Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 19 janvier 2018
Move Over, Neon: These LED Light Panels Change Color With Your Voice (and Your Music!)
It's time to retire those neon signs and upgrade to an altogether new type of hip, customizable lighting: LED panels. There's one particular product that we're absolutely in love with right now, and it's called the Nanoleaf Aurora Lighting Smarter Kit. What rockets the Nanoleaf Aurora above and beyond any of its competitors is its sheer ease of use and the amazing range of functions - oh, and did I mention that you can control it with your favorite smart home companion, using only your voice? And that it has an optional add-on that enables you to have an in-home light show that matches up with your favorite music? OK, I'll admit it: I'm addicted. And here are the very good reasons why that is.
It's so damn easy.
The Smarter Kit comes with nine panels, a ton of connectors to join the panels together, a free Rhythm Module (more on this later), and adhesive pads to install them wherever you choose within your home. From there, all you need to do is pick the configuration of your dreams and plug the cord in, and voila: you've got your very own light show coming to you live from your wall.
It's all controlled by an app - and your voice.
It's well-documented that everything in my house is now controlled by Alexa, and the Nanoleaf Aurora is no exception to that rule. While I use it to turn the unit on and off and do some of the most fun party tricks I've ever pulled off in my home, I do spend a lot of time mucking about in the app and playing with the color schemes and patterns to get the perfect look to match my mood. But it's all intuitive; there's nothing about the app that requires any prior knowledge of home design or lighting - it just does what you want it to do.
It can light up an entire room.
Honestly, I was stunned by how bright the LED panels could actually get - and when I set them to a warm, yellow tone, it's the perfect backdrop for whatever I'm doing on my computer or phone. It's also easy to set the colors to match your other smart lights or custom lighting products - the only difficult part here is deciding what you want at any given time.
The optional Rhythm Module is a game-changer.
The Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm Module comes with the Smarter Kit, but should you decide to test before you buy, you can always add it in later. And boy, do I recommend it. The add-on is basically a microphone that allows the panels to translate the sounds in your home into visuals. You just select the color scheme, and boom: if you're watching TV, it matches the patter of the dialogue. If you're listening to music, it shows you the rhythm in real time. I was skeptical of this at first - what sets this apart from older light-show tech? - but I was completely sold after testing it out with a variety of music, from jazz to classic rock. All I can say is that it's an absolutely hypnotizing experience - and one that I've now found to be a key way to relax after hours.
All told, if you're looking for the perfect accent piece for your living room or bedroom, I can't recommend the Nanoleaf Aurora highly enough - and here's hoping that 2018 is the year in which we all realize how amazing LED home products such as this one truly are.
Here's How to Make Multiple Stops in Just 1 Uber Trip
Uber just made our lives even easier, just in time for the official kickoff of the holiday season. On Oct. 26, the ride-sharing app launched a feature called Multiple Destinations, which does exactly what we've all always wanted Uber to do: pick up or drop off multiple people at multiple stops, using just one single ride. No longer do you have to wait for several drivers to arrive before parting ways with your friends at a party, and it makes it even easier to make sure that your significant other or loved one gets to an event on time.
Adding multiple stops in the Uber app is easy. Just tap "where to?" and then click on the plus (+) sign to add the addresses you'd like to stop at on the way to your final destination. The driver is also instantly delivered directions to the next closest stop, removing the insta-headache of trying to explain to a driver how to get to a place that you may or may not have actually tried to drive to before. And the best part? It doesn't even require a commitment. The person who booked the ride can add or delete additional stops at any time throughout the ride, so that means when you get a text from someone who somehow still hasn't left yet, you can instantly swing by and add them to your ride, too.
There are some limitations to Multiple Destinations, but most of them can be accounted for by thinking through your travel plans before starting your ride. First, there is a maximum of three stops per Uber ride, so be sure to take that into consideration while figuring out your ride-sharing plans. Second, there isn't currently a way to map out each rider's cost based on distance, so you'll be splitting the ride equally across everyone you pick up - and if you know that someone in your crew is a stickler, you probably want to have that conversation before you arrive at your destination. And third, the feature is not compatible with UberPOOL, which means that you can't just try and split a more costly ride over the cost of three random people on the way to where you're going.
Multiple Destinations is available in the Uber app now, and for more information on the new feature, head on over to the Uber site.
What Happened When I Decided to Stop Planning
Calendar reminders, Outlook invitations, notes in my phone, early morning gym classes, work deadlines, work events, dinners with friends, date nights: these were a few of the things that made up my life as of about four months ago. If you're anything like me, this list probably sounds pretty familiar. You're constantly moving from one thing to the next barely stopping to process all that's going on. My weeks were scheduled to the minute - I rarely had an evening where I went straight home after work, and if someone wanted to make plans, the conversation usually went something like, "Great! How's two weeks from next Tuesday?"
Now, I'm not complaining. It was a blessed life, one I am so grateful for and worked hard to get. I had an amazing job as an editor for a fashion magazine in NYC, lived in a studio apartment on the Upper East Side, and had an awesome group of friends. It was everything my little 16-year-old self had only dreamed of. But for some reason, something felt like it was missing.
Let me take a step back and explain. Throughout my years working my way up the magazine ladder, I simultaneously learned more about my religion. I was raised secular, as a reform Jew in a suburban town in New Jersey, but throughout college and in the real world, I got connected to classes that taught me so much more about the magic of Judaism. We delved into classes on relationships, prayer, the power of the Jewish woman, and where it all stemmed from. Slowly, I began wanting more. I started observing Shabbat, began keeping kosher, and completely fell in love with the spirituality of it all. While doing so, I learned about different programs in Israel where I could live and learn for a period of time to go even deeper. But I never thought I would be able to do one. I've been planning out my life since college, going nonstop just to get to exactly where I was. I wanted it so badly. How could I give it all up?
Well, in reality, as much as I loved what I did, it wasn't what it used to be. People were getting laid off at the magazine right and left, I was going on one bad date after another, and when it came to the day-to-day, I started to feel a bit robotic, commuting nearly an hour each way with pushy New Yorkers, and found myself in a bit of a rut. I needed a change, and going to Israel seemed like the perfect (albeit most terrifying) one.
