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Martin Scorsese has worked with a lot of actors you might not expect to see in a Martin Scorsese picture. Gwen Stefani was in The Avitator. Casey Kasem pops up (as a DJ) in New York, New York. Funny pianist Victor Borge semi0randomly appears in The King of Comedy. Perhaps you didn’t realize that Scorsese cast Ray Romano, one of modern TV’s favorite dads, not once but twice. Is that because the director of The Wolf of Wall Street is a big fan of Everybody Loves Raymond? Not at all. In fact, the first time he cast Romano he had no idea who he even was.

As caught by IndieWire, Romano told the story — which he’s told before, years ago — on this week’s episode of WTF with Marc Maron. Romano had a supporting role in Vinyl, the short-lived HBO series about the New York City music scene in the late 1970s, which Scorsese created alongside people like Mike Jagger.

“Scorsese did the pilot and I had to go on tape for him. The cool thing was, I went on tape and the response we got back was, ‘Yeah, Marty likes it. He’s in the running. And Marty wants to know who he is. He’s never seen him,’” Romano recalled. “And my agent was like, ‘So he’s never seen the show?’ And they go, ‘No, no, no, he doesn’t know who the guy is,’ which was a blessing because he didn’t have to erase the sitcom character from his mind.”

Romano wasn’t that surprised that he didn’t know an actor primarily known for his small screen work. “I can buy that, that Martin Scorsese doesn’t watch television,” he told Maron. “So when he hired me, he liked what he saw.”

Romano also spoke about how he thought it was a “stretch” for him to play a coked-up music promoter, especially one who has a dramatic scene where he contemplates suicide. Scorsese clearly liked his work as a few years later he gave him a fun supporting role in The Irishman as shady Teamsters lawyer Bill Bufalino.

“I had one pretty big scene with De Niro in that,” Romano remembered, saying that it took three hours to shoot one scene. Afterwards he “got nothing” from Scorsese or De Niro and assumed he’d done a poor job. That night he ran into De Niro at the hotel.

“He just walks over, grabs my head, kisses me on the cheek, and just walks away,” Romano explained. “Well, I think it’s good. It’s the mafia so you never know!”

Romano’s a lot of fun in both Vinyl and The Irishman. Scorsese should add him to his stock company. Alas, he’s not in Marty’s forthcoming epic Killers of the Flower Moon, which co-star Leonardo DiCaprio claims might be the legendary filmmaker’s “masterpiece,” which is saying something.

(Via IndieWire)

Frank Ocean’s second headlining set for Coachella 2023 has been canceled. According to TMZ, the ankle injury that caused him to change his weekend one set at the last minute turned out to be worse than previously thought. On his doctor’s advice, he informed Coachella that he would not be able to perform this upcoming weekend.

In a statement, Frank’s reps told TMZ:

After suffering an injury to his leg on festival grounds in the week leading up to weekend 1. Frank Ocean was unable to perform the intended show but was still intent on performing, and in 72 hours, the show was reworked out of necessity. On doctor’s advice, Frank is not able to perform weekend 2 due to two fractures and a sprain in his left leg.

This story is being updated.

The last time we saw a Fast X trailer, Jason Momoa’s new villain dominated the airwaves, and I gotta say, he is doing it again, while also dominating the Dom. He’s here to yell “hey dorks!” and to declare that everyone is going to Hell while also pulling the trigger on blowing up The Vatican, and he is not here for Dom’s family, obviously. We knew that already, but it’s not getting old yet. The trash-talking factor is other-level between these two, and what else?

This trailer appears to put to rest Jason Statham’s desire for Deckard to settle his score with Han, and I’m still over here, years later, surprised that Han is back. They’re working together now, it seems, but we cannot say the same for Letty and Cipher because things are getting ugly and violent in that lab. Also, Brie Larson is here, being a badass, and surely, no one will overreact about this. Let’s quit the chaos for now, and do the official plot synopsis:

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything — and everyone — that Dom loves, forever.

Fast X opens on May 23.

