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concerts November 18, 2022
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Steve Lacy is having a TikTok problem with ‘Bad Habits’ on his tour

Fans were baffled after clips of American singer Steve Lacy’s odd behavior on tour made rounds on social media. 

Many musicians attribute their success to their fans. Thus, they do the most they can to be on their good side.

Yet, Lacy has the tendency to snap and reprimand his audience. He has gone as far as to smash a fan’s camera on stage at his New Orleans show last October 24.

Hence, this begs the question, does he still enjoy performing in front of these crowds? Or has he already grown to hate his newfound fame?

Steve Lacy has been here for a while already

Although, Steve Lacy is hardly a newbie.

He gained recognition as the guitarist of the alternative R&B band the Internet. They have released several albums, even earning a Grammy nomination for the Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2015.

On the other hand, his solo career began in 2017 when he released his self-produced debut EP, Steve Lacy’s Demo. 

His talent in songwriting and production has led him to work with notable artists such as Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator, Solange Knowles, Chloe x Halle, and Kendrick Lamar.

Bad Habit

Four months after the release of his single, Bad Habit, Steve Lacy was thrust into the mainstream. 

Bad Habit spent several weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and is the soundtrack to almost half a million TikToks. Following the success of this song, Steve Lacy sold out multiple shows across the United States.

However, the problem is that his audience only seems to know the viral hook for Bad Habit, leading to pretty short sing-a-longs. 

His fans have also been shown to interrupt his sets and throw stuff on the stage. 

Understandably, Steve Lacy has had it. The singer-songwriter told off a fan and has even walked out off stage after an awkward performance.

Was Steve Lacy justified in his actions? Sure. He has the right to get upset. However, he definitely could have handled some situations better.

In a now deleted Instagram post, Lacy reminds his fans to come to his shows with respect for themselves and others.

He wrote: “My shows been fun as hell! shoutout to the people not throwing disposable cameras at me and just coming to catch a vibe and connect. I had a really good time in NOLA last night. I hate that the beauty of the connection I have with so many people in the crowd gets lost when something negative happens.’

He continued: “I don’t believe I owe anyone an apology- maybe I could’ve reacted better? sure. always. I’m a student of life. but I’m a real person with real feelings and real reactions. I’m not a product or a robot.”

After all, you paid hundreds of dollars to see an artist perform, so why interrupt them? And at least try to learn other songs on the setlist.

If you’re going to be a menace, stay at home and just stream the song for god’s sake.

GRAMMY nominee

Steve Lacy has a lot of other great songs in his album, Gemini Rights, apart from Bad Habit.

Recently, he was nominated in multiple categories: Record of the Year Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Progressive R&B Album in the 65th GRAMMYs.

It’s exciting to see artists get recognition. But more importantly, they deserve to be treated like humans with feelings than mere content machines.

The incidents at Steve Lacy’s shows remind us to enjoy the music and the moment. And of course, to be mindful of our actions and boundaries the next time we see our favorite artists live.

21 savage November 17, 2022
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5 things we learned about Drake and 21 Savage on their album ‘Her Loss’

On November 4th, Drake and 21 Savage dropped their first full-length collaborative project: “Her Loss.”

Despite very little promotion mainly nestled within their semi-flippant, mock “press” campaign, “Her Loss” has made a pleasantly unexpected splash on today’s Hip-Hop’s landscape. 

With fans in a chokehold off of the more polemical parcels, this shouldn’t negate the alchemy of “Her Loss”.

From the eclectic, tasteful sonics to the ever-witty bars and flows of both rappers, their respective idiosyncrasies shine bright to culminate in such a salient, yet controversial body of work. 

Whenever two major forces come together, there is quite a bit of nuance that can be retrieved from their work.

With this, let us divulge a few takeaways from one of the best collaborations this year: “Her Loss.” 

Their synergy is unmatched 

Based on the chemistry on ‘Jimmy Cooks’ and previous collaborations, Drake and 21 Savage stress that they’re the best duo.

Bouncing off each other’s energy with relative ease, the duo equally express an open zeal for braggadocious rhymes about the lavish fruits of their labor and whatever else they currently feel inclined to get off their chest. 

Whether it’s Drake on the hook and Savage on the bars or vice versa. They both manage to execute on either side of the token.

