Posts tagged with "urban"

Citroën

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Citroën has unveiled a 100% electric mobile solution, ami that intends to unleash urban mobility for all. The ami project has become a reality in barely a year, after its direct descendant AMI ONE Concept was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019.

ami has two seats, is 100% electric, compact, and customisable. It is accessible to all, with no licence required and offers a global 360° solution for urban mobility, to make freedom of movement easier and more suited to the greatest number of people. It comes with affordable “à la carte” offers, car sharing via Free2Move and long-term rental options, all through a 100% online customer journey.

Vincent Cobée, Citroën Brand CEO, said:

For 100 years, Citroën has always been innovative and creative in democratising freedom of movement. This year, Citroën has come up with a new urban mobility solution accessible to everyone: compact, protective, 100% electric, without driving licence and affordable.

ami aims to be a real breakthrough in the access to urban mobility, a solution that is as close as possible to new modes of consumption. This great idea was a concept one year ago. We are proud that we have made it happen today!

ami is a practical response to new mobility expectations for short journeys: easier access to city centres, real alternatives to scooters, bicycles, mopeds, public transport, solutions at reasonable costs and new modes of consumption geared towards digital.
Pierre Leclercq, Citröen Head of Design, said:

It is a tradition at Citroën to want to contribute to a changing automotive landscape. The design of ami is a product design, not an automotive design. A design for which the form must define the function.

The opening of orders is scheduled for 30 March in France, and a few months later in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and then Germany.

Rideshare Rooftop Ads

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Today more than 80 members of the Independent Drivers Guild descended on City Hall to call for the city to reverse its ban on rooftop advertising for for-hire vehicles. The Guild testified at a City Council Transportation Committee hearing in favor of City Council bill Intro 1738, sponsored by Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, which would allow for-hire vehicle drivers to earn much-needed extra pay through rooftop advertising.

Exterior roof-top advertising opportunities are currently only afforded to medallion owners, but not FHV owner-operators, including drivers for app-based and livery services. Drivers can earn as much as $300 per month and $3600 per year through rooftop advertising without driving extra hours and adding to congestion. Intro 1738 is the first of a handful of bills in the works to address the demands and concerns raised in IDG’s Drivers’ Bill of Rights, which has the support of more than nine thousand drivers so far.

“For years, drivers have been struggling to make ends meet. Rooftop advertisements are an easy way for drivers to supplement their income without having to drive longer hours and add to congestion,” said IDG executive director Brendan Sexton. “In the life of an Uber or Lyft driver, an extra $300 per month can mean the difference between being able to afford health insurance or not. It can cover a month’s worth of fuel expenses or after school child care.”

“We are thankful to Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez and Members of the City
Council Transportation Committee for listening to drivers and we urge the Council to support this bill as an important step to provide immediate and much-needed relief to drivers,” added Sexton. “We are also pleased that the Taxi and Limousine Commission today voiced support for rooftop ads with the amendment we have urged which would require that ad revenue goes to drivers, rather than Uber or Lyft, leasing companies, or big fleet owners, as has occurred in the taxi industry.”

The IDG led a years-long campaign to win the nation’s first minimum wage for app-based drivers in New York City at a rate of $27.86 per hour, however app companies violated these rules and city regulators failed to take enforcement action. In response, more than 100 IDG members unveiled the Drivers’ Bill of Rights at City Hall this past fall, calling for the city to address concerns affecting drivers’ livelihoods. A week later, thousands of IDG members temporarily closed down the Brooklyn Bridge and the FDR in protest and in response to the city’s TLC ignoring Uber and Lyft’s violation of the City’s own minimum pay law. Now more than nine thousand drivers have signed on to the Guild’s Drivers’ Bill of Rights. Members of the Transportation Committee responded and have told the Guild they are working on a number of bills addressing the issues raised in the Drivers’ Bill of Rights. Today marks the first hearing addressing one of these issues and what the Guild hopes is the first of several bills to come before the committee to provide relief to struggling drivers.

Here is IDG’s prepared testimony for today’s hearing:

Testimony of Brendan Sexton, Executive Director
Independent Drivers Guild (IDG)
Before the City Council Committee on Transportation
January 22, 2020

Good morning Chairman Rodriguez, members of the Transportation Committee. My name is Brendan Sexton and I am the Executive Director of the Independent Drivers Guild, otherwise known as IDG. We are here to wholeheartedly support Intro 1738.

