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.
mercredi 9 mai 2018
What Donald Trump Has Wrong About Transgender Americans Like Me
When I was about 6 or 7, I remember praying to wake up and magically be a boy.
When I was 10, my mother pulled me out of school because she got a phone call telling her kids at school were calling me "gay." I didn't know what it meant.
When I was 17, I recall getting physically ill at the thought of wearing a dress under my graduation gown.
When I was 19, I finally found out what being transgender meant.
Up until that point, I had been under the impression that I was a lesbian who fell heavily on the butch side of things. I could dress the part and ignore the shouts of "Is that a boy or a girl?" while walking through my college campus. There was just no way I could magically become the boy I always wanted to be.
I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say.
But, wait. Being transgender is a thing? There's hope for me? I dove headfirst into the research and lives of other transgender individuals, seeing my own story reflected in their words. I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say. This was the validation I so needed.
When I was 24, I began hormone replacement therapy.
When I was 26, I got a double mastectomy to remove my breasts.
When I was 27, I finally got legal documentation that showed I am male.
That same year, it became quite clear that my entire being was under attack.
Upon looking at me, most people see me as male and I pass well enough. I'm a little on the scrawny side (and by a little I mean a lot) with patchy facial hair, but I haven't been misgendered in a few years. I do a lot of things cisgender males do, and I do a lot of things that cisgender males don't do because they don't want to jeopardize their masculinity. I work out, I spend time with my wife and our fur babies, I love my mom, and I've cried during every episode of This Is Us. I don't wear a badge that says I'm transgender, and I typically only bring it up if it's brought up in discussion.
I'm not contagious.
I'm not contagious. I'm not going to brainwash your children into wanting to start hormone treatment. I'm not going to warp your values if you come in contact with me. Honestly, I'm actually really boring. My idea of a great Friday night is spent on the couch with my wife playing video games and eating food that's extremely bad for me.
And, yeah. I've got a wife. She is a cisgender female. If anyone were to look at our wedding photos, they'd see a man and a woman getting married. Our dogs were the best man and flower girl. My parents were there and her entire extended family were there. My extended family is uncomfortable with my being trans, so most of them didn't respond to the wedding invite.
The author as a child.
Those in leadership positions within our country want to paint transgender people as being the enemy - almost as bad as those "fake news" outlets. They say we're not mentally fit, we're burdens and distractions - hell, we're not allowed to use the damn bathroom.
Donald Trump recently tweeted an announcement that sure sounds like he's reinstating the transgender ban in the military, something former President Barack Obama dismantled during his time in office. You know, Donald Trump? The same guy who championed how he'll be a better candidate for LGBTQ+ folks during his campaign? That guy.
You know what's crazy, though? The United States Armed Forces is currently the top employer of transgender individuals. These people are risking their lives to represent a country that wants to erase them from history. In fact, openly transgender individuals were supposed to be able to start enlisting in the military on July 1, but the heads of the military asked for a six-month extension so they can "review" a bit more.
But, no. Here we are again. Banned from serving our country. Banned from workplace protections. Banned from health insurances. Banned from bathrooms.
Do you know what transgender people do in the bathroom? We practice basic biological functions.
We've become a danger to society, the menaces lurking in the changing rooms at Target. We're being erased by the government and conservative religious folks. We're "unnatural," much like the medication you take, that breast job your neighbor had done, or 99 percent of the food you ingest.
Do you know a transgender person? Is your kid transgender? Your coworker? Your neighbor? Maybe you should introduce yourself to a transgender individual. Ask them (polite and noninvasive) questions. Get to know them.
We're not that exciting. I mean, all we want is a dog to pet, a place to pee, and the right to live our lives as our true selves. Pretty much the same thing you want and have.
We're not burdens. We're not mentally unfit.
We're people.
And you'll probably like us. I mean, I'd invite you over for video games, puppy cuddles, and really good food. What's not to like about that in a friend?
This Children's Puzzle Is Testing the Patience of Everyone You Know
If you love Where's Waldo puzzles or a good challenge, try finding the six hidden words in this drawing from the children's magazine, Highlights. The puzzle is going viral on Facebook with many people debating just how many words are in the drawing - or voicing their frustration.
The puzzle was originally posted on Feb. 27 on a Facebook page called Dude and has more than 25,000 reactions, 11,000 comments, and 138,000 shares. For the most part, people are commenting what words they found. Some people are sharing other words they are finding throughout the puzzle. Try it for yourself below.
Seriously I could only 4 words in this picture
Posted by Dude on Monday, February 27, 2017
Did you get it? The hidden words are: book, story, pages, read, novel, and words. One commenter said they also found five more words: or, age, boo, tory, ad. Yes, those are words within the original six but there aren't any rules on how to find them!
Hopefully, this didn't drive you too crazy and at least this one didn't involve any math!
Toy Story Land's Restaurant Menu Is Here, and We Need to Talk About the S'mores French Toast
Walt Disney World's highly anticipated Toy Story Land is slated to open on June 30 at Hollywood Studios, and we can hardly wait. Luckily, we have the new menu for Toy Story Land's restaurant, Woody's Lunch Box, to tie us over in the meantime. The restaurant aims to put a "modern spin" on classic lunchtime favorites, but believe me, you won't find lunches like these on the playground. Miss your childhood toaster pastries? Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart, which is topped with bacon. In the mood for nachos? You might want to opt for the chili cheese totchos.
Of course, the Toy Story-inspired menu also stays true to Woody's cowboy roots with a Texas-style brisket sandwich, and another option gives a nod to Buzz's intergalactic adventures with a novelty Alien Sipper. Keep reading to see all the Woody's Lunch Box menu items coming your way this Summer.
This Harry Potter Theory About Dumbledore's Deluminator Will Break Your Damn Heart
Image Source: Everett Collection
We first encounter Dumbledore's mysterious "Put-Outer" early on in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, when he knocks out an entire street's lights with just a few clicks.
