Latest news with #AsItWas'
Graziadaily
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
A First Look At Harry Styles' Sex Toy Range - Yes, Really
Harry Styles has been keeping a low profile so far in 2025, globetrotting in his little blue jacket – spotted outside the Vatican in Rome, running marathons in Tokyo, and strolling the streets of London. However, it now seems he's been using his downtime to work on something rather different. Meet Pleasing Yourself: the singer's entrance into the ever-so-fun world of sexual wellness... Earlier this week, fans went wild after Harry, 31, shared a rare Instagram story. While many were expecting the post to announce his comeback to music, the 'As It Was' singer actually teased a new drop for Pleasing - the lifestyle brand he founded in 2021. Harry reposted a cryptic Instagram reel from Pleasing's account, showing someone placing a glass of milk on a table, before tapping something in morse code while a shocked woman listens in. The caption read, 'For those playing at home,' before teasing the details of a launch event taking place in New York. Clicking a link on the post, fans were then directed to a page 'intended for individuals 18 years of age and older.' 'Something Pleasing, Coming Soon,' the site read, adding 'Not everything needs to be spelled out.' The vibes were (quite literally) clear. After several sexual innuendos and much online digging, the brand has confirmed what we all thought: Harry Styles really is selling vibrators. Pleasing Yourself's first two products will include The Pleasing Lube, a premium, FDA-approved silicone lubricant, as well as The Pleasing Double-Sided Vibrator, developed in collaboration with sex educator and author Zoe Ligon. What makes it double sided, you ask? Good question. It's designed with a rounded head for external play, with the handle doubling up for internal play. Innovation at it's finest. Revealing the news, Pleasing Yourself shared, 'The expansion reflects a clear intention: to explore sexual wellness through a lens of emotional depth, cultural fluency, joy and pleasure, and genuine care. For Pleasing Yourself, this is not about provocation, trend-chasing, or prescription - it's an invitation into a broader, more open conversation about sex as a space of connection, expression, and self-awareness for all.' Adding that 'pleasure is nothing to apologise for, that self-touch can be a love language, and that old rules haven't always served us,' they continue, 'This is not a one-off drop or stunt. For Pleasing, it's the start of a commitment to build products and experiences that treat pleasure and intimacy as a vital, meaningful part of life.' Alongside the products, Pleasing Yourself will also be collaborating with Planned Parenthood to help educate the public about sexual health and wellness. With the tagline 'Please Yourself Like You Mean It,' we're more than on board with Harry's latest venture. When the rumours first swirled, plenty of fans were quick to poke fun at the product's expected price point. It's no secret that Pleasing isn't exactly a budget brand: one nail polish can set you back £18, while an 8oz candle costs £80. 'Crowdfunding the Pleasing vibrator,' joked one fan on X. Another tweeted, 'The concept of someone not getting approved for a mortgage because they bought the Harry Styles vibrator on Afterpay.' However, it turns out that Pleasing Yourself products may not set you back quite as much as fans first thought. The Pleasing Double-Sided Vibrator will cost $68 (£50), while The Pleasing Lube will retail for $25 (£19). Given some luxe sex toys can reach price points of £120+, Harry's addition to the market seems to be a comfortable mid point. From tomorrow, both products will be available to buy from The good news is they do ship to the UK! Ever since the rumours first swirled, fans were quick to share their thoughts on Harry's sexual wellness foray. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one wrote, 'Me opening Harry Styles' IG story expecting it to be about Love on Tour two years anniversary but I got pleasing vibrators instead.' Another suggested, 'The pleasing vibrator will have a setting that will vibrate to the rhythm of Harry's next single.' 'All my years as a One Direction fan have led me to this moment… I will be purchasing the Harry Styles vibrator,' wrote one. 'Harry Styles vibrator is the straight woman's Sydney Sweeney bath soap,' another said. Some fans, however, would have rather had another album. 'We didn't ask for this, we asked for new music,' wrote one. 'Harry Styles releasing vibrators before heading to the studio and making hs4,' added another. Personally, this is a venture we're well and truly behind - and this certainly won't be the last we'll see from Pleasing Yourself. If it's good enough for Harry, it's good enough for us. Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity and pop culture.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Is Your Playlist Putting You in Danger?
