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.
vendredi 29 décembre 2017
Here's How CBD Can Play a Role in Your Fitness Routine
Through my own recent experience, I've learned about the incredible antianxiety and anti-inflammatory powers of CBD, the nonpsychoactive compound found in hemp and cannabis plants - it has made a powerful improvement to my life and mental health. But recently, I wondered what this natural supplement could do for my fitness routine. As it turns out, it may make an excellent pre- and post-workout essential.
If you need to create a sense of calm and eliminate stress so you can focus on a workout, CBD supplements may help you before you head to the gym or studio. Though yoga on its own can be calming for me, sometimes it's a little harder to leave the stress and anxiety off the mat (the same goes for classes like barre, Pilates, and megaformer) - but that's where CBD can come in. It's been studied (and proven) to have antianxiety properties. That said, I don't just take it before more low-key classes - it works for HIIT, too! I've had positive (or even neutral) experiences when taking CBD before a more intense class like Barry's Bootcamp and Orangetheory.
And while CBD is typically pretty calming, Dr. Sunil Kumar Aggarwal, MD, PhD, FAAPMR and practitioner at SageMD, said "CBD can have a stimulating effect." It will depend on your body and your body's reaction to CBD, but you may find CBD helpful to get both focused and energized before your favorite exercise class or gym session.
I also spoke with Dr. Jordan Tishler, MD, Harvard physician and president of both InhaleMD and the Association of Cannabis Specialists, about using the anti-inflammatory effects to your advantage when it comes to CBD and exercise. His take? It could be a helpful part of your recovery routine, but you might even want to opt in for something stronger. "I think that the anti-inflammatory aspects of CBD would likely help post-workout recovery, but only with high dose and very consistent use," said Dr. Tishler. "For acute pain during or after workouts, you'd need to focus on [using] THC."
Dr. Aggarwal discussed using "the full bounty of nature" to achieve optimal health and said combining Ayurvedic herbs with CBD and/or THC could be especially helpful. From trying this firsthand with turmeric and CBD capsules from Sagely Naturals, I personally love how the two anti-inflammatory herbs combat muscle soreness after an especially tough workout with weights. I recently tried taking three capsules before a challenging Orangetheory Fitness class and two afterward, and it helped significantly with both my focus and my recovery.
If pain or inflammation is keeping you from working out, cannabis may be a lifesaver, like it was for Jason Genet, a disabled vet who lost 150 pounds thanks to the help of CBD (and a new diet). "CBD is the only thing I can take," he told POPSUGAR. "It allowed me to get moving."
The evidence as of now is somewhat anecdotal, as not much scientific research has been done. However, both doctors recalled multiple studies proving CBD's efficacy in multiple areas. Dr. Tishler also reminded us that placebo is real, but placebo also works. "Placebo gives you a real benefit," he said. "It's just not biological."
How much you'll need to take is impossible for us to recommend or even speculate on, as it varies based on each person, their biology, their needs, and their goals, so we'd highly recommend talking to a doctor or medical professional before beginning your supplement routine.
Printable Shopping Lists to Help You Eat Clean in 2018
Print it. Shop it. Make it. Enjoy it! Here are the shopping lists for each week, including a version for making the vegetarian options.
Week 1
Click here for a printable version of the Week 1 shopping list.
Week 1: Vegetarian
Click here for a printable version of the Week 1 vegetarian shopping list.
Week 2
Click here for a printable version of the Week 2 shopping list.
Week 2: Vegetarian
Click here for a printable version of the Week 2 vegetarian shopping list.
These 50 Essential Fitness Tips Will Make You Stronger and More Badass
Make the most of your exercise time by reading up on these 50 fitness tips so you can crush your workouts and crush your goals!
- Never stretch before a cardio workout; save it for after when your muscles are warm and pliable.
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training) burns tons of calories in a short amount of time. Try Tabata, which combines 20 seconds of intense bursts of activity with 10 seconds of rest in four-minute rounds.
- If you're trying to bike, run, row, or jump rope at a certain speed, use music to set your pace.
- When strength training, save time and burn more calories by doing fewer reps with heavier weights.
- When doing any type of workout, it should never hurt. Make sure you have correct form, you're not pushing yourself too hard, and that you don't have an injury.
- If you're doing an early morning workout, some experts say it's OK to run on an empty stomach. But if you're doing a longer workout, fuel up with simple carbs and a little protein, such as half a banana and a handful of almonds.
- Raise the incline on the treadmill to increase your calorie burn. A five percent incline will burn almost 100 more calories, so pump it up!
- Push yourself to go five extra minutes when working out - you'll burn close to 20 to 60 extra calories.
- Do a light cardio warmup before strength training to help prevent injury and post-workout soreness.
- Always strength train before a cardio session.
- If you start doing more strength training, make sure you eat enough food to give your muscles the fuel they need to grow.
- Borrowing a mat for your first yoga or Pilates class is fine, but after that, it's time to buy your own mat to reduce your exposure to germs and bacteria.
- Intervals are proven to reduce belly fat and rev up metabolism; instead of exercising at the same pace for the entire workout, alternate between periods of pushing your body to the max and periods of recovery.
- Studies show that a little bit of caffeine can help improve your stamina, strength, and speed, so sip on a small cup of coffee before working out.
- Choose gear based on your needs, not on style. If you're running on the road, don't choose a pair of trail runners just because you like how they look.
- Write motivational quotes on sticky notes and put them anywhere you need them - on your bathroom mirror, on the fridge, in your car, or on your computer monitor.
- Since class descriptions are often vague, watch a fitness class before you take it to avoid having to walk out of a class you don't like or that's too advanced for your fitness level.
- Proper form is more important than number of reps; use a mirror to check your form or take videos of yourself.
- It's essential to hydrate before a workout. Drink about 15 to 20 ounces of water before you get started.
- Shop for workout sneakers later in the day (when your feet are at their largest) to ensure a proper fit.
- If you want to see results faster, do at least three strength-training sessions per week.
- Do 60-minute heart-pumping cardio workouts five times a week if your goal is to lose weight.
- Take rest days! They allow your muscles time to heal and get stronger.
- To avoid getting sick, clean off machines and equipment before you use them. Even though the person before you is supposed to do it, they may have forgotten.
- Try out different instructors to find one who challenges and motivates you the most.
- Show up for a class at least five minutes early to get a good spot, shake off any stress from the day, and chat with the instructor if you need to let them know you have an injury.
- Never do the same exact workout every time. Switch up the exercises, the number of reps, the amount of weight, the order of the exercises, the time, the equipment, and the intensity.
- Find a workout buddy (or a whole group!) since you're more likely to push yourself harder and stay more motivated than when you work out alone.
- For workouts later in the day, make sure to eat a meal or snack one to two hours before a workout that focuses on carbs and a little protein.
- You do not need to break in running shoes - they should feel comfortable the moment you run in them. Don't feel shy about running around in the store to test them out.
- You can't spot-reduce fat from a certain area, like your belly - you have to work all areas in order to see a difference in how your body looks.
- Intervals aren't just for running! Aside from reducing belly fat, they also build endurance and increase your speed. Do sprinting bursts during all types of cardio, whether you're cycling, jumping rope, dancing, or swimming - it also works for all types of cardio outlets.
- Get everything ready the night before a workout, including your outfit, headphones, gym bag, and yoga mat - whatever you need.
- Listen to your body during group fitness classes. Move at your own pace - it's OK to go out of sync with the rest of the group or do modifications.
