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 10 décembre 2017
All of the 2017 Apple Gadgets – And How Much Each Will Set You Back
There are few things in the tech world that are as highly anticipated as an Apple Event. The 2017 edition - which took place on Sept. 12 in the Steve Jobs Theater on Apple's newest Cupertino, CA, campus - was no exception, and four brand new models of four much-loved Apple products were introduced to the world during the two hours in which the event elapsed. But let's be honest: you're here for the tl; dr version, so we'll skip past all the details and dive straight into what you're looking for.
Ahead, you'll find a complete rundown of all four of the new lines. From the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X, and from Apple TV 4K to Apple Watch Series 3, we've put together exactly when you can expect each device and how much it's going to cost you to take 'em all home.
20 Beauty Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Now
While we're clearly obsessed with learning everything about beauty, we'll be the first to admit that the sheer volume of information can be daunting. And some important tips can get lost along the way. Are you using the right primer? Are you using bronzer correctly? And is powder really necessary? It's easy to make some big makeup mistakes without even realizing it. Well, that stops now. Once you see which mistakes you've been making, you'll swear to never make them again - after all, your beauty reputation is on the line. And don't think that only beauty newbies are prone to errors! So read on: even if you're a professional, you're bound to pick up a new trick or two.
Why, Exactly, Is It Called a French Braid?
French braids are popular the world over, but they certainly aren't emblematic of France. It's unclear what about them, really, is so Gallic. As it turns out, "French" braids aren't French at all. So who's really responsible for the technique? The style's history is much cooler (and longer) than you might imagine.
If we're looking for the origins of modern-day French braids, Eurasia isn't even the right continent. Instead, the place to start is North Africa. People have been wearing the three-strand gathered plait for thousands of years, and the earliest evidence of the style comes to us from the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria. There, rock art depicting women wearing rowed braids dates back almost 6,000 years. In the millenia following, the style also appeared in early Greek art, particularly iconic kouros statues, on Celtic warriors and lasses, and as part of the elaborate updos worn by courtly women of the Sung Dynasty.
It appears, really, that there are very few cultures unaware of French braids, making their unusual moniker even more puzzling. How could something so universal be named after a single country? Wisely, the French themselves don't even claim the style as their own.
So why are Americans so confused? We can trace the origins of this particular misnomer back to an 1871 short story from Arthur's Home Magazine in which a rather misogynistic husband tells his wife to "hurry up and put on that new cashmere I sent you, and do up your hair in that new French braid."
Perhaps because France has always been so immediately connected to fashion and high living to people on this side of the Atlantic, any "fancy" braid would have registered as Continental. Just like fries and a host of other things, our love affair with the French is writ large on our delicacies and refinements.
In short, although you can feel free to keep calling it a French braid, the hairstyle is actually one of humanity's oldest and most popular hair inventions, just as much in use now as it was in ancient Sparta. They aren't from Paris, but whatever you call them, gathered braids are unquestionably as timeless and chic as the City of Lights.
This Type of Flaxseed Is Better at Preventing Belly Bloat
Not a fish fan but you know you should be getting your omega-3s? Look to the amazing flaxseed in order to get your daily recommended amount of 1.1 grams. When perusing the aisles of your grocery store, you'll see they come in two forms - whole and ground. Is one more beneficial than the other? The chart below shows how they compare nutritionally.
| 1 tbsp. whole flaxseed | 1 tbsp. ground flaxseed | |
| Calories | 55 | 37 |
| Total Fat (g) | 4 | 3 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 3 | 2 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 | 2 |
| Protein (g) | 2 | 1 |
| Calcium (mg) | 26.1 | 17.9 |
| Iron (mg) | .6 | .4 |
| Omega-3s (g) | 2.3 | 1.6 |
| Omega-6s (g) | .6 | .4 |
| Folate (mcg) | 8.9 | 6.1 |
As you can see, they're pretty similar, but it's recommended to consume ground flaxseed because whole flaxseeds just pass right through the body undigested. Eating ground flaxseed allows your body to get the omegas as well as the phytochemicals called lignans, which may have antioxidant actions and may help protect against certain cancers. What about flaxseed oil, you ask? It also contains omegas and lignans, but it has no fiber, so go for the ground flaxseed to keep you regular and to help prevent bloating caused by constipation.
Since the RDI of omega-3s is 1.1 grams a day, just one tablespoon of ground flaxseed added to your smoothie, oatmeal, cereal, or sprinkled in your soup or on your salad is way more than enough. You can also bake with it as an egg substitute in recipes like this protein banana bread.
Controversy Is Brewing Over Starbucks's Annual Holiday Cups Yet Again
Image Source: Starbucks
Without fail, every year Starbucks receives a surprisingly significant amount of criticism over its annual holiday cups. The widespread coffee chain regularly receives backlash due to its ever-changing red cups and the lack of traditional Christmas symbols. This year, an illustration of two people holding hands has some people up in arms.
In October, Starbucks released a promotional video announcing the year's new red cup design. It features several adorable illustrated figures getting ready for the holidays or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. Since this year's cup is meant to be customized, the video also features text that reads, "The holidays mean something different to everyone." Weeks later, however, people started realizing that a pair of women in the video were presumed to be a lesbian couple.
As a joke, BuzzFeed asked its readers if the new cup was "totally gay." The article also pointed out the pair of gender-neutral hands holding each other on the cup. A colleague of the BuzzFeed writer was quoted in the article saying, "I can attest to the lesbianism of The Hands" - again, as a joke.
Then Fox News got word of it. The outlet included several tweets from people who were upset about the cup and planning on boycotting Starbucks. Fox News also referred to BuzzFeed's article and claimed the publication "asserted the hypothesis is fact," failing to fully grasp the sarcastic tone.
On Twitter, several people began using the hashtag #BoycottStarbucks and claimed the company was pushing its liberal or gay agenda onto consumers. Despite the many negative tweets, others online have also started using the hashtag to mock those upset about the pair of androgynous hands.
Following the hooplah, The New York Times reached out to Starbucks. Sanja Gould, a company spokeswoman, said, "This year's hand-drawn cup features scenes of celebrating with loved ones - whoever they may be," adding, "We intentionally designed the cup so our customers can interpret it in their own way, adding their own color and illustrations."
Meghan Markle Takes Brow Inspiration From This Iconic Actress
Meghan Markle's neat, full brows (which were not immune to mid-aughts overplucking, mind you!) are probably going to become inspiration for many salon-goers. After all, word on the street is her nose has already inspired a new trend of rhinoplasty. But where does Meghan get her inspiration from? The answer is a film icon whose most famous movie poster you totally hung in your college dorm room.
According to Harper's Bazaar UK, since moving to the UK, Meghan has left her arch maintenance in the hands of Mayfair, London, salon Nails & Brows. Founder Sherrille Riley says that Meghan opts for a service dubbed "The Audrey" - named after a certain Ms. Hepburn.
