Month: October 2023

Week 4 was an adventure in the NFL world, and that includes this space. Sunday’s slate was very friendly to us with a 3-0 mark. Thursday was hideous (Green Bay) and Monday was gross (New York) but, hey, it’s a winning week. The arrival of Week 5 means bye weeks and shortened schedules, making it a bigger challenge to find five games. Still, we press on.

Before we get to the picks, let’s take stock through 20 selections.

• Week 4: 3-2
• 2023 Season: 10-8-2

Come get these winners.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+5.5) over Buffalo Bills — Widely Available

Taking Jacksonville here is a bit of an experiment. We actually won bets with both of these teams a week ago (hurray), but it’s tough to get to Buffalo -5.5 on a neutral field in London. From there, Jacksonville stayed overseas all week, potentially creating an advantage, and Buffalo’s win over Miami got a ton of attention. This may still be a buy-low spot on Jacksonville.

TEASER: Indianapolis Colts (+8.5) over Tennessee Titans and New York Jets (+8.5) over Denver Broncos — Widely Available

This is plainly hideous. Everyone can see that. It’s also a pair of valuable teaser legs given that both are crossing two keys against limited opponents. Indianapolis has the added benefit of playing at home against a thoroughly uninspiring Tennessee offense with a total of 43. New York is facing a potentially intriguing Denver offense, but the Broncos have been hideous on defense and this is also a game with a total in the low-to-mid 40’s. Here we go.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+4.5) over Baltimore Ravens — Widely Available

There are some situations that I’m just going to blindly bet. Mike Tomlin as a home underdog is one of them. Tomlin is 17-5-3 as a home underdog in his Pittsburgh tenure, and the numbers for either team getting points in Steelers-Ravens matchups are also staggering. Pittsburgh is absolutely awful on offense and got rocked by Houston last week. That probably bumped this number up a touch and we’ll take the candy at home.

New England Patriots (+1) over New Orleans Saints — FanDuel, DraftKings

New England is in real peril right now. Last week’s performance against Dallas was gross. The Patriots lost two key defenders to injury. Mac Jones got (rightly) benched. It’s all gross. That pushes this number all the way through the zero and to +1 at the time of this post, and that is an overcorrection. I’m not entirely sure the Patriots are better than the Saints, or even that the two teams are equal. I do think that the Patriots should not be getting a point at home against the current version of New Orleans.

Dallas Cowboys (+4) over San Francisco 49ers — Caesars

I make this game San Francisco -2.5. I wouldn’t play it at a flat 3, but I’d consider at 3.5 and, at 4 like Caesars has when this column is posted, I like Dallas. I think they can keep the 49ers in check and do enough to keep it tight or potentially win on the field.

Ed Sheeran is known to plan ahead. This year, he’s strategically released two albums — Subtract and Autumn Variations — and has a collaborative album with J Balvin already mapped out for 2024. But outside of music, Sheeran appears to have the trajectory of his life mapped out, right to his final resting place.

In an interview with GQ, Sheeran revealed that he has his own grave already plotted in his own backyard.

This confirmation comes after rumors circulated last year that Sheeran had a crypt built onto his estate.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a crypt,” Sheeran said. “It’s a hole that’s dug in the ground with a bit of stone over it, so whenever the day comes and I pass away, I get to go in there. People think it’s really weird and really morbid, but I’ve had friends die without wills, and no one knows what to do.”

Last week, Sheeran released his sixth solo studio album, Autumn Variations, with no singles or videos — simply as a passion project for the fall. After all, he’s certainly earned the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

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

The Uproxx 2023 Fall Travel Hot List is live! Visit here for the full experience!

Boulder, Colorado: home to Mork and Mindy, a deep history of progressive politics, a totally outsized number of professional athletes, gorgeous mountain vistas, and now – Coach Prime. As a relatively longtime resident of Boulder, it’s been exciting to see the enthusiasm around town since Deion Sanders made his coaching debut. Just in the last few weeks, College Game Day, SportsCenter, Big Noon Kickoff, First Take, Pat McAfee, and even 60 Minutes all broadcast from Boulder for a game that saw Lil Wayne take the field, The Rock on the sidelines, and Offset in the student section – to name a few high profile fans.

In a city of just over 100,000 people, to say the city is feeling electric these days would be an understatement. Friends from all over the country are clamoring to visit and try to get a piece of the action at a game (if they can afford the steep resale ticket prices) or to get in the mix downtown and hike in the legendary Flatirons.

While Boulder will always be a tourist attraction – football or not – I knew this would be the right time to rethink my Boulder recommendations for anyone planning an upcoming visit. Fall is possibly the best time to stroll through the town named “The Happiest City in The USA” and “Best Place To Live In The Nation” countless times.

Titles that I can, of course, only agree with. Here are my picks for your next visit:

WHERE TO EAT:

LEAF VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

When I moved to Boulder several years ago, I was a vegetarian (and somehow continued to be for several more years). However, even now that I’ve opened my diet to almost anything, I still crave Leaf. And I’m not the only one; many people I’ve taken to Leaf are nowhere near vegetarians but cannot get enough of the unique flavors. For brunch, I love the Egg Sandwich. For happy hour, I switch between the Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos and Vegan Crab Cake Slider (always with a side of mixed fries). For dinner, I love experimenting – the Jamaican Jerk Tempeh and Orange Cauliflower are both solid options. The atmosphere is chic and airy, with a great patio and cocktails.

