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Chevy Chase Offers Honest Review of Christina Applegate's New Book
Chevy Chaseis giving props to his former co-star Christina Applegate regarding her recent book success.
Just weeks after the release of Applegate's memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, Chase took a moment to praise the actress and "talented" author, with whom he previously worked with on 2015's Vacation.
Uploading a photo of himself holding up Applegate's book with a big smile on his face to Instagram on Sunday, March 29, Chase wrote, "This young lady has more talent in her pinky than most people have in their index finger."
View this post on InstagramChase and Applegate worked together on the 2015 comedy film Vacation, a continuation of the National Lampoon's Vacation series following the iconic Griswold family. Chase reprised his role as Clark Griswold in the 2015 installment, while Applegate joined the cast as Debby Griswold, wife to Clark's son, Russell "Rusty" Griswold (played by Ed Helms.)
Both Applegate and Chase were in attendance for the film's premiere back in 2015, along with Beverly D'Angelo, who plays Ellen Griswold, the wife of Chase's character.
It's not clear if Applegate and Chase have maintained a friendship since starring together in the film, and as of publication time, Applegate has not publicly replied to Chase's Instagram post on Sunday.
Applegate's memoir has been praised for its raw and honest account of her life, including her personal traumas and her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021. Following its release earlier this month, You With the Sad Eyes became an instant bestseller, reaching No. 1 on the New York Times' Hardcover Nonfiction bestseller list.
View this post on Instagram"I wrote this book with the hope that people would feel less alone," the Dead to Me star wrote in an Instagram post celebrating the news earlier this month, while telling her fans, "Thank you for reading, sharing, and making that a reality. I’m so grateful."
Applegate's memoir, You With the Sad Eyes, is available online and at bookstores now.
A Jeffrey Epstein TV Series Is Coming, and Laura Dern Will Play the Journalist Investigating Him
A Jeffrey Epstein TV series is coming, and Laura Dern will tackle the complex role of the talented journalist who dedicates her life to tracking his every move.
Based on the book Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story by acclaimed Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, the series will star Dern as Brown as she works to investigate his crimes.
The series is described as “an explosive account of an investigative reporter exposing the secret plea deal between Epstein and federal prosecutors. Drawing from Brown’s experience as a groundbreaking reporter for the Miami Herald, the book and the limited series follow her relentless years-long investigation that identified 80 victims, persuaded key survivors to go on the record, and led to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s arrests,” the Hollywood Reporter shared.
Dern will executive produce the series, in addition to starring. Adam McKay, known for everything from Anchorman to Don't Look Up, will executive produce with Kevin Messick via Hyperobject Industries, the piece continued. Brown will also serve as an executive producer.
The Influence of Julie K. Brown's ReportingWhile Epstein had previously been convicted on charges of procuring a minor for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, Brown’s 2018 reporting in the Miami Herald led to a variety of new charges of sex trafficking against him and Ghislaine Maxwell. It also pushed for the release of the Epstein files from the Department of Justice, which is still ongoing.
The Reporter also noted that Brown’swork in the Herald led to the resignation of then-Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, who signed off on a non-prosecution agreement that blocked any federal charges from Epstein’s first criminal case in 2007 while serving as the U.S. attorney for Florida’s southern district.
What Else Has Laura Dern Starred In?Dern's resume is hefty, with acclaimed roles in everything from films like Wild and Blue Velvet to TV roles like Big Little Lies and Enlightened. The daughter of legendary actress Diane Ladd, Dern recently spoke with AARP about the process of serving as her mother's caregiver before her death at age 89 in November.
"My mother was so inclusive of me as a caregiver and such a great advocate for herself. She was an incredible patient. She really listened, she really fought for second and third opinions on things, and did the research. And she fought for me," Dern shared.
View this post on InstagramRelated: 'Jurassic Park' Icon Laura Dern, 58, Is Officially a Paris Runway Model
Parents Issue Warning After Freak Resort Pool Drain Accident Left Their 5-Year-Old Girl Needing a Dozen Surgeries
Travel, at its best, is a soft-focus montage. Kids laughing in shallow water. Parents exhaling for the first time in months. Sunscreen, salt air, and that fleeting sense that nothing can go wrong. But in one recent and deeply unsettling case, that illusion shattered.
According to report from People, In February 2025 a 5-year-old girl was seriously injured in what is being described as a freak pool accident during a family vacation at Punta Mita Resort in Mexico. The incident allegedly occurred at a resort pool when a drain malfunctioned, trapping the child with extreme suction.
The mom Carolina Velez and dad Adam Quatrini later filed a lawsuit claiming the drain’s protective cover was defective and failed in a way that led to catastrophic injuries. The child reportedly endured “over a dozen” surgeries in the aftermath, a phrase that feels clinical until you sit with what it actually means for a young life.
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How the Accident Allegedly Happened Beneath the SurfaceThe child was reportedly playing in a shallow pool, designed and manufactured by Hayward Industries, with siblings and cousins on the final day of a family vacation. At some point, was designed and manufactured by Hayward Industries the pool drain’s protective cover allegedly became defective or dislodged, exposing a powerful suction opening. When she sat down in the water, the suction trapped her instantly.
Her parents tried to pull her free, but the force was described as overwhelming. Pool systems can circulate thousands of gallons of water per minute, creating a level of pressure that is nearly impossible to fight with human strength alone.
Related: Why This Major Hotel Chain Is Offering to Pay for Your Teenager’s Vacation This Summer
What struck me most reading this was the delay in stopping the pump. According to reports, family members struggled to locate the emergency shutoff and had to go beneath the pool area to turn it off. Those minutes mattered.
The injuries she sustained were severe. According to the complaint, the suction caused catastrophic internal damage, and the child required emergency surgery and long-term medical care.
"The suction was so strong that [her] small intestine was ripped out of her body," the complaint states.
She eventually was flown to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where Dr. Geoffrey Bond performed a life-saving surgery.
"All of the small bowel was gone," Bond toldCBSNews. "We brought the colon up and joined the colon to the small bowel, so essentially she's connected, but she has no small bowel."
She now faces ongoing health challenges tied to the incident. She now undergoes a parenteral nutrition treatment to get nutrients delivered into her bloodstream via a tube her parents have to turn on for 12 hours a day.
"Because of the defective nature of the Hayward drain, [Paloma's] life was tragically altered, and she will endure continued medical issues for the rest of her life," the complaint states.
It is important to note that these details come from legal filings and reporting, and the allegations have not been fully adjudicated in court.
In a statement, a company spokesperson said the company was “saddened to learn of the injuries Paloma Quatrini suffered while at the Kupuri Beach Club at the Punta Mita Resort in Nayarit, Mexico,” and added that they “wish her a speedy recovery.”
The family initially filed a lawsuit in July 2025 that named Hayward among others as responsible for the incident. However, legal representation for Hayward filed a motion to dismiss the original case, because the incident occurred in Mexico, not Pittsburg.
They recently refiled the lawsuit, naming Hayward as the sole defendant, but kept it in Pittsburgh due to a majority of witnesses, include the Quatrini's medical team, are in the city.
According to documents obtained by People, the family is seeking $150K in damages and a jury trial. They also hope that their suit will bring awareness to this potential and often overlooked risk.
The Hidden Risk Most Travelers Never Think AboutPool drain suction injuries, sometimes called entrapment incidents, can occur when a drain is uncovered or malfunctioning. The force created can trap a person underwater or cause severe internal injury in seconds. Safety regulations exist, but enforcement and maintenance can vary widely depending on location and facility. And yet, most of us never look at a pool and think to check the drain.
I’ll be honest. I never have. I check hotel reviews, scan for bedbugs, maybe glance at lifeguard presence. But the mechanics of the pool itself? That has always felt like someone else’s responsibility. Stories like this challenge that assumption.
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What Travelers Can Actually Do Before Getting in the WaterThe child’s family has since urged others to take simple but potentially life-saving precautions, like identifying where the emergency shutoff is located before entering a pool.
Here are a few practical habits that feel small but matter:
Look, don’t just loungeBefore settling in, take a quick look at the pool floor. Drains should be covered, secure, and flush with the surface. Anything loose, broken, or missing is a red flag.
Know your exit strategyIt sounds dramatic, but it is not. Scan for signage or ask staff where the emergency shutoff switch is. In an emergency, seconds count.
Supervise differently in shallow waterIronically, shallow pools can feel the safest, which can lead to more relaxed supervision. This incident allegedly happened in a children’s pool.
Speak up, even on vacationIf something looks off, report it. Travel culture sometimes encourages us to “not make a fuss.” This is one place where that instinct should be ignored.
Travel often lives in the glow of golden hour, the perfect itinerary, and curated joy. But part of being a thoughtful traveler is holding space for reality too. It's important to consider potential risks, especially when traveling with children.
