Latest news with #HarlemShake
USA Today
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
RFK Jr. works out in jeans. We tried it. It didn't go well.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to really love wearing jeans. Who doesn't, really? Whether they're skinny or baggy, dark- or light-wash, denim jeans are a fashion staple. But RFK Jr. seems to also love wearing jeans to ... exercise? The Health and Human Services Secretary has been spotted donning jeans at the gym. Most recently, on a hike in blistering heat. Many on social media were quick to question the behavior: "It's really weird to me that this guy seems to always be exercising in jeans." Others were less skeptical: "RFK Jr is single-handedly showing the nation that 'activewear' is a myth. You can train, hike, run, cycle in normal clothing." OK, let's play along here. Some experts tout the benefits of hot yoga. Many people lead active lifestyles outdoors in jeans every day. Maybe working out in jeans is no different? Here at USA TODAY, we couldn't help but wonder: Would we be happy breaking a denim-soaked sweat? With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning. So we tried it out ourselves, to mixed results. Wearing jeans on a run The second I stepped outside in my light-wash, baby blue jeans to go for a run a July morning in Washington, D.C., I regretted the choice. The humidity seeped into my pores, and beads of sweat pooled all across my body. Including my denim-covered legs. I typically run in shorts, a running tank top and a sweatband. That day, I channeled RFK Jr. and ran like the wind, or something like that. The breezy rush of air that usually whispers at my legs never materialized. The denim laced heat onto them instead. I wanted to shout at each runner and dog-walker I ran by: "This is for work! I promise! I don't like this!" One mile passed, then two and then a third. I took my usual route, though nothing about the run felt particularly usual. I felt constricted. Contained. Confounded. How could anyone enjoy this? But then it clicked. Just because this didn't work for me didn't mean it couldn't work for others. Maybe some are self-conscious about their legs, and find jeans a comfortable solution for their exercise routines over athleisure. Maybe some like the heat the denim brings. Maybe others just like breaking the status quo. Will I be running in jeans again? No. But I'm glad I tried it – even if a friend saw me and won't let me live it down. –– David Oliver, Deputy Wellness Editor In case you need: Running is great exercise, but many struggle with how to get started. Here are some tips. Wearing jeans during Solidcore Even in sweat-wicking fabric, Solidcore is no walk in the park. The pilates-inspired reformer workout has a cult following among New York City 20-somethings for packing a core and oblique focused challenge into 50 EDM-filled minutes. Each station on the studio floor is marked with a motivational phrase. Mine read 'Make someday today.' I don't think they meant the 'someday' you attend a workout class in jeans, I thought as I lunged and crunched to the chorus of 'Harlem Shake.' Even with the lights dimmed, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in a sea of matching Alo yoga sets and Lululemon leggings. When I dropped into the first Bulgarian split squat of class, flashbacks of the time I split my pants during a high school PE class raced through my mind. But truth be told, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I got a few confused looks, but once I realized everyone in the room was more concerned with surviving the plank section than with my choice of attire, the class moved on as normal, albeit with more sweat. If you forget your workout clothes, jeans can work in a pinch. (It likely helps if they're 94% cotton and bootcut like mine were). Still, I wouldn't test the limits by trying it out in a more sweat-inducing class like SoulCycle or CorePower. –– Rachel Hale, Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow More details: RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat – while wearing jeans Wearing jeans during a gym session My dark-wash denims were made to move – well, really more to suck it up and keep it tight. They pack "tighter tummy technology," with 77% cotton, 21% polyester and the hardworking 2% Spandex. So when I set my position to bang out 15 squats at the start of my workout, I expected them to feel like a second skin. And, to a degree, they did. Not too long into my second set, it was like a skin I was desperate to shed – now, now, NOW! While I didn't tap out of my workout, I did have to abandon my jeans. It was not my favorite experience knowing exactly where sweat was gathering and soaking into my pants that grew just a little heavier. That might seem like a perk in a workout, but I assure you it was not. That said, if I did feel like spontaneously smacking the battle ropes in the backyard, being in jeans wouldn't deter me. –– Michelle Maltais, Executive Editor for Lifestyles & Financial Wellbeing The bottom line? We are glad we tried RFK Jr.'s jeans workout (hey, it makes for a good conversation starter) but none of us can say we'd readily repeat it. Maybe the Make America Health Again guru knows something we don't. We can't be sure – he didn't return our request for comment on the subject. Feel free to send us your "hot" takes on working out in jeans by emailing David at doliver@ And for anyone wanting to jump on the trend, please keep in mind jeans may not be safe to work out in, depending on the activity and your individual health needs; please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns about it and remember to follow the rules of your gym. Some institutions don't allow working out in jeans (and we now understand why).
