Latest news with #Oprah
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Decoder Ring
Credit - Pop Culture Since 2018, Slate critic Willa Paskin has explored bizarre and delightful cultural phenomena from 'Baby Shark' to Chuck E. Cheese to try to understand what makes people obsessed with arbitrary touchstones. Some of the episodes are bona fide time capsules: A particularly compelling entry discusses Gen X's disdain for "selling out" as manifested in movies like Reality Bites and novelist Jonathan Franzen's refusal to appear on Oprah—a concept that has been totally lost on Gen Z, many of whom aspire to become influencers shilling for companies in exchange for free products. Through conversations with experts, fans, and fellow journalists, Paskin manages to transform a topic that might spark mild interest into one of utter obsession. She lends a sympathetic ear to fanboys and fangirls to understand how the strangest subcultures can elicit an emotional attachment and radically transform the cultural zeitgeist. Write to Eliana Dockterman at
Time Out
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Greenpoint Film Festival returns with a provocative lineup and Martin Scorsese
Sometimes New York City film festivals feel like a generous Oprah has been shouting across the boroughs: ' You get a festival! And you get a festival!' And honestly, we're not mad about it. Any excuse to leave the apartment and mingle with fellow film lovers—without shelling out $50 on popcorn and soda—is a good one. Especially when the programming consistently highlights films and filmmakers flying just under the mainstream radar. (And also, you know, Martin Scorsese.) That's been the Greenpoint Film Festival 's sweet spot for 14 years and counting. The 2025 edition runs from Wednesday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10, transforming North Brooklyn into a hub for international storytelling, cinematic risk-taking, and community energy. More than 100 films from around the world are on the schedule, spanning narrative features, documentaries, animation, short films, and immersive XR experiences. This year's opening night selection is Outrider, a kinetic portrait of 'fast-talking poet' and activist Anne Waldman, featuring appearances by Patti Smith and Bob Dylan, with Scorsese serving as executive producer. The festival closes with Ravens, a haunting feature film inspired by the work of Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase. Written and directed by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated Mark Gill, Ravens stars Golden Globe winner Tadanobu Asano (Shōgun) and follows his turbulent marriage and career as his alcoholism and violence gradually lead him down a path of obsession and ruin. Festivalgoers have a few ticketing options: a $35 Day Pass grants access to that day's screenings plus free popcorn, while the $125 all-access Green Pass gets you into all five days of programming, plus five cocktails and unlimited popcorn. Screenings will take place at 259 Green Street in the heart of Greenpoint. The jury for this year's festival includes art director Diego Quecano, actress, singer and dancer Genevieve Shi, producer Heather DiPietro, director Peter Lee, cinematographer Piero Basso, and producer and Audacity founder Rachel K. Fraser. In a city overflowing with film fests, the Greenpoint Film Festival stands out for its authenticity, neighborhood roots, and dedication to bold, independent cinema. Plus, heading out for a day in Greenpoint means a reason to hit up Paulie Gee's.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Fact or fiction? 7 memoirs that blurred the line
Memoirs are built on the promise of honesty. They offer a raw, intimate look into lives touched by trauma, transformation, or triumph, and readers trust that what they are consuming is at least fundamentally true. However, recently, Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir, which was recently adapted for screen, found itself in the eye of a controversy after she was accused of fabricating parts of her widely acclaimed life story. Published in 2018, The Salt Path recounts Winn's 630-mile walk with her husband, Moth, along the South West Coast Path after losing their home and receiving a terminal diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD), a rare neurodegenerative condition. The story became an inspiration for those struggling with challenging medical diagnoses, and sold over two million copies worldwide. The recent controversy is only the latest in a long line of publishing betrayals. For decades, authors have published so-called true stories that turned o James Frey's memoir about drug addiction and recovery skyrocketed after Oprah chose it for her Book Club. Brutal, unflinching, and famously detailing a root canal with no anesthesia and an 87-day jail sentence, it felt almost too intense to be true. In 2006, The