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.
jeudi 8 octobre 2020
What You Need to Know About Kamala Harris's Husband, Douglas Emhoff
Kamala Harris made history in more ways than one when Joe Biden announced her as his running mate, as the senator is the first Black and Asian American woman to become the vice presidential nominee of a major party. Though Harris initially entered the political scene back in 2003 as district attorney of San Francisco, and went on to serve as attorney general of California and US senator for the past three years, her historic nomination has sparked renewed public interest in the politician's personal life.
And while Harris would represent a number of firsts as a vice president on her own, her husband, Douglas Emhoff could also become the first-ever second gentleman. Over the years, Harris has become a household name due to her impressive political record, as well as her refusal to be silenced or interrupted by her male colleagues, but Emhoff has kept a lower profile and more recently stepped into the public eye, particularly while campaigning for his wife's vice presidential run. If you'd like to learn more about the potential future second gentleman or even join in on the #DougHive - a group of fans dedicated to supporting him - keep reading to find out more about Emhoff.
- Additional reporting by Ann Marie Alcántara
mercredi 7 octobre 2020
Amanda Kloots Responds After Trump Tells Americans Not to Fear COVID-19: "It's Beyond Hurtful"
On Oct. 5, Donald Trump shared on Twitter that he would be leaving Walter Reed Medical Center after three days of being treated for COVID-19. "Feeling really good!" he wrote in a tweet. "Don't be afraid of Covid. Don't let it dominate your life." With over 200,000 coronavirus deaths in the US, many medical experts and impacted families alike took issue with Trump's both insensitive and harmful tweet. Amanda Kloots, who lost her husband, Nick Cordero, to COVID-19 complications in July, responded to Trump's tweet on her Instagram Tuesday, and she said it best.
"To all the over 208,000 Americans who lost loved ones to this virus - I stand by you, with you, holding your hand," she wrote alongside a screenshot of the tweet. "Unfortunately it did dominate our lives didn't it? It dominated Nick's family's lives and my family's lives. I guess we 'let it' - like it was our choice?? Unfortunately not everyone is lucky enough to spend two days in the hospital." After months of battling coronavirus, Cordero died at age 41 on July 5, and was survived by Kloots and their 1-year-old son, Elvis.
"I cried next to my husband for 95 days watching what COVID did to the person I love. It IS something to be afraid of."
"I cried next to my husband for 95 days watching what COVID did to the person I love," Kloots continued. "It IS something to be afraid of. After you see the person you love the most die from this disease you would never say what this tweet says. There is no empathy to all the lives lost. He is bragging instead. It is sad. It is hurtful. It is disgraceful." She expanded further in a tearful series of Instagram Stories, sharing she was and is still afraid of the virus. "I think about if I got it, if I got as sick as Nick, little Elvis, he doesn't have his mom anymore. So I'm afraid."
Kloots criticized Trump for lacking empathy for Americans who have suffered from the virus and are grieving the losses of those who have. "It's beyond hurtful," she said, explaining that his diagnosis and recovery could have been an opportunity for the president to be kind, and call for Americans to wear masks and social distance. "Say something that might make the people that you lead feel like you got us, that you're wrapping your arms around us, that you now understand, maybe a little bit, what we went through and what we're going through." Read Kloots's powerful response ahead.
I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 6:30 P.M. Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2020
samedi 3 octobre 2020
15 Popular Books That Will Warm Your Heart and Empower You When You Feel Lonely
With the health-based need for self-isolation and the constant stream of small and intimate summer weddings on social media, the loneliness many of us struggle with is emphasized right now. But even if you feel alone, you're actually not - you can still feel connected to your loved ones and enjoy time by yourself, even while separated. The following 15 popular books, including fiction novels, autobiographies, and self-help stories, will warm your heart and help you feel less lonely. They entail stories of friendship, family, solo travel, career triumphs, and more. Many of these books are also now movies or TV shows, so once you're done with the book, you can turn on your TV and watch the story unfold in real life. For now, though, I suggest running a warm bubble bath and taking care of yourself as you enjoy some of these amazing reads!
mercredi 30 septembre 2020
Everything You Need to Know About the Voting Age - and the Movement to Lower It
As the presidential election continues to build, it's hard to miss the political surveys, ads, and campaign promises that seem to turn the whole entire world into one big splash of red, white, and blue. Gen Z is especially oversaturated with political information, from conversations with their friends and families to more unconventional sources like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. But despite establishing themselves as political forces - by emptying out rallies, starting global movements, and even becoming political icons themselves - the younger members of this generation are still denied one of the most powerful mechanisms of change: a vote.
