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This Week’s Music: Zayn, The Chainsmokers And Bad Bunny

Maria Loreto
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This Week’s Music: Zayn, The Chainsmokers And Bad Bunny

This Week’s Music is a weekly column that discusses the weeks’ best, worst, and most interesting songs. We try to select songs of different artists and genres to keep things interesting and to please a variety of music fans.

This week saw the release of Zayn’s new album, another song from The Chainsmokers and a vulnerable single from Reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny. Check them out:

Pop

Zayn – Let Me

Zayn’s latest album, “Icarus Falls,” was released on December 14th, sprawling 27 songs in an experiment that lasts an hour and a half. That sounds insane, but the songs aren’t particularly long and the album is clearly split in the middle, with one half featuring lighter and more romantic songs than the other. “Let Me” was the first song released in promotion of the album, back in April, and it’s the clear stand out. A breezy and kind of cheesy song, “Let Me” is romantic and pleasant even if at times it can be as ridiculous as its music video (very). Zayn is a talented performer, a pop star with a powerful falsetto and a career that could take him anywhere.

EDM

The Chainsmokers – Hope (ft. Winona Oak)

RELATED: This Week’s Music: Ariana Grande, Avril Lavigne And Pitbull

The Chainsmokers’ latest single is a collaboration with Winona Oak, a Swedish singer who’s a relative newcomer with no records of her own. Her presence is the best part of the song, elevating it with her haunting and beautiful voice. “Hope” doesn’t break new ground for The Chainsmokers but it does provide a welcome change of pace. It’s, dare I say it, a pleasant auditory experience.

Reggaeton

Bad Bunny – Solo De Mi

Bad Bunny is an interesting character, a young reggaeton singer who’s capable of being vulnerable and genuine in an industry that’s not known for treasuring those sensibilities. Reggeaton’s popularity has been steadily growing in North America, giving Latino artists the opportunity to experiment with music and produce different type of songs. Still, the formula is pretty strict: Reggeaton singers are tough guys and they sing about sexy girls. While Bad Bunny is most definitely a part of this group, he also capable of discussing breakups and sadness, of wearing nail polish and being unapologetic.

Will Ferrell Reveals The Scene In Elf Which Made Him Cry

Amy Hansen
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Will Ferrell Reveals The Scene In Elf Which Made Him Cry

It’s become a holiday tradition for many, a joy and a much watch. To add to the emotion this year, Will Ferrell reveals the scene in Elf which made him cry. And did you realize the the movie is officially 15-years-old? The movie, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf,  was released in 2003 to the delight of many children and adults alike. In honor of this milestone, and to celebrate the continued holiday joy the movie brings, Rotten Tomatoes interviewed both men to get some behind the scenes information we’re just now learning for the first time…like the moment Ferrell started crying in the movie theater during one of the early showings of “Elf.”

RELATED: Science Explains How Marijuana Inspires Awe

Here are some highlights:

Ferrell: “I just committed to the character and hoped for the best!”

Favreau: “Instead of hiring a lot of extras, we shot a lot of [the scenes in New York] independent film style with a van and a camera.”

“There were a couple of people we planted in there — the guy dressed up as Santa in a red sweatsuit — but other people passing him by, that was all real.”

Ferrell: “There was a mix of ‘please get away from me’ and some people were just kind of like, ‘hello, how are ya?’ so I could kind of weave in and out and get some honest reactions from people.”

Favreau: “[Will Ferrell] drew a lot of attention. I remember there was one sequence where we were moving through the Lincoln Tunnell — he’s crawling along the side — and [the city of New York] just let traffic through.” “There were a lot of fender benders.”

Ferrell: “When Buddy is in the back of the sleigh, and everyone’s singing in Central Park and there’s enough of Christmas spirit to get it lifted off, I’m like, ‘I can’t let everyone see me cry here at my own movie.’ So, I was like, ‘Oh, gosh. This is working on a level I didn’t anticipate. I knew this had the potential to be one of those special movies.”

