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.

Kemba “Last Year Being Broke”

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Rising Bronx rapper Kemba unleashes a brand new single entitled “Last Year Being Broke”.

Get it HERE via Sounds Music Group/Republic Records.

“Last Year Being Broke” once again illuminates the edge of his indisputable and inimitable take on timeless East Coast hip-hop.

The single also follows up his recent breakout “Deadass.” The latter’s music video just debuted on Complexlast week. Plus, the track has amassed 1.5 million Spotify streams and counting to date. Dubbing it “a great one,” Brooklyn Vegan praised how the single “finds the middle ground between Kendrick Lamar and classic New York rap.” Putting it best. HotNewHipHop pegged him as “bound to do some big things this year.”

It makes perfect sense Kemba calls The Bronx—the birthplace of hip-hop—home. He literally carries the genre with him everywhere. Making a name for himself as a fan favorite under the name of YC The Cynic, he dropped a series of lauded projects and songs from 2010 through 2013. Adopting the moniker Kemba, he ignited his rise with the album Negus. In addition to a highly cited interview on Real Late W/Peter Rosenberg, he joined Kendrick Lamar on stage during an American Express-sponsored concert live-streamed online. He kept his head down and continued writing just as any true hip-hop hero would.

for use by 360

Opinion: Will tariffs really raise consumer prices?

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President Trump recently raised tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese exports and threatened to impose import duties on all Chinese goods coming into the United States.  Will American prices rise substantially as a result? This is a loaded question, because contrary to popular belief, tariffs don’t always raise prices.
 
One alarming study from The Trade Partnership, a think tank, estimates that an average American family of four may have to pay an extra $767. And if all Chinese exports are taxed, the cost could rise to more than $2,000.
 
However, the effects of tariffs on prices are not as straightforward as they may appear at first glance. Indeed, until the pioneering contribution by the late Lloyd Metzler, a University of Chicago professor, the question was not even explored. It was taken for granted that tariffs automatically raise the prices of imported goods. But Metzler’s article, known in the literature on international economics as the Metzler Paradox, changed this view once and for all. Let us analyze the problem without hysteria.
 
Tariffs have two effects on prices: one tending to raise them, the other tending to lower them. The overall impact depends on which effect is stronger.
 
It all comes down to supply and demand for goods in China. The United States is a large importer of Chinese products, so tariffs will cause a huge decline in American demand for Chinese goods because of the initial rise in prices. But as demand falls substantially, the prices of exportable goods inside China will also decline substantially. 
       
Assuming that transportation costs are minimal, as they are nowadays, the American price of a Chinese product is determined as follows: American Price = Chinese Price(1 + t), where “t” is the rate of tariff. From this formula, it is clear that there are two countervailing effects on the U.S. price of Chinese goods. A rise in the tariff rate initially tends to raise it, whereas the resultant fall in the Chinese price tends to lower it. The final effect depends on whether the Chinese price declines more or less than the rate of tariff.
 
As a simple example, suppose Walmart imports a shirt from China for $20, and then faces a 25 percent tariff on that import. If China’s price is constant, then the same shirt will now cost $24. But the Chinese price cannot stay constant. Since the United States imports a vast number of Chinese shirts, the demand for Chinese shirts will fall sharply, and that will lower the Chinese price. Say this price declines to $18, then a 25 percent tariff will raise its U.S. cost by one fourth to $22.50, which is still higher than its free-trade cost of $20.
 
At a Chinese price of $16, the tariff-inclusive price will be the same as the free-trade price. But if the Chinese price were to fall below $16, the cost to Walmart will be less than $20. Thus, it all depends on the forces of supply and demand inside China. 
 
The extent of the Chinese price decrease depends on the cost of producing a shirt. If this cost is low, then the price decrease can be large in the wake of declining demand, because a producer can still make some profit. Since Chinese wages are much lower than American wages, the Chinese cost of producing a shirt is likely to be very low, in which case the Chinese shirt price can fall substantially. If that happens, American prices of goods imported from China could actually decline.
 
