By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 18 seconds ago

Star Trek has often been described as a philosophical sci-fi franchise, but that’s usually just a general descriptor for the thoughtful nature of various episodes and movies. Shows like The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine frequently tackled big concepts, including personal autonomy, free will, the ethics of euthanasia, and so much more. However, few (if any) episodes from most of those series were written explicitly around the writing sof a singular philosopher.

Interestingly, though, the same can’t be said about “Projections,” an ambitious episode from the second season of Star Trek: Voyager. Episode writer Brannon Braga crafted this tale around the influential theories of renowned philosopher René Descartes. Furthermore, the climax of the episode involves the Doctor invoking Descartes’ most famous contribution to the philosophical canon: “I think, therefore I am.”

Holo Pursuits

For context, “Projections” is a Voyager episode where the ship’s holographic Doctor begins to think that he is actually flesh and blood and everyone else on the ship is a hologram. He spends the episode wrestling with a fundamental question of identity: is he an Emergency Medical Hologram on a ship trapped in the Delta Quadrant, or is he Lewis Zimmerman, the man who designed the EMH program? With a bit of help from the Voyager crew, he escapes this dilemma through sheer force of will: he is the holographic Doctor, and nobody can convince him otherwise.

Now, how does this wacky sci-fi plot connect to René Descartes, arguably the most influential philosopher of all time? Descartes was a philosopher who became obsessed with a simple idea: whether or not everything he was seeing was actual reality, or if this was all just a dream he was having. He went so far as to theorize that all of us could have our very own demon feeding us these illusions, and we would have no way of knowing what was real or what was not.

Eventually, Descartes solved his own crazy dilemma through the phrase “I think, therefore I am,” and this phrase is quite literal. You see, the very fact that he was questioning everything around him meant that he was constantly doubting everything, which meant that he was real and not an illusion. After all, he wouldn’t be thinking about whether or not he existed unless he actually existed.

Barclay The Demon

In an interview with The Official Star Trek: Voyager Magazine, “Projections” writer Brannon Braga made it very explicitly clear how his story ties into this ancient philosopher’s musings. “In essence, it becomes analogous to the stories written by the philosopher René Descartes, of the man plagued by an evil demon, out to prove that he doesn’t exist, and in this case, the demon is Barclay.” This is in reference to a holographic Barclay consistently telling the Doctor that he is actually a human trapped in a hologram rather than a hologram living among (mostly) humans.

Finishing his thoughts, Braga said, “The story culminates in Descartes’ famous quote, ‘I think, therefore I am.’” This refers to the end of the episode, when the Doctor finds himself in the familiar holodeck grid. When Janeway asks if he knows who he is and where he is, the Doctor is finally certain: he is the Voyager’s EMH and currently on the holodeck.

“Projections” is a fun episode that proves you can create a truly compelling tale out of ancient philosophy. A few years after this episode, The Matrix would transform Plato’s parable of the cave into one of the most influential movies ever made. But when it comes to turning dusty philosophy into killer sci-fi, forget Neo and bullet time: Star Trek did it first, crafting one of the most thoughtful hours of entertainment in television history.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 1 hour ago

I love staying up late. It’s my favorite thing to do. I can get my work done, fold the laundry, work on creative projects, and hit the gym without bothering a soul. My brain operates at a frequency that’s constantly at odds with early birds, who often frown upon my lifestyle because to most people, sleeping in comes with a scarlet letter suggesting you’re lazy and squandering your time. At least that’s what morning people think.

Every single self-help guru extols the virtues of waking up at 4 am, taking an ice bath, jogging 10 miles while listening to Tony Robbins audiobooks, all before the sun even comes up. If I never saw another sunrise in my life, I’d die a happy man. I’m sure they’re beautiful. I’ll take your word for it. I’m simply not wired to operate at this wavelength, and more often than not, I’m fighting for my life.

On one hand, I get it. Adulting, as my fellow Millennials call it, requires you to be present at certain times. Banks close at 5. Since the pandemic, grocery stores close at 10. The world isn’t built for Night Owls, and we’re silently suffering while trying our best to conform to what most people consider normal behavior. The world is built for early birds, and they love to brag about how productive they are. They also go to bed at 8 o’clock, so how does that make sense?

We All Have The Same 24 Hours

I understand that this comes off as petty, but let me break it down for you. If somebody wakes up at 4 am and goes to bed at 8 pm, they’ve got 16 hours to accomplish what they set out to do. Eight of those hours are devoted to work in most cases, and then you have to factor in commuting, meals, self-care, family obligations, and, yes, even sleep. This kind of lifestyle is not only celebrated, it’s expected.

