After two and a half years of work -- recording and editing some 300 hours of audio with dozens of actors -- I have started releasing the second season of my audio drama. Nineteen episodes (including a forthcoming seven part epic set between 1994 and 2023), 120 speaking roles, and I wrote nearly a thousand pages. The series involves parallel universes, wisecracking demons, revolutionaries, exuberant aliens fond of American nostalgia, and, above all, an examination of love and empathy.

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Inspired by this post my favorite pastime recently, when I'm feeling down or bored, has been getting GPT-2 to complete William Carlos Williams poems. I've made a tumblr where I have been posting some of my favorite completions of his classic, "This Is Just To Say."

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I recently came across some old abandoned police sketch software for Macintosh systems from the 1980s. I've wrapped it up in a web-based emulator and now you can play with it in your browser. Make your own face sketches.

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Enchanting singer and instrumentalist Leah Senior has just shared her charming new track "Evergreen," via Flightless Records, label of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. This joyful tune comes after a long wait from Senior, whose last full length album, Pretty Faces, came in 2017. "Evergreen" also comes with an exciting announcement, the release of a new album The Passing […]

The post Leah Senior shares baroque "Evergreen" music video appeared first on EARMILK.

Creating has become an inevitable response to the Coronavirus related lockdowns. During quarantine, we have seen countless musicians release content early, or better yet, release create content that may never have been created otherwise. Today, Easy Life have released their own addition to quarantine content, a double single release collectively called see you later maybe never (demos).  Opening […]

The post Easy Life return with double single release "see you later maybe never (demos)" appeared first on EARMILK.

Sweden's Ellen Krauss fills those small compartments of the heart that have been empty for too long with an indie-pop tonic titled "No Talk," which attempts to rebalance the way the organ operates, how it reacts to fear. "No Talk" is a groovy, super-smooth number that erupts at the choruses with the vibrant vocals of […]

The post Ellen Krauss reconfigures fear in new single "No Talk" appeared first on EARMILK.

Returning with another pop gem, UK artist Harry Strange releases the melancholic dark-pop single "Turn Away." Following the previous EARMILK approved single "Four In The Morning", this new track takes a different approach to songwriting by delving into moodier melodies and sadder lyricism. Submerged in hazy synths and infectious underlying bass grooves, "Turn Away" captures […]

The post Harry Strange reveals dark-pop single "Turn Away" appeared first on EARMILK.

A new environment has a way of bringing out something new in us, for American singer-songwriter, Charli Adams, it comes in the form of new single "Superpowers." The acoustic composition puts the indie artist in the familiar position of vulnerability and seclusion that first propelled her from secret shows in her native Alabama to the […]

The post Charli Adams reaches for something familiar in new single "Superpowers" appeared first on EARMILK.

What do we actually know about the number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area? We'll hear about a group of volunteers working to fill in the gaps in testing data. Then, a San Francisco resident is scrambling to meet basic needs in her community during the shelter-in-place order. And, local songwriter Anna Hillburg looks at the city's changing art scene.

It’s been just a little over two weeks since the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place policy took effect. And it has dramatically changed how most of us live and work. Hear from people all around the Bay Area about daily life during the coronavirus epidemic.

What does the quarantine mean for people who are homeless? We hear how one soup kitchen is adjusting to the shelter-in-place order. Then, we begin a series that looks at how other countries are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, starting with Australia. And, from our project Uncuffed, how to make a wet burrito if you’re stuck in a prison cell.

We'll hear from San Francisco supervisors on the challenges the city is facing moving some unhoused residents into hotels to shelter from the pandemic. Then, we go to Europe and get the latest on the coronavirus situation there. And, religious communities can’t gather in person, but they’re still meeting up online.

An update on the coronavirus pandemic from Uganda . Then, as part of our ongoing Quarantine Diaries series, we’ll hear from people all around the Bay Area about daily life during the coronavirus epidemic.

Domestic workers are losing jobs they rely on to the pandemic, and the jobs they’ve kept could jeopardize their health. We hear how workers are using lessons from past disasters to advocate for their communities. Then, in a story from Uncuffed , an ex-marine in prison faces his own mortality. Plus, we’re bringing Bay Area author readings to you in a new series called "New Arrivals."

Fremont has been using boulders to block parking near Tesla, and RV residents who call the area their home have had to find another place to go. Then, some singles are missing sex and intimacy during the shutdown. Plus, we continue our "New Arrivals" series with a reading from "Why We Swim" by Berkeley author Bonnie Tsui .

