General General 4 min read

Eat your greens!

Healthy & Delicious: learn 12 tasty snacks that are also nutritious

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Everybody knows that healthy food can sometimes be a bit bland in terms of flavor, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The following 12 tasty options prove otherwise, offering both a healthy and appetizing meal or snack. Take a look and see if you can find at least one that suits your taste!

1
Roasted chickpeas

Image: Rashpal Singh

Healthy snacks are a great way to kick off our list of nutritious and delicious treats. And roasted chickpeas are as tasty, crunchy, healthy, and easy to make as it gets.

Simply grab a can of chickpeas , rinse and dry them, then toss them with paprika , ground cumin , salt, and a bit of olive oil. Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray and roast them at maximum heat for about 30 minutes. Once they’re crunchy, they’re ready. Let them cool and enjoy!

2
Chocolate hummus

Image: Ludovic Avice

Yes, you read that right—chocolate hummus. And it’s amazing! This crowd-pleasing dip pairs perfectly with fruit, pancakes, or waffles. To make it, blend canned chickpeas (rinsed), a spoonful of vanilla almond milk , a spoonful of cocoa powder , and honey . Let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, and you're done. Ready to dip!

3
Air-fryer sweet potato fries

Image: Ella Olsson

The basic idea here is simple: sweet potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes, and air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying.

This recipe is quick and easy. Just cut a couple of sweet potatoes into strips, toss them with canola oil , salt , and pepper in a bowl, and transfer them to the air-fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, pausing to stir halfway through. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly—and eat!

4
Peanut butter cookies

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This peanut butter cookie recipe is completely flourless—gluten-free and dairy-free! To make it, mix peanut butter , one large egg , two tablespoons of oat bran , and a bit of maple syrup . Preheat the oven to 350°F, and while it heats up, shape the cookies.

Place them on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool for a bit, and they’re ready to enjoy!

5
Sesame-garlic pumpkin seeds

Image: Anshu A

Here’s another snack that’s both delicious and nutritious! This pumpkin seed mix is a great way to use leftover seeds from your pumpkin recipe.

In a small bowl, mix pumpkin seeds , a large egg white , sesame seeds , a teaspoon of minced garlic , and salt . Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry and golden brown.

6
Watermelon cups

Image: Ibrahim Rifath

The great-looking appetizer is incredibly simple to make, and its fresh flavor is perfect for warm months.

Just cut the watermelon into cubes and scoop out the center of each. In a small bowl, mix chopped cucumber , red onion , fresh mint , cilantro , and a splash of lime juice . Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out watermelon cubes—you’re done!

7
Pan-seared shrimp

Image: Daniel Lee

These pan-seared shrimp are the first non-vegan recipe on this list—and they’re incredibly easy to make!

Sauté one pound of peeled and deveined uncooked medium shrimp in two tablespoons of olive oil with two minced garlic cloves . Add one-third of a cup of white wine , then cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Serve with white rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

8
Guacamole

Image: Zoshua Colah

Everybody loves guacamole, but do you know how to make it? This simple recipe is a delicious and healthy snack to try. Just be sure to prepare it right before serving, as avocados brown quickly.

Peel and chop two ripe medium-sized avocados , place them in a small bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice . Add one-fourth of a cup of chunky salsa and mash coarsely with a fork. Let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.

9
Roasted peppers and cauliflower

Image: Deon Black

This simple, delicious, and colorful recipe will quickly become a staple once you try it. Place one medium head of cauliflower (broken into florets), two medium red peppers (cut into strips), and two sliced onions in a shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil , season with salt and pepper , and toss to coat.

Roast uncovered at 425°F for 20 minutes. Stir, then roast for 10 more minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Done!

10
Caprese brochettes

Image: Patrick Ho

Light, delicious, and easy to make on short notice, these Caprese brochettes are a lifesaver when you need a quick, health-conscious party snack.

Simply take some skewers and assemble each one with grape tomatoes , fresh mozzarella balls , and basil leaves . Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar —and enjoy!

11
Green & gold salsa

Image: Kat

This salsa is a fantastic dip made with just a few simple ingredients. Combine one cup of shelled edamame , one cup of corn , one cup of cubed avocado , and sliced cucumber . Blend well, then let it chill in the fridge for half an hour before serving. Bon appétit!

12
Red pepper tapenade

Image: Nick Collins

A simple appetizer for any occasion, this roasted red pepper tapenade pairs perfectly with water crackers or toasted bread.

