Posts tagged with "Washington D.C."

Breaking News illustration by Samantha Miduri for use by 360 magazine

August Top Stories

2022 has been a significant year for the history of planet Earth. Making it past the halfway point of the year, 360 reviews the leading stories for the month of August.

Brittney Griner receives nine-year sentence in Russia

United States’ WNBA player Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years of prison on Thursday August 4 in Russia. Griner pled guilty to cannabis possession charges earlier in the year after mistakenly breaking Russian law. When travelling to Russia in February of the year, Griner had vape cartridges that carried less than one gram of cannabis oil in them.

In the courtroom before hearing her sentence, Briner stated, “I want the court to understand that this was an honest mistake that I made while rushing, under stress, trying to recover from COVID and just trying to get back to my team.”

Moments after Griner was sentenced, the White House released a statement, reportedly in the name of US President Joe Biden. The statement read, “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney, […] It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”

Monkeypox outbreak continues to swarm the US

The viral disease known as monkeypox was recognized as a national health emergency in the US. After the first case was contracted around May of 2022, the virus has only continued to spread. Over 6,600 probable or confirmed cases have been reported in the states, with only Montana and Wyoming not having any reported cases.

Alex Jones defamation trial begins

Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ defamation trial commenced after years of claiming that the 2012 mass elementary school shooting at Sandy Hook was not real.

In 2018, 10 families of victims from the Sandy Hook shooting sued Jones, resulting in two suits in Texas and one in Connecticut. Since then, in 2019, Jones admitted that the shooting took place, but he continued to communicate false claims surrounding the event.

With the trial taking off in the beginning of August 2022, Jones has already lost the three cases by default judgement. The happenings inside of the courtroom have gained widespread attention, as videos of a victims’ family confronting Jones’ years of lies went viral online.

Jones attorney, also, accidentally sent the prosecution copies of Jones’ phone records that included his texts and emails – important documents that Jones has refused to hand over for years, resulting in his losses in three cases.

FLORIDA: Police arrest a woman for committing “sexual acts” with her dog for eight years while her ex-partner recorded it

As stated by the Pinellas County Sheriff, the 36-year-old woman “voluntarily participated in sexual activities with her dog”. Christina Calello, and her ex-boyfriend, Geoffrey Springer, 39, have been arrested in Florida. The woman is accused of having sex with her dog for eight years while Geoffrey recorded it, videos that were later stored on a hard drive. He will also face legal charges for having recorded the acts of his ex-partner and having “saved them on a flash drive”.

Four injured in lightning strike near White House

Four people have been seriously injured after being struck by lightning that struck this Thursday (August 4) near the White House, the residence of the president of the United States in Washington. At the press conference, the spokesman for the fire department of the US capital, Vito Maggiolo, stated that two adult men and two women received medical attention and were taken to hospital after receiving the “apparent impact” of lightning.

A man shoots a McDonald’s worker in New York for serving him cold fries, New York City

An employee of a McDonald’s in New York is in serious condition in the hospital after being shot during an altercation with a customer and his mother after an argument because the fries were cold, reported this Wednesday (August 3) the Police and the New York Post newspaper.

In a city where gunshots are frequent, this new episode took place on Monday night (August 1) in Brooklyn. Police confirmed to AFP that a 20-year-old man is charged and detained with “possession of firearms” and “attempted homicide.”

Balenciaga are now selling ‘the worlds most expensive trash bag’ for $1,790

The luxury brand has unveiled a brand new it-bag for Winter 2022 – dubbed ‘the worlds most expensive trash bag’ by the fashion house itself. The Balenciaga Trash Pouch retails for $1,790 and can be bought in Balenciaga’s boutiques and online now.

Khloe Kardashian & Tristan Thompson have welcomed their baby boy

The couple have become parents for the second time. The athlete and the celebrity announced last July that they were expecting their second child together, this time through a surrogate mother. “We would like to ask for kindness and privacy so that Khloé can focus on her family,” says the statement from the television businesswoman.

‘JOKER 2’ will officially be released in theaters on October 4, 2024

‘Joker 2′: Folie à Deux’ finally has a release date. The film starring Batman’s archenemy will be released in theaters on October 4, 2024. The film will be filming in December, with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in talks as Joker and Harley Quinn.

Huge Breakthrough as CANCER ‘disappears’ for all patients in drug trial

A new drug being tested for colorectal cancer has left doctors stunned after it returned 100% success rate in clinical trials. Dostarlimab (a drug with molecules made in a laboratory) works by exposing cancer cells, allowing the immune system to identify and destroy them. During those six months, patients received a dose of the drug every three weeks. Each of them cost about $11,000.

Conor Mcgregor is making his acting debut in Jake Gyllenhaal’s new movie

UFC star is headed to the big screen. Conor, who last fought in 2021, will star alongside actor Jake Gyllenhaal in Amazon Prime’s remake of the 1989 action/suspense movie “Road House.” “Conor McGregor is very excited to expand his storied career to Hollywood and join with Jake Gyllenhaal in this reimagining of ‘Road House,’ a beloved classic,” McGregor’s spokesperson Karen J. Kessler said.

