Hip hop collides with Silicon Valley in new SF musical "Co-Founders"
Driving the news: " Co-Founders" draws from the region's hip hop roots while incorporating traditions from soul, gospel, funk, jazz, R&B and more to pay homage to the people who make Silicon Valley what it is.
Zoom in: The musical explores the tension underlying a Black woman trying to enter circles she's long been excluded from while investigating the perils of tech when it comes to grief.
The brainchild of Ryan Nicole Austin, Beau Lewis and Adesha Adefela, "Co-Founders" is now playing at American Conservatory Theater's Strand Theater (1127 Market St.) through July 6.
What they're saying: The fingerprint of historical figures like the Black Panthers is reflected in the music and parallels the grit needed to pave your way in the tech world, according to Austin.
"That's where the synergy is with the spirit of the entrepreneur," she told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's like, 'Hey, I gotta make something out of nothing, and even though everything around me says no, I know that I have it within me to say yes.'"
My thought bubble: This musical tackles head-on the intersections of tech, race and class, reminding us that seemingly siloed corners of the Bay are never as disparate as they seem.
Fun fact: The production includes interactions between on-stage actors and a holographic avatar controlled by an actor backstage via live-motion capture.
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Boston Globe
38 minutes ago
- Boston Globe
A clash over a promotion puts Hegseth at odds with his generals
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Hegseth met with Sims one final time but refused to budge. Sims is expected to retire in the coming months after 34 years in the military, officials said. Through a spokesperson, Sims and Caine declined to comment. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on Hegseth's role. Advertisement The standoff over his promotion reflects an ongoing clash between Hegseth's highly partisan worldview, in which he has written that the Democratic Party 'really does hate America,' and the longstanding tradition of an apolitical military that pledges an oath to the Constitution. Hegseth's actions could shape the military's top ranks for years to come. His insistence on absolute loyalty, backed with repeated threats of polygraphs, also creates uncertainty and mistrust that threaten to undermine the readiness and effectiveness of the force, officials said. Advertisement The tension between top military officers and their civilian leaders has been persistent since the earliest days of Trump's second term, when senior administration officials ordered the removal of Milley's portrait from a Pentagon hallway. Caine, who pressed Hegseth on Sims's behalf, got the job of Joint Chiefs chair after Hegseth and Trump fired General Charles Q. Brown Jr., his predecessor. Hegseth accused Brown, who is Black, of prioritizing diversity over the combat effectiveness of the force. Also removed during the first months of the new administration were the first woman to command the Navy, Admiral Lisa Franchetti; the first woman to command the Coast Guard, Admiral Linda Fagan; Hegseth's senior military assistant, Lieutenant General Jennifer Short; and the US military representative to the NATO military committee, Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield. All were dismissed as part of a campaign to root out diversity, equity, and inclusion from the military and restore what Hegseth has described as a 'warrior ethos.' Hegseth also recently withdrew the nomination of Rear Admiral Michael 'Buzz' Donnelly to lead the Navy's Seventh Fleet in Japan -- its largest overseas force -- amid reports in conservative media that seven years earlier the admiral had allowed a drag performance to take place on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan. The decision not to promote Sims, who is white, seems unrelated to any issues of race or gender. Rather, the general's career seems to have become tangled up in broader suspicions about leaks and a mistrust of senior military officers that have defined much of Hegseth's first six months on the job. Advertisement Hegseth, a former Fox News host and an Iraq War veteran, came to the Pentagon with little managerial experience. Since his arrival, a series of firings and resignations in his inner circle have left him with only a skeleton staff of civilian aides to run his office. He has been without a permanent chief of staff since late April. Ricky Buria, a recently retired Marine colonel who has forged a close relationship with Hegseth, has been serving in the critical role. But White House officials, who have concerns about Buria's competence and qualifications, have blocked Hegseth from formally appointing him to the job, officials