Posts tagged with "illustration"

Alicia Keys MasterClass

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MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, today announced that 15-time Grammy Award®-winning artist Alicia Keys will teach a class on songwriting and producing. For the first time ever, Keys will not only reveal her complete approach to songwriting but also share her inspiring philosophies on how to unlock authenticity, empathy and vulnerability. Keys’ class is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 90+ instructors with an annual membership.

“Alicia is simply a legend,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “She appeals to and unites her audience with empathy and empowerment. In her MasterClass, Alicia not only breaks down her creative process, but deconstructs her most influential songs. She inspires all of us to control our power and purpose.”

Designed for artists of all levels, Keys’ MasterClass will share her rare and valuable insight into songwriting with soul. Within the intimate setting of her personal studio, Keys will take members through her entire process, starting with developing lyrics at the piano in the Live Room, recording and layering vocals in the Iso Booth, and finally, arranging sonics in the Control Room. Breaking down the anatomy of her many anthemic tracks, she explains the various influences and elements that come together to create her signature authentic and retro-futuristic sound, including how she harnesses the power of specific vocal arrangements and experiments with instruments and software. Fans will appreciate her rare deconstruction of the creative process behind one of her most iconic hits, “Fallin’.” Keys will also go beyond her technical skills to discuss her take on inequalities in the music industry and how she’s creating more space at the table for those whose voices are silenced. Offering a rare look at the wealth of knowledge and experience behind her monumental career, her class will empower members to define their purpose, channel their empathy and find their authentic rhythm.

“I cannot stress enough the power you have when you’re truly confident in yourself,” said Keys. “In my MasterClass, I’m excited to connect on a different level. We’re gonna talk about what I’ve learned, my process and how to access what’s inside of you, so you can connect and get it out into the world.”

A talented performer from a young age, Keys scored her first No. 1 hit in 2001 with “Fallin’,” which was featured on her debut album, Songs in A Minor, and landed her her first five Grammy Awards, including those for Song of the Year and Best New Artist. She’s released six more critically acclaimed studio albums since her debut: The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), As I Am (2007), The Element of Freedom (2009), Girl on Fire(2012), Here (2016) and, most recently, Alicia (2020). As one of the most influential songwriter-performers of the last two decades, Keys has been honored with countless awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards and seven BET Awards, as well as the Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to her singing career, Keys is also acclaimed for her humanitarian work, philanthropy and activism. At just 22 years old, she co-founded and serves as the global ambassador of the nonprofit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization Keep a Child Alive; she launched the We Are Here Movement, a petition to demand racial justice and equality; and in 2018, Keys formed She Is the Music, a music-industry group for female advancement.

Image courtesy of MasterClass

LIL WAYNE DROPS “NFL” MUSIC VIDEO

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Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning music icon Lil Wayne drops the fast-paced music video for his latest single “NFL.” The video features Gudda Gudda & HoodyBaby and was released via Young Money Records/Republic Records. Scenes from the “NFL” music video are also featured in Amazon Prime Video’s new live sports promo.
Lil Wayne has also curated his own playlist for Amazon Music titled “Handpicked with Lil Wayne: Songs for Game Day,” featuring 28 songs including a mix of his own music as well as music from Roddy Ricch, 2 Chainz, Lil Baby, and others. To listen to “Handpicked with Lil Wayne” on Amazon Music, ask you Alexa, “Alexa, play Handpicked with Lil Wayne.” You can also head over to Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Prime Video’s @SportsOnPrime Twitter and Instagram feed for additional exclusive Lil Wayne content.
The “NFL” music video follows the release of the highly anticipated Tha Carter V Deluxe Edition. The 33-song album includes new contributions from Raekwon, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane and Post Malone. Wayne has been on a hot-streak in 2020 – releasing his fifth No. 1 album Funeral, as well as releasing fan-favorite projects on digital streaming platforms, including Free Weezy Album (FWA) and No Ceilings mixtape.
Wayne also showcased his undeniable talent as a host with the launch of the highly successful- Young Money Radio – on Apple Music, which featured an all-star lineup of guests including Dr. Dre, Drake, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Kevin Hart and many more.
Lil Wayne rewrote the entire game in his image. The five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum rap icon, Young Money Entertainment founder, acclaimed author, skater, philanthropist, and history-making superstar left an indelible tattoo on the culture.
By 2020, he cemented his legacy forever as “one of the best-selling artists of all time,” tallying sales in excess of 100 million records worldwide with 15 million albums and 37 million digital tracks sold in the United States alone. Not to mention, he garnered 11 BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, two MTV VMAs, and eight NCAAP Image Awards. Among many milestones, he emerged as “the first male artist to surpass Elvis Presley with the most entries on the BillboardHot 100,” logging a staggering 109 entries.
With a discography highlighted by two consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with 2008’s triple-platinum three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning opus Tha Carter III and its double-platinum 2011 successor Tha Carter IV, he completed the series with Tha Carter V in 2018. Not only did it clinch #1 on the Billboard Top 200, but it also achieved “the second-largest streaming week for an album in history.” Every song on the tracklisting charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as he became “the first artist to debut two songs in the top 5.”
This bulldozed the way for his thirteenth full-length album, Funeral, a year later. Simultaneously, Wayne owns and operates Young Money Entertainment as C.E.O. The company ignited the careers of two of the most successful artists ever—Drake and Nicki Minaj. The committed philanthropist founded The One Family Foundation too.

