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Fresh Playlist: Is Bruno Mars Cool?

Brendan Bures
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Fresh Playlist: Is Bruno Mars Cool?

With new music flying like warp-speed through the various channels of the Internet, it can be hard to keep up. But worry not! Each week The Fresh Toast will deliver the most-discussed and exciting songs that have recently dropped. Landed. Crashed. And also: soared. Enjoy.

Bruno Mars—“24K Magic”

This about confirms it: Bruno Mars is cool. And not “cool” in the way, say, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine is “cool.” Which is to say, corporate cool. He’s the punky, tattooed judge on The Voice and he’s on radio and he poses for sexy magazine photos. A brand, if you will.

Bruno Mars is just cool. It’s remarkable, really, how the crooner writing kind of cheesy ballads became this guy. When Bruno Mars and his gang relieved Coldplay during the Super Bowl—and relief is the correct term there—he was both thrilling and enthralling. “Uptown Funk,” a song rotated on radio for two years now, still sounded fresh. It felt good. You wanted to dance alongside him (or at least pretend you could). Were it not for the magnificent force that was Beyonce, he’s all anyone would’ve discussed the day after.

“24K Magic” continues his trend as pop’s retro showman. Bruno Mars has always been a talented songwriter, able to craft catchy melodies and sing-along hooks. But he’s added an extra, funky dimension by cherrypicking his predecessors—namely 80s pop and synth sounds—and grafting their greatest rifts and horns with contemporary pop fixings like vocoders and “#blessed” phrases. It’s given him confidence, an honest-to-goodness swagger that’s undeniable. He really pulls off that pre-hook “Put your pinky rings up to the moon” lyric. Bruno Mars gives you the party; you want to join his fun. Just face it: Dude’s fresh.

ILOVEMAKONNEN—“Call Me Badly”

https://soundcloud.com/ilovemakonnen/call-me-badly-prod-by-danny-wolf

“OLD MAKONNEN IS BACK,” wrote Makonnen in the description of this SoundCloud loosie. We’re apt to agree. With “Tuesday,” Makonnen ushered in a wave of ambient melancholy and woozy turn-up. His good-not-great singing cracks, it falls off-pitch. He usually fights against the traditional or even natural rhythm patterns in the song. He paved the way for new generation standouts like Lil’ Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert.

Though Drake jumping on “Tuesday” and signing him to OVO Sound elevated his profile, Makonnen couldn’t failed to build upon that sound. He expressed frustration with his OVO label and often seemed they didn’t know how to promote him. So is “Call Me Badly” a return to form? Yes, but with added polish and thoughtful songwriting. He’s recaptured that relatable longing found in earlier projects. Let’s old Makonnen stays this time.

Operators—“Control”

My editor sent this track over for the playlist. Despite him hating new Bon Iver, new Frank Ocean, and his feelings, all that juju dissipated listening to this song. It’s a really fun record! Those unexpected synth syncopations pop and lead singer Dan Boeckner’s melodramatic croon complement real nicely. But that’s all we’ll say because every writer knows they shouldn’t placate their editor too much [smirk emoji].

Alicia Keys ft. A$AP Rocky—“Blended Family (What You Do For Love)”

Serious steam has grown behind Alicia Keys’ latest chapter in her music career. Her no-makeup philosophy and stint as The Voice judge has gained her some earned good will to the people. But this song falls flat. My main criticism of Alicia Keys’ songwriting is that it tends to introduce a semi-interesting concept, but never really take it anywhere. You will not find progression here. Sure, when A$AP Rockys adds some extra flavoring, but it feels forced. It’s like pounding questionable-looking chicken thighs with the Lawry’s and throwing it on the grill, hoping to hide what’s underneath: a pretty boring record.

NxWorries—“Get Bigger”

We discussed the alchemy of Anderson .Paak and Knxledge’s collaboration in a previous Playlist so we won’t belabor the point here. Suffice it to say that we’re really excited for this album, due out Oct. 21.

Boogie—“No Way”

Not only is Boogie one of the most captivating new spitters out currently, he also delivers consistently. With the Compton rapper’s Thirst 48 Pt. II mixtape coming Oct. 14, he dropped this menacing, frenetic single. He’s a kid you want to look out for.

Bon Iver—“ ____45_____” and “00000 Million” lyric videos

Just randomly dropping these lyric videos in for the people. We’re definitely not settling scores by including these tracks. Just thought y’all might enjoy these great Bon Iver records. Couldn’t see how anyone wouldn’t.

