Category: Worldwide

Bonnaroo is one of the best and most beloved festivals in America, and that’s largely due to the fact that tons of attendees love to come and camp out during the fest. The culture they’ve built around that aspect of the event is super unique, but something the festival planners also have to carefully assess for safety and weather concerns. Well, with the onset of Hurricane Ida in the southeast over the last few days, damage to camp ground areas has led to the tough decision to reduce those areas.

In a Facebook post tonight, the Tennessee-based festival let fans know that they’d have the choice to refund their tickets if they no longer wish to attend now that camping capacity has been reduced. “Due to the expectation of significant rain on The Farm from Hurricane Ida, and the knowledge that areas of our campgrounds will be rendered unusable, Mother Nature has forced us to reduce our camping capacity,” they wrote.

“We are offering a refund window so Bonnaroovians who no longer wish to attend can request full refunds across all ticket and accommodation types. The refund request window is open NOW and will end on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 at 8 pm CT. All current ticket holders will receive an email from Front Gate Tickets shortly with information on how to request a refund. Refunds will be processed within 7-10 days to the original method of payment.”

Keep in mind, if you do still want to attend the event, a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required.

Questlove is one of the most respected music historians and scholars for a reason — he knows that perspective is essential for analysis. And that is exactly what he’s encouraging diehard Kanye fans to employ as they embrace the seething mass that is this final version of Donda. After a couple of years wandering the desert, producing severe missteps like Ye and Jesus Is King, the stans are thrilled that Kanye seems to have put something out that’s back on a Pablo level, and some have even gone so far as to dub it an instant classic.

Quest, and plenty of the rest of us, are not so sure. “Classics can’t be claimed 24 hours after some product comes out,” Quest wrote as part of a lengthy Twitter thread on the album today. “I’ve seen it backfire both ways. It’s like the timeline is tryna grab the rebound w :10 secs left in the game & y’all all hoping it’s your tweet that goes viral in declaring how amazing it is (or isn’t) time will tell.”

He also brings up how some early reviews led him astray with other albums, as part of his larger point that giving a record some room to breathe only helps improve the overall impression it leaves. Check out his thoughts below.

The debate over whether playing too many video games is bad for your health is a decades-old struggle for parents, many of whom at this point were raised playing the very games they bemoan their children obsessing over. And now an entire nation is again taking strides to curb its children from playing too many games.

The communist nation of China is certainly known for strict social rules and a brutal grip on the virtual lives of its citizens. And according to a report, despite the nation being a hotbed of talent for competitive gaming it has further restricted the amount of time children can actually spend playing games in an attempt to increase discipline among the nation’s youth.

As the New York Times detailed on Monday, the decision limits the amount of time Chinese children can spend playing games in an effort to get rid of what are deemed “unhealthy cultural influences.”

Chinese children and teenagers are barred from online gaming on school days, and limited to one hour a day on weekend and holiday evenings, under government rules issued Monday.

The rules, released by the National Press and Publication Administration, tightened restrictions from 2019 aimed at what the government said was a growing scourge of online game addiction among schoolchildren. Under the old rules, players under the age of 18 were limited to no more than 90 minutes of gaming on weekdays and three hours a day on weekend.

Unhealthy influences or not, China is a huge hub of gaming, especially competitive gaming in titles like League of Legends. So the move to curb gaming in the country, especially to an hour on weekends and holidays, is particularly interesting. The news comes amid another online crackdown by Chinese internet censors of popular celebrities that teens created fandoms around, also citing the corrupting of youths. And despite the extremely lucrative nature of online gaming for those making games, it seems the pressure to find cultural conformity meant more than profits here.

And, unfortunately for children there, it was reportedly their parents who asked for further restrictions.

Parents had complained that was too generous and had been laxly enforced, the administration said. The new rule sets the permitted gameplay hour to 8 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The government said it would step up inspections to ensure that gaming companies were enforcing the restrictions.

“Recently many parents have reported that game addiction among some youths and children is seriously harming their normal study, life and mental and physical health,” the administration said in an online question-and-answer explanation about the new rules. Parents, it said, had demanded “further restrictions and reductions in the time provided for minors by online gaming services.”

Whether you believe the Chinese government about anything, including parents snitching on their gamer children, is entirely up to you. But it is certainly a vastly different approach to gaming in countries like the United States. While it seems parents are always trying to limit screen time for their children, one thing that’s clear is those limits are not coming from the United States government.

