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 5 mars 2019
Halle Berry Now Has a Giant Vine Tattoo on Her Back, and It's Undeniably Sexy
It looks like nature-inspired back tattoos just might be the latest celebrity ink trend. Just a few weeks ago, Lady Gaga debuted a brand-new rose vine tattoo on her spine, and now, Halle Berry is showing off a similar design she had inked down her backbone. On March 4, the 52-year-old actress shared an Instagram photo that put her unmissable tattoo fully on display while she posed in a sequin ensemble. The design makes it look as though a leafy vine is sprouting up and down her spine, with larger leaves toward the bottom and smaller ones toward her neck. She captioned the topless snap, "Who says I'm not a mermaid," with a mermaid emoji.
Backless dresses and sheer gowns are both something of a red carpet signature for Berry, so we're definitely excited to see how sexy her new tattoo looks the next time she gets all dressed up for the cameras.
You Can Thank This Woman For Your Favorite Hairbrush
There are three things I always, always keep in my day bag: a lip balm, a pack of gum, and this Mason Pearson Pocket Bristle Brush - a beauty tool I've become addicted to. A luxe hairbrush seems like an indulgent splurge, but it's really a necessity. After a barre or Spin class, I rely on it to smooth my strands into a sleek bun for running post-workout errands. It instantly fixes flyaways on a windy day or my sweaty cowlick on a humid one, and it feels like an amazing scalp massage when I use it.
It was actually a woman, Lyda Newman, whom we can thank for making this trusty tool readily available. We're not sure who invented the original brush or comb, but we know Newman put the first patent on it in 1898.
Not much is known about Newman's personal life other than that she was an African-American woman living in Manhattan during the time she put the brush on the market. According to women-inventors.com, Newman pioneered the use of synthetic bristles (instead of animal hair).
She also created a more sanitary, functional brush. Her version had built-in ventilation for impurities and dirt to fall through and be cleaned via an opening in the back. Her patent read: "The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved hair brush which is simple and durable in construction, very effective when in use, and arranged to permit of conveniently cleaning the brush whenever desired."
There you have it - just another reason not to brush off the power of women.
7 Top-Rated Concealers From Sephora - Get the Look of Flawless, Blemish-Free Skin
As beauty editors, we are always on the hunt for the best concealers that will give us perfect, flawless complexions. For 2019, we have rounded up the very best options from Sephora for all sorts of skin types and tones. They come at a variety of price points, so there's something for every budget. Test our tried-and-true favorites!
10 Tinted Moisturizers That Were Made For the Lazy Beauty-Lover
What if we told you there was a seamless way for you to skip a step in your morning beauty routine, without sacrificing any benefits? Enter the tinted moisturizer, aka the lazy girl's hero. It's a two-in-one product that actually works to both hydrate your skin and provide some coverage. If you're heading to work and don't want a full face of makeup, looking for a little touch-up on the weekends, or just short on time, a tinted moisturizer is going to be your new best friend. As an added bonus, every single one of these products is formulated with SPF.
Here's What 4 POPSUGAR Editors Really Think of Too Faced's New Better Than Sex Liner
After the massive success of the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($24) - which sells once every 7.5 seconds and is the No. 1 selling prestige mascara in the US, according to the NPD Group - the brand has decided to expand its collection by introducing the Better Than Sex Eyeliner ($21). The new brush-tipped pen, which launches at Sephora on March 17, dispenses an inky black liquid that Too Faced claims is waterproof, is flake-proof, and lasts for a full 24 hours.
We enlisted four POPSUGAR editors - of differing skill levels and tactics of finessing liquid eyeliner - to put it to the test. Here's what they really thought.
12 of Your Favorite Beauty Brands That Are Run by Badass Women
In anticipation of International Women's Day on March 8, we're taking a look at some of our favorite beauty brands that are completely owned and run by women. There are brands from every sector of the beauty industry - from makeup to skin care and hair care - that are owned and run by women. The women at the helm of these brands have defied the odds and created legacies of brands that are loved by beauty enthusiasts all over the world. If you're looking for female-owned beauty brands to support on International Women's Day, here are a few of our favorites.
Solange Just Beat Out Cardi B, Ariana Grande, and Kim Kardashian For Longest Hair Ever
Solange Knowles is no stranger to bold hair looks. She's worn a braided halo multiple times and experimented with curls, hair colors, braids, and now, floor-length extensions.
The singer's hairstylist Jawara posted a teaser on Instagram for her new video for "When I Get Home" (which premieres on Apple Music at 7 p.m. ET), and it features a clip of her with Rapunzel-length hair. Jawara explained in his caption that he used a 96-inch unit to achieve this fairy-tale look, which is truly magical. Fans will have to wait to get a full look at the lengthy style, but until then, you can check out some of her best hair looks ahead.
Glossier Play Is Here to Inject Color Back Into Your Makeup Bag
The time has arrived: Glossier Play has launched. Ever since the brand teased a new spinoff line 10 days ago, we (and a lot of the beauty enthusiasts around the world) have been busy guessing what it could be.
Now we know that Glossier Play is the brand's take on color makeup, applying its core values, sense of freedom to how you look, act, and feel "to the world of color." Basically, you can expect fun branding, big color payoff, chic packaging, and exciting textures. Glossier Play has been two years in the making, and it aims to bring new textures, shades, and materials to your makeup routine. Just like the launch of Glossier back in 2014, the product selection will begin with four products, but this time you'll get 28 shades to choose from, plus two tools. All are cruelty-free. Here's the full lineup:
Colorslide: a color-true gel eyeliner pencil that lasts all day and all night ($15)
Vinylic Lip: a high-shine lacquer in an easy-to-use click pen format ($16)
Niteshine: a buildable pearlescent highlighter with precision doe-foot applicator ($20)
Glitter Gelée: a one-step glitter gel that creates an instant multidimensional, jeweled effect ($14)
Blade: a high-tech sharpener
The Detailer: a precise applicator designed for Glitter Gelée
Playground: Vinylic Lip, Glitter Gelée, Colorslide, Niteshine, plus Blade and The Detailer ($60)
Ahead, get a closer look at all of the new products Glossier Play has to offer.
All Aboard! These Are the Best Train Trips of 2019
When you embark on a vacation, the fastest way to reach your destination is usually to fly. But when it comes to train travel, sometimes the journey itself is the destination. Traveling via train is both romantic and adventurous. You can curl up and watch the landscape change as it passes you by. Imagine a front-row seat to the towering fjords of Norway, the jagged shoreline of the West Coast, or the lush tea plantations of India. If you're looking to slow things down and take in the sights on wheels, then get ready for the best train trips of 2019. All aboard!
