Loren Gray Releases video for “Queen.” The empowering track produced by Captain Cuts (Walk the Moon, Halsey, The Chainsmokers) underscores the importance of knowing your worth in all the different types of relationships you have in life, including your relationship with yourself.
By Jake Porter × Vaughn Lowery
Over the holiday season, we had the opportunity to traverse through NYC and the surrounding metropolitan areas with one of the auto industry’s most capable compact luxury SUVs. Due to its affordable base price, above average gas mileage, ergonomics and technology, the Lexus NX is an easy choice for many.
Value × Performance
Lexus carries a base price of $36,485 and features a 235-horsepower turbo-four engine, six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. In addition, one can add all-wheel drive for only $1,400. By upgrading to the NX F Sport (our model tested was approximately $49,000) the vehicle has select components to enhance handling, such as an F Sport-tuned suspension and Sport S and Sport S+ drive modes. Other features in this package include paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, special body panels and badges and front sport seats with enhanced bolsters for added side support. As far as acceleration capacity, the NX should easily offer enough power for the casual driver. The NX 300 (formerly known as the NX 200t) comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. G-force sensors and adaptive cruise control set this vehicle apart from the other SUV’s on the market today.
The NX’s safety features are also top notch and include eight airbags, whiplash-injury lessening front seats, and a full array of available electronic safety systems such as lane departure alert and intelligent high-beam. With all newer Lexus models, it also includes the highly specialized and technologically advanced Lexus pre-collision Safety System. These safety features combined bring the NX to the top of its class.
Interior
Standard features on the interior of the NX include an infotainment system with an 10.3-inch display screen, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. A wireless device charger and heads-up display are a couple of great additional features. Not to mention, those scarlet red race-inspired designer seats and red stitched dash appointments. Of course, climate control as well as heated seats and steering are always winners during the winter months.
Comfort
Given the already generous backseat room in the car, the NX also includes power-folding rear seats. Additionally, the cabin is extremely quiet even at highway speeds which is a great feature especially for long road trips.
Technology
Newly offered Alexa, allows the driver to stream Amazon music, listen to audiobooks and control their living quarters via smart-home. Other capabilities includes their smartwatch to help lock and unlock vehicle as well as monitors their lent model’s speed and fuel levels. One of their most important and intuitive features is Direction Assist, allowing a friendly human exchange with an operator who can input addresses into your navigation while you pay closer attention to the road. And of course in this digitally renovated world, having someone to speak to while on a solo trip can be conducive with driver’s fatigue. On the other hand, for those introverts seeking a quiet more therapeutic ride, they can utilize the remote touchpad to interact with the SUV’s overall cerebrum.
Conclusion
The Lexus NX 300 F Sport is one-of-a-kind. Even in a overly-crowded compact SUV market, the Lexus NX still manages to push through into the limelight. With its interior loaded with technology and its bold exterior turning heads on the streets, this is a great purchase for anyone looking for a sporty yet roomy modern SUV. Moreover, if you don’t like being at the pump every week and being able to fit in a small parking spot within a metropolis – this is a MUST-BUY.
By Jake Porter × Vaughn Lowery
From the American brand that is most widely known for its industrial and rugged trucks, we are given the all new 2019 Chevrolet Traverse High Country. Based on size alone, the Traverse has always excelled at hauling both people and cargo, and with it’s non minivan-esque appearance, it provides the look of sophistication and poise.
The new Traverse is square-jawed and truck-like and loses none of its usefulness in the 2019 makeover. In addition, its readily available high-end goodies push the envelope in the big three-row crossover upmarket. Its V-6 engine has been proven time and time again to be both extraordinarily powerful and fuel efficient. The Traverse’s suspension provides a compliant ride while maintaining its composure in corners. The turning radius for this large of a SUV is unbeatable. When parking or maneuvering at low speed, the Traverse feels every bit its size. Pick up the pace, however, and this bigger Chevy feels smaller than it is—poised, if not remarkably agile. Steering effort is low, but the system is precise and makes aiming the big SUV easy. The Traverse’s suspension is tuned for a good balance between handling and ride comfort.
Features
Firstly, one of the most important overall features of the vehicle is the potent V-6 engine which gives the Traverse its robust power and the slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission changes gears smoothly and unobtrusively. The traverse also includes perhaps the most seamless automatic stop/start feature on the market today.
As far as the engine goes, the time-tested V-6 generates 310 horsepower, with an incredible 266 pound-feet of torque. The acceleration (0-60 in 6.7 seconds) is not only a full second faster than the previous version, but also makes the vehicle one of the fasted accelerating vehicles in the full-sized, heavy-duty SUV class. That’s accompanied by an efficient nine-speed transmission that is as impressively tuned as the suspension. The average of 27 mpg is not surprising given Chevy’s history making fuel efficient vehicles.
In addition, the blind-spot monitoring is an excellent feature given the SUV’s larger size and the forward-collision warning is great added feature as well. Perhaps one of the most anticipated, highly-advanced features, however, is the lane-keep assist technology implanted into the brains of the vehicle.
