This Week’s Music: James Blake, Vampire Weekend And Hot Chip

Maria Loreto

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April 7, 2019

This Week’s Music: James Blake, Vampire Weekend And Hot Chip

This Week’s Music is a weekly column that discusses the week’s best, worst, and most interesting songs. We try to select songs of different artists and genres to keep things interesting and to please a variety of music fans.

This week’s music column includes James Blake and Rosalia’s collaboration, Vampire Weekend’s latest single and Hot Chip’s amazing new music video. Check them out!

Indie

James Blake and Rosalia – Barefoot In The Park

“Barefoot in the Park” marks Rosalia’s first time singing in English and it’s a successful experiment. Her voice, which is a new take on classic Spanish flamenco sound, somehow fits neatly into James Blake’s mood despite the fact that both artists are extremely different. The single could be more inventive and satisfying but it gets the job done, aided by a gorgeous musical video that’s filled with evocative imagery.

Pop

Vampire Weekend – Unbearably White

Since the beginning of the year, Vampire Weekend has slowly been releasing singles in pairs. A couple of days ago they released “This Life” and “Unbearably White,” the former song a little livelier than the latter. “Unbearably White” is quiet and contemplative, building momentum and sound by adding different instruments and dimensions to an initially simple set up of instruments. As the minutes add up, the song expands and contracts, resulting in a peaceful sound that you could spend hours listening to. The band’s upcoming album is called “Father of the Bride” and will be released May 3.

Electronic

Hot Chip – Hungry Child

Hot Chip has a long history and influence over electronic music. The band has been an important precursor to the genre, breaking down barriers and always doing they’re own thing. “Hungry Child” marks the first time Hot Chip has tried to create something more mainstream with similar beats to EDM songs. It’s a good single, a little meandering but definitely fun, aided by an incredible music video starring Martin Starr and Milana Vayntrub. The band’s new album is called “A Bath Full Of Ecstasy” and it’ll be released June 21.

THC Benefits That Have Nothing To Do With Getting High

Mary Schumacher

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April 6, 2019

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THC Benefits That Have Nothing To Do With Getting High

As we delve deeper into the science of the cannabis plant more medical properties are revealed. While it’s long been declared by marijuana activists that full-plant extract is as medicinal as it gets, cannabinoids are still being isolated and bred for strength. A lot of the time it’s to produce as much CBD as possible.

THC, cannabis’ most popular cannabinoid, is still the most well known of the plant’s components, though. It’s the reason we feel elevated, lifted, high, however you classify it, it’s what gets us in a different headspace. THC can be so potent, especially when dabbing or eating edibles, that a bad trip can manifest and that pleasant high can go right down the tubes.

So if THC is busy getting us stoned and CBD is busy healing, does one really need the mind -altering effects of THC to heal? What about CBD? If you don’t feel it really, is it really working? The answer is yes to the latter and yes again, if you’re a consenting adult, to the prior. CBD is so mild on mood, yet effective, that it’s used to combat childhood epilepsy with great success and no worries about the child’s developing mind from haters.

So what does THC do, aside from feel really good? A myriad of medicinal usages have been discovered either anecdotally or via studies, and they seriously count. For example, did you know that THC stimulates brain cells and even grows new ones? It turns out that in the hippocampus both CBD and THC stimulate growth via CB1 receptors, where they fit into our biological makeup like the perfect puzzle piece – because they are!

Let’s lay down some THC benny’s: there’s pain relief, anti-nausea properties, on its own or combined with melatonin, the THC in an indica provides a wonderful sleep aid and then there are the anti’s. It’s an anti-inflammatory, it’s antibacterial and even an antioxidant that reduces the signs of aging and especially takes out stressors and the many problems they can bring, both mental and physical.

Yes, those and many more all have to do with THC and several of those reasons are why cannabis activists have worked so hard to legalize this wonderful plant that was so irresponsibly prohibited. THC is a true lifesaver, as those with HIV/AIDS or with cancer symptoms and side effects are able to eat and sleep once again. Those are major feats in any type of wasting syndrome.

THC is a blessing, not only for our personal enjoyment, but for our health. Even if you’re fit as a fiddle, THC goes to work with the other cannabinoids making your body a better place to live in, and that deserves some serious recognition, ahem, as does getting high… Let’s keep it real.

