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Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Minidiscs: is the '00s format due a comeback or has it been lost as a millennium relic?
Don't throw those MiniDiscs away just yet - there might be a revival on the horizon Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was once considered the cutting edge of audio technology and an essential piece of kit for journalists. However, one Apple product later and the format was left in the dust. However, the humble MiniDisc is making a small comeback - but what is the format and who is releasing on it in 2025? Since writing about vinyl, cassette, and video tapes over the past 12 months, there's one format I'm constantly asked about: MiniDiscs . Now, for those who went to university in the early 2000s , you might already be familiar with the format. It was once considered the 'future' of journalism due to its portability, 'easy' editing functions, and ubiquity across radio newsrooms nationwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, another format was already making waves just as the MiniDisc was reaching its prime: the old, sometimes infamous MP3 . While MiniDisc was a technological advancement—especially those versatile recorders you could do a lot more than just record music onto—it never quite gained the widespread adoption that its initial hype suggested. But what if I told you it could be the next format on the rise? Or would you just look at those hand-labelled diskettes piled up and think, 'Why bother?' As Generation Z starts to pick up on millennial formats, including the MiniDisc, it might be worth paying attention to it ahead of a potential rebirth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, what was/is a MiniDisc, why was it the journalist's 'Swiss Army Knife,' and is anyone still releasing on the format today? What is a MiniDisc? Is the Minidisc the next format to undergo a comeback, or was it's timing during the advent of MP3 players to cause for it's lack of widespread appeal? | Canva So, what even was a MiniDisc, you ask? Well, it was an erasable magneto-optical disc format cooked up by Sony , first hitting the scene in 1992. Think of it as Sony trying to get the best of both worlds: the digital quality and instant track access of a CD, combined with the record-anything freedom of a cassette tape. It was this neat little 2.5-inch (64mm) disc tucked into a tough plastic case, kind of like a tiny, super-fancy floppy disk. These MiniDiscs could hold 60, 74, or even 80 minutes of digital audio. And get this – Sony actually claimed you could re-record onto them up to a million times. For audio, it used Sony's own special compression called ATRAC , which was a way to shrink a CD's massive data down while still trying to sound good. Later versions, like Hi-MD , even let you record uncompressed, CD-quality sound. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Honestly, it was essentially a wild mix of a floppy disk and a CD-R – if you're trying to picture it. Why were MiniDiscs considered the 'future' of journalism? Little bit of a nostalgia trip for me here - as I was one of those who went to University 'all in' with the MiniDisc's functionality. Studying radio journalism as part of a module at University, we were shown the wonder of the MiniDisc editing suite ; imagine those hi-fi stacks with a CD player, a radio tuner and a turntable - now imagine one of the stacks played home to two MiniDiscs. We would record on our personal recorders and edit on them 'on the fly,' or head into the newsroom in order to edit on the larger editing suites with a copy of Audacity or one of the numerous audio editing programmes available. Then we'd record the finished, edited audio back onto a MiniDisc to hand over to the producers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Needless to say, everything done with cloud storage and various file formats made the process a lot easier - not too shortly after the MiniDisc became the attempted format du jour at the time. The ability to split, combine, move, or delete tracks directly on the portable player was revolutionary for on-the-go editing, allowing for quick assembly of soundbites or cleaning up interviews in the field, and unlike cassettes that could wear out or be eaten by players , MiniDiscs offered a more stable and long-lasting recording medium. Some recorders even allowed you to store data on the discs, becoming (with the correct software) a sort of USB stick or a zip drive , allowing not just audio but crucial information to share the same disc space as your System of a Down recording from their most recent show. How popular was the format upon release? Upon its release in 1992, MiniDisc aimed to be a digital successor to the cassette tape, offering a recordable, portable, and high-quality audio experience. It gained a strong foothold in Japan, where it became quite popular, especially due to CDs being more expensive there and teenagers embracing MD singles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, its popularity was more limited in Western markets like the US and Europe during its initial years. Initial hardware was relatively expensive (original recorders costing around £400), and it faced immediate competition from established formats like CDs and the rapidly emerging digital alternatives. While appreciated by audiophiles, musicians for demo recording, and certainly journalists, it struggled to achieve widespread mainstream consumer adoption compared to the burgeoning CD format for pre-recorded music. It was in the late 1990s and particularly the early 2000s that Sony made a significant push to normalize and broaden the format's appeal. This period saw crucial price drops on MiniDisc players, making them far more accessible to average consumers. Key technological advancements like MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play) , introduced around 2000, allowed discs to hold twice or even four times the recording time. This dramatically increased the format's efficiency and value proposition. Further efforts to integrate MiniDisc into the digital age came with NetMD (late 2001) , enabling faster music transfers from computers via USB, essentially positioning MiniDisc players as early, physical-media-based "MP3 players." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These '00s innovations and pricing strategies led to MiniDisc achieving its highest level of visibility and moderate mainstream acceptance in Western markets, even if its ultimate decline was already on the horizon due to the upcoming digital revolution. What led to the downfall of the MiniDisc player? Though the format was trying to make waves in Western markets during the '00s, the advent of the iPod left the MiniDisc almost dead-in-the-water. | Canva The MiniDisc player's decline can be attributed to a perfect storm of converging technologies and market forces. Arguably the biggest killer was the rise of MP3s and digital downloads, with devices like the Apple iPod (launched in 2001) offering unparalleled convenience by removing the need for physical media entirely, while file-sharing platforms like Napster further popularized digital audio. At the same time, as CD-R drives became common and blank CD-Rs incredibly cheap, consumers could easily burn their own compilations with uncompressed CD-quality audio using widely available technology. MiniDisc's proprietary nature and DRM (Digital Rights Management) also played a part, with Sony's reliance on its ATRAC codec and the often clunky SonicStage software creating a less user-friendly walled garden experience compared to the simplicity of MP3s. Despite price reductions, MiniDisc players and blank media remained more expensive than CD-Rs and the burgeoning digital alternatives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Finally, a lack of mainstream record label support for pre-recorded MiniDiscs further limited its appeal to average consumers, preventing it from truly competing with the ubiquitous CD format - though I recall Robbie Williams and Bombfunk MC's both giving the format a go back in the day in HMV. Behind the counter at HMV owing to its price, might I add, but still in the retail store. Are any artists releasing on MiniDisc in 2025? While MiniDisc is no longer a mainstream format, it has found a niche cult following, similar to how cassettes are embraced by certain genres - especially among the noise rock and EDM circles, I can attest . In 2025, you can still find artists releasing music on MiniDisc, though it's typically independent artists or those in genres like vaporwave who appreciate the format's aesthetic and unique physical presence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For example, Sam Fender released his album "People Watching" on MiniDisc on February 21, 2025, via Polydor. This shows a continued, albeit limited, interest from some mainstream artists or their labels in offering niche physical formats to collectors and dedicated fans. Beyond mainstream acts, independent artists and small labels often use platforms like Bandcamp to sell limited-edition MiniDisc releases, particularly for genres that lean into retro aesthetics or lo-fi sounds. So, while it's not a widespread phenomenon like vinyl's comeback, the format is certainly not entirely dead for new music releases. Did you ever own a MiniDisc player or recorder, or were you a University student who learned how to edit audio on the format? Share your memories before the bandwagon start speeding off by leaving a comment down below.