But if I want to stay up until 4 am and sleep until noon, people can’t wrap their heads around it. It’s still a 16-hour cycle of consciousness, but most people don’t see it that way. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. I do. You do. Beyoncé does. It’s insane to think that being able to witness the sunrise somehow makes you superior. Most early risers flaunt this like they’re God’s gift to mankind.

What’s worse is that every single Night Owl I know, including myself, ends up marrying an early bird. The story’s always the same. The night owl uses their phone’s flashlight when they go to the bathroom so they don’t wake anybody up. They turn the doorknob before opening or closing the door so there’s no loud click echoing through the hallway. They tiptoe around their home because they know they’re the odd one out.

Then morning rears its ugly head. Lights are flipped on with reckless abandon, kitchen appliances roar, and doors slam. When the night owl grunts, they’re told they should have gone to bed earlier.

Even worse, if they mention they like to sleep until 10 on the weekends, their peers think their life must be a mess. They must be up all night playing video games and engaging in illicit activities or something. They’re just wasting away because they refuse to, or simply can’t, lock in when everybody else does.

Golly, I wish that were true, but I’m actually doing stuff, like writing (which is what I’m currently doing at 1:30 am) because I think better when I know my family is safe and sound and doesn’t need a single thing from me. I can achieve a flow state that I couldn’t dream of during regular waking hours, and my family’s better off for it! 

Embrace Your Wiring And Let It Work For You

In a previous professional life, I worked third shift as a line cook. My schedule saw me leaving for work at three in the afternoon and getting home 12 hours later. Since this was pre-pandemic and I had an infant at home, I’d stop at the 24-hour grocery store after my shift and load up on a week’s worth of groceries in about 15 minutes. Try doing that on a Sunday afternoon with your regular sleep schedule. 

It will take two hours, and everybody’s going to be stressed out because grocery stores on the weekends are absolute hell; people walk around like coffins, blocking every single damn aisle, the lines are miserable, and everything sucks. I took one for the team, and now we can do other things. Things we like. Just let me squeeze in a power nap, and we’re good. 

In my mind, I wasn’t just optimizing my time by accomplishing a task normally reserved for nine to fivers, I was doing it peacefully.

I’m fortunate enough to live in a household where this lifestyle is actually celebrated and respected, because I know it’s not that way for everybody. Since my wife is an early riser of the highest order, I found myself getting to bed right when she was getting up for work, and I knew I’d have to take care of our child (who woke up at seven) until she got home at noon. I’d then take a glorious nap and do it all over again. Our weekends became fuller because we didn’t have to run errands in time-suck mode, and we all benefited from it.

Presently, I write and work in audio production, meaning I have a flexible schedule that suits my lifestyle, something I’m immensely grateful for. On any given weekday, I’m getting the kids ready for school, doing a line check for my various gigs, planning my day, and snoozing for a bit before getting to work.

At 10 pm, when my family is sleeping soundly and I know all is right with the world, I do my best thinking. There’s a total lack of overstimulation compared to what most of us encounter during the day. It’s peak performance at the most inconvenient time, so might as well roll with it.

Thinking about my life, and I hope some of you reading can identify with this, elementary, middle, and high school were absolutely miserable experiences for me because I’m wired to be a Night Owl. Always have been. I was an average student at best because my brain simply doesn’t boot up until later in the day, and my grades reflected that. 

I’ve tried cutting coffee after noon and even taking prescription sleep medications, but I experience and expect an epic second wind, without fail, when the world goes quiet, meaning it’s go time. That’s when the circus always kicks into high gear, and I got tired of pretending otherwise.

By the time I was attending university, I suddenly became a Dean’s List student because I decided to take night classes. I saw desirable results when I stopped fighting my wiring and started embracing it. It’s almost as if some people are destined to be late-night lurkers.

Night Owls Are Essential Beings

The hardest part about being a Night Owl is adjusting to everybody else. I wear a sleep mask during the day so our houseplants can thrive. Those without a proper support network struggle because 7 am on a Saturday means running on barely any sleep, and having to live up to everybody else’s expectations. They’re called grumpy and told they should have a more responsible sleep routine.

If we were living on a different timeline, we’d be stoking the fire and watching out for marauders. Our willingness to stay up late would serve what most people consider a practical purpose.

But in this modern nine-to-five world, our lifestyle is scrutinized because we choose to operate when everybody else chooses to rest. When we decide to catch some Zs, however, we’re told to get up and at it because there’s just “so much to do.”

What early birds don’t understand is that we already did it all, just not on their time. 

Chris Brown‘s mom, Joyce Hawkins, has been showing Jada Wallace love as she returns to social media following her back-and-forth with Diamond Brown.

