Image via TROIS

(Somewhat) paralleling humankind’s strange pinings for TP, the fashion sphere has a new obsession for “napkin tops.”

The risqué trend was spotted by Who What Wear, who coined the term. It involves a single piece of delicate fabric made only for the front, with the back featuring only thin straps to tie the top together and hold it in place.

The revealing garments can be seen across new collections by independent design labels like TROIS, Subsurface, and STAUD, and seem to be popping up in more places now.

Seeing as how streets have been dominated with some crazy and unsolicited looks in the past, these dangerous but sleek pieces shouldn’t get you too mad.

The surprisingly versatile backless tops will look elegant when layered over for more conservative settings but are poised to steal glances during nights out.

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Beauty, Annemiek lounging in the Silk Tie Top. 🤍 ✔️

A post shared by SUBSURFACE (@subsurface.tv) on May 24, 2020 at 8:08am PDT

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The thinnest straps and highest quality silk. We’re intentional about everything we do, and it’s important to us to use quality fabrications and support vendors that prioritize craft and integrity over quantity. #silktietop #summersilk

A post shared by SUBSURFACE (@subsurface.tv) on May 21, 2020 at 8:48am PDT

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Delicate. 〰️🖤 @jordankanegis

A post shared by SUBSURFACE (@subsurface.tv) on Jun 5, 2020 at 8:54am PDT

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The Ruby by @noemielacerte a new pre order is now available 🤍

A post shared by TROIS (@trois_thelabel) on Jul 7, 2020 at 3:49pm PDT

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At home with @nycbambi wearing the new ‘Knitted Halterneck Top’ in white. Shop at www.stonelabel.co 🤍

A post shared by STONE (@stonelabel) on Jul 21, 2020 at 11:49am PDT

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Baby got back. Shop the Knitted Halterneck Top at www.stonelabel.co

A post shared by STONE (@stonelabel) on Jul 8, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT

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A post shared by SUBSURFACE (@subsurface.tv) on May 27, 2020 at 9:34am PDT

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You don’t really need the back of a shirt anyway.

A post shared by Reformation (@reformation) on Apr 18, 2020 at 2:45pm PDT

[via Who What Wear, images via various sources] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411028/Napkin-Tops-Are-The-Latest-Racy-Look-To-Wipe-Over-The-Fashion-World/

[Click here to view the video in this article]

Video screenshot via GS&P

A new short film titled Life Below Water: The Arrival of a New Species tells audiences about a booming “new species.” It’s voiced by Hollywood’s personification of God himself, Morgan Freeman.

“The creatures in this fascinating species do not have brains, teeth or even simple nervous systems, but miraculously they can travel for hundreds of miles and live to be over a thousand years old,” he seethes in the video.

The Google-funded film was created by ad company Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P) as part of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The film runs for a little over two minutes, showcasing the blue ocean and underwater creatures swimming among humanmade waste such as bottle caps, cigarette butts, and plastic bags.

The short has been released along with several teaser spots on YouTube. Watch it below.

[via Campaign, cover image via GS&P] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411027/The-Ocean-Has-A-New-Species-As-Shown-In-Stirring-Film-Voiced-By-Morgan-Freeman/

Image via IMDb

Disney has released some early designs of the iconic Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear in celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary.

Fans are treated to initial sketches of what the space ranger could have looked like, some of which show how different the character was—from his face to his costume—when compared to his final legendary look.

One recurring design element was a glass dome for his space helmet, which looked a little cumbersome compared to the slick flip-up design in the final look.

The biggest departure from his present appearance saw the character as a 1950s-style sci-fi adventure serial with a spear-like weapon. The letters “LL” were printed on his chest, representing his original name, Lunar Larry.

Another design shows a more familiar look of Buzz with a square jaw and in headgear, with pop-out wings on his back.

Aside from the “evolution of his design,” Pixar historian Christine Freeman said that Buzz’s name had changed from “Tempus of Morph to Lunar Larry, to Buzz Lightyear.”

You can view the sketches here.

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Paging Star Command. A little help here? 😀

A post shared by Pixar (@pixar) on Apr 18, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT

[via Digital Spy, opening image via IMDb] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411019/Disney-s-Unseen-Buzz-Lightyear-Sketches-Show-Infinitely-Different-Look-Beyond/

Image via IMDb

Earlier this week, The Matrix directors, sisters and trans women Lily and Lana Wachowski confirmed that the sci-fi film has always been seen as a trans allegory.

Lily stated that the film’s foundation is about “the desire for transformation but it was all coming from a closeted point of view.” With that being said, Netflix’s Twitter account decided to break down some possible transgender themes found in The Matrix.

The thread starts with a quote from writer Andrea Long Chu’s book, Females: “Neo has dysphoria. The Matrix is the gender binary. The agents are transphobia.”

One of the tweets highlights how Neo picked a new name after dropping his old moniker as he transitioned from the identity he was given to the one he created for himself.

Of course, the choice of picking the red pill and blue pill is an obvious hint as it gave him the option of seeing the world he was used to or seeing “the systems built to define and control his identity.” However, it is also “an apt metaphor for hormone therapy.”

“Lilly and Lana Wachowski gave us one of the most influential, enduring, and celebrated films of all time,” Netflix concluded the thread. “Through The Matrix, they gave trans people the possibility of a cinematic world without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible.”

Read the full thread here.

Lilly Wachowski recently looked back on the film and confirmed the long-discussed theory of THE MATRIX as an allegory for gender transition. “THE MATRIX was all about the desire for transformation, but it was all coming from a closeted point of view."https://t.co/JZZsKnviBB

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

The “splinter” in Neo’s mind? That, for many trans folks, is a lot like the experience of being socialized as a gender that doesn’t align with their true gender identity.