S'mores Oreos Are Returning to Stores This Spring, and I Can't Marsh-Mallow Out
It's. Really. Happening. For the first time since 2016, S'mores Oreos are officially set to make their return to supermarket shelves in April. These fan-favorite treats made their debut in May 2015 but sadly disappeared from stores the following year. Thank goodness they're coming back - Spring just got a whole lot sweeter!
In case you forgot (it has been three years, after all), S'mores Oreos feature a graham-flavored cookie with chocolate- and marshmallow-flavored creme inside - yum! If you're excited by this news, set a calendar alert and get ready to shop anywhere Oreo cookies are sold.
Grab Your Sunscreen and Shades! Here Are 30 Spring-Break-Worthy Destinations For 2019
Spring break is a special time of year for so many reasons. It's a chance to escape the daily grind and enjoy some R&R, yes, but it's also a celebration of the changing of seasons. You survived the year's frostiest months, and the time has come to dust off your favorite sun dress and take a vacation. No matter the type of excursion you're seeking - from budget friendly to super luxe, off the beaten path to Instagram hot spots, family friendly to party nation - we've got your back! Keep reading for the best Spring break destinations of 2019.
21 Clever Gadgets That Will Totally Change the Way You Cook
If you're looking for a simple way to make your cooking routine easier, we found 21 gadgets that will help. From air fryers to digital measuring cups and butter slicers, you'll wonder how you ever without these clever products. Keep scrolling to shop our hottest picks of the year, you won't regret it.
Blue Bunny's Indulgent Chocolate Donut Ice Cream Is Here - and It Comes With Sprinkles!
Yep, you read that right! It looks like Chocolate Donut Ice Cream is real, and we have Blue Bunny to thank for the decadent creation that will definitely be making its way onto our spoons ASAP. After the ice cream brand's Cookie Butter Ice Cream hit the shelves, diet plans were instantly forgotten - and I have a feeling the new flavor will prompt a similar reaction. I mean, seriously? Ice cream AND doughnuts? It's like my taste buds and my sweet tooth had a dessert baby.
While the Blue Bunny site has yet to feature any details about the supersweet ice cream, TheJunkFoodAisle on Instagram has kindly pointed out that the brand's newest flavor will combine vanilla ice cream, drizzles of milk chocolate icing, actual doughnut pieces, and rainbow sprinkles. Oh. My. Chocolate. If that doesn't sound indulgent, I don't know what does. The Chocolate Donut Ice Cream can be found at Safeway and Hy-Vee stores, according to CandyHunting on Instagram.
The brand also seems to have a new Cold Brew Ice Cream flavor on the shelves, complete with coffee ice cream, caramel swirls, and chocolate espresso pieces. Delicious! Keep reading to see more photos of these sweet new treats.
We're in Luck: Dunkin' Just Brought Back Irish Creme Coffees For St. Patrick's Day
It's not St. Patrick's Day yet, but I'm already feeling pretty lucky thanks to some sweet new treats being added to Dunkin's menu in honor of the holiday. The brand announced on March 4 that it's kicking off St. Patrick's Day season by bringing back its Irish Creme coffee drinks for the first time in five years. The "smooth, velvety" flavor will be available for purchase as hot, iced, or frozen coffee, as well as in espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, macchiatos, and more.
The coffee chain also announced that seven Dunkin' locations nationwide are rebranding to "O'Dunkin'" on March 6 to further get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit. The first 250 guests to arrive at each O'Dunkin' will be offered a free small hot or iced Irish Creme-flavored coffee or latte while supplies last. Any interested parties can follow Dunkin' on Instagram to see clues on where each special location might pop up.
Trader Joe's Buffalo Style Hummus Is Here to Spice Up Snack Time, and We. Are. Ready.
Gather around, snack-lovers: we've got a new dip to add to our regimen, and it's a game changer. After years of dipping carrots, celery, and pita chips into every variation of hummus that comes to mind, the new Organic Buffalo Style Hummus from Trader Joe's might just surpass them all. Maybe it's the fact that it tastes like buffalo wings, or because of the spicy kick we all love so much, but either way, the new $3 product has Trader Joe's shoppers running to grab a few containers at once.
The product was spotted by avid TJ shoppers on Instagram, and the reviews are already pouring in. Some are saying it's really spicy, but others have agreed that the texture is ideal for celery stick-dipping. "This hummus definitely has a spicy kick, which completely masks the inherent flavor of the chickpeas, and tricked me into eating about half the container like it was a bowl of queso. It's not dry or too chunky, either," stated one review on The Kitchn. And if you're looking for more than just a dip, another person commented, "I made buffalo chicken wraps with this with the traders chicken tenders and [blue] cheese. It was amazing!"
Well, it looks like snack time just got a whole lot spicier, and we're not complaining! See how people are loving the new Trader Joe's dip ahead, and be inspired to spice up your meals with the Buffalo Style Hummus.
50 States of Glorious Hiking Destinations
There are very few things that can compare with the thrill of hiking. From the fresh air and scenic views to the natural appreciation that can come from rambling through a trail, spending time in the great outdoors not only enhances your health and improves your mood, but it's also the gateway to everlasting adventure . . . not to mention it's the ultimate glute workout!
Whether you're seeking famous locations such as the Appalachian Trail and Yosemite National Park or more secluded trails off the beaten path, the United States gushes with outdoor glory and natural wonders. No matter the state, there is a spectacular journey waiting to be hiked, and luckily for you, we've rounded up 50 glorious options. So go ahead, grab your gear and head outside - it's time to reconnect with nature, one step at a time!
25 Breathtaking Beaches You Must Visit Before You Die
We're dreaming of warm sand and crystal-blue water. That's right - it's time for a vacation along the coast. Trip Advisor put together a list of the best beaches in the world. Check out all the incredible locations, and plan your getaway now.
32 Surreal Travel Spots You Won't Believe Exist in America
We all dream of jet-setting off to distant countries, but what if you could have the ultimate vacation right here in the US? As soon as you get the chance, throw a bag in the back of your car and plan a trip to explore what this nation has to offer. Adventure awaits!