Riley called the style "modern, elegant, and super flattering. . . . You really can't go wrong with 'The Audrey.'" Why does it work so well on Meghan's face? "You'll notice that her brows are straight and archless, lifting slightly upwards towards the end of her brows. This helps to lift her eyes whilst balancing her features."
If you need any more proof that Meghan and Audrey are cosmic brow twins, then come take a gander at the photographic evidence ahead.
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
The Insane True Story Behind The Room, the Best Bad Movie Ever
The Room's Tommy Wiseau, left, and Greg Sestero with Hollywood producer Katherine Kramer in 2004.
In 2003, a true contender for the greatest bad movie of all time premiered in Los Angeles. That movie was The Room, directed by Tommy Wiseau, a man with a thick Eastern European accent who insists he's from New Orleans on the rare occasions he's willing to talk about his life. He's also the man who wrote, produced, and starred in the masterpiece of awfulness. The making of The Room is a story that's almost as bizarre as the movie itself, but it's one that inspired James Franco to immortalize the film in his new movie The Disaster Artist, based on the book of the same name by Wiseau's friend and The Room costar Greg Sestero.
There's no better place to begin than with the film's plot, even though explaining it is almost impossible. It all boils down to a love triangle between Johnny (Wiseau); his girlfriend, Lisa (Juliette Danielle); and his best friend, Mark (Sestero). Just know that there's much, much more going on, and very little of it makes sense. Perhaps that's because the film reportedly began life as a 600-page novel that Wiseau hoped to turn into a play before he decided that not enough Americans watched plays anymore. At that point, Wiseau realized that The Room needed to be a movie, and he enlisted his friend and former acting classmate, Sestero, to help him make it happen.
Sestero would not only be Wiseau's costar, but he was also perhaps the only person on the set who could talk to Wiseau as the auteur began his journey toward making his infamous masterpiece. Wiseau funded The Room himself, but the answer as to where he got $6 million for his pet project remains a mystery. In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wiseau said the money came from his Korean leather jacket export business. His claim has never been verified.
However he came about the money, Wiseau had more than enough to pour into The Room. In Sestero's book, the actor writes that Wiseau was determined to film the movie with two different cameras - one a 35mm and the other HD. Sestero writes:
Probably the most wasteful and pointless aspect of The Room's production was Tommy's decision to simultaneously shoot his movie with both a 35mm film camera and a high-definition (HD) camera. In 2002, an HD and 35mm film camera cost around $250,000 combined; the lenses ran from $20,000 to $40,000 apiece. And, of course, you had to hire an entirely different crew to operate this stuff. Tommy had a mount constructed that was able to accommodate both the 35mm camera and HD camera at the same time, meaning Tommy needed two different crews and two different lighting systems on set at all times.
This was only the beginning of Wiseau's eccentricities. The Disaster Artist goes on to detail the director's many pet peeves, which included anyone daring to speak any language other than English, farting on set, and people leaving the set while shooting. In fact, Wiseau wanted all of the actors to be on set even when they weren't shooting their scenes in case he decided to add them into the background at the last minute. Even the film's long and uncomfortable sex scene was filmed in front of everyone, foregoing the Hollywood tradition of having a closed set for intimate scenes.
Now that the film has gained a cult following, Wiseau seems to have embraced The Room's description as a dark comedy, but according to the cast, he was always serious about it being a drama. In 2008, Wiseau told Entertainment Weekly that two of his biggest inspirations are Tennessee Williams and Orson Welles, and the movie reflects his claims in the most hilarious way possible. He went into each one of his scenes with a seriousness that the cast didn't always share.
Sestero admits in his book that he phoned in much of his performance, and Danielle claims that during the filming of a scene where Wiseau's Tommy says "In a few minutes, b*tch," no one on set could contain their laughter. Wiseau wasn't amused and demanded to know what was so funny. To get around Wiseau's rule, the director of photography reportedly had an outdoor tent that he would use when he had no choice but to laugh at the increasingly strange film.
Ultimately, it took six months to shoot The Room, and during that time, the production cycled through two crews. Famously, Kyle Vogt, one of the film's actors, had to leave before the film was finished due to a prior acting commitment, and Wiseau simply included an entirely new, never-before-seen character in the final scene of the movie and gave him all of the lines intended for Vogt's character, Peter, with no explanation.
Still, as hard as it is to believe, The Room could have been much worse. Much of the script was unusable. A script supervisor cut multiple monologues and lines of dialogue that were too nonsensical to make it into the final film even by The Room's standards. It's also rumored that Wiseau wanted to include a subplot that revealed Johnny was a vampire, but the budget couldn't be stretched to include the technology needed to give the character a flying car.
Despite the many, many obstacles standing in the way of The Room becoming a hit, the film attracted a cult audience after Wiseau insisted on keeping it in a theater for two weeks during its initial run. His hope was that the Oscars would take notice, but instead, a generation of fans who loved the so-bad-it's-almost-good movie found it instead. In a strange but fitting turn of events, Wiseau may finally get an invite to the Academy Awards now that The Disaster Artist is gaining critical acclaim, proving that American dreams do come true.
This Story Behind a Teen Sitting in Class With Her Toddler Brother Is What You Need Today
When Candice Curry called her teenage daughter, Stiles, to pick up her 3-year-old brother at his day care, she was dealing with a family emergency and hoped her 17-year-old would bring her brother home as a favor. However, upon looking at Stiles's Snapchat, Candice was surprised to see a photo of James sitting on his sister's lap in the middle of a high school classroom.
"Instead of missing class she actually took her 3-year-old brother back to high school with her and let him sleep on her while she finished her last class of the day," Candice wrote in a post to Facebook featuring a screen grab of the Snapchat photo. "I'm not sure on the legalities here or what kind of rules were broken but I also just don't care. My sweet teenager helped her family out and returned to her other responsibility while snuggling her baby brother."
Candice says she can't believe how much love the photo has gotten in a few short days. "My daughter, Stiles, is a great teenager and I'm lucky to be her mama," she told POPSUGAR.
The mom noted in her caption that she's either the "worst mom in the world or totally nailing it," but we'd argue strongly for nothing but the latter. We also couldn't agree more with the sentiment she ended her heartfelt post with: "Life is short. These are the moments that make it so incredibly sweet."
35 Perfect Gifts For the Men in Your Life
Chances are there are a few special men in your life who deserve a little something extra this holiday season, yet shopping for them can often be a challenge. Even the ones you know the best can still surprise you with their particular likes and dislikes.
Whether they love technology, sports, camping, or pop culture, you'll find something on this list they'll be extra thankful for.
25 Midnight-Blue Hair Ideas That Will Inspire Your Next Moody Look
Pastel hair hues are stunning, but we're far more fascinated by the moodier takes on colorful coifs. Emerald dye captured our hearts. Smoky lilac styles mesmerized us. And now, midnight-blue manes are inspiring us to take the plunge into rainbow hair. Depending on how a colorist translates the look into your strands, your strands can appear like anything from a stormy sea to a starry night sky.