In a small saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add two peeled garlic cloves and cook uncovered for six to eight minutes, or until tender. Drain and pat the garlic dry. In a small food processor, combine the blanched garlic , red peppers , almonds , tomato paste , olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Chill, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Culture Culture 7 min read

Through thick and thin

Did you know these 12 historical figures were friends?

Image: Dimhou

Truman Capote considered friendship and love to be exactly the same thing. As in love, we never know what makes us fond of others enough to build a friendship. In fact, friendships can arise between people with very different backgrounds, beliefs, and professions. Some friendships between historical figures are as surprising as they are genuine, though not all were long-lasting. From John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, today we introduce you to the story of 12 friendships between great historical figures that you may not have known about but that offer a new perspective into the lives of influential personalities.

1
Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Image: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Strange as it may sound, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe developed a beautiful friendship in the 1950s. Hollywood's favorite blonde was a big fan of Fitzgerald's music and went to see her perform in Los Angeles in 1954. When they met in person they became inseparable.

Monroe helped her land a gig at the famous Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles, which had previously turned Fitzgerald down. These performances were a turning point in the career of the Queen of Jazz. Marilyn used to say that Ella was her favorite person and that she loved her as a person and as a singer. They remained friends until Monroe's death at the age of 36.

2
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

Image: Tholey, A. (Augustus), artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps America's most famous pair of "frenemies". Their historic relationship began in 1775. Despite their very different political views, the two Founding Fathers maintained an on-and-off relationship for five decades, tinged by a mixture of mutual respect and contempt.

Their relationship began to crack when George Washington decided not to run for a third term, and Adams and Jefferson had to compete for the presidency. They stopped speaking to each other for 12 years, but finally, in 1812, they resumed contact. Perhaps as proof of their troubled but strong friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died just a few hours apart on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

3
Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot

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One was a comedian of the absurd, the other a melancholic poet and Nobel laureate. Believe it or not, Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot were friends and admired each other. In 1961, Eliot wrote to Marx, telling him he was a fan and asking for an autographed photo. Marx agreed to the request and asked the same of Eliot. For the next three years, the two became pen pals, exchanging many letters.

According to Groucho Marx, they shared three things: an affection for good cigars, a love of cats, and a weakness for puns. However, when they finally met in person in 1964 they realized that they didn’t have that much in common after all and their relationship started to fade.

4
Ulysses S. Grant and James Longstreet

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ulysses S. Grant was the commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. James Longstreet, on the other hand, fought for the Confederate Army and became one of General Robert E. Lee's most trusted officers. That should make them enemies, right? Well, not exactly.

Grant and Longstreet became friends as young officers in the US Army and served together in the Mexican-American War. Years later they went their separate ways but were reunited after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. In fact, it was Longstreet who convinced General Lee to surrender, knowing that Grant would offer him generous terms. As soon as Grant saw Longstreet, he shook his hand warmly and asked him to play a game of cards for old time's sake.

5
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

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Susan B. Anthony is known for having been a tireless activist who dedicated most of her 86 years to achieving women's suffrage. In 1851, Anthony met suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, with whom she developed a lifelong friendship. Together they launched a national women's suffrage movement, published a newspaper called The Revolution , and gave many lectures.

Stanton died in 1902 and Anthony in 1906. It was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote legally for the first time in U.S. federal elections, yet the legacy of these two friends was certainly invaluable.

6
Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla

Image: Marija Zaric

Can a literary genius and a giant of science become good friends? In the case of Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla, the answer is definitely yes. Although the professions of writer and inventor seem very different, they actually have something very strong in common: creativity.

Tesla, who had been bedridden for nine months because of cholera, found in Twain's work a refuge that made him completely forget his state of despair. Meanwhile, Twain was fascinated by technological innovations and, in particular, by electricity. When the two men finally met in the 1890s, they became close friends. Over the years they maintained an assiduous correspondence and supported each other both professionally and personally.

7
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett

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Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men in the United States, have been friends for more than 30 years. They met in 1991 at a Fourth of July celebration, and although they thought they had nothing in common, they spent 11 hours discussing business and philanthropy.

Bill and Warren played ping-pong together, traveled the world for business and pleasure, and shared several initiatives to encourage billionaires to invest their money in social and charitable endeavors. The creator of Microsoft also claims that Warren Buffett's advice and business vision were indispensable for the growth of his company.

