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.
lundi 19 mars 2018
Can You Guess These Emoji Puns Correctly?
It's hard to imagine a world without emoji, whether it's decoding what they really mean, waiting for the new set to arrive, or thinking of ones that should exist. And even if you consider yourself an emoji pro, you're not officially one until you've taken this emoji quiz. Ahead, you'll see sets of emoji and you'll have to guess their punny meanings. If you master this quiz, consider yourself emoji literate - and then use the puns on your friends to see if they're on your level.
The 11 Creative Design Trends That Will Define 2018
Let's be honest: there are few greater pleasures in life than spotting a perfect, gorgeous, inescapable image that stays with you for days. It's what drives Instagram users to dig deep for that perfect inspiring photo, and why Pinterest continues to be the go-to destination for Zen planning. But for stock photo, video, and music agency Shutterstock - a company that specializes in that perfect image - our searching and downloading habits also help to provide an altogether different service: predicting exactly what will drive creative design over the coming weeks and months.
The 2018 edition of Shutterstock's Creative Trends Report was released on Jan. 17 and provides a huge amount of insight into what the internet loved the most last year and how the most popular searches will define design aesthetics in the year to come. Ahead, check out the 11 trends that the company predicts will "dominate" pop culture and design this year - and be sure to check out the full report over on the Shutterstock site.
Enabling This Feature on Your Amazon Echo Device Could Save Your Life
Alexa is capable of many things, including helping you with your fitness goals and getting you more organized, but there is one thing she can't do. She cannot call 911 for you in the case of an emergency. You can only communicate with those in your contacts who have their own Amazon Echo device or via the Alexa app.
However, there is a potentially life-saving skill that every Echo-device owner should enable ASAP: Ask My Buddy. Ask My Buddy is a free service on Amazon Echo and Google Home platforms that can alert anyone in your Personal Alert Network any time you need help. If your phone is out of reach and you need urgent assistance, simply say "Alexa (or "Hey Google"), Ask My Buddy to alert James," "Alexa, Ask My Buddy to send help," or "Alexa, Ask My Buddy to alert everyone." Alexa will then immediately send a text, email, and even voice call to your contact or everyone on your list alerting them to check on you right away.
This feature is a great backup for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals who live alone. To get started, pull up your Alexa app and tap on "Skills" in the menu drop down. Search "Ask My Buddy" and enable. You will then be redirected to Ask My Buddy's site to create an account and add up to five contacts to your Personal Alert Network.
Though Ask My Buddy is not a substitute for 911, it can give you peace of mind knowing that help is nearby. You never know when you'll need it!
5 Reasons Cruises Give You the Most Bang For Your Buck
If you're looking for an affordable way to travel, consider booking a cruise for your next trip. Whether you're a couple, a group of friends, or a family of five, your boarding pass is packed with value that's hard to beat with traditional vacations. On top of being reasonably priced right off the bat, there are also plenty of ways to save cash once you're on board. Look ahead for why cruises are totally worth it!
1. You only need to pay for an in-state round-trip flight.
For popular destinations like the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, cruises depart mainly from Galveston, TX, Charleston, SC, New Orleans, and multiple ports in Florida. Other destinations such as Mexico or Alaska typically require traveling to Los Angeles, CA, which still beats having to fly out of the country. However, if you're considering a European cruise, for example, you'll have to book a flight to Barcelona, Spain, where the closest port is located.
2. You can visit multiple cities, islands, and areas in one trip.
The best part about cruises hands down is the fact that you're able to see more with less effort. You don't have to worry about train rides or flights in between cities - simply wake up and find yourself in a new place. "It's a great way to maximize country exposure," Carnival Vista cruise director Matt Mitcham told POPSUGAR. "There aren't many vacations that let you hit three different ports or three different islands in six days." The one caveat is that you typically only have one day to get a taste of the area, but think of it as a sample: at the end of the trip, you can determine which places you want to return to or skip in the future.
3. It's surprisingly affordable!
For example, a five-day Eastern Caribbean sail on Carnival Triumph begins at a reasonable $282 per person. That includes your stateroom, food, ship amenities, and three port destinations all for the price of one! Prices may vary by ship, stateroom type, number of sail days, and ports, but considering the value of a single boarding pass, you're definitely getting your money's worth. Think about how much a hotel stay would cost you for five days!
4. It's all-inclusive.
Almost. Although alcohol and soft drinks (minus juices and coffee available at the buffet) aren't generally included your cabin rate, the buffet, dining room, ice cream machines, and pizzeria are. The specialty restaurants on your ship also require additional costs, but some (depending on the cruise) offer complimentary fare to guests during certain hours of the day. On Carnival Vista, for example, Jiji Asian Kitchen is a modern dining option at night while being a free Mongolian Wok during the day. If you stick to the what the cruise has to offer for free, you can actually avoid spending a dime more when you're on board.
5. One stateroom can fit up to five guests.
Don't underestimate the cozy size of your cabin - most ships feature staterooms with two additional pull-down beds and an optional trundle bed for the fifth guest. It may feel a bit cramped when your entire family is in the room at once, but honestly, you won't be spending much time in there. Think of it as an area solely for getting ready and sleeping and a great bonding experience.
Travel and accommodations paid for in part by Carnival Cruise Line for the purpose of writing this story.
24 Helpful Travel Hacks to Make Flying Stress-Free
For some people, flying is just another way to get around. For others . . . it kind of feels like you're tempting fate every time you're within 50 feet of a plane. If the bumps on your flight make you anxious - or worse, sick to your stomach - then follow a few simple tips that real flyers gave us on how to have a stress-free plane ride and travel experience in general. Try these tips and some helpful airport hacks, and you may even end up looking forward to your flight.
For Anxiety:
- Be prepared: Pack completely the night before so that you can get a good night's sleep without worrying about last-minute details. Get to the airport earlier so you aren't stressed out about time.
- Know your facts: Read plane crash statistics and facts, because, statistically speaking, crashes are extremely rare. Remind yourself that it's safer to fly than to drive, and research why you shouldn't be afraid of turbulence.
- Get comfortable: Once you board the plane, do your best to get comfortable immediately. Adjust the air conditioning, have a snack or some water, read a book or magazine, take deep breaths, and try to relax.
- Sleep: Consider taking Dramamine or an antianxiety medicine that may help you sleep. If you're sleeping, you can't be nervous!
- Fly during the day: Sometimes flying during the day (when possible) is less stressful because it can lessen the feeling of being closed in, which tends to be worse in the blackness of night.
- Make friends: If you are a really nervous flyer, then try striking up a conversation with a stranger and let them know that you are nervous. This can be a good conversation starter and a useful distraction - especially during takeoff. Even if the plane hits turbulence during the flight, that person can help reassure you.
- Use your imagination: Imagine the plane landing safely on the ground every time you're nervous.
