T LOunge for August 8th 2024

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Let’s be incredibly DRAMATIC today, darlings. It’s THURSDAY and we just feel like being entirely too much to handle. Join us, won’t you? Let’s make some noise together.

Kim Kardashian Will Play a Divorce Attorney in Ryan Murphy’s Next Drama, with Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Naomi Watts in Tow
Last summer, Kim Kardashian posted an Instagram Story that showed a picture of Snoopy with the words “I ain’t passed the bar, but I know a lil’ bit” above him—the Jay-Z lyrics a nod to the fact that, despite training to become a lawyer since 2018, she still has yet to qualify. Now, though, she’s done one better: She’s about to play one.
On December 4, 2023, Deadline broke the news that the certified multi-hyphenate is getting her own scripted series, titled All’s Fair, from Hollywood power player Ryan Murphy. Described as “a high-end, glossy, and sexy adult procedural,” it’ll see Kim embody “Los Angeles’s most successful divorce lawyer and the owner of an all-female law firm.”

Jenna Ortega Settles Into Fame Ahead of Wednesday Season 2 and a Beetlejuice Sequel
The actor opens up about her epic, exciting, and sometimes slightly overwhelming year—and her friendships with Winona Ryder, Tim Burton, and the rest of the superstar underworld.
“When people mention my name, it’s almost like my name has been taken from me. Now I just feel like I’m floating and…I’m up for interpretation.”
There are actors, and then there are celebrities, cults of personality adept at playing the game—posting pithy captions, forming high-powered girl gangs, dating sexy peers as a means of elevation. Ortega passionately loves acting, but she’s unafraid to say the quiet part out loud: Celebrity is “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I remember feeling really wrong for resisting it,” she says. Working with the likes of Burton is her actorly dream. The bizarro nature of fame is something she signs up for as a result. “I think if anybody were in my shoes and reacted to it in a welcoming manner, there’s something severely wrong with you.”

Dan Levy’s new documentary showcases an amazing 1990s female-first music festival, Lilith Fair
It challenged a male dominated pop industry
Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy is set to co-produce a documentary about Lilith Fair – a groundbreaking women-only music festival that took place in the 1990s.
It was inspired by the male-dominated nature of the music industry, which we still see signs of today admittedly. But change has occurred – with Glastonbury Festival, for example, having the most female headliners in its history this year.
While we still have a long way to go before equality is fully achieved, Lilith Fair was a huge moment – and we can’t wait to watch a documentary about it.

Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, is the Netflix rom-com series you need to bookmark
We’re here for this love match.
Mark your September watchlists with upcoming Netflix rom-com series Nobody Wants This, starring The OC star Adam Brody and Kristen Bell as the lead couple.
Adam’s The OC co-star Erin Foster, who had a small part as rebellious Heather in season three, created the series, based on her own love story – particularly her experience falling in love with her Jewish husband. Of course, the series navigates an (unlikely) cross-faith relationship.

Flower claw clips are everywhere atm — here’s where to shop them and other trending styles
Guarantee your fave influencer owns several.
Remember the claw clips craze of 2022? The Noughties hair staple, most memorably seen on Rachel Green on the set of FRIENDS, came back with a vengeance a few years back, taking social media by storm as our fave influencers started flaunting the accessory on their feeds.
Now the clip is staking its claim on fashion in 2024. It makes sense. The ’90s are having a moment, and the claw clip was its crowning hair accessory. Perhaps since the millennial and Gen Z kids have come of age, they’ve realised our mums were pretty cool after all and dusted off the throwback pics we used to laugh at. After all, the ‘90s was an absolute belter for beauty and fashion.

25 simple nail designs that are made for minimalists
Low key but we love her.
Nail art has got increasingly extra over the past year, with maximalist designs, 3D details, multicolour chrome and mix-n-match manis taking off. But simple nail designs will never not look stunning. There’s something about keeping it low-key and delicate that feels relaxed and sophisticated at the same time (like quiet luxury, but for nails).
A classic French tip can elevate a bare base in an instant, and it doesn’t need to be white. There’s plenty of room to personalise with the shade and shape (whether it’s slim and dainty or chunky and ’90s). A simple dot can add extra interest, as can a dash, stripe or dinky symbol like a heart, flower, evil eye or initial.

