Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 4 mai 2017
WTF, You Won't Believe the Gluten-Free "Meal" This Guy Was Served on a Plane
When Martin Pavelka requested a gluten-free breakfast on his nine-hour flight from Tokyo to Sydney, he was served the saddest excuse for a meal we've ever seen: a single, lousy banana. The Londoner, who suffers from the digestive condition celiac disease, was given a fitting meal the night before, but when morning came, his breakfast didn't nearly stack up to what his fellow passengers were eating.
While the other travelers dug into eggs, sausage, mushrooms, bread, and yogurt, the All Nippon Airways flight attendants simply handed Martin a banana plastered with a "GF" (for gluten-free) sticker. What's more is that his "meal" came with a set of plastic cutlery, according to The Telegraph. Because everyone eats their bananas with a fork and knife these days, right?
As you can expect, Martin was pretty darn upset about his subpar breakfast. "This was a nine-hour flight. Although definitely gluten-free, the banana did not keep me full for very long," he told the Evening Standard. "In my opinion, I don't think they really get the concept of allergies and alternative meals," he added.
After the passenger filed a complaint about the incident, an airline spokesman responded with a promise to review the company's policy on addressing passengers' needs. "ANA takes great pride in providing an exemplary customer experience for all passengers, and for this one passenger we did not meet his expectations. We have apologised to him personally and as a result of his experience we are reviewing our policy on gluten-free options and how they are served," he said, according to the Evening Standard.
Why the New Healthcare Bill Is a Slap in the Face to Sexual Assault Survivors
The House voted on May 4 to repeal Obamacare with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The bill would leave 24 million people without insurance, and among some of its most infuriating and antiwoman provisions, it would allow insurance carriers to consider sexual assault a "pre-existing condition."
The bill contains the MacArthur-Meadows amendment, which would allow insurance companies to review your medical history and decide whether or not you qualify for coverage. It would eliminate the current protection for pre-existing conditions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While that's upsetting on its own, the new bill also includes language that would make sexual assault, postpartum depression, and even C-sections "pre-existing conditions." The amendment is a blatant attack on women's right and is laughable considering the White House made April "Sexual Assault Awareness Month." That same administration is now turning its back against the same women it once claimed to support.
If the AHCA does become law, it could force people who are sexually assaulted to make a choice no one should have to make: whether to report the crime and risk their insurance coverage or stay silent to protect it.
Under the AHCA, you'll have to decide if reporting a sexual assault is worth losing your health insurance. KEEP CALLING. #VoteNoAHCA
- Ross Johnson (@Rosserford) May 4, 2017
Ultraviolet, an organization dedicated to fighting sexism, released a statement on the vote, calling it a "declaration of war on women." The group continued with, "Today's vote by Republicans sends a cynical message to survivors of rape and gender-based violence: 'You're on your own.'" It also called the vote "the beginnings of a serious national healthcare crisis - one which will cut off millions of Americans from health insurance coverage."
Two hundred and seventeen Republicans voted yes for the AHCA, while 20 voted no and one abstained. Every single Democrat voted no. The bill will now head to the Senate, where it is expected to be met with resistance. However, that doesn't mean citizens can rest easy. Call your senators to let them know what you think of the AHCA.
Former Obama White House Press Secretary Doesn't Have an Inkling of Sympathy For Sean Spicer
No job at the White House is expected to be easy - and the press secretary role is no different. Josh Earnest, former press secretary to President Barack Obama, knows this all too well. That's why he's not giving present Press Secretary Sean Spicer any passes. During an interview with CNN's Brian Stelter on April 24, Earnest said that he doesn't "feel a ton of sympathy" for Spicer, because he was well aware of Donald Trump's leadership style from his experience on the campaign.
Spicer has repeatedly come under fire for his wildly inaccurate attempts to spin stories and for hawking downright lies. But, as Earnest points out, it's simply the nature of working for someone as mercurial as President Trump. Attempting to differentiate between his job and Spicer's, Earnest explained that the president sets the tone for how a secretary interacts with the press.
"Sean's job is different because he works for somebody who is famously thin-skinned and somebody who has demonstrated over and over again that he doesn't care that much about telling the truth," Earnest said to Selter. "And who, at least in some of his record, doesn't appear to have much of an appreciation for how important independent journalism is in the success to our democracy. That's what makes our approaches so different."
Later in the interview, Earnest explained why he does not sympathize with Spicer as he encounters an onslaught of criticism. "Sean's not the victim of a bait and switch. It's not like he met President Trump on his first day," Earnest said. "It's not as if Sean met President Trump on Sean's first day of the White House. Sean worked for the Trump campaign and the RNC and the transition. He knew what he was getting into."
Earnest did, however, concede that he does view anonymous leaked criticism of Spicer as unbeneficial for the entire administration's effort to push their policies. "The job of being the White House press secretary is hard enough without having people that are supposed to be on your team criticizing you and undermining you in public," Earnest added.
Despite Spicer's ever-growing list of gaffes and failures, Trump has refused to fire him. According to The Washington Post, Trump is not inclined to replace Spicer because he gets "great ratings" and everyone "tunes in."
This wouldn't be the first time Trump has prioritized TV viewership over ethics.
Who Will Take the Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II is the United Kingdom's longest-reigning British monarch, but we can't help but wonder who will take on the crown after her. If she were to abdicate (give up the royal throne), retire, or pass away, her eldest son Prince Charles would become king - making him the oldest heir to accede to the British throne. Of course, he also has the option to immediately pass the crown on to his oldest son, Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, followed by William's two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Even though Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 90th birthday, it appears she isn't ready to give up her royal title quite yet. Sarah Bradford, the author of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Our Times, revealed that she's never even contemplated abdication, adding, "The queen simply feels she must do her duty."
WTF, You Won't Believe the Gluten-Free "Meal" This Guy Was Served on a Plane
When Martin Pavelka requested a gluten-free breakfast on his nine-hour flight from Tokyo to Sydney, he was served the saddest excuse for a meal we've ever seen: a single, lousy banana. The Londoner, who suffers from the digestive condition celiac disease, was given a fitting meal the night before, but when morning came, his breakfast didn't nearly stack up to what his fellow passengers were eating.
While the other travelers dug into eggs, sausage, mushrooms, bread, and yogurt, the All Nippon Airways flight attendants simply handed Martin a banana plastered with a "GF" (for gluten-free) sticker. What's more is that his "meal" came with a set of plastic cutlery, according to The Telegraph. Because everyone eats their bananas with a fork and knife these days, right?
As you can expect, Martin was pretty darn upset about his subpar breakfast. "This was a nine-hour flight. Although definitely gluten-free, the banana did not keep me full for very long," he told the Evening Standard. "In my opinion, I don't think they really get the concept of allergies and alternative meals," he added.
After the passenger filed a complaint about the incident, an airline spokesman responded with a promise to review the company's policy on addressing passengers' needs. "ANA takes great pride in providing an exemplary customer experience for all passengers, and for this one passenger we did not meet his expectations. We have apologised to him personally and as a result of his experience we are reviewing our policy on gluten-free options and how they are served," he said, according to the Evening Standard.
