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.
mardi 2 mai 2017
Salma Hayek Is Basically Barbarella With Her Boot Pants at the Met Gala
Salma Hayek's Met Gala look was something out of this world. Before heading to the big event, Salma's makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen prepped her skin using A Complete and got her ready to strut down the red carpet. The 50-year-old Mexican actress rocked an ensemble from Balenciaga that surprised us in an unexpected way.
At first, we thought the simple black dress with a bow was it, but look closely and you'll see Salma was wearing two pieces. She rocked electric blue boot pants from the French designer - yes, her shoes were also her pants!
On the red carpet, Salma described Comme des Garcons's designer Rei Kawakubo as "innovative, imaginative and ahead of their time" to E! News, so it's really no wonder she went with this futuristic look. Keep scrolling to see more of Salma.
11 New Books Worth Reading in May
You know what I love about the Spring and Summer seasons? It's suddenly socially appropriate to break out the chick lit (a term I use endearingly). Fall and Winter are for heavy books; when I head to the admittedly shady part of the beach, I like to bring a fun, easy novel with me. Maybe I got it at the airport. Who knows? This May, plenty of new books are being released, and amongst the recipe compilations and self-help guides, there are a handful of truly interesting reads. Here are my picks for the month ahead!
The 6 Best Camping Destinations in the US
Camping is an awesome option if you're looking to take an affordable vacation. Plus, you get to enjoy nature - something that's truly priceless. America is filled with incredible places to camp, so we rounded up the absolute best national parks where you should pitch a tent. Here's the top US destinations for your next trip!
Here's Where to Find Your New Favorite Dating App
It seems like every day there's a new form of online dating. No matter what type of relationship you're looking for - from the forever kind to the friends-with-benefits kind - there's an app for that! I've been hearing my girlfriends discuss their wins and losses with a variety of online-dating phone apps, so I'm breaking down the newest means of tech-based courtship.
- Additional reporting by Ashley Paige
Related:
The Met Gala Was a Gathering Place For Justin Bieber's Ex-Girlfriends (and His Rumored New 1)
The Met Gala went down in NYC on Monday, and in addition to the night's theme providing gorgeous fashion from some of our favorite stars, there was also a glaring theme among some of the younger guests: a lot of them have dated Justin Bieber. The "I'm the One" singer's most famous ex, Selena Gomez, was in attendance with her boyfriend The Weeknd, and some of his past flings, including Hailey Baldwin and Sofia Richie were also there. And in another weird twist of fate, Justin's rumored new girlfriend, Pitch Perfect 2 star Hailee Steinfeld, also made an appearance. A fan even snapped a photo of Justin meeting up with Hailee after the big night. While we don't think his exes became best friends while bonding in the bathroom (besides pals Hailey and Kendall Jenner), it was pretty odd seeing them all pop up at the same event. Hollywood is a small world, y'all.
Dunkin' Donuts's Blue Raspberry Drink Has the Caffeine Boost You Need
There are certain days when you need a rush of caffeine ASAP, and on those days you should reach for the Dunkin' Energy Punch, a new Dunkin' Donuts drink by Monster Energy. That's right: one of your favorite coffee brands has collaborated with Monster to develop an iced drink that's made with a 16-ounce can of Monster Energy mixed with either classic Blue Raspberry or Strawberry flavors. It's available exclusively at participating Dunkin' restaurants in New England, Miami, and West Palm Beach.
Since there's no actual coffee in the drink, this is a perfect option for people who don't drink iced coffee but love a caffeine boost in the morning. With the blue raspberry or strawberry flavors mixed in, the punch is like a tart energy drink with a boost of fruity flavor. We're not exactly sure how many grams of caffeine the drink has, but we can guarantee it'll wake you up. Between this and the new frozen coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, you have a list of iced drinks that will cool you down this Summer!
Get Your Hands on Trader Joe's New Canned Wines Before They All Sell Out
Trader Joe's just released the greatest new product for our Summer enjoyment: cans of sparkling wine in both white and rosé. Called Simpler Wine, the Italian-imported vino frizzante (sparkling wine) comes in four-packs for $4. According to the website, the white has "notes of juicy honeydew and fresh-cut herbs" and should be paired with "fresh bread and olives or Parmigiano Reggiano". The rosé contains "mineral notes and red fruit flavors" and is recommended for "fresh pasta, seafood, or sweets." Our nearest TJ's sold out of these beverages so we have yet to try them for ourselves. Therefore, stock up on a pack or two if you see them at your store. While we wish Trader Joe's would come up with a packaged frosé Otter Pop . . . we'll gladly settle for these convenient cans of bubbly.
5 Absolutely Unbelievable Conspiracies Alex Jones Actually Peddles
Image Source: Facebook user AlexanderEmerickJones
All press is good press, so the saying goes. Alex Jones, host of the ultraparanoid and ultraconservative Infowars, is quickly becoming the internet's favorite person to lampoon. Truthfully, Jones does make it quite easy. While it's all fun and games to satirize Jones's outlandish beliefs, in reality, his theories are dangerous - and they have outsize influence. Earlier this month, Time referred to Jones as "Donald Trump's favorite conspiracy theorist."
Based in Austin, TX, Jones got his start on a public-access cable show, on which his bombastic character made him popular from the onset of his career. By 2001, Jones's radio show The Final Edition was syndicated on more than 100 stations. In addition to hosting a radio show, Jones disseminates his conspiracies on his website Infowars, which is largely considered a fake news source by the left and the right. Many of Jones's claims are easily disproved, but given the advent of "fake news," it's also easy for Jones to excuse criticism as such.
What exactly does Jones believe? Let's explore a smattering of his most absurd theories and his penchant for theatrics.
1. He has long claimed that 9/11 was orchestrated.
Jones's most popular conspiracy is that 9/11 was "an inside job." Alleging that then-President George W. Bush planned the World Trade Center attack to further his agenda and impose further control on citizens, he's also claimed that the CIA planned the tragedy with Osama bin Laden, who Jones believes was a CIA operative.
"All terrorism that we've looked at from the World Trade Center to Oklahoma City to Waco has been government actions. They need this as a pretext to bring you and your family martial law," Jones said on the Sept. 11, 2001, broadcast of his show. "They're either using provocateur Arabs and allowing them to do it or this is full complicity with the federal government. The evidence is overwhelming."
2. He speculated that the Sandy Hook massacre might not have happened.
Disturbingly, Jones has argued that the shooting that left 20 schoolchildren and six adults dead was a homeland security drill. Jones has been widely criticized for his theory and his cruelty to the memory of the children killed that day - including by the victims' parents. Jones has also posited that it was staged so the government could strip citizens of their right to bear arms.
3. He pushed the discredited theory that Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue.
Jones backed the now-proven-false conspiracy that Planned Parenthood was profiting from abortions. Activists entrapped Planned Parenthood employees and released what was perceived to be evidence that the nonprofit was, indeed, selling fetal tissue.
ok i have no words for this one. zero http://pic.twitter.com/x4wKeWaDZ4
- ▀▀▀▀▀▀ (@immolations) November 5, 2016
4. He believes weather can be weaponized.
After a 2013 tornado killed 24 people in Oklahoma, Jones argued that the government might be responsible through various aircraft propellants. Citing a flood in Texas, Jones claimed it was the Air Force that caused the incident. "We had floods in Texas like 15 years ago, killed 30-something people in one night," Jones said. "Turned out it was the Air Force."
5. He claimed that Hillary Clinton was operating a child sex ring out of a DC pizza restaurant.
Nicknamed #Pizzagate, Jones was responsible for circulating the erroneous claim that Hillary Clinton and other Democratic party members were operating a child sex trafficking ring out of restaurants across the country. Pointing to what he described as coded messages in John Podesta's leaked emails, Jones alleged a specific pizza restaurant in DC, Comet Ping Pong, hosted the ring. On Dec. 16, one of Jones's listeners drove from North Carolina to the restaurant he named to "self-investigate" the situation; the man was armed with an AR-15.
