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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's romance has gripped the nation so much that even the singer's youngest fans are following along with their love story. 

One second grader named Avilene is particularly enchanted with the "Anti-Hero" songstress and her football star of a boyfriend, and just like the rest of the Swifties, she's still reeling from the events of Sunday's Chiefs game. 

As seen in one of Avilene's school assignments shared to X (formerly Twitter) by a local Kansas City radio station the young girl was tasked with giving her teacher a "weekend report," where she told them all about Swift's post-game celebration on the field with Kelce, and the couple's adorable displays of affection after the Chiefs took home the AFC Championship over the Baltimore Ravens. 

"This weekend I was busy," Avilene's worksheet read, as she first detailed her trip to Bath & Body Works, where she purchased a hand sanitizer topper. (This part of her day was not Tayvis-related, but still nonetheless important to the little one.) 

"Next, we watched the Chiefs game," she continued. "Last, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kist [sic] on the lips."

"I love the Chiefs," she adorably added at the end. 

OMG #ChiefsKingdom from a second grader named Avilene in Shawnee - I am crying this is so lovely @tkelce @newheightshow @taylorswift13 @tayvisnation what a time to be alive in our town - even the children know. Photos courtesy Avilene’s momma - a listener @KMBZradio ❤️❤️❤️🏈💪 pic.twitter.com/xNLLlcxIeo

— Dana Wright🎙 (@RadioDana) January 31, 2024

"I am crying this is so lovely," the X user from the radio station who uploaded the post wrote alongside the photos of Avilene's worksheet, which also included a drawing of Swift and Kelce, both 34, with a heart in between them. 

"What a time to be alive in our town—even the children know," they added. 

"this is so precious!" one user gushed in the comments, while another echoed, "She's ADORABLE! Love kist on the lips. And her drawings of Tay & Trav." 

"I want her to report on the Super Bowl for us," someone else quipped.

The big upcoming game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 11, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the Chiefs will face off against the San Francisco 49ers for this year's Super Bowl title. 

We expect that all the Swifties—even the young Taylor Tots like Avilene—will be tuning in to catch more cute Tayvis moments!

Next: Young Chiefs Fan Jumps for Joy After Unexpected Travis Kelce Encounter in Sweet Video

American Idol is returning to ABC for an all-new season later this month but first Parade has a sneak peek of McKenna Breinholt’s audition and the emotional family reunion that brought Katy Perry to tears.

McKenna, 25, from Gilbert, AZ, told the judges that she was adopted when they asked her if her family also sang.

“I found out I was adopted as early as I could understand it,” she explained. “My mom struggled for several years trying to get pregnant and eventually they decided to go through the adoption process. I have the best family in the world. They’ve always supported me. When I was 21, I sat my parents down and told them to tell me any information they had on my birth mom. They told me her name was Amy Ross Lopez. She was a musician and she had passed away. I just wanted to know where I came from.”

Related: New American Idol Promo Is a Wizard of Oz-Inspired Delight

So, McKenna did a search for her family and just this last summer, she was in contact with them for the very first time over FaceTime.

When Katy asked if she had met them, McKenna said, “No, we’re meeting in three weeks. I feel like I’ve known them my whole life.”

Then McKenna sang “There Was Jesus” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton, while playing the piano.

Meanwhile, Idol takes viewers into the hallway where Ryan Seacrest is talking to both McKenna’s adoptive family and birth family, who are there to surprise her.

After McKenna finishes her audition, Katy says, “You’ve got a great voice, really signature and raspy and interesting.”

Luke Bryan adds, “You’re very in control of what you’re doing. You’ve very in control of being at the piano, and you’re in control of singing. You’ve got that figured out. I thought it was great.”

Related: Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Share the Changes They'd Like to See for Season 7 of American Idol

And Lionel Richie says, “I love exactly what you did. I love the sound of your voice, and I’m just anxious to see what you’re going to do with this.”

Katy asks McKenna if she’d like to bring her family in for the verdict as to whether she got a ticket to Hollywood or not, and when McKenna opens the door and sees both families, she bursts into tears.

When the judges ask what’s happening, McKenna says, “They’re here! My birth family is here!”

Cut to Katy pretending not to cry but failing miserably.

The verdict on the Golden Ticket to Hollywood remains to be seen, but it’s a good chance that McKenna is moving on.

Tune in to American Idol 2024 when it premieres Sunday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC to find out.

Next, Everything We Know So Far About American Idol 2024, Including the Judges, the Host, and How to Audition

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These days, there are all sorts of treatments available to make your hands appear younger. But the simplest way to keep your hands looking — and feeling — great is a good hand cream. And it's even better if that moisturizer actually contains anti-aging ingredients and comes in aesthetically-pleasing packaging.

Those are some of the reasons why the Soft Services Theraplush hand cream is different from any other hand cream I’ve tried before. Infused with retinol and dispensed from a container that looks stunning on my nightstand, Theraplush quickly became the type of product I looked forward to using daily.

Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62 at Soft Services

Courtesy of Soft Services

Soft Services, a brand built by Glossier alums, is best known for its Buffing Bar that women in the 50s and 60s and people with skin conditions like eczema call a holy grail product. But the recently-relaunched Theraplush has all the makings of the company’s next ‘it’ item, especially among those whose hands could use some TLC.

The hand cream originally launched in 2022 and quickly sold out. It’s taken months and months to get it back in stock (with a new formula and packaging), so shoppers are admittedly thrilled. “Loved this cream from the beginning. Was despondent when they stopped making it and ecstatic when they brought it back,” wrote one 66-year-old shopper. “You are missing out if you haven't tried it. Nothing better!”

Our hands go through a lot. Between working, cooking meals, tidying up my apartment, giving my dog all the pets he deserves, and more, my hands tend to feel rough at the end of an average day. I also play a lot of outdoor sports like golf, which means my hands are prone to sun exposure and calluses. Needless to say, I was eager to start using Theraplush as the last step of my evening routine to see if the ‘overnight repair treatment’ claims are true.

Courtesy of Soft Services

The perfect amount of product dispenses from the reusable airless pump case with a light press. It’s unscented and buttery-soft, a non-negotiable combination of cream or moisturizer for sensitive skin. It didn’t take much effort at all to rub the product into my hands, either, which is a huge plus for those whose fingers and wrists might be a bit more fragile.

When I woke up in the morning, my hands definitely felt more hydrated than when I went to sleep. Then, after about a week of consistent use, I found some of the wrinkles around my base knuckles looked smoother. After two weeks, some of the little scars on the back of my hands blended in better with the rest of my skin. 

Courtesy of Soft Services

Thanks to the addition of pure retinol, the product is supposed to reverse skin discoloration and plump up delicate skin. It’s true that retinol is typically used on face creams, but Soft Services formulated it to be appropriate for hands when paired with two other restorative ingredients: colloidal oatmeal and panthenol.

Theraplush has cuticle maintenance properties, too. Although my cuticles can get unruly, I don’t always have time to make it to the nail salon for a manicure. I feel like the hand cream is helping tide my cuticles over better than other hand creams I’ve tried.

Speaking of other hand creams, Theraplush unfortunately can’t be the only hand cream you use. I know that might come as a surprise given its cost, but since it has retinol, it’s not safe for your skin when exposed to tons of sunlight. I supplement as needed during the daytime with the affordable Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream. Theraplush also might not be for you if you’re averse to a “system” of sorts that requires ordering refills when you run out of product. Soft Services estimates you’ll need to purchase a $36 refill every six weeks if you use the product daily.

That said, if you’re looking to give your hands some love back for all they do for you, Soft Services’s Theraplush is hard to beat. Between the beautiful packaging and proven formula, there’s a new standard for evening hand creams in town. 

Form and function go hand in hand—like peanut butter and jelly. One without the other is okay, but you probably won’t come back for seconds unless a jelly sandwich is your vibe. And hey, we’re not here to judge if you prefer the sugary condiment on its own, but life (and sandwiches) are all about balance, dear reader.

Actually putting the principle into practice can be easier said than done, however, and with our lives becoming increasingly busier, it’s a miracle we have time left over to figure out what we’re eating for dinner. Sure, you could pull into McDonald’s every day, but those daily stops can amount to some serious cash and can have negative effects on your overall physical health. The most effective way to address this dilemma is to focus your time and energy on preparing meals ahead of time, and thanks to Aldi, you can do it in style.

Related: Aldi's 2-Pack of Stylish Glass Mugs with Bamboo Lids Are Just $5 and They're Definitely Going to Sell Out

Crofton 6-Piece Meal Prep Set

Aldi

The fan-favorite supermarket chain is no stranger to offering mind-blowing deals on just about anything you can imagine. And the newest addition to the retailer’s lengthy inventory list is a stunning 6-Piece Meal Prep Set from Aldi’s private-label home goods brand, Crofton. These super-cute storage containers feature a small, medium or large base container with a corresponding clasp-lock lid in a variety of trendy colors. Each container is leakproof, microwave-safe without the lid and can be tossed into the top rack of the dishwasher for quick and easy cleanup.