Where is hot in October? GLAMOUR’s 19 top destinations
For a beautiful autumn break.
If you’re only wanting to travel short-haul, then Europe has a handful of warm destinations in October, particularly the further south you get. The picturesque and fashionable region of Puglia, in the south-west of Italy (think of it as the heel of the boot), has an average daily temperature of 21 degrees, which is more than enough for sitting outside with an Aperol Spritz and a bowl of pasta. Meanwhile, Malta, Cyprus and the Greek Islands are also reliably hot, as well as the Canary Islands, with La Gomera a fun option if you’re bored of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

275 best truth or dare questions to ask your friends
Let the games begin.
If you’re looking for a fun group activity or just a way to pass the time, a classic round of Truth or Dare questions is the perfect way to get to know your best friends even better. Whether it’s deep, soul-searching Qs or daredevil antics that you prefer, your style of playing can reveal a lot about you. (Anyone else on Team Truth out there? Same.)
We’ve rounded up the very best Truth or Dare questions and ideas that will keep things interesting. Whether you’re at a sleepover with your besties or taking to the highway for a road trip, this iconic game is a go-to for endless entertainment — and the best part? No consoles or playing cards are required.

Debbie Harry Has a Fashion Collection
Debbie Harry needs no introduction, yet she cannot be defined. The Blondie lead vocalist, actress, author and general pop culture icon has never boxed herself into a single thing, blending genres of fashion in music. Still, she isn’t done adding to her resume: Debbie Harry is also a fashion designer.
Enter Wildfang, a genderless brand that’s all about being whoever you want to be and dressing however you want to dress. And since Harry has always been authentically herself, pioneering music and style in sometimes provocative ways, the two naturally came together to collaborate.
Harry has always made things her own, DIYing pieces in her closet with safety pins and hardware, so she added rock and roll elements to all of the pieces in the collection, like removable chains and lots of grommets.

48 Hours In Nashville, In Search Of Creative Inspiration
It’s no coincidence Nashville is named Music City. Think of the town, and it immediately conjures visions of the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe, the honky tonk bars on Broadway, and more recently, the wave of new venues opened by country stars scattered across town. Nashville is also currently enjoying a growth spurt thanks to the ever-expanding popularity of country music, with 180 music venues of all kinds (and counting) and a record $10.6 billion of visitor spending in 2023, the same year Condé Nast Traveler voted it among the top 10 big cities to visit in the US. It’s become the number one destination to live out your Cowboy Carter-themed bachelorette party dreams.

This Easy Trick Will Transform Your Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are one of the most versatile, face-framing cuts you can have. Flattering on every face shape, popular with French girls, and easy to grow out if you don’t like them, they’re the non-committal way to tap into a fringe – and a fresh new look.
Curtain bangs never go out of style, but they’re particularly popular at the moment amongst celebrities, the fashion set and influencers. British Vogue’s August cover star, Suki Waterhouse, has long sworn by her mussed-up curtain bangs, while Dakota Johnson, Laura Harrier and Anne Hathaway are all also fans. Not forgetting Daisy Edgar-Jones, whose hair game has levelled up by several notches during her recent Twisters press tour.

Watch the Trailer For The Cowboy and the Queen
The film, which tells the story of Queen Elizabeth’s unique friendship with an American horse trainer, will be showing in theaters and streaming on MasterClass this fall.
When articles about Monty Roberts’s innovative non-violent approach to horse training landed on Queen Elizabeth’s desk, it was being the beginning of a decades-long friendship. And now the public can gain an unparalleled insight into their bond in a documentary film set to be shown in theaters this fall.
The Cowboy and The Queen, directed by Andrea Nevins, tells the story of California horse trainer Monty Roberts’s gentle approach to woking with horses, and how the British monarch helped him bring it to the attention of the world. The award-winning documentary film premiered in November 2023 at the Doc NYC film festival and has received significant critical acclaim.

