1 month ago
Silicon Valley billionaire Douglas Leone challenged himself to the ultimate test of pain by purposely undergoing a root canal without Novocain.
The Sequoia Capital chairman, 69, opened up about the experience during an interview with podcaster David Senra over the weekend, where he went into detail about the difficult dental work.
Leone shared that he had to get the dental work done before heading to a meeting and ordered his dentist to skip the anesthetic.
"My whole life I wanted to see if I was a [expletive] or not," the exec said on Senra's Founders podcast. "In other words, I'm a fake [expletive] that has this envelope ****** ody could tell, or am I really a [expletive] on the inside?"
"Drill without any Novocain," Leone recalled telling the dentist, who said the venture capitalist was "out of [his] mind" for passing on the pain medication.
#leone #expletive #silicon
The Sequoia Capital chairman, 69, opened up about the experience during an interview with podcaster David Senra over the weekend, where he went into detail about the difficult dental work.
Leone shared that he had to get the dental work done before heading to a meeting and ordered his dentist to skip the anesthetic.
"My whole life I wanted to see if I was a [expletive] or not," the exec said on Senra's Founders podcast. "In other words, I'm a fake [expletive] that has this envelope ****** ody could tell, or am I really a [expletive] on the inside?"
"Drill without any Novocain," Leone recalled telling the dentist, who said the venture capitalist was "out of [his] mind" for passing on the pain medication.
#leone #expletive #silicon
1 month ago
Dolly Parton, the songwriter and singer from Locust Ridge, Tennessee, died Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her death sparked a tsunami of support and reflection from the media, her family and friends, colleagues, and her fans.
When someone lives a life as loudly and publicly as Parton did for 80 years, it's of little surprise that that person will be written about for days, weeks, and years to come after their death. But one article about Parton from The Washington Post is getting a lot of attention — and it's because its author missed a crucial detail of the singer's life.
"Dolly Parton's lack of children demonstrated that the world could in fact love a woman who wasn't a mother," the Post wrote on X — a statement that's already fairly outrageous. The message continued, "But more importantly, she was proof that a person could be an advocate for children while personally choosing against parenting."
In her column, Ashley Fetters Maloy wrote that she loves Parton "for the same reasons everyone loves Dolly Parton." For Maloy, that list includes that her "songs are undeniably powerful, her joy infectious, her hair magnificent" and her "quietly subversive jokes about her ***** and her fashion sense will never not be funny, or poignant."
(I feel compelled to note here that people loved Parton for many, many more reasons — for example, those of us who also grew up in small Southern towns and who have been on the receiving end of a whole lot of judgement for that have often been buoyed by Parton's take-no-prisoners approach to being true to who she was, where she was from, and what that meant culturally over the decades.)
#post #death #person
When someone lives a life as loudly and publicly as Parton did for 80 years, it's of little surprise that that person will be written about for days, weeks, and years to come after their death. But one article about Parton from The Washington Post is getting a lot of attention — and it's because its author missed a crucial detail of the singer's life.
"Dolly Parton's lack of children demonstrated that the world could in fact love a woman who wasn't a mother," the Post wrote on X — a statement that's already fairly outrageous. The message continued, "But more importantly, she was proof that a person could be an advocate for children while personally choosing against parenting."
In her column, Ashley Fetters Maloy wrote that she loves Parton "for the same reasons everyone loves Dolly Parton." For Maloy, that list includes that her "songs are undeniably powerful, her joy infectious, her hair magnificent" and her "quietly subversive jokes about her ***** and her fashion sense will never not be funny, or poignant."
(I feel compelled to note here that people loved Parton for many, many more reasons — for example, those of us who also grew up in small Southern towns and who have been on the receiving end of a whole lot of judgement for that have often been buoyed by Parton's take-no-prisoners approach to being true to who she was, where she was from, and what that meant culturally over the decades.)
#post #death #person
1 month ago
Queen Camilla reportedly broke the ice with Prince Harry with one simple gesture during his July visit to Highgrove. The Queen was said to have offered her stepson a cup of tea, marking a seemingly cordial moment after years of tension, memoir revelations, and strained family relations.
The reported encounter came shortly before the Sussexes' rumored UK return and followed an apparently calmer private reunion between Harry, King Charles, and Camilla.
As per the Daily Mail, royal author Tom Bower stated that Prince Harry visited Highgrove last month. The royal biographer wrote that the atmosphere was "polite with no recrimination." Bower said Queen Camilla had a "fixed smile" and "offered tea" to her stepson. He also claimed the goodwill appeared to calm Harry's concerns about returning to Britain.
