In many places around the world, being able to speak more than one language isn’t uncommon. But being able to speak six? That’s unusual just about everywhere.
Philip Crowther is an International Affiliate Correspondent for the Associated Press. He hails from Luxembourg, a tiny country nestled between Belgium, France and Germany, so perhaps it’s not surprising—though still impressive—that he speaks at least Luxembourgish, French and German fluently.
But he also speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English—and can report the news in all six of those languages. (And according to fluent speakers in the comments, he does it beautifully, with just a slight bit of an accent.)
Check out Crowther in a compilation of news reports on the Russia-Ukraine situation from Kyiv:
Six-language coverage from #Kyiv with @AP_GMS. In this order: English, Luxembourgish, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German.pic.twitter.com/kyEg0aCCoT
Isn’t it amazing that these are just six of the thousands of languages humans use to communicate with one another? Linguistics is endlessly fascinating.
People were rightly impressed with Crowther’s polyglot abilities. With the European Union having 24 official languages in a land area only a little bit bigger than the United States, it’s much more common for people from Europe to be multilingual. People from small, landlocked countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland are especially likely to speak several languages, but even for them, to be fluent enough in six of them to report in them in a live news broadcast is impressive.
But no one speaks these languages this fluently with the perfect accents!nnItalian: 3 languages & my father spoke 5u2026none like this!
No, this is flat out amazing. I am European through and through, grew up bilingual, had more languages in school, lived in various countries. I can get by in a lot of places. But thatu2019s very different from reporting from a crisis zone in six languages fluently and without accents
Ehm, i’m a linguist (speak 3 fluently, understand 6) and this is still massively impressive … not only can he speak the languages, but his accents are also almost flawless!
Even the language learning app Duolingo weighed in on Crowther’s news reports, followed by a hilarious dig from a user. (Duolingo likes to send reminders and prompts to practice or to learn another language, which may or may not be super annoying.)
I bet you’ll still passive aggressively annoy him to learn Dutch.
While it is impressive that Crowther can speak six languages, it also highlights a big hole that humanity has yet to fill: a universal language. We live in a time when, thanks to advances in technology and transportation, our global community is growing smaller and smaller. But while we are able to connect with people almost anywhere in the world, we are still limited in our ability to communicate due to language barriers.
Imagine if everyone in the world learned their native language and a universal auxiliary language at the same time growing up. We would be able to retain the unique cultural richness of our native languages while at the same time being able to communicate no matter where we go. Our universal language could be one chosen from the existing languages, or it could be a language invented for such a purpose, like Esperanto. It would solve so many problems and make life on Earth so much easier—it’s just a matter of getting all countries on the same page with the need for it (which is pretty inarguable) and with which language to use (which is definitely arguable).
In the meantime, we can simply marvel at the humans who are able to keep multiple languages straight in their minds. Well done, Mr. Crowther.
A few years ago I had an office job where I sat in a row of cubicles with about a dozen other people. One morning when a coworker walked into the office to start his day, a feeling of dread bubbled up from my subconscious. He was angry and I wasn’t going to be able to escape his feelings.
His desk was about 10 feet from mine and like waves, I could feel his emotions seeping into my body. He wasn’t bothering anyone and was always pleasant to me, but I knew he was angry about something deep down, and I could feel it.
As far as I knew, no one else in the office was having the same experience that I was. I was the only person who found it emotionally exhausting to be in the same room as this person.
I wasn’t sure what to make of this bizarre, unintentional attachment to the emotional states of others until I was listening to a podcast featuring Dr. Drew Pinksy where he mentioned that he was “an emotional sponge” who sucks up other people’s emotions and referred to it as being an “empath.”
That powerful revelation struck me in two ways. I realized that I was probably an empath as well and that I experience emotions differently than others. “One of the hardest things about being an empath is learning not everyone is,” Hannah Ewens at Vice wrote.
PsychAlive describes being an empath as exhausting at times, but not without its benefits.
“Empaths are highly sensitive individuals, who have a keen ability to sense what people around them are thinking and feeling. … often to the point of taking on the pain of others at their own expense,” PsychAlive says.
“On the bright side, empaths tend to be excellent friends,” PsychAlive continues. “They are superb listeners. They consistently show up for friends in times of need. They are big-hearted and generous. Empaths also tend to be highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent.”
As I started to look into the idea that I may be an empath, I began to consider the emotional sway my wife has over me. If she is stressed or tired, it makes me uncomfortable because I cannot escape her emotional state. It’s not that she’s overly emotional, but that I lack the force field that shields me from people’s emotional states, especially people close to me.
That’s why I get a huge feeling of relief when my wife transitions from being in a negative mood to a positive one. But, on the other hand, she doesn’t seem to be swayed one way or the other by my emotional state. It’s not that she’s callous, it’s just that she has a healthy emotional distance from me.
The problem is that it’s nearly impossible to explain what this feels like to someone who isn’t an empath, and attempting to do so makes me seem a little unstable. So I keep these disturbances to myself, which probably isn’t healthy.
Caroline Van Kimmenade, who runs courses for empaths who want to understand their power, explained what it’s like to be an empath. “It’s like a football match where everyone gets hyped up and starts waving and then the mob things start sweeping you up, and you barely know you’re doing it,” she explained.
