No parent ever wants their child to experience something traumatic. All the tips we give them in an effort to make sure they survive an unfortunate encounter are always given with the hope that you never have to find out if your advice works. But sadly, the world isn’t perfect, and some children have to use all of their knowledge to try to get out of a scary situation.
A 6-year-old girl named Ah’lyric found herself in a scary situation where she had to think quickly on her feet. The little girl had been playing outside with her siblings, but when they went inside, Ah’lyric stayed sitting in the stairwell. Shortly after, a strange man attempted to pick her up and take her to the back of the stairs, but she was having none of it.
The little girl fought back just like her mother taught her to do if she were ever in a situation like this one.
Thankfully, she soaked in her mom’s lessons because fighting back worked. Ah’lyric bit her would-be kidnapper on his arm so hard that he dropped her before angrily slapping her and running away.
“I bit him. He picked me up and then he slapped me,” Ah’lyric told WPLG. “Then he threw me on the floor and started running.”
When the man ran away, the girl ran to tell her aunt what happened. Ah’lyric was also able to give the police a good description of the suspect and confirmed the man on the apartment’s surveillance video, which led to the man’s arrest. This is not a situation anyone wants to imagine their child being in, but it’s important for kids to have an idea of what to do if something like this happens to them.
In 2021, a child escaped potential abduction because she asked the person for a code word that only someone authorized by her parent would know. Some potential kidnappers will either pretend to be a family friend or make up an elaborate story about someone they love being hurt. This can create a sense of trust in children which can result in kids going with the stranger. Some parents have found a way to combat this with the use of code words that only their kids and trusted adults know.
Other kids have escaped potential kidnapping by pretending another adult is their parent or physically fighting back in other ways. One boy saved his younger sister from being abducted by using a slingshot to shoot projectiles at the suspect. His quick thinking saved his sister’s life and marked the kidnapper enough that the police were able to identify him.
Unfortunately, kids have to think quickly when these situations occur and parents have to prepare their children for the possibility of something like this happening. Ah’lyric had the tools to try to save herself, and police in Florida are commending her bravery. Thanks to that 6-year-old girl, one less bad guy will be on the street to harm another child.
There’s a glorious point in adult life when you suddenly realize that other people’s opinion of you doesn’t hold the same sway. You’ve cultivated enough of an authentic tribe and self-assurance that you are truly liberated from caring about how you come across—hopefully without the overcorrection of losing any and all social awareness.
But until that time comes, our adolescent selves will do things that are, as the kids say, totally cringe in order to blend in with a friend group, impress a childhood crush, emulate a beloved celebrity or feel just a little more grown-up. Sometimes these seemingly “cool” behaviors become the detriment of our own health and well-being in the long run, when they lead to addiction with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Other times, if we’re lucky, we just wind up with a very embarrassing story to keep ourselves humble.
Which brings us to Reddit user u/Beneficial_Form8563, who asked “What is the stupidest thing you have ever done to try to be cool?”
As you can imagine, the answers were wild. No matter what outrageous thing each person did, they all left with the same bit of wisdom: Turns out this wasn’t cool after all, I’m much better off just being myself. That’s pretty much the theme of every young adult’s life, isn’t it?
Scroll below for 20 of the absolute best from the comments. And by best, we mean absolutely embarrassing. Enjoy.
1. “When I was 8 my sister had her friends over, all teenagers, and trying to be cool I jumped on the trampoline in front of them and told them I’d do a backflip. I’d never done a backflip so I landed on my neck, bounced off the trampoline and broke my wrist.”
