Have you ever wondered what happens at the dry cleaners? Or are you like me, who just assumed the people at the dry cleaners were wizards and never questioned their magic? Turns out, dry cleaners aren’t magic and there’s actually a pretty interesting explanation of how they came to be and what they do.
Melissa Pateras is known on Tiktok for her laundry knowledge. Seriously, her ability to fold laundry is hypnotizing. This time, she created a video explaining what actually takes place at the dry cleaner and the internet is aghast.
Before Pateras explained what happens in the mysterious world behind the counter of a dry cleaner, she asked a few of her friends what they thought dry cleaning was. Their answers were…interesting to say the least.
One friend surmised, “You put it in a box, right…and then you let some wind, really fast wind, blow around on your clothes and it wipes off all the dirt.” The friend, whose username is @unlearn16, continued with her working hypothesis, saying that the clothes are then blasted with infrared heat to sterilize the garments. While that is certainly an interesting theory, that’s not what happens.
Another friend guessed, “Dry cleaning is when they take all of your dirty clothes into this big dryer with a clean sheet that sticks all of the dirt to it from your dirty clothes.” This friend was also incorrect, and Pateras finally explained why after her friends dug deep into their brains for their best guesses.
Turns out dry cleaning was invented by accident when Jean-Baptiste Jolly spilled a kerosene lamp on his tablecloth, which dried cleaner than it was previously, according to Pateras.
The laundry guru explained that while it was dangerous, the practice of cleaning things with kerosene continued until a less flammable method was discovered. But even the safer method is still fairly harsh, which is why dry cleaners take buttons off of clothing before running them through, she says.
This prompted one commenter to ask, “They really take the buttons off of every shirt?” to which Pateras replied that it only occurs if the buttons won’t withstand the chemicals.
If you’ve ever been curious about what happens at the dry cleaner, watch the video below. She takes you through each step.
Are you having a hard time falling asleep? Dr. Andrew Weil has shared the “most powerful” relaxation technique he knows, and it doesn’t require any equipment or cost a dime. It’s known as the 4-7-8 method and it’s backed up by science.
Dr. Weil is an expert in integrative medicine and the founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
The technique is simple:
Breathe in through your nose while you count to 4.
Hold your breath while you count to 7.
Exhale while you count to 8.
Dr. Weil says the method creates a “very pleasant, altered state of consciousness” that you may not experience the first time but will come as a “reward” of regular practice. Dr. Weil insists that the 4-7-8 technique is a practice, and you must do four breath cycles at least twice a day to get the benefits. “After a month, you can increase to 8 breath cycles if you’re comfortable with it,” adding that’s the “absolute maximum.”
Dr. Weil says that 4 to 6 weeks of doing the practice can lower heart rate, improve blood pressure, digestion and circulation and can promote sleep. A study published in Physiological Reports agrees, saying that practicing the 4-7-8 technique reduces heart rate and blood pressure for several minutes.
It’s also an easy way to help you fall asleep. “If you get up in the middle of the night for any reason, it is the most effective anti-anxiety technique that I’ve found,” Dr. Weil says.
Nicki Minaj is currently earning millions of dollars on the road as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, but it looks like she’s going to have to fork some over. The “Barbie Dangerous” rapper and her husband, Kenneth Petty, have reportedly received a hefty bill from the Los Angeles courts.
According to Rolling Stone, on Friday, March 22, the couple was ordered to pay $500,000 to a former security guard who worked one of Minaj’s concerts. The former venue staffer, Thomas Weidenmuller, alleged that while on staff for Minaj’s 2019 show in Frankfurt, Germany, he was viciously assaulted by Petty.
The supposed incident, which reportedly resulted in Weidenmuller’s broken jaw, took place backstage. In the original lawsuit’s documentation, Weidenmuller alleged Petty attacked him from behind, punching him in the face as retribution for Weidenmuller coming to the defense of his female colleague. Weidenmuller also claimed Minaj attempted to attack him by throwing a shoe but ultimately missed.
Weidenmuller initially sought $721,000 in restitution ($21,000 to cover medical bills and $700,000 for his ongoing injury and emotional pain and suffering). However, the presiding judge landed on $503,318. Minaj and Petty’s non-response to Weidenmuller’s suit led to the default judgment.
The catalyst for the incident allegedly stemmed from a fan breaching the stage as Minaj performed.
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty have not issued a statement regarding the matter.
