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.

Five Reasons Solar Energy Could Save You Money

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Are you thinking of switching to solar? There are tons of benefits for your wallet, your family and the planet.

However, time is running out if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Here are five reasons why solar energy could save you money — especially if you act quickly.

1. Earn Tax Benefits

The tax credits you can get for switching to solar are set to expire in 2024 unless Congress acts to renew them. The more rapidly you convert, the more you can save. Systems installed in 2020 through 2022 are eligible for a 26% credit. Those who wait until 2023 can only claim 22%.

You must own the solar panel system, not rent it from a conglomerate, and locate it at your primary or secondary U.S. residence to qualify for the tax credit. You can’t install it on your vacation home in the Bahamas.

You might also be eligible for state and local tax credits, depending on where you live. These could also put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket come tax time. You can look these up in an online directory or contact your state government offices to learn more.

2. Collect Credits and Reduce Payments

Many homeowners ask how solar panels can save you money on your monthly utility bills. Some property owners reduce their electric bills to zero. How does the magic work?

When you install solar panels, they convert photons from sunlight into direct current. This energy then flows to your inverter, which translates the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and sends it to your electric box to power your home.

If your home is on the grid, you have an electric meter somewhere outside that measures the electricity you use. However, your system will use the stored energy from your solar power before renting it from your provider. The less power you use from grid sources, the lower your monthly bill.

In months when you generate more power than you use, you build up credits that work to lower your bill through a process called net metering. These credits are applied to future bills to make up for months when you might use more than you produce — such as during winter. Therefore, your solar system works to lower your utility bills all year, not only during the summer heat.

You might ask whether you can reduce your monthly bills to zero. The answer is yes. If you’re accustomed to paying $200 or more a month for power, switching to solar can put some serious green back in your pocket while protecting the planet.

3. Reduce Reliance on Nonrenewable Energy Sources

Have you noticed gas prices lately? They’ve more than tripled in the last 18 months, and they don’t look like they’re going to fall anytime soon. When they go up, so does the cost of heating oil for your home, and at the risk of sounding like Ned Stark from “Game of Thrones,” winter is coming.

Switching to solar energy can save you money now and in the future by reducing your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. The reality of climate change coupled with the natural expiration date of such resources means that sooner or later, everyone will have to make the switch or get left behind.

Scientists estimate that humankind will run out of oil by 2060 if the pumps continue running at current rates. Fracking causes a host of environmental problems, contaminating groundwater supplies that human beings rely upon to live. Why not get ahead of the curve and save money with solar today — while preparing for tomorrow?

4. Enjoy Increased Reliability

Are you hesitant to switch to solar power because you fear outages? Quite the opposite is true. While you might run out of your backup supply if you go off the grid, you have no such fears when you remain connected.

You’re probably in a better position than your neighbors if rolling blackouts or other outages strike your neighborhood. Since your home will draw on the power from your panels first, you’ll keep your lights on while everyone else goes dark.

5. Enhance Your Home’s Resale Value

Solar energy can put significant extra cash in your pocket when it comes time to sell your home. Today’s buyers look for energy-saving features as one of the topmost desirable qualities when choosing a new home. Why wouldn’t they? They also want to prepare for America’s energy future while saving money on monthly utility bills.

A recent comparative analysis by Zillow bears out this logic. Homebuyers shelled out nearly an extra $10,000 for properties with solar panels versus those without this feature. Your investment will pay for itself in increased resale price alone, let alone all the money you’ll save on tax credits and monthly utility bills.

Today’s panels offer more attractive options than ever before. The next generation of solar panels uses photovoltaic (PV) cells instead of bulky panels. These integrate with the rest of your home or roof design instead of standing out for all passersby.

Solar shingles combine thin PV cells with molecules on a flexible copper/indium/gallium diselenide base. Today’s versions are three times more powerful than the first generation, allowing you to generate even more power. They integrate flush with concrete/asphalt shingles, creating a uniform look for your roof.

While not yet readily available, manufacturers are now investigating solar window technology. Once perfected, these panes will take advantage of the sun’s rays to generate electricity without changing the exterior appearance of your building.

If you’re still unsure about converting to full solar, why not investigate portable panels? This option also offers promise to renters who want to reduce their monthly energy costs without discussing extensive remodels with their landlords.

Solar Energy Could Save You Money

There’s never been a better time to invest in a greener future for your home. Solar energy could save you significant money — why not convert today?

Team Liquid: How It Became Huge

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The eSports industry is still rather young, even by new tech-driven sectors of the modern age, and yet, its market has already breached the $1 billion mark. Set to continue to grow tremendously over the coming years, several new organizations and some traditional sports teams are looking to get in on the gaming action.

Now, the eSports leagues and competitions for each competitive game span a huge range of teams from around the globe, all competing for chunks of prize pools that range from sizeable to multi-million. Still, a mainstay name in the eSports scene as it’s grown to reach these unprecedented heights is that of Team Liquid.

