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 13 août 2017
What Donald Trump Has Wrong About Transgender Americans Like Me
The author and his mother.
When I was about 6 or 7, I remember praying to wake up and magically be a boy.
When I was 10, my mother pulled me out of school because she got a phone call telling her kids at school were calling me "gay." I didn't know what it meant.
When I was 17, I recall getting physically ill at the thought of wearing a dress under my graduation gown.
When I was 19, I finally found out what being transgender meant.
Up until that point, I had been under the impression that I was a lesbian who fell heavily on the butch side of things. I could dress the part and ignore the shouts of "Is that a boy or a girl?" while walking through my college campus. There was just no way I could magically become the boy I always wanted to be.
I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say.
But, wait. Being transgender is a thing? There's hope for me? I dove headfirst into the research and lives of other transgender individuals, seeing my own story reflected in their words. I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say. This was the validation I so needed.
When I was 24, I began hormone replacement therapy.
When I was 26, I got a double mastectomy to remove my breasts.
When I was 27, I finally got legal documentation that showed I am male.
That same year, it became quite clear that my entire being was under attack.
Upon looking at me, most people see me as male and I pass well enough. I'm a little on the scrawny side (and by a little I mean a lot) with patchy facial hair, but I haven't been misgendered in a few years. I do a lot of things cisgender males do, and I do a lot of things that cisgender males don't do because they don't want to jeopardize their masculinity. I work out, I spend time with my wife and our fur babies, I love my mom, and I've cried during every episode of This Is Us. I don't wear a badge that says I'm transgender, and I typically only bring it up if it's brought up in discussion.
I'm not contagious.
I'm not contagious. I'm not going to brainwash your children into wanting to start hormone treatment. I'm not going to warp your values if you come in contact with me. Honestly, I'm actually really boring. My idea of a great Friday night is spent on the couch with my wife playing video games and eating food that's extremely bad for me.
And, yeah. I've got a wife. She is a cisgender female. If anyone were to look at our wedding photos, they'd see a man and a woman getting married. Our dogs were the best man and flower girl. My parents were there and her entire extended family were there. My extended family is uncomfortable with my being trans, so most of them didn't respond to the wedding invite.
The author as a child.
Those in leadership positions within our country want to paint transgender people as being the enemy - almost as bad as those "fake news" outlets. They say we're not mentally fit, we're burdens and distractions - hell, we're not allowed to use the damn bathroom.
Donald Trump recently tweeted an announcement that sure sounds like he's reinstating the transgender ban in the military, something former President Barack Obama dismantled during his time in office. You know, Donald Trump? The same guy who championed how he'll be a better candidate for LGBTQ+ folks during his campaign? That guy.
You know what's crazy, though? The United States Armed Forces is currently the top employer of transgender individuals. These people are risking their lives to represent a country that wants to erase them from history. In fact, openly transgender individuals were supposed to be able to start enlisting in the military on July 1, but the heads of the military asked for a six-month extension so they can "review" a bit more.
But, no. Here we are again. Banned from serving our country. Banned from workplace protections. Banned from health insurances. Banned from bathrooms.
Do you know what transgender people do in the bathroom? We practice basic biological functions.
We've become a danger to society, the menaces lurking in the changing rooms at Target. We're being erased by the government and conservative religious folks. We're "unnatural," much like the medication you take, that breast job your neighbor had done, or 99 percent of the food you ingest.
Do you know a transgender person? Is your kid transgender? Your coworker? Your neighbor? Maybe you should introduce yourself to a transgender individual. Ask them (polite and noninvasive) questions. Get to know them.
We're not that exciting. I mean, all we want is a dog to pet, a place to pee, and the right to live our lives as our true selves. Pretty much the same thing you want and have.
We're not burdens. We're not mentally unfit.
We're people.
And you'll probably like us. I mean, I'd invite you over for video games, puppy cuddles, and really good food. What's not to like about that in a friend?
The Great American Summer Travel Bucket List
If you're interested in seeing what this country has to offer, you've come to the right place! Ahead are 26 travel activities you should definitely check off your Summer bucket list while the warm season is here.
Video of Toddler Drowning While Wearing Floatie Proves You Can't Take Your Eyes Off Kids in the Pool
If you want to relax by the pool, hire a babysitter, because there's a video circulating that proves parents can't take their eyes off their kids - even for a few seconds - no matter how prepared they think they are.
A short video clip from a community pool shows a separate, shallow kiddie pool with a handful of children wading around. One toddler is seated in what seems to be a full-body inner-tube flotation device, likely purported to provide extreme safety. However, just a few seconds into the video, the child falls forward, head in the water, and the weight of the floatie prevents the kid from being able to pull back and out of the water. The toddler is seen kicking and thrashing.
Thankfully, an older girl in the kiddie pool notices and pulls the flotation device upright and saves the child from drowning.
The whole incident takes less than 10 seconds but is a startling reminder of how fast things can go awry and how no amount of safety measures is better than an attentive parent in the pool.
5 Exercises For New Mothers With Abdominal Separation
Getting back into prepregnancy shape is challenging for any mom, but it can be even more complicated for those with abdominal separation.
Also known as diastasis recti, abdominal separation is a condition that occurs in up to two-thirds of pregnant women, caused by ab muscles essentially moving aside to accommodate your growing baby. It's more common among women carrying multiples or women who have given birth before, due to increased or repeated pressure on the abdominal muscles. This separation results in abs that bulge outward, which can make you look pregnant even after the baby is born. Some women also experience lower back pain as the back compensates for a weakened core, as well as constipation and urine leaking.
What's a woman to do if she finds herself faced with abdominal separation as she's trying to resume her prebaby gym routine? Consulting a physical therapist is an important first step to ensure that you're approaching the issue in the safest, most sensible way. Improving your deep core stability is another important step in the process, and one that you should consider before embarking on any sort of core-strengthening exercise routine. Once you've got that down, some exercises are safer and more effective than others in treating abdominal separation. Read on for five simple moves that can help tone your core without adding additional strain.
This Is Exactly What It Looks Like to Lose 420 Pounds
"I got tired of just surviving," Sal Paradiso told POPSUGAR. At the end of 2013 - at nearly 700 pounds - he knew that if he didn't make a drastic change, he "would be dead sooner than later."
Sal: Before
It has taken Sal three and a half years, but he's managed to lose over 420 pounds and change his life drastically with a variety of methods (the first 250 pounds were lost without surgery). No matter what kind of journey you're on, you can pick up tons of amazing tips from Sal's "odyssey" (Use a Fitbit! Eat lean proteins and veggies! Try swimming! Make a great playlist!), but we think the best part of the story is Sal's heartwarming motivation to get healthy and reclaim his life.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Sal Paradiso: The moment that made me start thinking about my weight came near the end of 2013. While my weight was unknown at the time, I had just gotten tired of the daily struggle with being severely obese. I was 32 years old and knew that if I didn't make drastic changes in my life, I wasn't going to see 40. I had estimated my weight at over 700 pounds, but was unable to get weighed to verify that. My father died of a heart attack at 42; he was relatively healthy at the time of his passing. I knew that he would be my motivation for fighting obesity head on and doing my best to succeed. Everyday was a struggle, and I got tired of it. I wanted to live rather than just survive, so I knew I had to fight back and retake my life back.
I was always the chunky kid in middle school and high school. Most of my weight came on after the passing of my father in the late '90s. I was still a teenager, and it was a hard thing to deal with at the time. Dealing with that [compounded with] a lousy work schedule that led to poor eating habits and choices, and the weight just piled on. Many family and friends tried to get me to change, but much like alcoholics or drug addicts, you have to want to change.
PS: How did you choose your weight-loss method?