Drake wants all the smoke once again

As avid fans and pop culture drama lovers may attest, Drake isn’t a stranger to acrimony whatsoever.

Some of his most notable face-offs include his proverbial “beefs” with Chris Brown, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T. Though most of which have dissolved and have since reconciled. 

Seemingly indifferent to his past wounds, Drake evidently has a few bones to pick once again in Her Loss.

There’s a comprehensive laundry list of folx he takes shots at all across the project: Megan Thee Stallion, Soulja Boy, Ice Spice, Ye, Pusha T, Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian. 

As subtle and passive aggressive as they are, these sheisty easter eggs were meant to be discovered. At this point in this his career,  Drake either feels impervious to backlash or simply doesn’t give a f**k. 

Who needs publicity when you can do your own stunts

Leave it to Drake and 21 Savage to defy all the standard conventions of content promotion. In what feels like an unprecedented marketing move, they created their own satirical media rollout. 

Some of their most notable hijinks include indulging in a mock rendition of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, emulating SNL’s ‘musical guest’ segment, cultivating a fraudulent “GQ” segment and reimagining their own Vogue cover, the latter of which they’ve been recently sued for. 

At the moment, the impetus behind this bold move is unclear but it does illuminate their indifference to the powers and influence of the media.

In conjunction with all the shots fired on this project, this decision too was designed to turn a few heads and I’m quite certain that was achieved. 

Texas is really the s**t

Ever since his “So Far Gone,” YMCMB days, Drake has been madly obsessed with the beloved region of Houston, TX.

In fact, his infatuation runs so deep that he even made an emotionally charged track about it back in the day: “Houstatlantavegas.”

On this record, his unbridled love for H-town and Texas as a whole is still very much palpable and he makes it fully apparent. 

Even the album artwork is thoroughly steeped in contemporary Houston culture as it underscores the identity of popular native Qui Yasuka, more popularly known as, Suki Baby.

Fellow Houston native, and photographer Paris Aden, shot the talented nail stylist and professional adult dancer.

The rationale behind why they chose her is still unclear but this wouldn’t be the first time Drake has been ambiguous with his album artwork.

On myriad occasions throughout this project, both Drake and 21 pay great homage to the lone star state. 

Redemption was on the brain 

Contrary to what one would expect, Drake hasn’t been the hottest in terms of reception regarding some of his most previous works. 

According to Pitchfork, he received a measly rating of 6.6 and his sixth studio album: Certified Lover Boy. This dropped in 2021, with its pertinence quickly fleeing the scene.

Given how sublime his discography is, it would only make sense that he would attempt to reach the mountaintop again. 

With the release of “Her Loss,” we can say that Drake has reached his apex once again. 

10K80 November 15, 2022
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Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson might be the best duo in Hollywood

Writer-director, Ryan Coogler, and composer, Ludwig Göransson, have once again moved so many Black Panther fans across the globe.

The messages, themes, and music of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever came from the minds of Coogler and Göransson, who also worked on the first Black Panther movie.

However, Coogler and Göransson first discovered their synergy while working on Fruitvale Station (2013).

It won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. drama competition at the 2013 Sundance Festival.

In an interview, Ryan Coogler said that their familiarity with each other allowed the sound effects, the music, and the direction to co-exist seamlessly, making filmmaking a “fun and gratifying” process.

“Collaboration ends up being our secret weapon.”

– Ryan Coogler (2021)

They were roommates at USC Film School

The power duo met at the University of South California. Göransson was studying film scoring while Coogler was in the directing program. 

The two were best friends, roommates, and frequent collaborators, with Göransson providing the scores to all of Coogler’s films.

Ohanian, Shawver, Coogler and Gorannson at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival (Photo/Ryan Dee Gilmour)


Currently, the two storytellers have multiple recognitions to their names. Coogler is a recipient of four NAACP Image Awards, four Black Reel Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

While Göransson is an Academy Award and two-time Emmy Award winner.

Writing and Directing Black Panther

In both Black Panther movies, Ryan Coogler strived to flesh out each character.

By giving them deep aspirations and ambitions, the audience connected better to both the heroes and villains of the two films.

Superhero movies often present black-and-white concepts. The American writer-director aims to challenge that notion, muddying the water between right and wrong depending on whose perspective you’re seeing.