Not just a long-standing brand, Team Liquid has made the right moves at the right times, signed on top-class talents, won major titles, and developed such a devout fan base that they have helped the eSports industry to grow rapidly as a result. Having exploited every possible avenue of competition in ways that most traditional sports teams simply don’t, Team Liquid has earned multi-discipline recognition and is now a colossus.

Yet, as eSports is still relatively niche when it comes to general public knowledge, many don’t know much – if anything – about Team Liquid. Here’s how they became huge, who you may liken them to in traditional sports, and the triumphs that have led to Team Liquid’s endearing popularity and backing.

The rise of Team Liquid as an eSports superpower

As detailed by the team, they come from humble beginnings in the form of a clan forged by Victor “Nazgul” Goossens in the game Brood War in 2000. In 2001, the team created a community site, which would prove to be a platform for viewers and potential competitors alike, developing into a hub for StarCraft. Here, Nazgul and Co. staged tournaments and encouraged the community to grow around Team Liquid.

The next big step came with the release of the StarCraft II beta towards the end of that decade. Team Liquid went all-in, creating tournaments and attracting the attention of top-class players, leading to them being granted passage to the Korean SC2 scene – the first overseas team to do so. Success in the Korea Republic followed, as did an all-important heated rivalry with Evil Geniuses, which captivated fans and players alike.

StarCraft was Team Liquid’s forte, the game that made the team and their fame, but “Nazgul” wanted to expand further. So, towards the end of 2012, he launched a Dota 2 team in North America, making Team Liquid a two-discipline eSports organization. Later, to kick off 2015, Team Liquid assimilated the popular League of Legends and Counter-Strike organization Team Curse, further expanding its reach.

With the coming together of Liquid and Curse, an unprecedented era of success ensued. Competing across the board in League of Legends, Dota 2, Street Fighter V, StarCraft II, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the silverware and prize money started raining down from 2015 onwards. Now, they boast a social media reach of over 28 million people and over 100 million hours of views on Twitch.

Making the most of the eSports scene to become the biggest team going

In traditional sports, teams tend to stick to their lane. For example, the Detroit Red Wings, whose star center Dylan Larkin is a top target as a brand’s athlete partner, are a hockey team, and that’s it. Given their revenues, name recognition, and success in the sports business, the Red Wings certainly have what it takes to expand the brand into other sports, but they haven’t done.

Team Liquid, on the other hand, has taken part in tournaments for 26 different games, including Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Hearthstone, Valorant, Rocket League, and Tekken 7 – all of which differ tremendously. This approach is somewhat more similar to that of college sports, with even the top college football teams competing at their highest level just being part of the university program of the Florida Gators, for example.

Still, to offer a comparison to a traditional sports team, Team Liquid is akin to Manchester United, loosely speaking. Team Liquid’s sheer dominance through the years is like that of the legendary teams captured in art under Sir Alex Ferguson. Still, with increased competition and becoming the team to beat, they’re not as guaranteed to win tournaments anymore, but still rank as the most successful team of all time, with United boasting 20 English league titles and Team Liquid having the highest overall team earnings at $37.6 million.

It’s the legendary name with the best players, its dominance, and the continual threat that continues to draw fans to Team Liquid, though. While United has stopped winning the few trophies on the line, Team Liquid’s stars continue to add to the trophy cabinet. This is why, across the disciplines, the team continues to be backed in the betting. They’ve always got top-class players who can compete at the highest level and even cause upsets. So, regardless if it’s betting on CS: GO, LoL, Dota 2, Valorant, or Rainbow Six, if Team Liquid is there, fans will pile on the odds.

The legacy of the team and this entrenched and unwavering belief in their ability to go big is well earned. In 2017, they won the richest competition in eSports, The International, taking home $10 million from the $24.7 million prize pool. More recently, in 2019, Team Liquid landed a further $5 million in Dota 2. That year also reeled in $2.4 million in CS: GO, which amounted to nearly 50 percent of the prize money that was on offer across their 32 entries. This year has also started hot in LoL, placing first, second, and second in LCS contests.

Team Liquid is still the biggest name in eSports, and as long as they continue to acquire top-class talents from around the world, they’ll remain a top pick for fans.

Chotto Matte – Day of the Dead

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The brink of the Fall season ushers in a wave of chilling energy, and Chotto Matte is ready to heat things up! This October, Miami’s magical culinary concept, Chotto Matte, is bringing back its annually anticipated celebration of the Day of the Dead (“Dia De Los Muertos”), paying tribute to its South American roots and honoring the traditional festivities.

On Saturday, October 30th, Chotto Matte’s main event will feature the energetic commemoration of the beautiful afterlife, offering diners a robust array of eye-catching entertainment, stimulating Latin beats, and enchanting dishes and cocktails featuring Código 1530 — a premium and authentically distilled tequila brand hailing from Mexico.