Smoking Gun revealed that Frey had fabricated or grossly exaggerated key parts of the story. He had never been in a fatal accident, never served serious jail time, and had embellished nearly every detail of his 'rock bottom.' Oprah, feeling misled, called him back on air to publicly rebuke him. Frey's publisher issued a disclaimer. Frey, meanwhile, pivoted back to fiction with Bright Shiny Morning. Claiming to be a half-Native foster child raised in gang-infested South Central L.A., 'Margaret B. Jones' delivered a gripping account of violence, survival, and resilience. Critics hailed Love and Consequences as authentic and vital, until the author's real sister stepped in. Margaret B Jones was actually Margaret Seltzer, a white woman raised in suburban Los Angeles and educated at private school. Her entire memoir was fiction. Photos, staged interviews, even 'foster siblings' had been fabricated to sell the illusion. The book was recalled immediately, with only 19,000 copies in circulation. Seltzer's defense that she was trying to give a voice to unheard communities was dismissed as exploitation. Misha Defonseca's story was almost too miraculous to believe. At age 7, she claimed, she walked 1,900 miles across Nazi-occupied Europe to find her deported parents, lived with wolves, snuck into the Warsaw Ghetto, and killed a German soldier in self-defense. The book struggled in the US but became a massive bestseller overseas and was adapted into a French film. Eleven years later, researchers unearthed documents showing that Defonseca was Catholic and had been enrolled in a school in Brussels during the time she claimed to be wandering Europe. Her real name was Monique De Wael. She eventually confessed, saying the fabricated story reflected her emotional truth. Holocaust scholars were outraged, warning that such stories gave ammunition to deniers and distorted real survivor accounts. Clifford Irving pulled off a con that briefly fooled one of America's top publishers. Claiming to have secured the cooperation of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, Irving presented forged letters and fake interviews to McGraw-Hill, who gave him a $765,000 advance for the exclusive memoir. But the hoax unraveled when Hughes himself publicly denounced the book via a phone call with reporters. Irving's forgeries were exposed, and he served 17 months in prison for fraud. The incident remains one of the most infamous literary scams ever, later adapted into the film The Hoax starring Richard Gere. It exposed the publishing industry's blind spots. When Stern magazine announced it had uncovered Adolf Hitler's personal diaries, sixty volumes hidden since WWII, it was hailed as a historic breakthrough. The diaries were said to be recovered from a crashed plane and authenticated by historian Hugh Trevor-Roper. But the story fell apart within weeks. Forensic analysis revealed the paper, ink, and glue were all post-war. The 'diaries' were fakes created by forger Konrad Kujau, who had specialised in selling counterfeit Nazi memorabilia. He and the journalist who facilitated the deal both went to prison. The scandal cost Stern millions and embarrassed historians worldwide. Marketed as a touching memoir of a Cherokee boy raised by his grandparents in the Appalachian Mountains, The Education of Little Tree was beloved for its gentle wisdom and spiritual tone. It sold over a million copies and became a classroom favorite. But Forrest Carter was actually Asa Carter, a segregationist speechwriter for George Wallace and a former KKK (Ku Klux Klan) member. He had no Cherokee heritage, and the book's portrayal of Native American life was riddled with stereotypes and inaccuracies. Despite being exposed as early as the late 1970s, the book continued to sell and was even adapted into a film. Oprah recommended it on-air in 1994, later retracting her endorsement when she learned the truth. Today, it is classified as fiction, but many readers still believe it is an authentic memoir. Presented as the real diary of a teenage girl who spirals into drug addiction and dies young, Go Ask Alice was published without an author and claimed to be 'real.' Its harrowing portrayal of sex, drugs, and despair became a cautionary tale for generations of students. But no one could verify the girl's identity and no family ever came forward. Eventually, youth counselor Beatrice Sparks admitted to editing and 'enhancing' the diary. Over time, critics determined that much of it had likely been fabricated or written entirely by Sparks herself. Despite mounting evidence, the book remains on school reading lists and is still classified as nonfiction in some libraries. Sparks went on to publish other 'diary' memoirs, many of which followed the same sensationalist, moralising formula.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Winning hearts and changing minds
