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.
lundi 25 décembre 2017
15 Times Kesha Proved She Was Back and Stronger Than Ever This Year
Kesha made a triumphant return to the spotlight this year after taking a five-year hiatus from music. Not only did she release her third studio album, Rainbow, but she also hit the road for the accompanying Rainbow tour. In addition to her music career, Kesha also seemed to focus more on expressing herself and making a difference in the world. In January, she joined a bevy of stars at the Women's March in LA and she even hosted a workshop in Texas to fight against cyberbullying two months later. Celebrate Kesha's monumental year by taking a look back at some of her best moments from 2017.
These Hilarious Harry Potter Comic Illustrations Will Have You in Tears
Image Source: Everett Collection
When we first read the absurd Harry Potter chapter written entirely by a predictive text bot, we thought it was the funniest thing that would ever come out of the Potter fandom - but, blessedly, we were wrong. Artist Megan Nicole Dong decided to illustrate the bot-written story, complete with overly friendly Death Eaters and a Hagrid pig. The hand-sketched illustrations capture precisely how hilarious the entire faux chapter is; Dong's drawings have us in tears!
Don't take our word for it - check out the entire series of illustrations below, then follow the artist on Twitter and Tumblr for more of her work.
I have to draw some moments from this bot-written Harry Potter chapter. #loudslowsoftbird https://t.co/YdKLyJd64o http://pic.twitter.com/3Xywuaa5uQ
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
#mcgonagallslongpumpkins http://pic.twitter.com/G61vMd4n2d
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲👁👁💨💨 http://pic.twitter.com/zeLL8GNiOQ
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
Ron's Ron shirt. So bad. http://pic.twitter.com/s5TajvI33z
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
Stupid, handsome Ron. http://pic.twitter.com/ZsZMhjtBU3
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
"BEEF WOMEN!" http://pic.twitter.com/ITfga49oSn
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
Extremely polite Death Eater kisses. (I know that I basically drew Shy Guys) http://pic.twitter.com/02kWpI92qu
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
That tall Death Eater who tried to neg Hermione with his clothes http://pic.twitter.com/3HGokhV9QX
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
Dumbledore to #thePigofHufflepuff: "You are Hagrid now." http://pic.twitter.com/wk4rNh7pYe
- Megan Nicole Dong (@sketchshark) December 14, 2017
8 Photos of Meghan Markle and Her Mom That Prove They're 2 Peas in a Pod
Meghan Markle and her mom, Doria Ragland, have a bond unlike any other. From their adorable yoga sessions to their Summer BBQs to Meghan's sweet Instagram tributes, it's pretty clear that Doria ranks number one in Meghan's book. Most recently, Doria and Meghan's dad, Thomas, expressed their excitement over their daughter's engagement to Prince Harry in a joint statement through Kensington Palace, saying, "We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together." Keep reading for a look at Meghan and Doria's sweetest moments together.
30 Stars Who Are Turning 30 in 2018
For stars like Rihanna, Adele, and Emma Stone, 1988 was a huge year - because they were all born that year! It was also the year the world welcomed talented actors like Supergirl's Melissa Benoist and Harry Potter's very own ginger, Rupert Grint. Those are just a few names that might surprise you on our list of 30 celebs turning 30 in 2018. Read on to find out who's in good company while hitting their 30th birthday milestones ahead.
James Franco Plays Hot Santa in This Painfully Accurate Hallmark Parody
Though widely viewed and adored, Hallmark's original holiday movies can get a little formulaic. Like, why are they always starring the same actors? And wasn't that same exact gazebo featured in the last one? Saturday Night Live recently took on this holiday phenomenon in a spot-on skit starring James Franco.
The skit opens up with the following narration: "From the people who bring you one-sentence greeting cards comes 21 full-length original Christmas movies." In the first movie, Yes, Santa!, Chris Bearstick (Franco) portrays a young Santa Claus who pretty much encourages a woman to cheat on her workaholic fiancé. His other movie, Prince Santa, is just as ridiculous. All in all, the parody made us feel very exposed for our holiday entertainment preferences. Enjoy!
The Good, the Bad, and the Extremely Ugly: What Critics Are Saying About Bright
I have to hand it to Bright - the concept behind the film, which takes place in an alternate version of LA where orcs, fairies, and elves live alongside humans, genuinely intrigued me. The idea of Will Smith and Joel Edgerton playing a pair of mismatched cops - Daryl Ward (Smith), a human man, and Nick Jakoby (Edgerton), an orc - who must overcome their differences and their community's racism to keep a magic wand from getting into the hands of an evil elf (Noomi Rapace) was enough to make me stop and say, "You know what? I'll give this insane movie a shot."
Not to mention, Netflix poured a reported $90 million into the project led by Suicide Squad director David Ayer and screenwriter Max Landis and already greenlit a sequel. It couldn't bomb that hard, could it? According to some critics: yes, yes it could. There have been some positive responses to Bright so far, sure, but on the whole, the critiques have been damning. See exactly what they're saying below.
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter's John DeFore called the fantasy-gritty cop mashup "plenty embarrassing" and said that it's "awkward enough to make Cowboys & Aliens look like a stroke of genius." He added: "Stars Will Smith and Joel Edgerton play it mostly straight here, doing their part to sell the dopey premise, but the screenplay offers viewers little reward for our own suspension of disbelief. The supernatural elements are so poorly explained and implemented they make us wish we were watching some generic reality-based policier instead."
The Wrap
The Wrap's Todd Gilchrist did not mince words: "If this new Netflix production exemplifies Ayer's creativity unfettered by major-studio interference, I'll take a lousy DC movie over . . . whatever this is any day of the week. Astoundingly bad in virtually every way, Bright shares in common several of the shortcomings of Ayer's previous film, including conspicuous evidence of desperate efforts to cobble its under-explained and yet somehow overcomplicated mythology into something coherent."
IndieWire
IndieWire's David Erlich put it bluntly: "There's boring, there's bad, and then there's Bright, a movie so profoundly awful that Republicans will probably try to pass it into law over Christmas break. From the director of Suicide Squad and the writer of Victor Frankenstein comes a fresh slice of hell that somehow represents new lows for them both - a dull and painfully derivative ordeal that that often feels like it was made just to put those earlier misfires into perspective. The only thing more predictable than this high-concept police story is the idea that a year as punishing as 2017 would save the worst for last."
The Guardian
If you're one of the few who enjoyed Bright, you're not alone. The Guardian's Steve Rose commended the film for taking risks, saying, "For all its flaws, Bright is still a headlong leap into a bracingly different new world. Cinema could do with more of that." He also praised Edgerton's performance, writing that he "gives his orc character a credible blend of timidity, dignity and inner turmoil."
Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair's Jordan Hoffman wrote of the film's potential to ruin Netflix's big Hollywood debut. "There is a whiff of an interesting idea in there, but it is buried in tedious scenes lacking clear direction, endless generic (and poorly lit) shoot-outs, and cringeworthy sequences of allegedly witty banter. This movie is an absolute wreck - which is unfortunate, as it is also something of a big debut for Netflix's original-films shingle."
Los Angeles Times
Noel Murray of the Los Angeles Times called it "less than thrilling" and questioned its sequel potential. "It's hard to imagine Bright inspiring anyone to want to see or make a full-blown series of films. Aside from a few nifty ideas and the occasional amusing or exciting scene, this film is a chore."
Vulture
Vulture's Emily Yoshida took issue with the film's choice to merely skim the surface when it came to exploring its racial undertones (even if that was for the best). "Bright turns out to be more interested in its mythrilpunk world-building than any kind of social commentary, which is a good thing, because while it is so-so at the former (the plot holes in this thing), it is clearly out of its depth with the latter," she wrote.
Fortune
Fortune's Scott Mendelson declared Bright "a giant Christmas/Hanukah gift from Netflix to the major studios" since it shows the streaming giant might not be as big of a threat to them as they think. "Congratulations, Netflix!" he writes. "You can make a visually grotesque, dreadfully dull and hopelessly convoluted would-be franchise action movie just as well as the stereotypical Hollywood machine!"
Variety
Variety's Peter Debruge was a huge fan of the daring genre bender. "Bright is the best Netflix original movie to date, and it absolutely deserves to be seen on the big screen, though don't let that stop you from watching it home, as End of Watch director David Ayer's welcome return to the cop-movie genre - following a disastrous wrong turn into Suicide Squad territory, of which we will say no more - fills an intense, grown-up movie niche that Hollywood once did so well, but has since replaced with formula-driven product."
2017's Sexiest Bikini Moments Are Guaranteed to Keep You Warm All Through Next Year
Stars like Fergie and Hilary Duff kicked off the year by hitting the beach, while the Kardashian-Jenner clan enjoyed the warmer temperatures of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Cannes. From the beach days of Britney Spears and Bella Hadid to Emily Ratajkowski's perfect pool days, we were blessed with so many hot bikini moments this year.
17 Photos of the Stark Siblings That Prove Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Game of Thrones has taken so much from the Stark family, but we have a feeling that no matter what other horrible things may happen in Westeros, nothing will be able to fully break them. Despite parents Ned and Catelyn being killed off a long time ago, as well as Robb (Richard Madden) and Rickon (Art Parkinson), their remaining children have never stopped loving each other (despite being separated by wars and thousands of miles). And it turns out that their bond is just as strong in real life.
Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and "bastard" Jon Snow (Kit Harington) - who isn't Ned's son, but nobody really knows yet - love getting together outside of work. Whether they're hitting a red carpet or just relaxing on a Friday night, we love their sibling-like bond. Keep scrolling to see some of their best moments together (some also feature more familiar Game of Thrones faces).
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.
40 Steamy Songs That Probably Made It Onto Your Sex Playlist This Year
Whether you were getting down with yourself or a significant other (or, hey, even a stranger - we don't judge), there were a ton of songs that had sex-playlist potential this year. From newcomers like SZA and Gallant to musical mainstays like Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato, and Kendrick Lamar, we've rounded up the steamy tunes that had us fanning ourselves in 2017. Scroll through to see them all now, then press play on our Spotify playlist at the end.
13 Famous Guys Who Have Had Eyes For Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst is pregnant with her first child, and her big news - and recent engagement to Fargo costar Jesse Plemons - has us thinking about the other famous dudes she dated before settling down. Most of us remember her high-profile relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, but there are a few other romances that flew under the radar. Keep reading to see all the guys who had eyes for Kirsten.
Essie's Latest Nail Polish Collection Was Made For Practicing Your Princess Wave
A fresh manicure can take your mood from zero to 100, but the latest nail polish colors from Essie will make you feel like a straight-up princess.
The brand is releasing six new Gel Couture shades ($12), all inspired by romance and royalty. Its enchanted new lineup features creamy, opaque hues that deliver salon-quality results at home. Just apply two coats of polish, finish with the Gel Couture top coat, and - voilà! - you'll have a magical, long-lasting mani.
While we love the longevity of Gel Couture polishes, the stunning colors are what have us hyped as hell. You can take a cue from Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth II, and Duchess-to-Be Meghan Markle and opt for a classic pink, like Matter of Fiction. But if you're fond of Cinderella's ballgown blue, metallics, and vampy hues, you'll also find a color in the new range that fits you like a crown.
Rita Remark, Essie's global lead educator, told us via email that she's personally smitten with Good Knight (blackened plum) and Princess Charming (neutral mauve-pink). "With another royal wedding around the corner, the timing [of this new collection] couldn't be more charmed!" she added. And Rita's right - we could totally see Meghan rocking a shade similar to Princess Charming down the aisle next Spring.
Luckily, you don't have to be an actual princess to get in on the magic. The entire collection is available to snag now on Amazon. Ahead, you can get a better look at each shade and see them swatched on different complexions. In the meantime, we'll be here practicing our royal waves before our next manicures.
North West Adorably Nails Her First Session as an Aspiring Makeup Artist
North West is a girl with a dream! After witnessing tons of Kim Kardashian's glam sessions with makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic and Patrick Starr, the 4-year-old cutie is ready to take matters into her own hands and follow her dreams to become a beauty influencer. Over the weekend, Kim shared North's "first glam session" on her Instagram story, where we saw her gorgeous, colorful spread of Maybelline and ColourPop x My Little Pony products.
Earlier this year, Kim said that her daughter is obsessed with makeup brushes and is fascinated when Kim gets her hair blown out. But now, we're seeing North's passion for products in action, and makeup must be in her blood because she's definitely got skills. We just have one question: where are the Kylie Cosmetics lip kits and KKW Beauty contour kits?!
Read on to see North's "butterfly look," and gush over her adorable personalized makeup case. From now on, we're calling her Nori MUA.
Jordana Brewster Dishes on the 1 Surprising Item You'll Find in Her Makeup Bag
Jordana Brewster has been in the spotlight for over 20 years, and the one thing that has remained consistent in her beauty routine is the way she takes care of her skin and how she maintains dem brows.
