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.
jeudi 4 mai 2017
Everything You Need to Know About Sylvester Stallone's Role in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 below!
If your head is spinning by the time you finish watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, you're not alone. The sequel to the 2014 Marvel flick is a dizzying, colorful ride that brings Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Baby Groot, and Rocket into contact with a bunch of new characters. On top of meeting a lovable Empath and Peter Quill's real dad, we're also treated to a small but significant cameo from Sylvester Stallone. Though it might feel like he's barely on screen, director James Gunn has already confirmed that the character, Stakar, definitely has a future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, who is he exactly?
His Comic Book Origins
Stakar aka Starhawk first popped up in Marvel comics in the mid-'70s thanks to comic book artist and writer team Sal Buscema and Steve Gerber. The character was born on the monastery planet of Vesper in 2002 (which, back then, was the not-too-distant future) to parents Kismet and Quasar. He inherited powers like superhuman strength, immortality, and flight, and went on to accomplish things like making a few babies with his adopted sister, Aleta (yes, really), and helping the Guardians of the Galaxy save Earth. Fortunately Starhawk's appearance in the movie is far less complicated.
His Role in the MCU
Though the Starhawk moniker is never referenced, it's assumed Stallone's Stakar is a version of the character from the comics. In the MCU, he's the tough (but fair) leader of a Ravager faction that Yondu used to be a part of, until the blue-faced space pirate's accidental child trafficking got him kicked out of the confederation of cosmic mercenaries. Stakar has a large team, including his sister Aleta (Michelle Yeoh), the crystal-skinned Martinex (Michael Rosenbaum), gruff Charlie-27 (Ving Rhames), and more. All of the aforementioned characters also appeared in the comics in one form or another, though their backgrounds will likely be changed to fit the narrative of future films.
Everything You Need to Know About Sylvester Stallone's Role in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 below!
If your head is spinning by the time you finish watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, you're not alone. The sequel to the 2014 Marvel flick is a dizzying, colorful ride that brings Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Baby Groot, and Rocket into contact with a bunch of new characters. On top of meeting a lovable Empath and Peter Quill's real dad, we're also treated to a small but significant cameo from Sylvester Stallone. Though it might feel like he's barely on screen, director James Gunn has already confirmed that the character, Stakar, definitely has a future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, who is he exactly?
His Comic Book Origins
Stakar aka Starhawk first popped up in Marvel comics in the mid-'70s thanks to comic book artist and writer team Sal Buscema and Steve Gerber. The character was born on the monastery planet of Vesper in 2002 (which, back then, was the not-too-distant future) to parents Kismet and Quasar. He inherited powers like superhuman strength, immortality, and flight, and went on to accomplish things like making a few babies with his adopted sister, Aleta (yes, really), and helping the Guardians of the Galaxy save Earth. Fortunately Starhawk's appearance in the movie is far less complicated.
His Role in the MCU
Though the Starhawk moniker is never referenced, it's assumed Stallone's Stakar is a version of the character from the comics. In the MCU, he's the tough (but fair) leader of a Ravager faction that Yondu used to be a part of, until the blue-faced space pirate's accidental child trafficking got him kicked out of the confederation of cosmic mercenaries. Stakar has a large team, including his sister Aleta (Michelle Yeoh), the crystal-skinned Martinex (Michael Rosenbaum), gruff Charlie-27 (Ving Rhames), and more. All of the aforementioned characters also appeared in the comics in one form or another, though their backgrounds will likely be changed to fit the narrative of future films.
The New Grad's Personal Finance Survival Guide
Congrats, new grads, you did it! The future's so bright, you gotta wear shades, right? Probably! But the future might also be littered with student loan debt, empty retirement funds, and a struggling bank account. Right now happens to be the very best time for you to properly prepare yourself for a healthy financial future. Wondering where to start? For a comprehensive list of resources and tips on all things money-related, keep scrolling and set yourself up for monetary success.
Ahead of the Film, Here’s How the Murder on the Orient Express Book Ends
Warning: major book spoilers ahead.
Gone Girl who? The Girl on the Train what? Before Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins topped the bestseller list with their modern mysteries, there was Agatha Christie. Having sold billions of books in more than 100 different languages, only Shakespeare and the Bible have generated more revenue in sales. Among the plethora of titles written by Christie, the Murder on the Orient Express is perhaps one of her most recognizable titles. The story itself is so revered and unique, it's been adapted multiple times: in addition to a radio show, there was a 1974 film, a 2001 made-for-TV movie, and even a 2006 computer game. Now, with yet another adaptation set for a release in November 2017, the 1934 novel is in our sights again, more than 80 years later. But what exactly happens in the pages of the original book? We'll lay it all out just for you.
The Setup
On a cold Winter's night in December, the Simplon-Orient-Express is unusually crowded. In a time of year when the train would mostly be empty, every single compartment has been spoken for. Among the guests is Detective Hercule Poirot, a character who appears in nearly 50 Agatha Christie novels. The train goes along its usual route as planned, but sometime after midnight on its second night, it hits an unexpected snowdrift. The group of strangers is stranded until further notice . . . and one of them is dead.
The Crime
A passenger named Samuel Edward Ratchett has been murdered sometime between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. He has been stabbed 12 times. Strangely, the wounds are remarkably inconsistent, making it appear as though there are two different murderers. There are clues on the scene: a burnt letter (almost entirely destroyed), a pipe cleaner, and handkerchief embroidered with the letter "H." Ratchett's watch has been smashed, and the time is stopped at 1:15 a.m., seeming to suggest the time of the murder.
The Suspects
There are 12 possible passengers who could have done the deed, 13 if you count the conductor:
- Colonel Arbuthnot: A British man who formerly served in the military.
- Hector MacQueen: Secretary to Ratchett, American.
- Edward Masterson: The valet of Mr. Ratchett, also a Brit.
- Mrs. Hubbard: An American woman traveling by herself.
- Greta Ohlsson: A Swedish woman with a nervous disposition.
- Princess Dragomiroff: A rich, cosmopolitan royal of Russian descent.
- Count Andrenyi: A diplomat traveling from Hungary.
- Countess Andrenyi: The wife of Count Andrenyi.
- Cyrus Hardman: An undercover American detective.
- Antonio Foscarelli: An Italian business owner who lives in America.
- Mary Debenham: A British governess.
- Hildegarde Schmidt: A German mistress who serves Princess Dragomiroff.
- Pierre Michel: The French conductor of the Orient Express.
The Conclusion
Obviously, we omitted a lot of the evidence and circumstances of the crime. So, really, you couldn't hope to figure out the mystery just from these facts alone. But even if you did have all the information, the final twist is still shocking.
First of all, it's crucial to note why Ratchett gets murdered. The deceased had actually assumed a false identity; his real name was Cassetti. This man, we learn, was previously involved in a high-profile kidnapping case: he was the leader of a gang that had abducted a 3-year-old girl by the name of Daisy Armstrong. Although he demanded a hefty ransom, and although the ransom was paid, the little girl was found dead. In the wake of her death, more tragedy struck. Mrs. Armstrong was pregnant again, but gave birth to a stillborn baby and also died herself. Mr. Armstrong, overcome with grief, shot himself. Even the family's nursemaid, fearing that she would be the prime suspect, threw herself out the window. Cassetti was arrested months later, but due to corruption in the legal system and his amassed amounts of wealth, he was acquitted of the crime.
Detective Poirot learns early on that the murderer must somehow be connected to the case. The shocking revelation, though, is that all 12 passengers are somehow entangled, in one way or another, with the Armstrong family. All of them conspired together to plan the crime on this night, during this train ride. Each of the 12 delivered one of the fatal stab wounds that caused Cassetti's death. In the end, Poirot decides (with the help of a colleague) that justice has been served. He offers another explanation that will exonerate all the passengers and put the case to rest.
46 Percent of the White House Press Corps Thinks Sean Spicer Will Be Fired This Year
Based on how President Donald Trump represents his relationship with the mainstream media, you might be surprised to learn what the media thinks about him and the administration. Politico surveyed more than 60 journalists in the White House about their experiences covering Trump, and its results are incredibly revealing: 68 percent of those surveyed consider Trump the most openly antipress president in history.
