It’s well-established here at Upworthy that libraries are the greatest human invention ever. An open and welcoming public space where you can borrow books about any subject you want for free as long as you bring them back? Simply brilliant.
But even as awesome as that is, it’s not even the half of what makes public libraries great because there is so much more you can get than just books. Lots of people probably know you can check out DVDs from most libraries as well, and many probably know that you can check out digital books and audiobooks as well. (If you haven’t checked out the Libby app to check out free audiobooks with your library card, run don’t walk.)
But let’s go over some of the lesser-known library card perks, which miraculously keep on growing. These offerings will vary by location and may not be available at your local library, but it’s worth checking your library’s website because you might be surprised.
Zoo and Museum Passes
Many cities—including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and many more—offer free admission tickets to area museums, parks, gardens, zoos, etc. For most library systems, you get a certain number of tickets per month for free, but these can save you a ton of money. We’re talking main attractions in some of these cities, not just obscure museums no one has ever heard of (not that those aren’t worthwhile).
linkedin learning too btw
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Classes through Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and more
Online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer tons of classes about everything under the sun, but many of them you have to pay for. Many libraries offer access to these classes for free. To see if your library does, log into your library’s website and look for the digital resources area. (I live in a tiny town that doesn’t offer Udemy or Coursera, but it does have LinkedIn Learning and a bunch of other offerings.)
Mango Languages
When I went searching for Udemy on my library’s website, it was delighted to find that Mango Languages is available for free with my library card. On the paid site, a single language is $7.99 a month and unlimited languages is $17.99 per month. With multiple languages, you can save over $215 per year simply by going through the public library website. Amazing.
Actual Framed Works of Art
Tired of bare walls but not sure what to put on them? Some libraries in Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia and many other places offer artwork you can check out for a period of time and then switch out. A perfect way to keep your home looking fresh and updated and save on buying art to hang on your walls. Win Win.
xf0x9fx8exb6 I loved piano as a kid but had to stop playing when we moved to America because we couldnxe2x80x99t afford a piano. xf0x9fx98xa2 Luckily, these days you can check out MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS at the library! xf0x9fx8exb9xf0x9fx8exb8xf0x9fxa5x81nnJust one of the many ways libraries are changing lives!nnHappy #NationalLibraryWeek!
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Musical Instruments
Yes, really. Some libraries have begun offering musical instruments for their patrons to borrow, from drums to banjos to keyboards and more. If you’ve ever had the hankering to try out an instrument but didn’t want to shell out the money.
Power Tools
Surely now we’re joking, right? Nope. If you’re in Los Angeles County and need a tool, head to the local library where they have a list of dozens of tools. Drills, sanders, power washers, drill bit sets, you name it. They also offer sewing machines and other sewing equipment. But it’s not just L.A. County. And it’s not just tools. Some libraries are offering things like baking pans, popcorn makers, telescopes, sports equipment and other useful things we may not have on hand but don’t want to have to buy.
The American Library Association estimates that around 2/3 of Americans have a library card. If you don’t, highly recommend you get one from your local library. It’s free! You can also check the terms and conditions of libraries that aren’t local to you to see if they allow non-residents to get a card. There is often a fee associated with a non-resident library card, but sometimes that might be worth it if you’re traveling to a city and want to take advantage of their museum passes.
The bottom line is that libraries can be great for your bottom line with free offerings that go so far beyond just books. Yay, libraries. They really are the best invention.
When Michael Todd started his freshman year at MLK prep school in Memphis, Tennessee two years ago, he only had one outfit to wear to school. High school kids can be incredibly cruel and Michael was mocked for three weeks for wearing the same clothes every day.
“I really don’t have clothes at home,” he told KTVI. “My mom can’t buy clothes for me because I’m growing too fast.”
Kristopher Graham, a football player at MLK Prep, thought the bullying had gone too far and wanted to do something to help. “When I saw people laugh at him and bully him, I felt like I needed to do something,” Kristopher said. He texted his friend Antwan Garrett asking for help.
The next day, Michael was taken out of third period and when he stepped out of the classroom he was approached by Kristopher and Antwan. He froze with nervousness when he saw the two football players stopped him by the lockers.
Football players give student clothes
“I want to apologize to you for laughing at you and I want to give you something to make it up,” Kristopher told Michael. The football players handed Michael a gift, bags full of shirts, shorts, and shoes.
