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.
jeudi 14 décembre 2017
42 New Country Songs For Your Romantic Wedding Day Playlist
Country music fans know: there's nothing that will bring your boots to the floor or a tear to your eye like a good country love song. So no wedding playlist would be complete without a few (or 42) of our favorites. Whether it's for your reception, ceremony, or first dance, these new country love songs will set the mood on your big day. They're upbeat, slow and sexy, and, most importantly, romantic. Ahead, listen to each of the songs that make up our 2017 country wedding playlist and grab the full playlist on Spotify below.
Just remember, you'll need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists!
These 5 Upcoming Romantic Comedies Will Make You Actually Look Forward to 2018
Next year is promising a ton of exciting movies - like any year in the last decade or so, there are several epic superhero events and beyond-big sequels. But if you're looking for some movies that are a bit smaller in scale but big on heart, we have the list you're looking for: 2018's romantic comedies. With some cute adaptations and continuations of beloved series, there's a little bit of love out there for everyone.
Meet the 29 Women Competing For Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s Heart on The Bachelor
The contestants for Arie Luyendyk Jr.'s season of The Bachelor have finally been unveiled! The 29 women vying for the heart of the 36-year-old race car driver - who was actually the runner-up during Emily Maynard's season on The Bachelorette - include women from Los Angeles, CA, to Weiner, AR (yes, Weiner) (yes, I'm immature). Keep reading to see who made the cut before the show returns on Jan. 1!
This Black Mirror Season 4 Episode Has One Hell of a Cast
When Black Mirror drops its fourth season on Netflix in early 2018, one episode that is sure to have people talking is "USS Callister," which pays homage to the early iterations of Star Trek with its fictional show Space Fleet. At least, that's what the episode appears to be about. With Black Mirror, looks can be deceiving.
But until the episode premieres, it would be good to familiarize yourself with the cast. There are a couple bigger names, like Jesse Plemons and Cristin Milioti, but what about the supporting characters? We're here to help you figure out where else you've seen your favorite Space Fleet crew member.
Sophie Turner Shares How the Game of Thrones Cast Reacted to the Final Script, and OMG
Sansa, why are you doing this to us?! After sharing last week that Game of Thrones will not return until 2019, Sophie Turner continues to tug at our heartstrings as she revealed a bit more information about the highly anticipated final season of the show and the tears that were shed. Turner recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly, where she talked about the emotional reading of the season eight finale script, and oh boy, this sounds like an appropriate time to wish we could be a fly on the wall!
"We had the read-through a while ago and at the end of it, we were all on our feet, applauding and crying," she said. "We had everyone there, everyone who's had any part in this. It was amazing."
She continued, "We closed the blinds and shut ourselves off from the rest of the world and had six hours in this room just reading it through and crying and laughing. We had our emotional bit and then we thought, 'Well now we've got eight months. We've still got a while to get through!'"
That gives us plenty of time to mentally prepare, while simultaneously filling our minds with all the theories about the last six episodes of the series! Will Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow find out they're related? Is Cersei actually pregnant? WHAT ABOUT THE WALL? Thankfully, each episode is at least 80 minutes long, which is enough time to answer all the raging cliffhangers we were left with after the season seven finale.
Turner's character faces "a new threat" in the final season, which she discussed in an interview with Variety. "It's a big challenge for her, without this master manipulator having her back. This season is more a passionate fight for her than a political, manipulative kind of fight." With Littlefinger dead, we're expecting to see a lot less manipulation than usual in Winterfell.
Through all the dagger killings and incestuous relationships, this group is one big family, and we cannot wait to see what the final season has in store.
17 Holiday Movies You Have to Watch at Least Once
If you're not in the holiday spirit yet, there's no better cure for that than a classic holiday movie. Though new festive films are made every year, only a handful qualify as essential annual viewing. We have compiled a group of cinematic classics that range from the black-and-white classics to more modern, irreverent fare. Chances are you've seen most of these, but there may be movies you have never gotten around to watching. In that case, let this list be your guide (some of these are even available to stream on Netflix). Have you seen them all?
8 Holiday Movies That Can Make You Cry Every Time
Hey, just because it's the holiday season, that doesn't mean that everything has to be merry and bright. Take, for instance, the scores of classic holiday songs that are actually pretty sad. Likewise, some of our favorite holiday movies - even the mega classics - can bring a tear to your eye. To recognize the fact that festive movies can also be quite emotional, here are the eight movies that can make you cry every single time.
Cozy Up! 98 Romantic Movies You Can Watch on Netflix in December
Cancel all your plans for this month, because Netflix is serving an awesome December lineup. And if you're looking for romance in particular, the streaming service has added several new titles, from romantic comedies to Christmas love stories, that will keep you busy through the holidays. See every romantic movie you won't want to miss ahead.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
The Walls Are Closing In on Net Neutrality - Here's What You Can Do
The biggest day in the history of the internet is upon is - and unfortunately, it's not necessarily a positive one. On Dec. 14, the FCC will be voting on whether or not to keep net neutrality; in simpler terms, it'll be deciding if access to the entire internet should remain free and open or if it'll let service providers act as gatekeepers to certain sites. Without net neutrality, Americans could face tiered access that would prioritize certain sites over others, requiring routine payments in order to visit our most commonly used sites.
Ultimately, a repeal of net neutrality is expected due to the party line split among commissioners. Republicans support the repeal and hold three commissioner seats, while Democrats, who hope to preserve net neutrality, only hold two seats. And it's worth noting that one of the major reasons Republicans are aiming to repeal open access to the Internet is to censor what people can see, while at the same time letting companies offer more robust internet services. The crusade for a more "company first" internet has been led by Ajit Pai, President Donald Trump's pick for FCC chairman, who - unsurprisingly - is a former lawyer for Verizon.
