On Dec. 12th, Joshua Rush from Disney’s hit series Andi Mack and Kylee Russell from Disney Channel Original Movie Zombies surprised over 150 kids from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Normandie Avenue Elementary School and McKinley Avenue Elementary School at the “North Pole,” an LAFD Fire Station transformed into a winter wonderland.
At the Delta Air Lines’ 8th annual “Holiday in the Hangar” charity event at LAX’s Fire Station 80, the young Hollywood stars took pictures and danced with guests and kids, helped Santa and Mrs. Claus hand out toys and crafts, and generally spread holiday cheer to the delight of everyone in attendance.
The children boarded a chartered (and decorated!) Delta “flight” to the Fire Station and, upon arrival, were greeted by special guests including LA Lakers Alumni A.C. Green and The Laker Girls, LA Kings Ice Crew, Los Angeles Football Club Forward Christian Ramirez, and more. Throughout the day, the children were treated to holiday activities with Delta, the GRAMMYs and the GRAMMY Museum, sweets from Sprinkles Cupcakes and lunch from Westfield.
Being a teen can be the worst. You’re told to act like an adult, but you’re still treated like a kid. And with all these hormones going crazy, you have to figure out who you are through it all. A move during this time can seem like the worst thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to be. For many, it’s what set them up for success. In the end, you’ll find that moving to a new city, while difficult, can bring great things into your life.
It’s Okay to Feel Insecure
It might not give you a lot of comfort to know that people can be insecure, but you can learn to recognize what people do to cover it up. As the new kid in a new school or block, you may become the target of bullying. While this sort of treatment is unfair, remember that some people will find another person that seems to have it worse or someone that’s new and target them to draw attention away from their own insecurities. Just know that a bully isn’t better than you. Often, they’re an individual who is carrying around pain and would rather take it out on someone else because of personal circumstances.
Source: 11 Things To Tell Yourself When You’re Feeling Insecure | Bustle
You’ll Make New Friends
You are probably leaving behind cool friends when you move to a new city. And despite promises to stay in touch…life happens and distance WILL affect your relationships — but this is not always a bad thing! Don’t be closed off to the people you meet in your new neighborhood because you could end up making some even better friends. In your life, people will come and go. Just because you’re moving, it doesn’t mean that your old friends won’t still be your friends, its just that you will be friends in a different manner. It can seem like the end of the world to leave behind those you feel closest to, but the new place can be filled with people who are just as amazing. Give it a chance.
This is a Chance to Try New Things
Most people would say, “This is a chance for me to reinvent myself.” It’s true. It’s hard to know who you are at this point as you’re still trying to find yourself. You will have some constants throughout your life. Your core personality doesn’t change much, but your taste in music does, and many other likes and dislikes change as well. Now is the time to explore those things. Start listening to different music, look up different ways to make art, and explore the world around you in general. You’re bound to grow and change.
If home life has been less than ideal, a new place can help you change that to some extent. It’s not going to magically solve problems, but it’s a chance to change your habits. If you’re frequently told to clean your room, try keeping it clean without being told. Parents will definitely appreciate this. If communication with your parents or guardians has become difficult, try opening up about how you feel. Chances are that they’re on your side, but they may not know how to express it the right way.
Don’t let the new place scare you. As the start of a new chapter in your life, moving to a new city will bring with it a whole host of changes. It’s an exciting time and might turn out to be one of the most amazing things that ever happens to you.
Ananya Birla is a rising pop-star from India. She is the first artist to achieve Platinum status in India with english-language songs (“Meant To Be” and “Hold On“) and recently released a third song called “Circles“with Universal and Island Records UK — which also just went Platinum! She has worked with Afrojack and Mood Melodies, shared the stage with Coldplay at Global Citizen, and gained over 40 million views on her Vevo. She splits her time between London and Mumbai.
She also runs a mental health initative focused on young people. After battling her own mental health issues while studying at Oxford, Ananya launched Mpower – which works towards dispelling the stigma associated with mental health illnesses and provides care in India.
Let’s find out more about her career and how she overcame her past struggles in our Q&A below!
Hi Ananya, nice to e-meet you. Before we get into your work as a singer, entrepreneur and mental health advocate, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a singer-songwriter from India. I spend about half of my time in the US, and the other half in Mumbai. I love travel, guitar, yoga and spending time with my friends, family and puppy Skai.
I run a mental health initiative in India, MPower, which provides treatment and campaigns to get rid of the stigma around mental illness. I also founded an organization called Svatantra when I was 17, which lends money to women in rural India to help them start businesses and become independent.
Great! US audiences might not be very familiar with you yet…so can you fill us in on some of your notable work and achievements in the music industry?
I spent a while gigging and doing open-mic nights around London when I was at college, before I released my first single at the end of 2016 with Universal Music. Since then, I have released three more songs, worked and performed with amazing artists around the world, and reached over 100m streams.
Last year, I became the first home-grown artist to go Platinum in India with an English song, which I have managed to do three times now with my songs Meant To Be, Hold On and Circles.
What are the biggest differences between being an artist in India and the US?
Bollywood music kind of rules the music scene in India, and other genres like pop, hip hop and rap can get squeezed out. It can feel like artists are pushed to fit-in and be the same as everyone else, whereas in the US people embrace musicians that are new and different. I love that there is so much talent here, working on all types of different music – there is something for everyone.
What is Mpower all about and how does it help people?