14 Powerful Women Weigh In on How to Level the Playing Field at Work
It is a fascinating and intense year to be celebrating Women's History Month. As the US comes to terms with its new president and a White House that includes very few female employees (depending on who you ask, women make up either 23 percent or 31 percent of Trump's top aides), the topic of women in the workplace is front and center. From income disparities to awful harassment allegations (and discrimination reports) to the depressing state of parental leave, we have a long way to go before women are treated fairly in the workplace. But it's a worthy fight because, as one advocate put it, "what's good for women is good for America."
So, what are the biggest issues to tackle in this struggle for a better future? We asked 14 powerful women in a variety of industries what they believe needs to change to level the playing field for women in the workplace.
Support From Male Colleagues and Advisors
"I had many bumps in the road when starting my business. One of which was a lack of support from male advisors. They unfortunately thought that a paint and sip business would never achieve more than one location, but wow . . . did I show them. Wine & Design is now a recognized industry leader as well as one of the best franchise businesses for female entrepreneurs and millennials."
- Harriet Mills, founder and CEO of Wine & Design
Maternity Leave and Flexibility in Balancing Work and Family
"Frequently, women are not given nearly enough maternity leave to adequately bond with their newborn babies. Because this is an issue that is important to Mike and myself, we make sure that Jane provides ample maternity leave for employees. Additionally, once new mothers return to work, we try to make the transition as seamless as possible. Lots of our moms bring their babies to work and make great use of our mother's lounge, which is set up with big-screen televisions, comfy recliners, and a fully stocked shelf of diapers and wipes."
- Megan McEwan, cofounder of Jane.com
"After just giving birth to a baby boy myself, I am grateful to be in a position to set policies at GoldieBlox that respect the needs of young mothers. Women need ample paid maternity leave (and paid paternity leave for their partners) as well as flexible options to ease back into the workplace. They also need to feel supported by their employer and co-workers that their career trajectory will not have to suffer because they made the decision to have a child."
- Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox
"One of the principles of Paradigm for Parity is that employees should be measured on what they produce, not how much time they spend in the office. This is critical for women who are often penalized if they work on a less traditional model (which may be due to family demands or when re-entering the workforce after having children). This is very dear to me since in my investment banking career, I often worked on the computer or on conference calls at home after having dinner with the family."
- Jewelle Bickford, partner at Evercore Wealth Management; co-chair of Paradigm for Parity
"The biggest issue facing women in the workplace is the building pressure that you need to choose between your career trajectory and your personal life. . . . Empowerment and equal opportunity comes when employers set up structures and systems that consider these key differences [between men and women], instead of just expecting women to figure out how to do things like a man would. This can range from tangible policies such as maternity leave policies, flexible schedules, and egg freezing benefits, to mentorship and female empowerment programs that connect women and encourage support for their choices and options. When your female employees feel supported, understood, and considered, you're not only going to get better work out of them, but you're going to see more of them in the C-suite."
- Lauren Nutt Bello, partner at Ready Set Rocket
"I think before having a baby I would have said psychology: women are too often viewed as aggressive instead of assertive, bossy/b*tchy instead of in charge. And while that hasn't changed, after having a baby I'd say a bigger issue, at least for me, is the whole problem of having it all or leaning in. Work-life balance needs to work better regardless of your genitals. But there can be even more pressure as a mom and career woman to somehow perform amazingly at all tasks."
- Michelle Niedziela, neuroscientist, scientific director at HCD Research
A Basic Level of Respect
"Sadly, I think women are still not consistently treated equally as leaders in the business world. The number of female CEOs has increased significantly in my lifetime, and more women are at the highest level of their industries. The dynamic has improved exponentially. The respect issue should be in the past. But I could list many situations when, after having introduced myself, a new potential supplier or business partner will primarily direct conversations to the men in the room, rather than me. It's amazing that there are still professionals out there who respond like that, consciously or not."
- Buffy Simoni, president of Paper Mart
"Problems arise in the workplace when women are seen by themselves or others first as women and second as team members instead of being defined by and respected in their roles as engineers, designers, scientists, marketers, and leaders. Any time a woman is told to dress better, pressured by herself or others to be polite instead of direct, or excluded from an event or opportunity offered to her peers, it chips away at her internal confidence and her external credibility. Ultimately, it chips away at the company's likelihood of success. Keeping a person's workplace identity, versus personal identity, in mind can prevent sexism in the workplace and lead a woman and her organization to achieve beyond imagination."
- Ooshma Garg, CEO of Gobble
"I think it depends on the workplace. What has become clear recently is that there are some workplaces that don't seem to have evolved much beyond 'He-Man Women-Haters Club,' where drastic action on basic gender issues are required. At most, though, it's more well-intentioned efforts that just never seem to get the job quite done. So fixing these means a greater array of actions, such as making the workplace more people-friendly, putting in place generous parental leave policies (and encouraging women and men to take them), having open and frank conversations about gender biases, and connecting women with sponsors in the company. I could go on, but for most companies today it's not 'one thing.' It's many things."
- Sallie Krawcheck, cofounder and CEO of Ellevest
Greater Confidence
"Women find it easy to advocate for someone else, but difficult to advocate for themselves and this becomes a hurdle in the workplace as it pertains to salaries, career growth, and promotions. I would love to see women learn to become their own best advocate and ultimately that is tied to confidence in the workplace. I would encourage all women to be the CEO of their own career and ask for what they deserve. It will take practice and perhaps we'll get turned down a few times, but we all need the confidence to promote ourselves."
- Hillary Kerr, cofounder of CMG
Dissecting and Dismantling Unconscious Bias
"We are happy to see many companies embracing unconscious bias training because unconscious - or implicit - bias holds back women in the workplace. Too often employers don't even realize that they are promoting or privileging one group until they look more closely at patterns over time and their own behavior. Implementing unconscious bias training and tracking metrics internally are key to achieving gender parity by 2030."
- Ellen Kullman, retired chairman and chief executive officer, DuPont; co-chair of Paradigm for Parity
"I believe the biggest hurdle facing women in the workplace today is that bias is deep and innate, and often we - men and women - don't even recognize it in ourselves. When we asked Fairygodboss users where they see inequality in their workplace, 79 percent said it was in promotion. I always think about a finding from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace research that says, 'Women are promoted based on performance. Men are based on potential.' Which means that women have to work harder, be better (and also probably look better, but that's a whole other issue) - just to keep up with men in terms of workplace advancement. No wonder we have fewer women in our leadership ranks!"
