🧐 Pharrell shows subtle support for Clipse 👀 Last... night, around 1:15 A.M. at the Hollywood Palladium Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director & producer Pharrell Williams made a quick walk on and off stage during the Clipse moment which many fans are reading as a public co sign and show of support. This comes after documents surfaced where Pusha T’s name was mentioned in the Epstein files, sparking online speculation. Pharrell’s brief appearance felt intentional a quiet but visible signal that he’s standing with Clipse 🤝show more

[BREAKING] DUSTBIA MAY ANAK NA ASO!! [#DBspatch | Exclusive]... What started as a lighthearted moment quickly turned into a full-blown kilig fest for fans. Following their appearance at the Aivee event, DustBia was spotted chasing after a dog in a candid video that has since captured the hearts of viewers online. The clip shows the pair laughing and running together, completely unguarded and playful. But it wasn’t just the chaotic charm of the dog chase that caught attention—fans couldn’t help but notice the subtle yet undeniable skinship shared between the two. In the middle of the commotion, a brief, natural moment of closeness sent viewers into a frenzy. As the video continues to circulate, one thing is clear: DustBia has once again delivered a moment that leaves fans smiling, replaying the clip, and, as many have said, “napapangiti na naman ako.”show more

Johnny Knoxville and the ‘Jackass’ cast made a surprise... appearance at the West Hollywood Pride Parade on Sunday (7 June) to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Knoxville was spotted carrying a rainbow fan and waving a Progress Pride flag along the parade route, while Steve-O rode through the festivities in his underwear aboard a makeshift shopping cart float decked out in rainbow flags. After the event, Knoxville described taking part in WeHo Pride as a "dream come true," thanking LGBTQ+ fans for supporting the franchise over the years. "What a beautiful event to be a part of," he wrote on social media. "I was overcome with emotion a few times along the parade route." The appearance also marked a full-circle moment for the ‘Jackass’ crew, who were once banned from filming in West Hollywood for 10 years after a stunt during the franchise's original 1999 pilot. The stunt, called “The Convict”, had Knoxville dressed as an escaped convict entering a hardware store on Santa Monica Boulevard to try and convince someone to saw his handcuffs off. "Banned from West Hollywood no more," the group joked in a social media post celebrating their Pride appearance.show more

Ariana Grande is taking a break.⁠ ⁠ In a... statement to ET, the singer’s rep says, “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.” Ariana has 13 remaining shows on the tour, which ends Sept. 1 in London.⁠ ⁠ “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny. This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.“⁠ ⁠ There has been an increase in online discourse around the ‘Wicked’ star’s physical appearance since she kicked off her tour earlier this summer, with some fans expressing concern for her health and well-being. The discussion reignited over the weekend following the release of the music video for “petal,” the second single from her new album of the same name.⁠ ⁠ The break also means Ariana will no longer star in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Sunday in the Park With George,’ which was scheduled to open next summer. ET has learned Ariana can’t wait to support the brilliant team bringing that project to life.⁠show more

This happened at country pop star Morgan Wallen’s concert... Friday night in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A fan handed her phone to a security guard. The security guard was standing with her face to the crowd and her back to the stage and was filming Morgan. Morgan comes over and crouches down and gives the phone camera a look, walks away, then comes back and grabs the phone out of the security guard’s hands and then turns around and chucks the phone off the stage. A lot of people are upset with Morgan, I get it, but many people pointed out that the security guard wasn’t doing her job. They said when you sign up for the job, the job entails making sure that you are enforcing no videoing. I personally have never seen a venue employee or security guard, whatever she was, film the performer for a fan. But, depending on the venue, and looking at Morgan’s policies, he allows videoing, not sure about the venue though. Why chuck the phone? 🤯 Do you think the security guard is to blame or do you think Morgan was just acting like a jerk by tossing that fan’s phone?show more

