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.
mercredi 10 mai 2017
Ellie Kemper Doesn't Understand 3/4 of the Jokes on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
In a hotel room in downtown NYC, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt costars Tituss Burgess and Ellie Kemper fawn over each other's outfits and embrace in a hug before sitting down to catch up on life. They haven't seen each other since wrapping the third season of their hit Netflix series, but they've still kept in touch. "We text all the time, but neither of us can be bothered too," Burgess jokes. Now that Kemper is a mom, it's hard to get some time to herself, let alone make plans to hang out. After about three minutes of back and forth, the two finally come to a mutual agreement that they should just watch a series at the same time and text about it.
As I listen to their conversation from across the table, it's like I'm watching an episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. "This is my b*tch," Burgess says, nodding to Kemper - and the sentiment is mutual. "It's so weird because I do think when we met each other, it was like, 'Oh, I know you,'" Kemper adds.
Their real-life chemistry translates on screen, too. While their characters come from completely different backgrounds, their differences ultimately bring them closer. "They help each other be better people, whatever that is," Ellie says. "I think that's why that relationship works, because they're just flawed people who try to fill in the gaps for each other." And as their characters set out to right some wrongs during season three, they will lean on each other more than ever. As Titus tries to overcome his breakup with Mikey by channeling his inner Beyoncé and Lemonading (yes, as a verb), Kimmy will come to the frustrating realization that there isn't always a right and wrong answer for every situation. "Everything is not black and white. I mean, this is black and white," she says, jokingly pointing to herself and Burgess in classic Kimmy Schmidt form. "There are so many shades of gray." But that doesn't stop her from trying to take on the world, every single time.
In today's society, that portrayal of female empowerment on TV is more important than ever. As the show's theme song firmly puts it: "females are strong as hell." While there are many strong male leads, which Kemper argues shouldn't be overlooked, it's the women who run the show, literally. Not only does Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star a woman, but it was also cocreated by a woman (Tina Fey, who will reprise her guest-starring role as psychiatrist Andrea Bayden in season three). "What I've always liked about the way Kimmy was written and the way she was created is that she's very girlie," Kemper says. "She loves traditionally girlie-type things, but she's so unbelievably tough, but it's not at odds with her girlishness. She doesn't have to have one without the other."
While the show focuses on some heavy issues at times (hello, the main character was trapped in a bunker for 15 years), it does so in the most lighthearted way, which is in large part due to Fey and Robert Carlock's incredible writing. The jokes are so witty and fast that as you're laughing at one line, you end up missing the next one. Even though Kemper and Burgess appreciate Fey and Carlock's brilliance, most of the time they don't understand three-fourths of the pop culture references. Kemper admits that she once googled a reference, and not even Google knew the answer. "They're so smart that it's almost annoying," Burgess jokes. But that's just one of the many reasons we keep coming back season after season.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season three hits Netflix on May 19.
Gloria Estefan's Mom Is a Hip-Hop Master Known as #Rapuela - We're Not Joking
Gloria Estefan, her husband, Emilio, and her daughter, Emily, aren't the only musically inclined people in their family. Gloria's mom, also named Gloria, has surprisingly serious rapping skills, as evidenced by the numerous #Rapuela posts on Emily's Instagram.
In the hilarious videos, Rapuela proves her nickname is well-deserved as she spits lines in Spanish over her granddaughter's equally impressive beatboxing. She's so dedicated to her craft that she has even learned how to use Snapchat filters to keep things interesting! If you're dying to see this famous grandma in action, read on to watch all her wildly entertaining music clips.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Believe the Hype: Glossier's New SPF Is Seriously Amazing
Glossier has achieved what I had believed to be impossible: created excitement around wearing sunscreen.
SPF has traditionally been a less-than-fun product to wear. It's typically greasy (making it a challenging base for makeup), chalky (not ideal for women of color), and all around dissatisfying to use. And because of these characteristics - and despite the horrifying risks of skin cancer - many women have opted to skip applying it for years. I am one of those women, and I feel guilt every single morning because of it.
But now, I have absolutely no excuses. That's because after a great deal of speculation from its fans, Glossier released its very first SPF, Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ ($34). Just like the rest of the items in the millennial beauty brand's lineup, it was carefully developed - over the course of two years! - and its launch painstakingly planned, resulting in hype from fans around the world even though it's only available in the states. I've been watching redditors on the /r/SkincareAddiction subreddit posting about it for a while, getting excited about the product's prospects and theorizing about the formula. It seems to me that most will be deeply satisfied by Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+, as I am.
Its purpose is two-fold. It features broad spectrum SPF 35 protection with chemical sunscreens to provide defense from UVA/UVB rays. However, it's also loaded with tons of antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin P (flavonoids), broccoli, and aloe leaf extracts to shield your skin from free radicals and pollution.
The benefits are obviously stellar, but it's the formula itself that makes it stand out. It's a completely clear gel that feels silky upon application but absorbs practically immediately, leaving no residue or tint behind. This is great news for women with deeper complexions – no chalkiness to speak of, here! Bonus: that same silky texture lends itself beautifully to layering makeup on top.
As a packaging junkie, I'm also really pleased by the container Glossier chose for Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+. It's a lightweight tube with an airless pump with a completely opaque exterior, so no external factors like air, sunlight, or bacteria can get inside and spoil the formula.
If you are looking for a completely odorless SPF, this formula is not it. Invisible Shield has a subtle citrus aroma that fades as quickly as the product dries, leaving behind a classic (albeit light) sunscreen smell. It's also a little on the pricey side, however, its texture and feel are so satisfying that I doubt its scent will keep you from buying it. I personally plan on using this Glossier launch all Summer long and hope that a full-body formula is in the works!
You can buy Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ ($34) now on Glossier's website.
Gloria Estefan's Mom Is a Hip-Hop Master Known as #Rapuela - We're Not Joking
Gloria Estefan, her husband, Emilio, and her daughter, Emily, aren't the only musically inclined people in their family. Gloria's mom, also named Gloria, has surprisingly serious rapping skills, as evidenced by the numerous #Rapuela posts on Emily's Instagram.
In the hilarious videos, Rapuela proves her nickname is well-deserved as she spits lines in Spanish over her granddaughter's equally impressive beatboxing. She's so dedicated to her craft that she has even learned how to use Snapchat filters to keep things interesting! If you're dying to see this famous grandma in action, read on to watch all her wildly entertaining music clips.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Moms Protest After Nursing Photo Was Denied Entry Into a Mother's Day Contest
Middle Tennessee moms stage nurse-in at Clarksville mall after it excluded breastfeeding photos from a Mother's Day photo contest http://pic.twitter.com/Rifh4s78c6
- FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) May 9, 2017
Update: Since Ashley Franks shared a screen grab of a message exchange in which Governor's Square Mall denied her photo's entry into a Mother's Day contest on social media, the fact that her photo was rejected because in it she's breastfeeding her children has spread worldwide. Other mothers in the Clarksville, TN, area are supporting Franks by protesting at the mall in the form of a "nurse-in," which took place in front of a Victoria's Secret store window featuring a poster of a model in a bra and underwear.
Original Story: When Ashley Franks saw her local mall post to Facebook about a Mother's Day photo contest, she followed the instructions and sent them a direct message containing a photo of her and her kids to be entered to win one of three $100 mall gift cards. The photo she chose, a beautiful snap of her nursing her two children taken by Iron Lace Photography, was denied entry just four hours later.
"We are so sorry we cannot accept this photo," wrote a representative for the Governor's Square Mall in response to Ashley's direct message submission. "Although it is tasteful, we have received some photos of this nature that have no been tasteful. To keep things fair, we have decided not to accept any breastfeeding photos. Would you mind submitting another photo? We apologize for the inconvenience!"
A frustrated Ashley shared a screen grab of the message with Kristy, moderator of the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, saying: "I submitted this photo to my local mall's annual Mother's Day photo contest and this was the response I received. I feel so defeated. I have been fighting this fight for far too long. Encouragement is needed." Kristy posted her photo, writing: "This is unacceptable. How can you run a Mother's Day contest and deny a photo of a mom doing one of the most motherly acts a mom could do? This is not acceptable and I really hope they do the right thing!"