Posted By: Brendan Bures

Diego Pellicer: Seattle’s Swankiest Marijuana Store Opens Its Doors

Al Olson
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Diego Pellicer: Seattle’s Swankiest Marijuana Store Opens Its Doors

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” 

That’s how Coco Chanel, iconic designer and legendary businesswoman, described her brand’s enduring ethos. That same richness, sophistication and warmth could be said to describe the spirit of Diego Pellicer, Seattle’s newest and most splendid marijuana retail store.

Diego Pellicer has its sights clearly focused on the premium end of the cannabis industry, hoping to establish a foothold as the retail outlet for consumers seeking a high-end, Chanel Coco-like experience.

The company opened its doors for the first time on Friday, welcoming Seattleites and tourists to a 3,300-square-foot showcase featuring imported Spanish tile, granite floors and ornate chandeliers. It’s interior feels as if you walked into a fine jewelry store rather than a headshop. The attention to detail and clean design is clearly laid out for shoppers to relax and, well, shop.

Located in Seattle’s SoDo district, fast becoming a major hub for the legal marijuana industry in the Emerald  City, Diego Pellicer is a short walk from the professional sports stadiums and a light rail station. The store’s location is near the highest traffic intersection in the city with 33,200 cars passing by daily. A parking lot is at the store along with ample street parking.

A long, strange trip

It’s been a long, strange journey from brand conception to Friday’s grand opening, according to investment banker Douglas Anderson, the founder and senior vice president of strategy and vision of the publicly traded Diego Pellicer Worldwide.  <DPWW>

“Originally, we thought the launch date might be as soon as the summer of 2013,” Anderson said. “The realities of bureaucracy and regulations took effect but we persevered, went through a few management shakeups and kept at it. Diego Pellicer is not only a premier, luxury brand. We’re tenacious and flexible too,” he added.

Because of the complexities of federal, state and local laws, the company — like all entrepreneurs fighting for positioning in the nascent marijuana industry — the company had to tweak its business model, which also accounted for the delay.

The business model is unique. Diego Pellicer Worldwide, the entity that Anderson is a part of, essentially serves as a real estate and retail development company. Its goal is to create the world’s first “premium” cannabis brand. Diego Pellicer Washington is owned and operated by Alejandro Canto and Peter Norris. This duo follow the Diego Pellicer brand “template” for the in-store shopping experience.

“From the moment they step inside, customers will know that the quality of our cannabis products and service is beyond anything they’ve previously experienced,” said Canto, two days before the opening.

“We spent a lot of time on how we can help the consumer,” Anderson said. “Our layout, our look-and-feel, aesthetic and our store flow were all carefully considered.  We consulted with Tommy Bahama’s creative director to figure out what the ideal shopping experience should be. I think we are really dialed in here.”

Who is Diego Pellicer anyway?

But who is Diego Pellicer? And what does he have to do with cannabis?

The company took its name from risk-taking pioneer Diego Pellicer, who was a business and political leader on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. According to company lore (yes, the upstart enterprise already has an intriguing backstory), while others invested in the spice trade, Pellicer invested his fortunes in hemp. When a sugar crisis bankrupted many on the island, which lead to the Spanish-American War in 1898, Pellicer emerged as the largest hemp producer in the world. Today, Pellicer’s great-grandson acts as one of the co-founders and is proud to pay homage to his great-grandfather.

Ron Throgmartin, CEO of Diego Pellicer Worldwide, sees a bright future for the industry — and his brand within it. Throgmartin has an impressive business resumé  who helped build his family enterprise to $2.4 million in revenue, then brought it public on the New York Stock Exchange. It is now a retail and brand play spread across 17 southeastern states.

“Beginning with our flagship store in Seattle, our knowledgeable marijuana connoisseurs will offer individuals a safe and comfortable experience as they present the best products available, based on customer needs.” said the veteran retailer Throgmartin.

Throgmartin and Anderson have an ambitious growth strategy. The company now has grow facility tenants currently operational and will launch retail tenant operations beginning in Colorado next month.  They have designs in other states and countries as well.

Diego Pellicer
2215 Fourth Avenue South
Seattle, WA
Website: www.diegopellicer-wa.comhttp://www.diegopellicer-wa.com

 

Posted By: Al Olson

Poll: What Did Obama Forget?

Taylor Berman
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Poll: What Did Obama Forget?

As he walked to Air Force One this morning, President Obama patted down his pockets, realized he was missing something, and ran back to the Oval Office. But what did he forget? Let’s consider some options and then vote on it in an important poll (below).

1). His Blackberry

The most likely answer is Obama left his phone at home. But that’s also what they’d want you to believe. Let’s move on.

2). Ham sandwich

It’s possible.

