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.
dimanche 14 janvier 2018
Robert De Niro's Nickname For Donald Trump Is Guaranteed to Make Your Jaw Drop
On Jan. 9, Robert De Niro had the pleasure of introducing Meryl Streep at the National Board of Review awards gala for her most recent work in The Post. But what caught our eye is the fact that he also took the opportunity to throw some very intense jabs at Donald Trump. The 74-year-old started off by drawing comparisons between the time the movie takes place, during Nixon's presidency, and now. "That story took place nearly 50 years ago, but there are many parallels today obviously. At the time of the story, Donald Trump was suffering from bone spurs," he said to the audience. "Today, the world is suffering from the real Donald Trump . . . This f**king idiot is the president . . . the guy is a f**king tool."
De Niro also touched on Trump's continuous attacks against the media. "Our government today, with the propping of our baby-in-chief - the Jerkoff-in-chief I call him - has put the press under siege, ridiculing it through trying to discredit it though outrageous attacks and lies." By now, we would have expected Trump to respond via Twitter - but it seems he has his hands full with trying to prove his campaign didn't collude with Russia to win the 2016 election.
Kellyanne Conway Claims the White House Never Talks About Hillary Clinton - Sure, Jan
In news that is hardly believable, Kellyanne Conway is claiming the White House doesn't talk about Hillary Clinton much following the 2016 Election.
The Counselor to the President recently appeared on CNN with Chris Cuomo to discuss the ongoing FBI investigation into potential collusion between Donald Trump's campaign and Russian officials. While denying possible collusion, Conway said, "We beat her fairly and squarely in this country through this democratic elective process. Look, so many people still can't get over the election results."
As Cuomo laughed it off and insisted that the Trump administration is still obsessing over the election and Clinton, Conway said, "I'll make you a deal, Chris: I'll never talk about her again but then you can't talk about the 2016 Election because she lost that election." Adding, "We don't care about her. Nobody here talks about her. Nobody here talks about Hillary Clinton, I promise you."
Kellyanne Conway claimed "nobody here talks about Hillary Clinton" despite the fact that President Trump mentioned her at least 3 times earlier today #CuomoPrimeTime https://t.co/sGNQfZyNRt
- Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) January 11, 2018
Not only is Conway's claim a generalization of epic proportions, it's also flat-out untrue. In fact, just a few days before her interview, the president had tweeted about Clinton while slamming Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury. He again tweeted about Clinton on the morning of Jan. 11, the day after Conway's interview.
The Trump-Inspired "Stable Genius Act" Isn't Just a Sick Burn – It's Also a Great Idea
Tweetstorms are by no means a new thing for President Donald Trump, but a Jan. 6 tirade on his own personal mental health and stability is inspiring something altogether uncommon from a social media meltdown: congressional action.
The President believes he is a "stable genius." I do not. Today, I introduced the
Standardizing
Testing and
Accountability
Before
Large
Elections
Giving
Electors
Necessary
Information for
Unobstructed
Selection
Act to ensure that Presidential candidates are fit to lead. http://pic.twitter.com/ZalCqySlo8- Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) January 9, 2018
The "STABLE GENIUS act" – inspired by the aforementioned tweetstorm, namely, "I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!" – was introduced by Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle on Jan. 9. While the title of the act is indeed one sick burn, it also happens to be an acronym: one that stands for "Standardizing Testing and Accountability Before Large Elections Giving Electors Necessary Information for Unobstructed Selection." To unpack that a bit, the act would require a candidate to undergo full medical exams and for the results of those exams to be released to the public.
In a statement released to the public, Boyle explained the rationale behind the act:
"The President believes he is a 'stable genius.' I do not. President Trump's reckless, erratic behavior has exposed a critical flaw in our existing election process. Before voting for the highest office in the land, Americans have a right to know whether an individual has the physical and mental fitness to serve as President of the United States. While it is necessary to take the current President's concerning behavior seriously and I support legislation to address these ongoing concerns, I believe we must also be proactive and do all we can to ensure a situation like this does not arise again. My legislation provides a much needed safeguard to ensure that future presidential candidates meet the basic standards of a proper, uniform medical examination, and that this information is available to the American public before voting for the Office of the Presidency. While President Trump apparently considers himself a 'stable genius,' the American people deserve a thorough, standardized procedure to allow a medical professional to determine this."
The bottom line? Yes, the title of the act will always make us cackle, but at the same time it's something we desperately need in place as a safeguard for future elections. So have a good laugh now – and then cross your fingers to hope that some form of this act does, in fact, make its way into law. Because let's be honest: the more information a voter has, the more informed their decision-making process ultimately is – and that's what the concept democracy has always been about.
I Traded Up For the Apple TV 4K and Here's Why I'll Never Go Back
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chelsea Hassler
I got my first Apple TV as a present; I was still working in television at the time, and my boss presented it to me as a (very, very generous) holiday gift. The supersleek, supermysterious object would quickly become something that I could not picture my life without. Not only did I use the second-generation device a lot for work, but it also meant that I no longer had to squint at my teeny-tiny laptop screen when I wanted to watch something on Netflix or Hulu, opening the floodgates of binge-watching that would remain constant for years to come. In the seven years that my Apple TV and I cohabitated together, I lived in three different boroughs of New York City, saw partners and friends come and go, and changed my career several times over. It was just in September of this year, 2017, that I tried its much, much younger sibling - the Apple TV 4K - and knew it was time to update my trusty partner in crime.
To be clear, I hadn't ever even considered upgrading my old device. It worked perfectly, so why would I bother? But when I unboxed the 4K and got it up and running, I realized the light years of tech I had been missing out on. Therefore my experience isn't one shaded by a side-by-side comparison, a judgment of what sets it above and beyond its competitors (or, for that matter, not). Instead, it's one of awe and wonder - and of falling back in love with TV all over again thanks to the help of a device that's roughly the size of a thick slice of bread.
Ahead, you'll find some of my favorite functions of the Apple TV 4K. And if you're in the market for a more thoughtful way to streamline all the many ways we get our entertainment these days and for things to be a little bit simpler in several of the most intuitive yet impossible ways, I promise you won't be disappointed by the Apple TV 4K.
Image Source: Apple
The TV App
I'd always been curious about that "TV" app that appeared on my iPhone at some point over the last year, and as soon as I got started with iOS 11 and my new Apple TV, everything sort of just fell into place. It's basically where you can find everything you're looking for, all in one easy-to-find place. Once you've signed in with iOS 11, it pulls together all of your apps (like Hulu, Showtime, and HBO) and you can also add in your cable subscription to gain access to all of the programming on apps like CBS, The CW, and more. And once you watch something - or leave off halfway through an episode - it puts it in there for easy access to pick up exactly where you left off on any other Apple device.
For me, the best thing about this is the fact that it eliminates having to search for the latest episodes and where you can stream them - it puts them right in front of your face where you quite literally can't miss it, and you can essentially just live in the "watch now" section of Apple TV if you want to. For full instructions on how to set this up and get going, head on over to Apple to read more and know that I am not exaggerating when I say that it has eliminated hours of searching from my life and I couldn't be more stoked about it.
Image Source: Apple
Siri
When I said that I wasn't looking to highlight specific features that are new only to this device, I was very much referring to Siri, who honestly blows my mind (even now!). A recent convert to voice control, it almost feels like Siri was made explicitly to make browsing more easy - and to make it so that when you lose the remote control, you've always got the ability to control your TV via your mouth. Siri can do lots of things, though, and isn't just limited to "pause" or "play."
You can ask Siri to find the most recent episode of a TV show or pick up where you left off on a movie. You can rewind a couple minutes or a couple seconds, or search through what's available in the massive libraries of the streaming giants for a specific moment in time that you just have to watch again. Say "What did they say?" and she'll skip back 15 seconds in time and throw some captions up on the screen for that scene. Ask her "Who stars in this?" and she'll give you an IMDB-style rundown on the bottom of your TV screen, no iPhone required! Oh, and if you're indecisive (like me), she can also tell you what to watch based on what Apple sees as trending at that moment in time.
