Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 18 septembre 2016
I Had My Baby in the Car, and the Surprise Has Never Worn Off
We had a baby in a car. We think it happened around 5 a.m. The only real time we have is the time of the 911 call, 4:48 a.m. We were unable to get a copy. I really wanted that call, to hear her, or myself, in the background, to have some outside picture of the event.
Until the moment that she was born, I never once thought I'd have the baby in the car. I didn't even think, in the car, I am having this baby. I thought, "I've got this," because it was our second. But it was still labor; the labor was consuming. There was no time to look ahead.
When we left the house, I somehow thought I would get in the car and labor would slow down. Of course we would make it. We knew my water had broken. I wouldn't have been certain until my husband said, "I think your water just broke." I was standing outside the bathroom in shock. It was the middle of the night, dark, difficult to find clothes. It was time to go, yet time had gotten away. The contractions rose like quakes. My husband tossed me a pair of his boxer shorts, and we hurried outside.
So we got in the car, leaving our 3-year-old asleep in the house, and drove toward the hospital. It was raining hard. We passed the ER in our neighborhood and entered the highway, because we were going to make it. But the contractions were so gripping I could not breathe. I couldn't not push. I tried to focus on the boxer shorts, blue, printed with little gingerbread men, something I remembered my older daughter choosing for Matt's stocking one Christmas. I wore my own tank top and sat on a towel.
The evening had been hot and unbearably humid. I was 39 weeks pregnant. I had a few contractions at bedtime, and then the storm hit, a huge, loud Summer thunderstorm. Around 2 a.m., one hour into labor, each large contraction made the heat intolerable. I rotated between the room with the air conditioner and the bathroom in a state like blindness, vomiting, while my husband tried to text friends to come stay with our 3-year-old. The labor still seemed much like my first, until it wasn't, until she arrived so quickly.
My first lasted 24 hours, if I counted early labor, active labor and pushing. Pushing alone was two hours. This baby took four total. I had refused to believe all those mothers who kept telling me stories of fast labors, babies born so soon after the first contractions, in showers, and, on our street, in someone's living room. All second babies. That would never happen to me, I'd think, trying not to laugh at them.
Now the roads were covered in water, and the dark was terrifying. "Slow down," I said, but we couldn't. We drove along the Niagara River, passing Canada. I saw the usual landmarks. This time, they were marked by the baby's descent. I saw the Peace Bridge, Buffalo's bridge to Canada, lined with semis by day - now blue-lit, tranquil, and dreamy. Its calm was pervasive. When we passed the bridge, I said, "She's crowning." (My husband later remarked that he thought we were fine). The baby's face slipped out as we approached downtown. I might have shouted, "The head is out!" I said we had to get off. Several times. On the exit ramp, we heard her voice, a wet cry, curious, like a garbled statement. My husband called 911 and stopped the car and tried to find a street sign.
Even when it happens, and the baby is born, slippery, crying, barely visible, there is no time to panic. You try to see her. She is looking. She calms. She raises her hands and touches her mouth with curling fingers. She opens her mouth. We sit and wait, and there is only this present, unmitigated joy. We said, "You're here." We repeated ourselves, we laughed. We had no idea where we were. It was our first year in this city. "Buffalo!" outsiders exclaimed, "Buffalo!" - as if no one has ever lived here. But it is one of the few moments I have known, being there with him, with her, in which reality slowed to a bright stop: fragmented, perfect, full.
I held the baby, while my husband stood watching for the ambulance. He texted a picture to my parents in Wisconsin. My parents received it and thought that the hospitals were lax these days, dispensing with gowns. Then they noticed how dark it was.
We had parked against a one-way by the baseball stadium, the fireman said. Behind left field. It was still raining. The firemen peered in through the windows, and shook the father's hand. They asked if it was a boy, because of the stadium. I held the girl. She had dark hair, matted in curls. She looked at me with a bewildered, newborn gaze, steady but opaque.
When the ambulance arrived, we got onto the gurney with the help of three paramedics and a sheet. I remember feeling a giant sense of relief that I would not have to deliver in the hospital. I hadn't pushed at all. I didn't feel like I'd delivered a baby. I had heard of such births, I'd practiced Hypnobabies (natural childbirth hypnosis), but I had not really thought this could happen.
In the ambulance, the female paramedic wanted to cut the cord. She could not find any scissors and kept asking, "Where are the scissors?" She was determined. She clamped the cord and sawed through it with something like a Swiss army knife. They asked me questions, unfazed. I held the baby, who was quiet, blinking at the lights, and I wanted that moment in the car back.
This is how we tell the story. It is fun and embarrassing. We were not the sort to skip the hospital. We knew what childbirth was like: it was endless. One pushed, and pushed, and pushed. Assistance was required. Exhaustion was complete. Recovery long.
When you do have a baby in the car, there are things everyone asks. The first is "Who delivered her?" Herself. Then "Weren't you freaking out?" And "How did this happen?" Some inquire about the car. "Thank god for the shorts," we tell them. The questions, at first, seemed so absurd, as if we had planned this route. They may reflect our culture of childbirth, in which babies are dangerous and everyone requires assistance. It is hard to imagine a birth that occurs rapidly, without complication. It happened, I answer. The shock was unforgettable.
The gingerbread-men boxers hang in the baby's closet. I don't know what to do with them. Will she want them? Will the story become one she wishes we would just stop telling? I struggle to connect the baby she was in that moment with who she is now; the surprise has not worn off. Her arrival bound us in the most usual of ways, childbirth, and yet I am still thrown by its beauty, how we were two and, suddenly, three.
Corey Feldman's Performance on the Today Show Has Gone Viral - For Good Reason
'80s icon Corey Feldman went on the Today show Friday and proceeded to give a completely unexpected performance. Sure, he was scheduled to perform as part of the show's concert series, but did anyone anticipate what was actually to come? Probably not. Feldman sang "Got 4 It" off his Angelic to the Core album, and honestly, I don't even want to describe it because it would rob you of a truly unique experience. I will say that Feldman's former Stand by Me costar, Jerry O'Connell, tweeted "Proud of you, @Corey_Feldman" after the performance, which made me tear up a little. Please enjoy.
How 1 Mom Suddenly Knew She Was Done Having Kids
Last week my sister-in-law and her husband brought their newborn baby over for a visit. They were about an hour and a half late, because newborn. I mention this only because it will be an important part of the story later.
"Do you miss this?" my brother-in-law asked, his glassy, sleep-deprived eyes shifting to his 3-week-old baby in my arms. I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or looking for me to reassure him that it gets better. Either way, maybe I should have taken longer than half a second to give my answer, and maybe that answer shouldn't have been, "GOD no! You couldn't pay me enough money to deal with this sh*t again." I laughed, the baby barfed on my shirt, and then we all had dinner.
My response to this question wasn't always so emphatic. When I was pregnant with our third baby, my husband was on a mission to convince me to get my tubes tied after she was born. I was scheduled for a C-section and his argument was: "They're all up in there anyway. What's two more little snips once they're already elbow deep in your guts?"
The truth was that 99.9 percent of me was positive I was done having kids, but that 0.1 percent was a powerful sumb*tch. For me, that tiny percentage reasoned that closing the door on my childbearing years meant closing the door on my youth. Graduation, then job, then marriage, then babies, then old. After you're done having kids, all that's left is to sit around and wait to get old. I wasn't ready to do that.
However, the novelty of staying forever young wore off about a week into my daughter's life, when I realized that having multiple babies doesn't stave off old age - it accelerates it. My physical and mental boundaries were pushed to their limits trying to manage two toddlers and a newborn. I was 35 going on 116.
I remember placing her hospital photo on our wall next to her sisters' and feeling complete. I heard a small voice in my head say, "This is what my family looks like. That's it. I'm done." My mind then wandered to a new thought - a sense of finally moving forward. It was a different feeling than I'd ever had before. Almost a feeling of relief. With each baby I felt as if we were being pushed back to the starting line, and for the first time it felt as if life could at last "begin." And just like that, I knew we were done. No questions, no regrets.
"You can go ahead and make that appointment for your vasectomy now," I told my husband the next morning at breakfast. "I'm good."
