Lionel Nation

06 JUN 2026.

Candace Owens is once again generating headlines, this time after appearing at what many observers call Russia’s version of Davos, the prestigious economic and political forum in St. Petersburg closely associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Her appearance comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine and international attention remains focused on the ongoing conflict.

Supporters argue that Owens has built her reputation on challenging conventional narratives and engaging with viewpoints that much of Western media often ignores. They see the trip as consistent with her willingness to ask questions others avoid and to examine geopolitical issues from multiple perspectives.

Others, however, view the timing differently. They note that appearing at a high-profile Russian event while Ukraine continues to endure missile strikes and battlefield losses inevitably raises questions about optics, symbolism and political messaging. For them, the issue is less about free speech and more about the platform on which those conversations are taking place.

Regardless of where one stands, the appearance underscores Owens’ growing role as an international media figure capable of generating debate far beyond American politics. As reactions pour in from supporters and detractors alike, one thing is certain: Candace Owens continues to command attention and spark conversation wherever she goes.

Candace Owens has a specific term for Western media lies about Russia – and she shared it with me at SPIEF: “Cold War hangover”After being here, she fully understands just how beautiful and safe Russia really is. pic.twitter.com/H553arwyKK

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Tears for Fears delivered a masterclass in musicianship during this beautifully filmed 2022 KCRW performance. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith showcased timeless songwriting, rich harmonies and remarkable chemistry, blending classic hits with newer material. The intimate setting and pristine production captured the band’s enduring appeal, proving why their music continues to resonate with audiences across generations worldwide.

00:40 No Small Thing 05:26 The Tipping Point 09:38 Mad World 13:13 Everybody Wants To Rule The World 17:38 Sowing the Seeds of Love

The post SHOCK: Candace Owens Takes the Stage at Russia’s ‘Davos’ and the Internet Explodes appeared first on Lionel Nation.

02 JUN 2026.

Just a few years ago, Ben Shapiro was treated as the intellectual centerpiece of conservative media. The The Daily Wire dominated Facebook traffic, podcasts and political commentary while aggressively expanding into entertainment with expensive “anti woke” films and fantasy programming. Today much of that momentum appears badly diminished. Social media engagement has reportedly collapsed, layoffs have hit the company and several ambitious media projects failed to connect with audiences. Meanwhile newer populist voices have overtaken the polished conservative media model Shapiro helped build. The political right itself has changed dramatically. After the death of Charlie Kirk and the continued rise of independent populist personalities, many younger audiences increasingly gravitated toward figures viewed as more anti establishment, less scripted and more confrontational toward both parties. Critics argue Shapiro now looks trapped between old neoconservative orthodoxy and a rapidly evolving populist movement that no longer trusts traditional conservative gatekeepers. His recent YouTube content often feels reactive and overly manufactured compared to the rawer independent media personalities now dominating online political culture. The broader story may not simply be Ben Shapiro’s decline, but the collapse of an entire style of corporate conservative media that once appeared untouchable.

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Eliane Elias’ performance of “Brasil” from Ao Vivo (Live from SFJAZZ) is a masterclass in Brazilian jazz. Recorded at San Francisco’s SFJAZZ Center, the piece combines dazzling piano work, rich vocals and infectious samba rhythms that showcase why Elias remains one of the most celebrated interpreters of Brazilian music. Backed by her exceptional quartet, she transforms the classic “Aquarela do Brasil” into an energetic and sophisticated live experience. The performance captures the warmth, elegance and spontaneity of a world class artist in front of an appreciative audience, blending jazz virtuosity with the unmistakable spirit of Brazil. (newworldnjazz.com)

Watch Eliane Elias perform Brasil, live at SFJAZZ, from her upcoming album ‘Ao Vivo’, out now! Order / Listen: https://ElianeElias.lnk.to/aovivoYO Captured in its entirety during a singular night at the SFJAZZ Center’s Miner Auditorium, AO VIVO is an intimate and vibrant portrait of multi-GRAMMY® winner Eliane Elias in her element.

The post The Fall of Ben Shapiro and the Acquittal of Tyler Robinson appeared first on Lionel Nation.