5 Ways to Make Your Long-Distance Relationship Work

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Unlike a few decades ago when maintaining a long-distance relationship was an expensive venture, technology has made things easier. Initially, financing long-distance calls was a tough call, but with services like Skype and Facetime, communication is now more affordable and direct. And while it might look like technology has finally bridged the gap, people in long-distance relationships will tell you it doesn’t make up for everything. The lack of proximity and regular touch makes such relationships emotionally tough.

And with many of us either in long-distance relationships already or planning to get into one, it’s vital that we discuss how to go about making it work. According to Sandra Larson, a nurse and relationship expert, long-distance, and geographically close relationships do not differ much.

“In some cases, dating someone you’re not always in the same house can be better,” she says. Sandra emphasizes the importance of trust, saying it’s the root cause of all the issues in long-distance relationships. “Once you develop trust, it doesn’t matter how far your partner is.”

So, will your long-distance relationship survive? What should you do to make it work? Here are 5 ways to make your relationship work, regardless of the distance:

Quality Over Quantity

People in a long-distance relationship cannot have a high quantity of communication compared to couples living together. However, because of the limited contact and defined communication times, you’re likely to have more quality communication. Sandra recommends using the time you have wisely. Focus more on quality rather than quantity. “If you have routine bedtime conversations, give a little thought beforehand to the most important details of your day to share.

Avoid clogging the call with the unnecessaries or bringing back conflict topics.” Most importantly, realize the deficits of a phone/video call and plan accordingly to ensure you say the things you mean to say. You might also have to be more deliberate in your words as you’ll be lacking the benefits of facial expression and physical touch.

Pay Attention and Prioritize Active Listening

When the phone is your only means of communication, it can be hard to make your partner feel like you’re listening. Actively listening involves being alert to pick any abnormalities or changes in your partner’s tone or behavior. Most importantly, it entails letting your partner talk without immediately shifting the focus back to yourself. Whether it’s celebrity gossip or at-work drama, let them finish and try to offer relevant responses while encouraging them to tell you more.

If you pick any changes in your partner’s voice or demeanor, encourage them to tell you more about it and offer a listening ear. If it’s something you can help with from afar, go ahead and offer a helping hand.

Be Creative

According to Sandra, never be too reliant on technology. Of course, it’s an important part of the relationship, but there’s more to do. “A good relationship takes a great deal of compromise and creativity. Try new ways to do things that you’d have otherwise done physically together to bridge the gap. For instance, you can both use applications like ‘Rabbit’ and ‘Couple’ that let you watch Netflix together and share life updates.

You can also read the same books. That will enhance the feeling of connecting through shared experiences regardless of how many miles you are away from each other.