"It seemed to be a silver cigarette lighter. He flicked it open, held it up in the air, and clicked it. The nearest street lamp went out with a little pop. He clicked it again - the next lamp flickered into darkness. Twelve times he clicked the Put-Outer, until the only lights left on the whole street were two tiny pinpricks in the distance, which were the eyes of the cat watching him."
At the time, it seemed that the device was a nifty bit of magic just for turning lights off and on with flair - useful, but not so remarkable. We, of course, learn that the Put-Outer, or Deluminator, is much more. It was Dumbledore's will that the device be passed to Ron Weasley after his death, and Ron later discovers it's more powerful than any of them realized.
In The Deathly Hallows, the journey to find the Horcruxes becomes too much for Ron, and he abruptly leaves Harry and Hermione to continue the quest without him. His departure was due in part to the effect Slytherin's locket Horcux had on him, and he immediately regrets his decision to abandon his friends. Unfortunately, he is unable to find them again, until the Deluminator works its true magic, to lead him back to where his heart is, to be reunited with his friends.
A Redditor recently shared a moving theory about the nature of the Deluminator, which if true would illuminate Dumbledore's brilliance even more and further underscore the late headmaster's believe in the power of love. Read the theory ahead.
Based on the theory, Dumbledore designed the Deluminator using a branch of magic he knew Tom Riddle, later Voldemort, had an aversion to, making it less likely that Riddle would think to combat what he didn't believe was even worth considering. It also means that Ron's love for Harry and Hermione led him back to where he was needed despite how difficult their task was, because as the theory reminds us, "we need love the most when we are lost in the dark."
Image Source: Warner Bros.
22 Reasons You Should Reread the Harry Potter Series RIGHT Now
First of all, no, you do not need a reason to reread the Harry Potter series. However, if you'd like a reason other than "because I love it so much it hurts," then these are extra justifications for plowing through the seven books. Again. Do they get old after the 27th read? I can tell you from personal experience that no, they do not. Here's more fuel for your (Goblet of) fire.
A Catholic Nun Perfectly Explains the Major Hypocrisy of the "Pro-Life" Argument
A Catholic nun's explanation of the term "pro-life" from 2004 is resurfacing - and it's powerful. On PBS's Now With Bill Moyers, Sister Joan Chittister explained why being against abortion doesn't mean you're pro-life.
Here's the full quote:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is."
Chittister's position is not only informed by her faith, but also her academic experience: she's written over 50 books and has multiple degrees (including a doctorate).
The crux of Chittister's point is that there's a difference between advocating for birth and advocating for that child's entire life. If antiabortion proponents are truly "pro-life," then those same legislators would not argue for defunding programs like those that provide school lunches or health care. Many who oppose abortion also oppose access to contraceptives. Antiabortion congressmen have consistently also advocated for defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides women with birth control options.
Liberals have pointed to Chittister's quote as an argument for the social benefits that Republicans hope to limit without providing feasible options for women if they cannot obtain abortions.
This Alternate Harry Potter Story About Neville Will Rock Your World
Any true Harry Potter fan keeps up with all the new theories and possibilities that seem to pop up every few weeks. This latest one is an alternate storyline that completely turns around the series, focusing instead on Neville Longbottom.
The fan fiction, written by Tumblr user ink-splotch, explores what the world of Harry Potter would've looked like if Voldemort had chosen to mark Neville as his opponent instead. The long story makes huge changes to each book - for example, the writer imagines that Neville wouldn't be a "savior," but rather a scarred Neville who would still forget and lose items. The books would still focus in on Harry, Ron, and Hermione's adventures but only because they were reckless and willing to explore, not because of some unprecedented need to stop Voldemort.
Read the full post below to see how the entire Harry Potter world could've been. It definitely makes you think about all the relationship dynamics in the series.
Whoa.
Prepare to Squint For Hours Trying to Find the Hidden Animals in This Painting
Fancy yourself a keen observer? Do you always find Waldo within minutes? Then try your hand at the latest Playbuzz optical illusion quiz that's driving the internet a little loopy.
The quiz, created by Alan Sherin, features a moving painting GIF. The objective? Find the four hidden animals in it. See if you can find them in the illustration below.
Can't spot them? The four animals are a fox, antelope, bat, and flamingo. The bat, antelope, and fox are all on the rock on the far right. The flamingo is located at the bottom left, near the patch of green grass. It might not be as infuriating as trying to find a cell phone that looks exactly like the carpet it's laying on, but it's pretty damn close.
These "Tech Tats" Are Going to Upgrade Your Life and Have You Feeling Like a Robotic Badass
Ever been way too busy to make a doctor's appointment for your physical, but wished there was another way for them to collect all your medical information? Or, what about wanting to pay for dinner with your credit card without ever having to take out your wallet? While it may seem too good to be true, Chaotic Moon has developed a solution to do all of that and so much more just by attaching a little tattoo to your arm. Back in 2015, the software development firm created a prototype for these all-encompassing "Tech Tats," and they have recently resurfaced because it is just SO cool.
The brainiacs at Chaotic Moon have developed this product with the medical, banking, and fitness industries in mind. "The Tech Tattoos can really tie in everything into one package," said Eric Schneider, creative technologist, hardware at Chaotic Moon. "So it can look at early signs of fever, your vital signs, heart rate, everything that it needs to look at to notify you that you're getting sick or your child's getting sick."
How is this different from your current wearable? Well, it can go anywhere on your body, not just your wrist and it can even be washed off like a temporary tattoo. They create a circuit on your skin and are able to monitor body temperature, stress levels, and more medical data from your body. It's unknown when the Tech Tats will be available to the public, but Mashable reports that the ultimate goal is to make it super cheap, so you can buy a box like a box of Band-Aids.
