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When are kids too old for moms to wipe their bottoms?

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When you become a mom, you have no choice but to resign yourself to the fact that you'll be cleaning little butts for many years to come. Unfortunately, there's no expiration date on this particular obligation. Some moms end up wiping those backsides for a lot longer than they anticipated.

More: School may do away with valedictorian title because it's too 'competitive'

Is there really anything wrong with this? It's become a hot topic on parenting forum Mumsnet recently, with one mother's revelation ruffling more than a few feathers. User Javabeansaintgeorge admitted: "I wipe all my kids, oldest is 12 and is c**p at the best of times. It would be cruelty leaving him dirty when he has an upset stomach."

This ramped the debate up another notch, that's for sure. Is 12 too old to get your butt wiped by your mom? If not, at what age should it stop?

We can debate all we want, but we know, deep down, the only answer: there is no answer. At least, not one that comes with digits. Because all kids are different and some of them simply don't want to wipe their own butts for a long time. Maybe they're lazy. Maybe they just can't do it properly. Or maybe Mom is too soft. Whatever. Surely, so long as someone is wiping the butt, it's all good — no?

More: School gives out pervert test, can't figure out why parents are mad

If you're worried about your child's toilet habits (or lack thereof), first of all, don't panic. An inability or lack of desire to wipe is unlikely to continue into adulthood. But the ball is in your court. However old your child is, you can follow some simple steps to help them become a master butt-wiper in no time. According to child development and behavioral specialist Betsy Brown Braun, the first big hurdle to overcome is your own disgust at your kid's inadequate wiping technique. Get used to skid marks and sore bottoms; that's what baths, washing machines and diaper rash creams are for.

When it comes to actual wiping practice, you might want to do a first wipe for your kid, then encourage them to do a second, imitating your technique. Braun suggests children get off the toilet and squat down to spread their butt cheeks or even do a spot check in a full-length mirror. Yeah, it's not particularly pleasant, but it's great advice and after a few days of this, they're sure to have improved their wiping action.

Don't stress if you're still wiping your child's bottom when they're 6, 8, 10 or 12. But do them — and yourself — a favor and take the time to teach them how to do it themselves. We can guarantee it's one aspect of parenting you'll never miss.

More: So maybe there is one time when it's OK to judge another mom

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

mommy wine
Image: Imgur/SheKnows

Acupressure tricks for when you feel like you're about to lose your lid

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We've all been there. After stockpiling stress and anxiety for days (or weeks or months), we finally reach the end of our fuse. We're seconds away from blowing and if we don't find an outlet to release our frustrations, our co-worker, boyfriend or poor dog is going to get an earful just for being in the same room with us.

But before you let stress disrupt your sleep, interfere with digestion and create even more fear about things that probably don't warrant it, stop the madness by tapping into the power of a 4,000-year-old Eastern treatment: acupuncture. Hey, if it was good enough for the Yellow Emperor of Huángdi, we should all be willing to give it a try.

Acupuncture is uniquely designed to treat stress and anxiety, says Tansy Briggs, doctor of oriental medicine and integrative acupuncture and oriental medicine practitioner.

"In a simplified nutshell, acupuncture can access the regenerative aspect of the cells, and thus the body, to help regulate stress responses and actually help the body to begin to heal and rejuvenate — sort of like getting the best night's sleep ever in 20 minutes," Briggs says.

More: 6 alternative treatments that could improve your sex drive

Certain pressure points on the body allow you to access things the body uses to regulate itself, including the systems that cause you to feel stress and anxiety, via the endocrine system, your hormones and a cascade of biochemical responses, Briggs adds. And here's what's frightening: There's a chance that, if you have been experiencing stress for long periods of time, your body may have literally forgotten what it feels like not to have all those hormones and biochemical responses.

So what about getting the benefits at home?

A formal assessment and treatment plan provided by a qualified acupuncturist is the best move, but if you're in between appointments or feel too much like a ball of anxiety to wait another second for relief, Briggs provides a handful of wisdom, no needles required.