Make Plans Together

According to research, long-distance relationships are more satisfying when there’s a clear plan for the future. How long are we going to be apart? How open to moving are you, and is your partner open to the same? Whether it’s the short-term plans of places to visit when you see each other next time or the grand plan of when you’ll make the relevant adjustments to stay together, making these plans as a unit gives you something to look forward to.

Most importantly, make sure your goals and aspirations for the relationship are the same. What happens eventually? An engagement? Moving in together? Ensure that you continually work out a plan for the end game together.

Be Mindful of Your Partner

Unfortunately, some things happen that are out of our control. Everything from unforeseen work commitments to everyday inconveniences, no one’s immune. So, when you can’t pick their call, remember to follow up with a text message or voice note explaining that you’ll get back when you can. The distance can be emotionally tasking, but things are much easier when there’s clear and direct communication.

Send your partner random and thoughtful gifts when they least expect it. It doesn’t have to be on their birthday or your anniversary either. Being mindful of your partner conveys your commitment and respect for the relationship while igniting a lasting impression.

That’s it! Long-distance relationships don’t have to be hard. It’s okay when things aren’t perfect, but there’s always a way to make things work. So, prioritize quality communication, pay attention, be creative, make plans together, and most importantly, be mindful of your partner. Trust me! It shouldn’t be that hard.

Wonderfilm Announces Its Latest Feature, All In, Has Begun Filming in Boston

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Against all odds, the students, faculty, staff and parents of one of the smallest private educational facilitiesin America band together to save their school. How they did it was nothing short of a miracle.

Emmy Award winning producers, Jeff Bowler and Bret Saxon’s Wonderfilm Media just completed the forth of eight weeks of principal photography on the highly anticipated documentary, All In: Miracle at St. Bernard’s. The feature-length documentary is based on the incredible true story of how St. Bernard’s, a small private Catholic high school in Fitchburg,

Massachusetts, found itself 100 years after its founding, facing a dramatic shut-down. The film follows the community as they pour their hearts and souls into saving their school from being permanently shuttered. A miracle ensues.

A Real-Life David and Goliath Story

With enrollment dwindling, by 2018 St. Bernard’s was the smallest school in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, with a total of 99 students. The Catholic Diocese of Worcester made the difficult decision to close the school. Led by the school’s principal, Linda Anderson, students, parents, faculty, alumni and the townspeople of Fitchburg hatched an idea to raise enough money to take the school independent and keep it open. They worked tirelessly to raise the daunting amounts needed. Unfortunately, like the school, the town was struggling, and fundraising proved extremely difficult. With quickly approaching deadlines, extreme pressure from the budget shortfalls, the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools informed all parties of the dire straits they were facing, and that short of a miracle, the school would cease to exist. Then the football team started winning.

It All Came Down to Football

Almost every eligible student at the school joined the football team. With an enrollment so small, that meant the St. Bernard’s football team had 26 boys. Miraculously, despite going up against schools often ten times as big as St. Bernard’s, the team, led by Coach Tom Bingham, was winning, and winning, and winning. And with each win, the media started reporting on this David beating Goliaths. “St. Bernard’s was going up against teams from the top schools in New England, with thousands of students, multi-million-dollar endowments, and players who were much larger physically – and winning,” said All In producer Jeff Bowler. The St. Bernard’s team went on to win the state Super Bowl played in Gillette Stadium. The 26 boys on the team, fighting for every inch of the field that their hero, New England Patriot Quarterback Tom Brady, called home on Sundays, won the State Championship, generating enough national publicity to raise the money needed to save the school, including a huge donation from a still anonymous donor.

Shortly thereafter, with funds in hand, the school officially became independent, with the full support of the Diocese. In the first year following the miraculous football season, admissions are soaring, and an entire town’s spirits have been raised in celebration of saving their historic high school.

“As a St. Bernard’s alum and filmmaker, I was tapped by the school to help tell this truly remarkable story to the world,” said Bowler. “This feel-good, underdog tale is about so much more than football. The story is about a community that rallied together to create their own miracle. Faced with the closing of their beloved high school, students and faculty members stepped up to the plate to save their school, with unwavering perseverance.”