She is urging her page's followers to share this image of Ashely and her babes, which is juxtaposed with the screen grab. "Let's all band together and let them know that breastfeeding moms are not gonna tolerate being shunned," she wrote. "You can help by sharing this and leaving supportive comments. Let's refrain from leaving any reviews at this time. I want to give them a chance to correct their wrong. I will be staying in touch with the mama and will update you all as needed. Thanks!"
Despite Kristy's suggestion, the comment section of the mall's original post has been inundated with mothers sticking up for Ashley, some even sharing their own photos of themselves breastfeeding their children. "How disgusting of you to sexualize breastfeeding to the point where you can call some photos tasteful and some not," one commenter wrote. "Mothers doing the thing their breasts were designed for is beautiful, and you should be ashamed of your ridiculous rule."
9 Things You Should Absolutely Avoid Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Before you permanently do anything to your body, make sure you know what you're getting into. That includes laser hair removal. It may seem like a no-brainer: zap unwanted hair with a wand, and poof! It's gone. But it's not that simple.
First, choose a place to get laser where the pros will be honest with you. I was hesitant about trying it myself, but after reading reviews about different spots, I decided to laser my armpits at Romeo and Juliette in NYC. I liked that technicians there would not just do the treatment on any part of my body. For example, they did not want to do it on my upper arms, where the hair growth is hormonal. This made me feel confident that the areas they did take on were actually treatable. While I am still treating my pits, the hair has gone from coarse and dark to soft and blonde.
Along the way I learned more tips from the spa's owner Christian Karavolas. For instance, you can't do laser when you have a spray tan! I had no idea. Keep reading to discover why that is a problem plus eight other things to never do when getting laser hair removal.
Tip: Avoid self-tanner
Why: "You should always avoid self-tanner when you know you have a session booked for a few reasons," Karavolas said. "It is best to wait at least four weeks after you have used a self-tanner before getting your next treatment. Having self-tanner on your skin may increase the chances of having unwanted side effects, like blisters or burns. Also, self-tanners darken the surface of the skin which creates a competing target for the light energy of the laser - the other competing target being the color in the hair. By darkening the surface of the skin, more laser energy will be absorbed at the skin's surface rather than at the base (bulb) of the hair follicle, which is where we want the light energy to be absorbed to result in a good treatment."
Tip: Avoid actual tanning
Why: "Like the self-tanning rule of thumb, we usually recommended to avoid general sun exposure for at least seven-10 days before and after your appointment," Karavolas explained. "Wait a good six months at minimum, if you are prone to getting hyperpigmentation as a response to treatments (acne, burns, scratches etc). Generally, it is best not to have a tan at all if you are planning treatments because if the color of your skin is closer to the color of your hair, then the laser's setting may not be as aggressive, and you may need more treatments to remove all the hair.
He went on: "Avoiding the sun and applying sunblock daily are highly recommended in general while receiving treatments. This helps to minimize the risk of side effects, such as burns, blisters, and pigment changes. Tanned skin can be more prone to these types of complications with laser hair removal. Remember, a tan is essentially a bruise on the skin, and you don't want your skin to be compromised for laser hair removal."
Tip: Avoid antibiotics
Why: "Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity," he noted. "Photosensitivity is inflammation of the skin induced by a combination of light and certain medications or substances. The skin becomes more prone to elements of heat damage including blisters, rashes, fever, fatigue, joint pain, etc. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are currently taking a longterm antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic mid-treatment, you will need to stop the medication for seven days before your next laser treatment. You should always consult with your physician for your personal needs."
Tip: Avoid certain vitamins
Why: "You should always check with your family physician for your personal needs, but in general, we suggest you avoid supplements that are blood thinners and generally vitamin E in large doses," Karavolas said. "Also, a lot of clients don't think about it, but if you are taking a hair growth supplement, that may have an adverse effect on your treatments."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock
Tip: Avoid Makeup
Why: "We don't recommend applying normal makeup or concealer before your sessions," he explained. "Laser is attracted to pigment and melanin, and anything that is of dark color will be attracted to the laser and could make it less active. You can apply mineral makeup directly after treatment to cover any noticeable redness, but we would also advise you to remove this thoroughly in the evening to make sure the skin can recover. We suggest you limit the products you put on your skin so you have less chance of irritation."
He added: "It is best to wait 24-48 hours - depending on your skin's recovery - to put full-coverage makeup on. If you are self-conscious of your skin, we recommend making your appointments in the evening after work or school, so that you do not need to worry about later commitments and the need to put makeup on right away. When you do cleanse your skin, make sure to use tepid water with a fragrance-free cleanser and a clean towel to dry the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliators and if you have excess redness, apply a layer of aloe vera to reduce the redness."
Tip: Avoid deodorant
Why: "Deodorant absolutely needs to be avoided, or washed off, prior to a session treating the armpit area," he said. "Some deodorants leave a residue. It will deflect the laser light because (as with makeup detailed above) the laser will be attracted to the residue and will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the laser. You should also wait 24 hours post treatment to apply deodorant as you do not want to irritate the area post sessions."
Tip: Skip laser if you have a cold sore or breakout
Why: "Active oral or genital herpes infection are a temporary contra-indication for the procedure," Karavolas noted. "However, once it has healed, treatment can be done. If you are prone to cold sores, we suggest you take prophylactic anti-viral medication before your sessions to prevent an outbreak. [Talk to your doctor first.] Additionally, if you have an active cold sore, the heat from the laser would make it worse as laser causes heat on the skin, which in turn would make the cold sore much worse. Avoid laser treatments altogether until you are healed."
Tip: Also pass on laser if you have an acne breakout
Why: "If you have an acne breakout, it is best to avoid laser treatments," he said. "As explained with regards to cold sores, the heat of the laser may excite the glands and increase breakouts." He added that even if you have a breakout near the area you're getting laser, your zits could get worse. Talk to your dermatologist about clearing up your acne before getting laser on or near the area.
Tip: Avoid laser around the time of the month
Why: During your cycle, there is more sensitivity towards pain than any other time of the month, therefore we suggest that the person waits until their cycle is over to continue treatments. There is no contra-indication with having laser hair removal performed during one's cycle except for elevated sensitivity towards pain.
Why 1 Dad Got Emotional Looking at Photos of His Daughter and Her BFF
"This is the way I want the world to be," starts Frank Somerville in a post to Facebook featuring two side-by-side photos of his daughter and her best friend. "That's my daughter (on the left in the first picture) with her best friend Kendall on the right. They were born two weeks apart. They've been best friends ever since."
Somerville, who talks about his adopted daughter on his Facebook often, admitted that he got a little emotional looking at the two photos of the girls, though he couldn't fully explain why.
"Every time I see them together I always think of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: 'I have a dream that one day . . . little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.' I hope that doesn't sound sappy. Because it's really how I feel."
The dad continues, adding a bottom line to his post: "We're all pieces of the same puzzle. We're all human. Who cares what color we are? It makes no difference."
However, Somerville has gotten a few negative responses from commenters on his honest words. One wrote: "I have a dream that one day you stop talking about the color of your daughter. She's so many things, but you always have to talk about her color. Can you forget she's black? She's beautiful. Who cares? Gosh!"
Somerville cleared the air with said commenter and made it clear why we need to continue sharing stories like this. "I never said in the post that she's black . . . I just quoted Dr. King," he said. "And the reason [I] pointed out that's she's on the left is because someone who doesn't know me would probably assume that my daughter is the white one."
In further response to this, another commenter validated Somerville's point. "I have never seen a picture of your daughter or read anything about her, I just stumbled across this post," she wrote. "If you hadn't said which one she was, I probably would have assumed that she was the white one, like you said above. Celebrate your daughter however you want to!! No need to explain to anyone."
