Taylor Swift Writes a Love Letter to the Music Industry in theWall Street Journal! The 8 Best Lines

By esione blog

SPLASH

Taylor Swift is many things. A record-breaking musician. A talented singer-songwriter. A friend to every celebrity under the sun. And as of yesterday, a writer for the Wall Street Journal. The singer penned an op-ed about the state of the music industry, and just like her songs, it’s very quotable! Here are a few fun lines.

1. Before I tell you my thoughts on the matter, you should know that you’re reading the opinion of an enthusiastic optimist: one of the few living souls in the music industry who still believes that the music industry is not dying…it’s just coming alive.

It’s not super surprising to hear that the eternal romantic is also an eternal optimist. The two hopeful states of being exist together! Also, she has had loads of success in the music industry, so she clearly believes in its future.

2. Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for.

Taylor, we love you, but that is some sixth-grade essay logic. We’ll stop pirating your music, okay?!

3. However, some artists will be like finding “the one.” We will cherish every album they put out until they retire and we will play their music for our children and grandchildren. As an artist, this is the dream bond we hope to establish with our fans.

Obviously, it all comes back to a relationship metaphor for Taylor! But we get it. There are certain artists whose albums you’ll buy no matter what, forever, even when you don’t like the direction they’ve taken and the person they’re dating.

4. I believe couples can stay in love for decades if they just continue to surprise each other, so why can’t this love affair exist between an artist and their fans?

Taylor’s got the solution for the music industry, and the institution of marriage! She’s amazing.

5. I haven’t been asked for an autograph since the invention of the iPhone with a front-facing camera.

How many iPhone photos do you think Taylor poses for in the average day? 50? 75?

6. In the future, artists will get record deals because they have fans—not the other way around.

This is definitely happening already. Just look at the Austin Mahones of the world, not to mention Justin Bieber.

7. The wild, unpredictable fun in making music today is that anything goes. Pop sounds like hip hop; country sounds like rock; rock sounds like soul; and folk sounds like country—and to me, that’s incredible progress.

Just remember Taylor’s last album, which was a pop-country-EDM-soulful-dance fest.

8.And as for me? I’ll just be sitting back and growing old, watching all of this happen or not happen, all the while trying to maintain a life rooted in this same optimism.

And I’d also like a nice garden.

Taylor Swift is the oldest 24-year-old on the planet.

What do you think of Taylor’s op-ed? Why do you think she wrote it? Do you agree with her ideas? Tell us in the comments below or visit us@esioneobiora.blogspot.com

Germany nails Brazil 7-1, reaches World cup final

Germany handed brazil its heaviest worldcup loss ever on tuesday with an amazing 7-1 win in the semifinals that left the host nation wailing.

Miroslav Klose scored a record setting 16th career world cup goal in a five-goal spurt in the first half as Brazil's defence which was without Thiago Silva was thorn apart. Brazil's previous biggest world cup loss was 3-0 to France in the 1998 final.

The Germans will face either Argentina or the Netherlands in sunday's semi final at the maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil was playing without the injured Neymar and suspended captain Thiago Silva.

Toni Kroos and Andre Shuerrle scored two goals each for Germany, while Thomas Mueller and Sami Khedira scored one each.

Oscar pulled a late goal back for Brazil

Star Wars: Episode VII Casts Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke in Mysterious New Roles

The force will soon be with Pip Anderson and Crystal Clarke.
Via an extensive open casting call, these relative unknown have been added to the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII, Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Pictures confirmed in a statement yesterday.

Andersen (a parkour professional) and Clarke (an aspiring actress) were two of over 37,000 people to visit cities across the U.S. and Great Britain and audition for producers of this upcoming blockbuster.

"The Star Wars universe has always been about discovering and nurturing young talent and in casting Episode VII we wanted to remain absolutely faithful to this tradition," Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy said, adding:

"We are delighted that so many traveled to see us at the open casting calls and that we have been able to make Crystal and Pip a part of the film."

No word yet on just what roles Anderson and Clarke will take on.

Star Wars: Episode VII is shooting in London, though changes in the schedule have been made as a result ofHarrison Ford breaking his ankle.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film will bring back Carrie Fisher, Ford and Mark Hamill.

New cast members include John Boyega, Gwendoline Christie, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac,Lupita Nyong'o, Daisy Ridley, Andy Serkis and Max von Sydow.

Look for Star Wars: Episode VII to open on December 18, 2015.

The Bachelorette Sneak Peek: Watch Andi Dorfman Get Grilled by Nick's Protective Sister

by esioneblog

Andi sure has her hands full! Watch Dorfman get overwhelmed by Nick’s large family in this exclusive sneak peek from the next “Bachelorette.”

You thought meeting mom and dad was hard? Try meeting 17 family members at once!

