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 4 janvier 2018
More midwives needed in N.L., says mom who gave birth in Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot
A new mother says her child's parking-lot birth could have been avoided if the province had been quicker making midwives available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Free prescription drugs now available for anyone under 25 in Ontario
With the start of the new year, the provincial government will provide access to free drug coverage regardless of family income or private insurance.
California's newest drug dealers: like an Apple Store, but with weed
To rebrand legal recreational cannabis, you have to "get rid of stoner culture," says MedMen's head of marketing.
Feds to search social media using AI to find patterns of suicide-related behaviour
The federal government will launch a pilot project using artificial intelligence to monitor social media in search of trends that may indicate imminent spikes in suicide rates.
mercredi 3 janvier 2018
Fine-Tune Your CBD Regimen With Green Gorilla's Microdosing Oil Pump
New to CBD? Just beginning your antianxiety journey? Start with a small dose and a high-quality product. Our most recent favorite? Green Gorilla Pure CBD Oil and Olive Oil, 150mg ($26). There are more than a few reasons we love this oil, but for starters, it's combined with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, so the taste is really mild yet flavorful, making it great for taking as a tincture or adding to your food.
"Green Gorilla was the first company to use pure extra virgin olive oil as the carrier for the CBD," Green Gorilla told POPSUGAR. The significance of this? "Olive oil aids in the absorption of the CBD." It's also important to note the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil on its own, too.
And for newbies, the 150-milligram bottle is ideal for beginning your supplement routine. Each serving from a pump of this oil is only 1.5 mg - that's even less than the two-milligram chocolates we love. This allows you to be pinpoint specific with the dose you're taking and truly customize your CBD regimen.
As noted on the site, this product and all other Green Gorilla CBD products "are non-psychoactive, contain no THC, and are produced and sold in compliance with US federal law." So no need to feel nervous about any aspect of this supplement!
Our suggestion: start with a single serving either sublingually or in your food (think: salad dressing, on veggies, in soup or juice). Take notes about how you feel. Start to scale up until you reach desired levels of pain reduction and anxiety relief.
And as always, a friendly reminder: these supplements (and our suggestions) are not meant to replace any current prescription or therapy as recommended by your healthcare provider, unless they say otherwise!
I Swapped My Morning Coffee For Bone Broth, and Here's What Happened
Coffee and I have had a good thing going since my freshman year of college, when I started making "mochas" in the dining hall, because who can resist an all-you-can-drink hot chocolate machine? I added less and less hot chocolate to the concoction over time and eventually made the transition from mochas to sweetened lattes (Cinnamon Dolcé, anyone?) to unsweetened flat whites to brewed coffee with a splash of all-natural vanilla creamer.
While my Starbucks order has changed over time, my attachment to my morning cup of coffee has only intensified. After college, I entered the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workforce, started running and doing triathlons, and eventually got married and had a couple of kids - all of which made a jolt of caffeine and a simple morning ritual that much more necessary.
Every now and then, though, my eyes wander. I read an article about how coffee is bad for you, or how even small doses of caffeine can disrupt sleep, or how coffee is a diuretic and probably dehydrating me. I've considered leaving coffee or maybe just seeing what else is out there. I've made my coffee share a mug with MCT oil and butter. I've whispered sweet nothings to green tea and apple cider vinegar concoctions. A few times, I've cut off communication with coffee altogether, but never for more than a week or so. I always come crawling back.
A new morning partner caught me eye recently: broffee, the Brangelina of bone broth + coffee. Bone broth is everywhere right now, and one of my best friends even swears drinking it every day made her second pregnancy easier than her first. Maybe broffee was a two-birds-one-stone way for me to get some broth into my diet and - yet again - see if quitting coffee was a magical fountain of youth after all.
Broffee is an organic, grass-fed beef bone broth supplemented with coffee, coconut aminos and oil, cocoa powder, and spices. Nontraditional, sure, but I've always been a sweet-and-salty-lover (kettle corn is life), and this new elixir touted so many crunchy buzzwords that I had to test it out for myself. The fact that it contained some actual coffee (with caffeine!) made it feel like I was barely even cheating on my steady morning mate. I tucked the coffee maker out of sight, stocked my fridge, and set out to see what the broffee buzz was all about.
The taste never grew on me, my skin didn't begin to glow, and my energy level didn't go through the roof.
When I heated up my first cup on the stovetop, I was pleasantly surprised by the smell. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: it was a sweet and cozy scent that seemed promising. When I tasted it, however, I was reminded that this was definitely not coffee or hot chocolate or anything else familiar. It tasted . . . strange - not quite salty beef broth, not quite spice-infused coffee, but some sort of new, weird concoction that my taste buds didn't know what to do with. I thought maybe I'd acquire the taste, but I pretty much had to choke down that first mug.
I missed coffee already. The only noticeable effect that first day was a mild headache in the afternoon, which was likely because I'm used to more caffeine. "This is good," I told myself, congratulating myself for breaking my nasty caffeine addiction, which was to blame for pretty much anything and everything I hoped to change about my entire life. I vowed to power through.
On day two, I still hadn't come anywhere close to acquiring the taste. Committed to the challenge, I opted to let it cool to lukewarm so I could chug it and get it over with. My hands felt naked the rest of the morning, reaching for the insulated mug I usually sip coffee from until at least 10 a.m. I thought about all the lovely mornings coffee and I had spent together. I wondered if that was just the addiction talking. I stayed strong. I had less of a headache on the second day, which again I chalked up as a good sign that all those buzzwords were working.
By the third day, I no longer had a caffeine-withdrawal headache in the afternoon (pro), but I wasn't getting any closer to enjoying the taste, either (con). I slept great that night, which could have been from the lower caffeine intake, the buzzwords (Organic! Grass fed! Cold pressed!) or the fact that I sweated my face off in a killer bootcamp class that day. I told myself it was definitely the broffee, and I renewed my vow to finish out the week. Coffee who?
If you've had a rocky relationship with coffee, maybe broffee is exactly the healthy alternative you need.
At the risk of being totally anticlimactic, I felt pretty "normal" on days four through seven. The taste never grew on me, my skin didn't begin to glow, and my energy level didn't go through the roof. Other than the taste, I didn't have any complaints about the experiment either, though. It was probably good to cut back on the caffeine for a little reset, and the fact that broffee has some caffeine made this reset more tolerable than the times I've tried to go cold turkey in the past.