Only Republicans in power are in support of these measures, and it's a decision that is insanely unpopular among Americans - regardless of their party affiliation. In a recent survey of voters by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation, 83 percent of Americans support net neutrality and keeping internet access as is - and only one in five Republicans surveyed prefers a repeal. Experts like former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich warn that a repeal will make internet more expensive, stifle innovation, and give control of everything from news to social media to companies.
Rightfully, many tech figures are blasting the measure. Websites from Reddit to Etsy have created digital protests to raise awareness of the issue and how it will affect internet users. Similarly, major companies like Facebook and Google have reiterated that the systems in place "are working well" and that amending access isn't necessary.
In Congress, several unexpected individuals are standing up to the FCC's plan. For example, conservative Republican Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado hopes to have the vote delayed after expressing concern that ending net neutrality could have "significant unanticipated negative consequences." Twenty-eight senators have pushed for a vote delay as well in light of news that the FCC had received millions of comments opposing net neutrality from bots. Opposition coming from these representatives is quite major given that, collectively, Congress has received $101 million in donations from internet service providers. This understandably muddies the waters of government intention considering figures like Senator John McCain alone received over $2.5 million in contributions from the telecoms industry.
How can you fight back on this eve of potential major internet losses? There are more than just a few ways. The most pressing piece of action is to call your member of Congress to express support. You can also join online protests that are backed by internet freedom nonprofits like Fight For the Future. You can contact the FCC to voice your concerns and sign petitions to ensure that the internet will remain unregulated. For those in Washington DC, protests are taking place Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at the FCC, while, in other areas, select protests have been planned. At the least, you can share your beliefs and thoughts on net neutrality online: change your social media avatars, post banners to your website, and tweet your thoughts.
The FCC's decision on Dec. 14 will be a major milestone in internet history that, for better or worse, could continue if the ruling is taken to court. Regardless, this is a major moment to watch as it could drastically reshape your internet world.
16 Gifts For the Inner Child in All of Us
Let's be honest - there are only so many serious, useful gifts that any rational person wants to receive in any given holiday season. So why be one of those gifters? Instead, buy your friend or family member one of these 16 gifts that will help them celebrate the inner child we all have inside ourselves, and keep them smiling and laughing well into 2018.
17 Trends Facebook Thinks Will Go Mainstream in 2018
As we prepare to say goodbye (and good riddance) to 2017, it's hard not to get introspective about the year that was. Be it the heady highs of the Women's March to the lowest lows of widespread natural disasters, a lot happened this year that will inform just how it is that we tackle what's to come in 2018 - and thankfully, the good people over at Facebook have been keeping close watch on what the next 12 months might have to offer.
On Dec. 13, Facebook IQ - the insights and marketing division of the social media giant - released its annual Topics and Trends Report documenting all the things that the company feels will go mainstream in the year ahead. In other words, they've given us our first look at what to expect starting on Jan. 1 - and ahead, we've shared some of the most insightful trends that Facebook thinks will become a mainstay in our everyday lives. From female empowerment to the ever-quickening rise of AR, this is what Facebook's crystal ball has to say about 2018.
Despite Obsessively Talking About It, Donald Trump Manages to Misspell "Media"
Donald Trump has a near-pathological obsession with the media. Despite the ongoing investigation into his campaign, cabinet shake-ups, and the splintered state of the nation, the president still manages to tweet about the mainstream media several times per day. With all those tweets, you'd think he'd have the spelling of the word memorized. In fact, Trump's iPhone most likely suggests "media" as a word the second he hits that "m" key.
In a shocking turn of events, however, the president managed to misspell "media" in a recent tweet. In defending his rampant use of social media as his main outlet, the president claimed that quite a large percentage of media coverage about him is negative, as well as untrue, adding, "Much of Mainstream Meadia [sic] has become a joke!"
Wow, more than 90% of Fake News Media coverage of me is negative, with numerous forced retractions of untrue stories. Hence my use of Social Media, the only way to get the truth out. Much of Mainstream Meadia has become a joke! @foxandfriends
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2017
Was he perhaps referring to ancient tragedy Medea by Euripides? Or Tyler Perry's Madea? Surely he couldn't have misspelled one of his most oft-repeated words ever. Nope, not possible at all.
Yes, Donald Trump Is Still Obsessed With Barack Obama's Birth Certificate
Donald Trump infamously spearheaded the birther conspiracy theory up until the very end of his presidential campaign. After years of claiming Barack Obama wasn't born in the United States, Trump was forced to admit that Obama is in fact a natural-born citizen. The admission made it seem as though the preposterous attacks on Obama's citizenship would finally stop. As it turns out, Trump still has his doubts.
In a story about the president's recent denial of the leaked Access Hollywood tape, The New York Times spoke with several advisers who said Trump still privately questions the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate. A senator - who asked not to be named - confirmed these claims and said Trump has had a hard time letting go of the conspiracy theory.
The president has recently received backlash for defending Senate candidate Roy Moore, accused of several instances of sexual misconduct with young women. Unsurprisingly, Moore is also a committed participant of the birther movement and has been since Obama's election. As recently as December 2016, Moore said he still doesn't believe Obama is a natural-born citizen. "My opinion is, there is a big question about that," he said. "My personal belief is that he wasn't."
Joe Biden Telling Meghan McCain to Have Hope While Her Dad Battles Brain Cancer Will Leave You in Tears
Joe Biden stopped by The View as a guest cohost, and little did we know that his segment would leave us in actual tears. It all started when Meghan McCain asked him about his book Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship and Purpose, in which he wrote extensively about his late son Beau's battle with the same cancer John McCain was just diagnosed with six months ago. McCain started crying almost immediately, and just like the amazing human being that he is, Biden got up and walked over to sit next to her and held her hand the entire time.
"This is the hard part, bear with me, OK," she said as she started crying. "I couldn't get through your book, I tried. Your son Beau had the same cancer that my father was diagnosed with six months ago. I think about Beau almost every day and I was told that this doesn't get easier."
