Month: November 2023

Jon Batiste’s time on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert has ended. However, fans of the multiple Grammy Award-winner can experience his masterful band leadership skills live in a city near them soon. After Batiste’s scheduled set at Macy’s 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parade, he will embark on his first-ever headlining tour.

As part of the Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People, Batiste’s latest album, World Music Radio, and his remaining discography will be performed live. The 23-date North American run will kick off on February 16 in Portland, Oregon. So far, Batiste has not announced any opening acts. Still, as a classically trained instrumentalist, his supporting band is sure to be more than adequate to fulfill the needs of ticketholders.

View the full schedule for Jon Batiste’s Uneasy Tour: Purifying The Airwaves For The People below. Presale for the tour begins on November 14 at 10 a.m. local time. General on-sale starts will follow on November 17 at 10 a.m. local time. Find more information here.

02/16/2024 — Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
02/17/2024 — Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
02/18/2024 — San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore (early and late shows)
02/20/2024 — Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
02/22/2024 — Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
02/23/2024 — Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
02/24/2024 — Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
02/26/2024 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
02/27/2024 — Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
02/28/2024 — Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
03/03/2024 — Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
03/12/2024 — Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
03/13/2024 — Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
03/15/2024 — New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall
03/16/2024 — Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
03/17/2024 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
03/19/2024 — New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
03/21/2024 — Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
03/22/2024 — Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
03/24/2024 — Knoxville, TN @ Big Ears Festival
03/26/2024 — Dallas, TX @ Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
03/27/2024 — Austin, TX @ ACL Live – Moody Theater
04/27/2024 — Miramar Beach, FL @ Kaleidoscope Beach

My mother died from ovarian cancer when I was a young child.

I’m in my late 30s now, and I’m still navigating this loss as I move through life. I’ve lived most of my life without my mother at this point, but I still miss her.

Here are three things I’ve learned since losing Mam:

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1. Grief is not linear and is not solely expressed through tears.

Someone you love has been taken away from you, and your heart has broken into pieces. It’s natural to grieve, but we all grieve differently. Grief shows up in anger, sorrow, guilt, fear, and sometimes peace. It is unpredictable and, at times, exhausting.

I cried when my mother died, and I cried at her funeral when my school choir sang “Be Not Afraid.” I didn’t cry much in the immediate years that followed — not directly as a result of Mam’s death, but probably indirectly related to it. I certainly felt fear and anger and other emotions related directly to my loss.

Then sadness hit me like a ton of bricks one day when I was in my early 20s. A compassionate friend asked me about Mam, and as I hadn’t spoken about her to anyone outside the family, I broke down. It was a good release. The years have brought many stages of grieving.

Mother’s Day is never easy. Shopping for my wedding dress without my mother brought up intense feelings of loss. And sometimes it just hits me hard, on a regular day, yanking me out of my pleasant thoughts. A mother in a dressing room with her daughter, and they’re trying on clothes together, admiring how the other looks. The mother telling the daughter how beautiful she is.

Or a friend of mine, meeting her mother for lunch and I can’t even imagine what that would be like! I can’t even fathom the amazing joy of having lunch right now with Mam! And then I get that heaviness in my chest and my stomach feels bad.

There’s no closure. My grieving stems from having loved so deeply. I have learned to tune into the emotions I’m feeling and to acknowledge the love, the pain, and the loss.

2. There are no replacements.

Nobody can replace your mother. We love our mothers in our own individual ways. Our mothers care for us when we’re sick, guide us in life the best ways they can, listen to us, and love us unconditionally.

For a mother, her child is always her first priority. And we sense this. We feel it. We know it, even if she doesn’t say it.

My mother was beyond happy when I was born a healthy baby girl. I was told that she called me her little angel. She carried me in her womb for nine months.

By the time I was born, we had that unbreakable bond, and she knew me from that first second of my existence. There’s never going to be a replacement for that person who loved me probably more than she loved herself. The joy in her eyes when she saw me, the warmth of her arms wrapped around me, the pain in her eyes when she had to say goodbye are all ways that I remember the deep love she had for me.

Mam prepared lunches for me every day to take to school, named muffins after me because they were my favorite, and surprised me with the best doll she could find when I was a few years old. She repaired my soft toys when they tore, taught me to have manners and sit up straight, wiped my eyes when I cried and my nose when I was sick.