SP: So at the end of 2013, I had sought out a weight-loss surgeon and his dietitian. I was under their care for 15 months or so and was losing weight, but still had not had surgery. During this time, I was on a low-carb, high-protein diet. I went and sought out a second opinion, as I didn't think that surgeon and I were on the same page. The other surgeon I met with didn't see any issues with performing surgery, as I had already lost close to 200 pounds. So in November 2015, I underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery, but sadly that had to be aborted. It was a devastating blow, because I had worked so hard to get to that moment in time.
"Much like alcoholics or drug addicts, you have to want to change."
So I went home from the hospital and got back on the low-carb, high-protein diet and charged ahead with my weight loss. Come early 2016, my weight loss stalled badly, so I retook up the search for a different weight-loss surgeon and found one who performed a successful vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery in July 2016. Going into surgery day, I had lost 254 pounds on my own. Some people ask me why after losing 200-plus pounds would I still consider surgery, and my answer has been I always felt surgery gave me the best chance for long-term success. During this time from 2014 to present, I continue to add exercise to my daily routine. Early on I swam because it was easy on my joints. At almost 700 pounds, doing exercise on land was difficult, so the pool was a great help.
Sal: Today
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
SP: Honestly, the pool is still one of my favorite workouts. Living in Florida, I take full advantage of the nice weather and warm pool. I also like biking as well. I've also added free-weight exercises into my routine. I'm still in the process of rebuilding my body from scratch and repairing the damage of my previous lifestyle. I've had to build myself up from the ground brick by brick, and I continue to build today.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
SP: I exercise four to five days a week at various times.
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
SP: Music helps greatly! Find music that motivates you further while you exercise. There have been times where I've felt fatigued and that right song comes on, and you get kicked up another level to complete your workout. Ninety-nine percent of the time I work out by myself, so my motivation for my workouts comes from my father and the promise I made him to not give up this time. Also the last several months I've had an additional dose of motivation in the form of my almost 5-month-old nephew.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
SP: To date I've lost 422 pounds, of which 254 were prior to surgery. It's taken me 41 months to get to this point, still with work to do.
Sal: Before Surgery
"Doing things we take for granted such as showering, getting dressed, and cooking were all becoming easier to do."
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
SP: Early on, I started to notice my clothes were falling off of me - literally. I was walking (and this will sound funny) across the house and my shorts completely fell off; luckily no one was home! I started to notice things were getting a little easier. Doing things we take for granted such as showering, getting dressed, and cooking were all becoming easier to do. My attitude became even more positive and outgoing than it already had been.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
SP: In the age of apps, I use the good old pen and paper method. For myself, I only track calories, protein, and carbohydrates. I have a good food scale and weigh out what I am eating. I also use my Fitbit One dashboard to log my scale's weight weekly.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
SP: Breakfast can be as simple as some turkey bacon or sausage, or a couple of scrambled eggs. Lunch can consist of a low-carb pita with turkey, or just homemade chicken salad. Dinner usually consists of a lean protein - steak, chicken, or pork - with a side or two of vegetables or a salad. Snackwise, I've come to really enjoy chicken or turkey jerky, or a good-tasting protein bar. I also incorporate low-calorie string cheese as well.
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
SP: I do count calories. For me, I find counting them keeps me on track and prevents me from overeating on calories. Our food today has so many hidden calories and stuff that I find it important on my weight-loss odyssey to keep track. Keeping track also allows me to go back after a week or so and see where I came in at and make additional improvements or changes. I try to stay around 1,200-1,300 calories daily. That for me is a good number to reach for every day.
Sal: After Surgery
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
SP: Things I always have on hand are chicken or turkey jerky, as well as low-calorie or reduced-fat cheese. Fruits and vegetables are readily available as well.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
SP: I don't really eat out anymore, but in situations where I do, I try to choose the healthiest options for me. Those choices could be as simple as a steak and salad or some kind of chicken and a vegetable.
" My dad was the reason I started this. I hope from heaven he is proud of the work I've done in getting healthy and taking back my life."
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker?
SP: When I first started out, I didn't have a fitness tracker, but after eight months or so, I wanted a way to visually see if I was indeed making improvements physically other than just on the scale and looking different. So I purchased a Fitbit One. I definitely feel my fitness tracker has helped me strive to be better each day. It gives me a visual cue that I think is important, because you can actually see your results rather than guessing or assuming.
Sal: Before and After
PS: What was the most influential aspect of your weight loss?
SP: The most powerful person in my odyssey has to go to my dad. He was the reason I started this. I hope from heaven he is proud of the work I've done in getting healthy and taking back my life. He's not alone, though; my family, friends, and social media friends have all pushed me and supported me in times where I've needed that extra boost or motivation. There are a lot of great people and strangers who want to see me succeed, and that is both gratifying and humbling.
I'm truly grateful as well for my weight-loss surgeon, Clinton Hall out of Plant City, FL. With his help, he has continued to give me back a life I once thought was lost.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
SP: The most important thing I tell people is to surround yourself with great support, either face to face or in an online setting. There are many great, kind, open groups on Facebook that you can join. The first four to six weeks for me were the hardest and most difficult ever. Your body is fighting the changes, but if you can resist the urges, the rewards are endless. Something I want everyone to understand is that whether you lose your weight naturally or with the help of weight loss surgery - and I've done both - you have to earn every pound. They're not free! There's no free and easy ride with weight loss. You got to put the work in to see results.
When It Comes to Bikinis, Adriana Lima Has a Type
As a coveted Victoria's Secret Angel, it's no secret that Adriana Lima's body is two-piece perfection. The Brazilian-born model, of course, looks downright sexy in the brand's signature lacy lingerie, but it's important to note that she's also a bikini master.
Whether she's on the beach in Greece on Mykonos or chilling by the pool with her gorgeous pals, Adriana's sizzling swimsuits continuously catch our eyes, especially when she shares them on Instagram. Read on to discover some of her most jaw-dropping and summery snaps. Then, scroll through Adriana's hottest selfies ever.
27 Dragonfly Tattoos That Will Set Your Heart Aflutter
From wrist tattoos and ear tattoos to food tattoos and map tattoos, there are so many ink trends to keep up with. The latest is a little buggier, but for good reason. If you're going through a major change in your life, a dragonfly tattoo could be the perfect way to put ink to skin and create a meaningful reminder for yourself. The little guys are symbols of change and self-realization, which makes them a fitting mark for an important milestone in your life. And, well, they look pretty cool, too.
This Congressman Decided to Use Domestic Abuse as a Punchline at 2 Different Town Halls
Our country's illustrious congressmen are back at it again with exceedingly terrible humor. This time, Republican Representative Tim Walberg used an awful cliche disguised as a joke at not one but two town halls. Both times, Walberg responded to questions from his constituents with a variation of, "When did I stop beating my wife?"
The two town halls took place on Aug. 8 and 9 in Dexter and Delta Township, MI. During the one in Dexter, a man named Chris Justice asked the following: "You have shown with your votes - and I should say we have many variations on this one - you have shown with your votes and your comments that you want to cut Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security. Which one do you want to cut the most?" Walberg responded, "And when did I stop beating my wife? Is that the next question?" You can watch it happen ahead at the 9:38 mark.
If it didn't make you react the first time, not to worry. You can try it again with the second appearance, when Walberg brought it up at the Delta Township town hall. This time, the question centered around climate change and the scientific method. "Do you believe in the scientific method as the avenue for deciding what is true about the natural world? If yes, how do you reconcile that with your skepticism of global warming due primarily to industrial activity that began in the 19th century? If no, do you think we should drop science courses - physics, chemistry, biology - from high school curriculum?" the constituent asked. Walberg got right to it and said, "That's probably the most comprehensive question I've ever heard in my life, other than 'When did you stop beating your wife?'" Watch the weak delivery and laughter at the 23:38 mark below.
