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 17 avril 2019
The Game of Thrones Season 8 Soundtrack Will Include SZA, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and More
The Game of Thrones score, composed by musical genius Ramin Djawadi, has iconic songs like the show's pounding main theme and the haunting season six finale score, "Light of the Seven." Now the HBO series is getting a whole new set of songs to celebrate the imminent arrival of season eight from artists like SZA, Ellie Goulding, Maren Morris, The Weeknd, and more.
Columbia Records and HBO announced in early April that an album, For The Throne, is on the way. It will include a ton of brand new tracks inspired by the fantasy series, marking the first time HBO has partnered with a major label to curate a soundtrack. We can only pray that a sampling of Daenerys screaming "Dracarys" makes it on to at least one of the songs. (Or, at the very least, we get a Shame Nun Remix of some sort.)
Curious about whose vocals you'll hear on the album? Check them out:
A$AP Rocky
Chloe X Halle
Ellie Goulding
Jacob Banks
James Arthur
Joey BadA$$
Lennon Stella
Lil Peep
Maren Morris
Matthew Bellamy
Mumford & Sons
Rosalía feat. A.CHAL
SZA
The Lumineers
The National
The Weeknd
Travis Scott
Ty Dolla $ign
X Ambassadors
Quite the lineup, eh? For The Throne is available for preorder now since it won't hit shelves until April 26. In the meantime, enjoy the album trailer, ahead.
The Game of Thrones Premiere Had Fans Giving One Underrated Character a Standing Ovation
The following post contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones season eight premiere.
I'm not sure if you've heard by now, but Game of Thrones is back, baby! After a nearly two-year-long break, the HBO drama made its long-awaited return to TV on Sunday night, and as we could've expected, there was A LOT of ground to cover to get the show back on the road.
Naturally, the internet wasn't short on memes and funny reactions to the season eight premiere. One particular moment that stood out to everyone occurs early on in the episode when Lyanna Mormont sums up her disapproval of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen's already-complicated relationship with a speech in front of all of the Northern nobles.
Her speech, in which she questions why Jon would give up his title of King in the North to bend the knee to Daenerys, garnered her a ton of praise from fans online who have essentially been wondering the exact same thing. Ahead, see how fans showed their appreciation for one of the show's most underrated characters.
Well, I'll Be Damned! The Dark Lord in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Is One Handsome Devil
Warning: In order to turn up the heat, I must release a few spoilers from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina season two. Proceed with caution.
After the second season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina hit Netflix, fans were left with a lot of questions . . . and a lot of thirst. The show's whole cast is fully of wickedly good-looking actors and actresses, but newcomer Luke Cook turned up the temperature a few notches with his steamy portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar. That's right, the Dark Lord makes an appearance in the last few episodes, and spoiler: he's hotter than hell.
Twitter users battled inner conflict over pledging their own loyalty to such a dark and dangerous character. He is the literal devil, after all. Yet, somehow, Cook makes being bad look so good. There's no confirmation if he'll make an appearance in season three, but it seems likely if Sabrina's able to follow through with her promise and to get Nick Scratch back. Keep reading to see how fans responded when they saw him emerge onscreen - in a loincloth, no less!
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but sometimes, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at the best gifts for those moments when you feel like he deserves something nice for no special reason at all.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White and Lauren Harano
We're Shocked at How These Face Wipes Remove Waterproof Makeup in Seconds
Maybe you just came home from a late night out with your friends. Maybe you put on more makeup than usual and know that removing it is going to take longer than you want it to. Whatever the reason, there are times you don't want to wash your face, and I understand that.
While I completely feel your pain, I admit I do end up washing my face in those scenarios, and I noticed that one beauty product made the process more bearable: the Hydro Peptide HydroActive Facial Cleansing Cloths ($20). While each of the pack's 30 wipes is gentle on the skin, it powerfully removes everything from waterproof mascara to a full-coverage foundation. It does so in just one clean sweep, while using a second cloth leaves you feeling as though you've cleaned the dirt and excess oils off your face and that you applied a skin-softening serum.
Full disclosure: they are a little on the pricier side when it comes to face wipes. A pack retails for about $20 - but if it gets me into my bed faster, I'd say it's worth every penny. See the makeup-removing cloths that pack a punch ahead.
Pickle Chips Made of Actual Pickles Are in the Works, and We Can Already Hear the Crunch
Pickle has become an It snack flavor the past few years, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Vlasic is introducing pickle chips - like, actual crunchy chips made solely of pickles - so you can really take your love of the briny cucumber to the next level. Food Business News announced the launch and revealed that Conagra Brands, the parent company of Vlasic and other brands, is coming out with the pickle chips in addition to snacks like Slim Jim Fried Pork Rinds.
The Original Dill Pickle Chips are "vacuum-fried" pickles packaged in snack-size bags, so they make for a convenient, low-calorie snack. A spokesperson for Conagra said the item is "still in development" and there is no release date, but the photo is enough to get excited about. Unlike Lay's pickle-flavored chips that were re-released this year, these pickle chips aren't made with potato.
Are These Office-Themed Prayer Candles Necessary? Nope. Do I Still Want One? Absolutely.
The Office may have aired its final episode nearly six years ago, but its fan base still remains one of the most dedicated and passionate ones out there. Case in point: a handful of particularly loyal viewers have crafted actual prayer candles inspired by the NBC show, swapping out saintly figures for Dunder Mifflin's finest employees. Necessary? Probably not. Still at the top of my Etsy wish list regardless? Abso-freakin'-lutely. Keep reading to shop a selection of the hysterical candles currently available on Etsy - and yes, there's even one that honors your favorite Michael Scott alter ego, Prison Mike.
Why the Women in My Family Don’t Scrub Floors
The following post was originally published on Medium.
