Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 8 mars 2018
Ashley Graham Just Signed a Huge Revlon Contract - Here's Why It's Such a Big Deal
Image Source: Getty / Daniel Zuchnik
Congratulations are in order for Ashley Graham! The gorgeous model just signed her first beauty contract as part of Revlon's "Live Boldly" campaign, and it's a groundbreaking deal, not only for the model, but for the entire beauty industry. Ashley has played a big role in the fashion world for years, posing for Sports Illustrated's Swim Issue and stunning on the cover of Vogue, but being one of the first curve models to lock down a major beauty contract had her in tears.
"Historically, curvy girls are not given beauty contacts," she told WWD. "It's kind of groundbreaking, because in my generation of models, this hasn't happened yet. This is one of those moments where I'm over the moon, I cried a little."
Ashley joins Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot and models Adwoa Aboah, Imaan Hammam, and Raquel Zimmermann in the new campaign.
"You've been slowly seeing [curvy] models pop up in makeup campaigns, but you haven't heard of any actually signing contracts, and I think it's because [companies] just want to get their feet wet. It's like, 'Hmmm, let's try this bold curvy thing now and see if it's real or see if it's a trend,'" Ashley said. "The average American woman is a size 14 and if you ask me, lipstick does not have a size." And let's be real: Ashley can rock a red lip like a boss.
Guess who just got a beauty contract?! This girl! So thrilled to join the @revlon family as we continue to show #BeautyBeyondsize. Follow @revlon to find out more about our #LiveBoldly campaign. #Revlon pic.twitter.com/fqygDuBKl1
- Ashley Graham (@theashleygraham) January 24, 2018
6 Lessons Celebs Taught Us About How to Grow Out Hair
Growing out your hair can be a painstaking process. The time it takes to get to the desired length can take months, if not well over a year, and unfortunately it can sometimes be hard to feel like your fabulous self.
I'm in the middle of growing out a pixie cut, and I'll admit there were moments where I felt pretty dorky. Since there's no way I was going to stand for feeling so frumpy, I decided to see how celebrities handle growing out their hair. While there is nothing that will speed up the process, I've picked up some tricks along the way that made me still feel stylish and put-together. So whether you're growing out a buzz cut or just want a few more inches for your beach-wave mane, these six tips will help you feel amazing while you wait.
This $11 Eye Shadow Brush Set Is Up 30,000% in Sales on Amazon - Customers Are Obsessed
If you're in the market for some new beauty tools, we have found a major deal for you. This Real Perfection Eye Makeup Brush Set ($11) on Amazon is currently up a whopping 30,000 percent in sales, and 76 percent of customers who have reviewed the product give it five stars.
So what makes these brushes so great? For starters, the bristles are incredibly soft on your skin, yet they hold lots of product. There is also a variety of brushes for everything you need from blending out eye shadow to applying eyeliner. There's even an eyebrow spool. They work for cream, liquid, and powder-based products, so you can use them with all of your cosmetics.
"Very soft, blend very, very well," one buyer said. "The price for the quality was better than I expected. Easy to use and clean. I am absolutely in love with these brushes! They are really great for contouring also!"
So what are you waiting for? Score these brushes soon before they disappear!
5 Brands That Are Giving Back on International Women's Day
While we believe you never need a "real reason" to buy makeup - if you want it, add that dang mascara to your shopping cart - it's doubly satisfying when your beauty purchase makes a difference. This International Women's Day, brands are donating a portion or all of the proceeds from certain products, or even their entire lineup, to various causes and organizations that celebrate female empowerment. Read on to see how your next makeup or skincare purchase can support women around the world.
We Need to Talk About How Chic This $3 Bottle of Brush Cleaner Looks
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich
Listen, I'm no shelfie snob. My toothpaste-smeared medicine cabinet is probably the second most un-Instagrammable thing on the planet, ranking only after my grandfather's. I'm a sensible New Englander who purchases products that work, regardless of aesthetics, but even I have succumbed to the charms of E.L.F.'s (adorably named) Brush Shampoo ($3). I mean, just look at her!
The sexy and streamlined silhouette of this bottle is honestly getting me a little hot and bothered at my desk. Plus, the packaging has just one simple sketch of a brush that's a sophisticated adornment. No matter your bathroom's decor (or lack thereof . . . speaking mostly to me, here), this versatile packaging will look like it belongs.
As for what's inside, this "shampoo" is made of gentle ingredients that pull dirt and grime away from your brushes to ensure that your tools stay in tip-top shape. What's more, reviews for this cleanser are glowing. Many users commented on how it works wonders to rid Beautyblenders of those dang foundation stains that curse our sponges like a blight upon our families.
Here's to effortlessly gorgeous bathrooms!
What You Need to Know About the 6 Main Skincare Acids
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the skincare world, know that you're not alone. There's a veritable alphabet soup of vitamins, a constant debate over silicones, preservatives, and alcohols, and a never-ending stream of words like "occlusives," "parabens," and "surfactants."
Though it's impossible to cover everything in a day (let alone a single article), we can start somewhere. And today, that somewhere is acids. With the help of board certified dermatologists, we're breaking down six different types of acids by explaining what they are and how they can benefit your skin.
Mark Your Calendars! Benefit Cosmetics's Gimme Brow Is Coming Back
For beauty connoisseurs and the eyebrow obsessed, last year's recall of Benefit Cosmetics's iconic Gimme Brow was a tragic and trying time. In October, the brand voluntarily recalled the product out of caution, stating that a batch did not meet its "stringent quality standards." It was just a recall, insinuating that the product would return. But somehow during this frenzy, people thought the product was being discontinued.
To be clear, the product was never discontinued, but it did disappear for a while. And now POPSUGAR can exclusively reveal that Gimme Brow is coming back with a new-ish name and look. Meet Gimme Brow+, the same volumizing brow product we know and love but with a few tune-ups. The product will be available everywhere starting next week!
We know you have questions, as did we. Has the formula changed? Why the new look? And what's that plus sign about?
Having tried Gimme Brow+, we can attest that the microfibers don't feel or look different from the original Gimme Brow. Benefit told us, though, that the formula was modified slightly to include updated ingredients and to meet the latest standards set by Benefit's parent company, LVMH. That said, it still volumizes in a natural way, and we really didn't notice a difference in how it applies or looks. As for the box? It went from blue to pink packaging, a subtle difference that we barely noticed upon seeing it for the first time. The plus sign is really to tell people exactly what it does - it "adds" volume.
Gimme Brow+ will launch everywhere next Tuesday, March 13, so mark your calendars.
Cancel Your Blowout: The Messy Bun Is Having a Moment
Snooze button over-users, our time has come. The messy bun, aka the impromptu updo you've rocked out of necessity when running late, studying for your college exams, or straight-up sleeping, is finally getting the appreciation it deserves. Celebrities have sported this low-key look for some of their biggest events, from the Chanel runway to the frickin' Oscars.