Watch the whole clip above, and get ready to have tissues on hand - because the way McCain breaks down while talking about her dad combined with the compassion Biden shows for her will absolutely break your heart.
Facebook's Newest Feature Is All About Getting to Know Your Friends Better
Facebook constantly tests and launches new functions across the massive platform on what feels like a near-daily basis. Despite that fact, it's not all that common that the social media network adds a new function directly into our personal profiles. But on Dec. 5, that's exactly what Facebook did with its newest feature - and it's one that has the most social additions to the platform in years.
Did You Know seeks to let users share thoughtful, personal details with their friends according to prompts that are raised in the app and on Facebook.com. Questions about preferred superpowers, guilty pleasures, hidden talents, and secret loyalties are interwoven with more lighthearted questions about what it is one might do if they were to win the lottery. The feature not only populates in the News Feed, but it also shows up in a brand-new box below the photos on a user's profile - and while you can of course choose to opt out of having these shared with your friends, the idea is to help you get to know your social friends a little better.
The feature is live now and easy to access using your mobile phone or browser. Just click into your personal profile, and then tap on the Did You Know section - from there, you'll be able to tap through the questions that are available to you at this stage. You can also access Did You Know by clicking the "Try It" button on a friend's post - and of course, you can use those funky new backgrounds we're all loving so much to spice up the post when you set it to go live.
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Facebook and get answering those questions, and while you're at it, be sure to update your Facebook profile anyway - it's probably been far too long since you did that.
You Can Now Share a WiFi Password in iOS 11 in 1 Quick and Easy Step
Most people know that the true test of friendship isn't texting someone every day, or being the first one at the bar for their happy hour - it's actually all about feeling comfortable enough to ask for the WiFi password. Think about it: it means you'll be over enough times to hop on the WiFi and that you're not just trying to check Facebook to meet up with more interesting people. But with iOS 11, asking for WiFi will be easier than ever and won't require someone to dig up the piece of paper where they wrote their password in the first place. So we can kiss that friendship test goodbye, but say hello to not sucking up quite so much data when we're out and about in the world.
In iOS 11, as long as you and your friend already have each other in your contacts and put your iPhone, iPad, or Mac near each other, you can share the WiFi password without needing to divulge what it is. Whoever is already on the WiFi network will receive a notification that another person is trying to join. If that person is your friend or someone you know, you can approve the request and they'll be put on the network. This works for personal cases, as well as at big offices (I tried it at the POPSUGAR office in San Francisco, and it went pretty smoothly.)
If you're still confused, not to worry; just look at ahead at how to use it and what the WiFi sharing feature looks like. After that, you can try the other useful updates on iOS 11 like new screenshotting tools and a one-handed keyboard.
The Most Popular Google Searches of 2017
There's no mincing words: 2017 was one hell of a year. It's hard to fathom how it's even humanly possible that everything that happened this year occurred in just 12 calendar months, but from politics to entertainment to weather phenomena and global tragedy, it all happened, and we've all got lots of feelings about each and every event that affected our lives. What better way, then, to measure the year that was than by examining the words we searched for the most on the internet?
That's the thinking behind Google's annual Year in Search report, which examines all of the data gathered throughout the last 365 days and ties it all up together with a nice neat bow (and, naturally, a list of what we searched for most). It's here that you'll see why it is that 2017 was the year that we asked "how" far more than anything else - and see how it shaped the way that each and every event went down. Not sure what that means? Ahead, witness the top stories of the year in one hell of a year-in-review video - and be sure to scroll through to read some of the most riveting parts of this year's study on US searches in easy-to-digest list form.
This Optical Illusion Is Blowing the Internet's Collective Mind
Terrific optical illusion by Victoria Skye. @RichardWiseman @chriscfrench http://pic.twitter.com/IeSFupAcfU
- Martin S Taylor (@martinstaylor) August 7, 2017
From a brick wall to the dress, we may be the most technologically advanced generation, but there's nothing we enjoy more than a good mental magic trick. It should come as no surprise, then, that any time someone spots one of these gems in the wild, it immediately makes its way to social media - and immediately goes viral. The latest example of our enduring love for optical mind-trickery, which made its way to the internet this week, comes in the form of a magician's brand new take on a classic optical illusion.
Fifty-eight-year-old Roswell, GA, resident Victoria Skye bills herself as a magical entertainer and illusion artist, and her personal website is chock-full of reasons why that's the perfect way to describe her work. But it took Martin S. Taylor posting one of her artworks to Twitter on Aug. 7 to make her truly go viral - and to spark a fierce debate over whether or not the many lines in the image are bent or, as many claim, are parallel and straight.
The "café wall" illusion is traditionally "an optical illusion produced by a black and white rectangular tessellation when the tiles are shifted in a zigzag pattern," according to Wolfram Alpha, which also confirms that "While the pattern seems to diverge towards the upper and lower right corners in the upper figure, the gray lines are actually parallel." In other words, it's all about the combination of math and colors, which Skye excellently illustrated in her image.
Don't worry, though, if you don't really see what you think you're supposed to - you're not alone. The internet is awash with individuals speculating on whether they had just fallen victim to a hoax, or if there was something wrong with a large percentage of the population's brains. Fortunately, thanks to mathematicians over the past couple of centuries, we can unequivocally say that the lines are in fact straight. You just have to convince your mind to see what it's supposed to.
Real talk: When you do actually see it correctly after staring at it for hours, boy is it a satisfying feeling. Spend some time with a full-size version of Skye's photo, below.
In 1997 Interview, Trump Joked About Giving Princess Diana an HIV Test
In the weeks before the 2016 election, it became clear that Donald Trump had little interest in backtracking the very, very many missteps of his past. From the myriad accusations of sexual misconduct to the jaw-dropping Access Hollywood tape, we got a good long look at the deeply inappropriate way in which now-President Trump behaved in the past. And while it seemed like there would be an endless stream of reveals throughout the course of his presidency, the media has remained largely silent when it comes to Trump's absurdly vocal past - that is, until now.