Safety
Earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this cruiser has more than adequate perks to protect your passengers. Braking is firm and reactive. The rearview mirror camera improves the field of vision by 300% and after getting some used to, makes the driver feel more confident during heavier traffic hours. And of course, AWD allows the vehicle more traction during precipitation and elegantly claws corners.
Interior
Not only does the Traverse feature a new and contemporary infotainment system, but also a more refined cabin with an abundance of cup holders and USB ports throughout the cabin. The cabin is so insulated that the drivers have noted that the tachometer is needed just to ensure the engine is running while at a stoplight. Our vehicle came with dual panel sunroof (retractable) and moonroof towards back (non-retractable), adding additional light inside once shades are drawn and making the overall cabin feel voluptuous. Our model tested possessed a white coat perfect for our after-Christmas drive and the deep camel-colored leather (with ‘High Country’ insignia headrests) made it feel rich and sultry.
At the center of the infotainment system is the 8-inch, high-mounted touchscreen which is simple and equipped with colorful graphics, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To top it all, the vehicle includes a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. It quickly responds to user inputs and seals the deal for the tech-savvy.
Comfort and Storage
The 2019 Traverse is a full-size three-row crossover SUV that is positioned below the larger, heavier-duty Tahoe and above the smaller framed Equinox. Drop all of the Traverse’s folding seats and it becomes a cargo-hauling champ with more space than any of its rivals. Six carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row, which means it wins at carrying both people and their luggage. It offers the most first-row cubby storage in its class as well. The second and third rows can accommodate adults comfortably, Unlike its predecessor, this latest-generation Traverse is more than just a minivan alternative.
Conclusion
At approximately $53,200, the Chevy Traverse is one of the most remarkable larger crossovers in the history of the modern SUV. It truly has the appearance of a family-oriented vehicle and yet the sleekness of a luxury SUV. The comfort and the technology implanted in the interior of the vehicle create a versatile vehicle perfect for a low-key urban excursion or a family cross country road trip. In short, Chevrolet has mastered a vehicle that is truly a force to be reckoned with and will treat its owner well for its life-span.
Pre-order
Livestream of 20th Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday, January 25th!
The first time in the event’s history, the Middle East’s IAAF Gold Label race will be available worldwide as a live stream with NO geo-blocking or rights restrictions.
The live feed will also be embedded on a number of leading social media platforms, specialising in running, as well as on the official Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon website and on its newly-created YouTube channel bit.ly/DubaiMarathon2019_LIVE, which is open for subscription.
The three-hour world feed will get underway in time for the start of the elite marathon at 6am (GMT02.00) with a sixteen camera production and full race graphics. There will also be other features and stories highlighted throughout the race including interviews with elite athletes, organisers, sponsors and the more unusual runners with colourful stories to tell.
Bringing all the action as it unfolds throughout the morning will be British running legend Paula Radcliffe, the current Women’s Marathon World Record Holder, and international author and award-winning athletics correspondent Pat Butcher.
RARE 2015 FORD SHELBY MUSTANG GT350R SELLS AT BARRETT-JACKSON TO BENEFIT PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
Auction Photos By Barrett-Jackson
One of only 37 units ever produced, the Shelby belonged to the museum’s Founding Chairman Bruce Meyer, who has donated all of the proceeds to the Petersen and the Henry Ford Museum
On Friday, January 18, 2019, in front of a packed house and a live television audience, a 2015 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R owned by Petersen Automotive Museum Founding Chairman Bruce Meyer sold for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. With 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Petersen and the Henry Ford Museum, the rare race spec Mustang hammered with a winning bid of $500,000 and was sold to celebrated collector and museum supporter Ron Pratte.
“The Petersen would not be the global force it is today without the help of Bruce Meyer,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “His tireless dedication and outstanding leadership over the past 25 years is unrivaled, and we are so thankful for his generous contribution to us through the sale of this extraordinary GT350R.”
Before crossing the block as Charity Lot #3006, Meyer’s GT350R showed less than 200 miles on the odometer. Since he took delivery of the car in 2015, Meyer prominently displayed it in his Beverly Hills Garage. His decision to offer the car at auction for charity came from his steadfast support of the Henry Ford Museum and the Petersen, where he serves as Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors and the founder of the Checkered Flag 200—the Petersen’s top-level membership program.
Ford’s 2015 Shelby GT350R celebrated 50 years of the iconic Mustang by transforming it into an all-out, street-legal track star. Like the 1965 R-model, Ford only produced 37 units of the GT350R. Purchase, however, was restricted to Ford family and VIPs—making ownership an exclusive affair. The car features a 5.2-liter V8 backed by a six-speed manual transmission, producing 526 peak horsepower at 7,500 rpm.
While the GT350R will no longer reside in Meyer’s world-renown collection, a selection of his most important race cars will go on public display at the Petersen in the new exhibit “Winning Numbers: The First, The Fastest, The Famous” opening Saturday, February 23. The exhibit will feature a curated selection of Meyer’s most important motorsport icons, including the first production Shelby Cobra, the Porsche 935 K3 that won Le Mans, the Greer-Black-Prudhomme dragster, two Le Mans-winning Corvettes separated by more than half a century and more.
For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.
