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College hoops: 10 most anticipated games for November The Grand Introduction FOX Sports South offers a detailed look at the most anticipated college basketball games for the month -- a November-only countdown that factors in outings which are already on the schedule (like Kansas vs. Kentucky or Michigan State vs. Duke on Nov. 18) ... or hypothetical matchups that could occur from the vast array of holiday tournaments, like the Maui Invitational, preseason NIT, Legends Classic, Paradise Jam, Orlando Classic, Hall of Fame Tip-Off, CBE Hall of Fame Classic or Battle 4 Atlantis. (Photos: Kevin Jairaj/David Manning/Mark Dolejs/Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports) Villanova vs. VCU -- Nov. 24 (Legends Classic) RANKING: 10 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) No. 12 Villanova stands as the prohibitive favorite to win the Big East and best contend for a Final Four berth. 2) Wildcats senior JayVaughn Pinkston (right) tallied 15 games of double-digit points/seven-plus rebounds last season -- including two double-doubles. 3) VCU sophomore Mo Alie-Cox, who averaged 1.4 blocks in just 14.4 minutes last season, should help fill the void of Juvonte Reddic graduating from the program. 4) The No. 15 Rams have significant continuity with the following: Five straight seasons of 26-plus wins and three straight years of leading the NCAA in steals. 5) Senior Treveon Graham (left -- 15.8 points, 7.0 board last season) could be the A-10 Player of the Year. (Photos: Christopher Hanewinckel/Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports) SMU @ Gonzaga -- Nov. 17 RANKING: 9 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) The Mustangs return three starters from a team that won 27 games last season -- including guard Nic Moore (left), who led the club in points, assists, steals (tied), free throw percentage and 3-point shooting. 2) The No. 22 Mustangs bolstered their preseason slate with Gonzaga, Indiana, Arkansas and Michigan. 3) Citing Kevin Pangos (right -- 14.5 points) and Gary Bell Jr. (11.4 points, 44 percent from beyond the arc), Gonzaga might have one of the nation's 10 best backcourts. 4) The Zags are absolutely loaded in the frontcourt. Three newcomers Kyle Wiltjer (Kentucky transfer), Byron Wesley (USC transfer) and Domantas Sabonis (son of hoops legend Arvydas) could be the impetus of No. 13 Gonzaga reaching its first-ever Final Four. (Photos: Jim Cowsert/James Snook-USA TODAY Sports) Oklahoma vs. UNC -- Nov. 27 (Battle 4 Atlantis) RANKING: 8 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) For this hypothetical matchup to occur, No. 6 North Carolina and No. 19 Oklahoma need to beat Butler and UCLA, respectively, in the Battle 4 Atlantis quarters. 2) High-flying swingman J.P. Tokoto (right) leads a team that's perhaps deeper and more talented than the UNC club that notched 12 straight ACC wins last winter. 3) The Sooners (back-to-back 20-win campaigns) and their fans can expect Buddy Hield (left -- 16.5 points, 4.4 boards) to take another sizable step forward. 4) Oklahoma (ranked 7th nationally in scoring last season) and UNC are candidates for 80-plus points in this early-season tilt. (Photos: Alonzo Adams/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Texas @ UConn -- Nov. 30 RANKING: 7 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) There's always intrigue when the defending champs (No. 17 UConn) take center stage. 2) Led by guard Ryan Boatright (left), N.C. State transfer Rodney Purvis, newcomer Daniel Hamilton and a physical frontcourt, the Huskies should compete for an American Athletic Conference title and a possible Sweet 16 visit in the NCAA tourney (if not further). 3) All signs point to Texas boasting its best team in four years, thanks to the star-power presence of Jonathan Holmes (right -- four double-doubles last season) and freshman Myles Turner, a high-ceiling rim protector at center. 4) The No. 10 Longhorns return all five starters from a 24-win club that knocked off Kansas, Iowa State, Baylor, West Virginia and North Carolina last season. (Photos: Robert Deutsch/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Florida vs. Wisconsin -- Nov. 27 (Battle 4 Atlantis) RANKING: 6 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) For this hypothetical matchup to occur, No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 7 Florida need to beat UAB and Georgetown, respectively, in the quarters of the absurdly deep Battle 4 Atlantis tourney. 2) This prospective clash could have been a "rematch" of the national championship game, if the Gators and Badgers had survived against UConn and Kentucky. 3) The Badgers return four starters from last year's Final Four stalwarts -- including forward Sam Dekker (right). 4) Billy Donovan (Florida) and Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) are two of the true coaching giants in college hoops. 5) Michael Frazier II (left -- 12.4 PPG last season), Kasey Hill and Dorian Finney-Smith anchor a Gators program that's known more for reloading than rebuilding. (Photos: Nelson Chenault/Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Duke vs. Michigan State -- Nov. 18 (Chicago) RANKING: 5 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) The Champions Classic doubleheader boasts two of the final five slots in this countdown. 2) Coaches Mike Krzyzewski (No. 4 Duke) and Tom Izzo (No. 18 MSU), two giants of the college hoops universe, have combined for five national championships and 17 Final Fours. 3) Fab frosh Jahlil Okafor (left) gets unleashed to College Hoops Nation against the Spartans. 4) Forward Branden Dawson (right) and Denzel Valentine anchor an underrated Spartans team that will contend for a Big Ten title and possible Sweet 16 berth. 5) By some accounts, Okafor headlines a Duke recruiting class that rivals that of Kentucky last season -- in terms of depth, versatility and NBA potential. (Photos: Mark Dolejs/Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports) Louisville vs. Minnesota -- Nov. 12 RANKING: 4 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) You couldn't ask for a better televised opener to the college season -- from a headlines-grabbing standpoint: The father-son clash of Rick Pitino (left) and Richard Pitino (right) works on so many levels. 2) The No. 8 Cardinals, led by All-American center Montrezl Harrell, should be championship contenders in the ACC (Louisville's new conference) and reasonable candidates for the Elite Eight. 3) The Golden Gophers are still riding high from last season's NIT postseason championship and a rock-solid recruiting class that could pay immediate dividends. 4) This high-scoring game will be played at a U.S. military base in Puerto Rico; so the environment should be electric. (Photos: Nelson Chenault/Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports) Kansas vs. Michigan State -- Nov. 30 (Orlando Classic) RANKING: 3 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) For this matchup to occur, No. 5 Kansas and No. 18 MSU must reach the final of the Orlando Classic (with Tennessee, Marquette, Georgia Tech). 2) Perry Ellis (left -- 13.5 PPG, 6.7 rebounds last season) anchors a Jayhawks frontline that's teeming with NBA-caliber talent, including freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre. 3) Kansas also boasts a deep cast of guards, featuring sophomore Wayne Selden and freshman Devonte Graham. 4) MSU coach Tom Izzo has praised swingman Denzel Valentine (right) for his absurd work ethic during the summertime, in terms of improving his overall game, shooting stroke and leadership skills. 5) This clash could have top-4-seed ramifications when the NCAA tourney committee convenes in March. (Photos: Denny Medley/Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) UNC vs. Wisconsin -- Nov. 28 (Battle 4 Atlantis) RANKING: 2 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) For this matchup to occur, No. 6 UNC and No. 3 Wisconsin must reach the final of the stacked Battle 4 Atlantis tourney. 2) Tar Heels playmaker Marcus Paige (left -- 17.4 PPG) has All-American potential at either guard slot. 3) UNC coach Roy Williams welcomes a stellar recruiting class to Chapel Hill, led by Justin Jackson and Joel Berry (three-time Mr. Basketball in Florida). 4) The Badgers were one miracle Kentucky jumper away from reaching the NCAA final. Presumably, they would have been favorites to beat UConn in the championship game. 5) 7-footer Frank Kaminsky (right -- 13.6 PPG, 6.4 boards last season) was a breakout star in the NCAAs, notching 28 points, 11 boards in the thrilling West regional final. (Photos: Daniel Shirey/Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports) Kansas vs. Kentucky -- Nov. 18 (Chicago) RANKING: 1 ... REASONS TO PIQUE YOUR TV CURIOSITY: 1) This clash serves as the nightcap for the always-entertaining Champions Classic doubleheader (with MSU-Duke). 2) The No. 5 Jayhawks, led by Perry Ellis, Cliff Alexander, Devonte Graham, Kelly Oubre and star-in-waiting Wayne Selden (left), are solid favorites to win the Big 12 and reach the Final Four. 3) The Wildcats (featuring holdovers Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison -- right) are the easy preseason choice for No. 1. 4) Kentucky freshman Karl Towns could be the nation's best pivotman. 5) How's this for star power: In its latest 2015 mock draft, the reputable NBADraft.net has three Kansas guys in the top 20 ... and seven Kentucky players in the top 40. (Photos: Jerome Miron/Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports) | 1 | 1,700 | sports |
Photo: Rex USA. Amid a whirlwind week of nonstop press for Interstellar, newly-anointed action star Anne Hathaway gave the red carpet appearances a rest. And, she popped by a book signing for the new Valentino tome to support her longtime pal, Mr. Garavani. She took a break from a seemingly endless repertoire of fancy gowns, opting for an equally chic, albeit much more low-key look for the literary soiree. Her velvet Marc Jacobs mini looked extra-playful paired with sheer polka-dot tights. Meanwhile, her deep-V blouse and pendant necklace lent an air of no-frills cool. Between those pointy Choo boots, the super-short hem, and that majorly exposed collarbone, we're digging the downtown vibes Anne's exuding here. Could we be facing an all-new Anne? It's too early to tell. But, either way, this is an ensemble worth stealing. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! Photo: Rex USA. When there are this many interesting textures and design details happening, all-black everything is all good. This super-festive velvet mini skirt will be your best friend during the holidays. Well, that and eggnog. A perfect, pointed toe makes these classic, black boots extra-edgy. A seatbelt has never looked so chic. A drapey, slinky, deep V is instantly sexy and requires zero effort. The cutest way to keep your legs warm. Vixen, indeed. | 4 | 1,701 | lifestyle |
Before guests even set foot inside your home, the front entrance establishes the tone for the rest of the space. The color you choose for your door might reflect an appreciation of traditional decor, a love of bold hues, or a fondness for modern design. Now picture your own front door: What does it say about you? If it's not the statement you'd wish to make, there's an easy fix found in a can of fresh paint. These nine inviting front door hues may be just the inspiration you need to insert some personality into your your home's exterior. Yellow The color yellow exudes happiness, and that's the message it will send from its place of honor on your front door. Although yellow is equally suited to both traditional and modern homes, lemon and muted shades look best on older brick, clapboard, or shingled styles. Brighter shades make a bold statement on contemporary homes. Blue Versatile blue can capture many different moods, from the easy elegance of navy to the tropical energy of teal. Because we often associate the color blue with water, it is a popular choice for seaside homes. Repeat the hue on coordinating blue shutters for a stronger visual. Orange No doubt about it, an orange front door is hard to miss. Although it's more common on modern dwellings, deeper shades can flourish in a traditional setting. Be sure the color you choose is one you'll love coming home to each day cheerful shades of apricot and tangerine are good places to begin your search. Purple Packed with personality, and purple is a favorite for homeowners who want to express their individuality. The options are plentiful, ranging from deep grape to soft lavender or even bold magenta. Purple doors look especially lovely on Victorian homes or paired with a soft-gray exterior paint. Lime Green Few colors say "fun" like lime green, the hue that really sets a playful tone. It's a natural choice for modern homes, appearing stunning when paired with charcoal gray, but feels just as at home on any style of house. Balance its intensity by keeping other exterior colors muted or by pairing it with crisp white woodwork. Sage Green Subtle sage is ideal for homeowners who love the color green but prefer a more traditional interpretation than energetic lime. The soothing hue is well suited to cottage dwellings especially those with classic exterior colors like white, putty, or pale yellow or any home surrounded by lush gardens. Black A black door looks undeniably dramatic on a home's exterior. High-gloss paint and classic accessories such as brass doorknockers pair well with traditional homes; a matte finish for the paint and coordinating black woodwork would work well on more modern dwellings. Red A red front door tells the world you love strong colors but still appreciate classic design. Red doors add a wonderful splash of color on white, putty, or gray houses alike. And while many shades of this hue can be found, a classic fire-engine red might be your best bet it complements just about any style of house. White Unlike bright colors that may draw attention to the door itself, crisp white front doors even the playing field a bit at an entrance. They blend with the overall design of a home's exterior, shifting focus to architectural details or an elaborately landscaped garden. | 4 | 1,702 | lifestyle |
Less than a week into my stint chaperoning our long-term 2014 Nissan I realized something big while flipping through the owner's manual on a lazy Sunday afternoon: The Rogue was long overdue for its first service. In fact, it was about due for its second service. I swear we, as a magazine, are usually on top of these things, but with the Rouge bouncing from chaperone to chaperone like an orphaned child before landing with me, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So with 5,000-mile service intervals and almost 10,000 miles on the Rogue's odometer, I called up the Nissan dealer down the street from MT H.Q. and made an appointment for the next morning. At the 5,000-mile interval, the service manual calls for the engine oil and its filter to be changed, and a tire rotation. The 10,000 mile service covers the above plus what Nissan calls a "multi-point inspection" of everything from the Rogue's brake pads to CVT fluid. Just 200 miles shy of what would've been its second (10,000-mile) service, I figured we'd take the multi-point inspection with the oil change and tire rotation. I rolled into the Nissan dealer just after 8 a.m received a $29.95 quote for the service, and headed into the waiting room to drink some free coffee and eat free cookies while the dealer's Internet manager tried to get me to trade in the Rogue for a new Maxima: "Hey! Uh, you want to trade in?" "No. Thanks, though." "We have the Maxima. You don't want the Maxima?" "Nah, I'm good." "It's got great pickup! Like a sports car!" "Cool, man." It wasn't long after the Internet manager moved on to accost someone else in the waiting room that my service adviser wandered in holding the Rouge's air filter. It was filthy. Turned out our Rogue had been off-roading at some point early in its time with us. The Rogue isn't supposed to be due for a new engine air filter until 30,000 miles, but there was no way that dirt-clogged one was going back in. About 20 minutes later my service advisor returned with the keys and the bill: $59.23, all of it for parts after the $17.95 in labor was waived because of a dealership promotion. With 15,000 miles fast approaching, rest assured we won't miss the next service. More on our long-term 2014 Nissan Rogue SL AWD here: Arrival Update 1: Transmission Woes Update 2: Rogue Trip | 9 | 1,703 | autos |
Antonio Conte has given his opinion on Mario Balotelli having called him up to the national team. | 1 | 1,704 | sports |
Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a name that should probably already be on your radar. If you haven't seen Belle and thus, the actress in all her gorgeous, perfectly symmetrical glory then we suggest you catch her in the upcoming flick Beyond the Lights, where she plays a musician confronting the hardships of newfound fame. Trust us: Mbatha-Raw is the kind of beautiful we're going to be talking about for a very long time. This is why it's not even a touch surprising that her glam guru is none other than Nick Barose, the celebrity makeup artist responsible for Lupita Nyong'o's killer beauty during her entrée into a very successful awards season. With Barose's help, Mbatha-Raw has been acing fresh-faced, super pretty looks on the red carpet for about a year now. This weekend, the two were practically inseparable on a day of back-to-back appearances, during which her "daytime dewy" look had to be transformed into "Sophia-Loren glamorous" in 15 minutes. Sound familiar? Here, Barose breaks down exactly how he achieved this feat, so you can finally pull off that day-to-night thing the magazines always talk about like an actual A-lister. Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images. During the day, Mbatha-Raw had a video interview with actor Oscar Isaac, so Barose opted for fresh-faced, barely-there makeup (a.k.a., the kind of thing we want to pull off on the regular). Image: courtesy of La Mer. "For daytime, I love using a gel cream, like La Mer's, because they're hydrating but light, giving skin a soft, perfect glow," he explains. Gels also quell oil production, making them the ideal moisturizer for those with schedules that don't permit frequent powder breaks. (And, while this one is indeed lovely, Simple also makes an excellent one for $12.) Image: courtesy of La Mer. After moisturizing and before he put any makeup on the face, Barose coated the actress' lips in a generous amount of balm, allowing it to sink in while he worked. Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. If you're preparing for a full day and night of events, consider this golden rule: It's much easier to build or layer sheer textures than to reapply denser, creamier formulas. "I opted for Tom Ford's Traceless Foundation, just bouncing it into the skin with a damp Beautyblender sponge," Barose says. He actually used it more like a concealer which you can, of course, do for yourself. But, in case your dark circles need extra coverage, skip the foundation for daytime altogether and dip your sponge in some concealer to spot-treat. Image: courtesy of Mac Cosmetics. Since the majority of her day would be spent in this look, it was important to keep the finish absolutely flawless. "I dusted powder on Gugu's T-zone and around the perimeter of her face using MAC Blot Powder," Barose explains. Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. Cheek color for daytime can seem a little bit counterintuitive, but Barose suggests otherwise. "You can do a natural flush by focusing the application on the apples of the cheeks," he says. "I chose this warm, golden-pink shade to play up her golden complexion." (Deeper skin tones could benefit from a pop of coral, like Tarte Tipsy, while fair-to-medium skins will benefit from a kiss of peach, like in NYX Rouge Cream in Tickle.) Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. For daytime, the goal is to define your eyes by choosing a color that complements your skin tone while brightening your gaze. "I chose the bronze shade from this palette and applied it all over the lid," Barose says. Use a fluffy brush to get a sheer wash of pigment, as opposed to a more dramatic shadow. Other shades that will achieve the same effect? Pearl, gold, and champagne. Pick whichever is in your favorite palette of the moment no need to run out and buy something new. Unless, of course, you're looking for an excuse to do just that. Then, by all means, get to shopping. Image: courtesy of Mac Cosmetics. "Then, I added a touch of black eyeliner, getting in super close to the lashline so the product wasn't too noticeable." Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. To pull it all together, "choose a sheer lipstick," Barose says. He favors this warm, transparent pink. A similar payoff can be achieved with Josie Maran's Argan Lipstick. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images. "For the Motion Picture Academy's 6th Annual Governor's Awards, I only had 15 minutes to change the makeup," says Barose. "I decided to add more drama to the eyes, and was a bit more strategic about where I placed the blush." Image: courtesy of Tatcha. "In order to fix the complexion, you first have to remove any oil from the surface of the skin. I blotted down her makeup using these papers, which did the trick," Barose says. Image: courtesy of Mally. "Then, I dabbed a mattifying primer on the T-Zone to smooth and tone down the shine a little bit. After, I applied a thin layer of foundation all over using the Beautyblender." Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. "To go with her Oscar de la Renta Dress, stylist Cristina Erlich and I wanted something dramatic but still youthful," Barose explains. "That's why we went for dramatic line, à la Sophia Loren. So, I quickly lined the upper and lower lashes using my pencil, then traced with a liquid pen to wing it out a bit. After, I filled in the brows just a touch to add a classic, elegant shape." Image: courtesy of Tom Ford. "On the cheeks, I wanted to slightly contour using the blush, so I applied it more to the side of the face, sweeping upwards towards the temples," Barose says. "Then, I dabbed a shimmery highlighter onto the bridge of the nose and the tops of the cheekbones so it catches the light and adds a glamorous glow on the red carpet." Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 1,705 | lifestyle |
Photo: Getty Images In 1960, in the aftermath of the first-ever televised presidential debate, Richard Nixon wished he hadn't passed on the concealer, bronzer, and foundation. His opponent, John F. Kennedy, looked dashing, youthful, and put-together on screen; meanwhile, even Nixon's supporters said he looked like he'd just suffered a coronary. Few political candidates since have been stupid enough to repeat Nixon's mistake. It's no secret that men in power politicians, actors, business leaders often rely on makeup artists to look their best, particularly in front of the camera. But most American men still see makeup as belonging in the female domain, lumped into the same category as tampons and lingerie. "We call it the M-word," says Michele Probst, a makeup artist whose client list includes Barack Obama, John Travolta, and Kid Rock. "It's still a major taboo. The whole concept freaks men out." Although guys may seem uncomfortable with the idea of dolling themselves up, the men's beauty industry is growing explosively. The male grooming market is valued at $6 billion in the U.S. alone and $33 billion globally. Forty-three percent of American men use skincare products that go way beyond shaving: we're talking moisturizers, anti-aging creams, eye gels, luxury facial cleansers, and concealers. High-end companies like Estée Lauder , Clarins , and Kiehl's have had men's skincare lines for years (some for decades), and more affordable brands have since followed suit. Everyman Jack grooming products hit Target shelves in 2007, while Dove debuted its Men+Care line in 2010. But these brands are faced with a predicament: They need to produce the beauty products men desire, while also being careful in their marketing. Research shows that the minute a dude feels emasculated, it's game over. A photo posted by Dove Men+Care (@dovemencare) on Apr 4, 2014 at 6:02am PDT Probst is something of an expert at walking this tricky line. After 25 years of doing men's makeup, it was obvious to her that guys liked how cosmetics made them feel but didn't want to be caught using them. Since most men can't afford the services of a professional makeup artist every day, she decided to create her own line of cosmetics called Mënaji Skincare in 2000. "The key is that it's undetectable," she tells me. "It's about knocking out the shine and cleaning out the imperfections, like dark under-eye circles or uneven skin tone." Probst regularly assures customers that online purchases will arrive in a nondescript brown box; she's received many calls from nervous guys worried they'll receive a girly package in the mail that will immediately give them away. "The key is that it's undetectable." Probst says selling cosmetics to men requires an entirely different language than selling to women does. Since men are uncomfortable with the idea of capital-B Beauty, she evokes notions of health instead, often going back to the infamous Nixon-Kennedy debate as a proof point. "Kennedy looked confident, while Nixon was sweating. He had a five o'clock shadow and dark circles under his eyes," she says. "People think he lost that debate because he looked less healthy and less confident. It made him look less powerful." That said, skincare experts say men's attitudes towards beauty are quickly evolving as so-called traditional values appear to be in flux. "Men are no longer the only breadwinners, and gender roles are starting to blend," says Joseph Grigsby, VP of global marketing for Lab Series, Estée Lauder's men's skincare brand. "We're seeing a convergence of masculine and feminine ideals." Lab Series launched in 1987, and Grigsby says that over the years, the company has noticed a generational shift in terms of how men relate to skincare. He makes the case that millennials, who are increasingly exposed to powerful female figures, no longer associate beauty rituals with femininity, but rather with self-care and success. A video about men's skincare by Lab Series. At the same time, men have different expectations of their skincare products. They have thicker, oilier skin, so products need to be specially formulated to penetrate it effectively. They also have different sensorial triggers that make them feel that a product is working. "Women take a more holistic approach to skincare, thinking of their beauty ritual as a long-term investment in their future. Men, on the other hand, need a sense of immediacy to feel that the product is having an effect," says Grigsby. With this in mind, Lab Series includes ingredients that offer the immediate gratification of cooling, warming, and tingling sensations. Men also see skincare as a solution to a problem, rather than as part of a broader pleasurable experience. Male-centric skincare companies organize their websites around concerns like acne, wrinkles, and dry skin. "The real entry into skincare comes with this value proposition: You have a problem, we have a solution, and the solution works because it is backed up by science," says Grigsby. Almost all men's skincare is packaged minimalistically with a brief description of what it promises to deliver. For instance, Lab Series products come in simple white containers and include a little instruction booklet, much like the kind you'd find unboxing a clock radio. Men see skincare as a solution to a problem, rather than as part of a broader pleasurable experience. Of course, there are also other more obvious ways men's skincare brands make male consumers feel comfortable. Probst gives her products hyper-masculine names like Urban Camouflage Concealer and Lip Balm Agent. The very company name is meant to signal virility she invented the name Mënaji by combining Scandinavian words for man and power. ("I went to the Häagen-Dazs school of company naming," Probst says with a laugh.) Lab Series, for its part, evokes science and technical skill. The brand's website is plastered with images of gears, a motif that makes it clear the consumer has stumbled into macho territory, a place where men fix their own cars and own multiple toolkits. These efforts to appeal to male consumers appear to be working. At one time, male skincare products were the domain of the metrosexual young men in urban areas with a high disposable income and a penchant for grooming but they've since broken into the mainstream. A photo posted by menaji_skincare (@menaji_skincare) on Oct 10, 2014 at 9:12am PDT In fact, Grigsby says that younger men have introduced skincare rituals to the older generation. "When you think of female beauty, it's usually the mother who transmits rituals to her daughter in an important rite of passage," he says. "For men, that ritual used to stop at shaving, but now millennials are educating their fathers, showing them that there are solutions to dry skin or puffy eyes." Probst says that her products sell all over the country, including in her home state of Texas, ground zero for the rugged cowboy ideal: "We sell to preachers, teachers, construction workers, military men, professional athletes." If the men's beauty market is thriving in the U.S., it's positively booming in Asia. The Lab Series and Mënaji are both expanding rapidly in China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore. "When it comes to skincare, the Asian male consumer is more evolved," Grigsby says. "They are more receptive to skincare regimens, while the American male tends to be more pragmatic and concerned with the performance of the product." Men in these countries do not need to be convinced of the value of skincare nor educated about how to use them. Instead, the challenge for men's skincare brands is to persuade these consumers to pick theirs over the competitors'. Younger men have introduced skincare rituals to the older generation. Grigsby points out that since Asian men are less self-conscious about taking care of their skin, they are more likely to visit beauty counters in department stores where they can test and buy products. American men, on the other hand, are somewhat more surreptitious in their shopping habits. Jake, 32, a San Francisco-based psychologist, spends hours at the gym, has a carefully curated wardrobe, and goes on dates with women he meets on Tinder. (He asked for his name to be changed to protect his street cred.) When I visit his apartment, I see that his medicine cabinet is lined with products: hair gels, anti-aging eye creams, pore cleansing strips, at least three colognes, face scrubs. The whole darn bathroom smells of sandalwood. When I ask where he gets all this stuff, he tells me he has carefully researched and purchased each of these items online. "It's a private process," he tells me. "I can count on one hand the number of conversations I've had with other men about the facial products I use. It's just not what we do. You take care of your face and then you move on." Photo: Kiehl's His approach is fairly typical. Men's skincare companies do the bulk of their business on the web. "The internet is a much more comfortable and anonymous place for men to get information about products," says Grigsby. "Unfortunately, the distribution of beauty products for men still happens in places that feel very feminine, like department stores or perfumeries like Sephora." When Mënaji products were introduced to Nordstrom stores, Probst insisted they be displayed on men's clothing floors, alongside belts and other accessories, rather than cosmetics counters, to avoid some of the feminine associations. However, she says she sells most of her products online too. In an attempt to make the male consumer more comfortable, most men's skincare brands have worked hard to separate themselves from the female beauty industry. But as gender norms continue to change rapidly, the cosmetics industry of tomorrow may be evolving into a place where beauty is not entirely defined by gender. We see a glimpse of this brave new world at Kiehl's, a brand that has managed to successfully appeal to male and female consumers. "The distribution of beauty products for men still happens in places that feel very feminine." Kiehl's, which was founded in 1851, is among the oldest American skincare companies, but today it targets particularly modern consumers who are comfortable being associated with an androgynous brand. A third of Kiehl's customers are male, and some products, such as shaving creams and face washes, are exclusively formulated for them. But there are also many unisex products that men purchase too, like night creams, dark spot correctors, and lip balms. According to Kiehl's USA president Chris Salgardo, male customers often visit their physical stores, a rare occurrence in the skincare industry. "We've carefully designed stores to be a welcoming environment for both men and women," he says. And it's working. When I visit a Kiehl's store in Boston, it's decorated with a full-sized motorcycle, but there are also girly chandeliers dangling from the ceiling. As I try hand lotions and smell shower gels, other shoppers, both male and female, mill about doing the same. The space feels gender neutral, making it the perfect spot for a particular kind of millennial consumer. I go home with a sample of a Kiehl's anti-aging eye cream housed in a simple blue tube which I casually leave in the bathroom. My husband, who owns precisely three beauty products shaving cream, a bar of soap, and deodorant must have taken an interest in it, because there's hardly any left the next time I try to use it. There's hope for him yet. | 4 | 1,706 | lifestyle |
The 12-cylinder engine in the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish seems like a waste as we creep through traffic in metro Detroit, but the carbon-fiber bodywork is certainly being put to good use. Other drivers give us thumbs-up as they idle past on Southfield Road, showing their appreciation for this Skyfall Silver piece of rolling art. What we appreciate more than the beautiful design, though, is the silken shifts from the new eight-speed automatic transmission. A familiar ZF unit used by nearly every luxury automaker, the eight-speed slips between gears with far more smoothness than the six-speed automatic in last year's Vanquish . With the addition of two more gears, the Aston Martin Vanquish's 0-to-62-mph times fall from 4.1 seconds to just 3.8 seconds. As a welcome bonus, the new transmission improves highway fuel economy by 2 mpg. But if you think buyers will notice the savings on fuel, take a second look at the as-tested price. Finally, we escape stop-and-go purgatory and join the highway, where we can click the left paddle down a few gears and fully exercise the hand-built 5.9-liter engine. The engine trumpets, the tachometer spins counter-clockwise, and the Vanquish pulls with a steadfast determination that makes us want to pin the right pedal until we attain the car's 201 mph maximum velocity. We relent, but note how happy the Vanquish feels barreling along the left lane of a freeway. The 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish is a grand tourer of the finest caliber, lapping up miles with ease. And what ease. Driver and passenger feast their eyes on hand-stitched leather, carbon-fiber trim, and knurled metal controls, while treating their ears to the 1,000-watt, 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system (though we'd rather listen to the noise out of those fat quad exhausts). Should a slower motorist impede your journey, blasting past them barely stresses the big V-12, especially given how easily the new automatic transmission dips into lower gears. There was practically nothing we disliked about last year's Aston Martin Vanquish, so it comes as no surprise we're enamored with a slightly quicker, slightly more efficient, slightly smoother-shifting version. Time to start buying lotto tickets so we can afford one of our own. 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Specifications Base Price: $287,820 Price as tested: $306,695 Engine: 5.9-liter DOHC 48-valve V-12/568 hp @ 6,650 rpm, 465 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Layout: 2-door, 2- or 4-passenger, front-engine, RWD coupe EPA Mileage: 113/21/16 mpg (city/highway/combined) L x W x H: 186.1 x 75.2 x 50.9 in Wheelbase: 107.9 in Weight: 3,834 lb 0 to 60 mph: 3.6 sec Top Speed: 201 mph | 9 | 1,707 | autos |
