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Los Angeles Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Review: Jack of all trades, a master of none: 'Alter Ego' by Lisa
Lalisa Manobal , widely known by her stage name Lisa, has always been considered the boldest and most energetic Blackpink member. Known for her sharp dance moves and magnetic presence, the star is one of the most loved K-pop idols worldwide. On Feb. 28, 2025, Lisa kick-started her solo career by releasing her debut album, 'Alter Ego,' with her own record label, LLoud. The album's premise is exploring five of Lisa's alter egos —named Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni and Speedi. According to the rapper herself, the debut album is a product of her experimenting with different styles. The concept of various personas initially intrigued me, hoping to see new sides of Lisa that had been suppressed by the limitations of YG Entertainment, her previous music label. However, the album doesn't commit to a cohesive direction in terms of music style and narration, failing to capture Lisa's artistry to its fullest extent. Pop-rap tracks such as 'Rockstar' and 'Lifestyle' contain catchy beats and lyrics about confidence and success. The 80s-inspired opener 'Born Again' and disco-pop track 'Moonlit Floor,' sampling a 90's classic, 'Kiss Me,' by Sixpence None The Richer , take the listener back in time while also exploring more sentimental topics. Lastly, synth-pop tracks such as 'New Woman' and 'Chill' explore a completely different sound compared to the other songs in the album. 'Alter Ego' is packed with guest appearances, including Raye , Doja Cat , Rosalía , Future , Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion , which does more harm than good. These household names in the music industry showcase distinct music genres, outshining Lisa who only adapts to her co-singers' styles. For instance, 'When I'm With You,' sounds like a track from Tyla's discography with Lisa as a feature, not the other way around. This is because Tyla has been known for creatively mixing South African music and dance with R&B and pop, but Lisa has never been associated with such style before. British singer-songwriter Raye and American rapper Doja Cat also steal the stage with their outstanding vocal performance in the powerful electropop opener 'Born Again.' The song sets a high initial expectation for the following tracks because of its heartfelt lyrics and addictive melody, which makes the rest of 'Alter Ego' underwhelming for listeners. The bigger issue of this debut, however, lies in its lyricism. Some lines, such as ''Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?'' in her lead single, 'Rockstar,' simply lack intent and are out of place in the song. In other cases, Lisa repeatedly name-checks brands and flexes her wealth. For example, she sings, 'With five bad girls in the Honda Civic (Honda Civic)' in 'BADGRRRL' and 'Lo-lo-lo-lovin' it, these checks be comin' in / These checks be doublin'' in 'Lifestyle.' Having a couple of songs with such lyrics have the potential to be engaging, but the recycling of the same shallow topics makes the album repetitive and takes away from the listening experience. While Lisa sings about love and heartbreak in her softer songs such as 'Moonlit Floor' and 'Dream,' the restriction on the topics Lisa covers in her rap verses makes her album fall under a blunt category: ballads are for emotions and rap is for aggression. The album did not present a nuanced theme or a coherent personal narrative, which was the ultimate deal-breaker for me. Despite its shortcomings, some tracks of the album demonstrate Lisa's strengths as a vocalist and rapper. One of the highlights of the album is 'Born Again,' one of the strongest works from Lisa's discography thus far, with rejuvenating lyrics about heartbreak, self-discovery and reinventing oneself. Another standout song is track 11, 'Lifestyle,' which quickly became a fan favorite upon release. The upbeat, heavy bass track was hailed as an empowering anthem, as many of Lisa and Blackpink's songs are. On the other hand, track 12 of the album, 'Chill,' showed a new and distinct side of Lisa and demonstrated her strengths vocally. The synth-pop track was the perfect blend of chill vibes and danceable beats, embodying the rapper's confident, swaggy personality through a refreshing style. The song became an instant favorite of mine because of how it highlighted Lisa's voice and complemented her artistic persona while also exploring something new. In my opinion, 'Chill' was the only song that truly achieved the goals that Lisa appeared to have when creating her debut album. The primary issue of 'Alter Ego' is its lack of originality. With an incoherent theme, repetitive lyrics and unnecessary features, the album fails to take its listener through a unique journey. However, its versatility in terms of genres and sounds allows fans to see new sides of Lisa, highlighting her potential for growth. Even though 'Alter Ego' fails to showcase Lisa's unique identity, it is still a huge milestone for her career as an independent soloist. Related
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
From giant star to your necklace: Indian-origin NASA scientist finds a billion-year-old alien connection to gold
