Month: January 2023

Because nepo babies are all the rage right now, Donald Trump Jr. launched his new Rumble show Triggered With Don Jr. on Monday night. In an extremely on-brand move, things got off to a bumpy start. The former president’s son proceeded to rant for an entire hour because if there’s one thing this family loves to do it’s talk forever with no rhyme or reason to what they’re saying.

However, this time around, Don Jr. showed a surprising amount of self-awareness as he became noticeably insecure about the state of the show. At one point, he actually turned to Kimberly Guilfoyle for reassurance after realizing he’d be blabbing the whole time. To her credit, Guilfoyle took the opportunity to throw Junior right under the bus. Via Raw Story:

Trump Jr. then introduced his “boss,” namely his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle, to which he asked, “was that okay?” in reference to his performance.

“I actually love it,” Guilfoyle replied.

It was like an hour rant,” Trump Jr. said.

“This is what you do at home and now everyone gets to see,” Guilfoyle joked.

Triggered with Don Jr. will reportedly be a home for “free speech and diversity of thought,” according to its titular host. As for what that means, well, expect such stimulating conversations as, “Boy, it’d be great if my dad still had the nuclear codes” and “Wokeness: The real school-shooter, amirite?”

Also, Don Jr. referred to himself as a “successful businessman” in the press release, so apparently, they’ll be a fictional element, too. Sounds neat.

(Via Raw Story)

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made in life was starting a regular running practice. I was pretty skinny growing up and always stayed away from cardio, worried that I’d lose too much weight and seem small. I would never do more than a few minutes on the treadmill, usually before I hit some other sort of training. Thanks to those routines, I became and stayed strong but was really lacking when it came to my cardiovascular and aerobic capacity. So even though I looked fit, and was in some ways, whenever a friend asked me out for a run I would gas out after a short while.

In those moments I felt weak, and it was that feeling that spurred me to try running regularly. It only took a few sunset runs for me to realize what I had been missing out on for too long. I finally understood what everyone was talking about when they say “the runner’s high.”

Since those early runs years ago, I escalated the pursuit to 5Ks, half marathons, trail runs, and marathons. But like everyone else, I had to start somewhere. I leaned on my friends and running experts I met along the way for advice. One thing that I learned very quickly is the running community is one of the happiest and friendliest communities out there, ready to lift each other up and help one another when it’s time to heal. Take this as an invitation to join us.

Here are a few steps that will get your new practice started on the right track.

1. SET YOUR GOALS

There are a lot of different reasons that people begin running: fitness, mindfulness, competition, or as a social activity. The goals you have for your running practice will inform a lot of your choices down the road, from gear to training plans. They will also be a major factor in helping you keep going during those difficult first outings.

Doing a marathon can sound exciting, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start with more obtainable goals at the beginning, like losing a few pounds or being able to jog a few miles with your dog.

2. GET YOUR GEAR

Shoes

One of the most appealing things about being “a runner” is all you really need is a pair of running shoes, and most people have them already. “I would say most of the time you can get started slowly with whatever active shoes you have in the house,” says David Kilgore, a long-distance runner who has completed several marathons. “That being said, having a really, great pair of running shoes will make the process easier.”

Kilgore advises against online shopping, which many of us are prone to do. “Go to your local sports or running shop so that you can try pairs on to make sure they are the best fit,” he says.

Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. specialist and owner of Progressive Foot Care in NYC, also believes that having a good fit can prevent injury. “Blisters are a major problem for first-time runners as they begin going longer distances,” he says. “Make sure to walk around, even run in them, before buying because stability is also very important. The last thing you want is to purchase some shoe with an irregular sole that will cause you to trip.”

Uproxx Pick: No Bull Black Gum Ripstop Runner ($139)

Socks

Everyone has socks, but not all socks are created equal when it comes to supporting activity. Dr. Melamed recommends a pair that specifically promises to wick away moisture as feet can sweat, making you uncomfortable and even leading to issues down the road.

“Like your shoes, fit is important, make sure you don’t have any extra fabric bunching up in your shoes,” he says. “If you find a pair you like just purchase a bunch because you should be changing them fairly often.”

Uproxx Pick: CEP No Show Running Shocks Pro 4.0 ($17)

Clothing

Since there should be nothing that you are coming into contact with, or additional support needed, this really comes down to personal preference. For shorts, a shorter seem is nice to free up the knees for movement. During the winter, having moisture-wicking clothes that will keep you warm throughout is clutch.

Uproxx Pick: No need to get fancy here. Do you. Follow your clothed bliss.

Fitness Tracker

There are a lot of runners who get along fine without tracking their route or monitoring their heart rate, but to others this is critical information. For those who are looking to gamify their training or curious about their cardiovascular performance there are great options on the market. Many of these trackers can connect to popular run apps like Strava where people share their routes to the community. Or, if you want to go for a low-tech option, consider getting a stopwatch to monitor your progress.