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Minidiscs: is the '00s format due a comeback or has it been lost as a millennium relic?
Don't throw those MiniDiscs away just yet - there might be a revival on the horizon Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was once considered the cutting edge of audio technology and an essential piece of kit for journalists. However, one Apple product later and the format was left in the dust. However, the humble MiniDisc is making a small comeback - but what is the format and who is releasing on it in 2025? Since writing about vinyl, cassette, and video tapes over the past 12 months, there's one format I'm constantly asked about: MiniDiscs . Now, for those who went to university in the early 2000s , you might already be familiar with the format. It was once considered the 'future' of journalism due to its portability, 'easy' editing functions, and ubiquity across radio newsrooms nationwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, another format was already making waves just as the MiniDisc was reaching its prime: the old, sometimes infamous MP3 . While MiniDisc was a technological advancement—especially those versatile recorders you could do a lot more than just record music onto—it never quite gained the widespread adoption that its initial hype suggested. But what if I told you it could be the next format on the rise? Or would you just look at those hand-labelled diskettes piled up and think, 'Why bother?' As Generation Z starts to pick up on millennial formats, including the MiniDisc, it might be worth paying attention to it ahead of a potential rebirth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, what was/is a MiniDisc, why was it the journalist's 'Swiss Army Knife,' and is anyone still releasing on the format today? What is a MiniDisc? Is the Minidisc the next format to undergo a comeback, or was it's timing during the advent of MP3 players to cause for it's lack of widespread appeal? | Canva So, what even was a MiniDisc, you ask? Well, it was an erasable magneto-optical disc format cooked up by Sony , first hitting the scene in 1992. Think of it as Sony trying to get the best of both worlds: the digital quality and instant track access of a CD, combined with the record-anything freedom of a cassette tape. It was this neat little 2.5-inch (64mm) disc tucked into a tough plastic case, kind of like a tiny, super-fancy floppy disk. These MiniDiscs could hold 60, 74, or even 80 minutes of digital audio. And get this – Sony actually claimed you could re-record onto them up to a million times. For audio, it used Sony's own special compression called ATRAC , which was a way to shrink a CD's massive data down while still trying to sound good. Later versions, like Hi-MD , even let you record uncompressed, CD-quality sound. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Honestly, it was essentially a wild mix of a floppy disk and a CD-R – if you're trying to picture it. Why were MiniDiscs considered the 'future' of journalism? Little bit of a nostalgia trip for me here - as I was one of those who went to University 'all in' with the MiniDisc's functionality. Studying radio journalism as part of a module at University, we were shown the wonder of the MiniDisc editing suite ; imagine those hi-fi stacks with a CD player, a radio tuner and a turntable - now imagine one of the stacks played home to two MiniDiscs. We would record on our personal recorders and edit on them 'on the fly,' or head into the newsroom in order to edit on the larger editing suites with a copy of Audacity or one of the numerous audio editing programmes available. Then we'd record the finished, edited audio back onto a MiniDisc to hand over to the producers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Needless to say, everything done with cloud storage and various file formats made the process a lot easier - not too shortly after the MiniDisc became the attempted format du jour at the time. The ability to split, combine, move, or delete tracks directly on the portable player was revolutionary for on-the-go editing, allowing for quick assembly of soundbites or cleaning up interviews in the field, and unlike cassettes that could wear out or be eaten by players , MiniDiscs offered a more stable and long-lasting recording medium. Some recorders even allowed you to store data on the discs, becoming (with the correct software) a sort of USB stick or a zip drive , allowing not just audio but crucial information to share the same disc space as your System of a Down recording from their most recent show. How popular was the format upon release? Upon its release in 1992, MiniDisc aimed to be a digital successor to the cassette tape, offering a recordable, portable, and high-quality audio experience. It gained a strong foothold in Japan, where it became quite popular, especially due to CDs being more expensive there and teenagers embracing MD singles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, its popularity was more limited in Western markets like the US and Europe during its initial years. Initial hardware was relatively expensive (original recorders costing around £400), and it faced immediate competition from established formats like CDs and the rapidly emerging digital alternatives. While appreciated by audiophiles, musicians for demo recording, and certainly journalists, it struggled to achieve widespread mainstream consumer adoption compared to the burgeoning CD format for pre-recorded music. It was in the late 1990s and particularly the early 2000s that Sony made a significant push to normalize and broaden the format's appeal. This period saw crucial price drops on MiniDisc players, making them far more accessible to average consumers. Key technological advancements like MDLP (MiniDisc Long Play) , introduced around 2000, allowed discs to hold twice or even four times the recording time. This dramatically increased the format's efficiency and value proposition. Further efforts to integrate MiniDisc into the digital age came with NetMD (late 2001) , enabling faster music transfers from computers via USB, essentially positioning MiniDisc players as early, physical-media-based "MP3 players." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These '00s innovations and pricing strategies led to MiniDisc achieving its highest level of visibility and moderate mainstream acceptance in Western markets, even if its ultimate decline was already on the horizon due to the upcoming digital revolution. What led to the downfall of the MiniDisc player? Though the format was trying to make waves in Western markets during the '00s, the advent of the iPod left the MiniDisc almost dead-in-the-water. | Canva The MiniDisc player's decline can be attributed to a perfect storm of converging technologies and market forces. Arguably the biggest killer was the rise of MP3s and digital downloads, with devices like the Apple iPod (launched in 2001) offering unparalleled convenience by removing the need for physical media entirely, while file-sharing platforms like Napster further popularized digital audio. At the same time, as CD-R drives became common and blank CD-Rs incredibly cheap, consumers could easily burn their own compilations with uncompressed CD-quality audio using widely available technology. MiniDisc's proprietary nature and DRM (Digital Rights Management) also played a part, with Sony's reliance on its ATRAC codec and the often clunky SonicStage software creating a less user-friendly walled garden experience compared to the simplicity of MP3s. Despite price reductions, MiniDisc players and blank media remained more expensive than CD-Rs and the burgeoning digital alternatives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Finally, a lack of mainstream record label support for pre-recorded MiniDiscs further limited its appeal to average consumers, preventing it from truly competing with the ubiquitous CD format - though I recall Robbie Williams and Bombfunk MC's both giving the format a go back in the day in HMV. Behind the counter at HMV owing to its price, might I add, but still in the retail store. Are any artists releasing on MiniDisc in 2025? While MiniDisc is no longer a mainstream format, it has found a niche cult following, similar to how cassettes are embraced by certain genres - especially among the noise rock and EDM circles, I can attest . In 2025, you can still find artists releasing music on MiniDisc, though it's typically independent artists or those in genres like vaporwave who appreciate the format's aesthetic and unique physical presence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For example, Sam Fender released his album "People Watching" on MiniDisc on February 21, 2025, via Polydor. This shows a continued, albeit limited, interest from some mainstream artists or their labels in offering niche physical formats to collectors and dedicated fans. Beyond mainstream acts, independent artists and small labels often use platforms like Bandcamp to sell limited-edition MiniDisc releases, particularly for genres that lean into retro aesthetics or lo-fi sounds. So, while it's not a widespread phenomenon like vinyl's comeback, the format is certainly not entirely dead for new music releases.
