Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 11 septembre 2018
Blake Lively Wore a Suit For Every Meal Today: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, and Dessert
Blake Lively truly amazes us. Not only does she style her own outfits, but she picks some of the brightest looks imaginable and wears them with confidence. The A Simple Favor actress has also been on a pantsuit kick, wearing coords for press appearances and even recently to the Ralph Lauren extravaganza in Central Park during New York Fashion Week.
While it takes a lot out of you to change five times within 24 hours, take into account the fact that Blake is also likely traveling from meeting to meeting and accessorizing her ensembles carefully with eye-catching jewelry, and you realize just how committed Blake is to fashion.
On that note, read on to see the vibrant outfits she wore that brought sunshine to the streets of NYC on a very rainy day, then weigh in in the comments and let us know your favorite of her five intricate sets. We know that's hard work, but it's probably not as tiring as Blake's continuous wardrobe swaps, right?
Toss Your Sandals Aside - These Are the 55 Shoes You Need For Fall
If you're ready to retire your sandals and shop for Fall's hottest shoes, you've come to the right place. Whether you're on the hunt for everyday booties, flats you can wear to work, or chic over-the-knee boots, we found it all. Ahead, find 55 stylish choices at every price point. Hurry and shop your favorites before your size sells out.
The 1 Outfit All Over Fashion Week Is Actually Something Kate Middleton Owns
As soon as I laid eyes on this blue corduroy skirt suit from H&M, I knew I had to have it for Fall. But I couldn't wait until October, heck, even mid-September to debut it. Not when I was instantly inspired by all the tailored co-ords popping up on the street at Fashion Week. The one-and-done look, if you purchase your matching pieces together, is simple to style in a pinch (just decide whether you want to go the sporty route in dad sneakers or evoke Western flair with cowboy boots).
But you can also get a lot of bang for your buck by rotating the blazer or miniskirt in a set into a whole different outfit later. Whether you invest in a three-piece set - one that comes with a tank in matching print - or two, we think you'll get psyched to buy into this look just as soon as you see how brilliantly all the ladies are wearing it at Fashion Week. Scroll away, then shop some of our favorite sets out there now.
6 Key Pieces to Transition to Fall - All Under $85
The switch to Fall weather can creep up overnight. One evening, dining al fresco feels like you're sitting in a sauna, and the next, you suddenly need another layer - but hold the tights and sweaters. We get it, and we have an easy answer. Since the POPSUGAR at Kohl's Collection is designed with pieces to live your life in, the first drop (launching Sept. 13!) is loaded with essentials that make navigating the tricky transitional weather a cinch.
Our go-everywhere varsity cardigan, denim jumpsuit, and tie-waist pants are just a couple of the pieces we plan to rely on as we stylishly make the move from Summer to Fall. Read on for all the essentials and how to style them now and later. Did we mention they're each under $85?
10 New Tory Burch Shoes We're Dreaming About This Fall
When it comes to classic silhouettes and quality materials, we always look to Tory Burch. The designer never disappoints with Fall releases everyone is lusting after. This year is no different, so we rounded up our favorite shoes for the season. Check out these chic picks and add them to your shopping cart.
Kendall Jenner Explains Her Absence From Fashion Week: "I Just Have to Chill Out"
Kendall Jenner is sitting on the sidelines this New York Fashion Week. While attending the Longchamp show on Sept. 8, the 22-year-old model spoke to W about her noticeable absence from the runway and said she is taking some time for herself. "It's always fun to be on the other side of things and get to be on the other side of the craziness," said Kendall. "I actually enjoy it."
Though she admitted it's different sitting in the front row, Kendall said she appreciates "being able to see the collections when they are brand new." In her free time, Kendall has been trying to keep her anxiety at bay. "I try to keep myself cool. I go in and out of having freak-outs, so I just have to chill out and be by myself," she said. "Yesterday, I took a bath because I was really stressing out."
Kendall has in the past spoken candidly about her anxiety and the pressure of her career. In a recent interview with Love, Kendall said she has to be "selective" about the number of runway shows she does. "I was never one of those girls who would do like 30 shows a season or whatever the f*ck those girls do," she said. Her comment drew criticism from her peers who argued that turning down jobs is not always a feasible financial option.
New York Fashion Week lasts until Sept. 12, but Kendall left early and touched down in Paris on Sept. 10. At this point, it's unlikely that Kendall will walk in any runway shows for the season, however, she may make appearances at other events throughout Fashion Month.
If You Want to Lose Belly Fat Forever, This 6-Step Formula Is All You Need
It seems like belly fat has such a strong foothold that no matter what we do, it won't go away. We feel like we have tried everything, and nothing works. "I thought I had tried everything, too. But what I discovered was, I hadn't even scratched the surface," says personal trainer and strength coach Susan Niebergall.
She goes on: "I wish I could have a magical series of specific exercises for you to do that will melt it all away, but the reality is that doesn't exist. Doing 100 crunches every night, or holding a plank for five minutes isn't going to do it." So what will burn that fat away? The formula for burning belly fat is the same formula for fat loss in general, so follow these six steps and you will see results.
Pumpkin Spice Treats, Snacks, and More You Can Eat on the Keto Diet
If you're following the keto diet, the low-carb, high-fat diet that's helped countless people lose weight, then you may feel like you're missing out on pumpkin spice season. All of the delicious treats of the season, such as pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice muffins, are packed with sugar and carbs, meaning they're off-limits for keto dieters.
The good news is there are plenty of other snacks and treats that have all the best flavors of the season, but you can still enjoy on the keto diet. Take a look at our list of pumpkin spice foods you can order for yourself and indulge in guilt-free. Note: these pair nicely with a blanket scarf and puffy vest.
No Need to Stand! This Arms and Abs Dumbbell Workout Is All on the Floor
While we are fans of full-body workouts, sometimes you just don't want to stand and lift. We get it. We've created a simple workout for your arms and abs that can be done on the floor for those days when being upright is just too, too much. And all you need is set of dumbbells, between five and 10 pounds, and a comfy space on the floor.
Directions: Warm up with shoulder circles, seated scarecrow, and a 30-second plank. Then perform this six-exercise circuit three times, resting for one minute between circuits. Cool down with a spinal twist and a hip-flexor stretch.