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

Critic @willow_catelyn writes about the significance of Neo rejecting an old name (ie his deadname) for a new one (his chosen name) in her thread about the film’s legacy:https://t.co/HfvyOg54K8

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

And then there’s the whole red pill, blue pill connection.

Not only is the pill literally Neo’s gateway to seeing the world as it is and the systems built to define and control his identity, but it’s also an apt metaphor for hormone therapy. pic.twitter.com/Bipr8p9gcr

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

There’s also the character Switch (Belinda McClory), who was originally written as a trans masculine person. As Lilly Wachowski says, her and Lana's initial plan was for Switch to present as a man in the real world and a woman in The Matrix. pic.twitter.com/EBkJnN815N

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

Here’s the real galaxy brain moment: the trans themes of THE MATRIX aren’t only in the plot, but we could also look at the ways the film’s groundbreaking effects offer a visual representation of a trans experience.

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

Look at bullet time: a technique to split time. Or as Keegan puts it, bullet time “gives the sensation of two temporalities at once… an effect resonant with the experience of gender transition and its multiple embodiments across time.” pic.twitter.com/VjuAYWuLwP

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

Lilly and Lana Wachowski gave us one of the most influential, enduring, and celebrated films of all time. Through THE MATRIX, they gave trans people the possibility of a cinematic world without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible.

— NetflixFilm (@NetflixFilm) August 6, 2020

[via Digital Spy, cover image via IMDb] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411025/Netflix-Breaks-Down-Trans-Clues-In-The-Matrix-After-Directors-Confirmation/

[Click here to view the video in this article]

Image via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Kylie Jenner made a surprise appearance in Cardi B’s music video featuring Megan Thee Stallion, titled WAP.

The beauty mogul strutted down in a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired house while donning a plunging leopard print bodysuit and matching thigh high boots.

The brief cameo started off by showing her in slow motion from the back, giving fans a glimpse at Jenner’s leopard-print train attached to her skintight bodysuit.

Jenner walked down the hallway while raising her arms and tossing her hair behind her. She had bright pink blush dusted on her cheeks and a brown smokey eye look. Her leopard bodysuit featured a deep neckline that showcased her cleavage.

Cardi B, too, appeared to be rocking a similar leopard print ensemble in the music video. The rapper posed with her legs split on top of two gold chairs with leopard print upholstery.

However, Cardi B’s ensemble appeared to be much racier, as her bodysuit had cutouts at the front, exposing her chest area. She covered her nipples with leopard print stickers, while decked in matching cat print gloves.

imagina ser a kylie jenner #WAP pic.twitter.com/USMzqQ1m8B

— junior. (@blakeangelsw) August 7, 2020

.@iamcardib it’s the leopard print lewk for me.. #WAP pic.twitter.com/A3QwSWM95K

— Jei Monroe | Slay Coach (@JeiMonroe) August 7, 2020

.@iamcardib 2nd verse though 🤯🤯😩🙌🏽 #WAP #CardiAndMeg pic.twitter.com/aS6tWeEROf

— BET (@BET) August 7, 2020

[via Independent, opening image via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411023/Kylie-Jenner-Purrs-In-Plunging-Leopard-Print-Bodysuit-In-Cardi-B-s-WAP-MV/

[Click here to view the video in this article]

Image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com and BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com

Actress Cameron Diaz opened up about her decision to quit acting in Gwyneth Paltrow’s series In goop Health: The Sessions on Wednesday.

Diaz admitted to have stepped away from the entertainment industry five years ago because of the hectic lifestyle that came with being in Hollywood.

“There’s a lot of energy coming at you at all times when you’re really visible as an actor and doing press and putting yourself out there,” Diaz told Paltrow.

The Charlie’s Angels star was also asked about how she felt after leaving her notable movie career, which kicked off in 1994 when she starred in The Mask alongside Jim Carrey.

“A peace in my soul because I finally was taking care of myself,” she answered.

Diaz speaks about her retirement at the 25:20 mark in the video below.

[via Page Six, cover image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com and BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411022/Cameron-Diaz-Opens-Up-To-Gwyneth-Paltrow-About-Why-She-s-Retired-From-Acting/

Image via BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com

Bella Hadid blatantly called out the New York Police Department for going maskless in a couple of Instagram stories.

In the first story, Hadid could be seen standing in the streets of New York City, wearing a black crop top and a jacket with black pants and a crossbody bag.

Most importantly, she wore a mask covering her mouth and nose to protect herself from COVID-19.

The photo also included five cops in the background without face masks on. “Hi @nypd, masks are for all of our safety, not just [yours],” Hadid wrote in the story, tagging the Instagram account of the police department.

In the second Instagram story, Hadid posed in front of three cops, who were not following the social distancing measures. In the blur photo, the model appeared to be flipping them off.

“Wear a mask,” she wrote in capital letters on the photo. “[You] guys look goofy.”

Hadid’s public service announcement is loud and clear, and it echoes the Centers for Disease and Control’s basic guidelines: wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Bella Hadid flips off a group of cops in New York for not wearing their masks:

“Hi NYPD masks are for all of our safety, not just urs…:)” pic.twitter.com/LG7GlLT2hW

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 6, 2020

[via Teen Vogue, cover image via BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411024/Bella-Hadid-Just-Gave-Cops-A-Smutty-PSA-About-Wearing-Face-Masks-On-The-Streets/

Image via Shutterstock

Officials of a city in China built a highway bridge around a house after its owner refused to sell it off to the government.

