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Oprah’s Sleep Doctor Advises Not To Do This Before Bed

Amy Hansen
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Oprah’s Sleep Doctor Advises Not To Do This Before Bed

We all took notes when Oprah Winfrey’s personal trainer told us how to shed pounds, and then again when her personal chef told us how to…shed pounds… and now, O’s personal sleep coach has some advice on how to ace your nightly slumber.

In an exclusive interview with FEMAIL, Oprah’s sleep doctor, Michael Breus, says he has a nightly routine that will ensure you a solid sleep.

Contrary to what you may have heard, your sleep routine starts way before you turn off the lights and set your alarm. Dr. Breus says we all need “wind down” time before our heads hit the pillow.

‘The secret to sleep is to pay attention to what you’re doing in those precious hours before bedtime,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.

“One hour before you are going to try and sleep, break up your time accordingly,” he said.

Dr. Breus says in addition to brushing your teeth, washing your face, and engaging in other nightly hygiene tasks, it’s important to give yourself time to relax, which is why it’s essential to avoid anything intense before bed. He explained:

Having big emotional discussions with your partner right before bed is one of the worst things you can do before trying to fall asleep. It sets off this whole level of autonomic arousal, you’re angry, you’re upset and you can’t stop thinking right before bed.

He says it’s also a good idea to avoid things like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, which are known to disrupt your sleep cycles. Instead, focus on decompressing your body.

“Whether it’s muscle relaxation, Tai Chi, stretching or doing something for your mind like meditation or prayer, make sure you use this time for you,” he said, adding that failing to do so can lead to insomnia.

“Regular exercise can be tremendously helpful in alleviating insomnia too,” he said, “as can mindfulness practices and relaxation therapies.”

He says aim for 7.5 hours of sleep a night, which he refers to as the “sweet spot” for a good night’s rest.

New Bill Would Allow Students With Past Drug Convictions To Receive Federal Aid

Brendan Bures
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New Bill Would Allow Students With Past Drug Convictions To Receive Federal Aid

Federal aid makes it possible for an untold number of college students to afford steep tuition fees. Each year, around 1,000 students lose that financial assistance because of a “yes” response to a specific question on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form: “Have you been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, work-study, or loans)?”

A bill introduced by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker would remove that question from the FAFSA form and would allow those with prior drug convictions to still receive federal aid to attend college. Federal aid can be the difference between college dropout and college graduate for some, particularly those coming from low-income families.

Politicians and civil rights groups have fought to remove the question for that very reason.  The bill introduced by Booker, along with other Democratic Senators, would accomplish that goal, in addition to simplifying the FAFSA process and making FAFSA available to DREAMers. As a somewhat recent college graduate who relied on federal aid to get me through four years, I can attest to the baroque and confusing nature of the FAFSA form.

“We know that when a student completes the federal financial aid form, he or she is more likely to receive aid, attend college, and graduate from college,” Booker said in a release. “But sadly, less than half of today’s high school students complete the form, and students from underserved backgrounds complete the form at even lower rates than their peers. We must make the process of obtaining aid for higher education easier.”

Booker has been one of the most vocal pro-cannabis advocates in Congress. He introduced the Marijuana Justice Act in 2017, which would have effectively legalized cannabis at the federal level.

These Are The People You Should Unfollow On Social Media ASAP

Amy Hansen
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These Are The People You Should Unfollow On Social Media ASAP

It’s a challenge these days to be sane while engaging in social media. Many people you’re friends with on Facebook or follow on Instagram probably need to spend less time online and more time in a therapist’s office.

A new study finds that those who spend lots of time social networking tend to have lower emotional intelligence.

“People who are uncomfortable with their own and others’ emotions may be more comfortable online,” researcher Sara Konrath, a professor at Indiana University, tells Moneyish. “We think that they may prefer text-based interactions that allow them more time to process social and emotional information.”

Those who spend the most time on social media? Narcissistic, according to several studies, which conclude that places like Facebook provide the perfect platform for self-centeredness; constant and immediate gratification feeds into ego, creating a monster.

Relationship coach Rachel DeAlto pinpointed for Moneyish the types of people you should avoid all together on social media and it’s basically everyone who has access to a phone. Okay, not really, but we all likely know at least one of these people. Here’s how to spot them.

“If every picture is a duck face or selfie, buyer beware,” she said, as “self-absorption is evident.”

She says to also watch out for “victim mentality”. You know, the friend who is always upset or angry about something. It’s another prevalent issue on social media. “What are they sharing? Is it constant complaints and negativity? If they’re consistently looking to social for validation, it’s a sign they may need a therapist,” she said.

And finally, she says to beware of hostile engagement, explaining that  emotionally-intelligent people don’t harass or create conflict behind screens, “If they are initiating or engaging in constant arguments online, watch out.”