Is Forever 21 Opening a Beauty Boutique? All Signs Point to "Yes"
In recent years, Forever 21 has noticeably expanded its beauty section, as well as its own cosmetics line. Not only has the retail giant has taken in widely known brands like NYX and Sun Bum, but it's also appealed to millennial shoppers with its impressive K-beauty selections. Now, Forever 21 is reportedly considering opening a chain of standalone beauty boutiques.
According to market sources who spoke with WWD, Forever 21 is in the early stages of planning a beauty boutique chain called Riley Rose. Much like its parent retailer, Riley Rose will likely have a bubbly Instagram-friendly aesthetic tailored for younger shoppers. It's also been reported that Forever 21 will open 10 Riley Rose locations nationwide by the holidays. If it ends up being successful, they might then open an additional 10 stores by the Spring of 2018.
The exciting news comes shortly after the rumor that Anthropologie would be opening a freestanding beauty boutique. In a statement to WWD, an Anthropologie spokesperson clarified that the store will be expanding its beauty range, however, it does not have existing plans for a beauty store. Forever 21 has yet to officially address the report. Stay tuned for updates on Riley Rose as they become available.
Anderson Cooper's Eye Roll Perfectly Sums Up How We Feel About Comey's Firing
Following the breaking news that President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Kellyanne Conway appeared on Anderson Cooper 360 to attempt some much-needed damage control. And she was met with quite the legendary eye roll from the show host - a pretty well-deserved one, if we do say so ourselves.
On May 9, the White House fired Comey for disclosing the bureau's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. This is despite the fact that Trump repeatedly praised the now-former director for said investigation throughout his presidential campaign. To prove just how contradictory his firing was, Cooper presented Conway with a series of clips demonstrating Trump's admiration for Comey.
Naturally, the counselor defended the POTUS' decision, but not before giving herself a hearty pat on the back, mentioning how she had previously appeared on Cooper's show and predicted they would win the state of Michigan. Cue the eye roll from Cooper (around the 10-minute mark in the video ahead of their exchange).
Let's get a better look at that purely candid reaction, shall we?
here is anderson cooper rolling his eyes at kellyanne conway http://pic.twitter.com/duwZIfZ7VP
- keely flaherty (@flahertykeely) May 10, 2017
Though Cooper's eye roll seems a little sassy for cable news, we can't help but notice how it perfectly encapsulates how all of America feels right now about the whole situation. Thank you, Anderson, for gracing us with yet another gloriously fitting reaction meme that we'll probably be using for the next four years.
Priyanka Chopra Wore the 1 Dress You'll Want to Save For Parties
Priyanka Chopra knows how to make an entrance. She arrived to Jimmy Kimmel Live in a black-and-gold sequined dress by Sally LaPointe, looking ready to party. The star chatted about her new movie Baywatch and also shared a surprising tidbit about her Met Gala look, which she attended just last week. Priyanka revealed that her dress's train (a Ralph Lauren creation) was so long - 20 feet to be exact - she had to take a bus to get to the event! The gown was one of the most talked-about of the night and even inspired memes.
If you also wondered how Priyanka detached that train for the afterparty, she had a simple explanation. The actress shared that she wore a minidress underneath her extravagant ensemble. Read on to see what the star wore to the late-night talk show, then reminisce over her Met Gala dress.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Who the Heck Is Adam?!
Warning: spoilers below.
Out of all five end credits sequences in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, only one really matters. It's the third scene, and it features a revenge-bent Ayesha (Elizabeth Debecki) introducing a new creation. Ayesha is the high priestess of a genetically ideal race of aliens known as the Sovereign, and all their members are scientifically engineered, not born. Ayesha is wildly frustrated, as the Guardians have outsmarted them for the second time. She reveals a giant pod, telling another member of the Sovereign that this superalien is incredibly strong. "I think I shall call him Adam," she declares.
This new character is Adam Warlock, a beloved hero in the Marvel world. In the books, his origin story is a bit different; he's created by a group of scientists called the Beehive, and for a long time, he was simply known as "Him." His powers include strength, speed, stamina, and extreme healing, but his signature move is encasing himself in a cocoon (which we see in the credits sequence) at a moment's notice. He is powerful on his own, but he can also harness the power of the Infinity Stones (known as the Infinity Gems in the books) to increase his energy.
Though Ayesha is clearly creating him to combat the Guardians, Adam is actually their ally in the books. He fights alongside them and is one of Thanos's most notable enemies. While Adam is good, he has an evil alter ego named Magus.
During interviews for Vol. 2, director James Gunn told SlashFilm that Adam will not appear in Infinity War, the next Avengers movie. "But he will be a part of the future Marvel cosmic universe and a pretty important part of that." Hmmm.
So basically, he's Kind of a Big Deal.
13 Reasons Why: What We Already Know About Season 2's Plot
Netflix has officially renewed 13 Reasons Why for a second season, and what little information we have about the new episodes has already disproved most of our theories about how it will go forward. We thought perhaps season two could take place at another school, or maybe it would revolve around Alex's perspective, but it sounds like the new episodes will simply pick up where season one leaves off. According to Netflix, season two will begin "in the aftermath of Hannah Baker's death and the start of the characters' complicated journeys toward healing and recovery." Executive producer Selena Gomez also posted a teaser with the caption, "Their story isn't over."
Before the renewal news was confirmed, creator Brian Yorkey told The Hollywood Reporter, "Hannah's story is still very much not finished. She's an integral part of whatever the next chapter of the story is, and she's very much still at the center of it."
We've gotten even more details about season two, and on May 9, Netflix shared five hints about the upcoming season:
What we know about @13ReasonsWhy season 2 - so far http://pic.twitter.com/PMUaIe6Zy8
— Netflix US (@netflix) May 9, 2017
Stay tuned for more season two news!
Priyanka Chopra Wore the 1 Dress You'll Want to Save For Parties
Priyanka Chopra knows how to make an entrance. She arrived to Jimmy Kimmel Live in a black-and-gold sequined dress by Sally LaPointe, looking ready to party. The star chatted about her new movie Baywatch and also shared a surprising tidbit about her Met Gala look, which she attended just last week. Priyanka revealed that her dress's train (a Ralph Lauren creation) was so long - 20 feet to be exact - she had to take a bus to get to the event! The gown was one of the most talked-about of the night and even inspired memes.
If you also wondered how Priyanka detached that train for the afterparty, she had a simple explanation. The actress shared that she wore a minidress underneath her extravagant ensemble. Read on to see what the star wore to the late-night talk show, then reminisce over her Met Gala dress.
Why 1 Dad Got Emotional Looking at Photos of His Daughter and Her BFF
"This is the way I want the world to be," starts Frank Somerville in a post to Facebook featuring two side-by-side photos of his daughter and her best friend. "That's my daughter (on the left in the first picture) with her best friend Kendall on the right. They were born two weeks apart. They've been best friends ever since."
Somerville, who talks about his adopted daughter on his Facebook often, admitted that he got a little emotional looking at the two photos of the girls, though he couldn't fully explain why.
"Every time I see them together I always think of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: 'I have a dream that one day . . . little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.' I hope that doesn't sound sappy. Because it's really how I feel."
The dad continues, adding a bottom line to his post: "We're all pieces of the same puzzle. We're all human. Who cares what color we are? It makes no difference."
However, Somerville has gotten a few negative responses from commenters on his honest words. One wrote: "I have a dream that one day you stop talking about the color of your daughter. She's so many things, but you always have to talk about her color. Can you forget she's black? She's beautiful. Who cares? Gosh!"
Somerville cleared the air with said commenter and made it clear why we need to continue sharing stories like this. "I never said in the post that she's black . . . I just quoted Dr. King," he said. "And the reason [I] pointed out that's she's on the left is because someone who doesn't know me would probably assume that my daughter is the white one."
In further response to this, another commenter validated Somerville's point. "I have never seen a picture of your daughter or read anything about her, I just stumbled across this post," she wrote. "If you hadn't said which one she was, I probably would have assumed that she was the white one, like you said above. Celebrate your daughter however you want to!! No need to explain to anyone."