On Sept. 25, an anonymous source provided Factbase with recordings and transcripts of Trump's many interviews with Howard Stern. The two appear to be friends - or at the very least, acquaintances who sought each other out for publicity purposes - and the dozen or so appearances take place between 1993 and 2015, adding up to about 20 minutes of dialogue in total. From Beyoncé to Angelina Jolie to First Lady Melania Trump, Stern and Trump discuss women in terms that are impossible to listen to without feeling sick to your stomach - but there's one segment in particular that is so stunningly vile that it's almost impossible to wrap your head around the fact that the same person who said these things now holds the highest office in America. The 1997 interview on The Howard Stern Show is really a conversation between Trump and Stern and centers on Trump's sex life in relation to the late Princess Diana.
A portion of the interview is transcribed below, and two other individuals, Robin Quivers and Kate Bohner, were present at the time and have minimal dialogue throughout. Please note that "doctor" and "test" refer to a recurring theme in Trump's appearances - Trump's penchant for requiring his sexual partners tested for HIV before engaging with them - and it probably goes without saying, but the text is borderline NSFW.
Howard Stern "Why do people think it's egotistical of you to say that you've gotten Lady Di, right? You could've gotten her, right? You could've nailed her."
Robin Quivers "Yeah, but could you have sent her to the doctor?"
Donald Trump "Of course, I don't know, maybe that one, that was a tough one."
Robin Quivers "He wouldn't answer it."
Howard Stern "Hey, Lady Di, would you go to the doctor?"
Kate Bohner "I don't think he would have asked her."
Donald Trump "Go back over to my Lexus because I have a new doctor, we wanna give you a little check up."
Howard Stern "Lady Di you would've gone out with. Not that she was not attractive."
Donald Trump "She was actually really beautiful."
Howard Stern "You think so? More beautiful than supermodels?"
Donald Trump "I thought she was supermodel beautiful. I'm telling you, I said this the other day. I said Lady Di had supermodel beauty."
Howard Stern "Really?"
Donald Trump "She had times, you know, it was interesting, she had times when she didn't look great, and sometimes you look better than anybody in the world. But she was a supermodel."
Howard Stern "I'm shocked that you say this. I can't believe it."
Donald Trump "She had the height, she had this, she had magnificent skin. She really had - she was a great beauty."
Howard Stern "And did you meet her?"
Donald Trump "She wrote me a letter."
Howard Stern "Oh, she wrote you a letter, go ahead."
Donald Trump "About a couple of months before she died, thanking me because I did a favor for something."
Howard Stern "What did you do?"
Donald Trump "Like a schmuck, I went back to work. I did - I just -"
Howard Stern "What was the favor that you did for her?"
Donald Trump "I just did her a favor. She asked me to do something, I did it, and she wrote me a really nice letter."
Howard Stern "What was the favor?"
Donald Trump "I can't tell you."
Howard Stern "Yes, you can. Please, please what was it?"
Donald Trump "It's a personal thing."
Howard Stern "Share your privates? What are you a doctor? Come on, tell me what you did, please."
Donald Trump "I did something, and then I sent her some flowers."
Howard Stern "What did you do for her?"
Donald Trump "I can't tell you."
Howard Stern "Yes, you can. Come on."
Donald Trump "But she really thanked me for the flowers more than the favor."
Howard Stern "What do you think he did for her?"
Donald Trump "I have no clue."
Howard Stern "Ever pleasured yourself to her."
Donald Trump "No, never."
In an ideal world, there would be some sort of repercussion for Trump talking about any woman like this - let alone a very famous, very well-respected woman - under any circumstance. But as he seems to be immune to responsibility, it's unlikely that these tapes being surfaced will provoke a response from Trump in any meaningful way. Instead, we have to hope that young American men aren't taking a lesson from our current president, and that at some point in the future Trump will be forced to acknowledge the real, true fact of the whole situation: this is unacceptable behavior, and it will never be considered OK.
I Was a Smart-Home Skeptic - Until I Fell Head Over Heels For This 1 Smart Lamp
When I was growing up, I really loved this one Ray Bradbury short story called "There Will Come Soft Rains." It's set around a futuristic (at the time) smart home, that outlives the humans that once inhabited it and continues to function long beyond the end of the human race. While that may sound slightly morbid, it's hard to explain just how beautiful the story really is - or the lasting impact it's had on me as an adult, most notably in the aversion I've had in giving in to having my very own smart home. I've always been one of those people that needs to be on top of every single tech trend, spending thousands of dollars on things I absolutely must have at that moment in time and will spend more time looking at in awe than actually using. But thanks to that one short story, as far as I was concerned, the closest thing to giving my home the power to exist without me was investing in The Clapper to turn the lights on and off when I was feeling exceptionally lazy.
Here's the thing: I finally found the one thing that convinced me that yes, a smart home actually is something that makes my life easier, regardless of what future a 20th-century author once predicted. And that thing happens to be one very smart lamp.
The C by GE Sol not only made me a believer in voice assistants and smart home technology; it also opened the floodgates for a tricked-out home that communicates with itself in ways that actually wind up saving me money, skipping potential headaches, and helping me to enjoy the devices I already own even more. But don't just take my top-level word for it; here are a few very good specific reasons why this one lamp might just be the best starter product for anyone looking to dabble in making their home more intelligent, too.
First and foremost: it's the ultimate upgrade from The Clapper
The Sol isn't just a tech product - it's a damn good lamp. I've used it next to my bed for a calming, warm glow I can turn off once I'm drifting off to sleep. . . but also in my kitchen, where I need the harshest white light imaginable in order to see what I'm slicing and dicing. It's awesome to be able to control the level of light in a room without having to fiddle with a dimmer or stop what I'm doing, and thanks to the Alexa integration (which gets smarter each and every day I use it), it's easier than ever to do just that. Goodbye Clapper, hello Sol.
