Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 8 février 2019
The Prodigy's Taylor Schilling on Creepy Kids, Horror's Dog Problem, and Leaving OITNB Behind
Having spent six years playing Piper Kerman on Orange Is the New Black, it should surprise no one that Taylor Schilling has experienced her fair share of unpleasant moments on screen. For instance, as a Litchfield inmate, she has her teeth shattered, finds herself starting a used panties business, and is held down while getting a swastika burned into her arm. And yet much of that pales in comparison to what Schilling's character must endure in The Prodigy.
In the Nicholas McCarthy-directed horror film, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated actress plays Sarah, a mother whose genius-level young son, Miles (It's Jackson Robert Scott), begins to exhibit disturbing behavior the older he gets. Is he suffering from some sort of mental disorder? Or is something more sinister at work, like a demonic possession? Sarah struggles with her instinct to love and protect her son while also fearing for her and her husband's safety, encountering every mother's worst nightmare as she gets pulled deeper and deeper into the mystery of what, exactly, is up with Miles.
What results is an intensely creepy film, with an ending that legitimately made my jaw pop open in surprise. I hopped on the phone with Schilling herself to discuss it all, from the final shocking twist to what kind of roles might be next for her when OITNB ends for good this year.
Warning: spoilers for a key twist in The Prodigy are discussed ahead, so don't read any further if you want to keep that a surprise.
POPSUGAR: What really struck me while watching the film is that the plot is every mother's worst nightmare. But that being said, regardless of whether or not you have kids, the story is still effectively chilling, especially for women. I'm wondering what your first impression was after reading the script and seeing the lengths Sarah has to go to for her son.
Taylor Schilling: I was blown away by this character, and by the time I finished the script, particularly with the turns that Sarah takes . . . at the end, she's just trying to save her son. It really fooled me. It blew me away.
PS: That's actually interesting because I, myself, was a little surprised at the ending, when Sarah decides to kill the serial killer's lone survivor. What was your perspective on that? Why do you think Sarah decides to do what she does?
TS: Well, I think she's fighting for her son, and she feels a tremendous amount of responsibility for her child. And the intensity of the circumstances aren't something that everyone can relate to, but her instinct to be her son's guardian and do whatever it takes to make sure that he's safe and that he blossoms in the world is really what I think a lot of parents can relate to. I think she just goes all the way, and I think, in real time, the character Sarah is learning that there are parts of herself that she didn't know existed. That there's this ferocious fighter inside of her, and she's willing to do whatever it takes no matter what anybody else thinks.
PS: Did you anticipate that ending at all when you were first reading the script? Because I was genuinely surprised.
TS: What did it seem like to you while watching it?
PS: By the time that she gets to the hospital and sees her husband near death and leans down to whisper, "I'm going to fix this" or "I'm going to save our son" or whatever the line is, I assumed she'd finally made up her mind to kill Miles. Like that would be her way of "saving" everyone. Even though she'd discovered those newspaper clippings about the survivor in his bedroom, I still wasn't expecting things to get that dark. Although I guess a mother killing her son is pretty dark.
TS: Yeah, [the ending] really kind of blew me away, too. The choices that she made and is making throughout are . . . yeah, they're really something else.
PS: The evil kid horror genre has definitely been done before in a few ways, like in The Omen and Bad Seed, but this time I thought it was kind of fresh, I guess in a morbid way, how the serial killer comes to possess Miles. And seeing adorable Jackson Robert Scott committing all these heinous things is a trip. Was it hard for you when you were filming to see Jackson as truly scary?
TS: No, because I think he's so good at taking the twists that he needs to take. He's just a really good actor. So, he really did his job. He really is spectacular and kind of inspiring in that he can shift modes so quickly and so effortlessly. That [after a scary scene] he can just start playing. He's a great kid.
PS: Miles has to say some pretty brutal, unsavory stuff, especially in that scene when he's in the psychiatrist's office. It's kind of wild to hear that coming out of a little kid's mouth. What was it like doing those kinds of scenes with him?
TS: You know, some of that stuff . . . I was actually horrified when I met him, because I'd read the script and I knew that this child was going to have to say those things. I was preemptively very concerned for him, and this entire operation. I was concerned for everybody involved! [Laughs] But I think, if I'm not mistaken, he actually never said those words.
PS: I was wondering.
TS: I'm pretty sure they [dubbed] those lines in. He would get alternate sides on those days. And he'd be like, [imitates an annoyed little kid voice] "I know I have special sides. Let me see. Let me see." So he knew what was going on, but he didn't have [those sides]. And I think they had somebody else [dub] the stuff in later.
PS: In addition to all the creepy dialogue, there are also some really, really gruesome moments. I, personally, am still processing the dog scene.
TS: Oh, I know. I'm with you. I know. It's awful. It was brutal.
PS: So acting with a dead dog is as bad as it seems?
TS: Yes, it was awful. It was horrible. Yeah, it was horrible the day that I . . . I mean, there was one day that I didn't know [that scene] was happening. I walked in the makeup trailer and there was this mass of prosthetic. I didn't understand it was the prosthetic of a dead dog. A dog with blood on it. And it looked like a real dead dog in the makeup trailer! It was horrible. That was what was very upsetting. That was very scary.
PS: Oh my God. I can't imagine.
TS: It was horrible.
PS: As a viewer, it's always so nice to see an actor that you know and love from one thing - in this case, I've been watching you for six years on Orange Is the New Black - inhabiting a totally different character than usual. Was it exciting for you as an actress to do something other than playing Piper?
"I'm so excited to be doing something different. It's thrilling to me."
TS: Thank you so much. I'm so excited to be doing something different. It's thrilling to me. And yeah, that's what I'm looking for. Not necessarily things that are diametrically opposed for the purpose of being opposed to Piper, but different than Piper. Just stories that I'm excited about telling and directors that I want to work with and characters that seem interesting. Yeah, that's what I'm after.
PS: Is there a freedom - bittersweet, I'm sure - that comes with knowing that Orange Is the New Black is going to end and you'll have time for tons of other things in the future?
TS: Yeah. It's really exciting. It feels like the end of an era, like graduating from school or something akin to that. It's really a big deal.
PS: Yeah, when I was preparing for this interview, I actually was thinking to myself how the world is so different from when Orange first premiered to now. It's exciting, as a fan of the show, to know everyone on the cast is going to go out and be in all these new, wonderful projects. Is that something you guys have discussed at all yourselves?
TS: Yeah. What we have discussed and what I do know is that everybody is so excited about the possibilities that are in front of us. This show has given all of us so many opportunities and been such an incredible platform. But even with Natasha [Lyonne] going off and doing Russian Doll, or . . . everyone is able to spread their wings a bit now. It's very exciting.
PS: Now that you've done this horror film, is there anything in particular that you would want to do next? Whether it's a rom-com or another horror film or going on Broadway . . . anything like that?