RELATED: Diamond Brown’s Latest Social Media Post Has Some Internet Users Thinking She Has More Tea To Spill About Chris Brown (WATCH)

Chris Brown’s Mom, Joyce Hawkins, Shows Love To Jada Wallace As She Returns To Social Media Following Her Back-And-Forth With Diamond Brown

Jada Wallace appeared to kick off her return to social media with a TikTok post shared about five days ago. Furthermore, Wallace captioned the clip, “Under the weather but always grateful.”

The clip featured Wallace showing off her face card while playing with her hair.

Peep it below.

@_jwallace

Under the weather but always grateful.

♬ LOVE GALORE – Sped Up – 5an

Around the same time, Wallace also shared a carousel of selfies on Instagram. Similarly, she captioned the post, “Sick but nothing a little makeup can’t fix.” Furthermore, as the comments rolled in, Chris Brown’s mom, whose Instagram username is @mombreezyofficial, also stepped in with a simple:

“♥️”

Peep Wallace’s post and Hawkin’s comment by clicking here.

But the love didn’t stop there. On Wednesday, March 11, Wallace returned to Instagram to share a photo of herself posing in a large hoodie while sitting on a car. Furthermore, she captioned the post, “🐝💟”

Joyce Hawkins also peeped Wallace’s photo and left another comment.

“LOVE THIS PIC!! REMAIN HUMBLE MY LOVE!!”

Click here to see the photo and Hawkins’ reaction.

More On Her Back-And-Forth With Diamond Brown

As The Shade Room previously reported, the year kicked off with social media users speculating about Jada Wallace being pregnant with Chris Brown’s child. This, after their appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where she was seen declining a drink.

@gala.fr

#chrisbrown #amiri #tiktokfashion #tiktokmusic #pfw

♬ Man I Need – Olivia Dean

By February, Diamond Brown, the mother of Chris Brown’s youngest child, took to social media to tell him to leave her alone. Additionally, she alleged that he should worry about his “new baby on the way,” per The Shade Room.

Subsequently, Diamond alleged that Chris was ruining her recent romances, which prompted Wallace to clap back, accusing Diamond of keeping her daughter from Chris. Diamond denied the accusation and ended their back-and-forth by saying she would “whoop” Wallace after she dropped her baby, per The Shade Room. Ultimately, Chris and Wallace did not confirm or deny the baby allegations, though he briefly weighed in on their spat as well.

Soon after, Wallace appeared to be showing she had the last laugh. Furthermore, she posted a photo rocking Chris’s “OHB” chain, per The Shade Room.

Jada Wallace on this OHB piece just got me laughing honestly. Chris Brown gon’ break you down real baddd. pic.twitter.com/q28rrtHImR

— Cincinnati™️ (@OnomeKings) February 19, 2026

Before Chris Brown’s Mom, Joyce Hawkins, Showed Jada Wallace Love — Here’s What Users Were Recently Talking About Amid Jada Wallace’s Return To Social Media

Since then, Diamond Brown has left social media users chattin’, as some believe she may have revealed the gender of his alleged baby on the way, per The Shade Room. Additionally, Diamond Brown also appeared to imply that she has more tea to spill on Breezy, per The Shade Room. Despite this, more recently, fans have been focused on where Chris Brown appears to be putting his attention lately.

As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, Chris had social media users droppin’ side-eyes after commenting on a TikToker who posted about looking like his ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran.

RELATED: Chris Brown’s Apparent Comment To TikToker Who Posted About Looking Like Karrueche Tran Has Internet Users Dropping Side-Eyes (VIDEO)

The Pussycat Dolls are officially back. After years of speculation and false starts, the pop group has reunited as a trio and is launching a brand new chapter filled with fresh music and a global tour.

With longtime stars Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts leading the comeback, the iconic group is ready to bring its signature energy back to stages worldwide.

Pussycat Dolls Reunite As Trio With New Music

The Pussycat Dolls are making a long-awaited return to the spotlight with new music and a major international tour announcement. This time, the group reunites as a trio featuring Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts.

Their comeback arrives with a brand-new track titled “Club Song,” which marks the group’s first release since their 2020 single “React.”

The song dropped early Thursday morning, signaling the start of a new era for the chart-topping group.

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The single was produced by Mike Sabath, who collaborated with Scherzinger along with songwriters Caroline Ailin and Solly.

To celebrate the reunion, the group will also reissue two of their classic albums. “PCD,” the band’s debut record, will be re-released on vinyl and digital platforms with additional new and previously unheard material.

Meanwhile, their follow-up album, “Doll Domination,” will be available for the first time on 2LP black vinyl.

