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Chaka Khan Launches First Fragrance, Chaka by Chaka Khan Exclusively with HSN

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HSN, a leader in livestream shopping and video storytelling, today announced the highly anticipated launch of Chaka Khan’s debut fragrance, Chaka by Chaka Khan. As the latest woman to be inducted into the coveted Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Chaka Khan is a 10-time Grammy Award–winning global superstar that has served as an inspiration for generations of singers, songwriters, recording artists, storytellers and musicians. The fragrance will debut on HSN.com via an exclusive, worldwide launch.

Building upon Chaka’s legacy of female empowerment, this new scent is a bottled homage to longevity and creative spirit. Chaka by Chaka Khan is a unique composition of sensual violet and ylang ylang, infused with bergamot and pink pepper. A hint of musk blossom, woodsy patchouli, vanilla, warm cinnamon and sandalwood add earthy layers. Its construction is that of a fragrance made as a tribute to 50 years of music, memories and magic.

“Long-serving as a strategic business partner to celebrities and their fragrances, HSN welcomes Chaka Khan and her debut fragrance Chaka by Chaka Khan – a true reflection of her mark as a pop culture maverick. Chaka’s vision has been brought to life from the carefully crafted notes to the iconic microphone bottle design,” said Bridget Love, GMM & VP Beauty, Fashion & Jewelry, HSN. “HSN continues to maintain its pioneering role within the realm of live video commerce, seamlessly integrating respected celebrities such as Chaka Khan.”

As a leader in the live video commerce space, HSN incorporates entertainment, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience for their customers by offering real-time engagement opportunities along with exclusive products.

“This fragrance is more than just a scent – it’s a journey of music, passion and soul. Every note is lovingly made, inspired by the songs and memories we’ve shared,” says Chaka. “As you wear it, it’s my wish to uplift your spirit, empowering you to shine, whether you’re sharing a quiet time or out on the town. We’re all rockstars. Here’s to celebrating the power within each of us. With all my love, Chaka.”

The Chaka by Chaka Khan fragrance will launch exclusively on HSN.com on Tuesday, November 14. Chaka Khan will appear LIVE from the HSN studios on Tuesday, November 14 at 11 p.m. EST and Wednesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST as she shares stories of her life, career and the inspiration behind her first fragrance. The fragrance will be available in multiple configurations ranging in price from $35.00 to $90.00.

SiriusXM Inks New Multi-Year Agreement with SmartLess Media, Including Powerhouse Flagship Podcast, “SmartLess”

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Today, SiriusXM announced a new, multi-year agreement with SmartLess Media and its founders, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, that will bring certain exclusive advertising and distribution rights, content, events, and more for their iconic flagship podcast “SmartLess” and select shows from the SmartLess Media slate to the audio entertainment company and its industry-leading SiriusXM Podcast Network. The deal will commence late in the summer.

As part of the new agreement, SiriusXM gains access to extensive exclusive content for its subscribers, consisting of early access to new episodes of “SmartLess” and SmartLess Media podcasts “Just Jack & Will,” “Bad Dates,” and “Owned,” as well as the opportunity to be in the live audience for special tapings, and more. Additionally, the majority of the “SmartLess” library will be available exclusively to SiriusXM, making it the only destination for fans to access the podcast’s complete catalog.

The award-winning “SmartLess” podcast was launched in July 2020 and is consistently among the top 5 most listened-to podcasts monthly. Guests have included President Joe Biden, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Greta Gerwig, Idris Elba, Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez, and many more. “SmartLess” is produced by Michael Grant Terry, Bennett Barbakow, and Rob Amjärv.

SiriusXM Media, the company’s advertising division, gains exclusive global ad sales rights to the “SmartLess” podcast hosted by Arnett, Bateman, and Hayes, as well as select SmartLess Media shows “Just Jack & Will,” “Bad Dates,” and “Owned.” The SiriusXM Podcast Network reaches 1 in 2 podcast listeners in the US each month, and with the addition of these SmartLess Media podcasts, it will be easier than ever for advertisers to tap into the power of podcasting at scale with ease, courtesy of SiriusXM Media.

“At SiriusXM, we are proud to be home to the stars, and with Jason, Sean, and Will joining us, that statement has never been more true. Over the past several years, we have doubled down on our commitment to podcasting, and with the addition of “SmartLess,” we are strengthening our leadership position in podcasting,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “This groundbreaking new collaboration showcases our power to drive growth for an established podcast while bringing unique value back to our subscribers through exclusive content and events. I’m looking forward to new “SmartLess” listeners discovering this one-of-a-kind trio’s inimitable style on SiriusXM, and for current fans to see what magic happens when we team up together.”

