South Korean superstar quartet BLACKPINK have announced an August 28 release date for the second single off their massively anticipated debut album. Set for release via YG Entertainment/Interscope Records, the upcoming track will include a surprise feature yet to be announced.
BLACKPINK’s first full-length studio effort, due out October 2nd, will feature “How You Like That” — a trap-pop anthem that surpassed a staggering 100 million streams on Spotify in under a month.
By Vaughn Lowery × Rita Azar
According to CNN, there was a massive explosion in Beirut just now. Shattering glass and debris followed by monstrous amounts of smoke.
A Massive explosion hit an ammunition storage in the port of Beirut. Many Lebanese civilians have been affected, houses have been burned down, glass has been shattered and there has been fatalities.
This blast has not just hit Beirut’s Eastern areas next to the port but has destroyed many key infrastructure building like hospitals, infrastructure buildings, kilometers away, including the headquarters of former prime minister Saad Hariri. The explosive could be heard all the way to the Bekka valleys capital Zahle 56 kilometers away. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut stated, “The explosion was felt across the city.” She added, “There is chaos in the streets.” Tensions are higher than ever.
The source of the explosion is still unknown.
Actual footage can be seen here.
Check out coverage by BBC.
Wines of South Africa (WOSA) USA, the industry association that promotes the exports of South African wine, is calling on members of the wine trade, media and consumers to support the South African wine industry by buying and drinking South African wine. The ban on alcohol, currently back in place in South Africa, could be potentially devastating to the wine industry.
The South African wine industry has been hit especially hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country having experienced one of the strictest lockdowns in the world. The country’s lockdown and prohibition on the sale of alcohol began at the end of March, which included a ban on wine exports. Wine industry associations and organizations came together to lobby against the decision, and, thankfully, the ban on exports was lifted effective May 1.
However, the prohibition of alcohol sales in South Africa remained for over two months, until it was lifted on June 1, for at-home consumption. Restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen in mid-June. Yet with the rationale of the need to free up hospital beds occupied by those suffering from alcohol-related traumas, the South African government reintroduced the latest ban on alcohol on July 13, which is still in effect, with no definitive end date.
The new regulations include both on and off-premise sales, so it is affecting not only wineries, but restaurant workers as well. Those in the wine and hospitality industry have been taking to the streets to protest and put pressure on the government to allow for on-premise sales for sit-down restaurants.
The alcohol ban brings a significant risk to the economic and socioeconomic sustainability of both the South African wine industry and the country as a whole, along with risking the livelihoods of rural communities who are directly affected due to the financial implications from an industry that could quite likely see devastation.
The wine industry creates close to 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly, and is South Africa’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products. As an industry, the contribution to the GDP for the South African economy exceeds more than $2.6 billion annually. The liquor industry as a whole has a deep value chain in the country, employing almost one million people.
The government’s decision has serious economic consequences, placing hundreds of thousands of livelihoods at risk. Many of South Africa’s wine producers are small and family run. It has been estimated that one in five wineries may not survive.
South African wine exports make up roughly 50% of the total production. Since exports of South African wine are still allowed, support overseas is crucial. The US, and other export markets, can play a vital role and make a difference in keeping the industry alive. We are urging those in the trade and media to spread the word, and to educate and encourage consumers to support the South African wine industry by purchasing and drinking South African wines. Keep the discussion and support going on social media with the hashtag #DrinkSouthAfrican.
WOSA USA has some great resources on its website. For those in the wine trade, a list of importers of South African wine is available. For those looking for local retail shops that carry South African wine, a list of retailers across the country can be accessed on the site.
Wines of South Africa (WOSA) is the organization representing all South African producers of wine who export their products. WOSA, which was established in its current form in 1999, has over 500 exporters on its database, comprising all the major South African wine exporters. It is constituted as a not-for-profit company and is totally independent of any producer, wholesaling company or government department but is recognized by the South African Export Council. WOSA’s mandate is to promote the export of all South African wines in key international markets including the United States.