Olivia Newton-John dies at the age of 73

Olivia Newton-John has passed away this Monday (August 8) at the age of 73. The Australian actress and singer was diagnosed with cancer more than 30 years ago and it was her husband, John Easterling, who was in charge of communicating the actress’s death to the world: “Olivia Newton-John passed away at her home in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends. We ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

F.B.I. Searches Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Residence in Florida

FBI searches Trump’s Florida residence for official documents. “These are dark times for our nation, as my beautiful home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach is now being besieged, raided and occupied by a large group of FBI agents,” the Republican wrote in a statement. Trump expresses that “something like this has never happened to a president of the United States before” and that’s right: there is no precedent for a search of the house of a former president in US history.

Spain: Drug jabs in nightclubs

The cases of alleged chemical submission by jabs do not stop increasing. The common element in all the cases was the jab and that, in general, the victims are young girls. Some people perceive the jab at the moment of receiving it, while others see it more late or even the next morning. Some report symptoms include nausea, arm pain and confusion.

New virus of animal origin detected in China, 35 cases in humans

Henipavirus, that’s what the new virus of animal origin detected in China is named. The cases, none of them serious, were found in Henan and Shandong, according to the ‘Global Times‘ newspaper, which cites an article published by Chinese and Singaporean scientists in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine‘, one of the most recognized in the world.

United States expands availability of monkeypox vaccine manufacturing

The United States declared this August 4 a health emergency throughout the country due to monkeypox. The first states to declare a monkeypox health emergency were California and New York. Now the health agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has received emergency use authorizations for the monkeypox vaccines.

“Last week, I declared monkeypox a public health emergency to unlock additional tools that will help us contain and end this outbreak and to signal to Americans that we are taking our response to the next level,” Xavier Becerra (US Secretary of Health) said in a statement from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Africa: William Ruto wins the elections in Kenya

The Electoral Commission of Kenya has announced the winner of the elections to William Ruto, the current vice president, with 50.49% of the vote over candidate Raila Odinga, who received 48.85%. “I am going to work with all the political leaders,” in a “transparent, open, and democratic” country, assured William Ruto upon learning of his victory.

Australia: Man arrested after shooting at Canberra airport

A man was arrested as the alleged perpetrator of several shots at the main terminal of the Canberra airport (Australia’s capital), with no injuries reported, Australian police said. In pictures released on social media platforms, a police officer could be seen reducing a man to the floor inside the terminal, while the airport alarms sounded. From outside it was possible to observe the bullet impacts on the front window of the airport, according to images published by ABC public television.

US first lady Jill Biden tests positive for coronavirus

Jill Biden has tested positive for coronavirus and is suffering from mild symptoms, her spokeswoman reported on Monday (August 15), confirming that she will remain isolated for at least five days. The American first lady will remain isolated in her house in South Carolina and Joe Biden will return to the white house alone to continue with his agenda.

Life sentence for Shafee El Sheikh, the leader of the Islamic State commando who executed several journalists

The terrorist El Shafee el-Sheikh, leader of the ‘Beatles’, a jihadist group of the self-styled Islamic State and known for its cruelty and specialty in the torture, capture and execution of Western hostages, has been sentenced this Friday (August 19) to prison life by a United States court.

WHO confirms new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The World Health Organization has confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in the North Kivu region, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after the worst forecasts were found for a case classified as suspicious. There is a lot of concern and tension in the African country due to these data. The head of the WHO, Matshidiso Moeti, sees this type of resurgence “worrying and alarming”, which is “appearing more and more frequently”.

Lexus Restaurant Gif by Reb Czukoski for use by 360 Magazine

INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC

Leave a reply

Eccentric, experimental, exquisite – all are adjectives that best describe dinner at Intersect NYC

Intersect NYC is a co-operative project between Lexus and Union Square Hospitality Group, with additional locations in Dubai and Tokyo. Union Square Hospitality Group collaborates with a wide array of businesses: Anchovy Social (DC), Blue Smoke (NYC) and LoBall (NYC).

Intersect by Lexus is a dynamic and delicious encounter hosted in a handful of tech-forward cities where charismatic epicures, who themselves break the mold, are immersed in the automotive giant’s ecosystem without physically driving nor owning one of their vehicles. The venue can be defined as “a manifestation of omotenashi, a Lexus core value characterized by an unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality.” Omote means public face, and “nashi” means nothing; omotenashi ultimately meaning that everything produced comes from the heart with honesty and no concealment. 

Situated in the trendy Meatpacking District of New York City amongst chic shops and nightlife, the physical unit of Intersect features an unrivaled open-air market, complete with a lounge, restaurant, and event space. The two-level, square-like locale houses an immersive environment of edible delights and whimsical handmade cocktails. The experience can be best described as living through the magic that is an episode of travelling host and star Anthony Bourdain‘s Parts Unknown. The overall atmosphere emits a decadent, intuitive and contemporary feel. Situated throughout the space are a vast assortment of cookbooks on mantelshelves, including The Thousand Dollar Dinner: America’s First Great Cookery Challenge by Becky Libourel Diamond. One particularly intriguing structure is an accent wall designed by lauded Japanese interior designer, Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall. The installation, in close proximity to a black metal stairwell, is illuminated with recessed lighting and encased in glass, creating a moment where severe modernity meets the magical. The private dining room is an intimate space where an array of occasions can be held, wedding receptions, corporate gatherings and pop-ups in a reclusive yet bespoke setting. Intersect by Lexus is an ideal place for guests to be entertained, inspired, and educated, and serves as a conduit where ideas, people, and culinary creations unite.

