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.
lundi 5 juin 2017
You Will Cry Laughing at This Mom's Instructions to Her Husband For Watching the Kids
"I'm writing this to you out of love, not fear," starts Meghan Maza Oeser in a letter to her husband that outlines instructions for watching their kids while she's away. "I wanted to go over a few things with you before you embark on this weekend alone . . . with the others." In the letter, Oeser details everything from meal preferences to which sippy cup is acceptable for bedtime, and the way she describes her children's antics will make you fall off your chair laughing.
"Upon arriving home after work, things won't seem so bad. The others will hug, jump, and for the most part, be pretty excited to see you. This will be short lived . . . I promise." Oeser continues by disguising horror stories as directives that will help her husband "survive" the weekend:
Dinner will suck. Bailey will want pizza, while Harper will ask for hot dogs. Quinn will cry when you say the word hot dog, and will insist on mac n cheese (not the orange kind or the white kind, but the purple kind). We'll be fresh out of the purple kind, so she'll ask for toast. You'll already have started making mac n cheese for Penny, but since she heard Quinn ask for toast, she'll also want that toast.
You'll want to sit down and relax after dinner, but I'm warning you against this. It will get quiet...REAL quiet. This is when you'll realize that the threenager has fallen asleep somewhere. Do NOT let the threenager fall asleep. You're basically f*cked if this happens.
Pajamas. F*CK pajamas. Don't even ATTEMPT anything but a nightgown for Penny. And if you cannot find a nightgown for Penny, keep f*cking looking. She'll ask for her Minnie Mouse nightgown, but once you put it on, she'll scream in agony because the sleeves are CLEARLY ripping her f*cking arms off. Just find her Elsa one. Chances are, it's dirty as sh*t, but so what . . .
Quinn, Harper, and Bailey will go down seamlessly. Just wait. As they lie in their beds, they'll then realize that their tiny mouths are on God damned fire . . . They will come down one by one every god damned five minutes for water. Don't let ANYONE use Quinn's pink Elsa cup. If she sees this, she will lose her holy sh*t.
Breakfast. . . . Penny might want cereal, or she'll go for toast. Whatever you do LET HER PICK HER SPOON. Chances are, Quinn will have the ULTIMATE spoon, and Penny will convince you that you've left her with the sh*ttiest spoon in the bunch. Sometimes I'll give her a fork, and then flip her off.
Oeser ends her hilarious note with a few more good lucks, a subtle jab at him, and a simple, yet incredible, "Kisses." Read the whole incredible thing above.
How Old Is the Cast of 13 Reasons Why? An Age Investigation
If you're not already obsessing over 13 Reasons Why, it's time to press "play" on the first episode. Netflix's adaptation of the Jay Asher novel has captured our full attention, thanks in large part to the cast. The main characters (save for the parents) are all in high school; we meet most of them during their sophomore year, then see them as they return to school after the Summer as juniors. The actors, however, are all slightly older than their onscreen counterparts. I wanted to know just how much older, so I did some digging. Here are all the ages I could find - a few of the actors have managed to keep their real ages a secret! (I'm looking at you, Christian Navarro.)
We're Getting a Wonder Woman Sequel, Praise the Gods
To say Wonder Woman is crushing the box office right now would be an understatement. Words like "obliterating" or "demolishing" are more apt, given the film's record-setting $103.1 million domestic opening and its badass, empowering message. Everyone from Lupita Nyong'o to Chris Hemsworth has been raving about director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot, and now it seems the Hollywood gods have answered all of our prayers: Wonder Woman is getting a sequel! Barely any details have been released just yet, but thanks to The Hollywood Reporter's revelation that Gadot and Jenkins are officially contracted for a second film, it's definitely in the works. Here's what we know so far:
The Story
Wonder Woman begins on Diana Prince's home island of Themyscira and later moves to a Europe torn apart by World War I. For the sequel, Jenkins wants to bring the superhero across the pond. "The story will take place in the U.S., which I think is right," the director told Entertainment Weekly in a recent interview. "She's Wonder Woman. She's got to come to America. It's time." She also told THR that the sequel will be in modern times, which suggests it'll happen sometime after the events of Justice League.
The Cast
Although Chris Pine likely won't return as Steve Trevor, leading lady Gadot will definitely be back to kick some ass. As far as other characters are concerned, making the story set in present day opens up the possibility of a few cameos from other DC characters (even if Wonder Woman only bothers with a single, subtle Justice League Easter egg).
The Director
Like Gadot, Jenkins is contractually obligated to return for the second installment of Wonder Woman. We can't imagine a better person for the job.
The Release Date
Settle in, you guys, because this is going to be a hell of a long wait. Before Warner Bros. can begin working on a sequel for Diana, it has to release Justice League (part one debuts on Nov. 17, 2017, part two on June 14, 2019), as well as finish The Flash and Aquaman (due out March 16, 2018, and Dec. 21, 2018, respectively). If all goes according to plan, the Wonder Woman sequel would likely hit theaters in 2019 (maybe to compete with Captain Marvel?) or possibly even 2020.
I Rubbed Snail Goo on My Face and It Obliterated My Acne
Image Source: StockSnap / Sajjad Ghanavati
Some partners call their lovers "bae" or "boo." But my boyfriend? He calls me "Snail Face."
Technically, he's correct. Twice a day, every day, I rub a tablespoon of snail mucin - also called snail secretion filtrate - over my face and neck. Even though it tastes bitter - my boyfriend learned this first-hand by trying to kiss me on the cheek - it's the only thing that has worked to clear up my adult-onset acne.
I wasn't a pimply teenager and never had problems with it until I hit my early 20s. Suddenly, I was forming blackheads seemingly overnight, and I had a particularly difficult time battling zits on my cheeks. I had every kind of pimple you could imagine: stubborn whiteheads, deeply-embedded pustules, pussy volcanos, and fiery-red bumps.
Though I'd been using a Cetaphil face wash for years with positive results, it obviously was no longer working. I turned to other tactics, and over the course of the next five years, I tried a number of zany and not-so-zany treatments. I used Proactive, which worked relatively well, except for the fact that it dried my skin out. I saw multiple dermatologists who recommended myriad ointments, like Differin and Tazorac, as well as prescription antibiotics, all of which I dutifully used, to no avail. Facials became a monthly ritual, and I tried everything from intense extractions to LED Blue light treatments and glycolic-retinol masks.
After meeting a woman who claimed using oils on her face rid her of acne, I did the same, rubbing coconut, avocado, and rosehip oils all over my face. (Note: This tactic didn't work and only made me more pimple-y.) Somehow three percent hydrogen peroxide got added into the mix, and I started swiping that on my skin after washing. It worked well in preventing breakouts, but it bleached my eyebrows blonde, which wasn't a good look. I swapped the hydrogen peroxide for apple cider vinegar, which also made an impact, but it was too smelly.
I also experimented with my makeup, switching to pore-friendly brands like Bare Minerals, Origins, and Cover FX, and taking days off from wearing products at all. I started using primers and washing my brushes obsessively. I even stopped using a washcloth to clean my face, opting instead for konjac sponges and paper towels to dry my skin.
While some of these treatments worked, none solved my acne problems entirely. Maybe my skin would be clear, but my nose would be peeling or still full of blackheads. I'd still get breakouts every now and then, and I had a few pores that were hell-bent on getting clogged and flaring up on a regular basis.
Fast-forward to today, and getting acne is but a distant memory. My trick: I started using snail mucin. At this point, I was willing to try anything to get rid of my pimples, so even though using a product made out of snail slime sounded a bit gross to me, I was game. I first learned about it through the Korean beauty website, Soko Glam, but I didn't take the plunge and buy any snail products until my facialist recommended one to me by the skincare brand Biopelle.
The first two topicals I tried were Biopelle's Tensage Daily Serum ($125) and Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($21). After cleansing and washing my face, I applied both creams to my dry skin in lieu of lotion. They differ in texture, color, and feel.
The Tensage Serum is thick and white, and leaves your skin feeling slightly tingly, while the Advanced Snail Mucin is clear, sticky, and hydrating. Within a week, my skin was almost entirely clear of pimples, and now, after a using snail mucin for a year, I feel confident enough to go out in public without foundation on.
