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.
samedi 23 décembre 2017
Diet Coke Enthusiast Donald Trump Took the Strangest Sip of Water Ever
Donald Trump reportedly drinks a dozen Diet Cokes every day. I bring this up not because it's obviously an incredibly unhealthy habit but because his love for the soft drink might be hindering his ability to appreciate and enjoy the finest beverage this planet has to offer: water.
On Dec. 18, Trump put forth his national security strategy in a speech at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC. Well, all that foreign policy talk must have made the president particularly parched, because he subsequently found himself taking a rather abrupt sip of water during the address.
just an extremely normal way to drink out of a small glass of water http://pic.twitter.com/GmBbpubBkj
- Matt Binder (@MattBinder) December 18, 2017
Now, I know what you're thinking: I'm nitpicking and grasping at yet another excuse to pick on the president, even if this ridiculous excuse is really just a distraction from all the actual issues and wrongdoings taking place in the administration, among both parties, and in the nation at large. To that I say, you're absolutely right.
This isn't the first time Trump has been caught strangely taking a sip, however, and here's why it's actually hilarious: he previously mocked presidential hopeful Marco Rubio for doing the exact same thing. After the senator was roasted for taking an awkward sip of water during his official response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, Trump could not get over the viral moment.
On Twitter, Trump at the time advised Rubio to drink water from a glass instead of from a bottle, saying it "would have much less negative impact" - advice that the president clearly shouldn't have given, in retrospect. But it didn't end there: several months after the kerfuffle, he was still thinking about that moment; when asked about his thoughts on Rubio by a Twitter follower, Trump simply said, "Drinks too much water!" Ah, the sweet karmic retribution - it's enough to make you positively dehydrated. Right, Mr. President?
Twitter Is Roasting Mario Batali For Writing an "Apology" Letter That Includes a Recipe
It would seem that Mario Batali didn't make a very wise decision when he decided to send out an "apology" newsletter to his email subscribers. The chef was fired from his hosting job at ABC's The Chew and stepped down from his restaurant group following sexual misconduct allegations that have now come from eight women, and subscribers of his newsletter were surprised to find a letter in their inboxes over the weekend that at first read like a pretty standard, though not great, apology that acknowledged his troubling actions. The one major problem with the letter? What Mario included at the very bottom following a "PS": a freaking recipe for pizza dough cinnamon rolls.
If you haven't seen the Mario Batali apology, you should. Starts off ok, but he includes a recipe at the end.
Not making this up. http://pic.twitter.com/tsHcFVDmh3- Matt Kelly (@SoMattKelly) December 16, 2017
Batali started the newsletter by writing, "As many of you know, this week there has been some news coverage about some of my past behavior. I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, my family, my fans, and my team. My behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility." Then he emphasized the fact that he has a lot of fans whose trust he will "work every day to regain," after which he signed the letter "-MB." Instead of leaving it at that, he wrote, "PS. In case you're searching for a holiday-inspired breakfast, these Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls are a fan favorite." Then there's a big image of those cinnamon rolls and a "get the recipe" link. It was such a ludicrous and tone-deaf thing to do that it seems fake, but people have confirmed they did receive the email as pictured.
Let's break that down and summarize: "Hi, fans, sorry for the sexual assault. Now, who's hungry for some cinnamon rolls?!" To say that Mario's decision to undercut an important apology with a plug for his own recipe renders it insincere is an understatement, and Twitter is appropriately roasting him for it.
Fixed Mario Batali's apology http://pic.twitter.com/RSk75W8ry4
- Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) December 16, 2017
Tomorrow:
MARIO BATALI
Hey guys, look, I'm sorry if I offended anyone by undercutting my apology with a recipe for pizza dough cinammon rolls.
- mb
ps. i should've also added you can substitute apple and brown sugar for cinammon- Timothy Malcolm (@timothymalcolm) December 16, 2017
I genuinely thought that "Mario Batali includes a cinnamon roll recipe in his sexual harassment apology" was an onion gag. My bad. 2017 gonna 2017.
- Ben Novack (@titlecharacter) December 16, 2017
MARIO BATALI: How do we address the sexual harassment?
PR TEAM: With a heartfelt apology.
MB: A cinnamon roll recipe should do the trick.
PR: That's a horrible idea.
MB: Yeah, let's go with that.
PR: You need to apologize.
MB: OK. Quick apology and then rolls.
PR: We're doomed. http://pic.twitter.com/dy7aIHUyDV- Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) December 16, 2017
Dear men who are wondering how to construct their own apologies: don't follow Mario Batali's lead!
2016 Was Way Worse For Our Health Than We Thought
This was not a great year. And while the year before was barely any better, it turns out 2016 might have been a touch worse for our health than we all imagined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The national health agency recently released new information regarding life expectancy and death in the United States, and the news on the inevitable is, frankly, a huge downer.
First, 2016 was one of the most lethal years for drug overdoses. The rate of overdose deaths was three times that of the rate of 1999, jumping from 6.1 per 100,000 people to 19.8 per 100,000. Many of these deaths were seen at the intersection of the Midwest and Northeast, with West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and New Hampshire being the areas with the highest overdose death rates. The leading cause of this can be attributed to the opioid epidemic, too: as CNN observed, over 42,000 deaths of the 63,600 total overdose deaths were caused by opioids. For context, breast cancer causes a little over 41,000 deaths a year.
These statistics on overdosing unfortunately contribute to a bigger problem: American life expectancy is in decline for the second year in a row. Opioids are the main reason for this dip. The country has not seen such a decline since 1962, when deaths increased as a result of the flu, or 1993, when AIDS-related deaths caused life expectancy to drop. Outside of deaths caused by unintentional injuries - which drug overdoses fall into - suicide and Alzheimer's disease were the other leading causes. All these factors combined caused American life expectancy to fall from 78.7 to 78.6, breaking down gender specifically to 81.1 for women and 76.1 for men.
For those concerned about dementia-related ailments like Alzheimer's - which the CDC notes is on the rise with a death rate of 25.4 people per 100,000 - things have turned even bleaker, as a recent study by The Annals of Internal Medicine found that little can be done to prevent dementia. Little proof has been found that measures of "cognitive training" - be it prescription drugs, "brain games," or exercise - are effective safeguards against mental decay.
Ultimately, while the CDC may be beset by Donald Trump-related dramas (i.e. phrases like "transgender" and "science-based" being forbidden, which the organization denies), its work reveals just how much needs to be done in curbing the problem of opioid abuse in America. The issue of addiction and death at the hands of drugs has been a major issue in 2017, but clearly, the problem has a much greater dent on our mortality than we may have realized.
The 13 Best AR Apps and Games You Need to Download Right Now
Augmented reality – or AR, as it's more commonly known – is one of those things that lots of people talk about, but very few actually understand. Aside from being the phrase that was (loosely) used to denote the real-life component of Pokémon Go, or used to describe the 3D bitmoji that now live in Snapchat, it's the underlying technology that allows you to mash up real life and the imaginary by simply pointing your phone's camera lens at the world around you. And with the release of Apple's iOS 11, the ability to use it comes standard on every Apple device – and it's high time we all start using the rad new technology we've got at our fingertips more often.
To help you out a bit, we've tested a whole lot of the app offerings in the App Store in to come up with the very best in AR apps and games that are available to download right now. Ahead, click through 13 of these delightfully future-forward apps – all of which will help you get cracking on being the first of your friends to master the latest in ubercool tech.