Even Daredevil's Showrunner Finds the Real-World Parallels 'Chilling'
Dario Scardapane was sitting in a post-production suite watching footage from 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 when it hit him. On screen, Mayor Wilson Fisk's black-clad Anti-Vigilante Task Force was moving through the streets of Hell's Kitchen, pulling people from their homes, answering to no authority but Fisk himself. And it looked, Scardapane said, 'exactly like the newscast.' He called the parallel 'really chilling.' The scripts had been written months earlier. Nobody had planned this.
Production on Season 2 began in February 2025, a year and a half before the premiere. The Anti-Vigilante Task Force, its look, tactics, and authority, was built directly from Marvel Comics canon. Scardapane has been clear about that: 'The anti-vigilante task force is part of the comics. We built them and costumed them based on the comics.' But sequences filmed a year ago now play, by his own description, like footage you might see on the news.
The showrunner and his writers had approached the story as students of history. To map out how Mayor Fisk consolidates power, they studied the playbook of autocracy. Nero, Pinochet, Franco. 'Everybody knows the past is prologue,' Scardapane said. 'So, when we dove into the playbook of autocracy and we wrote our story, did we know it was going to end up here? We couldn't have.'
When asked whether the show might serve as catharsis for viewers seeing their own world reflected back at them, Scardapane paused on the question. 'To see certain things play out on our news screens that were ideas in a comic ten years ago, or ideas on a screenplay 18 months ago, it's pretty chilling.'
Related: Critics Are Calling 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 One of the Best Marvel TV Seasons Ever
Marvel has been careful to note that any resemblance to current events is coincidental. Executive producer Sana Amanat framed it in broader terms, noting that the show sits in a long Marvel tradition of stories about what happens when power is abused. When the villain controls the system, she said, the question becomes what a street-level hero is supposed to do, and the answer Daredevil keeps arriving at is to push back. That is what Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock represents this season, leading an underground movement alongside Krysten Ritter's returning Jessica Jones while Fisk's task force tightens its grip on the city.
Scardapane has said that after the season finishes playing 'in the realm of politics,' he'd like to return to something grittier and more personal, possibly closer to the Frank Miller Daredevil era, with less of the overt political architecture. For now, though, the architecture is doing its job. Superhero stories have always held a mirror up to the moment they were made in.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 is streaming now on Disney+, with new episodes dropping Tuesdays. The season finale airs May 5.
Miss Thailand Contestant Ditches Protocol With Viral 'Club' Dance: ‘She Is the Party’
One prospective Miss Thailand contestant decided to drop the frozen smile and rehearsed wave. Darathorn Yoothong gave the pageant world a collective heart attack, and the internet is absolutely obsessed. In a clip currently wrecking everyone’s productivity on Instagram, the Miss Grand Kalasin contestant decided that walking in a straight line was for losers. She chose to dance. Not a delicate, choreographed ballet move. A real, sweaty, "I’m at the club with my best friends" kind of shimmy.
And she did it in five-inch heels.
The video is pure energy and unfiltered joy. While the other girls hit their marks in carefully subdued movements, Darathorn is catching the beat. Viewers have seen years of the "world peace" answers and the rigid posture that looks like it belongs in The Princess Diaries. This was different. One commenter hit the nail on the head: “That's the girl every cool guy will fall for 😍. Real!”
They aren't wrong. Another fan pointed out the obvious: “Lol she genuinely looks fun to be with~ She is the partyyy!” One admirer said what many were thinking: “tbh she’d be so fun to hang with at the club lol”
View this post on InstagramShe probably is. Darathorn, who is a professional dancer when she isn't wearing a sash, was clearly out to have a good time. She posted a video on Instagram reels of her dancing behind the scenes at the pageant, and on the big night in Pattaya, she was speaking a language everyone understood: pure energy.
“Wow so cool👏 she so genuine she’s just being ‘her’ 🔥 like her,” wrote one supporter. Another simply said: “Valid, authentic! Go girl...🎉💃👍”
But let’s talk about the technical side of this. Doing those moves without snapping an ankle on a polished stage is a miracle. “And in HEELS too? 😮💨💅” was the sentiment echoed by thousands. It’s a feat of athleticism. It’s also a giant middle finger to the idea that women in pageants have to be delicate.
The Crown vs. The ClubThe judges might have mixed feelings, she only made the Top 20 while Miss Chonburi took the top spot, but they may have missed an opportunity. The audience has decided who the real winner is. “I hope she wins,” was the dominant chant in the comments before the finale.
Darathorn Yoothong might not have the big crown. But she definitely won the internet. And that’s probably better.
'Stand By Me' Cast Celebrates 40 Years Outside Fictional Filming Town
We're coming up on the 40th anniversary of Stand By Me, and ahead of the major milestone, the now-grown-up cast has been spending a lot of time together.
Most recently, the three surviving stars of the hit 1986 coming-of-age flick reunited in Seattle and Portland for special screenings of the film and while they were together, posed under the Castle Rock sign, located in Washington.
What's interesting, though, is that is not the small town depocited in Stand By Me. Instead, much of the movie was filmed in and around Brownsville, Oregon, where a lot of the signage and even the buildings that transformed Brownsville into Castle Rock for Stephen King's surprise hit are still standing.
On Sunday, Mar. 29, Wil Wheaton showed part of that film history in an Instagram post containing a photo of himself,Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell posing underneath one of Castle Rock's exit signs that sits off Interstate 5.
In the caption, he wrote, "We had only been gone forty years, but the town seemed different, somehow. Smaller. #StandByMe"
Even four decades later, the legacy of Stand By Me isn't just carried by the cast, it's embedded in the town that brought Castle Rock to life. Brownsville has preserved much of the cinematic history, with several recognizable landmarks from the film standing today.
Fans can still spot the iconic railroad tracks the boys followed on their journey, along with storefronts and streets that served as the backdrop for some of the movie's most memorable moments.
The town has embraced its connection to the film, even hosting annual events celebrating Stand By Me and its enduring cultural impact. For visitors, it's not just a filming location, it's a living time capsule that allows fans to step directly into the world created by Stephen King and brought to life on-screen.
While the years have brought inevitable change, including the loss ofRiver Phoenix and most recently, the film's director, Rob Reiner, the bond between the remaining stars and their connection to this small Oregon town remains as strong as ever. Their recent reunion is more than a nostalgic visit, it's a testament to a story about friendship that continues to resonate across generations.
Brownsville is Gearing Up For Huge 40th Anniversary 'Stand By Me Celebration'While Brownsville celebrates Stand By Me every year and is a year-round destination for movie buffs, this summer is going to be a pretty big deal.
Stand By Me was released in theaters on August 22, 1986, and ahead of that big day, Brownsville is paying tribute in a big way with a special Stand By Me Day celebration that takes place annually on the fourth Saturday of July with activities that include a blueberry pie eating contest, a vintage car cruise, live music, and classic 1950s style games.
Those who travel to Brownsville to celebrate can take in the sights, including the Calapooia River bridge, the Blue Point Diner (which is actually the Brownsville Health Mart), and Irby's (which is the Brownsville Saloon).
This year, the annual celebration also boasts a 1950s sock hop, breakfast, a walking tour, a movie in the park, and a treehouse replica.
IKEA Is Selling a $13 Kitchen Staple With a Modern Brutalist Edge
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Personalizing your home to create a functional oasis you actually enjoy is one of the best perks of having a space of your own. Whether you live with family, roommates or on your own, there are countless ways to bring both order and practicality to any room while still reflecting your unique style.
When it comes to finding the perfect upgrade without breaking the bank, your local IKEA is a solid choice for home and kitchen essentials. And after spotting the sleek and stylish AFTONHAJ Stainless Steel Carafe last week, we couldn't resist highlighting a matching piece from the collection: the AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid. Retailing for just $12.99, this jar stores a variety of dry goods and offers a modern, brutalist edge that fits seamlessly into a range of kitchen styles.
AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid, $12.99 at IKEA Shop It!From cutting down on pantry clutter to bringing order and purpose to kitchen counters and tables, nothing does it better than the AFTONHAJ Jar with Lid. Featuring a timeless stainless steel design complemented by smooth lines and minimalist style, it has a 20-ounce capacity and a lid designed with a single metal handle.
Perfect for storing a variety of dry goods or putting creative storage ideas into action, this jar is a pro at keeping everything inside fresh and ready when you need it. A silicone rubber seal locks in long-lasting freshness, preserving the flavors, aromas and quality of spices, coffee, tea, nuts and more. Plus, the entire piece is dishwasher-safe, making both using it and cleaning it completely seamless.
