Author Daria Lavelle's Novel ‘Aftertaste': Check Please
To be fair, it begins quite well. The story starts by following the childhood of Konstantin 'Kostya' Duhovny, a poor, awkward New York City kid who lost his Russian immigrant father at a very young age. His last words to his father were those of disgust and scorn; he tells his father the family should have stayed back in the old country where Kostya could've been a chef, instead of a pathetic bus driver in America.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Billy Joel Says Wife Alexis Was 'Unimpressed with the Whole Billy Joel Thing' When They First Met — Which 'Impressed' Him
The legendary musician talks about meeting his wife for the first time in the new HBO documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' Billy Joel brought out all the stops for his wife Alexis the first time they met — but she wasn't exactly impressed by a private concert. Joel, 76, reflects on the first time he met Alexis, 43, in the new HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, and recalls that her nonchalance toward his skills drew him to her. 'When you meet someone who captures your imagination, it renews, it revitalizes,' he says in the film. 'I remember the first time I met Alexis, we went to my house, and I wanted to play the piano for her. It's a form of communication for me.' The 'Just the Way You Are' singer says he drew on a famous scene from the Marilyn Monroe film The Seven-Year Itch, in which the character trying to woo Monroe's character plays a song by the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. 'I'm playing that and she's completely unimpressed with it, totally. She couldn't care less what I'm playing and I'm thinking, 'Oh OK, this isn't working,'' Joel says. 'She was very unimpressed with the whole Billy Joel thing, which impressed me. Because I thought, 'OK, maybe she's just here because she likes me, not the Billy Joel guy.'' Joel says he was initially uncertain as to whether he wanted to start a new relationship, as he was fresh off a divorce from his third wife, Katie Lee, and was wary. Still, the star explains that 'something popped,' and he knew he was open to love once more. Alexis — whom he went on to marry in 2015 and welcome daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7 — also appears in the documentary, and says that the couple got to know each other better after that first meeting through phone calls and emails. She also praises his skills in the kitchen, saying Joel would often cook dinner for her to come home to while she was working in finance. 'We had a couple years together before we had kids and he had completely stopped doing shows,' she says. 'We traveled everywhere. We did a motorcycle trip from Maine down to Long Island, we were on boats 24/7. We were in Europe. We had so much fun.' Alexis has been a pillar of strength for the star in recent months as he deals with a treatable brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus (The rocker tells PEOPLE in this week's issue that he's 'OK' and not 'deathly ill'). Dennis Arfa, the star's longtime booking agent, tells PEOPLE he's 'so happy' to see Joel 'raising his children and being so in love with them and Alexis and his family.' 'It's quite rewarding,' Arfa says. 'I'm always rooting for Billy's happiness and his success. I've seen Billy have a lot of happy times through his life, [but] he's had to deal with certain adversity. I'm happy for him in this chapter, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter with him.' Joel himself adds that he's 'really enjoying this time in my life.' Billy Joel: And So It Goes (now streaming on HBO Max) is a rare, revelatory glimpse into the private world of one of rock music's most enduring acts, and how he overcame substance abuse, mental health struggles, and more to find peace. Read the original article on People
Boston Globe
19 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Blind date: ‘We went for ice cream after'
ALAN L.: 24 / Air Force What makes him a catch: He's great at public speaking. His hobbies: Piano, triathlons, boxing 7 P.M. BLACK LAMB, BOSTON Feeling Symptomatic Anja I've been burnt out with dating apps and haven't been able to meet people organically. Alan My older brother had friends who started relationships after signing up [for Cupid]. Anja I did talk about Cupid with my friends, sister, and therapist to get their opinions before I agreed to do it. Alan I knew her name was Anja, so I touched up on my Russian and had some lines prepared. Anja I waited for the host to bring me to the table. I was a little surprised, because he was blond with blue eyes, like me. He is handsome, but I don't really find myself attracted to blonds. Alan I came in with an open mind. The first thing I noticed were her eyes. Big and blue like an ocean. She also wore Birkenstocks, which I thought was interesting. Advertisement In Treatment Anja When he saw my name, he thought it was Russian