By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 1 second ago

To some people, The Big Bang Theory was a great show for nerds, but others recognize it as a show that was about nerds, and often, turned their fandom and passion for nerd culture into a punchline. That’s significantly different from what comic artist and author Evan Dorkin did with Eltingville or The Eltingville Club,  which appeared sporadically in different comic collections. Instead of laughing at nerds, it was steeped in nerd culture with jokes for nerds. In 2002, an animated pilot of the first story, “Bring Me The Head Of Boba Fett” aired on Cartoon Network and it sadly, wasn’t picked up for a series, yet we had over a decade of The Big Bang Theory.

Welcome To Eltingville Never Made It Past The Pilot

I remember where I was when I first saw Welcome to Eltingville. It was four years later, in 2006, as Cartoon Network had taken to running the pilot during Adult Swim. My roommates and I were playing the Warlord CCG when the fantasy cartoon on the television started sounding a lot like our Dungeons and Dragon sessions. We stopped, and were enthralled as the opening scene shifted from a fantasy cartoon to an actual basement, with nerds arguing over the semantics of Dungeons and Dragons. If that hasn’t happened to you at least once, you haven’t done table-top roleplaying. 

From there, the episode shifted to a straight adaptation of “Bring Me the Head of Boba Fett,” complete with the sight gag of the only comic store in town being in the worst part of town, because that’s how it was in the 90s. Bill and Josh, two members of the club, notice an unopened Kenner Star Wars Boba Fett figure and immediately, they both want it. The solution? A trivia contest about the nerdiest, most esoteric facets of fandom. Somehow, Evan Dorkin managed to perfectly capture the toxic side of fandom, including gatekeeping, way back in 1995. It’s become worse since then, but there’s something fascinating to those inside the nerd bubble at seeing it play out.

A Series Ahead Of Its Time

Welcome to Eltingville was ahead of its time. In 2002, getting this lost in the weeds of nerd fandom was unheard of outside of fanzine’s and early webcomics. As Dorkin explained years later: “We still hear from folks asking why the pilot never became a series. We don’t know what to tell them, exactly. We never got an official explanation from the network as to why Eltingville didn’t make the grade. We all just knew it wasn’t happening and moved on, and that was the end of the Eltingville Club on television.”

Keep in mind that five years later, Warner Bros. had their most successful sitcom in history with The Big Bang Theory, and yet, no answers as to why the animated Welcome to Eltingville remains a fascinating piece of lost media. Were it to be released today, Welcome to Eltingville would be an immediate hit. Nerd culture has permeated the rest of the culture, especially with the rise of Marvel, so who wouldn’t like a series laughing about it from the inside? 

The complete Elginville comics can be found in Evan Dorkin’s new collection, Nerd Inferno: The Essential Evan Dorkin, which includes Milk & Cheese, and Dork. 

Kat Von D is pushing back after the son of a former landlord publicly accused her of causing a devastating fire that destroyed a historic Hollywood Hills mansion more than a decade ago. Teva Barnea, whose family owned the famed “Hollywood Castle,” recently took to TikTok with a series of allegations aimed at the celebrity tattoo artist, claiming her lifestyle and actions led to the blaze that consumed the property in 2010. The accusations have reignited a years-old dispute over what caused the fire and who was ultimately responsible.

In a TikTok video, Barnea claimed Kat Von D frequently filled the home with candles while renting the property. “I saw the way that she lived, and it was bizarre,” Barnea said. “There were candles everywhere. Candles of all sizes, big, small, wide, every single corner, every mantle, down the steps, along the walls, really everywhere.”

“Shocker, the house burned,” he added. The fire destroyed much of the sprawling Hollywood Hills mansion, killed Von D’s pet cat Valentine, and reportedly wiped out many of her personal belongings.

Longstanding Dispute Over What Caused The Blaze

According to Barnea, insurance investigations conducted after the fire concluded that unattended candles were responsible for igniting the blaze. Von D, however, has long disputed that version of events.

The former “LA Ink” star has consistently maintained that faulty wiring caused the fire and has pointed out that she was not home when it broke out. The dispute eventually resulted in legal action between the parties, with both sides arguing over the source of the devastating fire.

Teva Barnea Claims Fire Contributed To His Mother’s Death

Beyond blaming Von D for the destruction of the property, Barnea also alleged the aftermath of the fire took a significant toll on his late mother, Debra Dresbach.

According to Barnea, the years of litigation, restoration work, and stress surrounding the incident contributed to her declining health before she died from cancer in January 2025 at age 70. He claimed “the stress of the fires and the restoration process and the lawsuit” caused her cancer to return.

Barnea also accused Von D of sending his mother “spiteful, hateful emails” and described the reality television star as “a liar, a narcissist, truly a mean person.”

Following the viral TikTok videos, Von D released a statement of her own on social media, denying Barnea’s accusations. “This week, I’ve been accused of burning down a house and contributing to the death of a woman with cancer,” she said. “Teva is accusing me of burning down his mother’s house because I was lighting candles, which is not true. I wasn’t even in the home when the fire happened. I was on a book tour.”

