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.
samedi 7 janvier 2017
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!
10 Ways to Keep Your Health and Heart in Their Prime
This statistic may shock you, but heart disease is the no. 1 killer of women. Scary, right? No matter what your age, you can benefit from lowering your risk of the disease. Aim to check these off your list for a happy heart.
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!
Knock Knock: In Which Rachel Antonoff Gets to Fulfill Her Dream of Being in Cats
In the latest episode of POPSUGAR and Watchable's series Knock Knock, Rachel Antonoff gets to go backstage on Broadway and fulfill her dream of being part of the iconic musical Cats. Watch a preview here with Antonoff's subject, cast member Georgina Pazcoguin, and get a look not just inside the stage production, but at Georgina's unusual but inspirational collection. You can watch the full episode on Watchable now!
7 Reasons Sanrio's New Red Panda Character Is About to Rock Your World
Meet Sanrio's newest, most relatable character, Aggrestuko! She's cute and cuddly on the outside, and burning with rage on the inside. So basically, all of us at the end of 2016. Here are some fun facts about this new, badass little Red Panda. Plus, watch the video about her below!
- She's a 25-year-old Scorpio (with Type A blood, in case you're wondering).
- She has to deal with a nightmare commute on a crowded train.
- She has a desk job with a sh*tty boss.
- And no, she doesn't want to see photos of your goddamn baby.
- After work she jams out to heavy metal - her karaoke game is strong.
- She drowns her rage in beer, like a LADY.
- She's f*cking over your sh*t!
Aggretsuko, you rock! Watch the trailer below:
Introducing, #Aggretsuko! She's a Red Panda who works as an office associate of a trading company in Tokyo. Watch this video to learn more! http://pic.twitter.com/wwh79GzRw4
- Sanrio (@sanrio) January 5, 2017
Prepare to Burst Into a Unicorn Emoji Upon Seeing These Magical Recipes
This year is officially the year of the unicorn. Well, at least in the world of foodies it is. So how did such a phenomenon come to pass? These recipes and their viral reception had a lot to do with it. That and Lisa Frank. Take a look at the most internet-famous ones and the history behind them, and prepare to burst into a unicorn emoji.
Beat Your Food Cravings With These Tips
We've all see-sawed between depriving ourselves and binging on the food we crave, usually because we crave things that we know we should avoid. According to Annemarie Colbin, PhD, founder of the Natural Gourmet Institute and prominent author and lecturer on natural health and holistic medicine, we should listen to some cravings. They are the body's signal to search for nutrients it needs to operate properly. However, we often also crave addictive foods and substances that are nonessential (and often harmful) to our bodies.
People who experience a food addiction indulge in stimulants such as sugar, white flour, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol. Giving them up can lead to withdrawal symptoms like unpleasant headaches, intense cravings, depression, and anxiety. One bite can instantaneously alleviate these symptoms while propelling the body to pig out. Remember, easily ridding yourself of the symptoms won't reverse the addiction. Colbin says the first four days of a cleanse are the hardest, but the cravings will diminish with patience and time.
Let's take a look at the biggest culprit. We all know that white sugar is detrimental to our heath, but here's why sugar should be hard to swallow. In her book Food and Healing ($16), Colbin explains, "To metabolize refined sugar, the body draws out the missing companion nutrients (needed as catalysts in the digestive process) from other sources." The "other sources" can be additional foods eaten during the meal, or else your body strips the micronutrients from its own tissues. Colbin warns that to digest sugar, "We lose B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, [and] iron . . . from our own reserves." This is obviously a body's last resort, and the body will try to flash a hunger signal first to search for foods with essential nutrients. Instead of bulking up on unnecessary calories to find the right food to satisfy your munchies, Colbin has mapped out an easy-to-use chart.
Refer to Colbin's chart of "Common Cravings and How to Deal With Them" to figure out types of food your body really wants when you are craving food you shouldn't eat.
| To Diminish Cravings For | Have More | Eat Less | Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar (cakes, cookies, pastries, candy, ice cream) | Whole grains, baked yams, squash, apples, dates, cooked fruit | Meat, salt, dairy products | Frozen bananas (for ice cream), desserts sweetened with barley malt, rice syrup, maple syrup |
| Alcohol | Complex carbohydrates, vegetables, corn, leafy bitter greens | Fats, salt, miso, soy sauce, animal protein | Nonalcoholic beer, fruit |
| Coffee | Vegetables, salad | Meat, sugar, flour, grain, salt | Grain coffee |
| Salt | Seaweed, black beans, vegetables | Sweets, fats, alcohol, meat, grain | Natural soy sauce, miso (small amounts), herbs, and spices |
| Milk Products | Leafy greens, whole grains, beans, fish | Sugar, baked goods, fruit, meat | Tofu (small amounts), nut milk |
| Fats and Sweets | Protein: beans, fish, chicken, eggs | Grain, fruit, salad | Try to eliminate from diet |
Beat Your Food Cravings With These Tips
We've all see-sawed between depriving ourselves and binging on the food we crave, usually because we crave things that we know we should avoid. According to Annemarie Colbin, PhD, founder of the Natural Gourmet Institute and prominent author and lecturer on natural health and holistic medicine, we should listen to some cravings. They are the body's signal to search for nutrients it needs to operate properly. However, we often also crave addictive foods and substances that are nonessential (and often harmful) to our bodies.
People who experience a food addiction indulge in stimulants such as sugar, white flour, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol. Giving them up can lead to withdrawal symptoms like unpleasant headaches, intense cravings, depression, and anxiety. One bite can instantaneously alleviate these symptoms while propelling the body to pig out. Remember, easily ridding yourself of the symptoms won't reverse the addiction. Colbin says the first four days of a cleanse are the hardest, but the cravings will diminish with patience and time.
Let's take a look at the biggest culprit. We all know that white sugar is detrimental to our heath, but here's why sugar should be hard to swallow. In her book Food and Healing ($16), Colbin explains, "To metabolize refined sugar, the body draws out the missing companion nutrients (needed as catalysts in the digestive process) from other sources." The "other sources" can be additional foods eaten during the meal, or else your body strips the micronutrients from its own tissues. Colbin warns that to digest sugar, "We lose B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, [and] iron . . . from our own reserves." This is obviously a body's last resort, and the body will try to flash a hunger signal first to search for foods with essential nutrients. Instead of bulking up on unnecessary calories to find the right food to satisfy your munchies, Colbin has mapped out an easy-to-use chart.
