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Finally! Ariana Grande And Starbucks Team Up For New Drink

If you’re like a lot of people, the name Ariana Grande is synonymous with killer vocals and a name that sounds reminiscent of a coffee drink. And now, Starbucks is cashing in on that idea by making the pop star the face of its newest drink. What took so long?

The Cloud Macchiato comes in two flavors: Caramel and Cinnamon, both of which can be made iced or hot. The drink is made with whipped cold milk foam that has a “light, fluffy and silky-smooth texture,” according to Starbucks.

https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1102932519060684800

The “cloud” portion of this drink comes from a special powder that uses egg whites as a key ingredient to create a layer of fluffy cloud-like foam. Sorry, vegans.

For Ariana Grande fans, this new cloud drink makes total sense. Grande loves the cloud emoji as much as she loves astrology and the solar system.  She even launched  Cloud perfume last month.

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RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Kind Of Approves Of Ariana Grande’s ‘Mean Girls’ Tribute

According to Business Insider, which got their hands on some internal documents before today’s announcement, “Starbucks plans to debut a playlist featuring Grande’s songs and some of her favorite music on Saturday, as well as a playlist for International Women’s Day on Friday.”

The Cloud Macchiato is available starting today (March 5) in Starbucks stores across the U.S. and Canada.

10 Things To Do When You’re Snowed In At Home

We’ve reached that point in winter where it’s often best just not to leave the house. Aside from the cold weather that sucks in general, if you live in a place where there’s substantial snowfall, odds are you’ll experience at least one day where leaving the house is impossible.  And that’s not always a bad thing.

These adult snow days basically force you to focus on other things besides getting chores done, while keeping yourself warm in the comfort of your house. Snow days are basically “self care” days.

Here are 10 things you can do when it’s really cold outside and you’re forced to stay in.

Read a book

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RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Winter Sex Is Exactly What You Need Now

Reading becomes more difficult as technology evolves and we’re able to find instant fun and gratification by tapping our phones. Being snowed in at home can be an opportunity to try new things, like reading if you’ve dropped the habit. There must be a book lying around your home. Give it a shot.

Sleep

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Who doesn’t need to catch up on sleep? This is your chance. Nap away.

Organize your house

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What a better excuse to organize your house than to be forced to stay indoors with your own mess for an entire day? Set up the perfect playlist that will inspire you to clean every surface, organize your bathroom and clean out the bad stuff that’s in your fridge. Now that is a good way to spend your time.

Work from home

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Snow days mean you won’t have to go to the office but it doesn’t mean that you won’t have to work. Take advantage of the fact that you’re home and able to work in your pajamas.

Binge TV

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RELATED: 5 Ways To Stay Creative In The Winter

Nowadays there’s so much TV that’s impossible to stay up to date. Now’s your chance to watch ten 45 minute episodes in a row and catch up with that show all of your friends are obsessed with. You’ll be exhausted but at least you’ll have fun.

Play games

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If you’re snowed in with friends, board games are one of the best ways of passing the time, especially if you’re drinking and eating fatty foods.

Look through your old stuff

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Looking through your old journals, CDs and photo albums is a trip, making you feel nostalgic, revitalized, happy and a little embarrassed over the person you used to be.

Pamper yourself

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Self care is the best. Take this opportunity to clean your bathtub and draw yourself a bath with all the bubbles and bath bombs on sight. Use a face mask or prepare your own from scratch.

Catch up with friends

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RELATED: 5 Things You Need To Know About Running In The Winter

If you have friends who live in other countries, states or are simply locked inside their homes like you are, it’s a good chance to plan a Skype or FaceTime session. These conversations will make you feel less lonely and will give you that social boost you crave.

Redecorate your home

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Do some online shopping or simply reorganize your home’s set up. You’ll be surprised by how much the vibe changes by simply moving your couch or your bed around and cleaning all the dust that lies underneath.

Facebook Considers Lifting Marijuana Restrictions For Companies

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Facebook has had a love-hate relationship with marijuana since the dawning of legalization. The company doesn’t seem to have any issues with allowing pot-related publications to have a presence, nor does it try and silence much of the chatter calling for the legalization of the plant, yet companies dealing in marijuana products are not allowed to use the social media platform for promotion. But that could soon change, according to a report from the Telegraph.

It seems Facebook officials are looking to amend the policy to some degree regarding marijuana marketing.

