Latest news with #I'm
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Guiding light
On my daughters arranging my future Of late the kids have been musing over my departure. Not to a mall or airport but the grand goodbye. I have been an old woman to them from the time they met me. One daughter accompanies me with all the gravitas of a caretaker, giving me a careful onceover before leaving the house: take keys, sunglasses, has mom worn clothes. While privately I believe in my own immortality, they expect me to keel over any minute. Difficult to catch hold of me, they say, as I'm always at a funeral. I chose cremation over burial when they asked as if I had given it some thought, but there's some confusion over my ashes now. My suggestion that these be divided between the two daughters was met with an awkward silence. I broke into childhood memories of a pond in Ollur I used to frolic in, and suggested immersing the ashes there. Too far, ma, was the clipped answer. Okay, I snapped, any lake in Bangalore will do. 'We could get arrested for littering,' say they. As they are still grappling with this, I am under strict orders not to perish till it's sorted. They are also working on a guest list. If I grumble about a friend, they quickly scratch out the name. Henceforth talking highly of everyone I know. The one thing I can do effortlessly and with some amount of speed is ageing. I am now only concerned about spines while reading romances. Find a good mattress, I tell the protagonists. Love happens all the time, but we have only one vertebral column. And while I find older people too free with their health details, I'm fascinated by my own knee pain and limp till someone asks. Some things I'm super sharp about, but some things…what was I saying? Nobody wishes for a long lingering farewell. Unlike film heroes shot in the head but still able to give a coherent and complete speech, I want to go as an incomplete mystery, where my last words could hint at a homicidal past or at least a large embezzlement. 'I'm Elena Ferrante' was a favourite, but she may keep writing novels after I go. 'You look the type who will have a lot of dramatic things to say on your deathbed,' says daughter. 'When you see the light, just walk into it. Don't start describing it.' Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Bloomberg
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Bloomberg
Illustrations by Ibrahim Rayintakath
By and Margi Murphy New Year's Eve. Levittown, New York. Word travels swiftly as one young woman tells the next: ' You're on the website.' Dozens of recent high-school graduates are finding out that their photos have been scraped from their social media accounts, manipulated and posted to a porn website. Who would have done this? And can the women get the images taken down? Told there isn't much the police or anyone else can do, they set out to catch whoever did this. Along the way, they get some help from a global band of investigators and hackers who could take risks that police and prosecutors sometimes couldn't. Levittown is a real-life horror story for the AI generation. In this six-part series from Bloomberg, Kaleidoscope and iHeartPodcasts, reporters Olivia Carville and Margi Murphy take listeners from quiet suburbs of New York to as far as New Zealand and into the darkest corners of the Internet. Where tech moves faster than the law, and it's up to everyday people to hold back a rising tide of explicit deepfakes. Episode 1 Me…But Not Me Stuck in her childhood home during the pandemic, Kayla is shocked to learn that photos of her, altered to make her look naked, are posted to a website where men swap violent fantasies about women. A conversation with police leaves Kayla discouraged. Episode 2 'I'm Also on the Website' Months after Kayla's discovery, dozens of women in Levittown, a New York suburb on Long Island, learn they, too, are subjects of faked porn. Most are recent graduates of the local high school, and they zero in on a culprit. One of them sets out to prove it. Episode 3 The Hunter It's not just Levittown. The website hosting the doctored photos is the nexus of campaigns to harass women across the world. A victim in New Zealand helps to spark a global battle against the site and its elusive owner.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Morgan Wallen's Latest Single Instantly Hits No. 1 — And He Scores Multiple Top 10s
Morgan Wallen is making sure his fans aren't going hungry. He's working overtime to share a lot of music as he gears up to release his next full-length I'm the Problem, pushing smash after smash after smash. The country giant has been slowly sharing singles one by one for months now, but this time around, in an uncommon move for him, Wallen didn't just deliver a new cut — he dropped two. The pair arrived simultaneously, and within hours, they both shot straight to the top of the iTunes charts. On Friday (March 21), Wallen delivered a double dose of new music. 'Just in Case' serves as the official lead, giving fans another taste of what's to come on I'm the Problem, but it wasn't alone. 'I'm a Little Crazy' arrived at the exact same time. While only the first of the two is currently being positioned as a proper single, it's clear Wallen is in gift-giving mode right now. The latter might be a promotional single—or maybe it's just something extra for listeners to enjoy as they count down the days until the album drops. 'Just in Case' marks the fifth official single from I'm the Problem, following four other major releases that have already left their mark on the charts. This Friday, all the excitement around his new tunes means all his album's smashes are bestsellers once more. As of the time of writing, 'Just in Case' is the No. 1 song on iTunes in the U.S. That's hardly surprising, given Wallen's track record, but what's even more impressive is that 'I'm a Little Crazy' is close behind at No. 3. The two tracks have knocked Doechii's 'Anxiety' from the top spot, where it had been ruling for several days. Sandwiched between Wallen's songs is J-Hope's 'Mona Lisa.' The BTS member has already released three solo songs this year, seemingly pointing toward a larger project—though no formal announcement has come just yet. His latest enters at No. 2 on iTunes's ranking of the top-selling cuts in the U.S., but it could best the country smash at some point soon. 