I battled with my mental health when I was at university in the UK. It was a really tough time and it was made worse because I was too scared to talk to anyone about the way I was feeling, thinking they might undermine my ability or see me differently.
I was very lucky to eventually get the support that I needed. But when I returned to India the issues around mental health seemed even worse. Because of the lack of awareness and investment, it is so difficult for people there to get help.
I created MPower because I wanted to change that by campaigning and providing care for people living with mental health issues who are too often ignored or discriminated against. We have built a world-class care centre and we also run big awareness-raising music concerts, which bring together thousands of people from all over India.
MPower is focused on India, but the message is a global one – we need to stamp out the stigma around mental illness.
How can people take advantage of what Mpower has to offer?
Although mental illness is just as common as physical illness, it is surrounded by shame and fear which isolates people when they need support the most. With Mpower, we want people to feel that it is OK to not be OK sometimes. And for them to know that there is help available should they need it.
When people are struggling they can either come to our amazing care centre, speak with one of our team members on the phone or even reach out online. Increasingly people are getting in touch with me or the organisation via social media which is great because it is so accessible, especially for young people.
We are still in our early stages, but already we see more and more people opening up about their mental health without feeling misplaced shame. We plan to continue to expand across India, opening centres and engaging with more schools and colleges to teach them how they can support people who are struggling.
Why do you think mental health issues are seemingly increasing among young people?
I think young people today are under a huge amount of pressure – from their parents, communities, schools, and from themselves. It can leave people feeling like they’re never quite good enough.
Social media also plays a big part. It can give you unrealistic expectations and lead you to compare yourself to others. It’s sad that whilst we have social media and the internet and we’re communicating and connecting digitally all the time, our generation seems to be feeling isolated and lonely, perhaps more than ever before….
It’s still the case that huge numbers of teens with mental health issues are suffering alone and in silence. But, I think that people are starting to get more confident about coming forward, identifying how they are struggling, and seeking help. It is so inspiring to see more and more people speaking out and ‘owning’ their mental health.
At Oxford, you experienced panic attacks. What exactly did panic attacks feel like when you were experiencing them?
I experienced anxiety and panic attacks whilst at school in England. It’s a combination of emotional and physical feelings and everyone experiences them slightly differently. For me, it was overwhelming fear, a pounding heart, shortness of breath. There were days I felt too overwhelmed to leave the house.
How did you get better?
The first step in getting better was accepting that there was a problem. Once you do that, you can begin to understand the issue and find methods to help yourself. For me, things like deep breathing, regular exercise, yoga, spending time with my friends, and taking a digital detox were helpful.
Once I had acknowledged it, I was able to talk about it with people close to you. It is tough to open up at first, but sharing something you’ve been keeping to yourself for a long time can feel like a weight has been lifted. I also came across friends who had experienced similar things which made me feel less alone.
If it is available to you, talking to a professional is the best possible way to equip yourself with the tools to manage these issues. There is a wonderful sanctity about therapy. And, whilst it can be daunting to open up to a stranger, having an outside opinion and the security of confidentiality can be extremely reassuring.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far as an entrepreneur?
When I launched Svatantra at 17, the finance industry was dominated by experienced, middle-aged men. Even my own team was much older than me! I had to prove that I was willing to learn, and that I had a strong enough vision to see it through and get back on my feet if I made a mistake. I reinvented myself daily, getting tougher, stronger and more committed to making Svatantra the business it is today and delivering a positive impact.
And what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?
All my songs are so personal to me and are generally based on own experiences and I think my fans recognize that. Nothing makes me happier than when I get a message from a fan who says that they connected to my music and that it made something that they are going through a little bit easier. That feels like the biggest achievement to me.
You were born to a wealthy family. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have of you because of that?
Some people assume that my life might be easy and that I don’t have challenges or worries. I have been very lucky to be born in to a family that has achieved a lot, but it doesn’t mean that it has been a totally smooth ride. Particularly, growing up came with all the usual emotional and social challenges; the self-doubt, the feeling ‘not good enough’. Plus I had the pressure of living up to what my family has done, and having people I didn’t even know constantly questioning my decisions and direction.
I have always wanted to be independent and carve my own path. I get so much emotional support and love from my family, and that’s all I really need.
If you could go back in time and give only ONE piece of advice to your teenage self, what would you say to yourself?
Have confidence in your ability, take risks, and listen to your heart.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am totally obsessed with sneakers!
Biggest pet peeve?
Dishonesty
Favorite food?
Hummus. On everything. All the time.
Secret fear?
Losing a friend. My last song Circles was a celebration of friendship, I truly believe it is the most magical and powerful force in the universe.
What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )
Bohemian Rhapsody – Iconic and Inspiring
The one thing I cannot live without is__________.
Music
Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?
I have a habit of tripping over at the worst times. I can be a bit clumsy! This included an awkward fall at some big event in India in front of a pretty prominent audience which included former UK Prime Minister David Cameron…
What else are you working on or have coming up next?
My next single is out in January and then my EP a little later in the year, which I am working on right now in LA.
Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!
Want to get something cool for your little bro or sis, or even yourself, without a big cash outlay? Check out these “plug & play” video game HDMI dongle/wireless controller kits from AtGames. Each bundle comes with between eight to 20 classic videogame titles per model and are available at most retailers, including Amazon.
These are NOT arcade versions of the games, these are simulations but do the trick for quick classic-style gameplay when you don’t want to fire up Red Dead Redemption or Call of Duty.
