Zach is a freelance writer who has been active in media since 2009. In the more than a decade and a half since he moved to New York City to pursue a career in the industry, he has covered everything from pop culture and tech to food and New York City life and almost everything in between.
His work has appeared in Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, VinePair, Inside Hook, Forbes, Parents, Hop Culture, Gawker, and myriad other websites covering a wide range of topics from travel and food to the wine and spirits world, including as a reviewer for Liquor.com. He is also a Certified Cicerone® and serves on numerous tasting and judging panels, including the New York International Beer Competition and Ultimate Spirit Challenge.
Besides writing, Zach supplements his writing with entrepreneurial endeavors as the owner of two award-winning bars and restaurants in Manhattan. He's also an active hospitality educator and consultant, providing knowledge and training curriculums both in-house and for hire around New York City. He has appeared as an expert on nationally syndicated television shows, web series, and podcasts including Thrillist's "Best (and the Rest)," Heritage Radio Network's "Beer Sessions Radio," and more. In 2021, he signed on as the co-host of Back of House’s first podcast, So You Want To Run a Restaurant, which highlights conversations with owners, operators, and luminaries from the hospitality industry.
Most people assume bigger dog breeds come with equally sized personalities or energy levels. However, many are not only surprisingly low-maintenance but also relatively relaxed. According to Hart, this list includes the iconic Irish Wolfhound.
"Irish Wolfhounds are a hunting breed that tend to be calmer and more patient than many other breeds, often being referred to as 'gentle giants,'" she says. "They do require some exercise and play during the day and space to do so, but they would be equally content curled at your feet in the evenings."Whether it's your tight living situation or just your laidback lifestyle, it's not uncommon to seek out relatively low-energy dog breeds for a chill canine companion. But as with any pet parenting situation, this often involves spending time with the animal to get a feel for their individual personality."
Choosing a calm canine companion can depend on many factors," Hannah Hart, DVM, veterinarian at pet supply website Chewy, tells Best Life. "While certain breeds are more predisposed to a calm, easy-going demeanor, any dog can be calm with the right breeding, care, physical activity, and training once he or she is home with you."
Still, if you're looking for a place to start, there are a few dog varieties you might want to consider, given some of their most common characteristics. Read on for the most low-energy dog breeds that can make for an ideal calm companion, according to veterinarians and dog experts.
There aren't many dog breeds whose aesthetic matches their "vibe" quite like Basset Hounds. Naturally, this usually makes them ideal for someone looking for a less lively pup.
"Known for their charmingly droopy eyes and long ears, Basset Hounds embody calmness," says Kathryn Dench, DVM, veterinary surgeon and chief scientific advisor to Paw Origins. "Their stout body and short legs mean they prefer lounging over strenuous activities, making them perfect for relaxed living environments."
2. Irish wolfhound
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Most people assume bigger dog breeds come with equally sized personalities or energy levels. However, many are not only surprisingly low-maintenance but also relatively relaxed. According to Hart, this list includes the iconic Irish Wolfhound.
"Irish Wolfhounds are a hunting breed that tend to be calmer and more patient than many other breeds, often being referred to as 'gentle giants,'" she says. "They do require some exercise and play during the day and space to do so, but they would be equally content curled at your feet in the evenings."
Not all dogs of smaller stature are low energy. However, this is not the case for English bulldogs.
"With their iconic wrinkled face and robust build, bulldogs are the epitome of a low-energy pet," says Dench. "They enjoy short, leisurely walks and are content with indoor activities, ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space."
Hart agrees with this assessment, saying it's due to a physical characteristic. "Because these dogs have shorter snouts, being one of the 'brachycephalic' breeds, they tend to be more intolerant of large amounts of exercise, especially in hotter weather," she explains. "As such, they can make great companions for relaxing indoors most of the day."
4. Mastiff
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Even dogs classified as "working breeds" have the ability to act like they're off the clock. One breed that sometimes fits into this category is the English mastiff.
"Mastiffs were originally bred for both hunting and guarding, best for short excursions and spending the remainder of the day at home protecting their families," says Hart.
She adds that these larger dogs are known as gentle, patient companions with fairly low exercise requirements, much like the Irish wolfhound.
Some breeds were specifically designed for companionship and thrive on interaction with their pet parents. That's why the Shih Tzu can be the right fit for someone looking for a relatively chill canine.
