Latest news with #Watermelon
Black America Web
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Juneteenth Is Black Joy: 7 Black Women On What Liberation Looks Like Now
Source: Courtesy of Featured / Courtesy of Featured As the nation pauses to honor Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation—Black Americans continue to infuse the day with meaning, reflection, and joy. It's more than a commemoration. It's a celebration of culture, a resistance against erasure, and a radical assertion of freedom in all its forms. We spoke with several Black changemakers, creatives, and community leaders to hear how they celebrate Juneteenth, what freedom means to them, and how they intentionally make space for joy—especially in times that threaten it most. Source: Courtesy of Featured / Courtesy of Blair Imani Activist and educator Blair Imani (she/her) celebrates Juneteenth by 'centering community and focusing on education.' For her, the holiday is a chance to uplift Black Americans and affirm that 'our history is U.S. history.' Similarly, Ozy Aloziem (she/her), a DEI strategist and poet, immerses herself in 'Black people, Black music, Black stories, Black food, Black joy, Black art, and Black everything' during the holiday. 'I try to find ways to honor and hold space for history and the hard-earned freedom I'm privileged to access,' she shares. For Whitney Roberts, the day is centered around family traditions. 'We explain, in an age-appropriate way, what the holiday is and why it matters,' she says. Then, the family turns to cooking together, pulling recipes from Watermelon and Red Birds by Nicole Taylor. 'Juneteenth for us is really about family, about connection, and about love.' Source: Courtesy of Featured / Courtesy of Whitney Roberts Zayna Allen (she/her) reflects on her evolving relationship with the holiday. 'I only started celebrating within the past five years,' she says, explaining that Juneteenth wasn't something she learned about until adulthood. Now, she prioritizes being around her community. 'On Juneteenth, we're unapologetically Blackity Black—and I love seeing that from us.' Gabrielle, co-founder of Vibes In The Park , marks the occasion through community-based celebrations like festivals, food, art, and educational events. 'We support Black-owned businesses and creators—centering Black culture in all its beauty and brilliance.' While the holiday commemorates a historic moment of freedom, today's Black leaders acknowledge that the concept of liberation remains complex and contested. 'Freedom is under constant threat,' says Blair Imani, referencing attacks on trans rights, reproductive justice, immigrant communities, and voting rights. 'While we are in a different position than our ancestors were in 1865, freedom must still be fought for diligently.' She uplifts the work of the Legal Defense Fund and others who continue to defend civil rights in the face of modern-day oppression. Source: Courtesy of Featured / Courtesy of Ozy Aloziem For Ozy, freedom means 'being able to access and live into possibility,' unbound by fear. Whitney sees it as 'being your full self without fear,' living in a way so free it liberates others just by example. And for Gabrielle, it's about 'existing fully and unapologetically—mentally, spiritually, and physically.' Zayna envisions freedom as the ability to step outside without fear, to be wholly oneself without restraint. It's a dream, she admits, but one worth holding onto and pushing toward. In a world that often attempts to rob Black people of peace and rest, joy is a revolutionary act. 'Joy and the fight against oppression are not mutually exclusive,' says Blair. 'In fact, joy is necessary to fight against our dehumanization.' Whether it's a comedy show, time with loved ones, or new music, she sees joy as a way to stay grounded in the vision of a better world. Whitney agrees that joy must be intentional. 'It could be a dance party with my 4-year-old, Kiki-ing with my friends, journaling, or neighborhood walks,' she says. 'Whatever it is, it must be an intentional choice. If joy can't be found, sometimes it must be made.' Source: Courtesy of Featured / Courtesy of Zayna Allen Ozy speaks passionately about her transformation from melancholy to what she calls 'the queen of wow.' She finds joy in everything from silly Instagram reels and jump-roping to poetry and yellow sunflowers. 'Joy, quite literally, is at my fingertips,' she laughs, referring to her sunflower-covered phone case and bright yellow nails. For Zayna, protecting joy is an act of resistance. 'It's tough,' she admits. 'But I don't allow external factors to jeopardize my connection to joy, no matter how hard it is to find it some days.' Gabrielle echoes this sentiment, saying she makes space for joy by 'protecting my peace, surrounding myself with people who pour into me, and doing things that feel good to my mind, body, and spirit.' Juneteenth is not just a day off or a moment of historical reflection. It's a living, breathing call to action. It invites us to remember what our ancestors fought for and to recommit ourselves to a vision of freedom that includes joy, justice, and full self-expression. As these voices remind us, liberation isn't a moment—it's a lifelong journey. And on that journey, joy is not optional. It's essential. SEE ALSO Juneteenth Is Black Joy: 7 Black Women On What Liberation Looks Like Now was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Top 5 benefits of eating watermelon on an empty stomach
