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.
samedi 31 mars 2018
10 Genuinely Entertaining Science Shows on Netflix
I'm all for a good Netflix binge, but I also know that sometimes there's a deep desire for something more substantial than Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Gilmore Girls. If you strive to be challenged by your viewing material and desperately want to learn while consuming entertainment, you're in luck: Netflix has some of the best informative TV offerings out there. From the deepest depths of the ocean to galaxies far beyond our reach, you can get one hell of an education from the science-based shows available for streaming.
So if you're looking to learn next time you press "play," check out one of these 10 scientific shows. You'll be taught all about the world (and beyond!) without leaving your couch.
Don't Get It Twisted: The Oldest University Was Founded by a Muslim Woman
Muslim women have been transforming society since, well, at least 12 centuries ago. Founded in 859, the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, is the world's oldest operating university - it was also endowed by a devout Muslim woman with her inheritance.
Fatima al-Fihri, who was Tunisian, donated the funds to open a mosque and madrasa (a school which teaches religious texts) in the mid ninth century, but the property was expanded to be a university by the tenth century. Now the stunning campus houses one of the world's oldest libraries, which was recently restored after being kept private for scholarly use for hundreds of years.
According an Associated Press report on the library's restoration, its collection of Islamic historical manuscripts is unparalleled. For example: al-Qarawiyyin's library includes a ninth century Quran written in ancient Kufic calligraphy.
"The manuscripts are now kept in a secure room, with strict temperature and humidity control," reported the AP in 2016 after the renovations were completed.
By 1947, the school was officially integrated into Morocco's public education system, and in 1967, it became the University of al-Karaouine. Though European schools are often credited with being the first universities, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization considers al-Karaouine a university since its original inception as a madrasa - making it the oldest in history.
So, in honor of Muslim women everywhere, let's attempt to make it abundantly clear who founded the first university: a Muslim woman in Morocco.
Ahead are some photos of the campus taken by users on Instagram.
Will Smith Had a Date With Sophia the Robot, and HELP, I Can't Stop Laughing
By now, you've probably heard of Sophia the Robot. She's the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, so much so that she's earned full citizenship in Saudi Arabia and participated in plenty of interviews. And now, she's going on a date . . . with Will Smith. In a hilarious new video, the acclaimed actor sits down with Sophia, and the result is a veritable goldmine of awkward jokes, an attempted kiss that ends in friend-zoning, and too many other hilarious moments to count. There's not much else to say; you really just have to watch the video yourself.
5 Secrets About Best Buy, According to an Employee
Curious about whether you should actually get the warranty at Best Buy? Find out the answer from one Best Buy employee's Reddit AMA. The employee, who works for Best Buy in Canada as a "connected solutions specialist," answered questions about the break room, bargaining, and whether or not to get a warranty on a tech device. See the employee's answers ahead.
People steal all sorts of devices
According to the employee, they can't do anything to stop people from stealing. So he's seen people "walk out with laptops."
The break room has video games.
Forget eating lunch during your break - relax by playing a game instead! The break room in this employee's store, also called a "Hub," has a Wii U in it.
The discount isn't that great.
Unlike other retail chains, Best Buy's discount on laptops and gaming systems isn't great - so don't ask for it. But, if you need cables or other accessories, the discount works in their favor.
The people at the return area don't ignore you on purpose.
If you happen to see a person at the return desk area, they aren't always equipped to help you. According to the employee, sometimes it's employees working with other stores to get a product shipped or checking stock of an item.
If you want a deal on a warranty, just ask.
On a basic level, the employee recommends always getting the warranty. The employee also mentioned that if you want a deal on a warranty, ask for one. "Sometimes we can do half off two-year or three-year [warranty]!" they wrote.
The Handmaid's Tale Shows Us Why We Can't Compromise on Reproductive Rights
Kaylie Hanson Long is the national communications director for NARAL Pro-Choice America
With the TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, people across the world will get a visceral preview of what happens when a regime defined by misogyny, cynicism, and a distaste for facts rises to power. Atwood's dystopian vision depicts a fictional world in which women are nothing more than childbearing vessels, nothing more than domestic servants, and nothing more than wives whose sole claim to power rests in the hands of their husbands. Women who think, who rebel, who choose - and also women who fail to bear children, who fail to live up to an idea of "womanhood" that has nothing to do with humanity and everything to do with biology - are declared "unwomen."
Sound familiar?
If you're a woman in 2017, you might recognize this world thanks to the rise of politicians who have felt less and less pressure to hide the misogyny driving their attempts to control the most intimate aspects of a woman's life. And this rise has been made possible by none other than President Donald Trump.
The government of The Handmaid's Tale is fueled by a misogynist agenda and systematically enacts policies that rob women of their autonomy. After the leadership's rise to power, the main character of The Handmaid's Tale stops by a convenience store to pick up a pack of cigarettes before work only to learn that her bank account has been shut down. When she arrives at work, she learns that this isn't a fluke: the government has not only frozen every woman's bank account but has also made it illegal for women to hold a job and hold property at all.
"It's only a job," the central character's husband says when she returns home that day. "You know I'll always take care of you." It is clear that he has missed the point.
In our reality, women are already treated like second-class citizens in so many ways: women of color make as little as 58 cents for every dollar their white male counterparts make. Pregnant women lose their jobs because they need an extra bathroom or water break. Republicans in Congress want to drag us back to the days of charging women more for our health care and when being a woman was considered a pre-existing condition. And the onslaught of antichoice legislation in this country has chipped away at our fundamental right to control our bodies and decide whether, when, how, and with whom to start or grow a family.
President Trump's misogynist agenda only promises to pull us backward and erase the progress we have made on the road toward gender equality. He has laid bare the real motive behind the war on reproductive rights waged by antichoice politicians and extremist groups: it has very little to do with abortion and everything to do with keeping women in our place by limiting our options and freedom.
Trump let the cat out of the bag last year when he matter-of-factly claimed "there has to be some form of punishment" for women who choose abortion. Of course the people who cheer him on are the same people who believe that birth control pills and IUDs - the most basic tools women use to control their futures - should be illegal. One even claimed that a world without these forms of contraception would be "ideal." And antichoice state legislators from Wyoming to Missouri make their real feelings about women clear when they compare us to livestock and quip that we should go to zoos to access basic health care.
The examples are endless, and it is clear that the rise of a reality where women do not have basic rights is made possible not only by politicians bent on controlling women, but also by a populace that tells itself, "That can't happen here."
"There were marches, of course," writes the unnamed narrator of The Handmaid's Tale, reflecting on the protest movements women led against the rise of this catastrophic and misogynist theocracy, "but they were smaller than you might have thought."