A video released by the local media shows the property sandwiched between two wings of the newly-built Haizhuyong Bridge in Guangzhou, and situated in the middle of the four-lane traffic link.

According to Guangdong TV station, the owner of the one-storey house, Ms Liang, was adamant about staying put because the government had failed to offer her an ideal replacement property.

She said she was “more than happy to deal with the consequences,” and claimed that the current environment is “quiet, liberating, pleasant and comfortable.”

The building is described as a “nail house” in China, where the owner rejects compensation from a developer for its demolition.

Government officials had planned to demolish the plot in 2010 to build Haizhuyong Bridge. Apparently, Liang is the only occupant out of 47 households and seven firms who still lives there.

SHOT OF THE DAY: Chinese officials have built a motorway around a home after the stubborn owner refused to move. #9News pic.twitter.com/Q2e46e1yty

— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) August 7, 2020

[via LADbible, opening image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411018/Officials-Build-Motorway-Bridge-Around-House-As-Stubborn-Owner-Refuses-To-Move/

[Click here to view the video in this article]

Left image via Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com, right image via Shutterstock

Donald Trump pronounced Thailand as “thighland” during his tour at the Whirlpool Corporation Manufacturing Plant.

According to a video from CNBC News, the US president was giving a speech about the manufacturing sector when he mispronounced the country’s name.

“Once more, your foreign competitors moved their factories to prevent a level playing field and to avoid liability,” Trump said. “Shifting production to ‘Thighland’ and to Vietnam.” He got the country’s name correctly when saying it for the second time in the speech.

“Thailand and Vietnam. Two places, I like their leaders very much, they’re very nice to us. Do they take advantage of the United States? Not so much anymore,” he continued.

Critics were quick to jump on the blunder, and “Thighland” began trending on Twitter.

“The stupidest man in the world has thoughts on Thighland, which is where they made that lamp in A Christmas Story,” director of the office of government ethics Walter Shaub wrote on Twitter. “When you see ‘Thighland’ trending there are really only two options. An infomercial gone horribly wrong. Or the president of the United States. Come to think of it, aren’t those the same thing,” journalist Dan Rather joked.

Other social media users compared his hilarious pronunciation to another recent blunder when he mispronounced Yosemite National Park as “yo-Semite.”

Trump mispronounces Thailand as "Thighland" pic.twitter.com/PgTRnHpAA8

— The Recount (@therecount) August 6, 2020

In Ohio speech just now, Trump pronounced Thailand “Thigh-land,” before correcting himself.

— Felicia Sonmez (@feliciasonmez) August 6, 2020

Trump mispronounces Thailand as Thighland during a speech about washing machines

He also said he liked Prayut (A far worse crime) #Thighland #Thailand #Lol #trump https://t.co/R3SF6iabyd

— Thigh Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) August 7, 2020

The stupidest man in the world has thoughts on Thighland, which is were they made that lamp in A Christmas Story. Apparently. https://t.co/MWw2WVDL32

— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 6, 2020

When you see “Thighland” trending there are really only two options. An infomercial gone horribly wrong. Or the President of the United States. Come to think of it, aren’t those the same thing?

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) August 6, 2020

During a speech about washing machines President Trump referred to "Thighland."

Now, some leading Republicans are claiming this is actually the correct way to pronounce "Thailand."

I really wish I was making this up.

— Katy (@KatyJayne101) August 7, 2020

thighland and hondurass are nice but I’m more into titaly

— kilgore trout, new tone haver (@KT_So_It_Goes) August 6, 2020

Thighland is just off the coast of Crotchatia.

— (((Josh Malina))) (@JoshMalina) August 6, 2020

Welcome to Thighland pic.twitter.com/7q5fWRCp8i

— Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) August 6, 2020

The Prince of Whales and I stopped by Nambia after we left Thighland on our way to Yo-Semite National Park.

We caught a connecting flight out of the Revolutionary War Airport.

— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) August 6, 2020

[via Metro, opening image via Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com, right image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411020/Watch-Trump-Pronounces-Thailand-As-Thighland-Before-Correcting-Himself/

[Click here to view the video in this article]

Image via GaudiLab / Shutterstock.com

With Apple postponing its September keynote, there are still a couple of months before fans will have an official look at the iPhone 12 lineup. So far, tech enthusiasts might already have a pretty clear idea on what the new smartphones will look like and feature thanks to several reports that harmonize with one another, and among additions you can expect is a braided charging cable.

Concept art rendered by YouTuber EverythingApplePro imagines the upcoming iPhone 12 Pro packaging along with the anticipated iPhone 12 Lightning to USB-C cable in an aesthetically satisfying braided cord design.

In the spec work, the weaved nylon cable is depicted in both white and black, though the Twitter user who first leaked news about the braided look later noted that the black cable will be for the Mac Pro or iMac Pro rather than the iPhone 12 series.

The rumor mill suggests that new iPhone boxes will no longer come with free EarPods. Instead, it seems that Apple has dedicated the rest of the budget on improving the charging cable.

This might be good news for longtime Apple owners, as Apple’s rubber-coated charging cables have long been a frustration for fraying too easily. The weaved design will create a thicker barrier that ensures less damage after multiple uses.

What’s also noteworthy is that Apple is expected to downsize iPhone boxes, reducing the space required to transport box by 1.5 to two times. This will allow the company to reduce carbon emissions and work towards its goal of being 100-percent carbon neutral by 2030.

For a look at the potential iPhone 12 packaging, jump to the 2:37 mark in the video below.