- Enjoy a beverage: A preflight cocktail (and if necessary, a midflight cocktail) can be helpful.
- Expect issues: Especially when traveling over the holidays, always expect delays. That way, you aren't stressed out, upset, or surprised when they inevitably happen. In fact, when and if your flight takes off on time, it will feel like a pretty big victory.
- Make a playlist: Listen to calming music that will help you relax and sleep.
- Distract yourself: If takeoffs are what cause you the most anxiety, find a good podcast - something with a calming voice or something funny - and turn it up loud enough to drown out surrounding noise (but not loud enough to drive your neighbor nuts!), or play a game on your device that requires all of your attention (preferably with a timer) so that you can't look away and don't even notice the takeoff.
- Block it all out: Use noise-canceling headphones to block out noises and distract yourself with books, music, magazines, podcasts, movies, or TV shows.
- Use calming techniques: Wear something around your wrist that you can jangle, pull, or snap, which can distract you just enough to get through the takeoff or turbulence.
- Rationalize: Think about the fact that all the flight attendants in the plane fly nearly every day, and they are all perfectly fine.
For Motion Sickness:
- Ginger is key: If you are prone to motion sickness, drink ginger ale or eat ginger chews to soothe your stomach.
- Eat mints or chew gum: Sometimes the coolness and freshness of mints, mint gum, mint tea, or Tic Tacs can help relieve some nausea. Chewing gum can also help, but avoid sugarfree gum, which can upset your stomach. Cinnamon gum, like Big Red, is a good option.
- Buy a motion sickness band: A motion sickness band uses acupressure to stimulate your body's ability to fight off nausea.
- Don't read: Avoid any kind of reading, including any phone applications, when taking off and landing and during periods of turbulence.
- Drink water: Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid alcoholic beverages or coffee.
- Take Dramamine: Try taking Dramamine about an hour before you will be on the plane.
- Find a fixed point: If the takeoff, landing, or plane ride is bumpy, keep your eyes on the horizon so that you're focused on a fixed point.
- Plan ahead: For the 12 hours before you'll be traveling, stick to simple, easy-to-digest foods, avoiding lettuce, nuts, and any kind of dairy.
- Breathe! Try taking deep breaths, which will help to relax the muscles that tend to contract when you're feeling sick.
- Bring a fan: Pack a portable fan! Keeping yourself cool can do wonders for motion sickness.
7 Health and Fitness Commands You Didn't Know You Could Use Alexa For
Anyone with an Amazon Echo device is most likely not using it to its full potential. Aside from being a fun companion, Alexa is capable of doing more than you could ever imagine from calling you Ubers and helping you with math to helping you get fit. She can be your fitness coach, meditation guru, and everything in between. See some of her best health and fitness commands below! And remember, you can always jump straight into any of the individual skills.
"Alexa, help me sleep."
Forget counting sheep - Alexa can help you drift off with soothing ambient noises like these below.
- Ambient sounds - Rain Sounds
- Ambient sounds - Fan Sounds
- Ambient sounds - Babbling Brook
- Sleep sounds - White Noise
- Sleep sounds - Beautiful Dream
"Alexa, let's work out."
Bet you didn't know you had your own personal trainer right at home. Alexa will guide you through quick, doable workouts that you can squeeze into your busy schedule. She'll tell you the name of each move, the number of repetitions, and for how long. If you're unfamiliar with the exercise, say "Help," and Alexa will walk you through it step by step. And the best part? No equipment required.
- Five-Minute Workout: This quick core-and-cardio workout starts with a brief warmup and fires up your abs.
- Five-Minute Plank Workout: Strengthen your core with this awesome workout that features six sets with short breaks in between. You can even ask Alexa to play the music of your choice to really get you in the zone.
- Seven-Minute Workout: In just seven minutes, burn fat, increase your metabolism, and up your energy with scientifically proven exercises.
- My Workouts: Alexa can create custom workouts for you based on your fitness levels and goals. Not only do you get to enjoy upbeat music with this one, but My Workouts also keeps track of your weight to show you your progress. You also have the choice of choosing "Generic Workout" if you don't want any personalization.
- Random Workout: Enjoy common exercises that can easily be done at home in between commercial breaks.
"Alexa, help me relax."
Need help unwinding? Alexa will ask you to choose from a few different skills like those below.
- Sleep sounds - Thunderstorm Sounds
- Sleep sounds - Babbling Brook
- Ambient sounds - Ocean Sounds
- Ambient sounds - Fireplace Sounds
- Ambient sounds - Rain Forest Sounds
"Alexa, open guided meditation."
Check in daily for the meditation of the day, led by a soothing voice that's not Alexa. Expect short exercises like the six-minute "Soften and Relax" meditation, which begins with you lying comfortably on your bed.
"Alexa, ask Fitbit how I'm doing today."
Find out exactly how you're tracking by connecting your Fitbit to your Echo device. Alexa will tell you how many more steps you need to hit your goal, how well you slept, and more.
"Alexa, open BreatheTherapy."
Whenever you're feeling anxious or stressed, or just need to Zen out for a little, ask Alexa to start this breathing exercise. You'll be instructed to breathe for a certain number of counts and to pay attention to the rise and fall of your chest and belly.
"Alexa, open HiFit."
All you need for these guided HIIT workouts is your body. Designed by an experienced fitness coach and trainer, HiFit features 10- to 15-minute workouts for your entire body or single muscle groups, depending on what you're looking for.
To see everything Alexa can do, check out the full list of health and fitness skills she's capable of on Amazon.
17 Ways to Save Major Money at Disneyland
Your favorite place on the planet doesn't have to be the most expensive one. If you go to Disneyland armed with some helpful tips and tricks and these 17 hacks for saving major money, you'll get to experience all the Disney magic without going broke.
Every Royal Bride Has a Sprig of This 1 Flower in Her Bouquet
Spring is well and truly sprung! So what better way to celebrate than by taking a look at all of the royal family's favorite flowers. Which ones have a special meaning for Prince Harry? Which blooms does the queen have on her desk? And what was the secret meaning behind Kate's bridal bouquet? From blossom-drenched weddings to private palace gardens and poignant plantings to meaningful decades-long passion projects, we've rounded up all the royal flower inspiration you'll ever need.
15 Awesome Things to Do in Tokyo
There is no city in the world like Tokyo. The lights, smells, colors, and sounds of the capital of Japan are anything but subdued. And with a population of over 9 million inhabitants and 20 million visitors a year, of course there are many intriguing things to do and experience here. It's a city you'll never get bored in, but also a place that has so many options, you might get overwhelmed with what to see and do first. It's great for foodies, adventure seekers, treasure hunters, and those who want a sensory overload. For a nice mixture of kawaii and traditional, here are 15 things you must do while visiting Tokyo.