The funny thing is snail mucin isn't even intended to treat acne.
Made of hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, antimicrobial and copper peptides, and proteoglycans, it's marketed as an anti-aging tool that helps diminish fine lines, reduce inflammation, and increase fibroblasts and collagen. The fact that it reduces pimples, is just a lucky addition.
Snail mucin is also not cruelly obtained. There is no one-way to collect it. Different companies use diverse methods, as well as different species of snails. And the snails aren't killed or injured in the process.
Biopelle uses a species of snail native to the Mediterranean called Cryptomphalus aspersa, and the secretion is collected through stimulation. Several hundred snails are put into a five-gallon bucket and they're lightly swung around for a few rotations. This activity agitates the snails, who release the secretion. Biopelle president Elliott Milstein said this secretion is different from the mucin they produce for mobility.
"It's not like you can just put a snail directly on your face and have it move around to get those results," Milstein said. He explained that the secretion produced by the snail's movement does not contain the glycolic proteins and growth factors that the secretion acquired through agitation has.
After going through a few swings in the bucket, Biopelle's snails then get to rest for a couple of weeks in "a sanctuary," where they basically get to eat and have a lot of sex. Biopelle collects their eggs and uses them in its Tensage Stem Cell line, which helps produce new skin cells that can reduce signs of aging. The snails get a break in the Fall and Winter and are taken to a swamp in northern Spain to hibernate. According to Milstein, the average lifespan of their snails is twice that of snails living in the wild, which translates to about eight years instead of four.
Image Source: Courtesy of Jessie Schiewe
The snail mucin used in the products Soko Glam sells is acquired differently, and most of the companies they work with are based in Asia.
According to Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam's co-founder, the snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room and left to slither about for a good half-hour before their trail of mucin is collected. Unlike Biopelle's snails, the snails used to create Soko Glam's products do not get agitated or stressed because Cho said, "optimal mucin production occurs when snails are well-rested and comfortable in their habitat.
There's different theories about how the healing qualities of snail mucin were discovered. Cho explained that Chilean farmers were the first to recognize snails' beneficial traits. "They noticed that their hands were visibly smoother and their cuts were healing quickly after handling snails," she said.
Milstein had another take. He said that radiologists discovered the mucin's healing effects after subjecting snails to X-rays and noticing that the substance they secreted helped heal their burns.
Snail mucin still has a ways to go before it catches on in mainstream formulas and loses its "ew" factor, but there are a fair amount of products on the market already. Quality varies, and Milstein warned that there are some companies that "actually just grind up the snail and don't use the extract." In other words, if a 12-ounce jar of snail mucin for $5 seems too good to be true, it probably is. While snail products aren't as expensive as, say, a La Mer cream, you've got to remember that you're paying for something that takes a lot of time (and a lot of snails) to make. But generally snail products cost anywhere between $20 and $200.
By now, I've recommended snail mucin to many friends and family, and of those who have been brave enough to try it, I've only heard positive results. Sure, it might deter your partner from kissing you on the cheek, but who cares? Your skin will look fantastic.
The 1 Car Seat Rule Even the Most Safety-Conscious Parent Doesn't Know
Most newer car and car seat models use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), but even the most safety-conscious of parents may be misusing the simple car seat installation method. The LATCH system attaches the car seat to the vehicle through anchor points installed in the car and connectors on the car seat, which makes for easy installation and can eliminate potential errors resulting from installing a car seat with a seat belt. However, many parents don't know that the 65-pound weight limit for using the LATCH system includes the weight of your child as well as the weight of the car seat itself (most average between 20-25 pounds).
We spoke with Sarah Tilton, Britax's Child Passenger Safety Technician and Chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, who confirmed LATCH weight limit guidelines for us. "Very often we see a misuse with LATCH systems as families don't know that they have a total weight capacity," she told POPSUGAR. "Your car seat plus your child cannot weight more than 65 pounds. There's a label on the side of every car seat manufactured since 2014 that tells you what that child's weight capacity is for lower anchors."
Kate Koch-Sundquist, mom and Parent.co editor, is a self-proclaimed "car-seat safety fanatic," but even she was unaware of this common and dangerous mistake.
If there's one thing I'm crazy about, it's my kids' safety. That's why I was surprised – no, shocked – to discover that a car seat safety rule exists that I didn't know about. As a result, I was unknowingly putting my son in an unsafe position. . . . At 45 pounds, my 5-year-old is still in a five-point harness car seat, which he will probably be in until he gets his driver's license. (Is there a rule about driving from a car seat?) Up until today, his car seat was secured using the LATCH system. I had never even noticed the sticker on the side which specifies that the LATCH system is for use up to 40 pounds only. I guess I'm not perfect after all.
If you, too, find you're making this error - or want to avoid doing so in the future - be sure to check the sticker on your child's car seat to find the maximum weight limit for installing that car seat with LATCH. Once your child has reached capacity, consult your vehicle owner's manual and car seat user guide to ensure you're correctly installing your child's seat using a seat belt and tether.
How to Nail the Video Chat Interview
In our increasingly scattered and tech-nimble world, it's more and more common to have an interview over video chat before the candidate and company invest in meeting IRL. It may seem like this first round of virtual interviews will be easier than the in-person kind, but you should treat these interviews the same way you would any other. For starters, don't neglect to get dressed below the waist - even if you think they won't be able to see that part of your body. Keep reading for some top tips from Skype on nailing that video chat interview.
Precall Setup
Set a clean and bright stage: Adjust the lighting sources in the room where you'll be seated to make sure you won't be swallowed up by dark shadows. Also, choose a plain, neutral background and remove any distracting pictures or other clutter so you can take center stage as the main focus of the call.
Take the lead by creating a Skype link: Show some initiative by creating a Skype link that you and the interviewer can click on to start the call.
Practice! The night before the interview, ask a friend or family member to do a test call with you to check the sound and video quality. While they're on the line, you might as well practice your responses to common interview questions.
Tips For a Video Chat Interview
Mind your posture: Your mom was right about most things - including the fact that bad posture makes you look like a slouch - and all those years of being told to sit up straight should come in handy during an interview. Nice posture is a quick and easy way to seem polished and prepared.
Make the right kind of eye contact: Look at the webcam - not the screen. This will make you seem more locked in with your interviewer, like you're actually looking into their eyes.
Dress for success - even from the waist down! According to a 2016 survey, more than one-fifth of Skype interviewees admitted to dressing casually from the waist down during their interviews. They say to dress for the job you want, so what does it mean if you're not wearing any pants?!
Keep your résumé within clicking distance: Although you won't have to present a hard copy of your résumé like you would in an in-person interview, it's still best to have the file ready to transfer via Skype IM if requested.
Avoid quick movements: Try not to move your hands or body too much or too fast during a Skype call, as this can create a blurring effect and make your facial expressions unreadable.
Advice For the Mobile Interview
Opt for landscape mode: Keep your mobile device on its side so that you're filling the interviewer's screen horizontally.
Keep it steady and elevated: Create a stand for the mobile device, propping it up on a level surface parallel with your eyeline so you won't be holding it with shaky hands or filming up from a low angle.
Avoid interruptions: Before the interview begins, turn off notifications so you're not interrupted by text messages and news alerts.
Ditch the headphones: Rather than using a pair of awkward-looking headphones, find a quiet place to conduct the interview so you can hear and be heard in peace.
I Rubbed Snail Goo on My Face and It Obliterated My Acne
Image Source: StockSnap / Sajjad Ghanavati
Some partners call their lovers "bae" or "boo." But my boyfriend? He calls me "Snail Face."
Technically, he's correct. Twice a day, every day, I rub a tablespoon of snail mucin - also called snail secretion filtrate - over my face and neck. Even though it tastes bitter - my boyfriend learned this first-hand by trying to kiss me on the cheek - it's the only thing that has worked to clear up my adult-onset acne.
I wasn't a pimply teenager and never had problems with it until I hit my early 20s. Suddenly, I was forming blackheads seemingly overnight, and I had a particularly difficult time battling zits on my cheeks. I had every kind of pimple you could imagine: stubborn whiteheads, deeply-embedded pustules, pussy volcanos, and fiery-red bumps.