TS: I think I'm just looking for a good story. I think I'm looking for the characters that I'm interested in playing, and projects that fit, and just surrounding myself with people that I love.
PS: Do you ever look for anything in particular about a potential film or TV show when you're reading a new script?
TS: The character and the journey. And now more than ever, I'm excited to be working with really great people. That's a part of what I'm looking for. I'm aiming for things in which I can express myself and parts of myself that people may not have seen before. There's a lot of work that I feel I have left to do as an actor. And I'm excited for the opportunity to explore different options, different opportunities.
Pet Sematary: The New Trailer Will Leave You Gasping For Breath
After a batch of unnerving photos from the new Pet Sematary remake were released a while back, we have a new trailer to obsess over. Directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer introduce us to the members of the Creed family, who move into a new home that just so happens to be located next to a small woodland cemetery for pets. What they don't realize - at least not at first - is that the land allows the creatures buried there to come back from the dead. When tragedy strikes, the family pushes the powers of the cemetery to the extreme.
Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz star as Louis and Rachel Creed, who are parents to young Ellie (Jeté Laurence) and Gage (twins Hugo Lavoie and Lucas Lavoie). John Lithgow is also on board as their kinda-creepy, kinda-wise next door neighbor, Jud Crandall, who informs them of the cemetery's powers. Watch the first trailer for the Stephen King adaptation above before it hits theaters on April 5, 2019.
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Teaser:
There Are TWO New Mission Impossible Films on the Horizon - and They Have Release Dates!
Did you know there have already been six (yes, six!) Mission: Impossible films? In the past 20 or so years, the franchise has only built more and more momentum, and there are no signs of slowing down. In fact, Paramount has doubled down and announced two sequels in the coming years, and they both have tentative release dates!
A new report from Entertainment Weekly says that Mission: Impossible 7 will drop on July 23, 2021, and Mission: Impossible 8 will be out by Aug. 5, 2022. If you find yourself wondering whether more of these films are truly necessary, just know that the most recent in the series, Mission: Impossible - Fallout, came out in 2018 and made almost $800 million worldwide at the box office. That's some serious cash.
Sure, the next two films are still a ways off, and we're not entirely sure just how many impossible missions there could possibly be out there in the big, wide world. But you know what? As long as they can find impossible missions for Tom Cruise to tumble, run, somersault, cartwheel, motorcycle, fly, and jump through, we guess we'll just have to be here for it.
The Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Teasers Are Here, and No, I Will Never Sleep Again
I don't know about you, but I spent many a night growing up reading (and later, having nightmares about) Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. (If parking anywhere at night doesn't give you flashbacks to "The Hook," then you're made of much stronger stuff than I.) And now, because apparently he doesn't want me to sleep as an adult, either, Guillermo del Toro is bringing the iconic tales to the big screen.
The film adaptation of the same name is directed by André Øvredal, and was penned by del Toro, Daniel Hageman, and Kevin Hageman. Judging from the brief first teasers for the horror flick, which won't hit theaters until August, it seems the creepy visuals were directly inspired by the original illustrations for Schwartz's books, which were done by Stephen Gammell. Starring Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, and more, the official plot description from Lionsgate is as follows:
"It's l968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind . . . but seemingly far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley where for generations, the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. It is in their mansion on the edge of town that Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time - stories that have a way of becoming all too real for a group of teenagers who discover Sarah's terrifying tome."
Uh, yeah. I'm creeped all the way out. Watch the first batch of teasers, ahead, and then stock up on Z-Quil - otherwise, I'm not sure if you'll ever get a good night's sleep again.
Alicia Keys and James Corden Hit ALL the Right Notes During Their "Shallow" Parody Cover
When Alicia Keys stopped by The Late Late Show With James Corden on Wednesday, she and the host delighted viewers everywhere by teaming up to cover "Shallow" - well, sort of. They remixed the hit song from A Star Is Born, swapping out the real lyrics for ones about Keys's upcoming Grammys hosting gig - and two stars were born indeed.
Corden began their parody by singing, "Tell me something Keys. I hear you're set to host this year's Grammys," to which the 38-year-old artist crooned back, "Didn't you host it twice? Maybe you could give me some advice." Shortly after Corden rattled off some of his pointers, Keys slipped in a line from her iconic song "Girl Is on Fire," sending the crowd into a round of applause. Watch their entire performance above, and you'll instantly become a Keys-Corden stan. Now, can these two actually cover the real "Shallow"?
6 Fast Facts About the Suicide Squad Sequel, From the New Title to the Release Date
The entertainment world has been buzzing about the impending sequel of Suicide Squad. Now that the next installment of the bad-guy epic is on the official calendar of DC Comics releases, Warner Bros. has begun courting a director and breaking ground on the project. With so much up in the air, it's easy to wonder what we do know about the sequel. We did some digging and scraped together as much confirmed and speculative information as we possibly could.
1. The Official Title
Suicide Squad's sequel has officially been titled . . . drum roll, please . . . The Suicide Squad, according to Deadline.
2. James Gunn Is Writing the Script (and Potentially Directing)
Although David Ayer wrote and directed the first film, it seems Warner Bros. may be veering in a different direction for round two. The studio was reportedly courting Mel Gibson for the job at first, but in October, The Wrap reported that Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn will take over the script, and possibly direct. Back in July 2018, a right-wing troll began circulating a number of Gunn's old tweets, some of which included distasteful jokes about pedophilia. Although he apologized, Disney fired him from his Marvel gig, so it would be interesting to see how he handles a film in the DCEU, instead. As of right now, a director hasn't been nailed down.
3. David Ayer Likely Won't Return in Any Capacity
In March 2016, The Wrap inadvertently confirmed the sequel during a seemingly innocuous news report. As almost an afterthought, the site mentioned that Suicide Squad 2 was already on Ayer's 2017 schedule. Obviously things have changed since then, and Ayer is busy with the Training Day TV adaptation and the sequel to his fantasy-crime Netflix film, Bright.
4. Most of the Original Cast Will Probably Return
The aforementioned report from The Wrap also mentioned that Suicide Squad's sequel was on Will Smith's schedule as well. Considering he was one of the biggest stars attached to the first film, it would make sense that Warner Bros. would want him to return as Deadshot. Jared Leto, Karen Fukuhara, Joel Kinnaman, and Margot Robbie are also going to come back, especially since the latter is locked in to play Harley Quinn in the Birds of Prey film. Dwayne Johnson is joining the film as well, taking on the role of Black Adam.
5. It Could Be Rated R
In Spring 2016, David Ayer talked about the sequel with MTV News. While the studio definitely aimed for a PG-13 rating on the first one, the second one is up in the air. Ayer remarked that an R stamp "would be worth lobbying for." In light of the runaway success of 2016's Deadpool, which made billions of dollars and became one of the most successful R-rated films of all time, an R-Rated Suicide Squad sequel sounds pretty appealing. Ayer is no longer involved with the project, but let's hope the studio still decides to take it in that direction.
