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 1 juin 2017
What It's Like When Your Wife Is Pregnant - at the Same Time as You
Usually, when a couple says "we're pregnant," it's a figure of speech. But for married pair Lindsay Lanciault and Toby Fleischman, they mean it quite literally.
The two sit across from each other at a busy cafe sharing tomato soup and bread on a cloudy Saturday. Lanciault, 34, is a speech-language pathologist at UCLA while Fleischman, 41, is a celebrity makeup artist with clients like Evan Rachel Wood, Ellen Page, and Gabourey Sidibe. Both women are brunette with a California-cool style and similar toothy smiles. They've been married for almost three years, live in Los Angeles with their Shih Tzu Lemon (short for Liz Lemon), and have stumbled into a unique circumstance several years in the making: they are both pregnant at the same time.
Given the tangle of legal and medical processes, there simply aren't many women who have experienced what they are going through.
"There was definitely a time in my life where I didn't think kids really fit into my plan," Fleischman says. "Then, when I met Lindsay, it was absolutely clear that she was someone that I wanted to raise children with."
A Unique Situation
Stories like New York's coverage of Kate Elazegui and Emily Kehe last year and Discovery Health specials like Quads With Two Moms illustrate how parallel pregnancies for lesbian and queer couples can be not only rare, but difficult - and oftentimes sensationalized. And, as FiveThirtyEight reported in 2015, the odds of this situation are so slim, it's hard to even gather data on it. Neither the CDC nor the Society for Artificial Reproductive Technology record comprehensive statistics on intrauterine inseminations. And because a large number of women decide to undergo insemination in the privacy of their own homes - like Lanciault and Fleischman did - or at a clinic, their successful pregnancies aren't always reflected in the data that is collected, anyway. Given the tangle of legal and medical processes that come with two women in a relationship trying to get pregnant, there simply aren't many women who have experienced what Lanciault and Fleischman are going through.
Dr. Kristin Bendikson, fertility specialist at University of Southern California Fertility, says the situation is as unlikely as it sounds. "The only time I've seen it happen is when I was a resident - and that was, like, 20 years ago," Dr. Bendikson explains. "The overwhelming majority of lesbian couples that I see are usually focused on one person getting pregnant at a time." In fact, so were Lanciault and Fleischman when they started their journey.
The process of getting pregnant seemed easy enough when Lanciault and Fleischman started to explore their options. The couple decided in August 2015 that Fleischman should try to get pregnant first, since she's the oldest of the pair and her window for motherhood seemed slimmer. Lanciault supported the decision and aided in finding a sperm donor. With a donor in place, Lanciault tried at home via the "syringe method" - more technically known as intravaginal insemination (or, as Fleischhman laughingly refers to it, the "turkey baster" method.)
Fleischman and Lanciault's insemination process was a lot simpler than you might assume; with guidance from their doctors, the two used menstrual cups (Diva Cups, specifically) as their syringe-method vehicles for inserting their donor's sample. It was as easy as that.
"First try at home, I got pregnant," she says. That pregnancy ended in miscarriage, however. Over the next year and a half, they kept trying, though complications arose. They faced the miscarriage and medical complications. It also became clear that their original donor's samples were not going to be viable moving forward, which forced them to seek out a new donor. All of this kept them from achieving their dream of motherhood.
The process took a toll on their relationship. "It was probably the most stressful thing," Lanciault says. "Not that we were going to get divorced over it, but . . . I didn't want to come home. We were at odds."
Deciding to Try Together
Due to the series of blocks standing in the way of motherhood, the two made the choice to shift focus from Fleischman to Lanciault after they successfully landed on a new donor. This brought up a lot of complicated feelings - the shift wasn't as easy as passing a natal baton from one wife to another.
She remembers thinking: "We can't be pregnant together. What are we, crazy?"
"I wasn't ready to stop," Fleischman remembers. She remembers thinking: "'We can't be pregnant together. What are we, crazy? We can't do that.'"
With the help of Danica Thornberry, acupuncturist and author of Stick It To Me Baby!, the two were able to physically and emotionally anchor the process by focusing on fertility. "Women who identify as being infertile deal with a lot of jealousy and negativity as they see friends and sister-in-laws, family members, getting pregnant and they're not," Thornberry shared by phone. "To have 'the enemy' - a pregnant woman - in your house, when you're not able to get pregnant and that's your wife, that's what made this case so unique."
Fleischman can speak directly to this: "During that time, Danica was really helpful in emotionally dealing with some of these issues and trying to think about the process in an emotionally healthy and positive way, and not trying to control it, and not trying to be crazy about it, and not trying to be negative."
"While [Lindsay]'s saying, 'I think that I should start - you should stop,' another birthday was nearing and there was kind of this mental block of that birthday," Flesichman says. "I had to let go."
Fleischman followed Thornberry's The SEED Fertility program, a diet Thornberry says "optimizes fertilization," and credits it with helping make her insemination after two years of struggles a success. "After a month and a half on this diet, I had this perfect, beautiful, normal ovulation - and that's the month I got pregnant. I'm very lucky I got pregnant 'naturally' at home by syringe method."
"Is This the Right Thing to Do?"
The two found out Fleischman was pregnant the same week Lanciault was starting her efforts in November 2016. Instead of abandoning the work she had put into her own attempt to become pregnant, Lanciault attempted to get pregnant, too, via the same donor and method - and it worked. Quickly. She, too, was pregnant by December.
The two have just a three-week difference between their due dates - Lanciault is four months along; Fleischman is five - and found out about Lanciault's pregnancy the week following the election of Donald Trump, which placed a shadow over the news.
"There was this level of 'Is this the right thing to do? Bring children into this world?'" Lanciault says. "We were so fearful."
These fears aren't entirely unwarranted. Emily Hecht-McGowan, chief policy officer at the Family Equality Council, says the process of non-traditional parenting is complicated to begin with, and that the Trump administration's stances on LGBTQ issues could further hinder the process. That potential future aside, she finds that this all has to do with a handful of roadblocks that LGBTQ persons face in trying to start a family.
"Information is probably the first barrier," she says. "Lots of same-sex couples (or prospective single parents or LGBTQ people) generally don't know the host of options that are available to them. The other piece is financial. All of these processes cost money, whether it's adoption through foster care or hiring a surrogate to help you create a family. Nothing is free." That cost, according to Dr. Bendickson, can range from hundreds of dollars for a sperm sample to tens of thousands for more advanced treatments like in vitro fertilization.
Policies and practices on a state and national level also stand in the way of LGBTQ persons becoming parents since laws do not exist to protect them. This leaves queer parents and their children vulnerable and can make starting a family impossible for some.
Beyond this, Emily sees actions like a reported religious freedom executive order as validating for anti-LGBTQ attitudes - especially as they relate to potential queer parents. She advises all potential queer parents to talk to an expert who understands the laws in their state - and warns that simply being married might not resolve all the issues that LGBTQ families can face in their day-to-day lives.
While Lanciault and Fleischman are concerned, they're confident in their state's policies and legal protections and feel very fortunate to be where they are in America. "We're really lucky that we live in Los Angeles," Lanciault says. "Hopefully, our kids won't feel like they're different because they have two moms."
But being Californians hasn't meant there has been any relaxing regarding LGBTQ parenting rights. As Lambda Legal advises, all same-sex and queer parents today must take the proper steps toward adoption as soon as possible, particularly second-parent adoptions.
Lanciault and Fleischman aren't taking such advice lightly. "We're very eager to adopt each other's children as soon as legally possible just to solidify that aspect of it . . . just in case!" Fleischman says. "You just don't know. We live in this lovely world of California but you just don't know."
Rising to the Challenge
Still, Fleischman sees starting a family as a welcome challenge - especially considering that the couple will be birthing a set of boys. The couple were very confident with the idea of raising strong women, because they themselves are strong women. But men? This is a challenge they admit they didn't initially think through. "We have this huge responsibility to raise respectful, compassionate, feminist men," Fleischman says.
As far as her advice for other lesbians who want to start a family? Fleischman believes women should figure out their fertility standing as soon as possible. "The top headlines of advice have been to go to a fertility specialist early, no matter how old you are or how regular you are or how healthy you think you are," she says.
Lanciault also takes the opportunity to remind people to be aware that many women - straight or gay - face fertility challenges. "People think it's okay to ask a woman who is maybe of childbearing years or who just got married, 'Are you going to start trying soon?' But you don't know if they actually have been trying. You don't know what their situation is. We've gotten that 'When are you going to start?' question and it's like . . . we've been trying for six months. You don't know what somebody's going through."