SPRUCE FARM AND FISH

Spruce Farm and Fish is a bit of an anomaly. Despite its excellent location in the Hotel Boulderado, I find it mostly a local spot for dinner and drinks. Many of my friends who have spent decades in Boulder consistently return for top-notch service, ambiance, creative cocktails, and, of course, great food. On my last visit, I tried the oft-recommended Rocky Mountain Trout, which did not disappoint. I paired it with a Hibiscus Haze cocktail made with Breckenridge Gin, hibiscus simple syrup, St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and lemon. Followed by an espresso martini for “dessert.” Whether you’re a local or visitor, staying at the Hotel Boulderado or down the street, Spruce is a must on your foodie Boulder bucket list.

BASTA

A new favorite is Basta, a wood-fired Italian restaurant that Michelin Guide just recognized as a Bib Gourmand — a restaurant with “good value, good quality cooking.” Unassumingly tucked away in an apartment complex outside the city center, my first trip to Basta was extraordinarily memorable and won’t be my last. The shishito peppers were somehow different than any I’ve had, the Roberto pizza is the best in town (with honey and Calabrian chili), and the half chicken was perfectly cooked.

SANTO

I often describe the Boulder vibe to others by explaining that the place I stop to get coffee in the morning is a restaurant whose executive chef and owner is a previous winner of Top Chef. Boulder is packed with interesting and accomplished people, and that’s evident in the food scene. While I often grab a coffee and a delicious veggie breakfast burrito, Santo shines at all mealtimes. The New Mexican-inspired cuisine is classic and modern, with local and seasonal elements that put it at the top of my list any day or time.

ROSETTA HALL

Food halls are popping up all over the United States as incubators of sorts for upcoming chefs to launch their food businesses. One of my perennial favorites is Rosetta Hall in Boulder. Located just one block off Pearl St., the eight restaurants and two bars offer something for everyone. Whether I stop in the morning at Gracia for craft coffee and pastries or later for happy hour on the rooftop with a cocktail and some Middle Eastern cuisine from Amira, I am always satisfied. Head to Rosetta Hall for live music every Tuesday, DJs every Thursday – Saturday, and lounge music on the rooftop on Sunday afternoons.

STELLA’S CUCINA

Stella’s Cucina is one of the newest and most intriguing restaurants in Boulder. Owned by Boulder local Stella Spanu, the immersive dining experience takes inspiration from her Italian heritage to create incredible food while still incorporating ingredients from Colorado farms. Chef Filippo has created a truly remarkable menu that I have loved working my way through, all in the art deco-inspired speakeasy-vibe upscale surrounds. After dinner on weekends, the sleek bar and restaurant are transformed into a dancefloor and lounge where patrons can enjoy wine from the extensive list or a craft cocktail from the round bar.

GOLD HILL INN

While Gold Hill Inn isn’t technically in Boulder proper, it is a short – and jaw-droppingly beautiful – ten-mile drive up to the historic mountain Inn and Restaurant. There is no way to reach Gold Hill that isn’t via a dirt road, but you’ll be rewarded handsomely for making the trek to 8,300 ft above sea level. The building, which dates back to 1872, is part of a surprisingly thriving community of just 218 people – with not just the restaurant but a lodge (only rentable as a whole), music venue, general store, and oldest continually operating school in Colorado in the historic mining settlement.

Dine on the seasonally changing six or three-course meals in the dining room (make reservations!) or outside in the beer garden for a more casual atmosphere and likely live music.

DRINK:

SPRUCE CONFECTIONS

On West Pearl Street lies my favorite neighborhood coffee shop: Spruce Confections. When I’m in town, I will likely be here every morning with a whole cast of other regular characters. The pastries are next level, the lavender latte always hits the spot, and the location and outdoor seating area are divine. Come on a Sunday morning for live music from the aptly named Espresso! swing and jazz band – a tradition that has lasted 20-odd years.

SILVER VINES WINERY

If you’ve read any of my other travelogues here at UPROXX or seen any photo of me pretty much anywhere, you know I like my wine. So I was ecstatic when Silver Vines Winery, based in nearby Arvada, opened a downtown Boulder tasting room. I generally stick with my favorite dry rosé while people-watching between pages of a book scored from a nearby Little Free Library or the palatial Boulder Bookstore. The family-owned operation makes and bottles their wine with some grapes from Colorado’s Palisade region, along with others procured from around the country.

AVANTI FOOD & BEVERAGE

Avanti F&B‘s Denver food hall location is known for its epic skyline views, so when they expanded into Boulder, I expected nothing less than a rooftop – and they delivered. With what I consider the best view in town, Avanti has quickly become a staple for drinks and food for visitors and locals alike. Head up the glass elevator to the rooftop bar to watch the sunset or a CU game with a view.

BOULDER DUSHANBE TEAHOUSE

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has been a staple since its opening in 1987. A gift from sister city Dushanbe in what is now Tajikistan, forty artisans crafted the elaborate teahouse for two years, then shipped it piece by piece in around 200 crates to Boulder to be reassembled. It is an artistic masterpiece, to be sure, but the tea and cocktails are also worth a stop. I love the Mula Mágica, made with hibiscus-infused tequila, white tea, Colorado ginger beer, and lime.

THE CORNER BAR

The Corner Bar at the Hotel Boulderado has been one of my long-time happy hour favorites. I’ve heard it was a past hang-out for the beat poets who spent time in town (Boulder is home to the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, after all), and I’d like to think their creativity is somehow still rubbing off on me here. Located on what I’d consider to be the best people-watching corner in town, head to The Corner Bar for happy hour drinks and truffle fries or some Cab Steak and Fries for dinner with an incredible sunset view.

