In 2024, whiskey emerged as one of the most iconic cultural symbols, not just in bars but in music as well. From genre-blending hits to celebrity-backed whiskey brands, the spirit of whiskey became synonymous with both escapism and celebration amid a turbulent year. Tracks like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Hozier’s “Too Sweet,” and Moneybagg Yo’s “Whiskey Whiskey” showcased whiskey as a central theme, elevating it beyond a mere drink to a key element of musical storytelling. As these hits soared through the charts, whiskey became a metaphor for navigating life’s highs and lows, perfectly capturing the spirit of 2024.

The surge in whiskey-themed music can be traced to more than just creative expression—2024 marked a time when whiskey was more than a drink; it was a moment of reflection and release. With the world facing challenges like  economic instability, global conflicts, and social shifts, whiskey became the cultural antidote. These musical hits reflected the times, with whiskey as a symbol of both sorrow and celebration.

In parallel, celebrity involvement in the whiskey industry reached new heights in 2024. High-profile figures in the entertainment industry, such as Matthew McConaughey with his Longbranch whiskey, Nick Offerman’s Lagavulin, and other notable stars, introduced their own brands, driving the whiskey market to unprecedented levels of popularity. These collaborations further embedded whiskey into mainstream culture and helped shape it as one of the top spirits of the year.

The rise of whiskey can also be tied to World Whiskey Day, which is celebrated every year on the third Saturday of May. In 2024, this day of celebration on May 18th coincided with the whiskey music explosion, adding to the cultural momentum. Whiskey, a spirit deeply tied to tradition and history, took on new layers of meaning in 2024, both as a drink to savor and as a symbol of defiance, release, and indulgence.

Top Whiskeys to Try in 2024

• Heaven’s Door Whiskey: A premium whiskey from the legendary Bob Dylan, offering a rich, complex flavor that has won multiple awards. Its different variations, including straight bourbon and rye, continue to be crowd favorites.
• Kikori Whiskey: This Japanese whiskey, made from 100% rice, stands out for its smooth taste, aged in a variety of casks, including French oak and sherry. It’s one of the first whiskeys crafted by an Asian American woman.
• Four Roses Small Batch: A beautifully smooth bourbon with hints of caramel and cherry, Four Roses Small Batch is a favorite for those seeking a slightly sweeter option.
• Redbreast 21 Years Old: Known for its rich and creamy honeyed flavors, Redbreast was named the best Irish whiskey for 2024 by the World Whiskey Awards.

The rise of whiskey as both a drink and a cultural symbol shows no signs of slowing down. Music, spirits, and celebrity collaborations created a perfect storm that made 2024 a defining year for whiskey. Whether you’re celebrating World Whiskey Day or simply enjoying a night out, whiskey’s influence on pop culture will continue to resonate in the years to come.

As the year wraps up, the whiskey trend shows no signs of fading, and it’s clear that this spirit will continue to be at the center of musical hits, cultural moments, and global celebrations.

Managing multiple business locations is an art and science that requires a unique mindset. For Daniel Brock, a retired law enforcement officer turned multi-unit business operator and consultant, it’s not just about efficiency; it’s about leadership, adaptability, and fostering connections. With a career spanning over two decades in leadership development, Daniel has seamlessly transitioned his skills to empower businesses across industries.

Based in New Mexico, Daniel’s entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. His ability to integrate diverse expertise into practical solutions has established him as a trusted figure in multi-unit operations management, setting him apart as a leader in his field.

A Journey of Leadership and Transformation

Daniel Brock’s professional foundation at D. Brock & Associates was built in law enforcement, where he served with dedication and integrity, eventually becoming an instructor at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s police academy. This role honed his leadership skills, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure.

Upon retiring, Daniel pivoted to the world of business, leveraging his expertise to excel as a multi-unit operator and consultant. Recognized as a Top Manager in North Carolina by Best of Best Reviews, Daniel’s career reflects a deep commitment to helping businesses streamline operations, empower teams, and achieve sustainable growth.