Michael couldn’t believe the football players’ kindness.
“I’ve been bullied my entire life.” But getting the gift was “awesome,” he said according to USA Today. “The best day of my entire life, basically.”
Video of the gift exchange went viral and has been seen millions of times. A few weeks later, the three teenagers were invited to appear on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” where they were greeted by Will Smith who gave them $10,000 each.
Antwan plans to use the money for trade school to become a diesel engine mechanic and Kristopher wants to invest his portion.
Antwan helped Michael because he understood what he was going through.
“We weren’t expecting the video to go viral. We just wanted to make a change,” Antwan said according to Commercial Appeal. “I know how it feel not to have nothin’. I don’t have much, but it made me feel better by seeing somebody else have. I haven’t had like the best of life. Everybody struggles.”
“My life has changed from sleeping in a house without no lights. With what is going on the outside affected me in school,” Antwan added. “I didn’t want to be in school. I wanted to help Michael and make him happy and it made me happy.”
The good deed was also commemorated by the Memphis City Council who honored the teens with a resolution and a round of applause.
Kristopher and Antwan are wonderful examples of what can happen when teens are taught that they have a responsibility to one another. While countless kids mocked Michael for something well beyond his control, they saw his plight as an opportunity to drastically change his life by taking action.
Just imagine if everyone saw others’ misfortune as an opportunity to help instead of judge.
The holidays are over, and a chill is settling in around much of the United States, with snow storms, gloomy short days, and long dark nights. With “Blue Monday” – the third Monday of January and allegedly the gloomiest day of the year – coming up, and many of us in a Dry January-fueled social desert, we’re all looking for ways to brighten up an otherwise kinda meh month.
Planning a trip – preferably somewhere warm – has always helped me combat the winter blues. Even if I don’t take the trip in January, planning for summer-like weather is enough to keep me in a sunny frame of mind.
As an avid outdoor adventurer and National Park lover, I was interested to see when I could visit some of my favorite US National Parks for warm summer-like weather year-round. I looked at average monthly temperatures for each park, only including a park when it reached highs between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, averages are just that – I’ve experienced snow and a heat wave in the same month in Glacier National Park, for example – but this is an excellent place to start planning for the snowbirds among us.
Here is where I would go each month of 2024, what to do when you’re there, and where to stay.
JANUARY — Virgin Islands – St. John, USVI
Average high and low: 80°/78°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Virgin Islands National Park is a paradise, with incredible white-sand beaches, clear water, and lush rain forests. Situated over much of St. John, a trip to the park can be as relaxing or adventurous as you choose. I recommend spending time on Trunk Bay Beach and Cinnamon Bay Beach, visiting Annaberg Plantation, hiking Salt Pond Bay and Ramhead Trails, and making advance reservations to get out on the water with one of the many boating outfits (preferably one that stops for drinks and tacos at Lime Out VI).
Where to stay:
There are many options for accommodations on St. John, or you can stay in the larger St. Thomas and take the quick ferry to the park.
FEBRUARY — Haleakala — Maui, Hawaii
Average high and low: 78°/63°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Haleakalā National Park on Maui is stunning, with plenty of hikes in its two districts to keep your heart pumping. But what many people visit the park for – and I also recommend adding to the top of your list – is to witness sunrise or sunset atop the 10,023 ft summit. The third largest volcano in Hawai’i, the views are stunning and unlike any experience you’ve likely had before. Often, rising above the clouds during your drive to the summit is an otherworldly experience that needs to be on your bucket list.
Just be aware that reservations are necessary to enter the park for sunrise between 3 and 7 am. No reservations are needed for sunset, but get there early!
Where to stay:
Haleakalā is on Maui, so your options for lodging are very extensive. There is camping within the park if you travel with/rent gear at Hosmer Grove Campground Kīpahulu Campground and historic cabins that are available to rent.
MARCH — American Samoa
Average high and low: 85°/74°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Getting to American Samoa – over 4,700 miles from LA – is part of the fun. Once you’ve reached Pago Pago, on the island of Tutuila, head to the National Park to hike Pola Island Trail, Mount ‘Alava, or Lower Sauma Ridge Trail. The park is across four separate islands – Ofu, Olosega, Tutuila, and Ta‘ū – so if you have the time, visit another.