All In: Miracle at St. Bernard’s is being produced by Wonderfilm’s Jeff Bowler and Bret Saxon. The Emmy Award-winning duo have enjoyed success in feature documentaries, including the 2017 documentary, UNCHAINED: THE UNTOLD STORY OF FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS, narrated by Oscar nominee Josh Brolin, which won the Emmy for Best Documentary, in the sports category, as well as the 2009 feature-doc, DIRTY OIL aka DOWNSTREAM, directed by Leslie Iwerks, which was short-listed for an Oscar.

All In is being directed by Gregg Backer (Producer/Director HBO Sports, Real Sports). Other producers include Foglight Entertainment’s Gregg Backer and Evan Kanew with Nathan Bilotta serving as Executive Producer. All In: Miracle at St. Bernard’s is currently shooting in Fitchburg, Boston and Los Angeles.

Wonderfilm Media recently wrapped supernatural horror LULLABY directed by John Leonetti (Anabelle), with Alcon, in Toronto. Cast and crew adhered to all COVID-19 production guidelines and there were no cases of the virus on set. The film is set for a major release next October. Wonderfilm latest release, Dead Reckoning with K.J. Apa and India Eisley, just premiered November 13.

Upcoming Wonderfilm Media projects include the biopic on Tampa Bay Rays breakout star, Randy Arozarena. The outfielder escaped Cuba on a makeshift boat in 2015, started a new life in Mexico before making his way to the U.S and has become the most talked-about MLB player in baseball. Wonderfilm is also developing the highly coveted Steve McQueen biopic as a limited series based on Marshall Terrill’s book, “A Tribute To The King of Cool”.

About Wonderfilm Media

Wonderfilm is a leading entertainment company with offices in Hollywood, Boston and London. Wonderfilm focuses on the production of high-quality feature films and episodic television that offer international appeal through the Company’s commitment to elevated storytelling. Wonderfilm has seen twelve of its features released over the past twelve months, including the Nic Cage thriller Primal and the Guy Pearce vehicle Disturbing the Peace. Wonderfilm was founded by Jeff Bowler, Bret Saxon, and John Lewis.

*Team pic with trophy × All In tape by George Lugo

**School foliage by Caitlin Reidy

8 Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids for Exploring the Outdoors

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When it comes to the right footwear for kids, there are a lot of differing opinions on the same topic, but for children learning to take their first steps or learning to walk, most doctors and experts agree that barefoot is the best option. It helps them grow strong muscles in a natural and healthy way as well as aiding in developing the correct posture. But this is valid as long as they are indoors. As soon as they step outside and start exploring things, it takes a different turn. Indoors everything has been made baby-proof, and they are in the protective bubble of the parent’s outdoors are entirely different; it is almost as if everything is out to harm your precious little child.

What should you look for when you want to order kids’ slides?

As one dives into the world of shoes for children, there are plenty of things one may decide to look for as you buy kids slides. The shoe should have a wide toe area, you should start by looking for shoes that fit naturally into the feet, and you do not have to struggle to match the shoes. A pair that has enough room for the toes to wiggle around freely should be a perfect choice as the additional room means that your child is comfortable even if he/she is not able to convey the discomfort easily.

The responsibility of choosing the right shoes for the children falls on the shoulders of the parents, to dig out something worthy of the heavenly feet of the child. Here’s a list of what just might make it through your stringent scrutinization.

1. Merrell bare steps toddler shoes.

2. Be lenka play kids barefoot shoes.

3. Freedom Moses kids’ shoes – they come with a minimum 20% discount during the 2020 Black Friday.

4. Vivo barefoot kids’ shoes – these come with an easy slip-on design, which is made of durable puncture-resistant material.

5. Wildling kids’ shoes- featuring a lightweight design that makes it easy to use at different places, it is a weatherproof shoe that guarantees comfort without the expense of safety.

6. Mukishoes- the minimalistic design is the main reason these shoes are so sought after. Made using materials that are put through the test of trade and time so that your child experiences nothing less than what you promise them.

7. Xero Prio kids shoes- the thin sole makes for one of the most flexible shoes your child will ever slip on their feet. The breathable material gives it the desired shape and provides style with comfort.

