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.
dimanche 20 septembre 2020
These 15 Podcasts Deserve a Spot on Your Road Trip Playlist
These days, many more people are opting to travel by car - travel data has shown a huge uptick in road trips this year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a car travel newbie, once you enter the road trip game, you quickly learn how important it is to have a well-stocked car and a killer road trip playlist on your phone (downloaded and ready to go in case you lose service). But you can only hear the same songs so many times before you start cursing your decision to travel old-school. That's where podcasts come in. Whether you're into politics, true crime, or just need a good laugh and a little company, these are the 15 best podcasts for your next road trip.
Antebellum Isn't Based on a Book, but Its Premise Is Similar to One
When the premise for Antebellum was first announced, many wondered whether it was based on Kindred, the 1979 novel by Octavia E. Butler. The film follows successful author Veronica Henley after she is abducted and finds herself thrust back into the antebellum time period. Forced to live life on a plantation under the name Eden, she comes up with a plan to get back to the life she knew before it's too late. So yes, both Antebellum and Kindred have a Black woman writer and author as a protagonist who seemingly shifts between her modern-day life and life on an antebellum-era plantation. However, this is where their similarities end.
Kindred actually finds main character Dana going back in time and focuses on Dana's connection to the past as she tries not to succumb to the horrors and hopelessness of slavery. Dana has to rely on her ancestors in order to survive, and the book delves deep into race relations, both through the lens of the 1970s and antebellum-era expectations. Meanwhile, in the movie Antebellum, Veronica is abducted and forced to live out the sick fantasies of the racist purveyors of a secret modern-day antebellum-era plantation. Antebellum tries to provide commentary on the Black experience and the trauma found within, but loses itself in a hollow narrative and exposition shots.
Antebellum has a stacked cast led by Janelle Monáe, but everyone's talents seem wasted as no one is really given much to do in the film. It's hard not to compare the film with Butler's novel, particularly when the message for one is much clearer than the other. This leaves us wondering exactly who Antebellum was for, while wishing it actually had been an adaptation of Butler's Kindred. It certainly would've made for a more complex film.
Antebellum Isn't Based on a Book, but Its Premise Is Similar to One
When the premise for Antebellum was first announced, many wondered whether it was based on Kindred, the 1979 novel by Octavia E. Butler. The film follows successful author Veronica Henley after she is abducted and finds herself thrust back into the antebellum time period. Forced to live life on a plantation under the name Eden, she comes up with a plan to get back to the life she knew before it's too late. So yes, both Antebellum and Kindred have a Black woman writer and author as a protagonist who seemingly shifts between her modern-day life and life on an antebellum-era plantation. However, this is where their similarities end.
Kindred actually finds main character Dana going back in time and focuses on Dana's connection to the past as she tries not to succumb to the horrors and hopelessness of slavery. Dana has to rely on her ancestors in order to survive, and the book delves deep into race relations, both through the lens of the 1970s and antebellum-era expectations. Meanwhile, in the movie Antebellum, Veronica is abducted and forced to live out the sick fantasies of the racist purveyors of a secret modern-day antebellum-era plantation. Antebellum tries to provide commentary on the Black experience and the trauma found within, but loses itself in a hollow narrative and exposition shots.
Antebellum has a stacked cast led by Janelle Monáe, but everyone's talents seem wasted as no one is really given much to do in the film. It's hard not to compare the film with Butler's novel, particularly when the message for one is much clearer than the other. This leaves us wondering exactly who Antebellum was for, while wishing it actually had been an adaptation of Butler's Kindred. It certainly would've made for a more complex film.
Music Mood Board: Songs For a Relaxed *and* Productive Workday
This week's Music Mood Board is all about the tracks that have helped me keep calm and focused throughout the workday. I often play hard-hitting, bass-heavy songs when I need a surge of energy, but some days call for more soothing tunes that put my mind at ease as I complete all the tasks on my daily to-do list. Ahead, listen to the songs that have allowed me to whoosah and get stuff done.
Music Mood Board: Songs For a Relaxed *and* Productive Workday
This week's Music Mood Board is all about the tracks that have helped me keep calm and focused throughout the workday. I often play hard-hitting, bass-heavy songs when I need a surge of energy, but some days call for more soothing tunes that put my mind at ease as I complete all the tasks on my daily to-do list. Ahead, listen to the songs that have allowed me to whoosah and get stuff done.