- Write the date you bought your sneakers on the inside of the tongue. After 300 to 500 miles, replace them with a new pair - so pay attention to your weekly and monthly mileage.
- Exercise in the morning; you'll burn more calories throughout the day.
- If you're short on time, do these stretches during your hot post-workout shower.
- In all types of workouts, make a mental note to relax parts of the body you're not working, like your face, shoulders, and toes.
- Never wear two sports bras! If you're in need of greater support, find a company, like Moving Comfort, that caters to larger-chested women.
- Post your fitness life to social media, whether you'll see plenty of sweaty workout selfies, gym rants, or a pic of some new gear. Comments from friends and family are sure to encourage you to stay on the fit path.
- Test out workout gear in the dressing room before you buy it. Run in place to see how the fabric moves with you, do a Down Dog to make sure your boobs don't fall out of your top, and of course, do a wide straddle in front of the mirror to avoid purchasing see-through leggings.
- On Sunday night, plan out the week's workouts. Make fitness dates, find the Zumba class that fits your schedule, and print out a new strength-training workout. Once they're planned out, write them down to make them official appointments you cannot skip.
- Make a morning motivation jar to inspire a little fitness when you hop out of bed.
- Pay for gym memberships or personal-training sessions ahead of time so you're more likely to follow through. And remember, if you buy a year membership, you'll save tons of money!
- Have workout-only music, books on tape, and Netflix shows you watch. If you're binge-watching This Is Us, you'll be psyched to get back on the treadmill to catch the next episode.
- Change your exercise routine every 14 days to beat boredom and keep your muscles guessing.
- Keep a fitness journal or calendar, and write down every workout you do, so you can look back and see how far you've come. Or if you've been skipping workouts, seeing blank pages will help motivate you to get back on the fitness train.
- Set a new fitness goal every month to keep you inspired and on track, such as "do 10 push-ups every day," or "do yoga twice a week."
- Self-massage your stiff, overtrained muscles by using a foam roller. These exercises are designed for runners.
- Take progress pics every month or two since the scale isn't always the best judge of how far you've come.
Wellness Will Take on a New, Deeper Meaning in 2018 - Here's How We See It
If you're someone who practices "New Year, New You," then you'll be into what the wellness scene has to bring and say in 2018. The ever-evolving industry always brings new trends, superfoods, and mindsets, year after year. This past year shifted the definition of wellness, bringing the focus to healing one another - mind, body, and soul. It became a buzzword that went from woo woo to mainstream. In 2018, wellness will continue to make it big, bridging the gap between those who are saturated in the scene and those who don't have access.
It's going to be all about kick-starting the conversation on truly taking care of our minds, cultivating our souls, eating right, and moving well. It will be a year to collectively strengthen and center ourselves so that the positive effect can be felt in every corner of the earth. There's a growing understanding that being well benefits your family, your friends, and everyone you come into touch with. It's time to help others gain access to this, connect to our purpose, uplift, and recognize that we are all universally connected.
The new year is begging for higher-quality food, better personal-care products, and sustainability practices. Wellness will get personal. It will be brought into the workplace, do a better job of protecting the earth, and have a hand in women's empowerment: purposeful, intentional, and mission driven. This is the year that your less wellness-obsessed loved ones will get into it in ways that they never have before. There's going to be a shift in who cares about planetary healing, gut health, and skin care. Aisles will be stocked with ingredient-conscious products for health and hygiene. High-quality products will come from mission-based brands that are pushing wellness and health with charities. Big brands will become dedicated to feeling good and living well.
Wellness is a feeling. An aligning of the mind, body, and soul. An ability to listen to yourself. An understanding of your needs and the knowledge of how to meet them. A willingness to trust your instincts and slow down. An optimal sync. It's in food, art, beauty, philosophy, poetry, and science. In 2018 this feeling is going mainstream in a major way. It's continuing to unfold, finally reaching the intersection of vision and mission. Gurus, wellness-lovers, and everyone in between: are you ready?
The Creators of Pokémon Go Are Making a Harry Potter Game For 2018
Update: Additional details officially revealed by Warner Bros. have been added to the original story below.
Merlin's beard! Harry Potter is about to make a serious comeback - on our mobile phones.
On Nov. 8, it was reported that Niantic Labs - the company behind the phenomenon that was Pokémon Go - is working on a follow-up to their 2016 AR masterpiece, and that the subject would be none other than Harry Potter. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is expected to be released in 2018 on all devices (just like its predecessor) and the official website for the game describes the gameplay as exploring "real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way!" Here's what TechCrunch, who first broke the news, had to say about the development:
"The app is now official, but the details are still scarce, with the launch timeframe of just sometime next year, but it sounds like there will be significant influence from the Niantic game Ingress, which allows players to roam the real world collecting power-ups, defending locations and exploring their environment.
The mechanics of Ingress would actually translate pretty well to the fictional Harry Potter universe, and seems almost ready-made for a fantasy spell casting coat of paint to replace its science-fiction special forces veneer. Also, like Pokémon Go, it could benefit from the location database built up by Ingress originally (and expanded by the Pokémon title) to incorporate real-world locations into the in-game experience."
I don't know about you guys, but I definitely just set up a Google Alert - and you can bet that we'll be bringing you all the additional details on the forthcoming game the second we hear anything more.
9 Simple Ways to Become a Better Person in 2018
Even if you don't plan to make any New Year's resolutions, there's always room for self-improvement. And bettering yourself doesn't require as much action as you'd think, because it all begins with you. Once you become open to making a change, you're already well on your way to becoming a better version of yourself. See 11 simple ways to make it happen in 2018!
- Get involved: Find a cause you're passionate about and see how you can contribute, whether it's volunteering every quarter (or more often!) or making a donation. Notice that a certain topic fires you up or hits you emotionally? Pitch in and make a difference instead of taking a backseat.
- See it from a different perspective: The next time you're quick to judge, evaluate the situation from a different angle before making any assumptions. Practicing this regularly will help relax that reflex and promote compassion.
- Take responsibility: It's easy to make excuses and point the finger, but work on holding yourself more accountable in situations from being late to contributing to a larger issue.
- Be thankful: Expressing gratitude is such a simple way to improve yourself. Go even further than a simple "thank you" and reciprocate your appreciation. Your health and relationships will also benefit as a result.
- Give up your time to help others: The key here is to do something nice for the sake of doing something nice, without expecting anything in return. Whether it's a coworker who needs your input on a project or a friend who'd appreciate help moving, put any selfish tendencies aside to lend a hand.
- Limit the negativity: Negativity is contagious, but so is the reverse! Rather than feeding into gossip or ranting about your issues, take it upon yourself to spread good vibes instead. It only takes one person to shift the mood of others around them.
- Be open-minded: Resist the urge to impose your ways or beliefs on someone else. (See point #2.) Take a lesson in humility and accept the fact that you're not always right - a little empathy never hurts.
- Stay current: Educate yourself on what's going on in the world to prevent seeming insensitive or tone-deaf. Staying on top of current issues will widen your perspective and make you more aware of certain groups, cultures, issues, etc.
- Be polite and respectful, always: This one's a no-brainer, but it's still worth reminding. Regardless of whether you're having a good or bad day, the way you treat others should remain the same.
50 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Brighten Someone's Day
Let's face it: life is stressful. Between working long hours, maintaining a home, and juggling many different personal relationships, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with the daily grind. If you happen to notice a co-worker experiencing a particularly rough day or a friend feeling down or defeated, you probably will want to do something to boost their spirits. While grand gestures and fancy gifts can certainly be impressive, it doesn't always have to be this complicated! Sometimes the best ways to brighten someone's day are those that are simple, genuine, and straight from the heart. Read on for 50 inspiring ideas to bring some joy to those around you starting right now.