Try this ear massage you never knew you needed

"Start at the top of the ear and work toward the earlobe by taking them in-between the forefinger and thumb — gently but with enough pressure to feel the pinch. Pinch the outer rim of the ears and then work your way into the center of the ears at least three times," Briggs says. "At the end you will have pressed on the front surface and back surface of the ears. Your ears will feel very ‘hot.’ This will help you to feel more calm, focused and awake. The points you just pinched are correlated to all the areas of the body (the quickest self massage ever!)."

More: An acupuncture cynic tries it for the first time

The power of tapping

The following acupressure "tapping" sequence is described by Briggs as a way to help turn off the fight, flight or freeze hormone response in the body. This will help you to relax, relieve anxiety, fright, fear, performance anxiety and insomnia. The sequence should be followed in the exact order Briggs lists.

  1. Head: Tap the top of your head nine times. Tap right above the middle of the eyebrows on your forehead about nine times, then straight down from there to right below the eyes (on top of the cheek bones) about nine times.
  2. Nose: Next, tap simultaneously below the nose — in between the nose and the lips and below the lips on the chin — about nine times.
  3. Collarbone: Tap midway between and below the collarbone on the upper chest nine times. Lower your hands so that they're placed midway between and below the collarbone on the upper chest and tap this area nine times.
  4. Sternum (breastbone): Tap midway on the sternum nine times.
  5. Armpit: Tap midway on the left armpit (only) below the armpit, midway between it and the lower rib, about nine times.
  6. Fingers: Finally, tap the ends of all your fingers together nine times.

Repeat this sequence three times and feel calm, clear-headed and ready to take on the world. You got this.

Boys, step aside — Khloé Kardashian has a new man in her life

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Let's be honest: Khloé Kardashian just has to look in a man's direction, and reports about her dating him start, but there may be some truth to the rumors about her and basketball player Tristan Thompson.

More: Fans are genuinely convinced Scott Disick and Khloé Kardashian are dating

Why? Well, on Thursday the pair jetted off to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a weekend of fun, where they were photographed looking comfortable and flirty as they enjoyed a Jet Ski ride. This wasn't the first time they've hung out either.

According to TMZ, Kardashian and Thompson have been "spending some serious quality time together" recently, including being spotted together at a Beverly Hills mansion and enjoying a night out at Bootsy Bellows nightclub in Beverly Hills, California.

Of course it's perfectly possible that these two are just friends and that nothing romantic is going on at all, however, there are reports to suggest otherwise. A source told People magazine that Kardashian and Thompson are a "mini-thing." What does that even mean, you ask? Apparently it means that "they like each other and are hanging out."

But don't expect to hear them call each other "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" anytime soon, because they clearly haven't reached that stage of their relationship.

One thing's for sure, Kardashian appears to have a thing for NBA stars (including Lamar Odom and James Harden), but whether or not anything more will develop between her and Thompson remains to be seen — although we do think they'd make a pretty sweet couple.

More: KUWTK shows the unhealthy truth behind Khloé Kardashian & Lamar Odom's relationship

But what do you think? Do Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson make a good couple? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Khloe and Lamar timeline slideshow
Image: WENN

Bindi Irwin's tribute to her late dad will make you reach for the tissues

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It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, died, but while he may be gone, he will never be forgotten. Especially by his daughter, Bindi Irwin.

More: Bindi Irwin shares inspiring tribute to honor her deceased dad

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Bindi shared her thoughts on the anniversary of her father's death with a simple yet beautiful post. Sharing a picture of her father holding her when she was just a baby, she captioned it with, "You'll be my hero for my entire existence. I love you more than words can describe."

Bindi Irwin Instagram

Bindi Irwin Instagram

And she's not the only one who has been feeling Steve's loss, as many fans took to the comment section to share their fond memories of the late conservationist.

"Our hero as well @bindisueirwin we was lived and cherished by many, I still miss him," higherrfaith commented. "He awakened me to my destiny and I thank him all the time for it. You were really blessed for him to be your dad."

More: DWTS: Bindi Irwin's latest tribute to her father leaves fans sobbing

Brianne_zinger shared similar sentiments, writing, "Your dad is a hero for so many of us. Thinking of you and so many big hugs to you Bindi. Thanks for sharing!"

And amber_davis_art also commented on how she felt the loss of Steve: "Gone but never forgotten. He felt like a dad to me growing up. Losing him was just unbelievable. Hugs to you Bindi, and your family."

