About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Micro:bit and Raspberry Pi: What’s the Difference?

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Back in 2016, the BBC delivered its first mini-computer to one million school children in the UK. Originally unveiled in the summer of 2015, the plan was for the computer to “…change the way children think about their ability to make things happen digitally,” according to then BBC director-general, Tony Hall.

At the time of the BBC micro:bit’s launch, schools across the country had already been using Raspberry Pi in the classroom for a few years. The Pi was first launched in the UK in 2012 and in the nine years that have passed, this single-board computer has become part of a market that’s grown rapidly, with an estimated worth of $3.8 billion by 2027.

So, what’s the difference between the two? Read on to find out how they compare and what they offer.

The BBC micro:bit – computers for curious kids

The BBC micro:bit was developed to help children master basic coding and give them the opportunity to gain an interest in programming early in their education. It is known for being basic – but that’s the point. Its purpose is to offer a user-friendly approach to coding for young people.

This palm-sized mini-computer has a 25-LED matrix screen, two buttons, compass, accelerometer and Bluetooth. It also has 3 PINs so that it can be connected to external inputs and outputs like thermometers, lights, and buzzers. Last autumn, it received an upgrade, with new models featuring a speaker, microphone, and AI capability.

Crucially, it’s a microcontroller. This means that it has no interface that’s accessed by hooking it up to a monitor. Instead, you write a program on it computer and the code is uploaded to the board.

The Raspberry Pi – computers for everyone

The Pi is a very different device to the micro:bit. This is a credit card-sized single-board microcomputer. Unlike the micro:bit, which is a microcontroller, the Pi has an interface that can be accessed by plugging it into a monitor. While the Raspberry Pi Foundation launched its first microcontroller – the Pi Pico – earlier this year, it’s still known for developing microcomputers. This is significantly different to the micro:bit.

Another major difference is that the Pi is more advanced. It offers access to a range of applications that suit children and adults alike, with Scratch being a popular option among schoolchildren.

However, the Pi can be used as a desktop, too. The latest model, the Pi 4, comes is fast enough to operate as a desktop replacement that works well for internet browsing, writing notes, and other basic functions.

What’s the difference?

BBC micro:bit was never meant to rival the Pi. In fact, it was designed as a steppingstone for children to learn the building blocks of coding before moving on to the more advanced Pi.

It’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re trying to decide between the two. If you’re starting out in the world of coding and programming, the micro:bit has what you need. But if you’re planning a bigger project and have already laid the coding groundwork, the Raspberry Pi could be ideal.

FLETCHER Returns With New Single Healing

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Today, FLETCHER returns with her new single “Healing,” a powerful anthem to reflect the times one of self-awareness and discovery. Released via Capitol Records, “Healing” finds the acclaimed singer/songwriter reclaiming her inner strength, making a natural progression from her critically-lauded EP THE S(EX) TAPES, a boldly personal project executive-produced by Malay (Lorde, Frank Ocean).

“I’ve spent my whole life looking for answers on how to be better emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, intellectually,” says FLETCHER. “I thought, If I can just figure out the secret, all my problems will be solved. As if everyone had the fix but me. Between different relationships, doctors, healers, crystals, self-help books, medications, podcasts, you name it, I sought it out. All my value was placed externally. And though those things have guided me on my journey and led me to where I am now, the thing I was missing was right in front of me. My own strength and love and soul has always been there, but I couldn’t see that. This song is the foundation of what’s to come an era of healing and feeling myself for the first time ever.”

Co-written with Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes, Khalid) and ALDAE (Justin Bieber, Kid Laroi), “Healing” is rooted in the raw emotional intimacy that FLETCHER is known for and offers her most gripping vocal performance to date. NME says, “Healing (is) luminous…An ode to the reclamation of one’s inner strength, the new track shines with a soundscape of warm guitars and summery synth percussion, over which Fletcher boldly embraces her rawness and humanity.”

