Entertainment
Today in Awesome: BTS Makes History, Path of Exile: Heist Announced, Nvidia Graphics Cards, and More
Published
2 years agoon

Let’s start off the month of September with some awesome stories from the gaming, tech, and entertainment worlds.
BTS #1 Hot 100
For the first bit of awesome, BTS made history by becoming the first Korean group to both grab and debut at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with their song “Dynamite.”
The closest any other Korean group or artist has come was in 2012 when Psy’s hit “Gangnam Style” reached No. 2. However, “Dynamite” is entirely in English, meaning that a Korean-language song still hasn’t made it to top spot. Either way, this is just a cherry-on-top for the group, which has multiple songs in the Top 10 and doesn’t show any signs of slowing that trend down.
The group tweeted out a thank you to fans, writing a similar message in both Korean and English. “Thank you #BTSARMY. You made this all possible! You guys light it up like it’s Dynamite,” the group said.
OH MY!🤭 🎉Billboard #Hot100 No.1🎉
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) August 31, 2020
전 세계 아미 여러분 정말 감사합니다! #BTS_Dynamite 를 밝게 빛내주신 우리 아미들 덕분입니다🙏
Thank you #BTSARMY You made this all possible! You guys light it up like it's Dynamite 🌟 https://t.co/p0D2BYZ7n0 pic.twitter.com/TLptcFT04P
Path of Exile: Heist
In gaming-awesome, Path of Exile: Heist was announced today. For fans of the series, this means a new three-month league and new mechanics. For those who don’t know, Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG similar to the legendary Diablo series but widely considered more complicated and with deeper mechanics.
Every three months the developers, Grinding Gear Games, have put out massive new updates that bring new mechanics and skills to the game, allowing players a fresh play experience. Heist will allow players to work with NPCs to steal some of Wraeclast’s treasures in the hopes that it drops rare and special loot.
Check out the trailer for Path of Exile: Heist, which will be launching September 18.
TikTok and Teespring Team Up for Creator Merch Sales Integration
For some awesome industry news, TikTok and Teespring are teaming up to help creators make merch. One of the biggest complaints from TikTok creators is that there isn’t a way to easily monetize content on the platform.
TikTok has tried to combat this with a fund to pay some creators, but this new move will allow them to directly sell merch to fans on the app itself – similar to what Teespring does on YouTube and Twitch.
The partnership is still in beta, so it’s unclear what the final eligibility requirements will be, but about 4,000 creators currently have access to it as of now. Users will likely begin to see creator-specific merchandise on their TikTok feed fairly soon.
Nvidia Announces 3000-Series Graphics Cards
In tech awesome, Nvidia officially announced a ton of new awesome software and hardware Tuesday morning. It’s been two years since the company has released a new line of graphics cards, and today’s 3000-series cards seem to be a huge leap in performance.
Nvidia claims the high-end 3080 is twice as powerful as the previous 2080. For consumers, the real kicker is that the 3080 will be the same price, at $699.
While other cards in the lineup that are just $400 are claimed to be more powerful than the previous top-of-the-line 2080ti… which is $1,200.