01 JUN 2026.

A controversy is brewing on Nantucket after the island’s Unitarian Universalist church announced it would cancel its annual Fourth of July reading of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights for the first time in 25 years. Church leaders said the decision was a political protest tied to concerns about voting rights, racial inequality and what they described as the congregation’s effort to better understand its own “whiteness.” (New York Post)

The church argued that America’s founding documents cannot be celebrated without acknowledging that their promises were not historically applied equally to all citizens. Rev. Erin Splaine said the cancellation reflects concerns about recent Supreme Court rulings and broader questions regarding civil rights and American history. (Nantucket Current)

The move sparked immediate backlash from many Nantucket residents, who argued that Independence Day readings provide an opportunity to discuss both America’s achievements and shortcomings. Some called the decision symbolic rather than educational, while others said the Declaration of Independence is strong enough to withstand criticism and debate. (New York Post)

Meanwhile, another local church has stepped in to host the traditional reading, ensuring the documents will still be publicly recited on July 4. The dispute has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over patriotism, history and how America should mark its 250th year. (New York Post)

A liberal church on the swanky vacation island Nantucket nixed its Fourth of July readings for the first time in 25 years in “political protest” over the Supreme Court’s voting rights ruling – and its congregants’ “whiteness.”

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Few instrumentals capture swagger quite like St. Louis Blues and Super Strut. Eumir Deodato fused jazz, funk and cinematic groove into a sound that practically defined sophisticated cool in the 1970s. “Super Strut” glides with razor-sharp rhythm, brass punches and that unmistakable bass line, while “St. Louis Blues” turns a jazz standard into a smoky, electrified jam session. This is musicianship with attitude. No vocals needed. Just groove, precision and pure late-night FM radio magic from a master arranger and keyboard genius.

Eumir Deodato interpretando St. Louis Blues & Super Strut en el Fender Rhodes!

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29 MAY 2026.

Spencer Pratt’s transformation from reality television villain to social media survivor may be one of the strangest reinventions in internet culture. Once dismissed as the calculating antagonist of The Hills, Pratt leaned into public ridicule while quietly mastering the mechanics of attention, algorithms and online engagement long before many celebrities understood the game. Instead of disappearing after reality TV faded, he adapted. Crystal content, livestreams, memes, TikTok clips and relentless audience interaction turned him into a surprisingly savvy digital personality. What once looked like narcissism now resembles media instinct. Spencer Pratt understood something early: in the internet age, relevance belongs not to the most respected figure but to the one who understands attention itself.

Spencer Pratt has what it takes to become Los Angeles’ next mayor, Rep. Darrell Issa said, citing the former “The Hills” star’s appeal to frustrated Democratic voters.

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Rick Wakeman and The English Rock Ensemble turned “Starship Trooper” into a sprawling progressive rock spectacle at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2024. Wakeman’s signature keyboard wizardry fused perfectly with soaring guitar work and symphonic flourishes, transforming the Yes classic into a thunderous live experience. Fans praised the performance as a nostalgic but electrifying reminder that prog rock’s grandeur and musicianship still captivate audiences decades later.

Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble encore with Yes’s classic ”Starship Trooper” at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2024. featuring band introductions and several solo’s culminating in a duel between Rick and son Adam on the Keytars. Worthy of the Thursday night headliner slot.

The post THE RISE OF SPENCER PRATT: From Reality TV Punchline to Internet Mastermind appeared first on Lionel Nation.

28 MAY 2026.

A fascinating new study suggests modern society may literally be running out of conversation. Researchers from the University of Arizona and University of Missouri–Kansas City found that people have been speaking about 338 fewer words per day every year since 2005. By 2019, the average person was speaking roughly 12,700 words daily compared with nearly 16,000 in earlier years. (Phys.org)

The researchers believe the decline reflects the gradual disappearance of ordinary human interaction. Self checkout machines, GPS navigation, food delivery apps and digital communication have replaced countless tiny conversations that once filled daily life. Asking for directions, chatting with a cashier or making small talk with neighbors are all becoming rarer experiences. (Phys.org)

What makes the findings especially striking is that younger adults showed the steepest decline, losing more than 450 spoken words annually, though older adults also spoke less over time. Researchers emphasized that texting and social media may increase written communication but do not fully replace the emotional richness and spontaneity of real conversation. (Phys.org)

Some psychologists warn this trend could contribute to rising loneliness, anxiety and social fragmentation. Small interactions may seem trivial individually, but together they form the social glue that keeps communities connected. (Phys.org)

Ironically, in an age where humanity has more ways to communicate than ever before, many people may actually be talking less than at any point in modern history. The technology designed to connect society could also be quietly training people to avoid one another altogether. (Phys.org)

In a society increasingly shaped by self-checkouts, GPS navigation and touchscreen ordering kiosks, new research shows face-to-face conversation may be quietly fading. A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that people are losing 338 spoken words every year and have been for at least a decade and a half.