Anderson Cooper's Eye Roll Perfectly Sums Up How We Feel About Comey's Firing
Following the breaking news that President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, Kellyanne Conway appeared on Anderson Cooper 360 to attempt some much-needed damage control. And she was met with quite the legendary eye roll from the show host - a pretty well-deserved one, if we do say so ourselves.
On May 9, the White House fired Comey for disclosing the bureau's investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. This is despite the fact that Trump repeatedly praised the now-former director for said investigation throughout his presidential campaign. To prove just how contradictory his firing was, Cooper presented Conway with a series of clips demonstrating Trump's admiration for Comey.
Naturally, the counselor defended the POTUS' decision, but not before giving herself a hearty pat on the back, mentioning how she had previously appeared on Cooper's show and predicted they would win the state of Michigan. Cue the eye roll from Cooper (around the 10-minute mark in the video ahead of their exchange).
Let's get a better look at that purely candid reaction, shall we?
here is anderson cooper rolling his eyes at kellyanne conway http://pic.twitter.com/duwZIfZ7VP
- keely flaherty (@flahertykeely) May 10, 2017
Though Cooper's eye roll seems a little sassy for cable news, we can't help but notice how it perfectly encapsulates how all of America feels right now about the whole situation. Thank you, Anderson, for gracing us with yet another gloriously fitting reaction meme that we'll probably be using for the next four years.
Is Forever 21 Opening a Beauty Boutique? All Signs Point to "Yes"
In recent years, Forever 21 has noticeably expanded its beauty section, as well as its own cosmetics line. Not only has the retail giant has taken in widely known brands like NYX and Sun Bum, but it's also appealed to millennial shoppers with its impressive K-beauty selections. Now, Forever 21 is reportedly considering opening a chain of standalone beauty boutiques.
According to market sources who spoke with WWD, Forever 21 is in the early stages of planning a beauty boutique chain called Riley Rose. Much like its parent retailer, Riley Rose will likely have a bubbly Instagram-friendly aesthetic tailored for younger shoppers. It's also been reported that Forever 21 will open 10 Riley Rose locations nationwide by the holidays. If it ends up being successful, they might then open an additional 10 stores by the Spring of 2018.
The exciting news comes shortly after the rumor that Anthropologie would be opening a freestanding beauty boutique. In a statement to WWD, an Anthropologie spokesperson clarified that the store will be expanding its beauty range, however, it does not have existing plans for a beauty store. Forever 21 has yet to officially address the report. Stay tuned for updates on Riley Rose as they become available.
Usher Paddleboarding in Hawaii Is You Trying to Get Through the Week
Usher jetted off to Hawaii this week to enjoy a tropical vacation with a few friends. Besides the whole "he's a successful and rich celebrity" thing, we can actually totally relate to these photos. The "Crash" singer, who married Grace Miguel in 2015, whipped off his tank top and revealed his sexy abs (and, er, bulge) before hitting the water to do a little paddleboarding on Tuesday. While he tried his best, the father of two couldn't make it work and hilariously crashed into the water. In other words, us trying to get through the week.
You're Either Going to Scream or Swoon Over This House Filled With 1,500 Toy Clowns
If you have coulrophobia, look away, because this Ontario home listing is probably your worst nightmare. From the outside, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is a cozy brick abode in Brantford, Ontario, but once you step inside, you'll see that it's filled with an overwhelming amount of interior decor. The 222 Chatham St. home, which is currently listed at $239,900, is described as a "charming brick bungalow on quiet street close to schools and parks," but the photos speak for themselves, showing the home filled with over 1,500 toy clowns.
There's clown wallpaper, porcelain clown dolls, clown magnets, clown artwork, and even a statue of a clown butler in the dining room. Every corner in the home is decorated with clowns, which brings up the question - what would provoke someone to go so clown crazy?!
Michael McMannis's elderly mother and stepfather have lived in the home for 30 years and have spent the last 25 adding to their budding clown collection, but he has "no idea" how this full-blown obsession came about. He told the Toronto Star it started as a fun thing to do on weekends, "to find a clown they liked that they didn't have already." Unfortunately for his mother, only "a few" clowns will be moving with them after they sell the home.
Realtor Kyle Jansink knew this home would grab the attention of prospective buyers, and we have to agree. Keep reading to see photos of the jaw-dropping yet totally impressive toy-clown-filled home.
24 Fancy Things That Happen on the Most Luxurious Train in Europe
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps one of the most recognizable trains in Europe, and I was lucky enough to ride it. If you're not familiar, the original Orient Express was a staple of European travel, with nightly travel between Paris and Bucharest. Over the decades, it became a famous institution and a bucket list item for many avid travelers. In 2014, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express launched a once-in-a-life-time luxury experience. Recently, as part of a press trip to promote the upcoming adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, I was invited to experience the iconic train in all its glory. And let me tell you, "fancy" doesn't even begin to describe those 24 hours. Curious to know what kind of crazy stuff happens on the tracks? I'm outlining the most extra of the extra things that went down.
Every Parent Needs to See What "Seed Ticks" Did to This Girl ASAP
As scientists predict that this could be the worst tick season in recent memory, one mom's viral warning is resonating with worried parents hoping to protect their children.
Beka Setzer posted a "PSA" on Facebook last summer along with eye-opening photos of her little girl in order to spread awareness to parents who have kids who love to play outside during the Spring and Summer - but don't realize just how small ticks can be or what to look for. "Emmalee was playing outside yesterday rolling around on the ground while enjoying the sprinkler," the Ohio mom wrote. "After coming inside and laying down for a nap, I just happened to notice tiny (and I mean TINY) little black dots all over her legs, abdomen, arms, and armpit area."
At first, Beka thought they must've been seeds. It wasn't until she couldn't wipe them off and had to scrape them that she realized they were ticks. "She must've been playing in or near a nest of tick larvae and was covered," Beka wrote. "I spent nearly an hour and a half picking off well over 100 minuscule baby ticks off of her, gave her a long Dawn dish soap bath with repeated washing, washed all bedding, clothing, and toys she came into contact with afterwards and administered Benadryl."
The next morning, Emmalee woke up with a fever, bites all over her body, and a "hard, marble sized" swollen lymph node. "I want to make every parent aware of what these look like so you can be on the lookout," Beka wrote. They're not as easy to see as the ticks you're likely looking for on yourself or children."
If you spot a tick on your child, don't make the mistake of pulling it off. The tick's mouth can be left behind on your kid's skin and leave him or her still at risk for various infections including Lyme disease. Instead, it is recommended that you use a knife to scrape the tick off or a strong pair of tweezers with a magnifying glass. More information on seed ticks can be found here.
Stop! In the Name of Savings - Consider This Before You Buy Those Clothes
Dressing to impress at work doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. It's all about clean and simple - which is a look every budget can afford. After all, you should focus most of your time, money, and energy on becoming a brand, not wearing one. But if you do want to invest in something expensive to step up your corporate closet, crunch the numbers to see if it makes financial sense. Here's an equation I came up with to plug and chug whatever you're eyeing and determine if you should buy it or skip it:
ORIGINAL COST / USES PER YEAR = COST PER WEAR
COST PER WEAR + MAINTENANCE PER YEAR = X
ORIGINAL COST – X = VALUE PER YEAR
- If the value per year is greater than 65 percent of the original cost then buy it!
- If the value per year is less than 65 percent of the original cost then skip it!
Here's an example: you want to buy a $200 blazer. Let's say you want to wear it in different ways twice a week in and out of the office, or 104 times per year. Divide $200 by 104 wears and you get a price of about $2 per wear. Then factor in maintenance, aka dry cleaning, at around 50 bucks a year and subtract that from the original $200 price tag. Since that number ($148.08) is greater than 65 percent of the original cost, factoring in maintenance costs and the amount you will use it, it's worth it. So buy it!
However, if you are looking at a $500 dress that you might only wear two times per year for nicer work events with maintenance costs of hemming and dry cleaning of around $50 per year, then the value you are getting is 60 percent of the original cost. Not worth that hefty price tag. So skip it!
You know the old saying, "Dress for the job you want"? I don't totally agree with that. Instead, I suggest that you dress for the job you have and strut in those work-appropriate shoes to where you want to go.
