Twitter Opens Up Verification Requests

Twitter

Nick Statt, writing at The Verge, on Twitter’s new program that will allow anyone to request a verified account:

Starting today, the company will let users request a verified account on its website by filling out a form with a verified phone number and email address, a profile photo, and additional information regarding why verification is required or helpful. In defining who will get approved, Twitter says “an account may be verified if it is determined to be of public interest.”

Until Twitter can get their harassment problem under some kind of control, I see all of their other announcements through that frustrating lens. Even when they’re things I think they should be doing and could be great for the company.

Taking Back Sunday Not Pleased With Emo Night

Taking Back Sunday

Steve Baltin, writing for Billboard, on the feud between Taking Back Sunday’s Adam Lazarra and the emo night party formerly called “Taking Back Tuesday”:

“Those motherf—ers owe me some money. They’re using our name, they didn’t ask,” he tells Billboard. “It’s flattering, I get it. But also, I don’t want to become a parody of something I take real seriously. That’s the line that those people are walking. They need to understand that they’ve got to take care with that sh–. You don’t make shirts that say, ‘Sad as f—.’ Like you’re making a f—ing joke out of it? F— you.’”

The event organizers have responded:

It is unfortunate that Adam feels so much animosity towards a night created to celebrate and support the genre of music that continues to embrace his band. Our events have brought together like-minded people who have become a family that support each other. In regards to the financial compensation, what began as Taking Back Tuesday (We never once used the name ‘Taking Back Sunday’) turned into Emo Nite in a full rebrand in 2016… We have always respected and been fans of this genre and will continue to support it. If Adam ever wants to come experience the event for himself, we’re positive he’d have a different opinion and we’d welcome him with open arms. And, at the end of the day, the night was meant for everyone to just have a great time.

I wonder if Sonny Curtis thinks Taking Back Sunday owes him some money for their take on “I Fought the Law”?

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The Surprisingly Interesting Story Behind the Filet-O-Fish

Food

Karl Smallwood, at Today I Found Out:

According to McDonald’s executives, approximately 23% of the Filet-O-Fish sandwiches sold by the chain each year are sold during Lent. While the exact rules vary somewhat from region to region, in general, Catholics traditionally abstain from eating most meats on Fridays and Saturdays during this period. In some regions, the requirement is even that members of the Church avoid non-seafood meat on every single Friday of the year.

Review: Blink-182 – California

Blink 182 - California

What’s left to write about Blink-182? There’s no point to rehash the drama that Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker have with Tom DeLonge, nor is there any point to harp on the incredibly bizarre interviews and statements DeLonge has given the press lately. We’ve all ranked their discography a hundred different ways and chosen sides. I guess all we can really do now is talk about the music, right? It’s a development that I (and many others) will welcome. And, when we talk about the music, we’ll find that band’s seventh full length album, California, is probably the most classic Blink release since 2001’s double-platinum Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.

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‘Stranger Things’ Soundtrack

The new Netflix series Stranger Things is one of the best things I’ve watched in quite a while. The binge is strong with this one. It has a great 80’s throwback feel that brings forth memories of Spielberg, Stephen King, and finishes it off with a really great soundtrack (and score). What’s On Netflix has compiled a list of the songs that appear throughout the show and created a Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure.

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Sponsor: Free 30-day Audible.com Trial

Audible

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