RESULTS

Scientists are constantly revealing newly discovered benefits of exercise. In experiments over the past 10 years, my research has found that exercise can help with a respiratory problem known as ARDS. ARDS is a type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs that prevents oxygen from reaching the organs. It has been reported in many COVID-19 patients. I am an exercise physiologist with training in medicine. More than 30 years ago, I gave up my career in general surgery in China and came to the U.S. to pursue a basic research career in molecular exercise physiology, as I was intrigued by the superb health benefits of regular exercise. Most recently I’ve been thinking about the potential impact of regular exercise in preventing this deadly complication of COVID-19. I have not done any experiments specifically around COVID-19, but my work with mice may inform other researchers exploring ways to protect people that suffer from ARDS. What is ARDS? A cause of death for 3%-17% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 is ARDS. COVID-19 patients with this dismal clinical complication have a mortality rate of greater than 50%. Specifically, ARDS can occur when viral infection of the cells in the lungs activates the immune system and attracts white blood cells to travel through the bloodstream to the lung tissue to fight off the viral infection. However, when too many white blood cells appear in the lung tissue at once, it can cause lung tissue damage. This is because they produce too much of damaging molecules called free radicals which break proteins, the cell membrane and DNA. As a consequence, the blood vessels in the lung become leaky, causing accumulation of the fluid in the lung tissue, and the air sacs of the lung fill up with fluid. This prevents those same air sacs, called alveoli, from filling with air, blocking oxygen in the air from getting into the blood. Patients die of oxygen deprivation. The cells that line our blood vessels are flat-shaped endothelial cells. One early step in this complicated ARDS disease process is the lining of the blood vessel becomes sticky to white blood cells by making sticky proteins on the cell surface, a phenomenon called endothelial cell activation. This triggers a vicious cycle; the greater endothelial cell activation, the more free radicals the white blood cells release. This in turn destroys the endothelial cells, making the blood vessel leak more and damages lung tissue. An exercise-induced antioxidant in our body More than 10 years ago, I started to study the protective role of exercise-induced antioxidant enzymes against loss of muscle size. My research has shown that endurance exercise promotes production of an antioxidant called extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) that breaks down the free radical superoxide outside of the cells. EcSOD is the only antioxidant enzyme that is secreted into the blood that reaches other vital organs and binds to the endothelial cells and other cells through a unique binding structure of the enzyme. This makes EcSOD unlike any supplemental antioxidant pill or food rich in antioxidants that we may consume. An oral antioxidant, once absorbed into the blood, does not target a given organ to provide protection, while EcSOD sticks to specific organs. When I first saw the evidence of increased EcSOD in skeletal muscle by aerobic exercise training, I was inspired to do an experiment in which I tested whether just increasing the amount of this enzyme through genetic engineering, instead of naturally through exercise, would provide protection from various diseases in which free radicals are known to play important roles, such as muscle atrophy and heart failure. EcSOD in protection against ARDS I engineered a mouse that produced more EcSOD in skeletal muscle than would the typical mouse to mimic the effects of aerobic exercise training. We obtained clear evidence that these mice were protected from muscle atrophy and diabetes-induced heart failure. I then artificially triggered ARDS in mice by injecting mice with a chemical produced by bacteria that are known to cause this condition. To my pleasant surprise, genetically engineered mice with higher concentrations of EcSOD in their blood were far more likely to survive the severe ARDS and multiple organ failure compared with a dismal mortality in the typical mice. This mimics the situation in intensive care where more than 80% of the patients die when they suffer from the failure of multiple organs, including ARDS. I then confirmed that indeed it was the EcSOD in the genetically engineered mice that provided the protection. When I performed an experiment in which a genetically engineered mouse shared blood with a normal mouse following a surgical procedure called parabiosis, or I took blood from a mouse with high EcSOD and transfused it into a normal mouse suffering from ARDS, the normal mouse had reduced severity of ARDS and clinical blood markers of multiple organ failure. Using various biochemical and imaging technologies, we saw the evidence of reduced endothelial cell activation and reduced protein, cell membrane and DNA damage caused by free radicals in the lung tissue. Learn from exercise These studies have provided proof-of-principle evidence that delivery of the EcSOD