With a full day of lively celebrations, Chotto Matte will keep spirits high from lunch through late-night dinner. Dressed in traditional Dia de Los Muertos makeup and aesthetic, the Chotto Matte team of staff and performers will welcome and transport guests into a dark dream world celebrating the beauty of the afterlife. With a lineup of eccentric performances and mystical sensations, Chotto Matte’s annually anticipated Dia De Los Muertos celebrations are not to be missed!

When:

Main Event – All Day Saturday, October 30th, 2021

Special Cocktail Menu and Theme Available All Week (10/26 – 11/2)

Where:

Chotto Matte Miami

1666 Lenox Ave #1664

Miami Beach, FL 33139

About Chotto Matte:

Chotto Matte embraces the very best of Nikkei cuisine — a hybrid blend of the most noteworthy Japanese and Peruvian classics, marrying bold, eye-catching, and natural colors with mouth-watering flavorful sensations. Amassing impressive success from their first three locations in London, Toronto, and Miami, Chotto Matte has developed international esteem and plans to continue its global expansion in 2022 to three unique global destinations — Doha, Riyadh, & San Francisco — alongside a sister location in its flagship home base of London, England. Mastering the marriage of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, Chotto Matte highlights the cultures’ shared appreciation for seasonal ingredients and fresh fish, with Japanese sushi and sashimi, and Peruvian ceviche central to their gastronomy. Thanks to well-respected head chef Jordan Sclare, Chotto Matte is internationally renowned for its artistic approach to exciting Nikkei cuisine.

About CÓDIGO 1530:

Código 1530 is a premium spirits brand born from a private recipe known for generations by only a select group of Mexico’s most respected families and finest jimadors. Now available to the world, Código 1530’s five core offerings Blanco, Rosa, Reposado, Añejo, and “Origen” Extra-Añejo, have been perfected using time-honored customs without ever veering from the historic traditions of including no added chemicals, flavorings, or sweeteners. Passionately produced in a distillery in Amatitán, the rested tequilas are meticulously aged to taste in the world’s finest French Oak Cabernet wine barrels procured from the Napa Valley region. Código 1530 is now available in all 50 states, and over 30 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.codigo1530.com.

OXYGEN TRUE CRIME

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OXYGEN’S “911 CRISIS CENTER” REVEALS THE FAST-PACED INNER WORKINGS OF AN EMERGENCY CALL CENTER AND THE UNSUNG HEROES EXPERTLY HANDLING REAL, HIGH-STAKES DISTRESS CALLS ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AT 9:00PM ET/PT

The New Series Gives Viewers a Front Row Seat to the High-Intensity Environment Dispatchers Thrive In During Emergencies

Oxygen, the home for high quality true crime programming, drops viewers in the middle of the action at a dynamic Chagrin Valley area emergency call center in Ohio. At the center, the responders’ calm demeanor, quick thinking and ability to draw out essential information from callers in the midst of extreme situations is often the difference between life and death. From gut-wrenching to heartwarming, these very first responders hear it all over the course of a 12-hour shift. The all new series “911 Crisis Center” premieres Saturday, November 6 at 9:00pm ET/PT.

For a sneak peek, please click here.

Team members’ experience varies from those who are 20-year veterans to those who are just starting out. However, all dispatchers are primed and ready to respond to a wide array of panic-stricken callers. Hearing callers terrorized by shots fired, angered over stolen cars, tearfully pleading during life-threatening medical emergencies and anxiety ridden over lost children makes working efficiently critical. The dispatchers work to swiftly extract needed intel while calming the callers, providing them with detailed, life-saving instruction and relaying all pertinent details to law enforcement on the ground and en route.

“911 Crisis Center” also examines the friendships between the dedicated professionals. The bond this tight-knit group has formed goes deep. They support each other through challenging calls and lift each other up when they’re experiencing tough times personally. However, not every moment of a shift is rife with traumatic calls. The dispatchers celebrate birthdays, share homemade treats, and crack inside jokes that lighten the mood. They also try to heed the ever present warning to never, ever jinx a shift by saying things seem “quiet” at the call center.

From Warner Brothers Unscripted Television, “911 Crisis Center” is produced by Shed Media in association with Green Lakes Productions with Dan Peirson, Lisa Shannon and Adam Kassen serve as executive producers.

About Oxygen

Oxygen is a multiplatform crime destination brand for women. Having announced the full-time shift to true crime programming in 2017, Oxygen remains one of the fastest growing cable entertainment networks with popular unscripted original programming that includes the flagship “Snapped” franchise, “Cold Justice,” “Killer Couples,” “Criminal Confessions,” and breakout hit event series such as “The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway,” “Dahmer on Dahmer: A Killer Speaks,” and “Aaron Hernandez Uncovered.” Available in more than 77 million homes, Oxygen is a network of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Lifestyle Group, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Watch Oxygen anywhere: On Demand, online, or across mobile and connected TVs.