Though I'd been using a Cetaphil face wash for years with positive results, it obviously was no longer working. I turned to other tactics, and over the course of the next five years, I tried a number of zany and not-so-zany treatments. I used Proactive, which worked relatively well, except for the fact that it dried my skin out. I saw multiple dermatologists who recommended myriad ointments, like Differin and Tazorac, as well as prescription antibiotics, all of which I dutifully used, to no avail. Facials became a monthly ritual, and I tried everything from intense extractions to LED Blue light treatments and glycolic-retinol masks.
After meeting a woman who claimed using oils on her face rid her of acne, I did the same, rubbing coconut, avocado, and rosehip oils all over my face. (Note: This tactic didn't work and only made me more pimple-y.) Somehow three percent hydrogen peroxide got added into the mix, and I started swiping that on my skin after washing. It worked well in preventing breakouts, but it bleached my eyebrows blonde, which wasn't a good look. I swapped the hydrogen peroxide for apple cider vinegar, which also made an impact, but it was too smelly.
I also experimented with my makeup, switching to pore-friendly brands like Bare Minerals, Origins, and Cover FX, and taking days off from wearing products at all. I started using primers and washing my brushes obsessively. I even stopped using a washcloth to clean my face, opting instead for konjac sponges and paper towels to dry my skin.
While some of these treatments worked, none solved my acne problems entirely. Maybe my skin would be clear, but my nose would be peeling or still full of blackheads. I'd still get breakouts every now and then, and I had a few pores that were hell-bent on getting clogged and flaring up on a regular basis.
Fast-forward to today, and getting acne is but a distant memory. My trick: I started using snail mucin. At this point, I was willing to try anything to get rid of my pimples, so even though using a product made out of snail slime sounded a bit gross to me, I was game. I first learned about it through the Korean beauty website, Soko Glam, but I didn't take the plunge and buy any snail products until my facialist recommended one to me by the skincare brand Biopelle.
The first two topicals I tried were Biopelle's Tensage Daily Serum ($125) and Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($21). After cleansing and washing my face, I applied both creams to my dry skin in lieu of lotion. They differ in texture, color, and feel.
The Tensage Serum is thick and white, and leaves your skin feeling slightly tingly, while the Advanced Snail Mucin is clear, sticky, and hydrating. Within a week, my skin was almost entirely clear of pimples, and now, after a using snail mucin for a year, I feel confident enough to go out in public without foundation on.
The funny thing is snail mucin isn't even intended to treat acne.
Made of hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, antimicrobial and copper peptides, and proteoglycans, it's marketed as an anti-aging tool that helps diminish fine lines, reduce inflammation, and increase fibroblasts and collagen. The fact that it reduces pimples, is just a lucky addition.
Snail mucin is also not cruelly obtained. There is no one-way to collect it. Different companies use diverse methods, as well as different species of snails. And the snails aren't killed or injured in the process.
Biopelle uses a species of snail native to the Mediterranean called Cryptomphalus aspersa, and the secretion is collected through stimulation. Several hundred snails are put into a five-gallon bucket and they're lightly swung around for a few rotations. This activity agitates the snails, who release the secretion. Biopelle president Elliott Milstein said this secretion is different from the mucin they produce for mobility.
"It's not like you can just put a snail directly on your face and have it move around to get those results," Milstein said. He explained that the secretion produced by the snail's movement does not contain the glycolic proteins and growth factors that the secretion acquired through agitation has.
After going through a few swings in the bucket, Biopelle's snails then get to rest for a couple of weeks in "a sanctuary," where they basically get to eat and have a lot of sex. Biopelle collects their eggs and uses them in its Tensage Stem Cell line, which helps produce new skin cells that can reduce signs of aging. The snails get a break in the Fall and Winter and are taken to a swamp in northern Spain to hibernate. According to Milstein, the average lifespan of their snails is twice that of snails living in the wild, which translates to about eight years instead of four.
Image Source: Courtesy of Jessie Schiewe
The snail mucin used in the products Soko Glam sells is acquired differently, and most of the companies they work with are based in Asia.
According to Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam's co-founder, the snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room and left to slither about for a good half-hour before their trail of mucin is collected. Unlike Biopelle's snails, the snails used to create Soko Glam's products do not get agitated or stressed because Cho said, "optimal mucin production occurs when snails are well-rested and comfortable in their habitat.
There's different theories about how the healing qualities of snail mucin were discovered. Cho explained that Chilean farmers were the first to recognize snails' beneficial traits. "They noticed that their hands were visibly smoother and their cuts were healing quickly after handling snails," she said.
Milstein had another take. He said that radiologists discovered the mucin's healing effects after subjecting snails to X-rays and noticing that the substance they secreted helped heal their burns.
Snail mucin still has a ways to go before it catches on in mainstream formulas and loses its "ew" factor, but there are a fair amount of products on the market already. Quality varies, and Milstein warned that there are some companies that "actually just grind up the snail and don't use the extract." In other words, if a 12-ounce jar of snail mucin for $5 seems too good to be true, it probably is. While snail products aren't as expensive as, say, a La Mer cream, you've got to remember that you're paying for something that takes a lot of time (and a lot of snails) to make. But generally snail products cost anywhere between $20 and $200.
By now, I've recommended snail mucin to many friends and family, and of those who have been brave enough to try it, I've only heard positive results. Sure, it might deter your partner from kissing you on the cheek, but who cares? Your skin will look fantastic.
This Woman's Living Our Dream Dancing in The Fitness Marshall's New Video
Sometimes we get so into The Fitness Marshall's dance videos, we wish we were in them - for Tash, that dream became a reality. The superfan got flown out to Melbourne, Australia, to star in this superfun routine to Jax Jones's "You Don't Know Me." At least in this dance, we can live (and dance) vicariously through Tash.
This Incredible "Humble" Dance Routine Will Have You Bouncing In Your Seat
In the YouTube comments of this dance routine video to Kendrick Lamar's "Humble," one fan put it perfectly: "Songs sound so much better when Kinjaz dance to 'em." And after seeing the dance crew's meticulously synchronized routine, we couldn't agree more! There's a reason why The Kinjaz, who appears on NBC's World of Dance, has gone fully viral on Facebook - this specific routine already has over 2M views!
Words don't do the dance justice, so press play and see for yourself. Don't be surprised when you start bouncing in your seat . . . their passion for dance is contagious.
8 Reasons You Should Travel Europe by Train
Next time you touch down in Europe, it's time to ditch the plane. This month, I had the divine pleasure of riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train from Venice to Paris, and it was absolutely the ride of a lifetime. Sure, the train is one of the fanciest travel experiences you could possibly get, but I think getting on the tracks would be fun even without all the bells and whistles. Wondering why taking the train in Europe is all that? I've compiled a nice list for you.
1. The Scenery Is Absolutely Stunning
Traveling by countryside really gives a striking sense of how beautiful Europe's more rural areas are. During my train ride from Venice to Paris, the shimmering waters of Italy turned into sprawling green fields that eventually undulated into the staggering peaks of the Swiss Alps. Some of the views from the train window are truly, truly breathtaking. I had to resist the urge to have my phone out the window every other second.
2. You Get a Glimpse of a More Modest European Lifestyle
There's a certain European quaintness in these areas that you don't quite see in the region's most iconic metropolises. It was exceptional to see all the small towns and farms we passed through along the way. These tiny communities suggest a simple life, unplugged and removed from the modern world. As you get toward the Alps, the villages - which are nestled into the base of the mountain range - get smaller and more charming. It's captivating.
3. You Stop in So Many Different Countries and Cities
On my particular train, there were more than a dozen stops. Each location had its own charm, and perhaps the most gorgeous stroll came in Innsbruck, Austria. It's worth noting that these stops only last 45 minutes or so, but it's plenty of time to get some air, stretch your legs, and take in the sights. Plus, if you want to spend the night in any of the various cities you pass through, it might be worth hopping off the train and hopping on again the next day. Make your own way.
4. The Experience Itself Can Be Really Phenomenal
Granted, this all depends on how much money you want to spend. A standard train might not offer the most glamorous experience in the world, but there are more upscale options that might suit you. If you opt to splurge on a more luxury experience (like, say, my journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), you're in for a world-class experience that features delicious food, otherworldly accommodations and service, and more.
