GoneTrending

The Senate Committee hearing on Ticketmaster’s business practices has concluded and the big takeaway is that the ticketing company (and parent Live Nation) has definitely damaged the music industry in the eyes of the assembled Senators. The second biggest takeaway is that no matter what party they represent, everybody seems to love Taylor Swift, whose concerns about Ticketmaster at least partly prompted the hearing in the first place.

Many, many references were made to this effect as the Senators apparently couldn’t help themselves and just had to let their corniest Taylor jokes fly. Minnesota’s Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar recounted her own experiences going to Led Zeppelin concerts in high school and expressed concerns that modern teens have been priced out by Ticketmaster.

She concluded her comments with a reference taken from Swift’s 2012 album Red, remarking, “You can’t have too much consolidation, something that unfortunately for this country… We know ‘All Too Well.’”

Meanwhile, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut (also a Democrat) went for a more recent reference: “May I suggest, respectfully, that Ticketmaster oughta look in the mirror and say, ‘I’m the problem, it’s me’?” he said, quoting from Swift’s 2022 mega-hit “Anti-Hero.”

For what it’s worth, even Live Nation’s own top officers had to apologize for the miserable failure of Ticketmaster’s rollout for Swift’s The Eras Tour tickets. Live Nation CFO Joe Berchtold said, “We apologize to the fans. We apologize to Ms. Swift. We need to to better, and we will do better.”

We’ll see, but for now, can we all just appreciate that people we elected are grilling the makers of a huge monopoly with the lyrics of a woman who was once reviled in the industry and is now pretty much the avatar of artists’ rights? Bravo.

Sometimes in sports, an all-time great athlete comes around and changes the entire fabric of a franchise, upending the definition of success. This is why, in the world of sports, there is nothing more difficult than being the person that follows after someone like that because the expectations are impossibly high. In a way, they’re almost pre-destined to fail.

This is what it feels like when looking at the monumental expectations that everyone has for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Not only is it one of the first direct sequels we’ve gotten from Zelda since Spirit Tracks, but it’s following up a game that in every way shape and form broke the established 3D Zelda formula. Ever since Ocarina of Time first flashed on TV screens in 1998, there was an established formula that every mainline 3D Zelda title followed for almost 20 years. Breath of the Wild changed that. It did away with everything from the themed dungeons to the plethora of items, and even the bombastic overworld theme. It was an entirely different game and everyone adored it.

Well, almost everyone, there was a sect of fans who were not happy with those changes. The reason Zelda didn’t bother changing the formula for almost 20 years is that it worked. Fans relished the chance to play through that familiar formula all over again. They didn’t want them to rebuild the wheel, they just wanted to solve puzzles, explore extensive dungeons with a themed item at the end, and then beat the big bad at the end of the game. It was simple and addictive, but Breath of the Wild went away from that. This begs the question: where does Tears of the Kingdom go from here?

The options are clear: do the impossible and follow the path of one of the most beloved open-world games in recent memory, or pull back and try to recapture the tried and true Zelda formula that BOTW went away from? Considering this is pretty much a direct sequel to the original we can probably safely assume that it is going to mainly focus on giving us more of what that game gave us, meaning Tears of the Kingdom is likely to solidify the gameplay of BOTW as the new normal.

Does this mean that there is no opportunity for the game to appeal to both Zelda factions? No way, there are plenty of things that Tears Of The Kingdom can do to try and recapture some of that classic Zelda spirit without breaking what made BOTW so popular. For starters, the biggest change has to be in the game’s major dungeons. A criticism that even huge fans had for BOTW was how its four major dungeons, the Divine Beasts, were all too similar and short. This was obviously designed to help complement the freedom players had to go wherever they wanted, but since none of them curved for difficulty or progress it led to players feeling underwhelmed instead of accomplished.

Another addition they can make to recapture some of that classic 3D Zelda nature is bringing back items in a big way. We already know that this game is going to allow us to traverse the skies, and hopefully, that will mean new items to explore with.

Of course, bigger dungeons and new items would be a great way to appeal to longtime fans, but there are still many fans who loved everything about BOTW and want to see a continuation of that. For starters, let’s talk about the density of the game world. It won’t be surprising to see a lot of locales reused throughout Hyrule, so make them feel alive. A more dense world will freshen the experience even as players re-explore familiar settings. The skies playing a larger role should also allow for some new locales on top of any reused areas. Perhaps we’ll even get an opportunity to go underground if the first teaser trailer is any indication.