gene or protein to elevate the amount of EcSOD in the blood and vital organs may be an effective intervention for protection of the lungs and other vital organs against damages caused by ARDS and multiple organ failure. My findings in mice may inspire other researchers to come up with innovative ways to prevent and treat the deadly complication of COVID-19. For example, future studies may identify the exercise type, intensity and duration to optimally increase EcSOD levels in the lungs and other vital organs in humans to build up the defense against deadly complications of COVID-19 or other disease conditions. Of course, the findings may inspire research to foster pharmacological, protein and or gene therapies to treat COVID-19 patients with ARDS. The EcSOD antioxidant story is just one of many about the health benefits of exercise. I believe we can learn from exercise to develop effective therapies to treat ARDS caused by COVID-19 and other disease conditions. Words by Zhen Yan, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia. Special thanks to The Conversation for this story. You can support the independent network which provides news by donating today.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is the epitome of class, style, and all that jazz. It’s late November, and I am waiting for Catherine Zeta-Jones in a room inside Facebook’s New York City headquarters when I realize that I am a tad nervous to meet the illustrious actress. A bonafide star, Catherine’s acting credits run the gamut, from romantic comedies and dramas to thrillers and musicals. She sings, dances, and acts (hello, triple threat!). And she’s Hollywood Royalty: the wife of Michael Douglas, the daughter-in-law of Kirk Douglas. Add to that the fact that she often portrays unapologetically bold women, whose piercing stare would cause anyone to recoil in fear (remember when she stabbed the table with a raw steak in No Reservations?!). So, can you really blame me for feeling slightly intimidated? The door opens, interrupting my thoughts. As I enter the next room, I am greeted with a jubilant, “C’mon in!” from Catherine. Her Welsh accent surprises me as I’ve become so accustomed to the American accent she often uses on screen. While taking a quick bite, she warns me that it may smell foodie in here. Catherine is dressed in a floor-length, fuschia dress, and has her signature long, dark hair styled in waves. Over the years, she has been lauded as one of the most beautiful and sexiest actresses around —a title that, I can attest, continues to hold true. As I sink into the banquette beside Catherine, I inconspicuously breathe a sigh of relief —elated to find that she is as lovely as she is gorgeous. I immediately tell her that I love Queen America —her new web TV series on Facebook Watch. “Yay!” she says enthusiastically and claps her hands. In Queen America, Catherine plays Vicki Ellis, the ruthless Oklahoma beauty pageant coach helping the adorably clueless Samantha Cole win the Miss America title. Catherine describes Vicki as complicated. “Aren’t we all? Some of us are very good at hiding it better than others. I think we’re all insecure, I think we wouldn’t be women if we didn’t have the ability to have all those different elements within us. We’re strong. We’re vulnerable. I’m a lioness around my kids if anyone... set in a world of fake perfection that we have to live in and my kids get bombarded by it. When I was a kid, if I wanted to get body shamed, I’d have to go to a store and buy a magazine and look at a supermodel and go, Mmm, I wish I looked like that. Now, it’s every second of the day. And that’s not even real perfection. There’s no real perfection —a lot of it you can buy an app to correct.” Queen America came along at the perfect time. Ultimately, Catherine was looking for a TV series that would allow her the time to really dive into a multifaceted character. “I was like, THIS is it. I have to get my ass down to Atlanta, Georgia now! I just felt that I could have a lot of fun with this woman, who on the surface looks like she’s ruthless...but as the series goes on, you find out it’s not all what you see, the river runs much deeper... And Meaghan Oppenheimer, our creator and writer, just found wonderful relationships within the whole piece, in a world that looks very stereotypical and could be stereotypical, she found very grounded characters and I just fell in love with it.” Having grown up a competitive dancer, Catherine understands the pageant world, now, much more than ever. Born in Swansea in Wales, Catherine began her career in musical theatre at a young age. Even as a child, she did all that she could to grow and succeed in entertainment: working tirelessly on her craft and competing in talent shows that awarded her the money needed to get her to London. “I was 10 when I did Annie in the West End of London. I was 14 when I played Tallulah in Bugsy Malone in the West End. Then, I left school at 15 to be in The Pajama Game to get my work permit, and then I was in 42nd Street for 3 years. And then, I decided to do film and television after that. So it’s all I’ve known, and I know how hard it can be and I know the sacrifices that I had to make to fulfill a dream.” Her mastering of choreography, singing, dancing, and acting coupled with the