Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 6 août 2017
Game of Thrones: Here's Where Dragonstone Is Filmed
Game of Thrones season seven sees Daenerys Targaryen return to her ancestral home of Dragonstone, a seaside castle with a winding staircase and a main hall that features a seat of power to rival the Iron Throne in its impressive size and scope.
But is this a real-life location or has it all been created on a sound stage or with CGI? The answer is: all three.
The beaches where Dany's forces land are actually Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika, both areas on the northern coast of Spain, located about 60 miles apart.
#Goodmorning from the Itzurun beach in #Zumaia, a place where you will feel part of #GOT https://t.co/HoKkpuX4Or #VisitSpain @i_Euskadi http://pic.twitter.com/meIQKnI4yv
- Spain in Switzerland (@Spain_in_CH) July 14, 2017
There were also some exteriors shot on Downhill Strand in County Derry, Ireland, which is part of a Game of Thrones filming tour that visitors to Belfast, Ireland, can take.
As for Dragonstone itself, the winding staircase that Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth climb upon arrival at the castle is a real place. The islet is called Gaztelugatxe, which means "castle rock," and the staircase connects it to the mainland on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain.
The real-life Dragonstone stairs setting if you want to visit: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe @GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/a7CRVVQVNO
- James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) July 31, 2017
Unfortunately, at the top of the 241-step trek, you won't find the towering Dragonstone castle, which is purely CGI. The islet merely contains a small church called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is dedicated to John the Baptist - and according to Euskoguide, it is rumored he even set foot on the island. Further, according to legend, once you make the climb up the staircase, you are to ring the church's bell three times and make a wish. Supposedly your wish will come true and you will be free of evil spirits, according to the Bermeoko tourism site.
Alas, the interiors of Dragonstone are also not a real location - though how cool would that be? But those scenes are filmed on the Game of Thrones sound stages in Belfast, though tourists can also visit those.
Game of Thrones: Here's Where Dragonstone Is Filmed
Game of Thrones season seven sees Daenerys Targaryen return to her ancestral home of Dragonstone, a seaside castle with a winding staircase and a main hall that features a seat of power to rival the Iron Throne in its impressive size and scope.
But is this a real-life location or has it all been created on a sound stage or with CGI? The answer is: all three.
The beaches where Dany's forces land are actually Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika, both areas on the northern coast of Spain, located about 60 miles apart.
#Goodmorning from the Itzurun beach in #Zumaia, a place where you will feel part of #GOT https://t.co/HoKkpuX4Or #VisitSpain @i_Euskadi http://pic.twitter.com/meIQKnI4yv
- Spain in Switzerland (@Spain_in_CH) July 14, 2017
There were also some exteriors shot on Downhill Strand in County Derry, Ireland, which is part of a Game of Thrones filming tour that visitors to Belfast, Ireland, can take.
As for Dragonstone itself, the winding staircase that Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth climb upon arrival at the castle is a real place. The islet is called Gaztelugatxe, which means "castle rock," and the staircase connects it to the mainland on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain.
The real-life Dragonstone stairs setting if you want to visit: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe @GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/a7CRVVQVNO
- James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) July 31, 2017
Unfortunately, at the top of the 241-step trek, you won't find the towering Dragonstone castle, which is purely CGI. The islet merely contains a small church called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is dedicated to John the Baptist - and according to Euskoguide, it is rumored he even set foot on the island. Further, according to legend, once you make the climb up the staircase, you are to ring the church's bell three times and make a wish. Supposedly your wish will come true and you will be free of evil spirits, according to the Bermeoko tourism site.
Alas, the interiors of Dragonstone are also not a real location - though how cool would that be? But those scenes are filmed on the Game of Thrones sound stages in Belfast, though tourists can also visit those.
This High School Senior's McDonald's Photo Shoot Deserves a Pulitzer Prize
When Mikayla Cleckler thought about where to have her high school senior photos taken, she knew exactly where to go: McDonald's. And the result is just about the most amazing photo shoot you've ever seen - plenty of fries included. Mikayla is a 17-year-old senior at Northeast Jones High School in Mississippi, and in the words of Jana Cooley, her cousin and the photographer behind the lens, she's "McDone." To celebrate her last year of school and to document her love of McDonald's in an unexpected way, Mikayla posed with fries, a McDonald's employee, and her favorite sandwich in the epic photo shoot - and looked fierce doing it all.
POPSUGAR reached out to the photographer to hear about the inspiration behind the creative photos. Jana told POPSUGAR via email, "Mikayla is actually my cousin and one of my best friends. She texted me and asked if I would mind taking her senior pictures and I responded, 'You know we're taking these at McDonald's, right?' She is OBSESSED with their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwiches and just knowing the type of person she is, we wouldn't be doing the world justice if we didn't incorporate a little humor. We did take 'normal' senior photos as well."
Each photo is too good not to see, so read on to appreciate every McDonald's moment from Mikayla's album, and prepare to pass on the ingenious idea to all the high school seniors you know. Jana said, "I think people are lovin'" - get it? - "these photos because they aren't the 'normal' senior pictures you see, and I think we can all relate to them in some type of way." Agreed.
12 Eggs Hacks to Transform Your Breakfast Routine
Eggs are a household staple, yet so misunderstood! From extending an egg's shelf-life to cooking a perfectly poached egg to discovering the easiest way to whip up eggs for a crowd, allow these 12 egg hacks to completely transform the way you handle this key ingredient.
These Are the Key Game of Thrones Season 7 Filming Locations
The vast world of Game of Thrones is still expanding in season seven. Now that Daenerys is finally back in Westeros, Dragonstone is a major location, but it's far from the only new locale featured this year. While Daenerys and her small council plot to take the Iron Throne from Cersei, the show is busy taking fans to long-talked about (but little seen) places like Oldtown, Highgarden, and Casterly Rock. As always, Northern Ireland remains a center for the show's production, but fans planning a themed vacation should be prepared to visit stunning real-world locations all across Europe to get the full Westeros experience. Read on to discover the wide array of locations used to make Game of Thrones season seven come to life.
Recall Alert! This iPhone Case Recalled Due to Reported Chemical Burns
Those trendy glitter iPhone cases may turn out to be more harmful than fun. A company that sold glitter iPhone cases to retailers such as Amazon and Nordstrom Rack has issued a recall for its products due to "skin irritation or chemical burns."
MixBin issued the recall on Aug. 1 and it includes all iPhone cases for the iPhone 6, 6S, and 7 sold between October 2015 and June 2017. The phone cases ranged in prices from $15 to $65 and were available at Henri Bendel, Tory Burch, and Victoria's Secret. In an official statement, MixBin stated the cases were recalled "due to risk of skin irritation, blisters, or burns if the liquid contained in the phone case leaks and comes into contact with the skin due to breakage or cracking of the case."
If you're the owner of an affected phone case, you can go through MixBin to get a refund. You'll need to take a photo of the case, so don't throw it out. The company also advises to keep the phone case until you are informed about how to properly get rid of it.
These Are the Key Game of Thrones Season 7 Filming Locations
The vast world of Game of Thrones is still expanding in season seven. Now that Daenerys is finally back in Westeros, Dragonstone is a major location, but it's far from the only new locale featured this year. While Daenerys and her small council plot to take the Iron Throne from Cersei, the show is busy taking fans to long-talked about (but little seen) places like Oldtown, Highgarden, and Casterly Rock. As always, Northern Ireland remains a center for the show's production, but fans planning a themed vacation should be prepared to visit stunning real-world locations all across Europe to get the full Westeros experience. Read on to discover the wide array of locations used to make Game of Thrones season seven come to life.
How Does Jack Die on This Is Us? 9 Heartbreaking Theories
Warning: potential spoilers ahead.
This Is Us has been filled with sad moments, including William's heartbreaking death, but the most shocking twist had to be the revelation that Milo Ventimiglia's character Jack is no longer alive in present day. Since the news broke, we have been racking our brains trying to figure out how it all goes down, and during season one, we finally got some closure. As Kate takes part in a drum-therapy class at an adult weight-loss camp, she recounts heartbreaking memories from her past, including her father's funeral. While the clip offers that the kids were teenagers, it still doesn't exactly answer how Jack dies. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the show comes full-circle by having him die on their shared birthday. There are a few theories about his cause of death, and we've gathered the most intriguing here.
