Blogs Archives

Furry Friends Friday with Scout from Berrien County Animal Control – Friday, August 6

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Scout is a 1-2 year old male Texas Heeler. Scout enjoys playing with other dogs, doesn’t mind cats, and lived with kids before coming to Berrien County Animal Control. He is a wonderfully well-behaved boy. Scout absolutely loves playing in water and you could win his heart by taking him out for a beach day. He isn’t a huge fan of treats, but loves to try out new tricks. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 to learn more about our smart boy, Scout!... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, August 6

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TODAY IS:
  • International Beer Day
  • Root Beer Float Day
  • Wiggle Your Toes Day

Toymaker Mattel has introduced a new Barbie doll honoring one of the scientists who created the COVID-19 vaccine. Oxford professor Sarah Gilbert was the project leader for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and now she’s a Barbie doll. Gilbert says, “I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls into STEM careers and hope that children who see my Barbie will realize how vital careers in science are, to help the world around us.” (CBS News)

Going on vacation with someone you’re dating is a big relationship milestone. How long should you wait before you take your first vacation together? According to a YouGov poll, 21% think you should wait at least 4-6 months. 14% said 1-3 months is enough. 9% said 7-9 months, and 8% said you should be together 10-12 months. 7% said 1-2 years. And then there were the 3% who said a week of dating was enough time to go on a trip together.

The FAA is now asking airport Duty Free shops to keep an eye on how much booze they’re selling after a huge spike in unruly behavior on planes. Most airlines have seen a major jump in crazy drunks causing trouble with the crew and other passengers. Last week, an airline had to duct tape a dude to his chair after he wouldn’t stop getting ‘handsy’ with the flight attendants.

Last year’s lockdowns didn’t stop us from finding others to talk to on the internet. Tinder says 2020 was its busiest year ever. The dating app reports a record amount of activity on the platform last year, with 42 percent more matches per member. Tinder isn’t alone…Match, OkCupid and Plenty of Fish all saw way more digital discussions last year.

Pumpkin spice season is fast approaching … And, apparently, pumpkin spice ramen noodles are a thing. Cup Noodles, a staple of college dorm rooms, has a Pumpkin Spice Nissin Cup Noodles. (The Takeout)
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Music News – Friday, August 6

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Britney Spears shared exciting developments in her life. On Thursday she posted four times to Instagram, including a tech upgrade. (quote) “This is a groundbreaking day. I got my first iPad. I am so excited. I’ve always had a little phone, but now this iPad is in my hands. My life is changing as we speak.”
A source close to Britney told Entertainment Tonight how the singer “feels more and more liberated. Britney is fearless.”
Britney’s Instagram feed demonstrated this new attitude. She prefaced an “ask me anything” video, (quote) “Things are way better than I ever anticipated. So, here are a couple of questions from you — apart from the drama and the conservatorship.”
Britney said how she loves “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus. She uses vanilla-scented lotion because it smells “fresh and girly.” Britney loves to shop at J.Crew and even posed in a sundress from the store. Britney prefers traditional snacks if offered Baked Lays potato chips or regular ones, (quote) “I would have to say that I would choose a real deal Lay, definitely.” (Daily Mail)

Britney Spears‘ new lawyer has put the pedal to the metal — and wants her dad out of her life as soon as possible.
Mathew Rosengart filed official paperwork to remove Jamie Spears as Brit’s conservator last week, but he wasn’t happy with the timeline set by the judge. Judge Brenda Penny set the next hearing on Britney’s case for September 29th, but Rosengart wants to speed things along and asked that it be held on August 23rd.
Rosengart wrote “In short, although a two-month wait for a hearing on the Petition may not seem significant in the context of 13 years, Ms. Spears should not be forced to continue feel traumatized, lose sleep and suffer further.”  (Variety)

Since we’re still waiting for new music from AdeleCourteney Cox and daughter Coco Arquette decided to fill the gap with their version of “Chasing Pavements.”
The Friends star has been busy with her music sideline lately. She and Coco recently teamed up for a version of Taylor Swift‘s “Cardigan,” and she also recruited Brandi Carlile, Ed Sheeran and Elton John for a parody of John’s “Tiny Dancer.”
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Thursday, August 5

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In Rochester, Minnesota, 16-year-old Riley Landon is hard at work on his Eagle Scout project — and that project involves bikes and bike parts all over his family’s backyard.
Riley has been working all summer, fixing old bikes and making sure they’re in perfect working order — all with the goal of donating them to those in need.
He has a goal of fixing 60 bikes in total, with about 30 going to the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester and another 30 going to homeless people or other people who might need them.
Riley’s passion for biking inspired the project — which has led to him connecting with the community in a big way, even at this young age. (KTTC-TV)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Thursday, August 5

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Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards is expeced to become the permanent host of the game show, according to Variety.
Richards, whose hosting experience includes The WB’s High School Reunion and The CW’s Beauty and the Geek, is reportedly  in “advanced negotiations” with Sony Pictures Television to replace the late Alex Trebek.
Beginning in January, Jeopardy!  had been guest-hosted by a slew of celebrities — including Mayim Bialik, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Oz, Ken Jennings, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, Aaron Rodgers and LeVar Burton.