The beauty of this color trend is that you can customize it to perfectly flatter your skin tone, though the more black that is in the mix, the more complementary it is to all complexions. Cool-skinned gals might want to add a bit more blue-based purple for a sultry indigo shade, while those with warmer complexions could add a bit of yellow-based green to suit their olive undertones. Learn more about your undertone here, then read on to see our favorite takes on midnight-blue hair.
5 Workouts That Use Mini Bands - and Burn Serious Calories
Adding resistance is the perfect way to take a workout from good to downright excellent, and with the help of travel-friendly equipment like mini bands, it's hard to find a reason to not add it, right?
These looped versions of classic resistance bands usually come in sets of four with varying levels of difficulty - light, medium, heavy, x-heavy - so it's easy to gauge just how much of a challenge you're adding. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry! We've rounded up five feasible HIIT workouts you can try, courtesy of some of the most popular Latina fitness influencers on Instagram, including Puerto Rican trainer Idalis Velazquez. Whether you're working your glutes or doing a full-body circuit, keep scrolling to try them out. Then, crank up our workout playlist.
1 Look at Queen Letizia's Gorgeous Collection of Ball Gowns, and You'll Be in Love
Even though modern royals prefer affordable dresses from brands like Zara and trendy pieces like comfy track pants, a queen isn't a queen without a serious collection of ball gowns.
In true frugal form, Queen Letizia, who often repeats outfits from head to toe without a care in the world, has worn the same party dresses to royal weddings, galas, dinners, and award ceremonies for the past 10+ years. In fact, since 2004, we've spotted Letizia in only 26 different gowns - hey, for the Queen of Spain, that's not that much! Scroll ahead to ooh and aah over all of them.
Who Is Running For President in 2020?
Donald Trump hasn't even completed his first year in office, but presidential hopefuls from all parties are already lining up in public, in private, or in our dreams to run against him and take office in 2020. While very few political players have publicly spoken up about intentions to run, the signs that someone is running - serious fundraising, visiting battleground states, making political appearances, releasing a book, etc. - often make their ambitions fairly clear well before they're official.
So who might President Trump - if he is, in fact, the GOP's candidate - face in three years? Here's a look at 17 people who seem to be laying the foundation for a presidential run in 2020, two who are already trumpeting their 2020 campaigns, and eight people who say they absolutely will not run.
18 Savage, Hilarious Memes Inspired by Melania Trump's Holiday Decor
On Nov. 27, Melania Trump unveiled the White House Christmas decorations on her official FLOTUS Twitter account. In the video, the first lady walks through the decked halls. You can spot the glorious, sparkling trees in the grand foyer. You can admire the dainty mistletoe hanging from the ceiling and the delightfully festive wreaths hanging on the exterior. And then . . . well, and then you can walk through a hellish, nightmarish corridor of sinister trees that might grab you and trap you in their gnarled branches for the rest of eternity.
Twitter was quick to pick up on the strange hall of barren branches that line the East Wing corridor. The snapshots from the reveal quickly became memes that were sprinkled with the Babadook (one of 2017's great gay icons), Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, some dementors from the Harry Potter universe, Pennywise the clown . . . and that's just the tip of the very scary iceberg. Keep scrolling for the haunting pics and the hilarious reactions thereto.
Fixer Upper Fanatics Are Going to Love This Farmhouse-Inspired Decor
Chip and Joanna Gaines have the uncanny ability to turn the most boring, unsightly, or downright dilapidated house on the block into charm-central. While it's satisfying to see Chip tear up a shag carpet or take a hammer to a dated '80s kitchen, it's Joanna's rustic style that truly transforms each house into a warm, cozy home. She mixes salvaged wood pieces, flea market finds, and industrial-chic accents to cultivate her uniquely polished yet homespun look. Here's farmhouse-inspired home decor that will make any house as picture perfect as the Gaines's. Keep it for yourself or gift it to the Fixer Upper fanatic in your life.
- Additional reporting by Kelsey Garcia
Taylor Swift Has Been Owning the Beauty Game Since 1989
Since entering the public eye in 2006 (feel old yet?), Taylor Swift has evolved into a true beauty star. It first began when she ditched her signature curly hair for a straight, shaggy lob.
Just when we thought her go-to winged liner and red lip (which remained a rare consistency in this ever-changing world) was here to stay, she shocked us all by going goth.
Now her strands are straight and her rouge is dark, but we still find inspiration from her past looks. Take a trip down memory lane with us by remembering her best beauty moments!
BBG: The Supereffective Fitness Program You Need to Know
We're totally crazy about Australian trainer and Instagram star Kayla Itsines and her program, BBG. But what exactly is BBG? Let's take a step back and look at the program that made Kayla such a star and her clients so obsessed.
What Is It?
BBG stands for "Bikini Body Guide," and it's been transforming women's bodies with dramatic weight-loss results since 2012. The guides include a fitness and nutrition plan spanning 12 weeks and can be done at home or at a gym.
The program is built around intense 28-minute workouts three days a week. That's it. They're broken down into arms and abs, legs, and full body, so each day of the week, you'll focus on a different muscle group. Expect to see moves like push-ups and planks, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and weighted squats. The combination of weight training and cardio makes the program incredibly effective, while the meal plan helps women make more educated dietary choices to better fuel their bodies.
How Does It Work?
During a workout, you'll have two circuits, each with four moves, for which you'll do a certain number of reps. For example, circuit one might look like: 15 burpees, 15 push-ups, 20 jumping jacks, and 20 lunges on each leg. You repeat circuit one as many times as you can within seven minutes at your own pace. You'll take a one-minute break and do the same thing with circuit two, which will be a new set of four exercise moves. After completing circuit two, you start over and do both again. The result? An insanely challenging workout completed in less than 30 minutes.
As far as nutrition goes, Kayla doesn't really eliminate foods. Instead, she focuses on healthier choices and provides BBG members with healthy, delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks. On her app, Kayla serves up weekly grocery shopping lists that provide the ingredients for that particular week's recipes, leaving zero guesswork.
What Makes It Different?
The simplicity and brevity of the workouts combined with their ability to be modified have made this program exceptionally attractive to many a newcomer. In fact, Kayla loves the idea that she is often a woman's introduction to fitness. She told POPSUGAR, "I want to be someone's first entry [to exercise], and I think it's a good way to enter, because you're entering into a community that focuses on how you feel rather than focusing on how you look."
Everyone's story is completely different when they come to BBG, but devotees find a way to make the program work for them, whether they're fighting ovarian cancer or thyroid cancer, beating obesity and losing 100-plus pounds, overcoming an eating disorder and building strength, or just trying to get a bigger booty.
