14 books to help you live your best damn life in 2016

The new year is almost here — and that means it’s time to set those absolutely unbreakable resolutions.

Whether you are making specific resolutions — such as going to the gym a few times a week — or more nebulous ones such as being “more grateful” in 2016, it’s important not to lose sight of the main goal: Living your best damn life.

See also: Discover the secret wisdom of incredible authors with ‘Last Night’s Reading’

Luckily, there have been numerous books published on the subject. Here are 14 not-entirely-serious tomes that’ll teach you everything from being more frugal and calm to learning practical life skills — or, at least, give you a good laugh in the process Read more…

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The biggest hits of 2015, played on household items

Andrew Huang is a talented musician, but he’s not that guy at a party who reaches for an acoustic guitar hanging on the wall. No, he prefers the empty beer bottle in his hand, or maybe a loose rubber band.

The YouTuber has amassed a following by creating cover songs using household objects or even dentist equipment. And like last year, Huang has compiled some of 2015’s top hits in his own signature style.

Aretha Franklin’s incredible ‘Natural Woman’ performance moves Obama to tears

Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow does the best ‘Hotline Bling’ yet

‘Bob’s Burgers’ pays tribute to the real holiday hero: alcohol

This Sufi version of Christmas carols will tug at your heartstrings Read more…

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Ring in 2016 with 7 New Year’s Eve facts

Video: Alisa Stern

Every year, the world celebrates the new year as it slowly crosses each time zone.

But despite the collective celebration, many areas of the world hold their own traditions in ringing in the new year

See also: Netflix adds New Year’s Eve countdowns for kids

From Moscow to New York City, here are seven New Year’s Eve facts so that you can start off your new year with a little bit of knowledge

1. One million people gather in New York City’s Times Square to watch the ball drop. Nearly a billion others watch on TV.

Read more…

2. In Scotland, a canon is fired in Edinburgh Castle at the stroke of midnight, followed by a large fireworks display.

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London to deploy all armed police on New Year’s Eve amid European terror threat

Every armed police officer in London will be deployed to help patrol New Year’s Eve celebrations, amid a warning that European capitals were at risk of a terror attack.

There was no specific information that London was being targeted.

“Our plans are purely precautionary and not as a result of any specific intelligence,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.

See also: ‘You ain’t no Muslim, bruv’: Bystander shouts what everyone’s thinking during London Tube attack

The Telegraph reported that Scotland Yard had canceled leave for more than 2,000 armed officers — the first time it has taken such a step for New Year. It has happened before for events such as the 2012 London Olympics. Read more…

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Try a smoky eye to ring in the new year with flair

Spice up your look with a dramatic smoky eye to celebrate the biggest night of the year.

Read more about how to get this look: http://on.mash.to/1mqoZvG Read more…

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This is what happens when you try to take a stealthy picture of Elton John

LONDON — If ever you decide to sneak a picture of a celebrity you’ve spotted out and about, just be aware that they have a sixth sense for that sort of thing. Even if you happen to be the most crafty person in the world, they will know exactly what you’re up to.

See also: 17 best photobombs of 2015

Elton John is the perfect example of this. Reddit user PM_Me_Yer_Guitar recently shared a photo on Imgur of his brother in a restaurant with the singer in the background — the type of photo where you pretend you’re posing when really you’re only interested in getting sweet proof that you were in the same room as a celebrity — but it’s clear from the image that Elton John’s years in the spotlight have made him wise to the game. Read more…

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From Bill Cosby to pharma bro: All the ways karma came after people in 2015

Every year, some of the world’s biggest stories revolve around powerful people and public figures falling from grace after getting away with crimes and other misdeeds

2015, though rife with plenty of injustice, was no different

See also: Officers making headlines due to excessive force have troubled pasts

We’ve listed some of the most prominent stories of the year in which karma came to collect its due

Bill Cosby

In this Jan. 17 photo, Bill Cosby performs at the Buell Theater in Denver

Image: Brennan Linsley/Associated Press

This year, dozens of women publicly accused the famous comedian of sexual assault, and one of the world’s most famous beloved father figures on TV Read more…

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