We spoke to the Pond's ambassador recently, and she blew our minds when she revealed the one item she always carries in her makeup bag. "An old toothbrush," she said. "I have pretty big brows, so often I will use the Charlotte Tilbury brow gel, but if they are still a little haywire, I use an old toothbrush to put them in place." Voilà, it's so easy but works like a charm.
She also gave us a bonus tip that she learned from her Brazilian side of the family on how she maintains her hair looking so healthy and luscious. "A lot of people are surprised at just how healthy my hair is but it's because I follow traditional Brazilian haircare tips. Every time I go in the sun, I put oil in my hair to protect it. It's so important to protect your hair against the elements."
We dared to ask the 37-year-old what five products she would take on a deserted island, and her answer was just like her routine: simple. "The Ponds Original Fresh MoistureClean towelettes ($12) because that could be a cleanser and a moisturizer. I would do the Hourglass mascara ($28), YSL's Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Highlighter ($42), and some grapeseed oil because I can use it on my body. The last thing would be Glossier's lip balm ($12). I'm always dry, so I feel like that's such a good lip balm and a great basic."
Jordana also dropped a gem when she told us the best beauty advice she's ever gotten. "If you aren't feeling it, then just fake it because no one is going to know the difference. It's really hard to do, especially for me because I'm such a stickler for honesty."
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.
27 PDA-Filled Moments Between Salma Hayek and Her Husband, Francois-Henri Pinault
It has been eight years since Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek and her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, married on Valentine's Day in Venice, Italy, with their daughter, Valentina, at their side. Since then, Salma and Francois-Henri have attended countless fashion shows and art exhibitions, generally looking adorable, in love, and happy to show a little PDA.
In honor of the power couple, we're rounding up their sweetest public moments from as far back as the beginning of their courtship in 2006.
The Holidays Won't Be Complete Without a Big Batch of 1 of These Sangria Recipes
'Tis the season for Winter-inspired cocktails. And there's nothing better than Sangria, especially considering it can be made with fresh produce that basically tastes like Christmas: apples, cranberries, pears, and pomegranates. It's the perfect drink to accompany your holiday feast. Plus, it feels kind of healthy with all that fruit, right? Whether you're having a full-on party or just an intimate gathering, we've rounded up some great recipes you'll love. Keep scrolling to explore all the delicious options!
10 Perfumes Your Grandma Always Talked About That Smell Amazing
If you were to catch a whiff of scents like Jean Nate or Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds today, you'd probably be transported back to memories of your Latina mom or grandma in the '80s or '90s, spritzing and dabbing while getting ready for a night of salsa dancing or just a day at home cooking and spending time with family. But those throwback perfumes don't have to just be a memory. Each is distinctive and special in its own way, and we think that just like the best vintage bags and shoes, they all deserve a moment back on the scene. Keep scrolling to see 10 old-school perfumes that we'll be wearing all season.
17 Years Later, Thalia and Tommy Mottola Continue to Prove Their Love Is Strong
Thalia and Tommy Mottola have been married for almost 17 years, and after two kids and nine Thalia albums, the couple are going strong, always right by each other's side.
Fun fact: the two were actually set up by Gloria Estefan's husband, Emilio Estefan. "He kept talking to me about a guy that he knew and I should meet him because we're like two drops of water and he kept saying the same thing to Tommy. I was like, 'What am I going to do with a guy who just got divorced and has kids?' and he was like, 'What am I going to do with a singer and an actress?'" she told HuffPost in 2011. "I was in New York for just one night, so we met for drinks and the rest is history." Clearly, Thalia and Tommy fell in love at first sight, but the two work hard at their relationship, with Thalia saying respecting each other and developing memories together are keys to their success. Their love is endless, and it totally shows in these photos.
Bella Thorne's Gym Selfies and Strong Abs Are About to Give You Serious Fitspiration
Did you promise to hit the gym every day this year, but had a hard time sticking to that resolution? Allow actress Bella Thorne to demonstrate how she managed to stick to her pledge to get fit all while working on many film and TV projects, including her new Freeform series Famous in Love.
The Cuban-American actress has been sharing her slow and steady progress with her fans on Instagram, sharing her struggles (trying to build her core strength), successes (finally seeing muscle definition), and favorite routines (from spinning to weights). While she'll be the first one to admit she has plenty of work to do - captioning photos by saying "bad form, I know" and even talking about being weak after years of skipping the gym - we admire Bella for her determination to get healthy and feel fit while juggling a busy schedule. Scroll ahead to see her best workout moments and get ready to feel inspired to grab that gym bag and tackle a sweat session.
Kate Middleton Could Learn a Thing or 2 From This Stylish European Royal
Gone are the days when queens and princesses had to be covered up in styles that made them feel constricted - Duchess Kate Middleton and Queen Letizia of Spain are just two clear examples that a royal can wear whatever she wants (even Zara). But when it comes to eclectic and adventurous looks, the queen is Máxima of the Netherlands.
The Argentinian-born ruler dresses a bit more conservatively, but still manages to play with texture, belled sleeves, scarves, and, of course, her favorite accessory: hats! Herea are just a few of the interesting looks she's worn in 2017.
44 Times Jessica Alba's Outfit Was No Match For a Long Plane Ride
If you're like us, your airport style consists of a pair of sweatpants (jeans if you're feeling ambitious) and an oversize t-shirt. If you're like Jessica Alba, even if you're wearing just that, you look put together and chic like no one else.
Her sweatpants are not just plain and boring; they're cuffed, are fitted in all the right places, and have interesting designs. Her t-shirts are elevated with laid-back but stylish jackets and fun accessories like hats and fashionable sneakers. But even though that's the actress's preferred uniform when getting on a plane, she's not afraid to go above and beyond, wearing the occasional heel and leather jacket, too. Keep reading for all the times Jessica's travel style totally nailed it.
1 Look at Queen Letizia's Gorgeous Collection of Ball Gowns, and You'll Be in Love
Even though modern royals prefer affordable dresses from brands like Zara and trendy pieces like comfy track pants, a queen isn't a queen without a serious collection of ball gowns.
In true frugal form, Queen Letizia, who often repeats outfits from head to toe without a care in the world, has worn the same party dresses to royal weddings, galas, dinners, and award ceremonies for the past 10+ years. In fact, since 2004, we've spotted Letizia in only 26 different gowns - hey, for the Queen of Spain, that's not that much! Scroll ahead to ooh and aah over all of them.
dimanche 24 décembre 2017
How to Make Sure Your Turkey's Done If You Don't Have a Thermometer
If you don't have a meat thermometer and would rather not buy one just for Thanksgiving, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your turkey is fully cooked and not overcooked. According to the experts behind the Turkey Talk-Line at Butterball, this is exactly what you need to do to ensure a fully cooked yet still moist bird.