I Rewatched Halloweentown as an Adult, and the Storyline Is So Much Darker Than I Realized
The entire month of October is my excuse to breeze through as many Halloween movies as possible, and among the cheesy horror films and truly frightening thrillers lies a heartwarming gem: Halloweentown. The first in a four-part series of Halloween classics, Halloweentown is easily one of the best Disney Channel movies. While iconic lines like, "Mom, I'm 13. I'm practically a grown-up," have been stuck in the back of my head for years, I realized it's been over a decade since I actually sat down and watched the movie all the way through. So, armed with a bowl full of candy and some festive childlike wonder, I set out to see if the film really holds up to my memories of it.
As an adult, I'm proud to announce that Grandma Aggie is still just as badass as ever and the wholesome nature of Halloweentown itself has only gotten more magical over the years. But along with the treats came a few tricks, and I definitely had to look away from the TV for a second when Kalabar came on screen. (Do you remember those glowing yellow eyes?!) In addition to his absolutely monstrous appearance (yes, 3-year-old me had a valid reason to be terrified), the warlock is bent on a mission to destroy the entire human race and take over the world.
As someone who's idolized this movie for years, this was a truly haunting revelation, but there are so many nostalgic parts of the movie that make it worthy of watching on a crisp fall evening with a warm cup of tea. Please enjoy my candid thoughts while watching Halloweentown for the first time in 10 years ahead.
Related: Every New Halloween Movie and Show Debuting on Netflix For Halloween This Year
samedi 19 septembre 2020
Every New Halloween Movie and Show Debuting on Netflix For Halloween This Year
Netflix is getting its spook on this Halloween, with over a dozen debuts of original shows and movies that are sure to scare up a thrill for viewers. From late September through October, Netflix is premiering several of its buzziest titles for the year, including the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest "prequel" Ratched and the horror anthology sequel The Haunting of Bly Manor, along with several other scary titles from around the world. What other frights are in store for Netflix viewers this season? Keep reading for a full rundown of what new Halloween programming is set to debut, and when you can start streaming each one!
Wondering Why You Recognize That Scary Music in Ratched? It's Pulled From a Classic Thriller
Image Source: Everett Collection
Netflix's Ratched includes a few callbacks to iconic horror properties that came before it. This story, based on Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, not only plays up bold significant colors of red and green but also relies heavily on intense music throughout. Longtime Ryan Murphy collaborator Mac Quayle took the reins for this project, and if you thought some of the music sounds familiar, there's a reason.
Right off the bat, Ratched takes inspiration from the film Cape Fear specifically when it comes to the score. Throughout the first season, you'll hear not just snippets from the iconic score of the original film and its remake but also new music inspired by it. The music from the original Cape Fear was composed by Bernard Herrmann for the 1962 film. For the 1991 remake, directed by Martin Scorsese, Elmer Bernstein took Herrmann's original score and adapted it for the new film. In Ratched, you can easily hear inspiration from both (which naturally still sound very similar and very, very intense).
Cape Fear, based on the novel The Executioners, is a psychological thriller with the same darkness as Ratched, though not nearly as much gore. It tells the story of a convicted rapist seeking revenge against the man who put him away. When you take a look at the very basic storyline, you can see how similar it feels to Edmund Tolleson seeking his own revenge in Ratched. It's worth pointing out that the places the Cape Fear score pop up in Ratched are largely tied to Edmund's violence, like in episode two when Father Andrews is recalling the night that Edmund killed the four Catholic priests he lived with. This is probably the most prominently displayed instance of the Cape Fear soundtrack, but listen closely elsewhere in the show for inspiration and samples of the music.
Listen to Herrmann's original theme for 1962's Cape Fear below, and check out Bernstein's adaptation here. We'll have to wait to see if the show gets a season two before we'll know if the thematic music will stick around.
Ratched: Everything You (Don't) Want to Know About Mildred's Incredibly Dark Past
In Netflix's Ratched, nurse Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson) is a mysterious character who is hard to get a good read on. Is she decent? Is she bad? The truth is, she's a little bit of both, and once you learn her backstory, it makes a little more sense why she does some of the things she does at Lucia State Hospital in California.
Toward the end of the first season, Mildred starts to open up about her past. While at a children's puppet theater with Gwendolyn Briggs (Cynthia Nixon), Mildred starts to see a different puppet show than what's actually happening, and this is when we learn of her sad past. Mildred grew up during the Great Depression and was born to a mother who didn't want her. Her mom, who was an alcoholic, gave Mildred up, and she ended up in foster care. It was while she was in a foster home that she met Edmund Tolleson (Finn Wittrock). The children were beaten by their foster parents and were eventually removed from the house.