SmartLess Media joins the unparalleled lineup of podcasts and media companies represented exclusively by SiriusXM Media, including: “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and the complete Team Coco roster, Ashley Flowers’ audiochuck featuring “Crime Junkie,” Crooked Media and its hit “Pod Save America,” and many more, in addition to the company’s own award-winning shows such as “Office Ladies” and “How Did This Get Made?”.

Podcasts play a central role in the new SiriusXM app, which features transcription, playback speed adjustment, key moment markers, auto downloads, and an expanded library, with more to come in future releases. With discovery at the heart of the listening experience, SiriusXM offers a new platform for “SmartLess” to engage and connect with fans.

Molly Ringwald’s Picks For Classic Movies

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Molly Ringwald shares her love of the literary qualities of Eric Rohmer’s cinema, recalls the thrill of watching Bruno Dumont’s LA VIE DE JÉSUS, and selects films by auteurs she has worked with, including Jean-Luc Godard and John Cassavetes.

My Next Read: “Record Cultures The Transformation of the U.S. Recording Industry” By Kyle Barnett

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Record Cultures tells the story of how early U.S. commercial recording companies captured American musical culture in a key period in both music and media history. Amid dramatic technological and cultural changes of the 1920s and 1930s, small recording companies in the United States began to explore the genres that would later be known as jazz, blues, and country. Smaller record labels, many based in rural or out of the way Midwestern and Southern towns, were willing to take risks on the country’s regional vernacular music as a way to compete with more established recording labels. Recording companies’ relationship with radio grew closer as both industries were on the rise, propelled by new technologies. Radio, which had become immensely popular, began broadcasting more recorded music in place of live performances, and this created profitable symbiosis. With the advent of the talkies, the film industry completed the media trifecta. The novelty of recorded sound was replacing film accompanists, and the popularity of movie musicals solidified film’s connections with the radio and recording industries. By the early 1930s, the recording industry had gone from being part of the largely autonomous phonograph industry to being major media industry of its own, albeit deeply tied to—and, in some cases, owned by—the radio and film industries. The triangular relationships between these media industries marked the first major entertainment and media conglomerates in U.S. history.

Through an interdisciplinary and intermedial approach to recording industry history, Record Cultures creates new connections between different strands of media research. It will be of interest to scholars of popular music, media studies, sound studies, American culture, and the history of film, television, and radio.

Kyle Barnett is Associate Professor of Media Studies in the Department of Communication at Bellarmine University.

Rare Clip Of Arthur Lee and Love’s Iconic German Performance In 1969

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Discover a rare gem from music history with this vintage clip of Arthur Lee and Love performing in Germany in 1969. Though brief, this footage captures the essence of the band’s dynamic stage presence and musical brilliance during a pivotal moment in their career. With only a few surviving recordings of this era, this rare clip offers a unique glimpse into Love’s live performance, making it a treasured find for fans and collectors alike.

BBC1 Omnibus: Behind the Scenes of ‘When the Wind Blows’ Radio Drama Adaptation

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Dive into the making of the BBC1 Omnibus special that takes you behind the scenes of the 1983 radio drama adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ poignant nuclear war comic, “When the Wind Blows.” This in-depth feature explores the creative process, featuring interviews with the cast and crew, as well as exclusive insights into the adaptation’s production. Discover how the powerful and haunting story was transformed from page to airwaves, capturing the essence of Briggs’ original work while addressing the pressing themes of its time.

Limahl’s ’Don’t Suppose’ To Be Reissued On Recycled Lavender Vinyl

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Originally released in November 1984, Limahl’s debut solo album ‘Don’t Suppose’ is to be reissued on recycled lavender vinyl to celebrate its 40th anniversary on September 6, 2024.

“The album was co-produced by British producer Tim Palmer, who has since worked with music legends like U2, Robert Plant, Bowie, and Tears For Fears. I rarely listen to it, but as this anniversary approached, I dared to stream it. It was extremely poignant because, at the time, I was in love with the wrong person. My young self was having the time of his life professionally but hurting a great deal personally. The upside is that the heartache provided good material for songwriting, hence a track on the album entitled ‘I Was A Fool’”.