“We can all experience that, but it doesn’t mean you’re an empath. But for an empath, it’s that multiplied and applied to everything all of the time. Empaths are constantly in a giant football stadium where they’re reacting to bigger things going on from all directions,” said Van Kimmenade.
When I realized I was an empath it helped me make sense of a part of myself that always felt contradictory. I am a person who has no problem being alone for long periods of time, but I’m also totally comfortable in social situations.
I work for Upworthy as a writer and the host of its podcast, “Upworthy Weekly,” and do it all from home. Honestly, I love being alone all day because I have a lot more power over my own emotional state than when I’m in an office getting bombarded by other people’s “stuff.”
I also enjoy going to movies, concerts and bars alone, too.
On the other hand, I am an extrovert who’s very comfortable in social situations. Empaths can be very social people because they have the superpower of being attuned to others’ emotions and they have a great intuition for other people. We are experts at reading the room and are great at relating to all sorts of people.
One of the strangest things about being an empath is having a heightened sense of smell. My sense of smell is so keen that I can’t wear cologne because I never go nose blind to the scent and it’ll bother me the whole night. The same goes for scented lotions. The interesting thing is that this isn’t just in my head; researchers have found that the part of the brain that recognizes emotions overlaps with the brain areas associated with smell.
The New Science of Empathy and Empathshttps://drjudithorloff.com/the-new-science-of-empathy-and-empaths/u00a0u2026
“It can be both nature and nurture. Some empaths are born empaths the minute they come out of the womb they are these sensitive creatures feeling the world with the palm of their hands,” Dr. Orloff told Upworthy.
Dr. Orloff says that research shows empaths have different brain chemistry.
“Research is suggesting that the mirror neuron system in the brain is on overdrive with empaths—meaning their compassion is hyperactive versus narcissists who have hypo-active mirror neurons and empathy deficient disorder,” Orloff said.
Orloff adds that even though men and women are both empaths, it can be harder for men to come to terms with their sensitivity. She runs an empath support community where men are much more reluctant to share.
“When the men do share, they express the shame about being sensitive, how it isn’t masculine and how they were bullied as children and made to feel ashamed to be crybabies rather than beautiful sensitive beings,” Orloff told Upworthy.
I had never heard of the term empath until about five years ago, but after coming to the realization that I probably am one and learning about the positive and negative aspects of this psychological trait, I feel that I’ve become better at navigating my emotional life. I’m getting better at seeing the difference between my emotions and those of others and making sense of the difference.
On the positive side, I’ve developed greater trust in my own intuition knowing that, as an empath, when I get a sense about someone, I should go with it because there’s a good chance I’m right. I’ve also learned to be less judgmental of those around me who I think aren’t as sensitive as they should be. They’re just not experiencing life the same way.
Turks and Caicos is paradise in its purest definition. Or at least, the closest I’ve ever experienced. The British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean has nine inhabited islands, and this fall I went on an island-hopping excursion to three of them — Providenciales, South Caicos, and Grand Turk.
With 85-degree temperatures year-round, endless rum punch, miles of white sand, and laid-back beach vibes, the trip felt like something out of a daydream. But it wasn’t without some struggle — I couldn’t seem to find words to best convey the ocean’s unforgettable color. Aquamarine? Cerulean? I’d heard it described as “very blue,” but seeing it myself I realized that phrase didn’t begin to do it justice.
This water was positively cartoon-like. An artist’s rendering with the saturation levels turned all the way up.
It wasn’t until my last day of the trip, stumbling across a 1980s newspaper framed in one of the exhibits in the Turks and Caicos National Museum in Grand Turk, that I finally found my word. My eye hovered over the first sentence of an article about an ancient shipwreck. “The azure surface of the Caribbean Sea…” began writer Pete Earley.
Azure. That’s it. The bright blue of a cloudless sky. The word embodies the essence of Turks and Caicos Islands. Occasional thunderstorms notwithstanding, spiritually, being in the TCI is like an endless summer day. Worries gone, bikinis on.
Whether you prefer to lounge in a luxury villa or snorkel with barracudas, there’s plenty to do on every island — all of which are surprisingly distinct from each another. Come along, as we share where to stay, play, eat, and party in Providenciales, South Caicos, and Grand Turk.
PART I – Providenciales
Providenciales, often referred to as “Provo,” is where most of the action happens in Turks and Caicos. Unless you own a private jet like Drake or the Kardashians (some of the island’s most notable visitors), Providenciales is where you’ll first land — no matter which island you’re visiting. Here you’ll find a slew of resorts and private villas, booked by a mixed crowd of family vacationers, young partiers, and high-society millionaires making use of their summer properties.
Being that it’s the primary hotspot for tourism in the island chain, you’ll never run out of things to do here.
Where to Stay
Via Chloe Caldwell
Most of the beach-side resorts are within walking distance of each other, making restaurant hopping and bar crawling especially convenient. I stayed at Grace Bay Club, which had everything I needed in one place – no charge for sunscreen and flip-flops. Grace Bay Club combines luxury and beachside living without the touristy “scene” you’d typically find at an all-inclusive.