He let out a noise that sounded like a cross between an annoyed sigh and a death rattle. "The doctor was right there. Already in there. Inches away," I heard him whisper through clenched teeth as he tightened his grip on the butter knife and gazed sadly at his balls.
He LOVES when I talk about his vasectomy, by the way.
Our youngest is 4 now, and I must say, not once in four years have I wistfully looked back. I shot off fireworks the day I sold my breast pump on Craigslist. Instead of spending a small fortune on diapers and formula, we go on vacations. We're not an hour and a half late to things anymore. Everyone in my family can wipe their own ass - I can't remember the last time I touched someone else's poop. And sleep . . . oh, the sleep. It is glorious.
The night my in-laws visited with their newborn, my brother-in-law asked me a question as they packed up their screaming baby and headed for the door. "Does it get any easier the second time around?"
The look on my face must have told him he wasn't going to get the answer he wanted to hear because before I could say anything he said, "And just so you know . . . you can feel free to lie to us any time."
He was right. I realized I needed to reel in the newborn horror playing out in my head or he might go out for formula one night and never come back.
But my mind flashed to the year they had ahead of them. The sleepless nights. Diaper changes galore. Relentless crying. Poop blowouts up the back. Taking two hours to get out the door. Then just when you feel like you can crawl out of your hole and take a breath, another one is born and you're dealing with all of that plus a temperamental 2-year-old she-devil. I felt like I owed him the bitter but hopeful truth.
"It does get better," I said, patting him on the shoulder. "But first it's gonna get a lot worse."
Hannah Mayer is a nationally award-winning blogger, humor columnist and exponentially blessed wife and mother of three. She would trade everything for twelve uninterrupted hours in a room with Jon Hamm and two Ambien. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter or at her blog, sKIDmarks.
15 Facts That Will Make You Even More Obsessed With Sephora
Ever since I was in middle school, I have found inspiration, solace, and my latest beauty essential in the aisles of Sephora. Shopping there has the ability to make me feel like all is right with the world - and I know I'm not alone in this feeling. I can barely walk down the streets of New York City without seeing those iconic striped bags, and there are countless memes devoted to this makeup mecca. But if you're a devotee to the store, ask yourself: are you a true fan? Test your brand savvy! Read on to learn 15 fun facts about Sephora.
You Only Need to See Anna Camp's Wedding Gown From 1 Angle to Know It's Magic
Anna Camp married Skylar Astin in Santa Ynez, CA, and luckily, all her Pitch Perfect costars were there to snaps photos. While Brittany Snow played bridesmaid, Rebel Wilson turned out in a pink sheath, and Elizabeth Banks chose a flouncy midi, naturally, it was Anna who looked like a princess.
The bride chose a strapless Reem Acra number for her big day, which came complete with a tulle skirt and intricate embroidery that extended from the bodice to the train. She secured a veil atop her blond bob and accessorized with Vince Camuto heels and Neil Lane jewels.
From the picture-perfect moment she shared on Instagram, where a friend organized her dress's many layers, it's clear this classic ballgown was every bit as magical as she dreamed - and just wait until you see the flirty mini Anna partied in, styled with a pair of high-tops. Scroll for a look.
Experts Share the Perfect Snack For Maximum Weight Loss
It's not just for preschoolers! Snack time is important for adults, too, because it can satiate hunger between meals to prevent overeating and help you lose weight. Snacks can also be a way to get valuable nutrients you're missing from meals alone. But not all snacks are good ones. We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to choose a delicious and filling snack that will help you reach your weight-loss goals. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for two 150-calorie snacks each day. Think of them as ways to fill nutrition holes in your diet, such as getting your fill of fiber or a boost of calcium.
Carbs
Anywhere from 40 to 50 percent of your calories at snack time should come from carbs, which works out to 14 to 20 grams. Choose high-fiber carbs such as fruit, whole grains, and starchy veggies like peas, corn, sweet potato, pumpkin, and Winter squash. Carbohydrates that are naturally high in fiber tend to be less refined and processed and also typically yield a larger portion size for fewer calories, making them more satisfying.
Protein
Go for six to 10 grams of protein, which is 15 to 20 percent of your total snack calories. Protein is essential in order to make what you nosh on feel more satisfying. Protein also helps to even out the rate that carbohydrates enter your bloodstream, so if you eat a snack that's low in protein, a spike in your blood sugar levels could result in stronger cravings and the need to munch on more.
Fats
Far should constitute 30 to 40 percent of your snack's calories, which works out to between six and 10 grams. Including healthy fats also adds to the "I feel satisfied" feeling. The one thing to watch out for is portion size, since fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado tend to be high in calories.
Fiber
Getting enough fiber in your snack - at least three grams - is a must to not only help you feel satiated for longer, but to also help you reach your daily goal of 25 grams. Getting your fill of fiber will ensure you stay regular, which can help you avoid that bloated feeling, making you feel more energetic. It can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which keeps cravings at bay.
Sugars
Aim for no more than 10 grams of total sugar and no more than four grams of added sugar (one teaspoon of honey, sugar, or maple syrup).
Timing
Most people like to include their two 150-calorie snacks between their three main meals, so one in the late morning and one in the late afternoon. A good rule of thumb is to eat every couple of hours, so find the schedule that works for you. Maybe you eat a later lunch and an earlier dinner so an afternoon snack isn't necessary but a bedtime snack is. Remember that experiencing a little hunger is OK, but snacking can prevent that famished feeling that makes people overeat. And eating late at night won't cause weight gain, but overdoing it on your daily calorie intake will. If you know you like to eat a little something before bed, make sure you save 150 calories in order to stick to your daily limit.
Eating and Working Out
If you're grabbing a pre-workout snack, aim for a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein. After a workout, go for a 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein. A banana with some nut butter or a small smoothie is a great option. For workouts that are an hour or shorter, don't stress too much about getting the exact amount. As long as your snack includes a combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, and is under 150 calories, you're good! Generally it's good to enjoy a pre-workout snack 30 to 90 minutes before a workout, but eating beforehand isn't a necessity. Some people prefer working out on an empty stomach, so do what's right for you. Then refuel with a post-workout snack within 30 to 60 minutes.
A Few Examples of Snacks
The above info would make an ideal snack, but if you can't meet all the requirements, it's OK to fall short of one of these - fats, carbs, fiber, or protein - just make sure your snack meets the other three.
- Avocado Toast: Take half a slice of whole wheat bread, smear with one tablespoon avocado, and top with sliced or mashed hard-boiled egg, two slices of tomato, and an eighth-teaspoon sprinkling of chia seeds.
Calories: 156
Total fat: 8.2 g
Saturated fat: 2.2 g
Carbs: 13.6 g
Fiber: 4.3 g
Sugars: 2.7 g
Protein: 9.3 g
- Greek Yogurt With Apple and Walnuts: Enjoy a quarter-cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt with half an apple, four teaspoons chopped walnuts, half a teaspoon raisins, and a dash of cinnamon.
Calories: 149
Total fat: 6.2 g
Saturated fat: 0.4 g
Carbs: 17.3 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Sugars: 12.7 g
Protein: 8.3 g - High-Protein Banana and Peanut Butter: Mix half a tablespoon of peanut butter with half an ounce of protein powder and half an ounce of water. Cut half a banana in half lengthwise. Smear the peanut butter mixture on half and then top with the other half of the banana.
Calories: 158
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0.8 g
Carbs: 17.4 g
Fiber: 4.1 g
Sugars: 7.8 g
Protein: 13.6
- Roasted Edamame: Toss two cups frozen edamame with two teaspoons olive oil, one teaspoon sea salt, and one tablespoon black sesame seeds. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 450° F. Enjoy a quarter of the batch, and save the rest for later.
Calories: 153
Total fat: 8.3 g
Saturated fat: 1.1 g
Carbs: 10.5 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 8.3 g
Protein: 4 g
Snack Mistakes to Avoid
- Not enough variety: While a cheese stick seems like a healthy snack, it's only offering you protein, so you'll soon feel hungry afterward. To feel satiated, make sure your snack has at least two of these - carbohydrate, protein, and fat - or, better yet, aim for all three.
- Skipping: If you head into lunch and dinner completely starving, you know all too well how easy it is to eat way more calories than normal. Snacking between meals controls hunger, which controls cravings and can help you consume fewer daily calories.
