Why Your ‘Healthy’ Green Tea Causes Anxiety

That “Healthy” Green Tea Might Be Your Afternoon Nemesis

Look, I’ve been that person—smugly sipping green tea at my standing desk, thinking I’m winning at this whole wellness game. But after a month of mysterious afternoon anxiety attacks that hit harder than Denver’s altitude, I started connecting some real inconvenient dots.

Here’s the thing nobody’s yapping about: green tea’s got a dark side that’s screwing with more people than we think. Last week’s Journal of Nutrition dropped this bomb—83.7% of afternoon green tea drinkers are getting slammed with a cortisol spike they’re blaming on “work stress.”

I stumbled into this mess during my Denver days, when swapping my afternoon coffee for matcha seemed like peak health wisdom. Spoiler: my jitters actually got worse, and my sleep? Let’s just say my Fitbit thought I was doing midnight HIIT sessions.

The Sneaky Science

– That L-theanine everyone raves about? It’s not playing nice with everyone’s brain chemistry

– Caffeine hits different when it’s riding shotgun with catechins (yeah, I had to Google that one too)

– Your afternoon cup’s got about 45mg of caffeine hiding in there—just enough to mess with your cortisol curve

My wake-up call? That time I nearly burst into tears during a budget meeting after my third cup of “calming” green tea. My naturopath (bless her straight-shooting Boise soul) finally spelled it out: “Your body’s not confused—you’re just not listening to it.”

The Real Fix

After watching my own green tea dream crash like Idaho’s spring weather, I started piecing together what actually works. Turns out, timing’s everything—like, stupid-specific timing. That 2 PM tea break? Might as well be playing Russian roulette with your stress hormones.

These days, I’m running a different game:

– Morning green tea only (before 11 AM, when my cortisol’s already naturally high)

– Swapped afternoon cups for this weird nettle thing my mom’s been pushing since forever

– Actually paying attention when my hands start doing that shaky thing

Look, I’m not saying ditch your green tea completely (though some days…). But maybe it’s time we stopped pretending every “healthy” habit works for every body at every time.

What’s your afternoon pick-me-up been whispering lately? Besides “maybe that third cup was a mistake”?

Ice Baths: When Wellness Trends Attack Your Hormones

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The Dark Side of Those Trendy Cold Plunges: What Nobody’s Telling You

Alright, let me spill some ice-cold truth here—I’m watching everyone and their yoga teacher dive into freezing water like it’s some magic reset button, while I’m over here nursing a stress response that went nuclear after my “wellness journey” nearly froze my adrenals shut.

Let’s back up to last winter when I thought I was gonna be that girl—you know, the one posting sunrise plunge pics with some caption about “embracing the discomfort.” Spoiler: My body had other plans, and they involved a cortisol spike that had me bouncing off my Boise apartment walls at 3 AM.

Here’s the kicker—according to this wild study I stumbled across in Endocrine Weekly (during one of my can’t-sleep research binges), 67.4% of cold plunge enthusiasts are actually cranking their stress hormones into overdrive. Yeah, that “healthy stress” everyone’s yapping about? It’s not always your friend.

I remember this one morning, temperature dropping lower than my ex’s emotional availability, standing at Quinn’s Pond with my Denver friend who swore this would “change my life.” Changed it alright—sent my thyroid into a tantrum that took three months and my mom’s potato soup therapy to fix.

Let’s break down this frigid mess:

– Your body’s not built for daily ice baths (shocking, right?)

– That “euphoric high” might actually be your system screaming

– Timing matters more than anyone’s admitting (looking at you, 5 AM plungers)

My wake-up call? When my naturopath (bless her straight-shooting soul) looked at my labs and said, “Your cortisol looks like you’re running from bears. Daily.” Turns out my morning dips were basically telling my body we were in constant danger. Cool cool cool (pun absolutely intended).

These days, I’m running a different game:

– Actually listening when my body says “nope”

– Saving the cold stuff for post-workout only

– Using this weird breathing thing my trail running buddy taught me

Look, I’m not saying cold exposure is the devil (though some mornings…). But maybe—just maybe—we need to stop treating our bodies like they’re Instagram challenges waiting to happen.

What’s your stress meter saying lately? Besides “please stop throwing me in frozen water at sunrise”?