I'll never forget the day I went into my boss's office to tell her I was leaving. It was the most surreal experience of my life - quitting everything I've worked for? I don't think I've ever been more nervous. But when we talked it through, she was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to go for it, which gave me just the extra boost I needed. Three weeks later, I was on a plane, headed into the unknown to a school that's known for teaching women leadership skills, opening up space for introspection, and in my case, pushing me completely out of my comfort zone.
I went from living alone to sharing an apartment with seven other girls and from a full-size bed all to myself to the bottom bunk. I went from brushing elbows with celebs on the red carpet to sitting in a classroom for nine hours a day. And it was undoubtedly the best thing I've ever done. I had a roommate from South Africa and another from Amsterdam; I had teachers who challenged me to think outside the box, to figure out who I am and want to be, while at the same time really learning to trust myself. I became less attached to the crutch of NYC and learned how to live in a totally new, foreign city. I met the love of my life and got engaged. And it was all because I decided to throw out the rule book for a second and, as cliché as it sounds, just say "YOLO."
I'm not saying it was easy. It was the scariest thing I've ever done. I've been a type-A planner since I was born, always knowing exactly what's coming next. Yet going completely against my nature and just letting go, not knowing for once, ended up gifting me with the greatest things I've ever received.
I'm not saying everyone needs to make a drastic move in their life to get to the same place. But if you're itching for adventure, a break from the routine you've been living in for years, a new career, whatever it may be, I urge you to go for it. You may be completely terrified, you may stumble and meet obstacles along the way, but you have no idea how much you'll gain on the other side after you take the leap.
Many Kids Aren't Getting Vaccinated - and It Has Nothing to Do With Antivaxxers
Good news: childhood vaccination rates are on the rise and increased by 12 percent from 2010 to 2016, according to a report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. And while we're jumping for joy at that statistic, the report also shed light on the biggest reason kids aren't getting vaccinated - and it has nothing to do with the antivaxx movement. The main reason little ones aren't getting vaccinated on time? Missed doctor appointments.
The report Early Childhood Vaccination Trends in America found 77 percent of those born in 2013 were up to date on their vaccinations, which is a series of seven vaccines given over a three-year period. This amount is up from the 69 percent of kids born in 2010 who completed the vaccine series. Researchers also found that the most common reason for babies not being completely up to date with their vaccines was because parents missed their child's wellness visits and forgot to reschedule them. In total, missed doctor appointments accounted for 62 percent of undervaccinated cases for children born in 2013.
And, honestly, that's pretty shocking. What's more, the report broke down the vaccination rates by state and found North Dakota had the highest percentage of vaccinated children, at 86 percent, while Nevada came in last, at 63 percent. They even went as far as to evaluate major metropolitan areas and concluded that the nation's highest vaccination rate was in Fargo, ND (92 percent), and the region with the lowest vaccination rate was Albany, NY (63 percent).
Lastly, the group analyzed the documented parental/guardian vaccine refusal rates for babies who were born in 2013 and found that it climbed nationwide from 2.5 percent for children born in 2010 to 4.2 percent for kids born in 2013. According to the research, the state with the highest rate of refusal was New York - by a landslide. The region with the highest parental refusal rate was 25.6 percent, in Richmond County, NY (which includes Staten Island).
"While new advances in medicine are important, this report reminds us that vaccinations remain a fundamental healthcare innovation that substantially reduces morbidity and mortality for Americans," said Dr. Trent Haywood, senior vice president and chief medical officer for BCBSA, in a press release. "Continued public health efforts can increase childhood vaccination rates by simply touting the benefits of attending regular children's checkups. This report demonstrates that vaccine use among commercially insured people in the US is increasing in the right direction. The data, however, also show large regional variation, indicating there are further improvements to be made."
Grandma-to-Be Has NO Idea That the Literal Bun in Her Oven Is a Pregnancy Announcement
Because of her daughter-in-law's decade-long struggle with infertility, Cynthia Dozier never expected a surprise pregnancy announcement from her kids . . . even as it was playing out right in front of her. When expectant mama Shantelle Dozier and her husband, Wesley, decided to surprise Cynthia with the old "bun in the oven" trick to reveal the news about her new grandma status, they had several phone cameras ready to capture her reaction; they just didn't realize they'd need them rolling for so long!
Cynthia's emotional journey of figuring out "who put the bun in the oven" will make you laugh and cry in turns. Give the sweet viral video a watch as this whole family shares in the joy of a long-awaited pregnancy announcement!
Better Late Than Never: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Arrive in Cardiff After Train Delays
Even the royal family isn't immune to public transport delays! Just over a week after making their first official appearance of the year in London, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Cardiff, Wales, for another royal engagement. The couple took the train to the Welsh capital and ended up arriving a lot later than planned due to a points failure on the line. When they did eventually make it to Cardiff Castle, they were greeted by large crowds, some of whom had been waiting since dawn for a chance to see the royal lovebirds in the flesh (and perhaps what Meghan was wearing). Harry and Meghan then enjoyed a tour of the castle's interiors. Later, they are set to spend time with the sports charity Street Games, which helps young people from some of the UK's most disadvantaged areas. Does this mean we'll see Meghan get sucked into some sports, like her future sister-in-law Kate Middleton has been known to do?
21 Hot YA Novels to Read Before They're Movies
I barely have to utter the words "The Fault in Our Stars" to remind you of how well YA novels can be translated to the big screen. There are literally over a hundred books being adapted to movies at any given moment, so of course, there are also plenty of young adult books. If you want to read the next Hunger Games before it becomes the next Hunger Games, find out which YA novels are currently in the works to become films.
How Grey's Anatomy Introduced Its First Major Transgender Character
This week's episode of Grey's Anatomy bombarded us with a lot of new things that probably came out of left field for most. We were hit with the usual, emotional Grey's stuff (disaster striking the hospital and Maggie and Jackson weirdness), but we also had the long-anticipated return of Jo's ex to the hospital. But the most monumental moment was intern Casey's short and simple coming out.
The episode begins as a relatively normal day, but like most calm Grey's Anatomy moments, it doesn't last long. In a split second, all of the electronics in the hospital are no longer working, and after calling I.T. we find out that the hospital has been hacked. Casey, played by Alex Blue Davis, is the one to hack back into the system to get the hospital up and running once again . . . and Casey happens to be a transgender man.