6. Jay Hernandez May Not Be Gone Forever
Even though El Diablo goes out with a pretty epic blaze of glory in the first film, actor Jay Hernandez told ComicBook that the character could still return somehow. "Of course there is [a chance he could return]! I'm not saying anything, just that it's a possibility." Considering Superman kind of, sort of dies in Batman v. Superman but also seems to have somehow come back from the dead to appear in the Justice League films, nothing is out of the question.
Here Are the Stars With the Most Oscars - Yes, Meryl Streep Is One of Them
In spite of the flubs and controversies over the years, the Oscars still haven't lost their prestige. Film buffs keep going back to the award show over the years for one thing: the wins. (OK, and maybe suave suits and gorgeous gowns, too.) When it comes to Oscar heavyweights, we bet you're already thinking of the inimitable, mega-talented queen that is Meryl Streep. While the seasoned actress is indeed one of the biggest names in the Academy, she doesn't actually have the most wins. The real champion is still one of the biggest names in the world of film-making. Here's a brief history of Academy Award record holders for your knowledge - as well as trivia ammo that you can drop at your next Oscar viewing party.
Who has the most wins?
In the history of the Oscars, only one person has ever had four Academy Award wins: Katharine Hepburn, the greatest female screen legend according to the American Film Institute. The actress is known for her firebrand and sharp-witted personality, taking on both screwball comedies and rich literary masterpieces over her fruitful career. She won her first Academy Award in the best actress category for her role as a small-town performer in Morning Glory in 1934. She then picked up three more accolades in the same category for her roles in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1968), The Lion in Winter (1969), and On Golden Pond (1982). Hepburn was 74 in her final win, making her the second oldest person to earn the Oscar for best actress (Jessica Tandy was the oldest at 80).
Who has the most nominations?
And then there's Meryl Streep, who's as great in a light and frothy role in Mamma Mia (2008) as she is in a heartbreaking one in Silkwood (1983). So what record does Streep hold? The Academy darling has, by far, the most nominations of all time with 21 bids in total, which is 9 more than Hepburn. Streep was last nominated for her role in The Post in 2018, in which she played Katharine Graham, the second female publisher of a major American newspaper. The renowned actress earned her first nomination in 1979 for best supporting actress in The Deer Hunter, then cinched her first win a year later for the same category for the film Kramer vs. Kramer. Her two other wins were for the best actress category in the movies Sophie's Choice (1983) and The Iron Lady (2012).
Though she has the most nominations, Streep isn't the sole actor or actress to win three times. A few others are part of the three-timers club, which is still a relatively exclusive one. They include Walter Brennan, Ingrid Bergman, Jack Nicholson, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Who has the most nominations without a win (so far)?
There's another actress who also deserves a shout-out here: Glenn Close. She currently holds the record for the most nominations without a win - seven in total, to be precise. This record could very well change come the 2019 Oscars. Close has been nominated this year in the best actress category for her absorbing role in The Wife, for which she's already earned a SAG and Golden Globe so far. If she picks up an Oscar, she'll not only get her first win but also officially reach EGOT status. In any case, Close's iconic talent is undeniable.
At the end of the day, an Oscar is a hunk of bronze with a gild of gold, but the wins do matter. The trophies come from the most prestigious institution in the movie industry, determining who gets recognition and what kind of movies get made. It's exciting then to see that many of the record holders are women with remarkable careers. Now, can we give Glenn Close her darn Oscar already?
Candice Patton on Representation and the Profound Impact of Playing Iris on The Flash
Image Source: The CW
Candice Patton has developed a strong fan base for her role as Iris West-Allen on The Flash, but she's also had to deal with a fair amount of haters. Since getting cast as Iris, the actress has dealt with a ton of unwarranted harassment for portraying a character who was white in the comics. During POPSUGAR Play/Ground last year, Candice opened up about how she's overcome the hate while chatting with POPSUGAR's Kirbie Johnson during the Screen Queens panel with fellow CW stars Ashleigh Murray, Vanessa Morgan, and Caity Lotz.
"Comic book fans are very opinionated [and] very vocal," she explained. "So it was very scary stepping into that role when I started the show." She recalled that one of the producers actually warned her to not go online after she was cast due to all the negative comments. While it wasn't easy dealing with the harassment at first, it did get better eventually. "Over time, people have embraced me and embraced this character, and I know it's really important," she said. "What's great is that in years to come, people will remember Iris West as being African American."
Not only has she influenced how people will see Iris in years to come, but she has also made a great impact on her fellow CW costars. During the panel, Riverdale's Ashleigh Murray expressed how she dealt with similar harassment when she was first cast as Josie. "Josie is originally white in the comics and so is Melody," she explained. "We all ended up coming in as an all-black group."
While she's seen "people say some really unfortunate things" online, Ashleigh admitted that the gratitude and support she's received from fans outshines the negativity. "Now it's just white noise," she added. "I don't even notice it or see it much anymore. And it's probably thanks to [Candice], because if you had to go through it before I did, you probably made the transition a little bit easier."
Image Source: Getty / Cindy Ord
Candice added that she's OK taking on the criticism if it means more women of color don't have to deal with it later. "The more we get cast, the more we unfortunately take the brunt, the easier it's going to get on every woman of color that comes after us," she said. "It's going to become the normal, I hope, sooner than later. If I have to deal with crap online so a girl that looks like me 10 years from now can successfully be on a show without any of that, then it's well worth it."
A Fan Bonded With Timothée Chalamet on a Flight, and He Offered to FaceTime Steve Carell
I was casually trying to mind my own business on the train when my phone started lighting up with urgent texts and Twitter DMs from my best friend. I knew that either the dreaded apocalypse had finally reached us, or that Timothée Chalamet had the audacity to show his beautiful face in public again. Luckily, it was the latter, and we'll all survive another day. Even better, thanks to Twitter user @alankruthahaha, we'll survive knowing that Timothée flies economy and excels in casual airplane conversation.
While I'd normally dread sharing a row of seats with a stranger, I'd gladly cash in one million uncomfortable elbow bumps for the three hours Alankrutha spent with the Beautiful Boy star. Thankfully, Alankrutha chronicled the whole encounter on Twitter for those of us not lucky enough to have a front-row seat to their interaction. She did her due diligence and asked the burning questions I'd be too shy to vocalize. "How is Steve Carell? Have you met Beyoncé? Why are you sitting in economy class?" Thank god, Timothée was equally talkative and gave Alankrutha pure, sincere answers, sprinkled with his own curiosity about her life.
Now, Alankrutha did a fantastic job with her impromptu interview and I have zero complaints, but this conversation had me thinking: what would I ask Timothée if fate brought us together on a 747? Here's a short list:
- Did you want the aisle seat? I can totally switch, like, right now. No problem.
- Is there a reason that girl on your phone screen looks a lot like Lily-Rose Depp?
- How did you really feel about that Henry V haircut?
- Who organized the guest list for Kid Cudi's birthday party?