Uproxx Pick: Instinct Crossover ($499)

3. FIND THE TIME

One of the most difficult parts of adding any new activity to your routine is finding the time to do it. On the (good) chance that you fall in love with running, it’s going to need a dedicated spot in your calendar. For some new runners that will mean waking up an hour earlier than they usually would, or perhaps watching one less episode of their favorite series.

Believe me though, the benefits greatly outweigh any sacrifices. Whatever your choice, make sure it’s one that you can live with, keeping to a regular run time is the best way to stay consistent. One solid way to help with scheduling is to base your runs on duration rather than distance, saying you want to run for 30 minutes rather than five miles. That way you are beholden to a mileage goal that will mess up your calendar.

4. FIND YOUR FORM

There are a lot of great videos and resources online on proper form. It’s good to remember that finding your own way to run comfortably without putting unnecessary stress on your body can take time.

Basic principles to remember from the ground up:

• Feet should fully leave the ground.
• Feet should stay below the knees.
• Feet should land on the forefoot, not the heel.
• Knees should come up comfortably but never above the waist.
• Knees should stay straight, and never rotate in.
• Glutes should be engaged.
• Hips should be forward.
• Shoulders should be relaxed and back.
• Head should look forward.

5. PICK YOUR ROUTE

I personally don’t believe that this element is talked about enough in run training. Instead of deciding to run five miles, and just stepping out the door to head in any direction, try finding a place to go that will bring you joy. Living in New York City, with the streets intensely crowded, I found a back alley route to the East River and through East River Park, where I would do a few laps on the local track.

There were days that I found myself looking forward to seeing the trees and hearing the waves more than hitting the pavement. So in essence it was those motivators that helped me put on the running shoes. I also know others who enjoy the consistency of doing whole runs on the track while listening to music or watching their favorite show while on the treadmill. Find what works for you, personally.

Running is also a great way to see a new place, and because all it requires is shoes it’s a sport you can travel with. “One of the first things I do when I get into a city is put on my shoes and run,” says Kilgore. “It’s a great way to explore, see new sights, find restaurants you might want to try, all without paying for an Uber.”

6. FIND YOUR PACE

For first-time runners, the first urge when walking out the door may to be, well, run. That may not be the best start, especially if you haven’t been very active leading up to that moment. Remember there is no shame in walking when you need to, and alternating between running and walking is a well-known technique for people looking to improve their cardiovascular endurance.

“Slow is the best way to start,” says Dr. Melamed. “Pushing yourself too hard at the beginning can lead to burnout or even worse, put you at risk for injury. Before you try to do five miles, first make sure you can do one comfortably.”

Finding your pace also means finding a speed that is comfortable for you. One of the best tips is to focus on your breathing as you get started, and use that to make sure you are getting enough air into your lungs with a normal pattern. I usually like to listen to music when I run, but often I will go without sounds for the first few minutes so I can hear my breath and my feet on the ground. On occasion, I will go without earbuds and use the time to do a loose form of meditation as I run.

As long as you are paying attention to your surroundings, there is no wrong way.

7. FIND YOUR TRIBE

Running is enjoyable alone, but running with a friend or two can be a real vibe. Try hitting the pavement, track, or trail with a buddy to talk about life and see how quickly the time flies by. For me inviting friends to the track to catch up and hang out over protein bars has replaced other unhealthy late-night hangs. And my sleep schedule has thanked me for it.

Having a community is also a great way to stay on track with your goals whatever they might be. It helps to have people to listen when you are struggling and keep you accountable when you need a little kick in the right direction. That community can be found through acquaintances you already have, your local run club, or online groups like All Day Running.

8. GET YOUR RECOVERY & REST

The importance of recovery can never be stressed enough. Once you get rolling on your new running routine it can be very easy to keep adding on the miles as you see progress. But if you push yourself too hard, you might find that those runs you love are doing more harm than good. That is remedied simply by taking steps to make sure that your body is being allowed to heal itself and come back stronger.

Dr. Melamed recommends doing regular foot checks between runs. “Look out for any changes or irritations that might be getting worse,” he says. “Unless you are doing a marathon, there is no reason to struggle through injuries. That’s just going to keep you out of the game longer.”

Sleep is crucial when it comes to how your body recovers. Studies have shown the beneficial relationship that training can have on how we sleep. So don’t be surprised if your head starts a little heavier than normal when bedtime comes around, and dreams of marathons start to run around in your head.

Samia returned with two brand new songs today, ahead of her sophomore album, Honey, officially dropping later this week.