Refer to Colbin's chart of "Common Cravings and How to Deal With Them" to figure out types of food your body really wants when you are craving food you shouldn't eat.
| To Diminish Cravings For | Have More | Eat Less | Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar (cakes, cookies, pastries, candy, ice cream) | Whole grains, baked yams, squash, apples, dates, cooked fruit | Meat, salt, dairy products | Frozen bananas (for ice cream), desserts sweetened with barley malt, rice syrup, maple syrup |
| Alcohol | Complex carbohydrates, vegetables, corn, leafy bitter greens | Fats, salt, miso, soy sauce, animal protein | Nonalcoholic beer, fruit |
| Coffee | Vegetables, salad | Meat, sugar, flour, grain, salt | Grain coffee |
| Salt | Seaweed, black beans, vegetables | Sweets, fats, alcohol, meat, grain | Natural soy sauce, miso (small amounts), herbs, and spices |
| Milk Products | Leafy greens, whole grains, beans, fish | Sugar, baked goods, fruit, meat | Tofu (small amounts), nut milk |
| Fats and Sweets | Protein: beans, fish, chicken, eggs | Grain, fruit, salad | Try to eliminate from diet |
One Day at a Time: Is Netflix's New Comedy Getting a Second Season?
Netflix has given Norman Lear's classic '70s sitcom One Day at a Time a fresh reboot, and it's already a hit! While critics may have been wary thanks to another poorly received (yet popular) revival, the new series has proven to be a winner, boasting a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have already breezed through the first 13 episodes, you may be wondering if Netflix has given the green light for a second season. There's no word yet, but we'll keep you updated as soon as there's word on the fate of our new favorite Cuban-American family!
The Bye Bye Man: This Exclusive Clip Is an Excellent Reminder That Seances Are Never a Good Idea
"Don't say it, don't think it. Don't say it, don't think it." That just makes you want to say and think about whatever "it" is, right? In the upcoming horror movie The Bye Bye Man, our fearless protagonists are forced to occupy their mind with anything but a mysterious force known as the Bye Bye Man, lest he appear and find some way to murder them. It's kind of like the Bloody Mary legend, if she killed people Final Destination-style. Here's an exclusive clip of the film that will make you never want to summon anyone from the grave ever again. (In case that's a thing you do.)
20 Cozy Casserole Recipes
Whether you call them casseroles or hot dishes, there's no argument about the merits of these cozy, crowd-friendly recipes. We've rounded up the best options out there ranging from ultraclassic (think tuna noodle casserole) to creative spins (breakfast pancake lasagna).
Source: My Name is Yeh, Half Baked Harvest, Damn Delicious, How Sweet It Is
vendredi 6 janvier 2017
11 Netflix Hacks to Make Binge-Watching So Much Better
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / THEM TOO
Calling all Netflix fans! Whether you binge-watch or just occasionally browse, your streaming experience is about to get so much better. Sure, sitting back and watching all your favorite shows is easy enough, but you can also sync up and watch with a friend, improve what Netflix suggests, and much more. Read on to see how you can improve the experience and make your next Friday night in an amazing one.
- Clear your history: Are you embarrassed about giving into nostalgia and watching an old episode of Gilmore Girls? You can easily shake that by heading into "Your Account" on the top right corner and clicking on "Viewing Activity." From there, just tap the "X" to clear whatever it is you watched.
- Find a new genre of movies to watch: Stuck on what to watch? You can use the secret Netflix genre codes to find all sorts of categories of movies and shows. Use the URL, http://ift.tt/1Oj1bRU, and then plug in a genre code from the list that What's on Netflix has.
- Use only high-quality playback: Some of us just want to watch in the best resolution possible when we're at home and it's super easy to set that up. Head to your account again, tap on "Playback Settings", and set your preference to high.
- Save your data plan: Watching Netflix on the go has its perks, except when it comes to your data plan. In order to use the least amount of data possible, head back to "Playback Settings" and set it to low.
- Change the size (and color!) of your closed-captioning: You'll find this setting in your account, under "Subtitle Appearance". Click on that and you can change the size, font, shadow, and color of the text.
- Kick your ex off your account: It's no secret that we all share passwords for streaming services, but sometimes those relationships end and it's time to get back what you pay for. To kick someone off your account, head to "Settings", tap on "Sign out of all devices", and boom - now that person can't get back into your account!
- Memorize all the keyboard shortcuts: There are several, but the most useful ones are hitting "F" for full screen, "M" to mute, "Enter" to play and pause, and using the up and down keys to adjust the volume. For more advanced users, hitting shift and the left arrow will rewind a show, and holding shift and the right arrow will fast forward.
- Get a slew of extra information about shows and movies: With the NEnhancer, a Google Chrome extension, you can see IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes ratings, trailers, and plenty more that will help you pick out a great movie or show. If you don't want to download the extension, Rotten Tomatoes has a section devoted to what you can watch on Netflix (and other streaming services).
- Watch with your friends: Thanks to a handy Google Chrome extension, Showgoers, you can sync up and watch something with your friend at the same time. Both of you just need to install the extension and pick a film or series, and it should sync flawlessly.
- Pick something to watch without trying: It's always hard to choose a single movie or show, but two websites exist to solve that. Flix Roulette lets you set a preference and it will choose a movie for you. A Good Movie to Watch has movies you might not have heard of to watch on Netflix.
- Skip those pauses: Indulge in your binge-watching and use Netflix Pause Removal, a Chrome extension that lets you skip the 15 seconds in between episodes.
Looks like "Netflix and chill" just got a little easier.
Every Win and Nomination La La Land Has Scored So Far
The Golden Globe Awards are coming in hot this weekend, which means award season is set to begin in earnest. With so many ceremonies still on the horizon, it's hard to tell which film, if any, will sweep up a majority of the awards. That said, a close look at the surprisingly early Critics' Choice Awards, the Golden Globe nominees, and the SAG Award nominations is enough to give us a pretty good idea. Among all the stellar films in the running, La La Land has a clear edge with 21 nods. The Critics' Choice winners' list already yielded eight wins for the musical, and with more on the horizon, things are only looking up. Let's break down every nomination and win so far.