There will be a New iPhone but it’s gonna be released a lil different https://t.co/F6SLx61a4B

— IG @wizzybaby #PlsSayDaBaby (@wizzybaby) August 6, 2020
Image by EverythingApplePro

https://t.co/SiBHHbveg9

iPhone 12 series will be equipped with USB-C to Lightning braided data cable #Apple #iPhone12 #iOS14 #leaks #RETWEEET pic.twitter.com/Isi9K1NVrg

— iHacktu Pro  (@ihacktu) July 14, 2020

iPhone 12 inner box.
This leaked image confirmed the rumors that the iPhone 12 will not come with a charger. 100% real.
.@9to5mac @MacRumors#iphone12 pic.twitter.com/bGHUbLENft

— ConceptsiPhone (@RanAvni1) July 7, 2020

[via Forbes, images via various sources] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411026/Apple-s-Possible-iPhone-12-Box-Visualized-With-Rumored-Braided-Lightning-Cable/

Image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Emily Ratajkowski set pulses racing as she took to Instagram to share sizzling snaps for her fashion label, Inamorata.

The supermodel flaunted her incredible figure in a series of bikinis from her brand. The images showed her posing up a storm in a two-piece bikini in nude, black, royal blue and emrald green, orange and pink.

One photo showed Ratajkowski flaunting her legs in a black bikini set with gathered string details. She tugged on the sides of her bottom while wearing a pair of lace-up heels.

Ratajkowski took a step further by deciding to go topless in a campaign video. The clip showed her wearing a maroon bottom and lace-up heels as she leaned on a brown wall to protect her modesty. She wore her long tresses down, accessorizing herself with a pair of dangly earrings.

Another photo showed her in the same look, but this time with her palms on her cheeks, covering her breasts as she gazed into the camera.

Check out the campaign shots below.

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The Amara Bottom💫

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Aug 5, 2020 at 7:53am PDT

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The Amara Bottom.

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Aug 4, 2020 at 8:29am PDT

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The Capreria in Seppia. Satin Swim is online now!

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Jul 30, 2020 at 6:38am PDT

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Your new favorite itsy bitsy bikini – The Capreria.

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Aug 4, 2020 at 11:43am PDT

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Satin Swim. Launching tomorrow.

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Jul 27, 2020 at 10:38am PDT

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A lingerie inspired update to your classic triangle bikini – Meet the Amara.

A post shared by Inamorata (@inamoratawoman) on Aug 3, 2020 at 9:51am PDT

[via Inamorata, opening image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411015/Emily-Ratajkowski-Wears-Only-Bikini-Bottoms-In-Latest-Visuals-For-Swimsuit-Line/

Image via Shutterstock

NASA has been giving nicknames to faraway cosmic objects, including galaxies and nebulae. Unfortunately, some of these monikers could be deemed as derogative.

The space agency has announced that it will be addressing and reviewing inappropriate labels to steer away from racist connotations.

“As the scientific community works to identify and address systemic discrimination and inequality in all aspects of the field, it has become clear that certain cosmic nicknames are not only insensitive, but can be actively harmful,” NASA wrote in a statement.

As a start, NASA will stop using the name “Eskimo Nebula” for planetary nebula NGC 2392, as “Eskimo” is described as “a colonial term with a racist history imposed on the indigenous people of Arctic regions.”

The “Siamese Twins Galaxy,” a pair of spiral galaxies in the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, will now be referred to their official astronomical titles, NGC 4567 and NGC 4568.

The expression “Siamese twins” gained popularity when Siamese-American conjoined twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, were displayed as an exhibit in the 1880s. The phrase was also used in a racist manner in the Disney film, Lady and the Tramp.

NASA will now move forward by using “only the official International Astronomical Union designations in cases where nicknames are inappropriate.”

NASA to Reexamine Nicknames for Cosmic Objects https://t.co/KnhWtvfLmx

— Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge (@cambridge_astro) August 7, 2020

[via Mashable, cover image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411017/NASA-Will-Drop-Racist-Nicknames-Used-For-Space-Objects/

Image via sitthiphong / Shutterstock.com

Netflix’s iconic sound logo, commonly referred to as the “ta-dum,” was created by Oscar-winning sound designer Lon Bender and debuted back in 2015.

Netflix’s vice president of product Todd Yellin said during an interview in the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast that there was a shortlist of sounds considered for the opening, including bubbles underwater as well as the bleating of goats.

“I liked the sound of the goat. It was funny. It was quirky. It was our version of Leo the Lion [of MGM],” Yellin said.

Thankfully, Netflix scrapped the animal cry, resulting in the current, now-iconic sound.

Yellin then explained the process of coming up with the sound, together with Bender, to create the perfect intro likely to make viewers go, “Wow, I’m about to get a treat, I’m about to get an amazing story, that’s relevant to me, that’s cinematic in my home.”

Bender said the sound logo was inspired by the noise his wedding ring made when it knocked into his wooden cabinet. He then added depth to it by mixing in a slowed-down anvil, muted hits and a reversed electric guitar, resulting in what he described as a “blossoming sound.”

The catchy “ta-dum” was shortlisted among several options, and eventually made it to the top three after sounds considered too long for an intro were filtered out.

The “ta-dum” came out tops after being the choice of internet users in a poll, who said it channeled authority. Voters said the sound was “dramatic” and made them feel as if something was about to “begin.”

New episode!

#100 | Ta-Dum! It’s Netflix.

The never-before-told story behind the most recognizable sonic logo in the world. Plus, their second sonic logo by @HansZimmer that you may have never heard.