Living with your partner during quarantine seems to go one of two ways. Either you become closer than ever and realize you’re meant to be, or you decide you’re just not that into them (like, why do they eat yogurt during a Zoom meeting?!) and that you need to break up… like, yesterday.
BABE Wine and Bumble (who just hit 100 million users in July) are teaming up for the first time to cover your moving costs if you’re stuck living with your ex, so you can sip and scroll while they do the heavy lifting – literally.
From today, Thursday, July 30 through Thursday, August 6, those who are newly single and looking for a fresh start can tag themselves (or a friend who’s newly single) in BABE’s post on @drinkbabe to be entered into the contest. Five winners will be chosen from the comments, and they’ll officially be one step closer to moving on.
Are you like the majority of people who are spending way more time at home than you usually would? With lockdown measures happening across the country in 2020, and then the slow return to the new normal, people just haven’t been out and active like they normally would. While it’s been an adjustment, there are ways you can stay healthy and active despite being home so much. In fact these may be habits you decide to keep up with even after the pandemic is under control. To get you started on your path to a more active lifestyle at home, here are five tips you can start using right away.
Make Use of Online Exercise Videos
One of the hottest trends to hit during lockdown was an interest in online exercise videos. YouTube is one of the best places to find this content, with thousands upon thousands of free videos to check out. In particular, you can use these videos for cardio workouts, Yoga, and Pilates. You can go about things at your own pace, choose the length of the workout video, and do them as often as you like during the week. Many of these don’t require any sort of special equipment or workout gear, just enough space in a room to move about and perform the various exercises.
Get Yourself a Golf Simulator
If you’re an avid golfer, why not take this time at home to brush up on your skills and therefore improve your game. You can buy your very own golf simulator like one of these that you can set up in your house. With these simulators, the weather outside never matters; you can enjoy a “game of golf” whenever the mood strikes. What’s really great about these simulators is the amount of information and feedback they provide, which you can use to better your game. You’ll get information on your swing, speed, stance, accuracy, and so much more.
Backyard Sports Games
If you happen to have yard space, you have access to a whole host of additional activities. Anything sports related that can be played in your own yard is a fabulous option. This could include activities like badminton, soccer, baseball, bocce ball, lawn darts, croquet, and so forth. If you have kids, these are also the kinds of activities they can get involved in.
Invest in an Exercise Machine
If you plan to keep up with your at-home physical activity in the long-run, it can make sense to make an investment and purchase an exercise machine. Some of the more popular options include a weight machine, a treadmill, an elliptical, a stationary bike, and a rowing machine. The catch with these machines is that you need enough space to use them and store them, so they aren’t usually ideal for smaller sized homes and spaces.
Those House Chores are Exercise Too
Then there are the house chores that need to be done regularly. This includes both the indoor and outdoor chores. These act as their own form of physical activity as you can really work up a sweat and burn some calories doing them. Chores that are known for burning the most amount of calories are vacuuming, mopping, laundry, gardening/weeding, and mowing the grass. In order to get the best results from household chores make sure you do at least one strenuous chore daily.
No Need to Leave the House to Get Active
As you can very well see there is absolutely no reason to leave the house in order to be active and stay healthy. Each of these tips will help you to achieve your health goals.
DaBaby releases new song and music video “NO DRIBBLE” With Stunna 4 Vegas. After ruling the Billboard Hot 100 with three top ten appearances last week, DaBaby’s commanding lead on the music industry continues. For a seventh week, the Charlotte juggernaut holds captive the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 with his bruising single “ROCKSTAR” featuring Roddy Ricch.
With a staggering 11 billion global streams across his three Interscope albums, DaBaby’s sizzling success first dates back to his 2018 effort Baby On Baby, which spent 72 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, including 43 weeks in the top 50. He immediately torpedoed back to prominence in 2019 with his Billboard 200 No. 1 album KIRK. His sophomore attempt spent 42 consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, including 38 weeks in the top 50. His most recent album, 2020’s Blame it On Baby, remains a fierce contender on the Billboard 200 as well, residing on the chart for 13 consecutive weeks, having yet to exit from the top ten.