Broffee and I had a nice little Fall fling. It was good to get out of my morning comfort zone, try something new, and prove to myself that I can leave coffee any time I want. In the end, though, I eagerly welcomed my home-brewed coffee with vanilla creamer back into my life. I might add bone broth into the mix as an afternoon pick-me-up, but I think I prefer it with a little rice and veggies (also known as soup), to be honest.
If you've had a rocky relationship with coffee - if you're suspicious it's sabotaging your sleep or your gut or your energy levels - maybe broffee is exactly the healthy alternative you need. Coffee may not be perfect, but coffee has been good to me. I can't say I'll never let my eyes wander again, but for now, coffee and I have a standing date every morning until the end of time.
16 Fiery Keto Recipes That Require a Tall Glass of Water as a Side
There is no denying there has been a buzz surrounding the keto diet lately, as more people are turning to it to help them shed pounds and live a healthier lifestyle. A diet that is low in carbs, the keto diet relies on ketones produced by the liver for energy and sends your body into ketosis.
While not a diet recommended for long-term health (and keto brings a slew of side effects with it!), keto may, however, change your perception about food and make you realize what foods your body reacts positively to and which ones your body doesn't like.
While the momentum around the diet is not slowing down, it doesn't mean those on the diet can't enjoy life a bit. Check out some of these spicy keto recipes that will definitely bring the heat.
20 Simple Ways to Be a Better Mom in 2018
The pressures of modern parenting are enough to drive any mom to insanity, but if you take a step back and really look at your life as a parent, your kids don't need as much from you as you think they do. Not much has changed since you were a kid yourself, begging your mom to look at the Lego structure you spent hours building - kids just want to spend time with their parents and feel their love. It's easy to get distracted by our phones and busy schedules and to spend too much time comparing ourselves to the polished moms we see on social media, but the truth is, being a great mom isn't about how good the little square photos on our Instagram profiles look, it's about the connections we make with our kids and the things we do that will stick with them for a lifetime.
We're here to remind you that you're already a great mom, but if you're looking for ways to be a better parent in 2018, here are 20 simple things you can do to achieve your highest supermom status in the coming year.
This Is the Most Realistic Look at the First 2 Years of Motherhood We've Ever Seen
Motherhood is exhausting, but the first days, weeks, months, and years (yes, years) of it are perhaps the most tiring of all.
After giving birth to her daughter, photographer Anna Ogier-Bloomer decided to point her camera inward and capture the first two years in her "new role" as a mom, from the tender moments of nursing in bed to the painful aftermath of such experiences – a zoomed-in look at a pained nipple or a shot of her neck, replete with cuts and scrapes from a typical breastfeeding session.
"Here, I turn my lens on these physical elements: pain on the surface of the skin, illness, emotional outpouring of love and distress, the engorgement of the breast," she told POPSUGAR. "These things simultaneously bring excruciating physical pain and unparalleled emotional joy."
The new series, titled Letdown, demonstrates what she deems the "most difficult yet most meaningful work I'd ever done," and it shows. In just one image – her sitting up asleep, in just a bra with a nipple pad and hair tie strewn on the couch, with her dozing baby resting on her lap – she shows how demanding a journey motherhood is from the start.
"I confront the complexity of these seemingly contradictory states of being, and the ways in which women feel the pull of motherhood, their children, and their physical self and appearance in a way unlike anything or anyone else," Anna said.
Like any mother knows, her work is far from complete: "The physical act of motherhood begins at conception and continues to evolve through a child's life."
Keep reading to see her complete, relatable photo series. Some are NSFW, as they contain nudity, but the image of her in disposable diapers is sure to resonate . . .
These Photos Perfectly Depict What Parenting Really Looks Like
Life's not quite as picturesque as Instagram pictures make it look. Kids don't smile when you ask them to, family rooms aren't spotless and clutter-free, and moms don't always have it all together. That's why Danielle Guenther's Best Case Scenario series of photographs speaks so well to parents. The Hoboken, NJ-based family photographer has taken to adding some real-life (though somewhat exaggerated) photos into her mix, and the results are hysterical.
"I have a regular client that I photograph, and I was over at her house," Guenther explains. "It was at the end of the session, and the mom, [who] is always a total blast, just laid down on the couch, and I [said] we should do a funny one. She has a wonderful sense of humor, [and] she was all about it! And then it just spiraled out of control in a really great way."
From that single "Parenting Is Exhausting . . ." photo, a series was born. There are currently 13 pictures in the series - including "Fully Loaded" (above) - most of which are inspired by Guenther's 5-1/2-year-old son.
"A lot of these ideas you think back to when he was a baby," she explains. "The 'Hold On a Sec . . ." photo where they're crossing the street. Mothers are always doing everything with crap all over their strollers, picking up the dry-cleaning. That's the scenario: you running errands and your husband holding up his finger - hold on a second; I've got to check the score. That's life; that's how it is!"
Guenther is not inspired by the perfection that is so prevalent on social photo sharing sites like Instagram. Rather, she's inspired by the truth that is parenting. "This is real, this is life, this is parenting. Parenting is so ugly, but there are moments that are so beautiful. Just when you think you have it under control and you're like, 'Oh, yeah, this is great. My kid's using his manners,' they slam the door in your face and they scream at you! But nothing in life is perfect."
She will continue her photojournalistic-style family portraiture, but it is these stylized photos that really motivate her these days. "I want to know what's going on before you got to the shoot. I want to know what goes on at home, behind closed doors. If you can find a funny take on life, you're ahead of the game."
Read on to see Danielle Guenther's full Best Case Scenario series.
These 26 Crazy Kids' Rooms Will Make You Want to Redecorate Immediately
Redecorating any room of the house is a fun and exciting project, but decorating a child's bedroom is perhaps the most fun because you can use their interests and imagination to fuel your designs. These 26 crazy-cool bedrooms will give you inspiration for days if you're looking to amp up your son or daughter's room, or if you're just looking for some quirky ideas.