15 Glorious Pics That Prove Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen Are Soul Mates
Some friendships are ones you can aspire to, while others - like the one between Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen - are simply out of a dream. You've probably seen pictures of them hanging together and audibly giggled at their adventures or admired their ability to truly be there for each other as friends.
The pair, who met on the set of X-Men in 1999, are no strangers to talking about their friendship and sharing important parts of their life with each other. After all, Ian did officiate Patrick's wedding to Sunny Ozell in 2013. "We fell into each other's arms because of our similarities in our career, and because of our age and because we like the same sort of things," said McKellen to The Huffington Post about their relationship.
Look ahead to see some of our favorite moments they've shared together - it might make you wish you were their friend too.
The 1 Thing Chip Gaines Says You Must Do Before Painting Anything
Chip Gaines had been a successful contractor long before Fixer Upper shot him into superstardom, so he knows a few things about painting houses. We caught up with Chip at a KILZ Brand paint demonstration (he's a rep for the company), where he had one big piece of advice for anyone considering painting: always start with primer. Chip says starting with primer is like laying a strong foundation for your project; even if it takes a little extra time, it's worth it so that the rest of the project is set up right.
"A lot of people think primer is unnecessary and will only add time to their project, so they skip it. That's a huge mistake," Chip said. "If you're going to do a project right, priming is essential. It not only covers up unsightly marks but also ensures you have the perfect foundation to achieve your ideal finish." Chip emphasizes the color of your paint itself will actually be more accurate, apply better, and last longer when you use primer. And this isn't exclusive to walls. Furniture, cabinetry, and trim should all receive a coat of primer before paint, especially if you're going for a dramatic color change.
To emphasize his point, Chip shared a story from when he and Joanna were first married. He had purchased a wreck of a house for them to move into after they wed, thinking they could renovate it and make it their own. When they returned from their honeymoon, he carried Joanna over the threshold and into an embarrassing dump. The walls were dirty and stained, and the college kids who had lived there prior hadn't even bothered to clean their food out of the refrigerator when they moved. The electricity had been shut off since then, and the food had been rotting in the Texas Summer heat, so the entire house stank. It wasn't the romantic newlywed home he had hoped to start his marriage off in.
Disappointed but undeterred, Chip began cleaning up the property. After giving the walls a good wipe-down, he applied primer to them to hide the party stains and seal rotten food, stale smoke, and other bad odors in the wall. From there, Chip and Joanna added a beautiful color to the wall, ripped out the carpeting, and set out renovating the house into their first home. To this day, he swears by primer. "Nothing helps us hit the refresh button during renovation projects quite like a fresh coat of primer."
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by KILZ for the purpose of writing this story.
These Abandoned Disney Park Photos Look Like Scenes From a Postapocalyptic World
When we think of Disney World, "creepy" doesn't usually come to mind. But photos of Walt Disney World's first water park, called Disney's River Country, are making us rethink just how sugary sweet all things Disney-related really are. The park, now abandoned, opened in 1976 and closed up shop 25 years later. Just last year, a pool within the park was filled with concrete.
Photojournalist Seph Lawless, who explores eerie abandoned locations all over the country, captured images inside the Orlando park, from vine-covered bridges to overgrown trees and mud-laden former water slides. Admidst the ruins, you can still imagine the former glory of the park, but that glory has long since been lost.
Lawless included the Disney park's images in his book, Abandoned: Hauntingly Beautiful Deserted Theme Parks. Take a look at the apocalypse-like scene at Disney World's first water park ahead, and follow Seph's work on his Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
15 Easy Ways to Make an Old Home Look Like New
This past weekend, my husband and I moved from the 94-year-old home we've been renting in the Berkeley Hills to a 58-year-old home around the corner. I have always had a soft spot for old homes - the architecture, the charm, the doorknobs! - but they definitely come with their quirks. Love 'em or hate 'em - if you're living in an old house, you know there are some issues to contend with. Read on to find a list of 15 (relatively) quick fixes to make your old home feel new again.
9 Ways You Can Go on a Cruise While Barely Spending a Dime on Board
Cruises are a great travel option for several reasons: they're mostly all-inclusive, you're able to hit multiple ports on a single trip, and they give you more bang for your buck overall. On top of many being fairly affordable to begin with, there are more ways you can save money once you're on board. And if you stick to what's included in your boarding pass, it's possible to avoid spending all together once you're sailing. Here are nine ways you can cruise on a tight budget.
- Bring your own wine and soda. Most cruises allow guests to bring up to one bottle of wine or champagne on board. I suggest enjoying it in your cabin rather than bringing it to the dining room to avoid corkage fees. You also have the option of bringing up to 12 sealed cans of soda in your carry-on to drink throughout your sail, since soft drinks are often an additional cost.
- Fill up on all the pizza and ice cream. Take full advantage of the 24-hour soft serve machines and complimentary pizza served on your ship. Your midnight snack and daily dessert are already covered right there.
- Unplug. Unless you're planning to get some work done, consider disconnecting for the duration of your sail. Not only is WiFi pricey, but it's also not as fast as you're used to while you're out in the middle of the ocean.
- Know what your ship offers for free. Your boarding pass usually includes free meals at the buffet, meals in the dining room, certain room service items, and free slices at the pizzeria and complimentary soft serve ice cream on some ships. However, all it takes is a little extra digging to see what else is available for no additional cost.
- Keep alcohol to a minimum. Alcohol is not included in your stay and this is where many guests end up splurging the most. All those cocktails can really add up by the end of the week, so consider signing up for an unlimited drinks package if a sober sail is out of the question. I recommend pre-purchasing your package before your sail date since it's typically cheaper than when you buy on board. And that way, you can start getting your money's worth ASAP.
- Pack buffet food on port days. Before disembarking at your destination, fill up on breakfast at the buffet and bring some bites for the road. Bananas, muffins, and mini boxes of cereal are great to snack on while exploring.
- Explore on your own instead of booking an excursion. Excursions can cost you around $50 to $150 per person. Not only does a DIY adventure save you major cash, but you'll also be able to avoid having to stick with a large group. Do some port research beforehand and pick your own activities.
- Save unfinished wine for the next night. If you order a bottle of wine at dinner and don't end up drinking it all, ask your waiter to cork it for when you return. They'll write your name on it and have it ready for you the next evening.
- Control yourself at the casino. One of my personal favorite cruise features is the casino (depending on the cruise), but that's also where most of my cash ends up. If you can, avoid it all together or set a strict spending limit at the very least.
Forget Stressful Store Shopping - Pick Up All Your Favorite Easter Candy on Amazon This Year
Instead of scrambling to pick up all your Easter goodies last minute this year, get your shopping done ahead of time. We looked to Amazon because there's no better feeling than having your items delivered right to your doorstep. The online retailer has a wide variety of sweet choices, from vegan chocolate bunnies to fun Pez dispensers, so ditch the last-minute store shopping and get all your kid's favorites here.
