Members of the Rastafari religion and political movement have for decades been persecuted and imprisoned for their ritualistic use of marijuana. But the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda recently became one of the first Caribbean nations to grant Rastafari official sacramental authorization to grow and smoke the herb that they deem sacred. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told The Associated Press in an interview that his government took this step to try to end the persecution and bring respect to the Rastafari faith.
It was a love story which kept tongues wagging and the media in a frenzy – now it is being made into an opera.
The tempestuous love affair between global opera superstar Maria Callas and billionaire shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis is coming to New York City. The epic love story is being set to music. The legendary tragic tale which eventually became a triangle with Jackie Kennedy Onassis is a saga for the ages. Now, new opera writer Elizabeth Coppinger has transformed it into an opera. After a career in technology and community activities, she decided this story needs to be framed in the grand, dramatic setting of opera to allow it to be memorialized in the perfect setting.
The story tells of Maria Callas and her scandalous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, then one of the world’s richest men. Tragically, their ill-fated affair collapsed in betrayal and heartbreak with Onassis’ surprise marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Their romance was during the height of the glamorous “jet set” and played across the world in locations like Rome, Athens, London, and New York. This was the era when large yachts, titled guests, private planes and more were all new, and set the very rich apart. The papers ate it up and broke Callas heart.
In a clever twist, Coppinger tells the timeless tale via the Greek gods, Zeus and Hera. They mythical couple are also the main stars in the new Netflix series Kaos starring Jeff Goldblum and Janet McTeer.
This new English-language opera by award-winning composer, Clint Borzoni, and new librettist Coppinger, is being workshopped in NYC. Borzoni has created for La Callas a lush, melodic score evoking the sweeping passion and drama of Callas’ legendary life and career. Her story is contemporary. The story highlights the diva’s struggle with society’s bias against strong women and she was cast by the press as an egotistical diva rather than the dedicated and brilliant artist like her male contemporaries. She was expected to choose between her career and personal happiness, still a familiar dilemma for women today. The new film, Maria, starring Angelina Jolie, and the recent worldwide centenary celebrations of Callas’ birth show the public’s continuing fascination with Callas’ life and legacy.
The Act I workshop performance of La Callas will be on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in New York City. Tickets are available from the Merkin Hall Ticket Office.
The speed of cannabis mainstreaming is setting records.
Since the first state went legal in 2016, consumers have moved to legal marijuana. Now, with over 50% of the country having access to it, things are starting to change. And consumer use sets records on cannabis as all ages are starting to consume and consume more. States who have full legal cannabis are bringing in more revenue from marijuana than alcohol. All fueled by consumers.
The newest record is Michigan, a solid mid-western state. In the first year of it being available to the public, the state had $1 billion in sales. Now, the Great Lakes State sets record with $295+ million in monthly marijuana sales. And it isn’t what you think, while it is being used to relax, it is also being used for its medical benefits. Boomers, the generation who helped promote the War on Drugs, has turned to it for the medical benefits of managing inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia, and more. And their grandchildren in Gen z are using it to combat anxiety. There generation has the highest amount of any other generation.
Photo by Hans via Pixabay
The other record is cannabis is taking a bit out of beer. Beer sales are down, especially earlier in the week as people are turning to vaping and gummies for a quick, low calorie and dose to relax after a busy start to the week. Year over year growth isstrong. In 2022, sales were $30 million and in 2024, it is on track to be $38 million. While beer sales still far outpace cannabis at $117 billion, sales dropped again in 2023 by 5.1%. Another reason big liquor companies are wading into the cannabis market.
But the industry is still struggling and the Biden/Harris administration has failed to follow through on their 2020 promise to help the industry. Biden is one of the most seasoned policymakers in DC with 50 years of service, so it seems the failure of the DEA to make a move before the election could be planned. The DEA rescheduling move premiered at time to provide zero relief for the industry in 2024 as the DEA is not making an announcement until December. Being post December, it could provide cover to the current administration to make make a move. Or if the GOP wins the presidency, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-KY) has made it clear he will move to reduce the industr
Finding a good partner can be a challenge…here are some tips to help with online dating.