Why the New Healthcare Bill Is a Slap in the Face to Sexual Assault Survivors
The House voted on May 4 to repeal Obamacare with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The bill would leave 24 million people without insurance, and among some of its most infuriating and antiwoman provisions, it would allow insurance carriers to consider sexual assault a "pre-existing condition."
The bill contains the MacArthur-Meadows amendment, which would allow insurance companies to review your medical history and decide whether or not you qualify for coverage. It would eliminate the current protection for pre-existing conditions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While that's upsetting on its own, the new bill also includes language that would make sexual assault, postpartum depression, and even C-sections "pre-existing conditions." The amendment is a blatant attack on women's right and is laughable considering the White House made April "Sexual Assault Awareness Month." That same administration is now turning its back against the same women it once claimed to support.
If the AHCA does become law, it could force people who are sexually assaulted to make a choice no one should have to make: whether to report the crime and risk their insurance coverage or stay silent to protect it.
Under the AHCA, you'll have to decide if reporting a sexual assault is worth losing your health insurance. KEEP CALLING. #VoteNoAHCA
- Ross Johnson (@Rosserford) May 4, 2017
Ultraviolet, an organization dedicated to fighting sexism, released a statement on the vote, calling it a "declaration of war on women." The group continued with, "Today's vote by Republicans sends a cynical message to survivors of rape and gender-based violence: 'You're on your own.'" It also called the vote "the beginnings of a serious national healthcare crisis - one which will cut off millions of Americans from health insurance coverage."
Two hundred and seventeen Republicans voted yes for the AHCA, while 20 voted no and one abstained. Every single Democrat voted no. The bill will now head to the Senate, where it is expected to be met with resistance. However, that doesn't mean citizens can rest easy. Call your senators to let them know what you think of the AHCA.
Former Obama White House Press Secretary Doesn't Have an Inkling of Sympathy For Sean Spicer
No job at the White House is expected to be easy - and the press secretary role is no different. Josh Earnest, former press secretary to President Barack Obama, knows this all too well. That's why he's not giving present Press Secretary Sean Spicer any passes. During an interview with CNN's Brian Stelter on April 24, Earnest said that he doesn't "feel a ton of sympathy" for Spicer, because he was well aware of Donald Trump's leadership style from his experience on the campaign.
Spicer has repeatedly come under fire for his wildly inaccurate attempts to spin stories and for hawking downright lies. But, as Earnest points out, it's simply the nature of working for someone as mercurial as President Trump. Attempting to differentiate between his job and Spicer's, Earnest explained that the president sets the tone for how a secretary interacts with the press.
"Sean's job is different because he works for somebody who is famously thin-skinned and somebody who has demonstrated over and over again that he doesn't care that much about telling the truth," Earnest said to Selter. "And who, at least in some of his record, doesn't appear to have much of an appreciation for how important independent journalism is in the success to our democracy. That's what makes our approaches so different."
Later in the interview, Earnest explained why he does not sympathize with Spicer as he encounters an onslaught of criticism. "Sean's not the victim of a bait and switch. It's not like he met President Trump on his first day," Earnest said. "It's not as if Sean met President Trump on Sean's first day of the White House. Sean worked for the Trump campaign and the RNC and the transition. He knew what he was getting into."
Earnest did, however, concede that he does view anonymous leaked criticism of Spicer as unbeneficial for the entire administration's effort to push their policies. "The job of being the White House press secretary is hard enough without having people that are supposed to be on your team criticizing you and undermining you in public," Earnest added.
Despite Spicer's ever-growing list of gaffes and failures, Trump has refused to fire him. According to The Washington Post, Trump is not inclined to replace Spicer because he gets "great ratings" and everyone "tunes in."
This wouldn't be the first time Trump has prioritized TV viewership over ethics.
8 Body Language Tips That Will Make You More Likeable
Body language is extremely important when it comes to making good first impressions. It's always helpful to know what body cues show you in a positive light, especially during interviews or networking when you're meeting someone for the first time. It can make a difference and even make you more likeable. Keep these tips in mind when you're interacting with another person:
- Smile slowly. If you're too quick to come to a smile or drop one, your expression may not look genuine. Real smiles happen gradually, but remember not to do it too slowly because it can also look creepy. Do your best to mimic a natural smile by practicing in the mirror.
- Speak in a deeper voice. When you're nervous or excited, your voice may come out in a higher pitch. Take a deep breath and lower your pitch, because a deeper voice is considered to have more authority and confidence. In fact, even dogs respond better to deeper voices when you are trying to give them a command.
- Make eye contact. When talking to someone, making eye contact shows interest and also confidence. Don't go overboard and gaze without breaking eye contact, because that can make people feel uncomfortable. Spend the majority of the time making eye contact, but remember to briefly take breaks.
- Have good posture. Sit or stand up straight and avoid slouching. Slouching can make you look less professional and can possibly make you look less confident and enthusiastic.
- Lean. Move your body slightly forward toward the person you're talking to. This reflects interest. However, if you want to show that you're relaxed, lean back a little bit. Don't overdo the leaning or it may either look like you have no idea of what personal space is if you lean forward too much or make you look uninterested and uppity if you lean too far back.
- Don't fidget. Don't fiddle with your hands or shake your leg because that can portray nervousness or restlessness. Relax and slow down your movements.
- Stay uncrossed. Keep your hands and legs uncrossed because that can make you seem cold and distant. If you're not crossing your arms, you'll look more open and less guarded.
- Mirror movements. People often unconsciously mirror people whom they get along with. You can do things like smile or frown along with the speaker or gesture more if you see the other person talking with her hands.
It's always good to remember that if you're not relaxed, these attempts at better body language may be for naught. When you're nervous, other people will be able to spot that, and it may make them feel a bit jittery in turn. Do some stretches beforehand (and out of sight!) if you're looking to make a good impression on someone, and take deep breaths.
Kurt and Goldie Are Hollywood Royalty, and Now They Have the Stars to Prove It
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn brought their star power to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA on Thursday. The longtime couple were honored for their extensive careers by Reese Witherspoon, Quentin Tarantino, and their daughter, Kate Hudson, as they received stars on the legendary memorial walk and shared a sweet kiss before taking turns to speak at the podium. This week, Goldie's Snatched costar Amy Schumer shared a heart-melting video of her father being brought to tears while meeting Goldie, who is the "love of his life." The movie comes out on Mother's Day, and Kurt's new film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is released on Friday.
Why I Wanted a Small Wedding - and Why You Might Too
Seven years and two kids ago, my (now) husband knelt on a moonlit boat dock in Camden, ME, and asked if I would love him forever. For me, it was a no-brainer. I wept and said yes. There was no one there but us and the moon and the swaying boats in the harbor. There was no ring. There was just his earnest ask. I treasured that intimacy, and I wanted to carry it through to our wedding vows.
I was not someone who had been planning her wedding since childhood. I had no vision for what I wanted or what my dress would be - I actually admire women who are this decisive. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted my wedding to be small. To me, this was my most personal moment - the moment where I pledged to love another person through all of life's triumphs and tragedies, and that felt sacred to me. The thought of saying my vows, personal and handwritten, in front of people who I might not even know seemed counter to how I wanted the moment to feel and be remembered.
