WebProNews

Tag: Youth

  • Rachel Weisz to Play Real-Life Mercenary in Thriller Film ‘Snatchback’

    Rachel Weisz has signed on to star as a real-life mercenary who helps families find their kidnapped children in an upcoming thriller called Snatchback, set to shoot later in 2015.

    In addition to starring as Maureen Dabbagh, whose husband kidnapped her daughter back in 1992, Rachel Weisz will also produce the film, alongside Frida Torresblanco of Pan’s Labyrinth fame.

    Pete Travis will both write and direct the film.

    Snatchback sees Maureen Dabbagh–or Mo, as she is called–find out ‘how far she is willing to go to get her child back. In the years after the kidnapping, she becomes a mercenary engaged in dangerous missions across the Middle East to help other families recover kidnapped children–while never giving up on her own search,’ according to the Hollywood Reporter.

    Rachel Weisz is presently featured in two films at the Cannes Film Festival–The Lobster and Youth. The Lobster is a surreal romance set in a future during which singles are expected to find a matching mate within 45 days or be transformed into animals and released into an area known as the Woods. In addition to Rachel Weisz, it stars Colin Farrell, Lea Seydoux, John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, and Michael Smiley.

    Youth is about a composer and a film director, vacationing together in the Alps. Both men are contemplating their children’s lives and their own careers. Jane Fonda and Michael Caine star alongside Rachel Weisz in this drama.

    Life is certainly full–and no doubt fulfilling–right now for Rachel Weisz. She’s come a long way from her role in The Mummy, and it certainly looks like her future is very bright.

  • Antiaging Creams: Read This Before You Waste Any More Money

    You may (or may not) be surprised by how many women own anti-aging creams who haven’t even hit 30 yet. Their cabinets lined with little bottles and jars meant to protect them against that first wrinkle.

    For women already beyond the age of 40, the anti-aging creams are meant to erase proof that they are indeed getting older.

    Whether it’s a desperate stab at youth or compulsive vanity, anti-aging creams are just one vein of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry.

    It’s the one that promises women that their creams and lotions will turn back the clock. Advertisements silently wink promises that no one will ever have to know that you are a woman who actually ages.

    But for all the smoke, mirrors, and hundreds of dollars spent, it’s important to ask if these so-called anti-aging creams are worth the money.

    According to dermatologists and scientists, the answer seems to be, “Mostly, no.”

    Before you take that “mostly” as a sign to rummage through a mountain of products, you may want to hear these professionals and their research out:

    Few studies have been published in medical journals to show the products work as advertised or are safe to use. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require companies to prove that cosmetic products are safe or effective.

    “Efficacy is very vague in terms of over-the-counter products,” said Dr. Simon Yoo, assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Without any oversight, it is difficult to say whether these do anything.”

    In other words, these people can claim ANYTHING about their product. And there’s no proof that what you’re putting on your skin is even safe. They only need to verify that their statements aren’t FDA validated and mumble certain other disclaimers.

    And there are virtually no consequences for your disappointment.

    The only silver lining where anti-aging creams are concerned is that they can bring moisture to dry skin.

    But there are only certain ingredients that are believed to offer relief to aging skin.

    Retinol, a vitamin A compound is one of the few scientifically-backed ingredients believed to improve the look of skin. However, Retinol is not good for pregnant women; if you are pregnant or nursing, avoid these sort of products for health reasons.

    If you are SERIOUSLY seeking younger looking skin, scientists recommend eating healthy and nutritious foods (especially those high in Vitamin E) and getting regular exercise.

    Also, understand that while certain anti-aging creams may seem to work…the effect is almost always slight and temporary. More importantly, they almost always fail to match the high expectations (and computer generated special effects) shared by the companies that sell them.

    Before you buy, ask a lot of questions. Also be sure to check out the reviews for anti-aging products.

    Aging is hard on women—and harder on the wallets. It doesn’t have to be made even harder by dishonest companies with disappointing so-called anti-aging products.

  • Scotty McCreery Starts Baseball Tour

    Scotty McCreery Starts Baseball Tour

    The former American Idol, Scotty McCreery is giving back and is helping the programs that support youth baseball.

    McCreery played baseball all through high school and knows what an impact being a part of a sport can have on today’s youth. “I learned some of my greatest lessons playing sports and being a team member,” McCreery said. “Sports teach you so many life lessons about self-discipline, responsibility, teamwork, setting goals, and being fit. It’s awesome that Major League Baseball provides opportunities for kids who might not have a chance to play baseball and softball elsewhere. I’m proud to provide assistance to this program.”