The Vision Behind the Brand

Daniel’s brand was born from a desire to help businesses overcome challenges like poor financial decisions and client retention issues. His expertise in analyzing inefficiencies and crafting tailored solutions enabled him to build a global business offering a range of services, including:

1. Business Consulting: Streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and driving growth.
2. Leadership Development: Training and mentoring future leaders for sustainable success.
3. Multi-Unit Operations Support: Ensuring consistency and quality across multiple locations.
4. Client Retention Strategies: Enhancing customer experiences and loyalty.

The Distinct Mindset for Multi-Unit Management

Managing multiple locations requires more than just operational knowledge—it demands a unique mindset. Daniel emphasizes that multi-unit success starts with strong relationships. His approach focuses on aligning with both clients and managers, fostering trust, and creating a foundation for long-term growth.

Key Principles of Multi-Unit Success

1. Diverse Expertise Across Industries: Daniel offers a comprehensive range of solutions, from healthcare services to payment processing, allowing businesses to consolidate operations efficiently.
2. Systematic and Scalable Solutions: His approach involves implementing systems that ensure consistency and scalability without compromising quality.
3. Resilience and Adaptability: Drawing from his law enforcement background, Daniel navigates challenges with a level-headed, solutions-oriented perspective.
4. Authentic Leadership and Vision: Daniel’s leadership philosophy is centered on empowering teams and building genuine connections, creating environments where individuals and businesses thrive.

Empowering Teams and Driving Growth

For Daniel, the success of a multi-unit operation lies in its people. He believes in creating strong, motivated teams that align with the company’s vision and goals. Through mentorship and training, he ensures that leaders within each unit are equipped to handle the challenges of managing multiple locations.

Daniel’s leadership development programs focus on:

• Building trust and accountability within teams.
• Nurturing future leaders for sustainable growth.
• Fostering open communication and conflict resolution skills.

“In multi-unit operations, it’s not just about systems—it’s about the relationships that drive those systems,” says Daniel.

Resilience Amid Economic Challenges

Even during the recession, Daniel’s business has remained resilient by offering essential services like internet and payment processing. His ability to adapt to market demands while maintaining operational stability has been a cornerstone of his success.

A Vision for the Future

Daniel envisions a future where multi-unit operations thrive on efficiency, adaptability, and strong leadership. By fostering meaningful connections and leveraging innovative systems, he aims to create businesses that excel individually while functioning cohesively as part of a greater whole.

For district and regional managers, Daniel’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and authentic leadership in achieving scalable success across locations.

For more insights into Daniel Brock’s transformational strategies and services, visit Brock’s website: https://brock.acnibo.com/us-en/homepage 

The technology landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 promises to be a year where groundbreaking innovations reshape industries, enhance daily life, and address global challenges. From the rise of generative AI to the continued expansion of 5G, here are the top 10 emerging technology trends you can’t afford to ignore in 2025.

1. Generative AI: Revolutionizing Creativity and Productivity

Generative AI is one of the most transformative trends in technology today. By 2025, generative AI will continue to disrupt industries like content creation, marketing, and design, allowing businesses to automate complex tasks and enhance personalization at scale. The ability of AI to generate human-like content, such as text, images, and audio, will fuel new opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and innovation, especially for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition.

2. Quantum Computing: Unlocking Unimaginable Possibilities

While still in its developmental stages, quantum computing holds the key to solving complex problems that classical computers cannot. By 2025, quantum computing will make significant strides in fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and AI, offering unprecedented computational power. The technology promises to revolutionize industries by enabling faster data processing and solving intractable problems in a fraction of the time it would take today.