Welcome To Derry might not sound like the most exciting set of words at first glance, but Stephen King addicts will know that this (working) title refers to the setting of the It franchise. This Max series will go back in time as a prequel to 2017’s It and 2019’s It Chapter Two. Those films were, of course, directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Gary Dauberman, Chase Palmer, and Cary Fukunaga. They starred Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, and — most crucially — Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown.
The latter figurehead terrorized the children of Derry, Maine, and an epic struggle led to the initial defeat of Pennywise and a blood oath for the Losers Club to return and vanquish the demonic clown again. What should viewers expect from the prequel series?
Plot
Andy Muschietti has developed the series (in conjunction with sister Barbara Muschietti, who produced the It movies) with Jason Fuchs on writing and producing duties. Andy will also direct at least the first two episodes, so King fans are in good hands, even though the horror maestro himself actually hasn’t published a literary prequel to It. King has enthusiastically endorsed the project, as revealed by EW:
“I’m excited that the story of Derry, Maine’s most haunted city, is continuing, and I’m glad Andy Muschietti is going to be overseeing the frightening festivities, along with a brain trust including his talented sister, Barbara. Red balloons all around!”
Andy and Barbara have likewise expressed their intent:
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s It until the thick paperback fell to pieces. It is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our It movies. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity, and horror.”
The series will pick up back in the 1960s, according to Variety, to inform horror lovers of Pennywise’s origin story as he sets about claiming his first of hundreds of victims. Man, it’s already difficult enough going through puberty without also being confronted by a monster who feeds upon their worst fears, and viewers might already be going in while feeling worried about getting too close to these characters. Yet with such devoted creative forces on the job, you know that this series will deliver compelling reasons to watch.
Cast
There’s been no indication of who will portray Pennywise in the series. That should be a major announcement when it arrives, but for now, the known cast includes Madeleine Stowe, Stephen Rider, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Taylour Paige.
Release Date
Max has revealed this series as part of its 2025 slate, although a precise date is being kept under wraps for now.
Trailer
Shortly after the 1:30 mark below, you can catch a glimpse of first-look footage from this series.
Every single week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.
Millie Bobby Brown and Netflix’s partnership keeps cranking out movies while Stranger Things still lingers out there, waiting to finish its final season. Never fear, though, because this isn’t exactly the smartest, most empowering movie, but there are bits and pieces to be figured out concerning baby dragons and whether the requisite “plucky heroine” can move past not only her physical confines but the literal ties that bind her to a paint-by-numbers story. This twisted fairy tale arrives in conjunction with Evelyn Skye’s novel (based on the film), and you can watch it as an airy escapist film or chew on the (admittedly muddled) questions that lie therein.
A24 (which barely ever misses) and Nic Cage (whose results vary, but people love him anyway) are living the “dream” together. That is to say, Cage pulls a bit of a Being John Malkovich here when he begins unwittingly appearing in millions of people’s dreams. So much for his quiet life as a professor, right? This film isn’t as mind-bending (or truly weird) as Joaquin Phoenix’s recent Beau Is Afraid, and instead takes on the nature of going viral.
Hamish Linklater might be the most underappreciated actor on TV these days, especially following his ungodly turn in Mike Flanagan and Netflix’s Midnight Mass. He stars as Abraham Lincoln in an adaptation of James L. Swanson’ non-fiction book, which is adapted into a true crime thriller about the infamous assassination of Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. The story follows the aftermath of that devastating deed, and Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air) portrays the fugitive murderer. The limited series also co-stars Tobias Menzies and Patton Oswalt with muttonchops and a full-on beard. How can you resist?
Lindsay Lohan is hereby relaunching her career by way of a romcom. Will it stick? The bar isn’t terribly high for romcoms on streaming (see The Kissing Booth‘s rampant popularity), and people are certainly checking this movie out, if only due to sheer curiosity.
7. Ricky Stanicky (Amazon MGM Studios movie streaming on Amazon Prime)
Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb And Dumber) does not disappoint fans of his brand here. Additionally, John Cena pulled out the naked stops to promote this comedy co-starring Zac Efron, and the results are equally silly. “Ricky Stanicky” happens to be an alibi for a trio of childhood friends’ ridiculous behavior, but now that they are adults, their ready excuse is being called into question with demands of proof.
6. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (AMC show streaming on AMC+)
Last week’s very physical reunion between Rick and Michonne finally also led to a meeting of the minds between this beloved survivalist couple, and now, viewers must wait to see if the couple truly makes it back to Alexandria without the CRM managing to trace their every move. Will Jadis really let them get off so easily? Her hairdo is, sadly, no joke, and there is no way in hell that she will buy the faking of their deaths by helicopter. Of course, there’s still the mystery of who “came back” as announced by Carol in her phone call to Daryl. Was she talking about Rick, for real? She seemed far too laid back about the announcement, so I’m calling shenanigans in the form of a MacGuffin, but The Ones Who Live doesn’t take time for such distractions.
Granted, yes, this isn’t the most casual watch. Viewers must truly pay attention to every subtitled bit of dialogue to begin understanding the vast assembling of characters and history that unfold in this epic series that surpasses Amazon’s Lord of the Rings in terms of world building. Further, a new generation can enjoy an adaptation of James Clavell’s most famed novel with updated Blackthorne hotness. Furthermore, the writers placed enormous care into nonverbal cues and seemingly effortless exposition, so that that viewers do not need to do any homework to appreciate this sprawling story.
Guy Ritchie’s confusing habit of issuing variants of “gentlemen” titles could not please him more, apparently, because there’s a lot of gentlemen-dudes in this series, too. As well, he continues the theme of the weed-kingpin empire in this show, which stars Theo Rossi (although not Matthew McConaughey), who inherits the empire, only for hijinks to set in. Sadly, there is no Charlie Hunnam or Henry Cavill to be found in this Ritchie project, but we can’t have everything we want, so settle down and dive into his latest crime caper.
This controversial remake might come and go on streaming, but for the moment, curiosity is ruling the roost with streaming clicks. That’s due in large part to Jake Gyllenhaal paying tribute to Swayze while also determining to be more ripped than anyone ever thought possible. This update does not shy away from violence — and to be fair, that’s not really possible in this story — but does play it safer than the original movie elsewhere. And therein lies the difficulty in translating a 1980s story for a 2024 audience while still presenting as a guilty pleasure that packs in action while taking down bad dudes.
It is Binge City for not only those curious about what HBO’s Game of Thrones creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, are doing after fully departing Westeros. As it turns out, they are swan-diving into sci-fi madness in this gripping series that spans time and continents and space to detail humanity’s protracted response to an impending alien invasion. Astronomy watchers will know that title references three stars orbiting each other, and as with physics, there shall be no easy solution. The cast includes Eiza González, John Bradley, Marlo Kelly, and Bendict Wong, and do not expect a straightforward adaptation of Cixin Liu’s novels.
After a mid-season hiatus that caught many viewers off guard, Robert Kirkman’s other runaway hit picks up with Mark returning to earth with (you guessed it) more responsibility for Debbie to take care of. She could really stand to catch a break, but then again, she could use the distraction from her realization that she was only Nolan’s “pet.” Meanwhile, we will see his awfulness return to the series, but first, it’s Mark’s turn to pick up the pieces and truly be “Invincible” while the world also awaits the return of The Boys, and hot damn, “superheroes” are one area of the market that Amazon is still cornering like no other studio.
After hitting the road as the support act for the SOS Tourlast year,d4vd is back at it. But, come June, the “Leave Her” musician will set into the headlining role for My House Is Not A Home Tour.
The 22-date run across North America and the UK will kick off with a set at the Boston Calling Music Festival on May 25. Continue below for ticketing price details, the complete live schedule, and the tour poster.
How Much Are d4vd’s ‘My House Is Not A Home Tour’ Tickets?
As of today (March 23), several dates on d4vd’s My House Is Not A Home Tour have already sold out. So, if you are hoping to see the musician live your best Find more information here.
d4vd’s 2024 Tour Dates: My House Is Not A Home Tour
5/25 — Boston, MA @ Boston Calling Music Festival**
6/05 — Toronto, ON @ The Danforth Music Hall
6/07 — Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
6/08 — Queens, NY @ The Governors Ball Music Festival 2024**
6/12 — Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
6/14 — Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
6/15 — Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival **
6/18 — Austin, TX @ Emo’s Austin
6/19 — Dallas, TX @ Southside Music Hall
6/21 — Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
6/22 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
6/25 — San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
6/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
6/28 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
7/07 — London, UK @ KOKO
7/09 — Dublin, IE @ The Academy
7/10 — Manchester, UK @ Academy 2
7/11 — Paris, FR @ Le Trabendo
7/13 — Cologne, DE @ GLORIA
7/14 — Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
7/16 — Berlin, DE @ Metropol
8/01-04 — Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza Festival **
The Weeknd‘s rumored plans to retire from music could mean a shift to his outside professional ventures. Besides his acting career, he has a thriving coffee company, Samra Origins, to dive deeper into.
