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Elton John Approves of Rocketman's First Trailer & the Actor Portraying Him

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Kingsman actor Taron Egerton is playing the role of a lifetime: Sir Elton John. In the upcoming biopic, Rocketman, which chronicles John's rise to fame ahead of the 1972 release of the film's titular song, Egerton transforms into a younger John so completely that in the film's first trailer, it's hard to believe that's not actually just John transformed back into a younger version of himself with some magic technology. 

More: Elton John's Back-to-School Pics of His Sons Prove He's Just a Regular Dad

John is clearly already a big fan of both the film and Egerton's transformation and has been throwing his weight into helping promote Rocketman at every step. On Monday, John tweeted out the link to the first Rocketman trailer, writing, "Here it is, the official teaser trailer for #Rocketman! The epic musical fantasy arrives in cinemas Summer 2019."

On Friday, three days before he shared the trailer on Twitter, John shared the first photo of Egerton on the Rocketman set on Instagram. He wrote, "Hold onto your glasses, this is going to be a wild ride!! Here's Taron Egerton (portraying me!) on the set of the #Rocketman movie." He added a rocket ship emoji for good measure.

As John said, Rocketman is "an epic musical fantasy," elements of which can definitely be seen in this first trailer. In addition to the famous piano medley of the titular song playing over scenes of Egerton performing in John's signature glittery stage costumes and big glasses, the trailer also reveals moments inspired by the singer's life outside performing.

Although the film is fantastical in nature, it's also likely to be fairly accurate. John himself, along with his husband, David Furnish, are coproducing the film with Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn. Thus, John's incredible support for the film on social media makes sense — he's as invested in its success as everyone else, not just because it's a film portraying his own life.

More: Prince Harry & Elton John Are Teaming Up to Honor Princess Diana

Egerton is joined by some remarkable actors for Rocketman that only make us more excited to tune in: Jamie Bell, Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden, Gemma Jones and Jurassic World star Bryce Dallas Howard. We're eager for more sneak peeks at the film, which hits theaters May 17, 2019.


Nicole Kidman Will Be Honored at the Hollywood Film Awards for a Good Reason

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Nicole Kidman has built her career on playing diverse characters and championing women in film, especially through her new production company, Blossom Films. At the 2018 Hollywood Film awards, she'll be honored for her achievements as an actor and producer when she receives the Hollywood Career Achievement Award at the 22nd annual ceremony.

More: Here's Everything Nicole Kidman Is Working On Right Now (Hint: It’s a Lot)

Per a press release from the Hollywood Film Awards, Kidman was selected for the award because of "the versatility of her performances over the years, with characters as diverse and extraordinary as an aspiring television personality with a dark motive in Gus Van Zant's To Die For to the iconic and complicated Virginia Woolf in The Hours.... With three films coming out before the end of this year, Kidman has already received praise for her transformative performance in Karyn Kusama's Destroyer and in Joel Edgerton's Boy Erased."

The statement continues, "In addition to her chameleonic performances, Kidman is also being recognized for her career-long support of independent filmmakers, particularly women. Through her production company, Blossom Films, she has taken this to a new level.  Among the many projects she has produced, last year's Big Little Lies was a phenomenon that entered not only the cultural, but the social zeitgeist."

Kidman's passion for her craft and the performances that it has led to (which ostensibly are part of the reason she's being honored) came through in a recent Marie Claire interview for their October cover story: "I get to live my life, but I get to go into other people’s lives too," she said, describing the empathy required to occupy her various roles. "They’re transient, but I absolutely live those lives.” She said that when it comes to making movies, "When I have the ability, I always choose to go back to that very basic, in-the-trenches filmmaking.”

More: How Nicole Kidman's Role in Destroyer Affected Her Relationship With Keith Urban

This dedication to her craft has earned Kidman four Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and an Academy Award (making her the first female Australian actor to earn Best Actress, for her role in The Hours) and now, this latest hard-won and well-deserved accolade. We hope she's left space on her shelf for her Hollywood Career Achievement Award, as well as the accolades she's sure to receive for her transformative performance in Destroyer, in theaters Dec. 25. The 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards take place on Nov. 4 in Los Angeles.

How One Really Freaking Stupid Gender-Reveal Party Sparked a 47,000-Acre Wildfire

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People, for the love of God, can we declare a moratorium on "gender"-reveal parties? For one thing, you're revealing the baby's sex, not their gender. For crying out loud, it's 2018, people. Learn the difference. And for another thing, this social media-fueled nonsense is getting totally out of control, with parents trying to outdo scores of other parents online with crazy video reveals.

More7 Crazy-Ass Gender Reveals

In fact, one gender-reveal extravaganza involved tannerite — which sounds like a 2018 baby name to us, actually. Tannerite, stop pulling your sister's hair, you little dick.

However, Forbes reported that tannerite is actually a chemical that can be used in bomb-making (super!). This explosive substance detonates if you shoot it with a high-powered firearm. Baby shower + explosive chemical with pink or blue additive + guns. Hey, what could go wrong?

Welp, we're happy to tell you. This particular gender reveal created a catastrophic 47,000-acre wildfire — and cost the proud papa a cool $220,000. That's a whole lotta diaper cream right there. Hell, that's a college education. Sorry, Tannerite. No Ivy League for you. Daddy burned down a forest and had to pay for it. Oops!

MoreGender-Reveal Parties You Might Want to Copy (but Really, Why?)

According to the Daily Beast, “It was a complete accident,” Dennis Dickey — an Arizona border control agent — said at his subsequent court hearing for starting the now-infamous April 2017 Sawmill Fire. “I feel absolutely horrible about it. It was probably one of the worst days of my life.” He pleaded guilty to causing a fire without a permit. That seems like a pretty low-key way of explaining it, but sure, that works. No biggie, just 800 firefighters fighting a vicious blaze that cost the state more than $8 million dollars, all in the name of gender-reveal entertainment. We'll let @Mer_Squared on Twitter summarize:

Ironically, we really can't find any articles that mention the sex of Dickey's child. So much for that.

Now, that may be the most expensive gender reveal we've ever heard of, but it's got a close contender for the most stupid gender reveal. And we mean really, really stupid. Try this one on for size: a gender reveal involving a live alligator. Or a crocodile. We're not sure which. Our apologies to zoologists everywhere, but, yay, it's a boy, so who cares? Our apologies also to the reptile in question, who deserved to eat the guy who forced him into this dog and pony and gator show.

Then we have the delightful reveal in which Grandpa is nearly blinded by blue powder. 