A social worker forged the children's paperwork to make them appear as blood siblings in an effort to keep them together. They were placed in foster home after foster home, but all of the parents beat them or didn't take care of them. Finally, the social worker placed them in a home that she thought would work, with parents who were excited and well off.
At first Mildred and Edmund thought things were going to be OK at this house. They were showered with gifts in the beginning, but soon they realized their parents were exploiting them and forcing them to perform inappropriate acts in front of an audience in their basement. When they couldn't take it anymore, Edmund killed their parents, and while he and Mildred tried to escape, he got caught. Mildred ran away but lost track of Edmund.
A few years later she discovered him at a home for troubled boys, but he felt betrayed by her running away and escaped her this time. Fast forward to when Edmund kills the four Catholic priests and ends up at Lucia State Hospital, and that's when Mildred tracks him down again to reconnect. She had to lie her way into her nurse's job - she has no nursing license and lied about being a nurse in the Army as well - but she was able to reconnect with Edmund once there. Alas, the end of the season finds the two at odds again, and we'll have to wait for a season two before we find out what happens.
Wondering Why You Recognize That Scary Music in Ratched? It's Pulled From a Classic Thriller
Image Source: Everett Collection
Netflix's Ratched includes a few callbacks to iconic horror properties that came before it. This story, based on Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, not only plays up bold significant colors of red and green but also relies heavily on intense music throughout. Longtime Ryan Murphy collaborator Mac Quayle took the reins for this project, and if you thought some of the music sounds familiar, there's a reason.
Right off the bat, Ratched takes inspiration from the film Cape Fear specifically when it comes to the score. Throughout the first season, you'll hear not just snippets from the iconic score of the original film and its remake but also new music inspired by it. The music from the original Cape Fear was composed by Bernard Herrmann for the 1962 film. For the 1991 remake, directed by Martin Scorsese, Elmer Bernstein took Herrmann's original score and adapted it for the new film. In Ratched, you can easily hear inspiration from both (which naturally still sound very similar and very, very intense).
Cape Fear, based on the novel The Executioners, is a psychological thriller with the same darkness as Ratched, though not nearly as much gore. It tells the story of a convicted rapist seeking revenge against the man who put him away. When you take a look at the very basic storyline, you can see how similar it feels to Edmund Tolleson seeking his own revenge in Ratched. It's worth pointing out that the places the Cape Fear score pop up in Ratched are largely tied to Edmund's violence, like in episode two when Father Andrews is recalling the night that Edmund killed the four Catholic priests he lived with. This is probably the most prominently displayed instance of the Cape Fear soundtrack, but listen closely elsewhere in the show for inspiration and samples of the music.
Listen to Herrmann's original theme for 1962's Cape Fear below, and check out Bernstein's adaptation here. We'll have to wait to see if the show gets a season two before we'll know if the thematic music will stick around.
Ratched: Everything You (Don't) Want to Know About Mildred's Incredibly Dark Past
In Netflix's Ratched, nurse Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson) is a mysterious character who is hard to get a good read on. Is she decent? Is she bad? The truth is, she's a little bit of both, and once you learn her backstory, it makes a little more sense why she does some of the things she does at Lucia State Hospital in California.
Toward the end of the first season, Mildred starts to open up about her past. While at a children's puppet theater with Gwendolyn Briggs (Cynthia Nixon), Mildred starts to see a different puppet show than what's actually happening, and this is when we learn of her sad past. Mildred grew up during the Great Depression and was born to a mother who didn't want her. Her mom, who was an alcoholic, gave Mildred up, and she ended up in foster care. It was while she was in a foster home that she met Edmund Tolleson (Finn Wittrock). The children were beaten by their foster parents and were eventually removed from the house.
A social worker forged the children's paperwork to make them appear as blood siblings in an effort to keep them together. They were placed in foster home after foster home, but all of the parents beat them or didn't take care of them. Finally, the social worker placed them in a home that she thought would work, with parents who were excited and well off.
At first Mildred and Edmund thought things were going to be OK at this house. They were showered with gifts in the beginning, but soon they realized their parents were exploiting them and forcing them to perform inappropriate acts in front of an audience in their basement. When they couldn't take it anymore, Edmund killed their parents, and while he and Mildred tried to escape, he got caught. Mildred ran away but lost track of Edmund.