“The process of making this song was really freeing,” says FLETCHER. “We’re all healing from something,” she says. “The world is healing right now. I can feel the collective energy of people waking up to their power and connecting to themselves in a way that humanity never has before. Healing isn’t a linear process, and it’ll take you on the most insane rollercoaster ride of your life. But it’s worth the view at the top.”

Currently at work on her debut album, “Healing” is FLETCHER’s first single since her 2020 hit “Bitter,” a track that’s amassed over 150 million streams to date. Hailed by Idolator as “a breakup anthem for the ages,” “Bitter” is a standout cut from THE S(EX) TAPES a collection of magnetic and moody pop songs about finding your forever person before you find yourself and, as a result, needing to uncover the parts of you that remain unknown. Soon after arriving last September, the EP earned praise from outlets like Nylon, Teen Vogue, PAPER, SPIN (who noted that “[t]here aren’t any rules when it comes to FLETCHER’s music”) and more.

Download/stream “Healing” HERE.

Dynoro × Monsters

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Diamond and multi-platinum certified Lithuanian DJ and producer Dynoro makes an epic return with the Taisia Deeva-directed video for new single “Monsters” an inspiring and uplifting EDM banger with a fiery feature from the red-hot US rapper 24kGoldn. Released via B1 Recordings / Sony Columbia Germany, “Monsters” also landed on over 30 New Music Friday playlists and the list keeps growing.

This unlikely collaboration between two acclaimed mega-hitmakers is something that can’t be missed. The verses get your head nodding. The booming bass gets your body shaking. The anthemic chorus sung by a children’s choir lingers long after the song is over. Throughout the track, Dynoro employs subtle style changes from trap drums to echoing electric strings, reminiscent of another contagious EDM smash hit, “Where Are Now” from Jack (Skrillex, Diplo) and Justin Bieber.

The music video for “Monsters” mines at our nostalgic desire to go back to the simpler times of childhood, when we would watch TV in PJs and our biggest fears were of the night. It asks us to break down and simplify our stressors, our monsters and demons, internally and externally to make us realize that we have the strength to conquer them. Beginning with young children cowering in terror, trembling from the unknown, only to be transported to a futuristic corridor where their anxieties are personified as a shrouded monster. The kids may have felt alone and powerless at first, but together they are stronger than they ever realized.

24kGoldn makes a flawless appearance in the video, to not only deliver his hard-hitting verses, but to visit his younger-self and show the blanket-cape clad child that there’s nothing to fear. They sit together and watch the army of kids fight the shrouded monster through the TV, now as an unstoppable force.

“This one is what I was really looking forward to releasing this year. It’s been a while since my last song, but I believe it was worth the wait. Forget about your biggest fears, gather all your strength and let’s go to fight our scariest monsters together,” states Dynoro.

The Midas touch is something both Dynoro and 24kGoldn share when it comes to making music. They both have tracks under their belts that boast multi-platinum certifications and over 1 billion streams on Spotify. In 2018, Dynoro dropped “In My Mind,” one of the biggest hits of the year that reached number 1 on Spotify, Apple Music and Shazam internationally and topped the charts for weeks. Selling more than 3.7 million copies worldwide, “In My Mind” reached diamond status in Germany and France, multi-platinum in Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, among many other countries. Meanwhile, last year, 24kGoldn saw his single “Mood” with singer iann dior explode on TikTok and subsequently dominated worldwide music charts including the number 1 spot on Billboard for 8 weeks. It was certified 4x platinum and was included on a wealth of year end lists.

Listen / watch “Monsters” from Dynoro featuring 24kGold now, HERE.

Helping Holocaust Survivors Through Covid-19

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On this Inaugural Holocaust Survivor Day, The Blue Card, a national non-profit organization dedicated to aiding over 3,000 needy Holocaust survivors households is raising awareness of the services available through their organization for Holocaust survivors—as well as the ongoing need for donor support to fund these important initiatives.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Blue Card has been providing the following critical services for Holocaust survivors, among many others:

