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29 Actors Who Demanded Big Changes To Their Characters And Scripts

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29 Actors Who Demanded Big Changes To Their Characters And Scripts Bryce Dallas Howard wanted to keep her heels on in “Jurassic World” as “a metaphor.” When it comes to acting, the script isn’t gospel. Many actors made bold choices in their performances, but some take it a step further and suggest significant changes to the story itself. Here are 29 actors who demanded big changes to their characters and scripts to Samuel. 23. When Meryl Streep first read the novel Kramer vs. Kramer, which Avery Corman intentionally wrote to be anti-feminist, she thought Joanna came off as “an ogre, a princess, an ass.” She only agreed to accept the role in the film adaptation on the grounds that the script would be rewritten to make Joanna a more sympathetic, realistic, and fully developed character. She also wrote Joanna’s powerful courtroom speech herself. In Meryl’s version of events, she had actually been called in for a minor role, but writer/director Robert Benton, producer Stanley R. Jaffe, and lead actor Dustin Hoffman were so impressed by her understanding of Joanna that they decided she was the best fit for the role. Robert pulled her to the side and asked her to rewrite Joanna’s upcoming courtroom speech because his version felt like “a man trying to write a woman’s speech.” He told Vanity Fair, “Part of the pleasure she must have taken is showing to Dustin she didn’t need to be slapped. She could have delivered anything to anybody at any time.” 24. Jason Isaacs’s input is the reason his Harry Potter character, Lucius Malfoy, has long hair and a distinctly wizardy wardrobe. He told Entertainment Weekly, “I went to the set, and they had this idea of me wearing a pinstripe suit, short black-and-white hair. I was slightly horrified. He was a racist, a eugenicist. There’s no way he would cut his hair like a Muggle, or dress like a Muggle. In order to keep the hair straight, I had to tip my head back, so I was looking down my nose at everyone. There was 50 percent of the character. I asked for a walking stick, which [director] Chris Columbus first thought was because I had something wrong with my leg. I explained I wanted it as an affectation so I can pull my wand out [of the cane]. After a second’s thought, he said, ‘You know what, I think the toy guys are going to love you.’ He was completely right.” 25. While reading the script for The Usual Suspects, Benicio del Toro realized that his character Fred Fenster’s only purpose was to be the first to die, so he convinced director Bryan Singer to let him deliver his lines in a made-up accent. On Inside the Actor’s Studio, Benicio said, “Every line that [Fred] said didn’t really affect the plot. So I sat down with Bryan Singer, and I said, ‘It really doesn’t matter what this guy says. And if you allow me to, I think that we should allow me to do something with it.’ And he said, ‘Go ahead.'” 26. Initially, Michelle Rodriguez’s The Fast and the Furious character, Letty Ortiz, was supposed to cheat on Dominic Toretto, but the actor opposed the storyline. She told the Daily Beast, “It was more of a Point Break idea. They just followed the format without thinking about the reality of it. Is it realistic for a Latin girl who’s with the alpha-est of the alpha males to cheat on him with the cute boy? I had to put my foot down. I basically cried and said, ‘I’m going to quit’ and, ‘Don’t sue me, please I’m sorry, but I can’t do this in front of millions of people.’ My whole point in being an actress is that I thought I got to live a dream. And I don’t dream about being a slut! Do you?!” Costar Vin Diesel helped her advocate for the changes she wanted. She said, “Vin was the first one to pull me to the side while I was crying, and he just looked at me and said, ‘I got your back. Chill out and let me handle this, and you’re right it makes me look bad anyway.’ And there you go. That was the beginning of the Letty fairytale.” 27. When Jack Nicholson was first approached to play Frank Costello in The Departed, he declined. He told Variety, “I actually turned the movie down the first time it came to me because the character didn’t really exist. But Leo [DiCaprio] and Marty [Scorsese] talked me into it. I guess you can say I was attracted to the company. Marty is very free with his ideas and very receptive to yours. We built this character layer by layer, until we had something that fit inside a great genre film, but also pushed the envelope until the movie becomes almost operatic.” 28. Rutherford Falls actor Jesse Leigh told Pulse Spikes, “There were trans roles when I started out, but they were one-note and very stereotypical. But when I read for the role of Bobbie, the role was originally male-identifying and gay. I kind of wanted to make the role myself. So, therefore, I wore what I wear every day my bell-bottoms and I put on a cute wing liner and some blush. I totally just walked it. I went in [for] my audition one week and then got the screen tests the next week. Within a span of two weeks, I had found out that I got the role of Bobbie. It wasn’t until I actually booked the role that I sat down with the writers and they had asked me about growing up and being non-binary and stories about being non-binary from my childhood. I felt super lucky that the character was kind of sculpted around my life.” 29. And finally, when shooting Apocalypse Now, Marlon Brando completely threw director Francis Ford Coppola’s vision for his character, Colonel Walter Kurtz, out the window. He went the method acting route, refused to memorize most of his lines, and improvised the majority of the time. The director worked around him by recording his improvised ramblings for five days, typing up the parts he wanted to keep, putting them on tape, and giving him headphones.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/kristenharris1/actors-demanded-script-changes

‘The Hunt’: IP Dispute Delays Gaumont’s Thriller Series For Apple TV

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Details are emerging about Apple TV‘s decision last week to postpone the premiere of The Hunt just two weeks before the acquired series from French production company Gaumont was due to debut December 3. It came after questions were raised over the French-language thriller drama, titled Traqués in France, being presented as an original creation from creator, writer and director Cédric Anger in light of perceived plot similarities to Shoot, a 1973 novel by American author Douglas Fairbairn. According to sources, Shoot, which has had its own screen adaptation with a 1976 U. S./Canadian movie of the same name, had not been brought up as possible source material and was not on Gaumont or Apple TV’s radar until recently. The similarities were significant enough for Apple TV to halt release plans for The Hunt until the creative origins of the projects are sorted out, a process currently underway at Gaumont. “The broadcast of our series The Hunt has been temporarily postponed,” Gaumont said in a statement to Deadline. “We are currently conducting a thorough review to address any questions related to our production. We take intellectual property matters very seriously.” In light of the uncertainty over The Hunt‘s creation and thus its credits all information about the show, including the trailer, was removed from Apple’s site and the app last week. Fairbairn died in 1997, so any conversations over Shoot would involve his estate. Information about the issue started circulating this week after it was brought up by French journalist Clément Garin. In The Hunt, Franck (Benoît Magimel) and his longtime friends, who spend weekends hunting together, come across another group who begin targeting them for no apparent reason. Despite one of their group being shot, they strike back and manage to escape. However, as Franck goes back to his normal life with wife Krystel (Mélanie Laurent), he senses he is being watched or tracked by hunters now hell-bent on revenge. Damien Bonnard, Manuel Guillot, Cédric Appietto, Angelyna Danabe-Mignot, Paul Beaurepaire, Yann Goven, Sarah Pachoud and Patrick De Vallette also star.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/the-hunt-delay-apple-tv-ip-dispute-gaumont-french-series-1236628701/