Image Source: Apple
4K and HDR
I'd be lying if I said that I could tell the difference between 4K and regular TV before I got the Apple TV. But I had the pleasure of hooking my box up to a real, legit 4K TV and all I can say is: holy sh*t. It's like being in an adventure that requires no glasses or special devices to traverse, and the colors are mindblowingly vivid. I'm almost - almost! - tempted to upgrade my old TV, but as the saying goes, I'm probably better taking one step at a time. And it can cost you a bit more money (Netflix has a "premium" plan that features 4K movies in all their glory), so it may not be for everyone. But if you do have a 4K TV, do yourself a favor and get an Apple TV. I promise it won't disappoint you. Even the screensaver that comes up when you've been idle too long has been upgraded to a beautiful, crystal-clear set of images that will leave you transfixed as you listen to music or talk on the phone.
Image Source: Apple
And a Few More Things
Apple recently changed its movie rental period to a whopping 48 hours (!), which means that instead of only having a night to watch a movie, you can make a weekend out of it - and it makes the rental fee feel a lot better from where I stand. And when you don't feel like watching a movie, there's also a whole host of beautiful, addictive games that have been brought into the device, which means you can play the things you love most as well as a bunch of new TV-native apps via your tiny Apple remote (or, if you're fancy, via a control which you can purchase separately). I would be remiss if I didn't mention just how smoothly the interface works. No more loading screens and clunky click-throughs - everything about using the Apple TV feels crisper, snazzier, and, frankly, more enjoyable than ever before. And finally, one of the features I love the most: since the Apple ecosystem is so efficient, I don't have to get rid of my old Apple TV. Instead, I moved it into my bedroom, which means I can pick up exactly where I left off in the living room. It may be a whole lot more rickety, but it's the sign of true progress. Apple has clearly got one eye on making all of your devices, old and new, work together - and I couldn't be happier with the result so far.
My Ethnicity Is a Mystery, but Here's Why I'll Never Take a DNA Test
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Carrie Carrollo
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about my ethnic background, it's probably safe to say that I'd be living in a far bigger New York City apartment right now. But while everything about the answer to that question seems pretty straightforward on paper - I was adopted from China at 7 months old and therefore am Chinese, end of story - if you take one look at me in person, it's not so crystal clear.
With zero information about my birth parents, the idea that there could be more to my story isn't all that far-fetched.
As I've grown up and into my features, they've become gradually less characteristic of one Asian race over another. Sure, it'd be easy to brush off my so-called "racial ambiguity" and accept my birthplace as a clear answer about where my lineage lies. But with zero information about my birth parents - like myself, babies are often left in a public location with only their birthdate - the idea that there could be more to my story isn't all that far-fetched.
A rise in inquiries from others has only served to pique my interest in knowing more. I've been randomly stopped on the street, questioned by curious strangers in elevators. During a teenage hostessing gig at a Japanese restaurant, families from various Asian backgrounds constantly called me over - not to ask for extra napkins, but to ask where I was from. Among Uber drivers, it seems to be a favorite topic of (often uncomfortable) conversation, too. Inviting people to guess has become my default reply, because I'm genuinely interested to know what they think. I've heard everything from Japanese to Korean, Filipino to Hawaiian, and every mixed race in between - but Chinese is rarely anyone's first thought. Regardless of whether we share the same (supposed) background, everyone seems stumped by where I'm from.
Inevitably, I've entertained the idea of ordering a DNA test - and my mom even offered to foot the bill. With sites like Ancestry offering the ability to connect you with other people who share your DNA (cool!) and 23andMe offering the extra benefit of learning about your health . . . well, there have never been more options to choose from when it comes to discovering where you're from. But while I find the opportunities intriguing - and the health option extremely smart, given my unknown family medical history - a conversation I once had with a friend has kept me from taking the plunge. Jokingly, she asked what I'd do if the results came back "100 percent Chinese" and how I'd feel more generally once I finally had the answers. It's then I realized that instead of providing some sort of closure, the potential of both outcomes felt oddly disheartening.
I see my uncommon mix of features and ever-unfolding story as an asset - things that are completely, totally, unquestionably mine.
Knowing next to nothing about my roots has been a never-ending source of confusion in my life; it's been painful, often excluding, and it can leave anyone (especially a child) feeling completely insecure about who they are. For years, race was a subject that made me shut down, internally wishing for information that was impossible to know. But these days, I see my uncommon mix of features and ever-unfolding story as an asset - things that are completely, totally, unquestionably mine. I know I'll never look like another girl in the room, and I think that's actually pretty damn cool.
Of course, taking a DNA test would be helpful. But the lack of information challenges me to learn about myself in far more profound ways than any vials of saliva or percentages on a computer screen can fulfill. Whether it's some form of security blanket or simply that I just like the mystery, I'm now at peace with the "unknown" - and not only is that refreshing, but has become a part of my identity. When you're an adopted kid who shares no physical traits with your family, the things you can own and feel confident about are the ones that become significant. What's really important to me is that, even without any clear answers, I still feel whole. And as an added bonus, I'll always have an interesting way to break the ice.
Ben Stiller Reprised His Zoolander Role to Hilariously Mock Trump's "Stable Genius" Tweets
On Jan. 6, the President of the United States used his favorite method of communication - Twitter, duh - to let America know that he's apparently "like, really smart" and a "very stable genius." Needless to say, as soon as Trump fired off the out-of-left-field tweets, social media users reacted with a wealth of LOL-worthy jokes and responses to call him out. But the best reaction of them all comes from Ben Stiller - or rather, Derek Zoolander.
The actor reprised his unforgettable role as the clueless male model from the 2001 comedy film Zoolander to partake in the Trump teasing. In an exclusive audio clip for The Daily Beast, Stiller read Trump's viral tweets aloud using Zoolander's voice, and the results are, like really, really, really ridiculously hilarious. Plus, it's a much-needed throwback to the legendary movie. Play the clip below to take a listen for yourself. Who's the genius now, Trump?
Why Oprah's Golden Globes Speech Was a Pivotal Moment For Black Women and Intersectional Feminism
From the moment The Oprah Winfrey Show debuted in 1986 - and throughout the 24 consecutive seasons it held the No. 1 spot on air - Oprah has always made it a point to share her truths while uncovering the realities that others face. It's for that very reason that on Jan. 7, she became the first African-American woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for extraordinary achievement in entertainment, a prestigious designation which has previously been bestowed upon icons like Audrey Hepburn, Denzel Washington, and Meryl Streep. But on the particular night in question - a night when stars dressed up in their black designer gowns and suits to support the #TimesUp initiative - I was, frankly, underwhelmed.
As I watched the nominees take to the red carpet, I realized that the movement bore a striking resemblance to the Women's March and the #MeToo movement. To be clear, as a woman that has carried the shame of sexual harassment, I was happy to see actresses I admire like Tracee Ellis Ross, America Ferrera, Viola Davis, and Jessica Chastain use their platform to call attention to the ongoing issues women are facing across the world. And I appreciated seeing activists of color such as #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Ai-Jen Poo, Marai Larasi, and Monica Ramirez walking the red carpet. But for me, the gesture didn't feel like enough. It still felt and looked like white feminism.
I found myself wondering how the group of entertainers before me could truly draw attention the problems facing marginalized women every day.
Over 300 women in film, television, and theater contributed to bringing the #TimesUp initiative to life, but as a woman of color looking at the nominees, winners, and the red carpet . . . I felt underrepresented. Hollywood still has a major diversity issue, and I found myself wondering how the group of entertainers before me could truly draw attention the problems facing marginalized women every day.
But then Oprah walked in, with her always-poised stature, ultrasoothing voice, and famously eloquent way with words. As the first black woman to take home the coveted award she received that night, her moment on a stage set a precedent - and she took note. "In 1982, Sidney [Poitier] received the Cecil B. DeMille Award right here at the Golden Globes, and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award," she said.
I am not a little girl, but my eyes welled with tears: she was talking to me. Oprah was talking to all of the young black women out there who aspire to success, opening yet another door for black women to walk through. At that very moment, our glass ceiling became slightly less difficult to shatter. As Oprah owned the stage in all her glory, she shined a light on a woman that most of the world had never heard of, a woman by the name of Recy Taylor. Taylor was abducted and raped by six white men on Sept. 3, 1944, on her way home from church in Abbeville, AL. Even with a confession from one of the assailants, her brutal attack never received a trial.