3). Cigarettes

The president allegedly quit smoking back in 2011, but last year he was photographed holding something that looks a lot like a pack of cigarettes. Hmm.

4). His keys

I’ve always assumed presidents don’t need to carry around keys, but then again I’ve never been president so what do I know.

5). Gum

It’s always important to have gum or mints on you, especially if you have to talk to a lot of important people while representing your country. Also, Obama reportedly still chews Nicorette.

6). The weed he confiscated from Malia

This is my guess.

[poll id=”13″]

Posted By: Taylor Berman

Hillary Clinton Supporters Organize Massive “Pantsuit Power” Flash Mob

TFT Editors
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Hillary Clinton Supporters Organize Massive “Pantsuit Power” Flash Mob

Earlier this week, over 200 Hillary Clinton-loving dancers congregated in Manhattan’s Union Square for what the kids call a “flash mob.” All 200+ were wearing pantsuits in honor of the former Secretary of State, who faces off against Donald Trump in the second presidential debate Sunday night.

The mass dance, which was organized and directed by Celia Rowlson-Hall and Mia Lidofsky, and choreographed by Celia and Crishon Landers, was set to Justin Timberlake’s Trolls hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Somewhat surprisingly, the jaded New Yorkers watching it seemed to mostly like it, though perhaps they were just tourists. Watch the video below:

Only 31 more days until the election!

4 Reasons Why Marijuana Fans Love Nobel Prize Winner Juan Manuel Santos

Al Olson
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4 Reasons Why Marijuana Fans Love Nobel Prize Winner Juan Manuel Santos

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was the surprise winner of the  2016 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him on Friday for his continuing commitment to end his nation’s 60-year civil war.

More than 220,000 people have been killed and untold millions of poor farmers have been moved off their land. Although the war is far from over — Colombia voters just last weekend rejected a plan for peace with FARC rebels — Santos’ efforts caught the attention and admiration or the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

For global citizens who are tired of the trillion-dollar War on Drugs, fueled mostly with American dollars, Santos stood as a symbol of reform. He is one of the first leaders on the world stage to articulate a cogent plan to end the War on Drugs with sensible compromise.

Last December, Santos signed a ground-breaking presidential decree legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. For years, Colombia marched in lockstep with U.S. in the global battle against drugs.

The new regulations “represent a major step that put Colombia at the vanguard and forefront of the fight against illnesses,” Santos said during the signing ceremony.

If anybody knows about the horrors of the drug war, it is Santos. For decades, his nation has served as Ground Zero on this exorbitantly expensive battle. And status quo policies have done little to solve the problem, in fact it has exacerbated it.

The Nobel Committee awarded the prize to Santos primarily because of his attempts at ending civil strife in Colombia. But his efforts in ending the drug war will help the world.

Here are four reasons marijuana enthusiasts love the latest Nobel Prize winner:

A moral authority

Earlier this year, Santos wrote an essay in The Guardian explaining his bold position against an unfair drug policy. He wrote:

“We have done much, but this cannot be an effort by one country alone. Vested with the moral authority of leading the nation that has carried the heaviest burden in the global war on drugs, I can tell you without hesitation that the time has come for the world to transit into a different approach in its drug policy.”

It’s a human rights issue

He makes the argument that drug policy must align with human rights and dignity:

“A policy to confront the world drug problem must include the provisions of the international human rights conventions along with the drug control conventions. Both sets of legal instruments share an ultimate goal, which is preserving the “health and wellbeing of humanity”. Under this principle, we expect to progress in preventing the stigmatisation of drug users, abolishing the death penalty for drug-related offences and obligatory treatments for drug abusers, among other measures.”

End the prison-industrial complex

“We need to introduce a public health framework to the treatment of drug consumption focusing on prevention, attention, rehabilitation and re-socialization of drug abusers. We must adopt alternatives to prison for drug-related offences, depending on the severity of the offence, and prioritising an effective rehabilitation and re-socialization of offenders. We need to provide social and economic alternatives to small growers of illegal crops and other vulnerable communities in order to create the necessary conditions to bring them back to legality.”

He’s one of us

Santos openly admits to smoking pot in the 1970s as a journalism student at the University of Kansas. Sounds like another leader we know.

Bunnies On Leashes: Something We’d Like To Share With You

Brendan Bures
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Bunnies On Leashes: Something We’d Like To Share With You

Sometimes your world shifts dramatically from a simple introduction. Your friend introduces you to a friend of hers and you find the love of your life. But in this instance, that other friend is bunnies on leashes.

