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☆ Twitter descends into chaos as users lash out over Elon Musk's blue-check reversal for celebrities: 'Feel my wrath Tesla man!'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Blue checks were reinstated on several accounts but users said they hadn't paid for them. Rapper Lil Nas X, whose blue check remained, tweeted that he didn't pay for Twitter Blue. Some users who had died, including Kobe Bryant and Anthony Bourdain, had blue checks on their profiles. The ongoing confusion highlights the challenges Musk has faced in getting people to sign up for Twitter Blue. Bloomberg reported that traffic data showed only 4% of people who visited the Twitter Blue sales website in March subscribed.

☆ Elon Musk appears to troll Twitter users who complain about being given blue checkmarks for free
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Jyoti Mann | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Elon Musk is giving out free blue checkmarks to some who complain about Twitter Blue. Lil Nas X and Bette Midler are among the celebrities who say they didn't pay for Twitter Blue. Twitter users who complain about being given blue checkmarks for free or back a campaign to block those who do pay for them are being trolled by Elon Musk. It comes after some Twitter users started a movement to encourage others to block accounts that pay for Twitter Blue by tweeting with the hashtag #BlockTheBlue. "However, I will say, I think this is the very first funny thing Elon Musk has ever done."

☆ Amazon’s head of HR rejects employees’ return-to-office petition
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Beth Galetti, the company's HR head, formally responded to a letter that gathered ~30,000 employee signatures. Galetti wrote in her email that Amazon's guiding principle is to "make our customers' lives better and easier every day." My colleague Eugene Kim obtained Galetti's full email and walks us through how Amazon employees feel about the response. In other news:MSCHF's Tax Heaven 3000 dating simulator is supposed to help you prepare your 2022 US federal tax return. Carta offers popular software to help employees manage their equity.

☆ This dating-simulator game says it'll help prepare your taxes as you play — and criticizes TurboTax as 'predatory'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

MSCHF announced a free dating simulator that it says helps prepare your 2022 US federal tax return. The game is scheduled to launch April 4, but its listing on the Steam platform has been removed. A screenshot from MSCHF's "Tax Heaven 3000" website, showing a character description for "Turbo." The dating simulator is scheduled to launch on April 4, but the game's storefront page has been removed from the popular platform Steam. A screenshot from MSCHF's "Tax Heaven 3000" dating simulator.

☆ Versace show: Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lil Nas X attend Los Angeles rooftop catwalk
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Jillian Kumagai | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Protest organizers called for escalated disruptions throughout the country in what they dubbed "A Day of Resistance" against reforms that they fear would subordinate Israel's Supreme Court to the executive and foster corruption.

☆ Versace reaches for new heights with starry LA rooftop show
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Kendall Jenner walks the runway during the Versace Fall-Winter 2023 collection fashion show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. March 9, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, March 10 (Reuters) - Italian fashion house Versace made its Fall/Winter 2023 show a star-studded affair on Thursday, moving its catwalk from Milan to Los Angeles three days before this year's Oscars ceremony. Held on the roof-top of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, the open-air show was brought forward by a day due to a heavy rain forecast. Gigi Hadid led models on the runway dressed in a black pencil skirt and power-shouldered blazer. Versace offered denim trousers and jackets for more casual options.

☆ Guns N' Roses and Arctic Monkeys to headline Glastonbury along with Elton John
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Sumaya HishamLONDON, March 3 (Reuters) - Guns N' Roses and Arctic Monkeys will join Elton John as headliners at the Glastonbury Festival in June, organisers said on Friday, drawing attention to the largely male line-up of its biggest performers this year. The festival's official poster gave U.S. rapper Lizzo joint headline billing but she was the lone, high-profile female performer among the main acts this year. Paul McCartney, 80, played last year's Glastonbury, as the festival returned from a three-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. While English rock act Arctic Monkeys will be making their third appearance as headliners at Glastonbury following the release of a new album in October, it will be the first time for American rock legends Guns N' Roses, who will be touring Europe in June. Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar, Editing by Paul Sandle and William SchombergOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ LaQuan Smith turns NY's Rainbow Room into catwalk at Fashion Week
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] A model presents a creation from the LaQuan Smith Fall and Winter '23 collection at the Rainbow Room during Fashion Week in New York City, New York, U.S., February 13, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin OchsNEW YORK, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Designer LaQuan Smith took over one of New York's most famed locations for his Fashion Week show on Monday, presenting his Fall 2023 collection at the Rainbow Room. “This used to be where the high society would come and dance and get glammed up and drink champagne,” Smith said. “This collection this season was really rich in texture when it came down to fabrications," Smith said. New York Fashion Week runs until Wednesday.