- Not counting calories: A snack is just that - a snack. It's not a minimeal, so stick to that 150-calorie amount. Be mindful that prepackaged snacks like granola bars, protein bars, smoothies, or bags of crackers can offer almost 200 calories or more. On the same token, mindlessly reaching into a bag can result in devouring more than one portion without you even realizing it. So measure out your portion and put the bag away!
Looking to drop pounds during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for breakfast and lunch, and dinner to lose weight.
The Best Latin-Inspired Halloween Makeup Tutorials From YouTube
If you're looking to show off your Latina pride this Halloween, you're going to need some killer makeup to go with your costume. We've collected the best of the best YouTube tutorials that feature how-tos for greats like Celia Cruz, Frida Kahlo, and Selena Quintanilla. Keep reading and get ready to follow along.
Experts Share the Perfect Snack For Maximum Weight Loss
It's not just for preschoolers! Snack time is important for adults, too, because it can satiate hunger between meals to prevent overeating and help you lose weight. Snacks can also be a way to get valuable nutrients you're missing from meals alone. But not all snacks are good ones. We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to choose a delicious and filling snack that will help you reach your weight-loss goals. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for two 150-calorie snacks each day. Think of them as ways to fill nutrition holes in your diet, such as getting your fill of fiber or a boost of calcium.
Carbs
Anywhere from 40 to 50 percent of your calories at snack time should come from carbs, which works out to 14 to 20 grams. Choose high-fiber carbs such as fruit, whole grains, and starchy veggies like peas, corn, sweet potato, pumpkin, and Winter squash. Carbohydrates that are naturally high in fiber tend to be less refined and processed and also typically yield a larger portion size for fewer calories, making them more satisfying.
Protein
Go for six to 10 grams of protein, which is 15 to 20 percent of your total snack calories. Protein is essential in order to make what you nosh on feel more satisfying. Protein also helps to even out the rate that carbohydrates enter your bloodstream, so if you eat a snack that's low in protein, a spike in your blood sugar levels could result in stronger cravings and the need to munch on more.
Fats
Far should constitute 30 to 40 percent of your snack's calories, which works out to between six and 10 grams. Including healthy fats also adds to the "I feel satisfied" feeling. The one thing to watch out for is portion size, since fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado tend to be high in calories.
Fiber
Getting enough fiber in your snack - at least three grams - is a must to not only help you feel satiated for longer, but to also help you reach your daily goal of 25 grams. Getting your fill of fiber will ensure you stay regular, which can help you avoid that bloated feeling, making you feel more energetic. It can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which keeps cravings at bay.
Sugars
Aim for no more than 10 grams of total sugar and no more than four grams of added sugar (one teaspoon of honey, sugar, or maple syrup).
Timing
Most people like to include their two 150-calorie snacks between their three main meals, so one in the late morning and one in the late afternoon. A good rule of thumb is to eat every couple of hours, so find the schedule that works for you. Maybe you eat a later lunch and an earlier dinner so an afternoon snack isn't necessary but a bedtime snack is. Remember that experiencing a little hunger is OK, but snacking can prevent that famished feeling that makes people overeat. And eating late at night won't cause weight gain, but overdoing it on your daily calorie intake will. If you know you like to eat a little something before bed, make sure you save 150 calories in order to stick to your daily limit.
Eating and Working Out
If you're grabbing a pre-workout snack, aim for a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein. After a workout, go for a 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein. A banana with some nut butter or a small smoothie is a great option. For workouts that are an hour or shorter, don't stress too much about getting the exact amount. As long as your snack includes a combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, and is under 150 calories, you're good! Generally it's good to enjoy a pre-workout snack 30 to 90 minutes before a workout, but eating beforehand isn't a necessity. Some people prefer working out on an empty stomach, so do what's right for you. Then refuel with a post-workout snack within 30 to 60 minutes.
A Few Examples of Snacks
The above info would make an ideal snack, but if you can't meet all the requirements, it's OK to fall short of one of these - fats, carbs, fiber, or protein - just make sure your snack meets the other three.
- Avocado Toast: Take half a slice of whole wheat bread, smear with one tablespoon avocado, and top with sliced or mashed hard-boiled egg, two slices of tomato, and an eighth-teaspoon sprinkling of chia seeds.
Calories: 156
Total fat: 8.2 g
Saturated fat: 2.2 g
Carbs: 13.6 g
Fiber: 4.3 g
Sugars: 2.7 g
Protein: 9.3 g
- Greek Yogurt With Apple and Walnuts: Enjoy a quarter-cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt with half an apple, four teaspoons chopped walnuts, half a teaspoon raisins, and a dash of cinnamon.
Calories: 149
Total fat: 6.2 g
Saturated fat: 0.4 g
Carbs: 17.3 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Sugars: 12.7 g
Protein: 8.3 g - High-Protein Banana and Peanut Butter: Mix half a tablespoon of peanut butter with half an ounce of protein powder and half an ounce of water. Cut half a banana in half lengthwise. Smear the peanut butter mixture on half and then top with the other half of the banana.
Calories: 158
Total fat: 4 g
Saturated fat: 0.8 g
Carbs: 17.4 g
Fiber: 4.1 g
Sugars: 7.8 g
Protein: 13.6
- Roasted Edamame: Toss two cups frozen edamame with two teaspoons olive oil, one teaspoon sea salt, and one tablespoon black sesame seeds. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 450° F. Enjoy a quarter of the batch, and save the rest for later.
Calories: 153
Total fat: 8.3 g
Saturated fat: 1.1 g
Carbs: 10.5 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 8.3 g
Protein: 4 g
Snack Mistakes to Avoid
- Not enough variety: While a cheese stick seems like a healthy snack, it's only offering you protein, so you'll soon feel hungry afterward. To feel satiated, make sure your snack has at least two of these - carbohydrate, protein, and fat - or, better yet, aim for all three.
- Skipping: If you head into lunch and dinner completely starving, you know all too well how easy it is to eat way more calories than normal. Snacking between meals controls hunger, which controls cravings and can help you consume fewer daily calories.
- Not counting calories: A snack is just that - a snack. It's not a minimeal, so stick to that 150-calorie amount. Be mindful that prepackaged snacks like granola bars, protein bars, smoothies, or bags of crackers can offer almost 200 calories or more. On the same token, mindlessly reaching into a bag can result in devouring more than one portion without you even realizing it. So measure out your portion and put the bag away!
Looking to drop pounds during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for breakfast and lunch, and dinner to lose weight.
A 'psychiatric refugee:' why one woman fled B.C.'s mental health laws
B.C.'s Mental Health Act is facing a Charter challenge - at issue its use of forced treatment. Sarah says she was forcibly treated, and eventually fled the province. "I had to leave my home, my support network, and the people that mean the most to me" she says in order to choose her own treatment.
Adorable Pugs Take the Big Apple by Storm During #PugsTakeNYC
What's the only way to top a party full of Pugs? A party full of Pugs in costume, of course.
#PugsTakeNYC was the cutest place to be this past weekend, with a guest list of Instagram celebs any self-respecting Pug-lover would recognize. Violet Pug, The Pugdashians, Hamilton the Pug, and more stepped out for the annual meet-up across the city, strutting their stuff around landmarks like Central Park and Times Square. Saturday's events were capped off with a costume contest, where the Pugdashians' Yankee baseballs costume (deservedly!) earned them the top dog prize.
Keep scrolling to check out the stiff competition, but be prepared for massive cuteness overload.
A 'psychiatric refugee:' why one woman fled B.C.'s mental health laws
B.C.'s Mental Health Act is facing a Charter challenge - at issue its use of forced treatment. Sarah says she was forcibly treated, and eventually fled the province. "I had to leave my home, my support network, and the people that mean the most to me" she says in order to choose her own treatment.
British Prime Minster Theresa May Has a Style Mantra For All Power Women
New British Prime Minister Theresa May is not reserved when it comes to style. As the second woman to hold the post in parliament, her bold wardrobe helps her distinguish pride and confidence, and she doesn't shy away from statement heels or designer pieces that make her happy. "I like clothes and I like shoes. One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes," she said when she spoke at the Women in the World Summit last year.