- Romy Newman, president and cofounder of Fairygodboss
More Mentorship (and "Sponsorship")
"Currently many companies focus on providing mentors for junior- and mid-level female employees. That's a good start, but to really achieve gender parity corporations need to provide sponsors. Sponsorship is when executives dig down into the corporation to identify women, advocate on their behalf and support them in the pipeline toward corporate leadership."
- Sandra Beach Lin, retired president and chief executive officer, Calisolar Inc.; co-chair of Paradigm for Parity
"A recent LinkedIn study on trends in hiring and leadership among women in the workplace found that while we are seeing significant strides in closing the leadership gap, there is still work to do, with women currently holding only 25 percent of all leadership positions globally. It's going to take commitment from all of us to close the gap and create diverse and inclusive workplaces through dedicated and robust initiatives such as mentorship programs to help create leadership paths for women." - Nicole Isaac, LinkedIn head of US public policy
How 1 Woman Invented Coffee as We Know It Today
If you've ever wondered what genius invented the coffee filter as you sip a freshly brewed cup, allow this brief introduction to make you appreciate your daily dose of caffeine even more. Melitta Bentz, a German housewife, invented the coffee filter based on her desire for a smoother blend without the presence of grainy grinds or the bitterness caused by overbrewing.
Melitta, who brewed coffee every day, wasn't pleased with the ineffective ceramic and metal filtering devices that were available, so she tried a softer, thinner material: a sheet of blotting paper from her son's school notebook. Melitta used nails to poke holes in the bottom of a brass cup and then lined it with the paper before filling it with coffee. And voila! No more grind-infused, overly bitter coffee.
In 1908, Melitta patented the paper coffee filter and started the Melitta Bentz Company with her husband - and demand for the new filters spiked. Melitta went on to receive awards for her invention, and the rest is history. The next time you prep your morning coffee with a fresh filter, you'll know whom to thank for such a small but appreciated part of your morning routine.
This $13 Pet Sweeper Is the Only Thing Keeping My Dog From Painting the House in Fur
I'm pretty sure my 10-year-old Golden Retriever's entire goal in life is to shed as much of her long hair as possible. If she can do it in such a way that she can create a forceful breeze with her tail and get a ball of hair to float up and land on the couch, well, then she's really done her day's work. The vacuum certainly does its job on hard wood, but so much hair just sticks to fabric that I never get it all up . . . until now.
The Evercare Pet Mega Floor Lint Roller ($13) lets you roll up pet hair and other dirt off of rugs, carpets, couches, and blankets - all of which can be difficult to vacuum (ever tried to vacuum a blanket? You can't!). It comes with 25 sheets, and you just peel them off when you're done. The handle is extendable so you can adjust it to meet your needs.
The Sweet Story Behind the Creation of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
It has long been believed that the chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident. As the legend goes, Ruth Graves Wakefield was whipping up a batch of chocolate cookies when her chocolate didn't fully melt, thus creating the chocolate chips within the cookie. In reality, it was no accident; Wakefield knew exactly what she was doing.
In 1924 - when Wakefield was 21 - she attended the Framingham State Normal School to study household arts. The Massachusetts school still exists, though it is now a university. It was there that she pursued her culinary interests. A few years later, she opened the Toll House Inn with her husband, Kenneth Donald Wakefield, in the small town of Whitman, MA. Together, they owned and operated the tourist lodge.
On a glorious day in 1938, according to The Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book, Wakefield was going to make her famous butterscotch cookies when she instead came up with a brilliant alternative. While there are several stories floating around, it is now commonly believed that she grabbed a Nestlé chocolate bar and chopped it up into small pieces for her new recipe.
Prior to her invention of the chocolate chip cookie, Wakefield had written a popular cookbook, Toll House Tried and True Recipes. Following her breakthrough, she re-released the cookbook to include her recipe.
The cookie promptly became a popular treat outside of the Toll House Inn. A year later, Nestlé bought the rights to the recipe, as well as the Toll House name. The price for one of the world's most beloved baked goods? A single dollar and a lifetime supply of chocolate. Reflecting on the exchange later, Wakefield said, "I was always brought up in college to think that a professional person doesn't enter the commercial world." She did, however, continue to consult for Nestlé on recipes for years to come.
In 1966, the Wakefields decided to sell the inn. A decade later, she passed away from undisclosed causes. Her precision and craftsmanship is frequently noted in books and articles about her. This can be detected even in the foreword of her cookbook. On the inn, she wrote, "Our aim has always been to offer a restful atmosphere and, in expanding, never to sacrifice fine quality or the kind of service we all want in our own homes." What's more, her innovative chocolate chip cookie is a reflection of that "restful atmosphere" and the sheer effort she put into all aspects of her life. For Ruth Graves Wakefield, nothing great was ever an accident.
Skip the Crowds: Here Are 10 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2019
We can all agree it's hard to pass up a trip to popular cities like Paris or Rome, but sometimes the best trips come from traveling off the beaten path. From a small fishing town in Croatia to a ski village in the Japanese Alps, we've rounded up 10 alternative destinations to add to your 2019 travel bucket list. In the New Year, ditch your go-to spots and book a trip to somewhere completely new.
Pretty in Pink: 11 of the Best Places to Spot Cherry Blossoms This Spring
You know you're finally in the homestretch of Winter when you spot your first cherry blossom tree, and oh, what a sweet moment that is. After months of snow, cold, and staying indoors, Spring can't come soon enough, and those cherry blossoms are a sweet and beautiful promise that you're almost there. While you may have to wait a little into the Spring season before these appear in cities on the East Coast, you may be in luck if you find yourself in Japan (and if you do, we're extremely jealous). Before these pink beauties line the streets, plan a little getaway to see them in one of the top 11 places they bloom. Keep reading to see them all now, just make sure you pack some tissues (for both the beauty and the allergies).
Why Pancake Day Is Definitely Not a Hallmark Holiday in the UK
Growing up in England, I looked forward to a certain Tuesday in February or early March with great excitement. Shrove Tuesday - aka Pancake Day - falls the day before Lent begins, and in the UK that means supermarkets are ordering in extra lemon juice, recipe websites are full of exciting new twists on a classic, and your Instagram feed is full of photos of delicious-looking pancakes. This year, it's March 5, so you've just got time to stock up on eggs and join in the fun.