Composing for Black Panther

On the other hand, Ludwig Göransson poured himself into doing in-depth research.

This was to truly ensure that the different cultures were thoroughly represented through music.

The Swedish composer traveled to four different continents and convened with over 40 artists, musical archaeologists, and other experts to create a unique sound and an immersive experience.

Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sold an estimated $330 million in tickets and set a November record in the United States and Canada.

This marks the highest total ever for a film opening in November, topping the $158.1 million for the 2013 film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.“

josh allen
bills November 14, 2022
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Can the Buffalo Bills still win the Super Bowl? It’s up to Josh Allen

After losing 33-30 against the Minnesota Vikings (8-1), are the Buffalo Bills (6-3) still capable of winning a Super Bowl this season? 

Sunday afternoon’s loss makes it two straight for the Bills, which is concerning for a championship-caliber team. Coming into this season, the Bills were a +290 favorite to win the big game – they currently sit at +380. 

Yesterday’s defeat was an utter meltdown. Bills fans witnessed their team let victory slip through the grasp of their hands – something that can’t happen in a league where losing games has immense consequences.  

What happened Sunday afternoon?

Buffalo was up 27-10 with 16-minutes left to play and seemingly had the win secured. However, Minnesota stormed back.  

With two minutes remaining, on fourth-and-eighteen, Justin Jefferson hauled down a spectacular one-handed catch, putting the Vikings in position to force overtime. 

In the extended period, the Vikings converted a 33-yard field goal – giving previous NFL MVP betting favorite Josh Allen the ball back.  

Allen, on second-and-ten, threw his second interception of the game. He Forced a 20-yard pass into the endzone and gave Minnesota the come-from-behind win. 

Are the Bills looking to add to their roster?

Four defensive backs missed Sunday’s game with injuries (Jordan Poyer, Kaiir Elam, Tre’Davious White, and Micah Hyde). Hyde is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a neck injury on Sept. 24.  

Not only do the Bills have issues on the defensive of the ball, but offensively there are concerns as well. Recent reports have suggested that the Bills have plans to fix their problems on offense. They are reportedly interested in signing two-time All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. 

Von Miller – Bills superstar pass-rusher and close friend of OBJ, shared his thoughts on where he believes his friend will end up: 

“Let’s be real; he’s coming to the Bills. He’s coming to the Bills; it’s already said and done… I’m optimistic. When it’s said and done, you where Odell is gonna be at,”  

Miller said laughingly on The Richard Sherman Podcast 

Is the Bills’ season over?

Although Sunday’s loss was an embarrassment for the Bills mafia, if this team is who people expected them to be – it should not dictate how the rest of this season goes. 

In fact, every Super Bowl champion since 2018 has suffered back-to-back losses at some point in the season. Additionally, the Bills now find themselves in a familiar position. 

Familiar territory

Last season, the Bills went on a two-game losing streak despite being considered one of the NFL’s ‘elite’ contenders.

However, repeating that pattern this season – decreases the Bills’ chances of having home-field advantage in the postseason.  

Finishing as the No.1 seed in the AFC is something the Bills would have significantly benefited from – since the odds are not on their side. 

What does this mean for Josh Allen? 

“Losing sucks; sucks this way even worse. Horrendous second-half, I gotta be better, I gotta be better,”

Allen told reporters after blowing a double-digit lead 

Allen has an unrecognizable amount of talent; his ability to push the ball downfield is unmatched. However, if the Bills ever want a chance of making the Super Bowl, he must eliminate the mental errors.  

Though Allen has an unworldly ability to extend plays, this is the second week in a row he has cost his team by doing too much on the offensive side of the ball: 

History of Buffalo in the ‘big game’

Despite having four Super Bowl appearances, the Bills are one-of-twelve franchises never to earn a ring.  

From 1991-1994 the Bills appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls – failing to win one. In their first appearance, kicker Scott Norwood missed a game-winning last-second field goal. 

In the remaining three appearances, the Bills lost to the Washington Redskins [now Commanders] and got dominated by the Dallas Cowboys twice.  

The closest the Bills have been to a Super Bowl since then has been back-to-back AFC championship game appearances in 2020 and 2021. 

What now?

You never know what to expect from the Bills. It is always a constant roller coaster of emotions, and that is what makes this team so exciting.  

