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Hinako Omori Unveils New Single ’ember’

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Hinako Omori has released a new single, ’ember’, lifted from her upcoming album stillness, softness…. It follows previous offerings  ‘foundation’, ‘in full bloom’, and ‘cyanotype memories’. Check it out below.

“The idea behind ’ember’ is noticing that our attachment to the past can cloud our perception of situations, and the importance of breaking through these barriers we place on ourselves to build a healthier, compassionate relationship with ourselves and others,” Omori explained in a press release.

stillness, softness…, the follow-up to 2022’s a journey…, is set to arrive on October 27 through Houndstooth.

This Week’s Best New Songs: bar italia, Chelsea Wolfe, Troye Sivan, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have bar italia’s ‘my little tony’, the exhilarating lead single from the London trio’s upcoming album; Troye Sivan’s dizzyingly infectious new song ‘Got Me Started’, which samples Bag Raiders’ ‘Shooting Stars’; Chelsea Wolfe’s brooding, explosive first single for Loma Vista, ‘Dusk’, which was produced by TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek; Squirrel Flower’s fuzzy, driving new single ‘Intheskatepark’; and MIKE, Wiki, and the Alchemist’s ‘Mayors a Cop’, a woozy, intoxicating cut from their collaborative LP Faith Is a Rock.

Best New Songs: September 25, 2023

bar italia, ‘my little tony’

Troye Sivan, ‘Got Me Started’

Song of the Week: Chelsea Wolfe, ‘Dusk’

Squirrel Flower, ‘Intheskatepark’

MIKE, Wiki, and the Alchemist, ‘Mayors a Cop’

5 Must-Have Perfumes for Men (Autumn Edition)

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As autumn leaves cover the sidewalks and the air becomes crisper, the transition from summer to fall also beckons a shift in wardrobe and scent. In this article, we’ll look at five Autumn-ready perfumes for men that suit the season perfectly with their intriguing tones.

Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade

LV’s Ombre Nomade is undoubtedly top-tier. Its intense accords complement people seeking a more mature and dominant fragrance that helps shape a confident look. It’s not for the soft. Ombre Nomade stands as a brilliant Autumn fragrance.

Why we love it: Impressive amber, oud, and warm spicy accords. Long-lasting. Confidence builder.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

There is no escaping Tom Ford’s classic Tobacco Vanille, a perfume inspired by an English gentlemen’s club that conveys opulence through its vanilla musky tones. The aroma is undoubtedly an acquired preference but suitable for a man who loves a three-piece suit or a quiet scotch evening.

Why we love it: Long-lasting. Perfect for the colder days. Masculine tones.

Bugzy Malone House of Vision Fortitude

Bugzy Malone, like many celebrities, has moved into the fragrance industry. Yet, unlike many celebrity perfumes, Bugzy pleasantly delivered something special with House of Vision Fortitude. The scent carries well with woody base notes, including musk, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka, amber, and patchouli. The prevailing feel of House of Vision is uplifting and empowering. As a result, this perfume has a je ne sais quoi that makes it irresistibly enchanting — a recommended perfume indeed.

Why we love it: Warm and musky accords. Empowering. Well-priced.

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Its sweet, well-projected scent inexcusably fits a man’s wardrobe during the Autumn season with minimal effort. Yes, we’re talking about Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male. Since its original hype in the 1990s, this perfume has been the embodiment of sexiness and deserves the praise it gets.

Why we love it: Sexy. Sweet. Well-priced.

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme

The luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta recently delivered a majestic show at Milan Fashion Week. So, choosing a fragrance from the brand from this list comes even more effortless. A woody, aromatic accord fragrance, Pour Homme gives wearers and those around them a masculine experience. It’s certainly a compliment catcher.

Why we love it: Woody. Whispers formality and masculinity.

How To Mindfully Shop With Sensitive Skin

We often hear about clean beauty being essential for those living with certain dermatological conditions, since it comes in direct contact with your skin every day. It’s interesting because clothing does as well and is frequently left out as an enabler for allergies and reactions. Certain textiles and the way they are manufactured in the traditional market are known to cause contact dermatitis, body acne, eczema, and other inflammatory conditions.

