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.

the chainsmokers, the forum, la, 360 MAGAZINE

World War Joy Tour

By: Krishan Narsinghani

The Chainsmokers returned to their home of Los Angeles to shake down Inglewood at the legendary Forum. With over 40 shows on their World War Joy Tour, the duo (Drew Taggart and Alex Pall) didn’t stop short to show LA why they’re one of the world’s leading EDM acts.

The evening began with acts Lennon Stella and 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) warming up the nearly sold-out 18,000 capacity arena. The Australian pop-rock band, whom hail from Sydney, during their riveting performance, reminded the crowd that they are not your conventional ‘opening act.’ After belting hit after hit, it was apparent that this group could pack a stadium on their own accord with ease.

Production for each Chainsmokers’ song kept the crowd enticed and on their toes –  i.e. tranced with lasers, motorcycles, pyro sticks and special guest appearances. Blink-182 made a surprise entrance to help preview a new single dropping on the anticipated Chainsmokers’ album, “World War Joy,” set to release on December 6th. 

The group continued with smash hits like the Grammy award winning, ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ along with favorites ‘Closer,’ and ‘Takeaway.’ Bass heavy mixes paralleled with Drew’s angelic vocals was a sweet spot for dance music fanatics. The live performance truly made you a fan if you weren’t already. 

Thomas Muchimba Buttenschøn, HIV/AIDS, Doin’ My Drugs , 360 MAGAZINE

“Doin’ My Drugs”

Danish Documentary Star Thomas Buttenschøn Performs Concerts and Screens American Documentary in China for HIV/AIDS Awareness Week 26 November-1 December


An Initiative of the Danish Government, Danish Pop Star Takes Part in Numerous Official Events, Screens his Documentary Following Film’s CPH:DOX* World Premiere in Spring 2019

Culminates with Beijing Performance on World AIDS Day 1 December

Buttenschøn Debuts New Song Keep On Talking on China Tour

http://www.doinmydrugs.com

1

Thomas Muchimba Buttenschøn

Two years ago this January, Danish pop star and TV personality Thomas Machimba Buttenschøn screened American Tyler Q Rosen’s landmark documentary Doin’ My Drugs as a work in progress with a live performance at Slamdance in snowy Park City, Utah to a capacity crowd. Since then, the film made its world premiere at the prestigious documentary festival CPH:DOX*, accompanied by an all-star cast of Zambian musicians who toured Denmark with him after.

Now, this coming week, Buttenschøn and Rosen are on their way to China for a series of concert performances, screenings, readings, public appearances and panels, culminating in a Beijing performance on World AIDS Day, December 1.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing organized this program as part of the HIV Awareness Week in Shanghai and Beijing leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1st. The choice of Buttenschøn—a former judge on the country’s wildly popular Denmark’s got Talent (Danmark Har Talnet) is reflective with his and his family’s personal experience with HIV/AIDS, his renown in the country and the importance of the film Doin’ My Drugs.

Buttenschøn will perform five concerts, beginning November 26th through December 1st, and both Buttenschøn and Rosen will participate in several talks and panels in each city. The concerts will be comprised of songs from Doin’ My Drugs itself. Buttenschøn’s newest song, “Keep on Talking,” will be debuted to the world during these concerts as well. Additionally, Doin’ My Drugs will screen on November 27th at 7:30 PM at the Danish Cultural Centre. The Centre is located on 2 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, P.R. China.

The live performances take place as follows:

November 26th–Solo concert by Buttenschøn at YYT Livehouse at 8:00 PM (851 Kaixuan Rd, Changning, Shanghai, P.R. China);

November 27th–Unplugged performance by Buttenschøn at Danish Cultural Centre at 7:30 PM (2 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, P.R. China);

November 29th–Concert by Buttenschøn at CloudNine Bar at 8:00 PM (29 Zizhuyuan Rd, Zi Zhu Qiao, Haidian, P.R. China);

November 30th–Intimate concert by Buttenschøn at The Danish Cultural Centre, 798 International Arts District, 706 Beiyi Jie, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing 100025

December 1st–Concerts by Danish artists Thomas Buttenschøn and Asbjørn in celebration of World AIDS Day at Post Mountain Art Space at 8:00 PM (North to T8 Building, Dangdai MOMA, No.1 Xiangheyuan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing)

For more details please schedule below!