The USB-powered HDMI dongle plugs directly into a TV with HDMI inputs and comes with an ergonomic six-button wireless gamepad. The Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3 swaps the wireless gamepad for a pair of wireless game paddles, which are specially optimized for its selection of classic paddle and ball games.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 1 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Centipede, Millipede and Yars’ Revenge.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 2 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Adventure, Asteroids and Missile Command.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3. features 20 Atari 2600 paddle-based classics like Breakout, Pong and Warlords.
The Activision Flashback Blast! features 20 of the most iconic Activision home classics, including Pitfall!, H.E.R.O. and River Raid.
The Legends Flashback Blast! features Space Invaders and an additional 11 favorites like Burnin’ Rubber and Jungle Hunt.
The Bandai Namco Flashback Blast! features eight gaming mainstays, including Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug.
Every Blast! includes high-definition video output, an intuitive menu system, save and resume game functionality and the ability to rewind a game in progress to recover from a play misstep. An optional second wireless gamepad can be purchased for games that support two players.
Influencer and YouTube star, Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) recently launched her Craft Kit product line partnered with Mattel and available at Target, Amazon and Walmart Canada. Options include a Balloon Unicorn Kit, Illuminating Lamp Kit, Marble Desk Décor Kit and Mini Plushie Kit, in addition to a Letter Board Kit and Tie Dye Wall Hanging Kit. These pieces can serve as finishing touches to any room and reflect LaurDIY’s love of all things fun and fabulous and the content that she regularly features on her channels.
Have a Qi-enabled phone (wireless charging)? The UnPlugged 10K Portable Charger will charge your phone without a cable! If your phone doesn’t use Qi, you can use a USB cable like any other charger. The UnPlugged 10K Rechargeable 10,000mAh Wireless portable charger from myCharge allows you to wirelessly recharge your device on-the-go and provides up to 5x extra battery life.
Qi WIRELESS CHARGER & USB PORTABLE CHARGER IN ONE: Extend the battery life of your Qi enabled phone with 10W of fast charge wireless power and/or via Dual USB Ports to any USB compatible devices with 10000mAh/2.4A for up to 5x extra battery
Qi CERTIFIED COMPATIBLE: Works with all Qi enabled devices (iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, Nokia 9, Nexus 4, 5, Lumia 920 and other Qi enabled devices)
NO CORDS NEEDED: Simply place your Qi enabled smartphone directly on the wireless power bank to charge your phone wirelessly with ease at home or on the go – pass through charging allows power bank and phone to charge simultaneously
THIN PROFILE, SOFT-TOUCH FINISH & DUAL USB PORTS: Features a thin profile as to easily fit inside a small bag or purse and a soft-touch finish with Dual USB ports to charge up to 3 devices at once via wireless charging and USB-A ports
PRODUCT SPECS: Qi Wireless Output = 10W / Input = 2.4A / USB Ports Output = 2.4A Shared (Recharge cable is also included)
Set in the fictional town of Palisades, California and in the hallways of Bayside High, the breezy adventures of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and his friends — Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Jessie Myrtle Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), and Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond) unspooled in hilarious fashion across 86 unforgettable episodes and home audiences can relive the laughter, lessons, and love all over again with this loaded set containing more than 46 incredible hours of Bayside bliss, including every episode from 1988’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” which became “Saved By the Bell: The Junior High Years” and the fan-favorite “Saved by the Bell” to “Saved By the Bell: The College Years” and the two feature-length TV movies that followed.From 1989 to 1993, for a generation of TV viewers, “Saved by the Bell” was the show that perfectly echoed their lives in middle school and high school and it became a cultural touchstone, changing teen programming forever.
Bonus programming includes two BRAND NEW documentary featurettes: “Past Times at Bayside High: Making Saved by the Bell,” a retrospective documentary featuring interviews with writer/producer Peter Engel, producer Franco Bario, writer/producer Tom Tenowich, writer/producer Bennett Tramer, actress Lark Voorhies, and more; and, “Bayside’s Greatest Hits: The Music Of Saved By The Bell,” a documentary short featuring songwriter/composer Scott Gale and composer Rich Eames! Additional bonuses include more in-depth featurettes, audio commentaries, a 16-page episode guide and more!
Complete List of Bonus Features:
NEW Documentary features: “Past Times at Bayside High: Making Saved by the Bell” and “Bayside’s Greatest Hits: The Music Of Saved By The Bell”
Featurette: “Saturday Morning: From Toons To Teens”
Featurette: “It’s Alright: Back To The Bell”
Featurette: “The First Of Its Class: From Sit-Com To Icon”
The winter season means holiday fun — but it can also mean colds and the flu are in full effect. To get some relief, try the all-natural Olbas Oil line of soothing products from Penn Herb. https://www.pennherb.com/Olbas-Remedies
These products are made from essential oils from the traditional medicinal plants of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Wintergreen, Juniper Berry and Clove. Olbas Oil originated in Basel, Switzerland over 100 years ago, and continues to be a European and worldwide favorite. It diffuses into the air, providing extraordinary benefits to nasal and bronchial areas. Olbas is also readily absorbed into the skin, producing a deep feeling of comfortable warmth. When used as massage oil, it stimulates circulation at the surface of the skin and brings a soothing warm feeling to tired muscles and joints. These unique properties of Olbas Oil are incorporated into each of the remedies in the Olbas line.
Apart from bottles of oil, they also sell products like the pocket-sized, portable Olbas Aromatherapy Inhaler to help you breathe easier, clear your ears, and soothe your sinuses and allergies.The all-natural Olbas Pastilles and Olbas Lozenges also help remedy coughs and colds on the go!