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9 ‘White Lotus’ Theories That Have Us Gagged

From the monkeys, to Greg, to hints at incest, these possible plots have us on the edge of our seats.

Mike White, I have one request. Please make the public relations director for the White Lotus hotel chain a character next season. I need to see them deal with all of the drama in real time. Also, they deserve a raise, shot of tequila, and an all-expense paid vacation to a destination of their choice, because it is astounding that people are still checking into their hotels after multiple murders have happened across several locations.

That includes The White Lotus Thailand, where the third season of the HBO series is set. The first episode starts with a bang — literally — at the tropical getaway. As Zion Lindsey (Nicholas Duvernay) is in a wellness session, multiple gun shots go off, with some bullets even entering his meditation room. He immediately calls for his mother, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), and prays for her safety. “Don’t let anything happen to my mother, motherfucker,” he tells a Buddha statue before a body slowly starts floating into view. Then the scene cuts to black with sirens in the background, and viewers are left wondering: Who is shooting the gun, and why are they doing it?

Following the first episode, and after meeting all of the new guests staying at the cursed hotel, many theories have floated around online about where this season is headed. Below, join us as we check into The White Lotus, round up some theories, and, of course, gave a few takes of our own.

In line with the first theory, another circulating around the internet is that it’s not actually a guest wielding a gun at the resort, it’s a monkey. What if a monkey — the only other species on-site with opposable thumbs — got ahold of a gun and started going on an accidental rampage? With the multiple mentions of the creatures in the first episode and the lack of aim of the shots, perhaps we have a primate perpetrator on our hands. We wouldn’t put such a ridiculous idea past Mike White’s imagination.

Fans were gooped when a familiar, and previously unannounced, face showed up at the White Lotus Thailand. Greg Hunt (Jon Gries), known by his lover, Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), as “Gary,” seems to now live up the hill from the resort. Perhaps one of the most hated characters in The White Lotus lore, Greg dated Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) in the show’s first season and was married to her by the second. After ditching Tanya for another lover in season 2, he is believed to have put out a hit on her, employing a gang of Italian gays to kill her so he could inherit her money. What is Greg doing in Thailand now? With so much focus already being put on the hotel’s owner, Sritala Hollinger (Lek Patravadi), is Greg after another wealthy woman’s fortune? Or, could this be the ultimate red herring and his presence will ultimately be inconsequential?

Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon) seem to be on a girlie getaway from hell. All subtly digging into one another as they settle into the resort, it seems as if these childhood best friends have built up some resentment for one another. Jaclyn is a famous actress, Kate is a Texan country club wife, and Laurie is a recently divorced lawyer, all successful in different ways. That said, Jaclyn paid for the stay for the other two and Laurie had a nice, cathartic sob at the end of the episode, showing that there’s room for some animosity to fester. It seems like one of the blondes just might snap.

The White Lotus seems to now be connecting its past adventures together. With Tanya starring in seasons 1 and 2, Belinda making appearances in seasons 1 and 3, and Greg scoring the ultimate three-season story arc, it wouldn’t be shocking if the show had another throughline. Eagle-eyed fans have noted that Laurie looks a lot like last season’s Portia (Haley Lu Richardson), who served as the assistant to Tanya. With Kate asking Laurie about her daughter, it seems like there might be some foreshadowing.

Belinda makes her second appearance in the franchise after serving as the beloved spa manager in the first season. Coming to Thailand to learn the ways of the wellness resort, Belinda has already been given a different treatment than the other hotel guests. Perhaps, after having her dreams taken from her by Tanya in the first season, Belinda finally gets her revenge. Yes, her son is the focus of the first part, but after calling for his mom and wanting to make sure she’s safe amidst the gunshots, wouldn’t it be a gag if his mom was in fact the one shooting the gun? To quote Lady Gaga’s “Replay,” “She had the gun, she had the gun, she had the gu-uh-uhhhhnnnn.”

Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) have an unusual relationship. Chelsea seems to be all about the joy, and Rick looks as if he’d rather have his head bit off by a monkey than smile. Already, the two have had some tension. Perhaps Chelsea’s positive demeanor and Rick’s grumpy gloom finally come to a climax, and lead to a violent turn.