→ https://t.co/etz2omw29Z pic.twitter.com/ohXSgKHHVU

— Twenty Thousand Hertz (@20korg) August 5, 2020

[via Indiewire, opening image via sitthiphong / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411002/Netflix-Almost-Added-Goat-s-Bleating-Behind-Its-Famous-Ta-Dum-Sound-Logo/

Image via IB Photography / Shutterstock.com

Instagram immediately drew comparisons with TikTok after announcing ‘Reels’, a new yet suspiciously familiar feature that lets users create, edit and upload short video clips.

Reels mimics the style of TikTok, down to its functionality and interface. Instagram’s previews also show young creators pulling dance moves and creating tidbit tutorials, concepts commonplace on TikTok.

Obviously, the video-sharing social network noticed the similarities too, and summed up its thoughts about the supposed copycat in just a few words. “Well… this looks familiar,” TikTok responded on Twitter, adding the cheeky thinking and winking emojis to its tweet.

Unfortunately, the clapback would have been more well-received had TikTok not been caught in some controversy lately. President Donald Trump had threatened to ban the Chinese-owned app in fear of sensitive US data ending up in the hands of China’s government.

Twitter users let out their skepticism about TikTok in their replies, with one writing, “It doesn’t [look familiar], y’all are getting removed and they’re not.” One user remarked, “But will it be copying everything on your clipboard and sending it to the Chinese government?”

Others revealed their loyalty to the app, reassuring that “TikTok will always be superior.”

People also haven’t forgotten that one of Instagram’s more popular features, Stories, is a dead ringer for Snapchat—although one could also argue that TikTok is a copy of the shortlived Vines app.

The Trump administration finalized executive orders on the ban on Thursday, calling for the termination of US transactions with Chinese tech firms ByteDance, the owner of TikTok; and Tencent, which owns messaging app WeChat; within 45 days.

Fans of TikTok can remain hopeful, though. Microsoft is in discussions with ByteDance about possibly acquiring its operations in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

well… this looks familiar 🤔😉 https://t.co/V8GyRSXkPu

— TikTok (@tiktok_us) August 6, 2020

i SWEAR this is what Vine should have tweeted when IG came out w video lmaoo

— Chrish (@mistachrish) August 6, 2020

ang YouTube with ugly igtv

— bungkus dek (@martabak2telor) August 6, 2020

don’t worry it’s no where near as good 🤷‍♂️

— dougmar (@dougmar_) August 6, 2020

Finally y’all said it👏 anyways TikTok will always be superior 👑

— Nancy (@NancyKaguima) August 6, 2020

DONT LET THEM TAKE THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM YOUR APP

— Kennedi (@haley_kennedi) August 6, 2020

it doesn’t yall are getting removed and they’re not

— dan击 (@thankunaxt) August 7, 2020

But will it be copying everything on your clipboard and sending it to the Chinese government?

— James Chambers (@chamesjambers) August 6, 2020

[via TikTok, cover image via IB Photography / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411021/TikTok-Hits-Back-At-Instagram-For-Rolling-Out-Clone-Of-Its-App/

Image via greenboy games

IKEA recently announced that, for its catalog’s 70th anniversary in 2021, the upcoming edition will be “not just a catalog” but a go-to handbook with advice on enhancing home lives in spite of budget and space limitations.

Apart from showing off key furnishing products for 2021, IKEA said the handbook will be a “friendly and optimistic problem-solver” featuring clever “how to’s,” like recipes, and “small affordable shifts.”

Customers now have an intimate look at this edition, thanks to IKEA Canada, who appears to be the first to release its 2021 version.

“This year’s edition of the IKEA Catalog marks its 70th birthday! To make it special, we’ve turned it into an inspirational handbook full of budget-friendly tips, hands-on ideas, new exciting products and familiar favorites, too,” IKEA Canada describes. “It’s bound to give you some ‘ahaaa!’ moments and will be a great tool to come back to again and again on the path to a better everyday life at home.”

Shoppers can browse the marketing tool digitally, order a physical copy or pick up one at the store.

Within the pages, you’ll find home-styling and sustainability tips to improve the quality of life at home. For instance, there’s a chapter for “bite-sized and brilliant” homes sharing how you can turn a small space into a little hideout with “multifunctional furniture and smart technology,” like a sofa bed with a storage compartment, remote-controlled smart blinds to cover hard-to-reach windows, and even IVAR cabinet doors that can double as “decorative wall panels.”

In a small segment, foodies are also encouraged to retain vegetable scraps and consider making “dips, pestos and sauces” instead of just composting them.

It’s worth noting that products and visuals listed in your copy may vary from the Canadian edition, depending on where you live, due to cultural differences. However, given that the cover matches the one teased by IKEA’s international press release late last month, the style should be pretty consistent to how you’ll see it in your country.

For the catalog’s 70th birthday, IKEA has also prepared a hardcover IKEA Coffee Table Catalog to adorn your coffee table. “This year we asked ourselves, why can’t something that makes our homes more beautiful, actually make our homes more beautiful?” IKEA Canada notes. This version will be available in very limited quantities, though; in IKEA Canada, it will be distributed to IKEA Family members through a raffle.

You can browse the Canadian edition by clicking through the digital copy below. At the very least, there’s this soothing and comforting resource to help speed the year 2020 along because it’s been a whirlwind of unexpected situations.

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[via Chatelaine, cover image via IKEA Canada] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411016/IKEA-Releases-Collectible-2021-Catalog-Celebrating-The-Tool-s-70th-Birthday/

Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Beyoncé shared her latest jaw-looking looks on Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy.

The singer posted three photos from her visual album Black Is King and they showed Beyonce looking regal in the solid, vibrant outfits. The singer made a statement in a hot pink silk halter top featuring a plunging neckline that went all the down to her belly button. She slicked her hair and wore statement gold earrings as she carried a basket of gorgeous flowers.