Milana Vayntrub Opens Up About What It's Like to Star in an Interactive TV Show
Milana Vayntrub is probably best known as the amazingly quirky and oh-so-lovable Lily from those AT&T commercials, though you've also probably caught her as Sloane Sandburg in This Is Us or when she guest starred as Gilfoyle's girlfriend Tara in Silicon Valley. This year, however, she plays the lead role in That Moment When, a completely innovative and fascinating interactive TV show from streaming site Eko. "Jill is a hot mess. It's up to YOU to navigate through a series of awkward moments that either leave her somewhat dignified or even hot-messier," the series description reads, but what's amazing about the series is that it really is up to you to choose what happens - it's the very first of its kind to offer viewers the chance to decide what happens to the characters on the screen.
Vayntrub's Jill is, as advertised, a hot mess. But she's one hell of a relatable mess, and by the time you've chosen your own adventure throughout the series, it starts to feel like she's someone you know in real life - and that's a definite indicator of just how wonderful an actress she truly is. I spoke with Vayntrub by phone in early December to talk about her role in the show and the groundbreaking technology that drives the series from beginning to end.
POPSUGAR: How would you describe Eko as a platform?
Milana Vayntrub: Eko is an interactive platform, so they make shows that you can play. [laughter] Our show is a sitcom where you get to choose if a character marries the guy or breaks up with the guy. I mean, maybe not those exact examples, but you get to take initiative in the lives of your favorite characters.
POPSUGAR: And how did you first get involved with it?
MV: Sandeep [Parikh], who created the show, is one of my best friends. We used to be roommates. We perform together. So he's definitely one of my creative soulmates, and when he asked me, I was like, "Yeah, I would do anything that you wanted to do."
POPSUGAR: Tell me, in your own words, what That Moment When is.
MV: First of all, I'd say insane comedy. And insane because the situations are totally grounded and real. They're going to a party and not remembering somebody's name, or getting dumped at a restaurant (which has happened to me), or asking their parents for money. And then, ultimately, the whole thing leads to this big high school reunion, which is also something that we've all had to deal with or opted out of dealing with. I think if Jill was a little bit smarter, she probably would have also opted out because she was definitely setting herself up for disaster. But sometimes we learn the most from the most disastrous situation. So that was definitely Jill's calling. But ultimately, Jill's character - I think that she's somewhat of a version of me. She's maybe a little braver and a little louder, but I think the thing that makes her relatable is that she's in all of these situations that we've been in. She's not always the best person; she gets lonely and leans to the selfish. And I think that's what makes her appealing, because she's someone we all know.
There's one situation in the roommate episode where, if you play it a certain way - sidebar: that's also the most fun part of the show, that you can play it a different way and get a different set of jokes and situations every time - but in this one, the roommate character asks her if she thinks she's pretty, and because Jill can't lie, she just kind of nods uncomfortably . . . and I love that. I love that Jill is so blatantly obvious, and it's interesting to be on the side of Jill because you know when she's manipulating and you know what her tactics are, and it's kind of situations that you - like me, as a person, I would not be brave enough to explore, but it's nice doing it through this platform where everything is really playful, truly.
POPSUGAR: How much of what happens in the show is scripted and how much is improv? It's all so tight, it's hard to tell.
MV: Most of it is scripted, and then we improvise on top. There's always a script - and it was always stellar and totally carried itself - but because Sandeep and I are both improvisers and I have a problem where I can't not improvise, they cast other improvisers in the show so there were also a bunch of extra lines, too. But it doesn't feel like a mumblecore movie where it feels really improvised because they only have a loose outline. We had a much tighter script, and then we more improvised jokes rather than scenarios or full character pieces.
Finding and hiring improvisers was key, though. When you have people who are actively creating their own content, they know the dimensions to which they can improvise. They know when you've added so much content that now it's not editable. Knowing your outs and understanding, for example, not talking over other actors - that's a very basic improv tool that you get through practice, and you get also through watching and making your own stuff. Because a lot of the actors were also writers and creators, it was mostly really seamless to kind of support other people's jokes or to set them up. Also, I can't give enough credit to the editor, because that's really what makes improv work.
POPSUGAR: Do you feel like you created another level to Jill's character by doing improv on top of the script?
MV: I think I get closer to these characters when I can improvise. As an actor, you don't step into other people's words, but you get to add your own words, so you need to speak as a person because it gives the role character. It does become easier to understand them or to imagine over time. Especially when it worked. When the writers or the director laughs at your improv, that's just a sign to me as the actor that I'm hitting on the notes that they want for that character. That's the goal that I have. I like adding the improv because I'm also adding more to the project. I feel like I'm contributing and carrying my weight.
POPSUGAR: There are so many paths in the show. Did you have scripts for each and every potential path? Or was it all written and shot in pieces?
MV: For every six-minute episode, there's about 30 pages of script. It's usually there's a page per minute. So there's about 30 minutes of content for every episode even though you only see six. We would shoot multiple setups and different lines and different opportunities every time. And that's also a huge credit to our producer and director, who were able to organize all of those shots in their heads in ways that it's probably not easy.
POPSUGAR: Did you have favorite outcomes or did you just kind of approach it as completely separate scenes?
MV: You know when you are planning an important meeting or you're about to hang out with someone you want to impress? There are situations you play out in your head, if you're like, "If I get it this way, this might happen. If I get it this way, this might happen," and that's kind of - we got to play out all the situations. In a way, it was an acting exercise in not making a choice, which a lot of acting normally is figuring out what your character would do, and in this one, it's "Well, if this character could do it all." It's actually very freeing. But at the same time, I didn't fully understand how it comes together until the very end, and I'm so impressed with how it has, but now that I've seen it, I definitely have these routes that I hope people will take because I'd love to see - I want them to experience one take over another, but that's the past, man. [laughter]
POPSUGAR: Do you think you can experience the full story in just one viewing? Or do you need multiple variants?
MV: I hope that people watch it more than once and take entirely different experiences every time. Because all the jokes are worthwhile, and I think you'll also get to experience different sides of the characters depending on what choices you make, so I think it's worth it to go back more than once.
POPSUGAR: Which scene did you think was the most awkward scene you shot?
MV: There's a moment in episode seven where you have to dodge a creepy teacher from hitting on you at the reunion and that's - how many times have we tried to dodge an older man putting his hands on you when you don't want that? That is really relatable. In a way, I kind of hope there's a teaching moment there for the men that play, like, "Hey, this happens." You have to step into this woman's shoes and protect yourself from unwanted touching. It was an awkward thing to shoot, but also really professional, and then I got to have a conversation with that actor and we got to figure out where all of my boundaries are and where all of his boundaries are. That's not always what life is. But even when I play it now, I'm like, "Oh, f*ck, don't touch her. Don't touch her."
POPSUGAR: How would you compare the experience of doing the AT&T commercials to doing That Moment When?
MV: This was far more challenging because there's so many more lines. This was, like I said, 30 pages of dialogue a day - whereas the AT&T spots were one page of dialogue a day, and often, camera didn't have to move too much on the AT&T spot, so we kind of had a day of just shooting new 30-second spots in every different iteration. Like, I wish that in the AT&T spots, they showed all of the improvised versions that we came up with, but they're dead now and you'll never get to see that. The beauty of this is that you do get to explore all of the other improvised versions that we came up with. That's why movies have deleted scenes, and that's the beauty of digital reels that are dug up on the internet.
POPSUGAR: What did you like best about doing the show overall?
MV: One of the things that I think is really fun about this character, and something that I see coming up more in TV and film, is dynamic female characters who are not about being sexy and are not about being attractive or liked by men, and in fact, they may be downright unlikeable, just like human beings are in actuality, and I capitalize human beings. With shows like this, get to be this multidimensional mess of a human and experience this difficult and hilarious situation. So I'm really proud of how likable this - maybe not likable [laughter] but watchable - this otherwise mess of a person is. And we didn't ever have to worry about making her digestible. But, in fact, you get to play these situations for fun. Do you know what I mean? I think I kind of rambled there. It is totally liberating as an actor, and I think really fun to see as a viewer.
