Donald Trump extended an invitation to actor Tom Cruise to be a recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Lifetime Achievement this year but the Mission Impossible star wasn’t interested. The real reason Cruise rejected the US president has now been revealed, and many believe he is just desperately trying to stay away from making a political stance.
According to social media users who took their time to share their opinion on the matter on X, the megastar was wise to keep his distance from politics.
“I don’t blame Cruise, honestly,” one person commented. “Tom was in the middle of public perception for years and has finally dug himself out of it… avoid politics like the plague, it’s the way.”
Another said: “… I am so glad he refuses to have anything to do with Trump,” while a third wrote, “I don’t think Cruise is making a political statement for or against Trump. I think he’s just wisely staying out of the political arena altogether.”
According to the Washington, D.C. arts center, the award “recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world.”
The five recipients who will be honored in December are country music singer George Strait, rock band KISS, Broadway star Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor and actor Sylvester Stallone, the Independent writes.
According to the Washington Post, Cruise declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Back in February, Trump announced on social media that he had found an “amazing” chairman to take the Kennedy Center reins: Himself.
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“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP,” he wrote at the time. “The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation.”
Boasting about being “98% involved” in the selection of this year’s honourees, Trump also stated that although he didn’t campaign to be part of the awards, he still enjoyed the idea of being on TV again.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on Dec. 7 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
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My battle with cancer was a long and a tiring one, but I had my people around me, and I ended up winner. The day I got my “cancer-free” diagnosis, my boyfriends proposed and we decided to have our wedding as soon as possible.
But on what was supposed to be the best day of my life, my mother-in-law tried to humiliate me in front of everyone in attendance. She was well-aware my hair didn’t grow enough for the wedding and that I had a wig, but she wanted everyone to know that little secret of mine. Out of the blue, she came up and ripped off my wig, revealing my bald head to the entire room. “See? She’s bald! I told you!” she yelled in front of the guests.
All of a sudden, my wedding turned into a nighmare.
I stood there in the church, shocked and surrounded by whispers and stares, feeling completely exposed. And then, something happened that no one expected, something that made my mother-in-law instantly regret what she had done.
Although she believed she had won, her moment of victory was short-lived.
My friend Sarah came to my rescue. Her bold move and her words broke through the tension. She was with me through my battle with cancer, and she now saved my wedding. “How dare you humiliate someone who has already battled so hard to stand here today?” she said, and her words echoed in the church.
Before long, many of the guests joined in, and not only my friends and relatives, by my husband’s family, too. “You’re beautiful just the way you are,” someone said, while another added, “She’s a survivor, and that’s more than admirable.”
My husband was angry at his mother. “Mom, how can be so cruel to someone that means the world to me. You owe her an apology,” he told his mother, who at that moment realized that she was the villain in our story.
It was obvious that she was embarrassed by what she did to me. She obviously believed that our guests would laugh at me and my bald head, but she couldn’t be more wrong. Everyone there was so compassionate that it brought tears to my eyes.
Her action, however, no matter how cruel it was, helped me understand that my hair, or better said the lack of it, didn’t define who I was. From feeling ashamed, I suddenly felt liberated and decided to continue with the wedding without the wig on. It was who I was and I loved myself for my bravery.
My husband and I walked down the aisle into our new life together.
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According to Joseph Jorizzo, MD, from Wake Forest University, “your skin can be a window to your underlying health.” The truth is that the skin isn’t just a shield but a powerful communicator of your internal health.
Unexpected changes in your skin can sometimes be the body’s first warning that something more serious is happening internally and understanding these signs allows you to spot potential problems early and seek appropriate care.
Livedo reticularis (LR), also known as mottled skin, is a type of skin discoloration that can occur if there is an interruption of blood flow to the skin. According to a study on this condition, LR is often a temporary, harmless phenomenon that is the result of exposure to cold temperatures or stress, but can sometimes appear due to certain underlying health issues.