However, this is not a randomly chosen day created for marketing purposes. Pancake Day is a long-standing tradition shrouded in religious significance, and there's a reason it shares a date with Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras mean "Fat Tuesday" in French, and the principal of both is the same: you indulge and celebrate before a 40-day period of fasting before Easter. Pancakes were chosen in the UK because, historically, they were an easy way to use up leftover eggs and milk, ingredients not traditionally consumed during Lent. Now, even those who aren't Christians see it as an excuse to whip up a batch of their favorite indulgence, regardless of whether they're abstaining from anything for Lent.
But before you whip out the baking powder, these pancakes are not the fluffy, thick, stacked-high creations found in the US (unless you're Scottish - the Scotch pancake is a whole other story). Though we have come round to the ways of chunky American pancakes in the last couple of decades, the ones most people in England grew up with are a whole different beast. Usually made with nothing but eggs, milk, flour, a pinch of salt, and butter for cooking, they are bigger and thinner, made one at a time in a frying pan, closer to a crepe than anything you'll find at IHOP. Every family has their own particular traditions, but pancakes were served only one way when I was growing up: with lemon juice and sugar, rolled or folded up one pancake at a time. Over time, other acceptable fillings included Nutella, anything fruity or chocolaty, or cheese and ham if we were feeling particularly adventurous.
The game is, of course, to see just how many pancakes you can manage before you feel sick (or the batter runs out). I'm pretty sure my brother got into double figures a few times as a teenager!
Anna Victoria Is Here to Help You Achieve Your Fitness and Nutrition Goals
Anna Victoria knew next to nothing about fitness: she refused to step foot in a gym and ate fast food every single day. It wasn't until she started experiencing health problems that Anna decided to change her habits and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. Now, Anna wants to help others on their journey to living their best lives with her workout and nutrition guides, now available on Glow by POPSUGAR.
After researching everything and anything related healthy living, Anna developed the Fit Body Plan. The plans pair scientifically proven high-intensity and strength training moves with meal guides to help you shred, tone, and sculpt your body. The Fit Body Guide will show you how fueling, nourishing, and challenging your body will give you the confidence you've always deserved.
Feel and look your best with the Fit Body Plans:
Then, follow Anna on Instagram to see inspiring transformation stories from women who have used the Fit Body Plan.
In a Touching Tribute, Colin Hanks Reveals Luke Perry Carried Balloons to Help Kids Calm Down
Colin Hanks only met Luke Perry once, but their interaction definitely made a significant impact. Following Luke's death on March 4, Colin joined the celebrities paying tribute to the Beverly Hills 90210 actor and reflected on their happenstance meeting on an airplane.
In an Instagram post, Colin shared his memory from a flight he and his wife took back from Mexico. A couple of brothers were "beating the hell out of each other," and their parents were helpless to stop the yelling and screaming. "If you're a parent you understand," Colin wrote. "Sometimes there's nothing you can do." He said the ruckus went on for about two hours and came to a peak about 10 minutes before landing. That's when a stranger stepped in with a clever solution.
"Out of no where, a man comes from first class. Hat, beard, sunglasses, blowing up a balloon. He ties it off, hands it off like he's holding out a sword to a king. Kneeling, Head down, arms up. Kids calm down in milliseconds. Plane damn near bursts into applause," Colin wrote.
"Finally get a good look at the guy and I say to my wife 'Holy sh*t. I think that balloon man/hero is Luke Perry'. As luck would have it we end up standing next to each other," he continued. Colin and Luke exchanged compliments, and Colin commended him on the techniques he used to calm the young kids.
"He tells me he always flies with a couple of balloons for that very reason, to give to screaming kids. Don't know if that's true, but have no reason to believe it wasn't . . . I'm gotta start traveling with some spare balloons."
Cassie's Dad Crashed The Bachelor - and It Changed Everything
Picture it: you're on The Bachelor, it's the final weeks of the show, and you may have found your happily ever after . . . and then your dad shows up. That's what happened to Cassie Randolph in what can only be described as her most important date with Colton Underwood thus far. But what sparked this whole thing?
Let's rewind to hometown dates. Colton visited the California girl's family and had a private conversation with her father, Matt, where he asked for her hand in marriage, if their relationship went in that direction. Her dad was skeptical and did not give Colton his blessing. Cassie appeared to be a front runner for quite some time; however, between this situation and Cassie admitting to her sister that she wasn't ready to get engaged, their relationship began to shift without either knowing the full story.
Apparently, Cassie had no idea that her father felt this strongly until Colton told her during the day of their Fantasy Suite date. Cassie seemed really taken aback and teared up over the fact that her dad didn't give his approval. Although not an ideal ending to the daytime portion of the date, Colton seemed optimistic that things would work out. This is when Cassie's dad arrived in Portugal.
"I came here because I have a concern with the potential engagement that may be around the corner," Matt told the camera. "To me, the commitment of marriage is second-tier commitment to God. It's very important and should be lifelong." Sounds like pretty solid dad advice! But some of Bachelor Nation thought that when he was talking to Cassie, he wasn't supporting the couple's relationship in any form.
Cassie's Dad just convinced millions of women to dump their scrub boyfriends 😂 #TheBachelor
- Kaisa (@nastykaisa) March 5, 2019
"Do you love him?" Matt asked his 23-year-old daughter.
"I think I do," she said, in a way that wasn't all that convincing.
Cassie's dad in her ear like #thebachelor pic.twitter.com/qprMeHn5NA
- mallory beard (@mallll0ry) March 5, 2019
Understandably, Cassie wished she had more time to spend with Colton before the finale. Her dad said that there shouldn't be any hesitation when deciding if you're with your forever person. Again, solid dad advice. However, it seemed like he was trying to talk her out of being with Colton more than anything. It's a messy, sad situation all around, and we have no doubt that her dad only had the best intentions at heart.
Cassie made up her mind about what she was going to do when she saw Colton, and while we expected it to be bad, we didn't expect this.
Bachelor Nation Has a Lot of Strong Opinions About Cassie's Huge Decision on The Bachelor
Warning: spoilers for the latest episode of The Bachelor ahead!
Another episode of The Bachelor has taken us on a roller coaster of emotions, and Colton Underwood finally jumped the freaking fence. On the downside, we had to watch him get his heart broken to get to that point.
While the March 4 episode brings us one episode closer to the finale, it also had the most shocking upset of the season so far - the voluntary exit of season 23's front runner, Cassie Randolph. Though Colton and Cassie initially have a super-romantic date in Portugal, it all goes tragically wrong after he confesses to her that her father refused to give his blessing during that incredibly awkward hometown date in Huntington Beach, CA. Cassie's family was visibly unimpressed with Colton from the get-go, but her father seemed particularly agitated by Colton professing his love to three other women and their families.