Happiness research has clearly shown that close relationships boost our well-being . PBS reports that both introverts and extroverts alike feel happier when spending time with others, according to studies. This is an important point to keep in mind at the office, whether you're looking for self-motivation or trying to motivate others to do a better job. According to workplace consultant and author BJ Gallagher, 80 percent of people who fail on the job do so not because of lack of technical skills, but because of poor interpersonal skills. In other words, if you can't play well with others, your career will likely suffer. Going it alone has its place during crunch time when you need to focus and get something out the door, but avoiding team play can backfire if done at the wrong times or too often. "Many people keep information to themselves and are unwilling to share information with others. That is a mistake and a turnoff," says career coach Sarah Weinberger. "Know when to embrace the 'mine, mine, mine' attitude but also when to share and be part of a team." If you find yourself at a career impasse, or if you're a manager with people on your team who are underperforming, you might want to try leveraging the wisdom of togetherness. Honing your collaboration skills may help you both feel better and do better at work, whether you're working shoulder to shoulder or in the next office on a joint project. That's because it's not just physically working together that has benefits. Research has shown that even working "psychologically together" can improve productivity , performance and even energy levels. A July 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology about the drivers of intrinsic motivation found that just telling people they were working "together" with others to solve problems even if they were working physically alone on the problems in separate rooms led to some surprising results. Those in the "psychologically together" category worked nearly 50 percent longer than those who weren't told they were working toward a common goal with others. They also had more correct answers, remembered more about the project and felt less tired by the task. "Together" seems to be a magic word. According to Heidi Grant Halvorson in the Harvard Business Review, it "is a powerful social cue to the brain." Halvorson notes that this simple word triggers feelings of relatedness, connectedness and belonging, all of which help people feel that they are working as part of a group they can trust. To get better at working together, try these tips: Share your feelings. While we're often discouraged from showing emotion at work , going too far in the other direction and checking your feelings at the door completely can make it more difficult for others to get to know and trust you. Executive coach Maureen Moriarty believes that those who fail to communicate their feelings at work are often perceived as aloof, cold, withdrawn or untrustworthy. "Not knowing how a co-worker or boss is feeling makes them a mystery," Moriarty says. "This is dangerous, because in this absence of feeling data, others will attach their labels and perceptions that may or may not be correct." Swap feedback. Coordinating regular feedback exchanges between you and your co-workers helps to improve communication and build trust. "When you can openly give and receive both appreciative and constructive feedback, you show your co-workers that you are honest, candid, respectful and that you care for their development," says Roger Connors, CEO and co-founder of Partners in Leadership. "You also show that you are welcoming feedback so that you can see and hear things that you may normally not." Give credit where it's due. The workplace may bring out the competitor in you, but trying to outshine your colleagues won't win you many friends and may not help you get ahead. Instead, build team cohesion by shining a positive light on others you work with. "If you want to have a productive work environment and an environment that makes going to work enjoyable for you and others, never miss the opportunity to point out the good work people are doing," says psychiatrist Howard Forman of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "It makes people feel appreciated, valued and respected." Take it outside of work. Getting to know people well enough to trust them in collaborative ventures in the office can be facilitated by offsite experiences. Creating or participating in opportunities to do things together outside of work can lead to bonding and the formation of solid friendships. Whether it's going to regular lunches with team members or joining an office running group, these extracurricular colleague connections help add a sense of support and togetherness that can be carried back to the workplace. "Furthering workplace efficiency comes through a collaborative process," says Jonathan Burger, vice president of human resources at Direct Agents. "The more comfortable our employees feel amongst their teams and colleagues, the better all departments function." Robin Madell has spent more than two decades as a corporate writer, journalist and communications consultant on business, leadership, career, health, finance, technology and public-interest issues. She serves as a copywriter, speechwriter and ghostwriter for executives and entrepreneurs across diverse industries. Madell has interviewed more than 200 thought leaders around the globe, winning 20 awards for editorial excellence. She served on the board of directors of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association in New York and San Francisco. Madell is the author of " Surviving Your Thirties: Americans Talk About Life After 30 " and co-author of "The Strong Principles: Career Success." Copyright 2014 U.S. News & World Report | 5 | 1,708 | news |
A new class of post-9/11 military veterans has begun making a name for itself on Capitol Hill. The number of military veterans in the House and Senate has been on a steady decline for nearly three decades. In the current Congress, only about 20 percent of the members in each chamber have military experience. As World War II veterans have passed away and Vietnam War veterans are deep into retirement age, the number of service members has dropped. But as a new crop of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans look for other ways to continue their public service, many are looking to Congress. In many cases, the service of these elected officials has been a boon to their campaigns and critical to their personal story. Veterans groups argue that those with military experience are as important now as they ever have been, with the threat of ISIS and other terror groups, the debate over U.S. intervention in places like Syria and Ukraine, as the country seeks to separate itself from years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and of course, to defend veterans' rights in the wake of scandal at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Here are five newly-elected or reelected officials with important military backgrounds to watch in the coming Congress. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) In 2004, the helicopter Duckworth was piloting was shot down over Iraq, sustaining injuries that cost her both of her legs and partial use of her right arm. The Army lieutenant colonel continued to serve as a member of the Illinois National Guard, and later took a position in President Obama's Department of Veterans Affairs. After an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2006, Duckworth beat out Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) in 2012, making her the first female Iraq war veteran to win a congressional seat. She was easily reelected last Tuesday. Duckworth is expecting her first child later this year with her husband, Army Maj. Bryan Bowlsbey, and has been mentioned as a potential challenger to Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in 2016. Senator-elect Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) With her victory last Tuesday in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ernst will now become the first female combat veteran in the Senate. The Iowa Republican has been in the National Guard for more than two decades, and in the early 2000s was deployed to Iraq as a lieutenant colonel. Ernst's service in Iraq and her ongoing National Guard duty were primary touchstones for her Senate candidacy. Over the summer, she made waves in an interview with Time magazine for saying she'd been sexually harassed during her time in the military. Ernst cited that experience as her reason for splitting from many in the GOP, who believe sexual assault investigations in the military should remain under the chain of command. Ernst was drawn away from the campaign trail on some weekends throughout the cycle for her National Guard duties, provoking a host of high-profile Republicans to fill in for her at events she couldn't attend. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Gov. Rick Perry (R-Texas) and others pitched in under the slogan #OnDutyForJoni. The day after Ernst's groundbreaking victory, in which she also became the first female Senator from the state of Iowa, she was back in fatigues for guard duty. Senator-elect Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) After easily defeating Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) will join Ernst as the first Iraq war veterans in the Senate. An Army officer, Cotton completed tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and he's used his combat experience to cudgel the Obama administration for alleged failures surrounding the 2012 terror attack in Benghazi. Cotton's military service was at times a point of contention on the campaign trail. In one of the most controversial exchanges of the race, Pryor accused Cotton of using his service as a shield against criticism from other aspects of his record, calling it a "sense of entitlement." Representative-elect Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) Moulton shocked political watchers earlier this year when he beat out nine-term Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.) in the Democratic primary. He subsequently cruised to victory over Republican Richard Tisei in the open 6th District. Moulton served four tours of duty in Iraq between 2003 and 2008, and in the process earned two medals of valor for "fearlessly" exposing "himself to enemy fire" including the prestigious Bronze Star according to a Boston Globe report. Of course, had he not been vetted by the Globe, it's possible that nobody would ever have found out about the awards. The report said that Moulton sought to hide the decorations, but ultimately revealed them upon pressure from reporters. Not even Moulton's parents knew, according to the report. "There is a healthy disrespect among veterans who served on the front lines for people who walk around telling war stories,'' Moulton said at the time. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. (R-Calif.) For Hunter, military and political service runs in the blood. His grandfather, Robert O. Hunter, was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and his father, Duncan Hunter, Sr., earned a handful of medals for his service in the Vietnam War before Californians sent him to Washington, where he rose to the position of House Armed Services chairman. In 2008, Hunter succeeded his father as representative for California's 52nd District. He's also a military veteran, having fought in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. According to his House website, Hunter quit his job to become a U.S. Marine shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Hunter has contributed to the House Republican investigation into the Benghazi terror attack, and has been critical of the Obama administration's assignment of awards of valor for combat service. | 5 | 1,709 | news |
NEW YORK ( MainStreet ) October marked the sixth straight month that investors withdrew money from mutual funds , and experts say that's because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earn out more money than mutual funds over time. "Mutual funds are going out of style to be forever replaced by exchange traded funds," said Brock Moseley, founding partner of Miracle Mile Advisors in Los Angeles. The total net assets of ETFs reached $1.8 trillion in June 2014, according to the Investment Company Institute, compared to $595 billion in outflows from domestic equity mutual funds. " Mutual funds have ceded ground , because ETFs trade every second of the trading day whereas mutual funds only trade daily, so there's more liquidity with ETFs than mutual funds," said Duncan Rolph, managing director with Miracle Mile Advisors. A structured product, buying and selling doesn't impact the tax liability of an ETF and shares cost less, because ETFs are passively managed. "The management fees included in a mutual fund are often significantly higher than the internal fee of an ETF, because the manager is often trading in and out of holdings," Rolph told MainStreet . According to Morningstar, the expense ratio for ETFs is an average of a quarter of a percent compared to 1.2 % for mutual funds. "Investors are getting more from their investment in ETFs on an after fee and after tax basis because lower fees enable investors to keep more of what they earn in returns," Moseley told MainStreet . And while most mutual funds require active managers to select holdings inside the fund, ETFs are passively managed because they typically track indexes, which are benchmarks with set holdings. ETFs have been so successful that brand name mutual fund firms are following suit by launching ETF versions of their mutual funds. "Large mutual fund companies are creating their own ETFs because if you can't beat them, why not join them," said Rolph. "They are creating ETFs to mirror their existing mutual fund products." For example, PIMCO, the famous mutual fund firm that invests in bonds, offers 17 ETFs including its first the PIMCO Total Return ETF (BOND) "PIMCO's bond ETF outperformed their mutual fund, bringing notoriety to the structure and performance of ETFs," Rolph said. However in all their glory, ETFs continue to lag mutual funds in one specialized corner of the investment world. "401(k) plans are the last bastion of mutual funds because many are managed by mutual fund companies and they are not keen to convert those clients' mutual fund portfolios to ETFs," Moseley said. Staffers stuck at companies who do not offer ETF options can set up an IRA to gain additional returns from ETFs or lobby human resources to add ETF alternatives. "We're seeing a lot of ETF only 401(k) plans coming about through TD Ameritrade, and ETFs are gaining market share because financial advisors are using them more," said Moseley Miracle Mile Advisors maintains 15 ETFs in its overall portfolio including the Super Preferred Fund (SPFF), which invests in a line up of financial companies such as Wells Fargo. "It's tax efficient and pays a 7% yield," Moseley said. "Its dividends are recognized as qualified so investors pay 30% in taxes not 50%." Written by Juliette Fairley for MainStreet | 3 | 1,710 | finance |
Robin Williams was suffering from "Lewy Body Dementia," a neurodegenerative disease, which led to the 63-year-old comedian's suicide, TMZ reported Tuesday, citing sources close to his family. The legendary entertainer was found dead on Aug. 11 at his home in northern California. The report stated that Williams was struggling with the disease, which was the "key factor" that led to his untimely death. "Lewy Body Dementia" is a type of dementia closely linked with Parkinson's disease. The disease reportedly disrupts the normal functioning of the human brain with deposits of abnormal proteins. Sources reportedly said that Williams' doctors had agreed that "Lewy Body Dementia" was a factor leading to his suicide. "The central features of DLB include progressive cognitive decline, 'fluctuations' in alertness and attention, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonian motor symptoms, such as slowness of movement, difficulty walking, or rigidity," according to a definition of "dementia with Lewy bodies" from the National Institutes of Health . "People may also suffer from depression. The symptoms of DLB are caused by the build-up of Lewy bodies accumulated bits of alpha-synuclein protein inside the nuclei of neurons in areas of the brain that control particular aspects of memory and motor control." According to TMZ , people suffering from the disease are prone to side effects from the medication, while some also show signs of hallucination. Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, reportedly told authorities that the "Mrs. Doubtfire" actor had been complaining about the medication he had been receiving. An autopsy report released last week from the coroner in Marin County, California, ruled out the involvement of drugs and alcohol in his death. In August, Schneider revealed in a statement that Williams had been struggling with depression and anxiety associated with the early stages of Parkinson's disease. She added that he seemed to have been experiencing "a recent increase in paranoia." The coroner's report said that Williams' body was found by his assistant who entered the actor's locked room when he didn't answer the door. | 7 | 1,711 | health |
Rachel and Andrea, the How2Travelers share 5 unreal bucket list adventures like ice climbing in Colorado, flying jet packs in California, sky jumping in Macau and edge walking in Toronto. | 4 | 1,712 | lifestyle |
When a teenage driver rear-ended and totaled her car on a Florida freeway in 2011, Kelley Douglass thought it must be one of her worst days ever. As it turned out, the accident saved her life. Her back aching, Mrs. Douglass consulted a chiropractor, who ordered an MRI. It revealed an abnormality in her bone marrow "just a dot, really," she says. Next, she was referred to an oncologist. A mammogram showed suspicious tissue in her left breast. When a biopsy confirmed cancer, she had a mastectomy. Mrs. Douglass received genetic counseling because her young age at diagnosis was a red flag . She answered a battery of questions about her family medical history, including what seemed an odd one: "I was asked if I had a hard time finding hats that fit." When she replied, "Yes, all my life," doctors ordered a blood test. The test came back positive for a mutation in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. With that, she says, "Pandora's box was opened." "Now I know that I have a rare disease, and every medical concern must be viewed with that disease in mind." The value of genetic knowledge Phosphatase and tensin homolog ( PTEN ), a protein encoded by the PTEN gene, usually prevents cells from growing and dividing too rapidly. However, mutations can inactivate this protective effect and lead to many types of cancer. Having a defective PTEN gene also meant that Mrs. Douglass might have a rare disorder called Cowden syndrome . And it so happens that one of the signs of Cowden syndrome is a larger-than-average head circumference making it hard to find hats that fit. Mrs. Douglass, 45, learned that if she did have Cowden syndrome, she faced a high lifetime risk of breast, thyroid , kidney, colorectal and uterine cancer, as well as skin tumors. Wanting to be safe, she opted for preventive surgeries. She had a hysterectomy and a mastectomy of what she thought was a still-healthy breast, but it, too, ended up being cancerous. At this point, a friend found research online published by the world's top expert in Cowden syndrome, Charis Eng, MD, PhD . Mrs. Douglass made an appointment to see her at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute . In their first meeting, Dr. Eng positively diagnosed Cowden syndrome. On reviewing Mrs. Douglass' chest X-rays, she also detected probable cancer atop a kidney captured in the image. "I was shocked," Mrs. Douglass says. Urologist Steven Campbell, MD confirmed the assessment and diagnosed early-stage cancer. To treat the cancer, in September 2012, Dr. Campbell performed surgery to remove part of her kidney. Now, with her cancer in remission, Mrs. Douglass sees the bigger picture. "I am no longer just a cancer patient," she says. "Now I know that I have a rare disease, and every medical concern must be viewed with that disease in mind." Because of the Cowden syndrome, she knows she will need to be vigilant with medical monitoring throughout her life. She also learned that although her own disease was not passed down to her, because she is the first in her family to have it, her son and two daughters each have a 50 percent chance of having it. Now she, and they, can act on that information . | 7 | 1,713 | health |
ORLANDO, Fla. Orange County detectives were dispatched to Tennessee on Tuesday, where the search for the quadruple amputee considered a person of interest in his parents' deaths appeared to have come to a bloody end. Local authorities had been searching for 30-year-old Sean Petrozzino for a week, when they were "notified that a death investigation being conducted by the Memphis Police Department may be connected to the search," the Sheriff's Office said in a statement. According to a Memphis police spokeswoman, officers there pulled over a 2012 Toyota Camry about 5:45 p.m. Monday in the city's Binghampton neighborhood. As the officers exited their vehicle, they heard a faint "pop" sound. "When they approached they discovered the driver/lone occupant had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," police Sgt. Karen Rudolph said in the statement. "A pistol was located in the vehicle." The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Rudolph said the driver "has not been positively identified at this point," and authorities have stopped short of confirming Petrozzino's death in official statements. However, multiple reports by Memphis media outlets identified the deceased as Petrozzino. Citing sources, Memphis news WMCActionNews5.com, reported that Petrozzino was pulled over for an illegal U-turn and shot himself as officers approached the car. Petrozzino's parents, 54-year-old Nancy, an Andover Elementary School teacher, and 63-year-old Michael Petrozzino, who worked for Walt Disney World, were found shot dead Not. 4 in their east Orange County home. Michael Petrozzino was shot three times in the abdomen and once in the head, said Dr. Sara Zydowicz of the Orange and Osceola counties medical examiner's office, who conducted the his and Nancy Petrozzino's autopsies. The shooter likely used a powerful rifle, with bullets Zydowicz said fragmented and were "very destructive." "There was a lot of tissue destruction. He (Michael Petrozzino) was not recognizable," Zydowicz said. Two of the bullets that hit Nancy Petrozzino's torso came from the front, and one came into her back, Zydowicz said. She said she was not sure which came first. All three bullets exited Nancy Petrozzino's body, so Zydowicz said she could not compare the ammunition to the bullets used to kill Michael Petrozzino. But their wounds were similar, she said. Authorities have called their 30-year-old son dangerous and said he has a gun, but stopped short of calling him a suspect. He was believed to have taken his father's red Toyota Camry. Investigators initially believed he was in South Florida. Orange County deputies have not said what gun was used to kill the couple. Petrozzino lost his hands and lower legs to bacterial meningitis at age 16. He uses prosthetics to walk, photos on his family's Facebook pages show. Jerry L. Saunders, the CEO of ABC Prosthetics and Orthotics in Orlando, explained in a recent interview that amputees have the ability to fire guns, adding Sean Petrozzino was definitely able to do so despite losing his hands. "There is very little he can't do functionally," Saunders said. "Humans are incredibly adapting creatures. I've been doing this 27 years and most upper extremity amputees we fit with either mechanical or electric arms, will use it for four to five years and then they stop using it because they are just as functional with their stumps." Guns were an interest of Sean Petrozzino, according to posts on his social media pages dating back to 2012. They paint a picture of a man knowledgeable on guns and their use, as he details pros and cons on different gun accessories. His Amazon profile shows purchase for various gun accessories from a riflescope to a rifle case. On one review for the riflescope he writes, "I freaking love this thing." His YouTube page indicates he subscribed to a 'Gun & Gear' playlist two weeks ago. The videos demonstrate different shooting tactic and gear use. | 5 | 1,714 | news |
If you're wondering what to get the kids on your holiday list, check out these tech toys! Consumer Reports chose the best electronic toys that will engage and thrill. | 8 | 1,715 | video |
Photo: via @badgalriri. Rihanna took her reign south after receiving her tens at the Miyake-Mugler "Porcelain: A Sanctuary of Ostentatious Extravagance" vogue ball in Astoria, New York this past weekend. And, she brought over 13 million people along with her; since reinstating her Instagram account, where Rihanna goes, we go. While in Washington D.C., the world's not-so-elusive "Diamonds" chanteuse paid a visit to the White House. She and a group of friends, dubbed the "West Wing Posse," tried to channel Olivia Pope. I've never seen an episode of Scandal, but I know Pope's love for wine is akin to Frank & Claire Underwood's love for a demure nighttime puff by the window, and Ms. Fenty was not seen carrying the drink of the gods. Olivia Pope, she ain't.President RiRi, however, she was. She 'grammed a photo of her giving what was likely a rousing speech about her forthcoming, record breaking eighth studio album. Her skills as an orator must have done her well because she concluded her political adventure by announcing a new America is upon us. Let frihdom ring. Photo: via @badgalriri. "'CYRUS!!! LET ME IN!!' #DayAtTheWhiteHouse" Photo: via @badgalriri. "'Fitz, darling...'" Photo: via @badgalriri. "#heyAbby" Photo: via @badgalriri. "West Wing Posse!! We wanna be O.P.A. so bad!!! #DayAtTheWhiteHouse" Photo: via @badgalriri. "The new America!!! #islandtingz #DayAtTheWhiteHouse" Like this post? There's more. Get tons of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and cat videos on the Refinery29 Entertainment Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 1,716 | lifestyle |
Michael Brown's parents urge protesters in Ferguson to remain calm no matter what the grand jury decides. | 5 | 1,717 | news |
2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards Lupita Nyong'o attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Keri Russell attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Mindy Kaling attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Jodie Foster attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Freida Pinto attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Laverne Cox attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Zosia Mamet attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Robin Roberts attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming attend the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Chelsea Clinton attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. Ivanka Trump attends the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2014. | 6 | 1,718 | entertainment |
Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. Harlem's most expensive townhouse is off the market and Neil Patrick Harris is busy making it his own.According to Curbed, NPH and his husband, David Burtka, purchased their 8,000-square-foot, four-story home on Fifth Avenue and 125th Street for just under $4 million. The townhouse, listed by Corcoran, has four bedrooms, two terraces, a backyard, a rooftop, and a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen. In other words, it's huge."We like the city of Manhattan," the actor told Charlie Rose when asked why he decided to buy in Harlem. "We looked at places that were bridges away, but we kind of wanted to be in it, and I think for the most bang for your buck financially, Harlem is a pretty good buy. Once you have kids, and a family... We're looking at a bedroom for us, individual bedrooms for them, a guest room, an office a five-bedroom place in Manhattan? That's not inexpensive. So, we looked a little north, and found a good spot." Click through to see just how good their new home is. (Curbed) Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. Talk about open concept. Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. A massive master suite. Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. A room for the whole family. Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. Consider this a breeding ground for top chefs. Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran. A bathroom fit for a king. | 4 | 1,719 | lifestyle |
These eight cocktails contain fewer ingredients than their more complex counterparts, which means more time for you and your friends to enjoy them. Candy Cane Vodka In this season of gift giving, one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give is food you made yourself. Using a whipping siphon, you can create flavorful infusions that taste like they've been aging for months, but actually only take a few seconds to make. Head here for the recipe. Washington Apple Sour Apple Liqueur and a sliced apple garnish make this cocktail taste like, well, apple. Head here for the recipe. Red Royal Add a cherry as a garnish if you want more color. Head here for the recipe. Tequila Popper Like the flavor of tequila? This cocktail is for you. Head here for the recipe. Freddy Fudpucker Sweet and fruity, the Freddy Fudpucker is a mix of tequila, Galliano and orange juice. Head here for the recipe. Orange Blossom Vermouth and gin gives this citrus-based cocktail a spirit-heavy flavor. Head here for the recipe. White Russian White Russians are like comfort food for the cocktail world--creamy and filling. Head here for the recipe. Apple Rye Punch An easy party drink that tastes just like fall. This cocktail is perfect for a party and can easily be made in a big-batch. Bring out the apples! Head here for the recipe Dark 'n' Stormy This easy-to-make rum-based cocktail is carbonated and best served with a lime wedge. Head here for the recipe. Screwdriver Nothing simpler: orange juice and vodka. Garnish with an orange slice. Head here for the recipe. Ginger Gold Rush This is a twist on a whiskey sour variation called the Gold Rush, traditionally a simple concoction of bourbon, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Here, we replace the honey with a ginger liqueur, which adds an exotic kick without the need for a flavored syrup or bitters, resulting is a bright spicy note that plays well with the oaky bourbon. Head here for the recipe. | 0 | 1,720 | foodanddrink |
A North Carolina community is outraged following reports of an elementary school teacher who allegedly poured hot sauce on the hands of an autistic student to stop him from picking his nose . While the Weddington Hills Elementary school teacher, whose name has not yet been released, began to discipline the child, the school's principal walked by the classroom. She immediately contacted the child's mother, Cindy Joseph, who is now fighting tooth and nail to have the educator fired. "She was reported putting hot sauce on DJ's fingers because he kept digging in his nose … I don't think she should be allowed to be teaching, period," says the livid mother. "She took advantage of him, and needs to be held accountable." The child, CJ, is an 11-year-old non-verbal autistic boy, and was unable to tell his mother about the events leading up to his punishment, which makes this incident so much more heartbreaking to me. How can a teacher do something like this to a child, any child, let alone one with a disability? How would she feel if someone did something like this to her child? She should be fired. | 4 | 1,721 | lifestyle |
Brittany and Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Adventure tackle 4 epic hikes that leave you breathless. Half Dome, the Grand Canyon, San Gorgonio and the highest mountain in the continental USA, Mount Whitney. | 4 | 1,722 | lifestyle |
This Veterans Day, we're honoring military families and recognizing the myriad sacrifices they make for this country. They lay their lives on the line while their families move to unfamiliar surroundings, enter new schools, make new friends, and face daunting challenges during deployments. We thank these families who serve our country and welcome them home with open arms. So grab some tissues and cue the tears, because we're celebrating Veterans Day with a look at some of the most heartwarming homecomings and surprise returns we've ever seen! Source: Flickr user The National Guard Meeting His Daughter When Philip Crabtree surprised his family during some R&R from Iraq, he met his daughter for the first time, and TLC was there to capture it all. On the Tarmac Cmdr. William Gotten was received with wide-open arms upon his return to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The School Reunion A fifth grader got the surprise of her life when her uniformed dad walked into her classroom 18 months after he left for Afghanistan. A Mom Returns Home This boy's family told him his mom would return from a six-month tour of Afghanistan the following week, but he was surprised when she walked into his classroom. A Long-Awaited Kiss Sabrina Day, of the 132nd Military Police Company, South Carolina National Guard, received a long-awaited kiss from her 3-year-old son, Blake, upon her return from Afghanistan. A Disney Magical Moment These visitors to Disney's Art of Animation thought they were just watching a flash mob at the theme park when their real surprise emerged from the crowd. Assembly Day It took a few moments for these Rochester girls to realize that their dad, just home from Afghanistan, was the focus of their school's welcome-home assembly. Double the Reception Spc. Jose Quinones held his twin daughters, Jamie and Mia, for the first time upon his return from Afghanistan. Hello Daddy! I'm Coming! This 2-year-old just wanted to make sure her whole family could stay together now that her dad was home. A High School Homecoming A father's return home included a surprise visit to his daughter's high school art class. A Family Hug A US Army National Guard Soldier received a warm welcome home after spending nine months in Afghanistan. An Extraspecial Coin Toss A high school football player had a very special veteran surprise him for his game's coin toss. An NFL Surprise This military family thought they were just getting a shout-out from the Indianapolis Colts, but they received a new car with a special visitor inside. Fluttering Flags A little girl showed her patriotic pride during her dad's homecoming from Iraq. More Than a Free Throw This budding basketball star thought he was just going to the free-throw line; what he saw when he turned around was the real miracle. Big Hugs A soldier from the Florida National Guard was the recipient of big hugs from his kids! More Than an Honor Assembly Mom and Dad were both in on the surprise at this boy's honor assembly (cue the tears). The Happiest Place on Earth Walt Disney World just got a whole lot better for this little girl. Walking Tall A little girl waited a long time for a shoulder ride from her dad, who was stationed in Afghanistan in 2013. "Hey Dad!" Sometimes the simplest things, like picking their kids up from school, are the ones that soldiers miss the most. This Isn't an Act One teen received the best surprise when her dad showed up at her school play. Christmas Comes Early All Bethany wanted for Christmas was for her father to come home . . . and he did! A Son's First Steps Sometimes, it's the soldiers who are surprised. Like when Michael, a boy with cerebral palsy, walked to his father. A First Meeting An airport homecoming led to this soldier meeting his daughter for the very first time. No Dancing Around This Homecoming This soldier received a standing ovation - and tons of tears - from everyone at his daughter's dance rehearsal. A Meeting Half a World Away When Sgt. John Vorrath arranged to watch his wife give birth to their daughter, Charlotte, half a world away through a FaceTime session on Oct. 24, he never imagined he'd have her in his arms a mere 22 hours later. Sgt. Vorrath, a member of the Iowa National Guard, is deployed in the Middle East and was not expected to return home for another six months. But while he was watching Charlotte's birth on an iPad, his commander slipped him a note, surprising him that his leave application was approved. He immediately bought a ticket home and surprised his wife, Janae, when he walked through the door of her Mary Greeley Medical Center hospital room. Big Smiles First Lt. Jason Felker had nothing but smiles for his son upon his return from Western Afghanistan. | 4 | 1,723 | lifestyle |