Jones has since apologized for spreading the theory, however, it's difficult to say whether he actually is sincere or merely regrets that someone was driven to violence because of his theory.
new twitter bio: http://pic.twitter.com/715B5I76qz
- ▀▀▀▀▀▀ (@immolations) July 4, 2016
You're probably thinking Jones's claims are too ridiculous to be believed, but alas, they are not. A Rolling Stone profile of Jones estimated his radio show draws more listeners than Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck combined. But that was in 2013, and Jones's clout has increased exponentially since then: he's apparently captured the president's attention more than once. And if Pizzagate is any warning, Jones's listeners are not a passive bunch.
Get Your Hands on Trader Joe's New Canned Wines Before They All Sell Out
Trader Joe's just released the greatest new product for our Summer enjoyment: cans of sparkling wine in both white and rosé. Called Simpler Wine, the Italian-imported vino frizzante (sparkling wine) comes in four-packs for $4. According to the website, the white has "notes of juicy honeydew and fresh-cut herbs" and should be paired with "fresh bread and olives or Parmigiano Reggiano". The rosé contains "mineral notes and red fruit flavors" and is recommended for "fresh pasta, seafood, or sweets." Our nearest TJ's sold out of these beverages so we have yet to try them for ourselves. Therefore, stock up on a pack or two if you see them at your store. While we wish Trader Joe's would come up with a packaged frosé Otter Pop . . . we'll gladly settle for these convenient cans of bubbly.
5 Innovative Korean Sheet Masks That Solve Different Skin Concerns
Charlotte Cho is the editor in chief of K-beauty content site The Klog, which is dedicated to covering the innovative and fascinating world - and products - of South Korea. We are delighted to share her insights as a contributing editor on POPSUGAR Beauty.
Let's face it: while sheet masking is often a part of the nightly regimen in Korea to add extra moisture to skin, not everyone is looking for intensely hydrated skin. But there are more sheet mask options than just moisture-building ones!
From oily skin to large pores and sensitized skin, there are so many innovative sheet mask options emerging from Seoul that will satisfy your specific skin goals. Let me break down the five different sheet masks that you never knew existed and when you should use them!
30 Movies That Should Be on Your Radar This Summer
The stars poised to dominate the box office this Summer will make the price of a movie ticket worth it. Chris Pratt, Amy Schumer, Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, and Channing Tatum are just some of the big names coming to theaters. Yes, while we're still working our way through Spring's hottest releases, we're already salivating over Summer's most anticipated titles. Take a look at the horror movies, indie films, comedies, and potential action blockbusters headed your way!
The Stars Who Got Real Disney About Their Looks at the Met Gala
Maybe they weren't planning it, and by happenstance, these stars got dressed up like Disney princesses at the Met Gala. But with a theme set in place that paid tribute to an avant-garde, mostly costume-like designer, Rei Kawakubo, we're not surprised the looks straddled the line between adventurous and, well, kind of magical. If only for a second, the 13 actresses and models ahead whisked us off to Disney World, leaving pixie dust in their tracks as they climbed the stairs. Read on to see them all.
17 Products Celebs Deem Worthy of the Met Gala - Starting at Just $4
The Met Gala is one of the most glamorous and exclusive events of the year, and celebrities pull out all their tricks to look flawless for the occasion. From drugstore eye shadow to yet-to-be-released face masks, we have all the products the lucky invitees use to impress Anna Wintour. You can use these products to prepare for a big day in your own life, whether it be your wedding or a night out on the town.
Keep reading to find out which products are red carpet approved.
5 Absolutely Unbelievable Conspiracies Alex Jones Actually Peddles
Image Source: Facebook user AlexanderEmerickJones
All press is good press, so the saying goes. Alex Jones, host of the ultraparanoid and ultraconservative Infowars, is quickly becoming the internet's favorite person to lampoon. Truthfully, Jones does make it quite easy. While it's all fun and games to satirize Jones's outlandish beliefs, in reality, his theories are dangerous - and they have outsize influence. Earlier this month, Time referred to Jones as "Donald Trump's favorite conspiracy theorist."
Based in Austin, TX, Jones got his start on a public-access cable show, on which his bombastic character made him popular from the onset of his career. By 2001, Jones's radio show The Final Edition was syndicated on more than 100 stations. In addition to hosting a radio show, Jones disseminates his conspiracies on his website Infowars, which is largely considered a fake news source by the left and the right. Many of Jones's claims are easily disproved, but given the advent of "fake news," it's also easy for Jones to excuse criticism as such.
What exactly does Jones believe? Let's explore a smattering of his most absurd theories and his penchant for theatrics.
1. He has long claimed that 9/11 was orchestrated.
Jones's most popular conspiracy is that 9/11 was "an inside job." Alleging that then-President George W. Bush planned the World Trade Center attack to further his agenda and impose further control on citizens, he's also claimed that the CIA planned the tragedy with Osama bin Laden, who Jones believes was a CIA operative.
"All terrorism that we've looked at from the World Trade Center to Oklahoma City to Waco has been government actions. They need this as a pretext to bring you and your family martial law," Jones said on the Sept. 11, 2001, broadcast of his show. "They're either using provocateur Arabs and allowing them to do it or this is full complicity with the federal government. The evidence is overwhelming."
2. He speculated that the Sandy Hook massacre might not have happened.
Disturbingly, Jones has argued that the shooting that left 20 schoolchildren and six adults dead was a homeland security drill. Jones has been widely criticized for his theory and his cruelty to the memory of the children killed that day - including by the victims' parents. Jones has also posited that it was staged so the government could strip citizens of their right to bear arms.
3. He pushed the discredited theory that Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue.
Jones backed the now-proven-false conspiracy that Planned Parenthood was profiting from abortions. Activists entrapped Planned Parenthood employees and released what was perceived to be evidence that the nonprofit was, indeed, selling fetal tissue.
ok i have no words for this one. zero http://pic.twitter.com/x4wKeWaDZ4
- ▀▀▀▀▀▀ (@immolations) November 5, 2016
4. He believes weather can be weaponized.
After a 2013 tornado killed 24 people in Oklahoma, Jones argued that the government might be responsible through various aircraft propellants. Citing a flood in Texas, Jones claimed it was the Air Force that caused the incident. "We had floods in Texas like 15 years ago, killed 30-something people in one night," Jones said. "Turned out it was the Air Force."
5. He claimed that Hillary Clinton was operating a child sex ring out of a DC pizza restaurant.
Nicknamed #Pizzagate, Jones was responsible for circulating the erroneous claim that Hillary Clinton and other Democratic party members were operating a child sex trafficking ring out of restaurants across the country. Pointing to what he described as coded messages in John Podesta's leaked emails, Jones alleged a specific pizza restaurant in DC, Comet Ping Pong, hosted the ring. On Dec. 16, one of Jones's listeners drove from North Carolina to the restaurant he named to "self-investigate" the situation; the man was armed with an AR-15.
Jones has since apologized for spreading the theory, however, it's difficult to say whether he actually is sincere or merely regrets that someone was driven to violence because of his theory.
new twitter bio: http://pic.twitter.com/715B5I76qz
- ▀▀▀▀▀▀ (@immolations) July 4, 2016
You're probably thinking Jones's claims are too ridiculous to be believed, but alas, they are not. A Rolling Stone profile of Jones estimated his radio show draws more listeners than Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck combined. But that was in 2013, and Jones's clout has increased exponentially since then: he's apparently captured the president's attention more than once. And if Pizzagate is any warning, Jones's listeners are not a passive bunch.
30 Movies That Should Be on Your Radar This Summer
The stars poised to dominate the box office this Summer will make the price of a movie ticket worth it. Chris Pratt, Amy Schumer, Zac Efron, Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, and Channing Tatum are just some of the big names coming to theaters. Yes, while we're still working our way through Spring's hottest releases, we're already salivating over Summer's most anticipated titles. Take a look at the horror movies, indie films, comedies, and potential action blockbusters headed your way!
