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Business Insider
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Ghosts and ghouls are all over your favorite stores. It's time to embrace 'Summerween.'
Boo! You might see something spooky — spine-tingling, even — when you walk into a Home Goods or Walmart this week. And you might shriek in horror when you see ghosts and pumpkin decor on display. Summer has only just begun! How could they be stocking Halloween stuff when school barely just let out? Relax, it's Summerween! The fake shopping holiday for those who want to put out Halloween decor in July. This isn't the first Summerween, by the way — it's been around for a few years now. But it's growing: It appears to have started at the craft store Michael's, spread to T.J. Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods. And now, this week, Walmart is adding "Summer Frights" decor to its stores. In fact, rapper Princess Nokia just released a new song, " Drop Dead Gorgeous," that has a lyric: "Summerween and I wanna get my spooky on." Summerween's origins appear to trace back to the cartoon show "Gravity Falls," where in a 2012 episode, the characters carved watermelons and went trick-or-treating. But there's another element afoot: some adults (and you probably know one) just freaking love Halloween. The Wall Street Journal reports: Like those who love the holidays, Halloween superfans have become their own subculture. They use phrases like "code orange" to alert others on social media when they come across fun themed merch. Retailers are using it to get a head start on fall, spurring people to buy their decorations now—a time of year when shopping enthusiasm is typically muted. Lowe's first "Halfway to Halloween" push came in April 2024, and the retailer repeated it this year, even adding a second wave of products in June. Target released some of its more popular Halloween items, like $5 decorative birds, in May and more is planned for later in the summer. Michaels had its earliest Halloween launch ever this June. By late July, the merchandise will completely take over the front of stores, said Melissa Mills, senior vice president of merchandising. I went to check out the selections in my local T.J. Maxx, Home Goods, and Walmart. I was particularly excited to see the Walmart offerings, since this is apparently the first time it has them. But my local store didn't have anything yet. (I did notice some open shelf space in the "Seasonal" section.) Over at T.J. Maxx and Home Goods, the Summerween selections were in full effect. There were pink candles with ghosts, dish towels, magenta velvet skeletons, painted driftwood candy corns, and framed art of ghosts and Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein at the beach. Pink and purple were as prevalent as orange and black, which sets these Summerween items clearly apart from their October cousins. It was cute, not scary. For a moment, the thought crossed my mind to actually buy some of this — a fuzzy pastel candy corn caught my eye. I am not one of those Halloween enthusiasts, but I'm sure my kids would love celebrating Summerween. Halloween is one of the few non-denominational, non-political, purely fun holidays throughout the year — whynot double up on it? Is this all just an excuse to sell people more junk? Well, sure. But so what? Do you think Thanksgiving is "real," too? That Christmas isn't overly commercialized? Or that Mother's Day isn't just a racket by greeting card companies? Do you worry about the real meaning of Toyathon? Grow up. Open your eyes and your heart and embrace Summerween.