That's exactly what Andi Dorfman will be doing on Monday's all-new episode of The Bachelorette when she visits the hometown of the four remaining men, Nick V., Josh, Marcus and Chris. But it seems like Andi is most nervous to meet Nick V.'s family, considering she's meeting all 17 members, including his parents, siblings and their significant others, at once!

"I don't really know what to expect," Andi admits of meeting Nick's family in our exclusive sneak peek at tonight's episode of the ABC reality hit...

NEWS: Who will be the next Bachelor?

And we're pretty sure she wasn't expecting to get the third degree from Nick's youngest sister, Bella! Watch the nine-year-old ask Andi her adorably thorough questions, including whether or not she prefers looks over personality, our exclusive sneak peek above!

The trip back to Milwaukee is going to be a pretty significant one for Nick, who has been one of Andi's favorites since the first night. Wanting to tell Andi he loves her, he's hoping to get the seal of approval from his parents and 10 siblings before taking the next step in his relationship with the Bachelorette.

Andi will also have to make three other trips and impress three other families in the episode, but she and the final four will also learn the shocking news that Eric Hill, a former contestant, has died in at tragic paragliding accident. Of choosing to air the footage of Andi and the men dealing with the news of Eric's death, host Chris Harrison recently said, "It affected Andi and it affected the guys that are left on the show. And all of us. It's something you can't just brush by and ignore because it had such an effect on everybody."

The Bachelorette airs tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC

WILL BRAZIL GO THROUGH WITHOUT NEYMAR

Blow to Brazil! Neymar ruled out of World Cup with fractured vertebrae

Neymar will miss the rest of the World Cup after fracturing a vertebra during the team's quarterfinal win over Colombia, the team's doctor said Friday.

Neymar was kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga late in the second half of Brazil's 2-1 win, and was in tears when he was carried off the field on a stretcher.

He was taken to a private clinic for tests and team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the star striker had fractured his third vertebra.

"He will not be in condition to play, he will need a few weeks to be fit again," Lasmar said. "He is very, very sad."

Lasmar said Neymar will not have to undergo surgery and is not expected to remain hospitalized.

The 22-year-old forward is Brazil's biggest star and had scored four goals for the team so far in his first World Cup.

Brazil plays Germany in the semifinals on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte.

Neymar was hurt in the 86th minute at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, falling to the ground in pain after Zuniga jumped into him from behind, putting his knee into the Brazilian's lower back. Teammate Marcelo quickly called for medical assistance when he saw Neymar writhing in pain. Neymar stayed face down until team doctors arrived and put him on a stretcher to carry him off.

Brazil teammate Hulk said Neymar needed more protection from the referees after being repeatedly targeted by opponents.

"Every time is like this, players always come after Neymar, the referees need to do more to keep this from happening," Hulk said.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff sent her support to Neymar.

"Along with the rest of Brazil, I'm hoping for the recovery of our greatest player," she said on her Twitter account, before he was ruled out of the tournament.

                                                       KIM SETTLES FEUD

She very publicly called Katie Couric a 'fake friend' last August via social media. 

And it seems that Kim Kardashian and her former frenemy may have made amends, as they were pictured in each other's company at a party in the Hamptons on Saturday night. 

Sandwiched in-between the 33-year-old reality star and the 57-year-old talk show host was supermodel Christie Brinkley, with whom Kim later posed, perfecting her pout. 

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Made amends? Kim Kardashian was pictured hanging out with Katie Couric on Saturday night in the Hamptons, having previously called the 57-year-old talk show host a 'fake friend'

Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner shared the group shot via Instagram, captioning it: ‘Great night @kimkardashian @shellibird1@christiebrinkley @katiecouric ! #hamptonslife’

The ladies made for an elegant and classy group, with Kim in a sleek white blouse and black trousers, Katie in a print dress, and Kris in a shiny red dress. 

The wife of Kanye West posted a couple black and white images alongside Christie, 60, in which she puckered up for the camera. 

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Lovely ladies: The 33-year-old reality star perfected her pout in photos with supermodel Christie Brinkley, captioning this image, 'I really love this gorgeous woman!!!! @christiebrinkley'

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Trying too hard? The duo attempted to snap selfies together in the dark

She captioned one snap: ‘I really love this gorgeous woman!!!! @christiebrinkley’

Christie in turn shared a couple photos with Kim and actress Marlo Thomas, 76, singing both of their praises. 

She captioned the shot: 'With Two Icons .. That Girl, Marlo Thomas and that other girl who needs no introduction..@kimkardashian ! Both were so sweet and charming! 

'Proud Mom Kim showed me baby pictures of her most gorgeous baby, North. And Marlo will be appearing in "Clever Little Lies" at @guildhall as of the 19 July for 3 weeks...( a must see!)'

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Gal pals: Christie shared this image, writing, 'With Two Icons .. That Girl,Marlo Thomas and that other girl who needs no introduction..@kimkardashian !'

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Groupie: Christie shared this photo, writing, '...@kimkardashian I had so much fun trying to do selfies in the dark , hilarious!'