The good news for us is that our marches have not been small. Across the country and the world, people have made it clear that the majority does not believe in the dystopian worldview peddled by extreme antichoice groups and politicians like President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Seven in 10 Americans believe abortion should be legal and accessible, and the same number think the Supreme Court should not overturn Roe v. Wade. This majority is fueling the resistance against the dangerous antiwoman, antifamily agenda pushed by President Trump and his Republican allies from Washington to the state legislatures.
Luckily, leaders at every level of government are getting the message, and they understand that Americans will support those who stand strong behind reproductive freedom and gender equality. In states like Nevada and Washington, legislators are leading a proactive resistance by working to make birth control even more accessible. States like Massachusetts, Oregon, and Tennessee are also working on laws that would require insurance providers to cover a broad range of birth control, not just certain types or brands.
It is no surprise that America's appetite for dystopian fiction skyrocketed after President Trump's election. We must look to it not only as a warning of what could be, but also as a guide to how we can push history in the right direction. We must stand up, stand strong, and stand together in support of the fundamental idea that every woman deserves the same opportunity and freedom as men to control her body and her future.
Widow of Pulse Nightclub Shooter Found Not Guilty on All Counts
On March 30, Noor Salman was acquitted by a federal jury of helping her husband, Omar Mateen, carry out the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL. Salman was found not guilty of aiding and abetting the commission of a terrorist act and obstructing justice, according to The New York Times. Salman had been accused of giving police misleading statements during an interview following the worst terrorist attack on American soil since the Sept. 11 attacks.
"I wish I had done the right thing but my fear held me back. I wish I had been more truthful," she wrote in a statement to the FBI that was read aloud during her trial.
Mateen's deadly spree claimed the lives of 49 people and left 53 injured before he was killed in a shootout with local police. The jury in Salman's case deliberated for over three days before reaching a verdict. "We are so grateful to them, so grateful for their verdict," a spokesperson for Salman's family said outside the courthouse. "She can go home now and try to pick up the pieces."
Salman's defense attorney, Linda Moreno, positioned Salman as a victim of abuse, saying, "Omar Marteen is a monster. Noor Salman is a mother, not a monster. Her only sin is she married a monster."
Assistant United States attorney Sarah C. Sweeney, who was part of the prosecution team, thanked the jurors for their services. "We respect their verdict," she said. The Founder of the onePULSE foundation, Barbara Poma, released a statement echoing Sweeney's statement.
"I respect the criminal justice process, and we all have to trust that the jury made its decision free of bias and emotion. Those of us directly affected by this tragedy must find peace in our hearts and remember that he was the one who pulled the trigger that night. He was the perpetrator, and he should not have one more minute of power over our lives," she stated. "This verdict cannot and will not divide us. The survivors, families, and first responders, as well as the community of Orlando and everyone around the world, must now focus on the work ahead of us. We will always carry the pain of what happened at Pulse, and we will never forget those who were taken. We will wrap our arms around all affected today and in the days to come. It will be difficult, but we will focus now on healing, and we will continue to work to help communities emerge from violence and hate. It is as important today as it was 21 months ago."
You'll Want to Tear Out Your Hair After Trying to Find a Four-Leaf Clover in This Photo
For some people, puzzles are a great way to distract their mind and zone out for a bit. For others like ourselves, they're a great reminder that nothing will drive you crazier than trying to find or solve something that's supposedly easy. Whichever type of person you are, we bring you a puzzle that's making the internet question its sanity.
The quiz, which was originally published on Jan. 4, 2016, shows a cute illustration of a bunch of pigs in a field. The catch? Try to spot the four-leaf clover among all the pigs. Try your best below. To see the answer, just click on the photo.
The illustration was created by Hungarian-based artist Gergely Dudás, or Dudolf, who regularly posts fun puzzles like these on his Facebook page. When Dudolf originally posted this image on his Facebook page, it received more than 9,000 reactions, 1,000 comments, and 4,000 shares. However, a recent Imgur post is bringing attention to this puzzle (and others) again.
Hopefully that didn't drive you too crazy!
11 Slang Terms to Memorize If You Want to Stay Cool
Tumblr, YouTube, and Twitter have been leading the slang game recently. "Snatched" is officially the new "fleek," "sis" is the new "bro," and adding "boots" to the end of any adjective is totally a thing. Read on to learn all the new slang words the cool kids on the Internet are using.
The Great Snapchat Egg Hunt Has Begun - Here's How to Get in on the Fun
Calling all recovering Pokémon Go addicts: boy, has Snapchat got just thing for you this holiday weekend.
From March 30 to April 1 at 9 p.m., over one million (!) fancy decorated eggs will be hiding all across your Snap Map, just waiting to be sought out and captured with a 3D world lens. The more you hunt, the more you collect; but in order to capture the egg and get the point, you have to go to the physical location of the egg on your map. In other words, it's the perfect combination of exploration and old-fashioned competition - there's even a leaderboard to check out exactly how you're ranking among your friends and family (though if you're feeling self-conscious you can also opt to remain hidden, as always.)
To get started, head out into your neighborhood and check the Snap Map for the eggs closest to you. Once you're nearby, tap the egg on your map and open a world lens through the rear-facing camera, and voila! You've just gotten your first point. It's worth noting that while you should definitely keep your eye out for eggs at all times, you never have to worry about losing an egg or having it be stolen by another Snapchat user. Even if you have to wait until tomorrow, they'll still be there - even the supersecret, high-value five-point eggs, which may take a bit longer to find.
So, as you travel this holiday weekend, be sure to keep your phone charged and your Snap Map open - and enjoy the AR-based, limited-run game while it lasts. You can bet that's what we'll be doing.
Rupert Grint Got a Shout-Out in the Half-Blood Prince Novel - and You Probably Missed It
Image Source: Everett Collection
By the time the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince novel was released, the fourth movie (Goblet of Fire) was on the verge of coming out. This meant that Rupert Grint was already an established member of our favorite magical trio as Ron Weasley, loved perhaps most especially for his gratuitous usage of "bloody hell" to express his surprise, fear, excitement, and pretty much any other emotion.
In Half-Blood Prince, the pompous (but arguably endearing) character of Professor Slughorn is introduced, whose talent for choosing gifted students to include among his exclusive ranks rivals his penchant for potions.
So, the fact that Slughorn calls Ron the wrong name isn't all that surprising considering this mistake is made in line with the professor's disregard of students who don't fit his standards of "promising" wizards. Ron (to Slughorn) is forgettable.