But seriously: we're busy women. Sometimes we don't have the time, or the desire, to style our own hair. Let's take a cue from the ladies ahead who just threw all their hair into a messy bun so they could go get sh*t done.
20 Lion King Tattoos That Will Have You Humming "Hakuna Matata"
Because The Lion King is Disney's greatest movie of all time - and potentially its best remake, as well - countless fans have taken their passion for Simba and company to the next level. People across the globe have tattooed Simba, Rafiki, Pumbaa, and Nala on their arms, backs, and ribs, because hakuna matata, am I right? If you're considering permanently displaying your affection for the film, take a look at these Instagrams for inspiration . . . just remember who you are.
11 Editor-Approved Palettes Every Beauty Junkie Needs - Shop Them Now!
We have a palette problem and we don't want to solve it. There's something so exciting about a convenient little package that's filled with with a variety of products. This Spring, beauty brands are bringing their A game with pretty, seasonal options. It was no easy task, but we rounded up our favorite choices on the market right now. These picks range in price point and purpose, so you're sure to find something ideal for your needs. Whether you like a soft, neutral look or a bold, colorful one, there's a palette for you. Check out our favorite finds and grab one ASAP.
9 Genius Products From Sephora That Are Worth the Hype - All Under $10
If I could pitch a tent and live in Sephora forever, I would. There's nothing better than wandering around the store and ogling at all the beauty goodies we want. One thing that particularly impresses us about the beauty retailer is its huge selection of products at a variety of price points. Although the store is known for its high-end items, there are plenty of affordable options as well. Shop through our favorites and get a few for yourself.
40+ Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Cooking for a crowd, be it a large family gathering or a dinner party, can be a bit of a challenge. Most recipes are scaled to yield four to six servings, and while many can be doubled with some basic math, it's certainly nice to have a handful of options that can be made as is. Here, we've rounded up more than 40 recipes that serve at least eight, including a variety of casseroles, soups, and slow-cooker dishes.
Forget About the Box's Instructions; Try Cooking Your Frozen Pizza Like This
If frozen pizza turns out funky for you (burnt spots, soggy bits, general mediocre outcomes), here's a tip from the internet. Forget about the back-of-the-box instructions, and instead, cook your frozen pizza like this guy. Reddit user numbahtwelve says to fully thaw the pizza and crank your oven to the hottest temperature it will go (not the broil setting). Then, cook the pizza on the rack of the oven (unless you own a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet) for five to eight minutes or until the crust crisps and cheese bubbles.
His logic? Restaurants and pizza chains cook the 'za on pizza stones in commercial ovens that are set to 700°F-1000°F. This little hack emulates the professional method without the use of fancy equipment. Now, if you want to be truly fancy, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle crushed garlic or garlic powder on it, before baking. Mmm . . . seems like a simple yet reliable hack to try for the next frozen pizza night.
Make Your Own Irish Cream!
I have a great way for you to celebrate St. Patrick's Day: make your own Irish cream! More commonly known as Baileys, this rich, smooth, and delicious liquor can easily be made in the comforts of your kitchen. The recipe, which requires a blender, is similar to eggnog in that it combines a potent spirit, Irish whiskey, with eggs, cream, and seasonings such as vanilla and coconut extracts.
For a delightful after-dinner drink, serve it chilled or over ice. Homemade Baileys is also a festive gift; I've brought bottles to hostesses and always receive enthusiastic reviews. Get the simple but fantastic recipe.
10 Delicious Trader Joe's Meal Hacks to Make Dinner Easy
How can you hack a delicious homemade meal in minutes without resorting to a frozen entree? We asked our editors to share their tips for fast, easy, and tasty dinners thrown together with a handful of Trader Joe's products, so you can become an even savvier cook on busy weeknights. With a combination of fresh and prepped ingredients from the affordable grocery brand, we've come up with some pretty ideal dinners that can easily be thrown together after work. From spruced-up soup to cheap chopped salad and spicy taco bowls, these ideas will inspire you to skip the takeout.
Here's How to Convert Slow-Cooker Recipes to Your Instant Pot
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
The Instant Pot and the slow cooker may look alike, but they function a lot differently. The name of each appliance says it all - slow-cooked food takes hours, while the Instant Pot knocks it out quickly. So when you're converting a slow-cooker recipe to an Instant Pot, there are a few things to consider. Keep these conversions in mind the next time you whip out your Instant Pot for a quick and easy dinner.
1. Lower the Meat-Cooking Time
One of the best things about the Instant Pot is its ability to cook meat insanely fast - even when frozen. If you're converting meat from a slow cooker to an Instant Pot, follow this rule: if the meat dish cooks in eight hours on low or four hours on high in the slow cooker, it will cook in 25-30 minutes in the Instant Pot. Make sure the Instant Pot setting reads "sealing" and not "venting" to ensure it's cooked properly. The "meat/stew" button is great for red meat recipes like bolognese, and the "poultry" button can be used for chicken dishes like garlic chicken soup. If you're cooking meat from frozen in an Instant Pot, just add five or 10 more minutes to the total cook time until it's done.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
2. Add More Liquid
Instant Pots need more liquid to function properly, so if your recipe doesn't already call for at least a cup of liquid (such as broth or water), add it.
3. Skip Certain Ingredients
A pressure cooker or Instant Pot won't handle certain ingredients the same way a slow cooker would. If you're making an Instant Pot meal with milk or dairy, don't add it in the beginning. It can be stirred in or simmered at the end, but it won't cook successfully under pressure. If you're using a thickener, such as a cornstarch slurry, whisk it in at the end as well.
If you have even more specific questions about your recipe, follow this complete guide to converting slow-cooker recipes to an Instant Pot.
17 Weeknight Dinner Recipes From The Pioneer Woman That Make Life Easier
We might not all be able to re-create Ree Drummond's picturesque ranch and gorgeous kitchen at home, but at least we can re-create her dinners. And if there's anyone you should be drawing weeknight dinner inspiration from, it's Ree, a mother of four and master of fast, easy, and comforting recipes that you can whip up in a flash. Ahead, we've rounded up 17 of The Pioneer Woman's best weeknight dinners that you'll actually look forward to cooking, like pasta with pesto cream sauce, garlic-lemon shrimp, sheet-pan pork chops, and more. All of these tried-and-true recipes will make your life easier (and tastier).
The Best Frozen Entrees From Trader Joe's, Hands Down
In case you haven't ever explored the magical place that is the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's, let us enlighten you. There's no shame in turning to frozen meals when you have zero time to cook, but if you're going to do it, you should know what's actually worth buying. Keep reading to find out which frozen meals POPSUGAR editors pick up and why, and look for them on your next Trader Joe's run.
How to Make Pie Crust, in Pictures
Have a hankering for cherry pie, but find yourself intimidated by the process of making crust from scratch? Look no further! Not only do we have a near-foolproof pie crust recipe to share, but we've broken the procedure down into a few simple steps sure to elucidate the process for visual learners. So stop fretting (it's easy, we swear!) and start baking.
Brie vs. Camembert: What's the Difference?
