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My Next Read: “The Jackass Whisperer: How to deal with the worst people at work, at home and online―even when the Jackass is you”

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My Next Read: “The Jackass Whisperer: How to deal with the worst people at work, at home and online―even when the Jackass is you”

A rallying cry for everyone tired of keyboard commandos and people who use speakerphones in open plan offices, The Jackass Whisperer is your guide to dealing with the worst people on earth. Jackasses are those who make our lives needlessly harder. They drive too slowly in the fast lane and too quickly in the slow lane, reply all, heat up fish in the microwave at work and share way too much information about their cleanse on Facebook. They live in our homes, work in our offices and shop at our stores. Jackasses are among us, and we have some bad news for you: if you can’t spot the Jackass at the (enter literally any place on the planet), then the Jackass is you. After a lifetime of research, Scott and Alison Stratten offer the definitive guide to surviving the Jackassery in your life and making the world a better place, one set of noise-cancelling headphones at a time.

You can get it here, and you should, you jackass. Or am I the jackass for saying that? Christ, I need this book now.

Top-Rated Bluetooth Amplifier Buying Guide & Review

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If you are a music lover, you must have discovered a countless number of ways to listen to your favorite songs. Due to advancement in technology, there are lots of ways to listen to songs in today’s world. While these many ways are effective, some are more efficient than others. One of the most effective ways to listen to songs as a music lover is by making use of a Bluetooth amplifier.

Making use of a Bluetooth amplifier is considered better than other methods of listening to music because of the level of convenience associated with it.

Gone are the days you have to make use of amplifiers with several wires. The world is at a point where lots of amplifiers are Bluetooth enabled. So, all you need to make use of them is to connect them to a Bluetooth enabled device.

Will you be buying a Bluetooth amplifier soon? You can rely on the guide in this article to help you make the right choice.

That said, below are factors to consider when buying a Bluetooth amplifier.

Look Out for Size

The size of a Bluetooth amplifier is one thing you need to consider when shopping for one. If you have ample space in your living area, you can go all out and get a Bluetooth amplifier that is large and occupies a lot of space. However, if you have limited space, you will have to make do with a small Bluetooth amplifier.

Go Through Reviews

Every Bluetooth amplifier comes with its own features. If you have not made use of it before, it might be difficult to tell what exactly its features are. While the best way to know what a Bluetooth amplifier has to offer is by making use of it, you can always depend on reviews from other users to get a clear idea of what it has to offer.

Come up with a Budget

You do not have to spend so much money on purchasing a Bluetooth amplifier before getting one that comes with the features you desire.

The truth remains you might spot a Bluetooth amplifier that you love and might be willing to pay whatever amount for it. It, however, might not come with the features you need.  To ensure that you make the best choice when buying a Bluetooth amplifier, make a budget and search for all Bluetooth devices that fall in that price range. This will help you easily discover one that has the features you look pout for and is affordable.

Best Bluetooth Amplifiers

Will you be buying a Bluetooth amplifier soon? You should know what the best Bluetooth amplifiers are. Some of them are;

Douk Sound Nobsound Tone Audio Amplifier

This Bluetooth amplifier features a great Hi-Fi sound. You, however, do not need to go out of your way to enjoy all the features that it comes with as it is affordable. This device does not just make it possible for you to enjoy great sound at an affordable cost, it also makes it possible for you to make a choice of the colors you want to purchase as it can be gotten in three different colors. These colors are pink, blue, and black.

Although famous as a Bluetooth amplifier, this device is not limited to just functioning as a Bluetooth amplifier. It can function as a PC sound card, a wireless receiver, and a headphone amplifier.

This device is not just very functional, it also features perfect aesthetics. It has an integrated aluminum case that is free from noticeable screws. Furthermore, it features a mirror pane, as well as an LED display. These attributes go a long way in helping it have a great appearance.

If you do not want to make use of the Bluetooth function of this amplifier, you can decide to make use of the USB port that it comes with.

While this device comes with lots of favorable features, its major downside is when restarted, it does not automatically connect to a Bluetooth device that it was connected to prior to getting restarted.

Fosi Audio Stereo Audio Amplifier

This Bluetooth amplifier is compact and small. It has a design that is practical and very simple. It is a perfect device for anyone that has interests in a Hi-Fi sound.

