T LOunge for September 19th 2024

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PinSushisamba Restaurant – Edinburgh, Scotland

It’s THURSDAY, darlings! Let’s be colorful about it. Settle in. We have some things to show you today.

Lady Gaga on Why She Never Shut Down Rumors Claiming She’s a Man: “I Didn’t Feel Like a Victim With That Lie”
“I’ve been used to lies being printed about me since I was 20 years old. I’m a performer. I think it’s kind of funny,” she said in an episode of ‘What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates.’
Lady Gaga is opening up about why she never spoke out against rumors earlier in her career claiming she was actually a man.
The singer-actress famously shut down a question about the rumor during a 2011 interview with CNN, saying, “Why the hell am I going to waste my time and give a press release about whether or not I have a penis? My fans don’t care and neither do I.” Years later, she’s getting candid about constantly navigating misinformation swirling about her online during an appearance on Netflix’s What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates.

Hispanic Heritage Month: 21 Latin Music Icons & Their Cultural Relevance Today
Billboard celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting some of the most iconic musical figures in Latin music.
Billboard is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting 21 of the most iconic musical figures in Latin music who are no longer here but continue to have impact on the charts and/or have cultural relevancy.
Such is the case for Celia Cruz, who died in 2003 and now appears on a U.S. quarter. The late Cuban artist, known as The Queen of Salsa, was chosen as part of the American Women Quarters Program this year, making history as the first Afro-Latina to appear on the coin. Known for salsa anthems like “Quimbara” and “Guantanamera,” Cruz’s legacy is undeniable.

JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Are Getting the Ryan Murphy Treatment
The Hollywood mega-producer is planning a spinoff of his American Story franchise, called American Love Story, about the ’90s golden couple.
Fresh off the premiere of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez this week, Murphy is already at work on more American Story spinoffs. American Love Story will explore the “sweeping true love stories that captured the world’s attention.”
And is there really a love story that was as fiery, beautiful, captivating—and tragically short-lived—as that of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette? America’s golden couple will be the first subjects of the new scripted anthology series, which will chart the course of their relationship from their whirlwind courtship, to the immense pressures brought on by incessant tabloid attention, to the plane crash that ended it all in the summer of 1999.

I am desperate to nail the slicked back hair look, so I asked the pros about the best hair gels – here’s the definitive list
One for every hair type
There was a time when hair gel was mostly found on men’s bathroom shelves, but since slicked back hair became one of the biggest hair trends of the past 12 months it’s become an essential haircare product. Not all hair gels work for for all hair types or needs, so I’ve rounded up the best hair gels for every hair type.
I enlisted the help of some incredible experts to explain everything you need to know about what hair gel is used for, choosing one for your hair type and a bonus on how best to remove it at the end of the day.

They’re warming, cosy and totally delicious—trust me, these 8 perfumes are *perfect* for this weather
Without even a hint of sickly sweetness
As a beauty editor, I research and write about perfume a fair bit. Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed there has been a marked uptick in interest in gourmand fragrances—so scents with “edible” notes, if you aren’t familiar. More specifically, I’ve seen (and smelled) that almond perfumes of varying intensities are having their moment.
Though this impression can be created by notes like tonka bean and heliotrope, for example, there are several best perfume contenders in which almond takes centre stage. It’s very versatile in the context of perfumery; these scents may lean into a marzipan vibe or give off more of a toasted almond aroma. I told you in the headline: cosy.
Perhaps you like to change up their fragrance based on the seasons, or you simply want to treat yourself to a new signature perfume. Ranging from light and floral to rich, gourmand to spicy, here are eight thatI recommend for cosy season and beyond.

You can stop looking – after years of research I’ve found the 18 best mascaras in existence
Whether you’re after length, volume or definition
When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full, fluttery and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn’t flake throughout the day and won’t transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (which I will debate anyone who disagrees that it’s the best Maybelline mascara), but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn’t want to find the best mascara?

White nails are the ultimate clean neutral, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring
Here’s 29 of our favourite ways to wear them.
There are a handful of manicure shades that will always look classic (looking at you: red, nude and blackberry). Likewise, white nails are a trad neutral that, besides looking fresh, go with everything.
Of course, white accents, like French tips, are timeless, but there are so many more ways you can remix a white nail to keep things surprising.