About Warner Bros. Unscripted Television

Warner Bros. Unscripted Television is the leading unscripted studio in America with over 50 series totaling nearly 2,500 hours of programming annually across broadcast, cable, streaming, digital, first-run syndication and podcasts. Led by studio president Mike Darnell, the division’s leading franchises include ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”; NBC’s multi-Emmy®-winning blockbuster “The Voice”; NBC’s returning Emmy® winner “Who Do You Think You Are?,” “Family Game Fight” and “Home Sweet Home”; Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City”; E!’s “The Bradshaw Bunch”; “Extra”; “The Real”; and the multi-Emmy®-winning “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” among others. After producing HBO Max’s highly-anticipated “Friends: The Reunion,” the unit’s upcoming projects include NBC’s “The Wheel”; Peacock’s “Paris in Love” and “True Story”; and HBO Max’s “The Real Magic Mike,” to name a few.

Taste of SLS

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To Launch at SLS Baha Mar with a Special Performance from John Legend

Join us for epic culinary experiences at SLS Baha Mar on November 5th. The evening will feature celebrity chefs, culinary tastings, masterful mixology, a toast of Legends Vineyard Exclusive French Rosé and a special performance by John Legend.

Accor a world-leading lifestyle hospitality company, today announced Taste of SLS Baha Mar, an evening of epic culinary experiences taking place on November 5th. The star-studded culinary celebration brings together award-winning chefs from across the world affording guests a taste of the very best of SLS properties in one glamorous location and an exclusive performance by award-winning artist John Legend.

This news comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators, set to include SLS Hotels & Residences.

Michele Caniato, Chief Brand Officer, sbe states: “We are delighted to bring back Taste of SLS to this very special property in the heart of The Bahamas, SLS Baha Mar and the entire resort of Baha Mar. We are thrilled that John Legend is headlining our event and bringing his signature LVE French Rosé to Baha Mar. I want to thank President Graeme Davis, and the Baha Mar team, for supporting us in this incredible event. Our event will be sure to wow foodies with over seven of our chefs in one incredible location.”

Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar states, “As Baha Mar has been widely recognized for its elevated gourmet scene, Taste of SLS provides the resort with another opportunity to showcase the best of its impressive culinary portfolio and talent to our guests from across the world. We are thrilled that this year’s Taste of SLS will feature a spectacular performance by the extremely talented, John Legend.”

Encompassing culinary and mixology experiences staged throughout the resort, an exclusive performance by Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Oscar-winning singer, songwriter, humanitarian, and philanthropist John Legend tops the event along with culinary collaborators: Dario Cecchini (Carna), Sara Aqel (Fi’lia), Katsuya Uechi (Katsuya) and several other concepts under the direction of Culinary Director, Wayne Brown. The event will pair unlimited gourmet food and beverage offerings with exciting entertainment at one of the Bahamas hottest properties along with access to its LVE Lounge and for those with Gold tickets and above, access to the After Party on the rooftop of SLS Baha Mar at Skybar.

Guests will enjoy hand crafted cocktails and LVE French Rosé from the Legend Vineyard Exclusive collection by John Legend as they enjoy never-ending culinary creations by SLS’s participating restaurants and mixology concepts. The event will take place at Baha Bay, a $200 million luxury water park, and the latest addition to Baha Mar.

Tickets for the event are now on sale at here and are priced upon experience, ranging from entry level Silver tickets at $399 per person, to Corporate Cabanas for up to 10 guests at $10,000. Event access can be combined with special rate VIP weekend getaway packages at SLS Baha Mar for a premium travel experience inclusive of breakfast and special rate event and room pricing (available until October 1st), bookable at here. Prices for these overnight packages lead in at $599++ based on two guests sharing, excluding taxes and guest amenities fee. Additional accommodations can also be booked at Baha Mar’s other hotels here.

Taste of SLS Baha Mar 2021 is presented in collaboration with Chase Sapphire®, LVE Wines, and Baha Mar, all of which represent some of the major global brand affiliations across the SLS portfolio. On site, Chase Sapphire cardmembers who purchase tickets through Chase Experiences will have exclusive access to a Chase Sapphire Lounge, providing a comfortable viewing area for the live performance with dedicated seating and bar access. LVE wines will also host a lounge onsite for all guests to have a taste of John Legend’s signature French Rosé.

For further information about the event visit: sbe.com/tasteofsls for full details on featured chefs & culinary concepts, event specifics and a link for easy ticket purchase. For full peace of mind, Baha Mar’s Travel With Confidence Program offers complimentary return private air travel or free extended stay for guests who test positive for COVID-19.

ABOUT SLS HOTELS & RESIDENCES

SLS is the home of an extraordinary experience coupled with a playful ambiance. Culinary artistry, theatrical interiors, subversive design touches and unexpected indulgences are at the heart of every SLS property. Collaborations with leading developers, architects, designers and chefs allow SLS to continue anticipating, innovating and shaping the future of luxury lifestyle living. With seven properties in Beverly Hills, Miami, Bahamas, Cancun, and Dubai, SLS is set to open two additional properties in Puerto Madero, Argentina and Scottsdale by 2023. SLS Hotels & Residences is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. Learn more at SLSHotels.com.

