Month: January 2023

Sherlock has been off the air for five years now, but co-creator Steven Moffat hasn’t given up hope of coming back for another season. While promoting his debut West End play, The Unfriend, Moffat fielded questions about a Season 5 for Sherlock and he wasn’t a shy about trying to rope stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman into returning to their modern-day roles of Holmes and Watson despite their very busy schedules.

The two recently starred in mammoth Marvel blockbusters with Cumberbatch dominating the box office with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Freeman coming in just behind that film’s haul with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Via Deadline:

Reiterating previous sentiments over a new season of smash BBC/Netflix adaptation Sherlock, Moffat said he would “start writing tomorrow” if stars Cumberbatch and Freeman would return. Sherlock last aired five years ago, a fourth season that ended with Holmes confronting his evil sister and villain Jim Moriarty in an epic episode titled The Final Problem.

“They’re on to bigger and better things but, Martin and Benedict, ‘please come back?’,” joked Moffat.

While the two actors’ schedules are definitely an issue, they did have a seemingly contentious disagreement over Sherlock‘s rabid fanbase a few years back.

“People’s expectations, some of it’s not fun anymore,” Freeman told The Telegraph in March 2018. “It’s not a thing to be enjoyed, it’s a thing of: ‘You better f*cking do this, otherwise, you’re a c*nt.’ That’s not fun anymore.”

A few weeks later, Cumberbatch publicly disagreed with those remarks.

“It’s pretty pathetic if that’s all it takes to let you not want to take grip of your reality,” the Sherlock star said. “What, because of expectations? I don’t know. I don’t necessarily agree with that.”

Maybe the two aren’t exactly jumping at the chance to work together again.

(Via Deadline)

Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton, two of the most beloved and enduring musicians of their era, made the brilliant decision to record a gospel duet together, and fans just might get to hear it soon.

The song, “Peace Like A River,” came to fruition after Parton wrote the it and approached Warwick about wanting to work with her.

“She sent me a song that she wanted me to record, and I said, ‘OK, that sounds like a deal,’” Warwick said during an appearance on The Tamron Hall Show today (January 3). “She’s such a sweetheart, I know her. And then she sent me another song, the one that we’re going to be doing as a duet.”

“My heart is like, ‘This is how the year is supposed to be kicked off,’” Hall said, introducing the sweet news.

“I am very excited about this, I really am. I’ve done so many duets over the years, but this one’s gonna be very special,” Warwick added.

The collaboration feels very meant-to-be. Warwick’s late cousin, Whitney Houston, covered Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” — making it a massive hit again in 1992. Even though Warwick and Parton have been friends and are regarded as the internet’s most-loved grandmas, the duo hadn’t collaborated before… until this month.

Watch Warwick discuss her upcoming collaboration with Parton above.

There’s a deluge of bourbon whiskey on the shelves these days. It’s intimidating seeing endless rows of whiskey bottles at every price point, even when you’re in the game. To help you dig through all that’s out there, I’m going to spend some time listing the best bourbon whiskeys by price point at $10 increments to help you cope. Let’s start with the best bourbon whiskeys under $20.

Why start at under $20? Let’s face it, that’s the price where drinkable bourbon starts. Yes, there are bourbons that cost less than $10 a bottle. But those whiskeys are for cleaning your bathroom floor or mixing into a punch that’ll completely mask any semblance of “whiskey” that might be in that eight or nine-dollar bottle.

That said, bourbon whiskeys in the $10 to $20 range have some merit and mettle. Hell, some of them even have a little moxie. Long story short, you can find legitimately good bourbon whiskey at this price point. But let’s not fool ourselves here. We’re still talking about bourbons that are best served as cocktail bases, highball mixers, and shots. Still, there are a few in this ranking that I’d sip over some rocks any ol’ day of the week.

A quick note on price. These bourbons are priced at Total Wine in Kentucky. Your local prices will vary depending on a long list of variables (local taxes, availability, retailers’ bottom lines, etc.). Okay, let’s jump in and find you a great bourbon whiskey for under $20!

• The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Of 2022, Ranked
• We Put A Whole Bunch Of Bourbons To A Giant Blind Test And Discovered Some Absolute Gems
• The Affordable Vs Expensive Blind Bourbon Bottle Battle
• The Best-Known Basic Bottles Of Bourbon, Blind Tasted And Ranked
• The 30 Best Bourbon Whiskeys For Fall, Blind Tasted & Ranked

12. Old Charter 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $13

The Whiskey:

This revival whiskey from Buffalo Trace is the entry point into the brand’s wider “special barrel finish” lineup. The juice is made with Buffalo Trace’s famed Mash Bill #1, which also is the base for E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Stagg, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Benchmark. This version spends eight years resting in new American oak before it’s batched, proofed all the way down to 80-proof, and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a sense of dry black pepper and honey syrup on the nose with that Buffalo Trace wet leather vibe next to hints of rickhouse mold and dry straw cut with a hint of orchard fruits.

Palate: Cinnamon bark and nutmeg soaked in honey drive the palate toward a buttery toffee sweetness that’s eventually cut with a grassy dryness that’s not quite woody.

Finish: The end arrives with more cinnamon and overall winter spice next to toffee with a whisper of nuttiness and a semi-watery end.

Bottom Line:

This starts off super strong but fades pretty quickly at the end thanks to all that proofing water. That said, that makes this a really good candidate for mixing up cocktails or highballs, especially at this price point.

11. Old Grand-Dad

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $16

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is made from Beam’s other mash bill, which is high rye and also the base of Basil Hayden’s. From there, the whiskey rests for a few years in Beam’s expansive rickhouses before it’s vatted, proofed down with that soft Kentucky limestone water, and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This is very even-keeled between the nose and palate. You’re drawn in with notes of cream soda and maybe even Vanilla Coke next to a touch of Beam cherry and oak.

Palate: That cherry leans into spicy cherry tobacco territory with a light chewiness next to notes of cinnamon, clove, and maybe a touch of black pepper.

Finish: The end is short, hot, and leaves you with a cherry-vanilla-pepper sensation.

Bottom Line:

This is a good starter bourbon for anyone looking to refine their old fashioned mixing skills. It has a solid profile that leans towards that vibe thanks to the cherry and it won’t break the bank while you practice. This is also a good shot and beer bourbon for a rainy day.

10. Very Old Barton 100

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $13

The Whiskey:

This was an old-school “bottled in bond” from the Barton Distillery in Bardstown, but they dropped the “b-i-b” designation. The whiskey in the bottle used to be at least six years old but today it’s at least four. All of that sounds like deterrents from this bottle but it’s still 100 proof and there are still barrels up to six years old in the mix, meaning this still works well at this price point.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This has a really nice nose full of buttery caramel, dark berries in a pie, soft oak, and a hint of peppermint.

Palate: The palate dials those berries into a slice of blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dusting of cinnamon and leather.

Finish: The end is short and sweet but brings back the mintiness but more like menthol tobacco with a dry edge.

Bottom Line:

This is a solid shooter and mixer. I tend to lean more toward a highball with good fizzy water, a twist of orange, and a dash of Angostura bitters with this one. But it totally works in any cocktail application too.