The best part about these certifiable leftover companions is the fact that it’ll only cost you $10 to grab a set — and you’ll still have money left over to pick up groceries for the entire week. Although it isn’t specified if the containers themselves are made of glass or plastic, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for Aldi to offer glass containers at such a meager price, and we’re sure this won’t be the last set of storage containers we’ll see from the retailer this year.

If you’re just beginning your meal prep journey and aren’t sure where to start, it’s worth it to check out these super-simple rotisserie chicken recipes for inspo on your next shopping trip. 

Up next: Good Question: How Long Are Eggs Good After The Expiration Date?

From the looks of it, Brittany Mahomes is not concerned with what people think about her.

The wife of Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media with a blunt response to fans, after she caught backlash for her alleged "high horse" attitude toward football stadium employees.

“I take rumors as a compliment,” the post she re-shared via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Jan. 31 read—a clear message meant to shut down naysayers attempting to attack her character. Additionally, the post continued, “The fact that you’re bringing my name onto tables I don’t sit at shows your obsession. Stay bothered."

In case you missed it, a TikTok video posted by CBS after the AFC Championship game in Baltimore on Sunday, Jan. 28 went viral this week after it depicted Brittany appearing to be rude when she became confused about where to go.

"Mahomes wife needs to get off her high horse,” commented one viewer, while another agreed she came off "so extra" during the interaction.

Related: Taylor Swift Embraces Bestie Brittany Mahomes in Celebratory Photo: 'I Love This Duo'

And unfortunately for the fitness enthusiast, this isn't the first time she’s been called out for treating people in such a way. TikToker Jessica O’Connor once shared a separate experience with the NFL wife, accusing her of skipping out on tipping an entire hotel staff after an alleged days-long stay at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood during her wedding dress search before she and Patrick's Hawaii nuptials in 2022.

Adversely, while the mom of two has come under fire for being not-so-pleasant, newly-minted Chiefs WAG Taylor Swift—who is dating the team's record-breaking tight end Travis Kelce—has been praised over the entirety of the football season for her kind gestures and down-to-earth personality.

The pop singer has made headlines over the past several months for stopping to chat and take photos with stadium employees, generously handing out $100 bill tips, and even making a few football fans' kids' day with impromptu meet-and-greets.

Next: Brittany Mahomes' 'Pre-Game Warmup' for 'Kelly Clarkson Show' Appearance Answers Some Burning Questions

Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie redecorated their three daughters' playroom into a homey, fun space, but they didn't forget to show off their Philadelphia Eagles pride in a subtle way.

The couple shared a look at the new playroom for Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett, created in partnership with Pottery Barn, and while it definitely seems like a kids' dream space, with an art easel, play kitchen and more, the room smoothly paid homage to the Eagles in its color scheme. 

In an interview with Kylie about the room makeover, she joked, "Shockingly enough we are big fans of green," going on to explain, "This beautiful sage was able to be incorporated both in the kids kitchen, accent wall and also in this awesome tree rug." 

Kylie and Jason Kelce Reveal Playroom Makeover with Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids

It seemed like the Kelce girls were already big fans, with the youngest, Bennett, who was born in February 2023, seen checking out the mini kitchen in the soft green color.

"Family is everything," noted Kylie. “It's really important to have this space feel cozy and comfortable. We feel like the items are made with such great quality, whether it's storage, a book shelf, something great that will look amazing in the space but also be kid durable."

Kylie and Jason Kelce Reveal Playroom Makeover with Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids

Considering both Jason and the girls' uncle, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, were apparently very rambunctious as kids—with mom Donna Kelce even resorting to putting Travis on a leash for a time so he didn't run off and get lost—it's probably better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the durability of the playroom.

The whole family is very supportive of Jason's football career, and although there is conversation going around about his possible retirement, the Kelces did a great job showing off their Eagles status in the newly redesigned playroom. 

Next: Jason Kelce Plants a Kiss on "Rockstar" Daughter Wyatt’s Cheek in Sweet Throwback Video

As Taylor Swift prepares to relaunch the Eras Tour later this month, one stadium is trying to get ahead of the massive, unregulated crowds that are anticipated to surround the venue.

After Swift kicks off the first weekend of the second international leg of her record-breaking tour in Tokyo on Feb. 7—and then hopefully makes her final NFL appearance of the season at the Super Bowl on the 11th—she heads to Australia, playing in Melbourne the weekend of Feb. 17 and hitting Sydney's Accor Stadium the weekend following. 

Swifties are expected to swarm the area regardless of whether they have tickets, as has become the norm for the cultural event of the year, to soak up as much of the atmosphere—from trading friendship bracelets with other fans scorned by Ticketmaster to holding impromptu singalongs from beyond the venue's walls—but event managers are advising them to stay home. 

Venues for NSW, the government organization that owns and operates the stadium, is warning fans without tickets to stay away, according to The Daily Telegraph. A spokesperson tried to dissuade fans by telling the venue that fans would have a hard time seeing or even hearing anything from outside because of the stadium's design, but there is likely a public safety concern as well. 

In Philadelphia, an estimated 20,000 people showed up to enjoy the concert from the parking lot, adding tens of thousands of folks for ticketholders to have to wade through upon exiting and increasing the demand for transit options even more than usual—something the Australian city said they have a "contingency plan" for in hopes of alleviating some of the strain of having so many additional people traveling those evenings. 

Next: Is Taylor Swift Performing at the Grammys?

Farmer Wants a Wife is set to air its second season on FOX, answering the age-old question, "What happens when you set The Bachelor ... on a farm?" 

The dating competition features four farmers who each pick eight women from hundreds of applicants to speed date. Some of those women are from small towns, others are from big cities. All of them must prove that they've got what it takes to make it in the country (acrylic nails be damned). After an initial round of cuts, five ladies per bachelor head to their prospective husband's farm, where the real fun begins.

Intrigued? Keep reading for more about Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2, from release date to cast.

What is the Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2 release date?

The second season of Farmer Wants a Wife will premiere on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 9 p.m. ET on FOX and will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. 

Related: Everything to Know About 'The Traitors' Season 2 (Including a Surprise New Cast Member)

Who are the farmers in Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2?Mitchell Kolinsky, 27

Mitchell is a first-generation farmer in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Unlike his two brothers, who pursued more traditional, white-collar career paths, Mitchell felt  called to pursue the great outdoors. “He knew a life in the heartland was the one for him, so he bought his first farm to pursue his dream of becoming a horse and cattle rancher,” according to a press release from FOX. “He hopes to build a farming legacy with a wife by his side.”

Mitchell

Michael Becker / FOX

Brandon Rogers, 29

Brandon Rogers is a second-generation potato and barley farmer in small-town Colorado (where the nearest airport is four hours away). He returned to work on the family farm after college. “His business is set up and doing well, and now the missing piece is that special person to share it with," his bio says.

Brandon

Michael Becker / FOX

Nathan Smothers, 23

A fourth generation citrus and cattle farmer in Bartow, Florida, Nathan Smothers had to grow up fast after losing his father at the age of 12. According to his bio, he stepped up to become the "man of the house" for his mom and three older sisters. "He returned to live and work on the farm full time when he graduated from college and is eager to begin his next chapter, including starting a family with the love of his life,” his bio reveals.

Nathan

Michael Becker / FOX

Ty Ferrell, 42

The oldest bachelor of the bunch, Ty Ferrell is a team roper from Sikeston, Missouri, and a single dad to 12-year-old daughter Lennon. The right woman will understand that his "little girl is [his] everything."