In the sustainable fashion sector, you are much more likely to find honeyed clothing, as the pieces are consciously prioritizing both the consumer and the planet by eliminating toxic processes. This means that there is a particular set of guidelines to be met in order for the clothing to be considered mindful, similar to this curated checklist for sensitive skin consumers.

Natural Dyes

Roots, fruit, leaves, and bark have been used to dye fabrics since 2600 BC. It’s a slow and rich process that is made from natural and medicinal sources. There are no harmful additives such as finishing agents or flame retardants like synthetic colors. 

Natural dyes produce high levels of antimicrobial activity, prevent odor from unwelcome bacteria, and protect delicate skin from sunburns due to UV ray properties. Garments created from artificial pigments have the opposite effect because most dyes are water-soluble, and sweat from the body can transfer to the skin, irritate it, and develop an allergy. 

Additionally, natural dyes allow us to bond with our earth by their therapeutic qualities and the soothing reflection of color and organic aesthetics they bring from the outside world. It can be incredibly therapeutic and a meditative medium to relax the body and ward off any unwanted tenderness internally.

Breathable Fabric

In today’s society, our bodies are always under some form of stress, and it can be incredibly uncomfortable inwards and outwards.

Wearing fabrics like cotton and bamboo is beneficial with their feather-like tendencies and will restfully sit on your skin. Because of their breathability and softness, these materials are employed as wound dressings. Bamboo also has anions that assist in cleansing the blood, soothing the nervous system, and reducing allergy symptoms.

They are ideal materials to wear in any season to avoid skin triggers like dampness and friction. It’s best to stay clear from clothing containing polyester, rayon, and nylon, as they are hydrophobic fibers inclined to trap moisture.

Simple Lining

Moving seamlessly can be difficult when bunching and pinching are consistently happening throughout the day. You want your clothing to give you a delicate hug of affirmation, not leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Undergarments are notoriously known to do this and be overly constricting. Raw cut edges and flatlock seams provide more of a second skin without the worry of bands and thick lining digging into your skin, which can cause abrasions, atopic dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris, especially if you are a person who does shave.

These types of garments are typically curated from buttery soft lyocell fibers that also combat bacteria growth while layering other pieces of clothing. 

Approved Clothing

When you have experienced the agony of painful reactions time and time again, it can be difficult to put trust in clothing.

There are organizations like Allergy UK that proudly approve allergy-friendly clothing companies and beyond. For instance, brands like Eczema Clothing received the seal of approval by having their entire cotton comfort range scientifically assessed and authorized by qualified dermatologists on behalf of the organization. 

The certification indicates that the product has been carefully evaluated as acceptable for those living with allergies to dust mites, latex, synthetic fibers, eczema, and universally sensitive skin. 

Washing Before Wearing

It’s an unspoken rule to wash baby garments after purchasing them. But just because we are adults doesn’t mean there should be a lack of cautiousness. It is important to choose a good  detergent. Check Clean People to learn more.

Garments can pick up irritants and dirt along their journey, such as the warehouse to your home and in-store by employees and customers. Microscopic organisms are not made to be seen with the naked eye, so don’t be fooled if there isn’t necessarily visible dirt. 

Since most popular laundry detergents contain over 25 toxic chemicals and other additives that are left untraced, you should look out for brands that are transparent about their ingredients, like Puracy. They collaborated with chemists and pediatric doctors to create a natural solution that was mindful of anyone with allergies and hypersensitive skin, gentle on fabrics, and tackled dirt. 

Conclusion

Even if you don’t necessarily have sensitive skin, it’s essential to become educated on how brands manufacture their goods and advocate for a less irritable future for both the planet and consumers. 

Usher to Headline 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Usher has been announced as the headliner of the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. Super Bowl LVIII will take place on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The NFL, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and Apple Music revealed news on Sunday via a series of promotional videos featuring Kim Kardashian, Deion Sanders, and Marshawn Lynch.

Usher, who will follow Rihanna’s 2023 Halftime Show, previously appeared as a special guest during Black Eyed Peas’ headlining performance at the Super Bowl in 2011. “It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before,” Usher said in a statement. “Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

“Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul,” Jay-Z commented. “His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic.”