Yes, a man elected into office thought it was appropriate to use this answer - and the "joke" of "when did I stop beating my wife?" isn't a new one. It's a common tactic many, including Senators John McCain and Ted Cruz, have used in the past. It's meant to be used a rebuttal when someone asks an over-the-top question. However, it's not actually funny to use domestic abuse as a form of humor. And if you're a politician, you're probably better off answering the question rather than providing a ridiculous statement such as this on your own. That advice, however, didn't reach Walberg's ears. Maybe now he'll take note.
When It Comes to Halloween Costumes, Paris Hilton Has a Sexy Formula
Paris Hilton is living proof that if it isn't broken, you don't need to fix it; the heiress, socialite, and DJ hasn't changed her personal style much since breaking out on the scene back in the early 2000s, and that also goes for her Halloween costumes. Paris has a pretty successful formula when it comes to dressing up every year, and it typically includes something short, tight, and incredibly sexy. Much like her fellow costume queen Kim Kardashian, Paris doesn't shy away from putting it all out there and doing whatever it takes to have all eyes on her during a Halloween bash.
If Your Child Is Sitting Like This, Here's Why You Need to Stop Them Now
My daughter's just over a year old, so there's really not much she's doing "wrong" yet. (Trust me, like all of us, she'll get there.) If she smacks our family pet, it's less hostility and more that she doesn't have full control of her arms. If she throws her food, it's not an act of insubordination but just her method of communicating that she's done eating. So, when a family member alerted me to something my child was doing that she needed to stop at once, I was taken aback. Especially because, at that particular moment, she wasn't stealing her playmate's toys or eating an expensive coaster as she's sometimes known to do. She was just sitting there.
Turns out, the way she was sitting - with each leg splayed at her side, knees in front and feet behind, to form a "W" shape - was all kinds of bad.
According to a vast majority of physical therapists, there are several key reasons why:
- W-sitting limits core strength because it gives kids a wider base of support. Because they don't have to engage their abdominal or back muscles in this position, kids often prefer it to more challenging, tiring positions, like with legs in front, at their sides, or crisscrossed.
- W-sitting causes muscle tightness, particularly in the legs and hips but also knees and ankles.
- W-sitting aggravates neurological issues such as low muscle tone, which means when kids aren't actively using their muscles, those muscles are floppier and softer and have a harder time holding their bodies upright.
What this all means, most therapists agree, is that prolonged W-sitting throughout childhood can lead to a delayed development in gross motor skills like coordination and balance. For those parents hoping to raise a star athlete, this position's effect on postural muscles can also be cause for concern.
Why do some kids sit like this? It's by far the steadiest way for children of all ages to sit, and aside from that innate tendency to achieve the most stability, it's also been attributed to time spent in infant carrier devices, like swings, bouncy seats, and car seats.
Seeing as my daughter had graduated from infancy, I was immediately concerned that the damage was already done. I had tried my best to limit her time in her baby swing and the oversize, overpriced ExerSaucer that I had bought under the assumption it was actually good for a baby's development, but here she was, W-sitting at every turn. I had never noticed it until now.
What can be done? Well, the somewhat alarmist recommendation is to get them to stop doing it immediately - that, whenever you see your child W-sitting, you either physically move their legs into a suitable position (if they're too young to understand) or tell them to do so.
So, with a watchful eye, I adjusted her legs every time she sat incorrectly, and my husband and I instructed our child's caretakers to do the same. Occasionally I'd correct her, and it'd be fine, but plenty of times, adjusting one of her legs would make her cry and most times, doing so annoyed her to the point that she was no longer interested in sitting and scooted off to go do something else.
She wasn't the only one getting fed up, and it had only been a week. I dug a little deeper and found that a few pediatric occupational therapists out there don't view this seated position as a problem necessarily. There's not much evidence that shows causation. That is, yes, children who W-sit often have orthopedic issues and muscle tightness. But W-sitting hasn't been proven to be the cause of those issues, which makes one wonder: could tight hamstrings and hip dysplasia lead to W-sitting, not the other way around?
One such unconvinced therapist, Rachel Coley, happens to be the mother to a W-sitter and maintains it's perfectly normal for kids to sit this way.
She notes that it's a simple sign of flexibility and aids in fine motor control because you need to assume the most stable seated position possible when engaging in tasks that require "coordinated, controlled movements of the hands and fingers." Coley also noted that, for babies in particular, W-sitting provides a convenient, "natural transition" from crawling or kneeling to sitting.
However, based on how strongly most certified therapists feel about W-sitting, I'm not taking any chances. I'm going to keep my eye on it, and I'll encourage other parents who were unaware of this issue to do the same, especially if they have older kids showing some of the negative side effects. But, if my child is having the time of her life smacking two wooden blocks together, I'm not going to spoil the fun if she happens to be W-sitting.
From Chocolate to Gluten-Free, These Creative Recipes For Healthy Banana Bread Are Amazing
Before you mourn your bruised bananas, consider the possibilities banana bread has to offer. Leaving the high-calorie, high-fat ingredients of traditional recipes behind, here are 10 alternatives suitable to your healthy lifestyle. From vegan options that sweeten up with apple bites to a recipe made for Paleo devotees, there's a loaf for everyone's overly ripe bananas. Since they're all loaded with good things like omega-3s and fiber, we encourage you to get baking and go bananas!
13 Jobs to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
If you have endless wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires you to travel. Traveling for a living is a way to make money while doing what you love, so it's a win-win! Here are some career options that may be the perfect fit for you.
Citing overdose 'crisis,' police to allow unsanctioned Toronto injection site
An unofficial "overdose prevention site" opened today in downtown Toronto, staffed by harm reduction workers with anti-overdose medication at the ready. Police were at the scene but allowed the site to operate.
Start Losing Weight Now With These 100 Tips
Losing weight is a journey made up of a million healthy choices we make each day. So keep these 100 tips in mind to continue on that healthy path, little by little.
16 Photos of Riz Ahmed Being the Total Dreamboat He Is
You may know Riz Ahmed as the murder suspect in HBO's The Night Of, Hannah Horvath's baby daddy in Girls, or Bodhi Rook from Rogue One, but the sexy British-Pakistani actor is so much more than that. The star, who is also a rapper that goes by the name Riz MC, has a smoldering smile and chiseled jawline that rivals that of Channing Tatum. If he's not already on your celebrity crush list, these photos ahead will certainly seal the deal. And if your thirst for his glimmering eyes isn't quite quenched after this, be sure to binge on all of his latest movies (and catch his appearance in Charli XCX's "Boys" music video) to get your fix.
If You're Serious About Losing Weight, Follow These 5 Rules
There are definitely some weight-loss rules you can bend a little and still drop pounds. On the other hand, if you're serious about slimming down, here are five strict rules that shouldn't be broken if you want to see the number on your scale go down.
27 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism and Torch Fat Today
If you're looking for a way to burn more calories with little effort, you've come to the right place. We've got over 27 simple ways you can boost your body's fat-burning potential, all day, the easy way.
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley, Lizzie Fuhr, and Jenny Sugar
You'll Giggle For Days When You See Who's President on This Letter From the White House
My British-born husband takes his oath of citizenship today. In the packet for new Americans, the welcome letter from POTUS is from Obama. 😂 http://pic.twitter.com/O56cMj0hhx
- Aisha Sultan (@AishaS) July 14, 2017
STLtoday columnist Aisha Sultan gave many people something to smile about when she shared photos of her British husband's citizenship welcome letter. The now-viral photo features an official White House letterhead at the top and shows former president Barack Obama as the current POTUS instead of President Trump. Obama's signature is stamped at the bottom of the heartwarming welcoming letter, which talks about embracing incoming immigrants as part of the American family, a stark contrast to the anti-immigration rhetoric Trump has long stood for. The irony of it all was not lost on those who viewed it.
omg they haven't updated that yet? https://t.co/G4hV5bWAOU
- Andrew Losowsky (@losowsky) July 14, 2017
This is ... strange ... https://t.co/K4pKdIIG3z
- Arwa Gunja (@Arwa_Gunja) July 14, 2017
Most people were generally excited about the possibility of living in an alternate universe where Obama is still our president.