Today I look for certain qualities in people. I look for a warmth, a radiance, a compassion and kindness that Mam had. I look for humor, a voice of sense, and strength of character. These are traits that my mother had. I find some of them in others.

But it’s never the same. There’ll never be another Mam. She’s irreplaceable on so many levels.

3. There are other people who will love you and other people for you to love.

Family members and friends will love you. They might not know exactly what your needs are or how to address them, but it’s worth reaching out to them. People struggle with different things.

Perhaps family members cannot love you or be there for you, and we may have to look around, let go, and reach further than we might want to in order to find the people who really love us, but there is someone out there to love you, and there’s someone in need of your love.

I was blessed with the kindest, most devoted father who gave my brother and me all the love and care we needed. My dad is a gem in my life. He calls me to hear my news and to share his. He worries when I’m not feeling good and is overjoyed when I’m happiest. He listens to my concerns and trusts me to make the right decisions.

My dad has helped me so much in dealing with my loss, through caring for me and loving me unconditionally. I have the most wonderful fiancé who loves me to no end. And I’ve friends in my life who I know truly care about me.

I’ve been blessed with a lovely family, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t reach out to others. I’ve reconnected with old friends after years of distance. I’ve discovered things I have in common with others and opened up to new friendships.

Having people to love is truly healing. I was a kindergarten teacher for 10 years. I loved the children in my care, and they showed me so much love in return. By spreading love, we invite more love into our lives. Try volunteering or working in a school or a hospital. There are people everywhere in need of love.

Our world is so big and yet so small now in this age of technology. We can reach out to others across continents.

Our mothers were the first to show us the true meaning of love. In honor of our mothers, let’s spread that love wherever we can.

This article was written by Carmel Breathnach and originally appeared on March 5, 2017

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

My goal of traveling solo to all 50 US states was stuck at 49 states for an excessive amount of time. Why? Because I wanted to visit my last state in peak season — Vermont, in the fall.

Last fall, I finally did it. I flew to the Freedom and Unity state to have a peep at all those leaves for myself. The colors were breathtaking, yes, but I realized on that short visit that there was a whole lot more I wanted to see.

So this fall, I traveled back to Vermont — this time to the state’s largest city this time around. Up until I booked my tickets, I really only knew that Burlington was where Ben and Jerry’s started, Bernie Sanders once served as mayor, and that the high school was temporarily housed in an old Macy’s department store and went viral. Also, I had seen the city pop up on many “Best,” “Safest,” and “Happiest” cities lists, and had friends tell me it shared similar vibes to my home in Boulder.

So I set off to see for myself. Here are my recommendations for a fall weekend in Burlington.

EAT & DRINK:

Juniper Bar & Restaurant

I had a few meals at Juniper during my last trip, and not just because it was located in the lobby of Hotel Vermont, my downtown Burlington hotel. The modern, thoughtful, and stylish restaurant feels much more like a neighborhood haunt than a hotel restaurant, with live music, energetic crowds, an incredible bar, and – of course – great food. My first meal was the lobster roll special with fries enjoyed at the bar (when in the Northeast, right?), which I ate so quickly that a few people actually (politely) laughed at me. Another night, I enjoyed the Mushroom Chevre Gnocchi and a taste of the 10th Anniversary Jasper Hill Farms Willoughby Cheese macaroni.

For breakfast, I can’t recommend Red Flannel Hash enough – Jericho Settlers Farm beets, potatoes, Montreal-spiced brisket, two eggs any style, and Red Hen toast that comes together perfectly.

Bleu Northeast Kitchen

Bleu Northeast Kitchen is another unassuming restaurant in a hotel, this time at the downtown Courtyard Burlington Harbor. It was recommended highly and did not disappoint. I enjoyed the chicken and waffles (I had to stray away from the Northeast flavors for just a meal), the service, and the ambiance.

After breakfast, cross the road, and you’re on the gorgeous shores of Lake Champlain.

Hen Of The Wood

During my few days in Burlington, Hen of the Wood came up a lot. Like a lot, a lot. Located downtown just next door to Hotel Vermont, some hotel employees noted that it’s common for guests to travel to the city and stay at the hotel just to head next door and experience a meal at the repeat James Beard-nominated restaurant. The space is cozy and dark, with crowds even late into weekday evenings.