Nvidia also announced new software to its already existing lineup. Earlier this year, it released RTX voice, which essentially removed all background noise from a microphone and was amazing for streamers and everyone forced on Zoom calls. Starting sometime in September, Nvidia Broadcast will also be available. It allows a user to blur their background or give an artificial green screen effect that is way far more accurate than what similar programs like Zoom do.
Entertainment
Joe Rogan Faces Backlash For Promoting Antisemitic Stereotypes
Published
2 hours agoon
February 8, 2023
His comments come as antisemitic hate incidents have increased both online and in the real world.
Rogan’s Antisemitic Comments
Joe Rogan is facing backlash over a Saturday episode of his podcast where he claimed that “the idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous.”
While the “Joe Rogan Experience” episode was posted to Spotify on Feb. 3, the controversial podcaster’s comments did not receive criticism until clips started circulating around social media on Tuesday. Rogan was speaking with “Breaking Points” hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti when the subject of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s recent removal from the Foreign Affairs Committee came up.
Omar was ousted over a 2019 tweet where she said that American support of Isreal was “all about the Benjamins,” referring to a slang term for money. After she was condemned for promoting antisemitic tropes, she apologized. Some Democrats have accused Republicans of hypocrisy for removing Omar over the remark.
“She’s apologizing for talking about ‘It’s all about the Benjamins,’ which is just about money,” Rogan said of the incident. “She’s talking about money.”
“She shouldn’t have apologized,” Ball responded.
“That’s not an antisemitic statement, I don’t think that it is,” Rogan continued. “Benjamins are money. The idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous. That’s like saying Italians aren’t into pizza. It’s fucking stupid.”
Condemned for “Vicious Lies”
His comments were condemned after several Twitter users shared clips of the podcast on the platform. Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said it was “disturbing” that Rogan chose to spread antisemitic stereotypes “at a time of rising anti-Jewish violence, when growing numbers of Americans believe in antisemitic conspiracy theories.”
“For centuries, people have used these longstanding tropes to spread vicious lies about the Jewish people,” Greenblatt wrote.
For centuries, people have used these longstanding tropes to spread vicious lies about the Jewish people. "Comedian" or not, Rogan's comments are no joke. Learn more about this dangerous myth here: https://t.co/FgT1WVZUam
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) February 7, 2023
“The thing is, Joe Rogan, Italians were never slaughtered because of the pizza stereotype,” writer and essayist Howard Lovy tweeted. “But because idiots like you believe Jews are into money,’ we have been marginalized, brutalized, and murdered for thousands of years.”
The thing is, Joe Rogan, Italians were never slaughtered because of the pizza stereotype. But because idiots like you believe Jews are "into money," we have been marginalized, brutalized, and murdered for thousands of years. And it's happening again.https://t.co/tof6rnqODe
— Howard Lovy (@Howard_Lovy) February 7, 2023
“The ‘Jews are into money’ thing is a generation-spanning smear used as the basis to discriminate against Jews the world over,” attorney Bradley P. Moss added. “Everyone is into money. But we have been accused of secretly hoarding $ to control everything.”
Dear @joerogan
— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) February 7, 2023
The “Jews are into money” thing is a generation-spanning smear used as the basis to discriminate against Jews the world over. Everyone is into money. But we have been accused of secretly hoarding $ to control everything. pic.twitter.com/FHL86vtSdp
Writer David Baddiel noted how alarming it was that Rogan was able to “breezily” spew “a racist myth.”
“One of the biggest podcasts in the world and no one gives a fuck,” he wrote.
I actually want to stop banging the Jews Don't Count drum at some point but hard to do when a racist myth about Jews is just…said, breezily, on one of the biggest podcasts in the world and no-one gives a fuck. pic.twitter.com/CXkiBR9BJJ
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) February 7, 2023
Rogan’s comments come as antisemitism has been increasingly present in media and everyday life for Jewish people.
Upon billionaire Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, the platform saw an increase in racial slurs and hate speech, including language targeted at Jewish people. The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found in December that antisemitic hate crimes rose between 2021 and 2022 in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Kanye West also made headlines late last year for going on several antisemitic rants, including one where he praised Hitler. While he was dropped by major brands like Adidas over his comments, his words have amplified dangerous conspiracy theories far and wide. He even inspired several neo-Nazis to hang “Kanye is Right” banners in Los Angeles, among other antisemitic actions.
See what others are saying: (The Daily Beast) (Variety) (The Independent)
Entertainment
“Seinfeld” AI Parody Suspended From Twitch After AI Wrote Transphobic Jokes
Published
1 day agoon
February 7, 2023
The parody’s version of Jerry asked if he should make jokes about “how being transgender is actually a mental illness.”
“Nothing, Forever” Suspended
What’s the deal with AI?
While that has been a big question in the media world for the last few weeks, it is being raised yet again after AI software wrote transphobic jokes for an AI parody of the hit sitcom “Seinfeld.”