Grace Bay Club offers different lodging options, depending on the style and price you’re looking for, but I recommend the Estate Four Bedroom Residence for large groups and celebratory getaways. This option fits up to eight people and has its own living room, kitchen, and oceanfront terrace. (Tip: Book a bottom floor estate for your own personal plunge pool.)
The property also has three pools, a spa, a boutique, and three restaurants. You could pretty much spend your entire vacation here. If Grace Bay Club is fully booked, there’s still a heaping supply of hotels and vacation rentals to choose from. If you’re planning a trip for next year and want something a bit more secluded, check out Rock House. It’s opening in early 2022 and will offer resort luxury that’s a little more off the beaten path.
I only spent two full days in Providenciales, but we packed a lot of fun into a short time. You obviously have to spend at least a few hours per day with your toes in the sand, and Grace Bay Beach, which stretches three miles, is the best place to enjoy a few too many piña coladas and pristine ocean views. Once you’re ready to take a dip, you’ll be happy to learn that the ocean water is like a salty heated pool.
For some adventure, book an Ocean Vibes excursion. They offer everything from parasailing and snorkeling to a champagne sunset. I participated in the half-day sail and snorkel adventure, the highlight of my time in Provo.
The charter catamaran picked us up on the beach in front of Grace Bay Club like an oceanic Uber. The lively crew welcomed us aboard with a selection of tropical cocktails – I went with (another) rum punch. Our first stop was at the barrier reef, a protected nature reserve full of eye-catching sea life. If you’re down to become one with the fish, Ocean Vibes will take you on a guided snorkeling tour through the reef.
Stop number two was at Little Water Cay, more commonly known as Iguana Island, which certainly lived up to its nickname. Located about 500 yards off the coast of Provo, the area is home to a posse of fearless rock iguanas, mini dinosaur-looking creatures with the personality of a hungry puppy. If you have a piece of fruit in your hand, they won’t be shy about wanting to snag it from you. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t jump every time the little guys came speeding toward me, but they were kind of cute, in their own lizard way.
In addition to boating excursions, you can find non-motorized watersports right on the beach. Many resorts will offer equipment for activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, so you can get your daily dose of adventure without going far.
Click here to learn more about the many watersports you can do in Providenciales.
Where to Eat
Via Chloe Caldwell
I was surprised to learn that in Turks and Caicos, almost all food and beverage supplies are imported from the U.S. TCI’s tropical climate and lack of open space make implementing large-scale agriculture difficult. What they do have is fresh seafood aplenty. I had spiny lobster and conch fritters three nights in a row, but when in Rome, right? For a more intimate dinner, venture down the road (or walk down the beach) to Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace Resort. The outdoorsy restaurant is where casual meets trendy.
I recommend starting with happy hour at the bar before sitting down for a bite. I learned quickly that bartenders take their cocktail-making skills seriously in Turks and Caicos, and each one seems to have their own signature specialty. I went with the bartender’s recommendation, the gin special. This initiated a full-on performance, as he torched rosemary garnish and smoked the gin glasses right there on the bartop. The fresh cocktails complement the French-inspired dinner menu at Grace’s Cottage, and I again ordered the lobster, in all of its buttery goodness. It was meaty, flavorful, and came with a side of veggies and seared lemon.
For an ultra dreamy dining experience, head back to Grace Bay Club’s Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar. Here, you’ll find sea-side cocktails, raw sushi plates, and live music on the weekends. Celebrating a special occasion? You can organize a dinner right on the beach at sunset (I was honestly shocked I didn’t see at least three proposals here). It’s the perfect way to soak in Caribbean beach views while enjoying your meal.
Looking for more of the local flavor? Find a full list of Providenciales restaurants here.
Where to Party
Via Chloe Caldwell
Providenciales is the party center of Turks and Caicos. Typically, locals and travelers alike gather at Bright Park or Grace Bay Beach every week for the Island Fish Fry and weekend festivities. Unfortunately, COVID was still going strong when I arrived, so these jam-packed weekly celebrations have been put on hold. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to let loose. When you’re done getting tipsy on the beach and the sun goes down, you can head over to the newly opened Ritz-Carlton casino and gamble the night away, where they’ve got slot machines, poker tables, and yes, complimentary booze. (Tip: Grab dinner at the Ritz’s BLT Steak restaurant next door. They’ll give you a free chip to try your luck!)
If you’ve had your fix of drinking at the myriad Provo resorts (I heard Club Med is the young singles hotspot), head into town for some classic bar hopping and beer. Start at the Turk’s Head Brewery, which produces four varieties of beer and lager, and offers tours of the brewery hall and tasting room. After sipping on brews, make your way to Coconut Grove Restaurant and Lounge, located in Provo’s downtown region, a casual spot offering cocktails and bar games like billiards and dominoes.
On the other side of the island off the shore of Long Bay Beach, you’ll discover a “floating” bar called Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar. There you can rent a boat or kayaks and float right up to the establishment for drinks and light bites in the sun.
For more about the local bars and beverage scene, click here.
PART II – South Caicos
On the opposite end of the spectrum from populous Providenciales is South Caicos, a low-density island of a little over 1,000 residents. A rural nook of TCI, South Caicos almost feels like being on your own private island. You’ll see bright pink flamingos chilling in the shallow water and donkeys grazing on shrubs along dirt roads. It’s a serene, secluded getaway for anyone who appreciates the road less traveled.