In the Jim Crow South, that was the norm. When Oprah mentioned Ms. Taylor's name, she was giving a voice to generations of black women that endured sexual abuse at the hands of white men. I thought of my great-grandmother, my grandmother, my mom. I thought of the stories my mother told me as a child, about my great-grandmother forbidding her from walking on the country roads in her hometown of Monroeville, AL. It was all because of stories like Recy Taylor's.
As Oprah spoke on that Hollywood stage, I realized that the idea of feminism never had black women in mind, and sadly, that narrative hasn't changed. The voices of women of color are drowned out by white women who are often unwilling to see the world beyond their experience, to listen to those that are mistreated not only because of their genetic makeup, but because of their religion or color of their skin.
The idea of intersectional feminism, once a distant aspiration, suddenly felt like an obtainable goal.
At the end of the speech, the audience gave Oprah multiple standing ovations. But at the same time, there was something else happening, something that made me realize that Oprah's speech had opened a new door. Social media had lit up with emotion; women from different cultures, various political parties, and diverse ethnic backgrounds were flooding my timeline and sharing their feelings about Oprah's thought-provoking speech. Not only did Oprah shine a light on the oppression and perseverance of the black woman in sharing the stories of Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks, but she spoke on behalf of women globally, reminding us all that the fight goes well beyond our own backyard. The idea of intersectional feminism, once a distant aspiration, suddenly felt like an obtainable goal.
To be clear, one speech is by no means going to bridge the gap in society. But as I look toward the future as a woman and person of color, I now realize how valuable intersectional feminism can be; not just for me, but for the well-being of women and girls around the world. The inspiration I felt that night gave me the boost I needed to continue the fight for women's equality - because, as Oprah said, there is a new day on the horizon. A door has opened to a new future, and it's one that's full of hope.
Katie Couric on Matt Lauer's Sexual Assault Allegations: "I Had No Idea This Was Going On"
Katie Couric is ready to address Matt Lauer's firing. On Saturday, the journalist who cohosted NBC's Today show with Lauer from 1991 to 2006 broke her silence about the sexual assault allegations that resulted in his termination in November. "The whole thing has been very painful for me," Couric said in an exclusive statement to People. In December, Couric responded to an Instagram user who asked her to make a statement about the scandal, writing, "It's incredibly upsetting and I will say something when I'm ready to."
"The accounts I've read and heard have been disturbing, distressing and disorienting and it's completely unacceptable that any woman at the Today show experienced this kind of treatment," Couric continued in her newest statement. "I had no idea this was going on during my tenure or after I left. I think I speak for many of my former colleagues when I say this was not the Matt we knew."
Couric went on to describe Lauer as a "kind and generous colleague" who treated her "with respect." The 61-year-old also addressed the "joke" she made on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that Lauer "pinches me on my ass a lot." "It was completely contrary to our brother-sister relationship," she said. "It's still very upsetting. I really admire the way Savannah [Guthrie] and Hoda [Kotb] and the entire Today show staff have handled a very difficult situation."
Hillary Clinton Calls Donald Trump "Ignorant, Racist" Over His Sh*tty Behavior
Donald Trump ragging on immigrants from "sh*hole countries" in a Jan. 11 Oval Office meeting has gotten him into some deep . . . well, sh*t. After reports emerged that the president used the discriminatory, crass language to express his distaste for offering protections to Haitian and El Saldavorian immigrants (as well as immigrants from certain African countries), he faced widespread backlash. Of course, the president denies using the word, only owning up to using "tough language" during the immigration talks. But Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin maintains that he heard the comments firsthand, as do other sources. Plus, the White House has yet to officially deny the reports in a statement - and Hillary Clinton has plenty to say about it.
Clinton didn't mince words when responding to President Trump's sh*tty assertions, tweeting her reaction on Jan. 12:
The anniversary of the devastating earthquake 8 years ago is a day to remember the tragedy, honor the resilient people of Haiti, & affirm America's commitment to helping our neighbors. Instead, we're subjected to Trump's ignorant, racist views of anyone who doesn't look like him.
- Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 12, 2018
If Trump can use his vile brand of "tough language" about entire nations of people, he should be willing to listen when somebody throws words like "racist" and "ignorant" right back at him, right? Former VP Joe Biden also had choice words about Trump's language, tweeting, "It's not what a president should believe."
It's not how a president should speak. It's not how a president should behave. Most of all, it's not what a president should believe. We're better than this.
- Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 12, 2018
We certainly agree, and we're sure that the millions of people President Trump insulted with his comments do, too. He's undoubtedly in for plenty more "tough" responses to his racist generalizations as long as he's in office.
This 2013 Beats by Dre Commercial Starring Colin Kaepernick Is Eerily Prescient
Back in 2013, Donald Trump was just a reality TV host and Colin Kaepernick was a rising star in the NFL and one of the athletes featured in a national ad campaign for Beats by Dre. Less than five years later, Trump is our commander-in-chief - and Kaepernick is a free agent without a team to call home, has no corporate sponsors, and is the latest target of the president's ire.
On Sept. 22, Trump decided to move away from his ongoing feud with North Korea and embarked on a new campaign: getting the NFL to blacklist players like Kaepernick, who famously protested racial inequality and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem last year. "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners - when somebody disrespects our flag - to say, 'Get that son of a b*tch off the field right now,'" Trump ranted at a public rally, adding, "Out. He's fired. He's fired!"
The events that unfolded in the three days following the initial comment felt oddly displaced in time, a set of events that was rehashed by the president with seemingly only one goal in mind: to create drama. Trump continued to rage against Kaepernick, NFL officials and leaders, and even an NBA player (Steph Curry) as the weekend progressed, never once letting up or listening to reason. But what Trump appeared not to realize is that Kaepernick is a model of American resiliency - and that he had little to no chance of getting the public at large to join him in the fight.
Case in point: that 2013 Beats commercial. As quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick was depicted as using his headphones to block out the unwanted noise of angry, protesting Seattle Seahawks fans as he entered a stadium to play the team. The angry energy seems to roll right off his back as he walks with his head held high through the parking lot, completely ignoring the hate speech and random objects that are thrown in his direction. It's an eerily prescient vision of the saga that Kaepernick has now found himself at the center of and a truly breathtaking thing to watch several years after it first aired.
What can we take away from all this? Kaepernick has never folded under the pressure of angry fans or detractors, and that's something our president really ought to take a lesson from - and maybe, next time, he'll pick his battles more wisely. Above, watch the ad in full - but remember to remind yourself that time is not, in fact, a flat circle . . . regardless of how much it may feel that way sometimes.
10 Creative Ways to Make Your Home Sexier
Is your home feeling a little lackluster? The way your home feels can have a huge impact on the way you feel. And in the buildup to Valentine's Day, why not try a few tricks to make your home (and yourself!) feel a little sexier? From choosing the right fabrics and colors to adding a little ambience, these creative decor tips are bound to hit the spot - and there's not a speck of hot pink or neon lighting to be found!
3-Ingredient Natural Weed Killer That Really Works
Even if you're not a savvy environmentalist, you probably know that contaminating your yard with nasty chemicals isn't a good idea, especially if you have kids, pets, or an edible garden nearby. Here's an easy-to-make weed killer that won't hurt the earth but will stop the weeds from growing. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store for only a few bucks. In fact, you may already have all of them in your home. It only takes a few minutes to make the mixture. Then you can get out in your yard and start squirting away.
90 Dresses That Totally Nail Geek-Chic
Whatever the occasion, there's something spectacular about a gorgeous dress - especially when that dress totally reps your favorite fandom. Well, geeky girls, we've got a treat for you! From Harry Potter to Pokémon, here are 90 gorgeous garments that show off your nerdy side without skimping on style.
Jump to:
- Emoji and Gaming
- Comic Books
- Sci-Fi and Fantasy
- Doctor Who
- Harry Potter
- Cartoons
- Science and Nature
- Miscellaneously Geeky
Want more? Check out our list of the coolest geeky swimsuits!