Critics' Choice Award Nominations and Wins
- Won: Best picture
- Won: Best director, Damien Chazelle
- Won: Best original screenplay, Damien Chazelle
- Won: Best cinematography, Linus Sandgren
- Won: Best production design, David Wasco and Sandy Reynolds-Wasco
- Won: Best editing, Tom Cross
- Won: Best song, "City of Stars"
- Won: Best score, Justin Hurwitz
- Best actor, Ryan Gosling
- Best actress, Emma Stone
- Best costume design, Mary Zophres
- Best song, "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)"
Golden Globe Award Nominations
- Best motion picture, musical or comedy
- Best director, Damien Chazelle
- Best actor, musical or comedy, Ryan Gosling
- Best actress, musical or comedy, Emma Stone
- Best screenplay, Damien Chazelle
- Best original score, Justin Hurwitz
- Best original song, "City of Stars"
Screen Actors Guild Award Nominations
- Outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role, Emma Stone
- Outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role, Ryan Gosling
What Has Mahershala Ali Been In? 5 Reasons You Know the Moonlight Star
Mahershala Ali's star is on the rise! You may have recognized his face before, but 2017 is the year the world finally learns how to pronounce his name: Ma-HERshala. The actor earned a Critics' Choice Award for his supporting role in Moonlight, and he's on the list of nominees for the Golden Globe Awards and the SAG Awards, and you can bet on an Oscar nod, as well. While this is his breakout award season (he's also in Hidden Figures ), Ali has been acting since 2001, when he appeared as Dr. Trey Sanders on Crossing Jordan. Since then, he popped up on dozens of TV shows before making it to the big screen in movies like Predators and The Place Beyond the Pines. While his credits are too long to list here, these are the five places you're most likely to have seen Ali.
This Fan-Made Adidas Commercial Is Going Viral For All the Right Reasons
German student Eugen Merher decided to pay tribute to an 80-year-old relative who passed away last year by capturing his "young at heart" spirit. In the mock Adidas commercial, an elderly man, who is also a former marathon runner, is shown staring out the window of a retirement home when he spots a young runner passing by. The man becomes inspired by the encounter and decides to break free from the retirement home to have "one last" run outside in his old, worn Adidas sneakers.
Merher says the theme for the commercial came from the lessons learned from his deceased relative. "He was really young at heart," Merher said in a recent interview with Scary Mommy. "He inspired me to have a man that breaks free from inner restrictions, dementia, and from a retirement home - and run one last time."
Merher also revealed the now-viral commercial, which has over three million views at press time, was rejected by Adidas. Watch the motivational commercial above to see why it has almost everyone on the internet in tears.
Golden Globe Awards: Here's the Full List of Nominees
The Golden Globes nominations arrived in December, and if you happened to catch the Critics' Choice Awards, then you're probably getting a strong sense of déjà vu, because a lot of these nominees are similar. Award season favorites La La Land, Moonlight, and Manchester by the Sea dominated the movie categories, along with a few surprises like two nominations for Deadpool. On the TV side, new hit series This Is Us scored a handful of nods, and new critical favorites like Stranger Things, Westworld, and Atlanta were also recognized. The show takes place on Sunday, so brush up on the full list of nominees before then!
MOVIES
BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
Moonlight
Manchester by the Sea
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Lion
BEST MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
La La Land
Deadpool
20th Century Women
Florence Foster Jenkins
Sing Street
BEST DIRECTOR
Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
BEST ACTOR, DRAMA
Denzel Washington, Fences
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Joel Edgerton, Loving
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA
Amy Adams, Arrival
Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Jessica Chastain, Miss Sloane
BEST ACTOR, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Colin Farrell, The Lobster
Hugh Grant, Florence Foster Jenkins
Jonah Hill, War Dogs
Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool
BEST ACTRESS, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Emma Stone, La La Land
Annette Bening, 20th Century Women
Lily Collins, Rules Don't Apply
Hailee Steinfeld, The Edge of Seventeen
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Simon Helberg, Florence Foster Jenkins
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nocturnal Animals
Dev Patel, Lion
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea
BEST SCREENPLAY
La La Land
Nocturnal Animals
Moonlight
Manchester by the Sea
Hell or High Water
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
My Life as a Zucchini
Sing
Zootopia
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Divines
Elle
Neruda
The Salesman
Toni Erdmann
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Moonlight
La La Land
Lion
Arrival
Hidden Figures
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Can't Stop the Feeling", Trolls
"City of Stars", La La Land
"Faith", Sing
"Gold", Gold
"How Far I'll Go", Moana
TV
BEST TV SERIES, DRAMA
The Crown
Game of Thrones
Stranger Things
This Is Us
Westworld
BEST TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Altanta
Transparent
Mozart in the Jungle
Veep
Black-ish
BEST ACTOR, TV DRAMA
Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Matthew Rhys, The Americans
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan
Billy Bob Thornton, Goliath
BEST ACTRESS, TV DRAMA
Caitriona Balfe, Outlander
Claire Foy, The Crown
Keri Russell, The Americans
Winona Ryder, Stranger Things
Evan Rachel Wood, Westworld
BEST ACTOR, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Gael García Bernal, Mozart in the Jungle
Donald Glover, Atlanta
Nick Nolte, Graves
Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent
BEST ACTRESS, TV MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Rachel Bloom, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Sarah Jessica Parker, Divorce
Issa Rae, Insecure
Gina Rodriguez, Jane the Virgin
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish
BEST LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
American Crime
The Dresser
The Night Manager
The Night Of
The People v. O.J. Simpson
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Riz Ahmed, The Night Of
Bryan Cranston, All the Way
Tom Hiddleston, The Night Manager
John Turturro, The Night Of
Courtney B. Vance, The People v. O.J. Simpson
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Felicty Huffman, American Crime
Riley Keough, The Girlfriend Experience
Sarah Paulson, The People v. O.J. Simpson
Charlotte Rampling, London Spy
Kerry Washington, Confirmation
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Sterling K. Brown, The People v. O.J. Simpson
Hugh Laurie, The Night Manager
John Lithgow, The Crown
John Travolta, The People v. O.J. Simpson
Christian Slater, Mr. Robot
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Olivia Colman, The Night Manager
Lena Heady, Game of Thrones
Chrissy Metz, This Is Us
Mandy Moore, This Is Us
Thandie Newton, Westworld
This Fan-Made Adidas Commercial Is Going Viral For All the Right Reasons
German student Eugen Merher decided to pay tribute to an 80-year-old relative who passed away last year by capturing his "young at heart" spirit. In the mock Adidas commercial, an elderly man, who is also a former marathon runner, is shown staring out the window of a retirement home when he spots a young runner passing by. The man becomes inspired by the encounter and decides to break free from the retirement home to have "one last" run outside in his old, worn Adidas sneakers.