What is notable is the small shout-out to actor Grint when Slughorn slips up upon discussing Ron's incident of accidentally drinking poison instead of a tonic for someone who'd ingested the love potion Amortentia. In the 2005 Bloomsbury edition of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on page 454, J.K. Rowling gives Grint a subtle nod in the novel by having Slughorn call Ron by the name of Rupert on accident. The tiny detail is easy to miss, but the fact that Rowling snuck it in certainly makes us smile. See the passage ahead for the mention of "Rupert" instead of "Ron."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hilary White
The Best iPhone X Cases of 2018
So, you finally took the plunge and got the iPhone X. Congratulations! Now that you've got the newest, hippest gadget on the market right now, it's time to make sure that you don't find yourself on line at the Apple store a week from now, cradling your newly dropped phone and pleading for a second chance - in other words, it's time to properly protect your device. But before you stress out about going through every case on the internet to find the right one, click ahead: here, we've pulled together a list of the best iPhone X cases out there at the moment. From the chicest fashion statements to the most tough-and-rugged models on the market, there's something here for everyone - and we'll be updating this post as new ones become available, so be sure to check back as the year progresses.
The Best Tech Gadgets of 2018 (So Far)
Looking to make your life a little easier, but not ready to commit to a full smart-home makeover? Well, you've come to the right place: from umbrellas to watches to suitcases and more, ahead you'll find all the tech gadgets we've tried out and fallen in love with this year. And be sure to check back, as we'll be updating with our newest favorites as we continue to test out the latest in consumer tech throughout 2018.
Sushi Tacos Are a Thing, So Every Other Food Hybrid Can Just Go Home Now
Sushi burgers and burritos are so last year, people. Our latest food hybrid obsession? Sushi tacos. Because why choose between your two favorite cuisines for dinner when you can just have both at the same time, am I right?
We were first informed of these glorious gastronomic masterpieces via Tail and Fin, a sushi fusion eatery in Las Vegas that serves up the Instagram-worthy creations. Each Tail and Fin sushi taco swaps a basic corn tortilla for a circular seaweed shell, followed by a layer of white rice and toppings like salmon, tuna, cilantro, pineapple chunks, onions, and pomegranate seeds. Finished off with a sauce drizzle of your choice, these sushi tacos are sure to get your mouth watering. Our favorite part of these tantalizing treats is their size; they're smaller than sushirritos, so it's suitable to eat two different types in one sitting (or, like, three or four, if we're being honest here).
It looks like tons of other restaurants have are also in on the craze, such as Norigami, a pop-up shop that offers its sushi tacos with a crispy fried nori shell. Yum! Ahead, bask in the sheer perfection of sushi tacos, and try not to drool (or eat your screen) while doing so.
15 Wines From Whole Foods That Will Knock Your Socks Off
Picture this: you're trying to get everything ready for a fabulous party, but you're crunched for time (OK, you don't have to picture this - we have all been here). You stop at Whole Foods to get some party staples and are thinking about all the other stops you have to make and things you have to do when you get home . . . like throw your dirty clothes in a closet and do something with all the dishes that have piled up in the sink.
You're thinking you may have to phone a friend to handle the adult beverages, but you're in luck. At Whole Foods, the wine selection is quite varied, and the grocer actually has a Master Sommelier employed as its global beverage buyer. So, go ahead: pick up a sampling of wines, and impress your gathered friends with the answer when they say, "This wine is delicious. Where did you get it?"
The 16 Cheeses You HAVE to Get From Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's cheese section is a magical place where some of the toughest decision-making happens. If your idea of a good time involves a cheese plate and a glass of wine, you've probably spent time mentally debating which cheese deserves a spot in your shopping cart. We've been there too, so we're featuring our editors' 16 favorite cheeses from Trader Joe's so you know what you absolutely have to pick up the next time you're in the market for a new cheese (and yes, it was hard to narrow it down). See which Trader Joe's cheeses you've already tried and discover potential new favorites, ahead.
Anthropologie Home Items Are Now Available at Nordstrom - Seriously, Shop It Now!
If you're a fan of Anthropologie, you know it's filled with beautiful clothes and lush beauty products, but we can't get enough of its enviable home section. So if you're planning on sprucing up your space this Spring, we have good news for you. The popular decor line is now available at our favorite department store, Nordstrom. From colorful pillows to party platters and vibrant dinnerware, all these luxe items are easier then ever to shop. We rounded up a list of cute and useful pieces you'll want to own. Take a look.
8 Easy Ways to Instantly Boost Your Self-Confidence
Self-doubt weighing you down? Don't worry; we've all been there before and can understand how frustrating those thoughts can be. But the good news is you don't have to continue walking under rain clouds of negativity. Despite contrary belief, self-confidence is a skill set rather than a character trait. And it's one you can easily teach yourself!
So forget the notion that confidence is something people are born with. If you're seeking to boost your self-esteem, below are eight quick actions you can take to become more confident ASAP.
1. Sit up straight.
Once again, Mom was right. According to research, sitting with good posture will not only lead to more confident, positive thoughts, but it will also increase your overall mood. So the next time you find yourself slumping or slouching, remember your mom's advice: roll back those shoulders, open up your chest, and sit up tall.
2. Get caffeinated.
Lover of lattes or all things coffee? Well you're in luck, as caffeine has been proven to increase energy, alertness, and yes, even confidence. So go ahead; guzzle down that extra cup of joe.
3. Break a sweat.
We all know exercising is good for your physical well-being, but did you know working out on a regular basis can work wonders on your mental health, too? Studies have shown breaking even the slightest of sweats can lead to more confidence, not to mention less stress.
4. Spritz on your favorite fragrance.
Need another excuse to splurge on your favorite fragrance? Fragrance expert and founder of Note Fragrances Danielle Fleming states that aromas play a huge part in how you feel and can instantly elicit a range of emotions, including feeling more relaxed, happy, and confident.
5. Visualize greatness.
If you're in a time crunch but need a quick confidence-booster, consider simply closing your eyes and calling upon your imagination. Prep your mind for mental success by picturing yourself conquering a personal goal. Remember the power of visualization: seeing is believing. The more you visualize achievement, the more you'll come to expect success, and this mindset can only lead to greater feelings of self-assurance.
6. Jam out.
Not only can listening to upbeat music instantly uplift your mood, but turning up the tunes can also make you feel more powerful. And who doesn't love a good jam session?
7. Wear a smile.
Don't hide those pearly whites from the world any longer. Instead, showcase them for all to see by wearing a smile. In doing so, you will appear both confident and composed, and trust me, people will take notice. But don't just think smiling only has external effects. Research shows smiling can shed internal signs of stress, making you feel happier and more relaxed.
