Who out there doesn't love Panera Bread? It's probably the best fast food restaurant out there. So good, in fact, that it may not even deserve to be lumped in as a “fast food” chain. Before you order your next sandwich or pastry from the establishment, however, get to know Panera Bread a bit better via the following array of facts. They may take you by extreme surprise… 1. It Originated in Missouri And it remained a local joint called “St. Louis Bread Co.” until the founder of Au Bon Pain took it national. 2. The OG In St. Louis, the franchise is STILL known as The St. Louis Bread Company. 3. “Panera” Means Bread Bowl Sort of. The name translates to “bread basket”or “bread box” in Spanish. 4. There are Four States Without a Panera Bread Sorry, residents of Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 5. You May Want to Own Some Stock In It Panera is traded publically on NASDAQ. On the day it went public, – June 10, 1991 – shares topped out at $13.25, according to Yahoo! Finance. On February 18, 2017, it hit a peak of $179.37. 6. It Has HOW MANY Locations?!? Over 2,000. In 2015, it was named the most innovative company by Fast Company and opened its 2,000th bakery-café in March 2016. View Slideshow
Who out there doesn't love Panera Bread? It's probably the best fast food restaurant out there. So good, in fact, that it may not even deserve to be lumped in as a “fast food” chain. Before you order your next sandwich or pastry from the establishment, however, get to know Panera Bread a bit better via the following array of facts. They may take you by extreme surprise… 1. It Originated in Missouri And it remained a local joint called “St. Louis Bread Co.” until the founder of Au Bon Pain took it national. 2. The OG In St. Louis, the franchise is STILL known as The St. Louis Bread Company. 3. “Panera” Means Bread Bowl Sort of. The name translates to “bread basket”or “bread box” in Spanish. 4. There are Four States Without a Panera Bread Sorry, residents of Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 5. You May Want to Own Some Stock In It Panera is traded publically on NASDAQ. On the day it went public, – June 10, 1991 – shares topped out at $13.25, according to Yahoo! Finance. On February 18, 2017, it hit a peak of $179.37. 6. It Has HOW MANY Locations?!? Over 2,000. In 2015, it was named the most innovative company by Fast Company and opened its 2,000th bakery-café in March 2016. View Slideshow
There was a time when the name Tom Cruise conjured images of a megawatt smile and a stack of phone books to make him appear less Hobbit-like in stature. These days, of course, when we think of Cruise, we’re more likely to imagine the Sea Org members chained up in his basement or the ultra-luxurious spaceship that they’re scrambling to finish building in time for the second coming of L. Ron Hubbard. Yes, at this point, Cruise is less “bankable movie star” and more of “prophet of the Spacelord Xenu.” His role as the face of Scientology takes up a lot of his time, and we’re sure it’s demanding work. Take one hard look at the husk of a man that is Sean Spicer, and you can see the toll that’s exacted by constantly trying to sell total BS to an increasingly skeptical population. But hey, Cruise can do what Cruise wants to do with his time. If he wants to spend his days having his thetans read and avoiding Suppressive Persons, that’s his deal. Unfortunately, it seems one of the SP’s that Tom’s been dodging is none other than his youngest daughter, Suri Cruise. As you’re probably aware, Tom’s divorce from Katie Holmes was a profoundly ugly one, as the actress sought not only to escape her marriage, but also the Scientology community, which tends to hold its adherents’ lives in a Mafia-like vise grip. She succeeded, but only because Cruise agreed to an arrangement in which he and Holmes would completely cut ties. Unfortunately, it seems that also means Cruise has cut ties with Suri . Last year, In Touch reported that Tom hadn’t seen Suri in 1,000 days . Now, the tabloid is reporting that that number has reached 1,346 days and counting . Cruise is currently traveling the globe to promote The Mummy, and his promotional tour recently brought him to within just 23 miles of Suri, who was in Calabasas when Tom was in LA. Sadly, the actor reportedly made no effort to see his daughter, instead hopping a plane to Australia to continue promoting the film. “Tom could have easily made the trip to see Suri. It only takes about 30 minutes without traffic. It would’ve only added a few hours to his busy schedule,” a source tells the magazine. The same insider notes that Tom has not been photographer with Suri since September of 2013. View Slideshow: 10 Stunning Tom Cruise Claims Leveled by Leah Remini