Barnea Says Documents Support His Claims

After Von D publicly denied responsibility, Barnea posted a second TikTok video in which he claimed to possess official records related to the fire investigation. Holding up what he described as original fire documents, Barnea pointed to one specific conclusion. “No ignition sources other than candles were identified within the fire’s area of origin,” he said.

Neither Barnea’s claims nor the documents he referenced have been independently verified by The Blast.

Despite the devastating fire, the Hollywood Castle has since been restored. Barnea now reportedly lives in the property after inheriting it following his mother’s death.

Teva Barnea Explains Why He’s Speaking Out Now

As the controversy continues to gain attention online, Barnea says the reason he chose to share his family’s story now is that his mother is no longer here to tell it herself. In a new statement to PEOPLE, he explained that he remained quiet for years out of respect for his late mother, Debra Dresbach, who spent years fighting legal battles connected to the fire.

“Well, it wasn’t my story to tell so long as my mom was here, it was hers. And she fought so hard for years, to be my mom while facing the threat of losing everything she worked for. All because the person who negligently left candles burning didn’t want to admit it,” he claims.

Barnea went on to allege that Von D never accepted responsibility for the damage caused by the fire. “If she had it her way, she’d have taken everything from us, and left us with nothing. Not even an ounce of compensation. And certainly not an apology.”

Despite the renewed attention surrounding the years-old dispute, Barnea insisted his decision to speak publicly is about sharing what he believes happened rather than seeking further validation. “I’m telling the story because I believe some stories deserve to be told,” he said. “No need to justify that.”

Tay Keith’s sudden passing left fans, collaborators, and music artists in shock. Following reports of his death, tributes flooded social media, with artists like Sexyy Red, Moneybagg Yo, Gunna, BlocBoy JB, and more reacting to the loss. But in the middle of the emotional messages, reports started circulating that the Memphis producer had an unresolved financial dispute with Sexyy Red prior to his passing.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Memphis Producer Tay Keith Has Reportedly Passed Away At Age 29

Details On Tay Keith’s Reported Lawsuit Against Sexyy Red’s Label

According to TMZ, Tay Keith never fully resolved a legal dispute that he had with Sexyy Red’s Rebel label before his sudden passing. He filed the case over royalties he claimed the label owed him, even though both sides were reportedly working toward a resolution. Court documents obtained by TMZ show Tay filed the lawsuit against Red’s label in March, claiming he produced 13 songs for her in 2024, including her hit ‘Pound Town.’ Tay said the songs brought in millions from sales and streaming, but he never received payment for his work. In the suit, Tay also claimed the label refused to give him an accounting of the revenue from the records, blocking him from collecting his share of his royalties. Additionally, he reportedly asked the court to force the label to turn over financial records, confirm what they owed him, and award damages.

A rep for Tay Keith spoke exclusively with TMZ and clarified that his lawsuit was directed specifically at Red’s label and not at her personally. The rep also shared that they remained friends before his passing and that Tay looked at Red like a sister.

“The dispute is between the parties’ respective labels, and naming Sexyy Red in the lawsuit was a legal formality. Any allegations are directed at the label, not Red personally. Both labels have been cooperating, and the matter is close to being resolved. Tay and Red remained friends and he considered her a sister. They were in the studio together as recently as last week working on new music. We appreciate Red’s sentiments and condolences during this difficult time,” Tay Keith’s rep said in a reported statement.

Sexyy Red’s Label Releases Statement Regarding Dispute With Tay Keith

Following reports of Tay’s lawsuit against Sexyy Red’s Rebel label, attorney Dameka Davis released a statement on behalf of the label, saying that Red was heartbroken over Tay’s passing.

“Sexyy Red is overwhelmed with grief at the devastating loss of her dear friend and artistic collaborator, Tay Keith. Tay was a brilliant artist, and through his close musical partnership with Sexyy, he became a genuine friend to everyone at Rebel. We send our sincerest condolences to Tay Keith’s family and loved ones,” Davis shared in her statement.

Davis also shared that the label was working closely with Tay’s team to finalize a royalty agreement and fully compensate to properly compensate him for his contributions. Furthermore, she noted that they were actually in the final stages of a resolution prior to his death.

“Royalty negotiations are handled by labels — not artists — and I’ve worked closely with the legal counsel and team for Tay Keith to finalize the royalty agreement to fully compensate him for his valuable contributions as a musical collaborator with Sexyy. In fact, we were in the final stages of getting Tay Keith fully compensated before his shocking passing this week. We are expediting the finalization of this work with Tay Keith’s attorney so that full payment can be made to his estate as soon as possible,” Davis added.

Red Honors Tay Keith In Heartfelt Tribute

Despite news of Tay’s financial dispute with her label, she still hopped on Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute along with a collection of photos of them together. She called him her brother and said they made the best duo. “BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT WE BROTHERS BUT NOT RELATED 🩸💔 I LOVE YOU BRUDDAAA @taykeith STILL DA BEST DUO US 5LIFE 🙏🏾🙏🏾”

As The Shade Room previously reported, Tay Keith passed away on Thursday, June 18. The Metro Nashville Police Department found him in his apartment after responding to a welfare check. At this time, officials have not confirmed his cause of death.