The Internet Is Having a Freakin' Field Day With Disney's New Trump Robot
Walt Disney World's Hall of Presidents just added a new leading man to its lineup: a robot version of Donald Trump. The animatronic figure is now the center of attention at the popular attraction, delivering a speech using prerecorded audio from POTUS himself - one that surprisingly doesn't feature his overused catchphrase, "Make America Great Again."
The creators of the robotic Trump were pretty darn spot-on with mimicking the president's real-life style and mannerisms. Its tie is awkwardly long, and it makes very similar hand motions while speaking (though the hands may be a bit generous in size). However, there's one major flaw with the Trump-bot: its face is quite terrifying and bears very little resemblance to Trump, save for the combed-over blond hairdo.
The internet immediately took note of its off-putting appearance, and many people couldn't resist hilariously roasting everything about the situation. Although the robot itself is honestly robbing the theme park of its label as being "the happiest place on earth," at least we have the hysterical Twitter reactions below to keep us in good spirits, am I right?
Mike Pence Was the Mike Pence of His College Fraternity - Who's Surprised?
Mike Pence hasn't changed dramatically over the years. Though the vice president entered Hanover College as a deeply spiritual man and Jimmy Carter supporter, he left as a born-again evangelical Catholic with his sights set on a political career. He was also pretty much the worst fraternity brother in history during his time in college.
In a new profile by The Atlantic, one of Pence's former fraternity brothers, Dan Murphy, opened up about what the vice president was like in college. Pence joined Phi Gamma Delta in his freshman year, and he fit right in. "You had in that fraternity house everything from the sort of evangelical-Christian crowd to some fairly hard-core drug users," Murphy said. The following year, Pence became the president of the fraternity.
As Pence continued to take on more responsibility, however, he increasingly morphed into, well, quite the killjoy. After a series of raucous parties, the fraternity was put on probation. Phi Gamma Delta soon found mischievous ways to smuggle alcohol into the house, with Pence often willingly participating in these sophomoric schemes. On one particular night, however, the fraternity received an unexpected visit from the associate dean. Pence was there to greet him at the door.
When fraternity brothers had gotten in trouble in the past, Murphy said, they would typically just take the fall and claim that any alcohol was theirs. Well, not Pence! Instead, he walked the associate dean right over to where they had been hiding a few kegs and specified that the beer belonged to the entire fraternity. "They really raked us over the coals. The whole house was locked down," Murphy said. Upon graduating, Pence was offered a job in the school's admissions office. See? Not much has changed.
Why a Women's March Cofounder Says Every Feminist Should Care About Gun Control
It has been a big year for Tamika Mallory.
A lifelong social justice activist, she also happens to be one of the four women who created the Facebook event which would eventually become the epic Women's March and later evolve into a movement in and of itself. In June, Mallory took the stage at the BET Awards to receive the Shine a Light Award for her fearlessness, and presenter Solange Knowles praised her for all the work that she's done in drawing attention to essential causes and for raising the voices of women of color around the world.
But Mallory is just getting started. Her next project, #NRA2DOJ, will take her to Washington on July 14 to protest the NRA. The effort is a direct response to a viral - and frankly, despicable - marketing campaign from the gun rights advocacy group, but gun control has been an issue close to Mallory's heart for a long time. She's been active in changing the policy and discussion around guns since the death of her son's father by shooting in 2001, and this new project seeks to bring even more national attention to an issue which has reached a crisis point.
Mallory took some time out of her busy schedule on July 7 to speak with POPSUGAR about the new initiative, her history with activism, and why it is that gun control should be front and center for all feminists.
POPSUGAR: Let's talk about #NRA2DOJ and the origins of that, what you see coming after the actual march and how it connects back to Women's March generally.
Tamika Mallory: I think the Women's March has taken the position that we are going to - along with partners and many voices - ensure that in this time people feel that they have a place to go to get organized, to really push back against so many things that are concerning everyone. And we want to sort of be a hub, a space particularly for new activists, people who have not been engaged in the movement in the past and are looking for avenues, sort of ways to get involved. And then we saw the ad.
We believe that we have a moral responsibility to speak out against any threat to people of color and protesters, people who are exercising their First Amendment right to protest. The NRA will be the first to say to cite the Second Amendment as a right of every citizen, but the First Amendment is also a right. They are touting themselves on their website as being one of the oldest civil rights organizations - in the spirit of what it means to be a civil rights organization, we ask the question "What are you doing to protect and defend black and brown lives?"
With women of color really helping to lead and hear the efforts of Women's March, what better group of people to really sound the alarm? We do not believe - and I think that this is really, really, really important - we are in no way claiming to be the group that has the answers or to be the most prominent organization. We are saying that we will add our voices and our resources to organizations that have existed before us, organizations that have come after us. Because we want to work in communities; we want to be unified with the movement in general and what this resistance looks like from a unified standpoint.
There are many gun violence organizations that work to end gun violence and to address the issues of gun violence in urban communities in pockets across this country, and we want to support them. We want this fight that we have taken on with the NRA to be in support of those organizations. I say that because the NRA is directly in the way of getting things like a responsible and sensible gun legislation passed in this country. They have been blocking that.
And therefore the blood of children in Chicago is on their hands, because those guns - that are not being made or manufactured in the Chicago area - are getting into the hands of young people. Because people are purchasing guns without having any necessary background checks in different states, traveling over state lines. And those guns are making it into the hands of people who are living in situations that many of us cannot even understand. This is not just about the advertisements. It is about the fact that the ad represents the war against people of color that exists in this country, and they basically have given license to people to continue to kill us and for us to continue to have the use of weapons to kill ourselves.
"I think that young women need to know that gun violence is not, in any way, isolated to men."
PS: What would you say to the young women who read POPSUGAR to help them understand how important this issue is?
TM: Well, I think what a young woman needs to understand is that our lives are in danger - everything from domestic violence to violence that may be happening in your community. When people have access to guns and they are receiving messaging from the organization that represents them as a gun owner telling them that [people] do not have the right to protest, they don't have the right to speak against any particular views that they don't necessarily agree with, your life will be in danger.
The NRA's rhetoric allows for more incidents to happen. And we cannot sit by and watch that happen. I think that young women need to know that gun violence is not, in any way, isolated to men. It can happen to you - and it has. We've seen domestic violence incidents over the years where people who are mentally troubled are allowed access to guns and have taken the lives of young women and children, families. This is an issue that concerns us all.
PS: I know your parents were founding members of National Action Network and that you started there at an early age. I'd love to hear a little bit about what that was like.
TM: Being a part of National Action Network when I was a small kid wasn't necessarily something that I considered to be cool at the time. That's the honest truth. You know, I was a young kid and going to protests and having to read all of the books and sort of being around the movement wasn't necessarily bowling and hanging out. (laughter) I'm just laughing because I'm thinking about my mom. If she was on the phone she would say say, "Yeah, you hated it," but you know, I was a young kid who really wanted to just do things that I was thought was sort of like a normal kid's life, and for me growing up in the movement, we were always engaged in some type of community activity. So I was never a kid who didn't have an understanding of how important it was to be a part of uplifting other people and working within my community.
PS: So what led you to join and ultimately work your way up there?
TM: As I got older and other young people were in the same situation that I was in, they had no choice but to be at rallies and to be involved and, you know, there were types of us activists - we found a way to make our work fun. We started to find ways to bring sort of youthfulness to the activism world, and we grew together as a family. But it was still me following in my parents' footsteps, being a part of the movement because they wanted me to be there. And it wasn't until my son's father was killed - when my son was 2 years old and his father was shot and killed - that the movement sort of became my own. I began to own what it meant to be an activist and to be involved in the movement.
PS: Correct me if I'm wrong on this - you left there to work for Joe Biden and Bill de Blasio?
