spin On New Avengers Cover

Marvel Saturday Mornings are back in the form of eye-catching new variant covers by acclaimed artist Sean Galloway! Inspired by classic TV ads of decades past, Galloway’s SATURDAY MORNING VARIANT COVERS capture the exuberant energy and vibrant aesthetic of iconic children’s programming with a modern twist. Fans have already gotten a burst of nostalgia with Galloway’s visions of Marvel cartoons that never were in his recent cover for X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST – DOOMSDAY #1 and his upcoming connecting piece for DEATH OF THE VENOMVERSE #4-5. Now, it’s the Avengers’ turn! Galloway’s latest cover will be for September’s AVENGERS INC. #1, the debut issue of Al Ewing and Leonard Kirk’s stylish new noir series starring the Wasp. The cover spotlights the powerhouse team that currently star in Jed MacKay and C.F. Villa’s ongoing AVENGERS series, giving fans a glimpse at animated versions of the franchise’s greatest icons including Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, and more.

Check it out below and stay tuned for more SATURDAY MORNING VARIANT COVERS to be revealed in the weeks ahead! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

KFC Canada Bids Farewell to Old Fries

KFC Canada’s Old Fries have weathered their fair share of criticism over the years with the reigning sentiment being, to put it plainly, ‘KFC Fries suck.’ KFC heard Canadians loud and clear and have launched its new, boldly seasoned fries to win back the love of its most passionate fans and a bold campaign to support. New Seasoned Fries are crispy and seasoned enough to satisfy our toughest critics. For a limited time, Canadians can try a side of New Seasoned Fries for only $1 at restaurants, on KFC.ca and on the KFC App.

Leveraging real tweets and commentary from Canadians, KFC is leaning into its bold roots to create mass awareness for their new fries with a campaign that marks the end of its Soggy Fry Era. The campaign includes mass creative, with shots from the funeral procession and an online funeral, with a eulogy that pays homage to Canada’s disdain for the old fries. Canadians had the opportunity to pay their final disrespects to the old fries as a hearse made its way through the streets of Toronto, starting at a KFC and hitting high traffic locations like Yonge-Dundas Square and Budweiser stage.

Canadians who were unable to bid their farewells in person, can tune into a live streamed funeral—an ode to the old fries— on August 1, 2023 at 12 PM on KFCFryFuneral.com.

“We knew that Canadians hated our Old Fries and so we saw this as an opportunity to show our fans we hear them by changing up this menu item and launching it in a fun way,” said Azim Akhtar, Director of Marketing, KFC Canada. “The KFC brand is all about being bold and fun. This satirical campaign allows us to introduce an exciting new product that we’re proud of, while making light of a product that wasn’t as beloved by Canadians.”

KFC’s Fries’ new creative campaign, made in partnership with creative AOR Courage, can be seen and heard through high impact Out of Home, TV and OLV, and across KFC Canada’s Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube channels, in-store at restaurants across Canada, through the KFC App and on KFC.ca.

“Canadians rated KFC Old Fries as the lowest-rated fry in the nation. Naturally something needed to change,” said Dhaval Bhatt, CCO of Courage. “When we heard KFC Canada reference the box the old box as ‘The Fry Coffin’, we saw an opportunity to really send the not-so-beloved spuds off in a big way. And what’s bigger than a public funeral procession throughout the streets of Toronto.”

For photography and video assets, please click here.

About KFC Canada
Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952, KFC is now the world’s most popular chain of chicken restaurants. To this day the Colonel’s own blend of 11 herbs and spices is still used to season our Original Recipe^® chicken and it still remains a very closely guarded secret. KFC’s specialty is our famous Original Recipe^® chicken, but we also feature a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches and wraps, on the go snack items, home-style sides, desserts and beverages. Today KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands Inc. and operates more than 23,000 restaurants in more than 140 countries and territories around the world including more than 600 locations right here in Canada. To learn more about KFC Canada, visit our website www.kfc.ca