The menus change daily — created to showcase the vibrant Vermont foods, with an extensive wine list and impeccable service. I enjoyed my Hanger Steak entree, but what shone most brightly for me was a special cantaloupe and duck confit appetizer.

August First

For a pastry, coffee, or unique lunch, head to August First, a locally owned (you’ll notice nearly everything is here) bakery and cafe serving made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch. I visited during lunch and braved the line (it’s popular for a reason, y’all) for The Day Maker breakfast sandwich with egg, cheddar, bacon fat aioli, tomato-habanero jam, arugula, red onion, on brioche with a local Maple seltzer water.

Splash at The Boathouse

I can’t speak to the food at the waterfront Splash, but the seasonal restaurant and bar on Lake Champlain is the perfect place to enjoy a drink by the water on a beautiful day. Just be on the lookout for Champ, the Lake Champlain monster.

STAY:

Hotel Vermont

If you’re visiting Burlington, I can’t recommend Hotel Vermont enough. Its perfect downtown location, amiable staff, commitment to local makers, and a slew of thoughtful amenities make this – Burlington’s only independently owned hotel – a standout. I loved the Vermont Flannel Company robes, locally made Lunaroma custom blend bath and body products, yoga studio, communal book, and game library, complimentary bikes, and the fun “bedtime menu” with hot toddies, milk, and cookies, or aromatherapy as options to help you wind down.

The location is where you want to be, with staff eager to help you plan the perfect Burlington adventure. I loved hanging out in the lobby and at the bar at Juniper, which was packed with locals and incredible bartenders every night.

EXPLORE:

Burlington Farmers Market

If you visit Burlington on a weekend between May and October, add the Farmer’s Market to your list. The area is known for its farmers and artisans, and this is the perfect way to get a taste (literally) of them all in one spot. From oysters to fresh flowers, homemade marshmallows to the traditional farmers market fare – you won’t go hungry here.

Church St.

The Church Street Pedestrian Mall is the heart of the city in Burlington. With over 30 local restaurants and over 60 local retailers, it is always packed with locals and tourists. I loved stopping by Crow Bookshop to pick up a new tome, Smugglers Notch Distillery for a tasting, and The Vermont Flannel Company to admire the creative uses of the fabric while eyeing a robe to take home as a souvenir.

South End Arts District

While in Burlington, I kept remarking that it felt “much larger than it was – in a good way.” Despite being the largest city in Vermont, the population still hovers below 45,000 people. Still, you wouldn’t know it, judging by the sheer amount of art, galleries, and makers throughout the city. An especially packed area is the South End Arts District, with enough shops, galleries, restaurants, and wine bars to keep you busy for an entire weekend.

Sail Vermont / Lake Champlain

You’ll have to time your visit right for this one, but it will be more than worth it. Burlington sits on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Champlain, and sailing on its water was one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences of my travels this year. There are various ways to get out onto the water, but I recommend Sail Vermont for private daytime and sunset sailing cruises. Their ocean racing yachts are comfortable and sleek (their boat, Blue, is Vermont’s only zero-emissions lake tour vessel), and the captains are knowledgeable and fun.

SIDE TRIP — MONTPELIER

Just under 40 miles outside of Burlington, you’ll find the state capitol of Montpelier. Just 8,000 people populate the small town, but it is worth a detour.

Bar Hill Distillery

I’m not a gin girlie, but one bottle I’ll always have stocked on my bar is Barr Hill. In fact, I made a detour to the Montpelier distillery on my first trip to the state just because I am such a fan and wanted to taste a Bee’s Knees straight from the source. Founded by a beekeeper and a distiller, the award-winning Barr Hill Distillery distills gin, vodka, and a Tom Cat Gin.

Known for its “Bee’s Knees Week” — a fundraising effort that raises money for 1% for the Planet approved partners — once you’re at the distillery, you can enjoy a cocktail, food, or a tour at their large facility.

SIDE TRIP — STOWE

Stowe, Vermont, just 36 miles from Burlington, is a quintessential New England town famous for its fall foliage (and influx of influencers) and its world-class ski resort. It is the perfect spot for a day trip from Burlington in any season.