NBC’s decision to ignore Donald Trump’s appearance at the... Steelers game is a disgrace. When Trump arrived at the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jets game, the entire stadium erupted in chants of “U-S-A!” It wasn’t just about football—it was a powerful display of Trump’s deep connection with the American people. The crowd’s overwhelming support shows just how much he resonates with everyday Americans who want a leader who understands their concerns and fights for their interests. Dubbed McDonald’s “employee of the month” by Charlie Kirk after serving fries during a visit, Trump’s appearance at the game further solidified his genuine ability to engage with the public. Whether he’s serving fries or walking into a stadium full of cheering fans, Trump consistently shows he’s connected with the people—something Kamala Harris has utterly failed to achieve. While Harris continues to distance herself from the daily struggles of working Americans, Trump remains present, listening, and leading. His presence at the game wasn’t just a fun moment; it was a clear signal that he is still the leader who stands with the people, unlike the disconnected political elites.show more

Matt LeBlanc's rare appearance with his daughter, Marina Pearl... LeBlanc, reflects his long-standing commitment to putting fatherhood above Hollywood fame. The casual outing in Woodland Hills on July 1, 2026, highlighted a deeply rooted bond. When Marina was just 11 months old, she was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia, a rare brain condition that threatened her ability to speak and walk. At the peak of his Friends success, LeBlanc famously stepped away from show business, telling his agents to "lose his number" so he could focus entirely on her care. Fortunately, Marina eventually outgrew the condition. The father-daughter sighting comes amid a period of personal reflection and a quiet lifestyle for the actor following the passing of his co-star Matthew Perry in late 2023, as well as his recent tribute to iconic Friends director James Burrows, who passed away in June 2026. (Video is AI)show more

It’s very obvious that National are planning to dump... Te Gimp, they’ve finally realised the guy is a loser and the party is terminal with him standing on a milk crate at the helm. Firstly Bishop goes to the media blubbering he can’t win his seat and would be out at the election, and now he’s saying that he would sack Shane Jones for the line of the year tbat summed up how a lot of kiwis feel, it’s a move to make Te Gimp appear even more impotent - if that was even possible. Yesterday Willis made the surprise comment that splitting up the supermarket duopoly ( a NZ First policy) has merit and she’s considering it. Willis is another senior Nat who based on the last one year of polling will be out on her ass along with Bishop. Speculation around the beltway is Bishop is building support to roll Luxon for Willis : something that will save both their jobs, they’re probably get a bit of a lift with a leadership change but still - essentially it’s still a crap party who are solely to blame for Labour being even remotely competitive. They have an existential problem made so much worse with their pathetic leader and my bet is he’s not going to last. flashback to when Bishop was a lobbyist. you have to LOL at this dick.show more

People are too quick to blackpill every time someone... mentions the possibility of a new great era for AKB48 A lot of people, especially non-Indonesian in the fandom, may not know this. But within the 48 Group, there is a very real example of a group that fell to the brink of collapse, and then rose again to the national stage Let me remind you of a concrete example of a 2nd Golden Era, that is the rebirth of JKT48 Around 2018 to 2021, JKT48 was on the brink of collapse, especially when COVID hit We saw it unfold in real time. Mass graduations. Low morale across the fandom. It genuinely felt like the end was near. They tried everything to gain new fans and even retain old ones, traveling across cities to meet fans. But the reception was low. Even the venues were often far from full in those tours Until, around late 2021-2022, there's a lot of reform in the group and in the fandom. But in my opinion, the biggest catalyst was memes and TikTok Fans on Facebook and TikTok, where a lot of normies and the general public are, started editing photos and videos in comedic ways that resonated with viewers One viral video I remember used "RIVER" over a flood clip, turning a tragic moment into comedy. Sometimes people cope through humor, and those jokes connected with the wider public Another moment was the widespread Freya memes during Ramadhan. They attracted young people who became curious about her, and eventually about the group itself. The memes were relatable, and that relatability opened the door and personally, I think another major turning point was the release of "Rapsodi". The general public reception was incredible. So many normies heard it, and many genuinely loved it There's an insane influx of new fans during that era, bigger that anyone would expected. I would even argue that the 2023 era of JKT48 was bigger than they had ever been before. For most of their history, JKT48 was a niche fandom. People knew the name, but that was it I witnessed it myself during their annual tour stop in Yogyakarta at Sleman City Hall, the venue used to be only half full. But at the peak of their rebirth, it was completely packed. Even the upper floors were full. People were curious about this group that had existed for almost 10 years stopping by their city At that moment, I realize that we've reached a new turning point. A turning point that we've really wished for since like 2017 Now, the general public has, more or less, embraced both the group and its fandom, relative to the previous era So the lesson is simple Anything can happen Stop blackpilling Stop doomerposting Manifest the rebirth that you wish to seeshow more