Pussycat Dolls Announce PCD Forever Global Tour

Alongside the new music, the Pussycat Dolls have unveiled a massive tour titled “PCD Forever.”

According to Variety, the ambitious run will include 53 shows across the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The tour will also feature appearances by hip-hop icon Lil’ Kim and R&B singer Mya during select dates.

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The first concert is scheduled for June 5 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. From there, the trio will continue across the United States with major stops in cities including Phoenix, Tampa, and New York.

The tour will also include a performance at Madison Square Garden before wrapping up the American leg at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas on August 1.

After finishing their U.S. performances, the group will take the show overseas. The European portion begins September 9 in Copenhagen and continues across several countries before concluding at London’s O2 Arena on October 13.

Fans hoping to attend will be able to access North American presale tickets beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. local time. General ticket sales begin March 20.

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Early access tickets for European and U.K. dates will also open on March 18 through the group’s mailing list.

Fans Spotted Pussycat Dolls Comeback Clues Early

While the official announcement surprised many fans, rumors of a reunion had already been circulating online for months.

In December, speculation grew after social media chatter suggested the group had signed with the talent agency CAA.

At the time, a spokesperson for the company clarified the situation to Variety, saying the agency did not represent the group as a whole but did represent Scherzinger individually.

Soon after, new reports hinted that the Pussycat Dolls were planning a comeback as a trio featuring Scherzinger, Wyatt, and Roberts.

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The band also fueled excitement in the days leading up to their reveal by teasing fans on social media. Their official accounts introduced a refreshed logo reading “PCD Forever,” hinting that something major was coming.

Meanwhile, several Live Nation venues across Europe posted cryptic messages referencing the group’s hit song “Stickwitu.”

“We guarantee our next concert announcement will Stickwitu!!,” the venues wrote in pink text online, sparking widespread speculation that a tour announcement was imminent.

Nicole Scherzinger’s Success Kept Spotlight On The Group

The comeback arrives during a particularly successful period for Nicole Scherzinger.

Over the past few years, the singer has found major acclaim on stage, particularly for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the musical “Sunset Boulevard.”

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She first performed the role in the West End revival in 2023 before transferring the production to Broadway in 2024.

Her performance earned widespread praise and ultimately led to a Tony Award win for best actress in a musical last year.

Scherzinger’s success helped keep the Pussycat Dolls’ name in the spotlight even while the group itself remained inactive.

The Long Road Back For The Pussycat Dolls

This isn’t the first time the Pussycat Dolls have attempted a reunion.

In November 2019, the group confirmed they were working on new music and preparing for a comeback tour.

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They even appeared on a Meghan Trainor track before releasing their single “React” in early 2020.

However, those plans were disrupted when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the tour to be postponed and eventually canceled.

The cancellation caused tension within the group. In early 2022, Scherzinger announced the tour would not happen, and some members later said they learned the news through her social media post.

Despite those setbacks, the Pussycat Dolls now appear ready for a fresh start.

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By Robert Scucci
| Published 24 seconds ago

While I’m admittedly far from an expert when it comes to sword and sorcery films and video game lore, I’m an avid fan of B-movie schlock and just about anything Uwe Boll has his name attached to. This lack of knowledge about 18th century Romania and vampiric etymology works to my advantage when reviewing 2005’s BloodRayne because I’m not convinced Boll knows much about these things either. There’s a revenge arc, a smoking hot lead who knows how to seduce with her fangs and slice with a sword, Michael Madsen and Billy Zane showing up in some of their most bizarre roles to date, and production values in BloodRayne that cannot be denied. It’s absolutely worth your time if you want to see what a spectacular failure looks like.

Billy Zane has gone on record saying it was a “pleasure to work with such a decisive director,” and Michael Madsen, who referred to the final product as a “horrifying and preposterous movie,” didn’t mince words when he said he’d gladly work with Boll again if the opportunity ever presented itself. For my money, BloodRayne is leaps and bounds better than some of Boll’s previous video game adaptations, like the Christian Slater-starring Alone in the Dark that came out the same year.

That said, I can see why BloodRayne currently boasts a punishing 4 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes because everything you’ll read about it is true. It’s tragically hamfisted, fumbling its worldbuilding through dialogue-heavy exposition dumps and delivering some of the most baffling fight choreography you’ll ever lay eyes on. Uwe Boll is also one of the most passionate filmmakers to ever walk this Earth, and you can tell how sincerely he wanted to tell this story, which makes the whole disaster drip with unexpected charm. It’s a total mess, but you can tell a lot of heart went into its production.

