SIMULATE THE MIND
"One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth watching."
THE HUNDREDS LOS ANGELES
in Fashion, Miscellaneous
When people open shops, they don’t think about how to close them. Of course not. That’s like planning a break-up on the first date. But, knowing when, why, and how to shutter a store is just as important as the grand opening.
For The Hundreds, our flagship stores have played an indispensable role in telling the story, a reflection of who we were at each stage of the process. We built our first store in the Fairfax District when we were 26-year-old kids with an unknown T-shirt brand, naive and bright-eyed. Over a decade later, we asked ourselves, “If we were to build a store today, how would it look and perform?” With the mounting success of our online shop and wholesale business, we also took a hard look at brick-and-mortar’s purpose. Is it a venue to experience the brand? Is it a communal grounds? Does it drive sales or marketing or both? We wiped our palate clean and started with a blank slate. In 2018, The Hundreds deserves a home that encapsulates 15 years of our history as well as set us up for the next 15 years…
We searched for a fresh start and then it came knocking. Literally next door. All the way back in 2005 when we first moved into our office on Rosewood Ave., Ben and I fantasized about opening our first store in the corner spot. But then, SLB moved in, and then the keys passed to RVCA. We didn’t mind establishing our retail presence in that Rosewood alley. Business, like life, is all about timing, and we weren’t ready for the main stage. But then, our landlord called and told us the space was ours to take. 501 N Fairfax. It was hard to let go of the past, but it was time to start writing the next chapter. Today, we open The Hundreds Los Angeles in its rightful place on the corner of Fairfax and Rosewood. I invite you all to come be a part of The Hundreds history—and future.
#RSWDFOREVER
- Bobby Hundreds
SIMULATE THE MIND
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
You are powerful because YOU have a choice!
This is probably one of the MOST POWERFUL image I've ever seen. Being an artist it is usually difficult to portray the visuals you have been visualizing in your head into reality, but this image is something else.
Always remember that we all have choices. Emotions is the fuel that powers your life, and you can always "choose" which mask you going to wear in an every day basis. Never forget that YOU ARE POWERFUL, and you have the "power of choice" to choose and to change whatever you want in your life.
So which mask are you going to choose? For right now, the next hour, the whole day, and for the rest of your life.
Some Disneyland Employees Struggle To Pay For Food, Shelter, Survey Finds
A new survey of union employees at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., has found that more than two-thirds of respondents say they are food insecure at the resort advertised as the "happiest place on Earth."
Disneyland employs about 30,000 people, according to the company. The surveyors say they heard from about 5,000 employees representing nine unions at Disneyland. One in ten reported that they have been homeless in the last two years, or haven't had their own place to sleep. Nearly three quarters say they don't bring in enough money to cover their monthly basic expenses.
Unions representing park staff are in the middle of, or about to start, negotiations with management. The survey was underwritten by The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions, a group of unions that work in Disneyland.
"While we recognize that socio-economic challenges exist for many people living in Southern California, we take pride in our employment experience," Disneyland spokesperson Suzi Brown said in a statement to NPR.
She described the report as an "inaccurate and unscientific survey" and questioned its methodology and motivations. Disney claims that the survey did not use proper controls about who could take it. However, Occidental College professor Peter Dreier, who was involved in developing the methodology, described that as "totally wrong" because the survey required employee ID numbers that were checked for duplication.
"Rather than deal with the issues we identified in the report — low wages, inadequate health insurance, lack of any day care, food insecurity, lack of respect, etc — Disney is desperately trying to deflect attention by criticizing the methods," Dreier said in an email to NPR.
Credit: Jae C. Hong/AP
While the respondents comprised about one in six of the park employees, it's not clear how the results would be different for the broader staff. The company says that the average annual wage for full-time hourly staff last year was about $37,000, and that it has recently introduced an educational program for its hourly workforce.