Spring is arguably the best time of year to travel to America’s National Parks. And with nearly 100 days passing without a United States federal holiday between Presidents Day in February and Memorial Day at the end of May – it’s the perfect time to take some PTO and get out there. With temperatures finally heating up, and summer vacation season still months away – consider it an adult spring breeeeeeeeeeeak.

While I’d visit nearly any National Park in April or May, there are some that I’d recommend over others. Some because of the weather, others because they have fewer crowds, and others still because there are flowers in bloom. At the end of the day, there’s a park to suit anyone’s travel goals. Check them out below!

UTAH – ALL OF ‘EM

Shoulder season in Utah is actually a prime season, with bearable temperatures and somewhat lessened crowds. With five incredible parks in the state, spring is the perfect time to take a road trip to one – or five. I’m going to break them out below but seriously, if you’re going to Utah for National Parks — now is the time!

ZION NATIONAL PARK – UTAH

Zion has exploded in popularity throughout the last few years and even with a slight drop in visitation in 2022, was still the third most visited major US National Park out of 63 with 4,692,417 visitors. Its somewhat easy access from Las Vegas or St. George along with the adrenaline-pumping and Instagram-famous Angels’ Landing and Narrows hikes keep visitors steadily streaming to the park’s otherworldly red rock formations.

While spring will still see crowds in the park, the trade-off of bearable weather is worth it – summer temps can soar and make hiking dangerous.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 66° / 36°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 69° / 42°

WHAT TO DO:

Hike! Zion is a hiking park, as Zion Canyon is not accessible to private vehicles – only park buses stop at the popular trailheads along the road. I recommend getting your feet wet – literally – by hiking a portion of The Narrows first, then Angel’s Landing if you dare (and get a permit), or the similar view from Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. You can also bike through the park, then be sure to grab some ice cream and relax on the Zion National Park Lodge lawn.

WHERE TO STAY:

Under Canvas has outposts near many National Park sites, and the Zion location is particularly magical. The safari-style tents provide elevated amenities with the rustic environment you came for.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK –UTAH

Bryce Canyon sits at the highest overall elevation of any of the “Mighty 5” National Parks in Utah – with elevations reaching 9,100 ft – so unsurprisingly its average spring temperatures are slightly lower, but with the park’s proximity to Zion and Capitol Reef, it’s still a great time to extend your road trip and knock another National Park off your list. The famous hoodoos that cover the landscape are unlike any other park in Utah or in the entire United States period. A visit truly feels like stepping into another world.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 52° / 24°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 62° / 32°

WHAT TO DO:

Hike if you can! There may still be snow (sometimes several feet) covering trails in April, but as time passes more will be accessible. Mossy Cave Trail is an easy jaunt into the canyon that is accessible for nearly all ability levels, whereas Queens Garden/Navajo Loop Trail is a moderate option that is by far the most popular in the park.

WHERE TO STAY:

Bryce Canyon is in a fairly remote area of Utah, but there are plenty of hotel and motel options. I stayed at the more upscale Stone Canyon Inn on my last trip and loved the location, on-site restaurant, and private luxury bungalow accommodations after a day spent outside.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK – UTAH

Canyonlands National Park is the kind of park a lot of people know of, and have maybe visited briefly due to its proximity to Moab – but it’s not a park that has ever felt overrun or crowded to me. With over 520 square miles of protected lands, the park is divided into four distinct districts: the Island in The Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves – the Colorado and Green. Island in the Sky is the most popular due to its proximity to Moab and also the most visited.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 67° / 37°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 78° / 46°

WHAT TO DO:

The options are nearly endless in this expansive park, but if you opt for Island in the Sky I’d recommend spending some time on the scenic drive, stopping at the overlooks then hiking the short and social-media famous Mesa Arch Trail – try for sunrise if you can – and Gooseberry Trail if you want a challenge.