Joining me today on this panel are some drivers who will help me tell our story — the story of how app-based drivers who, despite the reforms passed by this Council and despite what TLC claims, continue to struggle to make a fair and livable wage. (and I’d also like to acknowledge the IDG members drivers who have joined us here today in the audience) As we explained to this Committee back in September, the minimum pay rules are failing to meet their intended goal as Uber and Lyft continue to circumvent the rules and the TLC continues to ignore our pleas for assistance and enforcement.

More than 100 IDG members came before you that day to seek your help as we rolled out our Drivers Bill of Rights to address these and other concerns affecting drivers’ livelihoods. A week later, thousands of our members temporarily closed down the Brooklyn Bridge and the FDR in protest and in response to TLC ignoring Uber and Lyft’s blatant violation of this City Council’s own minimum pay law. I am pleased to know that the City Council, and especially the Members of this Committee, have heard our pleas and a number of bills addressing the issues raised in our Drivers’ Bill of Rights are in the works. Today marks the first hearing addressing one of these bills and what we hope is the first of several bills to come before this committee to provide immediate and much-needed relief to drivers.

As many members of this Committee know through our discussions over the last few months, we believe Intro 1738 is a very important measure that would provide app-based and livery drivers with an opportunity to supplement their income from driving. This is money that will go directly into the pocket of FHV owner-operators – not base owners, not Uber, not Lyft.

This legislation would require that the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) issue permits to allow for exterior rooftop advertising on any type of for-hire vehicle, provided such advertising complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Exterior roof-top advertising opportunities are currently only afforded to medallion owners, but not FHV owner-operators. This bill would provide for parity, equality, andNa significant step in the fight for the fair treatment of these hard-working New Yorkers.

We were all dumbfounded when, in August of 2019, TLC took away this ability — and only from FHV drivers. Given the continuing struggles FHV drivers continue to go through, this just added insult to injury.

Intro 1738 corrects this injustice by affording FHV drivers the opportunity to contract with TLC approved advertising companies for digital rooftop advertising and earn $300 per month/$3600 per year in
supplemental income. As you will hear from the drivers themselves, this additional income can and will make a big difference in the lives of FHV drivers as it can cover any number of expenses, such as health insurance, which is not provided by the app-based companies, a months’ worth of healthy groceries (according to the USDA), or 100% of a driver’s monthly fuel expenses.

It is also important to note that this opportunity to earn additional income comes without any obligation to spend additional hours on the road and, as a result, will not increase congestion. It will also allow hardworking drivers to bring home the same income while spending less time on the road and more time with their families.

All that being said, we also want to ensure there are additional driver protections built into this legislation to ensure that it is the drivers who benefit from this opportunity, not the app companies, not leasing companies and fleet owners. ALL drivers must be afforded this opportunity without undue interference from the exploitative nature of app-based or leasing companies. While 80% of our industry’s drivers own their own cars, 20% do lease. And as you all know, our industry’s drivers have major issues with predatory leasing companies. (and we have been talking with Council Member Moya about his leasing legislation). Therefore, while this legislation as currently drafted will definitely benefit a majority of our drivers, we are less certain, given the leasing industries tendency to take advantage of our drivers, about the rest.

We would like to see an amendment to Intro 1738 that provides TLC with the regulatory authority to ensure drivers are protected and not further exploited by preventing leasing companies as well as the app companies from either requiring or prohibiting drivers from obtaining rooftop advertising and ensure that any and all revenue derived from such advertising goes directly and fully to the driver at a fair and mutually agreeable rate.

In speaking with some of you on this Committee, another concern has been raised that I would like to address. We have spoken to a major rooftop advertising company (who we understand will be testifying here today) who currently provides exterior rooftop advertising to the taxi industry and it is very clear: the existing benefits to the taxi industry from digital rooftop advertising will not be diminished or diluted by this bill in any way. To the contrary, if advertisers and drivers are able to deploy rooftop advertising on both taxicabs and FHVs, the advertising coverage to advertisers would be expanded within the city, and rooftop advertising becomes more attractive to advertisers and ultimately becomes more sustainable for all vehicle classes.

