Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 28 décembre 2017
Francesca Dropped 150 Pounds, and It All Started With This 1 Choice
Francesca Lara began her weight-loss journey in January 2017 not only to make a New Year's resolution, but because she had recently suffered a miscarriage in late November 2016. Francesca shared with POPSUGAR, "After that, I felt an extreme sense of guilt. I couldn't help but think that the miscarriage was related to my size or health."
Francesca: Before
Francesca was already a mom to two children, and she recalls that she was hospitalized for most of the time during her second pregnancy. She thought for sure a third pregnancy would be worse since she was larger and older. She shared, "My mind just started racing with all the ways I was failing as a mother, all because of my size. Once I built up strength from the miscarriage, I started."
"I'll never forget that night my dad asked me what was my goal weight. I told him 199 pounds. He laughed!"
With a beginning weight of 368 pounds, she told her family on New Year's Eve that she was going to start her weight-loss journey and that she needed them to hold her accountable. She promised to check in with them with her meals and her progress - something she had never done.
She said, "I'll never forget that night my dad asked me what was my goal weight. I told him 199 pounds. He laughed! That hurt - not because he didn't believe me, but because of how many times I failed at weight loss. I told myself, 'This is it, Franie. You're going to do this and you will prove yourself right!'"
Francesca: After
Franie went to see her doctor and found out she was borderline diabetic and had high blood pressure. Her husband said she snored and would sometimes even stop breathing when she slept. That was also a huge motivation. "With the new year, I wanted to get healthy."
"If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm full, I stop."
As for her diet, Franie focused mostly on a high-protein, low-carb regimen, eating three meals and two snacks each day plus sugar-free Jello for dessert. In the beginning, she said, "My biggest hurdle was learning proper portions."
So for the first three months, she started drinking a protein shake for both breakfast and lunch, included a couple snacks such as cheese, Greek yogurt, nuts, apples, oranges, or a Pure Protein Bar, and then a regular dinner. Then she transitioned to eating three regular meals with a couple snacks; they mostly consisted of five ounces of protein, like grilled chicken and one cup of veggies. Franie used My Fitness Pal to track her calories in the beginning, but she doesn't do that anymore. "If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm full, I stop."
After six months, she hit her goal of 100 pounds lost, losing about 15 to 20 pounds a month. After that, her weight wasn't coming off like it had been, so she researched intermittent fasting. When her weight stalls, she does IF for two weeks, fasting until lunch, and she finds it really helps. She's in touch with a nurse practitioner to ensure she continues to lose weight in a healthy way, whether or not she continues using IF.
As for workouts, to lose the first 100 pounds, Franie walked three miles five times a week. Then she joined a gym and started incorporating weight training and jogging, and she says she loves going up and down the bleachers during her daughters' softball practice.
Taking progress pics at the first of every month also served as a great motivation. Her 7-year-old daughter was usually the one to take the pics. "I told her when I started that one day she would be able to hug me all the way around. The day that she was able to finally do it was an amazing day."
The day her 5-year-old could wrap her arms around her entirely "was awesome!" Another nonscale victory was being able to ride the rides at the carnival with her kids. "I cried," she recalled. Francesca also loved when her husband picked her up for the first time and when she realized that boots could fit around her calves.
Franie admits that motivation isn't always there, but she likes to think that she's driven. Having that accountability helps tremendously, and having to send photos and videos of her progress keeps her on track. Being able to look through those old videos and photos reminds her how far she's come. She tells herself, "I've come too far to stop now."
One piece of advice Francesca has is to make monthly goals - and then smash them! Just focus on hitting that one goal that month and it'll add up to big results. One quote on her Instagram page is, "I didn't lose 150 pounds; I lost one pound 150 times!" Focusing on one pound at a time helped her stay inspired. She's lost 152 pounds so far, and she's got her eyes set on that goal of 199!
Stick to Your Paleo Diet With 20 Easy, Breezy Meal-Prep Ideas
If you think the Paleo diet has been trending for a while, you would be right. While people are continuing to get on board with this lifestyle, many would agree that it requires pretty serious dedication and planning, especially when it comes to cooking new Paleo recipes. Add weekday meal prep to the mix and you've got a whole new challenge. Luckily, we've got you covered with 19 easy-to-transport options to keep your meals fresh and interesting while you stay committed.
This Ancient Diet Is the Original "Personality Type Quiz"
Fan of the Myers-Briggs personality test and theories? Want something like that for your diet? It has existed for centuries within Chinese medicine! POPSUGAR sat down recently with clinical nutritionist Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNC - a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner - who explained more about the five types in TCM and what each should be eating.
As he explained to us, "Certain people should be on certain diets," and you're predisposed for a particular diet based on your "element" within TCM. There are five elements: wood, earth, fire, water, and metal. Learning which one you are can lead you to a perfect diet, specifically for your body's makeup and your needs. It's what Dr. Axe's approach is all about: "Food is medicine." And if you're eating the right foods for your body, you can help eliminate illness, curb symptoms, and possibly even treat disease.
The TCM diet has existed for "over 4 thousand years," Dr. Axe told us, but it isn't quite mainstream in Western culture (or Western medicine), so in the US (generally), we're not as familiar with our defining element and may have absolutely no idea as to how to eat for our element.
The first step is to get your diagnosis. This is most accurately done by a acupuncturist or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Some nutritionists specialize in this and could also provide a diagnosis. They use a multitude of methods for diagnosis, but some tactics include looking at your tongue, checking your pulse, and asking you some medical questions.
Don't have a professional you can consult? Try a quiz (here, here, and here) - keep in mind that these may help, but may not be all that accurate.
Once you've discovered your element, you can find a "custom and personalized plan," according to Dr. Axe. He told POPSUGAR, "You should be eating for your element, but also eating seasonally," and explained that you should nourish a specific organ based on your constitution/element to help relieve symptoms and restore balance to the body. Check out which season you'll thrive in, in addition to which emotions (positive and negative) you experience most, your body type (in general, not always!), health issues to look out for, and some foods to add to your diet.
Wood
Season: Spring
Emotions: Inspiration, frustration
Typical body type: Lean
Susceptible to: Liver or gallbladder issues
Foods to eat: Sour and bitter foods; green foods (sauerkraut, dark leafy greens, fresh veggies)
Earth
Season: Late Summer/early Fall
Emotion: Compassion, worry
Typical body type: Round
Susceptible to: Candida and dampness issues, spleen and stomach issues
Foods to eat: Warm vegetables; mildly sweet foods (pumpkin, sweet potato, spaghetti squash, corn)
Fire
Season: Summer
Emotion: Joy, anxiety
Typical body type: Proportionate, with smaller hands and feet
Susceptible to: Heart issues, high cholesterol, circulatory issues
Foods to eat: Spicy foods (peppers, hot sauce)
Metal
Season: Late Fall/early Winter
Emotion: Happiness, grief
Typical body type: Strong, chiseled features; muscular
Susceptible to: Lung, colon, and immune system issues
Foods to eat: "White foods" (cauliflower, garlic, or horseradish); probiotic-rich foods (yogurt or kefir)
Water
Season: Winter
Emotions: Courageous, fearful
Typical body type: Soft and rounded
Susceptible to: Kidney, adrenal, and thyroid issues; hormonal imbalances
Foods to eat: Dark-colored foods (cherries, beets, spinach, cranberries)
Celebrity Makeup Experts Reveal Their Top Foundation Picks For Winter
Winter can be a joyous time, full of hot cocoa and time spent skiing in the mountains with family and friends. It can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing dull, dry, and flaky results. Choosing a foundation that will conceal and, in an ideal world, heal can be seemingly impossible. To help save you from the slope-weather beauty scaries, we asked some of the industry's most coveted makeup artists (who are tasked with keeping their high-profile clients looking flawless all year long) to share some of their personal product picks for finally attaining a hydrated, protected Winter glow.
50 States of Unbelievable Tourist Attractions
It's amazing how much there is to get out and do in the United States. Whether it's beautiful beaches to relax on or national parks to admire, there really is something for everyone. So pack your bags for a beautiful Fall vacation and check out one of these tourist attractions wherever your destination may be.
