The “Please Please Please” music video, which stars Carpenter, Barry Keoghan, and a pair of handcuffs, was filmed over the course of a single day in an inactive prison on Staten Island (that could be the setting for a Barry Keoghan movie). But according to director Bardia Zeinali, the Oscar-nominated actor started working on his big fight scene the day before.
“He was really aware that it’s Sabrina’s video, it’s Sabrina’s day, he didn’t want to be the one that’s holding up a shot or taking too much time or space,” he told IndieWire.
Zeinali also praised Carpenter as a songwriter and her sense of humor.
“She has a bit of that wink always,” he said. “She’s really funny herself. So a lot of [the script] just wrote itself in a really natural and organic way. Even with my editor, when we were working, he was like, ‘I love the dolly shot where we pan from her to Barry.’ She’s singing to the camera, and we land on him, and he was like, ‘I love it because the comedy is so right.’”
(WARNING: Spoilers for Power Book II: Ghost will be found below.)
We’re just a week away from the midseason finale in Power Book II: Ghostseason four. In last week’s episode, we saw yet another chaotic dinner table scene at the Tejadas as Monet learned of Dru and Diana’s plan to set her up to be killed. Noma also killed Obi after she found out her lied about the green cards he obtained for his family. Speaking of Noma, the latest love story in Ghost is between her and… Cane. Plot twist I know, but that’s what Ghost and the Power Universe bring to the table. Let’s see what else is set to go down in this week’s episode:
When Will Power Book II: Ghost Season 4, Episode 4 Come Out?
The fourth episode of Power Book II: Ghost season four, titled “The Reckoning,” will arrive on June 28. The episode will be available on Friday, 6/28 on the STARZ app starting at midnight EST/PST. The episode will later air on the STARZ TV channel at 8 pm ET/PT. A synopsis for “The Reckoning” can be found below:
Tariq and Brayden must find a way to secure their own safety as Noma and the Tejadas race to take them out. Monet fights for her life and for another chance to do right by her children.
You can also watch a teaser for Power Book II: Ghost season four, episode four below:
New episodes of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ season four are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am ET/PT and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
When considering a National Park vacation, many might imagine a road trip through the Western States, with red rocks, canyons, and deserts everywhere. And while I absolutely recommend that trip, you might be surprised to find that the quintessential Western National Park trip you may have imagined is not the most popular – not by a long shot. In fact, the most visited National Park is actually east of the Mississippi.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is always at the top of the “most visited” list regarding National Park sites. With just under 13.3 million visitors in 2023, the second most visited National Park – the Grand Canyon – counted just 4.7 million. And this isn’t a fluke; the park has long been the most visited in the system, with incredible hiking trails, gorgeous drives, and the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge catering to visitors worldwide.
I’ve visited the area multiple times and recently again spent a long weekend exploring the park and the nearby cities. Here are my recommendations.
WHERE TO EXPLORE IN THE PARK:
Hiking Trails
Emily Hart
Laurel Falls Trail:
The Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason. The relatively easy 2.4-mile roundtrip hike leads to a cascading 80-foot waterfall, Laurel Falls. The paved trail winds through a lush forest, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildflowers and wildlife along the way.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is paved the entire way, and the elevation gain is only about 300 feet. Distance: The roundtrip distance is 2.4 miles.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte:
The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a challenging but rewarding hike rated as the number 1 hike in the park on AllTrails. But with a total of 11 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of over 2,700 feet, it’s not for beginners. The first part of the trail is relatively easy but becomes steeper and more challenging as you get closer to Alum Cave, a large rock overhang that was once used to mine alum. From Alum Cave, the trail continues up a series of switchbacks to the top of Mount LeConte, with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 11 miles
Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower Trail:
Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower Trail offers a short and rewarding hike to the highest point not just in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but in Tennessee. Climb the 54-foot observation tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains where, on a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles into Tennessee, North Carolina, and sometimes even Georgia and Virginia. Standing at 6,643 feet, temperatures at the top can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the lowlands, and the famous Smokies clouds and fog are also common, so there’s a possibility of limited views. Luckily, the hike is easy if you end up in the clouds.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip
Scenic Drives
Emily Hart
Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove Scenic Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way paved road that winds through the Cades Cove valley within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a must-do for nearly every visitor to the park. Known for its rich history, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty, Cades Cove was home to European settlers from the early 1800s until the mid-20th century, when the land was acquired for the national park.