5. You Get to Meet Awesome People
If you do take an overnight train (or a multiple-night train), you're going to get pretty cozy with your neighbors. It's especially interesting to spend an evening in the dining car, the recreation car, and even the bar car. In such close quarters, you hear a lot of stories and meet a lot of characters. Circumstance might just bring some pretty fascinating people under the same roof.
6. It Doesn't Take as Long as You Think
When you think of the United States, the prospect of taking the train can seem kind of daunting. It can take days and days and days to get from point A to point B. When I took a train from Los Angeles to Portland, it took me 30 hours, so I get it.
You have to remember that Europe is way more compact, so you'll get places a lot faster. It took less than 24 hours to get from Venice to Paris, and we stopped through Austria and Switzerland in that time. You can really get around with just a few weeks of vacation time.
7. It's Way More Comfortable Than a Plane
I've already teased the service and culinary potential of a nice train ride, but there's more. Even if you don't opt for a luxury train ride, you still have the freedom to really stretch your legs while the train is in motion, much more so than on a packed plane. On the more high-end or long-term trains, you have the option to lounge even more and to lie down.
8. It Makes Your Trip That Much More Special
There's just something about riding a train through Europe that's difficult to put into words. It inspires a sense of whimsy, excitement, and adventure. When the sun goes down and the lights stay bright, it's like you're in another era entirely. Once you feel it, you'll never forget it.
All expenses on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express were paid for by 20th Century Fox.
Dunkin' Donuts Tosses Its Coffee After 18 Minutes + More Brewtiful Facts
Sure, you probably whip out your credit card on the regular to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, but how much do you actually know about what's in your cup? I recently sat down with Janet Rock, who has the awesome job of working in research and development for Dunkin' Brands, to learn more about the whole coffee process - from bean to cup. She and I also waxed poetic about the new Frozen Dunkin' Coffee and all the flavor swirls you can add to it. She is particularly passionate about that drink, because she worked on it for quite awhile before bringing it to stores. For more on what Janet shared about the coffee, keep reading for more fun facts.
- Every Dunkin' Donuts coffee is cupped numerous times (an extensive test for aroma and taste) before it's shipped to stores to ensure the highest quality and best flavor.
- If coffee experts spot any negative irregularities in the coffee, like the beans are rancid, the entire batch is tossed.
- Some Dunkin' Donuts coffee drinks - like the new Frozen Coffee - spend years in development.
- All espresso is certified by the Rainforest Alliance to make sure the communities where their coffee farms are located have a high quality of life.
- Butter pecan is a fan-favorite flavor swirl for the coffees. Janet herself is a big fan.
- Dunkin' Donuts uses 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, sourced from a variety locations. This way, they can pull coffees from multiple locations in case there are any problems with production in any sector.
- Dunkin' Donuts coffee is freshly ground, freshly brewed, and freshly served. If not used within 18 minutes, Dunkin' Donuts coffee is discarded and a new carafe is made.
- More than 1.8 billion cups of coffee are sold in stores each year.
This Woman's Living Our Dream Dancing in The Fitness Marshall's New Video
Sometimes we get so into The Fitness Marshall's dance videos, we wish we were in them - for Tash, that dream became a reality. The superfan got flown out to Melbourne, Australia, to star in this superfun routine to Jax Jones's "You Don't Know Me." At least in this dance, we can live (and dance) vicariously through Tash.
30 Tiny, Chic Wrist Tattoos That Are Better Than a Bracelet
If you truly want to wear your heart on your sleeve, then the wrist should be the canvas for your next tattoo. A flat plane fairly easy to tattoo, the wrist is popular for first-timers and small designs or sayings. While the wrist is generally a more visible tattoo spot than, say, the ribs or back, this placement allows for easy coverage with foundations or bracelets - making it an ideal choice for those who might be slightly tentative to get inked in a more prominent location. Conversely, we're also partial to the wrist because of its visibility: the conspicuousness of this spot is perfect for tattoos meant to serve as a source of inspiration, support, or reminder.
But don't just take our word for it - check out these gorgeous pieces of wrist ink to get some serious tattoo inspiration.
Dunkin' Donuts Tosses Its Coffee After 18 Minutes + More Brewtiful Facts
Sure, you probably whip out your credit card on the regular to grab a cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, but how much do you actually know about what's in your cup? I recently sat down with Janet Rock, who has the awesome job of working in research and development for Dunkin' Brands, to learn more about the whole coffee process - from bean to cup. She and I also waxed poetic about the new Frozen Dunkin' Coffee and all the flavor swirls you can add to it. She is particularly passionate about that drink, because she worked on it for quite awhile before bringing it to stores. For more on what Janet shared about the coffee, keep reading for more fun facts.
- Every Dunkin' Donuts coffee is cupped numerous times (an extensive test for aroma and taste) before it's shipped to stores to ensure the highest quality and best flavor.
- If coffee experts spot any negative irregularities in the coffee, like the beans are rancid, the entire batch is tossed.
- Some Dunkin' Donuts coffee drinks - like the new Frozen Coffee - spend years in development.
- All espresso is certified by the Rainforest Alliance to make sure the communities where their coffee farms are located have a high quality of life.
- Butter pecan is a fan-favorite flavor swirl for the coffees. Janet herself is a big fan.
- Dunkin' Donuts uses 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, sourced from a variety locations. This way, they can pull coffees from multiple locations in case there are any problems with production in any sector.
- Dunkin' Donuts coffee is freshly ground, freshly brewed, and freshly served. If not used within 18 minutes, Dunkin' Donuts coffee is discarded and a new carafe is made.
- More than 1.8 billion cups of coffee are sold in stores each year.
30 Tiny, Chic Wrist Tattoos That Are Better Than a Bracelet
If you truly want to wear your heart on your sleeve, then the wrist should be the canvas for your next tattoo. A flat plane fairly easy to tattoo, the wrist is popular for first-timers and small designs or sayings. While the wrist is generally a more visible tattoo spot than, say, the ribs or back, this placement allows for easy coverage with foundations or bracelets - making it an ideal choice for those who might be slightly tentative to get inked in a more prominent location. Conversely, we're also partial to the wrist because of its visibility: the conspicuousness of this spot is perfect for tattoos meant to serve as a source of inspiration, support, or reminder.
But don't just take our word for it - check out these gorgeous pieces of wrist ink to get some serious tattoo inspiration.
16 Luxury Travel Accessories For When You're Ready to Invest
There comes a time in everyone's life where they're ready for a travel upgrade. Not just the seat upgrade, but the accessories upgrade - when the hand-me-down carry-on bag their uncle gave them is ready for retirement and they want carry-on luggage they'd be proud of. If this is you, we have 16 luxury travel accessories that will make you excited to jet set again. Whether you need a passport holder or a cozy pair of cashmere socks for that long-haul flight, scroll around and treat yourself.
Trump's Tweets Seem Even More Unhinged When Presented as Press Statements
In the five months following his inauguration, President Donald Trump's impulsive tweets have become somewhat commonplace. A new Twitter account, however, is attempting to illustrate just how unprofessional they are by simply copying and pasting the president's latest tweets into the official, presidential statement format.
The idea for the account was inspired by former White House staffer Pat Cunnane. On June 4, he tweeted, "For context - because he's President - all of Trump's Tweets should be mocked up in the correct Presidential statement format. It's telling." That same day, coder Russel Neiss executed the idea by creating a Twitter account named Real Press Sec.
The result is deeply upsetting. For example, the president's recent tweet criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan appears even more disrespectful as a press statement. And his recent tweet addressed to Fox & Friends, using all caps and an exclamation point, looks even more juvenile.
A statement by the President: http://pic.twitter.com/ekqD5bFRij
- Real Press Sec. (@RealPressSecBot) June 5, 2017
A statement by the President: http://pic.twitter.com/Oc2T8lXC6J
- Real Press Sec. (@RealPressSecBot) June 5, 2017
Since its creation on June 4, the account has amassed nearly 50,000 followers. Though there are currently only nine tweets, the account promises to check Trump's account every five minutes for new tweets. Based on his social media habits, we can expect plenty more updates from this new account in the near future.