SLEEP:

HOTEL BOULDERADO

The first luxury hotel in Boulder, the Hotel Boulderado – a combination of “Boulder” and “Colorado” – opened on New Year’s Day in 1909. Since then, it has been a Boulder landmark, with luxurious Victorian rooms, many original antiques, and an impressive stained glass canopy above the striking lobby. I love feeling like I’ve stepped back into another time, staying at this ideally located hotel, dining at the bar or restaurant, or heading underground to License No. 1 — a speakeasy-style bar that was the first in town to receive a liquor license after prohibition.

ST. JULIEN HOTEL AND SPA

I have spent many a stay-cation night at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa in downtown Boulder. The luxurious property has stunning mountain views, incredible service, a full-service spa, a delicious restaurant, a pool area, and – my favorite – arguably the best happy hour deal in town. The rooms are luxe and modern, with many offering unparalleled flatiron views. You can often find live music on the patio while you sip a glass of wine and dine on the famous “Jills Tots.”

EXPLORE:

PEARL ST. PEDESTRIAN MALL

The four-block pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder is without question, the heart of the city. It is always hopping with ample shopping, restaurants, buskers, street art, and festivals. Known as the “Outdoor Apparel Rodeo Drive,” you can find any outdoor gear you can imagine between the tarot readers and magicians dotting the vibrant area.

CHAUTAUQUA PARK

The only Chautauqua west of the Mississippi continuing operation since the 1920s, this historic district is a must-stop for visitors and locals alike. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Boulder, it was likely taken in front of the imposing Flatirons at Chautauqua. Hike, climb, picnic, enjoy a meal at the Dining Hall, ice cream from the General Store, or a show in the auditorium. There are even short-term rental cabins available here. Stay for sunset if you can.

MOUNT SANITAS

For a (slightly) less crowded but still accessible hiking experience, I always point visitors to the foothills’ Mount Sanitas and Red Rock Trail area. I love hiking Red Rocks Trail – easily accessed from West Pearl St., and continuing to Mount Sanitas to the (challenging) summit or along Dakota Ridge or Sanitas Valley Trail.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

So, Rocky Mountain National Park is not in Boulder, but at just over 38 miles away, you should take the opportunity to visit if you’re in town. Secure a vehicle-timed entry reservation and drive along Trail Ridge Road, then Bear Lake Corridor, making stops to hike around the famous Bear Lake and maybe up to Emerald Lake or Lake Haiyaha.

While music festivals were given a ton of grace as we made our way out of the pandemic’s initial phase of closures and shutdowns, large-scale events have (generally) returned to their old self for a couple of years. And while tons of fests are operating as ever before — the Coachellas and Lollapaloozas of the world — it doesn’t take much searching to note that festivals seem to be going wrong at a higher clip. Sometimes it is our rapidly devolving environment at play for weather-related issues, other times it is just greed or poor planning.

But, Ohana Festival isn’t in either of those buckets. Ohana lives in a world free of the typical festival narratives, thanks largely to its artist-curated origins (Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder is the festival’s guiding force) and its family-focused ethos (this applies to both the amount of kids that were running around the grounds AND to the vibe from the bands on stage, which welcomed collaboration and camaraderie, with Connecticut jammers Goose even noting that they felt welcomed as a part of the Ohana family with their performance). It helps that its location — Dana Point, CA, right at the intersection of Orange and San Diego County — also feels somewhat isolated and untouched by the outside world, with those fortunate enough to be local to the area enjoying a life of big homes, ocean views, temperate weather, and great surfing.

That mix of having someone known for his thoughtfulness in everything he puts his name on at the helm and a clientele that is expecting a certain level of quality for their buck is likely the driving factor behind the core tenant of Ohana: being just a little bit better of an experience than most other music festivals. A lot of that has to do with ease. There is no designated parking on site for the festival, but they’ve created a highly convenient and easy shuttle system at a local school, coupled with the ability of some to just park at the beach like they normally would for a day at Doheny. Once entering the festival, fans can note that they don’t have to worry about missing any of the music, with two side-by-side stages that alternate between acts for no overlap. And even if you don’t want to move to the other stage, the screens on both stages show whatever is currently happening (even if it is on the other stage) while speakers blast the music, with additional screens in VIP, in the food court, and even in some of the lounge areas. It’s such a simple move that makes a huge difference, it is strange that more festivals don’t incorporate it.

In addition to some of the standard festival eats — shout out Spicy Pie — there were charcuterie stations that served adorable little cups of meats and cheeses in case fans didn’t want kettle corn or soft pretzels. A Storytellers stage — one of the few places not pumping out the music from the main stages — saw a parade of community leaders discussing topics largely centering on environmental activism, a topic dear to Vedder’s heart and particularly relevant considering the beach setting. Even things like the official merch felt more thoughtful and abundant than a typical festival.

And then, of course, there is the booking. Skewing a tad older than the top-tier American festivals, Ohana Festival’s 2023 edition was headlined by Vedder, The Killers, and Foo Fighters, with direct subheadliners of Haim, The Chicks, and The Pretenders showing that some real thought is put into gender parity. Other artists, which included Japanese Breakfast, Father John Misty, Goose, The War On Drugs, The Backseat Lovers, Dehd, and Suki Waterhouse, kept the festival from leaning too hard into artists whose commercial peaks were decades ago, believing that the mature audience is still interested in discovering new things that might connect to their already established tastes.