Boasting the most extensive collection of historic structures within the park, visitors will find restored log cabins, barns, gristmills, churches, and other buildings that offer a glimpse into the lives of early mountain residents. While the loop road offers a scenic drive, several trails branch off – the Abrams Falls Trail is a popular option, culminating in a cascading waterfall. The loop is open year-round, but expect heavy traffic during peak season (summer and fall).
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is a scenic 31-mile highway that winds its way from Cherokee, North Carolina, through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views, diverse ecosystems, and title as the lowest drivable pass through the Smokies, the road reaches an elevation of over 5,000 feet at Newfound Gap – the highest point accessible by car in the Smokies.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Make sure to take a drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile long one-way loop where visitors can make a stop at the Noah “Bud” Ogle’s self-guided nature trail before heading on to the trailhead for Rainbow Falls, one of the park’s most popular waterfall trails.
WHERE TO STAY:
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort And Waterpark
Emily Hart
Located just minutes from the park between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Water Park w
as the perfect spot to relax after hiking and exploring on my last visit. Location is super important on a trip like this when there’s so much ground to cover, so I appreciated the resort’s closeness to everything, yet not actually being in the touristy and crowded downtown area.
I stayed in a one-bedroom deluxe king villa that felt very upscale while still keeping with the Smoky Mountain vibes. The suite had a large kitchen, seating area with a fireplace, dining room, huge bathroom, laundry, and a bedroom with a large whirlpool tub. The balcony was spacious and accessible from the seating area and bedroom, making it easy to catch the incredible sunrises, sunsets, and foggy “smoke” the Smokies are known for.
Emily Hart
The resort is family-friendly — I mean, it is home to the area’s largest indoor water park — but it didn’t feel cheesy at all. I loved visiting the Serenity Spa on-site for an oxygen facial followed by a glass of bubbly before dining at Southern Comfort, the on-site restaurant. The resort is massive but without feeling overwhelming, with multiple pools, a shuttle service, hiking trails, a marketplace, and almost anything else I could want or need.
The service was exceptional, and the view from the room was truly breathtaking. There are many options for room types here, from studios all the way up to five-bedroom villas – so rates will vary, but can start under $200 during the week in the off-season, with rates over $800 per night on the weekends and busier season.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
The Greenbrier
Emily Hart
For an elevated steakhouse dining experience (that is said to be one of the most haunted places in town), head to The Greenbrier. The former mountain lodge in the 1930s is now a local favorite with a chef-driven menu, cozy lodge-speakeasy vibes, and inventive cocktails. I opted for the Beef Wellington that was cooked to perfection, along with “The Dylan” – touted as Gatlinburgs most famous cocktail – made with Heaven’s Door Bourbon, flaming pecans extinguished with a sniffer glass where black-cherry ice spheres are dropped in before the cask strength Bourbon, house-made Madagascar vanilla bean syrup, and bitters. Starters begin at $14, and entrees range from $26-$160 for a 40 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye.
Southern Comfort
Emily Hart
Head to Southern Comfort restaurant for cozy Southern home cooking and a cocktail (or two or three). Located at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, the new restaurant—in partnership with Southern Comfort—offers a blend of Southern favorites with a Creole flair. The menu includes barbecue, macaroni and cheese, chicken, and dumplings. I indulged in a large portion of pulled pork with mac and cheese before enjoying a tableside s’more. Starters begin at around $10, with dinner entrees at $18.
Wild Bear Tavern
Emily Hart
Tennessee’s Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas are known for being extremely touristy and kitschy. While I love some kitsch, I always aim to find the slightly off-the-beaten-path hidden gems whenever I travel – Wild Bear Tavern fits the bill. Unassumingly located in a roadside motel in Pigeon Forge, the authentic German restaurant is a must-stop. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I visited for breakfast, where I ordered chicken and waffles ($16) coupled with a fantastic Bloody Mary. Breakfasts start around $10, lunch around $17, and dinner entrees begin at $19.
Ole Smoky Distillery
Emily Hart
No visit to Gatlinburg would be complete without a stop at Ole Smoky Distillery, the first federally licensed distillery in town. I visited “The Holler,” which is America’s most visited distillery, downtown for a tour and tasting, where I was immersed in the rich history of Appalachian moonshine making. Learning about the traditional methods and moonshine’s role in the region’s culture was fascinating, and sampling the wide variety of flavors was an experience unlike any other.