There's also a whole generation of children growing up scarred for life by gender reveals forced upon them by their overeager parents. Some of these poor kids didn't even know Ma was knocked up again. Way to break the news to your older children, people. Don't believe us? Here, have some long-lasting childhood misery:

And a simple Etsy search reveals an entire market designed for gender-revealists. Gender-reveal boxes and powder and invites. Need a 2-foot-long cannon that ejaculates pink? You betcha. Etsy's got you covered. Kudos to the entrepreneurs who figured out this was a lucrative thing. Seriously. High fives all around.

In the meantime, we're just going to get snarkier and snarkier. Can we just go back to celebrating the child and not the sex? People are literally blowing up things and blinding Grandpa over an announcement about tiny vaginas and penises. And besides, Willow might want to be Will in a few years anyway. Slow your roll, mamas and papas.  

Everything Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Halloween Candy

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Look, we know sugar — especially the refined sugar in candy — isn't good for us. And sure, we try to avoid it whenever possible... but what about Halloween? Is it really that bad to let kids indulge like this once a year?

To answer this question, we turned to the professionals who deal with much of the Halloween candy aftermath: dentists. Do they think we should skip the candy altogether? 

Hardly. According to a 2017 survey by the American Dental Association, more than 76 percent of dentists give out some type of candy for the spooky holiday. 

"Nobody wants to deny their child candy, because of course it’s delicious," Dr. Craig S. Armstrong, a dentist in Houston, Texas, tells SheKnows. "Additionally, it is ingrained as a childhood experience in our culture. Of course, dentists are not winning any popularity contests telling people to give up sweets. However, like almost every other aspect of our health, I’d recommend balance."

But what does eating candy do to your teeth? According to Armstrong, decay is the process of bacteria living on the teeth, metabolizing these sugars easily and producing a level of acid that can break down the tooth structure. However, for this to occur, the offending bacteria and the food source would have to stay on the tooth surface for a long amount of time — hence, the importance of brushing and flossing as soon as possible.

"We often say the formula for decay is tooth plus bacteria plus food plus time," he explains. 

What dentists give trick-or-treaters  

But there is a best (well, better) type of candy to hand out. According to most of the dentists we spoke with, chocolate is the best bet because it is easiest to wash off your teeth. Dr. LaQuia Vinson, pediatric dentist with Riley Children’s Health in Indianapolis, tells SheKnows that candy that melts away quickly, like chocolate, is a good option — especially M&M's.

And if you’re looking for an even better option, dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate. Not only that, but Los Angeles-based dentist Dr. Jon Marashi tells SheKnows that chocolate is actually better for your teeth than raisins, which can easily get stuck on and in between teeth (not to mention make your house the least popular on the block). 

Though it may not be a top pick for the kids, sugar-free candy is also an option. Dr. Deepak Songra, a dentist in Bermuda, tells SheKnows that he recommends Tom & Jenny’s sugar-free chocolate soft caramels, Russell Stover Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Crunch, sugar-free saltwater taffy and SmartSweets low-sugar gummy bears.

And what do dentists suggest you avoid giving out to trick-or-treaters?

If chocolate is a good option because it washes off easily, then it makes sense that sticky and gummy candies — which get stuck in all your teeth’s nooks and crannies — are not ideal. Along the same lines, Arizona dentist Dr. Justin Philipp tells SheKnows that sour candies should also be avoided because their higher levels of acid can break down tooth enamel, and we should skip hard candy (including lollipops) because it stays in your mouth longer, letting it do more damage. 

More: How Hormones Affect Your Dental Health

Healthy Halloween tips

Candy aside, dentists have other recommendations for having a healthy Halloween — at least when it comes to your teeth. Here are a few:

Bring a bottle of water

Vinson recommends bringing a bottle of water along when you take your kids trick-or-treating. "Drinking water between bites of candy helps wash away sugar buildup," she says.

Feed the kids

It sounds like common sense, but Vinson reminds parents to make sure their kids have eaten a hearty meal before trick-or-treating. That way, they'll still get to enjoy their candy, but they won't completely fill up on it. 

Set a time limit

Kids are understandably very excited to get a bagful of their own candy. But we have to let them know that eating candy should come with a time limit. "Kids need to know that eating sweets isn’t a nonstop activity," Philipp says. "Moderation is key, and when kids know they have a specific ‘treat time’ they’re less likely to think about candy at other times."

Brush & floss after eating candy

This is definitely common sense and was something we heard from all the dentists we spoke with, but of all nights to make sure your kids brush their teeth, Halloween should be at the top of the list. 

Not only that, but Dr. Cody Hughes, a dentist and professor at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, tells SheKnows that parents should really be brushing their kids' teeth until they reach the age of 8 or 9. "And even at that age, parents should supervise their children’s brushing habits," he adds.

So go on and celebrate Halloween with some candy, but don’t forget to drink plenty of water (it helps keep your mouth cleaner between brushings) and floss and brush regularly.

Chipotle Is Launching a Loyalty Program, & the Rewards Are So Good

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Good news, Chipotle fans: The Mexican-American fast-food chain is launching a customer loyalty program (and perks include free food). 

More: Subway Is Ending Their Iconic $5 Footlong Deal

According to a statement issued on the company's website, Chipotle Rewards will launch in 2019 in four markets: Phoenix, Arizona; Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Columbus, Ohio. And while the loyalty program works like many others — once you are a member of Chipotle Rewards, you will receive 10 points for every dollar spent, or 15 points for every dollar spent if (and only if) you order online or with the Chipotle app — the points aren't the best part.

The best part is what you can get with the points, i.e., the aforementioned free food, because once customers have 1,250 points, they will qualify for a free meal of their choice.

(Yes, that means you can get a burrito, taco or a bowl.)

But that's not all. If you sign up to become a rewards member before Nov. 21, you will receive one free order of chips and guacamole with a $5 purchase, and the presentation of your Chipotle Rewards card — so becoming a "loyal" customer is really a no-brainer.

To sign up for Chipotle Rewards, simply go to Chipotle's app or website, fill out some basic information and start collecting points. 

More: Burger King Released 2 New Jalapeño Sandwiches — & They're Very Hot

And don't worry if you don't live in one of Chipotle's select cities. If all goes well, a nationwide rollout will almost certainly follow suit.

Game of Thrones Is Bringing Back a Character for Season 8 That Jon Snow Fans Will Love

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Big news out of Westeros: one of Game of Thrones' most beloved characters will be returning for the show's eighth (and final) seasonBut who is coming back? Well, according to GoT's VFX supervisor Joe Bauer, Ghost — Jon Snow's beloved dire wolf — will be making an appearance.

More: We Can't Handle This Game of Thrones Star's Hints About the Final Season

“Oh, you’ll see him again," Bauer told HuffPost, and not just for a tiny cameo. "He has a fair amount of screen time in season eight... Ghost does show up, and he does some... he's very present and does some pretty cool things.”