“Holy God, Look at the Size of It!”: When Hodor Got His Prosthetic Penis on Game of Thrones
In an excerpt from Beyond the Throne, Kristian Nairn remembers the glue, paint, braiding, and dread.
“Okay, Kristian, could you take your robe off now, please?”
Paul says this softly but matter-of-factly. Can I? It’s being presented as a choice, but he knows and I know that it isn’t a choice at all. Can I? I pause. Paul is the head makeup artist in our Raven unit. He looks at me with a sympathetic half smile. I know this is going to hurt, but it’s my job, he’s saying without saying anything. I have agreed to this, after all. David and Dan did run through this with me at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. Why the hell did I say yes? I think. But the nude scene has been signed and sealed: the scene where Hodor emerges from bathing pools completely naked for ten, maybe fifteen, seconds. I will be undressed for less time than it would take me to text a friend, yet it has played on my mind for weeks. Come on, Kristian, I think. Just get this over and done with.

It’s Time To Connect The Dots Between Stories About Gendered Violence And What Causes It
‘Misogyny is a system not just individual behaviours or comments; they are a symptom,’ writes Gina Martin.
I write this as I sit on the train to meet my friend at a police station to support her in giving her statement about being assaulted. This is my reality.
Last week, I watched every single news outlet report on the horrifying rape case of a French woman named Gisèle (although she has waived her right to anonymity, I won’t be using her surname as it is that of her abuser) whose husband abused her and enlisted local men to do so too for over a decade. A law I helped create was what caught him. He was found upskirting women and when the police searched his devices they found tens of thousands of videos of his wife allegedly being raped by other men. According to prosecutors, more than 70 men chose to abuse Gisèle when she was unconscious (many of them deny this, saying her then-husband had manipulated them or that they believed she was consenting). That amount of men is terrifying women all over the world: if her husband was able to find that many local men that felt comfortable abusing an unconscious woman when offered, what does it mean?

How French First Lady Brigitte Macron Actually Ended Up With An ‘Emily In Paris’ Cameo
‘The idea came to us when Darren Star and I met her at the Élysée Palace in December 2022,’ Collins explained.
The Bear and Emily In Paris might be polar opposites when it comes to subject matter (the fact we don’t need to sit in a quiet room and practise deep breathing after the latter is one big difference), but it seems Lily Collins’ hit Netflix show is drumming up quite the list of famous cameos.
Similar to Jeremy Allen White’s Emmy award-winning series (which has seen everyone from Will Poulter and Sarah Paulson to Jamie Lee Curtis and Olivia Colman feature), Emily In Paris season four sees the likes of Rupert Everett make his debut as Giorgio Barbieri, the owner of an interior design company based in Rome, and the French first lady, Brigitte Macron make a cameo as herself.

Ariana Grande Gave Us All the Details of Her Wicked Makeup Collection
And let’s just say the limited-edition line from r.e.m beauty is going to be “Popular.”
Ariana Grande does not do things halfway. When she releases an album, it goes platinum. When she launches a makeup line—r.em. beauty, in 2021—she gets an Allure cover. When she signs on for her first starring role in a major motion picture, it’s as Galinda—later known as Glinda the Good Witch—in the screen adaptation of Wicked, widely-considered the most-anticipated film of the year.
And when Grande launches a makeup collection to coincide with the launch of said film, well, you can see where we’re going with this: It’s a well-curated, highly-considered range that includes a glistening highlighter, shimmering eye shadows, and a color-changing lip oil all housed in totally fantastical, Wicked-coded packaging.

Happy Heidi-Ween! Heidi Klum’s Most Unforgettable Halloween Costumes
Since 2000, the German runway legend has presided over the most celebrity-filled fright night bash of all. As the quintessential Halloween hostess, over the last two decades, the 51-year-old has cemented herself as the queen of the holiday. As details are leaked about the who, what, and where of her anticipated annual bash, fans also await teasers about what costume Klum will take a stab at. And to date, we’ve never once been disappointed, with Klum dressing up as everything from a human body and Fiona from Shrek to Betty Boop and Jessica Rabbit. Year after year, Klum has encouraged a whole generation of creative-leaning fashion lovers to leave the lingerie in their intimates drawer and go wild with their imagination.
While her costumes may be intimidating to replicate, here are some ideas to take a page out of her book this Halloween. Ahead, take a look at some of Heidi Klum’s best Halloween looks over the years.