"If she's feeling something that I've gone through, I can validate it and say that that's normal."
Lanciault concurs. "As a lesbian couple we have that extra, added 'How do we do this?'," she says.
While they look forward to being mothers, Lanciault says they're "a little nervous" about the potential for dueling labors, and Fleischman knows caring for two children while they're both recovering from birth will require some assistance; "We're going to have to get a nurse for the first month."
Overall, though, sharing the experience of pregnancy has brought the pair even closer together.
"If she's feeling something that I've gone through, I can validate it and say that that's normal," Fleischman says. "But, like I said, there are a lot of hormones in the house and we go through waves - in one day - of being obsessed and in love with each other and so euphoric, to 'I don't want to be next to you. Please don't talk to me.'"
See the Places Barack and Michelle Called Home Before the White House
Until very recently, Barack and Michelle Obama have proudly called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue "home." For almost a decade, not only has this monumental White House served as their living quarters and "office space," but it has been where they have raised two cute little girls into poised and well-rounded young women. And while they have already selected their new home post-White House, we were curious to know where Barack and Michelle lived before they both became staples of American history. Read on for an inside look at their digs long before we referred to this power couple as president and first lady.
7 Surprising Truths About Going to the Top of the Statue of Liberty
On my first trip to New York City, I was very excited to see some important monuments. Naturally, I was pumped to check out the Statue of Liberty - it's an important piece of America's history, after all. My boyfriend and I bought tickets to go to the crown of Lady Liberty, but it wasn't quite what I expected . . .
Overall I am very glad I made it to the top, but the experience getting there was pretty surprising. Keep reading to see what it's really like to go on the tour.
Infertility Treatments Failed Me - and I'm Pretty Sure That's Exactly What Was Meant to Happen
My husband and I were enjoying some chicken wings and a couple Blue Moons at a rural bar where a local's dog had the habit of sitting on a bar stool. We had just tied the knot on a beach two months earlier. He looked at me with a huge grin on his face and said, "Let's start a family." We clinked our beers and toasted to getting knocked up. Because it's that easy right? You decide you want a family and in a few months there is the pregnancy announcement and then a few months later the healthy, happy baby. Two becomes three is so easy for most.
Naively, I assumed that getting pregnant would be just like that. I would stop taking birth control and in a few months those two little lines would appear on the pregnancy test. But by month three of trying I felt like something wasn't right. I called my OBGYN and she suggested ovulation strips even though I had always been fairly certain when I was ovulating.
A few more months went by and still nothing. I called back again and asked if my husband could be tested and that test changed our entire outlook on starting our family. The results came back that he had extremely low sperm count and morphology and motility issues. We were told we had one in a million odds of getting pregnant naturally and that our only option was in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IVF was a tough thing for me to jump into. I'm the type of person that doesn't even like to take something for a headache. The thought of all of the medication and procedures honestly made me want to run. It took everything in me to put someone else before me. I had to put my husband first. This was his only chance at having a biological child. I had to do it for him.
Before we jumped into IVF I had read about another procedure called an intrauterine insemination (IUI). I asked my OBGYN if we could do that first and they did the procedure twice, but it failed. Later, I learned that I could have done a medicated IUI and our odds of getting pregnant would have been much higher. But I'm not a doctor. I didn't know that even existed. I just trusted my doctor to guide us to what was best for us.
After the failed IUIs we continued to try naturally for over a year before finally going to an IVF specialist. We filled out the paperwork, had blood work done, and a physical exam all in one appointment. We were told that we could start on their next cycle if we were ready. Eighty other couples would be part of it. We signed page after page of disclosures and waivers and wrote a check for $20,000. I would grin and bear it. I would do what I was told I needed to do, because in the end it would all be worth it. Right?
The nurse called me while I was driving a couple days after our egg retrieval. I recognized the number and pulled over to answer the call. This was a call I had been waiting for. She told me that out of my 23 eggs only six were successfully fertilized. She told me that they weren't developing properly. She said that we would have to freeze them and do a transfer later. I was dumbfounded that so few eggs fertilized even with the extra money that we had paid for an intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
But then I became even more confused. "But why would we freeze them? Shouldn't they be transferred?" No, she said. The transfer will have to be done on another cycle. I remember thinking out loud and saying, "That doesn't make any sense." There had to be some reason why they didn't want to transfer the embryos at that time. Only later would I learn that it was due to scheduling. Turns out having 80 couples on a cycle and trying to schedule transfers is a challenge for a small clinic. I also learned that the freezing of our embryos decreased our chances of pregnancy from 80 percent to 30 percent.
That day was so difficult. But the next cycle was even more heartbreaking because the transfer didn't work. And the third cycle was a positive chemical pregnancy that failed after a week, but not until after we shared the short-lived happy news with our parents and close friends. Then the next cycle with our last remaining embryos didn't work at all.
What doctors and nurses and even patients won't tell you about IVF is the emotional toll it takes. It's not just hard on your body - the bloat, weight gain, and physical changes are nothing compared to what happens spiritually. One of the medications actually made me suicidal during a cycle. My husband and I had a very minor argument while on a weekend ski trip and I went into the bathroom to take a moment to decompress. I remember looking up at the bathroom light bulbs and thought to myself, "I could break that and slit my wrists." My next thought was. "Wow, where did that come from?" Luckily, I recognized it as being completely out of character for me so I searched the side effects of the medication I was taking and sure enough there it was: suicidal thoughts.
Infertility changed me. The years of struggling to conceive almost destroyed my marriage, but I learned a lot. One of the greatest lessons of our infertility journey was that you have to be your own advocate. I learned to educate myself and research everything as much as I possibly could. Know all of your options. If I had known then what I know now I would have skipped IVF altogether and just moved forward with adoption. That option felt right from the moment we decided to take that step.
We put IVF behind us. We let go of the hopes for a biological child and embraced a happy, healthy baby boy. The moment I carried him out of the delivery room to meet his father for the first time was one of the most amazing moments of my life.
When our son was 17 months old - five years almost to the exact date we toasted to starting a family - I found out I was pregnant, naturally. No matter the hopes and wishes we have, I truly believe the journey shapes us for the better. Western medicine failed us - and I'm pretty sure that's exactly what was meant to happen.
Infertility Treatments Failed Me - and I'm Pretty Sure That's Exactly What Was Meant to Happen
My husband and I were enjoying some chicken wings and a couple Blue Moons at a rural bar where a local's dog had the habit of sitting on a bar stool. We had just tied the knot on a beach two months earlier. He looked at me with a huge grin on his face and said, "Let's start a family." We clinked our beers and toasted to getting knocked up. Because it's that easy right? You decide you want a family and in a few months there is the pregnancy announcement and then a few months later the healthy, happy baby. Two becomes three is so easy for most.
Naively, I assumed that getting pregnant would be just like that. I would stop taking birth control and in a few months those two little lines would appear on the pregnancy test. But by month three of trying I felt like something wasn't right. I called my OBGYN and she suggested ovulation strips even though I had always been fairly certain when I was ovulating.
A few more months went by and still nothing. I called back again and asked if my husband could be tested and that test changed our entire outlook on starting our family. The results came back that he had extremely low sperm count and morphology and motility issues. We were told we had one in a million odds of getting pregnant naturally and that our only option was in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IVF was a tough thing for me to jump into. I'm the type of person that doesn't even like to take something for a headache. The thought of all of the medication and procedures honestly made me want to run. It took everything in me to put someone else before me. I had to put my husband first. This was his only chance at having a biological child. I had to do it for him.
Before we jumped into IVF I had read about another procedure called an intrauterine insemination (IUI). I asked my OBGYN if we could do that first and they did the procedure twice, but it failed. Later, I learned that I could have done a medicated IUI and our odds of getting pregnant would have been much higher. But I'm not a doctor. I didn't know that even existed. I just trusted my doctor to guide us to what was best for us.
After the failed IUIs we continued to try naturally for over a year before finally going to an IVF specialist. We filled out the paperwork, had blood work done, and a physical exam all in one appointment. We were told that we could start on their next cycle if we were ready. Eighty other couples would be part of it. We signed page after page of disclosures and waivers and wrote a check for $20,000. I would grin and bear it. I would do what I was told I needed to do, because in the end it would all be worth it. Right?