Congrats Aisha. My UK-born husband became a citizen under Obama, and looking back, we took it for granted.
- Amanda Kolson Hurley (@amandakhurley) July 15, 2017
Congratulations! You are very lucky.
- Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) July 15, 2017
Amazing. https://t.co/1mGI8EwF36
- Alex Gervasi (@AlexontheMic) July 15, 2017
Perfect http://pic.twitter.com/jbCA1Mka0m
- kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) July 15, 2017
Actually I hope they keep it that way, the only welcome letter that matters: it's the one I received when I became citizen. Respect, O! 🙌 https://t.co/fyWHITjcGW
- FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) July 15, 2017
http://pic.twitter.com/JTRyI7vW6c
- kim (@kim) July 14, 2017
While it's unclear why the change from Obama to Trump hasn't yet been made, it is clear that many people are going to enjoy it while it lasts.
72 Beautiful Wedding-Invite Printables to Download For Free!
Think you have a ton to spend on wedding invites? Think again. Wedding costs add up, so we've rounded up some of the best wedding-invitation printables out there, ranging from the artsy to the sweet, that might just change your mind on purchasing invites.
Who Are the Children of the Forest on Game of Thrones? What You Need to Know
We're over halfway into season seven of Game of Thrones, and we have so many questions. While the Night King and his army are marching toward the total destruction of all the we know and love, we're wondering about something entirely different: the Children of the Forest. They play a big part in Bran's storyline in season six, when we learn that they are responsible for creating a whitewalker to help fight their battles. (Not cool, by the way.)
So, what's the deal with these creatures?
The one we're most familiar with is Leaf (RIP). She looks much older in season six, but she's the one who helps Bran, Meera, and Hodor reach safety at the end of season four, when they're being attacked by the wights. She also destroys Jojen's body with a fireball to prevent him from being reincarnated as a wight.
Children of the Forest are mythical creatures in the Game of Thrones universe. Though we know they're real because we've seen them, most inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms believe they died out thousands of years before - or that they never existed at all. The Children worship the Old Gods, as do those in the Night's Watch. The weirwood tree that Bran and his team find sanctuary in is carved on by the Children of the Forest, who worship these trees, along with the spirits of everything found in nature.
In addition to staying forever young (many of the Children are said to be hundreds of years old), these creatures also possess magic. They aren't able to shoot fireballs in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, but like Bran Stark, some can see into the future. Those with that particular power are known as "Greenseers" in the books. Bran is one, as was Jojen - before his death. "He isn't going to stay here forever," Leaf says to Meera in season six. "And out there, he needs you." This indicates that perhaps Leaf can see into the future and knows that there will be a time when Bran is in trouble. She probably should have seen that army of Whitewalkers coming for Bran, no?
In any case, Leaf dies in the Whitewalker attack that also claims Hodor's life. Does that mean the Children of the Forest are gone for good, or are there survivors out there somewhere?
50 Weird Laws From Across the World
The world is an interesting place, to say the least, and it has some interesting laws and rules to go along with it. While some laws that are written seem completely obvious and make you scratch your head - No bear wrestling! No taking lions to movies! - some are completely off the wall. In fact, some are so out there that you have to wonder if they're even enforced. While you shouldn't necessarily let some silly laws completely drive your travel plans for the future, you might want to make sure that you don't do anything illegal next time you're in a new place. Curious what we're talking about? Read on for 50 of the most absurd laws from around the world.
11 Things Your Uber and Lyft Drivers Wished You Knew - Before Getting in Their Cars
Just because you know how to open the app on your phone and request an Uber or Lyft doesn't mean that you're a pro - or even a well-liked passenger. Once you get out of the car, drivers talk, and there are many things that riders have in common: they make the same car-service "mistakes."
We chatted with 13 different Uber and Lyft drivers who, with the promise of anonymity, got real about the most annoying things passengers don't know and what they want riders to learn before requesting their next pickup. From simple assumptions to serious faux pas, find out what these strangers hope you know when you get in their personal cars - unless you want to be one of those riders.
1. Their cars aren't magical.
Four-passenger vehicles will only fit four people. Period.
2. Don't be a rude, and you'll get picked up faster.
If your rating falls below 4.5, many drivers will be hesitant to pick you up, and it will take longer for the app to match you.
3. Don't just look for their cars - be aware of where you're standing.
Especially in crowded cities or busy streets, don't wait in a ridiculous spot that makes it impossible (or dangerous!) for them to stop in get you. "I had a guy refuse to cross the street for me. We yelled back and fourth, and I let him know in no uncertain terms that I wouldn't be picking him up in a clearly marked BUS ONLY lane. He became more and more belligerent until I told him to hang on a second, got my phone out of the car, and had him watch me cancel and get the fee," a driver said.
4. You have until 30 days after a ride to give a tip so "forgetting" isn't an excuse.
"To tip your driver using the app, you must download the updates. I've learned that most passengers haven't updated so I remind them and share that that they have 30 days to tip. Guess what - I'm getting several tips days after complete rides."
5. All laws still apply - including car seats and open containers.
Their cars aren't a place to extend your pregame or get the party started, and little ones need their car seats at all times (and no, your lap doesn't count). "No parent is ignorant of car seat laws, I hate it when they argue about it."
6. They are driving you in their family car.
So please, just respect it!
7. Age really does matter.
"No one under 18 is allowed to use the service unless someone 18 or over is riding with them, so please don't allow your 12-year-old to have an Uber account."
8. The driver had to pay for everything, so don't be a jerk.
"Some passengers actually believe that Uber provides things for drivers like our phones or GPS, or that they pay for the gas or repairs," a driver said. "We own our cars and all expenses that come with it. All gas, maintenance, and repairs are all on the driver - Uber and Lyft pay absolutely nothing toward that."
9. Bad things happen when you get too comfortable.
"Sometimes they pass out, and you can't wake them up. We legally aren't allowed to touch them, so we have to call the police when people don't wake up."
10. You, and the person before you, has the power to change a driver's day.
"Be forewarned that there are a lot of very angry and cynical veteran drivers out there that have been burned by these companies and by passengers who behaved badly."
11. Only request an Uber Pool or Lyft Line when you're actually OK with sharing your ride.
Passengers not knowing what they're getting into before requesting shared rides is a big problem for drivers. "Many passengers don't understand how it works, and they get angry when you have to pick up another passenger or if the passenger picked up after them is dropped off first," a driver said. "Sometimes passenger don't respect other passengers and are loud or disrespectful. People end up getting mad at the drivers, and their ratings go down because of it."
6 Drugstore Beauty Products You Should Never Have to Pay Full Price For
We've scoured aisles for the best drugstore products. We've remained on high alert for the latest deals. We've even offered up some of our personal tricks for saving big on beauty.
Still, there are certain items the shopping pros say you should always be able to get for dirt cheap, for free, or even for profit (yes, you read that correctly).
Before you go overpaying for razors, lotion, and toothpaste yet again, read on as Laura A, professional couponer and founder of MojoSavings.com, breaks down six products that you won't have to pay full price for again.
Teacher Gives 13-Year-Old Student "Most Likely to Become a Terrorist" Award
Student award ceremonies are supposed to be an uplifting and congratulatory way for students to celebrate their accomplishments from the school year, but this Texas middle school decided to have a "mock award ceremony," where some incredibly offensive awards were given out. Lizeth Villanueva, a 13-year-old student at Anthony Aguirre Junior High in Houston was "shocked" when she was named "most likely to become a terrorist" at the ceremony.