- Are you and Ansel Elgort in charge of the ten-year LaGuardia reunion?
- Do you feel like history's repeating itself, since Greta Gerwig called you a "young Christian Bale" and now you're reviving one of his roles in Little Women?
- What cologne do you wear? It's for, um, science.
- Do you want me to ask the flight attendant for more pretzels?
14 Must-Read New Releases - All by Women of Color
A 2015 study concluded that 79 percent of the publishing industry was staffed by white employees. While the industry has (hopefully) been working toward diversity in the past several years, there's certainly no shortage of excellent writing from women of color. Just look at Jesmyn Ward, a black novelist who penned the haunting National Book Award winner Sing, Unburied, Sing, or Celeste Ng, an Asian-American author who continues cranking out best-sellers like Little Fires Everywhere (which, by the way, is getting its own Hulu treatment).
In 2019, stock your shelves and update your reading lists with these books by women of color, from Elizabeth Acevedo's young adult family drama, With the Fire on High, to Helen Hoang's romantic read, The Bride Test.
8 Things You Should Know About the Late Princess Margaret
Long before Princess Diana was the "people's princess" embroiled in scandal and Princess Charlotte was giving the best face, Princess Margaret was the "spare" royal grabbing headlines. The Queen's younger sister was famous (or infamous, depending on who you asked) for her messy love life, a series of scandals, her fabulous style, and her love for a serious party. While viewers of the Netflix drama The Crown know some of the facts of Princess Margaret's life - or at least a fictionalized version of her life - most people probably don't know much about the princess. For some of the basics about Princess Margaret, plus some fun facts you probably didn't know (and some amazing pictures), click through the gallery below.
The Greatest Royal Family Photos Over the Decades
They are the most photographed family in the world, and there's no denying that when the Windsors do all appear together, they give us some special moments to remember. From the pomp and circumstance of traditional events like Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service to family moments like weddings and christenings, the Queen and her clan certainly make a mark when they work as one. Here are some of their best family moments over the years and, get ready: they're really rather special.
A Million Little Things: This Single Clue Could Reveal Jon's Connection to Barbara Morgan
Warning: spoilers for A Million Little Things ahead!
We were hooked on A Million Little Things from the very early moments of that emotional series premiere, but no one could have predicted that the level of mystery in the tear-jerking drama would keep audiences coming back and ultimately propel the show to a second season. Among the many questions left unanswered: who is Barbara Morgan, and why would Jon make her a beneficiary on his life insurance?
"Twelve Seconds," which aired Jan. 31, may reveal the most important clue yet. In the final moments of the episode, Jon's wife, Delilah, and friend Gary learn that Jon had purchased a building for sentimental reasons, hopeful that its value would skyrocket when a new subway stop opened nearby. When they arrive at the address, they discover that Jon had lived there before he met his wife - and they spot a familiar scene from his apartment window. The view matches a painting Jon had hung up across from Gary's chemo chair during his treatments for breast cancer. The two then head to the hospital, where they find the artist's signature at the base of the painting: "B. Morgan."
Jon had hoped the painting of boats on the water would inspire Gary to keep up the fight, by helping him envision a cancer-free future and the experiences it would bring - moments they would share together. So, what does this have to do with Barbara Morgan? First, it's clear that Barbara has spent time in Jon's home, signaling that they may have been in a relationship. Beyond that, we know that Jon lived with consuming guilt in the years before he takes his own life. It seems possible then that something happened to Barbara - a life-altering accident or illness, perhaps - and when tragedy strikes, Jon "abandoned" her (his words). He won't make the same mistake with Gary, and in the days or weeks before his death, he chooses to leave Barbara a portion of the life insurance to help care for her.
Jon writes that the man he wanted to be died long before he met Delilah. That, coupled with the fact that he keeps this chapter of his life hidden from his friends and family, could mean that he is ashamed of the circumstances that led to he and Barbara parting ways. Maybe he's even to blame. (He once tells his assistant Ashley that his greatest regret is purchasing a bottle of wine he still keeps in the apartment, if that's any indication.)
While the internet has other theories - that the two have a child together, for example - this one seems most in line with Jon's character: a man who cares deeply for those around him but can't conquer his own demons. Only time will tell.
25 Incredibly Captivating Documentaries Streaming on Netflix in 2019
If you think documentaries are boring, then you're definitely not watching the right ones. Yes, documentaries are educational, but the right ones are also incredibly entertaining. From stories about killer whales in captivity to wine fraudsters to missing mummified legs, documentaries can be just as exciting as fictional films - and sometimes even more so, since you know the events are real. If you are looking to learn something new this year, or you simply want to hear a wild story on your next movie night, read on to check out the best documentaries streaming on Netflix this year.
The 25 Best Romantic Comedies on Netflix Right Now
Who doesn't love a truly great romantic comedy? There's nothing as satisfying as watching two characters, who you know are made for each other, finally figure that out themselves. The best part is that a rom-com story is at home in any setting and any storytelling style, whether it's told in flashbacks, in alternate timelines, or just in high school.
Netflix is brimming with plenty of rom-coms, from its own catalog of original movies to a ton of existing hits with some of your favorite actors. No matter what kind of romantic comedy you're looking for, you're sure to find it among these 25 heartwarming rom-coms on Netflix!
The Shocking True Story Behind Breakthrough Might Make You Believe in Miracles
On April 17, fans of This Is Us's Chrissy Metz can see the small-screen star achieve leading-lady status on the big screen. Metz stars as distraught mother Joyce Smith in Breakthrough. Based on a true story and a memoir (The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mother's Faith and Her Child's Resurrection) by the real Smith, the film depicts a real-life miracle story of a teenage boy who falls through an icy lake and nearly dies, only to revive when everyone believed hope was lost. The film already looks like a full-on tearjerker, and we can't even imagine how emotional the real-life experience was for everyone involved.
The seemingly miraculous recovery sounds more like the stuff of inspirational films than real life. But in the case of Smith and her son John (played by Marcel Ruiz), it's actually both. Read on to discover the incredible true story of hope and survival behind the upcoming film.
You Need to Hear the True Story Behind Dwayne Johnson's New WWE Movie
The upcoming wrestling/family drama Fighting With My Family is inspired by a family who stays together . . . by wrestling together. Although the whole family takes turns in the ring, it's the young daughter who catches the eye of talent scouts and just might have the chance to make it big - complicating her relationship with her brother, whose odds aren't looking nearly as good.
Fans of WWE wrestling are used to crazy storylines and larger than life characters; who knew that the real-life story behind one of the franchise's stars was stranger than fiction, too? Produced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (who plays himself in the film), Fighting With My Family follows the movie-ready story of how the girl was plucked from obscurity and turned into the wrestling star "Paige," though not without some serious bumps along the way. Before you see the movie when it comes out on Feb. 14, read on for some of the real facts behind the wrestling family.