The nurse called me while I was driving a couple days after our egg retrieval. I recognized the number and pulled over to answer the call. This was a call I had been waiting for. She told me that out of my 23 eggs only six were successfully fertilized. She told me that they weren't developing properly. She said that we would have to freeze them and do a transfer later. I was dumbfounded that so few eggs fertilized even with the extra money that we had paid for an intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
But then I became even more confused. "But why would we freeze them? Shouldn't they be transferred?" No, she said. The transfer will have to be done on another cycle. I remember thinking out loud and saying, "That doesn't make any sense." There had to be some reason why they didn't want to transfer the embryos at that time. Only later would I learn that it was due to scheduling. Turns out having 80 couples on a cycle and trying to schedule transfers is a challenge for a small clinic. I also learned that the freezing of our embryos decreased our chances of pregnancy from 80 percent to 30 percent.
That day was so difficult. But the next cycle was even more heartbreaking because the transfer didn't work. And the third cycle was a positive chemical pregnancy that failed after a week, but not until after we shared the short-lived happy news with our parents and close friends. Then the next cycle with our last remaining embryos didn't work at all.
What doctors and nurses and even patients won't tell you about IVF is the emotional toll it takes. It's not just hard on your body - the bloat, weight gain, and physical changes are nothing compared to what happens spiritually. One of the medications actually made me suicidal during a cycle. My husband and I had a very minor argument while on a weekend ski trip and I went into the bathroom to take a moment to decompress. I remember looking up at the bathroom light bulbs and thought to myself, "I could break that and slit my wrists." My next thought was. "Wow, where did that come from?" Luckily, I recognized it as being completely out of character for me so I searched the side effects of the medication I was taking and sure enough there it was: suicidal thoughts.
Infertility changed me. The years of struggling to conceive almost destroyed my marriage, but I learned a lot. One of the greatest lessons of our infertility journey was that you have to be your own advocate. I learned to educate myself and research everything as much as I possibly could. Know all of your options. If I had known then what I know now I would have skipped IVF altogether and just moved forward with adoption. That option felt right from the moment we decided to take that step.
We put IVF behind us. We let go of the hopes for a biological child and embraced a happy, healthy baby boy. The moment I carried him out of the delivery room to meet his father for the first time was one of the most amazing moments of my life.
When our son was 17 months old - five years almost to the exact date we toasted to starting a family - I found out I was pregnant, naturally. No matter the hopes and wishes we have, I truly believe the journey shapes us for the better. Western medicine failed us - and I'm pretty sure that's exactly what was meant to happen.
10 Books Paired With 10 US Beaches For Ultimate Summer Reading
It doesn't get any better than reading a good book on the beach, plus maybe with a margarita in hand. But even if the ocean and sand aren't within your reach, you can still escape into juicy page-turners with Summer settings as the next closest thing. To help inspire your next list of reads, we've selected 10 beachy books (either set on shore or ideal for laid-back reading) and 10 US beaches that make the perfect pair.
Keep reading for the ultimate Summer reading and to find out how you can actually access books for free at these 10 beaches!
There's No Denying That Melania Trump Has Been Looking to This Former FLOTUS For Wardrobe Inspiration
Ever since Melania Trump stepped out in a light blue coat and white gloves during Trump's inauguration, we couldn't help but notice a resemblance between her outfit and a certain former first lady. But the similarities between Melania and Jackie Kennedy's style didn't stop there. From her trip to Saudi Arabia to her visit to the Vatican, it seems like Melania is continuing to channel Jackie Kennedy's iconic style.
With her classic tailored skirt suits and chic pillbox hats, Jackie Kennedy is often viewed as one of the best dressed first ladies in history. Melania's looks, on the other hand, have been receiving mixed reviews, with some designers even refusing to dress her. With that in mind, it makes sense that Melania might want to steal a page out of Jackie's book. Read on to have a look at the similarities below.
Will Any Pandora Rides Make You Sick? If You Have to Ask, Then Perhaps
Walt Disney World's newly opened Pandora - The World of Avatar offers two stellar rides at varying levels of excitement and thrill. While the Na'vi River Journey is a tranquil boat ride that's fun for the whole family, Avatar Flight of Passage is decidedly more intense.
The land's advanced 3D thrill ride basically gives explorers the opportunity to ride a banshee through Pandora's many spectacular sights. As with many immersive 3D rides, there are a few jump scares. In all honesty, those few startling moments should be fine, even for nervous riders. The problem with Avatar Flight of Passage, however, is not its scary moments but rather its slightly dizzying aftermath.
When I previewed Pandora prior to its official opening, I was curious to see if the ride would make me sick. While I love thrill rides and dark coasters, I tend to get dizzy on intense 3D rides. For example, I sometimes have a hard time riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Islands of Adventure in Orlando - even though I still totally do it because it's so fun. On Avatar Flight of Passage, I wasn't uncomfortable and I was honestly able to enjoy the ride throughout its duration. When I stepped off, I was slightly unsteady, but I was able to keep it moving seconds later.
To really test it out, I went on the ride again later that same day. That's when I encountered slightly more discomfort. The in-your-face visuals paired with the movement of the vehicle felt more intense the second time. When I stepped off, I immediately decided that I should not - nor would I be able to - ride it a third time. In fact, I probably shouldn't have done it a second time.
If you're prone to motion sickness, I think you'll be OK so long as you know what to expect and perhaps pack some nausea relief medicine, like Dramamine. Now, if dizzying rides have the tendency to really affect you, then I would definitely recommend skipping the ride. It is a really fun ride, but it's not worth ruining the rest of your day at Pandora.
Travel and accommodations were provided by Disney for the purpose of writing this post.
These Are the 21 Hottest June Beauty Launches You Need to Own
As we embrace June's warmer weather, our beauty routines are getting way lazier - and we mean that in a good way. We will be air-drying our hair with sea salt sprays, dabbing on a bit of sexy, musky, ocean-inspired perfume oils, and keeping it minimally chic when it comes to makeup. Here, we're sharing the just-launched hair, skin, fragrance, and makeup products we plan to use down to the very last drop (#empties).
Vatican Says Relying on Fossil Fuels Is as Ridiculous as Believing Earth Is Flat
President Donald Trump has decided to screw the planet and rescind America's ratification of the Paris Agreement. This is bad for everyone. Scientists and activists are irate, but the Vatican is by far the most powerful opponent of Trump's decision (the pope does lead roughly a billion people, after all). Reuters reports that the head of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, had some strong words for the president (preceding his official announcement that he would actually withdraw).
"If he really does (pull out), it would be a huge slap in the face for us," Sorondo told the Roman newspaper La Repubblica and later confirmed his comments with Reuters. "It will be a disaster for everyone."
We know it's not exactly in the Vatican's nature to so explicitly target or name Trump, but the bishop was clear about the church's position. "[Withdrawing] would not only be a disaster but completely unscientific. Saying that we need to rely on coal and oil is like saying that the earth is not round," Sorondo said. "It is an absurdity dictated by the need to make money."
The bishop does have a point: Trump's cabinet is stacked with former oil executives and politicians whose coffers have long been lined with fossil fuel industry donations. But even some of those oil allies encouraged Trump to remain in the landmark treaty; Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former Exxon CEO, pressed the president to ratify the agreement to curtail carbon emissions. But to no avail.
Make the planet great again? Nah. But we really shouldn't be that surprised considering the president once tweeted climate change was a hoax engineered by China to outperform the United States economically. Perversely, China is actually capitalizing on climate change and outpacing America on another metric: investment in renewable energy. In January, China's state energy agency announced its plans to invest $361 billion in solar by 2020 and create more than 13 million jobs in the industry.
There's No Denying That Melania Trump Has Been Looking to This Former FLOTUS For Wardrobe Inspiration
Ever since Melania Trump stepped out in a light blue coat and white gloves during Trump's inauguration, we couldn't help but notice a resemblance between her outfit and a certain former first lady. But the similarities between Melania and Jackie Kennedy's style didn't stop there. From her trip to Saudi Arabia to her visit to the Vatican, it seems like Melania is continuing to channel Jackie Kennedy's iconic style.
With her classic tailored skirt suits and chic pillbox hats, Jackie Kennedy is often viewed as one of the best dressed first ladies in history. Melania's looks, on the other hand, have been receiving mixed reviews, with some designers even refusing to dress her. With that in mind, it makes sense that Melania might want to steal a page out of Jackie's book. Read on to have a look at the similarities below.