Sports investment … Available Opportunities & Side Effects

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Sports, and football in particular, have become more than just a game. Rather, they have turned into a field governed by the rules of investment, industry, television competition, and advertising contracts. It is no longer strange for a company or financial entity to bet on a football team to achieve a mutual benefit, ensuring an improvement in the team’s financial capabilities, and achieving a profit for the investing party. In this context, the Saudi Investment Fund has completed the acquisition of the English club Newcastle, and all that remains is the official announcement, which has not yet been made. The news brought up the issue of sports investment, and revived the debate about the sports and sports benefits of investment, in exchange for enumerating its negatives, whether in terms of inflated wages for players or in terms of the game losing its aesthetics as a result of its transformation into an arena for speculation.

The English Premier League

The English Premier League has become an ideal destination for many investors in recent years, given the levels it offers and the nature of competition it governs, as well as the weight of this league compared to some European leagues, which reflects the step taken by the Saudi Public Investment Fund to buy Newcastle United.

Press sources suggested that the successful experience experienced by Manchester City was behind the decision taken by Saudi officials to invest in the sport of football, and to direct their choice towards the English Premier League to take this step.

Press reports revealed that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is close to buying Newcastle United, which could turn the team, which has been declining for a long time, into a major force in the Premier League.

The value of the deal is estimated at approximately 300 million pounds ($370 million), under which the fund will acquire 80 percent of the club, with the remaining share going to other investors.

These investments can generate significant profits. On the other hand, sports investments can come with some regulatory risks. Market fluctuations, injuries to key players, and changes in team performance can affect the return on investment. Furthermore, some legal and ethical challenges may also arise, especially with regard to sports betting sites while these sites can offer profits to participants due to the growing popularity of online sports betting, they also raise concerns about problem gambling, the integrity of sports, and operators’ adherence to KYC and responsible gambling.

Sports analysts point out that Saudi Arabia is now thoughtfully directing its investments in response to the “Saudi 2030” vision, which seeks to adapt to the changes that the world is experiencing in various sectors, especially football. They confirm the status that Riyadh has enjoyed after the remarkable success it has achieved in hosting many international sporting activities recently, such as the Italian and Spanish Super Cup matches, international friendly matches for national teams, and the International Dakar Rally.

James Dorsey, owner of the blog and book “The Turbulent World of Football in the Middle East,” defines football as a window through which social, political and economic developments in a country can be followed, and this is what can be observed by looking at the developments on the Saudi scene, since the revelation of the Crown Prince. Mohammed bin Salman on the details of the ambitious plan to develop the Kingdom’s policies.

Press reports review the three most important previous acquisitions of English clubs that have achieved remarkable success after the transfer of ownership, the most important of which is Manchester City.

The “New” Manchester City

Football is a window through which one can follow social, political and economic developments in a country

For decades, City has been stuck in the shadow of its powerful neighbour, Manchester United. He ended the last match of the 2007-2008 season, which preceded the takeover deal, with a miserable defeat, 1-8, against Middlesbrough. The club also suffered from difficult circumstances to the point where Belgian Vincent Kompany revealed the suffering that the players experienced as a result of the lack of the most basic equipment in the changing rooms and on the field.

Interview: thr33som3s

thr33som3s, a Brooklyn, New York-based artist, utilises gouache to create a fictional universe depicted through paintings of unusual baseball teams. To talk about his debut solo exhibition, DIALOGU3, hosted by Vellum LA, thr33som3s joined me for an interview.

Firstly, how are you? 

Wow, thanks for asking! I’m recovering after a month in LA and the West. Happy to be back in Brooklyn.

Before discussing art, I wanted to ask about your pseudonym thr33som3s. How did the name come about? 

In a nod to the anonymity/pseudonymity of the crypto and street art scenes, I knew I wanted to take on an artist persona. I decided to make it fun, and sex with two other people at once is as fun as it gets.

Congratulations on your recent debut solo exhibition at Vellum LA. For the exhibition, you’ve utilised blockchain technology. How did that decision come about to use it, and how are you utilising it within your wider work? 

