Month: August 2023

As Donald Trump now faces a third indictment, this time for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election via the January 6 attack and other unsavory methods, the Morning Joe crew once again questioned the former president’s intelligence. More specifically, his lack thereof.

While discussing former Attorney General Bill Barr‘s latest remarks, which defended the government’s case against Trump, Mika Brzezinski just couldn’t believe the staggering amount of readily available evidence.

Via Raw Story:

“I think he is talking about Trump’s stupidity, honestly, kind of putting it in quotes, because he is so dumb,” Brzezinski said. “What he’s done with the documents is so dumb. Everything that he does, he does out in the open. You read these indictments, all of them, he’s so dumb. He just knows how to play the media, and some people fall for it.”

Joe Scarborough stepped in to land a few blows on Trump’s stupidity by pointing out his inability to distinguish the “the sharp line” between a Page Six columnist and Jack Smith.

“It is going to likely cost him his freedom,” Scarborough said. “He’s been able to get away with it his entire life. For some reason, he never figured out, you know, you don’t cross the feds. You don’t do illegal things and expect to be able to B.S. your way out of an indictment and a charge that could send you to jail for life.”

Just to put a point on how damning the latest charges are against Trump, Mike Pence has finally started attacking his old boss on the campaign trail. Hold on to your hats, folks, but he actually used the word “crackpot” to describe Trump’s inner circle. It’s a side of Mike Pence no one even knew existed.

(Via Raw Story)

Queens Of The Stone Age shared their new album In Times New Roman… in June, the first since 2017’s Villains. Though tracks like “Emotion Sickness” and “Paper Machete” are beloved by fans, it’s obvious that their timeless hit is “No One Knows,” and they don’t mind performing it at all of their shows.

On the Tuna On Toast With Stryker podcast, Homme said, “I understand that I’m always going to play ‘No One Knows’ because I still like playing that song and that’s something that it’s an agreement with the audience. I assume that this is a part of coming here to see us, and here you go.”

He continued, “When there’s bands that don’t want to play their big song or their big songs, I always think it’s a little c*nty to do that. Acting like a song that a lot of people like is a burden is just a strange reaction to the gift that your fans have given you. Seems like an odd reaction.”

“In the years of doing this, I’ve seen a lot of artists sort of get angry at their own music for doing well,” he said. “Having fans is a cool thing. And they want stuff. And when it comes to playing the stuff that they want, I feel like that’s why this is happening, right?”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tuna-on-toast-w-josh-homme-queens-of-the-stoneage/id1584690660?i=1000623011597

The third time might be a charm for those who have dutifully paid attention to Trump’s indictments while hoping for a mugshot. The most recent ex-president is due to be arraigned yet again at 4:00 pm EST. If you can’t keep up with all the indictment developments, you are not alone, but Trump will be back in D.C. to answer against charges related to election tampering in Georgia.

Then there’s a Trump controversy that has always taken a backseat, and that would be Trump’s claimed status as a “billionaire” while finding endless ways to not pay income tax or seemingly anyone that he hires for goods or services. He tried to pay with a horse once, and he’s been absolutely milking PAC dollars for everything, including to Melania’s stylist.

Chris Christie’s had enough. He’s now calling upon Trump to actually start spending his own “billionaire” dollars to fix his plane and pay for stylists and lawyers. The former New Jersey governor headed to Newsman and shamed Trump for “spend[ing] $40 million of middle class donors’ money on legal fees, $250K refurbishing your plane, $108K on a stylist for your wife.” Then he added, “Spend your own money .. if you’re running short of it, go sell Trump Tower.”

Yup, that will never happen. And that makes me continue to wonder whether Trump even wants to be president again or simply needs those campaign dollars to keep himself financially afloat. Well, that, and he wants to do his stand-up comedian act at rallies. Yet he thinks that he’s far above facing off with fellow candidates at primary debates. Sad!

Earlier this week, Lizzo faced some troubling allegations: a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers accuses her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. After that, Beyoncé fans couldn’t help but notice that during a live performance of “Break My Soul (The Queens Remix),” she didn’t say Lizzo’s name despite it being in the song’s lyrics. Some thought that was intentional in light of the accusations, but now Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, has shared her thoughts.

In a comment on an Instagram post about the situation, Knowles-Lawson wrote, “She also didn’t say her own sisters name yal should really stop .”

Indeed, as some pointed out when the Lizzo-free performance first made the rounds, Beyonce regularly skips some of the names in the song. So, excluding Lizzo for that particular performance was perhaps just a case of coincidental timing.

Meanwhile, Lizzo shared a response to the allegations that reads in part, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”

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

It’s been a rough week for Lizzo: It was reported on August 1 that a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers accuses her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The dancers later went and talked about it on Today, and now Lizzo has shared her side of the story.