8. Be your own cheerleader.
And finally, don't forget to cheer yourself on. Talk to yourself. Think positive thoughts. Utilize the power of self-affirmations and focus on the good. What makes you you? Look yourself in the mirror and tell that person you see how awesome YOU are. Post sticky notes around your home to remind yourself, too, because the more often you practice self-kindness, the faster you will believe it!
This Harry Potter-Inspired Bar Lets You Make Your Own (Boozy) Potions
Listen up, wannabe witches and wizards. We know you've got spells and magic hidden up your enormous sleeves, and the good news is, we've found the perfect place for you to visit on your next European vacation: the Cauldron. Based in London, this pub is the perfect place to unwind after a day of secret spell casting and wizarding around the UK - and while it isn't affiliated with the Harry Potter franchise, it's easy to see where it got its inspiration from.
Combining science, booze, and fantasy books, this bar creates an interactive and immersive experience that would make any Muggle believe in magic. When you arrive, you'll get to don a special cloak (assuming you don't have your own, of course) and sit down to enjoy your welcome drink. The Cauldron has even teamed up with London's Fourpure Brewing Co. to create a limited edition brew, which was inspired by a witch or wizard's most essential tool: the magic wand. Called Four Cauldrons, it has a base of wand wood (in this case oak), and a core of coriander, ginger, and vanilla, which are of course all very important in magical history.
Once you've polished off your welcome drink, you'll be led to the cauldron area where you'll get to make your own brews. Some will change color as you mix them, others will bubble and smoke. You'll get to try a few cocktails, and your potions will undoubtedly cause giggling and silliness, and perhaps some sleepiness the next day. But don't fret - the effects of your potent potions can easily be reversed with an extra helping of fried food and fizzy drinks.
So where is this magical place? The Cauldron is at 5d Stoke Newington Rd, just five minutes walk (or a 30-second broomstick ride) from Dalston Kingsland overground station. Tickets are around $42, and they include a welcome drink and two cocktails. Your experience should last around two hours, and you'll need to pay a deposit for the wand, too - you wouldn't want some sneaky wizards to try and make off with them, after all! So grab your Trace-less friends (sorry, no underage magic allowed) and get ready for some fun!
The Simple Ways You Can Choose Happiness Today - and Every Day
Take a few minutes to scan your life and gauge how much of your day involves you doing something vs. waiting for something to happen. Do you find yourself needing permission to do things? Are you waiting for an opportunity to waltz into your life? Do you hold back on doing what makes you happy because of fear or uncertainty?
I write because it brings me joy. I act because it has been the most fulfilling form of expression for me. Both art forms give space to my hopes, my anguish, and any stirred-up energy I have inside. Via these mediums, I can illuminate ideas, spark conversations, and remind others that we are not alone. When I am looking to ante up my mood or if I find myself anxious or afraid, I put pen to paper or I take my fingers to the keyboard and release.
I think it is absolutely necessary to create a life that inspires and rejuvenates us every single day. I could not imagine a world without books and life without stories. I have the fondest memories of gathering around my tía as a child as her deep, hoarse voice resonated through my being. Her tales struck fear in my heart and opened my eyes to a world of imagination. I am realizing now that she planted the seed of wonder and the lust for life long ago right from her very living room.
We can't simply wish a happy life into existence; we must be the manufacturers and creators of that life.
Not one person in this world is born knowing how to do anything. We learn through experience and we sharpen our skills through discipline and dedication. It is not for anyone else to decide what we should be doing with our lives. It is our responsibility to take the necessary measures to cultivate our talents, enhance our capabilities, and simply be the best versions of ourselves.
We have to take back the reins and be the sheroes/heroes of our own stories. We are never too old nor is it ever too late to sign up for a dance class or go back to school. When your heart, body, and mind are in tune with the same song, you create music. That is the simple magic of life. The act of doing is the key here. The minute you set something in motion, you will quickly come to see that things begin to align; all of the right people, the right opportunities, and the experiences needed for your growth will find a way to meet you along your journey. There is not a cookie-cutter blueprint on life nor would any of us want to follow it. We tend to complain about and be afraid of uncertainty, but in reality, that is what makes life exciting. Root yourself in knowing that we are all deserving of joy.
There is no greater feeling or freedom in the world than doing what makes you happy. Regardless of the likes, money, or rewards that may come, do what you want to do because it makes life worth living. Do it because it shines light on the darkness or do it because it brings peace to your anxiety-stricken heart. We can't simply wish a happy life into existence; we must be the manufacturers and creators of that life. So go on - revel in anything and everything that brings you joy because it is no one else's business but your own.
These 22 Inspiring Miyazaki Quotes Will Move You to Tears
If you're familiar with the magic that is Hayao Miyazaki, then you already know just how amazing his movies are. If you're not familiar with Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli works - the film studio he founded - then stop what you're doing and start marathoning his movies. NOW. Don't let the cute animated characters deceive you - Miyazaki creates works of pure art, each one with a beautiful story and depth fans have to come expect of his films. In addition to gorgeous animation and unforgettable stories, Miyazaki, both in interviews and through his movies, has had words of wisdom that are timeless, moving, and inspirational. Get ready to laugh, cry, and see the world differently after reading them.
The Secret (and Incredible!) Ways Your Favorite Disney Pixar Rides Are Made
Forget the Haunted Mansion's Hatbox Ghost or navigating the pitch-black corners of Indiana Jones Adventure, because there is perhaps no place more shrouded in mystery than Walt Disney Imagineering. It's here, in a collection of buildings 35 miles away from Disneyland Park, where every theme park attraction and experience is imagined, crafted, and taken for a virtual test drive before it ultimately hits our Fastpass reservations and Instagram feeds.
The partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, however, compounds the creativity and difficulty in the unique challenge of bringing beloved source material, like a full-size Bing Bong and audio-animatronic Luxo Jr. lamp, to life. Twenty years since their first collaboration on It's Tough To Be a Bug! at Disney's Animal Kingdom, nearly every one of Pixar's 19 films appear in Disney parks worldwide, a partnership that will reach new alien macaron-fueled heights when Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier at Disneyland Resort and Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World debut in Spring and Summer 2018. Busy finalizing details for the seven food locations, four attractions, three shops, two lands, and new fireworks show themed to Pixar's cinematic library en route to the parks, Pixar and Disney opened the doors to the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering, showing us the artistic processes, creative struggles, and the very secret room where it all gets done.