1. Alcoholism
Even though Jack seems to have kicked his alcoholism, it may have still taken a toll on his health. It's possible that all that drinking leads to heart problems or increases his risk of developing cancer. We don't even want to think about that.
2. Heart Attack
Kate is so distraught over Toby's heart surgery, and while obviously any person would be, the storyline might have been backwards foreshadowing that her father also suffered from a heart condition.
3. Exhaustion
Now that Rebecca's music career has caused strife with her marriage, we're worried that Jack will die while she is away on tour. Perhaps the stress of balancing his work and personal life will prove to be too much and wear him down. The added exhaustion could lead to a number of health complications, resulting in his untimely death.
4. Plane Crash
Hold onto your seat, because this theory is a doozy. Some fans seem to think that Jack actually dies during the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Tumblr user just-an-outlaw pointed out that both Kate and Kevin seem to have a fear of flying, and that Kevin threw away his model airplanes after his dad's death - and that's not the only connection. Randall lives in New Jersey and Rebecca seems to live nearby. Perhaps the family moved to city sometime around 2001? While the details certainly make sense, the only problem is that the kids would have been in their early 20s, and the flashback suggests that they are a bit younger when Jack dies. Another (and way more believable) theory is based on a real plane crash that happened in Pittsburgh (the city where the Pearson family lived) in 1994.
5. Car Crash
On the note of life-altering accidents, what if Jack dies in a car crash and Kate is with him? Out of the Big Three, it seems like Kate is the most affected by her father's death. Not only does she have his urn in her house, but she got pretty emotional when she remembered his funeral during camp. In the episode "Memphis" we also couldn't help but notice how the camera spent a few extra seconds focused on the tree where some of Jack's ashes were sprinkled. Is it possible that he hit that exact tree during his accident?
6. He Goes Missing
When we spoke with Justin Hartley recently, he revealed that one of the craziest theories he's heard so far is that Jack actually goes into hiding and dies as a missing person. While we would love to believe that Jack is still alive, he immediately dismissed the idea.
7. Miguel Kills Him
OK, OK, this one is out there. Miguel probably isn't a murderer, but what if Miguel accidentally kills him? And that's why Kevin doesn't like him; not because Miguel marries Rebecca. Jon Huertas dispelled this theory in an interview with E!, saying, "What kind of show are you watching? This isn't some murder mystery!" But we're still not convinced that he doesn't have something to do with the death.
8. House Fire
Even though we're slowly starting to like Miguel, we can't wrap our minds around how Rebecca would marry her husband's best friend. Unless, of course, there is a tragic event that brings them together. Reddit user AFriendlyInternetGuy suggested that Jack might actually die a hero by trying to save Miguel in a house fire. It would definitely explain why the latter's family is never mentioned in present day and why the kids hold a bit of resentment.
9. Shooting
The latest theory about Jack's death is extremely violent. Due to the show's numerous shocking twists, some fans seem to think that Jack gets shot during a random robbery. While the theory certainly sounds crazy, there is one scene that has us questioning its validity. During the season one finale, it is revealed that Jack actually met Rebecca when he was supposed to be robbing a bar. Was their chance meeting foreshadowing how he dies?
Alas, it seems like we may not be getting answers right away, as the show's creator, Dan Fogelman, told Entertainment Weekly that the how for Jack's death is going to take much longer to reveal. "By the end of the season, you're going to know a lot of the details of the how and the ramifications of it," he said. "In terms of the detail of how he died, was it illness? Was it something tragic? Was it something else? You're not going to know that for a little bit because we want to show that in the show. So that's going to take a minute." Thankfully, the series has two more seasons to tell Jack and the rest of the Pearson family's story.
Disneyland's Red Rose Taverne Is a Must-See For Beauty and the Beast Fans!
The Pinocchio-themed Village Haus Restaurant at Disneyland is out - and Red Rose Taverne is in! Anyone looking for food with a French flair and adorable nods to one of your favorite movies, the Beauty and the Beast-inspired restaurant is the place to visit. Temporarily located in Fantasyland, Red Rose Taverne has a fun menu, adorable decor, and countless photo opportunities for fans.
There's also a gift store where guests can buy special souvenirs like a tumbler with the enchanted rose inside. And of course, you can sample the famous Grey Stuff Belle tries when she arrives at the Beast's castle during the "Be Our Guest" scene. Take a look at what you'll find at the Taverne!
The 3 Paint Colors Joanna Gaines Is Obsessed With Right Now
If you're looking for a quick and affordable way to give your home Fixer Upper-worthy style - and who isn't? - then the first person you should consult is Joanna Gaines. The designer behind dozens of breathtaking HGTV home makeovers is no stranger to the transformative (and wallet-friendly) power of paint. In fact, she loves paint so much, she created the gorgeous Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint collection. So what hues is Joanna personally loving right now? We recently had a chance to chat with Jo, and she revealed to POPSUGAR the three paint colors she can't get enough of.
The Bedroom
"Bedrooms are a great place to take a risk and use a little more color. I would love to see a client use Weekend in their bedroom. Like weekends, this color puts me at ease. It is the calming blue of retreat and relaxation."
The Bathroom
"In a bathroom, I like the idea of using something fresh and clean, like maybe one of my favorite grays, Wedding Band."
The Kitchen and Living Room
"For high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms, I would keep things simple and use a creamy, neutral white like Shiplap with True White trim color. They create a bright, clean space and offer a versatile backdrop for decor."
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by KILZ for the purpose of writing this story.
You Can Swim With Jellyfish (Without Getting Stung!) in This Pacific Island Lake
Jellyfish have more been a reason to get out of the water than to dive in, but you may want to visit this lake inhabited by the gelatinous animals. Jellyfish Lake, located on an island off the coast of Koror, Palau, is home to swarms of jellyfish that are safe to swim with. The saltwater lake was once connected to the ocean, and it's said that the rise of sea levels post-Ice Age trapped them in the area. The jellyfish do actually have stingers, but they're far too small to be felt by humans. In the many photos on Instagram, it looks like travelers have even been able to touch them safely.
But before you start booking your trip, you might have to wait until lake conditions improve. According to National Geographic, the jellyfish population - which used to be at an average of eight million - is now down to nearly half a million and decreasing by the day. Several possible factors including climate change, drought, and other changes in their ecosystem have been speculated. All hope is not lost, however. A National Geographic explorer-in-residence noted that the population was once able to recover in the late 1990s after El Niño, so it's not unlikely that it could do it again.
Keep your fingers crossed, and don't remove Jellyfish Lake from your bucket list just yet! Check out some photos ahead in the meantime.
People Think All 10 Seasons of Friends Took Place in a Dream Because of This 1 Picture
Friends: a classic, quotable comedy about six NYC-based pals, or the vivid dreams of a woman on the edge? Apparently a lot of people seem to think it's the latter, all because of a seemingly innocuous photo on the season four DVD box set. In July, Twitter user Ted Fox shared the image, asking his followers why Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) is the only one in it with her eyes open, while the rest of the characters sleep soundly beside her.
Serious question:
Why is Rachel the only one 👀?
Theories needed. #FriendsGate http://pic.twitter.com/QOlQcDtaGL- Ted Fox (@thetedfox) July 7, 2017
It didn't take long before people started responding with possible theories, leading to what will now be known as #Friendsgate.
There were serious discussions about all 10 seasons being a dream . . .
Here is what I believe Friends is really about. http://pic.twitter.com/hziUHAKVVX
- Phil Dunne (@lovetherobot) July 7, 2017
And some jokes at Chandler's expense (duh) . . .
Chandler is spooning her. The answer is obvious.
- Terry Bain (@terrybain) July 7, 2017
A reference to the gang's mysterious lack of rent was made . . .
She alone knows the truth. She has seen beyond the veil, and knows that there is no way she should be able to afford that apartment
- Woodstock's dad (@Burghpunk) July 7, 2017
And of course someone had to point out that they all might be dead . . .
they were dead the entire time any ways have a great weekend https://t.co/e47hcyan4P
- darth:™ (@darth) July 7, 2017
Until, finally, someone pointed out the whole discussion was just a "moo point."