RELATED: Gone Too Soon! Sexyy Red, Moneybagg Yo, BlocBoy JB & More Mourn The Loss Of Tay Keith In Emotional Tributes (PHOTOS) 

Taylor Swift and her former best friend, Blake Lively, have seemingly settled their misunderstanding, clearing the way for the actress to attend the singer’s wedding to Travis Kelce.

The pop star was left disappointed after being dragged into the actress’s court battle with Justin Baldoni, especially as their private conversation was brought up in court.

Meanwhile, amid speculation about their wedding venue, Travis Kelce had a boys’ night out earlier this week in L.A., as Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island home receives guests.

The cold situation between Swift and Lively may officially be over, following an alleged strained relationship between them. Both stars have been best friends for well over a decade, and are often seen together in coordinated outfits, having their girls’ time out.

However, things seemingly went downhill in 2024 after the “Gossip Girl” actress filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former co-star Justin Baldoni. It just so happened that Swift was dragged into the case and was on the brink of being made to testify in court, which she didn’t like.

Reports earlier emerged suggesting the Grammy-winning singer had cut off Lively from her life and was bent on keeping her distance from her. Sources also shared that the actress wasn’t going to be present at Swift’s wedding to fiancé Travis Kelce because she wasn’t invited.

However, insiders now claim that things may end up differently, and fans shouldn’t be surprised if Lively makes an appearance, as the former besties seem to have squashed their beef.

“Taylor was not happy about being dragged into the lawsuit but was more receptive to speaking to Blake as the suit came to a close,” an insider told the Daily Mail. “Blake was ready to resume their friendship because it really was what caused its demise.”

Both Stars Are Slowly Rebuilding Trust

For months, reports were rife that Lively was so sure she’d get the invite and didn’t even bother herself about the perceived snub at the time.

However, sources told the Daily Mail that they both made efforts on their individual parts to revive their once-solid friendship, including speaking on the phone.

“Everyone around Taylor is aware that Blake could attend. She may not, but that won’t be because she isn’t welcome,” the source told the news outlet.

Another insider added, “Blake is on the cusp of getting a second chance, and they have had some loose conversations to test the waters to get the trust back. Blake is slowly getting back into the fold now that Taylor is having a change of heart.”

Blake Lively Reportedly Sees Attending The Wedding As ‘Important’ For Her Image

A third source revealed to the Daily Mail that Lively does not “want to be seen as not going to the wedding” because “her image is very important to her.”

The “A Simple Favor” actress is reportedly so fired up for the nuptials that she has already picked out a dress for it.

This comes amid reports that Lively has been on an image rehabilitation tour after the end of her legal drama with Baldoni.

She even made it a point of attending the Met Gala in a stunning outfit right after news of her settlement with the director made headlines.

Shortly after, Lively was spotted at various fashion events, which was a major turn from the past year, during which she took a step back from the public eye due to the sexual harassment case.

Blake Lively And Taylor Swift’s Text Was Unsealed In Court

Lively and Swift’s falling out came on the back of disturbing revelations from their private conversations that were revealed in court documents despite Swift’s team claiming she wasn’t involved.

The conversation initially showed how the rigors of Lively’s legal battle with Baldoni were taking a toll on their friendship, with Lively writing to check in on the “Bad Blood” singer.

“I felt like a bad friend lately because I was such a sad sack who only talked about my own sh-t for months,” Lively wrote. “You were generous to not only be the key person there for me during all of it, but also to let me off the hook for being so in it. But I still have a feeling something may not be right.”

Swift wrote back, telling her, “No, you’re not wrong, but it’s also not a big deal.”

“I think I’m just exhausted in every avenue of my life and in recent months had been feeling a little bit of a shift in the way you talk to me,” she continued. “Yes, there has been a lot of the Justin stuff, but I’ve been through things like this before and know how all-consuming it is. It’s more like …, and I feel really bad saying anything about this because your texts have been so nice in their intent, but your last few … it’s felt like I was reading a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees.”

“You said the word ‘we’ like 18 times. And it feels awful to be in any way critical of any way you process what you’ve been going through, but I just kinda miss my funny, dark, normal-speaking friend who talks to me as herself,” she added.

Lively apologized, and things seemed normal. Then, in another text, Swift sent a message where she called Baldoni a “b-tch” before sending her a congratulatory note because his agency parted ways with him.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Upcoming Wedding Continues To Fuel Speculations

Meanwhile, details of the upcoming nuptials remain scanty as Swift and Kelce have remained tight-lipped over details of the event. Even guests have not spoken about it due to the alleged ironclad NDAs they were made to sign before getting invited to the wedding.

However, reports suggest the wedding will take place at Madison Square Garden on July 3, with sources telling Page Six that it will be on the production level of her “Eras World Tour.” Los Angeles-based celebrity wedding planner Mark Seed is understood to be at the helm of planning affairs  and has been working on it “for months.”