The worlds within Pixar films are so robust and realistic that you can't help but want to jump into them - and it's some people's literal job to make that happen. Pixar employs a 10-person theme park team (dream career alert!) at their headquarters in Emeryville, which taps resources from the studio, bringing in the actual animators, lighting, and effects specialists from movies like Cars and The Incredibles to work on these physical projects as a real-life continuation of what they've created for films. In further collaboration with designers, engineers, and architects at Walt Disney Imagineering, or WDI, the expanded team works together to solve larger-scale difficulties of turning cinematic locations like Gusteau's kitchen or Flo's V8 Café into livable spaces.
Developing Pixar-themed attractions requires that particular combination of balancing pre-established stories with physical developments; if Radiator Springs was tough to create within a movie, just imagine the challenge of replicating every building to scale - and then designing and deciding what's actually behind each door. With a goal of allowing guests to visit places they otherwise cannot go, Pixar and Walt Disney Imagineering's staffs creatively expand upon those universes we see so little of on camera, utilizing a kind of critical thinking that allows guests to know what it's like to ask personal questions in Turtle Talk With Crush, pass through Harryhausen's on Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! or be pulled along by Tow Mater on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, while retaining the full essence of the films.
There is perhaps no place more shrouded in mystery than Walt Disney Imagineering.
For Slinky Dog Dash, the forthcoming Toy Story-themed coaster coming to Walt Disney World, Imagineers had to think about small details, like incorporating the character's personality within a ride vehicle, as well as scope, creating a coaster track that provides movement and can be seen from throughout the entire land. To pull these kinds of logistical challenges off, WDI utilizes The Dish, an all-encompassing white room that, with 3D visualization, can solve any real-world problems from sight lines to layout before they actually exist.
By loading in a simulation of Toy Story Land, we were able to visualize what it's like to walk past the Alien Swirling Saucers queue or see details of Woody's Lunch Box up close and, in another digital model, experience The Incredicoaster and its new effects despite it still being under construction. It was nothing short of delightfully disorienting to pass Jack-Jack using his newfound superpowers and "ride" those familiar California Screamin' camelback humps without actually moving. (The multifaceted technology is also used to virtually tour spaces like hotel rooms and restaurant kitchens throughout the resorts.)
Even once projects are on course, the necessary details to make the spaces feel accurate to Pixar's films seem overwhelming to an outsider. To answer the question of how to make grass look large scale for Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland, which is built to feel as though guests are the size of toys, Imagineers had to source 100-foot-tall bamboo from a conservatory in Portugal. Amidst the many oversize toys, checker pieces, and game boards strewn about Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World, they also calculated that Andy's massive footprint, which appears in the walkways, would be a size 240 if drawn to scale.
Though many recent Disney Parks projects see Imagineers tasked with reimagining things that already exist - a new entrance for Toy Story Mania! in Florida or new iterations of the souvenir shops, kiosks, and restaurants coming to Pixar Pier in California, for example - even as a Disney expert, I never quite realized how difficult it can be to pull off. Take Jessie's Critter Carousel, for instance. The Toy Story attraction's creation requires the full development process, whether or not mechanisms from the previous King Triton's Carousel are already in place. Because the adorable bug-eyed animals from Woody's Roundup had never been rendered in 3D, sculptors in the Walt Disney Imagineering model shop have spent weeks upon weeks hand-carving maquettes at 1:8 scale, which will be digitally scanned and later milled for creation of the carousel's seats.
At times, the ride creation process tends to mirror that of Pixar's own films. The Cars Land team revisited the Route 66 road trip Cars' filmmakers took prior to creating the theme park land at Disney California Adventure; Walt Disney Imagineers working on Pixar Pier traveled to seaside towns up and down California's coast to revisit the land's original inspiration. The difficulties in creating Pixar's virtual worlds are lengthy and well-documented - it normally takes five years for a film to be completed - but the timeline is nearly the same projects within the parks; Pixar Pier, in a rare instance, only has a matter of months. Still, the ideas and concepts were well underway before we even heard about them, and the detail-oriented nature of the collaborative team doesn't let much slip past, from the food and beverage development behind the Pixar Parfait to be sold at the Adorable Snowman ice cream kiosk to the Pixar art-themed Knick's Knacks shop, named in honor of the early Pixar short. (Jessie's Critter Carousel has been in the works for up to a year and still won't debut until 2019.)
When the land opens June 23, it'll not only feature franchises like The Incredibles and Inside Out that have not yet hit the parks in a permanent way, but be "ever-changing," so characters from forthcoming films will always have a home in the parks. That way, even if rides and attractions aren't in development with the WDI-Pixar team, there will always be something new and special to see.
11 Hilarious Cat Caves That Look So Comfy, We Wish They Came in Our Size
Spoiling my cat is the total norm these days. In the past, no matter how comfy of a bed I bought, they never seemed to stick until I discovered these comfortable pet caves. These warm and cozy beds feel more like being wrapped in a burrito, so we can see why it's hard to leave. So if you want to treat your feline, we rounded up a list of our favorites. From fish- and mice-inspired picks to a even a teepee, you'll love these hilarious finds.
Sip on This! There's a Rosé Pool Float on Amazon Perfect For Any Wine-Guzzling Woman
When Summer rolls around, I'm sipping on Rosé like it's my sole purpose in life. That's why I totally flipped when I discovered this brilliant Rosé floatie. Is there a better way to hold a bottle of wine than while sitting on a floatable replica? I think not. It's an ideal purchase for parties, vacations, or just because you love a good drink. Amazon offers a few different versions of this genius pool accessory. Choose the perfect one for you, and then take a thousand photos to post on Instagram and Facebook. Your followers deserve to see this glorious contraption. Summer can't come fast enough. Drink up!
I Got Fired, and It Was Actually a Huge Blessing in Disguise
I never thought that I would hear the words, "You're fired" . . . though technically I didn't. Instead I heard: "We won't be renewing your contract for the next year." And that was how, at 22, nine weeks after my father had passed away and two days before Christmas, I was left fired and unemployed.
I tried to focus on what my boss was saying, but of course I just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible before the tears rolled down my face. I felt like a failure. I had always done well in school. I had excelled at my previous jobs. And yet I apparently sucked so badly at my first professional job that I got fired.
But my career didn't end there that day. In fact, since that day, my career has only continued to improve, and I now know that getting fired was one of the best things that ever happened to me. And here's why.
It made me honest about myself and my situation
I wasn't the best employee. Sure, I turned up before nine each morning and left way after five, but I didn't want to be there, and that was obvious.
I hated every minute of work and was actively looking for alternate employment but never left. Why? Because I thought a slight gap in my employment history was worse than my own enjoyment and mental health.