Michael Fassbender's 33-Step Guide to Seduction
Despite Michael Fassbender's humble assertion that it's purely his celebrity status that attracts women, I have a hard time believing that any woman (or man) could resist the hot Irish-German actor's sex appeal, famous or not. Sarah Paulson knows what we're talking about:
"He just looks at you, and you want to take your clothes off."
See, it's science. There are many, many reasons Michael Fassbender is one of the sexiest stars of our time, including his talent, looks, and sense of humor. But let's explore what it is about him that really reels you in, that je ne sais quoi. We'll be over here fanning ourselves.
33 Sure Signs That You're an Empath
Do you pick up on the vibe of a room the moment you walk in? Can you almost always tell when someone is lying? Do you just generally have A LOT of feelings? You're probably an empath. You may be familiar with the spectrum of personality types between introverts and extroverts, but empaths are a whole other type of personality you may not know about. Empaths are often (but not always) more introverted, but the key aspect of the personality type is an empath's ability to relate to and absorb the feelings of other people. Empaths are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, and they are very affected by the energies of those around them.
There are positives to being an empath; for instance, they are sympathetic, caring, and understanding. They are intuitive and have the ability to influence the mood and energy around them. Empaths are good listeners and caretakers, and they are known for their compassion for others. However, being an empath definitely has its challenges. Because they are so sensitive, they can sometimes have difficulty differentiating other people's energy from their own. Commercials, movies, books, TV, the news, seeing the struggles of others - anything with an emotional element can affect empaths on a deeper level. Outside circumstances and situations can have a huge impact on the mental - and even physical - state of an empath. Empaths can unconsciously mirror other people's habits and moods, and for better or worse, they can soak up the energy around them. Empaths need to make sure to care for themselves in addition to caring for the rest of the world. Here are some signs you're an empath.
- You're extremely intuitive.
- It's easy for you to tell when people are lying.
- The energy of other people can change your own energy.
- You get "gut feelings" often (and they're almost always right).
- You often feel other people's pain.
- You consider yourself an introvert.
- You need to be near water.
- You often find yourself absorbing other people's emotions (both good and bad).
- You can get overwhelmed when surrounded by a lot of people.
- People feel like they can come to you when they have a problem.
- You're very sensitive.
- You love to be outside in nature because it revitalizes you.
- Being around certain people can make you feel drained.
- You feel physically or emotionally sick when seeing upsetting things in the news, on TV, or in movies.
- Your mood changes depending on who you're in a room with.
- You feel the same feeling around a specific person each time you see them.
- You have a big heart.
- You constantly seek answers for everything.
- You know that your energy can change the atmosphere around you.
- You go back and forth between being very expressive and very reclusive.
- You sometimes find yourself putting others' needs before your own.
- You value your alone time.
- You're a good listener.
- You deal with stomach issues and chronic fatigue due to emotional stress.
- You know and understand things, without needing any explanation.
- You are a creative type.
- You're a big animal-lover.
- You always need to know the truth and do not like deceit.
- You're a free spirit and find yourself daydreaming often.
- You're prone to mood swings (based on the environment you're in at the time).
- You're extremely open-minded and accepting of all people and lifestyles.
- You won't let a problem go until you find a satisfying solution.
- You sense things that other people miss.
41 Insane Facts You Definitely Don't Know About Disneyland
You think you know everything about Disneyland? Wrong. There's some mind-blowing facts out there that even the ultimate Disney fan doesn't know. Check out all the fascinating things we discovered about the happiest place on earth and test your knowledge.
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova Are Still Going Strong After 16 Years
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova have been dating since 2001. The two met when Anna was featured in Enrique's music video for "Escape" in the same year.
The couple briefly separated in 2013 but got back together and have been going strong ever since. They have settled down in Miami and despite the split rumors, Anna and Enrique continue to do their own thing and stay quiet about their relationship, which is probably one of the secrets to how they have been together for so long. She's a badass former professional tennis player, he has the voice of an angel, and together they make the couple of our dreams. It also doesn't hurt that both of them are smoking hot (cue the fan we need to cool us down). They are adorable, and whenever we see them out and about, our hearts skip a beat.
27 Quotes That Will Inspire Weight Loss AND Self-Love
Making the decision to get healthy and lose weight is a big deal all in itself - so, well done! Whether you can't remember the last time you set foot in a gym or you've simply fallen off the wagon, these quotes will give you that extra push, especially when it all seems impossible. You're gorgeous anyway, but now it's time to do your body right and make it strong. If there are any takeaways, they are: everyone starts somewhere, don't compare yourself to others, and wake up every day with the purpose to kick ass!
This Is the Only New Year's Makeup Tutorial You'll Want and Need
New Year's Eve is all about bidding adieu to the past year, starting fresh - oh, and wearing lots of glittery makeup.
If you're not sure where to start as far as NYE beauty is concerned, look no further than the elegant tutorial NYX Face Awards' 2016 beauty vlogger of the year, Laura Sanchez, created exclusively for POPSUGAR readers, above. Featuring a trendy cut crease and layers upon layers of shimmery eye shadow, this look is all about making your eyes pop (yes, have false eyelashes handy!) while keeping the skin lightly contoured with just a swipe of coral on the lips.
Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Press play above to follow along as Laura walks you through it step by step. Then, discover even more Latina beauty bloggers you should be following.
We Don't Know If We're More Floored by This Hawaiian Wedding Venue or the Bride's Gown
This is what destination wedding dreams are made of. Australian couple Alana and Nick officially became husband and wife at Maui's Haiku Mill, a stunning, lush venue that turned out to be a memorable holiday location for them and their guests. "We figured we met overseas, were engaged overseas, let's get married overseas, too!" Alana told their photographer.
The couple met on a tour while sailing through the Croatian Islands and decided to wed in Maui, where they got engaged. Nick proposed at sunrise and arranged a Champagne breakfast and engagement photo shoot to follow. He really planned a romantic day out with a picnic lunch by the water and an evening spa trip.
On their big day, the bride completely stole the show. Even though the wedding venue itself will floor you, you won't be able to keep your eyes off of Alana's gorgeous gown. See the photos now!
31 Taco Recipes That Prove You Can Eat Tacos For a Month Without Getting Bored
"Don't you ever get bored of eating tacos? You eat them every day." If this is something you have heard and promptly answered with a big resounding no, then this "challenge" is just for you. Straight ahead you'll find a month-worth of taco recipes - chicken, steak, pork, fish, and vegetarian - that show you could actually have the delicious Mexican dish for dinner every night without repeating a preparation. Some people take 31-day fitness challenges, some people eat tacos instead.
40+ Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Cooking for a crowd, be it a large family gathering or a dinner party, can be a bit of a challenge. Most recipes are scaled to yield four to six servings, and while many can be doubled with some basic math, it's certainly nice to have a handful of options that can be made as is. Here, we've rounded up more than 40 recipes that serve at least eight, including a variety of casseroles, soups, and slow-cooker dishes.
25 Celebrities Who Became Mothers This Year
Several celebrities rang in their very first Mother's Day last year, and this year was no different. Stars like Irina Shayk, Amanda Seyfried, and Cheryl all gave birth to beautiful babies, while Brie Bella and Christian Serratos also became moms to adorable kids. Today, we're paying homage to the new celebrity moms of 2017.
20 Cozy Casserole Recipes
Whether you call them casseroles or hot dishes, there's no argument about the merits of these cozy, crowd-friendly recipes. We've rounded up the best options out there ranging from ultraclassic (think tuna noodle casserole) to creative spins (breakfast pancake lasagna).
Source: My Name is Yeh, Half Baked Harvest, Damn Delicious, How Sweet It Is
A Cheat Sheet to Using Adaptogens to Lower Stress, Increase Energy, and Improve Digestion
Ease anxiety, boost libido, reduce bloat, enhance your skin's natural glow - do any of these benefits sound too good to be true? Well, they're not. These are all very real benefits of some magic little plants and herbs called adaptogens.