A few years later she discovered him at a home for troubled boys, but he felt betrayed by her running away and escaped her this time. Fast forward to when Edmund kills the four Catholic priests and ends up at Lucia State Hospital, and that's when Mildred tracks him down again to reconnect. She had to lie her way into her nurse's job - she has no nursing license and lied about being a nurse in the Army as well - but she was able to reconnect with Edmund once there. Alas, the end of the season finds the two at odds again, and we'll have to wait for a season two before we find out what happens.
Spying The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Geoffrey Might Be the Highlight of Netflix's Ratched
Netflix's Ratched is a wild and violent ride through Lucia State Hospital in California, led by Nurse Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson). In episode two, new patients are welcomed to the hospital for Dr. Hanover (Jon Jon Briones) to experiment on. One of those patients is Len Bronley, a man with memory issues who has signed up for an experimental procedure, not realizing Dr. Hanover actually plans to lobotomize him. If Len looks familiar, it's because he's played by Joseph Marcell, better known as Geoffrey from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Marcell played the faithful butler in the Banks household during all six seasons of the show. That role was far from his first, though.
Marcell started acting in the '70s, though his first big recurring role was on Fresh Prince. He's also done extended stints on The Bold and the Beautiful and EastEnders and had numerous guest roles on a number of other TV shows. He's even done a couple voice-over roles. Check out some of Marcell's best pictures from the '90s in Fresh Prince in the gallery ahead, and pay close attention to Ratched to see how his procedure goes.
Spying The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Geoffrey Might Be the Highlight of Netflix's Ratched
Netflix's Ratched is a wild and violent ride through Lucia State Hospital in California, led by Nurse Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson). In episode two, new patients are welcomed to the hospital for Dr. Hanover (Jon Jon Briones) to experiment on. One of those patients is Len Bronley, a man with memory issues who has signed up for an experimental procedure, not realizing Dr. Hanover actually plans to lobotomize him. If Len looks familiar, it's because he's played by Joseph Marcell, better known as Geoffrey from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Marcell played the faithful butler in the Banks household during all six seasons of the show. That role was far from his first, though.
Marcell started acting in the '70s, though his first big recurring role was on Fresh Prince. He's also done extended stints on The Bold and the Beautiful and EastEnders and had numerous guest roles on a number of other TV shows. He's even done a couple voice-over roles. Check out some of Marcell's best pictures from the '90s in Fresh Prince in the gallery ahead, and pay close attention to Ratched to see how his procedure goes.
Lizzo and Kamala Harris Discuss Black Voter Suppression: "Let's Not Let Anybody Take Our Power"
In honor of National Black Voter Day on Friday, Lizzo chatted with Sen. Kamala Harris about the importance of voting, the vice presidential candidate's dedication towards the Black community, and how to fight Black voter suppression. The singer interviewed the senator on her Instagram Live, asking honest questions about the anti-Black policies of her past and what advice she has for Black people who feel discouraged to vote.
"One of the reasons we know we need to vote, is to honor the ancestors, those who shed their blood for our right to vote," Kamala explained, adding that while white women were guaranteed the right to vote by the 19th amendment, Black women gained the right 45 years later through the Voting Rights Act. But more importantly, the senator stressed that there are so many issues at play right now, including healthcare and the lack of access to capital, that can be changed by way of voting.
Related: A Breakdown of Where Kamala Harris Stands on Key Issues, From Healthcare to Taxes
"Let's not let anybody take our power."
"Black folks have to sit back and ask a question, which is, 'Why are so many people trying to make it so difficult for us to vote?,'" Kamala said. "The answer is this: because when we vote, things change. When we vote, we have a say in who our leaders are, so part of what I just want to remind everyone on this National Black Voter Day, is let's not let anybody take our power." The two also discussed food justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and the senator and Joe Biden's commitment to naming a Black woman to the Supreme Court. Above, watch their full IGTV discussion.
Lizzo and Kamala Harris Discuss Black Voter Suppression: "Let's Not Let Anybody Take Our Power"
In honor of National Black Voter Day on Friday, Lizzo chatted with Sen. Kamala Harris about the importance of voting, the vice presidential candidate's dedication towards the Black community, and how to fight Black voter suppression. The singer interviewed the senator on her Instagram Live, asking honest questions about the anti-Black policies of her past and what advice she has for Black people who feel discouraged to vote.
"One of the reasons we know we need to vote, is to honor the ancestors, those who shed their blood for our right to vote," Kamala explained, adding that while white women were guaranteed the right to vote by the 19th amendment, Black women gained the right 45 years later through the Voting Rights Act. But more importantly, the senator stressed that there are so many issues at play right now, including healthcare and the lack of access to capital, that can be changed by way of voting.