and so he brushed up on his Russian (which he almost minored in). Alan I discovered she was NOT Russian, so I prepped my lines for nothing. We talked about movies, music, a lot of surface-level topics. Anja He studied at the Air Force Academy and has worked at multiple bases, where he is a trainer, conducting fitness tests. I also learned that he is interested in boxing, UFC, and [the martial art] Muay Thai. Advertisement Alan She was easy to talk to and had a warm smile. I think the only deal breaker was that she was older than me, and clearly a little more mature. Anja We got the shellfish platter (oysters, clams, crudo, shrimp), mussels, and fries. Alan The food and service were great. We stuck strictly to seafood and Anja held my hand while I tried out new, scary foods for the first time. Anja I'm a bit of a flirt, so there were never any lulls in our conversation. I would be nervous to date someone who has an interest in concussive-heavy sports. I have too much knowledge about the downstream effects of that activity. Alan She was sweet and seems like a great person. But we floated around conversation to conversation and there weren't any real sparks. Related : Unclear Prognosis Anja We went out for ice cream after. I wasn't in a rush to end things, but I think my mind had been made up before dinner was finished. I'm too scared of confrontation to tell someone right away that I'm not really interested. Alan We walked to an ice cream spot nearby, and I was excited to continue listening to her. Anja We exchanged numbers and tentatively agreed to go on a second date. We hugged. He was respectful. Alan We hugged good night. Second Date? Anja I think we will, but I don't see things long term between us. Alan Maybe. I proposed a coffee once she's back in town but I wouldn't be surprised if we never saw each other again. We're on different [paths]. Advertisement Grading the Date Anja / A Alan / B Related : Go on a blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application at
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Every lesbian and sapphic WNBA No.1 draft pick since the league started
;;; Darrell Walker/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images From Left: Sue Bird, Brittney Griner, Paige Buckers, and Chamique Holdsclaw. The WNBA has been getting gayer every year since its inception. With 41 queer players in the league this year, the StudBudz taking over All-Star weekend, and couples like Paige Bueckers/Azzi Fudd and NaLyssa Smith/DiJonai Carrington making headlines, the WNBA's LGBTQ+ fans are eating well. Over the course of the nearly 30-year history of the WNBA, 11 of the No.1 overall draft picks have been gay. All of these players held off on coming out until after they had joined the league and have been living their lives out and proud ever since. Do we wish there were even more? Of course! But not only were these players the best of the best in the NCAA, but they've gone on to have illustrious, headline-making careers in the WNBA. So who are these gay No.1 draft picks, where are they now, and what's been going on in their romantic lives? Paige Bueckers (2025) Paige Bueckers is the latest No.1 overall pick after having won the NCAA National Championship in 2025 while playing for Conn. Bueckers was drafted to the Dallas Wings, where she now plays alongside DiJonai Carrington and Arike Ogunbowale. Relationship status Bueckers finally confirmed her relationship with her former UConn teammate and best friend Azzi Fudd last week, after months of teasing fans and speculation. Jewell Lloyd (2015) Jewell Lloyd was picked No.1 by the Seattle Storm after having played for Notre Dame. On February 1 she was officially traded to the Las Vegas Aces as part of a huge three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm, that also sent Kelsey Plum to the Sparks. Relationship status On July 20, Lloyd semed to hard launch her new relationship with Miami Hurricane player Natalija Marshall. This comes after she started publicly dating Estonia point guard Téa Adams last year. Brittney Griner (2013) Brittney Griner was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury when she was the first overall pick in 2013. The three-time Olympic gold medalist and 10-time All-Star played 11 seasons with the Mercury before joining the Atlanta Dream. Relationship status Griner met her wife Cherelle Griner when they were both attending Baylor University. They tied the knot in 2019, and Cherelle stood by Griner's side while she was being detained in a Russian prison. The two were reunited in 2022 and in July 2024 they announced the birth of their son Bash. Angel McCoughtry (2009) Angel McCoughtry was originally drafted to the Atlanta Dream out of the University of Louisville. Since then, she was the WNBA Rookie of the Year, won two Olympic gold medals, and was a five-time WNBA All-Star. McCoughtry last played for the Minnesota Lynx in 2022, and is currently producing the thriller TV show Apartment 