While both brie and camembert are cow's milk cheeses, are soft-ripening, and have a white, flowery rind, the two aren't interchangeable. So the next time you are at the store and must choose between brie or camembert, here's what you need to know.
- Production: During the cheese-making process, cream is added to brie, but in camembert, it is not; as a result, brie is 60 percent milk fat, while camembert is only 45 percent. In addition, camembert uses stronger lactic starters that are inoculated into the cheese mold five times, contributing to a stronger-flavored cheese. Brie's lactic starters are only put into the cheese mold once, therefore the cheese is milder.
- Outer appearance: The diameters of brie and camembert cheese molds are different. (Notice the Saint André brie to the left appears taller and smaller than the flat, round Ile de France camembert to the right. The camembert cheese mold has a specific size and weight of 250 grams.
- Inner appearance: Brie tends to have a whitish inside, while camembert has a deeper yellowish color. A very ripe camembert will have runny insides; most versions of brie in America, however, are stabilized, meaning the cheese's center will have a firm texture that will never turn runny.
- Smell and taste: Brie has a light, buttery scent and flavor with a salty finish. Camembert can be on the funkier side and smell earthy and barnyard-y like mushrooms or hay, with an intensely savory, umami flavor.
- Affinage: Brie is made to be consumed immediately. While Americans tend to eat cheeses on the younger side, in France, most will practice affinage, or the art of ripening cheese, and will wait for six or eight weeks before cutting into a wheel of gooey, ripened camembert.
Which do you prefer: brie or camembert?
100 Appetizers Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a casual game-day viewing party, a glam cocktail party, or something in between, we have an appetizer to match. Keep reading for our favorite party bites, including three-cheese macaroni and cheese bites, banh mi lettuce wraps, spinach-artichoke dip, and pizza croquetas.
15 of the Easiest Pioneer Woman Recipes on the Planet
When you're looking for fast, easy, and reliable recipes, the Pioneer Woman is the ultimate go-to source. You can always count on Ree Drummond's recipes to be doable, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, no matter what you're in the mood for. Ahead, we've curated some of the Food Network host and Pioneer Woman magazine author's best and easiest recipes you'd be crazy not to try for yourself, like lemon-blueberry pancakes and butternut squash mac and cheese.
The 4 Most Common Mistakes You're Likely Making When Cooking Pasta
Pasta can seem like a simple and easy dish to enjoy any day of the week, and it can be, but there's more to that perfect plate of pasta than you think. Once you get down the right technique, you should be able to nail it every time; however, it's pretty likely that you've been making a few common mistakes you'd never expect. There are a couple factors that go into cooking pasta. Between sauce choices, types of pasta shape, and cook time, there's a lot that can go wrong, or at least not be executed properly. Here are a few tips for making a delicious pasta dish to keep in mind as you continue on your quest to pasta perfection.
1. Pairing Pasta Shapes With the Correct Sauce
The shape of pasta (with or without ridges, thick vs. thin, etc.) matters when it comes to picking a sauce. "Agnolotti, small stuffed pasta, is best served with a butter-based sauce," said Chef de Cuisine Tyler Houston from The James Kitchen + Bar in Chicago to POPSUGAR. For "fettuccine or tagliolini, [which are] longer and more flat, I love serving with an acidic tomato-based sauce," he said. "And with seafood rigatoni or any pasta with a hole in it, it is best served with a thicker tomato-based sauce so the pasta's hole can grab some of the sauce in each bite."
A few heartier sauces include bolognese, standard marinara, and generally tomato-based sauces, he said. Lighter sauces might be with white wine, shallots, garlic, and thyme (great when paired with seafood). "You can achieve a lighter sauce by using the cheese grater to grate a tomato to begin the sauce," or use a "lemon butter-based sauce for a ravioli," he said.
2. Deciding the Right Cook Time
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the pasta, Houston explained. "Fresh pasta obviously cooks faster than the dry variety. Cook time is also generally dependent on the type of pasta. Stuffed pastas (in general) float when getting close to being done; longer, thinner pasta really needs to be well-incorporated to sauce. Water needs to be at a rolling boil, not almost boiling or slightly warm," he said.
"Cooking time for thicker pastas can be as long as 15 minutes," Houston said. "For the quickest cook time, use fresh pasta," which will get you dinner faster in about four minutes. A few examples: "Fettuccine is approximately 12 minutes, spaghetti is approximately 14 minutes, and for gnocchi, I recommend blanching it and shocking in boiling water (especially for restaurant dinner service). This greatly reduces cooking time (so it's five to seven minutes)," he said.
3. Figuring Out the Right Water-to-Salt Ratio
You'll want to not be stingy with the water or salt. Yes, that means you should salt the pasta! "Usually people don't boil enough water. It needs to be a large enough pot and water that the pasta has room to separate and cook evenly and is not overcrowded, otherwise it will cook unevenly," said Joseph Flamm, executive chef at Spiaggia in Chicago. "If you want the inside of the noodle to be seasoned, salt your water. The salt level depends on what sauce is going with: for salty, parmesan-heavy sauces, use less salt in the water."
"Generally, you do want to cook with incredibly salted water (think sea water). I think using the pasta cooking liquid is necessary to finish the sauce. It contains a fair amount of starch, which aids in emulsifying," Houston said. For finishing it off, "two ounces (a small ladle's worth) will allow the sauce to thicken from the starch in the water that's released when cooking pasta." Flamm agreed: "Cook your pasta until it's about two minutes away from being done, then finish it the rest of the way in your sauce so it really absorbs the flavors."
4. Make Sure to Taste as You Cook!
You should be checking up on your pasta to make sure it's cooking as you like. For instance, if you want al dente pasta, you'll want to take it out earlier to secure that thicker, crunchier texture and avoid the pasta getting too soft. "Taste every four minutes, especially when incorporating the sauce with the pasta," Houston said.
7 Things You Never Knew About Olive Garden, Straight From an Employee
Curious about Olive Garden's restaurant secrets, POPSUGAR spoke to a representative to get all the details. Besides the fact that Olive Garden serves 220 million guests per year and gave out 21,000 Never Ending Pasta passes last year (people really love the pasta), the popular Italian chain has plenty of fun facts that will make you an even bigger fan. Keep reading to find out more about the homemade soups, the employee discount, the culinary institute in Italy, and more.
The most popular menu item is . . .
"Chicken Alfredo is Olive Garden's most popular menu item. Shrimp Scampi is also among the bestselling dishes at Olive Garden - it is so flavorful, many guests are surprised to learn the entire entrée is just 500 calories! Out of all the noodle options, Olive Garden guests prefer fettuccine noodles. As far as pasta toppings go, Olive Garden guests love the grilled chicken."
Olive Garden really does have a culinary institute in Italy.
"Every year, more than 200 managers and team members travel to Olive Garden's Culinary Institute of Tuscany. This trip is designed to immerse team members in the Italian culture while learning about the cuisine and interacting with Olive Garden's overseas partners, the wineries and pasta makers we consider to be a part of Olive Garden's extended family."