10 of the Worst Countries (and 2 of the Worst States) For LGBTQ+ People Today
As the rights of LGBTQ+ persons seem to be advancing at an increasing speed, it can be easy to overlook that more than 2.7 billion people live in countries where homosexuality is illegal. Many countries around the world not only harbor homophobia and transphobia, but take active measures to persecute - and even execute - people because of their sexual and gender identities. And while America might seem like a bastion of sexual and gender freedom, certain states are particularly dangerous for LGBTQ+ persons.
To raise awareness of these problems and to confront the remaining barriers of human rights, we're taking a look at 10 of the worst countries - and two of the worst US states - for LGBTQ+ people today.
This 4-Leaf Clover Puzzle Is Harder Than It Looks - Seriously
Love everything to do with St. Patrick's Day? Or, maybe you love puzzles? Well, we're bringing you a puzzle that combines both in a moving GIF.
Pusheen, an adorable illustrated cat beloved by the internet and anyone who likes cute things, posted a puzzle on its Facebook page asking people to find a four-leaf clover. Try it for yourself below.
The post is incredibly popular, with more than 56,000 reactions, 17,000 shares, and 3,000 comments. Did you have trouble finding the four-leaf clover? One commenter pointed out how to find it: look at the wagging tail, count four clovers down, and you should be able to see it. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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.
This Adorable Stray Dog Is Now a Monastery's Newest Friar
A monastery in Bolivia has a new adorable friar: a stray dog who goes by Friar Bigotón. The schnauzer dog, originally a stray, was recently adopted by a Franciscan monastery in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Friar Bigotón and his story went viral after photos of him dressed in Franciscan clothing were posted to Facebook.
Posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm on Sunday, February 26, 2017
The dog, named Friar Carmelo and who also goes by the nickname Friar Bigotón (mustache in English), is seen in various photos running around the monastery, drinking water - all while dressed as a friar. The Facebook album, was posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm, on Feb. 26. It's clear that people love the dog a lot, considering the album has more than 2,000 reactions.
Posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm on Sunday, February 26, 2017
Fray Carmelo predicando a los peces
Posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm on Sunday, February 26, 2017
Friar Jorge Fernandez told the Dodo that Carmelo loves playing and running - and that they're big fans of him. "Here, all of the brothers love him very much. He is a creature of God."
Posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm on Sunday, February 26, 2017
It's thanks to local adoption agency, Proyecto Narices Frias, that Carmelo found a new home. We're so glad he did - he looks like he's having the time of his life.
Posted by Kasper Mariusz Kaproń Ofm on Sunday, February 26, 2017
43 Insanely Creative Cosplays to Inspire You
From historically accurate costumes to creative combinations of different fandoms, cosplayers always find a way to make their elaborate outfits stand out. At this year's WonderCon, held in Anaheim, CA, over the weekend, cosplayers from all over the country brought their A game. Don't let their hard work go to waste, so check out these incredible cosplays and start preparing for your next con.
What It Feels Like to Travel While Black
I woke up at 6 a.m. in a tiny hotel room in Tokyo, checked my phone, and found an email from our hostel in Kyoto: "You missed your check-in date." In a half-awake frantic moment, I rummaged through my bag to find the itinerary I had printed out before we left New York. We were supposed to have left Tokyo the day before to head to Kyoto. It slowly hit me that we had accidentally overstayed our reservation at this accommodation and no one at the front desk had said a thing. I woke up my boyfriend, screamed at him to pack up as quickly as possible, and we ran out of there like criminals in the early morning light.
The jet lag had overcome me since our arrival, and I had gotten my days mixed up, which was the most innocent of blunders. However, the main feeling overflowing me in that moment wasn't shame over this simple mistake, but instead, "Oh God, they're going to think I'm a horrible, stealing, gross, American black woman with no respect for their hotel." My white boyfriend couldn't fathom why I was so upset over this mishap. But as a white person, of course he'll never understand what it is like to not just inhabit a person of color's body, but to travel while black.
When I go abroad, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders to be a good example of a black woman.
When I go abroad, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders to be a good example of a black woman so negative stereotypes don't continue, especially in homogeneous cultures where there is a lack of diversity. The media doesn't exactly portray black people incredibly well, and people watch it and make assumptions about what we're like based on the color of our skin. In some places, they've rarely even seen a black person in real life.
I am constantly aware of every move I make when I step outside of the United States. There is not a single moment when I am not cognizant of how I'm representing myself as I walk through the streets of Bangkok or photograph the monuments of Paris. It's a stinging fear of my presence in their country not being a positive one and therefore contributing to their biases toward people who look like me. When a white person does something unfortunate, they don't become an example of their entire race. But when one black person does something wrong, it paints us all that way in the eyes of others.
I feel that I am lucky that my travels have not included overt racism toward me, and that shows me the world is changing a lot in its ideals and how it treats people. For some, an article such as this might be talking about the moments of discrimination they've faced while journeying, but I am thankful that I've seemingly been born in a time that lends better to my presence in a place not leading to a negative slur or race-based attacked. The worst treatment has unfortunately come from my being a woman more than anything else.
When a white person does something unfortunate, they don't become an example of their entire race. But when one black person does something wrong, it paints us all that way in the eyes of others.
I think of all the people in the past who looked like me and had adventurous spirits but couldn't go anywhere, and I feel that I have no right at all to complain about what it's like today. Black people are traveling more than ever. It's not a secret that there are many websites and Facebook groups out there that cater to a diverse group of travelers to inspire and connect with one another. There are finally amazing travel bloggers of color going to places in the world and reporting on what it's like to actually be there, sharing their experiences as diverse globetrotters.
But the numbers are still small compared to affluent white voyagers. Fear of how you may be treated, discouragement from your family and peers, or even just lack of resources to make a trip happen mean that there are still fewer people of color stepping out into much of the world, and there are instances of black people being stared at or even pulled into photographs like a celebrity because of their rare appearances in certain cultures. I have yet to be the subject of a selfie, but I have gotten called "Beyoncé" and "Oprah" before, despite looking nothing like them.