discipline learned early on has helped her excel in a career that has called for her to expertly wield a sword (The Mask of Zorro), adroitly and sexily slink through a laser security system (Entrapment), and sing and dance well enough to garner an Academy Award (Chicago). Time and time again, Catherine has demonstrated that her talent knows no bounds. All of her hard work has translated into an impressive portfolio of blockbuster hits and over fifty awards and nominations, including an Academy Award, a Tony, SAG awards, and two Golden Globe nominations. And even though being an actor means dealing with a great deal of rejection, and myriad trials and tribulations, Catherine and Michael’s 18-year-old son, Dylan, and 15-year-old daughter, Carys, still want to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Dylan (who is currently in college and will likely major in history or politics) and Carys (who, at the time of our interview, had just landed the lead role in her high school play) have been honing their acting skills in drama camp every summer since they were kids. “Michael and I look at them, and go, ‘Mmm, they’re just good.’ If they weren’t, we would so happily guide them in a different direction, y’know? We both had amazing careers and great lives. We met each other in this business. The reason why they’re born is because of this business... They understand that it’s not sunglasses and autographs. They know the work. They know how sad you can get —even at careers like Michael and I— if things don’t work out or how hard it is to get good things made... So, after all that, they still want to do that.” What sort of advice do you give them? “Well, do it! Because it’s very clear to me that it’s an inherent passion... I have my kids on a very long leash, so I’ve never told them that they couldn’t do anything, so I’m certainly not going to start now.” A chameleon on screen, Catherine can just as easily portray a needy, diva, like in America’s Sweethearts as she can depict a cutthroat drug kingpin in Cocaine Godmother. I especially love her in No Reservations, where she plays a serious chef who takes in her niece, played by Abigail Breslin, after her sister is killed in a car accident. “A lot of people love No Reservations! It was kind of a little movie and it had legs. So many people saw it after it opened and go, ‘I love that movie.’ People just like food, but it’s a fun movie. Me too, I love that. One of my favorites, of course, Chicago, because I got the chance to do that on film. I love Traffic, I got to work with my husband, but I wasn’t in a scene with him. We got to promote a movie together —I was very fond of Traffic.” Catherine would love to do more comedy, a genre she’s comfortable in when it’s written well. “I can’t even tell a joke, I forget the punchline. The idea of doing stand-up comedy, for me, is probably a recurring nightmare that will never ever, ever go away. Acting comedically, I really enjoy. I loved working with Billy Crystal and Johnny Cusack in America’s Sweethearts. We were cracking up all the time.” She also relishes diving deep into her emotions and pushing herself further than she thought possible, which she can explore in dramatic roles. “I’m lucky that I started in theatre...I know what it means to do the same show for two years with different audiences, eight times a week. It’s challenging and it’s really, really rewarding. So, it’s all one of the same really —finding the truth in the character.” Catherine is now at a point in her life where she’d rather stay home and sew than work with unsavory people. “This is not brain surgery...this is making entertainment, and I don’t want to be around [that], and I have been in the past, early on in my career. People are just plain mean and make you sad. So, for me, now, I’m only working with great people who have no attitude and who want to work as hard as me to get it done and have no ego —that’s it,” she says matter-of-factly. Her passion for sewing and home decor informed her latest venture: Casa Zeta-Jones. A self-proclaimed “frustrated interior designer and architect,” Catherine has also been channeling her creative energy into decorating her homes and sewing curtains, a skill inherited from her mother and great-grandmother, who were seamstresses. “Basically it’s like, I don’t want to take that job with those a-holes and those egomaniacs, what am I going to do?” One day, while watching Shark Tank —as she always does— she thought, Who would be my shark? She concluded it would be FUBU founder Daymond John, so she phoned him with her proposition. Since the two had never spoken or met before, Daymond initially assumed she was calling to invite him to a party, she tells me. “Two years later, I have a brand and he’s my business partner. It’s a lot of work, but I just love it. It’s like a hobby that went viral.” Casa Zeta-Jones, which is available on QVC, boasts luxurious, vintage-inspired, home decor —bedding, pillows, rugs— as well as pretty pajama sets and robes. Of all the rooms Catherine has decorated in her Bedford, New York mansion, her favorite is their cavernous, Moroccan-inspired family room — appointed with decadent fabrics and loads of pillows piled atop two huge Chinese daybeds. Perfect for entertaining, the room has a big big-screen TV, piano, and karaoke machine. “I lie in there on a Sunday and read a bit, nap a bit with one of my throws. When my house is full, with all my family from Wales and Michael’s family, my nieces and my nephews, we all congregate there before dinner and then after dinner.” This November, Catherine and Michael will celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. The secret to their successful marriage, Catherine tells me, is being kind, tolerant, and forgiving of one another. “First of all, we spend so much time going, ‘Thank you’ to total strangers. ‘Thank you so much. Oh, I appreciate it. You’re so sweet.’ And then you go home and are like, Mehh! to the person you love more than anything else in the world. So that’s a bit of mantra for us. It’s like, OK, leave that all out there, come in, and just be kind to each other. And he’s my best friend, y’know? Through thick and thin. I lucked out, he’s a very special person.” What do you admire most about Michael? “He’s a good citizen of the planet. A lot of egos in the acting world, and there’s a lot of people we don’t see outside their bubble in this world, but he looks outside the bubble. He’s really concerned with what’s going on out there. He’s philanthropic. He’s thoughtful. Great friend. He’s loyal. His loyalty to other people and his loyalty to the planet and what’s good, what’s right —that’s what I admire more than anything,” she replies fondly. Catherine truly believes that the two of them, who met at the 1998 Deauville Film Festival in France, were destined to be together. “I do believe in destiny. I probably would’ve met him at some film festival in my life, y’know? Look, all the odds seemed to be against us. Ugh, it will never last [all the naysayers said]. Well, it did,” she says with a smile. She also believes in compatibility based off astrology —Catherine and Michael share the same birthday, September 25th. “25 years apart! People are starting to forget that. God damn men!” she quips with a smile. “Sometimes we look at each other and it’s like we know, kinda, what the other is thinking. I totally believe in that. There is an alignment of where you are born and I don’t know whether it’s the date or...I don’t know, but for sure.” Their handwriting is even similar. “I’ve been in New York or he’s been in L.A. working and we’re both in different hotels and we’re both having room service and we both order the same thing: beet salad and something. I just ordered beet salad. Really? Me too.” While the couple have tried to work together on screen, nothing has panned out yet. “It’s always a bit weird when you’re married to somebody, it takes the movie magic out of it, I think. They certainly don’t want us kissing on screen. It’s like, ‘Eww, go home to do that. I’m not paying to see that!’ The idea of us wanting to kill each other, like Kathleen Turner and him in War of the Roses, that makes sense. That’s fun. People like that. They go, ‘Oh my god, those guys are crazy together!’" WE WANT MORE! What film was the most challenging for you? “Film? One I didn’t like, but I’m not going to say, just because people were mean to me on it. That was a long, long time ago and well forgotten. I think the challenging one physically had to be Chicago because of the workload or the dancing. It wasn’t like going on stage and doing it once, right? It was like three days of four different camera angles. So, the stamina of that. But the pure joy of it completely... I’d do it all over again. Oh my god...I loved it.” Any plans to do more theatre? “I’m actually meeting a theatre director at my house on Saturday about something. It just has to be the right thing... And this particular piece I’m talking about would actually open in London, then come to Broadway —I’d be going home. But I have a 15-year-old daughter who doesn’t really want me to go away for 6 months. It’s a huge commitment for me because of my family. If I was single, oh yeah, I wouldn’t care. I’d be doing it straight away, but I have responsibilities... It all comes down to: What is it that’s so special that would make me do that...and commit to something so wholeheartedly? It has to be something good. So, we’ll see.” What do you think people would be surprised to find out about you? “A lot like our show actually, is that people always think, ‘Oh, she’s just together, successful, and pretty...’ and I’m just a regular woman. I’ve got all the insecurities that every woman has. I’m just like you. I’m very down-to- earth. I’m a Welsh girl who happened to work really hard and make good. But I feel very humble that the work that I had to put in to get here. It was never handed to me. People think, ‘Oh, she swans around in kimonos and mules. She has her hair and makeup done every morning and every night.’ I really don’t. And I think that’s the beauty of how close I am to my family. We’re very, very close because we’re pretty real. And Kirk Douglas —Spartacus! We’re a regular family, so that’s it. I’m heading back to my family now.” Interview and words by Vanessa Pascale. Images by John Russo. Follow Catherine on Instagram and Facebook @CatherineZetaJones and follow Casa Zeta-Jones on Instagram @casazetajones · casazetajones.com Don’t miss Queen America on Facebook Watch now, a free video-on-demand service operated by Facebook and accessible when you log in to your account.