To get from island to island, I flew in a tiny eight-seater plane. I even got to ride shotgun like it was the front seat of a taxi. Being in the co-pilot seat was slightly terrifying, but mostly really f*cking cool. Once you overcome your fear, these little planes offer the ultimate bird’s eye view.
Where to Stay
Via Chloe Caldwell
If you want to live like the Biebers, stay at Sailrock Resort. Rumor has it the celeb couple spent the holidays here a few years back. When most people think of the word “resort,” they picture massive pools, unlimited food, and bustling crowds of tourists. But this couldn’t be further from the truth at Sailrock. It’s luxurious, no doubt, but in far subtler ways. Its designers took pains to incorporate Sailrock into the island’s natural beautiful lush landscape, rather than on top of it.
Staying at Sailrock, you’ll feel nothing but calm energy and a refreshing ocean breeze. Its exclusivity means you’ll often have the beach all to yourself. I spent my morning at Sailrock watching the sunrise from my private plunge pool followed by a solo stroll on the sequestered beach. I feel zen just thinking about it.
Sailrock is one of only three resorts in South Caicos, so make sure to plan your visit far in advance. The other accommodations include the all-inclusive East Bay Resort and the independently-owned, more accessible South Caicos Ocean and Beach Resort.
Click here for more information about what amenities, views, and services each property has to offer.
Where to Play
Chloe Caldwell
Just because South Caicos is less busy doesn’t mean there isn’t adventure to be had on and around the island. What I loved most about South Caicos was the tight-knit community of locals. Whenever I told anyone I was going on a South Caicos Boating Adventure, they smiled and told me to enjoy my time with Captain Tim (pictured above). The knowledgable, soft-spoken man first took us to the open waters for snorkeling. I almost chickened out when he mentioned the area’s frequent barracuda sightings, but despite my irrational fear, I eventually put on my goggles and jumped in. I’m pretty sure I made direct eye contact with a barracuda, but overall the coral reef was a nautical wonderland.
We then made our way to Starfish Gardens to look for, you guessed it, starfish. Located in an ultra-shallow area a few miles offshore, Starfish Gardens offers the sensation of literally walking in the middle of the ocean. Feeling like a modern-day Jesus, there seemed to be bright orange starfish resting on the sand just beneath the shallow surface everywhere I turned. Some were small and some were bigger than my head.
Yet my favorite stop ended up being Long Cay, a larger-scale version of Provo’s Iguana Island. We came prepared with fruit for the Iguanas and enjoyed our lunch with lizards lounging on the beach. Long Cay is also home to possibly the most captivating view in South Caicos. A short walk up to the top of Long Cay’s hilly landscape leads you to a plateau, from which you can see the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other. On the Caribbean side is calm aquamarine water; on the Atlantic side, deep dark waves crash into the seaweed-packed cove under the cliffside. I could’ve spent all afternoon up here.
In addition to Captain Tim’s excursion, adventurers can take a Hobie Cat sailing lesson at Sailrock, go on a rugged nature tour on ATV, kayak or paddleboard by the beach, explore the island by bicycle, or go bonefishing. If you catch something, Sailrock will cook and prepare it for your next meal!
Check out Sailrock’s full list of activities here.
Where to Eat
Via Chloe Caldwell
If you’ve never tried conch, it’s a must-eat item in South Caicos. Conch are a small variety of sea snail that deliver classic seafood flavor with a uniquely toothsome texture. If you’re hungry for lunch in between paddleboarding and suntanning, grab appetizers like jerk chicken wings and fresh conch salad at Cove Restaurant and Beach Bar. Want to mingle with the locals in town? Make your way to Sunset Cafe, one of the few independent restaurants in South Caicos. The chef serves up fresh-caught seafood and sides, and you can order all the conch, lobster, and fish your heart desires!
For sunset views and laidback dining, kick back at Dolphin Grill at the South Caicos Ocean and Beach Resort. Sip on an ice-cold piña colada while digging into (more) seafood, as well as pork chops and barbecue chicken. The island music and friendly service make it a great place to grab a casual bite.
For more about the different South Caicos restaurants, click here.
Where to Party
Via Chloe Caldwell
While you won’t find any nightclubs or all-night ragers in South Caicos, you can still get your party on. For a backyard barbecue vibe and good times, go to Triple J’s Grill on a Friday or Saturday night. The owner runs his business straight out of his backyard, serving jerk chicken, pork, ribs, and grilled seafood. This is the spot for dancing after dark — LED lights and pop hits included.
If you want to leave with rad bartending skills, take the sunset mixology class at Sailrock’s Great House Bar. The experienced bartender will teach you how to make cocktails using the famous Turks and Caicos Bambarra Rum. If you think you’re ready to test your expertise, they’ll even let you get behind the counter to create a mixology masterpiece. My go-to drink from the lesson was the South Caicos Martini, made with coconut rum, vanilla vodka, and pineapple juice.
Last on my Turks and Caicos island-hopping getaway was the tiny territory of Grand Turk. Don’t let the puny landmass (just 6.9 square miles) fool you, there are still plenty of things to do and see. Right away, you’ll notice Grand Turk’s abandoned buildings, with graffiti art decorating broken-down bricks. Compared to Provo, the island is more rustic and less developed, especially in the age of COVID.