How to earn Southwest pointsCompare Southwest credit cards Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit CardSouthwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit CardSouthwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Transfer points from Diners Club or hotel loyalty programsDiners Club members can also transfer Club Rewards points to Southwest — 1,500 Club Rewards points, for instance, would convert to 1,200 Southwest points. It's also possible to redeem points earned through participating hotel loyalty programs if you'd rather put them toward flights than hotel stays, though redemption rates are pretty low:5,000 Best Western Rewards points = 1,200 Southwest points6,000 Choice Privileges points = 1,800 Southwest points2,000 Radisson Rewards America points = 200 Southwest points50,000 Radisson Rewards America points = 5,000 Southwest points100,000 Radisson Rewards America points = 10,000 Southwest points9,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 3,000 Southwest points30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 10,000 Southwest points60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 20,000 Southwest points90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 30,000 Southwest points120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 40,000 Southwest points5,000 World of Hyatt points = 2,400 Southwest points50,000 World of Hyatt points = 24,000 Southwest pointsNote that World of Hyatt throws in an additional 6,000 Southwest points as long as you're a member, while Marriott Bonvoy adds 5,000 Southwest points for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. For instance, a $220 Business Select fare would yield 2,640 Southwest points, while a $200 Anytime ticket would yield 2,000 Southwest points, and a $100 Wanna Get Away ticket would yield 600 Southwest points. Earn Southwest points by taking online surveysYou can earn points by taking online surveys through E-Rewards — $15 worth of E-Rewards yields 300 Southwest points, $25 worth of E-Rewards yields 600 Southwest points, $50 worth of E-Rewards yields 1,200 Southwest points, and $100 worth of E-Rewards yields 2,400 Southwest points.

☆ Why these absurd red boots are suddenly all over TikTok and Twitter — and listing for as much as $1,000 on StockX
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Danni Santana | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

MSCHF's oversized big red boots, releasing on February 16, have taken social media by storm. The latest viral release from the company is their "Big Red Boot," which goes on sale February 16 for $350. In a release describing the boots, MSCHF said the boots were made of TPUrubber shell, EVA foam, along with 'Red' and 'Big.' MSCHF calls these shoes "Cartoon boots for a Cool 3D World." Big Red Boots are REALLY not shaped like feet, but they are EXTREMELY shaped like boots."

Several of this year's Grammy nominees, including "abcdefu" singer Gayle and R&B artist Muni Long, rose in popularity after influencers and everyday users posted TikTok videos with their music. Even as the music industry gathers in Los Angeles to celebrate artists and their songs at Sunday's Grammy awards, the relationship between hitmaker TikTok and music labels is showing signs of strain. As deals with the major music companies expire, the labels are looking to receive some of TikTok's ad revenue, according to Tatiana Cirisano, music industry analyst for Midia Research. One music industry insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "it’s open to interpretation" why this is happening now. "TikTok has become really integral to the way that younger people relate to music, discover music and consume it,” Cirisano said.