Taylor Swift Cancelled 3 Concerts Due to a Suspected Terrorist Plot
Two suspects have been arrested.
Austrian authorities have two individuals in custody after an alleged terror plot that involved Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts in Vienna, Austria. According to the Associated Press, Swift’s team canceled three concerts at Ernst Happel Stadium after investigators uncovered plans involving “chemical substances.” Kronen reports that there were evacuations in the Ternitz neighborhood in the Lower Austria region, with additional road closures and precautions.

What It’s Like To Not Qualify For The Olympics
This year, only two female divers from Australia qualified for the Olympic 3m diving event. I was third. When the results came in, my dream came crashing down. Fifteen years of hard work, seemingly for nothing. And my dream—to represent Australia at the Olympic Games for the first time—was gone in a second.
Having failed, I joined the club that no athlete wants to join: the club of “almost Olympians.” We all share the same journey: We’ve trained so hard and made sacrifices, but came so close to securing our ticket to the Games. The feeling nestles deep in your chest and stays with you all the time.

10 Types of Eggplant You’ll Find at the Grocery Store and Farmers Market
There’s a whole world of eggplant out there. Get to know the most common types, from globe to graffiti.
The eggplant was first domesticated in Asia, but these days it can be found all over the world. It’s no wonder this summer fruit features in dishes as varied as Iranian Kashk and Eggplant Dip, Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnut Filling, and Provençal Eggplant-Tomato Gratin.
Not all eggplants are created equal, and you’ll find them in all kinds of shapes and colors. Aside from the flowery green top, the entire eggplant is edible, including the skin, but some varieties are better suited to cooking whole or for slicing into coins or chunks for eggplant recipes. Generally speaking, smaller varieties like Japanese or fairy tale are better for grilling or roasting whole since they cook quickly and have delicate skin that yields to creamy flesh inside. They also have fewer seeds and will taste less bitter.

Here’s How to Find a White Wine’s Perfect Serving Temperature
White wine shouldn’t be served ice cold. Here’s how to find the correct temperature.
With wine, different pours taste best at different temperatures. Unfortunately, the myth that white wine should always be served as cold as possible has been hard to break, which is why we often see the same bottles, whether at a picnic or in a restaurant, served in the same buckets of freezing ice.
If you want to get the most aroma and flavor out of your next bottle of white wine, rather than simply throwing it in the fridge a few hours before you plan on opening it, here are six easy tips to help you achieve the best temperature at which to serve it.

First Look at Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline and Sacha Baron Cohen in Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Disclaimer’
Lesley Manville also stars in Apple’s seven-part limited series adapted from Renée Knight’s best-selling novel.
Ladies and gentlemen, be aware. Disclaimer, the seven-part limited series for Apple from Alfonso Cuarón, now has a teaser trailer.
The psychological thriller created and directed by the Oscar-winning filmmaker (Roma, Gravity) stars fellow Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, and is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Renée Knight.
Told in seven chapters, the Apple Studios series releases Oct. 11 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Friday. The series marks Cuarón’s first show under his overall deal with the streamer.

Hunter Schafer on the ‘Scream Queen’ Label, Constant ‘Euphoria’ Questions, and Rejecting Trans Roles: ‘I Definitely Meant What I Said’
Schafer tells IndieWire about her first foray into the film world with Tilman Singer’s surreal horror nightmare “Cuckoo.”
Fresh off a recent turn in “The Hunger Games” universe at the end of last year and a cameo in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness” earlier this summer, Hunter Schafer is quickly returning back to the silver screen with “Luz” filmmaker Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo.” The film centers on 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer), who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father in a resort in the German Alps with his new wife and family, before things very quickly spin out of control into a surreal horror nightmare.