Traveling as a black woman is a form of activism to me. I strive to change perceptions through my actions abroad. I never want to leave a country having made a local citizen think lesser of black people due to something I have done. I act respectfully, dress according to cultural standards, attempt to learn basic words in their language, respond politely, and interact cordially with those I meet. It's all done in order to maintain some sort of picture that I am not whatever ill-willed nonsense American media wants to portray me as and that there's no reason to be afraid or suspicious of my actions, just in the same way I wouldn't want a security guard following me through a store as I shop.
I still think back to when we stayed the extra night in Tokyo and what the owner of the hotel must think of me or if they even noticed or cared, and I hope it didn't reflect badly on my kinfolk who stay there in the future. Perhaps I'm overthinking it too much and should relax, but it's because I do care about the future of black travel that I pour so much of my heart into my behaviors abroad and only want to be the best I can be so things are better for everyone in the times to come.
Take 1 Look at This INSANE Photo of the Moon, and You'll See Why It's Going Viral
Every time we get a different view of space, we're simply left in awe of its mesmerizing natural beauty. One photo of the moon in particular is no exception to that, as it has just started sweeping the internet and taking our breath away in the process.
The image features a view of an almost translucent crescent moon through the top of the Earth's atmosphere, and it's absolutely stunning. We've never seen the moon look like this before! This snapshot was captured by an astronaut in the Johnson Space Center's Image & Analysis Laboratory back in 2006, and it recently found its way to Reddit, where space-lovers noted its beauty and quickly made it go viral.
Some users even observed how the photo looks noticeably similar to a specific shot of the Death Star in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Seriously, the resemblance is uncanny . . . was this the movie director's sly way of giving NASA a hat tip? The internet seems to think so!
9 Next-Level Relationship Goals
Are you madly in geek love? Good, because the Internet is going to motivate you to take your amour to the next level. In what follows, the funniest relationship goals designed just for gamers, nerds, and other geeks. Try to hit all 9 before the New Year?
What Donald Trump Has Wrong About Transgender Americans Like Me
When I was about 6 or 7, I remember praying to wake up and magically be a boy.
When I was 10, my mother pulled me out of school because she got a phone call telling her kids at school were calling me "gay." I didn't know what it meant.
When I was 17, I recall getting physically ill at the thought of wearing a dress under my graduation gown.
When I was 19, I finally found out what being transgender meant.
Up until that point, I had been under the impression that I was a lesbian who fell heavily on the butch side of things. I could dress the part and ignore the shouts of "Is that a boy or a girl?" while walking through my college campus. There was just no way I could magically become the boy I always wanted to be.
I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say.
But, wait. Being transgender is a thing? There's hope for me? I dove headfirst into the research and lives of other transgender individuals, seeing my own story reflected in their words. I wasn't a freak or a "burden," as the leader of our country likes to say. This was the validation I so needed.
When I was 24, I began hormone replacement therapy.
When I was 26, I got a double mastectomy to remove my breasts.
When I was 27, I finally got legal documentation that showed I am male.
That same year, it became quite clear that my entire being was under attack.
Upon looking at me, most people see me as male and I pass well enough. I'm a little on the scrawny side (and by a little I mean a lot) with patchy facial hair, but I haven't been misgendered in a few years. I do a lot of things cisgender males do, and I do a lot of things that cisgender males don't do because they don't want to jeopardize their masculinity. I work out, I spend time with my wife and our fur babies, I love my mom, and I've cried during every episode of This Is Us. I don't wear a badge that says I'm transgender, and I typically only bring it up if it's brought up in discussion.
I'm not contagious.
I'm not contagious. I'm not going to brainwash your children into wanting to start hormone treatment. I'm not going to warp your values if you come in contact with me. Honestly, I'm actually really boring. My idea of a great Friday night is spent on the couch with my wife playing video games and eating food that's extremely bad for me.
And, yeah. I've got a wife. She is a cisgender female. If anyone were to look at our wedding photos, they'd see a man and a woman getting married. Our dogs were the best man and flower girl. My parents were there and her entire extended family were there. My extended family is uncomfortable with my being trans, so most of them didn't respond to the wedding invite.
The author as a child.
Those in leadership positions within our country want to paint transgender people as being the enemy - almost as bad as those "fake news" outlets. They say we're not mentally fit, we're burdens and distractions - hell, we're not allowed to use the damn bathroom.
Donald Trump recently tweeted an announcement that sure sounds like he's reinstating the transgender ban in the military, something former President Barack Obama dismantled during his time in office. You know, Donald Trump? The same guy who championed how he'll be a better candidate for LGBTQ+ folks during his campaign? That guy.
You know what's crazy, though? The United States Armed Forces is currently the top employer of transgender individuals. These people are risking their lives to represent a country that wants to erase them from history. In fact, openly transgender individuals were supposed to be able to start enlisting in the military on July 1, but the heads of the military asked for a six-month extension so they can "review" a bit more.
But, no. Here we are again. Banned from serving our country. Banned from workplace protections. Banned from health insurances. Banned from bathrooms.
Do you know what transgender people do in the bathroom? We practice basic biological functions.
We've become a danger to society, the menaces lurking in the changing rooms at Target. We're being erased by the government and conservative religious folks. We're "unnatural," much like the medication you take, that breast job your neighbor had done, or 99 percent of the food you ingest.
Do you know a transgender person? Is your kid transgender? Your coworker? Your neighbor? Maybe you should introduce yourself to a transgender individual. Ask them (polite and noninvasive) questions. Get to know them.
We're not that exciting. I mean, all we want is a dog to pet, a place to pee, and the right to live our lives as our true selves. Pretty much the same thing you want and have.
We're not burdens. We're not mentally unfit.