The album is probably best known for the aforementioned ‘Neverending Story’. As well as featuring in the film of the same name (which is being revived for the big screen once more), it more recently found a whole army of new fans when it appeared in the final episode of the third season of Stranger Things. Set in 1985, the song is sung by Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and his long-distance girlfriend Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) as a way to reconnect after not seeing each other for some time. Following the season’s release on July 4, 2019, interest in the track surged; viewership of the original music video had increased by 800% within a few days according to YouTube, while Spotify reported an 825% increase in stream requests for the song.

But as Limahl explains, the track’s popularity goes beyond Stranger Things and that love and appreciation is not lost on him…

”… In 2022, I travelled to Madrid for the opening night of the new stage musical adaptation La historia interminable – El Musical and performed the song with the cast at the end of the show. After its successful 12-month run in Madrid, the show is now running in Barcelona, and I can’t help but wonder if the producers plan to translate it to English for the West End or Broadway. And for the European Championships 2024 [football tournament], ITV created a stunning animated clip featuring a classical instrumental version of the song.”

Further reflecting on the album Limahl goes on… “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years, yet sometimes it feels like yesterday! Looking back now, it’s surreal to think that at just 24 years old, being born and raised on a Wigan council estate with no family connections in the music business, I was thrust into a whirlwind of travel and appearances to promote my music worldwide via TV, radio, and press—long before the internet.

“I’m excited to imagine where and how the song will continue its journey. It’s amazing that it still feels relevant 40 years on. I’m not too shy to say how immensely proud I am of its achievements.”

Tracklist:
Don’t Suppose
That Special Something
Your Love
Too Much Trouble
Never Ending Story
Only for Love
I Was a Fool
The Waiting Game
Tar Beach

Classic Solo Efforts From Alex Lifeson And Geddy Lee To Be Reissued

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In an exciting announcement for Rush fans and rock enthusiasts alike, Anthem Records in Canada and Rhino Records will reissue the first-ever solo albums of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee. Lifeson’s 1996 album Victor and Lee’s 2000 offering My Favourite Headache will be re-released on August 9, 2024, in various formats, including a range of vinyl configurations.

Victor, originally released on January 9, 1996, marks Alex Lifeson’s solo debut. Lifeson took on the roles of songwriter, producer, and mixer for this album. For the first time, Victor will be available on vinyl, featuring a complete remix by Lifeson himself to enhance the audio quality. The fourth side of the album includes four instrumental tracks previously exclusive to Lifeson’s website. Guest artists include lead vocalist Edwin from I Mother Earth, Primus bassist Les Claypool, and Canadian powerhouse vocalist Lisa Dalbello. The 15-song collection is paired with striking 2024 reimagined artwork by Fantoons Animation Studios.

As a Rush Backstage exclusive, Alex Lifeson will personally autograph 1,000 lithographs to be included with the Ruby Translucent 2LPs, which are available only through the Rush Backstage web store.

Victor will be available in the following editions:
• Ruby Translucent 2LP (Rush Backstage Exclusive, limited to 1,000 units)
• Blue Translucent 2LP (Exclusive to Canada, limited to 1,000 units)
• Crystal Clear Translucent 2LP (Exclusive to U.S. & ROW)
• Standard Black 2LP
• CD
• Standard & HD/HRA Digital

My Favourite Headache, Geddy Lee’s only solo album to date, was initially released on November 14, 2000. This reissue marks its first vinyl pressing since a limited-edition Record Store Day exclusive in 2019. The fourth side of the album features two instrumental mixes. Produced by Lee, Ben Mink, and David Leonard, the album includes contributions from Mink and drummers Matt Cameron (Soundgarden/Pearl Jam) and Jeremy Taggart (Our Lady Peace).

My Favourite Headache will be offered in the following:
• Blue/Green Galaxy 2LP (Exclusive to Canada/Anthem)
• Green & Blue 2LP (Exclusive to U.S. & ROW/Rhino)
• CD

Rush — bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist/vocalist Alex Lifeson, and the late, great drummer/lyricist Neil Peart — maintains a massive and uniquely passionate worldwide fanbase that acknowledges and respects the band’s singular, bold, and perpetually exploratory songcraft that combines sterling musicianship, complex compositions, and distinctive lyrical flair. Rush has sold more than 30 million albums in Canada and the U.S. alone, with worldwide sales estimated at 45 million (and counting). Between Music Canada and the RIAA, Rush has been awarded 50 Gold, 30 Platinum, and 9 Multi-Platinum album distinctions (and counting). Rush has also had 5 Top 10 Billboard Canada Albums, received 7 Grammy nominations, 10 Juno Award wins with 41 Nominations, and earned an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Additionally, Lee, Lifeson, and Peart were made Officers of the Order of Canada on May 9, 1996.