This Artist Turns Disney Princesses Into Parents - and the Results Are Perfection
Illustrators have had fun turning beloved Disney princesses into all sorts of things, from '50s-style pinup girls to Star Wars heroines. The only artistic mashup we haven't seen yet happens to be one that would most likely follow all the "happily ever after" storylines - what these fairy-tale characters would look like as parents.
Thankfully, artist Isaiah Stephens lets us in on what it'd really be like for Ariel to have a food-throwing toddler, for Belle to breastfeed, and for Jasmine to rock a baby bump with nine amazingly accurate depictions - all shared on his Facebook page and Instagram account. From Pocahontas to Queen Elsa, it's fun to see what realistically comes after their storybook ending. Take a look.
Mom Found Out She Was Pregnant 2 Months After Giving Birth - and Then She Did This
When Maya Vorderstrasse found out she was pregnant, it was a legit surprise - she had just given birth to a baby girl two months prior.
"When I found out, I took quite a few pregnancy tests because I was just in shock," she told POPSUGAR. "I needed some time to process it. Soon, I realized that this baby had a purpose in life and needed to be born. I felt so honored and excited to nurture her and bring her into the world!"
Maya soon found a renewed purpose herself - and it involved sharing the comical realities of both pregnancy and parenthood on her Instagram feed.
"I wanted my kids to have as much information and memories from my pregnancies and their childhood," she said, never thinking it'd garner her 21,000 followers and counting. "Something that was supposed to be a simple keepsake for my family is helping others . . . mothers are relating to my day-to-day issues and being OK with not having it together!"
So far, her hilariously relatable photos - with the help of a handy, on-trend letter board - describe the unparalleled joys of ice cream, the frustration of loose-lipped husbands, and the all-out bewilderment as to how the hell a baby the size of a watermelon can fit through something the size of a bagel hole.
Although having two daughters - 1-year-old Zoey and newborn Hazel - so close in age is a challenge, Maya still manages to be the embodiment of #momgoals:
"I wouldn't have it any other way," she told us. "It's extremely challenging to have two babies who need my attention and care full-time. They are on two different schedules and need different things, but I am adapting well. I even managed to get them to nap at the same time. Score!"
Read on for some of Maya's most-liked snapshots.
The 20 Best Baby Products For 2018
There's never been a better time to be a child. From stylin' fashion and cool gadgets to luxurious personal care, baby products are now so advanced that we're downright jealous. If you're looking to make a little one happy this year, read on for some baby steps.
10 Affordable US Babymoon Destinations That'll Blow You Away
Moms-to-be everywhere can agree that nine months of pregnancy is not a job to be taken lightly. Expectant mothers will go through it all, from swollen feet to morning sickness and back pains, which is why when it comes to pampering, they need it the most.
With the impending arrival of a baby, however, not every couple has the energy or money to spend on lavish getaways in a foreign country. Thankfully, there are just as many luxurious spas, resorts, and inns in the States that can make any mom-to-be (and dad-to-be) feel like royalty. So before baby arrives, read on to see where you and your loved one should travel to for an unforgettable babymoon.
With Just 2 Photos, This Mom Shows What It's Really Like to Have Postpartum Depression
You'd never know it by looking at her Facebook feed, but Kathy DiVincenzo has postpartum depression. Like many of us who hide our true selves behind highly curated photos and filters, this mom of two has suppressed a side of her that's just as real as the one she lets the rest of the world see.
"I work twice as hard to hide this reality from you because I'm afraid to make you uncomfortable," Kathy, who also suffers from anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, wrote in a moving Facebook post. "I'm afraid you'll think I'm weak, crazy, a terrible mother, or the other million things my mind convinces me of and I know I'm not alone in those thoughts."
To better describe her dual realities, Kathy posted two photos of herself - one, the vision of motherly perfection, and the other, an honest look at what those first months of new motherhood often look like . . . exhausted, erratic, unhappy.
"I feel like it's time to show you what that can really look like, not just the side of me that's 'Facebook worthy," she continued. "The truth is, both of these pictures represent my life depending on the day. I would only ever comfortably share one of these realities though and that's the problem. The only thing more exhausting than having these conditions is pretending daily that I don't."
Her goal in sharing her true self - or selves, rather - with the world?
"We need to stop assuming that the postpartum period is always euphoric, because for one in seven it's not," she said. "We need to start asking new parents how they're doing in a deeper way than the normal, 'so how are you doing?' that triggers the knee jerk, 'everything's great!' response."
15 Ways You Can Incorporate Pom-Poms Into Your Home Decor
There's something about pom-poms that has us seriously in love with this trend. From sticking a fluffy keychain on your bag to filling your home with these fun accents, we're sold on this craze. If you want to incorporate this vibrant style into your home, we made it easy and shopped a wide variety of decor items that will brighten up any room. From bins to shower curtains and even table settings, prepare to fall in love with these festive and fluffy picks.
What Your Sign Says About Your Parenting Style
Who we are as parents is a mixture of experiences. Our predetermined personality was forged throughout our lives, and our astrological signs help guide us when figuring out what kind of parent we are and who we hope to be. Some parents are no-nonsense, while others seem to thrive in experiences where children can be free. Some are extremely organized, while others just go with the flow. And since every sign has such strong personality traits, it's only natural that they also apply to parenting styles. Keep reading to see what parenting traits each sign has.
The Best Walt Disney World Attractions For Preschoolers, Kids, and Tweens
Walt Disney World, in all of its magic and glory, is quite possibly the most overwhelming place in the world. Navigating your family through the attraction minefield can prove to be difficult, so to make sure that your Disney vacation is the trip of a lifetime, we've compiled the best attractions for each age group so you can seamlessly navigate your way through all of the parks without any hiccups.
1 Dad's Response to His Kid Spilling a Slushy at Target Is "Parenting Done Right"
Sometimes when your kid makes a mess, it can be particularly overwhelming, especially if you're in a public place. But one dad didn't let the stress get to him when his son spilled a slushy all over the floor in Target. And one mom was so impressed with how he handled the situation, she posted about what happened on Facebook.
Facebook user Kalynne Marie said that although the 6- or 7-year-old boy made a mess of epic proportion - "I'm talking blue and red goop all over the floor, the table, everywhere" - his father definitely kept his cool.
After the boy immediately apologized, his father took the accident as an opportunity to teach his son, rather than getting angry.