Buzz Feed
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Lavish Mother's Day Gifts That Are Totally Worth Their Price Tag
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Doesn't your mom deserve something nice? Like REALLY nice? 1. A handmade suitcase portable turntable so your mom can play some of her old records and start collecting new ones. Despite its retro chic look, this record player has some modern tech: It can convert record songs into MP3 files, is Bluetooth compatible, and can play 33, 45, and 78 rpm records. Amazon ClearClick is a small tech business that sells cords, radios, and record players. Promising review:"This works AWESOME. And my husband absolutely loves it. I bought this for him for Christmas and he thought it was the coolest thing. It's also nice that it's portable as it has a strap to carry it, and a latch to keep it closed. For what you pay for this product, you get all of it back and more." — Amber Get it from Amazon for $109.95. 2. A double-walled French press for the mom who loves the experience of making coffee almost as much as actually drinking it. These brushed stainless-steel works of art are dishwasher safe and come in a plethora of colors, so you can find one that perfectly matches her kitchen. Food52 Promising review:"This French press is lovely to look at and works better than other presses I have used. The external finish is high quality, and the (double) filter works really well. I haven't yet tested how long the double-wall feature keeps the coffee warm: The container volume is just the right size for our family, and we just guzzle the delicious coffee right down. I heartily recommend it." — Tina K. Get it from Food52 for $100+ (available in six colors). 3. A chunky Bearaby knit weighted blanket made with prewashed, sustainable cotton that feels like a soft T-shirt. Along with being a cute, unique piece for her bedroom, it'll offer a comforting weight, like a big bear hug. Bearaby Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic. Promising review:" Worth every penny! I have the hardest time falling asleep, especially with everything going on — so I got this blanket to try and help calm my anxiety. Within two nights, I was able to fall asleep and best of all stay asleep all night. I haven't been able to do I was worried about the investment, but I wish I would've bought this blanket a long time ago — you can't put a price on good sleep and relaxation!" — Char G. Get it from Bearaby for $179+ (available in four weights and six colors). 4. Or a Barefoot Dreams blanket you can count on to actually live up to all the hype you've likely heard about it — it really does feel like snuggling with a cloud. BuzzFeed editor Heather Braga loves this blanket and says:"I am the proud owner of two of these babies, and I have no shame. My first Barefoot Dreams blanket (which my sister gifted me last Christmas) is one of my most cherished items as soon as the temperature drops. It's super soft, washes well, and has enough weight to it to actually keep you warm. They're absolutely worth the splurge — you won't regret it when you're snuggled under it on a snowy winter evening." Get it from Nordstrom for $158 (available in seven colors). 5. An Ember temperature control ceramic mug to help extra-particular drinkers keep their coffee or tea at the exact right temperature. She can control the vessel through an app to ensure that her cuppa is consistently hot from the first sip to the last. There are even presets for specific drinks. Amazon She can remotely adjust the temperature to get it just right, and she can also select a personalized LED color. Promising review:"I love this mug. I work in a home office and easily get distracted with emails and I love how this mug keeps my coffee the perfect temp even if I get distracted with work." — Emily "The Ember cup is exactly what I was hoping for. I have used it for a week, and it has performed as I would expect. I get roughly 1 1/2 hours of hot coffee in the morning, which fits my lifestyle. I am retired, so I have more leisurely time in the morning. I keep the charging base next to the coffee pot and since they are both black, they look great. The design of the coffee mug is excellent. The fit and feel are just right. EXCELLENT PRODUCT — worth the money!" — BalancedLife Get it from Amazon for $136.99 (available in two sizes and eight colors). 6. A gift card to Resortpass so your mom can enjoy a spa visit or hotel pool time and get a much-needed break. The service gives her access to places you normally need a hotel key to visit. With over 2,000 hotel partners (including the iconically retro TWA Hotel!), she's sure to find something she likes. Resortpass Resortpass offers a whole slew of amenities that are normally only accessed with a hotel key, from spas and rooftop pools to beaches and waterslides. Your mom can pick a date and city, then browse options from there. Get it from Resortpass for $50+ (available in any custom amount). 7. A Lego bouquet kit that starts with a fun project and ends with a pretty centerpiece that'll never wilt. You may remember seeing this 756 piece-set on Abbot Elementary — if a gift is good enough to impress Janine, it's good enough for me! Check out the whole Lego Botanicals collection. Promising review: "These are so gorgeous that people only notice they're Lego when I point it out to them, and they are all universally stunned. This was a very fun build, too. Highly recommend." — Nerdy Reader Get it from Amazon for $47.99. 8. A birdfeeder with a built-in camera so Mom can spy on her feathered friends and make notes on the avian goings-on. The camera has an AI system that can identify over 6,000 bird species, so she'll never have to argue whether the bird that visited was a goldfinch or an Eastern meadowlark. She can opt for notifications when birds come to visit (reviewers note that can be overwhelming if they have a lot of birds in the area) and save videos for later. The videos are high-def and have night vision so she can see every feather on that cardinal's head. Promising review: "Got this for my 95-year-old dad. He loves watching the feed of the birds come to visit, and I get to watch his feed from my home, too. I recommend this for any bird lover." — Cathy W Get it from Amazon for $179+ (available in two colors and a solar AI feature). 9. A Blissy mulberry silk pillowcase that'll be gentle on her hair, leave fewer creases in her face (huge win for side and stomach sleepers), and just feel nice and cool on her skin. It also comes in a ton of pretty patterns. Beauty sleep is a real thing, people! You *could* buy a cheaper version, or even a satin pillowcase, but this particular brand is super-duper high quality, and doesn't your mom deserve the best? I own a lot of silk/satin pillowcases and my Blissy one is by far the best and likely to outlast the rest. Promising review: "What a game changer. I've never slept on a pillowcase that felt like this before. I don't typically leave reviews, but I'm still kind of amazed by how awesome this is to sleep on. Feels incredible on your skin, which is why I wanted to try it in the first place. Was kind of skeptical of the skin and hair claims I read. But honestly, so far they seem to actually be pretty spot on. Skin looks and feels amazing. Same for hair and my wife is really impressed at the lack of tangles when she wakes up, too. This definitely exceeded expectations. Kind of surprised, but I'm a believer now." — Ryan Get it from Amazon for $58.87 (available in three sizes and 26 styles). 10. A KitchenAid mixer for mixing up cakes, meringues, whipped potatoes, and anything else your mom can imagine. Not to guilt trip you, but her mixing arm needs a break after all the chocolate chip cookies you demanded as a kid. Amazon The mixer comes with a 5-quart bowl, whisk, flat beater, and dough hook. If you really want to spoil your mom, throw in an extra attachment like a shredder or pasta roller. Promising review:"I've been wanting this for so long but held off because of the price. I went ahead and took the plunge and splurged on this and the food processor attachment. I was blown away by the quality. I really is a work of art. Most importantly it performs beautifully." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $379.99+ (available in 22 colors). 