You can listen to the entire phone conversation here:

Will Ferrell reveals the scene in Elf which made him cry, let’s see if you cry also.

We’ve Got Two Great Gift Ideas From ‘The Fresh Toast’ Team

JJ McKay
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We’ve Got Two Great Gift Ideas From ‘The Fresh Toast’ Team

Just in time for Christmas – two great gift ideas from The Fresh Toast team.

Managing Editor Julien Perry authored Seattle Cooks, part of an anthology series of cookbooks from Figure 1 Publishing, and our talented Photo Editor, Roslyn Julia, is making some of her photographs available to the public.

Photos by Charity Burggraaf

Julien, who has a long history as a food writer (Seattle Magazine, Eater, Food Network) has collected 80 signature recipes from 40 of Seattle’s best chefs for  Seattle Cooks, which is available at most area bookstores as well as online at Amazon. It’s perfect for any foodie or home cook, featuring a range of vibrant salads, desserts, cocktails, side dishes and mains. The expansive cookbook highlights a vibrant culinary scene that makes Seattle one of the best food cities in the country. “Even Seattle natives will discover new favorites,” says James Beard Award-winning writer Rebekah Denn.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Photo by Roslyn Julia

Roslyn has long been known as an artist. Through still images, she has explored and captured her sense of awe and connection to place — themes that can be found in all of her work. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. It is her simple depiction of everyday moments that grab the viewers heart. Daily, she creates the visual story at The Fresh Toast, while also balancing her photography. She recently launched her own site to sell some of her art. While we feature some of her photos here, you can also check out her Instagram or website. Beautifully captured Polaroid, black-and-white and color film, you can receive archival inkjet prints framed in partnership with Simply Framed, which provides custom handmade to-order frames. Roslyn plans to grow her collection in the new year and beyond. You can find more information and her collection of prints at www.roslynjuliaprints.com.

The Fresh Toast salutes our talented team members and we wish everyone a great holiday season.

Meme Of The Week: Internet Rips Apart Photos Of Disney’s ‘Aladdin’

Maria Loreto
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Meme Of The Week: Internet Rips Apart Photos Of Disney’s ‘Aladdin’

Disney is planning to redo a large chunk of their classic animated movies, this time with real actors. Following the success of 2017’s Beauty and The Beast, the gigantic and slightly terrifying movie studio is now working on their live action versions of The Lion King and Aladdin. These movies have huge budgets, but that hasn’t stopped Disney from making Will Smith’s genie look awful.

 

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Related: Meme Of The Week: Decade-Old ‘Cry For You’ Becomes The Most Memeable Song

Instead of being our good ol’ blue genie, or at least something that resembles that idea, Will Smith’s version of the character looks like a man — a normal man, which is fine. The problem is that he has a little puff of hair that stands right in the middle of his bald head.

Aside from the fact that the look does no favors for Smith, people were surprised that the genie didn’t have some sort of CGI effect. The end result is a not so magical looking Smith. If you rubbed a lamp and he came out of it, you would honestly just laugh and walk away, but not before asking him to find you a “real” genie.

The internet has been vicious with these batch of promotional images, criticizing Smith’s looks and the fact that Aladdin is now wearing a shirt (Aladdin is topless, this is a fact that can’t be changed). The one thing that was praised was Jafar who, in this version, is hot and very different than what we were all expecting. Check out the best reactions from Twitter:

Related: Sonic The Hedgehog Has Weirdly Sculpted Legs In His Live Action Movie Poster

Aladdin will be ready to mock in theaters by May 2019.

3 Reasons Athletes Are Expected To Turn To Marijuana In 2019

Alana Armstrong
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3 Reasons Athletes Are Expected To Turn To Marijuana In 2019

Cannabis has a long and mostly clandestine relationship with sport.