3. “Got pulled over for playing my car stereo too loud. Took the ticket, turned it back up. Took another ticket, turned it back up. Took a third ticket, turned it back up. Spent the night in jail.“
4. “In 1st grade, I was very jealous of people with glasses. I wore an old pair of my mom’s sunglasses and said they were prescription…My teacher saw right through it, of course.I kept taking them off to read the chalkboard and she told me to put them back on…
She called my mom and explained the situation. Mom picked me up from school and all I remember is denying it, and then my mom expressed her disappointment that I’d lie to her and to a teacher. So I told kids I switched to contacts (which were barely a thing then, especially for kids).“
5. “Rubbed poison ivy all over my face. It was the last day of school in 7th grade and since I’d never gotten poison ivy before I was convinced that meant it didn’t affect me. So I started bragging really loudly to everyone around me that poison ivy doesn’t affect me and nobody believed me so I grabbed a bunch and rubbed it all over my face.…
Spoiler alert: it definitely does affect me. That was a rough start to summer vacation.“
6. “Jumped off the top of the jungle gym to show off to my crush from school…. I was 10 and it was at least an 8 foot fall. Landed on my feet, then my knees, then my hands….so cool, so amazing, wouldn’t do it again.”
7. “This is so cringe but I pretended to play street hockey when I was in 5th grade because I thought it would make me seem tough. I was about an 80 pound nerdy girl and truth is I just really liked reading cat related magazines and collecting Polly Pockets. I would do things like wear a fake sling for my arm and claim I sprained it playing street hockey 😩”
8. “Did the worm in front of a crush in elementary school one time. No music or anything…That one is a mainstay in my nighttime embarrassing memory replay.”
11. “Told someone I had a pet turkey. I have no idea why, I was like six and thought it would be cool. How did I get out of the lie? Well, conveniently Thanksgiving was right around the corner.“
12. “In second grade I forced my mom to sign “Nolan Ryan” on my ball and took it to school to tell everyone I caught it at a game. It didn’t take long for it to be pointed out that what I had brought was in fact a softball, not a baseball.”
14. “Not as bad as most, but I remember walking 15 – 20 feet behind my parents when we’d go to the mall. Nobody ever caught on that I was with them, right? My wife and I laugh about our kids doing the same thing.“
17. “In elementary school, I was a pretty strong reader, but I heard some of the cool kids read out loud and have a lot more trouble and stumble over their words. In order to be cool I would imitate their reading style and stutter or act like I was sounding out words any time I had to read out loud.”
18. “Back in middle school, I thought people who chewed gum look cool for some reason, so I started to imitate the motion all the time, even when I wasn’t actually chewing gum. Started a lifetime of teeth grinding and by the time I was 30…Had to reconstruct some teeth eventually and now I wear a mouth guard even when taking a 20 minute nap.“
19. “Somehow I got it into my 14-year-old head that my ticket to the esteem of my peers was to mope around wearing all black, writing and living the most gawd awful angsty poetry… I guess I thought the other kids would consider me some brilliant, nascent philosopher and come for my counsel? Fortunately, I outgrew all that just in time to make a few actual friends in high school.“
20. “I tried chugging 3 beers at once out of a very large glass to impress a girl. It worked and she was impressed. Then she wanted to show her friends. Beer 4-6 didn’t go down as smooth and I projectile vomited all over her living room furniture. Never heard from her again.”
A rap icon is getting his flowers in his hometown. Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter’s remarkable journey will be on display in a special exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library.
The Book Of HOV will showcase Jay-Z’s inspiring journey from growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to becoming a hip-hop legend.
The exhibition will feature never-before-seen photos of the rapper and entrepreneur, as well as original master recordings, some clothes he’s worn on stage, awards he’s won, along with videos and artifacts from various facets and moments of his professional life. Jay has also donated over 300 books from his personal collection.
The Book Of HOV opens tomorrow (July 14) and is executive produced by Roc Nation. During its run, visitors of the library can collect 13 different special edition Jay-Z-inspired library cards.
“Our goal, with The Book Of HOV tribute exhibition, is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall Of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist who has never forgotten the lessons he learned on the road to success,” reads a description on the exhibition’s website. “And the borough where his journey began.”
The exhibition will be open to the public and free to attend, however, there will be time limits for guests, as traffic for the exhibition is expected to be high.
Six months after her untimely passing, Lisa Marie Presley‘s cause of death has been revealed. TMZ reports that Presley died due to complications from a bariatric surgical procedure.
