Month: July 2024

What was supposed to be a fun event turned tragic yesterday (July 29): At a Taylor Swift-themed children’s dance workshop, two children were killed and nine others were injured, six of them critically so, in a knife attack, BBC reports. Two adults were stabbed while trying to protect children and are in critical condition. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and the motivation for the attack is currently unclear, according to police. The event was for children from 6 to 10 years old.

Now, word of the tragedy has made it to Swift and she seems devastated.

In a post shared on her Instagram Story this morning (July 30), Swift wrote, “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I’m just completely in shock… The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

The impact of the event has also been felt at a national level in England. King Charles III shared a statement saying, “My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today. We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.”

William, Prince Of Wales and Catherine, Princess Of Wales also shared a statement reading, “As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through. We send our love, thoughts and prayers to all those involved in this horrid and heinous attack. Thank you also to the emergency responders who, despite being met with the most horrific scenes, demonstrated compassion and professionalism when your community needed you most.”

While athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics are determined to take home a metal. One famous attendee just casually shared that she picked up a precious element from the Earth.

On July 28, a now-viral clip of Lady Gaga in attending the Olympic swimming event confirmed fans suspensions that she is engaged to Michael Polansky. But, who is the lucky lad that swept Mother Monster off her feet? Learn more below.

Who Is Lady Gaga’s Fiancé Michael Polansky?

Michael Polansky isn’t a stranger to the “A Few Seconds” singer’s super fans, as he has appeared on Gaga’s official Instagram page several times. After a quick search engine swept, you’d learn that he’s also known around the world.

Michael Polansky is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Harper’s Bazaar reported that Polansky currently serves as the director of the Parker Foundation Polansky and is an active member of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy’s board.

In fact, the pair was spotted at multiple major events since they reportedly started dating in 2020. According to People, these events include the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021, Gaga’s Las Vegas residency, the 2024 Super Bowl, and most recently the 2024 Paris Olympics.

An inside source told the outlet that Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky has been engaged for months. However, details surrounding the couple’s wedding ceremony (date, location, etc.) have not yet been revealed.

As much as modern parents prioritize open, honest communication with their kids, there are still some talks that will always feel challenging to have.

But according to Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency room physician and mom of four with a hefty social media following, making those awkward conversations just a little smoother all comes down to location, location, location.

“Those awkward, but really important conversations that you need to have with your kids The birds and the bees, protection, drugs, all of that stuff: have those conversations in the car,” “ she says in a clip posted to her TikTok.

Martin declared that this “brilliant” insight given to her by best friend, handle @teawiththeteach, is the “best piece of parenting advice” she’s ever received.

Here’s why.

“You have your hands on the wheel, you are looking straight ahead, you do not have to be making eye contact with anyone talking about the birds and the bees and the parts and the drugs or whatever that conversation is about that day. You also have a captive audience that is literally seat belted in behind you,” she explained.

Not having to maintain intense eye contact makes the entire conversation less embarrassing and vulnerable for everyone involved. And where there’s less embarrassment, there’s more room for things to actually be heard.

Plus, unlike having a talk at home, which already has serious undertones, cars are instantly more casual, making things less of a “big deal,” Martin noted. Just think, wouldn’t it be nice to instantly throw on an upbeat playlist after having one of these chats…rather than sitting in awkward silence?

Martin herself has tried this approach with her two older kids, and said the car has now become a “safe place” for things to be talked about. They even bring up their own questions to discuss.

“I’m starting to have these conversations with my younger kids,” she concluded, “and I want to emphasize how important it is to talk about these issues early so that when you get to that older teen/pre-teen time that it’s not the first time they’re hearing about it.”

Martin isn’t the only one to have tried car talk either. Many folks in the comments shared how they have successfully brought up difficult subjects on car trips.

“Yes, my oldest is 26 and I still have big conversations with him in the car. At that age I wait until we’re on the interstate so he can’t jump out,” one person wrote.

“I love the car for tough conversations even with my spouse,” added another.

A few recalled having their own tough car conversations as kids.

“My mom ALWAYS did this,”one viewer said, adding “I still get anxiety in the car with her wondering what she is going to bring up and I have my own family now. … I am glad she did and that she cared enough to have those conversations.”

Another parent even shared how they added in one other element to make for smoother discussions, writing ““I did this. Add an ice cream cone to connect something enjoyable for the brain to connect to. My boys would ask for ice cream drives when they had something serious they wanted to discuss.”