I’m a Black vegan. Why don’t you see more of us?
People of color are more likely to be vegan. But the animal rights movement still has a white face.
In the last few decades, a common stereotype about vegans emerged: that they’re white, care more about animals than people, and serve food that is bland and uninspiring. Such perceptions — some of which are reductive, while others hold a bit of truth — have created a toxic cycle where people of color often feel excluded from vegan communities, and because of the lack of diversity, these communities struggle to foster a coalition that can lead to real change.
“As a Black man in animal rights, I’ve definitely [been] — the only Black person at events or the only person of color — and it’s definitely a bit isolating,” said Christopher “Soul” Eubanks, a Black animal rights advocate in Georgia and Future Perfect 50 honoree. “And that’s why a lot of people of color that join this space may burn out, because they don’t see representation when they are here, and they’re just tired of having to correct people or weighing certain issues at the table.”

Queen Elizabeth II will be honoured with a new park in London – planted with all her favourite flowers
The late monarch’s love of gardening will be at the heart of the project, which is set to open to the public in 2026
As one of our best-loved monarchs (and the longest-reigning in British history to boot) it seems only fitting that Queen Elizabeth II will now be honoured with a memorial garden in the heart of London.
The space, located between the Broad Walk and St John’s Lodge Gardens in Regents Park, is set to open in 2026, to coincide with what would have been the late queen’s 100th birthday.
‘The approval of planning permission marks an exciting step forward in the creation of the new garden, which is designed to be a tranquil space for reflection, accessible to all,’ said Andrew Scattergood, chief executive of The Royal Parks. ‘It provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This site will add two acres of biodiverse parkland for everyone to enjoy and explore.’

Did Queen Victoria really marry her servant – or were the rumours about ‘Mrs Brown’ misguided? The truth behind the intimate friendship between the monarch and her ghillie
The pair enjoyed an intimate friendship after Prince Albert died, with many believing they even wed in secret
Queen Victoria left many a lasting legacy – but one particular element of her reign has, more than any other, been subject to scrutiny and rumour for well over a century. After the death of her beloved Prince Albert, it was alleged that the queen had a more-than-close relationship with her beloved servant, John Brown, who some even say she married in secret. But was she really betrothed to the strapping Scot – or were the rumours simply malicious gossip, gone too far?
The monarch initially became close to Brown after she and Albert took over the lease to Balmoral, her much-loved Scottish residence, in 1848. Brown, who was then 21 and had grown up locally, was working as a ghillie on the estate and was made leader of the queen’s pony by Albert, a role which saw him accompany Victoria as she rode out. Described, as he was by the queen’s private secretary, as ‘a large, taciturn Highlander with watchful eyes and a face apparently hewn from granite,’ he helped Victoria with her riding skills, and the two developed a friendship.

Wallet, Keys, Personal Fan? The New Must-Have.
With temperatures rising, small electric fans have become a go-to accessory at bars, restaurants and even the post office.
A decade ago, a portable fan wouldn’t have been a typical accessory you’d spot at a party, bar or club, but as summer weather continues to hit record-breaking temperatures, people aren’t just reaching for their keys, lip gloss and sunglasses before heading out of the house.
“I definitely have it on me all the time, because even in the subway, just waiting for the train, it’s very stuffy down there,” Ms. Black said of her fan.
Small electric fans have been a trendy accessory in the United States in recent years, with many people on social media saying the devices first took hold in Asian countries.

Stop Asking Celebrities to Sing Our National Anthem
The tradition of performing the anthem took off because people wanted to express their own love of country — not outsource it to guest stars.
Today it is a fixture at most all American sporting events, professional and amateur alike. (In many countries, the national anthem is typically played only before international competitions.) Promising young vocalists sing it at local games. Celebrities vie to perform it at high-wattage events like the World Series and the Super Bowl. What was once a novel, improvised wartime gesture has become a ritual — something we expect as a matter of course.
It is a tough gig, whatever the circumstances. The song’s melody is notoriously difficult to belt out. Amateur singers are cut plenty of slack — it’s the spirit that counts — but pop stars are held to a high standard. We ask them to apply their talents to stir us into special contact with our own love of country. But we ask them to do so as part of big-budget, for-profit spectacles, in a media culture that valorizes novelty over tradition.