8. Nike toddler shoes- these shoes have the right amount of cushioning for your toddler to get the appropriate ground feel while also maintaining grip and safety. The lightweight shoes make sure that your child is always giggling as they are exploring nature and their surroundings.

Conclusion.

Kids should be able to enjoy their footwear each and every time they slip a pair on, and it becomes one to the parents to make this comfort available to their children. The shoes should have soles that are thin enough to provide flexibility and movement without compromising protection.

THE MANDALORIAN

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SEASON 2, VOLUME 1 (CHAPTERS 9-12) DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE TODAY

MUSIC FROM THE EMMY®-WINNING DISNEY+ ORIGINAL SERIESFEATURES SCORE AND MUSIC BY OSCAR®, GRAMMY® AND EMMY® AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER LUDWIG GÖRANSSON

THE MANDALORIAN SEASON 2, VOLUME 2 (CHAPTERS 13-16) AVAILABLE ON DECEMBER 18

Walt Disney Records releases the digital soundtrack from Season 2 of “The Mandalorian,” Lucasfilm’s multiple Emmy®-winning live-action series, streaming exclusively on Disney+. The Mandalorian Season 2, Volume 1 (Chapters 9-12) digital album features score by Oscar®, Grammy® and Emmy® winning composer Ludwig Göransson (Tenet, Black Panther) and is available HERE. The release will be followed by The Mandalorian Season 2, Volume 2 (Chapters 13-16) digital album available on December 18.

Earlier this year, Göransson won his first Emmy for “The Mandalorian” “Chapter 8: Redemption” in the Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score) category. For the first season of “The Mandalorian,” Göransson released eight full-length albums, one album per episode, with recurring themes throughout the season. This season, he will release the soundtrack in two volumes containing new musical themes, sounds and ideas.

The score and character themes feature instruments played by Göransson including the bass recorder, woodwinds, drums, guitars, piano and percussion. The organic elements from those instruments are then infused with tech sounds and a cinematic orchestra.

About Ludwig Göransson

In a career spanning only 12 years, Ludwig Göransson has amassed an impressive resume in both the recording and motion picture industries, earning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, multiple Grammy Awards and countless other nominations. After working as an assistant to composer Theodore Shapiro, Göransson got his first big break writing music for the NBC television series, Community. This led to a friendship and collaboration with Donald Glover, who performs under the stage name Childish Gambino, on several studio albums including Because the Internet and Awaken, My Love. Göransson has been nominated for six Grammys with Childish Gambino, and won two in 2019 for the Billboard Hot 100 Number One hit song “This Is America,” which became a cultural phenomenon and garnered world-wide acclaim.

While pursuing his masters degree in film scoring at USC, Göransson met his other longtime collaborator, director Ryan Coogler, when he scored his short film, Locks. Over the next nine years, Göransson would score all three of Coogler’s feature films. Much like iconic filmmaking duos Hitchcock and Herrmann or Spielberg and Williams, Coogler’s diverse filmography has allowed Göransson to show his range as a composer, writing understated melodies for Fruitvale Station, hyping up audiences for Creed, and infusing African percussion into his themes for Black Panther.

Göransson has accumulated success in a variety of other films including the box office smash Venom andPixar’s Inner Workings. In 2019, Göransson earned multiple awards and nominations for his score for Black Panther including a Golden Globe nomination, a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack, and an Academy Award for Best Original Score. He won two Grammy Awards for his song “This is America”, which he co-wrote and co-produced with frequent collaborator Childish Gambino.

Most recently, Göransson completed the score for Season 2 of The Mandalorian, LucasFilm’s first Star Wars live-action series helmed by director Jon Favreau, streaming exclusively on Disney+. In September 2020, he won his first Emmy Award for his work on the series. Göransson also composed the music for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which premiered late summer 2020. In addition, he co-wrote and co-produced the songs for DreamWorks’ Trolls World Tour with Justin Timberlake, which exceeded expectations with its history-making digital release in April 2020, racking up nearly $100 million in sales in just three weeks.