Whenever my 20-year-old son comes to visit me in California, the third thing he does (after requesting his favorite home-cooked meal and rolling around with the dog) is drive over to Target to buy a new mop.
The kid has never once seen me wash a floor. Because I never have. Neither have my mother and grandmother.
Mother and Gran were awesome cooks, haphazard launderers, and one-step-ahead-of-the-health-department housekeepers (like me) - but their vigilance about making us kids wipe our feet or remove our shoes before we entered the house wasn't about cleanliness. It was about race. And gender.
When my mother graduated from high school in 1955, it was Gran's fervent wish that she find a job where she could "sit on her ass" all day long. She didn't want her daughter stuck in a factory, on her feet for hours, sweating out the Summers and freezing through the Winters, tolerating white men's wandering hands and white women's racist jokes.
And factory jobs were plum! Gran's older sisters were all maids, nannies, and washerwomen for affluent white ladies on the west side of town. I remember my Aunt Beulah, well into her sixties, standing outside in the snow, waiting for the bus to take her to her "day work." I remember my Aunt LaVerne coming home in tears about something I didn't understand - the mister "being mannish" - and being warned not to tell the uncles.
No, Gran wouldn't have that for her daughter. It was bad enough to put up with constant racial and sexual indignities, but actually having to wash their dirty dishes or clean their toilets? In her mind, scrubbing the floor was the worst of these chores. It exemplified degradation and subservience as a black person and a woman. Getting down on your hands and knees was the Line That Would Not Be Crossed.
One day, Gran came home from work and Mother was excited to tell her she'd spent the day with one of the aunts helping to clean some lady's house. She showed Gran how she'd helped Auntie in the kitchen. "Get up off that damn floor!" Gran yelled, "and don't you ever get down there again."
That"s how the story came to me, decades later.
Gran made Mother take typing and shorthand in high school. "It's going to get better for colored girls someday," she'd say. "And you'd best be ready."
Although my mother went to college much later as an adult and became a professor, after high school she worked as a stenographer and secretary. She landed a government job - helped in part by her light skin and straight hair. She put my father through law school by "sitting on her ass" and typing.
"A man who expects a woman to scrub his floor will expect her to kiss his ass."
When they got married, the story goes, Gran pulled my father aside and said, "A man who expects a woman to scrub his floor will expect her to kiss his ass. My daughter won't be doing neither one. Best you know that from the git."
At the time, the concept of work was vastly different for black and white women. These were the '60s and '70s - the era of The Feminine Mystique and the rise of Ms. and NOW. The work of black and white women remains an unresolved point of tension, a flashpoint of entitlement and class warfare, privilege and economic equity.
Historically, black women have rarely had the luxury of choosing to be a homemaker; their husbands were systemically prevented from the education and training necessary to become high earners. Labor unions were closed to blacks. Few fields were open - ministry, for example, or enlisted military service. Black men who built their own businesses were targets of harassment, violence, or outright lynching. For black women - and poor women of every race - working was a matter of survival. Too often, this work was menial, unsafe, and underpaid. It wasn't even close to the fulfilling careers black women dreamed of.
"Feminism is for rich white women who have black maids cleaning their toilets and too much time on their hands," my mother would say, well into the '80s. "Black women have always worked. When did we ever have a choice about it?"
Mother never once called herself a feminist - even while she demanded entry to all-male academic associations and fought for equal access to science and math departments for women students at her college. Not even as she exposed gender-based pay scams at a local union and joined the picket line protesting gender-based hiring at the police department.
Back at home, my father washed the floors and then my brothers. After my divorce, Dad or my youngest brother would come to my apartment just to mop the kitchen. My sons took over the job almost as soon as they could hold a mop.
My only daughter got married a few weeks ago to a kind and thoughtful man. When they moved in together last year, I pulled him aside. "My daughter does not wash floors. Ever." He gave me a hug. "Oh, Mom," he sighed. "I'm well aware."
When my son went back to Chicago after his last visit, he left me a newfangled cool mop thingy that sprays the cleaner out and sucks it back up. "You know, Mom," he said. "It's not 1955. You don't have to get down on your knees to wash the floor. You don't even have to get your hands wet."
I just shrugged. I don't wash floors. And neither will his future daughters.
Game of Thrones: Everything You Need to Know About Dragonglass and Why It's So Important
In the wide and wild world of Westeros, Dragonglass resembles obsidian, a type of naturally occurring glass formed by volcanoes. But unlike real-world obsidian, dragonglass in Game of Thrones has magical significance, since along with Valyrian steel, it's one of the only substances known to kill wights and White Walkers. With season eight back, it's on everyone's tongues as the battle with the undead is heating up (or perhaps we should say chilling up?).
What Powers Does Dragonglass Have?
We've seen the incredible powers dragonglass has time and time again over the course of the show's previous seven seasons. Samwell Tarly discovers a bag of dragonglass beyond The Wall and uses an ancient dagger to kill a White Walker. Later, Bran witnesses the Children of the Forest plunging a dragonglass dagger into a man's heart, creating the first White Walker. When Benjen Stark rescues Bran, he reveals that he was attacked by a White Walker and would have become one himself if the Children had not stabbed him with dragonglass, halting the transformation process. So dragonglass can create, destroy, and halt the birth of White Walkers.
In season seven, Sam realizes that a substantial amount of dragonglass can be found on Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen on an island near Blackwater Bay. This is what prompts Jon to form an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen so that he could mine the substance in hopes that he and his group could create arrows, spears, battleaxes, hatchets, and daggers made from it. That way, when the oncoming war with the Night King began, they'd have at least one advantage.
Why Is Dragonglass So Important?
Dragonglass isn't the only weapon that can kill White Walkers. Valyrian steel has also been proven to stop the dead, but there are only a handful of Valyrian steel swords left. Unfortunately, there are tens of thousands of White Walkers, and their numbers only seem to be growing. There isn't much dragonglass left, but with the stashes of daggers found in the North and massive deposits in Dragonstone, there's certainly more dragonglass to go around than Valyrian steel.