It's not uncommon for people under the age of 18 to be written off as unprepared for a responsibility like voting, but members of Gen Z have shown that they have a voice and they want to use it. The question then becomes: are we willing to let them? To help you land on an answer, POPSUGAR talked to experts, activists, and passionate young people across the country to further unpack the significance of the voting age and the movement to lower it (or not).
The Debate About Voting Age Has a Long History
The current voting age of 18 was established by the 26th Amendment, which passed in 1971 during the Vietnam War, Brandon Klugman, the Vote16USA campaign manager at Generation Citizen, explained to POPSUGAR. Previously, the voting age had been 21 in the majority of states, but Klugman explained that the movement to lower it really picked up after the draft. "Proposals to change the voting age from 21 to 18 first emerged in the 1940s, and gained steam in the context of the Vietnam War as college students led organizing efforts to lower the voting age," he said. They'd use the the slogan, "Old enough to fight, old enough to vote." Evidently, people in support of lowering the voting age were mainly concerned that the same young people being drafted to serve the country would not be able to vote for the politicians making big decisions about war.
While 18 remains the most standard voting age as of today, there are certain states that allow their residents to vote before they've officially turned 18. States that allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries as long as they will turn 18 by Election Day include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. However, states like Alaska, Kansas, North Dakota, and Washington also have laws that allow 17-year-old Democrats to participate in their caucus, but do not allow Republicans to participate in their caucus. If the rules seem a little complicated, it's because they are, but you can find out more about the specific voting laws in your state here.
What's the Greatest Argument For Lowering the Voting Age?
Many of the same arguments applied before the passing of the 26th Amendment are still relevant to the modern fight to lower the voting age, according to Katie Eder, an activist from Wisconsin and the executive director of Future Coalition. "In 2020, while we're not drafting young people to war, we're putting the lives of young people at risk in so many ways," she explains. "From gun violence to climate change to healthcare, politicians are making decisions that drastically impact the lives and futures of young people in this country."
The idea that young people should have a voice - and can even lead the way on issues directly affecting their lives - isn't revolutionary. "It's young people, historically, who have propelled the change our society has necessitated in every generation, whether that be when we go back to Little Rock 9, or [when] we look at gun violence and the Parkland students," Emanuelle Sippy, a 17-year-old youth activist from Kentucky and community manager for the Future Coalition, told POPSUGAR. "It's not radical to think that young people need to have a say and our opinions need to be counted." This is the kind of progressive reform Sippy pushes for in her own hometown, and regardless of operating in a more conservative state like Kentucky, she's found that red and blue party lines aren't everything. The most important thing is empowering young people to speak out on the topics that impact them.
Jake Fenner, a recent graduate from Syracuse University in New York, supports lowering the voting age because he believes young people should be able to participate, especially at the local level. "When you're 16, you're likely going to be at home for at least two more years," he says. "You're directly affected by whatever decisions your local leaders make." Spencer Browne, a college senior from Tucson, AZ, echoed that sentiment. "Anyone who pays taxes, drives, [or is] expected to behave as an adult in society, should be treated like one by our political system," he told POPSUGAR. However, he added a caveat that he's not sure we have the societal or education structures in place to support a lowered voting age yet.
On a larger scale, Adolph Brown, PhD, a clinical psychologist and social justice advocate, said that if 16-year-olds are able to vote for laws and lawmakers themselves, they will also be more likely to follow these laws and grow up feeling as though their voices are valued. Klugman, of Vote16USA, added that lowering the voting age to 16 could eventually lead to increased voter turnout. "Voting is a habit and 16 is a better time than 18 to establish that habit and become a lifelong voter," he said. "This will make our democracy more representative and more healthy."
But, Are Young People Ready For That Responsibility?
A majority of voters seem to think they're not. In a 2019 Hill-HarrisX survey, 75 percent of registered voters opposed having 17-year-olds participate in elections. An even greater portion - 84 percent - opposed allowing 16-year-olds to vote. Of course, as with many issues affecting young people, those under 18 weren't given a voice in this poll - and it's worth noting that the younger participants supported the lowering of the voting age in much greater numbers than older ones.