3. 5G Expansion: Transforming Connectivity and IoT

The expansion of 5G technology will continue at an accelerated pace, significantly improving internet speeds and reducing latency. By 2025, 5G will be the backbone of next-generation technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality. With faster, more reliable connections, businesses and consumers will experience seamless, real-time communication, further fueling innovation and growth in a wide range of industries.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): The Future of Interaction

AR and VR technologies are becoming increasingly mainstream, offering immersive experiences that transform everything from gaming to healthcare. In 2025, the application of AR and VR will expand beyond entertainment into areas such as education, real estate, and remote work. With advancements in hardware and software, these immersive technologies will blur the line between the physical and digital worlds, creating exciting new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

5. Edge Computing: Enhancing Speed and Efficiency

Edge computing is the next evolution of cloud computing. By processing data closer to its source, edge computing reduces latency and accelerates real-time decision-making, making it ideal for industries reliant on immediate data analysis, such as healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. By 2025, edge computing will become critical for organizations looking to stay competitive in a data-driven world.

6. Blockchain Beyond Crypto: Transforming Industries

While blockchain technology is most commonly associated with cryptocurrencies, its potential stretches far beyond digital coins. By 2025, blockchain will become a mainstream technology in industries like supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems, thanks to its ability to ensure secure, transparent, and immutable transactions. This technology promises to enhance trust, reduce fraud, and streamline business processes across various sectors.

7. Autonomous Vehicles: Changing the Future of Transportation

Self-driving cars are one step closer to becoming a common sight on roads, and by 2025, autonomous vehicles will be integral to the transportation ecosystem. From ride-sharing to freight delivery, autonomous vehicles will reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve safety. As AI and sensor technologies continue to improve, autonomous vehicles will transform not just how we travel, but how we think about transportation.

8. AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Protecting the Digital World

As cyberattacks grow in sophistication, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions are becoming more essential. In 2025, AI will play a pivotal role in defending against complex threats by enabling systems to detect anomalies, predict attacks, and respond in real time. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, businesses will be able to proactively secure their networks, protecting sensitive data and ensuring the safety of users and customers.

9. Wearable Technology: Advancements in Health Monitoring

Wearable technology is rapidly evolving, with devices that not only track physical activity but also monitor key health metrics like heart rate, blood sugar, and sleep patterns. By 2025, wearable devices will become even more advanced, using AI to provide personalized health insights and early detection of potential health issues. This technology will play a significant role in preventive healthcare, enabling individuals to take charge of their well-being like never before.

10. Sustainable Technologies: Paving the Way for a Green Future

As the world grapples with climate change, sustainable technologies are becoming critical in reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. By 2025, innovations in renewable energy, energy-efficient devices, and sustainable manufacturing practices will drive industries toward a greener future. Solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicles will play a major role in reducing the environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable world.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the world of technology. From generative AI transforming creativity and business productivity to advancements in blockchain, autonomous vehicles, and AI-driven cybersecurity, the future promises to be dynamic and disruptive. As these technologies continue to evolve, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

In the contemporary business landscape, prioritizing mental health has emerged as a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. While many companies traditionally focus on financial performance and operational efficiency, the mental well-being of both leaders and employees is now recognized as essential for fostering a thriving workplace. By understanding the profound impact that mental health has on productivity, creativity, and overall organizational success, businesses can create environments that empower individuals to perform at their best.

The Importance of Mental Health in Businesses

Mental health is often overlooked in the corporate world, yet it plays a significant role in the overall performance of businesses. Companies that prioritize mental well-being see higher employee engagement, reduced absenteeism, and a more positive workplace culture. When leaders focus on their mental health and encourage their teams to do the same, they create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Signs That It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health

Businesses must recognize the signs that indicate it’s time to prioritize mental health initiatives. Common symptoms include increased stress, poor communication, and a decline in productivity. If team members exhibit changes in behavior or mood, it’s a signal that mental health support is needed.

