by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
Expectations can be a damning thing. If you have predisposed ideas about a person, group, idea or event, then it completely warps your idea of what that thing is and will be. This rings true for a myriad of different topics but how it primarily affects me and my music enjoyment is with hip-hop.
Every time I think that a certain artist is done with producing and releasing good music, and every time I think that there is an artist that can do no wrong, something changes – those expectations get undermined.
This is what happened last year, about six months ago, with Westside Gunn and Ken Carson, two artists who have primarily released great and poor music respectively. Ken Carson ended up releasing the better album that week by a large margin and Westside Gunn’s ended up falling short.
This week, we have two hip-hop/RnB and neo-soul legends, Chief Keef and Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino.) Both artists have carved their own paths in music cannon in the early to mid-2010s.
Keith Farrelle Cozart (a.k.a. Chief Keef,) is a Chicago-drill artist that rose to prominence in the early-2010s with his abrasive and bombastic drill tracks such as “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa.” Lately though, Chief Keef’s music has been on the decline, with each release straying farther and farther from what made his music fresh and great.
However, Chief Keef’s latest studio outing, “Almighty So 2,” is a mighty beacon of hope to those who have written Chief Keef off.
To start off with genre, this was not a trend-hopping rage rap album like people have predicted, instead this is a full blown, throwback, true Chicago-drill rap album. Songs like “Jesus,” “Runner” and “1,2,3” all have triumphant production that include classic drill staples: horns, a pulsing bass line, clicking hi hats and lots of car engine sound effects.
Chief Keef is arguably the most comfortable he has ever sounded, no awkward flows, no whack-sounding bars – all precision and all skill. Boastful yet introspective lyrics are what I usually look for on the lyrical side of a modern rap record and Chief Keef effortlessly delivers.
Finally, the record is the perfect length, 16 tracks and just over an hour – the album never overstays its welcome. There are a few tracks and one skit near the beginning of the record that halt the album’s momentum for a bit, however this is short-lived as track five, “Jesus” really picks the album’s speed back up.
For Chief Keef, this album is a great moment, however, on the other side of the spectrum is Childish Gambino.
Gambino is one who usually releases great music: “Because The Internet,” “’Awaken My Love’” and the single “This Is America” all have set him up for success.
Gambino’s latest effort, “Atavista” (formerly the project known as “3.15.20”) is a revamp of his 2020 record, an album that – at the time – sounded entirely unfinished. Now, that record is complete, with one new track, re-mixed and re-mastered original tracks, and a thematic through line to tie it all together, how does “Atavista” hold up against all of Gambino’s other records?
The answer is not well.
The truth is, Gambino does not expand upon any established ideas, instead he recycles them until there is no more meaning to those original great ideas.
The meandering alternative-RnB of “Because The Internet” is present on tracks like “To Be Hunted” and “Sweet Thang,” as well as the progressive neo-soul of “’Awaken My Love’” on “Time” and even the jitter, erratic hip-hop of Gambino’s critically panned (but cult-classic nonetheless), “Camp” on “Final Church.”
All of these recycled and not-expanded upon ideas just feel tired at this point. It’s depressing that Gambino spends four years re-mixing and re-mastering all of these tracks just to end up sounding like copies of your old work.
It’s not a good look at all.
What we can learn from this journey into expectation is to just not have expectations. Go into an album blind, do not look anything up about it, do not listen to any singles or teasers – just listen!
If we all lose our expectations of what something can be, then we can really have a discussion of the merits of art and the like.
by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Transportation
Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The first season of a two-season repaving project on the Mackinac Bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans, originally scheduled to be completed by May 23, will not be complete until June 7.
Citing additional patching work and an inability to field full work crews, project contractor Zenith Tech says it will not be able to meet its original completion date or reopen the bridge prior to Memorial Day as called for in the contract.
“We have not only allowed, but strongly encouraged, the contractor to work around the clock and through weekends to get this project wrapped up ahead of the surge of traffic we expect for the holiday weekend,” said Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Chief Engineer Cole Cavalieri. “We know that having lane closures on the bridge for Memorial Day travel will result in delays and backups, so we ask customers to be patient and consider crossing at off-peak times.”
Repaving, deck repairs, and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge began March 25. Traffic is being maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction.
Work was scheduled early in the year to help minimize delays to traffic and disruptions to special events on the bridge.
Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.
Wide-load restrictions are in place in both directions for any vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and traffic will be stopped for brief periods for those crossings.
Work will resume in late March 2025 with repaving of the two southbound lanes. The overall project is scheduled to be completed, with all lanes reopened, by May 22, 2025.
The MBA’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected, with all revenue used to maintain, operate and protect the bridge. Live traffic camera views of the bridge, updates on bridge conditions, toll rates, and information on the MacPass program can all be found on the MBA website: www.MackinacBridge.org.
by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Regional News
Oakland County and SMART Launch Pilot Program Providing Free Transit for Veterans and Dependents
Post Date:05/16/2024 1:33 PM
- The veterans transportation program will offer transportation services at no charge throughout Oakland County.
- The county is home to more than 50,000 veterans. This initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 7,000 individual round trips.
- The pilot program will run from June 1 to Aug. 31. To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984. For information go to oakgov.com/veterans.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in collaboration with SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation), is launching a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at providing free transit for veterans.
The transportation program will offer door-to-door service throughout Oakland County Monday-Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Weekend transit services will vary by provider. The pilot program will run from June 1 to Aug. 31, or until the allocated funds are exhausted. Personal care assistants, widows and widowers of veterans may also ride for free. Veterans need only show their DD214, veterans ID from the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, or veteran designation on their driver’s license to get a ride. To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984.