NJ Senate President: We Have The Votes To Legalize Cannabis

Brendan Bures
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NJ Senate President: We Have The Votes To Legalize Cannabis

Expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program and/or full cannabis legalization has been just beyond the horizon in New Jersey for most of 2018. Gov. Phil Murphy, who campaigned on full cannabis legalization in the state’s gubernatorial race last year, has said he’d like the state to legalize cannabis by the end of the year.

Murphy’s wishes appear to be a legitimate possibility based on comments from New Jersey Senate President Steven Sweeney. In an interview with POLITICO this week, Sweeney says he has the votes to carry both cannabis measures by September’s end.

One of the major roadblocks Sweeney has faced comes from across the aisle. Though some Republican lawmakers support expansion of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, opposition is heavy from Republicans regarding full cannabis legalization.

Another roadblock: neither of the bills have been fully drafted, causing major questions from both parties regarding how legal cannabis will look in New Jersey.

“Listen, we’re going to need to work with [Republicans] to pass it,” Sweeney told POLITICO. “I can’t get anyone to make a commitment on something that they have no idea what it looks like, nor would I expect them to make the commitment.”

“Don’t be surprised when people who say they were against it vote for it,” Sweeney adding, predicting possible Republican support.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin publicly endorsed recreational cannabis legalization for the first time this month, making it seem like New Jersey’s top lawmakers were in coordination around cannabis. But Sweeney disagreed with Murphy’s previous proposal that cannabis be taxed at a 25 percent rate. In addition, legislators are still seeking clarity around a possible provision that could expunge the records of those with previous cannabis-related convictions.

“I don’t want [the tax rate] to be 25 percent, because then you’re just going to keep the black market alive,” Sweeney told POLITICO. “If you tax it too high, you incentivize people to use the black market because you’ve raised the price too high.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has instructed prosecutors to suspend any cannabis-related cases until September. The State Health Department also added five more qualifying conditions for its medical marijuana program in March, including migraines, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Chocolate Avocado Toast Has Twitter Up In Arms

Maria Loreto
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Chocolate Avocado Toast Has Twitter Up In Arms

Avocados were immortalized by millennials when it came to light that they basically spread them over everything, and have no qualms about spending lots of money to have someone else spread it on a piece of toasted bread. They made the news again when it was announced that young adults were being rushed to the hospital at a rapid clip because they didn’t know how to safely remove the pit. In other words, avocados are a big deal for this generation. It’s understandable. They’re absolutely delicious, and they pair well with most foods.

Rising pop star Anne Marie randomly tweeted that she loves avocado toast with chocolate, and the internet freaked out. It’s not the craziest idea, it just seems like two flavors that wouldn’t go together very well.

Recently, peanut butter and pickle sandwiches made the news, with a lot of people screaming in outrage. That sandwich is a little easier to swallow, however, because of its intense flavors that actually complement each other (think of all the Thai food you’ve eaten that used lots of peanut and vinegary flavors). “If it had good bread, good peanut butter and good pickles, you could sell this sandwich at a restaurant for a lot of money,” said The Huffington Post. The combination makes sense. Avocado and chocolate doesn’t.

Following Anne Marie’s advice, a writer from Mashable tried the sandwich and claimed that while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good either.

She used a baguette, an avocado, and the chocolate from the inside of a croissant (which is very strange and probably not what Anne Marie used). She toasted the bread, piled in the ingredients and added a dash of salt to highlight the flavors. When she ate it, she said that the flavor of the chocolate drowned out the light taste of the avocado. This makes sense; avocados aren’t used for their flavors, they’re mostly added in to give texture to meals, something that’s unnecessary when you’re eating an already creamy chocolate sandwich. Maybe with Nutella it would have tasted better, but I don’t think so.

Tinder’s Super Like Function Is A Little Controversial

Maria Loreto
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Tinder’s Super Like Function Is A Little Controversial

Tinder’s Super Like function, for those not on the dating app, is for those moments when you think a stranger is really, really attractive; when swiping right is not enough. Tinder probably intended for this feature to be flattering and for it to add a little personality to your profile. Sadly, it’s mostly creepy.

Super Liking someone’s profile is very easy to do it by accident, and it’s become one of Tinder’s most annoying trademarks.

Tinder is designed to give a Super Like when you swipe up on your screen, making it slightly more difficult than, say, accidentally liking someone’s first post on Instagram, which only demands a double tap of the screen. Despite this, swiping up is still something that happens on accident, especially when you’re using Tinder on-the-go or if you’re rapidly swiping through users. Using the buttons instead of swiping on Tinder makes things even harder because the Super Like button is located right next to the “No.”