The plant medicine is supposed to be more natural and less harmful to the body than over-the-counter products like NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve) or ointments like Icy Hot and Tiger Balm, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits it for being a “risk to health” of athletes and “in violation of the spirit of sport.”

High-level athletes may have a complicated relationship with cannabis where competition regulations are concerned, but that doesn’t mean that the average weekend warrior can’t learn from what’s trending in the pro-cannabis athlete division.  

Changing attitudes = more reasons to use cannabis

Gruelling training sessions can have a significant impact on the mind and body. That’s why many athletes are turning to marijuana for its anti-inflammatory and pain reduction qualities.

The evolution of attitudes and cannabis policies around the world may play an essential role in changing use patterns of marijuana among athletes. It’s less unusual to see an athlete publicizing their use or views of cannabis, especially when it pertains to their training regime and recovery rituals. It seems that athletes are now using cannabis for far more than pain and inflammation.

Going forward, we are going to hear more about athletes using cannabis to burn through the anxiety and mental blocks that inevitably precede performance, competition and training. It’s possible that we’ll also hear more from those who use it claim that it helps them get into the “zone” to concentrate on repetitive activities and muscle movements.

Not to mention the critical gains made in the exploration of cannabis as a treatment for concussions.

An end to combustion

Inhaling smoke is not an ideal delivery method, which is why many cannabis-fueled athletes are using edibles, vaporizers, or oral formulations as lung-friendly alternatives. Some are even choosing to create edibles at home and experimenting with different strains, THC to CBD ratios, and potencies. For those not inclined to do the cooking themselves, plenty of sports-focused edibles and supplements have jumped into the industry in recent years, meeting the growing demand for athletic performance and recovery products with a cannabis boost.

With a variety of studies correlating cannabis with anti-inflammatory support, muscle recovery, and pain relief, it’s become the latest super ingredient to be added to athletic supplements.

Speaking of CBD…

WADA’s drug-testing protocol prohibits THC and other cannabinoids. CBD products, however, are accepted. As CBD product sales soar, the number of athletes willing to open up about using it may eventually rise.

CBD is all about the relief without a psychedelic high—a low-risk entry point that fits with many athletes’ training and health requirements.

“CBD gummies” was one of the most Googled terms in 2019. It’s getting hard to go a single day without hearing about or seeing CBD, and the innovation in the space is skyrocketing, with CBD transdermal patches, topical creams and salves, and cannabinoid-rich drinks.

The verdict is still out on all of the benefits of all of these new products, but there’s a growing body of anecdotal evidence from high-level athletes for whom the plant and their sport intersect that they work, and more gently than the pharmacy alternatives.

How Will The Incoming Congress Shape Marijuana Legalization?

Mike Adams
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How Will The Incoming Congress Shape Marijuana Legalization?

For the past six years, states have been legalizing marijuana for recreational use. This exercise in common sense has been, for the most part, considered an “experiment.” But with states like New York poised to legalize in 2019, it is apparent now that legal weed is a permanent fixture in our culture and going nationwide. However, the federal government’s response to marijuana is still the same: It’s illegal, they don’t like it, they don’t want it. But there is pressure mounting for this to change in the New Year, and cannabis advocates have infiltrated Capitol Hill to see that it does.

Some believe that the 116th Congress will be the first to take action on legal weed. Cannabis Industry leaders say legal pot has become a bipartisan issue and that lawmakers are motivated to eliminate federal controls.

“This is a place that Republicans and Democrats alike can agree that it shouldn’t be the place of the federal government to interfere,” Aaron Smith, director at National Cannabis Industry Association, told The Hill.

Now that Democrats have taken back control of the U.S. House of Representatives and leading sandbaggers of the cannabis issue, like House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, have been run out on a rail, lobbyists hope to get measures passed that give pot-related businesses access to risk free banking, tax breaks and ultimately move the nation into a fully legal system. Many feel Pete Sessions’ replacement, Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, will lead to these issues moving forward.