SLSHotels.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

DOJA CAT – ANOTHER FIRST

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Global superstar Doja Cat snags another “first” – this time becoming the first rapper to have 3 records in the Top 10 at Top 40 radio this week. She also becomes the 2^nd artist ever to achieve this Top 10 trifecta. “You Right” ft. The Weeknd lands at #6, followed by her unstoppable smash “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA at #7 and “Need To Know” breaks in at #10. This historic feat is unprecedented for a rapper and is just the latest in a string of massive accomplishments for Doja since Planet Her exploded into the world in June.

Doja Cat was recently celebrated for her star turning hosting debut and breathtaking performance at the MTV VMA’s followed by her incredible ACL debut.

About Doja Cat:

3-time GRAMMY nominee Doja Cat made her first upload to Soundcloud in 2013 at just 16-years-old. Having grown up in and around the LA area, she developed a knack for music by studying piano and dance as a kid and listening to the likes of Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and more. Soon, she went from obsessing over Catwoman (the Halle Berry version) to crate digging on YouTube. The budding talent taught herself Logic and how to compose on a midi controller. Signed to Kemosabe/RCA in 2014, she released her Purrr! EP and followed that with her debut album Amala in spring 2018, but it was her August 2018 release of “Mooo!” which catapulted her into the mainstream and was met with critical acclaim.

Doja Cat released her sophomore album Hot Pink in November 2019 to mass critical acclaim, the album was a platinum success with over 14.5 billion streams worldwide. Hot Pink features “Juicy” which hit #1 at Rhythm radio, “Say So” her Grammy nominated #1 smash record and “Streets”, the viral sensation that soundtracked the ‘Silhouette Challenge,’ one of the biggest TikTok trends to date.

The success of “Say So” which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been RIAA certified 4x platinum and streamed over 6.7 billion times catapulted Doja into global superstardom. She has taken home the Best New Artist Award at the MTV VMAs, the MTV EMAs, the AMAs (where she also won the Best Female Soul/R&B Artist Award) and the iHeart Radio Awards. She has been nominated for countless awards including 3 GRAMMY Awards, 9 MTV VMA Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 2 BET Awards, and 2 People’s Choice Awards.

Doja’s creativity and showmanship as a performer have been praised time and time again, she has delivered unique and show stopping performances on nearly all the major Award Show stages including the GRAMMY Awards, the American Music Awards, the Billboard Awards, the iHeart Radio Awards and the MTV VMA and EMA Awards. Her last tour sold out in 10 minutes and she has played numerous festivals including Rap Caviar Live Miami, Posty Fest, Day n Vegas and Rolling Loud LA.

Doja Cat’s new album Planet Her came out in June 2021 and dominated the charts, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking Doja Cat’s career best and highest debut to date with 109K in total activity in the US alone. Spanning a range of genres Planet Her also generated the highest first day Spotify streams for an album by a female rapper, was the top Pop album upon release based on consumption according to MRC data, and marks both the biggest debut for female rapper and the top female R&B debut of 2021. “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, the lead single off Planet Her is certified platinum by the RIAA and hit #1 at Top 40 and Rhythm radio with over 2.8 billion streams worldwide.

Get Planet Her:

https://smarturl.it/xPlanetHer

Follow Doja Cat at:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

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For The Love of Comic Con

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By: Rodney Ramlochan × Elle Grant × Vaughn Lowery

New York City’s Comic Con is a key annual fan event dedicated to Western comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, movies, television and more. First held in 2006, this classic event was canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, devastating fans who look forward to this mainstay of popular culture. Yet this year, Comic Con made its triumphant return, though it looked a little different in the attendance of both its exhibitors and fans. 360 MAGAZINE got the full scoop from well-versed fan Rodney Ramlochan on how this event has changed. He offers comments on the good, the bad, the Covid, and the in between for 360 readers. Read Ramlochan’s full testimony below:

To say that I love New York Comic Con is an understatement. For over a decade, as a pop-culture geek, I’ve enjoyed the fantastic guests, panels, original art, unique exhibitors, industry merchants, and one-of-kind exclusives. It has always been one of my favorite events to cover, and as a die-hard fan, I was deeply disappointed that the pandemic caused last year’s convention to go virtual. However, I was thrilled to hear that the event was coming back in person this year. Since much had changed over the past eighteen months, I thought it would be cool to experience the event as a fan rather than cover it as press. I also wanted to test-drive ReedPop’s Metaverse membership for ordering in-person tickets and focus on the overall fan experience, including Covid safety precautions and notable differences between this year and cons from yesteryear. Here are my post-Comic Con impressions.