Our Ballsy Heroine Is A Dhampir

BloodRayne, set in 18th century Romania, tells the tale of Rayne (Kristanna Loken), a vampire and human half-breed known as a dhampir. While she exhibits typical vampiric behavior when pushed to her limit, her genetics allow her to touch crucifixes, though holy water still poses a problem. She was conceived when her father Kagan (Ben Kingsley), the king of vampires, forced himself on her mother before eventually killing her. Naturally, Rayne is primed for revenge for being born under the circumstances, but we first meet her in captivity, working as a circus freak who sustains brutal injuries that are then healed when she’s fed goat blood.

Learning about Rayne’s existence and wanting to use her abilities against Kagan in his own crusade is Vladimir (Michael Madsen), a senior member of the Brimstone Society, a secret organization dedicated to one thing: killing vampires. Along for the ride are Katarin (Michelle Rodriguez), who distrusts Rayne because of her vampiric lineage, and Sebastian (Matthew Davis), who will eventually fall in love with Rayne with tragic results.

Rayne eventually learns of three sacred talismans and sets out to procure them before her father does. Possession of an eyeball, a rib, and a cross would allow whoever gathers them to become immune to holy water, crosses, and sunlight, respectively. Complicating matters are Katarin’s ties to her noble father, Elrich (Billy Zane), who secretly seeks power for himself while presenting himself as an ally to Kagan. We learn about all these moving parts through dialogue dumps, and a Fortune Teller (Geraldine Chaplin). From there, it’s up to us to decide whether any of this makes sense.

A Beautifully Shot Cinematic Disaster

While watching BloodRayne, I had two competing thoughts. First, the actual production quality is surprisingly strong for a 2005 release thanks to its $25 million budget. The sound design specifically is immersive, and some of the more intense sequences nearly blew my head off. Every sword clang and explosion feels deliberate, and you can tell a lot of care went into this aspect of the production.

My second thought was that all of this potential was wasted on some of the worst dialogue I’ve ever heard and fight choreography that makes absolutely no sense. In my mind, the cameraman was just spinning around during the fight scenes to make them look more elaborate than the actors were capable of pulling off. Some of the set pieces are equally preposterous, breaking the immersion entirely.

There’s even a scene with Rayne, Vladimir, and Sebastian walking down a cobblestone street where a bakery sign looks like it came straight from a Panera Bread. I guess they couldn’t get the “Ye Olde Bagel Shop” placard ready on time, which honestly would have been more authentic than what we see in the final cut. And don’t even get me started on Meat Loaf’s Leonid rolling around with a more nude side-women than any mortal man could realistically handle in a thousand lifetimes.

That said, BloodRayne is an absolute pleasure to watch if you’re into the kind of cinematic experimentation that Uwe Boll is known for. You can tell how much care went into this movie, but it’s all focused on the wrong things. I actually think it would play better with half the budget because the campiness would feel earned. The production values and execution are constantly at odds with each other here, making for a strangely fascinating watch.

If you’re interested in seeing a movie with genuinely great gore and creature effects but lacking in almost every other department, you can stream BloodRayne for free on Pluto TV as of this writing.

In 2016, a fan favorite Black Mirror episode was released on Netflix. For those who haven’t seen this show, it’s a science fiction anthology series exploring technology-related topics and scenarios. 10 years later, this episode will return in an upcoming special release.

“San Junipero” is the fourth episode of Black Mirror Season 3, directed by Owen Harris. In this episode, a simulated reality called San Junipero is showcased, where people can relive different years. It’s also a digital afterlife for those who consent to “upload their consciousness to the cloud.” The episode follows two women, Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis), who enters San Junipero for the first time, and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who both eventually fall in love. Since its release, the episode has been highly praised and won several accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Television Movie”. Now, fans can relive what made this episode great thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Black Mirror‘s “San Junipero” will be adapted into a graphic novel by Twisted Comics. The Kickstarter campaign had a goal of £15,000 (~$20,000 USD) and, according to Polygon, reached it in less than 48 hours. As of writing, 720 backers have donated nearly £46,000 (~$61,517 USD). “San Junipero” isn’t the only Black Mirror episode getting a graphic novel adaptation. Back in 2024, it was reported that Twisted Comics would produce comic books based on the popular anthology series.

Related

Eruption of Corruption: Flashing Back to The Shield — The Collider TV Quiz!

The Shield premiered on this date in 2002. Even if you never watched it, you might do better on this quiz than you think. The show changed television.

Other Black Mirror Episodes To Watch If You Like “San Junipero”

Since its release in 2016, “San Junipero” received a high 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb score of 8.5. The episode’s popularity stems from its LGBT+ representation and its happy-ending love story. It also gained praise for its visuals, which capture each of the different years it features.