On Thursday, January 17, Louis Vuitton celebrated the launch of their Men’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection, Virgil Abloh’s debut with the house.
The Miami Design District store hosted a private launch preview event of the highly-anticipated collection where guests were given an exclusive look at Virgil’s first collection before it was made available in 30 select stores globally on Friday, January 18. Drawing inspiration from “The Wizard of Oz”, the unique design of a yellow pathway led up to the entrance of the boutique, perfectly in tune with the vibrant colors from the collection.
Notable attendees included: Founder of IPC Nathan Browning, Founder of Del Toro Shoes/Co-Founder of @TheOfficeMIA Matthew Chevallard, Tommy Cabrerizo, Christiaan De La Fe & Model Melody De La Fe, DJ Brendan Fallis, CEO & President of DACRA Craig Robins, Art Curator Vito Schnabel, Influencer Aureta Thomollari, Artist Typoe, Influencer Sandy Meyer Woelden, and more.
The pop-up will be open to the public from January 18 – February 10, 2019 at the Louis Vuitton Miami Design District boutique
The City of Hermosa Beach today announced it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from concert/special event producers or other qualified professionals to produce the popular Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts, an annual series of musical performances that attract up to 10,000 to the sand south of the Hermosa Pier in August.
The RFP seeks producers who have experience in organizing, producing and executing a series of live-music events held outdoors for the enjoyment of a broad audience. Proposals are due Feb. 25, and the City expects to make a decision in March. The RFP states that the City’s desire is for the concerts to “remain free to the public, feature a quality mix of high-caliber local, regional and/or domestic artists that will enrich the local community and continue to build upon the suc- cess of these annual events which have become beloved by the entire South Bay community.”
“For the community, Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts offer a great opportunity to bring family, friends and visitors here to enjoy our beautiful beach and great musical performances,” said Her- mosa Beach Mayor Stacey Armato. “Issuing an RFP represents a new chapter for Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts. Through this process, we are launching a competition for the best proposal for continuing the tradition of live music at the beach in August.”
Hermosa Beach City Manager Suja Lowenthal said she’s already received multiple inquiries from concert producers, talent curators and others who are interested in submitting a proposal.
“Ever since we announced we would issue an RFP for Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts, we have been hearing from people interested in participating in the process,” Lowenthal said. “Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts are well-known within the music industry, and we look forward to find- ing a great partner to work with the City to produce events that appeal to a wide spectrum of people.”
The study is out for the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Vol. 1.
As the release linked above describes, this study measures network quality experienced by customers with wireless phones and network performance of tablets and mobile broadband devices. It’s based on responses from 32,159 wireless customers and was fielded from July through December 2018. Carrier performance is examined in six regions: Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and West.
The metric used is quality problems per 100 connections (PP100) in call quality, messaging quality, and data quality in each region. Simply put, the lower the number, the fewer problems customers experienced by customers and the better the overall experience is.
The release notes that wireless network problems are rising among customers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Central regions, but that problems have decreased in the Southeast region.
As for what carrier is doing the best overall, Verizon is the clear leader. It ranks highest in all six regions covered in the study, achieving the lowest network quality problems per 100 connections (PP100) in call quality, messaging quality and data quality in each region. T-Mobile ties Verizon in data quality in the Northeast region.
You can find specific charts for each region in the study.
Here’s the link to last year’s release if you’d like to compare.
Boogie’s debut album, Everything’s For Sale, is due out on January 25th.
For more info on Boogie and his new album, check out his pages:
Mighty Mystic is a musician to look out for in 2019. Kevin Mark Holness, better known as reggae star Mighty Mystic is the younger brother of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Mighty Mystic is a soulful singer, has a magnificent musical range, and exudes strong vocal chops throughout his music. He is set to release his fourth album Enter the Mystic on February 1, 2019. He has achieved international and national stardom with his third album The Art of Balance and the preceding album Concrete World that debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number six and his breakout album Wake Up World with “Revolution,” to “Riding on the Clouds” and “Original Love” and “Slipped Away” with appearances from Shaggy and roots rocker Lutan Fyah. All three albums reached the Billboard Top 10 Reggae Chart. Mighty Mystic’s 2016 release of The Art of Balance album garnered international and national success. He is already having a fantastic year in 2019 with his new music. Mighty Mystic announces his new album Enter the Mystic. Listen here. The new album Enter the Mystic is set to be released on February 1, 2019 and is available for pre-order here. Enter the Mystic is an extraordinary album filled with captivating songs made by one of the most talented artists around.
Mighty Mystic releases his new music video for his single “Salt” from his new album Enter the Mystic. The “Salt” music video is directed by Francisco Santiago and animation by Stephen Thunder. It is produced by Mighty Mystic. Check out the video here.
To kick off his new album release, Mighty Mystic has upcoming shows at the following venues:
Aura in Portland, ME on Friday, February 1, 2019
Brighton Music Hall in Allston, MA on Saturday, February 2, 2019
Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo, NY on Sunday, February 3, 2019
Tickets for new show dates and locations are available at here.
*Visit Mighty Mystic at www.mightymystic.com and follow @MightyMystic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