Meanwhile, InStyle reported that the July 10 meeting also included Meghan Markle and the children. The outlet said Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, joined their parents at Highgrove. It also reported that the visit marked King Charles' first face-to-face meeting with them in four years. The outlet described Camilla's tea offer as an "olive branch" after years of tension.
However, the history between them gave the seemingly simple gesture added significance. InStyle noted that Prince Harry once described Camilla as a "wonderful woman" in 2005, joking at the time that she was "not the wicked stepmother."
#queen #highgrove #reported #king
The reported encounter came shortly before the Sussexes' rumored UK return and followed an apparently calmer private reunion between Harry, King Charles, and Camilla.
As per the Daily Mail, royal author Tom Bower stated that Prince Harry visited Highgrove last month. The royal biographer wrote that the atmosphere was "polite with no recrimination." Bower said Queen Camilla had a "fixed smile" and "offered tea" to her stepson. He also claimed the goodwill appeared to calm Harry's concerns about returning to Britain.
Meanwhile, InStyle reported that the July 10 meeting also included Meghan Markle and the children. The outlet said Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, joined their parents at Highgrove. It also reported that the visit marked King Charles' first face-to-face meeting with them in four years. The outlet described Camilla's tea offer as an "olive branch" after years of tension.
However, the history between them gave the seemingly simple gesture added significance. InStyle noted that Prince Harry once described Camilla as a "wonderful woman" in 2005, joking at the time that she was "not the wicked stepmother."
#queen #highgrove #reported #king
1 month ago
Melissa Gilbert sent an emotional call to action regarding child actresses after Hayden Panettiere's death.
On Saturday, August 22, the former Little House on the Prairie child actress posted a lengthy Substack update addressing the deaths of Panettiere at 36 in August 2026, Michelle Trachtenberg at 39 in February 2025, and Daveigh Chase at 35 in June 2026.
"How is it possible that no one in the mainstream media has picked up on this?" Gilbert, 62, began her post. "… Three former female child actors of the same generation are gone. Tragically, heartbreakingly, agonizingly too soon."
She continued, "They are gone, and the question I have been turning over and over in my head is, 'WHY?' Why are these three sweet, wildly talented, vibrant, vital young women gone? And why does this all feel so personal to me? I did not know Hayden personally and only worked briefly with Mishy and Daveigh. It feels personal because I was them. As were Tatum, Kristy, Brooke, Patty, Anyssa, Dakota, Elle, Shirley, Britney, Jodie, Drew, and my sister, Sara, to name a few."
Gilbert called the women "members of the same tribe," declaring, "When one of us dies, it runs through all of us like an electrical current. When three of us die so close together, something is very, very wrong."
#child
On Saturday, August 22, the former Little House on the Prairie child actress posted a lengthy Substack update addressing the deaths of Panettiere at 36 in August 2026, Michelle Trachtenberg at 39 in February 2025, and Daveigh Chase at 35 in June 2026.
"How is it possible that no one in the mainstream media has picked up on this?" Gilbert, 62, began her post. "… Three former female child actors of the same generation are gone. Tragically, heartbreakingly, agonizingly too soon."
She continued, "They are gone, and the question I have been turning over and over in my head is, 'WHY?' Why are these three sweet, wildly talented, vibrant, vital young women gone? And why does this all feel so personal to me? I did not know Hayden personally and only worked briefly with Mishy and Daveigh. It feels personal because I was them. As were Tatum, Kristy, Brooke, Patty, Anyssa, Dakota, Elle, Shirley, Britney, Jodie, Drew, and my sister, Sara, to name a few."
Gilbert called the women "members of the same tribe," declaring, "When one of us dies, it runs through all of us like an electrical current. When three of us die so close together, something is very, very wrong."
#child
1 month ago
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a secret trip away to the Cotswolds during their recent visit to the UK, according to reports.
The Duke and **** ss of Sussex stayed in a private house belonging to a wealthy **** ociate in early July, the Daily Mail reported.
While the exact location has not been disclosed, they're believed to have stayed in an enclave popular with celebrities in Oxfordshire.
Harry, Meghan, and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, which is on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly visited the Cotswolds (@ Getty Images)
#prince #cotswolds #markle
The Duke and **** ss of Sussex stayed in a private house belonging to a wealthy **** ociate in early July, the Daily Mail reported.