Before this episode, Casey's gender identity hadn't been brought up or discussed. The only reason Casey is seen as a unique intern throughout the episode is because he is smart enough to know to fry the keypad to the blood room, and then genius enough to stop the hacking. There is no hint of Casey's personal life throughout the beginning of the episode, except when he explains to Bailey that he had been arrested for hacking the DMV.
It isn't until the very end of the episode that Casey comes out as transgender, and when he does, it's very short and matter of fact. In response to Bailey asking why he hacked the DMV, Casey says, "Because my old license referred to me as female, and the DMV where I lived wouldn't change it. I'm a proud trans man, Dr. Bailey. I just like people to get to know me before my private medical history."
A lot of thought went into this episode in regards to Davis's character coming out, which really shows in the episode. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Krista Vernoff shared that she wanted the audience to know the character before his private life. Actor Davis said, "What's cool about the show, the episode, and Krista's vision for this character is he's about way more than being trans."
The line "proud trans man" was written and rewritten multiple times, according to Vernoff, because everyone wanted it to be powerful and respectful.
Davis himself is a transgender man and said in regards to playing a transgender character in this unique way, "People can see trans folks in a new light: these are people who walk among us and are human beings who have lives. They're not defined by being trans." Krista said, "I just wanted Casey to be a whole person who is an Army veteran, a good doctor, and one of the gang - who happens to be trans."
Vernoff says that Casey might end up with a love interest but believes it would be "revolutionary" to have a regular character who just happens to be trans. Going off of the last episode, it seems that is definitely the direction the show seems to be going.
If You've Ever Dreamed of Drinking a Beer With Jensen Ackles, You Can - at His Own Brewery!
There are plenty of fans who have dreamed about cracking open a cold one with Supernatural star Jensen Ackles, and that dream is actually feasible now, minus the "cracking open" part; you'll have to settle for beers on tap to complete this fantasy! Jensen, his stunning wife, Danneel, and several members of their family opened their very own brewery and taproom near Austin, TX, on Jan. 10, appropriately named Family Business Beer Co.
Not only is Family Business dog-friendly with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but the beer selection sounds absolutely incredible! Pair that with the chance to run into Jensen or his costar Jared Padalecki while you enjoy your drink - like so many lucky patrons already have - and you've got the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Scope these photos from Family Business, then plan your trip next time you visit the Austin area!
Yes, You Have Seen Princess Margaret Before - Here's Where
Princess Margaret's character in The Crown has easily become a fan favorite since she's taken on a larger role in season two. This glamorous princess has won over our hearts with her lovable personality and complex backstory. The young monarch clearly steals the show with all of her relatable moments in the series - because who hasn't had a drunken breakdown in their room?
So, you may have been asking yourself, "Where have I seen her before?" Well, this isn't the first time you've seen this badass princess on screen.
Actress Vanessa Kirby landed her first big role in BBC's TV series The Hour, in which she starred as Ruth Elms in three episodes. The same year she was also cast as Estella Havisham, a significant character in BBC's adaptation of Great Expectations.
You also might recognize Vanessa in the many roles she's played on the big screen. Most notably, she appeared in Jupiter Ascending with Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean as Jupiter's friend, and Katherine Dunlevy. She also recently starred in Me Before You as Alicia Dewares, the ex-girlfriend of Will Traynor, played by Sam Claflin.
It has also been announced that Vanessa will be in Mission: Impossible 6 alongside Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ving Rhames. It looks like Vanessa has a long and exciting career ahead of her, and we couldn't be more thrilled!
5 Things to Know About Grey's Anatomy Breakout Alex Blue Davis
Alex Blue Davis is playing one of many new interns on Grey's Anatomy, and in this week's episode, we discovered that his character, Casey, is transgender. The episode took viewers through a lot of emotions, from Jo's ex showing up, the hospital being hacked, and Maggie turning down Jackson, but the biggest moment is when Casey saves the hospital from hackers and tells Bailey that he is transgender. Now that all eyes are on Casey, here are the facts we could find about the actor who portrays him.
- Yes, Alex is really transgender. In an interview with GLAAD, Grey's showrunner Krista Vernoff shared that the casting department wanted a transgender person to play the trans character. Alex was picked for the role out of many other trans actors due to his talents and shared that he's so happy that the role isn't just about him being trans.
- He's not new to television. Alex has appeared on NCIS, Two Broke Girls, and more. He also appears on the new Grey's spinoff B-Team, which is about all the new interns and their lives behind the scenes.
- He's a musician and singer. Alex sings indie rock and was named as one of the top five up-and-coming solo artists by Music Connect Magazine. Can we say he's a multitalented triple threat? I think so.
- He calls LA home. Alex is a born-and-bred Los Angeles native.
- Finally, he's humble. When Krista Vernoff was asked how they chose Alex for the role, Alex got super uncomfortable with being bragged about. He states in the same interview that he is really excited to be part of the show and that his role is a "dream role." Let's just add humility to that list of things we love.
10 Shows to Watch If You're Swooning Over The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is Amazon Studios' latest TV hit - and for good reason. It stars Rachel Brosnahan in a breakout role as Midge, an Upper West Side housewife whose husband cheats on her, which inadvertently launches her stand-up comedy career . . . in 1950s New York, no less.
If you love this Golden Globe-winning new dramedy from Amy Sherman-Palladino, we have good news: it has been renewed for a second season. But the bad news is it won't be premiering until probably late 2018. To tide you over until then, here are 10 other shows to fill the Midge-shaped hole in your heart.
Everything You Need to Know About Your Superhero Bae, Chadwick Boseman
If you don't already know Chadwick Boseman's name (where have you been?), the actor is making a huge impression on Hollywood. Although Chadwick's upcoming role as the lead in Black Panther is getting him massive attention, the 41-year-old actor has been around Hollywood for a while now. In fact, he is a man of many talents, and acting is just his latest and greatest. The actor has been in a lot of big films throughout his career, some of which you probably know, and yet he still manages to fly under the radar . . . sort of.
To get to know your soon-to-be-favorite superhero, keep reading - and prepare to be impressed.