Of course, fans of the series have been contemplating Ghost's fate since his last appearance in "Oathbreaker" (episode three of season six). And while he has not been seen on-screen since that time, Game of Thrones' producer Bryan Cogman previously confirmed he was in fact alive, issuing a dire wolf-related tweet during season seven.

"We shot a Jon/Ghost scene. Didn't make it. I tried! Thx for watching everybody. #Stormborn"

So where has Ghost been? We don't really know. The only thing we do know is why the character hasn't been seen in the series — and that reason appears to be budgetary.

“The direwolves are tough," Bauer told HuffPost, "because you don’t want to get them wrong," visually speaking. Bauer explained that it takes a lot of time, money and work to make them appear realistic and not cartoonish. "We end up always shooting real wolves and doing a scaling trick with them. But the real wolves only behave in certain ways," making the animation process difficult.

And, cocreators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have echoed similar sentiments. 

In fact, according to Vanity Fair, Weiss and Benioff previously said they "did some testing" with the direwolves but "at a certain point they look unreal... no matter how much money you spend on C.G. wolves — and we’ve seen the best that’s out there, state of the art, and some of it looks great — it still doesn’t look, move, and feel like a real animal."

That said, fans cannot wait to see Ghost back on-screen.

And who can blame them? Jon and Ghost are the sweetest odd couple.

That said, can we make a request? Please. Don't bring Ghost back just to kill him. We're not sure our already overloaded hearts can take it.

More: Don't Hold Your Breath for Game of Thrones Season 8 to Premiere in April 2019

Game of Thrones will return to HBO in 2019.

The Beginner's Guide to Ghost Hunting

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On my very first ghost hunt, I met six or eight other people (read: strangers, save for one or two) at a park. We all met on Meetup, we all shared a common interest, and we were all there for the same reason: to go on a paranormal investigation.

We had a designated leader, and he led us around the park. We had one spirit box, and we would stop every once in a while to ask questions, hoping we'd hear a voice come through from the "other side."

Not much happened. In fact, it was supremely boring. Since that experience, though, I've picked up on what you should and shouldn't do and have had much more successful hunts — but not before learning a very important lesson first: It's one thing to watch people search for and try to communicate with spirits on TV; it's a completely different experience embarking on your own.

Despite what many may think, ghost hunting isn't as easy as picking a haunted location, spending an hour or so there and leaving. You need the right equipment, the right mindset and the right people. And if possible, you need to have spent some time researching the location beforehand.

This Halloween season, if you're hell-bent on going on a ghost hunt for the first time, read the following tips from expert ghost hunters before you head out, and you'll likely have a much more interesting, exciting investigation — one you'll want to brag about later.

More: The 10 Best Haunted Destinations to Visit This Fall

Bring the right equipment

Here's a solid list of what you'll need from ghost-tour site Ghosts & Gravestones:

  • Pen and paper
  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Light jacket
  • Audio recorder (you can even use a voice app on your phone)
  • First-aid kit

While out on a ghost hunt, record anything and everything that happens, including what you see, hear and feel — both tactilely and how you feel. (We'll get to what certain feelings mean later on.)

Write down all your observations, and record any questions you ask. Keep the recorder going too — you might capture electronic voice phenomena, which are believed to be spirit voices.

"Digital recorders are a really good basic tool," Nick Groff, formerly an investigator on Ghost Adventures and currently the lead investigator for Paranormal Lockdown, tells SheKnows. "Cheap ones are great because they generate white noise, which spirits speak within."

To further explain what electronic voice phenomena are, Groff says they're broken down into three categories: classes A, B and C. "Class A is so unbelievably clear, you can easily make out the words," he says. "At our last location, we were asking questions and then playing back some EVPs, and the spirits said our full names in clear voices, actually responding to our questions. Really bizarre." 

Class B is the most common type of EVP and is usually heard during audio playback. The audio is usually clear enough that the person listening can easily make out what the ghost is saying. Class C is also fairly common but you're unable to understand what the ghost or spirit is saying. It most likely sounds like inaudible whispers or murmurs. 

Take as many photos as possible in case you capture orbs or any other phenomena.

Lastly and most important, bring a first-aid kit. If you're exploring an abandoned or isolated area, you never know what might happen.

Do not go alone

Speaking of safety, it's wise and highly recommended not to go on a hunt alone. Again, if you're heading to a low-traffic area, you have no idea how dangerous it might be or what might happen, so it's always best to have at least one other person with you. If you can't find a friend who's interested, try joining a group like I did on Meetup.

"Be in a local team so you can tag along in an investigation," Kindred Spirits host Amy Bruni said in a video on her TLC page.

More: What's the Deal With Ouija Boards? We Talked to 3 Experts to Find Out

Do your research before you go

So, you've chosen a location. Now what?

Learn as much about the location as possible, including the people and the lives they lived. This allows you to prepare for any challenges you might face on the property as well as who you might potentially communicate with when you get there.

According to the Ghosts & Gravestones site, researching might also help you determine what time of day you should conduct your investigation. "For example, if sightings commonly occur in the evening, you'll know to plan your ghost hunt around that time," they write.

Aaron Goodwin, one of the paranormal investigators on Ghost Adventures, agrees and also told CNN he recommends bringing a trigger object, or an object the spirit might relate to. "Know the history of the place and of the haunting, and bring something the spirit can relate to," Goodwin says. "If it's a kid, for example, bring a toy, or if you're at a bank where there was a big heist, bring money from the era of the heist. Talk about the item you bring. Ask questions. You may even get enough spirit energy to move it."

Berry and Bruni take researching one step further: They recommend reading up on the history of paranormal investigations in general. "Read up on all sorts of different methodologies," they said in their video.

Here are five books we recommend starting with:

Ask permission

Don't just show up to private property. Make sure you've been given permission to be there because the last thing you want is to get caught trespassing.

If you can, get written consent to avoid legal troubles, the Ghosts & Gravestones site advises.

More: This Halloween, You Can Visit the House From Stranger Things

Know the signs when you get there

So, you're standing in a dark room, but how do you know if a spirit is there with you?

"Your head starts to hurt out of nowhere," said Ghost Brothers star Dalen Spratt in a video on the site Destination America. "Then, it'll get really hot or really cold. And you get this nauseating feeling, almost like you get sick for a brief second."

Signs can be physical and affect your energy too — for instance, if you get touched by something that's not there, then there's likely something paranormal happening.

Know what to do if something bad happens

Let's say a spirit becomes angry with you or a malevolent spirit tries to harm you. What should you do?