For the past few months, our team has engaged numerous council members on this and other pressing issues, and I’d like to thank Chairman Rodriguez for spearheading the effort to introduce this bill. I’d also like to take a moment to thank those of you who have chosen to stand with IDG, our drivers and working-class New Yorkers by sponsoring and supporting this bill – it’s clear that you all truly understand just how important this income will be for drivers and their families. Your care is also demonstrated by the other issues on the agenda today–with regard to legislation that would create a Black Car and Livery Task force, we applaud any efforts that would assist with the viability of this industry and help our brother and sister black car and livery drivers. We would only recommend that the legislation be amended to provide for driver and/or driver labor organization representation on the task force.

It’s important to note that Intro 1738, which is related to exterior advertising, is very different from the internal panel advertising legislation. The policy question regarding internal panels entails different considerations that have been the subject of litigation, and although IDG supports any effort to provide increased opportunities to supplement FHV driver income, we believe these issues should be separated. The exterior advertising legislation already has broad support within this committee and we want to ensure that the support that we have worked to secure is in no way jeopardized by an unrelated piece of legislation.

In closing, I want to thank the Committee for all the work you have done and all we have accomplished together over the last few years in providing relief to 80,000 working families – specifically the approval of landmark driver income and transparency legislation in 2018. And while this has provided some needed relief, the TLC’s resulting regulations and their lack of enforcement has caused some real problems whereby the full intent and goal of this legislation has still yet to be realized.

More work needs to be done, but Intro 1738 is an important and significant first step and FHV drivers need to know that this committee, that the City Council is listening and doing all they can do
to help.

20 IN 20

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Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces 20 Exciting Independent Hotel Openings Taking Place In The New Year

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand announces 20 new launches across the globe in 2020. From glitzy West Hollywood to historically palatial Stockholm, and from the winelands of Northern California to the undiscovered beaches of Tuscany, each of these new city hotels, beach resorts, and countryside retreats extends luxury independent hospitality at its finest, presenting travelers with an inspiring gateway to an authentic discovery of their chosen destination, wherever their journeys take them next.

BEST FOR A TOUCH OF HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

Pendry West Hollywood (West Hollywood, California, USA) – Launching summer 2020

Located on the iconic Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is one of the most anticipated developments in the creative heart of Los Angeles. The ‘new luxury’ hotel – set in an eye-catching glass fronted building with interiors designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to evoke Californian glamour – comprises 149 guestrooms, including 37 suites and 40 additional residences. For the property’s signature restaurant and food and beverage outlets, Wolfgang Puck has created an unparalleled culinary experience inspired by the artistic energy of the surrounding area. Other stand-out features include a spectacular rooftop pool and bar adorned with chic cabanas; Spa Pendry a tranquil sanctuary offering personalized wellness treatments; curated public art collections showcasing local talent; bowling alley; and screening room. More information on Pendry West Hollywood, including rates, will be available soon via www.preferredhotels.com.

BEST FOR AN EXPERIENTIAL FOODIE BREAK

The Sense Experience Resort (Tuscany, Italy) – Launching March 2020

Located off the tranquil western central coast of Italy, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, The Sense Experience Resort is an eco-retreat made up of 12,000 acres of natural park and pine forest with a private beach in Tuscany’s Maremma region. Inspired by the five senses, the resort offers 112 guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and Italian-designed fabrics and furnishings, with many boasting views of Elba Island and the historic Torre Mozza. Guests are taken on a sensory culinary journey through dishes rooted in Tuscan experiences at Eatè restaurant; rotating street food menus for quick eats and picnics at onsite food truck L’Apino; and barefoot seven-course suppers on the beach under the stars. Other highlights include an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, complimentary bicycle rentals, cooking courses, yoga and Pilates, and a wealth of adventure activities, including deep-sea fishing, island trips by boat, and vineyard tours. Rates at The Sense Experience Resort start from US$130 per night. For more information or to book, visit www.preferredhotels.com.