Dr. Will Cole, DC, a functional medicine practitioner from Pennsylvania, told POPSUGAR that what makes this plant family so special is that "they have a common bond of having a balancing impact on your body's immune system and hormones." Dr. Josh Axe, DC, a major proponent of natural health, echoes Dr. Cole's belief in adaptogens, especially in their ability to keep your cortisol levels in check.
Research has shown when cortisol levels are high, there is a correlation in weight gain and inflammation. Dr. Axe also said that healthy cortisol levels are the key "to looking younger, feeling younger, and being healthy." Both are fans of taking adaptogens, encouraging their patients to consider adding them to their wellness regimens for optimal well-being, as they can help lower stress levels, increase energy, and boost immunity.
If you're interested in introducing adaptogens into your own wellness regimen, this guide is a great place to start.
Ashwagandha - the Mood-Boosting Anxiety-Killer
- Can help to ease anxiety (in small studies, it's been shown to ease anxiety up to 44 percent)
- Helps to reduce stress
- May help to promote weight loss by balancing cortisol levels
- Supports your thyroid
- Can enhance your mood
Rhodiola - the Coffee Alternative
- Boosts alertness/mental performance
- Boosts seratonin levels, boosting mood
- Can help with symptoms of depression
- Supports adrenal fatigue
- Commonly used as a coffee alternative
Pearl - Your Skin's Fairy Godmother
- Rich in minerals and antioxidants
- Great source of amino acids
- Great for your skin
- Helps keep hair nourished
Maca - the Powerhouse (in and Outside of the Bedroom)
- Boosts libido
- Can aid physical performance
- Can help boost sex drive and endurance
- Boosts mood and energy
Schisandra - the Liver-Lover
- Supports your adrenals
- Contains antioxidants to help remove free radicals from your body
- Supports cancer prevention
- Reduces stress and helps to balance hormones
- Great liver support
Cordyceps - the Fountain of Youth
- Rich in antioxidants
- Helps with antiaging
- Helps fight oxidative stress
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports your liver and aids healthy detox
Holy Basil - the Stress Slayer
- Fights fatigue and stress
- Supports cancer prevention
- Boosts your immune system
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
- Supports digestion and helps to reduce gas and bloat
Ginger - the Anti-Inflammatory, Immunity Booster
- Helps with digestion
- Helps prevent nausea
- Soothes sore muscles
Ginseng - the Ancient Chinese Weapon
- Full of antioxidants
- Improves brain power
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts endurance
- Regulates blood sugar
Astragalus - the Immune Booster
- Boosts immunity
- Helps to prevent cancer
- Aids digestion
- Promotes heart health
Licorice Root - the PMS Problem-Solver
- Relieves PMS symptoms
- Helps alleviate pain
- Helps with adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels
- Balances gut bacteria
- Supports your liver
He Shou Wu - Your Friend . . . With Benefits
- Believed to support your hair (getting rid of grays and hair loss)
- Can boost sexual activity
- Can boost testosterone and sperm count in men
- Supports the immune system
As you can see, adaptogens are a very powerful natural medicine, and with their growing popularity, they can now be consumed in a variety of ways. Whether it's in a powder form, like with Moondeli, Sun Potion, or Moon Juice blends; topped on toast or blended in your morning shake with spreads like Pearl Butter; or simply dropped into your favorite smoothies with liquid tonics like Bioray, they're popping up all over! Which adaptogens are you eager to try out?
A Doctor Reveals Exactly How to Use Cannabis For Anxiety
Chances are you've heard all sides of how marijuana can affect anxiety. While cannabis can have a calming effect for some people, it can also induce a panic attack for others. And aside from all that, some people just don't want to experience a high or feel intoxicated at all, but they do want to reap the antianxiety effects of cannabis.
While CBD (the nonpsychoactive compound of a cannabis plant) on its own can help with anxiety and won't create any intoxication effect (read: won't make you high), we've been told by several doctors that using THC in conjunction with CBD has significantly stronger, more synergistic effects. But THC is psychoactive and can cause that intoxicated feeling. So what do you do? You want to chill out, but you don't want to feel high, right? Solution: sleep it off. Use your marijuana products at night before bed.
Dr. Jordan Tishler, MD, a Harvard-trained physician and the president of both InhaleMD and the Association of Cannabis Specialists, gave POPSUGAR this tip for using the full effects of cannabis without experiencing any intoxication side effects: "If you use a THC-forward medicine at bedtime, even though the intoxication wears off overnight, the antianxiety and antidepressant benefits last throughout the next day." Quick clarification: THC-forward would mean if you're using a product that's higher in THC than it is in CBD.
"The intoxication wears off overnight, [but] the antianxiety and antidepressant benefits last throughout the next day."
"There's very rarely a reason to dose people during the daytime," he said. "For my anxiety patients, I have tremendous success giving them a low-dose - 10 to 15 milligrams of vaporized flower around bedtime - and that's all they need."
So you don't need to be "feeling it" to get the effects you need - and why that is still remains something of a mystery. Dr. Tishler says, "That remains entirely to be explained, but I'm seeing [the results] loud and clear."
Why add THC if CBD is a great antianxiety medication on its own? "I use CBD as an adjunct to THC," said Dr. Tishler. "For the average patient, I think in terms of THC with the idea of the entourage effect: if you're using a whole plant, you use the plant or an extract; [this way] you get CBD and other supportive chemicals," he said. "CBD is more complementary." Essentially, you can get more powerful results - and because it's nontoxic and not harmful, it's definitely worth a try.
So if you live in a state where THC is legal to consume or you have a medical card that allows you to use prescription cannabis to treat anxiety, this might just be your new bedtime routine to beat anxiety.
Mark Hamill Regrets Criticizing The Last Jedi: “All I Wanted Was to Make a Good Movie”
Whether you think Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a pile of garbage that should be removed from Star Wars canon or it's the best addition to the series yet, one thing is for sure: the film has fans all riled up. It seems many are divided on a lot of the film's central stories. Is that Kylo Ren shirtless scene hot or hilarious? Will the franchise be able to adequately wrap up Leia's storyline? Will Rey and Kylo fall in love?! And it's not just fans who are puzzling over the new film. Even Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, feels pretty conflicted.
After the film was released, Mark Hamill began voicing his concerns about Luke's storyline in the film. If you're not familiar - you should really have seen the movie if you're reading this, just saying - Luke spends a lot of the film moping around before ultimately saving the Resistance and "sort of" dying. In interviews, Hamill revealed his behind-the-scenes struggle with a character who had more or less given up. "I said to Rian, I said, 'Jedis don't give up,'" he explained. "I mean, even if he had a problem, maybe take a year to try and regroup . . . but if he made a mistake he would try and right that wrong . . . I still haven't accepted it completely, but it's only a movie. I hope people like it, I hope they don't get upset, and I came to really believe that Rian was the exact man that they needed for this job."
After Hamill's thoughts on the film spread around like wildfire, the Star Wars legend seems to regret being so open with his personal take on the character. Hamill quoted another tweet - an image set of a press interview he did for The Last Jedi - and retracted his original statement. In this case, he acknowledged that the character choice brought him out of his comfort zone and, ultimately, gave us a fresh perspective on the iconic Luke. "I regret voicing my doubts & insecurities in public," he wrote. "Creative differences are a common element of any project but usually remain private. All I wanted was to make good movie. I got more than that - [director Rian Johnson] made an all-time GREAT one!"
I regret voicing my doubts & insecurities in public.Creative differences are a common element of any project but usually remain private. All I wanted was to make good movie. I got more than that- @rianjohnson made an all-time GREAT one! #HumbledHamill https://t.co/8ujJfBuEdV
- @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) December 26, 2017
We may never know whether he did so because of some behind-the-scenes coercion from the bigger forces behind the film (lookin' at you, Disney) or because he actually felt compelled to follow up. Either way, it's easy to see how protective fans (and even the original stars) can get when it comes to the source material.