Indeed, this may explain why thus far the U.S. tariffs that were imposed on Chinese exports in September 2018 have not been inflationary. In fact, even the Federal Reserve has been surprised by the recent cooling of core inflation and, as a result, pledged not to raise interest rates any further.
 
So the American consumer has nothing to worry about, especially when the consumer can easily switch to imports from other countries.
 
Large trade deficits with China have decimated American manufacturing and wages. U.S. industries need a revival, and tariffs are indispensable toward this purpose. In 1800, at the start of the American republic, barely 5 percent of the U.S. labor force was employed in manufacturing; today, according to the Economic Report of the President, 2019, the share is about 8 percent — vastly below the 30 percent figure that prevailed in the 1960s. 
We are very close to where we were in 1800, and clearly, the manufacturing sector still needs a lot of support.
 
Note that under Abraham Lincoln tariffs were as high as 60 percent. As a result, following the Civil War, American manufacturing became the envy of the world. By 1900 the United States was among the nations with the highest living standard. Even though tariffs were high, prices fell or remained stable for several years. 
 
Such price behavior helped raise the overall standard of living. When a 60 percent tariff rate could not harm the American consumer, how can a mere 25 percent? Free trade has been the holy grail of international economics for decades, but historically, the fastest growth in the American living standard has occurred under the umbrella of tariffs.
 
Ravi Batra is a professor of international economics at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. He is the author of The Myth of Free Trade. His latest book is End Unemployment Now: How to Eliminate Joblessness, Debt, and Poverty Despite Congress.

The Dead Files Returns

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Former NYPD homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi and physical medium Amy Allan are back on the case with a brand-new season of Travel Channel’s hit series, “The Dead Files,” premiering on Thursday, July 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In each of the 10 one-hour episodes, the duo joins forces to help frightened property owners suffering from unexplained and dangerous paranormal activity. From their unique viewpoints, DiSchiavi and Allan work to uncover the truth behind their clients’ startling claims – and ultimately decide if it’s safe for them to stay.

In every hair-raising episode, DiSchiavi and Allan first investigate each case separately. Utilizing his detective skills, DiSchiavi interviews witnesses and experts, and researches the history and facts behind each location. Allan, a physical medium who sees and communicates with the dead, assesses the property to identify what underlying entities reside there. Keeping their findings hidden from each other, the team avoids all contact with one another – coming together only at the very end to reveal their shocking discoveries to the property owners, and each other. In each episode’s intense conclusion, the team will determine if there’s a way for the clients to stay and fight, or if it’s best for them to leave.

“I’ve seen a lot of things throughout my career, but the cases this season shock even me,” said DiSchiavi. “These families need our help, and for many, we’re their last hope. Amy and I are determined to bring them the answers they need to move forward.”

“I never know what I’m going to encounter when I go into these places, and it can be terrifying,” added Allan. “But providing much-needed information for these homeowners, and giving them the tools to overcome these hauntings once and for all, is the ultimate payoff.”

In the season opener, DiSchiavi and Allan investigate a frightened woman’s claims that decades of paranormal activity in her Tonawanda, New York, the home has now become dangerously violent. During their separate investigations, DiSchiavi uncovers the story of a twisted teenager who poisoned several children, while Allan’s walk reveals a dark entity focused on tormenting the living.

Upcoming episodes:

“Demon Seed” – Premieres Thursday, July 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan travel to Gatesville, Texas, where a couple is being tormented by demonic entities hellbent on destroying their home and their grandchildren. During their separate investigations, DiSchiavi uncovers the dark and sordid history of a boys’ reformatory turned female prison, while Allan encounters a vicious serpent-like entity that is set on contaminating the souls of all who inhabit the property.