Colton relays the interaction to Cassie, and she is visibly taken aback. Despite Colton telling her it doesn't bother him because it doesn't change the way that he feels about her (not actually the point though, Colton!), Cassie can't quite seem to shake the knowledge that her father hasn't given them his blessing. The red flag that's been figuratively waving ever so gently in the background starts causing severe gale winds and warning sirens go off. And then, the Bachelor producers pull their dark magic and drop the mother of all emotional bombs. Or should I say, the father? (I don't even regret that one.)
That's right, Cassie's dad shows up in Portgual to have another chat with his daughter. He reiterates his concerns that neither Cassie nor Colton is ready and gives Cassie that final push she needs to make her decision to leave. Cue the pre-Fantasy Suite date where Colton pours his heart out to a visibly pained Cassie. While he tells her that he is falling in love with her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her, Cassie questions how her father's disapproval doesn't seem to bother Colton as much as she expected it to. Cassie admits that her father's words have affected her a great deal more. She reveals that her father came to visit her with echoes of his earlier concerns and that it's made her unsure.
The next 20-something minutes are especially painful to watch, as Colton essentially begs Cassie to stay with him rather than go back home. He flat-out tells her that she is the only one he wants to be with and repeatedly tells her that they can forget the engagement. He just wants to be with her! (This is all the stuff romantic movies are made of . . . Hugh Grant could never!) Even though Colton is essentially solving the problem Cassie and her father put before him, Cassie still struggles with the entire situation. From the outside looking in, it seems like Cassie doesn't want to admit that she simply doesn't know if she wants to be with Colton at all. In the end, it doesn't matter; Cassie tells Colton goodbye and leaves in a black van (and Colton jumps the fence). Though that may not be the last time we see her . . .
Of course, Bachelor Nation couldn't stay silent during such a dramatic exit! Opinions were pretty unanimous in thinking that the entire situation was tragic from beginning to end, though a lot of people were left wondering exactly how this leaves us for the two-night finale airing on March 11 and 12. Check out some of the most relatable reactions ahead, and get ready for the "Women Tell All" special, airing Tuesday, March 5!
The Love Triangle Heats Up in This First Look at Part 2 of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
We're finally getting our first look at part two of Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and it looks like things are getting even spicier! When we last leave Greendale, Sabrina and company are going through a rough Winter's Solstice, and it looks like part two is only bringing more chaos. As we already know, Sabrina will be diving into the curious nature of her witch-hood and spending less time in the mortal world than she did previously. This means we'll be seeing a lot more of the Church of Night and, of course, Miss Wardwell and the Dark Lord (who may go by the suitably dramatic name Lucius Morningstar).
Like the blessed dark one it is, Netflix dropped the first few photos from part two, and they're enough to get our theory wheels turning! Check out the photos ahead, and get ready to renew your membership to the Church of Night when Chilling Adventures of Sabrina returns on April 5.
Here's Why Colton Jumped the Fence on The Bachelor (Seriously, It Happened)
After weeks of promos teasing Colton's fence jump, it finally happened on this week's Bachelor episode. When it came time for Cassie and Colton's overnight date, things went seriously wrong for the two of them - and it ended with her leaving and him jumping the nearby fence.
Colton told Cassie that he wanted to be with her at the end of The Bachelor's filming. Cassie has expressed doubts about The Bachelor's tight timeline in the past, and after a surprise visit from her dad, she made up her mind to throw in the towel. She told Colton she didn't know if she'd be ready to get engaged at the end of the show. He said it was OK with him, but she still decided to go home. And shortly after her exit, Colton decided he'd had enough of the show, too.
The fence-jump moment gave a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on during Bachelor filming. Producers were heard scrambling to find host Chris Harrison, who seemed to be in disbelief about what was going on. The crew and Harrison were able to open the fence door, luckily, so they didn't have to take the same way out that Colton did.
Unfortunately, though, he wasn't just waiting on the other side of the fence. Harrison walked through the streets of Portugal (and past a loud dog's barks), calling Colton's name, but the Bachelor himself was nowhere to be found. The episode ended with a "To be continued" message. So it looks like they'll find Colton next week - but after he basically said he only wanted to be with Cassie, it's not clear where the show will go from here.
Is Bachelor Colton Still a Virgin? It's Pretty Clear After His Fantasy Suite Date
In case you just arrived on planet Earth today, first of all, welcome. Second of all, there's a man by the name of Colton Underwood who stars in the dating show The Bachelor, and he's a virgin. Although Colton is far from the first virgin we've ever seen on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, that aspect of his life been seriously amped up this season. As if we could ever forget, ABC reminded us approximately 1,000 times of his virginity during "Fantasy Suite" week, and the episode was . . . interesting.
Colton's first - and only - overnight date was with Tayshia Adams. The two have broken boundaries together, from bungee jumping to taking a helicopter ride, regardless of their joint fear of heights. So when it came time to take yet another step together, in the bedroom department, Tayshia seemed ready.
"Intimacy's a really big deal for me. It's something that I only share with someone I truly love, and I am in love with Colton," Tayshia said. When the couple woke up together the next morning, we couldn't help but wonder (OK, we were dying to know) what happened between them. The beaming smiles on their faces might have left viewers thinking one thing, but it was the exact opposite.
It seemed like Tayshia was ready to have sex with Colton, but he wasn't ready for that step with her. "We didn't have, like, the physical intimacy that I wanted," she told the camera the following morning, noting she picked up on how nervous he seemed to be.
Colton admitted to the camera that he was not in love, but falling in love, with Tayshia; however, he couldn't stop thinking about his relationships with Cassie Randolph and Hannah Godwin. It looks like he's sticking to his guns and truly waiting for the right woman.
Up to this date, we know that Colton is still a virgin. And after an unbelievably sad ending to his Fantasy Suite date with Cassie, it might take him a while longer to be comfortable enough to get there.
Here's Exactly What Led to Cassie's Huge Decision on The Bachelor
It's hard to believe, but Colton's fence jump wasn't the most surprising part of Monday's The Bachelor episode. Not only did Colton reveal that Cassie was his top choice among the three remaining contestants, but she also ended up leaving the show entirely.