I Add This to My Morning Smoothie and I Stay Full Until My Late Lunch
I've been eating (or drinking) more or less the same thing for breakfast since high school: a smoothie with protein powder. In the past 10-plus years I've been making protein smoothies, I've experimented with different ingredients and flavor profiles. Up until a few months ago, I pretty much stuck to the following concoction: vegan protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, leafy greens, and fruit. But I noticed that I usually got hungry again around 10:30 or 11 in the morning. And since I normally don't eat lunch until about 2 p.m. (I find eating a later lunch breaks up my day better), I would need to snack on nuts or something else to keep me going.
Then I realized that my morning smoothie contained way too much sugar. I would usually add half a banana (sometimes a whole banana) and at least a cup of frozen berries. Although I had protein in the form of vegan protein powder (around 20 grams of the macronutrient per serving), the carb count was too high and this smoothie didn't have any healthy fats. While the excess sugar from all the fruit would spike my blood sugar and leave me crashing by midafternoon, the protein wasn't enough to keep me feeling full. I realized I needed to add a healthy fat, which is a satiating macronutrient, to keep me full.
I started adding one tablespoon of Perfect Keto MCT Oil ($29 on Amazon) to my morning smoothie and cutting back the amount of fruit I was putting in. Instead of two cups of fruit, I now add about one-fourth to a half of a cup of fruit. Although the MCT oil is caloric - one tablespoon contains 130 calories and 14 grams of fat - it keeps me full well until my late lunch. And since I usually drink it around 8 a.m. after my morning workout, that's hours of feeling satiated. Plus, I don't have to reach for a midmorning snack of nuts, which is around 175 calories and 15 grams of fat.
Here's what I put in my morning smoothie to keep me nourished and full:
- Vegan protein powder - I usually opt for Vega One All-in-One Shake ($47 on Amazon) or ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder ($24 on Amazon)
- Handful of spinach or kale (usually about two cups or so, packed)
- One cup of unsweetened almond milk
- One-fourth of a banana or one-fourth a cup of frozen strawberries
- One tablespoon of MCT oil
- Ice, as needed
Sculpt a Lean 6-Pack With the Help of These 30 Ab Workout Videos
Make working your abs easy by just following along to these videos! From five minutes to 30, all these workouts focus on your entire core including your upper and lower abs, obliques, and back muscles. As a bonus, many of these videos include total-body moves to sculpt your arms, legs, and butt, and they'll also get your heart rate up to burn fat.
Some of these videos require zero equipment, and some need weights, a booty band, or towels, so you can choose the workout that suits your needs. You'll definitely want to bookmark this to have for the gym, at home, or when traveling.
Tone Your Arms Now With This No-Equipment Workout
Give the dumbbells a break, and fire up your arms with this strengthening bodyweight workout. You'll get a quick and effective sweat sesh in with this arm-centric workout targeting your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and chest.
The Workout
- Before you get started, be sure to do a warmup. Moves like plank walkouts and jumping jacks are great to prepare for the upcoming workout.
- Complete the designated reps for each of the following exercises. Once you've gone through all four of the exercises, take up to two minutes of rest. Repeat for a total of four rounds.
Halloween Candy Swaps: Kids Will Still Scream For These Healthy Treats
Traditionally, kids have come to expect candy bars, lollipops, and chocolate when they ring doorbell after doorbell. That's a lot of sugar! A treat doesn't automatically have to be candy. It also doesn't have to be an apple or box of raisins. Here are some healthy, non-candy ideas for Halloween treats that kids (and their parents!) will love.
Miss Michigan Perfectly Addressed the Flint Water Crisis During Her Miss America Intro
Though the lucky lady who took home the crown at the 2019 Miss America pageant on Sept. 9 was New York's Nia Franklin, there was one other contestant who made a major impact on the competition, and she did so in a matter of seconds. Emily Sioma, aka Miss Michigan, used her platform to briefly call attention to the water crisis that's been affecting her home state for four years. As she boldly stated during the first half of her introduction: "From the state with 84 percent of the United States' fresh water but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan, Emily Sioma."
Watch to see what Miss Michigan had to say about the water crisis in Flint, during her introduction. The people of Flint are still without clean water!#WaterIsLife pic.twitter.com/jq85jy3Fv8
â€" OverpassLightBrigade (@OLBLightBrigade) September 10, 2018
Sioma hails from Grass Lake, MI, but her comment was obviously a reference to the water crisis that's been plaguing Flint, a city that's just a two-hour drive away. Flint's water became contaminated after the city switched its main water source from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to the Flint River. By 2015, reports of lead poisoning from nearly 100,000 local residents - most of which are black and from low-income families - began to flood news cycles, and a number of public officials are now facing charges related to the issue. Though measures have been put in place to solve the problem, residents of the city are still heavily reliant on bottled water.
Sioma's journey ended when she didn't make it to the top 15, but many users on Twitter are still praising her for her statements. Read through a few of them below.
Why My Grandfather's Immigration Story Gives Me Hope
The times we are living in are like no other, and in the current political climate, it seems like Americans are disagreeing more than ever on all kinds of topics and values - particularly immigration.
Immigration can be a tricky subject to converse over. It's such a personal and emotional topic, and in these divisive times, it's often turned into something negative. I was born and raised in the United States, but my parents were not, so for me, the word has recently taken on a whole new meaning.
I had the pleasure of being back in my hometown of Houston, TX, for a few days, and I sat down with my Papa (my maternal grandfather) and my dad to chat with them about their experiences coming to the US from Pakistan many years ago. I was nervous asking them questions, and even more nervous about their answers, but in the end it turned out to be one of the best conversations I'd ever had. I thought their viewpoints might have changed due to all the recent controversy surrounding immigration, but both of them reminded me that while these conversations may bring up some unpleasant memories, they are important because they reinstate the idea of working toward a better future.
Papa in 1974 (Houston,TX)
When did you come to America for the first time? What was it like?
PAPA: I touched down in 1971 with a student visa and $200 in my pocket. I was young, naive, and I was terrified. I was leaving behind my home, my family - everything I knew and loved - to go to a place where I knew no one and nothing.
DAD: My experience was a little different. I had visited a few times before, but when I came to start a new life here in the early '80s, I was lucky enough to have my older brother here. He had gone to college in the states. He had a wife and family, so I felt more secure, less terrified when I got here. Nonetheless, I knew going forward my life was going to be completely different than it had been in the past. I was obviously nervous, but more importantly, I was ready.
Were you prepared for the culture shock you experienced? How did you cope? Did you feel like family culture in America is different than back home?