11. A Motorola Razr+ 2024, which remains the only phone that might lure me away from the iPhone. Your mom will love the fun colors (Spring Green! Hot Pink! Mocha Mousse!) and its eye-popping flip-screen ability. She can check emails, listen to music, and make calls using the external screen; she can even use the fun shape as a stand for taking hands-free photos or watching shows. The phone comes with up to 256 GB of storage and up to 12 GB of memory — and you can add up to 12GB of extra ram for more speed. My favorite feature is that you can take a selfie with the (better) rear-facing camera, and the screen on the other side will show you a preview of your shot. Promising review: "I've had this phone since August of 2023 (since it was launched), and this has been by far the best smartphone I've ever had! I was an iPhone user for almost 10 years, and before that, I had Android. Android itself has come a long way and connecting/using other Bluetooth devices is really seamless, pretty much like the iPhone ecosystem. The battery life is great, the quick charging is really nice to have, and it folds! I'm hoping this will last me a few years and I'm looking forward to seeing what Motorola develops in the future!!" — smerriam3 Get an unlocked phone from Motorola for $799.99 (available in five colors) or check out prices on AT&T or T-Mobile. 12. A pretty acetate hair brush that comes in a variety of fun patterns and designs because their vanity deserves something as eye-catching as it is functional. Anthropologie Promising review: "This brush is so beautiful. Bought as a birthday gift for my niece. The details are very stunning. Such a unique gift." — Auntiekk Get it from Anthropologie for $58 (available in 14 colors). 13. A Fellow Stagg electric pour-over kettle beloved by fancy coffee and tea drinkers the world over. Thanks to its variable temperature control and precision heating, she can get the perfect cup every time — and it's not too hard on the eyes, either! Amazon Promising review:"I was skeptical about purchasing this item because most kettles on the market are priced lower than this, but I do have to say. ***It is worth every freaking penny.*** This kettle heats up lightning fast to the degree chosen, holds temp, is easy to pour, and it did make the best cup of coffee in my life. Another thing that sets this kettle apart from any other electric kettle really is that it is very very easy to clean! It is worth the investment." — Allison J. Get it from Amazon for $165 (available in six styles). 14. A carrot ice cream cake from the beloved Salt & Straw — I'm talking gooey cake-batter ice cream marbled with decadent cream cheese frosting between two layers of cinnamon carrot cake and cake crumbles. Geez, I hope she shares! Salt & Straw If you've never tried this ice cream before, please understand it's truly some of the best on Earth. It's super creamy, balanced, and flavorful. Get it from Salt & Straw for $79. 15. A leather bucket tote because what mom doesn't love a roomy purse? This simple, effortlessly chic bag looks good with any outfit and can fit a laptop, so don't be surprised when it becomes her favorite accessory. Madewell Promising review:"I am absolutely thrilled with my new bucket bag! It's everything I was hoping for and more. The design of this bag is really good — it effortlessly combines fashion and function. I also love the adjustable shoulder strap, I can wear it crossbody or shorten the strap for a shoulder bag, and it's always comfortable. The weight distribution is well-balanced, so it never feels too heavy even when fully loaded." — ZOE277 Get it from Madewell for $178 (available in five colors). 16. A Caraway ceramic nonstick cookware set complete with magnetic pot holders and a canvas lid holder to give Mom's kitchen a beautiful overhaul. I know she's attached to that one burnt saucepan, but she'll forget all about it when she sees how pretty this set looks in her kitchen. Amazon The set includes a fry pan, sauce pan and lid, sauté pan and lid, Dutch oven and lid, plus a magnetic pan rack and a canvas lid holder. Former BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass says: I've been using this set for two years now, and I love it so much. These pots and pans are super high quality and cook really well. I also love that they look super nice in my kitchen. One of the best parts is the magnetic rack and lid holder because it keeps everything so organized in my cabinet. These are a splurge, but I think they are so worth it. Promising review:"I absolutely love my Caraway cookware! They are so easy to clean and the magnetic organizers are great for easy storage in the kitchen cabinets. I love the hanging lid holder as it saves space and is super convenient (and renter-friendly with the adhesive hooks). The only thing I would mention is that they are not super lightweight, so if you're looking for that I would maybe go with the Caraway minis or look at other sets. Otherwise, they are superb quality, non-toxic, non-stick, and beautiful!" — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $395+ (available in eight colors). 17. A Jenny Slate x Catbird 14-karat gold heart charm that SPINS! You can even engrave it with her name (or the name of her favorite child. ;)) Maximum of five characters per side — allow 5–10 business days to ship if you customize. There's an option to also buy a chain for 15% off on the listing. Get it from Catbird for $274. 18. A heatable foot massager featuring five adjustable air pressure settings. All her worries will just slip away when she turns it on, and your massaging hands will finally get a break! Miko is a small business that sells massagers. Promising review:"I am SO IMPRESSED with this product that I made sure I actually sat down and completed the review to help others make the same decision. I am so glad I purchased this. I have owned the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager for a little over a year. For my birthday, my parents wanted to get me something to help me relax and take some well-deserved "Me Time" which almost always never happens when you have three small children. They were going to buy me a massage at a local spa, which would have been heavenly, I'm only would be 50 minutes of euphoria. So, I did my research and boy am I glad I chose this foot massager. I use it ALL OF THE TIME. Almost every day. I keep it under my desk in our home office so when I am on my computer working, checking emails, paying bills, doing taxes, editing pictures of my kiddos, etc, etc, it is there ready for my little tootsies. When it ends, I get sad and sometimes splurge and push it on again. I have enjoyed this so much I bought one for my parents, suggested my brother and sister-in-law get one, heck, I even sent the link to my accountant. Again, I cannot sing its praises enough. Let this be the last review you read before you put it in your cart because, seriously, you will not regret it at all." — A. Butcher Get it from Amazon for $149.99. 19. A towel warmer to lessen the agony of having to get out of the loving embrace of a hot shower and make a mad dash to her bedroom. It heats up in just under six minutes and can stay warm for up to an hour. Promising review: "Super easy to use. Feels like towel is fresh out of the dryer! I'm in love! Would definitely recommend. 🤍 I purchased the essential oil round pads and used essential oils on the pad and placed in the scent holder. Works amazing! Update: It's been at least a year if not longer since we purchased and we use it every day. It's fantastic and a game changer! Especially in this cold winter weather. :) Highly recommend." — Millers1234 Get it from Amazon for $146.99 (available in five colors). 20. A super sleek Beast blender and hydration system for the mom on the move. The super quiet blender takes only a minute to perfectly blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes, while the hydration system comes with an infuser — cucumber water, anyone? There's also a screw-on handle so she can take her drink to go using the same vessel. Beast is a small business founded by the former CEO of Nutribullet. Read our full review of the blender. Promising review:"I've only had this blender for a week, but so far it is the best I have ever owned. It doesn't leak, blends everything very smoothly, and is quieter than any other blender I've had. Sturdy, easy to clean. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who makes smoothies." — L. Sickle Get it from Amazon for $194.95 (available in two colors). 