Photographer Shares Heartbreaking Photos of 2-Year-Old Who Died Waiting For a Heart Transplant
Two heartbroken parents are sharing a group of very private photos of their family's last moments with their 2-year-old daughter, who passed away waiting for a heart transplant. Adalynn, who was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), was being assisted by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) - a mechanical pump implanted inside a person's chest that helps a weakened heart pump blood. Although these pumps can be lifesaving, Adalynn unfortunately experienced complications as a result of her LVAD and developed a dangerous blood clot, which traveled to her brain, leaving her brain-damaged and therefore rendering her ineligible for a heart transplant.
Suha Dabit - a photographer, the founder of World of Broken Hearts, and mom to a daughter who received a heart transplant - captured Adalynn's final moments with her parents, Justin and Kristi, and her three siblings, and the photos will absolutely wreck you.
"I have been in their shoes. This could have very easily have been us," Suha, who knows firsthand what it's like watching your child go through heart failure, told POPSUGAR. "I felt Kristi's unconditional love for Addy and the excruciating pain. It was hard, I could barely hold it together. I left with a piece of my heart missing. I wish no family would ever have to go through this, but it happens, every day. Although I knew it would be extremely hard to take these images, I knew that these would be their last memories of her captured."
Suha originally shared the photos to the World of Broken Hearts Facebook page, where she included some eye-opening CHD statistics. She wrote:
I could tell you about the approximately 40,000 babies that are born every year with a congenital heart defect. That is roughly 1 in 100 newborns, every year. I could tell you about the half a heart that Adalynn was born with or the many [other] congenital heart defects that effect so many children across the globe. I could tell you about how underfunded CHD research is. I could tell you how babies with CHD's require a heart transplant at some point in their lives, why and what you could do to help. I could tell you that Adalynn is one of the 20 people that die every day waiting for a transplant. Or, I could tell you about my perspective of what it was like being in that room to document their last moments together as a family of six.
But there aren't any words to describe the pain and love I witnessed. CHD claims so many lives, too many lives. It tears families apart and forces siblings to grow up way too fast. It changes you in every aspect of your life, and to the very core of our heart and soul. It is hard, difficult and unfair. This. This is the reality for many CHD families every day.
In the gut-wrenching bunch of images, you can feel the family's anguish and heartbreak, knowing that in a few moments, they'd be removing Addy's LVAD and watching her pass on.
"I know they will hate and love looking at these images forever," Suha said. "I offer all the families I photograph in the hospital to keep the images I take private. I am thankful that Kristi and Justin allowed me to share such intimate moments of their family with the world, to spread so much needed CHD and organ donation awareness. This is CHD. These pictures are as raw and real as it comes. We need a cure. We need research funding."
Copycat! 18 Homemade Versions of Classic Canned Soups
Growing up, canned soup was always my quick and easy go-to meal; I even went through a phase where I would only eat Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup every night for dinner. Now that I'm older and more skilled in the kitchen, canned soup only makes an appearance when I'm feeling under the weather and can barely muster up the energy to actually cook. As colder weather moves in, I find myself craving the comfort of canned soup but with my own personal culinary touch. These recipes embrace all of the yumminess of those canned classics but with a homemade touch that takes the flavor to the next level.
20 Songs You'll Jam Out to While Watching Netflix's On My Block
At first glance, Netflix's On My Block might seem like another run-of-the-mill coming-of-age drama. But thanks to some exceptional performances from the diverse talented young cast and storylines that will alternately make you laugh out loud and break your heart, it ends up being a whole lot more than that. Not to mention: season one's soundtrack is absolute fire. Whether you're still on the fence about watching, in the midst of binging it all, or still dealing with that shocking finale, these songs from the show are here to guide you through it.
Mayim Bialik's Advice For Her 22-Year-Old Self: "Your Gut Instinct Is Always Right"
Mayim Bialik is best known for her role on the 1990s NBC sitcom Blossom but has been critically acclaimed for her role as Amy Farrah Fowler over the last eight years on the CBS hit show The Big Bang Theory, a show for which she holds a Critics' Choice Award and numerous Emmy and SAG Award nominations. The actress also has a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA and is the mother of two young boys, the mastermind behind Groknation.com, and the author of three titles, her most recent release out on May 9 via Penguin Books titled Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular.
dimanche 18 mars 2018
Consider This Wishful Thinking, but What If the Flash-Forwards on This Is Us Aren't Real?
Warning: This Is Us season two spoilers ahead.
This Is Us was jam-packed with emotional moments during the season two finale, but nothing comes close to the final few minutes of the episode. During three shocking flash-forwards, we learn that Toby is extremely depressed, Kevin is dating Beth's cousin Zoe, and Randall is getting ready to visit a mysterious "her" with his grown-up daughter Tess.
While it's unclear who exactly the "her" is, fans have already started imagining the worst. Is Beth dead? Is Deja in prison? Is Annie sick? However, we have a different theory. What if the flash-forward isn't actually a flash-forward at all? What if it's actually a "worse-case scenario"?
During the episode, Randall and Beth play a "worse-case scenario" game in which they spitball horrible hypothetical situations to make themselves feel better about the present. We already know that the writers love their hidden Easter eggs, so what if the simple game is actually a clue for future episodes? It's possible that the flash-forward, or at least some of the flash-forwards, are what could be rather than what already is.
Perhaps that will be part of the journey of season three: trying to figure out what is real and not real. The show's creator, Dan Fogelman, did say that they are going to play with timelines a lot next season. Not to mention, there has already been talk about introducing an alternate timeline on the show.
If this theory does end up being true, season three will be one crazy ride.
Literally Just 200+ Photos of Shirtless Charlie, Ben, Oscar, and Garrett Having a Blast on the Beach!
You may have thought today would just be a normal, regular day. You definitely didn't think today would be the day that you'd get to see a shirtless Charlie Hunnam, Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Garrett Hedlund rolling around on the beach together. On Thursday, the actors were photographed in Hawaii while prepping for their new Netflix movie, Triple Frontier, an action-adventure flick set in the border zone between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. The hunky quartet were seen snorkeling, playing on underwater scooters, body boarding, and generally having a blast.
At one point, jujitsu fanatic Charlie took down Garrett in the ocean for an impromptu wrestling session while a bronzed-looking Oscar stood by and laughed; the Sons of Anarchy star also took time out to snap selfies with a bikini-clad fan. Ben showed off his massive back tattoo while training with lifeguards.
Back in July 2017, Ben actually dropped out of the project to focus on his health and family and was reported to be replaced by Mark Wahlberg. He must have had a change of heart at some point since he was seen on the beach with his costars, but we'll likely know more when the film officially begins filming in May. For now, please, please enjoy over 200 photos of Charlie, Ben, Garrett, and Oscar having a playful beach day - you can thank us later!