While the exact location has not been disclosed, they're believed to have stayed in an enclave popular with celebrities in Oxfordshire.
Harry, Meghan, and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, which is on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly visited the Cotswolds (@ Getty Images)
#prince #cotswolds #markle
2 months ago
After the National ******* ociation of Black Journalists accused Stephen A. Smith of disparaging Black women, Stephen A. Smith is accusing the NABJ of conducting a personal hit job.
Smith received the "Thumbs Down" award at the NABJ's Saturday night gala in Atlanta, an dishonor given to individuals or institutions conducting "especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community or for engaging in practices at odds with the goals of NABJ."
With the "Thumbs Down" award typically being reserved for institutions, Smith, who brought First Take to the NABJ convention in 2024, is just the fourth individual to win the organization's biggest dishonor.
"Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media," the organization explained Saturday. "Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ's longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities."
Despite the pointed insult, the ESPN star and newfound political pundit still credited the NABJ for helping his career, calling it the "preeminent Black journalism organization existing." But Smith was blindsided by winning the award, and if the NABJ and its president Errin Haines sought to catch his attention, they succeeded. Smith responded Monday afternoon with a 45-minute retort on his YouTube channel.
#black #smith
Smith received the "Thumbs Down" award at the NABJ's Saturday night gala in Atlanta, an dishonor given to individuals or institutions conducting "especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community or for engaging in practices at odds with the goals of NABJ."
With the "Thumbs Down" award typically being reserved for institutions, Smith, who brought First Take to the NABJ convention in 2024, is just the fourth individual to win the organization's biggest dishonor.
"Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media," the organization explained Saturday. "Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ's longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities."
Despite the pointed insult, the ESPN star and newfound political pundit still credited the NABJ for helping his career, calling it the "preeminent Black journalism organization existing." But Smith was blindsided by winning the award, and if the NABJ and its president Errin Haines sought to catch his attention, they succeeded. Smith responded Monday afternoon with a 45-minute retort on his YouTube channel.
#black #smith
2 months ago
"Heroes" actress Hayden Panettiere has died, according to a report. She was 36.
The New York native's father, Skip Panettiere, sconfirmed her death to ABC News in a statement Sunday night:
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.
Skip Panettiere requested privacy, according to ABC, "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Panettiere had one daughter with her ex, Ukrainian professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, and was open about her struggles with postpartum depression.
#panettiere #wladimir
The New York native's father, Skip Panettiere, sconfirmed her death to ABC News in a statement Sunday night:
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.
Skip Panettiere requested privacy, according to ABC, "as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Panettiere had one daughter with her ex, Ukrainian professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, and was open about her struggles with postpartum depression.
#panettiere #wladimir
2 months ago
Lewis Hamilton made quite the impression on Jennifer Lopez when they crossed paths at the 2025 Saudi Grand Prix.
So much so, a source says the 57-year-old singer is waiting in the wings should things not work out between the Formula One driver, 41, and girlfriend Kim Kardashian.
"J. Lo and Lewis had major chemistry when they hung out last year and she really thought it was going to develop into something," admits the source. "And in fairness, he's gone around telling everyone that he had a crush on her as a teenager, so a lot of people predicted they would get together."
However, that's not what happened, the source reveals, and now Lopez has got to "sit back and watch" Hamilton with the reality TV star, 45.
"It definitely stings," the source admits.
#hamilton
So much so, a source says the 57-year-old singer is waiting in the wings should things not work out between the Formula One driver, 41, and girlfriend Kim Kardashian.
"J. Lo and Lewis had major chemistry when they hung out last year and she really thought it was going to develop into something," admits the source. "And in fairness, he's gone around telling everyone that he had a crush on her as a teenager, so a lot of people predicted they would get together."
However, that's not what happened, the source reveals, and now Lopez has got to "sit back and watch" Hamilton with the reality TV star, 45.
"It definitely stings," the source admits.
#hamilton
2 months ago
Wayne Gretzky's youngest daughter Emma Gretzky, 23, announced her engagement to former college football player Stone Eby on Instagram
The couple, who met at SMU, share a son named Walter, born in August 2025
Emma previously played tennis at SMU and has shared glimpses of Walter learning to ice skate on social media
Wayne Gretzky's daughter is engaged!
Emma Gretzky, the youngest daughter of the Canadian hockey star, is engaged to boyfriend Stone Eby. Gretzky's 23-year-old daughter shared the news on Instagram, announcing that the former college football tight end, also 23, had popped the question.