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Simply not worth the risk' alert over ‘dangerous' rugby-style tackle challenge as teen dies trying latest viral trend
VIRAL challenges are popular on social media – but it's not always a simple or funny one that grips the internet. Some of the most popular include the ALS ice bucket challenge, Harlem Shake and Planking. 2 And the trend has even been endorsed by some top rugby players Credit: Getty 2 Ryan Satterthwaite from New Zealand died after taking part in the game Credit: Instagram These trends and others like them range from the harmless to downright dangerous. Some have even resulted in death. This week, a 19-year-old lad died in It has been gaining traction across New Zealand and The trend has even been endorsed by some top rugby players. Read more in News Here, Emma Kilcawley Hemani takes a look at what the dangers are. WHAT IS THE RUN-IT-STRAIGHT CHALLENGE THIS latest craze sees participants sprinting into each other without protective head gear. It is based loosely on the contact elements of rugby union, rugby league or the NFL and involves two competitors — a runner and tackler — speeding at each other and colliding. Players are not allowed to trick or dodge. Most read in Irish News The game has grown in popularity through the Australian RUNIT Championship League, which offers cash prizes. Organisers promote the event as 'the world's fiercest new collision sport'. The organised events gained traction after ex-professional rugby players took part, including former Leicester, Montpellier and Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo, inset. Bussin With The Boys, a popular podcast co-hosted by former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, even described it as the 'the next great sport'. Two trial events in Auckland saw eight men compete for $12,000 in front of more than 1,000 spectators. Winners were expected to go into a championship event next month with prize money of up to $150,000. Two other events in Auckland were cancelled when organisers were unable to obtain permits. TEEN TRAGEDY A 19-year-old from New Zealand died after taking part in the game. Police said Ryan Satterthwaite suffered a serious head injury when tackled while playing with friends. Manawatu police area commander, Inspector Ross Grantham, said: 'The tackle game played by the group of friends was based on a WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY? Head trauma and brain injuries are just two of the risks associated with the challenge. Last week, one of these planned events was paused in Auckland after a participant started convulsing. Colin Morris, director of communications at Brain injury charity Headway, said: 'Trends like this are dangerous because they encourage copycat behaviour, often among young people who may not fully understand the serious risks involved. 'Participants will often have no medical supervision or support on hand if something goes wrong. One blow to the head can result in death or lead to permanent damage, affecting memory, mood, mobility, and even personality. 'It's simply not worth the risk. 'We urge individuals not to take part in or promote this reckless trend. No viral moment is worth risking your health, your future or your life. Viral trends come and go, but the effects of brain injury can be life long and permanent.' OTHER DANGEROUS TRENDS Run-It-Straight is by no means the first social media-fuelled trend to draw safety warnings after a tragedy. Medical experts have been forced to warn the public about the risks of everything from inhaling solvents to abusing over-the-counter medications and even snorting condoms. Another new 'game' is 'chroming'. The dangerous practice is a means of getting high via inhaling hydrocarbons by misusing a variety of legal products,. The term comes from the effect of inhaling metallic paints sprayed on a rag, which leaves a chrome residue on someone's face. In 2014, 19-year-old Jonny Byrne, from Co The drinking game encourages participants to film themselves 'necking' booze while performing a stunt, before nominating a friend to do the same. Jonny had jumped in the river after downing a pint of alcohol. The teen's father, Joe Byrne, told 'It's cost my son his life. The whole family is devastated and our lives will never be the same again. I hope this message is heeded, because for us, life is virtually over.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everything You Need to Know About the 3rd House in Astrology