And while there were many standout moments — I need to shout out Goose one more time, a band that managed to carve their set down by 2/3rds and still show why their bridge between the indie and jam worlds is truly exciting — the weekend belonged to Vedder. He popped out on Friday to perform Tom Petty’s “The Waiting” with The Killers, and then recruited an excellent band for his solo set on Saturday, including Glen Hansard, Andrew Watt, and Josh Klinghoffer. The performance included his originals from last year’s Earthling, some Pearl Jam favorites, and an array of covers of the likes of Neil Young and The Cure. Without overly centering himself, Vedder still provided the gravity for the festival to orbit, rooting it in his own long musical tradition and extending the branches to include all the artists he invited to the event.

Curated ultimately feels like the operative word for Ohana. The music is finely tuned to what Vedder’s fans might know already and what newer stuff they might like. The food, comfort, and overall relaxed beach vibes are perfectly aligned with the community that they serve. And the willingness to go that extra 10% that many festivals are content to skip feels integral to Ohana’s staying power. If only more festivals sought to perfect themselves rather than to grow endlessly.

Check out some exclusive photos of Ohana Festival 2023 below.

Eddie Vedder

The War On Drugs

The Chicks

Goose

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

If it seems like your entire social media feed over the summer was just a stream of pics of your friends in Spain’s Balearic Islands (think: partying in Ibiza or lounging sexily on Mallorca’s beaches), then join the club. Both Ibitza and Mallorca are fully on the “Cool Kid of Instagram” summer travel circuit. Which is fun for many but also… kinda turned me off a tad. So when I heard about the lesser-known island of Menorca — often called “Mallorca’s little sister” — I booked a flight straightaway.

Not only did I discover that Menorca lis indeed ess crowded than Mallorca, but I also found my new favorite hotel on earth. Villa le Blanc by Gran Meliá has that “it” factor. It’s new(ish), sexy, eco-conscious, and gives an overall sense of Mediterranean laidback luxury without ever trying too hard. It also delivers a sense of place, from the scenery, F&B curated by a local chef, and one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever jumped into.

Let’s get down to the details…

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Well, first of all….look at this place:

From the moment I walked in, the cool design and architecture caught my attention. But when I learned that they sourced all of the hotel’s artwork, sculptures, and even furniture, from local artisans to drive support to the island’s businesses, I knew I’d just walked into someplace special. The hotel opened last summer as the island’s first energy-efficient carbon-neutral luxury hotel, with sustainability efforts and tributes to Menorcan food and design.

Spanish architect Álvaro Sans transformed this hotel to reflect traditional Menorcan architecture including sea-facing terraces, tons of natural light (perfect for snapping those Insta-worthy pics), and materials like stone, wood, and clay with a predominately white and blue color scheme. One of the coolest aspects was that the common areas throughout the resort are designed to achieve a seamless blend of outdoor and indoor spaces. Also, the hotel’s gardens are planted with olive, cypress, lemon, and pomegranate trees, among other local plants.

If you’re anything like me and always seek some sort of wellness experience while on vacation (because, #selfcare), the spa can’t be missed. Treatments feature all-natural, vegan products that combine essential oils, trace elements, and naturally active and biotechnological ingredients that are all carefully selected for their high quality and sustainability. Guests can use the spa’s hydrothermal circuit consisting of a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam.

IN-HOUSE FOOD & DRINK:

From my pool-side cabana lunches (my must-try picks: oysters and the spicy tuna roll) to golden hour cocktails and dinner, every single bite and sip here excited me. The hotel’s dining pays homage to local products, with each restaurant using the fresh ingredients from the island’s various farms. Located on the first-floor terrace overlooking the sea, Villa Le Blanc is home to the newest location of S’Amarador — widely recognized as one of the top seafood restaurants on the island. The restaurant works with top fishermen and farmers to source the ingredients for its delicious rice dishes and seafood bisques, with a particular focus on one of the culinary highlights of the Balearic Sea: the local red lobster. The restaurant preserves and adapts all the traditions of the ancient fishermen’s taverns that used to be located throughout the port area. My menu recs: the Menorcan lobster stew, monkfish, and the margarita cocktail.

Along with S’Amarador, the restaurateur Joan Canals brings his Menorcan cuisine expertise to Cru, which combines fresh fish, shellfish, vegetables, and olive oils for super contemporary techniques and presentation. Ceviche, sushi, oysters, and the famous Mahón cheeses are all highlights. Cru is also the more social gathering spot to grab cocktails, meet other guests, and watch the sunset.

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Lastly, Nivi is the hotel’s all-day restaurant, which offers grilled dishes, rice specialties, international-inspired menus, and dare I say, an extensive wine list. It’s also the go-to spot for its breakfast buffet. However, as a self-proclaimed “room service snob,” I opted for a breakfast room service. It was well worth it.

AMENITIES:

• Direct beach access
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Rooftop with an adults-only pool
• Boutique store
• 24-hour gym
• Room service
• Pet friendly
• Kids club and babysitting services
• Bathrobes
• Spa with sauna and hammam
• Free WiFi

ROOM TYPES:

All 159 guestrooms (45 of those being suites) are designed with balconies and either city or sea views. I stayed in a junior sea-view suite, which has its own private roof terrace and offers direct access to the hotel’s adults-only rooftop pool via an outdoor spiral staircase. It felt like a true wellness oasis of my own. The room amenities range from pools to terrace jacuzzi tubs, along with TVs, coffee makers, a mini-bar and in-room snacks, luxury bathroom products, and a comfy bathrobe.