Where to stay:
There are a few options on the main island of Tutuila. The most popular are Tradewinds Hotel – and Sadies By The Sea. I loved staying at Tradewinds Hotel, which also rented me an SUV during my stay, and hopping over to the restaurant at Sadies By The Sea for drinks and food. I’d love to stay at Tisa’s Barefoot Bar’s beachfront Eco-Fale on my next visit.
APRIL — Big Bend — Texas
Average high and low: 84°/56°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Like everything in Texas, Big Bend National Park is large. At 1,252 square miles, the park is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island – so you have plenty of options for your visit. Hike Lost Mine Trail, Santa Elena Canyon Trail, and Boquillas Canyon Trail before soaking in Big Bend’s Hot Springs. Float the Rio Grande or take a scenic drive to catch as much of this park as possible during your visit.
There are nearly endless things to do in Yosemite, and they will take your breath away. May is still a bit hit or miss with the weather, so I wouldn’t plan on hitting any of the swimming holes just yet, but the lack of reservations needed midweek and still slightly lower crowds and hotel rates should make up for it. Watch the sunset at Tunnel View, grab a beer in the valley, hike Bridalvail Falls, Mist Trail, and Mirror Lake Loop, visit the massive ancient Sequoias in one of the three groves in the park, and head to Hetch Hetchy to experience a different vibe.
There are campgrounds and lodging within Yosemite, but they book quickly and early. If you can’t stay in the park, my go-to for the past several years has been Sierra Sky Ranch in Oakhurst.
JUNE — Acadia — Maine
Average high and low: 71°/49°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Acadia is well-known for its striking autumn foliage, but I enjoyed my summer visit even more than in the fall. The long days and warm weather are perfect for hiking, biking, and even beaching. I recommend hiking The Beehive Loop Trail, Jordan Pond (before stopping at Jordan Pond House for popovers and maybe Prosecco), and Ocean Path Trail. Head to the summit of Cadillac Mountain (with a timed entry reservation), ideally for sunrise or sunset, before heading to the lesser-visited Schoodic Peninsula.
Where to stay:
Bar Harbor offers many lodging options, from camping, glamping, and resorts to – my favorite – bed and breakfasts. Spend a few nights at Under Canvas Acadia or The Elmhurst Inn, within walking distance to everything in town.
JULY — Grand Teton — Wyoming
Average high and low: 77°/41°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Anytime I have the chance to visit Grand Teton National Park, you better believe I am there – but after a dozen visits, I still have to recommend July, despite the crowds, as the best month in the park. The weather and daylight are perfect for long hikes, dipping into some alpine lakes, and still having some time to throw back a drink in downtown Jackson.
I recommend getting out on the water either kayaking on Jackson Lake or a Jenny Lake Boat Tour before hiking Cascade Canyon or String Lake Loop. Dip into Jackson or String Lakes if you dare, and head to Jackson Lake Lodge for a drink and a snack with a view.
Glacier is likely the most jaw-droppingly beautiful of all the US National Parks, and simply just driving To The Sun Road through the park has brought me to tears many times. You really can’t go wrong at this park, especially in August. The days are long, and the weather is about as good as it will get, so take advantage by hiking the Highline Trail, Hidden Lake, and Avalanche Lake before dipping into Lake McDonald and heading to Many Glacier, Two Medicine, or North Fork.
Where to stay:
If you can’t secure a campground or room in a lodge within the park, I recommend staying in St. Mary’s for a more chill vibe and access to the park via Going To The Sun Road without a reservation. If you enter from the other, more popular West Glacier, you will need a reservation for each day. I loved staying in a cabin this summer at the St. Mary KOA.
SEPTEMBER — New River Gorge — West Virginia
Average high and low: 74°/55°
Emily Hart
What to do:
I always sing the praises of New River Gorge, the United States’ newest designated “National Park.” The West Virginia paradise is still flying somewhat under the radar despite being within a day’s drive for 60% of the country’s population. September is an ideal time to visit for great weather and the nearby Gauley Season, where world-class white water rafting occurs during dam releases on the Gauley River.
Be sure to hike Long Point Trail and Endless Wall before driving Fayette Station Road to the bottom of the gorge and maybe even walking the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge.
Where to stay:
I loved staying at River Expeditions during my last visit, but if you want something more unique, there is a private island just outside the park at the confluence of the New and Greenbrier Rivers with a cabin to rent.