6B. Relationship status McCoughtry got engaged to Brande Elise in 2015, but the two have since split up. Candace Parker (2008) Since being the No.1 overall pick in 2008, Candace Parker has racked up a long list of accomplishments. She is a three-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA champion, two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, and five-time Russian League National Champion. Parker played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces over the course of her career, which ended in 2024 when she retired to pursue a career in broadcasting for NBA and NCAA games. Relationship status After keeping things under wraps, Parker announced she married Anna Petrakova in 2019. The lovebirds had been teammates during the WNBA offseason when they were both playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg. Now they share two children. Seimone Augustus (2006) Seimone Augustus was drafted to the Minnesota Lynx before going on to win four WNBA Championships, including leading the Lynx to their first title. She also took home Rookie of the Year, won multiple titles while playing overseas, and is now the assistant coach for the LSU women's basketball team, where she rocks incredible outfits every game. Relationship status Augustus married LaTaya Varner in 2015, but the couple divorced a few years later in 2018. Janel McCarville (2005) Janel McCarville was initially drafted to the now-defunct Charlotte Sting. The star center played her final WNBA season with the Minnesota Lynx in 2016, after winning a WNBA Championship with the team in 2013. After retiring from the WNBA, McCarville returned to he home state and is now coaching high school basketball in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Relationship status McCarville has been very private about her personal life, but appears to spend a great deal of time with her family. Diana Taurasi (2004) When GOAT Diana Taurasi was the No.1 draft pick back in 2004, the Phoenix Mercury snapped her up, and she ended up playing for the team for the entirety of her legendary 20-year-long career. She is the WNBA's all-time leading scorer and one of the most decorated basketball players of all time, taking home three WNBA championships, six Olympic medals, and is an 11-time All-Star. Relationship status Taurasi met her wife Penny Taylor in 2004 while they were both playing for the Mercury. They got married in 2017 and share two children together, a son named Leo and a daughter named Isla. Sue Bird (2002) Sue Bird, who is considered one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, was drafted by the Seattle Storm when she was the No.1 draft pick. During her career, Bird took home four WNBA championships with the Storm, five Olympic gold medals, was selected as an All-Star 13 times, and was picked for All-WNBA teams. Much like Taurasi, Bird retired in 2022 after 20 years on the same team that originally drafted her. Relationship status Bird got engaged to soccer legend Megan Rapinoe in 2020. The pair have both retired from the world of sports and now host a podcast together called A Touch More. Ann Wauters (2000) Ann Wauters was the No.1 draft pick by the now-defunct Cleveland Rockers back in 2000. She was Rookie of the Year, won a WNBA Championship while playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, was a All-Star in 2005, and won countless championships while playing overseas. During her career she also played for the Atlanta Dream, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Seattle Storm. Since retiring, she has spent the last two seasons as the assistant coach with the Chicago Sky. Relationship status Wauters met her partner Lot Wielfaert in 2007. They got married in Belgium that same year, and then in 2010 they both announced they were pregnant at the same time. Wielfaert, who was also a pro baller, retired to help raise their children. Wauters was a pioneer at a time when very few public figures were out and even fewer were public about having children, and the WNBA didn't provide maternity care. The couple is still together and shares three children, Lou, Vance, and Dree. Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) The WNBA had its inaugural season in 1997, and just two years later it's first LGBTQ+ player was drafted when Chamique Holdsclaw was picked No. 1 overall by the Washington Mystics. Holdsclaw was named Rookie of the Year, was a six-time WNBA All-Star, and took home a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Relationship status Holdsclaw married Cara Wright in 2018, and the couple has a son named Cairo and a daughter named Camdyn Rose. This article originally appeared on Pride: Every lesbian and sapphic WNBA No.1 draft pick since the league started RELATED Meet all 41 queer players in this season's WNBA From elephants to purple aliens, ranking the WNBA mascots by how Sapphic they are Why the WNBA power couple NaLyssa Smith & DiJonai Carrington news has lesbians spiraling