Your Cancer Monthly Horoscope for December 2025

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Add These Dates to your G-Cal: December 4: Full Moon in Gemini December 8: Mars in Sagittarius square Saturn in Pisces December 11: Mercury enters Sagittarius December 14: Mars enters Capricorn December 16: Sun in Sagittarius square Saturn in Pisces December 19: New Moon in Sagittarius December 21: Sun enters Capricorn December 24: Venus enters Capricorn You’re trying to find a balance in your daily life, Cancer. The month starts off in Sagittarius season, which puts you in a busier mood. You’re juggling everyday responsibilities with more pressure at work and have this feeling like you need to be in a million places at once. The good news: The Universe is helping you learn to set better boundaries to protect your free time and energy, and also change your own habits along the way to set you up for success. A Full Moon in Gemini puts you in a sleepier mood on December 4. You’ve finally reached your limits and it’s time to start slowing down and listening to your body. If there are certain habits and patterns you’ve wanted to change, this will give you that momentum to do so. You might also be in a more private or emotional mood, reflecting on what you’re ready to release so you can create new space to call in something new. Conversations feel tense a few days later, on December 8, when Mars in Sagittarius rams into Saturn in Pisces. You might need to set a boundary with someone at work, or just feel under pressure from all of the responsibilities you’re managing. There is also a desire to spend your time freely, but some sort of obligation may pop up that requires your focus and attention. Mercury moves into Sagittarius on December 11, bringing more of your mental attention to your daily routines and habits. You’re coming up with structures and plans that set you up for success. You’re also learning lessons on asking for help or setting boundaries if you’re feeling under appreciated or exhausted by others. You might also consider adopting a fur baby, which is one way to change up your daily lifestyle! There’s more focus, and some drama, in your close one-on-one relationships on Mars enters Capricorn on December 14. The next few weeks can bring a more argumentative energy to your close connections-whether that’s with roommates, BFFs, family, or lovers. At the same time, you’re navigating issues you’ve ignored and this can help create a healthier dynamic for your future. As a bonus, contract and client work can pick up-people are eager to collaborate with you. Just know there also might be so jealous onlookers fixating on you, so work your protection magic and protect your energy! Mercury finally exits its post-retrograde shadow in Sagittarius on December 16, helping you make important decisions about your routines, habits, and wellbeing. These revelations might arrive with a reality check because, on the same day, the Sun in Sagittarius bumps into Saturn in Pisces, asking you to exercise your maturity and zapping any sense of playfulness from the day. The energy is a bit more serious and you could have annoying interactions with others or deal with small inconveniences throughout your you. Everyone’s feeling a bit grumpier today, so lead with kindness when you can. A New Moon in Sagittarius on December 19 helps you change your habits. You’re implanting new routines and letting go of old patterns that kept you stuck. This could also coincide with a change at work-a new assignment or position. You might also change up the way you care for yourself and integrate a new wellness treatment into your routine. The Sun enters Capricorn, and the Winter Solstice takes place on December 21, shining a spotlight on your relationships. Singles might meet someone noteworthy and couples are focused on creating plans for their shared future. This energy can also help you reflect on your own relationship patterns that you want to change. The month wraps up with Venus entering Capricorn on December 24, bringing more luck in love and your connections. Over the next few weeks there is more harmony and flow in all of your relationships, bringing a sense of fulfillment. This is also a fruitful time for collaborative work, meeting important people who can help you manifest some of your goals, and deepening friendships.
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a69300295/cancer-monthly-horoscope-december-2025/

How Auburn avoided overlooking Mercer with the Iron Bowl looming

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It would have been easy for Auburn to look past Mercer this week. The Tigers were 10 games into the season, had their head coach fired less than a month ago and have a showdown with their hated in-state rivals coming up next week. All of those things make it easy to not be excited for a late-season game against Mercer, an FCS opponent. Auburn, however, shook off a slow defensive start on Saturday to beat Mercer 62-17, improving its record to 5-6 ahead of the Iron Bowl next weekend. “It was really a task and a struggle to say, ‘OK, we’re going to focus on this game,’” Auburn interim head coach DJ Durkin said after the game. “I thought they did a great job of that. Now obviously, this game is over, and our full focus goes to [the Iron Bowl].” Auburn will have plenty to play for next week when it welcomes Alabama to Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers will go into the game a win away from clinching bowl eligibility and a win certainly wouldn’t hurt Durkin’s chances for the full-time head coaching job. On top of that, a win would all but destroy Alabama’s chance at a College Football Playoff berth. That’s all without mentioning how there’s never a shortage of motivation to beat your archrival, regardless of the records. But Auburn avoided focusing on those things this week. Maybe that creeped in early on when Auburn’s defense started slow, but some “rough conversations,” as Durkin described it, fixed those issues. “It was more of like, ‘This ain’t how we play and it’s unacceptable,’” Durkin said. “We have good leadership, and they know how to respond to that, and that’s what they did.” After trailing 14-7 in the first quarter, Auburn outscored Mercer 55-3 the rest of the way. For the final three quarters, it looked like a team whose sole focus was on Mercer, which resulted in a dominant performance. Alabama will present a much tougher challenge, but the win over Mercer gives Auburn more to play for in that game.
https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/11/how-auburn-avoided-overlooking-mercer-with-the-iron-bowl-looming.html

Inside the Variety CMA Awards Lounge: Conversations With Shaboozey, the Red Clay Strays, Tucker Wetmore, the War & Treaty, Megan Moloney and More Stars