Sure, it's not so shocking that a majority of journalists covering the White House regard Trump as antipress, but Trump's numbers are fairly comparable to previous presidents. Of the reporters who have covered previous administrations, 42 percent of them said Trump's administration offered about the same amount of access as other presidents and 21 percent said this administration offers more access.
Despite the Trump administration's constant criticism of the "fake news" mainstream media, 68 percent of reporters said they had never received a complaint from the White House about their stories. It also seems that the "failing" New York Times and The Washington Post are performing quite well in the White House press corps' eyes: 16 respondents said The Washington Post was doing the best job and 12 nominated The New York Times.
The press was torn on Press Secretary Sean Spicer, though they do appear to have some faith in him despite his repeated blunders. While 49 percent of reporters said Spicer would make it into 2018, 46 percent said he would be replaced this year. Five percent said Spicer would make it through the first term.
It's worth noting that only five percent of the respondents indicated they were Republican and 70 percent of them still planned on attending this year's White House Correspondents' dinner . . . despite one noticeably absent though typically regular attendee.
Every Star Who Is Set to Join Jason Momoa in Aquaman
We've got a long way to go before the stand-alone Aquaman film hits theaters - it's not due until 2018! - but that's not going to stop us from getting excited. In the past year, we've already glimpsed Jason Momoa all suited up for his turn as the aquatic demigod. Aquaman has appeared in the Justice League trailer from Comic-Con, plus other behind-the-scenes footage in unexpected places. Now that the cast has officially united for the initial table read and principal photography is underway, there's a good chance we'll be getting behind-the-scenes glimpses of the actors soon. In the meantime, we thought it best to go over all the stars who have signed on for the film so far.
How the Picnic Basket Became Spring's Must-Have Bag
You may have scrolled through your feed lately and thought, is there like a Fashion Week happening over a picnic somewhere? No, the fashion world isn't meeting for lunch in the park, but they're definitely dressing like it. Swapping trusty leather bags for raffia and wicker, bloggers and fashion insiders are embracing one of Spring's biggest handbag trends, though it's actually been around for a while.
You can trace the look back to Jane Birkin, whose iconic look included a chic wicker basket that she paired with everything from her famous flares to chic day dresses. Sure enough, the look now is a nod to that Parisian cool. So, don't overthink it. Read on to see how the trend's being reincarnated by the fashion crowd, then shop your own wicker bag to wear with anything you want.
34 Thoughtful Gifts For Women Going Through IVF
Going through in vitro fertilization is an extremely difficult process no matter the time of year. Even with the support of friends and family, this emotional journey can feel isolating for women, particularly when they are the only one in their friend group enduring the seemingly endless injections and doctors' appointments.
Help let your friend or loved one know that you're there for her and understand what she's going through with a thoughtful gift to ease the IVF process. From presents to help her relax or to help the pain of needles and injections to gifts to help her find humor in the moment, these are 34 perfect gifts for someone going through IVF.
How the Picnic Basket Became Spring's Must-Have Bag
You may have scrolled through your feed lately and thought, is there like a Fashion Week happening over a picnic somewhere? No, the fashion world isn't meeting for lunch in the park, but they're definitely dressing like it. Swapping trusty leather bags for raffia and wicker, bloggers and fashion insiders are embracing one of Spring's biggest handbag trends, though it's actually been around for a while.
You can trace the look back to Jane Birkin, whose iconic look included a chic wicker basket that she paired with everything from her famous flares to chic day dresses. Sure enough, the look now is a nod to that Parisian cool. So, don't overthink it. Read on to see how the trend's being reincarnated by the fashion crowd, then shop your own wicker bag to wear with anything you want.
46 Percent of the White House Press Corps Thinks Sean Spicer Will Be Fired This Year
Based on how President Donald Trump represents his relationship with the mainstream media, you might be surprised to learn what the media thinks about him and the administration. Politico surveyed more than 60 journalists in the White House about their experiences covering Trump, and its results are incredibly revealing: 68 percent of those surveyed consider Trump the most openly antipress president in history.
Sure, it's not so shocking that a majority of journalists covering the White House regard Trump as antipress, but Trump's numbers are fairly comparable to previous presidents. Of the reporters who have covered previous administrations, 42 percent of them said Trump's administration offered about the same amount of access as other presidents and 21 percent said this administration offers more access.
Despite the Trump administration's constant criticism of the "fake news" mainstream media, 68 percent of reporters said they had never received a complaint from the White House about their stories. It also seems that the "failing" New York Times and The Washington Post are performing quite well in the White House press corps' eyes: 16 respondents said The Washington Post was doing the best job and 12 nominated The New York Times.
The press was torn on Press Secretary Sean Spicer, though they do appear to have some faith in him despite his repeated blunders. While 49 percent of reporters said Spicer would make it into 2018, 46 percent said he would be replaced this year. Five percent said Spicer would make it through the first term.
It's worth noting that only five percent of the respondents indicated they were Republican and 70 percent of them still planned on attending this year's White House Correspondents' dinner . . . despite one noticeably absent though typically regular attendee.
We Just Found the New Gladiator Sandal of 2017
I was casually flipping through an issue of Harper's Bazaar when I saw them sitting pretty on model Alicia Rountree's feet: the sandals I would wear all Summer. "Mmm, I would sleep in those," I mused, as I located the shopping page at the end of the magazine and grabbed my phone to look up my new shoe obsession. Sure enough, these beautiful, two-toned leather and rope heels are a mixed-material masterpiece up close.
Not only that, but they're in line with a new trend: a sandal with a gladiator-like upper that stops at the ankle rather than extending to the shin or the knee. Instead, a chunky braided rope wraps around the leg in contrast. The resulting look is more sporty than boho-chic, but when you opt for a style in a neutral color, these new shoes can be worn with everything from flowy maxi dresses to denim and a breezy Summer blouse. Ahead, meet your new favorite sandals.
Beyoncé's Best Maternity Style Moves, According to Her Stylist
dThe first thing I thought about Zerina Akers, Beyoncé's personal stylist, is that she's genuine. I had never heard someone speak so passionately about a partnership with a brand. But Zerina - who also works with Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, and Chloe x Halle for red carpet events - is seriously excited about her new Dove campaign for the brand's invisible dry spray antiperspirant, which leaves zero white marks on clothes. "Whether we're on a shoot or on set, or I'm just trying to get someone out the door and onto the carpet, it's awesome and completely useful," Zerina told me enthusiastically.
She was just as excited to share her biggest fashion tips, both for expecting moms (aka celebrity client Beyoncé Knowles) and everyday women who just want to feel confident in their clothes. Zerina revealed everything from the perfect date-night outfit to the ultimate going-out maternity shoe, and, most importantly, breaks down Beyoncé's best pregnancy looks to date. Scroll to become enlightened by one of the coolest, most down-to-earth Hollywood stylists.
34 Thoughtful Gifts For Women Going Through IVF
Going through in vitro fertilization is an extremely difficult process no matter the time of year. Even with the support of friends and family, this emotional journey can feel isolating for women, particularly when they are the only one in their friend group enduring the seemingly endless injections and doctors' appointments.
Help let your friend or loved one know that you're there for her and understand what she's going through with a thoughtful gift to ease the IVF process. From presents to help her relax or to help the pain of needles and injections to gifts to help her find humor in the moment, these are 34 perfect gifts for someone going through IVF.
We Just Found the New Gladiator Sandal of 2017
I was casually flipping through an issue of Harper's Bazaar when I saw them sitting pretty on model Alicia Rountree's feet: the sandals I would wear all Summer. "Mmm, I would sleep in those," I mused, as I located the shopping page at the end of the magazine and grabbed my phone to look up my new shoe obsession. Sure enough, these beautiful, two-toned leather and rope heels are a mixed-material masterpiece up close.
Not only that, but they're in line with a new trend: a sandal with a gladiator-like upper that stops at the ankle rather than extending to the shin or the knee. Instead, a chunky braided rope wraps around the leg in contrast. The resulting look is more sporty than boho-chic, but when you opt for a style in a neutral color, these new shoes can be worn with everything from flowy maxi dresses to denim and a breezy Summer blouse. Ahead, meet your new favorite sandals.