Related: Aldi's $20 Retro Kitchen Staple Brings Dreamy Pastels to the Dinner Table
Where Form Meets FunctionIn terms of its overall footprint, the jar stands 3.5 inches tall and has a 4.24-inch diameter. It starts narrow at the lid, widens toward the base and tapers slightly at the bottom, giving it a subtle teardrop silhouette. Whether you place it on the kitchen counter, bar cart, dining room table or in the pantry, one thing is for certain: it brings an elegant, modern style to your home with a brutalist edge that looks great anywhere it’s used.
Alongside matching pieces like the AFTONHAJ Stainless Steel Carafe, it can elevate any beverage setup, keep a morning brunch spread organized or even serve as an impromptu cup for tea or coffee. Beyond the kitchen, this stylish jar can also add a modern touch to shelves, hold small office supplies or organize odds and ends around the house.
Be sure to grab this sleek and stylish kitchen essential while it's still in stock, and take a peek at the rest of the AFTONHAJ while you're at it. And if you really like what you see, don't miss the IKEA FJÄLLBO Sideboard and BERGTUNGA Cutting Board for more must-have home and kitchen inspo.
LEGO's Iconic 718-Piece 'Star Wars' Podracer Set Is Just $64 During Amazon's Big Spring Sale
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There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love to build LEGOs and those who don't. If you find yourself in the former group, then we've got the perfect deal for you. You now can shop the LEGO Star Wars: ThePhantom Menace Diorama for nearly $20 off on Amazon — but you'll have to hurry to add it to your cart because the sale won't be around for long.
The brick model, which is for kids or adults, has been discounted from its original $80 to just $64 during the retailer's Big Spring Sale. It features a lineup of pod racers that you can build with along the Arch Canyon backdrop (which is a part of Tatooine's Mos Espa Podracing circuit), a plaque with a Qui-Gon Jinn quotation, and a LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary brick. The 718-piece set is just 4.5-inches tall, so you can store it on a shelf, your designated LEGO room, or really anywhere in your living space easily.
LEGO ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Diorama, $64 (was $80) at Amazon Shop at Amazon"I'm a diehard LEGO fan, but this diorama is possibly my favorite of all the diorama sets," one shopper wrote. "I always loved the pod race scene and this really brings it to life on my shelf. Super fun build and great details on the racers."
Other reviewers said that the set was "easy to put together," "worth the money," and "a wonderful tribute to ThePhantom Menace."
Related: Amazon Has Iconic LEGO Sets Starting at Just $24 During Its Big Spring Sale
Prime members can get free shipping and have it delivered as soon as the next day, with free returns offered within the 30-day window. This Amazon LEGO find is part of the Star Wars series, which includes fan-favorite sets like the Millenium Falcon and Darth Vader helmet.
Transport yourself or a loved one to a galaxy far, far away with this unbeatable Amazon LEGO deal now! This Big Spring Sale deal will only stick around for a limited time.
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
These Are the Best Beauty Launches of 2026 (So Far!) That Are Actually Worth Buying
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The pace of the beauty industry is dizzying, with new brands, product launches and ingredients popping up all the time. It's a challenge to keep apace of all the new offerings, and who has the time or money to test and sort them all to come up with the "perfect" beauty routine?
Of course perfection isn't realistic, but we can help you make sense of the madness—what's worth it, what these new ingredients actually do, what's truly innovative and what is a good remaster of a tried-and-true favorite.
So far, this year’s launches are all about high-performance ingredients like peptides, NAD+, postbiotics and other exclusive, proprietary ingredients only offered by the brand. Right now beauty is all about promoting clinically-backed formulations and promising visible results. More products are doing double-duty—there's makeup that acts like skincare, skincare that acts like a treatment and SPFs that act like makeup. Where do you start?
We've rounded up our favorite beauty launches of 2026 so far—products that stand out for their innovation and effectiveness. As new products come out throughout the year, we'll test them and add our favorites to the list. Stay tuned!
Related: I Tried Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Eyeliner for 5 Months—Is It Worth the Hype?
Top Beauty Launches of 2026 So Far- Best New Retinol Alternative: Shiseido Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
- Best New SPF: Clinique UV Solutions SPF 50
- Best New Barrier Support: UBeauty The Barrier Bioactive Mist
- BestNewNAD+ Skincare:Goop Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream
- Best New Travel Set: Kai x Aloha Getaway Travel Set
Beauty in 2026 is all about long-term skin and hair health and a brand's proprietary ingredients to help you get there. There's lots of talk about protecting the skin barrier and making sure each of your products is doing at least two things for you—like cleansing and protecting or hydrating and strengthening.
Along with popular peptides, postbiotics and NAD+ are in many new releases.
Postbiotics in skincare help support the good bacteria on your skin while also working against harmful bacteria, which can improve overall skin balance. They’re known for helping to soothe inflammation, protect against environmental stressors like pollution, smooth skin texture and reduce excess oil that can lead to breakouts and congestion.
Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms applied to the skin, and prebiotics, which feed and support your skin’s existing microbiome, postbiotics are the by-products created during the fermentation of probiotic bacteria.
You may have heard the buzz about NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). It's a coenzyme that exists in nature and is used for energy metabolism in every one of our cells. It diminishes as we age, so longevity scientists have been studying how to supplement it.
Many celebrities have talked about NAD+ IV infusions or injections, which are trendy and controversial as to the level of effectiveness. Now, NAD+ precursors (meaning building blocks that can help your body make its own NAD+) have made their way into skincare. But do these products actually work?
Research on the effectiveness of NAD+ in skincare is still in the early stages, but it shows promise.
The Best Beauty Launches of 2026 (So Far)Best New Retinol Alternative: Shiseido Benefiance Dark Spot and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum, $89Sheila Baylis
Shop It at SephoraDespite following multiple dermatologists' advice and trying several different brands, both over-the-counter and prescription, my skin does not like retinol. Even after using it long enough and consistently enough for my skin to "retinize," or get accustomed to retinoids, it consistently causes me redness and bumps, so I've pretty much given it up.
If you're like me and you need a retinol alternative, this new serum from Shiseido is a good choice. It has a plant-based retinol alternative called Picão Preto extract that helps
to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and rough texture, but is more gentle than a retinoid. It also has 4MSK, Shiseido's proprietary brightening ingredient created to diminish the appearance of dark spots.
It's pricey, but so is most high-quality over-the-counter retinol, so it's worth it if you're looking for an active, but gentle anti-aging product.
Related: The Number One Tip for Crepey Skin From a Cosmetic Dermatologist
Best New SPF: Clinique UV Solutions SPF 50, $39Sheila Baylis
Shop It at UltaEven though I said perfection isn't possible, I'm always looking for the "perfect" SPF anyway. You really need a good one since you're supposed to wear it every day, even when you're inside and under the covers in the dark! (Well okay, the inside part is true, apparently we get a lot of sun damage sitting by windows.)
Beauty brand OG Clinique just launched the perfect "UV solution." It's SPF 50, and there are different formulations for skin type. I have combination skin so I'm going to pair the formula to the time of year. I'm currently using the hydrating version, which has hyaluronic acid for moisture, but plan to switch to the mattifying one in the summertime that has salicylic acid to control excess shine and oil. (There's also a tinted formula that's coming out in April!)
Best New Barrier Support: UBeauty The Barrier Bioactive Mist, $38Sheila Baylis
Shop It at SephoraProducts to protect the skin barrier aren't new, but we're seeing more and more of them and in different formulations. This mist includes a postbiotic ferment, which is a byproduct produced by good bacteria meant to support the skin barrier. I love a mist because it's easy to get a quick dose of skincare midday when you're not at your bathroom sink. I'm recommending this new smaller size so you can try it out for less money and throw it in your bag to use throughout the day.
The mist includes UBeauty's proprietary Siren Capsule Technology, which is a special delivery system for skincare ingredients that has been shown to help them penetrate the skin more deeply. In short, you can expect protection and hydration from this mini-mist, and if you love it, it also comes in a full-size.
Related:13 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists
Best New NAD+ Skincare:Goop Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream, $105Sheila Baylis
Shop It at GoopGoop is always on the cutting-edge, so it's no surprise to find NAD+ precursors in their latest skincare launch. Along with the controversial ingredient, this cream incorporates equally buzzy peptides to help with skin firmness, postbiotics, Schisandra fruit for skin elasticity and illipe butter that's derived from the nuts of the Shorea stenoptera tree.
Perhaps it's the butter, but the cream has a very bouncy yet creamy texture that's unusual but pleasant. I've used it for several weeks now, and noticed increased hydration and firmness in my skin.
