Latest news with #TikTok-fueled
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Connie Francis, singer who made Fort Lauderdale spring break famous, dies at 87
Connie Francis, the international pop singer who put Fort Lauderdale on the musical map with her spring break standard, 'Where the Boys Are' and who had an unexpected career resurgence at 87 via a song she'd forgotten she had recorded, died Wednesday night. The 'Pretty Little Baby' singer, who lived in Parkland, was hospitalized on July 2 for what she said was 'extreme pain' on her Facebook account. She'd had recent hip surgery. A cause has not been given. Her death was announced on Facebook by publicist Ron Roberts and shared to her page. In June, weeks before her hospitalization, Francis was honored at her South Florida home by record label executives for the TikTok-fueled success of the perky 'Pretty Little Baby' tune that captured the world's attention via billions of streams on the social media platform. MORE: Singer Connie Francis is having a moment at 87. What she says about her 'Baby' 'It's astounding to me that a song I recorded 63 years ago would resonate with teenagers and younger,' Francis said from the foyer of her South Florida home. 'I've seen videos with children 2 years of age singing the song. Adorable. And it's just astounding to me. But it's real.' Francis, whose honeyed mezzo-soprano inspired a generation of pop singers, including ABBA's Agnetha Fältskog, whom Francis recently praised on social media, and Broadway's Gracie Lawrence, who was Tony-nominated for playing Francis in the new Bobby Darin bio musical, 'Just in Time,' introduced a generation of teenagers to pop music in her heyday years 1958 and 1964. Francis was the most popular female pop singer through her signature tunes 'Who's Sorry Now' and 'Where the Boys Are,' the Neil Sedaka-Howard Greenfield title song from the 1960 comedic movie she co-starred in that was set in, and filmed, in Fort Lauderdale. That frothy film and its title song, which rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1961, put Fort Lauderdale on the spring break map — a rowdy reputation the city has distanced itself from for decades. 'What struck me was the purity of the voice, the emotion, the perfect pitch and intonation,' said Sedaka, 86, in her New York Times obituary. 'It was clear, concise, beautiful. When she sang ballads, they just soared.' The pair became friends and frequent collaborators when Francis and her manager father were looking for a follow up single after the dreamy 'Who's Sorry Now' also crested at No. 4 on the nation's singles chart. Francis chuckled on the couch of her Parkland home in June when she recounted the time in 1958 she met Sedaka and Greenfield, the two young New York songwriters for hire who also needed a hit song fast. They arrived before her with a piano and a parcel full of their compositions. They kept playing Francis ballads, one after the other, in hopes of pleasing the 19-year-old singer and her taskmaster father George Franconero. None caught her ear. A desperate Greenfield whispered in his musical partner's ear. 'Play her 'Stupid Cupid,' he suggested. That one was bouncy. Different from the stately ballads that were flopping in front of her. Sedaka was aghast. A sweating Greenfield reminded a skeptical Sedaka that nothing else was working. Francis overheard the exchange and repeated it in her June interview with the Miami Herald. ' 'She's a classy singer. She'll be insulted!' So I said, no matter what it is, just play it, because you guys are putting me to sleep. So finally, Neil played it, and he played 12 bars for that song before I started jumping up and down, saying, 'Wow! Now you're talking hit title! Hit title! That's my next record!' Francis said. Francis was also initially lukewarm on the ballad that brought her to the world's attention, 'Who's Sorry Now.' 'My father liked the song,' she said. 'And I said it was written in 1923. 'Did they have records in 1923, Daddy?' So he said, 'The adults have already made it a hit. If you put rock and roll triplets behind it, the kids can dance to it, and you should record it.' So with only 16 minutes left in the session, because I did three sides first, hoping we wouldn't get to 'Who's Sorry Now,' I said, 'There's no time, fellas. There's no time for 'Who's Sorry Now.' And my father said, 'You've got 16 minutes if I have to nail you to that microphone.' So I did it. And of course, he was right, and he was with everything except Bobby Darin,' Francis said. Francis also pioneered the recording of her material in languages other than English for the world market. 'I was 14 years old. My father said, 'Now that the war's over we have to make friends with our enemies, especially Japan and Germany. If you ever do make it — and that's a long shot — but if you ever do make it, you have to sing in those languages.' So I did, and I had tremendous success with foreign language recordings, especially in Germany,' Francis said. In May, the music label Universal that marketed her classics, released seven international versions of 'Pretty Little Baby' with recordings Francis originally sang in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Swedish. Her most successful Top 10 albums on the U.S. Billboard chart were 'Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites' in 1959 and its 1960 sequel 'More Italian Favorites.' Just weeks before her death, Francis told the Herald she hoped TikTok users would discover another obscure song from the songbook of Sedaka and Greenfield called 'Baby Roo' that she had recorded around the time of 'Where the Boys Are.' She figured it could potentially replicate the 'Pretty Little Baby' success. 'It's a cute kid's song. It's about an overweight guy. 'Baby Roo draws the crowd when he steps on the scale.' It's a great lyric. I don't even know if it was released,' she said. 'Baby Roo' was buried on a 1961 album that had held much bigger hits like her two No. 1 singles, 'Everybody Somebody's Fool' and 'My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.' This obituary will be updated.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is fibermaxxing? All about the new TikTok trend that might be ‘better' for your gut health