The kitchen interchanges every six months – an ever-growing and evolving list of impressive artisanal cooks fabricate their own menu to challenge and delight visitors. Intersect by Lexus welcomed its seventh Restaurant-in-Residence, New Orleans’ Creole eatery, Compère Lapin. Chef Nina Compton owns and operates the New Orleans restaurant in tandem with Bywater American Bistro (BABs) where it is a well-loved hit in the Big Easy. 

Compton is the third chef chosen this year, and is a James Beard Award-Winner and Top Chef: New Orleans runner-up. Chef Compton graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 2001 and first embarked on her remarkable professional career at Daniel in NYC. Chef Compton blends her signature Gulf coast ingredients with island flavors. Compton hails from Saint Lucia and her bill of fare is an array of Caribbean and Cajun-inspired dishes, such as dover sole meuniere and hot chicken. 

Currently, Intersect NYC is led by classically trained Executive Chef Nickolas Martinez, the former executive chef of Foragers. Chef Martinez established his own culinary identity through his Midwestern roots and passion for French techniques. Chef Martinez, like Chef Compton, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. As executive chef, Chef Martinez prides himself in creating a “space dedicated to the ethos of the Lexus lifestyle, and a home to a unique dining experience.” 

This three-star Michelin restaurant remains on the minds some of the most influential critics, as well as in the memories of all those who have explored the flavors and festivity firsthand. The service, presentation and wine pairings are unprecedented in their attention to palettes and details. 360 MAGAZINE had the opportunity to enjoy the pour deux menu among other enticing choices, sampling many of the most acclaimed dishes currently in circulation.

We began with two cocktails: the Ruby Lo-Ball and the Best Bank Punch. The Ruby features a fruity concoction of port wine, apple, ginger, and soda, for something refreshing with a bit of a snap, while the Punch, a drink of vodka, lillet, thai basil, passionfruit, and Sirop JM was both stronger and herbier. While both served up a revitalizing and uncommon flavor dynamic, we preferred the Ruby Lo-Ball as our cocktail of choice. After these early drinks, 360 turned to wine for the remainder of our meal. With a divine wine-list curated alongside the main dinner menu, every choice is certain to impress, and 360 was utterly charmed by our choices. A Bourgone Aligote, a very dry white French wine, as well as a Zind Chardonnary, a white blended with fruity notes that was not very oaky but with a sense of tartness, dazzled.

The food itself surpassed all expectations, proving the multifaceted style of the space extended to the delectable food. For our appetizers, we selected the hush puppies with cilantro crema, a light and delicate take on a classic, as well as the Louisiana barbecue shrimp with chervil and baguette and the stuffed back crab served with uni butter and charred lime. All these impressed – the upscale takes on Southern classics captivated a certain sense of comfort while still being creative, decadent, and extravagant. This tradition continued into the entrees, where 360 pursued the “pour deux” – for two – menu, where one large serving plate is presented to two diners to share. This is not only a meal for romantic evening – everyone from couples, to friends, to business partners took part in this unique savory affair. 360 sampled both the hot fire chicken with red beans and rice as well as the dover sole meuniere with brussels sprouts amandine served with celery root and parsnip puree. The sole, perfectly baked in a warming butter sauce, as well as the succulent and crispy chicken with a fiery side, left our team more than satisfied with its mouth-watering excellence. An airy mango sorbet cooled things off before our main dessert, chocolate with passionfruit and a cashew croquant, an ambrosial finish to a perfectly piquant meal. 

Intersect NYC, from its style to its connoisseurs to its ambitious culinary pursuits, enamored 360 all the way through. For a sleek and satisfying adventure, Intersect NYC is the ultimate dinner venue.

Article by: Vaughn Lowery, Armon Hayes, Elle Grant, McKinley Franklin

Fireworks by Mina Tocalini used by 360

THE LAUNCH OF MATTHEW COROZINE STUDIO

Leave a reply

New York based Broadway, film, television and acting coach and renowned theatre director, Matthew Corozine is announcing the debut of Matthew Corozine Studio, Inc. Miami (MCS). The studio will debut in the Miami Design District’s Palm Court Event Space beginning September 13, 2021 offering acting classes based on the transformational work of the Meisner technique. Classes will take place on an ongoing basis with limited spaces available each Monday from 6pm-9pm.

Matthew conceptualized MCS with a vision to create a collaborative, expansive, and supportive community for all artists to build their craft with honor and integrity. More than an acting studio, MCS is an inclusive community that celebrates the diversity of all artists who hope to explore their creativity through transformational techniques. MCS is expanding their network. Originally established in New York City, MCS now boasts locations in Washington D.C. and Miami and provides online classes.

“Acting is living and behaving truthfully and fully under imaginary circumstances.”

For over 20 years, this definition of acting is what has guided MCS students through their journey, encouraging them to “Get Out of Their Heads.” Matthew Corozine and all MCS coaches are committed to getting students out of their old stories, encouraging them to be in the present moment, and creating a new artistic future they may not even envision. By removing the walls that each student builds during childhood to survive in the world, MCS conditions them to respond from their unique impulses and instincts. As Matthew teaches, “If you survived 7th grade, you can be an actor.”

From acting careers on national television, Broadway, producing and writing original work for theatre and film, to professional careers in arts related organizations, MCS students have taken the transformational MCS work to become leaders and activists across all creative platforms. Matthew was officially nominated for a 2015 and 2018 EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE EDUCATION TONY AWARD®. He has coached on MTV’s Emmy Award Winning “Made,” and he has been a guest artist teaching master classes in Meisner at SoHo House New York, and SAG-AFTRA as well as other U.S and International destinations.