Lizzo posted a statement about the situation on Instagram this morning, and it starts, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed. These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”

She notes elsewhere, “Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team. I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. […] I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.”

The post concludes, “I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”

Read the full statement below.

“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.

These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.

As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans.

With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team.

I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not. There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticize or terminate an employee because of their weight.

I’m hurt but I will not let the good work I’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time.”

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

The city of Buffalo, New York is called the “city of good neighbors.” And with a blizzard that has dumped more than 50 inches of snow on them, the world is getting to learn how they earned that name.

A woman named Sha’Kyra Aughtry went viral on Facebook after she reluctantly put out an emotional plea. Aughtry went live on the platform explaining that she heard someone calling for help outside, so she sent her boyfriend out to see who needed assistance. Turns out, it was a 64-year-old developmentally disabled man by the name of Joey White, who was stuck in the cold snow. Aughtry’s boyfriend helped the man out of the snow and physically carried him into the house.

White was so frozen that they had to use a hair dryer to melt the ice off of his pants that were frozen to him. The couple also had to cut his socks off along with the bags he was carrying, which were stuck to his hands. White was in a dire position and Aughtry, a mom of three preparing for Christmas, was desperate.

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The woman said during the live video, “I’ve called the National Guard. I’ve called 911. I’ve called everybody – they just keep telling me I’m on a list. I don’t want to be on a list. I don’t care about nothing else. This man is not about to die over here.” It was clear to her that he needed immediate medical attention, but conditions were so bad, help never came. According to CNN, at least 31 people have died in the winter storm that pummeled the state.

Aughtry realized no one would be coming to her rescue any time soon, and the following day after FaceTiming a doctor that confirmed the severity of White’s condition, she made a last ditch effort. In the two days that she was caring for Joey, she was without her children for the holidays until a friend walked them home. Aughtry explained that White had the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, but he was able to remember his sister’s phone number and the number for his job.

The good samaritan called White’s sister to inform her that he was safe at her home and she was attempting to get him help. According to Sweet Buffalo, White was trying to get home from work when he got stuck in the storm. His sister credits Aughtry for saving her brother’s life.

During the live Facebook video, several people volunteered to come and help the man get to the hospital after seeing how severe his frostbite was. Aughtry relayed that the doctor that did the video call with them explained he could lose his fingers, or worse, if treatment wasn’t provided immediately. The frustration and desperation in her voice was palpable, and at one point, White innocently asked if he was going to die. Aughtry assured him he would not.

Within a short period of time, someone who saw Aughtry’s video came by with their snow plow to clear a path, and others showed up with a pick up truck to transport White. Since he was not only physically vulnerable but mentally vulnerable, White’s temporary caretaker insisted on riding with him to make sure he got to the hospital safely. The men that came to help had to carry White into the hospital due to his condition.

Thankfully, White received the care he needed and is currently being treated in the ICU at ECMC Hospital for fourth degree frost bite. And as a thank you for saving White’s life, North Park Theatre, where White works, set up a Go Fund Me that has reached over $100,000 in donations for Aughtry. There was also one set up for White. Buffalo really is the city of good neighbors.

If you’d like to send Joey well wishes while he recovers, you can send them here:

Joe White

ECMC462 Grider Street Buffalo, NY 14215

Room #1956

If you’d like to send cards to Sha’Kyra and her family, you can send them here:

Sha’Kyra Aughtry

P.O. Box 348

West Seneca, NY 14224

This article originally appeared on 12.23.22

To celebrate Mick Jagger’s 80th birthday on July 26, Rolling Stones released Forty Licks, their 2002 compilation album, for the first time across digital platforms. Uproxx was more interested in the vinyl reissue, naming it among the best vinyl releases of July.

The four-disc, 180-gram Forty Licks vinyl is available on Rolling Stones’ official store. The product is listed as “a one-off limited run of vinyl” for $72.88 with a limit of four orders per customer. There’s also plenty of Forty Licks-related merch to choose from on their site.

Amazon ($69.99), Barnes & Noble ($85.99), Merchbar ($77.03), and UDiscover Music ($72.98) are selling the vinyl reissue as well.

See the full tracklisting for each LP below (as noted on the band’s website).

LP1 – Side A
1. “Street Fighting Man”
2. “Gimme Shelter”
3. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
4. “The Last Time”
5. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

LP1 – Side B
1. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
2. “19th Nervous Breakdown”
3. “Under My Thumb”
4. “Not Fade Away”
5. “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?”