That Alexa integration also means I can control my Sonos
Yes, you read that correctly! Thanks to the recent Alexa on Sonos update, my lamp can literally control what music I'm playing on the Sonos speakers throughout my home. I can't even begin to describe how much of a game-changer that has been for me (and, honestly, has led to me buying a few more devices to be able to do it in other rooms, too), but being able to get incredible sound when I'm cleaning or hanging out with my friends by just saying a few words is truly the ultimate luxury.
My Sol is the center of my new smart-home ecosystem
Being able to easily link together my devices through my phone is amazing. It means that I can get smart light bulbs and other doodads and link those up with Sol - and basically have a whole room that turns on and off when I want it too without having to be concerned that I've left something on. In other words, the lamp has become the perfect centerpiece of my newly smart living room ecosystem - and the perfect centerpiece of any conversation about why the smart home setup is, in fact, totally worthy of the hype.
66 Tried-and-Tested Tips For a Frugal Life
It's easy to say that you want to save more money. It's harder to actually implement that. Living a frugal life calls for a lifestyle change and a conscious awareness of how you're spending and saving. It also requires a certain know-how. Learn these tried-and-tested frugal tips from fellow scrimpers cited in Reddit's subsection for frugal people.
'My life ... is hell on Earth': Parkinson's patient battles barriers to assisted death
Nancy Vickers, suffering with Parkinson's disease, was determined to get a medically assisted death. But she had to grapple with a bureaucratic provincial system despite a Canadian law that has made the procedure legal since June 2016.
Fentanyl test strips could lead to false sense of security, Health Canada warns
Fentanyl test strips don't always detect the presence of the deadly opioid and could give drug users a false sense of security, Health Canada is warning.
Health Canada decides against banning wire-bristle BBQ brushes
Health Canada has decided against banning the sale of wire-bristle barbecue brushes, and is instead leaving brush safety mostly in the hands of industry and grillers, according to its latest risk assessment report.
The Best Frozen Items From Costco
Here's looking at you, Costco freezer section. Yes, the items come in bulk, but since they're frozen, they'll last for practically forever. These are our favorites and go-to items, from staples like smoothie packets and ground beef to indulgences like mochi ice cream and frozen burritos. Go ahead and be that savvy, smart Costco grocery shopper we know you are.
40+ Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Cooking for a crowd, be it a large family gathering or a dinner party, can be a bit of a challenge. Most recipes are scaled to yield four to six servings, and while many can be doubled with some basic math, it's certainly nice to have a handful of options that can be made as is. Here, we've rounded up more than 40 recipes that serve at least eight, including a variety of casseroles, soups, and slow-cooker dishes.
20 Cozy Casserole Recipes
Whether you call them casseroles or hot dishes, there's no argument about the merits of these cozy, crowd-friendly recipes. We've rounded up the best options out there ranging from ultraclassic (think tuna noodle casserole) to creative spins (breakfast pancake lasagna).
Source: My Name is Yeh, Half Baked Harvest, Damn Delicious, How Sweet It Is
15 Delicious Soups You Can Freeze and Reheat on a Whim
Picture it now: you just got back from a long day at work, your feet hurt, you're mentally exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is make dinner. You could always order takeout, but as much as Thai sounds good, it's expensive as hell. And then you remember! Your past self was smart and tucked away some delicious soup for a day such as this.
The soups we've rounded up here all freeze well since they're free of dairy, potatoes, seafood, eggs, and other ingredients that don't take kindly to long-term freezer action. So go on - make a batch (or two) this weekend to help out your future self!
20 Homemade Snacks to Pack on an Airplane
At the top of your list of what to pack for a trip should be something very important: snacks. Because let's face it - airplane food is not the best (there's a reason Gordon Ramsay would never eat it). Packing your favorite homemade snacks ensures you won't suffer from midflight hunger, and you'll have more energy to get through a long travel day. Skip the store-bought junk on your next trip and opt for filling snacks like smoky almonds, baked kale chips, chocolate peanut butter bites, and more homemade snacks that are fit for a plane.
12 Things You Don't Know About Giada De Laurentiis
As a certified Italian-food addict and Food Network enthusiast, I've been a fan of Giada De Laurentiis since I started watching Everyday Italian years ago. If you're like me, you know that the chef has five-star Italian recipes, a very charismatic on-camera presence, and an adorable daughter named Jade. But there's a lot you probably didn't know, like the fact that she was discovered after her family was featured in a Food & Wine article. Intrigued? Read on to learn 12 facts you didn't know about the ultrasuccessful Italian guru.
Santa's Mittens Macarons at Disneyland Are About to Jump to the Top of Your Wish List
People who are spending the holidays at Disneyland are in for a serious treat in the form of an adorable new macaron. Santa's Mittens Macarons have arrived at Schmoozie's in Disney California Adventure, and they're hands down one of the cutest seasonal desserts we've ever seen! The pair of red, mitten-shaped macarons comes with a big scoop of ice cream in your choice of vanilla or mint chocolate chip, so one of the $7 ice cream sandwiches is more than enough for two people to share. Fans of peppermint mochas might want to opt for the Santa Hat Macaron from Jolly Holiday Bakery instead, which is filled with a decadent peppermint and chocolate mixture. The photos probably don't do the flavors justice, but take a look at some of the best pictures people have been sharing of the festive macarons on Instagram.
Grab Your BFF For a Movie Date Because Regal Theaters Now Have Cheetos Popcorn!