“The Watchers” – Premieres Thursday, July 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan travel to Blue Springs, Missouri, where a mother fears for the safety of her children as unseen forces torment them on a daily basis. During their separate investigations, DiSchiavi discovers the property was the scene of a gruesome murder-suicide in the 1960s, while Allan encounters the spirit of a dead man who has a deep resentment towards women and children.

“Not My Child” – Premieres Thursday, August 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan travel to Jefferson City, Missouri, where a family has had to abandon their new home in order to escape the intense paranormal activity inside of it. Even worse, they’re worried their young daughter has been possessed by one of the dark entities tormenting them.

Check out “The Dead Files” on TravelChannel.com for more, including special show extras, behind-the-scenes photos, and exclusive videos. Follow @TravelChannel and #DeadFiles on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for additional content and updates. Follow the team on Twitter: @stevedischiavi and @amyallantdf and on Instagram: @stevedischiavi and@amyallantdf.

“The Dead Files” is produced by Painless Entertainment for Travel Channel. For Painless Entertainment, the executive producer is Rob Rosen. For Travel Channel, the executive producer is Victoria Chiaro Snyder, Matthew Butler is the general manager and Henry Schleiff is group president of Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, American Heroes Channel, and Destination America.

Lexus Reveals Hoverboard

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Following the unveiling of the Lexus Hoverboard in June, the luxury automotive company is completing a full and final reveal of the project concluding a successful testing phase which took place in Cubelles, Barcelona.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “Embarking on this project, we set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible. With this project we call ‘SLIDE’, we collaborated with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion. Even through combining our technology and expertise, we discovered making a hoverboard isn’t an easy process. We’ve experienced the highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion.”

The Lexus Hoverboard project began 18 months ago through a collaboration with a team of scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH, who specialize in magnetic levitation technology. Following extensive testing with pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran, in Dresden, Germany, the team were determined to push the hoverboard to its limits and conduct further tests within dynamic surroundings.

“I’ve spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I’ve had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard. It’s a whole new experience,” said pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran.

Since the Lexus Hoverboard was unveiled in June, testing has been carried out in a specially constructed hoverpark, combining elements from skate culture with technology within its architecture. Up to 200 meters of magnetic track was transported to Barcelona from the Dresden facility to lay beneath the hoverpark surface in order to create the dynamic test, offering Lexus the opportunity to demonstrate tricks no skateboard could ever perform, like travelling across water. Lexus has captured the final ride footage and released it as a film led by award winning director Henry-Alex Rubin.

The Lexus Hoverboard technology features two “cryostats”—reservoirs in which superconducting material is kept at -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen. The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets. Dr. Oliver de Haas, evico CEO, said: “The magnetic field from the track is effectively ‘frozen’ into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track—essentially keeping the board hovering. This force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board.”

The Lexus Hoverboard film called “SLIDE” features the high performance GS F and is part of the fourth project in the Lexus “Amazing in Motion” campaign series that showcases creativity and innovation from the Lexus brand.

About Amazing in Motion: “Amazing in Motion” is an inspiring set of global projects, created by Lexus International to showcase its imagination, innovation and design excellence.  It builds on the Lexus ambition to connect with the hearts, as well as the minds, of the consumer. SLIDE is the 4th in the series of the Amazing in Motion campaign. The previous campaigns can be viewed at: amazinginmotion.com

About evico GmbH: 
evico GmbH is a subsidiary of the Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW), both based in Dresden, Germany. Evico develops superconducting magnetic bearings for industrial applications and transportation. IFW is a leading research institute in the field of material science that performs research from the fundamentals to applications.

About Ross McGouran: 
With his effortless style and huge bag of tricks, Ross has become one of the fastest and most engaging skaters around. Ross began skating 20 years ago on the concrete surfaces of his local skate park in the U.K. He came up quickly through the sponsored ranks due to his ability to skate anything—flying through every contest he entered. Ross is part of the Element Europe team. He is also a pro-rider for Vans Europe, travelling with them to countries such as Sri Lanka, China, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain.
Recent Career Achievements: 2009 and 2010 – 1st UK Champs, 2011 – 2nd UK Champs, 2012 -1st Vans DTSD Amsterdam, 2014 -1st Oslo Games.
Being sponsored by Vans & Element has given Ross a platform to showcase his talent, and magazines such as Sidewalk, The Berrics and Red Bull Skateboarding have been quick to seize on this; especially in the wake of the phenomenally successful “Hold it Down” video from 2013.