Aquaman and Mera Say Their "I Dos" on the Beach in This Steamy, Sparkling Wedding Shoot
Move over, Ariel and Eric! Aquaman and Mera are about to dethrone the Disney couple with this dazzlingly romantic beach wedding. The two characters have electric chemistry on the big screen in the recent adaptation, and it certainly transferred into this photo shoot that was put together by Cristina of Hermosa Weddings and Events at the Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing, CA.
"Many DC elements related to Aquaman and his alter ego Arthur Curry were incorporated throughout the design," Cristina said. "The entire design revolved around the colors orange and green, since Aquaman's costume in the DC comic books is orange and green." She also drew upon the sea for inspiration as an ode to Aquaman and Mera's underwater home of Atlantis. The table is a treasure chest draped with linen resembling golden sand and decorated with delicate glass charger plates shaped in the form of shells with elegant turquoise wine glasses. And take a closer look at those place cards . . . some of the names might look familiar if you are a fan of the DC universe. From the sparkling decor details to the couple's steamy sunset ocean shots, take in all the stunning photos of this fantastical beach wedding now!
Who Is Running For President in 2020?
Donald Trump has barely completed his second year in office, but presidential hopefuls from all parties are already lining up to run for office in 2020. While only a handful of political players have officially launched presidential campaigns, the signs that someone is running - serious fundraising, visiting battleground states, making political appearances, releasing a book, etc. - often make ambitions fairly clear well before they're announced.
So who might President Trump (if he is, in fact, the GOP's candidate in 2020) face in less than two years? While no Republicans have publicly waged a campaign to unseat the current president, several Democrats - and one Independent - have already officially announced their intention to run against him or launched serious "exploratory committees" to gear up for a run. Here's a look at the politicians who are running for Commander in Chief in 2020.
Related: What to Tell Women Who Didn't Vote in the 2016 Election - but Wish They Had
Lyft Is Offering Discounted Rides to Black History Museums and Black-Owned Businesses All Month
Lyft is joining the Black History Month celebrations by offering free or discounted rides to locations that embody black excellence. This promo works on one ride, up to $10, to black history museums, memorials, and cultural sites and black-owned businesses in participating cities around the US.
As someone who wants to be a better ally during Black History Month - and all year long - I'm particularly excited about this opportunity. It allows riders to explore how our country's music evolved thanks to innovations spurred by black artists at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or view the origins of streetwear and its explosion into mainstream culture at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. More of the destination highlights include:
- Center For Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, AL
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati
- Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles
- National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC
Find the full list of places you can visit through the program and the discount code for your area on Lyft's site. Then, order a Lyft to one of these remarkable destinations today.
Once February is over, continue to celebrate black excellence by making it a priority to shop at black-owned businesses, educate yourself about America's history of racial injustice, and engage with stories about the black experience.
This Couple Took Their Wedding Photos at Cracker Barrel, and I Just Dropped My Biscuit
Who doesn't love Cracker Barrel's giant checkers set, kitschy souvenirs, and old-timey rocking chairs that seem impossible to get up from once seated? (We couldn't possibly even get started on those biscuits.) One couple love it all so much that they shot their wedding photos at one Cracker Barrel store in Christiansburg, VA. Even better? That's where they both work!
Katrina and Travis Nelson met on the job five years ago after Katrina was transferred to the Cracker Barrel store where Travis worked. The two struck up a romance a year into working alongside each other, and following their engagement, the couple had a sweet photo shoot in their work uniforms. It only made sense then that they would make a pit stop at the store for their wedding photos. The result was so heartwarming and personal.
The photo shoot caught the attention of Cracker Barrel, too. The company congratulated Katrina and Travis on Instagram, writing, "Our very own lovely waitress and chef have found love right in our home and we couldn't be more excited to share the news with y'all!" Check out the beautiful and unique photos ahead.
11 Real-Life Towns That Are Pretty Much Stars Hollow Come to Life
There are a ton of reasons we've been obsessed with Gilmore Girls for almost 20 years now: its quirky characters, surprisingly great life lessons, and rapid-fire dialogue. But perhaps the best part of the entire show is Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut small town where the Gilmores (and a wide array of colorful townspeople) live. Stars Hollow is basically its own character; its quirks (Taylor), history (the gazebo), and longstanding businesses (Luke's) form the backbone of what makes Gilmore Girls so unique.
According to Gilmore lore, Stars Hollow was founded by early colonial settlers and even played a (roundabout) part in a battle in the Revolutionary War. It's as proud of its small-town charm as it is its centuries of history. And although some of the antics seem too silly to be real, there are actually plenty of small towns across America that are as historical, charming, and occasionally over-the-top as Stars Hollow. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a real Gilmore experience, add these real-life small towns to your bucket list.
15 of the Prettiest Prom Dresses We've Seen, Made Especially For Curvy Girls
There are few dresses in life that are quite as important as your prom dress. It's something so many girls dream of, and your chance to feel like the best version of yourself. If you can't wait to get shopping, start here. We've scoured the internet to find the 15 dresses we think you'll really love, and they're made especially for girls with curves. Happy shopping!
I've Been on 67 Solo Flights With My Toddler - Here's What I've Learned
The first time I flew with my daughter, Lucy, was when she was 4 months old, and it was a four-hour direct flight from New York City to Denver. I was so panicked from the endless parenting threads on Facebook about airport disasters, mean flight attendants, and packing lists that I decided to do a dry run the day before. For four hours, I sat in the corner of my local coffee shop with Lucy hanging out on my lap. And you know what? Nothing happened.
And nothing happened on that first plane ride, either. As a single mom, I was always the only one traveling with her, and I always had her in my lap. Children are free (with the exception of taxes for international flights) as lap infants until their second birthday, and I wanted to maximize our savings while we could.
At 3 1/2, my daughter has now been on 63 flights. That's counting connections and puddle-hoppers and international and domestic trips. And even when it's stressful, I remind myself how lucky I am to be traveling with my favorite plus-one. Some perspective: the worst flight I ever took was when I was in my 20s, hungover and sad from a breakup and sure I was going to throw up. Even a flight with a cranky toddler I love is a million times better than that sad, nausea-inducing flight - and I try to remember that whenever we hit a rough patch.
I know that my daughter represents a grand sample size of one. But I also know how scared I was before that first flight and wish there had been words of encouragement in the midst of all the praying emoji on those Facebook groups. Here's what I've learned.
- Altitude isn't some sort of attitude changer. In general, I think how infants behave on land is how they behave in the air. Sure, there are air pressure changes, which can cause discomfort (which can be minimized by breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or sucking on a pacifier), but in general, kids don't go through some profound personality change just because they're at 45,000 feet.
- You don't need a seat for your child. Sure, it's nice to have. But you truly can sit for seven or eight hours with a 30-pound child sprawled on your lap. Use each other as pillows!
- You need two extra changes of clothes for them . . . and for you. Feeling poop leak onto your jeans and being powerless to stop it because the seat belt sign is lit is a million times worse when you know there are no clean jeans in your future.