It's a good thing there are so many good movies to see right now, because we now have a very convincing reason to frequent the theater: Cheetos Popcorn. Let's say that again: Cheetos Popcorn! This is an official concession stands item available at Regal Cinemas nationwide starting on Friday, Dec. 15 (which, reminder, is the day that Star Wars: The Last Jedi premieres). The satisfyingly orange snack not only comes with Cheetos-dusted popcorn, but has Crunchy Cheetos in the mix, too. Talk about the ultimate movie-watching fuel!
Humanity has peaked. http://pic.twitter.com/d4kKr0s2YY
- Chris Branch (@cbranch89) November 16, 2017
In the official press release announcing the collaboration between Cheetos and Regal, John Curry, senior vice president of food service for Regal Cinemas, said, "Cheetos Popcorn is our gift to Regal fans enjoying their favorite movie this holiday season. We are thrilled to partner with an iconic brand like Cheetos to deliver blockbuster snack choices to moviegoers." A true gift indeed, Mr. Curry. Excuse me while I go see Lady Bird for the third time!
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2017
One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that it's constantly releasing new products for customers to try, and we're not just talking about the free samples. Shopping at Trader Joe's is never boring thanks to the never-before-seen foods available every month, and 2017 has been a fantastic year for the brand. We're keeping up with every single new offering from Trader Joe's to let you know which items are worth the purchase and which ones you should skip. Ahead, read up on all the best new Trader Joe's products of the year so far, and add your favorites to your shopping list the next time you head to TJ's.
- Additional reporting by Jamie Mieuli
In Puff Pastry We Trust: 35 Recipes Using the All-Star Ingredient
Few ingredients upgrade a recipe faster than a box of store-bought puff pastry. Festive, flaky, and oh so buttery, it's a secret weapon we employ in everything from appetizers to showstopping mains to dessert. Keep reading for 35 stellar dishes starring this buttery dough.
40+ Brew-tiful Gifts For the Tea Enthusiast
Whether you know someone who is a casual sipper or a whole-leaf tea devotee, the gift of top-notch teas or well-made brewing gear is sure to perk up an everyday routine. Keep reading for gift ideas from the practical (an electric tea kettle) to the whimsical (luxe metallic teacups), plus our favorite teas on the market.
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Options That Put the "Happy" in Happy Holidays
Find yourself preparing Christmas dinner with no clue what to cook? This dinner plan, covering the whole enchilada from appetizers to dessert, is a great place to start. When guests try your herb and apple bread pudding, roasted red pepper beef tenderloin, and molten chocolate cakes with caramel sauce, they'll fondly remember all over again why Christmas is all about eating (er, giving).
17 Weeknight Dinner Recipes From The Pioneer Woman That Make Life Easier
We might not all be able to re-create Ree Drummond's picturesque ranch and gorgeous kitchen at home, but at least we can re-create her dinners. And if there's anyone you should be drawing weeknight dinner inspiration from, it's Ree, a mother of four and master of fast, easy, and comforting recipes that you can whip up in a flash. Ahead, we've rounded up 17 of The Pioneer Woman's best weeknight dinners that you'll actually look forward to cooking, like pasta with pesto cream sauce, garlic-lemon shrimp, sheet-pan pork chops, and more. All of these tried-and-true recipes will make your life easier (and tastier).
Brie vs. Camembert: What's the Difference?
While both brie and camembert are cow's milk cheeses, are soft-ripening, and have a white, flowery rind, the two aren't interchangeable. So the next time you are at the store and must choose between brie or camembert, here's what you need to know.
- Production: During the cheese-making process, cream is added to brie, but in camembert, it is not; as a result, brie is 60 percent milk fat, while camembert is only 45 percent. In addition, camembert uses stronger lactic starters that are inoculated into the cheese mold five times, contributing to a stronger-flavored cheese. Brie's lactic starters are only put into the cheese mold once, therefore the cheese is milder.
- Outer appearance: The diameters of brie and camembert cheese molds are different. (Notice the Saint André brie to the left appears taller and smaller than the flat, round Ile de France camembert to the right. The camembert cheese mold has a specific size and weight of 250 grams.
- Inner appearance: Brie tends to have a whitish inside, while camembert has a deeper yellowish color. A very ripe camembert will have runny insides; most versions of brie in America, however, are stabilized, meaning the cheese's center will have a firm texture that will never turn runny.
- Smell and taste: Brie has a light, buttery scent and flavor with a salty finish. Camembert can be on the funkier side and smell earthy and barnyard-y like mushrooms or hay, with an intensely savory, umami flavor.
- Affinage: Brie is made to be consumed immediately. While Americans tend to eat cheeses on the younger side, in France, most will practice affinage, or the art of ripening cheese, and will wait for six or eight weeks before cutting into a wheel of gooey, ripened camembert.
Which do you prefer: brie or camembert?
How to Make Pie Crust, in Pictures
Have a hankering for cherry pie, but find yourself intimidated by the process of making crust from scratch? Look no further! Not only do we have a near-foolproof pie crust recipe to share, but we've broken the procedure down into a few simple steps sure to elucidate the process for visual learners. So stop fretting (it's easy, we swear!) and start baking.
100 Appetizers Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual game-day viewing party, a glam cocktail party, or something in between, we have an appetizer to match. Keep reading for our favorite party bites, including three-cheese macaroni and cheese bites, banh mi lettuce wraps, spinach-artichoke dip, and pizza croquetas.
We Honestly Don't Know How to Feel About Disneyland's Eggnog Macarons
Disney's holiday macaron flavor has some people scratching their heads. For the Festival of Holidays celebration at Disneyland California Adventure, the park has introduced an unexpected eggnog macaron.
Let's be real: eggnog is a pretty polarizing holiday treat. So, to adapt that flavor for a macaron is an . . . interesting decision. We'll leave it at interesting. That being said, it's gotten some favorable reviews online! One food blogger wrote, "If you like eggnog, like I do, then you will love this." Adding, "It's pretty sweet, so you could probably share this with someone."