"Hey, it happens, let's go get napkins and I can show you how to clean it up," the father said.
According to the nearby mom, the pair went to get napkins and began cleaning up the mess and had a conversation parents everywhere should jot down.
Kalynne wrote that as they were throwing the napkins away, the father said to his son, "You're going to be a human being for a long time, and you have such a smart brain that it's important you learn how to be more aware of what you're doing. So next time just be sure to pay more attention to your surroundings so accidents like this don't happen. Accidents like these can be prevented, but it's still okay if they happen. As long as you take responsibility for your mistakes, the clean up is a breeze."
Talk about a little patience going a long way, right?
19 Things You Might Not Have Thought to Bring to the Hospital (but Should)
If you're expecting a child anytime soon, chances are you've got your bag packed with the essentials: toothbrush, pillow, loose clothing, outfit for baby to wear home, etc. However, the list need not to stop there - giving birth to a child is one of the most monumental moments in our lives, so feel free to bring what you need to make yourself comfortable during your hospital stay (as much as that is possible, at least). To get you started, here are a few of some lesser-thought-of items you might also want to think about stashing in your hospital bag so that you're ready for when those exciting first signs of labor start to come.
10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Partner
Parenting can be hard. Between sleep deprivation, temper tantrums, and strong-willed personalities, it's not always easy to know what to do. Our partners in this parenting journey deserve to be treated with respect and trust, even through fits of anger. There are a few things that under no uncertain circumstances should you say to your coparent, even if you really, REALLY want to. Your relationship, and your kids, will be better off if you avoid these 10 harsh phrases altogether.
1 Woman Planned an Anti-Circumcision-Themed Baby Shower, and It's Not Going Over Well
After you have kids of your own, it's natural to want to reach out to your friends who are new to motherhood with some helpful tips and advice. But one woman took the matter of her friend's choice to circumcise her unborn son into her own hands, and it ended up being reposted in the spoof Facebook group, Sanctimommy. The theme in question? Anti-circumcision. The post discusses the anonymous writer's feelings behind her idea and some of the plans she's come up with to make the afternoon memorable – and it's going over about as well as you'd expect. The initial post reads:
Okay, ya'll! I need help my BFF is having a son and I offered to help plan her baby shower. She thinks she is going to circumcise so I'm planning to theme the party-ish around NOT circumcising her perfect boy. I found a little ankle bad that I can gift her that is for the hospital stating not to retract and not to circ. I'm also going to print off some resources for her to read and I bought a bunch of anti-circ bumper stickers I am going to wrap [around] Yankee candles for guest gifts. I need other ideas on how to subtly include this at her baby shower so it opens a dialogue with her family, too, and maybe she will actually think about it. Thank you so much! God bless!
While we understand that this woman may be coming from a good place, the response to the post, which has already amassed 1,500 reactions, might give you pause if you're thinking about going rogue when it comes to planning your friend's shower.
Some women had some practical concerns, giving the surprise nature of the situation. "I think that's super messed up . . . it's her decision. Why would you try to sabotage HER BABY SHOWER (something that is probably really special to her) because of how you feel? This baby shower isn't about you." Another woman who's against circumcision also chimed in saying, "As much as I disagree with routine infant circumcision, I also disagree with hijacking somebody's baby shower."
Others took a more, ahem, sarcastic approach, saying, "A real friend would show up at the hospital and kidnap the baby before the circumcision. That's really the only subtle way to do it. Her friend will thank her later. #knowbetterdobetter" And one reader offered some advice in the decorating department: "I suppose she could always go to a store that sells bachelorette supplies. I'm sure nobody will notice the penis straws, penis lollipops, and penis-themed games."
And most readers - who no doubt have a bag of popcorn in hand while reading the comments - are simply just dying for an update as to how the party went: "Is there any way that we can get an update on how this baby shower goes? Does anyone know the mother to be? Can I get an invite? Can we get pictures? My life will never be complete until I find out what happens . . ."
Honestly, ours either.
In Ridiculous Tweet, Trump Praises Himself For the Lack of Airplane Deaths Last Year
Two days into 2018, Donald Trump tweeted about the global lack of commercial airline deaths in 2017 by congratulating . . . himself? He wrote: "Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!" First of all, it seems that Trump thinks that capitalizing the first letter of "zero" in the middle of a sentence gives the number more emphasis. Second, to take personal credit for airlines avoiding fatal crashes (even though that's a great thing!) is pretty ridiculous, baseless, and self-absorbed, and it didn't take long for Twitter to start trolling the president for such a claim.
Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
After Trump sent out the tweet, people were quick to follow up with responses ranging from basic scolding to straight-up mocking his sentence with other far-reaching claims, like, "Since taking office the earth has continued its orbit around the sun. I've been very tough on heliocentrism to make sure it works properly." Someone even responded with a relevant Forbes article that reported 2016 was the seventh straight year with no plane-crash deaths from a United States-certified scheduled airline. What makes this whole exchange even more ludicrous is that Reddit user theonetrueNathan actually posted about Trump bragging about airline safety as a total joke, and later it came true.
OMG Give me a break. Are you seriously trying to take credit for that?
- Greg Shugar (@GregShugar) January 2, 2018
Next he'll be taking credit for the earth going around the sun.
- JPB (@bookeraptor) January 2, 2018
You know Trump is a sicko when he takes credit for no aviation deaths instead of crediting pilots, airlines, transportation safety & air traffic control! What an arrogant, self absorbed egomaniacal little twit!
- Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) January 2, 2018
Since taking office the earth has continued its orbit around the sun. I've been very tough on heliocentrism to make sure it works properly. https://t.co/FUpXlxjOLX
- Curtis Harris (@curtismharris) January 2, 2018
so, about the 32,000+ gun deaths in 2017. Guess those are on you then since this is how it works?
- Matt Thorne (@mattthorne) January 2, 2018
We haven't had any commercial deaths in almost a decade.
- LeftofCRAZYTOWN (@LeftofCrazytown) January 2, 2018
Looks like 2018 just might give last year a run for its money in the world of unbelievable Trump tweets.