An ER Doctor's Kind Words Gave Me the Reassurance I Needed as a New Mom
Leaving the hospital with my newborn felt equal parts thrilling and terrifying. After days of routine monitoring and a regular stream of nurses ready to answer all our burning questions, my husband and I were suddenly on our own. I put our son in his car seat, glanced up at my husband, and thought, "Yay, here we go!" And then: "Wait, do we actually know what we're doing?"
We did and we didn't. Books, classes, and spending time with other people's babies can only prepare you so much, and as we drove away from the hospital, my confidence wavered.
Our first afternoon at home went smoothly - or as smoothly as can be expected, anyway. But that night, at about 3 a.m., just hours after we'd left the hospital with our son, we watched him choke and stop breathing for about four seconds.
His little eyes grew wide and I screamed as I held him up. My husband yelled his name, panicked, and with another choking sound, our baby started to breathe again. I watched as his eyes softened and the color came back to his cheeks. He seemed to be OK, but my heart still felt like it was lodged in my throat. It had come out of nowhere.
"I'm sure he's fine," my husband said, his face pale and unconvincing.
I hesitated. "Maybe we should call the advice nurse. Just to be sure."
He seemed to be OK, but my heart still felt like it was lodged in my throat.
We debated for a couple minutes, both of us wanting to call but also worried that we were hysterical over nothing. Each of us had slept a total of six hours, maybe seven over the past two days. Maybe we were just tired? After a bit of back and forth, we soon agreed that we'd rather be safe than sorry, and sure enough, the advice nurse urged us to take him to the emergency room.
She suggested we go because our son was so tiny and there had been complications throughout the delivery. "If there's any question that there might be a problem, I have to tell you to bring him in," she said. "But it's up to you as the parents."
Up to us, the parents. Ohmygod, I thought. We're parents.
The drive along an empty highway took about 15 minutes, and by the time we were sitting in a room and waiting for the doctor, both of us wearing mismatched pajamas, our son seemed fine. He had calmed down, and so had we. The insecurity set in that we'd probably overreacted.
"I'm embarrassed," I told my husband. "It hasn't even been one day and we're already freaking out."
"I know. I feel weird too," he said.
The ER doctor seemed a bit stiff when he introduced himself. As he examined our son, he ticked off questions about when the baby had eaten, how he'd behaved, and what we'd experienced in those first days. We gave him all the answers, and after checking our son's vital signs, the doctor said he was fine and that it may have been reflux, but he'd be OK.
Maybe it was the dark circles under our eyes or our mismatched pajamas or the way we shyly thanked the doctor and half-apologized for being there in the first place, but whatever it was, something made him pull out a chair and sit down.
"I'm 45 and I have three kids," he told us. "With the first one, we had no idea what we were doing, and we were nervous about every little thing. I thought it would be different with the others, but it wasn't. I'm still nervous all the time."
I started crying. I blamed the hormones and the sleep deprivation, but really, it was relief.
I started crying. I blamed the hormones and the sleep deprivation, but really, it was relief.
The doctor put his hand on my shoulder. "Don't feel silly for being here," he said. "Trust your instincts. This is your kid, and you did the right thing. You can bring him here in the middle of the night whenever you feel like you need to, OK?"
We nodded and he left, and I glanced at my husband, who gave me a tired, satisfied smile. "I'm glad we came," he said. "Even though I'd rather be sleeping."
"Me too," I agreed, grateful for a doctor who'd known exactly what we needed: reassurance, a little bit of encouragement. Kindness.
It's been nearly six months and I still think about that night all the time. There have been plenty of mini panics since then, and whenever I feel anxious about something, I let myself be afraid. I let my instincts kick in, I listen to my gut, and I remember that it's up to us, the parents, who mostly have no idea what we're doing. Which is totally, 100 percent OK.
Vatican Says Relying on Fossil Fuels Is as Ridiculous as Believing Earth Is Flat
President Donald Trump has decided to screw the planet and rescind America's ratification of the Paris Agreement. This is bad for everyone. Scientists and activists are irate, but the Vatican is by far the most powerful opponent of Trump's decision (the pope does lead roughly a billion people, after all). Reuters reports that the head of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, had some strong words for the president (preceding his official announcement that he would actually withdraw).
"If he really does (pull out), it would be a huge slap in the face for us," Sorondo told the Roman newspaper La Repubblica and later confirmed his comments with Reuters. "It will be a disaster for everyone."
We know it's not exactly in the Vatican's nature to so explicitly target or name Trump, but the bishop was clear about the church's position. "[Withdrawing] would not only be a disaster but completely unscientific. Saying that we need to rely on coal and oil is like saying that the earth is not round," Sorondo said. "It is an absurdity dictated by the need to make money."
The bishop does have a point: Trump's cabinet is stacked with former oil executives and politicians whose coffers have long been lined with fossil fuel industry donations. But even some of those oil allies encouraged Trump to remain in the landmark treaty; Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former Exxon CEO, pressed the president to ratify the agreement to curtail carbon emissions. But to no avail.
Make the planet great again? Nah. But we really shouldn't be that surprised considering the president once tweeted climate change was a hoax engineered by China to outperform the United States economically. Perversely, China is actually capitalizing on climate change and outpacing America on another metric: investment in renewable energy. In January, China's state energy agency announced its plans to invest $361 billion in solar by 2020 and create more than 13 million jobs in the industry.
An ER Doctor's Kind Words Gave Me the Reassurance I Needed as a New Mom
Leaving the hospital with my newborn felt equal parts thrilling and terrifying. After days of routine monitoring and a regular stream of nurses ready to answer all our burning questions, my husband and I were suddenly on our own. I put our son in his car seat, glanced up at my husband, and thought, "Yay, here we go!" And then: "Wait, do we actually know what we're doing?"
We did and we didn't. Books, classes, and spending time with other people's babies can only prepare you so much, and as we drove away from the hospital, my confidence wavered.
Our first afternoon at home went smoothly - or as smoothly as can be expected, anyway. But that night, at about 3 a.m., just hours after we'd left the hospital with our son, we watched him choke and stop breathing for about four seconds.
His little eyes grew wide and I screamed as I held him up. My husband yelled his name, panicked, and with another choking sound, our baby started to breathe again. I watched as his eyes softened and the color came back to his cheeks. He seemed to be OK, but my heart still felt like it was lodged in my throat. It had come out of nowhere.
"I'm sure he's fine," my husband said, his face pale and unconvincing.
I hesitated. "Maybe we should call the advice nurse. Just to be sure."
He seemed to be OK, but my heart still felt like it was lodged in my throat.
We debated for a couple minutes, both of us wanting to call but also worried that we were hysterical over nothing. Each of us had slept a total of six hours, maybe seven over the past two days. Maybe we were just tired? After a bit of back and forth, we soon agreed that we'd rather be safe than sorry, and sure enough, the advice nurse urged us to take him to the emergency room.
She suggested we go because our son was so tiny and there had been complications throughout the delivery. "If there's any question that there might be a problem, I have to tell you to bring him in," she said. "But it's up to you as the parents."
Up to us, the parents. Ohmygod, I thought. We're parents.
The drive along an empty highway took about 15 minutes, and by the time we were sitting in a room and waiting for the doctor, both of us wearing mismatched pajamas, our son seemed fine. He had calmed down, and so had we. The insecurity set in that we'd probably overreacted.
"I'm embarrassed," I told my husband. "It hasn't even been one day and we're already freaking out."
"I know. I feel weird too," he said.
The ER doctor seemed a bit stiff when he introduced himself. As he examined our son, he ticked off questions about when the baby had eaten, how he'd behaved, and what we'd experienced in those first days. We gave him all the answers, and after checking our son's vital signs, the doctor said he was fine and that it may have been reflux, but he'd be OK.
Maybe it was the dark circles under our eyes or our mismatched pajamas or the way we shyly thanked the doctor and half-apologized for being there in the first place, but whatever it was, something made him pull out a chair and sit down.
"I'm 45 and I have three kids," he told us. "With the first one, we had no idea what we were doing, and we were nervous about every little thing. I thought it would be different with the others, but it wasn't. I'm still nervous all the time."
I started crying. I blamed the hormones and the sleep deprivation, but really, it was relief.
I started crying. I blamed the hormones and the sleep deprivation, but really, it was relief.
