GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • The Beastie Boys tell Apple Music about new Spike Jonze-directed ‘Beastie Boys Story’

    Mike D and Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys join Zane Lowe on Apple Music for a two-hour special ahead of the premiere of the Spike Jonze-directed Apple TV+ film, Beastie Boys Story. Mike D tells Apple Music:

    The Ramones were probably the first band that both Adam [Yauch] and I looked at, listened to, and loved and thought, ‘oh, we could do something like that’. On the influence of Rick Rubin: Rick had a huge impact on us, he taught us about heavy metal… and he knew how to take what we were doing and get it on the radio.

    They also chat about growing up in New York, discovering Hip-Hop, their seminal releases, and more.

    Apple TV+ will feature the ‘Beastie Boys Story’, a nonfiction film directed by Spike Jonze, and written by Beastie Boys Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz along with Jonze, to portray the history and legacy of the revolutionary group. The film is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on April 24 on the heels of the 26th anniversary of the release of Beastie Boys’ #1 charting 1994 album, ‘Ill Communication’, and reunites Beastie Boys with Jonze over 25 years after directing the music video for the album’s immortal hit single, ‘Sabotage’.

    Video | The Beastie Boys Tell Apple Music About Spike Jonze-Directed ‘Beastie Boys Story’

  • Listen to Peruvian-American artist Rob Soul’s uptempo track ‘Tu Movimiento’

    On Valentine’s Day, Peruvian-American artist Rob Soul released a song called ‘Tu Movimiento’. Based in New York City and known for his love of mixing genres, he brings the classic Enrique Iglesias sound to us with a beat on the hook that reminds us of the kind of Reggaeton that blared in Woodhaven basements during my high school years. I felt his vocal performance could have been better than it is here, but the arrangement and concept are what stand out most on ‘Tu Movimiento’ for me. Listen to the uptempo track below.

  • Top innovations currently revolutionising gaming in the USA

    Few entertainment industries are at the mercy of technologies as much as the video games industry. In just a handful of decades, we have seen gaming come from giving us blocky pixellated games like Space Invaders to some truly eye-opening open-world adventures such as last year’s masterpiece Red Dead Redemption II.

    So what are the innovations which are going to change the way we enjoy gaming in the USA in the coming period? From incredible breakthroughs in software to some stunning pieces of hardware, it looks like we are in for plenty of thrilling times ahead.

    Freedom to play what you want, where you want

    2020 looks to be a breakthrough year for gaming, as many initiatives are showcasing a diverse mix of tech solutions that run complex gaming systems. Games are now easier to access and have better gameplays. This is not only true for video games. Technology has made it possible for us to step inside a virtual casino and enjoy licensed gambling in the USA for anything from leading online slots to table games. Furthermore, we are all looking to benefit from the advent of cloud gaming too.

    The concept of cloud gaming is that you can play games without needing to buy or download any software. All of the processing would be executed remotely so you could get by, without needing to purchase any specialised gaming hardware. In theory, this would give rise to real cross-platform gaming and hopefully end the war between Xbox and PlayStation once and for all.

    There’s something of a goldrush amongst big players like Google, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Sony and Tencent to pioneer the first mainstream cloud gaming platform. Google’s Stadia was released at the end of 2019, and while it had a rocky start, the fact that it could soon be a free service in the USA would be a notable turning point in the evolution in cloud gaming.

    Why video games are getting smarter

    Artificial intelligence is gradually permeating all aspects of our daily lives, and this is nowhere more evident than in the gaming world. We have already seen how AI computers such as DeepMind’s AlphaGo program have proven to be unbeatable at games like Go, and it seems as though artificial intelligence is set to play a greater role in how video games are created too.

    It is expected that a new generation of AI game development means will be unveiled, such tools that can create sophisticated games which will change in correspondence to a gamer’s behaviour. That could lead to the gradual evolution of intelligent in-game characters, and it will make the procedurally generated universes created in open-world games like No Man’s Sky to seem very outdated quickly.

    We already see artificial intelligence software competing in esports such as Dota 2, and it’s the arrival of AI opponents that could significantly boost both the competitiveness and our enjoyment of video gaming in the coming years.

    The VR Revolution arrives at last

    OK, so the virtual reality gaming revolution didn’t take off quite as quickly as many people predicted. But there’s growing evidence that VR hardware might finally be reaching the point where it’s starting to penetrate the mainstream.

