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https://nerdist.com/article/the-x-files-reboot-series-by-ryan-coogler-is-coming-chris-carter/

The X-Files is perhaps one of the most influential sci-fi shows of all time. Scully and Mulder’s investigations of the strange and unexplained still resonate with viewers and inspired future shows like Lost, Fringe, and Supernatural. Of course, we got a short-lived The X-Files revival with original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson a few years ago. But that too is now a part of television history. And now, it seems we are once again exploring to see if the truth is still out there with a reboot of The X-Files led by none other than director Ryan Coogler.

The X-Files original series creator Chris Carter appeared on CBC’s On the Coast radio show to talk about the show in March 2023. During that interview, Carter revealed that he’d spoken with Ryan Coogler, who plans to reboot (or, as Carter says, “remount”) The X-Files with a diverse cast. He didn’t get into any more specifics, but he doesn’t have to. The thought of a supernatural investigative series led by a diverse cast is all we need to hear. Personally, my vote is for Mamoudou Athie and Nicole Beharie to be Mulder and Scully, respectively. And, Ryan Coogler is already a modern legend with the Black Panther and Creed franchises under his belt, so he can surely bring something incredible to The X-Files.

Although we haven’t heard much about Coogler’s X-Files series since March, recently, it popped up on our radars again. According to a report from Bloomberg, Disney continues to work on developing the series as of December 2023. We want to believe that this series is coming soon.

Originally published on March 28, 2023.

The post Ryan Coogler Will Make a New THE X-FILES Series appeared first on Nerdist.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/how-to-protect-the-happy-in-your-holidays/

Originally published Dec. 27, 2017

’Tis the season of Christmas trees on every corner and a flood of sentimental sensory overload designed to fill your head with visions of sugarplums (or the stocking stuffers of your wildest dreams).

Yet on any given day we awaken to unsettling, sometimes devastating, news: missile test-launches with their threats of mass destruction; murders of churchgoers, schoolchildren, and music lovers; computer hacks that put your financial security and very identity at risk, even as you fret over how the latest news on healthcare insurance and tax reform might impact your ability to live your best life. This is not the stuff that “Joy to the World” is made of.

All the lights, tinsel, and merry-making in the world can’t put a shine on the dull ache that grows heavier with every miserable prompt from your newsfeed.

It’s enough to make you call foul-la-la-la-la as your peaceful, silent nights give way to anxious, sleepless nights.

“Disturbing things are going to happen in the world. They always have, but we didn’t always know. Our brains are not equipped to absorb relentless chaos,” says psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor. “Stress on the brain can have a cumulative traumatic effect, leading to depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, and addiction.”

So, what’s a not-so-happy holiday seeker to do? ”You can’t control what happens in the world,” says Taylor, who is also a self-care strategist, “but you can control the flow and quality of information you’re getting.”

Start by getting a jump on next year’s shopping, which will make your shopping far less stressful and way more satisfying. But before you load up the shopping cart for others, Taylor suggests that you take a page from the personal finance gamebook and give to yourself first. Here are her favorite gifts for the soul:

Put down your smartphone and think about how you really feel. You can’t get what you need if you don’t know what you need.

Seek more face time, then smile. “Our parents had more clubs and Sunday dinners where you could sit around the table together and unpack stuff, or get face-to-face comfort,” says Taylor. “Even if you look into the faces of strangers as you walk down the street and smile, you’d be amazed at the positive responses, and the positive feelings you get from them.”

Know when you’ve had enough and tune out, without feeling any guilt or shame. “Not knowing about another murder is not ignorance,” says Taylor.

Treat yourself—with care. Go ahead and indulge, but in moderation. Have the ice cream sundae, not the whole gallon; get a massage, but don’t max out your credit card on a spa trip you can’t afford. There can be a fine line between self-soothing and self-medicating. Do what’s going to make you feel genuinely good in the moment, and the day after, and the week after that.

“Be the change” can feel like a tall order, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple as responding to a mean comment with a kind one, or to a selfish act with a generous one. If you want to change the conversation, just do it. Refuse to tear others down or share useless negative information. Or counter all the negativity you can’t control around you by making a positive change in yourself. Eating healthier, retooling your résumé, cleaning your junk drawer, and even making your bed can give you a sense of control and accomplishment when you feel overwhelmed.

“We are accepting that the world is uncertain and unpredictable,” says Taylor, “but our bodies aren’t built to be always on edge, and we don’t have to accept that constant stressfulness and anxiety.” Especially when comfort and joy are available for free.