Aquarius: Get Ready to Ride the Wild Waves of 2018 With Your Zodiac Forecast
If you're like us, then your initial response to something challenging or amazing happening is to check your horoscope in the moment and think, "What does all this mean?!" Luckily for you truthful, curious, and imaginative Water Bearers, we've the whole scoop on what you expect for 2018 in all areas of your life (helping you to combat those unpredictable and detached qualities) for a notably successful new year.
Self-Love
Heads up: tons of changes are coming your way! Compounded by your naturally risk-happy nature, this is a time to develop consistent and healthy routines. The daily rituals and plans you employ now will make a huge difference throughout this year of transition. Most notably, your physiology focuses on your lower body and your auric body. That said, stay creative (of course you will) in what self-care efforts you make each day, but make sure to focus on both legs and the energy around your body.
Fitness
In the beginning of the year, there's a "Mars-Jupiter conjunction" asking you to be powerful and a prominent leader. To embody next year's kick-off words for Aquarius, engage in workouts that require you to strengthen and sweat - the more athletic, the better! Exercise your passion as well by taking dance and (gasp!) moving your body with gumption no matter what you're doing.
Work and Finances
Bigger changes will start coming your way in May, and while you're used to debunking the system, it will be a good idea to use that energy to go "deeper" instead of "different" when it comes to professional projects. This may be hard for you, but try to see how, in some cases, the consequences of making a radical statement of freedom aren't always worth the trouble.
Relationships
The Summer is when transitions will start to boil, particularly related to loved ones. Admittedly, Mars's dramatic move into your sign next May, combined with Uranus in July, means you will get uncomfortable. Nothing is fixed in these months and you'll have to dig deeper than ever to uphold solid daily practices and work on fostering more meaningful relationships.
All in all, your eventful 2018 can be productive should you focus on making deeper commitments to yourself and others, practicing generosity while also maintaining mindful awareness, and preparing to ride the wild waves with an extra ounce of your favorites: justice and affection. Once you maturely step into your power here, there's nothing holding you back from having a happy, healthy, and fulfilled year.
Only Diehard Horror Fans Will Be Able to Stomach the Gruesome Director's Cut of It
If you're a fan of the recently released It remake, there's a lot more Pennywise where that came from. In addition to the 11 deleted and extended scenes included in the DVD release, director Andy Muschietti recently confirmed that a gruesome director's cut will soon be here to haunt all of our nightmares.
Following the film's release in September, Muschietti said he would eventually be releasing an extended director's cut, which will run 15 minutes longer than the theatrical release. In a statement to Bloody Disgusting, Muschietti said the director's cut is now just a few months away. Just to give you an idea of what might be included in the director's cut footage, Bill Skarsgard revealed in October that a grisly scene about Pennywise's origins was chopped from the theatrical film release. Taking place in the 1600s, the scene depicts Pennywise appearing in front of a townswoman - naked, translucent, mouth ajar, and demanding that he eat her baby. Lovely!
Hopefully the new clip will be enough to tide us over until the It sequel - which will feature a giant time jump and an older cast - finally floats its way into theaters on Sept. 9, 2019.
Exclusive: The 5 Trends a Major Agency Says to Look For in 2018
More than any year in recent memory, the last 12 months have redefined what it means to be a citizen of the modern world. The once-impermeable walls of culture have been breached. Politics is no longer the exception; it's the expectation in our everyday lives. As a result, men and women around the world have embraced a new definition of activism, one that proactively seeks to influence the powers that be and to create a new generation of ideals that will extend for decades to come.
Therefore, it's the social economy - the online world in which we exchange our earnest beliefs and deepest desires - that has grown to become one of the most valuable markets on earth. It's here that a single idea can grow to become a movement, a brand can be universally lauded or wrecking crew-style demolished, and a trend can fizzle out or grow to become the new norm. Now more than ever we have the power in our hands to change the world, to rebuild what's broken, one personal preference at a time.
Of course, these monumental shifts did not come without a lasting ripple effect. Below the perceived progressive developments in society, a whole new set of trends were able to flourish in the deepest corners of the internet, rising to the surface as what will most certainly become the true harbingers of cultural change. It's those trends that will ultimately impact the way that we coexist with commerce and brands, how the internet will infiltrate the infrastructure of capitalism in order to improve the consumer experience, and what TBWA's cultural insight studio, Backslash, monitors on a daily basis.
"When we were developing Backslash and developing our strategy on content and how we look at culture, we knew that we look at trends for brands every day and wanted to make those trends actionable," Sarah Rabia, global director of cultural strategy told me by phone in late December. "There's a gap between being able to see what's happening in the future and what's actionable for a brand right now. We bridge that gap in time by thinking about how you apply a trend or cultural insight to something new . . . we don't just want to report on something; we want [to suggest] some sort of output, too."
What ultimately classifies a trend as actionable, though? Well, for starters, they're all things that exist in some capacity in our lives already but have been subject to an evolution of sorts as they quietly percolate in online communities on the basis of shared experiences.
"A good trend is something that's happening already, in some shape or form," Rabia told me. But it's all about what's happening online that really shapes the trends, and increasingly those decisions are being made as a result of the most niche communities on the web coming together to impact change. "All these weird and wonderful subcultures - whether you're talking about sub-Reddits or meme markets - are becoming a lot more mainstream and gaining a lot more popularity."
For an example of how this is already happening, Rabia points to McDonald's, one of TBWA's current clients. After Rick and Morty featured the discontinued product on an episode this Fall, fans lit up the internet with pleas for a rerelease of their favorite menu add-on. And, naturally, it led to an onslaught of viral memes that ultimately filtered upward to the highest echelons of the company.
"McDonald's was pleasantly surprised because they were thinking that the whole meme thing was really quite niche (and such a small group), while they generally look at more of a mass audience," Rabia said. "That really showed them that the things that are happening that may be a bit more weird and wonderful and niche in online subcultures are really impacting mainstream consumers and culture, and they have a business effect."
"Rather than bland, homogenous products that nobody really wants, products can be born out of things that people are passionate about. And that's really exciting," she added.
In other words, the more popular subculture communities get, the more attention the biggest brands must pay to giving our shared opinions and ideas a chance to work in the real world. This, Rabia says, could lead to an unprecedented unity between brands and consumers, with brands ultimately having the power to act as "allies" - and for all of us to wind up with what we really want at the end of the day, as opposed to what a suit in an office somewhere posits that we'd all like to have.
Ultimately, what Backslash reports on is what's making waves right now, and how that will impact the way that marketing works on the most granular level. And for the year to come, it's got a wealth of predictions that are based not just on data and insights but also from a network of 250 spotters around the world who have identified exactly what's hot and what's happening right now.
Below, you'll find the five cultural pre-trends that Backslash believes will lead to "the convergence of unexpected worlds" in 2018. These trends encompass the concepts of genetic technology and activism, memes and currency, digital goods and fashion, creative AI and algorithms, and the cult mentality developing within social media, and they are set to shape the world as we know it, in some capacity, over the coming year.
What we're already seeing, according to Backslash:
"Today, the doctor is no longer the middle man, and patients are in more control than ever. Cheap genetic testing kits are increasingly abundant, and anyone can both decode their DNA and gain insight into potential hazards that may affect themselves or their families. Earlier this year, 23andMe was green-lit to reveal customers' risk of developing 10 diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."
What the trend means, according to Backslash:
"Access to data has now revealed a mass of 'previvors' - those who have yet to be affected by a disease but know that it's in the cards. Today, communities are arising around gene status, such as BRCA or ApoE4. Rather than wait for a diagnosis, these previvors will use their collective power to find solutions and fight for their voices to be heard by the government and big pharma.
'Wellness is a big cultural conversation, and I'm noticing that people aren't afraid to talk about their illnesses publicly anymore. Genetic tests are binding people together, with the potential to create new tribes,' says Paul Pfleiderer, chief strategy officer at TBWA WorldHealth and one of our culture spotters.