"It was not a joke," Lizeth told Click2Houston. "I do not feel comfortable with this."
The award was included among other "joke" honors, like "most likely to cry for every little thing" and "most likely to become homeless." These were given out to students in an honors program that prepares the kids for college.
Jalen Hurts presenting at our Awards Day!! #RollTide http://pic.twitter.com/yZMcCdjjZn
- Aguirre Junior High (@AguirreBulldogs) May 23, 2017
This came just one day after the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester where 22 innocent lives were taken. "That's not something to joke around with," Lizeth said, and we couldn't agree more.
The school has since issued a statement on Twitter, explaining that there are plans to launch an investigation following this "insensitive and offensive fake mock awards."
"I want to assure all students, parents, and community members that these award statements and ideals are NOT representative of the Aguirre Vision, Mission, and educational goals for its students," Principal Eric Lathan wrote. "An investigation will be launched into these events."
Official Statement from Building Principal in response to fake awards: http://pic.twitter.com/BoZGRJajx4
- Aguirre Junior High (@AguirreBulldogs) May 24, 2017
Lizeth's mother, Ena Hernandez, was furious. "We're really upset about it coming from a teacher," Ena told the Houston station. "That program is supposed to be for advanced kids. It is kind of hard to believe that she's doing that. A teacher giving this to a 13-year-old. How is she going to feel when she grows up later on?"
The school has reportedly suspended the teacher responsible for the award for the remainder of the school year, which ends this week, and the school did not say if she would be back next year.
"Suspension is not enough," Ena said.
5 Reasons Sisters Make the Best Entrepreneurial Duos
Some of the most successful teams - from creative partners to business colleagues to teams on The Amazing Race - have been sibling teams, and it's easy to figure out why: siblings are naturally competitive, they can freely provide feedback, they quickly move on from arguments, and they're each other's biggest cheerleaders. They've been teammates - for better or worse - since the very beginning of their lives.
Take the sisterly duo behind the jewelry brand Dannijo, Danielle and Jodie Snyder. Growing up together in Jacksonville, FL, they "worked" together to teach themselves wirework using their cardiologist father's medical tools. Reconnecting in New York after college, the two picked up their old hobby again, creating a capsule jewelry collection for Danielle's nonprofit, Live With a Lifelong Ambition, and then they officially launched Dannijo in 2008. Today, the jewelry pieces are designed and manufactured in NYC, and the packaging is hand made in Rwanda as part of a women's empowerment partnership with Indego Africa.
The sisters-turned-business partners clearly have similar values and share a vision for their company - to the point where you might not be able to tell where the brand ends and their relationship begins. We asked Danielle to tell us why she thinks business partnerships between sisters tend to flourish, so keep reading for her insights on why this this unique bond lends itself to business success.
The Best Cardio Exercises You Can Do in Your Living Room
Exercising hard enough to raise your heartbeat will burn major calories, but not everyone loves to run. Luckily, there are many ways to hit your cardio goals that don't involve miles. These 43 cardio moves will help burn fat and build muscle, no running required. Find your new favorite ways to cardio here.
We Would "Scream" If This Actress Ends Up Playing Jughead's Mom on Riverdale
Image Source: The CW
Riverdale is full of mystery and darkness, and it's only going to get more intense next season. While there are bound to be plenty of surprises in store as several fresh faces come to town, there are two characters in particular who we are all dying to meet: Jughead's mom (whose name is Gladys in the comic books) and his sister, Jellybean. During Comic-Con, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa teased that we could meet the mother-daughter duo during the second half of the season. Of course, they're taking their sweet time with casting to make sure they find the perfect fit.
While we're not sure how many young actresses could pull off a 10-year-old who listens to Pink Floyd on vinyl, fans already have the perfect choice for Jughead's mom: Neve Campbell. Not only does she have the Jones family's jet-black hair, but it would also make for one epic Scream reunion with Skeet Ulrich (FP Jones). During the first movie in the horror franchise, the two played star-crossed love interests, which the series has paralleled multiple times with Jughead and Betty's relationship. Like father like son, I guess. And seeing that most of the Riverdale parents are iconic '90s stars - Luke Perry (Fred Andrews) was on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Mädchen Amick (Alice Cooper) was on Twin Peaks - it only seems fitting that Jughead's mom would follow suit.
Image Source: Dimension Films
Seriously, can you imagine how much chemistry these two would have playing Mr. and Mrs. Jones?
Jennifer Aniston's Best Summer Outfits All Include This Affordable Staple
When we spotted Jennifer Aniston breezing through LAX, we admired her chic travel style: a cozy Summer sweater in case she got cold, a well-worn pair of jeans, those trusty Burberry wedges. It all paired so perfectly together, and her on-the-go look was only made complete with the addition of a simple white tank, Jen's go-to top of the season. The star has managed to make this It-girl-approved piece work with a variety of easy, breezy outfits - and not just when she's in transit.
From date night with her husband, Justin Theroux, to a fun-filled day in NYC, see how Jen's styled her favorite affordable staple - which you likely already have sitting in your closet.
The 1 Badass Reason Women Across India Are Sharing Photos of Themselves Out Late
Women across India are flocking to social media to protest a politician's recent remarks about the supposed dangers of staying out late.
Ramveer Bhatti - the vice president for the Bharatiya Janata political party in Chandigarh - was speaking about a recent incident wherein the son of a fellow party leader was found stalking a 29-year-old woman. Bhatti blamed the victim of the incident saying, "Such cases tend to occur and the probability is higher for girls being stalked if they are out at odd hours." And he did not end things there, instead going on to add that "Girls should not be seen roaming on roads after a certain hour in the evening."
Following his controversial statement, women have taken to Twitter to share pictures of themselves staying out late with the hashtag #AintNoCinderella. The hashtag has since been populated with countless responses and empowering tweets. It even garnered its own Twitter moment. Ahead, we've pulled together some of the best responses the online movement has inspired.
32 Fun Disney Facts From a Former Cast Member
Despite the fact that the Disney company employs thousands of people, there really aren't that many who can say they worked at one of its amazing theme parks. And if you're lucky enough to be one of those people, you know how closely guarded Disney's secrets are and how little you are actually allowed to share. I was fortunate enough (yes, I say fortunate because I loved working for the intense company that is Disney) to work at Walt Disney World for a few years while I lived in Florida, and I'm here to share just a few of the things I learned about the company, the parks, and being a cast member, but I have to do it quietly so the mouse doesn't track me down.
Steph Curry's Adorable Family Lives to Outshine Him
This year was definitely a good one for Stephen Curry and his adorable family! He helped lead the Golden State Warriors to their second NBA Finals win in three years, became the first NBA player to sign a supermax contract, and has had even more cute moments with his wife Ayesha and their two daughters, Ryan and Riley. The cute family is keeping up their celebrations in 2017 - they often share funny, stylish, and sweet moments on social media and with their newest addition, they are posting even more cute photos! Read through to see some of the Curry family's best snaps.
9 Distinct Advantages to Being Left-Handed
If you're part of the 10 percent of the population that is left-handed, you're in luck. Even though it can seem like the whole world isn't designed for you, from notebooks to automobiles, there are some distinct advantages to being a southpaw. While the struggle can definitely be real when trying to do basic things that are designed for a righty, some of these benefits might just ease the pain.
17 Greyhound Bus Driver Employee Secrets to Read Before Riding
Do Greyhound drivers really see a "black dog" run across the road when they're tired? What are the prettiest routes in North America to take by bus? And what strange things do they see on the job? A former Greyhound bus employee did an IamA on Reddit, and they did not hold back on spilling all the secrets about what it was like to work as a driver. Read on to find out some behind-the-scenes juice about the job.