We're people.
And you'll probably like us. I mean, I'd invite you over for video games, puppy cuddles, and really good food. What's not to like about that in a friend?
This Children's Puzzle Is Testing the Patience of Everyone You Know
If you love Where's Waldo puzzles or a good challenge, try finding the six hidden words in this drawing from the children's magazine, Highlights. The puzzle is going viral on Facebook with many people debating just how many words are in the drawing - or voicing their frustration.
The puzzle was originally posted on Feb. 27 on a Facebook page called Dude and has more than 25,000 reactions, 11,000 comments, and 138,000 shares. For the most part, people are commenting what words they found. Some people are sharing other words they are finding throughout the puzzle. Try it for yourself below.
Seriously I could only 4 words in this picture
Posted by Dude on Monday, February 27, 2017
Did you get it? The hidden words are: book, story, pages, read, novel, and words. One commenter said they also found five more words: or, age, boo, tory, ad. Yes, those are words within the original six but there aren't any rules on how to find them!
Hopefully, this didn't drive you too crazy and at least this one didn't involve any math!
Toy Story Land's Restaurant Menu Is Here, and We Need to Talk About the S'mores French Toast
Walt Disney World's highly anticipated Toy Story Land is slated to open on June 30 at Hollywood Studios, and we can hardly wait. Luckily, we have the new menu for Toy Story Land's restaurant, Woody's Lunch Box, to tie us over in the meantime. The restaurant aims to put a "modern spin" on classic lunchtime favorites, but believe me, you won't find lunches like these on the playground. Miss your childhood toaster pastries? Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart, which is topped with bacon. In the mood for nachos? You might want to opt for the chili cheese totchos.
Of course, the Toy Story-inspired menu also stays true to Woody's cowboy roots with a Texas-style brisket sandwich, and another option gives a nod to Buzz's intergalactic adventures with a novelty Alien Sipper. Keep reading to see all the Woody's Lunch Box menu items coming your way this Summer.
This Harry Potter Theory About Dumbledore's Deluminator Will Break Your Damn Heart
Image Source: Everett Collection
We first encounter Dumbledore's mysterious "Put-Outer" early on in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, when he knocks out an entire street's lights with just a few clicks.
"It seemed to be a silver cigarette lighter. He flicked it open, held it up in the air, and clicked it. The nearest street lamp went out with a little pop. He clicked it again - the next lamp flickered into darkness. Twelve times he clicked the Put-Outer, until the only lights left on the whole street were two tiny pinpricks in the distance, which were the eyes of the cat watching him."
At the time, it seemed that the device was a nifty bit of magic just for turning lights off and on with flair - useful, but not so remarkable. We, of course, learn that the Put-Outer, or Deluminator, is much more. It was Dumbledore's will that the device be passed to Ron Weasley after his death, and Ron later discovers it's more powerful than any of them realized.
In The Deathly Hallows, the journey to find the Horcruxes becomes too much for Ron, and he abruptly leaves Harry and Hermione to continue the quest without him. His departure was due in part to the effect Slytherin's locket Horcux had on him, and he immediately regrets his decision to abandon his friends. Unfortunately, he is unable to find them again, until the Deluminator works its true magic, to lead him back to where his heart is, to be reunited with his friends.
A Redditor recently shared a moving theory about the nature of the Deluminator, which if true would illuminate Dumbledore's brilliance even more and further underscore the late headmaster's believe in the power of love. Read the theory ahead.
Based on the theory, Dumbledore designed the Deluminator using a branch of magic he knew Tom Riddle, later Voldemort, had an aversion to, making it less likely that Riddle would think to combat what he didn't believe was even worth considering. It also means that Ron's love for Harry and Hermione led him back to where he was needed despite how difficult their task was, because as the theory reminds us, "we need love the most when we are lost in the dark."
Image Source: Warner Bros.
12 Cheap Amazon Prime Gems For Foodies - Everything Is Under $29
If you've ever gotten lost in Amazon's beautiful stream of retro kitchen goodies, especially those that every food-lovin' person needs (or, you know, wants to put on their Instagram), you're not alone. Whether you dream of the day you'll own a multipurpose stovetop/coffee maker/toaster oven appliance, or just wish you had some oven mitts that looked more like bear claws, we found 12 kitchen products you can't beat, all available on Amazon Prime. Look ahead, and prepare to swoon.
Spice Up Your Day With All the Tajín in These Delicious Recipes
From my experience, a fruity or savory snack had in Mexico is totally incomplete without at least a tiny sprinkle of Tajín - though I prefer a generous serving. The chili-lime seasoning you and I have known and loved forever is gaining more popularity across the US (among non-Mexican Latinx like me and even non-Latinx) with Trader Joe's releasing a copycat version of its own. My Mexican fiancé and I prefer to keep a bottle of the original in our pantry at all times, of course!
If you are looking to embrace the seasoning for the first time or want new ways to enjoy your favorite, we've rounded up a variety of recipes that use Tajín to make everything from simple, crunchy jicama sticks to a classic mangonada drink so much better.
mardi 8 mai 2018
More Than 30 Lush, Chocolaty Desserts For Busy People
Just because you're busy doesn't eliminate the want need to indulge in something sweet and chocolaty when a craving hits. If time is truly of the essence, pick up a chocolate bar at the store; when you have a bit more wiggle room, you can do no better than these 30-plus easy, chocolate-rich recipes. Keep reading for a solid selection of brownie, cookie, hot chocolate, pudding, and other cacao-loaded treats that even the busiest or most beginner of bakers can tackle without breaking a sweat.
Barefoot Wine Officially Has Spritzers in a Can, and OMG, Gimme the Red Sangria!
As soon as the sun starts peeking out from behind the clouds, the wheels in our heads immediately start turning to figure out how we're going to make the most of the Summer months ahead. And one of the best parts about warm weather? Everything tends to be way more low-key, especially when it comes to soirées. Enter Barefoot Wine & Bubbly's newest line of spritzers that conveniently come in a dainty can and will become your new go-to Summer drink.