My New Year's Resolution Is to Tell All My Past Resolutions to Go F*ck Themselves
I don't like New Year's resolutions. They're either goals that are way too lofty and I'm setting myself up for failure the minute I make them, or they are half-assed promises that even as I say them or scribble them down on the fresh, lined paper of a fancy new annual planner, I know I won't keep. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of people who benefit greatly from using a new year to start with a clean slate, and I sincerely applaud them. But for me, coming off the heels of a truly terrible year, I'd like to do something a little different for myself this time around.
As a perfectionist Type A ball of stress who deals with very real anxiety on a daily basis, the idea of creating a resolution and then not living up to my (very high) expectations for myself is not appealing in the least. Do I really want to add more items to check off my already-overflowing to-do list? Not really. Do I foresee getting myself to the gym by 7 a.m. on a weekday even once this upcoming year? Um, no, I do not. I hate the gym. I want a glass of wine at the end of a long day, and I don't think I should guilt-trip myself every time I savor a sip. Yes, my past resolutions have all been utter failures, mostly because my heart wasn't in them.
I realized that the key to making a "resolution" that I'll actually keep is to not really make one at all.
So the question is, what is my heart into? Well, I'd like to be less stressed, actually. It's pretty simple, in theory. And in my opinion, an intimidating list of resolutions is pretty counterproductive to that goal. I realized that the key to making a "resolution" that I'll actually keep is to not really make one at all.
Instead, I want to focus on going against my very nature and instead try going with the flow - a concept that's entirely foreign to me. Instead of planning my every day down to the minute, I want to have nothing to do at all and savor the peace of that empty space instead of trying to fill it. My "resolution" is to stop worrying so much about doing everything I tell myself I "have" to do and instead try living a little more spontaneously. And, in order to stay true to my nonresolution, I'm going to go against my nature (again) and not worry about the way I plan on going about it. I'm going to try to let go a little of the control I cling so tightly to my knuckles are white with the effort of it. My nonresolution is to breathe. To slow down and to sometimes, even if it takes a little practice, just let myself be.
20 Tiny Star Wars Tattoo Ideas Perfect For Any Fan of the Force
It's hard to escape Star Wars fever these days - though any real fan wouldn't want to. Thanks to Star Wars: Episode 8 and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you're probably itching for a new way to show off your fandom love - like fresh tattoo ideas. While some fans want to get a large tattoo of Chewbacca or another character, others like to keep it small and to themselves. That's why we've rounded up some of the cutest ideas out there that are perfect for anyone who loves the franchise but doesn't want to broadcast it too loudly. Keep looking ahead, and this doesn't work for you, try these small Harry Potter tattoo ideas.
9 Ways to Get Alcohol For Free on a Plane
Getting free alcohol on flights is sort of my thing. Don't judge me (or do - I'll still be sipping away the next time I fly), but I quite enjoy a drink on a long flight. Or two. Or . . . well, anyway. The point is, as a frequent flier who takes red-eyes, international flights, and flights from the West Coast to East Coast often, I've got a system for getting my drink on (responsibly, of course) while not spending all that much money on the pricey airplane alcohol. I could be selfish and guard these secrets with my life, but what's the fun in drinking alone? Cheers to your next flight, hopefully one where free booze flows thanks to these tips and tricks.
1. Be nice!
You'd be surprised just how far this can get you. Flight attendants have to deal with a slew of annoying issues and complaints constantly, so a friendly face among the masses of disgruntled travelers can really stand out. Make friends with whoever is serving you, be genuine, and, if you can, make them smile or laugh. This will encourage them to return the kindness in the form of liquid friendship, if you're lucky.
2. Fly on a holiday.
Flying on a major holiday has its perks and drawbacks. While it can be a bit lonely and disheartening to be on a plane while friends and family celebrate something special, you may just appear pitiful enough to score yourself some free booze, especially if you're flying solo. I've flown alone on several Christmas Days and have gotten free drinks every time.
3. Order extra.
One of my drinks of choice when I'm flying is a Bloody Mary, but I never need the entire can of tomato juice for just one little airplane bottle of vodka - it screws up the ratio, but I hate wasting the juice! So ask your flight attendant to toss in a second airplane bottle if you're feeling extra boozy. Often, they'll throw it in for free, and sometimes they'll even give you several. One glorious red-eye flight found me double-fisting four airplane bottles for the price of one after a fun chat with a flight attendant led to a successful solo happy hour (and a great night's sleep on the plane . . .).
4. Fly internationally.
Many international airlines and international flights will offer free alcohol, depending on who you're flying with, where you're flying to/from, and how long your flight is. Make sure to either ask or check out the in-flight information so that you don't miss out on any freebies.
5. Go to your flight attendant instead of making them come to you.
OK, I definitely don't mean you should bombard them! But if they've already completed the drink service and you're still feeling a little thirsty, try approaching your favorite flight attendant rather than using the dreaded call button. It saves them the hassle of navigating all the way back to your seat, and they may thank you for it by keeping their card reader stashed soundly in the liquor cart while they slip you the good stuff.
6. Be helpful!
If a poor kid (or adult - no judgment) who is scared of flying wants to sit with a family member but is separated from them, offer up your seat. If someone is placed in the emergency exit row and doesn't feel comfortable performing the tasks, switch seats with them. You will help simplify everyone's lives, and flight attendants really appreciate that. It gives them more incentive to pay it forward with a bottle of booze.
7. Let your flight attendant know it's your special day.
If you're flying on your birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or other special event, let your flight attendant know! You shouldn't expect anything from them, but if you're fun and engaging, your flight attendant may want to help you celebrate by offering you a glass of Champagne to say cheers with you.
8. Fly first class.
This is a no-brainer, but an easy way to get free alcohol is to fly first class, where it's (almost always) included. While not technically free since you're paying for it with the price of your ticket, if you get an upgrade to first class without having to pay extra, then you're in luck! Some airlines also offer free drinks in business class as well.
9. Be a frequent flier of an airline.
Members of JetBlue's Mosaic, American Airline's Executive members, and United Global Services passengers all get the drink upgrades for their loyalty. If you're a member of a loyalty program with an airline, check out what benefits are offered to see if alcohol is included!
10 Budget Destinations on the Rise in 2018
An old quote says "if traveling were free, you'd never see me again." And for so many of us, the expression couldn't be more true. As incredible as exploring the world can be, the truth is, traveling can also be pretty damn expensive.
But the upside? It doesn't always have to be. While gorgeous-but-pricey destinations like Bora Bora and Paris will typically top the bucket lists of many jet-setters, these high-end places can set you back a few paychecks. The good news is, with a little research, you can find a world of budget-friendly havens teeming with vibrant culture, extraordinary views, exotic cuisine, and so much more. To find out more about affordable vacation spots around the globe, we talked with Jessica Bisesto, senior editor at travel deals site TravelPirates, to share her picks for budget destinations on the rise in 2018. Get ready to pack your bags!
4 New Year's Resolutions That Will Make INTJs an Even Better Version of Themselves
While there are plenty of positive qualities that make INTJs awesome, like being independent and intelligent, we do have our fair share of flaws. Some of the traits that make us who we are - introverted (I), intuition (N), thinking (T), and judging (J) - can also sometimes be our downfalls. For example, the fact that we mainly think with our heads over our hearts (unlike INFJs) serves us great in professional situations, but not so much when it comes to romantic relationships. If you're an INTJ looking to improve in the new year, consider focusing on these four resolutions below.