“He can build something spectacular out of nothing,” a source told the news outlet.

Meanwhile, Kelce enjoyed a potential bachelor’s celebration with friends at Bird Streets Club, a members-only restaurant and social club in L.A., on Wednesday night.

His brother Jason, as well as his former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Ross Travis, were seen making their way to the venue after getting out of their SUVs. Comedian Druski also made the celebration, which lasted several hours into the early hours of the morning.

This Pride Month, the bravest thing you can be is yourself.

For reality stars, sharing the good, bad and downright unpredictable moments of their lives look easy. But for those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, life is a journey full of lessons learned along the way.

In celebration of Pride, Us Weekly asked members of the community — who appear on some of our favorite reality shows like The Valley, Below Deck, The Bachelor and more — to write personal letters to their younger selves about what they wish they knew about love, confidence and life in general.

What came next were messages of encouragement and hope that anyone can learn from. Keep reading to see what your favorite stars shared with all of Us:

Related: ‘Bachelor’ Alums Who Came Out As Members of the LGBT+ Community 

Gabby Windey, Colton Underwood and more Bachelor Nation alums are living their most authentic lives after appearing on the franchise. Windey, for her part, revealed in August 2023 that she is dating a woman for the first time. The season 19 Bachelorette, who split from ex-fiancé Erich Schwer in 2022 after a televised proposal, sparked a […]

The Bachelor’s Colton Underwood

To my younger self,
The thing you’re spending so much energy hiding is the same thing that will one day make your life make sense. I know right now it feels safer to be who everyone expects, but the people worth keeping are the ones who show up after you stop performing. You’re going to build a family, do work that means something and wake up next to someone who knows the real you and stays. Be patient with yourself in the meantime. The fear lifts, and what’s underneath it is a life you couldn’t have imagined from where you’re standing.
With love, Colton

The Valley: Persian Style’s Reza Farahan

To my younger self,
You may not believe this right now, but when you come out, your friends and family will embrace you. You’re going to meet the love of your life and you’ll get married; your friends and family will celebrate that love with you. It sounds cliché, but it does get better. The difficult times will only make you stranger and smarter.
You got this. The life you’ve always wanted is waiting for you to grow into it.

The Valley’s Jasmine Goode

Dear young Jasmine,
Don’t be afraid to love who you love. That love is real, it is valid and it is absolutely worth it.
The world you’re stepping into has so much room for you, exactly as you are. Walk into it with your head high.
Younger me, be proud. Not just because it’s Pride Month, but because you survived every moment that tried to make you feel like you weren’t enough.

Southern Hospitality’s TJ Dinch

To my younger self,
I know you’re worried about being accepted and wondering where you fit in, but one day you’ll realize that being true to yourself is your greatest strength. The path won’t look anything like you expect, but it will be better. You’ll have the courage to chase big dreams, create something of your own and inspire people simply by being yourself.
Stop worrying about what other people think and start believing in yourself sooner. You’ll be just fine.

The Valley’s Zack Wickham 

To my younger self, through all the questions, uncertainty and loneliness, you will find your chosen family and yourself. Never stop fighting for your rights and the rights of others because while it does get better, the fight for equality is never truly over.

The Bachelor’s Becca Tilley

To my younger self,
I know that you’re scared and worried about what people will think about you, but I want you to know that as soon as you let those fears go, your life is going to get so much more beautiful than you thought possible.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s Captain Sandy Yawn

Dear younger Sandy,
I know you’re scared.
I know there are nights when you lie awake wondering if you’ll ever truly belong. You spend so much energy trying to be who everyone else expects you to be that you’ve forgotten how beautiful it feels to simply be yourself.
You think your differences are something to hide.
They’re not. You have found joy, other ways to escape. The merry go round of drugs and alcohol.
One day, you’ll discover that the very things you’re afraid of today will become your greatest strengths and you will see the light and be in recovery to a life beyond your dreams.
You’ll learn that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s moving forward despite it.
You’ll face rejection. You’ll face judgment. There will be people who don’t understand your journey, your heart or who you love. But hear me when I tell you this: Their opinions will never define your worth.
You are not broken.
You are not too much.
You are not less than.
You are exactly who God created you to be.
One day, you’ll stand on the bridge of some of the most incredible yachts in the world. You’ll become a leader in an industry where few women have gone before. You’ll break barriers, shatter glass ceilings and prove that authenticity is a superpower.
Most importantly, you’ll find love.
The kind of love that feels like coming home.
The kind of love that reminds you that you never had to change to be worthy of being loved.
There will be moments when life feels impossibly hard. There will be losses, heartbreaks and challenges you never imagined. But there will also be joy beyond your wildest dreams.
Keep going.
Trust yourself.
Trust the journey.
And never apologize for who you are.
Your story will become a light for others who are still searching for their own courage.
One day, you’ll realize that the thing you feared most — being seen — became the very thing that set you free.
Walk boldly.
Love deeply.
Lead with kindness.
And remember, the world doesn’t need another version of someone else.
It needs you.
With love and gratitude,
Captain Sandy Yawn

Jay & Pamela’s Jay Thomas Manuel

Dear younger Jay,
I know there are times when you feel different and wonder where you belong, but never forget that you are enough exactly as you are. The qualities that make you stand out today will become your greatest strengths tomorrow. One day, you’ll find love, build a beautiful life and accomplish things beyond what you can imagine.
Trust the process, stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone else’s opinions define your worth.