"This breed, with its luxurious coat and sweet nature, requires minimal exercise," Dench tells Best Life. "Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship, preferring indoor comforts to outdoor adventures, which makes them excellent pets for less active households."
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has become a popular breed in recent decades thanks to its relatively small stature and family-friendly demeanor. As a bonus, these spaniels often have lower energy levels."These small, elegant dogs have a silky coat and a friendly expression," Dench says. "They are known for their adaptable and affectionate nature, needing only moderate exercise and enjoying plenty of cuddles."
7. Great Dane
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If you have the space they require, other larger breeds—like the Great Dane—can be a surprisingly relaxed addition to your family."Despite their large size, Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy," says Dench. "They are gentle and affectionate, another breed that's often referred to as 'gentle giants,' and require only moderate exercise to maintain their health."
8. Pekingese
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If you're looking for a more compact companion who'll be content to chill and sit on your lap, Hart suggests the Pekingese.
"The Pekingese was bred as a palace companion for ancient Chinese royalty, so they are typically friendly dogs," she explains. "As another brachycephalic breed, Pekingese can become tired from exercise quickly, so lower intensity activity is best, and they are more content to rest with you than to run long distances."
Ever since the late 90s, low-carb diets—those that drastically limit the number of carbohydrates one consumes—have been at the forefront of the weight-loss industry. Though the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calorie intake, a low-carb diet usually means eating 100 grams or less of carbohydrates per day.The theory goes that by pushing your body into a state of ketosis, a metabolic state in which you burn fat instead of glucose, you'll drop more pounds. To enter such a state, people who follow low-carb diets will typically forego added sugars, grains, refined carbohydrates such as those found in cookies or crackers, fruit, some vegetables, and more.
However, a 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open has found that not all low-carb foods are created equally when it comes to weight loss. Those researchers reviewed data from three large prospective cohort studies that included over 123,000 subjects and determined that low-carb diets that focused on high-quality macronutrients from healthy plant-based foods were associated with less weight gain. Meanwhile, low-carb diets centered on animal-sourced proteins, fats, or refined carbohydrates were associated with more weight gain.
Read on for the 10 worst low-carb foods when you want to move the needle on the scale.
In general, processed meats are best avoided for your health because they're high in sodium and trans fats—both of which are unhealthy for your heart. Experts say they can also contribute to weight gain despite being low in carbohydrates.
Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at Entirely Nourished, says this is true regardless of type: Sausages made of processed beef, pork, chicken, or turkey can all slow movement on the scale.
"These are low in carbs but high in salt, which can lead to water retention and bloating, potentially hindering weight loss efforts," she explains.
2. Low-carb cookies or crackers
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If you eat low-carb cookies or crackers in the place of more traditional pre-packaged snacks, this may help you lose weight. However, experts note that these are still highly processed and can be labeled misleadingly, leading to slowed progress.
"Although these may be low in carbs, they are often higher in fat and total calories since they often use ground nuts and seeds in them," points out Liz Weinandy, RD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
She notes that rather than eating low-carb processed foods, it's better to eat healthy carbs from natural sources—for instance, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
"Time and time again, studies show those who eat more plant foods have better health and lower risks for many chronic diseases," the dietitian says. "A better approach would be to lower the amount of ultra-processed carbs," even those that are labeled as being low in carbohydrates.
If you've been on TikTok lately, you may have noticed the viral trend of the "carnivore diet," a restrictive meal plan in which dieters eat only meat and other animal products, such as eggs and dairy. However, experts say that not only is this a heart health hazard, but it may also backfire when it comes to weight loss.
"Fatty red meat, like ribeye steak, contains significant amounts of saturated fat, which can increase insulin resistance and inflammation, thereby hindering progress toward weight loss goals," says Routhenstein.
The dietitian notes that deli meats are also poor additions to your weight loss diet: "Processed meats like salami are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives, which can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems."
4. Low-carb cocktails and beer
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When you want to lose weight, it's a good idea to cut back on your alcohol consumption. But simply switching to low-carb cocktails or beer at your previous volume is unlikely to yield the results you're after.
"Even low-carb alcohol still has calories in it, and these can add up," says Weinandy, noting that alcohol slows down the metabolism. "Most beverages with calories, if consumed regularly, can thwart weight loss efforts. This is why water and calorie-free tea and coffee is recommended over any sugary beverage."