How Kylie Jenner Reacted to Rihanna's Makeup Line - According to the Internet
As soon as news broke about Rihanna's hotly anticipated makeup line, Fenty Beauty, we've been keeping our eyes peeled for any details on when it hits shelves. On May 31, the singer finally put our curiosity to rest and confirmed on social media that the line will launch this Fall (*cue excessive cheering and tears of joy*). But it seems like not everyone's sharing our same excitement about Bad Gal RiRi's upcoming line.
Some have been speculating that one person in particular - Kylie Jenner - is probably not too thrilled to have another celebrity makeup mogul burst onto the scene to steal her spotlight. Many witty Twitter users are taking to social media to share what they believe Jenner really thinks about Fenty Beauty, and their predictions are pretty darn hilarious.
Some imagined Kylie was just straight-up not pleased when she heard about the launch.
Kylie Jenner when she saw Rihanna posted about Fenty x Beauty http://pic.twitter.com/m0UcbxusKK
- Rihanna's lips (@badgal4rihanna) May 31, 2017
@KylieJenner and @rihanna become beauty rivals. Here's Kylie's reaction when she heard about Riri's new Fenty Beauty makeup line #salty http://pic.twitter.com/VlB5WY9C9r
- Maria Rios (@mriosesc) June 2, 2017
Others thought she probably started searching for a new job - as a fast-food restaurant employee.
kylie jenner when fenty beauty launches http://pic.twitter.com/bQVjd0e9U1
- sean (@lanadeIfenty) May 31, 2017
Many predicted she had an over-the-top meltdown about the situation.
Actual footage of Kylie Jenner when she heard Rihanna was launching Fenty Beauty http://pic.twitter.com/josMDV556k
- Luke (@HausOfLukee) June 1, 2017
kylie when she saw rihanna's post about fenty beauty http://pic.twitter.com/9tkePQFL0v
- dani (@runwayrih) May 31, 2017
And one genius Twitter user couldn't help but bring up that patented ugly-cry that all members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan apparently do.
Kylie Jenner's reaction after Rihanna posted a pic about FENTY BEAUTY ! http://pic.twitter.com/9lECZ59jC1
- Rihanna (@VFT6Anti) May 31, 2017
So, how do you think Kylie reacted IRL?
13 Insanely Awesome Cooking Hacks For Summer
Unless you want to make things hard on yourself, you need these food hacks in your life for Summer. These tips for the best way to cut a watermelon, the quickest way to peel a mango, and more will have you saying, "Why didn't I think of that?"
15 Songs That Will Have You Busting Out a Move This Summer
This year is shaping up to be full of amazing music that will keep everyone on the dance floor all night long. Latino hits like a little song you've probably never heard called "Despacito" (just kidding, we know it's everywhere) and Shakira's "Me Enamoré" are great to dance to, but they are not the only tunes that will be playing on the radio, at parties, and in clubs all season long. The 15 tunes ahead are perfect to let off some steam during the hot Summer months.
This "Nightmare" Wedding Story Has the Internet Outraged For Good Reason
Wedding etiquette has become more relaxed and less traditional over the years, but what one man did at his best friend's wedding is widely being viewed as disrespectful across social media. According to a recent submission on Slate's "Dear Prudence" relationship column, one woman says her husband's best friend/best man, "Jack," proposed to his girlfriend, "Jane," in the middle of her wedding!
"The entire atmosphere felt moving. So moving in fact that John stopped midceremony to propose to his longtime girlfriend, "Jane," and reveal her pregnancy," the anonymous woman recalled. "I couldn't even hear the vows my husband wrote or the rest of the ceremony over the noise of Jane's happy sobs, her very surprised family who were also guests, and people seated nearby congratulating her."
If that wasn't horrific enough, what Jack did later that evening was the icing on the cake. No pun intended. "When John gave his toast, he apologized for being caught up in the moment, and then proceeded to talk about he and Jane's future with nary a mention of us."
The woman in question asked if she and her husband were "angry over nothing" or were they justified for wanting to end their friendship with "John." It didn't take long for the internet to weigh in with their (passionate) thoughts on the awkward ordeal. Check out some of the reactions to the now-viral wedding nightmare ahead.
Look at this nightmare y'all. I absolutely wouldn't speak to John or Jane ever again. http://pic.twitter.com/SUvAv64XFa
- Yung Receipta (@ashuhhleeee_) May 31, 2017
Nah, weddings cost a lot. For me to spend thousands on a wedding that I'm no longer the centre of attention of, you're mad. The disrespect. https://t.co/z4ijPOC2Kh
- 🇧🇧E.T.'s Twin🇬🇩 (@Tiiaahhx) June 2, 2017
He made the toast about his proposal, the levels of fuckery http://pic.twitter.com/VYnJwBozBh
- Pusha C# Ph.D (@grisuy) June 2, 2017
DO NOT TRY THIS AT MY WEDDING. I can fight in a tux. https://t.co/EB21LWmF0Q
- dp3 (@dpalm66) June 2, 2017
Yeah, no, friendship over https://t.co/R8l3XvOlap
- Ashley Reese (@offbeatorbit) June 2, 2017
Every time I hear these stories I am thankful for my city hall wedding, which no one was invited to.
- DevNull (@DevNullSA) June 2, 2017
Next Vacation, Bring a Real Camera and Leave Your Phone the Hell Behind
Vacations are better when you leave your phone behind. There! I said it. But fellow millennials, hear me out, because I'm not a complete dinosaur. I'm certainly not suggesting flying to a different state or country without your phone entirely; I'm simply advocating for locking it in the hotel room safe and going down to dinner or the pool for a few unplugged hours, or at least turning it off and shoving it down into the depths of your purse. When I bring my phone along on vacation outings, I'm less likely to use it for those purposes and more likely to think, "Well, just one peek won't hurt!" and then get lost in hundreds of work emails, which is why I stopped bringing mine along and embraced phone-free travel.
I've discussed this same problem with several friends, all of whom admit that they've missed out on valuable relaxation (or exploration) time by getting sucked into their phones on vacation. And I'm not pretending that I'm somehow "above" social media or tech reliance; I still like to document my vacations, post occasional beach selfies on Instagram, and capture sweet moments with my family and friends. I just don't like doing it in the moment from my phone, which is why I am a huge fan of bringing real cameras on vacation.
I'm not as distracted by trying to frame the perfect Instagram of my poolside setup and am more intent on getting into the pool.
I used to lug my full DSLR camera, which takes stunning shots but proved to be a burden. Then, I went old school with an Instax Mini film camera but often found myself taking photos of the cute printed snaps because I wished they were shareable on social media. Since then, my hunt has ended after the Polaroid SnapTouch ($180) landed on my desk, because it gives me the sharability, simple editing tools, and pocket size of my cell phone's camera along with the instant printing abilities of my Instax. For now, at least, I'm done testing out cameras and ready to hit the road for Summer trips without a phone in hand.
But whatever camera works for you - or even no camera at all - I would highly recommend ditching that phone whenever you can. Sure, you might feel naked for a short while, but it forces you to fully experience your time away from home. When you're not glancing down at your iPhone for Yelp reviews or Facebook notifications, you're more likely to witness the small quirks of a new city or spot a dolphin out on the horizon.
In my experience, the feeling quickly fades from nakedness to liberation; putting away the phone takes my vacations that extra mile and connects me more deeply to the place I'm visiting. I'm not as distracted by trying to frame the perfect Instagram of my poolside setup and am more intent on getting into the pool. It's good practice in moderation for a modern world; and what better time to test your own technological reliance than while on a much-deserved break?
11 Books Written by or About Refugees to Add to Your Summer Reading List
While politicians continue to debate helping refugees while simultaneously refusing to allow them to resettle in the countries they lead, some 65 million people suffer worldwide.
The crisis in Syria has accentuated what harrowing circumstances refugees face, but it's not just happening there: people escaping war, famine, and extreme poverty across the Middle East have sought asylum across Europe in recent years.
Too often the plight of refugees is politicized, as is the case now, but one way to combat misrepresentations of refugees is simply by reading their stories. We asked Amazon book editor Sarah Smith to recommend a few books both about refugees and by refugees to enlighten readers of their stories. Ahead are her choices of poetry, short stories, and novels with a brief description about each selection.
13 Insanely Awesome Cooking Hacks For Summer
Unless you want to make things hard on yourself, you need these food hacks in your life for Summer. These tips for the best way to cut a watermelon, the quickest way to peel a mango, and more will have you saying, "Why didn't I think of that?"