From the classic Blue Flame Moonshine to more adventurous options like Mint Chocolate Chip Whiskey, Banana Pudding Moonshine, and other seasonal specialties, your palette is in for a wild ride. I loved the lively atmosphere, with live bluegrass music and friendly staff at every turn.
At The Holler location, regular tastings are $7, and premium tastings are $10. Distillery tours, including the tour, tasting, and exclusive t-shirt, are $37.95.
Cliff Top Grill & Bar
Emily Hart
If you’re headed up the chondola (part chair lift-part Gondola) into Anakeesta during your trip, have a meal at Cliff Top Restaurant – a literal elevated dining experience. The food was satisfying, and I loved the 360-degree views of the Smokies. You’ll need to purchase admission to Anakeesta to access the restaurant, which involves taking the chondola or a bus to the top of the mountain before enjoying your classic American dishes inside or outdoors. I enjoyed my Campfire Trout, which was cornmeal-crusted and pan-fried with lemon butter, but the real stars were the starters – I recommend the fried green tomatoes.
Starters begin at $7, and entrees at $15.
WHERE TO EXPLORE OUTSIDE THE PARK:
Dollywood
Emily Hart
If visiting the Great Smoky Mountains from mid-March through January, include a day at Dollywood. Yes, you heard me – a day spent at Dolly Parton’s theme park will absolutely charm all ages. During my last visit, I spent the day eating (don’t miss the Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread), listening to amazing musicians, and visiting the Dolly Parton Museum, but if rides are your thing, there are plenty of those. Adult tickets start at $92.
Anakeesta
Emily Hart
Gatlinburg is an uber-popular family vacation destination, so you’ll find plenty of activities for all ages – one of the coolest being Anakeesta. The mountain-top adventure park has the requisite rides and family-friendly activities while still catering to adults with plenty of outdoor bars, restaurants, photo-ops, and the breathtaking Astra Lumina night walk — when the forest is illuminated by artistic light displays and captivating, slightly trippy storytelling. Tickets for adults start at $34.99.
Mia Goth returns to the X universe with Maxxine, the latest installment in the slasher series that made overalls cool again.
The first film, X, took place on a remote farm in the ’70s and starred Goth as Maxine, an aspiring adult film actress desperate to break out into Hollywood. The sequel, Pearl, acted as a prequel series in which Goth starred as the titular actress from that remote Texas farm. It’s revealed that Maxine was also the daughter of televangelist minister, which might come into play in MaXXXine.
The third installment uses the ’80s backdrop to show how Maxine has since propelled herself to stardom, but there might be some deadly consequences when a serial killer begins to prey on young women, and Maxine’s troubled past catches up with her. The movie stars Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.
While Ti West’s film won’t hit theaters until next week, early reviews are…mixed. Here’s what people have to say:
Ultimately, of course, this is the Mia Goth show and fans wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s a magnetic presence who fortifies her command as a new breed of scream queen, tough enough to dish out punishment as well as receive it.
In the space of just two years, the actress and her director have cooked up a highly entertaining slasher trilogy that nods back to the past while striding forward into the meta future, deliciously skewering the pursuit of fame and the lure of desire with a subversive take on female objectification and an outpouring of love for the craft of moviemaking. As Maxine carves up a line of coke with her SAG card, you might find yourself hoping we haven’t seen the last of her.
While Variety‘s Owen Glieberman says that the movie doesn’t hold up compared to the prequel.
The screwy power of “Pearl” was its off-center ambiguity: the way it made Pearl a scary killer. “Maxxxine,” diverting as the film can be when it’s reveling in midnight ’80s nostalgia, has a moral structure that’s both more traditional and creakier — noble heroine in peril (even if she did once kill in self-defense), evil sicko lingering in the shadows.
Ti West is a good filmmaker, but it may be time for him to stop reconfiguring trash. He needs to try embedding A ideas in an A-movie.
MaXXXine’s one gnarly kill and its one instance of cartoonish violence aren’t nearly enough to justify its meandering 104 minute runtime. Mia Goth shines as usual, and Ti West’s third slasher entry feels more visually polished than its predecessors, but it’s also more dramatically sterile, thanks to a story that quickly falls apart and mounting references that add up to very little (if anything at all).