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For the first time in conjunction with the CMA Awards, Variety set up shop just off Nashville’s Music Row and invited participants from Wednesday’s awards show to come by for on-camera conversation. It was our chance to get off the red carpet and into greater depth with nominees, performers and presenters including Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Brandon Lake, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, the Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, the War & Treaty and Stephen Wilson Jr. Our conversations took place at the Variety Lounge presented by Duke Cannon, hosted by one of Nashville’s most intriguing new event spaces, Anzie Blue. Read on and click on the videos to see what the stars had to say not just about their CMAs Week excitement but their latest or upcoming projects. Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr.: The awards show found the duo offering the first television performance of “Took a Walk,” their end-titles theme song from the filmic Stephen King adaptation “Long Walk Home.” Wilson also landed a second appearance on the telecast, singing his version of the Ben E. King classic “Stand by Me” that appeared on the deluxe version of his “Son of Dad” album . another Stephen King connection, actually. Said Wilson, “He and I met a couple years ago, actually at a CMA after-party, and it was right before he started taking off. He stopped me and he had heard a song or two of mine and was like, ‘You’re a bad dude.’ And I was like, ‘You’re a bad dude. good dude.’ And then two years later, he asked me to be a part of this song. What’s wild is, I started singing this song called ‘Stand by Me’ because of this movie called ‘Stand By Me,’ based off a Stephen King novella called ‘The Body.’ It’s haunted me my whole life, that song, and I sang it in this dude’s basement and it blew up online. So a big reason why I have a career is because of that song ‘Stand by Me’ and it’s because of Stephen King. I couldn’t have planned this if I tried. It’s a God thing.” Said Shaboozey: “I met him and I was like, ‘Has anyone told you you look like Stephen King?’ That’s the first thing I said to him. And that came full circle to being like, ‘You know what? We should get Stephen Wilson.’ Something in my gut was like, ‘This is the person we gotta get on this song.’ And brother, you blew me out of the water.” The Red Clay Strays: Pollstar magazine recently put this band on the cover and called them the next big touring thing. They’ve come up in the world since signing their first major-label deal just a couple of years ago, although they’d been knocking around in clubs, to far less notice, for nearly a decade before that. They haven’t revealed their full 2026 tour plans yet, but besides being on the bill for Stagecoach, they did just announce they’ll be playing at Madison Square Garden in New York and Bridgestone Arenia in Nashville next summer. Did they just announce those two shows early because they wanted to think of those as anchor shows for the tour and a sign of their success in important music cities? Actually, says singer Brandon Coleman: “They haven’t sold out yet, so we’ll have to see. We may not even do it. That’s actually why we announced them now, is because they’re gonna take the longest to sell out.” All kidding aside: “It is a huge honor, for real.” Of their nomination for vocal group of the year, which they ultimately won after sitting for this interview, Coleman acknowledges the debate over how squarely they do or don’t fit into country and said: “It’s a mix of emotions. We’re very thankful and grateful for it. We’re just happy that somebody’s accepting us, but at the same time we also think, well, we don’t even really play country music. But, I don’t know a lot of things are called country nowadays.” The members did agree that the term “vocal group” sounds a little old-fashioned, conjuring up old-school harmony acts. “We’re not the Oak Ridge Boys. They need a band (category).” If it turns out that the Red Clay Strays keep winning it in future years, maybe they’ll be able to do some lobbying on that. Whatever their performance of “People Hatin’” at the CMAs turned out to be, it rocked. Or it country-rocked. Megan Moroney: The star discussed “Six Months Later,” the single she was invited to perform on the CMA Awards, with a host of dancerss; another, more delicate song that has just been released, “Beautiful Things”; and the third album that they’re taken from, “Cloud 9”; and that impendung record’s marked change in color-coding. “Surprise the album’s pink,” she declared. “I’m leaving no questions head to toe in pink. I kind of started that with ‘Lucky’ [her debut from 2023]. It was not on purpose at first, but on the Lucky Tour, I realized everyone was showing up in head-to-toe green. So for the next album, ‘Am I Okay?,’ I really leaned into it [with blue] and of course I’ve leaned into it again with ‘Cloud Nine.’ I chose pink because I think there is a softness about this music that isn’t in my other albums. And I think it’s come from the confidence that I have now. It’s about falling in love and falling out of love, but when you’re truly confident, it’s not the end of the world when it doesn’t work out, you know? And my other albums, maybe I perceived it as the end of the world. Now this new music is just more carefree and confident. So I thought pink was a perfect color to feel empowering and confident, but also soft, and that’s what the new music is like.” Don’t expect pure positivity from the new collection. “There’s definitely still some heartbreakers on the album, because I’ll never abandon the emo cowgirl thing. Writing sad songs is so easy for me, for whatever reason. But I will say that, even in the sad songs, it didn’t not work out because I allowed them to treat me poorly. It didn’t work out because I cut things off. It’s still sad when you have to end things, and it’s still devastating, But even in the saddest songs, there’s so much hope and confidence that it’s gonna be OK, which is definitely a new theme that I explored in this album. I think it just comes from maybe getting a little bit older and knowing who I am and natural confidence that keeps growing.” Tucker Wetmore: The singer just announced that in 2026 he will be headling the “Brunette Tour,” named after a fan-favorite song from his latest album that has just been released as a Western-themed music video. “We call it the Brunette Tour, but with blonde special guests we got Dasha and Carter Faith (as opening acts), and then a good buddy of mine, Jacob Hackworth, who’s ironically brunette. But I thought that was kind of a quirky, fun thing to do for the tour.” Of his nomination for new artist of the year, Wetmore modestly said, “I’m happy I’m part of the story. It is a great class this year too. We got Ella, Zach, Shaboozey, Steven Wilson. You know, there’s so much talent on that list and within those people on the list. And I’m just thankful that they thought it’d be cool to put my name up there too.” On the CMAs telecast, he performed what might count as his signature song, “Wind Up Missing You.” “It’s the story as old as time the Guy Falls for the Girl, hopes it goes further. I remember the day we created that song, and the feeling that I wanted that song to portray and the lyrics and the production and everything. I just wanted to feel nostalgic and I wanted somebody to listen to it and feel like it wasn’t their first time listening to it. They could listen to it a thousand times, but feel like it’s still their first time.” The War & Treaty: The husband-wife duo were coming into the CMA Awards coming off a very hot appearance singing the National Anthem before the Dallas Cowboys/Las Vegas Raiders game Monday night. It was fraught with emotion, following a moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys’ defensive end who died Nov. 6 at just 24 years old. But even without that undertow, their version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” would have been a knockout, masterfully arranged as it was by Michael Trotter for the soaring, interlocking voices of him and his wife Tanya. “We do sing it a lot, but we haven’t always done it this way,” said Tanya. “The genius behind the rendition is this guy right here, my husband he’s the guru. And it’s interesting because as a duo, when you approach a song, you have to figure out how you can get both of you in it, you know? But that’s what Michael does so well, and he can tell you more about what was going through his brain when he created it.” “‘Just hurry up and get through it,’” Michael laughed. But seriously: “Tanya can, can finally get in there and, and, and do it justice. No. Um, I think, uh, also “I’ll make mention of what made that night special, is because of the news, of course, with the Dallas Cowboy organization and the passing of the player from suicide. To see those two organizations come together at the very beginning of the game and acknowledge, the presence that was on the field and the presence that was in the locker rooms of, you know, they’re out there without their buddy. it just showed me a lot about our country. Even still, you know, how opposing sides can know how to lay the swords down and say, ‘Look, man, we’re, we’re together in this.’ And I wanted to make sure that we reflected that in the national anthem. So we made sure we definitely felt the words we were singing.” Brandon Lake: Like the Red Clay Strays, Lake was stepping into country from a little bit outside the genre. Except instead of coming in from the rock side of things, Lake was entering through the contemporary Christian music door. As one of the biggest stars in that arena, Lake had recorded a song for his most recent album called “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and at the beginning of last year he was inspired to ask Jelly Roll to sing it as a duet. They subsequently did it at the Opry, at CMA Fest and at the Dove Awards (joined in that last instance by Jon Batiste). The team-up was nominated for vocal event of the year, and Lake came onto the telecast to be a presenter as well. “This has felt like God has set it up from the get-go,” Lake said. “That’s the beauty of collaboration and relationships is really this song that I did with Jason uh, Mr. Jelly Roll kind of cracked the door open to country, which wasn’t a move I was trying to make. But I am a country boy and grew up in the South and in the woods, and I live on a farm, and so I find myself writing country songs all the time as much as I write songs for the church. So it has just felt natural to kind of step into that space. And I have felt so embraced by the country community. And so, yeah, we’re just seeing where it leads and just want to serve people well with these songs.” Lake was inspired by seeing Jelly Roll on the CMAs last year. “When we wrote this song, we knew it was special and had to get it out. I teased it on Instagram and it went off, and people basically threatened my life if I didn’t release it soon. As we got the song out, then I actually simultaneously had just been watching Jelly Roll’s story, and I loved how much he wears everything on his sleeve, and he’s so honest and inspiring. Then, this is what’s really cool, being at CMA Awards this year. I was watching . Jelly’s performance with Brooks and Dunn (of their song ‘Believe’). I see hands being lifted all across the arena, and I just started bawling my eyes out and I was like, ‘Wow. These dudes just took the world to church.’ And that’s what gave me so much of the confidence to reach out to Jason and ask if he would consider being on this song with me.” Dan + Shay: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for the duo for the second year in a row. Last year, they released their first holiday album a double album, actually, of half originals and half standards and this year are following it up with two more Xmas tracks before they get back on the non-holiday track. They don’t think it’s too early to start streaming those tunes. “You know, this time of year, I feel like with the CMAs, there’s a good kickoff to kind of the Christmas season. There’s always an argument of how early is too early to celebrate Christmas, and there’s such a finite window that people usually would say, early December. I’m trying to broaden that a little bit. I feel like, it’s my favorite holiday, so why would we not make a little longer? It’s why I keep my tree up till about March or April. But man, it’s been so much fun. I think the first song that we ever recorded was ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ and that kind of started the desire for our fans to want us to have a Christmas album.” One of their new holiday songs sort of is a beautiful cover of Taylor Swift’s “Back to December,” just released to streaming services. “It happened, honestly, by accident,” swears Shay Mooney. “We were at asound check in Boston, and as Dan and I do, when there’s a piano in the room, we can’t help but jump over there and sing something. We’re big Swifties, as I think everybody is, and we were just talking about that being one of our favorite songs that, while it’s a big song, never quite got its moment. That organically turned into what it was and ended up being the fastest turnaround on a song we’ve, we’ve ever had. Our fans have absolutely loved it and it’s Swiftie-approved. It’s scary when you’re doing a Taylor song. You never know if they’ll revolt against you because you tried. But thankfully, they said we do it justice.” Old Dominion: The group is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their major-label debut album, “Meat and Candy,” and all the success that came along with that. which wasn’t necessarily preordained, given that straight-in-the-pocket, mainstream country bands were an idea even more inherently outside of the box than they are now. “I think it’s a genre that probably lends itself to a solo artist more I think we were a bit of a unicorn,” said Matthew Ramsey. “You know, we were a band that writes all the songs and gets in a garage or a rehearsal space and works ’em up and actually goes in the studio and plays on ’em. So in that way it was different, and in the beginning it probably worked against us. I mean, we got turned down by a lot of labels. I don’t think people really knew what to do with us, but that eventually helped us carve our own lane. Now there are some other great bands that have come up, and hopefully we’ve kind of opened the door for them a little bit.” Their new record is called “Barbara,” cheekily, because they thought it would be amusing to give an album a girl’s name. There’s some other mirth to it as well, but also several more reflective songs, like the wistful closer, “Good Night Nashville.” “It’s a song that we couldn’t have written in our earlier days. It takes quite a lot of time and quite a lot of work and ups and downs to pursue this type of career, so you wind up making lots of amazing friends, and meeting people that maybe aren’t so amazing. It comes with both sides, you know? So we were sitting down in the writing room just talking about Nashville and how could we paint an accurate picture of it that reflected how much we loved it and appreciated it, but also took a few jabs at the same time. “I’ve said it from stage a couple times. I think of the best way for me to describe that song is it’s like a relationship with your parents. You know, Nashville sort of brought us up and it did a lot of things right, and it fucked it up a few times too.” The band laughed. “But really, it made you who you are and you have to appreciate all of those pieces of it that created the artist that you are.” Jordan Davis: Some artists are done with anything Country Music Association-related after Wednesday night’s show. Not Davis, who is co-hosting the annual “CMA Country Christmas” show with Lauren Daigle. Set to air the first week of December, he show is already in the can, of course, having been taped in October at Belmont, so promoting it won’t cut too much into his Thanksgiving duties. Davis and Daigle would seem to be birds of a feather, both being Louisiana natives. But, he said, “She was joking with me about me being from Texas, because I’m from north Louisiana, and she’s a true southern Louisianan. But she’s an amazing person. My kids are her biggest fans out there, so it was cool to get to hang with her. Lauren is just a natural in just about anything she does, so she makes it really, really easy. “But, personally, that’s one of my favorite shows of the year. I love the Christmas season. And I honestly think that this year’s show is one of the best ones that we’ve done in a long time. Just some amazing artists on it BeBe Winans, who I’m such a huge fan of. and then having Lauren play with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band was something that really kind of brought me back to my college days. I’m excited for everybody to see it.” Lauren Alaina: She was brought in to host the live backstage material for the CMA on TikTok, from red-carpet looks to celebrity catchup after the show. “I love hosting things. It’s actually a big passion of mine,” she said. “Like, big picture, I would love to host my own TV show someday, so anytime I can do anything that kind of furthers me down that path, I try to do it.” For the first time in her life, she’s a working mom. “My daughter is five months old, so I don’t get out of the house much. I snuck out today to come see you guys,” she laughed, “but I spend a lot of time at home with her right now, and she goes on the road with me when I’m playing my show. She’s a champ. the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve been in the little baby bubble of just love and pure bliss. I’m a pretty happy lady these days.” Her new song is “not about a baby, it’s about a bunch of babies, actually,” she joked. That would be “All My Exes,” a duet with Chase Matthew, which she will be performing on “The Today Show” next Monday. “I wrote ‘All My Exes’ a couple years ago about a different phase of my life, when I used to hang out on Broadway. I don’t do that very much anymore. actually, ever anymore. Thematically, it’s a little different. It’s a slight departure from what I’ve been doing. Obviously, I got married last year and had a baby this year, and so I’ve been writing a lot of songs about that. “Funnily enough, it’s my husband’s favorite. I’m like, ‘I write you songs all the time, and this one’s your favorite , about my exes?’ I went on tour last summer with Jason Aldean and Chase Matthew, and my husband and Chase became fast friends, best buds. And Cameron actually played ‘All My Exes’ for Chase because he loved the song so much and wanted me to put it out. I’m so glad he did that, because we put out a bunch of music this year, and this was the song that it blew up online for us. We just sent it to country radio and we’ve just charted, so, fingers crossed we’ll take it all the way.”.
https://variety.com/2025/music/news/cma-awards-lounge-variety-country-stars-interviews-1236587104/