A groundbreaking study led by Anirudh Patel suggests that magnetars—rare, highly magnetic neutron stars—played a key role in the formation of gold and other heavy elements in the universe. By re-examining 20-year-old space data, scientists found that intense magnetar flares could have contributed up to 10% of the heavy elements in our galaxy. This discovery opens a new frontier in astrophysics, revealing the cosmic origins of precious metals found on Earth and in modern technology. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Magnetars: The unlikely goldsmiths of the universe A closer look at the cosmic "starquakes" Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The role of Gamma Rays in unveiling element formation A game-changer for astrophysics The cosmic origins of gold and other precious metals The origin of heavy elements like gold, platinum, and uranium has long been one of the universe's greatest mysteries. While lighter elements were forged in stars, the source of these heavier elements remained unclear for decades. Now, scientists suggest that magnetars , a rare type of neutron star, might be the key to understanding how gold and other precious metals formed. New research based on decades-old space data offers a fresh perspective on how these elements might have been created in the depths of a recent study led by Anirudh Patel , a Ph.D. student at Columbia University , magnetars have been proposed as major contributors to the creation of heavy elements. Magnetars are highly magnetic remnants of supernova explosions, their magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth's. These stars occasionally release massive bursts of energy—known as magnetar flares—during which they expel high-energy radiation capable of influencing Earth's to Patel, these flares could have played a crucial role in the formation of elements heavier than iron. "It's a fun puzzle that hasn't actually been solved," Patel said, reflecting on the mystery that has intrigued astronomers for years. His team discovered that magnetar flares could account for up to 10% of the heavy elements in our galaxy, including gold, platinum, and uranium. This would make magnetars among the first cosmic goldsmiths in the are more than just stellar oddities. These neutron stars are incredibly dense—just a teaspoon of their matter would weigh billions of tonnes on Earth. When they experience intense internal stresses, their crusts can crack open in what are known as "starquakes." These violent events unleash powerful magnetar flares that can be seen from Earth, even though they occur thousands of light-years Burns, a co-author of the study from Louisiana State University, described this discovery as a breakthrough in astrophysics . "It's like solving a century-old riddle using forgotten observations," he said. By re-examining old data from ESA and NASA telescopes, the team found that these violent outbursts could generate the conditions necessary for the rapid neutron capture process, or " r-process ," which is responsible for creating heavy elements like 2017, scientists witnessed the merger of two neutron stars, providing direct evidence of the r-process in action. However, such mergers are rare and occur too late in the universe's history to explain the formation of early elements. Patel's team, therefore, turned to magnetar flares, which are much more frequent and occur earlier in the universe's life suggested that gamma rays—rather than visible or ultraviolet light—might provide a clearer signal of element creation during magnetar flares. When they revisited data from a magnetar flare observed in 2004 by ESA's retired INTEGRAL satellite, the team was stunned to find a gamma-ray signal that matched their predictions. This finding was later confirmed by two additional NASA missions , RHESSI and Wind, which independently detected the same discovery opens a new chapter in astrophysics. NASA's upcoming COSI mission, launching in 2027, will provide an even more detailed view of cosmic explosions like magnetar flares. With a wide-field gamma-ray telescope, COSI could offer direct observations of the elements created during these stellar outbursts, potentially validating Patel's implications of this research extend beyond the academic world. "It's very cool to think about how some of the stuff in my phone or my laptop was forged in this extreme explosion," Patel mused, underscoring the cosmic journey that brought elements from distant stars into everyday platinum, and other precious metals have long been linked to meteorite bombardments and the cooling of Earth's core. However, this new research suggests a far more explosive origin. The heavy elements we value today might not have just arrived via meteorites, but were also forged in the intense flares of distant magnetars. The 2004 flare alone, according to Patel's team, could have produced the equivalent of a third of Earth's mass in heavy metals, shedding light on the incredible forces behind the creation of the precious materials that shape our research, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, presents a transformative shift in how we understand the formation of elements in the universe. By turning to older data with fresh insight, scientists have uncovered a surprising and profound source of some of the most precious materials in existence. The idea that gold—whether in wedding rings or smartphones—might have its origins in the violent death throes of a magnetar is a humbling thought. As we look to the future, researchers are eager to explore more ancient cosmic signals, hoping to uncover further secrets of the universe's hidden goldmines.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mobley, Cade or Scottie Barnes, still hard to tell who's best from 2021 NBA draft