- He is very well educated. Chadwick is a Southern gentleman with a lot of schooling to back up his smarts. He was born in Anderson, SC, and graduated from Howard University in Washington DC. He then studied at Oxford University to strengthen his knowledge of acting and all that comes with it.
- Acting wasn't his first passion. The South Carolina native might be known for his acting career, but when he first graduated from college, he wanted to be a writer and director, with the possibility of acting on the side. "I remember my first agent telling me - because they found me as an actor, but I was probably more interested in writing and maybe directing - they were like, 'Well, you can't do both things.' And I was like, 'I'm gonna show you,'" he told GQ about his career trajectory.
- He has portrayed icons. Chadwick's big breakout role was as the one and only Jackie Robinson in 42 back in 2013. He then played James Brown in Get On Up in 2014, and in 2017 he took on the famous attorney Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. To say he has a way of bringing icons to life is an understatement.
- TV was where it all began for Chadwick. Despite the fact that he's made a name for himself with his film roles, the 41-year-old actor had his first-ever acting gig on the TV series All My Children in 2003 (on one episode). He was then seen on an episode of Third Watch and Law & Order before playing Nathaniel Ray on Lincoln Heights from 2008 to 2009 and Graham McNair on Persons Unknown in 2010.
- Basketball is his game. Even though he has portrayed a major baseball player, Chadwick himself was always a basketball player. Growing up, he was on Anderson's 16-and-under AAU basketball team.
- He'll stay in the spotlight for years to come. Chadwick is now part of Marvel's superhero lineup with the upcoming Black Panther film (which hits theaters on Feb. 16). By playing T'Challa, aka the Black Panther, he is the first African-American actor to have a standalone superhero film from the company. To make it an even bigger deal, Chadwick has been signed to a five-movie Marvel deal (one of which he's already been in - Captain America: Civil War), so there is a lot more Black Panther coming your way.
A Comprehensive Guide to Who Taylor Swift's Songs Are About
In the wake of Taylor Swift's recent release of Reputation there's no better time to make sure you have your Swift facts straight. Most importantly, she writes from the heart, and a lot of her songs are about certain people. She doesn't reserve her songwriting for romance gone bad, either: she's also called out a couple of ladies and exes. Here is a brief history of Swift's songs about other famous people.
Kim Kardashian Sees Lamar Odom Insult Khloé, Promptly Roasts Him on Twitter
Image Source: Getty / Taylor Hill
Never accuse Kim Kardashian of not supporting her sisters. When Kim caught wind that Lamar Odom - the former NBA star whose divorce from Khloé Kardashian was finalized in 2016 - was blaming Khloé for their split, Kim hopped into clapback action with the sort of ferocity that only an older sister can muster. When an NBC executive tweeted a particularly slut-shamey quote from an interview with Lamar on BET's Mancave, implying that the pair's breakup was only official "when she [Khloé] was on her second or third NBA player," Kim only needed five words to shut down the suggestion.
Burn!🔥 Lamar Odom on Khloe Kardashian: I knew my marriage to Khloe was over "when she was on her second or third NBA player". pic.twitter.com/grmD3j8C3q
- Mike Sington (@MikeSington) January 18, 2018
Kim took Lamar's purported "burn" and flipped it on its head with a single tweet, suggesting that perhaps the marriage was actually over due to Lamar's well-publicized bad behavior.
Or second or third brothel https://t.co/iYYJ1NehOe
- Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 18, 2018
Kim, who welcomed her third child via a gestational carrier only days before her savage Twitter clapback, regularly defends her family members from the rumor mill. And now that Khloé is busy preparing for the birth of her own child, it's good that Kim has her back!
Lesson learned - don't mess with the Kardashian ladies unless you can handle the heat of a scorching burn.
Image Source: E!
Justin Timberlake Starts a Revolution in His Sexy, Dystopian "Supplies" Video
If it feels like January is basically all about Justin Timberlake, that's because it is. On Thursday morning, the singer released the video for his next song, "Supplies," and . . . well, you really need to see it for yourself. Starting out with a shot of the singer watching multiple TV screens showing recent news events, it then splits into a number of symbolic scenes. There are white crocodiles, burning pyramids, fiery sex scenes (with Baby Driver's Eiza González), some moments with collaborator Pharrell Williams, and so much more. Based on the reactions to his "Filthy" music video, we think people will have a lot to say about this one, too.
"Supplies" is the seventh track on Timberlake's Man of the Woods album, which comes out on Feb. 2 - two days before he'll take the stage for the Super Bowl halftime show. Until then, we'll just continue the countdown to his upcoming tour while watching the "Filthy" and "Supplies" videos on repeat. Bonus points if you've already started memorizing the choreography.
5 Things to Know About Award Season Darling Rachel Brosnahan
Rachel Brosnahan has gone from small-scale actress to a household name - and with several award nominations and critically acclaimed television shows under her belt, we can assume that this is the mere beginning. The actress won a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for her hilarious, charming role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Rachel has been on the scene for a while now, nabbing recurring roles in television shows and supporting roles in movies before getting her big break. When she isn't stunning us on the red carpet, Rachel is advocating for women everywhere while making acceptance speeches.
Here are five fast facts about the actress!
- She hails from the Badger State. The 27-year-old was born in Milwaukee, WI, on December 15, 1990.
- Her alma mater is NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She graduated from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 2012. Other notable alums include Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, and Anne Hathaway, to name a few.
- She happens to be related to one of the biggest names in fashion. Turns out being fabulous runs in the fam. Brosnahan is the niece of famous fashion designer Kate Spade! "People around me have said that I've inherited little pieces of Katie's style. For example, I love a good shoe and a good bag, and I know that she was largely influenced by my grandmother, her mother, June," she said about her famous auntie.
- Her breakthrough role came when she was still in high school. Brosnahan was cast in her first-ever movie role - as Lisa in The Unborn - while she was still in high school! She went on to snag roles in television series like Gossip Girl, Grey's Anatomy, and The Good Wife throughout college. Talk about having a full plate, right?