RELATED CONTENT: Here are 8 Ways To Battle ‘Holiday Brain‘

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/ambi-skincare/

By Updated December 15, 2023

Ambi Skincare, the beauty care brand that’s been looking out for Black women long before others took note of the one-of-a-kind needs of our skin, is still thriving as “The Skin Tone Authority” after 55 years. In that role, they seek to educate and provide a space for Black women to discuss their skin care journeys, and how they take care of themselves both inside and out. That’s why the brand recently launched a virtual series, “Skin Wisdom,” to provide that platform and opportunity for Ambi lovers to know that “It’s more than just skin deep.”

On December 12, the space opened up with a conversation about generational beauty regimens, the impact of diet and wellness on skin health, as well as the impact of the brand after all these years. It was led by lifestyle curator Africa Miranda, and included the insights of fellow lifestyle influencers Ke’la Walker, Angelique Miles, and Christina Granville, who are known for their beauty, fashion, fitness and entertainment expertise.

Walker talked about how far skin care has come since the days of just strong smelling cleansing and cold creams that she saw her mom utilizing way back when.

“What we have available now blows those products out the water,” she shared. “I don’t remember my mom doing much. And it’s funny because now I feel like I’m the one that’s like, ‘Mom, you need an eye cream. You need a serum. You need to do it in layers: You go from light to heaviest.’ I’m imparting the wisdom now to my mom and younger sister. I’m like, ‘Sis, as soon as you can, start buying eye cream. Immediately!'”

Walker also noted the role Ambi played in her skin care journey, which all of the women could relate to.

“Also, I remember Ambi, if you had an issue with hyperpigmentation, Ambi was the one because there was no other product that was marketed towards Black women or women of color in general to help with discoloration. Name another. You can’t,” she said. “So it’s so funny, even now, seeing the products Ambi has compared to then. We’re leaps and bounds ahead.”

With that increase in offerings, from cleansers to toners to serums to moisturizers and more (so many steps!), it’s put women in a position to have an arsenal of goods they utilize for skin health that the women before them didn’t.

“I don’t think we’ll ever find one thing that works for everything,” Granville noted. “I feel like I have to have nine to 12 products with me all the time.”

“And they all serve different purposes!” Walker chimed in.

For Miles and Granville, they touched on the importance of physical activity in skin health and keeping up with body changes. Miles, who is in her 50s and in unbelievable shape, said that nutrition makes all the difference.

“I can’t just work out. I have to eat right and work out,” she said. “In my 20s and 30s I could eat a whole box of pizza and just work out and be ok. But now, no. You have to do both. I can work out until the cows come home but if I’m not eating right, it doesn’t show up on my body.”

And when it comes to tried and true beauty advice, Granville, a former professional basketball player, offered something that all four ladies could agree on: Always wear sunscreen.

“I learned the hard way and I wished when I was younger my mom would have told me. But my mom was a Pentecostal woman and she was everything close to holy so she didn’t do any earrings, no pants, no makeup,” she recalled. “But I wish someone would have told me when I was younger, because I was a track athlete as well so I was always out in the sun, that I needed sunscreen and if I don’t use it, when I get older I’m going to have skin damage.”

“And not just wear sunscreen but reapply your sunscreen every two hours,” Miles added. “If you’re not going to reapply it you might as well not wear it. They have powders now, they have sprays.”

The ladies rounded out the conversation by talking about curbing stress, which can certainly impact one’s beauty and body.

“There’s beauty in doing nothing,” Miles advised. “Sometimes I’m just like, I’m overwhelmed so I’m not going to do anything.”

Tricia McKenzie, brand manager for Ambi Skincare, joined at the end to reiterate all the great insights the women shared. She also made sure to plug the wide range of products the brand has, including a new line of dark spot correctors for hyperpigmentation and fade creams for morning and night care. They’re still going strong, and hopefully, the Skin Wisdom virtual series will continue as well in the hopes of providing Black women with a chance to find community talking about something we’ve all got and need to show love to: our skin.

TOPICS:  AMBI health and wellness skin care

The post Ambi Launches ‘Skin Wisdom’ Series To Discuss The Ins And Outs Of Melanated Skin appeared first on Essence.

https://www.essence.com/beauty/best-grooming-products-to-gift-your-man/

Shutterstock By Larry Stansbury ·Updated December 15, 2023

The man who holds a special place in your heart deserves more than just your love and affection. With the holidays fast approaching (can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner?), it’s time to start thinking about the perfect present for him. And what better way to show your man some gratitude than with the gift of self-care? He can genuinely benefit from an excellent grooming set that keeps his hair, skin, and beard looking fresh and clean. 

