Category: Uncategorized

The music industry’s latest copyright drama has finally hit a crescendo — and Ed Sheeran can breathe a little easier. The Supreme Court just dropped the curtain on yet another act in the seemingly endless “Thinking Out Loud” saga, declining to hear an appeal claiming the hit song borrowed a bit too liberally from Marvin Gaye’s sultry classic “Let’s Get It On.”

Let’s be real — anyone who’s spent time in the music business knows these copyright battles have become as common as Taylor Swift breaking streaming records. But this particular case? It’s got more layers than a platinum-selling power ballad.

At its core, we’ve got Structured Asset Sales (think Wall Street meets Motown) pushing to revive their dismissed lawsuit against Sheeran and the music industry heavyweights backing him. The company, helmed by investment banker David Pullman, owns a piece of Gaye’s 1973 masterpiece and claimed Sheeran’s track helped itself to more than just inspiration — specifically the melody, harmony, and rhythm that made “Let’s Get It On” such a timeless hit.

But here’s where it gets interesting. U.S. District Judge Louis Stanton wasn’t having any of it. Back in 2023, he basically said what many musicians have been thinking for years — some musical elements are just too basic to slap a copyright on them. Think of it like trying to copyright the idea of serving coffee hot — it’s just too fundamental to claim ownership.

The emotional weight of these accusations hit home when Sheeran spoke outside the Manhattan courthouse after winning a related case. “It’s devastating to be accused of stealing someone else’s song,” he said, his voice carrying the kind of raw honesty that’s made his music connect with millions. For artists who pour their souls into their work, these allegations cut deeper than any critical review ever could.

Sure, both songs share some DNA — they’re soul-stirring love songs that climbed the charts in their respective eras. Gaye’s track owned the Billboard charts back in the day, while Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” nearly topped the Hot 100 in 2015. But as any songwriter worth their salt will tell you, similarity doesn’t automatically equal theft.

The real game-changer here? The appeals court’s stance on what actually constitutes protected material. They zeroed in on the “deposit copy” — the sheet music filed with the Copyright Office — and whether elements not found there should even factor into these claims. Their rejection might just reshape how future music copyright cases play out as we head deeper into 2025.

Don’t pack up the legal briefs just yet, though. Structured Asset Sales still has another lawsuit waiting in the wings, this time focusing on their rights to the actual recording of “Let’s Get It On.” It’s like a remix of the same dispute, just with a different beat.

What makes this Supreme Court decision truly fascinating isn’t just its impact on Sheeran’s career — it’s how it helps define the blurry line between inspiration and imitation in an era where every chord progression seems to spark a lawsuit. As the music industry continues to evolve, these legal guideposts become increasingly crucial for artists trying to create while looking over their shoulders.

In the end, perhaps this case will help clear the air for musicians who’ve been walking on eggshells, worried that their next hit might land them in court. After all, shouldn’t the focus be on creating great music rather than avoiding legal landmines?

Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium erupted in pure pandemonium last night — the kind that only comes when witnessing something truly extraordinary. Swedish pole vault phenom Armand “Mondo” Duplantis didn’t just break another world record; he shattered expectations on home soil, launching himself an mind-boggling 6.28 meters into the crisp Scandinavian air.

The hometown hero’s first-attempt clearance left spectators breathless. When Duplantis stuck the landing, his immediate reaction told the story — ripping off his vest in an explosion of raw emotion that felt more rock concert than track meet. Here was an athlete at the absolute peak of his powers, yet somehow still pushing the boundaries of what’s humanly possible.

“Setting a world record here at Stadion… it’s been living in my head rent-free forever,” Duplantis admitted afterward, still catching his breath. The usually composed champion couldn’t hide his emotions. “Honestly? It felt like my very first record all over again. Pure magic.”

But there’s more to this story than just numbers. The night before, Duplantis’s grandmother had extracted a promise from him — break the record, she insisted. And who can say no to grandma? That personal touch transformed an already remarkable athletic achievement into something approaching family folklore.

Since first claiming the world record back in February 2020 with 6.17 meters, Duplantis has been methodically rewriting the record books. Each of his dozen world records has come through precise one-centimeter improvements — a masterclass in athletic progression that’s beginning to feel almost routine. (Though there’s nothing routine about launching yourself more than 20 feet into the air with a flexible pole.)