In autumn this year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will make an historic announcement in launching new Ghost. This product follows the first Goodwood Ghost, which became the most successful motor car in the marque’s 116-year history.
· First of four animated films offering insight into the substance underpinning new Ghost goes live
· Post Opulence identified as emerging design movement defined by reduction and substance
· Podcast series exploring design and engineering philosophy of new Ghost available now
More than six years ago, a team of luxury intelligence specialists, designers, engineers and craftspeople assembled to begin development of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost. Like the first Goodwood Ghost, launched in 2009, this collective would work obsessively to ensure that New Ghost would hold its own place in the Rolls-Royce portfolio and represent a unique set of client values.
Since the introduction of Ghost, which became the most successful Rolls-Royce in history, the marque’s unique proximity its clients afforded the team access to a large body of information. It revealed the divergent interests, opinions and changing taste patterns within Ghost clients’ appreciation of luxury. This primary research allowed them to create a product myopically focussed on the requirements of these remarkable men and women. These insights were what informed the designers, engineers and craftspeople at Rolls-Royce as they moved into the development phase of the highly progressive new Ghost.
As with all primary research conducted by the marque’s specialists, these experts were also asked to present their findings. In this short film, Rolls-Royce shares some of these insights to demonstrate the underlying substance of the highly progressive new Ghost ahead of its official unveiling in autumn this year.
The series begins with Rolls-Royce Designer Henry Cloke, who identified an emerging aesthetic defined by purity and minimalism, internally codenamed Post Opulence. Cloke says, “We found that Ghost clients sought objects that are effortlessly, almost instinctively exceptional. They rejected busy details and flash gimmicks, instead seeking extremely high quality, thoughtfully designed pieces that stand up to the most intense scrutiny. This philosophy defined new Ghost’s minimalist design treatment.”
The marque elected to use the increasingly popular medium of animated illustrations to convey these insights. Renowned illustrator, Charlie Davis, was chosen to cohesively and beautifully represent these findings in a fashion that befits the highly progressive new Ghost.
In addition to these insights presented in animation form, a series of five podcasts have been launched that reveal the marque’s findings, as well as insights into the underlying material and engineering substance of new Ghost in long form. Hosted by Johanna Agerman Ross, Curator of Twentieth Century and Contemporary Furniture and Product Design at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the podcasts are available on Apple, Google, Spotify and Deezer.
POST OPULENCE: ROLL-ROYCE REVEALS THE SUPER-LUXURY CONSUMER INSIGHTS THAT FORMED NEW GHOST HERE.
With most of Europe now opening back up to tourists and travelers after the impact of COVID-19, many of us are starting to think about planning an upcoming European adventure. If you are thinking of going on vacation and want to visit Europe this year after months of uncertainty in quarantine and lockdown, the good news is that most countries on this continent have managed to get control of the coronavirus and are safe to visit once again. Here are some of the top destinations in Europe that can’t be missed.
Portugal:
Portugal is a vibrant, diverse country with so much to see and do that it can feel like you have visited several different countries during your time there. With so much to see and do you will struggle to decide whether you want to enjoy a fun and adventurous city break in magical Porto or explore the sandy beaches and traditional resorts of Albufeira in the Algarve. Or, with trains in Portugal that run regularly, connect the country and can easily be booked online, why not travel to various different Portuguese destinations – don’t restrict yourself to just one place.
Scotland:
With vibrant cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh and rolling countryside including picturesque views in untouched rural areas like on the Isle of Skye, Scotland is the perfect choice for anybody who is looking to visit Europe. While much of Scotland is still in lockdown due to COVID-19 compared to the rest of the UK and Europe, this might be a destination that you want to plan your travel to further in the future – but it will be worth the wait. Get starting putting your trip together with this Scotland trip planner.
Spain:
There’s a reason that Spain is the most popular destination in Europe for tourists. This gorgeous county has just the right combination of cities, villages, and beaches and there really is something for everybody. You can explore the architecture and art in Barcelona, delve into history in Madrid or Seville, or party on the beach in Ibiza or Tenerife – the choice is yours! While Spain was particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus, it is now recovering and ready to welcome visitors once again.