The Icy Bev Cooler keeps a 12 ounce soda bottle cold (or beer bottle for your parents) thanks to a neoprene lining. It features a silicone stopper to keep in carbonation once bottle is opened, plus a bottle built into the cap (warning, not very durable per Amazon reviews).
STAINLESS STEEL INSULATION KEEPS BOTTLES COLD LONGER. The stainless steel outer shell and BPA free neoprene inner lining provide a double thick layer of insulation helping keep your drink cold in the hottest weather.
DURABLE PROTECTION FROM DROPS AND SPILLS. The unique design protects from drops and spills. No sweat or condensation! Great for the beach, pool, lake, golfing, boating, camping, tailgating, and more…
FITS A VARIETY OF BOTTLE SIZES. Remove the bottom and the cap and insert bottle. Re-thread the bottom until tight. The bottom extends for taller bottles. There’s a silicone stopper that nests inside the cap to be used to re-seal your bottle and an opener built into the cap.
EASY TO USE. Easy to clean and fits most cup holders.
Love everything Korea? Then KOKOWA streaming service is for you! KOCOWA meets the strong and rapidly growing demand of an audience comprised mainly of teen girls and millennials for its trending K-Pop (Korean pop music and idol groups) and K-drama (Korean films and TV series) – all delivered in the US with subtitles 5-hours after airing in Korea.
The top genre for KOCOWA viewers is drama and the most popular program viewed across all age groups was Tempted, a drama about temptation and finding true love. Most viewers use mobile platforms to view KOCOWA content. Many of the actors are K-Pop idols.
What sets this content apart from US is the wholesomeness–Korean shows are not degrading with excess sex and violence like modern US shows tend to be. The pop/singing shows are fun to watch especially!
When fourteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is abducted during a game of hide-and-seek, his focus switches from enjoying his summer vacation to simply staying alive. He must find the courage and strength to escape his captors and get home, no matter what it takes. Will he survive? Or is this a nightmare that’s too real to escape?
The Field makes for a suspenseful read–especially considering it is based on the author’s real-life abduction and assault by two older teens 25 years ago. While not exactly “Christmasy,” it should please anyone who likes action-packed YA novels .
BAO Cultured Sauces include Bao-B-Que, Sour K’Chup, Original Hot Sauce, Chipotle Hot Sauce, Mango Hot Sauce, and Jalapeno Hot Sauce. These fermented sauces are a blend of briny, tart, spicy, and umami packed full of organic ingredients and vibrant probiotic bacteria. All BAO products are gluten-free, certified organic, vegan and fermented.
We received the sampler pack shown above in an insulated foam chest as these sauces must be kept refrigerated. We were amazed by the flavors, and the fact that these sauces are good for you because of the probiotic bacteria make them even more awesome!
Celebrate the festival of lights with this Kosher tea gift set. It contains eight tins of caffeine-free loose leaf tea, so you can open up a tasty new treat each day. Plus each tin makes 1-2 cups of tea. Now that’s something to look forward to. Includes: Blackberry Blizzard, Caribbean Crush, Carrot Cupcake, Cinnamon Rooibos Chai, Just Peachy, Serenity Now, Super Ginger and Turmeric Glow.
Your dog or cat might freak out seeing you wear these for the first time, but will likely learn to love when you do because it means a nice grooming/massage session!
HandsOn Gloves work wet or dry with the 5-fingered glove allowing for the perfect combination of scrubbing nodules on fingers and palms. Users will find their animals wanting to come closer at groom time and HandsOn Gloves can help you bond with your animal. HandsOn Gloves are carefully designed with hypo-allergenic, bio-friendly components which are clinically proven to be safe for use with humans and animals. *Check out all 5 sizes Kids: size Junior and Adult: sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
Gear up like the warrior king Black Panther with this 1:1 full-scale premium role play electronic helmet! Adjustable to fit most heads, this helmet features Vibranium-inspired design with flip-up eye lenses and intricate detailing. Includes movie-inspired Vibranium light effects.
The Tiwal 3 is billed as “The Only Sailboat That Fits Down The Chimney.” And will set you back several thousand bucks! Since some of y’all are fortunate enough to afford it, and we thought it was pretty cool, we are including it here. Maybe you can get it cheaper on eBay, who knows? : )
Stored in two bags, the inflatable sailing dinghy can be taken anywhere, in the trunk of a car, a camper van or a bigger boat. It is easy to transport, store and assemble. The Tiwal 3 makes sailing accessible to everyone on the banks of lakes and on the shores of the sea. Simply inflate the hull, assemble the structure and set the sail. In under 20 minutes it is ready to be launched. It is just as simple to store and does not require any maintenance.
Lenght: 10.5 ft
Sail area: 56 sq.ft / 75 sq.ft
Total weight: 111 lbs, max. load: 418 lbs
2 bags: 57x 16×14 in / 62 lbs (each)
Capacity: 2 adults or 1 adult & 2 children
Here’s a great little gift for crafty people, especially those who love to make Christmas ornaments! They are paintable eggs made out of ceramic material. They ome in their own super-cute carton but need NO refrigeration, are usable by people with egg allergies, and are more durable than the real thing.
Start a new tradition making eggnots as keepsakes finding unique ways to display eggnots not just for Easter, but other Holidays too – like Christmas.