Alaska. Putin and Trump. The meeting that was both... awaited and feared. The outcome. By Roman Alekhin To discuss this further, the key point to understand is this: Two and a half hours behind closed doors is too little for leaders of nuclear powers if they are just starting a conversation—but too much if they were merely posing for cameras. This means the real work happened earlier—quiet, working discussions “behind the door” that never made it into the official communiqué. These are what stopped Trump from imposing secondary sanctions; this is where the exchange of conditions took place, terms that won’t be disclosed until both leaders decide the time is right. I suspect Syria was discussed, as well as the “Trump Bridge” (instead of Zangezur), the Middle East, and much more that isn’t yet visible to the naked eye. The public part? Pure theater. The point wasn’t to negotiate in front of the world or sign something, like Trump did with Armenia and Azerbaijan—minor players, important only tactically. The point was to send a signal: the presidents of Russia and the U.S. are shaking hands and smiling again, no knives behind their backs. This signals that a new reality has arrived, one that Europe, Ukraine, and everyone accustomed to building their worldview around the idea of “Russia’s isolation” will now have to reckon with—including those within our own countries. Trump’s comments on Fox News were deliberately vague—he’s a master at leaving room for maneuver. But the key takeaway is clear: the pressure will now shift from Moscow to Kyiv and Brussels. This is evident even in the final format—not a word about a “no-conditions” ceasefire, which was Europe and Zelensky’s main demand. This means the discussion on a final peace has been postponed, but within a clear framework: Zelensky must exit the war in a way that lets Europe save face. Russia’s red lines have long been clear: non-aligned status for Ukraine, return of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions within their administrative borders (not the frontlines), lifting of sanctions, and real democracy in Ukraine without persecution of the Russian language or the Orthodox Church. These conditions will prolong the conflict for some time. Zelensky will need to stage a fighting retreat to the administrative borders—this will allow Europe to save face. But the logic is already visible: Ukraine’s defeat will be framed not as a “crushing” but as a “peaceful settlement.” Six months—that’s the timeframe in which we’ll see the dynamics. If the front accelerates, the deal is working. If it stalls, not all pieces are in place yet. But the main thing is already done: Russia is back in the game, not through gray negotiating formats but through a handshake on American soil—even if it’s chilly Alaska. (Though we have warm ties to the region, as seen in the wreath-laying for the “Heroes of ALSIB” and the meeting with Archbishop Alexy of Sitka and Alaska.) For the world, this is an image where smiles are worth more than signatures. For Trump—a chance to show he’s the only one who can “make peace.” For Putin—a symbolic victory: Russia is not a besieged enemy but an equal player. For Europe and Ukraine—the beginning of a painful new phase where they’ll have to accept the inevitable. In these talks, there were no winners or losers in Alaska. In Alaska, both presidents won, while those who weren’t there—lost, or at the very least, didn’t win.show more

