What ‘Scooby Doo' taught me about the riddle of identity
Thanks in part to 'Wayne's World,' most everyone knows what a 'Scooby-Doo' ending is: One of the gang — usually Fred — says something like, 'Let's see who the monster really is!' and removes the villain's mask. As his true identity is revealed, the other members of the gang — Velma, or Daphne, or Shaggy — says something like, 'Why it's old man Withers, the guy who runs the haunted amusement park!'
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Obè Acquired By Dear Media
Obè, a fitness platform for women, was acquired by Dear Media, a podcast network for women. Obè Fitness Co-Founder Mark Mullett and Dear Media Founder and CEO Michael Bosstick speak with Vonnie Quinn and Scarlet Fu about the deal and what's to come.
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a day ago
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A surrogate dad. America's guardian. What Superman means to us.
Larry Tye's July 14 op-ed, 'Fear of a 'woke' Superman,' and Jennifer Finney Boylan's July 13 online op-ed, 'Superman's father taught me how to write,' explored the meaning of one of America's original superheroes as he returned to the big screen. Post Opinions asked readers how they felt about Superman — and Clark Kent. These are some of their responses. The best line I heard in any version of Superman came from the TV series 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.' It took Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher) quite a while to discover that her work colleague Clark Kent (Dean Cain) was Superman. He tried to explain his two personas to her this way: 'Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am.' Although he could fly and lift tremendous weights, and bullets bounced off his chest, he was the son of the Kents, that good, kind and sometimes humorous couple in Kansas. That's why he wanted to use his powers to save lives and help people by doing things that humans couldn't. And he didn't want to take credit, nor to endanger people he loved, so he disguised himself when he did those things. His 'secret identity' was Superman, not Clark Kent. Tina Rhea, Greenbelt Story continues below advertisement The protector of democracy As a child growing up in a suburb of Boston during World War II, I was addicted to comic books, and Superman and Batman were my regulars. My father was away in Europe serving in the Army as a doctor. We all knew how terrifying the Nazis were. And until the American landing in Normandy, I felt as if only Superman and Batman were there to protect us from invasion. Charles Halsted, Davis, California A male role model I grew up in the '50s and '60s, and my first encounter with Superman was in 'Adventures of Superman,' the TV series starring George Reeves. Being a skinny kid with no father in our home, I was fascinated by the idea of a person with incredible powers who could right wrongs and protect the innocent. I imagined that was how most kids felt about their actual fathers. Superman fit the bill of an idealized father, even though I knew he wasn't real. I was bullied a bit in school until I hit adolescence, and I always felt that Superman himself, or having his powers, would keep those kids from bothering me. I bought most of the Superman comic books back then (I wish I had kept them!), and he was always my favorite superhero. The most wonderful power was, for me, the ability to fly. Fly away from your problems, float on clouds, visit faraway lands and just enjoy the freedom that such an ability gives you. I remember pretending to fly like Reeves did in the TV series: He would run a bit, then hop once and launch himself. I did that all the time as a kid, imagining I was soaring. We were relatively poor. My mother had five children, and we lived in my grandmother's house, which provided all of us with shelter and food but not much else. With no father figure to encourage physical activity, I didn't do a lot to get in shape: no sports or hiking, except when my mother's sister and her family visited us. I was very self-conscious about my lacking physique at that time and fantasized about being like Superman (or Superboy), protecting innocent people and stopping criminals. I always thought the supervillains in most Superman comics were unrealistic, and I didn't care for most of them. But stopping crimes, saving people in distress and standing up for all that is good are the characteristics of Superman that I always treasured — and still do. Stephen Tenbrink, Fort Collins, Colorado A distant ideal There are two words that appear in all of my published novels. One is 'volcano,' and the other is 'Superman.' You can