The macaron is currently available at the Winter Sliderland booth for $5. While you're at California Adventure, you might want to also try the new gingerbread funnel cake fries, because those are pretty much guaranteed to be delicious.
Your Next Flight Is About to Be Lit With This Carry-On Rosé Cocktail Kit
Picture this: you're on a flight just wishing you could take a sip of some refreshing and delicious Rosé. Well, now you can - kind of - thanks to Sugarfina's Rosé All Day Carry-On Cocktail Kit ($25). This beauty comes with Sugarfina's infamous Rosé gummy bears, which you can add to the spirit of your choice along with elderflower syrup. Using the bar spoon, jigger, linen coaster, and recipe card, you can create your own cocktail from the comfort of your seat. Sugarfina also has a Champagne cocktail kit that comes with its famous Champagne gummy bears. Stick this in your handbag and you will be golden, but use it sparingly, because it only makes two cocktails.
Can This Ridiculous-Looking $4 Contraption Actually Make Your Avocados Last Longer?
I did not realize it was possible to feel secondhand embarrassment for an inanimate object. Not until someone sent me an Avo Saver. What in god's name is this thing? I asked myself as I unwrapped the green plastic orb, replete with a tiny harness, from a cardboard box it was sent in as part of a promo from Genius Kitchen. A car seat for my uneaten halves of fruit? An S&M accoutrement meant to spice up my refrigerator's sex life?
It turns out, the Avo Saver is a remarkably inexpensive kitchen tool meant to prolong the life of your leftover avocado halves - or, according to the far more dramatic Avo Saver product description, "reduce a cut avocado's exposure to air, greatly slowing the destructive oxidization process." As I write this, you can find one on Amazon for a very reasonable $4.37, which is about the same price as two avocados at my local grocery store.
Still, dear reader, I will admit I openly mocked the Avo Saver:
Almost immediately after I posted those pictures on Instagram Stories, multiple friends slid into my DMs to defend the Avo Saver's honor. "I love mine . . . and I got mom one, too," my sister countered. "Omg we have it! It's great," my friend Jackie enthused. "It does look like a strap on!! However, it totally works!"
Putting the Avo Saver to the Test
These messages made me realize my shame over owning and potentially using such a yuppie-esque and seemingly unnecessary kitchen tool did not overwhelm my curiosity as to whether it would actually work. This is because, like most millennials, our shared addiction to avocados has rendered my boyfriend and me unable to afford a roof over our heads, and we eke out our healthy-fats-fueled existence by working odd jobs in the gig economy and selling sponsored Snapchat posts. (Just kidding. We live in an apartment and both have regular full-time jobs. But we do really, really love avocados.)
I decided to devise a controlled experiment. On Friday morning I stopped at the grocery store, where I grabbed two avocados that were about the same size and ripeness. I decided to skip the organic kind, guessing that chemical-ridden avocados that had been mistreated all their lives might be more susceptible to the "destructive oxidization process." I was already pretty skeptical of the Avo Saver; last year I tried a viral trick that promised wrapping avocados in foil and baking them at low heat for 20 minutes or so would make them ripe. (FYI, it actually just makes them warm and ruined.)
Day 1
At lunchtime, I cut both avocados in half. They looked remarkably similar; they weren't going to win any avocado beauty contests, but they were decent. I kept the half with the pit in it from both avocados. Some people argue leaving the pits in helps the browning process, and the Avo Saver features a cutout meant for the pit to nestle in, anyway. One avocado had a brown spot I decided to wedge out with a knife. I put both of them in the refrigerator: the lefthand avocado in the Avo Saver and the righthand one in a regular resealable sandwich bag.
Day 2
It had been 24 hours, and I wanted to see how my avocados had held up. I took both out of the refrigerator and was surprised to find they looked pretty much the same. They'd both gotten a little browner and spottier, but there were no major differences. (The Avo Saver avocado is once again on the left and the sandwich-bag version is on the right.)
Day 3
Another 24 hours went by. The avocados (Avo Saver on the left, plastic bag on the right) had both gotten slightly funkier looking, but nothing had changed dramatically. Again, I couldn't really tell any significant difference between the two. I also decided that 36 hours was long enough for this experiment to go on because eating a four-day-old avocado sounded really unappealing. Also, I was hungry. I tried slices of each one - they tasted the same. Truly, the one I'd kept in a plastic bag was maybe even a little more buttery.
The Verdict
The Avo Saver didn't really seem to do anything miraculous when it came to preserving the avocado I kept in it, but it did work just as well as other storage methods I've tried. And there is a major upside to this tool: it's a far less wasteful method than the one I typically use, which is to plop my leftover avocado half in a disposable plastic bag. (I know. Don't @ me.) With that in mind, is the Avo Saver worth the cost of a single morning latte? I'd say so.
22 Airport Hacks to Remember Before Your Next Flight
Traveling is always a fun and exciting experience, but getting through the airport can be a struggle. If it happens to be an unlucky day, you'll get stuck with long lines, rude airport security officials, or delayed flights. Luckily with just a little bit of research, there are many ways you can make your journey faster and more comfortable. We rounded up all the tips and tricks so you don't have to! Learn to navigate airports like a pro with the advice here. You'll be surprised how much time and money you end up saving.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
37 of the Best DIY Gifts For College Students
Everyone loves a personalized gift - and college students are no exception! Since the holiday season is about to take full effect, we have compiled a list of the 37 best DIY gift ideas for the college student in your life. These simple projects are both inexpensive and extremely useful - a win-win! So whether you are looking for a gift for a relative, friend, or fellow classmate, we are confident you will find something to love on this list.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
33 Sure Signs That You're an Empath
Do you pick up on the vibe of a room the moment you walk in? Can you almost always tell when someone is lying? Do you just generally have A LOT of feelings? You're probably an empath. You may be familiar with the spectrum of personality types between introverts and extroverts, but empaths are a whole other type of personality you may not know about. Empaths are often (but not always) more introverted, but the key aspect of the personality type is an empath's ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. Empaths are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, and they are very affected by the energies of those around them.
