While fun and helpful (as outlined in this handy Chat GPT overview) the wild, chaotic phase of Chat GPT has jumped out of the trenches and into the war on academic integrity. Deans and university professors are now debating how to properly counter the plagiarism enabled by this new technology. It’s a big issue and not going anywhere.
If you’ve tried it out, you know Chat GPT can whip up results in seconds, and if a hungover freshman is tasked with turning in an analysis on how the Panopticon relates to postmodern sexuality, you’d be foolish to assume they wouldn’t call upon Chat GPT for backup. Plagiarists now have the keys to the ultimate super weapon. So what new futuristic technology will have to be created to counter it?
Plagiarism has always been an issue an academia and, for years, Turnitin.com was the professor’s best antidote. The only problem is, Turnitin.com identifies info copied from the internet. Chat GPT doesn’t copy from the internet and its sources are untraceable. So Turnitin.com isn’t a fix.
22-year-old Princeton Computer Science student, Edward Tian saw an opportunity and created GPT Zero, an app that basically deciphers whether something was likely to have been written by AI. Open AI (makers of Chat GPT) then created there own deciphering app, Hugging Face. But here’s the twisted bit. Even if there’s a 99% similarity match to an AI, there’s no actual way (as of right now) to prove it was written by an AI. Remember, the source is untraceable. It’s merely suspicious.
For this reason, students still use Chat GPT to fly through work. In an anonymous poll published by The Stanford Daily 17% of Stanford students reported using Chat GPT on their finals, albeit mostly for brainstorming. Some have taken to the internet to share their not-so-discreet cheating dilemmas.
But even if AI detection software can’t sift through cheeky edits, and even if it can’t be proven entirely, some professors can just tell when something is fake. With a very powerful tool of their own — the human brain.
“The first indicator that I was dealing with A.I. is that, despite the syntactic coherence of the essay, it made no sense to someone familiar with the material. ChatGPT also sucks at citing, another flag. This is good news for upper-level courses in philosophy, where the material is pretty complex and obscure. But for freshman-level classes, this is a game-changer.”
Perhaps these theories are actually right on the money, as many professors have returned to the old, ancient systems of 1995.
In that same Facebook post by Professor Hick, he suggested: “In the future, I expect I’m going to institute a policy stating that if I believe material submitted by a student was produced by A.I., I will throw it out and give the student an impromptu oral exam on the same material.”
Additionally, in that same article from Stanford Daily, a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science revealed that Chat GPT had become so prevalent in efforts to cheat, his class has now returned to pencil-and-paper exams. OG analog stuff.
It’s crazy to think that we’ve advanced so far technologically that the seemingly brilliant counter maneuver, at least for now, is to unplug and return to a simpler time. Effectively, the old school could become the new school, with students being forced to present work in person. Would that be anti-progress or a renaissance? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s the only real solution to Chat GPT on campus.
On her new single “Bang Bang,” a heartbroken Nessa Barrett comes face-to-face with the internal chaos brewing within her. The new song features Barrett expressing rage and anger toward her ex.
Over a drum-driven, rock-driven beat, Barrett expresses her fantasies about killing someone who did her dirty.
“I hate the way you drive your car / So I cut the brakes and key your heart / You talk too much, you’re not that smart / So I shut you up with a crowbar,” Barrett says on one of the song’s verses. Clocking in at only two minutes and 15 seconds, the song packs a hell of a punch.
“The song was written about my borderline personality rage,” said Barrett in a statement “There’s times where I just get so mad that I think about the craziest things I want to do in that moment, I feel like everyone deep down has intrusive thoughts even though they don’t want to admit it.”
The song’s accompanying video features solo shots of Barrett, as she wields a crowbar, poses for a mugshot, and directs her rage at various targets.
You can check out the video for “Bang Bang” above.
Nessa Barrett is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Ahead of the late rocker Kurt Cobain’s birthday taking place this Monday (Feb 20), pro-skateboarder Tony Hawk took to Instagram to reveal that he purchased the musician’s decked-out Iron Maiden-themed skateboard in an auction last year.