Another image showed the star donning a sapphire satin gown with oversized puff sleeves and an off-shoulder neckline. The dress was cinched at her waist and had a long train and an ultra-high slit, allowing the singer to show off her legs. The singer accessorized her look with diamond necklace, earrings, and a huge black hat that covered her face.

Her final look saw her rocking an edgier look—a rich emerald green blazer and matching vest underneath it. She amped up her appearance with a golden hair-pick necklace and a large triangle necklace with emerald bauble on the sides. She painted her lips with a bold metallic teal lip and rounded up the outfit with a tall golden hat.

Check out her looks below.

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Aug 6, 2020 at 8:24am PDT

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Aug 6, 2020 at 8:22am PDT

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Aug 6, 2020 at 8:20am PDT

[via Beyoncé, opening image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411012/Beyonc-Electrifies-Black-Is-King-Album-With-Neckline-That-Plunges-To-Belly/

Image shot by Justin Ervin via Swimsuits For All

As the celebrity face of American brand Swimsuits For All, Ashley Graham shows off its latest collection by posing in several of its pieces.

The photos were shot by her husband Justin Ervin in their backyard. In one of the photos, Graham can be seen wearing a floral two-piece with her stretch marks on display.

“Some things I love: a cute bathing suit and a backyard shoot with the family,” Graham wrote in an Instagram post with the campaign photos. “We’ve had such a great time making the most of this summer in Nebraska and these suits have me feeling great for my first summer as a mommy!”

The new mother is not one to shy away from flaunting her physique. Since 2019, Graham has been documenting her pregnancy and post-pregnancy bodies on Instagram. The model hopes to encourage body positivity for women of all shapes and sizes.

Graham welcomed her son Isaac back in February 2020. She now proves once again that all women can rock swimsuits. The swimwear is priced from US$25, and can be shopped on the Swimsuits For All website.

View this post on Instagram

Some things I love: a cute bathing suit and a backyard shoot with the family! We’ve had such great time making the most of this summer in Nebraska and these suits have me feeling great for my first summer as a mommy! 👙 @swimsuitsforall 📸 @mrjustinervin

A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@ashleygraham) on Jul 29, 2020 at 8:19am PDT

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Unleash your wild side this summer in new @ashleygraham Essentials. . . Tap to shop

A post shared by Swimsuits For All (@swimsuitsforall) on Jul 31, 2020 at 5:30am PDT

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Backyard sessions with @ashleygraham ✨ Captured at home by her husband @mrjustinervin.

A post shared by Swimsuits For All (@swimsuitsforall) on Jul 29, 2020 at 6:00am PDT

[via Yahoo! Lifestyle, cover image shot by Justin Ervin via Swimsuits For All] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411014/Ashley-Graham-Puts-Her-New-Stretch-Marks-On-Display-For-Swimwear-Campaign/

Image via TIME

In the fourth Trump-themed TIME cover illustrated by Tim O’Brien, the artist pictures the US president attempting to weather a storm of the coronavirus and struggling to stay afloat in office.

The artwork shows Donald Trump wading through a sea of coronavirus in front of the White House. It is accompanied with the words, “The Plague Election,” referencing national Molly Ball’s cover article, “How COVID-19 Changed Everything About the 2020 Election.”

“The rising water as a metaphor for chaos in the Trump White House could only end two ways,” O’Brien described his illustration. “So he survives only to be in the surging waves surrounded by coronavirus, each one a little bomb.”

O’Brien is known for his other Trump-Time covers, such as Nothing to See Here from 2017, Stormy and In Deep from 2018, and Just Singin from 2019.

TIME’s new cover: How COVID-19 changed everything about the 2020 election https://t.co/WcGbCk7j7t pic.twitter.com/Bwq5PyKBzR

— TIME (@TIME) August 6, 2020

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TIME’s new cover: Inside Donald Trump's White House chaos. Illustration by Tim O’Brien for TIME; animation by @brobeldesign

A post shared by TIME (@time) on Feb 16, 2017 at 6:15am PST

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TIME's new cover: Donald Trump relied on his personal lawyer and longtime fixer, Michael Cohen, to weather the storm. Now the President is on his own. Read the full cover story on TIME.com. Illustration by @obrienillustration for TIME

A post shared by TIME (@time) on Apr 12, 2018 at 5:00am PDT

Sneak peek at this week's cover of @TIME. I could see the president getting this one framed… pic.twitter.com/i6cDRmEzMc

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) March 28, 2019

[via HuffPost, opening image via TIME] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411013/Trump-Struggles-To-Stay-Afloat-In-Sea-Of-Coronavirus-In-Disturbing-TIME-Cover/

Image via Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com

Amazon‘s website featured a listing of an Oxford shoe that described its brown color with the N-word.

The UK Labor Party official David Lammy spotted the advert while browsing the website, and immediately aired his displeasure on Twitter. “Just buying brown brogues tonight leads to this racist microaggression. Is it 2020 or 1720? Please @amazon take it down,” his tweet read.

Lammy also included a screenshot of the ‘Formal Oxford’ advert by British fashion company Floren. The foul description also included a bunch of grammatical mistakes, hinting that it could be posted by an online troll.

A representative of Amazon told CNN that the product is no longer available, and that sellers who do not follow the company’s guidelines can have their accounts removed.

Lammy thanked Amazon for its prompt action but questioned the company’s reviewing systems as offensive slurs should not be advertised in the first place.

Thank you @amazon for taking this down now but given the item has been on sale since March what systems do you have in place for reviewing descriptions and not allowing offensive terms to be posted in the first place? This is not the first time.