The park's profits are rising. Park revenues last quarter "increased 13% to $5.2 billion," according to the company. Prices are rising for tickets, food and merchandise, and attendance is growing, according to the company. The union report states that Disney's total profit increased by more than 500 percent in 2017 dollars from 2000 to 2017.
Still, the average hourly wages for park employees have been decreasing for more than 15 years, according to the survey.
"The average hourly wage for Disneyland Resort workers in real dollars dropped 15% from 2000 to 2017, from $15.80 to $13.36," the report states. Disneyland said it was still reviewing the specific numbers in the report.
"I've been 29 years with Disney. I only get $15.70 an hour," an unnamed full-time concierge who is living with a friend told the surveyors. "Sometimes I go without food."
"The pay is so poor I worry every month if I'll be living in my car again or not be able to pay my car payment and live in the streets," said another full-time worker.
California's statewide minimum wage is $11 at companies with 26 or more people on the payroll and $10.50 at smaller employers. It's set to increase annually, reaching $15 for all employers by 2013.
But even that is not a "living wage" in California, according to a recent report from the California Budget & Policy Center. Here's The Orange County Register on that report's findings:
"Taking into account housing, food, child care, transportation, medical needs, and basics such as clothing, housekeeping supplies and telephone service, along with income and payroll taxes, a California family of four with two working parents needs annual earnings of $75,952 on average to afford basic necessities.
"This is equivalent to each working parent having a full-time job that pays $18.26 an hour. A family with only one working parent would need to earn $28.53 an hour to make ends meet, the report estimates."
The union survey shows that the Disney workforce is getting older, with 18 percent at age 55 or older. "The conception of Disneyland Resort workers as young people with few financial realities does not match reality," says the report.
At the same time, some employees reported that the erratic work hours make it more difficult to hold down a second job. About one in four employees surveyed say they have the same schedule every week.
Enjoy New and Returning Disneyland Resort Entertainment with Pixar Fest Dining Packages
Pixar Fest is coming to Disneyland Resort, April 13 through September 3, and I can’t wait! This first-ever celebration of friendship and beyond brings favorite Pixar stories and characters together for a limited time with special parades, fireworks and more throughout the Disneyland Resort. What’s even better is that there are some amazing dining packages available that can make your Pixar Fest experience one to remember, and I’m here to give you all of the tasty details!
“Paint the Night” Parade Dining Packages
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: A spectacular nighttime pageant of magic and imagination awaits you, with special dining packages for the “Paint the Night” parade! That’s right – this legendary parade is coming to Disney California Adventure park for Pixar Fest starting April 13, and reservations are now open for the “Paint the Night” Parade Dining Packages.
With these packages, you can embark on a culinary adventure highlighted by one of the biggest and brightest parades in Disneyland Resort history. Start your journey with a mouthwatering feast from your choice of two popular Disney California Adventure park restaurants. Step into a Golden-Era movie palace where premier cuisine takes “centerscreen” at Carthay Circle Restaurant or experience Napa Valley’s passion for wine and fresh fare in an idyllic Mediterranean setting at Wine Country Trattoria. And at the end of your meal, you’ll receive vouchers that will give you entrance to special viewing areas where you can enjoy the spectacular sights of “Paint the Night” parade as it makes its way through the park.
At Wine Country Trattoria, prepare to be transported to the heart of Napa Valley as you savor a three-course culinary experience with flavors of California and the Mediterranean. Start of the evening with Italian Insalata with pepperocinis, Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, shaved parmesan and a red wine vinaigrette or the Chef’s Soup Selection – Italian Wedding Soup. Then enjoy the main course with selections such as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with seasonal vegetables, arugula, tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, Tuscan Salad, Linguine alle Vongole or Fettuccine Shrimp Alfredo. And finally, top off the meal with a decadent dessert of either Trattoria Tiramisù or Chocolate Panna Cotta!