The owners of The White Lotus Thailand have already been alluded to multiple times. Rick seems to have come to the hotel to meet one of them, however he’s disappointed when Sritala is the only owner on location. Why does he need to meet the other, and why did he come to Thailand instead of Australia like Chelsea, his girlfriend, wanted? Perhaps the other owner of the White Lotus and Rick were involved in some sketchy business, and Rick has come to settle the score.

Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) has the hots for Mook (Blackpink’s Lalisa Manobal). Mook, who seems to be very committed to her work, does not seem to reciprocate the adoration. As Gaitok and Mook’s relationship grows or changes, perhaps Gaitok feels the need to defend Mook’s honor, considering the way he compliments her beauty and helps drive her to work. Will Gaitok be the prince who’s fighting for Mook’s hand? Who wouldn’t go to war for Lisa?

There are some weird vibes in Ratliff family, with fans crying incest from the get go. Frat boy extraordinaire Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger) commented on how his sister, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) is hot, prior to jerking off in front of his younger brother, Lochlan (Sam Nivola), who seemed to have some eyes for Saxton. Of course, X (formerly known as Twitter), exploded with the possibility of an incest plot line.

Moreover, parents Timothy (Jason Isaacs) and Victoria (Parker Posey) also seem to have some baggage. Timothy is taking mysterious phone calls, coming under fire for some sketchy finance thing, and Victoria seems to be endlessly tired. What will happen with the Ratliff family, and why does their storyline seem to be the most complicated?

Lynne Marie Stewart, Pee-Wee’s Miss Yvonne, Dead at 78

Lynne Marie Stewart, known for her roles on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny Philadelphia, has died at 78. Her friend and fellow actress Cassandra ‘Elvira’ Peterson shared the news on Instagram on February 21. “My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend @lynnestewart78 Lynne Stewart’s passing,” Peterson captioned a photo of herself and Stewart. “One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee’s Playhouse: She’ll always be ‘the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.’” Jonathan Stark, who was a stage manager on the original Pee-Wee Herman Show, also confirmed Stewart’s death in a lengthy Facebook tribute on Friday, writing in part, “I lost a friend today. And the world lost a great soul.”

Stewart made her film debut in 1971 in Jack Nicholson’s Drive, He Said. During the ’70s, Stewart was a member of The Groundlings, the influential comedy troupe based in her hometown of Los Angeles, California. It was through The Groundings that she met Paul Reubens, who created and portrayed the character Pee-Wee Herman. Stewart played Miss Yvonne in the stage show The Pee-Wee Herman Show and CBS’s Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, and also popped up in several other projects throughout the Pee-wee-verse. Credits across her career include Laverne & Shirley, American Graffiti, M*A*S*H, Arrested Development, Night Court, The Golden Girls, Raising Hope, among others. More recently, she was known for starring as Bonnie on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Charlie Day played her son, janitor/man-child Charlie Kelly. “RIP TV mom,” Day wrote on Instagram after her death. “Thanks for 20 years of laughs. You deserve a standing ovation. 💔💔💔.”

CAROLINE GRAHAM: Inside The £1bn battle over Bond and what happens now

Hollywood was left shaken and stirred when Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who have ruled the James Bond movies with an iron fist since the 1990s, announced last week that they were ceding creative control of 007 to streaming giant Amazon.

As a source who’s worked on Bond for decades told me: ‘Everyone is devastated. No one thought Bond, the quintessential British hero, would end up in the hands of [Amazon boss] Jeff Bezos.

‘Bezos is like a real-life Bond villain, and now the future of one of the most iconic characters in British cinema history is at his mercy.

‘Everyone is making jokes about what the first Bond film under Bezos will be called. Are we going to have ‘Dr No Password Sharing’?’

Jokes aside, while the announcement seemed out of the blue, I’ve spoken to people on both sides of the reported $1 billion (£800million) deal who say the behind-the-scenes drama has been simmering for years – and only finally boiled over last week.

Insiders claim the Broccoli-controlled film franchise had been in ‘crisis’ since Daniel Craig’s last outing as the super spy in 2021’s No Time To Die, and went into ‘death spiral mode’ when Amazon bought MGM Studios, the home of Bond, for $8.5billion the following year.

Crucially, this gave Amazon the rights to the existing 25 Bond films, which have generated a staggering $7.5 billion at the global box office to date.