Important pre-baby topics to discuss before trying. Have a Pre-Baby Meeting Nothing complicates a relationship like having kids. Sure, children are a blessing, but the changes they bring can really put your bond to the test. Safeguard your connection by talking openly about your expectations, and do it before the baby arrives, while you still have a working brain. Here are 10 topics for talks: Who's Going to Work? Will both parents continue working full-time, or will one of you stay home with the baby? This decision is a big one, affecting your finances, career ambitions and childcare choices, so it's good to have a plan. That said, be prepared to change your mind once you're holding your baby. Some moms realize they're not quite ready to get back to work, while others discover they crave grown-up office time to stay sane. How Far Will We Go to Have a Family? Hopefully you'll conceive easily, but what's plan B if one of you turns out to have fertility issues? Are you willing to try (and pay for) assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI and IVF? Are you open to other options like surrogacy or adoption? These can be stressful topics, but discussing them ahead a time gives you a safety net if something goes wrong. What Holidays Will We Celebrate? Will you be lighting a Christmas tree or a menorah? If you practice different religions, you might want to pick one faith, or expose your child to both traditions. Since baby's earliest exposure to religion is often soon after birth, with a baptism, christening, bris or naming ceremony, it's best to hash this out in advance. What's Our Parenting Philosophy? No one's asking you to commit to free range vs. attachment parenting before you've even met your baby, but a general talk about the big issues is a good idea. Where do you both stand on discipline? Where will baby sleep? Is organic food a deal breaker, or is the occasional fast food drive-thru OK? You may not agree on everything, but knowing your partner's views now means fewer surprises later when you're too sleep deprived to properly negotiate.MORE: 10 Ways to Pamper Yourself Before Baby Arrives What's Our Diaper Budget? Babies bring so much joy and so many bills! Figure out your major expenses, from OB and hospital fees to baby gear, and make a plan for paying them down. Estimate how much help you can expect from family and friends will they throw you a baby shower? Provide hand-me-downs? Offer free babysitting? If you haven't already, it may be time to open a joint checking account or a credit card that's just for shared family expenses. How Many Kids Do We Want? Knowing whether you envision a small or large family will inform other important decisions, like where to live, what kind of home to buy and how much cash you can afford to sock away in a 529 college fund. Just be prepared to change your mind once you've experienced parenthood. "I want more!" and "Never again!" are two totally legitimate reactions. What Are Our Priorities? Are you more apt to prioritize educational expenses like private school and violin lessons, or funnel savings into a big family vacation every year? Would you rather work more hours to provide for your family, or commit to being home for dinner every night? Knowing what you and your partner consider most important will simplify your family decision-making.MORE: 10 Best Apps for Trying to Conceive What's in a Name? You don't have to choose your baby's name so far in advance that's what nine months of pregnancy are for. But find out if your partner has any preconceived notions, like naming his first-born son after himself or his favorite Uncle Horace. Discuss whether you prefer traditional names or more unusual monikers (see: Apple, Bear, Moxie Crimefighter). And if you and your partner have different last names, will you hyphenate or choose one name for your kids? That's a good one to resolve before you're filling out your baby's birth certificate. How Much Will We See the Grandparents? Extended family can become much more important and involved once kids are in the picture. Have a general talk about what your multi-generational family looks like. Will you invite everyone over for Thanksgiving or alternate years between your parents' and in-laws' homes? Is his mom going to expect a regular Sunday night dinner? Is your mom going to want to move in for a month when you have a baby? Make sure you're both on board. Are We Prepared for the Worst? It's way more fun to talk about nurseries and names when you're planning for baby, but becoming a parent also means protecting your children from uncertainty. Safeguard their future by taking out life insurance, writing a will and signing a healthcare directive that indicates your intentions in the event you are incapacitated. Planning for the worst is essential, but not exactly uplifting, so treat yourself to a glass of wine or a piece of cake afterwards. | 4 | 1,724 | lifestyle |
Listen as Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher previews his team's big ACC matchup against in-state rivals Miami and we take a look back the last time the Hurricanes have taken down the Seminoles. | 1 | 1,725 | sports |
From heads of state to CEOs Every year we pore over the lives of our world's elite, compiling Forbes' list of The World's Most Powerful People. For the second year running, nine women have made the cut, and it's the first year two have landed in our top 10. Between heads of state, industry leaders and one big-time billionaire, there's no question the vast majority have one strong quality in common: they're the first or only women to hold the titles they currently do. Heads of State: German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't budge from her No. 5 spot on our list, commanding a global stage this year in a battle against ISIS. One of three female heads of state among our Powerful People, Merkel is also the longest-serving EU leader, controlling $3.6 trillion in gross domestic product. Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's president, lands at No. 31. Despite telling Forbes for her 2012 Power Women cover that she hadn't had "a plan to be president," the country's first female head secured a hard-won second term of office in October. Geun-hye Park, No. 46, rounds out the leaders as South Korea's first female president. Together, the three control more than $7 trillion in combined GDP. CEOs: IBM's first female CEO Ginni Rometty (No. 55) and GM's leader Mary Barra (No. 62), the first woman to head a Big 8 automaker, are no strangers to a challenge. Rometty's facing IBM's 10th consecutive quarter of revenue declines, but tackling it with renewed resilience. Her sights set on profit margins, Rometty's helped shed the tech company's services, server and semiconductor units, translating into $7 billion of much-needed revenue. Working to bring about a "new GM," Barra's had quite a year, too. New to our list, she's faced a hefty 30-million-car recall so far this year due to faulty ignition switches. The head of America's largest auto seller is also looking to innovation and profit margins for her company's future: GM announced a 2017 Cadillac that drives itself, and Barra is projecting 10% profit margins in North America and restored profits in Europe by 2016. Money and Social Good: Janet Yellen (No. 6) is the first woman to head the most influential bank in the world. Overseeing the Fed's $4.5 trillion in assets, the "determined dove" who took her seat in February has a special focus on bridging inequality and repairing "the American dream." Also with a hefty sum in her control, Gina Rinehart (No. 66), is the richest billionaire in Australia and No. 55 on our billionaires list. The chair of Hancock Prospecting Group sealed a $7.2 billion deal this year to build one of the world's biggest iron ore mines. Christine Lagarde (No. 33), the first woman to run the 188-country International Monetary Fund, has spent much of her time as managing director demanding bolder actions against the mediocre global economy. Also in a push for the greater good, Margaret Chan (No. 67) continues to battle the outbreak of Ebola as director-general of the World Health Organization. The deadly virus, now with a death rate of 5,000, could be the worst global disease since the 1918 flu. Notable Dropoffs: Sonia Gandhi (No. 21 on last year's list) falls off of our list after the Indian National Congress party earned less than a tenth of parliament seats this year, overtaken in majority by the Bharatiya Janata party. Also newly out of office, Jill Abramson (No. 68 on last year's list) does not reappear after losing her title as executive editor of The New York Times. View Forbes' complete list of the world's most powerful people No. 67: Margaret Chan, Age 67 Director-General, World Health Organization, Hong Kong As leader of the World Health Organization, the main UN health agency, Dr. Margaret Chan is staring down what may be the worst global disease since the 1918 flu--the official Ebola death rate is now some 5,000. In September she described the outbreak as a "social crisis, a humanitarian crisis, an economic crisis and a threat to national security." Chan, who is midway through her second term as director-general, is not without criticism for her handling of the outbreak, with some calling it her "Katrina Moment." She has admitted her agency "underestimated the magnitude, the complexity and the challenges" of Ebola. No. 66: Gina Rinehart, Age 60 Chair, Hancock Prospecting Group, Australia Australian mining heiress Gina Rinehart, 60, is the queen of the global iron-ore trade and the richest billionaire down under. She controls Hancock Prospecting, which is now adding oil and gas to its mining portfolio. In March Rinehart finalized her biggest deal yet: $7.2 billion in funding from a group of global banks and credit agencies to develop Roy Hill, one of the world's largest iron-ore mines; Hancock owns 70%. Rinehart, who inherited her holding from her father, Lang Hancock, is also Australia's biggest private taxpayer. No. 62: Mary Barra, Age 52 CEO, General Motors, U.S. The celebration of the first woman ever to head a Big 8 automaker and the largest seller in the U.S. market ended soon after the champagne popped. Mary Barra took the reins of GM in January and in April was summoned to Congress to answer for faulty ignition switches linked to at least 21 deaths. Throughout a 30-million-car recall, the 34-year veteran has remained poised and confident. Barra says GM is on track for 10% operating margins in North America and to restore profits in Europe by 2016. Her leadership, she said, will bring about a "new GM," able to regain customer trust. In September the Detroit automaker announced a 2017 Cadillac that drives itself--a model that'll let drivers take their hands off the wheel at highway speeds. No. 55: Ginni Rometty, Age 57 CEO, IBM, U.S. More than two years have passed since Rometty assumed the helm at IBM, and it's been anything but smooth sailing. With ten consecutive quarters of revenue declines, IBM is sticking to its focus on boosting profit margins. Over 2014 the technology company shed its services, server and semiconductor units, translating into $7 billion of much-needed revenue. Next steps include a new partnership with Apple, optimizing IBM's big data and analytics for iOS and expanded ties with SAP, running its applications on IBM's platform. Continuing to overhaul the declining company, Rometty plans to spend $1.2 billion on IBM's cloud computing business. She joined the company at 24 in 1981 as a systems engineer. No. 46: Geun-hye Park, Age 62 President, South Korea Park Geun-hye has had a tense year since being elected as South Korea's first female president in 2013. In April the Sewol ferry disaster left over 300 people, mostly high schoolers, dead or missing, prompting her prime minister to take the fall and quit. Park has been busy meeting her fellow world leaders, most notably Pope Francis and Xi Jinping, the first time a new Chinese leader visited Seoul ahead of Pyongyang. Bested only by China and Japan when it comes to regional wealth, Park helms a $1.4 trillion economy, No. 13 in the world. Her father, Park Chung-hee, ruled South Korea for 18 years and was assassinated in 1979, as was her mother five years earlier. No. 33: Christine Lagarde, Age 58 Managing Director, IMF, France The first woman to run the 188-country financial organization spent much of her first three years taking aim against a "new mediocre" period of the global economy, Christine Lagarde has demanded policymakers take bolder actions in reforming brittle fiscal policies, investing in infrastructure and creating jobs: "While the global economy continues to recover, it remains too fragile and uneven'too weak to effectively address the predicament of the 200 million jobless worldwide." French-born Lagarde was a labor and antitrust attorney in the U.S. before a six-year stint as French finance minister. This summer there was speculation that she could be a candidate for the presidency of the European Commission, although the spot was filled by former Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker. No. 31: Dilma Rousseff, Age 66 President, Brazil Dilma Rousseff clinched Brazil's presidential race and her second term in office in October after failing to win the necessary 50% of the vote in the first round of elections. Controversy over spending at the World Cup this summer and a recession that began in the first half of 2014 have both impacted Rousseff's popularity as the leader of Brazil's $2.2 trillion economy, the world's seventh largest. Rousseff met with U.S. VP Joe Biden in June in an attempt to repair a relationship soured by news of NSA spying last year. Rousseff is Brazil's first female president and has been in power since 2010. No. 6: Janet Yellen, Age 68 Chair, Federal Reserve, U.S. The world watched the historic passing of the Federal Reserve baton to "determined dove" Janet Yellen this February. The Yale University Ph.D. is the first woman to head the most influential central bank in the world, given the size of the Fed's balance sheet ($4.5 trillion in assets) relative to the U.S. GDP ($16.8 trillion). In October the Fed announced a cap on its six-year bond buying campaign but said it will keep short-term interest rates near zero. Top on her to-do list: repair the American dream. "The extent of and continuing increase in inequality in the United States greatly concern me... I think it is appropriate to ask whether this trend is compatible with values rooted in our nation's history, among them the high value Americans have traditionally placed on equality of opportunity." No. 5: Angela Merkel, Age 60 Chancellor, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel gets high marks for acting the grown up on the global stage. She is using her power against ISIS--breaking the post-Nazi-era taboo of direct involvement in military actions by sending arms to Kurdish fighters--and to deter Russia's threats to Ukraine and European gas supplies. Germany continues to be the $17.5 trillion EU's fiscal powerhouse, although its economy contracted for the first time in over a year. Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, was elected in 2005 as the first female German chancellor and clinched a third four-year term last December, making her the longest-serving EU head of state. | 3 | 1,726 | finance |
He DOES smile: Bill Belichick's happier public moments Proof that Bill Belichick can turn that frown upside down Most times when New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick appears in public, he's frowning, giving monotone, ho-hum answers to the press, or staring stoically on the sidelines. Anecdotally, the future Hall of Famer has a good sense of humor. True, he did just criticize meteorologists for inaccurate weather reports, but he's not merely a grump. In fact, there's photo proof that Belichick is highly content man who actually smiles. A lot. Take a look. Belichick's happier public moments Showing off a smile and some ankle circa 1985, when he served as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Belichick's happier public moments During that same time period with the Giants. Maybe he's so chipper because he's drawing up a blitz for Lawrence Taylor. Bill Belichick's happier public moments As Cleveland Browns head coach in 1994, speaking with the great Jim Brown. Bill Belichick's happier public moments At a press conference at the New York Jets training facility after being named the new head coach. And then he infamously penned a letter on a napkin the very next day that he was resigning as "HC of the NYJ." Bill Belichick's happier public moments Walking the red carpet at the 2002 ESPY Awards. Bill Belichick's happier public moments With the Super Bowl champions at the White House in 2002. Was Belichick sizing up W. as a potential H-back? Bill Belichick's happier public moments February 2004. No teeth, but still counts as a smile. The Patriots had just beaten the Panthers to win the Vince Lombardi trophy. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Here's a full-blown celebration in February 2005 after the Patriots defeated the Eagles to win Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida. Bill Belichick's happier public moments With singer Melissa Etheridge during Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People celebration in 2005. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Bling! Bill Belichick's happier public moments With girlfriend Linda Holliday at Time magazine's celebration of the 100 Most Influential People in 2007. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Leaving the field after defeating the Jets in a wild card game on Jan. 7, 2007, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Sharing a laugh with Roger Goodell's predecessor, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, in 2002. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Kicking back in the offseason watching the 2014 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Amway Center in Orlando. Bill Belichick's happier public moments At a press conference in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. You know how that ended. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Getting some exercise and pedaling for a good cause at a charity cycling event in June 2013. Bill Belichick's happier public moments With Giants wideout Victor Cruz at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's 2014 Hot Pink Party in New York City. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Halloween 2014 as a pirate, presumably looking for some booty. Bill Belichick's happier public moments At Fenway Park in the 2014 NFL offseason with legendary skipper Tona La Russa. Bill Belichick's happier public moments Farewell, friends! 75664182 FOXBORO, MA - JULY 26: Bill Belichick responds to questions before the first day of New England Patriots Training Camp at Gillette Stadium on July 26, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) | 1 | 1,727 | sports |
10 Reasons to Dump Your Gym Your gym should be a place that gets you going if not, it's time you start looking into other options. And there's always another place around the corner. When you're heading into a dirty gym with unhelpful employees who do nothing about that broken treadmill for weeks, all while hordes of new people flock to the gym hogging the equipment you want to use while paying a fraction of your membership fees, it's obvious they're not doing enough for regular exercisers like you. Here's a list of 10 warning signs to watch out for. Broken equipment not getting fixed in time Before deciding to get your membership, you had a look around the gym to see what kind of machinery and equipment they had. You didn't join thinking you would never be able to use some of it. As soon as something breaks, the staff should take notice and take strides to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even if it isn't a piece of equipment you usually use, or if there are other working machines, it reflects poorly on a gym if something is out of commission for more than a few days. "Nowadays, you can get parts overnight and service people in a day or two," trainer Mike Duffy says. "So if your treadmill is out for more than a week or your lat pull-down cable has been twisted around the weight stack for weeks it's time to look for a new gym." Duffy goes on to say that this is often a sign of an apathetic gym owner or of a gym that simply cannot afford the repairs and may go under soon. Either way, it's a sign to take your workouts elsewhere. Equipment is chosen for 'trendiness' Don't get caught up in appearances while judging a gym. As mentioned before, make sure it's clean, but you should also be able to make the distinction between what equipment is there to create a glossy exterior for casual exercisers and what equipment will actually get you in shape. "The equipment that actually gets the job done isn't always sexy," trainer Greg Robins says. "Barbells and squat racks are the foundation of strength training. However, most gyms have maybe four barbells and only a single rack!" If your gym neglects machines that have proven their worth over the course of fitness history in favor of newly invented machines, treadmills pointed at flat screen TVs and juice bars, the gym may be trying to get more money by seeming cool than by trying to get you in shape. There's no open space Your gym might have a ton of great equipment, but is there enough room to use it? There are plenty of machines that won't require a huge amount of space, but you'll also want the freedom to move without worrying about smashing into another person or machine. "A good training environment will have the space allotted to not only move weight in place but also to push it, carry it, drag it, throw it, and so on," Robins says. A gym cluttered with equipment is overkill allotting space for movement should be a huge priority. A gym overbooked with members can be even worse, since you won't want to jostle past people or feel hindered in any way as you move around. Basically, if your gym makes you feel claustrophobic, find a way out! Bad employee attitudes Gym employees should be welcoming and ready to help you with whatever questions or requests you may have. Even if you tend to be the kind of guy who flies solo or with just a couple friends, the staff should be friendly and take notice of who you are, how long you've been a member and how often you come in. Take it as a huge warning sign if employees are tentative to help you out, put off a negative vibe or just seem to sulk on the job. It's mostly going to be you or a trainer pushing your body to get stronger, but you also deserve a bit of moral support from the staff. Lack of equipment you like to use This is a simple one to consider, hopefully before you ever agree to any sort of membership. Have a look around before you sign onto anything, and don't let your frugal tendencies overtake you. Plenty of gyms are overpriced, but that doesn't mean you should turn to the suspiciously cheap one as an alternative. If the person on staff trying to get you to sign up tells you the gym will expand soon and get new equipment you hope to use, ask around a bit and see if this is a promise they've been making for a while. If so, avoid it, or best of luck running on a rickety treadmill for the next bunch of months on your membership. A dirty gym Gyms are filled with sweaty people pushing themselves to the limit. When you lie back to do a bench press, there's no telling how many guys have done the same that day, and it's unsettling when it's obvious that no one's wiped down the bench since the last guy lifted. That's just one example though there are tons of things that need cleaning and the gym should be employing a diligent staff that makes sure everything is constantly being disinfected. A gym crowd is normally healthier than the general population, but you never know who could be sick or have come into contact with someone with a virus, and you don't need to be sharing their germs anyway. Just look for the obvious things: "Dust balls for days, soap scum on the shower walls, sweat marks on the treadmills and holes in the carpet," Duffy says. "These are all signs of a dirty gym. If these are things you can see imagine the things you can't see!" If they can't keep up appearances, they're probably not sanitizing the equipment you can do better. Membership expenses that are greater than the gym is worth to you Not every gym is worth the money it costs. For some lucky people, money doesn't pose much of an issue, leaving only quality and proximity to be considered. However, for most people, it's a good idea to really weigh the pros and cons of every gym in the area within a comfortable distance. That list should include the positives and negatives for you personally maybe the gym you pay for boasts a good price considering it has a full rock wall, but why pay that much if you only used it a few times in the last year? For some, the glossy look of a state-of-the-art facility is enough to draw them in and keep them there, but if you don't see yourself using most of the equipment they have to offer, it might not be worth it to you. Go for something more basic and economical if you find yourself using equipment you've seen in every gym you've ever been to, or consider ditching your membership altogether if you're getting good results with little to no equipment workouts. Pricing that does not take care of the people who take care of the gym Some gyms don't understand the idea of taking care of their longtime customers first. As important as it is to gain new members and expand the business, they can't do it at the expense of the regulars who have supported the gym for several months or years. Duffy puts this problem perfectly: "Imagine being a member of a facility for years and paying $60 per month. Hey, everyone has a right to make money and you never had a reason to question it. But imagine one day you walk into the gym and you cannot get onto a treadmill because they are all taken by new faces. Then you find out that these new faces all came in on a "deal or promotion" and are only paying $19.99 per month." If your gym has an ongoing problem with running promotions that allow new people to walk in for practically nothing, all while leaving you high and dry and with less equipment to use, it's time you got out. They'll learn their lesson when the n00bs drop their memberships before their rates go up, leaving them with fewer customers than they had in the first place. High-pressure sales tactics Some gyms have crazily crafted contracts that rope you into a full year's worth of membership payments before you've ever put on shorts. Duffy describes some of these as, "contracts that OJ Simpson's attorneys couldn't get you out of." Watch out for this before you ever join a gym in the first place. If a contract includes several paragraphs of legal jargon making it incredibly difficult to leave the gym and stop making monthly payments, that often means the gym doesn't have confidence in the product they're providing for you, and it may also mean they don't believe in your dedication to fitness. Try to find a gym that allows you to have a trial run, will allow you to sign on for shorter membership contracts and will understand if you have to cancel due to a move or some other extenuating circumstances. "You will want to be a part of something where there is a bright, clean, well maintained, friendly atmosphere with a lot of positive energy that is fairly priced," Duffy says. "And, if they keep this up over time, why would you ever want to leave?" You're the strongest person there First of all, if you've gotten to this point, congratulations. However, if you're the strongest person at your gym, what chance do you have of getting much stronger? By taking a look around, you'll think of yourself as the benchmark of fitness. You'll be tempted to coast until you see other people putting in the same effort and getting similar results. Robins suggests to move on if this is ever a problem. "You are the product of your environment, and unless staying stagnant and mediocre is your goal, then you will seek out a place where people are better than you," he says. Even if you don't care about being competitive with other people in training, it's still important to be around stronger people with more experience. Hopefully, they'll motivate you to keep moving forward and give you some idea of how to go about doing that. | 7 | 1,728 | health |
We have a trade! The NHL season officially got under way on Oct. 8 and we had not seen any trades since . That changed on Tuesday, as the Canadiens acquired defenseman Sergei Gonchar from the Stars for forward Travis Moen. MORE: Outrageous NHL fights | Win money on DraftKings No, it's not quite Thomas Vanek to the Islanders, but it is something. The 40-year-old Gonchar has been sidelined for all but the last three games this year due to an ankle injury. However, he has shown himself to be a solid possession player on the blue line throughout his career, last year included, though he was about even compared to his teammates. Meanwhile, Moen's numbers are far less rosy . This seems a little strange for Dallas, especially given they've shown themselves to be a forward-thinking team enamored with #fancystats. Those don't rate Moen highly at all. But the real motivation for this deal may come down to salary. Gonchar is in the final year of a two-year deal that paid him $5 million annually. Meanwhile Moen makes $1.85 million for this season and the next. The move doesn't free up the entire difference in salary, as Dallas still has to pay eight percent of Gonchar's contract, but the savings are significant. The Stars were up against the cap , but now have a bit more flexibility if they want to swing another deal sometime down the road. If it costs them a solid, but aging blue-liner whose numbers were neutral compared to his teammates last year, so be it. Meanwhile, most of Montreal's remaining cap space gets eaten, but the move replaces a possession-deficient forward with a player who can slide into the Montreal blue line and contribute as a secondary player. Gonchar's always been considered a power-play asset, and while he's not going to see the minutes P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov do, they're not going to play every second, every time the Canadiens have a man advantage. And if it doesn't work out for the Habs, they can walk away from Gonchar at the end of the year with $1.85 million more in cap space than they would have otherwise. So is this first deal of the NHL regular season a blockbuster? No. But it will be interesting to see how it plays out nonetheless. | 1 | 1,729 | sports |
The ho-ho-ho-lidays are near! Don't forget to shop for the geeks on your list. Techies, space nerds, Whovians, and Star Wars wonks will love having their stockings stuffed with these awesome gizmos. Continue on for great, functional gifts that won't put a dent in your wallet! Trunk The Trunk ($20), available as Lightning or Micro USB, is a short, compact cable that's perfect for your portable mobile office. It can even bend and double as a stand. Second screen . . . bam! Macro Lens Band This easy-to-install macro lens ($15) works with any mobile phone and can be stored in your wallet or on your wrist for instant access. Photorito Lens Wrap Hungry? Sorry, this burrito lens wrap ($20) won't satisfy your hunger, but it will protect your DSLR camera's lens with its Tyvek exterior and soft neoprene interior. Astronaut USB Light If your giftee is a Gravity fan, she'll be over the moon for the Astronaut USB light ($20), which will serve as a guide in the darkness. Plug the light into any USB port and flip the visor to turn it on or off. Robot Portable Phone Charger The AA battery-powered portable phone charger ($20) is robot-shaped, which will delight the sci-fi geek in your life. UO USB Charger The floral design on this USB wall charger ($12) for mobile devices fits in nicely with outdoor-inspired decor. Echo Knit Touch Glove Plus Earphones Brighten up the coldest season of the year with Echo's knit touch gloves ($10, originally $25) in citron, which have capacitive touch capability on the thumb and index fingers. The set also includes white earbuds. Individual iPhone and Android Phone Lens The wide/macro, telephoto, and fish-eye lenses are $20 to $30 each from Photojojo. Every lens includes a metal ring that sticks onto your phone's camera with an adhesive. The lens will snap on and off the metal ring with minimal effort! UO Lightning Micro USB Cable Brighten up your Android or Windows phone life with a bright neon Micro USB cable ($12) that you'll never be able to lose sight of. TARDIS Tea Infuser Start your day off the British way - with a cup of TARDIS-infused ($16, originally $20) tea! Fill this stainless steel infuser ($20) with loose leaf tea and let it hang from its chain, which has a tiny sonic screwdriver on it. Prop Power This wraparound extension cord ($20) offers your dying laptop, tablet, and phone power in tricky spaces. Wrapping, bending, and clamping isn't a problem for this flexible power strip. R2-D2 Bottle Opener This is not the droid you're looking for. It's better. The magnetic R2-D2 bottle opener ($18), which is made of solid metal, will set bottles of beer free. Fujifilm INSTAX Film Add a special touch to your shutterbug friend's photos with Mini Rainbow Film ($18) that features a rainbow-hue border. Each pack comes with 10 sheets and is compatible with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera. Andru the USB Device Charger The Android-shaped USB wall charger ($20) powers up any of your mobile devices. He's got flexible antennae and movable arms and also comes with his own stand. | 4 | 1,730 | lifestyle |
