Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 25 décembre 2016
This Is Officially the Most Hilarious Example of How Elf on the Shelf Can Go Horribly, Horribly Wrong
Parents trying to up their Elf on the Shelf game should take note: sometimes, you're better off just plopping the damn thing on your mantel and being done with it. But if you are determined to Pinterest-ify your kid's experience with their little elf, please, just heed this mom's cautionary tale first.
Poor Lynn Heinrich set out to pull a clever Elf on the Shelf prank on her son:
"I was feeling creative and I got shaving cream and sprayed it all over the bathroom mirror and filled one of the two sinks with shaving cream and left a little note that said, 'Miles did it,' and Angel the elf was holding the pencil and had his arm around the shaving cream," Heinrich wrote in an expletive-laden Facebook post on the Love What Matters page.
What happened next, she never could have prepared for:
Miles woke up before me and went to the bathroom and apparently got scared sh*tless that he was going to be in so much trouble that he needed to cover his tracks. So my son, apple of my eye, the monster I was on bed rest for five months for, that I went through 21 hours of labor for and took three hours to push his huge-ass head out, well, he decides to frame the elf. So he gets a magic marker, black to be exact, and draws squiggly lines all over my bathroom walls . . . Then writes a note with the said marker saying, "You are ugly Lynn," and then the mastermind puts the marker on the elf.
I have to give him credit there, he is smarter than some of the dumb asses on Snapped or I Almost Got Away With It. Kind of scary if I think about that. Anyway so now because of this Mother F%^$%$& elf I have to paint my bathroom again. I mean how can I yell at him without telling him I know he did it because I did the shaving cream?
So, yeah, on the one hand, she should be impressed with her kid's ability to troubleshoot on the spot, but maybe she - and Angel the elf, for that matter - should also, um, sleep with one eye open?
The Monochrome Look You Should Dare Yourself to Wear, Starting Today
There's been groutfits, and greige pairings, and all-black everything, but the monochrome look we're currently digging doesn't have a cutesy little name. It's simply called a red outfit, and seeing the bright, cheerful hue populate our feed leaves us feeling inspired. Perhaps it's because red's a so-called "power color." Maybe it's because we're in the holiday mood. But honestly, it doesn't need to be workday or even December for us to be feeling a bit . . . fiery. We love head-to-toe red all day, every day, so we're daring you to go on and give it a try.
Scroll on to see how bloggers pull off a full red look, then perk up your wardrobe big time with a few bold pieces.
How to Do Christmas Like Prince William and Kate Middleton
All these years we have been stumbling through the festive season in a haze of last-minute shopping and to-do lists with no one to turn to for guidance, but luckily help is now at hand! The duke and duchess of Cambridge are about to celebrate their sixth Christmas together as husband and wife, and with two kids now in tow, they have perfected the art of juggling their family commitments, creating a blend that is part royal, part Middleton, and part their own. Here's how to throw that stress away and seamlessly follow in their footsteps.
This Is Not an Exaggeration: McDonald's New Peppermint Mocha Is Holiday Perfection
Sipping on a hot peppermint mocha is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and McDonald's is stepping up its game with a nearly perfect rendition. Starting Nov. 2, McDonald's locations nationwide will offer a McCafé Peppermint Mocha, a seasonal beverage of mocha espresso made of 100 percent Arabica beans, rich dark chocolate syrup, a hint of peppermint, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and more chocolate syrup. While POPSUGAR editors are hardcore Halloween enthusiasts, we couldn't wait to flip the switch to holiday mode and try this festive coffee drink immediately.
We braced ourselves for a supersweet drink, but we were pleasantly surprised by the subtlety of the flavors. The rich, chocolaty drink is just the right amount of sugary and minty - nothing like some of those toothpaste-like peppermint drinks you might have had before. "This tastes like an Andes Mint with coffee! Not too sweet. I love it," one taste tester noted. Some even claimed this peppermint mocha is better than Starbucks's! You can forgo the whipped cream and be just as satisfied with this mocha as a morning or afternoon treat. We're guaranteed to guzzle these down throughout the Fall and Winter seasons.
New to the Gym? Make It Less Intimidating With These Tips
Prior to this year, I had never set foot in a gym. Weird, right? I know, I know. Though fitness is now a part of my everyday life, I started with running, then yoga, then studio fitness . . . I was always intimidated by the gym. Would it be full of super meaty, ripped dudes pumping iron and side-eyeing me and my five-pound hand weights? Or super sculpted and svelte babes with some kind of crazy strength routine their personal trainer made just for them? What do I even do with the machines? They look like torture devices!
I'd consider myself to be a pretty awkward person in general, so as a complete newbie, I anticipated a lot of social anxiety vibes when I stepped into Equinox for my first gym day (not to mention a huge fear of having ZERO idea about what to do once I actually got to the gym). Fortunately, my experience this year was far less scary than I had predicted, and I learned some things along the way.
If you're nodding your head saying, "Yes, that's me," and "They really ARE torture devices!" then I've got you. These tips will help you feel more prepared so you can get the most out of your experience. You'll be a gym rat pro in no time!
- Pump yourself up. Before you even leave your house, remind yourself of your goals and why you got this membership in the first place. A few words of intention and a quick pep talk can clear your mind of any anxiety or jitters that may be making you feel intimidated. Remind yourself: you are STRONG! Your decision to start working out means you're stronger than you know.
- Bring a buddy. This one doesn't need much explanation - bring a friend! Whether they're new to the gym as well or an expert who can take you under their wing, it'll help so much to have a pal there with you (and know that if you don't have a friend to bring with you, that's OK, too!).
- Make a game plan. Going in with zero idea of what you're going to do won't end well; this is one of the aforementioned lessons I learned, but I learned it the hard way. If you have no idea how to use the machines, and no one has ever taught you a gym routine, you'll end up on a treadmill - walking - and if you're like me, you'll be really mad at yourself. Do a little research: use one of POPSUGAR's printable workouts, or bring your favorite workout program with you on your phone (like BBG or Tone It Up), and follow one of those routines. Knowing what you're going to do ahead of time and having that intention makes you feel less aimless, lost, and insecure.
- Pump the tunes. Headphones are everything in the gym, in my opinion. You need your music to pump you up and make you feel strong - and more comfortable! A good gym playlist can help ease tension and fuel an awesome workout.