LP2 – Side A
1. “Sympathy For The Devil”
2. “Mother’s Little Helper”
3. “She’s A Rainbow”
4. “Get Off Of My Cloud”
5. “Wild Horses”

LP3 – Side B
1. “Ruby Tuesday”
2. “Paint It, Black”
3. “Honky Tonk Women”
4. “It’s All Over Now”
5. “Let’s Spend The Night Together”

LP3 – Side A
1. “Start Me Up”
2. “Brown Sugar”
3. “Miss You”
4. “Beast Of Burden”
5. “Don’t Stop”

LP3 – Side B
1. “Happy”
2. “Angie”
3. “You Got Me Rocking”
4. “Shattered”
5. “Fool To Cry”

LP4 – Side A
1. “Love Is Strong”
2. “Mixed Emotions”
3. “Key To Your Love”
4. “Anybody Seen My Baby?”
5. “Stealing My Heart”

LP4 – Side B
1. “Tumbling Dice”
2. “Undercover Of The Night”
3. “Emotional Rescue”
4. “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)”
5. “Losing My Touch”

Donald Trump’s a man of mystery. How much of his nonsense does he believe? Is he a brilliant grifter or just stupid? The answers to these questions are probably somewhere in between, but one man who got to knew him way to well than he’d perhaps have liked thinks he has the answer to one of the most maddening questions about him: Does Trump really think he won re-election in 2020 or is he just full of it?

That man is William Barr, attorney general for both George H.W. Bush and the big guy himself, who spoke with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday. At one point she asked him, point blank, “Do you think he knew that he lost the election?”

“Do I personally believe that?” replied Barr. “At first I wasn’t sure, but I have come to believe that he knew well that he had lost the election, and now what I think is important is the government has assumed the burden of proving that. The government in their indictment takes the position that he had actual knowledge that he had lost the election and the election wasn’t stolen through fraud. And they’re going to have to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Elsewhere during their chat, Barr discussed Trump’s third indictment, which he called “a legitimate case.” He did say that “unlike the document case, it’s going to have issues of proof. It’s a more complicated case.”

As for Trump’s possible line that he was just expressing his first amendment rights by spreading bull about nonexistent voter fraud and amping up his already powder keg supporters on Jan. 6, he’s a bit more confident with his take.

“I really don’t think that’s a valid argument,” Barr said. “As the indictment says, they’re not attacking his First Amendment right. He can say whatever he wants. He can even lie. He can tell people that the election was stolen when he knew better. But that does not protect you from entering into a conspiracy. All conspiracies involve speech, and all fraud involves speech. So free speech doesn’t give you the right to engage in a fraudulent conspiracy.”

Barr’s one of many lifelong conservatives who’ve turned on Trump (though, of course, he’ll still vote for him if he has to). At least he still has his rabid base, among them MAGA lawmaker Matt Gaetz, who dropped his absolutely bananas plan on how to sabotage Jack Smith’s case against him.

(Via Raw Story)

It’s never too early to look forward to Coachella, especially after 2023 headliners Bad Bunny and Blackpink staged such unprecedented sets. Uproxx‘s Philip Cosores credited the scene of the annual festival as much as the impressive performances for its ringing success.

“While YouTube can give you the feel of a performance and show you what’s happening, that shared emotion of being in the same space stays on the polo fields,” he wrote. “Year after year, while people knock Coachella for changing — I prefer evolving and growing — it only takes one trip out there to realize that it’s still expertly curated, featuring some of the most exciting rising and established acts in music, and full of moments of pure joy.”

In June, Coachella announced its 2024 dates as April 12-14 and April 19-21. It’s safe to assume that, yet again, it will all go down at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Simultaneously, registration to access the 2024 Advance Sale was opened, and hotel packages or Safari Campground reservations were available to purchase on the spot.

If you visit Coachella’s official website now, there is the option to join waitlists for Weekend 1 or Weekend 2. There is also still booking information for festival passes, hotel packages, Safari Campground reservation, shuttle service, and payment plans.

Lionel Messi has only been playing soccer stateside for a couple of weeks, but the greatest player of all-time has quickly asserted his dominance in MLS.

Wednesday night was Messi’s third game with Inter Miami, and he came in having already scored three goals in his first two games. In his debut, he came on as a second half sub and delivered a storybook ending to the game by hammering home a game-winner from a free kick just outside the box. Then, in his first start, he scored twice and added an assist, as he has made sure not to disappoint after his highly anticipated signing.

After a lengthy rain delay in Miami, Messi didn’t waste any time keeping his MLS goal scoring streak alive, as just six minutes into the game he made a darting run behind the Orlando FC defense, taking advantage of some confusion to get on the end of a beautifully lobbed ball from Robert Taylor that he calmly brought down and smashed into the back of the net.

It really is incredible watching Messi dominate so casually. Part of his greatness has always been that he’s in total control and looks like he’s always in second gear, controlling the chaos around him, but in MLS it really looks like he doesn’t have to try. His teammates have also quickly learned that he will always make the right run at the right time — or find them if they do the same. Inter Miami is undefeated in their two games with Messi on the roster, as his presence has immediately changed their fortunes as the league’s worst team, and mere minutes into his third game he gave them a leg up (which they promptly gave back 10 minutes later).