Some of the highlights of Matthew’s directing credits include FringeNYC (THE BOYS UPSTAIRS and MISS KIM) the NYC and LA premieres Susan E. Isaac’s ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD, based on her spiritual memoir, and Terria Joseph’s original one-woman show GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH NO DIRECTION (produced by Alicia Keys at 54 Below).

Testimonial – Sheri Sanders

Founder and Author of ROCK THE AUDITION

“Matt’s insistence on my being truthful to my own nature is something I’ve prayed for in a teacher

my whole life. All I want to do when I’m not working is to be in his class and break through.”

Testimonial – Matthew LaBanca

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, YOUNG, FRANKENSTEIN, WHITE CHRISTMAS (Broadway)

“Taking class here is, hands down, the best investment I’ve made for my acting career. I always knew I had more depth as an actor, but that depth eluded me until I found MCS. This is where I finally learned to let go of doing things the “right” way, to honor my own unique impulses, and to consistently know what it means to live in the moment. The environment here is creative, safe, and often magical. My work is richer, fuller, and further true because of my studies at MCS.”

Headphones illustration by Alex Bogdan for use by 360 Magazine

A Hip-Hop Master Class Featuring Black Thought

Leave a reply

Bringing the culture to some of the world’s most hallowed halls, Black Thought will host “School of Thought: A Hip-Hop Master Class Featuring Black Thought” at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) October 25-28, 2021. This will be the second installment of his free workshop series in partnership with the Hall. The program welcomes 10 finalist applicants aged 18-35 to participate in a multi-day master class led by the legendary MC for GRAMMY Award-winning platinum-certified hip-hop luminaries. The Roots as he dispenses invaluable knowledge when it comes to spitting bars and industry game.

Applications may be submitted now through September 7, 2021 at this link and you can find more info HERE.

In addition to including special guests such as iconic producer Sean C and more, Black Thought will headline a public showcase of the students under his tutelage on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Weill Music Room in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing. Tickets, priced at $20, go on sale August 30, 2021. Following the showcase, Black Thought leads an intimate conversation with surprise guests on Friday, October 29 for young artists who participate in WMI NeonArts program, offering rare insight into his own incredible journey and sharing wisdom he’s picked up along the way.

In Spring 2022, he takes “School of Thought” all the way to Washington, D.C. Continuing the partnership with WMI and teaming up with The John F. Kennedy Center as part of The Roots’ own For the Culture Artist Residency, Black Thought will guide another 10 MCs in Our Nation’s Capital. He’ll offer sessions about lyricism, flow, style, and delivery in addition to studying the history of hip-hop and providing private coaching.

Dates and further details will be revealed soon for the free master class at The John F. Kennedy Center.

“School of Thought” launched at Carnegie Hall during 2019 as a different kind of master class driven by the vision of one of the game’s most dynamic rhyme architects.

The concept has grown and evolved with each iteration as it continues to uplift and unlock doors for a new vanguard of elite rappers.

School is about to be in session.

The confirmed and current schedule of the for the Culture Artist Residency program is enclosed below.

Global Street Dance Graphic for use by 360 Magazine

Red Bull Dance Your Style Announces Return

Leave a reply

The premiere one-on-one street dance competition will bring the country’s top street dance community together this fall

Red Bull Dance Your Style teams up with Caffeine to deliver interactive live streams from each stop on the 2021 USA Tour, allowing audiences everywhere to vote on their favorite dancers

The premiere one-on-one street dance competition Red Bull Dance Your Style returns, bringing together top dancers from around the world to connect and celebrate the diverse dance community. Returning with a stacked tour of U.S. qualifiers, the all-styles competition amplifies dance scenes from all corners of the country: Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington D.C.

Kicking off on Friday, September 10th from the iconic Boston harbor, the best in hip-hop, house, waacking, popping, krumping, locking, and more will battle one-on-one bracket style, performing against a spontaneous soundtrack – from mainstream hits to timeless classics. An audience of dance lovers will play judge, ultimately deciding which dancer will advance from each qualifier to the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA. With no panel of judges, no planned choreography, and no pre-chosen music, it’s all about embracing the moment, wowing the crowd and moving to the beat.

This year, for the first time ever, Caffeine will livestream all Red Bull Dance Your Style events taking place in the US. Caffeine produces and hosts some of the largest live streamed street culture events in the world. Millions of viewers tuned in over the past year to watch live battle rap from Ultimate Rap League, Tommy the Clown, and street dance from partners like BattleFest, and Turf Inc.,with new, related content launching every month.

The Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA in Washington D.C. spans a full weekend, taking place from Friday, October 22 through Saturday, October 23, and provides a platform for artists to come together. The programming will have a line-up of curated dance events, workshops and performances featuring DJ, producer, label owner, and director TT The Artist and other iconic dancers and scene leaders. This final competition will give dancers a last shot to move onto the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals, by battling wildcards at random including Angyil, Krow and Princess Lockeroo.

2021 RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE U.S. SCHEDULE

Following 80 events in over 39 countries all around the globe, dance’s heavy-hitters will come together to battle for the third-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style World Championship title. For more information about where to buy tickets and event details follow the Red Bull Dance Your Style website and be sure to follow Red Bull Dance on Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and Caffeine.