VICTOR TRACKLIST:
SIDE A:
1. “Don’t Care” (4:01)
2. “Promise” (5:44)
3. “Start Today”(3:46)
4. “Mr. X” (2:24)

SIDE B:
5. “At The End” (6:07)
6. “Sending Out A Warning” (4:10)
7. “Shut Up Shuttin’ Up” (4:05)
8. “Strip And Go Naked” (3:49)

SIDE C:
9. “The Big Dance” (4:04)
10. “Victor” (6:23)
11. “Am The Spirit” (5:32)

SIDE D:
12. “Cherry Lopez Lullabye” (Instrumental) (3:22)
13. “Serbs” (Instrumental) (3:46)
14. “Kroove” (Instrumental) (4:52)
15. “Banjo Bob” (Instrumental) (4:10)

MY FAVOURITE HEADACHE TRACKLIST:
SIDE A:
1. “My Favourite Headache” (4:44)
2. “The Present Tense” (3:25)
3. “Window To The World” (3:02)
4. “Working At Perfekt” (5:00)

SIDE B:
5. “Runaway Train”4:30)
6. “The Angels’ Share” (4:35)
7. “Moving To Bohemia” (4:25)
8. “Home On The Strange” (3:47)

SIDE C:
9. “Slipping” (5:06)
10. “Still” (4:29)
11. “Grace To Grace”(4:59)

SIDE D:
12. “My Favourite Headache” (Instrumental) (4:46)
13. “Home On The Strange” (Instrumental) (3:47)

How to Enhance Media Accessibility Through Simple File Conversions

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By Mitch Rice

Accessing and enjoying different forms of media have undeniably become part of everyday life. However, the media files differ in various aspects. This impacts accessibility and compatibility across devices. As a result, you might be limited in one way or the other. It shouldn’t be so because there are various ways you can enhance the accessibility of the media files. File conversions using tools like TubeMP4 are the ways to do so. This informative piece delves into how you can enhance accessibility through simple file conversion. But first, what are the media accessibility challenges?

Understanding Media Accessibility Challenges

You might not access some media files due to various reasons. Here are the most common ones:

  • Format incompatibility: Playback issues may arise from a device’s and media player’s ability to support various file formats.
  • File size: The file’s size can also create compatibility issues. Large media files can be difficult to store, share, or stream. Inaccessibility arises if the device has limited storage or slower internet connections.
  • Offline access: If you are offline and trying to access media from streaming services, you might also face accessibility issues. This is because such services require strong internet connection.
  • Accessibility features: Some file formats may not support closed captions or audio descriptions. This may lock you out if you need these elements.

Conversion can solve most of these issues.

Simple Conversions for Enhanced Accessibility

Video format conversion

One of the most common needs is converting video files to widely supported formats. MP4 is the most common file format. It’s a versatile choice that offers you good compression and broad compatibility. Converting the video files to MP4 benefit you in the following ways:

  • Wide device and player compatibility
  • Efficient compression for smaller file sizes
  • Support for various quality levels
  • Ability to include subtitles and other metadata

Audio extraction

At ties, you may only need the audio part of a video file. This can be for creating podcasts, listening to lectures, or enjoying music videos as audio-only files. Some tools can help you extract the audio format, which is beneficial in the following ways:

  • Smaller file sizes that is easily shareable
  • Compatibility with audio-only devices
  • Reduced data usage for mobile listening

Resolution and bitrate adjustment

Also, you can also convert high-resolution videos reducing resolutions. This is also possible when you when reducing bitrates. The process can significantly decrease file sizes while maintaining acceptable quality for many use cases. In doing this, you will enjoy:

  • Improved compatibility with older devices
  • Reduced storage requirements
  • Faster downloading and smoother playback on slower connections

Reasons to Use Online Conversion Tools

The conversion tools are countless. Some of them, such as TubeMP4, are online.Thebest option is to use the online tools. This is because they offer user-friendly interfaces for performing these conversions without the need for specialized software or technical expertise. The conversion process is straightforward if you do it on these platforms.