When you're following a low-carb diet, it's best to reach for high-quality oils and fats to cook with—for instance, extra virgin olive oil.
"Butter, although it doesn't contain carbs, is calorically dense and high in saturated fat, which can impede weight loss goals by contributing to excess calorie intake," says Routhenstein.
6. Cheese
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Most types of cheese contain few or no carbs—but that doesn't mean they'll necessarily result in weight loss.
For instance, cream cheese—despite being low in carbs—is rich in saturated fats and calories. "Excessive consumption of cream cheese may lead to weight gain and negatively affect heart health," warns Routhenstein.
Condiments are often a hidden source of calories—which is why they can easily sabotage your weight loss goals if not portioned out carefully.
"Just one tablespoon of mayonnaise, about the size of your thumb from the tip to where it meets your palm, is 100 calories," notes Weinandy. "It's easy to use two to three tablespoons on a single sandwich. Low-carb? Yes. Low calorie? No!"
8. Whipped cream
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Whipped cream contains only 1.75 grams of carbohydrates per quarter cup, yet Routhenstein warns against it.
"Whipped cream is low in carbs but high in saturated fats and sugars, which can lead to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess," she says.
9. Nuts and seeds
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Nuts and seeds can be a nutrient-dense snack that helps keep you fuller for longer. However, they're also calorie-dense—and this can lead to weight gain if you don't consider portion control.
"Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of nutrients, containing many different micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, and fiber. However, they are high in fat and calories, too," says Weinandy.
She notes that though nuts contain healthy, monounsaturated fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, the calories will still add up and can prevent weight loss.
10. Artificial sweeteners
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Though it's a good idea to minimize sugar on any diet plan, some experts say that replacing it with artificial sweeteners can backfire.
"Research is mixed on sugar substitutes, with some studies showing they can help with weight loss and others showing no benefit or even worse—that they may increase appetite. There may even be a larger negative to using these, though. There is concern they may negatively affect the gut microbiome, and over time, this can affect many aspects of our health," warns Weinandy.
Regular exercise, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep (the National Institute on Aging recommends adults get seven to nine hours each night) are some of the more obvious secrets for longevity. However, a well-balanced diet is arguably one of, if not the most important ingredients to sustaining a long and healthy life. In fact, a 2023 study published in Nature found that people with healthy dietary patterns that restrict processed meats and sweetened beverages can increase longevity by up to 10 years. And the proof is the pudding—just look at supercentenarian Louise Jean Signore, who recently celebrated her 112th trip around the sun.
Signore is the second oldest person living in the Big Apple. She was born on July 31, 1912, to Italian immigrants in Harlem, New York, per her profile in the New York Post. She’s lived through World War II, which her brothers served in, the Prohibition era, the Great Depression, the events of 9/11, and a global pandemic—and also outlived her five younger siblings.
And yet, she still lives an active lifestyle at the ripe age of 112 years old. “It’s my body. Nobody tells me what to do. I do what I think is best. It works,” she told the NY Post.
As a kid, Signore was into ballroom dancing, swimming, playing bocce, and biking. While some of her favorite forms of physical exercise have taken a backseat in recent years, including line dancing, Signore still prioritizes her daily walks, even if it’s just a light stroll up and down her apartment building’s hallways.
However, her initiation into the supercentenarian club (an elite group who live to be 110 years old and over) is all due to her diet, she told the NY Post.
“It starts when you’re young,” explained Signore, giving kudos to her Italian-American heritage.
“We had salad, fruit, and vegetables every single night, and we always had wine on the table,” she recalled. Signore and her siblings were only allowed to indulge in “cake and soda on Sundays,” she added.
As for her current meal plan, Signore enjoys eggs and toast as a light breakfast and “doctors up” her lunches and dinners with “tomato sauce, or garlic and olive oil.”
“I don’t have much. I have eggs. I have bread with jam and tea, but that’s it,” she said of her ideal breakfast.
However, there is one popular morning beverage she skips. “No coffee, I don’t drink coffee,” she quipped. Signore has also made a point to avoid smoking and alcohol.
At the end of the day, though, Signore said it really boils down to Italian food. Speaking with the NY in 2019, Signore credited her longevity to her healthy relationship with food, especially authentic Italian cuisine, and the instrumental part it played in her upbringing.