Titled “Nothing, Forever,” the heavily pixelated program runs 24/7 on Twitch, using Open AI to create endless “Seinfeld” parody content. In this AI version, Jerry is called Larry Feinberg. Larry’s friends, Yvonne, Fred, and Zoltare — who are stands-ins for Elaine, George, and Kramer — often sit around Larry’s apartment, just like in the NBC series.
Also mirroring “Seinfeld,” Larry is a stand-up comedian who does a cold-open set of jokes in front of a brick wall. On Monday morning, he asked if anyone had suggestions for jokes before going on a transphobic rant.
“I’m thinking about doing a bit about how being transgender is actually a mental illness,” Larry said. “Or how all liberals are secretly gay and want to impose their will on everyone. Or something about how transgender people are ruining the fabric of society. But no one is laughing, so I’m going to stop.”
“Thanks for coming out tonight. See you next time,” he continued. “Where’d everybody go?”
Plans to Return
The bit could almost come across as self-aware commentary about how pervasive transphobia is in stand-up comedy, but it’s unclear what the AI’s intent was or if it deserves that much credit.
Soon after the jokes aired, the “Nothing, Forever” Twitch page was closed, showing only a message announcing the channel “is temporarily unavailable due to a violation of Twitch’s Community Guidelines.” It did not specify what rule was broken, but Twitch does have a Hateful Conduct policy that bars attacks against someone’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected identities.
Skyler Hartle, one of the co-creators of “Nothing, Forever,” told The Washington Post that the team was “super embarrassed” by the transphobic rant, which “in no way reflects the values or opinions of our staff.”
Hartle said they hope to resume airing the AI parody with new safeguards in place soon. According to The Post, the suspension will last for 14 days.
See what others are saying: (The Washington Post) (NBC News) (The Verge)
Entertainment
Grammy Awards Face Backlash For Snubbing Beyoncé of Top Prize
Published
2 days agoon
February 6, 2023
This marks the fourth time the “Renaissance” singer has lost Album of the Year.
Beyoncé Loses Top Awards
Beyoncé may have broken the record for the most Grammy wins on Sunday night, but her snub for the top prize of Album of the Year has left music fans outraged.
Beyoncé nabbed Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song on Sunday night, all related to her latest album, “Renaissance.” While that crossed her Grammy total to a record-breaking 32 trophies, she was shut out of all the major categories she was nominated in: Record, Song, and Album of the Year.
This was the fourth time Beyoncé was nominated for and lost Album of the Year, largely considered the show’s most coveted prize. This year, Harry Styles took home the Grammy for “Harry’s House.”
In his speech, Styles said, he has been “so inspired by every artist in this category” and claimed there is no “best” in music. People in the crowd were heard shouting “Beyonce!” while he spoke, outraged the singer had lost the award yet again.
The moment was reminiscent of the 2017 Grammy Awards when Adele’s “25” beat out Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” for the same category. While accepting the prize, Adele suggested that the “Lemonade” should have gotten the gold.
“The ‘Lemonade’ album was just so monumental, Beyoncé, it was so monumental,” Adele said on stage.
Beyoncé’s History of Grammy Losses
This is part of a long trend in Beyoncé’s Grammy history, as she is almost always shut out of the major categories. Of her 32 Grammys, only one belongs to one of the top slots: her Song of the Year win in 2010 for “Single Ladies.” She has yet to ever win Record or Album of the Year, and most of her wins come from genre categories like R&B.
Many fans think that is an abysmal record for an artist who is considered one of the primary musical talents of her generation. Compare those stats to the similarly-adored Taylor Swift, who has three Album of the Year wins out of 12 Grammy trophies, and it’s not hard to see their point.
“Beyoncé represents every Black woman that is constantly applauded for their work but when it comes to promotion time their white colleague gets it instead,” culture reporter Ada Enechi tweeted in response to Sunday night’s snub.
Beyoncé represents every Black woman that is constantly applauded for their work but when it comes to promotion time their white colleague gets it instead
— ada enechi (@adaenechi) February 6, 2023
The Grammy Awards have long been accused of having a racial bias, especially when it comes to Black women. In Beyoncé’s case, every time she has lost Album of the Year, she lost to a white artist.
Even some of the progress made during Sunday night’s telecast only proved how frequently Black women are excluded from major awards. For example, Lizzo won Record of the Year for “About Damn Time,” marking the first time a Black woman has won that award since Whitney Houston in 1994. That’s a nearly 30-year gap.
Backlash From Music Fans
Beyoncé’s repeated snubs have consistently been used as a prime example of the strides yet to be made in the music industry.
“Renaissance not winning AOTY is another example how of a Black woman can consistently deliver excellence, reinvent the wheel + shake the culture, AND still not be recognised to the extent that she deserves,” another person said on Twitter.”
Renaissance not winning AOTY is another example how of a Black woman can consistently deliver excellence, reinvent the wheel + shake the culture, AND still not be recognised to the extent that she deserves.
— kaomi (@kaomi_k) February 6, 2023
I hope Beyoncé realises that her music is more important than a Grammy.
“Absolutely wild that the person with the most Grammys ever is still the underdog who was robbed,” BuzzFeed News reporter David Mack pointed out.
absolutely wild that the person with the most grammys ever is still the underdog who was robbed
— David Mack (@davidmackau) February 6, 2023
Podcaster Sam Sanders called her loss “criminal.”
This is criminal
— Sam Sanders (@samsanders) February 6, 2023
See what others are saying: (Rolling Stone) (People) (The Washington Post)