Best New Travel Set: Kai x Aloha Getaway Travel Set, $98Nordstrom
Shop It at NordstromIf you haven't yet smelled Kai products, this is the perfect opportunity. Experiencing the fragrance is like being a bumble bee in a flower garden. This limited-edition set would be perfect to take on a spring break trip and includes a perfume-oil rollerball, a mini body-glow, which is a dry-oil body mist, and a mini body lotion.
The body lotion is probably my favorite. It's rich and creamy, and for me, it provides the best delivery of the signature scent. And if you haven't tried dry oil, it's a nice, non-greasy way to hydrate the skin. You spray it on and it absorbs quickly, leaving a slight sheen with the lovely springtime scent. The perfume is the most concentrated way to get the Kai fragrance, and I like using it with the other products for scent layering.
Kai smells fresh, with lovely white florals and gardenia. The brand's founder, Gaye Straza, had experienced bad reactions to mainstream perfumes, so she created this scent for herself and others with sensitivities.
Up Next:
‘Age of Attraction’: Why Theresa Was ‘Angry’ in a Cut Date Scene
Daters were able to book activities to get to know other Age of Attraction participants at the beginning of the season. Couples with large age gaps exchanged promise rings and moved forward on the Netflix show.
Theresa DeMaria and John Merrill were 27 years apart but had chemistry. They lived together and had more dates. But the stylist revealed there was one date we didn't see that made her angry.
Related: ‘Age of Attraction’ Vanessa and Logan: Where Are They Now?
Theresa and John did tantric yoga on Age of Attraction Theresa DeMaria and John Merrill on 'Age of Attraction'Theresa, 54, told Glamour she was uncomfortable with one of the activities she did with the model. "They were setting us up to do tantric yoga, which they don’t show at all because I think it was a little over the top, sexually," she explained. "I was so uncomfortable. In fact, I think I was a little angry at that date because they put me in such an awkward position. I felt like it was too early to be in that world with him."
Related: ‘Age of Attraction’ Theresa and John: Where Are They Now?
The mother said John acted like he didn't mind it. "But I think he was also very uncomfortable," she said. "Tantric yoga is obviously meant to be the precursor to intimate relations. And he and I had barely even kissed at that point, aside from a peck. We’d never done any making out, tongue kissing, or any of that stuff, so it was kind of a little awkward."
The yoga class involved more participants on the show, which we didn't see. Theresa isn't the only person in the cast to talk about an uncomfortable cut date scene. Pfeiffer Hill revealed there was a sexual date for the show with Derrick Fleming that left her in tears.
Season 1 of Age of Attraction is now available on Netflix.
Leann Rimes Sobs and Wails While Undergoing ‘Deep Jaw Release'
Leann Rimes is letting go of some serious stress after experiencing a deep jaw release.
The country-pop queen, 43, who rose to stardom in the '90s with her hit songs "Blue" and "How Do I Live," got the world dancing with the soundtrack to Coyote Ugly. Rimes continued her thriving career into the aughts and became familiar with the gossip of the tabloids thanks to her relationship and marriage to Eddie Cibrian. Now a happy wife and stepmom to Cibrian's kids, Rimes is doing better than ever. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't need a little stress release like the rest of us!
In a dramatic video posted to Human Garage, the singer underwent a dramatic deep jaw release procedure that reduced her to sobs and wails.
"Healing isn't always quiet. Sometimes it’s a physical letting go of things we didn't even know we were carrying. 🕊️In this powerful session, @garrylineham works with @leannrimes on a deep Jaw Release. You can see the exact moment the tension breaks and the emotional weight lifts, leaving her feeling visibly lighter and more aligned," the caption read.
Check out the powerful video below:
View this post on Instagram What Was Her Reaction to the Deep Jaw Release?After recovering from her sobs and wails, Lineham instructs Rimes to "say that part of my life is over." She responds by replying, "That part of my life better be over."
"Oh my God, you just don't realize how much tension is in there," Rimes says after recovering, starting to smile.
Photo by Tibrina Hobson on Getty Images
Rimes Has Battled Jaw Issues for YearsRimes has struggled with jaw issues for years, citing temporomandibular joint disorder — or TMJ- as causing significant trouble for her onstage. In 2014, it got so bad that it left her unable to give a crowd an extra song, USA Today recalled.
"Oklahoma!!!! I love you so much! I'm sorry for no encore," the singer tweeted after the show. "I had my jaw pop out of place & I can't hear out of my left ear. #tmjsucks"
"I had the best time tonight with my Oklahoma fans! I love y'all!" she later added.
The issue has caused significant dental issues for Rimes, who recently had her teeth fall out midway through a concert.
Related: LeAnn Rimes Is 'Absolutely Stunning' in Cut-Out Corset Dress Celebrating New Song
3,000 Roman Tombs Were Discovered Underneath Croatia's Oldest City
Researchers have once again found something amazing buried underground. This time, archaeologists believe they have uncovered a massive Roman necropolis—another word for a large burial cite that includes both tombs and graves—under the city of Zadar.
This is especially good news for the experts who believe that this information will give them a new and exciting peak into Roman life at the time. Here's everything we know.
A Large Necropolis Has Been Found in CroatiaAccording to the Greek Reporter, archeologist uncovered the massive burial ground in Zadar. The necropolis lies under ground in the district of Relja, which has ties to the ancient city of Iader. Experts believe that this find gives them a unique perspective on what life was like for Romans who lived around the Adriatic coast.
That's because the necropolis seems to follow the general blueprint of Roman cities of the time The site was located outside of the city's walls, and then it grew as Zadar's population grew.
However, it's not just the size and scope of the burial ground that has experts excited, it's the fact that the burial grounds tell a story about the lives of the people who lived there at the time, including the social status which appears to be tied to the items they were buried with. The Greek Reporter notes that some of the finds include:
- Jewlery
- Oil lamps
- Coins
- Ceramic and glass containers (likely used for food and drink for the afterlife)
If you're someone who likes to get a glimpse into what the world used to look like when you travel, then Zadar should be on your must-see list. That's because the tourist board calls the city "an open air museum" due to the deep cultural history of the region, which can still be viewed today through the architecture and monuments from the past.
And what a past it is! The Zadar tourist board says that the city dates back around 3,000 years, when it was developed as an urban center by the ancient Romans. But, the true history here dates back even further, and some relics of the late Stone Age can be found in the city.
Today's visitors will want to be sure to take in some of the city's biggest attractions, including the Petar Zoranić Square, the Historic District of Varoš, and the Arsenal of Zadar which dates all the way back to the 16th century.
Then there's the "Secret Zadar," which is what the tourism board calls the parts of the city that are so ancient that you might miss them if you didn't know what you were looking for, including some of the remains from the Roman times, like some of the streets that were once trod by Roman soldiers and citizens, like the main Roman cross street of Decumanus, as well as the roads of Kalelarga and Cardo, all which now go by their modern names of Široka Street and Šimun Kožičić Benja Street.
Your '70s Anthem, Based on Birth Month
Perhaps you have vivid memories of your own 8-track collection or the concerts you saw when Elton John and the Bee Gees ruled the charts. Or you grew up hearing from your parents what it was like to be alive in the era of Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney — as a member of both The Beatles and Wings — and disco. Either way, the songs that dominated radio airwaves in the 1970s have endured for decades following their debut.
Given how many smash hits came out of the decade, there are plenty to choose from when considering which one most matches your point of view, perspective, and personality. Consider your birth month for helpful insight into the ‘70s hit song that speaks to your soul. Read on to find out which tune reflects your energy best by scrolling to your birth month below.
EXPLORE: Your Classic Rock Anthem, Based on Birth Month
Which 1970s Hit Song Is Your Vibe, Based on Your Birth MonthEach birth month is listed below. Disregard your birth date.
January: “Rocket Man” by Elton JohnIf you were born during the first month of the year, the sun was moving through hardworking, pragmatic Capricorn or future-minded, humanitarian Aquarius. Both signs call Saturn, the planet of industriousness and commitment, their ruling planet, and in turn, they’re both willing — in their own unique ways — to put their nose to the grindstone to achieve and make real even their wildest, most fantastical dreams and aspirations. That MO reflects the intriguing inspiration behind John’s 1972 hit, which songwriter Bernie Taupin said was a story by Ray Bradbury, “which was about how astronauts in the future would become sort of an everyday job.”
February: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood MacIf you were born when the sun was spending time in either contrarian, rebellious Aquarius or artistic, unique Pisces, you take pride in marching to the beat of your own drum. Though connecting with others is a priority for you, you’re also unashamed to strike out on your own when the moment calls for it, which is the message behind Fleetwood Mac’s epic track which served as the lead single from their stillchart-topping album Rumours.