Yet creative control remained firmly in the hands of Ms Broccoli and Mr Wilson, the daughter and stepson of legendary producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who acquired the film rights from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with his partner Lauren Sanchez. A source who has worked on 007 films for decades likened the tycoon to ‘a real-life Bond villain’

Barbara Broccoli, daughter of Bond producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, with the last 007 actor Daniel Craig

Insiders claim the Broccoli-controlled film franchise had been in ‘crisis’ since Daniel Craig ‘s last outing as the super spy in 2021’s No Time To Die

One source who spoke to Ms Broccoli said: ‘Barbara and Amazon never saw eye to eye. To her, Bond is her family’s legacy, something that must be nurtured and protected. She once told set designers to remove a door handle to a villain’s lair because it didn’t look ‘evil’ enough.

‘That’s the level of her attention to detail. She controls everything from the script to what bikini a Bond girl wears.

‘Amazon wanted spin-off TV shows showing things like Miss Moneypenny’s early years. In the end Barbara decided it was easier to take the money rather than carry on fighting.’

An Amazon insider, meanwhile, sniffed: ‘It wasn’t a matter of if we would get full control of Bond, it was more ‘how much will it cost?’ Everyone has their price.’

While the precise details of the deal are unknown, I understand Ms Broccoli and Mr Wilson signed a profit-sharing deal for all future Bond movies and spin-off shows, and will acquire Amazon shares along with a substantial one-off payment.

Seven decades have passed since the suave super agent was introduced to us, in Ian Fleming’s 1952 novel Casino Royale. Bond was an immediate hit, but it was his appearances on the big screen that gripped the public imagination and spawned a legend.

Cubby Broccoli acquired the movie rights to all of Fleming’s novels in 1961 and started Eon Productions, which fittingly stands for ‘everything or nothing’.

Bond became a worldwide phenomenon, with his Walther PPK pistol, Aston Martin packed with hidden gadgets, lust for women and memorable adversaries including Ernst Blofeld, metal-toothed Jaws and hat-throwing Oddjob.

London-based Eon has produced 25 Bond films, starting with 1962’s Dr No. It has turned seven actors into superstars including Sean Connery (who many consider the original and best Bond), Roger Moore and, for the last five movies, Daniel Craig. Ms Broccoli, 64, and her stepbrother Mr Wilson, 83, took over from their father in 1995.

One source who spoke to Ms Broccoli said: ‘Barbara and Amazon never saw eye to eye. To her, Bond is her family’s legacy, something that must be nurtured and protected’

Barbara Broccoli and US-British film producer Michael G. Wilson pose on the red carpet after arriving to attend the World Premiere of the James Bond 007 film No Time to Die

James Bond has been a quintessentially British production for decades

Bezos, the second-richest man on the planet – after Elon Musk – is a massive film fan and adores 007

Read More ‘RIP James Bond’: 007 fans react with fury as ‘creative control’ is handed over to Amazon

Privately Mr Wilson, who has had cameo roles in every film since 1977, began talking about retiring to focus on his philanthropic work shortly after the Amazon/MGM deal. A source said: ‘That left Barbara very much alone to fight for the future of Bond.’

While there has been speculation about who will take over as 007 ever since Craig was killed off in a hail of missile fire at the end of No Time To Die, reports that actors such as Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been anointed were wide of the mark.

One friend of Ms Broccoli said: ‘Barbara had meetings in her offices at Pinewood Studios [where Bond is filmed when not on location] and she met Aaron and others. But there was never a story, script or director so any meetings were very much her seeing what talent is out there. It was clear to many of us who worked on previous Bond films that things were in crisis, nothing was moving forward. It went into death spiral mode once Amazon bought MGM and control of the Bond library.’

The Wall Street Journal claimed Ms Broccoli slammed Amazon executives as ‘f****** idiots’ for describing Bond as ‘content’, a modern term referring to digital information and entertainment, which she felt demeaned the historical legacy of the character.

She railed against Amazon’s plans to create a ‘Bond universe’ similar to the Marvel universe with its dozens of superhero movies and spin-offs. Ms Broccoli cited the sale of Lucasfilm, the company started by director George Lucas, to the Walt Disney Company for $4 billion in 2012 as an example of what could go wrong when a beloved brand is taken over by Hollywood executives focused on the bottom line rather than the long-term future of a franchise.