We are almost ashamed to admit not knowing this was a thing. Rapturous joy has overflowed this morning, watching videos and photos of bunnies on leash. And we would like to deliver that joy unto your lives, as well.

Bunnies on a beach. It’s even hard to read that sentence without your face forming into a smile. Try it.

Photo by Flickr user erysimum9
Photo by Flickr user erysimum9

This bunny and his plaid collar has more fashion sense than 80 percent of this country.

Photo by Flickr user Jordan Colley
Photo by Flickr user Jordan Colley

Question. Which is cuter: the boy or the bunny? Trick question! The answer’s both!

A bunny running slow-motion through a field. That’s all.

Photo by Flickr user Sadie_Girl
Photo by Flickr user Sadie_Girl

This picture should be in a museum. Maybe the Tate.

Photo by Flickr user ernie
Photo by Flickr user ernie

Chill dogs have nothing on chill bunnies on leashes.

Liquid Kitchen® Presents: The Blood Sucker

Kathy Casey
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Liquid Kitchen® Presents: The Blood Sucker

Halloween is not just for kids! It’s a chance for adults to indulge in the latest spooky trends and poke fun at pop-culture too. We’re splurging on the best costumes, the biggest parties, and the scariest of haunted houses….all for that #instagramable experience! You won’t be judged for dressing up as your favorite geeky TV character, eating candy for dinner, or staying up way past your bedtime because you’ve got plenty of company. Even your cocktails can be dressed up for the occasion. Each week in October, I will be posting a Halloween-themed cocktail to get you ready for the big night.

From the Liquid Kitchen: The Blood Sucker is the perfect cocktail to get in the spirit. Garnish the drink with some handy accessories like vampire fangs for those guests that are too cool to come in full ghoulish garb. They’re perfect for a quick costume fix. Try using wax lips, fake teeth, and more.

Blood Sucker (makes 1 cocktail)

  • 1½  ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce blood orange juice or 1/2 ounce blood orange syrup
  • 1½   ounces Fresh Lemon Elixir (recipe follows)
  • ¾  ounce red wine – FLOAT
  • plastic fangs hanging on the side of glass

Measure vodka, blood orange, and Fresh Lemon Elixir into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cap, and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass, adding more ice if necessary. Float red wine. Garnish.

Fresh Lemon Elixir

  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups simple syrup

Combine ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Store refrigerated for up to 7 days.

###

Kathy Casey is a chef, mixologist, and is known as the Original Bar Chef. Her newest book is D’Llish Deviled Eggs, which is a great accompaniment to any cocktail. Follow Kathy Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more great cocktail recipes, visit www.LiquidKitchen.com.

 

Wherein We Debate The New Bon Iver Record—And Friendships Nearly End

TFT Editors
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Wherein We Debate The New Bon Iver Record—And Friendships Nearly End

roslynjulia [10:13 AM]
my friend has a bunny im gonna ask her about the leash thing

mac [10:15 AM]
ohhhhh reporting! thanks Ros

[10:16]
btw, is it just me or does this bon iver record suck? i also think maybe frank ocean is a big prank and he sucks too (ducks, runs for cover)

[10:16]
hahahaha

[10:16]
here it comes

[10:16]
…

brenbures [10:16 AM]
[old man yells from porch meme]

mac [10:16 AM]
dude

[10:16]
i like a lot of new music

[10:17]
but like WRITE A FUCKING SON

[10:17]
G

brenbures [10:17 AM]
You’re a traditionalist

mac [10:17]
eh

[10:17]
i just don’t think you can put an effect on your voice and noodle about and be a genius is all

brenbures [10:18 AM]
DISAGREED.

mac [10:18 AM]
DEVOID OF IDEAS

[10:18]
hahahaha

brenbures [10:18 AM]
You probably hate 808s & Heartbreaks.

mac [10:18 AM]
probably

brenbures [10:18 AM]
Do you just generally hate auto tune?

mac [10:18 AM]
there’s no heart in this — it’s too meta and bullshit

brenbures [10:19 AM]
Ahahahaha!

[10:19]
How can you say even say that!

mac [10:19 AM]
i like abstract painting but this feels not emotional for some reason

brenbures [10:20 AM]
Both Frank and Bon Iver are super vulnerable

[10:20]
And emotional.