Taco Bell’s Newest Chicken "Chips" Are Nacho Average Nuggets
Image Source: Taco Bell
Watch out, McDonald's, because it looks like Taco Bell is giving chicken nuggets a uniquely delicious spin. Meet Naked Chicken Chips, the new triangular chicken nugget from Taco Bell taking care of all your dipping needs. After creating a crispy chicken taco shell earlier this year, Taco Bell decided to bring back Naked Chicken in triangular nacho form, and it looks incredible.
Starting May 11 for a limited time, Taco Bell will sell Naked Chicken Chips with its beloved Nacho Cheese Sauce nationwide. The chips are made of crispy, all-white meat chicken, and we're calling it now - chips and dip will never be the same. You can indulge in a 6-piece for $2 or a 12-piece for $3, but it will also be available in a $5 Box with a Burrito Supreme, a crunchy taco of your choice, and a medium drink. The chicken chips will only be available for six weeks, so get dipping!
Halle Berry's Met Gala Hairstyle Looks Like a Standard Updo - Until You See It From the Back
Many stars attempt to look like royalty at the Met Gala, but in our minds, this year's red carpet queen was Halle Berry. You may not have noticed, but the actress was wearing an actual crown!
Celebrity stylist Castillo flawlessly balanced elegance and opulence with a rolled ponytail bun. His inspiration came from the star's Versace gown. "At first, I wanted to do something pretty and down the back, but then realized I wanted to keep the look all about the dress," he told POPSUGAR via email. "I didn't want to take away from the elements that made this dress amazing, so I decided to pull the hair back and do an elegant low bun with a crown at the top."
After creating a center part on hair prepped with MarulaOil Rare Oil Style Extending Primer ($16), Castillo created loose and natural waves on Halle using a mix of Neuro hot tools, including two unclipped curling irons and the Smooth Iron ($135). He then brushed hair into a low pony, backcombed it for volume, and rolled and pinned it up into a bun, topping it with a crown.
If you plan on DIYing this for your next major event, know that great texture is the key to the look. "That's really going to lend itself to create a shape that doesn't sit flat and add volume to the bun or chignon you're creating," explained Castillo. Read on to see the stunning style from all angles.
5 Innovative Korean Sheet Masks That Solve Different Skin Concerns
Charlotte Cho is the editor in chief of K-beauty content site The Klog, which is dedicated to covering the innovative and fascinating world - and products - of South Korea. We are delighted to share her insights as a contributing editor on POPSUGAR Beauty.
Let's face it: while sheet masking is often a part of the nightly regimen in Korea to add extra moisture to skin, not everyone is looking for intensely hydrated skin. But there are more sheet mask options than just moisture-building ones!
From oily skin to large pores and sensitized skin, there are so many innovative sheet mask options emerging from Seoul that will satisfy your specific skin goals. Let me break down the five different sheet masks that you never knew existed and when you should use them!
Taco Bell’s Newest Chicken "Chips" Are Nacho Average Nuggets
Image Source: Taco Bell
Watch out, McDonald's, because it looks like Taco Bell is giving chicken nuggets a uniquely delicious spin. Meet Naked Chicken Chips, the new triangular chicken nugget from Taco Bell taking care of all your dipping needs. After creating a crispy chicken taco shell earlier this year, Taco Bell decided to bring back Naked Chicken in triangular nacho form, and it looks incredible.
Starting May 11 for a limited time, Taco Bell will sell Naked Chicken Chips with its beloved Nacho Cheese Sauce nationwide. The chips are made of crispy, all-white meat chicken, and we're calling it now – chips and dip will never be the same. You can indulge in a 6-piece for $2 or a 12-piece for $3, but it will also be available in a $5 Box with a Burrito Supreme, a crunchy taco of your choice, and a medium drink. The chicken chips will only be available for six weeks, so get dipping!
Michelle Obama Addresses the Melania Trump Gift Meme
One of the most talked about moments on Inauguration Day was a seemingly awkward moment between Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. But, according to Obama, the moment was more about trying to hold back her emotions than anything else.
In case you forgot, on Inauguration Day, when the new first lady and president of the United States arrived at the White House, Trump greeted Obama and handed her a gift. The moment was captured by ABC News and showed Obama's puzzled face as she wondered where to put the gift. The internet was quick to say Obama's face was a reaction to the incoming Trump presidency. But at the American Institute of Architects conference on April 27, Obama revealed what her actual emotions were. The former first lady said she was beginning to realize these were her last moments in the White House - a not-so-easy moment, especially for her daughters, who grew up there.
"So that moment of transition, right before the doors opened and we welcomed in the new family, our kids were leaving out the back door in tears, saying goodbye to people," she said at the event. Obama said she didn't want to have tears in her eyes to avoid any backlash. "I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president," she said, according to Today.
At the conference, Obama told the audience that Sasha and Malia's last night at the White House involved a slumber party with friends. "They had a sleepover, because of course on Inauguration Day, because my girls are so normal, they're like, 'Well, eight girls are gonna be sleeping here because it's our last time, and we want pizza and we want nuggets.' And it's like, really?"
This was Obama's first public speaking appearance since Inauguration Day, and we're glad to see her back in the spotlight.
Beloved '90s Brand Tony & Tina Is Back - and It's Better Than Ever
One of the most memorable beauty lines of my youth was Tony & Tina. Founded in 1997 by Anthony Gill and Cristina Bornstein, the collection was inspired by alternative medicines, including color therapy, energy healing, aromatherapy, and crystals. The popular range consisted of the most incredible holographic lip glosses (which would be so popular today!), chakra-awakening nail lacquers, loose glitters, and many more products that I used to save up for to buy at my local Sephora. To my great disappointment, the brand disappeared around 2004.
Tony & Tina was ahead of its time: the intersection of health, beauty, and self-care is one that cosmetics companies are capitalizing on right now. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that after a long break, Tony & Tina is back! According to Bornstein, she'd been trying to resurrect the brand for a while, but the two founders wanted to do it their way.
"We asked ourselves, 'What makes us happy?'" she told me via email. "The answer was bringing healing products and a healing self-care lifestyle to as many people as we can so we can contribute positive energy to our collective consciousness."
Just as its fans have spent the past decade maturing their tastes, so have the founders behind the brand. Bornstein shared that Tony & Tina (2.0, as she called it) is taking the original alternative inspirations behind the brand to the next level.
"During our hiatus, I dove into the healing world and became a certified Eden energy medicine practitioner," she shared. (She's already a reiki master, meditation guide, and a self-care specialist.) Meanwhile, Gill had become a biodynamic agriculturist in New Zealand. "He encouraged me to create a line of hand-crafted, energy-infused products," she said. The timing was perfect, as her clients had started asking her for specific healing treatments.
The revamped Tony & Tina line, which is available at luxe beauty retailer Credo, features small-batch, handcrafted products that are each infused with sound therapy, crystal therapy, energy medicine, reiki, and positive intentions. This includes a delicious multiuse hair, body, and skin care formula called Coconut Bliss ($55) and Healthy Aura sprays ($43), which have a small clear quartz crystal in the bottle.
Along with every beauty product, the brand is also helping its customers along their self-care journeys with tools paired with the purchased item, like video tutorials on how to support and protect your energy and guided meditations. Bornstein creates this content herself and has expanded it to a "self-care moments with Tina" series on the brand's Instagram.
When I asked Bornstein what she thought about the sudden trend of mindfulness and energy healing, considering that she's been ascribing to it for decades, she told me, "There is an energetic transformation taking place on our planet right now. Many people are awakening to their own inner-wisdom and their inner-healer." She added, "Self-care will absolutely change your life, but you must be committed to it . . . it's like working out, except it's an energy workout."