Tom's Guide
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Celebrate Juneteenth by streaming this must-see Netflix drama with 99% on Rotten Tomatoes
From "Miss Congeniality" to "Little Miss Sunshine" to "Drop Dead Gorgeous", the competitive world of beauty pageants has been explored numerous times on film, but one of the best is "Miss Juneteenth," a Southern drama that sees a former beauty queen and single mom prepare her rebellious teenage daughter for a local pageant in Texas. But where other movies have focused on the silliness and superficiality of the pageant circuit, the 2020 title — which was written and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples ("Queen Sugar") in her feature film directorial debut — is a thought-provoking, character-driven watch that digs into hefty topics, from racism to motherhood to the meaning of freedom, all guided by two great lead performances by Nicole Beharie and Alexis Chikaeze. "Miss Juneteenth" is available to stream on Netflix, as part of the streaming service's ever-changing selection of movies and TV shows. And here's why you should celebrate Juneteenth with this moving drama. In "Miss Juneteenth", Nicole Beharie stars as Turquoise Jones, a single mother in a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. She is the former winner of the local Miss Juneteenth pageant, which offers a full scholarship to a historically black college. However, her own education was derailed by the birth of her now 15-year-old daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze), which forced Turquoise to drop out of college and for a time to work as a stripper. Seeking a better life for her daughter, Turquoise enters Kai into the same Miss Juneteenth contest, despite the teen girl's lack of enthusiasm for the pageant life and her own personal passions to pursue dance. Mother and daughter simultaneously butt heads but also get closer as they navigate deferred dreams and differing aspirations in this heartfelt multigeneration tale. Along with offering up one of the most believable mother-daughter relationships on screen in recent years, "Miss Juneteenth" paints a vivid, authentic picture of Black life in Fort Worth, Texas. Writer-director Channing Godfrey Peoples personally drew upon her own hometown, her childhood and her life experiences to create the character of Turquoise. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The drama currently has a near-perfect 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's critical consensus reading: "Like a pageant winner walking across the stage, 'Miss Juneteenth' follows a familiar path – but does so with charm and grace." Nicole Beharie received a Gotham Award for Best Actress and David Rooney at The Hollywood Reporter praised the star for the "natural luminosity" and "radiant warmth" she brings to her scenes Writing for The New York Times, Lovia Gyarkye highlighted film's thoughtful handling of its various themes, "from the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, to the legacy of racism in predatory bank lending practices. But what's most impressive is the amount of space Peoples's black female characters inhabit in the narrative." This Juneteenth, let the film be a powerful reminder of both the struggles and the enduring spirit of freedom. Watch "Miss Juneteenth" on Netflix now
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jordon Hudson is Bill Belichick's girlfriend and 'creative muse.' She also wants to be Miss Maine USA.
When Jordon Hudson takes the stage to compete for the title of Miss Maine USA this weekend, she'll be introducing herself to a new audience. Representing her hometown of Hancock, Maine, Hudson is competing in three phases of preliminary competition on May 10 — interview, swimsuit and evening gown — to move on to the finals on May 11. Should she win the crown, she'd serve her title before competing in the Miss USA pageant. Hudson's pageant aspirations may be lesser known compared to her high-profile relationship with former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. The 24-year-old has been a constant presence and 'creative muse' for the 73-year-old UNC football coach. She's been by his side since taking their relationship public, including in photos on her Instagram account, the NFL Honors, a Dunkin' Donuts commercial and most recently, his CBS Sunday Morning interview. Before that viral moment, she took to her Instagram on April 9 to announce that she'd compete for the title. So with companionship, confidence and the world curious about her every move, why, exactly, is Hudson competing in a pageant? Pageants have long been known as a starting point for women with big dreams, including stars like Diane Sawyer and Halle Berry. They've been parodied in classic films like Drop Dead Gorgeous and Miss Congeniality, and contested by some as an antiquated sign of eras past. But when you're someone like Hudson, whose name is already splashed across every publication at the grocery store checkout, the reason to participate feels a bit more mysterious. "I think motivations vary so much from person to person," Julia Van Steenberghe, who won Miss Maine USA in 2020, told Yahoo Entertainment. "For some, the platform of pageantry can be an extension