Berry and Bruni recommend speaking up. "To alleviate the problem, just talk to whoever you think is there," Bruni tells SheKnows. Communicate with whatever may be in the room and ask them to leave. "Remember that they are people just like us, just in a different form. If you want to be friends, you can, but you can also be firm."

Basically, be confident and own the space.

More: The Terrifying Time I Used a Ouija Board & Accidentally Released a Demon

Be cautious

It's believed spirits can follow you home, so with that said, it's always best to take every ghost hunt seriously.

"You're not hunting rocks. You're not hunting seashells. Provocation is very serious. Things can follow you home. I've had to have my house blessed twice," said Ghost Adventures paranormal investigator Zak Bagans in an interview with CNN. "In [one of the] premiere [episodes], I was overtaken by a dark entity. I suddenly wanted to attack Aaron and I started breaking our equipment. I don't remember it, and watching the video was very disturbing. I don't mess around with this stuff."

Stay safe out there!

Kim Kardashian West Realizes She Has 4 Children, Not 3: Kanye Feels 'Neglected'

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It ain't ~Yeezy~ being Kanye West — or his wife.

We have to hand it to Kim Kardashian West: This woman stands by her man, even when we (and Lana Del Rey) can't stand him. She is one amazingly patient human being when it comes to her husband — the rapper, designer and notorious egomaniac who now goes by "Ye."

“I think so many husbands feel neglected when you start having kids and then all of their attention gets taken away,” Kardashian West said on the Sunday episode of her family's reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians

MoreNorth West Makes Modeling Debut, Proud Mama Kim Kardashian West Over the Moon

Kardashian West has three children with West: North, 5, Saint, 2, and Chicago, 8 months. She's prepared to add the Grammy-winning Kanye to her extra-attention-and-TLC list too. (We kinda think the Grammy and the comment thread on his pro-MAGA Instagram post are plenty of attention for a grown man, but hey, what do we know?)

“I remember it was really hard for North when Saint was born, so I kind of put everything into North to make her feel extra-special,” Kardashian West explained. “And now, with Chicago, I’m trying to work even [harder] to make sure North and Saint feel like they have enough time with me and they feel super-loved and that no one is going to take their place.”  

Kardashian West's sister Khloé Kardashian was the one to remind Kardashian West that men are babies. Hey, no, we didn't say that. Don't shoot the messenger. Khloé Kardashian's words (from the same episode) were, “Sometimes men still want to be treated as, like, the first baby. I know Kim is so overwhelmed, and I think sometimes, it’s easy to get distracted. But your husband still wants you to take care of him. I’m sure with three kids, you’re tired at the end of the day, and you don’t make that a priority, but she really has to.”

MoreAre Kim Kardashian West & Kanye West Planning a 4th Child Soon?

Um, does she? Not sure we would take that marriage advice right now, as 1) the poor woman has got her own relationship issues and 2) West sounds like a bit of a control freak to us. West has apparently been throwing some behind-the-scenes tantrums about his wife's Instagram account. That's where she draws the line.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t sit here and organize my Instagram with you,’” she said to sister Kourtney Kardashian. “He’s like, ‘I care. Trust me.’ He’s always right in the end, but I’m just like, it’s my Instagram — you can’t tell me what to post. That’s like, the one thing. No one will tell me what to post. I’m allowed to have an opinion.”

Yes, Kim, you are allowed to have an opinion. And you're allowed to let your husband take care of his own emotional needs, girl. He's a big boy with a big mouth, he'll be just fine. And he'll always have his own Instagram.


Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Was Late to Work Because of a Toddler Manicure

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an amazing actor, producer and wrestler. Johnson has shown us time and time again how awesome he is, both on- and off-screen. And this week, The Rock reminded us that he's also probably the best dad ever — in fact, he was late to work for the cutest reason of all time: He was getting an emergency manicure from his daughter.

More: Dwayne Johnson's Daughter Makes a Hilarious Observation About Her Dad

Johnson posted a photo on his Instagram showing him mid-manicure. (Pink, in case you were wondering.) And while the image itself is cute, the caption is even sweeter because in it, Johnson captured the conversation he and Jasmine had just had.

“Me: Come here baby, give daddy a kiss I gotta go to work.

"Jazzy: But daddy you need your nails painted.

"Me: Sorry baby, daddy’s gotta go to work.

"Jazzy: No daddy you really need your nails painted — as she looks up at me with her mama’s gorgeous blue eyes.

"Me: Yes, you’re absolutely right — daddy needs his nails painted.”

Of course, this isn't the first time Johnson has shared a super-sweet family story on social media. On Instagram, in June, Johnson shared a photo of himself feeding his girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, as she breastfed — praising her for "holding it down and running things."

In July, Johnson shared a hilarious quip his daughter unwittingly made about his "brown boobies."

"Great to recharge the batteries this weekend, back home with all my girls and teaching this lil’ tornado how to swim," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "Took my shirt off and she said, Daddy I like it your brown boobies.. ???? Thank you baby, but daddy has pecs, not boobies. #KickThoseLegs #UseThoseArms#MrBrownBoobs"

And just last month, Johnson posted a sweet tribute to Jasmine: "She can be anything she wants. She can sit at any table. She can trailblaze a path, while humbly and gratefully recognizing those before her who paved the way."

MoreDwayne Johnson Has Dad Advice

We do love Johnson's acting (and, you know, his pink nail polish), but we love his dad game even more.

Alex Rodriguez Is the Most Supportive Partner According to Jennifer Lopez

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Jennifer Lopez has given us another reason to believe she and Alex Rodriguez have a relationship worth celebrating. While chatting with E! News during her last "All I Have" residency show at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood, Jennifer Lopez revealed the former New York Yankees baseball player is super-supportive when it comes to her career.

"It's been something beyond my wildest dreams to have a partner who is so supportive and loving and really, really loves what I do and doesn't try to squash me in any way but tries to always raise me up," she told E! News in the interview published on Monday. "There's just something about having that type of love and support that makes you soar and that's what I think we try to be for each other and I just feel so lucky."

More: Jennifer Lopez's Final Las Vegas Residency Show Was One to Remember

If you follow Rodriguez and Lopez's relationship, then you know he's constantly by her side and uplifting her in amazing ways. For example, on Saturday, Rodriguez shared an Instagram video of the two working out together before Lopez took the stage one last time for "All I Have." 

Next to the video, A-Rod wrote, 

"#AllIHave isn’t just the name of the show, it’s what she has given to her audiences every single night. That’s what makes her great. When she hits the stage, the audience gets her best effort. That was true on her first performance, will be true tonight and it has been that way every show in between. She is working as hard today as she does every day and it’s amazing to watch."