Steve's and his wife Terri's dedication to conservation rubbed off on both their children, and Bindi continues to make a difference with her conservation efforts, including her work with Australia Zoo — something fans think her dad would be very proud of.

More: Bindi Irwin speaks out about her father missing her performances on DWTS

"Awesome picture Bindi I bet he's proud of you of continuing his work and his legacy of wildlife conservation @bindisueirwin," joshthunderbirdsroberts wrote. And we echo these thoughts: Bindi is a wonderful young woman and an inspiration to many.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

celebrity deaths 2016 slideshow
Image: WENN

12 kids whose lies were so good their parents couldn't keep a straight face

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Lying is wrong, and something we should teach our children not to do. Of course, sometimes it's a lesson hard learned, and they tell some of best whoppers along the way. While we know they're wrong, we can't help but laugh at some of these that users shared on Reddit about their lying little ones. To these kids, we say, "Nice try!"

Just a wee one

"3 year old was sat on front of the tv watching cartoons. I went up to put some laundry away and when I came back down he had no pants or trousers on. There was a little puddle of urine on the floor behind him and his underwear and trousers were on the floor on front of the washing machine.

"I asked him who had urinated on the floor. He replied 'it was daddy'.

"When I said that daddy was at work, he told me that daddy had 'came home, wee'd on the floor and then left again'.

"'In the few minutes that I've been upstairs?'

"*shaking his head and rolling his eyes in disapproval.

"'yes'."

Stranger danger

"Me: your room is a mess! You are gonna have to clean it tomorrow.

"4yrold: yeah, I don't know what happened.

"Me: I know what happened, you didn't put your toys back and messed up your room.

"4yrold (completely deadpan): there was a stranger in your house"

The devil did it

"My daughter cut her hair, insisted the devil did it not her, insisted for days it was the devil. She still won't confess six years later."

Reality bites

"Picked my son up from school one day, and he had a red slip with him. At the time he was about 5. Went in to talk to the admins and was privately informed he had bitten another student. On the drive home I asked some probing questions, 'How was your day?', 'Did anything interesting happen?' That was going nowhere. So I moved on to 'Did something happen to your friend Magnus?' To which my son replied 'Oh yeah, he got bit, it was bad and bleedy.'

"The blood was an embellishment. I asked with a measure of concern 'Where was Magnus bitten?' My son replied 'On his cheek' I asked 'Do you know who bit him?' To which my son flatly replied. 'Oh yeah, he just bit himself.' Had to pull over laughing to [sic] hard to drive safely."

Up next: More funny lies kids tell

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Those sneaky cows

"My 6 year old once told me only Australia has deer. We passed a deer on the way home and I asked her... 'what about that one?'

"Daughter: 'Oh... no.... that one is just a cow, pretending. They do that sometimes...'

Edit: We live in Indiana..."

boy with fingers in his ears
Image: Jamie Grill/Getty Images

I can't hear you

"My son was about seven. After finally getting his attention I asked 'Didn't you hear me calling you?'

"He said 'Not the first two times.'"

Jesus takes the cake

"When my daughter was about 5. I left a cake on the counter in a box. She woke up early and ate like half of it with her hands. When I confronted her about it. She blamed it on Jesus. I had to explain to her that it was against his character. She's 12 now. I still tease her about it."

Something's fishy

"'Daddy, I didn't mean to drop the remote in the aquarium. But the fish wanted to watch Nemo...'"

Making out

"My little brother was turning ten years old and while he was at school there were a bunch of gifts delivered from our out of town family. I stacked all of his gifts in the living room and as soon as he walked in I said 'It looks like you really made out'. He turned bright red and said 'NO! We just held hands!!' We all started laughing so hard and he ran out crying! He busted himself, he's 22 now and still hasn't lived it down."

Next up: More funny lies kids tell

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It's all in the details

"When we were kids, my cousin carved an American flag and some other pictures into the siding of his house. My Aunt punished him, completely ignoring his protests that it was one of his brothers or sister or cousins who were in the yard on a regular basis. My mom asked my Aunt how she figured out which kid it was... turned out he'd carved his own name as part of his design. She wouldn't tell him since it made it easier to catch him if he couldn't figure out what gave him away."

guilty boy
Image: selimaksan/Getty Images

Blame Bill

"As a preschool teacher I like to just let the stories get crazier through suggestion.