DAD: First, I have to say - of course there's a difference, but I hate saying it was a culture shock. People are people; everyone's got friends and family they love, everyone's got the one family member they wish they didn't, everyone's got the same bullsh*t. Even moving from Pakistan to Sugar Land, TX, I never felt like I was in a place where I didn't belong. There were just some obstacles to get through, and from the looks of it, I got through just fine.
PAPA: I agree with your dad for the most part; it's not so much a culture shock as it is an adjustment period, but that's what happens everywhere, isn't it? Didn't you feel like you had to adjust to New York when you left Houston? Like your dad said, people are people. I had friends back home I had less in common with than folks I met along the way here in America, and that's just a testament to humanity: you connect with humans.
Papa in 1982 (Houston, TX)
What was your reason for leaving your country? Did America meet your expectations? Has it been worth it and why? Would you make the same decision today?
PAPA: Everyone has different reasons. I left personally because I felt as if my children had a better shot here and collectively as a family we would have a better life here with access to more. America has exceeded my expectations. I'm not saying there haven't been hard times - of course there have been - but overall looking back almost 50 years I can't say I made the wrong decision by coming here. My kids have beautiful homes and lives here, my grandchildren have gotten live a life I could have only dreamed about living at their ages. I sacrificed a lot and I regret none of it. Would make the same decision today.
DAD: I personally felt as if I had no future there. My expectations coming here were that if I worked hard, I'd have a good life, and it's been worth it. Having a daughter, I know I made the right decision. I mean, don't get me wrong - you would do great things anywhere because I'm your dad [Author's note: OK, Dad] but in all seriousness - regardless of the climate of today, I do believe you have been able to achieve and live a life yourself that you may have not gotten to in Pakistan.
Of course times are different, now but if someone was immigrating today, what advice would you give to them?
DAD: This is very relative to a person's situation. Many people may want to come to this country not because they want to necessarily leave theirs, but because they might have to for reasons we may not understand. In all other cases, I would say leave your expectations at the door, understand that you are coming here for a new start, and embrace it. It's not about taking on a brand new culture as your own, it's about blending two things together. I never felt like I had to give up my culture to be an American. The best parts of this country are all the cultures that have come here and made it home and created communities together and helped each other out day and in day out. Remember Harvey? Temples, mosques, and churches were all shelters. No one cared about the bullsh*t. Just remember the basics, and everything else you learn as you go.
Papa in 1978 (Houston,TX)
10 Myths About Men That Are So Wrong - Trust Me, I Should Know
Women are a mystery to men and, as such, men are a mystery to women. As a man myself, I have to admit I don't believe we're all that complicated, but I'm sure women would say the same.
To help better understand men, I've decided to do some myth busting on behalf of my gender, and through this article, I hope to clear up some things that decades of television and archetypes have falsely led society to believe are true about men. So instead of using anonymous surveys to determine what is or is not true about men, an actual man is going to clear up some things. So I'm going to do just that.
20 Pictures That Will Convince You Black Decor Is a Major Rising Trend
Before you reach for a bold bright or a safe gray, consider the hottest color of the moment: black. From moody nurseries to dramatic wedding gowns, people are finding new and nontraditional ways to incorporate black into their lifestyle. And home design is the perfect arena to get in on the trend, as demonstrated by the abundance of results elicited by a "black decor" search on Pinterest.
We've rounded up some of the best black home design pieces, from furniture DIYs to dreamy kitchens to shoppable products. We bet that you'll be ready to turn to the dark side before you're even done scrolling through.
lundi 10 septembre 2018
29 Pictures That Prove Prince William and Prince Harry's Sporting Prowess
The British royals have always been avid sports fans, from the queen's famous love of horse racing to Prince William's devotion to Aston Villa Football Club. But they don't just watch sports: they participate in them, too. Some members of the royal family have even turned sports into a career, but Prince William and Prince Harry prefer to play for fun. Over the years, we've seen the brothers skiing, playing table tennis, and tackling each other at soccer, but they're clearly most at home on the polo field. Both princes have played the game for years, and they frequently take part in charity matches. Harry was recently spotted kissing his wife at the Sentebale polo, and William is a regular at the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo. Though they'll often hit the pitch on their own, we get particularly excited when they team up. Ahead, take a look back at some of their best moments getting sporty together. And yes, that lightsaber fight totally counts.
If These PDA Moments Are Anything to Go By, This Is the British Royal Family's Most Loved-Up Couple
The British royal family has always been about protocol, rules, and traditions, but over the last few decades, the younger members have loosened the reins, choosing to be more informal and approachable. Part of this probably comes from their chosen spouses: there are none of the aristocratic marriages of the past here, instead the queen's grandchildren have married "commoners." Among that group is the gloriously down-to-earth Mike Tindall, who's been married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips since 2011.
Though Zara is 17th in line to the throne, she and Mike don't have titles and don't take part in many official duties. Instead, they've focused on their sporting careers, to great success. Zara is an Olympic medal-winning equestrian, while Mike is an English rugby legend, having participated in a whopping 11 Six Nations Championships. He was also part of the 2003 squad that won the rugby World Cup, which was when his path crossed with Zara. They're now parents to two daughters, 4-year-old Mia and Lena, who was born earlier this year. The pair seem like some of the most down-to-earth members of the royal family, and they're not afraid to share their love with the rest of us, with plenty of cheeky PDAs over the years. Just keep reading for proof!
Better Than a Pumpkin Spice Latte: How to Make Healthy, Sugar-Free Pumpkin Spice Coffee
I'm a walking cliché of someone who is obsessed with Fall: I love layering sweaters and scarves, practically live in my riding boots, and eat and drink everything that's pumpkin spice flavored. (I even dragged my husband to a sad little pumpkin patch in the middle of Queens one October, but that's a tale for another time). The problem with indulging in all the treats of the season, however, is that they're usually packed with sugar and calories.
Take Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte for example. If you order a traditional Grande how, made with whole milk and whipped cream, the drink contains 420 calories, 18 grams of fat, 52 grams of carbs, and 50 grams of sugar - yikes! And while there are ways to make it healthier, that's still a lot of sugar for a breakfast beverage. Consuming that much sugar first thing in the morning is sure to spike your blood sugar, only to make it crash by mid-morning, leaving you with hunger pangs and craving more simple carbs.