That's the same type of support Rodriguez gave when Lopez received the Video Vanguard award at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards and just one of the many times he made us understand why Lopez loves him so much. 

More: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram of Alex Rodriguez Shows How in Love They Really Are

After the show, he shared a video of J.Lo getting ready for the gig on Instagram and also praised her performance in a lengthy post. 

"Words can’t express how proud I am of this incredible musical icon and pioneer," he wrote. "I was honored to be her presence tonight, and marvel and continue to be inspired by her every day. Congrats to one of the most gifted and hardest-working artists of this and any generation."

More: Alex Rodriguez's Kids Are Jennifer Lopez's Biggest/Littlest Fans

It's refreshing to see a man who finds a woman attractive for being powerful and successful. Rodriguez isn't scared of Lopez's accomplishments. The fact that he also wants to help her achieve success deserves a round of applause. The amount of pride Rodriguez has for Lopez shows how much he seriously loves her and, like J.Lo said, she is really lucky to have Rodriguez by her side.

Eva Longoria Opens Up About Motherhood & Breast Cancer Awareness

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After watching her sister go through early-stage breast cancer, Eva Longoria knew that she wanted to do something to help — not just within her own family, but for everyone diagnosed with the condition. 

“While thankfully, she is in remission today, I know the statistics, and there is a risk that it could come back and become metastatic,” the actor tells SheKnows. 

In short, metastatic breast cancer (also referred to as stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body — including the liver, brain, bones or lungs — according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

And though certainly well-intentioned, Breast Cancer Awareness Month tends to focus on campaigns about prevention and survival. Longoria points out that while that’s great, it also doesn’t necessarily include people living with metastatic breast cancer, which is incurable. 

“In my conversations with women living with this disease, they’ve shared that they too often feel others don’t understand what they’re facing,” she explains. “Many of them say it’s difficult for others to grasp that their disease is incurable, and some even get comments from friends and family that they ‘don’t look sick.’” 

More: After Infertility, I Was Scared of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis — Here's Why

When a loved one receives a diagnosis like metastatic breast cancer, it’s natural to want to help, but it can be difficult to know what to do. Longoria says a good place to start is with your support.

“Any person who has to go through any disease needs the support of their friends and family, and that can come in different ways,” she says. “The best advice I can give to caregivers is to listen and love. No matter what your friend or family member is going through, just be there for them.”

Longoria has also been doing another type of caregiving lately. In June, she gave birth to her first child, a son named Santiago Enrique Bastón. And like many other new parents, she’s adjusting to life taking care of a tiny human.

“I’m experiencing firsthand how challenging it can be to balance being a new mom while also juggling work and all of the other things that life brings,” she explains. “I can’t imagine also facing a life-threatening disease like metastatic breast cancer. For me, it reiterates why it’s so important that we continue to support people living with metastatic breast cancer.” 

What Longoria also wants people to understand about metastatic breast cancer is that it can affect anyone of any gender, race or age, and while there have been a lot of advancements in treatment, there is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer. 

“This community is fighting like hell for more research to extend the lives of people diagnosed with this disease,” she says. “We should all do what we can to support them.”

More: Joan Lunden Wants You to Be Your Own Breast Cancer Advocate

To help find a cure for metastatic breast cancer, Longoria suggests posting a selfie or Boomerang tagged #KissThis4MBC so Novartis will donate $15 toward research on the condition. She says that in 2017, this campaign raised more than $200,000 to support metastatic breast cancer research.

“The reality is that this disease continues to take the lives of too many mothers, sisters, brothers, friends and loved ones,” Longoria notes, “so I want to do what I can to raise visibility and research funding for people living with this disease.”

What We Know About Will & Grace Season 10

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So much change is in the air for one of our favorite shows when it returns on Thursday! With Will & Grace renewed for two more seasons, not just one, the writers have time to stretch out their stories. They’re taking a few things that started last season and giving them room to develop, setting the stage for what could be some lasting love for these characters. While the show was right to let fans just enjoy seeing these funny friends reunited and enjoy old guest stars in the first season, now it’s time for some stakes.

More: Fall TV Premiere Dates You Need to Know About

The show released an extended trailer in September and is teasing fans with marriage, divorce and new relationships, as well as a full slate of new guest stars. As Eric McCormack noted in the trailer, “If there was a theme for last season, it was ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same.’ But now that we’ve done that, now we need to switch it up.”

So, before season 10 premieres, let's take a look at what fans can expect from NBC's most fabulous foursome.

Karen and Stan divorce

This seems to come out of the blue since the season ended with Karen making the decision to stick with Stan rather than turn to Malcolm. But unless Megan Mullally is trolling us, one of TV’s most solid (if bizarre) relationships is headed toward the end. Of course, the question Karen would want to be answered first is the one we’ll ask — will she still be rich?

Karen is going to disappear for a bit

Speaking of Karen's family drama, something sends Karen on a leave of absence at the start of the season. Her disappearance is teased in the trailer but has also clearly been foreshadowed in Instagram posts by McCormack and the show's official account.


Grace is going to enter politics

Say what? This is the last move we’d expect from our most beloved ditzy friend, but if anyone has the spirit to take on the political world, it's definitely Will & Grace's most politically vocal and active character. We can’t wait to see what drives Grace to throw her hat into the ring and tackle some of the most pressing issues in our nation right now. Whatever the issue is, we know her intentions will be pure even when her methods seem ridiculous.

Season 10 is going to have the best guests

Will & Grace has always had a knack for casting the funniest, most oddball actors in perfect guest roles. Last season, fans were treated to Minnie Driver, Alec Baldwin, Harry Connick Jr., Leslie Jordan, Max Greenfield and Blythe Danner, among others. This year, look for several of those guest stars to return alongside David Schwimmer, Adam Rippon, Matt Bomer, Chelsea Handler and Jon Cryer. The cast has enjoyed posting lots of set photos with the guests — to the point that some have already revealed they're going to be on season 10.



Grace is getting a boyfriend, and he's a familiar face

Speaking of guest stars, one of them will be Schwimmer as a new love for Grace named Noah. Variety reported that Schwimmer has signed on for a five-episode run, so expect there to be some nice development. Based on the trailer, it looks like the meet-cute might happen at a campaign event for Grace. “Just playing at the level of this cast, who are at the top of their game, it was kind of like this great, wonderful gift,” Schwimmer commented.

Jack is going to have a big decision to make

Last season, Jack met a cute flight attendant (who is an awful lot like him) while trying to get over his breakup from Drew. The season ended with a double proposal for the new couple, which sets things up for a wedding in season 10. But will Jack make it down the aisle? Is this the love he’s been waiting for? 