- Try a trainer. Some gyms offer you a free personal training session when you start your membership (Equinox is a prime example of this). I used this time to pick up some tips and tricks and learn how to use the machines. See if you can book a session or just ask a trainer how to use a machine - one quick lesson could set you up for so many more workouts so you can optimize your gym membership.
- Start with classes. If your gym offers group fitness, this is an awesome way to get into the swing of things (and definitely how I started!). You'll have a trainer telling you exactly what to do, and the benefit of the group fitness experience.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't waste your time feeling afraid or nervous. Ask someone who looks like they know what they're doing, or anyone on the gym staff - that's what they're there for! Their end goal is for you to get healthy and love the gym, which you obviously can't do if you're floating around aimlessly or too intimidated to come back.
- Snap a selfie. Before you roll your eyes, let me explain (then you can go back to rolling your eyes). For many women, a gym selfie has nothing to do with vanity - in fact, it can be quite the opposite. Taking a picture before or after your workout can inspire confidence, build up your self-esteem, and keep you accountable for your workouts going forward. In fact, these pictures can be so effective, trainers actually encourage gym selfies!
New to the Gym? Make It Less Intimidating With These Tips
Prior to this year, I had never set foot in a gym. Weird, right? I know, I know. Though fitness is now a part of my everyday life, I started with running, then yoga, then studio fitness . . . I was always intimidated by the gym. Would it be full of super meaty, ripped dudes pumping iron and side-eyeing me and my five-pound hand weights? Or super sculpted and svelte babes with some kind of crazy strength routine their personal trainer made just for them? What do I even do with the machines? They look like torture devices!
I'd consider myself to be a pretty awkward person in general, so as a complete newbie, I anticipated a lot of social anxiety vibes when I stepped into Equinox for my first gym day (not to mention a huge fear of having ZERO idea about what to do once I actually got to the gym). Fortunately, my experience this year was far less scary than I had predicted, and I learned some things along the way.
If you're nodding your head saying, "Yes, that's me," and "They really ARE torture devices!" then I've got you. These tips will help you feel more prepared so you can get the most out of your experience. You'll be a gym rat pro in no time!
- Pump yourself up. Before you even leave your house, remind yourself of your goals and why you got this membership in the first place. A few words of intention and a quick pep talk can clear your mind of any anxiety or jitters that may be making you feel intimidated. Remind yourself: you are STRONG! Your decision to start working out means you're stronger than you know.
- Bring a buddy. This one doesn't need much explanation - bring a friend! Whether they're new to the gym as well or an expert who can take you under their wing, it'll help so much to have a pal there with you (and know that if you don't have a friend to bring with you, that's OK, too!).
- Make a game plan. Going in with zero idea of what you're going to do won't end well; this is one of the aforementioned lessons I learned, but I learned it the hard way. If you have no idea how to use the machines, and no one has ever taught you a gym routine, you'll end up on a treadmill - walking - and if you're like me, you'll be really mad at yourself. Do a little research: use one of POPSUGAR's printable workouts, or bring your favorite workout program with you on your phone (like BBG or Tone It Up), and follow one of those routines. Knowing what you're going to do ahead of time and having that intention makes you feel less aimless, lost, and insecure.
- Pump the tunes. Headphones are everything in the gym, in my opinion. You need your music to pump you up and make you feel strong - and more comfortable! A good gym playlist can help ease tension and fuel an awesome workout.
- Try a trainer. Some gyms offer you a free personal training session when you start your membership (Equinox is a prime example of this). I used this time to pick up some tips and tricks and learn how to use the machines. See if you can book a session or just ask a trainer how to use a machine - one quick lesson could set you up for so many more workouts so you can optimize your gym membership.
- Start with classes. If your gym offers group fitness, this is an awesome way to get into the swing of things (and definitely how I started!). You'll have a trainer telling you exactly what to do, and the benefit of the group fitness experience.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't waste your time feeling afraid or nervous. Ask someone who looks like they know what they're doing, or anyone on the gym staff - that's what they're there for! Their end goal is for you to get healthy and love the gym, which you obviously can't do if you're floating around aimlessly or too intimidated to come back.
- Snap a selfie. Before you roll your eyes, let me explain (then you can go back to rolling your eyes). For many women, a gym selfie has nothing to do with vanity - in fact, it can be quite the opposite. Taking a picture before or after your workout can inspire confidence, build up your self-esteem, and keep you accountable for your workouts going forward. In fact, these pictures can be so effective, trainers actually encourage gym selfies!
The Most Popular Latin Recipes of 2016 Are Surprisingly Healthy
What do you do when you have to find something to make for dinner? You probably turn to Pinterest (or maybe one of our many roundups of ideas). The recipes that get pinned and repinned on boards galore are the most foolproof and delicious, which is why we've put together a list of our most popular dishes of the year.
These recipes are surprisingly easy to make and shockingly healthy - with a few indulgent exceptions, of course; it's really all about balance. Scroll ahead for the 2016 winning meals you'll want on your table right away.
40+ Small Ways to Help You Hit Your Weight-Loss Goals
You've been trying to lose weight, but haven't had much luck because you're not sure how to get started. Even one small change can offer big results and here are over 40 ways to make it happen.
40+ Small Ways to Help You Hit Your Weight-Loss Goals
You've been trying to lose weight, but haven't had much luck because you're not sure how to get started. Even one small change can offer big results and here are over 40 ways to make it happen.
The Pickup Line Ice T Used on Coco Austin When They Met Is Amazing
Coco Austin and Ice T have been together for almost 15 years now, which is sometimes hard to come by in Hollywood. While some couples date for years before getting married, others quickly elope, which is exactly what the parents of baby Chanel did when they tied the knot on Dec. 31, 2001, after just two months together. But while we're aware of all the cute moments they've shared since getting together, we've always wondered how they first met. Ice T first laid eyes on Coco when he stopped by his friend's movie shoot, where Coco was working as a model. After being introduced to her by his friend to "give him something to do" since he admits he was in a bad mood, Ice T boldly asked her, "Would you ever consider dating a gangster rapper?" Coco reveals she didn't really know what to say except that she thought he was nice, to which he epically replied, "Well, baby, if you take the 'n' off nice, you get ice." And the rest is history. Mic drop.