Ready-made meals, food purchase and delivery service
Securing vaccination appointments and providing transportation
Summer Retreat – Survivors are provided with handicapped-accessible accommodations, transportation, scheduled meals, and an itinerary that ensures a structure and safe experience for the group.
Mood Restore Light Box – A special, compact, and portable UV free unit provides light therapy to Holocaust survivors. In addition to effectively treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, the Mood Restore Light Box improved visual clarity and color rendering, as well as offsets season, weather, and climate changes and helps support circadian rhythm regulation, which is even more important during COVID-19 times.
Companion Pets – Companion pets bring comfort and happiness to the older population with interactive electronic cats and dogs that replicate the look, sounds, and feel of real pets. Many studies have found that these pets can enhance one’s well-being and quality of life through companionship.
Liftware Utensils –Liftware Steady is an electronic stabilizing handle and selection of utensil attachments designed to help people with hand tremor, which may be related to Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, to eat more easily. Holocaust survivors with these conditions benefit tremendously from this device.

“The Blue Card is providing critical assistance to Holocaust survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated The Blue Card’s Executive Director, Masha Pearl. “It is our duty to take care of those that have already suffered so much, during this time that can be extra traumatizing, considering their pre-existing conditions from enduring unimaginable hardships during the Holocaust.”

The Blue Card also provides Holocaust survivors with the following services daily:

Education & Outreach Programs:
- Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) training for dental and medical professionals working with Holocaust survivors
- The Blue Card-Lissner Hospital Visitation Program – Volunteer visits to hospitalized Holocaust survivors.
- Nutrition guidance

Jewish Holiday – Provides financial support for the High Holidays, Hannukah, and for Passover, giving survivors the financial means for a better holiday season.
Mazel Tov Birthday – Provides survivors with a card and a check on their birthday. This is particularly meaningful for holocaust survivors who lost their entire family during the war.
FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring: The Freestyle Libre 2 system continuously measures glucose data with customizable, optional real time alarms The unit gives people with diabetes excellent accuracy and actionable information to better manage their condition.
Grant assistance for emergency needs, including:
- Housing and related costs to prevent eviction, homelessness, or utility shut-off
- Emergency relocation
- Food purchase
- Medical and dental care, including medical equipment not covered by insurance
- Emergency relocation
- Essential clothing and footwear
- Purchase and repair or essential major and minor appliance

Aid to survivors battling cancer through the Siggi B. Wilzig Fighting Cancer Together program
Emergency Prevention Programs, including
- Monthly stipend for poverty-stricken survivors
- Telephone emergency response system

The Blue Card, established in 1934 in Germany and organized in the U.S. in 1939, is the only organization whose sole mission is to provide critical financial aid for emergency medical, dental, housing and food needs to survivors of Nazi persecution. While the Holocaust seems like a long ago nightmare, for survivors it is a continuing one. Of the 75,000 Holocaust survivors in the U.S., 1/3 live at or below the federal poverty level. For many, the losses they experienced decades ago are compounded by their current struggles to subsist on meager incomes and threadbare or nonexistent support systems. Studies show that Holocaust survivors have higher incidences of mental illness, cancer, and other debilitating diseases.

You can donate to The Blue Card Fund here.

DaBaby × Red Light Green Light

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After flexing his directorial muscles with his dazzling new video “Ball If I Want To,” Baby returns to helm his entertaining visual “Red Light, Green Light.” For a second consecutive week, Baby’s fiery rhymes and comedic banter are on display for his eager devotees. Donning a Jheri curl and an Oakland Raiders fitted, Baby skates back to the West Coast with this 1990s-esque style of video. Not only does he sprinkle traces of the classic film Boyz in the Hood, but he makes sure to incorporate his wacky theatrics to keep the fun alive. Watch HERE

Earlier this week, Baby announced his partnership with the popular clothing brand boohooMan. Set to release a 100-piece limited edition collection that embodies Baby’s bold and creative style, the Charlotte MC is ready to dominate the fashion world. Boom! The news is out. I’ve officially partnered with boohooMAN on a fashion collection, and it is dropping real soon! I can’t wait for y’all to see it – stay tuned,” said Baby in the press release. “Set your alarms and go cop it before it sells out!” With price points ranging from $8- $80, the boohooMAN x DaBaby collection will be available on boohooMAN.com and boohoo.com on Wednesday 30 June 2021.