Scarlet Grace (@thescarletgrace on Twitter) just turned 16, but this English teen’s already got an impressive resume as a theatrical actress, having played young Eponine in Les Miserables London and Tessie in the UK TOUR of Annie. Her film work includes small roles in “Paddington 2” and “Milk,” but this Christmas she appears in her first major supporting role on the big screen, playing Pickle in the new Sony Pictures movie “Holmes and Watson” alongside a huge star cast: Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Ralph Fiennes, Kelly MacDonald, Hugh Laurie, Rob Brydon and Lauren Lupkus.
We asked Scarlet a few questions so you get to know her better. Scroll down for the Q&A!
Hi Scarlet, nice to e-meet you (and happy 16th birthday BTW)! Before we get into your work as an actress, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of show biz.
Hey there! Thank you for interviewing me! 🙂 Thank you for my birthday wishes! I had a fun birthday! Well…… I’m a 16 year old actress based in the UK! I love anything to do with acting, singing and dancing; it’s practically my life! I even attend a full time Drama School in London, which I travel to everyday to study drama, film studies, photography, and all basic core subjects! When I’m not acting on the stage or screen, I love to spend time with my friends and family and shop! A LOT!!!
Great! You have a role in the upcoming movie Holmes and Watson. Tell us about your character and the film itself.
Holmes and Watson is a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes! Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play the iconic duo, using their brilliant minds to stop the evil genius James Moriarty from assassinating the Queen of England!
I LOVED playing the role of Pickle. Such a fun character to play due to how cheeky and mischievous she is! She’s such a challenging role to take on which is the best part about her! Pickle’s personality is quite different to mine, due to the era in which the film is set and her role in society, enabling me to experiment with her as a character and play her in my own way! I’m so excited for the film to be released and for the world to meet Pickle
Why do you think teens are going to want to watch it?
Well, all teens love a good comedy, and Holmes and Watson is just that! I think people of all ages will want to watch this film because it’s super entertaining and it’s never been done before! When most people think of Sherlock Holmes, they’d think of a serious drama, but Holmes and Watson is the complete opposite, with two of the most well-known comedic actors in the industry playing the most hilarious leading roles!
What was the best part about filming it?
The best part about filming was definitely being able to work alongside an incredible cast and crew. Everyone on set was honestly so nice, and I know that I’ve made some life-long friends!
Any funny moments on set you can share?
Working on a comedy film, there’s bound to be tons of hilarious behind the scene moments, it’s impossible to choose! Since we were playing filthy street urchins, we had to pick-pocket quite a lot throughout the film, so we used our skills in pick-pocketing to sneakily steal things out of the crew’s pockets and wait for them to notice! It was so funny! We always gave it back though. haha!!
What has been your most memorable show biz moment so far?
One of the most memorable show biz moments for me so far has to be when my team in Annie were chosen to perform at West End Live back in 2017! I played the part of Tessie in Annie at The Piccadilly Theatre in London. West End Live is a huge show in Trafalgar Square, with a number from every Musical in the West End performing! Our whole team were so excited to perform in front of a whopping 10,000 people! It was such an incredible experience, the crowd were buzzing as we sang Hard Knock Life, it’s a moment I’ll never forget!
Why exactly are you an actress? It is a tough job, so what is the payoff for you personally?
There are so many reasons as to why I’m an actress! I would like to say I have a huge imagination, which I use to put myself in another character’s shoes to fully take on a role that may be similar or completely different to who I am! I guess the reason why I love acting is because I’m able to tell a story through becoming another character, and living that person’s life! And the buzz which you feel from an audience member or the public, watching you in Film or TV is incredible! Just to know that you’ve delivered a story or a message to someone is such a great feeling and they’ve understood it, is the best feeling!
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far in this industry?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far in this industry is becoming very close to getting a role and then not hearing anything! But that’s just the name of the game; everyone faces rejection in their life time! But you just have to pick yourself up and go for the next role! I think everything happens for a reason, and when one door shuts, another one opens!
And your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is definitely landing the roles I’ve been fortunate to play so far! I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been able to perform in 2 West End Musical Productions in London in-front of live audiences, 2 huge WEST END concerts in front of a 10,000 audience and a Nationwide Tour travelling the country and lots of other works I’ve loved……. but my all-time favourite would have to be working on set in Holmes and Watson, surrounded by hundreds of people working together for the same outcome! I’m just so thankful that I’ve had the experience to work in both theatre and film!
You split your time between London and Florida, right? For each location, tell me what you like most and least.
I love the U.K and the U.S! They are so different though, so there are definitely a lot of pros and cons for both! The UK is where I’ve been brought up, and I’ve lived here my whole life, surrounded by my family and friends! But I do spend vast amounts of time in Florida where we have had our family home for around 7 years now and we also have friends and family in the States and the U.K. It’s hard to choose but I really do love the U.S, to me it’s such an amazing country full of so many opportunities! I love the weather also in Florida!
If you could pass one law that everyone on the planet had to follow without question, what would it be and why?
Mine would be to make bullying illegal in any form at any age, as I’ve seen and been subject to it at some point and have seen first-hand the emotional problems it can create and the effect it can have on the individual.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an absolute shopaholic!!! Whenever I walk into a shop I like, I literally want… everything! It’s hard to control myself. lol!
Biggest pet peeve?
Definitely when I’m eating or drinking something and someone asks to have some too!!! I’m such a germaphobe; I hate sharing my food or drink with people!!
Favorite food?
My favourite food is probably ice-cream! Any flavour literally! My favourites are chocolate, honey comb, and mint!