9. Ezra Brooks Bourbon Whiskey

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $12

The Whiskey:

Luxco’s Ezra Brooks is a throwback to the Mad Men days of bourbon. The whiskey is a standard rye-heavy bourbon without an age statement. It’s made as a workhorse whiskey that’s easy to find and cheap when you do find it.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this one is pretty distinct with caramel corn balls, vanilla beans, and wintry spice mingling with wet oak and a touch of sweetgrass.

Palate: The palate builds on that with a layer of dark chocolate that’s touched by cinnamon and mint before a drop of minerality sneaks in.

Finish: The end circles back around to that caramel popcorn with a hint of butter, cinnamon, and stewed apple rounding things out.

Bottom Line:

This is a classic rail bourbon. It works in any application from a large pour over too many rocks to shots to whiskey and Cokes to a simple dive bar old fashioned.

8. J.T.S. Brown Kentucky Bourbon

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $13

The Whiskey:

This is a quality whiskey from Heaven Hill’s expansive bourbon mash bill (78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye). That means this is the same base juice as Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, several Parker’s Heritages, and Henry McKenna. It’s a bottled-in-bond, meaning it’s from similar stocks to their iconic Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and a few other whiskeys on this list.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Cream soda with a dash of cherry opens the nose next to dry leather patches, caramel sauce, and a light touch of floral honey.

Palate: The palate brings forward dry and woody spices with a hint of eggnog creaminess leading toward Graham Crackers and a sweet tobacco chew.

Finish: The end turns the woody spice into old oak with more vanilla, honey, and leather lingering the longest.

Bottom Line:

Heaven Hill has cheap good whiskey on lock and this bottle is proof positive of that fact. While I don’t mind this over some rocks (or served cold), it really is more of a highball or cocktail bourbon.

7. J.W. Dant Bottled In Bond

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $13

The Whiskey:

This is the same mash bill from Heaven Hill as the bottle above. The difference is that the barrels chosen for this brand follow a different flavor profile than the ones for the bottles above and below this entry.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The nose on this one is pure banana bread brimming with buttery cake, walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of honey.

Palate: The palate leans into the wood with a No. 2 pencil vibe that leads towards dry vanilla husks and a touch of salted caramel-covered peanuts.

Finish: The back end of the sip stays sweet and nutty as wintry spices cut with orange oils drive a slowish finish.

Bottom Line:

This is a really good whiskey to make old fashioneds with while you learn. It does hit a little harder on the rocks but you might be looking for that.

6. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $16

The Whiskey:

Look, Heaven Hill makes great whiskey, especially inexpensive bottled in bonds. This b-i-b is tailored for the Evan Williams flavor profile. Still, this is Heaven Hill, so we’re talking about the same mash bill, same warehouses, and same parent company as several entries on this list. This is simply built to match a higher-end Evan Williams vibe.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: There’s a lovely nose at play with soft taco mix spice next to creamy vanilla, caramel-dipped cherries, a hint of pear skins, and plenty of nutmeg.

Palate: The palate has a minor note of cornbread muffins next to cherry-vanilla tobacco with a dash of leather and toffee.

Finish: The end leans into some fresh gingerbread with a vanilla frosting next to hints of pear candy cut with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Bottom Line:

This is where we get into the bourbons that work just as well on the rocks as they do in any other application. This is truly a great workhorse bourbon.

5. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon

ABV: 41.1%

Average Price: $19

The Whiskey:

This unique offering from Brown-Forman celebrates the coopers who make all their barrels, including those for Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel’s. The hot juice isn’t just aged in those Brown-Forman barrels, it’s also filtered through beech and birch charcoal, adding a Tennessee whiskey-like edge to the Kentucky bourbon expression.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Toasted and charred oak both come through on the nose with a clear sense of tart apples stewed in butter and Christmas spices with a hint of lemon zest.

Palate: That lemon turns into a creamy pudding as the spice from the stewed apples amps up and marries with the cedar notes from the wood with nutty notes pop with a bit of orange zest and mint.

Finish: The end is deliberate and hits on the toasty oak, spice, apples, and sweetness as it fades.

Bottom Line:

This whiskey has a nice nuance to it that helps it stand out from the crowd. I’d lean more toward using it in a Manhattan or whiskey sour, but it’s perfectly suitable as an everyday sipper on the rocks too.

4. Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $19

The Whiskey:

The bourbon in this bottle is a standard “small batch” though there’s not a whole lot of information on what that entails, exactly. What we do know is that the base juice comes from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #1, which is the same base as Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, Stagg, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft leather and old vanilla pods mix with old lawn furniture sitting in green grass with a hint of floral honey and apple pie on the nose.

Palate: The palate has a rich toffee vibe next to sweet cinnamon and plenty of eggnog creamy/spicy vibes that leads to a nutmeg-heavy mocha latte.

Finish: There’s a sense of dried corn husks on the finish with a mix of rum-raisin, vanilla pound cake, and cherry bark-infused tobacco layered into an old cedar box.

Bottom Line:

This is a great (on the rocks) sipper at this price point. It also makes a mean cocktail. Hell, it works great as a shooter with a beer too. It’s good stuff, is what I’m getting at.

3. Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $18

The Whiskey:

This expression replaced the old Jim Beam Black Label 8 Year, which was a fan favorite amongst the old-school Beam heads. The whiskey in this bottle is aged longer than your average four-year-old Beam, but there is no age statement on exactly how long. I’ve heard things, but only rumors. The best way to think of it is that it’s aged for as long as it needs to be before batching, proofing, and bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A clear sense of expensive vanilla beans next to apple cotton candy, honey-buttered cornbread, soft oak staves, and Dr. Brown’s Cherry work through the nose.

Palate: The taste has a hint of sourdough apple-cinnamon old-fashioned doughnuts next to vanilla pound cake with a hint of poppy seed and orange zest, a whisper of clove and anise, and a smidge of pecan pie.

Finish: The end has a dried vanilla tobacco vibe by way of spiced apple cider and old cinnamon sticks next to a hint of raisins and bruised peach skins.

Bottom Line:

This is a great go-to everyday sipper for a glass of rocks. Add a dash of bitters to the glass to take it to the next level. Otherwise, make a Manhattan or old fashioned with it. Either way, you will not be disappointed.

2. Wild Turkey 101

ABV: 50.5%

Average Price: $19

The Whiskey:

A lot of Wild Turkey’s character comes from the hard and deep char they use on their oak barrels. 101 starts with a high-rye mash bill that leans into the wood and aging, having spent six years in the cask. A little of that soft Kentucky limestone water is added to cool it down a bit before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet and buttery toffee is countered by burnt orange, old oak, and a hint of cumin and red chili pepper flakes.

Palate: The palate leans into soft vanilla pudding cups with a touch of butterscotch swirled in next to orange oils, nougat, and a hint of menthol tobacco.

Finish: The midpalate tobacco warmth gives way to a finish that’s full of woody winter spices and a whisper of Cherry Coke next to orange/clove by way of a dark chocolate bar flaked with salt.

Bottom Line:

This is the ultimate workhorse whiskey on the list. It works in every way you want or need it to. It’ll never let you down, even as a cheap and easy sipper.

1. Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

ABV: 45%

Average Price: $16

The Whiskey:

This is Evan William’s small-batch bourbon reissue. The expression is a marriage of 200 barrels of Heaven Hill’s classic bourbon (78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye). That whiskey is batched and then proofed down to 90 proof (instead of the old 86 proof) and bottled.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: This has a very distinct nose that ventures from vanilla-soaked leather to a very clear sense of allspice berries and ground clove with a hint of cornbread batter and soft oak.

Palate: There’s a light sense of caramel apples on the palate leading toward Johnnycakes covered in butter and honey with a light nutmeg lurking in the background.

Finish: The finish arrives with a hint of dry reeds that ends up on a vanilla cream with brown spices.

Bottom Line:

This is the whiskey — at this price point — that truly punches way above its class. It’s just really freaking good and serves as a great sipper over some rocks or a sturdy cocktail base.

There exists a specific kind of comedy that I tend to enjoy above all others: the kind that involves not just performers, but incorporates real-life oddballs into the work. Comedy is just weirder with real people, because their existence doesn’t rest on believability, and thus better. Because this is a medium that relies above all upon surprise.

This is the kind of comedy Nathan Fielder has been perfecting for years, a kind of scripted and pastiched crowd work on his shows Nathan For You and later The Rehearsal. An arguably lesser-known purveyor of the art form is Jason Woliner, who directed three episodes of Nathan For You, as well as Borat Subsequent Movie Film, among many other offbeat projects near and dear to my heart (anyone else remember Eagleheart?).

Woliner is back this year with another even-harder-to-define project and new personal obsession of mine, Paul T. Goldman, whose first episode premiered on Peacock on January 1st. As Woliner explains in the show’s preamble, “In 2012, a man named Paul T. Goldman tweeted at me.”

This man, Paul T. Goldman (pictured), had written a screenplay and a self-published book about how he’d gotten caught up in a sort of catfishing scheme. He’d meticulously documented his ex-wife’s “shocking betrayal” that he says had precipitated his personal transformation “from wimp to warrior.”

Woliner was intrigued; by Goldman’s persistence, his self-belief, and his uncanny blend of affable and off-putting. Woliner spent the next decade shooting the man’s screenplay, casting Paul as Paul, all while chronicling the shooting behind the scenes, and attempting to fact-check the entire story. The resulting show is this blend of all three — the show written and starring Paul, with Paul breaking the fourth wall, and Woliner trying to track down all the real characters described in the book to hear their takes on what happened.

Anchoring the whole thing is Paul himself (who, spoiler alert, may not actually even be named Goldman), a uniquely American brand of starry-eyed dreamer. Who, much like protagonists of American Movie and many of Nathan Fielder’s Craigslist heroes, has a lifestyle he imagines for himself that nothing will deter him from obtaining. Whether Paul is repellent or magnetic, hero or villain, delusional or aspirational, is something you may spend an entire season trying to work out. I still don’t know the answer (I also haven’t finished the show), but I do know he’s hilarious.

At the risk of explaining the joke, I got the chance to pick Jason Woliner’s brain about the whole thing (without revealing any spoilers!) this week.

What was the initial spark for this project and how did it evolve over the time that you were doing it?

As it says in the show, Paul tweeted at me in 2012. He said he had an incredible story. He had written a screenplay and asked for my help filming it, and I saw that he had tweeted the same thing to hundreds of other people. But I clicked on his website, I watched a video with him, I read his book, and really just became obsessed with his voice. I quietly observed him for a while, making sure he wasn’t crazy or dangerous, and then ultimately reached out to him and went and met with him, interviewed him with just me and two or three friends. From that, it slowly built. It was just a process of years of trying to find the money.

It was a movie at first, it became a show. It got bigger, streaming emerged and at the very early stages I was thinking maybe just option his book, and because it was the idea of this goofy nebbishy guy on a mission to take down what he perceived to be this international crime ring. I thought that was a funny premise, and the more I got to know Paul, the more it became clear that Paul was the story and that Paul was the most interesting thing about this.

What I eventually landed on was this format that developed pretty organically. I was hoping that he would be up for starring as himself. Then after we had auditions of some other actors to play Paul in LA, Paul wound up just suggesting, “Well, maybe I can try it.” That’s how it went: the whole time I was really trying to let him steer the process to really just figure out how to, basically, take a camera inside of this guy’s mind.

He was always on board with the idea that you were going to shoot this as the fictionalized thing that he had envisioned, but also mix it with documentary and behind-the-scenes?

He suggested it. I had wanted to do that and I was trying to figure out how to propose that to him. Then he just suggested it. He referenced House of Cards, he’s like, “What if I do a House of Cards where I just start talking to the camera?”

One of the things that’s funny about him is, like you said, he is this nebbishy, nerdy guy, but then as soon as he’s in a situation where he’s doing these scenes that he wrote, he seems really comfortable being the auteur and trying to direct it all. Was that something that he was always like, or did that grow as the project went along?

That definitely emerged as the project went along. In the first episode, which is mostly footage from a pilot we shot about five years ago in 2017, he was really taking my lead and it was a process of just constantly deferring to him. “How was it? How did it happen? How do you want to tell this story? What should she be wearing? What should you be wearing? What should this character look like and sound like?”

Then gradually he became more empowered and understood that I really wanted him to steer the process and I felt like that would give us the most interesting end product. By the end, you can see in the show he was extremely empowered.

It felt like the line when you guys were promoting Borat 2 was that the people involved weren’t doing interviews and wouldn’t talk about “how the sausage was made.” What makes you more willing to… explain the joke this time around, I guess?

Well on Borat, that’s Sacha’s movie and I was coming in to help him figure it out, basically. There are a lot of processes by which they cast real people and certain elements that they really protect in that crew. I would always want to respect that, in case he ever wanted to do something like that again. They don’t want that stuff out there about exactly how they pull it off. It’s a magic trick.

On this one, I always wanted to be completely upfront and open about the process. The show in large part becomes, as you’ve seen, about the process of making this show. It’s all about how he’s telling his story and I felt like we had to be open about everything. I can’t think of anything in it that’s cheated or fake, even the idea that I didn’t want to be in it. I spent years not wanting to be in this show until I had no choice, and that is true. I don’t like being on camera.

Like you say, you’re making the show that’s about Paul and his perception of himself and his past. But part of that is that he has beliefs and allegations about certain people, mostly his ex-wife. When you were making this, how many lawyers are involved and how careful do you have to be with all that stuff?

Extremely careful. Yeah, this is inherently a documentary project in that it is about real people and their lives. It’s not fiction and it’s about characters inspired and based on real people. The names are changed, but we had to be really careful about what we were alleging or really just mostly be clear when we’re sharing an allegation of Paul’s that was not proven in court, to be clear that we, me the filmmaker, the show is not saying this happened. I’m saying this is Paul’s version. This is Paul’s story of what happened and we’re still working on the sixth episode but it does answer a lot of questions about what really happened.

Obviously his lines for the parts where he’s having to imagine the dialogue for these dramatizations are some of the best things in the show. Did you have a favorite line of Paul’s that he wrote for any of these episodes?

Oh my God, geez. I loved every line that he wrote.