I purchased tickets a few months ago in July using the MetaVerse presale process. Of course, this was before the uptick caused by the Delta variant strain. I didn’t expect any issues with purchasing online as I’ve never really had a problem buying 4-day or single-day passes in the past. Still, I was interested in trying out the new Metaverse Membership that gives you first access to NYCC badges, photo ops & autographing tickets. My mission this year was to get both an autograph and photograph with William Shatner, epic space captain of the Starship Enterprise and now a real-life astronaut. In addition to getting first dibs on NYCC in-person tickets, the Superfan membership allows you to buy MCM Comic Con, Emerald City Comic Con, and C2E2 tickets. You can also get paid digital experiences, exclusive access to video content and celebrity panels, access to exclusive NYCC merchandise online.

The Superfan Membership process was relatively seamless. I signed up at the end of June using the Metaverse Membership email and bought tickets using a dedicated link on my profile page within a few days. I purchased single day passes for each day of the convention, and I was contacted for the opportunity to purchase photo ops and autographs in addition at the end of September. Overall, I’d say the membership was worth it. It’s perfect for the fan who would rather have a more significant window of time to purchase tickets. Outside of remembering to click on the notification reminder emails and follow the presale, photo ops, and autographs links, ordering is straightforward. There are no worries about getting tickets for the exact days you want to attend. If you are good with the allotted time frame afforded by the standard ordering process, then paying for the Superfan membership may not be beneficial at this time. However, I do wonder what the future holds for purchasing tickets in the future. Suppose the Superfan method of buying in-person tickets becomes more popular. Will it impact the standard order process and make it more challenging to obtain single-day passes post-pandemic? Only time will tell.

As far as Covid safety protocols, enforcement, and logistics, the ReedPop and the Javitz Center team did a great job managing this. Before attending, I was uncertain why New York Comic Con needed a partnership with CLEAR Health Pass. Especially since vaccination proof was a requirement for attending and could be validated using vaccine cards and existing apps like the NY Excelsior Pass. In hindsight, standardizing the application that everyone uses for admission was a smart move. At the very least, it streamlined the process and expedited entry for most. I picked up my green ReedPop vaccine wristband at the Javitz Crystal Palace a few nights before opening. It took me less than 5 minutes to show the CLEAR app and retrieve the band, and in many ways, this process foreshadowed the overall feel and attendance for the convention. NYC began requiring proof of vaccinations in early September, and the event was following suit. The mandate may have impacted attendance, as I read many social media comments from individuals that stated they wanted to return or sell their tickets because they didn’t know the vaccine would be mandated before purchasing. But, as a whole, most people in attendance complied with the requirements. I was there all four days and only encountered two individuals not wearing masks on the main floor. I didn’t notice security enforcing the mask mandate, but I did hear that a vendor and few individuals had been removed from the showroom floor for not following the rules. At my William Shatner autograph and photo ops sessions, plexiglass partitions protected Shatner and the fans. Partitions were used at all reserved signings and photo op sessions. According to ReedPop, 150,000 paid in-person attendees were at the event this past weekend compared to 250,000 in previous years. Even with 100,00 fewer people, this was the largest indoor in-person event held in New York since 2019, showing a great evolution from where things were at the start of the pandemic. It was good to see that all of the proper safety protocols were in place.

One of the most significant differences between this year’s Comic Con and past shows was the notable absence of large exhibitors like Disney, Marvel, DC, Image, Sony, Amazon, SYFY, and distributors like Funko and Midtown Comics. Of course, it didn’t come as a surprise, as we had been receiving no-show notices practically every week leading up to the event. I’m sure it deterred some folks from attending, but I think it helped provide a unique experience for those who did. It minimized the crowd and offered other smaller exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their properties and spend more time with fans. As a result, I spent a lot more time than I would typically have at smaller booths. For example, I met the great folks at Plunderlings, a boutique toy line presenting a fresh take on fantasy universes from a Caribbean perspective. Although some of the major players weren’t present, there was an excellent turnout for anime fans from Toei Animation, Funimation, VIZ Media, and Tamashii Nations. Without having to compete for floor space, it seemed as if their exhibits doubled in size. If you were a fan of these companies, it was probably the first time in years that you could casually stroll through their exhibits without waiting in line. Although it was less crowded, the show floor did not feel empty. As expected, Saturday and Sunday saw an increase in volume of attendees, but nothing compared to the previous years.

One of the most extraordinary changes this year was the unveiling of the new Javits Center expansion project. It took a few minutes to figure out exactly where floors 4 and 5 were, but once you found them in the building adjacent to the old center, you were treated to the fantastic skyline and river views on the way up to the panel rooms and the new Empire Stage. There were a few blockbuster live panels, including Ghostbuster and The Boys; however, many panels like Sandman Act II and Wheel of Time were pre-recorded videos. I did sit in on the Sandman panel, but post-viewing, I felt a bit underwhelmed – watching a video of writer Neil Gaiman, audiobook director Dirk Maggs, actor James McCoy (who voices the title character), and actor/filmmaker Kevin Smith (who voices Merv Pumpkinhead) was not the same as seeing them in person. In addition, ReedPop introduced a new reservation system for the larger panels instead of the “badge tap-in” process used in the past. I have mixed feelings about this, as it didn’t appear that anyone’s reservations for the panels were being checked. It may have been because there was excess capacity remaining at the events I attended. However, I will note that the folks at the Tamashii Nations booth to purchase their exclusive Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Son Goku figure did check for reservations.