Southern Hospitality’s Michols Peña

To my younger self,
Things may feel weird knowing you’re different but not understanding why. From making friends to being vocal at home and in relationships that you’re not sure how to navigate, always remind yourself that you will find your voice, peace and happiness soon.
You’ll be 18 years old before you know it and be able to explore everything life has to offer and truly come into your own, and when you do, all of the pain, tears, struggles and hardships will all be worth it. Be patient with yourself and never lose yourself because who you become will take you so far.

Big Brother’s Tommy Bracco

Dear Thomas,
I see you lie in bed and cry at night because you’re so desperately trying to suppress who you are. It feels like the world will end if you accept that you’re gay. It will not.
In fact, it’s even better than you imagine on the other side. Your family and friends will accept you, but most importantly, you will accept yourself. So wipe those tears, be brave and breathe through this challenging chapter of life. For it’s in the challenges we face that make us even stronger.

Southern Hospitality’s Lake Rucker

To my younger self,
Recognizing that you are worthy of love in all forms is the greatest accomplishment that you will achieve. Your queerness is not something you have to overcome; it’s part of what makes you beautiful. I know you feel like you are TOO different or TOO indecisive, but one day you will be celebrated for your differences.
You will grow to be more and more proud of everything you do because the dreams you’ve always dreamed about are coming true. Most importantly, remember that you are loved and appreciated.

Big Brother’s Christie Murphy

To my younger self,
You have a boyfriend?! Girl, be serious. You know why it feels “off.” Stop trying to force the puzzle piece!
You may date a few more frogs before the universe finally smacks you over the head with the answer, and when it does, don’t overthink it, don’t explain it and definitely don’t let other people’s opinions get louder than your own intuition. Trust the butterflies, trust your gut and stop keeping track of who approves. Do you really even care anyway? LOL, no. Because one day you’ll marry a hot woman, have babies, your dream house and the kind of love people wish they had. So relax, block out the noise and do what you’ve always done best — be unapologetically yourself!

The Circle’s Sammie Cimarelli

To my younger self,
The things that make you feel anxious today will one day become the things you’re most proud of. You don’t need to shrink yourself, change yourself or earn acceptance from people who aren’t willing to see your worth. Love will find you, but always remember you are the love already. The love you will receive is additional.
Soon you’ll stop believing you have to be anyone other than who you are, and the people meant for your life will celebrate you exactly as you come. Keep trusting yourself — there is so much joy, freedom and love waiting for you.

Survivor’s Carolyn Wiger

Dear younger me,
You’re never going to be normal, and thank God for that. The things people call “too much” will eventually become the things you love most about yourself. You’re going to make some questionable decisions, fall in love with who you want, fit in almost nowhere and somehow survive it all.
One day you’ll discover that being a frickin’ weirdo is way more fun than pretending to be normal.

Survivor’s Yamil ‘Yam Yam’ Arocho

To my little Yam Yam:
I know you think it’s OK to stay inside watching TV and not put yourself out there because you think you’re not pretty enough and don’t deserve to be as happy as everybody else. But one day, being exactly who you ARE is going to be exactly what makes you PERFECT … your body, your personality, your accent, your humor, your gayness, all of it.
You will find love, happiness and a life beyond what you can imagine. And you will love putting yourself out there and sharing who you are with the world. We all have this superpower inside of us; you just have to believe it exists. You will OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, OUTLAST all your greatest challenges and fears.
All of your biggest dreams will come true when it finally CLICKS and you realize that YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

90 Day Fiance’s Kenny Niedermeier

Dear Kenny,
I would tell my younger self that coming out during the 1980s will be harder than you can imagine. You will lose many friends to a heartbreaking epidemic, and there will be moments when fear and grief feel overwhelming. But hold on to hope, because the love and strength of our community will carry you through, and one day you’ll see a world with more acceptance than you ever thought possible. Those experiences won’t break you. They will make you more compassionate, more resilient and deeply grateful for the family you build along the way.
You will live your life for all your friends you lost, full of honor and PRIDE.

90 Day Fiance’s Armando Niedermeier-Rubio

Dear younger me,
Growing up in a small town with a small-town mentality, you’re going to feel scared to be yourself and afraid of being judged. You’ll be terrified to accept those unknown feelings in your heart, and for a long time, you’ll try to hide them because you believe that’s what you’re supposed to do.
There will be experiences that break your heart, but they will also help shape the strong, compassionate person you become.
One day, you will find the courage to fully be yourself, and you’ll discover a level of self-love and acceptance you never thought possible. You’ll also receive the support of your family in ways you couldn’t imagine, find the man of your dreams and build a beautiful life and family together. You’ll realize that the parts of yourself you once tried to hide are the very things that lead you to the happiest life you could have imagined.