BEST FOR HISTORICAL URBAN ELEGANCE

Villa Dagmar (Stockholm, Sweden) – Launching April 2020

Named after Dagmar Bergsten – a trailblazing woman and member of the owner’s family who enjoyed travel, art, and culinary trips to the Mediterranean in the early 1900s – Villa Dagmar is an intimate luxury hotel located in the exclusive Stockholm neighborhood of Östermalmstorg, close to City Hall, The Swedish History Museum, and Stureplan Square. The late 19^th century Art Nouveau building extends 70 guestrooms and suites, some with balconies overlooking the inner courtyard and orangery, as well as an organic food store, concept store selling hand-picked designer pieces, spa, flower shop, and signature restaurant serving Mediterranean-fusion cuisine by Michelin-starred Daniel Höglander and Niclas Jönsson. Guests can also enjoy effortless trips to the renowned market hall Östermalmshallen, which is connected to the hotel. Rates at Villa Dagmar start from US$331 per night. For more information or to book, visit www.preferredhotels.com.

BEST FOR A REFINED WINE COUNTRY RETREAT

Montage Healdsburg (Healdsburg, California, USA) – Launching October 2020

The newest launch from Montage Hotels & Resorts, Montage Healdsburg is a transformative hideaway nestled in the hills of Sonoma County, offering travelers a convenient and luxurious base to explore the destination’s celebrated wineries and farm-to-table restaurants. Designed with sustainability in mind, each of the 130 bungalow-style guestrooms and suites are in historic groves and comprise understated contemporary furnishings crafted with local stone, wood, and copper, along with private outdoor spaces that make up a third of each lodging including fire pits, private outdoor showers, and plush daybeds. Guests can experience two fine dining restaurants, treatments at Spa Montage, and a host of activities across the 258-acre resort such as winery tours, cooking classes, outdoor musical performances, 250 miles of hiking and biking trails, archery, and the bee apiary. More information on Montage Healdsburg, including rates, will be available soon via www.preferredhotels.com.

BEST FOR AN OCEANFRONT WELLNESS GETAWAY

Amrit Ocean Resort & Spa (Singer Island, Florida, USA) – Launching June 2020

Comprising more than seven acres of oceanfront in Palm Beach County’s Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort & Spa is a luxury coastal getaway created for guests to unplug and recharge. The wellness resort combines Eastern wellbeing philosophies and western technology through The Five Pillars of Wellness – its partnership with ESPA and the Himalayan Institute that connects mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, and sleep across its four-story spa, meditation gardens, four farm-to-table restaurants, tranquility pools, outdoor Patanjali yoga classes, and sleep specialist services. The 153 guestrooms and 34 grand luxury wellness suites include terraces with uninterrupted ocean views featuring circadian rhythm lighting and freestanding bathtubs where guests can enjoy a personalized aromatherapy bath, compliments of a Bath Concierge.More information on Amrit Ocean Resort & Spa, including rates, will be available soon via www.preferredhotels.com.

ADDITIONAL 2020 OPENINGS INCLUDE:

AMERICAS

· Greystone Miami Beach (Miami Beach, Florida, USA) – relaunching February 2020: Steps from the white sand beach, the historic 1930s hotel embraces Miami’s energy with Art Deco glamour across 91 guestrooms, a stunning rooftop pool, and a whiskey and dark spirits lounge.

· Hotel Maverick (Grand Junction, Colorado, USA) – launching April 2020: Located steps from Colorado Mesa University, Hotel Maverick will be the first luxury hotel in the area at 45,000 square feet offering 60 guestrooms, two restaurants, and bar.

· The Liberty Trust Hotel (Roanoke, Virginia, USA) – launching April 2020: Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and originally opened in 1910 as a bank and office building, The Liberty Trust Hotel will launch after a full refurbishment to offer 50 guestrooms and suites.

· Hotel Effie Sandestin (Sandestin, Florida, USA) – launching June 2020: On 2,400 acres of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the hotel integrates coastal charm with Southern hospitality across 250 guestrooms and 19 suites with views of Choctawhatchee Bay and championship golf courses.

· Brenton Hotel (Newport, Rhode Island, USA) – launching June 2020: Located on the waterfront, Brenton Hotel pays homage to the area’s public buildings and their history through its architecture and features 57 sunlit guestrooms and suites with expansive views.

