Month: August 2023

Any manager knows that giving people time off isn’t just good for the employee, but for the company as well, because it increases productivity when they’re back at work. “The productivity, creativity, bringing new ideas forward isn’t the person who’s working crazy hours,” said Katie Denis, VP and lead researcher at Project: Time Off tells LinkedIn. “It’s someone who’s getting outside of their day-to-day.”

Much like a battery, people need time to recharge.

“There is a lot of research that says we have a limited pool of cognitive resources,” says Allison Gabriel, an assistant professor of management at Virginia Commonwealth University, according to Inc.com. “When you are constantly draining your resources, you are not being as productive as you can be. If you get depleted, we see performance decline. You’re able to persist less and have trouble solving tasks.”

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If people need time off to be effective at work, then it should be the same for parents. A parent at wit’s end can’t be effective without a substantial break from their kids. Without getting some downtime, parents are at risk of having a serious case of burnout.

Matt Ragland, an expert in productivity and the creator economy, agrees. That’s why he’s taken his professional know-how and carried it over to his life as a father. In a viral tweet he sent on July 23, Ragland explains how he and his wife will start giving each other PTO or paid time off.

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“My wife and I are working on a family PTO (parent’s time off) plan,” he wrote on Twitter. “Here’s what we are starting with: 1 night per week, Half day weekend per month, One full weekend day per quarter.”

With Ragland’s plan, one parent watches the kids solo while the other recharges, and then they switch.

“Parenting little kids is one of the most meaningful parts of life, but the gift of time is one of the best ways to support your spouse,” he continued. “We use these times to meet friends, sleep in, go camping, play golf (me), long runs (her), read and journal, or just chill. It’s hard to run life’s race on an empty tank, and these times are great ways to refuel and recharge.”

​This arrangement is excellent because it mutually benefits both people in the marriage. Plus, they should have no problem letting the other person enjoy their time off because they want to enjoy theirs, too. It’ll also provide some relief on super stressful days when they have a day off just around the corner and know they have time off coming soon.

The kids will probably enjoy having parents with recharged batteries, too.

The plan was a hit with Ragland’s followers, many of whom say they want to implement it in their families.

Love this! I think as parents, we often sacrifice our happiness, our time, and our priorities for our kids. And rightfully so. But sometimes it’s important to refuel the tank so we can be even better parents (and partners) when it’s that time. Kudos to you Matt!

— Craig Hewitt (@TheCraigHewitt) July 23, 2023

Love this idea. Gonna pitch this idea to wifey for us

— Cathryn (@cathrynlavery) July 23, 2023

Excellent sentiment here. People need to realize that having little moments like these MAKE you better parents. It really matters.

— TheIndustrialGuy (@Indus_Guy) July 23, 2023

One of the hardest things about being a parent is waking up and wondering who you are because you gave so much time and attention to your family that you forgot about yourself. Ragland’s plan is great because it gives parents back not only some of their time, but a sense of themselves as well.

The Linda Lindas are still in the early stages of their career, but they’ve already managed to make the history books. For one thing, they became the first-ever act to perform live at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Now, as one of the official opening acts for Paramore’s North American tour, The Linda Lindas are using their time on the road on the lookout for their next milestone.

Their lyric video for the single “Resolution/Revolution” from their album, Growing Up, is a fast-paced look at the band’s life while on the road. Unlike the one for their song “Too Many Things,” their latest finds the group pulling together footage helping to emphasize how, as a collective, The Linda Lindas are still in their infancy.

In a statement, the group opened up about how the track came to be, saying, “Bela had been rocking out to a lot of Pantera and Judas Priest when we started writing ‘Resolution/Revolution,’” they wrote. “She came in with a riff, and as we worked together, it morphed into a composition about making small dents in big problems to make a difference in the long run. We’ve been playing the song live for a few weeks now, are excited to release it as a single, and hope it gives you a boost! And check out the lyric video, too, art directed by Bela, edited by Eloise, and featuring clips that all of us shot on our phones over the last few months. We hope you have as much fun rocking out to it as we had making it!”

Watch the full lyric video for “Resolution/Revolution” above.

Growing Up is out now via Epitaph. Find more information here.

Paramore is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

If Barbie looks like it was fun to shoot, then surprise: It was. Director/co-writer Greta Gerwig made sure to do things like hold cast sleepovers and install a slide for star Margot Robbie. Everyone got along so well that they even started a massive group chat which had to exclude Michael Cera because he’s smart enough not to own a smartphone. As for Robbie, she clearly had such a blast dressing up as one of the world’s most famous dolls that she once did Pilates while still wearing in her get-up.