46 Spooky Horror Movies That Aren’t Actually Scary
You may not like gore, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit out on Halloween season.
In theory, we love to get scared while watching a classic horror movie. But in reality, some of us were the friends who requested that the lights stay on at slumber parties and opted more for the chick flick movie night pick. Even as adults, after watching an especially creepy movie, we sometimes see faces in dark corners and hear strange noises from empty rooms. Despite this, we’re not destined to be left out of the Halloween horror movie craze altogether.
Luckily, for those who can only take so many James Wan movies (Insidious, The Conjuring) or eerie A24 hits (Hereditary, The VVitch) before we start to fear the day as much as the night, there are a fair amount of great spooky, not scary, seasonal films to watch. Some are straight-up horror comedies and feminist horror movies—with no shortage of thrills—and some are wholesome, autumnal favorites we’ve been rewatching since the ’90s. And all are mild enough that even a scaredy cat like me can sleep soundly after viewing. Below, find the best not-too-scary horror movies.

Party’s Over: Tupperware Officially Files for Bankruptcy
But all hope is not lost.
Tupperware has officially filed for bankruptcy.
On Tuesday, the food container giant, which brought financial independence to women across the U.S. in the mid-20th century thanks to their at-home sales parties, announced that it voluntarily initiated Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
“Whether you are a dedicated member of our Tupperware team, sell, cook with, or simply love our Tupperware products, you are a part of our Tupperware family. We plan to continue serving our valued customers with the high-quality products they love and trust throughout this process,” Laurie Ann Goldman, the president and chief executive officer of Tupperware, shared in a statement.

Uncrustables Just Launched a New Flavor for the First Time in 10 Years — and It’s a Winner
You now have five options to choose from.
There’s nothing quite like chowing down on a classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich — especially as an afternoon snack. And now, for the first time in a decade, Uncrustables fans have a new PB&J flavor to take out for a spin: Peanut Butter and Raspberry Spread.
The addition brings the number of Uncrustables flavors in the lineup up to five, with the other crust-free options being Grape Jelly, Strawberry Jam, Honey Spread, and Chocolate-Flavored Hazelnut Spread. It also means there are now enough choices that you can chow down on a new PB&J every day of the school — or work — week. (I mean, who says PB&Js have to be relegated to the playground?)

Why Are Mattresses So Expensive Right Now? Is It Even Worth Buying a New One?
We dive into the recent price hikes in the mattress industry.
Today’s mattresses are not like those you’d buy 10 (or even five) years ago. Beyond the sheer quantity and variety, it’s never been easier to purchase a new bed at the click of a button, thanks to the growth of online direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands over the traditional brick and mortar shops. In fact, the global mattress market is expected to grow by 6.2% every year until 2030 (last year, it was valued at 52.45 billion dollars).
But, it’s also never been as expensive: In 2023, the average Queen-size mattress ranged from $1,050 to $2,050, with the hybrid mattress, which is expected to surge in popularity over the next few years, on the higher end at a whooping $2,050.

Jean Smart to Make ‘SNL’ Hosting Debut with Season 50 Premiere
Chappell Roan, Stevie Nicks, and Jelly Roll are among the musical guests announced for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
Jean Smart plays a late-night talk show host on HBO’s “Hacks,” and now the Emmy winner will get her turn hosting the biggest late-night sketch comedy show of all-time: “Saturday Night Live.”
Smart will kick off Season 50 of the iconic series on September 28 — it’s her first time as host. Her musical guest Jelly Roll is also making his “SNL” debut. Smart just won her third Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on “Hacks,” which was awarded best comedy. Smart now has six overall Emmy Awards across her career.

Applying to college? Seven current students on how to stand out and stay sane.
What these undergrads wish they had known before navigating the process.
It’s that time of year again: Summer is over, class is in session, and high school seniors are filled with dread. Yes, it’s college application season. The formula required to get into many colleges these days involves striking a delicate balance between highlighting personal and academic accomplishments, outlining future interests and aspirations, and painting a picture of who you are versus who you want to be.
The prospect of documenting an entire high school career while also selling your personality can be daunting. It’s normal for aspiring undergrads — and their parents — to feel overwhelmed. But you can manage it, whether you’re applying to five schools or 15.

