My Wednesday morning spin class was taught by a substitute instructor today. In the place of my usual wonderful teacher was one of those drill sergeant-y types that thinks the louder the music is (and the louder he yells) the harder you will work.

Probably.

Melanie Martinez's career got a nice boost a few years back by appearing on The Voice, but ever since, she's carved a niche in the industry and the recent release of her debut album Cry Baby is clearly going to keep her around long after Blake and Adam retire their chair turns for good.

She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 at 51 and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, with her father, the next year.

I love this class. I love the loud music, the beat, and the tap backs. And also disco lights! I love the darkness (because the instructor can't see that I'm not giving him a quarter turn. Sneaky!), and I love the vibrant, motivating trainer telling me I can do it, especially when I feel like I can't.

Earlier this month, I was in Marrakech to cover the Clinton Global Initiative schmoozefest and make up my mind about whether the Clinton Foundation is as sinister as its critics make it out to be.