RELATE?: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers
March: “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer
If you were born in March, the sun was either in creative, idealistic Pisces or go-getter, fiery, dynamic Aries, which makes you someone who knows your heart and is unafraid to go after exactly what you want. That point of view is showcased in late Queen of Disco Donna Summer’s 1979 hit, which was the first single off of her Bad Girls album and stayed at no. 1 for three weeks on the U.S. singles chart. It also won Summer the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance the first year it was given out. And winning — especially for passion-stoked artistic pursuits — is very March-birthday-coded.
If you came into the world in this solidly springtime month, the sun was moving through either playful, go-getter Aries or down-to-earth, sensual Taurus. You’re not exactly one to have the wool pulled over your eyes. In fact, you’re pretty much a pro at telling it like it is, because you’re fairly no-nonsense, much like the tone of Carly Simon’s November 1972 single, which was inspired by three men, one of whom Simon has admitted was Warren Beatty. The track reached No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in early 1973 and went down in history as a “feminist breakup anthem,” which mirrors the fierce, Mars- and Venus-ruled vibes of people born in April.
READ: These 4 Birth Months Transform Pain Into Personal Empowerment
May: “Sir Duke” by Stevie WonderIf you celebrate your birthday in May, the sun was moving through grounded, steady Taurus or curious Gemini, and you came into the world during a truly social, buzzy, lively, and often joy-filled time of year. This tribute to jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, made it to the top of the charts in 1977 and celebrates the universality of music and joy. Given that your sun sign is ruled either by art-loving Venus or communication-fueling Mercury, this fun-loving track is right in line with your vibe.
June: “Silly Love Songs” by WingsYou were born with your sun in fun-loving Gemini or sentimental, sweet Cancer, which speaks to the fact that you believe in following your heart and cherishing the ones you love the most. Paul McCartney, who has a super-stellium in Gemini and Jupiter in Cancer, wrote “Silly Little Love Songs” for the love of his life, Linda, and released it in 1976 as the lead single off Wings’ fifth album Wingsat the Speed of Sound. “The fact is, deep down, people are very sentimental,” McCartney said of the track — and he should know as a June-born person himself.
July: “Hotel California” by The EaglesBorn when sun was in sweet, caregiving Cancer or loyal, charismatic Leo, you’re someone who wears your heart on your sleeve and has no problem reveling in the moment. Although the meaning of the 1977 Eagles’ track is considered a mystery to this day, the beloved tune, which continues to show up in films and music charts, is sensual, moody, and transports you to “a dark desert highway” and invokes other vivid visuals (“Sweet summer sweat/Some dance to remember/Some dance to forget”) that mirrors your romantic point of view.
August: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana RossWhether you were born when the sun was in dramatic, bold Leo or industrious, cerebral Virgo, you’re a planner, a go-getter, and someone who pours their whole self into just about everything you do. That attitude is at the heart of Diana Ross’s 1970 version of the 1966 Motown tune, which became her first solo no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and ended up earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The powerful message and thoughtful, delicate vocals are in sync with how you move through life — and approach love.
FUN!: Which Famously Fabulous Woman Over 50 You Are, Based on Birth Month
September: “Best Of My Love” by The EmotionsBorn under either adaptable, romantic Virgo or partnership-oriented, visionary Libra, being in love and caring for the person who you adore the most is a top life priority for you. You also tend to have an effervescent, social, fun-loving spirit — something you can undoubtedly feel coming through in The Emotions’ 1977 lead single from their album Rejoice, which topped both the US Billboard Hot 100 and US Billboard R&B charts. A total classic, which only recently got resurrected as a sample in “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell, celebrates what it means to go “in and out of changes” and still be able to share the best of your love — something you’re intimately familiar with.
October: “Shadow Dancing” by Andy GibbDuring your birth month, the sun moves through dynamic duo-forging, balance-seeking Libra and powerful, intimacy-loving Scorpio, which makes you someone who is no stranger to putting yourself out there with a lover and devoting yourself to building your bond. Andy Gibb’s 1978 smash, which stayed at no. 1 for seven weeks and became Billboard magazine's #1 single of the entire year, speaks to the power of reveling in the moment with someone you adore and craving the “sweet sensation” of living in their love, which is a feeling you’d gladly center your whole world around.
CURIOUS?: Your Stevie Nicks Song, Based on Birth Date
November: “I Will Survive” by Gloria GaynorWhether you were born under transformation-seeking, fearless Scorpio or joyful, unfiltered Sagittarius, you are a lifelong fighter who won’t back down when you’re pursuing your passions. You’re also self-possessed, strong, and in tune with your heart — all qualities that are mirrored by Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit. Released in October 1978, the disco staple received heavy airplay in 1979 and became a moving, time-honored anthem of resilience that notably resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and others who’ve been oppressed or marginalized. It’s an enduring ode to self-empowerment and thriving, something you can absolutely get behind.
December: “Let It Be” by The BeatlesBorn with your sun in either philosophical Sagittarius or practical Capricorn, you’re spiritually aware, goal-oriented, and enlightened. These traits are highlighted in the Paul McCartney-penned title track of The Beatles’ albumLet It Be, which was released in March 1970. The soft, introspective guitar solo from the single version of the song, produced by George Martin, and the centering lyrics (“And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me”) echo your ability to quietly center yourself, move forward, and tap into your inner wisdom, no matter the challenges you face in a given moment.
UP NEXT:
'Burn Notice' Star Opens Up About 'Never Leaving' Colorado After Ditching Los Angeles
In the late 2000s, Jeffrey Donovan graced TV screens in the leading role for USA Network's hit drama series Burn Notice. Despite still working on the small screen, the actor moved away from Hollywood after meeting his wife and doesn't plan to go back.
It hasn't been uncommon for actors to decide that the spotlight of Los Angeles isn't the best place to start and raise a family. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Donovan admits that meeting his wife changed his perspective and admits they're "never leaving" Colorado for the actor hotspot again.
"I met my future wife while I was finishing a job, and she was from Colorado, and once I started visiting there, I never stopped," he explained. "It’s an incredible state and, I’m raising my children there, and we’re never leaving."
The 57-year-old actor married his wife, model and actress Michelle Woods, in 2012 and had their daughter that same year. They had two more children in 2014 and 2017. The two originally met in 2011, and based on Donovan's filmography, the biographical drama J. Edgar was released, in which he played Robert F. Kennedy.
Being in Colorado is "healthy living" for the actor and his family. Despite a majority of his friends living in Los Angeles, and they all agree raising children is a "challenge," Donovan says being away from Hollywood makes it more manageable.
"I find it less challenging in Colorado, which plays to my talent level of raising kids," Donovan explained. "If it’s not hard raising kids in Colorado, then that’s where I wanna be."
The actor has still kept busy with his career, having gained recognition for leading roles in the series Shut Eye after Burn Notice, and Law & Order as Detective Frank Cosgrove. He also played Dodd Gerhardt in Fargo for 10 episodes. When it comes to the big screen, he also became known for his role as Steve Frosting in Sicario and in the sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Donovan also played roles in Wrath of Man, Honest Thief, and will star in Wardriver.
One Middle Seat Passenger Is Publicly Shaming 'Man-Spreaders' and Men Are Not Taking It Well
A woman ruffled some feathers on Threads recently, when she shared a photo from a recent flight, showing off how little personal space she was afforded while flying. But oddly enough, it wasn't anything wrong with the plane. Instead, it was the passengers seated on either side of her.
And it's what they were doing that frustrated both her and her followers on Threads: Man-spreading." But, not everyone was sympathetic to the traveler, and some people even got quite heated in the replies. Here's what happened.
A Woman Went Viral on Threads for Post About 'Man-Spreading'An unhappy traveler posted a photo from her recent trip at the end of March, which featured her legging-clad legs squashed firmly between the legs of two men. "What it’s like sitting between two men on an airplane," she captioned the photo. "And just so we’re clear, I’m in my seat."
The post immediately went viral, and just days later it had over 1,200 comments and 12,100 likes. Hundreds of people posted their disbelief, noting how this seemed to largely be a problem for men sitting next to women. "How would they sit if there were three men in a row," one person wrote. "Would they do that do another man?"
Meanwhile the men in the comments were very sensitive about being called out, including one man who rationalized touching the traveler by writing, "We need extra ball room. You don't." Other men resorted to name calling, blasting the OP and cursing at her in the comments.
However, there were a few men who spoke out against the growing habit. "I hope you know its not all of us. It's not even a 'man' thing," one man thoughtfully wrote. "It's being raised in a household where your parents taught you of being mindful of others. The big one today is no self awareness!"
Related: Passenger Baffled by Bizarre Carry-On Situation but Not Everyone Is on His Side
People Offered Advice to Cope With 'Man-Spreading'While there was quite a bit of hostility from the men online, there were a whole lot of humorous suggestions from fellow female travelers who have also had enough of the "man-spreading."