If you were to peek inside the brain of someone who regularly smoked marijuana, you'd find that it didn't look quite like the brain of someone who didn't smoke. First, you might notice that a critical part of the brain that helps us process emotions and make decisions appeared smaller than in the brains of the nonsmoker. But you'd see something else too that the connections passing through that region of the brain were stronger and thicker. Thankfully, you don't have to go excavating brains anytime soon. A group of researchers has done the hard work for you. In a recent study , scientists used a combination of MRI-based brain scans to get one of the first comprehensive, three-dimensional pictures of the brains of adults who've smoked weed at least four times a week, often multiple times a day, for years. Compared to people who don't use, long-term, heavy marijuana smokers tend to have a smaller orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a brain region critical for processing emotions and making decisions. But they also have more cross-brain connections that scientists think smokers may develop as a means of compensating for the difference in size. Unlike previous research, which has looked mainly at short-term smokers or simply at young or older users, this study is one of the first to look at pot's longterm effects on men and women between 20 and 40 years old who'd smoked almost daily for anywhere between two and 30 years. The researchers looked at the brains of 110 people 62 who didn't smoke and 48 who did using three different types of MRI scans. In the smokers, these increased brain connections appeared to help them counteract the behavioral problems commonly associated with weed use, like trouble maintaining relationships or staying motivated enough to find or keep a job. But while new connections blossom throughout the brain during the first few years of regular use, they eventually recede. Researchers saw a significant drop-off in new brain links after about six years of regular use. So does smoking weed every day for a decade shrink your brain and make you dumber? Not quite. The regular smokers did have lower IQ scores overall when compared to the people who didn't smoke, but there's no way to know yet whether or how that might be linked to smaller orbitofrontal cortices or marijuana use in general. "We cannot honestly say that that is what's happening here," says lead study author and Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas, Dallas professor of neuropsychology Francesca Filbey. For starters, this study which was the first ever to look at the longterm effects of weed smoking in heavy adult users across a wide age range did not show that pot smoking causes certain regions of the brain to shrink. In fact, other studies suggest that having smaller orbitofrontal cortices in the first place could make someone more likely to start smoking. One recent study, for example, found that children as young as 12 who had smaller orbitofrontal cortices were significantly more likely to start smoking weed by the time they hit their 16th birthday . In other words, it could be that people with naturally smaller versions of this region may simply be more likely to smoke, and the weed might not be shrinking that section of the brain at all. There's also no clear evidence linking the brain differences the researchers found with any particular behaviors. In addition, all three things the researchers studied drug-use habits, brain development, and IQ scores are shaped by a variety of factors. Both the environment we grow up in and the specific combination of genes we inherit from our parents affect behavior and intelligence. The age when someone starts smoking pot can also be a key clue to how the brain will be different from a non-user's brain and how often someone smokes thereafter. Picking up the habit while young seems to be especially influential. "The earlier the use especially during adolescence, when the brain is developing the greater the effects," says Filbey. Of her study participants, those who started using the earliest had the most pronounced differences in brain development in terms of the size of the orbitofrontal cortex and the connections between parts of that region of the brain. Other studies in people have shown similar links between weed and smaller prefrontal cortex regions , but only research in animals has suggested that marijuana may kill brain cells or reduce their size. Scientists still don't know if giving up weed can reverse its changes to the brain (if the noted differences are indeed caused by pot in the first place still an open question) or if the alterations are also present in recreational or short-term users. But as legal marijuana becomes a reality in the US, researchers are scrambling to find out. | 7 | 1,731 | health |
9 reasons why the Colts will win the Super Bowl Have you ever heard of Luck? This may sound obvious but Andrew Luck has officially entered the discussion of best quarterbacks in this league. His numbers are ridiculous, his leadership is off the charts, and he is the No. 1 reason why the Colts will take home the Lombardi Trophy this season. They have a two-headed monster at running back Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw provide a great one-two combo out of the backfield. We've all heard the criticism over Richardson, but he is doing a much better job this year. He is becoming a powerful running back, amassing hard-earned yards. Then there's Bradshaw, who is averaging more than 5 yards per carry. Most teams would kill for one good running back, and the Colts have two. They have the leadership to go all the way Don't take this for granted, Colts fans. It is important to have veteran leadership as you try to grind your way through the playoffs. Not everything will go your way, but the Colts have guys like Reggie Wayne to help the younger ones out when they get frustrated. Strength of schedule While they get the Patriots at home this weekend, the rest of their schedule is a cakewalk. There's no reason the Colts can't clinch a first-round bye and get some extra rest and health. There may be nothing more important in the NFL then being healthy at the right time. Defensive improvement The Colts are ranked among the league's best defensive units. The Colts defense ranks in the top five of the following categories: points allowed, yards allowed, takeaways, sacks and third-down conversions allowed. With a defense like that to go along with this prolific offense, there may be a Super Bowl in their future. T.Y. Hilton is underrated If you ask someone to name the top wideouts in the league you will hear a lot of great names (Johnson, Green, Bryant, Jones) but one name you will rarely hear is Hilton. It's time to put this man in the same category as those elite receivers. All he does is rack up yards. He is third in the league in receiving yards. Luck and Hilton are becoming a lethal combination. Pagano is the man for the job He is one of the more underrated coaches in the NFL. Rarely does Chuck Pagano get mentioned with the elite coaches in this league, but all you have to do it look at his numbers. Since taking over for the Colts, he has back-to-back 11-win seasons and two playoff berths. Wit this being his third season in the playoffs, Pagano knows what it will take to get his team over the hump and into the Super Bowl. The Colts can win at home and on the road Last season the Colts finished 6-2 on the road. This season they already have two losses on the road, but with their schedule, they may not lose again. To be a great team you have to be able to win away from home. This offense travels anywhere. Cold weather in New England or Denver in January will not deter this team from accomplishing its goal. Have you met Mr. Clutch? With the game on the line, who would you want to kick the field goal for you? Adam Vinatieri is your man. How many playoff games do we see lost because of the kicker? The Colts will not have this problem. All the guy does is win; just take a look at his four Super Bowl Rings. You want a kicker that has been there before, and that is exactly what the Colts have. | 1 | 1,732 | sports |
The last time design darling Prabal Gurung teamed up to do a mass collection, it was his epic Target line. He's also the mastermind behind those cute Sephora employee uniforms. So we've been waiting on standby for him to get deeper into the beauty game, and we're pretty pumped that it's going to be with MAC. Now, let's take a look at what MAC's been up to: the beauty giant recently released a stunning collaboration with Proenza Schouler, a funky lineup with Kelly and Sharon Osbourne, and a whimsical offering in honor of Maleficent. Teaming up with Prabal seems like a significant step in a high-fashion direction, and we're not disappointed by the chic packaging. Much like Prabal's iconic clothing, the makeup in his MAC collaboration combines elegance and head-turning trends with a distinct flair. The only drawback is that we have to wait until Nov. 26 to get our hands on the "ultra luxe, deco-themed holiday collection," which is priced between $20 and $70, reports WWD. To hold us over until the collaboration's release date, we have all the photos of what's in store. Take a peek at these gorgeous, gilded products, and try not to count the seconds until Nov. 26. MAC x Prabal Gurung The Collection Light English Red Lipstick ($30) Carmine Rouge Lipstick ($30) Ultramarine Pink Lipstick ($30) Light English Red Lipglass ($30) Carmine Rouge Lipglass ($30) Ultramarine Pink Lipglass ($30) Satin Ochre Eyeshadow Duo ($40) From Left: Soft Pale White Gold, Coral Orange Terre Eyeshadow Duo ($40) From Left: Shimmering Neutral Beige, Mid-tone Warm Brown Cinder Eyeshadow Duo ($40) From Left: Smoky Cool Grey, Dark Charcoal Feline Khol Power Eye Pencil ($20) Chromagraphic Pencil ($20) Vivid Coral Crème Cream Color Base ($70) Bare Shouldered Bronze Matte Bronzing Powder ($70) Square Handled Buffer Brush ($70) Prabal Gurung | 4 | 1,733 | lifestyle |
Michigan freshman guard Austin Hatch will never forget the free throw he made in his first collegiate game Monday night. | 1 | 1,734 | sports |
One day of gluttony isn't a big deal. But if you chase it with three days of the same rich, calorie-dense leftovers, you risk undoing everything gained from weeks of moderation. However, if you integrate your holiday treats into healthier fare, you can empty out your fridge and still enjoy the long weekend without worrying about dieting later. The following recipes have been tailored to leftovers, from the bird to the cranberry sauce. TURN LEFTOVER PUMPKIN PIE INTO ... A CINNAMON PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin pie, crust removed ½ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 6 tbsp 1% low-fat milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 ice cubes Directions: 1) Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Serve immediately. Serves: 1 Nutrition: 280 calories, 20g protein, 40g carbs, 2g fat TURN LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE INTO... APPLE-WALNUT OATMEAL Ingredients: ½ cup quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked 1 cup 1% low-fat milk 1 small apple, cored and chopped 2 tbsp cranberry sauce 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped Directions: 1) Place oatmeal, milk, and apple in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1 1½ minutes on high. Stir in cranberry sauce. Top with walnuts. Serves: 1 Nutrition: 437 calories, 17g protein, 63g carbs, 14g fat TURN LEFTOVER CIDER INTO... MULLED CIDER Ingredients: 2 whole cinnamon sticks 1/8 tsp ground cloves ¾ tsp whole allspice berries 4 strips orange peel 4 strips lemon peel 6 cups apple cider Directions: 1) Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Serve in mugs. Serves: 6 Nutrition: 115 calories, 0g protein, 28g carbs, 0g fat TURN LEFTOVER TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO INTO ... A STUFFED SWEET POTATO Ingredients: 1 large cooked sweet potato, skin on, cut lengthwise ¼ cup cooked turkey, chopped ¼ cup canned black beans, drained Pinch of paprika Pinch of chili powder 2 tbsp salsa 1 tbsp low-fat sour cream Chopped scallions or cilantro, if desired Directions: 1) Open up the potato to accommodate filling. Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. 2) In a small bowl, combine turkey, beans, paprika, and chili powder. Cover and microwave for 30 seconds. 3) Place turkey mixture in center of potato. Top with salsa and sour cream. Sprinkle with scallions and/or cilantro. Serves: 1 Nutrition: 320 calories, 20g protein, 50g carbs, 5g fat TURN LEFTOVER TURKEY, MASHED POTATOES, GRAVY, CARROTS, AND GREEN BEANS INTO... TURKEY SHEPHERD'S PIE Ingredients: 3 cups cooked turkey, diced 2 cups cooked carrots, sliced 2 cups cooked green beans 1 cup turkey gravy ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken or turkey stock (or broth) 3 cups mashed potatoes Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 350˚. 2) Layer the turkey in a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with carrots and green beans. 3) In a small bowl, combine gravy and stock/broth. Microwave for 45 seconds. Stir well. 4) Pour gravy mixture over turkey and vegetables. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top. 5) Bake 30 minutes; serve immediately. Serves: 6 Nutrition: 260 calories, 25g protein, 25g carbs, 7g fat | 7 | 1,735 | health |
For most of our lives, we've been told not to fiddle with our food. But, San Francisco artist Hannah Rothstein is bucking that rule and getting creative with her grub. Rothstein has reimagined what famous artists' work would look like using T-Day chow. So, if your family's holiday traditions feel a little snoozy, take a cue from Rothstein and suggest an artistic plate-off. (Hint: We have a feeling the Jackson Pollock might be the easiest to attempt.) How's that for dinner and a show? Rothstein used standard holiday fare turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, all the fixings to create edible art in the style of Vincent van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and other. Click through the slideshow to see Rothstein's platings. Will someone please pass the gravy? We're inspired. Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. For most of our lives, we've been told not to fiddle with our food. But, San Francisco artist Hannah Rothstein is bucking that rule and getting creative with her grub. Rothstein has reimagined what famous artists' work would look like using T-Day chow. So, if your family's holiday traditions feel a little snoozy, take a cue from Rothstein and suggest an artistic plate-off. (Hint: We have a feeling the Jackson Pollock might be the easiest to attempt.) How's that for dinner and a show? Rothstein used standard holiday fare turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, all the fixings to create edible art in the style of Vincent van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, and other. Click through the slideshow to see Rothstein's platings. Will someone please pass the gravy? We're inspired. Browse: Thanksgiving recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Andy Warhol. Browse: Green bean recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Jackson Pollock. Browse: Gravy recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Georges Seurat. Browse: Sweet corn recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. René Magritte. Browse: Cranberry recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Mark Rothko. Browse: Mashed potato recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Pablo Picasso. Browse: Stuffing recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Piet Mondrian. Browse: Fresh bread recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Vincent van Gogh. Browse: Casserole recipes Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Rothstein. Cindy Sherman. Browse: More thanksgiving recipes | 0 | 1,736 | foodanddrink |
Roger Federer has set his sights on another memorable milestone as the 17-time Grand Slam champion eyes the 1,000th win of his illustrious career. Federer's 6-3, 6-2 victory over Japan's Kei Nishikori at the ATP Tour Finals on Tuesday took him to 70 match wins for the season -- the sixth time he has hit that mark -- and up to 993 career victories from his 1,219 matches. The 33-year-old can add three more wins at the Tour Finals if he goes all the way to take the title for the seventh time. That would leave him needing only four more victories to join Jimmy Connors, who had 1,253, and Ivan Lendl, with 1,071, as the only men to have broken the 1,000 barrier. With seven Wimbledon titles, five US Open crowns, four Australian Opens and one French Open on his glittering CV, Federer has already experienced almost every high the sport can offer. But he believes making to 1,000 wins would be an especially significant moment because it is a tribute to a player's longevity at the very top. "I played only the big tournaments this year. Basically, again, I chased all the Masters 1000s, Grand Slams, so forth," he said. "It's not easy to win matches there, as we know, because guys are always very good, margins are small. "More importantly for me is getting closer to the thousand number. It would obviously be cool to get there. I think it's a great number." | 1 | 1,737 | sports |
Photo: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. National Novel Writing Month is something between a triple-dog-dare to the creatively inclined and a 30-day power hour of words. The challenge is simple: write a novel, and do it in 30 days. Sure, we're already halfway through the month, but it's never to late to start this project. And, if you prefer to do a little research before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, these books just may prompt you to put your pen to the page. And hey, if you write a novel in 32 days, that's not so bad either. You're not a writer until you've missed a deadline. Photo: Courtesy of Faber & Faber. 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel by Jane Smiley If you want to write a novel, you should probably know what a novel is. The organizers of NaNoWriMo have set the bar at 50,000 words. The prolific Pulitzer Prize-winning author Smiley has a few other ideas. Photo: Courtesy of Viking Press. Herzog by Saul Bellow Herzog is a complicated man. In other words, he's a writer. Write as many words as Herzog wrote unsent letters, and you'll have no trouble making it to 50,000 words. Photo: Courtesy of Graywolf Press. The Art of Time in Fiction: As Long As It Takes by Joan Silber A novel unfolds over a time. Maybe it's over a day. Maybe it's over generations. This slim volume from Greywolf's incredible "The Art of" Series explores how to compress and stretch time to the specifications of literary ambition. Photo: Courtesy of FSG Classics. The White Album by Joan Didion At some point during the writing process, it all may seem futile. That's when it's time to crack open The White Album to remember that "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." Photo: Courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The Habits of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor ed. Sally Fitzgerald You can't be a writer and not love Flannery O'Connor. Assuming you know a good biography is hard to find, allow O'Connor's letters to tell the story of the remarkable writer's life. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin. At Swim-Two-Birds by Flann O'Brien A little boozy and a lot meta, this O'Brien classic breaches the division between fiction, fictional fictions, and the readers who love it all. Photo: Courtesy of Picador. The Fun Stuff: And Other Essays by James Wood Wood, one of the most deservedly beloved book critics around today, collects his insights on novels ranging from Never Let Me Go to Leaving the Atocha Station. And, when a diversion from literature is in order, there is his essay on the great Keith Moon. Photo: Courtesy of Scribner. A Farewell to Arms: The Hemingway Library Edition by Ernest Hemingway Hemingway's literary merit is old news, but the Hemingway Library edition of A Farewell to Arms offers a glimpse into the author's obsessive revisions with its inclusion of 47 alternate endings to the canonical novel. Photo: Courtesy of Random House Trade Paperbacks. The Spooky Art by Norman Mailer Norman Mailer wrote over 30 books, ran for mayor, and is remembered, as the New York Times wrote in his obituary headline, as a "towering writer with matching ego." His advice? Learn to write by writing. Photo: Courtesy of Algonquin Books. Exley by Brock Clarke The story of a young boy who goes on the hunt for his father's favorite novelist, Exley is as much about how a favorite novel can become a marker of identity as it is about the fictions we tell ourselves all the time. Photo: Courtesy of Harper Perennial. Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose The premise of Prose's book is that writing well requires reading well. She does both with acuity, and you'll finish this book with a renewed sense of appreciation for the books that made you want to write in the first place. Photo: Courtesy of Alma Books. The Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau When you feel like you're stuck, Queneau offers a refreshing reminder that there are always more ways to tell a story as he tells the same story 99 ways. Photo: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. Nom de Plume: A (Secret) History of Pseudonyms by Carmela Ciuraru For writers in the closet who want to keep their novels and their personal lives separate, there's some inspiration to be gleaned from this charming history of the pen name. Photo: Courtesy of Oxford University Press. New Oxford American Dictionary When it seems like words are failing you, nothing quite reminds you that you have a rich wealth of material that is, language like the good old OAD. Find the perfect word and then another. Keep this up as long as necessary. You're a novelist. Photo: Courtesy of n + 1. MFA vs. NYC: The Two Cultures of American Fiction ed. Chad Harbach Because you could be paying thousands of dollars for an MFA program, but instead you're making the most of 30 days. Praise yourself for your thrift. Then get back to work. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and cat videos on the Refinery29 Entertainment Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 1,738 | lifestyle |
Powerful people Every year we pore over the lives of our world's elite, compiling Forbes' list of The World's Most Powerful People. For the second year running, nine women have made the cut, and it's the first year two have landed in our top 10. Between heads of state, industry leaders and one big-time billionaire, there's no question the vast majority have one strong quality in common: they're the first or only women to hold the titles they currently do. Heads of State: German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't budge from her No. 5 spot on our list, commanding a global stage this year in a battle against ISIS. One of three female heads of state among our Powerful People, Merkel is also the longest-serving EU leader, controlling $3.6 trillion in gross domestic product. Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's president, lands at No. 31. Despite telling Forbes for her 2012 Power Women cover that she hadn't had "a plan to be president," the country's first female head secured a hard-won second term of office in October. Geun-hye Park, No. 46, rounds out the leaders as South Korea's first female president. Together, the three control more than $7 trillion in combined GDP. CEOs: IBM's first female CEO Ginni Rometty (No. 55) and GM's leader Mary Barra (No. 62), the first woman to head a Big 8 automaker, are no strangers to a challenge. Rometty's facing IBM's 10th consecutive quarter of revenue declines, but tackling it with renewed resilience. Her sights set on profit margins, Rometty's helped shed the tech company's services, server and semiconductor units, translating into $7 billion of much-needed revenue. Working to bring about a "new GM," Barra's had quite a year, too. New to our list, she's faced a hefty 30-million-car recall so far this year due to faulty ignition switches. The head of America's largest auto seller is also looking to innovation and profit margins for her company's future: GM announced a 2017 Cadillac that drives itself, and Barra is projecting 10% profit margins in North America and restored profits in Europe by 2016. Money and Social Good: Janet Yellen (No. 6) is the first woman to head the most influential bank in the world. Overseeing the Fed's $4.5 trillion in assets, the "determined dove" who took her seat in February has a special focus on bridging inequality and repairing "the American dream." Also with a hefty sum in her control, Gina Rinehart (No. 66), is the richest billionaire in Australia and No. 55 on our billionaires list. The chair of Hancock Prospecting Group sealed a $7.2 billion deal this year to build one of the world's biggest iron ore mines. Christine Lagarde (No. 33), the first woman to run the 188-country International Monetary Fund, has spent much of her time as managing director demanding bolder actions against the mediocre global economy. Also in a push for the greater good, Margaret Chan (No. 67) continues to battle the outbreak of Ebola as director-general of the World Health Organization. The deadly virus, now with a death rate of 5,000, could be the worst global disease since the 1918 flu. Notable Dropoffs: Sonia Gandhi (No. 21 on last year's list) falls off of our list after the Indian National Congress party earned less than a tenth of parliament seats this year, overtaken in majority by the Bharatiya Janata party. Also newly out of office, Jill Abramson (No. 68 on last year's list) does not reappear after losing her title as executive editor of The New York Times. View Forbes' complete list of the world's most powerful people No. 67: Margaret Chan, Age 67 Director-General, World Health Organization, Hong Kong As leader of the World Health Organization, the main UN health agency, Dr. Margaret Chan is staring down what may be the worst global disease since the 1918 flu--the official Ebola death rate is now some 5,000. In September she described the outbreak as a "social crisis, a humanitarian crisis, an economic crisis and a threat to national security." Chan, who is midway through her second term as director-general, is not without criticism for her handling of the outbreak, with some calling it her "Katrina Moment." She has admitted her agency "underestimated the magnitude, the complexity and the challenges" of Ebola. No. 66: Gina Rinehart, Age 60 Chair, Hancock Prospecting Group, Australia Australian mining heiress Gina Rinehart, 60, is the queen of the global iron-ore trade and the richest billionaire down under. She controls Hancock Prospecting, which is now adding oil and gas to its mining portfolio. In March Rinehart finalized her biggest deal yet: $7.2 billion in funding from a group of global banks and credit agencies to develop Roy Hill, one of the world's largest iron-ore mines; Hancock owns 70%. Rinehart, who inherited her holding from her father, Lang Hancock, is also Australia's biggest private taxpayer. No. 62: Mary Barra, Age 52 CEO, General Motors, U.S. The celebration of the first woman ever to head a Big 8 automaker and the largest seller in the U.S. market ended soon after the champagne popped. Mary Barra took the reins of GM in January and in April was summoned to Congress to answer for faulty ignition switches linked to at least 21 deaths. Throughout a 30-million-car recall, the 34-year veteran has remained poised and confident. Barra says GM is on track for 10% operating margins in North America and to restore profits in Europe by 2016. Her leadership, she said, will bring about a "new GM," able to regain customer trust. In September the Detroit automaker announced a 2017 Cadillac that drives itself--a model that'll let drivers take their hands off the wheel at highway speeds. No. 55: Ginni Rometty, Age 57 CEO, IBM, U.S. More than two years have passed since Rometty assumed the helm at IBM, and it's been anything but smooth sailing. With ten consecutive quarters of revenue declines, IBM is sticking to its focus on boosting profit margins. Over 2014 the technology company shed its services, server and semiconductor units, translating into $7 billion of much-needed revenue. Next steps include a new partnership with Apple, optimizing IBM's big data and analytics for iOS and expanded ties with SAP, running its applications on IBM's platform. Continuing to overhaul the declining company, Rometty plans to spend $1.2 billion on IBM's cloud computing business. She joined the company at 24 in 1981 as a systems engineer. No. 46: Geun-hye Park, Age 62 President, South Korea Park Geun-hye has had a tense year since being elected as South Korea's first female president in 2013. In April the Sewol ferry disaster left over 300 people, mostly high schoolers, dead or missing, prompting her prime minister to take the fall and quit. Park has been busy meeting her fellow world leaders, most notably Pope Francis and Xi Jinping, the first time a new Chinese leader visited Seoul ahead of Pyongyang. Bested only by China and Japan when it comes to regional wealth, Park helms a $1.4 trillion economy, No. 13 in the world. Her father, Park Chung-hee, ruled South Korea for 18 years and was assassinated in 1979, as was her mother five years earlier. No. 33: Christine Lagarde, Age 58 Managing Director, IMF, France The first woman to run the 188-country financial organization spent much of her first three years taking aim against a "new mediocre" period of the global economy, Christine Lagarde has demanded policymakers take bolder actions in reforming brittle fiscal policies, investing in infrastructure and creating jobs: "While the global economy continues to recover, it remains too fragile and uneven'too weak to effectively address the predicament of the 200 million jobless worldwide." French-born Lagarde was a labor and antitrust attorney in the U.S. before a six-year stint as French finance minister. This summer there was speculation that she could be a candidate for the presidency of the European Commission, although the spot was filled by former Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker. No. 31: Dilma Rousseff, Age 66 President, Brazil Dilma Rousseff clinched Brazil's presidential race and her second term in office in October after failing to win the necessary 50% of the vote in the first round of elections. Controversy over spending at the World Cup this summer and a recession that began in the first half of 2014 have both impacted Rousseff's popularity as the leader of Brazil's $2.2 trillion economy, the world's seventh largest. Rousseff met with U.S. VP Joe Biden in June in an attempt to repair a relationship soured by news of NSA spying last year. Rousseff is Brazil's first female president and has been in power since 2010. No. 6: Janet Yellen, Age 68 Chair, Federal Reserve, U.S. The world watched the historic passing of the Federal Reserve baton to "determined dove" Janet Yellen this February. The Yale University Ph.D. is the first woman to head the most influential central bank in the world, given the size of the Fed's balance sheet ($4.5 trillion in assets) relative to the U.S. GDP ($16.8 trillion). In October the Fed announced a cap on its six-year bond buying campaign but said it will keep short-term interest rates near zero. Top on her to-do list: repair the American dream. "The extent of and continuing increase in inequality in the United States greatly concern me... I think it is appropriate to ask whether this trend is compatible with values rooted in our nation's history, among them the high value Americans have traditionally placed on equality of opportunity." No. 5: Angela Merkel, Age 60 Chancellor, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel gets high marks for acting the grown up on the global stage. She is using her power against ISIS--breaking the post-Nazi-era taboo of direct involvement in military actions by sending arms to Kurdish fighters--and to deter Russia's threats to Ukraine and European gas supplies. Germany continues to be the $17.5 trillion EU's fiscal powerhouse, although its economy contracted for the first time in over a year. Merkel, who grew up in East Germany, was elected in 2005 as the first female German chancellor and clinched a third four-year term last December, making her the longest-serving EU head of state. | 3 | 1,739 | finance |
Whether it comes in the form of crawling, scooting, or taking those first few steps, one thing's for certain - 1-year-olds are active little people! That's why it's important to provide them with toys that will satisfy their desire to explore the world around them and provide plenty of action. Check out our favorite picks, from push-along toys and blocks to shape sorters and more, for your baby's first holidays. The Land of Nod Green Ombre Play Canopy This chic ombré play canopy ($159, originally $199) from The Land of Nod makes a great gift for your new walker to explore. It can grow with your child as she learns about imaginative play and craves a secret spot that's all her own. Pinhole Press Big Storybook of Names and Places Pinhole Press's customized photo storybook ($50) is a wonderful way for your baby to familiarize himself with the names and faces of loved ones. The exceptional quality can't be beat either. MacKenzie-Childs Toddler Dinnerware Set Fans of MacKenzie-Childs's whimsical style will appreciate the line's very giftable Toddler Dinnerware Set ($48). It includes a plate, bowl, sippy cup, spoon and fork - perfect for early eaters! The Land of Nod Fast Track Game Send a series of minicars zigzagging up and down the track with The Land of Nod's rubberwood Fast Track Game ($59). Andy Warhol's So Many Stars A baby board book with an artistic edge, So Many Stars ($11) features 26 pages of the iconic Warhol's most playful and imaginative illustrations. Curious George in the Box Why mess with perfection? The timeless appeal of an old-fashioned jack-in-the-box pairs with a beloved kids literary character with this Curious George in the Box ($25) that plays "Pop Goes the Weasel." Radio Flyer Classic Wagon Walker What's better than a classic Radio Flyer wagon? One that an early (or soon-to-be) walker can operate on their own. The brand's adorable Classic Wagon Walker ($81, originally $110) lets tots cart around their prized possessions while offering stability. Gymnic Rody Horse The Rody Horse ($50) comes in a rainbow of colors and is a ride-on toy that even those with small-space restrictions can make work. This mini equine offers plenty of bouncy fun for little ones, and lest you worry that they'll quickly outgrow it, the durable Rody can withstand up to 300 pounds (yes, you read that correctly) of weight. Hape Galloping Zebra Walker Let his or her first steps be a walk on the wild side with Hape's Galloping Zebra Walker ($54, originally $70). It offers a sturdy base, and the bobbing zebras will entertain your early walker. Manny and Simon Horse and Carriage We're big fans of Manny and Simon's eco-conscious, American-made toys, and this Horse and Carriage ($78) makes the sweetest gift for a little girl. Tegu Magnetic Blocks A purchase you can feel good about, Tegu Magnetic Blocks' 22-piece Endeavor Set ($60) is meant to withstand the test of time. Based in Honduras, the company's mission is to positively influence that country's economy while putting out an eco-friendly, beautifully constructed product. Pottery Barn Kids Reindeer Critter Bath Warp Wrap up your little Rudolph in Pottery Barn Kids' cuddly Reindeer Critter Bath Wrap ($35), which can also be personalized. Micro Mini 3-in-1 Kick Scooter Imagine a kids scooter that actually grows with them from ages 1 to 5. Kickboard USA's Micro Mini 3-in-1 ($115) does just that, thanks to the addition of a ride-on accessory that attaches directly to the scooter's bar. For the youngest riders, simply attach the O-bar and the seat to the scooter so tots can actually scoot around. When they're a bit older and ready to push off, remove the seat and just keep the O-bar to help them balance. And then, when they're around 3 years old, swap the O-bar for a T-bar, and watch them scoot like a pro. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! Playforever Race Car Playforever's Clyde Race Car ($40) is inspired by the design of vintage biplanes and the headlights of classic automobiles. Its sleek look makes it as appealing to put on display as it is to play with. Janod Mix Music Confetti Set Now every parent can put the phrase "I'm with the band" to use. Janod's Mix Music Confetti Set ($48) offers a cheery all-in-one instrumental setup for your little musician. Pottery Barn Kids Sort N Tip Truck Put those fine motor skills to work with this Sort N Tip Truck ($44) from Pottery Barn Kids. It allows your baby to practice his or her shape-sorting skills and can be rolled around the playroom. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair Fisher-Price's fun and interactive Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair ($45) engages your tot at three different levels, allowing parents to adjust it according to a baby's developmental stage. The Eric Carle Gift Set Every child's early library should contain at least a bit of Eric Carle. This gift set ($35) includes four favorites in the form of durable board books. Melissa & Doug K's Kids Pull-Back Vehicles A quartet of soft vehicles ($21) feature pull-back functionality, making baby's first automotive toys as safe as they are entertaining. | 4 | 1,740 | lifestyle |