Serious answer: The fact that her eyes are open is just a moo point. http://pic.twitter.com/80L8OnRoVI
- Gabrielle Birkman (@GabbyBirkman) July 7, 2017
Honestly, I didn't think that insane theory about Ross losing custody of Ben could be topped, but this might just take the cake.
9 People in Selena Gomez's Squad
When Selena Gomez isn't off touring across the world and singing her heart out, she is often spending time with some of her friends. She definitely has some famous friends like Taylor Swift, but not all of them are in the limelight.
"I would say the biggest lesson that I've been learning since 2016 would definitely be awareness," she said on Instagram Live. "I think it's really important to be aware of, like, the people that you're surrounding yourself with, the people that are purposefully the ones you are spending time with." Clearly, Selena isn't going to spend her free time with just anyone - check out who's in her inner circle.
7 Things You Never Knew About Chick-fil-A, Straight From an Employee
When you think of Chick-fil-A, the first thing that comes to mind is how all locations are closed on Sundays, and of course that drool-worthy sauce, but there are a lot of things we don't know about the fast-food joint. One employee just revealed tons of secrets about what it's like to work at Chick-fil-A in a Reddit AMA, and we're impressed. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation, this teenage employee dished where the delicious chicken comes from, their thoughts on the chain being anti-LGBTQ, and why they always say "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome." Read on for all of the Chick-fil-A insider secrets, straight from someone who knows best.
How "fresh" is the chicken?
It seems like fast-food chains are constantly competing with each other and saying that another chain's food comes frozen, but this employee is setting the record straight about Chick-fil-A's chicken. When asked if the chicken comes prebreaded and is frozen on site, the employee shut that down. "The chicken is FRESH and hand-breaded then fried on site," they said. "We're not lying to you."
The company has changed its anti-LGBTQ ways.
It's no secret that Chick-fil-A has been against LGBTQ rights and has even donated to anti-LGBTQ causes in the past, but this employee is explaining how the chain has changed and why it doesn't bother the employee at all. "As of late, they've actually made a turnaround and stopped donating to anti-LGBTQ corporations and apologized to the community," the employee said. "It's all about keeping a good name. I'm transgender and I know a gay guy who works there. I feel fine."
About that employee discount . . .
The employee said, "We get a free meal for 5 1/2 hours of work." This employee's favorite meal? "I'm a fan of the #1 (Just the chicken sandwich)," the employee shared. "CFA sauce and the mayonnaise they have is soooo tasty! Everything about the sandwich is perfect from the toasty buttery bun to the pickles. My location also serves mac and cheese and it's the bomb!!"
There's a reason they always say, "My pleasure."
Anyone who's been to Chick-fil-A can recognize within seconds that the employees don't say "you're welcome" and instead say "my pleasure." WHY?! "It's a courtesy thing," the employee said. "'You're welcome' seems too indifferent and we're told to use elevated language. Besides, we could get in trouble if we don't say it. Also, did you know that saying 'my pleasure' is not mentioned in the official training at all? It's a learned behavior."
The fries are highly ranked, but here's the truth behind them.
One Reddit user asked the employee how he or she feels about the fries and the fact that the crisped-to-perfection waffle fries just won the number one spot on The Ringer's best fast-food items list. "I'm very proud," the employee shared. "We don't make them in house though, they come in a box. Honestly, I think the Wendy's fries are better." OUCH!
The employees are legitimately trained to be super friendly.
When someone asked if friendliness was part of training because they "get diabetes every time I go to the local one because everyone is super sweet," the employee said yes! "We are literally told in training and reminded constantly to be 'aggressively courteous' there are literal steps on how to do it," the employee shared. "I won't tell you those steps so the sweetness remains genuine."
Fun fact: you can order Oreo pieces in any drink you want!
Yup! The employee shared that a big pet peeve is "people who order too quickly and then they MUMBLE. Also, if you have a huge milkshake order please please please call ahead!" But the most important thing here: "you can order Oreo pieces in whatever beverage you want."
Mom's Honest Post Reveals the 1 Thing Parents Forget While School-Supply Shopping
As a child, shopping for school supplies was one of the most exciting activities. Between the brightly colored binders, perfectly pointed crayons, and that initial feeling of organization, it was always something to look forward to. However, for parents, that thrill isn't quite the same. With long lists from schools, sold-out items, and an expensive price tag, there's potential for a lot of complaining.
Now, one mom is calling out why it's so important for parents to remain positive while back-to-school shopping, even if the store did run out of the exact "green plastic no prong folder" on the list. Rachel Martin, mommy blogger at Finding Joy, penned the honest post after shopping with her kids.
"They listen," she opened her post. "I was in Target today picking up some last-minute school supplies and it was just disappointing. I don't know if it was the day or time or what - but it felt like it was just full of complaining. Complaining about the notebooks or pencil count or the number of crayons. Maybe I just stepped in the wrong aisle at the wrong time."
Rachel explained that she totally understands the frustration, but parents cannot forget what brought them to these stores in the first place: their children and their education.
"If we want them excited about school doesn't it start with us?" she continued. "Doesn't it start with us deciding to not complain about supplies but instead build excitement over what will fill those notebooks? Or what those crayons will color? Or calculators compute? I get that it costs money, I get that. I get that the lists are crazy long and with that one green plastic no prong folder that sells out on week one. I get that money can be tight. But no matter what - your, our, words matter."
"Those vivid Crayons markers will tell stories and the hand sanitizer keep them healthy and the grid paper will provide order and the erasers will correct," Rachel added.
In addition to touching on the importance of our children's well-being and excitement for school, Rachel called out the obvious importance of education and how we're so lucky to be b*tching about school supplies because there are some people who aren't as lucky.
"When I was in Haiti there was no education," she wrote. "Parents worked many jobs so their children could get a chance to attend school. Education matters. No matter what way - public, virtual, private, home school - education changes our children's lives. So be excited about those supplies."
She closed her note with one final reminder: "Love of learning starts with you."
A Travel Expert Shares a Genius Hack to Save Money on Flights From This Low-Cost Carrier
Booking through low-cost carriers like WOW Air and Primera Air can already save you loads on flights to Europe, but there's one more way to cut costs that you probably never thought of. While speaking with travel expert Brian Kelly (aka The Points Guy) about his mileage donation campaign with Make-A-Wish, he shared a genius hack for booking flights with low-fare airline Norwegian Air.
If you book in Norwegian kroner (NOK) through the Norwegian site (https://www.norwegian.no instead of http://ift.tt/1zSm95bus), you can save an extra 15 percent or more based on the currency conversion. The US dollar is stronger compared to the Norwegian krone ($1 USD = 7.89 NOK).
"That's just a fun tip people don't usually realize," Brian told us. "You actually have to check out in Norwegian, but it's cool, you just use Google Translate and you can save by paying in kroner. Who knew?"
Brilliant!
Cast a Magical Spell With These Descendants Birthday Party Ideas
In Disney's Descendants, classic characters like Maleficent and Belle get revamped and given a new storyline for their children. Ben, the son of Beast and Belle, believes in the good in people. With the sequel becoming just as popular as the original, celebrate the good in your child with these spellbinding party ideas. You don't need Maleficent's book to put together a party fit for a coronation.
14 Trader Joe's Party Staples For Busy Hosts
When it comes to hosting parties, we take a page out of Ina Garten's book and supplement from-scratch items with store bought saviors. One of our favorite resources is Trader Joe's; not only does the supermarket offer up a variety of creative, international options, but the prices also can't be beat. Keep reading for 14 finds you need to try for yourself.
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11 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Got Invisalign
I'm 26 years old, and for years, every time I see a celebrity or a person crack open a mouth full of perfectly straight teeth, I can't help but feel envious and a little upset that my teeth don't look that way. Even after braces, my teeth have never been flawless. I'm plagued with an open bite. This means 20 out of 24 of my teeth have significant space between them, even when I bite down. A decade ago, orthodontists told me I would have to get a second round of braces and jaw surgery to fully correct the situation. I put it off for years, because worse than crooked teeth was the thought of having surgery and braces (again)!