"Start watching Heated Rivalry," one person wrote.
"Just turn to him and be like, 'Can you move your leg off mine? My balls are sticking together,'" another person joked.
Meanwhile there were plenty of more practical suggestions—although my favorite was definitely the one where a woman suggested stretching out and draping your legs across the men's laps—that are more likely to actually work in a situation like this, including:
- Asking the men to move their legs back into their area
- Telling them not to touch you
- Notifying the flight attendant
If all else fails, you can probably pick your favorite response from the comments, because lord knows there were plenty of good ones to choose from. And while they may not all be proper travel etiquette, they may at least make you (and your seatmate) laugh.
Another 'DTWS' Pro Just Visited Australia Zoo to See Winner Robert Irwin In Action
Dancing with the Stars pros keep going Down Under to visit Season 33 winner Robert Irwin.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, pro Jan Ravnik posted a carousel of photos from the Australia Zoo, where the Irwin family is at the helm. Ravnik's post consisted of videos of the DWTSwinner teasing a crocodile as well as various shots of himself with different animals.
View this post on Instagram"Feeling grateful to witness this animal paradise," Ravnik captioned the photos. "@robertirwinphotography thank you for having me."
To which Irwin responded, "Thanks for stopping by mate, great to see ya!"
And while fans flooded Ravnik's comment section, fellow DWTS pros were also loving the pics.
"It’s the best place ever," said Witney Carson, Irwin's partner that helped him score the mirrorball trophy this past season. She, along with her family also visited the zoo this year in an epic trip.
"The Merkats [sic] are everything!!!!!" pro Emma Slater chimed in, while Aussie native Sasha Farber commented, "My home."
Terri Irwin, Robert's mom also commented on his visit.
"The animals all loved meeting you too!" she said.
Ravnik, who danced on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, made his debut as a pro on DWTS this past season when he was partnered with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck. They were eliminated in Week 7 of the show.
Robert, who went on to win the competition has been back in Australia working at the zoo that was managed by his late father, Steve Irwin.
When chatting about a possibility that Ravnik joins the DWTS pros again for Season 35, he told People last year that he wasn't quite sure yet.
"We'll see about it. It's still a long way [away]," he said, but if he does make his way back to the ballroom he'll remember to do a double check of his wardrobe.
"The first two weeks, my colors of the costume was hideous. Let me tell you, hideous," he told the outlet.
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Who is Alex on 'Paradise'? Writer John Hoberg Breaks Down the Shocking Season 2 Finale Twist (Exclusive)
As Paradise closed out its second season, it delivered the answer to perhaps the biggest question of Season 2: Who is Alex?
It turns out the mysterious Alex is actually a quantum computer housed in a second bunker in Colorado. It was named after the wife of Henry Miller, the professor who worked on the computer with Dylan/Link (Thomas Doherty) and was killed by a hit man hired by Samantha Redmond (Julianne Nicholson) after he refused to sell his company.
While the identity of Alex was finally revealed in Episode 8, several questions remain unanswered: Is Dylan a.k.a. Link actually Samantha's son? Is Jane really dead? Why is Xavier having visions of Link? And what is up with those bloody noses?
Despite lingering questions, it was an explosive finale that saw the destruction of the bunker and the death of one of the show's main characters, Samantha, who, before going down with the ship, told Xavier "X" Collins (Sterling K. Brown) to find Alex, follow its instructions, and save the world.
If you were to ask Paradise writer and executive producer John Hoberg what might have been the most surprising part of the finale for fans, he'd say, “I think it depends. Are you sniffing around in quantum stuff before this episode?"
"At the end of Episode 7, you're like, what is this we're about to reveal? I think that's gonna be surprising," Hoberg told Parade in an exclusive interview the week before the finale. "I think Jane getting killed is going to really surprise people."
"To me, that I think is going to be really surprising," he added. "And the fact that the bunker actually goes down."
While Hoberg asserted that everything will be answered by the end of Season 3, he spoke exclusively with Parade about some of Season 2's biggest questions, as well as why they went the direction they did with Alex...
Nicole Brydon Bloom's character Jane was stabbed in Season 2, Episode 7.Disney/Ser Baffo
With the bunker gone, how does that change the world of Paradise moving forward?
This show has been in a weird way, it has been like a new pilot for Season 2 and a pilot for a new show in Season 3. So much has to change with each one. If you think about it, that's what we're doing. We've left everybody outside of this bunker. Xavier's been given this mission from Sinatra that he may or may not think is insane and may or may not want to do. And we're picking up from there with all these sort of unfinished storylines, but a brand new world.
Do you think losing the bunker makes it more dangerous now for these characters who have been hunkered down there for all these years?
Some of them, like the people that arrived with Teri and Xavier have been out in the world,. But yeah, a lot of these people who've been in the bunker are going to be faced with a brand new reality. And so I think there's dangers, there's opportunities for these "cancer cowboys" [who] want to build a new world. It's kind of a big, wide open place for everybody.
Related: Paradise star James Marsden Reveals the Musical Legend He’s ‘Always Wanted’ To Play (Exclusive)
I think fans are going to be so happy to learn who Alex finally is in the finale. What led you guys to take the story in that direction, leaning into AI/the computer?
We have this saying in the writers' room and we call it "Martini's Law," just randomly, but it's sort of this thought that we want this to, like Season 2, to end where you have a way to explain what happened as Sinatra might just be so desperate to connect with her child again, that she's believing something that can't possibly be true, or you can believe she's right, and this is true, and there is a computer, an AI, trying to use quantum physics to manipulate time. That's kind of important to us. You could watch that two ways and say, "Okay, I'm a believer," or "I also am skeptical." So that's one of the things.
It really came out of talking about Sinatra, and if you have unlimited resources, and you are trying to figure out how to save the planet. She's trying to figure out how to save humanity from the beginning, but deep down inside, she's also desperately mourning that her child is gone. And so it just kind of naturally started to come out that it's like, well, if she had this conversation with that Dr. Louge, who said the one thing you billionaires can't buy is time, what she initially, in my mind did is, I need to find the fastest computer because I don't have enough time, so I need the fastest computer in the world to solve this issue, so that the volcano, we can somehow help with climate change and then stop this volcano from erupting. And then this unexpected thing happened, when she hired people and gave them unlimited money, and they added this AI, and suddenly it started thinking different.
And so it started thinking differently than a human would, and it approached it in a way of, like, wait a minute, this might try to solve it by using quantum theories to deal with time and where the professor is like, this is too dangerous, I'm betting Sinatra was like, "Oh my God," like if there was even a hint of maybe things could be changed, and what if you heard like a child that you lost, you might be able to see them again in some way. It would be too tempting for her not to just throw all the resources into it. And so that's where we started talking about it. And then I went out with my co-writer in 208 Seena, and we spent hours at the quantum lab at Caltech [California Institute of Technology], talking to the head of quantum physics there about this theory and what we were doing. He's a consultant on the show, and we worked out what the actual quantum theory is right now about how time works.
I was thinking that as I was watching the episode. I know it started off with Samantha wanting to solve the climate crisis, but at a certain point, I was like, "Could this have something to do with her son? Because, if I recall, in Episode 7, Samantha even tells her husband, "It worked," or something to that effect.
Yeah.
Disney/Ser Baffo
So maybe this does have something to do with her son. And could Link actually be Dylan? Could Dylan actually be her son?
It's one of my favorite scenes in the finale, when she's in the elevator with Xavier, and she basically says, "I think I saw my son today." And then he's just kind of looking at her, like, "What happened while I was gone?" And she said, "Or I'm just possibly, it's just, I'm finally dealing with my grief." And I think that's up to you to decide a little bit, because it's a really interesting idea.
Will we find out next season?
I will say this, we, from the beginning, made a pact, Dan [Fogelman] and I, that this show would not become frustrating because we didn't answer the big questions. And for two seasons, we've done that. We posed a big question and then answered, and so we will not leave people hanging.
You mentioned you went to Caltechwhen you were writing the Season 2 finale. Did you guys always know who Alex was going to be or that it would be part of the show since Season 1? Or is this something that happened when you guys went back into the writers' room for Season 2?
So we had an inkling that we wanted to, in order to get to where we're going in the third season, when you see that, you'll realize, "Okay, we had an inkling that's what we wanted to do." And just kind of like any sketched out roadmap, it's like turns kind of start happening just because as you're getting into it, but there was this concept from the beginning.
And if you go back and look, the entire show, in some ways, is based on time. We're always flashing back and looking at people's different times their lives. And so time is there. There's a whole thing about unlimited time before this volcano explodes. And so we were kind of trying to weave it in a lot. And then, in the first season, it's shot through a glass prism. ut when things started happening that altered what was going on, you could sort of see like a flare in the frame. And in Season 2, we started increasing that with then the bloody noses. So I think if you look backwards, you'll find some little, little hints. And some of the idea was, "Let's take our time getting there and try to earn sort of this shift as the show evolved."