More: Debra Messing Celebrates 20 Years of Will & Grace With Throwback Photos

Will is getting a new gig

In season nine, Will realized that his law career wasn’t working for him anymore, which prompted him to quit and join up with Grace as her new partner. For reasons not yet known, he decides to take on a teaching role this season, as seen in a brief clip in the trailer. Perhaps to get into the spirit of his new scholarly role, Will also decides to not only grow a beard but dye it. The insecurity and vanity of aging is definitely an uncredited cast member in the series' revival.

Are you ready for more Will & Grace? Goodness knows we are! Bring on season 10, which is set return to NBC on Thursday.

Applebee's Is Selling $1 Zombie Drinks, & They Look Delicious

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October may just be beginning, but it is never too early to start thinking about Halloween. I mean, it is the spookiest and — arguably — most enjoyable season of the year. And whether you love the holiday or hate it, odds are you will like the latest news out of Applebee's. The restaurant chain will be offering dollar zombie cocktails (yes, one dollar zombie's) in honor of Halloween.

More: The Best Limited-Edition Halloween Candies of 2018

The 10-ounce drink — made with rum, pineapple, passion fruit, cherry and lime and garnished with a gummy brain — is the latest Neighborhood drink of the month from Applebee's, a lineup which has previously included a $1 margarita, aka the Dollarita, a $1 Bahama mama and a $2 vodka lemonade.

applebees dollar zombie drink

According to Patrick Kirk, vice president of beverage innovation at Applebee's, the drink was added to the menu to celebrate the spooky holiday. "Halloween is a favorite holiday around here, and we're excited to offer guests the opportunity to celebrate all month long with our new DOLLAR ZOMBIE," Kirk said in a press release

"We invite people to get into the spirit early by trying our Neighborhood Drink with an infectious taste. The only thing to fear this Halloween is missing out on this awesome drink," he concluded. 

The dollar zombie is also the chain's first crowdsourced drink of the month. Applebee's asked guests for their input on everything, from the flavor to the color of the zombie. 

(Cool, huh?)

More: All the Seasonal Fall Foods Available Right Now

That said, if you want to get your hands on this creepy cocktail, be sure to head to Applebee's soon. The dollar zombie will only be available for the month of October.

The Easy & Inexpensive Thing You Can Do Starting Today to Prevent UTIs

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At this point, we all know water is good for us, and we should be drinking plenty of it. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also helps your skin, digestive system and brain function too. Now, thanks to a new study, we know that it also helps keep urinary tract infections at bay as well. 

The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that women who drank an additional 1.5 liters of water a day — on top of their regular intake — for one year were 50 percent less likely to get another urinary tract infection than those who drank less than that amount.

More: Wondering If You Have a UTI? Here Are the Symptoms

The authors also note that at least half of women are at risk for getting a UTI at some point in their lifetime, and treating UTIs accounts for 15 percent of all antibiotic use. The idea here is that by taking preventative measures like drinking water, it will decrease the number of people who have to take antibiotics — which is good news considering increasing levels of antibiotic resistance. 

So why does water help? According to the researchers, drinking more water means you're peeing more, which flushes out more bacteria from the bladder. While drinking plenty of water has long been used as a way to prevent and treat UTIs, this was the first randomized clinical trial to test this. 

More: The Incredibly Simple Thing You Can Do to Help Prevent UTIs

Another thing you should know about this study is that it was funded by Danone, a large conglomerate that owns bottled water brands like Evian and Volvic. However, the study's accompanying editorial written by Dr. Deborah Grady of the University of California, San Francisco, who is also deputy editor for JAMA, noted that any water — including your local tap water — will have the same effect as long as it's safe. So drink up!

Steven Spielberg Is Remaking West Side Story, & Fans Have Strong Opinions About It

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Something’s coming… something good! West Side Story, to be exact. Late on Monday night, we learned via The Hollywood Reporter that acclaimed director Steven Spielberg is bringing the beloved musical back to the big screen with an upcoming adaptation. 

So far, Spielberg’s adaptation boasts some pretty impressive pedigree. Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner wrote the latest adaptation, which was originally written by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim. Also, Tony Award-winning choreographer Justin Peck, who serves as the New York City Ballet's resident choreographer, will be lending his considerable skills. 

More: October Movies We're Most Excited For

In the same THR report from Monday evening, we also learned the first official casting news attached to Spielberg’s West Side Story adaptation: Baby Driver star Ansel Elgort is set to play the male lead. Elgort has reportedly been tapped to play Tony (originally played by Larry Kert in the iconic 1957 Broadway musical and by Richard Beymer in the 1961 film), meaning he’s about to sing and dance his way right into fans’ hearts.

Luckily, we already know Elgort has the musical chops required to pull this role off. Prior to his breakout performance in 2014’s The Fault in Our Stars, the entertainer was well-known on the electronic dance music scene as “Ansolo.” In January, he released the single “Supernova" and has previous hits like "Thief" that have helped established him as a recording artist.  

Of course, anytime such a beloved piece of pop culture history gets rebooted, the internet has opinions, and not even Spielberg gets a pass. At this point, the public response to the new West Side Story seems to be mixed. There are those who feel as though an adaptation is unnecessary. 

Then there are those who are here for Elgort’s casting.

Along with those who think casting Elgort as Tony is a travesty. 

And then there seems to be a solid contingency of people who are most concerned with who else might be cast in the new version. 

Per THR, Spielberg has spent the better part of a year searching for Spanish-speaking actors to fill out the Puerto Rican roles from the original musical/book. The director reportedly feels strongly about casting the movie in an “ethnically authentic manner.” Given his attention to the casting details, we're still unsure who is being considered for the coveted roles of Maria (portrayed in the 1961 film by Natalie Wood), Anita (portrayed by EGOT-winner Rita Moreno), Chino, Riff, Bernardo and beyond.

More: Steven Spielberg Opens Up About His Fight With Dyslexia

 Spielberg’s West Side Story is reportedly set to start filming in 2019.


Between Cobra Heart & Rodent, Here's What Chef Aarón Sanchez Would Rather Eat

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You probably recognize award-winning chef Aarón Sanchez from his costarring roles on Chopped and Chopped Jr., his showstopping tie with Masaharu Morimoto on Iron Chef America or his latest role alongside Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Christina Tosi on MasterChef. And while the chef can clearly cook a whole host of mouthwatering cuisines, it's his flair for traditional Mexican fare that put him on the map. We spoke with him about what he keeps his fridge stocked with, why whale blubber isn't high on his list of cuisines and how he felt about eating capybara, the world's largest rodent.