Last Friday, Baby released his newest video, “Ball If I Want To.” Sitting in the director’s chair, Baby’s latest visual earned a whopping 4.2 million views in under three days. With seven nominations in tow, Baby will perform at the 2021 BET Awards this Sunday night. Last month, Baby won two Billboard Awards for “ROCKSTAR,” including top rap song.

How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris at Home

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Tips from board-certified dermatologists to help clear tiny, rough-feeling bumps on the arms and thighs

The start of summer means more tank tops and shorts, and for some people, a pesky new skin condition they may not have noticed before. Keratosis pilaris causes tiny, rough feeling bumps to appear on the skin, most often on the upper arms and thighs. According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, this common and harmless skin condition affects people of all ages and races and occurs when dead skin cells clog the pores.

“Some people say the bumps look like goosebumps, chicken skin or strawberry skin, while others mistake the bumps for acne,” says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, FAAD. “While treatment isn’t necessary for keratosis pilaris, if the itch, dryness or appearance is bothersome, there are things you can do at home to help.”

To ease the symptoms and help you see clearer skin, Dr. Gohara recommends the following tips:

Keep baths and showers short. Spending too much time in the water can dry your skin and cause keratosis pilaris to flare. Limit baths and showers to five to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water.

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. This will help avoid irritation when washing your skin.

Gently exfoliate skin with keratosis pilaris once a week. You can exfoliate using a skin care product called a keratolytic — a type of chemical exfoliator. Look for one that contains one of the following ingredients: alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, a retinoid, salicylic acid, or urea. Take care to use the exfoliator exactly as described in the directions, as applying too much or using it more often than indicated can cause raw, irritated skin. In addition, avoid scrubbing your skin, which can make keratosis pilaris worse.

Moisturize your skin. Apply a thick, oil-free moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after bathing — when your skin is still damp — or whenever your skin feels dry. Look for one that contains urea or lactic acid. You can also use a humidifier to prevent dry skin. However, make sure to clean and disinfect your humidifier weekly to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.

Avoid shaving or waxing skin with keratosis pilaris. This can cause more bumps to appear. However, if you must shave the area, use a single-blade razor instead of a multi-blade razor.

“For many people, keratosis pilaris goes away with time,” says Dr. Gohara. “However, clearing tends to happen gradually over many years. If the bumps still bother you after trying these tips, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist for a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.”

These tips are demonstrated in “How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris at Home,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails.

To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website here.

Tesla Outperformed Rival Stocks

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Tesla is among the notable growth stocks that have recorded significant returns for investors. Despite the electric vehicle manufacturer’s stock slumping in 2021, it has maintained an edge over competitors.

According to data acquired by Finbold, Tesla stock registered an ROI of 224.93% between June 2021 and June 2020, outperforming some of its major competitors. Among the selected vehicle manufacturers, Tesla only trailed China-based NIO, which had almost double returns at 539.13%. Ford Motor ranks third with returns of 152.28%, followed by General Motors at 141.08%, while Volkswagen AG ranks fifth at 116.62%.

Other stocks with key returns include XPeng (75.47%), Oshkosh (74.08%), Navistar (60.29%), Toyota 42.19%), and Honda (25.22%)

Between the period, Tesla also maintained a superior stock price growing from $191.95 in 2020 to $623.71 in 2021. Elsewhere, last year, NIO’s stock price was at $6.9, while in June 2021, the stock stood at $44.1.

Tesla benefiting from green energy debate

Having established its position as a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, Tesla stock benefitted from some of the initiatives around environmental conservation. According to the research report:

“In the wake of a new focus towards the climate change agenda, Tesla has been at the center of attention, with more investors betting on the company. Some jurisdictions are also enacting legislation favouring consumers opting for electric vehicles, and as a leader in the sector, Tesla stands to gain.”