Today, we hear how people around the Bay Area are experiencing their fifth week of quarantine in our continuing Quarantine Diaries series. Then, a reality show star and social media critic has tips for keeping in touch during the shelter in place.

A mobile health team in Contra Costa county brings medication to people with addiction living on the streets. Now, the doctor leading that effort worries about the additional challenge the coronavirus poses for them. Then, an incarcerated father and son see each other for the first time in 22 years.

First, an update on how the City of Oakland is handling the coronavirus pandemic. Then, a teen in Los Gatos creates a space where her peers can safely reveal some of their deepest personal struggles. And, from the Uncuffed team at San Quentin , we’ll hear how a man who grew up in Cambodia and ended up incarcerated in the U.S. Plus, a reading from a Bay Area author for our series " New Arrivals ."

San Francisco Unified is pushing to get all students online and learning . We’ll hear why getting families computers and internet access in the age of COVID-19 is complicated. Then, we talk to body image activist Virgie Tovar about the new hidden messaging to teenage girls. And, we’ll continue our New Arrivals series featuring local authors.

Cyril, a petroleum engineer in Nigeria, discovered deeper truths in God’s Word when he was invited to a seminar featuring an Amazing Facts DVD.

As a child, Nancy felt terrible fear when she learned about God’s “eternal hellfire.” As an adult, she rebelled against the tragic distortion of being burned forever for her sins. But despite seeking happiness in the world, she only ended up in relationships that led to heartbreak. But God had a beautiful plan for her life that she was soon to discover.

Sharon struggled with depression and feelings of rejection until—thanks to supporters like you—she discovered Amazing Facts on TV. After watching the programs and completing our Bible Study Guides, she found everlasting peace in Christ. Thank you for changing Sharon’s life!

Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit RACHEL MARTIN, HOST: This country's top uniformed military officer is wrestling with a special problem of the pandemic. The military has to protect its people, but unlike schools and businesses, it can never shut down. MARK MILLEY: We still have to defend the nation and sail ships and fly planes and so on. How are we, as a military, going to operate in this environment and, if not this environment, some other pandemic environment? MARTIN: General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked through the challenges with our co-host, Steve Inskeep. STEVE INSKEEP, BYLINE: General Milley is a four-decade veteran of U.S. operations around the world. He's also a history buff who knew we would play this interview today, May 8, the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. That war is on his mind as Milley considers the scale of the pandemic today. MILLEY: We, the United States, have lost over 70,000 killed in the last 90 to 120

Why is the government seeking to drop charges against Michael Flynn even though he pleaded guilty — in two admissions in court — to committing the crime at issue? The short answers: The Justice Department is giving him a break. And Flynn has played his cards well. The long answer: It's a long story. The deal Flynn admitted to lying to the FBI about conversations he had had with Russia's then-ambassador to the United States as he and the rest of President-elect Donald Trump's camp waited in the wings early in 2017. That case appeared clear. But the former Army lieutenant general also had been involved with other enterprises that might have resulted in more charges — including undisclosed foreign lobbying — and his deal with prosecutors swept that off the table. It also apparently avoided prospective charges for Flynn's son. Flynn and his attorneys considered the deal to be the least bad way out of the jam. "My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the special counsel's office

The Supreme Court has temporarily put on hold the release of redacted grand jury material from the Russia investigation to a House panel. The Trump administration is trying to block the release. Last October, a district court judge ruled the Justice Department had to turn over the materials, which were blacked out, from former special counsel Robert Mueller's report into Russian interference in the 2016 election. An appeals court upheld the decision , but the Trump administration, hoping to keep the evidence secret, appealed to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts' order temporarily stops the process. Lawyers for the House Judiciary Committee have until May 18 to file their response to the Justice Department's attempts to keep the materials from the House panel. The Justice Department had until Monday to turn over the material following the appeals court order. But on Thursday, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to block Congress from seeking it, saying, "The

Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: Adjusting to life on the virtual campaign trail has been a challenge for both Joe Biden and President Trump. It's been a particular struggle, though, for the former vice president. Here he is kicking off a virtual campaign rally this week with supporters in Florida. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) JOE BIDEN: Just me? Am I on? UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Yes. BIDEN: Good evening. Thanks so much for tuning in. KELLY: Ouch. Joining us now is NPR political correspondent Asma Khalid. She covers the Biden campaign. Hey, Asma. ASMA KHALID, BYLINE: Hi there. KELLY: So clearly some technical difficulties for the former vice president there. What is his strategy for campaigning when he can't go out and campaign? KHALID: Well, you're right. I mean, he's been hunkered down at his house in Delaware. So we should point out he has not been able to physically go out and campaign because of the virus. This week, the campaign announced this new

Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: Nurses and doctors have been at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. And yet even as health care workers fight back against the virus, the health care industry is crumbling around them. Today we learned that of the more than 20 million jobs that vanished last month, nearly 1 1/2 million were in health care. AILSA CHANG, HOST: And despite this dismal news for American workers, we heard a more optimistic message from the president today, who spoke about his belief that the country may soon turn an economic corner. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: So we're looking at the transition to greatness, and I think it's starting right now. CHANG: Meanwhile, the virus is inching closer and closer to the president, with another White House aide testing positive today for COVID-19. All right. To talk more about all of this, we're joined now by NPR chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley, science

The Census Bureau says it is continuing the gradual relaunch of limited field operations for the 2020 census next week in nine states where the coronavirus pandemic forced the hand-delivery of paper forms in rural areas to be suspended in mid-March. On May 13, some local census offices in Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington are scheduled to restart that fieldwork, according to an updated schedule the bureau published on its website Friday. All workers are expected to be trained in CDC guidance in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and besides a new reusable face mask for every 10 days worked and a pair of gloves for each work day, the bureau has ordered 2 ounces of hand sanitizer for each census worker conducting field operations, the bureau tells NPR in an email. The announcement means more households that receive their mail at post office boxes or drop points are expected to find paper questionnaires left outside their

Marc Lipsitch, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, answers questions about access to testing for COVID-19, false-negative results and the challenges of mass testing.

For the first time in its 231-year history, the Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments remotely by phone and made the audio available live. The new setup went off largely without difficulties, but produced some memorable moments, including one justice forgetting to unmute and an ill-timed bathroom break. Here are the top five can't-miss moments from this week's history-making oral arguments. A second week of arguments begin on Monday at 10 a.m. ET. Here's a rundown of the cases and how to listen. 1. Justice Clarence Thomas speaks ... a lot Supreme Court oral arguments are verbal jousting matches. The justices pepper the lawyers with questions, interrupting counsel repeatedly and sometimes even interrupting each other. Justice Clarence Thomas, who has sat on the bench for nearly 30 years, has made his dislike of the chaotic process well known, at one point not asking a question for a full decade. But with no line of sight, the telephone arguments have to be rigidly organized, and

Dr. Grace Farris is chief of hospital medicine at Mount Sinai West in Manhattan. She also writes a monthly comics column in the Annals of Internal Medicine called "Dr Mom." You can find her on Instagram @coupdegracefarris . Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

It was a whirlwind time in the film world, so, before the New Year kicks off, let's look back at what celluloid offered the masses this year. In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair, Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins, and WEMU's Michael Jewett all sit down for a conversation about the cinematic year that was 2019.

It's cold outside, so let a good movie keep you nice and warm! For this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's Michael Jewett sits in for Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins to talk about all of the new films opening this weekend with WEMU's David Fair.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many industries worldwide, and the movie business is no exception. In this week's "Cinema Chat," WEMU's David Fair and Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins discuss how movie theaters, especially those found in Ann Arbor, are adapting to this difficult situation.

There's no better cure for cabin fever than a good movie! In this week's "Cinema Chat," Michigan and State Theater executive director Russ Collins joins WEMU's David Fair to discuss the latest films the Michigan Theater is offering online. Plus, a few special screenings and events are in the forecast, as well!

Bay Area Artist Journee Premieres "Options" on All Streaming Platforms and Creates the #OptionsChallenge.

Biography

Journee is a 21 year old singer, songwriter, and model from San Jose, CA and is one of 5 brothers and sisters. She’s currently in college at UC Riverside and has immersed herself onto the LA music scene, perfecting her craft, and frequently collaborating with creatives making her one of the most exciting new acts from the region. Her single “This and That” was recently added to the Emerging R&B Playlist on Sound Cloud where out of 55 records she has the 6th most streams overall trailing only major artists. Often being compared to Aaliyah as a vocalist her lyrics are edgy but her voice is smooth and leaves any listener wanting more.

The post Bay Area Artist Journee Premieres “Options” on All Streaming Platforms and Creates the #OptionsChallenge appeared first on Singersroom.com.

STREAM HERE: https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZuUEeXuSvg4uupbGRqzxu?si=YTak2s4-SaafSkR1vG0b4w

Exciting new rapper, singer and songwriter BVNK is a musical product of his environment, having been born in Nigeria, raised in the UK, and now residing in North America – his music is a melting pot of lush R&B, heavy-hitting hip hop, and melodic rap/sung, flavoured with indie music sensibilities, with his life experiences across three different continents informing his storytelling and songwriting. After dipping his toes into the waters last year with two mixtapes including fan-favourite ‘Promises’, Bvnk is set to take 2020 by the scruff of its neck, starting with his brand new single titled ‘SITUATIONS’.

