Couple Left In Shark-Infested Waters When Boat Forgot Them And They’ve Never Been Found

Couple Left In Shark-Infested Waters When Boat Forgot Them And They’ve Never Been Found

Tom and Eileen Lonergan, the couple left abandoned in shark-infested waters by a boat, ended up inspiring one of the scariest horror films.

 

Tom and Eileen Lonergan, the couple left abandoned in shark-infested waters by a boat, ended up inspiring one of the scariest horror films ever seen.

The disappearance of the American couple remains a mystery that has never been solved.

But what happened to the pair is so viscerally frightening that it ended up inspiring a truly terrifying horror movie…

Sharks
Credit: Adobe Stock

Tom and Eileen Lonergan went diving with a tour boat off the coast of Australia on January 25, 1998.

But tragically, the couple never returned from their adventure.

The expedition took off from Port Douglas, in Queensland, Australia, en route to St. Crispin’s reef.

The stunning area of the Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist spot – but the shark-infested waters mean any divers have to proceed with caution.

From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Tom was 33 and Eileen was 28.

The couple was described as ‘young, idealistic and in love with each other.’

After meeting at university, the couple spent a year serving at the Peace Corps in Fiji.

Following their service, the pair decided to visit Australia to do some diving.

Using the diving company, Outer Edge, 26 passengers boarded the scuba boat.

Geoffrey Nairn, the boat’s skipper, took the party out 25 miles to sea, and the participants all entered the water.

Horrifyingly, this is the last concrete bit of information anyone has about Tom and Eileen.

Tom and Eileen Lonergan
Credit: Family Handout

After around 40 minutes, the rest of the divers emerged from the water, got back on the boat, and returned to dry land.

It took a while before anyone even noticed that Tom and Eileen weren’t with them.

Two whole days passed before Nairn realized that the pair were missing because he had discovered a bag containing their wallets and passports on the boat.

After Nairn raised the alarm, a huge search party started, including both the Navy and civilian vessels.

Terrifyingly, certain items belonging to the Lonergan’s began to wash ashore, including a dive slate which bore the harrowing message: “To anyone who can help us: We have been abandoned on Agin court reef Reef 25 Jan 1998 03 pm. Please help us come to rescue us before we die. Help!!!”

And what’s even more chilling?

The fact that the couple’s bodies were never found.

Following the pair’s disappearance, some disturbing diary entries of Eileen’s sparked conspiracy theories over what happened to the pair.

Open Water
Their disappearance inspired a terrifying movie, Open Water. Credit: Lionsgate Film

She wrote: “Tom’s not suicidal, but he’s got a death wish that could lead him to what he desires and I could get caught in that.

“He hopes to die a quick and painless death, and he hopes it happens soon.”

Eventually, an inquest was held, with coroner Noel Nunan concluding that Nairn was responsible for the tragedy.

Nunan said: “The skipper should be vigilant for the safety of passengers and ensure safety measures are carried out.

“When you combine the number of mistakes and the severity of the mistakes I am satisfied a reasonable jury would find Mr Nairn guilty of manslaughter on criminal evidence.”

Nairn was acquitted by the jury, however, his company Outer Edge Boat Company went bankrupt following the scandal, as per The Guardian.

The tragedy prompted a change in law in Queensland, requiring diving boat skippers to perform headcounts to all divers onboard, according to Daily Express.

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Amber Heard Has No New Movies In Development After Changing Her Name And Moving Continents

Amber Heard Has No New Movies In Development After Changing Her Name And Moving Continents

Amber Heard reportedly has no new movies in development after it's said she's changed her name and moved continents.

 

Following backlash from the trial, the actress is said to have moved abroad and be living under a pseudonym.

Amber Heard
Amber Heard has moved abroad and is reportedly going by a different name. Credit: Alamy

Depp sued Heard for defamation over an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018, in which she alleged to be a domestic abuse victim, though she did not mention the actor by name. Heard countersued her ex-husband.

On the last day of testimony, the Aquaman star delivered an emotional testimony in which she detailed the harassment she’s endured since her divorce from Depp.

Heard said (per the BBC): “I receive hundreds of death threats regularly if not daily. Thousands since this trial has started. People mocking, mocking my testimony about being assaulted.

“Every single day I have to relive the trauma.”

She added: “Perhaps it’s easy to forget, but I am a human being. As I stand here today, I can’t have a career. I can’t even have people associate with me because of the threats and the attacks that they will have to endure.”

In the Fire (2023).
Amber Heard has only starred in two films since her high-profile defamation trial against Johnny Depp. Credit: Saban Capital Group

Since the highly-publicized trial, Heard has only starred in two movies: In the Fire and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (both 2023).

In the Fire is an indie film that follows a doctor who travels to a remote plantation to care for a disturbed boy with unexplainable abilities.

The title has an underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score of 15% and just 2.9/10 on IMDb.

In an interview with Deadline, Heard said she ‘relished’ working on the ‘passion project.’

She explained: “There’s a tonne of pressure on these big franchise movies, with millions and millions of dollars at stake, and compromises are part of trying to make it the most successful thing it can be.