ABOUT RED BULL DANCE YOUR STYLE 

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global all-styles street dance event series with a unique battle format. From hip hop to house, to locking to popping – dancers participating in Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor.

Marijuana illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Honest Marijuana Company

Leave a reply

In the old days of illegal weed, the price you paid for your weekend toke depended mostly on who was selling it to you. These were behind-the-scenes transactions, with no recourse for a deal gone bad and no way to price compare with a competitor. You paid the price asked or you went without.

Now, as state legalization grows and the chatter about federal legalization becomes less talk and more reality, the game has changed forever for the buyer. So, it’s a good time to be clear on what you’re paying for before you go to your local cannabis boutique, or even the corner store, if you should be so lucky to have marijuana available for sale there!

First off, price comparing starts with quantity

If you want to look at what your weed is going to cost you, and even compare different strains, it’s best to pick a quantity. From state to state, the price of quantity X will vary, based on factors we’ll discuss later, but for now, it’s important to understand what quantities you can order in. 

The most common quantities you can buy cannabis in are a gram, eighth of an ounce, quarter of an ounce, half an ounce, and a full ounce. Notice how the common quantities mix metric and Imperial measuring units? A gram is 1/1000th of a kilogram and an ounce is 1/16th of a pound. Typically, you’ll find that dispensaries will use ounces for larger quantities, and grams for a smaller purchase.

What does a gram look like? It’s about the size of a bottle cap, which gives you a visual point of reference to figure out what you’re getting for what price. The average joint is about 0.7 grams of weed so a gram will give you about 1.5 joints. Here are the other measurements, to give you a rough idea of what you’re getting:

  • An eighth of an ounce (which is roughly 3.5 grams) will give you just about 5 joints.
  • A quarter of an ounce (7 grams) will net about 10 joints.
  • A half an ounce (14 grams) will give you about 20 joints.
  • A full ounce (28 grams) is just about equal to 40 joints.

From Alaska to West Virginia, that price per ounce of medium quality weed can run anywhere from $6 to $12.

Quality is the next factor

If you look at average prices of weed across the country, they’re pretty stable and typically refer to medium quality cannabis. When you want to compare a gram of cannabis from one shop to another, a major increase in price could be because of the quality of the product. 

For example, an organic and locally indoor grown variety might be more expensive than a mass produced, imported one. You really do have to compare apples to apples, if you want to be sure you’re getting the right picture.

Other factors that will influence the price of weed

Your state’s legal stance toward cannabis

If you live in a state where cannabis isn’t legal in any form, obviously you’re still operating in the old ways of quiet deals made with people who don’t really care to negotiate the prices they feel like charging. After all, they risk going to jail for providing you with your ‘chill’ so there’s a premium attached to that.

In the states that have legalized recreational marijuana (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington), you’ll find competition higher and prices that reflect that.

The remaining twenty-one states that have legalized medical marijuana require a doctor’s note to obtain it, which isn’t a particularly challenging hurdle in most places, so this doesn’t affect the prices too significantly.

One place where cannabis is particularly expensive? Washington D.C. Despite legalization of medical and recreational use, they didn’t legalize the purchase of cannabis. That little detail is reflected in prices that are almost twice the national average for legalized / decriminalized states!

The physical geography of where you live

Cannabis isn’t an overly fussy plant to cultivate but it does prefer warm, stable temperatures, averaging in the daytime around 80 degrees. Places that have daytime temperatures that run hotter than 88 degrees or colder than 60 degrees have a harder time growing—it’s a slower process—and can end up with plants that have lower THC content and therefore lower overall quality.

So, if you live in Alaska or New Hampshire, for example, your weed has most likely been brought in from elsewhere, which means added costs in transportation and labor, to package and ship.

How your weed is grown

How your preferred brand is grown makes a difference on quality. 

  • Are they grown outdoors where light, water, soil, and ambient daytime temperatures are all free for the asking and therefore don’t add to the cost of production? 
  • Are they grown indoors, where special electrical lighting, watering and feed systems, and climate control are all required and add to the cost of production? 

Outdoor grown weed can be lower quality in that there aren’t many ways to control Mother Nature. Being able to control elements through technology can yield a higher quality product. From pest and humidity control to very specific watering schedules, as well as the use of light waves to maximize growth and intensity, indoor growers have the keys to control quality in ways that outdoor growers really cannot.

Factor in also whether the grower is using organic production methods, as this will definitely yield a higher quality product. No toxins from pesticides means a cleaner experience for you.

Where you buy your marijuana

Are you buying from a boutique dispensary or a corner store? Are you buying from a chain of cannabis stores or from a one-man dealer? Which way you go will affect the price you pay.

Dispensaries have overhead and staff to pay, which adds to the cost. However, they also have guidelines to follow in terms of packaging and labeling, as well as a vested interest in pleasing their customer, so they’re a good bet. You will know exactly what you’re getting, including the sourcing, THC content, whether it’s organic or not and so on. If you buy from a dealer, who is claiming to sell high quality products, you have no guarantees whatsoever that they are telling the truth.

Competitors drive the price down

Supply and demand is an easy equation. If there are several dispensaries with similar offerings in your area, the price per gram will be lower than in an area with no competition for your one dispensary. There is less supply for potentially similar demand, which can easily affect the price. The key as a consumer is to know your average pricing so you can tell whether or not you are getting a good deal.