Nothing beats the fun of accessing your media files the way you want them. Unfortunately, you might not enjoy as much always. You can, at times, face accessibility challenges. Most of those challenges you can overcome by converting the files in the ways you have read here, using the mentioned tools.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

The hidden dangers of high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets

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By Mitch Rice

With obesity reaching near epidemic levels, health-conscious people are looking at various ways to lose weight, with the low-carb/high-protein diet being one popular method. Various incarnations of this diet in recent years include the Atkins diet, the Keto diet, and the Zone diet. However, all versions of this type of diet include limiting carbohydrate and sugar intake while increasing protein. While these diets do facilitate weight loss, they do come with certain risks worth considering before starting a low-carb diet.

What is it?

Different versions of the low-carb/high-protein diet have different macronutrient ratios. Still, in general, these diets try to limit the intake of carbs to under 25% of the total daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie/day diet, this averages around 130 grams of carbs. Some low-carb diets even cut that to as little as 10% of the daily calorie intake from carbohydrates. Conversely, while lowering the carbohydrate intake, many of these diets increase the recommended daily allotment of protein significantly, up to 1.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

 

Many of these diets also increase fat intake to offset the decreased carb intake, as the body tends to burn carbohydrates first for energy, followed by fat. On the Atkins diet, one example of the daily intake for a 2,000-calorie diet would be 26% carbs, 40% fat, and 34% protein, or around 170 g for a person weighing 150 lbs. The body now burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, which facilitates fat burning for weight loss.

 

High-protein diets tend to increase feelings of fullness, which decreases appetite and hunger levels. It also takes more oxygen to burn fat than sugars from carbs, which increases the thermic effect of food. Decreasing carbohydrate intake helps regulate blood sugar, and high protein also increases bone health. However, these types of diets come with just as many risks as benefits.

Low-Carb Diet Risks

While low-carb/high-protein diets do facilitate rapid weight loss, lowered appetite, and blood sugar regulation, they also come with several negative side effects. Some studies of individuals who adopted these diets long-term indicated an increase in certain types of cancer, especially when ingesting high amounts of animal-based protein, as well as hormonal imbalance due to nutrient deficiency. Here are some notable downsides:

 

  • Nutrient deficiencies: Limiting your food intake to a certain type of nutrient means you are not getting the nutrients you need from a well-rounded diet. This might result in vitamin deficiencies.
  • Kidney strain: In individuals who already suffer from kidney disease, increased protein levels can strain the kidneys even further. Individuals with type 1 diabetes should not go on a low-carb/high-protein diet.
  • Heart health: In the short term, weight loss, blood sugar control, and more protein that promotes muscle mass can have a positive impact on heart health. However, these diets also often increase fat intake to offset the energy deficit from a lack of carbohydrates, which can increase cholesterol levels and negatively impact heart health over time.
  • Reduced carb intake: Individuals with metabolic disorders that rely on carbohydrate intake to stay regulated do not do well on these types of diets. Excessive restriction of carbohydrates can result in fatigue, headaches, constipation, and bad breath.
  • Increased cortisol: High-protein diets tend to increase cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands. Because cortisol is the stress hormone, it may cause many of the symptoms of increased stress, such as insomnia, rapid heart rate, and inflammation.
  • Decreased testosterone: These diets tend to have a huge impact on testosterone production, with some men reporting as much as a 37% decrease in testosterone levels. In extreme cases, testosterone replacement therapy may be required, with the TRT effects timeline showing changes in energy levels, libido, and mood in the first 6 weeks and up to 6 months required to return to normal hormone levels.
  • HGH impact: In response to protein consumption, HGH and insulin tend to rise. Those who are undergoing HGH therapy should talk with their doctors about the potential adverse effects of the diet on their therapy.

Conclusion

The bottom line is simple: low-carb/high-protein diets have their uses, especially in healthy individuals, but are not well suited for most people in the long term. They can provide short-term weight loss, but they can also have a negative impact on overall health over time. For athletes who are trying to lose weight while also increasing muscle mass, these types of diets have their benefits. This also applies to relatively active people who do not lead sedentary lifestyles. However, for most people, this kind of dietary change should not be a lifelong adjustment. The body does need a certain amount of carbohydrate intake to maintain balanced health, and too much protein consumption can strain the kidneys. Too much fat in diets like Adkins and Zone can raise cholesterol levels and have a negative impact on heart health. Finally, if you have any underlying health conditions of which you are unaware, this type of drastic change in your diet without proper medical supervision might make these problems worse. Consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes. Consider the medications you take, as well as your personal dietary needs, and find the system that is best for your long-term health.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.