Produced by burgeoning LA-based musician and beatsmith Twelve 92, and taken from his forthcoming debut EP titled XX/XX (pronounced 20/20), Bvnk’s ‘Situations’ sees the Denver rapper-singer taking responsibility for failures in his past relationship, as he croons, “I did something to you, I never said sorry to you”, before kicking off his rap verse with, “tell me what I did to make you feel like I was breaking you”. The track is led by dreamy R&B guitar licks, minimalist drum arrangements, groovy melodies, and an infectious bassline, over which Bvnk showcases his dual singing and rapping talents, and undeniable songwriting dexterities.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the ‘Situations’ track, Bvnk says, “In a time where the world is full of one sided stories, and men thinking that taking responsibility is weak for some reason or the other, with women left having to deal with their toxic masculine energy, I wanted to take the truthful route on ‘Situations’. The song is about me looking into the mirror, taking responsibility, and apologising for the hurt I had caused. Amidst it all, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ is the perfect quote that explains ‘Situations’, because I’m ultimately asking for a second chance”.

STREAM HERE: https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZuUEeXuSvg4uupbGRqzxu?si=YTak2s4-SaafSkR1vG0b4w

CONNECT WITH BVNK
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bvnk_official
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bvnk_official
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bvnk_official

The post Denver Rapper & Songwriter BVNK Releases New Single “SITUATIONS’ appeared first on Singersroom.com.

Aliza Li Releases New Single 'Bit a Lemon".

Listen to the song on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/30giEStQMHnB4wiawDuKHH?si=bKr4Kpa9RFGaj8Bx2BNd6g

Aliza Li is an Atlanta based singer-songwriter known for her soulful vibes with blends of Neo-Soul, RnB, and TrapSoul. She recently released her first EP titled "Sometimes I Get High".

IG: @h3yalizali https://www.instagram.com/h3yalizali/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/h3yalizali
Spotify Artist page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0AloD8IYrcnleR7KtfMmwM?si=NWsFsLTTQfuEE6KUyF3aCQ

The post Aliza Li Releases New Single ‘Bit a Lemon” appeared first on Singersroom.com.

TEENEAR RELEASES NEW "COME SEE ME" SINGLE.

About TEENEAR:

Hailing from Miami, Florida, by way of Jamaica, singer-songwriter Teenear, is already laying the groundwork for a career that bucks the status quo. Inspired by artists ranging from Rihanna to SZA, Kiana Lede, and more, her genre-bending offerings run the gamut from future-pop to experimental R&B and soul. Not only that, they’ve already caught the ear of collaborators like Sage the Gemini, Lil Baby, Fetty Wap, and her labelmate rap veteran Trina, who was featured on the singer’s dancehall inspired “Streetlights” remix in 2016.

From childhood music has been hugely influential in Teenear’s life; she spent much of her time in the church, something that still inspires her approach to songwriting today. “My first memories of singing for people were in my church and that really instilled confidence in me, and it also made me eager to not grow up too fast in my music” the singer said, crediting her close-knit community for her creative development. Not only did she find her voice in the church choir, Teenear also joined the praise dancing team, honing a singing and dancing foundation that would help her transition into her role as the first-ever singer signed to legendary Miami-based record label Slip N’ Slide, home to Miami legends Trick Daddy and Trina,

Encouraged by her parents, who have supported her dream of being an entertainer since her early teens, Teenear launched a YouTube channel in 2013. The channel was meant to show the labels who were already expressing preliminary interest that she was serious about artist development. The young Teenear soon racked up a following performing covers of songs from her favorite artists, and within a year, Teenear’s rendition of Rihanna’s hit single “Stay” had gone viral. With several labels knocking at her door, the Miami native eventually chose Slip N’ Slide, which immediately felt like home. “We’re like a real family,” Teenear explained. “I just knew it was important for me to be somewhere where I felt like people were really looking out for me and Trick and Trina have been amazing mentors,” she continued.

In 2015, the same year she finished high school, the then 18-year-old singer debuted her first single through Slip N’ Slide, “Friday Night”. Featuring rapper Sage the Gemini the uptempo, pop-inflected offering also marked Teenear’s debut as a songwriter, a skill she would continue to refine in 2016’s “Streetlights” as well as “Something Else” and the Fetty Wap featured “Love Me or Leave Me” in 2017.