And with more options on the market, it’s clear that men’s grooming has taken the industry by storm. Whether he has a short, medium, or long beard, he can make good use of a grooming set to keep it looking clean and smelling good on a night out on the town. Or perhaps your beau is adamant about his waves looking good before heading out the door– a little pampering from a trusted wave kit won’t hurt. 

Regardless of his stylistic preferences, we’ve got him, and you, covered with the best grooming sets to make your man smile for the holidays. Below, you’ll find 17 options: everything from beard care to body wash sets.

01 01 BEVEL Candle Holiday Trio If your guy has a thing for his home smelling good, these new soy and coconut wax BEVEL candles are sure to be his favorites. The trio comes in the signature scents like patchouli-enriched Midnight Sandalwood, berry-infused Dark Cassis, and the bourbon-rich Supreme Oak. Available at BEVEL 99.95Shop Now 02 02 Braun All-in-One Style Kit Series 9 This razor set can take care of all the grooming needs, especially ones below the belt. Braun’s set can help him achieve a smooth surface, and it also comes with blades for every part of the body, including the nose and ears. Available at Amazon 110Shop Now 03 03 Buttah Skin Skin Transforming Cocoshea 3 Piece Kit Ulta Shop Now 04 04 COSLUS Water Dental Flosser Don’t forget dental hygiene. This top-selling water flosser effectively removes food particles while also massaging the gums. Moreover, it can be safely used even while taking a shower. Available at Amazon 36Shop Now 05 05 COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch 60 Patches Don’t forget to tell him to take care of his eyes. Thanks to ingredients like niacinamide and snail filtrate, these eye patches will help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and under-eye bags. He will love his refreshed look. Available at Amazon 21Shop Now 06 06 Dove Men+Care Everyday Grooming Gift Pack Who doesn’t love the feeling of smelling like Dove after a refreshing shower? This set is perfect for gym-goers and includes a 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo and conditioner, dry spray deodorant, and a face wash. Available at Amazon 30Shop Now 07 07 FREATECH Hair Scalp Massager Nothing like the feeling of getting a scalp massage. He’ll love using this massager as he shampoos and conditions his hair on wash day. Available at Amazon 7Shop Now 08 08 Frederick Benjamin The Ultimate Wave Kit Does your man not feel complete until his waves are looking good? You can help him keep them in check with this kit from Frederick Benjamin. It also helps promote hair growth and a healthy scalp. Available at Frederick Benjamin 75Shop Now 09 09 Goodfellow & Co Men’s Olive Diagonal Zip Kit This zip kit will keep all of his toiletries and grooming products in one place. With this kit, long-gone are the days where his items take up too much cabinet space. Available at Target 15Shop Now 10 10 Humanrace Three-Minute Facial Routine Pack Leave it to Pharrell to create quality skincare for all the fellas. If your man is on-the-go and needs a quick morning and night routine, these products are perfect as they only take three minutes to apply. Available at Nordstrom 110Shop Now 11 11 Mighty Patch Pimple Patches Waking up to a pimple on your face can be frustrating. With these pimple patches, he can quickly zap those zits away. Available at Amazon 11Shop Now 12 12 OffCourt Performance Body Spray Trio Pack Your man will love putting on this body spray to smell fresh all day. Available at OffCourt 36Shop Now 13 13 Pattern Beauty Mini Stylers Kit Ulta Shop Now 14 14 PMD Clean Pro Smart Facial Cleansing Device For the high-maintenance man who wants to ensure his skin looks good, this cleansing device, with silicone bristles, will effectively remove oil, dirt, and impurities from his face. Available at Amazon 143Shop Now 15 15 Scentbird 3-month Subscription If he loves testing out a wide range of colognes and matching his scent to his mood, this subscription from Scentbird is perfect for him. Available at ScentBird 48Shop Now 16 16 Shea Moisture Beard Kit If you want to give a gift that will truly impress him, consider a beard care kit. This set comes complete with a beard wash, detangler, balm, and conditioning oil. Thanks to the key ingredients such as maracuja oil, fatty acids, and vitamin C, this set will not only keep his beard clean and healthy, but also leave his complexion looking shiny and well-maintained. Available at Amazon 46Shop Now 17 17 Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic Ingrown hairs can cause bumps and irritation. This serum– with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and glycolic acid– helps exfoliate and treat the skin. Available at Topicals 26Shop Now

The post The Best Grooming Products to Gift Your Man appeared first on Essence.