The most common argument against lowering the voting age is that those under 18 might be more easily influenced by those around them. As Rody Conway, the chairman of the Syracuse University College Republicans, succinctly explained, "Most [16-year-olds] would probably just vote for whoever their parents are voting for." Younger people hear opinions from their parents, friends, teachers, or the media, and aren't as well-versed in sorting through different viewpoints to make up their own mind. "Voting should require a stake in the system, I don't trust that, on the whole, young people will have enough maturity or life experience," Conway explained to POPSUGAR. Jay, a college student whose last name has been redacted for privacy, agreed. "First, I think [the voting age] should be a state issue," Jay said to POPSUGAR. "However, it's important that, as a society, we take precautions to make sure that highly impressionable groups won't be influenced to vote a certain way."
Lowering the voting age would also create legal inconsistencies. "You'd now have these situations where, if you lower the age of voting to 16, are we also going to lower the age to be tried as an adult to 16? I'm not sure that's wise," Jamie Miller, the former executive director of the Republican Party of Florida, told POPSUGAR. "I believe we should make all things 'adult' one age, because just gradually letting people become adults is kind of silly when you look at it through the eyes of the law. It's inconsistent."
The Bottom Line?
Voting is one of the most powerful tools to create change. "There's a great Southern phrase that I was raised on that says 'No one robs an empty store,'" Cory Alpert, executive director of Secure the Ballot and former regional chief of staff for Pete Buttigieg, told POPSUGAR. "Voting rights in general would not be under assault - and I mean that in its broadest sense for age, race, [or] any of the restrictive laws - if voting was not the cornerstone of our democracy."
So it stands to reason that the fight to keep the voting age at 18 is an indication of just how powerful an under-18 voting bloc would be. "Young people's voices are diminished by intentional efforts to suppress young voters and politicians' unwillingness to give them something to vote for," Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, cochair of the Poor People's Campaign and author of We Are Called to Be a Movement, told POPSUGAR. "If young people want to know how important their vote is, they should just look at how hard some people are working to suppress it."
But no matter what side of the debate you're on, the fervor of discussion indicates that it's a debate worth having. And one thing is clear from the conversation: young people of the current voting age need to utilize their power in both local and federal elections.
To check if you're registered to vote, head to USA.gov. Register today, participate in the conversation, and let your voice be heard.
vendredi 25 septembre 2020
64 Hot Couples Halloween Costume Ideas That Are Sinfully Sexy
Halloween is notorious for bringing out the sexy in all of us, so why not let your significant other join in on the action? We've rounded up some of the most romantic (and maybe even a little raunchy) couples costumes out there. From sexy classics like mermaids and sailors to pop culture pairs like Danny and Sandy, you really can't go wrong with the options here. Get creative with your partner in crime this year, and add some sex appeal to your celebrations with these outfit ideas. They'll make this sinful holiday even more tempting.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Lauren Harano
mercredi 23 septembre 2020
Fill Your Home Screen With Cotton Candy Colors When You Copy These Pastel-Aesthetic Ideas
Let's face it: we've all been in a trance after seeing aesthetically-pleasing home screens since the release of Apple's iOS 14 update last week, and we just can't get enough. While Halloween and neon themes are no doubt eye-catching, nothing can beat a tasteful and timeless pastel aesthetic. Dreamy pink shades, baby blue hues, and cotton-candy colors will fill your home screen with the most enchanting glow every time you pick your phone. From cute widgets to cheeky designs, these pastel-aesthetic ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to make your home screen new, improved, and ready to be shared. Take a look at the best ideas ahead, and customize your iOS 14 home screen with this handy how-to guide!
mardi 22 septembre 2020
All the Halloween-Aesthetic Inspo You Need to Spookify Your iPhone Home Screen
Apple released its iOS 14 update last week, and one of the best new features is a customizable home-screen layout. iPhone users can now personalize their screens based on how they use their phones and their style preferences, giving creativity a whole new meaning. Innovative users are already adjusting their home screens to fit their aesthetics, and with all the fall- and Halloween-inspired ideas bubbling up, we thought we'd pull together some inspo for you.
Complete with nods to seasonal motifs, these home screen aesthetic ideas will leave you with all the spooky and cozy inspiration you need to give your iPhone the upgrade it needs. Check out the best Halloween-themed wallpaper and app icon inspiration ahead (here's how to customize your app images), and if you're really feeling up to the challenge, you can also learn how to use the other new iOS 14 features, which include advanced Messages capabilities, Picture-in-Picture FaceTime and phone calls, and so much more. Keep reading to see the best images that'll give your phone the Halloween aesthetic you've been looking for this season.