“Our policies at the moment do not allow for the sale of marijuana on the platform,” a company associate told the news source. “We want to consider whether we can loosen this restriction, especially in relation to medical marijuana, legal marijuana and brick and mortar stores.”

RELATED: Is Facebook Blocking Marijuana-Related Searches?

But Facebook has to deal with some logistics issues before taking such a leap. It has to figure out a way to distinguish between legal and illegal activity, as well as prevent pot promotions from being revealed to users under the age of 21. It also needs to make sure that allowing marijuana ad placement doesn’t cause problems with cultures all over the planet. In short, the company has the challenge of figuring out how to unleash marijuana activity in a manner that appeases the masses.

“Since marijuana faces different legal and social restrictions across the globe, this may be operationally challenging for us,” a company associate said.

Facebook is sort of taking a baby step approach to marijuana. Last year, the company was called out for disregarding cannabis-related firms in its searches, but that was later sorted out after Canada legalized nationwide. Now, it is relatively easy to search for all of your favorite pot publications, including The Fresh Toast. (Truth be told, it was never complicated to find us in the first place.)

RELATED: New Data Claims Facebook Gave Phone Companies Access To User Data

The latest news, however, suggests that the company is moving toward a time when it, too, can capitalize on the legal marijuana movement. Although a change in policy would not allow weed to be sold on the social media platform’s infamous Marketplace, it would give cannabis companies permission to start spending ad dollars. That could generate some serious revenue for the company.

Until then, it’s business as usual.

It’s funny how the same Facebook moderators responsible for flagging questionable content on the platform, including marijuana-related posts, are getting high on the job, according to a recent report from The Verge. These workers are using marijuana to “numb the pain,” because apparently sorting through racist and sexually-charged content is giving them “PTSD-like symptoms.” So the next time your cannabis organization gets banned from Facebook for posting pot-related anything, just know that the person who pulled the plug was probably stoned when they did it.

Corey Feldman Insists Michael Jackson ‘Never Touched Me Inappropriately’; Britney Spears’ Dad Becomes Her Sole Conservator After Lawyer Quits

Britney Spears’ Dad Jamie Becomes Her Sole Conservator After Lawyer Quits

Andrew Wallet is resigning as the 37-year-old’s co-conservator, leaving Britney’s father, Jamie, as her sole conservator.

Furthermore, Wallet wants out as soon as possible, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. “The conservatorship is engaged in numerous ongoing business activities requiring immediate attention and it therefore is in the best interest of the conservatee that the acceptance of Wallet’s resignation and the issuance of amended letters of conservatorship of the estate occur immediately and without delay,” the papers state.

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“Substantial detriment, irreparable harm and immediate danger will result to the conservatee and her estate if the relief requested herein in not granted on an ex parte basis,” the docs added. (The Blast was the first to report the filing.)

Wallet started watching over Britney’s finances in 2008, after her erratic behavior and hospitalization made headlines. Now that he is leaving, Jamie will select and monitor all of his daughter’s investments and assets singlehandedly — for now, at least. A source tells Us that “a replacement [for Wallet] is being sought.”

Luke Perry’s Will Leaves Everything To His Two Children

Luke Perry‘s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, and now RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal he had a will in place “several years” prior to his untimely death.

After suffering a “cancer scare” in 2015, a source close to Perry told Radar he drafted up a will “because he didn’t want to leave anything to chance.”

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Luke left everything to his two children, Sophie, 18, and Jack Perry, 21, revealed the informant.

Michael Jackson ‘Never Touched Me Inappropriately,’ Corey Feldman Insists

The two became friendly before Feldman had reached his teens. “All i know is what I experienced, & yes every experience was the same….right up 2 the sex part!,” he wrote on Twitter.

“That is where it becomes lala land, instead of neverland 4 me. We never spoke about sex other than a few warnings about how sex was scary, & dangerous… [He] never once swore in my presence, never touched me inappropriately, & never ever suggested we should be lovers in any way! I feel like if ppl could hear our convos they would hear the innocence in them. No hint of perversion. I hav a tape, im thinkin about releasing, which could… giv ppl a real look @ what a 30 yr old man/child & a 13 yr old boy would discuss, so every1 could hear the innocence of r relationship. Again i wasnt there when those boys were. But i was there around the same time as jimmy, & i saw many kids around (girls included) who i am… Still friends with 2 this day, & none of us were ever approached by him in a sexual way at all! So as much as those 2 men deserve 2 hav their voices heard, so do the thousands of kids who hung around him, that dont agree!”