'You might see shifts in communities away from "Patients like Me," for those diagnosed, to something like "We're the band of ApoE4 people; this is who we are." This will galvanize communities to demand industry research on their behalf. They will rally for affordable health care, which is such a contentious industry issue at this time,' Pfleiderer says."
The trend, decoded:
"One of the most tangible examples is Planned Parenthood and what happened with the Trump administration trying to defund critical women's health care. They've really mobilized women to stand up for their rights," Rabia says. "People are going to be much more radical about their health, and genetics is just unlocking the knowledge about what could happen to us in the future. Now, we're going to act on it."
What we're already seeing, according to Backslash:
"Ephemeral accessories are already a thing. Take Snapchat's dog-face, rainbow vomit, and nerd glasses filters, which are cultural staples. And 'Made For Instagram' real-world experiences have been a sell-out sensation this year."
What the trend means, according to Backslash:
"One way into Vaporwear is to make a meme out of your goods. Vetements's iconic DHL t-shirt became a viral sensation and digital product in itself, providing an access point for the millions who couldn't afford the shirt's €245 price tag. By creating a physical product that could spread on social, Vetements armed the masses with an 'asset' that connected them to the brand with each post, share or RT.
Filters and photo ops will be another way into designer brand fandom. Take Gucci's '#ThatFeelingWhenGucci' campaign, in which the brand commissioned @beigecardigan and @youvegotnomale to create memes featuring its new line of wristwatches. The resulting online art gallery was similar to Burberry's Art of the Trench in that the product became the experience.
'The important thing is the convergence between the real and virtual worlds. We'll see more blurring between the two,' says tech futurist Ian Pearson."
The trend, decoded:
"A product may not exist in real life yet, but if you've got an idea, why not just bring it to life on Instagram to see if any kind of buzz or interest arises? It might just be a visual, it might just be a protype, but we can see brands using this as an inspiration, as a kick-starter-y space," Rabia says. "Something might not exist, but why not just test the waters? For your average consumer, having a bit more of a hand in the products and brands that they want to see gives them power in shaping the things they want to buy and be listened to about. It appeals to real people and blurs the lines between fiction and reality."
What we're already seeing, according to Backslash:
"Humans have never been more traced, decoded, and analyzed. With contextual data inputs via Face ID and voice search, algorithms can now cross reference human reactions with creative content. This means that algorithms can better understand and design content that we may not even know we'll enjoy - before we even see it."
What the trend means, according to Backslash:
"'Made by humans' becomes the next 'buy local.' Creative products made by people will become an ethical choice in the same realm as 'fair trade' or 'locally made.' There will be increased pressure on brands to reveal whether content was made by human or machine.
'Human-made will be something you can trade on,' asserts tech futurist Ian Pearson. 'But it will not always be positive. Some people will prefer the AI because it gives them exactly what they want. Some people will want human expertise. Human-made will matter most in crafts, sport, and certain areas of entertainment where we value the human factor. You'll pay more for the human-made.'"
The trend, decoded:
The best example of how things went horribly wrong on this front in 2017 was the backlash Spotify received for creating algorithmic tracks that claimed to be created by real people. "With this shift, although there's positive applications of it, things are going to get worse. And when you don't know if a person or a machine has done something and there's a lack of transparency . . . consumers will start being very vocal about what they're uncomfortable with," Rabia says.
What we're already seeing, according to Backslash:
"The 'memecraft paradox' was front and center last year as popular Instagram accounts @TheFatJewish and @FuckJerry came under fire for profiting off memes pilfered from Reddit. Yet in many cases, there was no telling who had originally created the viral content.
Creative attribution hasn't just been a problem in the meme world. In April 2017, it was revealed that 25 percent of Spotify's catalog was unsourced, resulting in $25 million in penalty payments to the National Music Publishers Association. Spotify argued that it was impossible to determine ownership for every track in their 30 million-strong catalog. To solve this, they bought Mediachain, a company that applies blockchain technology to music as a means of tracking its origin."
What the trend means, according to Backslash:
"We believe blockchain may offer a way for meme artists to maintain a level of ownership over their content. Blockchain is a technology that provides a 'transaction record' between people and ensures everything is legit, replacing the need for a bank or institution. Experts think that this verified list of transactions can connect other forms of media back to a source, proving authenticity. This means that meme creators could use blockchain to prove ownership and sell their work in an instant.
Pepe the Frog is one of the pioneering examples of applying blockchain to memes. The frog meme, which got co-opted by the alt-right due to the problem of ownership, demonstrates how lucrative blockchain can be and the creative integrity it offers meme artists. With a current market cap of $75 million, Pepe has spawned its own currency: Pepe Cash.
Artists can post Pepe-themed cards in the Rare Pepe directory and decide how many copies of their art will exist. For example, only 132 people can own a Melancholia Pepe card, which is digitally signed by the artist and certified by the blockchain. It's the limited-edition Air Force 1 of memes. Creating scarcity and collectibles is a familiar business model in the retail world and could be applied to the internet - a space that promotes mass over scarcity.
'The ability to create "digital scarcity," where you can prove there's a limited number of digital art on a blockchain, will lead to opportunities for artists to monetize digital content and get rewarded in the future,' says Koji Higashi, a cryptocurrency expert based in Japan.
Cryptokitties is another example of digital collectibles powered by blockchain. People can buy the one-of-a-kind digital creatures and ensure that they cannot be replicated, altered, or destroyed. Using Ethereum's blockchain, Cryptokitties has seen $2+ million in purchases."
The trend, decoded:
"When things become popular online and people rally to talk about them, it's very interesting for brands," Rabia notes, pointing to the McDonald's Szechuan sauce as an example of this trend. "People really wanted this product to come back to life, and it inspired McDonald's to rerelease their sauce and it sold out, and it got traded on eBay for hundreds of dollars." In other words, scarcity, integrity, and passion sell.
What we're already seeing, according to Backslash:
"Social influencers have more power than ever, commanding a market worth $1 billion and set to double by 2019, according to Mediakix. They are the role models of our age, with 75 percent of children saying they want to be a YouTuber or vlogger when they grow up, according to a recent study."
What the trend means, according to Backslash:
"Internet star Jake Paul may be following the cult leader playbook. His nation-sized fandom, the 'Jake Paulers,' are over 10 million strong and dedicated to their leader. 'The Jake Paulers are the strongest army out there,' Jake Paul told NPR when neighbors threatened to report him to authorities for disturbing the peace.
Disney parted ways with the star, who fronted one of its shows after it was reported he had turned his neighborhood into a 'war zone,' shooting viral content. Then there's Poppy, an ethereal, Bot-like YouTube star who has already inspired her own religion. Poppy is the subject of several conspiracy theories, including that she is a robot, a member of the Illuminati, or a pawn subjected to mind control. She is a figure of worship for her fan base, known as the 'Poppy Seeds.'
One fan has even invented a religion in her honor, called 'Poppyism.' In one of her videos, Poppy speaks to her status by asking followers to repeat, 'I am not in a cult,' as masked figures hold spiritual icons. At a recent concert, Poppy passed out cups of Kool-Aid and announced, 'Poppy is not responsible for any fatalities.' Creepy? It hasn't stopped Sanrio and Comedy Central from working with her.
Mainstream stars are also displaying signs of cult leadership. Katy Perry stripped naked and used her body as clickbait in order to drive votes for Hillary. Lana Del Rey asked her fans to curse Donald Trump using witchcraft. Even Eminem got in on the action by telling the world that he'd disown any fan of his who also is a Trumpster.
Part of the appeal of the cult-like influencer is the aura of mystery that surrounds them. In an age of 'I'm just like you,' instant-access celebrity, being unknowable and reclaiming the pedestal is refreshingly alluring. But while boasting massive followings, the typical YouTuber lacks a critical ingredient in the cult formation recipe: an ideology for followers to adopt. On the other hand, many niche communities that are ideologically charged are lacking charismatic leaders and centralized action.
With scholars pointing to Donald Trump as wielding both of these traits, we may see this trickle down to younger or more centralized influencer groups."