Merher says the theme for the commercial came from the lessons learned from his deceased relative. "He was really young at heart," Merher said in a recent interview with Scary Mommy. "He inspired me to have a man that breaks free from inner restrictions, dementia, and from a retirement home - and run one last time."
Merher also revealed the now-viral commercial, which has over three million views at press time, was rejected by Adidas. Watch the motivational commercial above to see why it has almost everyone on the internet in tears.
19 Stunning Photos of Ballerinas in the Streets of Egypt
There's no denying that photos of ballerinas juxtaposed with bustling city backdrops are breathtaking. But what about when those photos have a deeper, more inspiring meaning connected to real-world social issues? That's exactly what photographer Mohamed Taher seeks to capture with his Ballerinas of Cairo project, which features stunning snapshots of dancers contrasted with the rough streets of the Egyptian capital. What started as an aesthetically pleasing photography project inspired by New York's Ballerina Project has blossomed into a movement empowering Egyptian women to reclaim the streets, a public space in which they typically feel neither safe nor free to express themselves due to alarming numbers of sexual harassment experienced by women there.
"There's a huge problem for women in Egypt streets," Taher told Upworthy. "There's a lot of sexual harassment . . . so now this was a layer of the project."
Taher created an Instagram account to share his photos with the world, often including touching stories from the talented dancers in the captions. Keep reading for our favorite shots in which the ballerinas demonstrate graceful flexibility and inspiring courage.
19 Stunning Photos of Ballerinas in the Streets of Egypt
There's no denying that photos of ballerinas juxtaposed with bustling city backdrops are breathtaking. But what about when those photos have a deeper, more inspiring meaning connected to real-world social issues? That's exactly what photographer Mohamed Taher seeks to capture with his Ballerinas of Cairo project, which features stunning snapshots of dancers contrasted with the rough streets of the Egyptian capital. What started as an aesthetically pleasing photography project inspired by New York's Ballerina Project has blossomed into a movement empowering Egyptian women to reclaim the streets, a public space in which they typically feel neither safe nor free to express themselves due to alarming numbers of sexual harassment experienced by women there.
"There's a huge problem for women in Egypt streets," Taher told Upworthy. "There's a lot of sexual harassment . . . so now this was a layer of the project."
Taher created an Instagram account to share his photos with the world, often including touching stories from the talented dancers in the captions. Keep reading for our favorite shots in which the ballerinas demonstrate graceful flexibility and inspiring courage.
This Is Us Wondering Why the Hell Sterling K. Brown Wasn't at the AFI Awards With His Costars
The cast of This Is Us stepped out in style for the AFI Awards luncheon in LA on Friday, but one very important person was missing in action: Sterling K. Brown. The actor - who made headlines this week when it was announced that he'd be joining the cast of the much-anticipated Black Panther movie - was nowhere to be seen, though his onscreen parents Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, sister Chrissy Metz, and wife Susan Kelechi Watson held down the fort and posed together for photos both on the red carpet and inside the event.
The ceremony, which recognizes 10 outstanding films and 10 outstanding television shows from the year, also brought out Hollywood stars like Michelle Williams, Denzel Washington, and Emma Stone, who stuck close to her La La Land costar and avoided an awkward run-in with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Garfield. All we know is this: we better see you with everyone else at the Golden Globes on Sunday, Mr. K. Brown!
Warning: This Simple Picture of Sliced Ham Will Make You Dizzy
One Reddit user recently opened a package of sliced ham that looked a little strange . . . and no, the ham wasn't just bad. Instead, the ham appeared blurry and out of focus. After sharing it on Reddit, he came to realize that the internet strongly agreed.
The user shared a picture of the eyesight-deceiving ham in a post on Jan. 5, shown below, with a caption that read, "This sliced ham looks like it's out of focus." Other users quickly answered, confused by the very same package. One person commented, "It's hurting my eyes."
This sliced ham looks like it's out of focus. from mildlyinteresting
It's clear that the ham just looks blurry because there are multiple slices of ham stacked on each other in a slightly staggered manner - however, looking at it is enough to make us squint our eyes in an attempt to bring it into focus.
21+ Korean-Inspired Recipes to Try This Year
These Korean recipes will convince you to skip the takeout menu and make your favorites at home. From slow-cooker Korean beef to easy bibimbap and plenty of recipes with gochujang - an unbeatable Korean chili paste - there's a recipe here that's sure to give you a serious craving for Korean food. You don't have to go out to get a taste of Korean cuisine, which is known for its perfect blend of spiciness and sweetness.
These Christian Louboutin Nail Polishes Prove The Unicorn Trend Is Far From Over
In case there aren't already enough ways to translate your love for all things unicorn and metallic into your beauty routine, a re-imagined version of the world's most show-stopping nail polishes were just released - and they're magical. Appropriately named Loubichrome, Christian Louboutin's limited-edition, unicorn-esque mini nail polishes are here to make beauty junkies everywhere lose their minds once again.
In 2014 the iconic, red-soled footwear designer ventured into the beauty space with a line of nail polish as lust-worthy as their shoes. Since then, the brand has rolled out new colors, but none quite as intriguing as these.
The mini-sized polish comes in three colors: Loubichrome I (a yellow gold), Loubichrome II (a blush-toned red), and Loubichrome III (a violet magenta). These polishes will give your nails that ultra-trendy metallic finish, which was inspired by specchio - a mirror-like leather frequently used in the design of the shoes. At $30 each, these beauties are slightly more economical than the $50 full-sized bottles and come in rainbow-chrome packaging that's even more Instagram-worthy than usual.
The only setback: you might have to wait! The polishes appear to be sold out online right now, but we've reached out to the brand and will report back if (and when) they'll be available again. Read on to see all three colors, and prepare to be mesmerized.
Fifth Harmony Just Confirmed They Are Releasing a Third Album Without Camila Cabello
Harmonizers, take a deep breath and get ready for the best 2017, because Fifth Harmony has confirmed there will be a third album without Camila Cabello.
Though the group had already been hinting at brand-new material and had reinforced their fans they were committed to staying together as a quartet after Camila announced her departure from the group in mid December, Billboard is now reporting that new music from Aly, Normani, Dinah, and Lauren will be here before the end of the year.