Since Black Mirror is an anthology, you don’t need to watch previous episodes to know what’s going on, as they’re all standalone titles. Fortunately, the series has provided other episodes if you like “San Junipero.” The first is the Season 7 episode “Hotel Reverie,” where an actress named Brandy Friday (Issa Rae) is cast to play the lead role for a remake of the 1940s romance film, Hotel Reverie, where she interacts with a digital replica of Dorothy Chambers (Emma Corrin), an actress who plays Clara in the movie, who suddenly gain consciousness after a mishap during production.

Another episode worth watching is “Hang the DJ,” a Season 4 episode that also features a love story with a happy ending. The episode follows Frank (Joe Cole) and Amy (Georgina Campbell), who are matched by a device called “Coach” for a set period, then paired with other people until the device finds their perfect match. They eventually are matched again and decide not to find out when their pairings expire, due to a series of short flings and terrible matches.

Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix.

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Release Date

December 4, 2011

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Network

Channel 4, Netflix

Directors

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Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh

Writers

Jesse Armstrong

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Roomies, did Cassie share a glimpse of her third baby with Alex Fine while sharing a sweet birthday message for him?

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Here Are The Top 22 BOMBSHELL Statements Shared In Diddy’s Federal Trial

Did Cassie Share A Glimpse Of Baby Number 3 With Her Sweet Birthday Message To Alex Fine?

On Thursday, March 12, Cassie took to her Instagram Story to share a brief message alongside a photo. Furthermore, the photo featured her husband, Alex Fine, lying on a couch while holding a baby. However, the baby’s face was not visible as it appeared Cassie had placed a red heart emoji over it.

“I love you Best Friend… Happy Birthday,” Cassie wrote alongside the photo.

Peep the photo below.

At this time, it remains unconfirmed whether the baby seen alongside Fine is their third child. As The Shade Room previously reported, in February 2025, Cassie revealed she was pregnant with her and her husband’s third baby. Additionally, she appeared to imply that it was a baby boy.

Then, the following month, the pair confirmed the speculation, per The Shade Room.

By May, Cassie and Alex Fine welcomed their baby boy, per reports.

Social Media Reacts To Her  Sweet Birthday Message To Alex Fine

Social media users reacted to Cassie’s sweet birthday message to Alex Fine in TSR’s comment section.

After Cassie Gave Birth To Baby Number 3, She Made Headlines By Way Of Drea Kelly

In August of 2025, Cassie returned to social media with a repost that let everyone know she was overcoming the motions of postpartum, per The Shade Room.

To note, two months later, her lawyer released a statement following Diddy’s sentencing to four years behind bars for transportation to engage in prostitution. As The Shade Room previously reported, Cassie testified as a star witness during the eight-week trial, which also overlapped with her pregnancy.

More recently, Cassie made headlines by way of Drea Kelly saying she only received support during the trial due to her skin tone.

RELATED: Whew! Drea Kelly Sparks Debate After Suggesting Cassie Got Extra Domestic Violence Support Due To Her Skin Tone (VIDEO)

The Pussycat Dolls are back — this time as a trio!

Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt announced on Thursday, March 12, that they will undertake a 53-date tour of North America, Europe and the U.K. beginning in June.

The PCD Forever tour, featuring special guests Lil’ Kim and Mya, will kick off June 5 at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, and conclude at The O2 arena in London on October 13.

The “Buttons” singers also dropped a new track, “Club Song,” their first in six years after an ill-fated 2019 reunion attempt.

Related: Nicole Scherzinger Claims the Pussycat Dolls Schedule ‘Never Allowed Sleep’

The Pussycat Dolls parted ways in 2010, but singer Nicole Scherzinger hasn’t forgotten how grueling it was to be part of the group. “So the Dolls, it was a profoundly overwhelming experience, right?” Scherzinger, 45, told the Sunday Times in an interview published on Thursday, June 27. “It was very difficult because I was really […]

The girl group originally hit the charts in 2005 as a six-piece, also featuring Melody Thornton, Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta. They enjoyed a string of international hits, including “Don’t Cha” and “When I Grow Up,” before going their separate ways in 2009.

In 2019, the Dolls, sans Thornton, reunited as a five-piece, releasing the song “React” and announcing a 2020 tour. The tour was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Pussycat Dolls have always been known for an ever-changing lineup,” Wyatt, 44, told the BBC in an interview on Thursday. “It just so happens that right now we’re in a space where we feel united and in a place where we’re ready to push forward. And this is the lineup now, for 2026, but you never know with the Pussycat Dolls what might come next.”

Scherzinger, 47, added, “After 20 years, you’re like, ‘Where is everybody?’ But for us, it aligned. People are in different places in their lives, some of the other people have different commitments and priorities, but this worked out for us.”

