The psychological importance of being bored
Being bored is a horrible feeling, but psychologists are starting to believe that it is a necessary part of the human experience that drives us to expand our own creativity, improve self-awareness, problem-solve, and take on new challenges. When was the last time you were truly bored? Most of us...
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The nine-dash crayon line that got Barbie banned in Vietnam
The upcoming Barbie movie has generated worldwide excitement. Unfortunately, citizens in Vietnam won’t have the opportunity to enjoy it as its government has banned the film. Scheduled for release on July 21st, the highly anticipated Barbie movie, featuring a stellar cast, has faced a setback as the Vietnamese government has...
Opinion – Colleen Ballinger’s apology is a grim blur of comedy and consent
The former YouTube star Colleen Ballinger has faced allegations of grooming and abuse. Her bizarre response to these claims highlights the morbid meme-fication of almost everything. Colleen Ballinger isn’t a name many will recognise. Perhaps the character that made her famous, Miranda Sings, will stir memories for those in their...
Hollywood shuts down for the first time in six decades
A mega-strike involving writers and performers demanding better pay and increased safeguarding around AI rights is likely to grind to a halt the production of most movies and many popular television shows. Swapping the red carpet for the picket lines, Hollywood actors are going on strike after negotiations between studio...
Paul McCartney says a new AI Beatles record is on the way
It seems we’ll be hearing a new Beatles record later this year. Paul McCartney has confirmed via BBC Radio 4 that he used AI to pull John Lennon’s vocals from a previously recorded demo. Legendary songwriter Paul McCartney says a new Beatles song is scheduled for release later this...
Could music be contributing to a toxic work environment?
A US federal court is allowing a lawsuit brought forward by warehouse workers who say their workplace has become ‘more hostile’ as a direct result of music. Could our favourite artists be causing problems in our offices? Raunchy, explicit, or misogynistic music could be an illegal workplace practice, a...
MTV News becomes latest outlet to permanently shut down
The beloved, old-school division MTV News has shut down for good. It follows Vice, Vox, Buzzfeed, CNN, and others in laying off staff and shrinking workforces, leaving a gap in legitimate news coverage that caters to younger audiences. MTV News has officially closed down. Once a hub for older millennials and young Gen Xers, it was a cultural staple for information and journalism in the 1990s. Featuring musicians, young reporters,...
Ed Sheeran wins lawsuit against Marvin Gaye’s heirs for copyright
The world-renowned singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has faced multiple legal allegations of theft, most notably for his single ‘Thinking Out Loud.’ His win clears him of any wrongdoing, and ensures other artists are still free to use chord progressions in any manner they see fit. Ed Sheeran has won a court case in New York this week and was ruled not liable for copyright infringement. He was accused of ‘ripping...
Fundraiser launched after floating shop sinks due to pollution
The founder of Rubber Ducky Records, Myles Greenwood, has launched a fundraising campaign after his floating independent record shop was destroyed en route to Manchester last week. Myles Greenwood turned his boat into an independent music shop and venue, housing over 2000 pieces of vinyl and recording equipment. Since October last year, the boat has been drifting through Britain’s waterways, bringing vintage vinyl and radio shows to towns and cities across...
Barbie’s latest attempt at inclusivity has mixed reviews
Mattel announced its latest Barbie last week, a doll with Down’s Syndrome. But customers are undecided on whether this new stab at inclusivity has been successful. Toy company Mattel has been churning out Barbie’s of all shapes and sizes recently. From a Barbie with hearing aids, to the first transgender doll, 2022 was a year of inclusivity for Barbie fans the world over. Adding to the roster, Mattel announced...