TMZ, who received a copy of the toxicology report, which has also been released by the L.A. County Medical Examiner, noted that therapeutic levels of Oxycodone were found in Presley’s blood. Buprenorphine, which is to treat opioid overuse, was also found in her blood.
As opioids often cause constipation, Presley was reported to have suffered a small bowel obstruction, which ultimately led to her death.
The bowel obstruction was in the form of a strangulated bowel, which was caused by adhesion that developed after a gastric bypass procedure years ago.
TMZ also says that there was no sort of drug paraphernalia or narcotics found in Presley’s home on the day she was rushed to the hospital. While at the hospital, Presley was reported to have gone into cardiac arrest.
It was also reported that Presley had undergone a cosmetic procedure months before her death, and was prescribed opioids. She was said to have had a history of overmedicating, and would often forget that she had taken her medications, and then take them again.
In his inaugural Summer League outings, Ausar Thompson often slid into the periphery offensively to spotlight Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and James Wiseman. When those three sat out Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Thompson filled the void and delivered his most enticing performance to date. As Detroit rallied back from a 17-point hole for a 94-90 victory, the 20-year-old notched 17 points (7-of-14 shooting), nine boards, four steals, three assists (seven turnovers), and two blocks.
Through three games, he’s averaging 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.0 dimes (3.3 turnovers), 2.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks. The Pistons selected him fifth overall to be a do-it-all wing and, in spurts, he’s done it all thus far. The scoring efficiency (50.2 percent true shooting and jumper (16.7 percent from deep) remain significant areas for growth. That much has long been evident. The key will be how Thompson assimilates as a connective cog alongside Ivey and Cade Cunningham, the engines of Detroit’s offense, when the regular season begins and this core continues taking shape together.
While that part of his game and fit crystalizes, Thompson should be able to trust in his defensive exploits for immediate contributions. Whether it’s hounding Raptors sharpshooter Gradey Dick, wrangling with ball-handlers at the point of attack, rotating in scramble situations, or closing out to deter shooters, the dude’s been an absolute menace defensively.
The highlights making waves on Twitter are a microcosm of his aptitude. What’s most critical is his possession-by-possession technical consistency; his five stocks per game are far from the lone instances in which he inks his signature. He plays the gaps on the weakside properly, flocks to shooters wielding high-handed, disciplined closeouts, seamlessly slips around picks, and audible coordinates coverages with teammates.
When I spoke with him and his brother, Amen, last month, he said he prefers to play at the point-of-attack defensively. But he’s been excellent off the ball in a litany of manners, blowing up different actions, executing proper duties as a helper, and staying glued through screens.
His preference for the point-of-attack hasn’t disappointed either, though. He can flip his hips to change directions and mirror assignments in a split second, glides over screens to prevent any wiggle room, and eats up space as a lateral mover. On both ends, the speed at which he maneuvers looks like he’s skipping frames. He has a knack for fastening himself to initiators, getting into their bodies and prying the ball out of bounds or into his own hands.
At 6’7 with a 7-foot wingspan and the mobility of a zippy, wily guard, he should become one of the NBA’s more fearsome on-ball stoppers quickly, especially if he plays less upright as he develops. His blend of physical tools and feel are ridiculous, and have been on display through three Summer League contests. Watching him, Cunningham, and Duren (and Isaiah Livers!) defend together over the next few seasons will be joyous.
I couldn’t figure out where this clip made sense in the prior two compilations, but it felt worth including. Thompson’s closing speed, motor, and dexterity are preposterous. From nearly a standstill, he sprints from the corner to the opposite key in ~3 seconds, disrupts Jett Howard’s pass, and helps reverse a fastbreak opportunity into a turnover.
Whew, boy, that’s rad stuff.
As succinctly as he scans and enacts responsibilities defensively, he’s also a masterful processor with his playmaking. The gamut of angles he can whip passes from is astounding. Flanked by Cunningham and Ivey creating advantages and quality play-finishers like Duren, Wiseman, Joe Harris, Bojan Bogdanovic, Livers ,and Marvin Bagley III, Thompson’s connectivity should be quite the asset, particularly in new head coach Monty Williams’ 0.5 offensive scheme emphasizing quick decision-making.