You've made it through the front door (1st House) of your birth chart, walked through the foyer (2nd House), and now here you are—welcome to the living room. In astrology, the 3rd House is associated with communication, your immediate environment, siblings (and sometimes cousins), early education, and short-distance travel. ICYMI, your birth chart is divided into 12 sections called houses, and each house rules over different areas of life. The 3rd House represents socialization that occurs quickly and without much thought. It's where social interactions unfold effortlessly, akin to the living room's role in a home. 'Member the viral challenges of the 2010s, from the Cupid Shuffle to the Harlem Shake? These pre-TikTok sensations mirror the 3rd House's essence: Quick to catch on, easy to share, and reflecting the mirroring nature of relationships. In the 3rd House, wisdom and wit passes between peers and family as easily as comments on the latest viral dance. Your birth chart's 3rd House thrives on this dynamic interplay, echoing the ongoing dialogue between us and our immediate world. Any drop of wisdom, trendy catchphrase, or backward wisdom falls into the 3rd House of astrology. You're going to need your birth information: Your date of birth, time of birth, and location of birth. Once you have that information, you can go ahead and download one of your favorite astrology apps to figure out what's going on with your 3rd House. If you want to make your life even simpler, use the astrology calculator below and keep reading for more information. Look at the way your birth chart is divided into 12 numbered sections, then see which zodiac sign corresponds with the 3. This birth chart calculator was created by in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website The 3rd House of astrology, ruled by fast-moving Mercury and vibrant Gemini, is a playroom of basic communication and interaction. Imagine it as a lively living room filled with a diverse mix of games—from the tongue-in-cheek jest of Cards Against Humanity to the strategic negotiations of Monopoly and the fast-paced decisions of Uno. This House is where we pick up the popular slang, vibe-defining catchphrases, and stumble upon unexpected wisdom amidst giggles and debates. Studying the astrological living room is like shuffling through a mixed bag of fun facts, jokes, and life hacks, where learning comes through the fun exchange of ideas rather than the meticulous study of rules. The 3rd House prefers the engaging TL;DR (too long, didn't read) summaries instead of getting too deep. Think instinctual thought vs. intuitive knowledge. Basically, the 3rd House is a living room of interesting ideas, where every brief chat, new dance, and funny phrase has the potential to catch on as an inside joke or social trend. Just keep in mind that just because an idea is passed with confidence—from an older brother or a charismatic friend—doesn't guarantee its truth. In this ever-evolving living room setting of the mind, visitors learn the art of communication, entertainment, and simplistic social bonding. As I mentioned, the zodiac sign and planet associated with the 3rd House are Gemini and Mercury! Mercury is literally the fastest-moving, bittiest, and most susceptible planet within our solar system. In fact, Mercury is only a little bit bigger than the Earth's Moon. Can you imagine being on Mercury? The Sun shines at least seven times brighter on Mercury than it does on Earth; retinol never stood a chance. Mercury's sensitivity to the Sun's influence can be compared to a summer's day–on the schoolyard. As you astro-experts know, in astrology, the Sun represents our ego, and Mercury represents communication. Philosophically speaking, without social expression, our egos or sense of self may cease to exist! The 3rd House represents how we begin to feel united with others, our instinctual icks, and our intuitive preferences. As the Sun of our siblings, peers, and early childhood figures shine their light on us, our sense of self and how we communicate is funneled through their social differences and similarities. Being associated with the zodiac sign Gemini places further emphasis on the swiftness in which we develop our 3rd House's tricks, treats, and quirks. Oh yummy, you have planets within your 3rd House of astrology? The planets within your 3rd House represents how you receive and comprehend rapid information. See it as a prompt to consider how nimble you are. For example, if you have Saturn in the 3rd House, perhaps you could benefit from considering how quickly you decide to adopt new catchphrases and behaviors. Accidentally saying a phrase out of context and inappropriately could cost you major cool points! With Saturn in the 3rd House, the astrological message might be that as astonishingly swift as Mercury is, you gain wisdom from slowing down the process. Have you ever heard the question 'if all your lil friends jump off the bridge, are you going to jump too?' (please tell me this isn't just a Black Mom thing, lol). The moral of that question outlines how Saturn in the 3rd House can be an absolute strength. Some of your friends or haters might call you 'slow' or joke about how you live under a rock, but you received the universal gift of critical thought. You're not going to dive into a bad situation just because everyone else is doing it. Another planetary example is the