The first, “Breathing Song,” finds her reminiscing about emotional encounters she’s had while drinking. “I shouldn’t have picked up / Your logic was giant / Rendered me on my way and quiet / And I loved coming over / ‘Cause it felt like dying,” Samia sings through the electronic production.

“Tried writing ‘Breathing Song’ a thousand times and couldn’t get it right,” Samia shared in a statement. “Played one of its iterations for Molly Sarlé on Zoom, and she was like, ‘You just told me a really powerful story before you played this, write it again and just tell the story,’ so I did; I just said what happened, from my perspective. Got to play it for her again when it was finished and we cried.”

The other, the album’s title track, takes a slighter happier tone… At least on the surface.

“Honey’ takes place in the same world as ‘Breathing Song,’” she added. “It’s about always being drunk enough that you don’t have to look around. To me, it’s the saddest song I’ve ever written because it’s mocking my attempt to convince people I was good. Caleb Wright turned it into a campfire song, though, and I love that it can be interpreted as fun too.”

Listen to Samia’s two new songs, “Honey” and “Breathing Song,” above.

Honey is out on 1/27 via Grand Jury. Pre-order it here.

Over the course of three decades, Shakira has transcended borders and genres, delivering a wide range of international hits. And today, her hits still stick. On the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated January 28, 2023, Shakira’s latest single — a collaboration with Argentine DJ Bizarrap called “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53” — has debuted at No. 9.

This marks her first hot 100 top 10 in over 15 years, her last one being her Beyoncé collaboration, “Beautiful Liar” in 2007.

In its first week, “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” has accomplished several feats, including earning the most streams on Spotify in the course of 24 hours for a Spanish language song. In an Instagram post celebrating this accomplishment, she expressed gratitude and celebrated the strong women among her.

“I never thought I would get straight to number one in the world at 45 years old and in Spanish,” she said in an Instagram post. “I want to embrace the millions of women who rise up to the ones who make us feel insignificant. Women who stand up for what they feel and think, and raise their hand when they disagree, while others raise eyebrows. They are my inspiration.”

You can check out this week’s top 10 songs below.

Some of the artists mentioned here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Future football Hall of Famer Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be out of the runnings, but that hasn’t slowed down the hype around Super Bowl LVII. The teams playing in the final game are still unknown at this time, with four teams still fighting it out in their respective conference championships. However, at this moment, what we do know is this year’s featured entertainment.

Last year’s halftime show featured an all-star medley performance by rappers Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent alongside singer Mary J. Blige, and producer Dr. Dre featuring their chart-topping hits. This year, Oscar-nominated singer Rihanna is slated to up the mantle. The “Lift Me Up” singer has remained tight-lipped about her upcoming set, leaving fans to speculate what she has up her sleeve.

Now, further details are being released about this year’s pre-game festivities. The national anthem (“The Star-Spangled Banner”) will be sung by country music star Chris Stapleton.

Legendary R&B singer and producer Babyface will sing “America the Beautiful,” while multi-hyphenated Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph will sing the Black National Anthem (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”).

Super Bowl LVII will take place on February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The Drew Barrymore Show created one of 2022’s most chaotic moments on TV. It’s still early, but it looks like Drew has done it again in 2023.

Allison Williams, who co-announced the Oscar nominations this morning, will drop by The Drew Barrymore Show tomorrow, Wednesday the 25th, to discuss M3GAN, the highest-grossing movie of the year. As it should be. Barrymore dressed up as the murder doll and conducted the interview with Williams in character. “The number one rule, if you are a true M3GAN, is can you run but on all fours?” the Girls actress asked. “Well, I don’t know, you programmed me,” DR3W said. “Let’s see if I can.” She’s a natural.

The creepiest moment of the clip isn’t DR3W-as-gay icon M3GAN running on all fours — it’s when DR3W’s contacts shift, er, malfunction and she attempts to fix them. Williams is a good sport to play along with Barrymore’s charming commitment to the bit. Maybe next year, someone will announce her name on Oscar nomination morning? (Probably not, but it’s never too early to start the M3GAN for Best Picture campaign.)

M3GAN is still in theaters (and a sequel is on the way) but it’s also available on VOD beginning today.

Oh, and Drew did the dance.

Bless her.

It’s been almost two years since legendary electronic duo Daft Punk announced their split, and now, we’re finally getting a taste of their solo offerings as individuals. Today (January 24), one-half of Daft Punk, Thomas Bangalter, announced his first solo offering.

In April, Bangalter will release Mythologies, an orchestral body of work that was first premiered in 2019 by the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine under the direction of Romain Dumas, for a ballet also titled Mythologies.

Bangalter was originally commissioned by choreographer Angelin Preljocaj for a ballet originally comprised of 10 dancers. The album’s tracklist corresponds to 23 scenes in the ballet. According to a press release, Mythologies is inspired by “a love of Baroque music” and alludes to American minimalism.