SheKnows: Tell us a little bit about what’s in your fridge.

Aarón Sanchez: I visit the farmers market fairly often and tend to pick up items to pickle. I get a lot of chilies in abundance, so I’ll take one day to just put those pickled goods in jars. You’ll often see everything from pickled ramps to pickled chilies in my fridge — and also pickled jicama and cauliflower. 

I definitely have tortillas, both corn and flour. I have great Cacique cheeses, including queso fresco and cotija, delicious creams like crema Mexicana, eggs, milk, avocado and cilantro. I wrap all of my fresh herbs in paper towels and store them in plastic bags so they don’t go bad. 

One thing I make sure to never put in the fridge is tomatoes because they will get mealy and mushy. They should always be left out.

SK: What about your freezer?

AS: I always have chorizo in my freezer. And you can often find sorbets in my freezer. Another thing I keep is frozen bones to make stocks — for instance, I have beef bones to make beef broths. I also have frozen shot glasses made out of cool marble, which help make the liquid stay cold for longer. And I have sauces, chili purée and mole. Mole is really great to freeze.

SK: Are there any items you always make sure to keep in stock?

AS: High-quality cheese. Growing up, my family used authentic, high-quality ingredients in the kitchen, such as Cacique's all-natural queso fresco. Its fresh, milky flavor and crumbly texture add delicious creaminess to just about any dish.

More: Chef Carlito Jocson Shares the Sauces He Keeps on Hand — & Ketchup Isn't One of Them

SK: What’s your go-to healthy snack?

AS: I love to have cucumber, jicama and mango with a little bit of chili powder, salt and lime.

SK: Can you give us an example of one of your favorite weeknight meals?

AS: I’m a big sucker for roasted chicken with a nice chili rub on the outside stuffed with preserved lemon, garlic and fresh herbs over salad.

SK: What would you consider the ultimate comfort food?

AS: Enchiladas with really good braised chicken or beef inside and in a nice red sauce. And of course, with some Cacique crema Mexicana and queso fresco on top.

More: Lo Bosworth Loves This Soup With One Surprising Ingredient: Bird Saliva

SK: Any foods you absolutely can’t stand?

AS: There are some elements of Alaskan food that are a little rough. They eat some wild stuff — they dip food in sea oil and they eat whale blubber. I also don’t like stinky tofu or too much fish sauce on things.

SK: What’s the strangest food you have ever eaten?

AS: Cobra heart! And I’ve eaten something called a chigüire, which is also known as a capybara, the largest rodent in the world. In Columbia, they spit-roast these on the side of the road.

SK: Would you eat it again?

AS: I actually liked the rodent, but I didn’t really dig the cobra heart...

SK: What’s it like behind the scenes of MasterChef?

Well, it’s absolutely a beautiful mix of having fun, but business too. What makes MasterChef so different behind the scenes is that Gordon [Ramsay] is executive producer as well as talent. He curates every food challenge. When we are not working on camera, we are in the kitchen checking in with his team and all of the culinary people, making sure everything is tasting right and going right. We want to make sure the challenges are set up in a way that the contestants are set up for success.

Behind the scenes, there’s also a lot of downtime. A lot of time is spent in my dressing room catching up on work or reading up on the contestants.

In the morning, it’s fun because we all get makeup, and Gordon gets makeup right outside of my dressing room. I always hear him talking, usually amped up on some green juice, while I’m, like, half asleep. He always shouts, “Bebe! Hey! Salsa Inglese.” Salsa Inglese is a name for "Worcestershire sauce" in Spanish, and after I told him that, it became my nickname. We have a good time!

We have meetings in the morning in his dressing room with all the producers and crew to get dialed in. It’s very structured and professional.

More: Iron Chef Marc Forgione Can't Stand This Popular Southern Vegetable

SK: Is Gordon Ramsay really as tough as he comes across on TV?

AS: Gordon is wonderful. He’s someone I admire so much and look up to. He seems tough, but he has very high standards, and we should all have that. So when he does come across as tough, I think it’s a good indication that people applaud mediocrity too much here. He’s from Europe, where if you’re not first, you’re last — that’s just the difference. He got his butt kicked training as a chef, and therefore, he expects everyone to put in the same time that he did. He likes to remind everyone that this is a world premier cooking show, so he must be tough at times.

SK: What’s your favorite part of working on MasterChef?

AS: One of the best parts is working with Joe [Bastianich] and Gordon and being inspired by them. But the mentoring part of the show is the most rewarding thing. You are helping the contestants forge ideas, and for many of the contestants, this competition is the one thing they needed to go and pursue the food world as their profession. It’s a beautiful catalyst for people chasing their food dreams.

SK: As a seasoned Chopped judge and frequent competitor yourself, what is the most challenging basket ingredient you have ever seen?

AS: It has to be a combination of pork bung — google it — or duck testicles.

SK: Which other chef would you be the most nervous to compete against?

Gordon.

SK: Getting kids into the kitchen is something you are passionate about. What are some of your best tips for parents who want to start getting their young kids involved with cooking at home?

AS: The best thing to do is expose them as much as you can to the restaurant setting and have them join you when you eat at restaurants. Take visits to the kitchen to see what it’s all about. Take them to the farmers market and have them taste ingredients in their original states before they become composed dishes. Another idea is to peruse the supermarket with your kids and have them tell you what they like. Ask them to try something new by telling them it tastes like something they are already familiar with and enjoy eating.

SK: It’s finally fall, and that means one thing — Hatch chili season. What’s your favorite way to use Hatch chilies? Any recipes featuring them that you would like to share?

AS: Simple Hatch chili mac and cheese is one of my favorites. It has to be roasted though! Dice it up, sauté it with some onion, garlic and tomato, then mix it into a mac and cheese and enjoy. Another dish I love to do is a Hatch chili dip — like adding roasted Hatch chili to a queso fundido for an extra pop of flavor.

Surprise: Too Much Screen Time Can Inhibit Your Kids' Brain Development

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Well, we all guessed it, but now there's research to back it up. Too much screen time for kids is no bueno

A Canadian study — published last week in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal — dug deep into data from a larger study conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The study focused on 4,500 kids between the ages of 8 and 11.

More: We Asked Tech-Savvy Kids to Go Without Phones for a Week

The results? Kids who get nine to 11 hours of sleep a night, at least an hour of exercise and — here's the kicker — less than two hours playing Fortnite (or anything else on screens) showed marked benefits in brain function. 

"Evidence suggests that good sleep and physical activity are associated with improved academic performance, while physical activity is also linked to better reaction time, attention, memory and inhibition," said Jeremy Walsh, who works with the CHEO Research Institute in Ottawa, Canada, and is the study's lead author and investigator.