Taxation and legalization go hand in hand

The states that have legalized marijuana have also clued in that it is an important revenue source. Sales tax, if the state has one, is applied to cannabis too. The rate can be higher for weed than for other products, as it is in Colorado. They have a state sales tax rate of 2.9% but the rate for weed? 10%.

In addition to sales tax, legal sellers are faced with taxes in production, purchasing, packing and transportation, costs that are typically downloaded to the end consumer.

The timing of your purchases

Time of year can impact the price of weed. Like most cultivated crops, the largest amounts are harvested in and around the month of September. Result? The supply is up, and prices should go down a little. 

As legalization continues to expand, state to state and even federally, the pricing will become more standard and easier to predict. At that point, the quality of the weed will be the big differentiator and as the end consumer, that’s not a small factor to consider. Buy with care and enjoy yourself!

Bio:

Anthony Franciosi, also known as Ant, is an honest to goodness farmer whose fingers are as green as the organic cannabis he grows. He is the proud founder of Honest Marijuana– an all-natural, completely organic marijuana growery in Colorado.

False Light by Eric Dezenhall for use by 360 Magazine

False Light Author on Cuomo Scandal

Leave a reply

New York Governor May Not Weather This Long-Term

Eric Dezenhall, noted D.C. crisis management expert and author of the new novel False Light, published a column in RealClearPolitics Tuesday, offering insight into the ongoing scandal surrounding New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo has been hit with two scandals in the last few weeks regarding COVID deaths inside nursing homes and multiple women who have accused him of sexual harassment.

“On the timing side, Cuomo was puffed up during the early stages of the COVID pandemic not for his charm, but because he provided a seemingly cogent and competent foil to President Donald Trump’s colossal buffoonery in the face of the crisis,” Mr. Dezenhall wrote.

But now that Trump is out of office, he continued, “the rifle scope must go somewhere,” in this case the women who have alleged at inappropriate behavior from Cuomo. This has led to the media that spent much of the last year praising Cuomo to quickly turn on him, exacerbating the already damning scandal regarding the nursing homes. Between COVID and the allegations, Mr. Dezenhall wrote that the governor may not be able to endure a drawn out firestorm.

“If I were to make a prediction, it would be that Cuomo doesn’t weather this one long-term. The people of New York are in a terrible mood and very few constituencies have a vested interest in keeping him,” Mr. Dezenhall wrote. “He’s been in office for more than a decade now.  And in an age when progressives are confronting the consequences of a movement they initiated, Cuomo’s alleged behavior is a hard cause to rally behind.”

False Light, Mr. Dezenhall’s latest novel, creates a fictional storyline that seems all too real, giving readers a thrilling account of the tumultuous events surrounding a public figure’s sexual assault allegations and a path to justice for “the little man.”

 

Amtrak Logo by Kaelen Felix for 360 Magazine

Amtrak Restores 12 Long Distance Routes

Leave a reply

With Increased Demand and Congressional Funding, Amtrak Restores 12 Long Distance Routes to Daily Service

Slated to debut this summer, new schedules offer the most departures since June 2020

As part of its COVID-19 recovery efforts, Amtrak announces full restoration of daily service for 12 long distance routes following pandemic-related schedule reductions in 2020. Providing customers significantly more departures for the upcoming summer travel season, the new schedule has been updated on all Amtrak reservation systems, including on their website and the Amtrak app.

Due to COVID relief funding, Amtrak will sustain and restore operations and recall the more than 1,200 furloughed employees through the remainder of FY21 and into FY22. The funding is pending President Biden’s signature on the final bill.

“Offering daily long distance service represents a vital step in our road to recovery,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn. “Recognizing the immense value of our employees, we’d like to thank Congress for enabling service restoration and helping us recall furloughed employees.”

The daily schedules will commence in May 2021 and be grouped into three phases:

May 24 May 31 June 7
California Zephyr

(Chicago – Omaha – Denver – Salt Lake City – San Francisco)

 Capitol Limited

(Washington DC – Pittsburgh – Cleveland – Chicago)

 Crescent

(New York – Washington DC – Atlanta – New Orleans)
Coast Starlight

(Seattle – Portland – Sacramento – Oakland – Los Angeles

 City of New Orleans

(Chicago – Memphis – Jackson – New Orleans)

 Palmetto

(New York – Washington DC – Charleston – Savannah)
Empire Builder

(Chicago – St. Paul-Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland/Seattle)

 Lake Shore Limited

(New York/Boston – Albany – Buffalo – Chicago)

 Silver Meteor

(New York – Savannah – Jacksonville – Orlando – Miami)
Texas Eagle

(Chicago – St. Louis – Dallas – San Antonio – Los Angeles)

 Southwest Chief

(Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Los Angeles)

 Silver Star

(New York – Raleigh – Jacksonville – Orlando – Tampa – Miami)
Destinations listed above do not represent an exhaustive list of all route stops

All destinations and scheduled departure/arrival times served by the long distance network will be maintained. Additionally, Amtrak will continue to operate the Auto Train daily and the Cardinal and Sunset Limited trains tri-weekly, as it has been done historically.

The schedule restoration is a critical part of Amtrak’s strategy for investing in long distance service. Other components include

From New York City to the California coast, from Florida beaches to the Sierra Nevada, and from the Windy City to heart of the Big Easy, Amtrak’s world-famous long distance routes offer countless itineraries to over 500 destinations from coast to coast. Customers traveling aboard these trains can expect the following:

Visit Amtrak’s website or the Amtrak app for more information on schedules and fares. For information on enhanced COVID safety measures, please visit this website.