The 2021 draft class has long been considered one of the most impressive to come along in years and time has only strengthened that argument. It was hard not to think about the group on Friday, when the Raptors hosted the Detroit Pistons, even though each team's star player, Toronto's Scottie Barnes and Detroit's Cade Cunningham, didn't suit up. Cunningham, the first pick that year, has broken out in his healthiest season, leading the Pistons on their rise. He made his first all-star appearance along the way and is likely going to be named to an All-NBA team as well after averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds with the best shooting numbers of his career. Evan Mobley, the Cleveland big man taken third overall could win defensive player of the year and at the least will make his second all-defensive team. He also made his first all-star appearance. Orlando's Franz Wagner, who went eighth in the draft, has been a monster when healthy and would have made the all-star game had he not gone down. Jalen Green went second and has had some big-time scoring months for Houston, but clearly was taken too high, despite his immense talent. New Orleans wing Trey Murphy III (17th overall) also broke out and Houston's Alperen Sengun, taken a pick earlier, has had another impressive season, with many touting him as the team's best player. Chicago's Josh Giddey (taken sixth) and Orlando's Jalen Suggs (fifth) have also looked great at times, Suggs earlier on before he got hurt, Giddey down the stretch for the surging Bulls. And then there's Toronto's Barnes. When Toronto moved up at the lottery from seventh to fourth, the team had to switch gears after being highly intrigued by Wagner, Giddey and Jonathan Kuminga (who went seventh to Golden State), in particular. They coveted Mobley, but when he went just before their pick, the Raptors were down to Barnes or Suggs. They made the right choice, with Barnes becoming the initial star of his class. He won rookie of the year in a tight finish with Mobley and though he had a poor (by his standards) second season, he rebounded to become the first all-star from the class last season. Mobley and Barnes are clearly the best defenders from the class and if Barnes can improve his shooting, he could make a case for being head of the class once more one day, though Cunningham and Mobley won't make that easy. Cunningham leads the class in scoring and assists, Mobley in rebounds and blocks, Sengun is the advanced stats darling, and Murphy the best high-volume shooter. Barnes has played the most minutes, is third in rebounds and assists and fourth in scoring. MORE RAPTORS-PISTONS TAKEAWAYS: • It's too bad it sounds like we won't see Brandon Ingram on the court until training camp. Would have been nice to get a look — albeit a very brief one — at the team's best offensive player alongside the rest of the core before a long summer. If the Raptors had locked in the team's spots in the reverse standings a few weeks ago I suspect Ingram would have played a few games. The Raptors are banking on Ingram being able to avoid significant injuries moving forward and that his immense offensive talents will help unlock more from Barnes on that end of the floor. • Maybe the maddest March Raptors stat: Since March 4 Jamison Battle leads the team in minutes played. Jamal Shead, Orlando Robinson and A.J. Lawson are 3, 4, 5. Barnes is second. • The loss to Detroit was Toronto's 50th of the season. It's the 8th time in 30 seasons a Raptors team has reached that unfortunate number and the first time it's happened in consecutive seasons since the first three years the franchise existed. • Tim Hardaway Jr.'s last two games against the Raptors: 12-for-17 from three, 5-for-10 from two, resulting in two of his five highest-scoring games this season. • Pistons giant Jalen Duren, who is somehow only 21, came two rebounds short of becoming the fifth player to get 20 rebounds in a game against the Raptors this season. • San Antonio made a huge comeback against Cleveland, but fell by a point Friday. A Spurs win would have guaranteed the Raptors could not win more games than them this year. Still, Toronto would have to win its final four games and the Spurs would have to drop its final five for the teams to be tied with 32 wins, which would result in a coin flip to see who gets extra lottery balls. In other words, not happening. There's still a small chance the Raptors will catch the Nets for the sixth-worst record, but don't bet on it. @WolstatSun
USA Today
26-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michael Chiesa touts former foe Sean Brady's 'mutant-like strength' after Leon Edwards finish
Michael Chiesa has experienced what it's like to be in the octagon with Sean Brady, and thinks Leon Edwards made a serious miscalculation in the UFC Fight Night 255 main event. Chiesa (20-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) suffered a unanimous decision loss to Brady (18-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 198 in November 2021. The welterweight veteran, who also serves as a prominent analyst for the UFC and ESPN, was intrigued to see how his former opponent would deal with ex-champion Edwards (22-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) in the biggest fight of his career this past Saturday at The O2 in London, and it turned out to be a one-sided affair that led to a fourth-round submission result. In the aftermath of the fight, Brady criticized Edwards for not focusing enough on the task at hand and dwindling on his title loss to Belal Muhammad in July. Chiesa backed that stance, and thinks Edwards did not realize the caliber of opponent he was stepping into the cage with. 'Sean's a tremendous athlete,' Chiesa told MMA Junkie. 'Incredibly skilled, incredibly strong. I could've warned Leon about that heading into that fight. You can't really makes jokes about the short-guy thing. … Somebody should've warned Leon. This isn't some short guy. You're not going to just lace this guy with a head kick. You are going to have to deal with the strongest fighter you've ever faced in your life. There's no guy you can bring in to emulate the strength of Sean Brady, because you would have to find a guy that's like 210 pounds. He's that strong. I remember the first time he wrapped his hands around my waist when we fought, I was just like, 'Holy crap. (Paul) Felder totally was right.' He has like mutant-like strength. I wasn't surprised. 