-
After facing cheating allegations from her husband Offset, who later deleted the social media post making the claim, Cardi B has firmly denied the accusations. Taking to Twitter, the "Money" rapper shared a message with her fans and detractors alike, expressing her desire for a summer free from disturbances.In a Thursday night tweet, Cardi B, aged 30, wrote, "DND TYPE OF SUMMER," referring to the acronym for "do not disturb." The tweet resonated with some of her fans, with one expressing agreement by stating, "right, I'm taking a break from people this summer." Others speculated whether this tweet hinted at new music on the horizon, with suggestions ranging from album titles to potential single names.This tweet followed a public dispute between the married rappers, which commenced when Offset initially posted and later removed an Instagram Story accusing Cardi B of infidelity. In response, Cardi B engaged in a Twitter Space conversation, playfully singing part of Keyshia Cole's "I Should Have Cheated." She dismissed Offset's claims, urging her listeners not to pay attention to his accusations and emphasizing her own identity and value.Addressing Offset directly, Cardi B stated, "Come on, y’all. I'm f—ing Cardi B, n—. I think sometimes motherf---ers forget I'm Cardi B. If I was giving this p---- to anybody, it would be out. I'm not just anybody." She firmly demanded that Offset stop his irrational behavior and warned him against playing games with her.This isn't the first time the couple, who share two children—daughter Kulture Kiari, who turns 5 this week, and Wave Set, aged 22 months—have faced public scrutiny regarding infidelity. Back in 2018, videos emerged showing Offset in compromising situations with multiple women, prompting Cardi B to address the allegations. Additionally, in September 2020, just days before their third anniversary, Cardi B filed for divorce, citing irreparable breakdown and rumors of infidelity. However, they ultimately reconciled, choosing to work on their relationship.In an interview with Vogue in January 2020, Cardi B spoke about her decision to forgive Offset, highlighting her belief in forgiveness and the efforts they both made to reconcile. The couple sought guidance from priests and arrived at a mutual understanding, recognizing that they were in it together against the challenges that life presented.Cardi B's recent tweet signifies her desire for privacy and a break from the spotlight during the summer, as she navigates the fallout from the cheating allegations and focuses on her personal boundaries.Source
-
Earlier this year, alarming statistics exposed a crisis among teenagers in the United States. A nationally representative survey revealed that more than half of high school girls reported persistent feelings of "sadness or hopelessness," common indicators of depression. Surprisingly, almost a third of teenage boys reported similar emotions.Psychologist Kathleen Ethier, who leads the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Adolescent and School Health, highlighted the gravity of the situation: "No one is doing well." The survey, conducted in fall 2021, involved over 17,000 students from 31 states who responded to approximately 100 questions related to mental health, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, sexual behavior, substance use, and experiences of violence.One particular chart from the survey garnered significant media attention. It revealed that from 2011 to 2021, the prevalence of persistent sadness or hopelessness in boys increased by 8 percentage points, rising from 21% to 29%. For girls, the figures rose substantially by 21 percentage points, escalating from 36% to 57%.Researchers argue that some of this disparity may stem from unique stressors faced by girls in the United States. Factors such as the impact of social media use on mental well-being, higher vulnerability to sexual violence, and a hostile political climate concerning women's rights contribute to their increased mental distress (SN: 7/16/22 & 7/30/22, p. 6).However, the gap between boys and girls may not be as wide as the numbers suggest. Mounting evidence suggests that depression manifests differently in boys and men compared to girls and women. Girls tend to internalize their feelings, while boys are more likely to externalize them. Instead of displaying overt sadness, boys may exhibit irritability, aggression, or engage in risky and impulsive behaviors. Traditional depression screening tools may overlook these typically male expressions of distress. Additionally, societal norms associating sadness with weakness might deter males from acknowledging their emotions, even in anonymous surveys.Research indicates that approximately 1 in 10 males with depression may be missed by current screening tools. Clinical psychologist Ryon McDermott from the University of South Alabama emphasizes the importance of recognizing that some boys and men are suffering but going unnoticed. "We miss them in our assessments, and we miss them in our discussions," McDermott asserts.Diagnosing Depression in Boys and MenThe concept of depression being overlooked in men is not new. A notable case occurred on the Swedish island of Gotland in the 1960s and '70s when suicide rates were alarmingly high. In response, health officials implemented an education program for doctors focused on depression treatment and suicide prevention in 1983.Initially, the program seemed successful as the island's overall suicide rate dropped from around 20 per 100,000 people in 1982 to approximately 7 per 100,000 people by 1985, according to a study published in the 1992 Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. However, a deeper analysis revealed that the decline was primarily among women. Over the span of two and a half years, the number of female suicides decreased from 11 to two, while male suicides remained relatively constant, with a marginal decline from 16 to 15.Psychiatrist Wolfgang Rutz, who worked at a Gotland hospital at the time, theorized that men struggling with suicidal thoughts were less likely to seek help, and when they did, their depressive symptoms were often overlooked by doctors. He observed that depressed men often