Sun in the 3rd House, which basically means that *you* are the subject of quick trends and communication. Perhaps you're frequently copied or are the trendsetter of your friend group. Popular, much? To have planets transiting your 3rd House is to have the universe take you by your inner child and say, "Hey, dude, remember that cringy moment when you thought mustaches were cool? Yeah, so you put mustache stickers on everything, because everyone was doing it, you kept doing it after everyone stopped and no one gave you the memo. Creeper!" A transiting planet within your 3rd House is akin to having a visitor chilling in your living room. You know they're going to leave eventually, but while you're there, you start picking up and potentially appreciating their vibe. For example, let's say you know that Venus is coming over. If you're an introspective cosmic cutie, then you know you should probably clean up your astrological living room by observing 3rd House themes unique to you and getting yourself in order. When studying planetary transits within your 3rd House it helps to know about the planet paying you a visit. Venus is the planet associated with beauty and love, therefore, once she enters your living room, you can expect to reflect on how you've learned to flirt, ideas gained from siblings that inform your perspectives on dating, and that hot little thing you do with your face because you casually picked it up during locker room talk. As the planet comes and goes from your living room, the themes associated with that planet will cause you to reflect on how you picked up certain patterns, behaviors, and habits. Maybe this transit is urging you to stop using your tongue to tie cherry stems into knots, because this you're not in undergrad anymore. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I Can't Stop Thinking About How Weird These 5 Millennial Trends Were
Now that most of us are over 30, a lot of us millennials have found that we are a little... uncool. In fact, you might even say that we are – and were – cringe. Personally, I am a huge proponent of being cringe-but-free. I don't mind that I am mortifying to my younger Gen Z sisters and I know that I will always have a little bit of twee embedded in my DNA. However, there are some trends I look back on from the 2010′s that were just a bit... weird? Most of which were before things got really weird, so I'm not sure what our excuse is to be honest. There was a period of time that we just... started planking on random parts of our hometowns and cities, then uploading the photos to social media. According to the BBC. while the fad took off in 2011, the earliest practitioners were Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon in 2000, who started lying down in public places in Taunton in order to be photographed. They called it the lying down game. I honestly don't know why we did it but it was very, very silly. Speaking of silly... For a pre-TikTok era, this was a very TikTok vibe. The meme started when YouTube comedian Filthy Frank took 'Harlem Shake' by producer Baauer and played off a dubstep drop 15 seconds into the song. The 'dance' involved an otherwise calm environment with one singular person dancing breaking out into dance, often with costumes on, once the beat dropped. Then... It blew up. Everyone was doing it. Offices, diving teams, even the Norwegian Army joined in. There was something about it that was so addictive. Just watching it happen again and again across the world united us in a strange way. Briefly, of course. This 'challenge' was exactly what it sounds like: stand still like a mannequin, no matter what you're doing. It started in a US high school before going viral and even making it onto the Late Late Show. Weird, but a fun reminder of what it used to mean to 'go viral'. I will be honest, I think about this one more than any other. If you weren't around in this era or simply, somehow, don't remember, people genuinely did get pedicures done by fish. The pampering treatment involved dunking feet in tanks filled with Garra rufa fish that can nibble away dead skin. This usually was done in the middle of shopping centres for some reason. It was huge! People loved it! They went out of fashion very quickly but according to PETA, the treatment is still legal in the UK despite being illegal in many other countries. Ick. This is a trend I will defend with my LIFE because yes we were so cringe but it's actually very cute to look back on. 3D glasses from the cinema with lenses poked out, t-shirts with the word 'GEEK' or even just moustaches on them, not to mention the moustache finger tattoos people got... Yes, it's cringe and yes, extremely twee but you know what? Bless us. 20 Ways Millennials Used The Internet That The Gen Z Mind Couldn't Comprehend Millennials Are Sharing Phrases They Heard All The Time As Kids, But Gen Alpha Will Never Be Told Why Do Millennials Appear To Be Ageing Slower? Here's The Answer.