About “The Mandalorian” Season 2

The new season finds the Mandalorian and the Child continuing their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies, as they make their way through a dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire. “The Mandalorian” stars Pedro Pascal, with guest stars Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito. Directors for the new season include Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa, Carl Weathers, Peyton Reed and Robert Rodriguez. Showrunner Jon Favreau serves as executive producer along with Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson, with Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serving as co-executive producers. The writers for this season are Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Rick Famuyiwa. About Disney Music Group/Walt Disney Records:Disney Music Group is home to Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, Disney Music Publishing, Buena Vista Records, and Disney Concerts. In addition to the labels’ genre-spanning rosters and its rich catalog of classic and enduring music, DMG also releases film and television soundtracks such as the chart-topping “Frozen 2” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Emmy® winning “The Mandalorian,” Oscar-winning “Coco” and “Moana” soundtracks, and the Oscar and Grammy-winning “Frozen” soundtrack. Upcoming titles include “The Mandalorian” Season 2 and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.” To stream classic Disney hits, please visit: http://disneymusic.co/DisneyHits

CHLOE X HALLE

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RELEASE ALTERNATE VERSION “TIPSY” AND COVER OF “SENDING ALL MY LOVE” FOR SPOTIFY SINGLES

LISTEN HERE

Chloe x Halle has shared two new tracks for the latest installment of Spotify Singles, marking the second-ever Are & Be-branded Spotify Singles release.

Recorded in LA, Chloe x Halle performed a stripped-down version of their hit single “Tipsy” from their recently released album Ungodly Hour as well as a cover of Zhané’s “Sending My Love,” with Chloe x Halle adding their subtly electronic 90s-R&B-inspired twist. Listen to both songs HERE.

“We first fell in love with ‘Sending All My Love’ by Zhané because our parents would blast it all around our house in Atlanta,” says Chloe x Halle. “We fell in love with the fact that they’re a duo as well, and how their voices blended so nicely together. It was very inspiring to us as a duo too!”

Ungodly Hour is available HERE.

www.chloexhalle.com
@chloexhalle

About Spotify Singles

Driving more than four billion streams since the program began in 2017, Spotify Singles was created to give artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, and the songs of the artists they love. The Singles scope includes a unique version of each artist’s own song (Side A) and a cover song of their choosing (Side B). To date, there have been over 300 Singles recorded as part of the program.

How to Buy a Truck You’ll Cherish for Years

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If you’re ready to finally pull the trigger and buy a new truck, it can be difficult to know where to start. On the one hand, buying a new vehicle is always exciting. However, you also need to be conscious of your budget and long-term satisfaction with the vehicle.

Buying a new car is a big investment. Don’t rush your decision and end up making a mistake you’ll regret for years to come. We want to help.

Keep reading for our top tips on how to buy a truck you’ll love now and in the future.

Figure Out Your Finances

One of the most important things to do before making a big investment is to take an objective look at your finances. How much can you afford to make on monthly truck payments?

Your budget needs to include other costs associated with buying a new truck. For example:

Sales tax
Auto insurance
Registration fees
Fuel costs
Regular maintenance and repairs

We also recommend getting pre-approved for an auto loan to make sure you’re eligible for the price range you’re shopping under. If your pre-approval comes up short, you may want to spend a few months improving your credit score.

Save for a Down Payment

One of the best ways to get approved for a larger loan with lower interest rates is by putting money down on your new truck. This is one of the most important steps of learning how to buy a truck the right way. The difference of a single percentile on your interest can account for thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Determine the Type of Truck You Want

When buying a new truck, you also need to take a little time to figure out what types of trucks are best for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re planning on using the truck as your primary means of transportation to and from work in the city, you’ll want something with excellent fuel efficiency.

Alternatively, if you’re planning on using the truck for outdoor recreation activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping, you’ll want something a little more rugged. You will undoubtedly need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Finally, consider hauling and towing capacities. Will the truck be towing a camper, boat, or trailer?

Decide What Features Are Important to You

Learning how to buy a truck that’s perfect for you means prioritizing your wants and needs. For example, do you want all the bells and whistles of high-end luxury models? These include things like smart entertainment systems, top-notch speakers, heated and cooled seats, advanced driver features, and more.

These models are more expensive but provide much more comfort, luxury, and convenience.

Do Your Homework

Before buying a new truck, it’s vital to do a little digging. Lookup vehicle ratings and reviews.