According to sources cited by Billboard, the four remaining members of 5H renegotiated their original contract with their record label, which now allows them to have more control over their sound. And you know what that means? Even more amazing hits for us to have on repeat! Get excited by listening to a preview of what the group sounds sans Camila on "That's My Girl."
What Is The Young Pope About? Because It Sounds Ridiculous
The Young Pope has quickly become one of the most talked-about new shows of 2017, but perhaps not in the way HBO was hoping. Starring Jude Law and Diane Keaton, the series has taken on a life of its own on Twitter. Memes have sprung up in its "honor," people are rewriting song lyrics to be about the "cool pope," and the world is generally wondering if the show is going to be good or completely ridiculous. (It can't be in between - it's either insane or it's not.) Before you watch the show, let's delve into what it's actually about, beginning with HBO's description:
Young and charming, Lenny Belardo, aka Pius XIII, is the first American Pope in history. His election seems to be the result of a simple yet effective media strategy on the part of the College of Cardinals. But appearances can be deceiving - above all, in the Vatican, where the leaders of the Church have chosen the great mystery of God as the compass guiding their existence. And Pius XIII proves to be the most mysterious and contradictory of them all.
Nothing to see here, folks! The church is just looking for a fresh face to appeal to the younger, less-faith-focused generation, so they're electing a young pope . . . a sexy young pope. Having notorious (British) bad boy Jude Law play the American pope is a bold choice, and the casting confirms that this pope is not your grandma's Pope John Paul II. HBO is practically writing its own memes in its press release: "Shrewd and naïve, ironic and pedantic, primeval and cutting-edge, doubting and resolute, melancholy and ruthless, Pius XIII tries to cross the endless river of human solitude to find a God he can give to mankind. And to himself."
And to himself.
The trailer was released in December, and even the quote used to market it - "The young are always more extreme than the old" - is hilarious.
This pope doesn't have anything to confess! He doesn't care about your opinions! He smokes and hangs out shirtless! This pope disrespects Diane Keaton! Oscar winner Diane Keaton! It's like this pope never even saw Annie Hall. OK, Keaton is playing a powerful nun named Sister Mary who is the only person who stands up to Pope Pius XIII, but she's got some gravitas that he doesn't give one sh*t about.
As you can see, this show already looks amusing, but perhaps it's just that we're not getting the full scope? It premieres on Sunday, Jan. 8, so let's watch and regroup before we fully judge.
16 Things You Didn't Know About Gael García Bernal
Gael García Bernal is, undoubtedly, a recognizable Latino face in Hollywood. But if you don't know much about the 38-year-old actor, famous for his roles in iconic, award-winning Latin American films - aside from the fact that he's super handsome - we've rounded up 16 things you need to know about him to call yourself a true fan. Spoiler alert: he's just as smart as he is sexy. Keep scrolling to learn more about the Mozart in the Jungle star ahead of the 2017 Golden Globe Awards (he's nominated for best actor, TV musical or comedy) before you relive his winning night at last year's ceremony.
Best Pictures by the Year: Which Movie Won the Oscar When You Were Born?
Sure, you may think you know a lot about the Academy Awards, but can you remember which films have won best picture over the years? What if we asked you to name the movie that took home the coveted award the year you were born? Scroll through now to find out - you might be surprised!
The 11 Types of Dads We All Know and Love
It's hard to really narrow down everything that dads do for their kids as they all wear so many metaphorical hats, but there are quite a few "typical" types of dads. From the "cool" dad to the one who coaches his kids in every way throughout their lives, these are the 11 types of dads you're likely to meet around town.
The Latest Show From DC Comics Is Actually a Straight-Up Comedy
Chances are you're feeling a bit burnt out on all the superhero movies and TV shows. In the DC Comics universe alone, there's The Flash and Arrow on The CW, plus Jason Momoa's Aquaman, the badassery of Wonder Woman, and their induction into the Justice League on the big screen. If you're exhausted, NBC's Powerless might be exactly what you need. While it is technically a show set in the DC Comics universe, the new comedy focuses on something that's hardly ever addressed in these heroically inclined worlds: the civilians. Let's jump in and dish on what you should expect.
1. The Premise
The series hones in the the normal lives of the commoners who inhabit the dangerous world of superheros. At the center of the narrative is Research and Development at Wayne Security, owned of course by Wayne Enterprises. Their mission? To protect bystanders during epic, destructive superhero battles. The catch is their products aren't exactly fail-safe.
2. The Cast
Vanessa Hudgens stars as Emily, the newest employee of the company. Hudgens is flanked by Alan Tudyk (who plays her boss), and Danny Pudi, Ron Funches, and Christina Kirk (her coworkers).
3. The Superhero Surprises
In an interview at Comic Con in 2016, the cast hinted as some of the heroes we can expect to see. DC's Crimson Fox and Jack O'Lantern battle it out in the first scene of the pilot, and with Wayne Enterprises looming above all the goings-on, it's safe to imagine Batman might show up as well.
4. The First Teaser
In early January, NBC dropped the first 30-second teaser for the series.
Meet the super people behind the superheroes! #Powerless http://pic.twitter.com/XhwDbXzACi
- Powerless (@NBCPowerless) January 5, 2017
5. The Premiere
Powerless premieres on Thursday, Feb. 2 on NBC.
Tinashe's Entire New Music Video Is Fire, but the End Is the Real Killer
Um, hello? 911? We've been wrecked by Tinashe. The pop artist, who also recently killed it in Britney Spears's "Slumber Party" video, released a music video for her new song "Company," and it's got everything. We're talking shirtless men, awe-inducing dance moves, and some truly sizzling beats. No offense, but all this sexiness is about to make you forget all about Ed Sheeran's two new singles, which also dropped on Friday. Oh, and just wait until it gets to the end, when T turns it out all by her damn self. We're having major Janet Jackson flashbacks and we're not even mad about it.
10 Funny Lessons I've Learned as a Parent
I've learned lots of things since becoming a parent, but there are some lessons that are more amusing than others. Of course, many of these experiences are also funnier after-the-fact, and they tend to be lessons that I've learned the hard way at least once. Many of these experiences have left me exclaiming, "I'll never let that happen again!"
Here are a few of my favorites. If they haven't happened to you yet, do this the easy way and learn from my mistakes:
- Always, and I mean always, check the kids' pockets before doing a load of wash. Otherwise you may find a red crayon, pack of bubble gum, or toad (that really happened) in the wash . . . or worse yet, the dryer.