The Pistons finished 27th in transition frequency last season, per Cleaning The Glass. That should be rectified next year. While Thompson’s current scoring limitations will hinder some of his halfcourt facilitating, he’ll persist as a dynamite open floor firestarter. Ivey, Duren, and Bagley’s presence should further prompt an uptick in pace, too. Williams’ playbook excels at granting players touches on the move (think about how Devin Booker was often deployed his first couple years under Williams), so Thompson’s passing and sagacious processing will likely see plenty of chances to exploit shifting defenses, as he’s done in Summer League.
Before Ivey exited the lineup, Thompson didn’t receive many on-ball reps. That changed Wednesday. His screen manipulation and pacing enable him to generate a slew of paint touches out of pick-and-rolls. Some of his efforts were curtailed by poor ball control (hence the seven turnovers against Toronto). Yet he’s hinting at a future in which he incorporates a viable intermediate arsenal and is a relentless, prolific ball-screen slasher.
He knows how to utilize picks, is selective in applying his gnarly burst and teleports from point A to point B. I love how he can rocket right through panicking rim protectors, while simultaneously surveying the court to identify which read is most logical.
Play-linking flashes like these bode well for his future in Detroit, too. Thompson touts a keen sense of space, preps well to maximize himself off the catch, and embraces physicality at the rim. The contrasting leadups and similar results (points) of these off-ball instances are encouraging.
Little thing from Ausar Thompson. Ivey attacks in P&R and skips to Sasser. Extra pass and no shot, looks to drive the closeout but defense stays in front. Keeping an eye on the drives. pic.twitter.com/WrZRnvOsfV
Since last seeing the playoffs in 2018-19, the Pistons’ rebuild has been a slow burn with four consecutive seasons of 23 wins or fewer. Along the way, they’ve accumulated a quartet of promising youngsters in Cunningham, Ivey, Duren, and, now, Thompson, the last of whom is giving the franchise and its fans multifaceted glimpses of why he could be so good on the NBA stage.
Summer League is a time for optimism — subdued or unceasing, rational or irrational. Thompson’s play is surely igniting some of that among his own supporters and the broader Pistons’ fanbase. He provides a distinct skillset to the rest of the core that could soon help this franchise return to an era of winning.
It appears fans haven’t learned that artists don’t like when you throw sh*t at them mid-performance. But if they haven’t learned yet, they’re most certainly going to learn today.
During a performance at Rolling Loud Germany, rapper Latto had some words for a fan who through something at her while she was performing her hit single, “Put It On Da Floor.” Thankfully, she didn’t let this fan mess up her flow.
“You’ll get your ass beat,” Latto rapped, not missing a beat as she continued to “Throw it again. Throw it again. I’ll beat your ass. Throw it again.”
In recent months, several artists have had objects thrown at them while they were performing. Bebe Rexha was recently hit with a phone while performing in New York City. Several fans threw panties and brassieres at Drake during a stop on his and 21 Savage’s It’s All A Blur Tour. Last month, one fan handed Pink a wheel of cheese during a performance on her Summer Carnival Tour — but that wasn’t nearly as bizarre as a fan handing the singer the ashes of her dead mother.
You can see a clip of Latto’s performance above.
Bebe Rexha is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music artist.
In our social media-obsessed culture, it can sometimes feel like we’ve seen it all. Between the iconic spots out west, awe-inspiring National Parks, beautiful beaches, and inspiring cities, it can feel like nothing is truly “underrated” anymore. And while I agree to an extent – nothing is truly hidden anymore – I still feel like some states and cities haven’t gotten their due.
After visiting all 50 US states solo in the last few years, I always return to one still somewhat under the radar destination as “America’s most underrated”: New Mexico.