To prove it the “Blinding Lights” singer has partnered with Blue Bottle Company to celebrate his Ethiopian culture specificially its traditional coffee ceremony, Buna Tetu.
In a statement, The Weeknd spoke about the rich cultural significance of the beverage. “I remember coming home to the smell of coffee roasting in the kitchen and the chatter of family catching up in the living room,” he said. “The Buna Tetu coffee ceremony was a special piece of our culture my mother would share with our guests, and I realize, now that I’m older, it’s synonymous with home for me.”
He went to add how this sense of home led to the buildout of the venture. “Samra Origins is a true passion project of mine that Blue Bottle matched and understood as we developed the products together,” he said. “I hope the result ignites curiosity about Ethiopia’s people and motivates others to give back to communities in need.”
In alignment with the partnership with Samra Origins, Blue Bottle Coffee pledged to donate to the XO Humanitarian Fund, administered by World Food Program USA. The organization works to provide emergency operations in areas food insecurity global, but has a emphasis in Ethiopia aid.
Currently, there are two offerings from Samra Origins including Blend Vol. One (8 ounce bag) with notes of raspberry, toffee, citrus blossom which retails for $22. The brand also offers craft instant coffee single serve packets (of 5) which retails for $19. Find more information here.
Despite Diaz advocating for couples to sleep in separate bedrooms, she clearly hasn’t paid heed to her own advice, thus the new bundle of joy. In a joint Instagram post, the pair shared the news that their son, Cardinal.
“We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our son, Cardinal Madden,” the couple wrote. “He is awesome, and we are all so happy he is here!”
For those with eager eyes, don’t expect to see any picture of the newborn. Later in the note, they made it clear photos wouldn’t be shared so long as they could control it. “For the kids’ safety and privacy, we won’t be posting any pictures,” they wrote. “But he’s really cute. We are feeling so blessed and grateful. Sending much love from our fam[ily] to yours. Best wishes and good afternoon!”
In January 2020, the couple revealed they had welcomed their first child, daughter Raddix. “Happy New Year from the Maddens,” wrote the pair. “We’re so happy, blessed, and grateful to begin this new decade by announcing the birth of our daughter, Raddix Madden. She has instantly captured our hearts and completed our family.”
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden officially tied the knot in 2015.
According to Variety, the long-teased Joker sequel will follow in the footsteps of Wonka, The Color Purple, and Mean Girls — translation it’s a musical. A source told the outlet the Todd Phillips-directed feature film is “mostly a jukebox musical” and includes a total of 15 updated tasks on “very well-known” songs. Without certainty, the insider suggested “That’s Entertainment” from the 1953 musical The Band Wagon could appear in the picture.
When the forthcoming film’s first-look photos were revealed, the public was abroad. However, many didn’t believe it was a musical. After learning of the whispers, users online sounded off, retracting their initial excitement.
While disappointed in the creative direction, some fans still intend to support the film once it hits theaters. “It’s going to flop so hard, but I’ll still be there on opening night I don’t care,” added one user.
It’s going to flop so hard but I’ll still be there on opening night idc
2018’s A Star Was Born faced similar pushback (mainly aimed at Bradley Cooper) but earned several prominent award nominations. Ultimately, it won the Oscar for Best Original Song (“Shallow” by Lady Gaga).
All that to say, the public will have to wait until it hits theaters to launch an informed complaint about Joker: Folie À Deux.
Joker: Folie À Deux is out in theaters on October 4.
Taking care of a newborn baby is mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. For the first four months (at least!), new parents have to dedicate every part of themselves to caring for this young life.
There’s little time for self-care during this chaotic period, let alone a moment to be fully present with a partner.
A blogger who goes by the name Celeste Yvonne is the mother of a toddler and a newborn and wrote a revealing open letter to her husband asking for more help with their children. It’s going viral because it paints a very real picture of what it feels like to be a mother who feels stuck doing everything.
It’s also important because it gives specific ways for parents to support each other.