Raise a Glass This Season With These 13 Lightened-Up Cocktail Recipes
If you're planning on throwing back a few at the office holiday party (or any holiday party, for that matter), it can't hurt to partake in healthier cocktail choice. These festive cocktail recipes that swap the syrups for fresh juice and all-natural sweeteners, the sugary mixes for superfood-charged ingredients, and the high-alcohol-content liquors for low-proof spirits will not only taste better but also prevent that dreaded next-day hangover. Cheers!
Raise a Glass This Season With These 13 Lightened-Up Cocktail Recipes
If you're planning on throwing back a few at the office holiday party (or any holiday party, for that matter), it can't hurt to partake in healthier cocktail choice. These festive cocktail recipes that swap the syrups for fresh juice and all-natural sweeteners, the sugary mixes for superfood-charged ingredients, and the high-alcohol-content liquors for low-proof spirits will not only taste better but also prevent that dreaded next-day hangover. Cheers!
12 British Royal Christmas Traditions That Will Surprise You
The formalities of Christmas at Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham country estate could have been lifted straight from an episode of Downton Abbey (including a schedule of festivities delivered by the Master of the Household, and five outfit changes in a day!) - but what about those British royal traditions that aren't as well-known? We're taking you inside the royal festivities, from a bit of rough and tumble on Christmas Eve to cider and movie nights. Keep reading for 12 traditions that might surprise you, and then find out how Princes William and Harry are keeping their late mother's legacy alive.
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's Modern Family Is Absolutely Golden
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn have one epic romance, but the only thing sweeter than their love story is their adorable blended family. Together, they share four children: Boston Russell, from Kurt's previous marriage to Season Hubley, Kate and Oliver Hudson, from Goldie's previous marriage to Bill Hudson, and their son, Wyatt, who they welcomed in 1986. In addition to their kids, they also have five grandchildren. While they have been known to post about their sweet family life on social media, they have also brought out the Russell/Hudson clan on the red carpet from time to time. See some of their sweetest photos here.
The Gory Trailer for Alien: Covenant Is Here to Ruin Your Holiday Fun
Well folks, the Alien: Covenant trailer has arrived to make you entirely rethink any lingering childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut. Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, and Demián Bichir are starring in the latest chapter of Ridley Scott's Alien franchise. This time, the crew of a ship discover what they think may be a wonderful new place to live . . . but obviously it's a terrifying, alien-infested nightmare. This action-horror flick narrowly escaped our list of 2017's most anticipated movies, and we're looking forward to seeing this gore-fest. (Seriously, the trailer is gross.) It'll be out on May 19!
Joe Biden Is Actually Obsessed With Ice Cream, and This Hilarious Video Proves It
If there's one thing Joe Biden loves more than Barack Obama, it's ice cream. The soon-to-be-former vice president blew us away earlier this year when a sexy throwback photo of him surfaced, and now we have just another reason to love him. We can't get enough of the CNN video above, which compiles every hilarious moment this ice-cream-lover indulged his sweet tooth. The rest of the internet can't seem to get over his obsession either, as the video has already garnered 4.5 million views and more than 20,000 shares in a few short days. Watch the video to witness his entertaining passion for ice cream for yourself.
Chris Pratt Shares 3 of His Favorite Things About Jennifer Lawrence
It's no secret that Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are living it up on the Passengers press tour. In just the past few weeks alone, we've witnessed a lot of costar brilliance. Chris has cropped Jen out of all his pictures and shocked with an epic card trick, while Jen has definitely evened the score with her sweet, spray-painted revenge. Oh, and let's not forget her totally endearing Real Housewives meltdown or the fact that the pair savored the opportunity to trade brutal playground insults with one another. But for all the fun and shenanigans, we still see a glimmer of fondness between the costars here and there.
Case in point: when we stopped by the Passengers junket earlier this month, we thought we'd try to get a few fun facts that Jen and Chris had learned about each other in all the time they've spent together. Jen immediately offered words of love and even spilled on the romantic thing Chris Pratt does for Anna Faris every week. Chris then returned the favor with words of equal praise and admiration. "Jen has got a really sharp sense of humor," he said (to the surprise of no one). Then, he continued, saying, "I think that people maybe don't realize how funny Jen is. Jen is incredibly nurturing. She's very motherly; she's mama bear. She'll straight-up gut somebody. If she loves somebody and that person's in danger, she's got that mama bear strength. She'd, like, lift a car over her head. That kind of thing." It's official: if we're ever in serious danger, we're calling out to Chris and Jennifer first.
The Love in Sterling K. Brown's Family Photos Will Wrap Around You Like a Warm Blanket
Sterling K. Brown is one of our biggest Hollywood crushes, and it's not just because he's very, very good-looking. The actor, who has made a name for himself this year with showstopping performances in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson and This Is Us, has been married to his college sweetheart, Ryan Michelle Bathe, for nine years. After meeting and falling in love at Stanford University (and overcoming a few breakups and makeups), they tied the knot in June 2007 and are now parents to two adorable sons. While we're very obsessed with Sterling's current onscreen family in This Is Us, which Ryan also guest stars on, it's his real-life moments that really make us melt.
11 Body-Positive Celebrities to Follow on Instagram in 2017
Body positivity is the name of the game, and some of our favorite celebrities are leading the pack in a push toward accepting all shapes. Stars like Ashley Graham and Selena Gomez use social media as a platform to spread empowering vibes to their fans. We suggest keeping up with them on Instagram for a daily reminder to embrace and love yourself just the way you are during 2017 and beyond. It's time to swap out that "new year, new me" mantra for a more affirmative alternative like "new year, same me, and I love that same me just the way I am."
The Best Photos of Queen Letizia and King Felipe From the Past 12 Months
Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI practically live in a real-life fairy tale. The Spanish royal couple is having what seems to be the best year ever, making their way around official outings, ceremonies, and casual date nights while giving each other looks of love, smiling wide, and even holding hands in front of the cameras.
We're sure there are many more sugary-sweet moments between the king and queen to come, but in the meantime, let's take a look at what Letizia and Felipe have given us this year.
Don't Worry, Guys - Prince William Totally Winged His Proposal Too
Prince William and Kate Middleton have been together for almost 14 years now (despite that one little breakup), and we have been loving all of the memories they've made in their time together so far. We've seen a wedding, two beautiful children, numerous trips around the world, and adorable PDA. But while so many wonderful things have happened for the couple since they tied the knot in April 2011, everyone always loves to relive a good proposal story. So how exactly did William pop the question? During the pair's vacation in Kenya in October 2010, the prince asked Kate to marry him in their secluded log cabin, where he presented her with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring, the same one worn by his late mother, Princess Diana.