Could Prioritizing Fun Help You Get Your Work Done Faster?

Maria Loreto

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April 6, 2019

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Could Prioritizing Fun Help You Get Your Work Done Faster?

We’ve all experienced procrastination. It’s a common and relatable affliction that affects a large percentage of people, leaving them with lower salaries, poor work performance, and tons of stress. Putting things off until the last minute may seem like a funny personality trait, but it’s no joke.

BBC reports that there’s a theory out there meant to fix the schedules of those who struggle with procrastination. It centers around the belief that incorporating fun into your schedule can actually help you get things done.

Developed by psychologist Neil Fiore, “unscheduling” is an unorthodox approach that works in two parts. First, it aims to create a weekly schedule where you block out time for specific tasks. But the twist is that these tasks are meant to be fun, like going to dinner, watching TV, or even catching up on sleep. The second part of the method is doing actual work, which is understandably more complicated than the first part.

A lot of data suggests that when we’re busy, we tend to function properly, especially if we’re content with our relationships and day-to-day lives (translation: we’re not sidetracked by emotional distractions).

The BBC explains that this “unschedule” method is actually quite practical:

The ‘unschedule’ works because rather than peering tentatively at your diary and baulking at a sea of dull meetings, overwhelming life admin and intimidating tasks like “write a book”, instead you see a week that you can actually look forward to.

Instead of making time for fun, the unschedule method allows you to switch perspectives by making time for work. In order to get work done, the method requires you to tackle all tasks slowly, devoting a minimum of 15 minutes to it, because, according to Fiore, 15 minutes can be devoted to any task without causing stress or anxiety. With this perspective you’ll be focusing on getting started on a task versus finishing your entire project in one sitting.

Next time you have a daunting task ahead of you, take a deep breath and commit to it for 15 minutes. Then let it go and do something fun.

Inside Meghan Markle And Prince Harry’s $43K Babymoon

Amy Hansen

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April 6, 2019

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Inside Meghan Markle And Prince Harry’s $43K Babymoon

Before they become parents to the world’s most photographed newborn, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went on a romantic getaway that has people freaking out over the price tag.

The couple stayed in the most expensive room at the five-stare Heckfield Place estate located in the English countryside. According to The Sun, the couple enjoyed cozy fire-side dinners in their room, romantic strolls along the grounds, and your basic all-around royal pampering.

Via The Sun:

It is not known if they were charged full price at the hotel, which has a spa and cinema and is owned by US billionaire Gerald Chan.

But the bill, including £350-a-night rooms for three protection officers, could have topped £33,000.

That’s about $43,000.

Kensington Palace declined to comment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bph5Hhzn0Au/

The Sun reports that the expectant parents stayed three nights at the luxurious Long Room, which is a private apartment complete with its own dining room and private terraces. A single night will cost you £10,000 ($13,000).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq1xyeTHHmK/

The Sun quotes a friend as saying, “Meghan is only a couple of weeks away from giving birth, so Harry really wanted to treat her.”

Meme Of The Week: Here’s Where That Tik Tok ‘Tea Girl’ Comes From

Maria Loreto

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April 5, 2019

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Meme Of The Week: Here’s Where That Tik Tok ‘Tea Girl’ Comes From

While scrolling through social media, you might have stumbled upon a video of a woman tapping her front camera (your screen) with her really long nails.

According to Buzzfeed, the girl in questions is Sammie Lewis, an 18-year-old Tik Tok user who gained internet notoriety with a video called “☕️ tea 4 u.”

The video is nothing memorable or special. It’s just a girl talking about her day and her encounter with some random guy. The striking, and later viral, part is her whole ritual. Before launching into Tik Tok stories, Lewis, with Starbucks drink in hand, takes a very dramatic sip and loudly and jarringly taps her acrylic nails onto her phone’s front camera. “I don’t really know where it came from, I was just feeling a bust of energy I guess,” explains Lewis.

Drinking and spilling tea have always been sources of inspiration for memes, from Kermit the Frog to all sorts of gifs and photo reactions. It’s partially why this video seems to have resonated with so many users. I guess the fact that it’s its own special breed of annoying also helps.

