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This week Jay gets into, of course, the way things are right now. Listen, share and review!! #thruline

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Jay Larson is a stand-up comic, writer, and storyteller who has been featured on This American Life, The Meltdown, This is Not Happening, and numerous late night comedy shows.

His one-hour special is Me Being Me, and his other podcast is The Crabfeast.

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HI FRIENDS!

Oh man I’ve missed you. I hope your 2020 is off to a good start!

I never intended for my newsletter hiatus to be as long as it was, but it’s so easy to let these things snowball, ya know? And that’s exactly what I want to talk about this week…

Now that I’m all settled in to my new neighborhood, there are a few things I always told myself I would do once the move was complete. For example, I’m much closer to a gym I teach at, and wanted to start taking advantage of that proximity (and the free membership that comes with being on-staff) and actually get my butt on the elliptical 1-2 times a week. I’ve found a million reasons not to, usually I tell myself there’s not really enough time to make it worthwhile.

When I plan to go, I dilly-dally at home until my 40-min workout window gets cut to 30 min… 20 min… 15 min? Super easy at that point to just say f*ck it. But I decided that it’s not really about how long I go or any immediate results at all, instead it’s about BUILDING THE HABIT.

For now, I’m making it feel more normal to be in the gym. Getting used to the walk there, getting comfortable with the locker room and the machines. It’s doing ten minutes on the elliptical when I can, knowing that will eventually grow to 20, 30, 40… maybe even venturing out to use some of the other equipment some day!

I had a similar feeling with returning to our weekly emails – the longer it went, the more I felt like I had to have a full plan in place for what I was going to share moving forward. And while I have some ideas, I decided it doesn’t really matter – it’s better to just start, to get back in the habit of writing every week, taking that time to reflect, to share something.

It’s just about making that first effort: whether it’s reaching out to a friend you lost touch with, even though you don’t really know what you’re gonna say; scheduling the workout class, even though you feel completely intimidated about actually going; doing just a tiny bit of the thing you want to do, because it’s better to start than avoid it for fear of it not being perfect your first time out.

It’s about building the muscle memory.

What is something you’ve been avoiding because it feels a little too “big,” and how can you break it down and just build the habit instead of focusing on the actual results?

See you next week!

xoxo,
m.

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The upcoming sequel offers up a new story set in the original Ghostbusters franchise’s two-film (and a video game) timeline, but featuring a group of young actors in starring roles. Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard and The Haunting of Hill House actress McKenna Grace play a pair of siblings who discover that the farmhouse they inherited from their grandfather is not only home to some big secrets, but also that busting ghosts is in their blood.

The Ghostbusters: Afterlife trailer doesn’t shy away from providing plenty of fan service, including plenty of shots of the Ghostbusters’ iconic gear and some scenes of the original ECTO-1 in action. It also delivers a few subtle callbacks to the original franchise, including a shot of the kids visiting the “Shandor Mining Co.” — almost certainly a reference to Ivo Shandor, the leader of the Cult of Gozer, who built the Manhattan building featured in the first Ghostbusters film in an effort to summon the god Gozer.

Judging by the supernatural happenings showcased in the trailer, a new generation of Ghostbusters will have to deal with the long-term effects of Shandor’s supernatural machinations.

Along with Wolfhard and Grace, the cast of Ghostbusters: Afterlife includes Carrie Coon as the siblings’ mother and Paul Rudd as a teacher at their school — both actors appear in the trailer. Original Ghostbusters stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts are also expected to reprise their roles for the film. Supporting cast members include Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Bokeem Woodbine, and Oliver Cooper.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is officially the third installment of the canonical Ghostbusters movie series, but the fourth film in the overall franchise. It’s a direct sequel to 1989’s Ghostbusters II, and ignores the events of the 2016 Ghostbusters remake (aka Ghostbusters: Answer the Call), which underperformed both critically and commercially. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is directed and co-written by four-time Academy Award nominee Jason Reitman (Up in the Air), the son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is scheduled to hit theaters July 10, 2020.