"'So it wasn't you? Do you think it was Bill?'

"'Yeah, it was him'

"'Did you see Bill do it?'

"'Yeah, it was today before you got here.'

"'Bill isn't here today, and not in this class.'

"'...it wasn't me though'"

A sticky situation

"My step-son is in that 13-year-old boy phase where he is both smelly and averse to showering. We are a family of pranksters. A few months ago my husband and I replaced his body wash with pancake syrup. He came home from basketball practice super sweaty... didn't shower... went to bed... didn't shower... 24 hours later (?!) we ask 'did you shower?'... 'Yep,' he says. The sweet, smelly boy went another 1/2 day until he finally got to shampoo with pancake syrup."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

notes kids pass
Image: Imgur

I decided to divorce my husband on vacation in Italy

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I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was lying by the pool at our Tuscan villa. It was blissfully hot. I had a book in my hand and a glass of chilled Italian wine by my side. I should have been more relaxed than I had been all year. As I lifted my head and watched my husband chase our young kids on the grass, I should have been filled with feelings of contentment and gratitude. Instead, all I could think about was divorce.

More: My ex and I vacation together to make our kids happy

I was on vacation with my husband and kids, and I had never been surer of anything. I wanted to end my marriage. It was a life-changing moment for sure, although we didn't separate until many months later. But at the time, I couldn't see it for what it was.

It comes as no surprise to me that divorce is seasonal. A study from the University of Washington found that people are more likely to initiate divorce proceedings immediately after winter and summer vacations, and this may be due to the fact that we face the holidays with rising expectations, only to end up disappointed when the trip ends up shining a brighter light on the cracks in a marriage.

The study suggests that we see vacations as a chance to mend our relationships. It's a common assumption (or at the very least wishful thinking.) But in truth, I already knew that our marriage was beyond repair. For me, it was more a case of trying to keep it together for the sake of our kids. Families go on vacation... that's what they do. And at that point we were still a family — or were presenting ourselves as such, at least.

More: I walked myself down the aisle and wouldn't have it any other way

Rather than approach the vacation with high expectations, I had none. My only hope was that we'd survive it without any tension or hurt. It was the worst vacation I've ever been on. I couldn't even enjoy it vicariously through my kids. Spending two weeks in a remote Italian villa with the man I no longer loved was a unique type of hell I wish to never revisit. Although we're now good friends (four years after finally separating), I can't even think back to that fortnight abroad without feeling nauseous.

We hadn't even made it home before I told him I wanted out.

It didn't go smoothly from then on, and we stayed together until the following spring, but I can completely relate to couples who make a conscious decision to file for divorce straight after their summer vacation. Whether you're away for one week or several, going back home is a period of change. Back to work, back to school, back to normality — but possibly with a new sense of optimism and a determination to make changes for the better. It's the perfect time to dig deep for the courage you need to move on — before the next vacation rolls around.

More: It took four months of marriage to end our four-year relationship

Depression is not a sign of weakness, and neither is taking medication for it

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A snap of sudden tears often happened in my car, alone. After work, school or moments following brunch with friends, the sadness would well up in my chest like a balloon and I'd drive away before anyone could see me. Without cause, it was like someone flipped a switch on the back of my head that sent me into a shame spiral.

The harsh stigma handed to those people who take depression and anxiety medication kept me from getting proper treatment for years. I attended therapy for the first time in my early 20s, but the inner turmoil continued despite my progress.

Thoughts of suicide greeted me every day. Depression was familiar to me. I had my husband, dogs and self-hatred. It was something I grew accustomed to, yet it broke me open like a cracked egg whenever it would strike. It wasn't until I was nearly 30 that a therapist seriously suggested antidepressants.

Today, 1 in 10 Americans take antidepressants, a 400 percent increase from 1998. That’s a hell of a lot of people swallowing pills every day, yet the subject is still somewhat taboo. In addition to politics, sex and money, mental illness is not something most Americans generally discuss.

When my therapist first mentioned meds, I laughed out loud. Depression medication was for lonely, Botoxed housewives and people who mumble about alien invasions, not a totally functional journalist. The idea that medication is for “crazy people” was and is constantly culturally reinforced in media and society at large.