“Then on the other end of the spectrum is a small indie film like In The Fire, a work of art and work of love, with nowhere near the same resources, and so there are compromises there. The best luck you can have as an actor is to be able to balance both.”

Amber Heard in Aquaman.
Amber Heard claims her screen time in the Aquaman sequel was significantly cut down. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Heard’s role in the Aquaman sequel also made headlines as it’s estimated she only had around 20 minutes of screen time.

Business Insider said at the time of the movie’s release: “Devoid of any real depth, Heard’s entire existence in The Lost Kingdom feels purely contractural to fulfill her three-movie deal with Warner Bros.

“The majority of Heard’s screen time consists of silence as she awkwardly sits and stands pretty beside or behind Aquaman, seemingly biting her tongue.”

During the defamation trial, Heard claimed her role as Mera was significantly trimmed down in the aftermath of her divorce from Depp.

She alleged: “I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it, that depicted my character and another character, without giving any spoiler away, two characters fighting with one another, and they basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch out.”

Amber Heard and Oonagh Paige.
Amber Heard is said to be focusing on being a mom. Credit: @amberheard/Instagram

According to Heard’s IMDb page, the star has no upcoming film or TV projects on the horizon.

It’s left many fans wondering whether the actress will ever return to the big screen, with one writing: “I really hope Amber Heard will return.”

Another adds: “I hope Amber Heard gets her joy back, she deserves to.”

With Heard’s move abroad and reported name change, it’s unclear whether the actress intends to continue her Hollywood career.

A source told People magazine in April 2023: “The trial was beyond stressful, and she wanted to start afresh.”

Another film source claimed the actress ‘felt like a pariah’ following the trial’s outcome, leading her to retreat from the public eye.

Heard, who now lives in Madrid, Spain, is reportedly going by the name Martha Jane Cannary, referencing the legendary gunslinger Calamity Jane.

She is said to be focusing on being a mom to her daughter, Oonagh Paige, who was born in 2021. It’s also recently been revealed that’s she expecting again, and that she’s ‘delighted’ by the news.

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Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Treatments, and Tips (Video)

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Treatments, and Tips (Video)

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Tips, and More

When managing breakouts, it’s key to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Whiteheads and blackheads can be stubborn, but you do have options. Ahead, discover exactly what blackheads and whiteheads are, how they form, how to manage them, and how best to care for your skin to help prevent these blemishes from cropping up.

Overview

Odds are that you’ve encountered at least one of two of the most common types of pimples: whiteheads and blackheads. These forms of congestion are very similar and are often fairly easy to identify because their names describe their appearance. However, if you’re wondering how to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, you might be feeling stumped. Many are tempted to pick at their skin in the hopes of purging their pores, but that often makes the situation worse. Picking can cause blemishes to be more painful and more noticeable. In this guide, we break down better options for addressing blackheads and whiteheads.

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Treatments, and Tips
Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Treatments, and Tips

Facts About Whiteheads and Blackheads

  • Fact #1: Though whiteheads and blackheads look different, they both form when a pore has been blocked.
  • Fact #2: Excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and hormones can all play a role in the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Stress, lifestyle choices, and certain beauty products may also contribute.
  • Fact #3: There are over-the-counter and prescription options that can help address them, including products with salicylic acid.
  • Fact #4: Making a few changes to your skincare routine can help prevent clogged pores.

Understanding Whiteheads vs. Blackheads

Whiteheads and blackheads are incredibly common—so much so that, according to the Cleveland Clinic some researchers suggest that nearly everyone is affected by these blemishes at one point or another in their lives.1,2 Interestingly enough, they’re also both formed by the same thing, a pore blockage. However, their appearance, contributing factors, and treatment options can differ.

What are whiteheads?

A whitehead is a type of blemish that manifests as a bump on the skin, also known as a comedone. They form when a pore is blocked by excess oil and dead skin cell buildup. Whiteheads are closed comedones, meaning “closed pore.” You can actually see the blockage within the pore underneath the skin, which looks like a white bump—hence the name. While they can form anywhere on the skin, they most frequently appear on the face (especially the nose, chin, and forehead), neck, back, chest, and upper arms.

What are blackheads?

Like whiteheads, blackheads are comedones, and form when a pore is blocked. However, blackheads look very different—almost like there is dirt stuck inside a pore. That’s because blackheads are open comedones, meaning the congestion has caused the opening of the pore to dilate, exposing the pore’s contents to the air. A chemical reaction between the air and the contents of the pore causes it to turn dark, which is why these blemishes are called “blackheads.” Blackheads can also form anywhere on the skin, but tend to pop up on the face, particularly the nose and chin, as well as the neck, back, and chest.

What Causes Whiteheads and Blackheads?

All pimples, including blackheads and whiteheads, ultimately are caused by the same thing: pore congestion. There are a variety of materials that can block the pore and lead to whiteheads and blackheads, and certain factors can also exacerbate these breakouts and make them worse.