presented with atypical symptoms such as hostility, impulsivity, and aggression, rather than typical signs of sadness.Rutz suggested that the gender disparity in diagnosing and treating depression might explain why, at that time, men in Sweden were diagnosed with depression half as often as women but had a suicide rate five times higher. The absence of apparent signs of depression made many male suicides seem unexpected to external observers.Rutz went on to develop a screening tool for male depression, leading to the creation of more recent male-specific assessment instruments like the Male Depression Risk Scale, designed by Simon Rice, a clinical psychologist at Orygen—an Australian nonprofit institute focused on youth mental health.The Male Depression Risk Scale targets emotion suppression, anger, aggression, substance use, somatic symptoms, and risk-taking behaviors. Respondents rate various statements related to bottling up negative feelings, difficulty managing anger, and using drugs for temporary relief. Notably, the scale does not include questions about sadness or hopelessness. Studies indicate that some men meet the criteria for depression on the Male Depression Risk Scale but not on traditional scales. A 2020 study involving 1,000 Canadian men found that 8% of respondents met the criteria for depression solely on a traditional scale that included a question about feeling "down, depressed, or hopeless." Additionally, 12% met the criteria on both scales, while 11% met the depression criteria exclusively on the men's scale, as reported in the Journal of Mental Health.These findings suggest that if the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey had included a male-specific depression question, there might have been a gender gap, albeit a smaller one.The Silent Suffering of Boys and MenAccording to Rice, too many boys and men are silently suffering. The fact that 10-11% of cases are missed may appear small at an individual level, but it has significant implications at the population level.The notion that acting out and aggression could sometimes be symptoms of depression remains contentious. Ethier emphasizes that the CDC relied on extensive research to formulate the depression-related question in their survey. The question reads: "During the past 12 months, did you ever feel so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that you stopped doing some usual activities?"Ethier asserts that this question is effective in predicting depressive symptoms for both girls and boys. However, she acknowledges that boys are indeed facing struggles. Teachers, for example, report an increase in behavioral problems, particularly among boys. Nevertheless, rather than indicating depression, Ethier suggests that such behaviors reflect the broader mental health crisis affecting teenagers.While it may seem like a matter of semantics, providing an accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment and long-term well-being. Depressive symptoms during adolescence can have lasting implications for health and mental health. On the other hand, the research regarding behavioral issues in the classroom is not as conclusive.McDermott, who examines the challenges of measuring depression, believes that such behavioral problems among boys might indicate other disorders, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nevertheless, he is confident that some of these boys are experiencing depression. "It is hard to say with 100 percent certainty that all boys who are acting out are experiencing depression, but it is a good bet that many of them are," McDermott concludes.Source
-
The financial giant, BlackRock, custodian to a massive $9 trillion in assets and around $60 billion in real estate, is making a groundbreaking move into the realm of Bitcoin. This decision marks a radical shift for a firm whose CEO, Larry Fink, once denounced Bitcoin as an "index of money laundering."The shift was first signaled in August 2022 when BlackRock unveiled a Bitcoin trust. Fast forward to now, and they've upped the ante by applying to introduce a Bitcoin ETF, signifying a profound change in their position towards cryptocurrencies.The Bitcoin ETF proposed by BlackRock breaks away from conventional trust models. Labelled as a "Bitcoin Trust" in the SEC filing, it operates more in line with an ETF, continually creating and dissolving units. This continuous flow avoids the price inflation often seen in trusts like Grayscale's GBTC, offering investors the perk of lower fees.Uniquely, this ETF isn't tethered to Bitcoin futures. It's a spot ETF, meaning it will purchase actual Bitcoin. Coinbase Custody, a renowned figure in the crypto ecosystem, is set to act as the custodian, further solidifying the product's credibility.However, there's a critical detail to note: securing Bitcoin through BlackRock's ETF equates to obtaining "paper Bitcoin." In essence, you won't have direct control over your coins like you would if you bought them from an exchange and transferred them to a personal wallet.Despite this distinction, BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF could catalyze an upswing in Bitcoin adoption. It offers a straightforward pathway for traditional and institutional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin and serves as an easy route for individuals to include Bitcoin in their 401K and other investment accounts.The introduction of a Bitcoin ETF by the world's largest asset manager also imparts further credibility to Bitcoin, potentially transforming perceptions amongst financial planners. The standard timeframe for ETF approval can span up to 240 days. However, BlackRock's call for an expedited process may result in a green light within a month.The launch of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF is much more than a bullish indicator for Bitcoin. It's a pivotal moment in the integration of cryptocurrencies into the traditional finance world. By making Bitcoin a part of mainstream investment structures, BlackRock could potentially fuel a massive wave of fresh capital into the Bitcoin market, pushing Bitcoin's price and acceptance to new heights!As always, stay tuned for more exciting updates in this evolving landscape.