make of 'volcano' what you wish, but the fact that I can't resist invoking Superman suggests that he burrowed more deeply into my psyche during childhood than any other character or cultural artifact. When I was a kid, I thought that Superman on TV looked a lot like my father. It's hard to see the resemblance now, but I'm sure a psychologist would have something to say about my perception. Elements of those comics, among them the Fortress of Solitude and the Bottle City of Kandor, still seem to me as memorable and evocative as anything I've seen or read in movies and novels. When I refer to Superman in fiction, it's always as a physical and moral ideal, compared with which my protagonists see themselves falling woefully, comically short. And when I see President Donald Trump's administration posting an unironic image of him dressed in a Superman suit on social media, I think, 'Truth, justice and the American way' — what a neat encapsulation of the things he violates every day. Michael Laser, Montclair, New Jersey Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Putting on the cape At age 14, I became Superman. I was in a radio workshop in New York where teens learned how to tell audio stories. We'd get up super early for our audio production class, then head to WBAI, where our teachers handed us the reins to a live call-in show called 'Once Upon the Air.' One day we decided, 'Let's interview Superman.' Listen 1 min Settings Options My friend Frank Linkh was the interviewer, and I was Superman. I wanted my hero to be honest and grounded, to listen to children with care, to be clear about his moral compass and to connect with the audience. Most importantly, our entire team wanted to spread magic, wonder and delight. We committed fully so the audience could be transported. After all, this was a show for children, some of whom were excited to know that Superman would take time out of his schedule to talk with them. After he asked me questions, we took calls from children and adults. They wanted to know everything from 'What does it feel like to fly?' to 'Why aren't you married?' Folks asked what I'd done about social issues, whether I supported a draft and how I switched so quickly from my regular suit into my costume. They also asked about the Superman movies and whether I considered myself to be a scientist. Afterward, I couldn't stop smiling. I felt like I could do anything. My worldview has continued to match Kal-El's. Seeing the new movie felt like going home again. Zohar Rom, Arlington A real superhero I was 11 years old in 1978 when the first Superman movie starring Christopher Reeve came out. It was amazing not only to see Superman fly and witness good triumph over evil, but to watch a mild-mannered man morph into a hero and fight against his vulnerability to kryptonite, which threatened to debilitate him and destroy his life. In 1989, I would need to summon similar strength and courage. I was a passenger in a car that lost control, and I was thrown 100 feet from the vehicle. I woke up and knew immediately something was wrong. I could not feel my legs. In the hospital, the doctors told me I suffered a spinal cord injury and would never walk again or be able to have children. Just as I was flying into adulthood, my wings were clipped. My injury became my kryptonite, threatening to destroy me. Because I had an incomplete injury, I worked to regain as much movement and muscle as possible. But even after leaving the hospital and subacute care, I had so many questions: How do I get up the stairs? How do I drive? How will I continue with therapy? How do I live this new life? Thankfully, the American Paralysis Association — now known as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation — was there to answer the questions and provide me with the help I so desperately needed. Six years after I was hurt, Reeve also suffered a spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis from the neck down. His character's on-screen struggle became all too real. Not only did he need his strength for himself, but he also still continued to help people in need. He became a spokesperson for all of us. I was fortunate enough to have spent time with Christopher and his wife, Dana. They were remarkable people. Not only did they seek to find a cure for spinal injuries, but they also created the foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center. The center is a place where those with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis can get answers for their urgent questions. They help and support family members who become caregivers. The need is great: Roughly 5.5 million Americans use wheelchairs. About 17,000 people in the U.S. sustain spinal cord injuries each year. Unfortunately, the president's fiscal 2026 budget proposal would eliminate funding for the center. It is my sincerest hope that our government rejects this proposal and keeps the Superman legacy alive. Stacey Mahdavian, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (July 12-18)