TM: I think it was immediately following the Newtown shooting. The vice president started a task force to look at the nationwide crisis of gun violence, and I served on the task force as a representative for the National Action Network in my role as executive director. Our position at the time, or the perspective that I was bringing at the time, is that gun violence isn't just mass shootings - it is also shootings that are happening every day in communities, particularly in places like Chicago and Brooklyn and other urban markets across the country. So we wanted to bring that perspective to the task force and we did. It wasn't something that we did for long, you know, it was a few meetings that took place to try and talk about all the different factors of the issue and how to address gun violence. Let me put it this way: they were a few meetings to discuss how we have to approach the issue of gun violence from many different perspectives, and that is definitely the part I was involved in.
As it relates to Mayor de Blasio, I served on his transition team, specifically around criminal justice, looking at his appointees for criminal-justice-related departments in the city and also for different law enforcement agencies, the fire department - all of that was covered underneath the committee that I worked on. I have supported Mayor de Blasio - when he was running for office, I was a big supporter for him, raised money for him from young professionals, and had been a doorknocker for him.
PS: I have to ask, on a different topic: is there anything you'd like to say about Linda Sarsour's comments that the protests against Donald Trump should be a sort of jihad against the president?
TM: The only thing I have to say is that if anyone listens to the full speech and reads everything that she said, they would know that there was nothing in her speech that she said that calls for violence or harm, physical harm, to be done to anyone. And that's just the truth.
I think that some people want to say that her words are being taken out of context. I wouldn't say that her words are being taken out of context. I would say that she is purposely being demonized. It was happening before the Women's March, but it really started after the Women's March, that people have been trying to use her words against her. I hope that folks understand that just like the NRA, when the response is to create a new video and to put my face in a new video, these people are trying to expose us, and we could get hurt.
Now, we have decided that we are prepared to lay our lives down for what we believe in. We have decided that. At the same time, the question has to be "Is it worth it to other people, that one of us may be harmed because you are so tied to the idea that the rest of us don't have the right to disagree with you?" Our families also become targets when people expose us in that way. The NRA uses the language that we, as protesters, are violent, yet we are constantly dealing with the violence being inflicted upon us.
Princess Michael of Kent Wore a Racist Brooch to Meet Meghan Markle - and People Are Angry
When Princess Michael of Kent (who is married to Queen Elizabeth II's first cousin) arrived at the annual pre-Christmas lunch, she was wearing a large brooch that not only could be spotted across a room - it was also quite offensive. The ornate piece is classified as blackamoor jewelry, which is usually extremely decorative and features images of "exoticized" African males. Blackamoor jewelry comes from Early Modern European art and is symbolic for fetishizing slavery.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's new fiancé, whose mother is black, met many members of the royal family on the day of the luncheon, and this was reportedly the first time she was introduced to Princess Michael. After being photographed outside ahead of the occasion, images of Princess Michael's accessory choice circulated online, and Twitter users were quick to point out the racist undertone of her look.
It is also reported that in 2004, Princess Michael was accused of racism when she told a group of black men at a New York City restaurant to "go back to the colonies." A spokesperson for the princess has confirmed to TMZ that she's "very sorry and distressed" about the situation involving her recent appearance and plans to retire the brooch she's worn before, without it sparking controversy. Ahead, you can catch a glimpse of Princess Michael's arrival and see some of the backlash that her actions have summoned.
Toss Your Heels Aside - These 11 Flats Are Both Chic and Comfortable
We often turn to flats as a comfortable shoe choice, but not all pairs are made the same. Those of us who have sensitive feet understand the importance of padded soles and arch supports. Having that kind of added comfort in your shoes can make all the difference, especially when it comes to your commute or busy days. So for those times we want to ditch our heels and booties, flats are the best alternative because this versatile shoe goes with everything from jeans to dresses. We shopped some popular brands and found stylish and comfortable picks. Take a look at our favorites.
Cara Delevingne Gets Catcalled in This Controversial Jimmy Choo Campaign
A Jimmy Choo campaign starring Cara Delevingne is drawing attention for the wrong reason. The campaign video, titled Shimmer in the Dark, follows the 25-year-old model on a night out while wearing glittery boots from the brand's Cruise 2018 collection. In what seems to be perhaps too true to life, however, Cara invites unsolicited comments, stares, and even car horns throughout the duration of her walk.
A press release about the campaign didn't acknowledge or recognize the catcalling element. Creative Director Sandra Choi said, "The shoot and film both perfectly capture the sense of anticipation and infectious energy that a night out can bring."
Though the catcalling is not overt or over the top, it was still noticeable enough for viewers to take note - especially given the recent wave of sexual assault allegations against people in power and the viral Me Too campaign that has strengthened as a result. People on Twitter were quick to point this out to the brand.
Perhaps now is not the best moment to run an ad about how cool and sexy catcalling is? https://t.co/8TK9huRHLL
- Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) December 19, 2017
Nothing says 'buy me' like harassment.
Hard pass.- layineggs (@Sparklebroom) December 19, 2017
Why would this sell shoes?
- Freda (@fredaspeaks) December 19, 2017
What's interesting is that the video was actually released over a month ago on Nov. 2. It began drawing backlash on Twitter, however, when the brand shared it again in a tweet that has since been deleted. It was then that author Jessica Valenti pointed out the ill-conceived timing. Jimmy Choo has yet to formally address the backlash and, at press time, the campaign is still available online.
Something's Missing From the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and You Already Know What It Is
Image Source: Getty Images/Fred Dufour
The last time I walked into Victoria's Secret and treated myself to red silk coordinates for Valentine's Day, it was because I wanted to feel sexy. That's what I love about the brand: it encourages women to embrace their inner sexiness, and I think that's important. Whether it's buying a new push-up bra or investing in one of the signature VS body scents, a woman should make herself feel desirable by shopping for underthings, if that's what she wants. At Victoria's Secret, there are so many high-quality pieces that cater to a wide range of tastes. Every time I walk into the store, my eyes widen at some sort of luxurious looking lingerie set (I really love shopping for lingerie).
Maybe I made the wrong selection on this aforementioned Valentine's Day. The push-up bra, strappy panties, and satin sash that was somehow supposed to wrap through a loop somewhere, then crisscross around my midriff and tuck into the waist belt (what?) ended up being a $150 look I simply couldn't pull off. I definitely didn't look like Lily Aldridge in this thing, but according to the images on the website, it should've been at least possible to wear correctly. Even though I bought the right cup size and I definitely know my waist measurements, the ensemble just wasn't right for me. It just didn't fit - my confidence level, more than anything.
At this point, I have exactly three unused Victoria's Secret gift cards tucked away in my wallet, and there's a good chance they've expired. It's not because I forgot about them - those glittery pink rectangles stand out way more than my office building entry pass and even my Frozen-themed Disney Visa. And it's not because I don't like Victoria's Secret. But the image the brand has projected lately and the lineup of Angels - all of whom have virtually the same figure - feel a little bit discouraging.
That's not to say I don't look forward to the annual VS runway or that I don't understand the excitement behind finding out who's opening each section of the show. If you follow celebrity relationships and you love the personalities of all the different models, it's always interesting when one of them is best friends with the performer (Remember Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift's adorable interaction in 2014?) or if, perhaps, the dude singing on stage is the hot new Angel's ex (flashback to Bella Hadid and The Weeknd). With all the glitz and the confetti that falls on the scene, this spectacle is a form of entertainment, and it's damn fun to watch. But it's impossible to ignore how similar the women all look as they strut on by.
The Prototypical Angel
Image Source: Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer
I've met a lot of Victoria's Secret models in the flesh, and they really do look exactly like you see in the pictures. They're really that tall; they really have that flawless skin, the hair you want after a visit to the salon but never end up with, and that toned-enough-for-a-six-pack but thin-enough-to-look-capital-S-skinny ab situation. They really don't appear to have any cellulite.