Mention Creed Virgin Island Water to those familiar with the fruity fresh scent and you’re likely to get a contented exhale. It’s the kind of reaction usually associated with relaxed vacationers lounging beachside, cocktails at the ready. And rightfully so; since its creation in 2007, Virgin Island Water has famously captured the spirit of tropical getaways and luxurious resorts. This classic, created by Sixth Generation Master Perfumer Olivier Creed and his son, Erwin Creed, was inspired by a sailing trip near Ginger Island in the Caribbean. Capturing the exotic trade winds of the region’s Sir Francis Drake Channel in the Caribbean was the perfumers’ inspiration. The juice opens with a citrusy hit of Sicilian white bergamot, Jamaican lime and Sicilian mandarin. This accord is accompanied by a delicious copra note, from the inner flesh of the coconut. Next up: hibiscus, ylang-ylang and Indian jasmine. At the base, deep Tonkin musk, tropical wood and white rum. Simultaneously fresh and warm, this uplifting scent complements both men and women in warmer months and climates, or whenever the wearer wants to indulge in a virtual vacation. True to its fruity fragrance family, Virgin Island Water is fresh and tropical, uplifting and enticing. In other words, it’s the epitome of a classic. To purchase visit House of Creed's website, or stop by their store located at Miami Design District: 151 NE 41st St PP-143, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (305) 573-9495 Courtesy of House of Creed

During an exclusive chat with Daily Pop co-host Morgan Stewart, the famed supermodel reflected on her milestone birthday. As E! readers surely know, last week (May 22, to be exact), Naomi turned 50 years old. So, how did she celebrate? According to the British-born businesswoman, her birthday was a "surreal and serene day." As the industry veteran is practicing social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, she revealed she celebrated her name day with an intimate group of friends. In fact, per Naomi, there were only "four of us." Talk about a tight guest list! "I'm also very happy to get to 50," she added. Although Naomi said she's been doing fine in self-isolation, she did reveal one struggle she faced. Namely, she's had to learn more about technology, especially for her Essence cover. Earlier in May, Naomi shot a cover for the popular magazine using an iPhone. Since a magazine cover typically requires a team effort, Naomi was forced to take on many roles. "I was so intimidated when all the equipment arrived! All I know how to do is to sit in front of the lights and get my photograph taken," the legendary runway maven expressed. "I had to be my hairdresser, my makeup artist, the photographer, as well as my housekeeper!" Nonetheless, Naomi made it clear that she was honored to take on this challenge. "Essence is a magazine that's of my culture and so, it was for me a privilege and an honor to be able to do this and it come out ok," she relayed. This wasn't the only exciting career update from Naomi, who recently announced her partnership with PAT McGRATH LABS. As of May 28, Naomi is the first and only face for dear friend and iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath. "I am the PAT McGRATH LABS spokesperson model! And I'm so very much looking forward for you to see what we've done and what we've created," she gushed. "I love Pat, Pat McGrath is like family to me. She's the best makeup artist in the world!" For all of this and more, including Naomi's go-to makeup tip, be sure to watch the interview above! Watch Daily Pop weekdays at 12:30 p.m., only on E!

Some things never change. Swedish Hasbeens believe in something larger than ourselves. Our products are handmade in the old traditional way, with respect for people and the environment, in small factories that have a long history of craftsmanship. the high quality and natural materials create a product that is made to last. Her name was Anita and she was the hottest mum in all of southern Sweden in the 1970’s.  while smoking camel, she screamed at her kids until her curlers fell out and looked fabulous in her white high-heeled clogs. one summer day back in 2006 we found the shoes she wore in the basement of an old clog factory in the neighboring village and brought them to Stockholm. So, for all the people that shared our love for Anita’s wooden shoes, and for ourselves, we started to produce the same original styles, in the old factories with genuine materials, which ages in the most beautiful way. Hasbeens are made of: Vachetta leather grained with natural/vegetable oils, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also of highest quality. Chrome-free leather, which is free from heavy metals. The wood comes from forests in Europe, with strict regulations governed by the eu, whereby for each tree cut, a new one is planted. Each wooden sole is cut from one piece of lime tree, giving the sole a harmonious aesthetic. Click to view larger image > Hasbeens will always be sustainable. the materials will be natural. the people who make the shoes will always have good work situations. this makes the shoes good for the people who wear them, the people who make them and the nature, which they came from. Our shoes are: Designed in Sweden. Prototypes and samples are made in Italy. Production made in Romania and Sweden. Machines can never replace humans. our shoes will always be made by hand. that makes them better than any machine-made shoes. these are the demands that we as modern consumers need to ask ourselves when we buy something. do we want to make this a better world? Some things never change. CONTACT INFO Online store: Swedishhasbeens.com Customer service: info@swedishhasbeens.com Swedish Hasbeens is available online as well as in many US retailer locations including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Zappos, Shopbop, Urban outfitters, J.Crew and many more.