of what they're already doing. Even with a public profile, the stage offers a different kind of personal challenge — one rooted in discipline, purpose and impact. For many, it's not about fame at all.' During her reign as Miss Maine USA, Van Steenberghe worked to raise awareness about food insecurity in Maine, fundraised and volunteered with organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank and Best Buddies. Van Steenberghe, 26, said she was attracted to the pageant world for its ability to open doors to the entertainment, modeling and related industries. However, her main motivation was the potential to "become comfortable in any room or setting I entered." Today, she's the director of student success and recruitment at the Maine Business School. She still has one foot in the pageant world, consulting for pageant contestants and professionals on public speaking, personal brand and presentation. 'I work with clients across all divisions and systems, from teens to women in their 40s competing for the first time, and their motivations are so diverse,' said Van Steenberghe. 'Some want visibility, sure, but others are looking to build confidence, make new connections or simply prove to themselves that they can do something outside their comfort zone.' Hannah Trottier-Braun, 24, is competing alongside Hudson in this weekend's competition. While the potential to travel to compete in the Miss USA pageant is an exciting prize, she sees the competition as the ultimate opportunity. "You get to do all of these things that you may not have had the ability to do if you weren't Miss Maine USA," Trottier-Braun, who is representing Lewiston, Maine, and is graduating from law school later this month, told Yahoo. Winners get to collaborate with a model placement group, work with photographers on photo shoots, make connections through networking and attend galas and charitable events. "Also, you get a bunch of advocacy opportunities. You get to work with all these different organizations that are working to better society, which is inspiring. And it's really fun to be able to have the opportunity to be a leader on that level," she said. Isabelle St. Cyr, 24, is representing Monson, Maine, in the pageant this weekend. A farmer who makes most of her income selling duck eggs, she's the first openly transgender woman to compete in Miss Maine USA. When it comes to each contestant's goals for entering the competition, St. Cyr told Yahoo it's different for everyone. "Everyone has their own reasons for doing pageants. I think that every competitor has something about it that is their favorite — some people do it for the runway because they're trying to make it in the world of modeling. Then some people may have a social platform or are more into politics and want to represent what they believe in onstage. I think that we all have very different motivations going into it." Whatever drives them, St. Cyr says the world of pageants has evolved significantly, noting that the Miss Universe organization, which includes Miss USA, lifted its ban on transgender contestants in 2012. Additional revisions have been made to the Miss Universe system in recent years, including changes to age restrictions and allowing married women to participate. "They were known for vanity way back in the day," said St. Cyr of pageants. "But [now], they're known for inspiring confidence and breaking boundaries and learning how to represent yourself. I love how that's changed." Representative for the Clemente Organization, which produces the Miss Maine USA competition, didn't respond to Yahoo's requests for comment. Hudson isn't the first contestant with a sizable online following who competes in pageants. Hannah Neeleman, a Utah social media influencer whose 10 million Instagram followers know her as Ballerina Farm, was 20 weeks pregnant with her eighth child, Flora Jo, when she won the title of Mrs. American in 2023, a competition specifically for married women. In February 2024, she competed in the Mrs. World pageant, just two weeks after giving birth to her daughter. As for Hudson's motivations, she took to Instagram in January to celebrate pageants, comparing 'Beauty Queens' to 'Contemporary Suffragettes.' 'A little known fact is that pageantry in the USA was birthed in 1921, in the wake of the Women's Suffrage Movement; with the title sashes emulating those of the great women warriors who fought for our Rights as Women,' Hudson wrote. 'Like feminism, pageantry is malleable & looks a lot different now than it did 104 years ago, however, the essence and mission to perpetuate Women's Rights and Empowerment is never-changing.' She continued, 'Sure, both 'feminism' & 'pageantry' have flaws and connotative aspects (as does every other 'industry'), but we are all dedicated to finding the solutions to all of these issues. Let it not be mistaken that our intentions are anything aside from deep and pure.' It's also possible that, like Belichick, she may just like to win. "Maybe she's just trying to come back to get a title," said St. Cyr. "Because last year she got first runner-up."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jordon Hudson is Bill Belichick's girlfriend and 'creative muse.' She also wants to be Miss Maine USA.