It appears as a purplish, net-like or lace-patterned discoloration on the arms or the legs and mostly impacts babies and assigned females between the ages of 20 and 50.
Mottled skin appears when the blood flow close to the skin’s surface changes, which can be caused by low oxygen levels in the blood, blood vessel spasms, or shifts in circulation. It can also be a result of certain medical conditions or a side effect of certain drugs and medications — mostly from amantadine (dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The discoloration typically becomes more noticeable in cold weather and may fade when the skin warms up.
There are two forms of this condition: Physiological (Primary) Livedo Reticularis — a benign and temporary reaction to cold temperatures common in children, young adults, or people with fair skin, and Pathological (Secondary) Livedo Reticularis — more persistent and linked to underlying health problems such as autoimmune diseases, vascular disorders, or blood clotting abnormalities.
According to Verywell Heath, LR can be triggered by cold, septic shock, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus, certain meds, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, thyroid disease, and at people who are nearing their life.
Although uncommon, livedo reticularis may sometimes indicate severe systemic illnesses, including Sneddon’s syndrome, a condition that links the skin pattern with stroke risk—polyarteritis nodosa, or cholesterol embolization.
For primary livedo reticularis no treatment is typically required as it usually fades away by itself if the body is kept warm. For secondary livedo reticularis, however, a doctor may prescribe you medications such as anticoagulants (to prevent clots), corticosteroids (for inflammation), or drugs that improve circulation. Also, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes that will likely include quitting smoking, regular exercises, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only.
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For most people, rings are just a piece of jewelry that serves the purpose of matching an outfit or simply add a touch of elegance and style, but for others, they have deeper, more symbolic meaning, especially when they are worn on the thumb.
Since the thumb stands apart from the rest of the fingers, many see it as a symbol of independence and empowerment, and wearing a ring on it shows strength, freedom, and strong sense of individuality.
What makes thumb rings even more intriguing is the meaning they carry depending on weather they are worn by women or men.
Women who wear thumb ring are believed to be bold, independent, and not afraid to break away from traditional norms.
Feminist or LGBTQ+ Expression (in some cases)
During the 90s and early 00’s, wearing a ring on the thumb, especially on the right one, was seen as a symbol of feminist values and even same sex attraction.
Fashion & Confidence
Thumb rings are unique and striking, thus an ideal choice for women who wish to showcase their creativity, highlight their individuality, or add a bold touch to their style.
Since ancient times, thumb rings were associated with power and status, especially in men. In ancient Rome, they were worn by those who wanted to show their power and influence, while in parts of Asia, they were sometimes crafted from jade, gold, or ivory to symbolize prestige and masculinity.
Individualism
In modern times, men wear thumb rings to show their uniqueness, creativity, and their rebellious nature.
S**ual confidence
For some, this piece of jewelry, especially when worn on the left thumb, serves as a symbol of their strong sense of s**ual confidence, suggesting that they are comfortable in their own skin and unapologetic about his desires. It can also reflect openness and a willingness to explore in intimate relationships, and even if a man doesn’t really want to send such a message, it still adds a hint of mystery and even charm.
Do you prefer wearing your ring on your thumb?
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Our wedding day was picture perfect, just like I’ve always imagined it would be. Of course, there was also the usual chaos, nerves, and glitter everywhere. Grant and I put out this cute little card box for people to drop their envelopes in, and just before the ceremony, my mother-in-law, Sharon, offered to keep an eye on it “for safekeeping.” Since she’s family, both Grant and I agreed. What’s most, we were thankful to her for being so thoughtful.
Fast forward to our first dance, and the box wasn’t there anymore. When I asked Sharon about it, she said, “Oh, don’t worry, I put it in my car. I’ll bring it back after brunch.”
Next day, brunch rolled around but the box was still nowhere to be seen. And Sharon? She looked totally unbothered. And then, at one moment, she said she had counted the money and there were $5,000 but she was keeping them because she was more responsible than me and her son. What’s more, she causally mentioned that she had already spent $500 of OUR money on aunt Marlene’s hotel stay.