Mashable interviewed different users on Super Liking, and concluded that most people don’t know what to do with the feature. “Pretty much the only time I Super Liked was accidental. I think I was just swiping too fast or I actually meant to swipe left,” says one Tinder user. Another user says that they believe all Super Likes are accidental, and that it’s hard to confess if you were being honest and thought that person deserved more than a swipe right. “I don’t think I would admit to accidentally Super Liking someone if we matched. [Admitting it] would inject a weird power dynamic.”

Mashable argues that most users who are on Tinder are also on Bumble and other dating apps, which all have their own gestures and swipes, making it very easy to get confused and to do the wrong swipe by accident.

Most dating apps have a version of the Super Like, so it’s safe to assume that the feature is here to stay. If you really hate it, the only simple way to avoid it is by being extra careful or by paying for Tinder Plus, which allows you to “Rewind.” This feature lets you take back your last swipe, no matter if it was left, right or up.

Why Does Marijuana Make Me Cough And How Do I Stop It?

Terry Hacienda
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Why Does Marijuana Make Me Cough And How Do I Stop It?

I don’t think there is a person living in the world who can honestly claim they have never coughed after toking on cannabis. It seems to be part of the experience for some folks. But why does it happen? How can you minimize it? And is this a sign that it’s harmful?

Let’s address the last question first. Hacking up a lung can’t be healthy, right? Right. Incessant coughing means that your lungs are being irritated and it is reacting to the irritant. But is it causing long-term damage to my lungs? Probably not. At least when it comes to the potential of lung cancer.

A landmark 2006 UCLA study conducted by Donald Tashkin, a pulmonologist who has studied marijuana for 30 years, found no connection between cannabis use and lung cancer, even with heavy use.

“We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use,” Taskin said. “What we found instead was no association at all, and even a suggestion of some protective effect.”

Taskin’s research suggests that the coughing fits are a short-term issue that does not appear to have lasting health impact. “Chronic cough — often accompanied by increased production of phlegm and wheezing, but not shortness of breath — occurs in over approximately 25 percent of habitual smokers of marijuana and resolves soon after cessation of marijuana use, provided that the marijuana smoker does not also smoke tobacco.  The precise amount of time before symptoms resolve after marijuana use is discontinued has not been carefully studied.”

Another UCLA study, this one from 2013, concludes that “regular smoking of marijuana by itself causes visible and microscopic injury to the large airways that is consistently associated with an increased likelihood of symptoms of chronic bronchitis that subside after cessation of use.”

What the science tells us at this point is that, yes, many cannabis consumers will cough after a session. And lung irritation will be a side effect for some. But once you quit — or take a hiatus from the herb — your long-term lung function should not be affected.

Lungs are highly adaptive organs. More experienced tokers appear to be able to “train” their lungs to hold the smoke better than beginners. For some of us lucky ones, the dreaded toker’s cough is not an issue. But if you suffer from this malady, here are some ways to improve the experience:

Stop Smoking

Wait, don’t stop reading! I mean give the bong or pipe a rest and eat your cannabis. Edible marijuana is an option if you just can’t handle the coughing jags. It will take longer to feel the effect and it will stay in your system longer, but your lungs will be happier.

Take Smaller Hits

When you cough, your lungs are telling you to back off. Your lungs can only take so much smoke at one time. If you feel your lung capacity is smaller, than simply take mini-puffs. Don’t worry: You will still get your dose of THC. It will just be a slower, milder and more enjoyable experience.

Don’t Hold The Smoke

I see this a lot. Some smokers feel that holding the smoke in your lungs for long periods of time will get you more high. Wrong. All you are doing is damaging your lungs. The tars present in the combusted plant matter absorb at a slower rate than cannabinoids, so all you are doing is allowing the tar to irritate your lungs.

Try Vaping

If smoking is too harsh on your lungs, give vaporization a try. Vaporizers do not combust the plant material, instead gently warming it to temperature that creates water vapor. It’s a lot easier on your lungs. There are some people who also suffer from bouts of coughing using vaporizers. Once again, try smaller tokes.

Angelina Jolie Is ‘Insanely Jealous’ Of Amal Clooney; Ben Affleck Spotted With New Girlfriend

Naughty Gossip
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Angelina Jolie Is ‘Insanely Jealous’ Of Amal Clooney; Ben Affleck Spotted With New Girlfriend

ANGELINA JOLIE IS “INSANELY JEALOUS” OF AMAL CLOONEY

Angelina Jolie is “insanely jealous” of Amal Clooney, friends say, “because she believes Amal has stolen her identity” as the world’s most prominent, glamorous humanitarian.

One source tells Page Six: “Angelina hates all the attention that Amal is getting — she’s beautiful, she’s smart, she’s stylish, she has a beautiful family and she’s doing important human rights work.”

Jolie is also fuming that former close friends George Clooney and Amal have publicly taken her soon-to-be ex-husband Brad Pitt’s side in their increasingly messy split — while the fallout from their divorce battle is making Jolie appear “crazy and manipulative.”

