Piedmont Park Conservancy sends letter with COVID_19 updates to its Patrons

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piedmont park covid_19 fashionado

Piedmont Park is an Atlanta staple. The historic park that spans more than 200 acres is one of the most popular (and beautiful) spots in Midtown Atlanta. From music festivals to community based events or just picnic-ing in the park or playing with your dogs, Piedmont Park has now become the to-go place for cabin fevered self-quarantined Atlantans.

The President of the Piedmont Park Conservancy provided COVID_19 updates as it relates to park business and the public so we felt it was worth sharing:

I am writing to you today because of the new reality that COVID-19 has brought to Piedmont Park.

Piedmont Park, already the most visited attraction in Atlanta, has seen an immense surge in visitation since St. Patrick’s Day weekend when Atlanta companies, schools and local attractions all began to close and move to home-based activities. Visit the Park on any given day, and you would think it was a summer Saturday in the Park with some sort of event happening. But instead, we are seeing people who just need to get out of their homes, clear their minds and move their muscles in an open, 200+ acre space that doesn’t threaten their social distancing efforts.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy is working harder than ever. Our small landscape crew is continuing to operate in order to keep up with the park demand. Director of Operations David Esslinger is strategically rotating and distancing the crew in order to preserve our workforce so that everyone can enjoy Piedmont Park for however long this lasts. Eight men, David, Stanley, Derek, Alan, John, Lorenzo, Todd and Michael, are showing up to contribute to something much bigger than themselves.

Right now, City of Atlanta parks are open. Our bathrooms need more cleaning, and we recently obtained 30 extra trash bins which need emptying. We also made an investment of adding soap dispensers to all of Piedmont Park’s bathrooms, and are funding the soap supply throughout this time, even though we typically rely on city funds for bathroom maintenance. 

Even if mandates relating to isolation or gatherings become more stringent, Piedmont Park is in full bloom: the grass will still grow, plants and trees will still need watering, and bushes will need trimming. Without focused care and attention, it doesn’t take long for beautiful Piedmont Park to not be so beautiful.

We are adjusting to operational disruptions that nonprofits everywhere are experiencing - Our volunteer groups are no longer a resource. Two of our three revenue streams, public programs and facility rentals, are and will be experiencing a significant loss for the foreseeable future. But thanks to a dedicated staff, committed board of directors and friends like you, I know we will be able to weather these unprecedented times together.

We encourage you to visit our alerts and closures page for the latest updates: https://www.piedmontpark.org/alerts-closures/ Please never hesitate to contact us if we can provide any information or be of service.

Thank you for your continued passion and interest in beautiful Piedmont Park. 

Mark Banta
President and CEO
Piedmont Park Conservancy

Stay healthy. Stay safe.

FASHIONADO

Here’s What to Know About the Coronavirus Pandemic Today

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As more facts and figures emerge around the pandemic COVID-19 in the days ahead, Vogue will be pinpointing exactly what you need to know each morning AND we at FASHIONADO felt it is important to help spread the word. Please stay safe…

Below, here are the latest updates.

For official information on coronavirus prevention, please visit the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. There are now coronavirus cases in all 50 states, as West Virginia reported its first yesterday.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared a “human biosecurity emergency,” which allows government officials to enforce shelter-in-place orders and curfews if necessary. The government has also banned large indoor gatherings for more than 100 people.

The European Union has banned non-essential travel to Europe for at least 30 days. In the U.S. officials are expected to enact limits for crossing the Canadian border, in addition to the travel bans from Europe, China, and Iran.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said that a shelter in place order could be announced in the next 48-hours, though he and Governor Andrew Cuomo are in disagreement about the potential mandate. A shelter in place order has been expanded in Northern California, which will affect 8 million people.

The White House is working with Congress to create a $1 trillion stimulus package in the midst of massive financial fallout during the coronavirus crisis. The package would benefit small businesses, the airline industry, as well as provide direct payments to low and middle-income households.

The International Olympics Committee and the Japanese government are still planning to move forward with the 2020 Olympics in July despite growing concern from athletes around the world.

The 2020 Glastonbury Music Festival in England has been canceled. The headliners included Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Paul McCartney.

Amazon will only receive essential items in its UK and US warehouses until April 5th in an effort to prioritize inventory space for household and medical supplies. The company will still sell non-essential goods but may sell out of items faster.