Deal or No Deal Island’s Phillip Solomon 

Dear Phillip,
You are going to spend most of your life praying, hoping and wishing to be “just like everybody else,” but I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. One day, there will come a moment where you are grateful that you are not. Even though it will feel like love is simply “not on the table” for you, you will embark on a journey of personal discovery and evolution that will force you to experience the most profound love story ever told; the one where you get to love yourself.
Your greatest aspirations in life are to be happy and make the world a better place by inspiring others, and, without giving too much away, you’re going to get your happy ending. Keep appreciating who you were, celebrating who you are and motivating who you’re going to be.

Big Brother’s Frankie Grande

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

You’re perfect exactly the way that you are. If you feel like you’re in a place in this world where you don’t see yourself reflected, that’s understandable because our community is deeply under attack right now. But I will promise you that it will not always be the case. The people that are currently in charge will not always be in charge, and our community will get through this moment, and you will see yourself reflected in your peers and everywhere. If you don’t, just tune in to the Tonys because it is gay as f***.

The Amazing Race’s Will Jardell

To little Will,
Your shyness isn’t a weakness; you’re in survival mode, the quiet fight of a kid already doing the hard work of finding out who he is in a small Texas town. Being seen feels like the scariest thing in the world, but I promise, the moment you allow yourself to be seen is the moment your life really begins. I need you to hear me when I say: You are perfect exactly as you are. The day you let your true self out, that unimaginable weight will be lifted and the life waiting for you on the other side is better than anything you could dream up. You will marry the love of your life, find true happiness and live a life you are proud of surrounded by those who love you. You will stand on a global stage one day, fully yourself, no hiding and you will look back and realize that the kid who wanted to disappear was quietly building this dream life all along. You have to go through it to grow through it, and on the other side is a version of you that is confident, loved and completely unstoppable. Let your superpower fly, Will.
Love, Will

The Amazing Race’s James Wallington

Dear James,
I know how lonely it feels right now, carrying something inside you that you don’t yet have the words for, but keep watching those reality shows you love so much because your future is so much bigger than the one you can currently see. The moment you give yourself permission to be exactly who you are, everything starts to open up. You will live a life beyond your wildest dreams, and without even trying, you will become the very thing you needed most when you were a closeted kid hoping someone like you existed on the screen. And you will not walk any of it alone. Your great love is out there waiting for you, and one day a man will get down on one knee and propose to you at the finish line of the very show you grew up watching and dreaming about, and you will marry him in the wedding of your dreams. I promise it gets better. The world is waiting, James. Go after it.
With love, James

Former Bachelorette Andi Dorfman has admittedly had very different pregnancy experiences to date.

“Happy Friday, secret is out. The bump has been bumping hard lately,” Dorfman, 39, said in a Friday, June 19, video shared via her Instagram Stories. “I feel like a lot of people have noticed, so [I am] relieved to finally announce that we are having baby No. 2, yay.”

She continued, “Thanks for all the well wishes, and lots of you are asking how I’m feeling. Thanks for that. I will say with the first pregnancy, I was like, ‘Blah,’ and then with this pregnancy, I have been like [mimics throwing up].”

For Dorfman, she has accepted that pregnancy isn’t easy.

“And with that, I have just come to the conclusion that I am not one of those women [who] wears pregnancy very well,” she stated. “In fact, I guess you can say pregnancy wears me, but we’re doing good. Everything’s healthy, very grateful for that.”

Related: Bachelorette’s Andi Dorfman Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 With Husband

Former Bachelorette Andi Dorfman and her husband, Blaine Hart, are expanding their family. “Harper, the BIG SIS coming this fall! So grateful for baby #2 to join the crew,” Dorfman, 39, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, June 18, announcing her pregnancy. “These are truly what our dreams are made of.” In stunning maternity pics, Dorfman […]

Advertisement

As Dorfman navigates her pregnancy this time around, she is already looking forward to watching her two kids play together in the near-future.

“I’m really excited for Harper to become a big sis, little terrified honestly,” the Bachelor Nation alum quipped. “I think she’s going to be great and I’ll keep you updated. Baby No. 2 coming this fall, ahh!”

Dorfman and her husband, Blaine Hart, announced on Thursday, June 18, that baby No. 2 is on the way.

“Harper, the BIG SIS coming this fall! So grateful for baby #2 to join the crew,” Dorfman gushed via Instagram, referring to her 17-month-old daughter. “These are truly what our dreams are made of.”

Dorfman and Hart, 40, have been married since 2023, welcoming Harper the next year.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“I’m just going to go out on a limb and be honest and say [that] postpartum has been harder for me than pregnancy,” Dorfman later admitted in an April 2025 social media video. “Truly, like, from a physical standpoint, it’s obviously been very hard for me to lose weight. Like, your hormones are just out of whack. Nobody prepares you for postpartum. There’s so much stuff on pregnancy, but not a lot on postpartum. You’re also navigating all of this while being exhausted while taking care of your child. It’s a thing. I feel, like, every woman battles something postpartum.”

