T LOunge for November 4th 2024

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The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club – Singapore

Darlings, it is the MONDAY of the most stressful week in history and our job, as we see it, is to distract the fuck out of you so that you don’t pull out your hair or bite off your fingernails or wear grooves in your phone from excessive doomscrolling. Settle in to a world of fantasy, fashion and frivolity. Leave reality to reality. We’re all about denying it in this joint.

‘Wicked’ Artisans Explain Why Elphaba and Glinda’s Ozdust Ballroom Scene Is the ‘Heart of the Movie’: It’s ‘Where They Fall in Love With Each Other’
On Tuesday, 24 hours before one of SCAD Savannah Film Festival’s most anticipated panels, “Wicked: A First Look,” someone approached to inform that they would be in line at least an hour before. The anticipation was palpable. When “Wicked” cinematographer Alice Brooks, editor Myron Kerstein and costume designer and Variety’s 10 artisans to watch honoree Paul Tazewell stepped onto the stage Wednesday, they were welcomed like rock stars, with fans screaming at a deafening decibel. […]
Brooks recalled her first conversations with director Jon M. Chu, who approached her as they wrapped up on 2021’s “In the Heights” to say he’d be tackling “Wicked” next. As they discussed the film’s themes, visual style and language, Chu asked what her goal for the film was. “I said, ‘That it would be the most beautiful love story between these two women, these two best friends,” Brooks said.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Star Kecia Lewis Requests Apology From Patti LuPone for Calling Musical ‘Too Loud’: It’s ‘Bullying’ and ‘Racially Microaggressive’
“Hell’s Kitchen” star Kecia Lewis requested an apology from Patti LuPone on Saturday after the Broadway legend and “Agatha All Along” star called the jukebox musical “too loud.”
In a six-minute video posted to Instagram on Saturday, Lewis — who won a Tony this year for her performance as Miss Liza Jane in “Hell’s Kitchen” — began her open letter to LuPone by specifying that the message is “not from the cast or crew or producers of ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ I am speaking for Kecia Lewis only.”

Quincy Jones, Master of All Things Musical, Dies at 91
He played the trumpet with Lionel Hampton, produced albums (‘Thriller’), songs (“We Are the World,” “It’s My Party”), films (‘The Color Purple’) and TV shows (‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’), scored movies (‘In the Heat of the Night’) and charmed the world.
Quincy Jones, the musical giant who did it all as a record producer, film composer, multi-genre artist, entertainment executive and humanitarian, has died. He was 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said that he died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Chappell Roan’s Jazz Age ‘SNL’ Look Features 1,000 Crystals and Took Over 500 Hours to Create
Fashion designer Gunnar Deatherage explains what went into his custom creation.
One of her most memorable looks so far—a psychedelic swan lake confection for a Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show set—was courtesy of fashion designer Gunnar Deatherage. And now, that dream team has collaborated on another career-making moment for Saturday Night Live.
Deatherage worked with Roan’s stylist, Genesis Webb, to create a look inspired by the famous Casino De Paris music hall, the home of the city’s greatest dancers, musicians, and artists, including Josephine Baker during the Jazz Age.

If light, charming and delicate scents aren’t for you, trust me—you’ll want to know these 11 punk perfumes
Rebellious fragrances worth knowing
I get it: pretty, powdery, super-delicate perfumes have their place—in fact, they’re some of the best perfumes around. However, sometimes a certain day or occasion calls for something a little edgier and more punchy—a power perfume in a way. For such occasions, it’s not necessarily about the intensity of your perfume, but instead about the character of it—you might want a spicy scent, something with silent sex appeal or even a smoky fragrance. Something just a little… different. Something I’m dubbing ‘punk perfumes’.

Finding your signature scent is no mean feat, so I just asked the experts for their secret tips
Follow these easy steps to discover your perfect fragrance
It may feel frustrating to constantly hear your peers refer to their ‘signature scent’ when you’ve yet to find your own. You want to find that perfume that makes you smell amazing and feel great, but it may just not have happened yet—which is totally okay. “Finding your signature fragrance is a deeply personal journey,” says Romy Kowalewski, Founder of 27 87. “It’s not about following trends or what social media dictates—it’s about truly connecting with the present moment and yourself.”
When you consider how many options there are these days (from both high fashion houses and independent perfumeries), it’s easy to see why the process of finding ‘the one’ may seem overwhelming. Luckily, I’ve learnt the best tips through my own experience and conversations with perfume experts to guide you on your journey. Want to learn how to find your signature perfume? Follow these five easy steps…

I don’t care what anyone says, a grey bob is the chicest hairstyle for every age—and these looks prove it
The chicest way to wear grey hair? In a bob, ofc
Whether your hair is naturally grey or you have dyed your hair at the salon, there are so many gorgeous ways to style this colour. But my personal favourite? It has to be the cut of the moment: in a bob. And when it comes to wearing yours, there are plenty of options here, too.
From grey curly bobs with fringes to short, straight bobs with blunt ends, there isn’t a wrong way to wear your grey bob. However, to help you find the perfect cut, I have collated the ultimate guide to grey bobs, including the best inspiration—you’re welcome.