- She is a total star on the rise. She already has a Golden Globe, and she boasts other ultraimpressive roles in titles like House of Cards, Patriots Day, and The Finest Hours. Get excited, because you're probably going to be seeing a lot more of Rachel, and, of course, a second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Let Sterling K. Brown's Critics' Choice Award Speech Be Your Reason to Smile Today
When it comes to award season, Sterling K. Brown is unstoppable. After taking home a Golden Globe a few days earlier, the actor's powerful performance on NBC's This Is Us has earned him yet another trophy, this time in the form of the Critics' Choice Award for best actor in a drama series. He took the stage on Thursday night to accept the award, where he shared some inspirational words with the crowd.
"I speak on behalf of my show that's not the darkest, or the sexiest, but we have a lot of heart," he said. "And in some dark times right now, it's nice to be a part of something that reminds us that we're all in this thing called life together." No wonder Twitter wants him to win every award!
Meghan Confirms That Harry Is a Feminist, and Our Crush Has Officially Gone Into Overdrive
It's official - Prince Harry is a feminist, Meghan Markle revealed today. Jessica Phillips, 23, told Meghan she loved having a feminist in the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/Ve2jguL5Yi
- Jack Royston (@Jack_Royston) January 18, 2018
Not that we needed another reason to love Prince Harry, but Meghan Markle just confirmed that her fiancé is also a feminist. On Thursday, Harry and Meghan traveled to Cardiff, Wales for another royal engagement, and as she was greeting the crowd, a fan named Jessica Phillips told Meghan how happy she was to have a feminist in the royal family. "Oh, thank you," Meghan happily replied. "He's [Harry] a feminist, too."
Meghan has been outspoken about women's rights and feminism for years now. Not only has she worked with organizations like One World Vision to shed light on the issues and challenges the women and girls who live in India face, but she also penned an incredibly powerful essay for Elle in November 2016 about why she takes being a public female figure so seriously. Oh, and let's not forget that she protested against a sexist TV commercial with a segment on Nickelodeon's Nick News at just 11 years old! Watch the moment above now - and is it just us, or is Harry's British accent rubbing off on Meghan?
The First Photo of Zac Efron Dressed as Ted Bundy Will Make You Feel Conflicted
If you're like me, then thinking about Zac Efron generally fills you with the warm and fuzzies - those abs and that jawline, right? That's why it pains me to say that those halcyon days of thirsting for Efron are over now that the actor has shared the first photo of his transformation into serial killer Ted Bundy for the film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Or should I say, the days of guiltlessly thirsting for him are over, since getting all hot and bothered by him in character as a murderer is . . . well . . . you know what? Let's just move on.
The news that Efron is starring in a movie about Bundy's life was announced in 2017, and surprisingly, it's not the first time a Disney star has taken on a role this dark. Just last year Teen Beach Movie's Ross Lynch starred in My Friend Dahmer, the chilling origin story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Like Lynch, it looks like Efron is fully committing to the role, which will see him portraying Bundy, who was connected to at least 36 horrific murders. The story will be told through the eyes of Bundy's longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (Lily Collins), and judging from the picture Efron shared on Twitter, it's clear he's already channeling Bundy's trademark charisma:
Meet Ted. #BehindTheScenes 🎬 pic.twitter.com/42IREG2kX6
- Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) January 17, 2018
The black and white image doesn't reveal too much detail, other than that it's a re-creation of Bundy's 1975 mugshot. Regardless, it's safe to say playing one of America's most prolific serial killers will be a big departure for the actor, who most recently appeared in circus musical The Greatest Showman and Baywatch.
"Ted Bundy is going to be a challenge," he recently told BuzzFeed. "I think it's going to be different and it's going to be fun. I'm super stoked."
In addition to Efron and Collins, the Joe Berlinger-directed film also stars John Malkovich as Judge Edward Cowart, who handled Bundy's televised trial and sentenced him to the death penalty. Hopefully the cast will share a few more sneak peeks as production gets into gear.
Grey's Anatomy Has a New Spinoff You Can Watch Right Now
Grey's Anatomy fans, rejoice: B-Team is a new spinoff that you can stream right now for free! For every Harper Avery Award win and every steamy hookup, there's a clueless, bushy-tailed intern missing social cues and doing scut work, according to B-Team. Curious? You can watch the new digital-only series on ABC, YouTube, or Hulu.
The new six-episode web series consists of cheeky slice-of-life clips about the new interns introduced at the beginning of season 14. It's directed by Sarah Drew, who also plays April Kepner on Grey's, and features the six new interns as well as cameos from characters like Miranda Bailey. Sophia Taylor Ali stars as Dahlia, Jake Borelli as Levi (or "Glasses"), Alex Blue Davis as Casey, Jaicy Elliot as Taryn, Rushi Kota as Vik, and Jeanine Mason as Sam.
The entire web series unfolds on the interns' first day as surgeons, which takes place sometime after the intern mixer in the sixth episode of season 14. It's premised on the idea of a clean-up crew at Sloan Grey. In episode two of the series, Alex sadistically explains to Levi the duties of being on the B-Team: "If it's in a bedpan, you clean it. If it's in a barf bucket, you clean it. If it's blood, you clean it." Yikes, that doesn't sound fun.
So far, Grey's fans are most familiar with Sam, who shares a romantic history with DeLuca, and Levi, who notoriously drops his glasses into an open body cavity during surgery. We've yet to see more of the other interns in the parent series, so the vignettes give us some context to their personalities and quirks. Vik, for example, is suave, confident, and completely clueless about putting patients at ease, while Dahlia is hypercompetent but a little tone-deaf when it comes to navigating the politics between her superiors.
OK, so B-Team is kind of a fluff project. It's nothing like the scope of Private Practice or the firefighter spinoff that Shonda Rhimes has promised us. Ellen Pompeo does not share a deep monologue at the beginning and end of each episode. The web series launch is also a bit of a warning sign. Many years back, Scrubs launched a web series about its final batch of interns around the time that the parent series ended, so this new web series may be the beginning of the end of Grey's Anatomy. There's no definite correlation between Grey's and Scrubs, but we're still paranoid. For now, we'll take what B-Team has to offer - that is, light chuckles and whimsical mini plots that cleanse our palates for the weep-inducing drama that is Grey's.
All These Movies Are Turning 10 This Year, Because We're Old Now
It may not seem like 2008 was that long ago, but guess what? As of 2018, it's been 10 years since the New York Giants came out of nowhere to upset the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl; since we said goodbye to Boston Legal, Passions, and The Wire; and since we said hello to Sons of Anarchy, True Blood, and Fringe.