- You don't need a ton of toys. On one trip from New York to California when my daughter was about 1 1/2, I had been in such a hurry that I hadn't packed any toys. We had a mini stuffed pony, a toothbrush, and some stickers. Was it the best flight ever? No. Did we make it where we needed to be? Sure did.
- You don't need to give presents to your seatmates. I don't believe in goody bags to apologize for an infant on board. I do believe in a friendly smile, an introduction, and recognizing we are all just trying to get from point A to point B.
- Try to have fun in the terminal. You're going somewhere! It's an adventure! I grab food, let my daughter pick a treat at the news kiosk, and just generally de-stress and walk around. When my daughter was crawling, I tried not to worry about germs as she crawled around the gate. My philosophy: the more tired they are at the gate, the more tired they'll be on the plane.
- It's OK to judiciously play the kid card. Sometimes, having a kid with you works better than Global Entry. In general, I've found that asking for what you need politely and respectfully can help you get it - including allowing you to a skip a line.
Finally, and I think this is the biggest thing I'm still learning: your experience is different than your child's experience. You might be stressed about flight delays and gate changes, but they could be totally chill. For example, when my daughter and I were waiting for an endlessly delayed flight from Budapest to London, I was checking my watch, trying to assess how many hours we would have to sleep when and if we ever got to our hotel. She had found a little girl about the same age as her and had begun happily playing with her Peppa Pig figurines. For her, a delay was fun. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm trying to find that perspective.
It's not all sunshine, rainbows, and clear skies. Some flights will become family legend. But I think the best thing to aim for is an unremarkable trip. But you don't need the gear, the note cards, or the precision-level planning to have an amazing trip with your child. Just enjoy the ride.
66 Top New Gadgets of 2019 That Will Sell Out Like Crazy This Year
Whether you need more time in your day or to keep things all in one place, gadgets are being designed to make everyone's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to the market, let us be your guide. Up ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful gadgets you'll want to get this year. Check them out.
4 Things I've Learned From Being Pretty "For a Black Girl"
Once or twice a month, when I'm at home on the couch with a glass of wine, I check a dating app. I have a hard time making the first move, but I can't tell you how many messages I get that bring up race right away, or the number of (white) guys that reach out to me with, "You're really pretty for a black girl." The first time I can remember being confronted with this "fact" was in seventh grade. I had a huge crush on a (white) guy in my science class and - with an amount of courage that I wish I could muster as an adult - I asked him to an upcoming school dance. He turned me down, saying that he didn't like me "that way," and perhaps the deflated look on my face inspired some sort of need on his part to explain further, so he added, "I only date white girls. But just so you know, you are the prettiest black girl in school."
Even now, I can remember exactly what was going through my head; We're 12. How do you know you only date white girls? - I was a very pragmatic child - followed by, He thinks I'm pretty! I knew it made me uncomfortable, but I was a noodle-legged, acne-ridden preteen who would have taken any compliment I could get. Needless to say, this same guy's Facebook friend request from last year is still marinating in my inbox, because along with being pragmatic, I can also be a little petty.
When it comes to socializing and dating as an adult, there has been no shortage of these same "compliments" from guys that I meet, whether in person or online. The conversation typically starts with "So . . . what are you?" before progressing into some variation of "You're the most beautiful black girl I've ever seen." My favorite part of this is watching them navigate my face as it twists into some combination of a simper and a grimace while I think to myself, Here we go again, followed by, You obviously haven't seen Beyoncé. I try to glean lessons from everything that happens to me in life, so here are four things I've learned from being pretty "for a black girl."
1. It's not a compliment - actually, it's pretty f*cking racist.
Growing up, I had such horrible self-esteem that I would graciously accept any compliment that came my way, especially from the opposite sex. If you told me that I was pretty "for a black girl," all I heard was "you're pretty." As time went on, though, I recognized that attaching a person's overall attractiveness to his or her race is horribly offensive. Think about it: you may as well be saying, "All black girls are ugly - but you're not! Congratulations! Can I buy you a drink?" Telling someone that they are attractive "for" their race goes deep; it affirms a belief that there is something fundamentally wrong with being a person of color and further perpetuates the notion that they are racial others - especially because white women can be regarded as pretty simply for being white.
2. It's also an immediate dealbreaker.
By telling me that I'm "really pretty for a black girl," that person is letting me know that they are clueless, ignorant, and painfully unoriginal. They are essentially saving me a lot of time and energy by confirming that they aren't even smart or crafty enough to google the phrase "best compliments to give a woman" or search, "Is it rude to compliment a woman on her race?" I just did it, and it literally took five seconds.
3. Not only am I more than my looks, but I'm also more than a stereotype.
The world has always been made up of people who looked different from one another and were beautiful in their own ways. Somewhere down the line, we were taught that white, European features were the epitome of beauty, and sadly, that way of thinking is still common across the globe. Physical features like wide hips, an ample butt, and full lips are often made to seem overly sexualized and even vulgar on black and Latina women - even though they are inherently characteristic among women of color - but those same features are widely considered to be attractive on white women. It's an analysis that is especially relevant today and typically brought to the table when discussing cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and the Kardashians. I'd be lying if I said that I don't second-guess a guy's motives when he makes comments about my race, asks me about my ethnic background, or assumes I know how to twerk (an actual message I've received on Tinder). Sure, it makes meeting potential dates much harder, but I'd rather be single than someone's interracial relationship experiment.
4. You know what? I don't even NEED to be called pretty.
As I've gotten older, I've realized that I don't need to be immediately recognized for my looks, because let's be real: isn't that why the person was first interested? Isn't that why they approached me, or swiped right, or asked my friend if I was single? They can save their flattering remarks for my sense of humor, or my dance moves, or my ability to finish a crossword puzzle in 10 minutes. I'm totally OK with being complimented - as long as it's not "for a black girl."
The 17 Coolest Gadgets of 2019 Are So Genius, They'll Change Your Daily Life Forever
When it comes to rising tech trends, we're seeing a big focus on products that will make your life easier. Whether that means giving you time back in your day or keeping things all in one place, products are being designed to make the wearer's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you. Ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful items you'll want to get in 2019.
Aquaman and Mera Say Their "I Dos" on the Beach in This Steamy, Sparkling Wedding Shoot
Move over, Ariel and Eric! Aquaman and Mera are about to dethrone the Disney couple with this dazzlingly romantic beach wedding. The two characters have electric chemistry on the big screen in the recent adaptation, and it certainly transferred into this photo shoot that was put together by Cristina of Hermosa Weddings and Events at the Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing, CA.
"Many DC elements related to Aquaman and his alter ego Arthur Curry were incorporated throughout the design," Cristina said. "The entire design revolved around the colors orange and green, since Aquaman's costume in the DC comic books is orange and green." She also drew upon the sea for inspiration as an ode to Aquaman and Mera's underwater home of Atlantis. The table is a treasure chest draped with linen resembling golden sand and decorated with delicate glass charger plates shaped in the form of shells with elegant turquoise wine glasses. And take a closer look at those place cards . . . some of the names might look familiar if you are a fan of the DC universe. From the sparkling decor details to the couple's steamy sunset ocean shots, take in all the stunning photos of this fantastical beach wedding now!