Of course, these women have access to camera-friendly, air-brushed makeup and quality body glitter and cover-up, and I haven't seen them all in a thong, but I've seen a bunch of them wearing little to nothing up close and attended a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I can promise you that my body looks so different from theirs in lingerie, I might as well be another species.
And here's the thing: I'm petite, and while I have athletic legs, I am not particularly curvy. What about the women who are? Do they want anything to do with Victoria's Secret? Do they feel angry at or limited by the photos of the Angels on the retailer's site? Do they roll their eyes at the girls on the runway or feel saddened by the lack of diversity? My guess is that, like me, they do.
Where Are All the Curve Models?
Victoria's Secret is America's largest lingerie company. It's owned by the Les Wexner and family business L Brands, which has a current net worth of $6.2 billion. It's everywhere - plastered on one of the biggest billboards in Times Square, on your TV screen, and in the pages of the magazines you read.
While the runways at Fashion Week are continuing to become more diverse - at Christian Siriano, Chromat, and Prabal Gurung, to name a select few - there is still no cemented acceptance of difference in the fashion industry, only the possibility of acknowledgment. Many designers make an effort by including just one curve model on the runway. In my opinion, that is absolutely not enough. But at Victoria's Secret, there isn't just one curve model - there are none.
In Victoria's Secret's defense, the brand has made it a point to include women of color and various backgrounds and ethnicities in its casting - both on the runway and in shoots - but they still all seem to fit a certain "look," as far as size is concerned.
Image Source: Getty Images/Angela Weiss
Curve models with large social media platforms have publicly acknowledged, in various ways, that they realize they don't fit the Victoria's Secret mold. Most recently, it was Ashley Graham who posted a photo of herself on Instagram modeling for Addition Elle, a size-inclusive lingerie brand she works with and designs for. She uploaded this the same day the 2017 VS runway show was filmed in Shanghai, writing, "Got my wings! My #AdditionElle wings! #ThickThighsSaveLives." Curve model Tabria Majors also re-creates Victoria's Secret campaigns in order to "revisit the conversation of average-sized women being represented in mainstream media."
Of course, we can't be positive that Ashley Graham was taking a jab at the brand, but she was certainly comparing another popular lingerie line to the powerhouse that is Victoria's Secret. I've been to an Addition Elle runway show, which includes models of all shapes and sizes, and there's something so comfortable about seeing them debut the new bras and panties. When they walk, their butt cheeks jiggle. A lot of them have gorgeous pear figures, and they're rocking flattering bustiers or camisoles that accentuate and draw attention to body parts of their choice. "Yeah," I thought when I saw them. "That's what I look like in lingerie." And these girls do look just as confident as the likes of Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, who are VS vets.
I'm definitely not the only one in fashion who notices this clear juxtaposition. Director of Vogue Runway Nicole Phelps uploaded a row of diverse runway shots on the day of the 2017 VS show, all of which celebrate diversity in body type, age, and clothing taste (i.e., modest dressing). "In honor of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a reminder, courtesy of Chromat and Becca McCharen-Tran, that the battle for true diversity on the runway is ongoing. #SizeDiversity," she wrote.
Is Time Running Out?
Image Source: Getty Images/KMazur/WireImage // Getty Images/Frank Micelotta // Getty Images/Gregory Pace/FilmMagic
Has Victoria's Secret always been lacking in size diversity? Well, not exactly. Throughout the years, there have been some iconic Angels, such as Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, and Tyra Banks, who were more shapely than shockingly thin. But as the years passed and these supermodels hung up their wings - Naomi and Tyra in 2005 and Heidi in 2009 - the media began to embrace an increasingly svelte woman. Victoria's Secret put her on a pedestal by featuring this idealized figure in all its ads and certainly on all its runways. This single-track version of unattainable perfection is what Victoria's Secret continues to publicize today.
That's why sometimes, on days I feel a little more self-conscious than others, walking into a Victoria's Secret can feel daunting. If I do happen to feel sexy, I'll probably march right into the store and see if my gift cards have expired and whether I still have a balance left to use. But it won't be on the same day as the Victoria's Secret runway taping, nor the day the sparkly, mystical extravaganza airs on CBS. Probably not the day after either. That's because, in a way, I feel excluded from that runway - as though that very limited idea of beauty doesn't apply to me. Not one of those girls is 5'1" with athletic thighs and a double A cup. Can you imagine how many other women and girls feel discouraged too?
A company as big as Victoria's Secret can and should have an answer for the rest of us, and it should start with the spectacle that is the runway show. It didn't happen in LA in 2006, in Miami in 2008, in London in 2014, nor in Paris in 2016. It's 2017 and it didn't happen in Shanghai. The model lineups on those catwalks all looked the same to me. I don't know about my gift cards, but I wonder: what's the expiration date on this same old show where body diversity is never a theme?
21 Stylish Wallets to Buy a Fashion Girl For the Holidays
Buying a gift for a fashion-savvy individual can be a little daunting. Do you splurge and buy them a luxury item or do you opt for a more reasonable, yet equally stylish gift, like a pair of glitter socks? Well, you can get the best of both worlds by gifting someone a fashionable wallet. From a flower embellished Gucci style to a quirky Alice and Olivia wallet, we've got it all.
Gigi Hadid Wore So Many Good Outfits in 2017, We're Thankful They Were All Captured on Camera
Gigi Hadid had a fashion transformation in 2017. The model not only got a new stylist (her name's Mimi Cuttrell) but also shot several high-profile magazine covers (in cute outfits, obviously) and released new pieces for her collabs with Tommy Hilfiger and Stuart Weitzman. The designs spoke to her updated style and gave a glimpse at what the model is loving at the moment.
Though Gigi naturally also dominated the red carpet in outfits by Zuhair Murad and Ralph Lauren, she had countless street style moments. She most notably turned heads in monochromatic ensembles (who could forget this pink Barbie number?) and flashed her fabulous footwear wherever she went. If we had to pick a favorite outfit on Gigi for this year, well, that would take us a little time. We'd first have to browse through all of her looks ahead.
Miley Cyrus's Sparkly Sequined Dress Is the Kind You Dream of Wearing on NYE
Miley Cyrus is the ultimate style chameleon. One second, she's wearing a '70s-inspired Moschino dress, and the next she's shocking us in a barely there ensemble. During a recent episode of the hit NBC show The Voice, the singer wore a vintage Bob Mackie gown that sparkled like a disco ball.
Miley looked like a total glamazon in the black and gold sequined dress that could easily double as the perfect NYE ensemble. She styled her gown with a diamond choker, statement earrings, and a top-handle gold clutch. Keep reading to have a closer look at her gown, and buy similar versions for the holidays.
Your BFF Will Gasp Over These 22 Rose Gold Gifts From Amazon - All Under $20
If you think rose gold gifts have to be pricey, you are so very wrong. Amazon offers all sorts of gorgeous products, and we chose our favorite under $20. We're talking jewelry, shoes, tech accessories, home decor, and more. Many of these items are offered on Amazon Prime, so you can get them in as little as two days. They're perfect for BFFs, siblings, mothers, coworkers, and more. Get ready to feast your eyes on plenty of pretty things!
13 Accessories That Prove PVC Is 2018's Biggest Trend
From see-through plastic jeans to naked sandals, PVC was one of the year's most daring (and polarizing) trends - and it's only growing bigger in 2018. If wearing a high-shine trench coat still intimidates you, ease into the material with a glossy accessory or two. All you need is a patent sneaker here or a translucent bag there, and it won't be long before you start finding your leather pieces dull in comparison. Keep reading for slick outfit add-ons that prove wearing plastic has never looked better.