In fact, when I told one of my friends what had happened, she was happy for me. Her exact words were, "Great! Now you can focus on finding something that will make you happy." The entire time I had worked at my old company, I had hated it. I was just in such denial about it because I didn't want that résumé gap.
It taught me what I really wanted in a job
Looking back at what happened, it was obvious that my previous employer wasn't the right fit for me.
I was micromanaged by a man who didn't understand my role, which left me stressed and caused me to make more mistakes. And the difficult coworkers who never introduced themselves left me feeling alone and isolated without any help or guidance. I never even knew where the mugs were kept . . .
So in my job search, I ended up being extra picky. I didn't just take the first job I was offered, like before; I asked questions about the company's culture and issues that were important to me. I waited for the right job to come along that fit me perfectly.
It got me out of one of the most toxic situations of my life
While I had been trying to leave my former company for months, I never did due to the worry of a résumé gap.
The stress of work, traveling three hours a day, and never having time for my friends had left me a tense and angry person. And yet I never left.
While being told I was fired was awful, it got me instantly out of that situation. I could finally have a proper night's sleep and enjoy Christmas with my friends and family without the worry of work looming over me.
It taught me that being professionally employed isn't the most important thing in the world
I'd gone straight from school to college to working without a single break, and throughout my entire time in college, I was repeatedly told about the importance of acquiring a professional role as soon as possible.
And yet here I was: fired from my very first one.
I cried about it a lot - I thought I had wasted my entire time in college for not being able to keep my job. But being professionally employed isn't the most important thing. Sure, it puts money in the bank, which can help with your rent and bills, but there are other ways to make money. I worked on my then very new Etsy store, and while before I hadn't focused on it much at all, I suddenly had tons of frantic energy to put into it.
While I was lucky and found a new job very quickly, I have no doubt that with hard work, I could have grown my Etsy business into something that could have helped support me. Getting fired isn't the best situation, but it definitely isn't the end of the world (or your career). I managed to find a great new job that fit around my needs and wants perfectly while letting me grow and develop professionally and personally, and I have continued to grow in my career since.
So, even if right now getting fired and being unemployed feel awful, you can get through it. In fact, it might even be the best thing to happen to you, too.
Jennifer Aniston Is Heading to Netflix - With Adam Sandler by Her Side!
It's official: Netflix can count another major movie star among its ranks. According to a new report from Variety, Jennifer Aniston has signed on for a new film called Murder Mystery. Aniston will pair up with Adam Sandler, whom she previously worked with in the 2011 romantic comedy Just Go With It. While this is Aniston's first time partnering with Netflix, it's Sandler's fifth. According to Variety, the story "follows a New York cop (Sandler) and his wife (Aniston), who become prime suspects in the murder of an elderly billionaire while vacationing in Europe."
The announcement comes as part of Netflix's shift toward original films; the company announced an ambitious slate of 80 original films in 2018. And with Amy Poehler's comedy on the horizon as well, Murder Mystery is a perfect fit. As for Aniston, Netflix won't be the only place you'll be able to see her on TV. In July 2017, it was announced that she and Reese Witherspoon have teamed up for a series for Apple TV based on Brian Stelter's book, Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV. The untitled drama, which will reportedly "focus on a New York morning show," has already been picked up for two seasons, with 20 episodes overall.
Remember Dirty John? The Chilling Podcast Is Getting Turned Into a Show With Connie Britton
Saying Dirty John transfixed listeners when it was first released last year is a massive understatement. The one-season true-crime podcast followed Debra Newell, a wealthy 59-year-old interior designer, as she fell for John Meehan, a 55-year-old anesthesiologist with a dubious past, a penchant for lying, and a dangerous temper. Due to its immediate popularity, it was later revealed that the podcast would be adapted into a television series. Now, Connie Britton has been announced as its star.
According to Deadline, the 51-year-old Friday Night Lights and Nashville actress will be portraying Newell in the two-season Dirty John series on Bravo. The series will be written by Alexandra Cunningham, who previously worked on Desperate Housewives and Rome. Cunningham will also serve as an executive producer alongside Britton.
If you'd like to catch up on the podcast before the show airs, it's currently available in its entirety everywhere podcasts are available. The Los Angeles Times also offers a visual component so that listeners can see real-life pictures of the people involved, including the titular Dirty John himself.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Truth Behind the "VFD" Mystery
Now that season two of A Series of Unfortunate Events has finally been released, most of your lingering questions following season one have been answered.
Through both The Incomplete History of Secret Organizations and some detective work by two of the Quagmire triplets, we've discovered that VFD is the secret organization the Baudelaires, the Quagmires, Larry the Waiter, and Lemony Snicket himself are part of. In season one, Snicket mentions the "Volunteer Fire Department," which appears to be the most commonly used name for a group of The Good Guys.
But the acronym "VFD" in the Netflix series is more prominent than meets the eye.
The letters V, F, and D appear throughout seasons one and two in meticulously crafted three-word sequences: "Vigorously Fixed Destination." "Very Frightening Decisions." "Very Fancy Doilies." VFD is also discovered inside Count Olaf's mysterious ankle tattoo. The three letters together form an eye, a symbol that the children seem to see everywhere they go.
When Jacques Snicket reveals that he, too, has the same VFD tattoo, it's realized that Olaf is living the classic good-guy-gone-bad scenario: a former member of the Volunteer Fire Department who now dedicates his life to ruining the lives of others . . . especially when it comes to the Baudelaires. The poor Baudelaires.
Even the real VFD can't fight this Very Foreboding Discovery: Netflix and Neil Patrick Harris have confirmed that the series will end after season three.
I suggest you Value the Frightful Despair while you still can.
Amandla Stenberg Starts a Fiery Revolution in The Darkest Minds Trailer
The Darkest Minds is one of many YA books being turned into movies this year, and now we finally have our first good look at it. The film, which is based on the novel by Alexandra Bracken, follows 16-year-old Ruby (Hunger Games alum Amandla Stenberg) through a dystopian future where kids and teenagers are locked up in camps by the government after they start developing mysterious new abilities. The extremely powerful Ruby manages to escape her camp with a group of fellow kids, and they soon start building a resistance to take back their freedom. The Darkest Minds comes from the producers of Stranger Things and also stars Mandy Moore and Gwendoline Christie. Watch the trailer above before it hits theaters on Aug. 3!
Seriously, Though - WHEN Is A Series of Unfortunate Events Supposed to Take Place?
Netflix has unleashed season two of A Series of Unfortunate Events, and we have a burning question: when the hell does this show take place?!
Trying to pinpoint the exact year - or even decade - that ASOUE exists in is almost as hazy and unpredictable as the series itself . . . which may be the point.