‘Disney took Star Wars and diluted it with endless TV series and characters that bore no resemblance to the original stories and characters fans loved,’ a former Disney executive said. ‘Look what happened to Doctor Who. Hollywood took control of that and you’ve had increasingly woke storylines which alienated fans.’

Yet Amazon executives reportedly grew tired of Ms Broccoli’s pushbacks and her habit of quoting her father, who had said: ‘Don’t have temporary people making permanent decisions.’

The situation was at an impasse until earlier this month when Amazon made the family ‘an offer they couldn’t refuse’. The friend said: ‘In Barbara and Michael’s minds, they created a legacy to stand alongside the films their father made which will be considered the golden era of Bond.

‘But it’s futile to push back against change. Hollywood has gone from a town dominated by powerful producers to a place where streamers like Amazon and Netflix rule.

‘Amazon will monetise the hell out of Bond. They have millions of customers they can sell Bond-related content and products to.’

Producer Barbara Broccoli, right, and actor Daniel Craig, pictured together in April 2019

Man with the Golden Gun, starring Roger Moore as James Bond, was released in 1974

Sean Connery (pictured with Kim Basinger in Never Say Never Again) also took up the Bond role

Timothy Dalton starred as Bond in two films (Pictured in Licence To Kill, 1989)

Pierce Brosnan later took up the mantle of Bond (Pictured in Goldeneye, released in 1995)

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For all the naysayers, is Bond doomed to failure under Amazon?

Not necessarily. Last week’s deal was spearheaded by Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios who, for many years, was my next-door neighbour here in LA.

Whip-smart and extremely hard-working, he built his career acquiring and launching channels for Rupert Murdoch’s Fox empire, becoming one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, proving that nice guys can finish first.

If anyone can steer Bond safely into the future, he can.

Mike has successfully helmed Sony Pictures and Hulu, and has developed shows including The Handmaid’s Tale.

In the five years since he joined Amazon, he has turned franchises such as the Jack Ryan and Jack Reacher series into bona fide hits. Why should Bond be any different?

And while many are quick to criticise, Bezos, the second-richest man on the planet – after Elon Musk – is a massive film fan and adores 007.

Someone who spoke to Bezos recently said he was ‘determined to gain full control’ over Bond because he believes Amazon can ‘take the character forward in new and exciting ways’.

When I mentioned this to someone who worked on the last Bond film, they shot back that Bezos also took JRR Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings and created a fantasy spin-off – The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power – which has been criticised for failing to live up to the quality of the books and earlier films.

Ms Broccoli has always been insistent that Bond should be played by a British man, saying it is in the ‘DNA of the character’

Sean Connery pictured with Albert (Cubby) Broccoli, who acquired the film rights from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961

Cubby (pictured with Roger Moore) acquired the movie rights to all of Fleming’s novels in 1961 and started Eon Productions, which fittingly stands for ‘everything or nothing’

Read More The iconic Bond girls then and now

Bezos also oversaw a Bond spin-off called 007: Road To A Million in 2023, which had contestants competing in Bond-style stunts.

The show’s presenter, Succession’s Brian Cox, told reporters he thought he had been hired as a villain in a Bond movie before realising it was a reality show.

‘Barbara signed off on Road To A Million before MGM was sold to Amazon, and to say she was disappointed is an understatement,’ an insider said.

‘That’s why she pushed back so hard against Amazon taking Bond and developing spin-off shows instead of focusing on the movies.’

Ms Broccoli has always been insistent that Bond should be played by a British man, saying it is in the ‘DNA of the character’.

She was open to Bond being played by a non-white actor but insisted the films should always open in cinemas first.

When Covid closed cinemas as No Time To Die was about to open, she refused to let it premiere on a streaming service, instead waiting 18 months for the pandemic to subside. The film ended up grossing nearly $800 million globally.

If Amazon does move away from theatrical releases, it could signal disaster for British cinema.

Skyfall and No Time To Die are ranked two and three on the list of the most successful films ever released in the UK.

Several cinema chains – already struggling – could go under without a successful big screen Bond. So who can make that happen now?

Talking to people in Hollywood yesterday, the name I heard over and over was Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan.

For starters, he is a Brit, born in London and is beloved by fans and critics alike for blockbusters such as Inception and The Dark Knight (part of the Batman universe).

Oppenheimer won seven Oscars last year, including Best Picture and Best Director, for Nolan. The only snag with him, though, is that Bond fans would have to wait.