Nicole Lapin is the author of the New York Times instant bestseller Rich B*tch and the star of the nationally syndicated business competition reality show Hatched. She was the youngest anchor ever at CNN before holding the same title at CNBC, anchoring Worldwide Exchange, while contributing financial reports to Today and MSNBC. Lapin has served as a business anchor and special correspondent for Bloomberg Television as well as the money-saving correspondent for The Wendy Williams Show. She is currently Redbook magazine's first-ever money columnist and was named the first-ever female "Money Expert of the Year" in 2015. Lapin is an accredited investment fiduciary and graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University.
Usher Paddleboarding in Hawaii Is You Trying to Get Through the Week
Usher jetted off to Hawaii this week to enjoy a tropical vacation with a few friends. Besides the whole "he's a successful and rich celebrity" thing, we can actually totally relate to these photos. The "Crash" singer, who married Grace Miguel in 2015, whipped off his tank top and revealed his sexy abs (and, er, bulge) before hitting the water to do a little paddleboarding on Tuesday. While he tried his best, the father of two couldn't make it work and hilariously crashed into the water. In other words, us trying to get through the week.
Every Parent Needs to See What "Seed Ticks" Did to This Girl ASAP
As scientists predict that this could be the worst tick season in recent memory, one mom's viral warning is resonating with worried parents hoping to protect their children.
Beka Setzer posted a "PSA" on Facebook last summer along with eye-opening photos of her little girl in order to spread awareness to parents who have kids who love to play outside during the Spring and Summer - but don't realize just how small ticks can be or what to look for. "Emmalee was playing outside yesterday rolling around on the ground while enjoying the sprinkler," the Ohio mom wrote. "After coming inside and laying down for a nap, I just happened to notice tiny (and I mean TINY) little black dots all over her legs, abdomen, arms, and armpit area."
At first, Beka thought they must've been seeds. It wasn't until she couldn't wipe them off and had to scrape them that she realized they were ticks. "She must've been playing in or near a nest of tick larvae and was covered," Beka wrote. "I spent nearly an hour and a half picking off well over 100 minuscule baby ticks off of her, gave her a long Dawn dish soap bath with repeated washing, washed all bedding, clothing, and toys she came into contact with afterwards and administered Benadryl."
The next morning, Emmalee woke up with a fever, bites all over her body, and a "hard, marble sized" swollen lymph node. "I want to make every parent aware of what these look like so you can be on the lookout," Beka wrote. They're not as easy to see as the ticks you're likely looking for on yourself or children."
If you spot a tick on your child, don't make the mistake of pulling it off. The tick's mouth can be left behind on your kid's skin and leave him or her still at risk for various infections including Lyme disease. Instead, it is recommended that you use a knife to scrape the tick off or a strong pair of tweezers with a magnifying glass. More information on seed ticks can be found here.
The Hilarious Beyoncé Cover Is the Best Part About Fifty Shades Darker's Honest Trailer
Whether you hate or love Fifty Shades Darker, you will no doubt chuckle over the film's honest trailer. Aside from poking fun at the fact that it's Twilight fan fiction, the clip manages to explain everything wrong with Christian and Ana's star-crossed love story in only five minutes. Like how he's basically a "walking red flag" that stalks his ex into submission by buying her company and stealing her bank account info. And if you thought those sex scenes were over the top, just wait until you see which lines from the book didn't make it into the movie. As the parody of Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" theme song goes, "I wish somebody would tase me right now, this story is about as sexy as rabies right now."
Gisele Bündchen Wore the Power Outfit Angelina Jolie's Been Rocking For Ages
We doubt Gisele Bündchen combs through archives of street style inspiration before she gets dressed. But if she had, she'd find that the white suit she wore to the David Lynch Foundation's Women of Vision Awards (where she gave a speech) can be traced back to 2001.
It was then that Angelina Jolie popularized the power woman outfit, attending the Oscars in crisp white Dolce & Gabbana separates. Years later, this ensemble still remains a go-to for Angelina, whether she's on a red carpet or walking down the street.
Seeing as that Gisele is a world-renowned supermodel armed with a résumé comparable to Angelina's list of film accomplishments, we were delighted to see Gisele's spin on the look, which involved a long tie-neck blouse, hoop earrings, and a gold box clutch. Scroll to see the iconic suit on two very iconic women, then shop some pieces that are up to par.
Gisele Bündchen Wore the Power Outfit Angelina Jolie's Been Rocking For Ages
We doubt Gisele Bündchen combs through archives of street style inspiration before she gets dressed. But if she had, she'd find that the white suit she wore to the David Lynch Foundation's Women of Vision Awards (where she gave a speech) can be traced back to 2001.
It was then that Angelina Jolie popularized the power woman outfit, attending the Oscars in crisp white Dolce & Gabbana separates. Years later, this ensemble still remains a go-to for Angelina, whether she's on a red carpet or walking down the street.
Seeing as that Gisele is a world-renowned supermodel armed with a résumé comparable to Angelina's list of film accomplishments, we were delighted to see Gisele's spin on the look, which involved a long tie-neck blouse, hoop earrings, and a gold box clutch. Scroll to see the iconic suit on two very iconic women, then shop some pieces that are up to par.
40+ Moving Mother-Daughter Wedding Moments
We want to take a moment to recognize the unsung hero of wedding season: the mother of the bride. Where would we be without the unconditional love and support of our moms? You might want to grab a tissue (or two) to take a look at these emotional mother-daughter wedding photos.
The Hilarious Beyoncé Cover Is the Best Part About Fifty Shades Darker's Honest Trailer
Whether you hate or love Fifty Shades Darker, you will no doubt chuckle over the film's honest trailer. Aside from poking fun at the fact that it's Twilight fan fiction, the clip manages to explain everything wrong with Christian and Ana's star-crossed love story in only five minutes. Like how he's basically a "walking red flag" that stalks his ex into submission by buying her company and stealing her bank account info. And if you thought those sex scenes were over the top, just wait until you see which lines from the book didn't make it into the movie. As the parody of Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" theme song goes, "I wish somebody would tase me right now, this story is about as sexy as rabies right now."
Tear Gas Grenades Didn't Stop This Venezuelan Protestor From Playing the National Anthem
Protests against the left-wing, teetering-on-a-dictatorship government have continued to rock Venezuela. The crisis, which began roughly three years ago, has descended into chaos. In recent weeks, antigovernment activists have encountered a violent response from the military; since demonstrations reignited in the last month, 37 people have been killed. Yet amid the upheaval, an ardent love of country persists among the protesters, and a haunting video of a young man playing the national anthem - while tear gas grenades detonate around him - exemplifies their passion.
Hoy vi una verdadera muestra de realismo mágico. Un manifestante tocaba su violín mientras la PNB lanzaba lacrimógenas y perdigones http://pic.twitter.com/Xhg7NNBkX8
- Iván Ernesto Reyes (@IvanEReyes) May 8, 2017
The powerful moment was captured by local journalist Iván Ernesto Reyes and shared on Twitter. The young man's face is unidentifiable and covered, but his youth is apparent. The video is especially poignant given the death of another violinist protesting at the end of April.
Reyes spoke to CNN about the video and explained how it came about. "There he was, standing, playing the Venezuelan anthem, and with a couple of kids that were around him, sort of protecting him," Reyes told CNN. "There were bombs, tear gas, and repression, but he kept playing his violin. He did not stop."
In the Twitter post describing the violinist's song, Reyes termed the event as magical realism. "Today I witnessed a true example of magical realism. A protester played his violin while the (national guards) threw tear gas and pellets," Reyes said.
Watch: St. Joe's live streams kidney transplant
Nagamani Turaga will donate a kidney to her husband, Bhargav, starting at 1:30 p.m., and St. Joe's is live streaming the operation, with doctors taking your questions.
1 of Your Favorite Beauty Influencers Just Revealed a Collaboration With Colourpop
If you use Instagram as inspiration for a poppin' highlight, there's no doubt that you already follow Karen Sarahi Gonzalez, aka @iluvsarahii. Shimmery cheekbones, a plush vibrant pucker, and a crisply defined cat eye are all part of the glamorous beauty influencer's signature look, and it now seems possible that we'll be able to re-create them all: she's collaborating with Colourpop Cosmetics on a new collection.