Strategies for Businesses to Prioritize Mental Health

1. Create a Supportive Culture: Foster an environment where employees feel safe discussing mental health issues without fear of stigma. Encourage open dialogue and provide resources for support.
2. Implement Mental Health Programs: Offer workshops, counseling services, and wellness programs that focus on building mental resilience and coping strategies.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can significantly reduce stress and burnout.
4. Lead by Example: Business leaders should openly prioritize their mental health, demonstrating its importance to their teams. Sharing personal experiences can help normalize conversations around mental well-being.

The Business Case for Prioritizing Mental Health

Investing in mental health is not just a moral obligation; it’s a smart business strategy. Companies that prioritize mental well-being enjoy lower turnover rates and increased productivity, leading to higher profitability. When businesses recognize that mental health is a core component of success, they position themselves to attract and retain top talent.

As we move forward in an increasingly competitive marketplace, the need for businesses to prioritize mental health has never been more critical. By taking proactive steps to address mental well-being, companies can create a healthier work environment, leading to sustainable success. Let 2025 be the year that mental health becomes a central focus for businesses everywhere.

Health experts have discovered that certain blockbuster weight-loss drugs could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, offering new hope for broader cardiovascular protection. Certain blockbuster weight-loss drugs have been found to offer significant protection to the heart, and new research indicates that the cardiovascular benefits of these drugs may extend to a much broader set of patients than clinical trial data has previously shown. This new insight suggests that these drugs, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, could prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes in the United States each year. These findings could mark a substantial shift in how these drugs are viewed, moving beyond their use for weight loss to potentially becoming critical tools in preventing cardiovascular events on a much larger scale.Clinical trial data from Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy, showed that people who used the drug had a 20% lower risk of experiencing a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or stroke, compared to those who were given a placebo. This data prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March to approve an update to Wegovy’s label, making it the first weight-loss medication officially approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death in individuals who are at a higher risk of these conditions. Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, and its active ingredient, semaglutide, is also available as Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk’s clinical trial, however, was limited to people who were living with obesity and had already experienced a previous cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or those with symptoms of peripheral artery disease, which includes conditions like clogged arteries in the limbs. This group is at higher risk of future heart problems, and the trial focused on whether Wegovy could help prevent subsequent events in this population.

Now, new research from Dandelion Health, a health platform leveraging real-world data and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance personalized care, suggests that GLP-1 drugs could also be highly effective as a primary prevention method. This means that these drugs might significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes even for people who have mild or moderate cardiovascular disease but have not yet suffered a major cardiovascular event. The implications of this research are profound, as it suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists could benefit an even larger group of people than previously thought, extending beyond those with a history of heart disease.

The researchers at Dandelion Health used AI to analyze real-world medical records of patients who shared similarities with those in the Novo Nordisk clinical trial but had no history of major cardiovascular events. By tracking years of medical data, particularly focusing on electrocardiogram readings (which measure the heart’s electrical activity), the AI model predicted the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The AI-driven predictions were then validated against actual patient outcomes. 

What the researchers found was striking: GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 15% to 20%—a result that mirrors the findings of the clinical trial but for a much broader population. Based on these results, the researchers estimate that if everyone in this larger group of potentially eligible patients took GLP-1 drugs, it could prevent around 34,000 heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. each year. This could transform the way cardiovascular disease is managed in millions of people, marking a shift toward using GLP-1 drugs as a cornerstone in heart disease prevention.

“In clinical research, you take the moderate to severe patients because you require fewer patients to prove out the efficacy. But there’s this huge danger that you will consistently miss the impact of medication on broader populations because you just can’t afford the time or money to study them. This is just a natural flaw of clinical research,” explained Elliott Green, co-founder and CEO of Dandelion Health. He emphasised that broadening the scope of research through the use of AI can help capture data on patients who might otherwise be overlooked in traditional clinical trials—those he referred to as the “clinically silent” group.