Through all the highs and lows, Dorfman has been able to rely on her husband for support.

“Especially [during] the first couple of months, I think the word that comes to mind is partnership,” she gushed at the time. “Sometimes you just feel like teammates tagging each other in and out to get it all done.”

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 14 seconds ago

Before she was the co-founder of The Honest Company, before Fantastic Four, and before she was Honey, Jessica Alba burst onto the scene as Max Guevera, the genetically enhanced former child soldier working with a band of underground hackers and mercenaries in a near-future dystopian Seattle. That’s the setting for James Cameron’s Dark Angel, 2000’s hottest and most expensive series.

No one could have guessed this would be Cameron’s follow-up to Titanic, but what was predicted even back then was that Fox would mishandle the show. That’s exactly what happened, and today, it’s nearly impossible to find a copy of Alba’s breakout hit. 

Dark Angel Changed Gears Between Seasons

In the year 2000, you could throw a rock and hit a female-led action series. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena: Warrior Princess, V.I.P., and The X-Files were still on the air. All of them were instant classics, but James Cameron gave Dark Angel an edge the others didn’t have. Max didn’t hesitate to throw a punch, and it turns out that violence was often the answer. During her underground war against Manticore, the evil government agency that messed with her DNA and raised her as a child soldier (think Marvel’s Weapon X), Max is willing to go to brutal lengths to accomplish her mission. 

The series starts with Max ignoring her mission and living life as a courier, right up until a journalist activist, Logan (played by the very young-looking future NCIS Agent DiNozzo, portrayed by Michael Weatherly), is injured on a mission she rejected and is now confined to a wheelchair. Max picks up the fight with Logan acting as her “man in the chair,” and a lot of the fun of the series comes from their interactions, though the “will they, won’t they?” gets tiring because yes, yes they will, and we all know it.

Even the standalone monster-of-the-week episodes tie into the larger mythology arc of bringing down Manticore. Dark Angel Season 1 is pulpy sci-fi fun with cheesy stunts, technobabble, and, after the multi-million dollar pilot, cheap special effects. Season 2 changes direction with the introduction of Alec (Supernatural’s Jensen Ackles, years before he got behind the wheel of a 1967 Chevy Impala), Max’s planned breeding partner, who instead becomes her co-worker as they burn down secret labs, liberate child soldiers, and deal with various mutants tied to a breeding cult.

Missing In Action For Decades

Dark Angel isn’t quite a cyberpunk series. The argument can be made for it since there are hackers, secret government programs, supersoldiers with animal DNA, and everyone hanging out at a bar/courier company. What it’s missing is the random neon lighting. 

Of course, when a sci-fi series becomes a hit, Fox has to mess with it somehow. The network argued that the series was routinely going over budget and put a hard cap on Dark Angel’s second season at $1.4 million. Two days after letting the cast and crew know that Season 3 was greenlit, Fox reversed course and canceled the show, citing low ratings as the reason. The switch from taking down Manticore to dealing with the mutant cult caused the show to lose viewers, and the move to Fox’s death slot on Friday nights from its previous Tuesday night placement didn’t help matters any. 

Why You Can’t Watch Dark Angel Today

As with many shows made before streaming was a possibility, Dark Angel’s music rights have kept it in limbo and off legal streaming in the United States for over two decades. The only way to watch it legally now is if you own the now-out-of-print DVD sets.

It’s a shame, as the series still has a fan following over 20 years later, and in a perfect world, Jessica Alba’s Max would be recognized alongside Cameron’s other leading ladies: Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Conner. 

Hailee Steinfeld is opening up about motherhood and sharing a major personal milestone with fans. Nearly three months after welcoming her first child with husband Josh Allen, the actress and singer revealed the name of their baby girl while reflecting on the life-changing experience of becoming a parent. Hailee Steinfeld welcomed Harper on April 2 with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

In her latest Beau Society newsletter, Hailee Steinfeld introduced her daughter to readers as Harper Haize Allen and shared an emotional letter dedicated to the newborn.

“Dearest Harper, I’m in awe of you,” she wrote. “You’ve been here for only a short while now, and somehow it feels as though you’ve always been ours. These last few months have been beautiful and exhausting. Sacred and so special. The longest days and the shortest season all at once.”

Steinfeld also reflected on how motherhood has changed her perspective on time. “People tell you becoming a mother changes everything, but no one tells you how, why, or when exactly,” she wrote. “Sometimes it’s realizing that I no longer measure time in months or years, but in ounces, naps missed and naps miraculously taken, in diaper changes, and the quiet triumph of a successful transfer from my arms to your crib.”

Allen And Steinfeld Are Embracing Life As New Parents

The actress also shared a sweet glimpse into Allen’s role as a father, joking that their daughter has already tipped the scales when it comes to family movie nights.