i wanted to tell you how we made the... visuals for nerve-bloom i did it with Natalia Kleszczewska and Natalie Liu . Natalia Kleszczewska is a painter , she painted the creatures and the backgrounds . Natalie Liu is a computer graphics director , she shaped the digital dimension of the work . my role in it was a creative director , bringing in the singer-songwriter tradition , where emotionally precise things happen inside the structure of a song . i guided colour pallettes , textures and the environments the music happens in . to make this possible , during the process , natalia often had to paint many shapes and sizes , different textures and layers of colours . natalie then developed the visuals, designing and overseeing CGI elements , and finding ways for the digital to sit organically alongside Natalia’s world . and include my dramaturgy and creative direction. we spent 7 months talking and working together , dedicated to relish in the craft of blending hand-made visuals with digital experimentation , 3D design and commit it to physical display technology . a lot of time was spent on researching different tools and techniques to find what worked best at each stage in the song . like i’ve done before , i wanted to merge old things with tech , giving it soul & a meaning . to paint a painting is an analog craft but computer programming is craftmanship too !! and both can co-exist , .....encouraging each other to bloom even further towards a mutual world . there is a tradition in pop music for the mucisian to choose a video director . in the art world , this is called “curation” , but where we came from , it was natural that the musician would have strong opinions on what your song needed , which mood , colours , textures & storyline . today this is called “creative director” and it is something we didn’t credit ourselves with in the 90s , but i am starting to understand this better now . i don´t think of me as a visual artist . because my heart is music . everything i do comes from a sonic point of view . this is something i have called “sonic symbolism” , sound made visual , a reverse synesthesia . when you listen to a song for the first time , it is like swallowing a whale , you need to feel the whole musical sculpture in one go . the structure of a song has always been extremely important to me : what shape it is . this is part of the craft of being a singer-songwriter ........... we are tune sculpturors ....... since i am talking about the visuals for nerve bloom it is impossible to not mention the avatars in my music videos . they have replaced the storyteller with anattempt to connect to the more universal element of music , through animation, avatars , puppetry both digital and analog . for me they are marionettes in a puppet-theatre , hopefully in a similar realm as the jungian archetypes ( which we all can act out the characteristics of ...) .... i feel nerve-bloom is a natural continuation .... an animated avatar archetype singing you a song ––––– Avatars, animation and archetypes: Nerve Bloom (remix) – on display at Listasafn Íslands / National Gallery of Iceland until September 20th 2026. The production of this film was made possible with the generous support of #bottegaveneta.show more

Before Win arrived and while everyone else was still... scattered around the venue, one of the kids pointed at Win’s standee and called out, “Phi Win.” His voice when he uttered “Phi Win” was laced with quiet confidence and pride. Not with the excitement of spotting a celebrity, but with the joy and warmth of recognition. That was the moment it clicked for me. Win isn’t a stranger to these kids. He’s not a celebrity who chose a random foundation for a one-time appearance. The way they gathered around him, held on to him, hugged him, chanted “Phi Win”, and casually asked him random questions showed how familiar Win is to them. This isn’t the first time the kids have seen their Phi Win, and it definitely won’t be the last. He’s not just visiting. He’s a regular. And hopefully, one day, these kids get to ride the waves with their Phi Win.🥹 💚 💚 💚 💚 💚 Win Metawin, you are beautiful not just in the way you look, but in the warmth you radiate, the joy you bring, and in the way your presence inspires and uplifts. For all the beauty you bring into the world, may love, joy, and kindness chase you all the days of your life. Love and gratitude for giving us the opportunity to witness and support such a meaningful cause.🫶🏻 #winmetawin #Win27LevelUp #WINfinity2026show more

🔞The former Montenegrin Secretary of State created an account... on OnlyFans after resigning due to a sex scandal. Now, Mirjana Pajkovic is no longer an official, but a "Sexy Lawyer" — under this name, she created an account on the platform. The scandal began several months ago, when a video leaked online, in which Pajkovic was allegedly having sex with Dejan Vukšić — a married former director of the national security agency and adviser to President Jakov Milatović, according to the Montenegrin newspaper Pobjeda. The woman claimed that she was a victim of violence, but the scandal could not be avoided. Pajkovic and Vukšić denied each other's accusations and even filed criminal complaints. "She claims that she was subjected to blackmail and threats for several months, and that Vukšić was behind all this. As evidence, she published an alleged correspondence with him and emphasized that the threats even came from a landline phone in the office of the head of the Montenegrin state," notes Euronews. 💅While the investigation is ongoing, Pajkovic decided to register on OnlyFans. She announced the launch of the page on Instagram, posting a video from the jacuzzi. In the recording, women's legs are visible in the water, and in the background, a man's voice can be heard saying something about "a political, illegal decision". In the caption to the video, she asked questions about whether "state decisions are made in a jacuzzi and whether security secrets remain secrets". - ZNshow more