Beyoncé's Best Maternity Style Moves, According to Her Stylist
dThe first thing I thought about Zerina Akers, Beyoncé's personal stylist, is that she's genuine. I had never heard someone speak so passionately about a partnership with a brand. But Zerina - who also works with Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, and Chloe x Halle for red carpet events - is seriously excited about her new Dove campaign for the brand's invisible dry spray antiperspirant, which leaves zero white marks on clothes. "Whether we're on a shoot or on set, or I'm just trying to get someone out the door and onto the carpet, it's awesome and completely useful," Zerina told me enthusiastically.
She was just as excited to share her biggest fashion tips, both for expecting moms (aka celebrity client Beyoncé Knowles) and everyday women who just want to feel confident in their clothes. Zerina revealed everything from the perfect date-night outfit to the ultimate going-out maternity shoe, and, most importantly, breaks down Beyoncé's best pregnancy looks to date. Scroll to become enlightened by one of the coolest, most down-to-earth Hollywood stylists.
30 Breathtaking North American Natural Wonders You Have to See Before You Die
When it comes to traveling, Americans often feel like they haven't seen enough, despite the number of foreign countries they may be lucky enough to have already visited. You might be determined to visit the famed Seven Wonders of the World, but did you know there are actually dozens and dozens of natural wonders to see right here in North America? From the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska and Canada to Baja California Sur, you could easily take a road trip (or two or three) across our great continent, never ceasing to be impressed. Have a look at this gallery and start planning your next semilocal vacation.
All Hail Elizabeth Debicki's High Priestess Ayesha in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
When Ayesha, high priestess of the Sovereign, first pops up on screen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, it's electric. Sitting in all of her gilded glory, the leader of the xenophobic, gold-skinned race of aliens - who are quite literally pod people - stares down at Peter Quill, Rocket, Drax, and Gamora from her throne with a mix of detached interest and chilling scorn; she's like a scientist preparing to slice open her next specimen. Although the true villain of the story emerges later on, it's the scenes with Ayesha that cement the towering golden goddess as the film's campier, more entertaining foil for Star Lord and company. So who do we have to thank for this metallic HBIC? Twenty-six-year-old Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki.
She joins Sylvester Stallone and Pom Klementieff as one of the cosmic sequel's best new additions, but it's hardly her first role. Debicki got her start in 2011's A Few Best Men with Rebel Wilson, but it was her big break as Jordan Baker in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby in 2013 that really set her career in motion.
Since then, she's gone on to star in films like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Everest, as well as nabbing the part of Jed Marshall in The Night Manager. Unlike Lee Pace's Ronan in the first Guardians - pause for spoiler warning - Ayesha makes it to the end of the film in perfect, albeit annoyed, condition, and the postcredits scene she appears in all but confirms the important part she'll play in future Marvel properties.
All Hail Elizabeth Debicki's High Priestess Ayesha in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
When Ayesha, high priestess of the Sovereign, first pops up on screen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, it's electric. Sitting in all of her gilded glory, the leader of the xenophobic, gold-skinned race of aliens - who are quite literally pod people - stares down at Peter Quill, Rocket, Drax, and Gamora from her throne with a mix of detached interest and chilling scorn; she's like a scientist preparing to slice open her next specimen. Although the true villain of the story emerges later on, it's the scenes with Ayesha that cement the towering golden goddess as the film's campier, more entertaining foil for Star Lord and company. So who do we have to thank for this metallic HBIC? Twenty-six-year-old Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki.
She joins Sylvester Stallone and Pom Klementieff as one of the cosmic sequel's best new additions, but it's hardly her first role. Debicki got her start in 2011's A Few Best Men with Rebel Wilson, but it was her big break as Jordan Baker in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby in 2013 that really set her career in motion.
Since then, she's gone on to star in films like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Everest, as well as nabbing the part of Jed Marshall in The Night Manager. Unlike Lee Pace's Ronan in the first Guardians - pause for spoiler warning - Ayesha makes it to the end of the film in perfect, albeit annoyed, condition, and the postcredits scene she appears in all but confirms the important part she'll play in future Marvel properties.
What Will the Game of Thrones Spinoff Be About? We Have Some Ideas
When you have a show like Game of Thrones that has met such monumental success, it means the moment the end of the show is in sight people will start talking about a spinoff. There's already been confirmation from HBO that a spinoff (or FOUR) is coming, so don't worry - it's going to happen. Now all that's left to reveal is what the new series will be about. As Melisandre would probably say if Westeros had internet, "The night is dark and full of theories."
1. A Prequel Series
It's not exactly a spinoff, but this option seems likely (it's the one idea that's already been brought up by HBO) and no surprise - a prequel to season one of Game of Thrones would have a ton of material to work with. It would also likely include events that have been referenced on the show, like Robert Baratheon's rebellion and Jaime Lannister killing the Mad King. It would also be an opportunity to both bring back characters we know (like Ned and Catelyn Stark) and introduce some we've only heard about, like Rhaegar Targaryen, the guy who started it all by falling for Lyanna Stark.
This show wouldn't necessarily have a happy ending - we know how the Rebellion ends. Lyanna Stark dies, Rhaegar dies, and poor baby Jon Snow is doomed to a life of shame as a bastard. Then again, is that any less depressing than how Game of Thrones usually goes? Eh, we'd love it all anyway.
2. A Sequel Series
The specific events of this spinoff option are a bit harder to predict, since technically we don't know how Game of Thrones will end, but let's face it: does it seem likely that EVERY detail will be nicely wrapped up? Perhaps a sequel will follow the new king (or queen) of the Seven Kingdoms and the fallout from whatever events lead them there. Or perhaps there will be even more questions raised by seasons seven and eight of Game of Thrones that could open up possibilities for a sequel. Only time will tell.
3. Very Early Westeros History
Thanks to Bran Stark, we've gotten some references in the show to what went on in Westeros way back in the day - before Robert's Rebellion, before anyone we know on the show was born, and before their great-great-grandparents were even born. The Children of the Forest, the First Men, and the beginning of the White Walkers are all part of the early history of Westeros, and those stories would be enough for their own whole show. Sure, there would probably be fewer elaborate costumes and grand cities, but it would be interesting to know more about how the wheels were set in motion to build the world of Game of Thrones that we know.
4. The Tales of Dunk and Egg
With all the hype around George R.R. Martin working on The Winds of Winter, you might be surprised to learn that A Song of Ice and Fire isn't the author's only Westeros-related work. His series The Tales of Dunk and Egg is set decades before A Game of Thrones and centers on a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. Egg is just a nickname, though - this squire later becomes none other than King Aegon V Targaryen, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and the younger brother of Aemon Targaryen. Game of Thrones fans already know the name Aemon Targaryen; when Jon Snow meets him at the Wall, he is known as Maester Aemon. There are already multiple books in this series and it isn't finished yet, so there's plenty of material to work with for a spinoff.
5. A House-Centric Spinoff
Want to know more about Valyria, that dilapidated Targaryen city that Tyrion and Jorah sailed through on their way to Meereen in season five? Or what Jaime and Cersei's mother, Joanna, was like? Or what it was like for the three wildly different Baratheon brothers - Robert, Renly and Stannis - to grow up together? A spinoff centered on the history, relationships, and, of course, scandals of one specific house could give more backstory to people and places we've only gotten hints about in Game of Thrones.
6. A Character-Centric Spinoff
It would be fun to follow one character after the events of the Game of Thrones series finale. Where does Arya Stark fit into the future of Westeros? Or Brienne of Tarth? Or the great (and frankly underused) Podrick Payne? This kind of spinoff could even focus on a very minor character's adventures during the series. Who wouldn't want to know more about how Lyanna Mormont comes to be the biggest tiny badass in Westeros? And everyone's favorite Baratheon bastard Gendry is returning this season; we need more details about what he's been up to all this time, right?
How to Beat the System and Shop Urban Outfitters Like a Pro
Urban Outfitters offers a shopping experience like no other. One moment you're knee-deep in a glorious assortment of mom jeans that rival your local thrift store, and just steps away, a stunning array of candles and beauty products await your perusal. Call it what you want, but this hipster haven of a store is definitely one of our go-to options for trendy clothes with a guaranteed cool-girl edge (even if it does drain our piggy banks). But there's a lot more to the popular store than meets the eye, so we reached out to an Urban Outfitters employee to get the inside scoop on the shopping deals and hacks you may not know about. Read on for the 12 tips that'll change your shopping experience.