This speaker is about 17 pounds in weight and measures 10.1 x 8.1 x 2.8 inches. It has its controls at its front and its antenna at it back. Although small, its antenna goes a long way in making it very effective in receiving Bluetooth signals from mobile devices.

You can connect to this Bluetooth speaker from a distance of 33 feet. If you get farther than 33 feet, it will be impossible to connect to it as its farthest distance is 33 feet. Furthermore, when you make use of this device, you can enjoy a low signal delay as this is one of the guarantees it comes with. That’s not all, you will not have to deal with an audible noise or a pop when the Bluetooth connection is made.

Featured by this Bluetooth amplifier is a warranty of 18 months. This implies that if something goes wrong with your amplifier before 18 months elapses, you will get a replacement.

Facmogu F900 Mini Bluetooth Power

This Bluetooth amplifier features a very sturdy design and is very portable.  It weighs about 1 pound and has dimensions of 3 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches. Due to its small size, you do not need a bag to move around with this Bluetooth amplifier. You can conveniently hold it in your hand.

This device is not just Bluetooth compatible. It is also AUX and USB compatible. If you intend to connect cables to this Bluetooth amplifier, you have to be aware of the fact that the moment it gets wired, it will stop functioning wirelessly.

Once you purchase this Bluetooth amplifier, you can always get your money back if anything goes wrong with it in a period of 30 days.

How “Weird Al” Yankovic Got His Start in Song Parodies

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“Weird Al” Yankovic traces his career from Dr. Demento’s radio show to getting permission from Paul McCartney and Kurt Cobain to parody their hits during his 2016 interview with Howard Stern.

Photo Gallery: Cher with Nile Rodgers and Chic at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

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Photo Gallery: Cher with Nile Rodgers and Chic at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com

Cher
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Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Nile Rodgers & Chic

Tips to Care for Your Luxury Timepiece

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From a stunning Rolex to exquisite Audemars Piguet watches, there is a luxury timepiece for every gentleman or lady, perfectly suiting their tastes and their requirements. These watches are, however, a significant investment, and therefore keeping them in tip-top condition is an absolute priority.

It should also be mentioned that preserving the value of these timepieces is important, which is another reason why great care should be taken when cleaning and wearing these accessories. Here are some useful tips on how to make sure that your luxury timepiece remains in the most excellent condition.

The first step to caring for your watch is prevention – make sure that you know exactly what conditions the watch can bear, such as whether it is fully waterproof or is just water-resistant. In the case where you have bought a diving watch, it is essential to check to what depth it can be worn without suffering damage.

By being mindful of the limitations of your watch, you can avoid causing unnecessary damage to it. As well as checking waterproofing, this can also include considering whether some certain liquids or substances could be harmful to the material that your watch is made from.

You should also take care of yourself while wearing your watch. This means avoiding wearing it in certain scenarios, such as when you are indulging in physical exercise or activity, which could cause it to become scratched or knocked. Although luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches are designed to be robust, there is still a limit to what they can take.

Instead, store in a soft cloth in a cool, dry place, making sure that it is adequately protected while it is not on your wrist. Use a less expensive watch for all those times when you need to know the time but risk causing damage to the timepiece.

You should also take care to clean your watch correctly. Often this type of information is provided along with your timepiece when you invest in it. Otherwise, the jeweler or retailer where you bought the watch from should be able to give you some solid advice and even be able to recommend some good cleaning products to you.

Use exclusively soft cloths when cleaning your watch, using only approved cleaners to remove dirt and grime. Again, consult your manufacturer and your retailer first and foremost, after which you can feel free to investigate a range of suitable products by yourself.

Cleaning is important, so make sure that you do not neglect this part of your watch care routine. The reason for this is that dirt can deteriorate the material that the watch is made out of. Therefore your best defense against this is removing it as soon as possible.

Servicing should also be an important component of your watch care routine. In this case, it is necessary to return your watch to the manufacturer for service, and many jewelers will help you do this. This will guarantee an excellent level of maintenance and repair if needed, by the very experts who created your watch in the first place.

Lastly, do not forget to care for your watch straps, which are, in many cases, made from leather if you have invested in a luxury watch. Treat this with as much care and attention as the timepiece itself, treating the leather with quality products, so it does not dry out and splits over time.

Following all these steps will help you take care of your new timepieces, whether you have invested in a model of Rolex, Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watches. For further advice, do not forget to consult with a watch expert on how to care for your particular make and model of watch. A reliable seller like thewatchcompany.com will sell you the best watches and advice you on how to care for your watch.