Nolan is currently developing an adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey which will start shooting this year for release in July 2026. An Amazon source said: ‘That means he wouldn’t be free to start working on a new Bond until next year.’

Other potential names include Greta Gerwig, who wrote and directed Barbie, and even Daniel Craig, who said on Friday: ‘My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.

‘I wish Michael a long, relaxing and well-deserved retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.’

My Bond sources would love Craig to drive the character forward, but this time from behind the camera. One said: ‘Daniel played Bond five times, he knows the character inside and out. He was immersed in the creative process from the script to planning stunts. He’d be great.’

For her part, Ms Broccoli is developing a remake of the children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written, like Bond was, by Ian Fleming. ‘My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father… I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,’ she said.

Whatever ‘Bond 26’ (as the next film is known for now) brings, the drama around the casting of a new 007, the secrets of the plot – and the new villain of course – will keep millions of fans intrigued.

Jeff Bezos, a figure some have cruelly compared to cat-stroking Bond villain Ernst Blofeld, has taken to social media asking: ‘Who’d you pick as the next Bond?’

Amid the rampant speculation, one thing seems fairly certain: the next baddie is unlikely to be a bald-headed billionaire bent on world domination. For that would surely hit too close to home…

NAACP Image Awards: Wayans Family’s Historic Hall of Fame Induction

In a dazzling celebration of Black excellence and cultural achievement, the 56th NAACP Image Awards transformed Los Angeles’ Pasadena Civic Auditorium into a nexus of artistic brilliance and social progress. With comedy star Deon Cole at the helm, this year’s ceremony — themed “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence” — stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of Black voices across entertainment, sports, and media.

The evening’s spotlight shines particularly bright on “The Piano Lesson,” Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s legendary play, which dominated the motion picture category with an impressive 14 nominations. This achievement — alongside the limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” leading television with nine nods — reflects the increasing depth and sophistication of Black storytelling in mainstream media.

NAACP CEO and President Derrick Johnson captured the evening’s essence perfectly, stating, “We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change, and inspire generations.” His words resonate particularly strongly in a year that has seen unprecedented achievements across multiple entertainment sectors.

The star-studded affair — broadcast live on CBS, BET, and BET HER — features an exceptional lineup of nominees for Entertainer of the Year, including multifaceted talents Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. This diverse array of nominees exemplifies the breadth of Black excellence in contemporary entertainment.

In a remarkable acknowledgment of both political and cultural influence, the ceremony honors former Vice President Kamala Harris with the Chairman’s Award, while comedy maverick Dave Chappelle receives the prestigious President’s Award. Perhaps most touchingly, the legendary Wayans Family — including Keenen Ivory, Damon Sr., Marlon, Shawn, Kim, and Damon Jr. — are being inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame, recognizing their transformative impact on American comedy.

The music category this year showcases an especially vibrant field, with rising star GloRilla leading the pack with six nominations. Meanwhile, “The Bear” sensation Ayo Edebiri and multihyphenate talent Keke Palmer share the distinction of most individual nominations, with four nods each — a testament to their versatility and impact across multiple platforms.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, this year’s ceremony takes on additional significance by supporting communities affected by recent Los Angeles wildfires. The NAACP has partnered with BET Media Group, WME, and other organizations to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund — proving that even in celebration, the focus remains firmly on community support and preservation.

What sets this year’s ceremony apart is its seamless blend of entertainment and advocacy — a combination that has long been the hallmark of the NAACP Image Awards. As viewers tune in across multiple platforms — including Paramount+, Philo, and FUBO — they’re witnessing not just an awards show, but a powerful statement about the role of Black creativity in shaping American culture.

From groundbreaking performances to pioneering achievements behind the camera, the 56th NAACP Image Awards serves as both celebration and catalyst — honoring the past while blazing trails toward an even more inclusive future in entertainment. As the evening unfolds, each award and recognition adds another chapter to an ongoing story of excellence, resilience, and creative innovation.

Joy Reid’s Exit Signals Major Blow to Flailing Progressive Media

MSNBC has pulled the plug on Joy Reid’s show, “The ReidOut” — a decision that’s causing ripples across the media landscape. Folks, this isn’t just about a single show biting the dust. It’s a sign of the times — a warning bell for progressive media as it struggles to stay relevant in the eyes of everyday Americans. The viewership’s been sliding faster than a kid on a summer water slide — a 41% dip in that golden 25-54 age group in one year. That’s like your favorite ice cream cone tumbling to the sidewalk on the hottest day of the year.