The gap between Duplantis and his rivals? It’s becoming almost comical. He now stands 12 centimeters clear of former record-holder Renaud Lavillenie’s 6.16-meter mark from 2014. The French veteran was there to witness it, managing 5.80 meters alongside Netherlands’ Menno Vloon, while Australia’s Kurtis Marschall grabbed silver with a solid 5.90-meter effort.

Adding to the evening’s star power, sprint legend Usain Bolt watched from the stands — and word has it Stockholm’s nightlife got a taste of both track stars’ celebration styles afterward. Some records deserve an extra toast or two, after all.

With two Olympic golds already tucked away — including that unforgettable performance in Paris last year — and now an even dozen world records, Duplantis isn’t just dominating his sport. He’s reinventing it. As winter 2025 approaches, one can’t help but wonder: just how high can Mondo go?

As darkness settled over Stockholm’s historic stadium, the evening felt like more than just another entry in the record books. It was a perfect storm of local pride, family ties, and athletic brilliance — the kind of night that reminds us why we fall in love with sports in the first place.

A Defiant Melody: Spanish National Anthem Echoes Through Dodger Stadium

The familiar pre-game ritual at Dodger Stadium took an unexpected turn Saturday night, transforming into a powerful statement of cultural solidarity. Singer Vanessa Hernández — known to fans as Nezza — chose to perform “El Pendón Estrellado” instead of the expected English version of the national anthem, sending ripples through the packed stadium and beyond.

The timing couldn’t have been more poignant. Just hours earlier, the streets of Los Angeles had swelled with some 30,000 protesters gathering for the “No Kings” demonstration — a direct response to the administration’s hardline immigration policies. Against this charged backdrop, Nezza’s musical choice rang out like a bell of defiance.

“Para mi gente,” she later explained in a raw, emotional TikTok post. For my people.

What makes this moment particularly fascinating is the rich history behind “El Pendón Estrellado” itself. Back in 1945, FDR commissioned Peruvian immigrant Clotilde Arias — a talented journalist and musician — to create this Spanish version of the anthem. The composition nearly vanished into obscurity until 2006, when Arias’ grandson stumbled upon it in an old storage box. Talk about buried treasure.

The Dodgers organization has maintained a conspicuous silence about the performance — perhaps unsurprising given the current political climate. But Puerto Rican baseball star Kiké Hernández didn’t hold back, taking to Instagram with passionate words: “I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”

Colombian superstar Shakira recently touched on similar themes during a BBC interview. “It means living in constant fear,” she observed, addressing the immigrant experience in America. “And it’s painful to see.”

The stakes feel particularly high right now. With 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines deployed across the state, tensions continue to mount. Yet somehow, Nezza’s act of musical resistance — performed while proudly wearing a Dominican Republic shirt — hasn’t resulted in the expected backlash. No stadium ban. No ejection. Just conversations. Important ones.

In Los Angeles especially — a city where Latino culture beats at the very heart of daily life — this moment resonates deeply. It’s more than just another rendition of the national anthem. It’s a reminder of America’s rich multicultural tapestry, and the ongoing struggle to ensure every thread receives its due recognition.

Sometimes the most powerful statements come wrapped in melody. This was one of those times.

Move over, Hollywood — the streets of Brooklyn just served up their own slice of star-powered drama, and darling, it’s absolutely delicious.

In a twist worthy of a Nancy Meyers rom-com, a social media-shy Brooklyn dad has just snagged himself a year’s worth of free burritos, all thanks to bearing an uncanny resemblance to everyone’s favorite Chilean-American heartthrob, Pedro Pascal. (And honestly, who wouldn’t want a Pedro Pascal lookalike serving up dad vibes in their neighborhood?)

George Gountas — our reluctant leading man from Greenpoint — found himself thrust into the spotlight at Manhattan’s Son Del North Mexican restaurant, where he clinched victory in a Pascal lookalike contest that drew nearly 30 hopefuls. The whole affair was sparked by Pascal’s rather pointed critiques of New York’s Mexican food scene — oh, the drama!