If you wish to look glamorous and be 'red carpet ready', then stun your style statement by the designer jewelry available only at Bal Harbour shops. The high-end luxurious jewelry is carefully crafted to meet the chic style statement of the modern women. The Limited Edition piece of jewelry by TIFFANY & CO, GRAFF, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, BULGARI and HARRY WINSTON bring an oomph in the outlook. These gorgeous diamonds and sparkly gemstones are put together to give you a celebrity feel. TIFFANY & CO. Kunzite and Diamond Ring GRAFF 14 Carat Sapphire & Diamond Ring VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Rubis Flamboyant Transformable Necklace and Ring BULGARI Fiore di Bulgari 'ingenuo' necklace in pink gold with 1 cabochon cut rubellite, 4 cabochon cut tourmalines, 2 cabochon cut amethysts, 1cabochon cut rodolite, round and buff top cut emerald, diamonds and pave diamonds. TIFFANY & CO. Necklace in platinum with sapphires from the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection HARRY WINSTON Incredibles by Harry Winston Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings Set In Platinum HARRY WINSTON Pear-Shape Aquamarine Earrings featuring Diamonds Set In Platinum GRAFF 36.24 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow cushion cut diamond ring with pear shaped diamond shoulders (Diamonds: 40.66cts) GRAFF Emerald and Diamond Earrings TIFFANY & CO. Ring in Platinum with Oval Aquamarines from the Art of the Wild collection Store Locations TIFFANY & CO. 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 305.864.1801 GRAFF JEWELERS 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 305.993.1212 VAN CLEEF & ARPELS 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 305.866.0899 BULGARI 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 305.861.8898 HARRY WINSTON 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 786.206.6657 Words By Sumbal Kuraishi, a Writing Maestro, Roll of Honor awarded, Founder of Modernfashionblog, Co-Founder of Designbolts and CEO of Fabnailartdesigns.

A new era of human spaceflight is set to begin as American astronauts once again launch on an American rocket from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley flew on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifting off on a Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. EDT May 30, from Launch Complex 39A in Florida, for an extended stay at the space station for the Demo-2 mission. The specific duration of the mission is to be determined. As the final flight test for SpaceX, this mission validates the company’s crew transportation system, including the launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, and operational capabilities. This also was be the first time NASA astronauts tested the spacecraft systems in orbit. Robert Behnken Behnken is the joint operations commander for the mission, responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the space station. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000 and has completed two space shuttle flights. Behnken flew STS-123 in March 2008 and STS-130 in February 2010, and he performed three spacewalks during each mission. Born in St. Anne, Missouri, he has bachelor’s degrees in physics and mechanical engineering from Washington University and earned a master’s and doctorate in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology. Before joining NASA, Behnken was a flight test engineer with the U.S. Air Force. Douglas Hurley Hurley is the spacecraft commander for Demo-2, responsible for activities such as launch, landing and recovery. He was selected as an astronaut in 2000 and has completed two spaceflights. Hurley served as pilot and lead robotics operator for both STS‐127 in July 2009 and STS‐135, the final space shuttle mission, in July 2011. The New York native was born in Endicott but considers Apalachin his hometown. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University in Louisiana and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Maryland. Before joining NASA, he was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lifting off from Launch Pad 39A atop a specially instrumented Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon accelerated its two passengers to approximately 17,000 mph and put it on an intercept course with the International Space Station. Once in orbit, the crew and SpaceX mission control verified the spacecraft is performing as intended by testing the environmental control system, the displays and control system and the maneuvering thrusters, among other things. The Crew Dragon was also in position to rendezvous and dock with the space station. The spacecraft is designed to do this autonomously but astronauts aboard the spacecraft and the station will be diligently monitoring approach and docking and can take control of the spacecraft if necessary. After successfully docking, Behnken and Hurley were welcomed aboard station and became members of the Expedition 63 crew. They will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew. Although the Crew Dragon being used for this flight test can stay in orbit about 110 days, the specific mission duration will be determined once on station based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch. The operational Crew Dragon spacecraft will be capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement. Upon conclusion of the