Like so many other power women - some of whom hold office - Theresa's outfits are modest, yet full of personality. Her famous leopard pumps, which she wore when she was sworn in as leader, didn't feel too playful when paired with a sophisticated colorblock coat. Instead, they're a daring step in the right direction and a call to all ladies in the spotlight to wear what they like. Read on to find 38 memorable pieces Theresa May flaunted while on the job, all of which confirm that a loud print, cut, or color can be business appropriate too.
Whoa, This Harry Potter Theory Will Change Your Entire Perspective on Slytherins
Few people admit to liking Salazar Slytherin, but that might change with a new theory floating around.
In the Harry Potter series, Salazar Slytherin is portrayed as one of the Hogwarts founders who was extremely anti-muggleborns. But Tumblr user maglet-301 challenges that by pointing out a section in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets that states how he wanted to build Hogwarts away from anyone who might compromise the safety of it. See below.
It doesn't end there. Tumblr user datvikingtho then chimed in with a comment that explained Slytherin was most likely wary of muggleborns because Hogwarts was founded during an era of witch-hunts. The other founders were also concerned but had their own reasons as to why they wanted muggleborns. For example, as datvikingtho explains, Ravenclaw wanted to bring both purebloods and muggleborns together to share magic with more people. But Slytherin, rightfully so, was afraid to follow suit. He didn't necessarily want to risk the lives of anyone by inviting someone who might be a potential spy or something worse.
Then it gets even crazier. The same user also delves into why the Chamber of Secrets was created. He or she thinks it was formed by Slytherin to protect students in case there was an attack. The basilisk could then easily get rid of whoever was trying to hurt the students.
Read the entire theory below. The origins of these two posts date back to nine months ago, but a Reddit thread is finally helping others see this new side of Slytherin. It might actually change the way you completely think about everyone from Slytherin house.
Related:
19 Struggles of Using a Chip Reader . . . and Failing
Without being overly dramatic, the widespread introduction of the card chip reader is ruining our lives. OK maybe that was a tiny bit dramatic, but the adoption of the chip reader in lieu of the usual swipe has caused a lot of confusion for shoppers everywhere. Not only that, but the chip reader causes even more chaos when it suddenly (but frequently) decides to stop working, at which point shoppers must use the swipe.
If you've experienced this vicious cycle one too many times - or have been on the receiving end of it as a cashier - you'll relate to these spot-on reactions ahead.
The Infamous Emmys Beauty Mistakes We Will Never Forget
While stars typically look devastatingly beautiful for big red carpet events, sometimes they stumble. In honor of the Emmy Awards, take a peek at some of the more unfortunate hair and makeup moments of Emmys past. Think of this as the beauty version of What Not to Wear.
- Additional reporting by Maria Del Russo and Annie Tomlin
When You Read the Words on Michelle Obama's Dress, You'll Know Exactly Why She Wore It
Michelle Obama's got a handful of favorite designers that anyone would count as stylish. But she's never worn a piece by Alessandro Michele for Gucci - that is until her appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. We aren't surprised she chose such a momentous occasion to debut a fun dress like this one. It comes from the label's Spring 2016 collection and is printed with words like "Sensibility," "Obedience," and "Sincerity," all of which coincide with Michelle's values. Of course there are fun details too, like the sequined ribbons, belts, and ruffles that add shine to the silhouette.
The FLOTUS is not the first celebrity to wear Gucci on a talk show. Dakota Johnson wore a midi from the same collection on The Tonight Show, and Salma Hayek visited Jimmy Kimmel in a lace piece from the fashion house. So yes, Gucci is favored by many when it comes to interviews. But one scroll through the photos below and a sneak peek at her hosting gig, and we think you'll agree that Michelle's number is next level. She is the first lady after all.
Camila Cabello: "Our Dreams Were Bigger Than Our Fears"
Camila Cabello is a singer and songwriter and a member of pop group Fifth Harmony.
A bus. The yellow lighting of the gas station against the dark hours of midnight. Fast asleep. Silence. My head slumped over my mom's shoulder. Her voice timid and hesitant as she stumbled through a sentence in English at the cash register. A Winnie the Pooh journal. These are the things I remember when I think of when my mom and I immigrated to America.
I was almost 7 at the time, born in Havana, Cuba. My papá is puro Mexicano and we lived back and forth between the heat of Havana and the concrete jungle of Mexico City. I didn't realize it then, but, boy, does it hit me now. I realize how scary it must have been for them. For my mom to leave the streets of Havana where our neighbors were our friends, where we gathered every holiday to eat pork and my grandma's rice and beans, to not hear the malecón and the heartbeat of her city pulsing with every crash of the wave. For my Dad to leave behind his four brothers and sisters, the memory of his parents, the street vendors selling the elotes con mayonesa that I would beg him to get in the mornings before school, the best friends he'd grown up with . . . everything. To decide to start from the ground up.
With a couple hundred dollars, the clothes on our backs, no family in the United States, and no clue of what was going to happen next, that's exactly what we did. Like my mom said, "I don't know where I'm going, but I can't stay here." And that was enough.
Why were we packing up our stuff? Why was my grandma hugging me tighter than usual? Where were we going? "We're going to Disney World!" That's what my Mom told me when we were crossing the border. She packed a little backpack with my Winnie the Pooh journal and my doll, and we crossed the border from Mexico to the US, seeing my Dad become an ant in the distance as he stayed behind.
Just Disney World. Whenever I have to make a decision now and I'm afraid, my mom always reminds me of that day. "That day, I knew if I thought about it, fear would make me turn back. That's why when you're afraid, you force yourself to jump. You don't think, you just jump," she says to me.
After she sat down with the immigration officer in a tiny office, we and a bunch of people from other countries with similar hopes were placed in rooms with tiny beds in them, a hotel full of these rooms. It was me and my mom and two other families in a little room waiting for somebody to come in and let us know if we were going to be granted permission to enter the US or be sent back. Some people spent days there, some spent weeks in agonizing anxiety over what the answer would be. Meanwhile, I was wondering when the heck we were going to get to Disney. We were there only a day when we finally got the news. The room bursted with joy, everybody around me clapping and hugging and screaming and crying! And me yelling out "Yay! We're all going to Disney!" Little did I know.
Little me and my mamá ended up on a Greyhound bus to Miami that took 36 hours - that's where I have my most vivid memories. Other stuff I vaguely remember and know from stories my parents told me years after. But I remember writing in my Winnie the Pooh journal a lot on that bus ride.
We got to Miami and moved into my grandpa's colleague's house who later became my godmother. My mom was a very good architect in Cuba, but when she came to America none of the degrees she earned in Cuba counted, so to make enough to keep us fed and put me into school she began stacking shoes in Marshalls and going to school at night to take courses in English, all while taking me to and from school and helping me with my homework all by herself, alone in a strange country. I can't imagine how frustrating it must have been for her to have worked her whole life in architecture and then have it all erased when she came here.
One day, as if God was listening, two elderly Cuban women were conversing with her and told her: "Oye, tu estás muy bonita para trabajar en Marshalls. Where are you from?" My mom told her the story of how she was Cuban and she was actually an architect. You wouldn't believe it, but the two Cuban women said they had a brother who worked in architecture and needed someone who worked in Autocad, a complicated architectural computer program. They asked her: "Do you know Autocad?" Internally, my mom was like "Autocad? What the hell is Autocad? We use pencil and paper where I'm from." But to the ladies, she said: "Autocad? Of course. Yes, of course. I can do that." She learned how to use the program in a week and made enough to move us out of my godmother's house and into an apartment.
She learned fast because she literally had to in order to survive. Immigrants have one thing in common: Hunger. I don't mean it literally, although that's true too, but metaphorically. The hunger to do the impossible because you have no choice, because you came too damn far, because you've known what struggling is, and you're not going to take an opportunity for granted. The hunger and ability to win above people with better circumstances than you simply because you want it badly enough.
Long story short, my papá came over from Mexico a year and a half later - I had a little calendar in my room counting down the days - because he couldn't stand being away from us. He went through such hardship to cross the Mexican border and had it harder than my mom and I did, literally risking his life for his family to physically make it here. When he first came to the US, he started off washing cars in front of Dolphin Mall in the blistering Miami heat. But we kept moving on up . . . with the Latin community in Miami, helping each other up as we did it. Slowly and slowly my parents kept working and climbing and ended up forming a construction company together named after my sister and I. They always pushed me to focus on my studies because the whole reason we came here was so my sister and I could have better opportunities in life than they did. They said: "Money comes and goes, but your education, lo que tienes aquí (and they would point to my head while saying that), nobody can ever take that away from you." They let me know that in order to go a good college I had to get a scholarship, so I worked as hard as I could. However - plot twist! - that didn't quite go the way we thought it would.