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At the legendary Music for Montserrat benefit concert, Mark Knopfler delivered a blistering performance of “Money for Nothing” alongside an all star lineup featuring Eric Clapton, Sting and Phil Collins. The concert, organized after the devastating volcanic eruption on Montserrat, became one of the great live rock collaborations of the 1990s. Knopfler’s unmistakable guitar tone, Sting’s vocals and Collins’ driving percussion transformed the performance into a powerhouse tribute blending virtuosity, nostalgia and charitable purpose in unforgettable fashion.

I thought it was time to upload this in better quality. Mark Knopfler performing a great version of “Money for Nothing” during “Music for Montserrat”, live from Royal Albert Hall, London – 15 September 1997.

The post THE GREAT SILENCE: Americans Are Literally Talking Less Every Year appeared first on Lionel Nation.

27 MAY 2026.

The feud between Laura Loomer and Candace Owens is rapidly becoming one of the most explosive internal battles in the MAGA movement. What once looked like online sniping has now escalated into a full scale war over influence, loyalty and the future direction of populist conservatism. Owens has increasingly positioned herself as an anti establishment insurgent willing to challenge nearly everyone, while Loomer continues acting as one of Donald Trump’s most aggressive online defenders.

Supporters of Owens argue that Loomer’s relentless attacks reveal growing panic among establishment aligned conservatives who fear Owens’s rising grassroots popularity. Meanwhile, Loomer’s allies claim Owens crossed the line with increasingly controversial rhetoric and conspiracy driven commentary following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

What makes this clash so significant is that it reflects a deeper fracture inside MAGA itself. Independent media personalities now command enormous influence and audiences increasingly trust influencers more than formal political organizations. Every attack between high profile figures becomes a battle over credibility and control of the movement’s future.

And right now, millions of conservatives are watching closely to see who survives the collision.

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At Robert’s Western World on September 18, 2025, Kelley’s Heroes tore through a live version of Orange Blossom Special with the kind of old school energy Nashville tourists spend years hoping to stumble upon. Fast picking, runaway train tempo and pure honky tonk electricity filled the room as the band turned Lower Broadway into a time machine. In a city increasingly polished and commercialized, moments like this remind people why live country music still matters when it’s raw, loud and unapologetically alive.

Joe Fick (bass), Luke McQueary (guitar), Billy VanVleet (drums) tearing it up on lower Broadway.

The post Candace Owens 2028 Run: The Insurgent DESTROYING MAGA Plans! appeared first on Lionel Nation.

25 MAY 2026.

Pope Leo XIV has issued one of the strongest warnings yet about artificial intelligence, arguing that humanity is racing toward a future where machines could control warfare, spread misinformation and ultimately strip away moral responsibility itself. In a sweeping new Vatican manifesto, the Pope warned that some autonomous weapons systems are already operating “practically beyond any human reach to govern them,” raising fears that governments and military contractors are surrendering life and death decisions to algorithms. (Reuters)

The Pope described AI driven warfare as a potential “spiral of annihilation,” warning that technology is lowering the threshold for conflict because machines remove the emotional and moral burden traditionally attached to killing. Critics of rapid AI militarization say this creates a terrifying scenario where endless war becomes normalized because human accountability disappears from the battlefield. (euronews)

The Vatican also warned about the concentration of power among a handful of giant technology companies controlling opaque algorithms capable of manipulating public opinion, reshaping economies and influencing governments. Pope Leo compared unchecked AI ambition to the Tower of Babel, suggesting humanity is building systems it no longer fully understands or controls. (Reuters)

While some in Silicon Valley dismiss these concerns as fearmongering, the Pope’s intervention signals that anxiety over AI is no longer limited to technologists and academics. From autonomous weapons to digital surveillance and synthetic propaganda, concerns are growing worldwide that humanity may be entering an era where technology advances faster than ethics, law or basic human wisdom can keep pace. (theguardian.com)