mission, Crew Dragon will autonomously undock with the two astronauts on board, depart the space station and re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Upon splashdown just off Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the crew will be picked up at sea by SpaceX’s Go Navigator recovery vessel and return to Cape Canaveral. The Demo-2 mission will be the final major step before NASA’s Commercial Crew Program certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. This certification and regular operation of Crew Dragon will enable NASA to continue the important research and technology investigations taking place onboard the station, which benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars starting with the agency’s Artemis program, which will land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface in 2024. Words and images by NASA. Gif courtesy of KeokeN

A new era of human spaceflight is set to begin as American astronauts once again launch on an American rocket from American soil to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley flew on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifting off on a Falcon 9 rocket at 3:22 p.m. EDT May 30, from Launch Complex 39A in Florida, for an extended stay at the space station for the Demo-2 mission. The specific duration of the mission is to be determined. As the final flight test for SpaceX, this mission validates the company’s crew transportation system, including the launch pad, rocket, spacecraft, and operational capabilities. This also was be the first time NASA astronauts tested the spacecraft systems in orbit. Robert Behnken Behnken is the joint operations commander for the mission, responsible for activities such as rendezvous, docking and undocking, as well as Demo-2 activities while the spacecraft is docked to the space station. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000 and has completed two space shuttle flights. Behnken flew STS-123 in March 2008 and STS-130 in February 2010, and he performed three spacewalks during each mission. Born in St. Anne, Missouri, he has bachelor’s degrees in physics and mechanical engineering from Washington University and earned a master’s and doctorate in mechanical engineering from California Institute of Technology. Before joining NASA, Behnken was a flight test engineer with the U.S. Air Force. Douglas Hurley Hurley is the spacecraft commander for Demo-2, responsible for activities such as launch, landing and recovery. He was selected as an astronaut in 2000 and has completed two spaceflights. Hurley served as pilot and lead robotics operator for both STS‐127 in July 2009 and STS‐135, the final space shuttle mission, in July 2011. The New York native was born in Endicott but considers Apalachin his hometown. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University in Louisiana and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Maryland. Before joining NASA, he was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lifting off from Launch Pad 39A atop a specially instrumented Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon accelerated its two passengers to approximately 17,000 mph and put it on an intercept course with the International Space Station. Once in orbit, the crew and SpaceX mission control verified the spacecraft is performing as intended by testing the environmental control system, the displays and control system and the maneuvering thrusters, among other things. The Crew Dragon was also in position to rendezvous and dock with the space station. The spacecraft is designed to do this autonomously but astronauts aboard the spacecraft and the station will be diligently monitoring approach and docking and can take control of the spacecraft if necessary. After successfully docking, Behnken and Hurley were welcomed aboard station and became members of the Expedition 63 crew. They will perform tests on Crew Dragon in addition to conducting research and other tasks with the space station crew. Although the Crew Dragon being used for this flight test can stay in orbit about 110 days, the specific mission duration will be determined once on station based on the readiness of the next commercial crew launch. The operational Crew Dragon spacecraft will be capable of staying in orbit for at least 210 days as a NASA requirement. Upon conclusion of the mission, Crew Dragon will autonomously undock with the two astronauts on board, depart the space station and re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Upon splashdown just off Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the crew will be picked up at sea by SpaceX’s Go Navigator recovery vessel and return to Cape Canaveral. The Demo-2 mission will be the final major step before NASA’s Commercial Crew Program certifies Crew Dragon for operational, long-duration missions to the space station. This certification and regular operation of Crew Dragon will enable NASA to continue the important research and technology investigations taking place onboard the station, which benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars starting with the agency’s Artemis program, which will land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface in 2024. Words and images by NASA. Gif courtesy of KeokeN