If that seems like a big leap from where things were at hometowns last week, well, it is. In last week's episode, Colton expressed disappointment that Cassie didn't tell him she was falling in love with him. He was clear that he was falling for her, but it seemed like she just wasn't there yet. That hesitance followed her to Portugal this week, and it ended up being the reason Cassie decided to go home.
To make things even more confusing, Cassie's dad showed up in Portugal this week, too. After stopping short of giving Colton his blessing to marry Cassie during their hometown date, he apparently didn't get to say everything he wanted to during his conversation with his daughter. He explained to Cassie that it would have been one thing if she'd seemed over the moon for Colton. But evidently, the Randolphs picked up on the doubts that Cassie's been feeling about The Bachelor's timeline.
Cassie was honest about her feelings with Colton, telling him she wished that she had more time and that she didn't know if she'd be ready for an engagement at the end of the show's filming. Colton has said numerous times that he wants to get engaged on The Bachelor - but all of that went out the window when he told Cassie he'd still choose her at the end, even without an engagement.
That's right: Colton revealed that his feelings for Cassie were the strongest, way ahead of the finale. He told her that he couldn't stop thinking about her and that he would still fight for her, even if they weren't on the same page at that moment. But when Colton told Cassie he was thinking of her while he was with some of the other contestants, she looked stressed. And it looks like the pressure of the show (and Colton's words) got to her, because she didn't think that staying on The Bachelor was the best decision for where her feelings were in that moment.
Cassie's decision to go home was, evidently, the reason Colton jumped the fence. He laid all his cards on the table, only to be, essentially, stranded. The episode ended with a dramatic "To be continued" message, so fans will have to wait until next week to see how Colton's Bachelor journey ends.
Everything You Should Know About the OTHER Michael Jackson Documentary
Image Source: Getty / Jim Ruymen-Pool
HBO's long-awaited documentary Leaving Neverland has been the subject of plenty of buzz and plenty of controversy since it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January. During his life, Jackson was famously reclusive, so footage of him outside of major studio interviews was rare. But there was one documentary, aired in 2003, that looked inside Jackson's home, his life, and his habits. Living With Michael Jackson, a documentary special by British journalist Martin Bashir, was the Leaving Neverland of its day: a documentary that noted some of the unsettling aspects of Jackson's reported behavior, to loud and controversial receptions.
Bashir's documentary first aired in the UK before airing on ABC as a 90-minute special in the US. The documentary promised to be an inside look at Jackson's life, which fascinated the public, but it spends a large portion of its runtime digging into more gossipy topics. Most notably, the question of Jackson's physical appearance gets a significant amount of attention; Bashir attempts to dig up new details on Jackson's history of plastic surgery and the long-running question of whether or not he chemically lightened his skin.
For the most part, Bashir tags along with Jackson on a tour of Neverland Ranch, where Jackson shows the journalist different spots around the ranch and even goes on an antique-shopping excursion. The film did, however, include an interview with Gavin Arvizo, who would later be at the center of Jackson's child molestation trial.
At the time, Jackson saturation was high in American media, which eagerly covered his increasingly bizarre behavior, and around 27 million viewers watched the documentary, which aired as a special 20/20 episode. The documentary was permitted by Jackson and his team, who allowed Bashir to interview Jackson and bring a camera team behind the gates of Neverland Ranch. A 2003 article in The Guardian claims that Jackson gave access to Bashir because of the journalist's famous 1995 interview with Princess Diana, which garnered sympathy for the soon-to-be-divorced princess. Instead, Jackson was so furious over Bashir's portrayal of him that he released a statement calling the documentary a "betrayal" and reiterating his assertion that he never harmed a child:
"Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me he was 'the man that turned Diana's life around.' Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before - that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff, and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program. Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."
Jackson also released his own version of the documentary, Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See, which included additional interviews and footage that Bashir had left on the editing-room floor.
Image Source: Getty / KMazur / WireImage
Some of the most controversial aspects of the documentary came when Arvizo was interviewed, sitting next to Jackson. Bashir presses Jackson on his admissions of having sleepovers with young boys.
"Why can't you share your bed? That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone. You say, 'You can have my bed if you want it. Sleep in it. I'll sleep on the floor. It's yours. I always give the beds to the company," he said. "It's not sexual; we're going to sleep. I tuck them in. . . . It's very charming; it's very sweet. Kids want to be loved, they want to be touched, they want to be held."
Bashir's interviews also included footage of Jackson remembering his own childhood - one dominated, he said, by an abusive father who insisted on perfection and could be cruel.
"He would tear you up [with a belt] if you missed," Jackson said in a discussion of his childhood fame and rehearsing the Jackson 5. He expressed a frustration with his adult fame as well, particularly with the mocking monikers that tabloids concocted to refer to his odd behavior.
"Wacko Jacko - where'd that come from? Some English tabloid. I have a heart, and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me. It's not nice. Don't do it. I'm not a 'wacko.'"
Most of all, Living With Michael Jackson revealed the pop star's own fixation on the Peter Pan story as a symbol of eternal youth and wonder, something which Jackson spoke about often.
"Youth, childhood, never growing up, magic, flying, everything that I think children in wonderment and magic is what it's all about. To me, I've never grown out of loving that; it's very special. I totally identity with Peter Pan. I am Peter Pan. I'm Peter Pan in my heart."
The Third Season of Queer Eye Will Be Its Most Emotional Yet - Watch the Trailer!
I hope you have some tissues handy, because the trailer for Queer Eye season three will have you sobbing all the happy tears.
After announcing the third season's release date a few weeks back, Netflix has finally shared a glimpse of what's to come for the Fab Five - Antoni Porowski (food and wine), Bobby Berk (interior design), Jonathan Van Ness (grooming), Karamo Brown (culture), and Tan France (fashion). This time around, the group take a road trip from their home base in Atlanta to transform the lives of "heroes" (what the show calls its makeover-ees) who need a refresh of not only their wardrobes and hairstyles but also all other aspects of their lives in and around Kansas City, MO.
The trailer, which you can watch ahead, teases exciting firsts for the Fab Five - their first episode with a duo of adorable sisters, for instance - as well as the lessons about self-love, confidence, French tucks, sulfates in shampoo, and avocados that we've come to know and love. Queer Eye season three launches globally on Netflix on March 15, but you can stream seasons one and two in the meantime here. Also check out the first-look images from season three ahead!