The trend, decoded:
This is the trend we can all pretty much agree is a sure thing within the next year or two. But what does it mean in tangible terms? "You can create new business models, and fandoms can become real," Rabia says. "That convergence of subculture and big brands is very interesting."
Here's What Happened After I Ran a 5K Every Morning For a Week
Summer in New York City can be downright rough. As if staring at your electric bill isn't depressing enough on its own (thank you, air conditioner), working out in the muggy afternoons is much less than ideal. Only a few weeks into the season, I noticed a pretty crappy byproduct of the season: my fitness routine was slipping. Warm mornings had made it tough to leave the comfort of my cool bedroom for a sunrise run. As someone who swears by early a.m. workouts, I saw my productivity slipping by the wayside as my lazy mornings became more frequent. Despite managing to get to midday Spin classes or even the occasional hot yoga situation, I still felt blob-ish.
I knew I needed to get my mojo back. So, I decided to commit to running every morning for a week. The rules: Hit a 5K first thing (after, of course, the whole wash my face, brush my teeth, put clothing on schtick). The pace didn't matter. All that mattered was that I would get up, get out, log the miles, and well, the rest of the day was mine to conquer.
A quick note on me and my running capabilities: I've run five marathons (I've also lost 70 pounds in the process). The last one was almost a year ago. Still, these daily 5Ks didn't come easy to me. There were days I hated it, and there were days I loved it. Days five and six, the temperatures were perfection - 60 degrees, sunny, and low humidity - making me fall in love with this city all over again with each step. Throughout the week, here are the four biggest lessons I learned running a 5K every morning for a week:
1. Preparation is everything.
Getting out the door at an early hour is a whole lot easier if you set yourself up for success. Before bed each night, I'd set aside a pair of shorts or tights, a sports bra, and a tank. Knowing exactly what I was going to put on gave me one less excuse to procrastinate before walking down the four flights of stairs from my apartment to the street. Plus, have you seen what happens when you try to put together a matching outfit pre-6 a.m.? No wonder why most New Yorkers only wear black.
2. The earlier, the better.
I despise humidity like I despised sophomore year statistics class in college. While sleep is amazing, there's no denying that beating the heat is 100-percent worth setting that alarm for an hour earlier. Maybe I'm just super sensitive, but I found that leaving after 6:30 meant it was harder for me to breathe. By setting a 5:45 a.m. alarm, I was able to get up, dressed, and my act together before hitting my stride by 6:10 a.m. This, for me, was ideal.
3. Partnering up can save your stride.
On day one of my 5Ks, I joined my boyfriend for a 10K. (He's an overachiever and after a glutenous date night, I felt like the jump-start could do me good.) I'll be the first to admit that I was in the front seat on the struggle bus. Last month, the man spontaneously decided to run 20 miles because "he was feeling great." So just envision this scene with me: it's mile two of our run, he's cruising along like a gazelle, and I stare in his general direction using puppy eyes asking him if we can take a pitstop so I can assault a water fountain.
Still, without him being there to push me past my comfort zone, I doubt I would have finished the miles that day. I became competitive, not just with him, but with myself. You've run marathons, I thought to myself. You can run a 10K. Although I didn't get to that desirable happy place on my run where you blink and suddenly it's done, I did check the box. After I felt appreciative to have had him to get me through. I also felt appreciative when he made coffee upon returning to the apartment.
4. When something becomes habit, it's easier to stick with.
When I started running back in 2007, I committed to logging the same distance every day, rain or shine. I didn't love those give-or-take 14-minute pavement dates, but after two Summer months of running daily, it had become routine. I started to look forward to taking that time for myself. Regardless of the snail-worthy pace, I felt like I had finally done something for myself. I felt accomplished.
This week of 5K running brought me back to that time. I found that by day eight (yes, I know that there are seven days in a week), I was still waking up to run 3.1 miles before going on with my day. Yes, I kept it going even AFTER I was "done." It took me one week to make this 5K morning situation habit. One week a 5Ks to find some inner peace and jump-start my fitness back to where I'm happiest. Maybe for you, it's not running. But perhaps you too can be surprised at what you're capable of when you set your mind to a goal - and execute.
Avengers: Infinity War - Everything You Need to Know, in 1 Place
We've been looking ahead to Avengers: Infinity War, since, I don't know, we knew of its existence, and now that we've seen the badass trailer, we're even more eager for its release. Originally, the movie was to be split into two parts, with the former subtitled Part I and the latter subtitled Part II, but now it's solely Avengers: Infinity War, while the second movie has yet to be named. With the trailer revealing much about the film, we have a breakdown of all the information so far!
These 5 Underwater Resorts Will Literally Put You Under the Sea
From tropical islands to mountain lakes and jagged coastlines to sandy beaches, water tends to make any getaway instantly more exotic. There are a lot of fantastic hotels out there boasting turquoise ocean views and H2O proximity. Some bungalows even put you directly over the sea, letting you take a quick dip or feed the fish at a moment's notice. But for a truly once-in-a-lifetime aquatic experience, some resorts take it to entirely new depths. Read on for five underwater resorts that will put you face to face with the incredible world under the sea.
20 Tiny Magical Harry Potter Tattoo Ideas
While we continue to debate and think of new theories about the wizarding world, we also spend time thinking about all the different ways to permanently show off our love of Harry Potter. Though some people might prefer quotes or large illustrations, we also know tiny tattoos are just as lovely. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best small tattoo ideas that are perfect for any fan of the books and films.
What No One Tells You About the KonMari Method
I'm an evangelist for Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizational guru whose unique tidying techniques have become a worldwide sensation. I've read both of her books and completed the full decluttering/reorganizing program in six months. In the last year, it has been my favorite thing to bring up to my friends, co-workers, heck, even distant cousins. I am obsessed, because it really has transformed my living space and shattered many of my bad habits related to tidying. Some people aren't convinced and steadfastly refuse to KonMari their home. Me, on the other hand, I'm a fervent believer, because I learned so much. Here are my greatest takeaways based on my experience.
Lesson 1: Getting rid of everything that doesn't "spark joy" is really liberating.
I know this sounds extreme, and I know some people claim there is room for regret with all the purging that happens, but not me. It was a chance to get rid of that set of lamps I always loathed, the antler candelabras and other ridiculous items I never used and somehow casually inherited, and the piles of unread books that bubbled up anxiety and regret every time I looked at them. Getting rid of all the extra junk felt so empowering and liberating, and it paved the way to celebrating and cherishing the few items I really love.
Lesson 2: Scaling back on my possessions made it easy to move.
I completed the KonMari Method while I was living in a dark studio apartment with views of white concrete walls. I had been there five years and felt the itch to move, but I didn't know how I was going to do it in crazy-expensive San Francisco. That same week, I ran into my landlord. She was trying to fill an empty unit, and on a whim, I asked to see it. One week later, I signed the lease and moved in to a beautiful, spacious, sunny apartment overlooking a courtyard and five-story-tall avocado tree. This was a month ago. Never in my wildest imagination could I have done such a thing had I not purged myself of all the extra stuff I had accumulated in my 10 years of adult living.
Lesson 3: I became confident about my sense of design (for the first time!).
My mom is an interior designer (her San Francisco apartment was even featured on POPSUGAR!). She's a pro at organizing spaces, filling them with bold colors, fabulous pieces of furniture, and thought-provoking accessories. Before Kondo, I felt completely reliant on my mom for anything and everything related to interior design and would avoid moving or getting rid of anything, even silly junk. But afterward, I realize I actually have a distinct design style, separate from my mom's. I love sparkly metallics against whites and light browns. I like my cookbooks to be color-coded like a rainbow. I carefully potted my own succulent arrangements to perch on sunny spots around the house. I prefer my kitchen and bathroom to be stark clean and shine brilliantly white.
Lesson 4: I feel relaxed and joyful in my home.