A few weeks after our engagement, I told my then-fiancé that I'd like to have around 20 people at our wedding. The two of us, his three best friends and their plus-ones, my three best friends and their plus-ones, and our parents and their significant others (his parents are divorced). He was stunned. My husband is loving and charismatic and has a wide social circle. "But," he argued, "we need more people on the dance floor!" Point taken.
I grew up attending large, gregarious weddings my whole life. I'm from a big extended family, and I loved those gatherings, but I wanted something different for myself. My family alone would have been nearly 100 people. My parents had a difficult time understanding that I wanted to get married far away and have only a handful of people attend. As it often happens while planning a wedding, tensions mounted and feelings were hurt. How would I balance the desires of my family with what I really wanted for my wedding? Meanwhile, my husband's list took on a life of its own. "Weddings are also about having fun," he reasoned.
Eventually, we got the number to 40 people. My husband, bless his heart, even added a couple of people two days before the wedding. I'm glad that I compromised with him and had more people attend because ultimately part of marriage is about consistently compromising with your partner to ensure you are each happy.
My husband and I were concerned that we would be blubbering messes while delivering the vows that we wrote for each other. So, instead, we were married with traditional vows during the ceremony. Then, that night in the honeymoon suite, damp with sweat from dancing (you see a theme here, right?) and high on the adrenaline of the day, we sweetly read our handwritten vows to each other. Not a soul on this earth has heard those vows but us, and each year on our wedding anniversary, we take them out and read them to each other again.
In the end, our wedding still felt incredibly intimate because all of the people who attended are still in our lives, and they have supported us through some truly difficult times. I'm extremely grateful that they could be there to bear witness to our marriage. And to shake their asses on the dance floor.
Kurt and Goldie Are Hollywood Royalty, and Now They Have the Stars to Prove It
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn brought their star power to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA on Thursday. The longtime couple were honored for their extensive careers by Reese Witherspoon, Quentin Tarantino, and their daughter, Kate Hudson, as they received stars on the legendary memorial walk and shared a sweet kiss before taking turns to speak at the podium. This week, Goldie's Snatched costar Amy Schumer shared a heart-melting video of her father being brought to tears while meeting Goldie, who is the "love of his life." The movie comes out on Mother's Day, and Kurt's new film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is released on Friday.
10 Embroidery Hoops That Make Dope Gifts For Stoners
With the rise in popularity of needlepoint, we of course had to find fun embroidery hoops for stoners. They make cute gifts for all your weed-smoking friends and add some flair to the home. See some of our favorites ahead!
How to Do Holographic Highlight IRL - According to a Beauty Pro
Taylor Frankel launched the successful makeup brand Nudestix with her sister Ally. We are thrilled to share this exclusive contributing creative post from her. Then, learn more about how she started Nudestix here.
Hey, it's me, your girl Tay! Serious question, how many times have you seen an Instagram trend that looks super cool in pictures, but not-at-all wearable IRL? (TBT to clown contouring, haha.) The beauty community has done it again, by feeding our inner unicorn obsession. Meet the holographic highlighting trend! Not that I need to tell you, because you've probably heard all the rage about the "holographic" trend, and probably thought to yourself, "Well, that's cool but I could never wear (or pull that off) to work, school, or for a casual brunch with girlfriends." For this very relatable reason, I have created the ultimate (not to brag!) step-by-step how-to guide for creating the perfect wearable holographic highlight for real life. Thank me later, ladies!
As Her Van Caught Fire, This Mom Learned What Really Matters: The Kids She Saved
That's my van. Wait - that was my van. But my kids are safe and good. I just got a second degree burn on my foot. I am...
Posted by Finding Joy on Saturday, April 29, 2017
Rachel Martin was driving her five kids to the park when she mistakenly missed the turn she was supposed to make, put her family van in reverse, and noticed every warning light suddenly turn on. Seconds later, she lost control of the steering wheel and was unable to brake. As she slowed down and made it to the side of the road, white smoke started to emerge. That's when her 11-year-old son got out of the car and saw a fire starting in the engine.
Rachel shared her traumatic experience in an emotional post on her blog, Finding Joy. After noticing the fire, Rachel knew she had to act fast. "That's when I screamed for everyone to get out. That's also when, in my not so brilliant thinking, I scraped my foot under the burning vehicle in an attempt to snuff out the fire that was burning on the ground," Rachel said, adding, "But my kids were out. And as I watched my van that was the first thing I owned on my own since my divorce, that had gone with me from Minnesota to Tennessee, that had all our stuff in it - go up into flames - I didn't care."
Though her van and other valuables were destroyed in the fire, she learned about what really matters in moments of distress. "We work for stuff. We don't want to lose stuff. But when the stuff gets taken and our family preserved - we quickly realize how much the stuff doesn't matter," Rachel said.
Following the incident, Rachel shared a separate blog post with six invaluable pieces of advice for dealing with a similar unexpected scenario. She's also taken to Facebook to share her story in an attempt to impart her learnings. In a photo depicting the inside of her destroyed van, Rachel reinforced, "You see, I don't see stuff destroyed. I see lives saved."
That's what is left of the inside of my van. The seat closest to you is where my daughter Grace was sitting just thirty...
Posted by Finding Joy on Sunday, April 30, 2017
HBO Is Developing FOUR Game of Thrones Spinoff Series
As the end of Game of Thrones draws dangerously near, HBO is getting ready for its next big series. While we know the network was hoping to get a spinoff in the works, we just found out that it's actually developing four spinoffs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "each of the four projects will explore different time periods of Martin's sprawling world of Westeros. It's unclear where any of the four fall in the show's universe - meaning they could be prequels, sequels, or spinoffs." What.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, these are just potential series. HBO could decide to go forward with one, several, or none. The writing teams on each new show are Max Borenstein, Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin, Brian Helgeland, and Carly Wray and Martin. This means the original writer will still have a hand in most of the ideas . . . but when will The Winds of Winter come out?!
Until we get more details, we'll just have to keep coming up with more theories.
As Her Van Caught Fire, This Mom Learned What Really Matters: The Kids She Saved
That's my van. Wait - that was my van. But my kids are safe and good. I just got a second degree burn on my foot. I am...
Posted by Finding Joy on Saturday, April 29, 2017
Rachel Martin was driving her five kids to the park when she mistakenly missed the turn she was supposed to make, put her family van in reverse, and noticed every warning light suddenly turn on. Seconds later, she lost control of the steering wheel and was unable to brake. As she slowed down and made it to the side of the road, white smoke started to emerge. That's when her 11-year-old son got out of the car and saw a fire starting in the engine.
Rachel shared her traumatic experience in an emotional post on her blog, Finding Joy. After noticing the fire, Rachel knew she had to act fast. "That's when I screamed for everyone to get out. That's also when, in my not so brilliant thinking, I scraped my foot under the burning vehicle in an attempt to snuff out the fire that was burning on the ground," Rachel said, adding, "But my kids were out. And as I watched my van that was the first thing I owned on my own since my divorce, that had gone with me from Minnesota to Tennessee, that had all our stuff in it - go up into flames - I didn't care."