At Carthay Circle Restaurant, dine in style with a four-course meal as you take in the elegance and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. For the first course, experience a delicious Crab Custard with chilled asparagus, and then move to the second course with a savory Soup of Roasted Parsnip accented with Winter Pears, Dried Cranberries and Rosemary Ham. For the main course – choose between the Sustainable Fish of the Day with Spanish chorizo, Bay shrimp and red bell pepper romesco, or Stone Creek Prime New York Steak with winter root whipped potatoes and Cabernet Essence. And finally – for dessert you can enjoy the sweet Painter’s Palette!
Sonoma Terrace “Paint the Night” Parade Reception
Ignite the night with tasty treats, libations, reserved viewing and a serving of Disney magic with the Sonoma Terrace “Paint the Night” Parade Reception. If you’re looking to end your night on a deliciously dazzling note, then this unforgettable evening is for you! This dining experience welcomes kids of all ages to experience “Paint the Night” parade from reserved seating in the beautiful Sonoma Terrace. At the event, you can help yourself to charcuterie and desserts served with wine, beer and other non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll even receive a box of tasty truffles to enjoy later!
Pixar Play Parade Dining Package
In Disneyland park, experience Pixar Fest by dining at Plaza Inn before enjoying Pixar Play Parade, debuting April 13. Here you can savor a delicious picnic-inspired meal with a chicken breast and leg, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, lemon green beans, watermelon salad, pudding dessert and your choice of beverage. The kid’s meal will include chicken tenders, choice of side, fruit, pudding dessert and your choice of beverage. In addition, vegetarian options are available upon request. When you book this dining package, you will also receive Disney FASTPASS for special reserved viewing areas for Pixar Play Parade, where you’ll discover some of your favorite Pixar pals from “Up,” “Inside Out” with brand-new story elements.
Reservations for this dining package will open early March, so stay tuned for more info!
SIMULATE THE MIND
"To change anything on the outside, you must become the change on the inside. How the change will happen on the outside is not up to you. That is the job of the Universe. Your job is to radiate all good from the inside, and the outside circumstances will change to reflect the "all good" inside you."
SIMULATE THE MIND
"Think your way into the experience of what it's like to be living in your desire."
FOCAL POINT BRAND | SUMMER18 | COMING SOON
SIMULATE THE MIND
"The process of creation is always about you getting yourself into harmony with what you want. It is never about the law of attraction. One day you think good thoughts, then the next day not such good thoughts, and then the next day good thoughts, and so on. The permanent state of believing without shred of doubt is something you have to learn, and you get better and better at it with practice."
Chris Tucker Confirms 'Rush Hour 4' Is Happening
Late last year while visiting the The Cruz Show, actor and stuntman Jackie Chan confirmed that Rush Hour 4was in the works, however only Chris Tucker was left to approve the next chapter.
Now Tucker has confirmed the project himself during an appearance on ESPN’s podcast The Plug. During the show Tucker was asked if he and Jackie Chan would ever team up again, more specifically for the Rush Hour franchise, to which Tucker replied, “It’s happening. This is gonna be the rush of all rushes.” Tucker continued, “Jackie is ready and we want to do this so that people don’t ever forget it.”
Chan himself stated last year, “For the last seven years, we’ve been turn[ing] down, turn[ing] down the script. But yesterday, we agreed.” At the time, Chan said Tucker was still undecided. Keep it locked here for more details when they surface. Though the month has almost come to an end, check out the best films and TV shows for February.
Drake Releases Video For "God's Plan" (Watch Drizzy give out almost $1 million USD.)
After releasing the single back in January, Drake has returned with a video for “God’s Plan.” The visual begins by explaining that the team gave away all $996,631.90 USD of the video’s budget, which would explain the string of charitable gestures that Drake has taken part in recently.
The resulting video features some of Drake’s big gestures, including paying for stranger’s groceries, donating $50,000 USD towards a student’s college tuition fees, and supporting struggling families. Earlier reports had estimated that Drake had given away $175,000 USD over the course of the video’s filming. Take a look at the “God’s Plan” video above, and let us know what you think of Drake’s latest effort in the comments below.
