Metropolitan Opera says James Levine to retire as music director at season’s end.

A former Warner Music Group executive accused of embezzling more than $1 million pleaded guilty this week as part of a plea deal, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed Thursday. Danielle Smith, who worked with artists for Warner Music’s Atlantic Records division in Los Angeles, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree grand larceny for using a corporate credit card for personal expenses over a four-year period.

Swift wrapped up her “1989” world tour last year.

Halle by Lars van de Goor

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Lars van de Goor: Photos

Gnarly by Miles Morgan

Out exploring locations in Montana many moons ago in my then-new Jeep. After spending a dumb amount of money trying to make it looks rugged with a whole bunch of gear I had no idea how to use, RyDyGuy and I figured we should take it off-road and put some of these goodies to use. I locked the things that said that they lock. Disconnected the things that disconnect. Accidentally put the rig in reverse trying to get in 4Lo, and ran over the winch I didn’t mean to deploy. What we learned is that I’m a giant pansy. Things on the drive went pretty well for the first 2/3’s of the climb. Gaining confidence in my off-road skills and my Jeep with every rock, we came across a sloping section that looked a bit treacherous. Good thing we are all locked and disconnected, I thought!! I figured nothing better to do than apply a healthy does of Jeremy Clarkson-esque POWER, diving into the gulch… and instantly regretted my decision. I was 100% positive we were going to roll over. I’m not sure there are YouTube videos on how to winch out a Jeep that’s laying on it’s roof. We grooved up the rest of the trail and lo and behold came upon a grouping of trees that I recognized from Marc Adamus’s stunning work in the area. As you would expect from the Comp Master, Marc had shot the supreme tree in the field, so I worked hard to find something different and I didn’t want to comp stomp him for the 43 millionth time. Hell here were so many trees up there even I could find something kind of cool. Knowing the full moon would rise around sunset, I figured I should work that into the scene. Shot the tree wide and zoomed in for the moon but kept it’s position in the frame. On the way down, Ryan had the genius idea of videoing our hair-raising descent from the outside. Sure fire way to get chicks, I figured, so I agreed. So with our friend Rob filming from the inside, Ryan filming from the outside, and me swearing a lot, we began what I was sure was going to land us on the cover of Rugged Jeep Off-Roaders. Once again, we arrived at the tilted section and prepared for the barrel roll. I’ve rolled a plane but I really don’t want to roll a Jeep. Survival assured, heart pounding, I let out a congratulatory “F%^K YEAH” to the boys, and clamored out to see the footage. Ryan looked disappointed. “It doesn’t look very rugged from the outside”. And he was right. I literally have seen sketchier descents from someone’s driveway in the Hollywood Hills. So no chicks. And nothing to show from this trip except this image.

Miles Morgan: Photos

Dream Road by Tiger Seo

Dream road, took it at early in the morning for 3 hours driving.
Spring comes already but not here yet.

Tiger Seo: Photos

The Tempest by Timothy Poulton

Life has many twists and turns and sometimes what looks like a very bad day can just be clearing the way for good things to come. One of many roads in the world that leads to amazing mountains. About 240km out you get a glimpse of Mt Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks, if the conditions are right you get over 2 hours of magic on the drive in to El Chalten.

Timothy Poulton: Photos

Divinity by Lee Jeffries

Lee Jeffries: Photos

Brandy by Daniel Greenwood

Being so close to nature and the power of this waterfall was a pretty unique experience. To me this is what photography is about, witnessing and experiencing these special moments, capturing them and sharing them with others. My idea here was to share the feeling of vertigo through this image, just like how i felt when shooting it!.More recently I began to defy my own work flow and style. I have, I guess one would say evolved, and started to see things differently, typically with relying on post processing images vs getting it all as the moment unveils itself in front of me. I have had a few people ask me if I have completely given up my creative edits, the answer is no! I am simply evolving as an artist. Artur Stanisz was the one who found this sweet location, So thanks for the inspiration!. Hand held focus stack.

Daniel Greenwood: Photos

Dream Time. by Darren J Bennett

*Workshop Announcement* September 3rd-11th 2016 Hi Friends, Join Darren J Bennett and Phillip Norman, on a 9 day Photographic Workshop in the South Island of New Zealand.
When it comes to Photographic locations, The South Island of New Zealand has it all. Lakes filled with icebergs and glaciers, snow capped mountains, lush green waterfalls, some of the most rugged ocean with huge rocks stacks and beautiful orange starfish that glow under the setting sun, the beauty goes on and on.
We will take you to the foot of Lake Tasman where you can photograph icebergs in the pristine lake with Mount Cook in the background, getting close enough to almost touch the icebergs whilst taking in the majestic views.
Also visiting the amazingly awesome Lake Matheson and walk around to Reflection Island and photograph sunset with mount Cook lingering in the mist.
Moeraki Boulders and lush green waterfalls are also on the menu, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Glenorchy.
A Photographic Journey not to be missed, with 2 Professional instructors to lead you along and guide you throughout the duration of the Workshop.
Follow the link to make your booking. www.phillipnorman.com/new-zealand-great-south-island-adventure/ Lake Tasman, Mount Cook, New Zealand. Darren J

Darren J Bennett: Photos

Cordillera of gold by Jay Daley

Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Instagram I’m slowly returning to the routines of normal life after a few weeks off the grid. It’s funny how quickly we can adapt to a different world. At home life moves at such a rapid pace but amongst the mountains and the clouds of Patagonia the focus was very different. We chased the light and i’m missing it already. View large and, as always, thanks for looking!

Jay Daley: Photos

By Stephanie Nebehay MONTREUX, Switzerland (Reuters) – The Montreux Jazz Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a line-up featuring Van Morrison, Herbie Hancock and Patti Smith, as well as young bluesmen and electronic musicians stepping into the limelight. Marcus Miller, Neil Young, Lana Del Rey, Jamie Cullum, Santana and Deep Purple are standouts at the June 30-July 16 event, which Quincy Jones, a former co-director of Montreux, calls "the Rolls-Royce of festivals".