Based on the Tesla returns, it is clear the massive gains made in 2020 were enough to sustain profitability for investors despite the stock slumping in 2021. The growth was mainly guided by fundamental factors like greater retail investor interest in the stock and the inclusion of the S&P 500 index. To increase recession profits, check out this step by step guide that aims to help anyone achieve wealth and expand profits at any time, even during and after economic recessions.

However, for Tesla to remain with the upper hand, the company needs to look out for competition.

Read the full story with statistics here.

Allegretto Vineyard Debuts Costal Flight Tour Package

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The Allegretto Vineyard Resort, the acclaimed 171-room luxury resort in the Paso Robles wine region, is pleased to announce the launch of its ‘Soar the Coast’ package, providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience a scenic flight tour of the spectacular California Coast during a two-night stay at the Tuscan-inspired resort.

Nestled among 20 acres of vineyards, landscaped gardens, and olive and fruit trees, the Allegretto Vineyard Resort embodies the beauty and charm of wine country, beckoning visitors to enjoy the idyllic grounds and amenities of its European-style property. Now, for the first time ever, guests of the resort can experience a slice of the resort’s “la dolce vita” ethos from up above with the debut of their exclusive flight tour package, ‘Soar the Coast.’

Featuring a two-night stay in the Allegretto’s luxurious accommodations, complimentary self-parking, free Wi-Fi and no resort fee, this exclusive package also includes a private flight tour for up to three guests. To make this experience even more memorable, guests will have the luxury of choosing the flight tour option that most interests them: the 50-minute Harris Ranch tour, which flies over the famous Central Coast cattle ranch; the 60-minute Big Sur Scenic Tour, which flies above Lake Nacimiento and the Big Sur Coastline, soaring above iconic sights such as Hearst Castle and the Bixby Bridge; or the 60-minute Best of Central Coast tour, offering the chance to explore Morro Rock, San Simeon, Hearst Castle and Lake Nacimiento from above. Flights are provided by AirDialog and depart from the Paso Robles Airport, conveniently located just five minutes from the resort. “We’re excited to partner with the Allegretto Vineyard Resort to share the beauty around Paso Robles and the stunning California coastline with our guests on our scenic flights. Flying in a private plane at a lower cruising altitude is a memorable way to see iconic landmarks and soak in beautiful scenery,” said Elissa Zavora, AirDialog’s Chief Pilot & Assistant Director Operations.

“The Allegretto was designed to offer guests a tranquil place to stay and feel inspired, whether meandering the resort’s lushly landscaped grounds, exploring the on-site collection of global art and artifacts or relaxing in the 12,000-square-foot courtyard with a glass of estate wine,” says Rich Verruni, General Manager. “Everything about a stay here is meant to evoke a sense of wonder while delighting the senses. Our ‘Soar the Coast’ package is an extension of the Allegretto experience – offering richness and enjoyment, but from the air. It’s certainly a special way to make the most of a visit to the Central Coast and we look forward to sharing this unique opportunity with guests.”

Allegretto’s ‘Soar the Coast’ package is limited to three guests per package for a minimum of two nights. Packages must be booked 10 days prior to arrival, and some blackout dates and night minimums may apply. More information can be found on Allegretto’s website.

ABOUT THE ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT

At the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, discoveries never end. Offering guests exceptional spaces, experiences, services, and amenities along the path of their life’s journey, the Allegretto is inspired by wine country and European hospitality, evoking an Italian vineyard estate on 20 acres of vineyards and fruit-bearing orchards on Paso Robles’ idyllic east side. The property is a world unto itself with 171 guest rooms and suites, locally farmed and foraged cuisine, a wine bar featuring the resort’s own private wine label among many others, a full-service boutique spa, pool and cabanas, manicured gardens, walking paths, French-inspired Abbey, hundreds of antiques, a 12,000-square-foot piazza and inspired vignettes that invoke that luxury, warmth, and beauty of the good life. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is located at 2700 Buena Vista Drive in Paso Robles, California, 93446.

ESSENCE × Jazmine Sullivan

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ESSENCE’s July/August 2021 issue features GRAMMY nominated singer Jazmine Sullivan and EMMY award-winning actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on its two covers dedicated to the “ESSENCE Festival of Culture” and “Summer Screen Kings” respectively.