Other resources have pondered other factors that make conversations seem to flow easier in a car, like the close proximity, limited distractions, and the changing scenery which helps create the sense that we’re not stuck with a problem. An article posted in Symptoms of Living also surmises that having a shared destination and facing the same direction also play a big part.

Having big talks with kids might be difficult, but it’s all an integral part of being a parent. Hopefully this tidbit can make things easier for everyone involved.

Just remember to have that upbeat playlist at the ready!

Josh and Jase are a British duo who’ve become famous on social media for documenting their travels across America and sharing what they’ve learned about each region’s unique culture.

“Originally, I thought we’d appeal to the British audience, and they’d find it interesting. But actually, it’s gone more the other way, and Americans say that they appreciate their country a little bit more because we go to these cool places that usually a lot of people don’t go to,” Jase told KRQE.

Recently, the pair traveled to Texas, and Jase quickly learned that the Lone Star State has its own phrases that you won’t hear often, if ever, in the UK. So, he decided to share them with his audience while trying out his American accent, which sounds a lot like Matt McConaughey.

@jaseinamerica

How did i do? 😂

1. “Y’all” —”No one says, ‘you all,” it’s y’all.”

2. “Bigger’n Dallas” — A term Texans use to describe something “really big.”

3. “Bless your heart” — This means that someone feels “sorry for you” or it’s a “hidden insult.” Jase is still learning the difference.

4. “Broke bad” — A person raised by a good family but winds up becoming a “naughty individual.”

5. “Come hell or high water” — A saying that means “to do something, regardless of what’s in your way.”

6. “Corn-fed” — This is a term to describe someone who is “really big.”

7. “Dag gum it” — A kinder way of saying, “Goddamn it.”

8. “Fixin’ to” — To plan to do something.

9. “Might could” — Basically, it’s the same as saying could: “They might win the game if they had their regular quarterback fit.”

It appears hip-hop has lost yet another legendary act. According to reports, Chino XL (real name Derek Emmanuel Barbosa) has died at the age of 50. The heartbreaking news seemingly began to gain steam when Rap Booklets posted a tribute to the recording artist’s debut album, Here to Save You All.

“We at Rap Booklets send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chino XL, who passed away today at the age of 50,” read the post.

The news was then echoed by AllHipHop citing an inside source. Fans online don’t believe the gutting announcement, given Chino XL’s age. But fellow rapper and actor A-F-R-O took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page to confirm his longtime friend’s passing.

“RIP to CHINO XL… I’m gonna miss you, big bro ,” he wrote.

Several figures across the rap community have begun to pen tributes to the late emcee, including Joe Budden and Page Kennedy.

“Damn… RIP to the legend Chino XL ,” penned Budden.

“This one hurts. This been my dawg since 2001. Ima miss you big bro. Our conversations about rap, about being girl dads, about the gym, and secrets. Ima miss you bro,” wrote Kennedy.

The news cuts even deeper for hip-hop head as Chino XL was actively working on new projects. Near the top of June, Chino XL revealed that he was a special guest feature on Rakim’s album, G.O.D.’S NETWORK – REB7RTH, which was later released on July 25.

Grand opening. Grand closing. Lil Yachty is making it his mission to usher in the next generation of hip-hop talent. The “A Cold Sunday” rapper’s rising collective, Concrete Boys, have already undergone a shocking shake-up.

Following the group’s performance at Broccoli City Festival 2024, attendees noticed member Karrahbooo was nowhere to be found. This led to rumors of her abrupt departure from the Concrete Boys. Well, today (July 29), Lil Yachty official confirmed the split during an Instagram livestream.

“How do I wanna say this,” he said. “I’m going to say this sh*t one time, alright? We have split ways with Kar[rahbooo] as far as this Concrete sh*t.”

Although he did not disclose the reason for or circumstances surrounding the break, Lil Yachty did share a positive message for his now former collaborator.

“I don’t have nothing…nothing bad to say. Nothing negative to say about Kar[rahbooo]. I wish her the best in her career. Yeah. That’s that. You know? That’s pretty much it. I don’t have anything bad to say. Or anything good to say. We just split, and I wish the Kar[rahbooo] in her career.”

Watch Lil Yachty’s full video below.

Karrahbooo has not yet issued an official response to the confirmation.

Josh and Jase are a British duo who’ve become famous on social media for documenting their travels across America and sharing what they’ve learned about each region’s unique culture.

“Originally, I thought we’d appeal to the British audience, and they’d find it interesting. But actually, it’s gone more the other way, and Americans say that they appreciate their country a little bit more because we go to these cool places that usually a lot of people don’t go to,” Jase told KRQE.