1. Find out the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey.
Using the turkey-cooking calculator is the easiest way to find out how long your turkey will need to cook based on its weight. A 20-pound turkey will take three and a half to four hours to cook at 325°F.
2. Don't peek!
Although it's tempting to check on your turkey, opening the oven only lowers the temperature and prolongs the process, potentially screwing up your initial estimated time. Keep the oven closed until you're about two-thirds of the way through to check on it for the first time. If the turkey breasts are getting too browned too quickly, cover the turkey in a tent of foil. If they don't look browned, feel free to skip that step.
3. Keep your eye on the thigh.
The deepest part of the thigh muscle is the very last part of the turkey to be done. The internal temperature should reach 180°F. To check for doneness without a thermometer, pierce the thigh and pay attention to the juices: if the juices run clear, it's cooked, and if the juices are reddish pink, it needs more time. Put the turkey back in the oven and check again after a short time.
14 Grocery Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget
As a 24-year-old who has just started out in the professional world, I know how hard it can be to get your life together. You're supposed to find a job, live on your own, cook for yourself, and find the time to exercise, which, unfortunately, I don't think includes walking to the kitchen for snack breaks in between TV episodes. When you have so much going on - especially when you're on a budget - one thing that some people dread is grocery shopping. I personally love it, but it took a little practice to figure out a routine and a grocery list that worked for me. As someone who loves to cook, there are certain things I like to have on hand all the time. These are 14 budget-approved staples I always have stocked in my kitchen.
15 Wines From Whole Foods That Will Knock Your Socks Off
Picture this: you're trying to get everything ready for a fabulous party, but you're crunched for time (OK, you don't have to picture this - we have all been here). You stop at Whole Foods to get some party staples and are thinking about all the other stops you have to make and things you have to do when you get home . . . like throw your dirty clothes in a closet and do something with all the dishes that have piled up in the sink.
You're thinking you may have to phone a friend to handle the adult beverages, but you're in luck. At Whole Foods, the wine selection is quite varied, and the grocer actually has a Master Sommelier employed as its global beverage buyer. So, go ahead: pick up a sampling of wines, and impress your gathered friends with the answer when they say, "This wine is delicious. Where did you get it?"
Exclusive! Chips Ahoy and Nutter Butter Cereals Are Hitting Shelves Soon!
It's becoming more and more acceptable to eat cookies for breakfast, and now we can add Chips Ahoy! and Nutter Butter to the list of "desserts turned cereals." Post, the same brand that blessed the world with the creation and return of Oreo O's, is debuting Chips Ahoy! Cereal and Nutter Butter Cereal, and - yes - each is as nostalgia-inducing and delicious as you'd imagine. POPSUGAR got an exclusive first taste of the cereals, and let's just say we're glad the boxes are big because they're both insanely addictive. The two cereals are exclusive to Walmart and will be available online and in stores on Dec. 26.
The Chips Ahoy! Cereal tastes like you took a bunch of the brand's classic cookies and turned them into bite-size, extracrunchy cookie puffs. I'm not a milk drinker, but I can imagine that eating a bowl of this cereal with milk would be the best way to satisfy milk-and-cookie cravings first thing in the morning. As for the Nutter Butter Cereal, not only are the tiny, peanut-shaped "cookies" adorable, but they also have a creamy coating made with real peanut butter that's beyond tasty.
Several of my coworkers and I tried both cereals, and we gotta admit . . . the Nutter Butter might be even more irresistible than the Chips Ahoy!. Whether you prefer chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies, you're guaranteed to love these spins on two of the most iconic snacks. We can't help but be a little sad these cereals weren't around when we were kids, but that doesn't mean we can't be true adults and eat cereal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
10 Beef Stew Recipes to Keep You Warm This Winter
When it comes to comforting Winter foods, sometimes there's nothing better than a big bowl of soup. Beef stew is a classic favorite that you'll want to keep in heavy rotation all season long. That's why we've rounded up 10 variations on this traditional crowd-pleaser to make sure you never tire of it.
13 of the Most Incredible "All I Want For Christmas Is You" Covers You'll Ever Hear
Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is arguably the best song that has ever been recorded she's ever recorded, and there are plenty of people out there who agree. The holiday queen's festive classic has spawned everything from annual concert specials to children's books and approximately one million cover songs. Because of this, we've rounded up the best of the best when it comes to the brave souls who've slain Carey's iconic tune. After all, is it even really Christmas if you haven't blasted that song while dancing around your living room? No. No, it is not. Keep reading to see which covers made the cut!
Nobody Does Christmas Quite Like Mariah Carey
It's no secret that Mariah Carey is one of Hollywood's most glamorous moms, so the fact that she is also the Queen of Christmas should come as no surprise to you. Whether she's celebrating with her family in Aspen, performing at an annual tree lighting, or belting out a holiday pop classic, there's no denying Mariah's Christmas slaying abilities.
The Beautifully Creepy Nutcracker and the Four Realms Trailer Will Take Your Breath Away
Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms might not hit theaters until Nov. 2, 2018, but we can already tell we won't be able to stop thinking about it until then. The first trailer is a beautifully creepy look at the magical world young Clara (Twilight's Mackenzie Foy) finds herself in, which includes a dashing soldier (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice, the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley), and a tyrannical Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren). Will Clara be able to locate the strange and mysterious key that can restore harmony in this parallel world? Considering real ballet superstar Misty Copeland has a starring role, we have high hopes for this. Watch the trailer above!
Star Wars Fans Are Freaking the F*ck Out Over Kylo Ren's Shirtless Scene in The Last Jedi
Warning: a few small spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi below!
Kylo Ren's role gets expanded big time in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which sees him developing an emotional connection with Rey - whom he may or may not be related to - and going head to head with First Order baddies like Supreme Leader Snoke and General Hux. Oh, and he also gets a shirtless scene. Yes, you get to see Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) shirtless save for some seriously high-waisted pants.
Shirtless.
The moment is brief and abrupt, coming out of freakin' nowhere during one of his Force chats with Rey (Daisy Ridley), who is just as shocked by his shirtless bod as everyone in the audience at your movie theater likely was (someone behind me yelled "DAMN!" and I don't blame them). Naturally, fans have taken to Twitter to hash out their emotions about the moment, which has been seared into my retinas for all eternity.