With the weapons Jon and co. were able to craft during their time at Dragonstone, hopefully the living will have an edge over the undead horde currently marching its way to Winterfell. At the very least, let's hope that they had the foresight to create a dragonglass weapon that is at least powerful enough to take down a wight dragon zombie (a wagon? A drombie?), now that the Night King has his frigid hands on Viserion.
Yes, I'm Sitting Next to My Ex at Our Kid's Game - Here's Why
After a great soccer game, the mom of one of my son's teammates approached me in the parking lot: "I was just telling your husband what an amazing goal your son had this morning." Actually, he is my ex-husband, I thought, half-annoyed by the idea that people still think we are a happily married couple. I thought about explaining that Brian and I have been divorced for seven years, but I realized that could be slightly awkward for all. So I accepted the compliment on behalf of my son and kept the conversation moving.
This happens fairly often. While it may annoy me at times, I do take it as a compliment of the positive coparenting relationship my ex and I have worked hard to maintain. We sit together at sporting events as we cheer on the kids. When the games are over 40 minutes away, we'll all head over in the same car. We celebrate birthdays together - sometimes at his house, sometimes at mine. If the kids prefer to have their birthday dinners at their favorite restaurants, then we celebrate together as the happy, divorced, nontraditional family that we are. We have even gone on (very short and usually sports-related) vacations together. Because, why not?
Our divorce certainly shook us all to the core. The first two years were very challenging as Brian and I ventured in and out of family court to discuss things like child support, custody, and alimony. Tensions were high. On top of it all, the kids were adjusting to a life with mom or dad instead of the life with mom and dad that they had always known. We never wanted our kids to suffer because of our decision, so it was heartbreaking to see them regress or act out and know that it was because of our actions. Those years were tough, but we got through and slowly learned a new normal. The kids adjusted and displayed an incredible resilience that helped them to settle into a new life.
Divorce changed almost everything about our lives: we had new homes, more financial adaptations, a different family dynamic. But one very small yet very significant fact remained the same, the thread that held us together even through the breakdown of everything else: my ex-husband and I are the only two people in the entire world to love our kids as much as we do. And that unites us forever, whether we like it or not.
This shared love slowly mended our family. As the days, months, and years passed, so did the anger and resentment surrounding the divorce. We moved forward as a divorced family, sharing custody of the children. We never sat down and discussed coparenting. We never made a verbal commitment to be the best coparents we could possibly be. It just happened. Before we knew it, we were sitting together on the sidelines, having dinner together twice a month, and celebrating holidays together - all because it was best for the kids.
Is it hard? Hell yes. It's very hard. The reasons we got divorced are still issues we deal with, and they always will be. We fight. (Kind of often, too.) Sometimes we argue loudly on the phone. Other times, we communicate through all-caps texts and lots of exclamation marks. But we still sit next to each other on the sidelines. We still have those birthday dinners together, and when the kids are around, those arguments get put on hold.
"Mom, we are so lucky because you and dad are friends. So many of my friends whose parents are divorced tell me their parents can't even be in the same room together." When my daughter said these words to me randomly one afternoon, I nearly spit out my coffee. Friends? Me and Dad? I never thought of him as a friend. I thought of him as my ex-husband, a coparent. But maybe she was right. Maybe he was a friend, after all. I guess it doesn't matter, either - what I call him, or for that matter, what anyone else calls him. Husband, ex-husband, friend, father of my children. What I know is that we both love our kids so damn much. And that love binds us together and always will.
If You Ever Wake Up During the Night Drenched in Sweat, You May Want to Talk to Your Doctor
Nothing is worse than waking up in the middle of the night, sweating as if you've just run a marathon, and needing to climb out of bed to change your pajamas and sheets before you try (try!) to drift back to sleep. But that's exactly what 10 to 60 percent of the population experiences each year, according to research published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. The question is, why? One common reason - and don't freak out, OK? - is hot flashes.
Hot flashes can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle - day or night - and not just during menopause. "Any hormone event that causes a significant decrease in estrogen affects the body's thermostat in the hypothalamus, which controls body temperature and can lead to hot flashes," Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR. While estrogen decreases leading up to menopause, it can also dip like clockwork during your monthly cycle, typically around the first day of your period and a few days prior to that.
That said, other hormonal imbalances can also cause night sweating, explained Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. These include hyperthyroidism or adrenal disease, which occurs when the body doesn't produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. So, while your monthly cycle may be to blame for periodic night sweats, if you find it happens more frequently, it's worth making an appointment with your doctor to rule out other causes. "Both of these conditions can be detected with blood and urine testing in your doctor's office and successfully treated with medications or other treatments," Dr. Arthur told POPSUGAR.
There are also a number of other factors that can contribute to night sweats, including low blood sugar and certain medications like antidepressants, Dr. Arthur added. In some cases, night sweats can even be a sign of infection. "If these episodes occur only at night, be sure to let your doctor know this, as well as mentioning any other symptoms you are having, any recent travel, or any exposure to people who may be sick," she said.
102 Tiny Tattoo Ideas For Your First Ink
If you're a little nervous about a permanent stamp, the best way to start is with something small. We can tell you firsthand that tattoo removal is no easy feat. Luckily, we have endless inspiration of real-girl tattoos that will leave you feeling less anxious about expressing something on your skin. Whether you're looking for a mark with meaning or just a fun design, keep reading to check out all of these teeny-tiny tattoo ideas.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Marina Liao
I Just Can't Wait to Be Queen of This Lion King Monopoly Game - There's Even a Scar Token!
If you were anything like me as a kid, you probably used to bounce around in front of the TV singing all the words to "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata" and still belt out the opening notes of the movie on occasion, because The Lion King ain't no passin' craze - and neither is this sunset-colored Lion King Monopoly game inspired by the original film. It's here just in time for the release of the 2019 Lion King reboot!