21. A makeup brush UV sanitizer that'll make it super easy to disinfect the makeup brushes you've been nagging her to finally clean. Now, all she has to do is pop them inside this device and press the button on top. Her brushes will be clean and ready to use again in just five minutes. Using UV light for disinfection at home carries some risks; read more at Mayo Clinic. If you want to test the effectiveness of your UV light, you can use a test card like this one. Promising review:"This first caught my eyes when I saw how chic and cute it is. Then I found out it actually help sanitize makeup brushes! I wear makeup regularly, but to be honest, I don't clean my brushes frequently enough. I found it kind of frustrating to clean my brushes. Not sure why but it always takes a REALLY LONG TIME for my brushes to dry. This is such a lifesaver as I know I can sanitize my brushes every time I use them with just one click! I don't have to worry about skin issues caused by dirty brushes anymore! It also makes a really good/cute gift. Very happy with this purchase." — Cyn Get it from Amazon for $89. 22. A Ninja Creami, a viral and once often-sold-out kitchen appliance capable of making any flavor of ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, or smoothie bowl your mom can imagine. She just needs to freeze the ingredients in the container the night before and then let the machine blend everything into frosty goodness. Reviewers with dietary restrictions and preferences love being able to customize their own treats, and many point out that this will likely *save* money, with the cost of specialty ice creams these days. Promising review:"I bought this to make sorbets and dairy-free treats. This is the best machine, and you will use it after summer. All you need is a can of fruit, and it whips up the best sorbet! This is better than any sorbet I have found except in Mikonos. The possibilities are endless with this machine. I love that you can add candy or fruits to make your own blizzards. Everyone in the family loves it and requests their own. Recipe book included is easy to follow and no hard to find ingredients. You do have to freeze the base for 24 hours, but it's worth the wait. Definitely order extra pints because it's so easy to make you will want to make extra flavors." — Krista Get it from Amazon for $199.95. 23. A very stylish satin pajama set that could be considered formalwear at this point. Even if Mom isn't a big pajama-wearer, these are too luxurious not to love. Printfresh Promising review: "These PJs are fabulous! They are so cute and I feel so glamorous lounging around the house. They aren't slick, but are so soft, silky, and airy. I sleep hot, and these are very comfortable. If you're in between sizes, I recommend sizing down. Also, I washed and dried mine on delicate and they came out just fine!" — Katherine B. Get it from Printfresh for $188 (available in sizes XXS–6XL and 14 patterns; plus tall and petite sizes). 24. A smart digital picture frame for the mom who wants an endless stream of photos of loved ones. Using the corresponding app, she can create playlists of different photo albums and even invite family members to add their own. This handy gadget can sense when someone is nearby and turn on/off accordingly. Queue baby pics in 3...2...1... Amazon Promising reviews:"Beautifully packaged, kinda like an Apple product. VERY easy setup. Added two friends via app, and now I'm receiving photos from across the county during social distancing! A must-have." — NHA4wine "I was gifted this frame for Christmas and loved it so much I bought one for my mom for her birthday. It's so easy to use and upload photos. She gets daily pics of the grandkids sent right to the frame." — hopeful but sad Get it from Amazon for $118.99+ (available in two sizes and two styles). 25. A rechargeable heated eye massager to help combat headaches, eye strain, puffy eyes, and other troubles brought on by mom-related stress. The built-in Bluetooth speakers will let her play relaxing music to elevate the experience. The device is completely portable and has five massage modes and a 15-minute timer. Promising review:"I am literally in love with this mask. I am not sure if it's the pressure, the heat, or the music, but I find myself constantly using it. It is so relaxing….Definitely one of the best gadgets I have ever bought." — Tracy Ruble Get it from Amazon for $62.99+ (available in three colors). 26. A Cuisinart compact bread maker if your mom has been complaining about the price of bread these days. Now, she can open a mini bakery right in her kitchen by selecting what kind she wants to make, putting in the ingredients, and letting the device do the hard part. The machine is fully automatic with 12 preprogrammed options and three crust shades. It can bake up to a 2-pound loaf. Plus, it has a 13-hour delayed start so she can have freshly baked bread ready whenever she wants. Promising review:"This machine really is awesome. I plugged it in within a couple of minutes of it being delivered and was able to make French bread right away! It comes with a handy recipe book and I can't wait to try the other variations. I'm vegan and oil-free so this was a perfect gift to me and my family so we can have fresh plant-based oil-free bread anytime we want! So easy to clean and looks sleek as well!" — Ryan B Get it from Amazon for $129.95+ (available in two styles). 27. A Tushbaby hip carrier for the new mom who loves holding her baby or toddler, even if her arms are begging for a break. The strap-on hip bag can be worn six different ways and offers a robust selection of pockets for binkies, diapers, and more. It's recommended for children between eight and 45 pounds and can be used in four different holding positions — feeding/breastfeeding, side carrying, front facing, and face-to-face. Tushbaby is a small business that has been featured on Shark Tank. Promising review: " This has been one of MANY items I have purchased thanks to TikTok, and I'm glad I did. Super easy to use, easy to adjust, and most importantly it helps with support tremendously. It comes with pockets and a place to hold bottles/sippy cups, which can be very handy. My 8-month-old weights around 30–35 lbs, and he's basically attached to me 24/7, carrying all day was killing my back and arms! Thank God for this invention, my arms and back can rest." — Jennifer Calle Get it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in five colors). 28. A perfume sampler set from the beloved Maison Margiela Replica line. The unisex fragrances are inspired by relaxing moments, like Beach Walk, On a Date, and By the Fireplace. Each fab scent (I truly love them all) come in lil' apothecary-like jars so your mom can feel like an old-timey pharmacist when she mixes and matches to create her signature scent. Sephora Promising review: "First off, this set of perfumes is amazing! I loved the fact that there were different fragrances in the cute little packaging box that they were sent in. The bottles were small and easy to dab with the top on my wrists and neck. I would definitely recommend to purchase! They are made in France, and I could tell they are good quality items." — Ninaki5 Get a set of five from Sephora for $75. 29. A pepper cannon so fun to use, your mom will be floating around the kitchen like an Italian server asking everyone if they want more cracked pepper. It can crank out fresh pep up to 10 times faster than a traditional pepper mill. It even has a grinder dial to set the fineness of the grate from cracked to powder. BuzzFeeder Ross Yoder says:"If you've ever used a standard pepper mill, you know that by the time your hand is cramping up (approximately 1,000 cranks later!), you're left with only a small sprinkling of pepper. As a food writer, I feel like my life existed pre-Pepper Cannon and post -Pepper Cannon, and that's not hyperbole speaking! Simply put, this pepper mill cranks out perfectly cracked black pepper to your desired size so quickly that I now struggle to use standard pepper mills. It feels just as luxurious as it looks, too; with a heavy, cast iron-esque exterior, I genuinely love reaching for it whenever I'm in the kitchen. Sure, it's on the pricier side for a pepper mill, but IMHO, I think it's totally worth it if you love to cook. I've noticed that so many pepper-heavy dishes I love to cook, like spaghetti cacio e pepe, taste worlds better now that I can actually provide the amount of freshly cracked pepper called for. I loved it so much that I bought my mom one for Christmas, and now she's totally obsessed, too. Her only critique: Apparently, my dad has been over-peppering his food since this thing works so darn well (!!!), but that sounds like a 'him problem' to me." Get it from Amazon for $199.99. 