Secret fear?
I’m super scared of rats or mice! When I get the train to school sometimes they have little mice on the platform, and I pretty much scream at every one I see!
What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )
“Good Will Hunting”; the film was powerful and outstanding! Plus I love Leonardo Dicaprio. 😉 Shhhh!
The one thing I cannot live without is__________.
The one thing I cannot live without are my dogs Poppy and Bella! I love them more than words can describe!
@Free2Luv, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting bullying, hosted the fundraiser Unstoppable Tour de Force Cirque at the Regent in downtown Los Angeles November 3rd. The event featured a team of young cirque artists including aerialists, jugglers and contortionists as well as plenty of young Hollywood celebrities and influencers united to speak out against bullying, share their stories, and give advice to others who are experiencing bullying.
Interviewed on the Free2Luv Unstoppable red carpet: Josh Richards, Nathan Triska, Curtis Newbill, Ava Michelle Cota, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Dr. Gloria Chance, Dalton Cyr, Norton Leufven, Kennedy Madison, Serena Laurel, Briana Roy, Georgia Bryan, Sunnie Pelant, Jocelyn Hunt, Nash Abrahams, Ava Long, Emerald Gordon Wulf, Royal Grotta, Chris Garcia, Miah Green, Julianne Collins, Lola Raie, Kate Polsfut, Britten Healey, Levi Petuela, Jason Drucker, Ryan Drucker, Kate Tomlinson, Takaya Abdou Lloyd, Kash Hovey, Danielle Palmer, Faith Ziegler, Kristi Tucker, Adrian Dev, Kayden Grace Swan, Rory Ogden, Isabella Leon, Megan Skiendiel, Stephanie Gonzalez, Jaydyn Price, Grayson Kilpatrick, Abrielle Cummings, Kobe Gosselin, Anderson Zane, Justin Price, Hunter Payton, Brodie Chadhury, Journey Slayton, Savannah Liles
If you haven’t heard about Ethan Paisley, take note. This 18-year-old filmmaker has already had two films selected at Cannes Film Festival, given a TED talk, and won the “Best Young Director” award at the Young Entertainer Awards. These are just a few of his accomplishments, which you can read more about on his website.
As evidenced by the Q&A we did, which you can read below, Ethan is thoughtful, well-spoken and driven…and it is great to see a teen with such passion for his work. If he keeps it up and manages to avoid Hollywood’s many traps and vices, he undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead of him as a creative force in this industry. Excited to see where his talents and persistence take him!
Now onto the Q&A.
1. Hi Ethan, nice to e-meet you! Before we get into your work as a filmmaker, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m an 18 year old writer, producer, student, wannabe dancer, dim sum connaisseur, and all-around freakshow. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area but now I’m based in LA. I currently produce for PaperChase Films, one of the minds behind The Kindergarten Teacher (available on Netflix), and I’m also pursuing a BFA in Creative Producing at Chapman University.
2. Great. For people who don’t know you, tell us how you got into making movies.
I started as an actor when I was really young. I was also exposed to YouTube when I was really young. So when I was competing to book TV shows, I gave up and decided to make one of my own online. This is where I self-taught filmmaking and augmented my talent for pairing creative thinking with marketing and public relations strategy. After I harassed every production company and student film production in San Francisco to let me be an extra, PA, whatever, I decided to make my first feature film The Art of Escape at 14 years old. The failures and successes that came from that project, and how I handled them, helped me identify my passion for working in the capacity of a producer.
3. Which film of yours are you most proud of, and what makes it stand out to you most?
Today, the slate of content I’m working on is extremely diverse in terms of genre and story which is very exciting to me. I will have a better answer in six months … that said, to date, my baby is my short film Indelible. Indelible stands out because it is the most distant from my personal life experience but also the most personal at the same time. It’s a film about a PTSD stricken war vet who time travels back to the war front to overcome his trauma. I have no relationship to the military, PTSD, or the sci-fi genre, but I do have experience self-isolating based on my fears of what others will think. This is what the protagonist in my film does, and the consoling message that comes from this in the film is that there will always be people who care. Further, this film was made by 50% women and men, and there is a ratio of 3:1 people of color we see represented on screen. It was a really rewarding experience!
4. Is there anything you have created which makes you cringe a little? What is it and what’s cringey about it?
Cringe is my middle name! My friends tell me I’m too hard on myself but I disagree. Every film is a learning experience, and it’s important to embrace the cringiness everytime as painful as it might be. The best example is a movie I made in eighth grade called Saladcide, and yes you read that right. I made a movie about salad getting revenge on America for it’s obesity crisis. My goal was to make the worst movie possible and hopefully grow some sort of cult following around it. I was going through a time when I was really into parody movies and bad comedies, because they demonstrated that filmmaking was possible from any angle. This was a great learning experience in putting something out there and not caring what anyone would think, which is a practice I still take very seriously today.
5. Why exactly are you a filmmaker? It is very tough work to make films…so what is the payoff for you personally?
I’m a filmmaker because I revel in the process. As a producer, you have to love people, organizing people, and leading everyone towards something greater than themselves. I find great community in this process. Personally, I have to live, breathe, and die on community if it means being happy. That’s the payoff: it makes me happy!
6. What’s your overall goal – like what do you want to achieve long term as an artist?
I just want to keep doing what I’m doing now and continue to tell better and better stories. I’m still finding my voice as an artist and that’s what I want to focus on doing. Hollywood moves so fast and success is so temporary. What excites me now is getting to know myself better as an artist. I just started college. Who knows what kinds of stories I’ll be telling four years down the line and what my goals will be then!