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Tips, and More
Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Causes, Tips, and More

Common causes

  • Excess oil production: Those with whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples tend to have skin that produces too much oil, or sebum. When excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, pores can become clogged. Those clogs can turn into blemishes, including whiteheads and blackheads.
  • Dead skin cells: As mentioned, the combination of dead skin cells with excess sebum can congest pores. The two blend together, creating a substance that plugs up the pore.
  • Bacteria: In some cases, bacteria, specifically Propionibacterium acnes, can contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Because whiteheads are closed comedones, it is easier for bacteria to proliferate, which can make them more susceptible to inflammation.
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause your skin to produce excess oil, one of the primary causes of blackheads and whiteheads

Contributing factors

  • Stress: When stress levels increase, pores can become even more clogged.
  • Lifestyle factors: According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), failure to get enough sleep can contribute to the formation of blemishes.3
  • Skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products: A variety of beauty products can lead to clogged pores. For example, haircare formulas like conditioner and styling pomades can trigger the formation of whiteheads. Ingredients in hair, makeup, and even skincare products can be comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores. This is why using formulas that are non-comedogenic is such an important aspect of promoting and maintaining clearer skin.

How To Manage Whiteheads and Blackheads

There are numerous simple, over-the-counter ways to target breakouts at home, as well as prescription options.

Keep in mind, if you’re dealing with stubborn whiteheads and blackheads, the best course of action is to see a dermatologist. They’ll be able to assess your unique skin concerns and create a customized plan to address your blemishes.

Below, we’re breaking down some of the different ways you can reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. But first, one thing not to do: Never attempt blackhead and whitehead removal at home. Picking your pimples can increase your risk of scarring.

Over-the-counter options

In many cases, you can help manage whiteheads and blackheads by using products you can buy at your local drugstore or supermarket. Certain active ingredients can be especially helpful in caring for blemish-prone skin.

Cleansers and exfoliators

One of the most effective ways to address whiteheads and blackheads is by combatting the excess oil and dead skin cells that so commonly cause them to form. Of course, face washes are designed to remove excess oil from the skin, while exfoliators slough away dead skin cells. Combining both into one step can make for a powerful solution. We suggest CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid, an ingredient recommended by the AAD for managing whiteheads and blackheads.The formula, which also contains kaolin clay, three essential ceramides, and niacinamide, helps improve the appearance of pores. It also features salicylic acid to clear acne and reduce blackheads.

Topical creams and gels

If you want a more targeted option, look for a spot treatment, cream, or gel. Rather than using it on your whole face, these products are applied solely to the areas where you’ve developed whiteheads and blackheads. However, be aware that some formulas in this category may leave the skin feeling stripped. We recommend CeraVe Acne Control Gel, which helps clear acne without drying out your skin.

CeraVe Tip:  If your whiteheads and blackheads go away but leave dark spots in their wake, you can use a different kind of targeted formula to help reduce their appearance. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps refine and resurface skin, reducing the appearance of post-acne marks and visible pores.

Prescription treatments

If your blackheads and whiteheads do not respond to products you’ve purchased over the counter, you may want to consider seeing your dermatologist for a prescription-strength option.

Retinoids 

In addition to over-the-counter retinol products, you can get stronger versions from your doctor, like tretinoin and isotretinoin. They’re all from a class of ingredients known as retinoids. While some retinoids are gentler, some are extremely powerful and are only meant to be used to address severe acne. Talk to your dermatologist to see if a prescription-strength retinoid is right for you.

Antibiotics

In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to address whiteheads, blackheads, and other forms of acne. Depending on the unique medication prescribed, antibiotics for whiteheads and blackheads can be applied topically or taken orally.

Hormonal treatments

Oral contraceptives have been shown to be effective in treating blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes. In fact, there are some oral contraceptive options that have been approved by the FDA to treat blemishes. However, not everyone should use oral contraceptives; talk to your healthcare provider to see if one of these medications is right for you.

Prevention Tips for Whiteheads and Blackheads

If you’re hoping to learn how to fix blackheads and whiteheads permanently, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you can get rid of them entirely. With that said, you can take steps to help prevent them and maintain clearer-looking skin.

Daily skincare routine

It’s time to start a consistent skincare routine and stick with it. Look for brands that are trusted by experts and offer products that feature active ingredients known to support the skin. All CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists using carefully-selected and science-backed ingredients. This includes CeraVe’s signature blend of ceramides, a type of lipid that naturally occurs in the skin. Low ceramide levels have been linked to a variety of skin conditions, including blemishes and skin congestion.

Though social media may have you thinking otherwise, your skincare routine doesn’t actually need to be complicated to work. Start by using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, then add in any treatment products as needed. You can actually combine your moisturizing and sunscreen steps into one with a product like CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, then use a richer moisturizer in the evening to nourish your skin while you sleep, such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.

Proper cleansing techniques

Leaving excess oil, dead skin cells, and grime on the surface of your skin can all contribute to clogged pores. This makes cleansing essential if you want to promote visibly clearer, more even-looking skin. Try the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which deeply cleanses and removes excess oil without disrupting the skin barrier.