The potential for GLP-1 drugs to reshape cardiovascular care has already been transformative. Many experts now consider these drugs not merely as weight-loss solutions but as powerful tools that promote overall health, particularly heart health. Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist and scientist at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital, who was not involved in the Dandelion Health analysis, sees the growing evidence of the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1s as potentially game-changing. “We could reframe the discussion,” Krumholz said, explaining that instead of focusing solely on the weight-loss effects of these drugs, the conversation could shift to how they help reduce cardiovascular risk and promote longer, healthier lives. This added evidence of heart health benefits may help persuade more people to consider the use of GLP-1 drugs.

Dr. Brendan Everett, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, is among the physicians who have already begun prescribing GLP-1 drugs for their cardiovascular benefits. “I am a preventive cardiologist who wants people to be well and has watched this epidemic of obesity and what we call cardiometabolic disease consume the United States over the past two or three decades,” he said. Everett highlighted that GLP-1 drugs have created an “absolute paradigm shift” in the way cardiovascular disease is treated. He believes that expanding the use of these drugs to patients with mild or moderate cardiovascular disease could provide even greater benefits, as long as the costs and prevention goals are clearly understood.

However, the cost of GLP-1 drugs remains a critical consideration. A recent analysis published in *Health Affairs* suggested that if Medicare were to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Part D spending could increase by $3 billion annually, even if only 5% of eligible patients were prescribed the drug. However, preventing costly heart attacks and strokes through the use of GLP-1 drugs could potentially offset these costs in other areas of healthcare. For example, research from last year found that each heart attack costs hospitals an average of about $19,000.

While clinical trials with randomized controls, such as those conducted by Novo Nordisk, remain the gold standard for determining the safety and efficacy of medications, AI-driven research like that from Dandelion Health offers valuable insights. This new research also had some advantages over the Novo Nordisk trial. For instance, the Dandelion Health analysis included a more diverse patient population, with a more balanced ratio of men and women and nearly three times the number of non-white patients. Additionally, the AI model was able to identify the decreased cardiovascular risk in less than two years, whereas the Novo Nordisk clinical trial took over three years to complete.

As heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke is the fifth leading cause, the opportunities to improve cardiovascular health through the use of GLP-1 drugs are significant. With the growing popularity of these medications, additional data from real-world analyses and clinical trials could help healthcare providers better allocate the currently limited supply to those who would benefit the most.

When a demanding week disrupts your regular sleep routine, catching up on sleep over the weekend often seems like a sensible remedy. However, new research suggests that this approach might offer more than just temporary relief—it could actually benefit your heart health. Set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress on September 1, the study indicates that making up for lost sleep on weekends is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease.

This research, based on data from the UK Biobank study involving over 90,000 participants, reveals intriguing findings. Those who used weekends to compensate for lost sleep showed a 19% lower risk of heart disease compared to individuals who didn’t catch up as much. The benefit was notably greater for those who regularly faced inadequate sleep during the workweek. Over an average follow-up period of nearly 14 years, participants who averaged the most additional sleep on weekends were less likely to develop serious cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

For people suffering from chronic sleep deprivation—defined as getting less than seven hours of sleep per night—this research found that catching up on sleep over the weekend reduced the risk of heart disease by 20%. This suggests that even intermittent sleep recovery can have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.

Despite these promising results, experts stress the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the entire week. Irregular sleep patterns, often referred to as “social jet lag,” can have detrimental effects on heart health, undermining the benefits of weekend sleep recovery. For instance, excessive weekend sleep might not fully mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient sleep during the week.

The research, while compelling, remains in abstract form and has some limitations. It primarily reflects the UK population, and the study’s methodology does not yet account for all potential risk factors for heart disease or variations in individual sleep needs. Further research is needed to determine the optimal amount of daily sleep and whether there are thresholds beyond which additional weekend sleep offers no further benefit.

Dr. Nieca Goldberg, medical director of Atria New York City and a clinical associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, emphasizes the broader implications of the findings. She points out that chronic sleep deprivation is known to contribute to various cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, while catching up on sleep can be beneficial, it is crucial to aim for a consistent sleep routine to maximize heart health.