· The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua, New York, USA) – launching summer 2020: Situated on picturesque Canandaigua Lake, the property offers lakeside luxury across 125 guestrooms, a dedicated events barn, signature restaurant, and destination spa and wellness center.

EUROPE

· Iberostar Grand Fontana di Trevi (Rome, Italy) – launching March 2020: Just 200 feet from Trevi Fountain, Iberostar Grand Fontana di Trevi extends 19^th century Art Deco design elements across 67 guestrooms, two signature restaurants, and a spectacular rooftop terrace with skyline views.

· Villa Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark) – launching April 2020: A historic grand post office turned luxury hotel located next to Tivoli Gardens, Villa Copenhagen highlights conscious, approachable luxury across 390 guestrooms and suites – including a luxurious Earth Suite made solely from sustainable materials – as well as stunning interior gardens and dining outlets.

· The Guardsman (London, United Kingdom) – launching April 2020: On London’s exclusive Buckingham Gate with 53 unique guestrooms and six exclusive residences, The Guardsman offers the atmosphere, discretion, and personal service associated with a private members’ club.

· The Diaoyutai Mansion Frankfurt (Frankfurt, Germany) – launching July 2020: The first European hotel by the Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality hotel group combines traditional Asian design with international flair across 250 guestrooms and suites, steps from Frankfurt’s top attractions.

· Pestana Douro, Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre (Porto, Portugal) – launching May 2020: The newest hotel from Pestana Hotels & Resorts will offer 165 guestrooms and suites, along with meeting and event spaces, on the shores of the Douro River.

· The Londoner (London, United Kingdom) – launching July 2020: Located in Leicester Square, The Londoner is the world’s first super boutique hotel, boasting six subterranean levels and 350 guestrooms including 35 suites, in addition to showcasing the energy of London’s West End through unique design, innovative social spaces, and distinctive restaurants.

ASIA

· Alma Resort (Cam Ranh, Vietnam) – launching February 2020: Situated on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, Alma Resort offers innovative design across nearly 600 apartments and villas, each featuring a waterfront view.

· The Chedi Mumbai (Mumbai, India) – launching March 2020: Located in the heart of India’s commercial capital, The Chedi Mumbai is a serene and stylish oasis with 316 guestrooms and suites offering views of Powai Lake or the city skyline.

· CONNECT BUSAN (Busan, South Korea) – launching May 2020: With 216 guestrooms and suites, each with private balconies and sweeping views of Busan Harbor or Yongdusan Park, CONNECT BUSAN is a respite for leisure and business travelers in South Korea’s historic area.

Whether on the go for business or leisure, travelers who visit these new hotels, along with more than 700 other member hotels from the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, can access exclusive member rates and earn reward points with the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program. Free to join, the program extends points redeemable towards free nights and other on-property expenditures, elite status, and other complimentary benefits to guests. Bookings can be made online at PreferredHotels.com or on the I Prefer mobile app, available on Android and iOS.

For more information on these hotels or any of the properties represented within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, please visit www.PreferredHotels.com.

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 750 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.

California Dips to 43rd in Highway Report

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California Dips to 43rd in the Nation in Highway Performance and Cost-Effectiveness The 24th Annual Highway Report, based on data that states submitted to the federal government, ranks each state’s highway system in 13 categories, including traffic fatalities, pavement condition, congestion, spending per mile, administrative costs and more. California’s highway system ranks 43rd in the nation in overall cost-effectiveness and condition, according to the Annual Highway Report published today by Reason Foundation. This is a one-spot decrease from the previous Annual Highway Report, where California ranked 42nd overall.

In safety and performance categories, California ranks 18th in overall fatality rate, 19th in structurally deficient bridges, 48th in traffic congestion, 47th in urban Interstate pavement condition and 45th in rural Interstate pavement condition. On spending, California ranks 40th in total spending per mile. “The traffic congestion in California’s large cities hurts the overall ranking, but, in addition to reducing congestion, the state could significantly improve its ranking by reducing fatalities on rural highways, improving its pavement conditions, and lowering its administrative costs,” said Baruch Feigenbaum, lead author of the Annual Highway Report and assistant director of transportation at Reason Foundation. “Compared to nearby states, California’s overall highway performance is worse than Arizona (ranks 29th), Nevada (ranks 27th) and Oregon (ranks 12th). Compared to the other most populated states in America, California ranks ahead of New York (45th), trails Florida (40th), and ranks well behind Texas (ranks 23rd).”