'Just in Case' and 'I'm a Little Crazy' may be the newest tracks, but they're not the only ones from I'm the Problem that are climbing high. Wallen currently occupies 60% of the entire top 10 on iTunes. Alongside the brand new releases, his previous smashes 'I'm the Problem' (No. 5), 'Love Somebody' (No. 6), 'Smile' (No. 7), and 'Lies, Lies, Lies' (No. 10) – all taken from I'm the Problem – are all hanging on near the top. Wallen kicked off the campaign for I'm the Problem back in the summer of 2024 with the release of 'Lies, Lies, Lies.' That cut served as the full-length's lead single and helped set the tone for what's shaping up to be a massive era. Since then, every single he's dropped has reached the top 10 on the Hot 100. 'Love Somebody' even managed to climb all the way to No. 1, adding another champion to his growing list. After months of teasing the project, Wallen finally confirmed its title and announced the release date, May 16, just one day before his latest two tunes dropped.
Buzz Feed
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
17 New Books That I Know Will Make You Want To Start A Book Club ASAP
Hey, everyone! My name is Morgan, and I'm back with another roundup of books that I can't get out of my head. If there's one thing I like to yap about it's novels — the latest, greatest, and hidden gems. I'm a sucker for a good thriller novel, so don't be surprised if that genre shows up a lot on this list. I'm also looking to dip into fantasy a bit more, so if you have any recommendations (of any genre) you'd like to tell me about, I'm patiently waiting. Enjoy! 1. Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow Genre: Mystery, Thriller Synopsis: Rusty is a retired judge seeking a fresh start with his fiancée, Bea, at their peaceful lakeside home. Their tranquility is shattered when Bea's son, Aaron — on probation for drug possession — disappears, only to return with a questionable story about a failed camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae. When Mae is later found dead, Aaron is arrested for her murder. Desperate to save her son, Bea pleads with Rusty to return to the courtroom and defend Aaron. As Rusty takes on the case, he grapples with a deeper question: can the justice system he once served truly deliver fairness to those deemed guilty from the start? 2. The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan Atria Books Genre: Contemporary, Mystery Synopsis: Cate Kay is a wildly successful author of a bestselling book trilogy turned blockbuster film series — but she doesn't actually exist. Having kept her true identity hidden for years, Cate has avoided the spotlight, haunted by a past she's tried to outrun. As a young woman, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their troubled homes for Hollywood, but a tragic event the day before their departure shattered those plans. Ever since, Cate has lived under different names, forging a new path. Now, a shocking revelation forces her to confront her past, leading her back home in search of closure and self-acceptance. 3. I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming Penguin Random House Genre: Fantasy, Romance Synopsis: Dorothy Valentine is close to earning her PhD in wildlife biology when she's suddenly attacked by a lion — only to be abducted by aliens moments later. In a desperate escape, she and the lion, now her unlikely companion, Toto, crash-land on a planet filled with dinosaurs. Rescued by the mysterious and attractive alien Sol, they soon team up with Lok, an equally alluring but possibly dangerous war criminal. As the trio navigates their bizarre new world, battling prehistoric creatures and uncovering the truth behind their fates, Dory finds herself torn between returning to Earth and embracing the wild, steamy adventure unfolding before her. 4. Saltwater by Katy Hays Genre: Thriller, Mystery Synopsis: In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead beneath the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Though suspicions swirl around the wealthy Lingate family, her death is ruled an accident, and every year they return to the villa to reinforce that narrative. But on the 30th anniversary of Sarah's death, the family arrives to a chilling surprise — the reappearance of the necklace she was wearing the night she died, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets. 5. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty Penguin Random House Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic fiction Synopsis: A routine domestic flight takes an extraordinary turn when an enigmatic woman — later dubbed 'The Death Lady'— reveals to passengers exactly when and how they will die. At first, her predictions seem like an eerie party trick, but when one, then two, then more of her prophecies come true, the passengers realize this is no coincidence. As six people grapple with their looming fates, they must confront the ultimate question: if you knew your time was running out, how would you live? Blending mystery, humor, and existential questions, Here One Moment explores destiny, free will, and the illusion of control in an unpredictable world. 6. Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor Genre: YA, Thriller Synopsis: Aspiring journalist Noa has always lived in the shadow of her sister, Leah — so when Leah dies under mysterious circumstances, Noa feels an unsettling mix of grief and relief. But when she uncovers a lead suggesting Leah's death wasn't an accident, she embarks on a dangerous investigation. To find the truth, Noa infiltrates the glamorous yet treacherous world of Manhattan's elite, getting entangled with the wealthy Avalons and their web of secrets. As she digs deeper, she must decide whether she's willing to risk everything — including her own safety—to uncover the truth, or if she'll meet the same fate as her sister. 7. Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Synopsis: Carmela Tofana dreams of making a name for herself at La Tofana Apothecary, her mom's apothecary in Rome. She finally gets to prove herself when she turns 16 by working alongside her mom in the shop, where she learns about the remedies she conjures up and the non-medical advice she offers to her clients. But not everything is what it seems. There's a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and it surrounds the women who will do anything for those in need. 8. Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours Macmillan Publishers Genre: Fantasy, Mystery Synopsis: Sariyah Lee Bryant has a unique gift — she can sense what people need. But when she helps her friend Deja right before she mysteriously disappears, Sariyah begins to question whether her ability is more of a curse. Determined not to let Deja become another forgotten Black girl, she and her friends take matters into their own hands, investigating the disappearance while juggling personal struggles, including her mother's job loss and her brother's health issues. Desperate for money, Sariyah starts using her gift for cash — only to realize it may not just lead her to Deja, but also put her in the same life-threatening danger. 9. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes Genre: Romance, Contemporary Synopsis: Lila Kennedy's life is a mess — her marriage has crumbled, her daughters are struggling, her house is falling apart, and her career is spiraling. To top it off, her elderly stepfather has seemingly moved in without warning. Just when she thinks she can't handle it anymore, her estranged father — who abandoned her for Hollywood 35 years ago — shows up at her doorstep. Though his arrival feels like the last thing she needs, Lila soon discovers that even the most unexpected family connections can teach her valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and what truly makes a family. 10. You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego Penguin Random House Genre: Mystery, Thriller Synopsis: Aspiring writer Mila del Angél seizes the opportunity to host a secluded writing retreat at the private manor of the mysterious author J.R. Alastor. The guest list? Six thriller authors — experts in deception, misdirection, and murder. Under the guise of literary games and trope-driven challenges, Mila has her own secret agenda: plotting a murder. But when an unplanned death occurs, she realizes she's caught in a deadly story she didn't write. Trapped on the island as a storm rages and the body count climbs, Mila must outsmart a killer who knows every trick in the book — before she becomes the next victim. 11. The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao Genre: Fantasy, Romance Synopsis: Nine years after war shattered her family, Àn'yīng is determined to save her dying mother in a world where ravenous demons roam and eternal night looms. Her only hope lies in the Immortality Trials — deadly contests that grant survivors a pill of eternal life. Armed with her crescent blades and practitioner skills, she enters the competition, knowing few make it out alive. Yet someone is secretly helping her: Yù'chén, a powerful and mysterious rival with hidden motives. As the Trials unfold, Àn'yīng realizes the immortal realm harbors dark secrets, and trusting Yù'chén might mean either her salvation — or her downfall. 12. Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone Simon & Schuster Genre: Romance, Contemporary Synopsis: At a lavish publishing party, Ofosua Addo, a Ghanaian heiress, meets Cole Drake, and their playful flirtation leads to a kiss that leaves a lasting impression on both of them. However, Ofosua's commitment to her Ghanaian heritage and a marriage arranged by her family takes precedence over any feelings for Cole. But when her dream wedding turns into a public fiasco, Ofosua finds herself navigating heartbreak and a journey of self-discovery. Just when she needs him most, Cole reappears, and the two must confront whether their rekindled connection can break through the pressures of tradition and her family's expectations. 13. The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton Genre: Fantasy, YA Synopsis: At 16, Nora Holtzfall is the daughter of Walstad's most powerful heiress, with control over both the country's wealth and magic. Despite this, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead, the Holtzfall fortune and power are up for grabs, leading Nora into the Veritaz — an intense magical competition to determine the family heir. This year, however, there's an unexpected competitor: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora's aunt. As Lotte enters a dangerous world of family intrigue, Nora uncovers that her mother's death was no accident — it was murder. To solve the mystery, Nora turns to Theo, a reporter who despises her family. Meanwhile, Lotte is on a quest to uncover the identity of her father, but the competition and her growing feelings for Theo complicate everything. 14. Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang Atria Books Genre: Thriller, Mystery Synopsis: Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with little to her name, suddenly finds herself thrust into the glamorous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a famous influencer. After discovering Chloe's mysterious death, Julie seizes the opportunity to step into her sister's life, adopting her luxurious lifestyle and social media persona. But as Julie immerses herself in Chloe's influencer world, she uncovers dark secrets behind the seemingly perfect life, including the unsettling truth about Chloe's death. As she navigates a weeklong retreat with Chloe's influencer friends, Julie realizes she may be the next target of the dangerous forces at play. 15. The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis Penguin Random House Genre: Historical Fiction, YA Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1910, More Than This follows the lives of four young Black women in Chicago — Ruby, Olivia, Amy-Rose, and Helen, as they face challenges that will forever change their futures. Ruby's engagement is jeopardized by a damaging rumor, while Olivia, committed to social justice, is forced into an arranged marriage instead of reuniting with her love, Washington. Amy-Rose is pursuing her dream of owning a salon but finds herself back in the arms of her first love, John Davenport. Meanwhile, Helen is determined to move past heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the modern age, even if it means working with a stubborn racecar driver. Inspired by the real-life Patterson family, this novel portrays the journeys of these four women as they navigate love, ambition, and a rapidly changing world. 16. While We're Young by K. L. Walther Penguin Random House Genre: Romance, YA Synopsis: Grace, Isa, and Everett were once an inseparable trio, but their complicated love lives have strained their bond. Grace secretly loves Everett, who once dated Isa but broke her heart, while Isa has been secretly seeing Grace's brother, James. With graduation approaching, Grace plans an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia to mend their relationships. She enlists Isa to help "kidnap" Everett, all while avoiding James, who suspects something is up. The day is filled with adventurous moments like climbing the Rocky steps and crashing a wedding, but as their secrets collide, they must face the emotional fallout and see if their friendships — and hearts — can survive. 17. Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris Penguin Random House Genre: Romance, LGBTQ Synopsis: Riley left her church a year ago when she realized it had no place for a bisexual girl like her. However, when the pastor shuns her older sister for getting an abortion, Riley's frustration boils over. After slapping a girl who insults her sister, Riley is sent to church camp for spring break as a punishment. The only upside is that her best friend, Julia, will be there too — despite her father, the pastor, running the camp. Instead of adhering to the camp's virtues, Riley decides to rebel by embracing the seven deadly sins, hoping to show the other campers that sometimes breaking the rules can be for a good cause. But her plan hits a complication when she begins falling for the pastor's daughter. Have you read any of these books? Or is there a book you've read recently that you're really excited about? Meet me in the comments and let's chat about it!
The Independent
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Gregg Wallace shares message about ‘reflection' and ‘wanting to change' after MasterChef scandal
Gregg Wallace has shared cryptic messages about 'change' and 'reflection' following a MasterChef scandal that saw him accused of inappropriate behaviour. The 60-year-old TV host was replaced by food critic and I'm a Celebrity star Grace Dent on the programme after it emerged that the presenter was facing allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period. Wallace has denied the allegations against him. His legal team said in a statement: 'It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.' The TV chef shared a post on Saturday (8 February) about wanting change, which showed a graphic of one woman offering out a hand to another, who was on her knees praying on the side of a road labelled 'change'. Wallace wrote in the caption: 'We often want to change but fear it. We feel comfort in routine, even if that routine is harmful. We shouldn't be afraid of asking for help.' The presenter shared another post over the weekend on the topic of reflection, writing: 'Sunday can be a time for reflection. Perhaps make ourselves a promise for next week'. Wallace went silent on social media in late 2024 but returned to Instagram four months later on Tuesday (4 February) by posting a video recipe for making protein pancakes. He was met with supportive comments from fans, with one writing: 'Good to have you back,' and another adding, 'Back where you belong'. Another added: 'You're on fire since you came back online pal. Thanks for the recipes.' Wallace is currently under investigation by the BBC over the allegations. Addressing the allegations, he initially said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef.' However, when Wallace faced backlash for the 'middle class woman' comments, he issued an apology and said he 'wasn't in a good headspace' when he made the post. 'I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it,' he said. it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion, I felt very alone, under siege, yesterday, when I posted it.' Several woman have publicly come forward with their allegations against Wallace. Shannon Kyle, who ghostwrote Wallace's memoir Life On A Plate, claimed Wallace touched her bottom during a television appearance and frequently rubbed her thigh whenever he changed gears in his car, that he also answered the door only wearing a towel – which he then dropped in front of her – as she entered his home to work on the book. Director and producer Dawn Elrick said she sent a letter to the BBC in 2022 with a number of anonymous accounts from people who alleged they 'have experienced sexism within the TV industry'. This included the presenter allegedly making lewd comments and asking for personal phone numbers of female production staff, the claims said. A statement from Wallace's lawyers to BBC News said: 'Our client has denied that he has engaged in any such behaviour, and he specifically denies any sexual misconduct with Ms Kyle.'