"It's been soo hard to keep this in but I am so excited to announce my collaboration with @colourpopcosmetics," she revealed in a post on Instagram, which showed the cover of a pressed powder palette. "I've been working on this for months and been having so much fun creating and designing everything." According to Gonzalez, this compact is just one of many items to come. The collaboration officially launches on May 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Stay tuned for more updates on this collection as they become available.
Mom's Story About Peeing Her Pants in Traffic Will Make You LOL
Having to pee in traffic isn't comfortable for anyone, but take a mom who's four months postpartum and drank and entire bottle of water, and well, it gets a bit more challenging to hold it. Sophie Cachia, mom to a 4-month-old baby girl, was sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic having to pee when she "finally cracked" and the "floodgates opened."
"This here is a picture of a beautiful baby girl, a devoted father and husband, and a wife who just called that devoted husband to come out the front to her rescue with two towels because she totally pissed her pants in her car," Sophie wrote in a post to Facebook featuring a sweet family photo. "Yep. That's right. . . . And not just a dribble. Nope. It appears when you're so desperately holding on and you finally crack, the floodgates open and they cannot be shut. I truly never though this would happen to me. But hey, there's a first for everything . . . right?"
It happens to the best of us, Sophie (seriously).
1 of Your Favorite Beauty Influencers Just Revealed a Collaboration With Colourpop
If you use Instagram as inspiration for a poppin' highlight, there's no doubt that you already follow Karen Sarahi Gonzalez, aka @iluvsarahii. Shimmery cheekbones, a plush vibrant pucker, and a crisply defined cat eye are all part of the glamorous beauty influencer's signature look, and it now seems possible that we'll be able to re-create them all: she's collaborating with Colourpop Cosmetics on a new collection.
"It's been soo hard to keep this in but I am so excited to announce my collaboration with @colourpopcosmetics," she revealed in a post on Instagram, which showed the cover of a pressed powder palette. "I've been working on this for months and been having so much fun creating and designing everything." According to Gonzalez, this compact is just one of many items to come. The collaboration officially launches on May 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Stay tuned for more updates on this collection as they become available.
Badass Senator Smashes the Patriarchy by Breastfeeding in the Parliament Chamber
When Australian Senator Larissa Waters returned to work from maternity leave, she couldn't resist bringing her newborn daughter along for the ride - and the cute duo made history in the process.
On May 9, Waters - who is codeputy leader of the Green Party in Australia - became the first woman to breastfeed a baby in Parliament when she nourished her 2-month-old baby, Alia Joy, right there in the chamber. Back in February 2016, Parliament officially started allowing this as part of some "family friendly" rule updates, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, but it looks like Waters was the first trailblazer to take advantage of the updated protocols.
So proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the federal Parliament! We need more #women & parents in Parli #auspol http://pic.twitter.com/w34nxWxG0y
- Larissa Waters (@larissawaters) May 9, 2017
Waters shared a sweet photo of the significant moment on Twitter, captioning the snapshot, "So proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the federal Parliament! We need more #women & parents in Parli."
Just two months ago, on International Women's Day, Waters alluded to making this groundbreaking move in a Facebook status welcoming baby Alia into the world. "I'll be having a few more weeks off but will soon be back in parliament with this little one in tow . . . And yes, if she's hungry, she will be breastfed in the Senate chamber," she wrote. Keep smashin' that patriarchy, Waters!
Mom's Story About Peeing Her Pants in Traffic Will Make You LOL
Having to pee in traffic isn't comfortable for anyone, but take a mom who's four months postpartum and drank and entire bottle of water, and well, it gets a bit more challenging to hold it. Sophie Cachia, mom to a 4-month-old baby girl, was sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic having to pee when she "finally cracked" and the "floodgates opened."
"This here is a picture of a beautiful baby girl, a devoted father and husband, and a wife who just called that devoted husband to come out the front to her rescue with two towels because she totally pissed her pants in her car," Sophie wrote in a post to Facebook featuring a sweet family photo. "Yep. That's right. . . . And not just a dribble. Nope. It appears when you're so desperately holding on and you finally crack, the floodgates open and they cannot be shut. I truly never though this would happen to me. But hey, there's a first for everything . . . right?"
It happens to the best of us, Sophie (seriously).
Attention: There Is Footage of Harry Styles Chopping Off His Beautiful Hair
Moving forward. @Harry_Styles: #BehindTheAlbum
May 15.
Only on Apple Music. http://pic.twitter.com/7WC7j6233k- Apple Music (@AppleMusic) May 9, 2017
Harry Styles broke away from his One Direction fame in 2015, and he's really starting to come into his own now. The "Sign of the Times" singer has been having a crazy 2017 - so far he has released a few new songs, has been the musical guest on SNL, has performed on the Today show, and is gearing up for the release of his debut solo album. And since Harry, who is reportedly dating blogger Tess Ward, is all about giving his fans what they want, Apple Music is releasing a behind-the-scenes video on May 15 of the star while he was making his new music. In addition to glimpses of Harry being his beautiful and normal self ("anytime you're doing anything different it's quite scary"), the sneak peek video also shows the moment he cut off his famous long locks. We don't know about you, but our hearts could already use a little bit of a break from all his charm (seriously, it's too much).
The Completely Addictive Method of Cooking Broccoli and Cauliflower
It won't be a challenge to eat your veggies if you try this easy technique for roasting cauliflower and broccoli. For months, a few women in our office have been praising roasted cruciferous veggies. I'm already a huge fan of baked kale chips, roasted brussels sprouts, and oven-crisped cabbage, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to try out roasted cauliflower and broccoli. Now that I have, I'm never going back to the steamed stuff. The oven morphed the little veggie trees into crisp nuggets that could almost pass for chips. They are addictive . . . don't be surprised if those around you fight for the last bites!
Here's what you'll do:
- Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into equally sized pieces.
- Spread across a rimmed sheet tray, leaving space between each floret. Drizzle olive oil across the veggies and salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast in a 400°F oven for 18-23 minutes, or until crispy to your liking.
9 Secrets to Getting Congress to Listen, Straight From Someone Who Worked There
Image Source: Getty / Zach Gibson
On Nov. 9, many Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton woke up worried. What might happen to Obamacare, immigrant families, women's rights, or climate change under President Donald Trump? Now that the election was over, what options remained? Was contacting Congress the way to go, even if the House of Representatives and Senate would be controlled by Trump's party?
In that environment, on Nov. 11, Emily Ellsworth's tweets went viral. A former congressional staffer, Ellsworth offered her insider advice for contacting federal lawmakers. She had worked for Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz from 2009 to 2012 as his Provo district office manager in Utah, and for Congressman Chris Stewart as his constituent services manager from 2013 to 2014. Here's what she told the Twitterverse:
First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.
- Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
But, the most effective thing is to actually call them on the phone. At their district (state) office. They have to talk to you there.
- Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
I wanted to know more, so I reached out to Ellsworth to get her secrets. She also wrote an ebook, titled Call the Halls: Contacting Your Representative the Smart Way, which came out on Nov. 23. Ellsworth shared these nine tips, which you may want to keep in mind this January when Donald Trump becomes president and the new Congress accepts power.
1. Remember That Your Representative Doesn't Know How You Feel
"The adage, 'If you're not at the table, you're on the menu' applies to getting in contact with your lawmakers," says Ellsworth. She believes the reason that most people don't contact their representatives is because they think either that their voice doesn't matter or that their representative already knows how constituents feel about an issue. "Neither of these are true," she says.
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."
Let's take women's reproductive rights as an example. If you live in a progressive city, you might just assume your senator knows where you stand. But without calling them, they might not know how important a particular issue is to you. And that might mean they won't put up a fight when it comes time to approve anti-choice Supreme Court nominees from President Trump.