IndieWire‘s Alison Foreman had a bit more fun with it:
“MaXXXine” is Goth’s most well-rounded performance yet, blending elements of her mesmeric “X” characters with the modern villainy she brought to Brandon Cronenberg’s “Infinity Pool” for a singular genre role. Giving the chameleonic actress more scene partners and set pieces to encounter than ever before in the City of Angels, West uses the final leg of Maxine’s story to imagine how a final girl’s trauma might fracture into a (wildly entertaining) vitriolic spray of revenge. The result is an outrageous display of toxicity with a bubbly appeal that could very well inspire a Charli XCX song all its own.
And Alison Willmore of Vulture believes that Goth carries the film, which would just be mediocre without her:
[Goth’s] performance is more coherent on an emotional level than MaXXXine is overall, though the film has a smeary, seedy energy, like you’d need to give your hands a serious scrub after touching any of its surfaces.
MaXXXine feels like the movie that Ti West has been champing at the bit to make. It’s the type of film that directors and writers want to make and cinephiles want to watch. Sure, the story isn’t groundbreaking, but it makes up for it in its tribute to why we love cinema, specifically horror, so much. Even though it wasn’t needed, MaXXXine secures Ti West’s trilogy as one of the best in horror history.
It’s summer babe (yes, I babe’d you let’s move on), the season of beach days, pool days, and just general chilling. A time when you should be outside, soaking up the sunshine (so long as it isn’t too hot), and eating good food. And nothing tastes as good in the summer months as some good backyard BBQ burgers.
But not everyone has a yard or skill on the grill. And for those people, we’d like to point you in the direction of Shake Shack’s new Summer BBQ menu.
No, the burgers aren’t flame-grilled but a high-quality smash burger doused in BBQ sauce sounds just as good, especially if you don’t have to make it yourself. The new menu consists of two different burgers, one made with a classic BBQ sauce and fried onions, another with Carolina-style BBQ with fried pickles, and a new take on the Shack’s fries and cheese fries.
Both look delicious, and it’s Shake Shack so there is a high chance that at the very least the burgers will still be good (we rated Shake Shack’s beef patties as the best in all of fast food), but fast food is expensive, so if you’re not interested in taking any chances, we’ll take the hit and do it for you.
We tried Shake Shack’s Summer BBQ menu, here is what to order and what to skip.
Smoky Classic BBQ Burger
Dane Rivera
Thoughts & Tasting Notes:
I’m leading with the best of what I tasted here. It’s a bit strange that Shake Shack didn’t already have a good BBQ burger on the menu, so the Smoky Classic is a much-appreciated inclusion to the current burger roster.
The build consists of a delicious beef patty, American cheese, bacon, pickles, and thin fried onions on a bun slathered with smoky BBQ sauce. The bacon and fried onions combination gives this burger a nice crunch and a smoky and umami punch that helps elevate the sumptuous beef notes.
The BBQ adds a sweet factor that makes this burger come across as incredibly complex and flavorful, every bite is a journey of flavors. Something about the build here makes this burger come across as extremely substantial and decadent, despite being a single-burger. Of course, you can get a double so if you have a big meat craving, go for it!
The Bottom Line:
If you love BBQ-sauced burgers, you’re going to love this one. It might just be the best BBQ burger in fast food currently. (we’ll have to rank ‘em and check).
Carolina BBQ Burger
Dane Rivera
I’m a bit less sold on the Carolina BBQ. Don’t get me wrong, it’s delicious, but it tastes a bit less essential despite the better build. The burger features a beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried pickles, and Carolina-style BBQ sauce, which if you’re not familiar, is basically swaps the smoky and sweet elements of traditional BBQ sauce for something much tangier with a hint of spice.
There is a small sense of spiciness to this burger but it’s very faint, and mostly expresses itself between bites on the aftertaste. The major tasting note here is tang — there is a sharp mustard tang to this burger which pairs very nicely with the briny fried pickles.
This is a great burger, but it’s just not quite as satisfying as the smoky sweet masterpiece that is the Smoky Classic.
The Bottom Line:
An interesting build with a distinct tangy, earthy flavor and a hint of spice. It’s good, but not for everyone. You kind of have to be into the Carolina-style BBQ flavor to really love this, but if you’re unfamiliar, this would be a great entry point.
BBQ Fries/BBQ Cheese Fries
Dane Rivera
Thoughts & Tasting Notes:
I am no fan of Shake Shack fries, that’s been well-documented here at Uproxx. So anytime Shake Shack does anything to its fries, it’s an improvement. What makes the BBQ fries unique is the dusting of smoky BBQ seasoning. It makes the fries have this sweet and smoky component (with a hint of vinegar) that improves the otherwise neutral flavor of the stock fries.