(One interesting character in Paul T. Goldman is Paul’s first wife (not to be confused with his second wife, the alleged scam artist whom the show is about). His first wife and the mother of his child is a former “mail-order bride” from the Ukraine turned doctor who, in Paul’s telling, sort of ditched him for a career. Interestingly, she shows up in the show as a willing participant.)

Tell me a little bit about Paul’s first wife. It feels like he is turning her into this simplistic character. And yet she’ll be watching him and she seems hesitant to contradict him. Can you explain their dynamic at all?

Well, the interesting thing about that is in the book he’s not extremely kind to her and the subtext was very clear. She came to America, they’d just met and she wanted to be a doctor, and she is a doctor. It is dark in the book, but what happened in the show is exactly what happened in real life. We were shooting these auditions and he was like, “Well, she’s doing her residency at Cedars,” which was down the street from where we were shooting and he’s like, “Should I call her up?” I was like, “Yes.” There are a lot of things like that in the show, just miraculous things that would happen organically where two people suddenly found themselves reenacting their breakup from a decade earlier or something like that.

I was surprised meeting her how much she liked Paul. That was a recurring theme is that you read the book and there’s a way to look at this story that’s very dark and very unpleasant. Then you meet people who actually know him, and they love him. They co-parented Johnny [Paul’s son] together, but they have a lovely friendship. That was something that really surprised me, that it wasn’t acrimonious. She’s just so warm and wonderful, Delina.

She’s a mail-order bride that became a doctor, you’d think she wouldn’t want to be involved in this crazy show that her ex-husband’s making.

That was one of the interesting things: reading his story, you just get a picture of just all this anger and revenge and resentment, and then meeting her and meeting him, it kept revealing more complexity and nuance to it.

How did you get so many legitimately famous actors to be in Paul’s reenactment show? Was it part of the joke that the actors get progressively more famous as the show goes along?

That was part of the idea, absolutely. As his story gets bigger, more cinematic, I wanted more recognizable actors to be part of it. But also, we got so many amazing actors in this show. Melinda McGraw is an actor who I’ve admired for years, who’s in so many of my favorite things. Larry Sanders and Mad Men and Seinfeld, just this incredible actor who’s so versatile and she’s incredible in this show. I’m in awe of what she does. Then we wanted some guest stars who were more recognizable as the show went on.

What I would do is I would write them a letter, we’d send it to their agent because we had shot a pilot in 2017. I had footage I could send them of what the show would be like, so it made it much easier than trying to describe this. “Well, it’s going to be the real guy in scenes that he wrote from his screenplay based on his book, and we’re going to be breaking the fourth wall and shooting behind the scenes. There’s going to be cameras rolling the whole time...”

I would send them a letter, I would send them a few minutes of the pilots, they got an idea of how the show would work, and then I would zoom with them and it was important for me that no one felt like, especially coming off of the Borat movie, that people didn’t think it was a prank or that I was pulling one over on them or making them look bad. I wanted to make sure everyone had a good experience.

At the same time, I was honest. Like, “Yeah, there’s going to be awkward moments on set.” A lot of this process is shooting these scenes and seeing what they reveal about Paul, what’s fascinating, what’s funny, what’s sad, what’s unsettling. The actors loved it. It’s so rare to have a show that’s experimental, I think it was a fun acting exercise for them.

A lot of your projects have this quality, they’re elaborate, Rube Goldberg-esque things. You’re manipulating fact and fiction and there are real people reacting, but also actors reacting. Then I was reading that you have a background doing magic. Do you think that that plays into the way that you do comedy at all?

I was just thinking about this. I never thought so. Yeah, so, my dad was a kid’s birthday party magician from when I was four years old. He had a hobby when he was a teenager. He was in a magic club and we grew up in the Bronx and long story short, we got robbed. My parents were both public school teachers. To make ends meet, my dad started doing these magic shows and I became his assistant. I was the plant in the audience. He would call on me, I would go up and show him up and do these magic tricks.

But something that dawned on me literally last week when I was talking to my wife about this and she was talking about seeing magic growing up and the idea of someone being able to do something magical. I realized, and I’d thought about it before, that magic never was real for me. It was always a trick. From my earliest memories, I would know the mechanics behind them. So it’s always impressive, it’s a skill, but it was never like, “Oh, this person is a wizard that can do something amazing.”

The rabbit that would come out of the hat at a kid’s party was my pet rabbit. So I always knew where it was hiding and how it worked. I never thought of that before, that other people would ever, even if they were younger, see magic and think it’s some miraculous thing. In terms of just approaching something from the end result and the mechanics to get to it, I wonder if that maybe influenced how I think of things.

‘Paul T. Goldman’ is streaming now via Peacock. Vince Mancini is on Twitter. You can read more of his reviews here.

As a new year begins, many of us are making resolutions, goals, or intentions about the things we want to accomplish or manifest in the coming months. If you’re anything like me, the top of the list is always traveling more, spending more time in nature, and taking better care of your physical and mental self. As I’ve traveled extensively over the last several years I’ve realized these goals are all interconnected and positively correlated – an increase in one generally creates an increase in the other.

So I’m planning for them all this year. All at once.

I’ve spent the last seven years traveling solo to National Parks all across the United States. Now, after visiting 58 of the major 63 parks and all 50 states on my own, the questions I get the most often sound something like “I have a week off in ____ month – where should I go?” or “When is the best time of year to go to _____ National Park”?

In some ways, I’m hesitant to answer. Because, of course, every traveler values different things. Some want to see their destination at peak conditions. Others want to avoid crowds or be able to explore without worrying about reservations and permits. Many travelers are now focusing on wellness destinations. I tend to land… somewhere in the middle. But after visiting so many parks multiple times and at different months of the year, I do have some strong opinions on the best time to see the towering granite of Yosemite or the blue waters of Dry Tortugas. And while I wish I could just hop in my car at any time and drive to an unplanned National Park destination – with record visitation numbers that just isn’t feasible anymore.

In order to have a memorable National Park getaway that fuels your body and soul you need to plan in advance – for reservations, permits, lodging and activities. As 2023 begins, there is no better time to start planning than now. Of course, there is almost never a bad time to visit an outpost of America’s Best Idea. But there are better times than others. So here’s your guide to my picks for the best major United States National Parks to visit for each month of 2023 – and how to maximize your health and wellness in the process:

JANUARY — Death Valley National Park — California

With temperatures that have reached as high as 134 degrees Fahrenheit, Death Valley National Park truly has the potential to live up to its name in the summer months. Because of the extreme heat, I love to visit the park in the dead of winter and gloom of January for a warm pick-me-up. With January temps averaging in the 60s, winter is a great time to visit this otherworldly park.

What to do:

Start your day watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point before heading down to Artists Drive. The single-lane road is one of the most incredible in the United States, leading to the pastel hills of Artist’s Palette. Take an hour or two to walk onto the salt flats of Badwater Basin – the lowest point in North America – and run around on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (which won’t be scorching this time of year).

Where to stay:

You’ll want to stay in Furnace Creek – where the park is located – to maximize your time on a visit to Death Valley – the next nearest town is 45 minutes away. But luckily you have options, from the more luxurious (and aptly named) The Oasis at Death Valley to developed and primitive campsites within the park (Furnace Creek Campground takes reservations here and fills fast).