The doctor put his hand on my shoulder. "Don't feel silly for being here," he said. "Trust your instincts. This is your kid, and you did the right thing. You can bring him here in the middle of the night whenever you feel like you need to, OK?"
We nodded and he left, and I glanced at my husband, who gave me a tired, satisfied smile. "I'm glad we came," he said. "Even though I'd rather be sleeping."
"Me too," I agreed, grateful for a doctor who'd known exactly what we needed: reassurance, a little bit of encouragement. Kindness.
It's been nearly six months and I still think about that night all the time. There have been plenty of mini panics since then, and whenever I feel anxious about something, I let myself be afraid. I let my instincts kick in, I listen to my gut, and I remember that it's up to us, the parents, who mostly have no idea what we're doing. Which is totally, 100 percent OK.
Mom Shares the Sheer Heartbreak of Having Stillborn Identical Twins at 37 Weeks
When Jacqueline Hoy and her husband found out that they were expecting third and fourth children, these Australian parents were shocked. Neither had twins in the family, and after the initial surprise wore off, they began happily making plans for their expanding family.
According to Jacqi, who is also mom to 8-year-old Lachlan and 2-year-old Edward, her third pregnancy was uncomplicated. The couple decided early on to name their identical twins Henry and William, and the boys were healthy at every doctor's visit. However, when Jacqui woke up one morning near the end of her pregnancy, she knew something was different.
At this point, Jacqui was 37 weeks pregnant, and the doctors planned to induce her in a few days. "I saw the boys two days earlier during a scan and they were kicking and had normal heartbeats," Jacqui told POPSUGAR. "There was absolutely no indication that it would end the way it did."
Jacqui explained that her pregnancy was considered "high risk" because she was carrying multiples but never dwelled on that label any further. Until she woke up on that Monday morning, dropped her oldest off at school, and noticed that her twins were unusually quiet. "I drank a glass of ice and lay down on the lounge as this normally gets them moving," Jacqui wrote in a post for Whimn. "But after an hour I wasn't sure that I was feeling them at all. I then had a sudden urge to throw-up, so I called the hospital to come in."
When the midwife had a hard time finding the heartbeats, she wasn't too alarmed because she knew it could be difficult with twins, but when her obstetrician came in, he delivered the devastating news: Henry had died. "The overwhelming pain that took over my body was uncontrollable," she wrote. "I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare and I needed to wake up. But I couldn't escape."
The doctor found William's heartbeat and immediately performed an emergency C-section. "I remember lying on the table surrounded by what felt like 30 people working on me, telling me that I was okay and to keep breathing," she wrote. "But the whole time I wanted to yell and scream, 'Please just put me out. Make this pain stop.'"
When she started to wake up after the surgery, the first thing she registered was hearing her husband crying. She immediately understood what that meant and didn't want to open her eyes. She knew that as soon as she did, she'd be hit with the news that William didn't make it either. "The week that followed, all I had was questions, too much pain and the most unbelievable broken heart. I remember that somebody once said to me, 'You won't know love until you have a child.' I don't disagree with that statement," she wrote. "But I can assure you, you won't know heartbreak until you lose a child."
Since the devastating end to her pregnancy, Jacqui said that each day is difficult and surviving "the firsts" has been the hardest part. She explained that in the weeks that followed, her body didn't know that her babies had died. "It had to run its natural pre-birth course: of the milk coming in and recovery from a major surgery. Only I wasn't holding my two precious rewards at the same time," she wrote.
Doctors officially diagnosed Henry's death as an "unexplained stillbirth" and explained that William died due to their shared placenta. It's been three months since this unimaginable turn of events, and Jaqui's family of four is still trying to recover. "The constant reminders of the hopes we had for our family are often really difficult as well and seeing little bubbas when out and about pulls at the heart strings like you wouldn't believe," she said. "Some days my husband is my rock and other days I am his rock but we have found that we need to be really open and honest with each other about how we are feeling otherwise the partnership doesn't work."
In addition to publicly sharing their story, the parents have also become ambassadors for Stillbirth Foundation Australia in order to help prevent other families from enduring similar pain. "Six babies every day are stillborn in Australia, that's one every four hours," Jaqui said. "We are hoping that by coming forward, other families will feel confident in doing the same and this can help to create the awareness needed."
She also hopes that unity among families who have suffered this loss and being vocal about their tragedies will help to put pressure on governments for research funding. "Not having a reason why our babies aren't here with us breaks my heart every day," she said. "If more research is done, maybe we could then be given reasons why and they will be able to find out strategies to prevent it from happening to others."
Katie Fought Depression With Exercise - and Lost 137 Pounds
Katie Hug hit a breaking point with her physical and mental health when she hit 270 pounds and couldn't get out of her depression.
Katie: Before
While on a dozen antidepression and antianxiety medications - just to get through the day - Katie's weight had crept up and up. At one point, she asked her doctor not to tell her how much she weighed during checkups, but her doctor eventually expressed concern for her health. It wasn't just a few pounds she needed to lose - her life was at risk.
Fast forward to today: she's lost 137 pounds, she's cut all "addictions" from her life (from sugary sodas to bad relationships and even all 12 antidepression and antianxiety medications), and she's even inspired her husband and three children to fall in love with fitness . . . as a personal trainer. But she didn't get here without a lot of work; here's a little insight into her journey.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Katie Hug: I was at a doctors appointment and she expressed to me her concerns with my weight. She said that I was in the morbidly obese category. I finally realized that if I wanted to change, I had to do the work. I was struggling with depression at the time, and I was ready to make changes in my life to get healthier and happier! [My weight gain came from] depression, anxiety, poor eating habits, food addiction, medication dependency, and lack of motivation.
"I eliminated unhealthy relationships from my life and started exercising. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but it turned me into who I am today."
I was very intimidated by the gym atmosphere, so I started short workout videos at home, started walking, and used MyFitnessPal to track my food. I was finally aware of how much I was eating, and I started making healthier choices.
PS: Can you tell us a little more about your struggle with addiction?
KH: My addiction issues started with medications as a young adult. I grew up with unhealthy relationships but was not aware that they were unhealthy until I started counseling. I overate as a way to cope. I fought all three by reaching out, asking for help, and being willing to change. I spent time in detox getting off all the medications, and started therapy. All of the suggestions that my therapist had, whether I liked them or not, I did them. I eliminated unhealthy relationships from my life and started exercising. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but it turned me into who I am today.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
KH: I love group training, and outdoor exercise! I love yoga for relaxation, and the stair climber for cardio.
Katie: After
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
KH: Three days a week of strength training, four to five days a week of cardio.
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
KH: I switch things up! I also started an Instagram page, and I love to see what other workouts friends are doing and encourage as many people as possible. Helping other people helps me as well, and working as an American Council on Exercise personal trainer helps me stay on track and motivates my own workouts.
Katie: After
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
KH: Finding muscles I didn't know I had! I remember how excited I was to see my calf muscle! That and wrapping a towel all the way around my body . . . and having room to spare!
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
KH: On MyFitnessPal.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
KH: Protein pancakes, chicken breast, broccoli, bell peppers, cottage cheese, blueberries, spinach salads, and almonds.
PS: Do you count calories?
KH: Yes, but I don't stress about them. If I'm a little under or over, that's OK. I like to focus more on my protein levels, water consumption, and make sure I am getting enough veggies in. [I eat about] 1,400-ish.
Katie: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
KH: Cottage cheese, bell peppers, eggs, turkey bacon, broccoli, egg whites.
"You need support when making a huge life change. If you don't have it, find it."
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker? Which one, and how do you think it helped you?
KH: I have a few! I love my Polar watch for my workouts to see calories burned. I also use a Fitbit to track steps, sleep, etc. The trackers help keep you motivated, and I highly suggest getting one that works for you.
PS: What made you decide to become a personal trainer?
KH: I love helping people, and I have experience with being overweight. I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own skin, and I want to help others achieve their health and happiness goals. Getting my certification with the American Council on Exercise was the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.
PS: What or who played the biggest role in your journey?
KH: Support is key. My husband was my biggest cheerleader and helped me stay on track. I have an amazing tribe of ladies at the gym who are always there when I need them, too. You need support when making a huge life change. If you don't have it, find it. Reach out and make new friends, find a support group, etc.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
KH: Consistency is key. Don't quit when things get hard . . . find that fire inside and keep going. Consider hiring an ACE personal trainer if you need the help getting started. Start tracking your food - every day. Track all the bad stuff, too. It will make you more aware of what you are eating. Cut out processed sugar. Drink lots of water, and keep your protein up. Most importantly . . . be patient and trust the process. It will not happen overnight. It takes time and consistency . . . and you CAN do anything you set your mind too.