#emma #wayne #youngest
The couple, who met at SMU, share a son named Walter, born in August 2025
Emma previously played tennis at SMU and has shared glimpses of Walter learning to ice skate on social media
Wayne Gretzky's daughter is engaged!
Emma Gretzky, the youngest daughter of the Canadian hockey star, is engaged to boyfriend Stone Eby. Gretzky's 23-year-old daughter shared the news on Instagram, announcing that the former college football tight end, also 23, had popped the question.
#emma #wayne #youngest
2 months ago
Kate Middleton and Prince William shared photos of their seasonal highlights with a "summer rewind"
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted snapshots of attending Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and several other events
The post comes days after the pair celebrated their son Prince George's 13th birthday
Kate Middleton and Prince William are having a special summer to remember.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, shared a glimpse of their "summer rewind" in photos posted on Instagram, showing the pair at various royal engagements and family outings with their three children from the past several months.
#shared #photos
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted snapshots of attending Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and several other events
The post comes days after the pair celebrated their son Prince George's 13th birthday
Kate Middleton and Prince William are having a special summer to remember.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, shared a glimpse of their "summer rewind" in photos posted on Instagram, showing the pair at various royal engagements and family outings with their three children from the past several months.
#shared #photos
2 months ago
Just one day after Hollywood was left mourning the sudden loss of "Godzilla x Kong" actress Kaylee Hottle, officials have released the heartbreaking details surrounding her death.
The 18-year-old actress, whose portrayal of Jia helped make the MonsterVerse more inclusive for deaf audiences, died from multiple blunt force injuries after a devastating car crash in Maryland.
The latest findings provide new answers about the tragedy that cut short the rising star's promising career while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially ruled Kaylee Hottle's death an accident after completing her autopsy.
#actress #kong
The 18-year-old actress, whose portrayal of Jia helped make the MonsterVerse more inclusive for deaf audiences, died from multiple blunt force injuries after a devastating car crash in Maryland.
The latest findings provide new answers about the tragedy that cut short the rising star's promising career while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially ruled Kaylee Hottle's death an accident after completing her autopsy.
#actress #kong
2 months ago
Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, embraced method dressing when it came to her looks for The Odyssey press tour
The actress channeled her character, goddess Athena, for her red carpet looks
Her global press tour featured designs from Jacquemus, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and more
Zendaya has embraced her inner goddess for The Odyssey.
The Emmy Award-winning actress stars in the Christopher Nolan-directed film as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Since Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, have become known for their method looks over the year, they approached The Odyssey in a similar manner.
The actress channeled her character, goddess Athena, for her red carpet looks
Her global press tour featured designs from Jacquemus, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and more
Zendaya has embraced her inner goddess for The Odyssey.
The Emmy Award-winning actress stars in the Christopher Nolan-directed film as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Since Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, have become known for their method looks over the year, they approached The Odyssey in a similar manner.
3 months ago
Newly released 911 calls revealed witnesses called for help after influencer DreamDoll Brii was involved in a fatal shooting on July 5
The content creator, whose full name was Brianna Johnson, was one of three people riding in a green Lamborghini on a residential street in Miramar, Fla., who were shot at from another vehicle following them
In harrowing 911 call recordings obtained by PEOPLE, witnesses could be heard screaming for help after the fatal shooting
Newly released 911 calls revealed witnesses called for help after influencer DreamDoll Brii was involved in a fatal shooting on July 5.
The content creator, whose full name was Brianna Johnson, was one of three people riding in a green Lamborghini on a residential street in Miramar, Fla., who were shot at from another vehicle following them, a spokesperson for the Miramar Police Department previously told PEOPLE. Authorities were called to the scene at 5:33 a.m. on July 5, where they found that the Lamborghini had crashed into the house and all three inside had been shot, police said.
The content creator, whose full name was Brianna Johnson, was one of three people riding in a green Lamborghini on a residential street in Miramar, Fla., who were shot at from another vehicle following them
In harrowing 911 call recordings obtained by PEOPLE, witnesses could be heard screaming for help after the fatal shooting
Newly released 911 calls revealed witnesses called for help after influencer DreamDoll Brii was involved in a fatal shooting on July 5.