1. Tell me about this "black dog." Is it some urban tale?
"There's a movie with Patrick Swayze, Meat Loaf, Randy Travis, and Gabriel Casseus where Patrick Swayze is a truck driver. He talks about the black dog you see after you've been on the road for too long and start getting too tired. It'll come out of nowhere in the middle of the night and dart out at you, and you'll think it's real and try to avoid it. I thought it was just some made up movie plot till the first time I saw it when I was really tired on an overnight. Not necessarily a dog, but any hallucination of something darting out in front of the bus. Happened quite a few times, very scary."
2. What's that one story you always tell?
"Pick your poison. There's my last night of training driving blind through a blizzard (16 inches of snow, zero visibility) all night long on an interstate that was shut down at 25 mph for 10 hours. Had an inch of ice frozen onto some parts of the windshield . . .
There was another time at Greyhound where I was doing NYC to Springfield, MA the day the tornadoes hit there. Passenger asked me as we left New Britain, CT, what do we do if one hits. I said, park the bus under a bridge and hope for the best. Then as I got ready to leave Hartford, after clearing with central dispatcher in Dallas that it was OK to proceed, the passengers all freaked out that it had just hit downtown Springfield. I called Springfield directly, and they said stay put. Finally 30 minutes later, I got the all clear. Downtown was a mess, but we thought it was over. I offload and go into the drivers room and hear over the TV 'we now have a confirmed touchdown on the Massachusetts Turnpike.' I walked up to the dispatch booth and said, load me up I'm getting the fuck outta here now!"
3. Why do you think Greyhound kind of has a bad reputation?
"The clientele. Even in training they tell us we'll be driving the nations bail jumpers, fleeing felons, ex cons, pimps, and prostitutes. In my experience though, most of my passengers were pleasant and just wanted to get from A to B. A lot of the stations are a hub of homelessness, beggars, and especially in NYC, the mentally ill. The ones Greyhound owns though largely employ some sort of security that keeps it restricted to ticketed passengers and those waiting for them (Philly for example) . . . between riding and driving, I've never had an issue that was truly concerning.
The bad rep also comes from the way they operate. Just because you have a ticket with a specific time and specific date, it doesn't mean you're guaranteed a seat on that bus. They just keep selling tickets regardless of how many seats are available . . . If there aren't enough seats, you gotta wait for the next one, which can be several hours.
You also hear of drivers getting lost a lot. That's because they give us these paper directions that are often wrong or haven't been updated since god knows when . . . Even when they are right, we're trying to drive the bus, read the directions, and watch for the street sign signs . . . It's honestly a miracle getting lost doesn't happen more often."
4. Are you not allowed to bring a smartphone?
"The problem is that the mapping software on them will often send you ways that buses aren't allowed to go (look up any video of an 18-wheeler on the Northern State Parkway on Long Island and see what happens) and also that Greyhound has their own in-house company-prescribed routing they want you to take. If you get into an accident off-route, it's instant termination. They also follow you on GPS and sometimes by car and will call you if you're off-route (even though we aren't supposed to talk on the phone while driving)."
5. What's the nastiest thing that's happened in your bus?
"Toward the end of my training, probably the fifth week or so, I was doing a schedule from NYC to Harrisburg, PA. Before we even got to Easton, PA, some guy threw up the entire big gulp of Kool-Aid he was drinking when he boarded all over the second row."
6. What made you want to become a Greyhound driver, convenience or you wanted to travel?
"I had always been fascinated with the road and big trucks. All throughout college, I knew I was gonna at least try out some sort of job where I could just have the road and my music, a sort of place of peace for me. After I graduated, a financial situation came up that was ultimately what pushed me into filling out the application. I got the job and fell in love with the daily adventure and how soothing the combination of the highway and my music really was for me."
7. Why are buses kept so unreasonably cold? Low heat in Winter and very high air-conditioning in the Summer.
"For me, it was to stay awake on the overnight runs. Also, the windshield reflects the sun like crazy, so I always gotta crank the AC to compensate during the day."
8. Ever fall asleep while driving?
"It's something that most of us would never admit, but yes, unfortunately, and I'm sorry for all the lives I put in danger when it happened. I'd say legit eyes closed asleep happened twice, maybe three times. But that eyes-wide-open sleep, where you're there but not there, is what happens most. It took me seven overnight runs to Montreal to be able to really handle the long night driving. Now I'm good, and I know when I can push on, when I know it's time to call it quits."
9. When broken down in an area with no cell reception, do you usually have some sort of radio coverage or a book with local frequencies or are you stuck using CB?
"No CBs on Greyhound buses, no radios either. No cell service means walk to the nearest highway emergency phone. I was getting ready to walk it once on I-87 in the Adirondacks but the northbound bus showed up and pulled over and we shouted across the highway at each other troubleshooting ideas."
10. What are some of the prettiest routes you've taken?
"Daytime NYC to Montreal during Spring thaw, no debate. It's the run that made me fall in love with driving."
11. When you get to your destination, do you get to just hang out in that city for a while or do you get right back on the bus and go on your next drive?
"It all depends; no two days are ever the same unless you have enough seniority to bid a regular run. Sometimes it's load up right away to either go back or to somewhere else; some days you have to wait around for a few hours to find out what you're doing next; some days you know what you're doing next and have some free time to kill and can walk around cuz you don't need to be at the yard or terminal for them to tell you what you're doing next; some days they put you to bed and you can kinda enjoy an hour or two out waking around; and sometimes they leave you up there for days and kinda forget you exist.
It also depends on the city. Philly, Harrisburg, Montreal, you're right there in the heart of town, so it's easy to go walking around . . . If they put us to bed in Atlantic City, it was a mile to the nearest bar (and believe me, we'd walk it!) . . . Montreal was the place I consistently got the most free time to really enjoy the area."
12. What do you mean by put you to bed?
"Going to bed means going to either the hotel or the dorm to get a minimum of nine hours off duty before they call you back in. Sometimes they call you exactly nine hours from when you pulled in, sometimes you'll be sitting there for days.
That's when it really sucks because you'll go to sleep, wake up and stay up all day, then finally when you're nice and tired and ready to go back to sleep, they're like, hey come in and do this eight-hour overnight run. You can look at the board for that city online and try to guess when they're going to call you, but oftentimes something comes up that messes up what time you think they're gonna call you. Oftentimes I'd keep myself cooped up in the hotel room trying to match my sleep to what I was reading on the board so I'd be ready to work a 15-hour day, but you can only force yourself to sleep so much. That's when the job starts getting depressing and messing with your head."
13. So they only require you to be off duty for nine hours between shifts? They don't require that you get some sleep in that time? Doesn't sound very safe.
"Yup. When in the hotel or dorm, it's nine hours + one hour to report . . . they can only mandate you be off duty, they can't mandate that you sleep during that time off. They urge you to sleep, but we've all got things that need to get done, sometimes during our time off. And then, yeah, the varying schedule means your body's internal clock is all f*cked up . . . There's a reason most of Greyhounds' severe accidents are fatigue-related. You can of course always call out sick or fatigued, and they'll book you off for another 12 hours or so, but you can only do it so much before it starts causing problems with management."
14. Any fun/good tips you would give to travelers that might not be thought of right away?
"Just keep your eyes on your stuff at all time. The Austin terminal is one of the sketchier ones I've been to. If you see the guy with one hand about twice the size of the other who will offer to do a one-handed handstand for some vodka, walk away, fast. Also, it's way different from flying. A bit more lax, but with a more sketch vibe."