“Your daddy and I look at you often and ask each other the same question: How did we get so lucky to have you?” Steinfeld wrote. “You, whose dad is officially outnumbered when it comes to choosing a movie for movie night, though I suspect he’ll secretly love every minute of it.”

The couple first sparked romance rumors in May 2023 before getting engaged the following year. They tied the knot in Santa Barbara in May 2025 and announced Steinfeld’s pregnancy just months later.

Hailee Steinfeld Says Motherhood Has Changed Her

Throughout the newsletter, Steinfeld described the emotional push and pull of wanting to hold onto every newborn moment while simultaneously looking forward to watching her daughter grow.

“Everyone tells me not to blink. Now I understand why,” she wrote. “Before I was a mother, I had never understood this feeling of being so wistful and filled with excitement at the same time.”

The Oscar nominee concluded her letter by revealing how deeply motherhood has transformed her. “It’s funny, I used to think motherhood was about raising a child,” Steinfeld wrote. “But now, I think being a mother is actually about allowing yourself to become someone new over and over again.”

“Each day with you, I meet a different version of myself. A softer version. A stronger version. A more patient and present version,” the actress added.

Steinfeld Recently Opened Up About Her Postpartum Journey

The actress has also been candid about navigating the early months of motherhood. In previous newsletters, Steinfeld discussed postpartum recovery and credited her doula and family for helping her adjust after welcoming Harper.

She specifically praised her mother’s homemade albondigas soup and shared that she has been focusing on giving herself grace during what she called an “early period” of recovery. “I have to be super gentle with myself,” Steinfeld explained, adding that she’s continuing to embrace the learning curve that comes with becoming a first-time mom.

Hailee Steinfeld’s Baby News Comes After Major Success With Sinners

Steinfeld’s heartfelt update arrives just months after she starred in Ryan Coogler‘s critically acclaimed film “Sinners,” one of the year’s biggest cinematic successes.

The actress earned widespread praise for her performance alongside Michael B. Jordan in the supernatural thriller, which became a major force during awards season. The film ultimately secured 16 Academy Award nominations and took home four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor for Jordan.

The success of “Sinners” marked another milestone in Steinfeld’s already impressive career, which spans music, television, and film. Now, as she celebrates both professional achievements and her newest role as a mother, the Oscar nominee is embracing what she described as an entirely new chapter of life alongside husband Josh Allen and their daughter, Harper Haize Allen.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hit a home run off the field when he found love with wife Mamiko Tanaka.

Although it’s unclear when they started dating, Ohtani announced in February 2024 that he had officially tied the knot.

“Not only have I [begun] a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have [begun] a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married,” he shared in an Instagram post. “I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.”

After making their red carpet debut at the Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in May 2024, the couple shared that they are expecting their first baby together.

“Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” Ohtani wrote via Instagram in December 2024 alongside a picture of a pink onesie, white baby shoes, a sonogram and their dog, Decoy.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Ohtani and Tanaka’s relationship:

February 2024

Ohtani revealed that he had tied the knot with someone from Japan, but he did not share her name or when they got married.

“We are still young and [there are] many things we don’t know yet, but we hope you will warmly watch over us,” he wrote in Japanese in an Instagram post at the time. “We hope that the two of us (and one dog) will work together to support each other and move forward alongside with our fans.”

March 2024

A couple weeks after announcing their marriage, the duo made their social media debut after the Dodgers X account posted a picture of Ohtani with his arm around a woman who was later identified as his wife, Tanaka.

“Wheels up to Seoul,” the Dodgers account wrote alongside the photo.

May 2024

The couple made their red carpet debut at the Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala.

September 2024

According to a video shared by Dodgers Nation via X, Tanaka was seen celebrating with Ohtani and their dog, Decoy, on the field after the team won the NL West. The Dodgers later went on to win the 2024 World Series.

December 2024

Ohtani and Tanaka took to social media to share that they are expecting their first child, a baby girl.

April 2025

The Dodgers star shared via a heartwarming Instagram post that he and Tanaka welcomed a daughter to “the Ohtani family” on April 19.

“I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter,” Ohtani wrote via Instagram. “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.”

He continued, “I would also like to thank the Dodgers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their constant support and kind words of encouragement. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals and everyone who dedicated their support to us, up until this wonderful day.”

October 2025

Ohtani shared how Tanaka reacted after he was trolled by fans of the Toronto Blue Jays during Game 1 of the 2025 World Series. 

“It was a really great chant, and my wife really appreciated it,” Ohtani said through team interpreter Will Ireton during a team workout at Dodger Stadium on October 26. 

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Ohtani was serenaded by chants of, “We don’t need you!” during multiple at-bats throughout Game 1, a reference to the baseball superstar choosing to sign with the Dodgers instead of the Blue Jays during the 2023 free agency period.

June 2026

Ohtani and Tanaka revealed that they recently welcomed baby No. 2 without revealing the little one’s name or sex.

“We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together,” a joint Instagram statement read. “Thank you for being born safely. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the journey.”