    McCreery’s tour started on Thursday, August 29. He visited the stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays and personally presented a $5,000 check to a Tampa youth baseball program before the start of the game. Scotty served as a pitcher on his high school team, so it would only make sense that he would throw the first pitch at the Tampa Bay Ray’s game. He also treated the team and guests to the well known song, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

    Here is a schedule of the remaining tour dates:

    Thursday, Sept. 12: Philadelphia Phillies v. San Diego Padres, at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
    Sunday, Sept. 15: Chicago White Sox v. Cleveland Indians, at Comiskey Park/U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
    Sunday, Sept. 22: Washington Nationals v. Miami Marlins, at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
    Friday, Sept. 27: Atlanta Braves v. Philadelphia Phillies, at Turner Field/State Mutual Stadium, Atlanta

    Today marked the second stop on McCreery’s tour, as he traveled to San Diego as the Padres played the Colorado Rockies.

    Image via Twitter

  • Teens Love Technology, Don’t Want Tech Jobs

    I got my start in technology through video games. From there, I began to become increasingly involved with more forms of technology from computers to televisions and now my recent fascination with Android. Despite all of that love for technology, I gave up on my dreams of working in technology due to all the math that’s required. That’s why I became a writer.

    I share that personal story to illustrate a recent study that confirms I’m not alone. A recent study from CompTIA found that an overwhelming 97 percent of teens and young adults love technology. Out of that 97 percent, more than half are not just mere consumers. These teens are harbingers of technology that love to show friends and family members the newest gadgets while helping diagnose problems with computers and the like. That sure sounds like IT job material, right?

    Unfortunately, teens are just not that interesting in getting a job in tech. Only 18 percent of the respondents said they were interested in IT jobs. So why are kids just not interested in IT jobs? It’s the math and science – the kryptonite of high schoolers everywhere. Over 64 percent of respondents associated technology with requiring good math and science skills. While the survey was not exactly clear over whether teens saw this requirement as a positive or negative; I think we can all guess which one it was.

    In more encouraging news, 59 percent of teens perceive IT jobs as a way to help their fellow man. That’s more than 51 percent of teens who only perceive IT as a means to a good big paycheck. In between, there was more good vibes as teens seem to perceive IT as a fun job that lets them play with cool technology.

    Teens Technology Tech Jobs

    Beyond how awful math and science are, why aren’t more teens looking for tech jobs? It seems that the sluggish economy has gotten to them. They think that there’s no demand for IT jobs when, in fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Take a look at the App Economy – it’s one sector of IT and has already created over 460,000 jobs with many of those jobs belonging to people who work from home on their own terms.

    So now we know that teens love technology, but hate science and math. They would love to get IT jobs to help their fellow man, but don’t see it as economically viable. Those are all broad strokes within the huge IT sector though. Are there any specific jobs that teens are clamoring for?

    Why yes, teens are interested in all kinds of specific tech jobs. Nearly half of all respondents were like me and want to make video games. Video game job interest has some competition though from the ever growing app economy with 41 percent of teens seeing themselves making an app.

    So how does this all break down among the genders? You would think that girls would traditionally not be very interested in technology jobs, right? Well, you’re right and wrong. People just say technology, but we have to apply specific fields once again. Sure, 69 percent of boys want to get into video games. That’s a given. Conversely, more women (40 percent) want to get into Web design. That’s more than the 38 percent of boys who want the same thing.

    All of this presents a unique challenge that the IT industry and those of us who write about it have to address. How can we get more teens interested in studying some form of technology? I’m already a lost cause as I chose my path long ago, but many teens are still trying to choose. The biggest thing, in my opinion, is making math and science more approachable. It’s sad to think that I’ve seen hundreds of kids drop out of college altogether because of the way math and science are taught today. If the freshman math class can’t make the subject fun and engaging, what are the chances that the higher level courses will be able to?

    Even though I may be a lost cause, I can still do my part as tech writers also have an obligation to the next generation of IT professionals. Many of these kids who love technology depend on us for news and the latest trends in technology. If we can keep them excited and engaged with technology, they have a chance of sticking through whatever is thrown at them.

    If the tech industry and the tech writers can both keep their end of the bargain, we’ll hopefully see these numbers on an upward trend this time next year. The current statistics are at least encouraging, but I know that we can all do better.

  • 100 Year-old Woman Says Video Games Are Secret To Youth

    Bridge? She won’t have it. Canasta? No thank you. Shuffleboard? Certainly not. Kathleen Connell A.K.A. Kit just turned 100 years old. . .er, young I should say, but she’s not letting that slow her down one measly bit. Kit is as sharp as a tack and she credits her mental acuity to video games. Kit is a regular player of handheld games and game devices such as Nintendo.

    Kit says:

    “It’s absolutely super, I can’t speak highly enough of it. I don’t know what I would do without it, I’ll play it in the evening, then I’ll have a break and a cup of tea, then I’ll go back to playing my Nintendo.

    The 100 year-old gamer loves her DS and she owns over a dozen games of which include, Scrabble, Art Academy and Family Fortunes; all to keep her mind sharp.

    She says one game in particular, Brain Trainer, scored her at a mental age of 64 years old, which is an incredible 36 years younger than her apparent age. Kit says she has always spends her afternoons and evenings playing games on her Nintendo up until she retires for bed. Ms. Connell recommends that children have a go at the spelling games, she went on to say:

    “If children had this at school, it would be wonderful”.