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Showing posts from July, 2021

What Does EPCOT Stand For?

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When you hear the word “Epcot,” you probably immediately think of the giant golf ball-like structure in the Disney park—even if you’ve never set foot in Disney. But what does the word “Epcot” actually mean, if anything? This is a question that even Disney aficionados may not know the answer to. Is it an actual word, or one coined by the powers-that-be at Disney? Or is it not a word at all, but an acronym ? And if it’s an acronym, what does Epcot stand for? Well, to answer the first question, no, “Epcot” is not a word outside of the context of Disney. You won’t find “epcot” in online dictionaries, even as a proper noun. So let’s dive into the history of the park to find out how it got its name. Disney fanatics will also want to know these 23 Disney secrets . What does EPCOT stand for? First of all, yes, EPCOT is an acronym. It stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” If you’re wondering, Huh?  you’re not alone—it’s probably not what you expected for the official nam

50 Scary Halloween Movies to Deliver the Fright of Your Life

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Warning: you’ll want the lights on while watching these scary Halloween movies Halloween is a holiday that’s equal parts fun, mischievous, and spooky. One of the best parts of Halloween is watching scary movies and giving yourself a bit of a fright. Sure, there are some great funny Halloween movies to watch, but the best Halloween movies are the ones that chill you to the bone (and make you sleep with a night light). Spooky season only comes around once a year, after all—you need to make the fright count. If you’re craving a good scare, watch these top scary Halloween movies to get that spine-tingling, goosebump-raising feeling. The post 50 Scary Halloween Movies to Deliver the Fright of Your Life appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3bgCybU

I Tried a Cuup Virtual Bra Fitting and Finally Have Bras That Fit Properly

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Cuup bras offer lots of support—literally, they’re designed to support 40 chest sizes from A through H. And figuratively, the Cuup service and fit team know more than most lingerie stores about sizing, style, and shape. When I realized I hadn’t purchased a new bra in a few years—and by realized, I mean I could no longer stand the uncomfortable underwire and slipping straps of my current bras—I decided to get serious about finding bras that fit perfectly. I’d seen Cuup on social media feeds and had a few friends who swear by Cuup’s fit quiz and virtual bra fitting sessions. I decided to try Cuup bras. And why not? The only thing I had to lose was an uncomfortable bra. After you’ve found your perfect bra, you’ll also want to find the best shapewear for every type of dress. What is a Cuup bra? Cuup asked, “Why is it so hard to find a sexy bra that fits?” and then spent two years creating the perfect modern bra. They threw out how traditional bras look, feel, and fit. Cuup makes sizin

What Are the Halloween Colors and What Do They Mean?

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We tend to take holiday colors for granted, not giving them too much thought since they’re so ingrained in our culture. It’s usually pretty obvious what  colors go with which holidays—all you need to do is step into most general or grocery stores to see full aisles inundated with the hues of the season, like the black and orange of Halloween decor. But what might be less obvious is  why  certain colors are associated with certain holidays. Why are Christmas colors red and green , for instance? Of course, sometimes the colors are self-explanatory: the association of red, white, and blue with the Fourth of July, for instance, or green with St. Patrick’s Day ( or so you’d think ). But other times, the colors can seem random. The October spooky season is dominated by black and orange, but how did these colors become so popular for the holiday? Is it just because of black cats and Halloween jack-o-lanterns , or is there a deeper meaning to the Halloween colors? Turns out, there is—and it h

10 Authentic Chinese Dog Breeds and Their Fascinating History

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Introduction to Chinese dog breeds You probably already know that all dogs come from wolves, but what you may not know is that said wolves evolved into different breeds all over the world. Today we’re zeroing in on Chinese dog breeds, many of which have rich and fascinating histories. From the petite-sized Pekinese to the almost teddy bear-like Chow Chow, we’re showcasing the ten most well-known breeds. After you’ve perused this list, make sure to check out our roundups of Japanese dog breeds, Russian dog breed s, and Australian dog breeds . And while you’re at it, travel vicariously to Western Europe and learn about German dog breeds and Italian dog breeds . The post 10 Authentic Chinese Dog Breeds and Their Fascinating History appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3ffsvHy