I Traded Up For the Apple TV 4K and Here's Why I'll Never Go Back
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Chelsea Hassler
I got my first Apple TV as a present; I was still working in television at the time, and my boss presented it to me as a (very, very generous) holiday gift. The supersleek, supermysterious object would quickly become something that I could not picture my life without. Not only did I use the second-generation device a lot for work, but it also meant that I no longer had to squint at my teeny-tiny laptop screen when I wanted to watch something on Netflix or Hulu, opening the floodgates of binge-watching that would remain constant for years to come. In the seven years that my Apple TV and I cohabitated together, I lived in three different boroughs of New York City, saw partners and friends come and go, and changed my career several times over. It was just in September of this year, 2017, that I tried its much, much younger sibling - the Apple TV 4K - and knew it was time to update my trusty partner in crime.
To be clear, I hadn't ever even considered upgrading my old device. It worked perfectly, so why would I bother? But when I unboxed the 4K and got it up and running, I realized the light years of tech I had been missing out on. Therefore my experience isn't one shaded by a side-by-side comparison, a judgment of what sets it above and beyond its competitors (or, for that matter, not). Instead, it's one of awe and wonder - and of falling back in love with TV all over again thanks to the help of a device that's roughly the size of a thick slice of bread.
Ahead, you'll find some of my favorite functions of the Apple TV 4K. And if you're in the market for a more thoughtful way to streamline all the many ways we get our entertainment these days and for things to be a little bit simpler in several of the most intuitive yet impossible ways, I promise you won't be disappointed by the Apple TV 4K.
Image Source: Apple
The TV App
I'd always been curious about that "TV" app that appeared on my iPhone at some point over the last year, and as soon as I got started with iOS 11 and my new Apple TV, everything sort of just fell into place. It's basically where you can find everything you're looking for, all in one easy-to-find place. Once you've signed in with iOS 11, it pulls together all of your apps (like Hulu, Showtime, and HBO) and you can also add in your cable subscription to gain access to all of the programming on apps like CBS, The CW, and more. And once you watch something - or leave off halfway through an episode - it puts it in there for easy access to pick up exactly where you left off on any other Apple device.
For me, the best thing about this is the fact that it eliminates having to search for the latest episodes and where you can stream them - it puts them right in front of your face where you quite literally can't miss it, and you can essentially just live in the "watch now" section of Apple TV if you want to. For full instructions on how to set this up and get going, head on over to Apple to read more and know that I am not exaggerating when I say that it has eliminated hours of searching from my life and I couldn't be more stoked about it.
Image Source: Apple
Siri
When I said that I wasn't looking to highlight specific features that are new only to this device, I was very much referring to Siri, who honestly blows my mind (even now!). A recent convert to voice control, it almost feels like Siri was made explicitly to make browsing more easy - and to make it so that when you lose the remote control, you've always got the ability to control your TV via your mouth. Siri can do lots of things, though, and isn't just limited to "pause" or "play."
You can ask Siri to find the most recent episode of a TV show or pick up where you left off on a movie. You can rewind a couple minutes or a couple seconds, or search through what's available in the massive libraries of the streaming giants for a specific moment in time that you just have to watch again. Say "What did they say?" and she'll skip back 15 seconds in time and throw some captions up on the screen for that scene. Ask her "Who stars in this?" and she'll give you an IMDB-style rundown on the bottom of your TV screen, no iPhone required! Oh, and if you're indecisive (like me), she can also tell you what to watch based on what Apple sees as trending at that moment in time.
Image Source: Apple
4K and HDR
I'd be lying if I said that I could tell the difference between 4K and regular TV before I got the Apple TV. But I had the pleasure of hooking my box up to a real, legit 4K TV and all I can say is: holy sh*t. It's like being in an adventure that requires no glasses or special devices to traverse, and the colors are mindblowingly vivid. I'm almost - almost! - tempted to upgrade my old TV, but as the saying goes, I'm probably better taking one step at a time. And it can cost you a bit more money (Netflix has a "premium" plan that features 4K movies in all their glory), so it may not be for everyone. But if you do have a 4K TV, do yourself a favor and get an Apple TV. I promise it won't disappoint you. Even the screensaver that comes up when you've been idle too long has been upgraded to a beautiful, crystal-clear set of images that will leave you transfixed as you listen to music or talk on the phone.
Image Source: Apple
And a Few More Things
Apple recently changed its movie rental period to a whopping 48 hours (!), which means that instead of only having a night to watch a movie, you can make a weekend out of it - and it makes the rental fee feel a lot better from where I stand. And when you don't feel like watching a movie, there's also a whole host of beautiful, addictive games that have been brought into the device, which means you can play the things you love most as well as a bunch of new TV-native apps via your tiny Apple remote (or, if you're fancy, via a control which you can purchase separately). I would be remiss if I didn't mention just how smoothly the interface works. No more loading screens and clunky click-throughs - everything about using the Apple TV feels crisper, snazzier, and, frankly, more enjoyable than ever before. And finally, one of the features I love the most: since the Apple ecosystem is so efficient, I don't have to get rid of my old Apple TV. Instead, I moved it into my bedroom, which means I can pick up exactly where I left off in the living room. It may be a whole lot more rickety, but it's the sign of true progress. Apple has clearly got one eye on making all of your devices, old and new, work together - and I couldn't be happier with the result so far.
These Throwback Photos of HGTV Hosts Will Have You Saying, "OMG"
Sure, HGTV's most famous personalities are glamorous now - but was it always so? Thanks to social media, it's possible to know what the network's popular hosts looked like back in the day.
It turns out that when it comes to falling victim to '80s trends and '90s hairstyles, HGTV's stars are really just like us. Read on for a trip back in time with Fixer Upper's Joanna and Chip Gaines, the Property Brothers, and many more!
20 Tiny Magical Harry Potter Tattoo Ideas
While we continue to debate and think of new theories about the wizarding world, we also spend time thinking about all the different ways to permanently show off our love of Harry Potter. Though some people might prefer quotes or large illustrations, we also know tiny tattoos are just as lovely. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best small tattoo ideas that are perfect for any fan of the books and films.
You Won't Believe This Gorgeous House Is Only 362 Square Feet
"At under 400 square feet, our Craftsman cottage is indeed tiny, but in the five years we've been here, we've never needed more space," says Whitney Leigh Morris, small-space living aficionado, designer, and blogger behind The Tiny Canal Cottage. So what's her secret to making everything fit? "Nearly everything about the cottage - from the built-ins to the decor - was deliberately chosen to maximize the space. I selected furniture and accessories over time as we learned how to best navigate this particular layout with one another." Whitney recently refreshed her Venice Beach, CA, home for Spring, and the pictures were so stylish and full of small-space living inspiration that we had to share them with you. Take a look at Whitney's gorgeous digs and tiny-space living tips here, and then shop the look on Joss & Main.
The Royal Train Is Basically a Mobile Buckingham Palace
It's a miniature Buckingham Palace in motion, a sleek and streamlined royal residence of the railroads, and the queen's favorite way to travel: the royal train. It's a centuries-old institution which is still shuttling senior members of the royal family around today.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use it, although a lot of her frills and fancies have made way for a more functional and contemporary mode of transport - although still with some romantically retro touches. Peek inside the royal train ahead.
Why It's Actually Kind of Awesome When It Rains at Disneyland
A rainy day at Disneyland is better than a sunny day anywhere else - in our minds, anyway! It may sound like going out to stand in long lines is the last thing you want to do when you're trying to avoid getting soaked, but it could actually be the makings for an awesome day. As long as it's not raining so badly that the park is forced to close early, you can still have a day filled with plenty of rides and one-of-a-kind food. We know that Southern California is typically sunny and doesn't experience much rain, but you should make use of the days when the clouds come out at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Wait, Why Is Disneyland Worth It Even in the Rain?