THOMAS SELECTS-3

The documentary film Doin’ My Drugs is the story of musician Thomas Muchimba Buttenschøn—born HIV-positive in 1985—and his crusade to use his music to wipe out AIDS in his native Zambia and beyond. Doin’ My Drugs aims to raise awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia—a country of 17 million people where more than 1.2 million are HIV-positive or have the disease. Zambia’s situation is mirrored throughout the developing world.

A father to two young children, Buttenschøn has kept his HIV in check and his family virus-free, by “doin’ his drugs.” He recognized that his native Zambia remains trapped in a horrific and senseless AIDS crisis. While a significant percentage of the population there is infected with HIV, many antiretroviral drug treatment programs that can keep the virus dormant—“a near-zero viral load” as Buttenschøn says—are widely available through government programs for free.

Buttenschøn has recorded a full studio album in Los Angeles, USA and Lusaka, Zambia with 16-time Grammy®-winning producer, Thom Russo Jr. That album is titled Doin’ My Drugs and will become the official motion picture soundtrack. He’ll be debuting a new single, “Keep On Talking,” on his tour, which will be available in China soon.

His first feature as a director, Doin’ My Drugs director Tyler Q Rosen has worked in film and TV in multiple capacities ranging from art director to production designer. Producer Fax Bahr won an Emmy for directing Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. Producer Uriah Herr has also performed many production roles from director to production designer to producer. Adam Battaglia is camera operator and still photographer. Editor Jay Miracle also won an Emmy for Hearts of Darkness.

5

Buttenschøn has also set up a foundation, the Muchimba Music Foundation, to help his supporters, collaborators and himself on their journeys. His goal is to test upwards of 100,000 Zambians by expanding his foundation’s Test-for-Ticket concert series into a country-wide tour of Zambia. The Muchimba Music Foundation’s initial concert in Lusaka tested 10,802 people and enrolled those who tested positive into patient care treatment programs. MMF is currently fundraising to meet his goal.

“I’m so pleased to be able to have the support of four countries in my journey,” concludes Buttenschøn. “We’re planning to use this China tour and trip to build momentum for my music and my message worldwide: get tested, get treatment, and do your drugs to keep the disease in check. It’s possible if you only try. Music CAN change the world.”

Social Sites

Instagram: doinmydrugs

Facebook: doinmydrugs

Twitter: doinmydrugs

Web: www.doinmydrugs.com

links:

http://www.aidshealth.org/global/Zambia/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5222128/?ref_=nv_sr_1

http://www.muchimba.org

Hyundai, Chris Gates, 360 magazine

Hyundai – KONA

As of late, 360 Magazine dropped by a lifestyle car installation for a major manufacturer during LA Auto Show.

By Chris Gates × Vaughn Lowery

Hyundai has come a long way in precisely 51 years of existence. The South Korean automaker has been manufacturing automobiles in the U.S. since 1986. Today, the industrial conglomerate has the world’s first all-electric compact SUV. On November 20, 2019, Bret Michaels helped the manufacturer celebrate the fresh year, helping them rock out the night.

Hyundai’s all-electric vehicle is the alluring KONA. Starting price is around 36,950 and tops out at approximately $45,200 (the ultimate package). This car allows you to drive 258 miles before recharge. Moreover, you have 2 alternatives for charging your money saver: 7.2 kW AC Wall Box Charger as well as a 2.8 kW Portable Charger. According to India Today, The 7.2 kW AC Wall Box Charger will take around 6 hours and 10 minutes for a full charge, while the 2.8 kW Portable Charger will take 19 hours to completely power the battery.

Overall, this vehicle is an easy-to-use showstopper. 

Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE

4 reasons CBD is amazing for your health

CBD is now available across America in a whole variety of forms, including oils, gummies, and even body creams, all promising amazing therapeutic effects that pharmaceutical drugs simply cannot offer. Millions now take the hemp product on a daily basis, thanks to its ability to completely change how the user is feeling both on the inside and the outside.

Here are 4 reasons why CBD is amazing for your health.

Helps soothe anxiety

Around 40 million adults across the US are affected by anxiety disorders which leave them stressed and on edge for large portions of the day. While around one in six takes pharmaceutical drugs to help them through bouts of anxiety, it can cost over $80 a month and sometimes shows to be little or no help.

CBD has now shown to be a great treatment for mental health disorders, helping the body to produce more of its own natural cannabinoids and dopamine to relax the mind. This can also help patients to sleep better at night, too, which in turn works as a mood-booster.

Relieves pain

According to CBD Kyro, patients report pain as one of their top reasons for taking CBD. Cannabidiol is full of anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce discomfort throughout the body and relax the user, making everything from muscle aches to chronic pain easier to deal with.

A large proportion of patients take CBD for arthritis, as it is known to reduce the frequency and intensity of their pain. Although it is yet to be approved by the FDA, one of CBD’s best uses is its ability to relieve muscle and joint aches.

Treats epilepsy

Following extensive clinical research trials, the FDA approved CBD oil medication Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy back in 2018.

It followed the case of Charlotte Figi, a young girl from Colorado who suffered from Dravet Syndrome. Within a matter of weeks of taking CBD, Charlotte went from having up to 300 seizures a week to just two a month. The FDA had no choice but to take notice. Epidiolex was the first drug approved to treat Dravet syndrome.

Improves skin

While CBD is great for helping with health problems on the inside, it has also taken over the cosmetic world, too. CBD contains anti-oxidant properties which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles and help to keep the skin hydrated. Its anti-inflammatory properties discussed earlier step in to help with acne, too, reducing breakouts and redness by calming the skin.

CBD can also work to decrease the overproduction of sebum- a type of oil that is responsible for causing breakouts to appear on the face and neck. Daily CBD Mag also adds that CBD oil can also improve the strength and appearance of hair and nails.

Note

Unlike cannabis, CBD does not contain the chemical THC which is responsible for causing psychoactive effects. This is why it is generally considered safe for most people and even animals. When looking for a suitable CBD product, make sure it contains no more than 0.3% THC. 

Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE

5 awesome rooftop bars to check out this holiday season

The US is amazing enough from the ground but is taken to another level (quite literally) when you go 15 stories high and visit a rooftop bar. This holiday season, enjoy the beautiful views of your favorite places, cocktail in hand, from the top of the very best venues. Here are five awesome rooftop bars to check out this holiday season. 

Altitude Sky Lounge

Any rooftop bar with the word ‘altitude’ in its name has to be good, right? The Altitude Sky Lounge found in San Diego is a knee-knocking 22 floors up and flaunts a birdseye view of the city. If you’re one for dressing up and enjoying the festive season in style then this dress-code bar is perfect for you – it’s uber classy and perfect for Instagram pictures. The lounge also overlooks Petco Park, so is the best location to watch a ball game for free. Be warned, though, this rooftop doesn’t have a cover – so avoid snow days unless you’re well prepared!

Terrace 16

If you’re looking for a great rooftop in Chicago then Terrace 16 has it all, according to Cool Things Chicago. This bar is perfect for all weathers with floor to ceiling windows and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.  If you’re wrapped up warm enough, however, the bar also offers a quaint patio garden with comfy seating and a whole range of foods to enjoy alone or with friends. Terrace 16 can be found at the top of Trump International Hotel and Tower and promises not to disappoint. 

Percheron

Percheron is Kansas City’s first rooftop beer garden, found at the top of Crossroads Hotel. The bar’s hotel pays tribute to the past with a wide selection of craft beers, ciders, and frozen cocktails. This lively bar with both indoor and outside space hosts live DJ sets on     Sunday afternoons and weekday evening drinking sessions until 10 pm. Local food and drink options are common at this venue, too, if you fancy supporting smaller businesses in the run up to Christmas.