A 42 year old man, #Deepak, died by suicide... in #Kerala after a video posted by #Shimjitha accusing him of inappropriate behaviour (#SexualHarassment) on a bus went viral. What followed was not justice, it was a digital lynching. The video that Shimjitha uploaded does not clearly show any deliberate sexual act. It shows a crowded bus, a man standing at a distance, and a fleeting moment where his elbow appears to brush past her as he gets down. Multiple viewers and eyewitnesses, including those quoted on television debates, have said the contact appeared unintentional, a consequence of overcrowding. Despite this ambiguity, Shimjitha chose to upload the video publicly, frame it as intentional harassment, allow it to spread unchecked to nearly 2 million views, only after the damage was done did she delete the video. This is where accountability comes in. If the act was intentional, the law was available. Kerala has clear legal mechanisms for dealing with harassment in public transport. Filing a police complaint would have ensured investigation, evidence, and due process. Instead, she chose social media as a courtroom. When you publicly accuse someone of a serious offence, You take responsibility for the consequences. You cannot later claim neutrality You cannot undo reputational damage by deleting a post. Deepak did not get a chance to defend himself. He did not get a fair inquiry. He got humiliation, abuse, and public branding as a criminal. And he paid with his life. This is not about silencing women. Women must speak up against harassment, and real offenders must be punished. But reckless accusations without verification harm genuine victims too. When ambiguous incidents are projected as crimes for online validation, trust in real complaints erodes. Social media outrage is not justice. Viral videos are not verdicts. Public shaming is not accountability. Shimjitha may stand by her allegation. That is her rig. But society has the right, and duty to question the method, the timing, and the consequences of her actions. One life is already lost. If this case doesn’t make us rethink how casually we destroy people online, then the next tragedy is only a post away.show more

Ecuadorian Beauty Queen Fatally Shot in Restaurant Ambush. The... attack, captured by CCTV, occurred as Landy Párraga Goyburo and a companion were standing at a table. Two gunmen burst into the restaurant, with one opening fire on Parraga and her companion. After the assailants fled, Parraga was left motionless on the ground. The incident is under police investigation, with efforts underway to uncover the motive and identify the culprits. The case is complicated by the fact that Parraga's name surfaced in December 2023 in connection with a major organized crime case being pursued by the attorney general's office. She was linked cryptically to a conversation involving a drug trafficker, which indicated that her public exposure could have serious repercussions. Parraga was also an entrepreneur who owned a household goods importing business and a sportswear line. Despite her glamorous social media presence, which showcased her travels and high-end lifestyle, there was a darker narrative linked to her name. This case sheds light on the increasing grip of Mexican drug cartels in Ecuador, where violent crimes, including beheadings and public hangings, have surged, driving the murder rate up by over 250% since 2020. I provide context and detailed explanations under posts. Please follow if you enjoy the insights and want to keep receiving them. Your support means everything to me!show more

“HIGH”LY INFLUENTIAL & ARMED!! While the parliament is in... session in Delhi, an MP from TDP, an alliance party of NDA, Putta Mahesh was caught in a drug bust in Telangana late last night. Not just a sitting MP, but a former MLA, businessmen & a lawyer were caught with 2gms of Cocain last night. A team of police conducted a raid with credible information on a farm house belonging to former BRS MLA Rohit Reddy. The police caught 11 people during the raid along with 2gms of Cocain. BJP ex-MLA from Jaipur, Namith Mishra apparently got agitated by the police busting their party and discharged the weapon. Meanwhile, TDP MP Putta Mahesh who hails from an illustrious political family, during the urine test mixed water in the urine and he got a clean chit last night. But today after the blood test, it was revealed that MP Putta Mahesh also consumed drugs along with former MLAs Rohit Reddy and others. While users of drugs will be considered as victims and those apprehended for the first time will be let off with a rap, the whole case reeks of power & politics. Also firing a weapon is going to be the bigger case a police now are saying they don’t know exactly who fired the gun!! But initially last night they did say it was Namith Misra Many are using this case to settle their political vendetta but the government with all the power for more than two and a half years is clearly still grappling with drugs menace in the state.show more