So let's take a look back at movies that are turning 10 years old in 2018, including Cloverfield, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man.
You Need to Hear How Good Camila Cabello's "Havana" Sounds With Classroom Instruments
Camila Cabello is kicking off 2018 with a bang. The former Fifth Harmony member, who is currently basking in the success of her single, "Havana," stopped by The Tonight Show on Wednesday to perform the catchy tune from her debut album, Camila, using only classroom instruments. With help from host Jimmy Fallon, The Roots, and some fun props, Cabello managed to make the hit song even more irresistible. Watch it above to see what we mean, then check out her fun music video.
Janis Joplin's Drug-Related Death Isn't as Cut-and-Dry as You Think
Janis Joplin was one of the most gifted and talented singer-songwriters of the 1960s. With a powerhouse voice and understated, no-frills look, Janis commanded every crowd she was in front of, from her early days as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company to her breakthrough solo career; hits like "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)," "Maybe," and "Piece of My Heart" skyrocketed her to fame and landed her a spot in the lineup at Woodstock in August 1969 - but just a year later, Janis's intense flame would burn out.
Janis was a habitual drug user and heavy drinker throughout her career; it was widely known that she took methamphetamine and occasionally used heroin along with other psychoactive drugs. While she did have bouts of sobriety, her addiction ultimately ended her life. After Janis failed to show up for a recording session in LA on Oct. 4, 1970, her road manager, John Cooke, drove to the Landmark Motor Hotel in Hollywood, where she was staying, and saw her distinctively painted Porsche in the parking lot. He entered Janis's room and found her lying dead on the floor next to the bed. Her official cause of death was a heroin overdose, "possibly compounded by alcohol" (Janis's drink of choice was Southern Comfort). Though Janis was heavily into heroin at that point, those close to her believed that she was given a dose that was more potent than normal that accidentally killed her, especially since several of her dealer's other customers overdosed that same week.
Her death hit the music community hard; rock legend Jimi Hendrix had died just 16 days earlier, and they both happened to be 27 years old when they passed. The last song Janis ever recorded was "Mercedes Benz," which would go on to be included on her posthumous album Pearl in 1971. It became the biggest-selling album of her career and also featured her biggest hit single, "Me and Bobby McGee."
Finally, Some Good News: Gabrielle Union Will Star in a Bad Boys-Inspired TV Series
Does anyone work harder than Gabrielle Union? On top of writing a memoir, starring in a badass new movie, and discovering a miracle elixir to prevent aging, the actress and activist can also add TV superstar to her list of accomplishments.
An untitled drama series centered around Union's Syd Burnett character from 2003's Bad Boys 2 is officially in the works at NBC, according to Variety. So far the network has ordered the spinoff to pilot, which will follow Syd after she leaves the DEA and begins working as a detective in the LAPD. Although no one else has officially joined the cast, Syd will be partnered with her total opposite, a character named Nancy McKenna who's described as "a working mom who can't help but look at Syd's freedom with some grass-is-greener envy." If their dynamic is even remotely close to the one between Mike and Marcus in Bad Boys, NBC has a major hit on its hands.
As if that wasn't exciting enough, Union will also serve as executive producer alongside The Blacklist's Brandon Sonnier and Brandon Margolis. Additionally, Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced both Bad Boys films, is on board. A premiere date is still TBD, but with any luck it could end up as one of 2018's hottest new shows.
How Did Princess Margaret Die? The Depressing End to an Unconventional Royal Life
Image Source: Getty / ullstein bild Dtl.
The second season of Netflix's hit series The Crown has shed lots of light on Queen Elizabeth II's hapless younger sister, Princess Margaret. From her dramatic love life and nude photo scandal to her penchant for drinking and smoking, it's been made abundantly clear what most royal family aficionados knew all along: Margaret was never meant to blend in. She was always going to stand out.
Margaret was everything you'd expect a spare heir to be; much like Prince Harry and Princess Charlotte after her, she was irresistibly charming, attention-seeking, extroverted, and much more rebellious than her older sister - after all, if you don't bear the direct responsibility of one day taking the throne, you have less pressure put on you to be perfect. Margaret was only 22 when her sister became queen, and while her duties mostly consisted of representing the family on royal tours of Jamaica, Japan, Australia, and the US, she also had a vested interest in welfare charities, music, and the ballet.
After failed engagements, one divorce, two children, and a handful of extramarital affairs, Princess Margaret's royal reputation wasn't one to be desired. Throughout her later life, her health began to severely decline and the glamorous jet-set lifestyle she was known for faded away; a cigarette smoker since 15, Margaret had part of her left lung removed in 1985 (an operation similar to the one her father, King George VI, underwent three decades earlier) - and though she was able to kick the habit some years later, she continued to drink heavily. The '90s brought a bout with pneumonia, a mild stroke, and a bathroom incident - during which her feet were burned from scalding-hot bathwater - that resulted in loss of mobility to her feet.
Image Source: Getty / Tim Graham
By the early 2000s, Margaret needed help walking (and would sometimes use a wheelchair), and in January and March 2001, she suffered more strokes that inhibited her vision and paralyzed her left side. By the end of that year, Margaret would make only two official public appearances; one in August for the 101st birthday party of the Queen Mother and one in December to celebrate her aunt Princess Alice's 100th birthday.
Margaret was everything you'd expect a spare heir to be; she was irresistibly charming, attention-seeking, extroverted, and much more rebellious than her older sister.
On Feb. 9, 2002, Princess Margaret died at the King Edward VII Hospital in London after suffering another stroke. She was 71. Her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, announced the news "with great sadness" in a statement from Buckingham Palace. A private service for family and friends was held six days later, on the 50th anniversary of her beloved father's own funeral. Margaret was cremated - a rarity for royals - and her ashes were placed in the tomb with her parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother (her mother died just seven weeks after Margaret), at Windsor Castle. In April 2002, a state memorial service was held for Margaret at Westminster Abbey. And like the unconventional badass that she was, Margaret even wrote her own epitaph, which was carved on a memorial stone.