7. Which is your go-to camera to shoot with? Why?
As a producer, that’s something I discuss with my director. I don’t go near cameras unless it means renting or returning them to a facility that lends them out. Anything around tech intimidates me.
8. What’s your favorite “bad” film (like Plan 9 from Outer Space)?
On Rotten Tomatoes it’s bad but in my heart it’s gold: Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is really one for the books in my opinion. Everything about it is so extra and fabulous. It’s set in New York City. And Lindsay Lohan sings, dances, and acts in it. What’s not to love?
9. And favorite film overall?
It’s a gamble between Rosemary’s Baby and Howl’s Moving Castle. I love stories that are fantastical, surreal, and challenge societal norms.
10. Which filmmakers or creators do you look up to most?
Sofia Coppola, Frederico Fellini, Roman Polanski, Hayao Miyazaki, Ingmar Bergman, and anyone behind the latest HBO mini-series’ or Black Mirror.
11. What does your production company name, Take18, represent?
This is the production company I made in high school, and Take18 was meant to represent how everyone who worked within the company was under 18. Now we’re all over 18 doing different things but the name still sticks! On one of our feature films Point 453, we actually had a party during one of our shoots for hitting 18 takes on one of the shots.
12. What’s the biggest challenge you have faced so far in this industry?
Staying on your own path, not comparing yourself to others, staying patient, and being selective about what you work on. In other words, slowing down. Especially now with social media, everyone is always sharing something, and it really adds to the pressure of the grind that Hollywood promotes. It’s not always true that hard work pays off, and it’s much more important to me now to create one good thing that yields a large effect rather than a bunch of little things that may or may not do anything in the world. These are the lessons I’m learning everyday.
13. And your biggest accomplishment?
Learning the distribution process and connecting four films to worldwide distribution is definitely my biggest accomplishment. My two feature films The Art of Escape and Point 453 are available for streaming in 86+ countries worldwide on platforms including Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play. Two of my shorts Indelible and Wilted were recently acquired for distribution by KQED and Distribber. It’s an arduous, painful process but I got to travel to Cannes, LA, New York a lot for sales meetings last year. Next year I might be going to Hong Kong for FILMART and I’m thrilled but also daunted.
14. If you had the power to write, direct and star in your own movie with an unlimited budget, what would you call it and what would it be about?
I really want to work on Big Little Lies or anything written and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. So when he wants to make his first feature he should hit me up!
15. Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an introvert and I crave my alone time. I’m also a cross country runner and I run about 3-5 miles everyday. I’m getting into meditation lately and taking more time for me.
16. Biggest pet peeve?
Too many to count. People repeatedly kicking the seat in class, people who make weird noises when they sleep, leaving me on read, the list goes on …
17. Favorite food?
DIM SUM! Or Sushi. I love Asian cuisine with a burning passion.
18. Secret fear?
That everyone secretly hates me and that I will never be as successful as I want to be, and that I will be single for the rest of my life 🙂
19. What’s the last movie you watched, and give me a review…but you can only use TWO WORDS for the review : )
A Simple Favor: Beautiful Joke.
20. The one thing I cannot live without is__________.
My phone. Yep. I said it.
21. Most embarrassing moment IRL you wish you could do over?
Everyday is an embarrassing moment! No for real, I’m a total mess. I wish I could redo everytime I’ve messed up in a meeting or on a date because obviously that might change the course of my life for the better. But I have faith that everything happens for a reason.
22. What else are you working on or have coming up next?
Right now I’m pitching two hilarious TV Shows with some fabulous writers attached, I’m in pre-production for a couple features, and I’m developing some really exciting scripts with PaperChase. I’m sworn to secrecy on most everything but follow me on social media @ethanbpaisley for more updates as they come!
23. Could we get a selfie of whatever you are doing at the moment? It’s something we ask to keep it real for the fans!
In the last few years, social media has intensified the pressure to look perfect. Teens are especially susceptible to this pressure that makes them want to change themselves to fit a new picture-perfect mold. Over the years, there has seemingly been an influx of healthy teens trying to lose some weight unnecessarily.
To be clear, when there is a true need, there is nothing wrong with trying to lose some weight. This is especially true for teenagers as building intentional healthy habits early can help them to be healthy and mindful adults. Dieting due to a concern of your health is much different than dieting due to a fear of gaining weight when you are relatively healthy, though. Dieting when healthy can lead to disorders in teens, a potentially life-threatening problem.
Know the Difference Between Diets and Disorders
Before jumping into information about eating disorders, it is important to establish what is and is not healthy dieting. This is especially important for teens to understand as they are becoming more and more autonomous from their parents. You’re in a time where you’re gaining independence and responsibilities. There is nothing wrong with anyone trying to lose some weight and become healthier, particularly if they are overweight. These steps are usually mindful, enjoyable, and preferably given under the direction of a doctor or nutritionist.
If you are open and honest about your desire to lose weight and your dieting intent, research and compile a balanced diet full of varying healthy foods to lose weight at a moderate pace. A diet designed with the intent to lose weight will typically consist of a 250 to 500-calorie deficit per day, allowing the person dieting to lose a healthy 1-2 pounds a week.