What Happens When You Replace Detention With a Hike?

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Many schools respond to misbehavior by assigning detention, where students are required to sit still and keep to themselves. But one school counselor in Maine, Leslie Trundy, is offering a different option: detention hikes. Trundy’s novel approach captured national media attention when she began offering students the option to join her for hikes on nearby trails. A year-and-a-half into this novel offering, the results are compelling: Fewer students have been receiving detention since the new option was introduced, and teachers have observed more positive engagement in the days following hikes. While there has not yet been a formal research study to quantify the impact, detention hikes appear to be a meaningful, relational alternative that supports students while connecting them to the benefits of time in nature and physical movement. From Isolation to Connection There is a stark contrast between the environments of traditional detention and a hike. The experience of detention can be isolating, as teens are restricted from talking with peers as they sit in a classroom as a consequence for their behaviors. But this isolation does little to teach students skills or support their well-being and sense of belonging-factors that can contribute to improved behaviors. But a detention hike offers students an experience that facilitates connection to their peers, the school counselor, and to nature. Trundy notes that most hikes begin with some level of guardedness, but as the group hikes alongside each other, conversations flow and defenses soften. “What happens on the hike is that there’s a moment where we start to connect through this shared experience,” she explained. “Students loosen up. It feels like they’re rediscovering a childlike quality-less of the hard shell of a teenager, more playful and relaxed.” These hikes also strengthen a student’s connection to the school. “I have a stronger relationship with the kids I’ve hiked with,” Trundy added. “Now I can say hi in the hall or check in with them.” Evolutionary Mismatch Many students end up in detention because the school environment requires something that runs counter to their biological wiring: staying indoors, sitting still, and focusing for many hours. “Often the reason a student is in trouble is because being confined indoors, and having to maintain their attention and focus all day, and then doing what’s asked of them is tough,” Trundy says. From an evolutionary perspective, we humans, and especially teens, are wired for movement, exploration, and time spent outdoors in stimulating, novel, and rejuvenating environments. Throughout human history, the mind and body developed in reciprocity with the natural environment-nourished and regulated by sunlight, fresh air, and physical activity. The school environment often requires the opposite: stillness, sustained focus, and quiet, in a constrained environment- creating an evolutionary mismatch. But a hike provides the conditions that the mind and body were designed for: natural light, fresh air, physical movement, and connection with community. Time in nature supports emotional recalibration. The environment itself becomes a part of the intervention to support meaningful shifts toward regulation for stressed students. From an Ecopsychology Viewpoint Ecopsychologists celebrate Trundy’s innovative work because it aligns with what the field already knows: Time in nature is foundational to well-being. The human nervous system is intimately connected to the natural world, evidenced by research that shows a reduction in stress hormones, improvements in mood, decreased impulsivity, and enhanced emotional stability while in nature. Research by Gregory Bratman and his colleagues shows that hiking reduces rumination and decreases activity in the part of the brain associated with negative thoughts and self-criticism, allowing hikers to turn their attention outward rather than being internally focused. The Attention Restoration Theory explains observations made by teachers: Students engage more in class after hikes, as they refresh their cognitive resources and ability to concentrate. Nature Metaphors and Identity Expansion Hiking exposes students to challenges like rain, rugged terrain, or the cold. Trundy uses these uncomfortable elements to reflect: “I help the kids understand that it’s going to be alright, and we have the gear to handle it. That in itself is a great metaphor for life: not everything is perfect, and yet we can often do incredible things in the midst of adversity.” Adventure therapy research supports this concept: Reasonable challenges promote self-efficacy, build resilience and perseverance, and may lead to positive identity expansion. When a student faces the discomfort of the weather, they may internalize a new message: “If I can do this, maybe I can handle other hard things in my life, too.” The Environment Facilitates Well-being The Children & Nature Network (C&NN), a research-informed nonprofit, notes that “time in nature can be a powerful antidote to the negative impacts of trauma and stress in children’s lives.” Drawing on a curation of studies, C&NN highlights that nature-based interventions such as hiking can reduce impulsivity, support healthy identity development, strengthen a sense of community, and foster a sense of belonging.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/move-the-body-heal-the-mind/202511/what-happens-when-you-replace-detention-with-a-hike

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ cast reunites for 30th anniversary CBS special – see the beloved sitcom’s stars then-and-now

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All These Years Later, Everybody Still Loves Raymond

The cast of “Everybody Loves Raymond” recently reunited to celebrate the beloved sitcom’s 30th anniversary. In anticipation of this milestone event, CBS has shared all-new photos featuring Ray Romano alongside co-stars Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, Sullivan Sweeten, and series creator Phil Rosenthal. These images highlight just how much time has passed since the show’s premiere back in 1996.