I’ve visited over a dozen times in the past decade and can confidently say that it only gets better each time. With otherworldly National and State Parks, rich culture and history, fantastic food, friendly people, surprising geological formations, and a style all it is own – it is no wonder it’s long been a mecca for artists and loners. While the entire state is worth exploring, a northern New Mexico road trip is the perfect first glimpse of this remarkable state.
Here is the route and stops I recommend:
GETTING THERE:
If you’re not already in the four corners area, the best option for traveling to New Mexico is flying into Albuquerque and renting a car. It is also, of course, a great stop on a more extended Southwest road trip.
LEG 1 – ALBUQUERQUE TO SANTA FE — 1 HOUR DRIVE
Emily Hart
Santa Fe is a magical place where expectations, for me, are only exceeded by reality. The Capitol of New Mexico, Santa Fe’s history can be traced back over 400 years. The adobe-dotted town is chock full of art, food, culture, and vibrancy – and it’s the perfect place to spend a few days.
WHERE TO STAY:
EL REY COURT
Emily Hart
I loved staying at El Rey Court on my last visit to Santa Fe. The renovated motel along Route 66 has been thoughtfully reimagined with mid-century decor, exciting art, and gorgeous landscaping. The hotel bar, La Reina, is a Santa Fe hot spot with great drinks and options for mingling. The pool has returned to its former glory, while the hot tub area remains cozy with a kiva fireplace and nearby sauna.
An on-site food truck offers casual bites daily for breakfast and Wednesday through Sunday for dinner.
You can’t visit Santa Fe without visiting the OG Meow Wolf. An immersive and interactive art installation and entertainment venue, Meow Wolf was founded in 2008 by a collective of artists, writers, and musicians in Santa Fe to create immersive art experiences that blur boundaries between art, entertainment, and exploration. Their multi-dimensional, interactive art installation, “The House of Eternal Return,” is housed in a former bowling alley with portals to other dimensions and alternate realities.
It’s trippy in the best way, and you have to see it for yourself.
EXPLORE THE PLAZA
Emily Hart
The Santa Fe Plaza is the city’s heart, and you should spend some time exploring. The plaza’s rich history dates back to the 17th century, and evidence is everywhere. Stroll into the shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries while passing street vendors and likely a festival or two.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
LA PLAZUELA AT LA FONDA
Emily Hart
La Plazuela at La Fonda is my go-to for an authentic meal in a historic space. The building, built in the 1920s, is the perfect place to explore before sitting in the gorgeous dining room. I loved sitting in the dramatic space with high ceilings and hand-painted windows. The margarita was fresh, the breadboard was a perfect start (the blue corn muffins were my favorite), and my entree filet with enchiladas was the perfect end to the meal that can only be described as an “experience.”
GRUET WINERY
Emily Hart
You may not realize that New Mexico has a very long history of wine production, with over 60 wineries today. One of my favorite New Mexican wines is Gruet, a family-owned and operated winery in Albuquerque. You don’t have to travel to Albuquerque to enjoy the delicious sparkling wines. I love visiting the Santa Fe tasting room, just off the Plaza connected to the gorgeous Hotel St. Francis. I opted for a rose-focused tasting – each wine was light, crisp, and perfect for a summer day. Reservations recommended.
PLAZA CAFE
Emily Hart
I always love visiting The Plaza Cafe, Santa Fe’s oldest restaurant, for breakfast in town. The restaurant, which has been serving since 1905, is situated right on the plaza; the cafe combines New Mexican tradition with Greek and American influences to create an experience from each meal.
DETOUR TO VELARDE — BLACK MESA WINERY
Emily Hart
I always love to detour to Black Mesa Winery on the road from Santa Fe to Taos. The family-owned and operated winery is located in Velarde, on the “low road” from Toas to Santa Fe. Established in 1992 by Jerry and Lynda Burd, a thriving winery and cidery started with a small vineyard and a vision to create high-quality wines. I loved my tasting in the tasting room and took a glass out to enjoy with the hummingbirds on the gorgeous property.