Other experts, like Dr. Nour Makarem from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, highlight that maintaining regular sleep patterns every day is likely the best strategy for long-term health. They also suggest discussing sleep issues with healthcare providers to address any underlying problems and ensure the most effective approach to improving sleep and overall cardiovascular health.

In summary, while making up for lost sleep on weekends appears to offer heart health benefits, the ideal approach is to maintain a consistent and adequate sleep schedule throughout the week. Further research will be needed to refine these findings and provide more specific guidelines for optimizing sleep for heart health.

The vibrant, cubic universe of Minecraft is set to leap off the screen with the release of the first teaser trailer for “A Minecraft Movie,” the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved video game. Starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and Jack Black, the film promises to bring the pixelated world of Minecraft to life in an exciting new way.

The teaser introduces Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, who, along with Brooks, “Wednesday” star Emma Myers, and Sebastian, finds himself transported into the enchanting realm of Minecraft through a mysterious portal. The trailer showcases their journey through this imaginative landscape, where they encounter various Minecraft creatures like bleating sheep, menacing piglins, and an intriguing character named Steve, played by Jack Black.

In a memorable moment from the trailer, Black’s character declares, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make,” while The Beatles’ “The Magical Mystery Tour” plays in the background. This line underscores the movie’s theme of creativity and exploration in the fantastical world of Minecraft.

The film’s official synopsis reveals that Momoa’s character and his friends face ordinary challenges that become extraordinary once they are thrust into the Overworld, a surreal and cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To return home, they must embrace their unique creative abilities, which will ultimately help them in their real-world lives.

Directed by Jared Hess, known for “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Masterminds,” “A Minecraft Movie” marks the first live-action adaptation of the popular video game that originally launched in 2011. The film is a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, and is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025.

 Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as Raygun, has issued a heartfelt apology to the breaking community following the significant backlash from her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer and breakdancer garnered international attention for her unique and unconventional routine, but her performance did not resonate with many in the sport, leading to a storm of criticism.

In an interview aired on the Australian current affairs show “The Project,” Gunn expressed her deep regret over the negative impact her Olympic appearance had on the breaking community. Gunn’s performance, which featured distinctive moves like the kangaroo hop, backward rolls, and various contortions while lying or crawling on the floor, did not score a single point in her matches against competitors from the United States, France, and Lithuania. She lost each round 18-0, a result that fueled the controversy surrounding her style and approach.

Gunn’s style was met with confusion and disapproval from many in the breaking community, who felt that her routine diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing elements. Despite qualifying for the Olympics by winning the Oceania championships, Gunn admitted in her interview that she was nervous about competing and anticipated a mixed reception to her performance. “I knew that I was going to get beaten, and I knew that people were not going to understand my style and what I was going to do,” she said. “The odds were against me, that’s for sure.”

The reaction to Gunn’s performance extended beyond the breaking community and captured the attention of the global media. Singer Adele publicly questioned the seriousness of the performance during a concert in Munich, while actress Rachel Dratch parodied Gunn’s routine on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Gunn revealed that she had not seen the Fallon sketch but felt conflicted about the attention it brought her. “I don’t know whether to hug (Fallon) or yell at him, because what platform he ended up giving me,” she remarked.

Gunn’s performance, while controversial, was a bold attempt to bring a new perspective to breakdancing, a sport that made its Olympic debut in Paris but will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Gunn’s approach, though not widely accepted, highlights the ongoing debate within the sport about the balance between innovation and tradition.

In light of the backlash, Gunn has decided to take a step back from competitive breakdancing. She expressed a desire to avoid the spotlight and focus on the positive aspects of her experience, including the joy and fun she found in performing. “I would much rather focus on the positives out of this, and the positive responses and the joy that I brought people,” she said. Gunn emphasized that her goal was to have fun and push boundaries, even in the face of defeat.