New versions of the meme imitate Lewis’ movements, superimpose her face onto other clips, or simply borrow her now haunting sound. Let’s get over this meme as soon as possible, okay? Check out some of the best below:

pic.twitter.com/Yi9I5FzMOY

— fart enthusiast (@blnnko) April 4, 2019

The eagle coming back everyday for Prometheus’ regenerated liver pic.twitter.com/AhOM1IydRI

— Sailor Bluto (@Ughfine88) April 4, 2019

we support her pic.twitter.com/Ita6wsJGhL

— brooke (@die4xcx) April 2, 2019

h e r e ‘ s pic.twitter.com/m4hk4b0lts

— thomas (@katsujenner) April 3, 2019

My therapist: the “here’s the motherfucking tea” girl isn’t real, she can’t hurt you

The here’s the motherfucking tea girl: pic.twitter.com/h8exZdLmKB

— kid in a spider-man costume (@pxnkpaint) April 2, 2019

if i see the video of the white girl who says “here’s the mf tea” again i will go Feral

— ??? ✦ mingyu & ken day ✨ (@starlitxuxi) April 1, 2019

Cannabis Pop Tarts For Your Morning Sweet Tooth

Jessie Moore

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April 5, 2019

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Turn this morning treat into something extra special!

The Fresh Toast – Cannabis pop tarts for your morning sweet tooth is a gift to yourself and a great way to either focus or chill – depending on the day!

They are are undoubtedly one of the world’s most perfect foods. But believe it or not, there’s a way to make them even better: namely, by adding marijuana. Cannabis Pop Tarts for your morning sweet tooth is gift to yourself.

These homemade toaster pastries are inspired by the classic commercial treat, but have a secret nestled inside. A smear of cannabutter is included inside of each and every pastry, which is then topped with your desired filling. Dressed up with icing and sprinkles, these potent pastries are bound to make you feel all warm and fuzzy, and not just because of the nostalgia factor.

Cannabis Pop Tarts

Makes 4 (recipe can be doubled)

For the pastries:

1 portion unbaked pie dough (the same amount you’d use for a single-crust pie)
4 tsp cannabutter (I like to use either a standard cannabutter or a vegan coconut oil cannabutter)
4 heaping tsp filling of your choice (chocolate chips, thick caramel or chocolate topping, jam, etc.)

Egg wash: 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water

To top:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 Tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Sprinkles, for garnish (I used a mix of green tinted edible glitter and rainbow nonpareil sprinkles)

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 8 inches by 12 inches. Cut the dough into 4×3-inch portions (basically, divide the dough into 8 equal-sized rectangles).

3. Place four of the rectangles on your baking sheet. Smear the center of each one with a teaspoon of cannabutter.

4. Directly on top of the cannabutter, spoon your desired filling, leaving blank space along the perimeter of each pastry. Avoid fillings that are too thin, or they may leak out of your pastries. I used fairly thick caramel sauce, which was probably about the thinnest consistency that would work for these pastries.

5. Brush the “naked” portions of the pastry with your egg wash.

6. Place the second batch of pastry rectangles on top of each topped pastry portion. Press down on the edges to ensure that the egg wash helps form a seal. Gently press the tines of a fork into the edges of each pastry to further ensure a seal. Poke the top of each one once or twice with the tines of a fork to let steam out. If desired, you can use the remaining egg wash to brush the tops of the pastries.

7. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until golden. Remove, and let cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the icing. In a large bowl, use a fork or whisk to whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until no lumps remain and it’s a thick but still pourable icing. Spoon some on top of each pastry; directly after icing, apply sprinkles (they will stick best while it’s still wet and slightly sticky). Let the icing set, and enjoy!

Store leftovers in a single layer, well wrapped, at room temperature, for up to 3 days.

A note on dosage

I “dosed” this recipe with 1 teaspoon of cannabutter per serving. The strength of your finished product will depend on many factors, including the type of marijuana you used and how you made your cannabutter. For more tips on proper dosage, here are 5 ways to figure out your cannabutter’s potency.

Kardashians Return With Lowest Premiere Ratings Ever; Jennie Garth Reacts To Plastic Surgery Accusations

Naughty Gossip

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April 5, 2019

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Kardashians Return With Lowest Premiere Ratings Ever; Jennie Garth Reacts To Plastic Surgery Accusations

Jennie Garth reacts to fans accusing her of getting plastic surgery

Jennie Garth’s latest blast from the past has some of the actress’s fans asking, “Who’s that?”