    Recently released figures from Valve have shown that they experienced the most significant one-month jump in use of VR headsets over the festive period. That suggests that new technologies like the Oculus Rift S could be well on the way from becoming techie’s playthings to becoming essential pieces of gaming hardware.

    Clearly, there will still be a percentage of gamers who still hanker after retro gaming machines like the Atari. Again, the evidence suggests that a new generation of players will be more keen to embrace all of the potentials that come with the latest VR technologies.

  • Victoria sextet Carmanah share quarantine visual for ‘Best Interests’: Watch

    Making the best of the current COVID-19 situation, Carmanah cleverly puts together their newest visual for ‘Best Interests’. The visual, filmed by each member of the band in their home, showcases each band member playing their instruments in their own place. The song written by Laura Mina Mitic, speaks on love and having her lover’s best interest at heart. Their performance of the song and the aesthetic of this visual was beautifully done. With scenes shifting from the lead singer, other guitarists, keyboardist, and a drummer, the simple creativity and execution of this vision are very commendable. This single comes before their upcoming project ‘Iris’.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-nWn_sHVTE&h=315]

  • Apple Music’s Ebro Darden hosts a special one-hour radio show highlighting the brand new ‘AFRICA NOW’ playlist

    Apple Music’s Ebro Darden hosts a special one-hour radio show highlighting the brand new ‘AFRICA NOW’ playlist. Featuring Africa’s biggest superstars from across the continent, many of whom sent in voice memos talking about their tracks. Featured artists include Davido, Nasty C, Diamond Platnumz, Fireboy DML, Oxlade, Stonebwoy, Sauti Sol, Kwesi Arthur, and more.

  • 21 Savage reimagines 1998 Xscape classic with Summer Walker: Hear ‘Secret’

    21 Savage might have us ready to fall in love with this one. When he was introduced to many of us, it was with the track ‘No Heart’ and needless to say some of us were ready to fight someone. This time, he has teamed up with the very talented Summer Walker to deliver a track that has us ready to give someone our heart. ‘Secret’ is the type of track you dedicate to that someone special.

    21 Savage, who says “I grew up in the streets without no heart” in ‘No Heart’, shows us that he does have a heart, he’s ready to love and we should be ready to love too. Summer Walker, who has made some big noise in the industry since dropping her album ‘Over It’, is no stranger to making hits with other big names in the world of music. She comes on to ’Secret’ to balance out what 21 Savage provides and makes this song something like a love story. If you were looking for a song to dedicate to someone during a Zoom date during quarantine, then, this is that! Give it a listen and get ready to fall in love!

  • Denver artist VC Hearts shares 90s-inspired video for ‘Grimy’: Watch

    VC Hearts, an artist from North Denver, Colorado, pokes at nostalgia for 90s kids with the visual for his new song ‘Grimy’. VC Hearts is an artist you are going to want to pay attention to if you ever wanted Bladee to have a child with a 90s WWE wrestler, and even if you have never wanted that, you still need to give this song a listen.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Vl-ZbFtUM&h=315]

    VC Hearts is the future sound of the internet, continuing and further developing sounds created like collectives such as Yung Lean’s Sad Boys and GothBoiClique. SRDBEATZ’s production on the track is a style that has not tapped into the mainstream yet, but soon will with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Yung Lean, and even The Weeknd using similar production styles. I can’t describe ‘Grimy’ much other than this shit will make you want to inject some high-speed internet directly into your bloodstream and fight someone in a dark alley! If that didn’t make sense, then listen to the song and it will make sense. Also, to be noted, the video is shot by Isaiah Castillo and showcases a 90s VHS aesthetic that introduces us to the ‘Grimy’ artist. Check out the video above.

  • Greyhound launches rides for responders program to support frontline heroes during COVID-19

    As the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in North America, Greyhound has always been on the front line of critical transportation during national crises. Greyhound is currently providing safe transportation that directly supports essential services. To provide further support, today Greyhound launched, ‘Rides for Responders,’ a program that provides free travel for medical personnel and first responders who need to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “These frontline heroes are putting their lives at risk to provide support and expertise not only in their communities, but they are also volunteering to travel across the country to help communities being hit hardest during the pandemic,” said Rob Friedman, Chief Operations Officer, Greyhound Lines, Inc.

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    We are so thankful for their sacrifices and we want to be able to help in whatever way we can. Transportation is what we do best; with this program, we can take out the hassle and worry about how these medical personnel get to their destination so they can be rested and focus on their important task at hand.