Though her van and other valuables were destroyed in the fire, she learned about what really matters in moments of distress. "We work for stuff. We don't want to lose stuff. But when the stuff gets taken and our family preserved - we quickly realize how much the stuff doesn't matter," Rachel said.
Following the incident, Rachel shared a separate blog post with six invaluable pieces of advice for dealing with a similar unexpected scenario. She's also taken to Facebook to share her story in an attempt to impart her learnings. In a photo depicting the inside of her destroyed van, Rachel reinforced, "You see, I don't see stuff destroyed. I see lives saved."
That's what is left of the inside of my van. The seat closest to you is where my daughter Grace was sitting just thirty...
Posted by Finding Joy on Sunday, April 30, 2017
How to Do Holographic Highlight IRL - According to a Beauty Pro
Taylor Frankel launched the successful makeup brand Nudestix with her sister Ally. We are thrilled to share this exclusive contributing creative post from her. Then, learn more about how she started Nudestix here.
Hey, it's me, your girl Tay! Serious question, how many times have you seen an Instagram trend that looks super cool in pictures, but not-at-all wearable IRL? (TBT to clown contouring, haha.) The beauty community has done it again, by feeding our inner unicorn obsession. Meet the holographic highlighting trend! Not that I need to tell you, because you've probably heard all the rage about the "holographic" trend, and probably thought to yourself, "Well, that's cool but I could never wear (or pull that off) to work, school, or for a casual brunch with girlfriends." For this very relatable reason, I have created the ultimate (not to brag!) step-by-step how-to guide for creating the perfect wearable holographic highlight for real life. Thank me later, ladies!
HBO Is Developing FOUR Game of Thrones Spinoff Series
As the end of Game of Thrones draws dangerously near, HBO is getting ready for its next big series. While we know the network was hoping to get a spinoff in the works, we just found out that it's actually developing four spinoffs. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "each of the four projects will explore different time periods of Martin's sprawling world of Westeros. It's unclear where any of the four fall in the show's universe - meaning they could be prequels, sequels, or spinoffs." What.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, these are just potential series. HBO could decide to go forward with one, several, or none. The writing teams on each new show are Max Borenstein, Jane Goldman and George R.R. Martin, Brian Helgeland, and Carly Wray and Martin. This means the original writer will still have a hand in most of the ideas . . . but when will The Winds of Winter come out?!
Until we get more details, we'll just have to keep coming up with more theories.
Watching Prince Royce Teach Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Bachata Will Make You Melt
Prince Royce is the king of bachata. The singer went on Live With Kelly and Ryan to perform his new single "Deja Vu" (sans Shakira, though), and he took the chance to sneak in a little bachata lesson.
Royce showed Kelly Ripa and new cohost Ryan Seacrest how to do the famous dance from the Dominican Republic. He even got one lucky lady from the audience to dance with him. The hip action he gives will replay in your dreams every single night for weeks. Watch it all go down in the video above.
This Little Prince Beauty Line Is Out of This World
Many of us fell in love with the sweet story of The Little Prince as a child, which points out the silly nature of adults. The imaginative story has captured the hearts of people all over the world, and has now even inspired a Korean beauty collection with Swiss Pure.
The line included a selection of skin and hair care items, eye shadows, and soaps adorned with the beloved novel's adorable illustrations and quotes from the book.
Unfortunately, these products were never sold in the US and seem to be sold out everywhere, including our go-to methods of getting K-beauty, Amazon and eBay. We'll have to admire this collection via Instagram and hope that the next K-beauty collaboration will be stateside. Read on to see the charming products.
Watching Prince Royce Teach Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Bachata Will Make You Melt
Prince Royce is the king of bachata. The singer went on Live With Kelly and Ryan to perform his new single "Deja Vu" (sans Shakira, though), and he took the chance to sneak in a little bachata lesson.
Royce showed Kelly Ripa and new cohost Ryan Seacrest how to do the famous dance from the Dominican Republic. He even got one lucky lady from the audience to dance with him. The hip action he gives will replay in your dreams every single night for weeks. Watch it all go down in the video above.
This Pregnant Lady Version of Moana's "How Far I'll Go" Is Catchy as Hell
Moana is officially the new Frozen when it comes to mom parodies. The latest? A pregnant woman, overdue and exhausted, belting out "How Long I'll Go" to the tune of the hit "How Far I'll Go."
We wish we thought of it first – the lyrics were just asking to be redone by a 40-plus-weeks pregnant mom. Case in point: "I wish I could meet this perfect daughter / but I cannot break my water, no matter how hard I try." And of course, there's the catchy as hell chorus: "No one knooooows how large I'll grooooow / Thought I wasn't prepared, now my due date's behind meeeee / Can't reach me toooooes . . ."
Get In a Quick Body Burn With These 15-Minute Workout Videos
Don't have time for a long workout? Don't skip it entirely! Squeeze in some fitness in just 15 minutes with these workout videos. Do one now and one later or do two in a row for a total of 30 minutes. We've got bodyweight workouts, dumbbell workouts, Pilates, boot-camp-style, beginner workouts, and even an '80s-themed old-school aerobics workout! These videos may be short, but they'll still have you burning calories, toning your muscles, and getting your heart rate up.
This Little Prince Beauty Line Is Out of This World
Many of us fell in love with the sweet story of The Little Prince as a child, which points out the silly nature of adults. The imaginative story has captured the hearts of people all over the world, and has now even inspired a Korean beauty collection with Swiss Pure.
The line included a selection of skin and hair care items, eye shadows, and soaps adorned with the beloved novel's adorable illustrations and quotes from the book.
Unfortunately, these products were never sold in the US and seem to be sold out everywhere, including our go-to methods of getting K-beauty, Amazon and eBay. We'll have to admire this collection via Instagram and hope that the next K-beauty collaboration will be stateside. Read on to see the charming products.
This Pregnant Lady Version of Moana's "How Far I'll Go" Is Catchy as Hell
Moana is officially the new Frozen when it comes to mom parodies. The latest? A pregnant woman, overdue and exhausted, belting out "How Long I'll Go" to the tune of the hit "How Far I'll Go."
We wish we thought of it first – the lyrics were just asking to be redone by a 40-plus-weeks pregnant mom. Case in point: "I wish I could meet this perfect daughter / but I cannot break my water, no matter how hard I try." And of course, there's the catchy as hell chorus: "No one knooooows how large I'll grooooow / Thought I wasn't prepared, now my due date's behind meeeee / Can't reach me toooooes . . ."
This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
Anxiety and insomnia are common problems these days, and while you could treat the problems by taking one of the many of drugs on the market, you can also try simply wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. The deep pressure these blankets produce is akin to being embraced in a hug, which is said to stimulate the production serotonin and endorphins, naturally calming chemicals in the body. As a result, you'll fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sounds incredible, right? There are a handful of weighted blankets on the market already (including the Sleep Tight, Mosaic, SensaCalm, and Magic Blanket), but a brand called Gravity just launched a Kickstarter campaign to release the most innovative and luxurious weighted blanket model yet ($279 retail, as low as $179 Kickstarter early order).