Grand Turk is where cruise lines typically port, as it’s the only island with waters deep enough. It was eerie seeing some of Grand Turk’s most popular attractions deserted, but it made for a low-key day and a chance to get to know some of the local small businesses.
Where to Stay
Via Chloe Caldwell
I’m a big fan of boutique hotels, for their intimate ambiance and thoughtful touch. Which is why I was excited to stay at the Osprey Beach Hotel, a charming property encompassing 27 beachfront rooms and seven atrium rooms with seasonal rates starting at only $75 to $100 per night. My quaint seaside suite offered vintage decor and cozy vibes that made me feel right at home. “I want to live here,” I said numerous times throughout my stay.
Click here to book your stay at Osprey Beach Hotel.
Where to Play
Via Chloe Caldwell
Call me nerdy, but one of my favorite parts about traveling is learning how a destination came to be. If you’re a history buff, make a trip to the Turks and Caicos National Museum, where you can learn all about TCI’s most interesting eras – the booming (and corrupt) salt industry, the return of astronaut John Glenn (the first American to orbit Earth), and the development of Lucayan culture (Turks and Caicos’ original inhabitants).
To see and learn more about the island, rent a car to visit the most notable landmarks. The must-see sites on your town tour include the 1852 lighthouse, St. Thomas Anglican Church (built in 1823), the old salt fields, and Cockburn Town (the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands). You’ll also pass by hundreds of donkeys roaming the streets who seem to be the true rulers of the island.
For some beach-side shade and bomb AF seafood, snag a table at Sandbar Restaurant. The cajun shrimp is delicious, but the view from the dining patio is better, with a view like an oil painting or a perfectly captured postcard. Fully equipped with chill island vibes and reggae music, Sandbar is the kind of place I’d imagine coming to for a lazy afternoon with my friends. (Lily livers beware, they make their rum punches strong).
Since I already had a grand tour of Grand Turk during the day, I had dinner at Osprey Beach Hotel’s restaurant, Bird Cage Bar and Grille. I likely won’t be having fresh-caught lobster again any time soon, so I had to order it one last time. The quirky outdoor restaurant has tons of character, seen in small details like the mini baby shoes placed under the legs of every table and chair. If you can, hit Bird Cage on a Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday night for live music and a barbecue.
To taste more of the local flavor in Grand Turk, click here.
Where to Party
Via Chloe Caldwell
For a daytime refreshment in Grand Turk, go to Margaritaville. The Grand Turk Margaritaville is Jimmy Buffett’s trademark establishment, and it’s also one of the most popular restaurants near the Carnival Cruise Center. Typically filled with lively cruise-goers, the restaurant, bar, and tourist shop is the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean, complete with a pool and a swim-up bar. Margaritaville is only open when a cruise ship is in port, so you’ll want to wait to book your trip if that’s a top priority on your Grand Turk bucket list.
Jack Shack is another hotspot, for all things sea-side drinks and fun. Referred to as a “mojito hut on the beach,” the spacious deck and tiki vibes (not to mention, their free rum shot), will have you feeling good in no time. Order one of their colorful custom cocktails like the blue margarita, snack on their menu of island cuisine, and cuddle up with the adorable Jack Shack pup, Calypso.
PART IV – COVID-19 Guidelines
As of January 28, 2022, Turks and Caicos requires all international visitors age 16 and up must show proof of full vaccination, a negative COVID test within 72 hours of arrival, travel insurance coverage, and approved TCI Travel Authorisation. Additionally, until February 28th, Turks and Caicos will require all visitors ages two and older to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within three days of travel. All visitors also need to set up a COVID test to get on the plane home. Most resorts offer complimentary testing within three days of your departure, so organize this as soon as you check in. Click here to apply for TCI Travel Authorisation.
Uproxx was hosted for this story by the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board. However, they did not review this story. You can learn more about the Uproxx Press Trip policy here.
Doja Cat is one of the most entertaining personalities in music, so naturally, fans and friends would love to see more of her outside of singles and albums. She’s a hoot on social media, but some have wondered how she’d fare on the Saturday Night Live stage as a host. It turns out that’s something Doja has given some thought to, and the prospect both excited and intimidates her.
In a new Billboard interview, Doja was asked if she’d want an SNL hosting gig and she replied, “I like the idea of doing that because I love, obviously, to tell jokes. But it’s a little nerve-racking because it’s something friends have suggested to me, [doing] stand-up or comedy. That would kind of be my first gig. Just the thought of that terrifies me a little bit.”
Speaking of SNL, one of the show’s icons is somebody Doja would like to meet, as she said, “I really want to meet Tracee Ellis Ross — and at the same time, I’m terrified because, to me, she’s the boss at the end of the game of life that I’m living. Her and Maya Rudolph.”
She also discussed her relationship with social media, saying, “People are always like, ‘What’s your Finsta,’ and I don’t want one. I don’t like the idea of having to juggle social media, which already sucks as it is. Not to say it hasn’t helped me so f*cking much, but the way I feel about Instagram is: I go on, look at pictures of makeup and fashion and cats, and that’s pretty much it. I’ve unfollowed everyone who is a person that I know.”