We thank thee Lord who by thy spirit doth our faith restore
When we with worldly things commune & prayerless close our door
We lose our precious gift divine to worship and adore
Then thou our Saviour, fill our hearts to love thee evermore
As far as her legacy goes, royal biographers have posited that Margaret paved the way for future members of the family to come out on the other side after divorce. Without her public split from Earl of Snowdon in 1978 - and bearing the brunt of bad press and criticism that came with it - it may not have been as easy for her niece, Princess Anne, and nephews Charles and Andrew to go through with their own divorces (from Captain Mark Phillips, Princess Diana, and Sarah, Duchess of York, respectively).
All the Money in the World: The Intense True Story of the Getty Kidnapping
Image Source: Everett Collection
All the Money in the World hit theaters last month and was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, and yet, many people still don't know the true story behind the film.
Michelle Williams (as Gail Harris), Christopher Plummer (as J.Paul Getty), Mark Wahlberg (as Fletcher Chase), and Charlie Plummer (as John Paul Getty III) brought to life the tale of John Paul Getty III's kidnapping and his mother's attempt to get his billionaire grandfather to pay the ransom. While the movie is great, the true story is equally as fascinating. So here's how it all went down:
The Family
When John Paul Getty III (who went by Paul) was kidnapped, his grandfather was the wealthiest man in the history of the world. According to People, Jean Paul Getty (who went by J.Paul Getty) was a millionaire by the young age of 25, which he originally earned from oil. The Getty family began in oil, and when Jean took over the business, he acquired a lot of American oil companies, which began his initial rise to fortune.
Image Source: Getty / Bettman
The bulk of his fortune was made when J.Paul (pictured above) made a deal with the Saudis to purchase land near the Kuwait border, which eventually led to the discovery of one of the largest oil reserves in the world. This discovery and the oil production that followed made Jean into the world's first billionaire.
J.Paul was married five times and had five sons and 14 grandchildren. Despite his massive fortune, he rarely gave any of his money to anyone, including charities and his children. The mogul did eventually bring his son John Paul Getty Jr. in on the oil business and moved him and his family to Rome to head up Getty Oil Italiana. Sadly, John Paul Jr. got into drugs in Morrocco, which led to his wife, Gail Harris, divorcing him and raising their son, Paul, in Rome on her own.
The Kidnapping
In 1973, when Gail and Paul were living in Rome, Paul (pictured below) was kidnapped by Italian gangsters who knew his name and wanted a massive payout. While the details around how he was kidnapped are a little sparse, we know that he was taken in the summer of 1973 in a van and that there was a ransom note.
Image Source: Getty / Bettman
"Dear Mother: I have fallen into the hands of kidnappers. Don't let me be killed! Make sure that the police do not interfere. You must absolutely not take this as a joke . . . Don't give publicity to my kidnapping," read the letter, which was originally published in Time's July 30, 1973, issue.
He was reportedly held in different hideaways, including a cave, over the next couple of months. He never actually saw the kidnappers, who wore masks, and wasn't able to identify the men when he later attended the trial. Ten days after the kidnappers first alerted Gail that they had taken her son, they made their demands for approximately $17 million.
What the kidnappers didn't know is that Gail and Paul didn't have access to the Getty fortune and that Paul's grandfather wasn't one to give away money, even to save his grandson's life.
The Waiting Game
When Paul was first kidnapped, his grandfather didn't believe it. He reportedly thought that Paul was staging the whole thing in order to extort money from him and he wouldn't help his son and daughter-in-law get their son back. Gail never gave up, but tried - and eventually succeeded - to get the kidnappers' ransom number down from its original price.
At the time, J.Paul said during a press conference that, "If I pay one penny ransom, I'll have 14 kidnapped grandchildren." He wasn't prepared to give a penny to save his grandson, and after four months of being held captive, the kidnappers took it a step further. They sent his severed ear to an Italian newspaper with a new note.
"This is Paul's ear. If we don't get some money within 10 days, then the other ear will arrive. In other words, he will arrive in little bits," the letter said along with the new asking price of $3.2 million.
It took a while, but eventually the head of the family did step in and negotiate with the kidnappers to bring the ransom down. He agreed to pay $2.9 million toward saving his grandson, with $2.2 million coming without strings attached, and then gave the rest to his son as a loan, which he had to pay interest on (four percent). Clearly, the billionaire wasn't prepared to lose a giant sum of money - even in the name of family.
The Aftermath
After the money was sent to the kidnappers, Paul was taken to a gas station and recovered on Dec. 15, 1973. According to The New York Times, Paul called to thank his grandfather for eventually paying for his release, but he refused to come to the phone.
As for the kidnappers, nine were arrested, but most were released because of the lack of evidence. Two of them were, however, convicted and imprisoned, although most of the money was never retrieved.
Paul got married young (to Gisela Martine Zacher, pictured below) and had his one and only child at the age of 18. He did become an actor, which was one of his dreams, but in 1981, he suffered a stroke after a drug overdose, which left him quadriplegic and partially blind. He divorced in 1993 and died in 2011 after years of illness. He was only 54 years old. (His son, Balthazar Getty, also became an actor.)
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
J.Paul Getty died in 1976 in England and is buried at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles. Despite having his son and grandson go through so much trauma, when J.Paul died, he only left John Paul Jr. $500 and left Paul nothing - he was disqualified from having a stake in his grandfather's trust once he wed at 18 years old.
The Getty family was greatly affected by this kidnapping, and the only good thing to come from it was that Paul and his mother Gail's relationship grew stronger, and she watched out for him and took care of him until his death.
12 Photos of the Solar Eclipse That Will Make Your Heart Swell
For just a few minutes, all across the country, people stopped, looked up to sky, and witnessed the first solar eclipse to cross North America, coast to coast, since 1918. The event made people leave their phones, come together, and appreciate a moment of beauty that won't be seen again until April 8, 2024. Whether you missed catching a glimpse or just want to relive the event, ahead are some of the most incredible shots of the once-in-a-lifetime event - all of which will leave you counting down the days until 2024.
Lego Relased a Women of NASA Set, Since "Ladies Rock Outer Space"
Four of the most accomplished women in STEM are about to be celebrated with the highest pop culture accolade in America: a Lego set in their honor.