Dane Rivera
The cheese fries are an even sharper improvement thanks to the thick layer of cheese sauce with the BBQ seasoning on top of the cheese. It tastes best when you give this dish a bit of a mix so the seasoning and cheese sauce become more incorporated.
It’s good, in the sense that we’re dealing with fries that are covered in cheese, so, you know, it’s kind of hard to f*ck that up. Ultimately, I feel like these fries are inessential. I hate to end a glowing food review on a down note, but it is what it is.
The Bottom Line:
If you love Shake Shack’s fries, you’ll probably love this sweet and smoky version. If you’re not sold on those crinkle-cut fries though, these aren’t going to win you over.
Although hip-hop is 50 years old, allowing plenty of time for all kinds of histories to be remembered, there are still new stories to share and discover every day. Case in point, Mase‘s tale of an unexpected feud with fellow Harlemite the late Big L, and how it led to Mase taking a “big L” of his own, which he recounted on the latest episode of his and Cam’ron‘s podcast, It Is What It Is.
Mase explained how the rivalry started, recalling, “[Big L] started using a few of my lyrics… So I checked the n****.” After the confrontation, he said, he bumped into another rapper, Fat Joe, who was in a group with Big L called Diggin In The Crates (they have one album out together, D.I.T.C., released in 2000, and it’s really good. You should check it out). Joe refused to get into the confrontation, so L resorted to asking other mutual acquaintances to handle things.
Eventually, Mase was confronted by a stick-up boy (alongside basketball legend God Shammgod), and in order to get away, he took off his brand-new iced-out Rolex — his first one ever — and threw it away, hoping to distract the robber. However, they were saved by some police — but Mase never got his watch back. He later learned that Big L put the assailant up to the robbery. Check out the story below and the full episode above.
Mase tells a story about how he had to confront Big L for using his lyrics and how Big L attempted to have him robbed multiple times.
The lack of control over their own picks from the James Harden trade was the only thing preventing the Nets from considering bottoming out, but now that they’ve figured out how to get those picks back, it’s full steam ahead in a race to the bottom of the standings. That means a fire sale this summer, with some intriguing players still left on Brooklyn’s roster that figure to garner interest from around the league.
The question is how bare do the Nets want to leave the cupboard this year, but if the goal is to fully stock up on draft assets, at least three more trades should be on the horizon. Here, we’ll look at the teams that should be making a call about various Nets players, with an understanding that Brooklyn will be putting a premium on draft picks and young players with upside and some years left on their rookie deals.
Cam Johnson
The biggest name they have left to trade is Cam Johnson, as they can divest fully from the original KD trade and likely pick up another first round pick or two for the sharpshooting forward. His time in Brooklyn probably proved there is a ceiling on what his role should be on a good team, but there are plenty of contenders that could use a player like him in that kind of defined role that he thrived in with the Suns. Now, the Nets may not be in a rush to deal Johnson, as they could just as easily make him a focal point for the first half of the year and hope he raises his profile and value ahead of the trade deadline.
If they do make him available now, though, I’d guess there will be a lot of teams that call to inquire about him, because I think he’s intriguing for both contenders and younger teams hoping to take a leap forward next year. Remember, he’s about to enter the second year of a 4-year extension with about $68 million left on it, so he’d be a guy who can stick around for a bit.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are constantly on the hunt for shooting and Johnson would also give them some more size at the forward position. Memphis would need to pick up Luke Kennard’s team option and send out a few of their young guys to make the money work, but with a pretty full chest of picks in the future, they could create an offer that would be intriguing for Brooklyn both in picks and young players.
Oklahoma City Thunder
We know the Thunder love size and shooting, and after the way last postseason went, they might be looking to consolidate some talent and add some more trusted playoff performers. While it’s been a couple years, Johnson was a reliable knockdown shooter in the postseason while in Phoenix (41.6 percent career in the playoffs) and could give OKC the kind of wing upgrade they’re looking for. We also know the Thunder have a ton of picks at their disposal and they could overpay compared to what other teams will offer, if they wanted, and not really dent their pick stash too much, especially after getting Alex Caruso without giving up any picks.
San Antonio Spurs
We don’t know how aggressive the Spurs will be in terms of making upgrades this summer, but Johnson is the type of wing that I would think makes a ton of sense next to Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs need more floor spacing and just general competency on defense, and Johnson would provide that. The Spurs have a bunch of picks, like the Thunder, and if they think Johnson is the kind of player that fits long-term next to Wemby, it’s worth cashing in on one or two of those to get him.