- Always use extreme caution when approaching a random, stray raisin. Sure, it could be a small dried fruit, but it's also dangerously similar in size, color, and sometimes consistency of something that might fall out of a child's diaper. The latter is not something you want to squish between your fingers unexpectedly.
- Murphy's law of traveling with kids states that if you should forget a spare outfit, or God forbid, an entire diaper bag while traveling with a small child, someone will inevitably spill a cup of juice on themselves, fall in a puddle of mud, pee in their pants, or worse. The farther you are from home without the necessary spare items will increase the likelihood that you will need them as well as the severity of the clothing mishap.
- I used to be a very organized and meticulous person, and then I had three kids in a four-year span. I spent so much time picking up toys and constantly telling my kids to pick up their toys that it was driving me crazy. After a while, I decided there would be no toys at certain times of day. We all cleaned up before nap time and right before bedtime. Now I've learned to just deal with the blocks, Hot Wheels, and crayons all other times of day (and any unexpected houseguests will have to do the same).
- Thankfully, being married gave me practice for the next one: you pick and choose your battles. I find this particularly true with raising a toddler. For example, I find it much easier to simply allow my daughter to leave the house wearing pj's, an Easter hat, feather boa, and rain boots to drop her brother off at school than to have her cry and yell about wearing something I've chosen. I reserve my arguments for more pressing, daily matters like why we don't flush Mommy's keys or wash our hands in the toilet.
- The absolute best way to get your child's attention is to sit down somewhere and look comfortable.
- The saying "boys will be boys" often rings true at my house when I'm pretending to eat the mud pies made especially for me, or when I'm wrangling live bugs that were captured outdoors and released inside. However, sometimes little girls will be like the boys, too. My daughter, having two older brothers, loves playing dress-up and dollies, but she also loves getting dirty with dump trucks and dinosaurs. A stranger in a store told her she must be a princess. She growled and exclaimed, "I no princess! I a pirate! Arrrrg!" . . . and that's just fine with me.
- Being crafty usually requires double the time it takes to do the actual craft, in cleanup. Finger paints are awesome, but depending on the child, rarely end up just on the paper. I'm usually scrubbing walls, floors, and hair by the time the kids' masterpieces are complete. Since the messier the activity, the more fun the kids seem to have, and the longer it may keep them occupied, some people might ask is it really worth it? You bet your Mom jeans it is.
- Dirt happens even when there's no dirt to be seen. Putting a child in white clothing will magnify this effect. Choose darker-color clothing, or invest in a good stain-fighting detergent because it's going to happen. I once put a 1-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy in white pants for Easter. They had dirt, grass, and some weird orange stain before we made it to breakfast. White apparel attracts juice, sauce, mud, and more. It's simple physics.
- School pictures, family-portrait sessions, or anything where I have to pay for a photograph usually results in a child giving him- or herself a last-minute haircut, falling down and scraping up their face, or a bug bite with swelling/allergic reactions. If I have to plan for or pay for a photo, someone is going to look their worst. I'm currently trying to decide if I should buy a bubble to keep them in for the week leading up to holiday pictures or just let what's bound to happen, happen and just try to explain to them why all their childhood pictures look the way they do when they're older.
What about you? What lessons have you learned the hard way? Anything that you've been through and can laugh at now (but still won't make the same mistake again)? Leave a comment below and let me know!
Award-winning blogger Susan McLean can be found writing about her daily adventures in motherhood over at Divine Secrets of a Domestic Diva.
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher Have Been Laid to Rest, Together
Carrie Fisher and her mother, the legendary actress Debbie Reynolds, were laid to rest together at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in LA on Friday. The mother-daughter duo, who heartbreakingly passed away within a day of each other last month, were celebrated by famous friends and family members including Carrie's brother, Todd Fisher, and daughter, Billie Lourd; Billie's Scream Queens costars Lea Michele, Emma Roberts, and Abigail Breslin, as well as her boyfriend Taylor Lautner, were all in attendance. While Carrie was recently cremated - her brother Todd was spotting carrying a urn shaped like a Prozac capsule - the 60-year-old Star Wars icon's ashes were buried in a coffin next to Debbie's.
Billie spoke out for the first time about the loss of her mother and grandmother earlier in the week, writing, "Receiving all of your prayers and kind words over the past week has given me strength during a time I thought strength could not exist." On Thursday, a private memorial was held at Debbie and Carrie's family compound in Beverly Hills. Meryl Streep (who played Carrie in the film adaptation of her book Postcards From the Edge) reportedly sang Carrie's favorite song, "Happy Days Are Here Again" for the late actress. The burial ceremony comes just a day before a documentary about the two women, titled Bright Lights, airs on HBO.
The 1 Trend You Won't See on the Red Carpet in 2017
The red carpet is half the show at the Golden Globes, so naturally we spend a lot of time thinking about who's wearing what, wondering which trends will sweep award season, and whose dresses we'll remember long after the night is over. The anticipation is killer, so we enlisted an expert to help calm our nerves and get some answers ahead of the big show. Enter Tracy Taylor, senior style editor at NET-A-PORTER. Here, we picked Tracy's brain on the labels we can expect to see - more Gucci? Dior? - and the one red carpet trend you won't be seeing in 2017. Read on for the breakdown.
You Could Predict What J Lo Will Wear to the Golden Globes by Looking at These Photos
When you think of the Golden Globes, classic princessy gowns and fancy tuxedos probably come to mind, but when it's time for Jennifer Lopez to find a dress for the award show, she thinks, "Let's experiment."
Through the years, the singer, actress, and producer has treated this red carpet as her own personal runway, wearing unexpected and risky gowns that show lots of skin, feature crazy trains, and even come in colors we don't normally spot during award season. In fact, from the look of J Lo's past dress choices at the Golden Globes, you can only deduce one thing: if she shows up at the 2017 ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 8, she'll be wearing a curve-hugging, low-cut (or -back) dress that looks good from every angle. Scroll ahead to check out her previous choices.
5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate
There's no need to nix chocolate from your diet for good. When satisfying a sweet tooth, choosing dark chocolate can be a good decision for your health. In fact, here are five healthy reasons to eat dark chocolate.
- It helps you exercise longer: A study found that eating a tiny amount of dark chocolate before a workout helps fight fatigue, which means you can go that much further during your workout. The amount that worked in the study was tiny - just half a square - but if it's good quality chocolate, a small square will go a long way.