Imagine loading up on fiber-packed meals – such as chia smoothies, legume-rich lunches, and seed-studded snacks – to maximize dietary fiber intake, far beyond the basic 'five a day. ' Apparently, this latest TikTok-fueled health craze centered on maximizing dietary fiber is a 'goal' nowadays. While fiber itself isn't new, TikTok influencers have reframed it as the next big 'maxxing' trend – shifting the focus from protein hype to intestinal harmony. More popularly known as Fibermaxxing, this latest eating trend claims to support digestion, balance blood sugar, boost satiety, and nourish the gut microbiome. But does it, though? Is this high-fiber fanfare just social-media gimmickry, or is there substance behind the hype? Let's dive into the science, benefits, pitfalls, and how to fibermaxx smartly and sustainably. What is Fibermaxxing ? Fibermaxxing, also known as fibromaxxing, is a wellness trend gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. It involves intentionally increasing your daily fiber intake, often significantly beyond recommended levels, through fiber-rich foods and sometimes supplements. At its core, fibermaxxing means strategically upping your fiber intake – not just hitting recommended levels (25–38g/day) but stacking fiber-rich foods across every meal and snack. Think oatmeal sprinkled with chia and berries, salads loaded with beans and seeds, smoothies boasting whole fruits and veggies, or even fiber supplements when whole-food options fall short. Although it's only a natural evolution of earlier 'maxxing' trends (sleepmaxxing, etc.), TikTok's fiber influencers – like Pamela Corral with her viral 10 million–view oat bowls – have made it mainstream. The science speaks: Why fiber matters Boosts gut and digestive health: Fiber, especially soluble fiber, serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in your colon and leading to the production of short‑chain fatty acids – compounds that support gut barrier health and reduce inflammation. Regulates poop and reduces cancer risk: By adding bulk, insoluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements, which may lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Heart and metabolic benefits: High-fiber diets correlate with reduced 'bad' LDL cholesterol, stabilized blood sugar, leading to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, boosted by the pronounced effect of a mere 7g fiber increase. Gut–brain connection: Soluble fiber ferments in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Emerging research links fiber-fed SCFAs to mood regulation and cognitive function, adding a mental health bonus to gut benefits. Satiety and weight control: High‑fiber foods slow digestion, enhance fullness, and can reduce total calorie intake. As per Verywell Health, a study, a 7-pound average loss after a fiber‑rich diet over 16 weeks. Food sources Fibermaxxing focuses on increasing intake of whole foods naturally rich in fiber, including: fruits (e.g., apples, raspberries, bananas, avocados), vegetables (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes), and legumes (e.g., beans, lentils, chickpeas). Fibermaxxing also takes into account whole grains (e.g., oats, quinoa, brown rice) and nuts and seeds (e.g., chia seeds, almonds) as pro-health food sources. But, is it all perks with no cons at all? Turns out, that's not true. Risk factor: Too much, too quick Fibermaxxing, while potentially beneficial for digestive health, can lead to several risks if not approached carefully. Excessive fiber intake, especially when introduced too quickly, can cause bloating, gas, stomach cramps, constipation, or even diarrhea. In some cases, it can also hinder the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium. Those with IBS, IBD, SIBO, or other conditions should be especially cautious. Potential risks of fibermaxxing: Digestive issues: The most common side effects include bloating, gas, and stomach cramps due to the gut bacteria overworking to process the increased fiber. Constipation or diarrhea: Depending on the type of fiber and individual tolerance, fibermaxxing can lead to either constipation or diarrhea. Nutrient deficiencies: Excessive fiber can bind to certain minerals in the gut, preventing their absorption and potentially leading to deficiencies in iron, zinc, and calcium. Intestinal blockage: In rare cases, very high fiber intake, especially without sufficient hydration, can cause intestinal blockages. Reduced food intake and nutrient gaps: The feeling of fullness from fiber can lead to reduced overall food intake, potentially causing nutrient deficiencies. Important considerations Fibermaxxing is more than TikTok fluff—it's a fun, science-backed reboot of the age-old 'eat your plants' advice, offering genuine gut, metabolic, and mood benefits. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all fix! While increasing fiber intake generally has numerous health benefits, several important factors should be considered when practicing fibermaxxing, sustainably: Start slow: Gradually increase fiber intake to allow your digestive system to adapt and avoid discomfort like bloating, gas, and cramps. Hydration is a must: Drink plenty of water as fiber absorbs water and requires it for proper digestion and to prevent constipation. Variety matters: Focus on consuming diverse sources of fiber from whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements. According to this supports a diverse gut microbiome. Individual needs: Fibermaxxing may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with existing gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or those over the age of 50. Consult with a doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes. Nutrient absorption: Excessive fiber intake, particularly from supplements, may hinder the absorption of some essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. Balanced diet: Ensure adequate intake of other essential nutrients, including protein, and don't let fibermaxxing lead to an imbalanced diet. Listen to your body: Finally, pay attention to how your body reacts to increased fiber. If you experience uncomfortable symptoms, slow down, adjust your intake, or seek professional advice. Fibermaxxed meals for everyday In order to keep it healthy and sustainable while fibermaxxing, striking a balance in meals is key. For example: Breakfast: Oat porridge topped with chia/flax + berries + nuts. Snack: Hummus with veggie sticks or high-fiber yogurt parfait. Lunch: Grain bowl with quinoa/brown rice, beans, avocado, seeds, roasted veg. Dinner: Lentil curry over whole grain, plus a side salad. Bonus: Fiber-packed smoothies with whole fruit, veggies, seeds, plus pro/prebiotics. Here's what your snoring habit is telling you about your liver
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why Japanese seniors walk more — and stay younger, longer
In a country where people go on to live up until 114, Japan's older population stands out not just for their longevity but for how actively they live. A key part of that vitality? Walking. But not just any kind of walking. For the Japanese, it seems that walking is not casual, but rather it's a structured, intentional form of movement known as interval walking training (IWT)- also popularly known as Japanese Walking. This form of workout, which alternates between fast and slow walking, has been quietly reshaping the health of aging adults for nearly two decades. Backed by science and now enjoying a TikTok-fueled revival, IWT is helping people one step at a time. Not just another trend About 20 years ago, Hiroshi Nose and his team in Japan published a paper that put high-intensity interval walking on the map. Through their study, they found out that middle-aged and older adults who practiced IWT had lower blood pressure, stronger thigh muscles, and improved aerobic capacity compared to those who walked at a steady, moderate pace. And the routine itself is not very difficult. Walk fast for three minutes, then slow down for three. Repeat this cycle for a total of 30 minutes a day, at least four days a week. Shizue Masuki, a co-author of the study and professor at Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine in Matsumoto, explained, 'One of the most surprising findings was that IWT markedly increased physical fitness and decreased blood pressure after the 5-month intervention, whereas these improvements were not observed in the moderate-intensity continuous walking group.' What's more, after the 2007 study, many more follow-up studies have continued to affirm the preliminary findings. A 2023 study involving people with Type 2 diabetes and another in 2024 focusing on adults over 65 both found that IWT improved cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI), flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance compared to control groups. Experts have reiterated time and again that walking puts healthy stress on the heart, which in turn increases its capacity to function better and decreases resting blood pressure. And once the body calms, you will feel an improvement in your blood pressure. According to Masuki, other benefits of the technique have shown up in additional studies by her team, including improvements in sleep, mood, cognitive function, and symptoms of depression. The mental health benefits of walking in open spaces are well- documented . It lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol, improves focus and sleep, and helps regulate mood. Further, IWT is time efficient too. So for people who don't have much time to slide in an hour-long workout at the gym, this simple walking technique can help them improve their health.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Shop the viral COSRX Snail Mucin for only $12 this Prime Day