"Taking design cues from renderings of gravity planes, we used the same grid-like pattern to evenly distribute the crafted poly pellets to specifically target pressure points throughout your body," the company says. To achieve the perfect 7-12 percent body weight to blanket weight ratio, it's offering three different pound options made from nontoxic, food grade filling. And unlike many of its competitors, Gravity's cover is a plush, ultrasoft fleece. The only downside? Production doesn't happen till this Summer, and you'll have to wait until early Fall to receive your blanket. Until then, soothe yourself to sleep by designing your bedroom to combat anxiety.
The Biggest Mistake I Made Before Hiking to Machu Picchu
Can I confess something to you? I am addicted to adventure. No matter the day, my mind thirsts for adventure the way some yearn for their first cup of coffee. So when I had the opportunity to hike the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu not too long ago, as you can imagine, the thought of this trek made me high on thrill.
Little did I know this adventure would unfortunately be one of the worst experiences of my life due to some unforeseen circumstances. Let's just say I brought home an unwanted souvenir from the trip: a parasite.
Would I make the trek again? Yes! Machu Picchu is an incredible place to discover in person, not to mention it is one of the new seven wonders of the world. But would I change a few things before making the trek again? Absolutely.
If trekking along the 26-mile Inca Trail is in your future or if the thought has ever crept into your mind, make sure you take into consideration the valuable eight lessons I learned from my experience.
Get In a Quick Body Burn With These 15-Minute Workout Videos
Don't have time for a long workout? Don't skip it entirely! Squeeze in some fitness in just 15 minutes with these workout videos. Do one now and one later or do two in a row for a total of 30 minutes. We've got bodyweight workouts, dumbbell workouts, Pilates, boot-camp-style, beginner workouts, and even an '80s-themed old-school aerobics workout! These videos may be short, but they'll still have you burning calories, toning your muscles, and getting your heart rate up.
Since Moving Out of My Boyfriend's House, Our Love Is Stronger Than Ever
With hard work, determination, and a whole lot of honesty, Jamie Thurber from YourTango strengthened her relationship for the better.
And here's why...
Almost three years ago I moved out of my boyfriend's house.
After living together for over a year and a half, he dropped a huge bomb on me. Something that could have ended many relationships.
He told me that even though he had said in the past that he wanted to have more children, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he did not, in fact, want any more kids. It was not an option for him.
You see he's 19 years older than me. He has two grown children and a granddaughter, so it's understandable that he wouldn't want more.
But still, I was blown away when he brought this to my attention, for several reasons.
First, I thought I wanted kids or at least the option to have them if I decided to.
Second, I was blown away by the pure honesty that he laid on the table with me that day.
In hindsight, it's a little weird to realize that I was more shocked by the honesty than I was by the no kids thing. But let's face it, people are rarely honest (even with the person they love) when it comes to their personal feelings. Especially if it's a topic they know the other person feels strongly or cares deeply about.
So I wasn't sure what to do with that.
After a couple of days of thinking - and a lot of crying, confusion, and fear - I decided to move out.
I remember looking at him and saying that I had made a decision that I was going to start looking for houses. He looked back at me and asked, "We're breaking up?"
I replied, "No. But I need my own space to make a decision uninfluenced by you."
He just looked at me. I knew at that moment that I had shocked him with my honesty as much as he had shocked me with his a few days earlier.
You see, I knew that if I stayed there, I would have laid in bed next to him every night, loving this amazing man, and my judgment would have been clouded.
I wouldn't have been able to clearly look at my life and decide if babies were a "must have" for me. I wouldn't have been clear about whether not having children was a deal breaker.
The last thing I wanted to do was to wake up in 10 years hating him because we never had kids, and his biggest fear was that I would. In my mind, by creating that distance between us, I would be able to make a decision in the present, instead of regretting it further down the road.
So now I sit here, almost three years later, and I'm still not 100% certain what the answer for me is.
I still don't know if having kids is something that I see in my future. I am, however, confident in the fact that me maintaining my own space was, and is, exactly what we both needed.
Our love wouldn't have survived if I had stayed. He'd been walking on eggshells feeling like I needed something from him that he wasn't willing to give, and all the while I was walking around planning our imaginary family photos out in my head.
Not. Healthy.
But, here's the thing ... So many people do this!
So many people wake up every morning and live an imaginary life with their partner. They are never clear or honest with either themselves or with the person they love about what they want and/or need - or what they DON'T want and/or CAN'T give. They make assumptions that cause them to act and feel some type of way, instead of simply asking their partner the important questions and being honest about their own feelings and expectations.
These people - which is most of us - just go with the flow, never truly sharing or connecting or getting what they want or need. And in many cases, this creates into resentments that can destroy even the most loving relationship.
Looking back now there are two main lessons I learned from this experience:
1. Your relationship doesn't have to look like everyone else's.
You get to create your own reality and you get to define love for yourself.
You can be the exception to the rule. You can move out of your boyfriend's house and not break up. You can move out of your boyfriend's house and not only strengthen your relationship, but your mutual respect and love for one another as well.
2. It's time to just tell your partner the damn truth already.
Walking around assuming things or acting a certain way because you think you "should" or you "think" you know what someone else is thinking or needing is a big giant waste of time.
ASK THEM. TELL THEM.
You can put it all out on the table without initiating World War III. In fact, putting it out there on the table could PREVENT that war from starting in the first place.
So you see, the power to sculpt your life into exactly that image you see in your mind is possible.
It's all in your hands.
It just takes a little hard work, determination, and a whole lot of honesty.
#BeTheChange, friends. You deserve it.
- Jamie Thurber
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
"Motherhood Isn't Always Hearts and Roses," Which Is Why This Ad Is Perfect
"Motherhood isn't always hearts and roses," ends a moving advertisement from Teleflora that is honoring tough moms everywhere. Although the company sells beautiful and delicate floral bouquets, it chose to approach its Mother's Day ad by putting the more nitty-gritty side of motherhood in the spotlight and showcased real-life mothers who are strong, resilient, and brave, simply because their name is "Mom." With Vince Lombardi's famed "What It Takes to Be Number One" speech playing in the background, the clips feature inspiring moms displaying the heart and determination it takes to raise children day after day.
Watch the video to see the ad in full, and share it with the tough mamas who inspire you.
How to Stay Stylish For Life, According to 1 Very Chic New Yorker
Claire Distenfeld is one of those quintessential New Yorkers you'd trust for styling advice immediately upon meeting her on the street. Her outfits always look effortless, but they have a chic, old-time appeal. That's usually because Claire's incorporated one standout, special piece. Whether it's a magnificent pair of earrings or a brightly colored duster with intricate stitching, Claire shops for items that appear "otherworldly" and unique.
That approach to fashion has become her signature and it's allowed her to curate the luxury destination Fivestory, which is located uptown and shoppable online. Fivestory boasts a collection of the latest and greatest in fashion, art, and home goods. So while a quick browse through the site will let you know what's "in," we thought it even better to talk to Claire directly. Ahead, you'll find her guide to Spring's biggest trends, along with general styling tips and tricks she swears by. Scroll for a lesson in elevating your wardrobe this season, complete courtesy of Claire.