Related: A Breakdown of Where Kamala Harris Stands on Key Issues, From Healthcare to Taxes
"Let's not let anybody take our power."
"Black folks have to sit back and ask a question, which is, 'Why are so many people trying to make it so difficult for us to vote?,'" Kamala said. "The answer is this: because when we vote, things change. When we vote, we have a say in who our leaders are, so part of what I just want to remind everyone on this National Black Voter Day, is let's not let anybody take our power." The two also discussed food justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and the senator and Joe Biden's commitment to naming a Black woman to the Supreme Court. Above, watch their full IGTV discussion.
PEN15 Season 2 Remains Raunchy as Ever, But It Has Thoughtful Messages for Tweens and Teens
Maya and Anna are back with their awkward middle school shenanigans in season two of PEN15! Steeped in Y2K nostalgia and cringe comedy, the first seven episodes this season are as relatable and explicit as ever. At face value with its TV-MA rating, the series doesn't exactly come off as family-friendly viewing. But in the vein of Big Mouth or Eighth Grade, PEN15 can help teens (and possibly even tweens) navigate the awkward ups and downs of puberty. Of course, you'll know your child best and how they might respond to the show. Before your kids turn on the second season of PEN15, consider discussing the following points.
- PEN15 features a bountiful helping of cursing.
PEN15 is no Goodfellas, but cussing is commonplace throughout season two, especially with swears kids might exchange on the schoolyard. You'll hear f*ck, assh*le, damn, b*tch, and a slew of other colorful gems. Gabe, who is implied to be exploring his sexuality, uses anti-gay slurs, so that's worth keeping in mind. - Season two doesn't shy away from sexual matters.
Season two doesn't stop at a kiss/graze between masks (as we see with Gabe and Maya). But the portrayal of sexual matters isn't over-glamorized or glossed over as it might be in many teen shows. The season starts right after the awkward second base exchange (originally a fingering request) between Anna, Maya, and Brandt. We see animated vaginas in an after-credits scene - right after Anna and Maya use mirrors to look at their lady parts in episode two. On the goofier side of things, there's even a fantasy sequence with Maya latching and suckling on Anna's breast in episode six. During the sleepover, the boys also watch an adult film while hanging out together. - Female friendship stays vital this season.
Maya and Anna's friendship continues to be the show's lifeblood. Maya and Anna are each other's rocks to the point of lacking boundaries. But PEN15 doesn't sugarcoat or smoothen out their conflicts, diving deep into every awkward, cringe-inducing detail. Whether it's the school play or Maya getting her period, the girls go through cycles of fighting and making up. This season, the show introduces the character of Maura, their new ritzy friend who wedges her way into the friendship - we see how her presence drives jealousy and tension between Anna and Maya. - But the show gets real about bullying and peer pressure.
Because of their encounter with Brandt in season one, Anna and Maya face a great deal of slut-shaming. Last season's UGIS - Ugliest Girl in School - has officially been replaced with BSB - Big Smelly Bush, the boys' cruel taunt towards Anna and Maya. The middle school girls also later lock Maya into a bathroom at a sleepover and make fun of her for being on her period. But Maya and Anna aren't exactly angels. They refer to a girl as "Icebox," who is rumored to have self-pleasured herself with ice. Additionally, peer pressure also rears its head this season, especially as Maura becomes a questionable influence in the girls' lives. Steve also later gives Anna a drink during the school play afterparty. - PEN15 continues to touch on important discussions for budding teens.
In between its raunchy humor, PEN15 is sensitive about difficult issues such as divorce, bullying, and puberty. As with something like Eighth Grade, the show also portrays how parents struggle to communicate with their children during these turbulent times. We see how Yuki and Maya's relationship blossoms as Maya goes through physical and social changes, and how Anna's parents navigate their divorce.
Beneath its obscene and goofy antics, PEN15 remains devoted to shining the spotlight on two richly developed female protagonists while honestly and empathetically exploring tween matters - yes, even the cringiest ones.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Died at Age 87
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87, the Supreme Court announced on Friday. The feminist icon and champion for women's rights had been battling metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg had served on the Supreme Court for 27 years since she was appointed by former president Bill Clinton in 1993.
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," Ginsburg had said in a statement dictated to her granddaughter, Clara Spera, days before her death, according to NPR. Referred to as the Notorious RBG by many of her fans, the justice was only the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. In July, Ginsburg revealed she had been undergoing chemotherapy since May.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said in a statement released by the Court. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a tireless and resolute champion of justice." Ginsburg died on Sept. 18 surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, DC. She is survived by her two children and four grandchildren.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Died at Age 87
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87, the Supreme Court announced on Friday. The feminist icon and champion for women's rights had been battling metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg had served on the Supreme Court for 27 years since she was appointed by former president Bill Clinton in 1993.