There is a serious flaw in the way leaders go about changing the minds of people. Many are ineffective in getting others to change their thinking and behaviour. The truth is that many change initiatives in organisations fail. Changing minds is an art, not a science. It goes beyond reason and logic. It delves into the very core of change — the hearts and feelings of people. 1. Managing the Ego The ego forms a significant part of a person. In fact, it drives people's thinking and actions. To persuade someone, we must understand how to manage their ego. Some people's egos centre around their achievements — thus, recognising them becomes an important factor. Others tie their egos to their expertise or educational qualifications. Some take pride in their experience or the long hardships they've endured. Managing the egos of others is a crucial step in creating the right environment for changing minds. To help people accept change, leaders must leverage their egos positively. For example, consulting them, asking for their suggestions, and engaging their talents is not only about making them feel valued — it is also about winning their buy-in and commitment. 2. Appealing to Emotion Human beings are emotional creatures. They are moved more by emotion than by logic. Most leaders try their best to remain professional, but deep down, they too are driven by emotions, which are often shaped by past experiences. To move people towards positive change, we must win their hearts by appealing to their emotions. Influential leaders often tell touching stories to inspire and rally their people. For instance, a company founder, during a financial crisis, appealed to his staff with tears and emotion, asking them to stick together during those trying times. He shared how the company had provided livelihoods for many single mothers, enabling them to send their children to university — children who eventually became successful leaders. He pleaded with his staff to take a temporary pay cut to save their jobs and the livelihood of the workforce. The staff agreed — and the company survived the crisis. When Oprah Winfrey delivered her 2013 Harvard Commencement address, she didn't just speak — she connected deeply. Her ability to win hearts and shift perspectives offers timeless leadership lessons: Tell Authentic Stories Oprah shared her struggles openly — from career setbacks to self-doubt. Her vulnerability made her relatable, and her honesty built trust. Lesson: Authenticity resonates. People follow leaders who are real, not perfect. Show Vulnerability By sharing her personal lows, Oprah modeled emotional courage. It wasn't her success alone, but how she grew through failure, that moved people. Lesson: Being open makes leaders approachable—and influence stronger. Cast a Convincing Vision Oprah painted a hopeful picture of the future, urging graduates to be change-makers in the world. Her conviction gave her words power. Lesson: A bold, heartfelt vision can ignite action and commitment. In just under 30 minutes, Oprah captivated an audience of some of the world's brightest minds, not with technical brilliance or academic jargon, but with authenticity, vulnerability, and deep wisdom drawn from personal experience that appeal to their emotions and touched their hearts. 3. Addressing People's Needs It has been said, 'People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.' For most people, interest begins with self-interest. Apart from saintly figures like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi, most people tune into one internal frequency: W.I.I.F.M.—What's In It For Me. To win hearts, leaders must understand the specific needs and concerns of individuals, and find ways to link the proposed change to these needs. Until those needs are addressed, even the best logic will fail to touch their hearts or win their minds. 4. Winning the Attention Today, we live in a world filled with distractions. With just one touch on a mobile screen, we can access exciting entertainment, sensational news, and endless connectivity. Leaders who hope to influence their audience — especially Gen Y — must find effective ways to captivate their attention. The impatience of Gen Y is almost visible, reflected in these unspoken thoughts: • Tell me something I don't already know. • Show me something I haven't already seen. • Share something I haven't already experienced. Great leaders like Nelson Mandela and Steve Jobs touched hearts and changed minds by speaking with passion and sharing personal, unique experiences with unwavering conviction. Their unmatched intensity captivates hearts — and transforms minds. 5. Leading by Example To win hearts, leaders must influence others positively toward the desired change. Powerful leaders are convincing and persuasive. But there is no persuasion stronger than leading by example. All talk about change amounts to nothing if leaders do not walk their talk. When leaders demonstrate commitment through their actions, their influence becomes powerful and contagious. Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the selfless missionary doctor who served in Africa, once said, 'Example is not the main thing in influencing people — it is the only thing.' 6. Developing a Credible Track Record Rome wasn't built in a day. Similarly, influence takes time to build. Great leaders spend years developing a track record of commitment and achievement in their respective fields. These accomplishments eventually speak louder than words. Such leaders are consistent in their beliefs, thoughts, and actions aligned with the causes they champion. Over time, they build a powerful image and reputation — often becoming icons in their field. Their influence becomes so profound that they can touch the hearts and change the minds of their followers. Such is the power of winning hearts and changing minds. Dr. Victor S.L. Tan is the CEO of KL Strategic Change Consulting Group, a leading firm in strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation. He was formerly the Corporate Planner at Public Bank Berhad and a Manager in Accenture's Change Management Division. He has authored 21 books, including The Lessons of Success of Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow, founder of Public Bank. His bestsellers Changing Mindsets and The Secret of Change — the first motivational book in Malaysia in rhymes recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. His company received The BrandLaureate Award for its outstanding impact on organizational productivity and profitability. Contact Dr. Tan at 012-390 3168 or [email protected]. Previous Article 592 swimmers from 39 countries compete in OCEANMAN
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
The Pink Salt Trick Recipe for Fast Weight Loss Trend in 2025: Why ProZenith Is the Science-Backed Alternative
Chicago, July 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. ProZenith is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement or diet strategy. Click Here to Explore the Full ProZenith Formula TL;DR: A trending pink salt recipe is sweeping TikTok as a supposed shortcut for weight loss. But what's really behind this viral drink, and why are experts raising concerns? In this report, we break down the trend's rise, the controversy around AI-generated celebrity endorsements, and how the new supplement ProZenith aims to support hormonal metabolism in a safer, research-backed way. In This Release, You'll Discover: What the 'Pink Salt Trick' recipe really is — and how it became a top 2025 TikTok trend Why AI-generated celebrity videos are being used to fuel misinformation The health risks of using saltwater as a weight loss tool What medical professionals and dietitians are saying about the trend Why women over 30 are most vulnerable to wellness misinformation How ProZenith compares biologically to salt-based hacks What makes ProZenith a better option for long-term metabolic balance Click Here to Learn More About ProZenith What Is the Pink Salt Trick Recipe Everyone's Talking About? The pink salt trick refers to a homemade drink recipe that's gone viral on TikTok and YouTube. It's typically presented as a 'weight loss drink' or 'morning metabolism hack' involving: The Recipe: 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan or Hawaiian salt Juice from 1/2 lemon 8–12 oz of warm or room temperature water Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or a dash of cayenne pepper The promise? Drink it first thing in the morning to 'reset metabolism,' suppress appetite, detox the body, and kickstart fat loss — without caffeine or fasting. Videos promoting the recipe often use phrases like: 'My pants are literally falling off!' 'This is what celebrities are using now.' 'Better than Ozempic!' But the science behind these claims is flimsy at best. And in many cases, entirely fabricated. Despite anecdotal praise, there are no peer-reviewed studies supporting the metabolic effects of pink salt water. Experts say any perceived benefits are likely due to placebo or temporary hydration effects, not real fat loss. The Deepfake Endorsement Controversy: Why the Internet Believed Oprah Promoted the Pink Salt Trick While the drink itself has gone viral, much of the attention in 2025 stems from AI-generated videos of Oprah Winfrey praising the recipe. These videos are so realistic that thousands believed they were real endorsements. In reality, Oprah never promoted the pink salt trick — and she condemned such deepfake scams in a 2022 Instagram video, stating: 'It is a fraud. It is a fake. It's a lie. I have nothing to do with any weight loss gummies or pink salt drinks that claim I use them.' Despite this, new videos using AI facial mapping and voice-cloning tools continue to circulate. Social media platforms have struggled to moderate these videos in