35 Halloween Party Games to Get You in the Spooky Spirit

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Halloween party games Don’t let the Halloween fun stop after getting dressed up and going trick or treating. There are a ton of Halloween party games to play at your monster bashes to make them even more memorable. And these games aren’t just for kids either. Adults will have their inner child brought to life with the festive, spooky, and overall fun Halloween games. While a few of them do require a little planning, many of these are super easy and won’t require you to complete any Halloween crafts beforehand. And if you’re still looking for the perfect theme or the best ways to put your party together, check out these Halloween party ideas that will make for a scary-good time. The post 35 Halloween Party Games to Get You in the Spooky Spirit appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3bOEbhh

20 Best Self-Tanners for a Sun-Free Glow

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Get bronzed without leaving your house For the sake of your skin health, it’s smart to avoid the sun and wear a super protective sunscreen every day. But you don’t have to give up a gorgeous glow, thanks to the best self-tanners on the market. These new formulations are different than the self-tanners of your youth. Packed with all sorts of good-for-you ingredients, some of them double as skin care and not a single one will leave you looking orange—as long as you choose the right one and know a few smart techniques for a streak-free,  natural look. Priming your skin “Exfoliating before applying any self-tanner is a must for an even application,” says celebrity makeup artist Charlie Riddle. You’ll want to get well acquainted with the  best body scrubs and face scrubs for this reason. “Also, get a good mitt. I love the Yvoier Self Tanning Mitt because it’s a really smooth micro fabric, and it also includes a back applicator, just in case you don’t have anyone to help you apply.”

Study Finds COVID-19 May Lower Intelligence

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Researchers said those who had been placed on a ventilator while ill showed the most substantial effects. On average, their score dropped 7 IQ points. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3j0y9OK Researchers said those who had been placed on a ventilator while ill showed the most substantial effects. On average, their score dropped 7 IQ points.

10 Lovable Dogs with Short Legs

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Cute pups come in small packages You know dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s something especially “aww”-worthy about short-legged dogs. Sure, they may not rank as one of the fastest dog breeds , but the way they waddle across the room to get some snuggles from you, and the way their little entire torsos wiggle back and forth when they greet you at the door, is irresistible. Whether you’re in the market to adopt a new pup or you simply want to learn about cute canines , we’ve put together a handy guide on the most popular dog breeds with short legs. Dog lovers will also want to learn more about dogs with pointy ears and dogs with gorgeous blue eyes . The post 10 Lovable Dogs with Short Legs appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3lchtX7

Biden Reverses Trump Policy Limiting U.S. Nursing Home Fines

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The Biden administration has reversed a Trump policy that limited the size of fines that U.S. nursing homes could be slapped with for violating safety standards. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3f9odRZ The Biden administration has reversed a Trump policy that limited the size of fines that U.S. nursing homes could be slapped with for violating safety standards.

Severe Opioid Overdoses Rose by Nearly a Third During Pandemic

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Opioid overdose-related visits to U.S. emergency departments rose by nearly one-third during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3C1qOqG Opioid overdose-related visits to U.S. emergency departments rose by nearly one-third during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

What’s the Link Between Being LGBTQ+ and Mental Health?

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If you’re LGBTQ, there are issues that might affect your mental health and the care you receive for it. Here’s what to know. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3BXbfR4 If you’re LGBTQ, there are issues that might affect your mental health and the care you receive for it. Here’s what to know.

Hydrogel Shows Promise for Safer Delivery of Cancer Drugs

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Imagine taking anti-cancer drugs, therapies, or procedures that don’t leave you with side effects like hair loss: This is the future that hydrogels promise. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2UXc8Zj Imagine taking anti-cancer drugs, therapies, or procedures that don’t leave you with side effects like hair loss: This is the future that hydrogels promise.