Lady Gaga just dropped her sixth studio album, and Little Monsters, as her fans are called could not be more ready. Chromatica is star-studded, with features from Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK, and Elton John. The 16 track album focuses on the world of Chromatica, where “time and distance do not exist”, as Gaga penned in a tweet earlier this week. Upcoming Chromatica Livestreams Twitter listening party on Friday, May 29th Link: https://twitter.com/ladygaga The full tracklisting: Chromatica I Alice Stupid Love Rain On Me with Ariana Grande Free Woman Fun Tonight Chromatica II 911 Plastic Doll Sour Candy with BLACKPINK Enigma Replay Chromatica III Sine From Above with Elton John 1000 Doves Babylon Image courtesy of Live Nation

Did you know June 3rd is recognized as International World Bicycle Day? The United Nations declared this day as a way to recognize the importance of biking and its huge physical benefits and joy it bring us all. Lets all celebrate International World Bicycle Day right here in Miami this Wednesday! Take out your bike and head out to the streets. If you don't own a bike, just rent one at any of CitiBike's stations -- one of the easiest ways to get a bike around Miami. CitiBike is available at dozens of stations in numerous neighborhoods including South Beach, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Downtown, Wynwood, Surfside and Bal Harbour. Why celebrate the bicycle? Regular physical activity of moderate intensity – such as walking, cycling, or doing sports – has significant benefits for health. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active outweigh potential harm, for example through accidents. Some physical activity is better than none. By becoming more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels. The mobility needs of people who walk and cycle – often the majority of citizens in a city – continue to be overlooked, states Share the Road Programme Annual Report 2018, even though the benefits of investing in pedestrians and cyclists can save lives, help protect the environment and support poverty reduction. Meeting the needs of people who walk and cycle continues to be a critical part of the mobility solution for helping cities de-couple population growth from increased emissions, and to improve air quality and road safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death. Accordingly, improved active transport is not only healthy; it is also equitable and cost-effective. The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation; The bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care and sport; The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment; The bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate. Background Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day. It encouraged stakeholders to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace. The Assembly welcomed initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society. World Bicycle Day Encourages Member States to devote particular attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies and to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programmes; Encourages Member States to improve road safety and integrate it into sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure planning and design, in particular through policies and measures to actively protect and promote pedestrian safety and cycling mobility, with a view to broader health outcomes, particularly the prevention of injuries and non-communicable diseases; Encourages stakeholders to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace; Encourages Member States to adopt best practices and means to promote the bicycle among all members of society, and in this regard welcomes initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society. By ML Staff. Courtesy of UN. Gif image courtesy of gifbin

Ricky Martin released the first phase of his albumPAUSA, as part of a two-part release. The EP features collaborations with multiple artists including Bad Bunny, Residente, and Farruko to name a few. Tracks include “Recuerdo”, a unique romantic ballad that Martin describes as a “touch of fresh air” to “Cántalo”, a collaborative track and rendition of an era of salsa from the 70’s. Martin released the first single and music video off the EP, “Tiburones”, earlier this month. Watch the video below: PAUSA “Simple” with Sting “Recuerdo” with Carla Morrison “Cae de Una” with Pedro Capó “Quiéreme” with Diego El Cigala “Tiburones” “Cántalo” with Residente & Bad Bunny By Live Nation

Recently, Tom Ford has thrust in some chic and celebratory ‘Graduation boxes’ for Graduation Day. What a lovely way to make young graduates feel special during these challenging times! The graduation box is an ideal gift to celebrate the warm sentiments, smiles, confetti and graduation celebrations. Make this graduation a cherishing experience for your loved ones by presenting them with this special graduation gift set. Visit Tom Ford's Miami boutique located at 103 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137. Telephone: (786) 749-2600 The Black Orchid Luxe Gift Set includes: 1. BLACK ORCHID 50ML 2. SABRINA SUNGLASSES IN BLACK 3. PERFORATED LEATHER T TWIST CAMERA BAG IN BLACK 4. PADLOCK LEATHER BRACELET IN BLACK The package is sold as a set, with exclusive product badge. For other exclusive gift sets, don’t forget to visit www.tomford.com Words By Sumbal Kuraishi, a Writing Maestro, Roll of Honor awarded, Founder of Modernfashionblog, Co-Founder of Designbolts and CEO of Fabnailartdesigns.