Hoda Kotb Makes History as the New Coanchor of the Today Show
.@SavannahGuthrie announces @HodaKotb will be co-anchor of TODAY. #SavannahHodaTODAY http://pic.twitter.com/B64n2FmCwq
- TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 2, 2018
The Today show kicked off 2018 with some big news. On Jan. 2, Savannah Guthrie announced Hoda Kotb as the new coanchor of the morning show. Kotb will continue to cohost Today's fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. The 53-year-old is replacing Matt Lauer after he was fired in November after complaints of inappropriate sexual behavior. Hoda was right by Savannah's side when she announced Matt wouldn't be returning to the show, so it's not only poetic but also inspiring to see the two women taking over together.
"That morning was so hard, but Hoda and I were in it together," Guthrie told People. "We are family, and families do go through hard times, and when that happens in good families, you get closer. It was such a shock to wake up one day and not have Matt, but it was the most natural and comforting thing in the world to have Hoda right there. No one wanted that to stop."
The decision marks a historic moment for the show: for the first time, in the the 65 years since its debut, Today will have two women as main hosts. "When you click with someone, man, woman, it doesn't matter. If it works, it works," Hoda said of her bond with Savannah. "We're sort of like sisters, and everybody wants a sister."
In Ridiculous Tweet, Trump Praises Himself For the Lack of Airplane Deaths Last Year
Two days into 2018, Donald Trump tweeted about the global lack of commercial airline deaths in 2017 by congratulating . . . himself? He wrote: "Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!" First of all, it seems that Trump thinks that capitalizing the first letter of "zero" in the middle of a sentence gives the number more emphasis. Second, to take personal credit for airlines avoiding fatal crashes (even though that's a great thing!) is pretty ridiculous, baseless, and self-absorbed, and it didn't take long for Twitter to start trolling the president for such a claim.
Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
After Trump sent out the tweet, people were quick to follow up with responses ranging from basic scolding to straight-up mocking his sentence with other far-reaching claims, like, "Since taking office the earth has continued its orbit around the sun. I've been very tough on heliocentrism to make sure it works properly." Someone even responded with a relevant Forbes article that reported 2016 was the seventh straight year with no plane-crash deaths from a United States-certified scheduled airline. What makes this whole exchange even more ludicrous is that Reddit user theonetrueNathan actually posted about Trump bragging about airline safety as a total joke, and later it came true.
OMG Give me a break. Are you seriously trying to take credit for that?
- Greg Shugar (@GregShugar) January 2, 2018
Next he'll be taking credit for the earth going around the sun.
- JPB (@bookeraptor) January 2, 2018
You know Trump is a sicko when he takes credit for no aviation deaths instead of crediting pilots, airlines, transportation safety & air traffic control! What an arrogant, self absorbed egomaniacal little twit!
- Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) January 2, 2018
Since taking office the earth has continued its orbit around the sun. I've been very tough on heliocentrism to make sure it works properly. https://t.co/FUpXlxjOLX
- Curtis Harris (@curtismharris) January 2, 2018
so, about the 32,000+ gun deaths in 2017. Guess those are on you then since this is how it works?
- Matt Thorne (@mattthorne) January 2, 2018
We haven't had any commercial deaths in almost a decade.
- LeftofCRAZYTOWN (@LeftofCrazytown) January 2, 2018
Looks like 2018 just might give last year a run for its money in the world of unbelievable Trump tweets.
Why Time's Up Was the Vital Next Step the #MeToo Movement Had to Take
On New Year's Day, a powerful contingent of some 300 women announced the founding of Time's Up, a new effort to combat workplace sexual harassment and assault across industries. It was a tangible next step in the fight against the problem that has dominated our national conversation in recent months. Shonda Rhimes, Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Yara Shahidi, and Jessica Chastain are among the Hollywood names involved in the organization, which was announced in the below full-page ad in The New York Times and La Opinion:
An open letter appears in @LaOpinionLA and @nytimes today from us to our sisters in the Farm Worker's Union. It's also a call to arms. We've started a legal defense fund supporting those across industries who've experienced abuse in the workplace. Join us. #TIMESUP (link in bio) http://pic.twitter.com/Zr5C4QgcXg
- Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) January 1, 2018
Time's Up, which boasts a $13 million legal defense fund, is a commendable effort for many reasons:
- One, because it leverages the legal system to protect women against systemic injustices and force real, institutional change through legislation and legal action.
- Two, because it endeavors to help women who are often very unlike its powerful founders; women who may not have the platform and privilege to speak up and effectively combat the harassment they face at work. The Time's Up announcement letter specifically addressed women working in agriculture, janitorial services, garment factories, and those who are undocumented among those it strives to empower.
- Three, because it implicitly recognizes the valid criticism some of the very women involved in Time's Up's creation have faced for failing to present an intersectional feminist approach to inequality: one that recognizes the role of gender, race, sexuality, class, and other factors in discrimination and abuse in all its forms. Chastain herself appeared in an LA Times Magazine cover shoot in late December for a story about women championing change in Hollywood that was roundly bashed for featured only white actors; she later addressed the backlash and called the image a "sad look" that illustrated the need for more inclusion in the industry.
It's never easy to come forward with a claim of sexual harassment, but in founding this organization, the largely privileged, wealthy, and famous women involved show an understanding that it's certainly easier for some people than others. In the days following the #MeToo movement's amplification, I found myself returning to a 2013 NPR story that exposed the sexual harassment and abuse faced by women in the migrant farm-working community. Many of these women were undocumented and exploited in myriad ways, only to face rape and harassment at the hands of their supervisors. How, I wondered, would #MeToo affect real change in their lives? Time's Up's mission statement recognizes that while we need to raise consciousness about the problem of misogyny, tough conversations and personal stories must go hand in hand with a methodical undoing of the systems and laws - or lack thereof - that reinforce it. As Rebecca Traister so eloquently noted in a recent Vox interview, it's vital that we view this movement in a larger institutional context, rather than just a jumble of personal, isolated experiences:
These are not just individual stories. It is a framework of women's participation in a public sphere. How do we actually reevaluate gender inequity in this country in a way that seems finally where the inequities seem structurally visible, by some measures, for the first time?