Gillie Da King and Wallo might have a Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, but 21 Savage has them beat. Stopping by the Barstool duo’s podcast to talk everything from Clubhouse beef and the passing of his brother to participating in Amber Rose’s Slutwalk, to the subject of owning his own masters. Though he’s been more focused of late on charity events like his annual Issa Back 2 School Drive, but he took the time to talk industry knowledge for the show.

“I had a platinum album before I signed my [first] deal,” 21 explained to the show’s hosts. “I own my masters right now. Every song you’ve ever I heard, I own it. I got a 70/30 split with my label. I make more money off my album sales than I do off touring. For a lot of rappers, most of their money comes from touring.” For those who aren’t as familiar with the standard record label agreement, this arrangement is incredibly rare. It’s also a big deal for artists, on an emotional level — check Taylor Swift’s re-recording campaign after she was refused the right to buy her own masters for proof.

Sitting with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Nudy for the entirety of the show, 21 holds his own for almost 90 minutes… to the point that some fans have to be wondering if he’ll start a new hustle hosting a hip-hop show. His penchant for lengthy, interesting interviews is setting a new industry standard. Check out the full show above, the discussion of 21’s masters starts around 28:42.

We are less than two weeks away from the September 10 release date for NBA 2K22, and in the leadup to launch, we’ve been learning more and more about what will be in the game. There’s an expanded WNBA mode, as some added depth on the women’s side will be a welcome sight, and we know that the Neighborhood will look very different depending on what console generation you’re playing on.

There are also plenty of player ratings that have begun to emerge, sparking lots of debate, and more, but nothing matters more to players than the gameplay itself. The regular complaint about sports games is that too much time is spent by the developers on everything but the actual gameplay itself, with an obsession over career modes and storylines beyond the court or field that some feel takes away from time that could’ve been spent making the on-court or field action play much better.

On Monday, 2K gave everyone their first taste of actual gameplay, both on the NBA and WNBA side, in a trailer, with more gameplay details set to come out on Tuesday.

A quick glance at the mentions shows that not everyone is all that impressed, as many were quick to point out Lonzo Ball appearing on the Pelicans and a small glitch on a rebound as the ball jumps into Luka Doncic’s hands. Making a sports game is wildly difficult in terms of mimicking real life, but what frustrates players the most is when the same issues pop up year after year.

A gameplay trailer doesn’t tell us much of anything, good or bad, about a game. Getting a look on Tuesday at what the focal points have been for 2K in developing this year’s edition in terms of gameplay will be more informative about what they tried to address the most in this year’s edition and how well they listened to the players.

Reporting on natural disasters is one of the most difficult things a journalist can do, and people screaming at you can only make it even more difficult. Which is why a video of one MSNBC reporter being confronted on live TV during his coverage of Hurricane Ida got a lot of attention in the wake of the storm pummeling the Gulf Coast.

Shaquille Brewster was on the ground covering the aftermath of the storm for MSNBC on Monday when a man pulled up in a truck and interrupted the broadcast from Gulfport, Mississippi. Brewster was on a beach giving an update on conditions there when a man got out of a truck and moved toward the camera, in the background of the live shot. Smartly, Brewster attempted to move with his camera operator so they could continue broadcasting without the man in the background.

Things looked OK for a moment, and the broadcast put up a split-screen of Brewster and footage from earlier in the storm’s landfall to further keep him off camera. But the man then suddenly moved toward Brewster, yelling about accuracy while making contact with a startled reporter trying to work on live TV.

It was a bizarre scene to say the least, and the in-studio crew at MSNBC appeared troubled about what happened to one of their colleagues on the scene. It’s unclear what the man in question was trying to accomplish interrupting the broadcast, but no harm appears to have been done to Brewster and his crew at his hand. Brewster tweeted on Monday that he and his crew were OK, but it was certainly a harrowing thing to cut away from quickly on live TV.

Some on social media hoped to find out who it was that confronted him. But in an era where we’ve seen reporters see on-camera violence from passersby, watching a reporter deal with a ranting stranger in an already dangerous circumstance is a tough watch for sure.

I started traveling to Northern New Mexico about five years ago. I wasn’t really sure what to do there, I just had a feeling it was a place I would connect with. From the minute I entered the state, I knew my instincts had been right. “The sky’s just different there,” you’ll hear everyone who’s ever visited say. And it really is.