Von Trapp Lodge

One of my favorite stops in Stowe is von Trapp Lodge and Brewing. The lodge and resort were founded by the real-life von Trapp family (of Sound of Music fame) after they escaped Austria during World War II and settled in Vermont. The resort is incredibly picturesque, with apparent Austrian influence and extensive grounds to enjoy outdoor activities whether you book a room or visit for the day.

Just down the road from the original lodge lies Von Trapp Brewing, a brewery, and beirhall serves von Trapps crisp, flavorful lagers along with Austrian-inspired dishes in a large facility with incredible views and outdoor space.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Hard Cider Tasting Room — Waterbury

Whether you visit in the busy fall season or not, you’ll still want to consider stopping at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for their famous cider and, more importantly to me, apple cider donuts. Just 10 miles down the road from Stowe in Waterbury, the bakery and market– full of Vermont goods – is quaint and cavernous. Afterward, head over to the Hard Cider Tasting Room, which serves breakfast and lunch, along with tastings of their tasty Vermont hard ciders in the rustic and chic tasting room.

We all know that Americans pay more for healthcare than every other country in the world. But how much more?

According an American expatriate who shared the story of his ER visit in a Taiwanese hospital, Americans are being taken to the cleaners when we go to the doctor. We live in a country that claims to be the greatest in the world, but where an emergency trip to the hospital can easily bankrupt someone.

Kevin Bozeat had that fact in mind when he fell ill while living in Taiwan and needed to go to the hospital. He didn’t have insurance and he had no idea how much it was going to cost him. He shared the experience in a now-viral Facebook post he called “The Horrors of Socialized Medicine: A first hand experience.”

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Bozeat started vomiting one evening and couldn’t stop, unable to even keep water down. “My symptoms showed no signs of abating,” he wrote. “At this point I had to seek medical treatment, I knew I had to go to the hospital.”

“I wanted to avoid it,” he added. “I had no idea how different Taiwanese hospitals would be, whether I would be able to find an English speaking doctor, or what it would cost me (my US health insurance has lapsed and I don’t qualify for Taiwanese NHI).”

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) is a single-payer system that covers all residents of Taiwan. Foreigners can take part in the system immediately upon obtaining a work permit, or after six months of living in the country. Bozeat was a student and hadn’t lived there long enough to be eligible yet.

But he needn’t have worried.

Bozeat’s bill for his entire hospital stay was a fraction of many insured American’s copays for emergency services.

And it’s not like he received substandard service for what he paid.

“My Taiwanese roommate called a taxi and took me to the ER at NTU Hospital,” Bozeat wrote. “I was immediately checked-in by an English speaking nurse. Within 20 minutes I was given IV fluids and anti-emetics. They took blood tests and did an ultrasound to ensure it wasn’t gall stones or appendicitis. From there I was given a diagnosis: a particularly severe case of Acute Viral Gastroenteritis (aka the stomach flu). After about 3 hours on an IV, I began to feel slightly better, my nausea disappeared and my stomach began to calm down.”

Bozeat was discharged with a prescription for anti-emetics and pain medication, and after a few days he was back to normal. This is when most of us would start panicking as we wait for the hospital bills to start arriving. But Bozeat was pleasantly surprised:

“The bill for the ER visit?…US $80.00. Eighty. American. Dollars. Out of pocket. Full cost. No discounts. No insurance. At one of the best hospitals in Taiwan. And if I had NHI, it would have been a fraction of that. This could have easily cost me hundreds or even thousands in the US without insurance. But here in Taiwan I was able to receive speedy, quality care comparable to what I would have gotten in a US hospital for relatively small amount of money.”

And it’s not like he received substandard service for what he paid.

“My Taiwanese roommate called a taxi and took me to the ER at NTU Hospital,” Bozeat wrote. “I was immediately checked-in by an English speaking nurse. Within 20 minutes I was given IV fluids and anti-emetics. They took blood tests and did an ultrasound to ensure it wasn’t gall stones or appendicitis. From there I was given a diagnosis: a particularly severe case of Acute Viral Gastroenteritis (aka the stomach flu). After about 3 hours on an IV, I began to feel slightly better, my nausea disappeared and my stomach began to calm down.”