What can wine-lovers expect? The light, refreshing drinks offer a heavenly mix of sweet and fizzy. And say what you want about canned wine, but there are tons of perks to going the aluminum route, especially in the Summer. After all, you're not normally allowed to bring glass anywhere close to a pool - so these eight-ounce containers are the perfect solution.
Now, let's get down to business and discuss the flavors, because there are more than enough to pick from. First, there's a Red Sangria that has notes of nearly every citrus fruit, along with a little pineapple. There's also a Rosé - hello, old friend! - that has peachy undertones, and a Moscato if you really want to go full-on sweet.
Guys and gals who are more into white wine will love the combination of Chenin Blanc and Riesling that come together in the cans of Crisp White, and finally, there's a Summer Red that combines several of your favorites - like Moscato, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir - into a supersmooth sip. You can snag a four-pack of each flavor at stores nationwide for $8 starting on May 1.
8 Reasons It's Better to Live in a Small Apartment Than a Big House
When it comes to your home, bigger isn't always better. In fact, while many people think that living in a small house or apartment is a disadvantage, there are many benefits to small space living that people in larger dwellings miss out on. While a big advantage is money-saving, small space living also lends itself to a number of decorating tricks and imaginative solutions that can turn even the tiniest of spaces into a stylish and practical abode.
15 Uses For Old Coffee Grounds
If you enjoy making cups of coffee for yourself at home, then you'll find yourself with an endless supply of old coffee grounds. It's best to not let them all go to waste. Here are a couple things you can do to recycle used coffee grounds.
Let Your Slow Cooker Do All the Work With These 85 Easy Recipes
Instead of standing over a hot stove after work, come home to a fully prepared meal, thanks to your slow cooker. Slow cookers are extremely versatile, so we put together a broad range of recipes to satisfy any craving, from breakfast to dinner and dessert. Whether you're looking for a cozy stew, a gooey chocolate cake, or zesty pulled pork, your slow cooker will hook you up. Read on to discover the best slow-cooker recipes - 85, to be exact - for every occasion.
19 of the Easiest Chicken Dishes Ever
Sometimes you want to tackle an elaborate recipe, and other times you just want dinner ready with little effort or time. These 19 chicken recipes are for the latter - they're all made with five or fewer ingredients. If you've got chicken on hand, you're just a few ingredients away from a satisfying meal (assuming you already have salt, pepper, and olive oil). Ahead, you'll find easy recipes for lemon-thyme chicken, salsa verde chicken enchiladas, flavorful chicken drumsticks, and more. These beginner-level recipes are easy enough for anyone to tackle, and you'll want to turn to them for years to come.
The 20 Best Whole Foods Snacks For People on the Go
I feel like I spend far more of my time running around than actually sitting down relaxing, and for someone who loves a good snack, it limits my options for easy things I can grab and throw in my purse. Thankfully, Whole Foods has a whole host of options for busy people, including a lot for snacking. Whether you're looking for something salty or sweet (or maybe a little of both), I have full confidence you'll find something at Whole Foods. Bonus: it'll probably be pretty good for you, too!
These 42 Disney Quotes Are So Perfect They'll Make You Cry
We never realized when we were kids just how deep Disney movies are. We were more concerned with the silly songs, hilarious sidekicks, and princesses finding their happily ever afters. But there are some seriously moving moments in so many Disney movies and lines that are incredibly inspirational. We've rounded up Disney quotes that will move you, motivate you, and make you want even more!
The Science of Happiness, and What You Can Learn From Unhappy People
If you've ever heard of "positive psychology," then you already know the technical term for what is often called the "science of happiness."
Positive psychology focuses on the opposite of what psychology has historically concerned itself with - our negative thoughts and behaviors. Scientists are researching the many various and complex factors that comprise happiness.
But this negative focus in conventional psychology also gives us great insight into what makes a person live a happy life. By better understanding what makes people unhappy, we discover what thoughts and behaviors to avoid to create happiness in our lives.
Unhappy people tend to build up negative thoughts - and dwell on them. That negativity might manifest itself in various ways:
- Constantly complaining
- Gossiping about others
- Being highly critical and judgmental
- Worrying all the time - including about what others think of them
- Constantly feeling regret
- Overreacting to difficult situations
Research in positive psychology suggests that training ourselves by creating new and positive habits is a way to rewire the brain. Just like an amateur violinist or swimmer must practice very frequently to refine her skills and eventually achieve a professional level, a person must practice actions and thoughts that lead to a more consistently positive mindset and attitude in life. This is what you'd usually call a happy person.
So now that you know the habits of unhappy people, it's time to refine your happiness skills by practicing the kinds of thoughts and behaviors that generate a positive mindset.
One way to avoid piling on the negative energy is to find a way to release those negative thoughts. You can keep a journal and write it out, you can get crafty and creative and make some art, you can go for a swim or a walk and sweat it out, or you can go and hang out with one of your most positive friends. Whatever you do, remember it's fine to have negative thoughts, as long as you let them go - the sooner, the better.
Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is another important step toward "happy person" mode. And that applies to the people around you, as well as yourself. Make a list of all the positive things about yourself, your life, the people you know. Tape it to your mirror and read it every day.
Not only will nonstop worrying keep you unhappy, but it will definitely take its toll on your health and your memory, and can even adversely affect your closest relationships. To help fight off anxious thoughts and feelings of regret, especially about things in life that you simply cannot control, instill some peace and quiet into your mind. How? Meditation and yoga are simple but powerful methods of calming your noisy mind. Start with five minutes of meditation a day, and slowly increase the duration at your own pace. Take a yoga class with a friend so you can keep each other accountable for sticking to the schedule. Being in a more tranquil state of mind will also help you react to complex and stressful situations in a more effective and organized manner.