The artwork was originally done by Cobain himself, according to Rolling Stone, on a model by skateboarder Jeff Phillips, who tragically passed away three months before Cobain. It features Iron Maiden’s classic logo with an image of their skeleton creature carrying an ax.
Because of this, Hawk revealed that he has something planned — tied to Cobain’s skateboard — to benefit those struggling with mental health. While his message was still a little secretive, he did note that he’d be sharing more next week.
“Two icons that had immense influence on their respective fields, both of whom passed away tragically and much too young,” Hawk wrote. “I even tracked down the original owner to understand its provenance. With the incomparable help of @dupedupe, we are hoping to make something good of this acquisition by raising awareness for emotional health, and to help provide resources for those who are struggling mentally. More to come on February 20 (Kurt’s birthday).”
Fans of Hawk, Cobain, and even Iron Maiden are very interested in being along for the ride in the comments section.
“That is insanely cool,” one wrote.
“Ask your friends who are really nice and always seem to be happy how they are and how they are feeling,” another added.
For now, check out the photos of Kurt Cobain’s original skateboard above.
Bebe Rexha is back, and she’s jamming to a brand new beat. On her latest single, “Heart What It Wants,” she has come to terms that she is fed up with her partner, and is on a mission to find joy on her own.
On the track, Rexha delivers breezy, pop vocals, over a groovy, disco-inspired track, ready to hit the dancefloor and open a new chapter in her life.
“‘Heart Wants What It Wants’ is about the time in relationships where you fall out of love with your partner,” said Rexha in a statement. “It’s an anthem about wanting what you want and not being apologetic for it. It could be anything you feel conflicted about wanting and not specific to romance.”
She continued, saying, “At a place in life after a pandemic where sad songs are of the past, I just want everyone to have a good time.”
In the song’s video, she is seen filming a video audition, channeling the likes of Madonna and Cher as she basks in her newfound confidence. Later, she is joined on the dancefloor by an equally stylish and eclectic dancing crew.
You can check out the video for “Heart Wants What It Wants” above.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.
Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. We’re only in the second month of 2023 but we’ve already gotten our big cultural attention-grabbing release in MSCHF’s Big Red Boot. By now you’ve no doubt seen the viral photos of people wearing comically big cartoonish boots. If you’re a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, you probably hate the Big Red Boot, but if you like fun, you no doubt appreciate the insanity.
We’ve always been big fans of MSCHF and their antics, so we consider it a win for sneaker fans everywhere. Do we think it’s an essential piece for your wardrobe? Absolutely not. But it’ll probably go down as the most fun sneaker drop of the year, and that fills us with joy. If you’re not into antics, you’re in luck because this is always a very strong week for regular sneakers too.
This week we get a new Nike and Stüssy team-up, Jun Takahashi’s Nike Moc Flow, a few notable Jordan drops, and the latest collaborations between Stone Island, JJJJound and New Balance. There is a bit of something for everyone this week (unless you’re an Adidas fan) so let’s dive in!
Nike Air Penny 2 x Stüssy Rattan and Limestone
Nike
The Air Penny 2 is getting a lot of love from Nike with three different releases all landing this week, but the best of the flock is easily this team-up with Stüssy.
Featuring a hemp canvas with synthetic suede overlays, the Rattan and Limestone combine a mix of earthy weathered colors with a swirling black midsole with subtle Stüssy branding at the midfoot over a Zoom Air sole.
The Nike Air Penny 2 x Stüssy Rattan and Limestone is out now for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
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Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Black White
Nike
If you missed out on those Panda Jordans you may be able to try your luck with this AJ 1 in the same color scheme. Featuring the ’85 design specs (a higher collar, wider toe box) this Jordan 1 sports a premium black and white leather upper with a Nike Air-equipped midsole.
It’s a classic Jordan silhouette in a beloved colorway — it’s like Nike is printing money.
The Air Jordan 1 High ’85 Black White is out now for a retail price of $200. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
NikeNike
Nike Moc Flow x UNDERCOVER Light Bone/ Ale Brown
Nike
Nike and Jun Takahashi continue the team-ups with this week’s super dope futuristic Moc Flow. This sneaker combines the midsole and outsole design of the ISPA Flow with the look of the ACG Moc, resulting in a new design that represents the most of both worlds.