Video shows 18-year-old Kimber Mills (in the pink shirt)... and her friends line dancing at “The Pit.” This is where they were when an uninvited male opened fire, shooting 4 people on Sunday. Two males were severely injured, and Kimber was killed. *Video is from September* Kimber's honor walk was today at 4:00, followed by surgery to procure her organs for donation. Please continue to pray for her family and friends, as they cope with this devastating loss. 🙏🏼 BACKSTORY: Jefferson County, Ala. — A night of fun quickly turned deadly at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday at a location known as “The Pit,” where dozens of teens were having a bonfire gathering. A man not known to the group, 27-year-old Steven Whitehead, reportedly showed up uninvited and approached one of the girls, causing a confrontation. He pulled out a gun and began firing, shooting four different people. One of them was 18-year-old Kimber Mills, who had no involvement in the fight. She was shot in her leg and her head. The tragedy has brought an outpouring of support from the community. More than 100 people gathered at the hospital Sunday to show love for Kimber. “She is so loved by this amazing community she has behind her,” Ashley said. “We are beyond thankful for everyone who has shown up to support her.” On Monday morning, emotions ran high as Cleveland High School students gathered outside the school to pray for their classmate. Many held hands, bowed their heads, and shed tears. Principal Brannon Smith said additional counselors were made available for students as they process the news. “I have a daughter who’s a cheerleader, and yesterday was a hard day,” Smith said. “This tragedy hits close to home.” Deputies arrested Whitehead and charged him with three counts of attempted murder, although one will likely get upgraded to murder. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail. #crime #truecrime #news #tragedy #viralshow more

There is a room in Málaga that was built... to be the closest thing on earth to standing inside heaven. It is called the camarín of the Virgin of Victory, and it is hidden at the top of a tower inside the Santuario de la Victoria. To reach it, you climb and the ascent is the entire point... The building you are climbing through was completed in 1700, and it was designed as a single argument made in stone. At the bottom lies a crypt: a black chamber crowded with white plaster skeletons, a meditation on death and the brevity of life. From there a staircase rises, and as you climb it the light grows stronger and the imagery changes from bones to saints. The architects of the time understood this ascent as the soul's own journey, the dark crypt as the stage of penitence, the staircase as the stage of spiritual progress, and the room at the very top as the final stage: the union of the soul with the divine. That room at the top is the camarín, and its dome is one of the most extraordinary interiors in Spain... Every surface is covered in white and gold plasterwork. There is no empty space anywhere. The Baroque called this horror vacui, the horror of the void: the conviction that a space meant to represent heaven should not contain a single bare patch of stone. Out of that plasterwork emerge angels, flowers, birds, and mirrors. The mirrors are not decoration alone. They catch the light pouring in through the windows of the drum and throw it around the chamber, so that the gold seems to move and the whole room appears to shimmer and breathe. This wonder was built by people who believed that if you wanted to show a human being what heaven might feel like, you did not describe it to them. You built a room, and you let them climb into it... -- -- -- If you enjoyed this, I write a weekly newsletter read by over 50,000 people who love rediscovering the beauty of the past. You can join us here: If you'd like to support my work, a paid subscription is what makes it possible.show more