The sky, the land, the people, the food — it’s truly… magical. Mystical even. “The land of enchantment” might be the most fitting state nickname I’ve ever heard.

Northern New Mexico, specifically, is my favorite long weekend destination. An easy drive from my home in Colorado, it provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Denver.

There are nearly infinite places to explore and things to see in the northern portion of NM, but the places I’d start with are Taos and Santa Fe — with a couple of detours in between. Check my guide to the two stunning towns below!

PART I: Eat

The food in New Mexico is an integral part of the experience. There are eclectic and interesting spots on every corner. I can truly say I’ve never had a bad meal.

In Santa Fe, I always stop at Chocolate Maven Bakery and Cafe for breakfast or brunch. The cafe is small and charming, with a glass panel that looks into the bakery side. It feels like you’re stepping into a secret. A cozy little secret with amazing eggs benedict.

For lunch, I recently discovered Tesuque Village Market. The atmosphere won me over right away and the food didn’t disappoint. Get the pork ranchero enchiladas or any of the New Mexican specialties that come topped with green chilies.

In Taos, I always stop at World Cup Cafe for a cappuccino and Antonios for lunch or dinner. The Chile Relleno en Nogada is seasoned with pear, walnut brandy, and raisins and is famous through the state. My favorite breakfast burrito on earth comes from Bode’s General Store in Abiquiu.

PART II: Sleep

One of the reasons I started traveling to Northern New Mexico was the abundance of unique AirBnb’s I found during my nightly scrolls through the app. I am always on the lookout for interesting abodes, and they are easy to find in this area.

I have stayed in domes, airstreams, yurts, casitas, and earth homes — all reasonably priced — in the area. From luxury to roughing it, there is a place for everyone.

Another great option is Hotel Luna Mystica — a vintage trailer hotel and campground right outside Taos Mesa Brewing. I’ve camped here and the location can’t be beat.

For the wellness traveler, there are plenty of hot springs dotting the New Mexican landscape — some with adjoining accommodations. Ojo Caliente and Ojo Santa Fe are luxurious options for soaking and relaxing. Ojo Caliente is my personal favorite, tucked into the a rock-side outside of Taos with multiple soaking pools.

PART III: Drink

When I’m near Taos I always stop at Taos Mesa Brewing. The “Mothership” is currently closed due to fire damage, but the downtown taproom location is serving up brews and vibes.

Santa Fe Brewing is a staple in Santa Fe. While there are multiple tap rooms, the Beer Hall at HQ has a great mountain view and food options.

I recently explored part of the New Mexico Wine Trail and I have to say, as a frequent winery visitor, I was impressed. Throughout the state there are 40+ wineries on the trail, with many in and around the Taos and Santa Fe areas. Some of my favorites are Black Mesa winery and Casa Abril.

PART IV: Explore

There is so much to explore in Northern New Mexico. I have visited a dozen times and find something new every time.

The obvious recommendation is the original Meow Wolf. An immersive art installation set in an old bowling alley, Meow Wolf is hard to describe until you see it for yourself. I was lucky enough to visit the first week they opened several years ago and had it nearly to myself. I’ve been back several times since and am just as in awe as I was the first time. It is an experience like none other.

Unless you’ve spent time in New Mexico you may not realize how many diverse outdoor experiences there are in the state. Many of my favorite outdoor recreation spots are in and around Abiquiu — which is about an hour northwest of Santa Fe and an hour southwest of Taos.

Ghost Ranch is just outside of Abiquiu, and was famously Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and inspiration for many of her most famous works. There is a retreat center onsite with classes, museum and a horse stable. There is a campground and also day use for hiking. I recommended Chimney Rock Trail and Kitchen Mesa.

Plaza Blanca is another privately-owned recreation area that was an inspiration to O’Keeffe. The white rock formations are on the grounds of Dar Al Islam but they’ve opened the area to hiking, It is a truly otherworldly landscape.

Around Taos you can take a dip in Manby Hot Springs on the Rio Grande or hike into the alpine to Williams Lake.

Drive between Taos and Santa Fe on the low or high road — stop in Chimayo — to take in the scenery and culture.

Reports of R. Kelly’s sexual exploitation, grooming, and abuse of young women have been leveled against the R&B star for decades, but recent allegations have grown to include preying on young men as well. TZtestimony from the victim was already shared in legal documents, but he who was then 17-years-old when he appeared in court in New York today as a witness in Kelly’s sex-trafficking trial to detail how he initially met Kelly at McDonalds.