- It's stress relieving: And not just when you're PMSing. A study found that when highly stressed participants ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate (the equivalent of a Hershey's bar) a day for two weeks, the level of stress hormones in their bodies dropped significantly. While eating a candy bar a day can contribute to a whole new set of stresses if you're watching your weight, it's nice to know that dark chocolate has a measurable effect on stress levels.
- It's heart-healthy: A study found that dark chocolate increases blood flow, which helps keep your ticker in top shape. Those who ate a small amount of chocolate a day had increased blood flow due to more-dilated blood vessels as well as better heart function.
- It's good when you're sick: If you can't get the rest you need because of a nagging cough, try dark chocolate. The theobromine, an ingredient in dark chocolate, has been proven to suppress a cough, but just be careful - if you're trying to go to sleep, remember that a dark chocolate Hershey's bar has 30 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent to a cup of tea.
- It lowers blood pressure: Increasing blood flow also helps your heart in another way. A study found that eating a small square of dark chocolate a day helps regulate your blood pressure by increasing blood flow as well as dilating blood vessels and releasing nitric oxide. If you're managing your blood pressure levels, a daily, small dose of dark chocolate may help.
This Nonverbal Boy and His Deaf Boxer Have a Bond Beyond Words
When Brandi Guillet adopted her son at birth, she knew he had a genetic disorder that would affect his communication skills as he grew. Now 6 years old, her son cannot communicate verbally but is able to use some sign language and gestures instead - both of which have helped him form a remarkable bond with the family's sweet 3-year-old deaf Boxer named Ellie.
In a Facebook post to the group Deaf Dogs Rock, Brandi opened up about her son's furry companion. She said, "She is amazing with my son. She is the most gentle, loving girl ever."
In an interview with CBS, Brandi explained that the family began fostering Ellie through the Coastal Boxer Rescue in Florida just a week before Christmas. Brandi said they were drawn to Ellie after learning she only responds to sign language. "To think that Connor can sign to her and actually communicate with her made my heart melt," she said.
Given her son's love for Ellie, Brandi now plans on adopting her! She said, "The most BEAUTIFUL part of this adoption is my son and his dog can actually talk to each other!" She added, "She is such a perfect addition to our family."
5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Dark Chocolate
There's no need to nix chocolate from your diet for good. When satisfying a sweet tooth, choosing dark chocolate can be a good decision for your health. In fact, here are five healthy reasons to eat dark chocolate.
- It helps you exercise longer: A study found that eating a tiny amount of dark chocolate before a workout helps fight fatigue, which means you can go that much further during your workout. The amount that worked in the study was tiny - just half a square - but if it's good quality chocolate, a small square will go a long way.
- It's stress relieving: And not just when you're PMSing. A study found that when highly stressed participants ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate (the equivalent of a Hershey's bar) a day for two weeks, the level of stress hormones in their bodies dropped significantly. While eating a candy bar a day can contribute to a whole new set of stresses if you're watching your weight, it's nice to know that dark chocolate has a measurable effect on stress levels.
- It's heart-healthy: A study found that dark chocolate increases blood flow, which helps keep your ticker in top shape. Those who ate a small amount of chocolate a day had increased blood flow due to more-dilated blood vessels as well as better heart function.
- It's good when you're sick: If you can't get the rest you need because of a nagging cough, try dark chocolate. The theobromine, an ingredient in dark chocolate, has been proven to suppress a cough, but just be careful - if you're trying to go to sleep, remember that a dark chocolate Hershey's bar has 30 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent to a cup of tea.
- It lowers blood pressure: Increasing blood flow also helps your heart in another way. A study found that eating a small square of dark chocolate a day helps regulate your blood pressure by increasing blood flow as well as dilating blood vessels and releasing nitric oxide. If you're managing your blood pressure levels, a daily, small dose of dark chocolate may help.
10 Pieces You Should Always Buy Multiples of
There's no telling how many times we've regretted not buying multiples of an item that we end up loving and wearing 24/7. It's basically our worst shopping nightmare next to hearing, "sorry, it's sold out." If you find yourself going back and forth between buying that top in black or gray, just get it in both colors. Because chances are, weeks later, when you're getting dressed in the morning you'll think back to how your outfit would look so much better if you had that [insert color] option too.
That's why we've decided to come up with a definitive list of pieces you should always stock up on once you find the one. To prevent future heartaches, read ahead to see the items you need multiples of, from a wearable white tee to the tiny, cute midi ring.
Cindy Crawford's 2017 Beauty Resolutions Are So Easy, You'll Steal Them For Yourself
Even Cindy Crawford needs to be reminded to practice some serious self-care. Like many of us, the supermodel aims to slow down and take up healthier habits in 2017. She shared her new year's resolutions on Instagram and beauty lovers took note. If it's good enough for Cindy Crawford, these beauty tips are definitely good enough for us.
Read on to see some of the ways the bombshell plans to switch her routine up this year, then check out these tips straight from the model herself.
The Rejuvenating Treatment Celebs Are Finally Opening Up About
Recently my skin was looking a little worse for wear and in need of some serious maintenance. Not only did it look dull and tired but I was growing impatient with my enlarged pores because I couldn't seem to find a product that effectively worked to shrink them. The most bothersome thing I wanted to address were the tiny little lines I noticed creeping up on my forehead despite being just 28 years old.
Sometimes I feel like no matter how many products I use or facials I try, the complexion I see staring back at me in the mirror just isn't as vibrant or youthful as the one I want to see. To find out the easiest most effective way to turn my skin around, I reached out to RealSelf Contributor Dr. Michele Green. I wasn't surprised when the doctor immediately recommended a laser treatment, specifically Fraxel, because its versatility allows it to address all kinds of skin concerns.
Plus, according to a few of my sources i.e. dermatologists and plastic surgeons, intensive laser treatments has been one of the best-kept beauty secrets in Hollywood. Until recently, celebrities have typically opted to keep the more invasive procedures they undergo to prep for a role under wraps, but now it seems many stars have become more comfortable sharing their go-to beauty treatments. Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Chelsea Handler are all said to be fans. Thanks to them, lasers have now become more visible and buzzworthy.