Sugar

Found on floor 40 of the EAST, Miami, this Asian-influenced venue full of Balinese furnishings and exotic plants is amazing for cocktails. The Tiger Lily is a favorite here: sip on Zapace 23 rum, hibiscus, passion fruit, ginger beer, and lime juice while taking in the views of the slowly-growing skyline. Try visiting in the weekday before the crowds to grab the very best seat in the house.

Drai’s Nightclub and Beach Club

One of the best rooftops in Vegas is Drai’s Nightclub and Beach Club, according to Vegas for All. While other bars offer customers the chance to sit back and relax, Drai’s definitely brings the Vegas vibe with the ultimate parties. Located 11 stories above the strip, this nightclub and beach club is found on the top of the Cromwell resort and is perfect for a late-night swim, a few drinks, and plenty of great music to dance the night away. If you’re looking for a rooftop bar where the party simply never ends, this is it. 

Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE

Five celebrities in poker you should know about

Every poker player who has ever sat at the table dreams of winning big and getting to the top of their game. Although few reach the very top, those who do become household names across the world. Here are five poker celebrities who you should know about. 

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey has won an impressive ten World Series of Poker bracelets and has a net worth of $100 million. The American professional has appeared at nine World Poker Tour final tables and is considered to be one of the very best poker all-rounders in the world. The 42-year-old has earned the names “No Home Jerome,” “The Phenom,” and “The Tiger Woods of Poker’, and is famous for throwing opponents off by staring directly into their eyes. 

Doyle Brunson

Doyle Brunson was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1988 and is considered a poker legend. The retired player took part in professional games for 50 years before retiring in 2018, when he received a standing ovation at his final World Series. Brunson is the author of several books on poker and even has poker hands named after him. Lucian Marinescu, partner at Online Casino Gems, said: “Brunson is a true poker legend and the whole community was sad to see him leave the game in 2018. It will be very hard for anyone to earn as many bragging rights as this seasoned veteran in the future”. 

Vanessa Selbst

How could we not include Vanessa Selbst in this list? The now-retired professional player claimed three World Series of Poker bracelets, the Partouche Poker Tour and the North American Poker Tour over 12 years, and has a net worth of over $3.5 million. Selbst is also the only woman to ever reach the number one ranking in the world on the Global Poker Index. She is undoubtedly one of the biggest female names in poker and will be hard to top following her retirement in January 2018. 

Erik Seidel

Seidel, a former Wall Street trader, has won over $5.5 million in poker tournaments and was born in the land of casinos – Las Vegas. One of the player’s largest claims to fame came from his very first major tournament where he found himself up against Johnny Chan in the World Series of Poker Main Event Championship. The hand he lost was became so famous that it was featured in the movie Rounders. With poker in his blood, Seidel has won eight World Series of Poker bracelets and a World Poker Tour title. The card shark has a current net worth of $41.9 million and shows no sign of slowing down. 

Joe Hachem

Hachem became a household name back in 2005 when he became the first Australian to win the World Series of Poker. The following year, Hachem won his first  World Poker Tour title at the Bellagio Casino’s Five Diamonds Poker Classic, earning him $2.2 million. Over his career, Hachem has won over $8.5 million at tournaments and was even sponsored by PokerStars. His most recent big win was $201,041 at the 2019 World Series of Poker, where he placed third. Hachem continues to enjoy poker games across the world.

PC Steph Verschuren, Anna Sofia ,republic records, 360 MAGAZINE

Anna Sofia – No fun

After releasing her recent single “No Fun” to critical acclaim, today Anna Sofia has released the official music video for the track via Electric Feel Records/Republic Records.
 
Check out Anna Sofia’s official music video for “No Fun” Here!
 
Stream “No Fun” Here!
 