said. Buria, meanwhile, has clashed repeatedly with many of Hegseth's closest aides and some officers in the Pentagon. This spring, Eric Geressy, a retired sergeant major who served with Hegseth in Iraq and now advises him in the Pentagon, threatened to quit after an argument with Buria, according to people with knowledge of the situation. The rift was reported earlier by The Washington Post. Geressy briefly went to his home in Florida before Hegseth persuaded him to return, officials said. Hegseth is also still contending with a review by the Pentagon's inspector general related to his disclosure on the Signal messaging app of the precise timing of US fighter jets' airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen in March. The office has received evidence that the information that Hegseth put in the commercial chat app came from a classified Central Command document, according to two US officials with knowledge of the review. The classified origins of the information were reported earlier by the Post. The infighting, investigations, and personnel churn have strained Hegseth's ability to manage critical operations in the Pentagon. Hegseth found himself in the crosshairs this month after Democrats and Republicans in Congress blamed him for pausing critical shipments of interceptors and other arms to Ukraine without sufficiently consulting with the White House or the State Department. Advertisement The suspension was particularly jarring because just days earlier Trump had said he was open to selling more weapons to Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in The Hague. It also left the impression that Hegseth and his top aides had failed to keep the president and senior White House officials in the loop. As aides to Hegseth traded blame, and then tried to play down the impact of the pause, Trump dramatically overruled the Pentagon, saying he was unhappy with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. The frustration with Hegseth is seeping out. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who cast the deciding vote to confirm Hegseth, this month called him ill-suited to lead the Pentagon. 'With the passing of time, I think it's clear he's out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organization,' Tillis told CNN. For now, Hegseth's missteps do not seem to have hurt his standing with the person who matters most: Trump. Like Trump, Hegseth had a career in television before joining the administration and relishes the performative aspects of his job. As defense secretary, he regularly posts videos that show him exercising with troops. The photo ops -- known inside the Pentagon as 'troop touches' -- are a central part of almost all his public appearances, current and former aides said. Several officials have complained that the photos and videos -- including one that he posted from Omaha Beach in Normandy in which he joins Army Rangers carrying a soldier on a stretcher as part of D-Day remembrances -- are distractions that serve primarily to bolster his image. Advertisement Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, said that Hegseth retained Trump's 'full confidence' and cited the 'critical role' he played 'in ensuring the flawless execution' of the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Current and former military officials said that Trump largely bypassed Hegseth in the days leading up to the strikes and instead relied on Caine and General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of Central Command, for counsel. But officials with knowledge of the president's thinking said Trump especially admired his defense secretary's combative response at a news conference to reports questioning the effectiveness of the attack. In the wake of staff dismissals and a series of negative stories about Hegseth's performance in the job, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, offered a window into how Hegseth views the department he now runs. 'This is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and working against the monumental change you are trying to implement,' she said. This article originally appeared in
Buzz Feed
7 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Pairs Of Comfy Shoes Your Feet Will Love