Bozeat was discharged with a prescription for anti-emetics and pain medication, and after a few days he was back to normal. This is when most of us would start panicking as we wait for the hospital bills to start arriving. But Bozeat was pleasantly surprised:

“The bill for the ER visit?…US $80.00. Eighty. American. Dollars. Out of pocket. Full cost. No discounts. No insurance. At one of the best hospitals in Taiwan. And if I had NHI, it would have been a fraction of that. This could have easily cost me hundreds or even thousands in the US without insurance. But here in Taiwan I was able to receive speedy, quality care comparable to what I would have gotten in a US hospital for relatively small amount of money.”

I did some research, and the cost of living overall in Taiwan is about half what it is here. There is not a hospital that I know of in the U.S. where you can be admitted and discharged for anything close to $160, even for something as simple as a bee sting. (Seriously, an ER visit for a bee sting can set you back $12,000 in the U.S.)

Bozeat also pointed out that the taxes that pay for Taiwan’s health system are not that high.

Responding to the common complaint that we’d have to raise taxes to pay for universal healthcare, Bozeat continued his list:

“5: Yes, taxes pay for the healthcare here. No, they are not high. Try for yourself: The formula for the NHI monthly premium contribution for a single employed adult is: [your monthly income] x 0.0469 (4.69%) x 0.3 (30%) = Your monthly out-of-pocket healthcare premium.”

I did the math for a $60,000 per year income—it comes to $70.53/month. [Sigh.]

But Bozeat wasn’t done:

“6: It’s not perfect. Not everything is 100% covered. I had a good experience, but Im sure many people have had [non-financial] medical horror stories here.

7: This system exists because the Taiwanese government believes that healthcare is a right for all of its citizens, rather than a privilege for those who can afford it. Those aren’t my words, thats what the Ministry of Health said in its English language brochure. Every Taiwanese citizen and foreign permanent resident is entitled to, and required to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program (NHI). Everyone is covered, regardless of employment status, no one is uninsured, no one ever goes bankrupt due to medical bills.”

And the quality of care does not appear to be compromised in this system, either.

“I have yet to meet a Taiwanese person who wasn’t satisfied with, or even outright proud of their healthcare system,” Bozeat wrote. “My expat friends praise it, even those from countries with universal healthcare systems of their own. “

But Bozeat wasn’t done:”6: It’s not perfect. Not everything is 100% covered. I had a good experience, but Im sure many people have had [non-financial] medical horror stories here.7: This system exists because the Taiwanese government believes that healthcare is a right for all of its citizens, rather than a privilege for those who can afford it. Those aren’t my words, thats what the Ministry of Health said in its English language brochure. Every Taiwanese citizen and foreign permanent resident is entitled to, and required to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program (NHI). Everyone is covered, regardless of employment status, no one is uninsured, no one ever goes bankrupt due to medical bills.”
And the quality of care does not appear to be compromised in this system, either.”I have yet to meet a Taiwanese person who wasn’t satisfied with, or even outright proud of their healthcare system,” Bozeat wrote. “My expat friends praise it, even those from countries with universal healthcare systems of their own.”

This article originally appeared on 02.28.19

Fifty years ago, when Paul McCartney announced he had left the Beatles, the news dashed the hopes of millions of fans, while fueling false reunion rumors that persisted well into the new decade.

In a press release on April 10, 1970 for his first solo album, “McCartney,” he leaked his intention to leave. In doing so, he shocked his three bandmates.

The Beatles had symbolized the great communal spirit of the era. How could they possibly come apart?

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Few at the time were aware of the underlying fissures. The power struggles in the group had been mounting at least since their manager, Brian Epstein, died in August of 1967.

‘Paul Quits the Beatles’

Was McCartney’s “announcement” official? His album appeared on April 17, and its press packet included a mock interview. In it, McCartney is asked, “Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?”

His response? “No.”

But he didn’t say whether the separation might prove permanent. The Daily Mirror nonetheless framed its headline conclusively: “Paul Quits the Beatles.”

The others worried this could hurt sales and sent Ringo as a peacemaker to McCartney’s London home to talk him down from releasing his solo album ahead of the band’s “Let It Be” album and film, which were slated to come out in May. Without any press present, McCartney shouted Ringo off his front stoop.

Lennon had kept quiet

Lennon, who had been active outside the band for months, felt particularly betrayed.