WHERE TO STAY:

You’ll likely want to stay in nearby Moab which has plenty of options for any type of traveler. I’d recommend Under Canvas Moab for a glamping experience or the historic Moab Springs Ranch for an upscale oasis after a day amongst the red rocks.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK – UTAH

Arches National Park in Moab Utah is endlessly fascinating and unique. It is also fairly small in comparison to other Utah parks, spanning just 76,000 acres. With one entry and exit and its close proximity to the city, it gets crowded very quickly, and as such timed entry reservations are required to enter from April 1 – October 1. With some planning in advance, timed entry tickets shouldn’t be too difficult to acquire, and well worth it to see the over 2,000 documented natural arches that the park protects and preserves.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 69° / 40°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 79° / 49°

WHAT TO DO:

Arches is, like all the Utah parks, known for some incredible hikes. From the social-media (and Utah license plate) famous Delicate Arch trail to the Devil’s Garden Trail. It’s also very accessible for the non-hikers among us with incredible viewpoints just steps from the road.

WHERE TO STAY:

There are tons of lodging options in Moab, but I’d opt for the nearby Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River.

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK – UTAH

Of all the National Parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is the least visited – but not for any lack of beauty. The park is one of my favorites and still feels like somewhat of a hidden gem due to its remote location. There are three districts in the park: the historic Fruita District (where most people visit), Cathedral Valley, and the Waterpocket Fold preserving 241,904 acres of land.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 64° / 37°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 73° / 46°

WHAT TO DO:

No surprise here, but you’ll want to hike in Capitol Reef! Try the easy Capitol Gorge or the more strenuous Chimney Rock Loop. Also, be sure to stop by the fruit orchards in Fruita – in the park just a few minutes past the visitor center – remnants of the pioneers that once inhabited the area, the orchards are still producing fruit today and have u-pick areas.

There are also amazing opportunities for scenic driving in the park including the main road from the visitor center into Capitol Gorge and the unpaved Cathedral Road that winds into Cathedral Valley.

WHERE TO STAY:

Cougar Ridge Resort in nearby Torrey, Utah is an upscale and luxurious, family-owned property with everything you need to relax and recharge after an adventurous day.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – WASHINGTON

April may not be the month most people would recommend visiting Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, but it’s always my go-to. I have visited the park several times – twice in later April and once in early May and all three of those times, while I did get rained on, I also was able to find incredible solitude that wouldn’t be possible in the summer months. For example, in 2022, April saw just over 92,000 visitors and May saw over 133,000 recreational visits with June jumping up to over 224,000 – the amount in April and May combined. So if solitude in one of the country’s most peaceful places (a spot in the parks Hoh Rainforest is quite literally the quietest place in the continental US) is important to you, this is the perfect time to head northwest.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 42° / 26° (14 days of rain on average)
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 49° / 28°

WHAT TO DO:

Olympic is one of my favorite parks to visit and to recommend because it is so varied. From hiking through the Hoh Rainforest to watching a sunset on Ruby Beach to climbing the strenuous Mount Storm King or just kicking back at one of the historic and beautiful lodges on the Peninsula – there is something for everyone. I’d recommend a counterclockwise route around the Penninsula, and heading up to Cape Flattery (outside of the National Park but on the Penninsula) to experience the beauty of the furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United States.

WHERE TO STAY:

If you’re a fan of Twilight you’ll probably want to opt for one of the many lodging options in Forks. Otherwise, I’d try to stay at a National Park Lodge – some options are Kalaloch Lodge which is open year-round, Lake Crescent Lodge which opens at the end of April, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort which opened for the season at the end of March.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK – TEXAS

Located in far West Texas on the southern border, Big Bend National Park is as remarkable as it is remote. Due to its remoteness, it does not receive nearly as many visitors as some other parks in the West, and due to its scorching summer temperatures, the best time to visit is definitely spring or fall. With mountains, desert, and canyons this is a bucket list-worthy park that will absolutely surprise you.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 77° / 55°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 83° / 61°

WHAT TO DO:

Like many things in Texas, Big Bend is big – larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. You’ll need several days to get close to seeing much of the park, but any visitor should be sure to head down to Santa Elena Canyon, hike the Lost Mine Trail, and cruise the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

WHERE TO STAY:

Lots of unique lodgings have popped up near Big Bend in the last several years, my favorites being the retro airstreams at Tin Valley Rentals and the unique bubble and lotus tents at Basecamp and Adventure Terlingua.