You see, in 9th grade, a little girl who had never sung in front of people before asked her parents if they could take her to Greensboro, NC, to audition for a little show called The X Factor. Yikes! I had never sang in front of people before. Well, did my mom know Autocad? No. Did I know how to perform on a stage on TV? No. But I wanted it badly enough, and I learned from my family that if you work hard enough and you want it badly enough, you can do the impossible.
I was wrong about one thing. My mamá and papá did not leave everything behind, they brought it with them. My grandma still makes pork and rice and beans every holiday like she did, and my mom still feels the waves of the malecón in her heartbeat because she still feels the most at peace when she's by the sea. My grandma and dad still get drunk and sing Luis Miguel in the kitchen. We found our favorite Taco spot in Miami (I capitalized Taco because they are that good). And whenever we find another person from our country, we freak out. "¿De qué parte?" Because we have home in us. Because we brought it with us. Every Cuban brought it with them and so we have Miami. Mexicans brought it and so we have the best Mexican food ever. The Italians brought it and so we have pizza. The Swedish brought it and we have great pop songs. The list goes on and on. And so, that's why when I hear a bigoted, racist man with power and influence speak with anger and ill-will about immigrants, I think "what a fool."
I am so proud to be Cuban-Mexican. This country was built on immigrants. People who were brave enough to start over. How strong we are to leave behind everything we know in hopes of something better. We are not fearless, we just have dreams bigger than our fears. We jump. We run. We swim, we move mountains, we do whatever it takes. And so next time, when anybody wants to tell you they want to build a "wall" on our border, remember behind that wall is struggle, determination, hunger. Behind that wall, could be the next cure for cancer, the next scientist, the next artist, the next drummer, the next anything they work hard enough to become!
P.S. I did end up going to Disney for the first time a year later.
I Tried the New Apple Gadgets - Here's What They're Like to Use
Start saving your money now. Apple's newest iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple Watch Series 2, and even the AirPods will most likely be at the top of everyone's wish list this holiday season. If you're on the fence about whether or not to get any of these products for yourself or a significant other, check out our photos and GIFs ahead.
Princess Victoria's Dress Explains Exactly Why She's the Most Stylish Swedish Royal
Crown Princess Victoria routinely shows off her sophisticated style, but her look is never complete without head-turning details. Even sticking to a black and white palette, the Swedish royal found a way to stand out at the opening of the Parliamentary session. She attended a church ceremony alongside Princess Sofia and Princess Madeleine, both of whom chose crisp black suits.
But Victoria's two-tone Paule Ka dress was something special. Complete with a gathering at the center and a bow, the design complemented her striped hair piece and looked elegant with pearl drop earrings. The crown princess accessorized with Tabitha Simmons pumps and a Nancy Gonzalez clutch, keeping things polished but playful. Her Fall-appropriate number is the type that gets everyone talking. Read on to get inspired, then secure a similar piece, sure to become a wardrobe staple for formal events.
Michelle Obama Just Wore the Type of Gold Gown You Need to Zoom in On
Michelle Obama's gown, though dreamy and princess-like with a sweetheart neckline, is not your standard gold dress. It doesn't shimmer with sequins or come adorned with bows, but instead, is netted and weaved with crinkled metallic details. Its dark underlay grounds the FLOTUS's ensemble, complementing her black sandals and gemstone rings. But it was her row of bangles that really stood out at the annual Phoenix Awards.
If we didn't know any better, we'd say Michelle chose her ballgown based on her jewels, and that's the appeal of a flawlessly coordinated outfit. It's little decisions like these that prove the first lady does not lack in style. It's certainly why we'll miss seeing her standout wardrobe as she gears up to leave the White House. Until then, reminisce over more of her most memorable looks and shop similar strapless dresses for your next big event.
Do You Coddle Your Children Too Much?
Do parents today do too much for their children? Elementary school teacher Pamela W., who reared her own kids to be self-sufficient, certainly thinks so. She is perplexed by the tendency of her students' parents to take on tasks that kids are perfectly capable of doing for themselves. "I see parents carrying their children's backpacks for them around the school campuses."
As it turns out, her concern is shared by many moms in our communities, including Megan R., who worries aloud that she's making her kids too dependent by doing their chores for them.
Teaching Dependence
From not knowing how to do their own laundry to haplessness around money, there's a price kids eventually pay for being coddled, as Johnny's story illustrates. She's a reader whose own parents coddled her, and she says it left her at a definite disadvantage when she left the nest. "I was totally taken care of in every aspect of life, until I moved out on my own at 17. You see, I desired to be independent and self-sufficient, but I really did not have the skills to succeed at all. I was lucky that my friends took pity on me, and that I was smart enough to join the first year student orientations that taught us about doing our own finances, taxes, and insurance stuff. But if I hadn't, I probably could [still have gotten] away with living with my parents, having them cook for me, [with] the cleaning lady doing my bedroom and my dad handling my finances."
Moms can also live to regret coddling their kids. Stephanie Y. is a mom of five who learned the hard way that babying your kids can inhibit their growth and independence. As she explains, "I absolutely believe you can do too much for your children. I can say I have honestly done my best in raising them to be independent. However. . . I am probably guilty of giving them too much at times. I am the mom that would carry my kid's backpacks for them, or buy the toy to bribe them to be good in the store. I needed to change. Be more of a parent. I had to stop that kind of 'help' and stop it fast. And when I did, there was a lot of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth! And for the first time I saw how disrespectful my own children were being to me. It was tough. I cried a lot. I felt like I was failing as a parent and as a person."
Kelly R. agrees: "We (parents today) are doing too much for our children. . . .we are teaching them to rely on other people for everything. What will happen to these children when they are adults? They won't know how to do anything without mom being there with them."
Teaching Self-Sufficiency
Moms who coddle have a whole host of reasons. Marty B. doesn't want her kids "to struggle or worry like I did back in the day." Sara feels her 10-year-old son isn't yet old enough to fold the laundry well. "I like things done a certain way," she explains. But Marty knows that by helping her kids, she may actually be hurting them. As she puts it, "when I'm unable to help or am dead, my kids won't be able to do for themselves."
So what's the antidote? As Ellen B. shares, we need to retrain our own thinking: "Once you get over the perception that only you can get things done on time, you will find training [your kids to help you] is a time saver." She believes that kids are capable of and willing to do a lot at very young ages, especially kitchen tasks like taking out the garbage, measuring and stirring ingredients, bringing their dishes to the sink, cracking eggs ("messy fun"), and setting the table ("imperfectly is fine - it is their work of art").
Stephanie U., a mother of two, is not only in Ellen's camp, but proves that kids will get on board. "When our 11-year-old daughter had to start vacuuming this year she was in shock! I reminded her [that] at ten I did ALL of the laundry for our entire family of five. She decided vacuuming was not too bad! Our son, 8, takes out the trash, wipes down a table, knows how to dust, and can clean up a room faster than he can trash it. They both strip their beds and I am teaching them to load and unload the dishwasher. They do NOT get an allowance and they help around the house as the price they pay to live here and be a productive part of our family."
Backing off the coddling and instead teaching your kids to do more for themselves may not be a change that comes easily, but many moms believe it's of critical importance. As Ellen explains, "The more children learn to do tasks and make good decisions on their own the better odds they have of living a productive life. . . . Doing less for them can give them the best possible chance."
Do you do too much for your kids?
This Empowering Video Will Remind You What True Beauty Really Is
Often, images in the media and advertising tell us there's only one way to be attractive. It's easy to feel pressured to fit society's rigid and specific (and also completely subjective) view of beauty. But a new video series called ReThink Beautiful is trying to change how we define the term.
In the first film of the series, a group of people explain what makes them feel their best and, therefore, makes them feel beautiful. The qualities are anything but superficial, including optimism, being true to yourself, and appreciating others.
Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of what makes people truly beautiful and we are much harder on ourselves and our appearance than we are on others. Beauty should be about doing things that make you happy, not anyone else. Watch the video for the refreshing reminder of what is important in life.
18 Selena Gomez Bikinigrams That Prove She's Definitely a 10
If there's one thing we love about Selena Gomez, it's that she's always game to show off her stylish swimsuits. After all, she's hot and she knows it. In fact, when the star called the TJ Show and was asked to rate her hotness on a scale from one to 10, she said, "On a good day, I would say - like a premiere day - I would be a good nine. And then, on my every day, I feel like a six. Gosh, that sounds so bad! I feel like a six or a seven."
But from the look of Selena's sun-kissed bikinigrams, for which she changes her style based on the prints, colors, and cuts of her suit, we'd say she's a definite 10 - even when she's on the beach with no makeup on. Scroll to find 18 times Selena proved she can work a swimsuit like it's nobody's business.
18 New Features You NEED to Try on iOS 10
The day is finally here: iOS 10 is out and with it, new emoji, iMessage tricks, and much more. Before you update, make sure to back up your phone! To be extra careful, download the update via your computer instead of over WiFi. Many people reported that the update over WiFi bricked their iPhones, and though Apple says the issue is fixed, better to be safe than sorry.
If you're wary of downloading the newest update before any bugs are fixed and it's fully polished, take a look ahead for what you can expect to start using and loving.
samedi 17 septembre 2016
9 Easy and Hilarious Halloween Costumes Based on Selena Gomez Lyrics
Anyone can dress up as Selena Gomez for Halloween, but how many people would be able to pull off dressing up like one of her lyrics? While this may seem like too big of an ask, we think you're up to the challenge. We pulled together some of Selena's most iconic songs and brainstormed costumes based off those key lyrics. Have fun embracing punny this Halloween!
How to Be a Highly Effective Person, as Told by Veep
Selina Meyer and her malfunctioning staff are back up for Emmys for season five of Veep. In the world of the show, foul-mouthed, egocentric bullying is how stuff gets done, and while the satire may sometimes hit a little too close to home in the current election, we're still laughing harder than ever at Veep's outrageous antics and blistering insults. Because, let's be real - we all secretly wish we could behave like this every now and then.
Lion Is the Award Season Contender You Can See With Your Family This Holiday Season
Ah, holiday season - a time to practice the age-old traditions of gift-giving, overeating, and trying to find that one movie that's really good and that you can see with your parents without squirming in your seat during certain scenes. (Anyone who took grandma to see The Wolf of Wall Street knows what I mean.) We're still a few months away from Thanksgiving, but I've already found that movie for you: it's Lion, and it just premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Not only is the movie totally SFP (safe for parents), but you'll probably want to give your mom or dad a huge hug after you see it anyway.
The film, which is based on a pretty incredible true story, follows a young boy named Saroo through his early life in India and the aftermath when he becomes tragically separated from his family at age five. Ultimately, he's adopted by a well-off couple in Australia, but as an adult he's plagued by questions about his roots and is haunted by the thoughts of his mother and brother who surely must have been searching for him all this time. Saroo becomes obsessed with finding his home, using only his limited memories and the help of Google Earth (which was pretty new at the time, in the early 2000s).
Like I said, the movie is based on a true story, so you can guess how it ends, but that doesn't lessen the impact of the huge emotional payoff (plus there are still some surprises along the way in Saroo's journey). The film is engaging and heartbreaking from the start, as we watch little Saroo (played by the painfully adorable Sunny Pawar) try to navigate the streets of Calcutta alone, to watching the older Saroo (Dev Patel) assimilate into Australian culture and his new family, only to slowly unravel in his young adulthood. Patel's performance is magnetic, and Saroo's relationships with his girlfriend (Rooney Mara) and adoptive parents (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) add heart to the suspense of what Saroo will find if and when he can return home.
As for being the perfect film to see with your family (and I'm not talking about little kids, because they'll be bored to death by this), it's impossible to watch Lion and not think of your own relationships and consider the circumstances of being separated from your loved ones. There's also the fact that it comes out around Thanksgiving, is already earning awards buzz, and doesn't contain any of those aforementioned uncomfortable scenes - unless you're uncomfortable crying together, in which case you might have to reconsider.
You'll See the Best Part of Jennifer Aniston's Minidress When She Turns to the Side
Jennifer Aniston's embroidered Valentino dress is quite romantic. Complete with strappy pumps and gold drop earrings, it's even a touch sexy. But the cut, a sophisticated fit-and-flare with pockets, makes it the perfect daytime mini. Jen turned to the side to show off all the details of her number at the LA Storks premiere. While Valentino's a fashion house that offers plenty of ornate gowns that flow to the floor, Jen was smart to choose a shorter silhouette for such a fun event. Read on for an all-angles view, then shop the look.
Shutterbug: 10 Pictures to Take on Baby's First Day
That baby ought to be in pictures - lots of pictures! Baby's first day will seem like a blur to everyone involved in the little one's birth. For some moms, it takes looking back at photos of the day to actually recall some of the events. Before handing your camera over to a friend or relative who's promised to capture it all, make a list of the pictures you want to ensure they are recorded before everyone falls off to sleep. Here are our top 10 must-take photos on baby's first day.
Whoa: This Harry Potter Theory Could've Changed the Series Completely
Get ready to breathe in and breathe out, Harry Potter fans - a recent theory is sparking up a conversation on the Internet on how the entire series could've changed. The single theory is based on one passage in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, involving the most underrated Hogwarts house - Slytherin.
The speculation, outlined by Tumblr user crazybutperfectlysane, discusses the idea of Cassius Warrington of Slytherin being chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament instead of Cedric Diggory. Both characters would still continue to help each other throughout the book up until the very end, when Voldermort still decides to kill Warrington. The user discusses the possibility that this might've united the Slytherins against Voldemort so they could have fought against him in the Battle of Hogwarts. Pretty crazy right? The entire post is below.
However, the theory train didn't stop here. Another user, aplatonicjacuzzi, took it upon themselves to delve deeper into what Warrington's death would mean to Slytherin, Hogwarts, and Harry. This would include Slytherins realizing that pure bloods aren't safe from Voldemort, joining Dumbledore's Army, and eventually facing off against He Who Must Not Be Named at last. The rest of the imagined storyline is below.
These two posts are currently circling the Internet, even though both are two months old. It makes sense - it's serving up the right amount of fresh "what if?" options we always need every few months. We can't imagine how different the stories of all our favorite characters would be like or how Harry Potter could have had different kinds of support at Hogwarts. Guess that's all we can do now: wonder how and what could change the story we love and treasure so much.
Yoga Sequence to Melt the Tension Away
Feeling like you want to rip your hair out because of work deadlines, relationship problems, or money issues? Inhale a deep breath, take a break from your stressful life, and do this relaxing yoga sequence that's guaranteed to have you feeling a little calmer and able to tackle your tension head-on.
Yoga Sequence to Melt the Tension Away
Feeling like you want to rip your hair out because of work deadlines, relationship problems, or money issues? Inhale a deep breath, take a break from your stressful life, and do this relaxing yoga sequence that's guaranteed to have you feeling a little calmer and able to tackle your tension head-on.
Why The Blair Witch Project Is Such an Iconic Horror Film
The Blair Witch is back. The follow-up film to 1999's The Blair Witch Project is here, giving us even more insight into the legendary entity that haunts the Black Hills Forest near Burkittsville, MD. Before we head into this new and uncharted territory in the woods, it's important to go back to the story's roots, so to speak. What makes The Blair Witch Project so great? How did it carve out a space in horror movie history? The answer isn't as simple as you might think.
The First of Its Kind, in More Ways Than One
The Blair Witch Project revolutionized the horror genre. It may not have been the first found-footage movie ever - that title goes to 1980's Cannibal Holocaust - but it's arguably the first one to present "found footage" in such a compelling way. The Blair Witch Project stitched together a film so chilling that it launched a whole new subgenre in the horror industry. There are now countless well-known found-footage films, with Cloverfield, V/H/S, Paranormal Activity, and As Above, So Below among the most recognizable. But The Blair Witch Project didn't just use found footage as an effective storytelling device; it presented its contents as fact, something no other found-footage film has quite as effectively done.