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and published author. She figures out the science of what makes people tick at her human behavior research lab, the Science of People. As a geeky, modern-day Dale Carnegie, her innovative work has been featured on NPR, Business Week, and CNN and her latest CreativeLive class, The Power of Happiness, teaches you how to be a happier person every day.
35 Unique Travel Tattoos to Fuel Your Eternal Wanderlust
Warning: Only committed travelers allowed. If you have a never-ending case of wanderlust, this awe-inspiring ink is perfect for you. Check out all 35 of our most favorite tattoos from those who roam the globe.
How to Pack a Perfect Mason Jar Salad
Packing a to-go salad in a mason jar seems like a great idea - it's an easy way to transport a vibrant, veggie-heavy meal without worries of dressing leaking into your bag - but if improperly assembled, it may end up underdressed, soggy, or less than fresh. Don't let that happen to you! Instead, follow this step-by-step guide, excerpted from Julia Mirabella's Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go ($16).
Reprinted from Mason Jar Salads and More by Julia Mirabella. Copyright (c) 2014 by Julia Mirabella. Published by Ulysses Press.
21 Small Towns You Should Visit on Your Next American Road Trip
Big cities are great to visit if you're looking for an efficient vacation with strict planning and lots of stuff to do. You can fly in for under a week and hit up all the well-known spots with your friends. Ain't no shame in the big city game!
But maybe you're fresh out of college, you have a lot of time off, or you're self-employed - and you're capable of setting a few weeks aside for an all-American road trip (there's truly nothing in the world like it!). First, congratulations! You're about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. But now, where to go?
If you're looking for interesting, photogenic small towns, you've come to the right place! Here are 21 spots you should stop in, snap lots of pics of, and brag to all your loved ones about. Because these are downright awesome.
7 Fun, Easy Ways to Capture Your Travels After Your Trip
Whether it's the allure of discovering new places, learning new languages, or chowing down on new cuisines, whatever your favorite part is about immersing yourself in a new culture, there's one thing for certain: traveling is good for the soul.
But don't think just because your adventure ends, the good times can't keep rolling. One of the best parts about traveling is finding ways to capture those unforgettable memories so you can forever reminisce about them. So instead of feeling the pressure to post every single amazing experience on Instagram right when it happens, put your phone away knowing we've got you covered with seven fun, easy ways to track your travels. Ready to get started?
The 1 Thing Happy People Do Every Day
Growing up with a mother as a counselor definitely had its perks: she was incredibly patient, a supportive listener, and always gave the best advice. Even though my mom is retired, she continues to help others by sharing her years of wisdom on what it takes to be truly happy. She's told me time and time again that while material goods might make me happy in the moment, that feeling is fleeting. I've learned people who are the happiest don't have the most money or aren't the most attractive, but they all share one thing in common:
Happy people practice gratitude every day.
While this may seem simple enough, our minds tend to focus on what we're missing out on instead of being grateful for everything we already have. Our generation has it even harder because we are living in a social world where we are constantly connected. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough when everyone on your social feed appears to be doing cooler things than you.
Good news: there are ways to practice gratitude each day to live your best life. Here's how.
1. Meditate
Starting your day with five minutes of silence has been proven to change your brain chemistry, making you more resilient against life's hardships. However, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to meditation. I used to think you had to think about absolutely nothing (which is pretty much impossible) during your practice. But really, meditation is all about being present and not focusing on what you're going to have for dinner or that you forgot to pick up something at the grocery store. The purpose of meditation is to take time for yourself to set an intention for your day and be grateful in that moment.
2. Create a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is different than a regular journal because it makes you focus on only the good stuff rather than venting about your worries or writing down everything that went wrong in the day. Each day, you should write down at least three things that you're grateful for. By doing this, you can actually rewire your brain to be happier. It's kind of like the "camera effect." When you have a camera, you're constantly looking for interesting things to capture. Instead of hating the graffiti, you might shift your way of thinking and try to make it aesthetically pleasing in your frame. That's how the gratitude journal works for your disposition. Instead of focusing on pessimistic thoughts, you're going about your day looking for positive things to add to your gratitude journal.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
Reflect on your mood and outlook, after you spend time with certain friends. Do you feel inspired and connected or do you feel drained and dissatisfied? If it's the latter, you might want to reevaluate your friendship. We only get one life to live, so why waste any time surrounding yourself with negative influences? It's not easy to cut certain people from your life, but it's even worse to feel unhappy because of the people you're surrounded by. By positioning yourself around inspirational and positive people, you're setting yourself up for a more sunny outlook and successful future.
4. Talk back to your negativity
You know that inner dialogue that says you're not smart enough, pretty enough, or cool enough? While those nagging thoughts are completely normal, the trick is to talk back to them with positive affirmations so they don't get in the way of your happiness. It may seem silly at first, but it works, trust me. If I catch my mind going down a dark rabbit hole, I counter it with logic and positivity. It's OK to have bad thoughts, but what's more important is how you react to them and to make sure they don't take over your life.
5. Focus more on your community and others than yourself
When you're down in the dumps, it's easy to get lost in "me, me, me," which can lead to self-pity and depression. However, when you take yourself out of the equation, you'll start to feel happier because you're helping other people. Try volunteering, writing cards to loved ones, or cooking dinner for a friend in need.
If you practice gratitude each day, you'll slowly start to see a positive change in your disposition and overall outlook on life. It will take discipline and self-control, but really, aren't things you work hardest for worth it in the end?
The Ultimate Harry Potter Travel Bucket List
Did you know that you can actually take magic lessons in a castle or sign a wall in the cafe where J.K. Rowling began to write her famous series? Potterheads who love history, fun book and movie facts, and endless amounts of Harry Potter memorabilia should - no, must - visit these themed spots all over the world. From majestic castles and train rides over rolling Scottish hillsides to historic hotels and secret wizarding shops, Muggles fulfilling this Harry Potter travel bucket list will be entirely convinced that magic truly does exist.