While most drivers rely on music to set the tone for their commute or road trip, a new study from The Fitch Law Firm reveals that your playlist may be doing more than keeping you entertained; it could be quietly raising your risk of an accident. By analyzing data from top driving playlists on Spotify and Apple Music alongside research on tempo, volume, and cognitive distraction, the law firm's new report highlights the under-discussed link between music and road safety. With 97% of drivers saying they listen to music in the car, this is no niche concern, it's a public safety issue hiding in plain sight. Music has long been known to affect human physiology. The Fitch Law Firm's report draws on research showing that tempo and volume directly influence heart rate, mood, and reaction time—three core components of safe driving. Here's what the data says: Slow-tempo music (60–80 BPM) helps regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and stabilize speed. (60–80 BPM) helps regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and stabilize speed. Fast-tempo music (120+ BPM) increases heart rate and may cause unconscious speeding. (120+ BPM) increases heart rate and may cause unconscious speeding. Emotionally intense songs, especially those tied to personal memories, can pull mental focus away from the road. 'Many people build road trip playlists for energy,' said a spokesperson from The Fitch Law Firm. 'But the same energy that gets you hyped can also impair your judgment. That's a real concern when you're operating a 3,000-pound vehicle.' An analysis of the most-played driving songs reveals that many of them far exceed the ideal tempo for safe driving. High-BPM hits like: 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd (191 BPM) 'As It Was' by Harry Styles (174 BPM) 'Stay' by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (170 BPM) can subconsciously prompt faster acceleration and more aggressive maneuvering. In contrast, songs like: 'Hey Ya' by OutKast (80 BPM) 'Ride' by Twenty One Pilots (74 BPM) fall within the safe BPM range recommended by driving psychologists and safety experts. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in the U.S. In 2022, 3,308 people lost their lives due to distraction-related collisions, according to federal data. While phones and food are commonly cited culprits, music is often ignored, despite being a triple-threat when it comes to distraction: Manual : Adjusting volume or skipping tracks removes hands from the wheel. : Adjusting volume or skipping tracks removes hands from the wheel. Visual : Glancing at a screen or stereo steals eyes from the road. : Glancing at a screen or stereo steals eyes from the road. Cognitive: Singing along or reacting emotionally shifts mental focus away from driving. 'Changing a song doesn't seem dangerous, but it ticks all three boxes of distracted driving,' the spokesperson explained. 'And yet, most drivers don't think twice about it.' Studies have shown that fast-paced music increases the likelihood of speeding, tailgating, and running red lights. Drivers often synchronize their movements with rhythm without realizing it, leading to unintentional speeding or late braking. High-energy music has been linked to: Increased lane changes Missed traffic signals Lower awareness of pedestrians and cyclists In contrast, moderate-tempo music encourages consistency in speed and smoother decision-making. Volume is another critical factor. The study found that: Drivers listening to music over 80 decibels (dB) experienced a 20% delay in reaction time . experienced a . At 55–70 dB , drivers performed better in tests involving braking, focus, and hazard detection. , drivers performed better in tests involving braking, focus, and hazard detection. Loud music also diminishes awareness of emergency sirens, honks, and road cues. With modern cars capable of hitting 90+ dB, it's easier than ever to exceed safe listening levels without realizing it. The future of safer in-car listening may lie in AI technology. The Fitch Law Firm notes that emerging systems are beginning to curate playlists based on: Driving conditions (e.g., highway vs. city) (e.g., highway vs. city) Driver behavior (e.g., frequent braking or speeding) (e.g., frequent braking or speeding) Biometric data (e.g., heart rate and stress levels) 'Adaptive playlists that calm the driver in traffic or slow the tempo during high speeds could be a game-changer,' the report states. The firm recommends the following to help drivers stay focused and alert: Keep BPM between 60–80 for a calm and steady pace. for a calm and steady pace. Set playlists before the trip to avoid mid-drive interaction. to avoid mid-drive interaction. Avoid songs tied to emotional events , which can trigger cognitive distraction. , which can trigger cognitive distraction. Limit volume to 70 dB or less for better awareness. for better awareness. Use driving-friendly apps or voice assistants to minimize manual input. 'Music can turn a mundane drive into a great experience,' said the firm's spokesperson. 'But it can also turn a minor distraction into a deadly one if we're not careful. Being mindful about what you listen to and how loud, isn't just smart, it's potentially lifesaving.' With millions of drivers hitting the road, The Fitch Law Firm urges all travelers to take a second look at their soundtracks and consider whether that high-energy song is worth the added risk. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary '70s Singer Isn't Worried What Anyone Thinks Ahead of New Album
Legendary '70s Singer Isn't Worried What Anyone Thinks Ahead of New Album originally appeared on Parade. Talking Heads frontman David Bryne not only has new music on the way, but he's heading out on a world tour soon. The legendary singer, 73, just announced his album Who Is the Sky?, which is set to be released on September 5. Ahead of the new release, Bryne revealed in a press statement what's different this go-around, saying, 'At my age, at least for me, there's a 'don't give a sh-t about what people think' attitude that kicks in." 