Recently, the pair traveled to Texas, and Jase quickly learned that the Lone Star State has its own phrases that you won’t hear often, if ever, in the UK. So, he decided to share them with his audience while trying out his American accent, which sounds a lot like Matt McConaughey.

@jaseinamerica

How did i do? 😂

1. “Y’all” —”No one says, ‘you all,” it’s y’all.”

2. “Bigger’n Dallas” — A term Texans use to describe something “really big.”

3. “Bless your heart” — This means that someone feels “sorry for you” or it’s a “hidden insult.” Jase is still learning the difference.

4. “Broke bad” — A person raised by a good family but winds up becoming a “naughty individual.”

5. “Come hell or high water” — A saying that means “to do something, regardless of what’s in your way.”

6. “Corn-fed” — This is a term to describe someone who is “really big.”

7. “Dag gum it” — A kinder way of saying, “Goddamn it.”

8. “Fixin’ to” — To plan to do something.

9. “Might could” — Basically, it’s the same as saying could: “They might win the game if they had their regular quarterback fit.”

For much of Olympic history, women were excluded from competing. Women weren’t allowed to compete in the Ancient Olympic games at all, and the first women to compete in the modern Olympics in 1900 only made up 2% of the total athletes.

That percentage has slowly increased in the decades since. The 2012 Olympics were the first games to have women competing in every sport, and the 2024 Paris games—for the first time in Olympic history—has a 50/50 ratio of male and female athletes.

That gender parity makes a difference, not only for athletic opportunity but for how the games themselves are managed. More women competing means more mothers with babies competing, and thanks to some key advocates with experience in that area, the Olympic Committee has made two big moves at the Paris games to support those athletes.

Take breastfeeding, for example. If an elite athlete is breastfeeding a baby, there are all kinds of logistics that can make competing at the Olympics a challenge. But with proper support, it doesn’t have to prohibit them from competing in top form.

One way the Olympic organizers are making competition more doable for moms is by offering breastfeeding athletes and their families hotel rooms near the Olympic village. Children have always been banned from the Olympic village with very few exceptions, and the dorm-type rooms with single, twin-sized beds are not exactly conducive to breastfeeding families’ needs anyway.

According to La Leche League International, breastfeeding athletes can thank fellow Olympian Clarisse Agbegnenou for the the hotel accommodations, The French Judo champion who became a mother in June of 2022 advocated for the accommodations, saying, “To put things in perspective, I’ve decided to breastfeed my daughter until she’s weaned. She hasn’t yet, so I’m following her. I’ve made sure that I feel good physically, because of course there’s an element of tiredness. But as a mother who needs to be very present for my daughter, I asked for the opportunity to have her with me during the Olympics.”

Agbegnenou nursed her baby, Athena, while training for—and subsequently winning—her sixth world championship title. Clearly breastfeeding itself isn’t holding her back in her sport, but not having proper accommodations would make competing in the Olympics unnecessarily harder.

French Olympic Committee secretary general Astrid Guyart told reporters of the hotel accommodations, “It’s unprecedented and it’s something we want to make permanent, so it’s not a one-off because it’s the Olympics in Paris.”

Thanks to the advocacy of another Olympian mom Allyson Felix—who also happens to be the most decorated track athlete in history—the Paris Olympics also has its first nursery. Felix, who is now retired from competition, approached the International Olympic Committee and her partner Pampers about supporting athletes who are competing while parenting babies and young children.

“I just knew how difficult it was to compete at the top level after I had my daughter, and some practical things were really hard,” Felix told CBS Mornings. “And so when I became on the athletes Commission of the IOC I really wanted to be that voice for athlete moms and just take away one less thing for them to worry about in the pressure of competition.”

The nursery, supported by Procter & Gamble, sits in the heart of the Olympic village and includes a space to breastfeed, a play area and access to Pampers products. Felix said it gives parent athletes a place to step away from the noise and have some private time with their children.

Check out one Olympic family making use of the nursery:

@thewroster

How is this the first time they thought of this 🥹😅 #olympics #momlife #australia #oioioi 📲 Keesja Gofers

In the past, athletes were often made to feel that becoming a mother meant the end of their sports career, but Felix pointed out that that was just a narrative that was being placed on them. Accommodations like the nursery for athletes marks a new chapter in a new narrative.

“I think it really tells women that you can choose motherhood and also be at the top of your game and not have to miss a beat,” said Felix, adding, “It’s really a starting out place. I would love to grow this even more.”

Here’s to the athletes blazing the trail for themselves and those who’ve come after them to ensure that moms don’t have to make false choices between motherhood and being at the top of their sport.