The ladies of the internet never fail to brighten our day with their brilliant and succinct wit. Each week, HuffPost Women rounds up their hilarious musings. Scroll through this week's great tweets, threads and other posts from women, then visit our 'Funniest Tweets From Women' page for past roundups. Sign up for our Funniest Tweets of the Week newsletter. me and my best friend saying,"hey, who are we to judge" after spending 6 hours gossiping — Irene (@hieireen) July 16, 2025 me and my best friend saying,"hey, who are we to judge" after spending 6 hours gossiping— Irene (@hieireen) July 16, 2025 "> me and my best friend saying,"hey, who are we to judge" after spending 6 hours gossiping Once i matched with a guy and ended up finding out he lived in my neighborhood so i told him to go outside and scream and he did. and i heard it — rowan (@calicosmall) July 15, 2025 Once i matched with a guy and ended up finding out he lived in my neighborhood so i told him to go outside and scream and he did. and i heard it— rowan (@calicosmall) July 15, 2025 "> Once i matched with a guy and ended up finding out he lived in my neighborhood so i told him to go outside and scream and he did. and i heard it I read it phonetically like oomf — sloane (sîpihkopiyesîs) 🇵🇸🇨🇩🇸🇩 (@cottoncandaddy) July 13, 2025I read it phonetically like oomf drinking at the airport lounge is so fun until the afters is sitting still in a confined space — alexa (@mariokartdwi) July 16, 2025 drinking at the airport lounge is so fun until the afters is sitting still in a confined space— alexa (@mariokartdwi) July 16, 2025 "> drinking at the airport lounge is so fun until the afters is sitting still in a confined space i always leave my friends voicemails in case they suddenly decide to be a musician and need an interlude — meeka (@MeekyBlinders) July 14, 2025 i always leave my friends voicemails in case they suddenly decide to be a musician and need an interlude— meeka (@MeekyBlinders) July 14, 2025 "> i always leave my friends voicemails in case they suddenly decide to be a musician and need an interlude by age 30 you should have at least six novelty or souvenir cups that you refuse to get rid of and don't match anything else in your home — daisy 'dan goose' tackett (@fatstevebuscemi) July 14, 2025 by age 30 you should have at least six novelty or souvenir cups that you refuse to get rid of and don't match anything else in your home— daisy 'dan goose' tackett (@fatstevebuscemi) July 14, 2025 "> by age 30 you should have at least six novelty or souvenir cups that you refuse to get rid of and don't match anything else in your home It's too late, I sat down on the couch after work, go on without me — meghan (@deloisivete) July 17, 2025 It's too late, I sat down on the couch after work, go on without me— meghan (@deloisivete) July 17, 2025 "> It's too late, I sat down on the couch after work, go on without me "are you busy tomorrow?" my dear, that entirely depends on the rest of the information you're about to give me — ✧ (@cessonmute) July 14, 2025 "are you busy tomorrow?" my dear, that entirely depends on the rest of the information you're about to give me— ✧ (@cessonmute) July 14, 2025 "> "are you busy tomorrow?" my dear, that entirely depends on the rest of the information you're about to give me love how benedryl is just like take me and u won't experience any allergy symptoms :) because u will be unconscious :) — deedee megadoodoo (@givemebudlight) July 16, 2025 love how benedryl is just like take me and u won't experience any allergy symptoms :) because u will be unconscious :)— deedee megadoodoo (@givemebudlight) July 16, 2025 "> love how benedryl is just like take me and u won't experience any allergy symptoms :) because u will be unconscious :) @thelesliegaar/Threads @ @sami/Threads @ @samanthamatt1/Threads @kiandria/Threads @margaretkarry/Threads I'm a simple girl... I see a book, I buy the book, I let the book sit on my shelf for years unread. — Maliha (@CaffeinatedLiha) July 13, 2025 I'm a simple girl... I see a book, I buy the book, I let the book sit on my shelf for years unread.