Beyond simply using a cleanser, make sure you cleanse the correct way. You want to be gentle (no harsh scrubbing or rubbing) and use lukewarm water—hot water can dry out your skin.

Effective ingredients

Using products with the right ingredients can make all the difference. One effective ingredient that you’ll find in CeraVe formulas is niacinamide, a form of vitamin B. It can help with congested pores as studies show that it can help balance excess oiliness, which is one of the causes of blackheads and whiteheads.5 Additionally, niacinamide can help calm the appearance of redness (something often associated with blemish-prone skin).

Importance of non-comedogenic products

Remember how “comedone” means “clogged pore?” When you see the label “non-comedogenic” on a skincare product, that means that particular item won’t clog your pores. Looking for non-comedogenic products can be beneficial for everyone, but especially those with blemish-prone skin. If you aren’t sure where to start, all CeraVe acne products are non-comedogenic.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.

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Pete Davidson Responds To Rumours About Manhood After Ariana Grande Speaks Out

Pete Davidson Responds To Rumours About Manhood After Ariana Grande Speaks Out

Pete Davidson has responded to rumours about his manhood after his ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande openly discussed his ‘length’.

The former Saturday Night Live star – who was recently rumoured to be dating model Emily Ratajkowski – is no stranger to comments about his downstairs region.

One of his most recent exes, Kim Kardashian, even admitted that he caught her interest when she ‘heard about this BDE (big d*** energy)’.

While his ex Grande has also made reference to it when the pair were dating.

During their romance, a fan reached out to Grande via Twitter and asked ‘How long is Pete?’.

The fan quickly clarified, adding: “OH AS IN THE INTERLUDE NOT AS IN… ANYWAY.”

Despite the follow-up, Grande cheekily responded: “Like 10 inches?…. oh f***… I mean a little over a minute.”

Although the ‘7 Rings’ singer quickly deleted the tweet, the rumour mill was already in full swing and ever since then, Davidson’s allegedly impressive manhood has been the subject of debate ever since.

Related Article: Body Language Expert Explains Why Pete Davidson Is ‘Like Catnip’ To Celebrity Women

Related Article: Pete Davidson Net Worth: How Much Is The Comedian Worth?

Davidson’s former SNL co-star Jay Pharoah has also added fuel to the fire about Davidson’s … package.

While on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Pharoah brought up Davidson’s ‘endowment’ and left little to the imagination.

He said: “I praise Pete, I praise Pete.

“There’s something in the sauce. He got something, okay. He got something inside.”

He then added: “So, I talk to him, I said, ‘Pete, man, what is it?’. I said, ‘Could, what is it, what’d you do? What was it? How you do it?’.

“He told me what it was. It, it’s his endowment. He confirmed it. He was like, ‘Yeah bro, it’s like nine inches’. I was like, ‘What? Word. Oh, snap we twins. That’s crazy’.”

Pete Davidson
Pete Davidson has responded to rumours about his manhood after his ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande openly spoke out. Credit: Alamy

Speculation about Davidson’s size was a subject of Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’ video, which featured a dream movie montage in which his manhood was once again given a shoutout.

In one scene in the video, Grande dresses up as Regina George from Mean Girls.

However, instead of her ‘burn book’ containing nasty comments about the ‘fugly’ girls in her class, as per the film, Grande’s was all about her exes.

On Davidson’s page, the word ‘HUUUUGE’ only further added to speculation that he’s doing pretty well down in the nether region.

According to Elle Magazine, Davidson made reference to this during a Boston show, saying: “Here’s the thing about the breakup song.

“Usually breakup songs you know who it’s about but you don’t really know.

“That G named all of us. Bam. She named all of us. And then, tells us, yeah, he has a big d***.”

Related Article: Lana Del Rey Used Just One Billboard To Promote Her New Album And Put It In Her Ex’s Hometown

Related Article: Emily Ratajkowski Has Message For ‘White Men’ On Dating Apps After Joining One

Davidson reportedly addressed the gossip while performing in New York.

While most would have taken Grande’s comments as a compliment, Davidson was apparently less impressed.

He joked: “I don’t like that she talked all that s*** for my p**is. Everything is huge to her.

“Why would she tell everyone that I have a huge p**is? So that every girl who sees my d*** for the rest of my life is disappointed.”

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Ellen DeGeneres Reveals Triple Diagnosis: ‘I Could Disintegrate In The Shower’

Ellen DeGeneres Reveals Triple Diagnosis: ‘I Could Disintegrate In The Shower’

Ellen DeGeneres has opened up to fans and revealed she's had a triple health diagnosis. 

After taking a break from the limelight, the 66-year-old comedian is back on TV screens with her new Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.

She made headlines earlier this year when she claimed the comedy show marks the end of her Hollywood career.

DeGeneres told fans: “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”

After hearing the talk show host’s sad health update in the special, fans have taken to social media and shared well wishes.

Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres has opened up about her health in her new Netflix special. Credit: Netflix

One fan writes: “Hope she gets better.”

“Hopefully she is getting the help she needs,” another adds. “Wishing her well.”