Featuring a premium leather upper with a cord lacing system and a toggle lock, the Moc Flow represents a new era in utilitarian sneaker design. The sneaker drops in two colorways, the minimal Light Bone, and the camo-inspired Ale Brown.
The Nike Moc Flow x UNDERCOVER in Light Bone and Ale Brown is out now for a retail price of $160. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
NikeNikeNike
MSCHF Big Red Boot
Well by now you’ve surely seen the Big Red Boot everywhere. It’s clunky, stupid, and yet, addictive to look at. Will you be able to walk down the street in the Big Red Boot and be taken seriously? Absolutely not, in fact, not even all the people MSCHF sent the sneaker out to could rock it right, but if you’re down for a high-concept photo shoot with an expensive price tag, nothing is going to look as conversation-starting as the Big Red Boot.
Live out your anime dreams with MSCHF’s latest, and possibly greatest, sneaker drop.
The MSCHF Big Red Boot is set to drop on February 16th for a retail price of $350. Pick up a pair at GOAT.
This week New Balance is teaming up with Italian luxury label Stone Island for a dope take on the 574 Legacy. Featuring a streamlined rebuild with premium materials, this take on the sneaker sports pigskin suede overlays atop a ripstop upper with mesh details, hairy suede lining, and Stone Island compass branding on the tongue.
New Balance is getting to a point where they are dropping dope collaborations from week to week. Watch out Nike, someone is coming for the crown.
The Stone Island x New Balance 574 Legacy is set to drop on February 16th at 6:00 AM PST for a retail price of $139.99. Pick up a pair at New Balance.
New BalanceNew Balance
Nike Women’s Air Jordan 1 Game Royal and Varsity Maize
Nike
If you’re all about that school spirit (and have small feet) this week’s Game Royal and Varsity Maize Jordan 1 is for you. This colorway is a nod to Michael Jordan’s high school colors at Laney High in Wilmington North Carolina and features a weathered leather upper, an air-cushioned sole, and a retro black and red print tongue.
The sneaker is available exclusively in women’s sizing.
The Nike Women’s Air Jordan 1 Game Royal and Varsity Maize is set to drop on February 17th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $180. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
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New Balance x JJJJound MADE in UK 991
New Balance
We covered this sneaker last week when it got a limited release but this week it gets the wide-release treatment at New Balance’s webstore. Featuring a modernized take on the 991, this MADE in UK collaboration with JJJJound sports a mesh base with suede overlays, JJJJound branding at the heel, and reflective details throughout about an ABZORB midsole.
The New Balance x JJJJound MADE in UK 991 is set to drop on February 17th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $249.99 in both Men and Women’s sizing.
New BalanceNew Balance
Nike Air Jordan 13 Playoffs
Nike
If the Jordan 1s dropping this week are a bit too flashy for you, don’t worry, the Jordan 13 is getting a new stealthy rendition. Featuring an all black-upper with a white midsole, this Jordan 13 sports dimpled leather side panels, and a green cat’s eye emblem at the collar, over a crispy white and university red midsole.
The Nike Air Jordan 13 Playoffs is set to drop on February 18th at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $210. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
The best way to escape the last week or so of winter (and general responsibilities, for that matter) is by going off the grid with a desert vacation. Turn your phone off, grab your closest friends, bring your own booze, and have a weekend by the pool with no worries other than the threat of potential sunburn. It’s a recipe for a damn good time. (Especially with Coachella on the way.)
When it comes to finding the ultimate desert destination in the United States, California’s three desert towns of Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree are hard to beat. Fortunately, each dry and cacti-filled enclave comes complete with a slew of badass rental properties that are basically begging to be visited. And with Coachella coming, now is the time to pick which one best fits your crew.
Below, we’re sharing the coolest and sexiest rental properties in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree. So grab your SPF and your sunglasses, and head to one of the vacation rentals.
-Chloe Caldwell
PART I: JOSHUA TREE
EDITOR’S PICK — The Onyx House: Secluded Villa, Pool & Yoga Deck
Steve Bramucci
The Property:
I could wax poetic about the lines and angles of this midcentury desert oasis quite easily. In fact, it deserves that — especially because so many rentals these days try desperately to hit those midcentury-minimalist-Nordic design notes and miss. Or skimp on the wrong features. Everything looks awesome until you walk into a room and see a generic piece of artwork (this happens in even the best rentals and I totally get it — stylish shit is expensive!).