She added with another snap: '@kimkardashian I had so much fun trying to do selfies in the dark , hilarious!'

Kim was livid last August after Katie slammed her in an interview and proceeded to send a baby gift for North West.

The angry mother-of-one Instagrammed a photo of baby clothes and a note sent by Katie, with the caption: '#IHateFakeMediaFriends #MayIHumblySuggestYouNotSendGiftsThenTalkSh*t'

The offending comments were made by Katie in an In Touch interview, when she said of the Kardashians:  'I don't understand - why are they so famous? I think it's mostly teenage girls that are interested.'

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Two faced? Kim was livid last August after Katie slammed her in an interview and proceeded to send a baby gift for North West

Lashing out: The angry mother-of-one Instagrammed a photo of baby clothes and a note sent by Katie, with the caption, '#IHateFakeMediaFriends #MayIHumblySuggestYouNotSendGiftsThenTalkSh*t'

Katie then apologised, telling E! News: 'I've met Kim before and I think she's a really sweet person. I was responding to a reporter's question, and explaining how I'm intrigued by the public's fascination with her family. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. The gift is genuine, and I'm happy for Kim and Kanye.'

Earlier on Saturday, Kim was seen embarking on a boat ride with her sister Kourtney, 35, and nephew Mason, four. 

She has been spending more time on the East Coast, making guest appearances as her sisters film Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons. 

It follows the sisters as they open a pop-up version of their DASH boutique on Jobs Lane in Southampton.

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All aboard! Earlier on Saturday, Kim was seen embarking on a boat ride with her sister Kourtney, 35, and nephew Mason

Jay Z and Beyonce cut ties with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Jay Z and Beyonce cut ties with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian?

It looks like the Carters feel the Wests are bad for their image! Sources claim Jay Z and Beyonce have cut all contact with Kanye West and refuse to let Blue Ivy have a play-date with North West…

From OK Magazine 

An insider tells OK! that Jay Z and Beyonce have ceased all contact with pal Kanye West and his bride Kim Kardashian, who had spent the last two years pushing to get closer to the stars.

“When the rappers were on tour, Beyonce was forced to sit with Kim at shows and hang with her after, and she put up with it through gritted teeth,” says the source.Continue...

Now the newlyweds have even been spending more time at their New York apartment, just two blocks away from Jay and Beyonce’s home there, in a bid to get North to Bond with Blue Ivy. However, the insider says the superstars are fed up with being associated with the Kardashian brand.
“Bey and Jay feel like they’ve been dragged through the mud with all the drama surrounding their absence at the Kimye wedding,” says the source, adding that Jay has actually been moving away from his former BFF for some time. “Jay made it clear to Kanye that he doesn’t approve of the choices he's making in his personal life and it will end in disaster for his career.”

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Kanye West gets booed on stage after he launches into '20-min rant'

Kanye West's self-entitlement continued on Friday night after he launched into a 20-minute rant mid performance at the London Wireless Festival. Kanye paused his performance to talk to the crowd about discrimination in the fashion industry and his promise to marry Kim seven years ago. 

"People be looking at me like I got a problem or something. Like I’m uncontrollable, that I do what I’m not supposed to do.’ Turning his attention to the media, Kanye said ‘They control everyone with rumours & lies. They steal you from you & sell you back to you.’

To the crowd, Kanye asked: ‘How many people here think they’re awesome and have had people say they’re not their whole lives? What have I ever done other than believe in myself?’

They say they won’t negotiate with celebrities…like I’m a terrorist or stupid. I’m not going to name names, I’m not going to mention any names but... Nike, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Don't discriminate against me 'cos I'm a black man making music.

What he said about Kim and his promise to marry her seven years ago after the cut...

'‘I told Kim seven years ago: ‘I’m going to marry you,’ and I did – all the stuff I talk about, I can back it up. F**k saving face and what it's supposed to mean, it's about living my dream.'

I just wanted to make something awesome and be awesome and change the world, and that's exactly what I plan to do.

Well, after a while, the crowd had enough and started to boo him. They didn't come to hear him whine, they wanted music. After the rant, Kanye continued playing music...

NEYMAR RULED OUT OF WORLD CUP

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Brazilian striker Neymar ruled out of the 2014 World Cup

Brazilian striker Neymar has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2014 World Cup after suffering a fractured vertebrae during Brazil's quarter-final match against Colombia yesterday.

Brazilian Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed the unfortunate news to Brazil's SportTV:

"Neymar had a scan, which confirmed he had fractured his third vertebra. It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he’s in pain and he’ll need to immobilise it to recover. He’ll have to have it immobilised with a belt for a few weeks to be able to get back to full mobility. Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play." he said

Neymar, who suffered the injury after colliding with another player, was carried off in tears on a stretcher towards the end of their 2-1 victory over Colombia. He will be unable to play for about a month, ruling him out of Tuesday's semi-final against Germany.