Italy:
Italy is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and indeed in the world. This gorgeous country has a lot to offer, from amazing city breaks in Rome, Florence, Milan or Venice to adventures in the countryside with stunning vineyards and gorgeous beaches to explore. No matter where you go, you will certainly be met with some of the best hospitality that you have ever experienced, not to mention the amazing food and wine in this country that is second-to-none.
France:
Home to Paris, the City of Love, if you are looking for a romantic and intimate getaway with somebody special after the pandemic, there’s no better choice than France. And, since this country is closely bordered with several others in Europe, you can easily get there from destinations in Spain, Portugal, Germany, The Netherlands, and even the UK, with the Eurail train that travels along a tunnel under the English Channel. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city break exploring the big attractions like the Lourve and Eiffel Tower in Paris or want a more relaxed vacation with summer vibes in Marseilles, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Malta:
This European island might be small but it certainly has a lot to offer. Visit Malta for the sand, sea, and some of the most delicious food that you will ever taste. And, there is plenty of gorgeous scenery to enjoy; head to Comino for some of the clearest, bluest sea water you will have ever seen or head into the mountains to explore and enjoy a horseback riding adventure. When it comes to things to do, there’s certainly no shortage of activities that you can enjoy amidst the stunning backdrop from quad biking to gun range shooting, or simply sipping a cocktail on the beach.
Greek Islands:
Last but not least, the Greek islands offer some of the most unparalleled beauty in Europe with white, sandy beaches, clear blue seas, and traditional white-domed churches. Santorini is well-known for being one of the most gorgeous of the Greek islands to visit and is very popular with weddings, but the other options including Corfu, Crete, Paphos, and Thessaloniki are all stunning choices for anybody who is looking for a relaxing vacation surrounded with beautiful nature.
Today, episode five of Bob Marley’s Legacy documentary series continues with ‘Punky Reggae Party,’ an insightful look back at Bob’s time in and impact on London and the rest of the United Kingdom. Dating back from the mid-’70s to this present day, ‘Punky Reggae Party’ explores how Bob’s music and ethos captured the Zeitgeist, detailing his signing to Chris Blackwell’s Island Records, and the welcomed arrival of his sound and the impact he had in the United Kingdom, especially the London-born children of the Windrush generation.
Featuring interviews with music aficionado Don Letts, MP and former shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, award-winning British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE, and Chris Blackwell as well as journalist and broadcaster, Chris Salewicz, British-Nigerian women’s rights activist Seyi Akiwowo, the daughter of a Rasta, Hak BakerMarika, and photographer Adrian Boot, this compelling new 22-minute short touches on a post-war, multi-cultural Britain, the rise of punk, and how Bob Marley, the ultimate rebel, fitted into all of this and helped unite a country through his music. ‘Punky Reggae Party’ is available to watch on Bob Marley’s Official YouTube Channel.
Also, today sees the release of one of the world’s best-selling and most loved albums of our time, LEGEND, available now on limited-edition picture disc. Featuring many of Bob’s most memorable songs, from “One Love/People Get Ready” to “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Is This Love” to “Jammin’,” “Could You Be Loved” to “Three Little Birds.” The album also includes eight more classics, in celebration of #BobMarley75, and is available from today in a limited-edition picture disc presenting the iconic cover shot backed with a previously unseen image of Bob.
Last Sunday, eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning Ziggy Marley performed an extraordinary one-off, virtual performance, paying homage to his father’s timeless catalog. Ziggy performed eleven of Bob Marley’s legendary tracks in an intimate setting that was live streamed on Bob Marley’s official YouTube channel. Following the concert, Ziggy participated in an exclusive Q&A on CEEK’s Virtual Reality content streaming platform, and a select number of 360VR tracks will also be available on CEEK’s platform. The audio of the full performance, Ziggy Marley – Bob Marley 75th Celebration (pt. 1), will be available as an e-album, on July 31.