In her first title, The Life‑Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo says, "When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order, too." It's true. The hardest part of the KonMari Method is purging keepsakes that hold a lot of emotional significance like old love letters and, for me, hundreds of pages of notes from my favorite professor's classes in college and all my ballet clothes, including my first set of point shoes. It's painful to say goodbye to these things, yes, but something sort of woo-woo happens when they become out of sight. Before, my house was a dark, heavy place filled to the brim with stuff from my past. After, it became a light, bright place with no history and no regrets. As Kondo puts it, it's a space that's "A detachment from the past. Not fearing the future." And now, every time I walk into my apartment, I'm filled with relaxation and joy. Imagine that!
The Most Important Thing I Learned Spending a Week Alone in Uzbekistan
For many years, I have had an academic, professional, and personal focus on the post-Soviet political space, with a particular interest in the five Central Asian states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Central Asia is a region located to the south of Russia, west of China, north of Afghanistan, and east of the Caspian Sea. If you are prone to falling into Wikipedia rabbit holes and enjoy learning about obscure cultures and places like I am, Google cautiously, because I am here to tell you you'll get sucked in.
In May 2016, two weeks after walking across the stage to collect my college diploma, I was boarding a plane to Astana, Kazakhstan, to attend a two-month Russian and Eurasian studies program hosted by Nazarbayev University. In many ways, I decided to do this program because I knew I needed to get my foot in the door in Central Asia, and that's exactly what I did. I arrived in Kazakhstan not knowing a word of Russian, a language I was theoretically there to study at an intensive level, nor did I know a single soul or have any experience in this part of the world. After the conclusion of my program, equipped with a beginner's level of Russian, I set off for Kazakhstan's neighbor to the south, Kyrgyzstan. I did some traveling and had some amazing experiences, but eventually it was time to go home.
I returned to New York in late July, in many ways struggling to digest my recent experiences and faced with the reality of establishing my postcollege "adult" life. A year elapsed, during which I found employment, an internship where I first began to write about Central Asia, moved out, and then moved back home, attempted to join the foreign service, cultivated new relationships, and struggled through many months of uncertainty, confusion, and general anxiety due to not knowing what I should be doing with my life. I decided that the best way to shake off this funk and gain some perspective was to find a way to get back to Central Asia over the Summer, while I had less work responsibilities.
Against a different background and out of context, I learned some valuable lessons about myself.
On my second trip to this part of the world, I was determined to not let the wonders of Uzbekistan evade me. I had arranged for a month of Russian lessons and an internship at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, the sleepy but charming capital city of Kyrgyzstan. I booked a one-way ticket, optimistic that the weeks following the end of my classes and internship would lend themselves to a travel adventure of some sort. There were a million places I wanted to visit in those weeks, as I was in close proximity to places that were normally very, very far away when I was home in New York. But my heart was on Uzbekistan, which happens to be one of the more inaccessible countries in the region. Bogged down by the confusing intricacies of a corrupt and overly bureaucratic visa process, I had neglected to pay a visit to the Uzbek embassy located in NYC before departing (I swear it was on my to-do list . . .). I knew getting my visa wasn't going to be easy, but I reasoned with myself it would be easier to obtain when applying from the embassy in Bishkek as opposed to back in the USA.
I will spare you the details, but after a few weeks of embassy visits, walks down the highway searching for a bank, hours waiting in a half-shaded courtyard in the Summer heat outside the visa office, urgent withdrawals of stacks of local currency, and many, many frustrating communication-related issues, I was the proud owner of a full-page visa from the Government of Uzbekistan granting me a one-month stay in its country. I worked out an itinerary, hitting four cities spread throughout the country, made some essential arrangements, and that was that.
I'll admit, I was nervous. I didn't know how this was going to play out, only that I was hoping for the best. To traverse a foreign country by myself, one where I knew I would stand out and be in the minority as a Western woman traveling alone who didn't effectively speak the language and was far removed from any comparable experiences I had had before, wasn't my first choice. I would have loved the security of a travel companion, maybe someone who could help me communicate, but at that point in time, it wasn't in the cards. I had a decision to make; was I going to put this dream on hold to wait for the right conditions or just do it? I decided this was my shot, and I was going to take it.
I planned to spend my time in four cities called Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva. I flew into Tashkent, the capital and largest city in Uzbekistan, and marveled at its size and impressive infrastructure. I buzzed along the underground in a well-working subway system that mimicked Moscow's world-famous metro system, visiting huge bazaars and taking long walks around neighborhoods that alternated between old and modern every few feet. A short flight took me to Urgench, the metropolitan hub for the ancient city of Khiva. Arriving at sunset, I strolled along the ancient walled city, Itchan Kala, which once was the epicenter of the Khanate of Khiva in the 17th century. I traveled by taxi to my next stop, Bukhara, a journey that took five hours through the Uzbek desert in a car with no air conditioning, making mental notes to avoid a similar passage next time around. Bukhara greeted me with open arms, a city said to have been inhabited since the 6th century BCE, the winding streets of its old city softly shrouded in late-afternoon light. I caught a high-speed train and was comfortably transported to Samarkand. My accommodations placed me within eyeshot of the Registan, a collection of three ornate, mosaic-adorned schools of Islamic study called madrasas, which formed the town square of ancient Samarkand.
It is possibly one of the grandest sights on this planet.
The stories I could tell about the kind and helpful people I met during this week could fill a book. From the jewelry seller who ended up taking me on an hour-long walking tour of Bukhara en route to the city's only ATM to the friend of a friend who arrived with her family to collect me at the airport when I first arrived in Uzbekistan to the countless hostel employees who helped me to arrange my many domestic trips utilizing different modes of transportation, the people of Uzbekistan proved to be some of the nicest I have ever met in my life. I was consistently humbled by these acts of kindness, more reassured every day that I had made the right decision.
Oftentimes, people tell me that I'm brave or ask me if I'm crazy, and the answer is probably both. I don't know what it is or why I have it, but there is something deep inside of me that pushes me to seek more, take risks, and do the things I am drawn to on a subconscious level. I am not afraid. I place a lot of faith, some of it blind, in the good of the world and the human connections we inherently have regardless of creed or color. I learn more about myself in these relatively short time frames than I have in many years of time spent on this earth. Against a different background and out of context, I learned some valuable lessons about myself. I can absolutely do anything I set my mind to. I am not alone in this reality. I am any girl off the street; there is nothing specific about me that enables to have these experiences that differentiates me from anyone else. We are all brave, fearless, resilient, adventurous, and capable.
In my second-to-last city in Uzbekistan, I was checking into a lovely family-owned hostel. The man who was checking me in asked if I was traveling alone. I said yes, and he responded with slight shock that I was a "strong woman" for doing this. I was accustomed to these types of questions, as it was rare for a woman to be traveling alone in these parts. I immediately fired back a self-deprecating response to deflect from the compliment I had received, something I think as women we are conditioned to do. But as I lay in my bed that night and mulled over the day, I reflected on that exchange. Yes, I am a strong woman, and this strong woman is here to stay.
Holographic Opal Lipstick Is Fit For a '90s-Fabulous Snow Bunny
By now, you've definitely unicorned-out your makeup routine. In such a saturated market, it's hard to see a fresh spin on what has since become a classic modern beauty staple. That being said, your eyes will be totally glued to opal lips, a unicorn-esque, holographic trend that's sweeping Instagram (and damn near perfect for Winter).
If Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want For Christmas Is You" album art (AKA my phone's current wallpaper) was shot in 2017, I think that Mimi might have switched out her bold red for an opal lip. Take a look at the example above, as imagined by Jazmina Daniels. The cloud-like design is part '90s, part 2017, and full fabulous.
Whether you're glamming up for a holiday party or romping through the snow just #forthegram, this cold weather-appropriate look gives off major snow bunny vibes. So this Winter, go ahead and paint your pout with a frosty reflective lipstick such as Stila Color Balm in Opal ($22) or Kevyn Aucoin The Molten Opal Lip Color Top Coat ($30), practice a frosty stare, and achieve straight-up ice princess status.
Image Source: Columbia Records
8 of the Worst Things You Can Do to Your Hair
If your bathroom is littered with hot tools and styling products, listen up. While giving your hair a lot of TLC can be a good thing, you might be doing too much of the wrong thing. A lot of hair faux pas can be pretty obvious, but some of our healthiest hair habits - like getting regular trims and using dry shampoo instead of water washing - can have disastrous results if not done properly, both short and long term.