Hello - wait times! Not having to stand in line for 60 minutes for just one ride is reason enough to deal with a little rain. One visitor noted that Space Mountain (which has an average wait time of over an hour) only took 10 minutes to get on when he went one rainy day. Also, you can imagine that most parents probably don't want to bring their kids and strollers out in that weather, so you'll most likely notice fewer little ones running around.
Do Any Attractions Close During the Rain?
Most rides and attractions stay open during inclement weather. However, shows, parades, fireworks, and character appearances may have to temporarily close, as well as:
- Alice in Wonderland
- Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
- Gadget's Go Coaster
- The Mad Tea Party
- Main Street Vehicles
- Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
This can vary depending on the severity of the storm.
What Should I Do at Disneyland When It's Raining?
Don't freak out if any of your favorite rides are closed! There are still plenty of rides and attractions to experience that are either open or indoors. A few of the ones under a roof are:
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- It's a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
What Should I Wear When It Rains at the Park?
Say it with us: a poncho! Although you're allowed to bring in an umbrella, you'll be more comfortable going hands-free (and less likely to poke someone in the eye). Add that to your rain boots and crossbody bag, and you've got it made for a fun, dry day. Keep in mind that Disneyland has umbrellas and ponchos that you can buy, but they come with a bigger price tag.
What Else Do I Need to Know About a Rainy Day at Disneyland?
It's highly suggested that you make restaurant reservations at the park in advance, so it might be a little challenging to change your spot on the short notice of a rainy day. So think about choosing restaurants from the start that are indoors. If it's raining, you'll be happy that you don't have to come up with a plan B, and if it's sunny out, you'll be thankful to escape the hot sun for a bit!
A Rarely Seen Look at How Princess Diana Decorated Her Private Palace Quarters
Diana was famous for her fashion choices, but her taste in home decor is a little less well-known. When she first moved into Apartments 8 and 9 at Kensington Palace as a new bride, she was just 20 years old and she had three floors of rooms to decorate in the style of her choosing. However, the revamp had to suit the 17th century building as well as blend with the priceless antiques and oil paintings already displayed in the rooms. Diana turned to her mother for help, and she recommended her interior designer, Dudley Poplak, who worked with Diana to create a suite of rooms that combined traditional royal gravitas with Diana's fresh, fun, and feminine style. Take an up close look ahead.
Muggles, Don't Even Think About Attempting This Harry Potter Bucket List
Muggles, don't even think about attempting this Harry Potter bucket list! It's only for folks who know their stuff about witchcraft and wizardry - aka extreme fans of J.K. Rowling's magical series. From collecting special items to learning one's own true wizarding colors, we've rounded up quite a few experiences that every Potter enthusiast should have in their lifetime. If there are items on this list that you haven't already accomplished, you won't need a Remembrall to remind you about them . . . you won't want to rest until they're completed!
4 Ways Decluttering Will Improve Your Health
Medical professionals and organizers alike believe that a cluttered home is not just an aesthetic problem - it can lead to very real health issues like insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. Done & Done NYC has worked with many clients who experience health symptoms related to a messy house and a messy mind. Based on our extensive experience, we have zeroed in on the biggest problem areas in your home, and can teach you how to clear harmful clutter.
1. Cluttered surfaces can create anxiety.
The Problem: Surfaces covered in papers, makeup, clothes, and dishes create a sense of visual chaos.
How it affects you health: You will almost certainly have trouble finding what you need, which can lead to the stressful experience of rushing out of the house every morning. Do you lose important things, like your car keys or work documents in your own home? Increased stress levels can raise your cortisol levels and increase your risk of cardiovascular issues and anxiety and insomnia. It will make you more distracted and less productive. It can also spread stress to your roommates, family members, and co-workers, which can lead to interpersonal conflicts.
The Solution: Schedule a weekend to declutter your home. Purge your closet, open the mail that's piling up, and buy some attractive bins to keep items by category like makeup, office supplies, and other items. Then, establish an ironclad daily routine. Kate's Pawlowski, cofounder of Done & Done NYC, suggests, "after having coffee, spend five minutes on each of the following tasks: clearing tables, loading the dishwasher, fold clothes, make your bed. This way, you will never have to return to a messy house after a long work day, and prevent a clutter relapse by letting things pile up."
2. Messy, unfinished projects can lead to depression.
The Problem: Your knitting is in a knotted pile on the floor of your bedroom. Or you started crafting, but halfway through had to leave to go out. That was six months ago and you still haven't picked it back up!
How it affects your health: The feeling of never finishing a project can reinforce negative beliefs about ourselves that affect our self-esteem. These hobbies are important to our creative lives and should be outlets for our creativity, not a drain on our energy.
The Solution: Create a dedicated workspace for your projects. If you don't have the space for a desk and storage, then organize each project into bins and stack them in a closet. The objective is to centralize your projects in one place so they don't spill all over your house. If you are in the middle of one right now, and don't have the time or willingness to finish: give yourself permission to throw it away, and start again another time. Remember: hobbies are supposed to be pleasurable and stress relieving!
3. A chaotic bedroom can prevent a good night's sleep.
The Problem: Your bedroom doubles as your living room and home office, and the floor is a stew of papers, clothes, and blankets.
How it affects your health: Even if you're not conscious of it, a cluttered bedroom can make you restless and keyed up before bed. Insomnia can reinforce anxiety and leave you lethargic all day long.
The Solution: If possible, take all nonsleep related things out of the bedroom. Your laptop should live in your office or in your living room, as should all work and creative things. Fold your clothes neatly in your closet to keep your floor clear. Kate even keeps her phone in her living room at all times, so she isn't tempted to scroll through her Instagram feed before bed. Make a rule about what goes in your bedroom and keep it totally analog: a good book, a cup of herbal tea, and a snuggly blanket (or snuggle buddy!).
4. Holding onto things you don't use can lead to weight gain.
The Problem: You feel so overwhelmed at home that your meals are a mad dash to the fridge. You have so much on your mind, carving out the time to go to the gym isn't an option. Sitting down to a peaceful meditation in the morning? Please.
How it affects your health: You may not think that clutter, meditation, and weight gain are related, but they definitely are. Peter Walsh, fellow professional organizer, argues that the stress of a cluttered home can elevate certain hormones that cause your body to hold onto excess weight. Not to mention that a calm mind is more in tune with the body, and is apt to choose healthier foods.
The Solution: Once you're finished with your living room and bedroom clear out, move onto your kitchen. Organize your refrigerator into sections. Proteins such as meat and tofu can go on one shelf, vegetables and fruits in the drawer, milk and yogurt on the shelf. Being able to see what's in your fridge will let you shop smarter when at the grocery store, so you always have what you need. Also, your newly organized home will give you the mental clarity to truly be able to ask yourself, "What do I want to eat?" Meals are no longer acts of hurried desperation, but thoughtful and mindful experiences.
Change doesn't happen overnight. Be kind to yourself during this process - you are trying your best! And so am I, imperfectly.
11 Reasons to Visit Disneyland in the Winter
First things first: there's no wrong time to visit Disneyland. You can get something special out of your trip no matter what time of year you go, but visiting in the Winter definitely has its perks. Holiday decor and festivities aside, you can actually experience shorter wait times for rides, you indulge in Winter-themed treats, and you can escape the sweltering heat of the Summer days. Read on to see why Disneyland is the best in the Winter.
30 Unique Altar Alternatives For Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings offer all sorts of possibilities for ceremony decor - especially when it comes to creative, unexpected altar alternatives. Whether you're into ornate, romantic archways or delicate DIY details, we've rounded up some of the most original backdrop ideas from across the web. Hoping to bring a bit of personality to your ceremony? Here are 30 must-see ideas to spark your inspiration.
- Additional reporting by Angela Elias
See the Places Barack and Michelle Called Home Before the White House
Until very recently, Barack and Michelle Obama have proudly called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue "home." For almost a decade, not only has this monumental White House served as their living quarters and "office space," but it has been where they have raised two cute little girls into poised and well-rounded young women. And while they already have their new home post-White House, we were curious to know where Barack and Michelle lived before they both became staples of American history. Read on for an inside look at their digs long before we referred to this power couple as president and first lady.