1. Be humble.
As one of the most confident personality types, humility isn't one of our strong suits. While there's nothing wrong with believing in our capabilities - and being able to have something to show for it - we don't have to go as far as being arrogant, which is one of our biggest weaknesses.
In 2018, let your skills do the talking. Resist the urge to resort to your "my way or the highway" attitude, and allow others to value your great ideas on their own. This will make you even more respectable and likeable (though INTJs know we couldn't care less about what others think).
2. Give yourself a break.
INTJs are known to be incredibly hard-working and determined personalities, which is great from a professional standpoint, but not from a self-care angle. Once we set our sights on something, we go all in, sacrificing what's necessary to ensure excellent results. Because of our extremely high standards, we'll often drive ourselves into the ground if we've failed to find the most efficient route.
Remember the difference between slacking off and knowing when to take a step back. Though we are sometimes guilty of taking shortcuts (efficiency all the way), we also need to reward ourselves from time to time for our dedication, even if that means taking a break or the day off to boost productivity.
3. Allow yourself to feel.
Emotions are an INTJ's kryptonite. We value logic over feelings in any situation and base decisions solely on reasoning. "The very notion of emotional expression is synonymous with irrationality and weakness to many INTJs, a display of poor self-governance and fleeting opinion that can hardly stand up to the enduring light of factual truth," says 16 Personalities. We may come off as cold or detached to those who don't know us, but in reality, it's just our way of protecting ourselves. And because we so rarely tap into our emotions, we feel them even more strongly than other personality types who do express their emotions more freely and therefore have had better practice controlling them.
Rather than avoiding confronting your emotions altogether, learn to manage them to your advantage. "While they will never be comfortable with a truly public display of emotions, INTJs can learn to use them, to channel them alongside their logic to help them achieve their goals," says 16 Personalities. Understand how you're feeling, and use your emotions as a source for something bigger. As a result, your friendships and relationships will also benefit.
4. Go with the damn flow.
Our tendency to overanalyze just about everything unnecessarily overcomplicates things, especially in the subject of romantic relationships. Being both a planner and a perfectionist typically serves us well, but not in times when our high expectations aren't met.
Our judging side is responsible for 25 percent of our INTJ personality, so it won't be easy to face situations as they come. But in 2018, try your best to loosen your grip on life and enjoy yourself a little more!
30 Breathtaking North American Natural Wonders You Have to See Before You Die
When it comes to traveling, Americans often feel like they haven't seen enough, despite the number of foreign countries they may be lucky enough to have already visited. You might be determined to visit the famed Seven Wonders of the World, but did you know there are actually dozens and dozens of natural wonders to see right here in North America? From the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park to Hubbard Glacier in Alaska and Canada to Baja California Sur, you could easily take a road trip (or two or three) across our great continent, never ceasing to be impressed. Have a look at this gallery and start planning your next semilocal vacation.
12 Tiny Homes That Prove Small Is Beautiful
There's a lot to be said for living in a small house. Less wasted space, cheaper energy bills, and fewer chores . . . it almost makes you wonder why anybody would prefer a large home! Not to mention, one of the best features of a minuscule living space is the fun of decorating your limited square footage. In a world that would like you to believe that bigger is better, it's hard to imagine drastically downsizing your home, but the benefits can be worth it. Here are 12 tiny dwellings that will inspire your itty-bitty aspirations.
DIY Home Gifts That Only Look Expensive
While some people live for the thrill of the hunt, others dread navigating crowded malls to find the perfect gift. If you're one of the latter, keep your gift shopping simple by heading to the craft store for DIY supplies! There are tons of amazing options for homemade gifts perfect for a friend's birthday, hostess with the mostess, or holiday. And just imagine your friends and loved ones' reactions when they find out that you made it yourself. Forget any ideas about macaroni art and Pinterest fails, because these 37 projects are simple and impressive.
How I Traveled to 9 Countries in 2017 (While Working Full-Time)
One of the biggest conundrums of my early 20s was how to take advantage of my wanderlust spirit, but also make money and have a career I enjoy. It seemed like every job required so much of you and that taking time off was a thing you had to earn after proving your loyalty for many years first. As an impatient young adult, I wasn't sure I wanted to wait to be able to travel.
Millennials are least likely to take their vacation days, according to a recent study, which means many of us are overworked and not able to live our best lives because we feel guilty about being away from work. But how does this make sense when, more than ever, human beings are able to work from a laptop and not be chained to a desk? With remote jobs becoming more popular, a shift in the workplace is happening. Doing 100 percent of your job via the internet makes it possible that, if you have the right skills, you can make your income doing while completely location independent.
A couple of years ago, I started off working for a social media company that boasted their generous holiday time policy. However, by this, they actually meant "you can ask for permission to work from other places occasionally." But this was perfectly fine with me because I made sure I showed them I could work on my travels and succeed.
When 2017 started, a goal of mine was to make it to as many countries as possible that were available to me based on my paycheck-to-paycheck income (and however much my boss would allow me to take away from the office). In March, I snuck away for a long weekend to my home state of Washington to visit family and friends. In April, I took a two-and-a-half week trip to Southeast Asia and crossed Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam off my bucket list. And in May, my birthday present to myself was to take a weeklong trip to Europe to visit London, Paris, and Scotland.
But things changed at my job. They weren't so keen for us to work away from the office any longer, and this adjustment didn't exactly sit right with me. I had gotten too used to sleeping in on Fridays and working from home or being able to just send a quick email to my boss to ask if he was OK with the dates I was taking away from our Manhattan headquarters. I needed to find something that was remote 100 percent of the time. There were months and months of job searching that seemed to lead to dead ends.
But then in June, my luck changed. I landed a full-time remote job at a travel company, which meant my status as a digital nomad was finally real. To know my coworkers encouraged exploring the world and living as expats was the best gift I could ever receive after working so hard to achieve this life. At first, I could hardly believe my luck, but then I remembered that it wasn't luck at all, but a combination of being extremely ambitious and not stopping until I reached my goal.
To kick off this newfound freedom, I booked a trip home to spend some time in the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed a gorgeous Summer away from the humid East Coast. Because of my flexible schedule, I was able to invite my sister to return with me so I could play tour guide with her as she experienced New York City for the first time. With an office job, I never would've been able to host her like I did without taking time off work, which I didn't have to do because I could work around our daily sightseeing activities.
In September, I set off to Europe again to spend a week in London and a week in Lisbon. This was my first test trying out working on the road full-time and dealing with the unfortunate things that came along with it. From spotty WiFi to timezone problems, I worked my hardest to complete my duties and see if this lifestyle was for me. While I learned that perhaps a full-time digital nomad life wasn't exactly the best for me and my homebody temperament, I could do it part-time at least.
From London, I flew to Laguna Beach to join my company retreat. It was a great chance to meet my boss and coworkers and spend some time in this beautiful location I had never been to. I also took the train down to San Diego to spend some time with family before heading home. At three weeks of living out of a suitcase, I was starting to get tired and antsy to return to some familiarity that I had originally tried so hard to get away from.
November brought the best adventure of my life. My boss was so generous and gave me two weeks off for my trip to Japan and China. After not having a real vacation in years, I was so thankful and happy to actually have some time abroad without having to be on my laptop the entire time. A quick layover in Beijing was perfect for visiting the Great Wall of China, and Japan was a dream to explore.