Roberts, 44, said the latest reunion was Scherzinger’s idea, noting that she “reached out” to other members of the group.

“We had some conversations, and we were just like, ‘We’re on the same page, we’re excited about embracing where we’re at now as women and celebrating that,’” Roberts said. “I’m just really excited to get back on stage and swing these hips around in some latex, hun!”

Scherzinger, 47, has recently found success in the hit West End and Broadway productions of Sunset Boulevard, winning the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2025.

Speaking to the BBC, the singer said she felt now was the right time to return to her pop roots.

Related: Ashley Roberts’ Docs Feared She Had an Aneurysm Amid Pussycat Dolls Burnout

Pussycat Dolls alum Ashley Roberts is recalling the grueling toll being part of the best-selling girl group had on her. Roberts, 43, joined the popular burlesque turned pop group in 2003, and the band eventually struck big on the music charts with their breakout song “Don’t Cha” in 2005. Behind the scenes, however, she and […]

“It was a dream come true to do the stage. And, listen, for the last three years I’ve been hiding out in these little intimate theaters, y’all. And it was fulfilling in so many ways,” Scherzinger explained. “But as an artist, you can’t be bound to one thing, you want to do it all, and it’s just so great to be able to come back, and I did miss the girls.”

“I’m very proud of our group, our legacy, our music. So I was like, ‘Well, I just did the West End and Broadway, now it’s time for a world tour.’ Dolls unite!” she added.

Kathie Lee Gifford wants the LGBTQ community to stop with their labels. 

Known as one of Hollywood’s most outspoken Christians, the former “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” co-host has never shied away from sharing her beliefs.

In a recent interview, the conversation turned to her views on queer identity. While emphasizing that she loves everyone, Gifford voiced her frustration with the growing list of identifiers.

Kathie Lee Gifford Takes Jab At The Gay Community Titles 

During the March 10 episode of the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast, Gifford joined host Tomi Lahren, and their discussion soon steered toward homosexuality. 

Lahren referenced a past interview in which Shia LaBeouf was asked whether the Bible condemns homosexuality.

Gifford, however, told Lahren that the scriptures have something to say about it, urging her to check it out for herself. 

When Lahren asked the ex-talk show host how one can reconcile being a strong Christian and still support gay rights, Gifford replied that the answer was simple.  “That one is a four-letter word, and it’s called L-O-V-E, love,” she told Lahren.

Gifford added that many of her friends are gay and expressed concern about how queer people identify themselves. 

“I don’t even know how many letters there are now. They’ve really got to stop with that. We know what you mean, you know?” Gifford said. 

Despite her criticism, Gifford stressed that she does not judge anyone and believes love should come first.

“I’m not telling anybody how to live their life,” she declared. “I never have. I just know what Jesus said: Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love God first.”

Kathie Lee Gifford Slammed Religion As Restrictive

Despite being a devout Christian and outspoken on her faith, Gifford has some controversial views on religion. 

The 72-year-old TV personality stressed that faith should be lived as a constant communication with God and has nothing to do with religion. 

“It’s not a religion. I am very anti-religion,” Gifford shared, according to The Blast. “Religion puts people in chains, and Jesus takes them away.”

She went further to reject the idea of separating her career from her spiritual mission, saying it’s all one life which she lives in line with God’s blessings and guidance. 

Kathie Lee Gifford Turns To The Scripture For Guidance 

Kathie continued with sharing her guide, especially when it comes to navigating difficult decisions or moments of anxiety.

According to her, the teachings of the Bible are her compass, providing clarity in situations where uncertainty might otherwise take over.

“Scripture says don’t, don’t worry about anything. Don’t worry about anything. I am with you. I will lead you. I will guide you every day of your life,” she said. 

As such, when people ask how she can be bold in speaking about God, especially in Hollywood, she said she does not care what people think. 

Kathie Lee Gifford Shared How Donald Trump Saved Her Family 

While speaking on her spiritual beliefs, the media personality has also shared personal experiences. One such encounter was a frightening encounter with a stalker that Donald Trump stepped in to save her. 

As The Blast previously reported, Gifford recalled traveling to Atlantic City with her daughter when her late husband, Frank Gifford, received a disturbing call from the FBI. Authorities had warned that a “psychopathic” murderer and rapist had vowed to target her. 

The FBI advised Frank not to change their plans, fearing the suspect would catch on. However, Frank, wanting Kathie to be safe, reached out to Trump. 

Trump quickly stepped in, arranging for his private helicopter to transport Kathie Lee, her baby, and their nanny safely while also assigning a team of his personal security guards to protect her.