This Photo of a Girl Scout Protesting a Neo-Nazi Is Incredibly Powerful
#brnonehajluje
Posted by Vladimír Čičmanec on Monday, May 1, 2017
A young woman who also happens to be a girl scout is the new hero inspiring the internet. In the viral photo, a girl scout appears to be standing up to a neo-Nazi at a protest.
The photo was taken at a far-right rally on May 1, in Brno, Czech Republic, reports The Huffington Post, and was posted to Facebook by user Vladimír Cicmanec. The girl's pose and expression are calm and strong, unafraid of the neo-Nazi in her face. The image is certainly resonating with people across the internet, considering the original Facebook post has more than 5,000 reactions, 1,000 shares, and 46 comments.
It was also posted to the World Organization of the Scout Movement's (WOSM) Facebook page, where it has more than 4,000 reactions, 1,000 shares, and 74 comments. There, WOSM names the girl scout as Lucie and shares that scouts were protesting the far-right rally "to express their support for values of diversity, peace, and understanding." The photo has also found its way to Reddit and Imgur.
Perhaps this photo of Lucie and other protesters who continue to stand up for what they believe in might finally send the message to the far right: they won't go anywhere anytime soon and they aren't afraid.
"Motherhood Isn't Always Hearts and Roses," Which Is Why This Ad Is Perfect
"Motherhood isn't always hearts and roses," ends a moving advertisement from Teleflora that is honoring tough moms everywhere. Although the company sells beautiful and delicate floral bouquets, it chose to approach its Mother's Day ad by putting the more nitty-gritty side of motherhood in the spotlight and showcased real-life mothers who are strong, resilient, and brave, simply because their name is "Mom." With Vince Lombardi's famed "What It Takes to Be Number One" speech playing in the background, the clips feature inspiring moms displaying the heart and determination it takes to raise children day after day.
Watch the video to see the ad in full, and share it with the tough mamas who inspire you.
How to Stay Stylish For Life, According to 1 Very Chic New Yorker
Claire Distenfeld is one of those quintessential New Yorkers you'd trust for styling advice immediately upon meeting her on the street. Her outfits always look effortless, but they have a chic, old-time appeal. That's usually because Claire's incorporated one standout, special piece. Whether it's a magnificent pair of earrings or a brightly colored duster with intricate stitching, Claire shops for items that appear "otherworldly" and unique.
That approach to fashion has become her signature and it's allowed her to curate the luxury destination Fivestory, which is located uptown and shoppable online. Fivestory boasts a collection of the latest and greatest in fashion, art, and home goods. So while a quick browse through the site will let you know what's "in," we thought it even better to talk to Claire directly. Ahead, you'll find her guide to Spring's biggest trends, along with general styling tips and tricks she swears by. Scroll for a lesson in elevating your wardrobe this season, complete courtesy of Claire.
You Haven't Lived Until You've Tried Sephora's 15 Bestselling Foundations
So many important factors go into buying (and falling in love with) a particular foundation. For starters, you need a hue that actually matches your unique skin tone. Then, you have to consider how it works with your skin type. You'll have to decide the type of finish and coverage you're seeking. And then there's a bevy of ingredients and skin care benefits to also take into consideration.
Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn't easy - especially if you prefer to shop online for beauty products. But this is why it's important to do research, and thanks to the millions of makeup-lovers who shop and review products on Sephora.com, the most complicated research is done for you.
If you're in the market for a new foundation, we've rounded up the bestselling options from Sephora.com. These top-tier complexion formulas have all been given a prestigious four or more stars by avid foundation-lovers, and include a variety of formulas for all preferences (including full cover, natural, and powder)! Keep reading to check them out.
A Feast For the Senses! 9 Sensory Activities For Tots
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
We're all about making learning fun, and for the littlest of kids, that's never too much of a challenge. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain your own tot at home, or for fun activities for a playgroup, you've come to the right place. These nine activities are designed to engage the senses, and many have the added bonus of challenging fine and gross motor skills as well. Happy playtime!
A Feast For the Senses! 9 Sensory Activities For Tots
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
We're all about making learning fun, and for the littlest of kids, that's never too much of a challenge. Whether you're looking for ways to entertain your own tot at home, or for fun activities for a playgroup, you've come to the right place. These nine activities are designed to engage the senses, and many have the added bonus of challenging fine and gross motor skills as well. Happy playtime!
Karma Alert: Judge Rules That Couple Denied a Marriage License by Kim Davis Can Sue Her
Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is back in the spotlight again, but this time for some news she's probably not happy about. On May 2, three judges ruled that the gay couple whom she denied a marriage license are free and clear sue her for damages.
This story begins with David Ermold and David Moore, who originally sued Davis, a Rowan, KY, county clerk for denying them a marriage license. Davis refused to give them one, citing religious grounds. The case was dismissed by Judge David Bunning, who believed that an executive order from Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin made the case unnecessary. The executive order stated that a marriage license didn't require the name of the county clerk. However, three judges on the US sixth circuit of appeals have now thrown the case back to Bunning, stating that Ermold and Moore weren't looking for "an injunction - they sought only damages."
Davis, who originally spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, will now have to face up to the lawsuit. When she first refused to issue marriage licenses, the far right painted her as a hero. Rallies were held in her honor as she was in jail, and when she was released, elated crowds greeted her.
Ermold and Moore's lawyer believes they will win. "We're going to get damages, I'm sure of that," Gartland said to The Lexington Herald-Leader. "There's been no discovery yet. I can't imagine it's a huge amount of damages, but there are damages."
Karma Alert: Judge Rules That Couple Denied a Marriage License by Kim Davis Can Sue Her
Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis is back in the spotlight again, but this time for some news she's probably not happy about. On May 2, three judges ruled that the gay couple whom she denied a marriage license are free and clear sue her for damages.
This story begins with David Ermold and David Moore, who originally sued Davis, a Rowan, KY, county clerk for denying them a marriage license. Davis refused to give them one, citing religious grounds. The case was dismissed by Judge David Bunning, who believed that an executive order from Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin made the case unnecessary. The executive order stated that a marriage license didn't require the name of the county clerk. However, three judges on the US sixth circuit of appeals have now thrown the case back to Running, stating that Ermold and Moore weren't looking for "an injunction - they sought only damages."
Davis, who originally spent five days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, will now have to face up to the lawsuit. When she first refused to issue marriage licenses, the far right painted her as a hero. Rallies were held in her honor as she was in jail, and when she was released, elated crowds greeted her.
Ermold and Moore's lawyer believes they will win. "We're going to get damages, I'm sure of that," Gartland said to The Lexington Herald-Leader. "There's been no discovery yet. I can't imagine it's a huge amount of damages, but there are damages."
10 Signs You're Obsessed With Nordstrom Beauty, as Told in GIFs
You've signed up for the newsletters. You've set up Google alerts. And that's just the beginning. That's what happens when you discover the vast world that is Nordstrom Beauty, where exclusive (often money-saving) shades and bundles, as well as gifts with purchase, are par for the course. From skipping lunch hour to check out the latest arrivals to ditching friends to attend Nordstrom's in-store events (the tips! the samples!), read on to see just how bad you have it.
