Bette Midler is using her platform to highlight a moment of hope amid the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. On Jan. 10, the actress reposted a moving video on Instagram of the Halpin family singing together in the ruins of what was once their home in Altadena, California.
“A family in the Eaton Fire #eaton #losangeles,” Midler, 79, captioned the video, which shows nine people standing in a rubble-filled yard with a smoke-filled sky above them. Some wear masks as they sing in unison, surrounded by the burned remnants of their neighborhood.
The video was originally posted by Instagram user Nicole Tittmann, who praised the Halpin family’s resilience. "At the smoldering remains of their home, surrounded by friends and family," Tittmann wrote. "I am humbled by their example of faith and love and trust. God bless the Halpins."
Karolyn Dudro, one of the singers in the video and a resident of Altadena, later reposted Midler’s story, writing, "So glad we can offer some small comfort to those who have lost so much! Thank you @bettemidler.”
A Family’s Unbreakable Spirit
Andrew Halpin, a member of the family, revealed in a comment under the video that his parents had lived in the house for 37 years. Remarkably, one of the few items to survive the blaze was a "statue of the blessed virgin Mary," he shared. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Pete Halpin to support his parents has since raised more than $134,000, a testament to the community’s generosity.
Midler Speaks Out on the Wildfires
This is not the first time Midler has expressed her heartbreak over the fires ravaging Los Angeles, according to People. On Jan. 9, the singer and actress shared an emotional statement on Instagram addressing the devastation. "To everyone living through the apocalyptic and unbelievable fires of the last few days, who have lost everything and now have the enormous task of getting back on their feet; I am devastated and heartbroken for all of us," she wrote. “I wish only the best for our beloved city, now and always.”
Bette Midler performing during her Divine Intervention Tour in 2015, wearing a sparkling gown with arms outstretched on stagePhoto by Alan Light via Flickr - CC BY 2.0
Widespread Impact of the Fires
The fires, which began in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7 and later spread to Pasadena and Altadena, have burned over 10,000 acres and destroyed numerous homes. Officials report at least 11 fatalities and 80,000 residents displaced. Communities in Encino, Brentwood, and around the Getty Center remain under evacuation orders as the fires continue to spread.
Celebrities Affected
The Halpin family’s story is one of many shining through the darkness. Celebrities like John Legend and Maria Shriver have also shared their journeys, showing that heartbreak and hope touch everyone in times of crisis.
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21 everyday phrases that make people silently scream inside
If you’ve ever cringed at hearing “It is what it is” or rolled your eyes at someone saying “No offense…” before delivering something totally offensive, you’re definitely not alone. Some expressions are so irritating, so overused, or so grammatically cursed that hearing them once more might just push us over the edge.
We asked our Facebook audience, “If you could ban one annoying phrase from existence forever, what would it be?” and holy moly, did the floodgates open. Typically, a given question might rack up around 5,000 comments—but this one? Over 14,000. People shared responses that were funny, petty, brutally honest, and occasionally downright poignant. From phrases that try (and fail) to sound wise, to those so overused they've lost all meaning entirely—here are the top contenders folks are completely done with.
The one phrase nearly everyone wants to vanish
By far the most repeated offender was:
Over and over, users cited this as the ultimate non-response. It’s dismissive, it ends conversations, and it offers exactly zero comfort or help.
Another big category? Expressions meant to comfort that end up being painful or insulting. These include:
Many commenters explained that these phrases, while often well-intentioned, feel dismissive in times of grief or hardship.
Grammar gripes and word crimes
Grammar lovers had a lot of feelings. Some of the most-cited “please stop saying this” phrases included:
And let’s not forget the collective rage over “pacifically” when people mean “specifically.”
Words that reveal more than they intend
Several users took issue with phrases that feel passive-aggressive or intellectually lazy, such as:
As user Jacqueline C. put it, “'To be honest...' What does that mean? That you're not honest any other time?”
Phrases tied to racism, sexism, or toxic positivity
A significant number of respondents took aim at harmful or politically charged phrases. Among them:
These comments weren’t just about annoyance—they were about the emotional weight and social impact of language.
James G. didn’t mince words when he wrote: “‘Go back to your country, then’ 🤬. The epitome of racist. I love my country, plus my ancestors did not ASK to be brought here the way they were.”
Corporate speak and empty buzzwords
You knew these were coming.
These phrases sparked a different kind of rage—one reserved for staff meetings and marketing emails.
Iris H. summed it up: “Most corporate speak. Downsizing. Low hanging fruit. Pivot. etc…..” Just say what you mean, please.
Why this resonated so deeply
There’s something unifying about shared irritation. These phrases might seem harmless or routine, but for many people, they’re like verbal paper cuts—tiny annoyances that, over time, sting a lot more than they should.
Whether it’s poor grammar, dismissive condolences, or flat-out hate speech in disguise, we’re collectively craving language that’s thoughtful, clear, and kind.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for one of these expressions, take a beat. Maybe there’s a better way to say what you mean. Or maybe… just don’t say anything at all.
And if you’ve got your own phrase that should be banished from existence? Don’t worry—there’s still time to add to the list.
Got another phrase that needs to go? Drop it in the comments on our original Facebook post.
Bonus: The top five most hated phrases from our poll
Let’s make 2025 the year we finally stop saying all of them.