There are positives to being an empath; for instance, they are sympathetic, caring, and understanding. They are intuitive and have the ability to influence the mood and energy around them. Empaths are good listeners and caretakers, and they are known for their compassion for others. However, being an empath definitely has its challenges. Because they are so sensitive, they can sometimes have difficulty differentiating other people's energy from their own. Commercials, movies, books, TV, the news, seeing the struggles of others - anything with an emotional element can affect empaths on a deeper level. Outside circumstances and situations can have a huge impact on the mental - and even physical - state of an empath. Empaths can unconsciously mirror other people's habits and moods, and for better or worse, they can soak up the energy around them. Empaths need to make sure to care for themselves in addition to caring for the rest of the world. Here are some signs you're an empath.
- You're extremely intuitive.
- It's easy for you to tell when people are lying.
- The energy of other people can change your own energy.
- You get "gut feelings" often (and they're almost always right).
- You often feel other people's pain.
- You consider yourself an introvert.
- You need to be near water.
- You often find yourself absorbing other people's emotions (both good and bad).
- You can get overwhelmed when surrounded by a lot of people.
- People feel like they can come to you when they have a problem.
- You're very sensitive.
- You love to be outside in nature because it revitalizes you.
- Being around certain people can make you feel drained.
- You feel physically or emotionally sick when seeing upsetting things in the news, on TV, or in movies.
- Your mood changes depending on who you're in a room with.
- You feel the same feeling around a specific person each time you see them.
- You have a big heart.
- You constantly seek answers for everything.
- You know that your energy can change the atmosphere around you.
- You go back and forth between being very expressive and very reclusive.
- You sometimes find yourself putting others' needs before your own.
- You value your alone time.
- You're a good listener.
- You deal with stomach issues and chronic fatigue due to emotional stress.
- You know and understand things, without needing any explanation.
- You are a creative type.
- You're a big animal-lover.
- You always need to know the truth and do not like deceit.
- You're a free spirit and find yourself daydreaming often.
- You're prone to mood swings (based on the environment you're in at the time).
- You're extremely open-minded and accepting of all people and lifestyles.
- You won't let a problem go until you find a satisfying solution.
- You sense things that other people miss.
41 Insane Facts You Definitely Don't Know About Disneyland
You think you know everything about Disneyland? Wrong. There's some mind-blowing facts out there that even the ultimate Disney fan doesn't know. Check out all the fascinating things we discovered about the happiest place on earth and test your knowledge.
19 of the Most Perfect Tech Gifts For Him, All Under $50
Even the man who enjoys the simplest things in life can be a hard person to shop for, and when you've got a whole to-do list of gifts to buy, it's hard to make the final decision on what to get. Thankfully, we've got you covered! Behold, 19 perfect tech gifts, all made just for him and your budgeting needs. Get that credit card ready as you look through some of our ideas!
The Walls Are Closing In on Net Neutrality - Here's What You Can Do
The biggest day in the history of the internet is upon is - and unfortunately, it's not necessarily a positive one. On Dec. 14, the FCC will be voting on whether or not to keep net neutrality; in simpler terms, it'll be deciding if access to the entire internet should remain free and open or if it'll let service providers act as gatekeepers to certain sites. Without net neutrality, Americans could face tiered access that would prioritize certain sites over others, requiring routine payments in order to visit our most commonly used sites.
Ultimately, a repeal of net neutrality is expected due to the party line split among commissioners. Republicans support the repeal and hold three commissioner seats, while Democrats, who hope to preserve net neutrality, only hold two seats. And it's worth noting that one of the major reasons Republicans are aiming to repeal open access to the Internet is to censor what people can see, while at the same time letting companies offer more robust internet services. The crusade for a more "company first" internet has been led by Ajit Pai, President Donald Trump's pick for FCC chairman, who - unsurprisingly - is a former lawyer for Verizon.
Only Republicans in power are in support of these measures, and it's a decision that is insanely unpopular among Americans - regardless of their party affiliation. In a recent survey of voters by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation, 83 percent of Americans support net neutrality and keeping internet access as is - and only one in five Republicans surveyed prefers a repeal. Experts like former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich warn that a repeal will make internet more expensive, stifle innovation, and give control of everything from news to social media to companies.
Rightfully, many tech figures are blasting the measure. Websites from Reddit to Etsy have created digital protests to raise awareness of the issue and how it will affect internet users. Similarly, major companies like Facebook and Google have reiterated that the systems in place "are working well" and that amending access isn't necessary.
In Congress, several unexpected individuals are standing up to the FCC's plan. For example, conservative Republican Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado hopes to have the vote delayed after expressing concern that ending net neutrality could have "significant unanticipated negative consequences." Twenty-eight senators have pushed for a vote delay as well in light of news that the FCC had received millions of comments opposing net neutrality from bots. Opposition coming from these representatives is quite major given that, collectively, Congress has received $101 million in donations from internet service providers. This understandably muddies the waters of government intention considering figures like Senator John McCain alone received over $2.5 million in contributions from the telecoms industry.
How can you fight back on this eve of potential major internet losses? There are more than just a few ways. The most pressing piece of action is to call your member of Congress to express support. You can also join online protests that are backed by internet freedom nonprofits like Fight For the Future. You can contact the FCC to voice your concerns and sign petitions to ensure that the internet will remain unregulated. For those in Washington DC, protests are taking place Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at the FCC, while, in other areas, select protests have been planned. At the least, you can share your beliefs and thoughts on net neutrality online: change your social media avatars, post banners to your website, and tweet your thoughts.
The FCC's decision on Dec. 14 will be a major milestone in internet history that, for better or worse, could continue if the ruling is taken to court. Regardless, this is a major moment to watch as it could drastically reshape your internet world.
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