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: CONNECT WITH THE COSMOS

Studies have shown that darkness benefits our overall health through melatonin production which not only leads to better sleep but fights some diseases. But in our increasingly connected and busy lives, it’s rare to experience total natural darkness. The International Dark-Sky Association has named several US National Parks to its list of International Dark Sky Parks that “possess an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment” – and, you guessed it, Death Valley is one of them. Not just on the list, but a Gold-Tier — the highest possible rating.

There is even a Dark Sky Festival at Death Valley each year. Camp if you can, or stay past sunset to experience some seriously incredible stargazing – with health benefits. Tune out, turn the phone off, and look up at the wonders of the cosmos to kick off the new year!

FEBRUARY — Yosemite National Park — California

There is truly never a bad time to visit Yosemite. If you ever have the chance, honestly – just go. But if you have the ability to be a little more selective in your travel plans I recommend aiming for a February visit for a couple of reasons. First, the Yosemite firefall occurs in February. While this used to be a fairly niche event for landscape photographers — when Horsetail Falls can glow orange backlit by the sun — in the past few years it has become a complete madhouse of people vying for spots on the valley floor to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder. I’ve visited twice during the firefall – and honestly skipped it both times due to crowds – but this year is different. The firefall will require reservations on February weekends unlike in years past, which should make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone. And a great excuse to visit one of the most iconic parks in the NPS system.

What to do:

Watch the firefall! Reservations are needed February 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26 (24 hours a day) which can be made here beginning January 13. Once you enter the park you’ll want to find a spot near the El Capitan picnic area. Or spend sunset at Tunnel View instead – it will likely be less crowded as the majority of people are diverted to the valley floor.

Where to stay:

I always stay at Sierra Sky Ranch in Oakhurst, but there are tons of options in and around the park. For a luxurious experience, try to book The Ahwahnee, or reserve a spot at one of Yosemite’s many campgrounds.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: GO FOREST BATHING

Over the past several years, the term forest bathing (or shinrin-yoku) has burst into the lexicon of outdoor enthusiasts and casual observers. The term for the Japanese practice of mindfulness through spending time in nature is proven not just to improve the sense of well-being, but to lower heart rates and blood pressure simply by stepping into nature – and what better place to do so than in Yosemite?

You can often find guided forest bathing and even retreats throughout Yosemite but if you’re outside… you’re kind of already doing it.

MARCH — Zion National Park — Utah

March is the perfect time to visit any of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks – but Zion is my top pick. As the Utah parks continue to see record visitation, Zion is – by far – the most visited. But as it is ranked just third in land area of the five parks, it feels – and is – crowded for much of the year. But March is sort of a sweet spot for me, with warm weather visitation ramping up a bit later in April, you’re more likely to find fewer people and hassle while also encountering temperatures that average highs in the mid-50s.

What to do:

Hike the iconic and thrilling Angel’s Landing trail (only with a permit you can acquire here), or opt for a similar view from Observation Point via East Mesa Trail. March is also a great time to hike The Narrows, a very popular hike in the narrowest point of Zion Canyon through The Virgin River. You can prepare for the cooler water temp by renting gear in Springdale.

Where to stay:

Zion is quickly becoming a glamping destination as well as a hiking one. Under Canvas, the upscale glamping chain has a gorgeous outpost bordering the park. There are also many traditional hotels and resorts in and around Springdale. There are three campgrounds in the park and some spots can be reserved here.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: GO FULL “HIPPY SPRITUAL”

If you’ve ever visited a canyon in the southwest there is a good chance you or someone in your group described it as “a spiritual experience”. Often, when surrounded by intimidatingly large sandstone formations on all sides, there are few other words to describe – making Zion the perfect place for a spiritual retreat. With improving spiritual wellness topping many of our 2023 lists, there are ample opportunities in Zion. From guided retreats to opportunities for solo mediation – this is the perfect space for growth. I like to find a rock near the Virgin River and use a meditation app, then spend time journaling.

APRIL — Olympic National Park — Washington

The Pacific Northwest is, in my opinion, at its best in the springtime. And Olympic National Park just outside of Seattle Washington is no exception. While April is still a bit of a crapshoot with the weather in the park, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck and a whole lot more opportunities for solitude than later in the season. I’ve visited twice in April and both times had many moments that felt like I was the only one on the peninsula. While there may be clouds and rain, April has many nice days and the lush green rainforests are extra spectacular during this time. Lodging is more affordable and wildlife is abundant.

What to do:

Most of the park will be open in April – except for maybe Hurricane Ridge – and you should plan on experiencing it all. Olympic is one of the most diverse parks, with beaches, forests, mountains and lakes – you really can’t go wrong. I love to visit the Hoh Rainforest, hike Sol Duc Falls, and watch the sunset from Second Beach.

Where to stay:

There are plenty of options for lodging in the small towns on the Olympic Peninsula. Port Angeles will have the most options, while Forks (of Twilight fame) offers less variety, but easier access to the Western beaches. I’d love to stay at the stately and historic Lake Quinault Lodge – which is open year round – on my next visit.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: TAKE A SOAK

Chances are, if you see an epic Instagram Reel of a mineral or hot spring in a lush forest, it’s somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Whether natural or developed, there is nothing like a hot soak after a long day hiking and exploring. Not to mention the health benefits of mineral springs: pain relief, stress reduction, mineral absorption, healthier sleep, blood circulation and skin detox – the benefits have been known for years by indigenous groups and scientists alike. And in Olympic National Park there are some readily available at Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort. Rent a cabin and spend time in the healing waters of the hot springs while surrounded by one of the United States most beautiful National Parks.

MAY – Glacier Bay National Park — Alaska

Of the 63 parks with simply the “National Park” designation, eight are in Alaska – and the majority are as remote as you might imagine. These are the parks you often see on the “Least Visited,” “Hardest to Travel To,” and “Most Underrated” parks lists. Glacier Bay National Park belongs on just a couple of those lists because despite its remote location (there are no roads into the park) there is one fairly easy – while not necessarily cheap – way to visit: on an Alaskan cruise. And May is the perfect month to sail. May is a shoulder season for Alaskan cruises, the first full month of operations, making crowds and pricing slightly lower than the more popular summer months. And while you might be skeptical of a cruise visit, it’s how the huge majority of visitors enter the park.

With just two ships given permits into the park per day, Park Rangers that come on board for narration and interpretation and a front row seat to glaciers and well, the bay that you are there to see — it’s a unique and truly awe-inspiring experience.

What to do:

When I sailed to Glacier Bay on the Norwegian Bliss, truthfully I spent most of my time on my balcony with some pizza and binoculars (and maybe a couple of glasses of champagne). The ships traditionally spend 9-10 hours in the park and have scheduled stops at some of the highlights – but it’s all incredible. Watch for calving glaciers and wildlife while slowly traveling through what feels like a dream world.

Where to stay:

In your cabin! You’ll definitely want to opt for a balcony room on a Glacier Bay Cruise. You can book sailings through Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY

A day at the spa may seem like an indulgence to many, but the health and wellness benefits are legit. From reduced inflammation and improved circulation to the boost in mental clarity and confidence that comes from pampering yourself – spas can be an integral part of a health and wellness routine. And cruise ships have figured this out – from massages to saunas, hot tubs, steam and relaxation lounges, a cruise is a perfect time to give your wellness a boost through some pampering.