-
Shawn Mendes Discusses New Song "What The Hell Are We Dying For?" in Apple Music InterviewDuring his conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Shawn Mendes opened up about his latest track, "What The Hell Are We Dying For?" The singer-songwriter delved into the inspiration behind the song, overcoming a severe bout of writer's block, the unique process of releasing the track immediately after recording it, and shared his current emotional state.Reflecting on the challenges he faced in the studio, Mendes expressed his struggle to find his musical voice and regain confidence in his craft. However, during a moment of frustration in upstate New York, the artist experienced a surge of inspiration. Singing along to a captivating organ and Juno loop, the lyrics poured out, encapsulating his existential ponderings and capturing a sense of abstraction not explored in his recent work.When asked about the urgency behind releasing the song, Mendes revealed a deep-rooted feeling of excitement and connection. The track encapsulated his current state of mind and served as a cathartic outlet for his frustrations. Despite initial fears and doubts, he recognized the importance of taking risks and embracing vulnerability, realizing that remaining stagnant would only lead to self-doubt and uncertainty.Describing the recording process, Mendes recounted the whirlwind 24 hours where he pushed his limits. Overcoming his struggle to spend extended periods in the studio, he immersed himself for a straight 25 hours, overseeing the writing, production, and even live-streaming the mixing process. With mere minutes left to submit the song, they completed the final touches, including the outro vocals. The experience ignited a surge of adrenaline, reminiscent of his younger years, and reinstated his love for music. He vividly recalled cutting the vocal at 5 AM, fueled by pure joy and excitement.Mendes acknowledged that he still finds himself grappling with confusion as he approaches his 25th birthday. However, he emphasized the importance of the people he deeply cares for, his love for music, and his passion for the planet as driving forces in his life. These three pillars serve as sources of inspiration and give him clarity amidst the uncertainty, reinforcing his commitment to fight for what truly matters.In conclusion, Shawn Mendes' interview with Apple Music shed light on his creative journey, the release of his poignant new song, and the growth he has experienced as an artist. Despite ongoing confusion, he remains determined to navigate life's complexities, driven by love, passion, and the pursuit of meaningful expression through his music.Source
-
Navigating through the digital age, we find ourselves in an era where technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of traditional finance at a speed unlike anything we've seen before. Amidst this seismic shift, Gary Gensler’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears to be fumbling in the dark. The recent wave of actions initiated by the SEC against titans of the crypto world, including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, depicts them as unregistered security operators, a move that unveils a deep-seated misunderstanding about the very essence of cryptocurrencies. This misconception is particularly glaring when it comes to digital assets like Filecoin that have clearly defined and practical use cases.Their decision to classify Filecoin as a security is such a monumental misstep it would border on comical, if it wasn't having such damaging consequences. The token is the lifeblood of a decentralized storage network and does not fit into the conventional criteria of a security. Tokens like Filecoin are not mere investment vehicles but crucial elements of blockchain ecosystems, empowering specific functions and services. Trying to lump them into the definition of securities is nothing short of misguided. What's more concerning is the potential overreach of the SEC into this innovative technology. Crypto is a borderless, global revolution. The potential consequence of heavy-handed U.S. regulation is the relocation of these groundbreaking platforms to more crypto-accommodating countries, including ones that could be geopolitical adversaries to the United States. This space doesn't need the iron fist of regulation; it needs the encouraging hand of support and understanding.Indeed, the winds of change are already blowing. Pro-crypto and pro-business candidates are gaining ground, a trend underscored by the NFT series launched by Donald Trump, which amassed an astounding $4.4 million in a single day. With this momentum, figures like Robert Kennedy Jr., who recently addressed the audience at Bitcoin 2023, are making notable strides in the polls, challenging the current administration's seemingly regressive stance. Meanwhile, this same administration appears intent on choking this burgeoning industry with crippling regulations. Adding fuel to the fire is the conspicuous favoritism of the SEC towards certain entities in the industry. Platforms like Coinbase and Binance are bearing the brunt of regulatory scrutiny, while FTX and its founder Sam Bankman-Fried seem to be enjoying a more lenient treatment. Considering that SBF has reportedly donated over $40 million to mostly Democratic candidates, it's hard not to question the impartiality of the SEC and this administration.The fact is, there are nearly half a billion crypto users