“She was dressed up in one of the ‘Barbie’ outfits, full wig and everything,” David Higgins, Robbie’s longtime trainer, told Insider. “She jumps on the Reformer and we do a quick 30-minute express workout. She said, ‘Don’t make me sweaty!’”

Why did she risk ruining her perfect outfit? “She just needed to move, and that’s the beauty of Margot,” Higgins explained. “She knows her body so well. She knows what she needs to do and will sneak it in when she can. I was talking to her as she’s doing whatever she’s doing on the Reformer and I was like, ‘This is crazy.’”

Robbie, who Higgins says is “always up for everything,” also managed to win a small set record: She held a plank the longest out of the cast, lasting a whopping four minutes and 10 seconds. She beat Ryan Gosling, who lasted a good while: three minutes and two seconds. Ditto Hari Nef, who got two minutes and 15 seconds. She didn’t, however, beat Higgins, who lasted five minutes and 32 seconds.

Sylvester Stallone, to whom Gerwig paid homage in the film, would be impressed.

(Via Insider)

Controversy sells, and no one knows that like country singer Jason Aldean. The country singer’s latest single, “Try That In A Small Town,” earned him a new career milestone, becoming Aldean’s first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

The news of the accolade left people online torn. “I’m not even an Aldean fan, but I bought the song to support the message and to cancel, cancel culture,” wrote one.

Another wrote, “I think I’m gonna vomit.”

After the song was initially released in May, many listeners considered the lyrics racially insensitive, including musicians Jason Isbell and Sheryl Crow. Others took it as far as to call it a pro-lynching anthem. In a statement, Aldean denied that was the intent behind the record.

“[Try That In A Small Town], for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences,” wrote Aldean. “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to that’s what this song is about.”

Aldean’s chart placement marks the first time three country songs occupy the spots, as Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” retains the No. 2 slot and Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Cover” holds the No. 3 spot.

Lady Gaga is loved for many things that have nothing to do with her talent and instead speak to the generosity of her character. Perhaps most notable of these endearing qualities is her ability to create instant and authentic friendships with showbiz elders. Such delightful interactions, full of respect and admiration but never patronizing, are living proof of the potential we all have for intergenerational connections.

Her friendship with the late, great Tony Bennett, who died July 21, 2023, is the best example of this. Since meeting in 2011, the two became not only creative collaborators but pretty much the closest thing to soul mates you could imagine. Even as Bennett’s cognition began to decline, Gaga treated him with reverence, describing it as a “challenging” but “beautiful” chapter.

Following the legendary crooner’s passing, Gaga shared moving a tribute to her comrade and also a valuable message about the importance of connecting without elders…even during the difficult times.

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In case you somehow missed out on the greatness that is the work of Bennett and Gaga together (otherwise known as “Cheek to Cheek” and “Love For Sale”), here’s how she sums it up:

“With Tony, I got to live my life in a time warp. Tony & I had this magical power. We transported ourselves to another era, modernized the music together, & gave it all new life as a singing duo.”

See on Instagram

Bennett became far more than a career mentor for Gaga, helping her reclaim a sense of joy and hope.

“Sure he taught me about music, about showbiz life, but he also showed me how to keep my spirits high and my head screwed on straight. “Straight ahead,” he’d say. He was an optimist, he believed in quality work AND quality life. Plus, there was the gratitude…Tony was always grateful. He served in WWII, marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and sang jazz with the greatest singers and players in the world.”

Gaga then shared how Bennett’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis made the later years of their friendship “a very long and powerful goodbye.” In fact, no matter how painful it was, being at different chapters in life is part of what made their relationship so special.

See on Instagram

“Though there were 5 decades between us, he was my friend. My real true friend. Our age difference didn’t matter—in fact, it gave us each something neither of us had with most people. We were from two different stages in life entirely—inspired. Losing Tony to Alzheimer’s has been painful but it was also really beautiful. An era of memory loss is such a sacred time in a person’s life. There’s such a feeling of vulnerability and a desire to preserve dignity. All I wanted was for Tony to remember how much I loved him and how grateful I was to have him in my life. But, as that faded slowly I knew deep down he was sharing with me the most vulnerable moment in his life that he could–being willing to sing with me when his nature was changing so deeply. I’ll never forget this experience. I’ll never forget Tony Bennett.”

Gaga concluded by urging everyone to not “discount your elders,” and to not “leave them behind when things change.” Ultimately, there is a gift to be had within the pain.

See on Instagram

“Don’t flinch when you feel sad, just keep going straight ahead, sadness is part of it. Take care of your elders and I promise you will learn something special. Maybe even magical,” she wrote.