This past Friday, Leon Bridges and Khruangbin released Texas Moon, the second part of their excellent two EP collaboration project. It’s a spiritual and often psychedelic journey from the artists that should not be missed. In our most recent cover story, Bridges said that “I think my collaboration with Khruangbin is really where my heart is. I love how raw our sound is.” And on “Chocolate Hills,” there’s a distinctly transportive nature to the love song, with the new video takes it a step further.
In the “Chocolate Hills” clip, Bridges is strolling along in an animated choco-dreamworld of sorts. He’s a gentle giant making his way through a portal into hills and valleys of this land of chocolate. Along the way, he finds Marc, DJ, and Laura Lee of Khruangbin in the palm of his hand and they become his pocket-sized companions on the trip. It’s an imaginative vision for the Texas Moon highlight.
Elsewhere, Bridges just announced the Boundless Tour with support from Little Dragon, which begins in late July in Las Vegas. Khruangbin has a slew of tour dates on deck themselves, beginning in early March in Madison, WI.
Texas Moon is out now via Dead Oceans/Columbia/Nighttime Stories. Stream it here.
Megan Thee Stallion isn’t pulling any punches of late, using her Instagram to call out anyone who falsely represents her dealings in court. In one major case, Meg took Carl Crawford, the founder of her label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, to task for celebrating the dismissal of her lawsuit asking the court to allow her to release music after 1501 blocked her from doing so. In a post calling Crawford a bully, she reminded him that she currently has other cases against him, including a new one to force 1501 to count her latest project off her contracted term of four albums.
In the other major case, Meg was due to go to court over the assault case against Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting her in the feet in 2020. However, before the hearing could begin, gossip blogger DJ Akademiks tweeted a major development, prompting Megan to call him out for being on Tory’s payroll.
FAKE NEWS ALERT: Any reports of Tory Lanez’s DNA not being found on the weapon in the Megan Thee Stallion case are FALSE. Today’s pre-trial hearing was just postponed to April 5 and that fake news tweet was sent out before the hearing even started. #megantheestallion#torylanez
“BREAKING,” Akademiks wrote. “It was revealed in court a few moments ago that Tory Lanez DNA WAS NOT found on the weapon in the Meg Thee Stallion case.” However, he quickly deleted the misinforming tweet when he was alerted that the hearing hadn’t even begun yet. By then, though, the damage was done, and the effectiveness of the maneuver was shot to holes. Even so, Meg took the opportunity to drag Akademiks for spreading the false info.
“Court ain’t even started so why y’all ready to start lying?” she wondered on her own Instagram Story. “I know some of yall blogs on payroll but please dont get sued trying to create a hate campaign. Be a real journalist and post FACTS. And to my haters… keep making yourself look stupid idc.” She continued her retaliation by naming Akademiks specifically, writing, “Yall got breaking news 15 minutes before court started and nobody has even been called in yet?? Yall tryna win a social media campaign this is MY REAL LIFE! Yall tryna get retweets SPREADING FALSE NARRATIVES! @iamakademiks Why are you lying? What did you gain?”
Megan Thee Stallion responds to DJ Akademiks’s tweet about the Tory Lanez case: pic.twitter.com/gKhRCfmflH
Akademiks later tried to clean up the error, claiming that he had seen court documents backing up his statements, but with the next hearing in April, it’ll be a while before anything he says is confirmed — let alone what the ultimate verdict will be. Meanwhile, Nancy Dillon, a real reporter for Rolling Stone, shot down Akademiks’ explanation, tweeting “There was ZERO mention of DNA at the Tory Lanez hearing today.” Again, check those sources, folks.
UPDATE: Tory Lanez trial adjourned til April with Tory’s lawyer telling the court they have completed DNA results from the prosecution which is very pleasing to his client. (I saw this doc myself.. it literally says it was inconclusive in finding TORY DNA on the gun or magazine)
There was ZERO mention of DNA at the Tory Lanez hearing today. The report that Tory’s lawyer told court DNA results were “pleasing” to his side is “totally fabricated,” 2 sources tell Rolling Stone. I’m about to receive the transcript, will update. Pre-trial continued to April 5.
Because we could all use a feel-good story every now and then, here’s this: Ohio news reporter Myles Harris is racking up some viral fame thanks to the smooth assist of his biggest fan. That fan: mom. While filming a recent report alongside a busy road in Columbus, Harris stopped in the middle of a broadcast after noticing someone was trying to get his attention off-camera. Judging by the look on his face, he immediately recognizes the person as he makes the expression that all of us would make if our mom showed up at our work.
However, like a good son, he went over to his mother and introduced her to his cameraman, DeAngelo, before kindly telling her to not cause an accident. Harris later posted the interaction with the caption, “Typical Sandi Yes, typical Sandi…” We’re guessing mom’s pulled this stunt before.
“Hi, baby,” said his mother from inside a car. Her son laughed and said, “I’m trying to work right now and now you’re over here calling my phone. This is DeAngelo, you can say hi.”
“Hi, DeAngelo,” she said to DeAngelo.
“Don’t be holding up traffic because you got cars behind you,” said Harris. His mother then blew him a kiss as she drove away.