It will be fascinating to watch how they adjust heading into next week when they host the Cleveland Browns (3-6). 

Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira
israel adesanya November 11, 2022
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UFC 281: Can Israel Adesanya beat Alex Pereira this time around?

Israel Adesanya (23-1), the undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world, looks to retain his belt against former rival and now UFC star Alex Periera (6-1).  

Madison Square Garden, which has hosted historical fights like Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier and Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez, welcomes both these men on Saturday, Nov. 12, for UFC 281. 

For “The Last Stylebender” and the 35-year-old nicknamed “Poatan,” this Saturday will be the third time both men stand across from each other in hand-to-hand combat.  

In their first bout, despite being outstruck, Pereira landed the more damaging shots in the judge’s eyes, earning the controversial win. Adesanya has gone on record several times calling out his peers for not watching the first fight between the two: 

“Who’s actually seen the whole fight? Hands up… That’s one, two, three people, four, five. In a room full of how many? Exactly, you’re journalists, do your f*cking job,” Adesanya said at

Adesanya said at UFC 276 media day. 

 “I f*cked this guy up in the first fight. Not crazy, but the judges gave it to him. Second fight, I had him on skates, and I made a [bad] judgment call, an error on my part,” Adesanya added.  

What happened the second time around?

The “error” Adesanya is referring to is in his second matchup versus the two-time Glory Kickboxing world champion. Adesanya stepped into Pereira’s backyard in the rematch and fought him in Brazil.  

In the opening rounds, the 33-year-old superstar came out aggressive and pressured Pereira against the ropes – almost getting a stoppage in the second round.  

Unfortunately, Pereira weathered the storm and delivered a devastating left hook – leaving Adesanya unconscious in the middle of the ring. Pereira has been the only man to knockout “Izzy,” proving this matchup will be one you cannot miss.  

Transitioning into the UFC

That loss was Adesanya’s last kickboxing match. He would transition into mixed martial arts – later making his UFC debut in 2018. He proved his skillset was well suited for MMA, taking him only five fights in the organization before touching gold. 

During Adesanya’s quick rise to stardom, people talked about the chances of him possibly facing Pereira in a different sport: 

“After my UFC debut, he put a contract up [acting] like he’s coming to the UFC. I’m like, ‘alright, make your way up,’ I’ll f***k [Alex] up, 100 percent,”

Adesanya told The Joe Rogan Experience in 2019. 

Three years later, Adesanya can now avenge both losses in “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” 

Pereira signs with the UFC

Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pereira has been on a three-fight win streak. His most recent victory came by first-round knockout over Sean Strickland (25-4), the No. 4 ranked middleweight at the time.  

Since knocking off Strickland, Pereira is the only man Adesanya hasn’t cleared out in the middleweight division. Both men feel noticeably confident heading into this matchup. For Pereira, it is something he feels he can do for the third time. 

Pereira begins trash talk

“I will do my work and job like I would if I was fighting anyone else. I just focus on fighting for the title. …. I don’t know how [Adesanya] would possibly be over that [knockout]. It’s still in [Adesanya’s] mind,” Pereira said at UFC 281 media day. 

The trash talk didn’t just start for Pereira – he has been very vocal on social media, constantly poking fun at Adesanya for his training methods. 

How has Adesanya responded to his foe?

Meanwhile, the middleweight Champion has paid no attention to Pereira’s online antics.  

“You see Pereira. He’s been doing it all week, [actually] weeks he has been trying to [poke at me]. He has bragging rights; he can talk s**t. Let him talk s**t; I’m not going to react. But I will respond, and I will respond violently,”

Adesanya told Morning Kombat. 

Adesanya believes he’s the sole reason Pereira is given this opportunity. “We’re on a level where he is only here because of me. There’s no reason he should be here,” Adesanya said.  

“He [Pereira] is blessed. He’s building his career off [of] my back. So, I want to send him back… This [fight] will be the best [title defense] yet,”

Adesanya added. 

How to watch

Whichever side you favor heading into Saturday night, we can expect fireworks. Many questions will be answered, will Adesanya finally gain revenge? Or will Pereira prove he is the “boogeyman” of the division? 

UFC 281 is live from “The Garden” in New York City this Saturday. The card is also available on ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET Prelims | 10 p.m. ET Main Card ESPN+ PPV).  

britney spears November 9, 2022
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Millie Bobby Brown wants to play Britney Spears, but does she agree?