It seems like at least once a year, the topic of “BMI,” or “body mass index,” being a flawed measuring system for fat mass and health comes up in conversation.

Experts will explain how BMI leads to an incomplete perspective at best—since it doesn’t take into consideration several key factors that influence a person’s body composition—and at worst, actual health risks, affecting eligibility for things like weight loss medications, insurance rates, joint-replacement surgery and fertility treatment. And then life moves forward.

And yet, despite the constant debunking, the belief in BMI still marches on. And this time, it was hurled at the USA rugby star and Olympian Ilona Maher.

More specifically, someone commented “I bet that person has a 30% BMI” on one of Maher’s TikTok videos.

Could this person have simply been pointing out the inherent flaw of BMI? Saying that Maher, an elite athlete, would be considered “overweight” using this system? Perhaps. But this is the internet we’re dealing with, so Maher (and others) interpreted it to be an insult.

And under that context, Maher wasn’t having it, and chose “not to just ignore the haters.”

“Hi, thank you for this comment. I think you were trying to roast me, but this is actually a fact. I do have a BMI of 30. Well, 29.3 to be exact,” Maher said in response video…which became something of a roast itself.

Maher talked about how she had been considered “overweight” her entire life, and even recalled being “so embarrassed” to turn in a physical form to the office which had “overweight” written on it.

“I chatted with my dietician, because I go off facts, and not just what pops up here. You know, like you do.” she quipped while tapping her temples.

See on Instagram

Maher is 5-ft.-10-in. and 200 lbs, which is considered “overweight” by BMI standards. But as she explained, about 170 of those 200 pounds are “lean muscle mass.”

“Do that math in your head…you probably can’t,” Maher said sarcastically.

It’s easy to see through this example how bogus BMI really is, especially for athletes.

Essentially, “BMI doesn’t tell you what I can do.”

“It doesn’t tell you what I can do on the field. How fit I am. It’s just a couple of numbers put together,” she said. “It doesn’t tell you how much muscle I have, or anything like that.”

Maher concluded by faux lamenting, “I do have a BMI of 30. I am considered overweight. But alas, I am going to the Olympics, and you’re not.”

While Maher’s clapback was certainly satisfying, it also provided some much needed reassurance to folks. So many commented on how this outdated concept has affected (or still effects) their own body image of that of a loved one.

“How can I get my teenage daughter with a high BMI (but fit!) to understand this?! She feels shamed even at the doctor for her BMI.”

“Dancer here, I’ll never forget at 13 being told I had the BMI of 24 of ‘overweight.’ I broke down and the nurse said it didn’t mean anything and all I could think was then WHY are you making me do this?!”

“I had to ask the doctor’s office to put a note on my child’s file to not bring up/talk about BMI in her check ups. It isn’t an accurate representation of health!”

“Thank you for sharing your weight, bc seeing lbs numbers in different bodies has been so helpful in me loving mine. I’m nowhere near an athlete’s body but damn, the numbers really do us in.”

Until a more affordable solution pops up, BMI will continue to rear its ugly head in doctor’s offices and in our psyches. Maybe this is a reminder that our bodies are so much more than height and weight every now and again is a good thing. And if it comes from an Olympian…even better.

Just when you thought musical comebacks were a done deal, Clipse entered the chat. Although the sibling duo, comprised of Pusha T and No Malice, have kept themselves busy with other personal ventures, they fans have desperately yearned for an album.

Last month, Pusha T confirmed that the duo were finally on one accord about a full-length project. They’ve even came together to premiere a new track during their surprise performance at Louis Vuitton’s recent fashion. But no further details were shared regarding the project. Well, until now. Over on Instagram, Pusha T revealed the official title for Clipse’s long-awaited album.

“In celebration of this weekends’ Denim Tears 5th anniversary party,” he wrote. “Where Clipse will be performing ahead of their new album, ‘Let God Sort Em Out.’”

The caption seemed like a simple promotional obligation for the fashion brand’s event, until followers realized that he bread crumbed the album name.

As part of a sit down with Vulture, confirmed that one half the Clipse’s longtime producing team The Neptunes, Pharrell Williams, is also onboard for the upcoming release. “Pharrell producing everything is also an ode to the type of music and the type of albums we want to make,” he said. “We still want to make full bodies of work. These are movies, man. These aren’t just songs. This isn’t just a collection of joints we went in and banged out.”

But don’t expect to see Chad Hugo’s name anywhere in the credits. Unfortunately, it appears Hugo’s legal battle with Pharrell has spilled over into Clipse’s willingness to work with him.