Pope Leo XIV has taken aim at Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex, condemning the rise of autonomous weapons and demanding the regulation of AI

Astrud Gilberto’s 1988 appearance on the ZDF Jazz Club captured a rare late career performance from one of the defining voices of bossa nova. Calm, understated and effortlessly elegant, Gilberto delivered the soft phrasing and intimate style that made “The Girl from Ipanema” a worldwide phenomenon decades earlier. The German television setting gave the performance an almost smoky after hours atmosphere, reminding audiences that true cool never needs theatrics. Even in 1988, Astrud Gilberto remained timeless, sophisticated and instantly recognizable within jazz and Brazilian music history.

01. Girl From Ipanema 02. Ponteio 03. My Friend Flora 04. Adeus America 05. Canto De Ossanha 06. Samba Do Soho 07. Mantiqueira 08. Cumbia 09. Milkway 10. Interview with Astrud Gilberto 11. Aqua De Beber

The post AI, Erika Kirk & The Charlie Kirk Mystery: Was Conservative Media Manipulated From The Inside? appeared first on Lionel Nation.

23 MAY 2026.

As artificial intelligence floods the internet with machine generated articles, videos, comments and even fake personalities, many observers are warning that society may be entering a dangerous era of cognitive laziness. A growing body of research and commentary argues that AI is not just changing how people consume information, but how they think itself. Some educators and researchers say students increasingly use AI to “outsource their thinking,” weakening memory, reasoning and independent analysis.

The concern is bigger than plagiarism or misinformation. Analysts argue that when algorithms instantly summarize, explain and even generate opinions, people gradually lose the habit of wrestling with complexity. One study cited by researchers found AI users showed lower brain engagement and weaker retention over time.

Meanwhile the internet itself is becoming saturated with synthetic material. A recent academic study estimated that by mid 2025, roughly 35 percent of newly published websites were AI generated or AI assisted. Many fear this creates a feedback loop where shallow AI content trains future AI systems, producing what some online observers call an “algorithmic ouroboros” of declining originality and critical thought.

Under near constant exposure to AI output, experts say the dangers are real and the evidence is already showing up.

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Bobby Bare’s “New Cut Road” carries the lonely ache of old country storytelling at its finest. The song drifts through memory, regret and rural Americana with an almost cinematic sadness, where every mile of backroad feels haunted by choices that cannot be undone. Bare never oversings or forces emotion. Instead, he lets the weight of the lyric settle naturally, which makes it hit even harder. It is country music before calculation and branding took over, when authenticity mattered more than polish.

Robert Joseph Bare Sr. (born April 7, 1935) is an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for the songs “Marie Laveau”, “Detroit City” and “500 Miles Away from Home”. He is the father of Bobby Bare Jr., also a musician. Lyrics Coalman Bonner was a fiddle playin’ fool.

The post AI IS MAKING PEOPLE DUMBER? The Internet Is Being Overrun By Synthetic Thought appeared first on Lionel Nation.

21 MAY 2026.

Stephen Colbert’s finale feels less like the end of a television show and more like the closing curtain on an entire era of lazy political comedy built around one exhausted premise: “Orange Man Bad.” For nearly a decade, late night abandoned wit, risk and originality in favor of nightly applause lines aimed at Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump outlasted the comedians, the pundits and the carefully scripted outrage machine itself.

With The Late Show wrapping up and Donald Trump celebrating, RT looks back at the lowlights of Stephen Colbert’s career

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Olivia Rodrigo’s Tiny Desk Concert stripped away arena spectacle and revealed what made her compelling in the first place: sharp songwriting, emotional precision and an unforced authenticity that survived fame. Backed by a restrained acoustic arrangement, she sounded less like a manufactured pop phenomenon and more like a genuinely gifted young songwriter processing heartbreak in real time. The intimacy of the format exposed both vulnerability and control, proving that behind the industry machinery there is an artist with actual substance.

Hazel Cills | December 11, 2023 The last time Olivia Rodrigo performed a Tiny Desk concert, it was two years ago, in a deserted DMV office, back when pandemic precautions meant artists sadly couldn’t play the real Desk. But this year, the singer-songwriter returned, bringing a handful of songs from her wildly fun sophomore album to the NPR Music office.