In 2020, everything changed for DeGeneres.

Two BuzzFeed exposés explored allegations of a toxic work culture, discrimination, and s**ual misconduct and harassment on the set of her once popular program, The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Although the reports didn’t allege toxic behavior by DeGeneres herself, it led to the comedian facing a ton of criticism.

In 2022, she made the difficult decision to end her show following a decline in ratings and the fallout from the reports of a toxic work culture, reports The i.

In her new Netflix special, DeGeneres addresses this chapter of her life and how she sought therapy afterward.

Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres has been diagnosed with three different health conditions. Credit: Netflix

The therapy uncovered the comedian has a mental health condition.

In her comedy special, she says: “I may have OCD because a therapist said so and I said, ‘Yes I am very organized,’ because I thought that was the O. I didn’t know what OCD was.”

DeGeneres explained that she was raised in a religion that ‘doesn’t acknowledge diseases or disorders’ so ‘nobody talked about anything’ like that when she was growing up.

According to the Mayo Clinic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) ‘features patterns of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions’ that can ‘lead people to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions.’

These obsessions and compulsions may affect the person’s daily activities and cause distress.

DeGeneres said upon reflection, she believes her father may also have suffered from the condition.

 

Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres has been diagnosed with OCD and ADHD. Credit: Netflix

She recalls: “He would check the doorknob 15 times before we’d leave, he’d check the faucet 15 times. He would unplug all the appliances before we left the house because lightning could strike and it could catch fire.

“They say it could be hereditary.”

The comedian also revealed that she has been diagnosed with ADHD.

“I think I’m well-adjusted because I obsess on things, but I don’t have the attention span to stick with it, and I quickly forget what I was obsessing about in the first place,” she says in the special.

“So, it takes me all the way around to being well-adjusted, I think.”

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (otherwise known as ADHD), is ‘a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors,’ per Healthline.

A person with this condition may struggle to focus on a single task or sit still for long periods.

Elsewhere in the Netflix special, DeGeneres also opened up about a condition she’s been diagnosed with that makes her feel like she ‘could disintegrate in the shower.’

Ellen DeGeneres
The comedian underwent a bone density test. Credit: Netflix

The Finding Dory voice actor said she uncovered she’s suffering from osteoporosis after undergoing a bone density test.

“Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle – so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a break. Osteoporosis-related breaks most commonly occur in the hip, wrist, or spine,” explains the Mayo Clinic.

“Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone.”

Although there’s no cure for osteoporosis, the disease’s symptoms can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes.

Opening up, DeGeneres says: “I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now. I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower.”

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Sad reason Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin 'doesn’t leave his house' around Christmas time

Sad reason Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin ‘doesn’t leave his house’ around Christmas time

Sad reason Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin 'doesn’t leave his house' around Christmas time

Sad reason Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin ‘doesn’t leave his house’ around Christmas time

The former child star has mixed memories from his time in the 1990 Christmas movie

You’d think former child star Macaulay Culkin would thrive when the Christmas season rolls back around, having starred in one of most-loved festive flicks of all time.

Apparently, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

For those that are bad with names, or simply need a little reminder, Macaulay was just 10-years-old when he was cast as the lead actor in director Chris Columbus’ 1990 Christmas hit Home Alone.

The childhood role served as Macauley’s breakthrough, and the years that followed not only saw him appear in the popular sequel Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, but several other cult classics, like My Girl and Ritchie Rich.

Despite the actor enduring a drug-induced rough patch in his twenties, he’s often considered to be one of the most successful child actors in history, and has since gotten back on his feet to star in the likes of comedy hit Changeland and TV thriller American Horror Story.

Only in recent years, however, have fans discovered that Home Alone provides some rocky memories for Macaulay, with his brother Kieran Culkin – who played cousin Fuller in the film franchise – revealing that he struggled after being sky-rocketed into the spotlight as a child.

“Even at that time, as a kid, I remember thinking, ‘That sucks for him,'” Kieran joked last year.

Macauley was just 10 when he was cast in the festive film (20th Century Fox/MGM)

Macauley was just 10 when he was cast in the festive film (20th Century Fox/MGM)

“Poor f**king guy. He was little and having to try to accept that level of fame as reality.”

And by the sounds of things, that level of stardom has left life-long scars on Macaulay, revealing that he even struggles to leave the house when the holiday season comes around.

Discussing the film series in general, the now 44-year-old told talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, ‘I don’t really watch them all that often,’ describing them as ‘background radiation at Christmas time’.

He added: “I’ve had people want to sit down and watch it with me, which is, like, both flattering and creepy.

“I can’t watch it the same way other people do.”

Macauley’s rigid stance doesn’t even change around Christmas time – a turbulent time of year for the former child star.

“It’s my season….It’s Macaulay season,” he laughed, revealing that he’s often asked by strangers to make the classic ‘Kevin McCallister face’.

The actor is now 44 (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

The actor is now 44 (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

“I try to go out less and less around that time of year.

“I’ve been there, done that already guys. I’m 37 now, OK mom?”