In addition to using Tony & Tina products in conjunction with her tutorials, she recommended deep breathing methods and Eden energy techniques. "Even a smile works," she told me.
If you're reading this and have been patiently awaiting the return of the brand's iconic makeup products (just like me!), you may be in luck. "We would love to bring it all back - we LOVE creating!" Bornstein said. Someday, the founders hope to re-create the original cosmetics lineup with clean, eco-friendly formulas and packaging, as well as an expanded lineup of self-care items, like color therapy sheets.
"The ultimate big dream is to get land in upstate NY and create an eco-healing center with a farm, so we can grow our own herbs and ingredients and teach self-care and many other modalities," she said.
While I look forward to the day I can get a brand-new tube of Aura Lights holographic lip gloss and once again align my chakras with nail polish, I'm enjoying Tony & Tina's newest incarnation and am amped to see how the company continues to evolve. Keep reading to shop a selection of the line's products.
Self-Tanning Addicts, Prepare to Freak: Behold, the First-Ever Tanning Sheet Mask
If you're a self-tanning addict like myself, you will praise the tanning gods for St. Tropez's newest innovation: St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask ($9). Like its in-shower self-tanning wash, this product works double duty to hydrate and tan your face.
Modeled after the popular Korean sheet mask trend, this one leaves your skin dewy and hydrated, but also adds a tanned glow. You get to control how deep the color is: leave it on five minutes for a light touch of color, 10 minutes for medium, and 15 for deep. One you apply, wash your hands and let it do its thing.
After giving this a try ahead of a wedding, I can attest that the color looks natural and doesn't make your skin appear too tan (read: orange), and the color leans more olive (in true St. Tropez fashion). After you've removed the mask, use the excess serum to blend your hairline, nose, and jaw, and don't forget to wash your hands afterward!
Like most self=tanning products, the color will last depending on your beauty habits. If you exfoliate frequently or use products that are especially emollient, you might see the color fade faster. But the key is to keep your skin hydrated after the application, even though the mask does a good job of doing so for at least 24 hours afterward.
You can pick up the sheet mask exclusively on Sephora.com on May 22.
Beloved '90s Brand Tony & Tina Is Back - and It's Better Than Ever
One of the most memorable beauty lines of my youth was Tony & Tina. Founded in 1997 by Anthony Gill and Cristina Bornstein, the collection was inspired by alternative medicines, including color therapy, energy healing, aromatherapy, and crystals. The popular range consisted of the most incredible holographic lip glosses (which would be so popular today!), chakra-awakening nail lacquers, loose glitters, and many more products that I used to save up for to buy at my local Sephora. To my great disappointment, the brand disappeared around 2004.
Tony & Tina was ahead of its time: the intersection of health, beauty, and self-care is one that cosmetics companies are capitalizing on right now. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that after a long break, Tony & Tina is back! According to Bornstein, she'd been trying to resurrect the brand for a while, but the two founders wanted to do it their way.
"We asked ourselves, 'What makes us happy?'" she told me via email. "The answer was bringing healing products and a healing self-care lifestyle to as many people as we can so we can contribute positive energy to our collective consciousness."
Just as its fans have spent the past decade maturing their tastes, so have the founders behind the brand. Bornstein shared that Tony & Tina (2.0, as she called it) is taking the original alternative inspirations behind the brand to the next level.
"During our hiatus, I dove into the healing world and became a certified Eden energy medicine practitioner," she shared. (She's already a reiki master, meditation guide, and a self-care specialist.) Meanwhile, Gill had become a biodynamic agriculturist in New Zealand. "He encouraged me to create a line of hand-crafted, energy-infused products," she said. The timing was perfect, as her clients had started asking her for specific healing treatments.
The revamped Tony & Tina line, which is available at luxe beauty retailer Credo, features small-batch, handcrafted products that are each infused with sound therapy, crystal therapy, energy medicine, reiki, and positive intentions. This includes a delicious multiuse hair, body, and skin care formula called Coconut Bliss ($55) and Healthy Aura sprays ($43), which have a small clear quartz crystal in the bottle.
Along with every beauty product, the brand is also helping its customers along their self-care journeys with tools paired with the purchased item, like video tutorials on how to support and protect your energy and guided meditations. Bornstein creates this content herself and has expanded it to a "self-care moments with Tina" series on the brand's Instagram.
When I asked Bornstein what she thought about the sudden trend of mindfulness and energy healing, considering that she's been ascribing to it for decades, she told me, "There is an energetic transformation taking place on our planet right now. Many people are awakening to their own inner-wisdom and their inner-healer." She added, "Self-care will absolutely change your life, but you must be committed to it . . . it's like working out, except it's an energy workout."
In addition to using Tony & Tina products in conjunction with her tutorials, she recommended deep breathing methods and Eden energy techniques. "Even a smile works," she told me.
If you're reading this and have been patiently awaiting the return of the brand's iconic makeup products (just like me!), you may be in luck. "We would love to bring it all back - we LOVE creating!" Bornstein said. Someday, the founders hope to re-create the original cosmetics lineup with clean, eco-friendly formulas and packaging, as well as an expanded lineup of self-care items, like color therapy sheets.
"The ultimate big dream is to get land in upstate NY and create an eco-healing center with a farm, so we can grow our own herbs and ingredients and teach self-care and many other modalities," she said.
While I look forward to the day I can get a brand-new tube of Aura Lights holographic lip gloss and once again align my chakras with nail polish, I'm enjoying Tony & Tina's newest incarnation and am amped to see how the company continues to evolve. Keep reading to shop a selection of the line's products.
Take the Magical Beauty Trend to the Next Level With the Healing Power of Crystals
I am a skeptic. Chalk it up to being a native New Yorker, extremely neurotic, or a combination of the two, but my entire life, I have refused to buy into concepts that I deem "crunchy granola" or "hippie dippy." But after trying - and enjoying - acupuncture and meditation, I've become more open-minded to alternative therapies, including crystal healing.
My newfound objectivity is perfectly timed, as crystals are having a major moment in the beauty world. I'm not talking rhinestone-encrusted packaging (though I'm always on board with that). No, I'm referring to using actual stones for health and beauty purposes.
I consulted three women who have a strong passion for crystals and their healing properties: celebrity esthetician Ildi Pekar (who has dozens of different crystals adorning her NYC skin atelier), Själ founder and author of the book Elemental Energy Kristin Petrovich, and Karma Bliss founder Devi Brown, who advised me on the best ways to incorporate them into a daily routine.
From the get-go, you should know that there is no scientific explanation for how these stones work. However, Petrovich broke down the concepts of healing therapy. "We are made up of water, tissues, and minerals, our bones have a crystalline structure, and just as we have an electronic exchange with the Earth, we have an electronic exchange with crystals, gemstones, and precious minerals," she said.
"Our bones have a crystalline structure, and just as we have an electronic exchange with the Earth, we have an electronic exchange with crystals."
"They vibrate at a higher frequency, which gravitates toward the weaker cells in our body," she said. This energy is said to work with the body's energy to create a sense of balance. Whether you believe in this or not, many have said to have felt the electric charge of crystals and experienced their properties.
I'll get into types of crystals and their specific benefits later, but when it comes down to actually picking out a stone IRL, all three experts said that shopping for the correct crystal is a very personal process.
"Look for the ones which you are drawn to or resonate with," Petrovich advised. "These are usually the ones that you need the most." She mentioned that the first time she went crystal shopping, the stone she selected caused a slight tingling sensation in her arm. (She believes this isn't coincidence - it was a rose quartz, which encourages love and friendship, and she found it at a time of loneliness in her life.) Pekar agreed, saying, "I believe the crystal will choose you, not you choosing the crystal."
Brown added that you should really take your time during the crystal shopping process. "It doesn't so much matter where you go to buy them," she noted, "but it is important that you try to feel their energy or focus on what energetic properties they have that you are willing to invite into your life." She recommended closing your eyes as you roll a crystal around in your hands.