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. When Jordon Hudson takes the stage to compete for the title of Miss Maine USA this weekend, she'll be introducing herself to a new audience. Representing her hometown of Hancock, Maine, Hudson is competing in three phases of preliminary competition on May 10 — interview, swimsuit and evening gown — to move on to the finals on May 11. Should she win the crown, she'd serve her title before competing in the Miss USA pageant. Hudson's pageant aspirations may be lesser known compared to her high-profile relationship with former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. The 24-year-old has been a constant presence and 'creative muse' for the 73-year-old UNC football coach. She's been by his side since taking their relationship public, including in photos on her Instagram account, the NFL Honors, a Dunkin' Donuts commercial and most recently, his CBS Sunday Morning interview. Before that viral moment, she took to her Instagram on April 9 to announce that she'd compete for the title. So with companionship, confidence and the world curious about her every move, why, exactly, is Hudson competing in a pageant? Pageants have long been known as a starting point for women with big dreams, including stars like Diane Sawyer and Halle Berry. They've been parodied in classic films like Drop Dead Gorgeous and Miss Congeniality, and contested by some as an antiquated sign of eras past. But when you're someone like Hudson, whose name is already splashed across every publication at the grocery store checkout, the reason to participate feels a bit more mysterious. "I think motivations vary so much from person to person," Julia Van Steenberghe, who won Miss Maine USA in 2020, told Yahoo Entertainment. "For some, the platform of pageantry can be an extension of what they're already doing. Even with a public profile, the stage offers a different kind of personal challenge — one rooted in discipline, purpose and impact. For many, it's not about fame at all.' During her reign as Miss Maine USA, Van Steenberghe worked to raise awareness about food insecurity in Maine, fundraised and volunteered with organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank and Best Buddies. Van Steenberghe, 26, said she was attracted to the pageant world for its ability to open doors to the entertainment, modeling and related industries. However, her main motivation was the potential to "become comfortable in any room or setting I entered." Today, she's the director of student success and recruitment at the Maine Business School. She still has one foot in the pageant world, consulting for pageant contestants and professionals on public speaking, personal brand and presentation. 'I work with clients across all divisions and systems, from teens to women in their 40s competing for the first time, and their motivations are so diverse,' said Van Steenberghe. 'Some want visibility, sure, but others are looking to build confidence, make new connections or simply prove to themselves that they can do something outside their comfort zone.' Hannah Trottier-Braun, 24, is competing alongside Hudson in this weekend's competition. While the potential to travel to compete in the Miss USA pageant is an exciting prize, she sees the competition as the ultimate opportunity. "You get to do all of these things that you may not have had the ability to do if you weren't Miss Maine USA," Trottier-Braun, who is representing Lewiston, Maine, and is graduating from law school later this month, told Yahoo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hannah Trottier-Braun (@hannahtrottierbraun) Winners get to collaborate with a model placement group, work with photographers on photo shoots, make connections through networking and attend galas and charitable events. "Also, you get a bunch of advocacy opportunities. You get to work with all these different organizations that are working to better society, which is inspiring. And it's really fun to be able to have the opportunity to be a leader on that level," she said. Isabelle St. Cyr, 24, is representing Monson, Maine, in the pageant this weekend. A farmer who makes most of her income selling duck eggs, she's the first openly transgender woman to compete in Miss Maine USA. When it comes to each contestant's goals for entering the competition, St. Cyr told Yahoo it's different for everyone. "Everyone has their own reasons for doing pageants. I think that every competitor has something about it that is their favorite — some people do it for the runway because they're trying to make it in the world of modeling. Then some people may have a social platform or are more into politics and want to represent what they believe in onstage. I think that we all have very different motivations going into it." Whatever drives them, St. Cyr says the world of pageants has evolved significantly, noting that the Miss Universe organization, which includes Miss USA, lifted its ban on transgender contestants in 2012. Additional revisions have been made