1. You can get a 10-15 percent discount for clothing imperfections - even deodorant marks!
Yes, you read that correctly. If you fall in love with the perfect sundress in the fitting room only to find there's a tiny hole or stain on it, you can ask for a discount on the item. And those pesky white deodorant marks fall under the list of imperfections. "Deodorant marks are up to the manager's discretion, but with all URBN companies, the most important thing is to make the customer happy, so if they give us a hard time on it, we will just try to please them," the Urban employee explained.
If you stumble upon something in the home decor section, the same discount holds true. "The same discount does apply to home items, and sales associates will generally look for scratches, dents, or any other imperfection," the UO employee said.
2. Basics sell out the fastest, so stock up while you can!
Much to our surprise, those tried-and-true white t-shirts fly off the racks way faster than the store's of-the-moment items we assumed everyone would be pining to snatch up, like iridescent jackets and backpacks. "I would say that our basics sell out quicker than our on-trend items," the employee said. "For example, our basic Out From Under gray and black sweatpants sell out quicker than our supertrendy dresses."
3. The beauty products are worth a browse - and you can land some pretty sweet deals!
If you need a break from your usual drugstore finds, Urban offers a pretty sweet collection of beauty products that customers can't get enough of. The employee noted that Mario Badescu, NYX, Lime Crime, and Milk products are typically the most popular. But the best deal of them all? The face masks, which are always four for $10. What a steal!
4. You can hack your way to free shipping.
If you fall in love with an item while online shopping but don't feel like spending extra for shipping costs, there's an easy hack to help you avoid that additional charge. "You can get free shipping on any order if you call the store directly and have them order it for you instead of placing it yourself online," the employee said. Just be sure to have the product's SKU number and your debit or credit card handy!
5. There's really only one way to avoid the hectic fitting room madness.
"The biggest tip I have for the fitting room is to make sure you only have to do one trip. So, make sure you spend time on the floor getting everything you want so you don't have to do more than one trip to the fitting room."
6. Items on the store floor are moved around frequently - like, super frequently.
We've all been there: Against your better judgment, you walk into a store the day before payday only to find seven items you absolutely need in your wardrobe but don't have the money for. So you place them back on the racks and vow to come back the very next day to grab them. But it turns out you may not be able to find those same items the following day as quickly as you'd hoped. "Things on the floor are moved around every day and are merchandised by the store merchandiser and display artist. They are usually moved around based on how in trend items are and how things are selling."
7. There's a rewards program that scores you exclusive discount codes galore.
You're not truly an Urban Outfitters addict until you've joined the UO Rewards program. You can use the UO app to track your spending both in stores and online (and on the app itself!), which in turn racks up "points" that translate into discounts. "Eventually, when you get enough points, you will get offer codes like '10 percent off your order' or something like that," the employee said. Plus, using the app grants you early access to sales and collections and also gifts you a birthday present (and half-birthday present, too!).
8. You can actually buy the in-store displays!
There's no denying that UO's store decor is on point, and customers can actually purchase them - if they're willing to wait a bit. "If customers want to buy our displays around the store, they will be put on a list and called when our old displays come down and new displays are being put up. These customers will be charged a fee for displays, and the fee definitely varies per display."
9. There's no way around the return-policy situation.
Urban Outfitters has a pretty stringent 30-day return policy, and there's unfortunately no way to hack it. "They are pretty strict at UO with returns and always check to see if it is returned after 30 days. If an item is returned after the 30-day mark, they can't get the money back in cash or to their card, but will be issued a merchandise card instead." So if you're really not feeling that romper you accidentally splurged on, it's best to return it ASAP.
10. If you're eyeing an item but low on cash, wait until the nearest holiday to buy it.
Like any other store, Urban has major sales around the usual holidays, like Easter, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, not to mention Christmas and Black Friday. Chances are that cool product you've had your eye on will be discounted - if you can wait until the next holiday, that is.
11. It's probably futile to ask a salesperson to look in "the back" for another size.
Sales associates are commonly asked by customers to find specific sizes in the ubiquitous "back" of the store (wherever that is), but at UO, there's not much kept in backstock. "At Urban, a lot of the items are usually out on the floor. However, there may be a couple sizes of each item in backstock, but not a ton."
12. Things run pretty true to size, for the most part.
Whereas some stores like H&M are known to run notably small, Urban's sizing is pretty spot-on, making online shopping way less stressful. "I would say that UO runs very true to size; however, some stuff like our BDG jeans runs small on some body types."
How to Beat the System and Shop Urban Outfitters Like a Pro
Urban Outfitters offers a shopping experience like no other. One moment you're knee-deep in a glorious assortment of mom jeans that rival your local thrift store, and just steps away, a stunning array of candles and beauty products await your perusal. Call it what you want, but this hipster haven of a store is definitely one of our go-to options for trendy clothes with a guaranteed cool-girl edge (even if it does drain our piggy banks). But there's a lot more to the popular store than meets the eye, so we reached out to an Urban Outfitters employee to get the inside scoop on the shopping deals and hacks you may not know about. Read on for the 12 tips that'll change your shopping experience.
1. You can get a 10-15 percent discount for clothing imperfections - even deodorant marks!
Yes, you read that correctly. If you fall in love with the perfect sundress in the fitting room only to find there's a tiny hole or stain on it, you can ask for a discount on the item. And those pesky white deodorant marks fall under the list of imperfections. "Deodorant marks are up to the manager's discretion, but with all URBN companies, the most important thing is to make the customer happy, so if they give us a hard time on it, we will just try to please them," the Urban employee explained.
If you stumble upon something in the home decor section, the same discount holds true. "The same discount does apply to home items, and sales associates will generally look for scratches, dents, or any other imperfection," the UO employee said.
2. Basics sell out the fastest, so stock up while you can!
Much to our surprise, those tried-and-true white t-shirts fly off the racks way faster than the store's of-the-moment items we assumed everyone would be pining to snatch up, like iridescent jackets and backpacks. "I would say that our basics sell out quicker than our on-trend items," the employee said. "For example, our basic Out From Under gray and black sweatpants sell out quicker than our supertrendy dresses."
3. The beauty products are worth a browse - and you can land some pretty sweet deals!
If you need a break from your usual drugstore finds, Urban offers a pretty sweet collection of beauty products that customers can't get enough of. The employee noted that Mario Badescu, NYX, Lime Crime, and Milk products are typically the most popular. But the best deal of them all? The face masks, which are always four for $10. What a steal!
4. You can hack your way to free shipping.
If you fall in love with an item while online shopping but don't feel like spending extra for shipping costs, there's an easy hack to help you avoid that additional charge. "You can get free shipping on any order if you call the store directly and have them order it for you instead of placing it yourself online," the employee said. Just be sure to have the product's SKU number and your debit or credit card handy!
5. There's really only one way to avoid the hectic fitting room madness.
"The biggest tip I have for the fitting room is to make sure you only have to do one trip. So, make sure you spend time on the floor getting everything you want so you don't have to do more than one trip to the fitting room."
6. Items on the store floor are moved around frequently - like, super frequently.
We've all been there: Against your better judgment, you walk into a store the day before payday only to find seven items you absolutely need in your wardrobe but don't have the money for. So you place them back on the racks and vow to come back the very next day to grab them. But it turns out you may not be able to find those same items the following day as quickly as you'd hoped. "Things on the floor are moved around every day and are merchandised by the store merchandiser and display artist. They are usually moved around based on how in trend items are and how things are selling."
7. There's a rewards program that scores you exclusive discount codes galore.
You're not truly an Urban Outfitters addict until you've joined the UO Rewards program. You can use the UO app to track your spending both in stores and online (and on the app itself!), which in turn racks up "points" that translate into discounts. "Eventually, when you get enough points, you will get offer codes like '10 percent off your order' or something like that," the employee said. Plus, using the app grants you early access to sales and collections and also gifts you a birthday present (and half-birthday present, too!).
8. You can actually buy the in-store displays!
There's no denying that UO's store decor is on point, and customers can actually purchase them - if they're willing to wait a bit. "If customers want to buy our displays around the store, they will be put on a list and called when our old displays come down and new displays are being put up. These customers will be charged a fee for displays, and the fee definitely varies per display."