Once you've purchased it, you must clean it. This is an important step, as you want to purify your crystal of any external energies that it may have absorbed. "Depending on the type, you can soak it for several hours in a salt and spring water mixture," Brown said. Porous crystals and stones like turquoise, opal, and lapis lazuli should be cleansed with an alternative method, such as smudging with sage. Pekar also likes to leave her new crystals out in moonlight or sunlight, which charges them.
Now that you're inspired to go out and buy a crystal, you have multiple options! Petrovich recommends that New Yorkers visit Astro Gallery of Gems and Rock Star, while Brown's brand, Karma Bliss, offers jewelry and accessories that incorporate crystals. Or you can go for the most glamorous route, which is shopping for beauty products that are actually infused with crystals. Considering that crystals' powers are best felt by keeping them with you at all times, it makes sense that a moisturizer or toner would do the trick (they're on your skin all day!). Keep reading to discover which stones you should try and how you can incorporate them into your regimen.
8 Things You Can Do to Chill the F*ck Out
The world is a big, messy, disorderly, scary, demanding place to live - it's no wonder, really, that 26 percent of Americans polled by NPR said they were living with high stress levels. And if we're being honest here, most of us aren't too good at channeling these tensions into healthy, productive habits . . . which is exactly why stress has that snowball effect, in which it just keeps escalating.
I, too, am an anxious, stressed-out kind of person. Even when things in my life are going well - which is more often than not - my mind finds something to freak out about. Lately, I've been engaging in activities that relieve much of the pressure, and let me tell you, they work. Even if you don't emerge feeling totally relaxed and worry-free, I guarantee that a least a LITTLE stress will have been taken off your plate. Thus, here are 8 things you can do to chill the f*ck out, because we could ALL calm down a bit.
1. Listen to relaxing music while reading a book.
I love reading because it's an amazing escape, but listening to zen music while reading makes for an even better experience. Obviously, it might be a little weird to bury your nose in a Stephen King novel while a breathy pan flute sounds in your headphones, but I promise it works if you're reading romance, YA, poetry, or a lighthearted memoir. My favorite Pandora stations to listen to are Nature Sounds With Music, Piano Magic, Franz Schubert, and Symphonic (yep, I find classical music meditative). You can customize your station to fit what you like to listen to - or what flows best with your book!
2. Color.
If you haven't hopped on the adult coloring book trend yet, you simply must. Coloring takes you back to childhood and proves to be completely therapeutic. I prefer the real-life books, but there are apps for it, too. If you find it a little boring or tedious, try listening to an audiobook while coloring the pages away. Productive and soothing. Plus, you'll want to show off all your pretty pictures when you're done . . . just like when you were a kid.
3. Work out.
It may be cliché, but there's no denying the endless benefits of exercise - relief from stress included. There's nothing like taking out your frustrations, concerns, fears, and doubts on the treadmill. If you're not into the gym, try POPSUGAR's home workouts. They'll take you out of your element and force you to focus on your body rather than whatever you're worried about.
4. Use YouTube to meditate.
When life's rough and I'm feeling overwhelmed, I close my eyes and listen to these guys telling me to float on the clouds, belly-down, and watch the earth from above. It sounds silly, but if you take it seriously, the rewards are basically boundless. I don't claim to be a meditation guru, but it's pretty easy to pull up a video on your phone and imagine whatever the narrator is outlining. You can even learn techniques to meditate literally whenever you need to. Give it a shot! You may surprise yourself.
5. Keep a journal.
On my nightstand is a small blue notebook, in which my short descriptions of the days dwell. Take five minutes a night to jot down your thoughts, feelings, anxieties, or simply how your week's going so far. If that's too much of a commitment, try every other night. You can even keep it around specifically for those difficult moments. There's no right or wrong way to maintain a journal - as long as you're using it when needed.
6. Watch a comedy special.
A good laugh is the quickest way to de-stress. It's so easy to forget why you were upset about that thing that happened at work when Amy Schumer's ranting about her latest wine-infused catastrophe on the screen in front of you. Next time you want to pull out your hair, immerse yourself in the world of stand-up comedy. It's kind of impossible to regret it.
7. Take a bubble bath.
Need to unwind after the craziest Tuesday in the history of Tuesdays? Jump in a hot bath. You can even incorporate any of the above activities into your bathtime, so you're getting double the relaxation. Be sure to add aromatic essential oils to the water to get the full effect. And, yes, you may sip red wine as you bathe.
8. Nap.
Worst comes to worst, take a damn nap. When I was in college, and a humongous stack of homework taunted me from my desk across the dorm room, I napped for a couple hours, woke up, and got that sh*t done. Who can argue with that?
Head on over to our Snapchat today to chill out with our DIY Moon Tide Pool!
Self-Tanning Addicts, Prepare to Freak: Behold, the First-Ever Tanning Sheet Mask
If you're a self-tanning addict like myself, you will praise the tanning gods for St. Tropez's newest innovation: St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask ($9). Like its in-shower self-tanning wash, this product works double duty to hydrate and tan your face.
Modeled after the popular Korean sheet mask trend, this one leaves your skin dewy and hydrated, but also adds a tanned glow. You get to control how deep the color is: leave it on five minutes for a light touch of color, 10 minutes for medium, and 15 for deep. One you apply, wash your hands and let it do its thing.
After giving this a try ahead of a wedding, I can attest that the color looks natural and doesn't make your skin appear too tan (read: orange), and the color leans more olive (in true St. Tropez fashion). After you've removed the mask, use the excess serum to blend your hairline, nose, and jaw, and don't forget to wash your hands afterward!
Like most self=tanning products, the color will last depending on your beauty habits. If you exfoliate frequently or use products that are especially emollient, you might see the color fade faster. But the key is to keep your skin hydrated after the application, even though the mask does a good job of doing so for at least 24 hours afterward.
You can pick up the sheet mask exclusively on Sephora.com on May 22.
Michelle Obama Addresses the Melania Trump Gift Meme
One of the most talked about moments on Inauguration Day was a seemingly awkward moment between Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. But, according to Obama, the moment was more about trying to hold back her emotions than anything else.
In case you forgot, on Inauguration Day, when the new first lady and president of the United States arrived at the White House, Trump greeted Obama and handed her a gift. The moment was captured by ABC News and showed Obama's puzzled face as she wondered where to put the gift. The internet was quick to say Obama's face was a reaction to the incoming Trump presidency. But at the American Institute of Architects conference on April 27, Obama revealed what her actual emotions were. The former first lady said she was beginning to realize these were her last moments in the White House - a not-so-easy moment, especially for her daughters, who grew up there.
"So that moment of transition, right before the doors opened and we welcomed in the new family, our kids were leaving out the back door in tears, saying goodbye to people," she said at the event. Obama said she didn't want to have tears in her eyes to avoid any backlash. "I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president," she said, according to Today.
At the conference, Obama told the audience that Sasha and Malia's last night at the White House involved a slumber party with friends. "They had a sleepover, because of course on Inauguration Day, because my girls are so normal, they're like, 'Well, eight girls are gonna be sleeping here because it's our last time, and we want pizza and we want nuggets.' And it's like, really?"
This was Obama's first public speaking appearance since Inauguration Day, and we're glad to see her back in the spotlight.
12 Pieces of Advice From Graduating Seniors That Every Freshman Should Follow
As graduates start their new jobs or try to continue to run away from any semblance of responsibility, many of them are starting to reflect on their college years and what they could've done better. Many college seniors took to sharing their college lessons on the popular social sharing app Yik Yak. Some are about making the most out of internships and classes. Other lessons definitely apply to any part of your life - even if you're an adult. Take a look ahead and while you're reflecting, take a second to read through some advice your mom has definitely shared with you before.
Check out our Snapchat story today to see our list of 10 things you must do before graduating!