THE BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 15-MINUTE WALK:

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The hotel itself is located on Santo Tomás Beach, so it’s an ideal spot to go for a walk along the coastline, snorkel, or take part in watersports, if that’s your thing. There’s also a running trail carved out along the beach making it easy to go for a morning run or sunset walk with the most amazing scenery.

THE BEST THING TO DO/EAT/DRINK WITHIN A $20 CAB RIDE:

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A “cala” is a small bay or cove in the coastline of the sea. Cala Mitjana is the closest one to the hotel, around a 20-minute drive that’s definitely under $20, and ended up being a top highlight of my trip. It was pure natural beauty, with bright turquoise waters and cliffs.

The charming historic center of Ciutadella de Menorca is small but very beautiful, and while it may be a longer journey (30-minute car ride), it’s a must-visit while on the island. The narrow streets of the old town are pedestrianized and lined with charming shops, bars, and restaurants. Wandering those medieval-looking streets was the exact moment I fell in love with Menorca. The main square, Plaça des Born, is home to the Gothic-style City Hall and the 19th-century palaces of Salort and Torre-Saura. The 14th-century Santa Maria of Ciutadella Cathedral features a huge marble altar and the baroque-style Chapel of Souls. You can make it a day trip to spend a few hours there or go later in the day to spend dinner there.

I had dinner in Ciutadella at the restaurant Ulisses, led by chef Joan Canals who curates the restaurants at Villa Le Blanc. What makes it cool? Joan Canals started making cocktails self-taught from a very young age. Over time, he trained in classic mixology and molecular mixology and is now award-winning. His passion and training were evident because each dish was not only delicious but really made you think, engaging all senses beyond taste and texture.

BED GAME:

As a travel writer, I’ve visited many hotels in my lifetime, but this king bed has risen to the #1 spot. The fluffy yet lightweight comforter, ceiling fan above, and perfect pillows, had me excited to get back into my room any chance I got. If I could transport any hotel bed into my apartment, this would be my vote.

Rating: 10/10

SEXINESS RATING:

The rooftop access, cocktail bar, design, rooms, and overall vibe would be a 10/10. The only aspect that calls for minus one point on the sexiness scale is that it’s kid-friendly. Add to that a few crying babies by the main pool and you hit eight on the meter.

Rating: 8/10

VIEWS & THE PHOTO OPPS:

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It’s hard to capture a bad picture here. The rooms and outdoor spaces have unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. That, plus the Instagrammability of the hotel itself, make this a dream photo opp. I recommend walking through the hotel lobby right before sunset for interior pictures and snapping pool or rooftop balcony pictures during the day.

Rating: 9/10

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

Anytime from May to October is the best time to visit. I was here in mid-May, right before the summer busy season began. It was the perfect time if you want less crowds and warm, but not too warm, weather.

IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:

The service was top-notch, the food was mouth-watering, and I never felt more relaxed. One drawback is that the downstairs lobby bar closes at 11 p.m., which can be early for the younger crowd who still wants to socialize and mingle over drinks past that time. However, if you are a partier, you can head into town after 11 p.m. While Menorca doesn’t get rowdy, there are tons of bars and clubs, some even with live music.

For a night of indie, soft rock, or acoustics – possibly some jazz, head on over to Es Claustre. Other local nightlife experiences can be found at JAZZBAH and Pura Vida Pub Menorca.

BOOK IT:

Rates start at around $800 per night for guest rooms and $1,200 per night for suites.

INSTAGRAM IMAGES TAKEN AT VILLA LE BLANC

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For however long James Harden remains on the Philadelphia 76ers, all eyes will remain on the Los Angeles Clippers and whether they’ll be able to make a trade. Harden has expressed his desire for Philly to move him, and his preferred destination is Los Angeles, where he would get to team up with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

That request came at the beginning of the offseason, and with training camp starting, Harden is still a member of the Sixers. While he joined the team for camp, the clock is still ticking on a potential deal, and according to Sam Amick and Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Clippers are leaving no stone unturned in trying to make something happen.

League sources say the Clippers have been talking to several teams about ways to move pick swaps for additional draft capital with the intention of bolstering their offer and getting a deal done.

The Clippers offered the Sixers an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap and salaries for Harden in July, league sources say, but Philadelphia has set a much higher threshold. The Sixers have valued fifth-year forward Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks in a potential trade with the Clippers, sources added.

It’s an interesting spot for Los Angeles to be in, as the team is just starting to recoup draft capital following the trade that brought George (and, by extension, Leonard) to the team. But for the merits of playing the long game, the team is incentivized to try and win as soon as possible, as both of those All-Stars are in line for extensions before they are potentially unrestricted free agents next summer. (Harden, it should be noted, is also set to hit the open market.)

As for whether or not the Sixers are able to get Mann, that is a separate story. The soon-to-be 27-year-old wing would be a snug fit alongside Tyrese Maxey in their backcourt, and he’s about to enter the first season of a two-year, $22 million extension.

Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. We hope you like weird and out-there designs because… well, that’s mostly what this week is packing! A strange Rick Owens collaboration that radically reimagines a classic silhouette? Check. A saturated Air Uptempo that looks like it’s straight out of a ‘90s Spike Lee movie? Check. The weirdest basketball sneaker you’ve ever seen? Check. Sneakers that literally have the word “crazy” in the name? Double Check (Adidas is dropping two of those this week).