Thank you! The thr33som3s project is made possible by (and really can only exist with) blockchain technology, as it allows me to know where every edition of my work is at any time: who owns it? how did they acquire it? how many other pieces do they own? etc. As such, I can reference past work directly as I determine who is able to collect future work. There is also the possibility of a back-and-forth dialog between collector and artist as all transactions of any edition are forever recorded and publicly visible. Without going too deep in the weeds on this one in a brief interview, blockchain allows collectors of my work to move pieces around between one another as their collections necessitate or even destroy the work (burn) at my direction to unlock new work and further the broader narrative. 

In the exhibition, DIALOGU3, I offered for sale 100 paintings that I haven’t even painted yet. The blockchain transaction of the purchase is fed into a proprietary algorithm which references all 1,400 of my existing paintings and their individual traits and characteristics. I then receive directions from the algorithm of which elements of the old paintings I will reference in the new unique painting. I hand-paint each painting with subject matter determined by blockchain interaction. Over time, the collector decides if they would like me to alter the painting at multiple turns (more blockchain interaction) or take delivery of the piece—the collector ultimately determines when the piece is finished.

With the rise of digital art being so present, how do you feel you fit within the broader art world as an artist?   

Honestly, I think I am creating an entirely new vein of art as a traditional painter and conceptual artist whose work cannot exist in its fullest form without the blockchain. I see myself as a pioneer in my use of this new tech, and I feel the worldbuilding we’ve undertaken as thr33som3s is forging a new path for what’s possible in an artist-centric environment. As such, the thr33som3s and thr33zi3s projects are significantly innovative and historically important.

You use gouache to create your art. What properties of the paint attracted you to using it?  

The water soluble properties of gouache allow me to break it down and build it up over and over again on the same painting. This gives me the opportunity to continually alter and evolve a painting as determined by the collector. A couple drops of water, and some brush work… it just lifts right off the painting.

With your debut solo exhibition well underway, what plans do you have next for your work?  

Well, the core project of thr33som3s is a nearly every day enterprise with a couple hundred new pieces dropping throughout the year, prompting collectors to engage with the work and determine how new paintings emerge. So, that’s a constant. But, I’ll need to head to seclusion for a while to paint the 100 pieces from the DIALOGU3 exhibition. I’m already moving towards the next exhibition whether that’s the fourth generation of thr33zi3s, or something else. There is so much to accomplish in the vast project.

Lastly, what is your definition of culture? 

As I consider my project and the world I’m building, I see myself guiding a culture even more than a community. That means offering an ethos, a standard of behavior and a cohesive movement that excites and empowers everyone involved. I have a project that only continues to exist through the success and development of everyone involved, that becomes our culture.

Discover the Adirondacks: A Guide to Must-Read Books and Trail Guides

The lush landscape of the Adirondacks stands as a testament to the raw and unspoiled beauty of the natural world. This vast and diverse wilderness is famous for its towering peaks, pristine lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the Adirondacks offers a multitude of recreational opportunities just waiting to be explored. These must-read books will inspire you to get outside, whether you are a local or a first-time visitor.

Hikes for Every Level

Bill Ingersoll takes you on a journey through the Adirondacks in 50 Hikes in the Adirondack Mountains, with hikes for all experience levels. Whether it’s fire towers, waterfalls, caves, or wetlands, Ingersoll’s companion guide with detailed tips, like exact odometer readings, will show you the way. 

Photo Credit: The Bookstore Plus
Photo Credit: The Bookstore Plus

A five-mile round-trip hike to Moxham Mountain through forests and wetlands will deliver some of the most spectacular views in the Adirondacks. The trail is for beginners to intermediate hikers with a few steep ascents.

For more views, hike the two-mile round trip Blue Mountain trail for striking views of Blue Mountain Lake, including a fire tower built in 1917 at the summit. Take a self-guided hike to the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves out of Pottersville to see ancient Adirondack geology. Descend into lighted marble caves and grottos with ever-changing sculptured walls to view the natural wonder of nature. 

Pedal Through the Adirondacks

Biking is a great way to see the Adirondacks and Green Goat’s guide to the best cycle training and rides; Map Cycling Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, which will take you from Paul Smiths to Keene Valley to include routes around Whiteface Mountain. 