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK – FLORIDA

Dry Tortugas, the National Park comprised of a string of 7 islands in the Gulf of Mexico west of Key West, is a park I recommend for many seasons – but spring might just be the best. Before hurricane season begins in June, but after the holiday and spring break rush in South Florida, this is a great time to get out on the otherworldly crystal blue waters and explore Fort Jefferson. With options to travel to the island via ferry or seaplane from Key West, it is an easy trip that will take you to a truly unforgettable experience.

Average April Temperature ​​High / Low(°F): 83° / 71°
Average May Temperature High / Low(°F): 86° / 74°

WHAT TO DO:

When visiting Dry Tortugas you will be transported to Garden Key, home of the monstrous Fort Jefferson. While the Key itself is small, there is no shortage of activities. Explore the history of the fort, relax, swim, or snorkel on the pristine beaches, bring your own kayak to paddle on the bright blue water, or camp for the night for epic stargazing.

WHERE TO STAY:

The only option to stay in the park itself is camping which is pack-in, pack-out. Many visitors also opt to stay in Key West where there are endless lodging options. I love Parrot Key Hotel & Villas with its spacious rooms and multiple pools

Maybe it’s not so hot an idea to start a war with the biggest company in the state you govern. That’s the harsh lesson Ron DeSantis may soon learn. Once seen as the future of the Republican party, the Florida honcho has hit a streak of bad luck. He’s cratering in the GOP presidential primary polls (before he’s even thrown his hat in the ring, no less). And his recent return fire on Disney — including threatening to build a prison adjacent to the Magic Kingdom — is backfiring on multiple fronts.

Let’s start with a prediction his mentor-turned-archnemesis Donald Trump made, namely that Disney may grow so weary of being attacked by DeSantis that they may pick up their toys and find another home. That could very well happen, thanks to him. As per The Daily Beast, a North Carolina legislator has filed a measure beckoning the House of Mouse their way.

It’s called “Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act,” and it seeks $75,000 to explore the possibility of stealing Disney World and its enormous employment opportunities. “North Carolina is a great place to do business,” reads a release, suggesting that the Tar Heel State’s Democratic governor won’t cross ethical lines by punishing them for daring to not hate LGBTQIA+ people.

Democratic senator Michael Garrett, who introduced the bill, dragged DeSantis, saying, “Politicians who put their state’s economy at risk to boost their own selfish political ambitions are a liability.” He added the state would “welcome The Walt Disney Company and all other businesses seeking refuge from the culture war madness currently gripping the great state of Florida.”

Democrats are taking Disney’s side over DeSantis, but what about fellow Republicans. Well, some of them think he’s being a short-sighted bully, too. According to The New York Times, not only is Trump trashing him for being “absolutely destroyed by Disney,” so is Trump’s former buddy Chris Christie.

“I don’t think Ron DeSantis is conservative, based on actions towards Disney,” the former New Jersey governor said at an event on Tuesday. “Where are we headed here now that, if you express disagreement in this country, the government is now going to punish you? To me, that’s what I always thought liberals did, and now all of a sudden here we are participating in this with a Republican governor.”

Advisers to Trump have been taking advantage of the beef, which they reportedly believe will be damaging in a general election, and in the primary, too.

Other Republicans who’ve come for DeSantis include Mike Pence, who trashed the fight back in February, and the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal, who on Tuesday wrote, “You’d think the former president would be critical of Disney’s woke turn, but his only abiding political conviction is personal advantage.”