You brought up the bloody noses. Will we get an explanation as to why Xavier, Samantha and Link had those bloody noses?
We'll get answers. Having just broken out the eighth episode, I feel like it will be a very satisfying third season.
Jane's body was noticeably missing in the final moments of the finale. I'm assuming we haven't seen the last of Jane?
I would. I mean, she was stabbed pretty badly. [Laughs.] I'm curious, what do you think?
I feel like somehow she's connected to Alex. Because before her birth, there was that message that was sent from Alex to that man, which said, "She can be stopped when it matters." So when does it matter? We have a whole third season to go.
Unless it mattered because Gabby needed to be alive. I don't know. Or maybe that's not why. Maybe that's what mattered. Or maybe it's something else that mattered, or maybe that was what mattered. I'm very bad at this because I'm terrified of speaking about anything. [Laughs.]
In the end, Samantha tells Xavier that Alex can stop all of this, and already has stopped all of this. I'm wondering, without giving spoilers, can you explain what exactly Alex has already stopped? Why does Xavier need to follow the instructions, go there and save the world?
Xavier has the information we have. And Season 3, he's going to have to figure out what to do, if anything, and what that actually means...Does that sound evasive? [Laughs.]
We've seen Xavier, throughout the season, is having these memories of Link. So obviously, there's a connection between the two of them. Is Alex at the root of all this?
You have to track the coincidences and what people were talking about. Even the professor right before Billy shot him, said, "Do you believe things happen for a reason, or is it a coincidence?" And in a lot of ways, that's a theme that we're trying to ask people is, "Do you believe in coincidences, or do things just randomly happen?" And a lot of the things that were coincidental all seem to be circling around the professor [who] was working on Alex, seem to be circling around Alex.
I almost wondered at a certain point, could Alex have been behind the climate crisis? Was she the one that started it all?
Maybe. I don't know. It's a cool idea, though.
Disney/Ser Baffo
Were there any alternative endings that you guys considered before settling on the one we saw this season?
I think one definitely we dealt with, it was really hard to have Julianne go down with the mountain because she's so special. I mean, the good news in a Fogelman show is characters who die are never really dead in a lot of ways, because you have flashbacks and you see them in different times and things like that. That was a hard one. But we realized that's where her character would naturally go. She would feel like, if she's right, she's done her job, and she can now let everything go. Because in that moment, I think it's clear in the show, but you can't press the button to close the doors and get to the doors in time. So somebody was going to have to stay behind, and it made sense for her to stay behind, and it emotionally made sense for her to stay behind. So that was one of the things that we really debated about.
We knew that bunker was going to go down like early on. We knew that the bunker was going to be destroyed back in those early meetings I was talking about with Dan and Scott and Jess. And we knew Xavier was going to be out in the world and that he was going to look for Teri. There was a lot of debate about when we would find Teri, and under what exact circumstances, but we knew we wanted that, with a collection of people to be coming back for the bunker, and then something about that collision was going to cause it to be destroyed. So a lot of little things changed. And, you know, you debate every little corner when you're talking about this. And the writers are so smart on this show and so you've got 10 really smart ideas about how to get there in those big, bold strokes. So we definitely went down a hundred roads on the details, but the big overarching idea was always there.
I felt like Samantha kind of redeemed herself in the end. It was a redeeming arc.
This show, to me — and Dan might have a different feeling about it. But to me, this is a show so much about grieving and loss and how people grieve. Everybody lost somebody who's down in that bunker. But we started on Xavier laying in bed and looking over. And we thought he had lost his wife, and he thought he lost his wife. And then we find out, "Oh Sinatra is also dealing with a loss that she's not getting over, but she put those horses down in the bunker." And in one version of the show, we were thinking the town was based on a place that she used to visit with her family back when her son was alive. So she's someone who was not making peace about her son being gone. We cut that for time and clarity.
And in my mind, she needed to do that to find peace. And she even told Gabby in Season 1, "I don't need to make peace with this. I just need to be able to function." And it's part of what she had to get over. And so I feel like she completed her arc. I found it redeeming for her, because it's like, "Okay, now I kind of understand all the things she was doing." It wasn't just to be evil. It was sort of a version of one of those morality things where, if someone you love is tied to a train track, you could divert the train, but then a whole trainload of people would die. Or you can let it hit the person you love. What would you do? And in some ways, Sinatra is seeing that to save the world, to save the whole, some people had to be sacrificed. So I don't know if it redeems everything she did, but it helps you understand why she did what she did. It wasn't just malice ever.
Related: ‘Paradise’ Unleashes Its Most Disturbing Twist Yet: Jane’s Chilling Origin
Were there any writing challenges this season?
Yeah. One of the great things as a writer working with Dan, is he's true to character always. To try to make something happen, he'll never make a character do something they wouldn't, and so in some ways, that makes writing it clear. Not necessarily easy, but clear, because you know you need to be true to what a particular character would do in a situation, and sometimes they don't want to do what you need them to do. So that's where it gets tricky, where it's like, okay, well, we clearly haven't found the right series of events to cause someone to do what we're hoping they'll get to do. And sometimes you're just like, "Nope, it can't be done."
Disney/Gilles Mingasson
I loved getting to see the POVs of people who were outside the bunker, like Annie's story, with her at Graceland, and Gary and Teri at the post office. It was really cool to see what was going on outside of the bunker.
I feel like we all just, you know, being alive in our current time, we're witnessing things we just didn't think would happen all the time. And a lot of that's just we have cell phones everywhere, so there's cameras everywhere, and so we can all relate. My wife and I just watched something about that terrible tsunami that hit Japan. And we were remembering that we came home from dinner and turned it on CNN just randomly, and it was live footage of that happening, and just how like we were just watching what happened on the news while it's affecting your world. And I think that's why we can all relate. And I think that's why it's almost endlessly fascinating to see people experience that day and how you survived it.
John, congratulations to all of you. This season was amazing. I feel like everyone I talk to, they're obsessed with Paradise.
It's funny. Season 1, I was blown away by how many [people reached out]. I was getting emails from high school friends I hadn't talked to. And I feel like this season, it's even stepped up more. It feels like we keep kind of landing on the way people are feeling about things. I don't mean politically at all, I just mean the feeling like things are out of control in the world. We keep kind of landing on stuff that I think it's really resonating with people because of that.
And none of that is like, "Ooh, what do we think in a year is really going to relate to what people are going through?" It's more just where everybody else is playing around with, "Okay, what's the worst case scenario of some of the world's situations, and let's just keep rolling with it. What's the worst-case scenario if a giant volcano erupted? Let's go with that." Because I think a lot of people are trying to deal with anxiety in the world. And another reason I think people are responding to it is when you do that, and you have an ending to it, it almost is comforting, even though it's anxiety-provoking. Bbecause at least in a show, you get some sense of closure and some sense of it all happened for a reason.
Yeah, and you're saying that again, so I can't wait to see the reason for why everything unfolded.
[Laughs.] I tried to sneak that in one more time.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Related: 'Paradise' Renewed for Season 3 on Hulu — But Is This the End?
This Trader Joe’s Spring Spread Is Making Breakfast Sweeter
With so many new items constantly rotating through Trader Joe’s, it’s easy for something special in the dairy case to get overlooked. But this spring, one spread is already standing out.
Whipped Carrot Cake cream cheese spread has arrived for $2.79, and it leans a little more indulgent than traditional cream cheese. It’s lightly sweet, with warm spices and small bits of carrot, giving it a flavor that falls somewhere between breakfast and dessert.
It also taps into a flavor Trader Joe’s already knows works this time of year. Carrot cake is a spring staple, and using those same spices in a cream cheese spread makes it easier to incorporate those flavors into everyday meals.
You can get a closer look at this March 28 Instagram from Shannon Fong @traderjoesobsessed:
View this post on InstagramIn the video, Shannon pairs it with Trader Joe’s Jubilant Sprinkle Cookies, using them to scoop up the spread almost like a dip. Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even vanilla wafers would give you a similar result if you’re leaning into the sweeter side of it.
Related: Trader Joe's 'Whimsical' New Candies Have Fans Buzzing This Spring
There are also a few easy ways to work it into breakfast. A spoonful melts into warm oatmeal, while a light spread over pancakes or waffles gives you that carrot cake flavor with no need for syrup. It also spreads easily on an English muffin if you want something a little less dense than a bagel.
For something lighter, apple slices balance out the richness. And if you want to take it further, it can double as a filling between soft cookies or be spread over a slice of pound cake.