30. A 3-in-1 portable charger that opens up to charge her iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at the same time. When she's done, it folds into a little dollop of a device that's easy to throw in a bag for later. Finally, she can stop texting you, "sorry, battery's gonna die..." Promising review:"These are fabulous for travel — they charge three devices from just one USB port, especially [helpful] when frequenting hotel rooms. The first one is now permanently stationed bedside to help clean up the clutter, and this will go into my briefcase for future excursions. Compact, and effective!" — see2xu Get it from Amazon for $76.49+ (available in three colors). 31. A puzzle table so your mom can jigsaw to her heart's content, and then stash the half-finished project away when it's time for dinner. It can rotate and has six drawers and a large surface for 1,500-piece puzzles. It's lightweight enough that your mom can pick it up and stow it with ease when she needs the dining room table free for dinner. Promising review:"The only place I had to work a puzzle was on the dining room table which caused a problem when family and friends came for dinner. This puzzle board is the perfect solution! It is so easy to move out of the way when needed. The drawers are so handy to separate the pieces by color, etc. and being able to rotate the board with the lazy Susan is a big plus. Very happy with this purchase and highly recommend." — Lynne C. Get the 1,500-piece size from Amazon for $55.99. 32. A gigantic, showstopping box of cookies from Last Crumb almost guaranteed to fully satisfy any mom's sweet tooth. There are 12 flavors, including Everything But the Candles (birthday cake), When Life Gives You Lemons (lemon bar), and Netflix and Crunch (cinnamon toast). These are perfectly balanced, extra chewy, and decadent enough to make your mom swoon. Krista Torres / BuzzFeed, Last Crumb These are seriously next level. They retain that perfect chewiness you normally only get from fresh-out-the-oven cookies. I must have said, "oh my god," 20 times after eating my first one. If you give your mom this box, you better hope she gives you at least a bite of one! Learn more about Last Crumb in our full review. Get it from Last Crumb for $120+ (available in packs of 12 or 24). 33. The Merit Five Minute Morning collection so you can give your mom's makeup bag a huge upgrade. It includes all the basics for a simple routine, including lip oil, cheek balm, and a complexion stick that replaces both foundation and concealer. Step AWAY from the 5-year-old Maybelline Great Lash mascara, Mom. Merit The collection includes: –The Minimalist complexion stick (available in 20 shades) –Flush Balm cheek color (available in 12 shades) –Day glow Highlighting Balm (available in three shades) –Brush No.1 Blending Brush –Clean Lash lengthening mascara (available in black) –Brow 1980 volumizing pomade (available in three shades) Get the set from Merit for $176 ($206 value). 34. The iconic, much-loved Balmuda toaster that is known for cooking the perfect piece of toast. This spendy Japanese gadget uses steam, which crisps the outside while keeping moisture locked inside. Amazon, Promising review: "Holy moly! Best toast I have ever made. I did a comparison taste test with the Balmuda toaster versus my cheapie $60 toaster oven. You can really taste the difference in the toast with the texture and the moisture of the inside of the toast. Hands down, Balmuda blew my other toaster out the water. So happy with purchase." — JL Get it from Amazon for $309 (available in four colors). Check out the TikTok by @tokyogirl92. 35. A compact travel iron and steamer for the frequent traveler or mom who hates having to pull the ironing board out. Besides being super pretty, the device can heat up in three minutes and removes wrinkles from both sides of the fabric at once. Amazon There's a built-in steamer and six fabric settings. Promising review:"Ordered this to bring to a wedding this past weekend, and it was a total hit. Perfect for getting last-minute wrinkles out of bridesmaid dresses! And will definitely be using for touchups before work instead of lugging out my massive ironing board. Great purchase!" — Carolyn Toll Get it from Amazon for $119 (available in five colors). 36. A set of rainbow wineglasses ensuring every guest can have their favorite long as they all have different favorite colors. If a fight breaks out for the green glass, you can always buy your mom a second set. Amazon The Wine Savant is a New York-based small business established in 2017 that specializes in unique, quality drinkware and accessories. Promising review: "Love these! Wasn't ready to splurge on Estelle stemmed glasses so I got these instead. I've run them through the dishwasher once so far, and they held up fine. Glass is thin near the top, which I love in a wineglass. I would recommend!" — Tricia Get a set of six from Amazon for $49.99. 37. And a spinning heart messenger so you can send love remotely to your faraway mom. You can send her messages using a corresponding app, and the box's little heart will spin to let her know she's got mail. Sure, you could just send a text, but this is cuter. Uncommon Goods Promising review:"This product is absolutely perfect for my situation. The messages are sent through an app on your phone and are instantly sent to the box, and you can also schedule a time when you want a message to be delivered. One of the cool aspects is that there are stickers and gifs that you can also send through the app. Overall, it was an amazing gift and definitely worth the money."— GC Get it from Uncommon Goods for $100+ (available in two styles) or from Amazon for $169.99. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Korea Herald
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Welcome spring with heart-throbbing bands
With March having arrived, the weather is slowly getting warmer and the days are growing longer. Spring approaches, and the world seems to be awakening from a long winter slumber. To match this refreshing change, following are some energetic songs from exciting bands to wake you up and fill your days with vibrant energy. - "Into You" released "Into You," a track composed by leader Lee Seung-hyub, in June 2024 while two of the five bandmates were fulfilling their compulsory military service. With its lively guitar rhythms and catchy whistling melody, "Into You" showcases the warm yet refreshing vocals of Lee Seung-hyub and Yoo Hwe-seung. The song expresses the overwhelming emotions of falling in love, featuring an infectious chorus and rhythmic drum beats that create the atmosphere of a road trip. Marking 10 years since the band's debut this year, is now back as a full unit following the discharge of drummer Kim Jae-hyun in February. All five reunited on stage for the first time after their military service hiatus at the "Awesome Stage" in Busan on Sunday, thrilling fans with their complete lineup at last. Lucy - "MP3" Vocalist Choi Sang-yeop, bassist and producer Cho Won-sang, drummer Shin Gwang-il and violinist Shin Ye-chan, who together form Lucy, are loved for creating music that evokes childhood nostalgia. One of the band's standout tracks, "MP3" is a B-side from the group's first full-length album, "Childhood." Blending in flute melodies, the track is a distinctly Irish-inspired tune. The youthful and pure vocals of Choi and Shin complement the track's nostalgic theme, reminding listeners of the days of wired headphones and MP3 players. The song's bright, upbeat melody adds to its springtime energy. Even since Shin enlisted in the military last September, the remaining members have continued to stay active, performing at music festivals and engaging with their growing fan base. Touched - "Night View" Touched has been steadily growing its fan base, showcasing a wide musical spectrum ranging from powerful rock sounds to delicate melodies from the two women and two men. The band, which debuted in 2021, made a name for itself the following year by winning Mnet's "Great Seoul Invasion" in September 2022. Since the victory, the band has performed at numerous music festivals, delivering memorable live performances. "Night View" was composed by keyboardist Chea Do-hyeon and vocalist Yun Min, with lyrics written by Yun. The track serves as an anthem for youth, celebrating the brilliance of fleeting yet precious moments. Yun's powerful, intricate vocals soar over the vibrant guitar and drums, capturing the beauty of finitude.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everything I Needed to Know About the Internet I Learned from the Radio