Back in January, I had bought tickets to the opening of Hamilton on the West End in London for December and wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it, but because of my new job, I was able to take a week away to my favorite city (for the third time this year) and see my favorite musical. Some people called me crazy for going back so many times within a 12-month period, but I was like, "Why not?" Some people spend money on concerts and sports events; I spend my money on plane tickets.
At the end of it all, I visited nine countries (with six of them entirely new to me), took almost 30 flights, stepped foot on three continents, and saw over 25 cities. People think it's difficult to get in lots of travel if they work full-time and always ask how I do what I do. What I tell them is if you put yourself in a position to make use of vacation days or find a job that lets you work on the road, you can make it all over the world. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but if it's a priority for your life, you can make it happen.
Never feel like asking for your allotted holiday hours is a sacrifice for your workplace, because you are owed at least that. And if you have a skill set that can be done entirely online, then start searching for location-independent gigs, and then working from a beach in Bali can start to become more of a reality than you ever realized. We live in a new world where you can mold your life into anything you wish it to be, and if that's to fulfill bucket list items while also having a career, it's possible.
See What's in Store For You in the New Year Based on Your Zodiac Sign
A new year equals new beginnings for everyone. It's a chance to work off of another clean slate, embrace change, and hopefully pick up some improvements along the way. To find out what 2018 has in store for you and to see out how you can gear up, starting now, we've spoken with Athena Perrakis, PhD and founder and CEO of Sage Goddess.
Though there are those who traditionally celebrate New Year's on Jan. 1, Athena is one of the many who celebrates Samhain, the Celtic New Year, on Oct. 31. The Halloween holiday for us was honored by the ancient Celts as "a night of magical border crossing for spirits," according to Athena. The Celts then honored Nov. 1 as the start of their calendar year.
She continued to explain how ancient Celtic priests made predictions about the year ahead (mainly about agriculture and crop cycles) based on what they saw and divined on Samhain Eve and Samhain.
"Even today, some of our mainstream Halloween traditions - like bobbing for apples and gazing into scrying mirrors to look for hidden symbols and messages - have their roots in Celtic practice and lore," Athena told POPSUGAR. "We dress up in masks and costumes on Halloween so that the ghosts who cross the veil won't recognize us in our human clothing or recognize our human faces. All of these fun traditions have their roots in something older and more meaningful than many realize."
And even if you don't celebrate Samhain, it's still an excuse to start making those resolutions early or start anew. See what to expect in your new year, straight from Athena.
Aries
"Consider restarting your commitment to your health right now, Aries. It's well expected in your chart and with the new-year energy surrounding you, now is the time to put your well-being first in your life. Begin a new exercise regimen or new way of eating on Nov. 1 and to try commit to it through the end of December, long enough to create new patterns and habits. You've been sensing the need to make a change in your health, and now is definitely the time."
Taurus
"For you, Taurus, the new beginning looks like a reboot of your professional goals. Much has changed and shifted in your world this year, Taurus, and now is the time to take stock, making any necessary changes and also giving thanks for all of the blessings you've received. Trust your intuition when it comes to choosing a new position or even a new profession. Big changes can pay off for you!"
Gemini
"The magic of this season has you thinking about renewal, Gemini, and the many ways you can be reborn this year. You are looking around and trusting that you have all the information and guidance you need to make progress in your life, but you're missing motivation. Focus your thoughts on what and who you want to become, and take small steps to get started now. Recruit your fire sign friends - Leo, Sagittarius, and Aries - to help support you with their passion and enthusiasm."
Cancer
"For you, Cancer, this new-year energy is an invitation to connect more deeply with your inner circle. You've taken a lot of private time this year so far to reflect, and that's been good for you; you needed that time alone to recharge. But now your inner circle is needing time with you too. Plan a fun dinner party or pay an unexpected visit to those who haven't seen you recently. Book airfare now to spend the holidays with your family. You'll enjoy the time even more this year."
Leo
"Leo, you are so ready to focus on home, family, parties, and celebrations, and that's the energy surrounding this new year for you! You've been busy on the work front, and now - at last, as the ultimate hostess - you can turn your attention toward home and start hosting people for celebrations and ceremonies. The party's at your house, Leo! Make time for yourself too, because with your social calendar, it's important to keep your own personal vibration high."
Virgo
"A new beginning for you, Virgo, reveals that you will be able to work smarter, not harder, using skills you've recently developed and been working on behind the scenes. You knew there was a better way, and it would seem you're ready to share about it! Use this burst of energy and focus to complete tasks you've had on your to-do list for too long. An old friend may reappear, coming to town under the guise of a work engagement. If so, make time to see him or her. A new venture could emerge from your conversations."
Libra
"For you, Libra, a new beginning also means a chance to rest. You've been running hard and fast this year, and it's not clear why astrologically. But you feel like you've had the wind behind you, pushing you to complete unfinished tasks and assignments. Now, you can reflect and rest and rely on your intuition to guide you. It won't fail you!"
Scorpio
"Scorpio, now that Jupiter - the planet of gifts, mystery, and luck - is transiting your sign, you are in the driver's seat! Be very specific and focused when thinking about what you want to manifest right now. It's all possible for you! But only if you narrow your field of vision. Choose two to three projects you want to give extra energy and focus to right now or two to three dreams you really want to manifest this year. Less is more when it comes to focused manifestation."
Sagittarius
"Could it be true, Sagittarius, that you are ready to settle down a little? Maybe just for a little while! Your travel has drained you a little, and you're longing for the comforts of home and rest. Indulge those now because it looks like the holiday season will keep your calendar quite full. It's OK to admit that you need a break or time out."
Capricorn
"You've accomplished many of your goals for this year, Capricorn, but there are still a few things unfinished, and those have your attention at the moment. Think about how best to use your energy now to complete what is undone and also trust that Jupiter's transit to Scorpio will give you added insight as well that you can trust and count on to guide you."
Aquarius
"It's time for something new, Aquarius, and you know it! Of all the signs, Aquarius is the one who has most been wishing for a reboot, and your time has come. What would you create if you had no limitations to consider, Aquarius? Let yourself dream big now and see what can happen. It's all possible."
Pisces
"I see an expansion of your social circle ahead, Pisces, which might surprise you, but it's because many around you are finally starting to seek and appreciate (and trust) your counsel. The season of mystery and new beginnings is a reminder to others that magic is alive; fortunately for you, Pisces, you never forget that! A relationship that begins as a friendship now could grow stronger."
The Bestselling Travel Wallet on Amazon Will Organize Your Life, and It's Only $14!
Whether you're traveling or constantly out and about for work, keeping your belongings in place can be stressful. For me, I feel like all of my things become one big messy jumble at the bottom of my purse. That's why I was really excited when I discovered the Travelambo Bifold Multi-Card Wallet ($14). It's currently the bestselling item in its category on Amazon.
So what makes it so special? For starters, it holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. The design includes 15 card slots, one ID slot, and two long zipped slots that will fit cash or even an iPhone. It also comes in 20 different colors - you name the shade, it probably has it. The wallet is made with synthetic leather that's easy to clean. Also, when you snap it closed, it's very slim, so it doesn't take up a ton of space. Basically, this little accessory is my dream come true.
On top of everything, the wallet is RFID blocking so it protects you from identity theft. It's hard to believe it's available at such an affordable price. If you need further convincing, 64 percent of buyers gave this item a five-star rating. Plus, it's available on Amazon Prime, so you can get it in as little as two days with free shipping. Would you consider buying this nifty wallet?