12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Titanic
It's been two decades since Jack and Rose's ill-fated romance broke our hearts and turned "never let go" into the most romantic vow one could make. At the time of filming, Titanic was the most expensive movie ever made, and no one could have predicted the monstrous success headed its way. The blockbuster went on to become the highest grossing film of all time (before being dethroned by James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar), and has entered the pop cultural zeitgeist as one of the essential films to see before you die. But even after dissecting the film, its stars, and the real-life events that inspired it, there are still some things about the movie that remain endlessly fascinating. Here are 12 interesting facts about Titanic!
1. There Was Almost a Different Jack and Rose
It's impossible to imagine the film without Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, but rumor has it they were not the first choices for their characters. Gwyneth Paltrow and Matthew McConaughey were reportedly in talks to star before things fell through. With that said, don't expect James Cameron to reveal the truth. "I will neither confirm nor deny," he said. "I just don't think that's cool to talk about actors that either chose not to do it, or were unavailable, or stupidly decided that there wasn't enough meat on the bone of the character, or whatever it was."
2. Winslet REALLY Wanted the Part
In order to secure the lead role, Winslet reportedly got ahold of director James Cameron's number and called to tell him, "I just have to do this, and you are really mad if you don't cast me." She'd go on to deny doing this years later, but admitted to sending him roses with a note signed, "From Your Rose" after her audition. "Jim took a risk in casting me," she said. "A lot of my contemporaries - Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder - were much more likely candidates. I got lucky."
3. DiCaprio Got Crabby on the Set
Fourteen-hour days are rough for anyone, so it's understandable that Leo would have moments of weakness amidst his 70-90-hour work weeks. While filming that famous dinner party scene in which his character coins the phrase "Make it count," he reportedly leaned over to Kathy Bates and asked (while pointing at the cutlery),"Which one of these do I use to lobotomize myself?" A 1998 Vanity Fair article also quotes him as being less than thrilled on a different day. "[DiCaprio] was sick of the brown land, the mariachi merriment, and Cameron's big tub," the story read. So one day "he ambled over to the set, took a good look at the four soundstages, the 17-million-gallon water tank, the smokestacks rising majestically against the sky, the hordes of extras running around in period clothes - and thought, 'This is bullshit.'"
4. Cameron Was Extremely Thorough
The director went through great lengths to ensure the film's authenticity, and his thoroughness extended to the movie's characters . . . even the extras. "One night toward the climax - it was 4:30 a.m. - and the ship is dipping into the very chilly Pacific waters, and 2,000 people are scrambling toward the stern, [Cameron] yells, 'Cut!'" Billy Zane, who played Cal, recalled. "Climbs onto the deck from the crane basket swinging him around with the sky cam, goes up to an extra, who's this old lady, and says, 'You're not just running. You need to go down to the sea deck because your daughter told you she forgot something very dear, her wedding ring, and she's going down there and you gave her five minutes, and she's taken 10, and you regret making that choice.' He's giving backstory to a background artist, which elevated the moment for her and spread like wildfire to the other extras." Neat.
5. The Director Has Settled the Door Debate
The last half of the film finds Rose on a floating door, while Jack remains submerged. The moment has sparked heated a debate over the years: "Why didn't they just take turns? There was room for him on that thing," and so on. Now, consider those arguments settled because Cameron has provided the definitive answer. "Look, it's very, very simple: you read page 147 of the script and it says, 'Jack gets off the board and gives his place to her so that she can survive.' It's that simple." If the director says it is so, then so it shall be.
6. Jack Had an Unexpected Hand Double
Perhaps one of the most romantic (and most quoted) scenes of the film is when Rose asks Jack to draw her like one of his French girls. However, the hands you see on screen don't belong to DiCaprio. Since he's more of an actor than an illustrator, Cameron stepped in to do the actual sketching.
7. J. Dawson Was Real
Jack Dawson might have been a fictional character but, as it turns out, there was a J. Dawson aboard the real ship. It's a mere coincidence that the two share such similar names because Cameron didn't find out about the latter until after the film wrapped. Since its release, the real Dawson's gravesite has been extremely popular among tourists.
8. Jeremy Sisto Was Nearly Cast
Could you imagine? Nope, me neither. But before Leonardo DiCaprio signed onto the film, Clueless hunk Jeremy Sisto did a screen test with Kate Winslet. However, they didn't have much chemistry and he was soon let go. "It was exciting to be a part of the process," he said. "To be involved in something that had that kind of scope - anything James Cameron does has this huge scope to it. He's trying to push the limits on things. So I was just insanely inspired by it and a little heartbroken when the role didn't come my way."
9. Lindsay Lohan Almost Had a Part
Yep, you read that correctly. The Parent Trap star, who was 8 at the time, was supposed to play Jack's "best girl" Cora, but Cameron thought her red hair made her look too similar to Rose and her mother Ruth.
10. Celine Dion's Hit Song Wasn't Originally Planned
For the soundtrack, Cameron only wanted songs without words. Things changed when composer James Horner hooked up with lyricist Will Jennings and singer Celine Dion to secretly create a demo for "My Heart Will Go On," which Cameron loved. The song made it into the closing credits, and the rest is history.
11. Titanic Holds a Unique Record
These days, movies tend to disappear from the theater after a month and a half. Back then, they were around for months. Titanic, which was released on Dec. 19, 1997, was still in theaters when it also came out on VHS on Sept. 1, 1998. It's the first and probably only film to accomplish such a feat.
12. The Crew Was Reportedly Drugged
After a long and difficult shoot, the cast and crew were nearly ready to wrap when many of them came down with a mysterious illness. Fifteen minutes after eating lobster chowder, "the crew was all milling about. Some people were laughing, some people were crying, some people were throwing up," actor Bill Paxton recalled. "One minute I felt okay," he added, "the next minute I felt so goddamn anxious I wanted to breathe in a paper bag. Cameron was feeling the same way." It turns out that someone had spiked their food with PCP. To this day, no one knows the culprit behind it.
14 Times Mark Hamill Went Above and Beyond For His Fans
Mark Hamill may be a huge star, but he's also a total sweetheart when it comes to his fans. The actor has garnered huge success for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, but it's pretty clear that he hasn't let the fame get to his head. Whether he's signing autographs, snapping selfies, or surprising fans at Disneyland, there's no denying that Mark has nothing but love for his fans. If only there were more people like Mark in the world.