Who Is Running For President in 2020?
Donald Trump has barely completed his second year in office, but presidential hopefuls from all parties are already lining up to run for office in 2020. While only a handful of political players have officially launched presidential campaigns, the signs that someone is running - serious fundraising, visiting battleground states, making political appearances, releasing a book, etc. - often make ambitions fairly clear well before they're announced.
So who might President Trump (if he is, in fact, the GOP's candidate in 2020) face in less than two years? While no Republicans have publicly waged a campaign to unseat the current president, several Democrats - and one Independent - have already officially announced their intention to run against him or launched serious "exploratory committees" to gear up for a run. Here's a look at the politicians who are running for Commander in Chief in 2020.
Related: What to Tell Women Who Didn't Vote in the 2016 Election - but Wish They Had
Lyft Is Offering Discounted Rides to Black History Museums and Black-Owned Businesses All Month
Lyft is joining the Black History Month celebrations by offering free or discounted rides to locations that embody black excellence. This promo works on one ride, up to $10, to black history museums, memorials, and cultural sites and black-owned businesses in participating cities around the US.
As someone who wants to be a better ally during Black History Month - and all year long - I'm particularly excited about this opportunity. It allows riders to explore how our country's music evolved thanks to innovations spurred by black artists at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or view the origins of streetwear and its explosion into mainstream culture at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. More of the destination highlights include:
- Center For Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, AL
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati
- Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles
- National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC
Find the full list of places you can visit through the program and the discount code for your area on Lyft's site. Then, order a Lyft to one of these remarkable destinations today.
Once February is over, continue to celebrate black excellence by making it a priority to shop at black-owned businesses, educate yourself about America's history of racial injustice, and engage with stories about the black experience.
This Couple Took Their Wedding Photos at Cracker Barrel, and I Just Dropped My Biscuit
Who doesn't love Cracker Barrel's giant checkers set, kitschy souvenirs, and old-timey rocking chairs that seem impossible to get up from once seated? (We couldn't possibly even get started on those biscuits.) One couple love it all so much that they shot their wedding photos at one Cracker Barrel store in Christiansburg, VA. Even better? That's where they both work!
Katrina and Travis Nelson met on the job five years ago after Katrina was transferred to the Cracker Barrel store where Travis worked. The two struck up a romance a year into working alongside each other, and following their engagement, the couple had a sweet photo shoot in their work uniforms. It only made sense then that they would make a pit stop at the store for their wedding photos. The result was so heartwarming and personal.
The photo shoot caught the attention of Cracker Barrel, too. The company congratulated Katrina and Travis on Instagram, writing, "Our very own lovely waitress and chef have found love right in our home and we couldn't be more excited to share the news with y'all!" Check out the beautiful and unique photos ahead.
11 Real-Life Towns That Are Pretty Much Stars Hollow Come to Life
There are a ton of reasons we've been obsessed with Gilmore Girls for almost 20 years now: its quirky characters, surprisingly great life lessons, and rapid-fire dialogue. But perhaps the best part of the entire show is Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut small town where the Gilmores (and a wide array of colorful townspeople) live. Stars Hollow is basically its own character; its quirks (Taylor), history (the gazebo), and longstanding businesses (Luke's) form the backbone of what makes Gilmore Girls so unique.
According to Gilmore lore, Stars Hollow was founded by early colonial settlers and even played a (roundabout) part in a battle in the Revolutionary War. It's as proud of its small-town charm as it is its centuries of history. And although some of the antics seem too silly to be real, there are actually plenty of small towns across America that are as historical, charming, and occasionally over-the-top as Stars Hollow. If you're looking to immerse yourself in a real Gilmore experience, add these real-life small towns to your bucket list.
15 of the Prettiest Prom Dresses We've Seen, Made Especially For Curvy Girls
There are few dresses in life that are quite as important as your prom dress. It's something so many girls dream of, and your chance to feel like the best version of yourself. If you can't wait to get shopping, start here. We've scoured the internet to find the 15 dresses we think you'll really love, and they're made especially for girls with curves. Happy shopping!
I've Been on 67 Solo Flights With My Toddler - Here's What I've Learned
The first time I flew with my daughter, Lucy, was when she was 4 months old, and it was a four-hour direct flight from New York City to Denver. I was so panicked from the endless parenting threads on Facebook about airport disasters, mean flight attendants, and packing lists that I decided to do a dry run the day before. For four hours, I sat in the corner of my local coffee shop with Lucy hanging out on my lap. And you know what? Nothing happened.
And nothing happened on that first plane ride, either. As a single mom, I was always the only one traveling with her, and I always had her in my lap. Children are free (with the exception of taxes for international flights) as lap infants until their second birthday, and I wanted to maximize our savings while we could.
At 3 1/2, my daughter has now been on 63 flights. That's counting connections and puddle-hoppers and international and domestic trips. And even when it's stressful, I remind myself how lucky I am to be traveling with my favorite plus-one. Some perspective: the worst flight I ever took was when I was in my 20s, hungover and sad from a breakup and sure I was going to throw up. Even a flight with a cranky toddler I love is a million times better than that sad, nausea-inducing flight - and I try to remember that whenever we hit a rough patch.
I know that my daughter represents a grand sample size of one. But I also know how scared I was before that first flight and wish there had been words of encouragement in the midst of all the praying emoji on those Facebook groups. Here's what I've learned.
- Altitude isn't some sort of attitude changer. In general, I think how infants behave on land is how they behave in the air. Sure, there are air pressure changes, which can cause discomfort (which can be minimized by breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or sucking on a pacifier), but in general, kids don't go through some profound personality change just because they're at 45,000 feet.
- You don't need a seat for your child. Sure, it's nice to have. But you truly can sit for seven or eight hours with a 30-pound child sprawled on your lap. Use each other as pillows!
- You need two extra changes of clothes for them . . . and for you. Feeling poop leak onto your jeans and being powerless to stop it because the seat belt sign is lit is a million times worse when you know there are no clean jeans in your future.
- You don't need a ton of toys. On one trip from New York to California when my daughter was about 1 1/2, I had been in such a hurry that I hadn't packed any toys. We had a mini stuffed pony, a toothbrush, and some stickers. Was it the best flight ever? No. Did we make it where we needed to be? Sure did.
- You don't need to give presents to your seatmates. I don't believe in goody bags to apologize for an infant on board. I do believe in a friendly smile, an introduction, and recognizing we are all just trying to get from point A to point B.
- Try to have fun in the terminal. You're going somewhere! It's an adventure! I grab food, let my daughter pick a treat at the news kiosk, and just generally de-stress and walk around. When my daughter was crawling, I tried not to worry about germs as she crawled around the gate. My philosophy: the more tired they are at the gate, the more tired they'll be on the plane.