JUNE — Grand Teton National Park — Wyoming

When pressed to choose a favorite National Park, I always come back to Grand Teton. The jutting peaks of the Teton Range are a sight to behold in all seasons, but summer is when they really shine. With the park and hiking starting at over 6,000 ft above sea level, the winter season is beautiful – but long – but June is when it finally feels like summer in the park. While there will still be snow on some of the higher elevation trails, you’ll have great access to much of the park and lakes in June – the crowds are also just starting to come in. In June you’ll be able to raft the Snake River, admire the wildflowers, and be able to shed some layers on the trails midday while still feeling a chill next to a campfire at night.

What to do:

I love to start my day in Grand Teton with a hike to Taggart Lake, followed by some pizza at Leeks Marina. Stop by String Lake for a casual hike or to sit and watch the water with a good book. Raft down the Snake River or take the boat tour on Jenny Lake to get out onto the water. End your day with dinner at Dornan’s and watch the sunset at Jackson Lake with some wine at Colter Bay Swim Beach.

Where to stay:

I like to camp when I’m visiting Grand Teton, but there are plenty of lodging options if you prefer a bed frame. There are many lodges within the park – I’d love to stay at Jackson Lake Lodge — and outside just a short drive away in Jackson. If you don’t mind a longer drive into the park, the Idaho side of the range is much calmer and has many unique short-term rental options (I love this one).

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: WILD SWIMMING

I’ve recently been reading about “wild swimming” – a possibly new term for something many of us have been doing for decades, now with proven health benefits. Wild swimming is simply swimming in natural bodies of water with benefits similar to a cold plunge. There have been studies that show open water swimming’s effect on mental health, along with reduced inflammation and better stress response. And Grand Teton is the perfect place to try it for yourself, with an abundance of cold lakes ready for a plunge after a long hike.

JULY — Denali National Park — Alaska

July is prime vacation time in the United States. With great weather and kids out of school, it feels like everyone is traveling. Visit any National Park and you will see – they are. But rather than forgo a National Park getaway altogether during peak season, I recommend heading somewhere with a short visitation window: Denali. While the park is open year-round, the main and only road for visitors is open from just late May to mid-September. And while any visit to the home of the towering 20,310 ft tall mountain would be a bucket list experience, I recommend going in July. The weather is warm and you’ll have long days to enjoy the incredible scenery. Wildflowers are blooming during July, and wildlife is abundant.

You’ll be grateful for the midnight sun with all that there is to see.

What to do:

To access most of the park you’ll have to ride one of the many buses down the Denali Park Road. While the first 15 miles are accessible by private vehicle, there isn’t much to see of the 89-mile road in that distance. Aim for a bus ride that goes the furthest for a day trip, or camp within the park and take advantage of the transit buses. Hike Triple Lakes Trail, around Mountain Vista Loop and Savage River. Make sure to visit the Denali Canine Rangers – the sled dog kennels.

Where to stay:

There are campgrounds within the park as well as some privately owned remote wilderness lodges, but most people stay outside of the park. Healy is just north of the park, but there are several hotels and lodges on The Parks Highway that leads to Denali. During my visit, I rented a sprinter van and camped legally at campgrounds and on the side of the road all across Alaska.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: BASK IN A FULL DIGITAL DETOX

By now we all know there are countless benefits to digital unplugging, from improved productivity, better mental health outcomes, improved sleep and a better outlook on life. But, it’s just so hard to actually do it. With more National Parks becoming connected in some way, it’s harder than ever to truly feel as if you are off the grid. But it’s not only possible at Denali, it’s guaranteed. With cell service only within three miles of the park entrance, you’re in for a day without any notifications.

AUGUST — Glacier National Park — Montana

My jaw dropped the first time I entered Glacier National Park. The scale of the mountains towering above me and the wildlife that appeared at every turn. I felt like I had stumbled into a secret utopia. On subsequent visits I’ve felt similarly, but am now reminded at every turn that it is no longer a secret. Glacier is quickly becoming one of the most popular National Parks, and for good reason. The epic drive through the mountains on the nearly 50-mile Going-To-The-Sun Road is truly a bucket list unforgettable experience. And while August is definitely a crowded time to visit, it is still my pick for the best month of the year to experience all the park has to offer. The warmer weather means you’ll be jumping in alpine lakes all day while the late sunsets give you ample time to hike on the incredible hiking trails that will be clear and open at this time of year. You will need to secure a reservation in advance for four areas of the park this season: Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.

Reservations for August will be released on April 1 with a small amount of remaining vehicle entrance reservations released at 8 am MST each day for the next day.

What to do:

You can’t visit Glacier without driving the Going-To-The-Sun Road, but make sure to get out and take some hikes. I love hiking the Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier and Avalanche Lake. Cool off with a dip in Lake McDonald and stop by Polebridge for a classic Huckleberry Bear Claw.

Where to stay:

You can reserve camping or lodging within the park (which is in some cases a workaround for the reservation system) or stay in a nearby community. I loved staying in Glacier Park Lodge just outside of the park boundaries on my last visit, and next time would love to snag a room at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins in Many Glacier.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: TAKE A HIKE

The best thing to do at Glacier is also one of the simplest things you can do to improve your health and well-being: simply hiking. We all know that increased movement is key to physical and mental health, but it can feel like a slog in our daily lives. Glacier has some of the most epic hiking trails in the country that will get your blood pumping and leave you feeling sore – in a good way.

SEPTEMBER — Rocky Mountain National Park — Colorado

Fall colors are temperatures come early to the higher elevations, so September is a perfect time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. From vivid yellow aspen trees to the beginning of elk bulging season, fall is an unbelievable sight at RMNP. But the window before winter sets in is thin, making September prime time. You will need a timed entry reservation to visit during this month, with September permits released on August 1.

What to do:

You have a lot of options at this park. If you secure a permit for the Bear Lake Corridor, you can’t miss hiking around Bear Lake and onto Emerald Lake. Take a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road – the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

Where to stay:

There are some campgrounds still open during September in the park, but with the proximity to Estes Park and Grand Lake, many visitors opt for a motel, lodge, or cabin rental. Grand Lake Lodge is a historic property with incredible views just on the edge of the park.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: SETTLE INTO A FEELING OF AWE

If you’ve seen the Rocky Mountains, you surely remember just how it felt. The delight and inspiration and respect – all of it, for me, can be distilled down to a feeling of pure awe. Research on the effect of awe is incredibly fascinating, showing that experiencing this emotion can actually lead to lower inflammation and stress, makes us humbler and happier, think more critically, and has even been shown to combat symptoms of PTSD. How to do it? Just simply be present, in the moment, and recognize the incredible world around you – which is easy to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.

OCTOBER — Acadia National Park — Maine

October is peak foliage season in the Northeast, and the crown jewel of any New England road trip is undoubtedly a visit to Acadia National Park. I have enjoyed visiting the park in the summer months, but after everyone (literally everyone) recommended I come back to experience fall in the park, I couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad I did. While yes it is extremely crowded, it is also one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful — not just National Park experiences, but experiences period – that I have ever had. The fall foliage in October is unlike anywhere I’ve seen in the United States, and the temperatures are just cool enough to be comfortable hiking one of the epic trails.