We asked Kayla what she thinks makes BBG so special. "Firstly it's for women, which women love," she said. "And then there's the fact it's 28 minutes. . . . It's so quick and easy but also very challenging and pushes you." She also noted how it's a superempowering program that allows a woman to do everything on her own and feel accomplished as an individual.
While the program itself is appealing, what probably trumps it all is the BBG community. There's an element in this program that isn't really found in many other fitness programs, and it has created somewhat of a sisterhood. "It's really easy to lose motivation and lose inspiration," Kayla told POPSUGAR. "But when you have a community like the BBG community, it's actually very hard to lose motivation, because they're constantly encouraging you and posting photos. It's like a family."
Interesting in being part of it? You can download the BBG PDFs for yourself. Or consider Kayla's app, Sweat With Kayla, which offers the same workout program but more streamlined and customized with a LISS tracker and guided recovery. You'll also get on-the-go grocery lists, recipes, and more.
samedi 9 décembre 2017
6- and 7-Year-Olds Couldn't Solve This Math Test Question, and We're Not Surprised
The internet is having a field day figuring out what the real answer is to a simple math problem. A Twitter user named Louise Bloxham shared a math problem from a Year 2 (equivalent to the first grade in the US) workbook. The tweet and account are now gone but the problem asked, "There were some people on a train. 19 people get off the train at the first stop. 17 people get on the train. Now there are 63 people on the train. How many people were on the train to begin with?"
If you try solving it yourself, you'll probably get this setup: X - 19 + 17 = 63. All you have to do is solve for x, which gives you 65 as the answer:
@rachelrossiter @LouiseBloxham @MichaelRosenYes It is 65. x - 19 + 17 = 63
Therefore x -2 = 63 ...x = 65. Algebraic solution for a y2 Q.- Robyn Duckworth (@DuckworthRobyn) May 8, 2016
But if you look further into the comments, users start arguing that the answer is 46, not 65.
@teach_well @carveresque on a teacher's FB group a teacher said it was on the mark scheme as Being 46
- Louise Bloxham (@LouiseBloxham) May 8, 2016
Other commentators became philosophical and said that the math problem fails to factor in the train driver and inspector:
@PotMoss @MichaelRosenYes @LouiseBloxham Husband says "66, because we've forgotten train driver". But that doesn't factor in inspector...
- Mrs Davison (@Mrs_Dav_I_Son) May 8, 2016
The situation apparently became too much for one person, who said that everyone was "looking at it algebraically for proof purposes," when it was really just a simple equation.
@LouiseBloxham @MichaelRosenYes Question is perfectly fine. We are looking at it algebraically for proof purposes but it's simple add + sub.
- Olachi Akin (@ixXAkinXxi) May 9, 2016
Although the math question has stumped some parents and young children, the main concern here is not whether or not it can be solved, but if 6- and 7-year-olds should've been asked it. That answer to that question is simple: if there's this much debate about it with adults, then it's not suitable for children.
26 Things to Get Rid of Before the Year Ends
New year, same clutter? No, thanks. Do yourself a favor and purge your home of all unnecessary items so you can kick off 2018 the right way. Take it day by day or dedicate an entire weekend to get it done - we promise you won't regret it. Before the year comes to an end, toss or donate the following 26 items.
- Old magazines
- Expired medicine
- Old makeup
- Clothes you haven't worn in the past year
- Dead electronic devices
- Stretched-out hair ties
- Socks or underwear with holes
- Items in your pantry that have gone bad
- Books you don't want
- Old bills and receipts that you no longer need
- Unwanted gifts with no sentimental value
- Manuals that don't belong to a device
- Shoes that clearly need to be thrown away
- Old t-shirts
- Ratty towels
- Dried-out pens
- Cables with no use
- Stained mugs
- Old journals
- Birthday cards with no sentimental value
- Outdated takeout menus
- Expired coupons
- Old cleaning supplies
- CDs, DVDs, or any other items your devices no longer support
- Scraps of wrapping paper
- Accessories that you never wear
A Definitive, Ongoing List of All the People the Trump Administration Has Parted Ways With So Far
Updated on Sept. 29, 2017: Tom Price has resigned from his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services, so we've updated this post accordingly.
Original post: At this point in the Trump presidency, one fact has become incredibly clear: the former Apprentice star has no plans to stop saying "you're fired!" any time soon. Shakeups in the White House are to be expected with any new administration (especially after the opposing party has held office for eight years), but the tumult at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is starting to feel a whole lot less like strategic planning and a whole lot more like a Survivor-style reality show.
While attempting to guess who will come next on Trump's hit list is a rather futile endeavor - here's looking at you, everyone in the vicinity of the White House – what we will do is take a moment to pour one out for those who have already fallen victim to the ever-moving Trump train, both those who have been fired outright as well as those who claim to have left of their own volition. And be sure to check back here regularly, as we'll be making sure to update this page as and when the next staffer makes his or her exit.
This Is What the 4 New Fenty Lip Glosses Actually Look Like on People
Since Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's beloved Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer launched, we've been nonstop using the flattering pink-and-gold formula. But like other Fenty fans, we've been hungry for more. Thankfully, Fenty is launching four additional shades on Oct. 13, dubbed the Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter, to give us our fix.
This new formula is considered a hybrid of pigment, glitter, and gloss. Basically, it's like a supersparkly liquid lipstick with a latex finish. That said, it is meant to feel creamy, so you don't have to sacrifice comfort for a statement lip. As early testers, we can confirm that it's just as nourishing on the lips as Gloss Bomb, and also has that delicious vanilla scent.
To help you decide which color to buy, we swatched every shade and also took selfies wearing the gorgeous color! Keep reading for our reviews.
22 Chic Autumn Nail Colors You'll Want to Buy ASAP
Fall not only brings us cooler weather and pumpkin spice everything, it also treats us to new Autumn nail polish collections. With ranges of burnt orange, olive greens, and plums to choose from, we're spoiled with choices from the likes of Essie and OPI. Ahead, find a few of our favorite old and new colors to get your Autumn 2017 nail collection started.
Women of Color Speak Out on What Victoria's Secret Did So, So Right at This Year's Show
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
It's no secret that Victoria's Secret has been criticized for not being diverse enough when it comes to selecting models for its campaigns and annual fashion show. But in recent years, that has been changing. For example, at the 2016 event in Paris, Jasmine Tookes was the third black model to wear the Fantasy Bra. And this year, Lais Ribeiro, a Brazilian model with medium skin tone, is wearing it for the Shanghai show. It seems that 2017 is the brand's most inclusive year yet!
Let's go over some stats. There are 55 models in the show, representing 20 different countries, and almost half of them are women of color. The roster includes the contracted Angels like Adriana Lima, Lily Aldridge, and Taylor Hill. But it also has everyone from Alecia Morais, a deep-skinned model with natural hair, to the fair-and-freckled redhead Alexina Graham. And there are five Asian women, including Xiao Wen, who is of Chinese descent. It would be difficult to look at this cast and not be able to find at least one woman who represents you.