He also described being recognised often as both a ‘curse and a blessing’, adding: “I can get into any restaurant I want without a reservation. But while I’m there, everyone’s staring at me and all going ‘awwww’ the whole time.”

Sad reason Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin ‘doesn’t leave his house’ around Christmas time Read More
Piers Morgan Eats Steak In Front Of Vegan Activist To Try And Prove A Point

Piers Morgan Eats Steak In Front Of Vegan Activist To Try And Prove A Point

Piers Morgan went viral when he ate a steak in front of a vegan activist to try and prove a point.

From his regular criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to his bold stances on societal matters, the former Good Morning Britain presenter is well known for riling people up with his controversial opinions.

He’s also had a few run-ins with vegans and on one occasion, the TV presenter raised a few eyebrows…

 

Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan sparked a debate after interviewing a vegan activist. Credit: Talk TV

After watching the interview in question, people took to social media and reacted, with many praising Morgan.

One viewer wrote: “Oh wow, I used to dislike Piers Morgan but after this, my respect for him has reached stratospheric levels.”

Another added: “Piers, you got me laughing.”

A third person said: “I’m always 50/50 on love-hate for Piers but he’s hilarious here.”

“Piers destroyed this guy and even he knows it. The look on his face during the entire interview is absolutely great,” somebody else commented.

However, others weren’t so impressed with Morgan, with one person penning: “You are 60 years old – you should be embarrassed by that infantile display.”

In agreement, a second said: “Television content at its absolute worst. Have a word, Piers. How old are you, 12?”

Piers Morgan
The viral interview followed a series of Animal Rebellion demonstrations. Credit: Talk TV

The viral interview followed a series of demonstrations from Animal Rebellion, ‘a mass movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to bring about a transition to a just and sustainable plant-based food system.’

According to The Guardian, more than 100 of its members stopped the fresh milk supply in parts of England in September 2022.

The movement claimed to have emptied milk shelves in high-end grocery stores across the country, reports Metro.

A sole campaigner also targeted Salt Bae’s London eatery.

Nathan McGovern
Nathan McGovern claimed precision fermentation could create animal protein using a ‘fraction of the land.’ Credit: Talk TV

Debating the issue, Morgan invited Animal Rebellion spokesperson Nathan McGovern onto his Talk TV show Piers Morgan Uncensored.

The ex-GMB presenter began by telling McGovern: “I think you all look pretty pasty-faced and unhealthy to me.”

He continued: “What I don’t do is I don’t go running into vegan restaurants and start screaming abuse at you all and have to be pulled out by people because you’re ruining everyone’s fun.”

In response, McGovern said the host had begun the interview with an ‘absolute blinder,’ before explaining precision fermentation, which uses microorganisms to produce specific functional ingredients, per The Good Food Institute.

He claimed this process is capable of creating animal protein using a ‘fraction of the land’ and ‘carbon footprint.’

Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan made a bold statement by tucking into a steak dinner. Credit: Talk TV

Morgan interjected this, stating: “But I like eating meat.”

McGovern was then questioned on what he eats, to which he said enjoys ‘seasonal British fruit and veg’ and ‘supporting British farmers.’

As the debate continued, Morgan told the Animal Rebellion member that ‘none of you make me want to change my mind,’ at which point a steak dinner was brought out for him to enjoy.

The host said: “Here’s my point, I love eating steak. I’m not going to stop eating steak. And the very last thing on earth that will stop me eating steak is people like you with your pasty faces running into our restaurants and telling us to stop eating steak.”

McGovern responded: “That is absolutely fine, Piers.”

Concluding the debate, Morgan told the activist: “If you want to win an argument, you just can’t be annoying all the time.”

Watch Piers Morgan’s interview with the vegan activist below…

Do you think Piers Morgan went too far? Let us know in the comments.

Piers Morgan Eats Steak In Front Of Vegan Activist To Try And Prove A Point Read More
Rowling’s Latest Comments Ignite a Firestorm, Labelled ‘Transphobic Manifesto’ as Public Fury Grows

Rowling’s Latest Comments Ignite a Firestorm, Labelled ‘Transphobic Manifesto’ as Public Fury Grows

Image: J.K. Rowling

The “Harry Potter” author said she has “five reasons for being worried about the new trans activism, and deciding I need to speak up.”

J.K. Rowling attends the Broadway Opening Day performance of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two’ at The Lyric Theatre on April 22, 2018 in New York City.Walter McBride / WireImage – Getty Images file

“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling published a nearly 4,000-word blog post Wednesday, further reaffirming her controversial stance on the transgender community, which critics have called transphobic.

In a tweet sharing the blog post, Rowling simply wrote “TERF wars.” TERF stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist, a term which critics have called the author.

“This isn’t an easy piece to write, for reasons that will shortly become clear, but I know it’s time to explain myself on an issue surrounded by toxicity. I write this without any desire to add to that toxicity,” she wrote at the start of her piece.

Rowling addressed the origin of the claims that she’s transphobic — that she supported Maya Forstater, a tax specialist who was fired for tweets deemed anti-transgender. Rowling then catalogued a series of missteps on Twitter that further led to accusations she is transphobic.