The Onyx House gets everything right. You walk into the place and immediately feel 20% cooler. Clearly, it was created by someone with good taste. But as great as the design and layout are, those aspects aren’t the property’s biggest perk. Here’s what hit me the hardest during a recent stay:
Best Pool And Hot Tub Of Any Rental I’ve Ever Stayed In. This isn’t even up for debate. The pool gets up to 90 degrees (I didn’t figure this out until the morning I left, sadly) and the hot tub fits eight comfortably. Both are in-ground and incredibly sleek. Call me a weird hippy but I’ve never liked boiling in a big extruded plastic container. The inherent sexiness of a hot tub is killed by the human-soup-in-plastic vibe. By comparison, this tub and pool are both poured from concrete and feel clean and new. They’re also both saltwater — meaning your skin doesn’t get dry and your eyes don’t water from excessive chlorine. Oh, and they have lighting systems for your night hangs! And they’re incredibly photogenic, as evidenced by my wife:
Steve Bramucci
A Very Cool Gathering Space. The main living room of the Onyx house is actually separated from the bedrooms and kitchen by a hallway. There you’ll find a massive TV linked to all the streaming apps, a very comfy couch, and even barn doors to open the space up. Does it feature a bunch of cool art and rustic ceramics? You’d better believe it.
A Yoga Platform. Every morning of my life, I wake up saying “I want to do breathwork! I want to do yoga!” But I almost never have time. I did both breathwork and yoga during my stay at the Onyx House because the space spoke to those sorts of pursuits but more importantly because I had room to practice them without distraction. The yoga platform is surrounded by desert and rocks and if you’re going to do some sun salutations I can’t think of a better place to do them than while watching the sun crest over the craggy hills.
Nature All Around. The past few years have seen a land grab in “J-Tree” as LA folks with tons of style buy up properties on the cheap, remodel them, and give them cool names. But as much as everyone wants to lay claim to being an “oasis,” I’ve rarely seen a property that is truly built into the hills in this way. Whereas many trips to the desert include driving to trailheads, at the Onyx House we just walked straight up into the wilderness from the backyard. It was beautiful and made the home feel incredibly private.
Big Hotel Energy. The Onyx House is not one of those “clean every dish, strip the beds, and mop the floors” type rentals that everyone (rightfully) hates. This property is refined and operates much more like a true hotel. Check-in was easy, check-out was easier, and the property was beautifully appointed. I didn’t feel like I was in someone’s bedroom — I felt like I was at a hotel. Except better because we were the only guests.
Bottom Line:
Break that price down for three couples: ~$300 per couple, per night for a private hideaway with the sexiest pool and hot tub for miles? It’s an absolute steal. – Steve Bramucci
If I would brag about anything in this life, it’s that my taste is on point. That can be hard when covering hotels or rentals because if something is cheesy, I’m gonna catch it. While staying at Seven Arches in 2022, I said, at least ten times: “There’s nothing I would change about this place.” From the plates to the kitchen layout to the hot tub to the sprawling grounds (dirt bike track! cornhole! horseshoes!), it was dialed and buttoned up.
Want to get more granular? I was just there so it’s very fresh in my mind:
Best bedding I’ve ever had at a rental. Period. Soft pillows, high thread count sheets, wide beds — perfection.
Art by RealFunWow. A very stylish artist who works in earth tones that match the property’s upscale-meets-desert vibe. (In fact, I found out about this spot when I saw the RealFunWow mural being painted on Instagram.)
Tons of space. There are “pretty spacious” bnbs and then there are “desert spacious” properties — spots that sprawl in a way that leaves plenty of room for chilling, eating, being loud. This property boasts the latter.
Insane degree of Instagram-ability. Be honest, we all want to tell the stories of our trips. This property was clearly designed with that in mind and by looking at IG tags, you can see how popular it’s been with influencers. Every corner begs to have a photo taken — just see my own pic below.