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at their website and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Donald Trump illustration by Kaelen Felix for 360 MAGAZINE

Donald Trump Impeached Again

Leave a reply

By Dana Feeney

The House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the second time in his four-year term as president, which started in January of 2017. He is the third president to be impeached and the first president ever to be impeached more than once. This second impeachment comes shortly after the riots in the capital last week on January 6th, 2021. Trump is being impeached on the charge of “incitement of insurrection’’ because of the statements he made on January 6. He told his supporters to “fight like hell” because the Democrats were stealing the election. You can watch the speech here. During the riots, Trump supporters carrying a variety of racist and white supremacist paraphernalia swarmed the Capitol and forced their way into the building to stop the count of electoral votes. The riot caused the deaths of at least five individuals, including a Capitol police officer. 

Because of the insurrection, Democrats pushed for Vice President Mike Pence to enact the 25th amendment, which he could use to declare Trump unfit to serve as president and remove him from office. Republicans blocked this move. U.S. Congressmen David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Ted Lieu (CA-33), and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced the article of impeachment to the House of Representatives on the morning of January 11, 2021. The article of impeachment is co-sponsored by 211 members of Congress according to Cicilline’s press release. You can read the full article of impeachment here. On January 13, 2021, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump with a 232 to 197 majority. 10 Republicans voted to impeach, more members of the president’s party than in any prior impeachment.

Impeachment does not mean removal from office; impeachment is adjacent to an indictment. The difference in American law is that indictment applies to criminal charges, while impeachment is the accusation of misconduct in a political setting. Any civil officer in the United States can be impeached. In the case of the President or Vice President, the first step is the introduction of the article(s) of impeachment in the House of Representatives. After the article(s) of impeachment are introduced to the House, the House then votes on each article of impeachment, and if any pass by a simple majority, more than 50%, the articles will be tried in front of the Senate. During the Senate trial, the chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the Senate trial, the Senate body functions as the jury, a committee of House representatives, called “managers,” act as the prosecution, and the president and his or her lawyers act as the defense. All articles of impeachment are argued on the Senate floor, then are voted on by the Senate body to either convict or acquit; to convict, there must be a two-thirds majority. Only two presidents, Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, were impeached and reached the Senate trial, both were acquitted. Despite an extensive impeachment investigation, Richard Nixon was never impeached because he resigned.  

Yesterday, January 13, 2021, the House voted to impeach Trump with only six days until the inauguration of Joe Biden. It is highly unlikely that Trump will be removed from office before the end of his term as president. The Senate is not set to be in session until January 19, 2021, and neither Democrats nor Republicans benefit from rushing the trial to be any sooner as this Senate trial will be a lengthy process that requires preparation from both the prosecution and the defense. Despite Trump losing the support of some members of his party, it is unclear how likely it is that Trump will be convicted because, even Mitt Romney, who voted to impeach in the first impeachment, has implied he is unsure that this is the right way to go. Many Republicans may hesitate to vote to convict because of the 74 million people who voted for Trump; these are the people who control whether Republicans will be reelected in the future. The main person who could cause a possible shift is Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader. If McConnell chooses to vote to convict Trump, other members of the Republican party may do the same. McConnell released this statement on January 13 saying that “there is simply no chance that a fair or serious trial could conclude before President-elect Biden is sworn in next week.”

Trump has been silent since besides releasing this video condemning violence and has not acknowledged the second impeachment. He has been banned from social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and Snapchat. Along with these bans, the tech industry has made broad statements against this recent violence. Apple and Google have removed the app Parler from their app stores. The app was used by Trump supporters and white supremacists to communicate and coordinate the attack on the Capitol. Further, Amazon Web Services, which hosted the app, has cut off its service to Parler on the premise that it violated its terms of service. One feature of the app was that users could upload a photograph of their government-issued ID or driver’s license to become a “Verified Citizen.” The app lost the support of its security services, which protected user data, leaving it vulnerable to hackers who stole the data and turned it over to the FBI to be used to identify terrorists present at the riot. Read more about it here. Additionally, there are accounts publicly identifying people in photographs from the riots on platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Federal officials are identifying and arresting individuals who were at the event.

 The riots have caused many security changes in Washington D.C. and state capitals across the U.S. as Joe Biden’s inauguration grows closer and threats of further violence continue to spread online. These changes include the resignation of the U.S. Capitol Police chief, Steven Sund, increased police and national guard presence in Washington D.C. and the implementation of high security barriers around the Capitol building. Many D.C. businesses inside of the security perimeter are already making changes in preparation for the inauguration. Some are boarding up their windows in preparation for possible protests while others are preparing to serve guests who come to D.C. for the inauguration. In response to various local, state, and federal officials asking people not to travel to Washington, D.C., Airbnb has canceled all reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area during the inauguration week, according to this press release. Some hotel chains in the city have stated that they will be hosting guests; as of now, nothing has been done to prevent this.

The events in this article, including the Senate trial, the consequences of the riots, and the coming inauguration, are all ongoing.

 

ARTECHOUSE – Art Exhibitions & Explorations

Leave a reply

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings true 21st century art experience as the first innovative platform for experiential, genre-bending, one-of-a-kind multimedia art exhibitions and explorations.