"This year, Victoria's Secret is definitely one for history, because everyone has someone on the runway who they can say, 'She's from my country,' or 'She looks like me.' It means a lot to young girls watching the show."
The models themselves agree. Two of them are associated with Fenty Beauty, a fashion and beauty label created by Rihanna that is celebrated for being incredibly diverse. These Victoria's Secret models are Leomie Anderson, who starred in Fenty's beauty campaign, and Aiden Curtiss, who walked in the brand's latest New York Fashion Week show. Both are women of color and feel that Victoria's Secret has done its job this year to make the show diverse.
"I've been saying to everyone how amazing it is that I am looking around and seeing all of my friends - and girls I haven't even met yet," Aiden told me backstage at the hair and makeup test in Shanghai. "They're all so diverse, and I love that."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
Leomie echoed that same sentiment. "It means so much to me, because this year I have been a part of so many diverse campaigns," she said. "It has just been an amazing experience to see so many of my friends chosen for the show. They're all so unique and beautiful."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
Cindy Bruna, a woman of color who is walking in the show for her fifth time, noted how this season is different. "I am impressed," she said. "When we heard about the casting, everyone was excited, because the diversity was so represented. I am really proud to be part of it and happy for my girls."
But does that mean Victoria's Secret hit all of its markets? According to Leomie, yes, the brand did. "Everyone wants to feel represented on the runway," she said. "This year, Victoria's Secret is definitely one for history, because everyone has someone on the runway who they can say, 'She's from my country,' or 'She looks like me.' It means a lot to young girls watching the show."
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
In addition to casting this amazing pool, Victoria's Secret is customizing the beauty looks to enhance their natural hair types and blending bespoke lip colors to complement different complexions.
Lead hairstylist Anthony Nadar confirmed that, yes, many models will have the traditional sexy bombshell waves. These are created with blowouts, hair extensions (when needed), and curling irons - a combination that doesn't represent all textures and can also damage natural hair. But those who do have natural hair will get the option to rock it on the runway.
"If girls have got great curly hair, we're not blowing them out," he said. "We are just enhancing what they've already got and making it a better version."
At the hair and makeup test, I watched two stylists work Morrocanoil Curl Cream ($13) - Aiden's favorite - into her tight curls. They diffused it and went over some pieces with a thin curling iron to mimic her natural spiral. "They're making sure there are no frizzy pieces," she noted.
Aiden explained that wearing her natural hair for the show is an empowering moment. "While I prefer my hair straight, I love that they're supporting us wearing our hair natural because a lot of shows before - especially high-fashion - prefer when girls straighten their hair and damage it," she said. "It adds to beauty ideals, too. A lot of black girls or mixed girls feel like they have to have a certain look, like Eurocentric. At least for me, growing up, I felt like I should have straight hair and I still kind of feel it because I have been brought up that looking like that is beautiful."
In the past, models such as Maria Borges have been sent down the catwalk with natural hair. (And Maria is back this year!) For the Shanghai show, you can expect more natural texture and curls than in past seasons.
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
On the cosmetics side, lead makeup artist Tom Pecheux said: "It's about respecting every single unique beauty and having tools to make each girl look their best."
To complement a subtly smoky eye, he and his team will be using a handful of Victoria's Secret Velvet Matte Cream Lip Stains ($8, originally $14) to create bespoke nude lips. A rosy beige color called Adored is everyone's base shade. Then, the makeup team will leave it as the main hue or blend it with Perfection (a dusty rose), Magnetic (a soft pink), or even Love (a light mauve) to get the color to complement their skin tone. It should be noted that models wearing the Pink collection will have slightly pinker lips.
Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison
"We have 55 girls with different skin tones and complexions, so we want to make the best of it," Pecheux noted. "We don't want the VS girls to look identical. They have been specifically chosen because of their unique beauty so we want to keep that. We don't want soldiers."
Tune into the show on Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS to see this gorgeous beauty moment come to life on the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion show runway, filmed in Shanghai.
Learn How to DIY the Waterfall Braid Once and For All
Our Pinterest feed is full of gorgeous braids, but the one look we wanted to learn was the waterfall braid. This romantic braid has a whimsical feel with draping pieces that make it appear to be more challenging than it really is. Stylist Olivia Halpin of DreamDry showed us how to do a simple waterfall twist that we promise you can easily pick up at home. The best part is that it's a braid made for leaving your hair down, so you can show off your long locks. Just keep reading to see our step-by-step tutorial!
10 Beauty Hacks That You Should Not Try at Home
Slowly step away from the internet . . . after you read this, of course. For many of us, Instagram is our beacon of beauty light, our trend report, and our personal beauty tutor. It can also steer us down a hopeless path to bad skin and unwise makeup decisions. While we all love a good hack - especially when it can potentially shave money and time off of our routine - they aren't always the smartest ways to save. There's a wealth of good that can be found in DIY beauty feeds and genius makeup ideas from some of our favorite gurus, but some things should never, ever be tried at home. Like, ever. We asked three dermatologists to weigh in on the potential hazards of 10 beauty hacks that have collectively gathered millions of views, or probably tons of tries.
These Were Hands Down the Best MAC Makeup Collaborations of 2017
MAC definitely kept us on our toes throughout 2017. The beauty company was constantly churning out new collaborations with everyone from beauty influencers to celebrities and artists. Ahead, we rounded up the best of the bunch with a fond sendoff to all the limited-edition goodies (some of which are still up for grabs!).
Here's to looking forward to 2018 - with Puma and Aaliyah collaborations on the horizon, looks like next year will be another exciting one for makeup.
15 Champagne Beauty Finds That Will Get You in a Celebratory Mood
One of the best parts about the holidays is the constant state of celebration, which means bottles upon bottles of Champagne. While we love to sip the hard stuff, we also know that champagne is one of the prettiest colors out there. Whether you're into a warm rose hue or a more traditional beige color, it highlights eyes, cheeks, and lips. Plus, the Champagne scent is a favorite for candles and body fragrances alike. We've rounded up an array of Champagne-inspired products that will make you feel opulent as you count down until New Year's Eve. If that's not worth a big "cheers," we don't know what is!
Meghan Markle's Best Hair Moments Prove She's Always Been a Royal in Waiting
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement has us not only swooning over their adorable announcement but also sending our beauty-obsessed brains into overdrive about what her wedding hair will look like. We may have to wait until 2018 to find out, but we can still look back at her best hair moments so far for a few hints. She's the queen of relaxed, chic waves, and you'll probably want to re-create her go-to style immediately.
Ahead, see Megan's best mane moments that prove she was born to be a royal, with hair just as fabulous as Kate's!