Sacramento Kings
We know the Kings are on the hunt for upgrades at the 4, and they might dangle the Harrison Barnes/Kevin Huerter/pick package out there for Brooklyn to think about. Johnson would make a lot of sense for how the Kings like to play, getting up and down the floor and getting up threes. It’s more a question of whether Sacramento can offer the kind of assets the Nets are looking for.
Indiana Pacers
Johnson would be a really interesting addition, at least to me, to the Pacers frontcourt alongside Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner. More shooting and size is always on the list for a team looking to be a contender, and they’ve got some young guys and picks that they can piece together to create a somewhat intriguing package if they felt Johnson was the kind of player that unlocks the next level for them and keeps them in the conversation in the East.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons were linked to Johnson last offseason before he signed his deal to stay in Brooklyn, and even with a new GM in place, they should check in on Brooklyn’s asking price. They desperately need shooting from the wing, and while they are rumored as a likely Tobias Harris destination, Johnson would provide that archetype but more on their timeline. Detroit’s biggest issue in a pursuit of Johnson is they don’t own any extra first round picks beyond their own, meaning they’d have to really believe adding Johnson is a big step towards getting in the Play-In/Playoff mix.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz have a ton of picks and are known to be looking to move off of John Collins. If they aren’t going to tank themselves and want to take a step forward, they need more shooting outside of just Lauri Markkanen and could see Johnson as a better fit in the “big wing” role they tried Collins in. They’d have to think of Johnson as a long-term core piece, but they certainly have the draft assets to challenge any package Brooklyn gets offered.
Orlando Magic
The Magic need shooting. I’m not sure they need another 6’10 guy, but he would provide a different skillset than the other two 6’10 budding stars Orlando already has in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Magic have the picks and young players to get in the mix if they want to, it’s just a matter of how big they want this team to be.
Dorian Finney-Smith
Even before the Bridges trade, DFS was expected to get plenty of interest from contenders looking for a 3-and-D wing, and now it feels like a lock that he’ll be dealt this summer. He’s owed $14.3 million this year and has a player option for $15.3 million next year, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of assets are available to Brooklyn in exchange for him.
Memphis Grizzlies
If they aren’t willing to part with what it’ll cost for Cam Johnson, DFS also fits the bill for the kind of wing help Memphis should be looking for. This is a much more simple execution for Memphis as they can go 1-for-1 on players with DFS and Kennard by picking up his team option, and then tack on a couple seconds (they own Brooklyn’s No. 39 pick this year).
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs would love to bring Finney-Smith back to Dallas, and as they actively shop Tim Hardaway Jr.’s expiring deal, they should at least call to see if THJ and a couple seconds (they don’t have a ton) would be enough. Their ability to get in the DFS hunt will be determined by what other teams are offering, but they know how well he’d fit what they want to do.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers don’t have any players to trade, but they have a lot of draft picks and could just trade for DFS into space if they wanted to. Adding Finney-Smith wouldn’t preclude them from landing a max guy in free agency, and would give them a 3-and-D option on the roster that they’ll undoubtedly need.
Nic Claxton
Maybe the most fascinating part of the Nets impending fire sale is what happens to Nic Claxton now. There was long an expectation the Nets would just re-sign him and continue building with him, but now is he available for a sign-and-trade? Will he look in free agency elsewhere? Or will the Nets choose to give him a nice, long-term deal that they could trade at a later date if their rebuild isn’t pacing with Claxton’s timeline?
If the sign-and-trade route ends up opening, there are a few teams that could get involved.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are going to be in play for all of the top free agent centers, and while Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to be near the top of their list, Claxton also is an intriguing option. While they could sign him outright, we have seen in the past that a sign-and-trade, even for a team with space, can be mutually beneficial.
Memphis Grizzlies
Guess what, it’s the Grizzlies again. Memphis really needs a center after moving on from Steven Adams and Claxton would create a formidable rim protection pairing with Jaren Jackson Jr. It’d be an ideological shift away from the bruising Adams, but Claxton’s a very good roll man to pair with Ja Morant and, while not as strong as Adams (and, honestly, few are in the NBA), he can hold up on opposing center assignments and free up Jackson to be the incredible roamer he is. This is probably where the Grizzlies should start conversations with the Nets, and work their way down the list from there.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are in need of a center replacement as it seems likely Jonas Valanciunas isn’t in their long-term plans. Claxton would seem to be a really interesting fit with New Orleans, and the Pelicans do have some intriguing first round picks in their arsenal still from the Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis trades. Matching up the money might be the trickiest part, but if they can sort that out, New Orleans has the need and the assets to make things interesting.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls could look to use a pick to move off of Nikola Vucevic and bring in Claxton if he were available. That would fit with their apparent desire to get a bit younger while staying competitive right now. Whether they are willing to part with the draft assets needed to make this happen is another story.