9. There's no way around the return-policy situation.
Urban Outfitters has a pretty stringent 30-day return policy, and there's unfortunately no way to hack it. "They are pretty strict at UO with returns and always check to see if it is returned after 30 days. If an item is returned after the 30-day mark, they can't get the money back in cash or to their card, but will be issued a merchandise card instead." So if you're really not feeling that romper you accidentally splurged on, it's best to return it ASAP.
10. If you're eyeing an item but low on cash, wait until the nearest holiday to buy it.
Like any other store, Urban has major sales around the usual holidays, like Easter, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, not to mention Christmas and Black Friday. Chances are that cool product you've had your eye on will be discounted - if you can wait until the next holiday, that is.
11. It's probably futile to ask a salesperson to look in "the back" for another size.
Sales associates are commonly asked by customers to find specific sizes in the ubiquitous "back" of the store (wherever that is), but at UO, there's not much kept in backstock. "At Urban, a lot of the items are usually out on the floor. However, there may be a couple sizes of each item in backstock, but not a ton."
12. Things run pretty true to size, for the most part.
Whereas some stores like H&M are known to run notably small, Urban's sizing is pretty spot-on, making online shopping way less stressful. "I would say that UO runs very true to size; however, some stuff like our BDG jeans runs small on some body types."
17 Years of Jennifer Lopez's Style in 17 Photos
Jennifer Lopez has been strutting her stuff on the red carpet since the '90s. There once was a time when J Lo loved rocking a great floppy hat, kitten heels, and lots of animal print - but not anymore. Jennifer's style has evolved so much that now we don't expect to see her in anything that's not super revealing and sexy.
In honor of Jennifer's impeccable style, we're taking a look back at some of her most iconic red carpet moments since she first stepped on one. Keep scrolling to see J Lo's evolution and be prepared to feel some serious nostalgia.
Prince Philip Steps Out With Queen Elizabeth II After Announcing His Retirement
Prince Philip was all smiles on Thursday when he stepped out in London after announcing his retirement. The Duke of Edinburgh had his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, by his side as he visited the Order of Merit Service at St. James's Palace. He appeared to be in good spirits as he mingled with guests. Rumors about his and the queen's health recently went into overdrive when Buckingham Palace called for an emergency meeting for all staff early Thursday morning. However, an announcement was made shortly after 10 a.m. UK time that the 95-year-old royal would be stepping down from royal duties as of this Fall. Until then, he will continue his previously scheduled engagements.
40 New Movies and TV Shows Coming to Netflix in May
April showers bring May flowers - and tons of new Netflix content. The streaming service is already stacked with great movies and original shows, but even more are about to drop in May. Long-gestating seasons of shows like Master of None and House of Cards are coming, along with popular movies like Forrest Gump and Inglourious Basterds. If you're already excited, wait until you see what else is in store! Take a look.
17 Years of Jennifer Lopez's Style in 17 Photos
Jennifer Lopez has been strutting her stuff on the red carpet since the '90s. There once was a time when J Lo loved rocking a great floppy hat, kitten heels, and lots of animal print - but not anymore. Jennifer's style has evolved so much that now we don't expect to see her in anything that's not super revealing and sexy.
In honor of Jennifer's impeccable style, we're taking a look back at some of her most iconic red carpet moments since she first stepped on one. Keep scrolling to see J Lo's evolution and be prepared to feel some serious nostalgia.
Kendall Jenner's Vogue India Cover Is Facing Major Backlash
To celebrate Vogue India's 10th anniversary, editor Priya Tanna enlisted two very iconic fashion forces to come together for a shoot. Mario Testino brought Kendall Jenner to Samode Palace, near Jaipur, India, which is even more beautiful than you might imagine. Bright, beautiful architecture is the backdrop to a series where Kendall wears monochrome outfits in breezy silhouettes, all of which are not just Pinterest-worthy but spot-on trend inspiration for the season. Mario is even offering the most gorgeous pic of the bunch up for sale on his site, Mira Mira, in support of the charity Girl Rising India.
Still, since the issue's release, Kendall and Vogue India has been facing major backlash from readers as they were shocked that the magazine hadn't chosen an Indian model for such an important cover. This reminds us of a similar situation pal Gigi Hadid faced for her Vogue Arabia cover. Ahead, have a look at the cover and editorial that's now at the center of some drama.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
What Will the Game of Thrones Spinoff Be About? We Have Some Ideas
When you have a show like Game of Thrones that has met such monumental success, it means the moment the end of the show is in sight people will start talking about a spinoff. There's already been confirmation from HBO that a spinoff (or FOUR) is coming, so don't worry - it's going to happen. Now all that's left to reveal is what the new series will be about. As Melisandre would probably say if Westeros had internet, "The night is dark and full of theories."
1. A Prequel Series
It's not exactly a spinoff, but this option seems likely (it's the one idea that's already been brought up by HBO) and no surprise - a prequel to season one of Game of Thrones would have a ton of material to work with. It would also likely include events that have been referenced on the show, like Robert Baratheon's rebellion and Jaime Lannister killing the Mad King. It would also be an opportunity to both bring back characters we know (like Ned and Catelyn Stark) and introduce some we've only heard about, like Rhaegar Targaryen, the guy who started it all by falling for Lyanna Stark.
This show wouldn't necessarily have a happy ending - we know how the Rebellion ends. Lyanna Stark dies, Rhaegar dies, and poor baby Jon Snow is doomed to a life of shame as a bastard. Then again, is that any less depressing than how Game of Thrones usually goes? Eh, we'd love it all anyway.
2. A Sequel Series
The specific events of this spinoff option are a bit harder to predict, since technically we don't know how Game of Thrones will end, but let's face it: does it seem likely that EVERY detail will be nicely wrapped up? Perhaps a sequel will follow the new king (or queen) of the Seven Kingdoms and the fallout from whatever events lead them there. Or perhaps there will be even more questions raised by seasons seven and eight of Game of Thrones that could open up possibilities for a sequel. Only time will tell.
3. Very Early Westeros History
Thanks to Bran Stark, we've gotten some references in the show to what went on in Westeros way back in the day - before Robert's Rebellion, before anyone we know on the show was born, and before their great-great-grandparents were even born. The Children of the Forest, the First Men, and the beginning of the White Walkers are all part of the early history of Westeros, and those stories would be enough for their own whole show. Sure, there would probably be fewer elaborate costumes and grand cities, but it would be interesting to know more about how the wheels were set in motion to build the world of Game of Thrones that we know.
4. The Tales of Dunk and Egg
With all the hype around George R.R. Martin working on The Winds of Winter, you might be surprised to learn that A Song of Ice and Fire isn't the author's only Westeros-related work. His series The Tales of Dunk and Egg is set decades before A Game of Thrones and centers on a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. Egg is just a nickname, though - this squire later becomes none other than King Aegon V Targaryen, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and the younger brother of Aemon Targaryen. Game of Thrones fans already know the name Aemon Targaryen; when Jon Snow meets him at the Wall, he is known as Maester Aemon. There are already multiple books in this series and it isn't finished yet, so there's plenty of material to work with for a spinoff.
5. A House-Centric Spinoff
Want to know more about Valyria, that dilapidated Targaryen city that Tyrion and Jorah sailed through on their way to Meereen in season five? Or what Jaime and Cersei's mother, Joanna, was like? Or what it was like for the three wildly different Baratheon brothers - Robert, Renly and Stannis - to grow up together? A spinoff centered on the history, relationships, and, of course, scandals of one specific house could give more backstory to people and places we've only gotten hints about in Game of Thrones.
6. A Character-Centric Spinoff
It would be fun to follow one character after the events of the Game of Thrones series finale. Where does Arya Stark fit into the future of Westeros? Or Brienne of Tarth? Or the great (and frankly underused) Podrick Payne? This kind of spinoff could even focus on a very minor character's adventures during the series. Who wouldn't want to know more about how Lyanna Mormont comes to be the biggest tiny badass in Westeros? And everyone's favorite Baratheon bastard Gendry is returning this season; we need more details about what he's been up to all this time, right?