20 Zumba Videos to the Hottest Latinx Songs of 2017
This year has been one full of hot songs released by our favorite Latinx artists. Don't even get us started on Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" breaking every record or Jennifer Lopez featuring Gente de Zona's "Ni Tu Ni Yo"! The best part of all of this is that Zumba instructors everywhere felt inspired by these tunes and uploaded their own dance workout routines on YouTube. They make it super easy to get a workout in from the comfort of your own home to the songs you've been getting down to anyway.
Trust us when we tell you that you will use parts of your body you didn't even know existed, but it will be fun because you will be moving along to some of your favorite tunes. Grab some workout gear and put our theory to the test.
A Look Back at Alex Rodriguez's Dating History
You might not remember that when Alex Rodriguez was just a young baseball player with the New York Yankees, he was married (to a psychologist he met at a Miami gym!). We don't blame you, ARod has been linked to more than a few (very famous) women. Some were just rumored flings, while others were long-term relationships he flaunted with PDA. (We almost forgot about the time he dated Cameron Diaz for over year.)
Now, the 41-year-old is head over heels for his new leading lady Jennifer Lopez. And, while the two have been going strong, we're looking back at those who came before J Lo. Keep reading for a peek at Alex's love life.
10 Egg Recipes That Are Just Perfect For Brunch
One of the best parts of the weekend is planning and enjoying a special brunch, full of delicious treats and family or friend time. So why not whip up the perfect egg dish at home instead of heading out to a restaurant? These 10 recipes with a little Latin twist are sure to please and impress everyone.
Instagram Stories Can Now Live On Forever With New Archive and Highlights Features
One of the biggest attractions of Instagram Stories has been the fact that the feature lets you capture any moment in time without making it a permanent thing. That being said, if you're anything like me, sometimes you don't realize at that exact moment just how much you actually want to keep that video forever and how it might just be the best thing you ever made. Nine times out of 10, it absolutely won't be as good as you remembered, but having the option to resurrect a Story is something I've certainly found myself thinking about on more than one occasion.
It's that sentiment that has driven the biggest Instagram profile update since 2013: as of Dec. 5, users will be able to keep their Stories forever using the new Archive function - and display the ones they're oh so proud of in a brand-new section at the top of each user's profile called Highlights. And in case you were wondering: yes, unless you choose to opt out of using Archive, every single Story you make will be automatically added to your Archive.
Ahead, we walk through exactly how to use each of these two brilliant new functions - so you won't ever again have to wish you saved your Stories from the night before.
Pinterest Searches For Hair Accessories Are Up 400%, So We Found The Prettiest Ones
Headbands, usually reserved for your Blair Waldorf Halloween costume, are back in a big way. How big, you ask? If Pinterest data is to be believed, searches for "hair accessories" are up by 400 percent. That means it's time to pull your hair back into a ponytail and get to work - shopping for your new favorite accoutrement, of course!
Of course, the term "hair accessories" applies not only to headbands, but also bows, clips, and barrettes. So, even if 'bands give you headaches, you can get in on one of the season's most fabulously girlie trends. Ahead, we've found the 16 prettiest hair accessories you can buy right now.
Instagram Stories Can Now Live On Forever With New Archive and Highlights Features
One of the biggest attractions of Instagram Stories has been the fact that the feature lets you capture any moment in time without making it a permanent thing. That being said, if you're anything like me, sometimes you don't realize at that exact moment just how much you actually want to keep that video forever and how it might just be the best thing you ever made. Nine times out of 10, it absolutely won't be as good as you remembered, but having the option to resurrect a Story is something I've certainly found myself thinking about on more than one occasion.
It's that sentiment that has driven the biggest Instagram profile update since 2013: as of Dec. 5, users will be able to keep their Stories forever using the new Archive function - and display the ones they're oh so proud of in a brand-new section at the top of each user's profile called Highlights. And in case you were wondering: yes, unless you choose to opt out of using Archive, every single Story you make will be automatically added to your Archive.
Ahead, we walk through exactly how to use each of these two brilliant new functions - so you won't ever again have to wish you saved your Stories from the night before.
17 Classy Gifts For the Pot Smoker in Your Life
The recent trend of marijuana legalization across the country has meant many changes for many people, but also that it's not as taboo as it used to be to get the secret pot smoker in your life a not-so-secret gift. It also means that the designer and luxury market for these sorts of things has grown massively - and it's the perfect thing to tap into for holiday gift giving. So, from lighters to posters, here are the 17 best gifts that will make any pot smoker's (holi)day brighter.
Yes, Victoria's Secret Angels Get Pimples - and This Is How They Deal!
You know the bride who gets the massive zit before her wedding because she's nervous? Well, some of the Victoria's Secret Angels walking in the 2017 Fashion Show in Shanghai are those brides - theoretically speaking. When I asked them about pimple care, I expected them to admit they consistently have clean skin. Maybe it's naive, but they look like goddesses IRL!
Instead, they authentically pointed out the blemishes on their faces and got real about acne care. Keep reading to learn what these mega models do to cover zits before their big event.
Watch All the 2018 Horror Movie Trailers We Have So Far
Call it the horrenaissance - horror movies are all the rage right now. Sure, frightfests have never really gone out of style, but 2017 has felt like perhaps the biggest horror movie boom since the late 1990s, which saw the release of such flicks as the first two Scream movies, The Blair Witch Project, Halloween: H20, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Lake Placid.
The box office earnings support that theory. According to film stat site The Numbers, 2017 horror movies, led by It and Get Out, have grossed nearly a billion dollars, which is on par with what horror movies grossed in 2014, 2015, and 2016 combined - and 2017 isn't even over.
But 2018 doesn't look to be slowing down on the horror front. It features the latest movies in several popular franchises, like Insidious, The Strangers, and The Purge, plus the highly anticipated Slender Man and the "final" film in the Halloween series that features the return of Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode.
Here are the trailers we have - keep checking back for updates as more become available.
The World's Top 10 Most Glamorous Cities to Ring in the New Year
To ring in 2018, we've hunted down some of the world's most glamorous cities to celebrate the new year. These celebrated cities across the globe offer a rich variety of culture, music, and ambiance. Raise your Champagne glasses, and get ready to feel alive with breathtaking views, burlesque shows, and caviar this New Year's Eve.
3 Essential DIY Cleaners That Will Make Your Kitchen Sparkle
Say goodbye to harsh cleaning agents and hello to all-natural cleaning sprays that are just as effective (if not better) at eliminating dirt and grime. This DIY tutorial will show you how simple it is to whip up your own kitchen cleaners using some simple household products.
- Distilled vinegar: to help cut through grease, eliminate stains, and has great antibacterial properties.
- Baking soda: to clean and deodorize surfaces.
- Castile soap: a vegetable- and oil-based liquid soap used as a natural cleaning agent.
- Citrus fruits: rinds of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits consist of a natural property called limonene, which helps cut through oily residue and will leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
These products are not only safe and effective but will also serve as a big money-savers for those who are on a budget. For more on how to keep your kitchen spic and span, read on for recipe details.