Source: DigitalTrends

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Roads go unplowed and become impassable; snowfall demolishes traction; black ice forms on road surfaces, which can be deadly. Thankfully, the navigation app Waze is now letting drivers report wintry weather and road conditions, which means that other drivers can stay informed about what’s coming up in front of them.

The feature is called “Snow Warnings,” according to 9to5Google, and is a direct result of the app’s partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation — the department suggested that Waze create an option to highlight dangerous bits of roadway. The feature is now live wherever the app operates, which means you can use Snow Warnings now in over 185 countries. (And because Google Maps sometimes takes its cues from Waze, you might see it on Google’s main navigation app soon.)

That’s great news! Although, you probably shouldn’t be paying close attention to your phone while you’re driving. Especially not in the snow.

Source: The Verge

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Z’s solo work disappeared from both Apple and Spotify in April 2017, but was quickly restored to Apple Music — not so with Spotify. At the time, Spotify only said the removal was done “at the request of the artist.” Today the world’s most popular streaming service said, “Happy birthday, Hov Welcome back to Spotify.”

Happy birthday, Hov
Welcome back to Spotify.https://t.co/exr5QGgwCK pic.twitter.com/t7l4H5zn6E

— Spotify (@Spotify) December 4, 2019

Without any official statement from Jay Z, we’re left wondering why now? What changed? How’s Bey, who finally made her three-year-Tidal-exclusive album Lemonade available on competing services in April?

Until we get answers, why not jump back in and stream some of the master’s top tracks.

Source: The Verge

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About half of the bottles on this list are Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, perfect for bourbon purists on your shopping list who know exactly what they like. Some are rye and wheat whiskey, for those looking to build out a whole bar of mash bills. And others are finished or double barreled, if you’re hunting for a perfect present for the whiskey lover who has everything. Read on for 15 of our favorite new whiskeys under $50!

1. Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve

This 100 proof bourbon was announced this year in a nod to the Brown-Forman Cooperage, who created a special barrel for this special bottle. The coopers (barrel makers) carved grooved interiors in the staves to increase surface area, resulting in a deeper, sweeter flavor. Best of all – it’s readily available and priced right around $30.

2. Maker’s Mark 101 Proof

The big brother to the traditional 90 proof Maker’s Mark was first announced last year as a travel retail exclusive, but just arrived at the distillery this summer. At the moment, you’ll still only find it on shelves in Kentucky, but it’s worth the trip if you have a wheater lover on your list. The price point for this wheated bourbon whiskey is just under $50, but with a bottle size of a whole liter, we don’t mind to pay it.

3. Pinhook Rye Humor Cask Strength Rye

This is the inaugural Cask Strength Rye release from Pinhook, and it packs all the punch you’d expect for a 95% rye whiskey bottled at 114 proof. Pinhook, blending at Castle & Key, recently laid out the blueprint for their releases over the coming years, making this the perfect gift for a collector looking to get in on the ground floor. Find yours now for around $50.

4. Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch

This Tennessee distilling legend was once relegated to the footnotes of history, but with the help of historian and author Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest is finally getting the fame he deserves. Nathan “Nearest” Green was an enslaved African-American man who taught Jack Daniels how to distill and passed along his charcoal filtration method, and this 7-year, 93 proof sipper is a great way to raise a glass in his honor. Find a bottle of this Tennessee Whiskey for the history lover in your life for just under $50.

5. Knob Creek Quarter Oak

The latest limited edition bottling from Knob Creek is the Pre-Prohibition style bourbon you love blended with bourbon finished in “quarter oak” barrels, or barrels one-fourth the size of the traditional 53 gallons. They’re on shelves across the U.S. now, and at 100 Proof and just $50, they won’t last long.

6. WhistlePig PiggyBack

WhistlePig’s new PiggyBack Rye Whiskey is touching tribute to late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell that’s perfect for the bartender in your life. This 6-year-old expression is an affordable alternative to the 10-Year variety that’s been on shelves for a few years, and the 100% rye whiskey inside bottled at 96.56 proof is delicious neat or in cocktails. Pick one up for around $50.