However, this year, my orthodontist recommended an alternative treatment, Invisalign, that had a good chance of straightening my teeth and correcting my bite without surgery. Unlike braces, which use metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth, Invisalign moves teeth with a series of custom-made aligners (aka retainers) made from clear plastic, so they are far less noticeable than braces. I jumped on board right away, but I didn't do as much research as I probably should have. Though I'm only a month into my Invisalign program - and am really happy with the results so far! - here are some of the things I wish I'd known before I took the plunge.
- You might receive more attachments than you are expecting. Recent Invisalign procedures may include attachments, or enamel-colored ridges that stick to your teeth like braces brackets. These attachments click into the Invisalign aligners to help the teeth move more effectively. Without the aligners in, the attachment bumps are virtually invisible. But with the aligners in, it looks like you have clear braces. My orthodontist warned me that I would have two attachments, but I ended up with 20. So, most of the day, I look like I'm wearing braces.
- Recommended wear time is 22 hours. I don't know what I was thinking . . . I guess I figured I could leave the aligners at home when going to a party or out to dinner. But nope. I keep them in unless I'm eating, and I don't leave home without packing an aligner case along with a travel-size toothbrush.
- You may lose weight. Since the wear time is 22 hours, that leaves two hours to eat three meals a day. It's pretty ambitious, but I do my best to, because it really beats trying to pry the aligners off my teeth more than necessary. The aligners are supertight and especially hard to remove if teeth are sore. While you can always take the aligners out for snacks, I've found it's a pain to remove the aligners and rebrush the teeth more than three times a day. Despite my attempts to pack in the calories at each meal (I'll have a smoothie, omelet, and yogurt for breakfast, etc.), I still am hungry all the time. I lost a little weight my first month, but I've returned to my normal weight after introducing a protein smoothie to every meal.
- Kiss lipstick goodbye. Colored lip gloss and lipsticks are a thing of the past. They easily stick to the aligners and the attachments. Clear lip balm and gloss are OK, but they can sometimes leave a waxy residue on the aligners. These days, I'm all about applying dramatic eye makeup to draw attention away from my mouth.
- No more manicures. The aligners are nearly impossible to remove without the help of your nails, so unless you're OK with chipped nails, stick to buffing your digits over painting them.
- Kissing is awkward. Yep, there is no avoiding the giant plastic device all up and around your mouth, and it's definitely a mojo quencher. Some people on the Internet claim Invisalign killed their love life, but I think that's a little extreme. It helps to have a significant other who is cool with your retainer mouth. It also helps to try to factor in some of those freebie minutes with your lover.
- You'll brush your teeth a dozen times a day. All right, maybe more like six, but it feels like a dozen. Plaque and food particles can get in the way of the teeth moving plus can lead to some seriously stanky breath and cavities. As a result, it's best to brush your teeth after eating anything. I use three different types of toothpaste and toothbrushes, since I have to stash them at home, at work, and in my purse. At home, I use Nimbus, a supersoft toothbrush, with Tom's of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste. At work, I use more aggressive products to get the teeth superclean and minty: Oral-B Pro-Health All-in-One Toothbrush (it's like a massage chair for your teeth and gums) and Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste. Lastly, for my purse, I have a crummy, generic travel-size toothbrush (it gets the job done) with a travel-size version of Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. I floss with Oral-B Glide. I don't use mouthwash - the sweet residue sticks inside the aligners, and if it's blue, it could potentially stain the teeth.
- The attachments stain really easily. I have seen it so many times - my coffee- and tea-drinking friends who didn't stick to a regimented tooth brushing habit ended up staining their attachments. The practically invisible composite begins to look like orange corn kernel pieces stuck all over their teeth. Yuck! As a result, every cup of coffee or tea must be immediately followed by a teethbrushing.
- Cold water only. That being said, while wearing Invisalign, you can only drink cold water and maybe some clear sparkling water. Hot tea will stain and warp the aligners. Sugary and alcoholic drinks will lead to plaque buildup. I even attempted to test the waters with a glass of white wine, and it stained the aligners immediately. Darn!
- Whitening is not an option. Especially if you have attachments in place, whitening is not an option until the Invisalign treatment is complete. However, brushing your teeth often and avoiding stain-causing beverages will perk up your enamel a bit.
- There's a "refinement period." I thought I'd be done after 40 trays, until my sister said, "Oh no, honey. After that, you'll have a set of refinement aligners to fix any stubborn teeth." So basically, after the initial set of aligners are complete, Invisalign will create another set of refinement aligners to correct any slightly off teeth. Ugh, so my treatment has no foreseeable end in sight.
Despite all the cons, I'm committed to seeing the treatment out, even if it takes a few years. I've already noticed a difference in my bite (I can chew with six molars now! Woo!), and my teeth have definitely started to straighten. I've gotten over being self-conscious about my Invisalign, and I smile bigger than ever, even with the aligners in. At the end of the day, I know I'm taking action toward having the perfect teeth I've always envied, and that feels like it's worth the sacrifices.
The Disneyland Railroad Is Back and Better Than Ever - See the New Route in Action!
Disneyland's beloved train ride is back in action with a beautiful new waterfront route! The Disneyland Railroad originally opened with the park on July 17, 1955, and it, along with the other Rivers of America attractions, has been closed for a year in preparation for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. While the new Star Wars land expansion is still under construction (it opens in 2019), the Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes officially reopened on July 28.
I took a ride on the new-and-improved Railroad, and I loved the gorgeous new route along the Rivers of America. You ride on a wooden trestle past waterfalls and rock cliffs, various animals in their natural environment, and a Native American village. It's all very immersive (well, if you ignore the large cranes in the distance!) and feels reminiscent of the Grizzly Peak land in California Adventure. The Grand Canyon Diorama and Primeval World scenes also have some cool, high-tech updates, including projected pterodactyls flying in the background, which elicited oohs and ahhs from fellow passengers.
See the updated route now!
Why Madonna's Children's Hospital in Malawi Is a Complete Game Changer
Madonna and Malawi haven't always had a harmonious relationship, but after several failed charity projects and controversies in the country where she has adopted four children, Madonna has finally found political goodwill with the opening of the Mercy James Centre For Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care Clinic on July 11, 2017.
Madonna's relationship with Malawi began when she adopted her son David Banda from the country in 2006 and daughter Mercy James in 2009. She also adopted twins Esther and Stella earlier this year. But Madonna wasn't content merely growing her family; she wanted to give back to Malawi in a bigger way - hence, the Mercy James Centre, named after her 11-year-old daughter. Getting here, however, was a very bumpy road.
Malawi President Peter Mutharika officially adopted Madonna as the "daughter of Malawi" in appreciation of her "motherly heart."
The 45-bed facility, centrally located in the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) compound, is dedicated to children's surgery and includes the country's first pediatric intensive care unit. Mercy herself spoke at the opening ceremony on July 12, thanking her mother and all of the partners involved in the construction of the hospital. Malawi President Peter Mutharika also took the podium and officially adopted Madonna as the "daughter of Malawi" in appreciation of her "motherly heart."
Malawi's infant mortality rate is incredibly high (44.80 per 1,000 births, versus 5.8 per 1,000 in the United States) due to a lack of sophisticated equipment and medicine, not to mention the long distances families must travel to receive care. According to Madonna's charity, Raising Malawi, the new facility will help the QECH double the number of surgeries performed on children each year, as well as provide preoperative and postoperative care. It is, in the words of pediatric surgeon Dr. Eric Borgstein, "a game changer for Malawi."
Since its opening less than three weeks ago, the MJC has already treated 313 patients, and a remarkable 73 children have undergone successful operations, according to hospital director Venancio Kapalamula. He also reports that patients are traveling to the new facility from all over the country, and of the more than 300 treated, 238 were admitted into the hospital and 75 were treated as outpatients.
The pediatric hospital is even more remarkable when you consider Madonna's previous charity projects in Malawi, which have been blighted with controversies, including a very public row with former President Joyce Banda and court battles with previous employees.
An Obstacle Course to Adoption
Madonna's Malawi obstacles started with the adoptions of David and Mercy, which were challenging due to Malawi's archaic adoption laws that date back to the pre-independence colonial period in 1949. In the case of David, the law in Malawi did not allow someone who was not living in Malawi to adopt a child, and Madonna had to appeal the case before the adoption was granted.