Citrus-Scented Vinegar
Ingredients:
Mason Jar
Lid
Vinegar
1 grapefruit
1 lemon
Directions:
Step 1: Wash and dry the fruit.
Step 2: Using a knife, gently slice off the rind of the fruit.
Step 3: Place the rinds into the jar and fill the jar with vinegar.
Step 4: Seal the jar tightly and store in a dark, cool cupboard for one to two weeks.
Step 5: When ready, pour vinegar through a strainer to filter the rinds. Vinegar is ready for use.
Step 6: To make each of the cleaners, combine the ingredients as listed below.
Microwave/Stovetop Degreaser
2/3 parts water
1/3 part vinegar
3 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoon of Castile soap
8-10 drops of essential oils (lavender, orange blossom, mint)
Spray bottle
Floor Cleaner
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
4 tablespoon of Castile soap
8-10 drops of essential oils (i.e lavender, orange blossom, mint)
All-Purpose Cleaner
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
8-10 drops of essential oils (lavender, orange blossom, mint)
Spray bottle
16 Fierce Zumba-Inspired Workouts on YouTube That You Can (and Should) Do at Home
Love to Zumba? Good news: you don't need a gym membership or a Groupon to get in on the hip-shaking (and calorie-burning!) fun. Plenty of certified Zumba instructors actually upload their choreography to YouTube for anyone to follow along. The obvious downside is not having anyone there to point out your mistakes, but if you have two left feet, you might just view that as a positive.
Either way, trying out a new workout is a great way to jumpstart your healthy 2017 goals! Keep scrolling to follow along as these professionals demonstrate superhot routines set to some of your favorite Latin songs. Then, turn up our extra-motivating playlist.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
Healthy Desserts Are a Real Thing Because This World Is a Beautiful Place
You don't need processed or refined sugar to have a delicious dessert, and believe it or not, there are healthy desserts out there. In fact, we have at least 70!
These recipes feature one of many aspects: try our vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, low-calorie, protein-packed, or dairy-free treats to have a lightened up, seriously delicious treat without undoing your diet. And yes, there's plenty of chocolate and ice cream to be had. Dig in!
Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Pudding
Candies and Small Bites
Cookies
Bars
Muffins and Breads
Sweet Protein Balls
Cure Your Skin Care Woes and Pumpkin Cravings With a DIY Face Mask
It's officially pumpkin season! Sure, you're already hooked on pumpkin spice lattes and have made a date in your calendar to find the perfect jack o'lantern, but are you aware of the benefits that this iconic squash can provide to your skin? Packed with zinc, antioxidants, and vitamins, pumpkins protect your skin from wrinkles and age spots as well as gently exfoliating for a more radiant complexion. Don't have a pumpkin patch nearby? You can get this orange fruit (yup, it's a fruit!) in a can at your local supermarket.
- Make your base: Whisk together about 1/4 cup of pumpkin and one whole egg. The yolk adds nourishment while the white provides a subtle tightening effect to sagging skin.
- Dry skin additive: Add a few teaspoons of honey, which not only seals in moisture, but prevents breakouts thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Oily skin additive: For an astringent effect, mix in a splash of apple cider or cranberry juice.
- Apply: Smooth the pumpkin-y potion over your face, relax for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse to reveal a brighter, firmer, smoother complexion.
100+ Things to Do Before You Die
You will never need to read another bucket list again. Trust us when we say this is the mother lode of bucket lists, the bucket list to end all bucket lists, the . . . well, you get the point. It goes without saying that life is short, so get some of these amazing experiences under your belt while you can!
20 Things That Happen When You Stay at a Sandals Resort
Whether you're 9 years old or 90 years old, you've probably seen an ad for Sandals Resorts. (Think iconic cursive logo set against a beachy backdrop.) While it may seem like a massive operation, the all-inclusive chain remains intimate and family-owned, just like when it was founded in 1981.
Today, the company boasts five brands and 24 properties throughout the Caribbean, including places like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and most recently, Grenada. Sandals invited me to visit their newest resort - formally called Sandals LaSource Grenada - in late April to find out what the property is actually like beyond the commercials. The place is as beautiful as you can imagine, and the clientele ranged from couple friends in their late 20s and 30s to elderly pairs celebrating their decades-long anniversaries.
Although Sandals often offers sales, prices aren't exactly cheap - you'll most likely drop more than $1,000 per night. If you're thinking of staying at a Sandals resort anytime soon, here's what you can expect.
11 Glitter Lipsticks That Will Sparkle All the Way Across the Room
The holidays are one of the glitziest, most glittery seasons of all. Your tree's decked out and you've got lights up, so why not play up your pout with more of the same? From sheer, Champagne-inspired gloss and twinkling topcoats to lipstick that literally catches light, these products will ensure that you're ready for all of the selfies.
58 Tween Gifts That Will Prove You Actually Know What's Cool
When it comes to shopping for tweens, some parents might feel a bit out of their depths (tweens are, after all, mysterious creatures). If you're confused about what's trendy and can't think of anything to wrap for the holidays this year, we're here to help you look like you're picking up what the kids are putting down - and more importantly, gain some cool points with your kid and their friends.
Scroll through for 58 tween gifts that will prove you know what's up this holiday season.
1 Woman's Selfie Nails Why Breastfeeding Mamas Shouldn't Be So Damn Hard on Themselves
If mothers can agree on one thing at all, it's that each woman's breastfeeding journey is a personal one. Amy Kiefer, a mother of two from Wisconsin, decided to share her trials and tribulations in an Instagram post that's all too relatable for any woman who didn't feel the "magic" the second their new bundle of joy latched for the first time.
"Breastfeeding is NOT easy for this mama," she wrote. "If you're like me and have some early struggles with your little babes, the beautiful bonding part comes later. That is more than OK! Heck, you might never love it or feel that bonding thing everyone talks about, and then more power to you for sticking to the tough job!"
She also opened up about how your breastfeeding experience can vary tremendously from baby to baby - and that's perfectly normal. "With my first-born I had extreme, toe curling, face-crinkled (read: crying) nipple pain. Maxwell had tongue tie and my nipples were wrecked. We didn't breastfeed pain free until he was eight weeks [old] and reflecting back, I feel like a badass for making it through that mess."
Fortunately for Amy, the second time around the block went a lot smoother in the nipple pain department; however, another issue cropped up that she never thought she'd deal with in a million years: a milk oversupply.
"Our biggest problem is my freaking Pam Anderson boobs that super soak [the baby] during each feeding. Even with my best efforts (and lactation consultant recommendations), the girls have no quit. I know most people think it's a super amazing problem to have, but unless you've walked a mile in someone's mega boobs . . . you don't understand it. It is an enormously time consuming and uncomfortable issue that doesn't exactly fit into our two under two situation."
Oversupply is no joke, so keep preaching, sister.