Millie Bobby Brown has set her sights on the role of a lifetime. After starring in five seasons of Stranger Things and two Enola Holmes movies, she now wants to play the 2000’s icon Britney Spears. 

In a recent interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, she shared that her dream role would be to star in a documentary about the pop diva.

“I think her story, first of all, resonates with me, just growing up in the public eye, watching her videos, watching interviews of her when she was younger.”

– Millie Bobby Brown, The Drew Barrymore Show

Documentaries are for the dead

However, the “…Baby One More Time” singer did not react well to this statement. 

In an Instagram Post, Britney seemingly responded to Millie’s interview, saying, “I hear about people wanting to do movies about my life. Dude, I’m not dead!”

Britney’s caption on an Instagram post

Millie has not reacted to this post on social media as of posting this article.

Celebrity Documentaries

In recent years, there has been an influx of celebrity documentaries in memory of celebrities who are gone.

For example, Netflix released The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes, a documentary about actress, Marilyn Monroe, who passed in 1962.

However, there are also documentaries for artists that are still well and alive.

Singer-songwriter Beyoncé has two: an autobiographical documentary in 2013, Life is But a Dream; and another in 2019 titled, Homecoming.

In 2020, the film Miss Americana, told Taylor Swift’s story. This year, Selena Gomez will also release her own documentary, My Mind and Me.

Britney Biopic

Social media users were also quick to comment on Britney’s post. Many defended Millie, and several also took to Twitter to justify Britney’s response.

Nonetheless, Britney’s story is important to tell. Especially in the age of social media where there are so many teens who are aspiring to make it in the industry. It can be the right wake-up call to better protect young creatives.

Although, with Britney’s whole life already being discussed 24/7 — from tabloids to social media — it’s quite understandable if she opts out of making a film too.

football, colors of german flag
football November 9, 2022
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The NFL coming to Germany is a sign that something bigger is coming

Munich is known for its famous beer and October celebrations. Now people can say it is the site of Germany’s first real NFL game.

From 1990-1994, there were preseason games in Berlin – but nothing quite like what is expected on Sunday afternoon. 

“We are overwhelmed by the demand for tickets for our first-ever regular-season game in Germany… Tom Brady and the Bucs facing the Seahawks in November will be the biggest sporting event in Germany in 2022. Our fans can’t wait for the NFL to finally touch down in Germany,”

an NFL spokesperson said, according to ESPN.

Will the NFL expand?

Sunday’s game will be the second-to-last international NFL game – the final being in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 21 (The previous three were all played in London, U.K.). The NFL has made it its mission to expand its fanbase; five international games this year is just the start.  

Commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to create a Europe-only division, which is excellent news for European football fans who have not had NFL Europe since it was dismantled in 2007. 

Notable NFL players who played for European teams

As the anticipation builds for the historic game this weekend, here is a list of notable players that have played for European teams: 

James Harrison: LB, Rhein Fire (2004) 

Harrison is known for his insane off-season workouts, but did you know he was a member of the Rhein Fire in the NFL European league? 

Adam Vinatieri: K, Amsterdam Admirals (1995) 

Vinatieri is the first kicker to win four Super Bowls, producing game-winning field goals in two. Vinatieri is regarded as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history. 

William Perry: DL, London Monarchs (1996) 

Perry, also nicknamed “The Refrigerator,” was a part of one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history in 1985 when he played for the Chicago Bears. Aside from making highlight plays on both sides of the ball, the refrigerator spent some time playing for the Monarchs.  

What Germany can expect from Tom Brady

Germany will watch seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady take snaps this Sunday. The Los Angeles Rams were the victims in Brady’s patented come-from-behind victory yesterday evening. 

After trailing 13-9 with 0:44 remaining, Brady would get the ball back with a chance to win the game. From that point, he had four straight completions before finding tight end Cade Otton for the game-winning touchdown. 

Brady makes history

Not only did Brady keep the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes alive, but he also reached 100,000 career passing yards – something that seemed to be an unachievable milestone.  

“It’s all about the win man; it’s all about the win. I never cared about the [records]. It’s all about the win,”

Brady told the media when asked about his accomplishment.  