Organic in the best way. Earth tones. Nothing feels fake. There are jars of water at the bedsides and the forks are wrought iron. If you’re into the mushroom scene, this spot is a dream — there’s no plastic and no flashing lights from excessive electronics. Even if you’re not, you’re sure to note that the amenities are built to last.
Bottom Line:
It doesn’t get much sexier than this. Or much more engaging. There’s so much to do and the house is so incredibly comfortable, don’t be surprised if you stay home all day before spending the evening alternating between the plunge pool and the hot tub. – Steve Bramucci
There’s no better place to find your zen than in a secluded desert hideaway — with the comfort of knowing downtown Joshua Tree is only minutes away. This rental property delivers an authentic Japanese experience in the desert with one-of-a-kind design pieces that are ethically sourced. The property includes a tatami room (or zen room) that’s meant to be used for gathering, reflecting, meditating, or having an intimate conversation. This combined with the two comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, private outdoor lounge area, and the record player and vinyl collection makes the property a serene desert escape.
Bottom Line:
Where else are you going to find a tatami room in Joshua Tree? If you’re in need of healing and rejuvenation, this is the place to do it. – Chloe Caldwell
If you want a desert escape that’s not too far out from civilization, this house is an excellent option. It’s nearby Joshua Tree National Park, local art exhibits, farmers markets, and thrift stores. You can keep yourself entertained during the day and night with the backyard amenities, which include a fire pit, hot tub, and bocce ball.
If it gets too hot, you can head inside to the game room to play vintage arcade games and shuffleboard.
The property’s interior is designed to reflect the calming essence of the surrounding area. It features classic desert colors like beige, orange, and yellow, and unique artwork of the famous local Joshua Trees.
Bottom Line:
When you’re out in the desert with your friends, it’s nice to have a wide selection of games to keep you busy. Plus, the fire pit, hammocks, and hot tub make the backyard a great place to sit back under the stars, which you generally miss out on if you’re visiting from a big city. – Chloe Caldwell
One of the best parts of escaping to the desert is the opportunity to connect with nature. That’s what this property is all about. The minimalist yet modern hideaway focuses on “fusing natural simplicity with contemporary luxuries.” It’s exactly the kind of place one goes to rest and reflect. The property offers several outdoor living areas, including a covered patio with a fire pit, a saltwater hot tub, and a 600-square-foot rock and cactus garden courtyard.
Yep, we’ll take it.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this property is great for a romantic getaway with someone special. The unobstructed views of the desert hills and stars, the saltwater hot tub, and the general intimacy of the property make it a sexy desert escape. – Chloe Caldwell
This five-acre, eco-conscious property is coined as the “Togetherness House,” and for good reason. It’s ideal for a group of friends who want to connect with nature and with each other on a deeper level, while still maintaining the comfort of modern conveniences like WiFi and high-quality cleaning services. The property’s patio and outdoor lounge spaces deliver some of the best views in Joshua Tree, where mountainous landscapes and clear skies take center stage.
Bottom Line:
Great views with good people. That’s all you really need to enjoy this intimate desert retreat. – Chloe Caldwell
This 1,200-square-foot ranch-style property sleeps up to six people and features brand new appliances and furniture throughout the house. The backyard comes complete with both a hot tub and a cold tub, so you can soak during the day and at night. There is tons of space to spread out in the backyard, where you’ll also find a deck, multiple hammocks, a variety of games, and several lounge areas.
The interior of the property combines rustic chic decor with pops of color, creating an inviting environment. In fact, the home was designed by one of Bravo TV’s Best Room Wins designers.
Bottom Line:
This ranch-inspired property is an affordable option that still offers great amenities and lots of space for groups. Plus, it’s only a few minutes from town, so you’ll have the option to explore the area outside of the rental. – Chloe Caldwell
This mid-century masterpiece features three bedrooms and fits up to six guests, making it roomy and comfortable enough for your friend group to spread out. There’s also the full-sized private pool, cushioned lounge chairs, outdoor tables, and lounge area with a couch and pool table — making the backyard the perfect place to hang, both during the day and after the sun goes down.