In other music news, A$AP Rocky, Gucci Mane and 21 Savage have collaborated on a new track.
SIMULATE THE MIND
"Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own."
SIMULATE YOUR HEART/MIND
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! What is V-Day? It's a day to spend with your partner and have passionate love throughout the whole day. But in reality, personally being single for 5 years now, the main key is to "love yourself." Why?
Here's why:
- Life becomes simpler and lighter. When you love yourself more then things simply become lighter and easier. You won’t make as many mountains out of molehills (or out of plain air) as you used to. Or beat yourself up or drag yourself down over mistakes or temporary setbacks.
- You’ll have more inner stability and self-sabotage less. When your opinion of yourself goes up then you’ll stop trying to get so much validation and attention from other people.
- You’ll be happier. You become less needy and find an inner stability even when your world might be negative or uncertain at times. The increasing self-esteem and self-love also makes you feel more deserving of good things in life and so you’ll self-sabotage less and go after what you deep down want with more motivation and focus than ever before.
Always remember that when you adopt the viewpoint that there is nothing that exists that is not part of you, that there is no one who exists who is not part of you, that any judgment you make is self-judgment, that any criticism you level is self-criticism, you will wisely extend to yourself an unconditional love that will be the light of the world. Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself – no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are – completely; the good and the bad – and make changes as YOU see fit – not because you think someone else wants you to be different.
So Happy V-Day once again!
-AG
Pixar Pier to Open June 23 at Disney California Adventure Park; New ‘Incredibles’ Float to Join ‘Paint the Night’ Parade
As Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announced at D23 Expo Japan, Pixar Pier will open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park. This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. Guests will enter Pixar Pier through a new marquee, pictured above, which will be topped by the iconic Pixar lamp later in the year.
The June 23 opening of Pixar Pier will also include the Incredicoaster – a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that will bring the Parr family racing alongside you in a high-speed adventure.
Also coming in June is a dazzling new float for the popular “Paint the Night” parade featuring Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.” This new float will bring all of the fun and excitement of the Incredibles’ world to life with high-tech, pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films. Dynamic and innovative visual technology will also bring Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack to life, showcasing their powers in surprising ways!
“Paint the Night” Parade makes its Disney California Adventure park debut when the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration begins throughout the Disneyland Resort on April 13.
Kobe 1 "Protro" x UNDFTD
Following a preview from the Swoosh a few days earlier, UNDEFEATED delivers the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 “Protro” in a pack featuring three colorways matching its signature colorways. The Camo version gets a white midsole and Five Strikes branding while the white rendition sees classic black logos similar to the brand’s Nike Dunk High released back in 2013. A third Olive/Orange suede model was teased by UNDEFEATED CEO Eric Peng Cheng and will most likely be a friends and family version similar to the UNDFTD x Air Max 97 collaboration from last November.
Take a first look above, and expect the White/Gum and Camo Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protros to hit shelves on February 15 and February 16, respectively. Currently there is no information on the release date for the Olive Green pair, but keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Official Release Info For The Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro
Nike unveiled the Zoom Kobe 1 Protro, an evolved retro that is tailored to fit the needs of today’s athlete without compromising its original design. The Protro, a combination of the words “performance” and “retro”, will feature full-length Air Zoom cushioning and a lighter build while featuring the black/yellow colorway of its first iteration. It appears that Nike has big plans for Zoom Kobe 1 as we’ve already learned of a collaboration with LA-based UNDEFEATED, while the timing of the releases appear to coincide with the NBA All-Star game taking place in Los Angeles, the city where Bryant made his name. There certainly is more to come from the revived Nike Kobe footwear legacy, and it all starts next week.
The Zoom Kobe 1 Protro will release on 2/17 for $175 on nike.com and the SNKRS app at 11 AM EST.
SIMULATE THE MIND
"Stop letting people who do little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions."
- Will Smith