Nancy Grace Roman, Margaret Hamilton, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison are the four NASA veterans featured in the special "Women of NASA" set, which will hit stores on Nov. 1. Included in the package are a Hubble Space Telescope, an Apollo Guidance Computer, and the Space Shuttle Challenger - all iconic images of the glory days of the historic NASA program. It's no surprise, then, that the set was the brainchild of the brilliant Maia Weinstock, deputy editor of MIT News, or that Lego hopes the set will not only serve as a way to laud the many, many accomplishments of women in the science and engineering fields but also encourage young women to consider careers in STEM in general. Weinstock originally submitted the concept to Lego's Ideas crowdsourcing platform, where the pitch quickly garnered widespread support among Lego's most diehard fans - and now, what was once a remarkably good idea is about to become reality.
"In all realms of science, engineering, and technology, pioneering women have historically been underappreciated for their often groundbreaking work. We have also seen that when girls and women are given more encouragement in the STEM fields, they become more likely to pursue careers in these areas," Weinstock said in a statement, adding, "With this project, I wanted to spotlight a fantastic group of women who have made seminal contributions to NASA history. My dream would be to know that the first human on Mars - or an engineer or computer scientist who helped her get there - played with the LEGO Women of NASA as a child and was inspired to pursue a STEM career as a result."
A few more images of the set are below, and be sure to pick one up for yourself in November - there's truly no better way to unwind than with the combination of female empowerment and a good ol' Lego set.
Nancy Grace Roman, one of the first female executives at NASA:
Margaret Hamilton, creator of some of the most vital software in the computer science field:
Mae Jemison and Sally Ride, legendary astronauts:
The Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Trailer Just Dropped, and We Are Officially Obsessed
It's been a little over a month since we first got word that a new Harry Potter game was in the works (and that it would be all about letting you experience Hogwarts for yourself!), but on Jan. 18 we finally got additional details and a trailer for Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, and we're calling it now: it looks freakin' awesome.
"Players will create a personalized student avatar, attend classes, learn magical skills, form friendships or rivalries with other students, and make pivotal decisions that will influence their character's story arc as they traverse their years at Hogwarts and grow as a witch or wizard," the press release issued by Jam City reads. But that's not all - we've also got a lot more info on what it is, exactly, that we can expect.
The game is set in the time between Harry Potter's birth and his enrollment at Hogwarts, when Nymphadora Tonks and Bill Weasley were students. The avatar customization system allows you to continually upgrade your avatar as you gain new expertise and magical skills - you can even choose your own pet. You will join one of the four Houses before progressing through your years at Hogwarts, participating in magical classes and activities such as Potions and Transfiguration. Building your skills will come in handy as you solve mysteries and go on adventures. As players improve their skills, they will unlock new locations, spells and other magical abilities.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery features both large plot arcs and smaller stories such as relationship quests. The game features a new encounter system in which players' decisions in both actions and narrative impact their quests, and how other characters regard and interact with them. These choices will allow Harry Potter fans to create the legacy of the witch or wizard they want to become.
And if that wasn't enough, here's the trailer in all its glory (and, yes, you might want to have your sound on for this):
For the superfans among us, there's an important thing to note: before the game officially launches on mobile phones everywhere, it'll be featured at the A Celebration of Harry Potter event at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, on Jan. 26 through Jan. 28. There will be panels, swag, and even a chance to play the game itself at the Jam City booth - well before anyone else you know gets to lay eyes on it.
Suffice it to say, we can't wait for the game to be unleashed upon the world this Spring.
Sorry, Donald Trump: The Border Wall Won't Protect You From a Government Shutdown
We're only 18 days into 2018, but it already feels like business as usual in Donald Trump's America. We've been treated to the now-normal thrills and chills of his oversight - from casual warmongering to free press blasting - and have returned to one of his personal presidential touchstones: the hypothetical anti-immigration wall he wants built between the United States and Mexico. But what sets this new wall talk apart from all previous threatening and promising is that it might ultimately prevent our government from getting crucial work done. The anti-immigration barrier has become the president's sole shoddy bargaining chip as he attempts to come to an agreement with the Democrats regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), but for whatever reason, in his mind, if DACA is to stay, so must the border wall - and there is no compromise.
But this debate, however stalemated it may be, does actually have the potential to be the straw that brings the hay house of Trump's government down. An agreement on the subject must be reached by end of day Jan. 19 - or there will be a government shutdown. To massage the issue, Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly assured Democrats and members of the Hispanic Caucus on Jan. 17 that the president's view of the wall has evolved, that Trump's view was not to be taken literally. In typical early morning rebuff fashion, Trump took to Twitter to let his terrible truth be known, noting that "the wall is the wall" and that he has "never changed or evolved." In other words, you may think the the wall is figurative but, to Trump, it is very real.
The Wall is the Wall, it has never changed or evolved from the first day I conceived of it. Parts will be, of necessity, see through and it was never intended to be built in areas where there is natural protection such as mountains, wastelands or tough rivers or water.....
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018
To boot, Trump barely expounded upon but duly reiterated his campaign promise that the Mexican government would pay for the structure. Perhaps this move was an attempt to appeal to his base, but sadly, this seems like a lose-lose situation given a recent CBS News poll which found that the majority of Americans support DACA and oppose the border wall. Granted, the poll did find that seven out of 10 Republicans support the wall - but let's look at the larger picture here.
The reality of this ongoing back-and-forth, he-said-she-said drama is that there are no clear winners here, at all. Trump's wall tweets have placed a wedge between a unified Republican message, despite Mitch McConnell having a clearer answer of what Trump actually supports. Trump's tweets weren't lone incendiary statements; instead, they came with another shutdown barrier: one regarding health care, as he also tweeted about removing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from the stopgap bill, a move that goes against the Republican plan to court Democrat votes.
A government shutdown will be devastating to our military...something the Dems care very little about!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018
If we've learned anything from governance under Trump, it's that there is no concern for deadlines or care for handling finances, a view best exemplified by a shutdown solution that has continued to be pushed and pushed and pushed since September 2017. This new attempt to make headway will be a make-or-break day for both Trump's wall as well as his ability to oversee - and continue - keeping our bureaucracy moving. Given his mixed signals (and his party's love of talking from both sides of the mouth), from where we stand right now, the outcome isn't looking good.
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.
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