What to do:

Make a reservation to drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or sunset if you can. Then spend the day on the trails – I love the Ocean Path, Beehive, and Jordan Pond to Bubble Rock. Rent a bike to ride the carriage roads or hike the thrilling Precipice Trail if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

Where to stay:

The park is extremely conveniently located just minutes from Bar Harbor, a quaint coastal town with all the lobster rolls, bookstores and ice cream shops you could ever desire. There are copious bed and breakfasts along with short-term rentals and an Under Canvas glamping outpost that is open into the first week of October.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: SEE THE SUNRISE

One of the biggest draws at Acadia National Park is securing a spot at the summit of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise. At times the first place to see the sun in the United States (including most of October), it is a bucket list experience. It is also the perfect time to practice mindfulness meditation. Sunrise meditation, like all meditation, has many proven health benefits from better memory to reduced stress and lower levels of anxiety. If you have your own meditation practice, put it to use while watching the sun come up or download an app like Calm or Headspace (with earbuds) and be completely present for one of the most beautiful things you will likely see in a National Park (or otherwise).

NOVEMBER– Joshua Tree National Park — California

Just two and a half hours outside of Los Angeles lies one of the most otherworldly National Parks in the vast NPS system: Joshua Tree. Famed for the namesake Joshua Trees, the area encompasses three ecosystems – the Mojave and Colorado deserts, as well as a higher elevation region dotted with juniper trees and piñon pine. The rock formations are stunning and perfect for climbing or hiking in the cooler spring or fall months, but November is my pick due to the somewhat lessened crowds (this area has blown up the last several years) and great weather with highs in the 70s.

What to do:

Be sure to visit Skull Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Hike Barker Dam Nature Trail and to the summit of Ryan Mountain. Go on a guided climb or spelunking with an outfitter in the area.

Where to stay:

There are campgrounds within the park, and many resorts and unique short-term rentals in the area. If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, I love staying in Palm Springs for a best-of-both-worlds experience.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: TRY A SOUND BATH

Joshua Tree has become a mecca for those seeking spiritual and wellness experiences. From yoga retreats to breathwork retreats, there is something for everyone in the area. But one thing that you can’t miss while visiting is a sound bath at Integration. While not in the park itself, a sound bath is almost a rite of passage for a visit – with proven health and wellness benefits of sound like lessened stress, relaxation, and rejuvenation. You’ll rest during the sound bath as quartz crystal singing bowls are played around you, as you delve into deeper and deeper relaxation.

The cost for a space at a public sound bath is $50 with private sound baths available for groups.

DECEMBER — Dry Tortugas National Park — Florida

As you wrap up your year of epic National Park travel, it’s time to relax a little – and the crystal clear water and glistening sand of Dry Tortugas National Park is perfect for that. The 100-square mile park is mostly water nearly 70 miles west of Key West Florida. Home of the massive Fort Jefferson – an unfinished fortress made up of over 16 million bricks – the park can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. Once on the island spend your day exploring the history of the fort, lounging on the beach, and snorkeling amongst the incredible marine life.

December is a perfect time to visit with more tolerable temperatures and a reprieve from the cold that is enveloping most of the country.

What to do:

Although Dry Tortugas is made up of seven small islands, you will arrive at Garden Key via boat or seaplane. There is plenty of history to explore in and around Fort Jefferson, including narrated tours and ranger programs. On Garden Key, you can spend the day on the beach or the reefs snorkeling, or visit Loggerhead or Bush Key via a private vessel. If you’re lucky, Bush Key may be accessible by a land bridge to Garden Key.

Where to stay:

There is one campground on Garden Key, but you will have to bring everything with you (and out, of course). Most people will want to stay in or around Key West – where the ferry departs from. I loved staying at Parrot Key Hotels and Villas on my last visit.

How to maximize wellness while you’re there: SWIM IN CRYSTALLINE WATERS

There’s just something about being near water, I’m sure we can all agree. But did you know that there are also proven health and wellness benefits to simply being in or near it? From relaxation to reduced stress to higher instances of positive mood and social interactions. And, obviously, as an island far off the coast, Dry Tortugas is the perfect place to literally be surrounded by water. Watch the blue water from Fort Jefferson or snorkel into the reef – you’ll experience benefits either way.

On New Year’s Eve, CNN’s Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper had to ring in the New Year on-air stone-cold sober. It was a departure from their hi-jinks of years past, so Cohen and Cooper did the next best thing, and brought on a guest who you can pretty much guarantee won’t be sober at any point in time: Snoop Dogg.

Cohen and Cooper had some fun grilling Snoop Dogg about some of the more unpredictable places that he’s gotten high at and the rapper of course had checked a lot of boxes. “Have you gotten high at a bar mitzvah?,” Cohen asked Snoop, who answered, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but that answer is gonna be yes, yes, yes!” Cohen surmised that a rich parent paid Snoop to perform for their kid and Snoop confirmed that was pretty much the case. “He told me to ‘Do whatever you want to do!’”

Anderson Cooper couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous this on-air conversation was. “Where am I? Where Am I?!” Cooper asked. Cohen kept the game with Snoop Dogg going, asking him if he’d gotten high at an NFL football game. To which Snoop replied, “Yes, yes yes. And I almost got thrown out!” Snoop also copped to toking up at multiple awards shows, but not the Oscars, since he’s never been before. “If I do go, you better know that I will,” he said. And that while he’d never smoked weed on CNN before, he’d done so, “In front of the CNN building on Sunset Boulevard.”

Sounds like Snoop still has some spots to go on his hitlist, but until then, we’ll be waiting for him to post a clip of that “Up In Smoke Bar Mitzvah” someday.

Damar Hamlin’s collapse on the field on Monday Night Football shook the sports world, as the 24-year-old defensive back went into cardiac arrest and needed CPR on the field to have his heartbeat restored. Hamlin remains in critical condition at UC Medical Center and the league has confirmed the game will not be resumed this week, as the Bills returned to Buffalo and the NFL world as a whole tries to deal with the emotional toll of the situation.

Initially, while Hamlin remained on the field it was reported on the ESPN broadcast by former official John Parry that the league had told teams they would have a 5-minute warmup period to get ready to resume play. From there, the two coaches met again with the officials and it was eventually determined that the game would be suspended temporarily (and ultimately postponed) as both teams would go back to the locker room, with Joe Buck noting multiple times it was a shift from the initial plan to resume play.

NFL EVP of football operations Troy Vincent was asked about the plan to resume play and the 5-minute warmup report on a Tuesday morning conference call and vehemently denied that ever crossed the league’s mind (via Pro Football Talk).

“I’m not sure where that came from,” Vincent said. “Frankly, there was no time period for the players to get warmed up. Frankly, the only thing that we asked was that [referee] Shawn [Smith] communicate with both head coaches to make sure they had the proper time inside the locker room to discuss what they felt like was best.

“So I’m not sure where that came from. Five-minute warmup never crossed my mind, personally. And I was the one…that was communicating with the Commissioner. We never, frankly, it never crossed our mind to talk about warming up to resume play. That’s ridiculous. That’s insensitive. And that’s not a place that we should ever be in.”