    ‘Rides for Responders’ provides two free one-way tickets to any doctor, nurse, paramedic, EMT, medical technician, firefighter, member of law enforcement or mortician volunteering and needing to travel to a volunteer site by utilizing its existing Road Rewards program. Those looking to take advantage of the tickets can visit the program’s website and follow the simple instructions. After signing up for Road Rewards and providing the necessary information, Greyhound will deposit the tickets into the member’s account in approximately 72 hours.

    The new program is not the only way the transportation line is providing assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. Greyhound’s long-standing program, ‘Home Free’, in partnership with the National Runaway Safeline, provides free tickets home to runaway and homeless youth. The program has seen an influx in calls related to the crisis due to stay-at-home orders, and to date has issued over 28% more tickets in the last two months than it did in 2019.

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    Currently, Greyhound is the only remaining nationwide bus network serving both rural and urban communities. While routes have been reduced and safety measures have increased, Greyhound plans to continue to provide travel for essential services.

    For more information on how Greyhound is keeping customers safe, please visit this link.

  • McDonald’s celebrates healthcare workers and first responders with free ‘Thank You Meals’

    In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to our health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals*, between Wednesday, April 22 and Tuesday, May 5, as a token of appreciation for their selfless service.

    While the majority of America is staying home, McDonald’s has remained open, with our franchisees and hardworking restaurant employees serving hot meals to communities who need quick and affordable options, especially those on the frontlines such as healthcare workers and first responders. The company is grateful for the ongoing dedication and commitment of McDonald’s employees who enable McDonald’s to stay open to serve our communities during these challenging times.

    Each Thank You Meal will be available at no charge via drive-thru or carry out at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide through May 5. The Thank You Meal, available during breakfast, lunch or dinner, will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side featuring small World Famous Fries or a Hash Brown, along with a note of appreciation. It will be served in McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal box, in the hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food.

    We have been inspired by the way our franchisees have been going above and beyond to support their local communities throughout this trying time, said Joe Erlinger, President, McDonald’s USA. I couldn’t be more proud of how our company, franchisees and supplier partners have come together to give back to those who are working tirelessly for our country. That is truly our McDonald’s system at its best.

    Day or night, these frontline heroes can simply show their work badge, or be in uniform, to receive one of the below Thank You Meal options:

    Breakfast

    A choice of an Egg McMuffin®, Chicken McGriddles® or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. All options come with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee and a Hash Brown.

    Lunch and Dinner

    A choice of a Double Cheeseburger, 6-Piece Chicken McNuggets® or a Filet-O-Fish® will be offered. All options come with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee and small fries.

    Serving these brave men and women would not be possible without McDonald’s dedicated and unwavering restaurant employees, who are also doing their part to help during this time. McDonald’s employees are the heart of the business, and their health and safety has been and will continue to be, the company’s top priority. McDonald’s has implemented nearly 50 new safety measures to ensure the well-being of its employees and is continuing to explore additional safety steps in accordance with guidance issued by local and national health authorities including the CDC.

    Emergency physicians and other health care workers on the frontlines are spending hours a day on their feet, often missing meals in their efforts to care for their patients, said Dr William Jaquis, President of The American College of Emergency Physicians. McDonald’s Thank You Meal is a much-appreciated gesture for those risking their lives each day to take a break with a hot meal amidst the turbulence.

    During past times of national crisis, McDonald’s has helped and served communities in need, from donating funds to disaster relief efforts to providing food for those impacted by natural disasters. McDonald’s commitment to feeding the nation’s healthcare workers and first responders throughout the current pandemic is a continuation of that dedication. Additionally, McDonald’s local franchises have also been working throughout this crisis to support the thousands of communities their restaurants call home.

    Our restaurants have always been a place for the community to come together and share everyday feel-good moments with family, friends and neighbours, said Vicki Chancellor, an Atlanta-based Owner/Operator and chair of McDonald’s Operator’s National Advertising Committee. And, now during times like this, it’s more important than ever for our restaurants to continue to serve and help the communities that have supported us for so long.

    Nearly all McDonald’s US restaurants remain open and are offering convenient and contactless ways for customers to enjoy McDonald’s favourites through the drive-thru, carry out, McDelivery, and mobile order & pay with our app.

    *Thank You Meals offered at participating US McDonald’s 4/22/20 through 5/5/20. Valid ID required. Limit one per person per day. Menu options may vary by restaurant. Visit McDonalds.com for more details.