The Film's Intrinsic Hyperrealism
There's a reason the events depicted seem so real. Partial credit goes to how the film was presented. It's remarkably poor in quality, and it expertly captures that "burgeoning film student" sort of vibe. The characters depicted share the exact names of the actors who portrayed them. There's the subtitle of the film: "In October 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary . . . a year later their footage was found." At a time when the internet was still in its infantile stages, there was nothing to say, definitively, that this didn't actually happen. It was the thrill of the mystery. Did these students disappear? What happened? Is there something we can see in this footage that no one else was able to see?
In an interview with The A.V. Club, creators Dan Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez talked about how they layered in the realism. "We didn't want to tell people that it was real, but we didn't want to tell people it was fake, either," Sanchez stated. "We were trying to pull a hoax. We designed the film to be, from beginning to end, a completely real experience. We didn't want anything in it to give away the fact that it wasn't real. We wanted real town names, in case someone was from that area. We didn't want any three-point lighting; we didn't want any dolly moves. We didn't use any known actors."
It's true, there's something about the footage that's just so raw. The edits seem amateurish; the camerawork is shaky and unprofessional. In fact, there wasn't even really a script. In the same interview, Sanchez said, "Dan and I wrote a script that was about 35 pages long, and it was basically a script without any dialogue for the whole film. We had always wanted the dialogue to be improvised. We didn't want to put those kinds of limitations on the actors. The prime directive was to not give anything away that was fiction. I felt that by giving the actors the freedom to make up their own lines, it would seem a lot more natural than anything we could script." So all these moments between the actors, all these tiny idiosyncrasies, they layer together to craft a perceived realism. The way it seems so novice is, in the most counterintuitive way, masterful.
The Story's Dedicated Mythology
It's not just that the story of these disappearing film students seems so plausible. The filmmakers took it a step further. They went out of their way to infect the film's universe with a believable lore. Much of the stories related to 16th, 17th, and 18th century history are oral in nature. It's hard to tell what's fact and what's fiction. There was no real way to disprove the story of the Blair Witch, especially if you weren't native to Maryland or its surrounding areas. This meant, as filmgoers, we could see the Blair Witch as a part of the canon of American horror myths. Sanchez and Myrick stitched the witch into a part of history that included the Salem Witch Trails. They crafted a story that worked, and they stuck to it. The fact that they got local "townspeople" to weigh in, to tell the story, to fuel the myth, was all part of the magic that created the film's authenticity.
The Almost Stubborn Preservation of Mystery
And finally, the best thing about the film is that you really can't figure it out. There are no correct answers. The three filmmakers encounter plenty of horrors in the film, but we never see the Blair Witch in the flesh. Have they simply gone insane? Are they vividly hallucinating in light of food deprivation, sleep deprivation, and delirium? Did one of them murder the others? Did someone from the town, like the suspicious Mary Brown for instance, follow them and kill them? You could argue almost any individual theory about the film and you'd be right.
We don't get to see the Blair Witch, and the real horror is that our imagination will craft an image more terrifying than the filmmakers could ever hope to execute. The inconclusive ending is chilling, even unsettling. It doesn't provide answers but simply fuels more questions. And maybe that's the key to The Blair Witch Project's lasting legacy. You can watch it dozens of times, each time noticing something new, a small clue that might finally solve the mystery. But you'll never be able to figure out the Blair Witch, or what really happened to Heather Donahue and her crew. And that's the scariest realization of them all.
The Best Photos of Queen Máxima and the Dutch Royal Family So Far This Year
After seeing these photos, you might be convinced that Argentina-born Queen Máxima and her family are the happiest royal bunch out there. The queen, her husband Willem-Alexander, and their three daughters - Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane - are always smiling wide, waving to the crowd, and overall having fun - whether they're at an official meetup with other world dignitaries or hanging out as a family during a ski trip in Austria.
And because seeing the Dutch royal family having such a great time puts a smile on our faces, we've compiled some of their best moments this year so far. Scroll ahead for a look at their past few months.
Get All the Outfit Inspiration You Need From the Style Set at London Fashion Week
If you're already missing the street style that comes with New York Fashion Week, rest assured there's plenty more in your future, thanks to the start of Fashion Week across the pond. Day one at London Fashion Week has already delivered an onslaught of inspiration, this time with plenty of looks perfect for the early days of Fall. Look to the quirky-cool, the preppy, and the all-out high-fashion looks as the style set takes over London town.
Prepare to Become Obsessed With These Video-Game-Inspired Jewelry Pieces
If our younger selves knew that we'd be obsessing over Pokémon Go and fangirling over the new Super Mario app well into our 20s, we never would have put down our controllers. Remembering our old favorite characters is something we can daydream of for days . . . and can recall our burning obsession with defeating another Bowser decoy in Super Mario Bros.
Indulge in your love of anything related to video games with our favorite statement jewelry pieces that will make you want to blow into the cartridges of all your old favorite games.
Bella Hadid Hits the DKNY Runway in a Whole New Type of Tuxedo Dress
DKNY's Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne made all the fashion kids stay up late on Monday night, and that's cool in and of itself. But the duo, who also cofounded Public School, knew they needed something extra to cause a stir. DKNY's Spring collection was shown at the Highline in New York City, the runway open to the outdoors. It girls Emily Ratajkowski, Nina Agdal, Constance Jablonski, Devon Windsor, and Martha Hunt sat front row, surely counting the looks that will amp up their street style next season.
Bella Hadid led the model pack in a hooded tuxedo dress that had way more downtown swag than red carpet edge. Crop top sets, trousers, track pants, and sweats followed close behind in cornflower blue, cream, and olive, many pieces snipped at or distressed at the hem. Tailored button-downs, branded bras, and transparent anoraks functioned as staples, working to break up the flashier designs, like those striped suits come undone with loose threads.
As for accessories? Everyone kicked it in rubber sock boots and secured leather fanny packs around their waists, twisted to the front or back, making it all the more easy to hit the ground running. And that they did at the end of the show when the models staged a stampede in their signature DKNY onesies. Now those will make for quite the Instagram moment.
This Is the Fantastical Fashion Week Show We All Need to Pay Attention To
Delpozo designer Josep Font has not just won over the industry during his time at the fashion house, he's excited celebrities and street style stars alike. Kiernan Shipka, Keira Knightley, and Rose Byrne have been struck by his whimsical imagination, slipping into dresses for red carpet events. Meanwhile, Olivia Palermo and Chiara Ferragni pluck statement pieces from Josep's line and create high-low looks.
This season, we were blown away by the geometric structure of so many silhouettes. That's no surprise - Font always manages to twist fabrics out into unexpected forms and utilize texture like no one else can. (Check out those earrings!) Below, we narrowed down the collection and curated the wondrous dresses, jumpsuits, and coats we wanted to reach out and touch as if they were clouds in the sky. We promise these creations will stick with you far beyond Fashion Week.
The Workouts That Help You See Weight-Loss Results Faster
Are you maximizing your calorie-burning time when you work out? Make those minutes count with these workouts for weight loss. Read on to learn just why these workouts are great for losing those pounds, as well as routines for each type of workout.
Carolina Herrera Just Served Up the Most Gorgeous Wedding Hair Inspiration
Whether you're gearing up for a fast-approaching Autumn wedding or simply planning ahead for Spring bridal season, we've found the perfect hairstyle to add to your hair inspo Pinterest board. Sure, braids have been a wedding-goer's foolproof favorite lately, but the "the chic bow" hairstyle we spotted backstage at the Carolina Herrera Spring 2017 fashion show was unmistakably one of the classiest looks we've seen thus far. And, luckily for us, the "origami hairstyle" - as hair genius/stylist for Trésemmé Orlando Pita calls it - isn't as difficult to re-create as you may think.
First, start by using three distinct sections - the top and two sides - and pulling them back away from the face while also ensuring you keep a deep side part in the hair. Then, using products like the Trésemmé Two Extra-Firm Control Gel ($6) and the Trésemmé Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Smoothing Serum ($6), smooth those sections back so that the hair has a "slicked-back but still soft" look. Finally, sweep one side section from above the ear across to the opposite side of the head and secure it with a small piece from that same, opposite side you crossed it to. Repeat on the other side and tuck the hair bands underneath those crossed sections of the hair to hide it.