Floral ballet flats that'll really up your shoe game, thanks to the oh-so-adorable cutouts that also allow your feet to breathe. Plus, they're so darn flexible, you can easily roll them up to pack for your vacays! Vintage Reebok sneakers to add a lil' retro vibe to your OOTD. They're so versatile that you can pair 'em with anything — dresses, skirts, sweats, you name it — and you'll absolutely slay while staying comfy all day. The midsoles are designed to absorb impact, and the padded foam sock liners will keep your feet nice and cushy. New Balance 574 Core Sneakers that are a cult-favorite, and deservedly so. Not only are they incredibly stylish, but they also feel like plush clouds with every step you take, thanks to the EVA midsole. Promising review: "I'm in love with these shoes! I love the look of them which I feel is very retro. The sizing is perfect as described. They are extremely comfortable and durable. I bought them before completing a month of walking 100 miles and they held up perfectly!" —A. WieseGet them from Amazon for $89.99 (available in sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and eight colors). Braided sandals, your new go-to summer shoes because why have flip-flops when you can have a plethora of straps?! The braids may look a lil' scratchy but fear not, they're soft AND adjustable. You can either dress them up for a fancy brunch or down for a walk on the beach — no matter what, you're going to look 🎶 H-O-T-T-O-G-O 🎶 !!! FYI, these are best suited for narrow to medium-sized feet. Promising reviews: "These sandals are like cotton candy clouds for your feet. Basically the Rolls-Royce of sandals." —A. Alphonse"Comfort is a key feature that sets Plaka sandals apart from the rest. The soft and flexible sole provides excellent cushioning and support, making them incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods. The sandals conform to the natural curves of my feet, offering a glove-like fit that feels like walking on clouds. The adjustable straps ensure a customized and secure fit, allowing me to walk with ease and without any discomfort or blisters." —AshleyGet them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in whole sizes 5–11 and in 24 colors). Sorel wedge sandals with molded platform soles that'll give you the extra height you so desire without the pain. You'll be able to walk for miles without any aches because of the secure straps and molded EVA footbed! Braided heel sandals to rock it out on the dance floor at your bestie's wedding without having to take your shoes off before the "Cupid Shuffle" comes on. Heels that won't make your feet ache and throb? Yes, please!!! Handmade mules if you want to look as chic as possible (ofc you do)! These have pointed toes, gorgeous cutouts, and a slight heel — aren't you obsessed? Because I sure am. Zou Xou Shoes is a Black woman-owned business that has been creating handcrafted shoes by Argentinian shoemakers since 2015. The styles are easy and classic so they can be worn for years. These mules are handmade to order in European sizes, and they suggest sizing up. See the sizing chart (last photo on the listing) for more details!Promising review: "These shoes are very high quality and feel like butter every time I put them on. They only took two wears to break in and are one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. Make sure to size up if you plan on ordering these beautiful shoes!" —gingerbread24Get them from Zou Xou Shoes on Etsy for $254 (available in European sizes 36-42, or US sizes 5.5–11). Mesh sneakers that are sooo comfy, reviewers have run 5Ks, hiked for miles, and stood for up to 18 hours in these bad boys without feeling any pain! Espadrille platform sandals so your feet can stay pain-free during sunshine-filled walks through the streets of Italy. Psst — reviewers with wide feet love these and say they fit perfectly! Allbirds Tree Runners — you *shouldn't* get these if you hate ridiculously lightweight and comfortable shoes. They're made with eucalyptus tree fibers (#sustainable, yay) so they're super breathable, aka your feet won't be marinating in sweat. If they do get sweaty or dirty, though, you can just toss 'em in the washing machine! Allbirds are known for their superior comfort, and the Tree Runners are no exception. Its shoelaces are even made from recycled plastic bottles!Note: Be sure to let them air dry after washing. Promising review: "Why did I wait so long??? I wish I could wear these shoes all day for everything! They're so comfortable and lightweight." —Stone, them from Allbirds for $100 (available in whole sizes 5–11 and 21 colors). Quick-drying, long-lasting Teva midform sandals since wearing hiking shoes in the middle of summer feels like walking through a swamp — yuck, no thanks! These are cute enough to wear to festivals, amusement parks, and everything in between, and they come in so many colors and designs that you're guaranteed to find one that fits your vibe. Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers because we don't have time to be tying our shoes in the morning! Reviewers say these give off Vans vibes but prefer these because they're way comfier — Dr. Scholl did not come to play with the cushioned insoles and arch support. Rhinestone pointed slip-on mules that are begging to be put in your cart because everything is better when it's ~bedazzled~. If you're on your feet all day long but want to add some bling-bling to your 'fit, you need these because they have both arch *and* heel support. Stretchy knit Rothy's flats, which run a little more on the expensive side but are totally worth the splurge because they're like heaven for your feet. They're made with a soft, stretchy material so you don't even have to break them in — I bet you didn't even think that was possible with flats, huh? *Plus* they're machine washable, so when they get sweaty and stinky, just toss 'em in the laundry! Or breathable pointed-toe ballet flats that come in such unique and fun prints and colors! The toe box is five degrees wider than standard pointed flats so your piggies won't feel cramped and suffocated. They have heel padding to prevent blisters (need), arch support (NEED), and a shock-absorbing midsole. (NEEEEED!!!) *Or* some budget-friendly ballet flats with over 48,000 5-star ratings — I mean, it just makes sense. The insoles are padded memory foam AND have a heel pillow to relieve any pressure (thank you, comfort gods). Life hack: Reviewers love keeping these in their purse as a backup shoe whenever they have to wear heels! Sam Edelman loafers guaranteed to girl-bossify you. They're going to be your go-to office shoes because they'll look absolutely fire with slacks, a skirt, and yes, even a dress. Birkenstock sandals so you can enjoy your hot girl walks without any pain because the footbed molds to the shape of your feet, with a deep heel cup, arch support, and raised toe bar providing unmatched comfort. Break these bad boys in, and you'll finally understand all the hype around Birks. Huarache sandals with leather strips woven into a hypnotic design — if you stare at these long enough, they'll probably talk you into buying them (but you won't regret it). They're 100% handmade and woven by Mexican artisans, so each pair is a little unique! Macarena Collection is a small biz based in Buena Park, California! Since they only make whole sizes, they suggest sizing down if you're in between sizes as the shoes will stretch and mold to your feet as you wear them. Promising review: "Can I give these 1,000 stars? They are soooooo comfortable!!! I was afraid because my feet are on the wider side, but oh my do they fit absolutely amazingly well!! Don't hesitate to buy them!! I love them! I love them! I Love them!!" —Jennifer BaezGet them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.74 (originally $64.99; available in sizes 5–10). Lightweight Tioseban sneakers — they're definitely shoes, but they *feel* a bit like socks because the stretchy, breathable mesh top expands with your feet as you walk! Sizing up a half size if you have wide feet is review: "I like these shoes so much, I bought two pairs. My feet are very narrow, and I have trouble finding shoes that fit without coming off my heels. These have the comfort band that makes them very comfortable." —Jane from MAGet them from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes 5–13, wide sizes, and in 32 colors). Lug sole sandals that'll seriously make a statement. They're so cute, so chunky, so lightweight — ugh, I'm obsessed. Reviewers say these earned them nonstop compliments, so don't say I didn't warn ya! High-top, platform Converse sneakers, aka the zhuzhed-up version of your classic Chuck Taylors. Not only do the platforms give you extra height, but they also provide an extra layer of cushioning! Nisolo flatform sandals, perfect for summer because their lightweight, breathable design won't let your feet overheat. Plus, you can strap 'em on and go for a 5-mile walk as soon as they arrive because they don't need a break-in period! Pillowy slippers that must have been made by the comfort gods themselves because over 800 reviewers say they're like walking on clouds ☁️ and as a proud owner of a pair myself, I wholeheartedly agree with that. Dr. Martens platform sandals with adjustable buckles (slay), super lightweight EVA soles (slaaay), and ripple tread platforms (SLAAAAY). Doc Martens always reign supreme in terms of style and quality, and the same is true of these adorable yet comfy sandals! 🙏 Breathable sport shoes you can slip on to play pickleball in the morning, run errands in the afternoon, and walk around the city at night — yup, they're that comfy. Plus, the stitching and adorable designs are to die for! Promising review: "I have never been compelled to write a review, but these shoes are soooo beautiful!!! I got the pink and gold and they are comfy and pretty. I cannot keep count of the total strangers on the street stopping me and saying how much they love my shoes and asking me where I got them!!! This price is amazing, and I truly can say I got bang for my buck! True to size, I'm an 8 and ordered the 8 and they fit perfectly." —Dora them from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and in eight colors). Fuzzy memory foam slippers so you can lounge around