The restaurant has been around since the early '80s.
"The first Olive Garden restaurant opened in Orlando in 1982."
The soups are made fresh every morning.
"All of Olive Garden's signature soups - Pasta e Fagioli, Chicken & Gnocchi, Zuppa Toscana, and Minestrone - are made by hand and from scratch every morning using fresh, whole ingredients such as kale, peppers, and squash."
Employees get a great discount.
"Team members can enjoy $1 unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks and 50 percent off of meals before, during, and after their shift."
You can get Olive Garden delivery for large parties.
"Olive Garden offers delivery for large parties, weddings, and other events. Olive Garden loves to celebrate with brides around their big day and even created a DIY breadstick bouquet."
There are gluten-free pasta options upon request.
"Olive Garden servers will work with guests on any dietary needs. Servers will happily work with guests to address any food allergies or dietary restrictions. In many instances, they can suggest simple swaps - such as subbing in gluten-free rotini or ordering the Chicken Parmigiana grilled instead of fried - so guests can still enjoy their favorite dishes while meeting their individual needs."
Every Disney Fan Should Complete This Incredible, Edible Bucket List
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, the abundance of food options across all four parks can be overwhelming, but rest assured that these 28 foods have been well-researched and reviewed in person so you know everything here is 100 percent worth your money (and the calories). While a few iconic treats have made the list (like the Mickey pretzel and Dole Whip), some are a little more obscure (pork nacho fries). Expect this list to be a little sweet, partially covered in gooey cheese, and just a tad bit spiked, for those partaking.
The International Women's Day Google Doodle Features 12 Female Artists From Around the World
"There is no one way, or right way, to be a woman," says Tillie Walden, a US-based artist. "I feel like International Women's Day is a celebration of that," she adds. This year, in honor of International Women's Day on March 8, Google created an interactive Doodle featuring female artists – Tille Walden included – from all over the world.
Click through to check out 12 different comic strips written and illustrated by artists from different countries (with subtitles for all languages), each sharing their own stories. "This Doodle aims to celebrate our collective experiences, with all of their commonalities and differences. We want to shine a light on the important and far-reaching impact of everyday women," Google said in a press release.
Along with the images, you can also read each artist reflections on what International Women's Day means to them, as well as what they hope people take away from their stories. They touch on issues such as inequality, immigration, violence against women, prejudice, and more. Their works speak of progress, possibility, love, motherhood, friendship, strength, and so much more. Ahead, you can enjoy each slideshow, and read quotes from the artists to get further insight into their backgrounds and inspirations.
Trump Tweeted About the Oscars Again - and "Jokingly" Called Himself a Star
Two days after the Oscars, President Donald Trump couldn't help but tweet his thoughts - naturally, he also needed to "jokingly" praise himself at the same time. "Lowest rated Oscars in HISTORY. Problem is, we don't have Stars anymore - except your President (just kidding, of course)!"
Lowest rated Oscars in HISTORY. Problem is, we don't have Stars anymore - except your President (just kidding, of course)!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 6, 2018
Trump also tweeted about the Academy Awards back in 2015, though it went viral in 2017 after he became president because he referred to the award show (and then-president Barack Obama) as "a sad joke, very much like our President." The internet was quick to chime in that he should have been talking about himself there - because he's the "sad joke".
Sad joke sums up Trump
- John Haines (@JohnMegsrun) March 6, 2018
Based on this recent tweet, we have a feeling it will go viral again (and so will his latest.) Also, let's not forget he suggested that he should host the 2016 show on Instagram. Unfortunately for Trump, that gig went to Chris Rock before Jimmy Kimmel took over for 2017 and 2018.
A Lawsuit Filed by Stormy Daniels May Force Trump to Admit Infidelities
Despite the resignation of chief economic advisor Gary Cohn and the discovery that Kellyanne Conway violated the Hatch Act, President Donald Trump has asserted that "There is no Chaos, only great energy!" in his White House. Claims otherwise, he noted on Twitter, are fake news. It has been a peaceful week at the White House, as far as he is concerned.
But this statement is highly suspicious for myriad reasons, not least of which is that outside of the Cohn and Conway shenanigans, a Trump White House skeleton in the closet has reached out a bony hand to tap the president on the shoulder: Stormy Daniels, Trump's alleged mistress, is suing the president.
The lawsuit claims that the nondisclosure agreement between Daniels and Trump - a document made to keep their affairs hush-hush - is null because Trump never signed said document. The lawsuit also takes aim at Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, for repeated attempts to keep Daniels quiet without Trump's express permission or knowledge, despite being legally required to get the go ahead before taking such actions.
Above all, though, the suit seeks to absolve the chains around Daniels so that she can give her side of the story. The most interesting aspect of this lawsuit is that it is holding Trump's feet to the fire: if Trump did indeed leave the agreement unsigned, it would mean he couldn't "publicly disavow any knowledge of the Hush Agreement." In effect, Daniels's lawsuit is positioning the president to admit to a few things, as her lawyer - Michael Avenatti - told CBS News. "These are very simple questions," Avenatti said. "Did he sign the agreement, did know about the agreement, payment, etc? It doesn't take long to answer those questions." The answer to these questions will validate Daniels's story, allowing the truth to run free.
The ongoing dramatics between Trump and Daniels have been slow boiling, but may be approaching an eventual break, enabling the hot tea to actually be served. It also reveals Trump's love of pseudonyms: Daniels was known as "Peggy Peterson" while Trump was "David Dennison" in the legal documents. This is Trump's third notable pseudonym after "John Miller" and "John Barron," two other names used by Trump for decades to create generate favorable information on his behalf. Reporters who spoke with "Miller" and "Barron" noted that these spokespeople were "disturbing or even creepy."
Trump may continue to assert that all is well in Washington, but the barriers between fact and fiction are wearing progressively thin. It's only a matter of time before it completely falls apart - and the truth is finally put forth for the general public.
The Opioid Epidemic's Biggest Culprit Isn't Heroin Anymore - It's Something Deadlier
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Update, Jan. 22, 2017: We are saddened to report that Andrew*'s wife confirmed to POPSUGAR that he passed away from an opioid overdose, just days before Christmas. Before his death, Andrew shared with us his goal of one day operating his own long-term treatment facility for recovering opioid addicts in the Stark County, OH, area. If you would like to help provide more access to long-term and residential treatment for those battling addiction where you live, you may do so by donating to the Salvation Army's Combat Addiction initiative.
Original story:
Andrew*, an HVAC engineer, looks better than your average 37-year-old, college-educated man from Canton, OH. Clean-shaven, wearing a fitted maroon polo shirt and black dress pants. Athletic. Energetic. Flirtatious.
He sits on the patio of a local restaurant, sipping his cocktail, skimming the menu at the kind of place you take your kids to after soccer practice.
"Yesterday I had one glass of wine, today I had two. Tomorrow, I don't know," Andrew says, both hands cupped around a sweaty vodka-soda with lime. "But it's not heroin."