About Henry-Alex Rubin:
Upon graduating from Columbia University’s film program, Henry-Alex Rubin dove into filmmaking and was mentored by director James Mangold. Since then, Henry has made documentary films and broken into the commercial world, winning various awards along the way.  Recently, Henry collaborated with Chiat Day and Gatorade on Derek Jeter’s goodbye spot celebrating Yankees fans, the city of New York and the end of Jeter’s baseball career. The spot received worldwide acclaim and was featured as Adweek’s Ad of the Day, gaining over 9 million hits on YouTube. At the Cannes Lions 2015, Henry came away with a number of Lions, including a Gold in Film for his Gatorade “Made In NY” spot. He also swept the decks with his Burger King, “Proud Whopper” spot, taking home a phenomenal 9 Lions, including 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze across the categories.

Kygo Expands Headphone Brand

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Global superstar, producer and DJ, Kygo, takes his headphone brand to the next level with the launch of his new noise cancelling headphones, Kygo A11/800.
“I’m super-excited about these noise-cancelling headphones. They’re brilliant for blocking out any unwanted distractions when I’m travelling on tour. Especially when I’m working on music and need to focus, or when I just feel like switching off.”-Kygo
Kygo A11/800 are perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of what’s happening around you. You can now be in complete music bliss by enjoying all the benefits that come with these ultramodern noise-cancelling headphones, such as controlling the noise-cancelling functions via the Kygo Sound App, for amazing Kygo-approved sound quality.
Other features: 
Bluetooth 5.0
40 hours playing time in Bluetooth mode, 19 hours in Bluetooth and noise-cancelling mode
AptX and AAC sound quality
HD voice during phone calls
NFC pairing
Proximity sensor
High-quality memory foam cushions
Touch control panel
Foldable
Travel case

Epic Records Signs Monsta X

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Continuing a banner year marked by sold out arena shows, tens of millions of streams, and widespread critical acclaim, K-pop supergroup and worldwide phenomenon, Monsta X, sign to Epic Records for their English language recordings and worldwide distribution ex Korea. 

“K-pop has indelibly impacted the global conversation and influenced culture everywhere. At the top of that conversation, you’ll find Monsta X. They’re ushering the genre into the future with an original style befitting of their experience, passion, and diverse influences. We’re honored to welcome them to the Epic Records family,” said Epic Records Chairman and C.E.O. Sylvia Rhone.

“We are thrilled to join the Epic Family alongside some of the artists we admire the most. This is like a dream come true and we still can’t believe that this is happening to us. We can’t thank our monbebe enough for their endless support and for making everything possible,” said Monsta X.

Currently on the cusp of their seventeen-date “we are here” would tour, Monsta X will only catapult further in the U.S. market with this prestigious partnership. Kicking off on June 1st in Bangkok, the tour will weave through places such as Sydney, London, Mexico City, closing out with a bang in 6 cities throughout the U.S.

MONSTA X WORLD TOUR

DATE                  CITY                        VENUE

June 1                    Bangkok, TH           Thunder Dome  

June 5                    Sydney, AU              ICC Sydney Theatre

June 8                    Melbourne, AU        Margaret Court Arena

June 22                  Kuala Lumpur, MY  Stadium Malawati

June 29                  Madrid, ES                Palacio Vistalegre

July 3                      Amsterdam, NL        AFAS Live (Heineken Music Hall)

July 6                      Paris, FR                  La Seine Musicale

July 9                      London, UK             The SSE Arena Wembley

July 13                    Berlin, DE                Mercedes-Benz Arena (O2 World Berlin)