Kendall Jenner is being sued for $1.5 million for allegedly skipping out on a modeling gig.
Italian fashion house Liu Jo accuses the model of breaching the terms of a contract by failing to appear at the second of two planned photo shoots. She was reportedly paid a total of $1.5 million, plus a 20 percent service fee.
The shoot was set to take place in London in March 2020 but was postponed because of the pandemic. Liu Jo says they tried to reschedule but Kendall allegedly “ceased responding” to them. Meanwhile, Kendall’s management claims they’ve tried repeatedly to reschedule.
Kendall was the highest-paid model in the world in 2018 with $22.5 million in earnings.

Following his #MeToo Scandals of the past, Louis CK has announced a 24-city comeback comedy tour that starts next weekend with two nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and ends with two nights in Boston in mid-December. TheWrap

Mel Brooks has written his memoir at age 95. All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business will be published on November 30th. The legend has also recorded an audiobook version that will be released at the same time. (Deadline)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, August 5

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TODAY IS:
  • National Blogger Day
  • National Oyster Day
  • National India Pale Ale (IPA) Day
  • National Underwear Day
A recent survey looked into how often we CHANGE our underwear.  Spoiler alert:  Not everyone changes them every day. Only 68% of Americans say they usually wear a pair once and then wash them.  For everyone else, it varies. 13% said twice . . . 6% said three to five times . . . 3% said SIX times or more without washing . . . and another 10% weren’t sure, or said they’d rather not answer. 48% of Americans said they’ve NEVER worn the same underwear more than once.

The twins are taking over … According to new research, the number of twins being born in the U.S. has increased by more than 70% over the last 30 years. Some of the reasons include IVF treatments and moms having kids at an older age.

Has working from home been painful? As much as many people love the flexibility and work-life balance of remote working, some have found the experience painful – literally. A new survey has found that 2 in 3 remote workers have suffered physical pain from working from home – including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and eye strain. Because our living spaces don’t always have designated offices, employees are working in places that aren’t the best for their muscles and joints. And many people working from home are putting in longer hours – which is causing eye pain and headaches from long hours staring at screens.

Speaking of work … Do you find meaning in what you do for a living? While 55% of respondents in a new YouGov poll said their job made a meaningful contribution to the world, 22% said their job was meaningless.

Did you reconnect with an ex during the pandemic? A new study of married couples and those in long-term relationships found that 62% said they kept someone on the “back burner” during the pandemic, in case their current relationship didn’t work out. Ouch. And more than 50% of respondents said the person on the “back burner” was an ex. (Independent)
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Music News – Thursday, August 5

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Mariah Carey took the lyrics to her smash “Heartbreaker” seriously during the video shoot — where she shot down the advances of Jerry O’Connell.
The actor recalled the 1999 incident in his new role as co-host of The Talk, putting a personal twist on a 40th anniversary celebration of MTV. O’Connell said “They called me the day before it shot, someone must have dropped out. Full disclosure, I did shoot my shot with Mariah. I tried to get digits. It did not work out. She’s a very nice girl. She let me down easily and softly, but that was not going to happen.”

Fans can finally get a good look at Camila Cabello‘s movie debut — in the full-length trailer for Amazon Prime’s re-imagining of the classic Cinderella.
This version of the story is set in the modern day, with Camila playing an orphan in the care of evil stepmother Idina Menzel — who’s come a long way from her Frozen days. But instead of dreaming of meeting a handsome prince, this Cinderella hopes to escape and become a famous fashion designer.
The soundtrack will feature plenty of cool music, including remakes of several classic tunes. Billy Porter takes on Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star,” Idina Menzel revamps Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Camila leads the cast through a version of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation.”
Both the movie and soundtrack are due for release on September 3rd.