INSTALLATIONS/EXHIBITS

Washington, DC –

  • Hanami: Beyond the Blooms is extended through October 4th due to popular demand
  • ARTECHOUSE DC plans to reopen to the public in a limited capacity on Thursday, July 9th as part of the Washington D.C. Phase 2 reopening process. The exhibition on view will be ​HANAMI: Beyond The Blooms,​ whose run was cut short after just 2 days due to COVID shutdown in mid-March. ​The digital installation was originally intended as an official part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival for the third year in a row, but now can serve to all of us as a chance to ​experience the ​thrills and beauty of a seasonal phenomenon beyond its limited organic time-span, and revisit the spring season most of us spent indoors.
  • This installation, in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu, continues with the 2020 ARTECHOUSE theme of exploring the intersection of creativity in science and art. ​Hanami: Beyond the Blooms shows us how technology and code can bring illustration and nature to life in new and unexpected ways, allowing the guests to enjoy the thrills and beauty of a seasonal phenomenon beyond its limited organic time-span.
  • TIMES & TICKETS:​
    • Hanami: Beyond The Blooms i​s on view July 9th -September 7th​,​ 2020 Monday – Thursday / 12pm-8pm (7pm last session)
      Friday – Sunday / 10am-10pm (9pm last session)
    • Children:​ $12 online / $17 onsite
    • Students, Seniors, Military & First Responders:​ $15 online / $20 onsite
    • Adults:​ $19 online / $24 onsite
    • Families:​ $45 for 2 Adults & 2 Kids
    • LOCATION: ARTECHOUSE is located between the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations at 1238 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC just next door to the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

New York City –

  • We are reopening on September 4th with Shohei Fujimoto’s Intangible Forms, which will be on show until October 4th
  • ARTECHOUSE​, the nation’s first innovative digital art space with multiple locations across the United States, reopens its Chelsea Market location on Thursday, September 3rd as part of the New York City’s reopening process.​ ​Initially opening its doors to great success in the Fall of 2019, they will re-inaugurate the venue with​Intangible Forms,​ akinetic audio visual laser performance and installation by Japanese multimedia artist ​Shohei Fujimoto​, whose run was cut short after only 10 days in mid-March. ARTECHOUSE NYC reopens with limited capacity and other protocols in place to ensure the safety and health of its visitors.
  • TIMES & TICKETS​
    • Intangible Forms ​is on view to the public September 3rd – October 4th, 2020
      Daily General Admissions: Monday – Thursday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • $24 Adult
    • $20 Student (with ID), Senior (65+), Military & First Responders (with ID)
    • $17 Children (4-14 years old)
    • FREE for children under the age of 4

Miami, Florida –

  • Open w/ Refik Anadol’s Machine Hallucinations
  • This exhibition features Anadol’s worldwide traveling immersive installation titled “Infinity Room” seen by more than a million people around the world in museums and galleries, including a half-million during a tour in China alone last year, three infinity boxes and a selection of multimedia works spanning his celebrated career.
  • TIMES & TICKETS:​
    • Thu-Mon 2pm-9pm // Ages 6+
    • Children:​ $12 online / $17 onsite
    • Students, Seniors, Military & First Responders:​ $15 online / $20 onsite
    • Adults:​ $19 online / $24 onsite
    • Families:​ $45 for 2 Adults & 2 Kids

APP –

  • We Rise Above in collaboration w/ Afrosurrealist artist Vince Fraser premiered last week in solidarity with the March on Washington anniversary and is available on the ARTECHOUSE app worldwide now
  • ARTECHOUSE is thrilled to announce a to-go version of their celebrated augmented reality (AR) Drinks in partnership with some of the most vibrant Washington, DC bars and restaurants – Colada Shop, Dolcezza, Maketto and Thamee. Served from a to-go cart at ARTECHOUSE’s entry, the program will launch​ on August 14th, and be available Friday-Sunday through the duration of “HANAMI: Beyond The Blooms”.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

  • In order to provide contactless check-ins, ticket purchases must be placed online at HERE.​ Tickets purchased online in advance will receive $5 off.
  • New operating hours have been put in place to ensure sufficient time for cleaning and sanitation.
  • Art space sessions continue to be limited in capacity along with split session start times to ensure seamless entry and proper social distancing.
  • Mask or face coverings must be worn inside the art space at all times.
  • Hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the art space.
  • Suggested safe distancing of 6 feet apart from others will be strictly enforced.
  • Professional cleaning and sanitizing will take place prior to each daily opening.
  • Hourly cleaning and sanitizing of the art space will be performed by team members.
  • Visitors that are experiencing illness symptoms will have the option of rebooking.

ABOUT ARTECHOUSE:

ARTECHOUSE connects progressive ideas, artists and audiences to stimulate innovation and creativity. We believe in the power of art, science and technology to change the world for the better and are on a mission to empower the creation of new, experiential and exploratory art forms that make an impact. What started out as the nation’s first digital art space, is now a home, online and off, for technology driven art innovation. From our physical, immersive art spaces in Washington D.C., New York and Miami to our extended reality (XR) mobile app, ARTECHOUSE connects progressive ideas, artists and audiences and stimulates interest in the limitless possibilities of technology, science and creativity.

artechouse.com​ \\ @artechouse \\ ​#artechouse​

More details available at artechouse.com and @artechouse on social media