The second adoption, too, faced legal huddles. At the time Madonna applied to adopt Mercy James, she had just divorced from Guy Ritchie. The court in Malawi turned her down on grounds that she was a divorcee and therefore unfit to raise a family as a single parent. Again, she had to appeal the case before she was granted adoption.
The adoption of the twins has been a smoother affair because of the remarkable growth of David and Mercy. This, coupled with the successful completion of the MJC hospital, has renewed confidence that Madonna only means well for the children and the country. Meanwhile, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has asked government to expedite amendments to the adoption law in order to protect children.
Raising Malawi's Bumpy Road
Madonna's first project in Malawi was the Raising Malawi Academy For Girls, a $15 million school outside of Malawi's capital city, Lilongwe, that planned to enroll 500 girls annually. However, in 2011, one year after laying the foundation stone, Madonna abandoned the project and let all of her employees go - including CEO Anjimile Oponyo-Mtila, the sister of Malawi's former President Joyce Banda.
The controversy began when the New York Times reported that Raising Malawi Inc. had spent $3.8 million on the project - with very little to show for it.
This revelation did not go down well with the ex-employees, who alleged in Malawi's The Nation newspaper that the $3.8 million figure was wildly inaccurate. The ex-employees claimed only $654,630 had been transferred to the project, not $3.8 million, and that the sum had mostly been spent on two events involving Madonna during her visits.
That same year, seven ex-employees filed a court case demanding compensation from Raising Malawi. Court documents obtained at the labor court in Blantyre indicate that Raising Malawi settled, paying out a total of $129,533 in compensation to the six ex-employees in 2011. However, Joyce Banda's sister, Oponyo, refused to accept the $88,515 she was offered, instead demanding $395,223 in compensation. As of April of last year, the court case was still on, but we do not know the outcome of the case or whether or not it has been settled. Raising Malawi did not respond to our requests for comment on the matter.
A National Controversy
In 2013, Madonna announced that she was shifting her focus from the girls' academy to building primary schools across Malawi. She partnered with an organization called BuildOn, which adds classrooms to existing schools that have large student populations and not enough space; in rural Malawi, students are often forced to hold class outside. Admirably, Raising Malawi partnered with BuildOn to fund the construction of 10 new classrooms, but when Madonna claimed that she had "built 10 new schools," it ignited a public row with then-president Banda.
Joyce Banda released an extraordinary statement to the press, accusing Madonna of lacking the decency to tell the truth: "This is an insult to the people of Malawi. She can't be lying to the world at our expense . . . . For her to tell the whole world that she is building schools in Malawi when she has actually only contributed to the construction of classrooms is not compatible with manners of someone who thinks she deserves to be revered with state grandeur."
"This is an insult to the people of Malawi. She can't be lying to the world at our expense."
The withering statement from Banda's office also condemned Madonna for trying to use her celebrity to get special treatment. "Granted, Madonna is a famed international musician, but that does not impose an injunction of obligation on any government under whose territory Madonna finds herself, including Malawi, to give her state treatment."
Adding an unorthodox turn of phrase, the statement said Malawi had played host to other international stars, including Chuck Norris and Bono, "who have never demanded state attention or decorum despite their equally dazzling stature." In an absurd final blow, the government even denied Madonna use of the VIP lounge at the airport as she was leaving the country. (It should be noted that, in an unrelated story, the Malawi government this week issued a warrant for Banda's arrest in relation to allegations of corruption.)
Celebrity and Charity in Harmony
But with the hospital project, Madonna has finally found her cause - and acceptance in Malawi. At the opening ceremony, Madonna thanked the partners who helped the hospital project happen. "What started out as a dream for Malawi and her children has become a reality, and we couldn't have done it without your support," she said in a press release. Madonna's team did not respond to requests for comment regarding the actual cost of the hospital, saying only that Raising Malawi provided the bulk of the funding to build and equip the hospital. The MJC will continue to operate the facility in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.
In Malawi, the Mercy James Center's impact could be far-reaching. Just a month ago, the nation woke up to the sad news that two mothers had given birth to two stillborn babies because there were no anesthetists to attend to them seven hours after their scheduled Caesarean operations at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. In the aftermath, QECH Chief Hospital Administrator Charles Mhango told the nation that the hospital has an acute shortage of anesthetists; the hospital has 20 operating theaters but only eight anesthetists to attend to patients.
A shortage of medical personnel is just a small portion of the mammoth challenges besetting the QECH. Chronic shortages of medicine, congestion in the wards, rising cases of gross negligence, and a lack of sophisticated equipment for diagnosis and treatment all cast a shadow of gloom over the patients at QECH. But with the opening of the Mercy James hospital, there are now three extra theater rooms to perform life-saving sophisticated surgeries.
Not only that, but the MJC has a classroom to teach more doctors the science of surgery. Alongside Raising Malawi, QECH surgeon Dr. Borgstein developed a training program for doctors, which recently produced the first Malawi-born pediatric surgeon. To further improve the quality of service at the center, 20 nurses received specialized training from experts flown in from South Africa, which is aimed to reduce the cases of negligence, according to Raising Malawi's Facebook posts.
In a recent interview, former Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume urged Madonna to do more, noting that there are still gaps in the health system that require urgent attention. "Currently the Ministry of Health has 247 patients on the waiting list that require specialized treatment abroad," he said. "Out of these, 76 are children, and 68 of these children are suffering from heart-related diseases. These children should not be on the waiting list. The MJC should start offering cardiac operations for these children. I appeal to you to open cardiac surgery as well at the MJC."
The Mercy James Center is more than just a clinic for medical treatment. It is also a place where the healing process is accompanied by fun and where children can come to be inspired. The reception area features a mural of a giant tree giving shelter to birds, while the walls of the wards feature paintings of renowned statesmen, such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. In Mercy James's words, the center is a place for healing and fun, and the art sends a strong message to the patients that tough times will not remain forever.
Fall's Best Layering Trend Is Ridiculously Flattering - and Involves Your Summer Dress
One of the most flattering trends to come out of 2017 (and maybe even the second half of 2016, too) is wearing a dress over jeans. Aside from the obvious function behind the move - extra layers provide warmth and your Summer maxis get more use - the look is totally street cool. After all, when you pair a feminine, flowy dress with edgy denim, you're striking the perfect balance between casual and elegant.
That means that complete with heels, the ensemble is appropriate for an event or a night out, and with sneakers, you're instantly the best dressed lady at brunch. But before you get to styling, you need to know that there are so many different ways to pull off this outfit. You can unbutton your dress and tuck half of it loosely into your waistband, or you can work a boxy, oversize silhouette with an added jacket or sweater. Read on to find the option that's right for you, then shop a few pieces to help you achieve a winning combination.
Move Over, Maui! Why You Should Visit This Hawaiian Island Instead
If you're seeking to indulge your spirit of adventure, look no further than Hawaii's Big Island. With active volcanoes, pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and rich Hawaiian culture, this pocket of paradise is one of the most breathtaking, diverse places on earth. And the best part? (Yes, it gets even better!) The Big Island is still considered to be somewhat of a hidden gem. While vacationers are quick to flock to the ever-popular islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, what many don't realize is that Hawaii's largest island has it all and then some.
Home to countless unexpected, majestic wonders, the Big Island - also known as the Island of Hawaii - will provide you with more than a needed getaway. It will awaken your mind, stimulate your senses, ignite new curiosities . . . all while stuffing you full of inspiration. Sounds pretty awesome, right?
So go ahead and book your flight before others catch wind of this magical destination. And while you wait for Google to track the cheapest routes, here's some Hawaiian eye candy to get you even more pumped for the adventure ahead!
Sorry, Daenerys, but Jon Snow's Half-Updo Was the Best Hair on Episode 3
There's a lot to be said about Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen finally meeting for the first time in seven seasons of Game of Thrones, but I'm here to discuss something you might have missed with all the plot development: their hair.
Between her platinum blond, flowing braids and waves and his dark chocolate, tousled curls, Jon and Daenerys arguably have the best hair on the series. Knowing that they'd be in the same room, I just had to pay attention to what would be the greatest hair-off (yes, I'm making that a thing) in the show's history.