7. Rebel Yell 100 Proof

The newest label in the historic Rebel Yell family arrived this spring, and if you’re out hunting for Weller, this is well worth a try. These two wheated bourbons were once made at the famous Stitzel-Weller Distillery, along with other big names like Old Rip Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald. The Rebel Yell label ended up at the new Lux Row Distillery, and their new 100 proof brings a little extra heat to this classic name. Gift a bottle today for just $25.

8. Old Forester Rye

You can find Old Forester Rye on shelves just about anywhere. You can find it for around $25. And you should go find it as soon as you can. This is Old Forester’s first new mash bill in 150 years, but it was absolutely worth the wait. The higher-than-average malted barley content makes it a balanced pour even for those don’t normally reach for rye, and the 100 proof makes it perfect for cocktails.

9. Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond

While we might still be mourning the loss of the Kentucky-only 6-year Bottled-in-Bond, we’ve been able to begin our healing with a healthy pour of the recently released namesake 7-year. This bottle has only hit shelves in a few states thus far, but expansion is coming soon, and at just $40 a bottle we’re willing to wait. Grab this one while you’re traveling for the holidays – we won’t tell if you put your own name on the card.

10. Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey

The final bottle in Woodford’s flagship line arrived this summer, in the form of a four grain whiskey with wheat as the star of the show. At just 90.4 proof, it’s impossibly smooth and silky, and at just $39, its a safe bet for the newcomer to the whiskey world. Order yours on drizly.com now.

11. New Riff Balboa Rye

The spicy, non-chill filtered, bottled-in-bond whiskey you’ve come to expect from New Riff – with an heirloom grain twist. This is the first limited edition release from the new Northern Kentucky distillery, so even allocations for New Riff’s Whiskey Club sold out in just a few hours. But there are still bottles of this whiskey sprinkled around shelves in Kentucky for under $50 if you look closely, and they’d make a special gift for the trendy, tricky-to-buy for bourbon lover on your list.

12. W.B. Saffell Bourbon Whiskey

Campari’s third expression in their Whiskey Barons Collection hit shelves early this year, and at a non-chill-filtered 107 proof it is our favorite of their line so far. This blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old barrels from Wild Turkey was a limited time release, but there are still a few bottles out there on shelves. At $50 for a 375ml bottle, it’s the most expensive bottle on this list, but we think it’s the perfect size for a stocking stuffer.

13. Dickel 13-Year Bottled-in-Bond

The first bottled-in-bond ever from Cascade Hollow arrived on shelves earlier this year with an impressive 13-year age statement. It’s rare to find a whiskey this old in regular distribution, let alone for under $50, but Dickel suggests the ridiculously affordable retail price of around $39. Get your bottle here on reservebar.com.

14. Boone County Small Batch

Boone County Distilling Co. announced their namesake Small Batch this fall, blended from barrels aged between 5 and 14 years that they’ve sourced from a big name in Indiana. This sippable, 90 proof, high rye bourbon whiskey retails for just under $50. While it’s only distributed in eight states for the time being, we recommend trying to snag one if you can.

15. Legent Bourbon Whiskey

Beam Suntory is showing off their blending skills with this collaboration between the legendary eastern and western distillers on their team. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s fifth-ever Chief Blender, worked together to create this Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in wine-sherry casks that they bottled at an approachable 94 proof. Grab a bottle at reservebar.com here for $50.

Source: The Bourbon Review

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PRE-ORDER: ~$175 per bottle at reservebar.com 

The Six Kingdoms Single Malt was aged 15 years in first-fill sherry-seasoned casks and finished in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels before being bottled at 92 proof. The name is a nod to the finale episode of the series, when (spoiler alert) the Seven Kingdoms became six. The brand tells us to look for “bold, smooth taste with notes of vanilla and spice befitting of those with a noble palate.”