But don’t worry if that doesn’t describe your vibe, because there are also some more conservative drops this week that’ll scratch that vintage itch, including the Jordan 6 Aqua, the Charles Barkley-branded Air Max 2, and a super dope New Balance collaboration with Concepts.

Let’s dive into the best sneaker drops of the week!

Converse x DRKSHDW TURBOWPN

Price: $200

I won’t sugarcoat it, this sneaker is weird, but isn’t that what we’ve come to expect from anything bearing Rick Owens’ name? Made in collaboration with DRKSHDW, this redesign of the Converse Weapon — dubbed the TURBOWPN — features exaggerated midsole and tongue designs with a full-grain leather upper, elevated platform-style midsole, and a wrap-around woven label.

It’s part Converse classic, part UK Glam Rock.

The Converse x DRKSHWD TURBOWPN is out now for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair via at Converse.

Nike Air Max 2 CB ’94 Black and Metallic Silver

Price: $170

Stealthy and stylish, these signature sneakers from NBA legend Charles Barkley feature an ultra-lightweight build for ultimate mobility, a premium leather upper, and metallic details throughout. It’s rare you see basketball sneakers this stylish that aren’t Jordans.

Where most NBA players go for wacky designs and loud colorways (See the entirety of LeBron and Kyrie Irvin’s Nike collars), Barkley kept it cool, building off the Air Max 2 design and giving it just the right amount of flair.

The Nike Air Max 2 CB ’94 Black and Metallic Silver is out now for a retail price of $170. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.

Concepts x New Balance Made in USA 998 Sea Salt with Covert Green (Aka C Note)

Price: $219.99

In what is no doubt a highly anticipated drop for New Balance nerds, Concepts and NB are teaming up this week for a release that pays tribute to the 998 ’N-Noted Only’ which dropped 10 years ago. Dubbed the ‘C-Note,’ this sneaker features suede leather overlays with mesh underlays riding atop an ABZROB midsole and a colorway inspired by the design of the $100 bill.

The sneaker features a beautiful mix of off-white and soft green tones with bright blue and metallic copper accents. Whether you’re a fan of the original or not doesn’t matter, this sneaker looks great regardless. Count me a New Balance nerd convert.

The Concepts x New Balance Made in USA 998 Sea Salt with Covert Green is out now for a retail price of $219.99. Pick up a pair via the New Balance webstore.

Nike Air More Uptempo Low x AMBUSH Lilac and Apple Green/ Black and White

Price: $190 (Lilac and Apple Green/Black and White)

How do you make the Nike Air More Uptempo, one of the brand’s craziest sneaker designs, look even more wild and out there? Drop it in a mix of bold purple and green tones, that’s how! AMBUSH’s latest Nike collaboration did just that and the results are fantastic.

The sneaker features a luxurious leather build with an AMBUSH branded heel and tongue, embroidered swoosh at the toe box, and a jelly swoosh at the heel. Oh, and the sneaker also drops in a black-and-white version, which is good but not quite as eye-catching as the Lilac and Apple Green.

The Nike Air More Uptempo Low x AMBUSH Lilac and Apple Green and Black and White is set to drop on October 6th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $190. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Adidas Crazy 8

Price: $140

What’s crazier, Nike’s Air More Uptempo or the Adidas Crazy 8? We’re leaning toward the former, but that doesn’t mean that this sneaker isn’t still bringing weirdness to the table. The Crazy 8, a design first introduced in the ‘90s, sports a leather upper with textile lining over an EVA midsole and Adidas Torsion System for enhanced midfoot support.

The design was inspired by vintage collegiate apparel and looks great layered up with some wide or straight-leg pants.

The Adidas Crazy 8 is set to drop on October 6th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $140. Pick up a pair via the Adidas.

Adidas Crazy IIINFINITY

Price: $160

Born from the Crazy 1, a sneaker that had a polarizing reputation, the Crazy IIINFINITY sports a futuristic silhouette with a synthetic upper with textile lining, a zipper closure, molded sidewalls, and a mid-rise cut in a stealthy triple black colorway.

I like the futuristic design but I can’t help but feel like from certain angles this sneaker looks like those oil-resistant slip-ons you wear over your shoes when you work in restaurant kitchens.

The Adidas Crazy IIINFINITY is set to drop on October 6th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $160. Pick up a pair via Adidas or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.

PUMA x LAMELO Ball MB.03 LaFrancé

Price: $140

In stark contrast to the classic Charles Barkley-branded Air Max dropping this week, is LaMelo Ball’s third signature sneaker with PUMA, the MB.03, in its new LaFrancé colorway. This sneaker features an engineered mesh and knit upper with cutouts, a NITROFOAM-infused midsole, and slime-inspired rubber wraps. ’Slime-inspired’ is a term you’d never see in 90s sneaker culture, but here we are in 2023, living in the future!

The sneaker sports enhanced cushioning, a full coverage nonslip rubber traction system, and a breathable and lightweight fit with a swirling paisley design.

The PUMA x LAMELO Ball MB.03 LaFrancé is set to drop on October 6th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $140. Pick up a pair via PUMA.

Air Jordan 6 Aqua

Price: $200

This week’s most hyped-up sneaker drop once again goes to Jordan brand who are bringing a classic colorway to the Jordan 6. Known for first appearing on the Jordan 8, this Aqua colorway combines a black upper with aqua and concord details on a leather upper.

Nike’s main strategy this year has been bringing famous Jordan colorways from one silhouette and slapping it on another and while it’s ultimately a lazy practice, credit where credit is due, it looks great so we’re not about to complain about it.