Suitable for ages 8 and up, the game follows Simba's journey in becoming king of Pride Rock and features actual concept art from the original movie on each of the property cards and the board itself, according to an exclusive from Business Insider. In true Lion King fashion, the hotels and houses have also been replaced by beetles and grubs, and the four railroads have been switched to animal herds, including wildebeest, antelope, rhinos, and elephants.
"Chance" and "Community Chest" cards have also been replaced by "Destiny" cards (possibly written by Rafikki?) with phrases like, "You're delighted to see Nala after many years! Collect $100," and "Life's not fair, is it? Pay $50." And say goodbye to the thimble and the race car because the Lion King Monopoly board comes with six golden tokens inspired by Simba, Nala, Mufasa, Scar, Timon, and Pumbaa instead.
Now for the best part: the game comes with a mini Pride Rock that plays songs from the movie! The special Monopoly board will be available Monday, April 22, at Walmart for $40 and at other retailers in June, so keep your eyes peeled - and hakuna matata!
46 Polka-Dot Outfits - Plus, Our Favorite Pieces for $51 or Less
Prints can easily feel intimidating, especially if you're mostly drawn to neutral tones like me. Yes, I do fancy myself the occasional color pop, but typically in the form of a solid or entry-level floral. Prints just have a way of feeling overly fussy for me with the rare exception of classic stripes (see my ode to the $45 striped dress I'll be wearing all summer) or, when I'm feeling a bit bolder, polka dots.
OK, sure. Polka dots are pretty mild in the print world, but considering my comfort zone is a feminine bloom or Breton, I'd say "bold" is a fair descriptor.
While I've admired them from afar, I've struggled with styling polka-dot pieces in a way that feels elevated instead of childlike. And while they usually come in comfortable shades of black and white, I somehow lack the ability to wear them at work without feeling out of step. But this is all about to change.
I'm determined to become a polka dot professional. Why? After spotting a handful of dotted pieces in the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, I've decided I must give the look a try. From darling dresses to cute camp shirts and floaty wide-leg pants, I feel as though it's a look I can finally master. And who better to provide me with endless outfit inspiration than the always-stylish women of the street-style scene?
Ahead, 46 polka-dot outfits I'll be attempting to re-create this summer. Plus, all the affordable polka-dot pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's if, like me, you're all about buying into the trend for $51 or less.
Calling All Peter Kavinsky Fans - Noah Centineo Is Currently Single
Ever since his breakout role in Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before (and even before that on Freeform's The Fosters), Noah Centineo has fans everywhere swooning. He followed up his first Netflix role by playing the popular-yet-sensitive love interest in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, as well as in the more recent rom-com The Perfect Date, and we're already anticipating the return of Peter Kavinsky in the forthcoming To All the Boys I've Loved Before sequel. But despite playing the ultimate Netflix boyfriend, Noah is surprisingly quiet about his own romantic life. As much as we'd like to think he's holding out for us, here's everything we actually know about all of the girls he's loved before (and no, we're sorry to say that Lana Condor is not one of them - she's already been taken by Anthony De La Torre for several years now).
Most recently, the 22-year-old actor sparked romance rumors when he and 30-year-old Lily Collins were spotted leaving the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars party together. In January, Noah directed and appeared in a music video alongside the To the Bone actress for DJ ARTY's "Save Me Tonight," and the two became fast friends, with Lily tweeting, "Thank you guys for having me be part of such an insanely fun day." They've also done some Insta flirting, like when Noah shared photos from his Calvin Klein campaign and Lily commented, "I never look that good when I lounge." Noah's response: "Oh please," along with a fire emoji. Hot indeed! Let's not forget that photo Noah shared on Instagram of him and Lily with their "baby." Despite all evidence to the contrary, neither has confirmed any sort of relationship beyond a friendship.
It wouldn't be the first time that a music video collaboration has led to a rumored more-than-friends connection. After he starred in Camila Cabello's music video for "Havana" last October, fans also believing they saw some real sparks flying, but Noah assured them that the only chemistry they saw was platonic. "She is the kindest, sweetest, most energetic, tiniest little person that I've ever met," Noah said of Camila in an interview with Buzzfeed. "And we had an amazing time. We danced and we laughed and we talked and got to know each other. It was a lovely experience."
Even though Noah is currently single, he has had serious (and not just alleged!) relationships in the past. He previously dated Lab Rats star Kelli Berglund back before they were both famous, and he also dated actress Angeline Appel for two years until they ended things in 2018. As far as any future flames go, Noah knows that the kind of woman that catches his eye is one who's always up for adventure. As his former The Fosters costar Cierra Ramirez told Entertainment Tonight, ". . . she's definitely got to be . . . able to go on hikes with him and watch the sunset. Who wouldn't want to do that? But she's got to be down. She's got to be a woman of the world."
But we have some bad news: as far as dating fans goes, it's probably not going to happen. When asked about the possibility by E! News, the actor explained, "I don't close any doors totally, but probably not, because then it's like more of an infatuation with, like, a position more than, like, the person. It can overshadow that, which is difficult, I would think." Sorry, guys.
Why Kylo Ren Is Probably Switching Sides in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker months away from release, questions about the galaxy's status are popping up left and right. Besides wondering what in tarnation Palpatine is doing back in the franchise, we're also curious about Kylo Ren's status. While the villain isn't in much of the first trailer, his brief appearance is enough to send us down conspiracy theory holes about his fate, particularly if he'll make a return to the light side of the Force.
Formerly training to be a Jedi, Kylo Ren has executed downright evil acts, such as patricide and genocide. His actions are irredeemable for some, even if he has done things like save Rey. But the wayward Ben Solo has always been a morally ambiguous character, not pegged to a heroic archetype like Rey or Luke. So him becoming good in the new movie wouldn't be a total curveball.