How to Clean Everything in Your Home and Beyond
Every room in your apartment or house comes with its own cleaning challenges. From air vents to rusty cooking ware, we've rounded up a cleaning guide for every room and item you could ever want to clean! And check out DIY cleaning products here!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
What to Do With Used or Leftover Charcoal
Your Summer grilling soiree was a hit, and all that's left to do is pack away leftovers and dump out your grill full of charcoal ash and spent hickory chips. But before you upend that Weber, take care to dispose of the mess safely (ash can still be hot!) and properly.
To dispose of charcoal and wood ash: Let the ash cool for 48 hours. You can speed up this process by pouring water over the hot charcoal and stirring it very carefully. When the ash has cooled completely, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an noncombustible outdoor trash bin.
If you used additive-free lump charcoal: Fertilize your plants! Charcoal ash contains potash, an important nutrient for some plants. It's also a great way to increase the pH of the soil.
When you have a bag of used charcoal (and not briquettes with additives) sitting around your garage, there are a number of ways to use it up, even if grilling isn't on this Summer's agenda.
- Keep a few pieces in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator to kill odors.
- Feed your compost pile to increase the carbon content.
- Place a lump at the bottom of a flower vase to make cut flowers last longer.
- Suppress garden weeds and maintain soil moisture by using charcoal as a mulch.
- Mix crushed charcoal with orchid potting medium to increase the alkalinity.
- And, of course, keep them around for Winter snowman faces!
I Got to an Airbnb, and It Was a Nightmare - Here's What Happened Next
The Airbnb had cobwebs and dead bugs in the corners. Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
Ah, the smell of wet dog. That dank scent greeted me upon entering an Airbnb I had booked in Sydney's Bondi Beach. My husband and I were set to stay there for 12 days with two friends. We arrived late at night and were ready to make the most of the place. So we lit a candle, opened some windows, and hoped the place would air itself out.
There was mold all over the walls, cobwebs and dead bugs in the corners, and scary looking stains on the carpet. When it came time to take a shower, brown water came out of the faucet, and it never got warm.
Climbing into bed that night, things still seemed off. The comforter was extremely threadbare and not nearly enough to keep us warm on the chilly Fall night. The pillows felt decades old. But we told ourselves we weren't high-maintenance and would survive. Unfortunately, when we woke up, the extensive problems with the place became evident in the light of day. There was mold all over the walls (perhaps it wasn't wet dog we were smelling after all), cobwebs and dead bugs in the corners, and scary looking stains on the carpet. When it came time to take a shower, brown water came out of the faucet, and it never got warm. This wasn't going to work for almost two weeks.
There was mold on the walls, which gave of a musty, wet dog smell. Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
I decided to contact Airbnb, which encourages you to report problems on the site instead of making it easy to talk to a customer service representative. So I filled out the form reporting that there was a problem with the shower. I didn't realize that this would immediately notify my host, who then reached out to me from her vacation in the US. I explained to her the issues and asked if she would consider refunding us for the nights we hadn't stayed, since we realistically couldn't deal with no hot water and other issues for the next 11 days. She attempted to charge us for seven nights, but since we had to find somewhere new to stay ASAP, that would eat into our budget. So I told her I would contact Airbnb to figure out my options and she should do the same.
The shower water came out cold and dirty. Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
With internet sleuthing, I was able to find a phone number for Airbnb customer service. (The toll-free number was: 1-855-424-7262.) After waiting for some time, I got an agent named Shania, who was extremely helpful. I explained to her the situation, and she told me that a lack of hot water would be enough to get us our money back and out of the apartment. But first we'd have to prove it. Shania asked me to send her video of myself turning the water on and holding a bowl of ice cubes underneath the shower. If they didn't melt immediately, that would demonstrate that the water didn't get hot. It also gave me a chance to show the brown, dirty water. I also sent photos of the stained carpet, mold, and cobwebs. With a few more back and forths, Shania said she would arrange for a refund for the nights not stayed and help us find a new spot if needed. On my own, I was able to locate a new Airbnb in our price range that was beautifully decorated and, most importantly, clean. The next morning we relocated there, and Airbnb refunded me the money for the nightmare spot.
According to Airbnb, these are the issues that will make you eligible for a guest refund:
- The host fails to provide reasonable access to the booked listing.
- The listing booked is misrepresented (ex: number of bedrooms, location, lacks promised amenities).
- The listing isn't generally clean, is unsafe, or there's an animal in the listing that wasn't disclosed prior to booking.
Airbnb asks that you first attempt to remedy the issue with the host and then contact Airbnb within 24-hours of check-in with documentation, which is what I was able to do.
From now on, I only book Airbnbs that already have reviews.
Ultimately, I think the host simply wasn't ready for the responsibility of welcoming strangers into her home. As a host myself, I know it takes a lot to get your home ready. It means more than tidying up and often requires a professional to deep clean at least once. If a place has serious problems, like an unreliable hot water situation or mold, you should address them before listing your home on the platform. But I also learned some lessons as a guest. The spot we booked did not have any reviews, and the photos weren't the best quality. I was drawn to the very central location and relative value, but I should have been more discerning and recognized that it was an amateur listing. From now on, I only book Airbnbs that already have reviews. And I always search "clean" within the reviews to see what past guests have to say. Since doing that, I haven't had any bad surprises.
7 Mature Girls' Trips to Take in Your 30s
After a certain age, you may be feeling like your days of partying it up in Las Vegas and Miami are over. But just because an afternoon of wine tasting begins to sound more appealing than all-nighters at the club doesn't mean that you can't have fun with your girls. It might just mean considering destinations with a hint of more maturity. Whether you're looking for a mellower bachelorette party or a low-key girls' trip, we've got seven cities to get you inspired.
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