All Aboard! These Are the Best Train Trips of 2019
When you embark on a vacation, the fastest way to reach your destination is usually to fly. But when it comes to train travel, sometimes the journey itself is the destination. Traveling via train is both romantic and adventurous. You can curl up and watch the landscape change as it passes you by. Imagine a front-row seat to the towering fjords of Norway, the jagged shoreline of the West Coast, or the lush tea plantations of India. If you're looking to slow things down and take in the sights on wheels, then get ready for the best train trips of 2019. All aboard!
Colton Finally Jumped That Freakin' Fence on The Bachelor, So We Can All Die Happy
Well, it finally happened, Bachelor Nation: Colton Underwood jumped that freakin' fence on The Bachelor. As expected, the whole situation was pretty dramatic. Let's dive in (or should I say jump in), shall we?
Spoilers for The Bachelor ahead!
Chris Harrison has been teasing one of "the most dramatic moments in Bachelor history" ever since Colton's season premiered in early January. Thanks to a video preview featuring footage from throughout his time as the reality show's leading man, which was released on the night of season 23's premiere, we've known that at some point near the end of the season, the 27-year-old former NFL player would make a break for it. During the March 4 episode, we got to see it all go down.
Given the high-pressure environment of the show, we can't blame Colton for his heightened emotions (and hypersensitivity) in this episode, which saw him needing to make a big decision about the final three women left in the competition following their hometown dates and his elimination of Caelynn in the previous episode. Things were even more complicated considering the fathers of all of Colton's contestants were openly skeptical of his motives in the last episode, which had Colton feeling confused about front-runner Cassie Randolph. All of this made for one seriously potent combination of drama, confessions of love, and a fence vault that would make any dog at Westminster proud.
After a surprise visit from her father in her hotel room, Cassie felt more confused than ever about her feelings for Colton. Although he tried to help her see more clearly, all her father really did was muddy the waters for Cassie, which we know since she repeats "I don't know" about 6 trillion times over the course of the episode. But by the end of their visit, which was just before she was supposed to go on her overnight date with Colton, she came to a decision, telling the camera, "I have to send myself home tonight."
Meanwhile, Colton was busy telling the camera, "Cassie is the one. . . . My heart is complete when I'm with Cassie." So, uh, yeah - once Cassie arrived at his villa, things got very cringey, very fast.
"He talked to me about how I was feeling, and how big this whole thing is," Cassie explains of her dad's visit, as Colton looks on, shell-shocked. "He told me about my mom and him and their kind of love, and how he never had any kind of doubts about it. She never had any doubts about it, either. I don't know, I just . . . I would hate to see you leave here without what you came here for."
Colton, realizing he was about to lose the woman he's in love with, said, "If it's not with the person who has the most potential, it's not worth it." That swayed Cassie for all of one second, which Colton took as a sign to push on, telling her, "I care for you. I love you. I want it to be you at the end of this." Whoa. Unfortunately Cassie still wasn't feeling it, which she attempted to make clear with a rambling response:
"I want you to have what you want, too, you know? I love you so much. So much. But I couldn't, after today . . . I'm not in love, you know what I mean? I don't know why today I'm not . . . I feel like I'm having doubts about it."
At this point, Colton asks her point blank if she came to the date with the intention of voluntarily leaving the competition. "Mhmm. Not because I don't care about you so much. But because I don't know if I can get there," she says. "I wonder if I would've been sure by now. I don't know. I don't understand."
She then gets up and leaves to go cry a few feet off the villa's porch - side note: did you notice all the fedoras hanging on the wall of the villa?! There were, like, at least 10?! - after saying "I don't know" about a million more times (as well as "I can't" and "I'm so confused"). The pair hug it out, and Cassie tells him she wants him to find someone who is "insanely in love with" him and that she needs to go. Colton responds by saying that he's going to continue fighting for her. And then Cassie zooms off into the night in the usual black SUV, sobbing about her choice.
And what does Colton do? HE JUMPS THAT FENCE, PEOPLE.
Distraught, crying, and not in the mood to talk to the cameras, Colton gets the hell out of there, saying, "I'm f*cking done." It's understandable, given the situation, but now Bachelor Nation is obviously desperate to know more since the episode ends on that cliffhanger.
When Entertainment Tonight asked Colton how long he was gone after jumping the fence back in January, he said, "I was gone for a while. In that moment, and the feelings I was feeling, I left the show. I just needed time to myself."
No matter what ends up happening, Colton's fence jump will go down as one of The Bachelor's most dramatic moments ever. (Yes, Chris Harrison, I'm stealing your line.) See how fans are reacting to it all, ahead.
This 19-Year-Old's Chilling Cover of "One Night Only" Had EVERY American Idol Judge in Awe
World, meet Myra Tran: a 19-year-old Vietnamese singer with a serious set of pipes. During the season 17 premiere of American Idol, the young woman belted out Jennifer Hudson's "One Night Only" in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, and not one of them could believe their ears. If you blindfolded us, we would easily say this was a clip from the 2006 remake of Dreamgirls, but nope, just a 19-year-old with a palpable dream.
It was no question that Tran was getting a ticket to Hollywood, but the advice the judges gave brought her to tears. "You're up there with the Kelly Clarksons of the world," Bryan said, leaving Tran shaking. Perry added, "You just need to keep singing, because if you keep singing, you're really going to connect with people. I think we can really feel who you are through the music. Music transcends language barriers, and you just showed us that."
Watch her audition above, but be warned: you're guaranteed to get chills.
Leaving Neverland: Alleged Jackson Victim James Safechuck Leads a Quiet Life Now
The controversial documentary Leaving Neverland focuses on the stories of two men - Wade Robson and James Safechuck - who allege that Michael Jackson molested them when they were young boys in his inner circle. One of the men, Robson, has had a higher-profile career in show business, working as a choreographer for big names such as Britney Spears and *NSYNC. But his counterpart, Safechuck, has been almost a complete unknown until this point.
Throughout the documentary, which aired on HBO, Safechuck and Robson recount the abuse they allege they suffered at the hands of Jackson, mostly while they were prepubescent boys. Both initially met Jackson at very young ages: Safechuck was a child actor who landed a coveted commercial alongside the singer, while Robson won an Australian dance contest and won concert tickets and a meet-and-greet with Jackson.
Safechuck did defend Jackson when he was accused of molestation for the first time in 1993 (although he declined to testify at Jackson's 2005 trial). After years of struggling to cope with his past, Safechuck finally decided to come forward with his allegations, joining a previously begun lawsuit of Robson's.