Washington Wizards
If they don’t end up with Alex Sarr on Wednesday night, they will be looking for a center and Claxton, at 25, would be the best young center option. If they get Sarr, they still will be looking for a center but should probably focus on a stretch five, which Claxton is not.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks want to move off of Clint Capela and if they go the wing route in the Draft, they might still be on the hunt for their center of the future. Claxton could provide that off ramp, and the question for Atlanta would be whether Claxton is worth giving up some of the draft assets you figure to try recouping in whatever other moves you make this summer, namely if they decide to trade either Dejounte Murray or Trae Young.
Bojan Bogdanovic
He just arrived, but it’s hard to imagine Bogdanovic’s second stint in Brooklyn will be a lengthy one. He’s still an excellent shooter (39.3 percent from three last year in Detroit and New York), and while injuries are a concern, there are enough teams around the league in need of shooting to take a look. The biggest hurdle is, taking a scan around the league, his $19 million deal will be harder to move than DFS at $14.3 million, because apron teams will have a tough time matching that money 1-to-1. However, there’s at least one team that I can find that makes sense here…
Chicago Bulls
If the Bulls can’t get Claxton, but are still planning to bring back DeMar DeRozan and, despite looking to trade Zach LaVine and flipping Alex Caruso, want to stay in the Play-In and Playoff hunt, this might be the spot to offload Lonzo Ball’s $21.6 million expiring and, say, a 2028 second for some shooting help in the form of Bogdanovic.
Losing a loved one is easily the worst moment you’ll face in your life. But it can also affect the doctors who have to break it to a patient’s friends and family. Louis M. Profeta MD, an Emergency Physician at St. Vincent Emergency Physicians in Indianapolis, Indiana, recently took to LinkedIn to share the reason he looks at a patient’s Facebook page before telling their parents they’ve passed.
The post, titled “I’ll Look at Your Facebook Profile Before I Tell Your Mother You’re Dead,” has attracted thousands of likes and comments.
“It kind of keeps me human,” Profeta starts. “You see, I’m about to change their lives — your mom and dad, that is. In about five minutes, they will never be the same, they will never be happy again.”
“Right now, to be honest, you’re just a nameless dead body that feels like a wet bag of newspapers that we have been pounding on, sticking IV lines and tubes and needles in, trying desperately to save you. There’s no motion, no life, nothing to tell me you once had dreams or aspirations. I owe it to them to learn just a bit about you before I go in.”
“Because right now… all I am is mad at you, for what you did to yourself and what you are about to do to them. I know nothing about you. I owe it to your mom to peek inside of your once-living world.”
Profeta explains that the death of a patient makes him angry:
“Maybe you were texting instead of watching the road, or you were drunk when you should have Ubered. Perhaps you snorted heroin or Xanax for the first time or a line of coke, tried meth or popped a Vicodin at the campus party and did a couple shots.”
“Maybe you just rode your bike without a helmet or didn’t heed your parents’ warning when they asked you not to hang out with that ‘friend,’ or to be more cautious when coming to a four-way stop. Maybe you just gave up.”
“Maybe it was just your time, but chances are… it wasn’t.”
Profeta goes on to explain why he checks a patient’s Facebook page:
“So I pick up your faded picture of your driver’s license and click on my iPhone, flip to Facebook and search your name. Chances are we’ll have one mutual friend somewhere. I know a lot of people.”
“I see you wearing the same necklace and earrings that now sit in a specimen cup on the counter, the same ball cap or jacket that has been split open with trauma scissors and pulled under the backboard, the lining stained with blood. Looks like you were wearing it to the U2 concert. I heard it was great.”
“I see your smile, how it should be, the color of eyes when they are filled with life, your time on the beach, blowing out candles, Christmas at Grandma’s; oh you have a Maltese, too. I see that. I see you standing with your mom and dad in front of the sign to your college. Good, I’ll know exactly who they are when I walk into the room. It makes it that much easier for me, one less question I need to ask.”