I’m a world-renowned gut health doctor – 5 surprising foods that might be triggering painful bloating this autumn
The more you know…
Hands up if you’ve been feeling a little out of whack since the seasons have changed? If that’s you, then you’re not alone. According to the Office of National Statistics, it’s thought that as many as one in six (16%) adults experience a dip in mood around October.
While the clocks changing and fewer daylight hours certainly play a large part in this, a shift in the type of food we eat can also be responsible.

A top expert answers – can you do Pilates effectively at home without spending money on equipment?
The question you’ve all been asking.
There are a whole heap of research-backed examples of the benefits of Pilates – in other words, why it can be so beneficial for both mind and body, too. For starters and as I mentioned above, it’s a low impact workout, which means it puts less stress through your ligaments and joints than, say, high intensity training. That’s not to say it’s less effective, though – you need only search “Pilates results” on TikTok to see the small army of people who’ve seen a massive physical and mental boost since incorporating leg circles and hundreds into their weekly workout rotation.

61 Christmas nail designs you’ll seriously want to wear
From statement accents to sheer sparkle.
Christmas nails might not sound that cool, but some of our favourite manicurists have proven that festive manicures can look truly luxurious. So, you can skip novelty baubles and mini snowmen if they give you the ick (although we’re always here for fun fingertips, too) and swap in holly red Frenchies, sheer sparkle accents and subtle motifs. There’s tons of stylish ways for your mani to nod to the season.
If you want to keep it simple, lean into cosy nail shades like chocolate, merlot and forest green – or if you’re more of a maximalist, we’ve seen cable-knit nails and bold candy cane stripes that are absolutely wearable.
Thinking of doing some Christmas nail art yourself? Look to nail stencils, press-on nails and nail stickers to help you achieve your desired finish without the hassle.
The best movies of 2024, from Gladiator II to Anora and Love Lies Bleeding
It’s been quite a year.
There’s no doubt about it: the 2024 movies game has been strong.
There’s been something for everybody. We got a nostalgic sequel in Beetlejuice 2, a Mad Max prequel, Jodie Comer’s turn as a biker chick in The Bikeriders and Lady Gaga’s entrance into the Joker movie universe. And that’s not all.
Kristen Stewart stuns in Love Lies Bleeding, while Scream queen Mikey Madison stars as a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch in Anora. Kate Winslet’s Lee biopic – where she plays a real-life feminist hero of a WW2 photographer – is unmissable, as is Luca Guadagnino’s sexy Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor.
Including titles still to come this year, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Wicked and Paul Mescal’s Gladiator II, here’s a rundown of all the best movies of 2024 that you need to add to your watchlists (or re-watchlists) now.

What Living In 21 Different Houses Has Taught Me About Making A Home
I’ve lived in a lot of different places over the years. There was the cottage overlooking the sea. The canal boat in South East London. The house right next to Columbia Road flower market. There was the cupboard room for £250 pcm. The tower block by Hackney Downs. The ground-floor flat next to the strip club. There have been highs (my current house has a pumpkin patch) and there have been lows (all the black mould that I have ingested).
There isn’t an overarching explanation for all of this moving about, just the usual reasons that plenty of city-dwelling Gen Z-ers and millennials will be all too familiar with: frequent rent hikes, a cost of living crisis, changes in circumstances. A lack of generational wealth and home ownership.

Here’s Every State Where Abortion Laws Are on the Ballot
This year, 10 states will decide their future on reproductive rights.
It’s clear that, for many people, abortion law and reproductive rights after Roe v. Wade are consequential issues compelling them to vote in the 2024 general election.
But while voters across the US will be able to weigh in on the issue indirectly by who they choose for president, voters in 10 different states will have a more direct opportunity to show how they feel. Ballot measures are proposed laws that voters decide to pass or not pass during an election, and this year, 10 states have measures about abortion on the ballot.

So Your Cheese Has Mold on It — Is It Still Safe to Eat?
To toss that block of cheddar or not? That is the question.
You know what will stop you in your tracks when scrolling through Instagram? A block of moldy cheese. It’s a tragedy to behold — one I’ve witnessed in my own fridge quite a few times after neglecting a Swiss or Gruyère — and it turns out, a fairly controversial situation.

A Guide to Scotland’s Whisky-Producing Regions
From the rolling hills of the highlands to peat-covered Islay, here are the five whisky regions, including the islands.
Scotland is home to a range of whisky expressions. The spectrum of flavors span fruit-forward and honey-sweet to savory with peat, brine, and iodine notes. Despite this, single malt Scotch whisky often gets lumped into a single style that defines the country’s signature spirit.
From the northern Highlands to the extremes of the Lowlands and Campbeltown, Scotland boasts varied landscapes, microclimates, and whisky traditions. It’s also home to exciting experimentation.
Scotland can trace its distilling roots hundreds of years, yet the country’s whiskey production continues to innovate.