OCTOBER — Joshua Tree — California
Average high and low: 81°/52°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Joshua Tree is the very definition of otherworldly. From the iconic Joshua Trees to the Cholla Cactus Garden, spending time at this park feels like stepping into another planet. Be sure to visit at sunrise or sunset for spectacular views, hike Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, and Arch Rock before a guided rock climbing or spelunking excursion.
Where to stay:
Joshua Tree is surrounded by a huge boom of short-term rental properties, from eclectic glamping sites to modern and luxe. If you want a different vibe, head up to Idyllwild at 5,413 ft above sea level for a mountainous experience at The Grand Idyllwild Lodge after your desert adventure.
NOVEMBER — Death Valley — California
Average high and low: 77°/48°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Death Valley is huge, like 140 miles long and 3.4 million acres huge – so you won’t run out of things to do here. You’ll have plenty to admire even if you only stay in the well-trafficked “touristy” parts of the park. I always recommend visiting Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, driving Artists Drive to Artists Pallete, and, of course, visiting Badwater Basin – the salt flat home to the lowest point in North America.
Where to stay:
There are four open and developed campgrounds in the park, along with primitive sites. On my next visit, I’d love to stay at historic The Oasis at Death Valley, a resort surrounded by the park and has recently undergone a major renovation.
DECEMBER — Dry Tortugas — Florida
Average high and low: 76°/67°
Emily Hart
What to do:
Around 70 miles off the coast of Key West lies the tropical paradise of Dry Tortugas. Take a ferry or seaplane to the park and spend time learning and exploring Fort Jefferson – the largest brick masonry structure in the United States – either on your own or with a ranger-led tour before heading to the beach to snorkel in the clear blue water.
Where to stay:
Camping is available in the park, but if you don’t have the necessary gear, I’d recommend staying in Key West – I love Parrot Key Hotels & Villas.
It has been nearly five years since Solange Knowles released a new album, 2019’s When I Get Home. Since then, she hasn’t been in the spotlight much, despite composing the score for a ballet, directing a short film, Passage, and launching the Saint Heron creative agency. But it seems that may be changing soon, as the singer recently returned to social media to issue a rare post sharing photos from In Service To Whom, a four-part live performance featuring a multimedia presentation at Volume Fest at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
According to Saint Heron’s website, In Service To Whom will see Solange perform with a 10-piece ensemble playing orchestral works she composed from 2018 to 2023, along with her own commercial releases. Meanwhile, on Solange’s Instagram, she describes the piece and the inspiration behind it:
As I contemplate the evolution and maturation of my artistry, “In Service To Whom” was developed around constructing new narratives surrounding my body, the posture of rest, protection from the gaze, and speaks to a reemergence into the world of everyday life following periods of personal incubation and self-revitalization. The piece featured a sound piece featuring artist Autumn Knight and premiered “Not Necessarily In Arms Reach, Music for Two Tubas ” and “If the Promise is Large” for solo cello and double bass.
Fans in the replies and comments on both posts have expressed anticipation and confusion about whether this work constitutes an impending release — like a new album, for instance. However, Solange, who’s thrived in recent years while cultivating an air of mystery about her work, doesn’t seem forthcoming. Surely, she’ll let us all know exactly what it is — and whether she really will be releasing a new album — soon enough.
Emma Stone may have locked down a Golden Globes win for Poor Things, but there’s still one accomplishment that continues to escape the actress: Becoming a Jeopardy! contestant.
While appearing on a recent episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Stone revealed that she’s been trying for years to get on Jeopardy!, and no, she will not settle for the celebrity version of the show. She wants the real deal.
“I apply every June,” Stone said. “I don’t want to go on ‘Celebrity Jeopardy.’ I want to earn my stripes. You can only take the test once a year with your email address, and I’ve never gotten on the show. I watch it every single night and I mark down how many answers I get right. I swear, I could go on ‘Jeopardy.’”
Of course, if Jeopardy! producers let one celebrity appear on the regular version of the show, they’re going to have let more compete in the same way, which would actually be kind of hilarious. Imagine watching celebrities get absolutely wrecked on TV by everyday people. How is this not happening already?
In the meantime, you can catch Emma Stone’s award-winning performance in Poor Things. Here’s the official synopsis:
From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.
Whether you’re a hardcore tequila snob or a more casual drinker who likes to have a margarita or a Paloma now and again, everybody needs a solid under $30 bottle of tequila. Something that’ll taste reliably good, gets the job done and is versatile. Toasting to a new opportunity? This bottle is there. Knocking back a shot with a few friends after (or before) a night out ? This bottle is there. Need to make a quick cocktail? This bottle is the base.