No matter what Nintendo does with Tears of the Kingdom though, it feels like a certainty that it’s going to be one of the best games of 2023. It’s definitely one of the most anticipated. Even the worst Zelda games are considered good by any regular standard, it’s when we start comparing them to the entire franchise that the conversation deepens. Unfortunately for Tears of the Kingdom, its legacy is going to always be associated with how it followed up one of the best games ever made. An impossible act to follow, but one fans fans will enjoy all the same.

As James Gunn continues to tinker with his 10-year plan to tell a “connected” story across the DC Universe, the writer/director — and now studio chief — has been fielding fans questions and concerns on Twitter. One prominent topic has been casting, especially in light of Gunn axing most of the actors who portrayed DC heroes in the “Snyderverse.”

Gunn has been quick to shoot down rumors, but he’s also been transparent about the filmmaking process and all of its intricacies. He has, however, grown testy with “disrespectful” critics of his DC Studios plans, and some of that irritation can be felt in his latest response to a fan who implored Gunn not to use Marvel actors for DC projects.

“.@JamesGunn please do not encourage #GotG cast to follow you to DCU,” user Kollin Leisinger wrote. “Find fresh actors that can craft brilliant characters and forge new memories for audiences, instead of swimming in the same muddy pond. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. Rebirth, not reuse. Please.”

Gunn actually took the time to respond to the request, and in the process, he explained the simple logistics: There are tons of characters to play and only so many actors.

“We have hundreds of roles to cast,” Gunn said. “As I’ve always done, some will be brand new faces, some will be actors I’ve worked with before, & some will be actors you know who I’ve never worked with. What matters most is the actor fits the role & they’re easy to work with.”

Cross-pollination between Marvel and DC Comics has already been happening for years now. In fact, Gunn recently cast Peacemaker star Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary in his final project for Marvel, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 3. As Gunn noted on Twitter, at the end of the day, all that matters is finding the right actor for the part and whether they’ve been in a Marvel movie or not should never be a factor.

Plus, let’s face it, there’s like a million Marvel movies. Statistically, all of us will be in one by the end of the decade.

(Via James Gunn on Twitter)

Over the weekend, Drake performed two sold-out shows at NYC’s Apollo Theater. However, at the Sunday night concert, a fan fell from the venue’s lower mezzanine balcony just as Drake was bringing out 21 Savage to “Rich Flex.”

“New York, I want to see you go through the roof,” Drake announced just before the fan fell. A video obtained by TMZ sees the man leaning over the balcony before falling. Meanwhile, Page Six reported that the man fell into a section filled with New York Giants players. He has since been noted as unharmed.

“I gotta make sure somebody’s OK,” he added at the time, walking offstage momentarily.

Now, the Apollo Theater issued a statement about the incident on social media.

“Unfortunately, last evening an incident occurred with an audience member who landed in the orchestra from the lower mezzanine,” the venue wrote. “Drake, Apollo, SiriusXM halted the show immediately when learning of a potential fan injury and standard protocol were taken. They were seen immediately by EMS on site.”

“The fan and other audience members reported that they were OK. No major injuries have been reported,” they added.

Despite the official reason for the fan’s fall still being unknown, the recorded copy of the concert will air on Drake’s SiriusXM Sound 42 in the future.

As 2023 is the year of M3gan, it would make sense that she becomes available to those lesser people who decided they were “too good” to make a trip to the movie theater in the middle of January to see her do some little TikTok dance moves. Oh, you didn’t see M3gan opening night? Do you not support real art? Well now is your chance and you better not mess it up!

The instant cult classic robot comedy-thriller starring Academy Award Nominee Announcer Allison Williams is now available on VOD beginning today, January 24th, just two weeks after hitting theaters. You can rent or buy the horror hit from the comfort of your own robot-free home on Amazon, Apple TV, or by using your cable provider.

As with past Paramount movies, M3gan will likely be available for streaming on Paramount+ 45 days after its theatrical release, so it will probably be streaming by February 20th.

M3gan stars Williams as a toy maker who sets out to create a friend for her niece. As with any robot-centered story, things take an interesting turn and M3gan soon becomes unhinged with a mind of her own. It might not sound like much, but the internet soon learned the power of little robot girls dancing, and thus the M3gan phenomenon was born.

A sequel to the movie has already been announced, so there is so much more M3gan to come. Aren’t you excited enough to do a creepy little dance to celebrate!?