Meanwhile, Disney doesn’t appear to be taking DeSantis’ threats all that seriously. They cleverly circumvented his diabolical attempt to strip them of control over their portion of Florida land. And soon after he threatened them with a nearby prison — again, all because they criticized his so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill — seemed to troll him by casually announcing a Pride Event at Disneyland in California, whose governor actually lets students and teachers use the word “gay.”

(Via The Daily Beast and NYT)

Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.

Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. This week we have a nice mix of classic and future classic silhouettes. Nike leads the way with high-profile collaborations with Run the Jewels, G-Dragon, and skate legend Stefan Janoski. Jordan fans also have a lot to look forward to, whether you’re a fan of single or double digits with new colorways of the Jordan 1 and Jordan 13.

Elsewhere New Balance’s MADE in UK luxury line is dropping two new colorways of the 576 and Adidas sneaks in a super-dope collaboration with Blondey McCoy which closes the chapter on the duo’s Indoor Gazelle series. While we’re still in the midst of spring, expect the summer sneaker season to heat up early as we move into the month of May. It finally feels like the sneaker year is firing on all cylinders!

New Balance MADE in UK 576

Price: $229.99

This week the 576 gets a premium MADE in UK makeover in two new colorways. Crafted with care in New Balance’s Flimby, Cumbria factory, and features a pig suede, mesh, and synthetic upper with tip and saddle foxing over an ENCAP midsole. The sneaker is also outfitted with asymmetric CR motion control which helps to keep your fear foot in place for enhanced comfort.

The new 576 drops in your choice of Monks Robe with Coconut Milk and Whisper White or Pale Mauve with Coconut Milk and Whisper White colors, which, admittedly, are the two most ridiculous colorway names we’ve ever heard.

The New Balance Made in UK 576 is set to drop on April 20th at 10 AM PST. Pick up a pair at New Balance.

Nike x PEACEMINUSONE G-Dragon Kwondo 1

Price: $190

Made in collaboration with K-Pop superstar G-Dragon, the Kwondo 1 sits somewhere between traditional streetwear sneaker and an old-school luxury dress shoe. Featuring a leather upper with wingtips at the toe box, brogue detailing, and a removable lace shroud, the Kwondo 1 is adorned with embroidered daisies at the heel and a classy black and white colorway.

The Nike x PEACEMINUSONE G-Dragon Kwondo 1 is out now. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike SB Janoski+ Alabaster and Chili Red

Price: $95

Pro skater Stefan Janoski’s signature Nike is getting a brand new redesign this year. Dubbed the ‘Janoski+,’ this sneaker combines the best details from the 2009 debut release and the slightly altered 2019 version for a brand new take that offers the best of both worlds. Are you thinking it looks like if Nike made their own Vans Classic? Yeah, us too.

The sneaker is enhanced with a special tread that enhances the board feel and flick-ability, a bright color block design inspired by Janoski’s love of graphic novels, and special branding at the tongue.

The Nike SB Janoski+ Alabaster and Chili Red is set to drop on April 19th at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike SB Dunk High x Run The Jewels Active Pink and Black

Price: $140

El-P and Killer Mike are dropping a 4/20 special that celebrates their fourth album and every stoner’s favorite holiday, and Killer Mike’s birthday.

Featuring a black leather upper with hot pink pony hair overlays, a three-dimensional jeweled swoosh, and a dubrae that recalls the group’s hand-over-fist iconography, this SB Dunk ships with multi-color lace options so you can slightly customize the look. It looks pretty great as is though. It even conjures some of the vibe of El-P’s famous Fresh Pair shoe:

The Nike SB Dunk High x Run the Jewels Active Pink and Black is set to drop on April 20th at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike Women’s Air Jordan 1 High Washed Pink

Price: $180

Just in time for spring, Nike is dropping a new washed-out pink Jordan 1 in a women’s size-only run. Featuring a soft suede build over a premium leather base, this high-top Jordan sports padded collars, a classic foam tongue, and an aged midsole for a vintage vibe.

The Nike Women’s Air Jordan High Washed Pink is set to drop on April 22nd at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT.