Ty

Michael Becker / FOX

Who are the women cast in Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2?Nathan's 8 PicksAllye

Occupation: Digital Marketing Specialist
Location: Tucson, AZ

Michael Becker / FOX

Makenzie

Occupation: Registered Nurse
Location: Morrow, OH

Michael Becker / FOX

Kiara

Occupation: Youth Development Worker
Location: Tracy, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Kristin

Occupation: Hair Stylist
Location: Roseville, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Lexie

Occupation: Dog Daycare Owner
Location: Waycross, GA

Michael Becker / FOX

Destiny

Occupation: Cheer Coach
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Rachel

Occupation: Marketing / Public Relations
Location: Houston, TX

Michael Becker / FOX

Taylor

Occupation: Hair Stylist
Location: Dallas, TX

Michael Becker / FOX

Ty's 8 PicksAllison

Occupation: Sales Rep
Location: Holly, MI

Michael Becker / FOX

Melody

Occupation: Nurse
Location: Yonkers, NY

Michael Becker / FOX

Ashley

Occupation: Behavior Analyst
Location: Shingle Springs, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Brooke

Occupation: Executive Assistant
Location: Sarasota, FL

Michael Becker / FOX

Christine

Occupation: Real Estate Developer
Location: Laurel Hollow, NY

Michael Becker / FOX

Erin

Occupation: Event Planner
Location: Georgetown, TX

Michael Becker / FOX

Megan

Occupation: Teacher
Location: Nashville, TN

Michael Becker / FOX

Amy

Occupation: Realtor
Location: Palm Beach, FL

Michael Becker / FOX

Mitchell's 8 PicksBrittany

Occupation: Model
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Emily

Occupation: Healthcare Recruiter
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Michael Becker / FOX

Kait

Occupation: Social Media Coordinator
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Kandice

Occupation: Social Media Coordinator
Location: Denver, CO

Michael Becker / FOX

Kiana

Occupation: Dog Trainer
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Melanie

Occupation: Bottle Service
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Michael Becker / FOX

Ray

Occupation: Photographer
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Sydney

Occupation: Construction Worker
Location: Sweetwater, NJ

Michael Becker / FOX

Brandon's 8 PicksAnnellyse

Occupation: Professional Dancer
Location: Miami, FL

Michael Becker / FOX

Brit

Occupation: ER Nurse
Location: Nashville, TN

Michael Becker / FOX

Brooklyn

Occupation: Makeup Artist
Location: Washington, UT

Michael Becker / FOX

Grace

Occupation: Communications Associate
Location: Caledonia, WI

Michael Becker / FOX

Joy

Occupation: Radiologic Tech
Location: Jacksonville, FL

Michael Becker / FOX

Madison 

Occupation: Social Media Manager
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Michael Becker / FOX

Reba

Occupation: Bar Supervisor
Location: Spearfish, SD

Michael Becker / FOX

Tayana

Occupation: Insurance Specialist
Location: Chambersburg, PA

Michael Becker / FOX

Who is the host of Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2?

The show is hosted by singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles. 

“There are so many of these shows that are out there, dating shows, but I am not a fan of those,” Nettles told Parade ahead of the Season 2 premiere. “I feel like they are over dramatized for people who want 15 seconds of fame to become Instagram influencers, which is fun, but it definitely is escapism. This show is not escapism. This show is relatable because it’s authentic. When it first came across my desk I was like, ‘A dating show? No thanks.’ Then they came back and shared with me the successes of their shows. That got my attention.”

Related: Read More From Our Interview With Jennifer Nettles

Michael Becker / FOX

Related: 101 Best Country Songs

How to watch Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2

The reality dating show airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox and is available to stream the following day on Hulu. 

Is there a trailer for Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2?

FOX dropped a first look last month. Can we get a yeehaw?! 

Next, Everything to Know About the Latest Season of 'The Bachelor'

Kelly Clarkson has lost a considerable amount of weight over the past few months, and now, she's opening up about the health diagnosis she received that opened her eyes and inspired her journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

The Kelly Clarkson Show host has never shied away from being transparent about her weight fluctuating, and life events that contributed to it—from struggling during her two difficult pregnancies before welcoming her children, to going through a less-than-pleasant divorce, and dealing with depression.

But, it was a very real health precaution from her doctor that put everything in perspective.

During a recent episode of her talk show, the "Since U Been Gone" singer was speaking with her guest, actor Kevin James, when, after he complimented her appearance, she revealed, "Well, I was told I was pre-diabetic."

Related: Kelly Clarkson Addresses Fashion Shakeup Amid Weight Loss

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), "prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes." Further, it is, unfortunately, wildly common, with "approximately 98 million American adults—more than 1 in 3" being diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

Admitting that she "wasn't shocked," as she was aware she was "a tiny bit overweight," Clarkson continued to provide more insight on the eye-opening conversation she had with her healthcare provider. "They were like, 'You're pre-diabetic. You're right on the borderline.' And I was like, 'But I'm not there yet…'"

And although she had known about it for a while, she clarified the timeline in which she got serious about it: "Then I waited two years and then I was like, 'OK,' I'll do something about it."

Late last year, after shutting down claims that she used popular diabetes/weight loss drug Ozempic to drop the weight, she explained that she eats "a healthy mix" and "limited her sugar and carb intake."

Additionally, she credits her move to NYC for helping her stay active, noting, "Walking in the city is quite the workout."

Next: Fans Gush Over Kelly Clarkson’s Boldest Outfit Yet: ‘You Look Better Than Ever’

Jessie James Decker and husband Eric Decker celebrated the upcoming arrival of their fourth child with sweet photos together on the beach showing off her growing baby bump.

The songstress shared some of the snaps on Instagram on Wednesday, Jan. 31, with the first showing Jessie in lace underwear and a flowery, strapless top, wearing a bright smile on her face as Eric, in only tan pants, held one hand on her belly as he leaned in for a kiss on the cheek.

In the second snap, Eric had his arms around Jessie from behind and she smiled up at him, hair in loose waves as she posed without her top. The third photo looked close to the first, with the couple holding each other while they stood in the sand with waves nearby.

"Any day now 💙We can’t wait to meet you sweet baby boy 💙," Jessie captioned the pics.

Check out Jessie and Eric's adorable pregnancy photos here.

Fans were in love with the new photos, with quite a few commenting on how unchanged the couple looked from when they first got together over a decade ago.

"I’m so obsessed with these photos yaaaalll😍 look as young as you did 10 years ago!" said one, while someone else wrote, "Y’all seriously still look at each other the same way you did years ago when I started watching yalls show."

"My fav couple!! Luckiest lil baby in the world with the best parents and siblings🤍✨🤍," said a different fan.

One person simply wrote, "Magical," which about sums up the dreamy photos. 

Jessie and Eric are patiently awaiting the arrival of their baby boy, who will join daughter Vivianne, and sons Eric Jr., also known as "Bubby," and Forrest. As for whether or not there will be a fifth baby in the future, the couple seems set with four for now.

While speaking with Us Weekly, Jessie confirmed that their fourth baby was a "surprise," before saying, "We’re good with four...Don’t you start asking me about five! Because, no way! No, not even a question!”

The Deckers previously shared that they are having a boy, but they've given no details about whether or not they have a name picked out and what it might be.

Next: Jessie James Decker Makes a Bold Prediction About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Romance

From trailblazers to inventors, Olympians, and politicians, numerous Black historical figures have left their marks on American history for decades. Unfortunately, a lot of their accomplishments are unsung and under-acknowledged. Their achievements were silenced under the weight of slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws. Despite the ugly side of history and its racial divide, African Americans still managed to pave the way for historical landmark moments even today. From laying down the blueprint for safety measures that you use daily like the elevator, and traffic lights, to the diversity that we can now watch on television, Black history is rich in America. So, in honor of Black History Month, here are some well-known and little-known facts that you may not have been aware of. 

Related: Black History Month Themes Through the Years (1928-2024)

Black History FactsSociety:

1. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” started the first Negro History Week in 1926 to ensure students would learn Black history. It grew into Black History Month starting in 1976. 

2. William Tucker was the first known Black person to be born in the 13 colonies. He was born near Jamestown, Virginia in 1624. His parents were indentured servants and part of the first group of Africans brought to colonial soil by Great Britain. In 1634, his parents participated in the establishment of Elizabeth City County, Virginia which is now the city of Hampton.

3. In 1738, a group of newly freed men and women founded the town Gracia Real De Santa Teresa De Mose, Florida. There were an estimated 100 people in the town’s population. Just two miles away from St. Augustine, it's considered to be the first-ever free Black settlement in the U.S. It was abandoned following the Seven Years' War in 1763. In 1994, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

4. It's estimated that around 100,000 slaves escaped to the North via the Underground Railroad between 1810 and 1850.

A painting after The Underground Railroad by Charles T. Webber shows Levi Coffin, his wife Catherine, and Hannah Haydock assisting a group of fugitive slaves.

Getty Images

5. On July 2, 1777, Vermont became the first colony to ban slavery. Vermont's legislature agreed to abolish slavery entirely, and it also moved to provide full voting rights for African American males. 

6. Educator and abolitionist Lucy Stanton was the first Black woman to graduate from college. She completed a ladies' literary program and graduated from Oberlin College in 1850. Her commencement speech was an appeal for anti-slavery. 

Related: 30 Black Historical Figures to Celebrate During Black History Month

7. Allensworth is the first all-Black Californian township, founded and financed by African Americans. Created by Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth in 1908, the town was built with the intention of establishing a self-sufficient city where African Americans could live their lives free of prejudice. 

8. Cathay Williams was the first and only known female Buffalo Soldier. Williams was born into slavery and worked for the Union Army during the Civil War. She posed as a man and enlisted as William Cathay in the 38th infantry in 1866, and was given a medical discharge in 1868.