It's Illegal to Cross America's Second Tallest Bridge For Good Reason (but People Still Do)
Almost 350 feet above the Skokomish River stands the Vance Creek Bridge, the second tallest trestle bridge in the country. There are no guard rails and no safety nets, and the decaying wood of the structure isn't exactly reassuring. Still, the views from the stunning bridge have made it a popular destination for adventurers and Instagrammers alike, and looking at the images, it's easy to see why.
Less than a two-hour drive from Seattle and situated along the Vance Creek Viaduct Trail, the Vance Creek Railway Bridge - which was built in 1929 - spans 422 feet across. It was built originally so trains and timber companies could access Washington's forests but fell into disuse in the 1970s. Though it's on private property - and potentially dangerous considering its age and state of disrepair - hikers flock to the man-made wonder to marvel at both the bridge and the incredible views from it. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Rainier if you're brave enough to make it to the center.
While undoubtedly breathtaking, it may be better to view the bridge from afar to ensure your safety, and also because in the past, tickets have been given for trespassing.
Check out the photos ahead!
How Long Can an Opened Bottle of Wine Really Last?
How long can an opened bottle of wine really last? To answer this question, I spoke with wine educator Collin Lilly during a recent trip to Andretti Winery in Napa Valley, CA. Although he claims that his response is completely subjective, here are his thoughts on a wine's life span. "I believe that when you are grabbing a bottle of wine, you're making a personal investment and you need to drink that entire bottle that night," said Collin. "Because one thing that is happening with wine when you've consumed half the bottle or more, there's now a gap of air that's filling the bottle. Over time, when it's exposed to too much air, the phenols (or components that affect the wine's taste) will dissipate and become negative flavors."
So should you let a bottle sit out for a day or two? "No, it won't be worth your money. The wine is continuing to age at an accelerated rate." When you open a bottle, it's best to drink it within four to six hours of opening without compromising taste. The wine will change slightly during that time of oxidation but in a positive way. After 24 hours, he doesn't believe it to be good. Although leaving a bottle out for a couple days won't cause it to spoil and make you sick, you will taste a perceivable difference even after just a day. The flavors will die out and eventually turn into an unpleasant taste after two to three days. But again, what you find acceptable will differ from what others can handle.
To slow down the aging process, be sure to recork the bottle and refrigerate it. The rate of oxidation will also depend on the type and age of wine. But to avoid any disappointment, drink it within the same day if possible. And when it comes to cooking with wine, the same rules apply, according to Collin.
29 Dumbledore Quotes That Will Inspire You to Do Magical Things
In the Harry Potter books and movies, Albus Dumbledore can do spells that make ordinary wizards' heads spin, he can defeat dark wizards in duels, but most of all, he can drop gems of wisdom that are pure magic. Throughout the series, Dumbledore is known for his impeccable wit and insights - when he speaks, wizards and Muggles alike listen. We've gathered up some of his most inspirational, funny, and moving quotes about life, friendship, hope, and love that are all bound to brighten your day and inspire you to make your own kind of magic.
How Expressing Gratitude Can Improve Your Relationship (and Your Health!)
Practicing gratitude regularly can help you achieve happiness, but studies have shown that it can also give your relationship a boost. Dr. Sara Algoe, an associate professor of social psychology at the University of North Carolina, and Dr. Andrea Hussong, UNC's director of the Center for Developmental Science and a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, both focus their research on the very subject of gratitude. One of their studies in particular found that couples who express gratitude on a day-to-day basis have stronger relationships and overall feel more satisfied with their lives.
Before diving into the rest of their findings, we first asked Dr. Algoe to define gratitude for us. "I define gratitude as an emotion that someone can experience that someone just ignites in them," she told POPSUGAR. "A lot of people think about gratitude as being just a good feeling that they have thinking about the benefits that they have in their life . . . but if I research the way that I define gratitude, it's really between two people."
Having an impact on your partner doesn't require grand gestures, either. Something as simple as taking out the trash without being asked to or making them breakfast on a busy morning is enough to make a difference. But regardless of whether the act was big or small, their research found that the key part of the "thank you" is the "you." Dr. Algoe explained how acknowledging the thoughtfulness behind the act in a genuine way is what's most significant.
"The key piece that we find over and over again in our data is this idea of saying what it was about the person's actions that were so great," she told us. "It could be as simple as, 'You remembered my favorite color.'"
Say someone gave you a sweater, for example, and you thank them because you think the sweater will go great with the pants you just purchased. You're acknowledging how it benefits yourself rather than thanking them for going out of their way to choose a piece you love. When you switch the praise to include a "genuine acknowledgment of what it means to you," according to Dr. Hussong, it adds an emotional component.
Interestingly, Dr. Hussong and Dr. Algoe's data found that one meaningful interaction can make a partner feel more satisfied in their relationship one month to even six months later.
The benefits of gratitude can also extend beyond improving romantic relationships to promoting good health. Having a strong support system is crucial to survival, according to Dr. Algoe, in two ways: those who you can count on can help further you in life, while the comfort of having a high-quality relationship is powerful enough to benefit your health. Gratitude is then the reinforcing agent that helps maintain these relationships over time.
"The associations between good relationships and living longer is so big, it's the same size as the effect of smoking 15 cigarettes a day on dying sooner," Dr. Algoe said. "Everybody knows that smoking can shorten a life, but not many people know that having good relationships can prolong your life, is another way of saying it."
28 Breathtaking Ways to Decorate With Christmas Tree Lights
It's the most wonderful time of the year - and the best time to decorate with Christmas tree lights. Lucky for decor addicts, this piece of affordable decor is as versatile as it is merry, and there are endless ways to use it to decorate your house. Keep reading to check out 28 of our favorites.
10 Stunning Space Photos That Will Make You Rethink Your Existence
If you're a space geek who dreams in constellations, auroras, and stars or just someone who loves looking at incredible photography, don't waste any more time and take a look at this year's shortlist for the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest.
The contest, which was open for submissions from Feb. 27 to April 7, includes nine different categories: Aurorae; Skyscapes; People and Space; Our Sun; Our Moon; Planets, Comets, and Asteroids; Stars and Nebulae; Galaxies; and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year. The grand prize winner wins £10,000 and will have their photos in an exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich beginning Sept. 16.
The shortlisted photos ahead (which were chosen from a list of more than 140 photos) include a title and a description from Insight about the image. The winners will be announced on Sept. 14.
This Man's Bewilderment After Entering Ikea For the First Time Is Hilariously Relatable
Ikea may be filled with affordable wonders for the home, but it's a notorious headache to navigate. Some even consider a visit to the Swedish mega-retailer the ultimate relationship test. But for one 32-year-old man, entering Ikea's cobalt blue doors for the first time was more of a survival challenge. Reddit user JasonOnTheBeach chronicled his first time at an Ikea store in a hilarious Reddit AMA that is garnering a lot of attention.
From getting lost upon entering to questioning the "creepy" prebuilt rooms to roaming the store without seeing another shopper for ten-plus minutes, we can all relate to his utter bewilderment. "Panic has begun to set in as I'm lost somewhere between lawn chairs and utensils. Pray for me . . ." he writes. Check out the full thread – and the hilarious reactions to it – below.
32 y/o man about to enter IKEA for the first time. AMA! from AMA
31 Stars Who Made Us Feel Great About Turning 40 This Year
If you're one of the many people who turned the big 4-0 this year, you're not alone. This Is Us costars Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley both hit the big milestone this year, as well as musicians Kanye West and Chris Martin. In addition to sharing the same birthday, John Cena and Kal Penn also turned 40 along with Tom Brady, Jessica Chastain, and Liv Tyler. If we didn't know any better, we'd say these stars have found the fountain of youth.