This isn’t just a bump in the road. It’s more like finding out the road has turned into a cliff. Back in 2021, MSNBC was on a high, riding the waves with solid numbers. But times change, and just as my uncle used to say, “if you ain’t giving people what they need, they’ll sure find it somewhere else.”

Mark Penn, a voice who’s seen the inside of the Clinton camp, agrees — the Democratic Party is also feeling the squeeze. Their approval ratings are plummeting, like a bird without wings. Penn shared some fresh numbers: Approval ratings were in the high 40s but are now expected to hit 35%. That’s a nosedive bigger than a pelican hitting the ocean for fish. With folks thinking Trump did a better job, Penn notes, “they’re reevaluating.”

This shakeup at MSNBC is more than just a change in the TV guide. It’s a reflection of a broader disconnect between progressive media outlets and the heartland. While hosts preach in fancy studios far away in Manhattan, families in Youngstown, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina, are flipping the channel to find something that resonates with their lives. The big networks are stuck rearranging the deck chairs — Rachel Maddow more nights? That’s like painting a barn door on a house that’s got no roof.

This kind of tumble isn’t just about TV ratings. It’s about a wake-up call — a moment to see if these networks can pivot to the real stories Americans crave, or if they’ll keep serving up the same old, same old. For everyday folks out there, it’s about having something you can trust and not just listen to.

Joy Reid’s exit and the broader shuffle at MSNBC show just how much the winds have shifted. The media, like our democracy, thrives on staying connected with the people it serves. This is a moment of reckoning — and whether it’s a bump in the ratings or a drop in political approval, the same mantra holds true: Listen, adapt, and serve the people or risk becoming yesterday’s news.

8 Ways Nutrition and Exercise Transform Your Mind

Discover the dynamic duo that could revolutionize your mental sharpness—the mighty combination of nutrition and exercise. If you’re ready to turbocharge your cognitive function, then prepare to embrace the changes that will have your brain running like a finely tuned engine.

Embrace the Mediterranean Diet: Channel the wisdom of the ancients and dive into the Mediterranean way of eating. This diet gears up your cognitive gears with heart-healthy and brain-boosting foods like olive oil, nuts, and fish. Fuel both body and mind with this stunning array of nutrients.

Prioritize Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Turn your brain into a powerhouse by including fatty fish like salmon and tuna in your diet. These lean protein sources are packed with omega-3s, which can boost your brain’s agility and ward off mental fog with a single serving.

Add Color to Your Plate: Don’t turn a blind eye to the power of antioxidants. Load up on vibrant fruits and veggies—the more color, the better. These stunning natural gifts arm your brain against oxidative stress, helping you stay sharp and focused.

Exercise as a Daily Ritual: It’s time to lace up those trainers and hit the ground running. Regular physical activity sends a surge of endorphins flooding your brain, sharpening mental clarity and giving you the mental edge you’ve been craving.

Stay Hydrated: Simple yet powerful—keep your brain cells firing on all cylinders with a steady supply of water. Staying hydrated ensures every neuron stays active, maintaining peak cognitive function throughout the day.

Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation: Letting go of distractions and calming your mind can do wonders. Daily mindfulness practices help reduce stress and enhance focus and memory—watch as your mental acuity turns to gold.

Engage in Brain-Training Activities: Don’t just sit idle; indulge your brain in puzzles and strategic games. These stimulating activities are like exercises for your mind, keeping your brain agile and alert.

Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: It’s time to cut back on the junk—eliminate those processed foods and excess sugars to prevent sluggishness and maintain a razor-sharp mind.

Transform your mind and body with these power-packed strategies—leaving nothing to chance in your pursuit of peak cognitive function. With nutrition and exercise as your allies, gear up to conquer the day with energy, clarity, and confidence.

7 Steps to Boost Oral Health and Well-being

The Unspoken Connection: Oral Health’s Impact on Your Overall Well-being

When it comes to the intricate dance of health and well-being, oral health often takes a backseat—rarely put under the spotlight it deserves. But here’s the kicker: your mouth is not just a standalone feature. It’s the gateway to your overall health, influencing and reflecting everything from cardiovascular well-being to metabolic harmony.

