Entertainment
Twelve Winners' NJ Lottery Journey Last Week
2024-11-18
Last week witnessed an exciting turn of events as a dozen lottery players in New Jersey emerged as winners, each pocketing a significant sum. The New Jersey Lottery's weekly announcements on Monday shed light on where these winning tickets were sold from November 11 to 17. Let's delve into the details of these remarkable wins.

Uncover the Winning Spots of NJ Lottery Last Week

$685,092 - Jersey Cash 5

In Oakhurst (Monmouth County), Minimart Plus on Route 35 became the fortunate spot where a player won $685,092 with Jersey Cash 5. This win showcases the potential for life-changing amounts to be won through lottery games. It's a moment that brings hope and excitement to the winner and the local community alike.

The allure of the lottery is undeniable, and this win at Minimart Plus is a prime example. It reminds us that sometimes, luck can strike in the most unexpected places, and dreams can become a reality.

$250,000 - $250,000 Crossword Scratch-off

Iorio Deli Inc. on West Clay Avenue in Roselle Park (Union County) was the place where a lucky player claimed $250,000 with the $250,000 Crossword scratch-off. This win not only brings financial relief but also adds a touch of glamour to the local area. It's a story of someone's hard work and a bit of luck coming together.

The excitement of scratching off that ticket and revealing a substantial win is something that lottery players cherish. Iorio Deli Inc. now holds a special place in the history of New Jersey Lottery wins, serving as a reminder of the possibilities that lie within.

$50,000 - $50,000 Loaded Scratch-off

Belleville News & Food on Newark Avenue in Belleville (Essex County) saw a player walk away with $50,000 using the $50,000 Loaded scratch-off. This win is a testament to the fact that lottery wins can happen anywhere, even in the heart of a bustling city. It gives hope to those who believe in the power of chance.

The $50,000 win at Belleville News & Food has become a topic of conversation among locals, inspiring others to try their luck. It shows that even small victories can have a big impact on people's lives.

$20,000 - $20,000 Loaded Scratch-off

The Rivermart on River Road in Edgewater (Bergen County) was the site of a $20,000 win with the $20,000 Loaded scratch-off. This win adds to the list of remarkable lottery successes in Bergen County and highlights the diversity of winning locations. It's a reminder that lottery wins are not limited to specific areas.

The excitement of winning at The Rivermart is palpable. It's a moment that will be remembered by the winner and shared with others, spreading the joy of lottery wins throughout the community.

$10,000 - Power 50X Scratch-off

Sicklerville News on Williamstown Road in Sicklerville (Camden County) was the place where a player took home $10,000 with the Power 50X scratch-off. This win brings a sense of accomplishment and financial stability to the winner. It shows that even smaller wins can make a difference in one's life.

The Power 50X scratch-off has been a popular choice among lottery players, and this win at Sicklerville News is a testament to its allure. It's a reminder that every scratch of the ticket holds the potential for a great reward.

The Decline of Love Songs on the Billboard Charts
2024-11-18
When we take a look at the Top 10 songs on the Billboard charts, it's quite likely that we won't find many love songs. Instead, tracks centered around heartbreak, friendship, and self-empowerment are abundant. This leads to the question: Why are we not listening to more love songs? Music critics from various platforms like the Huffington Post, NPR, and The Pudding have all been on the hunt for an answer. Even our Baby Boomer relatives and coworkers, as they lament the current state of pop music, might be wondering the same thing.

Defining Love Songs

Jack Hamilton, an associate professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and a pop culture critic for Slate, believes that love songs encompass a wide range. They can be from the devotional "I love you, I love you, I love you" ballads to songs about heartache. Even songs about sex fall under the umbrella of love songs. Many of the most popular songs from previous generations actually deal with yearning for the object of one's affection or mourning its loss. Take, for example, the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Baby Love". These songs are all about beseeching. In a good narrative, there is always tension, and heartbreak songs tend to be more interesting because of this.

Love in Different Genres

Genres like hip-hop and grunge have made their mark on the pop music scene, and they don't typically focus on love as the primary theme. While there are love songs in rap, early rappers were more about bragging and storytelling. The biggest grunge songs, like "Smells Like Teen Spirit", were about angst and alienation. This has led to a reorientation of the concerns in popular music, opening up new lanes for what popular music can be.

Self-Love and Casual Relationships

Many pop records now deal with self-love, which Hamilton doesn't consider love songs. Instead, they focus on more casual and sexual relationships. But songs about sex are not new. If we dig deeper into many love songs from the 1960s and 70s, we'll find that they often have a sexual undertone. Take Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". It's clear that there is more to these songs than meets the eye. Another example is The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". This song is actually about someone who has decided to have a physical relationship and is worried about the consequences.

Female Songwriters and Sensitivity

Men and all-male bands like the Rolling Stones have always been able to write about sex more openly. However, for female songwriters, it was more difficult. They had to be more coy in expressing these themes. For instance, "Love to Love You Baby" by Donna Summers was considered controversial when it came out, but by current standards, it seems quite tame. This shows the different challenges faced by male and female songwriters when it comes to writing about love and sex.
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Nicole Rhodes: Rising to Senior Director at Big Yellow Dog Music
2024-11-18
Nicole Rhodes, a Belmont University graduate, has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Her journey from an intern in 2018 to a Senior Director at Big Yellow Dog Music is truly inspiring.

Unlock the Success Story of Nicole Rhodes at Big Yellow Dog Music

Section 1: Early Beginnings

Nicole Rhodes started her career at Big Yellow Dog Music as an intern in 2018. This initial step laid the foundation for her future growth within the company. During this time, she immersed herself in the music business, gaining valuable insights and experiences. Her dedication and passion were evident from the start, as she quickly became an integral part of the team.In 2019, she joined the team full-time, taking on more responsibilities and making significant contributions. Her hard work and determination paid off as she rose through the ranks, moving from Director, Sync to her current position as Senior Director.

Section 2: New Role and Focus

In her new role as Senior Director, Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music, Nicole will focus on continuing the success of the company's writers/artists. She will work tirelessly to create new relationships across all mediums of sync and find new talents for the roster. This strategic approach is crucial in today's competitive music industry, where staying ahead requires constant innovation and expansion.Her ability to identify potential opportunities and connect with the right people has already led to remarkable achievements. For example, during her time at Big Yellow Dog, she has secured placements for the Sync team in various high-profile projects such as HBO MAX promos, Walmart campaigns, Grey's Anatomy, All American, the film Didi, and the main title theme for Netflix's The Perfect Couple. These placements not only showcase her talent and expertise but also contribute to the growth and success of the company.

Section 3: Teamwork and Talent

At Big Yellow Dog Music, teamwork is at the core of everything they do. Nicole understands the value of working together as a team and has played a vital role in fostering a collaborative environment. She knows how to leverage the strengths of each team member to achieve common goals.Carla Wallace, co-owner and CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music, praises Nicole's passion for songs that can be synced while delivering quality. Her ability to identify the gems within the catalog and keep a keen eye on potential opportunities is a true talent. This teamwork and shared vision have been instrumental in the company's success and will continue to drive its growth in the future.
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