Since I love the flavors of pumpkin spice, especially in my coffee, I have found a simple way to make it healthier. I start with pumpkin spice flavored coffee grounds, such as Joe's Harvest Pumpkin Spice Coffee ($10 for a 12-ounce bag on Amazon). Instead of whole milk or my beloved unsweetened almond milk, I add another punch of pumpkin spice flavor with Pumpkin Spice Nutpods ($15 for a four-pack on Amazon). When I did Whole30 a couple years ago, Nutpods were a life-saver: they're sugar-free, dairy-free, and made with coconut cream and almond milk, which means they are Paleo, Whole30-compliant, and keto-friendly. The Pumpkin Spice Nutpods have just the right amount of Fall flavor without being too overwhelming.
If I'm craving something a little sweeter I'll add a drop or two of liquid stevia, but usually I don't need it. And then I top it off with a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice (I use the one from Trader Joe's). One cup of my pumpkin spice coffee is about 12 calories, one gram of fat, and zero grams of sugar. Since I usually have more than one cup - which is just a measly eight ounces and who can survive on just eight ounces of coffee in the morning? - I typically consume about 25 calories, two grams of fat, and zero grams of sugar in my morning Fall coffee.
And since I'm a ride-or-die iced coffee fan, I typically drink it cold, even in chilly temps. I use the coffee grounds in my Hario Cold Brew Coffee Wine Bottle ($23 on Amazon) to steep overnight, then add my Nutpods creamer and pumpkin spice the next morning.
If you're craving a Fall coffee with a fraction of the calories and no sugar, try making this concoction at home. It pairs nicely with a blanket scarf and puffy vest.
The Spice Girls Hanging Out With the Royals Is the Most British Thing You'll Ever See
What do you get when you put the Spice Girls and the royal family together? Why, the most British thing you could ever see, of course. Since releasing their very first single over 22 years ago, the former girl band has met with the royals on many occasions, and judging by the following photos, it seems as though the famous family might love them as much as we do.
From meeting a very excited Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice to breaking royal protocol and planting a kiss on Prince Charles's cheek, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, and Emma Bunton have had some pretty epic moments with the British royal family. Read on to see 10 photos of the two worlds colliding.
Books to Help Introduce Young Kids to the Events of 9/11
Try as we might to shield our children from harm and the horrors of the world, sometimes it is best to face it head-on. As we remember the events of 9/11, we will be inundated with images of the burning twin towers, the Pentagon in smoke, and a plane in a field. Turn off the TV, and your little ones are still likely to see the images when Mom turns on the computer or Dad opens the newspaper. Children who weren't even glints in our eyes in 2001 are now old enough to ask what Sept. 11 is all about.
A number of books have been written about the events, but the following are geared toward young kids - toddlers to middle schoolers - to help introduce 9/11 in an age-appropriate manner.
5 Tips For Helping Your Teen Handle - and Treat - Their Acne
Many things have changed since we were teenagers - the pervasiveness of the cell phone and reliance on social media are definitely at the top of the list - yet much has stayed the same. The pressure to fit in has always existed, and one of the many factors in feeling like you fit in is having clear skin, though, let's face it: everyone struggles with it in some capacity. If your teen is having trouble with their complexion and you haven't figured out how to treat their pimples, read on for five antiacne tips from Circle of Moms members whose kids have been there recently.
Team Edward Forever! Robert Pattinson Says He's Ready For Another Twilight Movie
It's been almost 10 years since Twilight hit theaters, but for the film's star Robert Pattinson, it still feels like it was just yesterday. While promoting his upcoming film High Life, the 32-year-old actor reminisced about the vampire saga that helped him rise to stardom. "It definitely doesn't feel like 10 years ago," he told Variety. "I feel like I stopped mentally progressing around the time when I started doing those movies, so it feels like not a day has passed."
While he has since said goodbye to Forks, WA, we can't help but wonder, would he ever consider reprising his role as Edward Cullen in a reboot? Never say never. "I was literally just talking to my agent about it," Pattinson joked during his interview. "The amount of time I've spent moisturizing, I am ready to play 17 at a moment's notice. Ready! I've got the Botox out! I can do it."
Even though it's pretty unlikely we'll ever see Pattinson glimmer in the sunlight again, you can catch the next best thing when Twilight returns to theaters in October.
Searching: Did You Catch These Hints Throughout the Twisty Thriller?
Warning: This post contains spoilers for the movie Searching.
Starring the venerable John Cho and Debra Messing, Searching is one of the twistiest thrillers you'll ever come across. Just imagine a modern-day Hitchcock project that occurs entirely on a computer screen interface. In the film, David Kim, an anguished widowed father, launches a full-fledged internet investigation to figure out what happened to his missing 16-year-old daughter, Margot. While working on his own theories, he gets help from his brother Peter and Detective Rosemary Vick. But, of course, things are not as they seem.
Anyone who made it to the end of Searching will surely appreciate the twists, plants, and buildup that the filmmakers use to create suspense and a logical narrative. Still, even the shrewdest internet sleuths may overlook or glaze over some of the cleverly hidden clues in Searching that point to the shocking reveal of what happens to Margot. Just in case you missed them, we've rounded up the most important hints sprinkled throughout the movie.
Olivia Newton-John Reveals She Is Fighting Cancer For the Third Time
Olivia Newton-John has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time in three decades. In an interview on Australian news broadcast Sunday Night, Olivia revealed that doctors found a tumor at the base of her back in 2017. Since then, she's been using modern medicines and natural remedies, including cannabis oil, to treat the cancer and reduce pain. She's also stopped eating sugar and started radiation treatment.
In the interview, the Australian singer and actress expressed gratitude for having the support of her husband, John Easterling, saying, "A lot of cannabis, my husband grows for me. In California, it's legal to grow a certain amount of plants for your own medicinal purposes. He makes me tinctures . . . and they help with pain, they help with sleep. So, I'm very lucky that I live in a state where it's legal and that I have a husband that is a plant medicine man." She went on to say that John is "always there to support me, and I believe I will win over it and that's my goal."
Olivia sang and danced her way into the spotlight when she starred as the sweet and sassy Sandy Olsen in Grease in 1978. She was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and became an advocate for cancer research and breast cancer screenings. She even has a cancer center named after her in Melbourne, Australia: the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Research Center. After undergoing a partial mastectomy and reconstruction, she was able to beat the cancer. Then in 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, with it spreading to her shoulders. This time around, she remains optimistic. "I'm a very privileged person, and I'm very aware of that," she said in the Sunday Night interview. "I have a wonderful husband, I have all the animals I adore, I have an incredible career. I have nothing really to complain about."