I worked for a radio station once. In New York City. I never wanted to work for a radio station, but one day — poof! — I found myself employed by a radio station. This was twenty years ago, the dawn of the digital age, when everyone thought the internet would unite the world. The job was an education. For instance, I learned that I did not like working at a radio station. I also learned that the internet and its hell spawn social media are just mics and phone banks full of strangers ready to scream 'you suck.' And the more successful you are, the more they will scream that, by the thousands. I never planned to work in radio, and had my dad still been alive, I would have embraced the opportunity. He would have been tickled. My old man was a radio DJ in the Army, and he loved it — the radio was always singing, crackling, and droning on and on in the car. The radio gig came along right after I was laid off from a men's magazine, where I had spent my days writing about things men care about, like beer, motorcycles, and swords. I made sure to use monosyllabic words in these efforts and made a meager living, as they say. Before I could have a proper emotional breakdown about the layoff, however, I was immediately hired by a radio station programming director looking for someone with my specific bona fides, and that's how I ended up hosting a national nighttime call-in talk show for men — a dream job to someone, just not me. For almost two years, I sat in front of a microphone for four hours a night, five days a week, and talked to men with no one else to talk to. I was a quick solution to the programming director's problem: he wanted a host who could talk about topics of interest to early 2000s dudes. His best radio personalities were men who spoke trash and bitched about their lives, crude outrage queens who loved drama. He wanted less drama, and I was perfect because I could talk about The Matrix and MP3 players and other subjects that piqued the interests of men at that time. It also didn't hurt that I was cheap. The programming director took a gamble on me, betting that he could train me to be a radio host on the job, and he tried his very best. My programming director was a lanky, laidback veteran who had fought his way up the radio industry ladder from middle-of-nowhere morning DJ to New York City, where he managed a dirty half-dozen or so radio personalities, each with their very own ridiculous on-air pseudonym: Gator or Kid Comet or DJ Hot Sauce. My programming director did not have a nickname, but I was told that early in his career, working the midday slot somewhere in the Southwest, he went by a name that sounded like Beef Stu, a nom de plume inspired by meat. Working in radio alongside 'talent' is like working in the Justice League or the Avengers, where everyone has a superhero name and a secret identity. I toyed with one of my own but settled on 'DeVore.' Just one name, like Cher. 'Yo, bros, it's DeVore.' (In the biz, on-air hosts are called 'talent' by management, which may sound like a compliment, but it is not.) And each of these personalities — performers — was emotionally volatile and vulnerable, hot-tempered and instantly gloomy the moment they were off-air. I don't know if the job attracts people with this kind of temperament or transforms folks with normal brains into aggressive, wisecracking, yackety-yakking maniacs, but I did not have this personality type. The job of talking to faceless humans on the radio is intense and requires a sort of courage verging on recklessness — you have to think fast and talk faster. I was not qualified to be a radio host because I didn't have 'it.' I have a naturally dry mouth, and the sound of my voice makes me nauseous. My programming director — formally Beef Stu — thought I had it in me to be 'good enough,' but I didn't. Even a moderately gifted radio host or DJ hungers for the airwaves, and I never did. A good radio host doesn't have to turn it on or off for the mic; they are always on, ready to open their mouths and let it all pour out: gripes, random epiphanies, and mini-monologues on current events, the names of songs, the locations of listeners, and station call signs. It just flows. I did not have this fire inside, so I drank liquor on the job to soothe my nerves and to help me perform — there were bottles of it everywhere because old school radio stations are a subset of 'man cave,' a filthy space where men will be boys. I would drink before the show and during because I thought it made me sound cool, and loose, and dangerous. In reality, I sounded drunk. Slow. Mumbly — like a muppet with a concussion. At first, I thought my programming director was a mellow dude with a playful, syrupy voice, but to survive decades in an industry that attracts and grooms egotists with a gift for speaking in tongue, you have to be cunning, and he was. He was also nurturing, in his way. Encouraging. He was a big believer in the 'air check,' which is how radio personalities are given feedback by their employer. 'Air checks' can be fraught — on-air talent are famously thin-skinned and with good reason. I found the job to be horrifically high-pressure, and it's hard to hear criticisms sometimes, especially when you're on the front lines. The 'air check' combines editorial notes with an ambush. Even when you know it's coming, it's mildly unsettling. It would have been impossible for my programming director to listen to every minute of my four-hour show, so he would, in the morning, randomly listen to five or ten-minute segments from the previous night's show, which, at the time, was recorded on compact disc. I'd then meet with him before the show, and he'd critique what he heard, and usually, his notes were focused on the topics I was talking about and how I talked about them — my pacing mostly, but also other technical tweaks. I had a bad habit of 'swallowing' the microphone at times, for instance. I also had a slight lisp that he made sure I knew about. (My listeners also wanted me to know I had a lisp.) And then there was my drinking. Itdidn't take long for me to have an epiphany behind the mic — a small one, almost profound. I realized that radio and the internet are similar in that they both make lonely people feel like they're in a conversation with other human beings, when they are, in fact, just filling time between commercial breaks or until the next influencer pops into your feed. Both media are also in the 'make someone mad' business because anger is a powerful emotion that takes little effort to rouse. Another emotion that is easy to exploit is fear, which can turn into anger pretty easily, just add a pinch of scapegoat or a twist of 'poor me.' Every person who called into my show, and every comment I've ever gotten on the internet, is mostly fueled by rage or resentment, which is like anger's younger, more passive-aggressive sibling. Old school talk radio and podcasts and streaming shows all follow the same laws of nature. The same physics. Hurt some feelings, then enjoy the backlash. These kinds of displays of cruelty and confidence can transfix the human animal the way the proverbial flame attracts the moth — and a person mesmerized by such exhibitions are vulnerable to all sorts of sales pitches. Sure, I get positive replies to social media posts. One or two, here or there. I post a photo of my dog or a homemade bowl of pasta and old friends will respond 'cute' or 'awesome.' But if you want attention — if you want clicks and callers lining up to yell at you — then you have to be loud and opinionated We live in a hot take-based economy. Emotions and opinions turn the gears of social media, and what most people don't realize is that their opinions are not original, most political views are the result of osmosis — you hear or read something someone said or wrote, and whatever you heard or read rattles around in your head like a ping pong in a raffle spinner and the next day, during a conversation with a spouse or a friend or a colleague, this thing you heard or read pops out of your mouth, only you think it's your idea now, but it isn't. I'm guilty of opinion laundering, too. The truth is that original opinions are difficult to invent, and they're actually rare. I didn't realize how rare a unique, interesting opinion was until it was my job, on-air, to share what I thought without even thinking