The source adds, “Angelina lives in such a bubble, she believes that Amal is doing a ‘single white female’ on her, and Angie can’t understand why she herself has become so unpopular in Hollywood. But the truth is, Amal isn’t concerned at all about Angelina — she is fully focused on her family and her work.”While Jolie has six children, runs two charitable foundations — the Jolie-Pitt Foundation and the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation — and holds a role as UN special envoy, Amal is a mother to 1-year-old twins Ella and Alexander, and is an esteemed international human rights lawyer.

IT’S ON: BEN AFFLECK WAS SPOTTED AGAIN WITH HIS RUMORED 22 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND

IT’S ON: Ben Affleck was spotted AGAIN with his rumored 22 year old girlfriend over the weekend. Ben and the Playboy model were photographed grabbing fast food on Sunday.

Another report says Ben’s ex girlfriend (who he must have very recently broken up with) deleted her Instagram account this week after photos of Affleck and his new girlfriend hit the press.

Marijuana Trend You Need To Know About: Terp Sauce

Terry Hacienda
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Marijuana Trend You Need To Know About: Terp Sauce

For most of The Fresh Toast audience, we recommend the “Start Low And Go Slow” method of cannabis consumption. We believe in understanding the correct dose for whatever ails you is usually the best way to consume. But what about those who desire or need much higher potency? For more seasoned cannabis users, terp sauce may be for you.

Before we get too far into the story, please take a self-assessment. This form of cannabis consumption is not for most of you out there — especially newcomers to the herb. If low-dose cannabis works for you, there is no reason to give this extra-potent method a try.

What Is ‘Terp Sauce’?

Most longtime cannabis enthusiasts who have made the switch to dabbing, say “terp juice” is among the most potent forms of cannabis on the market. Yes, the oil is packed with THC, but the added potency also comes from terpenes and cannabinoids added to the final product.

Terpenes are compounds found in the resin of cannabis that provides the aroma and flavor of the plant. Each type — or strain — of cannabis has its own unique terpene profile.

“Terp juice” is an extra-potent concentrate that contains elevated levels of terpenes. For most formulas of this product, there is more than double the amount of terpenes normally found in standard concentrates. Not only is the concoction extremely potent, it is also the most flavor-intense form factor in the cannabis world.

How To Consume It

Terp sauce is consumed by dabbing, a method of receiving highly potent cannabis via vaporization. Dabs are concentrated doses — typically about the size of a Tic-Tac breath mint — of marijuana.  Dabs are manufactured by extracting THC, most commonly by using a solvent such as butane.

The end product is a potent oil often referred to as wax, honey, shatter, budder, crumble or butane hash oil (BHO). Using a blowtorch (think creme brulee torch), the user heats the oil on a “dab rig.” The user then inhales the vapor, producing a high that hits quickly and forcefully.

WATCH: What Is This Hairy Sea Monster That Washed Ashore In Russia?

Amy Hansen
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WATCH: What Is This Hairy Sea Monster That Washed Ashore In Russia?

There’s a mystery unraveling off the coast of Russia involving a hairy mass that washed ashore last week. Is it an animal? A sea creature? A glob of whale blubber? Nobody knows for sure.

The “sea monster” landed on the shore of the Bering Sea, on the Pacific side of the Kamchatka peninsula, and people are going a little nuts trying to figure out what it is.

According to the Siberian Times, which posted the YouTube video on its site, the “monster” is more than three times the size of a man, and has “puzzled locals who are used to seeing what the ocean washes up.”

The monster is the color of Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, but way dirtier. And it looks to have a long tail-like protrusion on one end. Oh, and no head.

Witness Svetlana Dyadenko, who shot the video, said:

This unidentified and strange-looking creature was washed on the shore next to the village of Pakhachi, on the north-eastern side of the Kamchatka Peninsula.

She said the most interesting thing to her is that “the creature is covered with tubular fur. Could it be some ancient creature? I wish scientists could inspect this enigma that ocean threw at us.”

Commenters on the video asked her if it could be the remains of a woolly mammoth that was released from a melted permafrost over the warm summer.

But Svetlana said it looks more like a hairy octopus.

Can’t guess what is it. People who saw it could not dig or pull it out. You would need an excavator because part of it got completely covered with sand.

She also said the hair isn’t “normal” fur.

It does look like fur, but it’s tubular, as if a lot of tiny pipes hang down the carcass. This is a really strange-looking creature. We googled it and couldn’t find anything resembling it.

Svetlana said that it seemed to be “the carcass of an animal, but we can’t guess which one.”

But marine biologist Sergei Kornev thinks the “monster” might be part of a decaying sea mammal, saying, “Under the influence of the sea, time and various animals, from the smallest to the largest, a whale often takes on bizarre forms” and that “this is only a part of a whale, not a whole one.”

Take a look for yourself and see if you can come up with an answer.

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