“It started with ‘Game of Thrones,’ if you can believe it,” dishes Jenny Gania, Gountas’s wife, who practically had to drag her camera-shy husband to the event. Seems the universe had been dropping hints about this doppelganger situation for years, darling.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect, really. While our Brooklyn dad was collecting his $50 prize (plus those coveted burritos), Universal was busy dusting off the shark for “Jaws’” 50th anniversary celebrations. Some might call it coincidence, but in this business, we call it kismet.

Restaurant co-owner Wim Shih captured the moment’s essence perfectly: “There’s just so much sadness in the world right now, and we wanted to be a bit of sunshine today.” Honey, isn’t that just Pascal’s entire career trajectory in a nutshell?

The contest even featured some genuine heart amid the glamour — one contestant showed up wearing a “Protect the Dolls and all Immigrants” t-shirt, nodding to Pascal’s touching advocacy for his transgender sister, Lux. Because even in the midst of our little burrito-fueled spectacle, real moments shine through.

Let’s be real — in an era where streaming services are throwing billions around like confetti at a Kardashian wedding, there’s something utterly refreshing about a local dad who “isn’t on social media at all” accidentally becoming the star of his own little NYC moment. It’s giving very much early-2000s indie film energy, and we’re here for it.

As Jenny playfully predicted, “Now he’s going to be everywhere” — though perhaps not quite with the same multimillion-dollar paychecks as his famous lookalike. But in a city where Timothée Chalamet crashes his own lookalike contests and “Jaws” is making waves again, it’s just another fabulous chapter in the endless entertainment saga that keeps us all coming back for more.

And really, darling, isn’t that what show business is all about? Sometimes you’re the star, sometimes you’re the guy who looks like the star, and sometimes you’re just lucky enough to win free burritos for a year. Now that’s what I call a Hollywood ending.

Hold onto your power swords, darlings — Hollywood’s latest casting bombshell has dropped, and it’s absolutely delicious. Nicholas Galitzine, still basking in the afterglow of “The Idea of You,” has snagged the coveted role of He-Man in Amazon MGM’s upcoming “Masters of the Universe” spectacular. And honey, this isn’t your typical muscle-bound reboot.

Fresh from wrapping production, Galitzine took to Instagram with the kind of earnest enthusiasm that makes even the most jaded entertainment writers sit up and take notice. “It has been an honour shouldering the responsibility of playing Adam and He Man,” he gushed, adding that familiar “role of a lifetime” line that actually, for once, might not be pure PR speak.

But here’s where things get interesting. The casting lineup reads like someone’s fever dream of a perfect Hollywood ensemble — and honestly? They might have actually pulled it off. Jared Leto (because of course) is stepping into Skeletor’s boots, while Idris Elba brings his signature gravitas to Man-at-Arms. Then there’s the divine Camila Mendes as Teela, and — wait for it — Alison Brie serving Evil-Lyn realness. It’s enough to make a girl weak at the knees.

Behind the camera? Travis Knight, darling. The same visionary who gave us “Kubo and the Two Strings” and somehow made us care about a yellow Volkswagen in “Bumblebee.” It’s a choice that whispers “quality” rather than screaming “cash grab.”

Let’s dish about the transformation tea, shall we? Co-star Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson couldn’t resist spilling about Galitzine’s physical metamorphosis, describing him as “looking like a beast” and dropping some rather steamy gym anecdotes. Well! Some stories just write themselves, don’t they?

The journey of He-Man from plastic fantastic to silver screen icon has been… complicated. Since Mattel first unleashed their musclebound hero in ’82, we’ve seen everything from beloved cartoons to that gloriously chaotic 1987 Dolph Lundgren vehicle — a film that somehow manages to be both terrible and terrific in equal measure.

Amazon MGM’s betting big on this June 2026 release, positioning it as the crown jewel in their ’80s nostalgia mining operation. With “Voltron” and “Highlander” projects waiting in the wings, they’re clearly hoping lightning strikes more than once.

The real question, sweethearts? Whether Galitzine and his perfectly sculpted cohorts can actually deliver the goods. But with this level of talent involved — and Knight’s steady hand on the directorial reins — Eternia’s future is looking unexpectedly bright. By the power of Grayskull, indeed.