California’s best rankings are in overall fatality rate (18th) and structurally deficient bridges (19th). California’s worst rankings are in urban arterial pavement condition (49th) and urban area congestion (48th). California’s state-controlled highway mileage makes it the 15th largest highway system in the country. Utilizing data that states submitted to the federal government, Reason Foundation’s 24th Annual Highway Report measures the condition and cost-effectiveness of state-owned roads in 13 categories, including pavement condition on urban and rural Interstates, deficient bridges, traffic fatalities, administrative costs, and spending per mile on state roads.

North Dakota ranks first in the Annual Highway Report’s overall performance and cost-effectiveness rankings for the second year in a row. Virginia and Missouri, two of the 20 most populated states in the country, are second and third in overall performance and cost-effectiveness. Maine and Kentucky round out the top five states. The highway systems in New Jersey (50th), Alaska (49th), Rhode Island (48th), Hawaii and Massachusetts rank at the bottom of the nation in overall performance and cost-effectiveness. The full Annual Highway Report, complete rankings in each category, and historical data from previous editions are available here.

California’s Complete Results Ranking (out of 50 states)

Overall Rank (*see explanation below): #43

Overall Rank in Previous Report: #42

Ranking in Each Category

Total Disbursements per Mile – #40

Capital-Bridge Disbursements per Mile – #30

Maintenance Disbursements per Mile – #44

Administrative Disbursements per Mile – #44

Rural Interstate Percent in Poor Condition – #45

Urban Interstate Percent in Poor Condition – #47

Rural Other Principal Arterial Percent in Poor Condition – #35

Urban Other Principal Arterial Percent in Poor Condition – #49

Urban Area Congestion* – #48

Structurally Deficient Bridges, Percent* – #19

Overall Fatality Rate – #18

Rural Fatality Rate – #47

Urban Fatality Rate – #21

*The Annual Highway Report is based on spending and performance data submitted by state highway agencies to the federal government for 2016 as well as urban congestion data from INRIX and bridge condition data from the Better Roads inventory for 2017. For more details on the calculation of each of the 13 performance measures used in the report, as well as the overall performance measure, please refer to the appendix in the main report. The report’s dataset includes Interstate, federal and state roads but not county or local roads. All rankings are based on performance measures that are ratios rather than absolute values: the financial measures are disbursements per mile, the fatality rate is fatalities per 100 million vehicle-miles of travel, the urban congestion measure is the annual delay per auto commuter, and the others are percentages. For example, the state ranking first in structurally deficient bridges has the smallest percentage of structurally deficient bridges, not the smallest number of structurally deficient bridges.

Reason Foundation’s transportation experts have advised four presidential administrations, along with numerous state and metro transportation departments and planning organizations. Baruch Feigenbaum is lead author of the Annual Highway Report and his bio information is available here.

New Era Delivers

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By Armon Hayes × Vaughn Lowery

In NYC, New Era FW19 featured exclusive product gifting and art installation by renowned graffiti artist Faust. The appointment-only experience exhibited sporty accessories which many fans and fashionistas would flock to. Bringing the essence of street style with the use of video projected urban landscapes, layered with pulsating chromatic lights brought the collection to life.

New Era athlesiure capsule offers core assortment for men and women. Fluid activewear and sustainable outerwear with minimal branding. True to theme, Faust is the ingredient of NYC with authenticity and relevance. Celebrated for his classic calligraphic graffiti writing style which demands your attention. The Faust installation is reminiscent of NYC’s 1980 concrete jungle. An interactive display ideal for social media integration.

Adding to the heritage of New Era, they offered an exclusive Faust customization bar with original branded patches – attendees had the option to initial and chose from several ‘Faust’ logo embroidered styles onto classic fitted caps. Complete the look with performance fit ‘New Era’ t-shirts branded with true Faust style. New Era FW19 collection available soon at neweracap.com.

WLabs Smart Oven w/ Katie Lee

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By Krishan Narsinghani × Vaughn Lowery

As of late, 360 MAGAZINE paid a visit to the newly imagined Kim Sing Theatre (once the 1926 Vaudeville), which houses an event space, gallery, courtyard as well as hotel.