There is still a good chance, though, that cannabis advocates will be let down. So far, Democratic leadership has not come out and said whether marijuana will be one of their primary concerns in the next session. If they don’t take the reins on it, chances are nothing will happen.

“Most Democrats would rather ignore it,” said Kevin Sabet with the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. “Some of this stuff is more likely than it has been, but it’s far from a done deal.”

Although marijuana could be embraced by the House in 2019, nothing has changed in the upper chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the guiding light to industrial hemp legalization, which was just signed into last this week, but hasn’t expressed any interest in doing the same with marijuana. In fact, it was only earlier this year that he said he wouldn’t get behind a bill aimed at legalizing nationwide.

Still, lawmakers like Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, one of the leading voices for pot reform on the Hill, believes that progress on this issue in the lower chamber will have some influence in the Senate.

But the cannabis industry is now doing its part. The fact that there are now an increasing number of lobbyists on the Hill rallying support for bills like the STATES Act is a good sign that the weed people are learning how to influence lawmakers to make the change  – they have to pay for their support. Some of the latest data shows the marijuana lobby has given more than $3 million to Congress is the last year.

This Cat Has An Unusual Way Of Showing Its Hatred For The Vet

Amy Hansen
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This Cat Has An Unusual Way Of Showing Its Hatred For The Vet

Nobody likes going to the doctor, including animals. In fact, unlike humans, it’s perfectly acceptable for pets to act out when they know they’re going to the vet. They can statue, give you dirty looks, try to run away, or hide.

As photographic proof, Twitter use Ashly Perez snapped a pic of her cat, King James, hiding his head in the trash bin as his way of coping with the trauma associated with a check-up. Do they make human head sizes?

People began posting photos of their own cats at the vet clinic. As it turn out, cats and vets aren’t really a cohesive relationship.

Related: WATCH: Museum Guard Spends Most Of His Time Denying 2 Cats Entry

https://twitter.com/89VWGolf/status/1075574017602609152

https://twitter.com/BlackpeelJDT/status/1075622476716101633

And then there’s @SunnySeea, posting what we’re all usually thinking when we’re waiting at the doctor’s office.

Related: Ask A Vet: How Old Is My Pet In Dog Or Cat Years?

Chrissy Teigen Under Fire For Inappropriate Tweets; Duchess Meghan’s ‘American Mentality’ Is Clashing With Royal Aides

Naughty Gossip
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Chrissy Teigen Under Fire For Inappropriate Tweets; Duchess Meghan’s ‘American Mentality’ Is Clashing With Royal Aides

Chrissy Teigen is under fire after some shocking and inappropriate tweets

Chrissy Teigen has come under fire over old tweets in which she made jokes about self-harm and used the slur ‘tranny’.

Tweets sent from the model’s account also made fun of Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga’s appearances.

The tweets date from 2010 and 2011 when Teigen, who is married to singer John Legend, would have been 25 and 26 years old.

One tweet says: ‘Lindsay adds a few more slits to her wrists when she sees emma stone.’

Another reads: ‘God. Can we just come out and call the freakin show ‘americas next top tranny’ because this shit has been transtastic for the past 5 years.’

A further tweet reads: ‘Why is anyone surprised mariah is having twins? I was always pretty positive there were 2-15 babies growing inside of her’.

People clapped back at the mum-of-two with the hashtag #ChrissyTeigenIsOverParty.

Duchess Meghan’s ‘American mentality’ is clashing with veteran royal aides

Meghan Markle is the first American to marry into the British royal family since Wallis Simpson in 1937 — and since her wedding to Prince Harry in May, there have been tensions that some insiders blame on a culture clash. Veteran royal aides “might not be used to the ‘say-it-as-you-see-it’ American mentality,” a palace insider tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story.