LEG 2 – SANTA FE TO TAOS – 1.5 HOUR DRIVE
Emily Hart
Taos has long been an artist colony, with traditional adobe structures and a laid-back vibe. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is home to a World Heritage Site – Taos Pueblo, a world-class ski resort – Taos Ski Valley, and famously, Julia Roberts, who has long been a second homeowner. I visited Taos for the first time a decade ago and was immediately taken with the slightly mystical feeling that seems to permeate the town.
As time has passed, although Taos has undoubtedly received more visitation, it has managed to do what many tourist-friendly towns have not – it hasn’t lost its charm.
WHERE TO STAY:
HOTEL LUNA MYSTICA
Emily Hart
I love staying at Hotel Luna Mystica whenever I am in Taos. The vintage trailer hotel boasts 20 trailers and a campground with incredible mountain views. I have happily car camped throughout the years at Hotel Luna Mystica and was happy to spend a couple of nights on my last visit in “Louise,” a 1967 restored Avion Tourist.
Located just 8 miles from downtown, each trailer has a deck, fire pit, bathroom, and kitchen facilities. There are also shower houses on the property and communal areas. Next door to the newly reopened Taos Mesa Brewery Mothership is the perfect place to unwind with a brew and a view.
AIRBNBS
Emily Hart
I have consistently found the most unique and well-priced short-term rentals in New Mexico, particularly Taos. You can find it here whether you opt for a vintage trailer, abode casita, yurt, earthship, or a geodesic dome.
WHAT TO DO:
TOUR EARTHSHIPS
Emily Hart
El Prado and the Earthship Biotecture World Headquarters are a few miles from Taos. An Earthship is a passive solar home made from recycled, salvaged, and up-cycled materials (tires, bottles, cans, etc.).
You can visit the model home, learn about Earthships, and rent one for the night. Architect Michael Reynolds started The community in Taos, but Earthships can now be found worldwide. It’s a fascinating topic; the homes are super artistic and livable. Worth a visit on your road trip.
RIO GRANDE GORGE
Emily Hart
You may be surprised that the United States Highway System’s second-highest bridge is near town. At 650 ft above the Rio Grande River, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is simply a marvel of engineering – with incredible views. Whether you opt for a quick stop to peer into the gorge or a more extended visit spending time on the rim walking trail – one thing is sure – you will leave in awe.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
THE LOVE APPLE
Emily Hart
The Love Apple, my favorite rustic-chic restaurant in Taos, is housed in a former adobe chapel. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and organic home cooking, the restaurant feels upscale and welcoming. Open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner; the cash or check-only establishment is well worth making a reservation and stopping by an ATM.
While the menu changes regularly, I enjoyed my dinner of trout followed by a heavenly chocolate dessert.
TAOS BREWING MOTHERSHIP
Emily Hart
Next door to Hotel Luna Mystica is home to one of my favorite stops in town – Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership. The restaurant, brewery, and event space was built in the same sustainable building style as the Earthships down the road, with an incredible view of the majestic Sangre de Cristos. Unfortunately, the Mothership suffered from a damaging fire in 2020 and has been closed until this June.
I can’t wait to return to watch an incredible sunset with a brew.
DETOUR TO RED RIVER — NOISY WATER WINERY
Emily Hart
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 8,750 feet, Red River is a picturesque mountain detour or getaway in its own right. I spent the afternoon exploring downtown and stopping at the Red River outpost of the Rudioso-based Noisy Water Winery. The wines are inventive, crisp, and delicious. I loved that the tasting was as educational as it was boozy – the perfect detour.
LEG 3 – TAOS TO CHAMA – 2 HOUR DRIVE
Emily Hart
Chama is a small town on the New Mexico and Colorado border that may get less love than the other towns on this list. Still, the visitors who make the trek are rewarded with incredible mountain views, quaint restaurants and shops, and countless outdoor activities.
WHERE TO STAY:
CHAMA STATION INN
Emily Hart
I stayed at Chama Station Inn while visiting Chama, across the street from the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The rooms were traditional and large – mine even had a kiva fireplace. The location can’t be beaten – I walked everywhere in town – and the service was impeccable.