Carole King is an admitted recluse who rarely leaves her home in Idaho, but she says she’s making an exception this October.
Asked by Variety how she feels about getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a second time this year — having previously been inducted as a songwriter — King tells the publication, “It’s a great honor. In fact, I’ll tell you what a great honor it is: I’m actually going!…I’m leaving Idaho.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for October 30 in Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Tickets are on sale now.  King will be inducted along with Foo FightersTodd RundgrenThe Go-Go’sTina Turner and JAY-Z.
Because she doesn’t leave her house, King recently teamed up with Jennifer Hudson via Zoom to write “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),” the end title theme for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, in which Hudson stars. It’s out August 13.
The two chatted with Variety together via Zoom, during which King, who’ll be 80 next year, told Hudson, “I feel…so blessed…to have somebody like you that is carrying this light and this love and this positive energy forward.”
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The Coast Social Network with Berrien Community Foundation – Wednesday, August 4

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Lisa Cripps-Downey from the Berrien Community Foundation and Lynne Clayton of Water Street Glassworks join Zack to talk about the return of the BCF Arts Challenge and how you can help support 9 awesome local arts organizations stay on their feet and keep their doors open. Head to berriencommunity.org for details and to donate.... [Read Full Story]

The Happy Headline of the Day – Tuesday, August 3

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About two years ago, a family in Wisconsin was devastated when their dog “Payday” went missing. After a number of months, everyone in the family had given up. They thought Payday was gone forever.
Then, something amazing happened.
Payday’s owner, Dwight, left the TV on when he went to bed, something he says never happens. When Dwight woke up the next morning, the TV was still on — and showing a morning news program.
And, sure enough, there was Payday on his screen, being featured in an “Adopt-a-Pet” segment and described as a “little brown dog with an adorable under bite.”
Thanks to a reunion organized by the Wisconsin Humane Society, Payday was returned to his family. Everyone was thrilled to have Payday back — but it was extra special for Dwight’s 12-year-old daughter who once again is enjoying having her best friend by her side. (NBC News)
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The Daily Dish – Tuesday, August 3

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At the end of Saturday Night Live‘s 46th season, rumors swirled that several of its stars were leaving. But producer Lorne Michaels has other ideas. He’s reportedly asked them to stay.
A source tells Variety that the show’s creator is trying to persuade cast members whose contracts may have expired to delay their exit plans for several years. Lorne wants some cast members to stay through the show’s historic 50th season.
He’s even “willing to grant some flexibility, giving cast who have other opportunities the chance to work on those projects as well as on the show.”
Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, Kenan Thompson and Pete Davidson are reportedly on the way out.
SNL is set to air into 2025, and there’s speculation that Lorne plans to retire at that time.

Bill and Melinda Gates are officially single.
On Monday, a judge finalized the couple’s bitter divorce.
Melinda filed for divorce in May after 27 years of marriage.
According to TMZ, which obtained the final divorce documents, “Neither party will get spousal support. Also, Melinda will not change her last name. The document says all property is divided pursuant to the ‘Separation Contract.’ Translation — when they decided to split, they signed a document outlining who gets what.”
Bill’s worth an estimated $130 billion. Melinda received $2 billion in stocks the day she filed for divorce, and the following day, she got 25 million shares of Mexican Coca-Cola.

Following a backlash, Matt Damon is denying reports that he recently stopped using the homophobic f-word after his daughter protested.
Now, the Stillwater star says he didn’t need to retire the slur, because he never uttered it in his personal life.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, he was quoted as saying he only recently stopped using the word after he used it in a joke around his family, prompting his young daughter to write a “treatise” explaining why it was harmful.
But on Monday Matt told Variety in a statement that he’s “never” called anyone” the slur in his “personal life and this conversation with my daughter was not a personal awakening. I do not use slurs of any kind.”
Damon explained that he was referring to a discussion he had with his daughter where he tried explaining the progress that had been made since he was growing up in Boston and often hearing the word used.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, August 3

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TODAY IS:
  • Watermelon Day
  • White Wine Day

Which Olympic sports have the highest risk of injury? The answers might surprise you. All sports carry the risk of injury, but according to data from the Rio Olympics in 2016, the Olympic athletes most likely to suffer injuries are BMX cyclists (38%), followed by boxers (30%), mountain bikers (24%) and Taekwondo athletes (24%). (Insider) But, as you might imagine, even with very few incidents in places like the pool, they still have lifeguards standing by…

When the pandemic started and people got stir crazy in their homes, many turned to RVs and conversion vans as a way to get away — but still be safe. And it seems the trend is here to stay – at least for the foreseeable future. Many people made the vans themselves – converting old school buses, delivery vans and work vans into amazing homes on wheels. Some liked it so much they even ditched their real homes for life on the road – especially in these times when you can work from anywhere. (SWNS)

Early in the pandemic Zoom bombings were a thing, interrupting classes and meetings. Some losers even used hate speech when they hacked into meetings. Now Zoom says it’ll pay $85 million to settle a class action lawsuit. Users accused the company of weak security and selling their personal data. The Zoom settlement amounts to a 15–25-dollar refund per subscriber, and the company does not have to admit to any wrongdoing.