On the video Anna Sofia said: “The concept of the video is me being pulled through a bunch of different fun scenes with my friends but I’m (obviously) having NO FUN!!!! Sort of like when you get dragged out by your friends and even though you love them, you’d rather be anywhere else. In reality, it turned out to be a really fun shoot because I was with all my friends from school and we had such a good time filming together. When we were shooting the bed scene one of my friends was jumping at the edge of the bed and fell off and knocked literally everything off of the bed side table – it was hilarious!” -Anna Sofia
 
Previously on the song Anna Sofia had noted: “No Fun” was written after a birthday my friends threw for me. The song started with a cool chord progression I was working on and talking to my producer about the party. During the party one of my friends accidentally smashed a window and no one would own up to who did it – we had to investigate and didn’t find out until the next morning. The next day however, my friend’s house was a literal disaster and I had to clean the whole house and had a terrible day aka “No Fun.” The lyric in the song “broke a window and a heart or two,” makes me laugh every time I think back to that night when someone ran up to me and told me about what happened!”
 
The single heralds the arrival of her forthcoming debut EP, Self Aware Bitch. Stay tuned for more from ANNA SOFIA very soon.
 
Dubbed by OnesToWatch as the “bedroom-pop” songstress who “rapidly affirms herself as a new talent to watch – especially in the infancy of her music career, all signs point to a major breakthrough for this proud Self Aware Bitch.
 
16-year-old Toronto singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist ANNA SOFIA threads together narrative pop with the scope of a classic nineties teen flick and the unpredictability of 21st century genre-bending. Through a pure perspective only an insider could possess, Anna Sofia chronicles these moments and so much more in her music. Streamed over 2 million times independently as of 2019 and acclaimed by Ones To WatchLyrical Lemonade, and Complex who dubbed her, “a prodigious new talent, she places listeners in the front row of her world on the introductory 2020 EP, Self Aware Bitch [Electric Feel/Republic Records], and her forthcoming full-length debut.

*Photo credit: PC Steph Verschuren

Costa Rica, 360 MAGAZINE, Widness & Wiggins PR, dave wiggins

What You Need to Know About Costa Rica 

Before You Book Your Next Vacation

When it comes to a vacation in Costa Rica, the experts advise that “you gotta know the territory.” But how can you if you’ve never been there?

Follow the tips of Western River Expeditions, soon to enter its 59th season of award-winning adventure travel. Here are a few of many questions this company suggests you ponder before booking a Western River Expeditions’ 9-Day Costa Rica Vacation Package

  • When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

This is the question that everyone asks and the answer is, “It depends!” Mid-December to April can often be drier, but due to this, and the fact that it’s a popular time to get away to warm destinations, the crowds can be greater. During May through the first half of December, daily rainfall is more common. It’s a period the locals refer to as “the green season.” During this period, you might experience different wildlife and fewer crowds. Generally, the rain doesn’t last all day and guests find periods of lovely sunshine each day as well. 

But here’s a little secret! In some years, visitors reap the rewards of Costa Rica’s “Little Summer” (Veranillo de San Juan or Little Summer of Saint John) in July. Because of a little-known weather phenomenon that in-the-know wildlife lovers are keen to, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. The secret is a drier break after the rains of May and June that yield flowering trees and fruits, which attract a lot of wildlife. 

  • Do you appreciate crowds or are you looking for something more secluded? The time of travel will affect the crowd levels in popular destinations such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but Western River Expeditions has built in to its Costa Rica itinerary a few days of blissful seclusion. In the heart of the jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a remote rainforest paradise. Guests raft in with a small group and, once at the lodge, participants find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the sounds of the nearby river. A hike along centuries-old trails to the top of the Talamanca Mountains brings a visit with the Cabécar Indians, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica. This is only one of the eight lodge-based activities to choose from. Extending a stay at the lodge (optional) gives visitors even more time to participate in the various experiences offered.
  • When is the best time to go rafting in Costa Rica? 

The Pacuare River (rated among the top 10 rivers in the world by National Geographic) offers 38 Class II-IV rapids over 16 river miles with the caveat that the excitement varies by how high and fast the river is flowing. During the dry season of January to April whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is more sanguine than during the misting and green months of May through December. That said, there can always be unpredictable rainfall any time of year that raises the water levels – and the excitement levels.

  • Is birding a passion?