The Ultimate Country Music Wedding Playlist
Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding? With a mix of new and classic hits by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and more, we're highlighting the best country songs to play for a fun, memorable reception. With dance options, father/daughter ideas, must-play dance tunes - you'll find a range of song picks to give your party some country flair. Take a look at these 175 songs for your ultimate country wedding playlist, and get more music ideas for your wedding here!
The Trailer for 2017's Most Promising Romantic Comedy Has Arrived
This year's Sundance Film Festival was rife with exciting debuts, but The Big Sick was the talk of the snowy town. Written by Kumail Nanjiana and wife Emily V. Gordon, the story draws from their own experience falling in love before she suddenly faced a mysterious, life-threatening illness. Nanjiani is playing a version of himself in the movie, opposite Zoe Kazan (as Emily) and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents. The buzzy film already made our lists of can't-miss Summer indies and 2017's most promising romantic comedies, but now I'm even more excited. The Big Sick opens in limited release on June 23 before expanding into more theaters on July 14.
Severus Snape Is Kind of an Assh*le (Dodges Tomatoes)
Snape was . . . a huge assh*le. He was cunning, and brilliant, and dynamic, and he was a HUGE assh*le. I love him, yes. He is one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series. But I also have never quite understood the ease with which we all went from hating Snape to raising him up on a pedestal that he simply doesn't belong on. Here's the thing: no one belongs on one, Snape least of all.
Severus Snape teaches us the ultimate lesson: that just because we've done bad things, it's never too late to seek and find redemption and forgiveness. His unwavering love for Lily is a testament to the power of the sentiment, to the mountains it can move, and to the lasting effect it can have on one person, and on the world as a whole.
But Snape was also a bully. He was cruel to Harry. He spent most of his childhood and adolescence on a dark path that culminated in his initiation as a Death Eater. Part of why he lost Lily's friendship in the first place is because he sought the company of future Death Eaters at Hogwarts.
In the epic Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Prince's Tale chapter, so much about Snape's past is revealed, and not all of it is pretty. This conversation from Lily and Snape's days at Hogwarts showed their friendship unraveling.
". . . thought we were supposed to be friends?" Snape was saying, "Best friends?"
"We are, Sev, but I don't like some of the people you're hanging round with! I'm sorry, but I detest Avery and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev, he's creepy! D'you know what he tried to do to Mary MacDonald the other day?" Lily had reached a pillar and leaned against it, looking up into the thin, sallow face.
"That was nothing," said Snape. "It was a laugh, that's all -"
"It was Dark Magic, and if you think that's funny -"
Harry kept his distance this time . . . He watched as Lily joined the group and went to Snape's defense. Distantly he heard Snape shout at her in his humiliation and his fury, the unforgivable word: "Mudblood."
This moment still makes my stomach turn. Yes, Snape was hurt, and yes we all say and do things that we don't mean in that state. But his deep-seated disrespect for "lesser" people wasn't present only in his moments of frustration; it showed in the countless choices he made as he grew up, and in who he chose to cultivate relationships with - as in, future Death Eaters and Voldemort himself.
He took out his hatred for a grown man (who was long dead) on his son - an 11-year-old boy who was completely innocent. Neville Longbottom's boggart was Snape, for god's sake. He laughed in Hermione's face when she was cursed and openly belittled her intelligence for years. He constantly allied himself with the likes of Slytherin students like Malfoy whose sole purpose was to make others miserable. He sat idly by while Voldemort murdered Professor Burbage for the crime of teaching Muggle Studies. You can't tell me that we can blame all of this on the mere fact that he had it out for James Potter. Nor can you convince me that all of this was to maintain the guise that Snape was indeed still loyal to Voldemort. No, Snape wasn't a terrible person, but he certainly had darkness within him, and without someone like Lily Potter to keep it in check, that fire was fueled further. Snape's hatred of James and his friends coupled with his utterly unrequited love for Lily twisted him into something that, in many ways, was terrible. Even when he knew that Lily's entire family - a baby included - was targeted by Voldemort, he thought only of Lily, and in turn, only of himself:
"You disgust me," said Dumbledore, and Harry had never heard so much contempt in his voice. Snape seemed to shrink a little, "You do not care, then, about the deaths of her husband and child? They can die, as long as you have what you want?"
Snape said nothing, but merely looked up at Dumbledore.
"Hide them all, then," he croaked. "Keep her - them - safe. Please."
And so Dumbledore did keep Harry safe. And so Snape used his love for Lily as a reason for protecting Harry, and he put everything he had into doing just that. His devotion to this promise is incredibly admirable, and it is this service to her memory that often paints him as a martyr of sorts among fans. But this doesn't mean he was kind. It doesn't mean he did what he did happily, because Harry was, after all, James Potter's son. He begrudgingly, and yes, bravely, upheld his bargain to Dumbledore and to the woman he loved. More than anything, Snape was very brave.
"Karkaroff intends to flee if the Mark burns."
"Does he?" said Dumbledore softly, as Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies came giggling in from the grounds. "And are you tempted to join him?"
"No," said Snape, his black eyes on Fleur's and Roger's retreating figures. "I am not such a coward."
"No," agreed Dumbledore. "You are a braver man by far than Igor Karkaroff. You know, I sometimes think we Sort too soon . . . "
The idea that Hogwarts Sorts too soon is important, because I really believe that a lot of who Snape became is due to where he came from and who he fell in with in Slytherin. Maybe if he'd been in Gryffindor with Lily's goodness to guide him, everything would have been different. But he wasn't, and who he was is due in large part to this. Maybe he never really had the chance to foster the part of him that could love the way he loved Lily. Maybe, like Tom Riddle, Snape is yet another character who proves that had someone given them love they so desperately needed (and deserved), something else entirely would have come to pass.
Whatever his reasons for protecting Harry were, he didn't waver in his task once he agreed to it. Above everything, I think this is what I admire most about him. He did whatever it took to keep Lily's son alive. And in the end, I do believe he cared for Harry. Somewhere along the way, Snape was able to throw off the cloak of cold hatred he had wrapped himself in years before and objectively see that Harry wasn't so much like James after all, at least not in the ways he always expected to find, and therefore saw. The moment I realized that it wasn't only about Lily anymore was when he found out Dumbledore's devastating plan.
"I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter's son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter -"
"But this is touching, Severus," said Dumbledore seriously. "Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?"
"For him?" shouted Snape. "Expecto Patronum!"
From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe. She landed on the office floor, bounded once across the office, and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape.
Stubborn until the bitter end, Snape still couldn't bring himself to admit that what he did was for anyone but Lily. And maybe that's true. Maybe his motives were selfish, and maybe he's an overall sh*tty guy whose attempt at fulfilling a promise in honor of the memory of a woman he loved just happened to, by default, have wonderful results. I don't think so. But maybe it doesn't really matter why he did what he did.
No, I don't think Snape was a great person, but I certainly think Snape did great things. Snape is one of my favorite characters because he was so imperfect. His motives were never pure, he was majorly flawed, he was born and raised in darkness and could have clung to it - and in many ways did. But somewhere deep down he realized - I think in part because of his relationship with Dumbledore - what it truly meant to fight on the side of good. Despite everything he'd been through in his rather bleak life, he was capable of a love so deep, it literally changed the tide of a war. He played his part in saving Harry's life, and in turn, he played his part in saving the wizarding world from something far more terrible than the decades-old grudge of a sad and lonely man.
I think we romanticize Snape, we raise him up on that pedestal - one he can't ever live up to because the stains of his past will always be a part of him. But I love Snape, stains and all, because he epitomizes what these books stand for. The strength of bravery, the reality of failure and the hope of forgiveness, the importance of perseverance, the beauty of unwavering loyalty, the reassurance that light can and will drive out the darkness. And most of all, the monumental power of love. Always, love.
The Ultimate Country Music Wedding Playlist
Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding? With a mix of new and classic hits by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and more, we're highlighting the best country songs to play for a fun, memorable reception. With dance options, father/daughter ideas, must-play dance tunes - you'll find a range of song picks to give your party some country flair. Take a look at these 175 songs for your ultimate country wedding playlist, and get more music ideas for your wedding here!