If nothing makes you smile more than sleigh bells jingling and carolers singing, you're going to love this decor guide. Traditional holiday decor is warm, cozy, and jolly enough to put a smile on anybody's face - so we're teaching you how to nail it in your own home! While any classic Christmas movie can give you a peek into traditional holiday decor, these 21 tips will help create a classic Christmas in your modern home. Source: Neiman Marcus Gussy Up Your Mantel One of the most magical parts of Christmas is a warm fireplace that's glowing softly with glittering lights and colorful garlands. Even if you don't have a fireplace in your home, you can get the same look with this simple faux fireplace DIY! Make Santa Smile With Dessert Because cookies are such a visible display during the Winter holidays, be sure that your sweet concoctions stick to a classic look. Gingerbread men are always a hit! Source: Rustic White Photography via Style Me Pretty Go All Natural If you're able, go for a real Christmas tree. The fragrant needles and unmistakable look of an authentic fir tree will instantly transport you back to the holiday traditions of years past. Source: Rustic White Photography via Style Me Pretty Light Candles For a Warm Glow Candles not only cast a magical light upon your Winter wonderland, but also fill any home with cozy fragrance. Whether you opt for spicy, clove-scented Christmas candles ($21) inspired by Charles Dickens, the author of A Christmas Carol, or a breath of fresh air from cedar-scented votives ($19), holiday candles are an easy way to fill any home with the Christmas spirit. Source: Anne Marie Photography via Style Me Pretty Welcome Guests With a Wreath Let the world know that you're ready for the holiday season with a fresh wreath on your front door. Source: Katie Parra Photography via Style Me Pretty Make a Real Edible Arrangement Many people decorate their trees with candy canes, but did you know that there are other edible tree decorations? Dried oranges and salt-dough gingerbread men are old-fashioned ornaments that you can DIY with basic kitchen ingredients, and they're a total blast from the past. Get Creative With Holly and Mistletoe Deck the halls with boughs of holly, and catch people kissing underneath the mistletoe by decorating your home with fresh Winter sprigs. Source: Katie Parra Photography via Style Me Pretty String Your Own Garland Popcorn and cranberry garlands are a traditional tree decoration and a fun family activity. Turn on Miracle on 34th Street, and get stringing! Go Nuts For Nutcrackers How do you expect to eat chestnuts roasted on an open fire without any way to crack them? Any traditional holiday home would be incomplete without at least one nutcracker. These mini men ($16) are small enough to display on your mantel! Go Big and Bright With Lights You don't have to pull a Clark Griswold with your lights during the holidays, but be sure to get into the spirit with at least one strand around your porch. These colorful bulbs ($34) have a retro Christmas look, and give off plenty of light, which is perfect for dark Winter nights. Give Classic Holiday Greetings Spread your traditional Christmas taste beyond the home by sending out classically jolly greeting cards for the holidays. Entertain the Old-Fashioned Way You can stick to tradition when entertaining, too! Serving beautiful holiday dishes and beverages will really add to the classic beauty of your Winter abode. Garnish Your Tree With Glass Ornaments There's nothing more classic than colorful glass adornments on a Christmas tree, so stick to traditional glass bulbs and baubles like these ($19 for 12). Go For the Globe You can't bring the Winter snow flurries inside, but you can imitate them with traditional holiday snow globes ($14 to $24). Play With Your Food An important part of classic holiday tradition is building and decorating gingerbread houses. After all, where do you expect your gingerbread men to live without a beautiful display house?Source: Bryan N. Miller via Style Me Pretty Display Holiday Greetings When you get Christmas cards in the mail, show them off for some additional holiday cheer. It will remind you of loved ones while celebrating the season! Show Off Your Stockings Nothing is more classic than stockings hanging above the fireplace or on the staircase. If you coordinate your family's individual stockings, it will look even better! Put a Bow on It Tying bows around the branches of your Christmas tree looks gorgeous, takes only seconds, and assures that your glass ornaments won't slip off and shatter. Traditional holiday decor is smart and beautiful! Source: Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty Top Your Tree With Tradition At the focal point of every Christmas morning is the tree, so be sure that yours is set to impress by topping it with a bright star. This gorgeous pick ($160) can even serve as a family heirloom! Mull It Over No holiday gathering is complete without apple cider or mulled wine, so serve yours in style with an elegant carafe or punch bowl. Source: White Loft Studio via Style Me Pretty Bundle Up With Blankets During Winter, it's important to stock soft wraps and throws in your living spaces. Enjoy the splendor of your traditional holiday home by sitting in front of the glimmering tree in a warm blanket. Talk about a holiday dream come true! Source: White Loft Studio via Style Me Pretty | 4 | 1,741 | lifestyle |
College football's biggest remaining regular season games Oregon at Oregon State, Nov. 29 Oregon State is currently on a four-game losing skid, but anything can happen in the 'Civil War.' The Ducks edged the Beavers 36-35 last season to extend their winning streak to five in the series. Falling into a trap in on the road would end Oregon's national title hopes again and possibly cost quarterback Marcus Mariota his ticket to New York for a shot at the Heisman Trophy. Florida State at Miami, Nov. 15 The Hurricanes have quietly been rolling with running back Duke Johnson already rushing for more than 1,200 yards this season. But they've played only one ranked team so far, a 41-31 loss to Nebraska in September. Florida State has been surviving scares with come-from-behind wins ever week. Can they avoid falling into another early hole or will Miami pull the upset? Kansas State at Baylor, Dec. 6 Two years ago, K-State's national title hopes were over after a stunning blowout loss to Baylor in Waco. The tables are turned this time with the Bears' Big 12 championship and playoff chances on the line. The Wildcats are out of the playoff hunt after a loss to TCU, but they're still in the conference title race. TCU at Texas, Nov. 27 Texas has been improving each week with a dominant defense and freshman quarterback Tyrone Swoopes progressing. TCU's high-powered offense will face a tough test Thanksgiving night with plenty on the line: A loss would cost the Horned Frogs a share of the Big 12 title with Baylor. Nebraska at Wisconsin, Nov. 15 It's a tight race for the Big Ten West crown. Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota all sit at 4-1 in conference play, but things will become much clearer after the Huskers face the Badgers this weekend. Meanwhile, Minnesota will still be in the mix if it upsets Ohio State. Ohio State at Minnesota, Nov. 15 Minnesota has been the Big Ten's surprise team, but the Gophers are about to begin their toughest stretch of the season with Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin up next. The Buckeyes passed their biggest test last week with an impressive performance on the road against Michigan State. A win over Minnesota would all but secure their place in the Big Ten Championship Game and keep their hope of a playoff spot alive. Arizona State at Arizona, Nov. 28 Since a blowout loss to UCLA in September, Arizona State has dominated with wins over four nationally ranked teams, highlighted by a 55-31 dismantling of then-No. 10 Notre Dame. Everything will be on the line for the Sun Devils when they visit their in-state rival in the regular season finale. Auburn at Alabama, Nov. 29 The stakes won't be as high as last season, but nobody has forgotten what transpired in the final seconds of 2013 Iron Bowl. If Alabama upsets Mississippi State, the Crimson Tide will still be in good shape to make the playoff, with only the Tigers standing in the way. Mississippi State at Alabama, Nov. 15 Mississippi State has been unstoppable and passed every road test thus far. But the Bulldogs haven't won in Tuscaloosa since 2006 and haven't beaten Nick Saban since his first season at Alabama in 2007. Mississippi State won't be out of the national title picture with a loss, but they can eliminate the Crimson Tide with a win. Mississippi State at Ole Miss, Nov. 29 Even if the Bulldogs fail to get past Alabama, they'd still be one of the nation's best one-loss teams heading into the Egg Bowl. Ole Miss' playoff dreams are gone, but the Rebels would love nothing more than to spoil their in-state rival's shot at a championship. It's arguably the most anticipated matchup in the rivalry's history. | 1 | 1,742 | sports |
CNBC's Phil LeBeau, and Efraim Levy, S&P Capital IQ, discuss Ford's big bet on aluminum for its F-150 pickup truck. | 3 | 1,743 | finance |
Children have healthier diets when their parents place restrictions on what they can eat and train them to control their impulses, a new study suggests. The University at Buffalo researchers analyzed data from almost 9,000 American children whose self-regulation was assessed at age 2. The children's diets and parental food rules were then checked at age 4. "Parents can make a difference here by training young children to self-regulate, and also by setting food rules in the home," study senior author Xiaozhong Wen, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, said in a university news release. "We found that the combination of parental rules and young children's ability to self-regulate their behaviors works best in teaching young children to eat healthy," Wen said. The study was presented in Boston recently at Obesity Week, the annual meeting of weight-loss surgeons and other obesity specialists. "In adults and adolescents, self-regulation, emotional eating and obesity have been well-studied, but there is very little information about the role that self-regulation plays in young childhood obesity," Wen said. "We found that children who were able to self-regulate at 2 years old had healthy eating habits by the time they were 4 years old, so long as their parents also set rules about the right types of foods to eat. We found that self-regulation by itself, without parental food rules, made little difference in children's later eating habits," Wen concluded. Study co-author Neha Sharma, a recent graduate from the university's department of psychology, added, "It is amazing to see that a parental rule about which types of food a child can and cannot eat could have such a great impact on child eating habits." Sharma suggested in the news release that "without these boundaries set by caregivers, the benefits of high self-regulation on weight gain and childhood obesity could be diminished. This illustrates just how important parental involvement is in influencing child eating habits." | 7 | 1,744 | health |
Happy Movember! November is known as "mustache season," as men grow out their 'staches to raise awareness about men's health issues and support prostate cancer research. So in honor of the month of scruff, we're skipping the Hollywood men with beards and checking out some of our favorite mustaches on celebrity eye candy. But while we love a good mustache, they aren't for everyone. So weigh in: are these famous fellas your mustache crush or just mustache meh? Jude Law Is Jude sexiest with the scruff? Pierce Brosnan Does the former Bond look good with the facial hair? Liev Schreiber What do you think of a mustached Liev? Robert Downey Jr. What do you think of RDJ's facial hair? Johnny Depp What do you think of Johnny with his shadow 'stache? Brad Pitt Do you like Brad's chiseled jawline on the hairy side? Tom Hanks Do you like Tom with the facial hair? David Beckham Does David win you over with his hairy look? George Clooney Does George rock his furry mustache? Michael Sheen Thumbs up or down for Michael's mustache? Ryan Gosling Hey, girl, what do you think of Ryan's scruff? Idris Elba Is Idris doing it for you on the scruffy side? Justin Long Is Justin cuter with the facial hair? James Franco Do you prefer James with fringe? Orlando Bloom How do you like Orlando's facial hair? Ashton Kutcher Do you like Ashton's 'stache? Viggo Mortensen Do you like Viggo's 'stache? Eddie Murphy Are you smitten with Eddie's minimal facial hair? Daniel Craig What do you think of James Bond rocking some scruff? Jason Schwartzman Is Jason sexy with his bushy mustache? Zac Efron Are you a fan of Zac with a 'stache? Justin Bieber Does Justin's fake mustache do him any favors? Colin Farrell Is Colin just as hot with the hair? Jimmy Kimmel Are you diggin' Jimmy's scruff? | 6 | 1,745 | entertainment |
Let's face it: we all have those friends. The perpetual "we" friends. The unendingly, inseparably together friends. Maybe you ARE those friends (in which case, can you both please leave? You're going to spoil your gifts). Despite - or perhaps because of - the inextricable nature of their relationship, we know you love these friends. Come on, they're an adorable two-for-one package gift . . . And what better way to celebrate them this holiday season than with a gift for the both of them? We've rounded up our favorite items for those indivisible duos out there - things that they can have fun with together (like a DIY beer brewing kit) and also things that slightly poke fun at and embrace their coupledom (like mini walkie talkies). Even if some of these gifts are in jest, don't worry. They'll love them just as much as they love each other . . . and just as much as they love you. DIY Terrarium Kit Let the duo get their hands dirty and their creative juices flowing with a DIY terrarium kit ($24). This is a wonderful idea for the couple who is constantly collaborating. Tea Set For Two For your pensive couple friends, we're sure they'll appreciate a tea set for two ($16) like this one - it'll make their morning cup of tea and discussion of literature that much better. Headphone Splitters For the music-loving pair in your life, this Companion Owls Headphone Splitter ($10) is sure to be a hoot. Pun so intended. Beer Brewing Kit If they're constantly obsessing over the latest trendy beers and local bars, Cooper's Incredible DIY Mini Beer Brew Kit ($25-$100) will be a major hit. You can get them started with their kit and let them go from there! Heart Pint Glasses These Power-Up Heart Pint Glasses ($20) are so cute that we wouldn't blame you if you "forgot" to give them to your techie twosome and kept them for yourself instead. Book Vault You know those friends who are totally open about their sex life together? Maybe this secret book compartment ($35) will inspire them to turn a new, slightly more discreet leaf. The Selfie For your Instagram-loving pair, this selfie snapper ($20) will no doubt allow them to take their #couple pics to the next level. Plus, can you imagine how rewarding their teamwork will feel? Walkie Talkies This World's Smallest Walkie Talkie set ($15) is sort of just hilarious . . . and perfect for that couple that is always in communication. Cat Mugs Your cat-loving friends will go crazy over this Black and White Cat Mug Set ($38). We're not kitten. Magic 8 Ball For Their Emotions Are your friends a constantly indecisive duo? This hilarious, sassy Magic Emotiball ($16) might help them to make decisions. Portable Table Tennis Set The athletic, constantly-in-competition couple will appreciate this GSI Outdoors Table Tennis Set ($42). They might fight over who appreciates it more, though. Big Spoon/Little Spoon Pillowcase Set And for that ultracuddly couple, this Big Spoon, Little Spoon Pillowcase Set ($28-$32). Grumpy Cat Wall Calendar Your sarcastic coupled-up friends will TOTALLY HATE this Grumpy Cat 2015 wall calendar ($14). Someecards Desk Calendar They'll also completely detest this Someecards 2015 desk calendar ($15). "The Snuggie Sutra" This Snuggie Sutra ($13) book is for the adventurous couple with a really good sense of humor. Custom Illustration For your art-loving couple, how cool would it be to wow them with a custom portrait illustration of themselves, like this one from Etsy ($100)? Chromosome Pillow Set Another worthy pillow set - this time for the science-loving couple. (They met in biology, didn't they?) These Chromosome Pillows ($35) are a perfect match. His/Hers Key Holders For the twosome with the apartment in never-ending disarray, these "His and Hers" key holders ($17) might be of some assistance. Fondue Set We can't forget the foodie pair. Give them a gift that'll cultivate their shared love for all things culinary. This fondue set for two ($30) would get their date nights sizzlin'. Mojito Mixology Set This Molecular Mixology Kit ($30) is perfect for the couple who loves a good happy hour. Adult Board Game A board game like Open Up ($18), which rewards players for their cringe-worthy stories and most awkward moments, is a fun option for the party-throwing pair. Underwear For Two A hilarious gag gift or stocking stuffer option for that twosome that shares literally everything: DIY Instant Underpants Two Pack ($8). A Love Plant For the couple practicing to start a family, this DIY I Love You Bean ($7) will allow them to cultivate their skills by taking care of this cute little plant. And yes, the beans actually say, "I Love You." Heated Blanket The introverted homebodies-in-love would undoubtedly appreciate the warmth of this Heated Microplush Throw Blanket ($30). Romantic Puzzle OK, how adorable is this "You Complete Me" Heart Puzzle ($17)? This one's for that puppy-love pair. Starbucks Via Ready Brew Obviously this gift is meant for the coffee-loving lovers. The Starbucks Via Ready Brew ($12) comes with 12 packets for the two of them to share. Whether they share them equally or not is up to them, not you. Gift Cards For the Ultimate Movie/Music Bingeing: These? Well, these are an awesome idea for pretty much any inseparable couple. You can choose the price of all of these gift cards as well!Shutterfly Gift Card ($25)Spotify Gift Card ($10-$60)Hulu Plus Gift Card ($24-$48)Cinema Now Gift Card ($5-$100) | 4 | 1,746 | lifestyle |
We haven't reported news this dismal since the shutdown of the Huy Fong sriracha factory - America is facing a full-fledged bourbon shortage with no end in sight. Buffalo Trace explains the predicament: "Last year we warned consumers that a shortage was looming, but many markets across the nation are just now feeling the full effects . . . Despite the increase in distillation over the past few years, bourbon demand still outpaces supply. Bourbon must be matured in new oak barrels and we age many of our barrels for eight to ten years, and some over two decades. That's a long time to wait for a bottle of bourbon. Not to mention, with the amount of bourbon lost to evaporation over time, barrels are half empty after ten years. The increase in sales, coupled with the aging process and evaporation loss, leads to a shortage with no end in sight." So basically, stock up on the finest bottles or prepare to pay higher prices. In the meantime, drown your sorrows with one of these stiff bourbon cocktails before the bourbon apocalypse becomes full-fledged. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Old Fashioned In the beginning, there was the old fashioned . Bourbon, bitters, sugar, and a lemon peel combine for the most classic of all cocktails. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Browse: More bourbon recipes Milk Punch Any Southerner knows no holiday party is complete without bourbon milk punch . Every household has a secret recipe for the sweet slush. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Browse: Frozen drinks Pumpkin Pie Sparkler Instead of a pumpkin spice latte, how about a pumpkin spice cocktail ? Pumpkin syrup, bourbon, and ginger beer combine for a sparkling cocktail that will keep your spirits high during the holiday season. Browse: Cocktails with ginger beer Strawberry-Bourbon Cobbler Bourbon and berries go together like . . . well, you know. A strawberry-bourbon cobbler tastes so sweet with the addition of mint and vanilla bean. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Browse: Strawberry cocktails Mint Julep Whether it's Winter or the middle of Summer, a classic mint julep is as refreshing as comforting. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Browse: More julep recipes Sparkling Bourbon Cocktail Who knew bourbon could pair so effortlessly with Champagne? This sparkling bourbon cocktail will make you a believer. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts Browse: Cocktails with Champagne Apricot Smash During the Summer, use fresh fruit in the apricot smash , but for cooler months, try subbing in a tablespoon of preserves. Photo: Susannah Chen Browse: Apricot cocktails | 0 | 1,747 | foodanddrink |
It's easy to stand out in a full-on metallic pair of heels or vibrantly colorblocked carryall. But, sometimes it's just the touches that really count. As designers like Saint Laurent and Tom Ford proved on the fall runways, it's unexpected accents that take anything to the next level. We're talking non-functional zippers to tweak a purse's silhouette, pops of glitter to punch up a traditional shoe, preppy fringe adorning everything from flats to bucket bags, and shearling accents that add visual interest and texture wherever they land. We rounded up 20 statement-making accessories that add instant flair to your fall wardrobe. It's all about the details, people. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! Glitter Why go for basic anything when you could don a bag or shoe dipped in glitter? Shearling Shearling stormed the runways, and has been cropping up in collections from rag & bone to Acne Studios. But, it wasn't just outerwear that featured the wooly fabric; these cool accessories have it, too. Zippers Sure, zippers are meant to be practical. But, look at Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs sometimes, the teeth make an adornment and nothing else. Fringe Fringe is no longer reserved just for the Wild West or Coachella girls just ask Marni and Proenza Schouler. | 4 | 1,748 | lifestyle |
From airless bonnets to dimple "makers," these products are thankfully long gone This Is a Hairdryer, Not a Spaceship For anyone who remembers Jiffy Pop, you'll know the similarities to that and this hair dryer are all too similar. The good news is if she doesn't get her hair dry, at least she'll get some popcorn. Suddenly Straight Hair is Not So Bad This 1940s perm should make any straight-haired woman check herself before she says, "I'd do anything for curly hair." Anything? Now Spin Class Doesn't Seem So Bad Instead of going for a run or doing yoga, why not lose those extra pounds by sitting in a chair getting massaged by metal rollers that look like slinkies? It may not make you thinner, but it does allow plenty of time to catch up on your knitting. Just Like Shirley Temple's In case you were thinking dimples were genetic, think again. In 1936, a Rochester, N.Y., woman invented a device that she said could give you dimples. It probably also gave you some things you didn't want, like facial scarring. Corsets and Girdles Long before you could slip into a pair of Spanx or other relatively comfortable shape wear, you could tie, hoist, clip and stuff yourself into a corset or girdle. Breathing not included. They're Real and They're Spectacular Over time, we women have done a lot of things to go from a B to a C, or bigger. Who knew all you had to do was blow out some air? The Measure of Beauty Max Factor was a legendary cosmetician who achieved worldwide fame for his makeup line. Weird he didn't get famous for this Beauty Micrometer, a scientific way to measure beauty. Hangover Helper Developed by Max Factor, this makeup mask was originally designed for actresses to refresh their skin without messing up their makeup. But those Hollywood smarties quickly figured out a better use for this freshening up after a night of cocktails. Hmm. The Glamour Bonnet Forget getting a facial, the Glamour Bonnet denies your skin any air while claiming that a lack of air is the key to beautiful, glowing skin. I wonder how that worked out for them? | 4 | 1,749 | lifestyle |
Roy Williams has been the subject of much scrutiny whether intented or unintended in the wake of Kenneth Wainstein's independent investigation into the scope of the academic scandal at UNC. On Monday night, Bubba Cunningham, UNC's athletic director, made a guest appearance on Williams' weekly radio show to publicly defend the embattled Tar Heels coach. MORE: New details about UNC's 2005 team | Scope of scandal is unprecedented Williams has frequently and repeatedly denied that he was a knowing participant in the academic subversion happening in Af-Am courses, also vehemently denying accusations that he steered his players toward certain classes to help them maintain their eligibility. Cunningham went as far as to cite Williams' integrity as one of the reasons he initially took the UNC job. "I've been in college athletics since 1988. I can't do the math on that, but it's a long time. I've known an awful lot of coaches and probably the second biggest reason I came to North Carolina, because of the reputation of the institution, but it was the personal integrity of Coach Williams," Cunningham said. "There are 128 football coaches at the highest level, about 300 basketball coaches at the highest level, and when you talk about people of integrity, people that you want to work with, he is absolutely at the top of the list. MORE: DeCourcy Vacating UNC's title may prove too difficult "I've heard him time and time again defending his players and defending what they do, and I felt it was an opportunity for me to defend what he has done for the University and to commend him on what he does for his student-athletes, and I am fortunate to be able to work with somebody like him. And if there's any question about his integrity, we had a federal prosecutor in here that had talked to current players, former players, current coaches, former coaches and to a person, they've all talked about his own integrity. And my working with him for three years is an absolute testament to my belief in what everyone else has said about him that's known him far longer than I have. I thank God I have the opportunity to be here and to work along a Hall of Fame coach like Coach Williams. Thank you very much." Source: Inside Carolina | 1 | 1,750 | sports |
To the sushi novice, nothing seems simpler than sushi a morsel of fish, often uncooked, on top of a fat finger of rice. The sushi chef forms nigiri sushi so quickly, so effortlessly that you'd be forgiven for assuming that there is not much to the craft. But these are deliberate gestures, developed over years of practice. And preparing rice and fish that will make my customers swoon is anything but simple. I've spent many years honing my technique for making vinegared rice, or sumeshi . I buy the best rice, mill it myself, and cook it so that each grain is perfect. I spread the rice in a wood basin called a hangiri , so that when I add a painstakingly proportioned mixture of high-quality rice vinegar, salt, and sugar, it will distribute evenly, coating each grain with a cloak of sweet acidity. I form each finger of rice with my hands so that it's packed neither too densely nor too loosely, so it bursts apart in your mouth. I've also spent years building relationships with fish distributors and working on my technique for preparing fish. I learned how to skillfully cut tuna in order to make beautiful, jewel-like pieces of sushi, how to score squid so it's just barely chewy, and how to lightly cure certain fish, like kohada (shad). I don't believe strict rules should govern how you eat every bite of food, yet I do hope customers will appreciate the efforts I've taken to create balanced, delicious sushi by considering the following advice: Don't dunk your sushi rice-first into soy sauce. This spoils the texture of the rice that I've worked so hard to create and overwhelms the delicately seasoned rice. At my sushi bar, I add just the right amount and type of soy sauce to the fish in each piece of sushi, so there's no need to add more. This small blast of heady saltiness snaps your palate to attention, getting it ready for the subtle flavors of the fish and rice. If you must add more, however, please invert your sushi and let the fish graze the sauce. And, please, don't mix wasabi into your soy sauce. I've noticed that many American diners practice an identical ritual when their sushi arrives. I've watched them nab a wad of wasabi with their chopsticks and plunge it into their dish of soy sauce. Ideally, the sweet bite of the wasabi tucked under the fish and the rich, salty slick of soy on top should meet each other in the mouth, not before. This creates an exciting friction that's lost when they are combined into a murky sauce. And it's up to the skilled sushi chef to add the appropriate amount of wasabi for the strength of the fish. Eat the pickled ginger between bites of sushi, not with bites of sushi. The pickled ginger ( gari ) that accompanies sushi is especially tasty when it's homemade. Yet it does not belong draped over sushi, where it overshadows the other flavors. Instead, it's meant to be eaten between pieces of sushi its pleasant astringency and sweet-tart tang rejuvenates your palate, preparing you for the next exciting sensation. Like all Japanese food, sushi is meant to be experienced with all the senses. You see the vivid red of tuna next to stark white squid and bright orange sea urchin; you smell the soy; you hear the snap of your teeth biting through crisp nori. So why shouldn't you eat each piece of sushi with your hands, to feel the warm, sticky rice and weight of the fish? It is perfectly acceptable, though personally, since I'm usually watching, I prefer the elegance of chopsticks. Finally, don't nibble my sushi. I've carefully determined the proportions of fish, rice, and wasabi in each piece of sushi to create the perfect mouthful, so I want my customers to eat it in just one bite. Many of my customers are reluctant to do this, and ask whether I can cut each piece in half. I say, "Sure, as long as you put both pieces in your mouth at once!" | 0 | 1,751 | foodanddrink |
Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum and more stylish stars at airports When you're a celebrity who is photographed everywhere you go, regular old leggings and T-shirts aren't gonna fly as fashionable when traveling across the globe. So it's not surprising that many A-listers don their most stylish getups while flying the friendly skies. Let's check out some great airport style, starting with Taylor Swift who left Japan on Nov. 8, 2014, in high-waisted jeans, suspenders and a horse sweater! Keep clicking to see more stars take their style to the sky ... Julianne Hough stayed fashionable in all black with booties and a bright burgundy hat while carrying her dogs through LAX airport in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2014. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked flawless in leather pants, an oversize sweater and a wide-brimmed hat while arriving in Los Angeles on Nov. 10, 2014. Khloe Kardashian looked fashionably bundled up in this sweater-jacket combo at the Los Angeles International Airport. on Nov. 11, 2014. Jessica Chastain added a pop color to her black airport ensemble with a blue scarf and a bold pink lip in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2014. Nicole Scherzinger looked super-chic in a hat, trench coat and a black-and-white jumpsuit at Heathrow Airport on Nov. 10, 2014. Kim Kardashian donned all black to catch a flight out of New York on Nov. 7, 2014. Kate Bosworth and Michael Polish dressed up their outfits with big jackets while leaving LAX airport in Los Angeles on Oct. 30, 2014. Heidi Klum opted for casual and comfortable with this hooded sweatshirt when she landed at the Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 2, 2014. Leave it to Lady Gaga to travel through Europe in a pencil skirt, bra and sweater! Isla Fisher looked comfortable in her colorful wrap sweater and jeans to catch a flight out of LAX airport on Nov. 5, 2014. Eva Longoria kept things simple in a funky leggings, a tight sweater and sandals while trekking through LAX airport on Oct. 27, 2014. Emma Watson wore simple neutrals and an easy carry-all over-the-shoulder bag at the Los Angeles International airport on Nov. 1, 2014. Marion Cotillard opted for all black, a blue felt hat and sneakers to catch a flight to Los Angeles on Nov. 6, 2014. Tara Reid looked as happy as could be in her leather jacket, booties and bright pink top to catch a flight out of Los Angeles on Nov. 8, 2014. | 6 | 1,752 | entertainment |
Hottest International Men Hemsworth brothers: Australia Hollywood: It's the center of the celebrity universe. But as much as we adore what its American stars have to offer, we're quite fond of the foreigners who've found success here as well. To mark International Men's Day on Nov. 19, we're celebrating these non-natives who hail from countries across the globe, starting with ... the Hemsworths. Liam Hemsworth (left), Luke Hemsworth and Chris Hemsworth were born in Melbourne, Victoria, and raised in the Outback before launching acting careers. Although Chris now has a place in Los Angeles, he recently insisted to the Herald Sun Weekend that "Australia is home -- it's where my friends and family are." Keep clicking for more of our favorite international men ... Jamie Dornan: Northern Ireland He may be mortified by his past as a male model, but we're not ashamed to admit we were fans of Jamie Dornan -- who hails from Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom -- long before he was thrilling audiences as a serial killer in BBC America's crime drama "The Fall." We also can't wait to see him play a billionaire sex maniac in "Fifty Shades of Grey" -- especially after seeing him all suited up for recent reshoots . Sam Heughan: Scotland "I'm very lucky. I had a great childhood," says "Outlander" hunk Sam Heughan -- who was born and raised in Scotland , where the hit Starz series is preparing to shoot Season 2 -- talking to Access Hollywood of his bucolic youth. "I was brought up in the countryside and I also spent a lot of time playing outdoors and in the woods, and you use your imagination a lot. I spent [a lot] of time pretending I was Robert the Bruce or King Arthur. I still desperately want a sword." Alexander Skarsgard: Sweden Long before Alexander Skarsgard started filming "Tarzan" -- or played a sexy, smoldering vampire on HBO's "True Blood" -- he trained in the army in his native Sweden. "I hated it most of the time, because a lot of the guys I served with wanted to be James Bond," the Stockholm-born-and-raised actor told the Telegraph. "I was a hippie, but it was good for me." Luke Evans: Wales Thanks to his roles in "Clash of the Titans, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" and his latest, "Dracula Untold," Wales-born actor Luke Evans has become a familiar face when it comes to action-adventure period fare. But did you know he's also one hell of a singer? The actor -- who used to share a vocal coach with Welsh vocalist Charlotte Church -- spent most of his 20s performing in West End musicals in London before he found fame in Hollywood. Idris Elba: England The son of African immigrants, Idris Elba was born in London's Hackney neighborhood and worked a slew of odd jobs before making it big on TV's "The Wire" -- and now as a movie star. The gigs on his non-acting resume include work as a bartender, a wedding deejay, a comedy club doorman, and factory worker at Ford's London assembly plant. Demián Bichir: Mexico Demián Bichir, who hails from a family of well-known actors in his native Mexico, had been a huge star for decades by the time American audiences really took notice: He was nominated for an Oscar in 2011 for his critically lauded role in the drama "A Better Life." He also earned praise for his most recent high-profile project, FX's "The Bridge," opposite Diane Krueger. Michael Fassbender: Germany The "X-Men" star was born in Germany -- his father's homeland -- but when he was 2, he moved with his family to his mother's native Ireland. Although he spoke German for his role in "Inglourious Basterds," he's admitted he's not as fluent as he'd like. "I can chat in German and watch a film in German," he told Irish Central, "but my spoken German is rusty." Steven Yeun: South Korea "Walking Dead" star Steven Yeun immigrated from his native South Korea to Canada when he was 5, but soon moved to Michigan, where he grew up and went to college before moving again to Chicago -- where he was a member of the famous "Second City" improv comedy group. Drake: Canada Drake, who was born and raised in Toronto, found fame as an actor on "Degrassi: The Next Generation" before he reinvented himself as a Grammy-winning rapper. He's admitted that his unique background raised eyebrows when he was launching his music career. "It wasn't like on my mix-tape cover, it just said, like, 'the new Canadian, half-black, Jewish [rapper],'" he told Canada's "The National." "People had to go find out about me. And when they did, it made the story even more interesting." Keith Urban: New Zealand Everyone thinks Keith Urban is an Aussie, but nope -- technically, he's a Kiwi. The country music star was born in New Zealand, where he lived until he was 2 (his family moved to Australia after that). These days, he splits his time between homes in Nashville and Los Angeles, where he's a judge on "American Idol." Gilles Marini: France Before Gilles Marini found international fame as a model -- and broke out as an actor as Samantha's gorgeous (and naked) neighbor Dante in the first "Sex and the City" movie -- he served in the French Army and worked as a firefighter in Paris. William Levy: Cuba Spanish-language TV fans knew about model-turned-actor William Levy for years thanks to his roles on successful telenovelas by the time American audiences finally caught on and got to know the Cuba-born star when he competed -- and placed third -- on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2012. Ricky Martin: Puerto Rico Ricky Martin was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he famously joined boy band Menudo as a teen in the '80s before finding enormous international success with his solo career. These days, he still keeps a home in his home country, but primarily lives with his twin sons in New York City and Sydney, Australia, where he's a coach on "The Voice." Antonio Banderas: Spain Following his split from Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas has declared his hope to return to his native country and shoot more films in his first language, Spanish. "I'm looking to come home and make movies here," he said at a news conference promoting his movie "Automata" in September 2014. "I want to do more films from my own country. I recognize the talent here and I really believe in my people," he added. | 6 | 1,753 | entertainment |