In other news, Ziggy Marley released a brand new single, “Play With Sky (feat. Ben Harper)” today. The track, written by Ziggy, comes from his new upcoming family album, MORE FAMILY TIME. This release is a follow up to his 2009’s Grammy® and Emmy winning album, FAMILY TIME, and is due out on September 18. Listen to ‘Play With Sky (feat. Ben Harper)
Last week, members of the Marley family, in conjunction with Tuff Gong International and Amplified Music, released a reimagination of the late Bob Marley’s iconic anthem, “One Love,” featuring musicians from all corners of the globe, artists from conflict zones and children living in vulnerable communities to support UNICEF’s work to reimagine a fairer, more just world for children whose lives have been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. All net proceeds from the sale of streams of the recording will directly support Reimagine, UNICEF’s global campaign to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from becoming a lasting crisis for children and to ensure the post-pandemic world is more fair and equal for every child. Every US$1 donated to ONE LOVE by the public will be matched by jewelry brand Pandora up to the value of US$1 million dollars.
In addition, the Marley Family is announcing the Wrangler® x Bob Marley collection that was created through a collaborative process with Wrangler in celebration of what would be the icon’s 75th Birthday in 2020. The 11-piece collection launching Monday, July 27, features heavy reggae influences and revivals of Marley’s favorite Wrangler styles, including one men’s and one women’s denim jacket, four men’s and three women’s tees, and two unisex lasered shirts. Wrangler has worked with the Marley family over the past year to design a unique collection that commemorates a music icon who has inspired generations of people through his commitment to fierce idealism and powerful songwriting. In celebration of the collaborative collection, Wrangler will donate $25,000 to The Bob Marley Foundation. The Bob Marley Foundation, is a Jamaican nonprofit organization focusing on Education, Music & Culture, Environmental Protection, and the health and well being of the Rastafarian community.
On July 31, the acclaimed ‘Marley’ documentary will be screening in virtual and select traditional cinemas worldwide. Directed by Oscar-winning Kevin Macdonald, the documentary features a combination of legendary music concerts, rare footage, and interviews with Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Chris Blackwell and many more. Blue Fox Entertainment will release the film theatrically. Watch the official trailer to ‘Marley’ HERE.
Earlier this month in continued observance of the late and legendary Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday, and in honor of the July 1st International Reggae Day celebrations, an official music video for Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,” was released. Directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City, the powerful visual explores two tales of a family divided by country but connected by their love and want for a better life for their children. We see a strong and loving Mother strive to look after her children in their homeland. At the same time, the father works tirelessly, isolated in New York City, working as a taxi driver to better provide for his family back home. The video shines a light on the importance of family and connection while confronting the genuine struggles many families face in the modern world, often forced apart due to poverty. The video for “No Woman No Cry” debuted on Bob Marley’s Official YouTube Channel.
Lastly, SiriusXM continues with Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on channel 42 through August 13. The limited-edition channel features the music of Bob Marley and his band The Wailers and highlights studio and live performances, widely popular songs, and rare tracks. Additionally, listeners will hear recordings from the Marley family as well as artists who are a part of the iconic brand and label founded by Bob Marley, Tuff Gong. Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio is available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category, internet-connected devices and smart speakers in your home.
Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country’s warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley’s lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 70 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley’s music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection, LEGEND, holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine’s Catalog Albums chart and remains the world’s best-selling reggae album. Marley’s accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001).
After the American public responded to Kanye West’s announcement to run for President in the upcoming election, Kim Kardashian West felt that it was necessary to speak out about her husband and address certain issues that she wants to communicate to the public. There has been a great deal of mixed rhetoric surrounding Kanye’s announcement to run for President, especially since many of his followers know he suffers from Bi-polar disorder and makes extremely controversial statements from time to time.
According to CNN Entertainment, through the use of Instagram stories, Kim expressed her perspective regarding Kanye, and proceeded to claim that he is a “brilliant but complicated” person. Although Kanye has been pretty open about his mental health in the past, Kim and others close to him have spoken up about how he should receive any mental health support he needs. In short, Kim publicized her thoughts and comments about Kanye to those who follow his actions in order to gain “compassion and empathy” on his part.