worldwide, a statistic that should not be ignored. These users, along with several forward-thinking figures gaining traction in business & political spheres, understand the promise and potential of crypto. They stand ready to support this growing industry, in stark contrast to those who would hinder its progress. These advocates could potentially disrupt the status quo in the upcoming elections, offering hope for a more crypto-supportive future.The SEC claims their actions are for the protection of investors. But with the industry suffering and prices plummeting, it's clear the real beneficiaries are not the average retail investors. The emphasis on regulatory penalties feels more like a strategic cash grab than a serious effort to shield the public.Another area where the SEC appears ill-informed is staking - a fundamental aspect of proof-of-stake blockchain networks. Their misunderstanding led them to slap Kraken with a hefty $30 million fine. Now, that same money is being used to fund the SEC's aggressive pursuit of other industry leaders.The call for the crypto community to rally behind Congressman Warren Davidson's bill to FIRE Gensler has never been more pressing. Cryptocurrencies are not a menace, they are a global opportunity. Misguided regulation may suppress it for a time, but the resilience of crypto and its ever-growing user base ensure its survival.Cryptocurrencies are not going anywhere; they're regulated by math, not whims of regulatory authorities. The industry needs balanced, clear, and informed regulation to leverage the benefits of this groundbreaking technology, not strangle it with misunderstanding and misinformation!
-
Bad habits can have a significant impact on our lives, hindering personal growth, productivity, and overall well-being. Whether it's procrastination, excessive screen time, nail-biting, or unhealthy eating patterns, breaking free from these habits is essential for personal development and achieving a fulfilling life. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to remove bad habits effectively. Recognize and Acknowledge the Habit:The first step towards eliminating a bad habit is to recognize and acknowledge its presence in your life. Take some time to reflect on your behaviors and identify the habits that you wish to change. Be honest with yourself and understand the negative consequences these habits have on your life.Understand the Triggers and Rewards: Every habit has triggers and rewards associated with it. Triggers are the cues that initiate the habit, while rewards reinforce the habit loop. Analyze your habits and identify the specific triggers that lead to their activation. Additionally, identify the underlying rewards you gain from these habits. Understanding these aspects will help you devise effective strategies for breaking the habit loop. Set Clear and Realistic Goals: Establishing clear and realistic goals is crucial in your journey to remove bad habits. Define what you want to achieve and set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps will make the process more achievable and keep you motivated. Replace Bad Habits with Positive Alternatives: It is often challenging to completely eliminate a habit without replacing it with a positive alternative. Identify healthy behaviors that can serve as substitutes for your bad habits. For instance, if you're trying to reduce screen time, you can replace it with reading a book, pursuing a hobby, or engaging in physical exercise. By replacing the habit with a healthier alternative, you redirect your focus and satisfy the underlying needs that the habit fulfilled. Create a Supportive Environment: Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping your habits. Modify your surroundings to support the removal of bad habits. For instance, if you're trying to quit smoking, avoid places or situations that trigger the urge to smoke. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage your positive changes and provide accountability. Utilize Habit-Tracking Tools: Habit-tracking tools can be incredibly beneficial in monitoring your progress and staying on track. Use mobile apps, habit trackers, or even a simple pen-and-paper journal to record your successes, setbacks, and patterns. Regularly review your progress to identify areas that need improvement and celebrate your milestones along the way. Implement Behavior Change Techniques: Various behavior change techniques can aid in breaking bad habits. Some effective techniques include: a. Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself for successfully avoiding the bad habit or achieving specific milestones. b. Mindfulness and self-awareness: Practice being present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts and emotions, and consciously resisting the urge to engage in the bad habit. c. Habit stacking: Attach the new habit you want to cultivate to an existing routine or habit, making it easier to incorporate it into your daily life. d. Visual cues: Surround yourself with visual reminders or cues that discourage the bad habit and remind you of your goals. Perseverance and Self-Compassion: Breaking a habit takes time, effort, and patience. Understand that setbacks may occur, and it's essential to practice self-compassion during this process. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your progress, and learn from any relapses. Remember that change is a journey, and each step forward brings you closer to your goal.