Dear Husband,
I. Need. More. Help.
Last night was hard for you. I asked you to watch the baby so I could go to bed early. The baby was crying. Wailing, really. I could hear him from upstairs and my stomach knotted from the sound, wondering if I should come down there and relieve you or just shut the door so I could get some desperately needed sleep. I chose the latter.
You came into the room 20 minutes later, with the baby still frantically crying. You placed the baby in the bassinet and gently pushed the bassinet just a few inches closer to my side of the bed, a clear gesture that you were done watching him.
I wanted to scream at you. I wanted to launch an epic fight that very moment. I had been watching the baby and the toddler all damn day. I was going to be waking up with the baby to feed him all damn night. The least you could do is hold him for a couple of hours in the evening to I can attempt to sleep.
Just a few hours of precious sleep. Is that too much to ask?
I know we both watched our parents fulfill the typical mother-father roles growing up. Both our mothers were the primary caretakers and our fathers were relatively hands off. They were excellent dads, but they weren’t expected to spend a significant amount of time changing diapers, feeding, caring, and tending to the kids. Our mothers were the superwomen who maintained the family dynamics. Cooking, cleaning, and raising the children. Any help from dad was welcome, but unexpected.
I see us falling into these family dynamics more and more each day. My responsibility to feed the family, keep the house clean, and take care of the kids is assumed, even as I return to work. I blame myself for most of it too. I have set the precedent that I can do it. And in truth I want to. No offense, but I’m not sure I want to know what a week’s worth of dinner would look like with you in charge.
I also see my friends and other moms doing it all, and doing it well. I know you see it, too. If they can manage it, and if our mothers did it so well for us, why can’t I?
I don’t know.
Maybe our friends are playing the part in public and secretly struggling. Maybe our moms suffered in silence for years and now, thirty years later, they simply don’t remember how hard it really was. Or maybe, and this is something I berate myself over every single day, I’m just not as qualified for the job as everyone else. And as much as I cringe just thinking it, I’m going to say it: I need more help.
Part of me feels like a failure for even asking. I mean, you do help. You are an amazing father, and you do a great job with the kids. And besides, this should come easy to me, right? Motherly instincts, no?
But I’m human, and I’m running on five hours of sleep and tired as hell. I need you.
In the morning, I need you to get our toddler ready so I can care for the baby and make everyone’s lunches and drink a cup of coffee. And no, getting the toddler ready does not mean plopping him in front of the TV. It means making sure he went potty, giving him some breakfast, seeing if he wants water, and packing his bag for school.
At night, I need an hour to decompress in bed knowing our toddler is asleep in his room and the baby is in your care. I know it’s hard to listen to the baby cry. Believe me, I know. But if I can watch and pacify the baby for the majority of the day, you can do it for an hour or two at night. Please. I need you.
On weekends, I need more breaks. Times where I can get out of the house by myself and feel like an individual. Even if it’s just a walk around the block or a trip to the grocery store. And some days when I’ve scheduled swim class and play dates, and it seems like I’ve got it all under control, I need you to offer to lend me a hand. Or suggest I go lay down during the kids’ naptime. Or start putting away the dishes without me suggesting it. I need you.
Lastly, I need to hear you’re grateful for all I do. I want to know that you notice the laundry is done and a nice dinner has been prepared. I want to know you appreciate that I breastfeed at all hours and pump when I’m at work when it would be easier for me to formula feed. I hope you notice that I never ask you to stay home from your networking events and sport activities. As the mom, it’s assumed I’ll be home all the time and always available to care for the kids while you’re out and I feed that assumption by, well, being home all the time.
I know it’s not how our parents did it, and I hate even asking. I wish I could do it all and make it look effortless. And I wish I didn’t need kudos for doing things most people expect from a mom. But I’m waving a white flag and admitting I’m only human. I’m telling you how much I need you, and if I keep going at the pace I’ve been on, I will break. And that would hurt you, the kids, and our family.
Because, let’s face it: you need me, too.”
After the video went viral, Yvonne filmed another thanking everyone who read it and addressed the biggest question it raised: Did the letter work?
“Yes, absolutely. Communication works — most of the time,” Yvonne said with a laugh. “I told [my husband] all the stuff I’m doing on the back end that he had no idea about. And then he told me all the concerns and the stress he’s been having as a new father. Things that I had no idea about. It was so eye-opening, and I’m so grateful for it.”
Watch the YouTube video below:
This article originally appeared on 3.20.18
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