The Many Mental Health Benefits of Cats
From lowering blood pressure to reducing stress and anxiety, our feline friends keep our minds purring.
Cats might have a reputation for being aloof, but they can be deeply bonded to their people — and experts say they could offer something even more powerful than loyalty. You’ve probably noticed it yourself: Spending quality time with a cat can make you feel less stressed, more relaxed and generally … better. In fact, whether you regularly struggle with anxiety or you are just feeling down at the moment, a cat can be an excellent source of social support.

Why It Might Be Time to Add Dandelion Tea to Your Diet
Filled with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it has so many health benefits.
Maybe those “pretty weeds” dotting your front lawn are more valuable than you thought! It turns out that tea made from dandelions may have a variety of benefits for your body. Before you drink up, though, it’s important to understand what health claims could be true and which ones are baloney. We did a deep dive into the research and consulted a well-respected herbalist to find out the health benefits of sipping dandelion tea.
Just keep in mind that because less money goes toward funding research on plants than medicines, in most cases, there’s not enough evidence to say exactly how many glasses of tea you’d need to drink to experience the effects.

I don’t want children. I do want children. What should I do?
How can you know if you truly want to be a parent?
I’m at an age where I feel like I need to decide whether I want to have kids, but I’m very ambivalent about it and don’t know how to know whether I want them. I don’t dream of parenthood or filling my days with caregiving for a young child. But, does anyone?! That doesn’t seem like a good way to decide whether I truly want to be a parent. But then what is? The main place my mind goes is that I fear my life would be sad and depressing when my partner and I are 70 and childless. I like the thought of having well-adjusted adult children to spend time with when I’m old. That seems like a misguided and selfish reason to have kids.

Quincy Jones’s Legacy in 14 Essential Songs
As a producer, arranger, composer, bandleader and recording artist, he made a powerful mark on nearly every genre he touched. He died Sunday, at 91.
Quincy Jones, who died at 91 on Sunday, was a colossus of American music, leaving a profound influence on nearly every genre he touched, from the 1950s on — jazz, funk, soundtracks, syrupy R&B and chart-topping pop.
The scope of his career is so vast, it seems almost impossible that it’s the work of a single person. He cut his teeth as a trumpeter in Lionel Hampton’s touring band in the early ’50s, then studied in Paris under the great classical pedagogue Nadia Boulanger. He produced jazz albums for Mercury Records, made fast friends with Frank Sinatra — who called him “Q,” a nickname that stuck — and recorded “It’s My Party,” a No. 1 hit by a teenage Lesley Gore.

These Fantasy Books Will Transport You to Other Worlds
Immersive novels by Leigh Bardugo, Madeline Miller, Brian Jacques and more offer thrilling adventures in richly imagined realms.
There are few pleasures as delicious as losing yourself in a great fantasy book. By day, you may be going through the humdrum motions of a realistic life: buying groceries, washing towels, waiting for the subway. But a well-crafted tale can transport you to a richly imagined world, swapping your shoes for those of a powerful sorcerer, a vampire bride or an anthropomorphic mouse defending your abbey from a one-eyed rat and his minions.
When the real world gets to be too much, I like to lose myself in one of these reads, where the action is packed and the stakes are high but the consequences are far from our present realm. If you’re yearning for a vicarious adventure, these immersive books can help.

How to Care for Your Thanksgiving Cactus, a Houseplant That Blooms With the Holiday
These late-fall bloomers add a touch of seasonal decoration to your home.
The Thanksgiving cactus falls within the genus Schlumbergera, along with other holiday-themed plants such as Christmas and Easter iterations. These low-maintenance plants are known for their flat, segmented deep-green foliage and beautifully layered flowers that seem to appear right as the celebrations they are named for arrive.
As you’d expect, the Thanksgiving cactus blooms right around Turkey Day—which makes it a wonderful centerpiece or hostess present. Below, expert share their tips on how to care for these plants whether you plan to gift one or buy one for yourself.

18 of Our Favorite Yeast Bread Recipes, From No-Knead Loaves to Martha-Level Boules
Sweet or savory, these baked goods are fluffy, airy, and just plain delicious.
A packet of yeast, whether active dry or instant, is one of the most unassuming-looking items you’ll find in our kitchen pantry. But, as these yeast bread recipes prove, this simple-seeming ingredient can transform flour, water, and salt into magic.
Whether you want to make a simple loaf of white bread or a not-so-simple multigrain affair, yeast is the ticket to keeping that bread fluffy and light. It’s also a key ingredient in pizza dough, focaccia, and all kinds of pull-apart breads. Yeast also pops up in sweet recipes (even in donuts!).
You’ll find recipes for a wonderful array of yeasty goodness here, from simple and straightforward to more involved options that will let you fully immerse yourself in the cozy, oh-so-satisfying world of yeast breads. Dive in—the water is perfectly lukewarm (IYKYK!).

[Photo Credit: marriott.com]

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