  • Glassdoor launches new tools to help people find jobs available now during COVID-19 crisis

    New Product Features Allow Companies to Communicate Their COVID-19 Response to Employees and Job Seekers

    Centralized COVID-19 Resources Page Provides Tips and Advice for Job Seekers, Employees and Companies Navigating Challenges

    The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the global economy, leading to millions of newly unemployed people looking for work. Meanwhile, companies are experiencing a wide range of challenges, from managing a sudden surge or decline in hiring to communicating their response to the crisis to current and potential employees. To help, Glassdoor has introduced several new product features for job seekers and employers in response to COVID-19 and its impact on jobs, hiring and work around the world.

    At Glassdoor, our mission is to help people find a job and company they love. We feel we have a responsibility to help people feel informed during these uncertain times by providing useful and timely insights as they navigate their job search and career, said Christian Sutherland- Wong, Glassdoor chief executive officer. In service of our mission, our teams have pivoted to address some of the biggest challenges that people and businesses are facing today. We hope these new features help people find job opportunities available right now and provide some relief and confidence as they navigate this unprecedented job market and adjust to an entirely new way of working.

    Helping Job Seekers and Employees

    COVID-19 Job Search Hub: Glassdoor has launched a dedicated COVID-19 job search hub for job seekers. This centralized job search tool helps people focus their job search on the latest open jobs across multiple industries and companies that are actively hiring, or even experiencing a surge in hiring. With job search feeds like in-demand jobs, work from home jobs, companies with hiring surges, grocery and pharmacy jobs, delivery and warehouse jobs, and healthcare jobs, people will be able to explore available opportunities that are relevant to their location and skills, all in one centralized hub.

    Hiring Surge Explorer: While many employers have scaled back or paused hiring during these challenging times, hundreds of employers are on a hiring surge. Now, job seekers can search for companies actively and aggressively hiring and can filter their search by city, industry, job title and job function. Job seekers can also see companies that are experiencing hiring surges on individual job listings when they search by job title on Glassdoor.

    Free Virtual Event: How to Get a Job, Now: To help people feel informed and prepared in their job search, Glassdoor is hosting a virtual event called How to Get a Job, Now. Scheduled to take place for US job seekers on May 6, 2020, at 11 AM PST and for UK job seekers on May 12, 2020, at 11 AM BST, How to Get a Job, Now will provide expert tips and advice on how to succeed in the job search during a recession, how to win the attention of employers who are still hiring and what companies are looking for from candidates right now.

    Tips and Advice for Job Seekers and Employees: As a global leader in insights about jobs and companies, Glassdoor has created a library of blog content to help job seekers as they look for work and help employees as they adjust to a new way of working.

    Some of the greatest challenges facing job seekers during these tough times include not knowing what job opportunities are even available, or where to focus their job search, said Annie Pearl, Glassdoor chief product officer. Leveraging Glassdoor’s deep insights on jobs and companies, we are aiming to help solve those challenges by connecting people with the most timely and relevant job opportunities available. In addition, we’re enabling employers with new tools to help them clearly communicate how they’re responding to the crisis and how they’re supporting their own workforce.

    Helping Employers Hire and Manage Their Brand

    Glassdoor has launched two new tools to help companies highlight their hiring status and communicate how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic:

    COVID-19 Company Updates: To enable companies to more clearly share their COVID-19 response with employees, potential employees and the broader public, this new feature allows companies to create and share a company update on their Glassdoor profile that is marked with a special COVID-19 badge. This allows employers to highlight and share their work-from-home policies, employee benefits, learning and development opportunities and more during the COVID-19 crisis.

    Hiring Surge Badge: Employers can now indicate to job seekers that they are experiencing a surge in hiring and are actively reviewing applicants. Once an employer turns on the Hiring Surge feature in their Glassdoor Employer Center, both their employer profile and their open jobs will be marked with a Hiring Surge badge. This will help employers drive increased awareness to help fill crucial positions and help job seekers identify timely employment opportunities.

    Advice and Guides for Employers: As an expert in employer branding and recruiting, Glassdoor has created a library of blog content to help companies, recruiters and HR professionals as they adapt and evolve their strategies and tactics in the current climate.

    Glassdoor, a global leader in job and company insights, has localized sites and mobile apps in 20 markets around the world, offering access to the latest jobs paired with millions of reviews, salaries and more for over one million companies (1).

    1. Glassdoor Internal Data, December 2019