At this venue, we joined Food Network star, Katie Lee, for the WLabs’ smart oven first look and tasting. Try cooking with an appliance that manages it all for you. Literally, the smart oven can tell what’s inside and let you know when it’s done using a new camera and sensor detector technologies. Witnessing Katie Lee fit a whole chicken inside this 13.5” H x 19.5” W x 21” with a magnetic thermometer (conveniently sticks on the side of the unit) was a shock, more so, that she was alerted by the app on her phone it was ready. Not to mention, the counter space you’ll save in a small galley kitchen within an urbane habitat. De-hydrate limes for handcrafted cocktails, roast asparagus or reheat/bake a 12″ pizza. The personal assistant makes your life in kitchen that much easier. So, take a long shower or a soothing bath with no worries.

In short, the innovative WLabs Smart Oven is ideal for a budding executive who resides in a metropolis and is always in transit swinging from city to urban center while on various assignments. Or, for empty nesters who like to entertain intimate yet memorable parties where this appliance will surely be the center attention.

Merely 2,000 of these bad boys are available for pre-order here.

LIVE NATION URBAN PRESENTS THE 5TH ANNUAL LIL WEEZYANA FEST

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Live Nation Urban presents Lil Wayne’s5th annual artist-curated festival, Lil WeezyAna Fest in his hometown of New Orleans taking place on September 7th. This year, the festival intends to double the attendance and moves to a new location, UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, expanding the footprint overall.

Tickets will be available everywhere beginning Friday, May 31 at 10 am local time. For more details, click HERE. The full confirmed lineup can be found below.

Presale information below:

VIP Presale 5/29 @ 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

WQUE Presale 5/29 @ 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

UNO Student Discount Presale 5/29 @ 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

Live Nation Presale 5/30 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

Live Nation Mobile App Presale 5/30 @ 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

Venue Presale 5/30 @ 10am and 5/30 @ 10pm

Celebrating its fifth-year anniversary, the festival expands to a larger location using the UNO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds as its hub. The one-day event unites some of music’s hottest acts on two stages and this year will remain just as unique and unpredictable as ever. The day includes performances from artists such as Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Trey Songz, Megan Thee Stallion, and more, plus a headlining set by Wayne himself with surprise guests.

“Lil Wayne is ubiquitous with New Orleans, and Lil WeezyAna Fest is an incredible representation of the city’s vibrant and thriving music culture. In its 5th year, the festival has become a New Orleans tradition and Live Nation Urban is beyond ecstatic to bear witness to such an impactful event,” Says Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Business Development & Operations at Live Nation Urban.

‘We’re so blessed to be celebrating our 5th year of Lil Weezyana Fest and grateful to all of the fans who have been with us since the beginning. It’s only right that we made it bigger and better this year to commemorate such a milestone in Wayne’s hometown,” says Cortez Bryant, Partner Maverick & COO Young Money Entertainment.

Over the last four years, Lil Wayne has hosted one of the most dynamic events for his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Lil WeezyAna Fest has cemented itself as an annual homecoming for Wayne that celebrates the city’s musical history and is a way for him to give back to the community. This year, $0.50 of every ticket sold from the event will be donated to support educational initiatives for young people in New Orleans.

Its dynamic lineup has included everyone from Jeezy, Gucci Mane, NBA Youngboy, Master P, Tory Laneez, Migos, Yo Gotti, 2 Chainz, the Hot Boyz and a host of others with surprise guests including Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Birdmanand more.

This is one of several festivals and events that Live Nation Urbanis presenting this summer including the 12th annual Roots Picnic, the inaugural Femme It Forward concert series, the 5^thannual Summer Block Party Series and more.