“This service is a small way that we can honor the huge sacrifice our veterans have made for all of us,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “Veterans and their families can access essential services this summer without worrying about the financial cost of transportation.”
Funded by a $500,000 County Veterans Service Fund grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, with $28,000 earmarked for the pilot veterans’ transportation program, this initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 7,000 individual round trips.
To ensure comprehensive coverage across the county, SMART may collaborate with other transportation service providers, including NOTA (North Oakland Transportation Authority), WOTA (Western Oakland Transportation Authority), OPC (OPC Social & Activity Center Transportation), and PEX (People’s Express), utilizing a shared ride system. Transfer trips will be seamlessly integrated into the program, with charges being covered by the grant. Recognizing the diverse needs of veterans, the transportation service will also be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, ensuring accessibility for all individuals.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the veterans pilot program in partnership with Oakland County. This initiative ensures that veterans have the access and support they need,” said Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART. “It’s more than just transportation; it’s about empowering our veterans to connect with their communities and lead fuller, more engaged lives.”
Oakland County is home to more than 50,000 veterans. This program represents a tangible expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. For information go to oakgov.com/veterans.
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by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Regional News
| Hi there,
You may have seen U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra was in our district last week discussing important prescription drug provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Before that press conference, though, we had a few meetings I want to tell you about.
I invited Secretary Becerra to our 7th Congressional District because of your calls, emails and letters surrounding high prescription prices, drug shortages and maternal health disparities. It’s important for federal officials to see firsthand the issues that affect Michiganders in their daily lives.
First, we met with local hospital leaders, so Secretary Becerra could hear directly from them about the issues they’re facing. Our first priority was the ongoing shortage of lifesaving cancer drugs that has forced our hospitals in Michigan to ration care. This crisis has shown once again that maintaining a sufficient supply of pharmaceuticals is critical for not just patients, but for our national security. This issue of supply-chains for critical items has become a bit of an obsession of mine since shortages upended our economy during the pandemic. It’s why I co-founded the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus and have introduced legislation, like the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, to keep vital medicines on pharmacy shelves.
In our second meeting with Secretary Becerra, we met with advocates and talked about the issue of black maternal health. Today, Black & Native American women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy & childbirth than white women. Our meeting allowed Secretary Becerra to learn about the systemic & financial challenges faced by those who’ve been in the trenches on this issue. Thank you to the doctors, midwives, doulas, & public health & nonprofit leaders who provided ways to address this issue at the federal level.
Finally, we held a press conference on the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill sends a really clear signal to the rest of the prescription drug world that the day where you can just charge whatever you want — where there’s no transparency on the price of medication — is an era that’s coming to an end.
I am thankful to all those who helped us have a productive day discussing federal solutions that would help Michiganders.
Rep. Slotkin
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| Hi there,
One of my favorite traditions as a Member of Congress is the annual Congressional Art Competition, and earlier this month we got to announce this year’s winners.
I wanted to share their incredible artwork:
In first place, “In Your Dreams” by Joanna Deng of Okemos High School. Her piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol, and she’ll be invited to an opening ceremony in D.C.
In second place, “Love Remains” by Julia Zastrow of Cheryl Stockwell Preparatory Academy. Julia’s piece will hang in my D.C. office.
In third place, “Divine Ripple” by Morgan Wilcox of Lansing Catholic High School. Morgan’s piece will hang in our Lansing office.
I’m always so blown away by the talent of students in our district, as well as their ability to use their artwork to make a statement.
One highlight from the reception that continues to stick out to me is Julia’s cheering section. Several members of her family made the trip, which made announcing her as our second place winner even more special.
Thank you to everyone who submitted this year — we had 44 incredible pieces and you did not make it easy on our judges!
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
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by orionontv | May 15, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LAKE ORION – On Monday, May 13, 2024, Lake Orion Robotics (a.k.a. Team 302) hosted their annual RoboExpo at Lake Orion High School. Students from all-ages interested in Robotics came to LOHS to see robotics demonstrations and even control some robots.
Student representatives from Team 302 came together during the event to show off all of their robotics accomplishments from the past school year. ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Bruce Stone, Lead Competition Mentor at Team 302 about the event.
“We put on an annual festival, where we bring in the entire program from kindergarten to high school to show off what the kids have done throughout the entire school year for competitive robotics,” Stone said.
So why robotics? Why should Lake Orion students care more about robotics than traditional sports like Football, Baseball or Soccer? Bruce Stone answered that exact question for ONTV.
“We are always looking for more kids, we are always looking for more engagement. We say that in robotics, this is the only sport that the kids will ever do that when they graduate, they’ll go pro – this is what they’ll do for the rest of their career.” Stone said. “All of this is about problem-solving and teamwork, learning engineering, science and technology skills… Learning how to work in a team, in a competitive environment where it’s kind of like the environment you would have at work.”
RoboExpo was a great opportunity for new students to get involved. Excited kids from all over the community came to learn more about robotics, but how soon can they get started?
“We start recruiting for the next season, right now… We recruit from middle school and elementary school because they start in the summer, right in the beginning of the school year and the high school team starts in the fall,” Stone said.
Team 302 is interested in finding new faces for their exciting robotics teams. If you or someone you know is interested, you can visit team302.org, or their Facebook at facebook.com/firstteam302/ for more information and upcoming events.
Photo by Joe Johnson
Photo by Joe Johnson