The National
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
What the Ghibli craze tells us about big tech
When it comes to fads, human culture is endlessly inventive. Over the past 100 years, people have gone wild for hula hoops, 3D glasses, a whole collection of different dance crazes as well as Rubik's cubes and Tamagotchis. The internet era has added a new category of collective – if short-lived – enthusiasms from Rickrolling, Facebook personality quizzes and email chain letters to the ice-bucket challenge and the Harlem Shake. The recent release by Open AI of an advanced ChatGPT image generator that can recreate photos in the style of Japan's famous Ghibli animation studio has arguably created the 21st century's latest craze. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has claimed that ChatGPT gained a million new users in an hour, posting on X that the company's 'GPUs are melting' as people across the world clamour for this new form of AI-generated art. The meme is everywhere on social media. Most of the images generated are light-hearted – family photos, recreations of famous historical images and some corporate advertisements. Others are controversial or even sinister – the Israeli military, for instance, has created Ghibli-style images of its soldiers as they continue their bombing campaign in Gaza. The rendering of personal photographs into whimsical Japanese cartoons may prove to be another flash in the pan. Nevertheless, it reveals the power of big tech and underlines the breath-taking speed at which online innovations can break out of the computer lab and into our everyday lives. This calls for hard thinking about the ethical and responsible uses of these powerful – and growing – technologies. The excitement about the Ghibli tool is understandable. It is fun, culturally relatable and an accessible way for people to enjoy powerfully creative technology. But such excitement should be tempered by caution. That many people are reflexively uploading photos of themselves and their loved ones, in addition to their personal details, should raise concerns about how their data and likenesses are being put to use. There are also concerns about copyright, intellectual property and the wider ethics of using human-generated work to produce digital images. Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli world, is on record as saying that AI-generated animation is an "insult to life itself". Others share this queasiness about mixing AI with human creativity – in February, thousands of people signed an open letter addressed to Christie's auction house in New York, urging it to cancel a planned sale of AI-derived art, claiming that it used 'AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license'. 'These models and the companies behind them,' the letter added, 'exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them.' As is often the case, the answer to the challenging questions posed by such innovations lies somewhere between wholehearted adoption and knee-jerk rejection. In the UAE – an early adopter of digital technologies such as AI – a measured approach has been evident for years. Last week, this was summed up by Omran Sharaf, assistant foreign minister for advanced science and technology, who told an AI summit in Geneva that: "We shouldn't be paranoid, we should be very smart about the way we approach it … But, at the same time, we should be very cautious not to be reckless about it, and work on systems that ensure responsible behaviour, bring transparency and make sure there are controls put in place so that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands." It is this open-minded but qualified embrace of advanced technology that provides the best way forward. Informed caution can act as a steadying counterweight to the pull of the latest online fad.