☆ Norwegian airline Flyr files for bankruptcy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Terje Solsvik | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

OSLO, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Loss-making Norwegian airline Flyr (FLYR.OL) said on Tuesday it would file for bankruptcy after failing to raise the cash it needed for its operations. More than 400 employees will lose their jobs as a result of the bankruptcy, Flyr founder and board Chair Erik Braathen told Norwegian daily Dagbladet. Flyr is the latest Nordic carrier to hit financial difficulties in recent years as the pandemic, soaring energy costs and falling consumer confidence dented demand. SAS is itself undergoing a reorganisation under U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection proceedings, while Norwegian Air in 2021 underwent restructuring supervised by an Irish court, emerging as a slimmed-down regional airline. ($1 = 9.9939 Norwegian crowns)Reporting by Terje Solsvik Editing by Bernadette Baum, Mark Potter and Mark HeinrichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Norwegian airline Flyr says it faces liquidity crunch, shares fall 78%
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

OSLO, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Loss-making Norwegian airline Flyr (FLYR.OL) said on Monday it had failed to raise the cash it needs from shareholders and other potential investors, leaving it in a "critical short-term liquidity situation". Flyr's share price, already weakened by the budget carrier's financial woes, fell 78% in early trade to an all-time low of 0.0015 Norwegian crowns. The company said it had tried in recent days to secure funding of 330 million Norwegian crowns ($33.27 million) but the effort failed. "Market conditions and continued uncertainty with regards to airline travel and earnings through 2023 have deterred investors from committing capital for the required period of time," Flyr said. ($1 = 9.9175 Norwegian crowns)Reporting by Terje Solsvik, Editing by Louise Heavens and Christina FincherOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Davos 2023: The World Economic Forum explained
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Siddharth K | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The World Economic Forum (WEF) returns to its snowy winter residency in the Swiss Alps this week with a record attendance of business and government leaders. The WEF's roots stretch back to 1971 when its founder Klaus Schwab invited executives from European companies to the then tiny ski resort of Davos, high in the Swiss Alps. With climate change top of the agenda, chiefs of major energy companies are back after a COVID-related hiatus. Others include IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde, NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He. Climate change topped the WEF's survey of global risk and energy company executives will mix with climate activists and environment ministers at the forum.

☆ ABBA's successful avatar show in London offers a glimpse at a daring new direction for live music
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

"Our ambition is to do another ABBA Voyage, let's say in North America, Australasia, we could do another one in Europe. Dave J Hogan | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty ImagesIt was also designed for flexibility. Promotional image for ABBA Voyage, the digital avatar-based live show currently running in London. For Cox, live shows that provide a "shared experience" like ABBA Voyage hold a greater appeal than headset-based virtual experiences, though there will certainly be more of those available in future. Frazer Harrison | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

☆ How Much Influencers Get Paid on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Amanda Perelli | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Influencers earn money a number of ways, from sponsorships to selling merchandise. Insider has spoken with dozens of other influencers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok about how much each of them makes from videos, sponsorships, and other revenue streams. Jehava BrownHow much influencers earn from brand dealsMany influencers rely on sponsored content — from a set of Instagram posts and Stories to a dedicated YouTube video promoting a company — to earn money. Aside from being paid directly from the platform, one of the main ways many influencers earn money on Instagram is by promoting brands through sponsored in-feed posts, Stories and Reels. Graham StephanHow influencers make money directly from YouTubeMany YouTube creators earn money off the ads that play in their videos and receive a monthly payout.

☆ The hottest holiday gift is a massive, half pound Fruit Loop
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Zoe Sottile | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Just in time for the holidays, artist collective MSCHF is releasing its newest playful art piece: a giant, 930-calorie, $19.99 fruit loop. The unauthorized massive fruit loop is the group’s latest lighthearted experiment with consumerism. Each one weighs “almost half a pound,” according to MSCHF’s website for the product. In an emailed statement, Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner told CNN that the “Big Fruit Loop” constitutes copyright infringement. “Kellogg Company does not have a relationship with MSCHF and we were not involved in the creation of the Big Fruit Loop.

[1/4] Rapper Nas poses for a photo at Sweet Chick restaurant in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2022. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniDec 9 (Reuters) - As hip-hop prepares to turn 50 in 2023, U.S. rapper Nas wants to make sure the world understands its history, relevance and influence. Through his company, Mass Appeal, the native New Yorker is spearheading numerous events leading up to the anniversary. “Hip-Hop was never just music,” said Nas, adding it has always included elements of deejaying, dancing, fashion and other art forms. The dancing, rapping and deejaying elements grew out of an inner-city environment but it has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar part of mainstream global culture.