'Sean really turned a corner after that Belal Muhammad fight and when you saw him fight Belal, you saw a lot more lateral movement, it looked like he was trying to be more technical on the feet. I think where he turned the corner after Belal is where he was just like, 'Screw this.' He can just walk these guys down with big punches, get them on their heels, get them on the mat and get them into his wheelhouse. He turned a corner after that Belal fight. It's safe to say you could argue he could be the next guy to fight for the title. We'll see how everything shakes out, but we're seeing a big paradigm shift at 170 pounds and it's very, very exciting.' Brady's victory added further depth to the title picture at 170 pounds. Reigning champ Muhammad will next defend against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on May 10, then undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov is expected to get the winner. Beyond that, Brady's name is now in the fold, then someone like lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could be a factor if he ever moves up. Much will be decided about who the best welterweight in the world is over the coming months. Chiesa thinks Brady might be that guy, but given what he's seen thus far, his support remains behind Muhammad. 'I do think Belal beats JDM,' Chiesa said. 'I think that's a good fight for him. I'm not trying to be disrespectful or dismissive of his skills. He's an incredible boxer. We've seen him have trouble in the past with the wrestling department. Belal is a pressure monster. He's going to be in your face, he's going to be in your face, he's very durable. JDM has got to be ready to defend the takedowns, but not only ready to defend the takedowns, but defend the pressure. It's hard to come forward with boxing pressure when the guy is going to mash you with wrestling, and Belal does a good job mixing up the wrestling with the striking to keep his opponents guessing. I see Belal winning this fight, but this time next year is going to be very interesting. I think the tougher matchups for Belal are on the horizon. 'I think Sean Brady, if they fought again, I think he's a different fighter. His style is similar to Belal's in terms of the pressure and the wrestling. But he's just got that edge with the submissions. I don't know how that fight goes. I think it would be a different fight. But you've got Shavkat the boogeyman waiting in the wings. He did look a lot more human against Ian Garry, but once the fight unfolded we found out he went into that fight with a knee injury. Islam going up could really shake things up. If Shavkat wins the title, I don't know how Islam fares against him. The pick of the bunch, I think I'm going to stick with Belal Muhammad because I think people doubt him so much, I would like to think that he beats JDM, I would like to think he could beat Sean Brady again, but I think that's the toughest of the fights for Belal, would be a fight with Sean Brady. I'm just picking Belal because I'm done picking against the guy.' To hear more from Chiesa, check out his complete appearance on 'The Bohnfire' podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Is Hania Aamir teaming up with Diljit Dosanjh for 'Sardaar Ji 3'?
Listen to article Diljit Dosanjh, fresh off the success of his Dil-Luminati tour in India, has sparked speculation about a new collaboration with actress Hania Aamir, after sharing photos on Instagram that hinted at a joint project. On Monday, Diljit posted images showing off a stylish outfit, including black trousers, a hoodie, a red jacket, and a red-and-white cap. Along with the photos, he also shared a scenic view featuring tall trees, a serene lake, and a forest. Later, Hania Aamir posted a picture from a similar location on her Instagram story, captioning it: 'What in the evermore is this.' The reference to "evermore", a music album by Taylor Swift, intrigued fans as the album's cover features similar topography. Over on Instagram, Hania Aamir shared a story in which she can be seen grooving to a Punjabi song. It is speculated that the song is from her upcoming film. The shared imagery led to quick speculation from Reddit users, who pointed out the similarities in the locations. Some fans are guessing that the two might be collaborating on Diljit's upcoming music video, 'Water', while others are holding out for a possible appearance by Hania in the third instalment of the Sardaar Ji film series, alongside Diljit and Neeru Bajwa. Earlier, Hania attended Diljit's Dil-Luminati concert in London, where the singer invited her on stage after noticing her in the audience. Hania shared her excitement on Instagram, writing: 'Hona ni mai recover (I won't recover). What a night! It was magic. The love, the respect, the soul—impeccable. It was all heart. @diljitdosanjh sir, ek hi dil hai, kitni dafa jeeto ge? Pyar aur sirf pyar aa!' She added, thanking everyone involved in making the night unforgettable. Diljit's schedule is packed with exciting projects. He will star alongside Varun Dhawan, Sunny Deol, and Ahaan Shetty in Border 2, set for release in January 2026. He is also part of Boney Kapoor and Anees Bazmee's No Entry 2, which will feature Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor. Meanwhile, Sardaar Ji 3, the much-anticipated Punjabi horror-comedy, is set for release on 27 June 2025. The popular franchise, which began in 2015, saw Diljit paired with Neeru Bajwa, and the second film was released in 2016, starring Sonam Bajwa, Monica Gill, and Jaswinder Bhalla. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see whether the speculation about Diljit and Hania's collaboration is true, and if so, what new project they might be working on together.