Since its inception in 2020, Larceny Barrel Proof has been a shooting star in the bourbon world. The wheated bourbon (made by Heaven Hill) had been around for a long time and has its roots in the old-school wheated bourbons of Stitzel-Weller (Pappy and Old Fitzgerald). From that legacy, Heaven Hill created standard Larceny Small Batch as an everyday version of Old Fitzgerald — or, more specifically, a version people could afford/find.
Fast-forward to 2022, and the Larceny Barrel Proof expressions are being released three times a year to almost universal acclaim (and are getting harder and harder to find).
Recently, I snagged a bottle of the latest release, Batch No. A122 (A = first release of the year, 1 = month of release, 22 = year of release) for review. It’s always a bit of a question mark as to whether these are going to be the same ol’, same ol’ or take everything up a notch. As soon as I opened this edition, I knew I was in for a wild and fun ride just from the nose off the bottle. So let’s just get right into it!
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months
The juice in the barrel is made from a mash bill of 68 percent corn, 20 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. The whiskey in the bottle is a blend of six to eight-year-old barrels that are vatted and bottled at cask strength as-is. It’s as easy as that, folks.
Tasting Notes:
The nose opens with full-tree cedar beams that are exactly like a seaside lodge near my hometown. I can almost sense the fire cracking away in the huge river rock fireplace at the center of that room as I nose this one. That woody note is supported by touches of warm brown butter and maple syrup waiting for a stack of pancakes that haven’t been cooked yet with a hint of sticky buns and orange pith lurking in the background.
The palate starts off sweet and nutty, kind of like almonds dipped in that maple syrup and then rolled in holiday spices with an echo of warmth. The mid-palate leans into ripe figs and spiced prunes before a vanilla husk woodiness arrives with whispers of hazelnuts, dry sweetgrass, and woody spice with a hint of cedar-infused tobacco leaves. On the very backend, there’s a bit of a sweet straw with a touch of that spicy warmth.
The Bottle:
Larceny’s bottles have this key-hole vibe that certainly helps them stand out on a bar cart. Otherwise, this is a classic feeling bottle that leans into that old lock-and-key vibe from Stitzel-Weller.
Bottom Line:
This is fantastic. While drinking it neat from a Glencairn, you can barely feel those gargantuan ABVs on the palate. Instead, you’re treated to layers of whiskey goodness. This is a great sipper that I’m looking forward to trying more of as the year winds on.
Ranking:
97/100: This is damn near perfect in every way. Had there been a “Woah…” moment (or something outside of a pure classic profile from top to bottom), it would have been a 100/100.
Just like the rest of us, Megan Thee Stallion is glued to the screen when Euphoria is on. With the recent announcement of her big screen acting debut in the A24 film F*cking Identical Twins with hilarious people like Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and SNL’s Bowen Yang, the “WAP” rapper is starting to make the rounds talking TV and movies.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Megan Thee Stallion talked about watching Euphoria and that “they got me on the edge of my seat,” and praised all of the HBO Max show’s acting performances. She then perfectly verbalized what everyone is thinking when they watch Euphoria: “I know these are characters and the show is not real, but they got me yelling at the TV like, ‘Girl, get it together! What are you doing?!”
Meg also talked about being a “film buff,” who not only wants to act, but to also direct in the future. She also said Zendaya is “the best actress, and perfectly cast.” Preach, Meg. While her current acting resume includes mostly music videos and a round of Cheetos commercials she filmed for this past Super Bowl, that’s all about to change.
Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Another month, another lineup of TV shows and movies coming from HBO Max for fans to look forward to.
In March, the streaming platform hosts a new comedy series starring Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi about — what else? — pirates. And, on HBO, Adam McKay’s sports drama Winning Time arrives to recount the rise of the L.A. Lakers. For movie fans, King Richard and Dune are making their way back to the streamer, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story lands later in the month.
Here’s everything coming to (and leaving) HBO and HBO Max this March.
Our Flag Means Death, Max Original (premieres 3/3)
Taika Waititi delivers another comedic gem with this irreverent series that asks: What if we made a workplace comedy set on an 18th-century pirate ship? The answer: It would be f*cking hilarious. Created by David Jenkins, the show stars Rhys Darby as real-life swashbuckling wannabe Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who gives up his life of comfort for one on the high seas. As he makes a name for himself as the “Gentleman Pirate” he must contend with a mutinous crew who doesn’t appreciate his attempts to gentrify their way of life. Halfway through the season, Waititi shows up, playing a grizzled, tattooed Blackbeard — a fearsome figure who’s grown bored of plundering and pillaging and sees Stede as his ticket to retirement.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, HBO (premieres 3/6)
Adam McKay directs this sports-heavy drama that recounts the rise of the 1980s Lakers team, its owner Jerry Buss, and its star, Magic Johnson. John C. Reilly plays Buss, a playboy, and visionary who helped built the team back to glory while newcomer Quincy Isaiah plays Johnson. The show follows the athlete’s first season with the team and will focus on the action on the court as well as the glitz, glamour, drugs, and parties involved in the L.A. scene.