Lineup:

Lil Wayne

Travis Scott

Meek Mill

Trey Songz

Megan Thee Stallion

Kash Doll

Saweetie

Melii

Leven Kali

Akbar V

+ Surprise Guests

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the worldߣs leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

For more information, contact:

Live Nation Urban

Carleen Donovan: carleen@donovanpublicrelations.com

Chloe Snyder: chloe@donovanpublicrelations.com

SWATCH BIG BOLD

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Inspired by bold ideas, designed for even bolder personalities: We are proud to introduce our brand new Swatch BIG BOLD collection featuring six different watch models. With a kick from urban streetwear, each BIG BOLD is a statement piece boasting a striking 47mm watchcase. This product line calls out for those who are not afraid to put themselves upfront and who are proud to be different. Swatch BIG BOLD is an attitude, a mindset, a way of being in the world. It is a kind of swagger that is irreverent, confident, and entirely unexpected. It longs for those that embrace being noticed.

Urban Electric Artist Aazar Releases New Single

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Following a recent track with Grammy winning, dance-duo, The Chainsmokers, French DJ and producer, Aazar is just time for the summer with his debut single (via Interscope Records) – “Diva (featuring Swae Lee & Tove Lo)” – the rhythmic, hip-swaying banger is available today via all digital retailers.

An Ode to Modern Divas in all their forms: from the most badass to the most glamorous, dancers or boxers. Aazar wanted us to celebrate in a fun and uninhibited way the diversity of the “Carefree Divas” of the World. Watch Aazar, Swae Lee, and Tove Lo dance around the streets of Los Angeles in the video directed by Original Kids HERE.

The trio teamed up after Aazar was asked about his dream collaborations. “’ Diva’ is a very special record to me. I produced this record a few years ago and I always wanted a vocal on it. Here we are now, with Swae Lee and Tove Lo…I couldn’t be happier” says Aazar of the track. After sharing his appreciation of Swae Lee, Aazar (Alexis Duvivier), coincidentally ran into him at Paris Fashion Week. Without hesitation, he told the Grammy-nominated rapper that he’s a producer, a huge fan and believed that one day they would work together. When he reached out to Swedish singer, Tove Lo, who thought the song “felt like a golden egg dropping into [her] lap,” he wasn’t confident of a response. Tove was immediately on board after finishing a writing session for her album back home in Stockholm. Calling it the “fastest and smoothest collab ever,” she sent her vocals back within forty-eight hours.

More on Aazar: Paris-based producer and member of Point Point, Aazar, has been immensely busy in the studio working on an abundance of exciting new music this year. Having produced official remixes for the likes of David Guetta (Flames) and Martin Solveig (My Love) as well as powerful collaborations with Cesqueaux, Yellow Claw & Moksi (Shanghai Nights Album), Aazar is generating an undeniable buzz around him and his music. His more recent collaboration with The Chainsmokers on groundbreaking track ‘Siren’ has been streaming non-stop worldwide. Aazar’s live career is also on the rise, continuously touring around the world and playing for new audiences in Europe, Asia, USA as well as celebrated festivals such as Tomorrowland, Encore Beach Las Vegas, Mysteryland, the momentum is clear in Aazar conquering these territories. In contrast to the globe-trotting exploits of this artist, Aazar has also been spending a lot of time in the kitchen, as his gourmet alter-ego Chef Aazar. Interesting and tasteful, exactly how Aazar approached everything in 2018 and before; and 2019 is going to build on this trend since he already has some exciting stuff cooking.

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Brytiago Celebrates Awards

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BRYTIAGO

The singer wins 2 important awards on Thursday night in Puerto Rico.

San Juan Puerto Rico. March 22, 2019. Urban music singer Brytiago is celebrating his two awards Urban Music New Urban Artist and National Song of the Year for “Murder” with the collaboration of Darell. The awards were held in the emblematic “Choliseo” of Puerto Rico this Thursday before most of the urban singers gathered at this first gala where they recognized the most prominent of the genre.

Brytiago sang with Darell his successful “Assassin,” with a majestic colorful number where the charisma and the scenic power covered the singer who danced for all the present public.

“I thank God, my family and all those who are supporting me to make this my dream come true, to Daddy Yankee for believing in me, my work team for guiding me and helping me to continue on the right path, to the media tv, radio press written each of you have put their two cents in this my career,” said Brytiago. Brytiago who has just released his most recent single “Aprendí Amar” along with the video yesterday which was recorded in the city of Miami, under the direction of the prominent audiovisual artist Gus, and tells a story of drama and love, very different from the usual videos of the urban genre. The song was written by Brytiago himself and produced by Chris Jeday and Gaby Music.

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