The show, based off the books by Lemony Snicket, features technology that points to the 20th century. First, there's the use of rotary phones and the obvious lack of cell phones (which would really be a game changer). The characters use typewriters and are seen sending telegrams. In The Hostile Hospital: Part I, the hospital has no electronic records. Count Olaf's car is straight out of the 1970s, and at the beginning of the second season, the children arrive at Prufrock Preparatory School, where their new vice principal introduces them to an "advanced" computer . . . which is neither advanced nor what we would today consider to be a computer. These clues would put the series around the 1980s.
However, the children seem to be constantly clad in somewhat modern clothing (even though Mr. Poe's assistant, Jacquelyn, gives off major 1940s vibes with that lipstick and those curls) and modern technology is referenced several times - like in the second episode of the first season when Count Olaf says he bought an hourglass "online," and later on in the series when Olaf claims he prefers "streaming television in the comfort of [his] own home," an obvious and delightful Netflix reference.
With the show's conflicting technological advancements and lack of current-event references like wars or presidents, it appears to be set in a time of its own - a warped universe separate from our own reality and historical timeline. Which is probably for the best . . . because unibrows have never been in.
The Roseanne Reboot Has Officially Been Renewed For Season 2
Roseanne's return to the small screen has been a smash success so far. Not only has the show tackled relevant themes and given more than a few nostalgic nods to the sitcom's original run, but season 10's ratings have also completely blown other TV shows out of the water. That being said, the nine new episodes, which pick up 21 years after the show went off the air in 1997, had only been given the green light for a single season. Before we got too attached, we had to know: will the Roseanne reboot come back for a second season on ABC?!
The answer is a resounding yes. The Hollywood Reporter announced on March 30, just a few days after the season premiere, the good news that season 11 is officially a go. Given the sky-high ratings, it should come as a surprise to no one that ABC decided to renew Roseanne Barr's half-hour family comedy. According to THR, the next batch of episodes will once again see original cast members Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Alicia Goranson, and Michael Fishman reprising their roles as members of the Conner family. As far as a premiere date goes, it's still up in the air, but sources say the second time around we'll get 13 episodes instead of nine.
At the 2018 TCA Winter press tour back in January, creator and star Barr made the comment that she always wanted a 10th season to complete the Conners' story. "In the original series, I always wanted to have a 10th year so that I could do exactly what I did in these nine, which was to finish and complete the story of this family, so I always had that in my head that that was how it would go. And so I'm very happy that we got a 10th season and we got to do that," she explained.
Clearly the Conners' story still isn't complete. Barr also mentioned that she already has a few ideas as for where season 11 could go. "[Jerry Garcia, the Conners' fourth child] is on a fishing boat in Alaska, and we haven't dealt with Andy, Laurie's son, yet either," Barr said. "But we had so many stories to tell over the arc of these nine episodes, that we're hoping for another season to bring, you know, more clarity to those characters." Looks like she got her wish!
So there you have it - now that Barr & Co. have had their way, there will be plenty more of the Conners on ABC for years to come.
These Cute Photos of Yara Shahidi and Luka Sabbat Will Make #TeamZuca Pretty Psyched
Yara Shahidi and Luka Sabbat are officially a couple - on Grown-ish that is. The season finale of the freshman series ended with Zoey (Shahidi) choosing Luca (Sabbat) as her love interest after turning down her other potential suitors. Although some fans were upset she didn't pick Aaron (Trevor Jackson) or her first love, basketball star Cash (Abraham D. Juste), others were excited at the idea of seeing #Zuca together at last. Read on to see more cute photos of Yara and Luka that will get you pumped about their on-screen romance in season two.
Yes, You Totally Know Esmé Squalor From A Series of Unfortunate Events
Image Source: Netflix
If you've ignored the advice to "look away" in the theme song of Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events, then you've probably already realized that the series is definitely aptly named - a series of unfortunate events does happen to the three Baudelaire orphans, thanks to the devious plots of Count Olaf, played by Neil Patrick Harris.
The dire circumstances don't let up in season two. Along with Count Olaf's theater troupe (Hook-Handed Man, Henchperson of Indeterminate Gender, and the White-Faced Women), the orphans are pursued for their fortune by Esmé Squalor, played by Lucy Punch.
First appearing in A Series of Unfortunate Events as the wife of guest star Tony Hale in episode three, "The Ersatz Elevator," Punch's character is vain and villainous with a darkly comedic twist, with lines like, "If we give money to poor people, they won't be poor anymore and we won't have anyone to feel sorry for."
Image Source: Everett Collection
The English actress, who now lives in LA, has played conniving and comedic characters before, as a wicked stepsister in both Ella Enchanted and in Into the Woods (pictured above). Her acting work started in England, and she's been on the BBC, including a part in the 1999 show Let Them Eat Cake with English comedy duo Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French. Punch plays the terrible actress with the annoying laugh in Hot Fuzz, and you may also remember her as the smug, superior instructor, Lucy Squirrel, in Bad Teacher. She also pops up on the small (nonstreaming) screen for two episodes of New Girl in season six.
Season two of A Series of Unfortunate Events takes us from books five to nine of the series by Lemony Snicket, and Esmé sticks around beyond that, at least in the books, so there's high hopes of seeing her again in season three, though likely and unfortunately not until 2019.
ASOUE: Will the Baudelaires Meet an Unfortunate Fate? It's Complicated
Anyone who's read the books in A Series of Unfortunate Events knows that the Baudelaires never have the best of luck. While full of clever wordplay and cultural references, Lemony Snicket's novels aren't notorious for being the most optimistic books in children's literature. After losing their parents to a fire, the hapless children encounter Count Olaf, a villainous actor keen on their inheritance, as well as a string of questionable guardians. As much as we'd like a happily ever after for the orphans, all we get by the end of a series is a question mark.
In the final installment of the books, The End, the Baudelaire children, Count Olaf, and Kit Snicket end up on an island. Olaf and the children manage to escape from a trial for the death of Dewey Denouement and climb aboard a boat together. They arrive on an island run by an austere leader named Ishmael who doesn't trust the new visitors. The inhabitants offer to help the Baudelaires if they agree to overthrow Ishmael. While searching for weapons, the orphans learn that their parents had once led the island democratically.
When the mutiny takes place, Ishmael stabs Olaf in the stomach and unintentionally shatters his helmet full of a poisonous fungus, which quickly spreads across the island. The Baudelaires find horseradish apples that counter the poison, but everyone ultimately abandons the island with Ishmael. Kit refuses to eat an apple, fearing the potential effects on her unborn child. Olaf, in a redemptive moment, carries Kit down to the beach so that she can safely give birth to her baby girl, Beatrice. The Baudelaires stay on the island for a year after Olaf and Kit die. The book ends when they journey back to the mainland, and we don't know if they ever reach land or pass away at sea.