The Bachelor franchise has seen some of hottest bachelors alive, yes, but also some truly gorgeous women over its decade-plus on ABC. It may not have the best track record when it comes to forming love connections, but let's face it, the show does not lack for eye candy. This is true on both sides of the gender coin. In honor of Vanessa Grimaldi winning Nick Viall's final rose, and ABC naming Rachel Lindsay The Bachelorette , let's see how they stack up. No wonder it was a tough choice at the end for Ben, we'll say that. But how would you rank both among all contestants in 30-plus seasons? Take a look at our 29 hottest women of The Bachelor – some of whom became The Bachelorette , not surprisingly – and see if you agree … 29. Raven Gates The pride of Hoxie, Arkansas, Raven Gates, Nick Viall’s runner-up in 2017, is as cute as they come … making it all the more surprising that she has never come. (Sorry.) 28. Kaitlyn Bristowe Kaitlyn Bristowe, the current Bachelorette, is a bona fide cutie. And is also not afraid to say and do what she thinks, upping the wild card hotness factor. 27. Kacie Boguskie The lovely and charming Kacie Boguskie made it a long way on Ben Flajnik’s season, and tried again on Sean Lowe’s to no avail. 26. Tenley Molzahn A controversial pick, perhaps, but we always had a soft spot for squeaky voiced, bubbly Tenley Molzahn. 25. Danielle Lombard Danielle Lombard was one of the more striking women to compete for Nick Viall’s heart on Season 21. She didn’t get a hometown date, but we don’t think she’ll be lacking for interest now. 24. Desiree Hartsock The Bachelorette star Desiree Hartsock had a girl next door appeal and a cheesy authenticity that made her look amazing in anything or nothing. View Slideshow
David Leavitt is a “journalist” with a surprisingly large Twitter following. We put the word in quotes because the guy seems to make most of his money live-streaming while he plays video games, and we refuse to live in a world where that's considered journalism. Anyway, we mention Mr. Leavitt not to make fun of his corny ass career, but to point out the abhorrent comments he made in response to the recent bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. The terrorist attack left 22 dead and at lead more gravely injured. Leavitt thought the tragedy offered a good opportunity to crack a few jokes at Grande's expense. Twitter disagreed. Strongly. Check out some of the best responses to David's douchery in the slideshow below: 1. The “Joke” This is David’s idea of humor. Needless to say, it didn’t go over well. 2. Are We Having Fun Yet? David “The Jester” Leavitt decided to double down with this “dads’ night in the Catskills” gag about Ariana’s name. Twitter dug deep and discovered he’s been making the same joke for YEARS! 3. Anthony Bourdain Cuts to the Chase An objectively accurate description. When Bourdain describes you as a piece of anatomy he wouldn’t eat on the Mekong Delta in front of a camera crew, you know it’s bad. 4. The Ratio “The ratio” on Twitter refers to the responses to your tweet in proportion to the “likes” and retweets. When the responses are higher than the other two, that’s bad. In Leavitt’s case, it was very, very bad. 5. The Rule of Threes Clearly, David studied under the masters. 6. Sincere Advice … … which, of course, David ignored until it was too late. View Slideshow
Prior to laying her husband to eternal rest, Chris Cornell’s wife wrote a public letter to her husband on Wednesday that was published by Billboard.com We’ve shared it below. But be warned: it will almost definitely make you cry. One week after the former Soundgarden and Audioslave singer killed himself following a show in Detroit, Vicky Cornell addressed the artist directly on a moving message. “To my sweet Christopher, you were the best father, husband and son-in-law,” she wrote, adding: “Your patience, empathy and love always showed through. You had always said I saved you, that you wouldn’t be alive if it were not for me. “My heart gleamed to see you happy, living and motivated. Excited for life. Doing everything you could to give back. “We had the time of our lives in the last decade and I’m sorry, my sweet love, that I did not see what happened to you that night. I’m sorry you were alone, and I know that was not you, my sweet Christopher. “Your children know that too, so you can rest in peace.” Cornell battled a substance abuse problem for years prior to passing away. A friend recently came out and said the star was high during his final performance . As is the case with any suicide, we’ll likely never have all the answers to every question, but Vicky is determined to keep a positive memory of her husband. She concluded her open letter as follows: I’m broken, but I will stand up for you and I will take care of our beautiful babies. I will think of you every minute of every day and I will fight for you. You were right when you said we are soulmates. It has been said that paths that have crossed will cross again, and I know that you will come find me, and I will be here waiting. I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone in the history of loving and more than anyone ever will. Always and forever, your Vicky. Cornell’s death has officially been ruled