Nothing feels better than when you give someone you care about the totally perfect present. The challenge to achieving that feeling is actually finding the ideal gift. Teenagers can sometimes be tricky to shop for, especially since they're going through so many major transitions in their lives. Lucky for you, we have found all kinds of affordable products that teens will adore. Check out all 50 of our finds for under $50! Suction Cup Bluetooth Speaker ($30) 2015 Wood Block Standing Calendar ($38) The Art of Discovery Book ($45) Magic Emotiball ($16) Festival Kit ($24) Happy Jackson Yay! Lunch Box ($11) Tattly Temporary Tattoos ($5) iPhone 5 Chips Silicon Case ($23) Emergency Money Box ($14) Black Stripe Thermal Mug ($18) Catapult Game ($9) Daisy Drinker ($10) Printed Buffalo Journal ($13) Styles' Style Mug ($15) A2 Chalkboard ($30) That January Feeling Shirt ($28) The Grumpy Guide to Life Book ($17) Herschel Supply Co. Parker Backpack ($40, originally $50) Mi-Pac Gumballs Pencil Case ($15) Desktop Air Hockey ($40) 2015 Planner ($17) Happy Plugs Earbud Headphones ($25) Sort-It-Out Wipe-Off Board Wall Caddy ($46) Wesley Bird Not All Who Wander Are Lost Art Print ($24) Dancing Water Speakers ($40 for two) It's a Punderful Life Book ($15) Fisheye Phone Lens ($20) Magnet Board ($48) Magical Thinking Skull Bank ($24) Pinch Provisions Stud Minimergency Kit ($15) iPhone Case and Notebad ($28) Nail Polish Organizer ($39) Moustache Pencils ($16) iPhone Alarm Dock ($40) Retro Handset ($28, originally $43) Ticket Stub Diary ($12) Recycled Canvas Laptop Case ($36) Sport Armband ($18) Seeing Hearts Pillow ($25) Gilded Portable Charger ($40) The Selfie Camera Remote ($20) Cassette Earphone Splitter ($5) Orla Kiely Mini Candle Gift Set ($44) The Break-Up Activity Book ($15) 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School Book ($7, originally $11) Polaroid Dude Bluetooth Wireless Speaker ($30, originally $50) The Sharper Image Candy Dispenser ($35, originally $50) Panoramic Pic Pod Mount ($28) Moon in My Room Light ($36) Acid Etched Letter ($12) | 4 | 1,754 | lifestyle |
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio did something rare Monday morning. Less than 36 hours after the Spartans fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes, he watched the film one more time. It's something he only does after big games: MSU's 2011 Big Ten Championship loss to Wisconsin, OSU's 2003 loss to Michigan that spoiled the Buckeyes' National Championship hopes. Dantonio needed to double check. He had to make sure his players gave their best effort, that not once did they give up in the 49-37 loss. "I put the film back on and looked at it differently in a different alignment of things just to ask myself and answer to myself, were we playing hard?" Dantonio said. "Were we competing? Did we quit? And the answer is no, we kept playing, and we were playing hard through the very end. That's what you ask your players to do, and they did that." There's no doubt that the loss was a disappointment. The Spartans had high hopes and aspirations, and greater expectations lead to greater disappointments if unsuccessful. Failure is inevitable through all walks of life, though. And oftentimes you'll learn more about yourself, the ones next to you, your leader, or who you're leading after failure. It's how you respond that reveals your true character, which is what every player on MSU's roster is going through as the team regroups for Saturday's game against Maryland. "It's very important that when things go poorly for us, that we do respond," Dantonio said. "That's very important to the structure and to the overall philosophy of this program. It goes beyond winning and losing." It will only get better or worse for the Spartans moving forward, and Dantonio was assured by his players that he can expect the former. MSU shouldn't have any trouble rebounding against the Terrapins. Maryland ranks sixth in the Big Ten in scoring offense and seventh in passing offense, and 12th in total defense. Quarterback C.J. Brown leads the team in rushing with 380 yards, but will be without his top receiver against MSU. Junior Stefon Diggs will miss Saturday's game due to a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct against MSU. He ranks second in the conference in receptions. The matchup marks the first Big Ten meeting between the two teams, and their first game since 1950. While it's an unfamiliar team in unfamiliar territory, Dantonio is looking forward to seeing a lot of green and white sprinkled through Maryland's blackout. "I would expect there would be a lot of Spartan fans there from the East Coast," Dantonio said. "I would think there are going to be a lot of people there that are going to make that drive to Maryland, whether you're from New York or wherever. But we'll see. So it will be an exciting atmosphere, I know that." After a disappointing loss to the Buckeyes, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see the Spartans make a dominant statement against the Terrapins. They have nothing to lose, and still so much to play for. "First of all, the season is not done yet," Dantonio said. "You just don't know what can happen because there is a lot of parity in college football today, but even beyond that we've got a lot to play for. Our hopes are to be a Power Six football team in terms of playing in one of those games." The Spartans still might be able to achieve that. It will all depend on how they respond to the recent adversity, and they'll get their first chance to do so Saturday. | 1 | 1,755 | sports |
France number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga admitted it was with "fear and excitement" he was anticipating their Davis Cup final clash against Switzerland later this month. Tsonga, ranked 12th in the world, was named by captain Arnaud Clement on Tuesday in a five-man team with no surprises to contest the final in Lille from November 21-23. Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet, Julien Benneteau and Gilles Simon were recalled after helping France beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in the semi-finals in September. "It's a childhood dream that I'm living, there is just one step to go but it's a relatively high step," said Tsonga. "I hope that I will be at the highest level and we're going to fulfil the challenge that awaits us," added the former Australian Open finalist. "We're thinking every day about the matches against (Roger) Federer and (Stan) Wawrinka and each training session will help us be ready for the final. It is a combination of fear and excitement." Tsonga is training alongside 19th-ranked Monfils, Gasquet, ranked 27, and Simon (21) in Bordeaux and could be joined by Benneteau this week should he suffer an early elimination from the ATP Tour Finals in London where he is playing the doubles with Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Clement revealed the close unity amongst the squad and how preparations so far have gone nicely to plan. "Honestly, the bonds between them are very, very strong. You can feel that they're happy to be back together in this kind of environment and chasing the same objective," said Clement. "It's going to be a great experience for them and unforgettable I'm sure. "They all arrived (at the camp) in good shape and have been playing on clay which is good and they got into training straight away with a great deal of intensity. We need to build up slowly so that we're completely ready to go for the first match. "It's also about the quality of our preparation, to look after themselves physically, get the right treatment and eat and drink properly. There are a lot of little details that could make the difference," added Clement. Swiss captain Severin Luethi named his team last week for the indoor tie on clay at the 27,000-seater Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in the northern French city of Lille. World number two Federer and fourth-ranked Wawrinka, who are also playing the ATP Tour Finals, will be joined by Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer, ranked 198th and 513th respectively. The draw for the France-Swiss tie will take place on November 20. Until then both teams have the option of changing two of their five players. It will be the 13th meeting between both countries with France leading 10-2, having won their last meeting in 2004. France have won the Davis Cup nine times, most recently in 2001, but also reached the 2010 final where they were beaten 3-2 by a Serbia side led by world number one Novak Djokovic in Belgrade. Switzerland have never lifted the famous trophy and came closest to victory in 1992 when they were beaten 3-1 in the final by the United States. | 1 | 1,756 | sports |
Photo: Moises Saman/Magnum Photos. A new collection of photos from the Magnum archives is currently up for grabs. Photographers apart of the exclusive collective challenged one another to dig up some of their never-before-seen work and breathe new life into it. It's not that these photographs were lacking life; they just weren't the "one" in the moment. But, hindsight, as we all know, is 20/20 and can reveal things we might have missed back when push came to shove. The 37 photographs from Magnum's Archive Dive Square Sale (a preview can be found on Instagram) highlight the importance of constantly reviewing our own work and the way we view the world. Dipping our feet in the past (or thumbing through it on our phones) is one of the more powerful means of comprehending the here and now. The following 15 photographs and stories challenge the "Insta" world we're currently immersed in. These photographers aren't seeking to illustrate the current mood, but curate an identity that has a longer shelf-life something timeless. Perhaps they'll inspire you to go back through your own archive of images and #latergram a few moments that aren't just beautiful, but moments that endure. Photo: Moises Saman/Magnum Photos. "This photograph was taken in Kabul in the fall of 2003, during a parade in honor of the late Afghan commander Ahmad Shah Massoud. Massoud, the leader of the Northern Alliance and a fervent anti-Taliban commander, was killed by Tunisian Al Qaeda operatives posing as journalists, two days before the 9/11 attacks. The Afghanistan I know is a land of clashing contrasts, of raw beauty; its landscape scarred by centuries of wars fought against foreign armies and with itself. From 2011 to 2010, I have returned over and over again, with the hope of documenting the promise of peace and prosperity made by the latest invading powers. I soon realized the fragility of this promise. I found Afghanistan staring at a precipice, its free fall toward anarchy gaining strength throughout the country and no longer confined to the Pashto-speaking provinces where the Taliban was born and remains entrenched." Moises Saman Photo: Micha Bar-Am/Magnum Photos. "In 1966, while working on a feature about a Picasso exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, I recorded the pre-opening preparations and observed a moment: One of the cleaners stopped, puzzled, in front of the Picassos. I think that this is an image that can be universally understood, but with a grain of salt. I never chose this image in edits before because it seemed to me that it felt posed the composition was a little too perfect. But believe me, it was a lucky moment." Micha Bar-Am Photo: Christopher Anderson/Magnum Photos. "I took this picture of Marion in Croatia around 2003. We were having breakfast the morning after a quarrel, and her eyes are puffy from crying. At the time, it was a journal entry or a way to remember a moment. It did not cross my mind that pictures of my personal life would become so much a part of my work. Years later I would photograph my family in color and that would become my book, SON. While making that book, I looked back through my archives with new eyes, and pictures like this seemed charged with new and richer meaning than I was able to recognize at the time." Christopher Anderson Photo: Bruce Gilden/Magnum Photos. "When I was 22 or 23, I took a semester long photography course. We had an assignment, and I decided I want to follow Santa Claus. At the time, there were all these guys around New York dressing up as Santa for Volunteers of America, and they'd collect donations outside Macy's and similar locations. After they'd collect, they'd head back to the volunteers headquarters on Houston Street and go out drinking most of the Santas were alcoholics. I took this picture because in my head, I remember thinking, 'Why is Santa taking the A train. Where is his sleigh?' Later, I took this photograph to an editor at The New York Times, and he loved it, but said it's 'Too late to publish for Christmas.' Well, I missed the boat that Christmas, so I guess I'll catch the boat 46 years later." Bruce Gilden Photo: Jean Gaumy/Magnum Photos. "This was photo was taken on the set of L'important c'est d'aimer by Andrei Zulawski in 1974 It was my first film set. I had only one year of professional photography behind me, and I was just finishing university. With Kinski, there was also Romy Shneider, Jacques Dutronc, Fabio Testi, and more. All these prestigious figures made me feel quite intimidated as a beginner, but I was so fascinated, watching in silence what was unfolding in front of me. I discovered amazing intricacies that existed between the mood of the film and the inner psychology of the actors during the shooting. I ended up unable to completely differentiate between what was emotionally happening in the fictional film, and what was happening with the real life actors. Andrei Zulawski has always excelled in handling this kind of situation. The film crew and producers had given me almost full 'carte blanche,' so I was left alone with the actors. Kinski fascinated me most his sudden moods swings, from very calm to incredibly violent. He was struggling with his demons and playing with the struggle. With me, he was attentive and kind. It was while the crew was setting up the lights that Kinski began to improvise this moment, began to play. It weighed on me, the mood he inhabited a few moments after this frame was made. After the take ended, he got up and walked away slowly towards the bedroom window. He cried. We both stayed silent." Jean Gaumy Photo: Carl De Keyzer/Magnum Photos. "While working on God, Inc., my project in the U.S. about religion and nationalism (1990-1991), I occasionally photographed non-religious subjects just to stay in shape. During Bike Week in Daytona Beach, I was following a group of biker preachers when I stumbled upon this girl in a tattoo shop. She was standing half naked in the window, probably looking in the mirror after the tattoo was done. I was not the only one who had spotted her." Carl De Keyzer Photo: Richard Kalvar/Magnum Photos. "At a car wash in the suburbs of Paris, I saw this poor woman locked in a car, just as the giant rollers were about to swallow the vehicle. She looked familiar; she was, in fact, my wife. I could never put this picture with my personal work, because there was a certain complicity between me and the subject. To maintain my credibility, my photos must be 'found,' which wasn't quite the case here, so the picture has remained lonely and neglected. But I like it anyway; would you care to give it a home?" Richard Kalvar Photo: Constantine Manos/Magnum Photos. "This picture was made in 1981 in Daytona Beach, Florida, during Spring Break at a favored gathering place for the visiting college students one of the large swimming pools of the big oceanfront hotels. As it happened, I was in the right place at the right time. These two boys appeared on the diving board wrapped in their towels, which they suddenly brandished in the air, revealing the fact that they wore no swimsuits. The poolside crowd screamed with delight and the boys jumped into the water. This is one of the wonderful things about photography, being able and ready to push the button and capture a charming moment which has never been seen before and will never be seen again. The picture has never been published, as so, to an extent, has gone unseen until now." Constantine Manos Photo: David Alan Harvey/Magnum Photos. "Most of the photographs I make are personal pictures and never end up in print. Even the magazines I shoot for on assignment publish very few of the actual selects. Sometimes these personal pictures will end up in a book of my work. Oftentimes, however, they are simply photographs which I hope resonate, yet rarely find a publication home. I do a lot of personal work in Rio de Janeiro, and this of a parkour artist making a jump on Ipanema Beach is such a moment." David Alan Harvey Photo: Peter Marlow/Magnum Photos. "With a group commission from The Department de La Somme, and two borrowed medium format Plaubel cameras from a fellow Magnum member, Chris Steele Perkins, I went to Amiens with great trepidation. I found myself in a French City that I had never ever heard of, other than that it played a significant role in the first World War. I found a place where precisely nothing was going on. I had been working reasonably successfully covering news in over sixty countries as a photojournalist, but I felt something was missing: While my pictures were good enough for the market and the magazines I was working for, they were not good enough for 'me.' I felt the work I was doing was rather flat, characterless and generic. I was getting to understand how light worked, but I felt there was a lack of subtlety in the images, as they were either black or white, but with few tones in between. In the larger negative format, it was a revelation that I could now resolve the gentler in-between tones, and I was really excited about the results. From the seed of this lack of action, I realized that what I needed to do was to simply look, and try to remove from the equation the plans, the story-line, the juxtapositions, that had become the standard toolbox of the photojournalist. Deep down, I knew instinctively that 'authorship' and a unique style could sustain me through a whole career, and I felt I had finally found the way forward that might stay with me for life. All the fear of explaining, and expecting things to happen, were replaced with the excitement of simply looking and discovering. The smallest things became the largest, I no longer needed events to make work I was happy with, I could make photographs literally anywhere. Freed from this anxiety, I found I could create something out of nothing, and so I took it 'on the road' and applied the same approach all the work I have done ever since. Thank you, Amiens!" Peter Marlow Photo: Abbas/Magnum Photos. "The sun set on a soft summer afternoon in Djerba…Jordan and Harley dance with the light…granddad suspended the moment but kept it secret until today." Abbas Photo: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum Photos. "I made a small project in the late 1970s on community festivals in London. At the time I was involved with a group called Exit working on a large project about Inner City poverty, and photographing street festivals was a sort of antidote: lighten up, have fun and be weird. I had no great ambitions for the photos. They were a part of an ongoing exploration of England and some of them were published in a small but influential photographic magazine called Creative Camera, as well as some other general interest magazines. Time moves on, and earlier this year someone selected this image from a rather random collection of prints, many of which had never been digitized, in the Magnum London archive. This was for an exhibition in Brighton. It surprised me, then I looked at the photo again and thought that it's really not too bad. In fact, it's pretty interesting and a touch strange, so that's why it is here, 40 years after I took it." Chris Steele-Perkins Photo: Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos. "In 1946, I was 18-years-old and certain that I would become a professional photographer. While still in public school, I managed to save enough to buy my first serious camera a Rolleiflex with which I shot all my pictures for several years at belly level. Eventually, I moved up to eye level, shooting where I still am with modern cameras. Recently, while looking in to my old proof sheets and seeing pictures I had taken over 60 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised at what I shot while still a teenager. The picture of a window washer taken 68 years ago is one of those 'found' images and a small part of a rescue from the depths of my archive." Elliott Erwitt Photo: Larry Towell/Magnum Photos. "I found this picture after perusing my work among the Mennonites of Mexico, some 2,000 rolls of film shot over a period of 10 years. Only 120 pictures ever made it into the book. La Honda colony was one of the few that actually had electricity, if you had money. I was visiting Frank Klassen and his wife, whose name escapes me at the moment. They were landless, unemployed, poverty stricken, and were planning on finding their way to Canada in search of farm work. His wife bummed a cigarette. We smoked at the kitchen table by the light of a kerosene lamp. Then we went outside and I took their picture as the moon was rising." Larry Towell | 4 | 1,757 | lifestyle |
TUESDAY, Nov. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Children have healthier diets when their parents place restrictions on what they can eat and train them to control their impulses, a new study suggests. The University at Buffalo researchers analyzed data from almost 9,000 American children whose self-regulation was assessed at age 2. The children's diets and parental food rules were then checked at age 4. "Parents can make a difference here by training young children to self-regulate, and also by setting food rules in the home," study senior author Xiaozhong Wen, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, said in a university news release. "We found that the combination of parental rules and young children's ability to self-regulate their behaviors works best in teaching young children to eat healthy," Wen said. The study was presented in Boston recently at Obesity Week, the annual meeting of weight-loss surgeons and other obesity specialists. "In adults and adolescents, self-regulation, emotional eating and obesity have been well-studied, but there is very little information about the role that self-regulation plays in young childhood obesity," Wen said. "We found that children who were able to self-regulate at 2 years old had healthy eating habits by the time they were 4 years old, so long as their parents also set rules about the right types of foods to eat. We found that self-regulation by itself, without parental food rules, made little difference in children's later eating habits," Wen concluded. Study co-author Neha Sharma, a recent graduate from the university's department of psychology, added, "It is amazing to see that a parental rule about which types of food a child can and cannot eat could have such a great impact on child eating habits." Sharma suggested in the news release that "without these boundaries set by caregivers, the benefits of high self-regulation on weight gain and childhood obesity could be diminished. This illustrates just how important parental involvement is in influencing child eating habits." More information The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about child nutrition . | 7 | 1,758 | health |
My children are seven and five. I love life with "big kids" but I would be a liar if I didn't say that sometimes, I pine for their baby and toddler years. It was sweet to have a little baby snuggled on my chest or a tiny human grabbing my hand and hanging on for dear life. These days, my kids run off without me and play on their own and I am left to my own devices. It still makes me a bit sad that I am not as needed as I once was but when it comes down to it, there are a lot of perks to your kids getting older and becoming more independent. If you can get past being sad that they are done being babies, then you will recognize the things that are wonderful about life with older children in your family. Here are my very favorite perks of life with big kids: 1. No More Car Cart. Oh, the freaking car cart. Basically, a rolling germ mobile and also, an 18-wheeler that no one can maneuver gracefully between the aisles . I do love my Wegman's but their constant availability of car carts made shopping with my little ones total hell- once they spotted one, good luck telling them no. Now, they are too big to fit. SWEET FREEDOM. 2. They Wipe Their Own Butts. Mostly. While my 5-year old still has the occasional sticky situation, we are pretty much done wiping their butts. I don't think I have to elaborate about why this is awesome. 3. They Can Talk To You. Yes, this can be a double-edged sword. My kids can get super chatty and if I zone out, they catch it and then, start their whole tale over again. The plus side is this means hardly any tantrums because we can talk about whatever is bothering them. Phew. 4. They Are Fun To Hang Out With. Sure, babies and toddlers can be very fun but my kids are now at an age where I find them genuinely entertaining. If you ever saw my son dance or witnessed my daughter's amazingly dry sense of humor, you would know what I mean. 5. They Get Themselves Dressed. I have their clothes arranged in their drawers in a way that makes it easy for them to find and put on their own outfits. Yelling out "GUYS! Go get dressed for school!" and having them actually do it is pretty sweet. 6. You Can Make Them Do Chores. I am no tyrant, but my kids are more than capable of helping out around the house . I am proud to say that they are great about keeping their own rooms picked up and putting away their laundry after I fold it. My 7-year old even feeds the dog and takes him out after school. Learning to empty the dishwasher is our next project. 7. Their Sports And Activities Are Fun To Watch. Of course, toddlers chasing a soccer ball are pretty cute but this past spring, we saw some truly exciting and suspenseful baseball games now that our daughter is old enough to be on a team where they all know what they are doing. 8. They Can Shower On Their Own. After years of back-breaking baths and rinsing my daughter's mane of thick hair, I am happy to say that with minimal assistance, my kids now shower on their own. I still miss baby bath-time but my Old Lady back pain does not! 9. They Want To Play Games That Are Actually Fun. No more miserable Candyland and Chutes and Ladders - now, we do Uno, Monopoly and Connect 4. Huge upgrades. 10. "Get In The Car And Buckle Up, Guys!" No more wrangling into car seats. Enough said. | 4 | 1,759 | lifestyle |
Every retail worker has had one of these customers! | 8 | 1,760 | video |
September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day. Try these 10 burger, side and shake recipes to complete the meal. Beer-Battered Onion Rings A flavorful batter infused with honey, paprika, and lager beer is the secret to these crunchy onion rings. Head here for the recipe. Lamb Sliders with Feta Cheese, Red Onions and Cumin Mayonnaise These lamb sliders were inspired by the lamb burger at The Breslin in NYC, the gastropub owned by British chef, April Boomfield. The salty feta is the perfect accompaniment to the meaty lamb. Head here for the recipe. Roast Calabaza Salad, Pepitas, Ricotta Salata Cheese Butternut squash works nicely in this recipe--a healthy side dish for your burger. Head here for the recipe. Blue Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burger Use turkey for a low-fat option. Head here for the recipe. Blueberry Pie Milkshake This recipe comes from the Hamburg Inn No. 2 in Iowa City, Iowa. Head here for the recipe. Sweet Potato Fries The pale yellow, thin-skinned sweet potato and the moister, orange-fleshed American 'yam' (which is not really a yam, but another kind of sweet potato) both work swell for these alternatives to conventional French fries. Head here for the recipe. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger with Roasted Ricotta, Basil, and Cherry Tomatoes Vegetarian's in the house? Try this meatless option. Head here for the recipe. Brussels Sprout Chips with Sweet Chile Sauce Tossing crisp-friend Brussels sprout leaves in a spicy Thai-flavored dressing spiked with yuzu juice, sesame oil, and sriracha enlivens the old standby. Head here for the recipe. The Burger Lover's Burger Grinding your own meat gives you total control over your burger. To further enhance the meat's juiciness and flavor, brine the steaks overnight before you grind them. Head here for the recipe. Banana Caramel and Sea Salt Milkshake A modern take on the classic milkshake. Head here for the recipe . | 0 | 1,761 | foodanddrink |
Don't mind me. Just wearing aviators 24/7. | 8 | 1,762 | video |
If you love Disney as much as us, chances are you have a few loved ones who are a little obsessed as well. Whether your friends and family are all about princesses or Pixar, we found 35 gifts that grown-up Disney fans will go crazy for. You would be surprised by just how many products have a touch of the most magical brand on earth. Pocahontas Tank Top ($22) Ariel's Voice Seashell Necklace ($16) Disney Art Print ($20) Evil Queen Tote Bag ($22) The Storm Inside Phone Case ($35) Muppet Alphabet Wall Clock ($30) Disney Sleeping Beauty Cherry Lip Balm ($4) The Nightmare Before Christmas Mug ($15) Beautifully Disney Lip Gloss Palette ($20) Disney Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Bow Longline Bra ($23) Tinker Bell Charm Bracelet ($99) Disney Tangled Sketch Floral Flap Wallet ($15) Disney Lilo & Stitch Burnished Silver Earrings ($6) Disney Minnie Mouse No-Show Socks ($15, set of five) Peter Pan and Wendy Darling Laptop Case ($30) Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Pom Beanie ($20) Alice in Wonderland Hair Brush ($8) The Lion King Faux Thigh High Tights ($15) Belle Long-Sleeve Shirt ($28) Lady and the Tramp Disney Print ($12) Disney Cinderella Sketch Sticker ($3) Frozen Olaf Girls Hoodie ($55) Disney Princesses Throw Pillow ($20) Disney Aladdin Jasmine Tattoo Girls Pullover Top ($29) Disney Bambi Shoes ($55) Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Fine Strap Memories Watch ($123) Disney Minnie Mouse Flower Ears Aliceband ($34) Minnie Mouse Plush Sleep Mask ($10) Haunted Mansion Musical Jewelry Box ($50) Beautifully Disney Mini Nail Polish Set ($25) Disney Characters Sweatshirt ($59) Disney Snow White Apple Teapot ($43) Winnie the Pooh Honey Pot Necklace ($109) Monsters Inc. Tablet Case ($60) Disney Villains Compact Mirror ($17) | 4 | 1,763 | lifestyle |
The Black Friday rush is officially on with Best Buy releasing its gigantic online sale catalog for the post Thanksgiving shopping event. Best Buy stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. for early Black Friday deals, and stores will reopen Friday, Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is a lot that'll be included in Best Buy's Black Friday sale, so we've parsed out some of our favorites and the biggest steals. Don't forget to compare 'em to Target's electronics deals too. TVs Sony 55" 2160p 4K LED TV ($1,500, originally $3,000) Samsung Curved 55" 4K LED TV ($1,300, originally $2,200) Panasonic 50" 1080p LED HDTV ($200, originally $550) Samsung 55" 2160p 4K LED TV ($900, originally $1400) LG 55" 1080p LED HDTV ($480, originally $650) Insignia 29" 720p LED HDTV ($100, originally $170) Vizio 50" 1080p LED HDTV ($500, originally $700) And many, many more TVs Phones iPhone 6 16GB ($100 with 2-year contract, originally $200) iPhone 5S 16GB ($1 with 2-year contact) Samsung Galaxy S5 ($1 with 2-year contract, originally $200) LG G3 ($1 with 2-year contract, originally $200) Sony Xperia T2 ($200 unlocked, originally $300) Select Mophie Juice Packs and Battery Cases ($60, originally $100) Lifeproof Fre Waterproof Cases ($50, originally $80) Tablets iPad Air 2, $100 off all GB models iPad Mini 3, $75 off all GB models Microsoft Surface 2 32GB ($300, originally $450) Cameras Canon Rebel T3i DSLR Camera with two lenses ($500, originally $900) GoPro Hero 3+ Silver Edition Camera ($250, originally $300) | 4 | 1,764 | lifestyle |
Teen Alex Lee became a star after an off-the-cuff photo became a social media phenomenon. Here's TheWrap's list of people who rode the wave of viral popularity. Alex Lee, a 16-year-old bag boy at a Dallas Target store, became known simply as "Alex From Target" after a customer snapped his picture and posted it on Twitter. Lee became an overnight Internet sensation and landed a one-on-one with Ellen DeGeneres. Alex Minsky went viral after his modeling shots hit the web. An Afghanistan vet, Minksy lost a leg after his Humvee ran over a roadside bomb. Instead of hiding his prosthesis, Minsky flaunted it on camera. His pictures became so popular, the California native was invited to New York to sit down with the ladies of "The View." Chris Crocker, the boy in front of bedsheets tearfully begging people to "Leave Britney (Spears) alone!" got his big break after his video garnered an astounding 4 million views in two days. The YouTube clip inspired dozens of parodies by big-name celebs. He signed a show deal with Logo TV and has since proudly made a transition into gay porn. Antoine Dodson was interviewed by a local TV crew after an intruder attempted to rape his sister. The interview became an Internet sensation and even got its own auto-tuned song by The Gregory Brothers which sold thousands of copies on iTunes. Jeremy Meeks became "The Hot Mug Shot Guy" after he was arrested on gun and gang-related charges and his mugshot was posted on the Stockton, California police department's website. Women swooned, and Meeks made the news and reportedly signed a modeling contract worth $30,000. Sean Kory hit it big after his own mug shot hit the web. Kory was arrested in Santa Cruz, California in November for allegedly assaulting a man dressed up as a Fox News reporter at a Halloween parade. Chris Kohrs, also known as "The Hot Cop of San Francisco," became a global obsession earlier this year after a stranger on the street snapped his photo. A Facebook page started by one of his fans garnered an eye-popping 50,000 followers in less than a week. EJ Johnson, son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, went viral after paparazzi caught him coming out of a West Hollywood restaurant clutching a Birkin bag while holding hands with a male friend. Johnson landed a lead role in E!'s "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills." Tardar Sauce, better known as "Grumpy Cat," became a Tumblr sensation, soon landing the feline its own movie. | 6 | 1,765 | entertainment |