15. How was the pay?
"When I started it was 16 and change an hour for driving with passengers, and by the time I left seven months later, I was at $18.64/hr. But they pay you less for other things, like deadheading (driving an empty bus to another city), cushioning (riding a bus to another city where they need drivers), and sitting on protection (sitting around at a terminal, waiting to be told what to do). There's also layover and meals, which kicked in after I think 16 hours laying over at a foreign city and then again I think at 24 hours. The problem was oftentimes they liked to "forget" to put those things in your check, and so in your limited time off, you gotta spend time filing pay claims. In total, I'd say they owe me about $3,000 in unpaid stuff that added up in seven months. The hourly pay was also part of why I left."
16. As a city bus driver, I warn people that this job sucks your social life to a minimum. Did you have to deal with family issues while at GH?
"I went to Greyhound the month after graduating college, so I was single with no kids, but they tell you in the interview that the job destroys families. I don't know how people do it unless they just flat out hate their family."
17. What's the strangest thing you've ever seen on your travels?
"Aside from the multiple times I thought I saw something dart out in front of the bus . . . I watched what looked like an 18-wheeler approaching in my mirror very fast. It was a blizzard, dead of the night, up in the Adirondacks. I kept watching him because I thought he was gonna rear end me. The headlights got closer and closer and all of a sudden they were gone. There had been no exit ramp or anything. I don't know if he went into the ditch or what. I never found out."
Look Back at Heidi Klum's Outrageous Halloween Costume Tradition
Halloween just wouldn't be the same without Heidi Klum's over-the-top annual bash, which she's hosted in both New York and Los Angeles. The location and the date (in 2012, she rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy) may have changed over the years, but one thing we can always count on is Heidi showing up in an extravagant costume. 2016 was no different as she celebrated in NYC, dressed as herself along with five model doppelgängers. In years past, she's made appearances as a mouse, a gorilla, and a seriously convincing old lady, and she's gotten decked out in outrageous getups that can't really be explained. Scroll through to see all of Heidi's wild wardrobe choices for the holiday!
NASA Asked People What Message They'd Beam Into Space and It Turned Into a Trump Roast
Not all heroes wear capes; some tweet hilarious messages about President Donald Trump to NASA. The space agency is celebrating Voyager 1 and 2's 40th anniversary by asking the public to post a "short, uplifting message" on social media. In return, it might choose your message to beam into space on the anniversary of Voyager 1's launch. While some are using the opportunity to share kind and thoughtful words, others are taking the chance to roast Trump.
The idea of beaming a message to the Voyager comes from the spacecraft's Golden Record of Earth, which includes photos, sounds, and messages from the planet we live on. Both Voyager 1 and 2 carry this record. If you love the sound of this campaign, you need to post a message to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and Google+ by Aug. 15 by 11:59 p.m. PT. From there, NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Voyager team will pick their favorites. The public will then vote on the winning message, which will be transmitted on Sept. 5 to Voyager 1 and arrive to the unit on Sept. 6.
Some took the campaign to heart and posted messages such as:
#MessageToVoyager If you happen to see Pluto out there, tell him he's a good boy; we didn't mean what we said #gishwhes
- Justin Hudes (@hudattack) August 6, 2017
#MessagetoVoyager Hi Voyager, stay safe and bon voyage. And who knows, we may cross your route in the future.
- Ed Boris (@edboris) August 28, 2015
@NASA Thank you, Voyager, for decades of fascination!#MessageToVoyager
- G. Lamar Wilkie (@WWWilkie) July 20, 2015
But many, many others used the opportunity to let Voyager 1 - and maybe the entire galaxy - know exactly what they think about Trump.
#MessageToVoyager Find a place where we can send Donald Trump so he won't hurt anyone #gishwhes
- GISHWHES🐼 // MJ🌈 (@casitstoobig) August 5, 2017
Dear Aliens, we're sorry about Donald Trump. Most of us aren't that stupid. Please don't destroy us. Sincerely, Humanity #MessageToVoyager
- Deadman Writing (@writingunit12) August 4, 2017
#messagetovoyager Trump lost the popular vote.
- Samantha Louise (@SamanthaSnail) August 2, 2017
The pee tape is real #MessageToVoyager
- xxxTechnician (@chrismorrisnyc) August 7, 2017
We're going to go ahead and guess that NASA isn't going to pick one of the Trump burns as the message it beams up to space, but for those of us on Earth, it's pretty damn hilarious. May NASA choose well; after all, as the agency wrote in a press release, "Since the spacecraft could last billions of years, these circular time capsules could one day be the only traces of human civilization."
Amal Clooney's Biggest Style Secret Is Decades Old
Aside from Amal Clooney's natural ability to put together an outfit, she's got another thing going for her: a vintage wardrobe. Because somehow - when the human rights activist and lawyer is not working to better our world and defend high-profile clients - she finds time to thrift shop. Sure, she's got some go-to contemporary labels, including Altuzarra, Giambattista Valli, and Gucci, but Amal's also got an eye for one-of-a-kind pieces.
She secures a handful of them from William Vintage and styles them with seasonal It bags, power pumps, and dark sunglasses. If we had to guess, we'd say Amal's goal isn't to mix high and low but to mix the new with the old. The outcome is a signature look that lands Amal on best dressed lists but also serves up inspiration for business women on the go. Scroll to find Amal's most memorable vintage ensembles yet.
NASA Asked People What Message They'd Beam Into Space and It Turned Into a Trump Roast
Not all heroes wear capes; some tweet hilarious messages about President Donald Trump to NASA. The space agency is celebrating Voyager 1 and 2's 40th anniversary by asking the public to post a "short, uplifting message" on social media. In return, it might choose your message to beam into space on the anniversary of Voyager 1's launch. While some are using the opportunity to share kind and thoughtful words, others are taking the chance to roast Trump.
The idea of beaming a message to the Voyager comes from the spacecraft's Golden Record of Earth, which includes photos, sounds, and messages from the planet we live on. Both Voyager 1 and 2 carry this record. If you love the sound of this campaign, you need to post a message to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and Google+ by Aug. 15 by 11:59 p.m. PT. From there, NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Voyager team will pick their favorites. The public will then vote on the winning message, which will be transmitted on Sept. 5 to Voyager 1 and arrive to the unit on Sept. 6.
Some took the campaign to heart and posted messages such as:
#MessageToVoyager If you happen to see Pluto out there, tell him he's a good boy; we didn't mean what we said #gishwhes
- Justin Hudes (@hudattack) August 6, 2017
#MessagetoVoyager Hi Voyager, stay safe and bon voyage. And who knows, we may cross your route in the future.
- Ed Boris (@edboris) August 28, 2015
@NASA Thank you, Voyager, for decades of fascination!#MessageToVoyager
- G. Lamar Wilkie (@WWWilkie) July 20, 2015
But many, many others used the opportunity to let Voyager 1 - and maybe the entire galaxy - know exactly what they think about Trump.
#MessageToVoyager Find a place where we can send Donald Trump so he won't hurt anyone #gishwhes
- GISHWHES🐼 // MJ🌈 (@casitstoobig) August 5, 2017
Dear Aliens, we're sorry about Donald Trump. Most of us aren't that stupid. Please don't destroy us. Sincerely, Humanity #MessageToVoyager
- Deadman Writing (@writingunit12) August 4, 2017
#messagetovoyager Trump lost the popular vote.
- Samantha Louise (@SamanthaSnail) August 2, 2017
The pee tape is real #MessageToVoyager
- xxxTechnician (@chrismorrisnyc) August 7, 2017
We're going to go ahead and guess that NASA isn't going to pick one of the Trump burns as the message it beams up to space, but for those of us on Earth, it's pretty damn hilarious. May NASA choose well; after all, as the agency wrote in a press release, "Since the spacecraft could last billions of years, these circular time capsules could one day be the only traces of human civilization."
Over 250 Celebrity Halloween Costumes!