12 Guys Who've Been Fortunate Enough to Call Emma Watson Their Girlfriend
After much speculation, it looks like Emma Watson and Chord Overstreet are officially dating. The two were recently spotted walking hand in hand in LA, and we can't get over how happy they look together. We still don't know when or how their romance came to be, but Chord isn't the first handsome guy Emma has dated. From actors to fellow Oxford University students, Emma has attracted some good-looking men over the years. Just take a look for yourself!
Greg Berlanti ALSO Wishes Love, Simon Came Out Sooner - Here's Why It Still Matters
Image Source: Getty / Amanda Edwards
On March 16, the gay coming-of-age tale Love, Simon will finally hit theaters. The release marks a special moment in cinematic history. There have been few big-studio films with an LGBTQ+ person at the center, especially when it comes to a younger audience. This is a powerful story for any person of any age, chock-full of emotional scenes and the touching reassurance that it's OK to be yourself, no matter what.
In the days leading up to the film's debut, I sat down with director Greg Berlanti to talk about this critical benchmark. When it comes to LGBTQ+ onscreen storytelling, Berlanti is a veritable legend. He's been cultivating and presenting LGBTQ+ characters for 15 years; his influence has brought important representation to scores of projects, from Dawson's Creek all the way to Riverdale. Suffice it to say, there couldn't have been a better person at the helm of Love, Simon.
Love, Simon's impact is easy to identify, but I wanted to know when the importance of the project actually struck Berlanti. Was it the first time he read the script? The first day on set?
"I didn't viscerally feel that feeling, almost as an audience [member] more than as a director, until after about a week of shooting," Berlanti explained. "I went to look back at the footage, and I stopped watching it very quickly as a director and started to watch it as an openly gay person. And crying in happy scenes and wondering, 'Why am I emotional?' And showing it to my friends who are also gay, and seeing them have the same kind of [reaction]. I think it was just the power of representation. It needed to be up on its feet before I could feel that."
Image Source: Everett Collection
In talking to Berlanti, I had to bring up a frequent complaint I'd heard in the past handful of months. Yes, Love, Simon is a heartwarming and sweet film. Yes, it's an important film to have in the LGBTQ+ cinematic vault. But there's a nagging feeling that it should have come out a long time ago. The reality is, Simon's story may have mattered even more if it had come out one decade or two decades ago, when it was much harder for young gay men to come out of the closet. What did Berlanti have to say to all these people who wish Love, Simon had been made sooner?
"I agree with them," Berlanti said in response. "I wish it had, too. I wish it had come out 30 years earlier, so I could have seen it at 15. That being said, everyone's going to bring their own story to this story. Everyone does when they walk into a movie theater or they watch a TV show. Some of that you can let in when you're making it. Most of it, you can't think about."
Berlanti has a point. In broader strokes, this is more than a story about a young gay man coming out. It's about being yourself and owning your authentic identity.
"Keep doing your best, and keep doing what feels truthful to you."
To take the point further, there are still plenty of places, inside and outside the United States, where it's not OK to be gay. A gay man living in a liberal Los Angeles neighborhood and a gay man living in a conservative pocket of Arkansas will have completely different reactions to the film. Sure, some people needed it 10, 20, or 30 years ago. But plenty of people still need it now. And plenty more people will absolutely need it in the future.
"You know, you can only bring your truth to it," Berlanti continued. "I've been fortunate enough to be a part of helping create LGBT characters on television for the last 15 years. And there have been times in that - when you're helping create change - there are some people it's not gay enough for, and some people it's too gay for. All you can do is just keep doing your best, and keep doing what feels truthful to you."
With the full force of 20th Century Fox behind Love, Simon, it's clear that Berlanti is pushing LGBTQ+ storytelling in ways that it's never been pushed before. As he mentioned, though, he's been at this for 15 years. I asked what it was like back then, when LGBTQ+ representation was sparse. Did getting these characters on TV seem insurmountable? As it turns out, this progression hearkens back to one of the most important moments in LGBTQ+ TV history: the gay kiss on Dawson's Creek.
"Change is totally possible, and it happens really quick."
"I was working on Dawson's Creek at the time, and they asked me to take over running the show," Berlanti recalled. "I said, 'OK, I'll do it, but I want this gay character [Jack] and that gay character [Ethan] to have a kiss.' And they said, 'We'll talk about it at the end of the season.' And the end of the season came, and they said, 'Oh, can you do it next season?' And I said no. And they said, 'Well, we're not going to let you.'"
That's how it goes, right? In this case, it was Berlanti's willingness to walk away that changed the network's mind. "I said 'OK, well, I'm not going to be in my office, because I quit,'" he continued. "And they said, 'No, no, no, we'll let you do it. We'll let you do it, but you have to put the camera across the street' - I'm not kidding! - 'and it can shoot them from a distance.' And you know, I moved it as close as I could. But within three or four years, I had executives telling me to add more kisses, and more gay kisses, to the stories we were working on. So, change is totally possible, and it happens really quick."
Now, 18 years after that fateful kiss on Dawson's Creek, we have Love, Simon. With so much change in just that time alone, Berlanti's words could not ring truer. Change is totally possible. Who knows where we'll be in another 18 years? I can't wait to find out.
This Star Wars Art Will Make You Wonder Why Disney Princesses Don't Carry Lightsabers
You're not over seeing amazing Disney/Star Wars mashup art yet, right? Good, because we found some new ones that have us senselessly fangirling all over again.
Illustrator Phill Berry recently shared his take on the Disney princesses as Star Wars characters, wherein they're rugged, lightsaber-wielding Jedi badasses.
Featuring Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Belle - for now - the illustrations also include the princesses' respective sidekicks! For example, Ariel is shown with a hovering drone that is meant to resemble Flounder, and Belle is accompanied by her beau, the Beast - who in the Star Wars universe is most likely a Wookiee.
See the incredible illustrations that are kind of making us wish they cast Jasmine in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Once You See These Wedding Hashtags, You'll Have No Trouble Coming Up With Your Own
It's definitely not easy coming up with a fun, cute, and quirky hashtag for your wedding. It can be so difficult that a company exists to do the hard work for you! But if you're still trying to come up with the hashtag on your own, take a look at some of the most creative ones we've found. All of these are based off of real weddings, so it's totally doable to think of one!
We're Rooting For the Author of a Brutally Honest Yelp Review, and the Reason Will Surprise You
Matthew Goodyear admits he's not one for posting Yelp reviews each and every time he eats out, but after a morning of serious self-reflection, he knew it was time for his first post. After the 27-year-old finally realized that he was losing an ongoing battle with alcohol, he decided to open up about his struggle in a brutally honest Yelp review of a little place called Pignone's Café.