Sobering thoughts … Studies have shown that alcohol consumption was way up during the pandemic, particularly among women, whose stress levels soared for a number of reasons – including taking on the bulk of the household tasks, homeschooling, and care giving, among others. But others took a different approach, choosing to drink less during the year of anything goes. (Self)
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Music News – Tuesday, August 3

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Ed Sheeran is gearing up for the release of a new album, but according to his manager, there might be multiple albums coming from the chart-topping star.
Speaking with Variety, Ed’s manager, Stuart Camp, confirmed that “there will be an album this year,” and added that he and Ed have set aside “most of 2023 to tour North America.”  And since he’s obviously planning to be on the road for a couple of years, Camp says, Ed may decide to release another album during that time.
“We’ll be touring – if we’re allowed to – for two to three years, and there may be more records in that period,” says Camp. “If we tour for that long, I’d imagine there will be two albums within that cycle. Because this record’s taken so long to make, we genuinely have a lot of songs, so it could happen relatively quickly.”
Camp boasts, “If [Ed] wanted to, he could literally release an album of acoustic ballads tomorrow!”
As for what fans can expect for the album that’s coming out this year, Camp says, “It’ll both surprise and comfort people. There’s some normal Ed songs, but there’s also some more sonically adventurous ones as well.”
A new single, the follow up to the current hit “Bad Habits,” is due in the fall, Camp says.

Earlier last week it was revealed that Kelly Clarkson has been ordered to shell out nearly $200,000 a month to ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. But a new report from People claims that agreement is only temporary.
A source tells the mag that the court order — which has Kelly paying $150,000 per month in spousal support and $45,601 per month in child support for their two children — “is strictly temporary support until a final settlement is worked out.”
The order, handed down by a Los Angeles judge on Tuesday, also has the singer paying $1.25 million toward Blackstock’s attorney fees.
Kelly and Brandon married in 2013 and share seven-year-old daughter River Rose and five-year-old son Remington Alexander. Their split was made public in June 2020.
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Monday, August 2

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12-year-old Raphael Bencun has already lived quite an exciting life. He started playing piano as a young boy in France. And when his family moved to Santa Clarita, California, four years ago, he kept playing — and kept getting better and better.
Earlier this year, he was inspired to hold a virtual piano concert with the idea of both buying some stuff for himself and donating some money to charity. Originally, he was thinking of splitting the money 50/50.
As Raphael prepared for the concert — and publicized it — money started pouring in. He raised so much that he didn’t feel right keeping any of it, so he donated it all — more than $2,000 — to Children’s Hunger Fund.
Following the concert, the family went to Children’s Hunger Fund to spend some time volunteering. This was especially fun for Raphael, who explained that it felt “really good” to help the charity where he was sending his money.
Raphael’s piano teacher calls him “incredibly hard-working, diligent and self-motivated.” With those traits, many people in his life will be looking on to see what other great things he accomplishes in the months and years ahead. (The Signal)
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The Daily Dish – Monday, August 2

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard fought while married and, more than four years after their divorce, they’re still feuding in court.
Depp has won the most recent legal battle. A New York judge recently ruled that a charity must unseal documents that pertain to donations by his ex-wife. In the divorce settlement, she pledged to donate the $7 million awarded to her from Depp to the American Civil Liberties Union and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Depp’s lawyer has called her promise a “calculated and manipulative lie.” They believe Amber’s alleged deception contributed to Depp losing last year’s libel case, in which a court agreed a British tabloid correctly labeled Depp as a “wife beater.”
His legal team feels confident that documentation will prove that Amber never donated $7 million. If true, his court appeals may have a fighting chance. (USA Today)

Bob Odenkirk has made his first public statement since collapsing on the set of Better Call Saul.
The actor confirms he suffered a “small heart attack,” and adds that doctors were able to unblock a clogged artery “without surgery.” Odenkirk says he needs a break to recover, but that he’ll “be back soon.”
The 58-year-old tweeted on Friday and it’s been retweeted nearly 50,000 times (quote) “Hi. It’s Bob. Thank you. To my family and friends who have surrounded me this week. And for the outpouring of love. It’s overwhelming.” (Hollywood Reporter)