The beautiful location was also extra special, as it holds a dear place in William's heart. He opened up about why he chose to do it in Africa during an interview with CNN, explaining, "I regularly daydream. Africa is definitely one of the places I go to. It does completely settle me down. [Kate] understands what it means to me being in Africa, and my love of conservation." But while it all came together perfectly, William also admitted that he sort of winged the whole thing. "I didn't really plan it that far in advance," he continued. "I just knew I wanted it to feel comfortable where I did it and I wanted it to mean something, other than just the act of getting engaged." And it turns out that Kate didn't see it coming either. "We were out there with friends, so I really didn't expect it at all," she told Britain's ITV News. "It was a total shock when it came. Very excited!"
We Just Can't Get Enough of Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe's Beautiful Romance
Our obsession with Sterling K. Brown has reached an all-time high this year with his performances in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson and This Is Us, but we've also fallen in love with his sweet, sweet family. The actor has been married to his college sweetheart, Ryan Michelle Bathe, for nine years, and they've given us multiple glimpses of their cute relationship on the red carpet and social media. After meeting and falling in love at Stanford University, the two tied the knot in June 2007 and are now parents to two adorable sons - they've even shared the screen on Army Wives and This Is Us. Sterling may be dreamy in his own right, but it's his relationship with Ryan that really gives us heart eyes.
Fuller House Has Been Renewed For Season 3
Holiday wishes, answered. 🎁 Fuller House Season 3, coming 2017. http://pic.twitter.com/pJkRASTpBj
— Fuller House (@fullerhouse) December 25, 2016
Get ready for even more Fuller House! The hit Netflix reboot has been renewed for a third season, and the exciting news came courtesy of a holiday-themed video posted to the show's official Twitter account on Christmas Eve. "Holiday wishes, answered," the tweet read, as stars Candace Cameron Bure, Dave Coulier, John Stamos, and more pass along a literal gift in the clip. The show's second season premiered earlier this month with big reveals, romantic twists, and a handful of nostalgic celebrity cameos.
10 Books to Read If You Love True Crime
As Titus Andromedon expertly explains to Kimmy in the first season of Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, "People love hearing terrible details of news tragedies: 1. It's titillating like a horror movie. 2. It makes them feel like a good person because they care about a stranger. 3. It makes people feel safe that it did not happen to them." If this sounds like you (and you've already binged these documentaries and listened to these podcasts), check out the list below of 10 books that will satisfy all of your true crime needs.
You'll Want to Bookmark This List of 2016's Best Beauty Tutorials
For beauty-lovers, 2016 has been quite the fun year. With multiple exciting makeup launches like the coveted Selena x MAC collection, crazy trends (scorpion manicures, anyone?), and silly challenges on YouTube, your favorite Latino vloggers have been busy supplying all kinds of dreamy content.
That's why it was hard to narrow down our favorites, but we think we've compiled a pretty solid list of some of the best beauty tutorials this year had to offer. Curious to browse our picks? Keep reading to see them all - yes, Desi Perkins's downright accurate Selena Quintanilla look made the cut. Then, brush up on the nail trends you'll be trying in 2017.
Harrison Ford Offers Words of Support to His "Dear Friend" Carrie Fisher
Harrison Ford is offering support to his fellow Star Wars star Carrie Fisher after she suffered a heart attack while on a plane. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday, the actor said, "I'm shocked and saddened to hear the news about my dear friend," adding, "Our thoughts are with Carrie, her family and friends." Carrie was hospitalized after the medical emergency on Friday. The actress's brother, Todd Fisher, later told AP that she was receiving treatment in an intensive care unit and "receiving excellent care," but Todd did not classify her current condition or what caused the heart attack.
Both Carrie and Harrison reprised their iconic roles as Princess Leia and Han Solo for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens in 2015. Most recently, Carrie shocked fans of the franchise when it was revealed in her book, The Princess Diarist, that she and Harrison had an affair while shooting the first Star Wars film back in the late '70s. "It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend," she said of the fling.
25 Amazingly Cool Gifts For the Anime Fanatic in Your Life
As you're making your shopping list this holiday season, you're bound to come across an anime fanatic on your list. If you have a BFF who does nothing but binge-watch their favorite series every weekend or are playing Secret Santa to a co-worker who has a not-so-secret Sailor Moon obsession, then make their day with a unique anime-themed present.
Ahead, you'll find 25 cool gifts that will make any anime fan's eyes overflow with tears of joy.
13 Dogs + 1 Cat + Human Hands = Holiday Magic
Have you ever wished your holiday table could be like a life-size version of C.M. Coolidge's "Dogs Playing Poker"? No? Well, this latest ad from pet food company Freshpet might change your mind. To get in the holiday spirit, the brand served up a feast to 14 shelter animals from the Humane Society of Utah, with a catch: the animals dined around a fully decked-out holiday table, with a little knife-and-fork help from their human friends. Watch the video of the furry feast and just try not to crack up!
Why Your Child Should Never Be Forced to Hug a Relative
As we head into the vacation season and into visits with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, there's one awkward situation that will arise in many families that most parents will be unprepared to deal with: relatives who expect hugs and kisses from little ones - even when those little ones don't want to show them affection.
To spare a relative's feelings, many of us will urge a small child to endure or even return this unwanted physical contact. But should we? What messages are we sending to our kids about their body boundaries when we do this?
How to Avoid Teaching the Wrong Lessons
A CNN article entitled I Don't Own My Child's Body that explores these questions is the subject of lively discussion here. Katia Hetter, its author, asserts that, "Forcing children to touch people when they don't want to leaves them vulnerable to sexual abusers, most of whom are people known to the children they abuse."
Assuming that giving Grandma a kiss on the cheek could have anything at all to do with the sexual abuse of a child might seem crazy at first blush, but Nichole M. feels Hetter's connection makes perfect sense. "You're violating their comfort zone and the kids may learn to accept anyone into those uncomfortable spaces." Lisa E. also agrees, and shares how she's teaching her own son about respecting his body and his own physical space:
"The boundary we're teaching our child is to listen to his own 'gut feeling.' He tells us whenever he feels uncomfortable around someone (usually whispering so he doesn't hurt feelings). He never has to touch or be touched if he feels uncomfortable - family or otherwise. I will never force him to kiss anyone - even if a great aunt is visiting who may get her feelings hurt. Hugs and kisses are his to give and are not compulsory."