This Congressman Seems Confused About What "Pre-Existing Conditions" Are
Republicans in Congress are committed to dismantling the Affordable Care Act, particularly the clause that requires individual state insurance exchanges to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Despite the fact that part of his job is to understand what a pre-existing condition is, GOP House Representative Mo Brooks demonstrated he either has no idea what constitutes pre-existing or he is simply heartless.
A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical condition that a person had before seeking insurance; conditions could range from cancer to a condition a patient was born with, like asthma. Presently, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions at the same cost as their peers without pre-existing conditions.
Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper about President Donald Trump's second attempt to pass another healthcare plan, Mo Brooks suggested people with pre-existing conditions had control over their health. "My understanding is that (the new bill) will allow insurance companies to require people who have higher healthcare costs to contribute more to the insurance pool," Brooks said. "That helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives, they're healthy, they've done the things to keep their bodies healthy. And right now, those are the people - who've done things the right way - that are seeing their costs skyrocketing."
What Brooks originally implied is that people who don't have pre-existing conditions are "healthy" people who "lead good lives," which ostensibly stipulates some level of control. Of course people who live healthier lives often have less medical problems, but that does not exempt, say, a nonsmoker from having asthma or a child from getting leukemia.
Following his seemingly ignorant gaffe, Brooks tried to walk back his statement. "Now, in fairness, a lot of these people with pre-existing conditions, they have those conditions through no fault of their own. I think our society, under those circumstances, needs to help," Brooks said. "The challenge, though, is that it's a tough balancing act between the higher cost of these mandates, which denies people coverage because they can't afford their health insurance policies . . . and having enough coverage to help those people truly in need."
Brooks, a Freedom Caucus member from Alabama, is a proponent of scrapping protections for pre-existing coverage. One of the main reasons Trump's first healthcare plan didn't pass was because the Freedom Caucus objected to the mandate's inclusion in his proposal. However the new GOP healthcare plan does not include a provision for health insurance companies to provide coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions. Instead, the proposal essentially allows states to decide whether they want to keep the rule.
Congressional Republicans do not have enough support to pass the new proposal. At least 21 House Republicans are in the "no" camp, and if two more break with the party, the bill will not pass.
The Trailer for 2017's Most Promising Romantic Comedy Has Arrived
This year's Sundance Film Festival was rife with exciting debuts, but The Big Sick was the talk of the snowy town. Written by Kumail Nanjiana and wife Emily V. Gordon, the story draws from their own experience falling in love before she suddenly faced a mysterious, life-threatening illness. Nanjiani is playing a version of himself in the movie, opposite Zoe Kazan (as Emily) and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents. The buzzy film already made our lists of can't-miss Summer indies and 2017's most promising romantic comedies, but now I'm even more excited. The Big Sick opens in limited release on June 23 before expanding into more theaters on July 14.
You Can Actually Visit the Titanic Wreckage in a Mini Submarine
On April 14, 1912, 105 years ago, RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean just two hours after hitting an iceberg. We've watched Hollywood's reenactment on screen featuring Jack and Rose, and now, you can see the famous shipwreck for yourself up close. A new and unique experience called Dive the Titanic will offer nine passengers a trip of a lifetime.
The eight-day excursion is set for May 2018 (with dates scheduled through the year), starting in Newfoundland, Canada, where the lucky group will then be flown out to a yacht near the site. Once aboard, they'll learn all about the Titanic's history through lectures and sessions. Assuming that weather permits, they'll then take a mini submarine three miles down deep sea to the wreckage that's been seen by fewer people than have reached the peak of Mount Everest. Passengers will even get a chance to see where the famous grand staircase once was.
Now, before you start marking your calendar for next year, you'll want to know the hefty price first. The cost per person is a whopping $105,129. Considering the opportunity, we should've known that it wouldn't come cheap. We can still add it to our bucket lists, though!
Why 13 Reasons Why Should Be Shown in Schools Despite the Backlash
A debate has erupted in the wake of 13 Reasons Why's remarkable success. Netflix's series, based on the book by Jay Asher, shows the events leading up to the suicide of a teenager named Hannah. More notably, though, it shows the devastating aftermath. While parents should be aware of all the disturbing events within the series before they chose to let their kids see it, there's a rising faction of viewers who have been so struck by the way the series portrays bullying and suicide who think it should be mandatory viewing for students.
It's a controversial stance, given how much backlash Netflix is getting for the graphic suicide scene. (If you haven't seen the series, Hannah slices her wrists in a bathtub.) Australian mental heath group Headspace is speaking out against the series, warning that it "exposes viewers to risky suicide content." Netflix has responded by agreeing to update its trigger warnings, but Headspace's biggest point is that even showing kids a series like this will make them think of suicide more.
Michelle Mousa, a sixth grade CORE teacher at Sequoia Middle School in Pleasant Hill, CA, echoed the sentiment. Mousa said the show has ripped through her campus "like a tornado," and when asked whether kids would benefit from seeing the show in school, she said, "My first reaction is why would we give it more energy? It's snowballed. But again, this point of view is powerful because it's not really about one particular bully. It's about the broken society that allows this kind of mean-spirited world to continue."
Mousa mentioned that her school is considering other ways to address 13 Reasons Why with the students (via an assembly or a note in the school bulletin warning parents to watch it with their children), but is concerned about the bigger picture: "We have a televised bulletin that is put on every day by the students, and they do PSAs on antibullying all the time. Oftentimes the educators feel that we're inundated with antibullying campaigns, but yet why aren't we talking about random acts of kindness, or being positive?"
Star Kate Walsh recently put her two cents in, telling The Huffington Post, "I really do think it should be mandatory in schools to watch this and talk about it and have education around it. Unfortunately, a lot of kids' lives were lost before schools started having conversations and awareness, and communities started having dialogue about it. As long as anything is shrouded in shame or secrecy, nothing good can come from it."
Whether it's the graphic suicide or the realistic depictions of rape within the show, something seems to have hit a chord with younger viewers - but just what are they taking away from it? Are freshman drawing parallels to their own lives and reaching out to peers who may be in need? Or are youths who are struggling with depression seeing this as a glamorous way to end their lives? Even if the answer is "both," is it worth attempting to get through to bullies and potential rapists at the risk of pushing suicidal teens over the edge?
We spoke with ProtectHer founder Alexis Jones, who goes into high school locker rooms to educate teen athletes about sexual assault, and she thinks that because the show is so well written and acted it has a better chance to get through to kids than any presentation ever could. "Because it's fiction, it allows us to talk about the issues through these characters," she said. "It's exponentially more powerful than coming in with a PowerPoint. That is not nearly as effective as watching a show, getting invested in characters, and then talking about the different aspects. It gives us these individuals to point to and to say, 'If you're ever feeling like Hannah felt, let's make sure you get help because look at how many people cared about Hannah.' It gives us the context to talk about suicide and sexual assault."
That last part? It's the most vital takeaway from this whole debate. Whether parents choose to show the series to their kids or teachers gain permission to show it to students, it needs to be more than a screening. "The most important part of showing this in school would be the discussion," said Haley Roberts, a licensed baccalaureate social worker. "There needs to be a discussion about what is going on in each episode, because each episode has so many major themes." Roberts went on to say possible discussion topics should be signs and symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, bullying (and its cowardly cousin, cyberbullying), and effective communication between teens and parents - all of which are themes woven into the show itself. As Mousa put it, "It's the kind of thing that needs to be paused, and talked about, because there are a lot of scenes that are disturbing."
The teacher, the activist, and the social worker all said the same thing: this isn't a show kids (particularly young ones) should watch on their own. This is a show to be watched and talked about in an educational way. It's a show that parents can use as a tool to talk to their kids. It's emotional, it's disturbing, and it may be flat-out necessary for kids to realize how their actions affect others - as long as an adult is helping them come to that conclusion.