Amazon’s latest deal bonanza feels like a digital treasure hunt gone wild — with some discounts hitting a mind-boggling 71% off. Sure, we’ve seen sales before, but this one’s different. Really different.

Take the Hanes Men’s Short-Sleeve Jersey Pocket Polos, for instance. At $7.51 for a two-pack, it’s the kind of deal that makes you wonder if someone in pricing messed up (they didn’t). And with Father’s Day around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better for budget-conscious gift-givers.

The tech deals? They’re actually worth talking about this time. Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Plus tablet — you know, the one with the 8″ HD display and 32GB storage — is sitting pretty at $64.99. That’s nearly half off, if you’re keeping score. Then there’s this clever little bundle: Ring Battery Doorbell plus Ring Indoor Camera for $79.99, down from $139.99. Not too shabby for stepping up your home security game.

Remember what Peter Lynch said about long shots rarely paying off? Well, these deals seem more calculated than desperate. The selection’s pretty impressive, ranging from practical stuff (like that Cordless Rechargeable Tire Inflator at $19.99 — half off, by the way) to LEGO sets that’ll keep the kids busy while you’re grilling.

Speaking of grilling… There’s this Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Set that’s caught some attention. Twenty pieces, comes in a case, marked down to $24.99 from $39.99. Perfect timing, considering summer 2025’s shaping up to be the year of backyard gatherings. And for the indoor cooking crowd, check out the CAROTE 11 Piece Nonstick Cookware Set — clever detachable handle system and all — at $49.99. That’s 50% off, if math isn’t your thing.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Amazon’s playing this weird “Buy 1, Get 1 50% off” game with books, movies, and games. Some stuff’s already marked down 49%, so you’re basically stealing at this point. “Why a Son Needs a Dad” at $5.84? That’s practically giving it away. Same goes for “Lots of Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids” at $3.99 — though your mileage may vary on those jokes.

The practical stuff hasn’t been forgotten either. Electric toothbrushes with multiple brush heads for $7.99 (after coupon), food storage containers that actually seal properly — 24 pieces for $29.99. It’s like Amazon’s trying to be your one-stop shop for… well, everything.

But here’s the thing about these deals — they’re about as permanent as a snowman in July. Some are Lightning Deals (blink and you’ll miss ’em), others are quantity-limited. Even that ridiculous $5.27 Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick for dogs might vanish before you can say “good boy.”

Bottom line? If something catches your eye, don’t overthink it. Amazon’s prices dance around more than a cat on a hot tin roof, and these deals — especially the good ones — tend to disappear faster than free food in an office break room.

Newark’s immigration saga took an almost comedic turn last Thursday, though nobody’s laughing now. While Democratic officials staged their protest outside Delaney Hall detention center — getting themselves arrested in the process — four detained immigrants facing serious criminal charges literally punched their way through the facility’s walls.

You couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried.

The scene unfolded like something straight out of a Netflix original series gone wrong. Democratic protesters linked arms outside, determined to prevent ICE vehicles from departing. Meanwhile, detainees inside were busy exploiting what Senator Andy Kim rather diplomatically described as “drywall with a mesh interior” — which, let’s be honest, sounds more like a home improvement project than proper detention center architecture.

Two of these escapees remain at large as of early 2025, including Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes. His rap sheet reads like a greatest hits of criminal charges: aggravated assault, attempted bodily injury, terroristic threats, and weapons possession. The Department of Homeland Security didn’t beat around the bush, labeling all four as “public safety threats.” (No kidding.)

Outside the facility, Newark’s political establishment seemed more invested in their own resistance narrative. Mayor Ras Baraka — who’s apparently made getting arrested at the facility something of a personal tradition — cited “reports of a possible uprising” to justify the protests. Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver took things up a notch and managed to catch assault charges against federal officers during what generous observers might call a heated disagreement.

The whole situation drips with irony. Progressive politicians physically obstruct ICE operations while actual criminals exploit literal holes in our detention infrastructure. It’s the kind of scenario that would make stellar satire if it weren’t, ya know, real life.