15 Songs That Will Have You Busting Out a Move This Summer
This year is shaping up to be full of amazing music that will keep everyone on the dance floor all night long. Latino hits like a little song you've probably never heard called "Despacito" (just kidding, we know it's everywhere) and Shakira's "Me Enamoré" are great to dance to, but they are not the only tunes that will be playing on the radio, at parties, and in clubs all season long. The 15 tunes ahead are perfect to let off some steam during the hot Summer months.
50 Signs You're a Young Millennial
If you were born in the '90s, you fall within the category of "young" millennials, aka the later half of Generation Y. Social media has been an influential part of most of your life, Disney Channel rocked your world, and Starbucks stops during carpools weren't unusual. We may not have the best rap, but we fully embrace what we are (whether that's "entitled" or not) and wouldn't trade Instagram for anything. If you feel like you identify more strongly with "old" millennials, check this post out to find out. But if you still remember the moves to High School Musical, please proceed to these 50 signs.
Holy Sh*t - Too Faced's Glitter Bomb Palette Looks Amazing in Action
When we got a glimpse of Too Faced's new Glitter Bomb eye shadow palette we knew we were in for something exciting. The fun packaging alone was enough to leave us seeing heart eyes, and now we can officially see the palette in action!
Too Faced founder Jerrod Blandino shared a tutorial using the new palette on the brand's official YouTube account, and it looks incredible. Unlike your old-school glittery eye shadow, these shimmery pans have a modern formula that glistens under light but won't leave flecks of hard-to-remove fall out behind. Instead, the colors are rich in pigment and wear on the skin like shimmering velvet. The palette also comes with intensifying and brightening base shades that allow you to control the vibrancy of your look.
The new release is basically all of your glitter-loving needs in one playful palette! See it in all of its glory ahead and let us know if you'll be purchasing when it's released later in June.
Yes! Here's a Sneak Peek at Olivia Palermo's CFDA Awards Dress
Ahead of Olivia Palermo's Fall '17 collection with Banana Republic, the star will wear a dress from her collection to tonight's CFDA Awards. Olivia will debut a ruffled orange dress on the red carpet, which we have sneak peeks of below. The timing couldn't be better since the event will honor some of fashion's most creative and influential tastemakers. And what better way to show off your style than wearing your own design?
The dress is only one piece from the Olivia Palermo x Banana Republic collab, which means we'll have to wait until September 2017 to see the rest of the designs. Don't be too disappointed though; Olivia's exact CFDA look is available to shop online for $148. We suggest you have your credit card handy.
Apple's HomePod Is Like the Amazon Echo but Sleeker
Though it was rumored for months, Apple finally announced the HomePod at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The HomePod is Apple's answer to the Amazon Echo and Google Home. It will have:
- Exceptional sound quality: The HomePod will come with "spatial awareness." This will allow the device to "detect" the space it's in and adjust the volume and sound to work in that environment.
- Six microphones to hear your commands: Just say "Hey Siri" and ask it to tell you the weather and sports scores and, of course, play your music.
- Two colors: The device will come in white and space gray.
The HomePod will cost $349 and ship out in December. See photos of it ahead.
10 Father's Day Grooming Gift Ideas That He'll Actually Want - According to a Guy
Every year around mid May, I wake up in a cold sweat and ask myself, "Did I miss Father's Day again this year?" Luckily, I have not, (yet.) It's June 18, by the way. In order to make sure I don't blow it off again this year, I always like to come up with a list of gifts to have on reserve just in case I do end up cutting it close. You could do what everyone else does and get him a tie or grilling tools, but grooming products are nice, because guys don't ever think of buying them for themselves. Besides, your dad probably uses hand soap for everything.
Yes! Here's a Sneak Peek at Olivia Palermo's CFDA Awards Dress
Ahead of Olivia Palermo's Fall '17 collection with Banana Republic, the star will wear a dress from her collection to tonight's CFDA Awards. Olivia will debut a ruffled orange dress on the red carpet, which we have sneak peeks of below. The timing couldn't be better since the event will honor some of fashion's most creative and influential tastemakers. And what better way to show off your style than wearing your own design?
The dress is only one piece from the Olivia Palermo x Banana Republic collab, which means we'll have to wait until Sept. 2017 to see the rest of the designs. Don't be too disappointed though, Olivia's exact CFDA look is available to shop online for $148. We suggest you have your credit card handy.
The New Trend in Chokers, According to Jewelry Designer Jennifer Fisher
Get this: almost every time you obsess over a red carpet look or a supermodel's bikinigram, it's styled with a little something shiny from Jennifer Fisher. The celebrity favorite jewelry designer is the woman behind Michelle Obama's vacation hoops and the personalized charm necklaces you see everywhere.
Thanks to the cult following she garnered after creating the ultimate monogrammed piece to wear to celebrate the birth of her son, Jennifer launched her brand in 2005. Since then, she's competed in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition and was nominated for the Swarovski Accessory award in 2014. Now she's a member of the council herself, and by anyone's standards, the right person to tap for trend forecasts, packing hacks, and the like.
When I visited Jennifer in her New York showroom, she revealed the only way to wear a choker these days, in her opinion. Being that it's vacation season, I also had to pick her brain about the optimal pieces to pack, how to pack them, and the pieces to style them with. Scroll for Jennifer's trustworthy guide, and allow it to inspire your look on your next getaway.
The New Trend in Chokers, According to Jewelry Designer Jennifer Fisher
Get this: almost every time you obsess over a red carpet look or a supermodel's bikinigram, it's styled with a little something shiny from Jennifer Fisher. The celebrity favorite jewelry designer is the woman behind Michelle Obama's vacation hoops and the personalized charm necklaces you see everywhere.
Thanks to the cult following she garnered after creating the ultimate monogrammed piece to wear to celebrate the birth of her son, Jennifer launched her brand in 2005. Since then, she's competed in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition and was nominated for the Swarovski Accessory award in 2014. Now she's a member of the council herself, and by anyone's standards, the right person to tap for trend forecasts, packing hacks, and the like.
When I visited Jennifer in her New York showroom, she revealed the only way to wear a choker these days, in her opinion. Being that it's vacation season, I also had to pick her brain about the optimal pieces to pack, how to pack them, and the pieces to style them with. Scroll for Jennifer's trustworthy guide, and allow it to inspire your look on your next getaway.
There's Evidence That US Tourism Is Down - Is Trump the Culprit?
President Donald Trump's impact on America isn't limited to causing domestic griping and outrage over policies like scaling back women's health care and firing the head of the FBI. Abroad, President Trump is increasingly becoming a threat to the intellectual and cultural identity of the United States - and there's evidence to suggest tourism is suffering because of it.
Just look at Trump's recent track record: in response to a recent attack on London Bridge, Trump insensitively criticized how the local government handled the situation. In the hopes of making a "better deal," Trump has jeopardized the worldwide Paris Agreement, which unifies countries to protect the planet. In visiting world NATO leaders, Trump made it known that he has a lot of issues with the organization and will quite literally push people around to make his point. Small and large outrages have followed each of these very recent events - from The Weather Channel shading Trump on climate change to Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel stating that the "times when we could completely rely on others are over."
Unfortunately, it seems likely that Trump's activities have an added, unsurprising side effect we're only now privy to: his actions are making America a less desirable destination for international tourists and business people. A recent report by the website and app Foursquare tracked global "location trails" via the service to reveal that tourism in America has been in decline since October 2016. It's a very initial and troubling finding, though it's important to consider that Foursquare users are likely a very specific audience.
Foursquare CEO Jeff Glueck explained in a post shared to Medium:
"The drop in international tourism to the U.S. is resulting in an opportunity cost of about 1.2% in total visits to U.S. shops, restaurants, attractions and the like. And it's a fair bet that international shoppers spend more than the average domestic shopper. . . . One analysis by the firm Tourism Economics reported that Trump's travel ban could cost the U.S. economy more than $18 billion and about 107,000 jobs."
To understand if these findings were substantive, POPSUGAR spoke with a staffer from the US Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office, who wished to be referred to only as a commerce official. "In 2015, travel and tourism was a significant export for the US," they explained, "accounting for approximately 11 percent of all exports and 33 percent of service exports, and contributes exports overall. International travel supported 1.2 [million] American jobs."