Hetter also reminds us that forcing our kids to be affectionate when they don't want to can impact their sexual relationships as teens, because it "teaches them to use their body to please you or someone else in authority or, really, anyone."
"Affection should never be forced."
In addition to preventing abuse, many moms feel it's important to try to understand how your child feels when a relative demands physical affection. Jenni D. references her own memories from childhood as a guideline in her parenting: "As a kid, I didn't like to be hugged or kissed much except by my mom, and hated when my grandma would force me to kiss her goodbye. As an adult, I love giving kisses and snuggles to my kids, but if they would ever seem like they didn't want me to hug or kiss them I would respect that."
As Jenni D.'s comment points out, forced affection between a parent and child is concerning as well. Stacey's kids became uncomfortable when her husband, who is their stepfather, became too demanding of hugs and kisses. In situations like this, members urge Stacey to have her husband back down. Lorena M. explains that "kisses and hugs should come out because one feels like giving them and not because they're pressured." A reader who goes by "Dove" is even more emphatic: "Affection should never be forced."
How to Head Off a Relative's Hurt Feelings
Toddlers often test our patience by refusing to do things that we actually do have to find a way to make them do, such as eating, bathing, and behaving well. However, refusing affection should not be equated with bad manners or bad behavior. Hetter asserts that children can (and should) be polite and respectful while still maintaining their own personal boundaries: "Manners - treating people with respect and care - is different than demanding physical displays of affection."
A good first step may be to explain your policy to relatives. Adults, even close relatives, should be able to respect your decision. Hetter found that while it can be more work, it can also lead them to truly appreciate the affection they do get from your child. "I explain to relatives who want to know why we're letting her decide who she touches, and when she does hug them, the joy is palpable - not from obligation or a direct order from Mom," she says.
Hetter also offers suggestions for greetings that are less intimate, and that are perfect for a child in the early stages of getting to know a new family member. Instead of kisses and hugs, encourage a handshake or a high-five: "When kids are really little and shy, parents can start to offer them choices for treating people with respect and care. Even shy kids can shake somebody's hand or wave or do something to communicate respect and care."
Far from disappointing, these alternatives can actually strengthen a relative's relationship with your young child, as Angie S.'s story shows: "You could do what my boyfriend and our son do, they have a special hand shake. He will even stay awake, and when he hears his dad come home from work he'll come out just to do their shake."
How do you and your child handle social situations?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.
This Photo of the Royals' Wax Figures in Christmas Sweaters Is Here to Slightly Terrify You
It's common knowledge that the British royal family loves to celebrate Christmas. In addition to upholding traditions that have been passed down over the years, Prince William and Kate Middleton have also made their own since welcoming Prince George and Princess Charlotte. But their enthusiasm for the holiday just got taken to a whole new place. The festive-themed wax figures of Kate, Will, Prince Harry, and Queen Elizabeth II, which aim to raise awareness for Save the Children, were unveiled at Madame Tussauds in London earlier this month, and to say they're interesting is a bit of an understatement. While Harry rocks a green Christmas sweater complete with a snowman, the queen dons one featuring one of her beloved Corgis (did you catch the crown?). But the weirdest outfit definitely goes to Kate and Will, who share a giant, two-person sweater with gingerbread, Christmas tree, and nutcracker designs. But one thing the wax figure artist seems to have forgotten? Their other arms! Sorry in advance for any nightmares this may cause.
We're Still Weeping at This Woman's Audition For The Voice to Selena's "Como La Flor"
Everyone can go home now and forever, because, back in September, someone finally auditioned for The Voice with a song in Spanish back and we're still not over it.
Singer-songwriter Elia Esparza, an El Paso, TX, native, channeled her inner Queen of Tejano for the blind auditions, wowing the judges with her amazing version of Selena Quintanilla's "Como La Flor." Despite the lyrics language barrier (and a few issues pronouncing her beautiful name), Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Miley Cyrus all pushed their red buttons for Elia's unique performance. And though she didn't end up making it far in the competition, you absolutely must press play above to watch the audition Adam dubbed "refreshing" - and prepare to melt into a puddle of your own tears. Then, listen to even more chill-inducing Selena covers.
IHOP and Applebee's Will Soon Be Under 1 Roof, but Only in This 1 City
What a time to be alive, ladies and gentlemen: IHOP and Applebee's are joining anti-hangover forces to open a combined restaurant in late 2017. This heavenly merger will be located in Detroit, but we're crossing our fingers that it spreads like wildfire across the country. Although the exact menu has not been released yet, as the Detroit Free Press reports, we can only hope that diners will be able to order breakfast all day long, just as other standalone IHOP locations allow. If your hungover self can never decide between a heaping stack of pancakes or a juicy burger to cure the previous evening's overindulgences, this combined restaurant is exactly what you've been waiting for.
This exciting news comes after the announcement that McDonald's will begin offering delivery next year - 2017 sure is shaping up to be quite the year for foodies!
Why the Ending of The OA Ruins an Otherwise Smart, Weird, and Original New Show
Spoilers for the entirety of The OA's first season below!
When Netflix dropped its latest original series, The OA, with barely any warning on Dec. 16, it seemed primed and ready to take over for Stranger Things as everyone's new binge-worthy sci-fi obsession. There are a lot of similarities between the two shows, but at the end of the day, The OA is something else entirely, and not necessarily in a good way. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij cocreated the show, which stars Marling as a once-blind young woman named Prairie who reappears after a seven-year-long abduction having regained her sight. Not only that, but she's also armed with a nearly unbelievable tale of why and how she was brutally imprisoned, which she tells piece by piece to her five new friends: four very different teenagers who live in her neighborhood, and one very desperate teacher (the incredible Phyllis Smith) from their high school.
While the structure of Stranger Things plays out much like the countless commercial '80s flicks it strives to embody, The OA waffles on whether or not it wants to have that same kind of mass appeal. It's brilliantly original and visually stunning, to be sure, but by the last three episodes, its intriguing premise isn't enough to support the show's plodding pace, poorly written supporting characters, and absolutely ridiculous final act, which is completely centered around really bad, really cringeworthy interpretive dance - interpretive dance that can cure ALS, stop school shooters, and open dimensions into alternate realities. Yeah.