Aside from the amenities, the property’s chic design sprinkled with pops of neon color is exactly the kind of young yet sophisticated environment you need for a weekend in the desert.
Bottom Line:
Pool, games, spacious living room, and kitchen…check! – Chloe Caldwell
If you’re on the search for a massive backyard and an ultra-modern space, look no further than this newly refurbished mid-century property. The backyard features several lounge areas to kick back in, a saltwater pool and spa, and plenty of room for party games. The main living area inside the house includes porcelain flooring, a fireplace, and bar seating. It truly is the perfect place to celebrate a weekend with your friends away from home.
Plus, it’s close to downtown Palm Springs where shopping and dining options abound.
Bottom Line:
For a group of eight people in Palm Springs, this freshly upgraded rental property covers all the necessities for an epic desert vacation. – Chloe Caldwell
Made for a serene weekend away, this fully remodeled eco-friendly oasis fits up to four people in two bedrooms. Designed with original artwork, mosaic tiles, and a remodeled floorplan, it’s ideal for a low-key couples retreat or small group of friends in need of rejuvenation. The private property also features a large saltwater pool and in-ground spa, so you can soak in all the good energy the house has to offer.
If you feel like venturing out for an afternoon, the property is only a mile away from the bustling downtown area and only a few minutes away from several popular golf courses.
Bottom Line:
All-day ragers by the pool are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have something a little more tranquil to help you feel refreshed. – Chloe Caldwell
Yes, you can have desert vibes and lakeside living in one place. Located within a gated community, this two-story, four-bedroom home that fits up to 12 guests really is a lakefront dream. Picturesque mountains and desert sunset views surround the property, which are easy to see from the backyard patio or second-floor balcony. The backyard alone features an infinity pool and spa looking over the lake, an expansive patio with a built-in barbecue, an outdoor bar, seating areas, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at night.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this classic lakefront property couldn’t be more perfect for a large group. Whether you’re hosting a bachelorette party, birthday celebration, or family vacation, this property offers more than enough space for your gathering. – Chloe Caldwell
When you first walk up to this Indio home, you’ll notice that it’s the epitome of desert aesthetic — from the loose dirt and cacti to the stone tortoise statue guarding the front yard (hence, the rental’s name). However, the inside of the house reflects a more modern, sexy, chic design with sleek white counters and light-wash wooden and tile floors that create an open and airy space. The rental fits up to 10 people and all four bedrooms feature a king-sized bed and smart TVs.
The pool is what sets this property apart from others in the area. The private backyard includes beach-like access to the saltwater pool and an oversized spa. You’ll likely want to spend every minute of daylight wading in the water. It’s the ultimate play space for a large group gathering.
Bottom Line:
If you’re spending time in Indio, you’re going to need a good pool to cool off in. This backyard saltwater haven is exactly the remedy you’ll need. – Chloe Caldwell
Luxury, relaxation, and fun collide at this epic Indio rental property. It’s a little piece of paradise in an otherwise desolate desert. For starters, the backyard is so nice that you’ll likely spend most of your time in town just lounging by the pool. The large pool itself features deck jets, a waterfall spillway, a tanning shelf, multiple seating ledges, and sparkling pebble tech that glimmers in the sun for an added touch of glamour.
Next to the pool, you’ll find a four-hole, thirty-foot putting green, a ping pong table, a foosball table, Jenga, lawn darts, Connect Four, and a ring toss. When you’ve had your share of fun, you can relax in the lounge area while you watch sports on the outdoor TV. The interior of the house is just as nice as the backyard, following a rustic-style theme where cow print and wooden accents are aplenty.
Bottom Line:
This vacation rental is like an adult playground. If you’re looking for party vibes without skimping on luxury amenities, you’re going to want to book this spot ASAP. – Chloe Caldwell
This luxurious rental property is on the pricier side. However, it fits up to 14 people, making it more affordable for large groups. The newly renovated home is ultra-spacious and comfortable, but the backyard is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. It features turf on both sides of the heated saltwater pool that comes complete with two waterfalls and a hot tub. You’ll also find a putting green, corn hole, a ping pong table, and a barbecue, as well as a pool table inside.