“Italian food is very good for you,” she said. “I was brought up with very good food.”
Aside from Italian food, Signore claimed that the reason why she’s outlived her siblings and most of her friends is because she chose to stay single.
“That’s why I am living. That’s why I am okay, because I didn’t get married…no marriage, no children. I’d rather be single,” she said days after celebrating her 112th birthday. “When you are married you have a lot of trouble.”
It feels like 2024 simply won’t let up with health scares, with the onset of bird flu, rising COVID cases, and foodborne illness. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm on yet another troubling trend: an increase in human parvovirus cases. While people who contract the seasonal respiratory virus are often asymptomatic, there are certain signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for.
In an Aug. 13 Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, the CDC noted the increase in parvovirus B19 (also known as fifth disease) in the U.S. There was an earlier uptick in reported cases in 14 European countries.
Roughly 50 percent of adults have detectable parvovirus B19 antibodies (signaling a past infection and presumed protection against reinfection) by the time they’re 20, and more than 70 percent have them by 40. However, new data from the CDC revealed that the proportion of people of all ages with IgM antibodies—which indicate a recent infection—increased between 2022 and 2024. The greatest increase was observed in children between the ages of 5 and 9.
The virus is “highly transmissible in respiratory droplets,” and people working in schools with children are at a higher risk of infection. Some students and staff are infected during school outbreaks, while others are infected after “household exposure.” The illness can also be transmitted from a mother to a fetus during pregnancy or through certain kinds of blood and plasma transfusions. However, the CDC notes that “transfusion-associated parvovirus B19 infection is extremely rare.”
Those infected with parvovirus B19 might not show any symptoms, but when they do appear, they’re typically mild and appear in two phases. During the first phase, people may experience a fever, myalgia (muscle pain), and general malaise roughly a week after being infected. On its page outlining parvovirus B19, the CDC notes that headache, cough, sore throat, rashes, and joint pain can also occur. People are most contagious during this phase, which typically lasts five days.
During the second phase, adults may have a rash on the trunk of the body and joint pain, while kids often develop a “characteristic facial rash,” also known as a “slapped cheek” appearance. This may also be followed by a net-like rash and joint pain. When the rash shows up, children are no longer contagious.
The CDC notes that people generally only require care during the acute phase and then recover completely. Complications like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), hepatitis, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) are rare. However, those without preexisting immunity to parvovirus B19 who are pregnant, those who have weakened immune systems, and those with a specific form of anemia can have “adverse health outcomes.”
The CDC recommends familiarizing yourself with the symptoms and its respiratory virus guidance, especially if you are at higher risk of severe disease. You should also seek medical care if you are pregnant and have been exposed to parvovirus B19 or show symptoms, as well as if you have an underlying condition and symptoms of the virus.
Inflation fell just below 3% (2.9%) for the first time since 2021, which makes it the perfect time to look at your financial matters with a fresh perspective. But how can you take advantage of the current economic climate? “The top ways to grow your wealth are really simple, almost deceptively so,” self-made millionaire and author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit Sethi tells CNBC. “And they seem boring, but they are the ones that actually work.” So what should you do? Here’s how to save money and grow wealth, according to financial experts.
Consider investing even a small amount of money to grow wealth. “Invest a percentage of your income every year automatically and increase that percentage 1%,” Sethi says. “We often believe that rich people have access to secret investments, and that’s how they make a ton of money. Listen, I have access to those investments, and I can tell you right now, they typically do not perform better than a simple S&P index fund. The ordinary truth is that you can get great returns with a simple low-cost long-term index fund.”
2. Make More Money
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Don’t feel limited by the amount of money you make. "An often-overlooked option to save more money is to make more,” Kevin M. Curley, II, CFP, wealth advisor at Global Wealth Advisors, tells CBS News. “Working to improve or build up a skillset can increase an employee's value and the amount of money someone might be willing to pay them. Market any specialized skills on social media platforms by broadcasting them to anyone who will listen. You don't have to be an influencer to make money on YouTube, for example. It is possible to reach people who are interested in very niche areas and start making money with only 1,000 subscribers.”
2. Plan Ahead
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Plan ahead when doing food shopping or planning to go to a restaurant so you don’t get tempted by something outside your budget. "Be honest with yourself and set expectations with friends and family who might be expecting you to pick up the tab or purchase a gift,” Dr. Kate Mielitz, Accredited Financial Counselor at Beyond Finance, tells CBS News. “Yes, it's hard, and uncomfortable, to say, 'I can't afford it,' but it pays off when you have money in your account at the end of the pay period.”