Miley Cyrus may be able to buy herself flowers, but there are some milestones that money can’t buy. For example: her latest single, “Flowers,” has debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated January 28.

Though she has another No. 1 hit to her credit — “Wrecking Ball” from her 2013 album Bangerz — this is the first time a single of hers has debuted at the top of the Hot 100.

It was a tough race for the coveted top spot this past week, as the song fought off Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero,” which had previously held the top spot for eight non-consecutive weeks, as well as SZA‘s “Kill Bill,” a standout from her sophomore album, SOS. “Kill Bill” follows “Flowers” as it claims the No. 2 spot. Meanwhile, “Anti-Hero” sits at No. 3.

Making its debut at No. 9 is Shakira and Argentine DJ Bizzarap “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” an explosive new single which is thought to be about her ex, Gerard Piqué.

Though “Unholy” has previously peaked at No. 1, Sam Smith appears to be maintaining good momentum ahead of their fourth album, Gloria, as their Kim Petras collaboration sits at No. 5. Gloria is set for release this Friday.

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

“The Bachelor” alum Tia Booth is finding out firsthand how conflicting mom advice can be and she’s calling it out. Booth gave birth in December of 2022 and revealed that she hired a night nurse so she and her fiancé Taylor Mock could get some sleep a few times a week. Sleep is essential to functioning properly as a human and as a parent.

Anyone who has given birth knows how difficult those first few months feel. You’re essentially surviving some version of what is classified as a form of torture—sleep deprivation. New babies have weird, topsy-turvy, upside-down sleep cycles and new parents simply have to white-knuckle it until the little bundle is sleeping for several-hour stretches at a time.

The lack of sleep can not only make you delirious but can sometimes be dangerous when caring for a new baby. I remember being woken up in the middle of the night by a nurse while still in the hospital because in my sleep-deprived state I fell asleep while feeding my son. Thank goodness she walked in before one or both of us fell onto the floor from the rocking chair.

I should’ve informed the nurse that I was tired and allowed her to take my two-day-old baby to the nursery, but asking for help seemed taboo. In today’s world, women are advocating for new moms to not only ask for help, but to seek it out—until they do, and suddenly the message changes…again.

Booth has taken to her Instagram stories to call out the mixed messaging given to new moms. In the now-expired stories, she responded to someone who wrote, “Not trying to be mean, but having a child is taking responsibility and bonding with your baby in the middle of the night when they wake. Not hiring someone to do it for you so you can ‘sleep.'” Obviously, not all parents can afford a night nurse and Booth acknowledged that fact, but she was having none of the mom shaming that was taking place.

See on Instagram

“Moms, who have once been first time moms, will say ‘do what’s best for you and your family’ then shame you & lose respect for you for needing help. We can only be praised when we’re exhausted & doing it all alone??? It’s insanity. OK I’m done,” Booth said in the story. And honestly, she has a point that isn’t talked about much publicly.

People who became parents several years ago heard the old adage, “Sleep when baby sleeps,” or simply the truth of, “It’s hard for everyone,” with no real direction on how to make it less hard. But with parents becoming more vocal about how difficult parenting can be and advocating to reach out for help, more new parents are following that advice—and yet, some people find fault in parents receiving the help they need.

See on Instagram

A battle surrounding what kind of help someone receives seems to defeat the purpose of telling parents to reach out. Of course, given different financial circumstances, some parents’ help may come in the form of a full-time nanny while other parents rely on a nearby relative or neighbor to grab a quick shower. But the level of help doesn’t make someone more or less of a parent.

The new mom explained exactly why it was important to her to have the kind of help she does, and other parents in similar situations would likely want the same if it was within their budget. “I’m able to be a better mom during the day when I can THINK & know my baby was so loved on & taken care of the night before. I don’t have family here. Neither does Taylor. This is our help a few nights a week,” Booth wrote.

A 10-year-old girl from Cumberland, Rhode Island, had serious questions about whether Santa Claus is real and submitted DNA evidence to her local police to get the truth. On the morning of December 25, 2022, Scarlett Doumato collected a partially eaten cookie and carrots with bite marks and sent them to the Cumberland Police Department for testing, along with a handwritten note.

“Dear Cumberland Police Dapartment [sic], I took a sample of a cookie and carrots that I left for Santa and the raindeer [sic] on Christmas Eve and was wondering if you could take a sample of DNA and see if Santa is real?” Doumato wrote.