Sierra Burgess May Be a Loser, but Her Mom Is an Iconic Actress
Netflix's Sierra Burgess Is A Loser has a cast jam-packed with recognizable faces. Its leading lady, Shannon Purser, was one of the breakout stars of the streaming platform's Stranger Things, playing fan favorite Barb. The requisite dorky-jock-dreamboat, Jamey, is portrayed by the Internet's current boyfriend, Noah Centineo, aka Peter Kavinsky of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. There's definitely one other member of the cast, though, that you'll recognize instantly: Sierra's mom, played by Lea Thompson.
Thompson has been working in Hollywood since the 1980s, when she made her movie debut in Jaws 3-D. She appeared in a few other '80s films, including the cult classic Red Dawn, until she landed the role she will probably always be associated with: Lorraine Baines McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy. With the help of aging makeup, Thompson portrayed protagonist Marty's (Michael J. Fox) mother as an adult in the "present" and "future" segments, as well as Lorraine's 1950s-era younger self. The film series has entered the pantheon of iconic movies, and Thompson's character has become iconic as well.
Throughout the '80s, Thompson continued appearing in a mixture of camp-fests like Howard the Duck and teen fare like the John Hughes classic Some Kind of Wonderful. By the 1990s, however, she began to shift into the "mom" roles in movies including Dennis the Menace. In The Beverly Hillbillies, she took a sharp about-face from her typically wholesome, sweet roles to be the comedic villain. She also earned popular and critical success on television as the star of NBC's sitcom Caroline in the City in the late '90s.
After a period of smaller roles and reality TV in the early 2000s - including a stint on Dancing With the Stars in 2014 - Thompson returned to the small screen in 2011 with a role that probably comes second only to Lorraine McFly in terms of being career-defining. On ABC Family's (later Freeform) drama series Switched at Birth, she appeared as one of the main characters: Kathryn Kennish, a wealthy suburban mom who discovers that her teenage daughter is not biologically hers, but that there was a mix-up at birth, and her biological daughter has been raised by another family. The series ran for six seasons and earned Thompson plenty of positive reviews.
Thompson's role in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser lines up pretty closely with her other recent projects. She'll next be seen in the modern-day adaptation of Little Women on the big screen, and she has a real-life role as Zoey Deutch's mom! Take a look at some of her iconic roles now!
John Legend's EGOT Is Legendary, but Chrissy Teigen's New Haircut Is Pretty Cool, Too
Chrissy Teigen is always the loudest cheerleader for her husband, John Legend, so when he officially achieved EGOT status at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 9 - the first-ever black man to receive such a win - she was obviously extremely proud. But in the midst of all the celebrations, you might have overlooked one thing: Teigen's big new haircut.
However, one fan was quick to point out her fresh chop. When she posted a photo of the two of them on Instagram, one commented, "Love your hair!!! 😍," and Teigen hilariously replied, "honestly I'm super proud of him but I was also like wow my hair looks great so I posted it." (Keeping it real and relatable, per usual.)
This isn't the first time Teigen's served up hair inspiration recently. During a long vacation with her family in Bali, she gave her fans hair envy with the "headband of the day" series with an insanely catchy theme song by her husband. You better believe we'll be first in line for a headband collaboration. Take a closer look ahead for some shoulder-grazing hair inspiration - it might also convince you to try out that wet look after all.
Your Next Workout? It's With POPSUGAR Active on Amazon's Alexa
We get it. You want to work out, but you don't want to leave the house. But you also don't know what to do. And you don't have any fitness equipment either. For us, this isn't a reason to skip a sweat sesh; it's the perfect time to say to your Amazon Echo, "Alexa, ask POPSUGAR Active what workouts I can do."
We wholeheartedly believe working out should be convenient and fun, so we designed our new POPSUGAR Active Alexa Skill to bring a trainer into your home to tell you exactly what to do. You can excuse-proof your fitness life with with our voice-guided workouts - they're all less than 15 minutes and require zero equipment, which means you can easily squeeze in a training session. You can even combine two workouts for an even longer at-home workout. Choose a cardio session to torch calories, an ab and core workout to tighten your middle, or go for a full-body strength training routine to get toned all over.
Here are a few things to say to Alexa to fire up your next workout:
- "Alexa, open POPSUGAR Active".
- "Alexa, ask POPSUGAR Active what cardio workouts I can do."
- "Alexa, ask POPSUGAR Active to start Aerobic Abs."
No matter your mood, we have a workout for you. But most importantly, you don't have to work out alone!
12 Fall Booties You'll Want to Add to Your Closet STAT
There's one shoe we always turn to for Fall: booties. These versatile shoes are the one thing you should always have on hand, because they go with pretty much everything. Whether you dress them up with trousers for work, high-waisted jeans for a night out, or a pretty maxi dress, the options are endless. This season, it's time to retire that old pair you've overworn and get something new. Ahead, you'll find 12 stylish choices we have our eyes on right now, at every price point. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
Christina Aguilera's "Dirty" Handbag Will Have You Sweatin' Till Your Clothes Come Off
Whenever Christina Aguilera steps out, you can be sure that she's going to make a fashion statement. On Sunday, the 37-year-old singer was spotted in New York following her surprise performance at the Opening Ceremony fashion show, which was attended by famous faces like Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, and Whoopi Goldberg.
For her night out in the city, the singer wore an oversize black puffer coat over an all-black ensemble, which she accessorized with rather interesting, open-toe red stilettos and cat-eye sunglasses. The best part of her edgy outfit, however, was her "Dirty" tote bag, which immediately took us back to 2002 and made us want to ring the alarm. Read on to get a closer look at Christina's outfit.
This Mummy DIY Is the Cool, Last-Minute Costume You've Been Waiting For
Instead of purchasing an expensive Halloween costume this year, we suggest you stretch out those DIY fingers and make your own. To help you get inspired, we teamed up with Holy Tee designer Michelle Zacks - purveyor of the most incredibly soft tees, skirts, and dresses you can imagine - to make our very own mummy costume out of, you guessed it, t-shirts. Not only was it super easy to put together, the results, as you can see, were amazing. All you need are a bunch of old tees or a t-shirt pack, a ruler, scissors, camisole, and leggings or biker shorts, depending on how much coverage you want. We used a white tee for our DIY, but you can always opt for black tees or stain your white t-shirts with fake blood or dirt to mix things up. Ready to make your very own mummy for Halloween? Just click the slideshow to see our easy step-by-step instructions.
