Tag Archives: United States

29Nov/23

The Zambian debt restructuring impasse has got the international community riled

Nov. 29, 2023 /IEconomy/ — Zambia is a country in southern Africa that has been struggling with a heavy debt burden for many years. In 2020, the country became the first African nation to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to get its finances back on track, Zambia has been seeking to restructure its debt with its creditors. Continue reading

29Nov/23

The Origins of NOW

/Music/ —  Now That’s What I Call Music (NOW) is a compilation series of popular music released in the United Kingdom since 1983. The series is known for its eclectic mix of genres, including pop, rock, dance, and R&B. NOW has been a popular source of music for young people in the UK for many years, and it has played a significant role in British pop culture.

The Origins of NOW

The idea for NOW was conceived by Virgin Records executive Simon Draper in 1982. Draper was inspired by the success of a similar series in the US called “K-Tel Records.” Draper believed that there was a market for a compilation series that featured the biggest hits of the day.

The first NOW album was released in 1983 and was an instant success. It sold over 1 million copies in the UK and topped the charts for 30 weeks. The album’s success was due in part to its strong tracklisting, which featured hits from artists such as Culture Club, Duran Duran, and Michael Jackson.

NOW’s Influence on British Pop Culture

NOW has had a significant impact on British pop culture for many years. The series has helped to launch the careers of many successful artists, including Oasis, Blur, and Spice Girls. NOW has also been a major force in the development of British dance music.

The series has been praised for its ability to capture the zeitgeist of British music. NOW albums have always been a reflection of the current musical landscape, and they have helped to define the sound of British pop music for many years.

NOW in the 21st Century

NOW is still a popular series today. The latest album, NOW 113, was released in 2023. NOW has also expanded into other areas, such as television and DVD.

The series is still significant in British pop culture because it continues to provide a snapshot of the current musical landscape. NOW is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest music trends.

Here are some of the reasons why NOW is still significant in British pop culture:

  • It is a reflection of the current musical landscape.
  • It is a source of new music for young people.
  • It has helped to launch the careers of many successful artists.
  • It is a major force in the development of British dance music.
  • It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest music trends.
15Nov/23

How music heals us, even when it’s sad – by a neuroscientist leading a new study of musical therapy

Leigh Riby, Northumbria University, Newcastle

When I hear Shania Twain’s You’re Still The One, it takes me back to when I was 15, playing on my Dad’s PC. I was tidying up the mess after he had tried to [take his own life]. He’d been listening to her album, and I played it as I tidied up. Whenever I hear the song, I’m taken back – the sadness and anger comes flooding back.

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11Oct/23

How loneliness changes the way our brains process the world

Robin Kramer, University of Lincoln

If there’s one thing we as humans seem to have in common, it’s that most of us have felt lonely at one time or another. But is the pain that comes with feeling socially isolated simply a part of being human? Why does the world seem so different when we’re feeling lonely?

Recent research has begun to provide some answers. And it turns out that loneliness can affect your perception and cognition.

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06Oct/23

Experienced Pilots Voice Safety Concerns As Holiday Travel Season Begins

As Airline Captains, First Officers, Line Check Pilots, Mentors and Passengers, we have witnessed a concerning and significant rise in close call aviation incidents in 2023. The safety of commercial airline travel has been compromised because of the increasing number of experienced airline pilots being forced into retirement at age 65 and carriers’ ongoing struggles to attract and retain top tier pilot candidates. Factoring in the loss of on-the-job training (“operational experience” or OE) by the more experienced pilots who mentor the less experienced pilots and given the unprecedented level of US air travel following the pandemic, the situation is untenable. This according to members of the Let Experienced Pilots Fly, Inc. organization. Continue reading

06Oct/23

Exporting surveillance to Africa

By Kim Harrisberg | South Africa correspondent

Privacy experts are calling for citizens to be protected from growing surveillance in Africa, following a new report by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN).

Their report, “Mapping the supply of surveillance technologies to Africa” focuses on Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Malawi and Zambia importing surveillance tech from countries including the U.S., Britain, China, Israel as well as the EU amounting to more than $1bn every year. Continue reading

03Oct/23

Celebrity Homes: Sir Elton John Is Asking $5 Million For His Gigantic Atlanta Condo Home

https://youtu.be/u_o2Ptjflp0
Elton John has been performing in the United States since 1970 when he did his first American concert at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Elton became so busy in the US with his music, television, films and charitable work that he bought a condo in Atlanta as his US base and eventually added five more neighboring units to expand his Atlanta condo to 13,300 square feet spanning two floors. Elton’s home is now for sale and featured this week at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Continue reading

02Oct/23

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ WILL TAKE OVER MOVIE THEATERS, WORLDWIDE THIS DECEMBER

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ accentuates the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, from its inception to the opening show in Stockholm, Sweden, to the grand finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim by International and US media alike, Beyoncé’s outstanding performance during RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom, acceptance, and shared joy. Its maximalist production welcomed more than 2.7 million fans from around the world, who travelled across oceans to enjoy Club RENAISSANCE. Now, millions of moviegoers will get caught up in the Joy Parade, the monumental dance party that celebrates everyone’s right to be themselves, close to home. Continue reading