You can check out the cover art and tracklist for Mythologies below.

1. “Premiers Mouvements”
2. “Le Catch”
3. “Thalestris”
4. “Les Gémeaux I”
5. “Les Amazones”
6. “L’Arrivée d’Alexandre”
7. “Treize Nuits”
8. “Danae”
9. “Zeus”
10. “L’Accouchement”
11. “Les Gorgones”
12. “Renaissances”
13. “Le Minotaure”
14. “Eden”
15. “Arès”
16. “Aphrodite”
17. “Les Naïades”
18. “Pas de Deux”
19. “Circonvolutions”
20. “Les Gémeaux II”
21. “Icare”
22. “Danse Funèbre”
23. “La Guerre”

Mythologies is out 4/7 via Erato and Warner Classics. You can pre-save it here.

Thomas Bangalter is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

50 Cent has some new thoughts on Shaquille O’Neal’s recent The Big Podcast With Shaq episode that featured NBA player Jamal Crawford. It also sparked a new debate on whether Jay-Z or Eminem had a bigger impact on hip-hop.

“That’s why my five, the dominance outweighs the number,” Crawford said.

However, Shaq appeared to initially disagree by shaking his head in the clip. “Nope,” he replied.

“You can’t change the game,” Crawford continued. “Like, Jay-Z’s effect on hip-hop is bigger than any album sales that Eminem will have, you see what I’m saying? That’s just how it goes.”

Shaq still eventually managed to give him some credit. “That’s a good point,” Shaq added.

The clip soon got reposted by The Hip-Hop Wolf and 50 Cent chimed in with his thoughts in the comments.

“Ha, bullsh*t,” 50 said.

In terms of stats, both Eminem and Jay-Z have a serious track record. Em is among only seven artists to have 3+ diamond albums. Meanwhile, Jay-Z is tied with Drake for the most No. 1 albums among rappers, at a grand total of 14. 50’s support for Eminem makes sense, as it was Eminem who helped him get his start as a hip-hop star; most recently, Eminem allegedly petitioned Jay-Z to let him bring 50 Cent to the Super Bowl halftime show last year.

Meanwhile, 50 Cent recently stated that he plans to turn Eminem’s film debut 8 Mile into a television adaptation, continuing the pair’s tradition of backing each other’s non-music endeavors as well.

For nearly two years, Netflix has been forecasting a crackdown on users who share their passcodes. This will undoubtedly be a pain for users who have children go back and forth in between homes, and no one quite knows what will happen when people travel and attempt to access their own Netflix accounts, but the non-sharing days are soon to come. Or at least, once can expect a surcharge upon their usual Netflix plan price.

When will this day arrive? The streaming service has made noises on repeated occasions, possibly to test the waters, and it’s certainly easy to see both sides of the issue. Netflix has been looking more closely at its own pocketbooks, and they recently revealed that “widespread” sharing of accounts reaches the tune of 100 million or so subscribers. The streamer has declared that this “undermines our long term ability to invest in and improve Netflix, as well as build our business.” In other words, it’s almost time. As CBS News reports via a shareholder letter from Netflix, March could be the moment. Here’s more:

“While our terms of use limit use of Netflix to a household, we recognize this is a change for members who share their account more broadly. So we’ve worked hard to build additional new features that improve the Netflix experience, including the ability for members to review which devices are using their account and to transfer a profile to a new account,” the company said.

From there, it sure sounds like Netflix is strongly encouraging people to boot extra (outside of household) people from their accounts. There’s still been no concrete surcharge for people who choose to pay more money to keep those extras around, so hopefully, more clarification is on the way. However, it’s pretty clear that the days riding one’s parents’ Netflix account past the college years will soon come to an end. Because Netflix must pay for more movies starring Henry Cavill.

(Via CBS News)

Mia Goth has been making a name for herself in the horror genre, probably to fulfill the prophecy that was set by her ancestors for being named “Goth.” But, to her credit, she has been churning out some of the most notable horror performances of the last few years, like X, Pearl, and Suspiria. But Goth’s crying face, unfortunately, did not tug at the heartstrings of the Academy voters, who snubbed Goth out of any nomination.

Historically, horror movies don’t get a lot of love at awards shows (unless it’s movies about the horrors of male friendship), so isn’t too surprising that Ti West‘s two slashers starring the actress were shut out of the awards. Still, Goth’s fans have been showing up on Twitter with their favorite clips to prove that no matter what the academy says, she is a star!

Goth probably doesn’t mind, though. Her latest movie Infinity Pool premiered at Sundance this week with to accolades, so maybe she can secure a nomination in 2024. As for the X series, MaXXXine is slated to be the third and final film in the franchise, so get ready for Goth to pull out all of the stops. We might even get another Fleetwood Mac cover if we’re lucky.