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) August 3, 2020

[via The New York Post, cover image via Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411011/Amazon-Sparks-Outrage-Over-Shoe-Listing-Described-With-The-N-Word/

Image via InStyle Magazine

Euphoria star Zendaya fronts the September issue of InStyle magazine, dressed fully in pieces by Black designers.

The actress was photographed by Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, and styled by Law Roach, who let Black creatives take center stage in the photoshoot.

On the cover, Zendaya can be seen wearing a red one-shoulder satin dress from Jason Rembert’s Fall 2020 Aliétte collection with accessories by Mateo New York. In the subscriber edition, Zendaya dons a color-block dress by Hanifa.

Roach also picked glamorous pieces by designers Cushnie, Pyer Moss, Romeo Hunte, Thebe Magugu, and Victor Glemaud for Zendaya’s ensembles within the pages.

In an Instagram post, Roach thanked the publication and editor-in-chief Laura Brown for letting him highlight Black excellence.

“You allowed me, a Black stylist, to creative direct an editorial with my beautiful Black muse Zendaya, and feature clothing from all Black designers, shoes from all Black shoe designers, jewels from all Black jewelry designers, we feature Black art from Black artists,” Roach wrote in the post. “Look at the magic we can create when someone gives us the opportunity.”

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We present THE @zendaya in conversation with #blacklivesmatter co-founder @osopepatrisse for our September issue! The insanely talented rising star talks making a WHOLE MOVIE in quarantine, being more than just an actress, and managing her anxiety in the #linkinbio. #zendaya Photographed by: @abdmstudio Styled by: @luxurylaw Hair by: @larryjarahsims Makeup by: @officialsheiks

A post shared by instylemagazine (@instylemagazine) on Aug 6, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

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Come for #zendaya strutting on a roof in @pyermoss and @brothervellies, stay for her inventing the color red. #linkinbio for so much more.

A post shared by instylemagazine (@instylemagazine) on Aug 6, 2020 at 6:11am PDT

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@instylemagazine Styled by @luxurylaw Shot by @abdmstudio Makeup by @officialsheiks Hair by @larryjarahsims Wearing @hanifaofficial @torisoudan

A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya) on Aug 6, 2020 at 2:46pm PDT

[via Fashionista, cover image via InStyle Magazine] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411010/Zendaya-Channels-Beautiful-Inclusivity-In-Black-Designed-Pieces-From-Head-To-Toe/

Image via Framesira / Shutterstock.com

A new ‘My Headphones’ meme on Twitter has prompted internet users to reveal what they are listening to despite appearing austere. Predictably, most of the results hint at the users’ musical guilty pleasures—though no one should feel guilty for listening to the music they enjoy.

The joke typically features two side-by-side comparison images, the first of a stoic guy with AirPods on and the second divulging the song he is really listening to.

The meme simply sums up the idea that you shouldn’t judge a person by how they look. Some of the tweets include nostalgic tracks like High School Musical’s theme song, We Are All In This Together, and One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful

Here are some hilarious posts spurred from the meme.

Me glaring at everyone in public vs My Headphones at the exact same time pic.twitter.com/3ET46tCfEj

— _queen_bitch_ (@grace83164290) August 5, 2020

me in public: my headphones: pic.twitter.com/3VE2vOmJ4S

— Alanna 🥴 (@AlannaBennett) August 5, 2020

Me in public: My headphones: pic.twitter.com/xNeaO3lGVn

— hunting for your memes (@his0illu) August 6, 2020

Me in public: My headphones: pic.twitter.com/npMbQWos45

— Fred (@Freddie1v1v) August 5, 2020

Me vs my headphones pic.twitter.com/Z5UZuJigMV

— marie😚✌️| #BLM (@muhreeh) August 5, 2020

me in public: my headphones: pic.twitter.com/zYfChpXETq

— YEOLO™ (@tzehern_) August 6, 2020

In public: My headphones: pic.twitter.com/ArxoG1AgRa

— Faded Yoda (@FadedYoda) August 6, 2020

[via Complex, cover image via Framesira / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411008/My-Headphones-Meme-Exposes-People-s-Guiltiest-Music-Pleasures/

Image via IMDb

The Office had to pay US$60,000 for a silly joke made by Steve Carell’s character, Michael Scott, in the season three holiday episode A Benihana Christmas.

The Office’s producer and writer Jennifer Celotta shared the story behind the expensive joke on the latest episode of Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s Office Ladies podcast, revealing that she had Carrell sing the lyrics of Eddie Money’s Two Tickets To Paradise, which eventually cost the show a hefty price.

In the holiday episode, Scott would sing along to the song as he tells the camera that he will surprise his girlfriend, Carol, with tickets to an all-inclusive holiday to Sandals, Jamaica.

“I wrote a joke where [Scott] says, ‘I got two tickets to paradise.’ And he says, ‘Pack your bags we leave the day after tomorrow,’” Celotta noted in the podcast. “At the sound mix, I found out from Kent [Zbornak, The Office producer] that was a US$60,000 joke.”

Listen to the full episode below.

[via Mashable, cover image via IMDb] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411006/The-Office-Had-To-Pay-Up-60K-Because-Of-Michael-Scott-s-Silly-Joke/

Image via Shutterstock

A devastating explosion shook Beirut to its core, causing streets to be littered with debris and leaving many injured or killed.

As the city tries to recover itself, internet users from all over the world have paid respects to the victims with their creative artworks.

Artist Carlos Latuff drew a heart-wrenching image of the Lebanese flag mourning for its victims.