a suicide by hanging. He was cremated in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 22 and he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Friday, May 26. The singer’s body was found in a hotel bathroom by a family friend after Vicky had not heard from him in hours. She grew concerned and asked this acquaintance to try and track Cornell down. The couple has two kids together and Vicky told TMZ the day after this tragedy that she saw no signs in the weeks preceding it that Cornell was in such a bad place. Cornell had checked into a rehab facility in 2013 and Vicky said last week she believed her husband remained clean ever since. Vicky thinks that prescription drugs may have played a part in her husband’s death. In a previous statement, the grieving mother wrote that Cornell would never intentionally hurt his family by taking his own life. “I noticed he was slurring his words; he was different. When he told me he may have taken an extra Ativan or two, I contacted security and asked that they check on him,” Vicky said at the time. “What happened is inexplicable and I am hopeful that further medical reports will provide additional details.” View Slideshow: Chris Cornell: Mourned, Remembered by Stars Everywhere The couple got married in 2004 and are the parents of daughter Toni, 12, and son Christopher, 11. Cornell is also father to 16-year-old daughter Lillian from a previous marriage. May he rest in peace.
On Wednesday night, ABC aired an updated version of the classic movie Dirty Dancing. No one really knows why. It starred Abigail Breslin in the role made famous on the big screen by Jennifer Grey and Colt Prattes in the role previously played by Patrick Swayze… and it was met with universal disdain by every single person who tuned in for it. More or less, that is. Scroll down for a summary of Twitter reaction to the Dirty Dancing remake and then let's never talk about it again. Let's go ahead and put this awful film in the corner, if you will… 1. Listen to Jack Donaghy Can we please shut this thing down? 2. And Also to Jonah Hill No, ABC. Just… no. 3. You Had One Job! And we’re not talking about the carrying of a watermelon. 4. Seriously Like, SERIOUSLY. 5. Well, Someone Did But they really should not have. 6. No Offense to Chris Farley But this sums it up. View Slideshow
Jennifer Lopez may star in the NBC drama Shades of Blue, but she wants to make sure there are no shades of grey when it comes to her latest romance. Yes, she is dating Alex Rodriguez. And, yes, it is pretty darn serious. The former Major League Baseball player and the current Majorly Hot Piece of Ass have been dating for a few months now, going public with their relationship very early on. The stars attended the MET Gala in New York City back on May 1 and Lopez even accompanied Rodriguez to Florida to spend time with the Yankees during spring training in March. On Monday night, however, J. Lo made one of her strongest statements to date regarding A. Rod. She shared the photo above on her Instagram account, included with it a heart emoji, a single word and a single acronym. “My #MCM,” wrote the singer as a caption. That would be Man Crush Monday , for all those readers not well versed in Internet Speak. Last Friday, meanwhile, Rodriguez posted a different sort of photo on his Instagram page, bragging that he visited Lopez on the set of Shades of Blue and making it clear that he’s smitten as well. “In the Heights #shades #midnight #harlee #mygirl,” wrote A. Rod, using the name of Lopez’s character as a hashtag Appearing on The View in late March, Rodriguez spoke openly for the first time about his very attractive new girlfriend. “We’ve been having a great time. She’s an amazing, amazing girl,” the ex-slugger told the hosts, adding that Lopez is “one of the smartest human beings I’ve ever met and also an incredible mother.” Rodriguez also confirmed at the time that Lopez really is just a regular woman. One might even label her as Jenny from the Block. “She just likes simple things,” he said in this interview. “I mean, she’s a very, very simple person. Loves family. Is a great sister. Is a great daughter.” Throughout his playing career, A. Rod often came across as a personality-free tool. But he’s slept with Kate Hudson. And Torrie Wilson. And Cameron Diaz. And now Lopez. Maybe he just has a big penis? It’s hard to say. However, an insider tells Us Weekly that they definitely have big plans in life. Together. “They’ve been talking about the future and, of course marriage has come up,” a source told the tabloid. “They aren’t making wedding plans, but they have been talking about their lives.” Adds this insider: “She hasn’t felt this way about anyone in a long time.” We really can’t believe Rodriguez gets to see Lopez naked any time he wants. But at least A. Rod and J. Lo provide us with one of the best couples nicknames in Hollywood history Is it THE best, though? Click around below and decide now! View Slideshow: Celebrity Couple Nicknames: RANKED!