More: 5 Ways to Keep Your Kids' Screen Time From Ruining the Holidays

If you're shaking your head and wondering how to achieve this glorious trifecta of sleep, less screen time and more physical exercise for your child, there's room to breathe. The study's researchers found that even improving one aspect of your kid's life (for example, just limiting screen time or making sure they get more sleep) was linked to improved cognition. Whew. One step at a time.

The bummer: This study determined that only (*gulp*) 1 in 20 U.S. kids met all three guidelines of lots of sleep, less than two hours of precious screen time and daily physical exercise. And nearly 1 in 3 U.S. kids met none of these guidelines at all. Damn it, Canada. Way to call us out.

Forbes also cited a Korean study in which researchers found evidence of altered brain chemistry in young men who were identified as addicted to their screens. Sci-fi is real, people.

Walsh did add that more research is required to differentiate the impact of educational vs. entertainment screen time on kids. But, yeah, we're pretty sure five hours straight of Fortnite is bad across the board. Maybe there's still time to homeschool out of a tablet-free yurt in South Dakota.

Anne Hathaway Wrote a Special Birthday Message for Longtime Friend Julie Andrews

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It has been 17 years since Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews first shared the screen in The Princess Diaries and later The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. But no matter how much time has passed since the two have worked together, it seems the friendship they forged while filming has not been forgotten. In fact, on Monday, Hathaway took a few minutes out of her day to share a special birthday message for Andrews on her Instagram account.

More: Anne Hathaway Might Be Cast as Barbie Next

"The importance of grace; The knowledge that power is nothing without respect; Why one must have patience, positivity, perspective, manners, kindness, and humility Always, To everyone, (No exceptions); The joy in treating people as a gift rather than a burden; How far choosing gratitude can get you. If I know anything about any of this, It’s because I was lucky enough to have learned from the very best at the very beginning," Hathaway wrote. 

"Happy Birthday Julie, Queen Eternal. All my love, Annie."

The beautiful caption was accompanied by a photo of Hathaway and Andrews from The Princess Diaries.

For those who haven't seen the film, Hathaway played Princess Mia Thermopolis, the granddaughter of Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Andrews) in the 2001 flick and its 2004 sequel. And though it's been 14 years since the last installment, fans are still hoping for The Princess Diaries 3.

Of course, a final Princess Diaries film is not out of the question. When director Garry Marshall died in 2016, friend and fellow Princess Diaries actor Hector Elizondo told Entertainment Tonight Marshall wanted the franchise to be a trilogy: "[Anne] was talking to Garry about doing a Princess Diaries 3. He was looking forward to being involved in that one way or another."

And last year, Andrews echoed a similar sentiment: "[T]here's always been talk" about a third movie, Andrews told Today. "It's a yes if they ask me," Andrews said. However, she also noted that she'd have to speak to Hathaway to see if she would be willing reprise her role.

(*Fingers crossed!*)

More: Anne Hathaway Reveals Surprising Feminist Stance

That said, for now, we will have to settle for sweet moments like this one — which to be honest aren't bad at all.

Netflix Will Test a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Option With Black Mirror

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If you were obsessed with Choose Your Own Adventure books and video games growing up, you’re in luck. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Netflix will soon let you decide how your favorite show ends. 

This slate of specials is coming sooner than you might expect. By the end of 2018, the streaming giant will reportedly release programming that allows viewers to choose the next storyline in a TV episode or movie. 

More: All the Netflix Originals Coming Out Through the End of the Year

Even better? The choose-your-adventure fun will kick off with the upcoming season of Black Mirror, the Emmy-winning (and mind-trippy) sci-fi anthology series. The fifth season of the show, which should drop in December, will reportedly include a choose-your-own-adventure-style episode. 

Per Bloomberg, Netflix is looking to launch the next big thing and feels as though interactive TV will draw in more subscribers. 

So far, the streaming service has begun testing the waters with choose-your-own-adventure animated programs for children. One such example is Puss in Book, in which the viewer is asked in the first few moments to choose a scenario: Should the famous feline fight a god or a tree? 

More: These Netflix Hacks Will Take Your Bingeing to a Whole New Level

Netflix will allegedly also soon release a choose-your-own-adventure animated series based on the wildly popular video game Minecraft. It is rumored to be released later this year. 

This exciting new (well, new to Netflix and modern programming) format isn’t without questions, naturally. 

Due to the fact that the viewer will need to have various scenarios to choose from, production of these shows and movies will have to account for the extra man-hours of the writers, producers and stars involved. 

More: 44 Incredible Shows on Netflix You Should Be Watching

Netflix rival HBO began exploring all these questions in November 2017 with an interactive app for the Steven Soderbergh-directed TV show Mosaic. While the show received lukewarm praise, the rollout for the show, with its interactive functions, inspired curiosity about what the next steps for this kind of programming would look like.

Released prior to the show, the free app allowed viewers to explore various possible storylines for the murder mystery. They were then able to compare their vision with Soderbergh’s when the actual limited series premiered in January 2018. 

It remains to be seen at this point how complex Netflix’s adult offerings will be, but today’s technology undoubtedly provides plenty of exciting opportunity for these interactive narratives.

Red Lobster Is the Latest Restaurant to Ban Plastic Straws

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Worried about how you can enjoy suspiciously affordable lobster and shrimp at Red Lobster without compromising your environmental ethics? Well, Red Lobster is trying to tip the scales in its favor by eliminating plastic straws from its restaurants (they'll still be available upon request) and replacing them with an eco-friendly alternative straw by 2020.

The chain usually powers through 150 million plastic straws every year, but now, they're the "first large casual dining restaurant company to make a commitment to eliminate plastic straws from our restaurants," Kim Lopdrup, CEO of Red Lobster, said in a press release.

More: Starbucks Is Banning Plastic Straws & Adding 2 New Cold Drinks to Its Menu

Unlike some chains that are skipping straws altogether (like Starbucks), Red Lobster is working with disability advocates to make sure their eco-friendly alternative choice works for people with a variety of needs and abilities. Like Starbucks, the chain will still give out plastic straws on request for those who need them, but it's good to see that they want to make sure the straw they offer by default works for everyone.

Red Lobster plans to complete the switch to eco-friendly straws in all 700-plus restaurants by 2020 and will begin the changes starting this November.

More: Disney Is Removing Plastic Straws From Their Theme Parks

It follows an arguably more impactful move in early 2018 toward sourcing its seafood sustainably and making sure it is all traceable, a transition they're making with the help of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program.

And though change can be scary, at least there's this: You can always soothe yourself with a big basket of Cheddar Bay biscuits.

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