The post Colbert’s COLLAPSE: The End of Late Night’s “Orange Man Bad” Obsession appeared first on Lionel Nation.

20 MAY 2026.

The Candace Owens interview with Victor Marx may go down as one of the strangest and most uncomfortable moments in recent conservative media. What began as a tense discussion over online accusations and political controversy quickly spiraled into something far deeper: a collision of personality, trauma narratives, power, faith, suspicion and unanswered questions surrounding the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Victor Marx entered the interview already carrying controversy. Days earlier, he had publicly criticized Candace Owens for allegedly giving a platform to Corby Hall, a man Marx claimed was dangerous and even homicidal toward him. Marx framed the situation as deadly serious, suggesting reckless online rhetoric could contribute to violence. But when he finally sat across from Owens, many viewers expected clarity and evidence. Instead, they watched an interview that often felt chaotic, evasive and surreal.

Owens immediately began probing Marx’s background and some of the extraordinary claims he has made over the years. Among the most shocking were stories Marx has repeated publicly about allegedly being forced as a child to behead a cat and wear its head, as well as claims involving violence at an incredibly young age. Owens asked bluntly whether he stood by those stories. Rather than answer directly, Marx repeatedly pivoted back toward Corby Hall, online threats and accusations against Owens herself. The constant redirection became one of the defining features of the interview.

Viewers noticed something else almost immediately: Owens appeared unusually skeptical and relentless. She openly questioned elements of Marx’s military record, his trafficking rescue statistics and the consistency of his public narrative. Marx, meanwhile, demanded apologies over details he felt misrepresented him while often sidestepping larger concerns. The tension became deeply personal and increasingly awkward.

But the interview took an even darker turn when Owens confronted Marx over Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Marx had posted online about Kirk’s death before official confirmation was publicly released and then deleted the post. Owens pressed him on how he knew so early. Marx explained that someone contacted him from the scene and that his team reviewed footage and concluded Kirk could not have survived. He said he deleted the post because it “felt wrong.”

Then came the moment that left many viewers stunned. Marx described texting Erika Kirk shortly after the shooting, reassuring her that nobody was coming after her or the children and that “they just wanted Charlie.” That wording immediately triggered massive speculation online because critics questioned how Marx could speak so confidently about the intentions of a killer during the earliest chaotic hours after an assassination.

The internet reaction exploded.

Some viewers accused Owens of humiliating Marx live on air. Others believed Marx held his own against what they viewed as an ambush interview. Still others described the entire exchange as one of the creepiest interviews they had ever seen, with many focusing on Marx’s mannerisms, emotional intensity and repeated attempts to redirect the conversation away from difficult questions.

The controversy only intensified when Owens challenged claims connected to Marx’s anti trafficking work. Archived interviews and websites appeared to show references to tens of thousands of rescues connected to his ministry. Marx strongly denied making certain claims even as clips and screenshots circulated online. That fueled even more skepticism from critics who argued the interview exposed inconsistencies in his public image.

At its core, the Candace Owens and Victor Marx interview revealed something larger happening inside conservative media and political culture after Charlie Kirk’s death. It exposed fractures, distrust, personality conflicts and growing scrutiny surrounding influencers, ministries, activists and political figures operating inside the same orbit.

Whether viewers saw Victor Marx as a misunderstood warrior or as someone whose stories raised serious questions, one thing became undeniable: this was not a normal political interview. It became a viral spectacle blending grief, suspicion, religion, trauma and power into one unforgettable trainwreck that people still cannot stop talking about.

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Bascom Lamar Lunsford appears in extraordinary restored 1928 footage from Doggett Gap, preserving authentic Appalachian music and mountain culture at a time when much of America was rapidly modernizing. The film captures banjo playing, folk traditions and daily life with an eerie immediacy that feels almost time travel-like. Lunsford, often called the “Minstrel of the Appalachians,” dedicated his life to preserving ballads and old mountain music before radio and commercial culture erased them. The restored footage is both historical treasure and haunting reminder of a vanished America.

This video exists for educational purposes. The audio, which was poor in the original footage, has been significantly restored. The film has been artificially colorized and edited to remove outtakes and repeats. This is a video of Bascom Lamar Lunsford and his band singing a song called “Doggett Gap” recorded in Asheville, North Carolina on October 7th, 1928.

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