Cumberland police chief Matthew J. Benson was impressed by the child’s dedication to solving the mystery. “For her to take that initiative and to push that forward because she has a question that she wants answered, I just think was amazing,” Benson told Today.

The police department shared a photo of Doumato’s evidence, her letter and a statement on Facebook.

Doumato’s work collecting evidence at the scene of the crime was impressive, to say the least. “She did the work — she collected the evidence, she tagged it the right way,” Benson said. “She’s obviously watching the shows very intently. Separate baggies. She did it right by the book, so we’re taking it just as serious as she is.”

The Cumberland Police Department announced that after seeing her evidence it has launched a special investigation into the Santa inquiry.

The department shared in its press release:

“Earlier this month, a young investigator from the Town of Cumberland submitted the attached letter requesting a DNA analysis be conducted on the partially eaten cookie and carrot remains she acquired on the morning of December 25, 2022, for possible DNA evidence of Santa Claus (aka, Kris Kringle, aka Saint Nicholas, aka St. Nick) and/or one of his nine reindeer. As such, Chief Benson immediately instructed his Investigative Division to forward her evidence to the State of Rhode Island’s, Department of Health–Forensic Sciences Unit for analysis. Chief Benson noted, ‘This young lady obviously has a keen sense for truth and the investigative process and did a tremendous job packaging her evidence for submission. We will do our very best to provide answers for her.'”

u201cAWESOME NEWS: A 10-year-old girl in Rhode Island named Scarlett Doumato sent a letter to her local police, asking for a DNA test to prove Santa is real. She included a half-eaten Oreo, and some carrots that looked like they’d been gnawed on by reindeer. https://t.co/NbKvAwPWstu201d

— 93.1 KATO Hits (@93.1 KATO Hits)
1674475458

The Cumberland Police added some additional evidence they collected on the night of December 24th. The most compelling evidence was a photo of a “reindeer” spotted in the area that night.

The girl’s mother was excited to see the police were taking her daughter’s inquiry seriously. “A giant thank you Chief Benson and the entire CPD! My Scarlett is going to be so thrilled that you are looking into her case!!!!!” Alyson Doumato wrote in the comments.

WJAR caught up with the young detective and learned that she has a Wacky Lab home detective kit sitting on her desktop. “I watch crime shows, and I thought it was like cool to be a detective,” she told the news outlet.

Her mother said that the investigation is just part of her nature. “She’s always a little bit skeptical, and looking for the facts,” Alyson Doumuto said.

The open case is still being pursued by the Cumberland Police Department.

A cold reality of death is that it cares not at all about the things we’ve yet to complete while living. It comes relentlessly, even when the home is nearly remodeled…when the vacation is but a week away…when we are this close to finishing that book that brought so much joy. It comes when it comes, no exceptions.

Though there is no negotiation with this force of nature, those with loved ones who have passed on are being given a little bit of closure—one blanket, scarf or sweater at time.

When friends and knitting enthusiasts Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan realized that they both shared the experience of frequently being asked to finish knitting items left undone by those who have died, they were inspired to create a like-minded community that expanded beyond their homes in Seattle and Falmouth. After all, this was an aspect of the hobby that both women deeply enjoyed.

“It occurred to us that there was an opportunity to let other people express that kind of generosity to each other as well, even between strangers,” Kaplan told local news outlet WMTW 8.

And thus, Loose Ends was born.

Loose Ends has over 1000 volunteers (otherwise known as “finishers”) spread across 19 countries, each of whom lends their knitting talents to finish the undone knitting projects of those who have passed, or for those who can no longer knit due to a disability. Once a “finisher” finishes an item, it is then shipped back to the owner—completed and ready to be cherished.

See on Instagram

“It’s like they’re getting a piece of their loved one back to them,” Kaplan told WMTW. “We get a lot of really touching and beautiful stories about things that are returned. As a knitter it’s sort of mending a little bit of a broken heart.”

“It takes 35,000 stitches to make a pair of socks, so that’s 35,000 actions you’re doing to produce this item that will hopefully take care of somebody, it’s kind of like magic,” Simonic added in an interview with KING 5 News.

See on Instagram

Knitters are a notoriously generous bunch. Much of the time they create their unique designs with the intention of spreading joy to others. Love is meticulously put into each and every stitch. Now, that love can be fully expressed into a tangible item—as the creator intended—rather than getting thrown away.

If you’d like to support Loose Ends, you can donate to their GoFundMe page, which helps with shipping costs and other expenses that keep the project going. Click here to learn more.