Last year, Teenear also debuted “Dolla Signs”, a track that she describes as a step in a more grown up direction. “I think a lot of times we hear songs about the guy going out and getting the money and hustling so I wanted to make a song that’s like that from a woman's point of view. I wanted it to kind of get at the idea that even though you can be a boss and all that you still want to get away and have those special moments with someone,” she explained. This year Teenear is set to release her debut EP, which will explore themes of love and relationships with a fresh, more adult set of eyes.

For additional information about Teenear, please visit www.teenear.com or www.slipnsliderecords.com and follow Teenear on Instagram, @Teenearr.

The post TEENEAR RELEASES COME SEE ME SINGLE appeared first on Singersroom.com.

Welcomes Grammy Award-Winning Superstar Lyrica Anderson For Latest Edition

Invites Viewers To Donate Live To Historic Memphis Community Orange Mound

April 30th 2020 (Memphis, TN) – Triple threat Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Lyrica Anderson will appear on Beatroot Music’s The Beatroot Suite for a live performance of her new single “Marriott” and Q&A on Thursday April 30, 2020 at 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT. 

In addition to this fan experience, Lyrica invites viewers to donate live to support COVID-19 relief efforts in Orange Mound—the oldest African-American community in Memphis, TN. Beginning May 2nd, the team will supply residents of the community affected by the pandemic with care packages comprised of food and hygiene items as part of the Zone 6 CAReavan. All residents in Zone 6 are eligible to the generosity of those who donated across the country. 

Tune in and watch on Instagram Live HERE

The Beatroot Suite is a new music initiative launched by artist-centric label services platform Beatroot Music. In addition to empowering artists with tools and resources to succeed independently, the company hosts this innovative online venue as a stage for its talent roster to showcase and discuss new material. Last week, The Beatroot Suite welcomed award-winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter and artist Elijah Blake.

The post Beatroot Music Presents The Beatroot Suite Live Performance + Q&A Series appeared first on Singersroom.com.

Je’Melody Releases Hot New Album 'JADED'

JE'MELODY DEBUT EP "JADED" PREVIEW : https://soundcloud.com/jemelody/sets/jaded/s-PGpVih8fpvY

WEBSITE: https://www.jemelodymusic.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jemel0dy/
STREAM Je’Melody: https://songwhip.com/artist/jemelody
“JADED” by Je’Melody - Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0ALxZBnVKc

The post Je’Melody Releases Hot New Album ‘JADED’ appeared first on Singersroom.com.

Dad: "Remind me again what you will do with a degree in conservation biology?"

What happened when six boys were shipwrecked for 15 months

The "obscure blog" he refers to is probably this article by Jay Griffiths.

This is simply stunning! The Vatican has just made an unprecedented, audacious overture for religious unity.

God has billions of children who are still trapped in spiritual darkness globally. Today, you can help liberate them with the light of God’s Word through your sacrificial gift for Amazing Facts’ soul-winning work. Will you please stand with us?

Clare felt that her life was pretty good. She was raised Buddhist and was attending school to become a pharmacist. But deep inside, she felt there must be more to life. When she searched the Internet for answers, she found—thanks to your loving gifts—Amazing Facts! Today, she is a passionate witness for Christ in Hong Kong. You can raise up more beacons of truth when you give to Amazing Facts.

GDOL Has Distributed $1.7 Billion In Unemployment Benefits Over Past 7 Weeks Georgia Lawmakers Meet Virtually, Discuss Budget Cuts In Upcoming Fiscal Year Coalition of Acitivists, Legislators Petition Gov. Kemp To Discuss COVID-19 In Black Communities USDA Reports Georgia Leads Nation In Blueberry Production

Gregory McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, have been arrested on murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Thursday.

In the week since Georgia’s shelter-in-place order ended for most, businesses have started to open back up. But with new rules and wary customers, many small businesses are still finding their feet. GPB News reporters fanned out across the state to ask small business owners how their reopening process changes the way they operate.

Compared to the lockdowns and shuttered businesses in countries across the world, Sweden is an outlier. Swedish officials have advised citizens to work from home and avoid travel, but most schools and businesses have remained open. This relaxed approach aims to minimize impact on the economy, and slow the spread of the virus through what is known as “herd immunity.” Now, as the U.S. weighs further spreading the disease against the impact of a tanked economy, some Americans — particularly conservatives — are looking toward Sweden’s model as an option. On Second Thought unpacks the merits, risks and strategy behind Sweden’s approach, and what has become a political talking point here in the U.S.