In one corner, there was Daenerys with her signature elaborate plaits. Was it beautiful? Absolutely. Just look at the pristine S-waves in those waist-length tendrils! Exciting? Honestly, not really - and that's because we are used to her serving insane styles every episode. For a regular person, this is impressive. For khaleesi, it's just another day.
In the other corner, there was Jon Snow and, uh, excuse me, King in the North? Is that a half-updo? Oh my.
You see, we're used to seeing Jon let his curls run wild:
Or otherwise be totally pulled back:
This in-between situation is fresh, but not trying too hard. It's the perfect foil to Daenerys's visible effort of creation.
Since he is virtually trapped at Dragonstone with Daenerys until further notice, we'll be seeing a lot more of these two together. No one knows which of the monarchs will triumph over the other in power, but in the hair department at least, Jon Snow wins.
Want to Become More Flexible? Do This Yoga Sequence
Don't take your aching, tight back lying down! Fight back with the gentle yet effective power of yoga. Relief could be as simple as increasing flexibility in your spine, and this yoga sequence will help to stretch and elongate the muscles in the torso. Becoming more bendy not only eases pain, but it also improves your posture, making your tummy look trimmer. Complete these 14 poses once on the right side and then on the left.
The Absolute Best Frozen Japanese Foods From Trader Joe's
If you're craving Japanese food, you might want to skip the restaurant and head to Trader Joe's instead. We've done some important investigating, and among the many gems we've found in the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's are some seriously tasty - and cheap - Japanese foods. And because there's no shame in turning to your freezer for a quick dinner or dessert when you're short on time (and money), we've rounded up the best frozen items from TJ's, all of which our editors have tried and can vouch for.
How Southwest Airlines Is Helping You See That Once-in-a-Lifetime Solar Eclipse
On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will darken the skies across the entire United States for about three minutes. The celestial occurrence is extremely rare. In fact, the last coast-to-coast solar eclipse occurred in 1918. To honor this exciting moment, Southwest Airlines is offering travelers a front-row seat with plenty of perks.
In a press statement, the airline company identified the flights that will have the best trajectory for viewing the solar eclipse. Travelers who buy tickets for those flights will then receive special viewing glasses and thematic cosmic cocktails. At press time, the flights included in the promotion range in price from $200 to $500. The flights are as follows:
- Southwest 1375 from Seattle-Tacoma to St. Louis
- Southwest 1368 from Portland to St. Louis
- Southwest 1577 from Denver to St. Louis
- Southwest 301 from Denver to Nashville
- Southwest 1969 from Denver to Atlanta
Of the unique travel opportunity, Southwest's manager of meteorology, Warren Qualley, said, "We plan to showcase the glow of our everyday hospitality in a different light on these celebratory flights in our Summer flight schedule," adding, "Our team of meteorologists is working hard to provide clear viewing of this solar spectacle from our flights."
Bye-Bye, Ponytail! 11 Easy Hairdos For Your Daughter
Between fancy updos and no-frizz curls, it often looks like little girls are stopping by the salon en route to school. Unfortunately, you're a one-trick ponytail when it comes to hairstyling. Though you may not have a cosmetology degree, it doesn't mean you have to send your girl to school with lackluster locks. We've rounded up 11 easy-to-follow tutorials for some of the most creative hairstyles that your little girl will love. From chic buns to crazy braids, these styles will make your daughter's do the talk of the playground.
Process Before You Respond - How to Keep Your Cool at Work
Several years ago, while working in publicity for a book publisher, we had a client traveling via private plane to New York City for a few days of media interviews. As the plane was in route, bad weather rolled in. The pilot decided to make an unscheduled landing a few hours outside of the city to refuel, knowing he would likely run out if things got held up for any reason.
My assistant received a call that night from the client and he quickly called me to let me know what was going on. We sat on the phone for the next several hours, trying to calm the client, who by that point had arrived safely into the city and would get plenty of sleep in preparation for interviews starting the next morning.
However, between our efforts to calm her and discuss the situation with the pilot, another call was placed from the client to our boss. When our boss arrived at the office the next morning, we were all questioned about the flight pattern and how we could allow this to happen. We found ourselves justifying our actions, explaining that we simply couldn't control the weather and that we agreed the pilot had done the right thing. The client had reacted as opposed to thinking things through, which in turn caused unnecessary stress for our entire team.
When you react as opposed to processing, you don't allow yourself the opportunity to see the bigger picture - in our case, our client was unable to see that bad weather had prevented her flight from landing on time and the pilot had enough sense to see what could have happened had he not stopped to refuel. We all could have lost sight of the bigger picture in the situation, but our team remained calm and stayed the course, defending what we believed was the right decision.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to step back and stay calm in the heat of the moment, but it's a skill that will serve your career well. Here are some strategies to help you keep your cool under pressure.
1. Think First
A quick reaction based on emotional charge will almost always result in more work, more conflict, and a mess to clean up. It's one of the most damaging causes of stress in the workplace.
I used to tell my team that reacting before thinking is like taking a boulder and dropping it in the middle of a pond, simply to see the ripple effect it causes. Nothing gets accomplished in those moments.
If you tend to react emotionally, take a moment the next time you feel yourself going there and pause. Force yourself to go on a walk and think about the perspectives of everyone else involved. Reflecting on where your colleagues are coming from will allow you to come back ready to collaborate and work toward a solution. Particularly if you're a manager, it's essential to help your employees feel heard, respected, and valued. The worst environment you can create is one where your team is waiting in fear for the next boulder to drop.
If you're dealing with a colleague who tends to be reactionary, learn to rise above his or her outbursts. The best thing you can do is stay calm and listen while brainstorming a solution. When you maintain your cool, you allow yourself to see the big picture and offer a helpful response which not only diffuses the tension, but also demonstrates your strength and leadership.
2. Focus on the Solution
Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone is speaking over one another, trying to interject his or her voice and accomplishing nothing? Everyone is stuck on the problem and nobody's talking about the answer.
In these situations, don't engage. Instead, remove yourself from the whirlwind of conflict and direct your attention toward the solution.
My trick: Find a "concentration point." In my previous role, our boardroom had windows with a view of a new building being constructed. When I found myself getting pulled into an argument in a meeting, I looked out the window and focused on the builders at work. It was the only way I could block out the noise and hear my own thoughts. Once you're confident you've found a solution, join the conversation. You'll walk away knowing you stayed above the fray and your colleagues will recognize your contribution.
3. Carve Out Time
If you're constantly feeling behind on deadlines or under the gun at work, you're much more likely to respond emotionally to conflict or mistakes. At the beginning of each week, block off time every day in your calendar - it can be the same time each day or a variety of times, as long as you save it completely for yourself.
Use 30 minutes to recharge: schedule lunch with a friend, go for a walk in the park, run a personal errand. If you don't have time to leave the office, commit to at least closing your door (or if you don't have an office, popping on some noise-canceling headphones) and unplugging for a few moments. You'll be refreshed and ready to focus on the task at hand.
Block off another hour designated as "task time." Let your colleagues know you're not available for calls, meetings, or chit chat. Use this time to respond to emails, complete any to-dos that have arisen during the day, and address anything else that stands between you and your commute home. You'll be amazed how much you can accomplish in a small amount of time when you don't have all the distractions. Allowing yourself this dedicated time helps open the rest of your day and ensures that when it's time to head home, you can leave work at work.
4. Be Prepared
There will be times when you feel emotional, particularly when the stakes are high for your career.
If you believe in something strongly - that you're the right person to take on a new contract or that you deserve a promotion - don't go to battle without your armor. Preparation can help you stay focused while fighting for something you really want. Think about the result you want from the conversation. Have your strongest points noted on a piece of paper and stick to them. Don't get personal and stray off topic - you risk letting your emotions lead you as opposed to approaching negotiations with facts.
Removing the emotion from work is possible, but it takes practice and intention. When we find ourselves off-center, we tend to react and later regret the behavior. By following some of these simple tips and putting them into practice, you will see a shift take place and realize that by doing so, you are creating a career that works for you.
Arya Has a New Weapon in Game of Thrones Season 7, and It's VERY Important
Fiery Game of Thrones favorite Arya Stark just isn't herself without a weapon in hand - notably, her custom-made sword, Needle. But a new blade strapped to her hip in promotional material for the show's seventh season has fans buzzing, and for good reason: it's the very same Valyrian steel dagger that paves the way for the War of the Five Kings way back in season one.