Rachael Gunn’s apology and decision to step away from competition reflect her acknowledgment of the controversy and her commitment to the sport, despite the challenges she faced. Her story underscores the complexities of introducing innovative approaches to traditional sports and the need for ongoing dialogue within the breaking community about the future direction of the sport.

Fatman Scoop, the acclaimed rapper and hype man known for his collaborations with Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey, has passed away at the age of 56 after collapsing onstage during a concert in Hamden, Connecticut. The news was confirmed by his publicist, Chanel Rae, who directed fans to a tribute posted on Fatman Scoop’s official Instagram page. The tribute described him as a “radiant soul” and “beacon of light,” recognizing him not only as a top performer but also as a father, brother, uncle, and friend. Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett also offered condolences on Facebook, acknowledging the large turnout for what would be Fatman Scoop’s final performance and expressing gratitude to those who provided life-saving assistance. She announced that grief counseling would be available for those affected by the tragedy. Sharron Elkabas, the musician’s representative, expressed shock at his sudden death, noting that he had been in good spirits recently. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been released. Fatman Scoop gained prominence with his 1999 hit “Be Faithful” and went on to collaborate with notable artists such as Lil Jon, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Pitbull, and Skrillex. His contributions included helping to make Missy Elliott’s 2005 single “Lose Control” a hit and collaborating with Mariah Carey on “It’s Like That,” earning him a Grammy in 2006 for best short form music video

Left-leaning Taylor Swift fans joined artists like Carole King and politicians, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, for a Zoom call organized by the group “Swifties for Kamala” to mobilize supporters to vote for Kamala Harris.

Swift herself has no affiliation with the group and was not involved in the call on Tuesday. The group has amassed roughly a quarter of a million followers across multiple social media platforms since President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term and endorsed Vice President Harris. To date, “Swifties for Kamala” has raised over $13,000 for the Harris-Walz campaign.

More than 26,000 participants registered for the Tuesday evening call, which also featured remarks by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), and North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton.

Irene Kim, co-founder of “Swifties for Kamala,” had previously hoped that Harris or her running mate, Tim Walz, might join the call, though neither were present.

“Hello Swifties!” Warren, the first speaker of the night, greeted the group as heart, thumbs up, and party emojis flowed through the Zoom stream. “You are resilient, and you know how to take on bullies and be your most authentic, joyful selves,” Warren said. “You come together hand-in-hand, friendship bracelets on your wrist, and you overcome pretty much anything that life throws at you. And that is what the Kamala Harris campaign is all about. It’s about standing up for what is right in the face of bullies, like Donald Trump.”

King sang her favorite Swift song, “Shake It Off,” and encouraged attendees to stand up and use their voices in the lead-up to the election. “I’ve been a political activist for years, I’ve been a volunteer, I’ve been a door knocker, even as a famous person,” King said. “I am a Swiftie, and Taylor and I are actually friends. We’ve had conversations backstage, and I see her as sort of my musical and songwriting granddaughter, and we have a lovely relationship. I’m so excited about Kamala because so many people are excited about Kamala.”

Gillibrand told a few Swiftie jokes (“Karma is a relaxing thought, but for Donald Trump, it’s not” and “Kamala is saying, look what you made me do”) and referenced the now-infamous cat lady remarks made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. “I think it’s important that we, as single cat ladies, as independent women, as women who know every lyric that Taylor Swift has ever written, that we are part of this campaign and part of this election,” Gillibrand said. “I think she can be a voice for this generation that is really profound, as someone who values women’s words, who values women, who values our independence.”

Markey spoke about climate change, alluding to Swift’s Rhode Island summer home. “Climate change is threatening our favorite phenomena,” Markey said. “The waters on the shores of Taylor’s holiday house in New England are some of the fastest warming waters in the world, outside of the Arctic. Right now, Kamala is running against the climate-denier-in-chief.”

In the chat, organizers called for action in Swift-appropriate fashion: asking for donations in amounts of $13 or $19.89—numbers significant to the singer—or $47, in reference to the next president.