Time's Up, while in its nascent stages, shows a real awareness of and commitment to making the invisible visible, to dismantling structures that reinforce gender inequality. We have yet to see how fully the actions of the group support that, but I'm hopeful. Reading about its goals, I was reminded of an interview I did with attorney Gloria Allred in November, the same day she had announced a lawsuit on behalf of a client who claims Harvey Weinstein raped her. I asked her if she shared in the growing concern that women would face an inevitable cultural backlash after the successful ousting of so many men accused of exploiting their power by abusing women. "Well, if that should happen, then there would be a cause of action if that was proven," she said matter of factly. "That would be discrimination against women on account of their gender." Allred seemed unfazed by the proposition, probably because she knew how she would confront it: by wielding the power of the law to combat it at every turn.
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 the second half of 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.
Michelle Obama Just Perfectly Summed Up the Hypocrisy of the GOP
If anyone is going to expertly shred the current administration without so much as a single mention of our president's name, you can bet that it's going to be Michelle Obama.
Speaking at a Sept. 22 tech conference in Utah, the former first lady answered questions in an hour-long moderated conversation that shed light on her true feelings about the current state of American politics. As initially reported by the Salt Lake City Tribune, Mrs. Obama took the opportunity to address the flaws she sees in the nationalist, "America-first" rhetoric that's played a central role in Donald Trump's rise to power. "We live in a big country and a big world," she said before noting that her husband's White House was one built on hope while the current administration is one built on fear.
Obama also expertly called out the hypocrisy that often surrounds the conservative discourse on health care. "You can't just want to help someone in a hurricane and not make sure they can go to the doctor when they're sick," she said to an audience over 1,000 people. But while it's refreshing to hear Michelle Obama's take on our current political climate, she also made it very clear that she's not interested in a run for office anytime soon. When a member of the crowd shouted out that Obama should run for president, she was quick to shut it down. "That's still shocking. Like, what?" Obama said, adding, "Are you kidding me? No."
Even if Michelle Obama isn't ready to run for president yet, we can only hope that she throws her wit and sass into helping to get one of these highly qualified women into office in 2020.
Getting Robbed at Gun Point Was Apparently a Walk in the Park For This Jimmy John's Employee
Sometimes, life hands you a bad day and you need to just let it ride out. That's how one Jimmy John's employee seemingly approached a robbery at gunpoint as he stoically handed the gunman money from the register.
The robbery took place at a Jimmy John's in Kansas City, MO, on April 26 at 9:15 p.m. In a video uploaded to YouTube by the Kansas City Police Department, the suspect, wearing a blue hoodie, enters the store and orders an item. As the cashier tells him his total, the suspect pulls out a gun. The Jimmy John's employee then takes off his gloves, hands him all the money, and even tries to give him the drawer with all the change. You can watch the encounter ahead.
The video quickly went viral on the internet, with some people on Twitter noting that the gun looks like it was jammed and that's why the cashier was so chill. According to the Kansas City Police YouTube page, police have the suspect in custody and they wrote, "Investigation is continuing." We hope the cashier and anyone else working during the robbery are home safe and sincerely OK.
18 People Who Are in Line For the Presidency If Trump Is Removed From Office
If you're suddenly curious as to who becomes president in case President Donald Trump resigns, dies, or is impeached, take a look at the 18 people in line for succession. Called the Presidential Succession Act, the law has a long history of changes, with the last one taking place in 2006.
The first iteration of the Presidential Succession Act in 1792 stated the Senate president pro tempore would be next in line after the vice president. On July 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This act changed the line of succession in two ways; first it reinstated the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House to the succession plan. Secondly, it also placed the speaker of the House right after the vice president instead of the Senate president pro tempore. The last change to the act came in 2006, when the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 added the secretary of Homeland Security to the list.
In Trump's administration, here's the full line of succession.
- Vice President Mike Pence
- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
- Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
- Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
- Secretary of Defense James Mattis
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions
- Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
- Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
- Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
- Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
The only caveat here is that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao isn't eligible since she was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and is therefore not a US-born citizen. While it's still uncertain whether or not we'll need to refer to this list in the future, at least we know who we can expect.
6 Powerful Photos That Will Make You Totally Rethink the Princess Stereotype
Disney princesses rarely get as much credit as their superhero counterparts for representing strength, but they are so much more than just a group of pretty faces who can carry a tune. Iconic female characters like Belle and Ariel embody a spirit of adventure and fearlessness that has encouraged countless girls to live bolder lives and dream bigger dreams. If you ask me, that's exactly the kind of inner strength that every person - man, woman, kid, or adult - should admire.
To honor girls everywhere who exemplify these fierce, princess-like traits in their real lives, Disney launched a worldwide photography campaign in 2016 called "Dream Big, Princess" in partnership with United Nations Foundation's Girl Up program. Disney made a donation of one dollar to Girl Up for every social media post captioned with the hashtag #DreamBigPrincess, leading to a total donation of $1 million that will be used toward completing crucial gender equality projects all over the globe. Girl Up and Disney also tapped award-winning female photographers including Kate T. Parker and Ami Vitale to find and document girls who are fierce like Merida, who are brave like Mulan, or who walk to the beat of their own drum, just like Princess Tiana.
On Nov. 16, POPSUGAR got the chance to see the awe-inspiring photos from the "Dream Big, Princess" campaign in person at a gallery inside UN's New York City headquarters. While touring the exhibit, we caught up with longtime Girl Up advocate and High School Musical actress Monique Coleman to find out what she hopes people take away from the exhibition. Coleman said that she wants girls "to see a self that they didn't even know was possible" through these photographs and that she also hopes that the impact of this gallery reaches beyond just half the population. "For us to see ourselves differently is great, but the world has to see us differently so that we can get more opportunities for girls in every possible area."
Ahead, check out some of the most moving images of girls who are redefining what it means to dream big and live life like a princess. You can see the empowering gallery in person at the UN headquarters visitors lobby via prescheduled guided tours or a UN security pass.
Jimmy Fallon's Bruce Springsteen Nails the Russia Drama in This Hilarious Parody
Jimmy Fallon took his knack for musical parody to a new level on Dec. 4 when he performed "Robert Mueller's Comin' to Town" as Bruce Springsteen. Belting out a politicized version of the good ol' classic "Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town" in his perfectly scratchy Springsteen-esque voice, Fallon warned of Robert Mueller sliding down everyone's chimneys this Christmas. "You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not lie to the FBI," he sings. Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into the Trump campaign team's involvement with the Russian government resulted in this week's shocking news that Michael Flynn has plead guilty to lying to the FBI. With this in mind, Fallon keeps the clever lyrics coming, including, "He knows that you tried to collude / It isn't fake news for goodness' sake." See the full Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon video for yourself, above!