"I realized that Oct. 23, 2017 was Day 1 of my sobriety. I am an alcoholic and an addict, and I finally accepted those two things while I was sitting at the corner table of this café at 6 a.m. hungover with a five-hour car ride ahead of me. Step 1 of the 12 Step Program is acceptance. It was in this place that I finally accepted what I am. I can finally move on with my life and deal with my issues. I will be OK. Eventually," he wrote.
Those who struggle with alcoholism know just how vicious of a cycle it can be. You drink to blow off steam or simply to forget the embarrassing things you did or said the last time you were drunk - and that's when it really gets messy. Goodyear explained just how bad it can get: "I hit rock bottom for the first time in NYC in October 2013. Then I hit a new low, my current rock bottom, last October. It was scary. Still is, actually. Massive panic attack. Couldn't sleep for four straight days. It was brutal. That made me turn to drinking even [more.] That's not the solution to anyone's problems. Certainly not any of mine."
He also reminded readers that alcoholism and addiction affect way more lives than just the person drinking:
[October is my mom's] favorite month for many reasons. Least of which is probably the fact she was born then. Anyway, her new favorite reason to love October can be because it is when I finally stopped drinking. She has wanted me to stop for a long time. Longer than anyone else. Forever, really. She didn't want me to start. It runs in the family, on both sides, with both of my parents, unfortunately. Neither of them are, but it's a slippery slope. I slipped immediately. Sophomore year of high school. I liked it way too much, right away. Being a beer pong beast didn't help, but it always turned me into an animal. That's not how I will act moving forward. That is a very good thing.
Other than detailing the challenges many people are too afraid to admit they deal with each and every day, Goodyear had some practical advice for anyone who plans to visit Pignone's Café: "The people are nice, and most importantly, the food is great . . . Two thumbs up, five stars, whatever. Go to this place. Support their business. They take plastic, and there is a Bank of America right next to it. I went to the ATM so I could leave a 100 percent tip on my meal. I am not bragging. I am also not rich. Not even close. But they deserved it. Perfection."
Talk about an honest review.
Kat Von D's All-Black Flower Garden Is Magical AF
Kat Von D holds many titles: tattoo boss, makeup maven, animal rights activist, and now, goth gardener. If you follow her on Instagram, you've undoubtedly caught a glimpse of the all-black flower garden she's cultivating in her home. And while the idea of a colorless garden might sound dreary, it actually has the opposite effect. It feels pretty damn magical. Seeing a black sunflower, for instance, is like a unicorn sighting. Surrounded by lush greenery - and the occasional gargoyle - the garden feels almost mythical in its beauty. We've rounded up some of the most breathtaking moments from her epic garden. Take a virtual stroll and we promise you'll be a goth garden convert!
22 Stunning Space Tattoos That Go to Infinity and Beyond
Anyone who freaks out over the incredible things NASA does - like flying by Pluto - is most likely thinking of getting something a little more permanent to solidify their love of space. Since we understand that this love exists like no other, we've rounded up some stunning tattoos zeroing in on constellations, the solar system, and astronauts.
Enjoy the inspiration for your next permanent ink, and don't be afraid to combine your love of the outer limits with other passions, like science or Harry Potter.
30 Screenshots That Prove Old People Are the Best Part of Facebook
It's a wonderful thing when senior citizens keep up with the times - there are so many great tools available to them online! From games that exercise the brain to the latest world news, the Internet is an awesome resource for people of all ages. But social media is a brave new world, and it can lead to serious confusion for many of the elderly users who are bold enough to create accounts. While there are tons of grandparents who are active on Facebook, there will always be a few who don't quite get it . . . and luckily, the results are often hilarious. These 30 screenshots from Reddit's OldPeopleFacebook subreddit prove that seniors are the funniest part of Facebook, and they don't give a damn. Get it, Grandmaster Flash - I mean, Grandma.
Meow! The 47 Best Cat GIFs of All Time
Not like you needed a reason to look at adorable, hilarious cats, but it's 100 percent proven fact that they make you happy. So, to exponentially improve your life, we found the best feline GIFs the Internet has seen. Peep them, love them, live them.
Source: Getty
People Are Calling Vero the New Instagram - but Is It Worth the Hype?
Seemingly overnight, my Twitter timeline and Instagram feed suddenly became filled with posts about friends who were joining some mysterious social platform called Vero. "Good lord, not another one," I thought, scrolling past the multitude of "Join me on Vero!" posts. It reminded me of the hype surrounding the launches of Google+, Vine, and Periscope - each began with fervor but eventually faded into relative disuse.
But for the sake of maintaining my own status as a hip millennial (and helping keep you in the know), I've gone ahead and done some research on Vero. What's the deal with the new social media sensation? Here's what you need to know.
What is it?
Vero is a "true social" platform that launched in 2015 as an answer to people seeking a more authentic online social experience. Vero describes itself as "a social network for anyone who loves anything enough to share it - and wants control over who they share it with. Just like we do in real life." The platform allows users to share movies, TV, music, books, places, photos, and links . . . just like most other social platforms.
How is it different from other social media platforms?
The major draw to Vero is the way it easily allows for more selective sharing. You categorize every person you connect with on Vero into one of four buckets based on your relationship: close friend, friend, acquaintance, or follower. Then, you can pick and choose which connection buckets to share each update with.
Also, because of its subscription-based model (more on that to come), Vero is an ad-free interface. When you're used to auto-play ads and endless sponsored content on your feed, it's a nice change.
Why is it taking off right now?
There are several reasons Vero has skyrocketed in popularity lately, not the least of which is the fact that Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter insist on nonchronological feed algorithms despite massive user backlash, driving many people to seek a new space for social solace. These same algorithms have also made it harder for influencers to monetize their content due to lack of visibility, so they're jumping ship in hopes that Vero will offer a better social landscape. Plus, the recent removal of the Sarahah app from Apple and Google stores has left some users with a desire for something new and exciting in the social space.
Is it actually worth ditching Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter?
According to the first batches of reviews on other forms of social media . . . no. Some of the common complaints include major user-interface issues and a general lack of posted content. Then again, no social experience is worthwhile until it attracts a larger user base, so perhaps Vero will improve as more people join.
What's the catch?
One of the buzziest points about Vero is that only the first 1 million users will be able to enjoy the app for free. People who join after the app hits its 1M-user mark will have to pay an annual subscription fee.
There has also been viral backlash about the platform's terms of service and with the controversial sources of its funding.
What are people saying about it?
Keep reading for some of the many reactions to Vero since its popularity began to soar, then get the scoop on other popular apps like HQ Trivia and #Twinning.
Play All Your Favorite '80s and '90s Video Games Online For Free
Your inner child is going to totally freak out once you find out that almost 2,400 MS-DOS games are available to play online for free. Straight from the '80s and '90s, games like Oregon Trail, Master of Orion, and Donkey Kong are just a click away thanks to the Internet Archive. The site is best known for its Wayback Machine, a repository filled with pictures of old websites. Now you have instant access to thousands of favorite computer games from the past - just try not to die from typhoid or cholera as you ride your wagon to the west.