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.
samedi 19 septembre 2020
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.
dimanche 30 août 2020
Everything You Need to Know About Voting by Mail vs. Absentee Voting
With many people still keeping their distance at home, voting this year is going to work a little differently. Think less in-person polling, long lines, and crowded areas; more remote voting that can be done from the comfort (and safety) of your own space. Things are changing quickly, and in order to allow more voters to stay home on election day, certain states have even modified some of their voting laws, working toward a "new normal." These are huge steps towards safer voting, but the ever-evolving rules and voting terminology can become confusing quickly.
Thankfully, despite the recent push to vote more remotely, not everything is new. In fact, there have always been different ways to vote from home depending on the state you live in. These options are most commonly referred to as "absentee voting" and "voting by mail," but their differences are pretty convoluted. To provide some clarification and help you decide which method you might prefer, we broke down all the basics (and you can go here to quickly see any discrepancies in your own state).
What Is Absentee Voting?
"Absentee voting" is commonly used to describe a ballot that is mailed in when the voter in question can't make it to a polling place in person. Historically, this option was only used in specific circumstances, like if a voter was serving in the military or had become sick on election day, but this is no longer the case.
These days, you can request an absentee ballot in any state, and a total of 35 states allow you to request an absentee ballot without any excuse. The remaining states do require valid excuses, but many have changed their absentee policies for the 2020 elections, making it easier for people to cast their votes from home for any reason. You can go here to find out if there have been any recent changes to the absentee voting laws in your state.
What Is Voting by Mail?
"Voting by mail" and "mail-in voting" are relatively vague terms that differ in meaning depending on where you are. For some, it's a simple way to refer to any and all ballots cast by mail. For others, it's a more specific descriptor for any absentee ballot cast by a person who is not actually physically absent or unable to vote in person.
"Voting by mail" is also sometimes used to reference states like Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, where all voters automatically receive a ballot that they can simply fill out and mail in (a method other states are also adopting for 2020 elections). While this doesn't necessarily mean that all voters have to vote through mail, it does make the option easily available to everyone in these states - no excuse or absentee application required. This type of voting is also called "all-mail voting" or "universal vote by mail."
What's the Difference?
The truth is that the specific differences between these two types of voting vary based on the state and the person referring to them. More generally, the main difference between these voting processes is that absentee voting typically requires an excuse (or at least some kind of application), and voting by mail does not. Again, "voting by mail" can mean different things in different states, but it typically describes a ballot that is received without an application and cast through the mail without any major excuses or special circumstances.
How Can I Vote?
Deciding how to vote in this election is a highly personal choice that will depend on your state voting laws and any changes that have been made as a result of the pandemic. To cast an absentee ballot in a state that requires an excuse, you can find your state or local election office website here to see what excuses are considered valid. Some states are taking COVID-19 related concerns as valid excuses, and others have rescinded the need for excuses altogether for 2020 elections. Make sure to check your state's most recent voting laws.
To cast an absentee ballot in a state that doesn't require an excuse, just fill out an absentee ballot application by your state's deadline (which can be found here) and either submit it through the mail or drop it off in person at an appropriate polling site.
If you choose to vote by mail using the ballot sent to you by your state, simply fill out and submit the ballot you receive by your state's deadline (which is the same as the deadline for absentee ballots, found here). Most states also allow for early voting, and there are plenty of additional resources with more information about when early voting starts in your state.
Additionally, in-person polls will still be available in some states, but they will be expected to follow CDC guidelines. Ultimately, no matter how you decide to cast your vote, the most important thing is that you're letting your voice be heard and staying safe in the process. Check your state's current voting laws and see what works best for you.
samedi 29 août 2020
90 Matching Tattoos For Couples Who Want to Make a Small Statement
Getting a matching tattoo with your significant other is always a nerve-wracking decision, but if you truly love someone, it's totally worth it! You don't have to get a giant tattoo to prove your eternal affection; we found all of the best tiny (and adorable) ink ideas that are perfect for you and your partner. Whether you both want it in the same spot or you're looking to get tatted in your own unique location, these ideas will give you all the inspiration you need. Make your love permanent now and forever when you two get one of these special ink ideas. Read ahead to see our favorite designs now!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
vendredi 28 août 2020
78 of the Most Swoon-Worthy Romantic TV Series on Netflix Right Now
If you're in the mood for a romance-fueled TV show, Netflix has got you covered. There's nothing better than a little love to keep a series interesting, exciting, and oh so romantic. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or both, we've rounded up the best romantic shows that are streaming on Netflix right now. From forbidden love to romantic dramas to sexy rom-coms with love triangles and more, these series will keep you entertained for hours, so get ready to press play!