Dating can be tough, and not everyone is an expert. While Gen Z is drifting away from apps, most of the rest of the population is still strong. In fact, 349 million people worldwide using dating apps. The vast majority of matchmaking is done on mobile devices. Over 50% of individuals who met someone on a dating app said it led to a romantic, exclusive relationship.
We interviewed the founders of Konvo Dating and discovered the number one complaint from men is frustration over not getting responses to their messages to women. It’s hard to get noticed, especially when most men swipe indiscriminately at women they find attractive. This strategy partly explains why women are inundated with matches, and a man’s message is easily missed. Here are their tips for guys to get a dating app response. Here are tips for for guys to get a dating app response.
A generic “Hey” or “What’s up?” will likely go unnoticed in a sea of similar messages. Women on dating apps receive many such messages, and the key to catching her attention is personalizing your approach. Take the time to read through her profile and find something unique to mention. Maybe she’s passionate about a particular hobby or traveled somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Referencing something specific shows that you’ve paid attention and that your message isn’t just a copy-paste.
Why It Works: Personalizing your message makes her feel seen and appreciated for more than just her appearance. It tells her you’re genuinely interested in who she is, not just looking for a casual match.
Example: “I noticed you love hiking—have you been to [local trail]? I’ve been looking for new places to explore!”
Photo by Westend61/Getty Images
Keep It Light and Playful
When starting a conversation, being lighthearted can help ease any initial awkwardness. Humor is an excellent tool for breaking the ice and creating a relaxed atmosphere. A playful comment or a light joke can set the tone for a fun conversation she wants to engage in. Just be mindful of your humor—keep it respectful and avoid anything that could be misinterpreted.
Why It Works: Playful conversations stand out because they’re enjoyable and easygoing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who can make them smile, especially in the often-serious world of online dating.
Example: “Your profile says you love dogs—does that mean you’ve mastered the art of the perfect dog selfie?”
Compliment Her Interests, Not Just Her Looks
Complimenting a woman’s appearance is fine, but leading with or only focusing on her looks might make it seem like you’re more interested in the surface-level aspects of who she is. To stand out, shift the focus to her hobbies, personality, or achievements. Compliment her based on her passion and show genuine curiosity about those interests.
Why It Works: Complimenting her interests makes her feel valued beyond her appearance, highlighting your interest in a deeper connection. It also allows her to talk more about something she cares about, making it easier to continue the conversation.
Example: “I’m impressed by your photography skills—how you captured [location] is incredible. How long have you been doing photography?”
Instead of Talking About Your Ex, Talk About How You’ve Grown
Bringing up past relationships, especially in a negative light, can be a big red flag in early conversations. It signals unresolved issues and can create an uncomfortable dynamic. Instead of focusing on what went wrong in the past, share how you’ve grown and learned from those experiences. If the topic arises, frame your response positively, highlighting personal growth and looking forward to new opportunities.
Why It Works: Talking about personal growth rather than past drama shows emotional maturity and self-awareness, both attractive qualities. It shifts the focus away from the baggage and toward future possibilities.
Example: “I’ve learned a lot from my past relationships, especially about communication and understanding. I look forward to finding a fresh start and building something meaningful.”
Stay Positive and Optimistic
A positive attitude is incredibly appealing. Women are more likely to respond to someone who seems upbeat and optimistic about dating. Avoid complaining about your previous experiences with dating apps or expressing negativity. Instead, show excitement and a lighthearted attitude toward meeting new people. Positive energy is contagious and makes the conversation feel more enjoyable for both of you.
Why It Works: Positivity sets a welcoming tone and creates a comfortable space for conversation. Women are more inclined to engage with someone who radiates enthusiasm and doesn’t take things too seriously.
Example: “I’m new to this app and excited to meet interesting people. How’s your experience been so far?”
Navigating the world of dating apps can be tricky, but using these five tips from Konvo can set you apart and increase your chances of making a genuine connection. Personalizing your messages, staying playful, complimenting her interests, focusing on growth rather than baggage, and maintaining a positive attitude will improve your chances of a reply and set the stage for meaningful interaction.
Patience and understanding is a essential, KONVOdating.com has more tips.