The 13 Best AR Apps and Games You Need to Download Right Now
Augmented reality – or AR, as it's more commonly known – is one of those things that lots of people talk about, but very few actually understand. Aside from being the phrase that was (loosely) used to denote the real-life component of Pokémon Go, or used to describe the 3D bitmoji that now live in Snapchat, it's the underlying technology that allows you to mash up real life and the imaginary by simply pointing your phone's camera lens at the world around you. And with the release of Apple's iOS 11, the ability to use it comes standard on every Apple device – and it's high time we all start using the rad new technology we've got at our fingertips more often.
To help you out a bit, we've tested a whole lot of the app offerings in the App Store in to come up with the very best in AR apps and games that are available to download right now. Ahead, click through 13 of these delightfully future-forward apps – all of which will help you get cracking on being the first of your friends to master the latest in ubercool tech.
The 11 Coolest Train Trips in the World
Travel can feel rushed these days as we seek the fastest way to get from here to there. Fortunately, the lost joy of traveling by train is making a comeback. People are rediscovering the pleasure of watching changing landscapes from the tracks and enjoying parts of a country that they would've otherwise missed. It's a way to slow down and revisit the old-world charm of traveling from city to city. There are stunning train routes around the world, from the United States and Canada to Scotland and India - here are 11 once-in-a-lifetime options that you should experience.
These Throwback Photos of HGTV Hosts Will Have You Saying, "OMG"
Sure, HGTV's most famous personalities are glamorous now - but was it always so? Thanks to social media, it's possible to know what the network's popular hosts looked like back in the day.
It turns out that when it comes to falling victim to '80s trends and '90s hairstyles, HGTV's stars are really just like us. Read on for a trip back in time with Fixer Upper's Joanna and Chip Gaines, the Property Brothers, and many more!
Drapple Is a Thing All Harry Potter Fans Need to Know About Right F*cking Now
Harry Potter fans are many things. Creative, brilliant, hilarious, and sometimes, we're a little weird. I talked with Tom Felton aka Draco Malfoy at the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hollywood, and I obviously had to ask him the most important hard-hitting question of all: what's his favorite pair to ship in the Harry Potter world? When he asked me if I knew what "Drapple" was, everything I thought I knew about Harry Potter, Harry Potter fans, the internet, and life in general flew out the window. Basically, Drapple is a romantic relationship pairing that fans ship, or pull for, and it involves Draco Malfoy and an apple. A green one, like the one that started this madness in a scene in Prizoner of Azkaban. I actually felt like a terrible fan for not knowing about this, um, unique ship, which people argue is canon because, OK technically it is.
He does caress one lovingly in The Half-Blood Prince as he pulls it out of the Vanishing Cabinet. And the way he bites into that crisp, juicy fruit in The Prisoner of Azkaban does seem sexy, I guess? Sh*t, I think I've spent too much time in the depths of Tumblr . . . because am I shipping Drapple now too? No, for me, it's Dramione for life. Here's some of the internet's most creative Drapple memes, GIFs, and fan art that may have you weirdly shipping the pair but will definitely have you laughing out loud.
You Won't Believe This Gorgeous House Is Only 362 Square Feet
"At under 400 square feet, our Craftsman cottage is indeed tiny, but in the five years we've been here, we've never needed more space," says Whitney Leigh Morris, small-space living aficionado, designer, and blogger behind The Tiny Canal Cottage. So what's her secret to making everything fit? "Nearly everything about the cottage - from the built-ins to the decor - was deliberately chosen to maximize the space. I selected furniture and accessories over time as we learned how to best navigate this particular layout with one another." Whitney recently refreshed her Venice Beach, CA, home for Spring, and the pictures were so stylish and full of small-space living inspiration that we had to share them with you. Take a look at Whitney's gorgeous digs and tiny-space living tips here, and then shop the look on Joss & Main.
Severus Snape Is Kind of an Assh*le (Dodges Tomatoes)
Snape was . . . a huge assh*le. He was cunning, and brilliant, and dynamic, and he was a HUGE assh*le. I love him, yes. He is one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series. But I also have never quite understood the ease with which we all went from hating Snape to raising him up on a pedestal that he simply doesn't belong on. Here's the thing: no one belongs on one, Snape least of all.
Severus Snape teaches us the ultimate lesson: that just because we've done bad things, it's never too late to seek and find redemption and forgiveness. His unwavering love for Lily is a testament to the power of the sentiment, to the mountains it can move, and to the lasting effect it can have on one person, and on the world as a whole.
But Snape was also a bully. He was cruel to Harry. He spent most of his childhood and adolescence on a dark path that culminated in his initiation as a Death Eater. Part of why he lost Lily's friendship in the first place is because he sought the company of future Death Eaters at Hogwarts.
In the epic Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Prince's Tale chapter, so much about Snape's past is revealed, and not all of it is pretty. This conversation from Lily and Snape's days at Hogwarts showed their friendship unraveling.
". . . thought we were supposed to be friends?" Snape was saying, "Best friends?"
"We are, Sev, but I don't like some of the people you're hanging round with! I'm sorry, but I detest Avery and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev, he's creepy! D'you know what he tried to do to Mary MacDonald the other day?" Lily had reached a pillar and leaned against it, looking up into the thin, sallow face.
"That was nothing," said Snape. "It was a laugh, that's all -"
"It was Dark Magic, and if you think that's funny -"
Harry kept his distance this time . . . He watched as Lily joined the group and went to Snape's defense. Distantly he heard Snape shout at her in his humiliation and his fury, the unforgivable word: "Mudblood."
This moment still makes my stomach turn. Yes, Snape was hurt, and yes we all say and do things that we don't mean in that state. But his deep-seated disrespect for "lesser" people wasn't present only in his moments of frustration; it showed in the countless choices he made as he grew up, and in who he chose to cultivate relationships with - as in, future Death Eaters and Voldemort himself.
He took out his hatred for a grown man (who was long dead) on his son - an 11-year-old boy who was completely innocent. Neville Longbottom's boggart was Snape, for god's sake. He laughed in Hermione's face when she was cursed and openly belittled her intelligence for years. He constantly allied himself with the likes of Slytherin students like Malfoy whose sole purpose was to make others miserable. He sat idly by while Voldemort murdered Professor Burbage for the crime of teaching Muggle Studies. You can't tell me that we can blame all of this on the mere fact that he had it out for James Potter. Nor can you convince me that all of this was to maintain the guise that Snape was indeed still loyal to Voldemort. No, Snape wasn't a terrible person, but he certainly had darkness within him, and without someone like Lily Potter to keep it in check, that fire was fueled further. Snape's hatred of James and his friends coupled with his utterly unrequited love for Lily twisted him into something that, in many ways, was terrible. Even when he knew that Lily's entire family - a baby included - was targeted by Voldemort, he thought only of Lily, and in turn, only of himself:
"You disgust me," said Dumbledore, and Harry had never heard so much contempt in his voice. Snape seemed to shrink a little, "You do not care, then, about the deaths of her husband and child? They can die, as long as you have what you want?"