Looking for even more Netflix recs? Check out more movies and TV shows that are available on Netflix in September here.
- With reporting by Lauren Harano, Haley Lyndes, Corinne Sullivan, and Stacey Nguyen
jeudi 27 août 2020
This Harry Potter-Themed Cafe in LA Has a Notorious Black Latte - So Accio, Broom!
Grab your broomsticks, LA-based Harry Potter fans! We've discovered a fun coffee shop for Potterheads to get their caffeine fix, and it goes by the name of Nimbus Coffee.
Located in the South Park neighborhood in downtown LA, Nimbus Coffee first opened its doors in June 2018 and welcomes all witches, wizards, warlocks, and even dogs to its enchanted property. Although it's not an official Harry Potter-owned property, its atmosphere sure feels like one. Filled with wizard celebrity portraits (the Albus Freeman one is too good), Hogwarts-bound trunks, and even a wall of magical wands, this cafe is an ideal destination for those with an imagination. Take an Instagram pic in front of its whimsical decor, and then open the menu to discover a list of magical drink options like the Mandrake Matcha (a spiced dark chocolate fudge and white vanilla bean matcha) and Witches Cold Brew (a coffee drink with oat milk, cold milk, and condensed spices), or order a sandwich or snack (like the Dark Arts pop tarts)! Due to COVID-19, Nimbus Coffee is currently only offering delivery and takeout orders, so show your support now and hopefully you'll be able to dine in their magical space when it's safe to.
If the sounds of this coffeehouse appeal to you, have a look through the photos ahead. And if you're located on the east coast, take a look at this NYC Harry Potter-inspired coffee shop for a similar vibe. Now get to sippin'!
vendredi 21 août 2020
Don't Wait Until the Clock Strikes Midnight to Book Your Stay at This Cinderella Motel Room
By (fictional) royal invitation, you are formally invited to treat yourself to an extravagant getaway fit for a princess in this elegant Cinderella-inspired motel room. The magical tower cottage is one of several themed bedrooms at The Roxbury Motel in Roxbury, NY. Like something conjured up by the Fairy Godmother herself, "Cinderella's Gown," aka Room 42, is adorned with glistening chandeliers, gold accents, hand-painted pumpkin vines along the walls, and cozy finishes that make the two-bedroom suite feel like a 17th-century fairy tale cottage.
Complete with two queen-sized bedrooms, the tower suite also features two private ensuites, one with a whimsical mural of Cinderella's village (downstairs) and another enclosed in a giant pumpkin carriage that magically morphed into a supercute bathroom (upstairs). The downstairs bedroom, which has its own fireplace, also includes an 18-foot ball gown (pieced together by blue jays, of course) that acts as a canopy over the bed. Other features of the cottage-themed tower include a refreshment area, a screened-in back porch with outdoor dining tables, a view of the surrounding mountains and meadows, and a common living area with a sleeper sofa.
The room, which can accommodate up to six guests, ranges in price from $450 to $620 per night and is already booked through the third week of October. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the motel is taking increased safety precautions for the health and safety of guests and staff. Take a closer look at all of the mesmerizing amenities in store here.
lundi 17 août 2020
Everything You Need to Know About Voting by Mail Versus Absentee Voting
With many people still keeping their distance at home, voting this year is going to work a little differently. Think less in-person polling, long lines, and crowded areas; more remote voting that can be done from the comfort (and safety) of your own space. Things are changing quickly, and in order to allow more voters to stay home on election day, certain states have even modified some of their voting laws, working toward a "new normal." These are huge steps towards safer voting, but the ever-evolving rules and voting terminology can become confusing quickly.
Thankfully, despite the recent push to vote more remotely, not everything is new. In fact, there have always been different ways to vote from home depending on the state you live in. These options are most commonly referred to as "absentee voting" and "voting by mail," but their differences are pretty convoluted. To provide some clarification and help you decide which method you might prefer, we broke down all the basics (and you can go here to quickly see any discrepancies in your own state).
What Is Absentee Voting?
"Absentee voting" is commonly used to describe a ballot that is mailed in when the voter in question can't make it to a polling place in person. Historically, this option was only used in specific circumstances, like if a voter was serving in the military or had become sick on election day, but this is no longer the case.
These days, you can request an absentee ballot in any state, and a total of 35 states allow you to request an absentee ballot without any excuse. The remaining states do require valid excuses, but many have changed their absentee policies for the 2020 elections, making it easier for people to cast their votes from home for any reason. You can go here to find out if there have been any recent changes to the absentee voting laws in your state.