This Congressman Seems Confused About What "Pre-Existing Conditions" Are
Republicans in Congress are committed to dismantling the Affordable Care Act, particularly the clause that requires individual state insurance exchanges to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Despite the fact that part of his job is to understand what a pre-existing condition is, GOP House Representative Mo Brooks demonstrated he either has no idea what constitutes pre-existing or he is simply heartless.
A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical condition that a person had before seeking insurance; conditions could range from cancer to a condition a patient was born with, like asthma. Presently, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions at the same cost as their peers without pre-existing conditions.
Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper about President Donald Trump's second attempt to pass another healthcare plan, Mo Brooks suggested people with pre-existing conditions had control over their health. "My understanding is that (the new bill) will allow insurance companies to require people who have higher healthcare costs to contribute more to the insurance pool," Brooks said. "That helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives, they're healthy, they've done the things to keep their bodies healthy. And right now, those are the people - who've done things the right way - that are seeing their costs skyrocketing."
What Brooks originally implied is that people who don't have pre-existing conditions are "healthy" people who "lead good lives," which ostensibly stipulates some level of control. Of course people who live healthier lives often have less medical problems, but that does not exempt, say, a nonsmoker from having asthma or a child from getting leukemia.
Following his seemingly ignorant gaffe, Brooks tried to walk back his statement. "Now, in fairness, a lot of these people with pre-existing conditions, they have those conditions through no fault of their own. I think our society, under those circumstances, needs to help," Brooks said. "The challenge, though, is that it's a tough balancing act between the higher cost of these mandates, which denies people coverage because they can't afford their health insurance policies . . . and having enough coverage to help those people truly in need."
Brooks, a Freedom Caucus member from Alabama, is a proponent of scrapping protections for pre-existing coverage. One of the main reasons Trump's first healthcare plan didn't pass was because the Freedom Caucus objected to the mandate's inclusion in his proposal. However the new GOP healthcare plan does not include a provision for health insurance companies to provide coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions. Instead, the proposal essentially allows states to decide whether they want to keep the rule.
Congressional Republicans do not have enough support to pass the new proposal. At least 21 House Republicans are in the "no" camp, and if two more break with the party, the bill will not pass.
The Real Met Gala Party Takes Place in the Bathroom
The Met Gala red carpet may see lots of action, but the real party takes place in the bathroom. Stars technically aren't supposed to take photos inside the event, but on Monday, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters gathered with a group for one giant mirror selfie in the bathroom. She wasn't the only one snapping pictures outside the stalls, though. Designer Prabal Gurung captured a few Instagram moments, including a video of the crowd mingling and smoking. Meanwhile, Paris Jackson sat on the floor alongside Bella Hadid and Ruby Rose, and Rita Ora shared pictures of Dakota Johnson and Rami Malek. Keep reading for a look at all the bathroom pictures from fashion's big night, then check out the must-see Instagram snaps plus pictures that will make you feel like you were there.
Why 13 Reasons Why Should Be Shown in Schools Despite the Backlash
A debate has erupted in the wake of 13 Reasons Why's remarkable success. Netflix's series, based on the book by Jay Asher, shows the events leading up to the suicide of a teenager named Hannah. More notably, though, it shows the devastating aftermath. While parents should be aware of all the disturbing events within the series before they chose to let their kids see it, there's a rising faction of viewers who have been so struck by the way the series portrays bullying and suicide who think it should be mandatory viewing for students.
It's a controversial stance, given how much backlash Netflix is getting for the graphic suicide scene. (If you haven't seen the series, Hannah slices her wrists in a bathtub.) Australian mental heath group Headspace is speaking out against the series, warning that it "exposes viewers to risky suicide content." Netflix has responded by agreeing to update its trigger warnings, but Headspace's biggest point is that even showing kids a series like this will make them think of suicide more.
Michelle Mousa, a sixth grade CORE teacher at Sequoia Middle School in Pleasant Hill, CA, echoed the sentiment. Mousa said the show has ripped through her campus "like a tornado," and when asked whether kids would benefit from seeing the show in school, she said, "My first reaction is why would we give it more energy? It's snowballed. But again, this point of view is powerful because it's not really about one particular bully. It's about the broken society that allows this kind of mean-spirited world to continue."
Mousa mentioned that her school is considering other ways to address 13 Reasons Why with the students (via an assembly or a note in the school bulletin warning parents to watch it with their children), but is concerned about the bigger picture: "We have a televised bulletin that is put on every day by the students, and they do PSAs on antibullying all the time. Oftentimes the educators feel that we're inundated with antibullying campaigns, but yet why aren't we talking about random acts of kindness, or being positive?"
Star Kate Walsh recently put her two cents in, telling The Huffington Post, "I really do think it should be mandatory in schools to watch this and talk about it and have education around it. Unfortunately, a lot of kids' lives were lost before schools started having conversations and awareness, and communities started having dialogue about it. As long as anything is shrouded in shame or secrecy, nothing good can come from it."
Whether it's the graphic suicide or the realistic depictions of rape within the show, something seems to have hit a chord with younger viewers - but just what are they taking away from it? Are freshman drawing parallels to their own lives and reaching out to peers who may be in need? Or are youths who are struggling with depression seeing this as a glamorous way to end their lives? Even if the answer is "both," is it worth attempting to get through to bullies and potential rapists at the risk of pushing suicidal teens over the edge?
We spoke with ProtectHer founder Alexis Jones, who goes into high school locker rooms to educate teen athletes about sexual assault, and she thinks that because the show is so well written and acted it has a better chance to get through to kids than any presentation ever could. "Because it's fiction, it allows us to talk about the issues through these characters," she said. "It's exponentially more powerful than coming in with a PowerPoint. That is not nearly as effective as watching a show, getting invested in characters, and then talking about the different aspects. It gives us these individuals to point to and to say, 'If you're ever feeling like Hannah felt, let's make sure you get help because look at how many people cared about Hannah.' It gives us the context to talk about suicide and sexual assault."
That last part? It's the most vital takeaway from this whole debate. Whether parents choose to show the series to their kids or teachers gain permission to show it to students, it needs to be more than a screening. "The most important part of showing this in school would be the discussion," said Haley Roberts, a licensed baccalaureate social worker. "There needs to be a discussion about what is going on in each episode, because each episode has so many major themes." Roberts went on to say possible discussion topics should be signs and symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, bullying (and its cowardly cousin, cyberbullying), and effective communication between teens and parents - all of which are themes woven into the show itself. As Mousa put it, "It's the kind of thing that needs to be paused, and talked about, because there are a lot of scenes that are disturbing."
The teacher, the activist, and the social worker all said the same thing: this isn't a show kids (particularly young ones) should watch on their own. This is a show to be watched and talked about in an educational way. It's a show that parents can use as a tool to talk to their kids. It's emotional, it's disturbing, and it may be flat-out necessary for kids to realize how their actions affect others - as long as an adult is helping them come to that conclusion.
Shaun White Talks to Jimmy Kimmel About the Heart Condition He Shares With His Son
Jimmy Kimmel started his show on Monday night on a very serious and heartbreaking note when he revealed that his son William, who was born on April 21, suffers from a heart condition. The host got visibly upset as he choked back tears while talking about how Billy had to get his first of likely three open-heart surgeries shortly after he was born. While the entire thing has been terrifying for Jimmy and his wife, Molly, who are also parents to daughter Jane, he found comfort in professional snowboarder Shaun White. The athlete, who suffers from the same condition as little Billy, traveled all the way down to LA from Mammoth Mountain to talk to Jimmy about what living with the condition has been like for him, and that there is no reason to think Billy won't have a normal life. After Shaun revealed that he's been able to be so athletic because his parents didn't put too many limitations on him as a kid, Jimmy admitted that he's starting to look at his son's condition differently.
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