Prince Harry Comforts a Boy and His Sister Who Are Battling the Same Terminal Illness
One of the things we love most about Prince Harry is his genuine interest in the well-being of other people. While some public figures might shy away from dealing with serious topics such as illness, Harry doesn't think twice about actually physically embracing those who are struggling. That's exactly what he did this week when he reunited with a pair of siblings in a London hospital who are battling the same terminal illness. Harry, who met 6-year-old Ollie Carroll and his little sister, Amelia, at the WellChild Awards last year, spent time with the pair on Tuesday. They both suffer from Batten disease, a rare genetic childhood nervous system disorder that eventually renders patients unable to walk, see, eat, or breathe. Most children diagnosed with Batten do not live past age 12. Ollie and Amelia's two older brothers were tested for the disease and don't have it.
Ollie and Amelia's parents, Lucy and Mike, posted two touching photos of the prince and their children on Facebook, including one of Harry embracing Ollie, who has lost the ability to stand on his own. "For an hour Prince Harry sat with us talking and playing with our children, laughing and making memories," they wrote. "The very thing our children want the most in life [is] to be happy and having fun. We feel so much pride knowing that Ollie and Amelia are touching the lives of the people they meet, with their love and their strength. The love, the support, and the laughter within that treatment room on Tuesday will stay with us forever. From the bottom of our hearts we thank Prince Harry for his support, his time, and his kindness towards our family and our journey with Batten Disease. It was truly incredible to watch him with our children and to have the opportunity to talk with him about our journey."
World Class Hypocrite Jason Chaffetz Wants to Rescind Obama's Pension Over Speaking Fees
When a president leaves office, it's pretty standard practice that they get paid to give speeches. Whether they donate the money or keep it depends on the president: while President Jimmy Carter rarely accepts compensation for speaking engagements, President Barack Obama recently made headlines for accepting a $400,000 fee to address Cantor Fitzgerald, a Wall Street institution he once criticized.
Ex-presidents also get paid a pension by the federal government, which varies depending on the President's post-office income. Now, Chairmen of the House Oversight Committee Jason Chaffetz has decided to use Obama's Cantor Fitzgerald gig as a reason to go after his presidential pension. Chaffetz decided to chime in on a USA Today editorial, which argued that Obama's speaking fees might incite Congress to target his pension. "Yes, it will," Chaffetz wrote in a tweet sharing the article on May 3.
Obama's $400,000 speech could prompt Congress to go after his pension https://t.co/h17muKPMmE via @USATODAY Yes, it will
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) May 4, 2017
Here's the problem with Chaffetz's moral outrage: presidents from across the aisle have long amassed mini-fortunes from private speaking gigs. Politico reported that George W. Bush has been paid between $100,000 and $175,000 for the roughly 200 speeches he's given since leaving office in 2009. And former president Ronald Reagan was famously paid $2,000,000 to visit Japan and open a trade dialogue with the country less than a year after leaving office.
Hillary Clinton's speaking fees, which were of much debate during the primaries, exceed W.'s: from 2001 until May, 2016 Clinton gave 729 speeches and made roughly $210,795 for each. Collectively, former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton raked in a whopping $153 million in speeches between 2001 and when Clinton announced her candidacy for president.
This is not the first time Chaffetz has attempted to limit former president's pensions to $200,000. A bill that would restrict presidential pensions to $200,000 if their income exceeded $400,000 reached President Obama's office in July of 2016, but he vetoed the proposed law. With this in mind, it's hard not to see Chaffetz's commitment to going after Obama's pension as a ploy to bash a political foe.
Get to Know the Soon-to-Be Princess With a Royal Wardrobe Better Than Kate's
Get pumped because a new Latina royal is here to stun you with her amazing style. Alessandra de Osma, known as Sassa and born in Lima, Peru, is the 25-year-old lucky fiancé to Prince Christian of Hanover. From the moment the couple, who met while Christian visited Peru as a teen, announced their engagement and 2018 wedding, we've been taking a deep dive into Alessandra's incredible fashion choices, and we must say, we're impressed.
The lawyer and model has been attending royal events, like the Monaco Rose Ball - Christian's father, Prince Ernst August, is married to Princess Caroline of Monaco - and fronting ads and magazine spreads for fashion designers for years. It comes as no surprise then than her closet is full of high-end pieces she wears expertly. Look ahead to see why she should be your new favorite royal.
World Class Hypocrite Jason Chaffetz Wants to Rescind Obama's Pension Over Speaking Fees
When a president leaves office, it's pretty standard practice that they get paid to give speeches. Whether they donate the money or keep it depends on the president: while President Jimmy Carter rarely accepts compensation for speaking engagements, President Barack Obama recently made headlines for accepting a $400,000 fee to address Cantor Fitzgerald, a Wall Street institution he once criticized.
Ex-presidents also get paid a pension by the federal government, which varies depending on the President's post-office income. Now, Chairmen of the House Oversight Committee Jason Chaffetz has decided to use Obama's Cantor Fitzgerald gig as a reason to go after his presidential pension. Chaffetz decided to chime in on a USA Today editorial, which argued that Obama's speaking fees might incite Congress to target his pension. "Yes, it will," Chaffetz wrote in a tweet sharing the article on May 3.
Obama's $400,000 speech could prompt Congress to go after his pension https://t.co/h17muKPMmE via @USATODAY Yes, it will
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) May 4, 2017
Here's the problem with Chaffetz's moral outrage: presidents from across the aisle have long amassed mini-fortunes from private speaking gigs. Politico reported that George W. Bush has been paid between $100,000 and $175,000 for the roughly 200 speeches he's given since leaving office in 2009. And former president Ronald Reagan was famously paid $2,000,000 to visit Japan and open a trade dialogue with the country less than a year after leaving office.
Hillary Clinton's speaking fees, which were of much debate during the primaries, exceed W.'s: from 2001 until May, 2016 Clinton gave 729 speeches and made roughly $210,795 for each. Collectively, former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton raked in a whopping $153 million in speeches between 2001 and when Clinton announced her candidacy for president.
This is not the first time Chaffetz has attempted to limit former president's pensions to $200,000. A bill that would restrict presidential pensions to $200,000 if their income exceeded $400,000 reached President Obama's office in July of 2016, but he vetoed the proposed law. With this in mind, it's hard not to see Chaffetz's commitment to going after Obama's pension as a ploy to bash a political foe.
Pippa Middleton Might Be the Bride, But She Just Wore the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress
Whether you're attending a friend's wedding, Pippa Middleton's wedding (lucky you), or just a really fancy dinner, there's no denying Pippa's Erdem dress is appropriate. The sleeveless jacquard design, slightly muted in color but jazzed up thanks to embellishments at the waist and neckline, is really quite a dream.
The bride-to-be stepped out on her way to the ParaSnowBall fundraiser in London wearing the midi with a glittering clutch and suede caged heels. Her engagement ring and tiny drop earrings added some extra sparkle and ensured party guests will look her way (in case they forgot May is her special month). Scroll for another look, then shop the exact Erdem number along with similar options.
Prince Harry Comforts a Boy and His Sister Who Are Battling the Same Terminal Illness
One of the things we love most about Prince Harry is his genuine interest in the well-being of other people. While some public figures might shy away from dealing with serious topics such as illness, Harry doesn't think twice about actually physically embracing those who are struggling. That's exactly what he did this week when he reunited with a pair of siblings in a London hospital who are battling the same terminal illness. Harry, who met 6-year-old Ollie Carroll and his little sister, Amelia, at the WellChild Awards last year, spent time with the pair on Tuesday. They both suffer from Batten disease, a rare genetic childhood nervous system disorder that eventually renders patients unable to walk, see, eat, or breathe. Most children diagnosed with Batten do not live past age 12. Ollie and Amelia's two older brothers were tested for the disease and don't have it.
Ollie and Amelia's parents, Lucy and Mike, posted two touching photos of the prince and their children on Facebook, including one of Harry embracing Ollie, who has lost the ability to stand on his own. "For an hour Prince Harry sat with us talking and playing with our children, laughing and making memories," they wrote. "The very thing our children want the most in life [is] to be happy and having fun. We feel so much pride knowing that Ollie and Amelia are touching the lives of the people they meet, with their love and their strength. The love, the support, and the laughter within that treatment room on Tuesday will stay with us forever. From the bottom of our hearts we thank Prince Harry for his support, his time, and his kindness towards our family and our journey with Batten Disease. It was truly incredible to watch him with our children and to have the opportunity to talk with him about our journey."