8
Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley

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In the 1860s, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave who had managed to buy her freedom and start a sewing business, landed an important position in the White House as Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln's personal dressmaker. Despite their different upbringings, the two women developed a close relationship. In fact, the first lady came to describe her as her best friend.

Over the years Keckley became a confidant of Mrs. Lincoln; the two women traveled and worked together to raise money for the war effort. Unfortunately, their friendship ended when Keckley published her memoirs in 1868. Keckley had wanted the book to celebrate Mrs. Lincoln's legacy, but the First Lady felt betrayed as it revealed some private conversations.

9
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bob Hope

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Throughout his long career, comedian Bob Hope was a frequent White House visitor who had the honor of entertaining 11 different commanders-in-chief. In fact, he considered them the best possible audience. But of all the presidents who laughed at his jokes, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the one with whom he formed the most enduring relationship.

They met in Algeria in 1943 when Eisenhower was a General for the U.S. Army and Hope was performing at a United Service Organization show. They immediately hit it off. Even when Ike became president 10 years later their friendship continued. They often exchanged letters and played golf together.

10
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

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Matt Damon and Ben Affleck met in the 1980s in Cambridge, Massachusetts when they were still young children. They bonded over their passion for basketball and acting, and have been friends ever since. In fact, while in high school, they often traveled together to audition.

Damon and Affleck's partnership is arguably one of the most successful in Hollywood. They not only acted in movies together several times, but they also co-wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting , which earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1997.

11
Truman Capote and Barbara "Babe" Paley

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Another controversial friendship was that of author Truman Capote and New York socialite Barbara "Babe" Paley. This odd couple met in the late 1960s after Capote published In Cold Blood and became something of a celebrity. They quickly became close friends and confidants.

However, when in 1975 Capote published a preview of his forthcoming book Answered Prayers in Esquire magazine airing some of his friend’s secrets, their relationship was forever ruined. Although the writer admired Babe and considered her perfect, he could not resist the temptation to betray her.

12
John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra

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No one knows exactly when and how they met, but it is not surprising that US President John F. Kennedy and music legend Frank Sinatra were friends. In addition to their mutual admiration, their relationship was beneficial to both. Sinatra gained access to the halls of power, while Kennedy relied on The Voice's charm and popularity to win votes in the 1960 presidential election.

When Kennedy won, the president-elect publicly thanked Sinatra for his campaign efforts. Unfortunately, the friendship fell apart after JFK entered the White House. According to lore, First Lady Jackie Kennedy didn't like the singer. And, let's be honest, Sinatra's alleged connections to organized crime weren't a good look for a head of state anyway.

Culture Culture 6 min read

STORIES BEHIND THE STARS

Hollywood Walk of Fame: take a stroll down 10 stars and their backstories

Image: Ahmet Yalçınkaya

The Hollywood Walk of Fame began in 1958 as a way to celebrate the best of the best in showbiz. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, this sidewalk superstar tribute honors actors, musicians, directors, and even a few surprises. To receive a star, celebs are nominated, a fee is paid, and they must attend the big reveal. With over 2,600 stars, it’s the ultimate stroll down memory lane for entertainment lovers. In this article, we’ve gathered ten names that received a star. From the fictional to the very real, here are 10 names that have a star on the Boulevard and an anecdote to go with it!

1
Mickey Mouse: first fictional character

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Mickey Mouse, the iconic character created by Walt Disney, became the first fictional character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Honored in 1978, Mickey’s star celebrates his influence on entertainment and his status as a cultural icon.

The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of Mickey’s debut in Steamboat Willie , a milestone in animation history. The star is located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, a fitting tribute to the mouse who built an empire. Mickey's star paved the way for other beloved fictional characters to be recognized. Animation also holds a special place in Hollywood’s heart!

2
Joanne Woodward: first to be photographed

Image: Noom Peerapong

The beginning of the Walk of Fame was a process rather than a moment, which is why we cannot appoint a single person as the first one to receive this honor. However, Joanne Woodward, an accomplished actress of the 1950s, was the first person ever photographed with a star on the Walk of Fame.

Awarded in 1960, she was part of the very first group of stars to be unveiled. Her star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her remarkable career in film and television, including her Academy Award-winning performance in The Three Faces of Eve . The image of her kneeling beside her star became an iconic moment in Hollywood history and it was the moment that set the future ceremony tradition around the stars!