Overall, expanding the panels to the new venue resulted in two significant outcomes. First, it allowed more space to return to smaller fan-focused panels, which featured creators interacting with their fandom instead of pitching major studio events. Second, moving the panels out of the main building allowed for Artist Alley to take back a prominent role I felt it had lost over the past few years. This year, the Alley was front and center, featuring principal mainstays like Fabian Nicieza, Chris Claremont, Rob Leifeld, and Scott Synder amongst many others. I especially enjoyed chatting with Ben Bishop, one of the key artists on TMNT’s The Last Ronin.

Undoubtedly, many of this year’s Comic Con changes resulted from how best to host an event during a pandemic, but many of the changes also focused on improving the fan experience. As a result, NYCC 2021 felt more like the NYCC of 2011, but with a few notable improvements. Creators were able to connect more with their fandoms, fans were able to stop and appreciate exhibitors and artists more, and ReedPop unveiled a few new processes to streamline crowd control and help fans maximize their time at the event. It wasn’t perfect, but as a fan, it exceeded my expectations, and I’m even more looking forward to a pandemic-free NYCC next year.

Rodney Ramlochan attends NYCC on behalf of 360 MAGAZINE and meets William Shatner.

Meghan McCain Speaks Against Antisemitism

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Top Individuals Positively Influencing Jewish Life include Attorney General of New York Letita James, Comedian Bill Maher, Selma Blair, Noa Tishby

“I cannot stay silent when I see or hear antisemitism,” said actress Debra Messing on receiving the Algemeiner newspaper’s ‘Warrior For Truth’ award. “During Will and Grace it was important to me that Grace’s Jewishness be central to her identity because representation matters. I know that speaking up is a value shared by all of us here.” TV personality Meghan McCain followed Messing in the award ceremony, passionately declaring, “Antisemitism is abhorrent and innately un-American. We are Americans. What do Americans do when we meet up with the fanatical movement bent upon the eradication of Jews? We fight them. We’re going to fight these people too,” said McCain, “there is no place in America for antisemitism.”

The Ambassador of Israel to the U.S. and U.N. Gilad Erdan, philanthropist Nina Rennert Davidson, and Algemeiner Editor in Chief and CEO Dovid Efune, with his wife Mushka Efune were also honored at the Algemeiner newspaper’s 8th annual J100 Gala at the Rockleigh Country Club on October 12, 2021.

Joseph Borgen, the victim of a vicious antisemitic attack earlier this year in Manhattan and who McCain invited onto ABC’s The View, was a guest speaker. It was an emotional moment at the J100 gala when McCain and Borgen met in person for the first time. “The only publication that continues to act as a voice for me and bring attention to my situation is The Algemeiner,” said Borgen, “They bring light to the issue and hold people accountable for what took place. They make sure that antisemitism is not washed away or forgotten.”

Ambassador Erdan, introduced by Malcolm Hoenlein, reinforced this position, saying, “The biggest threat facing Israel and the Jewish people today is the deadly combination of lies and disinformation. Disinformation may begin as words but violence is only one small step away.”

Dovid Efune and Chairman Simon Jacobson shared the importance of the evening, “After the events of the past year,” said Efune, “when we witnessed again 1,000 strands of falsehood weaved together into a thick rope of hate, that a line has been firmly drawn under our long-held conviction that lies can kill and that the truth saves lives. It is often the case that stories first reported by The Algemeiner would simply not see the light of day, that the historical record would remain uncorrected, without the diligent skills of our team. The voice of the Algemeiner is indispensable.”

Nina Rennert Davidson implored the live crowd to join her and the other honorees in their fight, “Please speak up at board meetings and parties. Please do not allow your schools to have speakers, teachers and curriculums that attack Israel. If we do not respect our heritage, how can we ask anybody else to?”

TV journalist Dana Arschin served as Master of Ceremonies. The Event Chairs were Neil and Sharon Book, with Bernard-Henri Levy as Honorary Chairman.

The J100 Gala celebrated the release of the Algemeiner’s highly anticipated J100 List. The Algemeiner newspaper releases an annual list of 100 significant individuals who positively influence Jewish life, called the J100 List. On the importance and relevance of the J100, Efune said, “This year we’ve placed particular emphasis on those standing at the forefront of the battle for truth.”

The 2021 list includes Attorney General of New York Letita James, comedian Bill Maher, actresses Noa Tishby and Selma Blair, actor Jonathan Lipnicki, celebrity chef Jake Cohen, Morton Williams Supermarket owner Avi Kaner, publising mogul Mathias Doepfner, Papaya Global CEO Eynat Guez, and MLB athlete Jacob Steinmetz.

Watch all speeches HERE.