What Is Voting by Mail?
"Voting by mail" and "mail-in voting" are relatively vague terms that differ in meaning depending on where you are. For some, it's a simple way to refer to any and all ballots cast by mail. For others, it's a more specific descriptor for any absentee ballot cast by a person who is not actually physically absent or unable to vote in person.
"Voting by mail" is also sometimes used to reference states like Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, where all voters automatically receive a ballot that they can simply fill out and mail in (a method other states are also adopting for 2020 elections). While this doesn't necessarily mean that all voters have to vote through mail, it does make the option easily available to everyone in these states - no excuse or absentee application required. This type of voting is also called "all-mail voting" or "universal vote by mail."
What's the Difference?
The truth is that the specific differences between these two types of voting vary based on the state and the person referring to them. More generally, the main difference between these voting processes is that absentee voting typically requires an excuse (or at least some kind of application), and voting by mail does not. Again, "voting by mail" can mean different things in different states, but it typically describes a ballot that is received without an application and cast through the mail without any major excuses or special circumstances.
How Can I Vote?
Deciding how to vote in this election is a highly personal choice that will depend on your state voting laws and any changes that have been made as a result of the pandemic. To cast an absentee ballot in a state that requires an excuse, you can find your state or local election office website here to see what excuses are considered valid. Some states are taking COVID-19 related concerns as valid excuses, and others have rescinded the need for excuses altogether for 2020 elections. Make sure to check your state's most recent voting laws.
To cast an absentee ballot in a state that doesn't require an excuse, just fill out an absentee ballot application by your state's deadline (which can be found here) and either submit it through the mail or drop it off in person at an appropriate polling site.
If you choose to vote by mail using the ballot sent to you by your state, simply fill out and submit the ballot you receive by your state's deadline (which is the same as the deadline for absentee ballots, found here). Most states also allow for early voting, and there are plenty of additional resources with more information about when early voting starts in your state.
Additionally, in-person polls will still be available in some states, but they will be expected to follow CDC guidelines. Ultimately, no matter how you decide to cast your vote, the most important thing is that you're letting your voice be heard and staying safe in the process. Check your state's current voting laws and see what works best for you.
mardi 4 août 2020
What Would the Disney Princesses Be For Halloween? This Artist Puts Them in Pop Culture Costumes
Artist Isaiah Stephens created this awesome art series, reimagining Disney princes, princesses, villains, and other characters as if they decided to dress in pop culture-inspired costumes for Halloween. Beast as The Hulk is pretty spot-on, but I also love Belle as Hermione, Ursula as Beyoncé, and all the princesses who are dressed as superheroines - strong women characters for the win! See them all now, and check out more Disney princess art here.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
samedi 1 août 2020
This Couple Celebrated Their Love With an Enchanting Mermaid Shoot, and It Got Steamy
Stephanie and Paul may seem like your average happily married couple, but there's something fishy about their relationship . . . You see, Stephanie has a really cool job - she is a professional mermaid in Hawaii! Stephanie's alter ego goes by the name Mermaid Sirenity, which is fitting because she practically radiates Disney-princess energy. "She wanted to be photographed with her husband and the two of them are epically in love!" said photographer Jailyn Untalan, who captured these stunning photos. "He's beyond sweet with her and she's incredibly sweet, too!"
If you are obsessed with The Little Mermaid, then you will love this shoot, because it is a fairy-tale come to life. Sirenity looked stunning with her sparkly, blue and purple ombré mermaid tail. She did her makeup to match her tail, accessorized with a golden chain belt tied around her waist, and went with beachy waves for her flowing pink hair. Paul channeled his inner Prince Eric and wore a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark blue jeans. The shoot took place on the beaches of Kaneohe, HI, and the pair posed along the rocks of the beach. They both looked so happy and madly in love - check out the gorgeous photos and see for yourself.
samedi 25 juillet 2020
60+ Tattoos That Any Plant Parent Will Find Unbe-leaf-ably Adorable
Deciding on what to get as your next tattoo? If you're a plant parent, your answer might lie in the leafy greens in your home. Whether it's a monstera plant's big and beautiful leaves that lifts your spirits or the way your snake plant rests upon your windowsill, there are so many greens in the world (and in your home) to draw inspiration from. From minimalistic plant tattoos to detailed masterpieces, if botanicals are your niche, let us seed a few ideas for you, ahead.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcantara
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