Gaga continues to not only bring about change in the music world, but inspires compassionate mindset shifts for everyday life as well.

The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but it appears he took a detour to a bar in Nashville and possessed a middle-aged mom on his way down there.

In a TikTok video that’s been viewed 5.5 million times, Olivia Reeth’s daughter shared that her family had gone to the Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville and was watching the Moonshine Outlaw Band perform. Her mom told the band she played the fiddle, and mid-song, the fiddle player decided to hand his instrument over to her.

You kind of have to wonder what the guy was thinking. Did he imagine she’d be able to keep up with the band? Did he figure she’d play a few bars and then hand it back?

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Whatever he was picturing, it almost certainly wasn’t what she ended up laying down.

Mom might as well have said, “I’ll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul, dude” because she came prepared. In hindsight, her whipping off of her scarf was the sign it was all over, but who’d have known?

Watch her shred that man’s fiddle and see how he reacts:

@skootbutt123

#nashville #whiskeybentsaloon #fiddle

The best part is when the guy pretends to boot the band’s fiddler out of the bar. And then Mama got sassy with it! Absolute legend, making her skills appear effortless as she walked around the room. Didn’t even take her coat off. Looking like she walked in off the street, which she basically did.

The woman’s daughter shared that her mom is classically trained and that her dad was the one who introduced her to country and bluegrass music. They both play in two bands, Coconut Radio Band and Barney’s Bullet.

Seriously impressive talent. And you gotta love the respect the band’s fiddle player gave her, despite her basically stealing his soul. What a fun exchange between musicians who clearly love what they do and love to share it with others.

This article originally appeared on 12.28.22

Anyone who has parented a spirited “threenager” knows how hard handling toddler tantrums can be. Parents often joke about our wee ones throwing down, because laughter is sometimes the only way to cope. But in reality, it can be extremely disturbing and distressing for the entire household when a family member carries on in a way that feels—or truly is—out of control.

Major tantrums can be especially hard for parents who didn’t have good parenting examples themselves. It takes superhuman patience to be the parents we want to be some days, and none of us does it perfectly all the time. When a child is screaming and crying over something irrational and nothing seems to be working to get them to stop, exhausted parents can lose their cool and respond in ways they normally wouldn’t.

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That’s one reason a TikTok video of a father and son captured in the aftermath of an epic toddler tantrum has caught people’s attention. Many of us have been in the dad’s shoes before, frazzled and shaken by the relentlessness and intensity of a 3-year-old’s meltdown. And many of us have been in the son’s shoes as well, witnessing a younger sibling’s insanity and our parents’ struggle to manage the situation.

But the way this father and son support one another is bringing people to tears with its beautiful example of emotional regulation, empathy and connection.

TikTok user @mollymikos shared the video, explaining that their 3-year-old had just thrown a 2 1/2-hour tantrum (which she clarified was actually two tantrums with a 10-minute break in between). “We did not have Unicorn Chopsticks and would not go to the store (where they don’t sell unicorn chopsticks….),” she explained when someone asked what the fit was over. Sounds about right. The tyrannical threes are no joke.

So much to love in this video. First, the 6-year-old, whom Mikos describes as “empathetic” and “a deeply feeling kid,” demonstrated impressive self-regulation skills. The way he started taking deep breaths and suggested that he and Dad do some deep breathing together was inspiring. Second, the dad apologized for losing it and explained that they were trying to set a better example as parents, which many parents are far too proud to do. Finally, the kiddo displayed such deep understanding and compassion, it was clear these parents have worked hard to create healthy emotional connections and open communication in their family.

@mollymikos

#selfregulation #meltdowns #threenagers #precociouschildren

Mikos tells Upworthy that she and her husband have been working hard to break the stress cycles that so often get passed down from generation to generation.

“I didn’t realize how much would be brought up by having children,” she says. “We are working on repairing and changing the way we interact with our children so that they feel supported instead of shamed.”

Mikos says social media has given this generation of parents access to experts, studies and revelations that can help them navigate raising kids with gentle parenting principles. She personally finds inspiration on Instagram from Dr. Becky Kennedy, Janet Lansbury, Conscious Mommy and Eli Harwood. “They’ve changed my life,” she says.

People are loving the example Mikos and her husband are setting with—and for—their kids.

“This just goes to show how much of a great job your doing!!!” wrote one commenter. “Toddlers are hard and the fact your 6yo was able to empathize and communicate shows it.”

“This is why you’re good parents,” shared another. “Your older child can regulate his emotions and is empathetic. That’s amazing at any age and you did that.”