So in addition to donating to Planned Parenthood, you should pick up the phone. It's free. "Contacting your Representative is one part of a larger social change movement," Ellsworth says. "It's not the end all, be all, but it is an important component."
2. Calling Is More Effective Than Writing
"Calling your representatives means their staff needs to give an answer right away," Ellsworth says. Based on her experience, when a congressional office gets an influx of calls, it's exhausting since staffers can't ignore them like they do emails, letters, or Facebook comments. The phone simply won't stop ringing.
3. You Should Only Contact Lawmakers Who Represent You
"I strongly discourage people from calling lawmakers outside their district," Ellsworth warns. "It's easy to think that because someone is in a leadership position or chairperson of a powerful committee that they represent everyone. But, with House and Senate seats, they only represent the people in their states and districts." Ellsworth says that while staffers will be polite on the phone, they generally do not record calls or opinions from constituents outside their districts.
If you want to influence a lawmaker that is not your elected official, you still have options, however. "First, look for how it could affect your lawmaker. Maybe there's a bill or resolution they could cosponsor, or you can ask them to make a statement," she says. "Second, after you have called your own representative, you can try the committee's office (House committees here, Senate committees here) or the leadership's office (House leadership here, Senate leadership here) rather than their individual congressional or Senate offices."
Emily Ellsworth worked for Congress and has advice on how to get lawmakers to listen. Image Source: Emily Ellsworth
4. It Still Helps to Contact Lawmakers in the Minority Party
Are you represented by Democrats? You might be thinking: Republicans will have control of the House and the Senate, so what's the point of contacting my Democratic representative or senator? Ellsworth says, "Even though minority members have less power than the majority party, there are many protections and options for the minority party to make a difference." Again, think: filibustering Supreme Court nominees. "And when it comes down to it, each member only has one vote."
5. Be Wary of Things That Sound Too Easy, Like Phone Surveys
Perhaps you recall the Paul Ryan phone survey going around recently about the Affordable Care Act. Ellsworth says it's probably too easy to be helpful."It's unclear where that survey originated, how data will be used, and what impact it will actually have," she points out. "I imagine that if Republicans are committed to repealing the ACA, a survey will not prevent them from doing that."
But, Ellsworth says, actually talking to them on the phone might. "There may be a few Republicans who could be swayed to either not repeal or to come up with a suitable alternative by consistent lobbying efforts based on the stories of people who will be affected by this change. So, make sure that the actions you are taking are deliberate and will have the greatest influence possible."
6. Pay Attention to the Committees Your Lawmaker Serves On
"Each senator and representative is assigned to several committees and often those committee assignments align with their interests," Ellsworth explains. Committee assignments also give you insight into the issues lawmakers can actually make a difference on. "It's a good idea to do some research into your lawmakers and what committees they sit on, what their background is, and what they've talked about in the past," Ellsworth says. "This will give you good insight into how they prioritize what's most important, since it will be different for every member." You can see a list of Senate committee assignments here and a list of committee assignments for the House of Representatives here.
7. Mobilizing Friends and Family Members Makes an Impact
"The power of contacting lawmakers is in numbers."
The more calls a lawmaker gets about a single issue, the more likely they are to listen to constituents. "The power of contacting lawmakers is in numbers," Ellsworth explains. "The more people you have saying similar messages, the more lawmakers will understand its importance." The Heritage Foundation, which advocates for conservative policy, told its backers the same thing in 2012, i.e. that lawmakers pay attention to the volume of phone calls: "The office we talked to takes the low call volume as a sign that their district is taking the conservative position." Fewer calls could mean status quo. So if you want action, speak up and get others to as well.
8. You Must Personalize Your Message
There are Facebook groups and Google Docs popping up with suggestions for those who want to contact Congress. While social media and other tools will help mobilize people around issues, it's important to personalize what you send or say to avoid sounding robotic. "Get away from the canned messages as much as you are able," Ellsworth says. "Do your research before you call so you know you're calling the right person about an issue they have influence over. And, of course, no matter how you contact your representatives, be kind to them and their staff."
9. It's Possible to Achieve Bipartisan Support
While Congress may seem exceptionally polarized, Republicans and Democrats can actually agree on something, especially when their constituents push them toward consensus. So don't lose hope because the other side is in control. "For about a year before the Affordable Care Act was passed, we had a lot of constituent engagement with specific components of that bill," Ellsworth recalls. "I went to many meetings and had phone calls with constituents who were particularly concerned about having the pre-existing conditions portion in the bill. It was powerful to listen to their stories, and it ultimately paid off because that provision still has bipartisan support."
With Obamacare's future up for debate, let your lawmakers know if you personally benefited from specific provisions, like staying on your parents' insurance until age 26, or the pre-existing condition protection Ellsworth mentioned.
How to Contact Congress:
VoteSmart.org. Enter your zip code to be pointed to information about all public officials who represent you. You can also search by a politician's name. Once you choose your representative, for example, you can review their bio, votes, positions, and more. The main bio page for each rep also lists contact phone numbers for both Washington DC and district offices.
As an example, here's what it lists for my representative, Nancy Pelosi. Remember, according to Ellsworth, contacting local district offices is the most effective way to go.
- Campaign
235 Montgomery Street Suite 610
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-556-4862
Fax: 415-788-2550 - Washington DC
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-4965 - District
90 7th Street
Suite 2-800
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-556-4862
To recap: calling is better than writing. Do some research and get specific. And finally, get your friends and family to call, too.
Attention: There Is Footage of Harry Styles Chopping Off His Beautiful Hair
Moving forward. @Harry_Styles: #BehindTheAlbum
May 15.
Only on Apple Music. http://pic.twitter.com/7WC7j6233k- Apple Music (@AppleMusic) May 9, 2017
Harry Styles broke away from his One Direction fame in 2015, and he's really starting to come into his own now. The "Sign of the Times" singer has been having a crazy 2017 - so far he has released a few new songs, has been the musical guest on SNL, has performed on the Today show, and is gearing up for the release of his debut solo album. And since Harry, who is reportedly dating blogger Tess Ward, is all about giving his fans what they want, Apple Music is releasing a behind-the-scenes video on May 15 of the star while he was making his new music. In addition to glimpses of Harry being his beautiful and normal self ("anytime you're doing anything different it's quite scary"), the sneak peek video also shows the moment he cut off his famous long locks. We don't know about you, but our hearts could already use a little bit of a break from all his charm (seriously, it's too much).
Tommy x Gigi Fans Will Freak Out Over This New Collaboration News
Some designer duos are just meant to be. That's the case for Tommy Hilfiger and Gigi Hadid, who announced they'll be collaborating for two more seasons. Gigi will be co-designing pieces for Fall 2017 and Spring 2018, which means we'll have more Tommy x Gigi gear to obsess over. The model will also continue her role as a global brand ambassador - not a problem for Gigi as she's the ultimate "Tommy" girl.
Details for what's in store for Fall 2017 haven't been released, but judging from the past two shows, you can expect the next collab to be a spectacle. If you remember, the duo hosted a nautical-themed runway show for Fall 2016 and topped that with a Tommyland carnival in Venice Beach, CA, for the reveal of the Spring 2017 line. Whatever the two have planned next, it will be magical.
9 Secrets to Getting Congress to Listen, Straight From Someone Who Worked There
Image Source: Getty / Zach Gibson
On Nov. 9, many Americans who voted for Hillary Clinton woke up worried. What might happen to Obamacare, immigrant families, women's rights, or climate change under President Donald Trump? Now that the election was over, what options remained? Was contacting Congress the way to go, even if the House of Representatives and Senate would be controlled by Trump's party?
In that environment, on Nov. 11, Emily Ellsworth's tweets went viral. A former congressional staffer, Ellsworth offered her insider advice for contacting federal lawmakers. She had worked for Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz from 2009 to 2012 as his Provo district office manager in Utah, and for Congressman Chris Stewart as his constituent services manager from 2013 to 2014. Here's what she told the Twitterverse:
First, tweeting or writing on Facebook is largely ineffective. I never looked at those comments except to remove the harassing ones.
- Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
But, the most effective thing is to actually call them on the phone. At their district (state) office. They have to talk to you there.