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," Ginsburg had said in a statement dictated to her granddaughter, Clara Spera, days before her death, according to NPR. Referred to as the Notorious RBG by many of her fans, the justice was only the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. In July, Ginsburg revealed she had been undergoing chemotherapy since May.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said in a statement released by the Court. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a tireless and resolute champion of justice." Ginsburg died on Sept. 18 surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, DC. She is survived by her two children and four grandchildren.
Hands Down, These Are the 19 Best Things I've Bought on Amazon All Year
As a shopping editor, I spend my days browsing the internet for the hottest new products and best deals. One of my favorite places to search is no surprise: Amazon. The online retailer is an easy go-to for stuff like home cleaning products or even vitamins, but most recently I've found myself buying everything from kitchen gadgets to home furniture on the site.
Ahead, I curated a list of the 19 best things I've bought so far this year to give you a little inspiration for your own shopping cart. Take a look at my top picks ahead, from bestselling fans to silicone dishwashing gloves, you won't regret it.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Died at Age 87
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87, the Supreme Court announced on Friday. The feminist icon and champion for women's rights had been battling metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg had served on the Supreme Court for 27 years since she was appointed by former president Bill Clinton in 1993.
"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," Ginsburg had said in a statement dictated to her granddaughter, Clara Spera, days before her death, according to NPR. Referred to as the Notorious RBG by many of her fans, the justice was only the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court and a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. In July, Ginsburg revealed she had been undergoing chemotherapy since May.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said in a statement released by the Court. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a tireless and resolute champion of justice." Ginsburg died on Sept. 18 surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, DC. She is survived by her two children and four grandchildren.
Hands Down, These Are the 19 Best Things I've Bought on Amazon All Year
As a shopping editor, I spend my days browsing the internet for the hottest new products and best deals. One of my favorite places to search is no surprise: Amazon. The online retailer is an easy go-to for stuff like home cleaning products or even vitamins, but most recently I've found myself buying everything from kitchen gadgets to home furniture on the site.
Ahead, I curated a list of the 19 best things I've bought so far this year to give you a little inspiration for your own shopping cart. Take a look at my top picks ahead, from bestselling fans to silicone dishwashing gloves, you won't regret it.
16 Disney+ Movies That Are Perfect For the Spooky Season
Spooky season is upon us, and nothing can beat the cozy, nostalgic feeling of curling up on a sofa and watching a Disney movie. Disney doesn't exactly do horror movies, but it has released its fair share of gently scary features! Now that Disney+ is fully here, you'll be able to access Disney's entire movie vault, including creepy-crawly classics. While you could sift through each Treehouse of Horror episode on The Simpsons (also on Disney+), you can check out the entertainment giant's Halloween-geared movies as well. Read ahead for Disney+'s spookiest selection of movies for both kids and adults alike, from Halloweentown to Hocus Pocus.
Social Media Consent: Chris Evans vs. Emily Ratajkowski
When you recall the last celebrity photo scandal B.C. (Before Chris), who comes to mind? Is it a woman? Was the leak intentional or from an anonymous party? Did the person become a trending topic online? How did you find the photos? Did someone share them with you, or did you share them with someone else?
Over the weekend, Chris Evans unintentionally shared a private photo of himself on his Instagram account. While he was able to delete the evidence shortly after, we all know that as soon as something hits the Internet (especially with a following of 6.3 million), it's sure to spread. As Chris inevitably became a trending topic and hashtag, something truly amazing happened. Online mentions of the actor were quickly overwhelmed with positive photos and news of his philanthropic work to rightfully humanize the person behind the image.
This progressive effort from a community of strangers showed the power of respect and range of understanding we can have for one another. It also exposed the double standard women have faced in similar situations, as actress Kat Dennings tweeted. Coincidentally, model Emily Ratajkowski published an essay for The Cut a few days later about a social media situation similar to Evans', but with a much more traumatizing ending.
"Social media has both supplied and demanded constant access to people's lives, careers, relationships and bodies - with women granted the least amount of respect and privacy."