Yes, Donald Trump Is Still Obsessed With Barack Obama's Birth Certificate
Donald Trump infamously spearheaded the birther conspiracy theory up until the very end of his presidential campaign. After years of claiming Barack Obama wasn't born in the United States, Trump was forced to admit that Obama is in fact a natural-born citizen. The admission made it seem as though the preposterous attacks on Obama's citizenship would finally stop. As it turns out, Trump still has his doubts.
In a story about the president's recent denial of the leaked Access Hollywood tape, The New York Times spoke with several advisers who said Trump still privately questions the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate. A senator - who asked not to be named - confirmed these claims and said Trump has had a hard time letting go of the conspiracy theory.
The president has recently received backlash for defending Senate candidate Roy Moore, accused of several instances of sexual misconduct with young women. Unsurprisingly, Moore is also a committed participant of the birther movement and has been since Obama's election. As recently as December 2016, Moore said he still doesn't believe Obama is a natural-born citizen. "My opinion is, there is a big question about that," he said. "My personal belief is that he wasn't."
Despite Obsessively Talking About It, Donald Trump Manages to Misspell "Media"
Donald Trump has a near-pathological obsession with the media. Despite the ongoing investigation into his campaign, cabinet shake-ups, and the splintered state of the nation, the president still manages to tweet about the mainstream media several times per day. With all those tweets, you'd think he'd have the spelling of the word memorized. In fact, Trump's iPhone most likely suggests "media" as a word the second he hits that "m" key.
In a shocking turn of events, however, the president managed to misspell "media" in a recent tweet. In defending his rampant use of social media as his main outlet, the president claimed that quite a large percentage of media coverage about him is negative, as well as untrue, adding, "Much of Mainstream Meadia [sic] has become a joke!"
Wow, more than 90% of Fake News Media coverage of me is negative, with numerous forced retractions of untrue stories. Hence my use of Social Media, the only way to get the truth out. Much of Mainstream Meadia has become a joke! @foxandfriends
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2017
Was he perhaps referring to ancient tragedy Medea by Euripides? Or Tyler Perry's Madea? Surely he couldn't have misspelled one of his most oft-repeated words ever. Nope, not possible at all.
The White House Is Infested With Rodents and Insects, Because Nature Can Be So Wise
The White House has a rat problem - literally. NBC News 4 recently obtained hundreds of work orders and maintenance requests handled by the US General Services Administration. Apart from the usual redecorating requests or air-conditioning issues, the documents revealed that the White House is dealing with a pretty notable and recurring rodent and insect infestation.
Over the past two years, several mice sightings, cockroach infestations, and ant colonies have been reported. These complaints aren't contained to the usual, expected areas, however, like the kitchen or the landscape shop. One work order addresses the issue of ants congregating around Chief of Staff John Kelly's office. In October, a work order for the Situation Room simply said, in all-caps, "RODENT PROBLEM."
"They are old buildings," said Brian Miller, the former GSA inspector general. "Any of us who have old houses know old houses need a lot of work." If you can recall, Donald Trump was caught slamming the White House earlier this year in a conversation on the golf course. As reported by Golf Magazine, Trump said he was out playing so much golf because "that White House is a real dump."
We're Rooting For the Author of a Brutally Honest Yelp Review, and the Reason Will Surprise You
Matthew Goodyear admits he's not one for posting Yelp reviews each and every time he eats out, but after a morning of serious self-reflection, he knew it was time for his first post. After the 27-year-old finally realized that he was losing an ongoing battle with alcohol, he decided to open up about his struggle in a brutally honest Yelp review of a little place called Pignone's Café.
"I realized that Oct. 23, 2017 was Day 1 of my sobriety. I am an alcoholic and an addict, and I finally accepted those two things while I was sitting at the corner table of this café at 6 a.m. hungover with a five-hour car ride ahead of me. Step 1 of the 12 Step Program is acceptance. It was in this place that I finally accepted what I am. I can finally move on with my life and deal with my issues. I will be OK. Eventually," he wrote.
Those who struggle with alcoholism know just how vicious of a cycle it can be. You drink to blow off steam or simply to forget the embarrassing things you did or said the last time you were drunk - and that's when it really gets messy. Goodyear explained just how bad it can get: "I hit rock bottom for the first time in NYC in October 2013. Then I hit a new low, my current rock bottom, last October. It was scary. Still is, actually. Massive panic attack. Couldn't sleep for four straight days. It was brutal. That made me turn to drinking even [more.] That's not the solution to anyone's problems. Certainly not any of mine."
He also reminded readers that alcoholism and addiction affect way more lives than just the person drinking:
[October is my mom's] favorite month for many reasons. Least of which is probably the fact she was born then. Anyway, her new favorite reason to love October can be because it is when I finally stopped drinking. She has wanted me to stop for a long time. Longer than anyone else. Forever, really. She didn't want me to start. It runs in the family, on both sides, with both of my parents, unfortunately. Neither of them are, but it's a slippery slope. I slipped immediately. Sophomore year of high school. I liked it way too much, right away. Being a beer pong beast didn't help, but it always turned me into an animal. That's not how I will act moving forward. That is a very good thing.
Other than detailing the challenges many people are too afraid to admit they deal with each and every day, Goodyear had some practical advice for anyone who plans to visit Pignone's Café: "The people are nice, and most importantly, the food is great . . . Two thumbs up, five stars, whatever. Go to this place. Support their business. They take plastic, and there is a Bank of America right next to it. I went to the ATM so I could leave a 100 percent tip on my meal. I am not bragging. I am also not rich. Not even close. But they deserved it. Perfection."
Talk about an honest review.
If You Buy This JetBlue Board Game For $20, It Comes With a Roundtrip Flight!
Update: According to JetBlue, Get Packing! sold out within seconds of releasing at noon (Eastern) on Amazon. "We are aware of the current situation and are working diligently with Amazon to confirm all sales are legitimate and further investigating any potential bot and/or reseller scenarios. We will be restocking the game on December 18," JetBlue provided in a statement.