50+ Books Every Latina Should Read in Her Lifetime
For as long as I've known how to read, books have always been a safe place for me. I'm able to get lost in them, see myself through characters in the pages, or explore a world I'd never thought possible. The great part about books in Spanish or written by Latino authors is how they understand nuances of my life that may sometimes be lost in other mainstream American books. Here are 57 books that will do just that: connect you to your roots, help you understand your past, and make an impact in your life forever.
You Won't Have a Pile of Dishes on Super Bowl Day Thanks to These 20 Finger Foods
One of our favorite parts of the Super Bowl is the license to indulge at our game-day parties. Because we all know that parties are all about food, right? (And the game on TV, of course!)
If you're hosting a shindig or have been tasked with bringing a dish to a friend's, these finger foods are the best. They allow for maximum sampling and easy stand-up eating and won't leave a pile of dirty dishes at the end of the night.
10 Egg Recipes That Are Just Perfect For Brunch
One of the best parts of the weekend is planning and enjoying a special brunch, full of delicious treats and family or friend time. So why not whip up the perfect egg dish at home instead of heading out to a restaurant? These 10 recipes with a little Latin twist are sure to please and impress everyone.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of the Goldfinch Movie Adaptation
Donna Tartt's 2013 bestseller, The Goldfinch, will be adapted into a movie in 2019, and right on schedule, the film is amassing a star-studded cast. The latest star to be added to the tale of a young man who steals the titular painting is Luke Wilson, who joins previously cast stars like Ansel Elgort and Sarah Paulson. We previously learned that Brooklyn's John Crowley would direct, and while we daydreamed about who could star, here's the real cast of the big-screen version.
In the Slender Man Trailer, the Internet's Creepiest Horror Story Comes to Life
It's been nearly a decade since Slender Man first haunted the internet on a viral creepy web forum, and now he's coming to the big screen. The film adaptation of Slender Man stars Joey King and seems to adhere to the same myth that was attached to the monster way back when it was just a scary story: he appears to have some sort of influence over children that makes them do bad things. Like, say, stab themselves in the eye with a scalpel during science class. In a mix of other chilling horror movies that are slated for 2018, this one certainly stands out.
Wow, the First Pictures From The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 Are Incredibly Haunting
In spite of the fact that we've amassed quite the collection of details pertaining to the second season of The Handmaid's Tale, we've actually seen very little of the season - that is, until now. On Jan. 12, Hulu released the first crop of images from the next installment of the bleak dystopian drama. Let's just say things are looking even darker as we move forward. We've still got a couple of months to go until the tentative Spring premiere date, so let's all cross our fingers that even more come out in the meantime. Until then, though, here's what we have so far.
These 5 Upcoming Romantic Comedies Will Make You Actually Look Forward to 2018
Next year is promising a ton of exciting movies - like any year in the last decade or so, there are several epic superhero events and beyond-big sequels. But if you're looking for some movies that are a bit smaller in scale but big on heart, we have the list you're looking for: 2018's romantic comedies. With some cute adaptations and continuations of beloved series, there's a little bit of love out there for everyone.
Get Ready to Freak Out: The Walking Dead Has Been Renewed For Season 9!
Big things are happening over at The Walking Dead. On Saturday, the AMC series was officially renewed for a ninth season. It was also announced that now-former showrunner Scott M. Gimple will be moving into a new role as chief content officer for The Walking Dead's entire franchise, including "gaming and future brand extensions." According to The Hollywood Reporter, writer and co-exec producer Angela Kang will take over for Gimple, who signed on as the show's third showrunner in 2013, after the exit of Frank Darabont and Glen Mazzara. Passing the torch to Kang is a smart move considering she has been with the TWD family since 2011 and has written over 20 episodes of the apocalyptic drama. Season nine is expected to return in late 2018. In the words of Negan: I hope you got your sh*tting pants on!
9 Reasons Gilmore Girls Fans Should Binge-Watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The following contains a few general spoilers for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
I'm a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan; I've nursed a serious crush on Jess Mariano for more than half my life, I own a "Babette Ate Oatmeal" t-shirt, and attending Gilmore Girls Fan Fest is on my bucket list. Naturally, I've been searching for a show that gives me the same feeling I experienced when I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time, but everything I've watched since 2007 (including the Netflix reboot) has fallen short . . . that is, until I found Gilmore creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's new Amazon show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
As I watched the first episode, I couldn't help but compare the two quick-witted, female-centric shows. I found myself checking items off a mental list of things I love about Gilmore Girls, and soon enough I was texting my mom (the Lorelai to my Rory) and telling her that she needed to watch ASAP. I binged Mrs. Maisel in a single sitting, yearning for more episodes after I reached the season finale in the wee morning hours.
If you're a Gilmore Girls fan who hasn't yet taken the plunge, whether it's because you don't have Amazon Prime or some other reason, I'm here to tell you why The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel needs to be your next TV show commitment . . . and not just because of the fast-talking, side-splittingly funny writing you can always expect from Amy Sherman-Palladino!
A Ton of Photos From the Grey's Anatomy Spinoff Are Here - Including 1 With Meredith
Sure, the Grey's Anatomy spinoff still doesn't have an official title, but has that stopped ABC from sharing a bunch of incredible new photos from the pilot? Of course not! As fans of Shonda Rhimes's medical drama are most likely already aware, Dr. Ben Warren (Jason George) is leaving Grey Sloan Memorial to become a firefighter. The series will follow his exploits as a first responder at a Seattle firehouse and will reportedly be introduced via Grey's Anatomy in a backdoor pilot sometime in the Fall.
The cast includes Rosewood's Jaina Lee Ortiz, Friday Night Lights's Grey Damon, Medium's Miguel Sandoval, The Catch's Jay Hayden, Too Close to Home's Danielle Savre, Iron Fist's Barrett Doss, Dead of Summer's Alberto Frezza, and Broadway's Hamilton star Okieriete Onaodowan. Although the photos ABC recently released don't give us a ton of information, they're a solid glimpse at the cast, as well as a look at how Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) will factor into the first episode.
The 10-episode spinoff will have a special two-hour premiere on March 22, before moving to its regular slot on Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST, starting March 29. In the meantime, feast your eyes on all the images ahead!
15 Classic Films Turning the Big 5-0 This Year
There are a lot of big movie anniversaries in 2018: Can't Hardly Wait turns 20, Die Hard turns 30, and Animal House hits the big 4-0. But what about movies turning 50?
Have you seen these classics from 1968? They run the gamut from Barbra Streisand's first Oscar and Katharine Hepburn's third to genre staples like Night of the Living Dead, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Once Upon a Time in the West. And look for Steve McQueen in the gallery, twice. He was quite the hunk back in the day.
8 Books That Remind Us of This Is Us
The well-loved NBC drama This Is Us has taught fans everywhere the art of ugly-crying, and we can't get enough. With a cast of deep characters, feel-good revelations, and heartbreaking storylines, it is no wonder fans of the show are obsessed. For anyone who craves more relatable stories about family and finding your way, we think these book picks will give you exactly what you're looking for.
Who's Still on Arya's Kill List on Game of Thrones?
Arya Stark is back in Winterfell on Game of Thrones, and she's in full revenge mode (with a side of some family bonding). Now that she's picked up a few tricks from the time she spent at the House of Black and White, she's using them to avenge her family, and she even dispatches of one of the most devious characters in the season finale - no tricks necessary. Arya had been merrily on her way to kill the queen, but decides to stop over at Winterfell right quick. When she finally reunites with her family, she also mentions the kill list - which Sansa initially laughs at, but then realizes it's a legit thing when Three-Eyed-Raven Bran mentions it too.
Arya's Kill List, if you don't remember, is the list of people she started reciting a few seasons ago after losing almost her entire family at the hands of various villains. There were 11 names on the list originally, which the fiercest Stark girl has not forgotten (except to eliminate one). If you've forgotten who's on it and what they did, we're reminding you of that and whether they're still alive (fun fact: the list is slightly different in the book than on the TV show).