As of this morning, there are more than 198,000 cases of coronavirus worldwide. Read more helpful tips from experts on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Source: Vogue

FASHIONADO

How to Feel Your Most Confident Self this Valentine’s Day

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Whether you’re going on a blind date or spending time with your spouse, Valentine’s Day can be quite intimidating and daunting. However, radiating confidence is one guaranteed way to impress that special someone. While this task may seem difficult to implement, it can be achieved with just a few tricks. Here are some of our tips on how to feel more confident this Valentine’s Day.

To start off, you’re going to want to dress to impress. Studies have shown that clothing can actually influence your mindset. Going above and beyond to dress up this year will not only impress your date, but it will also help you feel more confident. If you haven’t gone shopping for a new suit in a while, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity. Check out this selection of suits to help you get started. With that being said, you’ll also want to spruce up your grooming. A clean-shave will be sure to help you feel put together and ready to go. In order to do so, experiment with top of the line razors that will get you the smooth and sharp shave you need for your date.

Next, you’ll want to plan out your date night. Going into the date with a plan will not only help you to feel more prepared, but it will also boost your self-confidence. Knowing you have a killer night planned will shift the focus from trying to figure out where to go and what to do to simply focusing on your partner. If you’ve been with your partner for a few years, try taking them somewhere new and exciting! Going outside your comfort zone and trying something new will be sure to give them an exciting night. In contrast, for a first date or a blind date, dinner and a movie can be a great start to your potential relationship. Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re unsure where to begin!

Last (but definitely not least), you’ll need to remember to have a positive mindset. It can be easy to doubt yourself, especially when going on a date with someone new. But having a hopeful outlook for the date and focusing on the positive will give you a confident attitude that will be sure to impress your partner. Thinking positively has also been proven to lower levels of stress and improve your overall physical wellbeing. Focusing on the good in a situation, surrounding yourself with people who make you happy, and utilizing positive affirmations are just some of the ways to turn a negative mindset into a positive one. Not sure where to start? Take a look at this article for more tips to help you stay positive.

Confidence is more than just a smile and a firm handshake; it’s a state of mind. Showing your date you’re confident and comfortable in your own skin will allow them to feel more comfortable and confident on the date as well. Overall, it’s important to keep the focus on your date and give them a night they’ll never forget.

FASHIONADO

Dressing Like a Million Bucks: How Looking Good Can Affect Your Poker Game

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When you walk into a room, one of the first things that people tend to notice is how you’re dressed. Looking sharp and well groomed will give you an instant confidence boost and guarantee your welcome in almost any room. In the world of poker, this is no different. In our article on ‘How to Achieve 'Understated Elegance' in 3 Simple Steps’, we describe how going for simple and classic clothes that fit you well is guaranteed to hit the mark. Less is also more when it comes to accessories as well as hair and grooming. With these tips in mind, you’ll help ensure that you’re physically and mentally ready for your next poker game.

While poker used to be a casual pastime often enjoyed at home via online platforms, many of the high profile tournaments nowadays are very much glamorous social events held in the very best gaming establishments across the world. Yahoo’s article on ‘How PPPoker is Bringing a New Social Dynamic to Poker’ outlines how the game has increased in popularity throughout the years due to a combination of community-based technologies and high-profile major events. In more ways than one, this trend has encouraged some players to be more conscious about how they look, act, and dress.

Over time, clothing trends have come and gone. Men’s Fashion Magazine describes how the cowboy look was popular in poker games in the past due to the game being “dominated by strong manly types from the Southwest”. More recently, sports jerseys, football caps, and comfortable outfits have become the norm due to the long hours players have stay at the tables. On the other hand, more stylish types choose to wear blazers or smart casual outfits, including business suits with sharp shoes and a tie. Other accessories include oversized headphones, which can also help keep your head in the game. The typical poker pro tends to wear sunglasses, baseball hats, hoodies, or masks and facial hair to hide much of their facial expressions. Alternatively, others who are more disruptive want to dress a little off-kilter to strategically confuse their opponents.

However, dressing well can eventually land you a sponsorship deal and help you become a part of the big leagues. In Forbes’ article on ‘How to Get to The World Series of Poker Final Table’, Chad Holloway, 2013 WSOP bracelet winner, states that getting to the final table means that apart from players winning seven-figures in prize money, “many become poker celebrities and are considered big names for years to come. There are also sponsorship opportunities (much less than in years past though),” which means that as well as upping your game, you should try to dress well to catch a sponsor’s eye.