Are you someone who snoozes three times, drags yourself to the kitchen, and still feels like you're running on empty by 11 AM? That familiar afternoon crash that has you questioning all your life choices? There's something ridiculously simple that could change everything – and it's probably sitting in your fridge right now. Most of us treat watermelon like summer's sweet reward, something to munch on after barbecues or pack for beach trips. But what if the timing was all wrong? What if this humble fruit was meant to be the opening act of your day, not the closing dessert? 1. Your body's morning pH reset Ever wonder why some mornings you feel acidic and irritable before you've even spoken to another human being? Overnight, your body accumulates acid from repair work while you sleep. Watermelon happens to be incredibly alkaline. When you eat it first thing in the morning, it acts like a gentle buffer, neutralizing that overnight acidity buildup. It's not magic, but it feels pretty close when you notice how much calmer your stomach feels and how your mood seems steadier throughout the day. 2. The blood flow boost nobody talks about Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps your blood vessels relax and widen. Think of it as giving your circulatory system a gentle morning stretch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo When your stomach is empty, your body can actually absorb and use this compound properly. The result? Better blood flow to your brain, which explains why people who do this often report feeling sharper and more focused during their morning meetings instead of staring blankly at their computer screen. 3. The skin glow connection Watermelon actually beats tomatoes in the antioxidant department by a pretty impressive margin. But the real secret sauce happens when you eat it on an empty stomach. Without other foods competing for attention, your body can absorb way more of these skin-protecting compounds. People who make this a habit often notice their skin looks more radiant within a few weeks. It's like taking a supplement, except it actually tastes good and doesn't cost a fortune. 4. Natural morning detox By morning, your body has spent hours cleaning house while you slept, and there's cellular "trash" that needs to be taken out. Watermelon's natural composition – all that water plus the right minerals – gives your kidneys exactly what they need to flush everything out efficiently. It's gentle, natural, and way more pleasant than those harsh detox drinks that taste like punishment. Your body knows how to detox itself; watermelon just gives it the right tools to do the job properly. 5. The 30-minute rule that changes everything Watermelon has natural enzymes that essentially wake up your digestive system for the day. But here's the catch – they only work their magic if they get a head start. Eat watermelon first, then wait 30 minutes before having anything else. During those 30 minutes, these enzymes are preparing your stomach for whatever you throw at it next. Skip this window and you're missing out on what could be your smoothest digestion all day. This isn't about perfection or overhauling your routine. It's one small change that takes two minutes but could transform your day. The people who stick with this simply noticed they felt better and decided that was worth a few slices of watermelon. Sometimes the best solutions are hiding in plain sight, disguised as something so simple we almost overlook them entirely. Dr. Ridhima Khamsera, Clinical Dietitian One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
The Next Step in Jack in the Box's Innovative Drink Lineage: New SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon Beverages
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This month, Jack in the Box, Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is turning up the drink variety with a bold new addition: the all-new SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages. In partnership with the iconic SOUR PATCH KIDS® brand, Jack is introducing a tangy, refreshing drink lineup that brings the unmistakable SOUR THEN SWEET® experience to your cup. Featuring the punchy, juicy flavor of watermelon with a craveably tart edge, these limited-time beverages mark the brand's first-ever collaboration with a sour candy—and one of its most unique beverage offerings yet. It's the perfect fusion of Jack in the Box's unexpected drink innovation and SOUR PATCH KIDS®' playful, bold personality. Here's what's on tap: Watermelon Shake – A creamy vanilla shake swirled with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor. A SOUR THEN SWEET® treat. And totally sippable. Pricing starts at $5.19. Watermelon Twisted Soda – Lemon-lime soda gets a glow-up with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor and a whipped topping finish. Pricing starts at $3.79. Watermelon Lemonade – A refreshing classic mixed with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor for the ultimate pucker-upper. Pricing starts at $3.29. Watermelon Slushie – An ice-cold slushie bursting with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor. Available only in select Austin, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City locations. Pricing starts at $3.29. This exclusive launch joins Jack's growing lineup of crave-worthy drinks, including Milk Tea with Boba, Red Bull® Infusions, Vanilla Sweet Cream Iced Coffees and so munch more. The SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages are here for a good time, not a long time—so get your hands on them while they last. On top of new drinks, Jack in the Box is flipping the fry game with new Flavored Seasoned Curly Fries—its first-ever twist on the fan-favorite classic. Choose from Chili Crisp, bringing heat and umami crunch, or BBQ Potato Chip, packed with smoky, sweet, snackable flavor. Bold drinks or bold fries, summer at Jack just hits different. Available now at Jack in the Box locations, online and on the Jack app nationwide. About Jack in the Box Inc. Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,190 restaurants across 22 states, and Del Taco®, the second largest Mexican-American QSR chain by units in the U.S. with approximately 590 restaurants across 17 states. For more information on both brands, including franchising opportunities, visit and SOUR PATCH KIDS ® is a beloved SOUR THEN SWEET® candy brand, available around the globe. SOUR PATCH KIDS ® candies have been igniting loveable mischief with fans since the SOUR PATCH KIDS® brand was established in 1985. For more information, follow SOUR PATCH KIDS® on Facebook/sourpatchkids, X @SourPatchKids, TikTok @therealsourpatchkids or on Instagram @SourPatchKids.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Next Step in Jack in the Box's Innovative Drink Lineage: New SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon Beverages