One shopper suggested a slightly more unexpected option: “With cinnamon churro chips! Amazingly delicious.” And that sounds like an outstanding way to go.
This whipped carrot cake cream cheese doesn’t really stay in one lane, which is part of what makes it stand out. Whether it ends up as part of breakfast or something closer to dessert, it’s an easy way to bring those classic spring flavors into different parts of the day.
Your Past Life Identity, According to Birth Date
Déjà vu washes over you. Something about this current life feels familiar, as if you’ve been here before or have done this before. What if you have? You may not remember, but your soul certainly does. Each soul has been here before, which means you have had at least one past life. Your most recent past life will have the most profound effect on your mental, emotional, and spiritual development in this lifetime. Gifts, lessons, karma, and so much more from your past life will follow you into this lifetime. There might be nostalgic moments and signs that allude to your past life, but how do you know for sure?
According to numerologists, spiritualists, and astrologers, who you were in a past life is based on your birth date. The spiritual energy of your birth date speaks to your soul’s history. Read on to discover the past lives for birth dates 1 to 31.
RELATED: Who You Were in a Past Life, Based on Birth Month
Your Past Life, Based on Your Birth DateCheck if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.
FURTHER: Who You Were in a Past Life, Based on Zodiac Sign
Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th or 28thAn enterprising yet independent past life is found among those born on the 1st, 10th, and 19th. You may have suspected that you played a part in an important discovery, expedition, or breakthrough. Exploring the great beyond would have been your soul’s calling, so traveling far and wide would have been your life. Although you may have been well-traveled, you could have felt lonely. Leaving your family behind or forgoing the dream of having a family altogether was the trade-off for discovering a new part of this world. You’ll know if your soul has been somewhere before if you naturally understand how to navigate an otherwise foreign environment. Let this be your sign to take that dream vacation to a place your soul feels called to as a way to return to yourself.
Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29thBorn on the 2nd, 11th, or 20th? You had a quiet, peaceful past life. It might not sound inherently exciting, but that’s not necessarily the case. In another life, you were the go-to person for settling disputes, disagreements, and so much more. Everyone knew you to be fair and just. Having a balanced personality meant you were determined to create harmony among others. Since you approached each conflict with sensitivity and agreeableness, you might have held the official position of mediator. It’s not unlikely that you could have held a position in the courts or in law enforcement. Being a mediator wasn’t easy if you disliked conflict, but you had the skill and emotional intelligence to settle the score. It wouldn’t be surprising if you continue to seek resolution in this lifetime.
Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30thDo you love learning, reading, and creating in this life? If so, you might not be surprised to find out that you lived a stimulating past life. Having your birthday fall on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th suggests that you were an intellectual yet creative powerhouse in the last life. Your brainpower was your superpower. There was nothing you couldn’t imagine, and therefore, couldn’t create. It’s likely you left behind wonderful work that has greatly contributed to liberal arts education. English students might favor the novel you wrote in a past life, or artists could still be analyzing your sketches. If there’s an artist that resonates with you, you might be surprised to discover that that was you in another life.
EXPLORE: The Most Powerful Zodiac Signs Ranked, According to Astrologers
Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31stWhatever you built in another life may still stand today if your birthday is on the 4th, 13th, 23rd, or 31st. In another life, your greatest contribution was what you built. Depending on how long ago your past life was, you could have left behind a small hut you once resided in or a large fortress you helped build for your empire. You were once known for being a practical, steadfast individual who worked tirelessly to build security for yourself and others. Security would have come in the form of adding new additions to your community, improving your craft, and honing your tools. Remnants of old infrastructures and stray tools are still being found today. Seeing what’s left of your past life in history books and museums will take you right back.
Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rdYou were the change you wished to see in the world. Having your birthday fall on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd implies you were a dynamic force of nature in a past life. History may remember you as a revolutionary. If you weren’t spearheading a monumental movement, you still played an integral part. You may have felt strongly about a movement that spoke to your values. It may have resonated with your soul’s desire for freedom, innovation, and flexibility. Unlike others, you were brave to participate in such a movement. Your courage could have made you a valuable asset in a radical period. Don’t be surprised if the urge to fight for what’s right finds you in this life, too.
FUN!: These 4 Birth Months Are Destined to Thrive in Their Golden Years
Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24thIs home and family a major theme in this lifetime? If so, it’s because this has carried over from your past life. Your birthdate–the 6th, 15th, or 24th–implies that your past life was largely concerned with your home life. It may mean a few things. It’s possible your home and family were immensely fulfilling. Love, support, and connection surrounded you. The opposite may have happened, which could lead you to prioritize home and family in this lifetime. Additionally, you may have experienced displacement, diaspora, and movement. Your past life could have been unexpectedly nomadic if you were forced to relocate. It might be evident if you feel called to live somewhere now. Regardless, your past life would unconsciously influence you to regain control of your home and family in this life.
Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25thYour teachings have left a mark on this world if your birthdate is on the 7th, 16th, or 25th. Having one of these birthdates suggests that you led a scholarly past life. Now, this may not sound inherently interesting, but you could have been a well-known philosopher, scientist, or mathematician. In another life, you were known for your astuteness. Nothing escaped your careful eye. Your brain worked overtime attempting to answer some of life’s greatest mysteries, to improve your surrounding faculties, and to make sense of everything. You likely had a major breakthrough that has changed the way we live even now. Pay extra close attention when something piques your interest in class–this is your soul’s way of remembering your past life.
Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26thInsurmountable wealth found those born on the 8th, 17th, and 26th in another life. Unlike other birthdays, you likely had an abundant past life. If you weren’t royalty, you were certainly up there in the hierarchy. Your wealth may have been measured by the land you owned and the people you ruled. Having such a luxurious estate meant having access to dutiful servants, fresh food, and finery. Opulence surrounded you, so you wanted for nothing. However, you would have been tasked with sharing what you had. Generosity was your major karmic lesson in a past life, which you may still be learning in this lifetime if you consistently give to others. Hopefully, your soul has learned that giving is just as important as receiving.
DIVE DEEP: How to Connect With Your Ancestors, According to a Psychic Medium
Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27thIf you’re born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th, you might be able to unlock your past life all on their own. Your past life may come to you in your dreams. Music, movies, books, and museums will help you remember. Your intuitive skills have transcended lifetimes, which is why you’re an old soul who can recall memories and recognize soulmates. In another life, you were known for your psychic abilities. You might have been an oracle, a high priestess, or a witch. Whether you were spiritual or religious, you had a special connection with spirit. Some may have revered you; others may have feared you. No matter what happened in the past, give yourself grace as you find balance between the spiritual world and physical world in this lifetime.
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Walmart’s 'Cute' $160 Convertible Corduroy Sofa Is the 'Perfect Hangout Spot’ for Small Spaces
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In the market for a new couch? If so, it’s hard to go wrong with a convertible futon. These versatile pieces seamlessly blend style, comfort, and practicality. A prime example is this Chitooma Convertible Futon that combines a sofa and bed into one sleek, space-saving package.
There’s no better time than now to grab one. This futon, originally retailing for $317, is currently on flash sale at Walmart for as low as $160!
Chitooma Convertible Futon, From $160 (was $317) at Walmart Shop at WalmartComfy, sturdy, and versatile, this "cute" convertible futon couch is great for lounging when you need a cozy place to kick back. "Ideal for small spaces and makes for a perfect hangout spot!" one reviewer said of the sofa. With 7-inch thick, high-density foam cushions, you’ll sink into this couch as soon as you plop onto it.
Whether you want to chat with friends, indulge in a book, or take a nap, you can tailor this couch to fit your needs. Designed with a click-clack mechanism, the sofa’s backrest can be adjusted to recline further back or lay flat. Buyers can also adjust the armrests to five different angles for optimal comfort.
The sofa comes in a 66-inch size that starts at $160, as well as a 75-inch size that starts at $163. The smaller version comes in gray, green, and white, while the 75-inch option comes in green and gray. Featuring a 600-pound weight capacity, the table doesn't come assembled but is easy to put together, according to reviewers.
For those with limited space, shoppers noted that this is the perfect size for small areas. Because it can go from a couch to a bed within seconds, this versatile piece is great for entertaining. You can lay the armrests flat to seat additional people or host an overnight guest.
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Complete with a wooden frame and corduroy fabric, this couch offers a silky-smooth, plush feel, while adding a cozy and vintage aesthetic to any room. The comfort factor has been a huge bonus for buyers. “It was soft to the touch and way more comfortable than expected. Many naps were taken on it and no issues. It’s sturdy and holds up well,” a reviewer raved.
If you’re on the hunt for a new seating piece or your current couch is looking a little worn down, this could just be what your home needs. Be sure to head over to Walmart and check out the Chitooma Convertible Futon for as low as $160 while it’s still in stock!
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