Inventors:

9. George “Crum” Speck, a chef and restaurant owner is said to have created the potato chip by accident during the summer of 1853. However, his sister, Kate, claimed she actually created the chip after a potato slice fell into a hot frying pan creating the famous Saratoga chips. Crum’s chips remained a local delicacy in New York until the 1920s when a salesman named Herman Lay (yes, of Lays chips) began traveling throughout the south and introducing potato chips to different communities.

10. Garrett Morgan’s inventions continue to save lives. His take on the traffic signal, which he patented in 1922, was the first to offer a third “caution” signal which is now known as the yellow light. Take his traffic signal, which he patented in 1922. In 1912, Morgan received a patent for his “Breathing Device,” which was one of the earliest versions of a gas mask. He was also the first African American man to own a car in Cleveland, Ohio. 

11. Alexander Miles’s elevator design made riding on elevators safer. Previously, elevators were operated manually; people had to consciously open and close the doors of both the elevator and the shaft every time. In 1887, Miles obtained the patent for his invention including a flexible belt attached to the elevator cage, allowing the doors to function automatically. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007.

12. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner patented the sanitary belt in 1957 even though she created it in the 1920s. The belt was adjustable and had a moisture-proof napkin pocket and helped to hold pads in place from causing leakage. 

13. Agricultural scientist George Carver was responsible for developing 300 new products made from peanuts including milk, flour, ink, soap, medicinal oils, and cosmetics. He created 118 products from sweet potatoes, including flour, vinegar, ink, and postage stamp glue. 

14. Computer scientist and engineer Mark Dean is a co-inventor of IBM’s original personal computer, and the PC color monitor, changing the face of technology. He also co-created the technology that enables printers, keyboards, disk drives, and monitors to be plugged directly into computers. 

Sports:

15. Founded in 1984, The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the only touring African American rodeo in the world.

16. In 2012, at the London Olympics, Gabby Douglas became the first Black gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, as well as the first U.S. gymnast to win the all-around and team titles at the same Olympic Games.

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

17. On September 7, 1960, Wilma Rudolph made Olympic history by becoming the first woman, and the first African American woman, to win three gold medals. She became known as the fastest woman in the world. 

18. In 1996, Sheryl Swoopes became the first player to sign with the WNBA, with the league debuting a year later.

Related: 75 James Baldwin Quotes That Tell the Story of Black America

Politics:

19. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on Maya Angelou's birthday, on April 4, 1968. Angelou stopped celebrating her birthday for years afterward, and sent flowers to King's widow, Coretta Scott King, for more than 30 years, until Coretta's death in 2006.

20. The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, performed in front of a televised audience in Boston the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Brown is credited for preventing further riots with the performance.

21. Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He represented the state of Mississippi from February 1870 to March 1871.

22. Before former President Barack Obama took office, George Edwin Taylor paved the way when he ran for president as a member of the National Negro Liberty Party in 1904. 

Alex Wong/Getty Images

23. African American fashion designer Ann Lowe designed the ivory silk taffeta wedding dress of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis when she married President John F. Kennedy.

24. Robert Johnson became the first African American billionaire when he sold the cable station he founded, Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 2001.

Arts & Entertainment:

25. The cartoon character Betty Boop was based on Esther Jones, a Harlem-based jazz singer. Jones was known for her use of “boops” in her singing which was called a child-like scat. 

26. The Proud Family was Disney Channel’s first original animated series about the life of a young Black girl, 14-year-old Penny Proud. 

Related: 41 Best Black Comedy Movies of All Time

27. In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black person to win an Oscar for her supporting role in Gone With the Wind. 24 years later, Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win an Oscar for his leading role in Lilies of the Field.

Actress Hattie Mc Daniel is shown with the Oscar she received for her role in "Gone With The Wind."

Getty Images

28. Hailed as "Hip-Hop's First Godmother," singer and music producer Sylvia Robinson produced the first-ever commercially successful rap record: "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang. She co-owned the first hip-hop label, Sugar Hill Records with her husband.

29. Former President Barack Obama has won two Grammy Awards. He was first honored in 2005 for the audio version of his memoir, Dreams from My Father (best-spoken word album), and received his second Grammy (in the same category) in 2007 for his political work, The Audacity of Hope. In 2022, he was nominated for the audio version of his book A Promised Land.

30. The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opened in 2021 and is the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. 

Next, get inspired by civil rights icons with some of their most insightful Black History Month quotes. 

Taylor Swift has dominated Game Day fashion ever since making her NFL debut last Sept., showing off an already extensive collection of team sweatshirts, custom coats and other color-coordinated accessories throughout the 12 games she's attended this season. 

As we gear up to see the Chiefs take on the 49ers on Feb. 11, we can't help but wonder what fire team-inspired 'fit she'll debut, and we have one idea as to what it'll be, thanks to a viral social media post from Monica B.—the same designer behind one of Donna Kelce's custom Eagles/Chiefs gear.

The small business owner rushed home early from vacation earlier this week to create a pair of matching jackets last minute ahead of the AFC championship game between the Chiefs and the Ravens. The red bombers featured glittering white and red vinyl that read "KANSAS CITY" down one side of the zipped, with "MAHOMES" and "KELCE" written in the same orientation down the opposite arm of each. On the coat made with Mahomes' name, his number, 15, was emblazoned on the other side of the zipper and its opposite arm, with "PATRICK" placed above his last name. On the other coat, Travis' first name and the number 87 were seen in the same positions. The left arm also featured the three Super Bowls won by the Chiefs over the years: IV, LIV, and LVII. 

Seeing as it was a rush order needing to be completed by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the playoffs, fans assumed that Swift and Patrick Mahomes' wife Brittany would be decked out in the flashy gear at the final playoff game, but that wasn't the case. 

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Monica has played coy in the comments, telling inquiring fans who commented "definitely not for Taylor" or Brittany that she doesn't have "the green light" yet to post about the jackets' destination, leading us to believe that the outerwear may in fact have been delivered to the WAGs and that we'll see them in their full glory come Super Bowl Sunday. 

Of course, there's still no confirmation as to whether Swift will be present for the big game, but we're operating under the assumption that, if anyone can make it work, it's the "Getaway Car" songstress. She returns to the Eras Tour on Feb. 7, performing a long weekend of concerts in Tokyo that wrap on Feb. 10. Thanks to the 17-hour time difference between the Japanese city and Vegas it's certainly not impossible, though it'll put a damper on Swift's typical post-show recovery routine. 

It wouldn't be the first time she hit the town immediately upon returning stateside, either, with the artist, who is nominated for six Grammys this year, heading to dinner with Gracie Abrams just hours after returning from Buenos Aires, so we're feeling pretty good about the chances of the Super Bowl becoming Swift's lucky number 13th NFL game. 

Next: Travis Kelce Explains How He Actually Feels About Taylor Swift Attending His Games

Recent times have changed our approach to mental health, shaking the stigma of getting help and reminding people that all feelings are valid, even negative ones.

That's a good thing—especially since triggers are often beyond our control.

"When we find ourselves caught in a web of negativity, it's often not by choice but rather a result of circumstances and experiences that have shaped our worldview," says Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services. "All too often, negative thinking patterns stem from past traumas or ongoing stressful life situations...These thought patterns can feel like a protective armor, helping us brace for disappointment or failure."

Yet, this protective armor is something of a red herring. If you consistently find yourself in a negative mindset, psychologists say it's worth looking into why.

"Negativity often holds us back from reaching our full potential and experiencing joy and fulfillment in life," Dr. Frank explains.

Can someone altogether avoid negativity? At the risk of sounding pessimistic, no.

"It may not be possible to entirely avoid negativity as this is a common experience for all of us," says Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "However, balance is the key to this, and avoiding negativity does not mean you always have to be positive."

Likewise, having negative thoughts doesn't mean they have to live rent-free in your head 24/7. Psychologists provided tips for avoiding (or at least significantly reducing) the negativity in your life.

Related: 10 Phrases To Shut Down Workplace Gossip, According to Therapists

Avoiding Negativity vs. Toxic Positivity

"You got this!"

Yeah, no thanks. 

Toxic positivity phrases and the Rosie the Riveter memes that inspire them can be harmful. However, psychologists say avoiding negativity is not the same as copping a "good vibes only" mindset. In fact, a constant negative doom-and-gloom outlet and the idea that the only side is the bright side actually have more in common than you might think.

"Trying to 'look on the bright side of life' is not any more balanced or realistic than the negative thoughts," says Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., of Veritas Psychology Partners. "I advocate for a much more balanced or accurate approach. Sometimes things are genuinely hard. It's OK to acknowledge this and still stay out of negativity."

Toxic positivity insists you deny these truths, which separates it from an attempt to avoid negativity. 

"Avoiding negativity is about consciously shifting one's focus from the negative aspects of life to the positive ones, but it still acknowledges the existence of negative emotions and experiences," Dr. Frank says. "It's about developing a healthier perspective on life, where we allow ourselves to experience and express a full range of emotions before ultimately guiding ourselves back toward positivity."