This is what admissions officers really want to read in college essays
The important thing is not to overthink it.
One of the most memorable essays college admissions counselor Alexis White worked on with a student wasn’t about a harrowing personal challenge or a rewarding volunteering experience. “It started with the sentence ‘My hair arrives in a room before I do,’” says White, the founder and director of the consultancy firm Alexis College Expert. “It just was the best. And everybody who reads it loves it.”
College application essays have an infamous reputation for being one of the most difficult aspects of the application process. But it remains a crucial way to share details about your life and interests — a way to distinguish yourself beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities, even in the era of ChatGPT (more on that later).

The Menendez Brothers: What to Know Ahead of the New Netflix Series
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” chronicles the trials of two brothers who killed their parents in 1989, and their aftermath. Much has changed since then.
On Aug. 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez, ages 21 and 18, shot and killed their parents in the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. Both were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 after two highly publicized trials, the first of which was broadcast on the then-nascent Court TV.
But in the 35 years since the crime, the public has become increasingly divided on whether the brothers were merely the stone-cold opportunists the prosecution said they were. Now Ryan Murphy — who has a longstanding knack for taking on stories at the intersection of true crime, celebrity and media — is weighing in with a new scripted version of their story, premiering Thursday on Netflix.

The Cast of Monsters Takes Us Inside the Infamous Menendez Murders
The next edition of Ryan Murphy’s true crime series Monsters is out, and this latest installment follows the disturbing and sensational story of Erik and Lyle Menendez, the Beverly Hills brothers who fired shotguns at their parents one evening as they sat quietly watching television in their living room. The trial gripped all of us in the late 90’s, as public opinion shifted rapidly following the revelation that the brothers had suffered years of extreme emotional, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents. Accordingly, Ryan Murphy and Netflix pulled out all the stops—the star-studded cast includes Chloë Sevigny as Kitty and Javier Bardem as Jóse, with newcomers Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch playing Erik and Lyle, respectively. At the show’s world premiere at the Egyptian Theater earlier this week, we caught up with the them to find out how they prepped for their roles, what other true crime stories they’re obsessed with, and which bizarre detail of the Menendez case surprised them most.

8 Things in Your Home You Should Never Paint, According to Experts
While paint is an easy way to elevate your space, some things in your home should be spared the paintbrush.
While painting walls and cabinets is a great way to upgrade the look and feel of your space on a budget, there are some things in your home that should never be painted. Knowing which household items and fixtures to skip for DIY painting projects can save you a lot of time and money down the line. To help you avoid future mishaps, we asked home experts which items to avoid next time you want to paint.

The Best Type of Vanilla Extract to Use, According to Baking Pros
A teaspoon of the real thing lends refined flavor to pies, cakes, cookies, puddings, and other decadent desserts.
In her many baking videos, Martha often mentions pure vanilla extract. That’s because she wants you to know that not all vanilla extract is the same, and using the right type has a big impact on your finished cakes and cookies. Vanilla lends a delicate, even divine, flavor to everything from chocolate chip cookies to bread pudding—as long as you use the right vanilla extract.
The world of vanilla is vast and varied, and vanilla can refer to a host of products, ranging in price, taste, quality, and ingredients. To explain the differences and why they matter, we connected with an extract and flavorings expert and a chef and baker whose restaurant has a standout pastry program.

This Scenic Fall Foliage Train Ride Is One of the Best Ways to Experience Autumn on the East Coast
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is about to start running their annual Fall Foliage Trains.
There is no place like New England in the fall. In addition to its sheer number of trees, many of them deciduous, the towns that make up New England truly embrace the fall season with cider donuts, U-Pick apple orchards, and maple syrup everything.
And while most people catch the fall colors from the comfort of their car, there is a better way. A way that allows you to explore beyond the heavily traveled highways so you can be fully immersed in the tree-laden landscape. Enter the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and its special “Fall Foliage Trains,” which run from mid-September to mid-October.

[Photo Credit: sushisamba.com.com, marriott.com]

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