Allow me a quick tangent — sneakerheads have in their roster of shoes what we call a “beater,” this is a comfortable and cheap pair of sneakers that you can slip on for most occasions without fear that you’re wearing out your more coveted pricier sneakers. This might lead you to believe that the beater is a throwaway, but a great beater can sometimes be your favorite pair. What does any of this have to do with tequila? Well, It’s time you have a beater bottle of tequila on your bar cart.
Once you start paying close to $100 for a bottle of tequila, you’re dealing with some seriously nice stuff. The type of tequila with a distinct flavor and character that you might not want to dilute in a mixed drink and one you definitely don’t want to waste shooting. Unless you’re filthy rich, the bottles at or over $100 aren’t beater bottles — a good beater bottle is going to cost you less than $30.
Cheap tequila has a bad reputation and we don’t doubt that you’ve regretted a buy in the past — which is why we’re here to highlight tequilas under $30 that are worth the money. The following eight bottles are all solidly good. No, none of these tequilas are going to blow your mind with their flavors or characteristics, but they might blow your mind in value.
Here are our favorite eight tequilas under $30 for 2024, ranked.
El Padrino is produced at NOM 1438, Destiladora del Valle de Tequila, where a jaw-dropping 192 brands are produced. Despite coming from a distillery that has so many brands in its roster, El Padrino is actually pretty good. The tequila is made low and slow, cooked in brick ovens and roller mill extracted and fermented in wood vats.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A heavy black pepper presence hovering over fresh-cut grass and a hint of tropical fruit. There is some eye-water-inducing harshness here.
Palate: That harshness doesn’t translate to the palate. Instead what you get here is roasted agave, zesty orange peel notes, and caramel with a hint of vanilla.
Finish: Harsh and spicy, with a strong alcohol finish. This tequila is definitely a burner.
The Bottom Line:
Fruity and zesty with a harsh finish. It’s rough stuff, but it tastes like agave, which is never a bad thing.
Given how direct and clear the flavors of Lunazul are, I’m surprised it’s this cheap and this good. The tequila is produced at NOM 1513, Tierra De Agaves from agave that is hand-harvested, cooked in an autoclave, fermented with proprietary yeast, and twice distilled in copper pots.
It has a bit of harshness to it that will make shooting a struggle, but mix this up in a cocktail and you’ve got a damn fine base to build upon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There is a dry peppery quality to the aroma softened by vanilla with the tiniest hint of roasted agave lurking beneath the stronger notes.
Palate: Surprisingly vegetal and sweet, a mix of vanilla, black pepper, and sugarbee apple skins.
Finish: Very dry, that sweetness dissipates and the cracked black pepper flavor dominates. There is a sort of minty quality to balance it out but it’s not enough to cover the harshness.
Olmeca Altos is a tequila made low and slow with a natural flavor that really delivers on agave. Produced at NOM 1111, Pernod Richard Mexico, the agave here is slow-cooked in brick ovens, crushed by a tahona roller mill, and fermented in copper pots.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A warm rush of roasted agave.
Palate: Lots of citrus zest with some vegetal sweetness. There is a bright and biting quality to this tequila that I really like.
Finish: The finish is interesting here, it begins herbal and smooth but the more of it you drink, the more the heat starts to build.
The Bottom Line:
Natural tasting and agave forward with a bright character and a nice burn.
I will never stop riding for Espolòn. This is a brand I put forward any chance I get, it’s my go-to under $30 bottle to pick up when I’m hosting a party and I need to make a lot of drinks without breaking the bank. It’s quality stuff, gets the job done, and it’s versatile, perfect for shooting and mixing.
Is it the best tequila in this price range? No, not at all, but it’s readily available and guaranteed to be stocked anywhere that sells tequila. The tequila is produced at NOM 1440, Campari Mexico, where it is one of three brands. The agave is cooked in an autoclave and roller mill extracted.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A strong ethanol scent dominates with some zesty citrus notes lurking underneath the alcohol. Not the best nose.
Palate: Juicy pineapple with earthy black pepper qualities hover over a base of roasted agave. There is a slight vegetal quality here, but you have to strain to taste it.
Finish: Buttery and vegetal, the finish here is surprisingly pleasant for its price point.