to the Miss Universe system in recent years, including changes to age restrictions and allowing married women to participate. Everyone has their own reasons for doing pageants. I think that every competitor has something about it that is their St. Cyr, who is representing Monson, in Miss Maine USA "They were known for vanity way back in the day," said St. Cyr of pageants. "But [now], they're known for inspiring confidence and breaking boundaries and learning how to represent yourself. I love how that's changed." Representative for the Clemente Organization, which produces the Miss Maine USA competition, didn't respond to Yahoo's requests for comment. Hudson isn't the first contestant with a sizable online following who competes in pageants. Hannah Neeleman, a Utah social media influencer whose 10 million Instagram followers know her as Ballerina Farm, was 20 weeks pregnant with her eighth child, Flora Jo, when she won the title of Mrs. American in 2023, a competition specifically for married women. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hannah Neeleman (@ballerinafarm) In February 2024, she competed in the Mrs. World pageant, just two weeks after giving birth to her daughter. As for Hudson's motivations, she took to Instagram in January to celebrate pageants, comparing 'Beauty Queens' to 'Contemporary Suffragettes.' 'A little known fact is that pageantry in the USA was birthed in 1921, in the wake of the Women's Suffrage Movement; with the title sashes emulating those of the great women warriors who fought for our Rights as Women,' Hudson wrote. 'Like feminism, pageantry is malleable & looks a lot different now than it did 104 years ago, however, the essence and mission to perpetuate Women's Rights and Empowerment is never-changing.' She continued, 'Sure, both 'feminism' & 'pageantry' have flaws and connotative aspects (as does every other 'industry'), but we are all dedicated to finding the solutions to all of these issues. Let it not be mistaken that our intentions are anything aside from deep and pure.' It's also possible that, like Belichick, she may just like to win. "Maybe she's just trying to come back to get a title," said St. Cyr. "Because last year she got first runner-up."
Fox News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Charlie Sheen's daughter Sami takes aim at actor's past, says they haven't spoken in a year
Charlie Sheen's daughter hasn't spoken to the "Two and a Half Men" star in a year. Sami Sheen took to social media on Tuesday to take aim at her dad's past drug addiction and explain why their relationship took a turn. In a video posted to TikTok, the 21-year-old used audio from Charlie's 2011 viral interview with "20/20" to explain why she hasn't spoken to her dad in a year. "Are there any drugs in the house?" Andrea Canning asked Charlie in the audio clip Sami posted. "If there are, you better find them and give them to me immediately," Charlie told Canning at the time. "No, there are not. Not that I know about, if I know about them, I'll find them and throw them away. It's not a big deal. Oh! Drugs in the house, ah, we're all gonna die!" The text on the video read, "When people wonder why I haven't spoken to my dad in a year but this is my dad." "Pretty much sums it up," Sami captioned the video. On Monday, Sami got candid about her relationship with her dad during an appearance on Gia Giudice's podcast, "Casual Chaos." "We haven't spoken on the phone in almost a year," the OnlyFans model said. "And then we haven't texted in a little over six months." "I have no idea if he's still sober," Sami said after claiming the actor was sending her some "crazy stuff" via text. "I honestly hope the stuff he was sending me was because he wasn't sober, because that would at least make it a little better. ... I had to put a stop to it and tell him, 'Do not contact me ever again because this is crazy.'" Denise Richards and Charlie welcomed Sami in 2004. The former couple tied the knot in 2002 and were married for just under three years before Richards filed for divorce in March 2005, when she was pregnant with their second daughter, Lola. During an appearance on the "Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson" podcast last month, Richards recalled the lengths to which she went to shield their daughters from Charlie's concerning behavior at the time. "I actually sheltered the kids almost to a point where, now as they're getting older, they're discovering things, and they were at first getting upset with me, like, 'Why didn't you tell me this?'" she said. The "Drop Dead Gorgeous" actress said her goal was to preserve her daughter's relationship with Sheen and not impose her own emotions toward the situation. "There was a time I didn't know if he was going to live, and I didn't want the girls to ever get to know their dad [from] what they would read," she explained. "I wanted it to be their experience and their relationship. And I also didn't want to put on them my feelings, because that's not fair to them and their relationship with him."