“I mention all this only to explain that I knew perfectly well what was going to happen when I supported Maya. I must have been on my fourth or fifth cancellation by then. I expected the threats of violence, to be told I was literally killing trans people with my hate, to be called c— and b—- and, of course, for my books to be burned, although one particularly abusive man told me he’d composted them,” Rowling wrote.

J.K. Rowling Defends Herself After Trans Comments, Reveals Past Assault |  Us Weekly

In the blog post, Rowling states that she has “five reasons for being worried about the new trans activism, and deciding I need to speak up.” Among these reasons, she mentions her charity for women and children, being an ex-teacher, her interest in free speech, a concern about “the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition” and her experience as a victim of sexual and domestic abuse.

While mentioning the increase in young people coming out as transgender, Rowling questions whether there’s a “contagion” fueled by social media that’s behind the rise, at one point stating, “I’ve wondered whether, if I’d been born 30 years later, I too might have tried to transition.”

She also brings up the topic of “detransitioning,” in which a trans person transitions back to their sex assigned at birth, calling it an “increasing” phenomenon. While there is little information available on people who detransition, what is available appears to indicate it is an infrequent occurrence

In a 2015 survey of nearly 28,000 people conducted by the U.S.-based National Center for Transgender Equality, only 8 percent of respondents reported detransitioning, and 62 percent of those people said they only detransitioned temporarily. The most common reason for detransitioning, according to the survey, was pressure from a parent, while only 0.4 percent of respondents said they detransitioned after realizing transitioning wasn’t right for them. And the results of a 50-year survey published in 2010 of a cohort of 767 transgender people in Sweden found that about 2 percent of participants expressed regret after undergoing gender-affirming surgery.

Later in the piece, where Rowling reveals that she is a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault, she uses this traumatic history to discuss her fifth reason why she’s “deeply concerned about the consequences of the current trans activism.”

JK Rowling statement in full: Harry Potter author reveals reason behind  tweets | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk

“So I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe. When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman – and, as I’ve said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones – then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth,” she wrote.

Online, the reaction to the piece quickly bubbled up, with people on Twitter stating Rowling had written a “transphobic manifesto.”

“don’t bother reading JK rowling’s bulls— ‘defense.’ it’s just blatant transphobia through and through. don’t give her the attention,” activist Delaney Tarr tweeted .

Actress Felicia Day said Rowling’s piece was “steeped in fear and hate.”

“I honestly don’t even understand the logic of JK Rowling’s argument. All I know is that it feels steeped in fear and hate and it makes me so so sad,” Day wrote.

Author Heidi Heilig called Rowling an “a——.”

“JK Rowling’s worst retcon of all was when she revealed that a beloved children’s book author was a huge a—— all along,” Heilig wrote.

Rowling’s Wednesday blog post came days after she was criticized for several Saturday tweets deemed transphobic.

Rowling appeared to take issue with a headline that used the phrase “people who menstruate,” which is language inclusive of people like transgender men and nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people, all of whom could be people who menstruate, rather than using the word “women.”

“‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” Rowling tweeted. In several subsequent tweets, as critiques began rolling in, Rowling doubled down.

Several actors from film adaptations of Rowling’s wizarding world pushed back on the author’s comments in the days following the tweets.

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as the titular Harry Potter, and Eddie Redmayne, who starred in the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” series both publicly stated they disagree with Rowling.

“To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe … then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred,” Radcliffe wrote in a letter published by The Trevor Project.

The LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD also criticized Rowling’s latest tweets, urging people to “direct your rightful anger over JK Rowling’s latest anti-trans comments into something positive,” such as supporting organizations that help trans people.

Rowling’s Latest Comments Ignite a Firestorm, Labelled ‘Transphobic Manifesto’ as Public Fury Grows Read More
Man Suffered The ‘Worst Death Imaginable’ After Diving Headfirst Into Hot Pot In Tragic Sacrifice

Man Suffered The ‘Worst Death Imaginable’ After Diving Headfirst Into Hot Pot In Tragic Sacrifice

David Alan Kirwan suffered one of the worst deaths imaginable when he rushed into a hot spring attempting to save a friend's dog.

The tragedy occurred at Yellowstone National Park, which covers 2.2 million acres and sees millions visit yearly.

Although the site is beautiful, it can also be dangerous – especially regarding its hot springs.

Hot springs are natural springs heated by geothermal energy from the Earth’s interior. The water can be extremely heated so it’s important to be cautious when approaching.

Tragically, David Alan Kirwan suffered a horrific death at the popular tourist attraction.

Yellowstone Park
Yellowstone National Park is a popular tourist attraction for millions. Credit: Alamy

The 24-year-old, from La Cañada, California, visited the location with his friend, Ronald Ratliff, and Ratliff’s dog Moosie in 1981.

During their walk, the canine ran towards the Celestine Spring before leaping into the boiling water.

The water the canine jumped into gets as hot as 200° and immediately, the animal cried out in pain.