Here’s where things get particularly messy. The same voices that denounced Trump’s border wall as an affront to human dignity seem remarkably unbothered by detention facilities apparently constructed with all the structural integrity of a garden shed. Worth noting — these aren’t individuals whose only transgression was seeking a better life. These are people facing serious criminal charges, now loose in the very communities whose leaders were too preoccupied with their protest performance art to notice the jailbreak in progress.

The practical fallout from “sanctuary” policies has never been more apparent. When local officials prioritize obstruction over cooperation with federal authorities, they create a perfect storm — publicity stunts outside, security failures inside.

Perhaps the most telling aspect of this whole debacle? While politicians chain themselves to gates and challenge federal authority, actual public safety threats slip through the cracks. Or in this case, through surprisingly penetrable walls. Welcome to 2025, where reality continues to outpace satire at an alarming rate.

Hollywood’s endless appetite for reimagining classics has taken an unexpectedly thrilling turn this season. Two wildly different projects are generating serious buzz, proving that sometimes lightning really does strike twice.

Matthew McConaughey’s return to noir territory feels almost inevitable. The actor’s been tapped to breathe new life into Mickey Spillane’s hard-boiled detective Mike Hammer – and yeah, this one’s got people talking. Skydance snagged the rights, but here’s the kicker: they’ve brought “True Detective” virtuoso Nic Pizzolatto along for the ride. Talk about stacking the deck.

Mike Hammer isn’t exactly what you’d call subtle. The character burst onto the scene back in ’47, throwing punches first and asking questions… well, sometimes never. Ralph Meeker owned the role in “Kiss Me Deadly” (1955), but something about McConaughey’s drawling intensity feels right for 2025’s take on the legendary detective.

The McConaughey-Pizzolatto reunion hits different, though. Their last dance – “True Detective” – gave us Rust Cohle, that philosophizing nightmare of a character that basically kicked off the whole “McConaissance.” (Remember when that was everywhere?) McConaughey’s got this uncanny knack for making world-weary cynicism feel like poetry, which might be exactly what Mike Hammer needs.

Meanwhile, over in animation land – LAIKA Studios just dropped a bombshell that’s got everyone buzzing. “ParaNorman” is coming back to haunt theaters, but this time with some serious upgrades. We’re talking RealD 3D treatment and – wait for it – a brand-new CG animated short featuring Anna Kendrick and Finn Wolfhard. Pretty sweet casting coup, considering Wolfhard’s massive 2024 comeback in “Stranger Things: The Final Chapter.”

The short’s called “ParaNorman: The Thrifting” (clever, right?). It’s a bit of a departure for LAIKA, trading their signature stop-motion for CG animation. Thibault LeClercq’s directing, fresh off that gorgeous “Wildwood” project, with original writer Chris Butler back at the keyboard.

LAIKA’s David Burke nailed it when he called “ParaNorman” their breakthrough moment – “visually daring and proudly weird in all the right ways.” Makes sense, especially now that horror’s become this whole family thing. Parents who caught the original are probably counting down the days till October 25th, 2025, when they can introduce their kids to Norman’s peculiar brand of spooky.

The timing’s pretty perfect, actually. LAIKA’s “Coraline” re-release just crushed it at the box office, pulling in $56 million globally and claiming the crown for highest-grossing stop-motion film ever. Not too shabby for a “kids’ movie” about a girl finding a door to a nightmare world, right?

These revivals – one swimming in noir shadows, the other dancing with friendly ghosts – say something interesting about where Hollywood’s head is at right now. Sure, they’re mining the past, but there’s more to it than just cashing in on nostalgia. It’s about finding those timeless stories that still have something to say, then giving them a fresh coat of paint for 2025’s audience. Some might call it playing it safe – but when the results look this promising, who’s complaining?

Talk about a Friday the 13th worth getting excited about. While millions of Americans are dreaming of hitting tonight’s staggering $264 million Mega Millions jackpot, Matthew McConaughey just played his own winning hand — and this one’s got Hollywood buzzing.

The Oscar winner’s latest power move? Teaming up with “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto to breathe new life into hardboiled detective Mike Hammer. Now that’s what you’d call betting on a sure thing.