'I can step outside my comfort zone with the knowledge that I kind of know who I am by now and sort of know what I'm doing,' he added. The upcoming record brings together some major names, including Kid Harpoon, best known for his production on Harry Styles' 'As It Was' and Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers.' The album also features guest appearances from St. Vincent, Paramore's lead singer Hayley Williams and The Smile drummer Tom Skinner. Just over a week after the album drops, Byrne will kick off his international tour on September 14 in Rhode Island. The 2026 leg of the tour will take Byrne across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the U.K. According to the press release, the live shows will include 13 other musicians, singers and dancers — all of whom will remain 'mobile' throughout the performance. Who Is the Sky? marks Bryne's first new album in seven years — his last release, American Utopia, came out in 2018. Byrne shared what he's been up to during his break, including exploring new hobbies. "I did a LOT of cooking (Mexican and Indian mostly) and a LOT of drawing," he said. While acknowledging the gap since his last album, Bryne explained how the time away actually helped shape his new music. "I've found that when the time comes, it's easier to start if there's a little stockpile – and before too long there was. Very rudimentary songs began to emerge, with just me on acoustic guitar singing over a programmed loop or beat." Legendary '70s Singer Isn't Worried What Anyone Thinks Ahead of New Album first appeared on Parade on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Harry Styles spotted in crowd at Vatican to welcome new Pope Leo XIV
Is this a sign of the times? Harry Styles surprised fans as he joined thousands in Saint Peter's Square, celebrating the historic moment an American pope was elected at the Vatican. White smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Thursday night, signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month at age 88. Advertisement 5 The pope appeared in front of a sea of well-wishers, which included Harry Styles. via REUTERS Shortly after he was elected, Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost — appeared in front of a sea of well-wishers — which included the 3-time Grammy winner. The One Direction alum tried to blend in with the crowd, but he was spotted sporting a blue jacket, blacked-out shades and a hat that read, 'Techno is My Boyfriend.' Advertisement An eagle-eyed fan snapped a photo of the 'Watermelon Sugar' singer, 31, among the massive crowd of revelers. 'While I was watching the Pope's announcement in St. Peter's Square, Harry Styles passed by me and our eyes met, I immediately photographed this memory. What a day,' a fan, who shared the image on X, wrote in Turkish. The image caused an instant frenzy on social media, as fans of the 'As It Was' hitmaker rushed to comment on the unlikely celebrity sighting. Advertisement 'Little did the pope know he was waving to Harry Styles,' one fan wrote on X. 5 The One Direction alum was spotted by eagle-eyed fans in the Vatican. BACKGRID 5 The 3-time Grammy winner was in the crowd to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday. Getty Images Another added, 'One thing about harry styles, he's always going to accidentally serve cinema somewhere in Europe.' Advertisement 'I thought he went to Italy but I didn't expect this 😂,' a third wrote. Following the conclusion of his sold-out Love on Tour in July 2023, which was closely followed by the release of his Grammy-winning album 'Harry's House,' the singer has been jet-setting around the globe. In March, Styles tested his endurance while taking part in the Tokyo marathon. The singer completed the 26.2-mile-long run in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. Styles was back in London that month, where a ride-share driver snapped a pic of him and shared it on social media. 5 Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born pontiff. AFP via Getty Images 5 Following the conclusion of his sold-out tour in July 2023, the singer has been jet-setting around the globe. Getty Images Advertisement 'Picked up this young fella on my way home tonight,' the fan wrote. 'We got chatting and I said 'You really sound like Harry Styles' He said 'That's because I am Harry Styles' 🤣🤣🤣 He was such a friendly young chap!' The following month, Styles attended a run club in London — much to the surprise of fellow runners. The singer raised eyebrows with his unusual outfit of choice, opting for jeans and loafers for the occasion.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Lady Gaga Passes Harry Styles' Historic Record
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars's 'Die With a Smile' spends a sixteenth week at No. 1 on the Billboard ... More Global 200, passing Harry Styles' 'As It Was' as the second-longest-leading champion. INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (EXCLUSIVE ACCESS) Lady Gaga performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 11, 2025 in Indio, California. (Photo byfor Coachella) For yet another week, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars reign supreme on Billboard's worldwide rankings. The two pop powerhouses hold steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 with their smash collaboration "Die With a Smile," which is turning out to be a career-defining smash. As the track continues to dominate the ranking, it not only remains the most-consumed song on the planet, it also takes another step forward on the all-time list of the most successful tunes in the ranking's history. This week marks the sixteenth time that "Die With a Smile" has led the Billboard Global 200. With this latest turn at the top, the hit officially breaks a tie and now stands alone as the second-longest-running No. 1 hit in the history of the ranking of the most-consumed tracks throughout the entire world. Last frame, "Die With a Smile" was already one of the longest-ruling No. 1s the Billboard Global 200 had ever seen rise to the top. With 15 weeks in charge, it was tied with Harry Styles' "As It Was," which ruled the tally throughout much of 2022. Now, Gaga and Mars move ahead, nudging Styles' massive solo win into third place on the all-time list. The only song still ahead of "Die With a Smile" is a Christmas staple. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" continues to hold the record with 19 weeks at No. 1, though it has accumulated that sum across several holiday seasons between 2020 and 2025. Thanks to its annual comeback, the festive favorite has managed to rack up more time at the summit than any other track – but it's not out of the question that 'Die with a Smile' could eventually match or even overtake Carey's total. "Die With a Smile" isn't just No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 — it also continues to rule the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. as well. That second tally is compiled in much the same way as the Billboard Global 200, but with streams and sales that come from American listeners removed. On that list, the Gaga-Mars collaboration earns its thirteenth week in the lead, but it doesn't match any other smash or break any tie.