In "Buying Myself Back: When does a model own her image?" Ratajkowski shares how nude photos of her from a professional modeling gig were shared by a man without her consent - a man who, she also claims, sexually assaulted her. In fact, photographer Jonathan Leder was rewarded with sold out art galleries, multiple book releases, and a follower increase for publishing Ratajkowski's naked body for anyone to access. What makes Ratajkowski's story even more infuriating was her desperate plea for ownership of her own body - which was continuously denied by Leder and consumers in favor of social media traffic. Her body was shared to such an extent that it intentionally demoted her emotional, mental, and physical well-being to a secondary status beneath a man and audience who controlled discussion and distribution of Ratajkowski's body before her. Why bother seeking the approval from an actual person, when degrading her to an object is so much sexier, and doesn't require any accountability?
In her essay, Ratajkowski courageously recounts other exploitative experiences driven by social media, one of the most notable being the 4chan leak. In 2014, an anonymous user published hundreds of nude photos of Hollywood women including Ratajkowski, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Vanessa Hudgens, and more.
A revolutionary way to connect, social media has both supplied and demanded constant access to people's lives, careers, relationships and bodies - with women granted the least amount of respect and privacy. The 4chan photos (and other similar leaks before and since then) are then dubbed "scandals" - as if they are sensationalized headlines, rather than intimate moments violently ripped from women and plastered online for strangers to scrutinize. Not only are these photos shared without their consent, but women are insulted further, to quietly accept this reality, and in some cases issue a very public apology, for a very private matter.
Unfortunately, Ratajkowski's story of social media clicks at the expense of her body is something women are disproportionately affected by. Of course women aren't the only ones subject to invasive sharing of private moments. Justin Bieber and Noah Centineo are some men who have been targets of both hacking and paparazzi exploitation. However, women take the lead as victims, where a UK study found that almost 75% of so-called "revenge porn" cases target female. This study categorizes this in two forms: public punishment from a past relationship or extortion.
While there are definite differences between Evans and Ratajkowski in terms of circumstance and time, what is undeniable is the amount of respect for their consent. Both Evans and Ratajkowski did not want their intimate photos shared, but where Evans received unspoken support to not share his photos from the online community, Ratajkowski was met with silence and likes.
As an internationally recognized, billion dollar funded superhero and a cis straight white male, Evans is the literal and figurative symbol of America, in the traditional and un-defeatable sense. He deserved respect for his mistake. He still deserves that respect. Women do too. Whether public protection for Evans was due to a strong cultural shift and a generational understanding for privacy, or simply because we love our Captain, will we remember to protect women at this same length? Even if she isn't our Miss America?
Here’s Why Peloton’s Guided Stretching Videos Are One of the App’s Best Features
Throughout all the Peloton hype, no one is talking about what I believe to be one of the app's best features. So, I've taken it upon myself to share what I think is currently Peloton's best-kept secret: the music-backed guided stretching videos.
For those who haven't taken the Peloton plunge, the app offers more than just cycling videos. The $13 membership gets you a plethora of guided workout sessions from strength training to running to meditation - and yes, stretching.
When it comes to warming up for and cooling down from workouts, I'm notoriously lazy - but the music behind Peloton's stretching videos has been a total game-changer.
Peloton instructor Olivia Amato's 10-Minute Full-Body Stretch sparked this obsession. One day after a spin session, I stumbled on the video. I was feeling tight and tired until Justin Bieber's "All Around Me" hit my ears.
I could have been looking in all the wrong places, but I feel like most guided stretching videos are set to tranquil, soothing soundscapes. It wasn't until Peloton that I realized how motivating stretching to pop hits can be. It gets my energy up before a workout and helps me push through a cooldown when all I want to do is shower and jump in bed.
If the Biebs isn't your preference, you can filter through stretching videos based on music genres from alternative to classic rock to indie. Maybe a Latin flow or country vibe is the inspiration you need to loosen up those joints and feel good.
Sure, Peloton's stretching section has other awesome features, too - like how there are videos (both warmups and cooldowns!) to match just about any workout class the app offers. You can even filter through their stretching selection by the teacher or how much time you have.
Now, I no longer dread that extra 10 minutes of post-workout stretching, and my body is so much better for it.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
16 Disney+ Movies That Are Perfect For the Spooky Season
Spooky season is upon us, and nothing can beat the cozy, nostalgic feeling of curling up on a sofa and watching a Disney movie. Disney doesn't exactly do horror movies, but it has released its fair share of gently scary features! Now that Disney+ is fully here, you'll be able to access Disney's entire movie vault, including creepy-crawly classics. While you could sift through each Treehouse of Horror episode on The Simpsons (also on Disney+), you can check out the entertainment giant's Halloween-geared movies as well. Read ahead for Disney+'s spookiest selection of movies for both kids and adults alike, from Halloweentown to Hocus Pocus.