But it wasn't heroin two weeks earlier, either, when the husband and father of three woke up on the floor of his sober-living house to six men shaking him. They told him it took two doses of Narcan, an opioid blocker, to revive him after he overdosed on carfentanil for the sixth time this year.
It wasn't heroin, because if you ask drug users, people in recovery, medical personnel, and law enforcement, they'll tell you that drug has all but dried up in the state of Ohio, a state leading the country in fatal opioid overdoses, according to the Centers For Disease Control.
If it were heroin, it would've been made from morphine, which is derived from naturally occurring opium.
Andrew, 37, looks out from the patio at a restaurant in Canton, OH, on Aug. 18. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
Carfentanil - a synthetic form of fentanyl - is generally used to sedate very large animals, like elephants, and it's 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It's the new drug of choice for those manufacturing and selling illicit drugs in the Buckeye State, which was home to a record-setting 4,149 accidental deaths due to fatal overdoses in 2016.
Fentanyl itself is another popular option. The drug is "50 to 100 times more potent" than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Oftentimes, drug users don't realize they aren't getting quite what they bargained for until it's too late.
Andrew noticed the switch about six months ago, when he started "falling out" - or losing consciousness - after doses he had previously considered normal.
"I was shooting up all day, every day," he said, as he stretched out his arms to show dark bruises where his veins had collapsed under his skin. And then finally, one day, he overdosed.
The casual observer probably would never know that Andrew was battling opioid addiction at this very moment, but the crisis that's hit America hard doesn't discriminate.
Drug overdose deaths have now become the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US with 52,404 fatalities in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine; 33,091 of those deaths, which equates to more than six out of 10, involved an opioid.
And it's getting worse. While official numbers aren't in yet, a New York Times preliminary report has the total number of drug overdose deaths for 2016 at more than 59,000, which it described as "the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States."
Addiction started for Andrew in 2009, when he started taking his mother's oxycodone, which she had been prescribed after a medical procedure - he says because he "didn't want her taking all of that." He also had a longstanding Adderall prescription added to the mix.
His opioid and Adderall abuse went undetected by his wife until the Summer of 2016, when she noticed he was running out of the ADHD drug before the end of the month. After she made a call to his doctor, his prescription was revoked, and Andrew turned to cocaine. The way he tells it, his wife got fed up, took their kids, and left him, and one week later, he was shooting up heroin.
What Can We Do to Stop the Epidemic?
It's not that uncommon of a story, and it can happen to anybody. President Donald Trump addressed that issue in his press briefing from New Jersey on Aug. 8.
"Nobody is safe from this epidemic that threatens young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural communities," he said. "Everybody is threatened."
But what's debatable is Trump's view that amping up incarceration is the answer to the problem. In the same briefing, he pledged to increase federal drug prosecutions and implied he'd fight to lengthen sentences for convicted federal drug offenders. This is in stark contrast to the Obama administration's approach to dealing with drug users.
Two days later, Trump told reporters in New Jersey, "The opioid crisis is an emergency, and I'm saying officially, right now, it is an emergency. We're going to draw it up and we're going to make it a national emergency. It is a serious problem, the likes of which we have never had."
What methods the Trump administration will ultimately employ to combat the epidemic aren't exactly certain at this time.
What we do know is that his comments about "upping federal prosecutions" were made despite a preliminary report issued on July 31 by his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The report almost exclusively recommended addressing shortcomings in access to treatment for addicts, along with prescription drug reform and stopping the influx of synthetic opioids (like fentanyl and carfentanil) from other countries, like China.
That approach is more in line with what people who are living in the throes of the epidemic think would be helpful.
Incarceration Doesn't Work For Everyone
One of those people is Tugg Massa, 42, from Akron, OH. He's a recovering addict and founder of Akron Say No to Dope, a nonprofit organization that serves Summit County, where as many as 250 people died last year from drug overdoses. Those deaths were largely attributed to the introduction of carfentanil in the area in June and July of 2016, according to Ohio.com.
Both fentanyl and carfentanil are a whole lot cheaper on the street than morphine and heroin, he explained, which is why they're being cut with anything and everything people use to get high - usually unbeknownst to the drug user.
"It's not like it was when I was growing up," Tugg said. "Not to glorify drug use of any kind, but it's a lot more dangerous now. It's not heroin. Heroin won't even get the people out there using drugs high anymore because this fentanyl and carfentanil are so strong."
He knows what he's talking about, as someone who used drugs for 27 years. Tugg's been sober since Oct. 10, 2012, the day he was arrested for illegal manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Tugg Massa, 42, checks the call log for Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 helpline from his organization's thrift store and boutique in Akron, OH, on Aug. 14. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
When Tugg got caught, he was making meth to support his own opioid habit. He spent two years in prison for that charge, where, despite his surroundings, he got clean and earned his GED.
"It was difficult," he said of his time there. "There's a lot of drugs in prison. I had a drug dealer on one side of my cell and a drug dealer in the other cell next to me."
Although he successfully overcame his addiction while incarcerated, he feels strongly that being locked up is not for everyone. Instead, Tugg is a major advocate for drug court, where people get the option of undergoing treatment in lieu of conviction. That means if they make it through a 12-month program, their convictions are dropped.
Treatment Is Crucial - When the Timing Is Right
Sheriff Steve Leahy of Clermont County, OH, generally agrees with Tugg about the need for more access to treatment, but also says it needs to be worked hand in hand with the judicial system.
"You can't throw everybody's ass in jail," he said. "But what you also can't do is hug your way out of it."
Sheriff Leahy speaks from experience as both a member of law enforcement and someone who has witnessed firsthand a loved one's battle against opioid addiction. His ex-wife's struggles gave him valuable insight into what might work in his community.
He points out that some people simply aren't responsive to treatment, possibly because they're not ready for it at that point in their addiction.
"I think there are just some people who do need to be in jail or incarcerated. Maybe because they're selling as a pusher or they are committing crimes and burglaries and other felonies," he said. "You have to protect the community at large. Also, with the same breath, sometimes the only way to protect an individual from themselves is by having them locked up until you can get them to a point of treatment."
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Whatever they're doing in Clermont County seems to be working. The death toll skyrocketed to 94 in 2015, placing Clermont at the top of the state for accidental overdose deaths, according to Leeann Watson, associate director of Clermont County's Mental Health Recovery Board. That figure was up from 68 in 2014 and 56 in 2013, said Watson, who is also cochair of the opiate task force. But in 2016, the number dropped slightly to 82 deaths.
One tool that Leahy believes in is his county's community alternative sentencing program, which people can choose to participate in while they are incarcerated.
The program is administered in a wing of the county jail dedicated exclusively to those who have volunteered for treatment. It's an opportunity for convicted drug offenders who are ready to tackle sobriety to make the best use of their time.
"You have to have the buy-in of the court system, which includes the probation department and other mental health and addiction specialists," Leahy said. "It's kind of a multipronged attack."
Court Programs Can't Help When Drugs Don't Show Up on Tests
Andrew, who was placed on probation in January after officers found a needle in his car when he got pulled over for speeding, hasn't had to face a choice like those convicted in Sheriff Leahy's jurisdiction yet.