She left her followers with a a few sweet words of encouragement that every mama needs to hear in moments of frustration. "So heck, you guys, don't be so hard on yourselves, your breastfeeding issues, or your supplies! Stop comparing yourself to other mamas and just ride your own breastfeeding ride. Cheer for each other, listen to each other, encourage each other and anyone else that is raising a little person . . . we got this wild and beautiful mess."
Here's What You Need to Know About Trump and the 25th Amendment
Back in May, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland introduced the Oversight Commission on Presidential Capacity Act, seeking to tap into a little-known clause in the 25th Amendment to set up an nonpartisan committee tasked with evaluating the fitness of the president for office. The bill had about two dozen cosigners, but seemed to be dead in the water - that is, until Trump decided to take to social media for several straight days, sending a barrage of hateful messages at the media and leaving many in Washington wondering about the president's current mental state. As the American people geared up to celebrate the Fourth of July, something completely unrelated to the birth of the country was trending on Twitter: #25thAmendment.
This tweet is evidence of mental deterioration. The President needs a psych evaluation. I mean that seriously and literally. #25thAmendment https://t.co/1w97stPB1e
- Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) July 2, 2017
In the most basic sense, the 25th Amendment deals with what happens after the president is no longer able fit to serve office due to "death, removal, resignation or incapacitation." Added in 1967 as a direct response to the lack of Constitutional guidance on who took over the presidency and vice presidency after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (as well as the chaos and instability that ensued as a result), it had originally been proposed after it was discovered that President Dwight D. Eisenhower had been suffering from multiple illnesses that could have left him incapacitated. The amendment therefore ensured that there were firm guidelines for both the removal of a sitting president, as well as a clear line of succession each time a new president took office - and has only been used a total of six times since its inception, mostly to ensure an interim president while the elected president is under anesthesia during surgery.
Raskin's proposed bill utilizes a relatively obscure article in the amendment which allows the vice president and the majority of the president's cabinet or "such other body as Congress" to oust the president if he or she is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." The congressman is proposing to introduce an independent panel - theoretically composed of former members of the US government - as the "other body," which would eliminate the need to get two-thirds of a divided Congress on board with the plan. It would, however, require Vice President Mike Pence's support.
Please RT if you agree the cabinet must invoke the 25th Amendment, TODAY, and immediately remove @realDonaldTrump from the presidency.
- Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) July 2, 2017
But the discussion of the 25th Amendment is no longer limited to Congress, or to the new bill. All across the country, people are calling for increased scrutiny on President Trump's mental health after he tweeted a video of himself violently wrestling with an opponent labelled CNN and launched a series of misogynistic barbs at MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski. Ultimately, the appeal of the 25th Amendment is that it serves as a measure that's slightly more plausible than a full-on (and basically impossible) impeachment process, and serves as a beacon of hope for those who are frustrated by the lack of recourse for the president's actions. And given the president's "modern-day presidential" habits, this is not a scenario that is going to disappear overnight - in fact, it's something that may gain even more momentum as Trump continues to take to Twitter to vent his own frustrations.
Invoking the amendment would be an incredibly difficult undertaking, though, and would require a whole lot of people agreeing on a course of action. Despite the unity we've seen around condemning the president's recent outbursts, when it comes to the actual politics of an action like this, it would likely come down to traditional party lines and stall out. But as we've seen over and over again, nothing is impossible in 2017 - so we'll certainly be keeping a close eye on the situation as it develops in the coming weeks and months.
Michelle Obama Addresses the Melania Trump Gift Meme
One of the most talked about moments on Inauguration Day was a seemingly awkward moment between Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. But, according to Obama, the moment was more about trying to hold back her emotions than anything else.
In case you forgot, on Inauguration Day, when the new first lady and president of the United States arrived at the White House, Trump greeted Obama and handed her a gift. The moment was captured by ABC News and showed Obama's puzzled face as she wondered where to put the gift. The internet was quick to say Obama's face was a reaction to the incoming Trump presidency. But at the American Institute of Architects conference on April 27, Obama revealed what her actual emotions were. The former first lady said she was beginning to realize these were her last moments in the White House - a not-so-easy moment, especially for her daughters, who grew up there.
"So that moment of transition, right before the doors opened and we welcomed in the new family, our kids were leaving out the back door in tears, saying goodbye to people," she said at the event. Obama said she didn't want to have tears in her eyes to avoid any backlash. "I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president," she said, according to Today.
At the conference, Obama told the audience that Sasha and Malia's last night at the White House involved a slumber party with friends. "They had a sleepover, because of course on Inauguration Day, because my girls are so normal, they're like, 'Well, eight girls are gonna be sleeping here because it's our last time, and we want pizza and we want nuggets.' And it's like, really?"
This was Obama's first public speaking appearance since Inauguration Day, and we're glad to see her back in the spotlight.
Here's Why Macronutrients Are an Important Part of a Healthy Diet
Are you finding yourself counting calories, sticking to your numbers, and even still not seeing results? The problem might be not about the number of calories, but the kind of calories.
We chatted with certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Carrie McMahon, author of the e-book Why You Should Count Macronutrients, Not Calories. With a life revolving around calorie counting and uncontrollable cheat days (sound familiar?), McMahon was stuck in a restrict-and-binge cycle that she couldn't seem to escape. She soon realized that in order to make a change in her health, she needed to change her approach to food - so she ditched the calorie counting in favor of a less mainstream concept: macronutrient counting.
"Macronutrients are what make up the caloric content of a food," says McMahon. Sometimes referred to as "macros," the three categories of macronutrients are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The caloric combination of the macros is where that mysterious total number of calories comes from. Here's the breakdown:
- 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories
- 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
- 1 gram of protein = 4 calories
So it's not about how many calories are in your food, but what kind of calories are in your food. Even if you set a strict calorie limit and stick to it, you could be eating total garbage and not getting the nutrients you need. McMahon herself said that back in her days of calorie counting, she would eat "low-fat bars and cereals, fat-free ready meals, et cetera . . . all day long." The result? "I felt like sh*t."
What are the benefits of ditching your calorie-counting ways? For starters, you can indulge with a little less guilt. "Let yourself eat those treats!" says McMahon. "Fit them into your macro allowances, and don't just stick to 'boring foods' or you'll burn out" - and in turn, binge. When you're eating a balanced diet, "cravings go away, because you're not deficient in anything." This balance will "give you more energy, better workouts, and better results." Feeling better, working out better, killing cravings, and treating yo'self? Sign us up!
Ready to get started? Decide whether you want to increase your metabolism, lose fat, or build muscle. McMahon recommends the following daily proportions to her clients beginning this nutritional program:
- Boost Metabolism and/or Build Muscle: 40 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat
- Lose Fat: 45 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrates, 20 percent fat
Since tracking can be tough (and a tad math intensive), download a macro-counting app (she recommends My Macros+ app ($3)), where you can enter your foods for each meal while the app does the math for you. That way, you can see if you're reaching your daily numbers, and start reaching your healthy goals.
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