Social Media Consent: Chris Evans vs. Emily Ratajkowski
When you recall the last celebrity photo scandal B.C. (Before Chris), who comes to mind? Is it a woman? Was the leak intentional or from an anonymous party? Did the person become a trending topic online? How did you find the photos? Did someone share them with you, or did you share them with someone else?
Over the weekend, Chris Evans unintentionally shared a private photo of himself on his Instagram account. While he was able to delete the evidence shortly after, we all know that as soon as something hits the Internet (especially with a following of 6.3 million), it's sure to spread. As Chris inevitably became a trending topic and hashtag, something truly amazing happened. Online mentions of the actor were quickly overwhelmed with positive photos and news of his philanthropic work to rightfully humanize the person behind the image.
This progressive effort from a community of strangers showed the power of respect and range of understanding we can have for one another. It also exposed the double standard women have faced in similar situations, as actress Kat Dennings tweeted. Coincidentally, model Emily Ratajkowski published an essay for The Cut a few days later about a social media situation similar to Evans', but with a much more traumatizing ending.
"Social media has both supplied and demanded constant access to people's lives, careers, relationships and bodies - with women granted the least amount of respect and privacy."
In "Buying Myself Back: When does a model own her image?" Ratajkowski shares how nude photos of her from a professional modeling gig were shared by a man without her consent - a man who, she also claims, sexually assaulted her. In fact, photographer Jonathan Leder was rewarded with sold out art galleries, multiple book releases, and a follower increase for publishing Ratajkowski's naked body for anyone to access. What makes Ratajkowski's story even more infuriating was her desperate plea for ownership of her own body - which was continuously denied by Leder and consumers in favor of social media traffic. Her body was shared to such an extent that it intentionally demoted her emotional, mental, and physical well-being to a secondary status beneath a man and audience who controlled discussion and distribution of Ratajkowski's body before her. Why bother seeking the approval from an actual person, when degrading her to an object is so much sexier, and doesn't require any accountability?
In her essay, Ratajkowski courageously recounts other exploitative experiences driven by social media, one of the most notable being the 4chan leak. In 2014, an anonymous user published hundreds of nude photos of Hollywood women including Ratajkowski, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Vanessa Hudgens, and more.
A revolutionary way to connect, social media has both supplied and demanded constant access to people's lives, careers, relationships and bodies - with women granted the least amount of respect and privacy. The 4chan photos (and other similar leaks before and since then) are then dubbed "scandals" - as if they are sensationalized headlines, rather than intimate moments violently ripped from women and plastered online for strangers to scrutinize. Not only are these photos shared without their consent, but women are insulted further, to quietly accept this reality, and in some cases issue a very public apology, for a very private matter.
Unfortunately, Ratajkowski's story of social media clicks at the expense of her body is something women are disproportionately affected by. Of course women aren't the only ones subject to invasive sharing of private moments. Justin Bieber and Noah Centineo are some men who have been targets of both hacking and paparazzi exploitation. However, women take the lead as victims, where a UK study found that almost 75% of so-called "revenge porn" cases target female. This study categorizes this in two forms: public punishment from a past relationship or extortion.
While there are definite differences between Evans and Ratajkowski in terms of circumstance and time, what is undeniable is the amount of respect for their consent. Both Evans and Ratajkowski did not want their intimate photos shared, but where Evans received unspoken support to not share his photos from the online community, Ratajkowski was met with silence and likes.
As an internationally recognized, billion dollar funded superhero and a cis straight white male, Evans is the literal and figurative symbol of America, in the traditional and un-defeatable sense. He deserved respect for his mistake. He still deserves that respect. Women do too. Whether public protection for Evans was due to a strong cultural shift and a generational understanding for privacy, or simply because we love our Captain, will we remember to protect women at this same length? Even if she isn't our Miss America?
Hands Down, These Are the 19 Best Things I've Bought on Amazon All Year
As a shopping editor, I spend my days browsing the internet for the hottest new products and best deals. One of my favorite places to search is no surprise: Amazon. The online retailer is an easy go-to for stuff like home cleaning products or even vitamins, but most recently I've found myself buying everything from kitchen gadgets to home furniture on the site.
Ahead, I curated a list of the 19 best things I've bought so far this year to give you a little inspiration for your own shopping cart. Take a look at my top picks ahead, from bestselling fans to silicone dishwashing gloves, you won't regret it.
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