Air Jordan 13 Black Flint

Price: $200

With springtime in full swing, we’re in a season of bright colorways, but that’s not everyone’s thing, and for those who want a pair of kicks that are year-round timeless, look no further than the Air Jordan 13 in Black Flint. Eagle-eyed Jordan heads will recognize this colorway as it recalls the ’98 original’s debut colorway, with a more refined and modern execution.

Featuring those iconic dimpled side panels, this premium leather 13 has a green cat’s eye emblem and a midsole design inspired by a panther’s paw. The colorway keeps things simple with a mix of white, grey, and black with a contrasting embroidered jump man logo at the tongue.

The Air Jordan 13 Black Flint is set to drop on April 22nd at 7:00 AM PST. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.

Blondey McCoy x Adidas Gazelle Indoor Gemini

Price: TBA

Blondey McCoy’s final iteration of his AB. Gazelle Indoors dubbed, the ‘Gemini,’ is set to drop this Friday. The sneaker features a white upper with black panels and a forest green three-stripe with gold foil Blondey branding.

The design first appeared on a pair of one-off custom cleats made for Blondey, following the sportswear theme of his latest Adidas team-ups, but this release will get the full rubber sole treatment, ideal for Blondey’s original passion and claim to fame — skateboarding.

The Blondey McCoy x Adidas Gazelle Indoor Gemini is set to drop on April 21st at 11 AM BST. Pick up a pair exclusively at THAMES MMXX.

Bridgerton‘s second season received some criticism due the series lowering the sex scene frequency (because that’s one way that the series did things differently with the show’s debut), but it sure looks like the prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, will bring some steaminess back while focusing upon the courtship of young adult Queen Charlotte. That version will be portrayed by India Amarteifio, but don’t worry, the show will bounce back and forth in time, so the franchise will still have plenty of the older Charlotte, played with perfect side-eye vibes by Golda Rosheuvel.

Yes, the queen who loves to snort is receiving her origin story, and the show will include Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury as well. Additionally, Rosheuvel spoke with Collider and elaborated on how the show interweaves the past and present. It sounds like things will be complex in that way, but hopefully, this won’t be as confusing as time jumps in The Witcher. Also! It sounds like Lady Whistledown will appear in the past, at least in voice form:

“Shonda has been really clever in connecting the worlds, connecting the two series together … Lady Whistledown is there, the young and older Danbury are there. The universe sort of swirls round within itself, so it will be fascinating to see whether the fans notice little nuances and Easter eggs that we’ve put in both productions. It’s a fascinating way of telling the story … So where in Bridgerton I might have been at the Presentation Ball and then leave the room, in Queen Charlotte I walk straight into a scene that’s in the spin-off.”

Sadly, there has been no mention of The Duke appearing in the “present” version of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which will premiere on May 5. Following that drop, however, viewers can still look forward to the flagship series’ third and fourth seasons.

(Via Collider)

Henry Winkler is best known for playing one of the most iconic TV characters of all time, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzerelli, on “Happy Days.” But at 77, his career is still going strong as he plays acting coach Gene Cousineau on HBO Max’s critically-acclaimed “Barry.”

But success hasn’t been easy for Winkler. He had a challenging time in school as a child because he had undiagnosed dyslexia. The disorder also made it extremely difficult for him to memorize lines as an actor.

“When I was growing up in New York City, no one knew what dyslexia was,” he said, according to The Reading Well. “I was called stupid and lazy, and I was told that I was not living up to my potential. It was, without a doubt, painful. I spent most of my time covering up the fact that reading, writing, spelling, math, science—actually, every subject but lunch—was really, really difficult for me.”

At 31, after his stepson’s learning disabilities were diagnosed as dyslexia, Winkler learned that he also has the disorder. The diagnosis helped him develop strategies that make it easier for him to memorize his lines and continue his success in entertainment.

Since then, he has advocated for people with dyslexia and has written over 30 children’s books, including the “Hank Zipzer” series about a hero who has dyslexia.