Pippa Middleton Might Be the Bride, But She Just Wore the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress
Whether you're attending a friend's wedding, Pippa Middleton's wedding (lucky you), or just a really fancy dinner, there's no denying Pippa's Erdem dress is appropriate. The sleeveless jacquard design, slightly muted in color but jazzed up thanks to embellishments at the waist and neckline, is really quite a dream.
The bride-to-be stepped out on her way to the ParaSnowBall fundraiser in London wearing the midi with a glittering clutch and suede caged heels. Her engagement ring and tiny drop earrings added some extra sparkle and ensured party guests will look her way (in case they forgot May is her special month). Scroll for another look, then shop the exact Erdem number along with similar options.
Get to Know the Soon-to-Be Princess With a Royal Wardrobe Better Than Kate's
Get pumped because a new Latina royal is here to stun you with her amazing style. Alessandra de Osma, known as Sassa and born in Lima, Peru, is the 25-year-old lucky fiancé to Prince Christian of Hanover. From the moment the couple, who met while Christian visited Peru as a teen, announced their engagement and 2018 wedding, we've been taking a deep dive into Alessandra's incredible fashion choices, and we must say, we're impressed.
The lawyer and model has been attending royal events, like the Monaco Rose Ball - Christian's father, Prince Ernst August, is married to Princess Caroline of Monaco - and fronting ads and magazine spreads for fashion designers for years. It comes as no surprise then than her closet is full of high-end pieces she wears expertly. Look ahead to see why she should be your new favorite royal.
Just In Case You Forgot Beyoncé Is Pregnant, It Says So on Her Shirt
In case you missed the memo that Beyoncé is pregnant with twins, the singer pointed it out by wearing a "Preggers" T-shirt. She shared photos of the cheeky tee on Instagram, where she's been documenting her maternity outfits. The outfit was more casual than her usual floor-sweeping gowns, but nonetheless still trendy. She wore denim-on-denim with her T-shirt and a pair of comfy Converse.
It seems the demand for the graphic Asos shirt is high, because it's not available to shop anymore. But for all you moms-to-be, we found several similar versions. Because let's be real, if you want to announce your pregnancy (or just have a Bey moment), you need this shirt.
13 Exciting Milestones Princess Charlotte Hit Before Her Second Birthday
Princess Charlotte been a very busy little girl - but then again, she is no ordinary 2-year-old. When her father is king, she will be second in line to the throne, so there are more to her milestones than first word, first steps, and first tooth. Take a look at all the different things the little princess has done in her jam-packed first two years.
Just In Case You Forgot Beyoncé Is Pregnant, It Says So on Her Shirt
In case you missed the memo that Beyoncé is pregnant with twins, the singer pointed it out by wearing a "Preggers" T-shirt. She shared photos of the cheeky tee on Instagram, where she's been documenting her maternity outfits. The outfit was more casual than her usual floor-sweeping gowns, but nonetheless still trendy. She wore denim-on-denim with her T-shirt and a pair of comfy Converse.
It seems the demand for the graphic Asos shirt is high, because it's not available to shop anymore. But for all you moms-to-be, we found several similar versions. Because let's be real, if you want to announce your pregnancy (or just have a Bey moment), you need this shirt.
This Is How Long You Can Expect to Bleed After Giving Birth, According to 2 Doctors
Something many first-time moms might not know in reference to what will happen with their bodies after giving birth is that they can expect to bleed. Understandably, the body goes through a pretty intense experience while birthing a child, so it continues to bleed vaginally - similar to a period - for a bit of time afterward. All it really comes down to is the body expelling the extra blood and tissue that it needed for the baby. But how long can you expect to bleed? And what are normal levels of bleeding? To find out, we asked two doctors to weigh in on it.
Iffath Hoskins, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, said bleeding will typically last for about 10-14 days. Heather Rupe, MD, DO, OB/GYN at The Womens Group of Franklin and WebMD contributor agreed with Dr. Hoskins and added that women can also see spotting for up to eight weights post-childbirth.
New moms can expect the blood to be bright red and thick because of the tissue right after giving birth, Dr. Hoskins said, but as time goes on, it should change to a brown or orange shade. During this time, pads will be your friend, but it can get messy, so wearing some crummy clothes that you don't mind getting dirty is a good idea. The blood is not cause for alarm, however, if you're passing any clots or rapidly bleeding through pads, it might be time to check back in with your doctor. Dr. Hoskins also cites localized pain in the perineum, fever, and pus as other causes for concern.
Dr. Hoskins put it simply when she said, "No one ever died from being embarrassed about an unnecessary phone call. But postpartum bleeding and/or sepsis are known killers of mothers." We couldn't have said it better. If you're ever in doubt, it's always smart to ask your doctor for help.
This Is How Long You Can Expect to Bleed After Giving Birth, According to 2 Doctors
Something many first-time moms might not know in reference to what will happen with their bodies after giving birth is that they can expect to bleed. Understandably, the body goes through a pretty intense experience while birthing a child, so it continues to bleed vaginally - similar to a period - for a bit of time afterward. All it really comes down to is the body expelling the extra blood and tissue that it needed for the baby. But how long can you expect to bleed? And what are normal levels of bleeding? To find out, we asked two doctors to weigh in on it.
Iffath Hoskins, MD, clinical associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, said bleeding will typically last for about 10-14 days. Heather Rupe, MD, DO, OB/GYN at The Womens Group of Franklin and WebMD contributor agreed with Dr. Hoskins and added that women can also see spotting for up to eight weights post-childbirth.
New moms can expect the blood to be bright red and thick because of the tissue right after giving birth, Dr. Hoskins said, but as time goes on, it should change to a brown or orange shade. During this time, pads will be your friend, but it can get messy, so wearing some crummy clothes that you don't mind getting dirty is a good idea. The blood is not cause for alarm, however, if you're passing any clots or rapidly bleeding through pads, it might be time to check back in with your doctor. Dr. Hoskins also cites localized pain in the perineum, fever, and pus as other causes for concern.
Dr. Hoskins put it simply when she said, "No one ever died from being embarrassed about an unnecessary phone call. But postpartum bleeding and/or sepsis are known killers of mothers." We couldn't have said it better. If you're ever in doubt, it's always smart to ask your doctor for help.
Zendaya Transforms Into Bruno Mars For a Spot-On Lip Sync Battle Performance
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I May Never Know if I Was Sexually Assaulted
All my life, these flashes have played in my mind like a choppy, hand-cranked silent film. I was in high school when the snippets suddenly began to make sense. I was no more than 3 or 4 years old. There was the crowded street in China - so blurry in my mind it could have been rendered in watercolor. There was the lucid flash of a stranger's hand grabbing mine and then the unmistakable image of my tiny hand being placed around his penis. But perhaps the most distinct image in this foggy vignette is the white substance that followed me home and somehow ended up on my mother's black dress.
The question remains: were these "flashes" memories of an incident that actually took place, or did my unreliable young brain create them? Was I sexually assaulted?
Sexual abuse survivors often have flashbacks of their assaults, triggered by the elements of daily life, that force them to relive the horrifying experience all over again. Experts recommend recognizing your triggers and avoiding them to the best of your ability, so as to prevent future flashbacks. But what if you're not sure that your assault even happened, so all you do is relive the maybe-incident in your mind repeatedly, voluntarily? What exactly does that do to a person?
The uncertainty of whether or not I was sexually abused has gnawed at me my whole life, along with a dizzying swirl of contingent questions that rotate in my head, like "Why didn't my mom stop the assault? How could she be so oblivious? Did anyone else on the street see this happening?" But the most significant portion of this mystery that I am aching to solve is how it has affected me as a person throughout my life and into adulthood.
To help me put together the pieces of this puzzle, I enlisted the help of three experts who work with sexual assault survivors every day, including those who have trouble remembering their incidents. I would like to contribute to the important conversation by allowing others in a similar situation to feel less alone and to provide them with some answers.
Can Sexual Assault Be Forgotten?
According to Josie Torielli, assistant director of intervention programs at the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, these "forgotten" incidents happen "quite often." Though there aren't exact statistics for how many people have repressed memories of their sexual abuse, most sexual assault counselors and therapists have worked on such cases. "Forgetting" your sexual abuse is especially likely for young children "due to the developmental processes of the mind," Torielli says.