The Air Jordan 6 Aqua is set to drop on October 7th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.

Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.

Have you ever wondered what happens at the dry cleaners? Or are you like me, who just assumed the people at the dry cleaners were wizards and never questioned their magic? Turns out, dry cleaners aren’t magic and there’s actually a pretty interesting explanation of how they came to be and what they do.

Melissa Pateras is known on Tiktok for her laundry knowledge. Seriously, her ability to fold laundry is hypnotizing. This time, she created a video explaining what actually takes place at the dry cleaner and the internet is aghast.

Before Pateras explained what happens in the mysterious world behind the counter of a dry cleaner, she asked a few of her friends what they thought dry cleaning was. Their answers were…interesting to say the least.

One friend surmised, “You put it in a box, right…and then you let some wind, really fast wind, blow around on your clothes and it wipes off all the dirt.” The friend, whose username is @unlearn16, continued with her working hypothesis, saying that the clothes are then blasted with infrared heat to sterilize the garments. While that is certainly an interesting theory, that’s not what happens.

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Another friend guessed, “Dry cleaning is when they take all of your dirty clothes into this big dryer with a clean sheet that sticks all of the dirt to it from your dirty clothes.” This friend was also incorrect, and Pateras finally explained why after her friends dug deep into their brains for their best guesses.

Turns out dry cleaning was invented by accident when Jean-Baptiste Jolly spilled a kerosene lamp on his tablecloth, which dried cleaner than it was previously, according to Pateras.

The laundry guru explained that while it was dangerous, the practice of cleaning things with kerosene continued until a less flammable method was discovered. But even the safer method is still fairly harsh, which is why dry cleaners take buttons off of clothing before running them through, she says.

This prompted one commenter to ask, “They really take the buttons off of every shirt?” to which Pateras replied that it only occurs if the buttons won’t withstand the chemicals.

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens at the dry cleaner, watch the video below. She takes you through each step.

@melissadilkespateras

What is dry cleaning #laundry #laundrytok #drycleaning #funfacts @Tracy Taylor @Unlearn16 @Ana Pac @Ashley Mathieu @Li

This article originally appeared on 5.10.23

You’ve probably been there. You’re out and about and you see something that just feels … off.

“Should I step in? … But it’s not really any of my business. … And I’m not even sure they need my help…”

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Our gut tells us to speak up, to ask questions, to tell someone. But often, we don’t.

This happened to Malyk Bonnet, a 17-year-old from Montreal. But instead of ignoring his instincts, he acted brilliantly. It may have saved a woman’s life.

Bonnet had been having a relatively normal day until he spotted something suspicious on his way home.

He’d been waiting for the bus after a shift at the restaurant where he works when he saw a man and woman arguing. He sensed a red flag.

“The guy was screaming at her, the girl,” Bonnet told CBC News. “He wasn’t really gentle with her, and I started watching, because I thought he would hit her, so I approached them a little bit.”

The pair asked Bonnet if he could lend them bus fares to nearby Laval, a city about 25 miles away from downtown Montreal.

Bonnet felt uneasy about what was happening. But instead of declining, he decided to get more involved. He helped the man and woman with their fares and told them he was also traveling to Laval (which was not the case).

“My plan was to keep them in a public place where he wouldn’t hurt her,” Bonnet told Dateline NBC. “I decided to be friendly with the man and have him think I was his friend. I played my game and he seemed to trust me.”

After arriving in Laval, Bonnet suggested they grab a bite to eat. At the restaurant, he gave the pair $50 for food and excused himself to use the restroom. Finally having the opportunity, he called the police and told them “someone had been kidnapped.” Officers arrived minutes later.

What Bonnet hadn’t known at the time was that police were already looking for the perpetrator and his victim.

The abusive man Bonnet reported had abducted his ex-girlfriend just hours beforehand.

“We were looking for a 29-year-old woman who was kidnapped by her former boyfriend earlier that day,” Laval police Lt. Daniel Guérin told CBC News. “We believed that man was very dangerous.”

Previously, the abuser spent time behind bars for assaulting his ex and sending her death threats.

Bonnet told Dateline NBC that while he didn’t speak with the woman after police arrived, he could see how relieved she was. “We made eye contact and she had tears in her eyes. She was really happy.”

Unfortunately, this type of tragic experience isn’t all that rare.

While this particular story unfolded in Canada — where roughly half of women have experienced at least one incident of sexual or physical violence since the age of 16 — you’ll find similarly alarming statistics in the U.S.

1 out of 4 American women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. What’s more, female victims of homicide are far more likely than male victims to be killed by a current or former partner.

Although it may seem easy to simply leave an abusive relationship in the dust, take it from some women who’ve been there — it’s much more difficult than it seems from the outside looking in.

Instead of passing judgment, you can learn more about how you can help friends and family members who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

Bonnet has become a local hero for his selflessness.

“His quick actions may have saved this young woman’s life,” Guérin said. The officers made sure to collect money so Bonnet could be reimbursed for the bus fares and food he purchased while trying to save the victim. “He now has 500 new friends in our department.”

Thank you, Malyk, for reminding me that sometimes the bravest thing I can do is simply listen to that voice when it’s trying to get my attention.

This article originally appeared on 08.20.15

There was never just one moment in my family when we “found out” that my dad was an addict.

I think I always knew, but I never saw him actually drinking. Usually, he downed a fifth of vodka before he came home from work or hid tiny bottles in the garage and bathroom cabinets.