What evidence do we have to predict his return (even if temporary) to the light side? Well, the title The Rise of Skywalker may refer to Kylo who, by blood, is half Skywalker because his mother is Leia. Kylo may possibly return to his Jedi roots and reclaim his honorable Skywalker heritage. In the teaser, it also looks like he might be fighting a Knight of Ren, who's supposed to be on the dark side with him. If he's not actually going head to head with a disguised Resistance Fighter here, this may hint toward Kylo siding with the good guys.
Kylo could follow his grandfather's trajectory and go from joining the dark side to making a final sacrifice as Anakin did in Return of the Jedi. After all, it looks like Palpatine, who's way more evil than Darth Vader, is back. Ben might find himself a common enemy with the Resistance, and the dark and light sides of the Force may team up to vanquish a greater evil. Or, he could be motivated by his feelings for Rey, though whether they're as a romantic partner or big brother is yet to be determined. Still, not only is this redemption narrative predictable, but people also might consider such a move unsatisfying given how evil Ben Solo has become.
We probably won't see a twist with him being good all along like Snape in Harry Potter or being brainwashed by Palpatine or Snoke after all of these years. (Though, there's a popular theory that he's been infiltrating the bad guys.) But it's doubtful that he'll love having Palpatine around and possibly whispering into his ear. Remember what he told Rey in The Last Jedi? After killing Snoke, he says, "Let old things die. Snoke. Skywalker. The Sith. The Jedi. The Rebels. Let it all die." Kylo has established himself as someone who sees himself beyond destiny, cyclical narratives, and allegiances. What the future holds for him, barring mind control or some other unusual situation, is totally up to him.
The 1 Superstition That Continues to Make Its Way Into Every Conjuring Universe Movie
As it currently stands, there are five movies in the Conjuring universe, but three more are on the way. That's a lot of creepy sets, a lot of crucifixes, and a lot of fiddling with spiritual forces we as humans can barely grasp. As it turns out, though, there's a special superstition in place that at least seems to keep the demons and ghouls at bay. This past December, I was lucky enough to visit the Los Angeles set of the next slated film, Annabelle Comes Home, where I learned a pretty interesting fact about these movies: they always have the set blessed by an actual priest to ward off evil spirits.
During my visit, I was shepherded through the day by the production's charming unit publicist, James Ferrera. He's the one who told me about the fun fact. As it turns out, they didn't think to bless the set of the first film in the series, The Conjuring. But ever since, it's become tradition. "We've done a set blessing on all of the films beginning with The Conjuring 2," Ferrera told me. "On The Conjuring 2, we had an exorcist that was recommended to us by Lorraine [Warren] - a friend of hers who's sanctioned by the church to exorcise buildings but not people. Apparently there are different levels of sanctions for exorcisms."
While he couldn't remember who had blessed the Annabelle set, he was able to piece it together from there. "On Annabelle: Creation, we had a local priest from St. Monica's parish in Santa Monica do it."
That brings us to the most recently released film: The Nun. "On The Nun, it was the only one we didn't do a set blessing with a Catholic priest, because we were in Romania and it's 95 percent Eastern Orthodox. So, we had an Eastern Orthodox priest do the blessing at a castle in Transylvania," Ferrera recalled, then told me they'd had a local Catholic priest for the set of Annabelle Comes Home. As the franchise continues, the practice has become something that's equal parts tradition and superstition. "It worked out on The Conjuring 2," Ferrera said with a shrug. "We had very few reports of things happening, so we just kept up that tradition ever since."
With my curiosity piqued, I sprinkled in questions about the set blessings during my interviews throughout the day. The spookiest part? It seems they didn't bless the set of Annabelle Comes Home at the start of production, because a couple members of the cast recounted creepy on-set experiences that happened before the set was eventually blessed. Here's hoping things stayed quiet after the fact.
You may think this whole "set blessing" thing sounds kind of silly, but I'll leave you with this: some of Hollywood's most iconic (and demonic) horror movies were plagued with unsettling setbacks during production. Take The Omen, which is considered one of the most haunted films productions in history. Then there's the set of Poltergeist, which befell great misfortune after the crew used real human skeletons to film one scene. And with a demonic doll in the mix - there's a real Annabelle doll, people - I bet that set blessing is sounding real good right about now.
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but sometimes, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at the best gifts for those moments when you feel like he deserves something nice for no special reason at all.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White and Lauren Harano
25 Adorable Disney-Themed Wedding Favors That Your Guests Can Actually Use
Is there anything worse than a useless (and totally overpriced) wedding favor? Why bother spending the money on something your guests will throw away before your wedding bouquet even wilts? If you're planning a Disney-inspired wedding, there's no better way to help your guests remember your special day than with a Disney-themed token of your appreciation. For a favor that's not only cute but totally utilitarian as well, read on to shop Disney wedding favors that your guests can actually eat, use, or keep long after your big day has passed.
Related: Transform Your Wedding Into an Enchanting Fairy Tale With These Disney-Inspired Ideas
Notre-Dame's Beautiful History - in Pictures
The devastating fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, which tore through the famous landmark on April 15, did its damage while the world watched on. The church, on the Île de la Cité at the heart of the French capital, is an icon of the City of Light. Millions have visited to see its beauty and history for themselves. And when it came under threat from the flames, a global audience held its breath hoping to see the historic building saved.
Those stepping through its famous arched doors get a sense of its place in the story of France itself. Since it opened its door 850 years ago, it has been the scene of some of the best known moments in the country's history. Victor Hugo's famous novel, now known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, added to the romance and legend of the church.
It has been an icon of French life for eight centuries with Parisians gathering there in times of trouble and celebration. Here's a look at the history and beauty of Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral that captivated the world.