Related: 7 Signs You're in a One-Sided Relationship, According to Psychologists

How To Stop Being Negative, According to Psychologists1. Lead with gratitude 

Dr. MacBride says that gratitude is always the first tip she gives to people trying to nix negative thought patterns and influences.

"Sure, there are hard moments, but there is good in life too. You have to be intentional about looking for [what you're grateful for]," Dr. MacBride explains.

Dr. Frank says journaling can help.

"Writing down what you're thankful for daily can help shift your focus from negative events to positive ones," Dr. Frank says. "This daily practice reinforces positive thinking and helps cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life."

Related: Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude With These 101 Things To Be Thankful For

2. Maintain perspective 

Hard moments can shock us—a report you thought you crushed being returned by a boss littered with edits and harsh criticism. Breathe. This situation does not define you.

"Whenever you feel yourself sliding into negativity or being influenced by others' negativity, take a moment to maintain your perspective," says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. "When we maintain our perspective, we are able to take a more logical and rational approach to what we are experiencing."

When logic wins, Dr. Lira de la Rosa says people feel more balanced and avoid the pitfalls of negativity.

3.  Set and maintain boundaries

Ditch energy zombies and boost your optimism by putting up some firm guardrails.

"If you notice that there are some individuals who are draining your energy because of their negative outlook, it is OK to set and maintain healthy boundaries with them," says Dr. Lira de la Rosa, who adds that boundaries might be cutting down on time spent with certain people or simply saying "no."

Boundaries can look like saying no to people, avoiding spending time with them, or simply not interacting with others.

Related: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros

4. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is an often-recommended way to cope with stress, but psychologists say there's a good reason for it. When it works, it really works.

"Mindfulness keeps you focused on the moment, instead of being negative, which is likely living in the past with a regret or resentment or in the future, which is a fear of something that hasn’t happened yet," Dr. MacBride says. "The present moment is the only moment that really exists."

5. Physical exercise

Moving your body can affect your mind.

"Regular physical activity is known to release hormones in your body, like endorphins, that help regulate mood," Dr. Frank says. "This can uplift your mood and act as a natural remedy against negativity."

6. Start your day with affirmations

Your voice matters most, so speak kindly with it—to yourself.

"Start your day by affirming positive statements about yourself and your life," Dr. Frank says. "This can help to reprogram your subconscious mind and cultivate a positive self-image."

Related: Could You Be a Victim of 'Self-Gaslighting'? 5 Signs of the Subtle Form of Self-Sabotage and How To Stop, According to Experts

7. Surround yourself with positive people

"You are the company you keep" sounds cliche. However, Dr. MacBride says it's a good phrase to keep in mind if you're trying to cut down on negativity.

"We are influenced by the company we keep," Dr. MacBride says. "One way to increase your positive outlook is to ditch the negative friends and be intentional about hanging out with people who have a brighter outlook."

This tip extends beyond IRL interactions.

"Limit negative news or social media exposure," Dr. Frank says.

The unfollow button exists for a reason.

8. Consider flipping a "no" to a "yes"

Sometimes, saying no is a form of self-care that can help us stay positive (see: boundaries). Other times, Dr. MacBride says it's worth considering giving something a go. Instead of saying, "No," try, "Is there a way I can get to a yes on this?" 

For example, maybe instead of "No, I can't hang out with you" it's, "I have more bandwidth next week. Are you free?

"While the immediate outcome might be the same, your attitude can start to change," Dr. MacBride says.

Related: 15 Phrases to Politely Decline an Invite Without Offending the Person

9. Get in touch with your inner empath

You cannot entirely avoid negativity. However, you can control your long-term reaction to it. Empathy is a useful tool, especially if the negative influence is external. 

"Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and having compassion for the way they are engaging with you as a way to protect yourself from negativity," says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. "When we can have empathy for others, we may avoid feeling negatively towards them."

Related: 35 Simple, Sincere Phrases To Express Empathy, According to Therapists

10. Celebrate small wins

If negativity is your default, you likely won't turn into a ray of sunshine tomorrow. Also, progress may not be linear, and you may find yourself confronted with and backsliding into negative thought patterns. Be sure to give yourself grace too, and acknowledge improvements—no matter how small.

"Instead of being negative and assuming that nothing changes or no progress has been made, look for even the smallest changes and be intentional about acknowledging or even celebrating those," Dr. MacBride says.

Related: 11 Phrases To Use Instead of Automatically Agreeing With Someone—When You Actually Disagree, According to Psychologists

How Can I Be Unaffected by Negativity?

It's impossible, and trying to be unaffected by negativity can exacerbate difficult moments.

"It is common for many of us to wish that we could be unaffected by negativity," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "However, this is not possible because, as human beings, we will experience a range of emotions, and this includes the negative ones ones. While you cannot ever be completely unaffected by negativity, it is possible to reduce the effects of negativity."

While reducing negativity's effects will look different for everyone, physical exercise, affirmation, mindfulness and leading with gratitude can all help. 

Next, 16 Things People With High Emotional Intelligence Often Say, According to Psychologists

Sources

• Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services
• Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation
• Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., of Veritas Psychology Partners

With more than 200 marriages and over 500 children to its credit, Farmer Wants a Wife has something that no other dating show has: a successful track record. Of course, that’s an international track record because the show airs in 32 countries.

But it was that success that influenced three-time Grammy-winning singer Jennifer Nettles to agree to host the matchmaking series last season and sees her return for a second go-round.

“There are so many of these shows that are out there, dating shows, but I am not a fan of those,” she tells Parade. “I feel like they are over dramatized for people who want 15 seconds of fame to become Instagram influencers, which is fun, but it definitely is escapism. This show is not escapism. This show is relatable because it’s authentic. When it first came across my desk I was like, ‘A dating show? No thanks.’ Then they came back and shared with me the successes of their shows. That got my attention.”

After watching a few episodes, Nettles decided it was something she wanted to be a part of, especially because she’s a romantic at heart.

“I love love,” she admits. “More than anything I love a good love story. Getting to be able to be a witness, possibly facilitate—dare I say matchmake—is really, really fun for me.”

Related: Meet the Cast of Farmer Wants a Wife Season 2

Of course, Season 1 of Farmer Wants a Wife here in the U.S. wasn’t a huge success story. At the end, Rich was still single and since it aired, the other three couples have split, but Nettles is hopeful that that’s because the first season was more like a trial run here in the U.S. with the farmers and the women who applied to meet them not exactly sure what to expect.

“It took a season for us to get to a place where these guys who are out there and these ladies who joined understand what is at stake,” Nettles says. “They understand the formula and they are in it for the right reasons.”

Nathan, Brandon, Ty, Mitchell.

CR: Michael Becker/FOX

Season 2 has a new batch of farmers—all of whom are easy on the eyes. There’s Brandon Rogers, 29, a potato and barley farmer from Colorado; Ty Ferrell, 42, a horse rancher from Missouri; Nathan Smothers, 23, a citrus farmer and cattle rancher from Florida; and Mitchell Kolinsky, 27, a first-time farmer from Tennessee.

“The call goes out and people who are interested respond,” Nettles says. “To me the part of the show that makes it more attractive is that the ladies who are interested then get to look at these farmers’ profiles and select which one they feel they have the most connection with. So, it’s a vetting on both sides. Then the farmers choose out of the ladies who are interested in them based on their profiles. Then they make it to the show and that’s where all the magic starts.”

During our conversation, Nettles also talked about the comedy element of the women being introduced to farming, how big a role she plays, and her thoughts on why Farmer Wants a Wife is preferable to dating apps.

Related: Jennifer Nettles on Feeling Like a 'Fairy Godmother' on Farmer Wants a Wife

The fact that the women actually have their say in which of the farmers they want to meet, that makes Farmer Wants a Wife different than other shows. For The Bachelor, they pick 25 women who have no clue who the guy’s going to be.

Yeah, it definitely makes it different. That comes into play throughout the show because not only do the farmers have times and moments on the show where maybe there’s someone with whom he isn’t connecting and they feel like it’s time for them to go home, but there are definitely moments on this show where the women say, “This lifestyle isn’t for me” or “I’m not connecting to this person, I’m going to go home myself.”

I think there’s a little bit of comedy involved in this. These women show up in high heels and really long nails and then expect to take on farm life. There have to be some funny things that happen. Anything come to mind?

For sure there are definitely those fun, fish-out-of-water moments that make for really entertaining television for the viewer. That definitely comes into play with nails and heels and freaking out about animals and never having been in this lifestyle before. You will see that come into play to a very entertaining end.

How present are you? Do you mostly watch footage and participate on occasions where you’re all together?

I mainly watch footage and there are occasions when we are together. For the most part, I just flit in once a week for what they call the mixers. These farmers, they’re out on their farms with their ladies that they’ve chosen, all these ladies in one house and one space getting to know farm life, getting to know each other. But they’re separated on their individual farms.