The previous September, soon after the band released “Abbey Road,” he had asked his bandmates for a “divorce.” But the others convinced him not to go public to prevent disrupting some delicate contract negotiations.

Still, Lennon’s departure seemed imminent: He had played the Toronto Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival with his Plastic Ono Band in September 1969, and on Feb. 11, 1970, he performed a new solo track, “Instant Karma,” on the popular British TV show “Top of the Pops.” Yoko Ono sat behind him, knitting while blindfolded by a sanitary napkin.

In fact, Lennon behaved more and more like a solo artist, until McCartney countered with his own eponymous album. He wanted Apple to release this solo debut alongside the group’s new album, “Let It Be,” to dramatize the split.

By beating Lennon to the announcement, McCartney controlled the story and its timing, and undercut the other three’s interest in keeping it under wraps as new product hit stores.

Ray Connolly, a reporter at the Daily Mail, knew Lennon well enough to ring him up for comment. When I interviewed Connolly in 2008, he told me about their conversation.

Lennon was dumbfounded and enraged by the news. He had let Connolly in on his secret about leaving the band at his Montreal Bed-In in December 1969, but asked him to keep it quiet. Now he lambasted Connolly for not leaking it sooner.

“Why didn’t you write it when I told you in Canada at Christmas!” he exclaimed to Connolly, who reminded him that the conversation had been off the record. “You’re the f–king journalist, Connolly, not me,” snorted Lennon.

“We were all hurt [McCartney] didn’t tell us what he was going to do,” Lennon later told Rolling Stone. “Jesus Christ! He gets all the credit for it! I was a fool not to do what Paul did, which was use it to sell a record…”

It all falls apart

This public fracas had been bubbling under the band’s cheery surface for years. Timing and sales concealed deeper arguments about creative control and the return to live touring.

In January 1969, the group had started a roots project tentatively titled “Get Back.” It was supposed to be a back-to-the-basics recording without the artifice of studio trickery. But the whole venture was shelved as a new recording, “Abbey Road,” took shape.

When “Get Back” was eventually revived, Lennon – behind McCartney’s back – brought in American producer Phil Spector, best known for girl group hits like “Be My Baby,” to salvage the project. But this album was supposed to be band only – not embroidered with added strings and voices – and McCartney fumed when Spector added a female choir to his song “The Long and Winding Road.”

“Get Back” – which was renamed “Let it Be” – nonetheless moved forward. Spector mixed the album, and a cut of the feature film was readied for summer.

McCartney’s announcement and release of his solo album effectively short-circuited the plan. By announcing the breakup, he launched his solo career in advance of “Let It Be,” and nobody knew how it might disrupt the official Beatles’ project.

Throughout the remainder of 1970, fans watched in disbelief as the “Let It Be” movie portrayed the hallowed Beatles circling musical doldrums, bickering about arrangements and killing time running through oldies. The film finished with an ironic triumph – the famous live set on the roof of their Apple headquarters during which the band played “Get Back,” “Don’t Let Me Down” and a joyous “One After 909.”

The album, released on May 8, performed well and spawned two hit singles – the title track and “The Long and Winding Road” – but the group never recorded together again.

Their fans hoped against hope that four solo Beatles might someday find their way back to the thrills that had enchanted audiences for seven years. These rumors seemed most promising when McCartney joined Lennon for a Los Angeles recording session in 1974 with Stevie Wonder. But while they all played on one another’s solo efforts, the four never played a session together again.

At the beginning of 1970, autumn’s “Come Together”/”Something” single from “Abbey Road” still floated in the Billboard top 20; the “Let It Be” album and film helped extend fervor beyond what the papers reported. For a long time, the myth of the band endured on radio playlists and across several greatest hits compilations, but when John Lennon sang “The dream is over…” at the end of his own 1970 solo debut, “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,” few grasped the lyrics’ implacable truth.

Fans and critics chased every sliver of hope for the “next” Beatles, but few came close to recreating the band’s magic. There were prospects – first bands like Three Dog Night, the Flaming Groovies, Big Star and the Raspberries; later, Cheap Trick, the Romantics and the Knack – but these groups only aimed at the same heights the Beatles had conquered, and none sported the range, songwriting ability or ineffable chemistry of the Liverpool quartet.