Hearing Moosie’s distressed yelps, Kirwan ignored bystanders’ warnings in hopes of saving his friend’s dog from a horrifying ending.

When warned not to jump in, the 24-year-old called back: “Like hell I won’t!”

He took two steps into the spring before diving headfirst into the boiling water to rescue the dog.

It’s said Kirwan vanished under the water, letting go of Moosie.

David Alan Kirwan
David Alan Kirwan sacrificed his life by attempting to save his friend’s dog.

Eventually, Kirwan returned to the surface. Ratliff rushed to his friend’s aid, getting second-degree burns on his feet in the process.

Eyewitnesses reportedly heard the 24-year-old saying: “That was stupid. How bad am I? That was a stupid thing I did.”

Quickly, it became apparent that Kirwan had suffered extreme injuries.

Snopes reports that the 24-year-old turned blind and when a park visitor tried to remove one of his shoes his skin came off with it.

He had suffered third-degree burns on 100% of his body yet somehow, he managed to survive for several hours despite his gut-wrenching injuries.

Kirwan died the following morning at Salt Lake City Hospital. Heartbreakingly, Moosie also didn’t survive the terrifying incident.

The man’s tragic ending is an example of overcoming the instinct of self-preservation and facing death in the pursuit of saving another. The 24-year-old is remembered as a hero by many.

Man Suffered The ‘Worst Death Imaginable’ After Diving Headfirst Into Hot Pot In Tragic Sacrifice Read More
Flat Earthers realize 'they are wrong' after traveling to Antarctica to prove the Earth isn’t round in hilarious footage

Flat Earthers realize ‘they are wrong’ after traveling to Antarctica to prove the Earth isn’t round in hilarious footage

Flat Earthers realize 'they are wrong' after traveling to Antarctica to prove the Earth isn’t round in hilarious footage

Flat Earthers realize ‘they are wrong’ after traveling to Antarctica to prove the Earth isn’t round in hilarious footage

A conspiracy theorist who has appeared in multiple documentaries about the ‘Earth being flat’ confessed to being wrong

“Alright guys, sometimes you are wrong in life,” says a popular Flat Earther.

To hear conspiracy theorists confessing that they are finally wrong in the face of overwhelming evidence, is a breath of fresh air.

In the flat earth theory it would be impossible for the sun to be in the sky for 24 hours in Antartica (Getty stock)

In the flat earth theory it would be impossible for the sun to be in the sky for 24 hours in Antartica (Getty stock)

It is crazy to think that Flat Earthers still exist, although whether they believe the nonsense they spew out of their mouths in another question entirely, but NASA critic Jeran Campanella has spoken out on whether the globe is spherical.

Speaking on the YouTube channel The Final Experiment, he explains being flown out to Antartica for $35,000, although it would appear that his trip was expensed by a ‘glober’ – the term given by Flat Earthers to someone who understand Earth is round.

The theory involves taking a trip to Antarctica to prove that there is no midnight sun because on a flat Earth it would be impossible that the sun stays in the sky 24 hours a day… which we all know occurs during the summer.

“Alright guys, sometimes you are wrong in life,” says Campanella, who runs his own YouTube channel Jeransim.

“I thought that there was no 24-hour sun, in fact I was pretty sure of it, but I respect Will Duffy [the ‘glober’ who paid for his trip] for being a standup guy – at least in the way that he kept saying it was true, I kept saying it wasn’t.

Jeran Campanella confessed to being wrong in believing Earth was flat (YouTube/The Final Experiment)

Jeran Campanella confessed to being wrong in believing Earth was flat (YouTube/The Final Experiment)

“He said ‘you want to go, I’ll take you’ and brought me here… and it’s a fact the sun does circle you in the south so what does that mean you guys are going to have to figure that out yourself.”

Campanella, who has appeared in multiple documentaries about Earth being flat, continued: “Don’t listen to my beliefs or my opinion, it shouldn’t matter to you – but at least you should be able to accept that the sun does exactly what these guys said, as far as circles the southern continent.

“So that’s about it, I realize that I’ll be called a shill for just saying that and you know what, if you’re a shill for being honest so be it – I honestly believed there was no 24-hour sun… I honestly now believe there is. That’s it.”

One user on The Flat Earth Society forum explained: “Well if you look at it from a FEer [flat earther] point of view, you are posing as an REer [round earther] to undermine the “truth” of a FE [flat earth] and trying to entice others to the RE [round earth] side. This would make you a shill. You know that the world is flat, yet you are trying to undermine that by calling the world round.”

Over on Reddit, users reacted to the experiment. One person typed: “I have a suspicion that flat earthers are only doing this so that one day people might be exasperated enough with them would give a free flight to the space just to prove them wrong.”

While another added: “This is where I see much of the explanation for ‘high profile’ flat-earthers. It’s not really about proving the earth is flat. It’s about getting attention and everything that comes along with it. They are almost like conmen in a way.”

So there you have it guys, as we all knew… the Earth is round.

Flat Earthers realize ‘they are wrong’ after traveling to Antarctica to prove the Earth isn’t round in hilarious footage Read More