- It's OK to judiciously play the kid card. Sometimes, having a kid with you works better than Global Entry. In general, I've found that asking for what you need politely and respectfully can help you get it - including allowing you to a skip a line.
Finally, and I think this is the biggest thing I'm still learning: your experience is different than your child's experience. You might be stressed about flight delays and gate changes, but they could be totally chill. For example, when my daughter and I were waiting for an endlessly delayed flight from Budapest to London, I was checking my watch, trying to assess how many hours we would have to sleep when and if we ever got to our hotel. She had found a little girl about the same age as her and had begun happily playing with her Peppa Pig figurines. For her, a delay was fun. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm trying to find that perspective.
It's not all sunshine, rainbows, and clear skies. Some flights will become family legend. But I think the best thing to aim for is an unremarkable trip. But you don't need the gear, the note cards, or the precision-level planning to have an amazing trip with your child. Just enjoy the ride.
66 Top New Gadgets of 2019 That Will Sell Out Like Crazy This Year
Whether you need more time in your day or to keep things all in one place, gadgets are being designed to make everyone's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to the market, let us be your guide. Up ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful gadgets you'll want to get this year. Check them out.
4 Things I've Learned From Being Pretty "For a Black Girl"
Once or twice a month, when I'm at home on the couch with a glass of wine, I check a dating app. I have a hard time making the first move, but I can't tell you how many messages I get that bring up race right away, or the number of (white) guys that reach out to me with, "You're really pretty for a black girl." The first time I can remember being confronted with this "fact" was in seventh grade. I had a huge crush on a (white) guy in my science class and - with an amount of courage that I wish I could muster as an adult - I asked him to an upcoming school dance. He turned me down, saying that he didn't like me "that way," and perhaps the deflated look on my face inspired some sort of need on his part to explain further, so he added, "I only date white girls. But just so you know, you are the prettiest black girl in school."
Even now, I can remember exactly what was going through my head; We're 12. How do you know you only date white girls? - I was a very pragmatic child - followed by, He thinks I'm pretty! I knew it made me uncomfortable, but I was a noodle-legged, acne-ridden preteen who would have taken any compliment I could get. Needless to say, this same guy's Facebook friend request from last year is still marinating in my inbox, because along with being pragmatic, I can also be a little petty.
When it comes to socializing and dating as an adult, there has been no shortage of these same "compliments" from guys that I meet, whether in person or online. The conversation typically starts with "So . . . what are you?" before progressing into some variation of "You're the most beautiful black girl I've ever seen." My favorite part of this is watching them navigate my face as it twists into some combination of a simper and a grimace while I think to myself, Here we go again, followed by, You obviously haven't seen Beyoncé. I try to glean lessons from everything that happens to me in life, so here are four things I've learned from being pretty "for a black girl."
1. It's not a compliment - actually, it's pretty f*cking racist.
Growing up, I had such horrible self-esteem that I would graciously accept any compliment that came my way, especially from the opposite sex. If you told me that I was pretty "for a black girl," all I heard was "you're pretty." As time went on, though, I recognized that attaching a person's overall attractiveness to his or her race is horribly offensive. Think about it: you may as well be saying, "All black girls are ugly - but you're not! Congratulations! Can I buy you a drink?" Telling someone that they are attractive "for" their race goes deep; it affirms a belief that there is something fundamentally wrong with being a person of color and further perpetuates the notion that they are racial others - especially because white women can be regarded as pretty simply for being white.
2. It's also an immediate dealbreaker.
By telling me that I'm "really pretty for a black girl," that person is letting me know that they are clueless, ignorant, and painfully unoriginal. They are essentially saving me a lot of time and energy by confirming that they aren't even smart or crafty enough to google the phrase "best compliments to give a woman" or search, "Is it rude to compliment a woman on her race?" I just did it, and it literally took five seconds.
3. Not only am I more than my looks, but I'm also more than a stereotype.
The world has always been made up of people who looked different from one another and were beautiful in their own ways. Somewhere down the line, we were taught that white, European features were the epitome of beauty, and sadly, that way of thinking is still common across the globe. Physical features like wide hips, an ample butt, and full lips are often made to seem overly sexualized and even vulgar on black and Latina women - even though they are inherently characteristic among women of color - but those same features are widely considered to be attractive on white women. It's an analysis that is especially relevant today and typically brought to the table when discussing cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and the Kardashians. I'd be lying if I said that I don't second-guess a guy's motives when he makes comments about my race, asks me about my ethnic background, or assumes I know how to twerk (an actual message I've received on Tinder). Sure, it makes meeting potential dates much harder, but I'd rather be single than someone's interracial relationship experiment.
4. You know what? I don't even NEED to be called pretty.
As I've gotten older, I've realized that I don't need to be immediately recognized for my looks, because let's be real: isn't that why the person was first interested? Isn't that why they approached me, or swiped right, or asked my friend if I was single? They can save their flattering remarks for my sense of humor, or my dance moves, or my ability to finish a crossword puzzle in 10 minutes. I'm totally OK with being complimented - as long as it's not "for a black girl."
The 17 Coolest Gadgets of 2019 Are So Genius, They'll Change Your Daily Life Forever
When it comes to rising tech trends, we're seeing a big focus on products that will make your life easier. Whether that means giving you time back in your day or keeping things all in one place, products are being designed to make the wearer's day better. Instead of trying to keep up with the constant stream of new stuff coming to market, let us do the hard work for you. Ahead, we rounded up the most mesmerizing, useful items you'll want to get in 2019.
Target Has Heart-Shaped Reese's and Hershey's Skillet Desserts, and I'll Take Both, Thanks
Not the best baker? Doesn't matter! Ahead of Valentine's Day, Target released two heart-shaped skillet desserts that would be pretty difficult to mess up. There's a Hershey's skillet, which comes with its mildly sweet chocolate brownie mix, and the Reese's skillet, which comes with a peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie mix.
Apart from sounding delicious, the festive dessert is fairly financially guilt-free at $7 per skillet. This new release joins Target's other Valentine's Day offerings, like Reese's Lovemojis, Lindt Lindor Red Velvet White Chocolate Truffles, and more. Look out for the skillets on your next Target run - you know, the one where you say you're only stopping by to get two things - or shop for them online ahead!
Breathe Instant Life Into Your Home With One of These Colorful (and Affordable!) Rugs
I've never been afraid of color, but when I started decorating my studio apartment last year, I found out just how true that was. My emerald area rug was one of my very first decor purchases, and it ended up setting the tone for my entire color-filled apartment.
If you're not quite ready to commit to wall-to-wall color, a rug is a great - not to mention, simple - way to instantly add vibrancy to your space. All you have to do is roll it out on the floor and go! To make matters more simple, I already found 15 affordable options that will satisfy any color preference, decor style, or room size. Keep scrolling to shop.
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