To help inspire your Halloween costume this year, we're taking a look at some of the best celebrity costumes through the years. From Heidi Klum's legendary parties to the many A-list stars sharing spooky snaps on Instagram, it's clear that Hollywood pulls out all the stops to celebrate the festive holiday. Scroll through to see some of the most insane getups, and see if you can spot the famous faces in their disguises.
This Math Problem Will Make You Question Everything You Ever Knew About Algebra
Math isn't everyone's best skill - and even those who are good at it are questioning everything after trying this algebra problem.
The question originally went viral in Japan, after a study discovered that only 60 percent of 20-somethings could actually solve it. Are you already feeling frustrated and hopeless at trying to know what the answer is? Watch the video below, posted by YouTube user MindYourDecisions, a popular math puzzle channel. In it, Presh Talwalkar, the mastermind behind this question, will guide you to the right answer.
As you can see, not even a calculator can help you, as it will read the problem wrong and arrive at the answer of 9. To solve it correctly in a calculator, you need to write it out like this: 9-3/(1/3) + 1, which will lead you to 1 as the correct answer. The problem tests your knowledge of PEMDAS, the order of operations formula, which says you must get to the answer by following these steps in this order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. In this question, that means dividing 3 by the 1/3 first, which is the same as 3x3. That will then lead you to 9-9+1. From there, 9-9=0 + 1 = 1. Ta-da!
If you arrived at 3, 7, or 9 as your answer, you're not alone. Most people have forgotten how to use PEMDAS or interpret the fraction of 1/3 the wrong way. Still not feeling much of a challenge? Try this other math question that not even parents could solve.
10 Tips to Snag a First-Class Ticket Upgrade
The majority of airline passengers fly coach, but a small percentage of the population regularly enjoys first-class accommodations on airplanes. While these passengers may be loaded and able to afford the costly tickets, the price is still beyond the bucket for a majority of flyers. So, how are those who may not be swimming in wealth able to snag the luxurious upgrade? Alex Matjanec, CEO of MyBankTracker, has compiled a list of 10 tips to secure a first-class airline ticket upgrade.
1. Be Loyal to One Airline
Loyalty always counts. Most people who join frequent flier programs don't actually fly very frequently. The typical thought process is to sign up for every frequent flier or loyalty program in hopes of saving money across the board. Frequent flier programs don't work like grocery frequent shopper cards, however.
So instead of being a frequent flier member who only racks up a handful of miles on any individual airline, focus all of your efforts on being loyal to one airline. The tickets may cost a little more every so often, but the long-term benefits of stockpiling miles for one company can upgrade your travel to first class.
2. Arrive Late/Early
Airlines recommend arriving at the airport and checking in at least 30-60 minutes before a flight (longer for larger international airports). This is because it takes time to check baggage, pass through security, and arrive at the departure gate.
However, showing up early allows you time to have a casual chat with the gate agent without a large crowd. This is the time where you can build a rapport and ask about an upgrade to first class without other people around whom the airline risks upsetting.
Flights are often overbooked, and by arriving late (though don't arrive too late), you'll probably be bumped to a later flight, at which time you can ask for a first-class upgrade to make up for the inconvenience.
3. Travel During Slow Times
Instead of flying near the holidays and weekends with everyone else, book your flights at the right time - such as in the middle of the week. FareCompare, an airline tracking website, points out the most unpopular days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while dawn, dusk, and red-eye flights are the least popular.
These are the flights that are most likely to have empty seats, meaning there's availability in first class.
Also, look throughout the year for times people don't typically fly. For example, a flight on Thanksgiving Day is much more likely to have availability than flights on the Wednesday prior or Friday after. This, of course, assumes overbooked passengers from previous flights haven't already filled up the plane.
4. Complain About Something
At the end of the day, airlines are customer-serving businesses like any other. This means they'll go out of their way to please a customer and ensure you continue coming back to use their service. Complaining to the airline about any shortcomings is a first step to first-class accommodations.
Politely pointing out these problems and simply asking to be moved will get you an opportunity at a new seat. If the flight is completely booked, there's a good chance there's still an open seat in first class that you can sit in to make up for the problems.
5. Book Through Airline Websites
Travel booking sites like Kayak, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia seek out the lowest possible rates, which has thinned profit margins for airlines and hotels. While these sites make searching for flights and comparing prices easy, don't use them for the final booking.
Instead, after determining which flight is the cheapest bet, log in to that airline's official website and book the flight directly through them. This shows up on their system when checking in, and you'll be treated as a loyal customer who appreciated the airline's marketing as opposed to just another value shopper booking through a discount digital travel agent.
6. Check Emails After Booking
After booking your flight, keep an eye on your emails. The airline will know ahead of time whether the flight is overbooked and will offer more and more aggressive discounts to those wishing to upgrade to first class via email.
Of course, the airline is unable to email customers who used a third-party travel booking site, so you'll be one of a small minority of people receiving these emails for your specific flight. Regardless of who sits where, the airline has to take off on a set schedule, so the closer an overbooked flight gets to departure time, the more drastic discounts are applied to first-class upgrades.
7. Use a Travel Rewards Card
Travel rewards credit cards are a great way to stockpile frequent flier miles without necessarily having to travel. Here are a few of the best travel rewards cards on the market:
With Capital One Venture Rewards Card, you earn two miles for any airline per dollar spent on any purchase, with a $35 annual fee, and with Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn two miles per dollar spent on travel and restaurants, with a $95 annual fee. Points are worth 25 percent more if booked through Chase.
Discover It Miles Card users earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent, which are doubled at the end of the first year for no annual fee. In addition, they receive an annual $30 in-flight WiFi credit and enjoy no blackout dates as points are tracked in-house by Discover, not any particular airline.
8. Phone a Friend
Employees of airlines receive great perks, including the ability to fly standby for free throughout the year and access to the airline's passenger systems. If you don't know someone who works for an airline, it's time to make that friend.
Many airlines have done away with (or severely restricted) these buddy passes in recent years, but working in the airline industry (or knowing someone who does) is still more likely to get you an upgrade to first class, regardless of which airline it is.
9. Fly Solo
Upgrading a single ticket is much easier than upgrading tickets for a family of four. If you're traveling with your family, your best bet is to work together to decide who should be upgraded to first class on each trip, rotating who gets the seat on each trip like a nonviolent Game of Thrones.
10. Fly on Your Birthday
Always remember that pilots, flight attendants, and the gate agent are all people just like you and I. A friendly conversation goes a long way, especially when mentioning special occasions like your birthday being today.
"On a recent trip to Hong Kong, we were upgraded to first class thanks to our charm," said John Heaton, managing director at The Heaton Group. "This can also work if it's your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary. You won't be upgraded for no reason so make sure you let them know you have a genuine reason to be upgraded and with a bit of luck, they'll be listening."
The 5 Best Belly-Flattening Foods
There are exercises that target your abs to help you get the rock-hard stomach you've always dreamed of. But if you really want to double-team belly bulge, then you'll need to eliminate sugar and processed carbs while also incorporating fat-burning foods into your diet. Keep reading to see which foods can help trim inches from your waistline.
Wedding Music Ideas For the Mother-Son Dance
Nowadays, a wedding isn't all about just the bride, and to reflect that, many couples choose to have a mother-son dance to complement the father-daughter dance. Because it's not the easiest for song selection, we're here to help. We have many ideas for the song that the groom and mother-of-the-groom can dance to at the reception, so scroll through and find the one you're looking for!
Wedding Music Ideas For the Mother-Son Dance
Nowadays, a wedding isn't all about just the bride, and to reflect that, many couples choose to have a mother-son dance to complement the father-daughter dance. Because it's not the easiest for song selection, we're here to help. We have many ideas for the song that the groom and mother-of-the-groom can dance to at the reception, so scroll through and find the one you're looking for!
Articles