If you're thinking, "Whoa, back up a bit," don't worry: we've got background on the dagger and why it's so important that Arya appears to be carrying it in season seven. Fans first noticed the blade on Arya's hip in Maisie Williams's new Entertainment Weekly cover and costume reveal.
While naysayers were quick to shoot down the inclusion of the dagger as some sort of prop fluke, another GOT season seven promo featuring the dagger - a Facebook post from HBO Nordic - seems to confirm that it was intentional.
Why It's Significant
You might recall the dagger from season one, when an assassin is sent to Winterfell to kill a comatose Bran Stark in his own bed. Of course, because Catelyn Stark doesn't stray far from Bran's side during this time, she intercepts the assassination attempt with her bare hands, fighting off the attacker until Bran's direwolf, Summer, mauls him.
This leads Catelyn to King's Landing in search of the dagger's owner, where Lord Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish reveals that the dagger belongs to Tyrion Lannister. Armed with this knowledge, the lady of Winterfell proceeds to take Tyrion hostage when they cross paths on the King's Road, sparking events that lead to Ned Stark's death, and thus the War of the Five Kings.
Of course, it turns out that said dagger had actually been lost in a bet; Tyrion Lannister has nothing to do with the assassination attempt on Bran Stark. Littlefinger merely uses the knife's origins to sow chaos and mistrust between Winterfell and King's Landing, knowing that war will suit his own purposes. (In the books, Joffrey Baratheon is the one who sends the assassin to kill Bran).
What the Dagger Could Mean For Season 7
So, why is it significant that Arya has the dagger in season seven? Well, we've previously predicted that Arya will kill Littlefinger this season, upon returning to Winterfell and finding him attempting to manipulate her remaining family members.
Arya is no stranger to sweet revenge, and stabbing Littlefinger with such a significant blade would be just up her alley.
An important facet of this prediction is that Arya will run into The Hound while traversing The Riverlands, and that he will reveal the extent of Littlefinger's betrayal of the Stark family. The knowledge that Baelish betrayed Ned Stark to the Lannisters in season one, then essentially sold Sansa Stark to a monstrously abusive husband in season six, would easily be enough to prompt Arya to murder him.
But if The Hound also reveals the true story behind the assassination attempt, Arya will have even more reason to slay Littlefinger. After all, by intentionally misinforming Catelyn about the dagger, he sparks events that directly leads to the deaths of Ned, Catelyn, and Robb Stark - and, as far as Arya knows, the rest of her siblings, too.
And wouldn't the justice of killing the wormy, manipulative Littlefinger be all the more sweet if done with the very dagger that started it all? Arya is no stranger to sweet revenge, and stabbing Baelish with such a contextually significant blade would be just up her alley.
As for how Arya comes to possess the dagger, so far we've only got vague guesses. Guess we'll have to wait until the next episode!
The Steamy Details For Call Me by Your Name, the Next Great Gay Romance
Back in January, those who faced the bitter cold at the Sundance Film Festival found the perfect new film to help them thaw out. Call Me by Your Name gave a glimpse of a far-off but surely warm and dreamy Summer. The film is a new gay romance about two young men who meet during the hottest months of the year in Italy. The sad thing about Sundance is that it boasts a ton of promising and exciting new films that don't get released until months after the festival. And while a group of the picks are set to stream on Netflix and Amazon, Call Me by Your Name isn't hitting theaters until November. So, what do we know so far about the dreamy new romance? We've got plenty of details to hold you over.
1. The Story
The film is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman. It follows the story of Oliver, an American student who goes to the Lombardy region of Italy to work with a man named Professor Perlman for the Summer. It's a tradition for the Perlman family to take a house guest every year. Elio is Professor Perlman's son, and he immediately begins spending time with Oliver. A romance blooms between the two over the course of Oliver's six weeks in Italy.
2. The Cast
Armie Hammer (who plays Oliver) is perhaps the most recognizable face of the bunch. His notable credits are as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network and The Lone Ranger in The Lone Ranger. He also starred more recently in Nocturnal Animals, The Birth of a Nation, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Timothée Chalamet, Hammer's love interest, Elio, is a fresh face who has two pretty big gigs under his belt. His first major recurring role was on Homeland, where he played Dana Brody's boy toy Finn. In 2014, he starred as Matthew McConaughey's 15-year-old son Tom in Interstellar.
You might also recognize Michael Stuhlbarg, who plays Elio's father and has a pretty extensive résumé himself. Suthlbarg played Arnold Rothstein for a few seasons on Boardwalk Empire and also appeared in Blue Jasmine, Steve Jobs, Trumbo, Doctor Strange, and Arrival. Most recently, he had a starring role as Sy Feltz on the third season of FX's acclaimed series Fargo.
3. The Trailer
With gorgeous shots and visuals and a dreamy new Sufjan Stevens song, the trailer is already stunning in and of itself. It does a perfect job creating the picturesque mood of a 1980s Summer in Italy and beautifully captures the first buds of a long-blooming love. I cried. Sorry.
4. The Buzz
Hot on the heels of Moonlight's historic win at the Oscars, it makes sense that another gay romance would be a beacon for attention the following year. But Call Me by Your Name has more than just what you might call an "award-winning formula." It premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January and quickly became the toast of the town. The film gained praise from Variety, Vanity Fair, The Hollywood Reporter, and many more outlets. More recently, other have claimed that the film has Oscar potential. With a few months to go until its Fall release, it's got plenty of time to build even more momentum.
5. The Release Date
Here's the bad news: Call Me by Your Name doesn't hit theaters until Nov. 24. We've got to wait a long time to fall in love.
20 Tips to Uncover Flat Abs
It may not be a secret that the best way to a six-pack is a healthy diet (even if it's no diet at all) and regular exercise, but there's a right way and a wrong way to get a flat belly. Read on for the ultimate guide to getting flat abs.
32 Recipes That Fight Fat
When you're looking to boost your metabolism and burn more fat, the foods you use to fuel your body can help - all day long! Here are the best fat-burning recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks that all include the nutrients you need to support your goals. Each is made with ingredients known to help boost metabolism to help you hit your goals sooner!
Justice Is Being Served in the Most Glorious Ways on Game of Thrones This Season
We're a little less than halfway through the shortened seventh season of Game of Thrones, but we've already seen quite a few shocking deaths. It's true, death is not a groundbreaking concept on the show. We've been seeing gruesome, graphic, and gratuitous demises since the show's first episodes. That said, there's something pretty special about the deaths we've seen so far in season seven: they're some of the most poetic and justice-infused moments of the series so far. Maybe it's because we've spent so long with these characters that the context adds that extra layer, or maybe it's just because we've reached peak Game of Thrones. Either way, we're examining the sweet, sweet vengeance that's prevailed in the last few weeks.
6 Fascinating and Haunting Facts About the JonBenét Ramsey Murder Case
This year marks 21 years since 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in her family home, and the cold case is still just as captivating as it was in December 1996. JonBenét's father, John, was the one who found her body on Christmas Day in the basement of their Boulder, CO, home roughly eight hours after her parents reported her missing after they found a ransom note. An autopsy of JonBenét's body later revealed that she was struck in the head and strangled to death.
Because the 20-year anniversary recently passed, interest in the case is once again picking up steam. A number of TV specials aired, including The Killing of JonBenét: The Truth Uncovered, JonBenét: An American Murder Mystery, The Case Of: JonBenét Ramsey, and Who Killed JonBenét? Netflix picked up a documentary called Casting JonBenét, which is available to stream now. Here are six facts about one of the most haunting and heartbreaking murders in recent history:
1. JonBenét suffered a horrific death.
The stunning little girl was found wrapped in her white blanket with a nylon cord around her neck, her wrists tied above her head, and duct tape over her mouth. Evidence later showed that she was hit over the head with a blunt object, which knocked her unconscious. Sometime between 45 minutes to two hours after she was knocked out, she was strangled to death with a piece of cord and the handle from a broken paintbrush. Police also later confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted.