Meghan, 37, has yet to announce which patronages she will back as a member of the royal family, but it’s clear she has ambitions to advance education and empowerment for women and young girls around the world. Her first solo project as the Duchess of Sussex – a cookbook launched to support a community kitchen – spearheaded that cause.

“The palace is a magical place, and it is also a place where all you hear is ‘no, no, no,’ ” a source in royal circles says of the confining rules that govern royal life. Adds a source close to the family: “The most difficult job in the royal family is to work with Meghan’s ambitions and make them realizable. She will get frustrated if she is told, ‘You can’t do this or can’t do that.’ ”

Kate Middleton, on the other hand, “has maneuvered herself in a different way, but she is still strong.” William and Kate “have created their own nest, and they are confident in what they’re doing,” says the insider.

Jennifer Lopez Stars Alongside Daughter Emme in Music Video

The 49-year-old entertainer dropped the empowering video for her song, “Limitless,” which is featured on the soundtrack of her latest flick, “Second Act”.

In a press release, Lopez noted that the colorful, up-tempo video for the Sia-written track is meant to make women everywhere say, “I am worth something. I have value. I am equal. I am limitless.”

The women-centric video is made all the more special by a special appearance from Lopez’s 10-year-old daughter, Emme Muniz. The pair play the same character in the video — for which Lopez made her directorial debut — and are seen struggling to get through life.

5 White Elephant Gift Ideas Still Available On Amazon

Amy Hansen
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5 White Elephant Gift Ideas Still Available On Amazon

If your idea of a fun holiday party involves an bizarre gift exchange filled with presents nobody really wants, we’ve got you covered. A little browse sesh on Amazon reveals lots of impractical gifts that will be perfect for your White Elephant gathering this year. Granted, you’ll likely need a couple glasses of champagne to really see the beauty in these knick-knacks that might find their forever home in someone’s trash. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

Pizza Socks Box ($26)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdSqogYBJ4S/

Product description: Are you a fan of pizza or colourful socks? Then, Pizza Socks Box Slice is an ideal product for you! The fashion for colourful socks flourishes and you won’t be able to find crazier socks than pizza socks that are packed in a box that looks like a real pizza. Our socks look funny and original also on their owner’s feet. They match both casual clothes, a pair of jeans as well as a jacket and a suit. Pizza socks are funny, crazy, colourful and happy!

You can also just order a slice ($14)

50 Packets of Sriracha ($12)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhXPjQ0lc2w/

Product description: We believe that Sriracha should be as readily accessible as all other core condiments… if not MORE so! This is why we at Sriracha2Go made it our mission to make the world a spicier place. As a part of that mission, we introduced Huy Fong Foods Sriracha Packets, the first condiment packets to provide everyone a way to make sure they’re never without the real deal, Huy Fong Sriracha.

Whether you call these little suckers “Packets,” “Sachets,” or “Single Serve Containers,” be ready for Sriracha to be as readily accessible as every other core condiment.

Dorothy from ‘The Golden Girls’ Chia Pet ($20)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVgK6BnzeM/

Product description: The popular sitcom of the 80’s! Golden Girls is now a CHIA PET! Collect them all and bring home a Chia Pet. Fun and amusing gift for any age and any occasion. Easy to Do … Fun to Grow! You’ll see a full coat in about 1-2 weeks, and you can reuse your Chia Pet. Simply replant with Chia seeds.

PyroPet Candles Kisa Candle ($34)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfwI-sMjpA_/

Product description: A cute cat shaped candle reveals the wild beast inside her, a grinning metallic skeleton with fire blazing in her eyes.