How Kathie Lee Gifford Experienced a Miracle Health Recovery 

Another personal experience Kathie revealed was a miracle that happened after a dangerous fall from the stairs in her Tennessee home. According to The Blast, Gifford explained that she had been rushing down the stairs in the heat to let a friend in when her shoes caused her to tumble. 

Surprisingly, she felt no pain afterward and had already stopped taking painkillers. However, she was concerned and called her doctor, who ordered an X-ray. 

The results stunned them both as her injuries had completely healed. “You are cured… You are healed. It is a miracle,” her doctor told her, even joking that she could now enjoy a glass of wine again. Gifford added that medical experts rarely see such miraculous recoveries. 

The infamous sex tape starring Kim Kardashian and Ray J is largely a relic of the past. However, both parties have referenced it in recent years, with Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, denying in recent court filings that they orchestrated its release. Now, Sonja Norwood, mother of Ray J and Grammy-Winning R&B Legend Brandy, has responded in a fiery post.

Ray J’s Mother Defends Him Against Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner

Ray J recently claimed that Kardashian and her mother, Jenner, were behind the now-infamous 2007 sex tape, leading both parties to deny that this was the case. Following this, Norwood took to Facebook on the morning of March 12 to defend her son.

She said, “Who did? After reading the declarations from Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian, and reading their recent statements circulating, including reports published across multiple media outlets regarding the tape, I am no longer going to sit back and watch my son be ‘dogged’ on social media over this matter when Ray J and I, Kris and Kim, and many others know the truth.”

Mrs. Norwood Then Addressed Kris Jenner Directly

Norwood then continued her response to Kardashian and Jenner’s statements about her son. Addressing Jenner directly, she said, “And Kris, momager, you say you did not orchestrate the commercial release of the tape. Then who did?”

She went on, “I support Ray J and his journey to bring the truth forward. I have witnessed this journey for many years, and however long it takes, whether it becomes a long journey or a difficult battle, we will stay on that path until the voices that have distorted the truth are publicly revealed.”

Norwood concluded her thoughts: “And if that truth journey must continue all the way to the doorstep of God’s judgment, then so be it.”

Fans Are Standing Beside Ray J And The Norwood Family

The general consensus online is that all parties involved with the 2007 sex tape between Ray J and Kardashian should move on from it. However, now that Norwood has offered her take, fans are also defending Ray J.

One person commented on Norwood’s statement, saying, “We already know Mrs. Norwood. They are trying to play in our faces!” Someone else wrote, “We already know that you will fight and protect your family at all costs. We stand with you.”

Another Facebook user stated, “I know you had enough, Mrs. Sonja, if you are speaking on this. You got this!” Lastly, someone else expressed disbelief that the tape was still a topic of discussion.

They wrote, “Wait! Are we still talking about this? We already knew the truth. The Kardashians must not be getting enough attention, because why did this topic resurface?”

Here’s What Kim K and Kris Jenner Said About Ray J

TMZ published excerpts from a legal filing by Kardashian and Jenner, where they deny that the adult tape was a “staged event.” Kardashian said in the documents, “[Ray J’s] claim that I had a plan with my mother and others to release a sex tape, defraud the public, and file a ‘fake’ lawsuit against the porn company that released it to ‘create buzz’ is a lie.”

Jenner also fired back at the singer. She stated that she did not “make my daughter Kim film any sex tape or decide what tape to release, as Defendant further outrageously claimed in his cross-complaint.”

The 70-year-old continued, “As a mother, the notion that I orchestrated or produced sex tapes involving my daughter, or was in any way involved in the creation or distribution of any sex tapes, is not only entirely untrue but deeply offensive and harmful and has haunted me for decades.”

This comes after Kardashian and Jenner sued Ray J for defamation. He then countersued, claiming that they violated a settlement agreement by speaking about the sex tape.

Sonja Norwood Recently Gave An Update On Ray J’s Health

Ray J has been plagued with health issues for months now, including being hospitalized in January for pneumonia and a heart condition. More recently, according to E!, he performed with what appeared to be blood on his face, and then in March 2026, he collapsed while performing.

Norwood went on Facebook Live to shoot down rumors that Ray J was faking his health issues. She said, “It’s just really gotten out of hand when someone thinks that my son is faking his health, or it’s a hoax, or he’s just playing around.”

She continued, “I’m the kind of mother that it’s not much that I don’t know about my children because they voluntarily tell me things. When things are good and when things are not so good. I’m generally the first phone call.”

From there, she thanked fans who had prayed for Ray J’s health and discussed when she first received the text on January 6 that her son was in the hospital, saying her “heart skipped a beat.” Ultimately, she discussed how serious a health issue Ray J has, stating that he “could have a heart attack.”