JetBlue Asks People To Delete Their Instagram For Free Flights

JetBlue wants to offer interested customers the opportunity to fly with them free of charge for an entire year. The catch is, you’ll have to delete all of your Instagram photos to be able to participate. The connection between these two things? Yeah, I don’t see it either.

Through March 8, participants must set their profiles to private and clear all of their photos. Then, users must use JetBlue’s special tool to upload and edit a post with the hashtag #allyoucanjetsweepstakes.

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The contest announcement doesn’t explain things further, only letting participants know that, if they win, they’ll be able to upload photos that aren’t JetBlue related.

By March 9 the carrier will announce three winners, presumably those with the best or most creative Instagram posts, and award them with a year full of free flights. The question is, what about all those people who deleted their Instagram content over the prospect of free flights and were still not elected? Are they going to hate JetBlue forever? I would.

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Maybe JetBlue is trying to be cool and take advantage of our collective hatred of Facebook, who knows. Although we all love to complain about social media, our Instagram feeds have become digital photo albums, tracking special moments of our lives since the app was founded in 2010. It’s one of the longest running social media apps, with a steady and loyal base of users. JetBlue’s strange publicity stunt may be too tall an order for our social media driven world.

If you really want a chance at having those free flights, know that Instagram allows you to download all of your images. You can always upload them again later?

More Delays In The Farce That Is International Cannabis Rescheduling

Another day, another abandoned vote in the long-running saga that is reclassification of cannabis by international treaty.

Members of the United Nations’ drug committee have said they will not cast an expected ballot on the recommendations put forward by the World Health Organization (WHO) to loosen the draconian rules on cannabis scheduling.

The WHO proposals were meant to be voted on in December until members cancelled. In February, an announcement was made that the changes had been approved behind closed doors, and that the WHO would recommend downgrading cannabis into a lesser category.

The next step was to put the non-binding proposals in front of the 53 member countries of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). However, this group has also decided they don’t want to decide right now, and have removed the vote from the March meeting agenda.

RELATED: Why The UN’s Global ‘War On Drugs’ Is A Failure

It is not known when the vote will take place, but it may not be this year.

Should the recommendations clear the hurdle, countries around the world would be almost free of red tape hindering many medicinal cannabis programs, and may even lead to decriminalization of recreational weed. Experts have said the delay is political, and has little to do with health.

While several member states want additional time to mull the proposals, Norway and Uruguay, pro-cannabis territories, voiced concerns that the vote had been delayed with no future time set to pick up the debate.

One reason given for the delay was the December hiccup, which allegedly meant member states were provided with the relevant information three months late.

The WHO recommendations call for cannabis and its chemical components to be rescheduled under international drug agreements. They advise that whole-plant cannabis as well as cannabis resin be deleted from the most restrictive category (Schedule 4) in a 1961 international drug convention.

RELATED: Cory Booker Is Once Again Trying To Legalize Marijuana At The Federal Level

By comparison, the US Controlled Substances Act labels the most-restricted drugs Schedule 1, the UN treaty defines Schedule 4 as its most-restricted category and Schedule 1 the least-restricted.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the ball is rolling in regard to regulatory updates that will allow for greater support and funding for medicinal cannabis.

The European Parliament, the bloc’s directly elected legislatives, have published the file of the resolution voted for by members giving their backing to the proposals, which will now go before the Commission for lawmakers to consider next steps.

Here is the procedure file if you really want to nerd out.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report.

Why Marijuana Companies Are Partnering With Artisan Chocolates

When Erica Gilmour and her husband, Drew, started Hummingbird Chocolate in 2011 they had no idea their multi-award-winning chocolates would become one of Canada’s most anticipated edibles. What began as a hobby in the basement of the couple’s home near Ottawa has turned into a massive partnership that will see their bean-to-bar chocolate turned into high-end edibles for the next stage of Canada’s rollout of legal cannabis.

Canopy Growth Corp., one of Canada’s largest licensed producers of cannabis is bringing chocolate back to a town that was built on the stuff: Smith Falls, Ontario. While Hummingbird’s main operational space will remain in Almont, the chocolate meant for edibles will be crafted in Canopy’s first home, the former home of the Hershey chocolate plant. There, Tweed-brand cannabis will be mixed with the Gilmour’s single-origin, fair trade chocolate to create legal edibles.