- Emily Ellsworth (@editoremilye) November 12, 2016
I wanted to know more, so I reached out to Ellsworth to get her secrets. She also wrote an ebook, titled Call the Halls: Contacting Your Representative the Smart Way, which came out on Nov. 23. Ellsworth shared these nine tips, which you may want to keep in mind this January when Donald Trump becomes president and the new Congress accepts power.
1. Remember That Your Representative Doesn't Know How You Feel
"The adage, 'If you're not at the table, you're on the menu' applies to getting in contact with your lawmakers," says Ellsworth. She believes the reason that most people don't contact their representatives is because they think either that their voice doesn't matter or that their representative already knows how constituents feel about an issue. "Neither of these are true," she says.
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."
Let's take women's reproductive rights as an example. If you live in a progressive city, you might just assume your senator knows where you stand. But without calling them, they might not know how important a particular issue is to you. And that might mean they won't put up a fight when it comes time to approve anti-choice Supreme Court nominees from President Trump.
So in addition to donating to Planned Parenthood, you should pick up the phone. It's free. "Contacting your Representative is one part of a larger social change movement," Ellsworth says. "It's not the end all, be all, but it is an important component."
2. Calling Is More Effective Than Writing
"Calling your representatives means their staff needs to give an answer right away," Ellsworth says. Based on her experience, when a congressional office gets an influx of calls, it's exhausting since staffers can't ignore them like they do emails, letters, or Facebook comments. The phone simply won't stop ringing.
3. You Should Only Contact Lawmakers Who Represent You
"I strongly discourage people from calling lawmakers outside their district," Ellsworth warns. "It's easy to think that because someone is in a leadership position or chairperson of a powerful committee that they represent everyone. But, with House and Senate seats, they only represent the people in their states and districts." Ellsworth says that while staffers will be polite on the phone, they generally do not record calls or opinions from constituents outside their districts.
If you want to influence a lawmaker that is not your elected official, you still have options, however. "First, look for how it could affect your lawmaker. Maybe there's a bill or resolution they could cosponsor, or you can ask them to make a statement," she says. "Second, after you have called your own representative, you can try the committee's office (House committees here, Senate committees here) or the leadership's office (House leadership here, Senate leadership here) rather than their individual congressional or Senate offices."
Emily Ellsworth worked for Congress and has advice on how to get lawmakers to listen. Image Source: Emily Ellsworth
4. It Still Helps to Contact Lawmakers in the Minority Party
Are you represented by Democrats? You might be thinking: Republicans will have control of the House and the Senate, so what's the point of contacting my Democratic representative or senator? Ellsworth says, "Even though minority members have less power than the majority party, there are many protections and options for the minority party to make a difference." Again, think: filibustering Supreme Court nominees. "And when it comes down to it, each member only has one vote."
5. Be Wary of Things That Sound Too Easy, Like Phone Surveys
Perhaps you recall the Paul Ryan phone survey going around recently about the Affordable Care Act. Ellsworth says it's probably too easy to be helpful."It's unclear where that survey originated, how data will be used, and what impact it will actually have," she points out. "I imagine that if Republicans are committed to repealing the ACA, a survey will not prevent them from doing that."
But, Ellsworth says, actually talking to them on the phone might. "There may be a few Republicans who could be swayed to either not repeal or to come up with a suitable alternative by consistent lobbying efforts based on the stories of people who will be affected by this change. So, make sure that the actions you are taking are deliberate and will have the greatest influence possible."
6. Pay Attention to the Committees Your Lawmaker Serves On
"Each senator and representative is assigned to several committees and often those committee assignments align with their interests," Ellsworth explains. Committee assignments also give you insight into the issues lawmakers can actually make a difference on. "It's a good idea to do some research into your lawmakers and what committees they sit on, what their background is, and what they've talked about in the past," Ellsworth says. "This will give you good insight into how they prioritize what's most important, since it will be different for every member." You can see a list of Senate committee assignments here and a list of committee assignments for the House of Representatives here.
7. Mobilizing Friends and Family Members Makes an Impact
"The power of contacting lawmakers is in numbers."
The more calls a lawmaker gets about a single issue, the more likely they are to listen to constituents. "The power of contacting lawmakers is in numbers," Ellsworth explains. "The more people you have saying similar messages, the more lawmakers will understand its importance." The Heritage Foundation, which advocates for conservative policy, told its backers the same thing in 2012, i.e. that lawmakers pay attention to the volume of phone calls: "The office we talked to takes the low call volume as a sign that their district is taking the conservative position." Fewer calls could mean status quo. So if you want action, speak up and get others to as well.
8. You Must Personalize Your Message
There are Facebook groups and Google Docs popping up with suggestions for those who want to contact Congress. While social media and other tools will help mobilize people around issues, it's important to personalize what you send or say to avoid sounding robotic. "Get away from the canned messages as much as you are able," Ellsworth says. "Do your research before you call so you know you're calling the right person about an issue they have influence over. And, of course, no matter how you contact your representatives, be kind to them and their staff."
9. It's Possible to Achieve Bipartisan Support
While Congress may seem exceptionally polarized, Republicans and Democrats can actually agree on something, especially when their constituents push them toward consensus. So don't lose hope because the other side is in control. "For about a year before the Affordable Care Act was passed, we had a lot of constituent engagement with specific components of that bill," Ellsworth recalls. "I went to many meetings and had phone calls with constituents who were particularly concerned about having the pre-existing conditions portion in the bill. It was powerful to listen to their stories, and it ultimately paid off because that provision still has bipartisan support."
With Obamacare's future up for debate, let your lawmakers know if you personally benefited from specific provisions, like staying on your parents' insurance until age 26, or the pre-existing condition protection Ellsworth mentioned.
How to Contact Congress:
VoteSmart.org. Enter your zip code to be pointed to information about all public officials who represent you. You can also search by a politician's name. Once you choose your representative, for example, you can review their bio, votes, positions, and more. The main bio page for each rep also lists contact phone numbers for both Washington DC and district offices.
As an example, here's what it lists for my representative, Nancy Pelosi. Remember, according to Ellsworth, contacting local district offices is the most effective way to go.
- Campaign
235 Montgomery Street Suite 610
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-556-4862
Fax: 415-788-2550 - Washington DC
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-4965 - District
90 7th Street
Suite 2-800
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-556-4862
To recap: calling is better than writing. Do some research and get specific. And finally, get your friends and family to call, too.
What Is the Secret to Goldie and Kurt's Romance? "Family, Fun, Laughs, and Sex"
Goldie Hawn is an open book when it comes to her 34-year-long romance with Kurt Russell. During an interview with People, the Snatched actress opened up about her instant connection with him on the set of their 1984 romantic war drama, Swing Shift. "He was so good-looking, but he had no pretense about him. I could tell right away he wasn't a womanizer," she said. At the time, Kurt had just finalized his divorce from Season Hubley and was already a father to his son, Boston, while Goldie had two kids, Oliver and Kate, from her previous marriage to Bill Hudson, but it didn't take long for their friendship to develop into something more. "What really got me was when I watched my kids when they'd come to the set and how he was with them," she added. "He was amazing with them. He was such a natural."
Even though the two have never officially tied the knot, they're still one of Hollywood's strongest couples, which Goldie credits to family, fun, laughs, and sex. "If you don't nurture that, and remember, you're done." Of course, she isn't naive to the challenges of monogamy either. "I'm sure I've been party to it, and Kurt's been - we're all normal this way," she admitted. "Would you want a man who doesn't look? Who doesn't feel inspired by the beauty or the curves of a woman's body? Or the way she is? I mean, come on. We're human beings. There is, I guess, an elasticity to the relationship. Otherwise it's going to break, just like a rubber band."
And the two are constantly growing in their relationship. After all these years, Goldie admitted that Kurt still surprises her, most recently at their joint Walk of Fame ceremony. "It turned out to be a love fest," she said. "The last thing he said was, 'I'll always cherish you.' I didn't expect him to say those things. I had no idea he was going to be so beautiful."
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