The show begins with Prairie telling the group that she spent the first years of her childhood in Russia as the daughter of a wealthy oligarch. After her school bus careens off a bridge, she has a near death experience while drowning in the lake, but her father is able to revive her, though she's lost her sight. After that, she's shipped off to America and adopted by an older couple named Nancy and Abel. Years later, on her 21st birthday, she runs away to New York City in an attempt to find her father, but is instead abducted by Dr. Hap, who is conducting terrifying, terrible experiments on people who've had near death experiences. He locks her in a basement with three other unfortunate NDE-ers and takes turns drowning and reviving them day after day to try to find proof of an afterlife. During a botched escape attempt, Prairie gets hit on the back of her head and gets her sight back.
This is where things really start to fall apart: these routine drownings give Prairie and her companions brief glimpses into their own versions of the afterlife, where the "angels" they encounter gift them with five complex dance routines that will supposedly - when done by five people in unison - open a portal to another reality, leaving the prisoners safe from Hap's grasp. Yes, dance routines that involve hissing at each other and look like this:
Hap realizes what they're doing after he sees them use the dances to heal a woman suffering from ALS (I wish I was making this up), but he doesn't want Prairie to be a part of it. He drops her off in the middle of nowhere and takes the rest of the group somewhere else. Back in the present timeline, Prairie teaches the dances to her new friends, telling them that once they learn, she'll be able to climb through an interdimensional wormhole and reunite with her friends. Unfortunately things don't go according to plan. Before the group can formally complete the dance for Prairie, a student walks into their high school cafeteria in the middle of lunch with a machine gun and starts shooting. When confronted by an armed gunman, a typical response might be to run away screaming. You know what Prairie's merry band of misfits decide? We should dance. We should dance the dangerous shooter right out of our school.
A cafeteria worker takes advantage of the gunman staring dumbfounded at them and tackles him to the ground. He gets off one last shot, which lands squarely in Prairie's chest, and then she wakes up in an all-white room. Is it heaven? Is it the alternate reality she was trying to find? Who cares, because this scene is stupid, offensive, and doesn't make sense. If Marling and Batmanglij wanted to make some kind of profound, transcendent statement about life, death, and the human experience, they could have done it without capitalizing on our country's rash of school shootings. It's a cheap ploy to wring emotion out of the viewer, and it's poorly done. The scene, and the gunman, come literally out of nowhere. We've never seen the shooter before, nor do we have any idea what his motives might be. Much like the supporting characters performing in the scene, everything about the finale episode lacks a startling amount of depth, and it undercuts the emotional impact Prairie's "death" is supposed to deliver.
It's worth noting that without the ill-conceived flash mobs, the cliffhanger, and the somewhat-jumbled storylines, The OA isn't completely terrible. Marling is hypnotizing, and costar Emory Cohen (one of the captive NDE-ers) gives an unforgettable performance. Elements of the show are compelling, refreshingly weird, and offer a break from the monotony of cable procedurals. It's unfortunate that it all falls apart so spectacularly in the last handful of episodes. Here's hoping Netflix can iron out these issues in the show's second season, or at least hire a new choreographer.
People Are Losing Their Damn Minds Trying to Find the Panda in This Photo
Remember the insane feelings you felt trying to figure out whether the dress was black and blue or white and gold? Prepare yourself for something similar - trying to find a panda in a sea of snowmen in this puzzle.
Hungarian-based artist Gergely Dudás, or Dudolf, created this puzzle that's going viral and driving the Internet completely crazy. He first shared it on Facebook on Dec. 16, and since then, the post has been shared more than 100,000 times, with over 25,000 comments and 70,000 likes. Check it out:
There's a panda amongst them!
Can you find it?
Posted by Dudolf on Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Several of the comments are people either boasting how quickly they found it or how long it's taken them . . . only to still not be able to find it.
Are people really having THAT much trouble finding the bloody panda? It was the first thing I saw when I looked at the picture.
- Megan (@427_Impala) December 23, 2015
If that was easy enough for you, try finding the cat within all the owls in another puzzle by Dudás.
Still can't find it? Here you go:
22 Letters to Santa From Kids That Are Going to Make You LOL
Every year, kids all over the world write letters to Santa Claus wishing him a Merry Christmas, listing their holiday gift wishes, and well, asking and telling him things that only hilarious kids could think of. From commenting on his appearance to ratting out their parents who say they "can't have a dog," these letters to Saint Nick are going to make you laugh out loud.
Pack Your Bags, Because These Are the 11 Latin American Destinations You Should Visit in 2017
Travel + Leisure recently introduced its list of the 50 best places to travel in 2017, and it was predictably packed with Latin American destinations.
Among the recommendations, the travel experts selected Veracruz, Mexico, for its open beaches and delicious seafood; Salta, Argentina, for the gorgeous vineyards with volcanic backdrops; and Pisco Province, Peru, for the beautiful Paracas National Reserve, where you'll run into sea lions and penguins. But wait, there's more! Prepare to experience some serious wanderlust, and read on to discover more spots that made the list.
5 Ways to Keep the Spark Alive in Your Long-Term Relationship
Image Source: Thalia
Singer, actress, fashion designer, entrepreneur, writer, and mom of two Thalia shares her parenting, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty tips as POPSUGAR Latina's contributor.
Being married or in a long-term relationship is a blessing, but it is not easy. It requires work, effort, lots of patience, and infinite understanding to succeed. If it were too easy, where would the excitement be? After a good number of years together, some couples start becoming more friends and less lovers, and some drift apart due to conflicting work schedules and separate interests. But there are things we can do to make it better, to work on keeping the spark alive! Here are five tactics I like.
Respect each other.
First and foremost, we have to understand that people in a marriage, long-term relationship, etc. need to respect each other's individuality. It is not about wanting to change your partner and telling them what to do and what not to do. It is about accepting the other person exactly as he or she is. Remember why you got together in the first place and the qualities that attracted you to your partner. I still cherish the moment I met my husband. We were on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. The qualities that attracted me to him that day are still the main reason why I love him so much today.
Image Source: Thalia
Develop a joint plan and make memories together.
Maybe both of you would like to renovate the house? You are eager to start a new yard project or try every single restaurant to find the best burger in your city? Recruit your partner! Be creative and enthusiastic about it! Share ideas and find common ground. By helping each other, and planning projects together, you become closer as a couple and you end up spending quality time together. There are so many ways to achieve this! You can also plan a trip, exercise to lose some weight together and support each other, or go rock climbing! The important thing is to make it fun and enjoy each other's company.