Star Wars Screen Test featuring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford

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Star Wars Screen Test featuring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford

Here’s the Star Wars Screen Test featuring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford meet for the first time and read a scene for the directors and producers.

Holiday Music Has High ROI for Business

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Canadians love holiday music, and they look forward to hearing it during the holidays at retail stores, restaurants, and public spaces. A recent Entandem Holiday Music Study, conducted by Leger Intelligence Group, revealed a full third of Canadians stay longer in a store because of the music being played, strongly reflecting music’s role in bringing the holidays to life and influencing consumer behaviour.

Research finds Canadians love music and they look forward to hearing it during the holidays. (CNW Group/Entandem)

The research, which surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians, also showed that 80% of Canadians feel music improves their holiday shopping experience, and about three-quarters are satisfied to hear holiday music at a store, on the radio, and at home. More than a quarter (27%) said a better selection and more variety of holiday music could improve their shopping experience, and only about one-in-ten Canadians report they actually dislike holiday music.

“People have an emotional connection to holiday music, and businesses can leverage this to create positive experiences for their customers during this festive season,” said Amadou Tall, director at Entandem. “The results from the Entandem Holiday Music Study show that Canadians enjoy holiday music, it motivates customers to stay longer in stores and encourages them to start their holiday shopping when they hear it.”

When the holidays are near, a quarter of Canadians said that holiday music in stores is their first reminder that it is the time to shop, and 20% of Canadians ages 18-54 are significantly more likely to feel inspired to shop when they hear holiday music in stores.

Canadians were also definitive about when they want to hear holiday music: 52% said they want to hear holiday music only in December.

Noteworthy highlights from the Entandem Holiday Music Study include:

  • Few Canadians actually dislike holiday music. Only 13% said they’re not keen at all on a bit of musical merry-merry.
  • Music kicks off the holiday shopping season. Nearly a quarter of shoppers are reminded by music that it is the time to shop for the holidays, right after “a change in weather” and “holiday decorations.”
  • The gift of music keeps giving. More than a 75% of Canadians enjoy hearing holiday music when shopping, on the radio, and at home.
  • Music brings holiday shopping to life. Thirty-one percent of shoppers have stayed in a store longer because of the music played.
  • Quebecers are nostalgic about holiday music. More than one-third (34%) of Quebec residents said their favourite kind of music to shop to is traditional holiday carols (vs. 26% rest of Canada).

While a mix of traditional and modern music ranks high, 12% of those ages 18-34 prefer modern holiday songs, compared with those ages 45+ (4%). Further, 62% of respondents find it satisfying to hear holiday music in a restaurant, and those ages 18-34 are significantly more likely to want to hear a live DJ (10%) versus those ages 35 and older (2%).

Retail stores, restaurants and bars, among other types of businesses, can create unique experiences during the holidays by offering shoppers and patrons creative ways to enjoy music.

“A restaurant that typically plays recorded background music could offer live music during the holidays. Retail stores can do the same, with live carolers or a DJ to draw customers in and keep them shopping,” Tall added.

The Entandem research demonstrates how music plays an important role in holiday shopping and restaurant experiences. Businesses licensed with Entandem, a company created by well-established copyright collectives RE:SOUND and SOCAN, understand the true value that music can add throughout year. With the proper music licenses, businesses can play all the music they want legally and ethically, while ensuring music creators are compensated.

Billy Talent Release “Forgiveness I + II”, Their First New Original Song In 3 Years

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Iconic Canadian rock group Billy Talent released a new song today. The track, “Forgiveness I + II” was produced by Juno Award nominee (Producer of the Year) and Billy Talent guitarist Ian D’Sa in the group’s Toronto studio. “Forgiveness I + II” marks the first new original Billy Talent recording since their highly successful Afraid of Heights album which featured the chart-topping title track.

The release, which came as a complete surprise to fans, marks the beginning of what is expected to be a very active period for the band, who will be making another exciting announcement next week.

Billy Talent are one of Canada’s most successful bands. They have sold nearly one million albums in Canada alone and nearly 3 million albums internationally. They have won 7 Juno Awards and have been nominated 23 times, including three nods for Afraid of Heights (Group of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, and Ian D’Sa for Producer of the Year). They have also been nominated for 32 MMVA Awards – taking home the prize 10 times. In 2018 the group was honoured with a special Legends of Live Special Achievement Award, presented by Canadian Music Week. Most recently, Billy Talent have launched the Billy Talent Charity Trust to give more back to the organizations that the band believes in.