The mixers are a chance for everybody to come together, to compare what their experiences are, to learn any of the gossip or whatever might be happening and the fun chitter-chatter where hopefully romance is blossoming. And more than anything, it’s an opportunity for them to get time off the farm. Obviously, that’s its own environment. While these guys are shooting, they’re also still working, so they don’t have a ton of time. The mixers are a chance for them to relax and come together and a chance for the guys to connect.

Earlier today, I was with the farmers. The point they made was the mixers were a real chance for them to actually connect with somebody who’s going through the same experience. All the ladies who are on each farm, they form these friendships and bonds amongst each farm group. But there’s only one farmer. So, it’s only when we come together for these mixers that they get a chance to connect.

Jennifer Nettles, Mitchell, Nathan, Ty and Brandon

CR: Mark Hill/FOX

You’re married. Can you imagine ever having done a show like this?

We have friends who are younger and in the dating scene, and the more I learn about the dating scene right now and social media and the dating apps that are out there and how transactional it is and how fake it is, I don’t think it’s actually connective at all. I think it’s actually super disruptive to connections.

The more I learn about that, the more I think “Oh, wow, no wonder people are attracted to this show.” The irony is that being on television in this specific show is way more of an authentic way to make an old-fashioned connection. These people are spending time together, getting to know each other, going to a dance, going to a roping event, going to a football game, you know what I’m saying? This is like old-timey romance, for lack of a better word. In comparison to freaking swiping right, Lord help me.

In the past, farmers used to do mail order brides. At least this way they get to meet the women before. Whereas with the mail order brides, it was sight unseen. Well, maybe a photo.

Can you imagine? They would put these ads in the paper like: 21-year-old farmer looking for a wife, must love… Can you imagine?

Speaking of wives—how’s this for a transition—you’ve just been cast in The Bondsman as Kevin Bacon’s ex-wife.

Yes, I am no longer six degrees. I have moved into absolutely one degree.

You started out with Sugarland, so your background is music. But now you’re hosting and you’re acting. What is that like for you and why this particular role?

First of all, as an artist what I love, I love to continue to evolve, grow, expand and push myself. I love to tell stories in myriad different ways. Whether that is TV and film, whether it’s onstage, whether it’s as a recording artist, whether it is hosting a show, I love to tell all sorts of stories in any way I can.

With The Bondsman, I cannot wait. I am thrilled. I can’t believe it. If I told my teenage self that I would be one day starring in a television series with Kevin Bacon, I would have never in a million years believed it. I’m really, really grateful for this opportunity and excited to get to play such a fun role and to get to tell such a really fun, fun story.

As a songwriter, I’m thinking that all these experiences inspire you in ways that might not have come to you before.

Yes, absolutely. I have found that I especially get musically inspired on scripted shows. Because when I’m on the scripted shows, when I’m playing a character, you get so immersed in who that character is and, in their story, and in their lives. There’s so much detail. As a songwriter, we tend to write three and a half minutes and you get a little snapshot tied beautifully in a musical bow. When I get to really dig into a role and learn the heart of these characters, I usually always get inspired.

Farmer Wants a Wife premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

Next, FOX Reveals Winter Premiere Dates for 2024

February is Black History Month and we've rounded up 120 inspiring Black History Month quotes from civil rights icons including Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois. These powerful public figures have left a mark on our country with their insightful words, historic speeches and more.

The month honors African American people’s rich range of experiences, struggles and achievements throughout history and into the modern day.

Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)—the organization that founded Black History Month—provides a new theme for the month. Last year’s theme was “Black Health and Wellness” and the theme for February 2024 is "African Americans and the Arts."

As the ASALH website says, "African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans."

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve rounded up 120 inspiring quotes from civil rights icons as well as words of wisdom from inspiring modern figures including Viola Davis, Janelle Monáe, and Shonda Rhimes. These public figures have left a mark on our country with their insightful words, historic speeches, powerful writing and performances, and more.

To celebrate Black History Month, here are 120 quotes to remember.

120 Black History Month Quotes

Canva/Parade

1. "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations."
—Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut

2. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
—Martin Luther King, Jr.

3. "The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression."
—W.E.B. Du Bois

4. "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute."
—Thurgood Marshall, first African American U.S. Supreme Court member

Canva/Parade

5. "Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated."
—Coretta Scott King

6. “Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.”
—Susan L. Taylor, journalist

7. “Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.”
—Carol Moseley-Braun, politician and lawyer

8. “One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
—Franklin Thomas, activist, philanthropist, and former president of the Ford Foundation

9. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
—Desmond Tutu

10. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
—Langston Hughes

Related: Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

11. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
—Frederick Douglass

Canva/Parade

12. “The time is always right to do what is right.”
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

13. “Have a vision. Be demanding.”
—Colin Powell

14. “Freedom is never given; it is won.”
—A. Philip Randolph, civil rights activist

15. “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”
—Booker T. Washington

Related: In Honor of Black History Month, 30 Black History Facts You May Not Be Aware Of

16. "We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort."
—Jesse Owens, world record-setting Olympic athlete

Canva/Parade

17. "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." —Rosa Parks

18. "Just don't give up what you're trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." —Ella Fitzgerald

19. "If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything... that smacks of discrimination or slander." —Mary McLeod Bethune

Related: Who Are Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King's Kids? All About the Racial Justice Activists' Family 

20. "Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that being, whatever may be the sex or complexion." —William Lloyd Garrison

21. "We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers. Our abundance has brought us neither peace of mind nor serenity of spirit." —Martin Luther King, Jr.

22. "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." —Muhammad Ali

23. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” —Nelson Mandela

Canva/Parade

24. "The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.” —Maya Angelou

25. "Truth is powerful and it prevails." —Sojourner Truth

Related: 30 Black Americans to Celebrate During Black History Month 

26. "I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." —Michael Jordan

27. "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." —Barack Obama

28. "Hold on to your dreams of a better life and stay committed to striving to realize it.” —Earl G. Graves, Sr.

29. “Won’t it be wonderful when black history and Native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” —Maya Angelou

30. “I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history." —Morgan Freeman

31. “It’s important for us to also understand that the phrase 'Black Lives Matter' simply refers to the notion that there’s a specific vulnerability for African Americans that needs to be addressed. It’s not meant to suggest that other lives don’t matter. It’s to suggest that other folks aren’t experiencing this particular vulnerability." —Barack Obama

32. ”I swear to the Lord I still can’t see why democracy means everybody but me.” —Langston Hughes

Related: All About Coretta Scott King

33. “Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

34. “I felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or rat in a trap.  I had already determined to sell my life as early as possible if attacked. I felt if I could take one lyncher with me, this would even up the score a little bit.” —Ida B. Wells

35. “I’m not quite sure what freedom is, but I know damn well what it ain’t. How have we gotten so silly, I wonder.” —Assata Shakur

36. “I knew then and I know now, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it.” —Claudette Colvin

37. "During Black History Month, I’m reminded yet again of the ways that the struggle for civil rights is interwoven with the struggle for workers’ rights.” —Tom Perez

38. “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.  I rise. I rise. I rise." —Maya Angelou

39. “Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” —Ola Joseph

40. “Character is power.” —Booker T. Washington

41. “One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals. And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don’t invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.” —Michelle Obama

42. “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” —Mother Teresa

43. "You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it." —Malcolm X

44. "The soul that is within me no man can degrade." —Frederick Douglass

Related: 35 Inspiring, Joyful and Moving Movies You Should Stream for Black History Month

45. I am America.  I am the part you won't recognize.  But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” —Muhammad Ali

46. “Have a vision of excellence, a dream of success, and work like hell.” —Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook

47. “Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught.  I have a two-year-old son. You know what he hates?  Naps! End of list.” —Dennis Leary

48. “Today we know with certainty that segregation is dead.  The only question remaining is how costly will be the funeral.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

49. "'We, the people.’  It is a very eloquent beginning.  But when that document was completed on the seventeenth of September in 1787 I was not included in that "We, the people."  I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation and court decision I have finally been included in ‘We, the people.’" —Barbara Jordan

50. “I had no idea that history was being made.  I was just tired of giving up.” —Rosa Parks

51. “Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” —Abraham Joshua Heschel

Related: Black Romance Movies

52. “The majority of the Negroes who took part in the year-long boycott of Montgomery's buses were poor and untutored; but they understood the essence of the Montgomery movement; one elderly woman summed it up for the rest.  When asked after several weeks of walking whether she was tired, she answered: ‘My feet is tired, but my soul is at rest.’" —Martin Luther King, Jr.