However, ESPN and Joe Buck each stood behind that being what they were relayed by the league, as John Parry was in communication with the league office and was the one who initially made that statement on air, before it was repeated by Buck, as he told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.

After Hamlin was taken to the hospital, there was a point when Buck said on the air that the teams were told they would have five minutes to warm-up. The information about the game resuming, Buck said, came from ESPN’s rules expert John Parry, who was in direct communication with the league. (NFL EVP Troy Vincent later denied the NFL was going to resume the game, but did not say anything in real time). ESPN showed Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow throwing as if he expected the game to continue.

“They said they’re going to give five minutes of a warm-up to these players to get ready,” Buck said via phone.

ESPN backed Buck’s statement up, stating there was no speculation on air and they were relaying information as it came in and changed throughout the situation.

Buck wasn’t the only one that relayed the 5-minute warmup information, as it was likewise stated on ESPN Deportes and by Rich Eisen on the Westwood One radio call.

It’s quite possible that these broadcasts were following the lead of the main ESPN feed, and it’s also possible that those at the very top of the league were not discussing a return to play. If Parry was in contact with someone further down the hierarchy of the league office, they might have been simply relaying the protocol for a lengthy delay, without knowing that Goodell, Vincent, and the teams were discussing a longer stoppage and suspension of play.

That said, the video of Burrow warming up certainly seems to indicate the initial report was correct and further discussion led to the suspension of play, but questions remain about the NFL’s process and, if nothing else, the league needs to address its communication and have a more defined policy in place for such a situation, now that this is no longer uncharted territory.

Towards the end of last year, Netflix arrived with an announcement for the platform’s upcoming series Kaleidoscope. News about the show quickly proved that it would much different than anything that viewers watched on most platforms. Kaleidoscope is a brand new anthology series on Netflix that follows a crew of masterful thieves who aim to crack into a seemingly unbreakable vault to gain their biggest payday ever (throwback to Money Heist). It’s loosely based on the real-life story of seventy billion dollars in bonds going missing in downtown Manhattan during Hurricane Sandy. The special aspect of Kaleidoscope is that it allowed viewers to watch the series’ eight episodes in any order. While that certainly intrigued viewers, it also begged the question: What’s the best way to watch Kaleidoscope?

The best way to watch Kaleidoscope would be in near-chronological order, which goes as follows:

• “Violet” (24 Years Before the Heist)
• “Green” (7 Years Before the Heist)
• “Yellow” (6 Weeks Before The Heist)
• “Orange” (3 Weeks Before the Heist)
• “Blue” (5 Days Before the Heist)
• “Red” (The Morning After the Heist)
• “Pink” (6 Months After)
• “White” (The Heist)

The only episode that is out of chronological order is “White” as that is meant to be the last episode watched in the series regardless of how it is viewed. However, it will still make sense if you slide “White” in between episodes “Blue” and “Red.” The ending may be a bit anticlimactic compared to the previously mentioned order if you watch it this way.

‘Kaleidoscope’ is streaming now on Netflix.

The late style icon Vivienne Westwood was ahead of her time in so many ways. Her career was made up of one groundbreaking feat after another—bringing us punk fashion, mohawks, towering pumps and, last but certainly not least, boob T-shirts.

In a resurfaced interview, we see just how forward thinking Westwood really was, after she predicted the future of fashion around 25 years before it actually happened.

The video clip, posted to Twitter by magazine contributor Bri Malandro, shows a younger Westwood explaining how “pressure from the mass market” would be the biggest challenge in the industry.

She follows with a statement that’s more than a little eerily accurate.

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“There’s a process whereby technology … the machinery’s been developed so much that they can more or less stamp these things out and they’d never want those machines to stop. Because they want forever and ever to be making money,” she explained.

Vivienne Westwood predicting the future of fashion about 25 years ago pic.twitter.com/CJ1N7rsMJ8

— BRI (@BriMalandro) December 30, 2022

This need to mass produce and continuously profit would be why more plain and “conforming” clothes would be marketed by various platforms.

“Everybody collaborates in this,” she told the interviewer. “Magazines then get these ordinary jeans or an ordinary white shirt or an ordinary little tube dress with two spaghetti straps and then it’s all photographed as if somehow it’s ‘lifestyle.’”

She added: “You see it all the time on a cover, constantly on the same beautiful women who presumably you feel that if you wear this clothing, this minimal, puritan, awful stuff then you’re going to look like that.”

Today, we have a term for this business model: fast fashion.

Sure, fast fashion companies sell a whole lot more than white T-shirts and jeans, but the essence of Westwood’s prophecy remains true. Fast fashion companies like Shein, Forever 21 and H&M mass produce an overwhelming amount of new (and cheap) styles coming in week after week. These companies now offer 52 “micro-seasons” rather than the standard summer, spring, fall and winter collections. That’s kind of bonkers.

This need for constant output results in, as we know, horrendous working conditions, not to mention it wreaks havoc on the environment. However, the products offer instant gratification at a fraction of the cost. Plus the internet and social media have joined in as “collaborators” to incentivize consumers. So it’s the exact money-making machine Westwood foretold—and business is booming.

Westwood would be the first to say that purchasing and wearing clothing was a vital expression of joy. However, as she famously once said, fashion, “like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.” Her suggestion? “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.” Coming from one of the biggest names in fashion history, it seems like substantial advice.

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Westwood died on Dec 29, “peacefully and surrounded by her family,” at the age of 81. Her eccentric, bold and controversial clothing choices were, at their core, a form of activism, as she used the runway to voice her opinion on various social topics such as environmental issues, human rights and climate change. She continued creating and working for a better world until the day she died. May we all live so courageously.

Emily Ratajkowski and Pete Davidson were doomed as soon as they caught a New York Knicks game. The pair, who reportedly started dating in November, are “already over,” according to Page Six. “Their fling has moved into the friend zone,” a source said, and that’s “fine with both of them.” That gives Davidson more time to appear in every other commercial during football games, and Ratajkowski the freedom to work on her podcast.

In the latest episode of High Low with EmRata, the model and author revealed that she “hate[s]” going on dates with men who “truly think they want” an independent partner. “They’re like, ‘You’re special. You’ve done it.’ They slowly get emasculated, and they don’t know what to do with those feelings, and they resent you, and then they start to tear you down,” she said. “And then you’re just back to square one.”

Ratajkowski wasn’t speaking about Davidson specifically (she and her husband of four years, Sebastian Bear-McClard, divorced in 2022), but following their split, she might take a break from guys to find her “lady crush.”

After calling the dynamic “f*cked up and unfair,” Ratajkowski noted that she can “understand dating women” instead and having mutual “respect” in a relationship. “There might be competition… but it doesn’t feel like somebody’s taking something away from someone else,” the actress, who referred to herself as a “bi woman” in the episode, explained to her guest, Olivia Ponton.

Davidson feels that competition often happens in “heteronormative relationships” where the “strength and the power is associated with the masculine, and once the woman has that, the man doesn’t know what else he has. But I’m like, ‘How about you just be better at expressing your emotions and being there emotionally?’ That would be great.”

You can listen to the podcast below.

(Via Page Six)