If you're curious about whether or not lasers can give you a celebrity-grade complexion, you've come to the right place. Here's a guide to everything you need to know about the formerly taboo topic including my first-hand account of what it's like
Cher Will Star in a Lifetime Movie About the Flint Water Crisis
- Cher is set to play the matriarch of a Flint family - Vulture
- The latest on the Thor vs. Hulk rumors - HuffPost Entertainment
- Bebe Rexha's desert music video will leave you parched - MTV News
- 4 commercials marketed to an audience that doesn't exist - Cracked
- What was the worst episode of 2016? - BuddyTV
- Archer is set to move to FXX for season 8 - Splitsider
- A Harry Potter bucket list mere Muggles couldn't complete - POPSUGAR Tech
This Blogger Refuses to Give Up Her Style Just Because She's Pregnant
Ever since blogger and stylist Pernille Tesibaek announced her pregnancy with an adorable Boomerang, she's done everything to accentuate her growing bump, not hide it. Cozy oversize sweaters that cover the elastic waistband on her jeans? Not for Pernille.
Instead, Pernille started off her pregnancy at Fashion Week, where she paraded around in tight, printed pencil skirts and embraced the added puff in her bomber coat or the noticeable cling of her silk cami.
There's a lot of fun in maternity dressing, and Pernille's constructed plenty of outfits to highlight that. Read on for a few of the tips we've gleaned from her latest looks, all of which are packed with just as much - if not more - style as before. Whether or not you're expecting, we can all benefit from a lesson in flattering different body shapes and sizes.
These Handsome Pictures of Kurt Russell Will Send You Overboard
Kurt Russell is what you would call a timeless heartthrob. Sure, the actor is well-known for movies like Overboard, but he's been making audiences swoon ever since he was a young teen. Aside from his impressive career, the 65-year-old has an equally epic Hollywood romance with Goldie Hawn. They began dating in 1983, share four children - Kate and Oliver Hudson and Boston and Wyatt Russell - and have become a golden example of a modern blended family. We guess you could say Kurt's the perfect package. See some of his best moments over the years.
8 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit From Being a Bookworm
I remember asking my mom what "t-h-e" spells. I was sitting on one of those plastic benches/toy chests that every '90s kid had and I screamed her name with such power and urgency that I can now, as an adult, only imagine it sounded like I was getting kidnapped (or worse) in the next room. That's how anything that has to do with reading has always been for me - urgent.
From wedging myself in-between adult conversations to get someone to read to me to carrying a book under my arm everywhere I went - literally everywhere; my poor parents had to entertain each other for most of my childhood because I was always lost in a book - I have grown up with a love of books and stories. But one thing I've learned throughout the years is that you can get so much more out of a book than just stories.
Being an avid reader and constantly feeling the need to bury my head in a new book has given me a surplus of skills and benefits that have affected every part of my life, and I'm a true believer that if our kids' idea of reading is through Facebook statuses, Instagram captions, and 140-character tweets, they're going to be in big trouble.
Read through for eight ways growing up a bookworm affected my life for the better, which are benefits your kids can also get in on if they're encouraged to be readers early on.
- I learned new words constantly as a kid (and still do), and developed language at an advanced rate. Because I read so often, I was constantly looking up or asking my parents what new words meant. It then became like a game to use my new words as a party trick of sorts both in school and around friends. When my friends were forming three-word sentences, I was speaking in paragraphs (and still do).
- I have the memory of an elephant. Reading books with a lot of characters and storylines puts pressure on the reader to recall events and names, something that for me, as a reader, definitely carried over into everyday life. I'm amazing at remembering birthdays, middle names, and tons of other useless - and not useless - pieces of information.
- I can tune out pretty much any type of noise or distraction. If you aren't completely focused on the story you're reading, you'll miss details that could be important, which makes comprehension and recall more difficult as you read. When you read a lot, you have no choice but to adapt to your surroundings and focus on the story alone, even if that means blocking out noises from kid toys or loud TV shows. Being able to concentrate on a book translates to being tuned-in to real-life moments with loved ones, in the classroom, at work, and more.
- I still have an active imagination as an adult. Most adults begin to lose the ability to creatively use their imagination in the same way kids are able to, but reading helps to keep things vivid. When you're faced with hundreds of white pages with black text and no photos to be found, it's up to you as the reader to connect the words on the page to a world in your head based on the descriptions given to you. This allowed me to be creative throughout school and to think out of the box now as a working adult.
- No matter how stressed I get, I know that reading can help me calm down and refocus my attention. In the same way that I can tune out noise easily, I can avoid dwelling on stress and frustration by putting my mind elsewhere - into a story. Even if I can't sit down to read a book at the height of my stress, I do my best to think about other things and push my worries aside when I need to keep myself focused on something else. Being able to call upon a sense of calm and tranquility even in the most demanding of times is a quality in myself that I truly value and am grateful for.
- I have always loved - and been good at - writing. Reading is basically the way a writer can "practice" writing. When you read stories constantly, you begin to pick up on the elements of different authors' writing styles that you like or which resonate with you for one reason or another. The more reading you do, the easier it becomes to jot down well-written sentences that provide information and tell a story. And going back to having a wide vocabulary, being a human thesaurus makes writing a hell of a lot less boring.
- I learn something new on every page of every book. OK, maybe not every single page, but I definitely gain a lot of knowledge with every book I read. Sometimes I learn little things, like the state fish of Hawaii (humuhumunukunukuapua'a), but sometimes I gain knowledge about something on a larger scale, like life during World War II, or about something that directly affects my life, like my career. In order to keep growing, you can't ever stop learning, so even when your school years are far behind you, you can ensure that you learn something new every day through reading.
- I have a hobby I can turn to literally anywhere I go. Whether I have a physical book in my hand, or am reading an e-book or article online, I have reading material no matter where I go - on an airplane, in a car, waiting in a doctor's office, or when the power is out during a storm and everyone else in the modern world freaks out because their television is unusable. Words are everywhere and reading is a hobby that is possible 24/7 (also, if you utilize your local library, it's free!).
No matter how old your child is, it's never too late to encourage them to be a bookworm - and I promise, they will thank you for the encouragement later.
Check out some of these posts to get them started:
- These Are the 32 Books From Your Childhood That Your Kids Should Have
- 26 Young Adult Novels That Your Teenager - and You - Should Read Right Now
- These Are the 30 Books From 2015 That Should Be in Your Child's Bookcase
- These Will Be the 31 Chapter Books That Turn Your Little Reader Into a Bona Fide Bookworm
- Read All About It! Our 50 All-Time Favorite Children's Books
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