— Maliha (@CaffeinatedLiha) July 13, 2025 "> I'm a simple girl... I see a book, I buy the book, I let the book sit on my shelf for years unread. hey (with the intention of getting ice cream) — erika (@yeeeerika) July 14, 2025 hey (with the intention of getting ice cream)— erika (@yeeeerika) July 14, 2025 "> hey (with the intention of getting ice cream) My friend got dumped yesterday and last night, we had a FaceTime call where everyone shared how much we hated him and now they are back together. — sugamummy 😃🍹🍜🥗 (@ceraliza) July 14, 2025 My friend got dumped yesterday and last night, we had a FaceTime call where everyone shared how much we hated him and now they are back together.— sugamummy 😃🍹🍜🥗 (@ceraliza) July 14, 2025 "> My friend got dumped yesterday and last night, we had a FaceTime call where everyone shared how much we hated him and now they are back together. i would be so bad at planning a bachelorette party. girl let's go get MRIs — bald ann dowd (@ali_sivi) July 16, 2025 i would be so bad at planning a bachelorette party. girl let's go get MRIs— bald ann dowd (@ali_sivi) July 16, 2025 "> i would be so bad at planning a bachelorette party. girl let's go get MRIs If I said I wanted a croissant and someone gave me beans instead,,,we are fighting — 🎀 Peachie! 🎀 working on comms! (@pastelpxchie) July 16, 2025If I said I wanted a croissant and someone gave me beans instead,,,we are fighting [flirting] would you like to come over sometime and make a list? — Meg (@megannn_lynne) July 15, 2025 [flirting] would you like to come over sometime and make a list?— Meg (@megannn_lynne) July 15, 2025 "> [flirting] would you like to come over sometime and make a list? @wendiaarons/Threads @ginnyhogan_/Threads @ elleunchained/Threads @tenickab/Threads @janelcomeau/Threads EVIL doesn't die… it reinvents itself. — Baby Tate (@imbabytate) July 16, 2025EVIL doesn't die… it reinvents itself. well well well, if it isn't the bridge i said i d cross when i came to it — alfie (@alfienxo) July 13, 2025 well well well, if it isn't the bridge i said i d cross when i came to it— alfie (@alfienxo) July 13, 2025 "> well well well, if it isn't the bridge i said i d cross when i came to it the bond between a girl and her notes app is historical — ໊ (@ppyowna) July 14, 2025the bond between a girl and her notes app is historical Had a nightmare I miscalculated my college credits and wasn't going to be able to graduate. I have been a licensed attorney for almost five years — Karen, Esq. (@comradeflirty) July 14, 2025 Had a nightmare I miscalculated my college credits and wasn't going to be able to graduate. I have been a licensed attorney for almost five years— Karen, Esq. (@comradeflirty) July 14, 2025 "> Had a nightmare I miscalculated my college credits and wasn't going to be able to graduate. I have been a licensed attorney for almost five years i like that the cheating coldplay couple seems an age-appropriate match — Naomi Fry (@frynaomifry) July 17, 2025 i like that the cheating coldplay couple seems an age-appropriate match— Naomi Fry (@frynaomifry) July 17, 2025 "> i like that the cheating coldplay couple seems an age-appropriate match this is how you should go to concerts if you've called in sick or you're cheating on your partners btw — zhopamine (@zedchrmsm) July 17, 2025this is how you should go to concerts if you've called in sick or you're cheating on your partners btw I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is 'The only free cheese is in the mousetrap' - which is so much better — Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (@sjblakemore) July 16, 2025 I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is 'The only free cheese is in the mousetrap' - which is so much better— Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (@sjblakemore) July 16, 2025 "> I was explaining to my Ukrainian colleague the phrase 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'. She told me the equivalent in Ukrainian is 'The only free cheese is in the mousetrap' - which is so much better Tell me why. My coworker started crying cuz her boyfriend broke up wit her (thru text) & my manager gone say "that's why we tell y'all stay off y'all phones at work' 😭😭😭 — ✨444✨ (@Sunshine_Leti) July 15, 2025 Tell me why. My coworker started crying cuz her boyfriend broke up wit her (thru text) & my manager gone say "that's why we tell y'all stay off y'all phones at work' 😭😭😭— ✨444✨ (@Sunshine_Leti) July 15, 2025 "> Tell me why. My coworker started crying cuz her boyfriend broke up wit her (thru text) & my manager gone say "that's why we tell y'all stay off y'all phones at work' 😭😭😭 4 sneezes in a row is clout chasing. wrap it up — Zabby ♡ (@Africanzabby) July 14, 2025 4 sneezes in a row is clout chasing. wrap it up— Zabby ♡ (@Africanzabby) July 14, 2025 "> 4 sneezes in a row is clout chasing. wrap it up Related... The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week