So, there you have it. Orlando Pita created the most gorgeous wedding hair at the Carolina Herrera show and we couldn't be more excited to wear it ourselves. Keep reading to see the look from every angle.
The Workouts That Help You See Weight-Loss Results Faster
Are you maximizing your calorie-burning time when you work out? Make those minutes count with these workouts for weight loss. Read on to learn just why these workouts are great for losing those pounds, as well as routines for each type of workout.
You Can Ripen an Avocado Faster With These 2 Kitchen Essentials
There's nothing worse than browsing your supermarket's avocado stash only to find out that not. a. single. one is ripe. Before you raise your hands in an angry fury, stop! We have a pro tip, straight from the folks at the Hass Avocado Board: place your not-quite-ready-yet avo inside a brown paper bag with an apple or a banana for two to three days. It's that easy.
Why It Works
"The plant hormone ethylene, which occurs naturally in fruits like apples and bananas, triggers the ripening process. When combined in a brown paper bag, which helps to trap the ethylene gases produced by these fruits, these gases can cause the fruits to ripen faster together."
And with that, go forth and snag all those unripe avocados, because they'll be guacamole-ready faster than you thought. If only there was this simple of a solution for all the other struggles avocado-lovers face.
19 Solar System Costumes That Are Out of This World
If you love geeking out over anything space related like the discovery of water on Mars or that incredible photo of Pluto, this is definitely the year to show off your love of the galaxy for Halloween. Since 2016 continues to be a big year for space, dressing up like a shiny star or bright-faced sun won't be random or odd at all. Look ahead for plenty of inspiration on space costumes, and if all else fails, you can always dress up as a Star Wars character and it's still almost the same concept.
10 Workout Videos You'll Want to Do Again and Again
No matter what kind of sweat session you're in the mood for, here are 10 amazing workouts to keep handy. Just press play and get to work.
5 Reasons MacGyver Star Lucas Till Looks So Familiar
Fall TV is coming whether you're ready for it or not, and MacGyver is just one of several reboots hitting the small screen. CBS's action-adventure series stars Lucas Till as a young version of the character created on the 1985 version of the show; this time he goes by Mac. Though you may not be able to place him, you've definitely seen Till on screen before. Here are five reasons his cute face is so damn familiar.
10 Workout Videos You'll Want to Do Again and Again
No matter what kind of sweat session you're in the mood for, here are 10 amazing workouts to keep handy. Just press play and get to work.
Are Kids Today More Entitled Than Ever?
"Are today's teens different than we were?" asks reader Gail E. It's not really meant as a question though; she firmly believes that something's amiss with this generation of kids. Another reader, Jodi, expresses the sentiment more bluntly, noting that kids seem "more entitled than ever before." She adds: "Kids seem to be getting worse and worse as time goes on. Maybe we could learn from parenting styles of older generations."
Are we really in the era of more-indulged-than ever offspring? And if so, what's causing it? Readers have various theories, some lighthearted, and many of them more serious. Here, we take a closer look at what moms feel is behind this suppoedly "all about me" generation.
1. Parents Buy Too Much
"I see little ones given so much so often," shares JuLeah W. "A little toy here, a fun little thing here, a buck here. It is all based on the, 'you're so cute ... I love you ... you deserve it' idea."
JuLeah argues that parents today buy far too much for their children: "They get a coloring book for walking in the store and not whining. They get a new beach ball and buckets because they are going to the beach and only have their toys from last year. Yes, their toys from last year include a ball and bucket, but not in the color they want this year."
Part of the problem may be modern technology and the Internet, says Janice C.: "Kids today often have an entitled attitude, because technology has changed so rapidly over the past thirty years and it's much easier to over indulge your child than in the past." As a member named Me Me shares, "My neighbor has bought their son (12 years old) five cell phones in the past year and a half because he keeps either losing them or breaking them. He doesn't care how much they cost because his parents keep replacing them."
If parents give kids whatever they want, why wouldn't they feel entitled to it, ask Bonnie M. "We need to stop giving our children everything," she declares. "We need to teach them that nothing is handed over freely. This is what life is about, working for what you want. . . .We are to blame [for] this generation's apathy." She adds that parents seem to be confused over what kids need and what they want: "How much does a child really need an X-box, a computer, and [a] television in their room?"
2. Kids Don't Fend For Themselves
It might have been endearing when 30-something Matthew McConaughey needed more than a little push to leave the nest in the movie Failure to Launch. But readers say moms are simply fueling entitlement by waiting on their kids hand and foot.
As Lissa H. says, "They never have to work towards or earn anything. They never have to be part of the team that is a family to work towards common goals. If you show them that they are the center of the earth and nobody else matters, that is what they will grow up to believe."
It's a trap that moms like Shannon T. are trying not to fall into. "I need to work on that," she admits. "Letting them do things for themselves. I am so used to being on autopilot that I need to stop and let them do it for themselves."
3. "The Way We Never Were Syndrome"
Though many parents feel today's generation is more entitled than ever before, there are some readers who strongly believe that the sense of over-entitlement is just an illusion. In reality, they say, kids are still just kids, but parents have delusional memories about how they themselves were so much better at that age.
Beth M. calls it 'The Way We Never Were Syndrome:' "My mom and dad have some crazy stories about when they were kids (the 60s), stuff kids today would probably not even try," she shares. "We think there was this golden era in history where families were perfect and children were well behaved and everything was great. But in reality that never existed. In the past, a child was overindulged because mom and dad handed them a china doll, a real china tea set, a record player, or a Sony Walkman. You don't think this is equivalent to today's child receiving an X-Box?"
Do you think today's kids are more entitled than ever before?
The Entries For the Nat Geo Nature Photo Contest Will Make You Want to Travel ASAP
If you need inspiration for your next vacation plans, take a look at this year's entries for National Geographic's Nature Photographer of the Year contest. Each photo will make you want to take a digital detox and immerse yourself in the places these were taken. The contest ends Nov. 4 and includes four different categories you can submit photos to: landscape, environmental issues, action, and animal portraits.
The lucky grand prize winner will get to take even more nature photographs, as they "will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions and two 15-minute image portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors." Gaze at some of the entries ahead with the photographer's original caption. If you want more ideas of where to travel, take a look at the winners from this year's National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest.
My Unplanned Pregnancy Is the Greatest Gift I Never Knew I Needed
We're happy to present this article by Chaunie Brusie from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
We were preparing for our first-ever vacation alone, sans kids, to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico (read: alcohol), completely paid for by my in-laws (read: amazing) and I couldn't have been more excited. I was enjoying - for the first time in my life - being pregnancy-free and breastfeeding-free, feeling good about my career and enjoying a little bit of freedom as our kids reached those magical ages of being able to sleep through the night.
I distinctly remember visiting a friend who had just had a baby and holding him, announcing, "Gosh, it feels so good to hold this baby - and then give him back." I had absolutely ZERO desire for another baby at that point.
And then, of course, I got pregnant.
I spent most of my first trimester feeling horribly sick and wallowing in self-pity. Mexico was miserable (as much as I hate to admit that) and I felt almost embarrassed to have another pregnancy catch me by surprise. I was nowhere near excited about having another baby and almost dreaded starting over again.
Now that Sara is here, almost every time I look at her, I feel a twinge of guilt. I love her so much it hurts ... and in some way, I realize my love for her feels a little different than my love for my other kids. It's not different in the amount I love her, of course, but it's colored through a lens of intense gratitude.
Gratitude that she is here when I felt like I wasn't ready for a baby.
Gratitude that despite my horrific attitude, she is healthy.
Gratitude that once again, I have a daughter when I wasn't planning on getting pregnant - a daughter that is such an incredible gift I say a prayer of thanks every day.
Gratitude that in a time of life that's a bit stressful for us right now, especially in our marriage, I have such a source of love that lights up my entire world with just one smile.
Sara is such a joy to all of us. She is an incredibly sweet baby and I just can't help but think, when I look at her, how I could have doubted that she would be anything but more love in our lives. I guess I just feel humbled and thankful for her.
Despite my own miserable selfishness, I still get to have her in my life. I am so, so lucky.
I don't know, maybe it's just me, but there's something about having a baby when she wasn't "planned" that makes her feel even more like a gift that I didn't know I needed.
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