Katie Fought Depression With Exercise - and Lost 137 Pounds
Katie Hug hit a breaking point with her physical and mental health when she hit 270 pounds and couldn't get out of her depression.
Katie: Before
While on a dozen antidepression and antianxiety medications - just to get through the day - Katie's weight had crept up and up. At one point, she asked her doctor not to tell her how much she weighed during checkups, but her doctor eventually expressed concern for her health. It wasn't just a few pounds she needed to lose - her life was at risk.
Fast forward to today: she's lost 137 pounds, she's cut all "addictions" from her life (from sugary sodas to bad relationships and even all 12 antidepression and antianxiety medications), and she's even inspired her husband and three children to fall in love with fitness . . . as a personal trainer. But she didn't get here without a lot of work; here's a little insight into her journey.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Katie Hug: I was at a doctors appointment and she expressed to me her concerns with my weight. She said that I was in the morbidly obese category. I finally realized that if I wanted to change, I had to do the work. I was struggling with depression at the time, and I was ready to make changes in my life to get healthier and happier! [My weight gain came from] depression, anxiety, poor eating habits, food addiction, medication dependency, and lack of motivation.
"I eliminated unhealthy relationships from my life and started exercising. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but it turned me into who I am today."
I was very intimidated by the gym atmosphere, so I started short workout videos at home, started walking, and used MyFitnessPal to track my food. I was finally aware of how much I was eating, and I started making healthier choices.
PS: Can you tell us a little more about your struggle with addiction?
KH: My addiction issues started with medications as a young adult. I grew up with unhealthy relationships but was not aware that they were unhealthy until I started counseling. I overate as a way to cope. I fought all three by reaching out, asking for help, and being willing to change. I spent time in detox getting off all the medications, and started therapy. All of the suggestions that my therapist had, whether I liked them or not, I did them. I eliminated unhealthy relationships from my life and started exercising. It was one of the hardest times of my life, but it turned me into who I am today.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
KH: I love group training, and outdoor exercise! I love yoga for relaxation, and the stair climber for cardio.
Katie: After
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
KH: Three days a week of strength training, four to five days a week of cardio.
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
KH: I switch things up! I also started an Instagram page, and I love to see what other workouts friends are doing and encourage as many people as possible. Helping other people helps me as well, and working as an American Council on Exercise personal trainer helps me stay on track and motivates my own workouts.
Katie: After
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
KH: Finding muscles I didn't know I had! I remember how excited I was to see my calf muscle! That and wrapping a towel all the way around my body . . . and having room to spare!
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
KH: On MyFitnessPal.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
KH: Protein pancakes, chicken breast, broccoli, bell peppers, cottage cheese, blueberries, spinach salads, and almonds.
PS: Do you count calories?
KH: Yes, but I don't stress about them. If I'm a little under or over, that's OK. I like to focus more on my protein levels, water consumption, and make sure I am getting enough veggies in. [I eat about] 1,400-ish.
Katie: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
KH: Cottage cheese, bell peppers, eggs, turkey bacon, broccoli, egg whites.
"You need support when making a huge life change. If you don't have it, find it."
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker? Which one, and how do you think it helped you?
KH: I have a few! I love my Polar watch for my workouts to see calories burned. I also use a Fitbit to track steps, sleep, etc. The trackers help keep you motivated, and I highly suggest getting one that works for you.
PS: What made you decide to become a personal trainer?
KH: I love helping people, and I have experience with being overweight. I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own skin, and I want to help others achieve their health and happiness goals. Getting my certification with the American Council on Exercise was the perfect opportunity for me to do just that.
PS: What or who played the biggest role in your journey?
KH: Support is key. My husband was my biggest cheerleader and helped me stay on track. I have an amazing tribe of ladies at the gym who are always there when I need them, too. You need support when making a huge life change. If you don't have it, find it. Reach out and make new friends, find a support group, etc.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
KH: Consistency is key. Don't quit when things get hard . . . find that fire inside and keep going. Consider hiring an ACE personal trainer if you need the help getting started. Start tracking your food - every day. Track all the bad stuff, too. It will make you more aware of what you are eating. Cut out processed sugar. Drink lots of water, and keep your protein up. Most importantly . . . be patient and trust the process. It will not happen overnight. It takes time and consistency . . . and you CAN do anything you set your mind too.
Meet the Couple Who Took Gay Marriage to the Supreme Court
Kris and Sandy Stier's story proves love is worth fighting for.
Princess Diana Wanted to Be This Before Becoming a Princess
Princess Diana is known for her fascinating life as a British royal, but she led an equally interesting life before marrying Prince Charles. Diana grew up in an affluent household in Norfolk, England. Her father's family, the Spencers, were closely allied with the British royal family, while her maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. After being homeschooled by her governess, Gertrude Allen, she began her formal education at Silfield Private School in Gayton, Norfolk, before moving to an all-girls boarding school when she was nine. In 1973, she joined her sisters at West Heath Girls' School, and although she didn't excel in academics (she failed her O-levels twice), she was a talented athlete.
Aside from swimming and diving, Diana was incredibly passionate about ballet, even going as far as to study it in school. Even though her height made her too tall to become a professional ballerina, her love for the art continued well into her days as a royal. She would often attend various performances in London and was a big supporter of the English National Ballet until her death in August 1997. It's clear to see where Prince William and Harry get their sporty side.
All About the Sexy New Adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie's iconic novel, Murder on the Orient Express, has been adapted yet again, marking what could be considered the fifth or sixth attempt at retelling the story. (That's if you include the original movie, the radio show, TV movie, TV series, and even the 2006 computer game). What sets this production apart, more than 80 years after the book's publication? I attended an advance presentation of the film, which included an exclusive 15-minute reel of footage and a Q&A with some of the cast's major players. If you have any doubts about the new adaptation, which comes out Nov. 10, allow us to tell you what we've learned.
1. It's the Perfect Mix of Dark and Light
There are a lot of comical aspects of the story, mostly in the suspects themselves. In the novel, Agatha Christie does a great job of balancing the dark murderous atmosphere with a bit of levity. She achieves this mostly through the colorful characters and their behavior, but the sharp dialogue helps too. The new film seems to have heightened these aspects, and the result is an extremely amusing romp . . . you know, with a dead body on a stranded train. The first trailer gives a perfect primer for the film's feel.
2. The Cast Is Filled With Stars, and They All Have Great Chemistry
I mean, can we talk about the jam-packed cast for a second? We've got Dame Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp, and many more. Everyone seems completely on their game; they all seem to have consumed that heightened ridiculousness that's inherently built into the story and those involved in it. It's more than that, though: there's a great chemistry and camaraderie among the members of the cast. One rather intimate and biting scene between Pfeiffer and Depp is electrifying. Ridley is perfectly quaint as a proper, progressive, and slightly sassy British governess. And of course, Dench never fails to deliver her usual pomp and gravity to anyone and everyone.
3. There Have Been a Few Interesting Tweaks From the Book
One of the limiting parts of the novel is we stick almost exclusively to the point of view of Hercule Poirot (played by director Kenneth Branagh), the detective who rises to the challenge and solves the case. In the movie, we're jumping around a bit more and getting more information. As mentioned above, we witness a rather tense flirtation between Mrs. Hubbard (Pfeiffer) and Ratchett (Depp). Count Andrenyi, who doesn't do much in the book, is given an interesting shade by Sergei Polunin, the world-renowned ballet dancer. There's even a bit of, um, choreography for him in here (hint hint). All of it leads to a much more fleshed out and captivating story.
4. There Is Supreme Attention to Detail
One of the most interesting things we learned during the Q&A portion: the filmmakers painstakingly re-created the Orient Express as it was in the 1920s and 1930s, down to every last detail. Everything from the costumes to the sets to the scenic backdrops that fly by in every scene has been artfully and carefully done. It lends a sort of realism to experiencing the film, but there's also a noted modernity to it as well. I guess it's not so much that the story has been adapted for modern film but rather, it's like a modern film has been made in this time period. It's electric.