We’ve been living in the world without Beatles ever since.

Tim Riley is Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director for Journalism, Emerson College

This article was originally published by The Conversation on 4.10.20. You can read it here.

It hasn’t even been a year since the beloved series “Ted Lasso,” which told the story of a kind hearted, folksy football coach and his team of believers, came to its final episode.

And yet, since the series ended, fans have yearned to have any type of chance to see some of their favorite characters come together again—which is what makes a surprise rock-n-roll duet between Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso himself, and Hannah Waddigham, who played boss and bestie Rebecca Welton.

A video quickly making the rounds online starts with Sudeikis sharing the stage with fellow “Saturday Night Live” star Will Forte, telling him “there’s nobody I would rather be singing this song with. ”

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Then the recognizable guitar intro to “Shallow,” originally sung by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga for the 2018 film “A Star is Born,” begins to play. Cue crowd applause.

Sudeikis, singing Cooper’s part, completely delivers the perfect blend of twang and rock needed for the tune—but then has one more trick up his sleeve. For just as Forte opens up his mouth to sing in place of Lady Gaga, a woman’s voice is heard instead.

Not just any woman, in fact. But ‘Ted Lasso’ costar and Broadway legend Hannah Waddingham.

Waddingham playfully shoos Forte away to take her rightful place on stage, where both she and Sudeikis finish out the iconic song.

Needless to say, viewers were beside themselves. Especially “Ted Lasso” fans.

“I can never ever properly put into words how much this video (of two of my LITERAL favorite human beings from my VERY favorite show) brings me the most joy I may have ever felt. Thank you times infinity for this!!!!!!” one person wrote on Youtube.

Another added, “This is perfect in all levels! 💜💜💜”

Perhaps the only thing better than seeing these two widely loved actors singing together, is the reason behind their surprise duet. Sudeikis was hosting for THUNDERGONG!, a benefit concert held by Steps of Faith, which helps amputees gain access to prosthetic limbs.

Brendan Hunt, aka “Coach Beard,” also made a guest appearance, making it a wholesome “Ted Lasso” reunion for a great cause.Watch. And enjoy Waddingham’s out-of-this-world belting ability:

If you’d like to make a donation, text STEPS to 44321 or visit https://stepsoffaith.kindful.com.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns this week with a slate of guests including Paul Dano, Nick Offerman, and Seth Rogen; Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, and Juno Temple; Julianne Moore and Glenn Howerton; and Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder. The musical guests include 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, D4vd, The Hives, and Laufey. You can check out more on the musical guests for the week of November 13-17 below.

2 Chainz & Lil Wayne — November 13

Over five years after they first teased their reunion, 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne are releasing Welcome 2 ColleGrove, the follow-up to their original 2016 joint album Collegrove. Led by the single “Presha,” the album is due later this week.

D4vd — November 14

Fresh from his impressive performance at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival this past weekend, the genre-agnostic Houston singer’s public profile has been rapidly growing courtesy of breakout singles “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” With two EPs under his belt this year and enough buzz to start a honey farm, D4vd (pronounced “David”) is a star on the rise.

The Hives — November 15

Speaking of bees, The Hives recently released their sixth studio album in August. The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons was the band’s first release in over 11 years. The Swedish rockers are also granting access to their set via 1ota:

Laufey — November 16

Speaking of Scandinavia, Icelandic jazz singer Laufey takes the stage Thursday, perhaps performing her new single “Christmas Dreaming” to kick off the holiday season. If not, she’s got an impressive catalog of lovely songs that all have star-making potential, including one with D4vd, “This Is How It Feels.”

Everyone is new to Earth at some point in their lives. There’s just no getting around it. Whether you’re a human, a pig or an ant, at some point you were either hatched or born into a place that already existed before you arrived so you spend a little bit of time figuring things out. Granted, human children take a little longer to get the lay of the land, but that, “I’m new here” experience doesn’t end with homosapiens.

One Australian Sheppard puppy found out in the most amusing way possible that some stairs are a little trickier than others to navigate. Robin Bilby shared a video to social media of the spotted pup, named King attempting to follow his older dog siblings up the basement steps but somehow kept winding up back at the bottom. He was very determined and so was his tiny herd.