In the piece, Jazmine’s Tale, the singer and ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola headliner (which will stream across two weekends June 25-27 and July 2-4 on ESSENCE’s website and on ESSENCE Studios) slays in bold colors and white-hot looks from Stella McCartney, Fendi, Cong Tri, Aliette, Alix NYC and more. She opens up to Insecure co-creator/writer/producer Issa Rae about the importance of holding space for Black women, therapy and the freedom of sharing her own journey. She talks to Rae about:

ON HAVING A MASTER PLAN…OR NOT: “I wish I could say I had a master plan, but I really didn’t. I was just doing what felt natural, and luckily I had gotten with a record company and with people who allowed me to do that. But for me, I just wanted to express myself in the most natural way, and that means me writing my stories. So many of the songs at that time came from a lot of the childish stuff I was going through. For example, busting windows out of an ex’s car and literally going straight from doing it to not being able to sleep. I was restless, because I was still in the moment. And so I just started writing about it. I let my girlfriends hear it, and they were like, ‘Girl, do your thing—whatever this leads to.’ And it led to my world opening up in such a different way…”

ON TELLING BLACK WOMEN’S STORIES: “Before now, I had really just been concerned about expressing myself and getting my story out there—and people have connected to that. But for this project, it was important for me to share the stories of the women I love and hold dear to my heart. I feel like they are just as banging and dynamic as me. And I want to give space and opportunity to women, period…”
ON MAKING SPACE FOR OTHER BLACK WOMEN: “I feel like we get caught up in thinking there’s ‘only one’ of us. There can only be one R&B superstar; there can only be one rap girl at a time. That’s not true. God was not stingy when He was giving out gifts. And you’re not the only person. There are many other women, especially Black women, who can do what you do. And let’s all create spaces for each other to get out there and do that…”
ON FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST: “The first five minutes I was holding back tears, because I was like, ‘Wow, this is the first time I’m actually speaking about my feelings. And it’s not in a song. It doesn’t require notes. I don’t need to impress anybody with what it is that I’m actually doing. This is the first time.’ So I was holding back tears even doing that. But after that first five minutes, I was surprised by how much I was enjoying speaking to somebody, and somebody listening to me, and I didn’t have to perform to do it. But finding the right therapist is a process—because I went to therapy one time, years ago, and I hated the experience, and I feel like it stopped me from going for a long time. And then I found this new lady, and it’s a totally different experience. So you have to find the right person for you, that you actually want to open up to. But once you do that, a weight lifts off of you—just from speaking, just from telling your story. And that’s what Heaux Tales was. It’s like, ‘Tell it, girl. Tell it. Set yourself free.’”

In the piece, Summer Screen Kings, it’s obvious that leading man Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is here to stay. Given the space he has carved out for himself in Hollywood, the meaning of his name (which, roughly translated from Arabic, means “Graced by God”) seems particularly prescient. At 35 and a towering 6 feet 3 inches tall, Yahya’s imprint in Hollywood continues expanding. Weeks away from the release of his first leading role in Candyman (in theaters August 27), Yahya will also star in The Matrix 4, the newest installment in the Matrix franchise, as well as his third action flick, Ambulance, next year. As he heats up the issue in designers including Fendi, Hermes, Gucci and more, he talks to ESSENCE Senior Entertainment Editor Brande Victorian about what really drew him to acting, his definition of sexy and whether a rom-com is next on his list of achievements:

ON WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE SEXY: “I don’t think sexy tries. Ease is sexy. It’s nice to have a little bit of mystery, and if I’m being perfectly honest, it’s not for me to say whether I’m attractive or not. It’s for me to have self-confidence. Confidence is sexy…”