July 19                    São Paulo, BR        Espaco das Americas

July 21                   Mexico City, MX      Teatro Metropolitan

July 25                   Dallas, TX                 Verizon Theatre

July 27                  Houston, TX              Smart Financial Centre

July 30                  Atlanta, GA                 Fox Theatre

August 3               New York, NY            Hulu Theater

August 6              Chicago, IL                  Rosemont Theatre

August 10            Los Angeles, CA         Staples Center

2019 has already been a phenomenal year for the band, with the release of their Steve Aoki English language collaboration “Play It Cool” making its presence known on the Billboard HotDance/Electronic Chart [watch the video here]. Aoki composed, arranged, and produced this track, alongside co-writer and Monsta X rapper, I.M.; and he stated “their [Monsta X] voices dive into your soul.” With Idolator further elaborating “It’s a feast for the eyes and ears, and a reminder why Monsta X is one of the hottest acts on the planet right now” 

The band’s latest album, Take.2 ‘We Are Here,’ debuted at #5 on Billboard’sWorld Albums Chart for the week of March 2, 2019; and has been causing an unstoppable wave of interest with notable mentions in Complex, Idolator,Billboard, Cosmopolitan, and NME stating that the album “features some giant leaps forward for the band.” On top of that, the band is currently set to perform as the first K-pop group at the iHeartRadio Music Festival out in Las Vegas on September 21st, 2019.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MONSTA X:

Famous Dex Drops Fully Loaded Video

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Famous Dex just dropped his new music video with rising ATL rapper Lil Gotit, “Fully Loaded.” This past November, he released his collaborative single, “Nervous” featuring hip-hop heavy weights, Rich the Kid, and Jay Critch. Dex is known for his smash hit records, “Pick It Up” and “Japan,” both of records have gone platinum in the U.S. Appearances on the album include: A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, and Diplo.

Take a look at the “Fully Loaded” video.

Listen to Fully Loaded Lifestyle

Famous Dex Socials: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcloud

 

2019 Travel Destinations

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Incredible new outdoor adventures, hotels, and cultural experiences abound in the summer season. From Zurich’s perfect blend of nature and urban culture to family-friendly offerings on the Inca Rail to Machu Picchu, these experiences make already wonderful vacations even more special. If you need an excuse to take a once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation this year, read on.

Stay Cool in the Caves of Belize

At the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, expert local guides are on hand to help guests beat the Belize heat in the naturally beautiful and historically fascinating caves of the surrounding area. Many of these cave tours take guests into caverns used by ancient Mayans. The caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, for one, feature burial chambers, artifacts, and calcified human remains. Che Chem Ha cave is considered to hold the largest collection of Mayan pottery in Belize. Go on a refreshing tube ride through the mesmerizing stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations of the Jaguar Paw Cave System, or canoe through Barton Creek Cave, whose crystal clear waters flow from a giant crack in a mountain. Guests can even climb cave waterfalls with rappel ropes and dive into their invigorating cascades. For larger groups and families, San Ignacio Resort Hotel recently opened River and Jungle View Suites, which boast large outdoor living spaces and dining areas perfect for guests to come together and enjoy scenic views of the Macal River, its surrounding rainforest valley, and Belize’s natural jungle setting. 

Swiss Culture on Display at Zurich’s Street Parade

On August 10, the streets of Zurich become host to a demonstration of love, peace, freedom, generosity, and tolerance. The purpose of the Street Parade is to generate enthusiasm for electronic music and art, and it has grown into a well-established cultural experience that encourages diversity in music and club life. To add luxury to the experience, travelers should stay at Giardino Atlantis, an urban retreat that offers guests a natural oasis in a bustling city. The Atlantis’ proximity to the activities of Zurich make it an ideal spot for festival-goers, while its location at the foot of the Üetliberg Mountain offers ample opportunity to experience the peaceful, natural beauty of Switzerland. The hotel itself has impressive musical history — Freddie Mercury once gave a private performance on the grand piano at the hotel bar!