For an introduction to the area, start in downtown Saranac Lake and take a 31.4-mile cycle along Three Lakes Loop as you pass by Little Colby Pond, Lake Clear, and Upper St. Regis Lake

The mountain bike culture is big in Lake Placid. For the experienced biker, the Lussi Trails take you through private land with diverse terrain. For a more rigorous ride, chance an adventure on Cinderella Story, Lumberyard, or Ty’s Ties. 

Whiteface Region is the Biking Capital of the Adirondacks. Road, mountain, downhill, and fat tire cycling are all welcome here. Roadways are surrounded by lakes, mountains, and rivers, with enough variety to challenge you.

Hike the Peaks

Forty-six high peaks dominate the Adirondacks, and a detailed map is essential to get you there. Enter, Trail guide and map to HP, including a National Geographic waterproof and tear-resistant paper map that will lead you to the best spots for year-round activities. 

Photo Credit: The Bookstore Plus

First, determine your activity level, then follow the guide. Popular hikes include the massive, isolated Lyon Mt. in the north and the small, steep Cheney Mt. in the east, as well as the Champlain Area Trail System. The map trails are clearly marked for biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, or horseback riding. More features include campgrounds, boat launch sites, fishing access, elevations for summits, lakes, and mileage between intersections. It’s a must-read book for peak climbers.

For the Kids

Old Forge, in the central Adirondack region, is the perfect base camp for visitors, with activities galore for kids. From here, you’ll have access to hiking, horseback riding, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling. Visit the abolitionist John Brown’s farm in Lake Placid, where you’ll find well-groomed trails, and children can study wildlife and plant life in different settings. 

Kids will love the Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb, with interactive displays and nearly four miles of trails through lakeshores, rivers, forests, and wetland ecosystems. Learning opportunities abound as you discover the cultural and natural history of the Northern Forest. 

Photo Credit: The Bookstore Plus

John Hayward has compiled a list of easy-to-access waterfall hikes, some roadside, for the average hiker and families in Family-Friendly Waterfall Hikes in the Adirondacks. Hayward’s goal is to maximize the adventure aspect and get you there quickly with scannable QR codes to get directions and navigation from Google Maps. 

To prepare for your trip, review these tips for kid-friendly hiking.

Learn About History Through Art

Take a break from hiking and head to the Adirondack Experience, a multi-faceted museum with over 120 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake. This is no ordinary museum: It’s an open-air campus where you can take part in activities like breaking up a logjam, climbing a classic ADK fire tower, and rowing an authentic guideboat. Not to be missed is the Artist & Inspiration in the Wild exhibits. Over 200 inspired works illustrate the rich traditions of Adirondack art and serve to interpret the vibrant culture of the region from the first inhabitants to the present day. The natural wonders of the region are represented by four distinct galleries: Light, Forest, Mountain, and Water, and each delves deep into the artistic heritage of the Adirondacks.

Where to Find Must-Read Books on the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks endure as a true gem within the tapestry of natural wonders, offering a refuge for both the intrepid adventurer and the soul in search of tranquility. Unspoiled and wild, it represents a connection between nature and humanity and beckons to be explored. Check out Bookstore Plus’ vast collection of books and guides to help you easily navigate this natural wonder.

Voxtrot Return With First New Single in 14 Years

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Voxtrot are back with their first new single in 14 years, ‘Another Fire’. Featuring the group’s five original members – Ramesh Srivastava, Jason Chronis, Matt Simon, Mitch Calvert, and Jared Van Fleet – the track arrives with a video directed by Srivastava. Check it out below.

“‘Another Fire’ is about personal and universal regeneration,” Srivastava said in a press statement. “Hearing it come to life through my bandmates’ contributions was thrilling – just like old times, but unmistakably new.”

Jean Dawson Enlists SZA for New Song ‘NO SZNS’

Experimental pop artist Jean Dawson has teamed up with SZA for a new song titled ‘NO SZNS’. Listen to it below.

Last month, Dawson shared three new songs as part of the second installment of his trilogy, DESTRUCTION FOR DUMMIES, PT. 2 (JEAN DAWSON AS “NIGHTMARE”). His latest album, Chaos Now, came out last year. In 2021, Dawson enlisted Mac DeMarco for the song ‘Menthol*’.

Earlier this month, SZA unveiled an acoustic version of ‘Snooze’ featuring Justin Bieber and joined forces with Drake for ‘Slime You Out’.