Looking ahead to Sunday

Brady was incredibly humble in the postgame interview by doubling down on his achievement. For the 45-year-old quarterback, nothing means more to him than winning – earning an eighth Super Bowl ring this year only adds to the list of triumphs we will likely never witness again.  

Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles shared his thoughts on the hall of fame quarterback:

“We always have a chance with [Brady], we’re are grateful to have him. He got over a hundred thousand yards; that’s a long-playing career for anybody. He still plays at a high level; we love the guy to death.” 

Brady will look to build on this momentum Sunday in front of eager fans at the Allianz Arena. 

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Bruh November 7, 2022
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The irony of Elon Musk’s Twitter Blue and what it means for social media

There are two ways to look at Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. 

The first way is to think positively and believe that the tech mogul is going to make the bird app so much better. After improving this area of social media, he solves world hunger. Also, he takes us to Mars.

And the second way is to look at him like a cartoon villain taking over your own home and rearranging your furniture for no good reason. Also, you have to start paying rent.

Unfortunately, many Twitter users feel the latter.

Elon went through hoops to buy Twitter. Even taking out a loan to secure his $44 billion deal. But after everything, it seems like the Tesla CEO doesn’t know what to do next.

I can’t believe this app is free!

Bored Twitter GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Twitter is a goldmine of content. With so many people from different cultures and backgrounds coming together. 

Users tweet anything from their deep innermost thoughts to funny brain farts to absolutely terrible hot takes.

Arguably, the site is working fine as is. The only major problem users have with it is that your feed refreshes when you see a good tweet. (An edit button wouldn’t hurt either TBH.)

Yet Elon decided to make a bunch of changes that no one asked for…

Blue Boot

Upon his acquisition, Elon fired three top executives including CEO Parag Agrawal, and multiple employees which were deemed redundant.

Although, Elon confirmed that these layoffs were already decided before he purchased the site. 

However, this mass firing has caused anxiety for both users and advertisers. Since the people Elon booted are the ones responsible for security, public policy, communications, and engineering.

Reportedly, Elon called to rehire these employees after they realized that their work and experience may be necessary to build the new features he envisioned.

Twitter Blue

Elon Musk announced new features such as a subscription-based verification system. Verified users will be able to post longer videos and have their content prioritized in replies, mentions, and searches.

It will cost $7.99 per month to have a blue badge next to your name. This applies to already verified users too. 

Needless to say, not everyone was happy about the announcement.

Goodbye Twitter?

With these changes, many people are understandably anxious about the future of the app. The subscription-based verification system eliminates a lot of the things that made Twitter cool and fun to use.

Nonetheless, only time will tell if Twitter Blue will improve the app or not. So maybe don’t jump ship just yet!

Luka Dončić
basketball November 4, 2022
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Is Luka Dončić the best player in the NBA? Inside his journey and mindset

After scoring 33 points in a victory over the Utah Jazz (6-3), it is time people start talking about Luka Dončić as one of the best basketball players in the world.

Dončić is only the third player in NBA history to start the season with seven straight 30-point games; the 23-year-old superstar also leads the league in points per game at 36.1.

If the young guard continues on this path, it’s safe to say the Dallas Mavericks (4-3) have an incredibly bright future.  

“I always say, ‘I just wish to play in the NBA.’ This is really a dream for me, I couldn’t be happier to play basketball to be my job, and that’s it. I’m just happy to play basketball, and when we win, it’s even better,”

Dončić told reporters. 

It’s all about your mindset

Though Dončić comes off as a fun and relaxed guy, what makes him so elite is his championship mindset:

“I just know from last year, I had to start [this season] better because the way I started last year wasn’t exactly acceptable. So I tried to learn from that and just be better than last year” he later added.  

Dončić made it his mission to improve over the offseason, and his trainer, Anze Macek, said he wanted to begin working ‘immediately’ after the end of last season.  

“Shortly after the end of the season, he [Dončić] contacted me and said that he wanted to start fitness training immediately… When he went on vacation, he asked me for a work [out] plan… He is also increasingly aware of the importance of physical preparation. That’s why I believe in his progress,”

Macek told SportsKlub Slovenija.  

Life before the NBA

This championship-caliber mindset didn’t just begin for the Mavericks Guard; it is something he has carried with him since he was a young kid. Dončić became a pro basketball player at 13 years old; five years later, he would become the youngest EuroLeague MVP.  