4. Switch Service Providers
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Consider switching service providers to save money. "As a personal example, I recently switched telecom services and found it was 30% cheaper, and the plan gave me free cell service for the first year," Curley says. “Shopping around for home and auto insurance rates can be a good way to save money,” says Nia Adams, personal finance educator at Perspectives.
5. Is Your Salary Fair?
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Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise to make sure you are getting a fair wage. “Learn the skills of negotiating your salary and getting paid what you’re worth,” Sethi says.
6. Side Hustle
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Consider making more money by exploring side hustles. By using your spare time to work on new projects, you can make more money. “If you really want to increase your earnings, consider starting a business on the side,” Sethi says.
7. Reduce Investment-Related Fees
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Don’t overlook the fees on your investment accounts. "Fees are imperative to consider when choosing an investment because they can diminish your investment returns, and with compound interest, can cost you a substantial amount of money over time," Vincent Grosso, founder at Pascack Capital, tells CBS News. "To save money, investors can look for less expensive fund options. A more expensive fund does not always equate to a superior fund. Evaluating your fund fees can save you money today, and your future self will thank you, as well.”
Netflix fans rejoice—the streaming giant just renewed two major shows. Supacell and The Gentleman will both be returning for season 2 after performing very well in their initial seasons. “The world of The Gentlemen is a little bit of me,” Ritchie previously told Netflix. “We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast.” Here’s what to expect in season 2 of both hit shows.
According to the official description, Supacell is about “a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.”
2. What's Next?
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Creator Rapman says he has a clear idea of what will happen on the show. “I’ve always had it [mapped out] to Season 3. I know how Season 2 ends,” he told Tudum. “I’ve got stuff planned for this story. I’ve had this in my head for years, so I’m ready to go.”
3. Just Getting Started
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Rapman says each of the five Supacell heroes is just getting started. “Supacell Season 1 is my Batman Begins. It’s a prequel of what they’ll be like,” he told Tudum. “Season 2 is when you really see what they become. That future you saw at the end of the pilot in London, that exact future doesn’t exist anymore. They’ve changed everything. It’s going to be interesting when we get into the writers’ room.”
4. What's The Gentlemen About?
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The Gentlemen, based on the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name, is coming back for another 8-episode season. “When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren't going anywhere,” says Netflix in their official description.
5. What's Next?
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Even the cast are full of questions and speculations about what’s coming next. “It’d be fun to see the business spread a bit more,” Kaya Scodelario, who plays Susie, tells Tudum. “How do they take it to the next level? They’re very adamant about not getting into the chop game, so how do they then continue to build the empire? Where does that take them? How does the new structure of the business work practically?”
6. What About Susie and Eddie?
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Fans of the relationship between Susie and Eddie should be prepared for anything. “I think they’ve grown to love each other in their own way, but I think they’ll never fully trust each other because they are so different and they’re from such vastly different worlds,” Theo James told Tudum. “There’s a love between them, but ultimately they will never be from the same cloth.”
7. Supacell Rave Reviews
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Supacell scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike raving about the show. “Though the excitement of supernatural abilities and the magic of science fiction ripple across the show, the series also explores major themes that disproportionately affect Black people, including human trafficking, extreme surveillance, pervasive global anti-Blackness and predatory medical practices,” writes Aramide Tinubu for Variety.
8. London Superheroes
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Other reviews highlight the unique aspect of having a superhero story take place amongst people of color in London. “This is not your typical superhero origin story, where preserving truth, justice and the American way is the primary concern,” Leila Latif writes for The Guardian. “Instead, the characters are operating in a society where the odds are stacked against them, and they are all struggling to make ends meet and avoid violence. Their priority is to use the unexpected new tools at their disposal to even the playing field.”
9. Cheeky Humor
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Fans of Guy Ritchie will know what to expect from The Gentlemen. “As you’d expect from the prolific and provocative filmmaker behind Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, etc., The Gentlemen is filled with cheeky humor, sweeping camera movements, callbacks to previous plot developments and the occasional use of a graphic that spells out definitions and sometimes does some convenient math for us,” Richard Roeper says cia the Chicago Sun-Times.