The Bottom Line:
A solid cheap bottle that tastes the way tequila should.
A great single-estate blanco tequila produced at NOM 1103, Tequila San Matias de Jalisco. The agave is slow-cooked in a stone oven, roller mill extracted, and undergoes open-air fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Corazón de Agave has several different tiers of tequila, the single estate line is what I’d call mid-tier. Not the best of the best, but still some damn fine tequila.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: There is a distinct fruity character here, I’m getting juicy pineapple and a mix of citrus.
Palate: That tropical fruit quality translates nicely to the palate with a hint of fresh green pepper, chilies, and a light hint of jasmine.
Finish: A mild spice that mingles nicely with roasted agave and orange zest.
The Bottom Line:
Bright and tropical, with a nice mild spice at the finish.
You can’t go wrong with pretty much anything from Tequileño’s roster, and while the blanco wouldn’t be my first choice from the brand, for a tequila in this price range, it punches way above its weight. Produced at NOM 1108, Jorge Salles Cuervo y Sucesores, where it is the only brand in production, this tequila blanco is made using agave cooked in a high-pressure autoclave that is roller mill extracted and fermented in a cement tank.
It has been certified additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A whiff of ethanol with roasted agave and some citrus.
Palate: Juicy orange with brown sugar, agave, and a mix of all-spice and vanilla.
Finish: I’m strangely getting a slight oakiness here, with a lot of bright agave character and a smooth vanilla aftertaste.
The Bottom Line:
A bright, natural-tasting tequila that leans a bit on the sweet side. I like this one a lot for shooting.
It’s rare to find a tequila under $30 that is completely additive-free, but Cimarron is just that! Produced at NOM 1146, Tequileña, Cimarron is made using estate grown agave that is slow cooked in an autoclave, screw and roller mill extracted, fermented in stainless steel thanks and rested for three to six months in American white oak barrels to reach the reposado state.
Aside from being the only additive-free brand on this list, it’s also the only reposado. So if you’re into mellow vibes, this is the pick for you!
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A bouquet of spicy cinnamon and roasted agave with a hint of oak.
Palate: That roasted agave and cinnamon dominate the palate, gently sweetened by some caramel notes and a hint of brown sugar molasses.
Finish: Surprisingly floral with a hint of vanilla and a spicy oak finish.
The Bottom Line:
A great additive-free reposado that won’t break the bank.
Arette’s green top tequila blanco is fairly new to me but I couldn’t be more impressed. Another additive-free brand, Arette is produced at NOM 1107, Tequila Arette de Jalisco, and made from agave cooked in a high-pressure autoclave, roller mill extracted, and fermented in a stainless pot with a copper coil.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Wet soil with floral black pepper and some cooked agave.
Palate: A strong mix of citrus and vegetal qualities with a hint of salt, green grass, and wet soil.
Finish: A nice spicy and earthy finish that lingers nicely.
The Bottom Line:
In this price range, it’s our favorite blanco tequila. Clean, direct, and tasty, this tequila offers a lot of different flavors that are a pleasure for the palate to explore.
The Atlanta Hawks 2023-24 season has not gone according to plan, as they sit in 11th place in the East at 15-21 as we near the midway point of the season. In fact, the last two seasons have not seen the Hawks reach the heights they hoped for when they traded three first round picks to pair Dejounte Murray with Trae Young in the backcourt.
Now, with the trade deadline looms in a month’s time, there are daily reports from just about every newsbreaker in the league of Murray’s availability on the trade market and the teams interested in him. Earlier this week Shams Charania said the Spurs were potentially interested in bringing Murray back — which, I have some questions about given Murray wasn’t exactly glowing in his review of his time with the Spurs after he was traded to Atlanta. Adrian Wojnarowski then said on Threads the Hawks have “gone as far as they’ll probably go” with a Murray-Young backcourt. Marc Stein likewise has detailed the Hawks openness to dealing Murray, and on Thursday Jake Fischer provided a list of five teams that have at least had some form of discussions on a Murray trade with the Hawks.