28 Family Costume Ideas So Good, Everyone Will Want to Dress Up This Halloween
They say that the family that plays together, stays together, and we're thinking that the same thing applies to the family that gets creative and dresses up together for Halloween! Young kids look cute no matter what they choose to dress up as for All Hallows' Eve, but when their parents put on coordinating outfits that fit within a theme, the final look takes the holiday to a new level. Whether you want to go for a classic story, or dress as something more modern and current, we have 34 family costume ideas that are practically guaranteed to cue "oohs" and "ahhs" from your neighbors. Time to start planning.
Please Enjoy 1 Hilarious Minute of Sofia Vergara Flubbing Her Lines on Modern Family
If you're in need of a few laughs, then Modern Family is at your service. More specifically, Sofia Vergara is at your service, since the comedy queen - who stars as Gloria - is one of the best parts of the funny family show's upcoming season nine gag reel. Whether she's flubbing lines about baby elephants making their way to the South Pole, or trying to take costar Ty Burrell's temperature, the exclusive clip above will make sure you're more excited about season 10 than ever. Check it out!
Catch up on the Emmy & Golden Globe Award-winning series when Modern Family season nine arrives on DVD on Sept. 11 and new episodes when Modern Family season 10 arrives on Digital the day after broadcast beginning Sept. 27.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser: Meet the Hollwood Newcomer Behind Veronica
Netflix has been releasing a bunch of original romantic comedies, including Set It Up and To All the Boys I've Loved Before. The latest project to join its lineup is Sierra Burgess Is a Loser. Sure, we all know Shannon Purser, the actress behind the titular character who also happens to be Stranger Things's beloved Barb. Love or hate the movie, Purser's Sierra is undoubtedly anchored by her co-lead in the film. And nope, we're not talking about dreamy Noah Centineo's Jamey. We mean Veronica, the outspoken cheerleader who befriends Sierra. In exchange for tutoring lessons, Veronica pretends to date Jamey for Sierra, who's really the one texting and calling him.
Veronica is played by Kristine Froseth, a 22-year-old Norwegian actress who's new to both the small and big screens. At age 16, Froseth went to a modeling cast call at a mall in Norway. (She grew up in New Jersey and Norway, and now resides in New York.) After appearing in European fashion magazines (you may have seen her in ads for H&M, Juicy Couture, and Armani), she caught the attention of the director for a movie adaptation of John Green's Looking for Alaska. While the film never came to fruition, Froseth ended up with an acting agent. In 2016, the actress starred in The Weeknd's music video for "False Alarm," which piqued her interest in an earnest acting career.
Besides her project with The Weeknd, Froseth has held a couple of roles in smaller shows, including Eli in a canceled TV adaptation of Let the Right One In, Jess in the teen series Junior, and Nola in the thriller miniseries The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair. She also played a small part in the J.D. Salinger biopic Rebel in the Rye. While she's relatively new in the film world, you're about to see a lot more of Froseth soon. Her upcoming movies include a few thrillers, such as Apostle and Prey.
You can follow the actress's daily musings and upcoming projects on her Instagram account, where she regularly posts pictures of her travel adventures as well as her adorable friendship with Purser!
Your Costco Membership Just Paid For Itself! You Can Pick Up These 13 Keto Snacks There
We all know Costco is the place to go for 48-count rolls of toilet paper and vodka ice pops, but the superstore can also keep you stocked up on all your keto diet necessities.
Before heading to the store, you might need a little keto refresher on all the foods you can and cannot eat (and a few tips for dealing with the dreaded keto flu), but don't worry about your list of snacks to buy. Load up the car and head to the nearest Costco so you can get these 13 healthy picks.
In Defense of Reading Spoilers Religiously
Spoiler alert: This article will have spoilers for shows and movies that you should have already seen by now, so get over it.
I've never seen Citizen Kane, but I know exactly what "rosebud" means; I knew Bruce Willis was dead the whole time I was watching The Sixth Sense; and I was mentally and emotionally prepared for the Red Wedding long before Catelyn Stark's throat was slit on Game of Thrones. Final confession: I frequently flip to the last page of a book to read the ending. I hate surprises.
I religiously seek out spoilers and have since I was a kid. No, I'm not the jerk who posts things on Facebook and ruins your favorite show for you. I do, however, firmly believe that reading spoilers can enhance our viewing and reading experiences tenfold. Don't believe me? There's a method to my so-called madness.
Have you ever found yourself not able to focus on the details of a TV show, movie, or book because you're too caught up in the bottom line? Have you missed artful subtleties (arguably the best part of it all) because you just had to know if your favorite character was going to live or die - and that's all you could focus on?
Spoiling the plot by no means ruins the beauty of the work, as long as there is beauty beyond the "bottom line."
I don't miss a damn thing. Why? Because I already know the answer to the bigger questions and usually way before all those spoiler-averse fans out there. In knowing the end game by actively seeking out the major plot points, you're able to admire and enjoy the wonderful intricacies of the art with more attention. You can dissect the clues you would have missed if you didn't know to be looking out for them. Sure, you can always go back and rewatch or reread the story, but I'm already two steps ahead of you by then and on to the next spoiler.
More importantly, if you're watching or reading something that's entirely plot-driven, is it worth investing your time in anyway? A truly good work should have layers to it so that even if you strip away one aspect, such as the element of surprise, there's still so much more to be explored. Stories that only focus on plot twists to move the narrative along are rarely worth getting sad about being spoiled on. Spoiling the plot by no means ruins the beauty of the work, as long as there is beauty beyond the "bottom line."
For me, the path characters take to get to those big moments is where the true artistry lies and what I take the most interest in. Reading about those moments doesn't spoil anything for me; it only makes me more excited to see how the person develops in the way that leads them there.
A study by UC San Diego psychology Professor Nicholas Christenfeld supports my claims; it found that spoilers can actually make a story more enjoyable. Christenfeld's research showed that having extra information about artworks can make them "more satisfying," as can the predictability of an experience; for example, the more you go to Disneyland, the more memories you make there and the more you love it. You know what to expect, and you like that.
In Christenfeld's initial experiment, two groups read three short mystery stories. One group was "accidentally" spoiled on the endings, the other was not. "Across all three genres spoilers actually were enhancers," said Christenfeld. When he tried a variation of the experiment, spilling the beans on the story in the middle of it rather than at the beginning, the results were the same. "It turns out even halfway through a story, you enjoy a spoiled story more, before you get to that spoiled ending," he said.