in style 24/7! But they're more than just adorable house slippers — they have waterproof, anti-slip soles so you can totally wear them to walk your doggo, grab the mail, and even go grocery shopping. Plus, the open-toe design makes them pretty breathable, so the fuzz won't make you overheat! Slip-on mules that are so elegant yet surprisingly comfy — perfect for wearing to the office, then straight to dinner with friends. They're also quite similar to Madewell's Gemma mules, so if you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, these are just for you. Promising reviews: "I was so happy to find stylish shoes to fit my small feet (size 5)! That is not an easy feat these days. I love the shoes. When I first put them on, I did not think they were going to be comfortable. However, after I had worn them for just a short while, I realized they were actually very, very comfortable. They are also not smooth on the bottom but have a sole that has slight ridges, and therefore not slippery, which you find with some flats." —Karen Hulshouser "I really love these shoes. I've been eyeing the Madewell Gemma mules for months, but stumbled upon these and decided to take a chance. These are super comfortable and easy to walk in." —Hannah NewsomeGet them from Amazon for $35.97+ (available in sizes 5–11 and five colors and patterns). Platform sandals letting you have the 🎶 best of both worlds 🎶, aka the comfort of sandals and the stylish look of heels — a double life, if you will. They have cushioned insoles, adjustable ankle straps, and ridged soles that'll give you peak stability! A reliable pair of Crocs that may not be the *most* stylish of shoes but are definitely the comfiest. I think we should all be glad that these have made their comeback from the early 2000s because their cushy soles and ventilation ports are blessings for sweaty feet. Plus, you can add on some charms to give 'em personality! A pair of comfortable clogs because the Birkenstock Boston clogs are cute and all, but you know what's not? The hefty price. These look exactly the same, minus the logo — but let's be so real, no one's checking for that. And you know what's funny? A lot of reviewers actually think that these are comfier than Birks!
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé fans are paying close attention to her hair color as tour ends: Here's why
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is about to wrap up her "Cowboy Carter" tour in Las Vegas, and fans are already searching for clues about what's next for the superstar. Their current focus is the hair color of some of Beyoncé's dancers. The Grammy-winning singer kicked off her first concert at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on July 25. The concert marked her first of two shows at the stadium on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. She is set to perform again July 26. As she took the stage, Beyoncé donned a floor-length American flag coat with a matching bodysuit and white cowboy hat. However, it was her blond hair color that immediately caught the attention of some fans. Prior to Friday's show, rumors began to swirl when fans noticed some of her dancers appearing to change their hair color to jet black. One account wrote on X, "Beyoncé's dancers are reportedly dyeing their hair black, sparking rumors that it's a visual clue for the third installment of her trilogy: act iii." As fans know, Beyoncé released her eighth studio album "Cowboy Carter" March 29. The country album has already made history on multiple fronts and put a spotlight on Black country artists. In July 2022 Beyoncé released her seventh studio album "Renaissance." The project earned her four Grammys in 2023 including best dance/electronic music album, making her the most decorated artist in the awards' history. She later announced the album was the first part of a three-act project, making "Cowboy Carter" Act 2. After releasing albums in the country and dance categories, there has been growing speculation that the last project in the trilogy could be a rock album. Beyoncé only fueled this idea after she posed as funk-rock diva Betty Davis for Halloween — and yes, she was wearing jet black hair. However, during the July 25 performance, not only was Beyoncé's hair not black, but many of her dancers' hair colors also varied from black to red and more. One fan wrote, "And the black hair theories are dismissed." However, others were reluctant to abandon the idea entirely, noting that there's still one more show to go. Some fans even went so far as to point out that last show date falls on Davis' birthday. There are always fan theories floating around, and fans can expect even more as Beyoncé closes out her tour and the Act 2 era leaving them to eagerly await Act 3. As always, only time will tell. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