"BEA estimates that travel and tourism exports for the first three months of this year are strong," they continued. "We do not yet have the arrivals data for the last months of 2016."
In other words? It's likely too soon to tell.
"There are a lot of places for tourists to go. If they don't feel comfortable here, they can certainly go somewhere else."
Lawrence Culver, a professor of history at Utah State University, shared with POPSUGAR that we're already seeing how people are expressing discontent with the Trump administration with their dollars, both domestically and internationally. "You can see Americans making consumer choices," he explained, alluding to examples like the expanding #GrabYourWallet movement.
Comparatively, some states and cities are speaking up, taking real action against Trump's policies, and even making fairly overt pleas to potential visitors. "Recently, I saw a new TV ad that the city of LA is doing," Culver said. "The whole subtext of the ad is that they welcome everybody, regardless of race, or if you are LGBT. It wasn't a completely subtle thing either."
James Mak, a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization research fellow and professor emeritus of economics, University of Hawaii-Manoa, has studied the economy of tourism for decades and predicts that we could be seeing more profound effects very soon. "It is certainly possible that the election of Donald Trump as president and the ensuing travel ban and negative public image of the US it has fostered could have deterred foreign travel to the US, especially (though not exclusively) from the Middle East," he told POPSUGAR. "Everything that I've read in the press (Travel Weekly, in particular) supports that conclusion."
Of course, Mak notes that tourism is nuanced and affected by more than just politics. For example, the strength of the US dollar can greatly impact travelers. Similarly, terror attacks can deter travel. "In theory, such terrorist attacks can have both negative and positive effects on international travel," he explained. "Those attacks may deter people from traveling farther from home. They may also entice people to shift their travel destinations from a potentially dangerous destination to one that's perceived to be safer." Another factor is natural disaster and environmental turmoil. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans saw travel and business dwindle as the city rebuilt itself.
There are also markers of a rising distaste for travel to the United States beyond tourism. "We have seen a decline in the number of international students coming to the US," Culver said of students seeking higher education abroad. "Some of that is that it's harder to get here. The visa process is more complicated and expensive. For example, if you are an aspiring engineer and you want to get a degree that is internationally known, you might think of going to Australia or Germany rather than the US."
Culver also said that American presidents can catch on as international celebrities in their own right, making their presence part of the appeal of travel. "It was a really big deal to see an African American elected president," Culver said. "[International tourists] can be fixed on specific politicians as celebrities. It's like Americans who visit London hoping to see Will and Kate."
Mak also highlighted that Trump himself is intentionally damaging international tourism - ironic for a man who owns many resorts around the world. "In President Trump's proposed budget, funding for Brand USA - the private public partnership formed to promote international travel to the US - would be eliminated," Mak shared. "Funding comes partly from private contributions (including in-kind contributions) and partly from a fee levied on visa-waiver visitors to the US. The travel industry is fighting against the proposed cuts. It would be interesting to see if Congress restores the funding."
Yet both Culver and Mak agree that, like the commerce official said, it will take time until we have more definitive proof of a downturn in tourism. "It's difficult to quantify it," Culver reiterated. "We're pretty early in the process . . . and all sorts of things like that can affect the choices tourists make."
Culver did make it clear that this conversation is very America focused: in the same way Americans want to travel and explore limitless options, so do international travelers. "I think one thing Americans tend to forget is that, globally speaking, we aren't as important as we think we are," Culver said. "There are a lot of places for tourists to go. If they don't feel comfortable here, they can certainly go somewhere else."
Apple's HomePod Is Like the Amazon Echo but Sleeker
Though it was rumored for months, Apple finally announced the HomePod at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The HomePod is Apple's answer to the Amazon Echo and Google Home. It will have:
- Exceptional sound quality: The HomePod will come with "spatial awareness." This will allow the device to "detect" the space it's in and adjust the volume and sound to work in that environment.
- Six microphones to hear your commands: Just say "Hey Siri" and ask it to tell you the weather and sports scores and, of course, play your music.
- Two colors: The device will come in white and space gray.
The HomePod will cost $349 and ship out in December. See photos of it ahead.
There's Evidence That US Tourism Is Down - Is Trump the Culprit?
President Donald Trump's impact on America isn't limited to causing domestic griping and outrage over policies like scaling back women's health care and firing the head of the FBI. Abroad, President Trump is increasingly becoming a threat to the intellectual and cultural identity of the United States - and there's evidence to suggest tourism is suffering because of it.
Just look at Trump's recent track record: in response to a recent attack on London Bridge, Trump insensitively criticized how the local government handled the situation. In the hopes of making a "better deal," Trump has jeopardized the worldwide Paris Agreement, which unifies countries to protect the planet. In visiting world NATO leaders, Trump made it known that he has a lot of issues with the organization and will quite literally push people around to make his point. Small and large outrages have followed each of these very recent events - from The Weather Channel shading Trump on climate change to Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel stating that the "times when we could completely rely on others are over."
Unfortunately, it seems likely that Trump's activities have an added, unsurprising side effect we're only now privy to: his actions are making America a less desirable destination for international tourists and business people. A recent report by the website and app Foursquare tracked global "location trails" via the service to reveal that tourism in America has been in decline since October 2016. It's a very initial and troubling finding, though it's important to consider that Foursquare users are likely a very specific audience.
Foursquare CEO Jeff Glueck explained in a post shared to Medium:
"The drop in international tourism to the U.S. is resulting in an opportunity cost of about 1.2% in total visits to U.S. shops, restaurants, attractions and the like. And it's a fair bet that international shoppers spend more than the average domestic shopper. . . . One analysis by the firm Tourism Economics reported that Trump's travel ban could cost the U.S. economy more than $18 billion and about 107,000 jobs."
To understand if these findings were substantive, POPSUGAR spoke with a staffer from the US Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office, who wished to be referred to only as a commerce official. "In 2015, travel and tourism was a significant export for the US," they explained, "accounting for approximately 11 percent of all exports and 33 percent of service exports, and contributes exports overall. International travel supported 1.2 [million] American jobs."
"BEA estimates that travel and tourism exports for the first three months of this year are strong," they continued. "We do not yet have the arrivals data for the last months of 2016."
In other words? It's likely too soon to tell.
"There are a lot of places for tourists to go. If they don't feel comfortable here, they can certainly go somewhere else."
Lawrence Culver, a professor of history at Utah State University, shared with POPSUGAR that we're already seeing how people are expressing discontent with the Trump administration with their dollars, both domestically and internationally. "You can see Americans making consumer choices," he explained, alluding to examples like the expanding #GrabYourWallet movement.
Comparatively, some states and cities are speaking up, taking real action against Trump's policies, and even making fairly overt pleas to potential visitors. "Recently, I saw a new TV ad that the city of LA is doing," Culver said. "The whole subtext of the ad is that they welcome everybody, regardless of race, or if you are LGBT. It wasn't a completely subtle thing either."
James Mak, a University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization research fellow and professor emeritus of economics, University of Hawaii-Manoa, has studied the economy of tourism for decades and predicts that we could be seeing more profound effects very soon. "It is certainly possible that the election of Donald Trump as president and the ensuing travel ban and negative public image of the US it has fostered could have deterred foreign travel to the US, especially (though not exclusively) from the Middle East," he told POPSUGAR. "Everything that I've read in the press (Travel Weekly, in particular) supports that conclusion."
Of course, Mak notes that tourism is nuanced and affected by more than just politics. For example, the strength of the US dollar can greatly impact travelers. Similarly, terror attacks can deter travel. "In theory, such terrorist attacks can have both negative and positive effects on international travel," he explained. "Those attacks may deter people from traveling farther from home. They may also entice people to shift their travel destinations from a potentially dangerous destination to one that's perceived to be safer." Another factor is natural disaster and environmental turmoil. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans saw travel and business dwindle as the city rebuilt itself.
There are also markers of a rising distaste for travel to the United States beyond tourism. "We have seen a decline in the number of international students coming to the US," Culver said of students seeking higher education abroad. "Some of that is that it's harder to get here. The visa process is more complicated and expensive. For example, if you are an aspiring engineer and you want to get a degree that is internationally known, you might think of going to Australia or Germany rather than the US."