23 Stylish Fashion Gifts You Should Buy a Gigi Hadid Fan
Shopping for Gigi Hadid fans has gotten ridiculously easy. After collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger, Stuart Weitzman, and Reebok, it's safe to say there are plenty of items with Gigi's name on the tag. But the options don't end with Gigi's exclusive collections.
If you track the supermodel from Fashion Month to the streets of New York, then you know her style well, and exactly what it takes to master her look. The 23 pieces below are safe bets for any Hadid lover. We promise when she unwraps these packages, she'll whisper excitedly, "It's just like Gigi's."
- Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
Rihanna Can Hide That Diamond Ring All She Wants, but Her Badass Snake Heels Make Up For It
Can Rihanna do no wrong? The singer arrived at JAY-Z's concert in Los Angeles wearing an all-leather ensemble by Dior that reminded us of the movie The Matrix. While we could barely catch a glimpse of that massive diamond ring on her left hand, her embellished heels made up for it.
Rihanna styled a leather minidress with a matching leather trench coat and a pair of strappy Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Her black heels came with gold embellishment on the straps and a snake ankle bracelet that's meant to be worn on one side. Keep reading to have a look at her amazing heels, and buy the same style, as well as similar options, ahead.
We Only Have Eyes For Princess Charlene's "Christmas Cape," Even Next to Prince Albert's Santa Hat
If you were ever looking for a way to include a little holiday joy in your wardrobe, look no further than Princess Charlene of Monaco. The royal was seen wearing the perfect holiday outfit while giving out Christmas gifts with her husband, Prince Albert II of Monaco.
For the festive occasion, the former Olympic swimmer wore a cherry red cape blazer that stole the show, even while standing next to her husband, who was wearing a Santa hat. She styled her chic jacket with a pair of beige pants and knee-high black boots. Keep reading to see all angles of Princess Charlene's pretty coat and buy similar styles for your closet too.
20 Affordable Zara Coats That'll Get You Through the Winter in Style
In case you haven't realized, we have a slight obsession with all things Zara. While the colder temperatures have kind of put a damper on our mood, Zara has once again come to the rescue with an array of stylish coats that are also warm. Whether you're looking for a classic wool style or a fun metallic choice, we've got all of the bases covered. Keep reading to have a look at 20 styles that you'll want to live in this Winter.
20 Stylish Sneakers You Won't Believe Are on Sale Right Now
If sneakers are a major part of your wardrobe, you're not alone; these comfortable and versatile shoes have become a staple in every fashion girl's closet. From Nike to Gucci, so many big names are constantly releasing new hot pairs that we can't get enough of. But some of these picks don't come cheap. Lucky us, there are so many sales happening right now. We shopped and rounded up a list of popular and chic sneakers that are on deep discount. Shop these choices before it's too late.
Meet Hamdia Ahmed, the First Muslim Woman to Wear a Hijab in the Miss Maine Pageant
Get to know the name Hamdia Ahmed, because she has officially made history. The aspiring model shared the news on Twitter that she competed in the Miss Maine pageant and became "the first Muslim girl [in the competition] with a Hijab."
"I slayed my hijab," she wrote. For the pageant, the 19-year-old wore a beautiful gold long-sleeved gown with a pink hijab, and for the swimsuit portion, she wore a burkini with a black hijab. According to her Instagram, she was born in Somalia and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya.
"I wanted to try something new, and gain more confidence. I also wanted to inspire other girls who look like me to chase after their dreams," she told World Class Beauty Queens magazine about her reason for participating. "Representation is so important. You can compete in a pageant even if you wear a hijab, burkini, or a long gown."
Queen Letizia Wore Head-to-Toe Red For the Ultimate Power-Woman Look
All power women have at least one article of red clothing hanging in their closets. It's a color that commands attention and, if styled properly, looks amazing too. If you ever need lessons on how to rock red, let Queen Letizia be your inspiration. The royal daringly wore the color head to toe on her way to a meeting in Madrid. While some of us might stick to black and navy for business meetings, Letizia stood out in her bright ensemble.
Queen Letizia happened to be on trend, too, as red boots are the It item for the season. She wore an over-the-knee silhouette with a red patterned skirt and a matching chain bag that tied together the whole look. Read on to see her monochrome ensemble, and then maybe give the outfit a try in 2018.
12 of the Warmest Stylish Coats You Can Wear This Winter
Fashion trends come and go, but a well-made, timeless, and warm Winter coat is a staple that stays in your closet for years. Finding one that looks good, keeps the heat in, and is well worth the money can be a challenge, but luckily there are plenty of designers who have successfully achieved all three. Before you splurge on a new coat, take a look at our favorites for this cold-weather season and many more to come.
Meghan Markle's Sheer $75,000 Engagement Photo Dress Will Make You Say, "Oh My!"
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently released a pair of gorgeous new engagement photos, and we couldn't help but be instantly drawn to Meghan's choice of a sheer, embroidered gown for one of the snaps. The dress in question comes from British couture house Ralph & Russo, and is rumored to be worth a whopping £56,000 (almost $75,000).
We love that she took advantage of the opportunity to have a proper princess moment in couture, but Meghan's choice of designer also shows how savvy she is; this was the perfect opportunity to show off a rare piece of British couture. Ralph & Russo has the honor of being the first British brand in almost 100 years to be elected to show on the official schedule at Paris Haute Couture Week.
Take a closer look at the dress ahead, accessorized accordingly with her one-of-a-kind engagement ring, then shop similar versions of her ensemble, and be sure to read up on the details about Meghan's ivory sweater, which she wore for the black and white photo that was released.
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
Gigi Hadid's Wearing the Sportiest Pair of Shiny Shoes Any Tomboy Could Wish For
Gigi Hadid is the face of Reebok, so it's only natural she show off the brand's lineup of footwear from time to time. She stepped out with her family for the Rangers game in NYC, supporting her team in a jersey, but capping off her look with a pretty pair of silver metallic Reebok sneakers ($60).
While her buckled Miaou pants ($395) provided edge and her sparkly Messika ring a feminine touch, Gigi's sneakers grounded her look and portrayed her signature taste: she's a true tomboy at heart. Read on to check out Gigi's easy, effortless outfit from a few different angles, then shop her exact kicks, along with similar designs that fashion forward sporty girls will rally behind.
Announcing the 20 Most Stylish Celebrities of 2017
This was an unpredictable year . . . to say the least. But one thing we could always count on in 2017 was our favorite stars coming through with red carpet and street style looks that we could all agree upon.
Whether it was a Hollywood MVP, a surprise newbie, or a certain Titanic singer, these 20 stars delivered plenty of eye candy to sweeten up the last few months. Look back on the boldest moments from this year's best dressed as we reflect on 2017 and anticipate the many stunning dresses, suits, and more to come!
70+ Outfit Ideas to Get You Through the Long Winter in Style
We're not about to let a little snow or ice stand in the way of a good outfit - especially since Winter is only just beginning. That doesn't mean going bare-legged or refusing to bundle up - remember, we want to look stylish, not clueless - but we refuse to wear a sleeping bag masquerading as a coat.
Clearly, this street styled crew knows the feeling, showing off a set of Winter-ready outfits that don't include oversize puffers or snow pants. Instead, their looks inspire a sleek, pulled-together standard for your cold-weather style, because a little inclement weather should never stand in the way of a great outfit. Click through for the inspiration, and prepare to layer up in style.
Are high heels on shaky ground?
Although high heels have drawn concern in recent years about gender discrimination and health risks for women, the footwear style actually originated with men.
More living organ donors needed, doctors say
With demand for organs outstripping supply, and potentially long wait times for transplants, doctors want more Canadians to consider becoming living organ donors.