From a bird watching tour at the Pacaure Lodge, to the Mistico Hanging Bridges tour which boasts over 200 species of birds, to the Manuel Antonio National Park which is home to more than 180 different species visitors will find plenty of rare picture taking opportunities.

  • Interested in surfing? 

Experienced surfers appreciate the bigger waves of September and October on the Pacific Coast. Adrenaline-seeking travelers wanting to take optional surfing lessons while in Manuel Antonio (highly recommended), might appreciate the somewhat tamer surf during the remainder of the year.

  • Do you love authentic wildlife viewing?

You’ll likely find wildlife in Costa Rica no matter when you choose to visit. One of the top destinations on the Western River 9-Day Costa Rica itinerary is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to a variety of mammal species, it is a thrill to be personally greeted by multiple curious Mono Titi monkeys on a day tour.

“Our guests experience Costa Rica by the activities they choose, such as river rafting, zip lining over the rainforest canopy and a 3km walk over 15 bridges suspended from the ground to the treetops. But guests are also taken to the base of the Arenal Volcano where they can soak in therapeutic cascading hot springs, through the sights and sounds of primitive rainforests and jungles as well as to Manuel Antonio National Park (named one of the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes). This park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Here on the Pacific Ocean are the sandy beaches and gentle surf that fulfill the requirements of a great vacation,” said company CMO Brandon Lake.  

The basic rate is from $3,705 per person, double inclusive of transfers, hotels, activities, 11 meals and most activities. Western River Expeditions’ core Costa Rica program can be arranged for just two people or for up to 25 and can be customized by lengthening or shortening the trip and by adding or deleting activities. Year-round departures on a space-available basis can be tailored to travelers’ schedules. 

The tour utilizes four distinguished properties selected for panache, location and comfort. In the gateway city of San Jose is Hotel Grano de Oro. At Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort guests enjoy a swim-up bar, local and international gourmet cuisine and they are positioned to explore the geology of Arenal Volcano and nearby hot springs. While on the Pacuare River guests enjoy Pacuare Lodge (National Geographic Traveler World’s Best Ecolodge). Tulemar Bungalows (a Travel + Leisure World’s Best award winner) in Manuel Antonio National Park offers and ocean and beaches.

For details please see http://www.westernriver.com/costa-rica-vacation-package.

For more on how Costa Rica weather varies from season to season, see http://www.westernriver.com/costa-rica-vacation-package/weather.

To request a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2019-2020 catalog and for questions, availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), or visit the award-winning website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for sixteen consecutive years.

Follow Western River Expeditions:

On Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions

On Twitter:         http://twitter.com/WesternRiver

On You Tube:     http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations?

On Pinterest:     http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

met museum, 360 MAGAZINE, #dearblackgirl, 2015. Kaci Kennedy, The Beautiful Project Intern 2016, Virginia. Digital photograph. Image courtesy of The Beautiful Project

First New York Exhibition by The Beautiful Project to Open at The Met’s Education Center

On December 6, the exhibition Pen, Lens & Soul: The Story of The Beautiful Project will open in The Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it will be on view through February 24, 2020. There will be an opening reception on Friday, December 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Pen, Lens & Soul, the first New York exhibition created by The Beautiful Project, presents over a decade of work by image makers and storytellers, including young artists as well as their adult mentors and coaches, who create spaces for black girls and women to express their power and beauty.

Pen, Lens & Soul: The Story of The Beautiful Project is made possible by The 

William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.

The Beautiful Project is a North Carolina-based collective that uses photography, writing, and care to advance the representational justice and wellness of black girls and women. It is one of 21 arts and cultural organizations—including The Metropolitan Museum of Art—that form the Collaborative for Creative Practice and Social Justice, which explores the impact of the arts in and with communities through themes of justice and equity, relationship building, sustainability, and social impact. 

The exhibition features photography and writing from young artists who have been trained to use the camera and pen to document how they see the world and their aspirations. Founded in 2004, The Beautiful Project is a collective of black artists, scholars, and educators who encourage and equip black girls and women to be the caretakers of their needs, images, and stories.