Tennis champion Novak Djokovic lost his bronze medal singles match in stunning fashion. Then quit on his mixed-doubles partner. They were schedule to play for the bronze the next day.
In his losing match, Novak smashed one tennis racket and tossed another far into the empty stands. Novak departed Tokyo complaining (quote) “I just didn’t deliver. My level of tennis dropped due to exhaustion — mentally and physically.”
People think Novak might have been talking about Simone’s withdrawal when he said last week (quote) “Pressure is a privilege. If you aim to be at the top of the game, you better learn how to deal with pressure. How to cope with those moments, all the expectations.”
Yet, seemingly forgetting his own words after a poor performance on the tennis court, Novak bolted from the Olympics and left his doubles partner in the lurch. (NBC Sports)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, August 2

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TODAY IS:
  • National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Happy August … and only 22 days till it’s Pumpkin Spice Season. If rumors are true, Starbucks will be rolling out their PSLs on Tuesday, August 24. While nothing has been announced by Starbucks, people think this will be the day because for the past few years, Starbucks has released the popular drink on the third Tuesday in August. (Eat This, Not That)

For the first time ever, U.S. Paralympians will be paid as much as U.S. Olympians for the medals they win. In case you were wondering … It’s $37,500 for each gold medal, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. The Paralympic Games begin August 24th and end on September 5th. (Shape)

Support for a four-day work week isn’t going away … A California congressman has introduced legislation to reduce the standard five-day, 40-hour work week to a four-day, 32-hour work week. In a press release, Representative Mark Takano wrote, in part: “A shorter workweek would benefit both employers and employees alike … Pilot programs run by governments and businesses across the globe have shown promising results, as productivity climbed and workers reported better work-life balance, less need to take sick days, heightened morale and lower childcare expenses because they had more time with their family and children.”  We’ll see how this progresses … (Forbes)

If you spend a lot of time sitting, it could be affecting your mental health in addition to your physical health.recent UK study claims that too much sitting can cause anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Since lockdown and the rise of remote work, many of us spend lots of time sitting, more than 8 hours a day. The researchers suggest getting 60 minutes of exercise a day, but it doesn’t have to be at the gym. You can take a walk outside or do some gardening.

Eating healthier and exercising, but still not seeing results on the scale? It could be your rosé all day. A study found that the average drinker in the U.S. takes in 16% of their overall calories from alcohol, but rarely takes those calories into account as part of their diet. So don’t forget to count the chardonnay and beer… (Best Life)
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Music News – Monday, August 2

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Mark Ronson has to play the biggest hits when DJ-ing for a crowd, but there’s one he really dreads having to spin — his own chart-topping single, “Uptown Funk.”
When Britain’s NME asked Ronson to pick “the song I can never hear again,” he immediately pointed the finger at himself. He said “I never listen to my own music at home or in the car, but when I DJ out I play it. I was actually DJing last Saturday night, the first time in a year and a half, and I was dreading playing it.
Ronson went on to explain “I’m riddled with neurosis and anxiety, and I thought it was going to be the moment that people were finally sick of it. I genuinely thought they were going to look up at the DJ booth and say, ‘Really? It’s 2021’. But I played it and there was this mass flooding of the dance floor.”

Rolling Stone magazine just bowed down to Beyonce, by giving her credit for the Best Music Video of all time.
The mag just dropped its list of the 100 greatest clips, and, no surprise, it’s topped by “Formation.” Bey shows up a couple more times, including a number-12 finish with “Single Ladies,” while hubby Jay-Z checks in with his “99 Problems” video. A collaborative song video they’ve performed together also lands at number-29.
The top ten is loaded with classics, including Madonna‘s “Vogue” at number-three, Childish Gambino‘s intense “This Is America” at number-four and Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” at number-ten.
Other big names on the list include Adele, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, Backstreet Boys, LL Cool J and Duran Duran. And yes, Rick Astley’s rickroll classic “Never Gonna Give You Up” gets a prime spot.

Jay-Z and Will Smith are teaming up, and no it’s not music related.
The two moguls and their respective companies, Roc Nation and Dreamers VC, have joined forces alongside a group of investors to launch a rent-to-own housing program for clients aspiring to build credit and later close on their first homes.
Housing startup Landis will purchase 1000 properties, rent them to the clients, and once they meet all the financial thresholds and applicable commitments, the renters will buy the property from the company at a preset price. Within the two-year program, Landis will also provide the clients with financial coaching. (Bloomberg)
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