Increase your vocabulary. And your street cred. | 8 | 1,766 | video |
Cadillac just started teasing its ATS-V today , but the Internet, being the surprise-ruiner that it is, has already leaked photos of the upcoming performance machine. We've already seen the car undisguised before, but now we have GM's own beauty shots snapped in ideal studio lighting. We last saw the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe posing for a photo shoot outdoors, and the car in these photos wears the same wide front valance opening, front grille with air slit, and power-bulge hood with carbon fiber air extractors. We also see the same dark wheels, split five-spoke wheels, quad-tip exhaust, and rear ducktail spoiler. The tires appear to be Michelin Pilot Super Sports, which will be welcome considering other outlets are reporting the ATS-V will get the Cadillac CTS Vsport's twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 tuned to 450 hp. The photos look promising, and if reports of the ATS-V's output are true, the BMW M4 could have something to sweat over. We'll get more details and photos of the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V when it debuts next week at the L.A. auto show. Until then, enjoy these photos. | 9 | 1,767 | autos |
When it's winter, you have two pregnancy workout options: bundle up to brave the elements, or head indoors. Felice Devine, an avid runner in North Greenbush, N.Y., chose the first option. "I had to prepare more for my pregnant runs, but it was so worth it," says Devine, who wore a headlamp in the dark and Yaktrax in the snow, and always carried her cellphone. "Breathing in fresh air helped me avoid falling into the winter doldrums and gave me so much energy," she says. Danielle Federico of San Ramon, Calif., chose workout option two: the gym. "A gym can become such a supportive community during pregnancy," says Federico, who lifted weights, took kickboxing classes and used a stair stepper. "I met tons of people who used saying 'Congratulations' as an icebreaker, and I was encouraged daily with, 'You look great!' and 'You're in better shape than I am!' After I delivered, I couldn't wait to return." Whether you choose to exercise indoors or out, aim for a mix of cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, swimming or stationary cycling, and strengthening, using weights or resistance bands or by doing yoga or Pilates. . Here are tips to keep yourself moving: Take the first step "I encourage my pregnant clients to come to my studio for a workout even if they are feeling down or tired," says Teddi Bryant, a prenatal and postnatal fitness expert and owner of Hot Mamas in Denver. "Afterward, they tell me they feel a weight has been lifted." Need more motivation? Think about your developing baby. "It's definitely harder to work out when it's dark and cold, but I told myself I was doing it for my growing baby," says Debi Silber, the mom of four. "And I knew the more I did, the better I'd feel and the more I'd enjoy my pregnancy. I also wanted to be able to get back into my clothes and show that pregnancy doesn't mean your body can't be fit and sexy again!" Don't overdress "You get hotter when you're pregnant," says Bryant. Even if you're setting out for a walk, follow the rule of thumb for running: Dress as if it's 20 degrees warmer. Wear a wicking base layer, a long-sleeve second layer and then a vest or, if it's particularly cold or windy, a thin jacket. Do quickie strength workouts If you don't have the time or energy for a full-blown workout, make it short. For example, alternate 60 to 90 seconds of squats with 30 to 60 seconds of stretching. "Sixty to 90 seconds is how long labor contractions last, so it mentally prepares you for how long you need to push yourself," says Bryant. Do four to six sets of the squat-stretch combo. Remember to drink When it's cold out, you don't sweat as much as you do in the heat, so it's easy to forget that you need to drink plenty of water. The Right (Exercise) Stuff -Mountain Mama Clouds Rest II Maternity Baselayer Bottoms ($48) keep you warm, dry and comfortable out- doors; the under-the-belly waistband allows you to wear them after pregnancy, too. The Baselayer Maternity Crew Neck ($48) and the Shasta Maternity Fleece Vest ($65) allow for easy layering. mountain-mama.com -Salomon Exit 2 GTX light waterproof hikers have all the cushion and stability a mom-to-be needs when hitting the trails ($100). surfmountain.com -Easton Mountain Products Artica Hike Women's Snowshoes are a cinch to put on and take off, no small feature when you're reaching down over your growing belly ($144). amazon.com -Slip the Yaktrax Pro on the bottom of your athletic shoes for better traction and more confidence when you walk or run on packed snow ($30). yaktrax.com/pro -Easton Mountain Products Hike AL3 Trekking Poles help you maintain your balance when you're feeling huge and unwieldy ($70). eastonmountainproducts.com 4 for the Floor: Try these Workout DVDs -Mega-Fit Momma This workout combines Pilates and yoga to strengthen your entire body, including your core and pelvic floor, and keep you flexible as your pregnancy progresses. $15, shop.livehappilyeveractive.com -Shannon Miller Lifestyle Fit Pregnancy A series of full-body prenatal workouts that combine strength training, core and balance work. There's also a postnatal belly blast section. $20, shannonmillerlifestyle.com -Patricia Friberg Belly Beautiful Workout Volume 1 This challenging prenatal workout uses balls and bands and focuses on core and upper-body strength; moving quickly from one exercise to another increases the car- diovascular benefits. $20, bellybeautifulworkout.com -Let's Dance Together Prenatal Dance Fitness A fun workout combining free-form dance, yoga and breathing to keep you strong, flexible and centered. The labor-prep portion teaches stress-release and mental-focus techniques. $20, letsdancetogether.net | 7 | 1,768 | health |
NASA officials answer questions about Orion, which will run its maiden voyage close to home in hopes of being cleared to be the first manned vehicle to Mars. | 5 | 1,769 | news |
The Florida State Seminoles will have their hands full this Saturday night when they travel to Coral Gables and face their mighty in-state rival Miami. Clinton Portis brings you his top 3 key numbers you need to know before watching the big game! Do the Hurricanes have a chance to knock off the Noles? What's your prediction? Tweet Clinton your thoughts @theACCDN | 1 | 1,770 | sports |
Photographed by Winnie Au. If your hair is toward the curly end of the spectrum, whether it's loose or tightly coiled, you're probably already privy to the fact that moisture is your best friend. It could be in the form of leave-in conditioner or staying away from shampoo with sulfates the more hydration your tresses can receive, the better. And, while you'd hope the sebum in our scalps would provide enough moisture, that's just not the case. That's why oils tend to be the easiest (and most natural, and most versatile) option for curly-haired gals. We enlisted the help of hairstylist Ryan Richman to find out exactly why oils argan, olive, and the rest of 'em rule. "Hair oils are great for conditioning your hair, repairing damaged hair caused by heat, combating a dry scalp, or adding a bit of shine," Richman says. "But, you may have to experiment with a few before finding the right oil for you." Not everybody's curly-haired needs are the same, after all. Ahead, we break down the benefits of five of the most popular oils, along with tips on how to use them and what types of coils they're best for. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page! Photo: Via Bertolli. Olive Oil Olive oil (yep, the kind in your kitchen cabinet) is a surprisingly great tool for dealing with various hair issues. "Loaded with antioxidants, olive oil can promote scalp health and even aid in [preventing] thinning hair and hair loss," says Richman. On top of being an emollient, it also helps to remove sebum buildup, which blocks the hair follicles. Want to try this beauty treatment on for size? Richman says it's great as a mask. Heat the oil in the microwave and thoroughly distribute it to your damp hair and scalp. Then, cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel, and leave the oil in for 10 to 45 minutes. Wash the residue out with a sulfate-free shampoo, and you're good to go. Richman notes that adding other natural products into the mix, like honey and apple-cider vinegar, can only help. "Honey attracts moisture and is full of antioxidants, while apple-cider vinegar acts as a natural conditioner," he says. Photo: Via Life-Flo. Jojoba Oil Widely known for its moisturizing properties, jojoba oil is a holy-grail hair product in the curly and natural-hair community. Richman says it's great for those with thick, unruly hair, but to use it sparingly as it tends to be heavy and weigh down locks. He recommends using it as a split-end remedy by applying a couple of drops to the ends of damp strands. Photo: Via Spectrum. Coconut Oil By now, I'm sure you've grown tired of hearing us wax poetic about the many benefits of coconut oil. Makeup remover? Yeah! Moisturizer? Awesome! And, every curly-haired girl you come across will likely talk your ears off about its hair perks as well. Known for improving hair cuticles, repairing damaged tresses, and helping fight dandruff, Richman says coconut oil works best when used as a hot-oil treatment. "Warm [your jar of] coconut oil in hot water until it becomes a liquid. Then, apply to damp hair," he recommends. "Leave on for at least 30 minutes the longer, the better and lastly, shampoo your hair using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo." Good riddance, dry scalp. Photo: Via One 'n Only. Argan Oil Argan oil is one of those do-it-all beauty ingredients that editors and skin-care enthusiasts alike fawn over. As a moisturizer, it's pretty much a must-have for fall, and it's been praised as being a cuticle saver. And, according to Richman, it's climbing the ladder of products you should start using on your hair, ASAP. "Argan oil has quickly become one of the most popular hair oils for curly hair," Richman says. "It works best as a treatment to add moisture and shine, and to help prevent frizz," he says. "It can also be used after you style. Simply rub a few drops in the palm of your hand, and comb through your hair with your fingers for a healthy, shiny finish." Photo: Via Now Foods. Grapeseed Oil For those addicted to the wonderful ways of olive and coconut oil, but whose hair is on the thinner side, grapeseed is a great, lighter alternative think of it as coconut oil's cool, younger sister. It has high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, which help to keep moisture in your hair. And, like its counterparts, it'll help you fight that dreaded dry scalp. Richman recommends warming up the oil to a comfortable temperature and applying it to your scalp. Using your fingers, rub it in a circular motion, which will help exfoliate the scalp and loosen the skin, while increasing blood flow. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook we'll see you there! | 4 | 1,771 | lifestyle |
It can pay to prepare There's nothing you can do to erase evidence of a lifetime habit of cheeseburgers and cigarettes before a life insurance medical exam. But you can avoid mistakes that lead to false test results and higher life insurance rates. A life insurance medical exam takes about 20 minutes and includes height, weight and blood pressure checks, the collection of a blood or urine sample and a request for medical history. The healthier the measurements and lab results, the lower the premiums you'll pay for coverage. "A lot of people don't think about preparing for the exam," says Jo Steinberg, CEO of Midland Health in Brookfield, Wis., which conducts paramedical exams for Examination Management Services Inc. (EMSI) in southern Wisconsin. "They just show up for an appointment." And that may be problematic because a host of things, from the ordinary to the exotic, can throw off test results. Wacky life insurance exam readings Steinberg recalls a stock broker who couldn't take his eyes off the stock ticker while she conducted the exam in his office. As the market numbers scrolled by, his heart rate and blood pressure went through the roof. "I finally had to pull him away from that," she says. When he couldn't watch the stock market drama, the readings were normal. avoid mistakes before a life insurance medical examBetsy Sears, executive vice president of sales for ExamOne, a Quest Diagnostics Co., has seen false positives for cocaine abuse in coca tea drinkers. Made from coca leaves, the tea is used to treat altitude sickness in the Andes. American travelers bring it back from South America and sip it at home, not realizing the tea metabolizes in the body like cocaine. Years ago, people could test positive for opiate use after eating poppy seeds. Remember the "Seinfeld" episode when Elaine tests positive for opium, and then realizes it's from her favorite poppy seed muffins? Since then, though, the threshold for a positive opiate test has been raised. Although there are some strains of especially potent poppy seeds, you probably won't test positive for opiates from eating baked goods these days, Sears says. Most likely to mess up your results are the following, examiners say. 1. Drinking too much coffee It's probably OK to have your usual cup of Joe the morning of an exam, but gulping down several cups is a bad idea. Avoid any caffeine -- including those "energy shots" -- at least an hour before the exam, says Kim Anderson, senior vice president of EMSI's Insurance Services Division. Stimulants like caffeine boost blood pressure and heart rate. Get a good night's sleep so you don't need a big jolt to get going. 2. Getting stressed out Steinberg has often seen "white coat syndrome" boost blood pressure readings. "People will get nervous when they see that someone with authority is taking their blood pressure," she says. Use relaxation techniques, and spend time in a calm environment. Save the confrontation with your boss for after the exam. 3. Eating when you're supposed to fast Eating before a blood test can elevate triglyceride and glucose readings, Sears says. Follow fasting instructions, and let the technician know if you had anything to eat and when. 4. Doing a killer workout Exercise is good for you over the long haul, but a strenuous workout can spill protein into the urine, Sears says. Even if the elevated protein level is temporary and due to exercise, the insurance company won't know that. High protein levels in urine can indicate kidney problems. EMSI recommends no strenuous exercise at least 12 hours before the exam. 5. Skimping on water "A lot of people are under the false impression if they stay away from fluids, their weight will go down," Steinberg says. But that's not the case, and you should drink plenty of water the day before the exam and a large glass an hour beforehand. "If you're dehydrated, the concentration of your urine can be a bit outside the normal range," Anderson says. "A lot of carriers look for sugar and protein, and those can be elevated if you're dehydrated." Dehydration also makes it tough for you to produce a urine sample and for a phlebotomist to find a vein. "It's like getting blood from a turnip," Steinberg says. 6. Smoking You can't avoid nicotine rates if you're a regular tobacco user -- the evidence will show up in lab tests. But you should still avoid any tobacco at least an hour before an exam, Anderson says. Nicotine is a stimulant and can elevate blood pressure. 7. Getting drunk the night before A customary small glass of wine with dinner is probably OK, Sears says, but don't overdo it. The alcohol could throw off test results for liver function. Anderson advises avoiding all alcohol at least eight hours before the exam. 8. Binging on pretzels and chips Too much salt can lead to dehydration, boost your weight and throw off tests for kidney function. Avoid unusually salty foods 24 hours before the exam. Finally make a list of all the medications you take and bring that with you to the exam, along with identification, your doctors' names and phone numbers and information about your family medical history. The paramedical examiner will likely go over all that information, even if you've already given it to your life insurance agent. | 3 | 1,772 | finance |
Campus Insiders' Doug Chapman explains why the 6th ranked Sun Devils deserve more consideration from the College Football Playoff Committee. | 1 | 1,773 | sports |
Google-owned company Boston Dynamics took some training tips from Mr. Miyagi. | 5 | 1,774 | news |
Ah, the joys of monitoring baseball trade rumors. First, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times reported Tuesday night that the Cubs were exchanging names with the Nationals on a possible deal that would send Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmermann to Chicago. About an hour later, the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan torched Wittenmyer's reporting: Source says Cubs not getting Zimmermann from Nats and haven't exchanged names, as rumored. Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) November 12, 2014 And, just to break the tie, CSN Chicago's Patrick Mooney joined in with Sullivan: Source says #Cubs are not working on a Jordan Zimmermann deal with #Nationals . Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) November 12, 2014 MORE: Nats' Williams named NL Manager of the Year Even before that Windy City newspaper/Internet war broke out, Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington tweeted his skepticism. Major hurdles to a #Nats #Cubs trade getting done. Nats would want a whole lot for Zimmermann. Cubs would want him to sign long-term. Mark Zuckerman (@ZuckermanCSN) November 12, 2014 That's not to say the team don't match up at some level. The Cubs have a surplus of shortstops and second basemen, led by All-Star Starlin Castro and continuing with Javier Baez, Addison Russell and Arismendy Alcantara. Washington would seem to be in the market for a second baseman now that Asdbrubal Cabrera is a free agent. The Cubs need to upgrade their rotation, and Zimmermann would help accomplish that. Earlier in the day, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer told reporters, including SN's Jesse Spector , at the MLB general managers' meetings�he was in "no hurry to do something with that surplus." Specifically,�he was in no rush to deal Castro to the Mets, a trade that has been rumored for months. Zimmermann, 28, would be a strong replacement for the traded Jeff Samardzija in�the Cubs' rotation. Zimmermann�posted a 2.66 ERA (and a career-low�2.68 FIP) with 182 strikeouts in 199 2/3 innings this year. He has made 32 starts in each of the past three seasons. The Nationals have been trying to sign Zimmermann to a contract extension, but the numbers aren't working, so he's on the trade market. He can become a free agent after next season. Wittenmyer also reported that the Cubs are interested in signing free-agent right-hander Justin Masterson to a cheap one-year�contract. Masterson needs to re-establish his market value after a poor 2014 season with the Indians and Cardinals. We'll see how that report holds up. | 1 | 1,775 | sports |
The Vanguard Group founder Jack Bogle on the state of the markets and the best strategies for investors. | 3 | 1,776 | finance |
Starting today, the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 enters production at the historic Ford Rouge Center. First revealed at the 2014 North American International Auto Show , the aluminum-intensive 2015 F-150 is set to take the full-size pickup segment by storm. For nearly four decades, the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America, and the 2015 model looks to continue that record. Since the configurator for the 2015 F-150 went live, Ford reports that more than 250,000 people built their model online. The new F-150 will be the first mass-produced truck to feature a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body, and to help with production, the automaker has refurbished its Dearborn Diversified, Stamping and Tool & Die facilities. The updated facilities not only feature 500 new robots, but also 850 new employees to ensure the quality of the new model. Ford's new F-150 lineup will not only be stronger and lighter, but more fuel-efficient. Thanks to weight savings from the aluminum body and new engine technology, the 2015 F-150 is expected to be able to not only tow up to 1100 more pounds, but haul up to 530 more pounds than the outgoing model. While EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers have yet to be announced, Ford projects that the ratings will be between 5 and 20 percent better. We recently put a 2015 F-150 with the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 and four-wheel drive through our Real MPG test cycle, and recorded 16.6/21.5/18.5 mpg city/highway/combined. The 2015 Ford F-150 hits showrooms this December. Source: Ford | 9 | 1,777 | autos |
Spend just 10 minutes on Decorist, a new website offering virtual design services, and you'll see why we're hooked. Getting a style diagnosis (I'm modern eclectic), mood boards, and a clickable shopping list for your space is cool enough, but we flipped when we discovered its celebrity design services. For $399, you can hire a designer like Tamara Honey (yep, she designed Emma Roberts's home) to dress up your digs. Take a peek at the room Tamara designed for Decorist's first-ever virtually designed showcase house in San Francisco! Front Page Image Source: Lisette Mejia | 4 | 1,778 | lifestyle |
Stacey Addison is being held in East Timor for accidentally riding a taxi with someone in possession of drugs. | 2 | 1,779 | travel |
CNN's David McKenzie reports on a cultural exchange giving American teens an inside understanding of China. | 5 | 1,780 | news |
Exercise and acupuncture may ease pain and swelling in breast cancer survivors, study finds. | 7 | 1,781 | health |
Sanjeev Kapoor is the most celebrated face of Indian cuisine today. He is a chef extraordinaire, runs the successful TV channel 'FoodFood', is an author of best-selling cookbooks, a restaurateur and winner of several culinary awards. He is living his dream of making Indian cuisine the number one cuisine in the world and empowering Indian women through power of cooking to become self-sufficient. Sanjeev Kapoor is the Managing Director of Khana Khazana India Pvt Ltd and the co-owner of the TV channel FoodFood. He also runs a TV production company and has a very popular website dedicated to food. Along with this, he has a major presence in the Digital and Social Media, publishes cookbooks, partners a company 'Wonderchef' for selling kitchen gadgets, has a presence in FMCG sectors in the form of food products and is a pioneer and established leader in TV shows. Presently he is also serving as the brand ambassador to a selected list of various commercial brands. Kapoor's success is rooted in many ways in his award-winning television show Khana Khazana, which ran for more than 17 years. It continually earned awards at the Indian Television Academy (ITA) and the Indian Telly awards. He was the youngest chef to be named Best Executive Chef by Hotel & Food services in 1995. Over the next few years he won four awards from the Lions' Favourite T.V. Awards (1996, 2005, 2006, 2007), the Chef of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Bombay Sea Coast (1995), the South Indian Culinary Association Golden Hat award (2004), the Hall of Fame award from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (2002, 2007), the Sony TV Jhalak Dikhlaja participant award series (2006), and the Award of Honor from the Food Craft Institute. He was one of the chief speakers at the 2005 World of Flavors International Conference and Festival organized by The Culinary Institute of America in Graystone, California. In 2006, he won the award for Brand Excellence at the fifth Indira Awards for Marketing Excellence and the Hall of Fame Award as guided by the Star of the Industry Awards. In 2011, Kapoor was listed as number 31 in Reader's Digest list of India's 100 Most Trusted People. Most recently, his cookbook The Yellow Chilli was named the Best International Cookbook at the 2012 International Book Awards. He is not only recognized by the food industry India stands behind him in a big way. The government of India gave him the award of the best chef in the country. He is also on the panel of the Ministry of Tourism so that he can help document Indian cuisine. He works to keep its authenticity in his home country while gaining it more global exposure. Kapoor has represented India in several capacities including at the World Association of Chef Societies in Daejon, South Korea, where he demonstrated Ayurvedic cooking, as well as in Spain where he is a food ambassador under the Spanish government's Indian Future Leaders Programme. He was also chosen as the ambassador at the United Nation's Clean Cookstoves campaign, for underprivileged people in developing countries. In 2011, Kapoor worked with CNN and Chef Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen, Denmark. Redzepi owns Noma, the number one restaurant in the world today because of its reinvention and interpretation of Nordic cuisine and soul food. That same year, Kapoor launched FoodFood, a 24/7 television network, making him the first chef to achieve this. His best-selling books, including The Live Well Diet and Everyday Cooking, reach over 150 titles (in English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati). His April 2011 release, How to Cook Indian , garnered unprecedented positive press. He sits on the board of Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel with other celebrity chefs from around the world. He also does a lot for charity including his work with autistic children and he brings meals to schools in remote villages. His partnership with Wonderchef helps women empower themselves to start their own businesses. As a restaurateur, he has granted his franchise to a number of brands. His two restaurants Khazana and The Yellow Chilli are well known. With his new company Indian Cookery Pvt Ltd, which was launched from the portals of the House of Commons London by Mr. Fabian Hamilton MP, he will be adding Signature, Sura Vie, Stir Crazy, and Gold Leaf Banquets to his list. Under his brand name Sanjeev Kapoor's Khazana, he has a wide range of food products including finger licking pickles, blended masalas, gourmet chutneys, and 123 Ready-to-Cook Mixes. In addition to his own product line, he is an ambassador for Cargill India's Sweekar Sunflower Oil, Zydus Cadila's Sugarfree, Daawat Basmati Rice and Sleek Kitchen. Currently, he is on the panel of judges for Master Chef India Season 3, his story is on Star World as part of an exclusive series titled Achiever's Club, and he is in high demand for live events and cooking demonstrations in India and internationally. -- MORE See signature recipes, 360° restaurant views, photos and more. | 0 | 1,782 | foodanddrink |
Does Kobe's shot selection indicate that he does not have confidence in his teammates? Gary Payton, Petros Papadakis and Bill Reiter discuss. | 1 | 1,783 | sports |
Chef Vikas Khanna is an award-winning, Michelin Starred Indian chef, restaurateur, food writer, filmmaker, humanitarian and the host of the TV Show MasterChef India. His traditional training and passion for the power of cuisine come together at New York City's Junoon, where Khanna, the Corporate Chef, prepares exotic Indian cuisine in an elegant and contemporary ambience. Junoon, which means "passion" or "obsession" in Hindi, incorporates the five celebrated cooking elements from India's vast culinary regions: Tandoor (Clay Oven), Sigri (Open Fire Pit), Patthar (Stone Cooking), Tawa (Cast Iron Cooking), and Handi (Pot Cooking). Diners are welcome to take a tour of the restaurant's very own Spice Room that holds jars full of fresh spices that are hand-roasted and ground each morning. Khanna was raised in Amritsar, India. It was alongside his grandmother that he began his lifelong apprenticeship to learn the intricacies of Indian cuisine. Khanna has studied at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Culinary Institute of America, and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. He has authored several books, including Flavors First which won Benjamin Franklin Award and upcoming book Return to the Rivers- A culinary pilgrimage through the Himalayas to be released in 2013. Other books include My Great India , Everyone Can Cook , and Khanna Sutra . Khanna is also the creator of The Holy Kitchens , a series of documentary films that explore sharing food in different faiths. He is also the host of MasterChef India and appeared on several TV Shows with Gordon Ramsay, Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay. Vikas has hosted events for President Obama, former President Bill Clinton, HH the Dalai Lama among other dignitaries. Khanna is the founder of Cooking for Life and SAKIV Foundations which raise funds for emergencies and World hunger. He was honored with Rising Star Award by StarChefs and the prestigious Access to Freedom Award in 2005 from SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality), and he has received a proclamation from the Council of the City of New York for his outstanding contribution to the city. -- MORE See signature recipes, 360° restaurant views, photos and more. | 0 | 1,784 | foodanddrink |
Chronic marijuana use may cause changes in the brain, study finds. | 7 | 1,785 | health |
These jocks ran afoul of the law in 2014. Adrian Peterson Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was indicted on charges of reckless endangerment of a child. John Boyett The former Broncos safety was released after assaulting a cab driver and then telling the police to contact John Elway. Mookie Blaylock The former NBA point guard will serve three years in prison after reaching a plea deal on a charge of vehicular homicide in 2013. Oscar Pistorious The South African sprinter was found guilty in October of culpable homicide in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Joseph Randle Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested in October for stealing underwear and cologne from a Dillard's. Shonn Greene Titans running back Shonn Greene was arrested on several driving-related charges after a bizarre incident in late October. Slava Voynov The L.A. Kings forward was arrested in October on domestic violence charges. Jose Carlos Rivero MLS referee Jose Carlos Rivero was arrested on fraud charges in October. Rex Chapman The former NBA guard was arrested in September for allegedly stealing $14,000 worth of merchandise from an Apple store. Derrick Shelby The Dolphins defensive end was arrested in October after a bizarre standoff with police outside a Florida nightclub. Jonathan Dwyer Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested in September on two counts of aggravated assault. Jeff Taylor Hornets small forward Jeffrey Taylor was arrested in September on charges of domestic violence. Ray Rice Ray Rice was arrested, indicted and subsequently suspended from the NFL indefinitely for punching his then-fiancee in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino. War Machine War Machine, real name Jonathan Koppenhaver, was arrested in August for assaulting his girlfriend, adult film star Christy Mack. Michael Phelps The Olympic icon was arrested in September for DUI and subsequently suspended for six months from all swimming activities. Greg Hardy The Panthers defensive end was convicted in June of assaulting a woman and is currently on the NFL's exempt list. Jim Irsay The Colts owner was arrested for DUI in March and was later suspended by the NFL for six games and fined $500,000. Chuck Knoblauch The former MLB star was arrested in July on charges of domestic violence. Jah Reid Ravens offensive lineman Jah Reid was charged with two misdemeanor counts of battery in March. Raymond Felton NBA point guard Raymond Felton was arrested in February on weapons charges. | 1 | 1,786 | sports |