My experience as a Defenders fan going to STL... America's Center & The Dome for an away game. This was a solo trip, did not bring my family on this one. The St. Louis Battlehawks home games truly are one of the special environments for United Football League. I’ve been to 4 AWAY games for DC Defenders over the last 12 months and the environment for this one was fired up! They definitely should NOT move STL to a soccer stadium if they keep showing out like they did yesterday. I got to my hotel at 1AM on game day after a late flight from the west coast. I woke up 6 hours later, walked towards the stadium and randomly caught the STL player walk-ins. Then, I walked over to the tailgate and met up with The Bottom Line and enjoyed some mimosas and breakfast burritos with Ed Ploeger and his gang. Thanks for the hospitality! I was able to get him a signed Sam Kidd jersey as a thanks for all he does for the UFL community! After the tailgate, got in for gate drop at 0930, and went straight down to the field. I was able to say hi to a few players and talk with Steven McCrane as his son was nailing 50+ yard field goals with ease. Chatted up and made peace with a few STL fans around me. Once the game started, they had the place LOUD, and my watch kept alerting me that my hearing was getting damaged 🤣 . Being there for the first ever 4 point field goal by Matt McCrane made the travel worth it. After the home fans had a few rounds of beers, the heckling began (which was expected), but I had to pop about 6 beach balls/🎈 as I became the 🎯 for drunk fans as the only DC fan in the section. I tossed the balls back a few times until I immediately got hit with about 3 balls in a row. So that part was a bit of a let down, as I was just trying to enjoy a game. The halftime show was great. Overall, the game experience itself left something to be desired with the penalties and getting harassed by fans who were clearly recording trying to get rage bait engagement on 🎥. Probably won’t be going back to a STL game again, but I’m glad got to check it out! Pregame/Tailgate: 5/5 Halftime: 5/5 Game experience: 3/5 Getting to/from stadium: 5/5show more

Reading with your baby isn’t always as simple as... it might seem. Earlier this week, a parent asked how I’d advise reading to a toddler who may not have the attention span for a full book and who, when handling them, often tears the pages. I’m so glad you asked! This fantastic video, shared to TT a couple years back by hanzcakess, illustrates both the realities of - and several important lessons for - parents and caregivers when it comes to reading with infants and toddlers. First, when reading with very young children it’s important to begin with realistic expectations. At this little guy’s age (which I’m going to guess is around a year, give or take 2 months) babies‘ attention spans are VERY limited. Think 1-2 minutes tops. What does that mean for you? First it means that you’re unlikely to make it through an entire book. And that’s just fine. Rest assured that there’s still great value in the activity. Further, don’t be surprised if your child is more interested in interacting with (or at the earliest stages, even chewing on) the book itself rather than attending to the story it contains. That’s ok too. For both reasons, beginning with sturdy, laminated board books is well advised. Not only do these tend to be super short (with most intended to accommodate for babies’ brief attention spans), but they’re made to withstand the rigors of handling by infants and toddlers. Now, some might look at this video and (on first glance, at least) see primarily inattention. But not me! Here’s what I see: First, I see a completely normal toddler who’s already putting some really impressive book knowledge on display. Notice he’s advancing front to back and left to right as he turns pages sequentially. They’ve done this often. Also want to shout out what a truly fantastic job Dad is doing here. Notice that he’s totally letting his son dictate the terms the activity. He’s not insistent on completing the text, but goes with the flow as his son turns the pages. As the pages turn he’s helping to illustrate that the print on each one contains a unique message. And he’s singing the text! Brown Bear is a great book for this and many board books lend themselves particularly well here. Your baby isn’t judging your singing voice. Kudos on making the experience engaging. In light of all the above, don’t be afraid to stray from the text altogether as needed and use this time to simply engage in conversation about the pictures and introduce some new vocabulary. Finally, while lap reading is fantastic, at this age you may also find benefit in reading face to face, allowing your child to tune into your expressions alongside the book. Remember, there’s nothing your baby loves seeing more than you. Rest assured this stage doesn’t last forever. You’ll be snuggling up for longer sessions in no time. And while we’re on the topic of reading, I want to give a special shout out to my friends at Reach Out and Read, which is a fantastic program you may know from distributing books and sharing advice like this via your pediatrician’s office. Today I’m thrilled to be the guest on their newest podcast, discussing my book The Daycare Myth. I’ll include a link in the first reply below.show more