The content creator, whose full name was Brianna Johnson, was one of three people riding in a green Lamborghini on a residential street in Miramar, Fla., who were shot at from another vehicle following them, a spokesperson for the Miramar Police Department previously told PEOPLE. Authorities were called to the scene at 5:33 a.m. on July 5, where they found that the Lamborghini had crashed into the house and all three inside had been shot, police said.
3 months ago
The 1970s and '80s were two defining decades for superstardom – fans were both frenzied and fiercely devoted, building cult followings around their favourite celebrities and turning them into cultural phenomena. From the former sitcom star whose musical career rivalled that of The Beatles and Elvis, to members of the notorious Brat Pack who redefined celebrity culture, countless teen heartthrobs captivated audiences and became global sensations during the era.
We're taking a look at a few of the biggest teen heartthrobs of the two decades, unpacking their hysteria-causing heydays, and taking a look at what they're getting up to today…
Barry Williams starred as crush-worthy eldest son Greg on 'The Brady Bunch'
The Brady Bunch was the definitive family sitcom of the Seventies, and it was the eldest son who stole plenty of teen viewers hearts as dependable Greg Brady.
As well as reprising his Brady Bunch role several times, Barry Williams has worked on 2018 fantasy film Flea and Lifetime comedy Blending Christmas. He has been married three times, wedding now-wife
Tina Mahina in 2017, and is a father to two children.
We're taking a look at a few of the biggest teen heartthrobs of the two decades, unpacking their hysteria-causing heydays, and taking a look at what they're getting up to today…
Barry Williams starred as crush-worthy eldest son Greg on 'The Brady Bunch'
The Brady Bunch was the definitive family sitcom of the Seventies, and it was the eldest son who stole plenty of teen viewers hearts as dependable Greg Brady.
As well as reprising his Brady Bunch role several times, Barry Williams has worked on 2018 fantasy film Flea and Lifetime comedy Blending Christmas. He has been married three times, wedding now-wife
Tina Mahina in 2017, and is a father to two children.
3 months ago
Lexi Minetree recreated another of Reese Witherspoon's iconic looks while appearing at a U.K. screening of Elle
Witherspoon wore the archival Stella McCartney gown to the 2014 Met Gala
Witherspoon previously said that she's shared some of her original Elle Woods wardrobe with Minetree, who is playing the iconic character in the new prequel series
Lexi Minetree is taking another fashion cue from Reese Witherspoon.
The 25-year-old actress, who is set to star as Elle Woods in the film's Prime Video prequel series Elle, stepped out in a look previously worn by her Legally Blonde predecessor.
Witherspoon wore the archival Stella McCartney gown to the 2014 Met Gala
Witherspoon previously said that she's shared some of her original Elle Woods wardrobe with Minetree, who is playing the iconic character in the new prequel series
Lexi Minetree is taking another fashion cue from Reese Witherspoon.
The 25-year-old actress, who is set to star as Elle Woods in the film's Prime Video prequel series Elle, stepped out in a look previously worn by her Legally Blonde predecessor.
3 months ago
Jenifer Lewis is looking back on one of the most personal chapters of her life. The "Black-ish" star recently opened up about her past struggles with ****** addiction, revealing that intimacy became a coping mechanism during the height of her career as she searched for ways to come down from the adrenaline rush of performing.
Speaking candidly on Keke Palmer's "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer" podcast, Lewis shared details about her journey, admitting she didn't recognize her behavior as problematic at the time.
During the conversation, Lewis reflected on her younger years in the entertainment industry and the choices she made while navigating fame and success. "There's no shame in my game," she said before revealing she had been involved with dozens of men throughout her career.
Despite describing some of those experiences positively, Lewis acknowledged that her perspective has changed with age and self-reflection. Looking back, she said she wishes she had better understood her self-worth and viewed her body differently during that period of her life.
Lewis explained that performing on stage often left her searching for a way to come down from the emotional high that came with audience applause and recognition.
Speaking candidly on Keke Palmer's "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer" podcast, Lewis shared details about her journey, admitting she didn't recognize her behavior as problematic at the time.
During the conversation, Lewis reflected on her younger years in the entertainment industry and the choices she made while navigating fame and success. "There's no shame in my game," she said before revealing she had been involved with dozens of men throughout her career.
Despite describing some of those experiences positively, Lewis acknowledged that her perspective has changed with age and self-reflection. Looking back, she said she wishes she had better understood her self-worth and viewed her body differently during that period of her life.
Lewis explained that performing on stage often left her searching for a way to come down from the emotional high that came with audience applause and recognition.