2. The ransom note posed more questions than answers.
JonBenét's mother, Patsy, told police that she realized her daughter was missing after she found a two-and-a-half-page ransom note in their home. The letter demanded the Ramseys pay $118,000 for their daughter's safe return, which was also almost the exact amount her father, John, had recently received as a work bonus. Police later determined that the note was written on a piece of paper from a notebook inside the Ramsey home. Both John and Patsy then underwent handwriting tests, and while police were able to say that John didn't write it, Patsy's test results were labeled "inconclusive."
3. There was no sign of a break-in.
Police found no signs of forced entry in or around the Ramsey home. The only people known to have been in the house on the night of the murder were Patsy, John, and JonBenét's older brother, Burke, who was 9 years old at the time.
4. Police were criticized for making crucial mistakes.
Shortly after police arrived, they failed to completely seal off the crime scene, allowing family members and friends to enter and leave the house. Critics of the case also claim that investigators failed to gather sufficient forensic evidence before and after JonBenét's body was found. Many people believe this is because they had already made up their minds that the Ramseys were guilty and didn't feel the need to gather evidence proving otherwise.
5. Both of JonBenét's parents as well as her older brother, Burke, were considered suspects.
Because it seemed so unlikely that kidnappers would kill their victim, leave the body in their own home, and still leave behind a ransom note, police were quick to turn their suspicions to John, Patsy, and Burke. Boulder police believed for many years that on the night of the murder, Patsy injured JonBenét in a fit of rage and either killed her while still angry or killed her to cover up the injury. In 1999, a Colorado grand jury voted to indict Patsy and John because they believed they were abusive toward their daughter, which eventually led to murder. In 2008, two years after Patsy died of ovarian cancer, prosecutors officially cleared the family of any wrongdoing. Burke also recently sat down for an interview with Dr. Phil about the case, which will air in mid-September.
6. There is still unexplained DNA evidence.
In December 2003, investigators retested a blood sample found on JonBenét's underwear, which was revealed to belong to an unidentified male who was not related to the Ramsey family. To this day, investigators have not been able to identify who the DNA belongs to, and the case remains open.
A Step-by-Step Guide on the Best Ways to Cook Tofu
Your diet could use more protein, but let's face it - it can do without added saturated fat and cholesterol. I have one word for you: tofu. Yes, this versatile vegetarian food is just the thing to fill you up and sustain your energy to help you defeat hunger and drop pounds.
Because I've been a vegetarian since the ripe age of 13, friends keep asking advice on how to cook tofu so that it's not squishy and gross! Well, here's a simple step-by-step guide to preparing this white wonder in three tasty ways.
Feel Slimmer Instantly By Avoiding These Foods That Cause Bloat
We know that many of you spend time eating healthy food and doing fun workouts, and often before a sunny vacation. Finding the most flattering suits for your body is a great start, but being equipped with as many tools as possible will help you feel confident before running around on the beach or sitting poolside. The last thing you probably want to worry about is feeling weighed down and bloated by choosing the wrong foods.
Here are six foods to avoid right before you hit the beach.
- Carbonated drinks: While you've hopefully taken the initiative to say goodbye to soda for good, sparkling water can be a decent substitute if you can't get enough of those bubbles. With that said, it's best to avoid any carbonated drinks before you hit the beach to steer clear of unnecessary belly bulge or gas. These drinks contain gas that gets trapped in your digestive system, which can create distention in your lower abdomen.
- Salt: Supersalty foods or added salt don't necessarily make you gassy, but they definitely cause you retain water. Even though those cantina chips and salsa may seem like the ideal prebeach grub, opt for something with lower levels of sodium like fresh veggies to help you feel your best before you head to the ocean.
- Cruciferous veggies: They're great foods for long-term weight loss, but if there's one time not to chow down on a heaping helping of broccoli, cabbage, or kale, it's right before you hit the beach! These veggies contain a complex sugar called raffinose that's known to cause a decent amount of gas.
- Gum: Chewing on gum may seem harmless for your debloating cause, but it can actually cause your belly to swell. The reason makes sense: you're swallowing large amounts of air.
- Sugary mixed drinks: While rum runners and piña coladas are nearly synonymous with dreamy resort beaches, all that extra sugar is not helping your cause. Between natural sugars and the artificial sweeteners found in these cool drinks, the high levels of fructose can make you bloat.
- Dairy: If you've got any form of lactose intolerance, then avoid dairy before you hit the beach. Between gas, bloating, and other belly discomforts, it's your best bet just to say no.
Everything We Know About Supergirl Season 3
Supergirl is getting ready to take flight for its third season, but something tells us that Kara Danvers won't be the same heroine we all know and love when the show returns. As she battles her inner demons, the rest of our favorite characters will face their own relationship issues next season. On the plus side, there are some exciting new faces taking residence in National City - including a former Lois Lane! Get all the details about the upcoming season below.
The New Season Picks Up Right Where the Finale Left Off
During Comic-Con, David Harewood (J'onn J'onzz) revealed that season three will pick up minutes after the season two ending, so there won't be a big leap.
We Haven't Seen the Last of Mon-El
Don't lose hope yet, Karamel shippers. Not only was Chris Wood (Mon-El) in attendance during the Supergirl panel at Comic-Con, but executive producer Robert Rovner also confirmed the Daxam alien will return at some point next season: "Where Mon-El is and how he comes back is the central mystery of our season."
Kara's Mom Could Still Be Alive
Eyebrows were certainly raised when Erica Durance was recast as Alura. Not only is it the ultimate Superman/Supergirl crossover (Durance played Lois Lane on Smallville), but it might signal even more screen time for Kara's mom. While Rovner said the recast was purely to keep Alura's presence on the show, fans are speculating that she's actually alive and escaped to the Phantom Zone after Krypton's destruction. Perhaps she will have a fate encounter with Mon-El?
Jimmy Has a New Love Interest
"We have amazing things in store for James," executive producer Jessica Queller teased, before adding: "He's going to have a new love interest."
Kara Will Be Tested
After sending her boyfriend to another galaxy, the heroine will be grappling with love, loss, and what it means to be human this season.
We're Going to Meet J'onn J'onzz's Father
It turns out J'onn J'onzz wasn't the last Green Martian after all. Alias vet Carl Lumbly has been cast as his father, M'yrnn J'onzz, for the upcoming season, and he's going to shake things up. "There's going to be some complications," Harewood teased. "J'onn always thought he was the last Green Martian. It's going to be extraordinary to discover that not only is he not the last Green Martian, but the other one is his dad!" Fun fact: Lumbly actually voiced the Martian Manhunter on the Justice League animated series.
Sanvers Could Be in Trouble
Seeing that Floriana Lima will not be a series regular next season, fans are worried that her character Maggie and Chyler Leigh's Alex, better known by fans as Sanvers, are heading toward Splitsville. While executive producer Greg Berlanti said that they would "use her as much as we can," he played rather coy about the couple's future. "I don't want to say too much about the story aspects of it," he explained. "But we got into it wanting to tell the story of Alex because she was a lead on the show and no matter what, we want to continue exploring Alex's romantic life."
Expect Another Crossover With The Flash
Another season, another reunion with Barry Allen. The CW has set a four-way superhero crossover with The Flash, Supergirl, Arrow, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on Nov. 27 and 28. Fingers crossed it will be another musical episode.
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
Season three premieres on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.
This Bride Wore So Many Dresses at Her Indian-American Wedding, It's Hard to Keep Track
When your buddies NAS and Jay Sean perform at your wedding, you know you can expect a good playlist. But stylish party outfits? Well, that was up to the bride, Hayley Murthy, to master. Hayley and Dee held a gorgeous ceremony at Bacara Resort & Spa, gathering all their friends for the occasion. But that was after the pair headed to India for their engagement party, where Hayley slipped into a beautiful blue embroidered gown. Later, she celebrated her bachelorette in a white monogrammed swimsuit, and finally, it was time for her to pull out the rest of her bridal looks.
Hayley walked down the aisle in a voluminous Monique Lhuillier gown that would make any girl weak at the knees, but she brought along plenty of minidresses too, along with one asymmetrical long-sleeved sheath perfect for a formal rehearsal dinner. Right before the final reception, Hayley joined the groom's family for Hindu traditions where bundles of flowers were thrown over her sparkling Sabyasachi Couture creation. Read on to feast your eyes over every ensemble she wore during the memorable weekend.
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