“You’re kind of lucky that you don’t have to see it. Dad screaming your name over and over, mom pulling her hair out, curled up on the floor with her hand over her head as if she’s trying to protect herself from unseen blows.”
“I check your Facebook page before I tell them you’re dead because it reminds me that I am talking about a person, someone they love — it quiets the voice in my head that is screaming at you right now shouting: ‘You mother f–ker, how could you do this to them, to people you are supposed to love!'”
Sabrina Benaim’s “Explaining My Depression to My Mother” is pretty powerful on its own.
But, in it, her mother exhibits some of the most common misconceptions about depression, and I’d like to point out three of them here.
Misconception #1: Depression is triggered by a single event or series of traumatic events.
Most people think depression is triggered by a traumatic event: a loved one dying, a job loss, a national tragedy, some THING. The truth is that depression sometimes just appears out of nowhere. So when you think that a friend or loved one is just in an extended bad mood, reconsider. They could be suffering from depression.
Misconception #2: People with depression are only sad.
Most people who have never experienced depression think depression is just an overwhelming sadness. In reality, depression is a complex set of feelings and physical changes in the body. People who suffer from depression are sad, yes, but they can also be anxious, worried, apathetic, and tense, among other things.
Misconception #3: You can snap out of it.
The thing with depression is that it’s a medical condition that affects your brain chemistry. It has to do with environmental or biological factors first and foremost. Sabrina’s mother seems to think that if her daughter would only go through the motions of being happy that then she would become happy. But that’s not the case. Depression is a biological illness that leaks into your state of being.
Think of it this way: If you had a cold, could you just “snap out of it”?
No? Exactly.
These are only three of the misconceptions about depression. If you know somebody suffering from depression, you should take a look at this video here below to learn the best way to talk to them:
Earlier in the week, Stephen Callaghan’s daughter Ruby came home from school. When he asked her how her day was, her answer made him raise an eyebrow.
Ruby, who’s in the sixth grade at her school in Australia, told her dad that the boys would soon be taken on a field trip to Bunnings (a hardware chain in the area) to learn about construction.
The girls, on the other hand? While the boys were out learning, they would be sent to the library to have their hair and makeup done.
Ruby’s reply made Callaghan do a double take. What year was it, again?
Callaghan decided to write a letter to the school sharing his disappointment — but his wasn’t your typical “outraged parent” letter.
“Dear Principal,” he began. “I must draw your attention to a serious incident which occurred yesterday at your school where my daughter is a Year 6 student.”
“When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017,” Callaghan continued. “But when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968.”
The letter goes on to suggest that perhaps the school is harboring secret time-travel technology or perhaps has fallen victim to a rift in the “space-time continuum,” keeping his daughter in an era where women were relegated to domestic life by default.
“I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not sharply divided along gender lines,” he concluded.
Dear Principal
I must draw your attention to a serious incident which occurred yesterday at your school where my daughter Ruby is a Year 6 student.
When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017 but when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968.
I know this to be the case as Ruby informed me that the “girls” in Year 6 would be attending the school library to get their hair and make-up done on Monday afternoon while the “boys” are going to Bunnings.
Are you able to search the school buildings for a rip in the space-time continuum? Perhaps there is a faulty Flux Capacitor hidden away in the girls toilet block.
I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not sharply divided along gender lines.
Yours respectfully Stephen Callaghan
When Callaghan posted the letter to Twitter, it quickly went viral and inspired hundreds of supportive responses.
Though most people who saw his response to the school’s egregiously outdated activities applauded him, not everyone was on board.
One commenter wrote, “Sometimes it is just ok for girls to do girl things.”
But Callaghan was ready for that. “Never said it wasn’t,” he replied. “But you’ve missed the point. Why ‘girl things’ or ‘boy things’… Why not just ‘things anyone can do?'”
He later commented that he didn’t think the school’s plan was malicious, but noted the incident was a powerful example of “everyday sexism” at work.
Callaghan says the school hasn’t responded to his letter. (Yes, he really sent it.) At least, not directly to him.
Some media outlets have reported that the school claims students are free to opt in and out of the different activities. But, as Callaghan says, gendering activities like this in the first place sends the completely wrong message.
In response to the outpouring of support, Callaghan again took to Twitter.
“At 12 years of age my daughter is starting to notice there are plenty of people prepared to tell her what she can and can’t do based solely on the fact she is female,” he wrote.
“She would like this to change. So would I.”
This article originally appeared on 12.08.17.
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