Remember to have your own time to do the things you like.
I have talked about having "me time" before, and it also applies to this one. We all have friends we like to see, hobbies, interests, and personal appointments we like to do and take care of on our time. It is important to find a balance in a relationship, and this includes being happy with yourself. For example, I like to get together with my girlfriends for lunch or meet them for dinner and a play in NYC. Seeing my friends makes me happy, and my husband is the same way. If you are both communicating and agreeing on your activities outside the relationship, and you are committed, and respectful of your partner's feelings and needs, it should work out.
Image Source: Thalia
Write a joint bucket list.
My husband and I have our own bucket lists, but we have decided to find items from them that we can do together. In my case, I am much more of an outdoor explorer and extreme-sport enthusiast, but he is not. Therefore, we have discussed trips and activities that we would both enjoy, and those include traveling through Cambodia, spending a whole month at a beautiful beach town fishing and relaxing, and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru, among others. If you both review your lists and interests together, you will see that a great adventure is just around the corner!
Keep the flame of love alive.
Even though it sounds like a total cliché, don't dismiss it yet. This is of utmost importance! Without love for each other, there is no relationship left. My motto is "small details go a long way." Leave a sweet note on your partner's desk or inside his/her pockets or bag. Text a simple, loving note at a random point during the day. Those things work. Many times, people lose perspective and forget why they got married in the first place. And even though in some relationships, passion may dwindle, if there is still love, there is a base to continue being happy. Show you care; show you want to be close.
Sitting down to watch a TV show or a movie together is a good opportunity to be close and feel each other's warmth. I love it when my husband softly scratches my back, massages my shoulders, or when we simply hold hands. That physical contact can be so powerful! It is important in order to create and maintain a lasting connection. Endorphins will get high and brain chemistry will allow you to feel the love.
These are some of the reasons why I love doing what I call Hug Therapy ("Terapia de Abrazos") on my social media accounts on Saturdays. It encourages loving each other. I am not an expert on love and relationships, but if I can help one person succeed in a long-term relationship, I will be extremely happy. It is great to feel loved and to give love, and I would like for you to experience that, too. I am a hopeless romantic - what can I say?
Image Source: Thalia
Related:
This Cool Website Lets You See Your Year on Instagram
It's that time of year again, when everyone is taking a look back at everything they did in 2016. Curious about your most popular photos on Instagram? Just use this website that figures out your most "liked" photos and creates a cute collage out of them!
The website, called 2016 Best Nine, works the same as last year's did. Plug in your handle (make sure your account is public first) and you'll see a collage with your nine most "liked" photos and how many "likes" you received on all your posts. You can choose to download a photo with the stats of your "likes" and how many times you posted to Instagram or just download a "photo only version." Refresh the website and plug in your friend's handle or a celebrity's to see their most "liked" photos of the year.
Unlike last year, this year's website does not (yet) appear to have a screen that encourages people to sign up for an app called Nine. But if you do see a screen pop up, be wary of adding your email!
We suggest plugging in your username now and seeing your collage before everyone finds out and causes the site to slow down. Enjoy looking back on your year!
15 Things You Should Learn How to Cook in 2017
New year, new you, new recipes, right? Give your go-to list of recipes a refresh in 2017 and try out the following 15 dishes you're guaranteed to love. Based on Pinterest's predicted food trends of 2017 and what we know everyone will be cooking next year, these are the things you should learn how to cook, from vegan "pulled pork" sandwiches to buddha bowls and more. You'll be seeing these trendy recipes everywhere, so you'll want to be a part of the conversation and try them out for yourself one by one.
16 Easy-to-Make Latin Cocktails That'll Spread Holiday Cheer
It's true that most of us tend to scoff and smirk at the pumpkin craze busting out at the first sign of Fall, but once the holiday season comes around, you know there are certain things that make everyone undoubtedly get pumped, even if they're part of an ever-present and overdone trend. Holiday cocktails definitely top the list for us! From Latin-inspired eggnog to Christmassy margaritas to cinnamon sangria, we have all the seasonal recipes you should mix up for your next holiday soiree.
The Absolute Cutest Pictures of Kate Hudson and Her "Pa," Kurt Russell
Kate Hudson has a one-of-a-kind bond with her mother, Goldie Hawn, but she has shared some pretty sweet moments with her dad, Kurt Russell. Even though her biological father is Bill Hudson, the actress has often regarded her mother's partner, whom she calls "Pa," as her main father figure. Whether they're walking the red carpet or they're catching a game together, these two always know how to make each other smile. If you love their modern family just as much as we do, be sure to check out the duo's cutest moments over the years.
samedi 24 décembre 2016
How to Diminish Cellulite While Giving Your Self-Confidence a Boost
Just about all women have it, and whether genetics has blessed you with a little more than you'd like, cellulite is just one of those things we have to embrace. What causes that dimply, orange-peel-looking flesh? When fat cells push up against our skin and the fibrous tissue that connects our skin to our muscle pulls down, we're left with that signature bumpy skin. Although you can't get rid of cellulite completely, here are some simple things you can do to reduce its appearance.
How to Diminish Cellulite While Giving Your Self-Confidence a Boost
Just about all women have it, and whether genetics has blessed you with a little more than you'd like, cellulite is just one of those things we have to embrace. What causes that dimply, orange-peel-looking flesh? When fat cells push up against our skin and the fibrous tissue that connects our skin to our muscle pulls down, we're left with that signature bumpy skin. Although you can't get rid of cellulite completely, here are some simple things you can do to reduce its appearance.
Hugh Jackman Narrowly Escapes the Ocean After a Shark Warning in Sydney
Hugh Jackman doesn't just play heroes on screen; he's also pretty brave IRL. The Wolverine star headed into the ocean for a quick swim at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Friday, but not long after he swam out, the shark alarm was sounded by the Bondi Beach Surf Lifesaving crew. The water was evacuated due to the warning, so the shirtless actor made his way to the shore - slowly, like he was auditioning for a James Bond film - but not before pointing out the possible shark location to warn other swimmers. There were no injuries reported and Hugh was back on the beach the following day, because nothing comes between him and his morning dip.