☆ Rap industry leaders say hip-hop should not be the ‘scapegoat’ for the growing violence
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Candice Williams | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +14 min

The hip-hop community calls for change, but there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight to the violence. So I think hip-hop is the scapegoat for a lot of things.”Greg Yuna and Lenny Santiago. Some of those murders are now being explored in a new WE tv’s docuseries “Hip Hop Homicides,” which looks at the shooting deaths of rap artists including Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion and King Von. In some cases, money exacerbates some of these things.”Although Lathan believes there should be more accountability in hip-hop from those who create the violence, rap artists can’t always be blamed for the violence that surrounds them or happens to them. Caz said that in those days hip-hop music was used as a form of escape.

DOHA, Qatar — The 2022 World Cup kicks off Sunday shrouded in accusations of human rights violations and last-minute controversy surrounding host Qatar. Mostly soccer fans gather at the Corniche Waterfront ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Doha pm Saturday. Players exercise during Qatar's official training ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar on Saturday. “It’s going to be a force to reckon with.”The U.S. failed to qualify for the last World Cup but now boasts a young, exciting squad who largely play for big teams across Europe. People attend the FIFA Fan Festival opening day ahead of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar on Nov. 19, 2022.

☆ American Music Awards 2022: See the winners list
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The 50th American Music Awards are taking place on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Elton John, first nominated for an AMA in 1974, is now regarded as the longest-recognized artist in the awards show’s history. Taylor Swift led the pack with three AMA wins ahead of broadcast, including best female country artist. Below is a list of nominees for this year’s American Music Awards. The list will be updated with winners in bold throughout the broadcast, along with the winners from non-televised categories.

[1/2] A general view shows Pearl Island, an artificial island spanning nearly four square kilometres, ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup soccer tournament at Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar November 17, 2022. "What happens when the World Cup is over? I know gay men in workers' camps wouldn't be able to live the same way." Qatari organisers of the World Cup have warned visitors against public displays of affection but say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome at the event. The furore has been fuelled by comments from public figures including former Qatar player and World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman who told a German broadcaster that homosexuality was "damage in the mind".

☆ Singer Davido's 3-year-old son dies in apparent drowning at his home in Nigeria
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Singer Davido's 3-year-old son died in an apparent drowning at his home in Nigeria, police said. Authorities questioned eight members of Davido's team who were at the Lagos home and released six. "Death leaves a heartache no words can heal and today, I express my deepest condolences to David and Chioma, over the death of their son," he wrote. You will grow to be greater than Me, Happy birthday, son #BIG3," the singer wrote in an Oct. 20 post. The Atlanta-born singer with more than 25 million Instagram followers is one of Africa's most prominent artists.

Net profit for the three-months ending Sept. 30 rose to 910 million crowns ($87.57 million) from a year-ago profit of 169 million, Norwegian said. Norwegian Air shares were up 8.5% at 0912 GMT, beating a flat Oslo benchmark index (.OSEBX), though share are still down 17% over the past year, lagging a benchmark down by 6% over the same period. "We have a flexibility with our fleet that means we can reduce our capacity by up to 30%," Chief Executive Officer Geir Karlsen told Reuters. Norwegian Air Sweden Boeing 737-800 plane SE-RRJ approaches Riga International Airport in Riga, Latvia January 17, 2020. ($1 = 10.3139 Norwegian crowns)Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mike HarrisonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ American Music Awards 2022: See the full list of nominees
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Sandra Gonzalez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Puerto Rican performer is the most-nominated artists for the 2022 American Music Awards, earning eight nominations, among them his first-ever for artist of the year. Beyoncé, Drake and Taylor Swift each earned six nominations, while Adele, Harry Styles and The Weeknd came in with five a piece. And elsewhere, Elton John made history for what the show called being “the longest-recognized artists” in the show’s history. The show also boasted about the addition of a new category dedicated to the K-Pop genre, favorite K-Pop artist. The American Music Awards will air Sunday, November 20 at 8 p.m.

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