“Not me sobbing at 2 am bc this is the healthiest parent-child relationship ever,” wrote another. “Keep it up 😭😭💕 yall are doing awesome.”

Mikos has been heartened by all the comments on her video. The fact that her husband apologized to their son for losing his patience was particularly moving for a lot of commenters, especially those who had parents who never did that. “Many people have said that they didn’t realize parents could apologize to their children,” she says. “Yes. Please apologize. They need to know we make mistakes, and that we still love them and are constantly trying to do better.”

Apologizing to our kids when we’re in the wrong or when we behave in a way we’re not proud of demonstrates respect and teaches accountability by example. The fact that this dad is comfortable apologizing is likely a big reason why his son has the emotional tools that he does.

Gentle, compassionate parenting may not instantaneously end a tantrum, but it does pay off with big emotional and relational wins in the long run.

This article originally appeared on 11.12.22

After weeks of public appearances and romantic love notes posted to social media, Summer Walker and BMF actor Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. have officially broken up. In April, the pair began to post cryptic photos with one another on social media, hiding identifying details to keep their relationship private. But, by the start of June, the two were hand-and-hand on the red carpet for the 2023 BET Awards.

But according to Walker’s Instagram Stories, everything wasn’t what it seemed. So, why did they break up? On Sunday, July 30, Walker accused Flenory of setting out on her, writing, “Tried my best to be Jayda Wayda, but I couldn’t. It was cute, though. I wish him the best. Can’t do that cheating stuff.”

While Flenory hasn’t released a public statement, social media influencer Jayda Wayda, real name Jayda Cheaves, sure did. Cheaves didn’t take well to her and her former relationship with rapper Lil Baby (whom she shares a child with) being used as a joke. That said, Cheaves seemed to confirmed that Lil Baby did cheat on her. Cheaves wanted to drive home that her relationship and Walker’s was not similar beyond that.

“I learned my lesson after one kid. Motherf*ckers around here starting their own trends and tryna insert me in for laughs on The Shade Room. No,” wrote Cheaves, referring to Walker’s multiple children from past failed relationships.

On Monday the world was stunned to learn about the sudden passing of Euphoria actor Angus Cloud. He was 25 years old. On the HBO hit, Cloud played Fezco “Fez” O’Neill, a local drug dealer who’s close with Zendaya’s Rue. The cause of death has not yet been made public, but he passed away at his family’s home in Oakland, California. Euphoria was Cloud’s first big acting gig after he was discovered on the street, and the news inevitably inspired moving tributes from those who worked with him.

“There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon,” Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Deadline. “He also struggled, like many of us, with addiction and depression. I hope he knew how many hearts he touched. I loved him. I always will. Rest in peace and God Bless his family.”

Drake, one of the show’s executive producers, dropped a picture of Cloud on his Instagram Stories, with a caption reading, simply, “Good soul.”

Katherine Narducci, who played Fez’s grandmother in one episode, called him a “beautiful soul” who “exited to [sic] soon.”

Meanwhile, Javon Walton, who played Fez’s younger brother, took to Instagram to post a picture of the two on set.

The Euphoria Twitter account also paid tribute, writing, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

In a statement, the Cloud family said that Angus has been struggling “intensely” with the recent loss of his father.

“The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence,” they said. “We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”

(Via Deadline)

Lana Del Rey isn’t the only musician on a quest to conquer the culinary arts. But instead of dropping into a popular chain restaurant like Waffle House or Texas Roundhouse, as Rey has, Ed Sheeran temporarily joined the staff of a local Chicago favorite.

On Saturday, July 29, before taking the stage for his The Mathematics Tour stop at Soldier Field, Sheeran traded his acoustic guitar for a greasy apron as he fed Windy City locals. Stepping into the role of a member of a cook crew, Sheeran served hungry fans at the city’s famous restaurant, The Weiner Circle. The eatery is known for its motto “hot dogs served with a side of abuse,” and Sheeran served their signature dish with a smile.

On The Weiner Circle’s social media page, they made a light-hearted joke about the matter, writing, “Our newest trainee @edsheeran has a lot to learn. He’s way too proper and friendly.”

Locals reacted to the news with jokes of their own. “He’ll toughen up after working in Chicago for a bit,” wrote one person.

“I’m guessing he didn’t yell at the customers like he’s supposed to… ,” penned another.

Another asked, “Probably no one’s thrown anything at him yet?”

This isn’t Sheeran’s first time supporting a local establishment on tour. In May, he showed off his bartending skills while in Atlanta. Many major food cities are still on Sheeran’s tour schedule, so who knows where fans will spot him next.

Ed Sheeran is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.