Bottom Line:
Between the games, pool, barbecue, and roomy interior, this vacation rental is the perfect friend group getaway. – Chloe Caldwell
We know that a ton of dedicated time, energy and artistic skill goes into bringing movies to life. But what about the thing that first introduces you to the movie? That 60-second video meant to encapsulate every thrill, swoon and jump scare the story promises to deliver, if only you are brave enough to step out to the movie theater (or these days, your couch) for two hours.
We are, of course, talking about the movie trailer. And take it from the ones who create them, trailers are in and of themselves a complex art form—with just a dash of psychological manipulation.
“It’s like trying to sell a jigsaw puzzle,” quipped Bill Neil, trailer editor for Buddha Jones. “And in order to sell the jigsaw puzzle, you can’t show the whole picture on the box. You are only allowed to show four pieces of that puzzle.”
In an interview with Vox, Neil explains that most of the time, trailer editors are only given bits of the movie’s footage called dailies, and from that footage, they piece together what they think the overall feeling of the film is going to be. This certainly helps explain why some trailers might appear to be selling completely different movies than what was actually watched. Part of the art is in the guessing.
Once an editor has the gist of what they’re selling, it’s their job to pack a hefty emotional punch in a short amount of time. There are a few techniques that can help with this, such as a “rug pull,” where the trailer takes a distinct tone shift, usually going from lighthearted to something more unsettling. This shift can happen abruptly or gradually.
But perhaps no technique is as engaging as sound design, which Neil describes as “the soul of the trailer.” In just a single minute-long teaser, Neil might compose an entire symphony of sound effects.
For Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” Neil used Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips” throughout the trailer in several different ways—first playing it diegetically (meaning that characters interact with it in the context of a scene), then matching the sounds of a galloping horse to the song’s percussion, then giving it a creepy echo followed by silence, finishing with a deconstructed version of the song under a layer of other sounds.
In case you didn’t know, “Nope” is (SPOILER ALERT) an alien horror movie. So Neil drew a lot of visual inspirations from movies like “Close Encounters of a Third Kind,” even formatting some of the onscreen text to subtly look like a descending spaceship.
All in all, these choices make for a super creepy trailer.
As with any art form, trailer making has evolved throughout the years. Gone are the days of heavy voiceovers, and technology has made it easier than ever to access ever-growing sound effects libraries. But at the end of the day, the challenge remains the same—make people want to see the movie and make them want it fast.
Check out Neil’s full interview below, where he breaks down several iconic trailers throughout the years, starting all the way back in the 60s and going forward to the present day. It’s only further proof that trailers really do deserve their own Oscar category.
Christian Bowers of St. Charles, Missouri, has Down syndrome, which didn’t stop him from making friends in high school. But, according to Today, after he graduated and left the school’s social atmosphere, he had a hard time making friends. The situation was made worse because his siblings had people over all the time.
“On the weekends, Christian watched his older sisters have sleepovers and attend parties while he sat on his own,” his mom, Donna Herter, told Today. Six months after leaving school, Bowers kept asking his mother, “When are my friends coming over?” and she had no words for him.
Herter had no idea what to do. You can’t force adults to be friends, but she couldn’t bear to watch him suffer. So she decided to pay someone to be his friend. That way, she could rely on them to come and spend time with her son.
“I’m looking for a young man, between the ages of 20-28 who would like to make some extra money,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Two days a month for two hours, I’ll pay you to be my son’s friend. All you have to do is sit with him and play video games in his room. Nothing else. He’s 24 and has Down syndrome and doesn’t have any friends his age. You will not be alone with him, myself or his grandpa will be home.”
She added that her son wouldn’t know that people are getting paid to hang out with him and was adamant that she wouldn’t take free help because she wanted to be sure they’d show up regularly.
Herter couldn’t believe the response. Since being published on February 2, the post has received 26,000 comments and nearly 60,000 shares, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Herter had to create a social calendar for her son to keep up with all of the playdates.
“I still have people messaging, and I’m adding more dates and I just can’t stop smiling and it’s not even for me, it’s for him,” she told KMOV. “He has not been this happy in years, this is the happiest I’ve seen him in years.”