real time, which has only contributed to their virality. This issue was spotlighted in Yahoo's creator series — What's Up with the Oprah Pink Salt Trick Recipe for Weight Loss? and What's the Deal with the Miracle Pink Salt Trick for Weight Loss? — where journalist Cassandra Brooklyn described how the fake endorsements kept showing up in her feed even though she never searched for weight loss tips. These articles were later mentioned in a broader industry discussion, including coverage in a GlobeNewswire consumer briefing on ProZenith. Read: Pink Salt Recipe for Weight Loss Spotlighted in New Consumer Briefing on Metabolic Reset with ProZenith Why the Pink Salt Trick Doesn't Work — and Might Be Harmful According to Dr. Alison Childress, a registered dietitian at Texas Tech University: 'Too much sodium can lead to water retention… this could result in weight gain — not fat, but fluid — especially in those who are salt-sensitive.' While the drink may provide a fleeting sense of fullness, there's no thermogenic benefit, hormonal regulation, or appetite suppression involved. Moreover, repeated use of this drink without iodine-rich salt can increase the risk of iodine deficiency, particularly among women of reproductive age. Iodine plays a critical role in thyroid hormone production, and inadequate levels can lead to fatigue, cold sensitivity, dry skin, and weight gain — all symptoms ironically counterproductive to the goals of the pink salt drink. Why Women Over 30 Are Most Vulnerable to These Trends Many women over 30 experience hormonal changes that affect metabolism, energy, and cravings. As stress levels increase and sleep quality declines, quick-fix trends feel even more attractive. Wellness journalist Cassandra Brooklyn explains: 'The pink salt videos started showing up in my feed even though I never searched for them. It made me wonder how many other women were seeing them too — especially those actively looking for help.' Research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine shows that women exposed to 'rapid weight loss' messaging experienced higher body dissatisfaction and stress eating patterns. Compounding the issue is the algorithmic nature of social media, which can push diet content to vulnerable audiences based on a few clicks or likes. For women experiencing hormonal shifts and psychological stress, these seemingly innocent videos can drive harmful behaviors. Why ProZenith Was Formulated for This Exact Challenge ProZenith is a non-stimulant supplement formulated to help women manage appetite, cravings, and metabolic sluggishness without trendy hacks or viral gimmicks. What's Inside: Magnesium + Calcium – Regulate cortisol and stabilize energy – Regulate cortisol and stabilize energy BHB (Beta-Hydroxybutyrate) – Mimics ketone states to curb cravings – Mimics ketone states to curb cravings Turmeric Extract (95% curcuminoids) – Supports inflammation reduction – Supports inflammation reduction BioPerine® – Enhances nutrient absorption and delivery Unlike the pink salt trick, ProZenith doesn't rely on a placebo effect. Its ingredients have been clinically reviewed to support appetite hormones like ghrelin, reduce emotional eating triggers, and help restore metabolic rhythm in women after 30. Each dose is designed for consistency — not intensity. There are no stimulants, no crashes, and no 'flush' reactions. Just gradual, supportive metabolic regulation backed by emerging science and nutritional precision. Explore the Full Ingredient Breakdown Read: ProZenith Ingredients Researched: The Science Behind the Popular Formula Final Thoughts: Why This Trend Matters More Than It Seems The pink salt trick may look harmless. But it reflects a deeper pattern: emotional marketing, AI misinformation, and health shortcuts with no science behind them. ProZenith doesn't promise overnight results. But it does offer a research-supported daily strategy for women who are tired of fads and ready for clarity. If you're navigating hormonal shifts, emotional cravings, or just want to feel steady again — don't fall for digital hype disguised as healing. Support your body with something that respects biology. Click Here to Learn How ProZenith Works About the Brand ProZenith is a non-stimulant nutritional supplement designed to support women navigating hormonal appetite shifts, stress cravings, and metabolism slowdown. With clinically supported ingredients and zero caffeine, ProZenith offers a daily ritual for consistent metabolic support — without buzzwords, gimmicks, or fake endorsements. Customer Support ProZenith – Anti-Craving Support Without Stimulants Email: [email protected] Order Help: Phone (US): 1-800-390-6035 Phone (INT): 1-208-345-4245 Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only. ProZenith is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement or diet strategy. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