Highlights and Key Takeaways from the State of the Union

Joe Rogan Faces Backlash For Promoting Antisemitic Stereotypes

AMC Will Set Movie Ticket Prices Based on Seat Locations

Neo-Nazi Leader Charged in Plot to “Destroy Baltimore” By Attacking Substations — a Growing Trend

“Seinfeld” AI Parody Suspended From Twitch After AI Wrote Transphobic Jokes

YouTuber Accused of Murder After Using Livestream as Alibi

Grammy Awards Face Backlash For Snubbing Beyoncé of Top Prize

Republican Congressman Proposes Bill to Ban Anyone Under 16 From Social Media

College Board Changes AP African American Studies After Backlash From DeSantis Amid Education Culture War

Andrew Tate to Remain in Romanian Detention After Losing Appeal

QTCinderalla Vows to Sue Deepfake Website: “Constant Objectification” is “Exhausting”

Mia Khalifa Shuts Down Death Rumors, Sparks Conversations About Plastic Surgery and Adult Film Industry

Influencer Coconut Kitty Accused of Editing Nude and Suggestive Photos To Make Herself Look Underage

Dixie D’Amelio Responds to Rumors That She Faked Seizures to Get Out of Class

Joe Rogan Denies Spotify Censorship Rumors, According to Alex Jones

Netflix Apologizes and Changes Marketing Materials for “Cuties” After Backlash

Conservatives Slam Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Over “WAP” Lyrics

Corinna Kopf Accused of Scamming Fans With OnlyFans Launch

Influencers Exposed for Posting Fake Private Jet Photos

Lil Nas X and Bella Poarch May Have Abandoned Plans To Participate In TikTok NFT Program

Skincare Influencer Susan Yara Apologizes for Misleading Fans By Promoting Brand She Secretly Owned

Belle Delphine Calls Out YouTube for Double Standards After It Terminated Her Channel

Why The Internet Is Freaking Out About The Cringiest Man On The Internet & Today’s News

“She Is Evil!” What Addison Rae Religious Backlash Reveals, Joe Rogan, Jake Paul, Teacher Shortage

Alex Jones Was Just Exposed BY HIS OWN LAWYERS! lol WOW! Beyonce Backlash, GenZ Debt, & Today’s News