5. There Might Be a New Twist, or a New Ending
During the Q&A, director Branagh insinuated that small changes may have been made to the story. After all, the novel has been around for 83 years. The novel's twist ending won't exactly be a surprise . . . unless they give it a new spin, of course. As to what changes they made and how big they are, that remains to be seen. But rest assured, you'd better be on your guard. You never know who's going to end up being a murderer.
All press trip travel expenses and accommodations were paid for by 20th Century Fox.
10 Ways to Earn a Few Extra Bucks This Summer
The following post was originally featured on GOBankingRates.
The lazy days of Summer are approaching. But if you're strapped for cash, don't plan on spending the season in a lounge chair. Many businesses hire temporary workers for the summer, so get ready to cash in on your free time.
Millions of young adults take on Summer jobs once school is out, but who says you have to be a student? Some adults also have the season off - for example, teachers and other professionals employed by schools - and snag a side gig to earn extra money.
Whether you're looking for Summer jobs for teachers, students, or anyone else, there's plenty to choose from. Keep reading to see 10 seasonal jobs to pad your bank account.
Princess Diana Wanted to Be This Before Becoming a Princess
Princess Diana is known for her fascinating life as a British royal, but she led an equally interesting life before marrying Prince Charles. Diana grew up in an affluent household in Norfolk, England. Her father's family, the Spencers, were closely allied with the British royal family, while her maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. After being homeschooled by her governess, Gertrude Allen, she began her formal education at Silfield Private School in Gayton, Norfolk, before moving to an all-girls boarding school when she was nine. In 1973, she joined her sisters at West Heath Girls' School, and although she didn't excel in academics (she failed her O-levels twice), she was a talented athlete.
Aside from swimming and diving, Diana was incredibly passionate about ballet, even going as far as to study it in school. Even though her height made her too tall to become a professional ballerina, her love for the art continued well into her days as a royal. She would often attend various performances in London and was a big supporter of the English National Ballet until her death in August 1997. It's clear to see where Prince William and Harry get their sporty side.
All About the Sexy New Adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie's iconic novel, Murder on the Orient Express, has been adapted yet again, marking what could be considered the fifth or sixth attempt at retelling the story. (That's if you include the original movie, the radio show, TV movie, TV series, and even the 2006 computer game). What sets this production apart, more than 80 years after the book's publication? I attended an advance presentation of the film, which included an exclusive 15-minute reel of footage and a Q&A with some of the cast's major players. If you have any doubts about the new adaptation, which comes out Nov. 10, allow us to tell you what we've learned.
1. It's the Perfect Mix of Dark and Light
There are a lot of comical aspects of the story, mostly in the suspects themselves. In the novel, Agatha Christie does a great job of balancing the dark murderous atmosphere with a bit of levity. She achieves this mostly through the colorful characters and their behavior, but the sharp dialogue helps too. The new film seems to have heightened these aspects, and the result is an extremely amusing romp . . . you know, with a dead body on a stranded train. The first trailer gives a perfect primer for the film's feel.
2. The Cast Is Filled With Stars, and They All Have Great Chemistry
I mean, can we talk about the jam-packed cast for a second? We've got Dame Judi Dench, Daisy Ridley, Willem Dafoe, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp, and many more. Everyone seems completely on their game; they all seem to have consumed that heightened ridiculousness that's inherently built into the story and those involved in it. It's more than that, though: there's a great chemistry and camaraderie among the members of the cast. One rather intimate and biting scene between Pfeiffer and Depp is electrifying. Ridley is perfectly quaint as a proper, progressive, and slightly sassy British governess. And of course, Dench never fails to deliver her usual pomp and gravity to anyone and everyone.
3. There Have Been a Few Interesting Tweaks From the Book
One of the limiting parts of the novel is we stick almost exclusively to the point of view of Hercule Poirot (played by director Kenneth Branagh), the detective who rises to the challenge and solves the case. In the movie, we're jumping around a bit more and getting more information. As mentioned above, we witness a rather tense flirtation between Mrs. Hubbard (Pfeiffer) and Ratchett (Depp). Count Andrenyi, who doesn't do much in the book, is given an interesting shade by Sergei Polunin, the world-renowned ballet dancer. There's even a bit of, um, choreography for him in here (hint hint). All of it leads to a much more fleshed out and captivating story.
4. There Is Supreme Attention to Detail
One of the most interesting things we learned during the Q&A portion: the filmmakers painstakingly re-created the Orient Express as it was in the 1920s and 1930s, down to every last detail. Everything from the costumes to the sets to the scenic backdrops that fly by in every scene has been artfully and carefully done. It lends a sort of realism to experiencing the film, but there's also a noted modernity to it as well. I guess it's not so much that the story has been adapted for modern film but rather, it's like a modern film has been made in this time period. It's electric.
5. There Might Be a New Twist, or a New Ending
During the Q&A, director Branagh insinuated that small changes may have been made to the story. After all, the novel has been around for 83 years. The novel's twist ending won't exactly be a surprise . . . unless they give it a new spin, of course. As to what changes they made and how big they are, that remains to be seen. But rest assured, you'd better be on your guard. You never know who's going to end up being a murderer.
All press trip travel expenses and accommodations were paid for by 20th Century Fox.
Trump Officially Pulls the US Out of the Paris Climate Agreement
Update:
In an announcement on June 1 in the Rose Garden, President Trump officially withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Original story:
President Donald Trump's opposition to the Paris Climate Agreement was apparent from the moment he launched his campaign. Despite high-ranking officials in his administration (namely former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, who is now secretary of state) encouraging him to maintain America's commitment to the treaty, Trump has reportedly decided to pull out.
According to Axios and CNN, both citing anonymous sources within the White House, Trump is expected to withdraw from the historic climate agreement. When the United Nations-sponsored treaty was signed in 2015, it involved 147 countries and years of preparation. Prompted by evidence demonstrating human impact on climate change, the Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting the global temperature increase to two degrees Celsius over the next century - or no more than two degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial age average temperature. This would require a concerted effort to diminish reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions drastically.
Based on climate models, if the global temperature rises by an average of more than two degrees, the damage done to the environment is likely irreversible. However, some critics contend that two degrees is already too high and the goal was more or less arbitrarily assigned to promote global participation.
The United States, Europe, India, and China are the world's leading carbon emitters. By pulling out of the agreement, Trump is not only gambling with America's future landscape but also the entire world's. Following reports of Trump's decision to reject the Paris Climate Agreement, the European Union and China are expected to reaffirm their commitment to curbing emissions under the terms of the agreement. Though it won't offset America's unbridled emissions completely, Germany, China, and India will surpass the objectives they set in 2015, according to a United Nations report released in May. India will obtain 40 percent of its energy from solar power - nearly eight years ahead of its 2020 goal - and China has reduced its reliance on coal-powered energy as well.
The report also offered a slightly reassuring theory: "The positive developments in India and China significantly outweigh the potentially negative effects on emissions from the Trump Administration's proposed rollbacks in the US, estimated at around 0.4 [gigatons of] CO2 by 2030."
The United States will join Syria and Nicaragua as the only other countries in the world who will not participate.
13 Jobs to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
If you have endless wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires you to travel. Traveling for a living is a way to make money while doing what you love, so it's a win-win! Here are some career options that may be the perfect fit for you.
My 6-Month CrossFit Transformation Isn't What I Thought It'd Be
I wasn't going to write this post. I didn't want to share these photos. I felt too embarrassed. But it was for that reason that I felt compelled to. You see, when I started my CrossFit journey to getting completely ripped, I was convinced that after six months, I'd have amazing transformation photos to share. But as you can see, I don't.
I could have chosen to not share them, to wait a year, or however long it took to get the six-pack abs I'm working so hard toward, but I feel like these transformation photos are even more important to share than ones that are jaw-droppingly impressive. Because they show that losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.
Losing weight and getting toned takes time, and probably more time than you want it to.When progress doesn't go as quickly as expected, it can be so damn frustrating. I actually quit CrossFit for a few days after three months. I was pissed that I was getting up at 4:50 a.m. five days a week to go to class, eating clean, and my body wasn't getting close to where I wanted it to be. I still had my baby belly, and I actually gained weight and my muscles grew. I was thicker all around, and even my sports bras were feeling tighter. WTH!
But my husband talked me down off my "I hate CrossFit" ledge and said, "First of all, you look amazing. And I can totally tell you're getting stronger. But CrossFit isn't just about what it's doing to your body, it's how you feel." And that's true. I loved how badass I felt snatching bars over my head and slamming medicine balls to the floor, and how my heart thumped in my chest and sweat dripped off my nose while doing a bazillion burpees. I loved how energetic and confident I felt when I came home from class, and how that set the tone for my entire day. I'm happier when I work out regularly, and that spreads out into my life, my work, and my relationships.