New Luxury Lodge Opens in Bolivia   

Be among the first to stay in the luxurious, space station-esque Kachi Lodge on Bolivia’s remote and stunning Salar de Uyuni. The geodesic domes of the new lodge, which opened in May 2019, have a minimalist design to highlight the beauty of the stark surrounding landscape and the wide open skies that offer views of the stars unsullied by light pollution. Summer is the dry season on the Salt Flats, allowing guests of Kachi Lodge adventure opportunities such as trekking to the Tunupa Volcano’s crater or mountain biking on the edge of the volcano, hiking among Incahuasi Island’s giant cacti, and watching the sun rise and set from the peak of Kachi Island. For an authentic Bolivian culinary experience, guests come together in a central dome to dine on cuisine from the award-winning Gustu Restaurant and school in La Paz. 

Exclusive Access to the Magic of Bhutan

In the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan summer is the low season for tourism, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for a less crowded, less expensive trip. From June through August high-altitude flowers are in peak blooming season, lighting the lush forests of Gangtey Valley with color. The Gangtey Lodge offers a luxurious home base for travelers seeking to explore the mysterious and unknown Gangtey Valley, which is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Bhutan. The Kingdom has only been open to tourists since 1974 and takes great care that the landscape and culture remain unspoiled, thus preserving the spiritual, mythical atmosphere that encompasses Bhutan. Gangtey Lodge offers luxurious insight into the relatively unexplored destination with offerings such as traditional hot stone baths, spiritual cleansing rituals, and guides with special knowledge of the area.  

See Machu Picchu Like Never Before with Inca Rail

School’s out, and it’s the time of year to make family memories that will last a lifetime. For a vacation guaranteed to entertain and educate, visit the wonders of World Heritage Site Machu Picchu together by way of Inca Rail, the only train service to Machu Picchu that offers en route entertainment programming for kids. The programming on-board the First Class Train, carefully designed to be both fun and informative, offers children coloring books themed around Peruvian culture, cuisine, and landmarks, entertainment kits, a variety of board games and a new gourmet kids menu inspired by Andean organic ingredients and locally-sourced herbs. Inca Rail turns visiting Machu Picchu into an immersive experience filled to the brim with culture, spectacular views of the Peruvian landscape, and fun for the whole family.    

Discover Outdoors: Get Out of the City 

If the heat of the city is too much this summer, Discover Outdoors has a wide variety of trips planned to take adventurers out into the vast wilderness right outside their doors. Summer is the perfect time to visit some of the farther north destinations on the Discover Outdoors menu of trips, like hiking among the looming peaks and lush river valleys of three national parks in the Canadian Rockies or circling the base of Mount Rainer on the Wonderland trail, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful backpacking trails in the US. The mild temperatures of the summer season make it the most pleasant time to experience these northern locales.

See Alaska from the Side of a Glacier

Experience Tordrillo Mountain Lodge’s new summer activities and the first via ferrata route in Alaska, opening in June. The new hiking and climbing route is located on the edge of the Triumvirate glacier, and will include taut steel cables, two suspension bridges spanning from arrete to arrete, steel rungs, and other components that help climbers ascend 800 vertical feet of rock. In February 2019 the property reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation, and thrill-seeking guests of all abilities can experience endless new summer activities such as helicopter-accessed fat tire mountain biking, world-class salmon fishing, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, glacier hiking  wake surfing, waterskiing and wildlife viewing.

5 Ways to Live Well for Less

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A simple, economic lifestyle doesn’t necessarily require sacrificing your quality of life, in spite of people often mistakenly believing that one is almost synonymous with the other. It is perfectly possible to combine minimalism with intelligent indulgence, and live well for less. In regard to how that can be achieved, we will now discuss some of the easy to adopt methods next.