Winkler appeared on the April 18th episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where he comforted the host whose daughter, River Rose, 8, has dyslexia.

“She was getting bullied at school for not being able to read like all the other kids,” Clarkson said. Winkler assured Clarkson that her daughter wasn’t alone, citing the fact that 1 in 5 kids have the disorder.

“It’s more common, I didn’t know that,” Clarkson said.

“She’s in the tribe,” Winkler responded.

What’s cooler than being in the same tribe as Fonzie?

“It really empowered her that y’all are so open about it,” Clarkson said, noting that her daughter’s school had a program about dyslexia that mentioned numerous celebrities have the disorder.

Winkler then looked directly into the camera and shared some great advice for Clarkson’s daughter and the millions who struggle with dyslexia. “How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are,” he said.

Winkler’s bold declaration made Clarkson well up with tears. “My makeup artist is going to kill me,” she joked.

Winkler’s simple message is something everyone should hear: Your ability to learn isn’t necessarily a sign of your intelligence.

“Many people mistakenly believe that the ability to learn is a matter of intelligence,” Ulrich Boser writes in Harvard Business Review, adding that “learning strategies can be more important than raw smarts when it comes to gaining expertise.”

Kudos to Winkler for being a tireless advocate for people with dyslexia and educating the public about the disorder. As the Harvard Business Review says, learning is about finding the right strategies. The better we understand learning disabilities, the more we can help those who struggle to find the strategies that work for them—just like The Fonz.

Politics has never been free of outrage and fearmongering, but only in recent decades have those base methods of drumming up support been shoved in our faces 24/7. Unfortunately, politicians know that fueling rage and fear gets them attention, which in turn gets them valuable media coverage, and some are shameless about capitalizing on it.

It’s how random members of Congress from tiny rural districts gain massive national name recognition while hundreds of non-inflammatory, non-extremist, non-outrage-baity lawmakers quietly go about the business of governance with few Americans able to pick them out of a lineup.

Outrage-fueled notoriety is what prompted Rep. Jeff Jackson, Democrat of North Carolina—most likely a legislator you’ve never heard of—to make a video on his 100th day in Congress, where he shared something he’s learned about his fellow elected leaders.

“I’m still brand new to Congress—I’ve only been there 100 days—and I don’t know if I’m not supposed to say this out loud, but it’s true and important. And if you don’t know this, you need to,” he said. “It’s really clear from working there for just a few months that most of the really angry voices in Congress are totally faking it. These people who have built their brands around being perpetually outraged? It’s an act.”

Perhaps this is not groundbreaking news for a lot of us, but it’s refreshing to hear from someone on the inside, especially since Jackson explains how he knows their outrage is an act—and why.

“I’ve been in committee meetings that are open to the press and committee meetings that are closed,” he said. “The same people who act like maniacs during the open meetings are suddenly calm and rational during the closed ones. Why? Because there aren’t any cameras in the closed meetings, so their incentives are different.”

Jackson goes on to explain how members of Congress are surrounded by negative incentives, with media outlets that feed off of negative emotion giving them air time because it keeps people angry.

“If they can keep you angry, they’ll hold your attention,” he said. “And they both want your attention.”

Watch:

u201cIu2019ve been in Congress for 100 days. nnMost of the really angry voices here are faking it.u201d

— Rep. Jeff Jackson (@Rep. Jeff Jackson)
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Jackson doesn’t name any particular members of Congress or even point to any particular political party in his video. In reality, politicians on both sides of the aisle are guilty of playing these kinds of games and always have been.

The problem, of course, is that the governance of a nation isn’t a game. But politics is, especially hyper-partisanized politics, and that game has only become more competitive and more winner-takes-all in the age of modern media.

When George Washington tried to warn the American people of the “rankness” of partisanship and where its “continual mischief” and “constant danger of excess” could lead us, he was spot on in his predictions. But what he couldn’t have predicted was the role that television and social media would play in elevating that mischief and excess.