Sadly, some key members are absent from the reunion photos. Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, and Sawyer Sweeten — all of whom passed away in the years following the sitcom’s 2005 finale — are missed dearly.

### The 30th Anniversary Reunion Special

Last month, CBS announced that the cast would return to Long Island for the “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion” special. Scheduled to air on Monday, November 24, the event will be hosted by Romano and Rosenthal, with appearances by Garrett, Heaton, Horan, and the Sweeten siblings.

In the hit series, Brad Garrett portrayed Ray’s brother Robert Barone; Patricia Heaton played Ray’s wife Debra; Monica Horan played Robert’s wife Amy; Madylin Sweeten portrayed Ray and Debra’s daughter Ally; and Sullivan Sweeten portrayed their son Michael.

“Twenty years since the show’s finale episode, audiences are invited back to the recreated Barone living room for an unforgettable evening with America’s favorite family,” CBS announced on October 1st. The network also promised candid conversations with the former stars, along with never-before-seen outtakes and commentary from the show.

### Honoring Beloved Cast Members

The special will honor Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who portrayed the iconic Barone parents, Marie and Frank. Boyle passed away in 2006 at the age of 71, while Roberts died in 2016 at 90. Sawyer Sweeten, who played Ray and Debra’s son Geoffrey, tragically died by suicide in April 2015 at the age of 19.

“Cast, crew, and special guests will share heartfelt reflections on how this dynamic duo redefined the roles of interfering mother-in-law and couch-potato dad into lovable pillars of the Barone family,” CBS shared.

### A Look Back at “Everybody Loves Raymond”

“Everybody Loves Raymond” premiered on September 13, 1996, and ran for nine successful seasons until its finale in May 2005. The show earned 69 Emmy nominations and won 15, including awards for Romano, Heaton, Roberts, and Garrett. It also won Outstanding Comedy Series twice, in 2003 and 2005.

### Reboot Rumors Put to Rest

While some fans have hoped for a reboot or sequel to “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Romano put those rumors to rest during the sitcom’s 30th anniversary celebration at the Paley Museum in New York City this past June.

“No, there won’t be a reboot,” Romano, 67, told The Post exclusively. “The obvious is Peter and Doris and one of the kids — they’re no longer with us. We’re all heartbroken. They’re a big part of the show, the dynamic. Without them, I don’t know what the dynamic is. We love the show too much, we respect it too much to even try to do it.”

Brad Garrett echoed similar sentiments during the premiere of Disney Pixar’s “Elio” in Los Angeles over the summer. “There is no show without the parents,” he told People. “They were the catalyst, and to do anything that would resemble that wouldn’t be right to the audiences or to the loyal fan base. And it was about those two families, and you can’t get around that.”

“I know [the reboot] won’t happen, but 30 years later, I got very lucky to get on that bus,” Garrett, 65, added. “I’m very grateful.”

### Watch the Special

Don’t miss “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion,” airing Monday, November 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The event will also be available to stream on Paramount+. Join the cast as they revisit the Barone family’s unforgettable legacy and share behind-the-scenes moments with fans around the world.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/entertainment/everybody-loves-raymond-cast-reunites-for-30th-anniversary-cbs-special/

Tiffany Haddish reveals her surprise marriage on road trip: I want to ‘hold myself accountable’

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**Tiffany Haddish Marries Herself During Girls’ Trip to Africa**

Wedding bells are ringing for Tiffany Haddish—well, for herself, that is. During a recent vacation to Africa with some close girlfriends, the actress and comedian surprised everyone by having a self-marriage ceremony.

“I thought to do that because first, I wanted to have a little party,” Haddish, 45, exclusively told The Post. “Second, I also wanted to hold myself accountable for some things.”

The “Girls Trip” star embarked on a real-life girls’ trip across Africa with her four best friends in the new Peacock docuseries *Tiffany Haddish Goes Off,* premiering November 13. She explained that although it might look like she’s doing well to her friends and the world, there are “things that I have not been honoring, for me.”

Haddish is coming off a challenging period that included two DUI-related arrests in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she also faced backlash on social media after posting a TikTok during her Africa trip, marveling at Zimbabwe having a grocery store.

“I feel like it was just like a constant attack on her when she didn’t have any bad intent,” said her friend Sparkle Clark, who appears in the series. “I just talked to Tiffany and I was like, ‘I think that before you post [on social media] you should call us or talk to us about it first.’ Tiffany is not this person who they make her out to be. She really has a kind heart.”

Haddish admitted that dealing with social media backlash feels “like walking on a Lego.” She added, “I’ve got to be more careful about what I post. It’s irritating, but it’s a part of the business.”

In the series, Haddish travels with childhood friends Selena Martin, Shermona Long, and Sparkle Clark through locations including Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa. Their friendships pre-date Haddish’s fame.

“What an honor that these women have gone on this life journey with me since we were little girls. But also it’s a testament to how awesome we all are at communication. I think a lot of friendships fall apart because they don’t communicate,” Haddish told The Post.

She recalled a time after a radio interview when one friend called a week later to share that she’d felt “hurtful.” “We’re gonna talk about it. We have conversations and [it leads to] much growth. So to be able to go to Africa together is something that I’ve been talking about for years,” Haddish said. She jokingly added that her “bad” friends “didn’t make it” and “didn’t get to go on a trip,” but her close pals were there for her impromptu self-marriage ceremony.

Haddish was previously married to William Stewart from 2008 to 2013 and was in a relationship with rapper Common from 2020 to 2021.

“This marriage to me has been going very good. We have been having a fantastic time seeing who our third is going to be,” Haddish joked. “Who is gonna be the third wheel?”