Rent, Don’t Buy

When you rent instead of buying, you save more money, since you do not lose out on the depreciating cost of real estate in the US and there’s nothing holding you back from moving when you need to.

Don’t Pay High Rent Unnecessarily

Renting is a better and cheaper option than buying, which is a financial and practical truth, but you can save even more by moving to a low rent section of the city. If you like the location, just move to a smaller apartment and you will be paying less, without sacrificing the location.

Sometimes, we make the mistake of paying more money for space we hardly even use, which is common, but unwise nonetheless.

Don’t Give Up on the Coffee, but Save on the Pods

The coffee machine is a little bit of luxury that some people won’t likely be willing to give up. Even if they do give up on the coffee machine because of the exorbitant prices of the original coffee pods, it won’t be a sacrifice that will make you feel like you are living well for less!

As this list is all about finding cheaper and sometimes better ways to live well by spending less money, we have a brilliant solution for you. If you have a Nespresso machine, for example, just choose to buy Nespresso capsules from a third party instead, and you could be saving about 40% on the pods!

Gourmesso makes espresso, lungo, decaf, and flavored coffee pods for the Nespresso machines (except the VertuoLine models), which will save you a fortune in the long run, but you won’t have to sacrifice on the quality of your coffee at all.

Don’t Shop from Expensive Brands

Gucci, Prada and Ralph Lauren products are exorbitantly expensive, but do not provide any real additional value to the customer, aside from vanity.

You would be surprised to know that almost all of the products which these brands release with their stamp on them are actually made in tiny sweatshops that you will never even hear about. The same products, without the customizations exclusive to those brands are often sold by their suppliers at a tiny fraction of the price!

You don’t have to buy rags and unbranded clothing of course, but by simply avoiding the big brands, and supporting some of the local, less popular ones, you will be able to shop more for less money.

Shift to a More Practical Car

The muscle cars and the sports cars have their appeal, so to say they are pointless would be a lie. Unlike branded clothing from luxury brands, you do actually get better performance and the wow factor from these beasts for sure.

However, in a practical scenario, these cars are definitely more about vanity than practicality. It’s okay when you have that mindset and the money to spend on a car that will burn through fuel like hot knife through butter, but as we are talking about living well for less, why not shift to a more fuel-efficient and comfortable car instead?

They cost less to buy, maintain and refuel, immediately making them a better choice for living with less, but without really sacrificing on anything practical.

There’s just so much more you can change and adopt to save money, without having to let go of your favorite things in life. These were just five, but they should be able to give you an idea of how to do the same in any other sphere of your lifestyle as well.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Our Great Responsibility

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The first original title released by Alcoholics Anonymous in over thirty years, the book Our Great Responsibility: A Selection of Bill W.’s General Service Conference Talks, 1951–1970 is now available in English, French and Spanish.

The book features:

• 16 talks — derived from archival audio recordings — offering fresh perspectives on A.A. in the co-founder’s own words.

• Over 60 archival photos and other images.

• Previously unpublished material from the A.A. General Service Office Archives.

Founded in 1935 on the principle of one alcoholic helping another to achieve sobriety, A.A. has proven to be an effective and enduring program of recovery that has changed countless lives. As explained in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, from which the Fellowship took its name, A.A.’s recovery program of twelve suggested Steps was formulated through the experience of its first 100 members.

With Bill W. as its primary architect, A.A. developed a loosely organized service structure that eventually succeeded the direction and guidance of its founders to provide enduring leadership for the Fellowship as a whole. Launched in 1951 and meeting annually ever since, A.A.’s General Service Conference has been the primary mechanism for an increasingly diverse membership to deliberate and determine its “group conscience” on a wide range of matters affecting A.A. as a whole.

Bill W. addressed the Conference on an annual basis over the course of two decades, prior to his death in 1971, and Our Great Responsibility gathers together many of these talks, capturing Bill’s innovative thinking on myriad A.A. themes. For more information about the book, click here.

What Is A.A.?

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.