Coming to HBO and HBO Max in March:
Avail. 3/1 The Aviator, 2004 Adaptation, 2002 All the Pretty Horses, 2000 Are We Done Yet?, 2007 Around the World in 80 Days, 1956 Blow Up of Blow-Up, Documentary Boyz n the Hood, 1991 Cameraperson, Documentary Diner, 1982 Fireboys, Documentary Fly Away Home, 1996 Gigi, 1958 Los Cronocrímenes (AKA Timecrimes), 2007 (HBO) Mogul Mowgli, 2020 One Tree Hill, 2003 Resident Evil, 1996 Resident Evil: Afterlife, 2010 Resident Evil: Apocalypse, 2004 Resident Evil: Damnation, 2021 Resident Evil: Extinction, 2007 Resident Evil: Retribution, 2012 Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation, 2004 Starship Troopers, 1997 Starsky & Hutch, 1975 The Larry David Story Part 1: American Jewboy, Documentary Premiere (HBO) The Larry David Story Part 2: The Jewish Fountainhead Documentary Premiere (HBO) The Two Mrs. Carrolls, 1947 The World of Jacques Demy, Documentary The Young Girls Turn 25, Documentary Urban Legend, 1998 Welcome Back (Aka Bienvenidos), 2019 (HBO)
Avail. 3/2 Blade I, 2002 Drive My Car, 2021 Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, Season 5 West Side Story, 2021 (HBO)
Avail. 3/3 Gaming Wall Street, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Little Ellen, Max Original Season 2 Premiere Our Flag Means Death, Max Original Season 1 Premiere The Tourist, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/4 El Planeta, 2021 (HBO) F9: The Fast Saga, 2021 (HBO) Goyo: En Letra De Otro, 2022 (HBO)
Avail. 3/6 Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Series Premiere (HBO)
Avail. 3/7 Teen Titans Go! S7A Premiere
Avail. 3/8 Ruxx, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Season 1 – 8
Avail. 3/10 Dune, 2021 (HBO) Juanpa + Chef, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Sandy + Chef, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Theodosia, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/12 Victor and Valentino S3A Premiere
Avail. 3/13 Game Theory with Bomani Jones, Season 1 Premiere (HBO)
DMZ, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Jellystone!, Max Original Season 2 Premiere Minx, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/18
Halloween Kills, 2021 (Extended Version) (HBO) Lust, Max Original Season 1 Premiere On My Way with Irina Rimes, Max Original Premiere Pseudo, Premiere (HBO) Vlad & Niki, 2018
Avail. 3/20 Amsterdam, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/22 Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Premiere (HBO)
Avail. 3/23 Fists Of Freedom: The Story Of The ’68 Summer Games – 1999
Avail. 3/24 King Richard, 2021 One Perfect Shot, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Queen Stars, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Starstruck, Max Original Season 2 Premiere Traffickers: Inside The Golden Triangle, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/25 Degrassi: The Next Generation, 2001 Lucas the Spider, Cartoonito Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 3/31 Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Julia, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Moonshot, 2022
Leaving HBO and HBO Max in March:
8 Mile, 2002 (HBO) A Royal Affair, 2012 (HBO) Ballet 422, 2014 (HBO) Best Man Down, 2012 (HBO) Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey, 1991 (HBO) Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure, 1989 (HBO) Blindness, 2008 (HBO) Blood Father, 2016 (HBO) Broken City, 2013 (HBO) Client 9: The Rise And Fall Of Eliot Spitzer, 2010 (HBO) Darkness Falls, 2003 (HBO) Dinner For Schmucks, 2010 (HBO) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 1988 (HBO) Dr. Dolittle Million Dollar Mutts, 2009 (HBO) Dreamgirls, 2006 (HBO) Drop Zone, 1994 (HBO) Evil Dead 2, 1987 (HBO) Fear, 2005 (HBO) Firestarter, 1984 (HBO) Happily N’Ever After 2: Snow White, 2009 (HBO) Happily N’Ever After, 2007 (HBO) Herbie: Fully Loaded, 2005 (HBO) I Am Number Four, 2011 (HBO) Imagine That, 2009 (2009) In & Out, 1997 (HBO) Joe, 2014 (HBO) Johnny English Strikes Again, 2018 (HBO) Kicking & Screaming, 2005 (HBO) La Odisea De Los Giles, 2019 (HBO) Lina From Lima, 2019 (HBO) Marathon Man, 1976 (HBO) Miracle On 34th Street, 1994 (HBO) Moonrise Kingdom, 2012 (HBO) New In Town, 2009 (HBO) Night Catches Us, 2010 (HBO) Norbit, 2007 (HBO) Pepito, 2020 (HBO) Proof Of Life, 2000 (HBO) Slipping Into Darkness, 1971 (HBO) Sliver, 1993 (Extended Version) (HBO) Strange But True, 2019 (HBO) Take Me Home Tonight, 1986 (HBO) Talk To Me, 1985 (HBO) Ted, 2012 (Unrated Version) (HBO) The Bourne Legacy, 2012 (HBO) The Campaign, 2012 (Extended Version) (HBO) The Devil’s Double, 2011 (HBO) The Eichmann Show, 2015 (HBO) The Evil Dead, 1983 (HBO) The High Note, 2020 (HBO) The King Of Staten Island, 2020 (HBO) The Man With The Iron Fists, 2012 (Unrated Version) (HBO) The Rite, 2011 (HBO) The Running Man, 1987 (HBO) The Serenade, 1939 (HBO) The Watcher, 2000 (HBO) Tully, 2018 (HBO) War
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Yes, typical Sandi…” We’re guessing mom’s pulled this stunt before.