Bono Thinks Music Is Too "Girly" Now, And I Think Bono Should Stop Talking
If you thought we were going to be be able to kiss this awful, dumpster fire of a year goodbye without another set of misogynistic quotes from a misguided celebrity, you thought wrong. Squeaking in just under the wire, Bono sat down with Rolling Stone to give an interview that is, well, actually a very fitting end for 2017 when you think about it. In addition to opening up about his near-death experience, the U2 frontman also discussed why he thinks it's sad that male musicians no longer have an outlet for their rage. And why is that? Well, apparently because women know how to dominate the charts now, too.
"I think music has gotten very girly," he said. "And there are some good things about that, but hip-hop is the only place for young male anger at the moment - and that's not good. When I was 16, I had a lot of anger in me. You need to find a place for guitars, whether it is with a drum machine - I don't care. The moment something becomes preserved, it is f*cking over. You might as well put it in formaldehyde."
So, what do you think he means by "very girly"? Have you noticed an abundance of, say, pink satin bows spilling out of your speakers anytime you turn on the radio? Does body glitter ooze from your headphones whenever you accidentally put Spotify's New Music Friday playlist on shuffle? I'm willing to bet that's code for "a lot of women at the top of the charts." Take Cardi B becoming the first female rapper to have a No. 1 solo hit on Billboard charts with "Bodak Yellow", for instance. Or all of the records Taylor Swift has smashed to pieces with Reputation. Or pretty much whenever Beyoncé breathes near a mic.
To be fair, that's just in the pop and hip-hop genres - the rock charts are a totally different story. Nine out of the top 10 tracks on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs chart, at the time of publishing, were released by male artists and bands like Imagine Dragons, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Theory of a Deadman (Alice Merton's "No Roots" being the only exception).
"In the end, what is rock and roll?" Bono continued. "Rage is at the heart of it. Some great rock and roll tends to have that, which is why The Who were such a great band. Or Pearl Jam. Eddie has that rage."
The popularity of hip-hop or female artists (or female hip-hop artists) does not negate the years of male "rage" put to music by bands like The Who, Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Clash, Metallica, The Rolling Stones, and so many, many more. The landscape of modern music is changing just as it always has will continue to. Fortunately for Bono, his 18-year-old son Elijah just might save us all from the tsunami of femininity washing over the music industry: "[Elijah] believes that a rock 'n' roll revolution is around the corner."
Can't wait.
The Most Underrated TV Shows of 2017
The best shows of 2017 have rightfully gotten a lot of our attention, our ink, and many awards this year. But there's so much excellent TV out there that it's hard to narrow it all down into the best of the best, and sometimes, some of the best TV series are the ones that you tell your friends they should be watching and they look at you with the blankest of expressions. So this best-of list is to them, the unsung, the under-rewarded, the "who's in that?" shows that you keep telling your friends they are not watching but need to.
A Comprehensive Guide to Who Taylor Swift's Songs Are About
In the wake of Taylor Swift's recent release of Reputation there's no better time to make sure you have your Swift facts straight. Most importantly, she writes from the heart, and a lot of her songs are about certain people. She doesn't reserve her songwriting for romance gone bad, either: she's also called out a couple of ladies and exes. Here is a brief history of Swift's songs about other famous people.
A Computer Ghost Wrote a Brand-New Harry Potter Chapter, and I'm in Tears
By now, diehard Harry Potter fans have probably read the book series countless times. Even so, there's a 100 percent chance they have yet to read this never-before-seen chapter. Before you get too excited, we need to add context. This "chapter" was written by a predictive keyboard that was developed by Botnik Studios. The keyboard was programmed using all seven Harry Potter books, and then it wrote its own chapter of its own imaginary book. Yep.
The brand-new, computer-generated Harry Potter "book" is called Harry Potter and the Portrait of What Looked Like a Large Pile of Ash. We've specifically been treated to Chapter 13, which is titled "The Handsome One." There's not much else to say; you really, really need to read the chapter for yourself. Even Voldemort and the Death Eaters make sensational cameos.
We used predictive keyboards trained on all seven books to ghostwrite this spellbinding new Harry Potter chapter https://t.co/UaC6rMlqTy http://pic.twitter.com/VyxZwMYVVy
- Botnik Studios (@botnikstudios) December 12, 2017
What's your favorite quote? Mine is "'Not so handsome now,' thought Harry as he dipped Hermione in hot sauce." But there are almost too many good ones to pick. Other standouts include, "Ron's Ron shirt was just as bad as Ron himself," and "Ron was going to be spiders. He just was," and "The password was 'BEEF WOMEN,' Hermione cried."
Can we, like, get a whole book of this please?!
A Marlon Brando Biopic Is in the Works - Here Are 8 Smoldering Casting Ideas
Over a decade ago, Marlon Brando's best friend, George Englund, released a memoir about their enduring friendship titled The Way It's Never Been Done Before. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the memoir is officially being optioned by New Republic Pictures as a biopic about the life of the American actor, film director, and activist. The production company is the same one that's been behind critically acclaimed films such as Black Swan, Hacksaw Ridge, and more, so we have faith the story is in good hands.
Once the project gets greenlit, the difficult task will be finding a classically handsome actor with the right depth, complexity, and furrowed eyebrows to portray the iconic star. As for that, we have a few ideas. Fortunately, there are plenty of babes who seem to have what it takes for this epic leading role. They make our job so easy.
The New Roseanne Trailer Hints at How They'll Address Dan's "Death" in the Reboot
Although we're excited about the Roseanne reboot, we do have one lingering question: how are they going to address the series finale death of Dan Conner? The beloved '90s comedy is bringing back the show's original cast, including John Goodman, who played the Conner patriarch from 1988 to 1997. That means Dan's death is likely going to be ignored à la the Will & Grace revival. We get a taste of the tongue-in-cheek way they're going to tackle that plot twist in the latest teaser for Roseanne, above.
While Dan and Becky (Alicia Goranson) watch a Bulls game, he brags about how the 1996-97 team is so much better than the current line-up, to which Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) fires back, "You can't live in the past, Dan. When things are gone, they're gone forever!" Very clever, you guys. See the rest of the trailers below before the reboot premieres on March 27!
The Trailer For Mom and Dad Might Be Nicolas Cage at His Most Insane
The brutal first trailer for Brian Taylor's Mom and Dad shows us a whole new side to Nicolas Cage. Sure, we've seen the actor go nuts before in movies like Face/Off, Vampire's Kiss, and The Wicker Man (the man loves a meltdown), but the footage from this upcoming horror flick sees his character in an attempt to murder his own kids. Alongside Selma Blair, who plays his wife Kendall, Cage's character sets out to kill his two children when a bout of mass hysteria in their town results in parents violently turning on their own progeny. Will the kids survive their father singing "The Hokey Pokey" while destroying a pool table with a sledgehammer? We'll find out when the movie drops in theaters and on demand on Jan. 19.
Why Isn't There Explicit Gay Sex in Call Me by Your Name?
Warning: slightly explicit sexual details pertaining to Call Me by Your Name lie ahead.
Without a doubt, Call Me by Your Name is one of the most beautiful and well-executed films of the year. The Oscar front runner paints the picture of a gay romance in 1980s Italy that blossoms over the course of six short weeks. With delicate dialogue that belies the real feelings of the characters, powerhouse performances from Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, a dreamy soundtrack driven by Sufjan Stevens, and so many other small moments of magic, it's easy to see why the film is such a masterpiece. And yet for such a seductive and alluring story, the film remains shy about one crucial aspect of the smitten lovers' romance: sex.
