🎮 Mic drop
Sound like a superhero, a bar for gaming, and much more.
Mornin’. Someone greeted me today with a “TGIF.” Ever wonder where that phrase actually came from?
The often disputed, never duplicated popular answer is the restaurant chain TGI Friday’s, which was established in 1965 and remains a fixture of flair in more than four dozen countries.
But the trail doesn’t end there. A 1941 quote from the Star newspaper of Marion, Ohio indicates the phrase was used to describe a local alumni association as “The Thank God It’s Friday” Club that was associated with the Ohio State University. Other sources suggest the phrase originated in 1930s Britain, though hard evidence is scant.
One thing we’re sure of: It didn’t originate on broadcast TV in the 1990s. How rude.
—Marques Edge, Eric Alt, Andrew Nusca
Buffed/Nerfed
What’s up and down in the world rn.
Buffed: The Bills Mafia. Patrick Mahomes, nope! Jalen Hurts, nah! Aaron Rodgers, discount double no! Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will grace the cover of the latest Madden video game. Just, uh, beware of that curse.
Nerfed: Breathing. Smoke from wildfires in Canada—more than 8 million acres’ worth, from more than 400 fires—has drifted into the U.S. The air quality along the Northeast Corridor has reached levels so bad it would bring Smokey the Bear to tears. Good thing we all stocked up on N95 masks!
Buffed: Business, man. The debate over the greatest rapper of all time is an endless one. (Even among your editors: Marques chooses Tupac; Andrew picks Black Thought; Eric votes for Treach from Naughty by Nature.) But the richest rapper? According to Forbes, there’s no debate: It’s Beyoncé’s husband.
Nerfed: Gen X retirement. According to a recent survey of people born between 1965 and 1980, less than half are prepared for the golden years. If we may: Stop trippin’ and take those savings to the max.
Buffed: David Beckham’s wallet. In almost LeBron-esque fashion, international soccer superstar Lionel Messi made the decision to join Inter Miami, the MLS team in which Beckham holds a substantial stake, turning down $400 million from a Saudi club. Welcome, Leo. —ME
Cheat Code: How to sound like a superhero
Change your game.
Think of the word “superhero.” What do you picture? Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), or Hugh Jackman (Wolverine)? How about someone from the animated Spider-Verse—what then?
With the recent arrival of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (not to mention the film’s predecessor, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), we've seen that sounding like a hero can be just as important as flexing like one.
With voice credits that include He-Man, Superboy, and yes, your friendly neighborhood webslinger, Yuri Lowenthal knows a thing or two about recording truly extraordinary audio.
Contributing writer Adam Swiderski spoke with him about what it takes to break through the world of voice acting.
Get them superhero feels after the jump.
Extractor: A bar where everybody knows your game
Investigations of interest.
Loud, bright, massive—it’s like the best sports bar ever. Except Guildhouse is all about a different kind of game.
The newish San Jose establishment touts itself as the go-to spot to watch esports tournaments, or hold your own, while still noshing and imbibing with friends. The goal? The ultimate social experience for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Managing editor Marques Edge spoke with Guildhouse cofounders Kevin Wick and Matt Escobar about how they made it cool to “nerd out” in NorCal.
Fun Fact Friday
Tupac Shakur, the late rapper and film star, was honored with the 2,758th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week.
The first star on the Walk of Fame was laid down on March 28, 1960 in honor of American film director and producer Stanley Kramer, who was best known for his Academy Award-winning movie Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.
Entertainers can be nominated for stars in six categories—motion pictures, television, radio, recording, theater, and sports. There are just 13 people with multiple stars; “The Singing Cowboy” himself, Gene Autry, has the most with five.
Did you know: For a cool $75,000, your favorite star can be added to the walk. If, of course, they make it through the nomination process…and the occasional costumed character brawl on the streets of one of Los Angeles’ most popular tourist destinations. —ME
Wormhole
Click the following image and…well, we don’t want to ruin the surprise.
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