Every time he wound up right where he started, his siblings would run back down the stairs to try again.

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They were attempting to show the confused puppy how to get up the steps but he just couldn’t do it. If you’ve ever been in a basement then you likely know that many basement steps don’t have backs to them so King was just getting up two steps then diving through the opening.

Surely, he thought he was making progress but there were about 10 more stairs he needed to climb.

The brown dog vocally expressed her frustration as she repeatedly walked the steps to show him how to do the seemingly easy task. The video has gone mega viral with over 4.6 million likes and more than 28.9 million views. Commenters were amused by King’s confusion but also felt sorry for the little guy.

“King is going places. Not upstairs, but places,” someone writes.

“The one teaching was like ‘just stop and pay attention, I swear if you jump through the stairs again…,” one person comments with a crying laughing emoji.

“Other dogs: KING!!! Why do we have to go through this every day with you?? King: I KEEP GETTING SUCKED INTO THE PORTAL!!!,” a commenter jokes.

Poor puppy, so glad he finally figured it out even if the dog teaching him was ready to pick him up and carry him up the steps. You can watch his journey through the portal below.

@robinjbilby

King is trying to figure out how the basement stairs work. 😂 #australianshepherdsoftiktok #puppiesoftiktok #puppytraining @frankbilby1

These days, certain shows have too many seasons, while other series are abandoned despite being critically acclaimed with a slew of dedicated fans. So even though The Great had a star-studded cast, witty writing, and cliffhangers to resolve, Hulu decided the best thing would be to let it die an undeserving death. This is the streaming era!

The beloved satire series ran for three seasons and followed Elle Fanning as Russian monarch Catherine the Great alongside Nicholas Hoult as Peter III, who she desperately wants dead. We will never know how those marriage counseling sessions panned out, in the end.

Now that the dust has settled after its cancellation announcement, Fanning took to Instagram to reflect on the show’s three seasons. Alongside a carousel of behind-the-scenes images, she wrote:

Scrolling down memory lane… I haven’t been able to properly share my thoughts after the news of The Great’s cancellation. This show has meant the world to me. The experiences shared. The memories I’ll never forget. Tony McNamara is a certified genius. The last 3 seasons have shaped me. Through playing Catherine I discovered parts of myself I didn’t know I had. I love every crew member and cast member deeply. And although I won’t get to lace up my corset one last time, I am forever proud of what we accomplished together. In my mind Catherine is left ‘shaking it all night long’ finally stepping into the leader we always knew she would become, a multitude of lovers thrown in for good measure, many macaroons, vodka shots, long winded speeches, battles of wit, and of course HUUU-F*CKING-ZZAHHHHSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoult then commented on her post, praising the actress for her work on the series. “Too many brilliant moments on and off screen. YOU ARE THE GREATEST ” he replied.

Now, we have to hope that Bridgerton and The Buccaneers are enough to keep the corset industry in business for another decade or so.

(Via People)

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon returns this week with a slate of guests including Dwayne Johnson, Taika Waititi, Jason Momoa, Elizabeth Debicki, and Scarlett Johansson. The musical guests include Cat Power, Robert Glasper with SiR & Alex Isley, and maybe even Black Thought. You can check out more on the musical guests for the week of November 13 – November 17 below.

Cat Power — Monday, November 13

The 30-year veteran of indie rock has a new album out called Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert in which she faithfully reproduces the entire titular concert song-for-song — including an audience member shouting “Judas!” which someone actually did during Dylan’s concert. From “Mr. Tambourine Man” to “Just Like a Woman,” Power pays reverent homage to one of her musical inspirations.

Robert Glasper w/ SiR & Alex Isley — Tuesday, November 14

“Back To Love,” the song jazz revivalist Robert Glasper recorded for the Run The World season two soundtrack, finds the multi-instrumentalist collaborating with two of R&B’s most respected rising stars in SiR and Alex Isley. The song is also nominated for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for the 66th Grammy Awards next year.

Black Thought — Wednesday, November 15

While the core member of The Tonight Show‘s house band appears on the guest list this week under his real name, Tariq Trotter, to promote his new memoir The Upcycled Self, let’s all cross our fingers for a matching musical performance. It’s rare that Tariq gets to sit on the couch himself, but it’s always a delight when he takes the stage.