Choking hazards, chemical contamination top reasons for toy recalls
A CBC News analysis of every toy recall in Canada over the past decade has identified the most-common safety hazards as small parts that break off or are easily swallowed and contaminants such as lead, phthalates or bacteria. The good news, however, is that inspections have improved in recent years, and problem toys are now recalled faster.
Avoid romaine lettuce while E. coli outbreak under investigation, Public Health Agency of Canada says
The federal government says there are now as many as 40 cases of E. coli infections linked to contaminated romaine lettuce — one of them fatal.
Apotex says succession plan for founder Barry Sherman was in place 5 years ago
Apotex says company founder Barry Sherman, who was found dead with his wife last week in their Toronto home, hadn't been involved in day-to-day operations since he stepped down as CEO five years ago.
Opioid overdoses reducing overall U.S. life expectancy
Deaths from opioid overdoses continue to skyrocket in both Canada and the U.S. and new information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the drug crisis has reduced American life expectancy for two years in a row.
Many transplant patients adhering to 6-month sobriety rule improve to point operation not needed: doctor
The six-month sobriety rule is just one of many conditions that patients needing liver transplants must meet to be considered for a transplant, according to guidelines set by Trillium Gift of Life Network, the agency that co-ordinates organ donations in Ontario.
9 Breathtaking Things to See in Yosemite National Park
Internationally recognized for its deep canyons, puncturing peaks, and wild rock formations, Yosemite National Park has been captivating hearts since it was first established in 1890. These days, this jaw-dropper of an area, located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, entices over four million visitors to its gates annually, and it's no surprise why.
Home to nearly 1,200 square miles of untouched wilderness waiting to be explored, Yosemite is the ultimate outdoor playground for adventurers ready to roam and wander. So if you, too, are seeking to reconnect with Mother Nature and become instantly inspired, don't miss the scenic spots ahead.
17 Unique (and Free!) Printable Wedding Programs
Weddings can be pretty expensive, so we've found some of the cutest wedding program printables out there - and they are all FREE.
Uber Finally Heard Our Prayers, and You Can Now Make Multiple Stops in 1 Trip
Uber just made our lives even easier, just in time for the official kickoff of the holiday season. On Oct. 26, the ride-sharing app launched a feature called Multiple Destinations, which does exactly what we've all always wanted Uber to do: pick up or drop off multiple people at multiple stops, using just one single ride. No longer do you have to wait for several drivers to arrive before parting ways with your friends at a party, and it makes it even easier to make sure that your significant other or loved one gets to an event on time.
Adding multiple stops in the Uber app is easy. Just tap "where to?" and then click on the plus (+) sign to add the addresses you'd like to stop at on the way to your final destination. The driver is also instantly delivered directions to the next closest stop, removing the insta-headache of trying to explain to a driver how to get to a place that you may or may not have actually tried to drive to before. And the best part? It doesn't even require a commitment. The person who booked the ride can add or delete additional stops at any time throughout the ride, so that means when you get a text from someone who somehow still hasn't left yet, you can instantly swing by and add them to your ride, too.
There are some limitations to Multiple Destinations, but most of them can be accounted for by thinking through your travel plans before starting your ride. First, there is a maximum of three stops per Uber ride, so be sure to take that into consideration while figuring out your ride-sharing plans. Second, there isn't currently a way to map out each rider's cost based on distance, so you'll be splitting the ride equally across everyone you pick up - and if you know that someone in your crew is a stickler, you probably want to have that conversation before you arrive at your destination. And third, the feature is not compatible with UberPOOL, which means that you can't just try and split a more costly ride over the cost of three random people on the way to where you're going.
Multiple Destinations is available in the Uber app now, and for more information on the new feature, head on over to the Uber site.
Get Ready to Binge, Because Amazon Prime Is Now Available on Your Apple TV
The moment we've been waiting on for years is finally here: as of Dec. 6, Amazon Prime is finally available on our Apple TVs. Gone are the days of using the mirror function of your iPhone to stream Amazon's infinite catalog of movies and TV shows to your Apple TV, and here to stay is unlimited access to commercial-free binge-watching from Amazon's very own dedicated app on your home screen. Oh, and let's not forget that the addition of Amazon to the Apple TV catalog means that you can now use Siri to easily search through the massive library of Prime content and find exactly what it is you want to watch.
"Prime members can now access thousands of titles through the Prime Video app on Apple TV 4K and previous generations of Apple TV, including Prime Original Series and Movies such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Big Sick, with additional titles coming to the service every month," Apple's official announcement reads. And we couldn't be more grateful for the timing; the news comes amid an ongoing battle between Amazon and Google that has left many of our other devices only playing YouTube or Prime, and now we can officially watch all the goodness of all the major content providers with one easy-to-use device.
As an added bonus, the Dec. 6 Apple TV update also comes with the ability to stream live sports via the TV app on your Apple devices. And if you'd rather just watch the good stuff, you can set up your notifications to tell you to tune in right as the action is happening - that's right, you can now keep watching the next episode of The Tick and not worry about missing the play of the year. Ain't technology grand?
20 Last-Minute Tech Gifts For Anyone on Your List
You wake up on Thanksgiving morning, and the next thing you know you're a day away from celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. We've all been there, but the good news is you don't need to panic! Behold: the best last-minute gifts you can get for all the women in your life, allowing a quick bit of online shopping and getting you back to celebrating at all those holiday parties.
5 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way Hosting a Holiday Dinner in My Small Apartment
Anyone who's hosted a dinner party knows the pressures and responsibilities associated with it. Getting the food, decor, and ambiance just right while keeping your guests happy can be a tricky balancing act. Multiply that by about 1,000 when you're hosting a holiday dinner party like Friendsgiving. At least that's how I felt when I recently hosted Friendsgiving at my tiny Brooklyn apartment.
While I knew having 12 of our friends over for Friendsgiving dinner would be stressful (I had at least two anxiety dreams involving a still-frozen turkey), being able to spend the holiday with some really great people outweighed the potential disasters I envisioned in my mind. And what's a challenge without learning a few things along the way? Read my biggest Friendsgiving hostess lessons below.
Improvise a Bar Cart
It's about the only thing standing between me and It-girl living room status. I picture myself à la Joan Holloway, serving guests perfectly mixed cocktails or a glass of whiskey from a gold, multitiered, perfectly styled cart. Unfortunately, this dream will have to wait a few years until I move to a bigger apartment with the space for one.
But I still loved the idea of our Friendsgiving guests being able to serve themselves drinks while simultaneously staying out of the kitchen, so I turned the space beside our record player into a temporary bar cart. This was one of the few times my fondness for collecting cute tea towels has paid off. By draping a tea towel over the surface and arranging bottles, glasses, and a cute antler-shaped bottle opener from my mother on top, I created a pretty decent bar cart substitute.
Make a Little Bit of Decor Go a Long Way
I dream of the day that I can host the ultimate dinner party with an elaborate tablescape, exquisite centerpiece, and perfect place settings. But that wasn't in the cards this year. Between wanting to save a bit of money and not having a lot of crafting time, I had to settle for the essentials. So I headed to a local market to gather a few festive gourds and arranged them artfully in my favorite dish. I was grateful that my mom sent me a gorgeous, rustic bouquet of sunflowers and eucalyptus just days before, which I displayed prominently on the counter. Even though I would have loved to get my Martha Stewart on and go all out with the Thanksgiving decor, these small touches were just enough to brighten up the apartment and set the tone for the season.
No Dining Table? No Problem
Living in our aforementioned tiny Brooklyn apartment means that we don't actually own a dining room table. Three wooden bar stools at our kitchen peninsula are about the extent of our capacity for formal dining. But our huge, sturdy wooden coffee table was a great alternative. We laid out all of the food on the kitchen counter so guests could help themselves to the abundance of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes, and desserts. Then everyone gathered around the coffee table, some in chairs and some just happy to sit on the floor. Besides, Friendsgiving is about bringing people together - what's wrong with getting a little cozy?