Yep, There's a Limit to How Many Instagram Stories You Can Post in 1 Day
Who doesn't love a good Instagram Story? Rather than posting one picture, you can literally document your entire day. Plus, you can see who's checking you out (and vice-versa, unfortunately). Like Snapchat, Instagram Stories now come complete with filters, GIFs, stickers, backgrounds, fonts, and more, and are a less permanent way of keeping your followers up to date on your daily activities.
While posting a few here and there is great, have you ever gotten annoyed or overwhelmed when someone you follow posts what seems to be 50+ in a row? And that got us thinking - is there even a limit to how many Instagram Stories you can post in one day (and with music festival season coming up, man, we hope so)? Well, one guy actually put it to the test, and now we have an answer.
Related: Much to My Bank Account's Dismay, Instagram Has Launched a Stupid-Easy Checkout Feature
Mashable writer Raymond Wong posted a slew of Stories in one day while visiting Japan, but noticed that after about three hours, they started to disappear on him. And that's when he realized there's a limit to the amount of Stories you can post. "It turns out that 100 clips is the maximum number of clips that can be posted to Instagram Stories within 24 hours," he wrote. "Post more and it deletes the ones from earlier. I literally had to manually tap on my screen and count the number of clips Instagram Stories allowed to figure this out."
Wong reached out to confirm with Instagram that his theory is correct. "Instagram has confirmed to Mashable that 100 clips (photos or videos) is indeed the maximum number of Instagram Stories that can be posted at one time," he said. While we're not sure we'd ever hit that number in just one day (OK, we definitely would if we were going to a music festival), we're at least glad to know that the limit does exist.
This New App Is Going to Make Meeting Up With Friends For Happy Hour SO Much Easier
Picture this: it's a Summer afternoon and your phone is blowing up. You're at work and trying to be productive, so you turn the group chat on Do Not Disturb mode (don't lie, we've all done it). The issue is, your friends can't decide where to meet for happy hour or what time it's acceptable to leave work, and the messages are pouring in with Yelp reviews, Open Table reservations, and even screenshots of what time sunset is - gotta get that 'gram! As much as we love our friends, the group chat and lack of concrete plans after 200 messages is . . . a lot. That's where the Twenty app comes in.
Twenty is a new map-based app for friends to easily make plans and actually stick to them. You can see which of your friends are around, create a plan for the crew, send out invites, and plan for future events all within the app. With people like Arianna Huffington and Rande Gerber on the board, Twenty's mission is to focus on the future instead of the past and present like some social media apps. But it isn't just another social media platform, it's a way for you and your friends to get together and be more social.
According to the press release, it "was created as a result of the current digital culture and the modern-day epidemic of loneliness and fear of missing out." DJ Khaled and Kaia Gerber have even been using the app to meet up with friends. "Tech that helps people spend time together in real life is going to be the next big thing," Khaled said. "[Twenty] is going to really help get people together in real life. We are about to change the game with Twenty."
The app even lets you and your friends find out about cool things going on in your city, but it's the Hangouts feature that's really making our lives easier. Hangouts can be specific to a location or just for an overall happy hour plan. You can invite friends, let your friends invite friends, and even chat within the app about said plans. What's great is you can edit destinations in real time, because none of us are in the mood to wait in line. See how the app works ahead, and get ready for the group chat to be a lot less poppin'.
15 Qualities Every Woman Wants in a Husband
There's no blueprint for the perfect husband - at least not one that I'm privy to - but there are some solid traits that most if not every woman wants in a husband. If we could build the perfect partner (or close to it!), here are 15 traits we would be sure to have in the most amazing husband, ever!
Forgot Your iPhone Passcode? Here’s How to Get Back In
It happens to the best of us - you grab your iPhone to check your email or scroll through Instagram, but your brain completely blanks when it comes to your passcode. You've typed it in hundreds of times before, but having what seems like a million passwords for every site, portal, bank account, and channel can sometimes make them all melt into each other. Yikes! So what do you do?
Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're worried about your phone falling into the wrong hands), Apple hasn't made it easy to get around a forgotten passcode. In order to get back into your phone, you need to perform a restore, which erases all the data on the phone, including photos (this is why backing up data on your phone is so essential!). If everything is backed up, which you can do through iTunes or by paying for Apple's iCloud service, your phone will look just like it did before the restore.
When you're ready to perform a restore, here's how:
- Connect your phone to your computer.
- Open (or download and then open) iTunes.
- While the device is connected, do a force restart (for iPhone 8 and iPhone X, this is done by pressing then quickly releasing the volume up button, pressing then quickly releasing the volume down button, then pressing and holding the side button until you see the recovery-mode screen).
- On your computer, you'll see the option to update or restore. Choose restore.
And voila! Your phone is back in service and you'll (hopefully) never forget your password again.
These '90s-Inspired Boombox Speakers Are the Cutest Things Ever and I Need Them All
Get excited, because we found exactly what your Summer vacation needs: these adorable retro speakers from Sunnylife. These colorful mini boombox speakers hook up to your phone to play whatever playlist you want. All you have to do is start thinking about where you should visit this Summer, and make sure you save a little bit of room in your luggage for one of these speakers. They may be small, but they're an absolute necessity. Now, if you'll excuse us, we'll be off buying one of each so we can rotate them to suit every party and trip we have planned.
My Partner and I Took Our Sweet Time Before Saying "I Do," Because What's the Rush?
My husband and I dated for almost 10 years before finally tying the knot. We met during our freshman year of college, stumbling into each other in the basement at a party. As many 18-year-olds, we were wild and naïve. I guess we were both late bloomers because it took us a while to get the hang of the whole being a couple thing. And while our relationship has been very far from perfect, the one thing I am happy we decided as a couple was to wait to get engaged, because why rush it?