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My name is Ashley, and I am the child of an addict. As a kid, I cried when our family dinner reservation shrunk from four to three after a man with glassy eyes stumbled through the door. I didn’t guzzle the vodka, but I felt the heartbreak of missed birthdays. I feel like I should weigh 500 pounds from all the “I’m sorry” chocolate donuts. I had to grow up quicker, but it made me into the person I am today.

I spent many years shouting into journals about why this was happening to me. But this is the thing that no one will tell you about loving someone who has an addiction: it will force you to see the world through different eyes.

Here are some things I’ve learned:

1. When your family’s yelling about burnt toast, they’re probably also yelling about something else.

My family yelled about everything — and nothing — to avoid the messy stuff. We all handled my dad’s addiction differently. My brother devoured sports. My mom took bubble baths. I slammed doors and slammed boyfriends for not understanding my family’s secrets.

Regardless of the preferred coping mechanism, everyone feels pain differently.

2. Your “knight in shining armor” can’t fix this.

Boyfriends became my great escape when I was young. But when I expected them to rescue me from the pain I grew up with, it never worked out. No matter how strapping they looked galloping in on those white horses, they couldn’t save me or fix anything.

In the end, I realized that I had to find healing on my own before I could build a strong relationship.

3. “Don’t tell anyone” is a normal phase.

When my dad punched holes in the wall, my mom covered them up with artwork. I wanted to rip the artwork down to expose all the holes, especially as a bratty teenager. But eventually I realized that it wasn’t my choice. My parents had bills to pay and jobs to keep. I’ve learned it’s common to cover up for dysfunction in your family, especially when it feels like the world expects perfection.

4. Friends probably won’t get it, but you’ll need them anyway.

Bulldozed by broken promises, I remember collapsing on a friend’s couch from the crippling pain of unmet expectations. I hyperventilated. Things felt uncontrollable and hopeless. My friend rubbed my back and just listened.

These are the kinds of friends I will keep forever, the ones who crawled down into the dark places with me and didn’t make me get back up until I was ready.

5. You can’t fix addiction, but you can help.

When I was a teenager, I called a family meeting. I started by playing a Switchfoot song: “This is your life. Are you who you want to be?”

Let’s skip to the punchline: It didn’t work.

It wasn’t just me. Nothing anyone did worked. My dad had to lose a lot — mostly himself — before he hit that place they call “rock bottom.” And, in all honesty, I hate that label because “rock bottom” isn’t just a one-and-done kind of place.

What can you do while you wait for someone to actually want to get help? Sometimes, you just wait. And you hope. And you pray. And you love. And you mostly just wait.

6. Recovery is awkward.

When a counselor gave me scripted lines to follow if my dad relapsed, I wanted to shred those “1-2-3 easy steps” into a million pieces.

For me, there was nothing easy about my dad’s recovery. My whole family had to learn steps to a new dance when my dad went into recovery. The healing dance felt like shuffling and awkwardly stepping on toes. It was uncomfortable; new words, like trust and respect, take time to sink in. And that awkwardness is also OK.

7. I still can’t talk about addiction in the past tense.

Nothing about an addict’s life happens linearly. I learned that early on. My dad cycled through 12-step programs again and again, to the point where I just wanted to hurl whenever anyone tried to talk about it. And then we finally reached a point where it felt like recovery stuck.

But even now, I’ll never say, “My dad used to deal with addiction.” My whole family continues to wrestle with the highs and lows of life with an addict every single day.

8. Happy hours and wedding receptions aren’t easy to attend.

My family will also probably never clink glasses of red wine or stock the fridge full of beer. I’m convinced happy hours and wedding receptions will get easier, but they might not. People get offended when my dad orders a Diet Coke instead of their fine whisky.

Plus, there’s the paranoia factor. Surrounded by flowing liquor, I hate watching my dad crawl out of his skin, tempted to look “normal” and tackle small talk with people we barely know. I’ve learned that this fear will probably last for a while, and it’s because I care.

9. If you close your eyes, the world doesn’t just “get prettier.”

With constant fear of the unknown, sometimes our world is not a pretty place. I remember watching the breaking news on 9/11 and feeling the terror of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers as if I was there.

My dad numbed the anxiety of these dark days with vodka, but this didn’t paint a prettier world for him when he woke up the next day. I’ve dealt with the fear of the unknown with the help of boys, booze, and bad dancing on pool tables. Life hurts for everyone, and I think we all have to decide how we’re going to handle the darkness.

10. Rip off the sign on your back that reads: “KICK ME. MY LIFE SUCKS.”

Sometimes I look in the mirror and I see only my broken journey. In some twisted way, I’m comforted by the dysfunction because it’s kept me company for so long. It’s easy to let the shadow of my family’s past follow me around and choose to drown in the darkness.

But every day, I’m learning to turn on the light. I have to write the next chapter in my recovery story, but I can’t climb that mountain with all this crap weighing me down.

11. It’s OK to forgive, too.

Some people have given me sucky advice about how I should write an anthem on daddy bashing, or how to hit the delete button on the things that shaped my story.

Instead, my dad and I are both learning to celebrate the little things, like the day that he could change my flat tire. On that day, I didn’t have to wonder if he was too drunk to come help me.

I can’t forget all the dark nights of my childhood.

But I’ve learned that for my own well-being, I can’t harbor bitterness until I explode.

Instead, I can love my dad, day by day, and learn to trust in the New Dad — the one with clearer eyes and a full heart. The one who rescues me when I call.

This article originally appeared on 04.27.16