Heather Dubrow's New Mansion Will Knock Your Manolos Off
On Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County, viewers are gifted with a front-row view to Heather Dubrow's sophisticated and often enviable lifestyle. We have known her for years as an actress, a mom of four, and the wife to plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow. More recently, though, we have gotten to know her as a California mansion designer extraordinaire. Avid viewers of the show live for the little glimpses of her decadent new digs now that her vision is fully complete.
Heather's shared plenty of sly shots of the over-the-top and exceptionally beautiful interiors on Instagram, though there's yet to be a big reveal. Until then, these social snaps prove that every detail from her aired-in olive tree to the jaw-dropping master bath is going to wow us beyond belief. So grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy this inside look at the Dubrow abode, and we promise, it does not disappoint.
Al Franken Shut Down Bill O'Reilly Back in 2003 and It's Just So Satisfying
Before Google, it was a lot easier to lie about your success and get away with it. But if you're Bill O'Reilly and Al Franken is on your case, it wasn't so simple. Back in 2003, then-comedian Al Franken was promoting his satirical book about the conservative media, Lies: And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right and he happened to share the stage with O'Reilly at BookExpo.
The clip begins with O'Reilly aptly explaining how he didn't have to "retract one story" throughout his six and a half years on The O'Reilly Factor. "If I'm going to be accused of being a liar, now you better have something there," said O'Reilly.
Well, as it turns out, Franken did have ample evidence to proclaim O'Reilly a liar - and he does it on stage, right in front of a fuming O'Reilly. Taking the stage after O'Reilly's remarks, Franken described how he heard O'Reilly repeatedly laud his then-show, Inside Edition, for winning three Peabody Awards. O'Reilly was defending the show from being labeled as "tabloid TV." Franken, astounded by Inside Edition's journalism achievements, decided to investigate.
"So I go to the Peabody website and look for Inside Edition Peabody Awards and there aren't any," Franken explained. "Then I call the Peabody people and I said, 'Did you guys give Inside Edition a Peabody?' and there was some laughter."
After following a lengthy trail of sources, Franken discovered that neither O'Reilly nor Inside Edition ever won a Peabody. Inside Edition did win another journalism award, the Polk Award, a year after O'Reilly left however. "Usually I find that if you find someone made a mistake, if you ask them to correct it, they do correct it," Franken joked. "Not in this society anymore. So Bill, I'm sorry to call you one of the many people who do lie in my book."
"See, this is why you don't retract things," Franken bashed. "You just continuously lie." When Franken's comments conclude, O'Reilly attempts to defend himself by silencing Franken, there's a brief spat, and it's clear Franken has gotten under O'Reilly's skin: he's only capable of responding by telling Franken to "shut up."
It's also clear that Franken has a point: pundits, particularly on the far right, have long manipulated information when it benefits them or their cause. Alternative facts are not new; they simply have a new name.
This Pink Lake in Australia Looks Like a Pool of Bubblegum, and We Want to Jump In
It's true - millennials are traveling more for photo ops to post on social media, according to research, but Australia's pink lakes are well worth visiting for the 'gram. Western Australia is home to multiple bubblegum-like bodies of water, including Pink Lake (near Esperance) and Lake Hillier (part of the Recherche Archipelago).
Middle Island, where beautiful Lake Hillier is located, can be reached by a boat tour or a scenic flight. The lake stretches about 1,969 feet long, surrounded by a strip of sand and eucalyptus trees. Scientists believe the water's bright pink color comes from bacteria living in the salt crusts.
Pink Lake's hue can be attributed to the water's algae, which turns it into a soft pink shade in certain weather conditions. Although the lake itself is a sight to see, it doesn't hurt that it's also set against beautiful coastal scenery.
Who knew bacteria and algae could be so damn pretty? Check out the photos ahead!
10-Year-Old With Inoperable Tumor Shares Through Tears She "Wants to Be a Mom"
Anna Ortega is a 10-year-old with five sisters and one brother; she loves to play the piano and soccer. However, when she started seeing double vision during a soccer game, she asked her parents to take her to the eye doctor, and what transpired as a result of her appointment at Phoenix Children's Hospital was devastating for her family: there were two masses on her brain, one of them inoperable.
"It's kind of an interesting feeling, for someone to tell you that your daughter has six to 12 months to live," Anna's father, Ted, said in a YouTube video that details Anna's story. "[The doctor] proceeded to tell us 'sorry' and that there's nothing they could do."
After Anna's initial diagnosis on Monday, March 27, she underwent surgery the following Thursday to remove the operable of the two tumors. Since then, the Ortega family has been seeking other options, as the traditional methods for treating this type of aggressive cancer have a zero percent chance of working on Anna's remaining brainstem tumor. They came across a method not covered by insurance that costs $200,000, and are hoping that by sharing Anna's story they can scrape together the funds needed to pay for the innovative treatment.
Despite this devastating prognosis, Anna has big dreams for her future. "Me and my sister Bella, we wanted to open up a bakery," she said. "And I want to teach piano lessons, and also want to be a mom." Later in the video, the sweet girl shares through tears that ever since she was little, she'd pray that she'd get to live until she was older and could have a family.
A GoFundMe page for Anna has been set up on behalf of the Ortegas. "We are asking for any help you feel you can give to bless this little girl's life and help Ted and Mindi Ortega as they embark on this emotional and financially stressful journey," the page reads. "We believe in miracles. They are extremely grateful for any help you could give on Anna's behalf."
10-Year-Old With Inoperable Tumor Shares Through Tears She "Wants to Be a Mom"
Anna Ortega is a 10-year-old with five sisters and one brother; she loves to play the piano and soccer. However, when she started seeing double vision during a soccer game, she asked her parents to take her to the eye doctor, and what transpired as a result of her appointment at Phoenix Children's Hospital was devastating for her family: there were two masses on her brain, one of them inoperable.
"It's kind of an interesting feeling, for someone to tell you that your daughter has six to 12 months to live," Anna's father, Ted, said in a YouTube video that details Anna's story. "[The doctor] proceeded to tell us 'sorry' and that there's nothing they could do."
After Anna's initial diagnosis on Monday, March 27, she underwent surgery the following Thursday to remove the operable of the two tumors. Since then, the Ortega family has been seeking other options, as the traditional methods for treating this type of aggressive cancer have a zero percent chance of working on Anna's remaining brainstem tumor. They came across a method not covered by insurance that costs $200,000, and are hoping that by sharing Anna's story they can scrape together the funds needed to pay for the innovative treatment.
Despite this devastating prognosis, Anna has big dreams for her future. "Me and my sister Bella, we wanted to open up a bakery," she said. "And I want to teach piano lessons, and also want to be a mom." Later in the video, the sweet girl shares through tears that ever since she was little, she'd pray that she'd get to live until she was older and could have a family.
A GoFundMe page for Anna has been set up on behalf of the Ortegas. "We are asking for any help you feel you can give to bless this little girl's life and help Ted and Mindi Ortega as they embark on this emotional and financially stressful journey," the page reads. "We believe in miracles. They are extremely grateful for any help you could give on Anna's behalf."