Monty Python Release Brand New Single and Video, “I’m (Still) So Worried”

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Monty Python Release Brand New Single and Video, “I’m (Still) So Worried”

Just in case you have been living in a cave with very limited wi-fi connection for the best part of a year, you may have missed the fact that October 2019 marked fifty golden years since a little TV comedy show called Monty Python’s Flying Circus was first broadcast on BBC television.

In celebration there have been a number of releases, a BFI Season and much more throughout this year… and to add to the mix, we now bring you Terry J’s unique and vibrant contribution to the party:  The very first single release of an alternative country and western version of ‘I’m So Worried’, entitled ‘I’m (Still) So Worried,’ released on Virgin/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, complete with an animated music video produced by Holly Gilliam and directed by Paul Shammasian.

As fellow Monty Python member, Terry Gilliam valiantly says: “Terry can no longer speak but he can still sing,” referring to Terry Jones’ dementia which, explaining in 2017, caused his: “frontal lobe to abscond!”

For the video, Paul went “back to complete basics”. He took Terry Gilliam’s original ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ animation artwork into Final Cut Pro then “finished off with classic keyframe animation.” This method was as close to Terry Gilliam’s cut out animation style as he could get. “I could go anywhere and do anything. My imagination was free to explore and have fun.” Paul said. How very Monty Python!

The song was originally written and recorded for the group’s 1980 album, Monty Python’s Contractual Obligation Album.

As composer Andre Jacquemin recalls: “Pete Willsher, a very good friend of mine, played the Pedal Steel on the track, and it was Terry Jones who thought it might be a good idea to see if there was another version to be made out of ‘I’m So Worried’. He certainly preferred singing on the country version as it was a lot more fun with the boys.”

And, oh, how prescient the track is! Footwear fashion can still hurt like hell, and the baggage retrieval system at Heathrow is still nightmarish. Broadcasters are still very happy to flood the schedules with repeats, although that’s including lots of Monty Python recently, so no complaints from us. The worry about “all the things that they dump in the sea” is now, at long last, a serious situation that we should all be worried about, and one that is finally being addressed by international governments: nearly forty years after Terry Jones wrote this song. He is clearly something of a prophet.

“It’s great that this version is now finally getting released for the Python 50th anniversary. Andre has added the Fred Tomlinson Singers backing vocals from the full orchestral version,  which really helps the choruses, and has produced a terrific re-mix. Enjoy!” comments John Du Prez, the musical producer & arranger of the original track..Amidst draining election fury, boy do we need a worrisome laugh now. Take it away, Terry J.

For more information visit montypython.com and for fun visit the newly launched Monty Python Giphy channel and start spamming your friends.

SOCAN Foundation Launches Program to Create Equity and Access for Female Music Producers

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SOCAN Foundation Launches Program to Create Equity and Access for Female Music Producers

The SOCAN Foundation has unveiled a new Equity X Production Mentorship Program for new music producers, developed as a result of research by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative that identified a significant disparity between the number of men and women working in the field.

The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a report in 2019 that uncovered the
unfortunate fact that only 2.1% of producers who worked on the top 100 Billboard
songs from 2012 to 2018 were female. The data showed that for every one woman
producer, there were a staggering 47 males filling the same role.

“The Equity X Production Mentorship Program strives to address the lack of diverse
representation among producers,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the
SOCAN Foundation. “As many as 25 women and gender minorities will be selected to
participate in a three-day retreat where they will gain the capabilities and talent to start
their journey to becoming a confident and skilled music producer.”

This SOCAN Foundation program is made possible with generous support from the
RBC, Ableton, and Signal Community Forum. The learning-intensive retreat will take
place in Toronto, Ontario, on January 9, 10, and 11, 2020.

Music producers may perform many vital roles that may include, but are not limited to,
gathering ideas and composing the music for the project, proposing changes to the
musical work, arranging ideas, mixing, sound design, managing the production of the
work, and so on.

Participants accepted into the program will receive many benefits, including access to
small group and individual production skills training, mentorship from industry leaders,
and accommodation and travel support for participants accepted from outside Toronto.
Applications to the Equity X Production Mentorship Program are being accepted
until December 15, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Visit www.socanfoundation.ca for more information about the program, eligibility
guidelines and online application materials.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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