"If you know the ending as you watch it, you can understand what the filmmaker is doing. You get to see this broader view, and essentially understand the story more fluently," Christenfeld explained.
In the episodes leading up to the Red Wedding, the process of picking out all of the clues that led up to the massacre was so much more fun for me than if I had gone in blind to the event.
Reading spoilers didn't detract from the haunting piano music that played as Cersei Lannister's plot to destroy the High Sparrow and all those who've wronged her unfolded at the end of season six in Game of Thrones. Each note still sent chills down my spine even though I knew what was coming. Watching her savor her victory while her son threw himself out the window was no less jarring. The anticipation of all that I knew was on the way and the expectation for how it would play out only made the story that much more satisfying to see. And if Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are actually going to get married, I'm going to need to know way beforehand so I can collect myself and find a sturdy seat (and some smelling salts) before it all goes down.
This Simple Pyramid Shows You Exactly How to Lose Weight and Build Muscle
You want to lose body fat and gain muscle definition at the same time. Is it possible to do both simultaneously? Yes! This pyramid designed by personal trainer Dimitri Peskin from @evolvetrainingsystem breaks down what it takes to lean bulk, which Dimitri described as "putting on muscle while keeping fat gain extremely low." Here are the five thing you need to prioritize.
Queer Eye, RuPaul's Drag Race, and More Shows Have Already Won Emmys - See the Full List!
The 2018 Emmy nominations hinted at some spectacular actors and shows taking home important awards, and now a few of them have already won big at the Creative Arts Emmys. RuPaul Charles took home numerous awards for his hit reality show, RuPaul's Drag Race, while Netflix darling Queer Eye also picked up a few statues. In terms of acting awards, Samira Wiley's heartbreaking turn in The Handmaid's Tale earned her an Emmy, as did Ron Cephas Jones's role in This Is Us. And let's not forget John Legend finally completing his EGOT! See the full list of winners ahead before the big event airs on Sept. 17.
Best Interactive Program
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Structured Reality Program
Queer Eye
Best Unstructured Reality Program
United Shades of America
Best Variety Special (Live)
Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Variety Special (Recorded)
Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
Best Short Form Nonfiction/Reality Series
Anthony Bourdain: Explore Parts Unknown
Best Short Form Variety Series
Carpool Karaoke: The Series
Best Reality Casting
Queer Eye
Best Choreography
Mandy Moore, So You Think You Can Dance
Best Cinematography (Nonfiction)
Jane
Best Cinematography (Reality)
Life Below Zero
Best Costumes (Variety/Nonfiction/Reality)
RuPaul's Drag Race - "10s Across the Board"
Best Directing (Documentary/Nonfiction)
Jane
Best Directing (Reality)
RuPaul's Drag Race - "10s Across the Board"
Best Directing (Variety Series)
Saturday Night Live - "Host: Donald Glover"
Best Documentary/Nonfiction Series
Wild Wild Country
Best Documentary/Nonfiction Special
The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking
Strong Island
Best Informational Program
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Best Hairstyling (Multi-Camera)
RuPaul's Drag Race - "10s Across the Board"
Best Reality Host
RuPaul Charles, RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Creative Achievement in Interactive Media Within Unscripted Program
Conan Without Borders
Best Lighting Design/Direction (Variety Series)
Saturday Night Live - "Host: Kevin Hart"
Best Lighting Design/Direction (Variety Special)
Jesus Chirst Superstar
Best Makeup (Non-Prosthetic, Mulit-Camera)
Saturday Night Live - "Host: Tina Fey"
Best Motion Design
Broad City - "Mushrooms"
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste
Best Music and Lyrics
Saturday Night Live - "Come Back Barack"
Best Music Direction
Tony Bennett: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Best Narrator
David Attenborough, Blue Planet II
Best Picture Editing (Nonfiction)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - "Lagos"
Best Picture Editing (Structured or Competition Reality)
Queer Eye
Best Picture Editing (Unstructured Reality)
United Shades of America - "Sikhs in America"
Best Picture Editing (Variety)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - "Border Patrol (Segment)"
Best Production Design (Variety/Reality Series)
Saturday Night Live - "Host: Bill Hader"
Best Production Design (Variety Special)
Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Sound Editing (Nonfiction)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - "Seattle"
Best Sound Mixing (Nonfiction)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - "Lagos"
Best Sound Mixing (Variety)
Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Technical Direction (Movie/Mini/Special)
Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Technical Direction (Series)
Saturday Night Live - "Host: Donald Glover"
Best Writing (Nonfiction)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown - "Southern Italy"
Best Writing (Variety Series)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Children's Program
The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special
Best Commercial
"The Talk" (P&G)
Best TV Movie
USS Callister (Black Mirror)
Best Comedy Guest Actor
Katt Williams, Atlanta
Best Comedy Guest Actress
Tiffany Haddish, Saturday Night Live
Best Drama Guest Actor
Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us
Best Drama Guest Actress
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid's Tale
Best Short Form Actor
James Corden, James Corden's Next James Corden
Best Short Form Actress
Christina Pickles, Break a Hip
Best Character Voice-Over Performance
Alex Borstein, Family Guy
Best Animated Program
Rick and Morty - "Pickle Rick"
Best Comedy Casting
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Best Drama Casting
The Crown
Best Movie/Mini Casting
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
Best Cinematography (Single-Camera Series, Half Hour)
Atlanta - "Teddy Perkins"
Best Cinematography (Single-Camera Series, Hour)
The Crown - "Beryl"
Best Cinematography (Multi-Camera Series)
Will and Grace - "A Gaye Olde Christmas"
Best Cinematography (Movie/Mini)
Genius: Picasso - "Chapter One"
Best Contemporary Costumes
The Assassination of Gianni Versace - "The Man Who Would Be Vogue"
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Game of Thrones - "Beyond the Wall"
Best Period Costumes
The Crown - "Dear Mrs. Kennedy"
Best Hairstyling (Single-Camera Series)
Westworld - "Akane No Mai"
Best Hairstyling (Movie/Mini)
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
Best Creative Achievement in Interactive Media Within Scripted Program
Westworld - "Chaos Takes Control Interactive Experience"
Best Original Interactive Program
NASA JPL: Cassini's Grand Finale
Best Main Title Design
Counterpart
Best Makeup (Single-Camera Series, Non-Prosthetic)
Westworld - "Akane No Mai"
Best Makeup (Movie/Mini, Non-Prosthetic)
The Assassination of Gianni Versace
Best Prosthetic Makeup