ON HOW HIS CURIOSITY DREW HIM TO ACTING: “I wasn’t itching to be a star or anything like that. I wasn’t thinking about movies or television. I just started following my curiosity…I got here by staying curious, by staying humble, and also knowing that there’s so much more that I want to do…I think I’ve done a lot on other people’s terms. I’ve been able to step into projects that were already written before my name was attached, and I’m so thankful that I was able to step in and support those projects. But now I’m at a place where I’m looking to come into rooms with my own ideas, and develop those ideas and tell my own stories. I think that’s the next chapter…”
ON WHETHER A ROM-COM IS IN HIS FUTURE: “We need more romance…We have adventure. We have action. We’ve got a lot of stories about trauma, because trauma is very present in our world right now. But we also need love. We need more straight-up, old-school romance. I don’t mind putting my hand up and stepping into that place to say, ‘I’ll be your man, girl.’ I don’t mind that at all…”
ACTRESS/DIRECTOR REGINA KING ON YAHYA’S DEDICATION TO THE WOMEN IN HIS LIFE: “That man talks about his sisters and his mother with so much love and so much appreciation…I think that was one of the reasons why we connected so well. It doesn’t always work that way with actors, that you feel safe enough to be so forthcoming with your personal life, but we did that literally day one. His love for the women in his life, he leads with that…”

ESSENCE’s “Summer Screen Kings” package also features hot actors Don Cheadle (Space Jam: A New Legacy), Omar Sy (Lupin), Aaron Pierre (OLD) and Mekai Curtis (Raising Kanan). For more on this issue, which hits newsstands on June 29, visit ESSENCE For more information on the virtual ESSENCE Festival of Culture Presented by Coca-Cola, visit ESSENCE’s Festival website.

All Photos: Brad Ogbonna

Colonial Chemical Wins EPA Green Chemical Awards

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Suga®Boost surfactants consume less energy to create, are biodegradable, and are derived from plant-based materials, with performance that demonstrates potential to replace EO-containing surfactants such as SLES and APEs. This surfactant group is also a winner in the 2021 EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program, specifically in the focus area of The Design of Greener Chemicals. Colonial Chemical is being recognized for developing Suga®Boost surfactant blends that use more environmentally friendly chemicals than traditional cleaning surfactants.

Many surfactants used in traditional cleaners are derived from petroleum-based raw materials and pose several issues including high environmental toxicity or a need for high-energy processes in their manufacture. One group of chemicals often found in cleaners is alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified this class of chemicals as toxic to aquatic organisms, especially because they bioaccumulate in mollusks, soils, and sediments. Additionally, APEs can mimic natural hormones and induce endocrine disruption in aquatic and land organisms.

Colonial Chemical discovered that blends of functionalized alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactants provide cleaning performance that is equal to or better than APEs while avoiding environmental issues related to aquatic toxicity, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenic impurities. Suga®Boost surfactants are blends of derivatized APGs prepared by attaching functional groups such as sulfonate, phosphate, quaternary ammonium, glycinate, and citrate. Suga®Boost blends do not yield toxic substances as they biodegrade. They are mild and safe for the formulator and end-user. Lastly, Suga®Boost blends require less energy to manufacture and require only water as a solvent during manufacture and cleanup.

These functionalized APG surfactants have the potential to replace EO-containing surfactants worldwide. Suga®Boost and its underlying chemistry have the potential to expand into wipe products, disinfecting cleaners, dishwashing, carpet cleaning, and fabric care.

EPA recognized the winners during the virtual American Chemical Society Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference. This year’s awards have special meaning because it is also the 25th anniversary of the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. During the quarter-century of the Green Chemistry program, EPA and the American Chemical Society, which co-sponsor the awards, have received more than 1,800 nominations and presented awards to 128 technologies that decrease hazardous chemicals and resources, reduce costs, protect public health and spur economic growth. Winning technologies are responsible for annually reducing the use or generation of hundreds of millions of pounds of hazardous chemicals and saving billions of gallons of water and trillions of BTUs in energy.

“Green chemistry is one way to provide solutions to some of the significant environmental challenges we’re facing today, like exposure to toxic chemicals, dependence on non-renewable sources, and climate change,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff. “The innovative technologies we celebrate today are great examples of how green chemistry is protecting our environment, preventing pollution at its source, and keeping U.S. business globally competitive by creating more sustainable products.”