A 22-year-old native of Great Britain has been identified as the suicide bomber who killed 22 people and injured 59 others at Manchester Arena on Monday night. His name is Salman Abedi. Mourners gather in Britain to pay their respects to those who died in the bombing. According to The New York Times and other outlets, Salman Abedi resided in a house just three-and-a-half miles from the venue, which was holding an Ariana Grande concert when the terrorist act was carried out. Police have confirmed that Abedi detonated his explosive just as the concert ended, as thousands of young fans were exiting the arena and heading for the adjacent train station As of this writing, 22 people are reported dead as a result of the blast, while 59 are seriously injured. One victim was an 18-year old girl and one was an eight-year old . Because Grande is especially popular among this young demographic, a significant number of those killed or wounded were teenagers or children. At a late afternoon news conference, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of the Greater Manchester Police named Abedi as the bomber and added that he died in the blast. A man creates a heart symbol with his hands in front of Nelson’s Column during a vigil for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack in Trafalgar Square. Abedi was reportedly known to British authorities prior to this incident. Details on such sensitive information are understandably scarce at the moment, but he was recognized as a potential terrorist before blowing him and many others up on Monday. Abedi was registered as living in a Manchester house where police set off a controlled explosion Tuesday, the Associated Press reported, citing voting records. He was born in Great Britain in 1994 to parents who came to the country from Libya, according to an official who spoke to The New York Times. “The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network,” Chief Constable Hopkins said as part of a longer statement while addressing the press today. Here’s a look at excerpts from that exchange: Earlier in the day, ISIS issued its claim of responsibility for the fatal act in a brief, generic statement that did not identify the bomber and appeared to get a few of the facts wrong. It alleged a “caliphate soldier managed to place a number of devices among a gathering of crusaders in Manchester, and detonated them.” That is not what actually transpired, but the bottom line is that this explosion marked the deadliest mass killing in Great Britain since the 2005 London subway bombings, which left 52 people dead. As for how officials feel confident that was behind the attack? His ID was found at the scene of the bombing, according to a law enforcement official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the investigation remains underway. Abedi lived with his family and “didn’t really speak to anyone,” a neighbor tells The New York Times, adding that he seemed “nice” if you wandered past him. Police have also arrested a 23-year-old as part of their investigation into what happened. Reaction to the heinous act continues to come in, from all corners of the world. Donald Trump has referred to the perpetrators as “losers,” while Grande simply said she was “broken” on Twitter. British Prime Minister Theresa May called the explosion “a callous terror attack” and said it was “among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom.” She added: “This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people.” We continue to pray for all affected and we’ll continue to update the site with more news as it breaks. May all the victims rest in peace.
ABC has finally come to its sense and selected an African-American Bachelorette. Her name is Rachel Lindsay and she rose to fame as a contestant on The Bachelor Season 21, advancing pretty far in her attempt to win over Nick Viall. But screw that! Screw him! Lindsay is now set to control her own fate on the next installment of this beloved franchise. Get to know Rachel Lindsay very well via the following set of facts and tidbits… 1. She’ll Sue You! If she has to. Lindsay graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned her law degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. She works in Dallas as an attorney. 2. The Law Runs in Her Family Her father is a judge. 3. She Can Dance… … While vacuming! (We adore this GIF.) 4. She Loves Sports She wants a man with a “decent jump shot” and said this herself to Nick Viall: “I love sports, but I don’t play games.” 5. Her Favorite Musicians Are… … Michael Jackson and Prince. 6. What Else Does She Want in a Man? Lindsay told Kimmel she’s seeking “someone who’s ready to start a family,” but who can also make her laugh. According ABC, the 31-year-old is searching for a guy who is smart and funny, with a nice smile and sense of humor. View Slideshow