We asked for the money from the wedding again, but my mother-in-law got angry and left. Both Grant and I just stood there, shocked by her irrational behavior, knowing that arguing with her would be in vain.
We let a couple of days go by before Grant reached out to his mother.
However, since she got even more stubborn about the entire money situation, we decided to flip the script. Grant looked her straight in the eyes and said, “Ok, mom, no money, no baby plans, just like that.”
She took a moment to process what Grant said, and out of nowhere, her “I want to be a grandma” instinct kicked in.
She handed us the money, and she did it with a huge smile on her face.
We deposited it immediately, labeling it our Baby Fund.
What Sharon didn’t understand was that her interference only made us stronger. She was basically the universe’s way of teaching us the importance of boundaries. And yes, while family is wonderful, once you are married, you have to look out for each other first, no questions asked, because no one else gets to write your story.
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It was 2021 when Tom Phillips and his children Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, nine, vanished from their family home in New Zealand. Allegedly, before they got missing, they got into an argument with the mother.
The last time the children were seen was October 3 last year, while the search for them is ongoing.
Cat, the mother of the children, opened up about the entire situation after some teenage boys reportedly spotted her children trekking through the bush along with their father and took a video of them.
1News
At the time, Cat said that she was thankful for the video the boys had taken, noting that it felt like “Christmas came early.”
She, however, accused her husband of using their children as “pawns” in his game of trying to teach her a lesson.
Tom’s family also spoke about his actions and made a direct appeal to him.
“Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home,” his mother, Julia, said, as reported by the BBC. “Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here.”
She added: “Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”
Tom’s mother with her grandchildren/ YouTube/New Zealand Herald
“There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through,” his sister, Rozzi Phillips, told New Zealand news site Stuff in an exclusive interview.
“I I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again,” she added.
According to Rozzi, it is very possible that Tom, whom she described as a capable builder, built a “hut” for him and the children in the bush.
It was reported that Tom and the children vanished after he lost legal custody of them and have since been camping in the North Island’s western Waikato region.
New Zealand Police
The teens who claim spotted the family in Marokopa said Tom had a gun and long beard, while the children had masks on and carried their own packs. They also said they briefly spoke to one of the kids, asking if anyone knew they were there, to which the child allegedly replied: “Only you,” according to New Zealand’s 1News.
Authorities have since issued a warrant for Tom’s arrest in relation to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti, where police believe he acted with an accomplice. Local officers have cautioned the public not to approach him, saying he is likely armed and may be receiving assistance from others to avoid capture.
Last year, a NZ$80,000 reward for information on the family’s whereabouts was posted.
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Taking a bath daily what most people consider a healthy practice. Of course, there are also those who shower more than once per day, but also those who tend to skip a day or two.
However, while taking a bath feels like a simple daily task can have some health consequences on the elderly.
When people reach a certain age, usually 70 and above, their bodily functions tend to slow down. It is also the age when the body becomes more vulnerable to changes in temperature and circulation, so taking baths first thing in the morning can put stress on the liver and increase the risk of liver-related conditions. While the act of showering isn’t harmful on its own, the timing can be.
Here are some liver-related risks seniors should know about if they often bathe in the morning.
1. Reduced Blood Flow to the Liver
As we age, blood circulation naturally slows, so taking a hot bath early in the morning causes blood vessels to expand quickly, sending more blood to the skin. This can temporarily reduce blood flow to internal organs, including the liver. Elderly people with liver conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, or early cirrhosis may experience increased liver strain and slower detoxification.
Hot morning baths can also cause sudden changes in the blood pressure. At people over the age of 70 who suffer from metabolic conditions such as diabetes type 2, morning baths can add stress on the body which worsens fatty liver disease. If left untreated, fatty liver leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced liver function.
3. Hepatitis Reactivation Triggers
Some elderly individuals carry inactive hepatitis B or C and a sudden hot or cold morning bath can put pressure on the immune system. Although uncommon, this may trigger viral activity and lead to liver inflammation.
