Taylor Swift's 10th album Midnights, marking a gradual return to pop for the US singer-songwriter, sparked an online fan frenzy following its release on Friday — and crashed Spotify in the process.
Swifties, the name of the singer's loyal fanbase, from the US to France and Britain were forced to wait patiently for hours to get their first earful of Swift's latest sound on the streaming platform — released at the stroke of midnight.
Despite the technical problems, the hugely anticipated work set a record as the most-streamed album in a day, Spotify said.
"And before the clock could even strike midnight on October 22, Taylor Swift broke the record for most-streamed album in a single day in Spotify history," the platform said on Twitter.
"How did I get this lucky, having you guys out here doing something this mind blowing?!" the singer tweeted in response.
The album's songs tell "the story of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life", Swift explained on Twitter.
Together, they form "a full picture of the intensities of that mystifying, mad hour".
Once all Spotify issues were resolved — mostly within the hour — enthusiasts discovered melodies set to an electro-pop beat, complete with synths, dubstep-inspired rhythms and a more androgynous side to Swift's vocals.
The singer, 32, who began her career in country before shifting to pop, abandons her more recent indie-folk vein in the new album.
The pop sound marks a departure from Evermore and Folklore, her two previous albums which were written during the pandemic, the latter of which won Album of the Year at the Grammys last year.
In Midnights, which includes the smooth vocals of Lana Del Rey in the duet Snow on the Beach, Swift evokes a certain dreamy mystique, complete with night-time ruminations — her reflections on growing older and the complications of love.
For the most part, the midnight album has bewitched critics.
True to Swift form, she had a surprise up her sleeves for her loyal fans.
She released an extended 20-song version at 3am on the East Coast titled Midnights (3am Edition).
The seven extra ballads, she said, were "songs we wrote on our journey to find that magic 13".
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Price, base / as tested: Dh269,000 / Dh369,000
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Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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