“This presentation is a celebration of the incredibly talented girls and women who have channeled their experiences into powerful art,” said Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Museum’s Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chairman of Education.  “We are proud to partner with a fellow member of the Collaborative for Creative Practice and Social Justice to host the first exhibition featuring the work of such a vital organization.”

“I hope when our young artists walk through the exhibition they will meet their undeniable selves, and see clearly what their creativity and diligence inspired. The world needs to hear their voices,” said Jamaica Gilmer, Founder and Executive Director of The Beautiful Project. “We wanted to offer black girls and women a space of sisterhood and hope.”

Pen, Lens & Soul: The Story of The Beautiful Project was organized by Jamaica Gilmer, Khayla Deans, Erin M. Stephens, and Pamela Thompson of The Beautiful Project.

Related Program

In celebration of this exhibition, on Saturday, December 7, 1–3 p.m., The Met and The Beautiful Project invite black girls and young women ages 12 and over to a creative workshop using storytelling and image making as wellness tools to affirm and empower and to disrupt harmful misrepresentations.

About The Beautiful Project

The Beautiful Project is a collective of image makers using photography, writing, and care to create spaces for black women and girls to confront the mass misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and misuse of their likeness in the media and in the world at large. For more information, visit www.thebeautifulproject.org and follow on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter

About The Met 

The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in three iconic sites in New York City-The Met Fifth AvenueThe Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.

Since it was founded in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.

Dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, regardless of background, ability, age, or experience, The Met’s Education Department is central to the Museum’s mission and currently presents over 39,000 educational events and programs throughout the year. Exhibitions organized with the support of the department include the annual P.S. Art and New York City Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education.

Through its website and social media accounts on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter, The Met expands its visitor experience to people all over the world. For additional information about the Museum, visit www.metmuseum.org.

*Photo credit: #dearblackgirl, 2015. Kaci Kennedy, The Beautiful Project Intern 2016, Virginia. Digital photograph. Image courtesy of The Beautiful Project.
 

szemui ho, 360 MAGAZINE, blockchain

China’s Drive to be a Leader in Tech is Going to Accelerate

China has stated that they desire to be the world leader in AI technology by the year 2030. A decoupling between Chinese and American economies looks to have pushed everything towards self-sufficiency. China’s economy is fighting with a slowdown and they are also in the midst of a trade war with the US. China’s ambition is remarkable, and they are looking at blockchain, 5G and artificial intelligence right now. This could be more urgent now more than ever. This is particularly the case when you look at the fact that it is in a tariff war with the United States.

Trade Tensions

There are several industries who not only rely on tech, but also flourish on it. Look at NetBet casinos, the finance industry or even the gaming sector. Of course, it’s important to recognize that this creates a lot of competition. This is one of the many reasons why China wants to get ahead, so that they can solidify their presence and hence that they can also surpass everyone else before they even get a chance. The Chinese are trying to drive to be a self-sufficient country and a great deal of this comes down to decoupling. The topic was very prevalent throughout the conference and China are very ambitious about everything.

5G

When you look at the tech rivalry that is occurring between China and the US, you will soon see that a lot of it comes down to the development of 5G. Huawei is under a bunch of focus right now, but things could change. Huawei is a key developer when it adds up to 5G tech and they have been blacklisted by the government. Washington have also cited various security concerns regarding their equipment. They have expressed that they could actually open up a backdoor which would enable them to spy on the US. China have continually tried to deny these claims.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a technology that essentially underpins cryptocurrency. Take Bitcoin for example, a few years ago, it absolutely blew up and everyone began investing. The blockchain that powers this is now being used by everyone, from finance to food. If someone was able to take control of this then this would place them in an incredibly strong position. Blockchain really does hold the potential to change the way that companies conduct business. A number of areas are ready to improve because of the blockchain infrastructure. China have thrown their weight behind this. President Xi Jinping has stated that China is being urged to capture the opportunity and they are also being called upon to advance the development in the field too. This would be incredible for the country if they were able to pull it off. A great deal of this comes down to the trade war, but right now it looks like China could be in a very strong position. Could things be looking up for blockchain?