Not after trying out replacement drug therapy with Suboxone and methadone; not after attending treatment facilities in both Mexico and Florida; not after witnessing two people die from opioid overdoses in his own home on two separate occasions. And not even after his own latest overdose.
When his sober-living housemates revived him just two weeks ago, the police were called and he was taken to the hospital.
If he had tested positive for drugs at the hospital, he would've been kicked out of the sober-living house and sent to jail for violating probation.
The crazy thing is, his drug test came back negative.
"I've been given a lot of grace," he says.
"Grace" for Andrew, this time, came in the form of a standard urine test that didn't detect the particular concoction of street opioids that shut down his system.
Yes, you read that right. The standard drug tests administered at many hospitals that treat overdose victims don't pick up carfentanil and the street versions of fentanyl that are killing people in record numbers.
Even after six near-death experiences and witnessing two fatal overdoses in his own home from opioid use in the past year, Andrew says he still can't promise he won't ever use opioids again. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
"You have to know what you're looking for," said Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of Science and Technology at Quest Diagnostics.
Dr. Allison Chambliss, assistant professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, elaborated, "Fentanyl and carfentanil are structurally distinct from the other major opioids, and so do not get detected up by the routine urine opioid drug screens out there that are designed to pick up morphine, codeine, and heroin."
Even if you might have an idea what you're looking for, oftentimes the proper tests simply aren't run - either because they're too expensive or the facility where the victim is being treated doesn't have the proper equipment.
Usually it's only large reference and specialty toxicology labs that have the tools required to carry out these kinds of tests, even though they could be run on urine or blood samples, just like more general opioid tests, Chambliss said.
In Andrew's case, the standard test was apparently run, and it came back negative for opioids. He was released from the hospital and was able to go back to the sober-living facility with no probation violation recorded.
Even after that close of a call, where he narrowly escaped losing his liberty - and his life - he admits, "I still can't promise I'll never use opioids again. It's too good."
"Ready" and "Rock Bottom" Look Different For Everyone
Tugg pointed out that in his ministry of recovering addicts, "They have to come to me. I can't go chasing people down."
He shared Sheriff Leahy's sentiment that drug users have to be ready on their own, which many addicts describe as their "rock bottom" moment. For him, it was a letter from his daughter while he was in prison, asking him, "Who do you think you are?"
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Rock bottom for Jessica*, 26, from Los Angeles looked very different.
Having used drugs since the age of 13, Jessica became addicted to opioids at 16 after trading away cocaine for "tar" and not realizing that it was, in fact, heroin.
At one of her worst moments, she was homeless, on the street, doing whatever was necessary to score drugs. At another, an obsessed partner held her against her will for half a year.
Jessica says her captor forbid her from speaking to anyone else, eating, showering, or even using the bathroom outside of his presence. She finally convinced this man that her going to treatment would be better for their relationship, which is how she escaped that situation.
"When I got to treatment, I had to learn how to form sentences again. I couldn't speak. I didn't know how to raise my head and look somebody in the eye," she said. "Even just eating was a big thing. I didn't know how to do that anymore. I had to learn how to stop asking permission for things, which was really hard. That's something that I still struggle with today."
But even being held against her will wasn't what brought her to the realization that she needed to get clean.
Her epiphany came in 2012 at the age of 21, when she had "everything" in every materialistic sense of the word. She was living with a wealthy man - who supported her $400-a-day heroin habit - in a beautiful home in Southern California. She said it was hitting an emotional bottom that finally did her drug use in over a period of four months when she was trying to overdose every single day.
"It was a feeling of desperation that was something I hadn't felt before," she said. "That true desperation of, 'I have everything in the world, but I am nothing,' that's what was different this time than all the other times. I finally realized that I as a person had no self-worth."
"I would be looking in the mirror at myself, because I was an IV user, and I would shoot in my neck, so I would have to be in front of a mirror. I'd be standing in front of a mirror, looking myself in the eyes as I'm injecting my neck with heroin trying to die," she said. "Praying that you don't wake up this time, that is the scariest feeling in the whole world," she said.
Today, she's five years sober and has been working for the last two and half years at a sober treatment facility in Texas, which she credits with helping to maintain her sobriety.
The Street View of How to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Signs advertise free Narcan class outside New Beginnings, the thrift store and boutique Tugg runs in Akron, OH, in support of Akron Say No to Dope. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
It's unclear exactly what will happen to the wide-scale handling of this epidemic nationwide, if and when the opioid crisis is officially declared a national emergency, but Jessica and the other people we interviewed for this story have a wish list.
Sheriff Leahy, Jessica, and Tugg all agree that more in-house treatment facilities are crucial in this fight.
"When someone is ready to get off of drugs, we need to address that right then," Tugg said. "We need more beds. No wait time."
Jessica noted that in addition to more beds, facilities need more time.
"Long-term treatment is what's working. The 30-day treatment centers are not long enough. You can't work through all the trauma that you've caused to yourself as an addict. Your first week, you're detoxing. Your second, third week, you might be going to groups and start having emotions again, and your fourth and fifth week, you're planning your discharge already. So you've really only gotten a week of actual treatment," she said.
"Starting to form new habits takes a long time. You can't learn that in 30 days, which is why I stayed in treatment for a year and a half," Jessica said. "A lot of treatment centers are only 30 days, which is why they're always full because people, they'll go in, 30 days, get out, relapse, and go back in. The long-term places are getting people and holding them and really turning them back out to be productive members of society."
From a law enforcement perspective, Leahy would also like to see funds available for "one or two more" directed patrol officers, meaning members of law enforcement who are assigned a specific task for a particular purpose. In his community, that purpose would be to have more of a presence to help stop the flow of drugs across jurisdictional lines.
"And maybe a reinstitution of D.A.R.E. or something similar to that," Leahy said. "We can do whatever we're doing now, but we've got to get to the young people."
At the federal level, Trump alluded during his press briefing to the fact that he's talking with China about "certain forms of man-made drugs that come in."
That prospect got Tugg excited.
"We need to put sanctions on China. If they're not going to regulate what they're sending over here, then there should be sanctions against them," he said. "The fentanyl and carfentanil that's going around, they can get it right through the mail from China and get it dropped off right at their house."
Andrew says he got his last batch of opioids from his housemate, who is connected with one of the major drug cartels in Mexico. He won't say how it arrived in Ohio.
We asked what advice he would give - after everything he's experienced - to someone who was considering trying opioids for the first time today.
"I would say, 'Pull out your phone and look up epitaph, because you're gonna want to know what that word means,'" he says. "And then tell everyone you love that you love them. And then flip a quarter. Because there's a 50/50 chance you're gonna die."
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of these sources.
If you or someone you know is in need of drug-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
If you're in the Summit County, OH, area, you can call Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 hotline at 855-246-LIVE (5483).