The first tip for doing what's best for your hair is to know your hair type. Once you know your hair type, you can determine exactly what it needs and what you can ditch. If you're unsure, try not to experiment. Instead, find a stylist you trust and get some advice. In the meantime, take a few cues from three pros on exactly what you should stop doing to your strands immediately.
38 Fierce Women Who Embrace the Buzz Cut - and Will Make You Want One
When it comes to hairstyles, the buzz cut is reserved for the most fierce and daring of ladies, Cara Delevingne included. Not only do buzz-cut babes look badass around the clock, but they avoid bad hair days, windswept lip gloss situations, and color maintenance (what roots?). Meet the women who will have you clutching the trimmers.
24 Times We Were Jealous of Sophie Turner's Perfect Hair
Sansa Stark's hair tells a story on Game of Thrones, and actress Sophie Turner definitely makes the most of her long locks in real life too.
She has such great hair, in fact, that she's become a Wella Professionals ambassador. The British actress has to dye her hair every week (nope, she's not a natural redhead!) when filming, so she knows a thing or two about looking after and styling it. Whether it's plaits or waves, she works it like it's her calling in life. And we're pretty sure she would suit hair any color of the rainbow.
Scroll though our top 24 favorite Sophie Turner hair moments.
Target Will Offer Same-Day Shipping on Beauty Products - Game Changer!
If you've ever considered hiring an assistant to go on Target beauty runs just so you don't have to yourself, the following news will make you do a happy dance. According to WWD, the megastore has announced that it has acquired Shipt, an online platform that specializes in same-day shipping.
For $99 a year, every time you make a Target purchase, a team of personal shoppers will pick up your goods for you. It's like having Santa's little helpers coming to your assistance, but this offer lasts all year. So, when can you reap the rewards of this news that is sure to make lazy (or busy) girls cheer? It's actually all starting pretty soon - WWD reported that the service will start in half of all Target stores in early 2018.
This news is just one of the many major beauty moves Target has made in the past year. If you recall, 2017 saw the revamping of the store's beauty department, which included the expansion of its beauty concierge service and addition of new brands. One particularly exciting launch was the creation of Glow Studio, an affordable K-beauty line.
So: in 2018, we wish you health, happiness, and on-demand drugstore beauty products.
Starbucks Just Dropped 3 New Chocolate Drinks, but Hurry! They Won't Last Long
Starbucks has announced three new limited-edition mocha drinks! The trio of drinks is a new Black and White Mocha Collection, which includes a rich hot chocolate, a blended Frappuccino, and an espresso-filled mocha. What makes each drink "black and white" is a combination of dark and white chocolate, and each drink is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate "sequins" representing a black tie.
All three drinks are available at Starbucks stores in the US and Canada starting on Dec. 27 and lasting through the new year, while supplies last. If you plan on wearing a fancy dress for New Year's Eve, you might as well do it up and have a black-tie Starbucks drink to match! If your go-to drink is a mocha any day of the week, read ahead to get the details on each chocolaty beverage and decide on your favorite.
mercredi 27 décembre 2017
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.
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?
In 2016 Video, Donald Trump Jr. Says Kids Are the Target Audience For Gun Silencers
Less than six weeks before the 2016 election, SilencerCo, a company that manufactures gun supressers, posted a longform interview with Donald Trump Jr. to its YouTube channel. At nearly 40 minutes, it's a complete slog to listen to - but the message is abundantly clear. "I love your product," Trump Jr. tells the company's CEO, Joshua Waldron, at the very beginning, and he does not waver from that stance one bit. "There is nothing bad about it at all," he says. "It makes total sense, it's where we should be going."
In the wake of the deadliest shooting in modern American history, which left 59 dead and more than 500 wounded, Hillary Clinton pointed to the fact that the legalization of silencers could've made the devastation far worse. "The crowd fled at the sound of gunshots," she wrote on Twitter. "Imagine the deaths if the shooter had a silencer, which the NRA wants to make easier to get." While the statement may not be 100 percent accurate - several outlets have argued that it wouldn't have made a difference - it was enough to cause the House of Representatives to delay an NRA-backed bill that would make silencers legal. That's not to say that it won't surface later this year, and frankly, it's entirely possible that it will - but it does raise a very important question: in this current climate, do we really need silencers to be introduced to the already deadly mix?
For Trump Jr., silencers would help make guns more appealing to young people, to kids who might otherwise be injured by both the sound and recoil of a gunshot. In the SilencerCo video, he repeatedly cites his own hearing damage as something that could have been avoided had he been allowed to legally use a silencer. "It's about safety. It's about hearing protection," he says in the interview, adding, "It's a health issue, frankly, for me. You know? Getting little kids into the game, it greatly reduces recoil. I mean, it's just a great instrument."
Below, we've queued up the video to the spot where Trump Jr. talks about his specific feelings about silencers as a selling point for kids. And perhaps it will serve as a reminder that above all, the Trumps strive to sell products, to make money, to get what they want - no matter what it is they're advocating for, be it about shoes or golf courses, or a policy that could alter the course of millions of American lives.
12 Hilarious, Touching, Way Too Relatable Tweets About What, Exactly, Gay Culture Is
On Sept. 1, a Twitter user known as introvertgay posted a sad but salient tweet: "Gay culture is being a teenager when you're 30 because your teenage years were not yours to live." The message nails how so many members of the LGBTQ+ community stay in the closet during their formative years. While the tweet is pretty striking in and of itself, the couple of weeks since have turned "gay culture" into a trending topic.
Some contributions are heartbreaking, like the original tweet, while others are pretty hilariously specific. After all, the LGBTQ+ internet community is the same space that embraced the gay Babadook, celebrated a very gay boat, and exposed gay Twitter catfish Parks Denton. So, without further ado, allow us to present some rather succinct definitions of "gay culture."
Behold, the Most Hated Comment in Reddit History
I will always be the first to admit that a lot of what I consume on the internet is a direct result of what I see being upvoted on Reddit. If you're not familiar with the phrase, upvoting is the equivalent of "liking" something on Facebook or "faving" something on Twitter - with the ultimate goal being not just the crowd's approval, but to land your post at the top of the Reddit charts and onto the so-called front page of the internet. That being said, despite making several trips to Reddit.com every hour of every day for the last several years, I rarely come across a post that gained attention not because of the number of upvotes that it garnered, but because so many people gave it a negative rating (or, more colloquially, downvoted it).
But that all changed on Nov. 12, when Electronic Arts (EA) decided to respond to some user criticism of the forthcoming Star Wars Battlefront II.
The title of Reddit user MBMMaverick's post is "Seriously? I paid 80$ to have Vader locked?" and reflects a sincere sense of dissatisfaction with the price paid for the forthcoming game. "This is a joke. I'll be contacting EA support for a refund . . . " the user writes, adding, "I can't even playing f*cking Darth Vader?!?!? Disgusting. This age of 'micro-transactions' has gone WAY too far. Leave it to EA though to stretch the boundaries." A little strong, perhaps - but certainly not anything too controversial. If I had a quarter for every time someone said a video game was overpriced . . . well, you get the idea. Anyway, the response from EA was swift and straight to the point:
Unfortunately for the gaming giant, Reddit is never the right forum for customer service jargon. As such, the post has racked up an absolutely staggering 443,000 downvotes in the span of a single day, with thousands more voting it down with each passing hour. For context, it's worth noting that the previous record holder for most downvoted comment on Reddit clocked in at a mere 24,333 downvotes - and it happened to be a comment that was explicitly asking Reddit users to click the downvote button. Literally.
Suffice it to say, EA is now unquestionably the company behind the most hated post in Reddit history, and we're willing to bet that it wasn't the record that it hoped it'd be breaking with the release of the first Star Wars game in years. The moral of this story? If you don't have anything nice to say, you probably shouldn't say anything at all - and you definitely shouldn't say it in a Reddit forum.
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