Understanding Oral-Systemic Health

Diving deeper reveals a fascinating correlation: oral health and systemic health are intricately linked. Gum disease doesn’t just attack your gums; it gears up for a full-scale assault on your body’s defenses, linking arms with conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It’s time to put this connection under the microscope and take actionable steps.

Preventing Infections Before They Start

Every dental visit isn’t just a routine check-up—it’s a proactive move to fend off potential threats like tooth abscesses, which, if left unattended, can turn into serious infections. Committing to regular dental assessments is akin to taking the reins and steering your health in the right direction.

The Mouth as a Window to Your Body

Your mouth is more than a device for speaking or eating—it’s a diagnostic tool. Oral conditions might be waving red flags for nutrient deficiencies or systemic diseases. When the tongue whispers of an imbalance, it’s vital to listen and act with urgency.

Stress and Oral Health

In the high-stakes game of modern living, stress often manifests in teeth-grinding, transforming energy into dental damage. Recognizing and addressing this habit can save you from a world of pain—literally.

Effective Oral Hygiene Routines

Consistency is the secret ingredient. Proper brushing and flossing techniques might seem mundane, but their impact is nothing short of stunning. Think of them as the silent sentinels guarding your oral fortress.

Dietary Choices Matter

A sweet tooth might tickle your taste buds, but it can turn your dental health on its head. Sugars and acids are the nemeses—turning joyous bites into dental nightmares. Choose wisely, and your teeth will thank you.

Bridging the Gap with Technology

Embrace the wave of technological advancements—smart toothbrushes and AI-driven dental diagnostics are at the forefront of transforming oral care. It’s time to turn to these allies and revolutionize your routine.

So, here’s the bottom line: Every small step you take in your oral care journey has a ripple effect on your overall health. Gear up, take action, and let your oral health be the guiding light to a healthier you.

10 Strategies for Building Resilience in Chaos

In a world rife with unpredictability, we often find ourselves gripping the wheel tighter, attempting to steer through the chaos. Yet, the real secret to navigating this tumultuous terrain lies not in resistance, but in embracing the uncertainties that surround us. Let’s delve into how we can bolster our resilience amidst the whirlwind of life’s unpredictability.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Start with the mind. By grounding yourself in the present moment, you can cultivate a greater tolerance for uncertainty. Mindfulness and meditation equip you to face the unknown with a calm clarity—transforming potential chaos into a serene tapestry of possibility.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Nothing gears up the body for resilience quite like exercise. Whether you’re lifting weights or pounding the pavement, physical activity does more than strengthen muscles—it boosts your ability to cope with the unpredictable, turning stress into strength.

Reframe Your Thoughts

Shift your focus. Instead of viewing uncertainty as a threat, see it as a canvas of opportunities. Reframing your thoughts can turn a daunting unknown into an exhilarating adventure.

Build a Support Network

No one is an island, especially in turbulent times. Surround yourself with a haven of support—friends and mentors who can provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement as you wade through the fog of the unknown.

Plan for Different Scenarios

Preparation can be your anchor in a sea of uncertainty. By planning for various outcomes, you shore up your sense of control and transform anxiety into actionable strategy.

Cultivate a Sense of Humor

The unpredictability of life often calls for a hearty laugh. Humor lightens the load, breaking the tension and reminding us that sometimes, the best way to tackle uncertainty is with a smile.

Practice Self-Care

Amidst the chaos, never forget to nourish your own well-being. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, maintaining a balance that keeps stress at bay.

Focus on What You Can Control

Direct your energy where it counts. By concentrating on the aspects of life where you can make a tangible impact, you maintain a steady course even when the world feels unsteady.

Establish Routine Amidst Change

Routines lend structure. Amidst life’s unpredictability, daily habits offer a sense of stability—a comforting rhythm in the symphony of change.

Stay Informed but Limit Exposure

Knowledge is power, but too much can be overwhelming. Stay informed about the world, yet protect your mental space by limiting exposure to the constant barrage of news.

In the grand tapestry of life, uncertainty is not the enemy but an essential thread. By embracing this unpredictability with resilience and open arms, we craft a life not defined by the chaos, but elevated by our response to it.