For the first half of the film, Elio (Chalamet) seems to struggle with his emerging sexuality. Despite his obvious feelings for Oliver (Hammer), he ignites a short-lived romance with Marzia (Esther Garrel), the local girl he's grown up with. In this brief tryst, Elio loses his virginity. We watch as he absconds to the forest with Marzia, and we watch him on top of her, writhing, presumably mid-act. He finishes and rolls to the side, breathless and ecstatic.
When Elio finally succumbs to his feelings for Oliver, they meet in his room at midnight. Elio is visibly nervous; his foot creeps over and rests on Oliver's. They kiss and undress, but before they actually get into the heat of their sexual encounter, the camera pans away and takes us out the window. Only a few extra gasps and kisses can be heard as we fade to black. When the two escape for a final trip before Oliver heads back to the States, we again don't witness any explicit sex. Only Oliver's nude silhouette can be spotted, staring out into the early-morning light.
Perhaps the only explicit onscreen demonstration of gay sex comes after Elio and Oliver's first night together. Oliver, suddenly worried he may have scared off Elio, knocks on his door. He tells Elio to pull down his swim trunks and gives him a blowjob in the doorway, then slams the door in his face. While it's an interesting and playful moment that comes right after their first night of romance, it doesn't quite show the intimacy and intense connection between two smitten lovers.
It's also true that Elio masturbates with a peach, which is a pretty explicit scene in itself and carries quite a bit of homoerotic thematic significance. And though Oliver takes a bite out of that same peach once Elio is done, it's not the same as the intimacy depicted when two characters make love.
It turns out this decision not to depict gay sex was very deliberate. In a Q&A, director Luca Guadagnino said he "wasn't interested at all" in showing explicit sex.
"The tone would've been very different from what I was looking for. I wanted the audience to completely rely on the emotional travel of these people and feel first love. I didn't want the audience to find any difference or discrimination toward these characters. It was important to me to create this powerful universality, because the whole idea of the movie is that the other person makes you beautiful - enlightens you, elevates you. The other is often confronted with rejection, fear, or a sense of dread, but the welcoming of the other is a fantastic thing to do, particularly in this historical moment."
While the director makes excellent points, I'd argue that there are tasteful ways to show their sexual interactions on screen without changing the tone of the film. I think you can depict gay sex without it coming across as "dirty" and without tainting the innocence of a first love. And for what it's worth, the screenwriter behind the adaptation (James Ivory) has spoken about the lack of nudity. "Certainly in my screenplay there was all sorts of nudity," Ivory told Vanity Fair. "But according to Luca, both actors had it in their contract that there would be no frontal nudity, and there isn't, which I think is kind of a pity. Again, it's just this American attitude. Nobody seems to care that much, or be shocked, about a totally naked woman. It's the men."
When you consider the onscreen sex scene with Elio and Marzia, and the fact that Marzia has the most nudity in the film, the exclusion of male nudity and gay sex certainly make for an interesting choice. I still loved the film, and I thought it was beautiful and heartbreaking in all the best ways (that speech from Mr. Perlman, Elio's father, at the end, am I right?), but perhaps it's worth it to meditate on this specific decision. Why is the inclusion of gay sex perceived as something that would "change the tone" of the film? How would it take away from Elio and Oliver's sweet romance? We may never know how it would have been received this time around. But, hey, there's always the potential sequel.
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.
Us the Duo Combines All of 2017's Catchiest Songs in This Brilliant Medley
As you get ready to say goodbye to 2017 for good, it's the perfect time to wind back through all of your favorite songs from this year. From Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" to Demi Lovato's "Sorry Not Sorry," this year was full of bops. And what better way to listen to them all than through a show-stopping medley? After going viral with their impressive cover last year, Us the Duo is back with another top hits mash-up. Get ready to relive 2017 (the songs, at least) as you watch the video, above.
Laura Dern Gets Hot and Heavy With NBA Star Baron Davis in LA
Love may be in the air for Laura Dern! The 50-year-old Star Wars actress was photographed kissing 38-year-old NBA star Baron Davis outside the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA on Dec. 20. According to Us Weekly, the duo was seen "talking, laughing, and having a great time" and seemed "infatuated with each other" and "very much like a new couple in love." Baron even held on to Laura's purse during their passionate makeout session.
Laura was previously married to musician Ben Harper from 2005 to 2013 and shares two teenage children with him, son Ellery and daughter Jaya. She was also linked to Common in 2016, while Baron filed for divorce from then-wife Isabella Brewster-Davis in June, whom he shares sons Kingman and Luke with. Laura and Baron have yet to publicly address their relationship.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tribute to His Late Grandmother Will Break Your Heart in 2
Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda is mourning the death of his grandmother. "Abuela Mundi passed away this Christmas morning," the Hamilton star and creator tweeted on Christmas Day. "I may have more words in the days to come but for now my heart is in pieces and that's where it's gonna be for a bit." The Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-award winner ended his heartbreaking post with a tribute to his late-grandmother in black and white photos, which you can see ahead. Our condolences go out to Lin-Manuel and his family during this difficult time.
Abuela Mundi passed away this Christmas morning. I may have more words in the days to come but for now my heart is in pieces and that's where it's gonna be for a bit. http://pic.twitter.com/f9Iia15Z9n
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) December 26, 2017
In Memoriam: 82 Stars We've Lost This Year
We lost so many famous figures in 2016, and while we're all hoping that the last few days of this year are a little brighter, a handful of stars have already left us too soon. From Mary Tyler Moore to John Hurt, we're paying our respects to all the celebrities we've said goodbye to in 2017.
16 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.
35 Songs to Turn ALL the Way Up to This New Year's Eve
In spite of all the terrible things that happened, 2017 was filled with some pretty solid music. From the waterfall of Summer jams to all those sexy songs that had your hips moving, it seems the plenitude of bops was actually one of the bright spots of the last 12 months. And what better way to bid farewell to this garbage year than to remember some of the best pop songs it had to offer? This New Year's Eve, turn the volume all the way up, put your worries to bed, and dance. We even made a Spotify playlist for you. (You're welcome.)
Why the Music in Grey's Anatomy Matters So Much
Let's be honest: the music in Grey's Anatomy is absolutely iconic.
"I distinctly remember discussing how important it would be that the show's music should be its own character," wrote Alexandra Patsavas, the show's music supervisor, in a post on Shondaland. "This character would have a place in both the operating room and the break room. It would be there in elevators, bars, and homes. And, of course, it would be there for all THE BIG STUFF - for weddings and funerals, for births and deaths, for the grittiest moments and the most lighthearted."
Patsavas isn't alone in this sentiment. The medical drama's creator, Shonda Rhimes, recognizes the undeniable impact of the show's impeccable music selection over the years, tweeting in November that she only included "the most iconic" Grey's songs in the 300th episode. Over its 14 seasons, Grey's has featured a lot of soul-stirring, toe-tapping songs that trigger some really memorable moments for fans. A lot of the songs featured throughout the series are often attached to huge storylines or finales, such as "Chasing Cars" in the season two finale, the former Grey's theme song, "Cosy in a Rocket," and "Keep Breathing" from the season three finale when Meredith has to cut Cristina out of her wedding dress. The music in the show has arguably been just as memorable as the characters, and it's something fans can't help but to gush about.
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