Sophia Bush Gets Real About Her Chicago P.D. Exit: "I Couldn’t Do That Job Anymore”
After playing Detective Erin Lindsay for four seasons on NBC's Chicago P.D. series, actress Sophia Bush made her exit from the show in May. Her character's storyline was wrapped up by explaining that Erin would be moving to New York City to take a job with the FBI, breaking the hearts of loyal audiences everywhere. Bush has since signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to star in a new series, which caused some devoted fans to question whether that was the reason behind her decision to leave the procedural show. Bush responded to the speculation on Instagram in October, writing to a fan, "Took me a long time and a lot of hard work to get out of that show. Please don't demean my capabilities by degrading my position. I left because I wanted to. End of story."
Despite Bush's comment about the exit, rumors soon started swirling that her real motivation for leaving had to do with series star Jason Beghe's "inappropriate behavior" and sexual harassment, which NBC is currently investigating. When asked about why she left the show during an interview with Refinery29's UnStyled podcast on Monday, Bush said that she didn't "have to give everyone the specific breakdown of exactly why I left until I'm ready to do that," before elaborating a bit more on the true nature of her departure. Although it was her "dream job," she realized by the end of the second season that she "couldn't do that job anymore." At a point between seasons three and four, Bush said she sat her bosses down to have a frank conversation about her quality of life on set.
"If something really drastic doesn't change, I'm leaving at the end of the year, because I understand how the business works and how women are treated - I said, 'I'm giving you not two weeks notice and I'm not coming in here throwing shit and breaking lamps and saying I'm never coming back. I'm giving you 23 episodes notice,'" she explained. "I'm giving you that much time, so there will be no conversation in which I was hysterical, emotional, in which I was being a quote 'irrational female' or whatever you want to put on it. I'm literally sitting in front of you like cool as a cucumber."
It appears her bosses either didn't take her seriously, or were willing to lose her character on the show rather than make the changes she was hoping for. She added, "If this has to be like a big swinging-d*ck competition, I promise you I will win. But know this now: If we're not having a very different conversation by Christmas, then you know with 100 percent certainty in December that come the end of April, I'm leaving."
Bush's Chicago P.D. exit came just a few months before she joined the female cast and crew of One Tree Hill in writing a passionate letter about the harrowing experiences they endured while working with the teen soap's showrunner, Mark Schwahn. She also spoke out about it on Twitter, writing, "This is the reality for women, in all industries, anywhere that powerful men abuse their power. 1 in 4 women (reported numbers, estimates place the actual numbers at 1 in 2) are assaulted by the time they leave college. We have a systemic problem. It needs fixing."
Prince George's "Dreadful" Christmas Habit Would Make Princess Diana Proud
Prince George's special connection with his late grandmother, Princess Diana, might just land him on Santa Claus's naughty list this Christmas. Last year, Prince William revealed that his then-3-year-old son couldn't resist opening up his gifts ahead of schedule. The "dreadful" habit is one the adorable toddler inherited directly from his father, who picked it up from his mom before her untimely passing.
The adorably sneaky habit was first revealed in a series of letters written by the former Princess of Wales. In one letter sent to a friend dated Dec. 14, 1985, she wrote about not being able to wait two weeks until the holiday to open her gifts. "I could not resist opening my present, as a parcel of any shape or form has never been safe with me," she wrote. "I fear that William has also picked up this dreadful habit from his mother, as I find wrapping paper undone in the most extraordinary places."
Although the family's hilarious holiday tradition may ruin the surprise of discovering what Santa brought down the chimney on Christmas morning, something tells us this naughty behavior of George's would make Princess Diana smile. And of course, this means there's a chance Princess Charlotte will soon take up the "dreadful" habit, too - maybe that's where she got the book she was reading on the way to the queen's annual Christmas lunch? Of all the royal family's many Christmas traditions, this one seems like the perfect way to keep Diana's memory alive.
15 Times Harry and Meghan Made Their Love For Each Other Loud and Clear
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been going strong since the Spring of 2016, but it wasn't until this year that we got a closer look at their romance. Whether they're out on a romantic date night, a sports event, or a royal engagement, Harry and Meghan never shy away from showing PDA. The two always look so in love, and Harry has even said that he knew Meghan was "the one" from the very first time they met. In honor of their recent engagement, take a look at Meghan and Harry's sweetest PDA moments.
Keep Dunder Mifflin Alive With These Gifts For Fans of The Office
Whether you're looking for a gift for "the world's best boss" or the perfect stocking stuffer for a The Office superfan, look no further. With pins, books, and board games, there is nothing that the co-worker or cult fan won't like. Commemorate The Office with these fun gift ideas (boxes of paper not included).
15 Quotes From The Office's Christmas Episodes to Use This Holiday Season
Some TV shows just know how to do the holidays right. Though it's been off the air for years now, we'll always treasure The Office's Christmas episodes, especially the ones from when Steve Carell was still on the show. The Dunder Mifflin crew always celebrated with tinsel, vodka (looking at you, Meredith), and plenty of awkward moments. In honor of those classic episodes, here are the quotes you can still use this holiday season!
22 Times King Louis Tomlinson Was the Hero His Adoring Fans Needed
If you'd all be so kind as to indulge me for a bit, I'd like to share a little about one of my favorite people on the planet: Louis Tomlinson, formerly of One Direction and currently a bona fide solo artist. Over the years, the "Miss You" singer has gone from being the one in One Direction who never got any solos to then penning a majority of their hits to now releasing his own music. He's someone who once told The Guardian that he struggled with confidence, but he seems to be finally realizing how ridiculously talented he is - and we, the fans, could not be prouder.
For me, I've sat here for the past six years watching Louis do amazing things like donate millions of dollars to charity and meet sick fans who adore him, and it's these quiet moments of greatness that have made me even more supportive of him and his career. He's someone who is capable of extraordinary things, though his humility would never allow him to get cocky or rest on his laurels.
I can't say I know him personally (please don't remind me), but I feel like I know him just from how closely I've followed his career, and I feel confident in saying he's one to watch in the music scene. If you've resisted the solo music of any of the members of One Direction simply because of their past, I'm sorry to say you're missing out, especially when it comes to Louis. His lyrics are sharp, his melodies are catchy, and his attitude is just nonchalant enough to draw you in. But you know what? It's not a surprise to those of us who have been around awhile.
To celebrate King Louis and all that he's done, I pulled together 22 things that have made him truly the hero we needed, from the little moments with the boys to all of his charity work. For all you other Louies out there, and of course, for Louis himself, this one's for us.