Getting Robbed at Gunpoint Was Apparently a Walk in the Park For This Jimmy John's Employee
Sometimes, life hands you a bad day and you need to just let it ride out. That's how one Jimmy John's employee seemingly approached a robbery at gunpoint as he stoically handed the gunman money from the register.
The robbery took place at a Jimmy John's in Kansas City, MO, on April 26 at 9:15 p.m. In a video uploaded to YouTube by the Kansas City Police Department, the suspect, wearing a blue hoodie, enters the store and orders an item. As the cashier tells him his total, the suspect pulls out a gun. The Jimmy John's employee then takes off his gloves, hands him all the money, and even tries to give him the drawer with all the change. You can watch the encounter ahead.
The video quickly went viral on the internet, with some people on Twitter noting that the gun looks like it was jammed and that's why the cashier was so chill. According to the Kansas City Police YouTube page, police have the suspect in custody and they wrote, "Investigation is continuing." We hope the cashier and anyone else working during the robbery are home safe and sincerely OK.
George W. Bush Is the Biggest Beneficiary of the Trump Administration - and He Knows It
George W. Bush seems to be well aware of how much he's benefited from the current administration, and though the former president hasn't explicitly criticized Donald Trump, he did allude to the president in a speech back on Oct. 19 when he said, "Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication." According to a new report, though, Bush continues to privately talk about Trump and joke that he looks better by comparison.
National Journal, a membership-only research company, spoke with a Republican official who said Bush frequently jokes about the current administration at recent social events and gatherings. Bush has reportedly said, "Sorta makes me look pretty good, doesn't it?"
On a related note, the former president also seems to be just as confused by the chaos engulfing in the White House as we are. "He's shaking his head like everyone else wondering why they can't get their act together," the source told National Journal. "He wants the guy to succeed but thinks a lot of his problems are self-inflicted."
As people have been comparing and contrasting the failings of the two administrations, Will Ferrell recently reprised his Bush impression on Saturday Night Live to remind everyone how "bad" he was in office. Watch the helpful reminder here.
Storm Smith Didn't See Deaf Women of Color Making Films, So She Made Her Own - Now, She's Changed the Ad Industry Forever
Storm Smith has had a journey unlike any other. As the first deaf woman to work at leading advertising agency BBDO, Smith spends her days transforming big ideas into creative content - always reflecting her ideals of inclusion and representation - for a whole host of well-known brands.
But while Smith's incredible storytelling savvy has propelled her to the top of her chosen field, she began adulthood on an altogether different path - until 2011, she was a grad student in psychology, studying to become a counselor. Now, it's that background that propels her forward; as a woman of color and art director at the global agency she works for, she's on a mission to make the world of media more inclusive and diverse, and to inspire other aspiring creatives to pursue the life of their dreams.
In February, POPSUGAR sat down with Smith for a wide-ranging conversation about her past, the present, and our collective future.
On Her Roots and Her Origins in Psychology
I'm originally from California, born and raised in LA. I moved to Washington, DC (where I lived for about 11 years) to study at Gallaudet University, the only deaf and hard of hearing university in the world. Honestly, at first, my career goal was to become a school counselor. I thought I would become a psychologist or a therapist. I wanted to advocate for deaf and hard of hearing youth, especially youth of color. But in terms of media and film and filmmaking? Well, that never came to mind.
From the age of five I knew that I was a creative person. I did dance, was in theater, and knew that I had creativity in me when I was in high school, but at that point I hadn't tapped into it as a career. There's this vocational rehabilitation - it's financial aid and it helps deaf and hard of hearing people go to college - but it only offered certain careers. So I thought, "OK, I have to be realistic and I've got to go into something run of the mill, be a psychologist, I need to get a good job." I remember being irritated by the lack of choice, the strict limits.
Fast forward a couple years; I started making some films, and doing photography on the side for fun. It wasn't something that I thought of as a career until 2010, when everything changed for me. I had a mentor, Dr. Jane Norman, who approached me one morning and said, "The film you have, the story you have to tell - I've just seen it, and it's everything. You should submit this film to this festival. Do it now - you've got a week." At that point I was a graduate student so I didn't really think I had time to pursue it. I had things to do at home, I had papers to write, I had tons of work - but she really planted that seed in my head.
So I just thought, "OK, I'll try it!" And I made a short film in a week; shooting, editing, captioning, sound, audio . . . all of it. And while I had no background in film, and no formal training or anything, I knew I could do it all in a week because had this innate fire inside of me and I was excited about it.
On How She Began Her Journey Toward Becoming a Filmmaker
It was a huge moment of growth for me, that I had a story to tell. I hadn't seen any women of color who are also deaf filmmakers out there - there's maybe one - so I had never felt that connection. But I still decided, "Hey, you know what, I'm going to take this risk." A month later I was accepted into the film festival, and came in fifth place. Shortly thereafter, after thinking long and hard about it, I decided to resign from my graduate program.
It was both the best and hardest decision of my life. I flew home one weekend to tell my parents, and I was really nervous - I'm the only child and my parents have high expectations for me, so I told my mom first. My mom is my heart, my role model, my best friend, and she said, "Mhmm, OK, well make sure that whatever you start, that you finish it. No matter what you do I'll be here to support you, all your dreams and passions." It was important to me not to lose that sentiment - and I haven't.
So I began making films - film after film, producing content, telling story after story. I became the main specialist, producer, and director at Gallaudet University in their communications and marketing department. For two years, I produced content for them and the last year before I moved, I was appointed by the new president of Gallaudet - the first female president in 152 years - to build out more visibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community around the world. I took that opportunity. It allowed me to build my craft as a storyteller, and because of that, BBDO recognized me and recruited me last year. And that was lifechanging for me. I'm an art director now, and the first deaf female ever to work for BBDO.
On How She Uses Technology to Power Her Creativity
I learned how to edit with iMovie - I got a Pell Grant and I was a PC user at the time and thought, "OK, I want to advance my craft somehow," so I bought a MacBook Pro and a Canon T2I Rebel and that's all I needed: my camera and my computer. I eventually moved on to Final Cut Pro X for about five years, and used that consistently - it was so easy to pick up and use and figure out how to add captions and develop the fundamentals. Then I was able to introduce the iPad Pro for when a person was signing, or sometimes I used my iPhone.
Honestly, if I want to just capture something in the moment I will shoot on my iPhone and just edit it right there. I'm always telling my clients, "I'm a really fast editor, I have a really quick turnaround - the next day, if not a few hours," and these products really helped me to do just that.
On Her Artistic Process and Her Quick Turn Around
I'm a really curious person, and I ask a ton of questions. So the conversation about what the goals are, what a client wants me to produce, what the vision is - that conversation is key.
To be a deaf person talking to a hearing person, sometimes it can be a challenge to explain your vision and not have a person fully see. And sometimes, they'll be speaking in a very linear fashion and I'll find myself elaborating details in sign language, visually, that take a lot of work to explain. But we always make it work, and then we go through our shoot, and then we do the editing and take it to the client. If they love it, then there you go, it's yours!