Subtlety is in the eye of the beholder. Rolls-Royce refers to the updates applied to the 2015 Ghost Series II as "subtle," as if anything with a Rolls-Royce badge on it could ever be such a thing. To borrow a somewhat famous movie line -- and now perhaps more-famous Internet meme -- "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." To be fair, I can see where Rolls got the idea. "Subtle" is simply a code word for, "We didn't change a whole lot." Before you accuse the automaker of laziness or complacency, however, understand that its incomprehensibly rich clientele didn't want the car to change much. Customers prefer that a Rolls-Royce be a timeless statement of wealth and prestige, not a frivolous accessory to replace every few years with a new model. When those people have quadrupled your sales and supercharged your profitability in the past few years, you don't rock the yacht. Instead, you deliver a car that is enhanced but not drastically different. More than that, though, there isn't a much better word to describe the actual differences in the refreshed Ghost. The only surface-level differences occur ahead of the windshield, where every panel is slightly different. The "wake channel" culvert in the hood is certainly subtle. Tilting the "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament forward 7 degrees could qualify as an automotive textbook definition of subtle. The new adaptive LED headlights, with their unbroken lit beauty ring doubling as daytime running lights, are rather obvious but tend to draw unflattering comparison to a Chrysler 300. Less obvious is that they've been pushed outward 2 inches, which to the Rolls people makes the car look wider, but to my eye it de-emphasizes the hard creases at the leading edges of the fenders that give Rolls-Royce cars their distinctive flat, hard, unabashed, and intimidating nose. The new look is softer and more rounded, giving up some authority and making the car more, well, subtle. I don't know that the sportier, split five-spoke optional wheels help the cause much. Despite their larger diameter, the lack of a large, flat face detracts from their presence, and they actually appear smaller to my eye. Never mind that, though. Rolls won't likely sell any fewer cars because the front end of the car isn't as flat as a table. If anything, it'll likely sell a few more on the strength of its other updates. The biggest to me, were I deciding whether to replace my theoretical current Ghost with the new car, would be the front seats. If one negative memory stands out from my time behind the wheel of the previous Ghost, it's how flat the front seats were and how little you could adjust them. One would assume that a car like a Rolls-Royce would have the world's most comfortable car seats, but while that might have been true for the rear seats, it wasn't for the front. "Who cares," you might ask, but remember that the Ghost is the Rolls-Royce that customers drive themselves. Chauffeuring is for the Phantoms. The new seats are plusher, more comfortable, and allow for more adjustment, including thigh support. You'll have to look a little harder to find the other updates. Yes, the rear seats are angled slightly toward one another, but not enough to be noticeable. The exterior door handles are metal now, and some of the leather-clad surfaces you touch regularly have extra padding to make them that much softer. You'll likely take additions such as leather-wrapped A- and C-pillars and metal caps over the instrument needles for granted, assuming they were always there. More noticeable are the upgraded electronic aids. The only outward indication is the larger rotary controller for the information and entertainment system that now features a touchpad in its center, allowing you to enter some information by drawing with your fingertip. Once you begin fiddling with it, you'll find an updated interface with additional features. For a list of them, ask your assistant what his or her BMW has. The Ghost receives all the latest BMW iDrive updates, nicely re-skinned and rebranded with Rolls-Royce-specific colors and logos. You'll also notice a full-color head-up display that projects more information than ever on the windshield, provided your designer sunglasses aren't polarized. The electronic update you aren't likely to notice is the new link between the satellite navigation system and the transmission. Designed to keep the monstrously powerful engine always in its peak powerband, the new software looks at the navigation data for the road ahead and pre-plans downshifts before you arrive at a hill or sharp curve. It's difficult to judge the effectiveness of this feature, partly because there is no gear indicator or tachometer and the shifts are imperceptibly smooth, and partly because Rolls-Royce chose to have us drive the car in Dallas, which has no hills and offers little in the way of curves. The feature is imperceptible in daily driving, so Rolls customers will no doubt be happy to learn that the car doesn't drive any differently than it used to. It still raises its hood and shifts back on its haunches like a powerboat when leaving a stop even moderately aggressively, the automotive equivalent of a woman lifting the front of her gown before proceeding. The unchanged twin-turbocharged V-12 still feels under-stressed, and the Power Reserve gauge on the dash still refuses to dip below 10 percent, no matter how hard you push the car. Driven as a Rolls-Royce should be, it still wafts away from a stop and down the road. It still rolls gracefully onto its outside tires when cornering and offers a surprising amount of grip when doing so. It still stops with some authority, and the thin-rimmed steering wheel still vibrates with the illusion of road feel right up until the moment you begin to turn it. If there's any surprise here, it's the amount of wind noise generated by the massive door mirrors. To be clear, the interior is still very quiet, but it's not the bank vault at the bottom of the ocean you might expect. Life in the rear seat, should you be among the minority of Ghost owners who prefer to be driven, is likewise familiar. The even more comfortable seats are a welcome addition, and why wouldn't they be? The information and entertainment system upgrades apply to the rear seats as much as they do to the fronts, giving you more features to play with, and, perhaps more critically, more sources of video to keep you or the children entertained. In total, the Ghost Series II is every bit as much a Rolls-Royce as the car that preceded it, and the original Ghost was every bit as much a Rolls-Royce as the vaunted Phantom. Though the customers actively choose a reduced vehicle size, they suffer no reduction in quality of material, build, performance, opulence, or prestige. Rather, customers gain a handful of useful features and the opportunity to spec their perfect, personalized ultra-luxury car once more. Also, they can get it in a new shade of black. | 9 | 1,787 | autos |
Has this troubled deal company turned the corner? | 3 | 1,788 | finance |
Looking to save hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone? It's actually very easy. So easy, in fact, that it's weird so many people are paying through the nose instead. (Don't get me started). Here's how you do it. Don't buy a subsidized iPhone with a two-year contract with AT&T or Verizon or Sprint or T-Mobile. Instead, buy an iPhone from Apple completely "unlocked," meaning it comes without any cellular contract and you have to go find a cellular provider on your own. Then, sign up with one of the inexpensive "mobile virtual network operators," cut-price networks which simply resell airtime on the major networks at a discount. The savings from this maneuver can be immense. That's because when you buy an iPhone with a contract, the initial subsidy on the phone is such a false economy, creating the illusion that you're saving. As so often: Do the math. A 16 gigabyte iPhone 6 with a two-year contract costs $199 at the Apple store. A monthly contract with unlimited voice and texting and 1 GB of data costs $65 to $80 a month, depending on the network, according to Apple's store. Getting 2 GB a month will cost $80 a month or more. Total cost over two years: at least $1,759 (assuming a low-priced one-gig data plan, and not counting taxes, activation fees and so forth). Now try it the other way. Get a 16 GB iPhone 6 unlocked from the Apple store for $649. Then sign up for monthly service from a bargain network like Cricket or H20 or GoSmart. Price for unlimited voice and text and 1 GB of data a month: $35. Cost over two years: $1489, or nearly $300 less. The savings actually get bigger as you use more data. Power users who want multiple gigabytes of data per month will pay $100 or more on the brand-name networks, but around half that on less expensive networks. For example, 3 gigabytes a month on Verizon Wireless is $100 a month. With Cricket, it's $45. When you add it all up you may save $700 or more over two years. Lest you worry that these bargain networks somehow aren't as good, they typically sell airtime on the same network. Cricket is actually a division of AT&T and uses the same network. Bargain networks exist so that major networks can sell off their spare capacity cheaply without undercutting their own brand. (They know that most people will pay extra for a comforting brand.) There are potentially other savings as well. If your iPhone is on a contract, when you travel abroad you'll typically have to pay hefty roaming fees to use it. If your iPhone is unlocked, you can just pick up a local SIM card and pay next to nothing. And if you're not on a contract you are free to move to another, even cheaper plan at any time. The price deflation in cellular contracts is a wonder to behold. Every month someone comes out with something cheaper. Pity the poor suckers locked into a two-year deal. Mwah-hah-hah-haaaaah! The other way to save money on a new iPhone is to wait for the latest model to come out and then buy last year's model cheaper. Comedian Bill Maher once called the price premium for brand-new technology "the nerd tax," and he's half right. Actually, it's the fashionista tax. "Oh, I want the latest iPhone. It absolutely must be the latest model, whatever that is" said one flibbertigibbet, with a voice like Lady Mary from Downton Abbey, when I was in a Carphone Warehouse cellular store in London last year. Oh dear. Presumably Mummy and Papa are paying. Not only are last year's iPhones cheaper than this year's model, but they are available on a wider array of bargain networks as well. Consider: An iPhone 5 costs $399 through FreedomPop, a network which resells Sprint network airtime. And the monthly cost runs as little as... er... free. Yes, really. Two hundred voice minutes, 500 text messages and 500 megabytes of high-speed, 4G data will cost you nothing at all. Trade up to unlimited voice, texts and data (with 1 gigabyte at 4G speeds) and you're still only paying $20 a month. That's less than $500 over two years in network fees, compared to $1,500 or so through a major network. As ever, do the math. | 3 | 1,789 | finance |
Athletes are gold on the field, but often struggle off of it. Whether it was dating another athlete, a celebrity or high school sweetheart, these relationships came to an end well before 'til death do we part." Caroline Wozniacki & Rory Mcllroy Wozniacki was dumped over the phone, days after sending out wedding invitations. Afterwards, the 5'10" tennis star said she was looking forward to dating a "taller guy so I can wear my heels." Robin Givens & Mike Tyson This one had it all -- manipulative mother in law, out of control boxer, and cringe-worthy interviews. Fittingly, they finalized their divorce on Valentine's Day of 1989. She reportedly received a settlement of approximately $10 million. Eva Longoria & Tony Parker The two were married in 2007 and divorced four years later. Longoria said she found dozens of texts to another woman on Parker's phone and had prior suspicions of infidelity. Chad Johnson & Evelyn Lozada "Being married, being a husband, being a lover, was an honor...And I lost that. And you know that saying ... `You never know what you have until it's gone.' - Chad Johnson Juanita & Michael Jordan The two were married in Las Vegas in 1989. The nuptials reportedly took less than 10 minutes. They were divorced 18 years later. Juanita walked away with approximately $168 million. Andre Agassi & Brooke Shields In an interview with Huffington Post, Shields claimed Agassi said, "Be happy that we don't have children or I would not have made this easy for you." Both have remarried since their divorce and now each have two kids. Sean Avery & Elisha Cuthbert The two broke up in 2007. A year later, Cuthbert was dating Dion Phaneuf. "It's a common thing for NHL guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds," Avery said, a comment that resulted in a suspension from the NHL. Halle Berry & David Justice Berry and Justice were married on January 1st, 1993. They were divorced four years later amidst allegations of abuse. Berry admitted later to a suicide attempt after the breakup. Elin Nordegren & Tiger Woods Woods admitted to having sex with over 120 women during his five years of marriage to Nordegren. In the end, the former supermodel walked away with an estimated $100 million. Vanessa Williams & Rick Fox Not surprisingly, this one didn't last. The two spent their entire relationship living on opposite coasts. After an 18-month estrangement, they finally ended their five-year marriage in 2004. Carmen Electra & Dennis Rodman "We broke up, and I tried and tried and tried to get her back, but when you **** up like that -- get caught with another woman, make that two women -- that's probably the last straw." - Dennis Rodman in his autobiography I Should Be Dead By Now Jarrett Stoll & Rachel Hunter It was reported that the Stoll called off his marriage to the 40 year-old Hunter because of the 13-year age difference. Marilyn Monroe & Joe DiMaggio Monroe and DiMaggio were married in 1954 and divorced 9 months later. Monroe claimed she was seeking a divorce on the grounds of "mental cruelty." Sheryl Crow & Lance Armstrong "She wanted marriage, she wanted children; and not that I didn't want that, but I didn't want that at that time because I had just gotten out of a marriage, I'd just had kids...Yet we're up against her biological clock that pressure is what cracked it." - Lance Armstrong admitted in his autobiography Kris Humphries & Kim Kardashian The marriage lasted only 72 days. The legal negotiations to end it? 536 days. Jessica Simpson & Tony Romo The two were never married, to the delight of Cowboys fans everywhere, but they were one of the biggest celebrity couples of 2009 before calling it quits. Both have married since, Romo in 2011, Simpson in 2014. Shaquille & Shaunie O'Neal In 2008, while freestyle rapping at a club in New York, Shaq blamed Kobe for his divorce from Shaunie. He later claimed the freestyle was "all done in fun" and that "I'm totally cool with Kobe. No issues at all." Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes & Andre Rison Classic story of girl meets boy. Boy cheats on girl. Girl sets huge million dollar mansion on fire and smashes three of boy's cars in retaliation. Tatum O'Neal & John McEnroe In his autobiography, McEnroe says drugs were to blame for his failed marriage to O'Neal. He quipped, "The first time Tatum and I made love, we were high, and it was terrible. Shouldn't that have told me something?" Bridget Moynahan & Tom Brady Before there was Gisele, there was Bridget. The couple split in late 2006 after a three-year relationship. At the time, Moynahan was three months pregnant with Brady's child. Siohvaughn & Dwyane Wade These two high school school sweethearts were married in 2002, a year before Wade's rookie season. They were divorced in 2010. On August 30, 2014, Wade married actress Gabrielle Union. Chris Evert & Greg Norman They both left long-time spouses for each other, but their marriage lasted only 15 months. Jealousy and an inability on both sides to bond with their stepchildren were rumored reasons for the divorce. Tiki Barber & Ginny Cha The two split after it was discovered that Barber was having an affair with a 23-year old, former NBC intern. Barber and Cha had been together for 11 years. | 1 | 1,790 | sports |
So, you like this person. Like, like like. Maybe it's even love? Or, maybe you two are just having fun hanging out. Follow these simple steps to make Christmas with your partner stress- free. So, you like this person. Like, like like. Maybe it's even love? Or, maybe you two are just having fun hanging out. Follow these simple steps to make Christmas with your partner stress- free. How to survive the holidays - without breaking up So, you like this person. Like, like like. Maybe it's even love? Or, maybe you two are just having fun hanging out. Whatever the case, don't go and screw it all up over the holidays.Alongside the season's never-ending carols and chintzy department-store decorations lurk some serious relationship pitfalls. Your stress levels are through the roof, your calendar is stuffed to its edges, and your alcohol-and-sugar intake is hitting record highs. All of that could leave your significant other neglected, cranky, and/or halfway out the door. To help you out, we identified eight of the most high-stress holiday situations and enlisted some experts to figure out how to navigate them. Here's an eight-step guide to not killing your partner during the festive season. Make a game plan Aunt Phyllis is making a bird for 12 when she actually needs to accommodate 13. Why? Because your new squeeze is coming home for the holidays. The first thing you need to do is make a game plan. Where are you going, and when? While an equitable (Thanksgiving with one family, December holidays with the other?) split can seem fair, no one's keeping score, so focus on what makes sense. Some people get really serious about the holidays at home, while others' families are more flexible. Some people spend all year looking forward to tree decorating with Mom, and others are overjoyed to have an excuse to skip out. Especially if you're new, don't be afraid of doing things separately. Spending a week apart isn't the worst and it'll give you something to look forward to. Either way, give everyone the heads-up on expectations and commitments. And, book your tickets! (Seriously, go do that. Now.) Gift strategically Remember the time your partner got you a beautiful, meaningful, expensive piece of jewelry, while you had wrapped up a few (super practical!) pairs of socks and underwear for her? That was awkward. Don't let it happen again.Size doesn't matter here, but cost and meaning definitely do. Dr. Barton Goldsmith (therapist and author of the new relationship manual, The Happy Couple) admits that "the gift exchange can be tricky. Talk about it offline. Like, in July." It's clearly too late for that now, but Dr. Goldsmith insists "expectations and boundaries need to be discussed... It's not romantic, but it's necessary. Keep expectations reasonable and give from your heart."If you're broke, get creative. Draw, write, or make something cool and one-of-a-kind. Cute coupon books ("Good for one massage!" etc.) are old standbys. So are activity gifts classes, events, shows, plays although they can be more pricey.If you just don't know if you and boo are on the same page, set a spending rule. Sure it's a little cheesy, but no one wants to end up uncomfortable having spent way less or much more. Remember date night You've got a party literally every single night this week and, by a weird coincidence, your significant other is busy all of next week. Even though you're technically sleeping in the same bed, you haven't actually seen each other for days.The crazy December party circuit can start to wear on you. To remedy this, make sure you schedule your usual (or unusual) date nights and other one-on-one time. You're going to need it in order to stay sane and connected. After all, the holidays are about spending time with your loved ones your S.O. included. Dr. Jean Fitzpatrick, a New York couples' therapist, says, "Spontaneous play is unlikely to happen at this time of year, [so] schedule it. Make sure your relationship is on your calendar, whether that means a quiet meal, a board game, or a run in the park. Small rituals can mean so much. Put your devices away, and share a cup of tea or a glass of wine at the end of the day." The couple that chills out together stays together. Pick your parties We've established that you're going to a million parties. And, you probably can't wait to introduce your favorite person to all your other favorite people. Picture it: Your partner gets gussied up, day after hungover day. Soon, he stops making sense when he engages in small talk. He can't keep people's names straight. He has officially holiday-party maxed-out.If you really love your S.O., you'll realize that you don't need arm candy at every single party. Designate the important ones, mark them on the calendar, and let the poor thing off the hook for the others and ask for the same treatment yourself. Bring wine Picture it: You and your partner are on the host's doorstep, just behind another group. As you all walk in, everybody hands the host a bottle of wine, some cookies, or a lovely bunch of flowers. You realize you two are the only ones empty-handed. You flush with shame and then turn and run off into the night. Terrible, right? Also, totally preventable. Wherever you're going this holiday, bring something and that goes double for visiting your S.O.'s family. First impressions are key, and even if your flame's mom doesn't like that candle, she'll joke about it later.If it's your first time meeting the parents, do a little research you know, so you don't bring wine if Mom's a recovering alcoholic or cheese if Dad's a vegan. Once you figure out a good gift, buy it now or, even better, buy six. That way, you'll have a couple extra things laying around the house for that inevitable night next week when you're already late and realize you totally forgot flowers. Take deep breaths In the wise words of Oscar Wilde, "After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." And, we're banking on that, since dinner with the parents can be a stressful affair.Make it as easy as you can by trying to be each other's biggest ally and taking some deep breaths. Dr. Goldsmith suggests you "give your partner a warning of what your family is like." If you know Israel isn't the best conversation topic, mention that. And, once the meal is rolling, be attentive and supportive. Don't disappear to play video games in the basement with your younger siblings for hours. If you're meeting your partner's family for the first time, be honored but be on your best behavior. Put on an outfit that speaks to the version of yourself you want to be. Two words: Cashmere sweater. You know what goes well with cashmere? Wine. But, just one glass. Enough to take the edge off, but not enough to make you want to take that cashmere off.A warning from Dr. Goldsmith: "Things happen at family gatherings that people hold grudges for over years. Do not let potential in-laws become outlaws. We're dealing with people, the holidays, plus alcohol. Embrace the chaos." Talk about sex If you've ever had a roommate, you can probably relate to the weirdness of hearing sex sounds seep out from under the door or worse, a headboard banging against the wall. Does the phrase "Not under my roof!" sound familiar? It's the voice of your parents, or at least the parent characters on a sitcom.Having sex in your childhood bed, provided your space hasn't been turned into a guest room by now, could be a fantasy or it could be a nightmare. Discuss it all beforehand, so no one gets hurt trying to get frisky after dinner. Dr. Fitzpatrick advises: "Be sure you get some 'couple time' during your stay, but be discreet, and recognize that family visits bring challenges for many couples. Instead of blaming your partner or defending yourself, try to approach these as an opportunity to work as a team to build your relationship." Another option is splurging on a hotel so you can really have it all: a sweet escape plan for the end of the night with or without a mini bar. Try a last-minute app like HotelTonight, and it might not even be that expensive. Embrace new traditions So, she always does Chinese takeout and a movie on Christmas, and you're used to a full-on, honey-glazed-ham to-do? Don't even get us started on the whole tofurkey issue. Seth Cohen did us all a favor when he popularized the notion of Chrismukkah. Blending traditions can be fun, people. The secret here is to discuss what's really important to each of you, and also each of your families. Then, whip up something right down the middle. The Gottman Institute a great relationship resource has a Relationship Blog with a host of helpful materials, especially this list: "Have a conversation with your partner about your respective histories around holiday rituals, including sharing memories (best and worst), describing family traditions (favorite and least favorite), and expressing your respective feelings about the real meaning of the holidays in order to come up with special ones of your own this year." And, for the rest of us, there's always Festivus. | 4 | 1,791 | lifestyle |
Lanterns light up Seoul The annual Seoul Lantern Festival, originated in 2009, exhibits lanterns on the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul. The festival, which started on November 7 and goes on till November 23, showcases hundreds of lanterns with distinctive designs and story, created by both international and local artists. Check out some unique lanterns at the festival. | 2 | 1,792 | travel |
Wings by Killer from the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show , which serves as a mega-produced kick-off to the holiday season, has only become more of a must-watch event year after year. The show boasts top-notch musical acts, theatrical elements and beauties dancing around in gorgeous lingerie. Arguably the most iconic part of the whole spectacle, however, are the wings. Each year, new Angels are born and current Angels are introduced to yet another massive pair for the runway. The wings not only serve as a rite of passage for the models chosen to wear them, but as a piece of artwork that embodies the sexy aesthetic that is Victoria's Secret. The story and process behind these wings are way heavier a lift (literally and figuratively) than you might think. On a warm October day, I trek eleven flights up and enter an unassuming gray door to find a team of publicists, Victoria's Secret executives and wing-designer Marian Hose aka Killer gathered for just one of many rounds of fittings. Aside from the golden, feathered wings the fit model Barbara is wearing when I arrive, about five more are displayed in various corners of the small space, posing some difficulty for anyone trying to move around. Wings are made in everything from leather and lace to five pounds of Swarovski crystals and up close the intricacies of the elaborate designs are clearer than ever. It's no wonder, then, that the lucky ladies who walk in the show wait their entire careers for the moment they get to don a pair of their own. It all starts when an artist, hired by Victoria's Secret, sketches out the concept for a wing. It's then delivered to Killer and her design team who bring the wings to life. "The best part is seeing just how Killer interprets the sketch," Sophia Neophitou, collection creative director for the show, tells me during my studio visit. After a drawing is finalized, it is projected onto a screen, where a model stands in to figure out scale. The team then gets to work. "It takes about a week just to make the frame [but] for a more intricate wing it takes much longer. For something beaded, for example, we have an entire team just working on that part of it," Killer says. While an entire team of beaders may seem outrageous to some, for Killer it's just another day at the office. Her extensive experience in costume design has prepared her for her uncommon title of "Wing Maker." After all, her resumé boasts time spent as a millinery consultant for Radio City Music Hall. She's also worked with the Metropolitan Opera and CBS. She was connected with the lingerie company back in 2009, when one of the sketch artists recommended they work together. Once Barbara slips a pair of the wings on, it's time to adjust and customize the wings for each girl. "[Barbara] is a huge help because she puts on the wings and knows what we need to change -- she knows which girl poses which way, which is amazing," Killer says. And while the amount and structure of the wings can change up until moments before the show but by October, Killer pretty much has an idea about which wing each girl will wear. No matter how much you plan for the moment the model puts on her wings for the first time, there is absolutely nothing like experiencing it firsthand. That's where I meet Candice Swanepoel, nearly a month later, putting on those same wings I saw being fit for her specific body weeks prior. The room that has been buzzing with chatter, camera flashes and shuffling of feet is completely silenced once -- with a team of helpers -- Swanepoel has the wings on for the first time. It is a highly-charged moment, broken only by Candice's first glorious steps down a makeshift runway. The straps are a bit tight for her, and are swiftly taken off for an adjustment. "I love having the wings, but I need the freedom to enjoy them as well," Swanepoel tells me. "One year (before we worked with Killer), I tried on this massive pair -- two harps. They were absolutely beautiful. On the morning of the show I got really nervous and asked to try them on the runway, and let's just say it didn't go so well. We decided to forfeit them and go for something smaller." It's clear that the weight and wearability of the wings are just as important as having that perfect runway strut. It takes the right pair and the right girl to hold up the massive structure, which can weigh as much as a small child. The biggest pair Killer has ever made weighed in at 21 pounds: a pair of white, feathered wings made for Lindsey Ellington. "Lindsey is a real trooper," Killer says, adding, "it doesn't matter how much a girl wants her wings, if they're too heavy we can't use them." From paper to production, it's clear it takes hard work, a lot of adjustments, some serious time and a whole lot of love in order to make these wings truly killer . The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs Dec 9 on CBS. | 4 | 1,793 | lifestyle |
When it comes to holidays and decor, Thanksgiving is like the middle child. Stuck between the hoopla of Halloween and the craziness of Christmas, it's often overlooked and underappreciated. But these 15 stylish Turkey Day ideas from Instagram prove it's an occasion that deserves all of our decorating attention. The best part is they're pretty easy! Source: Instagram We love a good pumpkin DIY , and this floral one is so unique and perfect for Thanksgiving. Kale flowers paired with minipumpkins make for an easy-yet-impressive Turkey Day setup. Dress up your Thanksgiving mantel with pinecones - let large ones stand alone and gather small ones in a vase. Create a memorable day for friends and family From easy potluck casseroles to elegant Thanksgiving turkey, MSN Food & Drink serves up a bounty of recipes to create your most memorable meal yet. Download your complete kitchen companion app here . Genius alert: display your Thanksgiving menu on a chalkboard pumpkin. This Instagrammer said it best: "Just by adding a few beautiful leaves, you can achieve simple Fall decor . . . for free!" Wow guests before they even step foot into your home with a DIY corn wreath . How cute is this "pumpculents" idea for a centerpiece or to decorate your mantel or console table? White pumpkins, corn husks in a mason jar, pinecones in a bowl, Thanksgiving messages hung with laundry clips . . . this photo is filled with major inspiration. How adorable! Place a minipumpkin on top of a nest for a gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpiece. Burlap? Check. Orange chevron banner? Double check. Pumpkins and dried husks? Looks like you've got yourself a bona fide Thanksgiving display. If you live in a place where it's warm enough to be outside in the Fall, steal some ideas from this arrangement - like hanging gourds and using a burlap rug. Plenty of browns and oranges (from the frames to the leaves to the pumpkins) give this mantel an easy Thanksgiving feel. Nothing represents the holiday like a "Thanks" banner hanging over the fireplace. White pumpkins feel exceptionally worthy of Fall, especially when paired with an "Eat" or "Thanks" message. You could DIY this garland idea using book pages and leaves from your backyard. | 4 | 1,794 | lifestyle |
MEET the father-and-son car dealers who turn rust to riches by buying, selling and fixing some of rarest cars in the world. Lance, 64, and Merlin McCormack, 21, handle some of the world's most desirable cars on a daily basis - including motors worth £10m and above. From fixing a scratched windscreen on a 1930s Ferrari to a total reconstructing a one-off Porsche, they have found themselves the go-to people for bespoke classic car restoration. Lance projects have included John Lennon's famous white 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom, a bullet-riddled Aston Martin DB4 car involved in a gangland hit and even Captain America's shield used in the 2011 blockbuster. To add to the business, Lance's son Merlin is helping him enter the 21st century by using Facebook, Instagram and other social networks to trade around the world. This video was captured at their premises in Brentford, west London. Videographer / Director: Nick Cunard / Mike Garrod Producer: John Balson / Nick Johnson Editor: Kyle Waters | 8 | 1,795 | video |
Michael Schumacher's official website will be reactivated on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of his first Formula One title, his manager said, as he recovers from a skiing accident that almost ended his life. It is hoped the www.michael-schumacher.de site will give fans of the motor-racing star a "home" as they continue to support him in his recovery, Sabine Kehm said Wednesday. "November 13, 1994, is a special day in the sporting life of Michael Schumacher - 20 years ago he was the first German to ever win the Formula One world championship title, his first of seven titles," she said. "To mark the 20th anniversary of his first world champion title we will reactivate Michael's homepage. "We hope to thus give the many fans from all over the world, whose sympathy is still unbroken after his accident, a home." Following his accident in the French Alps in December, the website was replaced with a cover page thanking fans for their support. Schumacher is receiving treatment at his home in Gland, Switzerland, after suffering brain injuries when he slammed his head against a rock. He had two operations to remove potentially fatal blood clots and was then put into a medically induced coma, but he was allowed to leave hospital in September after being treated first in a hospital in the French city of Grenoble and then in a clinic in Lausanne, Switzerland. No new information was given about his condition, but the French doctor in charge of his care said in September he was making progress but would need years to recover. | 1 | 1,796 | sports |
7 Best TV Crossovers 'Law and Order' / 'Homicide: Life On the Street' The Baltimore cops from "Homicide: Life on the Street" joined forces with the New Yorkers from "Law & Order" for three two-part episodes throughout these series runs. In fact, the character of detective John Munch (played by comedian Richard Belzer) was originally a "Homicide" detective before making the jump to "Law and Order: SVU" when "Homicide" was canceled in 1999. Dun dun. Episodes: "Charm City" ("Law & Order" Season 6, Episode 13), "For God and Country" ("Homicide" Season 4, Episode 11), "Baby, It's You" ("Law & Order" Season 8, Episode 6/"Homicide" Season 6, Episode 5), "Sideshow" (Law & Order" Season 9, Episode 14/"Homicide" Season 7, Episode 15)WATCH NOW 'Mork and Mindy' / 'Laverne & Shirley' / 'Happy Days' Both "Mork and Mindy" and "Laverne & Shirley" were "Happy Days" spinoffs, so it makes sense that the three sitcoms would come together. So it all went down in the "Mork" pilot when Robin Williams' alien from the planet Ork met up with The Fonz and got set up on a date with Laverne. Three classic characters in one neat little arc. Episode: "Mork and Mindy," "Pilot." Season 1, Episode 1. WATCH NOW 'Roseanne' / 'Absolutely Fabulous' This one's kind of an odd mashup. So, the ladies of British favorite "Ab Fab," Edina and Patsy, show up at an NYC high society party that Roseanne and Jackie happen to be attending. They all hang out and ... things get weird. Episode: "Roseanne," "Satan, Darling." Season 9, Episode 7. WATCH NOW 'Mad About You' / 'Seinfeld' NBC decided to merge these two must-see TV hits by making Paul Reiser's Paul be Kramer's landlord in a "Mad About You" episode for some reason. This is a tried and true formula. If you want to promote your new series, just hire a beloved character from the comedy du Jour and watch the ratings pour in. Episode: "Mad About You," "The Apartment." Season 1, Episode 8. 'Batman' / 'The Green Hornet' Back in 1967, The Green Hornet and his trusty sidekick Kato made an epic appearance on the live-action Adam West "Batman" series. This promo calls it "a dynamic duel of dynamic duos" and that's good enough explanation for us. Fine superhero fun right here. Episode: "Batman," "A Piece of the Action." Season 2, Episode 51. WATCH NOW 'The Simpsons' / 'X-Files' "X-Files" stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson lent their voices and their characters to a "Simpsons" ep where Mulder and Scully head to Springfield to investigate Homer's claim that he's had an alien encounter. Episode: "The Simpsons," "The Springfield Files." Season 8, Episode 10. WATCH NOW 'The Jetsons' / 'The Flintstones' This animated TV crossover all took place during a 1987 TV movie called "The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones." It was only natural that this famous futuristic family would meet its equally famous prehistoric one for a big television event at some point. | 6 | 1,797 | entertainment |
Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the disease and that it can make medications for things like depression ineffective. | 5 | 1,798 | news |
Little Goat Bakery's Mathew Rice might not be a household name yet, but we have a feeling that's about to change. The mastermind behind Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard's famously over-the-top Cheez-It wedding cake has more than one crazy dessert hybrid up his sleeve. Keep reading for the details on three of his most impressive custom cakes he's created for the bakery. And if you're in the Chicago area, stop by for a slice of the Cheez-It cake; it's now on the menu. Source: Instagram Golden Grahams Cake Rice's Golden Grahams-inspired cake - a honey-graham cake that's covered in buttermilk frosting and garnished with a crunchy Golden Grahams topping - is a dream come true for cereal lovers. Source: Instagram user mathewsweet Strawberry Nesquik Cake This strawberry Nesquik cake sounds (relatively) ordinary enough, until you consider that it also has a bacon filling and is decorated with shards of bacon toffee. Source: Instagram user mathewsweet Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie Cake To celebrate the launch of Little Goat Bakery, the baker whipped up a Little Debbie-inspired Oatmeal Creme Pie cake. Source: Instagram user darnabyk | 0 | 1,799 | foodanddrink |
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