Via Yahoo! Lifestyle:

Earlier this week Garth celebrated her return to her Beverly Hills, 90210 roots by posting a photo taken with her co-star and longtime friend, Tori Spelling.

Both Garth and Spelling shared the photo taken during a trip to Israel to film a commercial for CASTRO clothing. Although fans of the 47-year-old were excited to see the pair reunited, others said Garth looked “unrecognizable” and accused her of having plastic surgery.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvtk2wgHBii/

The comments regarding Garth’s appearance prompted the star to reply directly to her haters.

“You seem so fake,” one commenter wrote.

Without missing a beat Garth replied, “Nope, I’m human.”

“Oh Jennie! You are so beautiful and don’t need all that Botox!” another fan said. “Sadly you are unrecognizable here.”

The star took the high road and simply wrote back, “Thank you?”

Kardashians return with lowest premiere ratings ever

The return of the series got just 1.29 million viewers, down from Season 15’s premiere of 1.36 million.

Move over Kim, Kanye West is finally becoming a major star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians — and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned momager Kris Jenner hopes the new role will save the sinking show!

“Kanye is really in creative control of content for season 16 and that is why viewers saw such a different level of production value in the premiere episode,” a source close to the 63-year-old matriarch told Radar.

“Kris has decided to let him take the reign a bit, and she is just praying that his vision boosts ratings! He is telling her that things need to change, and she is putting her own vision aside for a minute to let him hop in.”

As fans know, the 41-year-old rapper starred alongside wife Kim Kardashian in their confessional interview on the season premiere.

After announcing that they were having a fourth child to her family, the superstar couple returned to Kanye’s hometown of Chicago to show daughter North West his childhood home and settle beef that Kanye had with fellow rapper Rhymefest.

People Are Selling Their ‘Avengers’ Tickets For $5,000 On Ebay

Maria Loreto

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April 5, 2019

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People Are Selling Their ‘Avengers’ Tickets For $5,000 On Ebay

We’ve all heard this a million different times before: “The Avengers” franchise is the most expensive and ambitious crossover event in Hollywood history. Still, no one could’ve prepared us for the fact that there are people out there willing to pay $5,000 for a couple of opening night tickets.

On April 2, “Avengers: Endgame” tickets were released for pre-sale on AMC’s website, crashing the site for an entire day and making millions of people lose their minds. Other websites, like Fandango and Atom Tickets, also reported similar crashes. In six hours the movie become the biggest first day ticket seller in Fandango’s history, beating out “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”.

Screencrush reports that “Avengers: Endgame” opening weekend tickets are now found on Ebay for thousands of dollars. One particularly outrageous price is $4,999 for two tickets on April 28. That’s not even opening night! Other prices include more moderate ones like $100 or $200 per ticket, which is still pretty steep compared to the $20 you’d pay for an IMAX screening.

If you’re struggling to find your ticket for the very anticipated closing chapter of “The Avengers” series, might we suggest waiting until April 29? There are hundreds of movie theaters that won’t charge you two months’ worth of rent.

“Avengers: Endgame” opens nationwide on April 26.

Prince Harry Is In Charge Of This Important Task After Meghan Gives Birth

Amy Hansen

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April 5, 2019

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Prince Harry Is In Charge Of This Important Task After Meghan Gives Birth

The next royal tot is about to arrive, and don’t think for a moment Prince Harry isn’t an integral part of the birth — and not just for the obvious reasons. As it turns out, Mr. Meghan Markle has a very important job once the baby gets here.

As soon as the baby is born, Harry is tasked with picking up an encrypted phone and informing his grandma, the Queen, that the blessed baby has arrived.

https://giphy.com/gifs/mic-d0NnEG1WnnXqg

Next on the “to call” list is likely Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, and Prince Charles.

The Queen has to be informed of baby Sussex’s birth — any royal baby, for that matter — before it can be made public, usually via a press release, followed by an easel outside Buckingham Palace.

However, this protocol was broken when Kate and Will announced the birth of Prince George on Twitter, so who knows what notorious protocol breaker Meghan will do. Her penchant for eschewing tradition is also why we may not see the much anticipated offspring for awhile.

According to news.com.au:

While Kate preferred to introduce her tot to the world’s press within hours of it emerging from the womb, it would not be outrageous to think Meghan might do things differently.