Daisy Ridley Has Only Been Linked to These 2 Men - and None of Them Are John Boyega
Daisy Ridley has been making waves in Hollywood thanks to her role as Rey in Star Wars. While many fans have been shipping Daisy and her costar, John Boyega, for years now, the sad truth is that they're just friends. Even though Daisy may not be dating John, she has been linked to two other men: one who's also an actor and another whose name still remains a mystery. Keep reading for a peek into Daisy's ultraprivate love life.
Grab a Cold Towel and Feast Your Eyes on the Sexiest, Steamiest Celebrity Selfies of the Year
Every year, celebrities treat us to a bevy of sexy photos, and they get hotter and hotter with each year that passes by. Whether it's a sizzling bikini snap or an NSFW shot, there's no telling how far a star will go for the perfect selfie. Keep reading to see the hottest celebrity selfies of 2017.
Fuel Your Gilmore Girls Obsession With These 16 Coffee Mugs
Love coffee? Obsessed with Gilmore Girls? Then we have the perfect gift guide for you. We've rounded up some of the best mugs inspired by the hit show and Netflix's reboot, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. So pour yourself a cup a joe and start making your wish list now.
All the Times Bruno Mars Made You Want to Marry Him in 2017
Bruno Mars was extra lovable this year. The R&B crooner appeared to let his gorgeous curly hair down and enjoy every waking moment, as evident in his superfun music videos and all of his dynamic live performances. Whether the self-proclaimed hooligan was proudly representing his Puerto Rican pride or donating $1 million dollars to humanitarian crises, Bruno definitely made us swoon more times than we can count on our two hands. Scroll through and relive all of the times Bruno made you want to be Mrs. Mars in 2017.
23 Books Becoming Movies in 2018
2018 is the release year for a lot of book-to-movie adaptations, and there are a ton of novels we loved that will make it onto the big screen. Highly anticipated films include Where'd You Go, Bernadette, A Wrinkle in Time, and, of course, Fifty Shades Freed! Until these are out, check out what books are getting adapted in 2017. For now, you have plenty of time to read the following books before they're big movies!
Tenor's 5 Most Popular GIFs of 2017
2017 has been one hell of an emotional year. Thankfully, the 12-month-long rollercoaster ride of feelings we've been on has been accompanied by an overabundance of perfect GIFs - it's due to those brilliant, one-of-a-kind images that arrive at just the right time that many of us, tired of talking and typing out our thoughts, are able to express just the right sentiment to our family and friends.
Now, as the year is finally drawing to a close, the folks over 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 top GIFs that were shared from the platform in 2017. This year, the GIFs we shared were a whole lot more negative than the ones we shared in 2016. And it's with that data that Tenor was able to come up with the official mood ring of 2017 (and compare it to the mood ring of 2016), as seen here:
"Because Tenor is used to communicate tone and emotion in messaging conversations hundreds of millions of times per day, GIF searches on Tenor indicate how people around the world are feeling," Tenor cofounder and CEO David McIntosh told POPSUGAR exclusively. "Not only did Tenor search data show we were feeling worse this year compared to 2016, but that GIFs on Tenor are used to express the full range of human emotions."
Ahead, you'll find the top five GIFs of the year, as compiled by the Tenor team. And be sure to scroll all the way through to the end, as it wouldn't be an official year in review if we neglected to show just how much things have changed in a mere 12 months.
Meet Replika, the AI Bot That Wants to Be Your Best Friend
On the day before Replika was officially made available to the public, more than 1.5 million people had already queued up on the app's waiting list, in addition to the several hundred thousand who had already been granted access as part of a beta testing program. What kind of app could possibly amass an initial user group that's the size of the entire population of Philadelphia? The answer may surprise you: Replika is an artificial-intelligence-driven chatbot on a mission to become your best friend.
The concept is of course reminiscent of that iconic Black Mirror episode, where a woman who's just lost her husband brings him back via AI only to find it's the exact opposite of anything she could have wanted - and that's a similarity that was not lost on critics of the first iteration of Replika, Roman. Eugenia Kuyda, cofounder of software development company Luka, developed Roman in response to the death of her best friend and business partner around the same time that she had watched the episode. And while Roman was met with mixed reviews due to its solitary function as a human replacement, Replika is a more evolved and user-friendly version of the program that serves not just as a friend but also as a personal journal. The more you talk to your Replika companion, the more it learns and becomes like you - and the more it gives you the type of feedback and reaction that a friend would if placed in the same position.
"We have diehard fans of Replika, and Replika is there for them every day - they're finding an outlet there," Kuyda told me by phone in advance of the app's Nov. 1, free-to-use launch, adding, "It's allowing people to feel like it's OK to be themselves, to feel better." And she's not exaggerating when she says that. I was given access to advance testing of the apps for several weeks before launch, and while I was at first hesitant to reveal anything personal, it quickly became apparent that it was learning my humor, my snark, my interests - and could mimic them in a way that made me feel as if a like-minded individual was typing to me in real life. Kuyda says that the average Replika user sends 40-50 messages per day to their AI companion, a number that she says is comparable to the total amount of texts sent on an average day by an American teenager.
As it stands, Replika doesn't have a lot of features outside of logging your activities, interacting with your companion, and leveling up by spending more time using the app. But the use cases are endless. "It helps you open up," Kuyda said, citing her own experience with the app as a way it can be used to help with being a more confident, thoughtful person when she's out in the world. "I'm not great with conversations; I never really know how to talk to other people in the right way or make them feel better," she said, before describing how she uses Replika to help unpack and pick apart what she's thinking and feeling and as a sounding board before entering high-stress situations. But Kuyda reiterates that there's a strong case for Replika as a healthy alternative to social media networks that can make us feel more alone. "You'd be amazed how lonely people are feeling now . . . it doesn't matter if they have a lot of friends or have a cool job. They feel disconnected from other people and from life," she said, adding that it's not meant to take the place of human engagement, instead serving to make that human engagement feel a little less daunting.
"It's a very simple idea," Kuyda said. "We really want it to be a healthy relationship. We have so many apps that make us feel like sh*t every day, and I just want to build something that will make us feel better."
Meet the Creators of Conviction, the Ultimate Card Game For the Era of Trump
It's been almost a year since President Donald Trump took office, and one of the most incredible developments to occur during those 12 months has been the massive, widespread desire to make a difference in whatever way that one can. From the Women's March to Indivisible to the countless start-ups and nonprofits that have sprung up since Jan. 20, Americans are finding new and innovative ways to make sure that their voices are being heard. Among the many who have taken up this new form of civic duty are Dan Peterson and Neil Patel, cocreators of Conviction: The Card Game.