Adult Sloth Onesies ($24-$27)

https://www.instagram.com/p/2om8UehiNR/

Product description: The fun and whimsical designs will make sure you get noticed at your next furry convention or party. Best choice for Halloween, Christmas, Kigurumi, Thanksgiving, Festival, Performance, Tiny Cosplay, Fancy Dress,Cartoon Pajama Party,Dressing Up,Homewear, Holiday, Cosplay Costumes, Home Casual,Loungewear and be as Sleepwear

Types Of Marijuana To Get Rid Of A Hangover

Kent Gruetzmacher
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Types Of Marijuana To Get Rid Of A Hangover

We’ve all been there. Hangovers. It starts nicely enough. A good friend calls and invites you out for dinner and “a drink.” Stepping away from the day-to-day and treating oneself to a nice meal and some delicious cocktails is not only necessary sometimes—it’s downright essential. Sometimes the relief or celebration can extend more than expected, so here are types of marijuana to get rid of a hangover.

That being said, a fabulous dinner ambiance and some great conversation with old friends can easily set the mood for some good old fashioned over-indulging. And hey, sometimes that’s okay. Wait for a Friday or Saturday night and spoil yourself rotten with a smorgasbord of delectable appetizers and refreshing alcoholic beverages. In the middle of this ritual of decadence and gastronomic debauchery the famous last words “a drink” easily get drowned away in a sea of excess.

At this point in time, there are a couple of routes to take. First of all, you can have two or three drinks at dinner and go home with a full stomach and get a good night’s rest. Or, you can fully commit to losing inhibitions and proceed to the bar for some “after-dinner drinks.”

Related Story: Most Americans Don’t Care If Celebrities Smoke Or Support Marijuana

Trust me my friends, I highly recommend option number one. Nonetheless, for those hard-working folks that really like to blow off some steam over the weekend “a drink” easily becomes drunkenness. However, if you fit into category number two it doesn’t necessarily mean that your weekend needs to be sacrificed to feelings of shame and respite wound up in a hangover. This is because, a little bit of medication with the right cannabis strain can really help soften the blow from a night of heavy drinking.

Know that there are multiple ways to consume marijuana, you can eat or drink it, rub it into your skin, vape, smoke and much more. Ask the budtenders at your local dispensary which products have the strains listed and then pick how you want to put it into your body.

For those party people out there, here are 10 types of marijuana that are good to take for hangovers:

https://giphy.com/gifs/the-hangover-YILXhANBEMAV2

Stephen Hawking Kush

This CBD dominant flower is a great soothing medication for the hangover blues.

Platinum OG

If you have a busy weekend planned but still decided to have a late night on Friday, smoking some Platinum OG will put some pep-in-your-step.

Jack Herer

This famous sativa dominant strain is an excellent choice if you have a foggy mind and need to accomplish some cerebrally challenging chores.

Related: 5 Types Of Marijuana To Help Improve And Enhance Your Workouts

ACDC

ACDC has an astounding 20:1 CBD to THC ratio—making it a great choice for novice smokers looking for a natural headache cure.

Charlotte’s Web

https://giphy.com/gifs/qutisuYBaGfFC

Related: A Brief History Of The War On Drugs And What It Means For Marijuana Today 

Perhaps the most famous CBD strain, Charlotte’s Web is a great choice for chilling on the couch and riding out your hangover without anxious feelings.

Sour Tsumani

With a 1:1 CBD to THC ration, Sour Tsunami is a middle-of-the road choice for a proper mix of sedation and psychoactive attributes.

Cherry Pie

This Grandaddy Purple x Durban Poison cross is a heavy-hitting indica that will mellow you out for an epic hangover munchie session.

Boss OG

For those OG fans out there, Boss OG is a great energetic smoke that you can utilize to accomplish some household tasks in the midst of an evil hangover.

Super Silver Haze

As a sub-strain of the now infamous Blue Dream flower, Super Silver is another fantastic sativa strain that packs an energetic punch.

Canna-Tsu

https://giphy.com/gifs/singmovie-dance-fun-excited-l3fQueO8cHyZl2Pvi

Canna-Tsu has a bit more THC than CBD, making a good choice for an energizing strain that doesn’t cause anxiousness.

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