As The Guardian reports, the witness, who asked to testify anonymous, relayed how he was lured to Kelly’s house in 2007 where the singer asked “what I was willing to do for music.” The victim said he responded: “I’ll carry your bags… anything you need, I’ll be willing to do.” That was when Kelly brushed aside his offer for assistant work with “that’s not it, that’s not it,” asked if the victim had ever had sexual fantasies about men, and then proceeded to get on his knees and perform oral sex on the teenager. The victim said “he told me to keep [the encounter] between him and me,” and noted that he kept seeing the superstar after the incident because he was hopeful it would lead to success in the music industry.

Read more reporting on today’s testimony via The Guardian.

Gavin Grimm came out as a transgender male six years ago to his classmates at Gloucester High School in Virginia. The Gloucester County School Board retaliated by prohibiting students “with gender identity issues” from using the same common restrooms as other boys and girls.

Instead, Grimm was forced to use an “alternative appropriate private facility.”

Grimm was excluded from using the restroom that confirmed his gender even after undergoing hormone therapy which “altered his bone and muscle structure, deepened his voice, and caused him to grow facial hair.” He also obtained a Virginia state I.D. card and birth certificate that listed his legal sex as male.

To top it off, the school refused to designate him as a male on his transcripts after he graduated. As a result, whenever Gavin was required to provide a transcript to colleges or potential employers, he had to provide one that misidentified him as “female.”

via Wikimedia Commons

Grimm filed a lawsuit against the school district in 2015 when he was a sophomore claiming that that school’s policy violated Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. Grimm was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the lawsuit.

The ACLU announced on August 26 that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled in favor of Gavin on all his claims and it was affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

The case was sent to the Supreme Court, but it declined to review it in June, upholding the lower court ruling. Grimm was awarded $1.3 million in the lawsuit but the entire sum, minus $1, is going toward legal fees paid for by the ACLU.

BREAKING: After seven years of fighting and following the Supreme Court’s decision not to review his many victories… https://t.co/FDWXIgcmRz

— ACLU (@ACLU)
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“It’s absolutely vindication,” Grimm told Insider. “The court found that what they did was wrong and it was discrimination and it was not going to go without consequence, and I think that’s fantastic.”

The decision is a huge win for the LGBTQ community and it will also act as a deterrent for future anti-trans legislation.

“We are glad that this long litigation is finally over and that Gavin has been fully vindicated by the courts, but it should not have taken over six years of expensive litigation to get to this point,” Josh Block, senior staff attorney with the ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Project, said in a statement.

“After a year in which state legislatures have introduced an unprecedented number of bills targeting trans youth, we hope that the fee award will give other school boards and lawmakers pause before they use discrimination to score political points,” he continued.

Grimm hopes that the decision will slow the tide of anti-trans legislation cropping up all over the country.

“Their hatred and discrimination is struck down in court over and over again,” he said of lawmakers pushing anti-trans bills. “I hope that they look at this and know that their time is coming to an end.”

Now that Kanye West’s Donda is finally released — whether he approved the final version or not — the armchair critics are emerging with their hot takes in hand. Whether it’s to declare the record awful, worship at the altar of Ye, or refuse to engage with the text, a whole spectrum of responses has emerged, as usual, to the latest Yeezy project. But one thoughtful, long-time Kanye fan has a fairly measured response, and ideas for how to make the record better.

On this morning’s episode of The Breakfast Club, DJ Envy noted that he won’t be listening to the album at all because of Ye’s recent flirtation with supporting the MAGA among us, but Charlamagne Tha God came through with some pretty good, honest insight. “Upon first listen, it was lackluster for me,” he said Charlamagne. “I like the joint with Westwide and Kanye, I like ‘Jesus Lord’ with the LOX and Jay Electronica…. I think if he just scaled the project down, to like 12-13 records, it could be a great album.”

The idea of scaling the project down is likely something plenty of people at the label had in mind, too, and would likely do a lot for its reception. The sheer volume is a dealbreaker, as Charlamagne notes: “But it’s an hour and 48 minutes long, so like Kanye West it can be very exhausting,” he said, noting the music itself sounds older, too. “28 songs with all the part twos, an hour and 48 minutes, it’s too long and it drags to me. And the music sounds kinda dated, man.”

So maybe, Kanye, release an edited version to win fans like Charlamagne back? Check out the full discussion above.