Finally, no matter how you decide to dress for your next poker game, always make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin. Inc mentions the concept of thin-slicing, which is defined as the process of analyzing visual details instantaneously. The first impression you make when you sit down at that poker table will instantly affect how other players view you, so it’s up to you to project a confident and cool exterior to match your game.

FASHIONADO

Wonder Woman 1984 Trailer

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My Wonder Woman was always Linda Carter, that is, until Gal Gadot embraced the super heroine and made us fall in love with her. I’ve wathced the movie several times now (or more) and like most of us, I’ve been holding my breath for the sequel. Well… it’s coming! For now the trailer will have to do… It’s fantastic! Wonder Woman 1984 is set in the 80s and (appropriately) the musical score for the trailer is a remix of New Order’s Blue Monday.

Here is more on Wonder Woman 1984 from cnet.com:

It hints at a friendship between Gal Gadot's Diana Prince and Kristen Wiig's Barbara Minerva, an archaeologist who channels an ancient goddess known as Cheetah. (Cheetah's a known WW villain, so this friendship is doomed.)

Spoiler alert: The trailer also reveals that yes, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is back. He sacrificed himself in the first film, so we're not sure how this works out, but it's a good decision plot-wise, even if it doesn't make sense continuity-wise.

Wonder Woman 1984 is now scheduled for a June 5, 2020, release, moved back from its original December 2019 release date to avoid competing with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Jenkins wrote the script with Geoff Johns, president and chief creative officer of DC Comics, and screenwriter Dave Callaham.

Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer will score the film. Zimmer originally composed Wonder Woman's theme song for her film debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016.

Gadot noted on Dec. 23, 2018 that she had filmed in "four very different locations in three countries." According to North Wales Live, the film shot some scenes at an iconic waterfall in Snowdonia, a Welsh national park. We can imagine WW battling a baddie in front of (or under?) a rushing waterfall, can't you?

Read MORE…

FASHIONADO

BEYOND THE CATWALK BOOK LAUNCH

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Last night, at the Jennifer Balcos Gallery in Buckhead, DOTC Foundation and Fashionado founder, E. Vincent Martinez hosted the book release and signing of his photo book, Beyond The Catwalk, to a packed house.

His vision of creating editorial quality fashion images was realized by a very talented team, co-lead by Martinez’s colleague and friend, Taylor Bareford. Both worked with emerging fashion designers, photographers and professional stylists and models to bring to life a collection of photographic images, with dogs, all shot on location at Atlanta’s Goat Farm.

In the Fall of 2018, a conversation was had between the President of the Art Institute of Atlanta and fashion professor E. Vincent Martinez about creating a stylish, philanthropic event to benefit the Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation [DotC] – a 501 c3 that supports pet-based organizations.

The concept behind Beyond The Catwalk was to style and create high-fashion images using garments designed by emerging student designers and to feature dogs with professional models. Photography professor, Taylor Bareford, who was an instrumental collaborator in this project, worked closely with Martinez on all aspects of art direction and production. Bareford and Martinez share a like-minded aesthetic and sensibility which brought forth an organic and contagious synergy to the project. The shooting schedule spanned over four weeks between January and February of 2019 and involved a team of photographers, designers, stylists, pets and their owners.

Beyond The Catwalk exceeded all expectations. The images are beautiful, dramatic and engaging – not an easy feat when you consider that dogs are inherently cute and we weren’t going for “cute.” One of the educational goals of the project was to offer a real-world experience to the students by taking them out of the classroom, shooting on location and allowing them to communicate their vision with the professional team.    

The mission of the Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation (DotC) is two-fold. DotC is a 501c 3 that provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations whose mission is to enhance the lives of individuals living with disabilities and other special needs, and to those organizations who provide safety and loving homes to animals in need. In addition to supporting non-profit organizations, because Doggies on the Catwalk was created in the classroom, we are committed to providing educational assistance through the form of grants to arts education and fashion design programs. Proceeds from the sales of Beyond The Catwalk benefit the organization.

You can purchase your Beyond The Catwalk book HERE.

FASHIONADO