Billed as the Jewish answer to the TIME 100, the full list, and a description of why they were chosen, can be found at HERE.

ABOUT THE ALGEMEINER

Now celebrating its 49th anniversary, The Algemeiner newspaper has been labeled the “fastest growing Jewish newspaper in the US” by CNBC. It has been described by former Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor as “the voice of the Jewish people and Israel” and hailed as “brave and relentlessly accurate” by longtime New Republic editor Marty Peretz.

The Best Ways to Have Family Fun During a Lockdown

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By: Marie Miguel

It hasn’t been easy trying to navigate everything during the pandemic. The tragic loss of life has been difficult for many families around the world. It’s also been hard adjusting to not being able to go out and do things that you normally like to do. If you’re raising kids, then you might feel as if you’re going stir crazy being stuck inside together with your family.

The kids want to be able to do something fun, but you’re going through another lockdown. What are your best options to keep everyone occupied and happy? Keep reading to learn about the best ways to have family fun during a lockdown. This might give you a few good ideas that will make your time spent together at home a lot more entertaining.

Play Board Games

Have you sat down as a family to play a board game recently? This is a tried and true family activity that has helped many families bond over the years. There are a wide variety of different board games out there that you can try out. You just need to find one that the entire family can enjoy and understand.

If you have younger children, then you might wish to pick a board game that is a bit on the easier side. If you’re playing with older kids, then you might be fine playing more complex games such as Trivial Pursuit. Whether you’re going to play Monopoly together or if you want to have a rousing game of Scrabble, it’ll be a good time. It’s a fun way to pass the time that you should take advantage of.

Play Video Games

What if your kids aren’t quite so into old-school board games? You could always try sitting down to play video games with them. Even if you don’t play a lot of video games, it’ll be fun to interact with your kids. There are all sorts of good family-friendly titles that you can choose from. The Nintendo Switch is a particularly good console choice if you’re looking for games that will be fun for kids (and adults) of all ages.

You can start a little family rivalry in Mario Kart. Or you can work together to try to solve puzzles in games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There are hundreds of games that you could choose to play, but the important thing is to enjoy your time with your kids. Games can be magical because they can help you to escape when you need to the most.

Arts & Crafts

Sitting down and doing arts & crafts with your kids could also be a good time. Sometimes it’s nice to just take it easy and try to create something artistic as a family. There are all sorts of little art projects you could take on if you’re so inclined. Create decorations for various holidays or help to teach your kids how to paint.

Many have rediscovered their love of art during the pandemic. This could be a good weekend activity that you can enjoy with your significant other and your kids. You’ll simply need to ensure that you have the materials for whatever art project you’re interested in. You’ll be able to admire the results of your work when you’re finished, too.

Listen to Music

What about just relaxing in the living room as a family and listening to music? Yes, sometimes it’s hard to agree on what to listen to when everyone in the family has different tastes in music. However, it can still be fun to share your favorites with your family. Some families have decided to let each kid pick one record, and they will sit down to listen to all of them on a special music day each weekend.

Another idea is to share your love of music by teaching your kids how to play instruments. If you’re a musician, then this could be a good time. Of course, your kids will need to be interested in music or it might not be so fun for them. Music is powerful, and it can help you have a great time even when you’re stuck inside during a lockdown.

Watch Family-Friendly Shows

Most families will spend copious amounts of time watching shows on Netflix or Disney Plus during the pandemic. Your family might wind up being no different. That doesn’t mean that watching some great shows with your family won’t be a valuable experience. You can enjoy movies and all sorts of other entertainment media together.

With so much great content to watch, it’ll be easy to find a new movie to enjoy with your family each weekend. Make some popcorn and sit down in the living room to watch something together. It gives you something to look forward to as a family. Turning it into a fun occasion with snacks and mood lighting should be a good time.

Cook Together

Have you thought about cooking together? Depending on how you feel about cooking, this might sound like a great idea or a terrible one. Cooking can be a lot of fun when you approach things with the proper attitude. It can also be valuable to teach your kids how to cook early on in life.

You can make simple dishes together, and the kids will enjoy it. If you want to make things really easy, you can have kids help you with baking. When you’re making cookies it’ll be easy to let the kids cut out the cookie shapes with cookie cutters. Family cooking time could become a staple in your household even once the lockdown is finished.

Remember That You’re Never Alone

Remember that you’re never alone when you’re starting to feel depressed or anxious. These are trying times, and you can reach out if you feel like you need help. BetterHelp has some awesome resources on parenting, which can help you get through difficult times. Whether you need parenting advice or if you just need to talk to someone about the stress that you’re experiencing, BetterHelp can assist you in the process of putting things into perspective.

Don’t hesitate to contact an online therapist if you’re feeling uneasy about things in life. Online therapy has helped many people to work through significant problems. It’s easy to talk to a therapist from the comfort of home, and it’s great that this therapy option is so affordable. Look into things today if you’ve been having a tough time and would like to start feeling better.