Yes, my husband and I were both a little wild when we first met each other. While we couldn't ignore the chemistry we had between us, we also refused to commit right away. A few times, we toyed with the idea of being together, really together, but it never lasted quite long enough. That may sound like we were both being insensitive or selfish, but I think that deep down, we both just knew that we were too immature to settle down at such a young age.
But finally, during our junior year of college, we had had enough. We made it official and dated no one else. We learned to enjoy the rest of college, wild still, but this time together. After graduation, I went on to graduate school, and my husband got a job. He even bought a house. We danced around the big marriage conversation many times, too. Honestly, I felt like he was feeling a little pressure from good old society because some of his other friends were getting engaged. But I certainly did not want him to feel that way. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
I told him, "Look, there is no rush in getting married right now. You are getting settled into your career, and I still need to start mine myself."
The stress flew off his shoulders. "Really?" he asked. "I'm honestly so relieved!"
We simply enjoyed each other as a young couple. The fact that we were getting a tad older didn't necessarily mean that we had to get married yet.
From here, we simply enjoyed each other as a young couple. We lived a commute away, and I didn't move in with him. Looking back, it was such a fun time for us. We'd make plans each weekend. We'd hit up big sporting events, concerts, weekend trips, and of course, bars. The fact that we were getting a tad older didn't necessarily mean that we had to get married yet. We were too busy settling into the realities of adulthood and making memories for ourselves, too.
Once we settled into our late 20s, we were finally ready. My now husband took me on a beautiful hike near Lake Michigan on a crystal blue Fall morning. Once we circled back to the beach, he dug his knee into the sand and pulled out a ring. "We've waited long enough, don't you think?" he said. "Will you marry me?" We said "yes" to our marriage in our own time.
We needed that time - time to mature individually, time to grow as a couple, and time to just have fun together.
Many of our friends met and got married much quicker, but for us, well, we needed that time - time to mature individually, time to grow as a couple, and time to just have fun together. My husband and I didn't want to fall into the seriousness of planning for a wedding too soon, because honestly, we just weren't ready.
I'm thrilled that we waited almost 10 years, because you know that honeymoon phase? While some of the fireworks weren't as hot as other newer couples might have experienced, we also didn't have to take the time to get used to each other. We already knew our partner's pet peeves, quirks, and little annoyances. He accepted the fact that I left empty water glasses all over the house, and I got over him falling asleep on the couch some nights. You see, there was no more learning curve. And it turned out that we still were crazy for one another despite all of that. I mean, we did have almost 10 years of practice behind us, after all.
In News That Just Changed My Life, You Can Add People to an iPhone Note So Everyone Can Edit It
iPhones have so many cool features that it's sometimes hard to keep up with them all. Some are obvious while others are hidden (seriously, can they just give out a full hack manual when you buy the phone?!), and one you might not know about is the ability to share notes with friends. By opening a new note on an iPhone and sharing it with people of your choosing, they'll not only be able to view your note, but also edit and update, all in real time.
There are many ways sharing notes can be useful and beneficial for you and your friends and family. One way my husband and I use shared notes is with our grocery list, so we both edit and update the grocery list as we remember things. You can also do it for packing lists, playlists, or anything else you want!
If you'd like to start sharing notes, the first thing you'll want to do is open your Notes app on your iPhone and select the note you would like to share. The rest of the steps are so easy, so keep reading for a full breakdown.
25 Perfect Places to Snap an Instagram Photo in London
London truly has a lot to offer to both travelers and locals alike. You can explore everything from haunted pubs to bright colorful locales and everything in between. The UK city also has a practically endless amount of places to snap the perfect Instagram shot to show off to all your friends.
We pulled together some of our favorite locations in London that will create a beautiful photo. There's a little bit of architecture, a little bit of history, a whole lot of color, and even some quirky spots you might not have thought of. Don't stop here, though. There's new things to find around every corner in London!
Crowds Sang "Ave Maria" Together as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Burned
The devastation and heartbreak of the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire on April 15 could be felt through the reaction of the surrounding crowd in Paris. As the historic landmark burned, witnesses looked on in helpless disbelief as the cathedral's spire and roof collapsed - although its main structure has been preserved.
Yet, in the midst of such a tragic loss, the strangers surrounding Notre-Dame joined each other in prayer and song, adding beauty to the otherwise painful damage. Twitter users gathered clips of the crowd singing "Ave Maria" together in French as they watched the structure flame. The videos quickly went viral, with viewers commenting that the song is both "so beautiful and sad at the same time" and that they can "feel their pain but hear their love."
According to the Paris police, the fire is now contained. The original cause still remains unknown. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked firefighters for their tireless efforts, and said, "Thanks to their bravery, the worst has been avoided."
I Solemnly Swear You're Going to Love This Harry Potter Wedding
Who said muggles can't experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter? No one said "Avada Kedavra," but you may die from excitement over this wildly creative Harry Potter themed wedding! This styled shoot was crafted by a community of dedicated Potterheads and one dedicated coordinator. J.K. Rowling's immersive stories come to life at the Malibu Lake Lodge in this darkly gorgeous shoot that was inspired by Harry's father, James Potter, and his friends growing up in the UK during the '70s. For all of the dedicated fans, see if you can spot the horcruxes that pay homage to this magically fan-tastic franchise ahead!
22 Springtime Date Ideas You Must Try
Whether you're a foodie, adventurer, or couch potato, you will totally appreciate these fun date ideas. It's time to take advantage of the warmer weather with your significant other! Check out our springtime options, and get ready for the amazing months ahead.
All Hail the Queen and King of Westeros in This Gorgeous Game of Thrones Wedding Shoot
Ever since Jon Snow bent the knee to Daenerys at the end of season seven, we have been on the edge of our seats waiting to see what a wedding in Winterfell might look like. After all, a union between Daenerys and Jon looks pretty inevitable - unless, of course, the fact that they're related bothers them at all. Thanks to the team at Top Knots CoWorking, who styled this shoot, all of your Jon and Daenerys Winter-themed wedding visions have been brought to life in one elegant and enchanting photo shoot that absolutely captures the idea that Winter is here.