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Erica describes the category of craft chocolate as “another food group entirely.” She could easily see replacing that with a really fantastic piece of cannabis chocolate and is excited that Hummingbird is part of bringing that choice to more people. And besides it being an indulgent and relaxing treat, there’s an excellent reason for makers to go with “the good stuff” when pairing cannabis and cocoa.

Chocolate with Medicinal Potential

The search for cannabinoids in nature took an exciting turn in 1996 when Daniele Piomelli and fellow researchers isolated a cannabinoid neurotransmitter called anandamide (n-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA) in chocolate. Anandamide, from the Sanskrit word for “internal bliss,” is the neurotransmitter produced in the brain that binds to the same receptors as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the “bliss” molecule, from cannabis.

A 1996 study published in the clinical journal Nature found that chocolate contains three fatty acid compounds that bind directly to cannabinoid receptors or indirectly act on them through increased anandamide levels (by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme).

RELATED: The Weed Brands Establishing Themselves As The Biggest Names In Cannabis

Researchers question whether the compounds actually do bind to the receptors directly, but most agree that chocolate increases anandamide levels, thus affecting them indirectly.

Anandamide’s effects from chocolate has influence on the central nervous system, the immune system, mood, memory, appetite, pain perception, and could provide some medicinal benefits similar to THC. The more cocoa in a chocolate bar, the more these effects should be felt, though one would have to eat excessive amounts to experience a high equivalent to smoking a joint.

Marijuana Packaging Laws Are Causing More Harm Than Good

In an effort to prevent children from getting into their parents’ cannabis, industry regulators have imposed strict rules on packaging that go beyond even the regulations imposed on the alcohol trade. The goal, at least in theory, is to strip away any attractiveness from these products, eliminating all visibility of what’s inside, so that kids will be more likely to pass them up without so much as a second look. But some advocates believe this packaging is doing more harm than good, according to a report from VICE.

In Canada, packaging restrictions prevent cannabis businesses from getting creative in their marketing approach. The government wants all cannabis packaged in plain wrappers and stamped with a bright red THC symbol and a yellow health warning label. The package must also be dark in order to prevent anyone from being able to distinguish what’s inside. It’s a hindrance to the concept of establishing a brand. The most a cannabusiness can do to put their personality into the product is insert a logo somewhere on the package.

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But this isn’t the primary grip.

Cannabis consumers, presumably those still of the hippie mindset, believe the packaging is too excessive and wasteful. These people feel like putting a gram of marijuana in a child-resistant container the size of an ibuprofen bottle ultimately poses a threat to the environment. They want to see more sustainable options.

When it comes to marijuana packaging in the United States, the primary goal, much like it is in Canada, is to prevent children from exposure to THC. There have been countless reports of children accidentally ingesting pot products since marijuana started going legal in the states. Although this has more to do with irresponsible parenting than it does with packaging, state regulators have swooped in over the years to childproof the industry.

But there are environmental concerns.

RELATED: Could Florida Be The Next State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana?

The argument is that since most plastic isn’t biodegradable and will likely be around longer than most of us will live, the cannabis industry should employ alternative packaging methods to, at least, try and somewhat prolong the longevity of the planet. Some members of the trade are looking into ways to make the business more sustainable. But because most cannabis operations are still fighting for survival out there—battling insane federal taxes and other financial snags—many of them are not even interested in embracing a more environmentally friendly package if it means spending more money.

Cannabis industry experts say the problem cannot be properly addressed without giving these operations more access to financial solutions—all of which are hindered by the U.S. government due to marijuana’s Schedule I classification. It is just another example of how Congress could help take the trade to the next level by passing laws that put it more in line with other areas of American commerce.

Bernie Sanders Blasts War On Drugs And Emphasizes Need For Marijuana Reform In 2020

Federal marijuana reform continues to emerge as a touchstone issue in the upcoming 2020 election, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) is doubling down on his pro-cannabis platform. During an interview with The Breakfast Club, Sanders noted the need to change “insane” federal marijuana laws, as “too many lives are being destroyed” because of current legislation.

Sanders was adamant about the need to end the War on Drugs, believing marijuana legalization could go a long way to fixing the disparities that currently exist in the criminal justice system. He added the importance of marijuana decriminalization, stating “hundreds of thousands of people get criminal records. You know why? Because they have smoked marijuana.”