On the flip side of the coin, do not allow fear of a disorder developing make you discouraged from switching to a healthier diet. Eating balanced meals, exercising, and reducing or outright rejecting junk foods is not necessarily an indication of a disorder, even if it seems to be a deviation from the norm. You should tell your family and friends your goals and to let them support you, because sometimes if there isn’t communication people can get overly worried and start to think things that aren’t true.
How it Starts
Many people fail to realize that eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are mental disorders. Individuals that suffer with these disorders have developed anxiety about food and their looks which causes them to believe they must lose weight and rid themselves of food at all costs. Eating, exercising, and weighing themselves becomes a system of torture and reward.
This mental shift of trying to lose some weight can come on subtly, or there can be a defining moment that causes it. All of a sudden, certain foods are not foods that should be avoided but are BAD and CANNOT be eaten. ExerciseMUST be done to counteract the calories eaten. Weight checks become habitual and can make or break their entire mood depending on what the scale says. Some even begin eating and exercising alone because of perceived shame. Many teens say this happens “before they know it,” so it is imperative for teens to pay attention for telltale signs that something is wrong. This is another good reason to tell those around you, so if they begin to notice you doing things that are unhealthy they can step in and help.
Signs to Watch Out For
There are a few common symptoms of eating disorders that people can usually pick up on, such as:
If someone is engaging in eating behaviors that seem extreme to you, speak to them openly and honestly about what they are doing. Are they simply taking a firm stand for their positive change, or is something more serious happening? There are subtle differences in language that can help you get a feel for what they are thinking. As previously mentioned, keeping a doctor or nutritionist involved from the very beginning of anyone’s weight loss journey can help prevent unhealthy ideas about food from developing when trying to lose some weight. It is important for you and the doctor to frequently check in on your progress. These mental shifts to disordered eating can come subtly and seemingly without warning if not checked. A simple conversation with a professional is usually enough to notice a change.
If you know someone who has unfortunately shifted from developing healthy habits to disordered eating, you must be bold and take action. Here are a few tips on how to approach your friend once you notice. If you see these behaviors in yourself, seek help from a trusted adult or an eating disorder helpline. There are healthy ways to lose weight and people who can help.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your financial future. Even if you are a teen who is still in the process of figuring out what you want to do with your life, there are reasons why you need to start planning now. By beginning to think about your financial future, it’s possible to ensure the money is there when you need it. Investopedia provides some basics that you can start to employ right this minute and be secure all of your life.
Creating and Reaching Financial Goals
One reason why you need to start planning now has to do with goal setting. It’s up to you to decide what those goals may be. Perhaps you would like to own a home by the time you’re 30. Maybe you want to pursue a higher degree, like a doctorate. Start by learning how to set goals, including how to go about securing the resources to reach them. You may have to adjust or refine those goals as you get older, but that’s much different from having none at all.
Reserving Funds for Major Expenses
Another good reason why you need to start planning now for your financial future has to do with making significant purchases when you grow up. A home, a car, college, and even retirement are major investments that require cash. According to Your Quest, money management is more important than ever for young teens to learn, as retirement keeps becomes more and more expensive. Report indicate that Americans are living longer than they used to, and thus are needing more money in retirement funds to sustain themselves (sometimes needing up to 38 years of funds or more). Even if those expenses feel years away, now is the time to learn how to create a budget and live within your means. Make sure the budget includes line items specifically for each major expense.
Set goals for how much to tuck away each paycheck and stick with it. Remember to include a line item for emergency funds, since you never know what could happen. Along with watching the funds grow, you’ll learn a lot about avoiding overspending and stop yourself from going into debt.
Setting Up Savings and Investment Accounts
When you have at least a few goals for the future, brainstorm how you can begin working toward them now. On the financial front, this means learning to save money now and possibly invest in some manner. Hands on Banking reinforces, “opening a savings account is easier than ever before. All you’ll really need are forms of identification and a little bit of money to start your account with. Once that’s done, you can start planning more effectively for your future.” Start with simple plans like opening a savings account, then move on to setting up a certificate of deposit. The goal is to put mechanisms in place that allow you to earn interest on the money that you save.
In time, you will be old enough to make investments. Start with safe ones that are highly likely to earn some sort of return. As you become more comfortable with the market, it’s okay to allocate some of your money to options with higher risk and a chance for a higher return. As long as you maintain a solid financial cushion and learn not to invest more than you can afford to lose, you’ll be okay.
Ultimately, the habits you develop now make it possible to maintain financial well being and make life a little easier. As you accumulate wealth and achieve your goals, there will always be one more to set and reach. With your sound skills, there will always be a way to get where you want to go. Think about your finanical future today!
Popular YouTube beauty guru Christina Marie, better known as @Beautychickee, has just launched her skincare line with her “Clar-i-ty” facial cleanser. To celebrate, the 19-year-old threw an exclusive party at the posh Mondrian Hotel in L.A. for a few of her friends and fellow influencers.
TWK’s Keira Pena got the exclusive scoop, interviewing Christina and a few of her VIP guests. The vibe was amazing and so was the food, with passed crab cakes, flatbread, and cucumber slices topped with hummus complementing a robust charcuterie spread (that’s a fancy word for sliced cured meats, like salami). There was also a great dessert table with dipped strawberries, raspberry-topped cupcakes, macarons, and pink gummies and M&M’s, among others. Pink was definitely the theme!
We are looking forward to seeing what’s next for BeautyChickee!
Appearing in the vid besides Christina Marie: Ally Hardesty, Kiara Marie, Olivia Cara, Adyel Juergensen, Isabel Bina, Alara Bowsher, Brian Frank