53. “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.” —Marcus Garvey

54. “There comes a time when people get tired of being plunged into the abyss of exploitation and nagging injustice.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

55. “If the only time you think of me as a scientist is during Black History Month, then I must not be doing my job as a scientist.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson

56. “Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself.” —Oprah Winfrey

57. “When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” —Ava DuVernay

58. “I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.” —Serena Williams

59. “As black women, we’re always given these seemingly devastating experiences — experiences that could absolutely break us. But what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls the butterfly. What we do as black women is take the worst situations and create from that point.” —Viola Davis

Related: Best Black TV Shows of All Time

60. “Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.” —Shonda Rhimes

61. “Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you’re wasting your life.” —Jackie Robinson

62. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” —Shirley Chisholm

63. “I’m hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn every day, to get brighter and brighter. That’s what this world is about. You look at someone like Gandhi, and he glowed. Martin Luther King glowed. Muhammad Ali glows. I think that’s from being bright all the time, and trying to be brighter.” —Jay-Z

64. “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” —Muhammad Ali

65. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” —Maya Angelou

66. “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.” —Aretha Franklin

67. “The thing about black history is that the truth is so much more complex than anything you could make up.” —Henry Louis Gates

Related: Best Black Movies on Netflix

68. “Black History Month must be more than just a month of remembrance; it should be a tribute to our history and reminder of the work that lies in the months and years ahead.” —Marty Meehan

69. “Black history isn't a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that. It has such an impact on kids and their values and how they view black people.” —Karyn Parsons

70. “Don't agonize, organize.” —Florynce Kennedy

71. “Whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free . . . your true self comes out." —Tina Turner

72. “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” —Toni Morrison

73. “There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.” —Michelle Obama

74. "The impatient idealist says: 'Give me a place to stand and I shall move the earth.' But such a place does not exist. We all have to stand on the earth itself and go with her at her pace." —Chinua Achebe

75. “If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.” —Carl Lewis

76. “Stretch your mind and fly.” —Whitney M. Young Jr

77. “Don’t let anything stop you. There will be times when you’ll be disappointed, but you can’t stop.” —Sadie T. M. Alexander

78. “Life has two rules: number 1, never quit! Number 2, always remember rule number one.” —Duke Ellington

79. “Be as you are and hope that it’s right.” —Dizzy Gillespie

80. “A man without knowledge of himself and his heritage is like a tree without roots.” —Dick Gregory

81. “If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.” —James Baldwin

82. “We have a wonderful history behind us…and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” —Carter G. Woodson

83. “When I look at the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes.” —Oprah Winfrey

84. "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." —Alice Walker

85. "You are your best thing." —Toni Morrison

86. “I am a feminist, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning of the fact that I am Black; it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.” —June Jordan

87. "I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort, that I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay." —Tracee Ellis Ross

88. "You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served." —Nina Simone

89. "Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” —Janelle Monáe

90. “You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.” —Vernon Jordan

Related: Everything You Need To Know About the Black American Heritage Flag, Including Its History and What It Symbolizes

91. “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.” —Beyonce Knowles

92. “Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. Thy claim it as their own and none can keep it from them.” —Kwame Nkrumah

93. "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." —Madam C.J. Walker

94. “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” —Ida B. Wells

95. "I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty, or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted, and when the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me." —Harriet Tubman

96. “Make a difference about something other than yourselves.” —Toni Morrison

97. “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” —Arthur Ashe

98. “God’s time [Emancipation]is always near.  He set the North Star in the heavens; He gave me the strength in my limbs;  He meant I should be free.” —Harriet Tubman

99. “The best way to make dreams come true is to wake up.” —Mae C. Jemison

100. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

101. "The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself—the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us—that's where it's at." —Jesse Owens

102. "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." —Wilma Rudolph

103. "For Africa to me... is more than a glamorous fact. It is a historical truth. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place." —Maya Angelou

104. "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." —Robert F. Kennedy

Related: February Is Black History Month! What Are the Black History Month Colors and What Do They Mean?

105. "In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress." —Booker T. Washington

106. "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination." —Nelson Mandela

107. "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter." —James Earl Jones

108. "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." —Nelson Mandela

109. "Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted." —Martin Luther King Jr.

110. "The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less." —Eldridge Cleaver

111. “There is no vaccine for racism.” —Kamala Harris

112. “Do we care to match the reality of America to its ideals?” —Barack Obama

113. “We will all, at some point, encounter hurdles to gaining access and entry, moving up and conquering self-doubt; but on the other side is the capacity to own opportunity and tell our own story.” —Stacey Abrams

114. “Friendly reminder that you don't have to say the 'n word' to be racist. That's not the sole requirement. Asking people to prove racism is another tool the oppressor uses to marginalize and discredit us." —Lizzo

115. “The very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.” —Toni Morrison

116. “The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.” —Ijoema Oluo

117. “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” —John Lewis

118. “Activism is my rent for living on the planet.” —Alice Walker

119. “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.” —Angela Davis

120. ”We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.” —Yvette Clarke

Next, here are some activities to get your children involved in Black History Month. 

Now that we’ve survived the great egg shortage of 2023, prices have begun to normalize a bit and we can get back to making omelets, scrambled eggs, fried eggs and egg bites anytime we want. In my house, we run through a carton of eggs in a week, so I don’t usually have the opportunity to keep them until they expire. But from a food safety and quality perspective, it’s a good idea to know how to interpret those printed numbers on the side of egg cartons so you can know when eggs are ok to eat—and when they're not. 

To understand how long you can keep crackin’ before you need to toss those eggs, we chatted with a couple of egg experts. Before you get started, though, there's a simple rule you need to follow. Britanny Saunier, executive director of the Partnership for Food Safety Education stresses “the importance of hand washing before preparing meals with eggs and after touching an egg to prevent cross-contamination.”

Now that that reminder is top of mind, let's move on to the question of the day: How long are eggs good after the expiration date?

IMAGO / Pond5 Images

Where is the expiration date on an egg carton and what do all of the numbers mean?

If you’re buying eggs from a grocery store, there are a set of numbers printed on the side of each egg carton. There’s the packing date (aka Julian date), expiration date and plant number. Yeah, that’s a lot of numbers to decipher, so let’s break down their meaning.

• The packing date (or Julian date) is a three-digit numerical code that represents when the eggs were washed, graded and packaged. These numbers reflect consecutive days of the year. For instance, a Julian date of 001 corresponds to January 1, and 365 represents December 31. To help you skip the mental math, the USDA created a handy Julian date calendar so you can crack the carton code quickly.
  
  
• Expiration dates may be labeled sell-by date or best-by date. The USDA doesn’t require an expiration date but some state laws do. This is a straightforward target of when to use the eggs, but it isn’t the only factor when assessing freshness.

• Plant numbers (or plant code) on the egg carton start with a “P’ followed by numbers. The numbers correspond with the processing plant that washed, graded and packaged the eggs on the Julian date.

Related: How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last, Exactly? 

How long do eggs last in the fridge?

If stored in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, eggs can last for 3-5 weeks from the Julian date (aka the packing date). Liquid eggs should be consumed within 2-6 days after opening. Powdered eggs reconstituted with water can be used within four days, and they should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. So there’s no guessing about when I open a container, I always write the date on the package with a permanent marker.

Related: 100 of Our Best Egg Recipes for Morning, Noon and Night

Eggs cracked in a white bowl

IMAGO

How long can I keep eggs after the expiration date?

Ideally, you’ll want to buy eggs that haven't already expired, but eggs can safely be eaten within 3-5 weeks after the packing date. According to Rafael E. Rivera, MS, the director of food safety and production programs for the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, “expiration dates are a mark of quality and freshness. This means that you will start seeing a deterioration of quality after these dates. Expiration dates aren’t a mark indicating the safety of the product.”

So, yes, you can still eat eggs after their expiration date if the eggs have been stored in their original container in the coldest area of your refrigerator at the right temperature and they pass the freshness tests (more on that below). 

Related: The IHOP-Approved Secret Ingredient for Tender, Fluffy Omelets

Is it safe to eat an expired egg?

As stated, you’ll want to stay within the 3-5 week span for eating eggs after the packing date. Rivera notes: “It is safe if eggs are handled correctly and do not show signs of it becoming bad.”

In addition to being handled correctly, eggs also need to be cooked thoroughly to destroy bacteria.

“Egg white coagulates at 144°-149°, yolk coagulates at 149°-158° and whole eggs at 144°-158°. It's important to check temperatures by using an instant-read thermometer,” Rivera says.

Related: How Can You Keep Eggs Fresher Longer?

How can I tell if an egg is bad?

If you want to know if eggs are bad, use all your senses. If you notice a foul, spoiled smell coming from the egg carton, toss it. Also pay attention when you crack the eggs. “Eggs that aren’t fresh tend to be runny and spread out when you crack them because the membranes around the yolk and the white aren’t as intact,” says Rivera.

Rivera adds: “Fresh eggs don’t have a rotten smell or appear cloudy or runny. These are signs of eggs that are old or spoiled and can’t be consumed. Fresh eggs have a firm egg yolk, and the egg white is also firm as well even if just a little bit runs out.”