I also talked to a ton of women about how I was feeling. I told them, "I've gained weight, everything has gotten bigger, including my butt, and my jeans are tighter." They felt the same way, that they didn't love their huge muscles at first, but now they do because it means they're strong. Some of the women even said they wished their muscles were bigger, and now they just care about what their bodies can do, and what their goals are like to squat more weight, or do higher box jumps.
Doing CrossFit for six months has taught me one unexpected lesson that I feel like I've been trying to learn my entire life. To love my body. To genuinely feel proud of what it can do, and to not poke and prod at it for what society tells me it's supposed to look like.
I just turned 40 years old, and it's taken me a lifetime and two pregnancies to get my body to this point, so how could I expect everything to change in just six months? Even though I don't see the physical progress I thought I would in half a year of intense workouts, five days a week, the progress I see in what my body can do is what's become my focus.
I've hit some pretty monumental goals like climbing a 15-foot rope, doing my first strict pull-up, and a handstand push-up, and that feeling of pride has overcome my feelings of insecurity about my flabby, wrinkly baby belly. It's given me this newfound confidence and inspiration to become even stronger. It feels like for most of my life, I've been in a constant battle with myself, to do everything possible to shrink down and take up less space, but I actually like the feeling of taking up more.
So what if I'm not where I want to be? I'm getting there, right? And I'll continue to take progress photos each month so that one day I'll look back on these six-month pictures and see how this was just one step in my journey to becoming the strongest, best version of me.
And even though sharing these photos of me not quite reaching my goals is a little mortifying, the one thing that makes it easy is to think that someone on their own weight-loss or fitness journey relates to my story, and finds inspiration to keep pushing themselves and celebrate every moment of progress, no matter how small they think it is.
17 Outdoor Craft Ideas Perfect For Sunny Days
Crafting doesn't have to be saved for days when it's too hot, cold, rainy, or snowy to leave the house. Even for cheerful days with perfect weather, there are a variety of exciting art projects that not only encourage kiddos to get outside and explore but are also better done in the fresh air (keeping the mess out of the house).
From adorable garden friends that add an extra pop of color to your flower beds to exciting water gun artwork unlike anything your kids have ever seen, check out these 17 clever Spring and Summer art projects perfect for every age.
18 Book Tattoos For the Ultimate Reader
Being a book-lover isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. For bibliophiles, the stories we delve into become very important influences on us. If you want to make your adoration for a great story permanent, a book tattoo is an awesome way to do it. We've rounded up a collection of our favorite ink, so take a look!
You Might Not Recognize These Stars in Their Yearbook Pictures
Before they became household names, plenty of today's biggest stars posed for potentially awkward yearbook photos like the rest of us. While Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep had looks dramatically different from what we've grown to expect from them, Zac Efron and Ashton Kutcher merely appear like mini versions of themselves. Read on to see all the epic flashbacks, and then learn even more about your favorite stars with their birth names and real ages.
Source: Pacific Coast News Online, Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library
You Might Not Recognize These Stars in Their Yearbook Pictures
Before they became household names, plenty of today's biggest stars posed for potentially awkward yearbook photos like the rest of us. While Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep had looks dramatically different from what we've grown to expect from them, Zac Efron and Ashton Kutcher merely appear like mini versions of themselves. Read on to see all the epic flashbacks, and then learn even more about your favorite stars with their birth names and real ages.
Source: Pacific Coast News Online, Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library
Who Is Putting Up Fake ICE Posters in Washington DC?
All over my neighborhood in SW DC today. http://pic.twitter.com/HU9BwpW0ZW
- Balkans Bohemia (@BalkansBohemia) June 1, 2017
Washington DC residents woke up Thursday to a flurry of bizarre signs posted on lamp posts and bus stops, alleging to be from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The signs, titled "Sanctuary City Neighborhood Public Notice," listed that it's a federal offense to harbor, encourage, and aid undocumented immigrants. ICE has since confirmed the signs do not come from the department, and Mayor Muriel Bowser has condemned their posting as well.
The signs, which you can see above, were found on June 1. They look almost borderline official, considering they include various logos and the official numbers to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Bowser tweeted that the DC Police Department and Public Works office are working to remove them.
We have been in contact with @DCPoliceDept and @DCDPW to have them removed. [2/3]
- Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 1, 2017
Bowser also reaffirmed that DC is a sanctuary city and that it "respects all DC residents no matter their immigration status."
And a reminder that we respect all DC residents no matter their immigration status. Washington, DC remains a sanctuary city. #DCvalues [3/3]
- Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 1, 2017
The news is particularly disturbing as June marks the beginning of Immigrant Heritage Month and the signs are reminiscent of Nazi propaganda posters.
See the First Photos of the Official Beauty and the Beast Makeup Collection
Wondering why there wasn't an official makeup collection centered around the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast? Us too. Disney caters to every detail when it comes to its theatrical releases, so we expected an announcement around the time the film was released, only to learn there wasn't anything in the works.
Sure, there was a limited-edition serum, a (unverified) full-range collection overseas, and even Beauty and the Beast-inspired brushes that weren't affiliated with the film. We even got nail polish. But the lack of authentic Belle-inspired makeup left something to be desired. Alice Through the Looking Glass had an official collaboration, as did the live-action Cinderella remake. This is arguably the most anticipated film of the year - so where is our Beauty and the Beast collection?
Perhaps Disney was testing our patience, much like the Beast's? It doesn't matter, because Lorac Los Angeles partnered with the House of Mouse on a limited-edition makeup collection, launching today! There's a 16-shade eye shadow palette, a cheek palette, and a lip gloss and lipstick collection. And you might shed a tear at how gorgeous everything is.
Scroll through the gallery to see all the products and to learn more about the inspiration behind them!
They're Friends?! 22 Celebrity Pals That Might Surprise You
There are tons of famous friendships that we all know about, from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, but you might be surprised at some of these little-known celebrity duos. Scroll through to see the high-profile pals that might make you scratch your head. And if you want to see more surprising relationships, check out stars that you didn't know were twins and the celebrities that are godparents for their famous friends.
17 Outdoor Craft Ideas Perfect For Sunny Days
Crafting doesn't have to be saved for days when it's too hot, cold, rainy, or snowy to leave the house. Even for cheerful days with perfect weather, there are a variety of exciting art projects that not only encourage kiddos to get outside and explore but are also better done in the fresh air (keeping the mess out of the house).
From adorable garden friends that add an extra pop of color to your flower beds to exciting water gun artwork unlike anything your kids have ever seen, check out these 17 clever Spring and Summer art projects perfect for every age.
They're Friends?! 22 Celebrity Pals That Might Surprise You
There are tons of famous friendships that we all know about, from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, but you might be surprised at some of these little-known celebrity duos. Scroll through to see the high-profile pals that might make you scratch your head. And if you want to see more surprising relationships, check out stars that you didn't know were twins and the celebrities that are godparents for their famous friends.
Who Is Putting Up Fake ICE Posters in Washington DC?
All over my neighborhood in SW DC today. http://pic.twitter.com/HU9BwpW0ZW
- Balkans Bohemia (@BalkansBohemia) June 1, 2017
Washington DC residents woke up Thursday to a flurry of bizarre signs posted on lamp posts and bus stops, alleging to be from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The signs, titled "Sanctuary City Neighborhood Public Notice," listed that it's a federal offense to harbor, encourage, and aid undocumented immigrants. ICE has since confirmed the signs do not come from the department, and Mayor Muriel Bowser has condemned their posting as well.
The signs, which you can see above, were found on June 1. They look almost borderline official, considering they include various logos and the official numbers to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Bowser tweeted that the DC Police Department and Public Works office are working to remove them.
We have been in contact with @DCPoliceDept and @DCDPW to have them removed. [2/3]
- Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 1, 2017
Bowser also reaffirmed that DC is a sanctuary city and that it "respects all DC residents no matter their immigration status."
And a reminder that we respect all DC residents no matter their immigration status. Washington, DC remains a sanctuary city. #DCvalues [3/3]
- Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 1, 2017
The news is particularly disturbing as June marks the beginning of Immigrant Heritage Month and the signs are reminiscent of Nazi propaganda posters.
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