As problematic as the political arena has been in the past, it’s nothing compared to how fear and outrage have been wielded as weapons in the technological age. We have 24-hour cable channels funneling hate and fear-based prejudice into our psyches, and social media algorithms that fuel negative attention grabs. Demonizing the “other side” of the political spectrum to the point of describing one’s fellow Americans as “the enemy” is outright bonkers—but it’ll practically guarantee you an interview on prime-time television, and therefore a seat at powerful tables.

We—all of us—need to not only recognize manufactured outrage and fearmongering, but we need to learn to truly ignore it. Ignoring it won’t necessarily make it go away, but for people who seek power above all else, all attention is good attention. When we give attention seekers what they want, we only feed the beast. Even when we give them attention to complain about them, we’re still giving them oxygen.

Instead, let’s try something different, like focusing our energies on the people who are actually doing the hard work of governance and genuinely serving their constituencies in a spirit of public service. As Jackson said, “If you don’t have to yell to be heard, the whole conversation changes.” Perhaps we can stop listening to the yellers and start engaging with the talkers who understand how to discuss and negotiate intelligently, in ways that make sense. These are, after all, the people who actually get things done behind closed doors.

The concept of possessions isn’t rare across the animal kingdom. Anyone who has ever had a dog knows they have their favorite bones or chew toys they like to hide so no one steals them. Chimpanzees are known to craft tools for specific uses and keep them together in a kit.

But man is probably the only creature on Earth that dares to think they own a tree—an organism that’s usually a lot taller and lives much longer than the average homo sapiens.

That’s why the story of a tree in Athens, Georgia, is so touching. In the 19th century, a colonel loved a white oak so much that he liberated it from human possession and declared that it owns itself. The tree sits in downtown Athens on the corner of Dearning and Finley Streets.

Colonel William H. Jackson, the son of former Georgia Governor James Jackson, had fond childhood memories of a white oak on his family’s property. So he wrote up a will that gave it self-ownership. The will read, in part:

I, W. H. Jackson, of the county of Clarke, of the one part, and the oak tree … of the county of Clarke, of the other part: Witnesseth, That the said W. H. Jackson for and in consideration of the great affection which he bears said tree, and his great desire to see it protected has conveyed, and by these presents do convey unto the said oak tree entire possession of itself and of all land within eight feet [2.4 m] of it on all sides.

The first printed reports of the tree owning itself were published in a local newspaper on August 12, 1890. The article stated that Col. Jackson deeded possession of the tree to itself as well as the land within 8 feet of its trunk.

The tree is adorned with a famous plaque that reads:

FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION

OF THE GREAT LOVE I BEAR

THIS TREE AND THE GREAT DESIRE

I HAVE FOR ITS PROTECTION

FOR ALL TIME, I CONVEY ENTIRE

POSSESSION OF ITSELF AND

ALL LAND WITHIN EIGHT FEET

OF THE TREE ON ALL SIDES

– WILLIAM H. JACKSON (c. 1832)

Sadly, in 1942, the tree fell over in a windstorm. To keep the tradition alive, members of the Junior Ladies Garden Club of Athens planted acorns from the original tree and began growing a second-generation white oak.

On December 4, 1946, the Junior Ladies Garden Club of Athens planted the sapling, which is often referred to as the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself. Today, it stands as tall as its father, rising 70 feet tall, and according to local tradition, it also owns itself.

u201cThe story behind the Tree That Owns Itself in Athens, Georgia: https://t.co/fDskRNbAzqu201d

— Garden & Gun (@Garden & Gun)
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However, according to U.S. law, the tree has no legal rights.

“Trees have not been recognized as having legal rights in the U.S.,” Mari Margil, associate director for Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) told How Stuff Works. “Some (trees) may have a certain level of protection that is different from other tree species, but that is not the same as having a legal right.”

But that hasn’t stopped the Athens community from caring for the Son of the Tree That Owns Itself.

“We … like our quirky objects,” says Steven Brown of the Athens Historical Society. “I think most Athenians genuinely love their city and love anything that stands out as symbolizing it.”