Look at professional safety ratings from certified organizations. However, you should also see what other drivers have to say about the vehicle. Find customer reviews and testimonials from people who have the same truck you’re considering buying.

For reference, check out this review on the Chevy Silverado.

Decide if You Want to Buy New or Used

Another important step in the truck buying guide is deciding if you want to buy a new or used pickup. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument.

New

Buying a brand new pickup means you’re getting a vehicle with no previous owners. It also comes with manufacturer warranties that will last up to 60,000 miles or five years. However, brand new trucks are much more expensive and can lose as much as 30% of their value in the first year.

Used

Alternatively, buying a used truck most likely means forgoing any warranties. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying from a credible seller to avoid buying a truck with pre-existing issues. However, buying used may save you thousands of dollars and grant you access to high-end models you may not have been able to afford new.

Certified Pre-Owned

Finally, there’s a happy medium between the two options. CPOs are slightly used vehicles that have been refurbished to like-new condition. They’re more expensive than traditional used vehicles but are given new warranties.

Get the Vehicle History Report

Learning how to buy a truck used means getting your hands on the vehicle history report. This is especially important when buying from a private seller. The vehicle history report records vital information about the truck’s past, such as:

Number of previous owners
Locations of registration
Accident/repair history
Maintenance history
Factory recalls
Commercial history (used in a commercial fleet for rent or lease)

Technology has made tracking a vehicle’s history easier than ever. As such, it’s now virtually risk-free to buy a vehicle with s solid history report.

Take the Truck on a Test Drive

Last but not least, when buying a new truck, make sure you test drive it before you make any final decisions. For all you know, you may not even enjoy driving the model you’ve picked out. Make sure the truck feels intuitive, responsive, and easy to handle.

Depending on the type of truck and what you’ll be using it for, you may want one that produces minimal engine noise and road noise. If the vehicle is used, make sure all the instrument panels, driver features, entertainment equipment, and other electronics work properly.

Regardless of the temperature outside, ensure both the heating and the air conditioning work, as well. Have someone stand outside and check the brake lights, headlights, brights, turn signals, etc.

If you feel it necessary, consider taking the truck to a trusted mechanic for a full inspection.

Looking for More Tips on How to Buy a Truck?

We hope our list helps you find the best pickup truck you’ll cherish for years to come. And remember, if you can’t afford the truck you want now, save up for a few months to make your dream a reality. Patience pays off.

And if you’re looking for more tips on how to buy a truck and other auto-related news, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. We have an entire section dedicated to the auto industry for people just like you.

Harry Styles × Vogue

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By Cassandra Yany

Harry Styles made history Friday as the first male to grace the cover of US Vogue. Styles defies gender stereotypes in the fashion magazine, which has become a point of controversy on social media in the days following its reveal.

On the cover of the December issue, Styles is photographed in a field wearing a pale blue, lace Gucci dress. He is featured wearing different skirts a number of times throughout the spread.

“Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with,” Styles says in the cover story. “What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away. When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play. I’ll go in shops sometimes, and I just find myself looking at the women’s clothes thinking they’re amazing.”

While most fans took to social media to praise the artist for his redefinition of gender norms in the shoot, some public figures shared their distaste for the photoshoot and Styles’ stereotypically feminine attire.

Coservative author and political activist Candace Owens quote-tweeted Vogue’s post promoting the cover story, saying “There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization of our men at the same time that Marxism is being taught to our children is not a coincidence. It is an outright attack. Bring back manly men.”

Styles’ supporters quickly called out Candace, posting TikTok videos of her wearing a pantsuit, citing her hypocrisy. Actress and filmmaker Olivia Wilde responded to Owens’ tweet with a simple, “You’re pathetic.” Styles is set to star in Wilde’s upcoming film Don’t Worry Darling.

Conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro had a similar reaction to that of Owens, saying “Outward indicators of masculinity and femininity exist in nearly every human culture. Boys are taught to be more masculine in nearly every human culture because the role of men is not always the same as the role of women. The Left knows this, of course. The POINT of style doing this photo shoot is to feminize masculinity.”