Despite this huge accomplishment, Dončić would continue to work hard to silence doubters who felt any team that picked him was taking a ‘chance’ since he was a European player.  

How he dealt with criticism

“Dončić, at 6-foot-7, will get exposed for all the Dirk [Nowitzki Had]. Dirk’s not a great athlete. Dirk doesn’t have explosiveness. Dirk isn’t physical. Well, that’s what’s going to happen to Dončić because he doesn’t have the one thing nobody can bother or stop,” . 

Skip Bayless said on Undisputed, directly after the 2018 NBA draft. 

Well, Dončić continued to work in silence and prove critics wrong. He would earn the 2018-19 NBA rookie of the year award and average 31.0 points per game in the playoffs a season later against all-stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and the accompanying Los Angeles Clippers.  

However, after two first-round playoff exits against the Clippers – coming into the 2021-22 season, people were questioning if Dončić had what it took to propel a team deep into the playoffs. 

Only time will tell

Dončić would answer these questions come playoff time, making it all the way to game five of the Western Conference Finals. During this 15-game playoff run, the young phenom averaged 31.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field.  

Whenever people have questioned Dončić’s capabilities, he has answered impressively. It will be fascinating to see what questions he will answer this year when he looks to earn his first NBA Finals appearance. 

Aaron Rodgers
aaron rodgers November 1, 2022
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After losing to the Bills, are the Packers still an elite team?

After Sunday night’s 27-17 loss against the Buffalo Bills (6-1), many now wonder – can the Green Bay Packers (3-5) still compete for a Super Bowl? 

The Packers have dropped four straight after losing in primetime, something that four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not familiar with. Rodgers coming into this year has only had two losing seasons: 

“We gotta improve the discipline a little bit. Improve the discipline, then just improve the details. You know, the first play of the game, we are going the wrong way on offense and just [making] little detailed mistakes,”

Rodgers told reporters after the loss

Rodgers later added, “I thought we ran the ball well. I thought ‘Jonesy’ [Aaron Jones] had a great game; I thought AJ [Dillion] ran the ball hard. But, we are going to have to push the ball down the field in order to win games in this league.” 

Will Odell solve their issues?

The NFL tradeline is this coming Tuesday, and many “cheese heads” want to see a change on their roster – specifically in the receiving core. Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has recently shown interest in joining Rodgers in the cheese state.  

“Odell and I have been friends for a number of years now, so we keep in contact often. We talked various times over the years, and obviously with a player like that, you always [are] hoping that there’s a time where you can figure things out and play together,”

Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show. 

Whether they take the trading or free-agent route, change must happen if this team wants to contend for a championship. Yes, the Packers rushed for over 200 yards against the No. 1 defensive in the league. However, if you’re going to make it far, you have to air the ball out.  

How did the Packers lose?

Last night, the Packers dug themselves into a 24-7 hole heading into halftime – a lead that is nearly impossible for a team that can’t pass to come back from. Not only did the Packers have to conquer an insurmountable lead, that had to deal with injuries and mental mistakes.  

Wide receiver Christian Watson and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell had to leave the game after suffering injuries.

Not to mention linebacker Quay Walker, who was ejected in the second quarter after shoving a player on the sidelines. Walker’s ejection ended up extending the Bills’ lead before the half.  

What does the head coach think?

“It’s an unfortunate lesson that he’s got to learn. I hope it’s a good reminder for everyone on our football team because that’s the kind of stuff that I have zero tolerance for,”

Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur told the media after the game.  

“Mistakes are going to happen in this game. But, losing your cool, losing your poise, putting the team in jeopardy – I got no tolerance for that,” Lafleur added.  

What went wrong?

In the 2021-22 NFL season, the Packers finished No.1 in the NFC conference with a record of (13-4). A lot of the team’s success was due to the chemistry between Rodgers and former wide receiver Davante Adams. Together the two combined for the most touchdown passes in Green Bay history, at 68.  

Unfortunately, Green Bay decided they would roll with a heavy rookie receiving core – sending Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5). Eight games into this season, Rodgers’ struggles with his receivers have shown, already tying his interception count from last season with four.  

If the Packers want any chance of competing in early February, they will need more outside weapons for Rodgers to work with.