She is also close with comedian Kevin Hart, who once helped her financially during a difficult time when she was homeless and living in her car. When asked if she told friends like Hart about the marriage, Haddish quipped, “You just told him.”

“It’s not everybody’s business that I’m in a relationship with me. I mean, first of all, my relationship with me is my relationship. So I haven’t told everybody,” she explained. “Sometimes I wear my wedding ring and people are like, ‘Oh, my God, where did you get that?’ I’m like, ‘Africa. I’m married!’”

Surprisingly, Haddish revealed that the self-marriage has positively impacted her dating life. “I’m getting more dates now when I tell [men] I’m married. If you tell a man you’re married, but you’re willing to go out with him, he’s like, ‘Oh, she’s a freak!’”

The Emmy-winning actress emphasized the importance of her self-marriage. “If you going to keep any promises in life, the promises you make to yourself are the main ones you need to be keeping. That’s the longest relationship you’re going to have, and there’s no ceremony for you, to you. There’s no ceremony for that,” she said. “So, f-k it, I’m marrying me.”
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/entertainment/tiffany-haddish-reveals-surprise-marriage-on-goes-off-doc/

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Mysteria Ecclesiae is a fitting end to a superb game

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one of those rare games that feels like it has been around forever. In reality—and somewhat shockingly—Warhorse Studios’ Bohemia-based role-playing game was only released in February of this year. Our own Sam Chandler gave the game a glowing review, and it has since been followed up by two excellent DLCs of differing scale and scope.

The first DLC, *Brushes with Death*, focused on a heartfelt story quest, while *Legacy of the Forge* introduced a new home and business for Henry, allowing him to follow in his father’s footsteps as a blacksmith. It has been an excellent run, with *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* undoubtedly securing its place alongside the other big hitters in the Game of the Year conversation.

But does the latest DLC, *Mysteria Ecclesiae*, keep the quality flowing? As the final DLC for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, hopes are high that it will be the cherry on top of what has already been a rather wonderful cake.

### A Dangerous Mystery at Sedletz Monastery

In *Mysteria Ecclesiae*, Henry finds himself embroiled in a mystery as dangerous as any he has faced to date. He is asked to accompany King Wenceslaus’ physician, Albich, to a monastery and assist him however he can. Upon arrival, they discover that the monastery has been struck by a mysterious illness, sparking fears that they may be dealing with the plague.

While Albich and others focus on treating those afflicted by this enigmatic malaise, Henry must explore the monastery, delve into the lives of its inhabitants, and uncover secrets and sins that many want to remain hidden.

### A New Setting with Unique Challenges

This DLC takes place on a brand-new map centered around Sedletz monastery. Once you begin the adventure, you remain within this location until the story concludes—there’s no venturing back to the main game map during the quest.

The atmosphere inside the monastery is notably different. Upon arrival, Henry’s armor and weapons are confiscated to maintain the monastery’s security, especially since King Sigismund of Luxembourg is residing there. As a result, most resources you usually rely on become scarce, adding a fresh layer of challenge.

The monastery itself is beautifully designed and exudes authenticity, as expected from the series. Dominated by a massive chapel, it also includes rooms where monks sleep, eat, and pray, as well as grounds for cultivating food. Vast cellars extend beneath the building, along with numerous nooks and crannies begging to be explored.

### A Cast of New Characters and Intriguing Interactions

The monastery introduces an entirely new cast of characters with whom Henry will interact extensively. As you help uncover the truth behind the mysterious illness, you’ll forge new friendships and rivalries, and must decide who to trust.

In true *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* fashion, conversations are deep, heartfelt, and often quite humorous. Henry remains the star of the show, offering ample opportunity to develop his character, explore varied dialogue paths, and continue portraying a deeply caring and thoughtful individual.

### Side Quests and Meaningful Choices

Alongside the main story, there are numerous side quests that explore the everyday lives of the monastery’s inhabitants. Henry’s ability to express compassion and concern for these people shines, highlighting the stress and hardship of their social structure.

Earning the trust of others is rewarding, but playing through missions in a way that truly merits that trust elevates the experience even further.

### New Gear and Discoverables

* Mysteria Ecclesiae* also introduces plenty of new items to discover, including a brand-new sword, armor pieces, and a unique mask. You can brew new alchemical potions and uncover hidden skill books scattered around the monastery, making for exciting additions to take back into the main game.

### A Fitting Conclusion to Henry’s Journey

*Mysteria Ecclesiae* is a fitting final installment in Henry’s adventure. It offers meaningful choices, engaging gameplay, and a compelling mystery. Best of all, it can be played at any point during your run through *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*.

This DLC further cements Henry as one of gaming’s finest protagonists—a man born a peasant who, through luck and perseverance, catches glimpses of a wider world, all while maintaining hope for the best in people.

### Final Thoughts

The only downside to *Mysteria Ecclesiae* is that it marks the end of the road for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. For now, all we can do is wait and hope that Warhorse Studios decides to continue Henry’s story with a third installment that matches the fun, intrigue, and heart packed into this game.

*This impressions piece is based on a version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – Mysteria Ecclesiae provided by the publisher.*
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146751/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-mysteria-ecclesiae-impressions

Big changes coming to Android (thanks Epic), Google Maps without internet, and cheap Moto phones: Android This Week

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Major Shifts Could Be Ahead for Android: The Epic vs. Google Settlement Will Change App Distribution

Motorola’s new Moto G series starts at just $170. Plus, Google Messages can now pin 20 conversations, and Gemini is coming to Google Maps navigation. Read on for more!

Android News

Pebblebee Unveils a Pair of Cute Android Trackers — Here’s Why I’m Not Buying Them

Pebblebee just revealed the Clip 5 and Card 5 — a cute set of Bluetooth trackers with enhanced safety functionality and rechargeable batteries. They’re almost perfect, and I’d probably buy them if not for the lack of UWB precision finding.

Google Messages Is About to Get Two Helpful New Features

Google Messages continues to improve, which is good news considering it’s the default text messaging application on millions of Android phones. It feels like every week or two something new appears, and that’s true again this week. We recently spotted two helpful new Google Messages features coming soon that’ll let you double the number of pinned conversations at the top, and more.

Google Settled with Epic, and Android Will Never Be the Same

The Epic Games vs. Google lawsuit has been going back and forth for nearly five years, and we finally have an outcome. Just one decision away from a total loss, Google settled with Epic earlier this week. As a result of Google’s concessions, there are some pretty major changes coming to Android in the future. Let’s go over them.