From the beautiful Great Dane in place of a direwolf to a glass dragon egg, swords, fur, and blood-red flowers, this styled Game of Thrones shoot pulled out all the stops, and it totally paid off because now I can't get that dramatic theme song out of my head. With all the snow on the ground and the heat between each of the models - inspired by Jon, Daenerys, and Sansa - this shoot truly makes it look like a wedding of ice and fire. Keep reading to see the gorgeous outcome of the shoot and to see how many Game of Thrones references you can spot.
The Wisteria Flower Tunnels of Japan Look Like a Fairy Tale Come to Life
The wisteria tunnels at the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan, are almost otherworldly in their beauty. While thousands of tourists flock to Japan to see the country's fabulous displays of cherry blossoms every year, the lesser-known wisteria tunnels remain a little off the beaten path, despite an increase in popularity over the past few years.
Wisteria is a climbing flower that blooms in the Spring with a variety of colors that make up a stunning Spring palette, including violet, light pink, and white. Every year at the end of April, the long-established wisteria at the gardens bloom and transform the man-made trellises into spectacular works of art. The combination of the aroma and stunning visual display make it a true sensory experience.
There are two tunnels to enjoy, each measuring about 100 meters long and consisting of up to 20 different varieties of wisteria, known locally as fuji flowers. If you want to visit, make sure to plan ahead - the display usually only lasts a few weeks. While the gardens are notoriously difficult to get to, the payoff is totally worth it. Look through to see stunning photos of this fairy-tale destination!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
10 Reasons the Spark in My Relationship Hasn't Died (and Never Will)
Ah, the age-old question of how to keep the spark alive in a relationship. I'm by no means a credentialed relationship expert, but I can tell you that in my four years of being with my partner, we've done a pretty good job at maintaining that love momentum. Sure, there are times when we simply enjoy the quiet familiarity of each other, and even times when we quarrel or get frustrated with each other, but we also make a serious effort to keep the fire we have for each other burning. And while four years isn't very long in the grand scheme of the life we plan on sharing together, it is long enough to leave the honeymoon phase and enter real life together. And so far, that real life has been pretty amazing. Here's how we do it, and why I feel confident the sparks will keep flying as time goes on.
Related: 10 Sweet Ways I Show My Partner Every Day Just How Much I Care
100+ Gifts Your Man Will Love (and Actually Use!)
Gift shopping for guys can be notoriously tricky. It's easy to go the kitschy and cute route, but sometimes, we want our man to have something meaningful, too. We've rounded up more than 100 gift ideas at every price point, from fun cocktail glasses to beautiful leather accessories and bags. Take a look at the best gifts for those moments when you feel like he deserves something nice for no special reason at all.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White and Lauren Harano
25 Adorable Disney-Themed Wedding Favors That Your Guests Can Actually Use
Is there anything worse than a useless (and totally overpriced) wedding favor? Why bother spending the money on something your guests will throw away before your wedding bouquet even wilts? If you're planning a Disney-inspired wedding, there's no better way to help your guests remember your special day than with a Disney-themed token of your appreciation. For a favor that's not only cute but totally utilitarian as well, read on to shop Disney wedding favors that your guests can actually eat, use, or keep long after your big day has passed.
Related: Transform Your Wedding Into an Enchanting Fairy Tale With These Disney-Inspired Ideas
Notre-Dame's Beautiful History - in Pictures
The devastating fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, which tore through the famous landmark on April 15, did its damage while the world watched on. The church, on the Île de la Cité at the heart of the French capital, is an icon of the City of Light. Millions have visited to see its beauty and history for themselves. And when it came under threat from the flames, a global audience held its breath hoping to see the historic building saved.
Those stepping through its famous arched doors get a sense of its place in the story of France itself. Since it opened its door 850 years ago, it has been the scene of some of the best known moments in the country's history. Victor Hugo's famous novel, now known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, added to the romance and legend of the church.
It has been an icon of French life for eight centuries with Parisians gathering there in times of trouble and celebration. Here's a look at the history and beauty of Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral that captivated the world.
Yep, There's a Limit to How Many Instagram Stories You Can Post in 1 Day
Who doesn't love a good Instagram Story? Rather than posting one picture, you can literally document your entire day. Plus, you can see who's checking you out (and vice-versa, unfortunately). Like Snapchat, Instagram Stories now come complete with filters, GIFs, stickers, backgrounds, fonts, and more, and are a less permanent way of keeping your followers up to date on your daily activities.
While posting a few here and there is great, have you ever gotten annoyed or overwhelmed when someone you follow posts what seems to be 50+ in a row? And that got us thinking - is there even a limit to how many Instagram Stories you can post in one day (and with music festival season coming up, man, we hope so)? Well, one guy actually put it to the test, and now we have an answer.
Related: Much to My Bank Account's Dismay, Instagram Has Launched a Stupid-Easy Checkout Feature
Mashable writer Raymond Wong posted a slew of Stories in one day while visiting Japan, but noticed that after about three hours, they started to disappear on him. And that's when he realized there's a limit to the amount of Stories you can post. "It turns out that 100 clips is the maximum number of clips that can be posted to Instagram Stories within 24 hours," he wrote. "Post more and it deletes the ones from earlier. I literally had to manually tap on my screen and count the number of clips Instagram Stories allowed to figure this out."
Wong reached out to confirm with Instagram that his theory is correct. "Instagram has confirmed to Mashable that 100 clips (photos or videos) is indeed the maximum number of Instagram Stories that can be posted at one time," he said. While we're not sure we'd ever hit that number in just one day (OK, we definitely would if we were going to a music festival), we're at least glad to know that the limit does exist.
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