The Full, Funky Soundtrack For Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
One of the biggest reasons we all fell for Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2014 is its retro soundtrack that possibly made you feel like you were at a rowdy wedding reception in 1982. We're happy to report that the soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is just as fun. The 14-track collection includes hits from Fleetwood Mac, Electric Light Orchestra, Cheap Trick, and Cat Stevens. Listen to all the songs here, and scroll to the end for a Spotify playlist!
The Tearjerking Reason 1 Man Sat Outside His Wife's Bedroom For Days
In case you needed a reminder of what love really means, this photo will do it for you. Seventeen-year-old Mackenna Newman shared a touching photo of her father, John, sitting outside of her mother's bedroom. "My mom has to stay in her room in isolation for her cancer radiation so my dad set up a desk at her door to keep her company and I'm crying," she tweeted.
My mom has to stay in her room in isolation for her cancer radiation so my dad set up a desk at her door to keep her company and I'm crying http://pic.twitter.com/rucH9HfDvk
- kenna (@mackenna_newman) April 14, 2017
Naturally, the photo went viral, racking up over 9,000 retweets and over 13,000 "likes" at press time. According to a report from CBS, Mackenna's mother, Marci, 49, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last October. After undergoing surgery to remove the cancer, Marci underwent a five-day radioactive iodine treatment to kill any other cancerous thyroid cells. However, her treatment meant she had to go into isolation in her bedroom to avoid exposing her family to the radiation.
"On the first day my dad sat outside in the backyard and talked to her through the window," Mackenna told CBS, adding, "The last two days is when he set up the little desk to stay with her."
Since posting the photo, Mackenna has received hundreds of messages of support, but she said it's not surprising to her that her father would go to such lengths to make sure her mother didn't feel alone. "This is how our family is. We take care of each other," she said.
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!
8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees
A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Are your accommodations actually clean? Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life is really like when sailing the open seas, and they have some great tips for cruise-goers to keep in mind the next time they travel. Read on for details you never knew.
1. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship.
One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." Employees get to travel the world! Still, not everything is great. There are understandably some downsides to living and working on a cruise ship. "Worst: guests are always right . . . ALWAYS, you have a nametag on in public areas even when you are 'off duty,' always tired from lack of sleep, food taste dull after awhile . . . " Because employees are on contract for shorter periods of time, they often work longer hours (up to 16 hours per day).
2. If you get off the ship, follow the crew!
"If you ever go on a cruise, and you get off the ship and you want to know where to eat, follow the crew. The crew knows where the cheap and good food is, where the best dive bars are, and for the most part the safest places in the area. Don't waste money at Señor Frog's like everyone else."
3. Crew members get VERY friendly with one another.
Multiple crew members seem to agree on one thing: sex between employees is definitely happening on cruise ships. One former employee said he "hooked up with like seven different people myself and I am a shy, average looking dude." Another, when asked if a cruise ship is like a "sea-orgy" where everyone bangs each other, responded seriously with "Yes, it's actually just one big bang-fest." However, relations between employees and guests are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate termination of the cruise ship employee.
4. Pay for crew members comes with extra add-ons - and it's not all that difficult to get hired.
"We get paid daily wages and some days we work more than others. Only thing I pay for is drinks. Everything else is on them." Depending on what cruise line a person is working with, members can also potentially get discounts on cruises for personal vacations. "You don't really have any bills on board (aside from tourist traps and drinking)," said a former cruise ship employee. "It was relatively easy to get in, but I'm very good at interviews. If you know what you're doing in the field of your choice, you'll have no problem . . . "
5. Crew members really want you to have the vacation of a lifetime.
"We work extremely hard to make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime . . . Those cruise surveys are actually taken VERY serious with our company. I'm happy to say that I've been mentioned ALMOST every cruise I've worked. I also work extremely hard to make sure the kids are having the time of their lives."
6. Cleanliness is VERY important!
If you're worried about sanitation on cruises, fear no more - or at least fear a little less. "Crew had to wash hands entering and leaving the crew mess. Chicken, seafood, bread, and vegetables all have separate freezers and storage sections (and elevators) which are cleaned daily. It's no joke! They have people clean the little grooves in the metal going into the elevators just to give you an example." According to another crew member, the kitchens on cruise ships are, in a word, "spotless."
7. If a crew member gets sick, they are quarantined.
"If they even think you have the flu, you're in quarantine for up to a week. In your cabin. Food is brought to you in a sealed container and you. Can. Not. Leave. Period. The ship is a natural hot zone. Over 4,000 people crammed together for sometimes a week at a time, bound to happen. If the ship gets over 5 percent ill, that's when things start to get nasty. Mandatory face shield etc. Also, whenever anyone gets on the ship, they get a hand full of Purell. Mandatory. And nobody can bring food on or off. They take cleanliness very seriously."
8. The one thing crew members want cruise-goers to know . . .
"The one thing that cruisers should know is that during a port day, the crew are just like passengers. They go out and have fun! On sea days however, they work their asses off to make you have the best time of your life. They really do want to make your vacation amazing, and work hard to do so."
Al Franken Shut Down Bill O'Reilly Back in 2003 and It's Just So Satisfying
Before Google, it was a lot easier to lie about your success and get away with it. But if you're Bill O'Reilly and Al Franken is on your case, it wasn't so simple. Back in 2003, then-comedian Al Franken was promoting his satirical book about the conservative media, Lies: And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right and he happened to share the stage with O'Reilly at BookExpo.
The clip begins with O'Reilly aptly explaining how he didn't have to "retract one story" throughout his six and a half years on The O'Reilly Factor. "If I'm going to be accused of being a liar, now you better have something there," said O'Reilly.
Well, as it turns out, Franken did have ample evidence to proclaim O'Reilly a liar - and he does it on stage, right in front of a fuming O'Reilly. Taking the stage after O'Reilly's remarks, Franken described how he heard O'Reilly repeatedly laud his then-show, Inside Edition, for winning three Peabody Awards. O'Reilly was defending the show from being labeled as "tabloid TV." Franken, astounded by Inside Edition's journalism achievements, decided to investigate.
"So I go to the Peabody website and look for Inside Edition Peabody Awards and there aren't any," Franken explained. "Then I call the Peabody people and I said, 'Did you guys give Inside Edition a Peabody?' and there was some laughter."
After following a lengthy trail of sources, Franken discovered that neither O'Reilly nor Inside Edition ever won a Peabody. Inside Edition did win another journalism award, the Polk Award, a year after O'Reilly left however. "Usually I find that if you find someone made a mistake, if you ask them to correct it, they do correct it," Franken joked. "Not in this society anymore. So Bill, I'm sorry to call you one of the many people who do lie in my book."
"See, this is why you don't retract things," Franken bashed. "You just continuously lie." When Franken's comments conclude, O'Reilly attempts to defend himself by silencing Franken, there's a brief spat, and it's clear Franken has gotten under O'Reilly's skin: he's only capable of responding by telling Franken to "shut up."
It's also clear that Franken has a point: pundits, particularly on the far right, have long manipulated information when it benefits them or their cause. Alternative facts are not new; they simply have a new name.
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