Snape said nothing, but merely looked up at Dumbledore.
"Hide them all, then," he croaked. "Keep her - them - safe. Please."
And so Dumbledore did keep Harry safe. And so Snape used his love for Lily as a reason for protecting Harry, and he put everything he had into doing just that. His devotion to this promise is incredibly admirable, and it is this service to her memory that often paints him as a martyr of sorts among fans. But this doesn't mean he was kind. It doesn't mean he did what he did happily, because Harry was, after all, James Potter's son. He begrudgingly, and yes, bravely, upheld his bargain to Dumbledore and to the woman he loved. More than anything, Snape was very brave.
"Karkaroff intends to flee if the Mark burns."
"Does he?" said Dumbledore softly, as Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies came giggling in from the grounds. "And are you tempted to join him?"
"No," said Snape, his black eyes on Fleur's and Roger's retreating figures. "I am not such a coward."
"No," agreed Dumbledore. "You are a braver man by far than Igor Karkaroff. You know, I sometimes think we Sort too soon . . . "
The idea that Hogwarts Sorts too soon is important, because I really believe that a lot of who Snape became is due to where he came from and who he fell in with in Slytherin. Maybe if he'd been in Gryffindor with Lily's goodness to guide him, everything would have been different. But he wasn't, and who he was is due in large part to this. Maybe he never really had the chance to foster the part of him that could love the way he loved Lily. Maybe, like Tom Riddle, Snape is yet another character who proves that had someone given them love they so desperately needed (and deserved), something else entirely would have come to pass.
Whatever his reasons for protecting Harry were, he didn't waver in his task once he agreed to it. Above everything, I think this is what I admire most about him. He did whatever it took to keep Lily's son alive. And in the end, I do believe he cared for Harry. Somewhere along the way, Snape was able to throw off the cloak of cold hatred he had wrapped himself in years before and objectively see that Harry wasn't so much like James after all, at least not in the ways he always expected to find, and therefore saw. The moment I realized that it wasn't only about Lily anymore was when he found out Dumbledore's devastating plan.
"I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter's son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter -"
"But this is touching, Severus," said Dumbledore seriously. "Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?"
"For him?" shouted Snape. "Expecto Patronum!"
From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe. She landed on the office floor, bounded once across the office, and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape.
Stubborn until the bitter end, Snape still couldn't bring himself to admit that what he did was for anyone but Lily. And maybe that's true. Maybe his motives were selfish, and maybe he's an overall sh*tty guy whose attempt at fulfilling a promise in honor of the memory of a woman he loved just happened to, by default, have wonderful results. I don't think so. But maybe it doesn't really matter why he did what he did.
No, I don't think Snape was a great person, but I certainly think Snape did great things. Snape is one of my favorite characters because he was so imperfect. His motives were never pure, he was majorly flawed, he was born and raised in darkness and could have clung to it - and in many ways did. But somewhere deep down he realized - I think in part because of his relationship with Dumbledore - what it truly meant to fight on the side of good. Despite everything he'd been through in his rather bleak life, he was capable of a love so deep, it literally changed the tide of a war. He played his part in saving Harry's life, and in turn, he played his part in saving the wizarding world from something far more terrible than the decades-old grudge of a sad and lonely man.
I think we romanticize Snape, we raise him up on that pedestal - one he can't ever live up to because the stains of his past will always be a part of him. But I love Snape, stains and all, because he epitomizes what these books stand for. The strength of bravery, the reality of failure and the hope of forgiveness, the importance of perseverance, the beauty of unwavering loyalty, the reassurance that light can and will drive out the darkness. And most of all, the monumental power of love. Always, love.
The Royal Train Is Basically a Mobile Buckingham Palace
It's a miniature Buckingham Palace in motion, a sleek and streamlined royal residence of the railroads, and the queen's favorite way to travel: the royal train. It's a centuries-old institution which is still shuttling senior members of the royal family around today.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to use it, although a lot of her frills and fancies have made way for a more functional and contemporary mode of transport - although still with some romantically retro touches. Peek inside the royal train ahead.
This 1 Accessory Makes Any iPhone Take the Best Photos Ever - No Upgrade Required
It's that time of year once again. All of the new phone models have just been announced, and as a result, we're all pinching pennies to avoid FOMO and score that coveted upgrade. But if what you're really after is a better-quality camera for your old iPhone, look no further: the DxO One camera ($499) will solve all your problems for about half the price.
Boasting 20.2-megapixel resolution, the world's smallest one-inch format sensor camera, and a wide-format lens, the DxO One connects directly into your iPhone's lightning port and integrates directly into the Apple iOS - giving you the power of a pricey DSLR camera, but letting you instantly drop your photos into your group iMessage or chuck them up on Instagram. Oh, and did we mention that it will solve every single one of those low-light problems you've got with your three-year-old phone?
Ahead, check out some of the features of this game-changing device - and be sure to check out the DxO website for additional information on what it can do.
How to Live Stylishly in a Studio Apartment
If there's one thing that gets a bad rap in design, it's the studio apartment. Often a rental with very little in the way of space, studios must do it all without room to spare. While it is a tall order, we found a place that does it just right. Tucked away in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this studio is just as relaxing as it is energizing. Keeping rental restrictions and their client Jamie's laid-back style in mind, designers Lindsay Boswell and Ali Levin of LABLstudio created an urban oasis filled with ideas that anyone would sacrifice square footage for.
Mixing earthy and glamorous touches, this "hidden gem" evolved into a room suitable for sleeping, living, and entertaining. Getting creative with the space, Boswell and Levin incorporated unexpected pops of color using removable wallpaper and made sure every piece served a variety of purposes. The result proves that size isn't everything! Keep reading for a full studio tour and Lindsay and Ali's favorite tricks for decking out a small space.
A Rarely Seen Look at How Princess Diana Decorated Her Private Palace Quarters
Diana was famous for her fashion choices, but her taste in home decor is a little less well-known. When she first moved into Apartments 8 and 9 at Kensington Palace as a new bride, she was just 20 years old and she had three floors of rooms to decorate in the style of her choosing. However, the revamp had to suit the 17th century building as well as blend with the priceless antiques and oil paintings already displayed in the rooms. Diana turned to her mother for help, and she recommended her interior designer, Dudley Poplak, who worked with Diana to create a suite of rooms that combined traditional royal gravitas with Diana's fresh, fun, and feminine style. Take an up close look ahead.
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