And there’s always the float test. Place the egg in a bowl of water. If it’s fresh, it will sink. Older eggs may stand upright or float due to a larger air cell inside the shell.

Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Eggs Every Day

Good egg tips to know

We’ve covered a lot of key information, but if you need a few quick tips and tricks going forward, keep this list handy:

• Store eggs immediately and place them in the coldest section of the refrigerator—not in or near the door—to avoid temperature fluctuations.
• Storing eggs in a closed carton can protect them from cracks and also from absorbing odors from other food.
• If you break an egg in the carton, transfer it to a clean airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
• Always refrigerate liquid eggs and use within 2-6 days of purchase.
• While fresh eggs in the shell shouldn’t be frozen, egg yolks and egg whites can be beaten together and frozen in a tightly sealed container for up to one year.
• Eggs don’t need to be washed because they were sanitized before packing.
• Two hours is the cutoff for eggs to be left out at room temperature because bacteria growth can begin.

SOURCES:

• Rafael E. Rivera, MS, Director, Food Safety & Production Programs, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
• Executive Director, Britanny Saunier, Partnership for Food Safety Education
• FDA.gov
  

Up next: Beyond California Rolls: Everything You Need to Know About Imitation Crab

Your posture doesn’t just affect the way you look. Evidence shows it can also have an impact on how you feel, since posture can play a role in a range of health conditions, particularly involving your neck, back and joints. On top of that, there's a psychological impact. 

“Good posture is indicative of a positive person with confidence, who is able and willing to hold their body correctly,” says Dr. Meredith Warner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and author of the upcoming book, Bone on Bone: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Avoiding Surgery and Healing Pain Naturally. “Poor posture indicates the opposite, usually.” 

Related: Taylor Swift Trained for The Eras Tour in This 'Amazing' Posture-Correcting Sports Bra That's on Sale Right Now

The Top Posture Problems To Know About

Dr. Warner says some increasingly common posture-related conditions can be blamed at least in part on our gadget-heavy daily routines. 

“Most Americans have what is sometimes called ‘Forward Crossed X Syndrome.’ This is when the spiral lines of fascia on the back are not balanced and the front of the body is too tight, while the back of the body is too loose or rounded,” she explains.

The positions commonly involved with using handheld devices contribute to this condition. “The head is shifted forward, there is loss of lordosis [normal curving] in the cervical spine, the shoulders are rolled forward and there is too much kyphosis [abnormal curving] in the thoracic spine,” says Dr. Warner.

When the shoulder blades are rotated around the ribcage to the outside of the chest region, many people develop a condition commonly referred to as a dowager’s hump, Dr. Warner says. “This is when the head is shifted so far forward that the 7th cervical spinous process protrudes and there is literally a hump on the back at the base of the neck. When you have good posture, you'll have none of these problems.”

To address these types of posture issues, Dr. Warner says the main targets to fix are the forward-positioned shoulders, poorly positioned shoulder blades and the forward position of the head.

Related: This Is the #1 Unexpected Sign That You Need To See a Physical Therapist ASAP

A Quick and Easy Exercise for Better Posture 

Dr. Warner recommends this exercise to address thoracic kyphosis and poor position of the scapula and improve upper back posture.

Shoulder blade squeeze

While sitting or standing straight, squeeze your shoulder blades together, hold for five seconds, and release. The inside border of the shoulder blades should slide around the ribs toward the spine. Repeat 10-15 times.

Related: This Super Simple Shoulder Exercise Could Add Years to Your Mobility, According to a Physical Therapist

3 Other Simple Moves for Better Posture 

While the shoulder blade squeeze is a great starting point, these exercises can help too. 

1. Shoulder and chest stretch

This exercise helps to open the chest and counteract rounded shoulders, Dr. Warner says.

Begin by standing in a doorway and leaning forward while rotating to the side to stretch the chest. The elbow should be bent to about 90 degrees and the arm should be at 90 degrees at the shoulder. Place the front of the shoulder and the arm against the doorway with the chest and torso in the doorway. Turn the torso and chest away from the door jamb and the arm. You should feel a deep stretch in the front of the shoulder region. 

2. Prone cobra

This exercise is for strengthening the muscles of the back and shoulders. 

Lie on your stomach, arms at your sides. Lift your chest off the ground, squeezing shoulder blades together, and hold for 10 seconds before lowering. Repeat 10 times. For a progression, both the legs and the chest can be lifted off the ground simultaneously.

3. Chin tucks 

This exercise helps in strengthening the neck muscles and improving neck posture. Sit or stand straight, gently pull your chin in towards the neck, hold for 5 seconds, and release. Do not just tilt the chin toward the chest, rather keep the chin level and push the entire head back. Repeat 10 times.

Next up, find out the simple tweak that yoga instructors say can make you way more flexible.

Sources:

• Dr. Meredith Warner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, author of the upcoming book, Bone on Bone: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Guide to Avoiding Surgery and Healing Pain Naturally
• Poor Posture Hurts Your Health More Than You Realize: Tips for Fixing It, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials 

Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, social reformer, orator, writer and statesman who successfully escaped slavery in 1838. He became a powerful and prominent figure in the abolitionist movement—gaining notoriety as a speaker and writer, sharing his personal experiences and exposing the inhumanities of slavery. 

He spoke the famous quote, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress," among many other quotes of wisdom regarding slavery, freedom, progress and politics. Douglass passed in 1895, but his life and work played a significant role in shaping the discourse on slavery, freedom and civil rights in the United States.

Honor his legacy with 45 Frederick Douglass quotes to inspire you and make you think. All of his words are guaranteed to pack a punch of truthful power. From important lines about free speech and moral growth to powerful statements about rebellion and slavery, read on.

Related: 120 Inspiring Quotes for Black History Month

45 Frederick Douglass Quotes

1. "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

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2. "The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes the rebellion." 

3. "I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs."

4. "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them."

5. "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." 

6. "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." 

7. "Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave." 

8. "The white man's happiness cannot be purchased by the black man's misery."

9. "The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous."

10. "The man who will get up will be helped up, and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down."

Related: What Are the Black History Month Colors and What Do They Mean?

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11. "A man’s rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box."

12. "One and God make a majority." 

13. "We succeed, not alone by the laborious exertions of our faculties, be they small or great, but by the regular, thoughtful and systematic exercise of them."

14. "Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe."  

15. "To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker."

Related: The Significance of Black History Month and Why It Is Celebrated in February

16. "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence."

17. "I did not know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted." 

18. "Intelligence is a great leveler here as elsewhere."

19. "You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed."

20. "You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man."

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21. "Education means emancipation. It means light and liberty. It means the uplifting of the soul of man into the glorious light of truth, the light by which men can only be made free."

22. "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

23. "Some know the value of education by having it. I know its value by not having it."

24. "A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it."

25. "Our destiny is largely in our hands." 

Related: Black History Month Through the Years: Every Black History Month Theme Since 1928

26. "The soul that is within me no man can degrade."

27. "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." 

28. "A man's character always takes its hue, more or less, from form and color of things about him." 

29. "There is not a man beneath the canopy of Heaven who does not know that slavery is wrong for him." 

30. "Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitude."

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31. "A little learning, indeed, may be a dangerous thing, but the want of learning is a calamity to any people." 

32. "Experience is a keen teacher." 

33. "A man is worked on by what he works on." 

34. "At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed." 

35. "People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get."

36. "For my part, I should prefer death to hopeless bondage." 

37. "For no man who lives at all lives unto himself. He either helps or hinders all who are in anywise connected to him." 

38. "No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck."

39. "Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground." 

40. "We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future." 

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41. "The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."

42. "Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done." 

43. "Every one of us should be ashamed to be free while his brother is a slave."

44. "Abolition of slavery had been the deepest desire and the great labor of my life."

45. "It is not light we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake." 

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Next: 55 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of the NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #235 on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Connections game for Thursday, February 1, 2024

New York Times/Parade

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Thursday's puzzle, you're not alone and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

Hints About the NYT Connections Categories on Thursday, February 1

1. Likely heard at a hair salon
2. Describing someone who lifts weights religiously
3. Someone who has an obsession or deep appreciation for something
4. They have something in common with their appearance

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Connections Game Answers for Thursday, February 1, 2024:

1. MAKE SHORTER: CLIP, CUT, PARE, TRIM
2. MUSCULAR: BUILT, JACKED, RIPPED, SWOLE
3. ENTHUSIAST: BUFF, FAN, LOVER, NUT
4. WRINKLY THINGS: BRAIN, PRUNE, PUG, WALNUT

How'd you do?

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle 957 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are three vowels out of the five letters in the word today.

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

It's a term related to existing and breathing.

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

How to play Wordle

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #957 on Thursday, February 1, 2024

Today's Wordle answer on Thursday, February 1, 2024, is ALIVE.

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Next: Catch up on other Wordle answers from this week.