Perhaps the third season of the Netflix series will give us a clearer interpretation of what happens to the Baudelaires and Kit's child. (The second season ends with an adaptation of the ninth book, The Carnivorous Carnival.) If anything, though, I foresee a similarly ambiguous ending. But the optimist in me thinks that Beatrice and the clever orphans make it somehow. No matter how rough things get, Violet's inventive spark, Klaus's encyclopedic knowledge, and Sunny's large, sharp teeth rarely ever fail.
Celine Dion Is Aging Backward, and That's the Way It Is
Celine Dion is truly a force to be reckoned with. Since making a name herself in the '90s with her breakthrough album, Unison, the 50-year-old has become one of the biggest international pop stars, selling more than 100 million albums worldwide and cementing herself as one of the hardest working people in show business. But just as much as Celine's music has evolved over the years, so have her looks. While her style and hair have certainly seen their fair share of changes, her impeccable talent is the one thing that's remained constant and it continues to blow us away. Keep reading to see just how much Celine has changed throughout the years.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Kids Steal the Show During Their Family Trip to the Zoo
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently slipped in some quality family time at the San Diego Zoo, and it couldn't have been cuter. The 37-year-old mom of three, who recently welcomed Chicago West via a gestational carrier back in January, uploaded sweet photos of their fun trip on Instagram and Snapchat showing 2-year-old Saint and his big sister, 4-year-old North, interacting with the animals. In one of the photos, North flashes the peace sign in front of an elephant, and in another, Kanye hugs Saint with a huge smile on his face.
Over the weekend, the proud parents also made an appearance at the March For Our Lives rally in Washington DC to support the call for gun reform in the US. "I'm so happy I got to share this moment with these two ❤️❤️," Kim captioned a photo of North and her rapper dad. "I hope North remembers this forever." We truly can't get enough of their family outings. Read on to see more photos of their latest trip that will melt your heart to mush!
Wait a Second: Maybe the Grey's Anatomy Finale Won't Be as Devastating as We Think
Ever since we heard that both April and Arizona are leaving after season 14 of Grey's Anatomy, we've been filled with dread. Yes, it's true that there are a few plausible ways Arizona could leave - the same goes for April, for the record - but we've already begun to prepare ourselves for a heartbreaking goodbye. After all, many of the biggest character exits have ended in death. That's just the way Grey's Anatomy rolls. Luckily, not all hope is lost. A new interview with Kevin McKidd (aka Owen Hunt) seems to suggest that a happy ending isn't totally out of the question.
For those of you who don't know, McKidd has been stepping behind the camera here and there over the years to try his hand at directing, and Grey's Anatomy has graciously allowed him to get his feet wet. In a new interview, McKidd hints that his position as a director has afforded him a bit of insight into what lies ahead. According to him, we don't necessarily need to prepare for tragedy. In fact, the season just might end on a happy note. "You know, this show is 14 seasons, it's a complete miracle," he said. "Very rarely do shows go for 14 seasons. It's a thing to be celebrated, so I would say our finale is going to be, in a sense, very celebratory."
Based on this quote alone, it sure sounds like the show is in a position to pay tribute to Arizona and April's respective legacies rather than killing them off. That's the hope, right? McKidd also dropped a little hint about these two storylines as they come to an end. "As a director on the show, we get a little bit more information if there's a specific scene or moment that we have to direct," he said. "[The writers] say, 'Oh, and you should tell the actor that the reason they're doing something in this episode that might feel a little strange is because there's something coming in the next episode where it pays off,' or something like that."
I mean, maybe I'm reading into it too much, but this could easily be applied to our two beloved characters. Maybe it's a signal that everything will be OK in the end? Maybe it's a sign that everything will make sense once we reach the finale? At this point, a lot is up in the air. Mathematically, the finale should drop sometime in May, so we've got a bit of time to see how everything plays out. While death may still be on our minds, we're also crossing our fingers that Arizona and April get the beautiful send-offs they deserve.
Brie Larson Suits Up in the First Behind-the-Scenes Photo From Captain Marvel
After what's felt like an eternity, we finally have a tiny glimpse of Marvel's first female-led superhero film, Captain Marvel. The news that Brie Larson would be embodying the iconic role of Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel) was announced at Comic-Con way back in 2016, and over the past two years, quite a few details have trickled out. We know who the villain will be (Rogue One's Ben Mendelsohn), that some familiar faces are set to return (Nick Fury and Agent Phil Coulson, among others), and that Jude Law is in talks to play Doctor Walter Lawson (aka Mar-Vell). But, alas, we'd yet to see an official photo of Larson in character. Until now.
Well . . . kind of.
Now that filming for Captain Marvel has officially kicked off, Marvel shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Larson posing on a fighter jet while wearing a flight suit alongside Brigadier General Jeannie Leavitt, whom she met while on a recent trip to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to research the Carol Danvers character. It might not be Captain Marvel's iconic supersuit, but this is the closest we've come to seeing Larson as the superhero. We'll take it!
All in all, it looks like the film is shaping up to be something pretty incredible. Now all we have to do is sit tight, since it doesn't come out for another year.
Was Justin Bieber to Blame For Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Split? It Sure Seems That Way
The Weeknd and Selena Gomez carried on a romance for almost a year in 2017. Even though it's been five months since they broke up, the lyrics in The Weeknd's new EP, My Dear Melancholy, have many fans wondering what exactly went wrong.
The Weeknd and Selena called it quits in October 2017. While The Weeknd and Selena have never publicly addressed the reason for their split, according to People, long distance played a factor. "She and Abel have been going back and forth for a few months about their relationship," a source told the publication at the time. "It's been hard with him being on tour and her shooting in New York. That wasn't easy on them." Even though Selena "always made an effort" to join him on tour, "that played a part in them getting distant. It's over for now, but they're still in touch."
However, given the searing lyrics in The Weeknd's new single, "Call Out My Name," we can't help but wonder if Selena's reconciliation with ex Justin Bieber ultimately led to their breakup. In the soul-baring track, The Weeknd sings, "Girl, why can't you wait? (Why can't you wait, baby?) / Girl, why can't you wait till I fall out of love?" Selena reconnected with Justin following her kidney transplant over the Summer in 2017. At the time, Selena was still with the R&B crooner. Even though The Weeknd was reportedly fine with them being "friends," they eventually split a few months later and Selena got back with Justin. So, was Justin to blame for the end of Selena and The Weekend's romance? We'll let you decide.
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