People over 70 who already suffer from cirrhosis may cause further damage on their liver by taking a hot bath early in the morning. Those suffering from cirrhosis already face blood clotting, low albumin levels, and reduced detoxification, and the habit of showering in the morning may cause their circulatory system to worsen, causing swelling and fatigue. It can also increase the risk of complications like hepatic encephalopathy.
5. Increased Risk of Gallbladder and Bile Flow Problems
Since the liver and the gallbladder work together to produce and regulate bile, hot or cold morning baths can disrupt this rhythm, potentially making gallstones or bile duct problems worse.
Most seniors wake up dehydrated and entering a hot bath immediately can exacerbate fluid loss. Adequate hydration is crucial for the liver to detoxify efficiently, and the combined effects of dehydration and circulatory stress may impair this process.
If you are 70 or above wait at least an hour after waking up to take a bath. Further, bath with lukewarm water, make sure you stay hydrated, and limit bath time to 10-15 minutes at maximum.
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The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation, and the American Heart Association estimate that heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic affecting at least 26 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing, according to a study published in Science Direct.
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart is no longer working but that it isn’t pumping as it should, and the body relies on it to pump oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to its cells. When the heart loses strength and can’t deliver enough blood, it leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes a chronic cough. Over time, even routine activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and carrying bags become increasingly difficult.
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While heart failure, HF, is a lifelong condition, you may have HF remission with treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.
In fact, doctors warn of four habits that can be linked to heart failure, advising to break them for the sake of a healthy heart and overall well-being.
A study published by AHA/ASA Journal, “Dietary sodium restriction is arguably the most frequent self-care behavior recommended to patients with heart failure (HF), and is endorsed by all HF guidelines.”
Excessive sodium intake is associated with fluid retention, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure weakens the heart and increases the strain on it, eventually leading to heart failure.
“In 2005, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association HF guidelines recommended 3000 to 4000 mg daily sodium intake, and, for patients with volume overload, restriction to 2000 mg/d. This recommendation was subsequently updated to moderate sodium restriction. The Heart Failure Society of America recommends 2000 to 3000 mg daily sodium intake and <2000 mg for patients with moderate to severe HF symptoms.”
How to avoid this habit: Limit processed and salty foods like canned soups and packaged snacks. Instead, opt for home cooked meals with fresh ingredients, adding flavor with herbs and spices instead of salt. Also, check food labels for hidden sodium.
Sitting too much has become part of modern life, but it puts the heart at risk.
Most of us spend great part of the day sitting at desks, on the couch, or in cars, probably not being aware that this for of lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease and heart failure. On the other hand, regular exercise boosts circulation, keeps weight in check, and helps lower blood pressure.
How to avoid this habit: Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intensive activity each week. Break up long sitting periods by standing, stretching, and walking. Low-impact options like walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing are great for your heart and easy on the joints.
Alcohol and smoking may worsen the condition of heart failure, so it is crucial that people with heart failure reduce their alcohol intake and quit smoking.
Smoking affects blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart. In the same manner, excessive alcohol consumption weakens the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart failure. The sad reality is that many people fail to realize the long-term damage these habits do to the heart and the overall health.
How to avoid this habit: If you are a smoker, try to quit. And of course, if you find this difficult, which is likely you do, then seek support. The same goes for the alcohol. Reduce the intake to moderate levels (one drink per day for women, two for men), and if you have trouble cutting back on alcohol, consider seeking professional help or support groups.
4. Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep
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Chronic stress and poor sleep can take a serious toll on your heart health. Ongoing stress raises cortisol levels, which can increase blood pressure and strain the heart. At the same time, not getting enough sleep prevents the body from repairing cells and disrupts metabolism, raising the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ultimately heart failure.
How to avoid this habit: Practice stress-management habits like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness on a daily basis. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep during the night and keep your bedtime routine calm, screen-free, and comfortable.
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