Original post: Want to get away? Now you can - for just $20! JetBlue created a limited-edition travel-themed board game called Get Packing! that includes a certificate for a roundtrip flight. If you think that sounds too good to be true, it's not! Starting Dec. 12, the game will be available for purchase on Amazon while supplies last. And considering how great of a deal this is, we're predicting items to sell out quickly.
This would make a great gift for the frequent flyer in your life (or yourself) or a fun way to stir things up at your next holiday party. Winner gets a free vacation!
Get Packing! can be played with three to six players and includes six packing boards, 60 packing cards, 48 wild cards, one die, one rule book, and best of all, one certificate for a roundtrip Jetblue flight. All travel must be booked and flown within January 2018 to December 2018, and travel is subject to availability and holiday blackout dates below. Aside from that, there are no price restrictions!
1/1-1/7: New Year's
1/12-1/15: MLK Day
2/15-2/25: Presidents' Day
3/30-4/8: Easter/Passover
5/24-5/28: Memorial Day
6/29-7/8: Independence Day
8/31-9/3: Labor Day
10/4-10/8: Columbus Day
11/16-11/26: Thanksgiving
12/20-1/6/19: Christmas/New Year
The Unbelievably Sad Reason You Can't Pet These Puppies in Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.
As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."
It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out.
Leonardo DiCaprio Revealed What Really Went Down During His Meeting With Trump
Leonardo DiCaprio is finally giving us the inside scoop on what really happened during his meeting with then-president-elect Donald Trump back in December 2016. Spoiler: the actor and climate activist is not very pleased with the outcome of the closed-door conversation.
Speaking at the Yale Climate Conference on Sept. 19, the Oscar winner revealed that he presented Trump with a "comprehensive plan to tackle climate change, while also simultaneously harnessing the economic potential of green jobs" during their private meeting. Seated on stage next to former Secretary of State John Kerry, DiCaprio went on to divulge that he and Trump "talked about how the United States has the potential to lead the world in clean-energy manufacturing and research and development."
In light of President Trump's controversial decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement, it doesn't seem that DiCaprio's conversation with him was terribly productive. Expressing his frustration with the Trump administration's inaction on climate change, DiCaprio said, "This administration and certain people are going to be vilified for not taking action."
But even if Leo's attempts to personally engage with the president on issues concerning climate change failed, the actor isn't giving up the fight against climate change anytime soon. In fact, he just announced that the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation will be donating a $20 million grant to carry on the fight against global warming.
16 Things You Didn't Know About Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanna Gaines
Chip and Joanna Gaines, the husband-and-wife team behind HGTV's hit show Fixer Upper, couldn't be more compatible. He's a real estate and construction pro who knows how to turn an affordable but "blah" house into a sparkling gem, and she's a designer with an eye for shabby chic flea market finds. Together, they own and operate Magnolia - and raise four kids. We took a break from watching Chip and Joanna help families purchase and renovate their dream homes on the small screen to talk to the couple in real life. What we learned made us love them even more. Read on for 16 adorable facts about the Gaineses.
33 Designer-Worthy DIYs For a Polished Home
There are few things that are as satisfying as pulling off a successful DIY project, especially when a guest asks where you purchased it. We've rounded up 50+ of our favorite tutorials that show you how to organize, entertain, and decorate with style, without spending a fortune. So, roll up your sleeves and get cracking! You can do it.
12 Destination Spas to Visit in the US to Recharge and Relax
There's no better time than now to recharge and reboot - and meet your goals to start eating healthier, getting into shape, and treating your body more like a temple and less like a garbage dump.
If you're looking to make 2017 your best year yet - and finally feel like you're back in charge of your mind and body - then it's time to take a look at (and plan a trip to) these US destination spas. From a luxury dude ranch in Colorado to a secluded estate in Connecticut, these are the best places to recharge. We'll see you in the relaxation room.
30 Things You Don't Realize Are Annoying Everyone Around You
We all have our own pet peeves, but I think it's safe to assume that there are plenty of universal annoyances we share. You might not even be aware that you're guilty of doing some of them yourself. Ever take a call in a quiet room? Used both armrests on the airplane or at the movie theater? Yeah, we thought so. The list of what grinds people's gears can go on and on, but we've limited ours to 30 things you don't realize are irking everyone around you. See how many you agree with (or take part in) ahead.
24 Black Matte Decor Items Every Stylish Home Needs ASAP
Modern, sleek, and understated, black matte decor is basically the perfect touch for any contemporary home. Shoppers are loving the look, and retailers are starting to respond in a big way, coming out with stunning products that embrace the up-and-coming trend. So before you redo your kitchen, consider going with matte black hardware instead of stainless, and if you're replacing your dishware, look beyond traditional glossy white to go for this dark new classic instead. We predict black matte is going to be huge in 2018. Check out some of our favorite ways to get the look ahead.
These 37 Small Quote Tattoos Will Help You Follow BIG Dreams
Sometimes all it takes is just a little inspiration to help you make big moves. Inspiring words can motivate you - and there's no better way to remind yourself daily than with tattoos that will stand the test of time. We rounded up small and subtle quote tattoos that will change your life for the better.
24 Fun and Frugal Bachelorette Party Destinations
The bachelorette party is one of the many fun traditions that the bride-to-be generally partakes in - it's essential to get together with some of your girlfriends and spend some quality time before the big day. Lonely Planet travel experts Heather Dickson and Emily Matchar weighed in on the must-visit vacation spots that will give you a bang for your bachelorette bucks.
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 the second half of 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.
33 Planners to Help You Get Your Sh*t Together in 2018
If 2018 is the year you finally get your life together, you're going to need some help. We've found a variety of planners and agendas that are so cute, you'll actually want to keep it up past March. See all 33 picks ahead!
14 Must-See Spots in the US National Parks
The US is filled with scenic national parks, each stunning in their own way. There are canyon overlooks, mountain hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches. You name it and we've got it. With so much land to cover, it would be a crazy feat to knock out every sight in a single trip. So, it's important to know which spots to conquer - which is why we've pieced together a list of every must-visit spot of the nation's most popular national parks.