Let’s talk odds for a moment. Sure, your chances of snagging that lottery jackpot are about as likely as finding a parking spot in downtown LA during Oscar week (we’re looking at a mind-boggling 1-in-292 million, darlings). But McConaughey’s gamble? That’s another story entirely. His last dance with Pizzolatto gave us one of television’s most haunting performances — the kind that had Emmy voters practically tripping over themselves to shower both men with nominations.

The Hammer project feels almost destined. Mickey Spillane’s legendary detective series hasn’t just moved 250 million copies — it’s practically written the blueprint for every brooding detective from Dirty Harry to 007. For McConaughey, who’s masterfully ping-ponged between romantic comedy heartthrob and serious dramatic force, this role could be the cherry on top of an already impressive career reinvention.

Speaking of reinvention, tonight’s lucky Mega Millions winner (should the universe decide to play nice) faces their own transformative choice: grab the headline-worthy $264 million jackpot or settle for the still-outrageous $117.3 million cash option. Decisions, decisions…

2025’s already shaping up to be McConaughey’s year. His SXSW darling “The Rivals of Amziah King” has critics swooning, and whispers around his upcoming Apple Original Films thriller “The Lost Bus” (helmed by Paul Greengrass) are getting louder by the day. Oscar buzz? You better believe it.

Meanwhile, as lottery hopefuls refresh their browsers with crossed fingers, there’s something poetic about these parallel tales of chance and destiny. Whether you’re dropping a few bucks on those lucky numbers or betting on a gritty detective franchise revival, it all comes down to believing in that life-changing moment — even when the odds say otherwise.

The Mega Millions numbers drop just after 11 p.m. ET tonight. As for McConaughey’s next masterpiece? Well, Hollywood’s holding its breath. Because sometimes — just sometimes — the biggest wins come from knowing exactly when to roll the dice.

Hockey masks just got a whole lot scarier at Universal Studios. In a deliciously timed announcement (yes, on Friday the 13th), the entertainment giant revealed that Jason Voorhees — everyone’s favorite camp-dwelling nightmare — is getting his own haunted house experience dubbed “Jason Universe.”

Let that sink in for a moment. The machete-wielding terror who’s been stalking teenage counselors since 1980 will soon be terrorizing a whole new generation of willing victims at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, really — what with the franchise lurching toward its 45th anniversary like one of Jason’s seemingly unstoppable walks through Crystal Lake.

Starting August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort (and September 4 for you West Coast thrill-seekers), brave souls can stumble through what Universal’s marketing wizards are calling a “vengeance tour” of Jason’s greatest hits. Think blood-stained cabins, creepy forest paths, and that infamous main lodge where so many ill-fated camping trips met their end. The teaser footage — featuring Jason’s iconic mask lurking in the shadows of a decrepit cabin — practically screams “terrible life choices ahead.”

But here’s where things get interesting. Universal isn’t just throwing together another jump-scare funhouse. They’re going all-in on the horror front across their properties. Take their upcoming Las Vegas venture, Universal Horror Unleashed — because nothing says “Sin City” quite like mixing blackjack with The Exorcist and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, right? And let’s not forget Epic Universe’s Dark Universe land, where Universal’s classic monster squad will be hanging out. (Frankenstein’s probably already practicing his poker face.)

Speaking of scares, Fallout fans might want to pack their Rad-X. Halloween Horror Nights is also featuring a radiation-soaked nightmare based on the post-apocalyptic franchise. Because apparently, regular monsters aren’t enough — we need irradiated ones too.

The whole thing feels like Universal’s love letter to horror fans, wrapped in barbed wire and soaked in fake blood. It’s fascinating to watch them double down on fear as entertainment, especially as we head into 2025. They clearly understand that good horror, like a well-timed jump scare, never gets old — it just finds new ways to make us scream.

For Friday the 13th devotees, “Jason Universe” represents something special: a chance to experience those movies from the inside out. Though hopefully with better survival odds than your average camp counselor. (Pro tip: Maybe don’t split up to “check out that weird noise.”)

As summer creeps toward fall and the haunting season approaches, one thing’s crystal clear: Universal’s cooking up something wickedly good. Just remember — if you hear that iconic “ki ki ki, ma ma ma” while walking through Camp Crystal Lake, you might want to pick up the pace. Jason may be part of an attraction now, but old habits die hard.