One of the most recent celebrities to jump to Harry’s defense has been internet personality Logan Paul. On the latest episode of his podcast “Impaulsive,” Paul showed his respect for Styles in his effort to challenge social norms. When his co-hosts questioned his stance on the issue and the “manliness” of the dress, Paul said “What is manly to you? What does it mean? Is manly like being comfortable in your own skin and being comfortable with who you are, regardless of what people think about what you’re wearing?”

On social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, it is evident that more users praise Styles than criticize him for his bold statement in the cover. Many argue that fashion choices do not define a person’s identity. Despite his detractors, Styles remains one of the biggest names in pop culture and it doesn’t look like his widespread admiration is going anywhere with his first solo single “Sign of the Times” just re-entering the Top 100 US chart on iTunes.

Turkey Recipes From Melissa Cookston

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No one likes a dry turkey, and Melissa Cookston, celebrity chef and judge on Netflix’s new food show “American Barbecue Showdown,” is here to help avoid ruined Thanksgivings.

Cookston offers up three different recipes for all to enjoy while also touching on the differences between brining and injecting.

Brining vs. Injecting

“The first thing people will say is, ‘You should brine your turkey.’ Yes, brining has many adherents, but I’m not usually one of them. I have always preferred injecting to deliver added moisture and flavor for a few reasons. First, brining a turkey requires a good bit of refrigerated space, generally for a couple of days. Space in the fridge is generally in short supply around the holidays. Secondly, brining has its drawbacks in terms of how it affects (for me at least) the skin and texture of the turkey. Maybe I’ve just not been doing it right, but I’ve just never been a huge fan. I have published brined turkey recipes that were quite good, I thought, but overall, I just prefer injecting a turkey.”

Injecting a Turkey

“When you are going to inject, you can do it right before cooking. You can also put in a different flavor profile than you can when you brine. Also, I’ve had some brined turkeys that were just too salty, and you won’t run the risk of that by injecting.

“You’re going to need an injector obviously. If this is a once-a-year thing for you, then grab an injector from the grocery store for a couple of dollars. They will suffice to get through one turkey a year. If you cook and BBQ more often through the year, you’ll want to invest in a better injector. I have a heavy-duty injector that will make short work of turkeys, pork butts, whole hogs, etc.

“When you inject the turkey, try not to go through the skin too often. I usually work around the skin of the breast as much as possible. If I do go through the skin, I will use it multiple times by injecting through that spot multiple times (at different angles.)”

Turkey Injection Recipes

“I’m attaching some recipes below to help you get started. As you see, you’ll only be limited by your imagination when you inject, so if you want to add some different flavors, knock yourself out. The only caution is making sure you don’t have too large of particles in your injection recipe, or you might clog your needle. These recipes also work great with any poultry, so don’t just save them for Thanksgiving!”

Recipe No. 1

Ingredients

-1 cup chicken stock

-1/2 cup maple syrup

-1 tsp kosher salt

-1/2 tsp white pepper

-1 tsp granulated garlic

-1 tsp soy sauce

-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

-1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

-1 tsp hot sauce

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring it to almost a boil while whisking. Allow to cool before use.

Recipe No. 2

Ingredients

-1/2 cup butter

-1 cup chicken stock

-juice from 1/2 lemon

-1 tsp dried sage

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-1/2 tsp kosher salt

-1/4 tsp white pepper

Instructions

In a saucepan, heat all ingredients until butter is melted and spices are incorporated. All to cool down. Before it thickens too much, inject poultry in thighs, legs, breasts, and along the breastbone. Allow to sit for 1 hour before cooking.

Recipe No. 3

Ingredients

-1/2 cup lemon juice

-1/2 cup liquid crab boil

-1/2 cup butter

-1 cup chicken stock

-1 tsp hot sauce

-1 tsp cayenne pepper

-1/2 cup olive oil

-1 tsp garlic powder

-1 TBS Cajun seasoning

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat until butter is melted and spices are incorporated. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature (it should still be liquid.) Then, inject turkey and place in a pan in fridge for 1 hour before cooking. This will allow injection to spread through the meat.

For more information about Melissa Cookston, you can click right here.