CORKINS LODGE
Emily Hart
Another option a few miles outside of town is Corkins Lodge, a gorgeous property in the Brazos Cliffs with ten individual cabins and amenities like a swimming pool, game room, fly fishing, and hiking on the property. I was lucky enough to visit the property during the Spring Waterfall – the 2-3 week span when Brazos Falls runs to create New Mexico’s highest waterfall at 2,400 ft. The only access to the falls is to lodge guests, making it an even more magical escape.
WHAT TO DO:
CUMBRES AND TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD
Emily Hart
Many visitors come to Chama to take a ride on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. At 64-miles, and reaching over 10,000 ft of elevation it is the longest and highest steam railroad in North America. Owned by both New Mexico and Colorado the full route takes passengers over the states borders 11 times, with wildlife and incredible views the entire way.
I loved spending the trip on the open-air car (that is conveniently located next to the bar car) while climbing high into the alpine. We spotted sheep, horses, and even a bear during the educational and fun day trip.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
LOCAL
Emily Hart
I loved walking down to Local for dinner and drinks by the fire after my trip on the railroad. Specializing in “New Western” cuisine, my calzone was tasty, the wine on tap was refreshing, and the vibe blended art and a “Western” ethos perfectly.
CHAMA ESPRESSO
Chama Espresso is a cute espresso bar and kitchen that’s a great place to spend time working, meeting friends, or just picking up some breakfast. The atmosphere is unique and the drinks are well-made. A great stop that is walkable from downtown.
LEG 4 – CHAMA TO JEMEZ SPRINGS – 3-HOUR DRIVE
Emily Hart
Jemez Springs is a small village in the Jemez Mountains within the Santa Fe National Forest. Known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and rich history, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreation opportunities.
The area offers hiking, fishing, camping, and gorgeous scenic drives. The tranquil and laid-back village has a small downtown area with shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY:
CANON DEL RIO
Emily Hart
At the intersection of a Bed and Breakfast, luxury resort, and upscale spa lies Canon Del Rio in Jemez Springs. The gem is hidden in the canyons of Jemez Valley along the Jemez River. The sprawling New Mexican-style property boasts five guest rooms with full private bathrooms leading out onto an incredibly idyllic and scenic courtyard. I stayed in the “Apache” room. I enjoyed spending time in the hot tub watching the sunset, practicing yoga, and dipping into the pool in the morning after the provided breakfast in the communal kitchen. Next time I’d love to enjoy a massage in this paradise.
WHAT TO DO:
JEMEZ SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS
Emily Hart
Unsurprisingly, Jemez Springs is known for its hot springs. Whether developed or primitive, there is an option for any hot water-loving traveler. Jemez Springs Hot Springs – formerly Giggling Springs – is popular with locals and visitors. Located right downtown, the hot springs offers several different hiking pools and lodging. The water originates from beneath the Valles Caldera National Preserve nearby and has been infused with minerals. Jemez Springs operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations allowed. You can soak for 1 hour for $25 or 2 hours for $50.
SPENCE HOT SPRINGS
Spence Hot Springs is a popular hike to a primitive hot spring outside Jemez Springs. The short 0.7-mile trail is rated moderate, with hot springs easily accessible to soak in or admire.
JEMEZ SPRINGS TO ALBUQUERQUE – JUST OVER AN HOUR
And there’s your loop, folks — a true road adventure in one of the most scenic and certainly most underrated states in the country!
Sharpe was hand-picked by Bayless when he left ESPN for FS1 because of their chemistry from Sharpe’s previous appearances on First Take, and Sharpe was the rare former athlete willing and capable of doing that much debate television with someone like Bayless. There’s been plenty of speculation as to who Fox will hire to replace Sharpe, but part of the difficulty is finding someone (with an apparent preference for a former athlete) not only willing to get into it with Bayless but who also has the needed respect for Skip to deal with the rigors of a daily morning show with him.