Get Creative With Seating
Another potential pitfall of not having a proper dining space is having a lack of seating - a major problem when you're having a dozen friends over for dinner. But my husband and I are nothing if not resourceful! And I had very conveniently convinced him we needed that new midcentury modern accent chair from Target just weeks before. We made use of almost every chair in the apartment. Bar stools, upholstered foot stools, and office chairs became part of our living room decor, and combined with our couch and two accent chairs, there was plenty of seating for everyone.
Accept That Something Is Bound to Go Wrong
For us, it was the roasting tin breaking and spilling turkey juices all over the inside of the oven, which caused our apartment to fill with smoke. At the time, I was (understandably, I would argue) very embarrassed. Our friends rallied around, taking turns holding fans pointed out the window. I watched as plumes of smoke filled the living room, surrounding our friends gathered in the tiny space. While it was definitely helping to fulfill my Mad Men/Joan Holloway image, I worried that our guests would choke or suffer smoke inhalation. But to be honest, I think it made the day memorable. As one guest pointed out as I was downing another glass of wine to deal with what was happening, "It just isn't a holiday without a little bit of smoke."
Can You Make It Through These GIFs Without Laughing Your Face Off?
It's hard to believe there was a time not too long ago when we barely used GIFs to describe our emotions. Thankfully, those days are behind us and now there's no end to the creation of GIFs - especially hilarious ones that make our stomachs hurt from so much laughing.
In celebration of Reddit's 10th birthday last year, the company rounded up a few of its most famous threads - including one called What gif reduces you to hysterical laughter every time? We rounded up some of the best answers, and be warned - you'll want to watch these in an area where you can giggle uncontrollably.
15 Breathtaking Design Photos That Will Leave You Obsessed With Millennial Pink
Much has been made about millennial pink recently. And if that moniker doesn't sound familiar, the color itself will certainly ring a bell. It's that tropical shade of pink a hair shy of saccharine, a dash too peachy to be considered blush, and just muted enough to suit Barbie's more demure cousin. The millennial pink color trend has been growing for several years now, with Pantone even naming Rose Quartz its 2016 Color of the Year and rose gold insinuating itself as the metal du jour. And while we've been seeing the hue everywhere from dip-dyed strands to designer leather bags to cake frosting, we're only now seeing it sweep the home space. Exteriors, furniture, fabrics, and decor are all getting a good coating of the bubblegum tone. If you're hungry for some eye candy, treat yourself to the delicious millennial pink designs ahead and check out our millennial pink shopping guide.
Yes, You Can Travel to the North Pole - Here’s How!
Dreaming of the ultimate arctic adventure? Look no further than the great North Pole. Contrary to popular belief, this mythical region is more than just the headquarters for the jolly bearded man in the red-and-white suit; it's a mysterious, ever-changing destination that is possible to explore, and one that will deliver the utmost once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sound enticing? We think so, too.
But before you start packing your bags, there are a few things to note. For starters, getting to the very top of the world won't be easy . . . or cheap. The journey will be long, and "cold" doesn't even begin to describe the teeth-chattering weather you'll face. Yet, drawbacks aside, this will be one voyage you'll never forget.
So for those who are feeling extra adventurous and are ready to experience the thrill of polar travel, here's everything you need to know for planning your own trip!
First off, where exactly is the North Pole?
The North Pole is the northernmost point on earth, making it the one spot in the world where the only direction is south. Although this area lies diametrically opposite of the South Pole, unlike its southern counterpart, it is not located on a land mass, but rather covered by a sheet of shifting ice in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. The only reason this region is possible to visit is because the majority of it is frozen.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Just like any other place on earth, the North Pole does have seasons, and the best time to visit is between February and May. This way, you avoid the lack of daylight (read: 24 hours of constant darkness) that takes place during Winter and the risk of dangerous stretches of thin ice that can occur in the summertime.
Rest assured, though, that most North Pole expeditions are conducted during the Spring, when there are very long hours of daylight, if not 24 hours of light.
How cold does it really get?
To put it simply: really cold. During the Winter, the average temperature is minus 40°F. And while there are warmer days in the Summer - July being the warmest month - it is still technically freezing at 32°F. But if it gives you some peace of mind, the South Pole is even colder than the North.
What activities can you partake in while exploring?
Despite the fact that the North Pole is one of the most remote places on the planet, there is actually quite a lot to do here. From helicopter rides and wildlife spotting to warming up in hot springs and running in the "coolest marathon in the world," you certainly won't encounter any boredom.
So, how do you even get there?
Although the North Pole is not exactly a budget-friendly destination, there are several ways you can embark on this arctic adventure. Of course, the easiest way will be joining an already-planned expedition. For instance, Quark Expeditions offers a vast array of cruising options. Whether it be an 11-day cruise on the Spitsbergen Explorer or a short, three-day trip via the Barneo Ice Camp Express, the choice is yours.
Another notable alternative is climbing aboard the icebreaker ship known as 50 Years of Victory through Polar Cruises. In fact, it is even possible to sign up for a polar race - you know, if you're yearning to try something really adventurous. Although, if you go this route, you might want to start training now!
20 of the Most Hilarious Venmo Payments
If you're not using Venmo yet, you're missing out. The app makes paying your friends back so much easier, and you never have to worry about having the right amount of cash on you. Plus, one of its greatest features is a stream that shows users' payments. And - as a Venmo rule - the payment must include a description. It's like any social media news feed you're used to, but it offers a quick glimpse into people's escapades. Sure, most of what you see on the feed is what you'd expect . . . friends paying back friends for drinks, cabs, and rent. But you also see the occasional hilarious or crazy one-liner, and you wonder if it's for real or totally made up. We may never know, but they sure are entertaining.
22 Awesome Tech Gifts For Women in Their 30s
There's a discernible difference between the gifts you give in your 20s and the gifts you give in your 30s - and sometimes it's easy to lose sight of what someone may actually want when browsing the net. But if you're struggling to figure out what to get that 30-something this holiday season, look no further: we've come up with the 22 definitive items you can give this year that she'll absolutely love.
Stylish and Affordable Watches Any Guy Will Love
It's time we set you straight with a major list of must haves for men - that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Yes, we're on wrist watch, and we're here to divulge the best and brightest in budget-friendly time-tellers for men. From timeless styles to futuristic fashions, this roundup will have your wrists ready for anything, at all times. Because if there's one thing we've learned, it's that being on time is just as stylish as the accessories used to get you there. So buckle up. This clock just struck "won," which officially makes it style hour.
50 Experiences Around the World Every Millennial Should Add to Their Bucket List
As a millennial, you can't help but obsess over traveling when such life-changing experiences are being Instagrammed on the regular. Why not let FOMO give you that extra push to take the plunge yourself? To help you fulfill all your worldly desires, we've rounded up 50 of the most incredible must sees and must dos for the young traveler around the globe. Get your passport ready because this will kick your wanderlust into high gear.
Tenor's 4 Most Popular Memes of 2017
2017 may have been a year of turmoil politically, but boy has it been a damn good year for memes. The last 12 months have featured more insanely viral moments than ever before, and it's become something of a coping mechanism to use those images and ideas to represent what we're going through at any given time.
In order to take a look back at the year that was, the good people at Tenor - the top GIF keyboard across iOS and Android, as well as many of our most used social media apps - have pulled together the most shared memes on the platform in 2017. Just like our list of the best GIFs this year, the winners embody a whole lot of feelings that we've all experienced with each passing news cycle and trend.
So, without further ado, scroll through the top four memes of 2017 ahead.
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