Game of Thrones - "The Dragon and the Wolf"
Best Main Title Theme Music
Godless
Best Music Supervision
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - "Pilot"
Best Music Composition (Movie/Mini)
March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step
Best Music Composition (Series)
Game of Thrones - "The Dragon and the Wolf"
Best Picture Editing (Multi-Camera Series)
Will and Grace - "Grandpa Jack"
Best Picture Editing (Single Camera Comedy)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - "Pilot"
Best Picture Editing (Single Camera Drama)
The Handmaid's Tale - "June"
Best Picture Editing (Single Camera Movie/Mini)
USS Callister (Black Mirror)
Best Production Design (Narrative, Half-Hour or Less)
GLOW - "The Dusty Spur"
Best Production Design (Narrative, Period/Fantasy)
Game of Thrones - "Dragonstone"
Best Production Design (Narrative, Contemporary)
The Handmaid's Tale - "June"
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series
James Corden's Next James Corden
Best Sound Editing (Half Hour Series)
Atlanta - "Teddy Perkins"
Best Sound Editing (One Hour Series)
Stranger Things - "Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"
Best Sound Editing (Movie/Mini)
USS Callister (Black Mirror)
Best Sound Mixing (Half Hour Series)
Barry - "Chapter Seven: Loud, Fast and Keep Going"
Best Sound Mixing (One Hour Series)
Game of Thrones - "Beyond the Wall"
Best Sound Mixing (Movie/Mini)
Genius: Picasso - "Chapter One"
Best Special Visual Effects
Game of Thrones - "Beyond the Wall"
Best Supporting Visual Effects
The Alienist - "The Boy on the Bridge"
Best Stunt Coordination (Comedy/Variety)
GLOW
Best Stunt Coordination (Drama/Movie/Mini)
Game of Thrones
Governor's Award
Star Trek
I Was a 9-Year-Old New Yorker on 9/11, and It Changed Me Forever
As a native New Yorker, my experience on 9/11 was both similar to - and unique from - the 9/11 all Americans experienced. I was a third-grader at school in Manhattan when the principal tapped on the door and motioned for my teacher, Ms. Delgado, to step outside. When Ms. Delgado came back, she looked pale. Her voice kept going in and out as she told us the school was calling our parents and we were all going home.
The rest of my classmates and I were excited to go back home, but I could tell something was up based on how my teacher was acting. It was 8:45 a.m. and we had just started the school day. My mom's assistant came to pick me up and when I got home, I found my mom watching TV, holding her chest with her eyes wide open. I ran over and asked her what was going on, but she didn't say a word. She just pointed at the screen.
My dad volunteered to help with the clean-up efforts for a few days. He would come home exhausted, covered in grayish dust, but never spoke a word about his experience.
I saw "Avión Estrella Torres Gemelas" in big white letters: "Plane Hits Twin Towers" in English. At this point, only the North Tower had been hit. Just a few short minutes later, as we sat in front of the TV, we watched the second plane hit the South Tower. I immediately felt a wave of sadness and anger. My mom grabbed my hand and held it so tight. I started thinking about how many people were going to die because they wouldn't have enough time to escape, all the people on the plane who wouldn't see their loved ones again.
After the second tower fell, my mom called my dad. He was working as a building superintendent on the Upper West Side, so she just wanted to make sure he was OK. She called and called but wasn't able to get a hold of him. I remember my little brother and I waiting by the door that day until he walked in. My dad made it home eventually, having biked five miles after the trains stopped running. As soon as we saw him, my brother and I ran into his arms and started crying because we were so relieved to see him. My mom ran over to him too, they kissed, and we all just embraced each other in a big hug.
The rest of the day was a blur. We watched the news for more details and found out it was a terrorist attack, how four planes had been hijacked, how high the death toll was. The city completely shut down while we watched the TV in horror. My mom made me stay home from school for the rest of the week because she felt it wasn't safe. I was so glad - I was terrified to go outside. I kept thinking about what else could happen. Were there plans to attack other parts of NYC? But my fear started to dissolve in the days that followed, as Americans showed the world just how united we could be. People came together to mourn those we lost but also to help in any possible way we could. My dad volunteered to help with the clean-up efforts for a few days before returning to work. He would come home exhausted, covered in grayish dust, but never spoke a word about his experience. To this day, he doesn't talk about it.
Image Source: Getty / Andrew Burton
Being in the city on a day that no one will ever forget changed my life. At just 9-years-old, I learned I had to be more vigilant and mindful of my surroundings. The words "See something, say something" are always in the back of my mind now. For the first few weeks after 9/11, our lessons at school became about learning what terrorists and terror attacks were. My mom or my dad picked my brother and I up from school every day. They wanted to make sure we felt safe at all times.
A few years later, I remembering walking to my new middle school when a kid from the school across the street walked up to me and said "I'm going to bomb your school today." My first instinct was to run to my school, tell the security guards what had just happened, and call my mom. School officials got involved, asked me for a description of the kid and tracked him down. I found out later he was suspended from school because of what he said. After 9/11, I became more fearful and wary of everyone around me. I just didn't know who could be the next terrorist. But I also found an inner strength that is still strong within me today.
Ten years later, when the 9/11 Memorial opened in the Financial District, I avoided the place at all costs.
Ten years later, when the 9/11 Memorial opened in the Financial District, I avoided the place at all costs. It just didn't feel right to visit the epicenter of such a horrific event. It wasn't until a friend from college was visiting NYC for the first time and begged me to take her that I went. I felt so much anxiety walking through security knowing I was getting closer to the pools with all the names of those who died. The memorial features a slew of swamp white oak trees with two square reflecting pools in the center, where the Twin Towers once stood. The pools are surrounded with the names of people that died that dreadful day. The minute my friend and I got to them, I started crying.
I didn't lose anyone in the attack that day, thank God, but as someone who was born and bred in Manhattan, I felt like it was an attack on me, too. I haven't gone back to the memorial since the day I visited the museum. Going there just made me think about 9-year-old me watching the towers fall on TV, not being able to get in touch with my dad, and feeling so helpless. It's a memory I liked to keep buried deep down - but it's also a reminder of how strong I am and how important it is to still have faith in humanity.
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