Murray has generated a substantial market during preliminary conversations around the league. The Hawks have been considered one of the more aggressive front offices this season, sources said, in terms of teams that have been willing to approach rival executives with actual trade concepts as opposed to general interest in specific players. And at this juncture, to varying degrees, the Lakers, Knicks, Sixers, Heat and Pistons are five suitors expected to engage Atlanta about acquiring Murray over the coming days and weeks before Feb 8:
However, while there’s plenty of interest there’s also not an obvious frontrunner. Fischer points out that the Knicks and Sixers are likely to be more cautious in their approach to the deadline and seem more like teams poking around rather than aggressively pursuing Murray. The Lakers, he notes, don’t want to include Austin Reaves and the Hawks aren’t interested in D’Angelo Russell, stalling out talks between those teams. The Heat have a need in the backcourt but haven’t gone beyond initial talks, and the Pistons are basically exploring every possible avenue available to them given their 3-35 record.
All of this is to say, Murray certainly seems like he’s going to get moved in the next month, but there’s not a team considered a favorite to bring him in. That’s in part because his value was once considered being a defensive stopper, but in Atlanta he has been a net-negative on that end. Some will counter that a better situation could bring more out of him on that end, but there’s not quite the same enthusiasm for teams about his two-way impact as there was when he broke through as an All-Star in San Antonio.
The Weeknd is an undisputed king of the streaming music era, as evidenced by the fact that “Blinding Lights” is the most-played song in Spotify history. Since its release in late 2019, the song has been racking up streams, and now, it has reached a height no song before it ever has: It’s the first song to ever reach 4 billion total streams on Spotify.
As of this post, Spotify currently shows “Blinding Lights” as having 3,999,046,181 streams, but some started reporting this afternoon (January 11) that the song had eclipsed 4 billion. Regardless, if it hasn’t hit 4 billion quite yet, it will any second now (perhaps by the time you read this) and become the first song to ever do so.
Currently, after “Blinding Lights” on the all-time Spotify list are Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” (3.74 billion streams), Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” (3.15 billion), Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” (3.1 billion), and Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey” (2.97 billion). Just outside the top 5 is The Weeknd and Daft Punk’s “Starboy” at 2.95 billion plays.
Faye Webster announced her new album, Underdressed At The Symphony, with a new Lil Yachty collaboration titled “Lego Ring.”
The two appear in the song’s video, where they play a video game together — similar to Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but with way more color. Basically, it’s a perfect fit for the carefree vibes of the song. It was directed by Kyle Ng of Braindead Studios, and viewers can also join in on the fun, with more information available here.
Underdressed At The Symphony will be available for purchase in many forms, including CD, cassette, standard vinyl, and some unique pressings, like “Faye Blue” and a limited-edition B&W bullseye vinyl copy.
Webster is also set to continue touring throughout the summer. She will be doing tours in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Fans across the globe can also catch her performing at festivals like Spain’s Primavera Sound, Tennessee’s Bonnaroo, and many more. A complete list of dates can be found here.
In a 2021 interview with Uproxx, Webster said of her friendship with Yachty, “We basically came from the same place and were doing the same thing, so it’s really inspiring to see him thrive. You know, it makes me feel like, ‘OK, well if I work really hard, too…’ I think just sharing ideas with him… What we do is so different, but when we’re together, it doesn’t feel that way at all.”
Check out the “Lego Ring” video above. Below, find the complete tracklist and cover art for Webster’s next album.
Faye Webster’s Underdressed At The Symphony album cover art
Secretly Canadian
Faye Webster’s Underdressed At The Symphony tracklist
1. “Thinking About You”
2. “But Not Kiss”
3. “Wanna Quit All The Time”
4. “Lego Ring” Feat. Lil Yachty
5. “Feeling Good Today”
6. “Lifetime”
7. “He Loves Me Yeah!”
8. “eBay Purchase History”
9. “Underdressed At The Symphony”
10. “Tttttime”
Underdressed At The Symphony is out 3/1 via Secretly Canadian. Find more information here.
What do you get when you mix artificial intelligence with editing software?
Mind-blowing images, apparently.
Brazilian digital artist Hidreley Leli Dião creates ultra realistic portraits of beloved cartoon characters as well as historical figures.
The magic is in a unique blend of Photoshop, FaceApp, Gradiente and Remini, according to his contributing article on Bored Panda. Using this formula, even The Simpsons characters feel like real people you would pass on the street.
Some of Dião’s latest works include the characters of Disney’s “Encanto,” like:
Thank you Hidreley for giving us some genuine wonder to peruse through on the internet. If you’d like to see more of Hidreley’s work, you can follow his Instagram here.
This article originally appeared on 04.25.22
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