BossLogic created a powerful artwork seeing the flag’s famous tree in the middle and a man holding up a smoke bomb releasing red smoke into the wind. There is debris on the foreground and the fires from the blast pictured in the background. The words “Stand Strong Lebanon” are printed in the middle.

“My condolences to all that have lost and to all that remain, please stay/stand strong for one another,” he captioned his artwork.

Other creatives have also shared their pieces on Twitter, offering their support to the people of Lebanon. See some of them below.

Solidarity with people of Beirut.
Solidarity with people of Lebanon.#PrayForLebanon #prayforbeirut pic.twitter.com/SzuJZTg4YB

— Carlos Latuff (@LatuffCartoons) August 5, 2020

My heart goes out to the people of Lebanon, you are my neighbours being that I'm from Syria, seeing the footage and news this morning stunned, seeing the Aftermath hurt. My condolences to all that have lost and to all that remain please stay / stand strong for one another ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DrlVce7wqn

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) August 5, 2020

#PrayForLebanon #prayforbeirut pic.twitter.com/TlVY2getGZ

— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) August 5, 2020

Peace to the city of love and safety… Peace to a city that embraced all religions… Peace to the bride of the countries 💔🌿#Beirut pic.twitter.com/MTphN4QlbE

— ❄kar gibi❄ (@7im_ar) August 4, 2020

For #BEIRUT and #Lebanon You have been through so much lately, our prayers are for you. #art #draw365 #thedailysketch #sketch #watercolor #watercolour #acuarela #acquarello #kunst #theotokos #PrayForLebanon #painting pic.twitter.com/kqy6ukeeQp

— Tracey Thekla Rolandelli (@rolandelliart) August 6, 2020

In memory of Beirut Explosion#prayforlebanon #prayforbeirut #beirut #art #draw #drawing #BlackAdvert pic.twitter.com/i5A2vlviMK

— Black Advertising Agency (@BlackAdvert) August 5, 2020

بيروت 🇱🇧💔 pic.twitter.com/f1rBa2dg0Q

— Saba Jallas (@sabajallas0) August 4, 2020

"Orchards and groves lay within his view – open plantings to rival those of fabled Lebanon." Dune Messiah | Frank Herbert

My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers for the people of Lebanon at this time. Art by Jeff Bartels pic.twitter.com/JBx2VbBcf6

— Secrets of Dune (@SecretsOfDune) August 5, 2020

Thoughts and Prayers are nice but Lebanon needs support and action.
.
.
.#Lebanon #PrayForLebanon pic.twitter.com/Z9EzlY28po

— Bluberry Jellybean 🌙 (@BluberryJBean) August 5, 2020

Heartbreaking, devastating, tragic, horrific scenes from Beirut. My thoughts & prayers are with Lebanon today. O Allah! help them overcome such a difficult time. We seek Your Mercy and strength! 💔#SairaSyed #ArtXpert #Art #BeirutBlasts pic.twitter.com/YxLIy1nQND

— Saira Syed (@ArtXpertSaira) August 5, 2020

[via BossLogic, opening image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411004/Artists-Around-The-World-Poignantly-Mourn-Victims-Of-Beirut-Blast/

Image via greenboy games

The Nintendo Game Boy is a hunk of nostalgia that helped revolutionize the now-advanced world of portable gaming, but being a thing of the past doesn’t mean it has to stay in the past.

You’ll soon be able to get the console out of your drawer, and not just to look at it. Dana Puch of greenboy games, a single developer from Barcelona who is still designing games playable through the 1989 classic, is releasing a new spooky title that will re-immerse you in a world of color-free handheld gaming. Where Is My Body? is a point-and-click adventure mimicking the retro style of 90s titles like Maniac Mansion with a plot resembling that of 2019 French Best Animated Movie I Lost My Body.

The game, built into a physical cartridge, features a disembodied 16 by 16-pixel hand on its quest to locate the rest of its body. It is still on Kickstarter mode, although greenboy games has exceeded its US$4,749 crowdfunding goal by fourfold.

Where Is My Body? is the developer’s fifth Game Boy title, joining other old school-inspired games exploring human anatomy, an adventure on the moon, an underwater voyage through the lens of a submarine navigation simulator, and a soccer shootout.

“The main idea is to keep alive the spirit and gameplay of this legendary console,” Puch described.

Watch the adventure game’s trailer below, and find out more about it here.

[via Screen Rant, video and cover images via greenboy games] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411009/Nintendo-Game-Boy-Is-Getting-A-New-Physical-Cartridge-Game-Decades-On/

Image via Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea Handler is back with her book recommendation series on Instagram called ‘Get Lit With Chelsea’.

This time around, she laid down without a stitch of clothes and used ping-pong pads and her recommended novels to masterfully hide her private areas.

“Do you like to have fun with literature and ping pong? Do you want to educate yourself in the hot summer sun? Here is what I’m adding to my brain this month,” she wrote in the post.

In the risqué post, the comedian suggested her followers to read Why I Write by George Orwell, Begin Again by Eddie S Glaude Jr. and I’ll Be Right There by Kyung Sook Shin.

Take a look at her saucy post below.

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Do you like to have fun with literature and ping pong? Do you want to educate yourself in the hot summer sun? Here is what I’m adding to my brain this month. Read with me. #GetLitWithChelsea Books are: Why I Write by #GeorgeOrwell, #BeginAgain by @esglaude, and I’ll Be Right There by #KyungSookShin

A post shared by Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) on Aug 4, 2020 at 11:13am PDT

[via Page Six, cover image via Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/411007/Chelsea-Handler-Lays-Nude-With-Ping-Pong-Pad-Bra-To-Recommend-Books/