The previous releases honored the houses of Westeros, the setting of the hit HBO Series “Game of Thrones” based on the books by George R. R. Martin. The first line, released last fall, is full of affordable $30-$60 bottles sourced from distilleries around Scotland. They led into this surprise, high-end release from Mortlach, with black and gold packaging featuring the Three Eyed Raven.

“Eight fantastic scotches toasted the coming of the final season of the show, and we now look back on the most captivating television show of all time and raise a ninth glass in celebration,” said Jeff Peters, Vice President, Licensing & Retail at HBO in a press release this week.

“We saw an overwhelmingly positive response to the launch of the Game of Thrones Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection and as Game of Thrones fans continue to explore both the world of whisky and the world of Westeros, we are proud to introduce the final addition to the collection,” commented Kavita Agarwal, Diageo Global Brand Director, Malts in a press release. “Mortlach is one of our most sought-after super premium single malts, and seemed fitting as the perfect finale to complete the collection.”

The Six Kingdoms Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be hitting shelves in December in limited quantities for around $175 a bottle, but you can pre-order your bottle now at reservebar.com.

Source: The Bourbon Review

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Specifying the exact station and service all the time can become tiresome. If you have a favorite service other than Amazon Music — or an internet radio station you usually listen to — you can set it as a default.

• Go back to “Settings” > “Music”
• Below the list of installed services on the Music screen is a section called “Account Settings” under which you’ll see “Default Services.” Tap on that.
• On the next page, you’ll be able to set which music service and / or which radio service you want to default to by simply tapping on it.

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Now if you have more than one service installed but you have set, say, Spotify as your default, you can ask for songs by a particular musician without having to add “from Spotify.”

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After long months of speculation, it’s finally official: The Apple AirPods Pro are real and they’ve got noise cancellation. The new true wireless earbuds go on sale today, October 28, on Apple’s website and are expected in stores on October 30 for $249.

The design of the new AirPods Pro are very close to the leaked images we saw earlier this year, featuring a sound-isolating in-ear design with silicone ear tips. They have an active noise-cancellation feature which can be switched to a transparency mode, allowing outside sounds in. They’re also the first Apple AirPods to get an official IPX4 water resistance rating, something consumers have been asking for.

The AirPods Pro come with three different sizes of silicone ear tips — an industry standard for in-ear earbuds — but there is also an ear tip test conducted on the iPhone or other iOS device to confirm that the ear tip size you’ve chosen is optimal for both sound quality and noise cancellation. According to Apple, “after placing AirPods Pro in each ear, advanced algorithms work together with the microphones in each AirPod to measure the sound level in the ear and compare it to what is coming from the speaker driver. In just seconds, the algorithm detects whether the ear tip is the right size and has a good fit, or should be adjusted to create a better seal.”

Apple has incorporated a vent system into the AirPods Pro to equalize pressure, which it claims will minimize the discomfort associated with other in-ear designs.

The force sensors on the AirPods Pro have been redesigned from the regular AirPods and you can tap to control the usual playback functions plus the transparency mode. Volume is still modified using an iPhone or iPad.

Apple said the AirPods Pro also benefit from an adaptive EQ system that “automatically tunes the low- and mid-frequencies of the music to the shape of an individual’s ear — resulting in a rich, immersive listening experience.”

Along with these new features that are exclusive to the AirPods Pro, there are many familiar ones from previous AirPod models, such as hands-free access to Siri, and the H1 wireless chip that Apple custom-designed and uses in both the regular AirPods and the Powerbeats Pro.

Battery life is another area that apparently hasn’t changed on the AirPods Pro: It remains at 5 hours of continuous use, though this number drops to 4.5 when using active noise cancellation.

The AirPods Pro charging case has a slightly different shape than the one that comes with a set of AirPods, but it can be wirelessly recharged via a Qi charging mat — something that was added as an optional upgrade for AirPod owners when Apple debuted the second version of the regular AirPod.

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