This Android Phone Might Have an Insanely Huge Battery, but It Won’t Come to the US

Android phones in the US usually come with up to 5,000 mAh batteries. While that’s enough for most people, the latest trend in countries like China is phones with batteries as big as 8,000 mAh. This new phone might just have the biggest battery we’ve seen so far.

Google Maps Is Getting a Navigation Upgrade

Google Maps is getting an upgrade thanks to the integration of Gemini. This should make Maps a lot more conversational and offer as much information as a tour guide would. The idea is to help you understand where you are going, rather than just providing flat directions.

Motorola’s Latest Moto G Phones Start at Only $170

Motorola might catch more headlines for its Razr foldables, but the company also makes some of the best budget phones on the market. If you’re trying to save money without sacrificing too much, Motorola is once again stepping up with the dependable Moto G and Moto G Play series.

LineageOS Just Arrived on This Android Flagship Phone

The OnePlus 13 now officially supports LineageOS 23. This gives OnePlus 13 users a great way to move beyond the standard OxygenOS software. This is huge news for anyone who loves the hardware OnePlus packs into its devices but prefers a cleaner, more stock Android feel.

The Most Powerful Android Phones Ever Are Here — But You Can’t Get One

The latest Android flagship killers have just launched, but unfortunately, the U.S. is being left out of the party. These new phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, along with other top-tier specs, and they’re coming in at surprisingly low prices.

Android Editorials, Lists & More

How to Automatically Change Your Android Wallpaper Based on Time of Day

You can spruce up your Android’s wallpaper to match the time of day. Instead of a boring static wallpaper, you can set your phone to change wallpapers dynamically. For example, you could have your phone display a light mode wallpaper during the day, which transitions to a dark mode wallpaper at night. I’m going to show you three ways to do so.

Download This Screen Time App — Your Eyes Will Thank You Later

Excessive screen time is one of the fastest-growing concerns today, and I feel no shame admitting I was a victim of it for a long time. If you’re on the same page, I highly recommend trying an app that helped me reduce my screen time from eight hours to four hours a day.

Here’s an Android Auto Adapter That’s Actually Worth Buying

I love my old and beat-up Toyota Tacoma truck, but the upgraded stereo still doesn’t support wireless Android Auto. Unless you have a newer vehicle, yours probably doesn’t either. After trying multiple dongles to convert it into a wireless experience, I can confidently say the AAWireless TWO is the only one worth buying.

Android Auto Keeps Disconnecting? Try These 6 Tricks Before You Give Up

It might just be me, but I’ve had terrible luck with the reliability of Android Auto. My iPhone never has issues connecting to Apple CarPlay, but my Android phones always seem to have extra hoops to jump through. It’s time to fix this once and for all.

It’s Time to Stop Using Samsung Messages

Google Messages has been the default messaging app on Samsung phones for over a year now. While you can still use Samsung Messages on your Galaxy device without issues (at least for now), you ought to switch to Google Messages. Here’s why.

How to Add More USB Ports to Your Android Phone

USB ports are undeniably useful but very limited on Android phones, as you typically get only one. Most people are fine with this, but if you want to expand your device’s connectivity, here’s how you can add more USB ports.

Why Samsung Notes Is My Primary Office Suite

I’m typing these words in Samsung Notes. These days, I do so much of my work here that it feels like my primary office suite rather than Microsoft Office. Don’t let the name fool you — this app can handle far more than just notes.

4 Awesome (and Practical) Things You Can Do with a Terminal on Android

We mostly use phones in “app mode,” tapping apps to launch them in separate windows. However, there’s another way to control your device — using a terminal window. Here’s why a terminal on your phone is worth exploring.

4 Things Google Maps Does Better Than Waze

I’ve been a Waze driver for years. It offers fast, crowd-sourced data, police alerts, and efficient routing — perfect for daily drives. However, there are times when Google Maps just makes more sense, reminding me why I keep both apps on my phone.

Use This Android Feature to Separate Your Work and Personal Life

Android has a neat built-in feature for separating your digital work life from your personal life. You can create separate profiles for work and life, isolate both spaces, and switch between them as needed. This way, you avoid work notifications during family time and vice versa, effectively turning your phone into two devices.

Samsung’s Secret App for Galaxy Phones Is My Favorite Launcher

One of the best things about Samsung phones rarely comes up in reviews: Good Lock, an official customization suite that makes Galaxy phones the most customizable on the market. It’s a tool that has replaced my need for third-party launchers.

PSA: Google Photos Is Lowering the Quality of Your Memories

Google Photos feels like a digital safe for our most precious memories, offering seemingly endless space. However, a default setting quietly but seriously reduces the quality of photos and videos we trust it with. Here’s what you need to know.

These 4 Google Keep Features Will Help You Build Perfect Grocery Lists

Google Keep is an essential tool on my phone. I use it to jot down everything from random thoughts to elaborate grocery lists. Over the years, my grocery list-building skills have improved; here’s how Google Keep helps.

These Tragedies Put Me Off Mobile Gaming

For a year or two, I treated my phone as my primary gaming console. It was all fun and games until some gamer-hostile trends gradually spoiled the experience. Here’s what turned me off mobile gaming.

Tempted to Get a Dumbphone? Try This First

More people are buying dumbphones, and I support this move. Having ditched a smartphone for years, I know the challenges that can arise. Before swapping out your phone, consider changing how you use the one you have.

This Secret Setting Prevents Google Maps from Wasting Data While Driving

Google Maps lets you download entire regions or areas onto your device for offline use. These offline maps function just like normal maps — you can look up locations, get directions, and use navigation without data. Here’s how to set it up for your next trip.

4 Open-Source Android Keyboards That Rival Gboard

Gboard is the default keyboard on most Android devices and packs several nifty features. However, its deep integration with Google services raises privacy concerns. If you share these concerns, here are four open-source keyboards that offer similar functionality without compromising your privacy.

7 Features Google Messages Should Steal from Apple’s iMessage

Both Google Messages and Apple iMessage are unique, but iMessage holds a slight feature advantage. If Google Messages wants to lead the messaging app race, it needs to adopt these seven features from Apple iMessage.

https://www.howtogeek.com/big-changes-coming-to-android-thanks-epic-google-maps-without-internet-and-cheap-moto-phones-android-this-week/