7 Harry Potter Gingerbread Houses That Would Make Mrs. Weasley Proud
As muggles, holiday crafts often get the best of us - we don't have charms to help us decorate trees ("wingardium leviosa" would be extremely useful) or the gift of divination to forewarn us about ill-fated DIY projects. But for some Harry Potter fans, creating glorious Christmas creations seems to come naturally. These seven creative takes on gingerbread houses will make your jaw drop . . . and not because Malfoy hexed your teeth into growing abnormally large.
13 Ways to Print Instagram Photos
Instagram is the easy way to create dreamy camera-phone photos in a flash. The filters work their magic so well that nearly every picture comes out looking like a keepsake. Making those memories permanent can be just as easy with these tools for turning Instagram photos into lasting works of art.
Source: Social Print Studio
- Social Print Studio - The company offers multiple ways to print Instagram photos, but the 20-by-30-inch posters will make a stunning addition to a living room wall. Between 50 and 200 photos are arranged in a clean grid on thick archival paper for $25. Fill a mini book ($15 for a set of two) with miniature prints of favorite photos, or do the Polaroid-style squares ($12 for 24 prints), which have wide enough borders to double as note cards.
- PostalPix - Use this iPhone app to print four-inch squares from your Instagram library for only 49 cents each. Other sizes are also available, including five-inch square prints. Fast shipping, a matte finish, professional-quality resolution, and the convenience of mobile shopping make this our first stop for basic Instagram prints.
- CanvasPop - Those filtered photos are worthy of an at-home gallery. Create a high-resolution canvas print starting at $30. Buy multiple canvases for an artful wall vignette.
- Blurb - Haven't looked at a photo album in a while? Blurb brings back what now seems like an antiquated way of sharing photos with a modern Instagram twist. Softcover books start at $15.
Source: Artifact Uprising
- Artifact Uprising - For a stunning addition to your home, we love the options from Artifact Uprising, which incorporates reclaimed pinewood from its own Colorado backyard. Clipboard calendars ($30) with a print for each month are serene for a workstation, and the wood block plus 12 prints ($25) creates a changeable photo display.
- Instagoodies - Print favorite Instagram photos into books of one-inch stickers ($14). Attach stickers to the computer monitor, phone case, or wallet for a quick flash of happiness.
- Chatbooks - Use photos from Facebook or Instagram and turn them into books and albums, starting at $8. You can even set up to get a book created from every 60 photos you post on Instagram automatically!
- Sticky9 - Take a cue from your mom, and turn your refrigerator into bragging grounds for your works of art. For $16 or more, Sticky9 makes a set of photo magnets from your favorite images.
- ImageSnap - This service crafts ceramic tiles ranging from two-inch ($4) to 12-inch ($35) squares. Tiles can be installed with mortar and grout just like normal tiles, though the tiny sizes make for perfect refrigerator magnets.
Source: Artflakes
- Persnickety Prints - Use your Instagram account to print your favorite photos in different sizes, finishes, and paper starting at $0.24!
- Casetify - Create a custom case for your device of choice - iPhone 4 through 7 Plus, iPad and iPad Mini, iPod Touch, Samsung Galaxy S II through S7, and Galaxy Note - for $40. Customize your collage and layout, and then Casetify prints it on a white or black case.
- Postagram - A fun way to show people you're thinking of them, Postagram mails a postcard with pop-out Instagram photo and message to friends for $1 each. A perfect last-minute gift!
- Stitchtagram - Now that your walls are filled with Instagram photos, cuddle up to memories with a 15-inch linen-cotton-blend pillow ($53, originally $68) made from account images.
With so many resources to print Instagram photos, you could easily decorate an entire house with iPhone memories. How do you share your mobile-phone photos?
The Spanish Royal Family's Christmas Cards Feature Their Most Precious Snaps
For the past few years, we've watched Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía grow up in front of our eyes, but nothing brings up the passing of time like the Spanish royal family's Christmas cards.
Every December, we wait at the edge of our seats for the glorious day they'll release their adorable photo. Why? Because we know it will feature a too-cute photo of the two royal daughters, smiling wide, wearing the cutest outfits, and looking a little more grown-up - can you tell we can't wait until they are full-blown fashionable teenagers? From their first appearances as babies to their most recent snap where they almost look like twins, scroll ahead to see Queen Letizia, King Felipe VI, and their two kids at their holiday best.
5 New Characters You Should Get to Know Before Outlander Returns in 2017
We still have a while to go until Outlander finally returns for its third season in 2017, but thankfully we have a few big things to look forward to. In addition to shocking surprises that will blow your mind and more hot scenes between Claire and Jamie, the upcoming season is bringing in a handful of new and important characters. Remember that whole time jump business? Well, it means a few of our faves won't be returning (Fergus can't stay little forever, unfortunately). Luckily for all of us, the new additions to the storyline seem plenty interesting.
A&E Cancels Contentious KKK Docuseries in Light of New, Disconcerting Information
A&E has canceled its upcoming docuseries on the KKK, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In addition to pulling the plug, the network also released a lengthy statement about the decision on Saturday. The official remarks reveal new, disconcerting internal information pertaining to the execution of the project. The network explained that these developments had ultimately led to the decision not to move forward:
"Our goal with this series has always been to expose and combat racism and hatred in all its forms. However, A&E learned last night from the third-party producers who made the documentary that cash payments - which we currently understand to be nominal - were made in the field to some participants in order to facilitate access. While we stand behind the intent of the series and the seriousness of the content, these payments are a direct violation of A&E's policies and practices for a documentary. We had previously provided assurances to the public and to our core partners - including the Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change - that no payment was made to hate group members, and we believed that to be the case at the time. We have now decided not to move forward with airing this project.
A&E takes the authenticity of its documentary programming and the subject of racism, hatred and violence very seriously. Just because this particular show goes away, the issues of hate in America do not. We will still seek to fight hate in America through on-air programming including town halls and documentary programs produced in partnership with civil rights organizations, as well as continue to work with the civil rights community to facilitate a deeper dialogue on ending hate through comprehensive educational and outreach campaigns."
The series was originally meant to focus on anti-hate extractors who help active members leave the Ku Klux Klan, and was met with almost immediate opposition when it was first announced earlier in the week. Perhaps most notable among those who spoke out against the series was Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo, who called for a boycott against A&E on her personal Twitter account on Wednesday. Prior to canceling the project, the network had first attempted to clarify the intention and content by renaming the series - a new, longer title of Escaping the KKK: A Documentary Series Exploring Hate in America - and announced partnerships with the Anti-Defamation league and Color of Change, a next-generation African-American civil-rights organization.
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