It’s plausible that the couple may just release a photo of the baby on Instagram. They just joined the social media platform on Tuesday and if they’re like every other doting parent, it will soon be flooded with baby pics.

Who Will Be The Big Business Winners In Cannabis?

Anthony Blair

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April 5, 2019

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Who Will Be The Big Business Winners In Cannabis?

The cannabis industry has been growing like wild in recent years. Though only a few countries have legalized recreational use, many areas have full or partial medical use. Within the US, almost every state has legalized some degree of medicinal or recreational use. Legal cannabis production is one of the fastest growing industries in North America. If the US moves closer to full legalization of recreational use (currently only in 12 states), the market could explode even more.

The challenge that cultivators face is that ramping up production to sell to newly opened markets is a time- and capital-intensive process. In Canada, the largest producers like Canopy have raised billions in funding to build new production facilities. Most of this new capacity can take a year or more before it is usable. The competition among producers racing to meet legal demand squeezes margins. Just because there is a tremendous opportunity doesn’t mean that success is guaranteed for market participants.

Production and cultivation have also been regionally focused. The first states to legalize recreational or medical use at scale saw local producers spring up to fill in the demand in that area with black market sales filling the gap as the legal growth got up and running. Companies that took advantage of the growth in their home market were not able to replicate that in other markets that became legal at later points. Only in Canada and other countries that legalized on a federal level were firms able to scale up significantly.

There is a big difference between new opportunities becoming available and an individual company being able to capitalize on that opportunity. This is even more true in a field as complicated as cannabis. Each state that has legalized to some degree has instituted their own systems of licensing, tracking, and other regulatory hurdles for companies to follow.

The biggest winners in an environment like this are firms like Helix TCS Inc. (OTC:HLIX) that actually benefit from the strict and complex legal structures. Since their merger with BioTrackTHC, they have been the market leader in seed-to-sale tracking and dispensary point of sale systems. These systems are used to follow each bit of cannabis product throughout the growing, cultivation, processing, and sales process. Regulators concerned about collecting taxes and preventing illegal diversion of product often require the use of these systems as part of the licensing process.

Other major seed-to-sale providers have big positions in individual states (California is the most notable here) but their business has not extended into neighboring jurisdictions. Helix (OTC:HLIX) has created the largest presence in multiple jurisdictions throughout the US and has avoided service issues that have plagued several competitors. The most noteworthy example is in Pennsylvania. Since being awarded the contract for seed-to-sale tracking in PA, the contractor in the state has experienced a number of technical problems that have brought all cannabis sales to a halt on several occasions.

The risk aversion of state legislators relating to cannabis is a great opportunity for firms like Helix with in-depth tracking and reporting platforms. Their software even works for tracking cannabis products past the point of retail sale. Companies can track which customers buy which products and keep medical use records that combine purchases with prescription info. Regulators get insight into sales and use data to make sure legal restrictions are not exceeded.

While most of the press attention focuses on the companies cultivating and processing cannabis products, the best growth opportunities and profits might be going to the ancillary firms supporting the industry. Companies like Helix, which benefits from both its BioTrackTHC tracking software and its recent announcement of intent to acquire Amercanex and the ACExchange cannabis commodity sales exchange, may be able to grow more consistently and not suffer from the margin compression that many producers are expecting as new capacity supply comes into the market in the near future.

This story was originally published on Daily Marijuana Observer.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

This Week’s Music: James Blake, Vampire Weekend And Hot Chip

Indie

Pop

Electronic

THC Benefits That Have Nothing To Do With Getting High

Could Prioritizing Fun Help You Get Your Work Done Faster?

Inside Meghan Markle And Prince Harry’s $43K Babymoon

Cannabis Pop Tarts For Your Morning Sweet Tooth

Turn this morning treat into something extra special!

Cannabis Pop Tarts

For the pastries:

To top:

A note on dosage

Kardashians Return With Lowest Premiere Ratings Ever; Jennie Garth Reacts To Plastic Surgery Accusations

Jennie Garth reacts to fans accusing her of getting plastic surgery

Kardashians return with lowest premiere ratings ever

People Are Selling Their ‘Avengers’ Tickets For $5,000 On Ebay

Prince Harry Is In Charge Of This Important Task After Meghan Gives Birth

Who Will Be The Big Business Winners In Cannabis?

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