3
Gene Autry: how many?

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Known as the "Singing Cowboy," Gene Autry is the only entertainer with not one, not two, not even three… but five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! What an accomplishment, don’t you think?

His stars are scattered along Hollywood Boulevard and each one of them represents his contributions to different areas of entertainment: film, television, music, radio, and live performance. Autry’s career spanned decades, and he was a pioneer in popularizing country music and Western films. With so much on his resume, five stars are suddenly not enough!

4
Harrison Ford: which one of them?

Image: Ekaterina Belinskaya

The name "Harrison Ford" appears twice on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but this is not like Gene Auntry’s case. The two "Ford" stars honor two different individuals. Do you know who they are?

The first star, located at 6665 Hollywood Boulevard, belongs to the silent film actor Harrison Ford, who was active in the early 20th century. The second star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors the modern-day actor known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones .

Despite sharing the same name, these stars commemorate different careers. It’s a quirky detail that adds an intriguing layer of Hollywood history to the Walk of Fame, don’t you think?

5
Bugs Bunny: what’s up, walk of fame?

Image: Nate Biddle

What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny hopped onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, making him one of the most famous cartoon characters to get a star. Voiced by the incredible Mel Blanc, Bugs is known for his snappy comebacks and carrot-chomping swagger.

His star, located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard, celebrates his role as the ultimate animated troublemaker. Bugs is so much more than just a cartoon character, he has brought laughter and joy to many generations. His star is a fitting tribute to the bunny with brains, who said the Hollywood Walk of Fame was just for real-life entertainers?

6
Ray Bradbury: writing his way to the stars

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Just as fictional characters can have a great impact on Hollywood, so can writers. After all, writers and their work have inspired many movies and series. True as that can be, only two writers have stars on the Walk of Fame.

Ray Bradbury, the literary genius behind Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles , got his own star on the Walk of Fame in 2002 . Bradbury’s imagination took us to distant planets and dystopian futures, and Hollywood couldn’t help but take notice. His star at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard honors his profound influence on movies and TV through his books. Only two novelists have stars on the Walk, and Bradbury’s spot is well-deserved. Curious about the other novelist with a star? It’s Sidney Sheldon!

7
Disneyland: a magical addition

Image: Aubrey Odom

If you thought a fictional character receiving a star was a bit unusual, wait until you find out that even some corporations have their own star! But it’s for a good reason, trust us!

Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, got its own star on the Walk of Fame in 2005. Though it’s not technically on the Walk (city rules, go figure), the star sits right next to it, near Disney’s Soda Fountain on Hollywood Boulevard.

Opened in 1955, the park is a cornerstone of entertainment history, which is why it has received a star. Even without a spot on the official Walk, Disneyland’s star shines just as bright. It’s the ultimate fairy-tale ending!

8
Julia Louis-Dreyfus: a star with a funny twist

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Now, you haven’t heard the quirkiest detail. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a place of honor, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of mistakes.

In 2010, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the comedy queen from Seinfeld and Veep , received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But here’s the kicker: They misspelled her name as "Julia Luis Dreyfus" at first!

The mistake was quickly fixed, and it became a hilarious story. But a star for a comedian like her couldn’t go without a funny anecdote. Now, her star at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard is spelled correctly and honors her amazing TV career.

9
Dick Van Dyke: spelling erratum

Image: Annie Spratt

Dick Van Dyke, the man who made us all want to sing and dance, received his Walk of Fame star in 1993. But, oops! They misspelled his name initially too! His star read "Vandyke" when it was first installed, but don’t worry the mistake was soon fixed.

The mix-up was corrected, and his star at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard now proudly displays his name the right way. Van Dyke’s star honors his legendary career in TV and film, from Mary Poppins to The Dick Van Dyke Show . The little hiccup just adds to the fun-loving spirit of his legacy. After all, if anyone can laugh off a typo, it’s Dick Van Dyke!

10
Lassie: everyone’s best friend

Image: Kanashi

Who didn’t wish to have a dog like Lassie at home? Lassi is the most famous collie in the world and she got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Well, at least the character did because, spoiler alert, Lassie was played by many dogs!

Lassie’s star, located at 6368 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her role as TV’s favorite four-legged hero. She’s one of only four dogs to receive a star, and honestly, she deserves it for all the lives she’s "saved" on screen.

The star isn’t just for one dog, it’s for every amazing canine that played Lassie over the years. It was only fair that a man’s best friend received a star on such an iconic street!

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