NBC's New Drama Is Rewriting Its Gay Main Character as a Straight Man
By now, you may have heard about NBC's new musical drama, Rise. In short, it's about a high school teacher, Lou Mazzuchelli, who decides to revive the theater department in his small town. Lou opts for a rather daring first musical as he attempts to breathe new life into the high school's (presumably dusty) auditorium: they're putting on a production of Spring Awakening. Rise has all the ingredients to be a great show, but there's already one glaring creative decision that's utterly changing the very fabric of the story: Lou is straight.
Before I lay out why this character's heterosexuality is upsetting, allow me to color in some background. Rise is based on the book Drama High, written by Michael Sokolove. But Drama High is actually based on the true story of Lou Volpe. In real life, Volpe did indeed invigorate the small city of Levittown, PA, largely through his love of theater. Volpe was married to a woman until he realized (or came to terms with the fact) that he is gay. But Rise, the TV show based on the book that's based on Volpe's life, intends to make Lou straight.
During the Television Critics Association's annual Winter press tour, showrunner Jason Katims explained why they decided to rewrite Lou as a heterosexual character, who will be played by How I Met Your Mother's Josh Radnor.
"I hope and believe that we carry a lot of [Lou Volpe's] spirit into the show. We took that as inspiration. I felt like I needed to make it my own story," he said. "With Lou's family, there's a lot of reimagination - not just if he's gay or straight, but the family structure . . . It was important to honor the source material, but to also make it my own so we'd be able to lean into it."
Perhaps an ironic aspect of this whole situation is Rise's relationship with its predecessor, Glee. Right out of the gate, both of the shows were automatically conflated: small towns, big dreams, singing - you get the picture. What's interesting is that Glee was also considered to be a story inspired by Volpe's life. In fact, a New York Times profile of Lou Volpe is titled, "The Real-Life 'Glee' in Levittown, Pa."
Already, instead of setting itself further apart from Glee, Rise is taking a step closer. We've already seen the heterosexual teacher trying to inspire himself and his students; Matthew Morrison did a great job portraying that as Mr. Schuester in 2009. Now, almost a decade later, it's time for a new story.
"Now, almost a decade later, it's time for a new story."
Incorporating Lou's sexual preference as a storyline would only have yielded exceptional results. I would argue it's more interesting and dynamic to see a man come to terms with his homosexuality. Lou would represent an older generation of gay men who lived in a more oppressive and less accepting society. As The Guardian reported in 2010, the average coming out age for men in the later part of the 20th century was 37 years old. Lou could have represented that narrative in a beautiful and touching way. After all, we so often see the gay narrative materialize through a "coming-of-age" lens. But middle-aged gay men exist. Elderly gay men exist. It would mean a lot to see that represented on TV as well.
This creative decision is not just ill advised because we've "seen it before" on Glee. It's about erasure. It's about taking a story that is inherently LGBTQ+ and eliminating one of the most important parts. The theater has long been a protective and safe space for gay men and the rest of the LGBTQ+ community. It makes sense for a closeted teacher to find his true self by tapping into that form of art. If Katims felt like he couldn't do justice to the original story, perhaps he shouldn't have taken on Rise as a project. Are there not plenty of able gay writers in Hollywood who could have done the job instead?
Rise could have claimed a nuanced, memorable benchmark in the LGBTQ+ television canon. It could have given us a story we've never seen on screen before. Now, it just seems like a regurgitated version of the same thing we've watched over and over again.
24 Books Becoming Movies in 2018
2018 is the release year for a lot of book-to-movie adaptations, and there are a ton of novels we loved that will make it onto the big screen. Highly anticipated films include Where'd You Go, Bernadette, A Wrinkle in Time, and, of course, Fifty Shades Freed! Until these are out, check out what books got adapted in 2017. For now, you have plenty of time to read the following books before they're big movies!
Fruit flies can taste calcium: Does that mean humans can?
Scientists can't agree on whether there are more fundamental or basic tastes, like sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savoury. But after discovering fruit flies can taste calcium, some wonder if humans can too.
'Increased urgency' in dementia research as Canada's population continues to age
Nalini Sen, director of research for the Alzheimer's Society of Canada said huge investments are being made into research and teams are beginning to examine dementia through a "multi-dimensional" approach.
35 Secrets to Marriage Success
For many married couples, falling in love and saying "I do" was the easy part. Living happily ever after is the part that takes a whole lot of work.
My family history doesn't have the best track record when it comes to the vow "until death do us part." My parents divorced when I was 18, and on my mom's side alone, not one single marriage has lasted (keep in mind, she's one of eight siblings). One might think this would make me a cynic when it comes to marriage - but for some unexplainable reason, that's not the case. Maybe I'm an idealist, but I think you can fall in love with your best friend, grow old together, and even live happily ever after.
I sought out some honest advice from real people who might have insight as to what makes a marriage stand the distance. I reached out to all the married couples and divorcées I knew and asked them the burning question, "What's the secret to making a marriage successful?" Read their words of wisdom below:
- Share everything with each other. Most importantly, everything you are feeling. There is no way to be on common ground if you don't communicate how you're feeling.
- Whatever bad stuff happens, remember this, too, will pass.
- Affection breeds more affection. Touch each other, kiss each other good morning, and have plenty of sex (even when you're old!). It's too easy to get out of the habit, which makes you feel distant. Intimacy and physical affection really help keep you connected.
- Children can be stressful, but they, too, will grow up.
- Let the little things go and think big picture. Since you're in it for the long haul, are you really going to care who did or didn't run the dishwasher when you look back in 10 years? Remind yourself that your relationship is much, much bigger than any one minor incident.
- Fill the fridge with his favorites - it's easy to do, so just do it.
- Take time for yourself to do what you love, what makes you happy and gives you energy - being successful as a couple will only work if each of you is strong and fulfilled as an individual.
- Avoid giving the silent treatment. Talk about things that bother you as soon as possible; don't let your emotions build up, because you'll likely explode.
- Let go of hurts more easily, and try not to dwell on things that annoy you.
- Don't be afraid to compromise. It sounds like a bad word and like you are giving up on your "ideals," but in reality it's about the push and pull of a relationship. Try rating how much you want something on a scale from one to 10 and have your partner do the same. So if eating out is a five for you and staying in is a nine for him, then you should stay in that night.
- Don't take each other for granted. You have to work at it all the time.
- Be spontaneous. Change things up every once in a while, whether that means a last-minute vacation or a card for no special occasion. Grand gifts and the smallest gestures can go a long way when you're with someone for a very long time.
- Be nice! This can be harder than it seems sometimes, but remember that you (hopefully) love the person more than anyone else on the planet and you chose to marry them, so treat them with kindness.
- Be patient. You both might grow together at different times and in different ways, so you need to give and take to make it last forever.
- Celebrate when good things happen, and be expressive about it.
- Find new things, new hobbies to do together like road biking, a cooking class, or starting a garden. It's just another reason to spend time together building your bond, and it keeps the excitement going.
- Marry someone you like killing time with.
- Tell them what you need. As much as you want them to, they can't read minds. Tell them that you feel disconnected and that you want a day alone together or date night.
- Speaking of date nights, go on them and have fun! It's important to set time alone regardless of how busy either gets - especially when you have kids. Even if you're overworked, overtired, or low on funds, it doesn't take much time or money to reconnect. It can be as simple as going for a walk or cooking dinner together.
- Make a budget together. It's a great way to talk about your plans and dreams for the future and how to make them happen.
- Surprise each other like you used to do when dating with special notes, small gifts, baking them a favorite recipe, or planning a weekend away. It lets the other person know you're still in love with them, and it makes you feel the love, too.
- On the other end, when your spouse does do something special for you, show appreciation. They may know that you think all those positive things, but it's nice to hear them out loud.
- Build your partner up and support them to be all they can or want to be.
- Take time to put yourself in your spouse's shoes before judging. You want to avoid unnecessary criticism or negativity as much as you can.
- Make each other laugh. Try not to take everything so seriously.
- Communication is key. When your marriage hits certain speed bumps, remind yourself that when you come out on the other side, your relationship should be better and more evolved. Make sure the tough times lead to improvement, and if you keep making the same mistakes, reevaluate why.
- Have couple friends but also your own friends who you hang out with on a regular basis, without your spouse.
- Be more generous with time and money.