The uncertainty of whether or not I was sexually abused has gnawed at me my whole life.This is true for all memories formed before a certain age - apparently, I refused to eat when I was a toddler, which I find inconceivable given my current appetite, but my mom swears it's true - but when there's trauma involved, your brain works overtime to "protect" you from these harmful memories and reliving the experience.
"In simple terms, our brains only allow us to experience what we are able to withstand," says Lindsey Pratt, a psychotherapist in New York City who specializes in sexual trauma and abuse. "This is one of the reasons why repression of traumatic childhood memories is so common, as children are not as well equipped to cope or make sense of fear, panic, anger, shame, or sadness as adults may be."
When trauma occurs, the brain goes into survival mode and activates a chemical called catecholamine, which is used to engage your fight-or-flight response. "Catecholamine also interferes with and impedes the encoding of memory," Torielli says. As a result, your brain locks these traumatic memories away in a special place, the limbic system, and pretty much throws away the key.
Pratt explains: "Theories on memory repression posit that trauma memories, including those which have been repressed, get 'stuck' in the limbic brain. They are then unable to integrate into the more logical, developed portion of the brain responsible for functional working memory, the prefrontal cortex, which is where our more 'normal' memories are stored."
In other words, memories of the pony at your fourth birthday party live in the prefrontal cortex, which you can access at any time, while memories of any kind of trauma live in the limbic system, which can be buried so deep you'll need a psychological excavation team to help you unearth anything.
The Problem With Repressed Memories
"Unfortunately, there's no external, objective database to check our memories against."Even though some experts have offered a scientific explanation for how and why your brain redacts certain incidents from your life transcript, others are not so quick to fully accept these explanations. Vanessa Marin, sex therapist and creator of A Survivor's Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life After Abuse, pointed out that this is a controversial topic within the psychotherapy community.
There have been a slew of cases over the last few decades that revealed that "repressed memory" therapy, which bubbled in popularity in the '90s, led to false memories and accusations. The issue was brought to the forefront when repressed memories were used to convict accused sexual abusers in court, only to have the alleged victim later recant their accusations. Some experts assert that, at the end of the day, there just isn't enough empirical evidence supporting the theory of repressed memories, even if it sounds completely plausible.
After all, memory in general can be a fickle and elusive beast.
"What we know about memory is that it is extremely malleable," Marin explains. "Each time we retrieve a memory, we have the capacity to alter or reframe it in some way."
Great. As if my brain weren't unreliable enough with regular memories from adulthood (I once blew the easiest job interview question ever when I was asked what my favorite bands were and my mind blanked), it seems all but impossible to know whether or not I should trust the fragments that flash in my mind of a supposed trauma that potentially occurred decades ago.
"Unfortunately," says Marin, "there's no external, objective database to check our memories against."
The Effects or Lack Thereof
Not knowing whether the sexual assault took place is agonizing on its own, but the real crux of my conundrum is the effects. If I was indeed sexually assaulted, how has it shaped me as a person and how has it influenced the course of my life? And can studying the effects help me figure out what happened?
According to my panel of experts, the effects come in all shapes and sizes.
"Trauma survivors usually experience symptoms of dissociation (numbing) or activation (hyperawareness)," Torielli says. "But sexual assault survivors can experience any kind of response. We often indicate that any response to sexual assault is normal."
And often, these effects can be similar to those felt by survivors who do not remember their abuse.
"Since repressed memories are still a part of a person's memory store, they may be triggered without a visible cause," Pratt explains. Triggers can include "certain sounds, smells, or locations," and their corresponding psychological responses can include "sweating, racing heart, or panic attacks with no logical precursor."
I have never experienced any of these visceral fear responses, but what about long-term effects?
Pratt adds: "[The survivor] may also have difficulty regulating emotions, such as anger or sadness, and the long-term impact can sometimes result in either hypersensitivity to emotions or the opposite effect, a flattening of emotions, as a subconscious means to cope with triggering situations."
My Evidence Is Inconclusive
It's been almost 30 years since the assault occurred, if it did indeed occur. What transpired in that period of time amounts to a normal life, by all outward appearances. I'm a writer. I have a healthy number of friends, close ones. I've had normal relationships with a motley bunch - no identifiable patterns, no underlying threads connecting these men, nothing sinister beneath the surface. They've ranged from cocky creative types to reliable computer nerds. I've never been abused by any of them, and I've never felt unsafe with any of them - or any man, for that matter. None of them have ever called my emotional behavior into question. In fact, I would dare say that my emotions are pretty even-keeled, save for the occasional bout of PMS. Plus, I seem to have an objectively normal relationship with sex.
Sex has never been a "thing" for me. It's not something I take very seriously or very lightly; it's just something people do. It's pleasurable, but also awkward, messy, and sometimes it's the root of all your problems. Sex sits on a sliding scale of importance, shrinking and expanding, appreciating and depreciating, depending on where I am in my ongoing adventures in existence. Sex is putty in my hands. It doesn't define me. I define it.
So . . . mystery solved?
When trauma occurs, the brain goes into survival mode.Then again, I do possess some traits that could potentially stem from my repressed abuse. For example, right after moving to the States at age 5, I struggled with an extreme reluctance to inform adults of any sort of discomfort. I remember falling down and scraping up my face in first grade and being in extreme pain, but when my teacher asked me if I needed to go to the nurse's office, I hesitated and said no. This seems like a pretty plausible case of minimizing or disassociation, or it could be explained by my shaky English at the time.
Perhaps the most convincing evidence of sexual assault in my past is my tendency to feel irrationally guilty in any given situation. I feel intense guilt over everything, from not saying hi to a co-worker in the hallway to under-tipping by one percent to breaking up with people, even when they really deserve it. In fact, I'd much rather be dumped than have to do the dumping because the guilt stays with me for months.
In fact, one more fragment that I "remember" is feeling guilty after the supposed incident. I remember feeling guilty for ruining my mom's lovely dress with the mysterious white substance. So maybe there's something to mine there. But then again, my guilt could be a product of being raised by very traditional, strict Asian parents, for whom nothing is ever good enough.
Moving On and Feeling Safe
I may not be any closer to knowing what my flashes amount to, whether a strange man on the busy streets of China actually put my hand on his penis and ejaculated onto me, but I have learned something absolute and far more important: sexual assault does not have to define me. The one thing that each and every expert I spoke to agreed on is that help is available and there's a multitude of options for every type of survivor.
"Healing and recovery cannot take place in isolation," Torielli says. "Survivors need support and to feel heard and understood." For her, that means helping survivors create a new narrative to allow the person to gain some control over the trauma. "The goal of treatment is never to erase the traumatic event, but to allow equal access to all the other parts of self," she says.
Pratt also helps her patients to reframe the story, to help them say, "I may have been victimized as a child, but I am safe now. I have created meaningful relationships and I am a survivor."
Marin has more universal advice that everyone, no matter their experience, should heed: "It's important to be extremely kind and gentle with yourself." For her clients who have gone through something traumatic like sexual assault, she helps them to create healthy and happy relationships with sex again. "It's important to shape your sex life in a way that meets your specific needs." Amen to that!
Sexual assault is an immeasurable experience. No matter what circumstances surround the assault, every instance of it is unfathomably awful, even if the instance is "forgotten." If it happened to you, it still happened to you. And everyone has the right to heal however they see fit. If you think you might have been abused but can't recall the incident, it is your prerogative if you want to take it upon yourself to search for the key that your brain threw away all those years ago. If trying to remember will help you to move forward, then get digging. But if you feel anxious about what you could potentially unearth and you're fine not knowing for sure, then that is also your choice. Either way, you should not feel ashamed for what has happened to you, and you are not alone.
What I have learned from my own personal excavation attempt is that it may be time for me to stop looking for that key. In talking to my team of experts, I've realized that I am extremely lucky to have come out of my potential trauma, and the stress of not knowing, unscathed. I haven't let my "flashes" of sexual abuse define me.
I never ended up confronting my mom about the flashes, and I don't think I will. The possibility of learning the truth from her is not worth the potential pain that might come with it, and I'm certainly not going to let this maybe-incident color my judgment of her as a mother. So I'm going to let my memories, flashes, figments of my imagination - whatever they are - stay hidden, and instead, I'm going to unlock something else, door number two. That door leads to a life without wondering, a life in which I focus on the happy and healthy things that I know for certain happened throughout my life. I think it's the life that 4-year-old me would have wanted to have.
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