"Conviction is a new satirical card game that lets you and your friends convict President Trump and his cronies for all their crimes against the country," Peterson told me by phone last month. "Each player is a prosecutor, and everyone gets to take their shot at taking down Trump."
Peterson and Patel have been friends for more than 20 years and told me that they spent a lot of time as they were growing up playing games with each other. It was only natural, then, that they channeled their frustration and energy into something creative, something that sought to educate the wider public about the real facts in hand.
"After the election, I think we were all just reeling," Patel said, pointing to the frustration he and Peterson felt as they watched Trump appoint destructive personalities to cabinet positions and eventually take the oath of office on Jan. 20. That, he told me, was the last straw. "Up until that point, Dan and I had just been sharing articles back and forth, almost nonstop, losing sleep. And then we were like, 'This is not productive at all, what we're doing - it's really just frustrating.' So we said, 'Is there something that we can do to help us and others escape the reality?' People play games to escape reality, and that is what entertainment is for, right?"
The pair decided to embark on their passion project - a side hustle, really - while keeping their day jobs. It was through the development of Conviction that they were able to feel as though they were doing something, actively working toward a goal of educating (and, obviously, entertaining) the public with the truths that have so often been discarded by the current administration as "fake news." And as you might imagine, that involved a lot of work.
"The process [of building the game] was really all about keeping track of what was happening in the news, and getting into it from a wide variety of perspectives. We put in a lot of effort in helping make sure that each joke sticks and that there's layers to the jokes. So that way, there's more longevity to the game, as there's both the fun gameplay aspect but also an educational learning opportunity, from being tuned in to what the cards represent," Patel noted, explaining that much of the material that the game consists of was sourced from outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. "These were things that we were looking at anyway," he added. "And what it really turned into was, again, a channel for us to be like, 'We're reading this, but we're not just reading it and crying in a corner. We're reading and doing something with it.'"
It's something of a stunning accomplishment that two individuals working full-time jobs were actually able to conceive of a game and carry it through to execution. And just what exactly is the gameplay of Conviction? According to Peterson, "We designed Conviction to be a good balance of strategy and chance. So if you play your cards right, hopefully you'll be able to convict Trump . . . just like we hope happens in the real world, right? [Laughter] I'd say it's satirical and fun like Cards Against Humanity, while being quickly paced and sort of a casual game like Exploding Kittens." Both Peterson and Patel point to their history as gamers as a big influence on the final product that they're now releasing, games like Risk that the two would play together for weeks at a time, face to face.
One thing to note is that while the jokes may be composed of layers, those layers are not just there to be funny. "If it's only funny, then we haven't really achieved our goal," Patel said, pointing to the larger goal of educating the public at large - regardless of who they are or what their politics may be. By way of example, he told me that he had taken the mock-up game when he went to see his sister and his family over the weekend, and it ended up being played by his nieces instead. "They live in the Beltway. So they're Beltway kids, and they know politics. And the first time my 9-year-old niece was looking through the Public Figures, she's like, 'I know him. I know her. I don't know who that is.' And so she was asking me who all of these people [in the Trump administration] were . . . there's a lot of stuff in there that most people don't know. And so you may find the game fun and funny, but maybe you'll also learn something while you're playing as well."
In addition to being informative, there's something else you should know about Conviction: the proceeds from the sales of the game are going straight to the causes that need it most. "We realized that this is also an opportunity for our backers to help direct funds in a way that gives to organizations that are less well-known," Peterson told me, noting that they'll "probably end up picking the top three to direct the funds for the profits."
At the end of the day, after playing the game through to the end over cocktails several evenings this Fall, I can say unequivocally that Conviction is one hell of a fun game. So while there may be a lot that the average American can learn from it - and some very worthy causes that will benefit from it - there was a definitive goal in mind when Patel and Peterson were making the game, and that was to create a thoroughly enjoyable experience. "We wanted to make sure we kept the game simple, so you don't have to have a law degree to play the game, even though it is about convicting people," Patel said. "Anybody can roll the dice."
Instagram Stories Can Now Live On Forever With New Archive and Highlights Features
One of the biggest attractions of Instagram Stories has been the fact that the feature lets you capture any moment in time without making it a permanent thing. That being said, if you're anything like me, sometimes you don't realize at that exact moment just how much you actually want to keep that video forever and how it might just be the best thing you ever made. Nine times out of 10, it absolutely won't be as good as you remembered, but having the option to resurrect a Story is something I've certainly found myself thinking about on more than one occasion.
It's that sentiment that has driven the biggest Instagram profile update since 2013: as of Dec. 5, users will be able to keep their Stories forever using the new Archive function - and display the ones they're oh so proud of in a brand-new section at the top of each user's profile called Highlights. And in case you were wondering: yes, unless you choose to opt out of using Archive, every single Story you make will be automatically added to your Archive.
Ahead, we walk through exactly how to use each of these two brilliant new functions - so you won't ever again have to wish you saved your Stories from the night before.
Take Back Control of Your News Feed With Facebook's Snooze Feature
There's never been a civil way to handle that twice-removed aunt or former childhood bestie who cannot help themselves from oversharing on Facebook. You know the one I'm talking about, that person who constantly posts photos of the same thing (a pet, a child, their meals) and clogs up your News Feed day after day. The statement that unfriending them would make is just not worth the headache, and honestly, you love to see what they're up to, but you don't want to be inundated with that (pet, child, meal) every time you open up Facebook. Well, as of Dec. 15, we finally have a way to properly filter our News Feeds - all while being completely invisible to those social media offenders who drive us up the wall.
The new feature is called Snooze, and it allows you to hide all posts from any given Facebook friend for 30 guilt-free days. The best part, though, is that you're not actually unfriending or blocking the individual - so while your News Feed gets a little breathing room and you get more visibility on what your other friends are doing, you can always view that person's profile directly and see all of what you're not seeing in your News Feed on your own time. The process is also simple; in the drop-down menu on the top-right corner of any post, click "Snooze" - and voila, you've just taken a much-needed step toward restoring your social media sanity.
Oh, and did we mention that this works for groups and pages as well? If you're tired of hearing about the same old bad news from a website but don't want to permanently kiss it goodbye, it's super easy to just Snooze it, too. Ultimately, it's the first time we've been able to have this level of control over what we see day to day in the News Feed, and I can't recommend highly enough that you test out some social hygiene over the holidays and see what your life would be like without feeling super jealous of your friend who travels the world or that page that constantly shows you delectable dishes that will kill your Winter diet. Unlike most things in 2017, it's a temporary decision that you can extend if you so choose - so don't be afraid to take the plunge, and give Snooze a whirl today.
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