and to listen to and endure, the brain farts of anonymous listeners. During my tenure at the radio station, I had the following experience a few times: I'd be out, at a party, or a social function of some sort, a dinner maybe, and I'd be sat next to someone I didn't know, or I'd get cornered by a friend's friend from high school, and we'd inevitably ask each other what the other does, which is one of the worst habits New Yorkers have, the instant willingness to abandon pleasant small talk and ask direct questions that size up the other person's professional status. Why waste time talking to a public school teacher or a hospice nurse? This is rude and we live in a Golden Age of Rude. So on more than one occasion, I answered the 'What do you do' question directly: I'm a talk radio host, and the responses were immediately intense and probing. One person just repeated that word: 'Fascinating.' But another immediately said, 'I could do that job.' Just out of nowhere. She didn't blurt it, she just said, matter of factly, 'I could do that,' after I told her my talk show was five days a week. What I wanted to say was, 'No you couldn't.' Maybe she could? She could very well have been a natural. The radio station was full of hosts born to jump on a mic and just talk and sound self-assured and funny and exciting. I was nervous during my first show, and last, nervous the minute before I went on air, and nervous the whole show. I was not good at the job. But then she followed that up with this chaser: 'I have opinions on everything.' I think I smiled and nodded like a coin-operated robot. I remember what I wanted to say, which was: 'You think you have opinions but you don't. Most people are parrots who mimic what other people say! It is actually hard to have an opinion! You don't know!' I didn't say that, of course. Because my hot takes are tepid, like room-temperature tapioca pudding. I didn't take the bait, I just listened. 'Mmhmm.' Your social media posts — especially the political ones — are likely purloined from a larger account, and many of those large accounts spend their days searching feeds for funny/thoughtful/interesting posts from smaller accounts they can cut and paste. But if you aspire to being a professional poster or radio talk show host, it does help if your hot takes are offbeat or innovative, but what's most important is belief. You must believe what you are saying is the most important thought in the world and you must believe it even if you don't believe it. Even if it's a flat-out lie. During one 'air check,' I was told I was being too wishy-washy. I forget the topic but let's say it was 'apples and oranges.' I went on air and said something like, 'Hey what's your favorite fruit? Apples or oranges? Call in!' That was not the way to do it. 'Do you like oranges? How about apples? Me? I like oranges!' My programming director told me how: you go on air and you say 'Oranges are the best fruit, the most delicious, there is no fruit as tasty as an organge. All other fruits are awful.' He paused and added, 'Apples blow.' He tried to teach me, he really did. It was hard for me to project myself via radio waves into cars and homes, and headphones. But he did manage to make me a better blogger and Twitter troll. He taught me to sharpen my hastily-conceived points of view to a point and to stab, stab, stab. He also stressed to me that there was reality, and there was the studio. I learned to be aware when I was on-air and when I was off and to never confuse radio John with real-life John, which happens all the time to people who broadcast their thoughts and feelings for money or attention. I'd argue that being online is more attractive than boring old life — it's exciting, and energizing, and you never have to accept responsibility for the things you say if you don't want to. The dopamine surges are more frequent too. Every caller, every follower, every laugh and comment is a rush, a brain-soothing jolt that further diminishes the pleasures of reality. Who wants to struggle and worry when you can exist as a disembodied voice and float above the mess of having to look at other human beings in the eye? The very best radio personalities I've ever met eventually fused these two states of existence into one, and they were always on. I assume the influencer community, if you can call it that, is thick with these kinds of sickos. There was this one guy, a sports radio legend, who would barge into the studio we shared like a one-man battering ram talking a mile-a-minute, shouting orders at his producers, making fun of his interns, and griping about this football team or that basketball star. I'd watch him prep as I slowly walked out at the end of my shift: one minute, his cans were around his neck and his mic was cold and the next, the cans are over his ears, the mic was hot and he's still shouting orders at his producers, making fun of his interns, and griping about this football team or that basketball star as the phone banks filled with blinking lights, each one a person desperate to connect, to shout and insult and share their second-hand opinions. I envied his blinking lights. I never had a full bank, just a handful of misfit regulars who felt obliged to remind me every night that I sucked. The programming director never liked it when I acted over-the-top or tried to pretend I was someone I wasn't. I tried to rant like the sports radio legend but I sounded like a living coronary — I wasn't entertaining or interesting. He used to tell me the callers can smell bullshit, my performances were not convincing. 'Be yourself,' he'd say, and not one of the other more polished hosts. Yes, 'be yourself,' sounds like a platitude, something stitched on a pillow but he believed it. This wasn't charity, he wanted me to succeed because finding new talent that worked for peanuts was a pain in the ass. He told me how to commodify myself, basically: take two or three aspects of my personality and blow them up big for the mic. Like, if I like bacon, then I had to dial up that love of bacon to a 10 on the air. I intellectually understood what he was saying but for the life of me, I couldn't think of three things I could passionately talk about all the time. Batman? I could probably talk Batman for four hours but every night? He was a pro and one of the friendliest, most approachable bosses I've ever had in the media but I was genuinely shocked the day he fired the morning show jock, an expensive diva addicted to controversies that repelled advertisers. In radio, people get fired the way gangsters get capped: one in the back of the head from a friend and you never see it coming. He broke the news to the guy after his show during the 'air check,' and the station's number one star did not take it well. I could hear him barking as he stormed down the office's hallways towards the elevator. During my 'air check' later that day I asked him how this was possible, the morning show was popular, and everyone loved him. Surely, I said, the callers would revolt. The programming director agreed. They would definitely get calls. Nasty ones. But, eventually, the listeners would forget and move on to something else. 'How long will that take?' 'Two weeks.' It takes two weeks for people to get over most things. I have never forgotten that: no matter how beloved you are, no matter how big you may be, the public will only care about you for two weeks before finding something new and shiny to play with. Dead? Fired? Cancelled? Two weeks. In that same meeting, he forced me to listen to five minutes of my show, and they were five minutes that made me cringe. I was drunk and slurring, and my sentences were like dark country roads. It was embarrassing, and we sat in silence for a minute after it was over before he said we were going to listen to it again. I begged him not to press play but he did and the liquor made my lisp more pronounced. I sounded so scared, too. Insecure. He was making a point I didn't want to hear. Then he said, 'Do your show drunk again, and your show will be forgotten in two weeks.' A year or so later, I would be laid off by corporate powers. Nothing to be done. It spared him from having to fire me though. I saw it coming. But that programming director was the first person in my life to tell me I was drinking too much. I'm not suggesting he cared about me, personally, but he cared about good radio. This post originally appeared on Medium and is edited and republished with author's permission. Read more of John DeVore's work on Medium.