A group of police officers have stopped by the house to eat pizza and cookies and play video games with Bowers. Billy Mayhall, the founder of STL Youth Sports Outreach, teamed up with a group of donors to buy Bowers a new 65-inch flatscreen television for his video games. They gave him some St. Louis Blues tickets, too.
“That was a really heartbreaking post, it really was,” Mayhall told KMOV. “People now are starting to see a lot of these kids with special needs need somebody in life, just like we do, no different.”
According to Herter, her son is now booked through July.
This story is a beautiful example of a parent reaching out for help and the community rallying around them in support. Herter took a considerable risk by publicly asking to pay someone to be her son’s friend. But she didn’t care; in the end, it was all about her son’s happiness.
Few people manage to achieve the status of both Hollywood legend and human legend, but Dick Van Dyke is definitely one of them.
The 97-year-old actor, dancer, singer and all-around showman blew away the audience and judges of “The Masked Singer” when he was revealed as the voice behind the enigmatic “Gnome” in the show’s ninth season opener. Judge Nicole Scherzinger found herself crying at witnessing the reveal.
“I love you so much. We love you so much. The whole world loves you so much,” she said through tears. “I’m trying to, like, play it cool, but you look so gorgeous! You look so handsome!”
Indeed, Van Dyke looks remarkably good for being three years shy of 100, and the fact that he’s still got the energy to do a wild reality show is a testament to his vitality. He truly is #aginggoals personified.
Van Dyke sang “When You’re Smiling” by Frank Sinatra while disguised as a giant woodland gnome on the show. The judges were stumped. Who would guess a 97-year-old would come on “The Masked Singer”?
As he shared with Entertainment Weekly, Van Dyke had a blast filming the show, despite having never seen it before being asked to participate.
“I looked at it on the air and it looked like fun,” he told EW. “And I was so positive that nobody would ever guess it was me”
He was tickled that people thought he might be Robert DeNiro and flattered that some thought he could be Tony Bennett.
“But I knew that they couldn’t guess who I was,” he said. “I don’t think they expected anybody from my generation to be on that show. So I knew I was gonna fool them. They were so surprised. I stepped out and everybody’s mouths dropped open. I think some people thought I was dead.”
He even did a brief “old man” bit, showing he’s still got those physical comedy chops.
Watch the reveal:
What a night for everyone involved, especially since very few people knew who was behind the Gnome costume.
“The experience was weird, because they have to keep it a secret from the crew,” Van Dyke told EW. “So I walked around with my head covered with people leading me. They’ve got a nice crew, but I never got to meet any of them!”
“I would say it’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever done,” he added. He also said he’d love to go back and “hang out” with the crew he worked with on the show that he didn’t get to see. No doubt those crew members would be thrilled with the opportunity to spend time with such an iconic entertainer.
What a gift that we’re still getting to see Dick Van Dyke’s bright-eyed smile and signature humor. May we all maintain such vibrancy, positivity and zest for life through our senior years.
Adopting an animal is almost always an adventure. Looking around a pet store or animal shelter, trying to see whose personality speaks to you the most, is one of the most serotonin-releasing things animal lovers can do. Catching kittens taking cat naps or watching chubby little puppies roll all over each other can make just about anyone smile.
One potential adopter was at an adoption site, not just for the happy feels but to pick out a new kitten, and she saw one with a lot of personality peeking out from the window in the door. This sweet kitty was looking right at the woman with its furry little paws on the door in order to boost itself to get a better look.
But when the woman started talking to the curious face looking back at her, another kitten appeared and wanted this stranger’s attention, too. Except…the first kitten was not at all interested in sharing the nice lady’s undivided attention. Nope. No, ma’am. No, sir. No how. It was not having it. Apparently, even kittens can experience sibling rivalry, except it’s far cuter and much less annoying (at least to the owners).
As soon as the first kitten noticed the other kitten scooching in on the potential new owner, it behaved like a literal child and pushed its sibling down. Like full-on, paws-on-head, pushed the other cat down out of sight. That didn’t stop the other kitten from resisting being shoved out of the way. Nope. It just popped back up, only to be batted down again.
The entire thing is amusing and oddly human-like for these kitten siblings. I wonder if she took them both? Take a look at the video shared on Reddit:
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