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“Right now you have a federal Controlled Substances Act in Washington that says if you’re caught with heroin, he’s caught with marijuana, it’s both the same level. That’s insane,” Sanders said. “I believe in the legalization of marijuana, which by the way will be a major step forward in the struggle for a fairer, less racist criminal justice system.”

Sanders was also asked by The Breakfast Club hosts if he’d ever consumed cannabis before, which Sanders responded in the affirmative, reiterating what he’d told reporters back in 2015.

“Didn’t do a whole lot for me,” he said. “My recollection is I nearly coughed my brains out, so it’s not my cup of tea.”

While Sanders was one of few presidential candidates in the 2016 election openly pushing cannabis reform, many 2020 Democratic candidates have already expressed support for marijuana decriminalizing while others have even advocated for ending federal cannabis prohibition. If Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) is to be believed, President Donald Trump also favors national cannabis reform, albeit behind closed doors. The only candidate who’s feverishly against cannabis reform is former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), also a 2020 presidential candidate, re-introduced legislation last week that would legalize marijuana at the federal level. The bill, known as the Marijuana Justice Act, was also sponsored by Sanders, as well as other Democratic presidential candidates.

RELATED: Should Voters Trust 2020 Democrats’ Newfound Support Of Marijuana?

But Sanders emphasized the importance of creating a fair and equal opportunity industry amidst his support for cannabis reform. The presidential hopeful wants to facilitate a system that benefits those disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs and doesn’t bow down to corporate interests.

“There are large corporations that are going to be making a whole lot of money,” Sanders said. “Suddenly, 10 years ago everyone was demonizing marijuana, but now these guys are going to make a zillion dollars off it. And you’re right, small business owners in the African-American community deserve to be a part of that process.”

5 Junk Foods You Can Eat Without Feeling Guilty

We all know junk food when we see it—those delicious snacks that provide an instant rush, but ends with a really sad and crappy comedown. Although it’s easy to say that from now on you’ll lead a healthy life and avoid all types of junk foods, it’s hard to apply this in real life. Junk food cravings are real and can quickly get out of hand. You may vow to avoid french fries forever only to find yourself breaking your promise when you walk by your nearest McDonald’s. But, sometimes you need it, so here are 5 junk foods you can eat without feeling guilty.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, nutritionist Karina Heinrich offers a more realistic solution to your junk food addiction:

“Instead of fighting your craving, just feed it with a healthier version. There are many brands that are redefining the junk food scene, making needed strides with real ingredient innovation, so what we traditionally think of as ‘junk food’ can now actually be considered healthy.”

Check out 5 junk foods that will satisfy your cravings and not make you feel sick afterwards:

Popcorn

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Popcorn is a legend among those who diet and who struggle with improving their eating habits. It’s crunchy, filling, and most importantly delicious, satisfying your cravings. If you’d like to be really healthy with the popcorn you consume, purchase Skinny Pop, Buddha Bowl Himalayan Pink Organic Popcorn, and other brands that are health conscious. Avoid old school microwave popcorn and cheesy options; these tend to pack sugar, fat, salt and vegetable oil.

Ice cream

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Although no one should have ice cream every day, nutritionists say there are some nutrients like calcium and protein in a serving. For healthier results forgo Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s. Purchase some of the healthy ice cream options available in your supermarket. They might be less tasty but they contain more vitamins and probiotics.

Dark chocolate

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Dark chocolate has low amounts of sugar and healthy servings of fiber and proteins, so it’s a really good and healthy snack. It’s also so strong that if you train yourself, it’ll quickly satisfy your cravings with a few bites.

Ramen

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The main problem with ramen is in the seasoning packet, which contains large amounts of salt and sodium. There are several healthy options of ramen noodles, like Original Top Ramen and Lotus Foods. If you want to be even healthier, prepare your ramen soup from scratch, adding in veggies and creating your own seasoning with low sodium soy sauce, miso and sea salt.

Healthy potato chips

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There are dozens of healthy potato chips out there that you haven’t tried because you’re prejudiced against them. Read the labels and try to steer clear from chips that contain MSG, a compound that’s linked with weight gain, headaches and allergic reactions.

So, you can feast on these 5 junk foods you can eat without feeling guilty.

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