[10:21]
Like how do you not get fees from “8 Circle” or “White Ferrari” or “Self Control” or “715 Creeks”

[10:21]
Feels*

mac [10:23 AM]
i don’t know — i don’t know the names of songs i only know i don’t love them

brenbures [10:25 AM]
How many times have you listened? Frank grew on me over time. Though I will say I was about this Bon Iver record right away.

mac [10:26 AM]
if i owned a really shitty cool cafe i’d play this bon iver record a lot probs

[10:26]
in the cafe

[10:26]
when i wasn’t working there

brenbures [10:28 AM]
-________-

roslynjulia [10:29 AM]
I honestly dont like the bon iver album either

brenbures [10:29 AM]
*i hate you*

mac [10:29 AM]
HAHAHAHAHA

[10:29]
bc Ros:
A. Has GREAT taste

and

B. Has the same taste as me

[10:30]
i feel like it’s an elaborate hoax on white ppl

brenbures [10:30 AM]
(i don’t trust Ros)

Special Delivery: Someone Keeps Mailing Poop To Philosophy Professors

TFT Editors
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Special Delivery: Someone Keeps Mailing Poop To Philosophy Professors

At least four prominent philosophy professors were mailed packages filled with literal shit this summer, prompting concerns that an inner-disciplinary feud that all four were involved in two years ago has spilled into the real world, or at least the faculty mail room.

Sally Haslanger, a feminist philosophy professor at MIT, told BuzzFeed News that she found a padded envelope waiting for her when she returned to her office in August after some time abroad. As one does, she reached inside the package, which she noticed has no return address.

“Then I thought, ‘Oh shit,’” Haslanger said. “‘This is shit. I’m one of the other people who got the shit!’”

“One of the other people” was a reference to the three other philosophy professors—University of British Columbia professor Carrie Ichikawa Jenkins, NYU professor J. David Velleman, and UC Mercer professor Carolyn Jenning—who were also mailed shit in July.

Why would these four be singled out? In 2014, Jenkins wrote a blog post calling for herself and others in their field to show more support to junior colleagues and those who are “professionally vulnerable.” While she didn’t name names, BuzzFeed reports that Brian Leiter, a powerful philosopher and law professor at the University of Chicago, took umbrage with the post and mocked her in an email, calling her a “sanctimonious asshole” in the process. That led to hundreds of philosophy professors signing a pledge promising not to contribute to the influential Philosophical Gourmet Report, which Leiter then-edited, until he stepped down.

As convoluted and very college-y as that is, the poop-plot thickens. From BuzzFeed:

Jennings’, Haslanger’s, and Velleman’s packages were stamped but had neither a return address nor postmark. However, Jenkins’ package contained tracking information, which traces back to a USPS facility in Chicago. Brian Leiter, a renowned philosopher and law professor at the University of Chicago, is the colleague with whom the four had a high-profile squabble two years ago. The return address is one digit off from Leiter’s office at the University of Chicago, and the sender is listed as “Peter Aduren,” a pseudonym that some believe is used by Leiter.

Leiter, for his part, denies mailing the shit. “I have no insight into why crazy people would do crazy things like mail shit to people,” he said.

So who is the mystery pooper? It could be Leiter, it could be a deranged acolyte of his, or it could be anyone who closely follows the dramatic inner-goings of academia. Until we know for sure, professors should probably let their TAs open their mail, just in case. 

 

Two Hot Rods Try To DIY Pimp Their Rides

Sam Jones
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Two Hot Rods Try To DIY Pimp Their Rides

Some people are just made for each other. This week, the stars aligned to bring us two beautiful souls on separate but equally glorious journeys toward automotive greatness. Or something like that.

On one side of the world, we have this man driving around Adelaide, Australia, with a steering wheel fashioned from an old frying pan. According to local news, he had outfitted his unregistered, uninsured Mazda Sedan — a car that’s already got an uphill climb cut out for it on the classiness scale, kitchenware aside — with a pan where the steering wheel should go.

He was charged with driving unregistered and uninsured, driving contrary to defect, altering a number plate and breaching bail. You could say he jumped out of the pan and into the fire on this one.

The pan seems to be a testament to some deep internal passion, with dates and an RIP tribute. It reads “Uncontrollable & driven to love only a beating heart.” This hot rod is, apparently, a poet.

Closer to home, a man in Randolph County, North Carolina, covered his car with 51,300 pennies. Another POS of an automobile, this Chevy Blazer is turning heads, the local Fox affiliate reports. “I had to put them on one-by-one and it took about seven weeks and six or seven hours a day,” he said.

Retirement sounds fun?

“It took 80 tubes of silicone glue and three gallons of fiberglass boat glue.” The reporter for this segment has way too much fun with the coin puns, saying he “changed” the color of the car and that it made a “lot of sense” to change his Chevy “into a Lincoln.” Get it, cents? Lincoln? On the pennies? Okay, we’re done here. May these two quirky car-lovers find each other someday.

Posted By: Samantha Cole

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