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Amazon Prime Day always has its surprises, but this year, one of the biggest wins (in my book) isn't a gadget or kitchen appliance — it's this freaking amazing snail mucin that your skincare routine needs. COSRX's iconic Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, which quietly slid into the deals list with a jaw-dropping discount that has beauty lovers buzzing. For something that already had a cult following, this nearly 50% off sale feels like a secret handshake for skincare insiders. I've personally watched this product evolve from a K-beauty niche favorite to a TikTok-fueled essential. It's been hyped for years, but the price drop to $12 on Amazon made me do a double take. You don't just get hype here; you get results, hydration and skin that feels a little less stressed and a lot more alive. Advertisement Prime Day officially kicked off on July 8 and runs through July 11, but who knows if the price will rise? As a full-time beauty product tester and commerce reporter, I recommend you snag it fast. Amazon The formula itself is oddly elegant. Yes, snail secretion sounds like something out of a sci-fi lab, but once you try it, the glow is undeniable. It's not greasy or sticky. Revolutionarily, it just sinks in and leaves my face feeling like it finally drank a gallon of water. And, at this price? You could stock up for the year and still spend less than what a single Sephora serum might cost. Snail mucin is praised for its anti-inflammatory, healing and deeply hydrating properties. It's especially kind to skin that's been through it, whether that means acne, sunburn or too many overzealous exfoliants. Right now, it's a total no-brainer. The reviews on Amazon (we're talking tens of thousands of them) read like little love letters. Oh, and that's in addition to my full brand review of COSRX. With consistent use, I've noticed smaller pores, dewier skin, less redness and smoother skin texture. It even helps hyperpigmentation fade faster. This Prime Day, COSRX's lowest-price-ever deal is like a thank-you to all the fans (ahem, me as its head cheerleader) who've turned the essence into a skincare staple. Once you try it, you're going to want it on hand at all times. If you're like me and keep a mental list of products you've been 'meaning to try,' now is the moment. Snail mucin, to be honest with you, is a skincare workhorse disguised in an elegant, minimalist bottle —and right now, it's cheaper than most drugstore moisturizers. We don't often get to marry quality and affordability in the beauty world, especially not with products that are both science-backed and glow-inducing. This kind of price drop feels like a personal win for anyone who just wants skincare that actually works, without the markup. Your Prime Day FAQs, answered How long does Prime Day last? In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. When does Prime Day end? Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals. Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day? Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached. What are the best Prime Day deals? From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Is Prime Day worth it? We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale. When is the next Prime Day? Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday. Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Denver zoo closes early over the weekend to prevent wild teens from pulling off TikTok-inspired ‘takeover' trend
The Denver Zoo closed early on Saturday ahead of a planned teen 'takeover' of the park that went viral on TikTok as part of an alarming trend among youths that is wreaking havoc in public spaces across the country. Zoo staff decided to shutter the park to prevent the so-called 'takeover' before it could happen. They weren't entirely sure what the coup they put a stop to would've looked like, but knew they didn't want to see a repeat of others that have cropped up around the country this summer. Advertisement The Denver Zoo closed early on Saturday ahead of a planned teen 'takeover' of the park that went viral on TikTok as part of an alarming trend among youths that is wreaking havoc in public spaces across the country. AP 'We don't know the exact nature of the event, but we know previous events organized in a similar fashion have led to some disruption to local businesses, damage, vandalism, things like that,' zoo spokesperson Jake Kubie told KUSA. 'We don't believe we're a target of anything. We haven't received any information that suggests that there is gonna be any impact to us. We're always leaning towards caution over everything else.' Advertisement Last weekend, one of the planned events took Denver's Northfield Mall by storm as more than 300 unruly teenagers descended onto the property and started fighting each other following a call-out to meet at the shopping center on TikTok. Following the early closure, zoo staff were still on high alert, but no one showed. Still, other community advocates and police spent the rest of their Saturday afternoon patrolling around Denver's City Park in the sweltering heat just to be extra cautious. Two children watch the penguins at the Denver Zoo's new African penguin habitat in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 30, 2021. Denver Post via Getty Images Advertisement Across the country on the East Coast, Garden State teenagers haven't been on their best behavior either. In just one week, two separate TikTok-fueled pop-ups spurred hundreds of teens to shut down a mall and a carnival that were mere miles apart. In Edison, New Jersey, more than 300 youth turned the Menlo Park Mall into their personal playground, forcing innocent shoppers to take shelter inside stores as fights started breaking out. The following week, another takeover destroyed a carnival in a mall parking lot just 2.5 short miles away from the Edison site. The carnival had tried to impose an 18-and-up limit for after-hours, but the teenagers weren't having it and started scaling fences to get inside.