The History of Jack-o-Lanterns and How They Became a Halloween Tradition

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Every October, ghoulish gourds peer out from doorsteps across the country. But what is it about the crisp air, changing leaves, and end of summer that urges us to break out the carving knives and carve jack-o-lanterns? Halloween is filled with odd traditions, Halloween colors , and even games like bobbing for apples , many with a rich history. Halloween jack-o-lanterns are no exception. Although jack-o-lanterns adorning every doorway are the norm, most people don’t know why. We’ll share the secret of the season’s most ubiquitous decoration. Their origin has to do with the explanation behind what Halloween is itself. What is a jack-o-lantern? A jack-o-lantern is, as the name might suggest, a lantern—one made out of a root vegetable. (Nope, it doesn’t have to be a pumpkin—more on that later!) Perhaps you’ve made one yourself, using pumpkin carving stencils to create a face or design in a pumpkin. But this is somewhat of an odd tradition when you think about it. How did it originate?

Best Labor Day Weekend Getaways in Every State

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Ready for a Labor Day weekend getaway? Travel is once again opening up after we’ve been shuttered at home for so long, with things feeling a bit more like normal for this year’s Labor Day weekend. While many may opt for mini-vacations close to home, others may choose beach house rentals or cabin rentals further afield for their Labor Day weekend getaways . Check out these 50 amazing weekend getaways in every state , which range from wellness retreats to road trips to end the season on just the right note. The post Best Labor Day Weekend Getaways in Every State appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3lfuE9R

Why Do We Bob for Apples on Halloween?

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You’ve probably heard of bobbing for apples, the classic Halloween game where people try to take a bite out of an apple floating in water. The image of multiple apples floating in a container full of water might bring up memories from your childhood, but did you know that, just like the traditions of carving jack-o’-lanterns and wearing Halloween colors , this tradition has deep roots in history? Read on to learn the fascinating history of bobbing for apples—it even includes an element of romance. What is bobbing for apples? Bobbing for apples is a game that can be played year-round, but it’s primarily played around autumn and Halloween. Here’s how to play: Fill a large bucket or basin with water Put apples in the water (since apples are less dense than water, they’ll float at the top) Have players try to get as many apples as possible only using their teeth—no hands! Where did bobbing for apples come from? Bobbing for apples started in Europe hundreds of years ago as a comm

13 Classic German Dog Breeds That Make Great Companions

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Guten tag , cute German hunds ! Or, hello, cute German dogs! We love dogs from all over the world—be it Chinese dog breeds, Japanese dog breeds , Australian dog breeds , Italian dog breeds , or Russian dog breeds , so German dog breeds are in good company. Our list includes dog breeds that originated in Germany or regions that are now known as modern Germany. Learn about the German dog breeds that will steal your heart—and quite possibly your pretzels and sausages. 1. German shepherd Whether the German shepherd is a family dog, a fellow soldier, or a service dog for the blind, they are undeniably one of the most loyal dog breeds around. They are calm and collected with an unparalleled dedication to love and protect their human or the entire family unit (including kids and feline siblings). That doesn’t mean they’re always in “work mode.” German shepherds love playtime and snuggling with their humans, too, albeit with an ever-watchful eye on their surroundings. There are five main

Here’s Why the 7-Eleven Logo Looks Like That

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You probably only think about 7-Eleven if you’re in the mood for some late-night munchies or a Slurpee . You definitely don’t contemplate the details of its fluorescent sign. It’s a big red and orange seven. The only thing it could possibly mean is cheap junk food available whenever you want it. What more could we ask for? It’s the dream! But once you take a good, hard look at the unmistakable 7-Eleven logo, you become consumed by grammatical and typographical conundrums. We often overlook company logos because we see them daily! We bet you didn’t know there was a hidden symbol in the Baskin Robbins logo or what about that hidden detail on the Starbucks logo ? Investigate the world of logos, naming, and spelling with the classic 7-Eleven logo. When you’re done go treat yourself to their infamous frozen treat! 7-Eleven: Meaning and history The company’s legal name is 7-Eleven. Why not 7-11 or even Seven-Eleven? Or why not be named after  7-Eleven’s hours ? And why is the N in Eleve

16 Things You Didn’t Know About Meghan Markle

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Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, may be one of the most interesting royal family members. She’s American and a former actress raised in Los Angeles—just a tad different from the rest of the royal family tree . These Meghan Markle facts are relatable, heartwarming, and will just make you love her even more than you already do. And if you want to learn a bit more about her husband, check out these things you didn’t know about Prince Harry . The post 16 Things You Didn’t Know About Meghan Markle appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Xu1B5F