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Skip is once again dipping into the well of athletes he’s sparred with in the past on First Take for a potential candidate, as Richard Sherman has apparently met with Bayless about the idea of joining the show. Bayless and Sherman got into it more than a decade ago on ESPN’s airwaves, with some contentious verbal sparring back-and-forth, but as Sherman begins his foray into TV having joined Amazon’s Thursday Night Football pre-, halftime, and post-game coverage, the well-paying gig across the desk from Bayless is apparently intriguing enough to at least take a meeting.
There are apparently no hard feelings as sources witnessed Sherman and Bayless meeting at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills on Wednesday about the idea of teaming up.
Sherman would be an interesting choice, as he is a big name who is willing to let his personality shine on TV — as evidenced by his Russell Wilson rant from last year’s TNF show — and has the aforementioned history of taking shots at Bayless. Skip welcomes an adversary who will get into the mud with him, but it remains to be seen if Sherman wants to take on a daily show alongside his TNF responsibilities, with Marchand noting FS1 would likely have to figure out how to navigate some absences from Sherman during the football season as that would take precedent.
Most episodes of “Saturday Night Live” are scheduled so the funnier bits go first and the riskier, oddball sketches appear towards the end, in case they have to be cut for time. But on the February 4 episode featuring host Pedro Pascal (“The Mandalorian,” “The Last of Us”), the final sketch, “Lisa from Temecula,” was probably the most memorable of the night.
That’s high praise because it was a strong episode, with a funny “Last of Us” parody featuring the Super Mario Brothers and a sketch where Pascal played a protective mother.
In “Lisa from Temecula,” Paul, played by Pascal, takes a few friends out for dinner, played by Punkie Johnson, newcomer Molly Kearney and breakout star Bowen Yang. The trouble comes when Johnson’s sister Lisa, played by Ego Nwodim, orders her steak “extra, extra well done.”
The sketch is a play on the notion that it’s a faux pas to order well-done steak, especially in a fancy restaurant. However, Lisa doesn’t care and won’t tolerate “one speck of red” on her steak.
The sketch is one of the rare moments on “SNL” where things are so funny that the cast breaks character. Pascal has difficulty getting through his lines and Yang has to cover his face because he can’t stop laughing. But Nwodim only has one small break in the scene and keeps it together as the sketch’s comedy core.
“Lisa from Temecula” got a lot of attention on social media and Nwodim later thanked the sketch’s writers Alex English, Gary Richardson and Michael Che.
u201cwe have @alex3nglish + Gary Richardson and Che to thank for Lisa. love them 4Life.u201d
Samuel J. Seymour was one of the approximately 1,700 people at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., on April 14, 1865, the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. He was also the last to live long enough to talk about that historic night on television.
Seymour was 5 years old when he went to see the play “Our American Cousin” with his nurse, Sarah Cook, and Mrs. Goldsboro, the wife of his father’s employer.
When Booth shot Lincoln, he pulled the trigger during the biggest laugh of the night so that it wouldn’t be heard. What caught Seymour’s attention was when Booth fell from the balcony after a scuffle with Henry Reed Rathbone.
Chaos erupted in the theater and Seymour was ushered out by his nurse. While they fled he overheard people screaming, “Lincoln’s shot! The President is dead!”
“I saw Lincoln slumped forward in his seat,” the old man later recalled. “That night I was shot 50 times, at least, in my dreams—and I sometimes relive the horror of Lincoln’s assassination, dozing in my rocker as an old codger like me is bound to do.”
Two months before Seymour’s death at the age of 95, he appeared on the game show “I’ve Got a Secret,” where panelists tried to guess his secret: “I saw John Wilkes Booth shoot Abraham Lincoln (April 14, 1865).”
Seymour didn’t speak much during the show but he did make a historic understatement when panelist Jayne Meadows asked if his secret was “a pleasant thing,” to which Seymour replied, “Not very pleasant I don’t think. I was scared to death.”
This article originally appeared on 2.3.23
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