Culver also said that American presidents can catch on as international celebrities in their own right, making their presence part of the appeal of travel. "It was a really big deal to see an African American elected president," Culver said. "[International tourists] can be fixed on specific politicians as celebrities. It's like Americans who visit London hoping to see Will and Kate."
Mak also highlighted that Trump himself is intentionally damaging international tourism - ironic for a man who owns many resorts around the world. "In President Trump's proposed budget, funding for Brand USA - the private public partnership formed to promote international travel to the US - would be eliminated," Mak shared. "Funding comes partly from private contributions (including in-kind contributions) and partly from a fee levied on visa-waiver visitors to the US. The travel industry is fighting against the proposed cuts. It would be interesting to see if Congress restores the funding."
Yet both Culver and Mak agree that, like the commerce official said, it will take time until we have more definitive proof of a downturn in tourism. "It's difficult to quantify it," Culver reiterated. "We're pretty early in the process . . . and all sorts of things like that can affect the choices tourists make."
Culver did make it clear that this conversation is very America focused: in the same way Americans want to travel and explore limitless options, so do international travelers. "I think one thing Americans tend to forget is that, globally speaking, we aren't as important as we think we are," Culver said. "There are a lot of places for tourists to go. If they don't feel comfortable here, they can certainly go somewhere else."
10 Father's Day Grooming Gift Ideas That He'll Actually Want - According to a Guy
Every year around mid May, I wake up in a cold sweat and ask myself, "Did I miss Father's Day again this year?" Luckily, I have not, (yet.) It's June 18, by the way. In order to make sure I don't blow it off again this year, I always like to come up with a list of gifts to have on reserve just in case I do end up cutting it close. You could do what everyone else does and get him a tie or grilling tools, but grooming products are nice, because guys don't ever think of buying them for themselves. Besides, your dad probably uses hand soap for everything.
Wonder Woman: Blink and You'll Miss This Tiny Justice League Easter Egg
One of the great things about Wonder Woman (of which there are many), is that the origin story of Diana Prince is allowed to exist on its own. Rather than shoehorning in teases and Easter eggs for future DC movies like Justice League or Aquaman, director Patty Jenkins makes sure Wonder Woman remains the star of the show. There is, however, a very slight connection to the rest of the DC Extended Universe that actually explains a photo first seen in last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Wonder Woman begins with Diana Prince in modern-day Paris, heading to her office at the Louvre. She gets a package from Wayne Industries and opens it to find a black-and-white WWI-era photograph of her dressed in her full Wonder Woman ensemble alongside Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and three other men. Attached is a note from Bruce Wayne (aka Batman aka Ben Affleck), who writes that he dug up the original copy.
As anyone who sat through Batman v Superman might recall, Bruce Wayne first stumbles on the photo after obtaining Lex Luthor's drive full of information about "metahumans" roaming around the world: Superman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman. As he peruses Diana's file, he sees the photo in question and deduces that she's an immortal of some kind (either that, or uses an incredible skincare regimen). In the background is a half-destroyed city that Diana, Steve, and the rest of the gang free from German occupation in Wonder Woman.
The image is virtually the only link to the rest of the DCEU in the film, and although it's subtle, it gives anyone who's loyally watched all of Warner Bros.'s preceding superhero movies a better idea of the photo's origins. Diana emails Bruce a thank you ("Thank you for bringing him back to me," a reference to her true love, Steve Trevor), which further solidifies the bond between the two that will likely lead to the Dark Knight convincing her to join the Justice League and fight for humanity once more.
The 7 Coolest Tech Gadgets Out in 2017
When it comes to rising tech trends, right now we're seeing a big focus on products that will make your life easier. Whether that means giving you time back in your day or keeping things all in one place, products are being designed to make the wearer's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you.
Up ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful items you'll want to get this year. Check them out.
The Newest iPad Pro Might Be the Best One Yet
Apple didn't slow down in announcing several new products at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), including a 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The newest member of the iPad Pro family might finally be the right size people are looking for.
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro includes the following details:
- It's 50 percent brighter and 20 percent larger, weighing in at 1 pound.
- The new iPad Pro can show a full-screen keyboard.
- It'll come with a new feature called ProMotion. It adjusts the refresh rate, so if you're playing a game, it'll be faster, but if you're reading something, it'll slow down.
- Apple is bringing drag and drop to the iPad, so you can drag files and drop them into other apps.
- A dock is coming to iPad, making it look even more similar to a Mac.
- Files is here! The app will now let you search your files across different products like Dropbox and open them up.
- You'll still see a 10-hour battery life, a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera.
- The new iPad Pro will come in 64 GB for $649, 256 GB for $749, and 512 GB for $949.
You can preorder the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro today, and it will ship out next week.
- Additional reporting by Brinton Parker
6 Ikea Hacks Every Tiny Bedroom Needs
The key to blissful small space living relies on one thing: concealing your sh*t. If the idea of splurging on several pieces of storage-friendly furniture is holding you back from the stylish, minimalist existence you deserve, don't let it. There are loads of Ikea hacks that can help you transform a tiny bedroom into a beautifully organized haven. The low price points give you room to add your own twist for a customized piece of bedroom furniture that suits your needs and your budget. Here are six options we can't help but applaud.
The Newest iPad Pro Might Be the Best One Yet
Apple didn't slow down in announcing several new products at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), including a 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The newest member of the iPad Pro family might finally be the right size people are looking for.
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro includes the following details:
- It's 50 percent brighter and 20 percent larger, weighing in at 1 pound.
- The new iPad Pro can show a full-screen keyboard.
- It'll come with a new feature called ProMotion. It adjusts the refresh rate, so if you're playing a game, it'll be faster, but if you're reading something, it'll slow down.
- Apple is bringing drag and drop to the iPad, so you can drag files and drop them into other apps.
- A dock is coming to iPad, making it look even more similar to a Mac.
- Files is here! The app will now let you search your files across different products like Dropbox and open them up.
- You'll still see a 10-hour battery life, a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera.
- The new iPad Pro will come in 64 GB for $649, 256 GB for $749, and 512 GB for $949.
You can preorder the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro today, and it will ship out next week.
- Additional reporting by Brinton Parker
Why the Claim That "Britain Is Reeling" Is Just Wrong, According to an Actual Brit
In the aftermath of the terror attack that took place in London on June 3, various outlets fumbled in the way they referred to the UK's reaction to the violence. After The New York Times ran a headline that framed the nation as "still reeling," many outlets and anchors began to use the same phrase - which many Brits took issue with. On Twitter, a defiant hashtag emerged: #ThingsThatLeaveBritainReeling. On the latest episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver also weighed in on the American media's clumsy coverage.
At the top of the segment, Oliver took a few minutes to address the terror attack and say a few words to those affected. "As a British person living in America, I feel compelled to address a certain theme that emerged through American coverage of this tragedy," he said. The show then played a few clips that exemplified the doomsday mentality many major outlets perpetuated.
Oliver wasn't having it. "In no way is Britain under siege," he insisted. "Is it upset? Yes. Is it pissed off? Oh, you f*cking bet it's pissed off. But to say it's under siege and that its people are reeling is to imply that it's somehow weak enough to be brought to its knees by three monumental assh*les. That, as an idea, is insulting."
Watch the sharp takedown in its entirety above.
The Heartbreaking Thing Prince William Told Diana After She Lost Her Title in the Divorce
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana ended their marriage in 1996, their oldest son, Prince William, was just 14 years old. At the time, he was a student at Eton College studying biology, art history, and geography and playing soccer and water polo. He hadn't yet begun his official royal duties or military career. For all intents and purposes, he was a normal teenager - besides, you know, the whole being king one day thing - and most normal teenagers are pretty bummed about their parents splitting up. But as second in line to the British throne, William recognized his (future) power and made a promise to his mother that is both incredibly adorable and incredibly heartbreaking.
Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her royal title ensued. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those who had it, including her own children. William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Tragically, Diana was killed in a car crash just a little over a year after William made his touching vow to her. In the decades after her death, both he and his brother, Harry, have opened up about their mother, sharing stories about their time with her as well as honoring her impact, both with the charities they support and the traditions she's passed on to them.
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