These Ninja Scamming Accusations Expose A Growing Problem & How Spiders Are Causing Massive Fires

The Problem With Will Smith’s Apology Video & Taylor Swift Climate Backlash, Taiwan, & Today’s News

PewDiePie Backlash Grows After Mocking Deaf TikToker, Jon Stewart Unloads on Cruel Cowards, & More

Leave Shawn Mendes Alone You Weirdos! He’s Not The One You Should Be Angry At… (And Today’s News)

The Logan Paul, Nope, Pink Sauce Backlash Really Exposed 4 Key Things…

Why Dave Chappelle Can’t Get Cancelled…Even After He Gets Cancelled & What FaZe Clan’s Flop Exposes

Get These People Off TV If They’re Going To Be This Dumb! Plus AOC Arrested, Student Loans, & More

HE IS A DRUGGED-OUT MAN BABY! Why People Are Talking About Joe Rogan, Zack Snyder, Climate Change, &

U.K. Ad Authority Bans Demi Lovato Album Poster For Causing “Serious” Offense to Christians

QTCinderalla Vows to Sue Deepfake Website: “Constant Objectification” is “Exhausting”

Conservatives are Mad at “Woke” Xbox for Minor Climate-Related Updates

YouTuber Accused of Murder After Using Livestream as Alibi

“Ruthlessly Productive”: Marketing Agency Using AI Interns

Razzies Apologize For Nominating 12-Year-Old, Adopt Age Rules For Future Nominations

Court Upholds Misogynist Influencer Andrew Tate’s Arrest

Britney Spears Asks For Privacy After Fans Called Cops to Conduct a Wellness Check on Her

SeatGeek CEO Calls to Break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation in Senate Hearing Following Taylor Swift Debacle

TMZ Slammed For Reporting Britney Spears Had “Manic” Meltdown at Restuarant

FAA Lifts Order to Ground All Flights in U.S. After Systems Failure

Highlights and Key Takeaways from the State of the Union

Joe Rogan Faces Backlash For Promoting Antisemitic Stereotypes

AMC Will Set Movie Ticket Prices Based on Seat Locations

Neo-Nazi Leader Charged in Plot to “Destroy Baltimore” By Attacking Substations — a Growing Trend

“Seinfeld” AI Parody Suspended From Twitch After AI Wrote Transphobic Jokes

YouTuber Accused of Murder After Using Livestream as Alibi

Grammy Awards Face Backlash For Snubbing Beyoncé of Top Prize

Republican Congressman Proposes Bill to Ban Anyone Under 16 From Social Media

College Board Changes AP African American Studies After Backlash From DeSantis Amid Education Culture War

Andrew Tate to Remain in Romanian Detention After Losing Appeal

QTCinderalla Vows to Sue Deepfake Website: “Constant Objectification” is “Exhausting”

Why The Internet Is Freaking Out About The Cringiest Man On The Internet & Today’s News

“She Is Evil!” What Addison Rae Religious Backlash Reveals, Joe Rogan, Jake Paul, Teacher Shortage

Alex Jones Was Just Exposed BY HIS OWN LAWYERS! lol WOW! Beyonce Backlash, GenZ Debt, & Today’s News

These Ninja Scamming Accusations Expose A Growing Problem & How Spiders Are Causing Massive Fires

The Problem With Will Smith’s Apology Video & Taylor Swift Climate Backlash, Taiwan, & Today’s News

PewDiePie Backlash Grows After Mocking Deaf TikToker, Jon Stewart Unloads on Cruel Cowards, & More

Leave Shawn Mendes Alone You Weirdos! He’s Not The One You Should Be Angry At… (And Today’s News)

The Logan Paul, Nope, Pink Sauce Backlash Really Exposed 4 Key Things…

Why Dave Chappelle Can’t Get Cancelled…Even After He Gets Cancelled & What FaZe Clan’s Flop Exposes

Get These People Off TV If They’re Going To Be This Dumb! Plus AOC Arrested, Student Loans, & More