Josh Hartnett Tells Julia Stiles How He Escaped the Hollywood Trap
A bunch of years ago, Josh Hartnett did what any former teen heartthrob burnt out by the Hollywood spotlight would do: He moved to England, started a family, and got some goats. Hartnett never stopped acting, but recently the 46-year-old has worked his way back to the kinds of big-ticket projects that made him a star in the first place, including a surprise appearance in last year’s Oppenheimer. The Hartnettaissance continues with Trap, the latest M. Night Shyamalan thriller that centers around a serial killer taking his daughter to a pop concert, only to realize it’s a setup to capture him. To mark the occasion, we reunited Hartnett with his O costar Julia Stiles, who quickly found out they had a lot of catching up to do.

6 Ways to Remove Nail Polish Without Using Nail Polish Remover
Traditional nail polish remover can be harsh and drying. Try these alternative methods the next time you’re ready to start fresh.
Nail polish remover quickly and effectively takes off your polish, but it often leaves nails and cuticles feeling dry or cracked due to its acetone content. If you’re looking to get rid of old polish without using a run-of-the-mill nail polish remover, there are a few alternative methods that will work—and feel better on your hands.
Keep in mind that non-acetone removers are gentler on the nails, but they need a little more time to be effective. Before starting any of the below removal processes, soak your nails in some warm water to expedite the process. This can help loosen the polish and prime your nails for one of the following expert-recommended methods.

10 Things You Should Never Buy at an Estate Sale, According to Experts
Not every deal at an estate sale is worth buying—here’s what you should avoid.
There’s a certain thrill to strolling through an estate sale (particularly if you know the owner is simply downsizing or moving!). You’re peering in cabinets, opening closet doors, and wondering what the story is behind each piece of art or set of candleholders.
But in the curiosity of sifting through marked-down vintage glassware and old books, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. Before you know it, you’re walking out with a footstool that needs to be restored and a set of embroidered towels that look just like the ones your grandmother tried to give you years ago. “The first few sales I went to, I bought items only because the pricing was so good. But just because an item is popular and at a good price, doesn’t mean you should buy it,” says Kristyn McCray, co-founder of Lainey James Collective, a vintage, secondhand, and antique seller.

The Best Oils for Frying, According to a Food Scientist
What you use depends on whether you’re sautéing, stir-frying, or making French fries.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in the oil aisle of the supermarket, you’re not alone. What are the best oils for frying? It can be hard to work that out with so many options available. And though it may be tempting to use your go-to oil for everything and hope for the best, that’s not the best approach. It’s important to choose the right oil for the job. Not all oils or frying methods are equal—and if you’re not careful, using the wrong oil can produce a smoky kitchen and a burnt mess. To find out which are the best choices in oils for frying, we consulted a food scientist.

The Difference Between Crème Fraîche and Sour Cream—and When to Use Each
Plus, how does mascarpone fit into the mix?
If you’re a dairy lover, you’ve probably wondered about using crème fraîche versus sour cream in recipes. Chances are you’re familiar with sour cream, the indispensable sidekick for baked potatoes and multiple dips, salad dressings, and sauces. Then there is crème fraîche. This rich, creamy dairy product is increasingly available in grocery stores and is sometimes described as the French cousin of sour cream. To learn how crème fraîche and sour cream are similar and what sets them apart, we spoke to a dairy expert, who also explained how mascarpone fits into the mix.

10 Small U.S. Towns You Can Visit Without a Car
You don’t have to take a road trip to visit these charming small towns around the U.S.
As countless folk songs and movies make clear, America’s small towns are great places to explore on long, meandering road trips. But what if your preferred mode of transport doesn’t involve a car?
Thanks to rail routes, ferry lines, and pint-sized regional airports, plenty of small towns can be reached without driving — and these 10 are some of the country’s best. Whether you’re an urbanite who never got a license or just a traveler who prefers that someone else do the navigating, you’ll find lots to enjoy in these locales, which offer the perfect mix of transit access, walkability, and quaint village living. From the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Massachusetts, read on to find the best small towns in America for car-free travel.

[Photo Credit: i-rma.com]

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