- Be happy yourself. If you're in a slump, there's a tendency to take it out on your spouse or want them to fix it. You have to fix yourself.
- Don't get defensive. Try to come at things from a place of love and kindness, and don't assume you're being attacked.
- Trust and be trustworthy.
- Try to always remember why you fell in love with your partner. Whether it was their sense of humor or ambition - always remind yourself.
- Say "I love you," and tell your partner they look attractive.
- Appreciate what you have and realize that marriages at times can be fragile and need to be taken care of.
- Enjoy the NOW. Add a house, kids, etc. to the plate, and things just keep getting more complicated. Whatever phase you're in, embrace it and enjoy it.
The Biggest Misconception About Keto, Debunked By a Doctor
The keto diet is still hotly contested, but clinical nutritionist Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNC chalks a lot of that up to one giant misconception: "It's not just butter and bacon."
Though it is a very high-fat diet (up to 80 percent of your calories come from fat!), Dr. Axe noted that most people don't understand how to eat healthy with that macronutrient distribution (and thus end up defaulting to butter and bacon).
While grass-fed butter is still a good fat source, he also recommends seeking healthy fats from natural sources like avocados and nuts. And while salad isn't the first thing to come to mind when you think "keto diet," Dr. Axe suggests "loading up on vegetables and water," while eating "some meat." He especially noted that vegetables, herbs, and greens are of the utmost importance, and are often neglected on the diet.
He told POPSUGAR that he emphasizes the importance of alkaline foods while in ketosis. "I have my clients on the ketogenic diet eat things like bone broth, mixes of veggie juice powder, or organic super green powder, veggies without sugar, celery, cucumber, spinach, turmeric . . . lots of cilantro and parsley. These are all really, really alkaline." This is to balance the acidity and the pH of your body while in ketosis so you can sustain the diet for a few months in a healthy way.
The Easy Eating Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat
If you feel soft in the middle, you can either thank your mother for inheriting her blessed genetic predisposition for belly flab or your sweet kiddos who were created there. Whatever the reason, if you'd much rather have a sleeker midsection, as a mom of two, I can totally relate.
Although it's impossible to spot-reduce fat from specific areas, we've enlisted the help of Christmas Abbott, CrossFit competitor and author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), to help us ditch our pinch-more-than-an-inch tummies. As a formerly "skinny fat" woman who transformed her body through CrossFit and a dialed-in diet, Christmas understands how real women feel and also what they need to do to get the body they crave. "Food is your foundation, and fitness is the accessory," says Christmas. She believes that every meal and snack needs to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.
Christmas explains that all food can be categorized into a protein, a carbohydrate, or a fat. "You can't go wrong by dividing your plate into thirds and filling each section with a primo protein, primo carbohydrate, and primo fat." There are only two foods Christmas says to avoid - processed foods and alcohol - since these contribute to unwanted fat. If you want to know specifics about how many of each to eat, The Badass Body Diet outlines a diet plan based on your personal body type and goals.
What about exercise? Short, high-intensity training sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Below are some great examples of this type of workout.
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout for beginners
- 10-minute HIIT video from celeb trainer Astrid McGuire
- 60-minute walk-jog workout
- 7-minute workout that targets belly fat
- 20-minute full-body HIIT video workout
- 30-minute pyramid interval workout for the treadmill
- Tush-toning interval workout with hill repeats
And once the belly fat begins to dissolve, you'll want to reveal a carved, toned core with this 10-minute ab workout. Working out three times a week is great if you're starting out, then you can add additional days as your body becomes stronger. As a CrossFit competitor, Olympic lifter, and head trainer at CrossFit HQ, Christmas also makes a point that your workouts should be fun so you stick with them longer.
If You Effing Suck at Applying False Lashes, Give These Ardell Ones a Try
When it comes to makeup, I consider myself pretty skilled. I can conceal and perfect my base, contour my cheeks to the gawds, and nail a damn good cat eye. But even though I've been able to master all the beauty basics, I f*cking suck at putting on fake lashes.
No matter how many tips or demonstrations I get from pros, I can never get false lashes right. I've tried holding a mirror beneath my face to carefully place strips along my lash line. I've used a variety of tools like tweezers and lash applicators but nearly poked my eyeballs into the abyss. Not to mention the countless number of cat eyes and shadow bases that I've destroyed with lash glue (RIP). So instead, I stick to lifting my fringe with good ol' mascara.
However, a few months ago, fellow POPSUGAR editor Brinton Parker tested magnetic lash accents, and I was intrigued. The innovative enhancement looked really natural and convincing on Brinton, but the lash novice in me couldn't imagine ever being able to apply magnetic pieces successfully, much less dropping over $50 on a set.
But magnetic lashes just became more accessible for beauty newbies and experts thanks to Ardell. The beloved brand is releasing a range of magnetic, no-glue lashes that you can pick up at the drugstore. The entire collection (which you can get January 2018 at CVS, Rite Aid, Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta, Walgreens, and Walmart for $14) comes in full strips and accents.
Because of my sticky history with applying faux strips, the lash dummy in me needed to put Ardell's new enhancements to the test. See how they cracked up ahead.
Here's What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Coming to Your Facebook News Feed
Big changes are coming to your Facebook News Feed, and they're all centered on "bringing people closer together."
On Jan. 11, the social media giant announced a massive algorithm shift that, according to Facebook's Head of News Feed Adam Mosseri, will "prioritize posts that spark conversations and meaningful interactions between people" and minimize the onslaught of news stories from brands and publishers. To be clear, you'll still see content from the pages you follow, but "posts from friends and family" will be ranked above "public content."
CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the changes in a Facebook post, noting that the platform had "gotten feedback from our community that public content -- posts from businesses, brands and media -- is crowding out the personal moments that lead us to connect more with each other."
So what exactly do these changes mean for you? According to Facebook, here are four types of posts you can expect to see a whole lot more of in your News Feed going forward.
Major Life Events
You know how you've been seeing a bit more of your friends and family highlighting their most meaningful moments? Those births, engagements, first steps, first pets - all of them are going to make their way back to front and center on the News Feed.
Personal News
Instead of seeing what's going on in the world without any tether to the people you know, you're going to begin to see more of what people are grappling with on a daily basis. Be it brilliant news or the absolute worst, Facebook is aiming to make it easier to provide support to those who need it.
Big Events
Facebook uses Oprah Winfrey's epic Golden Globes speech as a touchpoint for what we'll be seeing in terms of newsy events - basically anything that gets people talking in a productive, meaningful way will be prioritized over "engagement bait" that's merely out for "likes" and comments.
Recommendations and Advice
Facebook prioritized all things local and community-based earlier this year, so it won't come as a surprise that it's going to start surfacing those little boxes that have begun popping up requesting advice and recommendations. To date, these have mainly been used to garner recommendations for a trip or a big move, but expect to start seeing this extend more toward personal advice and how to deal with the everyday issues we face in our lives.
After Being Pardoned by Trump, Former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio Announces Senate Run
Mere months after former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio was pardoned of criminal contempt charges by President Donald Trump, on Jan. 9 he announced his candidacy for the US Senate. Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt after ignoring a judge's order not to detain suspected undocumented immigrants, was the sheriff of Maricopa County, which includes the state's capital, Phoenix, for five terms, or 24 years. His tenure was widely reported on due to extreme policies, numerous lawsuits, and outrageous anti-immigrant rhetoric. Arpaio's criminal conviction came six months after he lost his seat to a Democratic challenger in 2016, and after Trump's pardon, he managed to emerge from the situation unscathed.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the longtime Trump supporter immediately honed in on the president's voting base. "I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again," Arpaio announced on Twitter.
I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona, for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again. https://t.co/ANppBdDOtp
- Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) January 9, 2018
It's worth noting that Arpaio is by no means a shoo-in for the race; ultimately, he'll go head to head with Steve Bannon-backed former state Senator Kelli Ward and, if rumors prove true, Arizona Rep. Martha McSally. But it's pretty safe to say at this stage that the race to fill Jeff Flake's Arizona Senate seat is going to be one hell of a dog and pony show and we'll be keeping a close eye on this story as it develops.
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