I can make music videos, ads, campaigns, PSAs . . . you name it. But it's always the vision first, then the story - and from there, the details always become a lot less complicated. Telling a story is allowing people to connect with a human experience, and that's always, ultimately, what my clients want.
On the Rule of Representation That She Lives By
My rule is that my films have to be with and for people of color. That's a must for me. Representation is key - and everyone always wants to talk about representation. But at the same time, people need it to feel inspired, to see that there are others out there. Whether you're young or old, the more representation the better.
There is no norm - and that's really the point. You can be found out there, and I'm especially excited about the times that we find ourselves in right now. As women, as people of color, as people with disabilities, deaf and heard of hearing, LGBTQ+, we are all growing. We are all progressing.
On the Advice She Gives to Other Women and People of Color on How to Make an Impact
To be honest, anyone could easily say, "Go ahead and do it, take the risk," but it does require a lot more than that. First, you have to know who you are, what you stand for, and what your philosophy is on things and what you want - because its your life. You have this one life, and you need to ask yourself, "How did I come up with that philosophy that got me through to where I am today?"
Even for myself, at one point I even felt like I wanted to kill myself on the freeway out in LA because of all the struggles of being a woman, struggles with sexuality, struggles with a whole host of things. I was too busy trying to match society's expectations of what I should be. But fortunately, I can say that I was woken up by that experience, from being on the floor, from learning, from talking, from speaking up for what I wanted, and from taking more risks.
Just imagine me, since that time that I was gearing up to be a counselor, and how far I've come from there. It all comes down to knowing who you are, knowing what you stand for, and continuing to celebrate who we are as women, as talented women, everywhere. We need to constantly express our stories through our work, and that work will speak for itself.
Maybe not everyone will like it, but as long as you're producing it and putting it all on the table - that's all that's required. You can walk away then with a smile on your face, because you know who you are and you put it out there.
On the Future and What She Hopes to Do For Others
True inclusion for everybody. For people who are women, for deaf women, for deaf disabled women, for deaf disabled women of color. With all the new media platforms we have available to us, we're able [to] consider full inclusion and full immersion.
By being an art director, I've been able to advance to the next level in my work, but my dream is to become a producer and director for studio work. I want to incorporate representation and the human experience that really reflects all of us. I want that to be on screen, for that to inspire people - especially deaf youth, deaf youth of color, deaf youth who are girls of color - to have them to see that and go, "Wow, I can go just as far as you can, Storm."
Many of the youth right now in our community feel limited. They want it, they're hungry, but they're limited, and they don't know how to get in. So part of my work is inspiring the next generation - and I see myself doing that going forward.
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.
WTF: A Woman Was Denied a Second Job Interview For Asking This Question
On March 13, 2017, Taylor Byrnes tweeted screenshots of the response she received from SkiptheDishes after asking about pay and benefits following her first interview at the food delivery service in Winnipeg, Canada. "Applied for a job at @SkipTheDishes. They cancelled my interview b/c I asked about wages/benefits," she wrote in a now-viral tweet.
Applied for a job at @SkipTheDishes. They cancelled my interview b/c I asked about wages/benefits @CBC @CBCNews @ctvwinnipeg #boycottSkip pic.twitter.com/CjBdnFvY1P
- . (@feministjourney) March 13, 2017
"Hi Victoria, I had another question that I wanted to ask you," Byrnes's initial email reads. "If I do end up filling this position, how much do you think I'll be getting paid an hour? Benefits will also be included, right? Sorry, I just thought I should ask now. Thanks for your time and have a lovely day," she concluded.
Screenshots show that Victoria responded, "Hello Taylor, your questions reveal that your priorities are not in sync with those of SkipTheDishes. At this time we will not be following through with our meeting this Thursday." In a follow-up email, Victoria called out qualities the company looks for in employees, including "hard work and perseverance in pursuit of company goals as opposed to focusing on compensation."
"For these reasons, questions about compensation and benefits at such an early stage is a concern related to organizational fit."
After the screenshots were posted and shared across social media, Byrnes received yet another response from the company, this time from its cofounder, who expressed disappointment with the way the situation was handled. The company also shared its screenshots on its Twitter page to rectify the backlash from people who were calling for a boycott of SkipTheDishes.
(1/2) The email to Taylor does not represent #SkipTheDishes team values. We have followed up to offer heartfelt apologies & a 2nd interview. pic.twitter.com/XKYWsHXj7P
- SkipTheDishes (@SkipTheDishes) March 14, 2017
(2/2) We do share compensation & it's OK to ask. We are coaching internally to ensure this doesn't happen again. @CBC @CBCNews @CTVWinnipeg
- SkipTheDishes (@SkipTheDishes) March 14, 2017
SkipTheDishes cofounder Joshua Simair addressed the controversy in an emailed statement to POPSUGAR, writing, "We are very disappointed in how it was handled. We do share a compensation package prior to hiring. As soon as we became aware of it on Monday, we reached out to Taylor to apologize for the email and reschedule her interview."
Simair also revealed that the company would be changing internal policies to make sure it doesn't happen again. "We've also addressed the email internally and will be providing additional training. We are very committed to our community, employees and continuing to grow and create employment opportunities in the Prairies."
Although Byrnes has received an outpouring of support for standing up for herself, there is still a dispute over whether or not her questions were appropriate to ask. Seeing as it's important for women to ask about pay upfront so that they get what they deserve, we'd say the answer is yes.
We've reached out to Byrnes for comment and will update this story if we hear back.
A Surgeon Found 17 Contact Lenses in a Patient's Eye - Then Things Got Worse
A 67-year-old patient was about to undergo cataract surgery when her surgeon discovered a "blueish mass" in her eye. As the surgeon and her colleagues injected anesthesia into the patient's eye, they removed the object - only to find that it was actually a clump of 17 contact lenses stuck together. As they inspected further, they were surprised to find an additional 10 contact lenses in the woman's eye.
The shocking discovery occurred last year; however, UK-based ophthalmologist Rupal Morjaria is now going public with the story in the hopes that it will encourage people to be more diligent about their eye care. In an interview with Optometry Today, Morjaria said, "None of us have ever seen this before. We were really surprised that the patient didn't notice it because it would cause quite a lot of irritation while it was sitting there."
Due to the possible presence of bacteria in the eye, the patient would have been at risk of serious and permanent eye damage if they would have proceeded with the surgery. As a result, the procedure was postponed. Upon speaking with her afterwards, Morjaria learned that the patient had been wearing monthly disposable lenses for 35 years and apparently didn't realize she was inserting new contacts over old ones that had not been removed.
When the patient heard the news, she was "shocked." Morjaria said, "When she was seen two weeks after I removed the lenses, she said her eyes felt a lot more comfortable. She thought her previous discomfort was just part of old age and dry eye."
Though this particular incident is rare and scary, the team at Solihull Hospital hopes it will encourage people to maintain regular optometrist appointments, which would have allowed a doctor to catch a problem like this before it became so severe. Contact lenses are incredibly common and fairly easy to use, but accidents happen.
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