Jack in the Box delivers its first sour candy-inspired drink lineup, partnering with SOUR PATCH KIDS®, just in time for summer SAN DIEGO, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This month, Jack in the Box, Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is turning up the drink variety with a bold new addition: the all-new SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages. In partnership with the iconic SOUR PATCH KIDS® brand, Jack is introducing a tangy, refreshing drink lineup that brings the unmistakable SOUR THEN SWEET® experience to your cup. Featuring the punchy, juicy flavor of watermelon with a craveably tart edge, these limited-time beverages mark the brand's first-ever collaboration with a sour candy—and one of its most unique beverage offerings yet. It's the perfect fusion of Jack in the Box's unexpected drink innovation and SOUR PATCH KIDS®' playful, bold personality. Here's what's on tap: Watermelon Shake – A creamy vanilla shake swirled with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor. A SOUR THEN SWEET® treat. And totally sippable. Pricing starts at $5.19. Watermelon Twisted Soda – Lemon-lime soda gets a glow-up with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor and a whipped topping finish. Pricing starts at $3.79. Watermelon Lemonade – A refreshing classic mixed with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor for the ultimate pucker-upper. Pricing starts at $3.29. Watermelon Slushie – An ice-cold slushie bursting with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor. Available only in select Austin, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City locations. Pricing starts at $3.29. This exclusive launch joins Jack's growing lineup of crave-worthy drinks, including Milk Tea with Boba, Red Bull® Infusions, Vanilla Sweet Cream Iced Coffees and so munch more. The SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages are here for a good time, not a long time—so get your hands on them while they last. On top of new drinks, Jack in the Box is flipping the fry game with new Flavored Seasoned Curly Fries—its first-ever twist on the fan-favorite classic. Choose from Chili Crisp, bringing heat and umami crunch, or BBQ Potato Chip, packed with smoky, sweet, snackable flavor. Bold drinks or bold fries, summer at Jack just hits different. Available now at Jack in the Box locations, online and on the Jack app nationwide. About Jack in the Box Inc. Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,190 restaurants across 22 states, and Del Taco®, the second largest Mexican-American QSR chain by units in the U.S. with approximately 590 restaurants across 17 states. For more information on both brands, including franchising opportunities, visit and About SOUR PATCH KIDS® Candy SOUR PATCH KIDS ® is a beloved SOUR THEN SWEET® candy brand, available around the globe. SOUR PATCH KIDS ® candies have been igniting loveable mischief with fans since the SOUR PATCH KIDS® brand was established in 1985. For more information, follow SOUR PATCH KIDS® on Facebook/sourpatchkids, X @SourPatchKids, TikTok @therealsourpatchkids or on Instagram @SourPatchKids. Category: Corporate View source version on Contacts Press Contact:Casey MiddletonPublic Relations, Jack in the Boxmedia@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India beats Romania to become a top-performing market for Hell Energy drink after Hungary
India has become the top-performing market, in terms of exports, for Hell Energy drink after beating Romania, however, Hungary continues to hold the top spot, Unnikannan Gangadharan, director, Hell Energy, told ETRetail. The company treats Hungary as a separate unit and all other countries as one separate unit. "India is an important market for the brand as the country is dominated by youth who are betting big on the cold functional beverages," he said. "In terms of value, we hold almost 10-12 per cent of the energy drink category in India, which includes both aluminium cans and PET bottles," he further added. Apart from this, the brand is also aiming to increase its sourcing from India up to 50 per cent by 2027. Currently, it stands at 20 per cent. "Over the next 3 years, India will become a major supplier for Hell Energy India's business. So, it will further give us the cost advantage and shelf-life advantage," he asserted. At present, the brand works with more than 3,000 distributors across the country and plans to consolidate it in the bigger cities and expand in the cities where it has little or no presence. The energy drink brand, which is strengthening its presence in the e-commerce and q-commerce space in FY 25, is targeting to penetrate deeper into tier IV as well as rural markets of the country in FY 26. Currently, 5-6 per cent of the revenue of the brand comes from online channels. In India, the brand offers 3 variants - Classic, Watermelon, and Apple, whereas globally it offers 25 SKUs. "Going ahead, we are planning to introduce more SKUs in India, considering the flavours that have the potential to appeal to the Indian palate. We are also exploring bringing in the sugar-free variants," he stated. Last fiscal, the brand grew at around 30-35 per cent in India, and this fiscal year, it expects the growth to come from the increasing CAN saliency in the Indian market. "In India, during the first quarter of FY 26, 15 per cent of the revenue was contributed by the sale of CAN, and the remaining 85 per cent came from the sale of PET bottles. Last year, it stood at 12 per cent," he said. Globally, the brand has a presence in more than 60 countries, and it plans to expand further in the USA, Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, to name a few.