Personally, I’ve dealt with the misunderstanding of well-intentioned people who encouraged me to simply try harder and resist the pharmaceutical industry’s secret plan to get the entire population on happy pills to finally achieve world domination. At the very least, I felt weak for thinking I might need medication.

The thing was, I learned to hide my depression and anxiety fairly easily. I smiled my way through dinner parties and could even crack jokes a few minutes after a tornado of dark thoughts twisted through my mind. Because I became an expert at masking my pain, I believed I was above it.

Among those with anxiety and depression, 51 percent have concealed or hidden their mental health problem from others. Sadly, I felt proud that I hid it so well. I knew I was a depressed person, but I wasn’t one of those depressed people — the kind locked away in a tower of self-pity.

But for those of us who have lived with depression and anxiety, we know that it can take many forms. It doesn’t always mean hiding under layers of blankets sobbing uncontrollably (but sometimes it does). Antidepressant commercials often show sallow women unable to move, but the truth is, many of us are quite competent.

While on a trip with friends in the Arizona desert a few years back, I was overcome with the searing pain of a depressive episode. Instead of talking about it, I pulled the sleeping bag over my head at night and cried myself to sleep. During the day, the numbness left me emotionless, but that didn’t keep me from laughing on jet skis and remarking on the beauty of the red sandstone cliffs. By all accounts, I acted normal, but was completely hollow on the inside.

After hearing my laughter at her suggestion for medication, my therapist used a metaphor that still helps me from time to time. She said, “Sometimes, no matter how hard you hold onto your umbrella, the storm is too powerful and you get swept away.” She also mentioned that if you have a broken leg, you take medicine and if you have a broken mind, you take medicine. It was simple.

In that moment it hit me. Maybe depression wasn’t a sign of weakness or lack of trying. My anxiety might actually be something physical, chemical even.

As many people know, the road to medication can be extremely difficult. My experience was filled with pills that didn't work, that made me sleepy or that swirled through my body like battery acid. It took over a year to find something that soothed my mind and made me feel balanced.

As I adjusted to the medication and its effects, I began wondering, “is this how normal people feel?” Do most people wake up feeling the possibilities of the day instead of the hurdles of each moment? I glared at my friends and family suspiciously, realizing they were not faking happiness like I was, but were instead, actually enjoying their lives.

Soon after, I realized how long I had been suffering needlessly. Instead of getting the treatment that set me free, I allowed the misunderstanding and judgment of others to hinder me. My only regret is that I didn’t seek out medication sooner. To think, I wasted years drowning in despair when a treatment was only a doctor's appointment away. It’s hard not to wonder about all the things I could have done had my mind been chemically balanced.

Finally, with my feet planted firmly on the ground, I try not to judge myself so harshly for doubting how serious my depression was. My storm was chaotic and painful, making seeking treatment feel like trying to push a train up a mountain. There are days when depression still steamrolls me, but I have more hope than I ever thought possible. I've come to learn depression is a disease like any other. As those who have found a way from a sea of hopelessness to shore, I believe it is our duty to share our experiences.

Of course, medication is not a quick fix. Every week, I still sit in my therapist's office and together, we come up with tools to help manage my depression and anxiety. But instead of falling behind and losing my train of thought to hating every inch of my existance, I have the strength to show a little compassion and care to myself. Plus, all the time I spent in bed can now be used to write more frequently or do other important things like putting flower crowns on my dogs. Life was manageable without medication, but it’s a hell of a lot better with it.

I was just a kid when 9/11 struck my neighborhood

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I was in school in the seventh grade three blocks away from the World Trade Center on 9/11, separated only by a highway and a few sidewalks.

After the first plane hit, we were led down to the cafeteria and told not to stop at our lockers. We weren’t sure what we were waiting for. We were all speculating about what was going on, but at that point, I wasn’t afraid. Not yet. Some kids who had working radios on their portable CD players said two planes had hit the towers. When the bomb squad burst through the doors, along with droves of hysterical parents crying and screaming, I knew my parents wouldn’t be among them — they were still at work far away. I did see Ann and her son Charles, who I walked to school with every day, who I instinctively hustled over too, knowing they could get me home so I wouldn’t have to evacuate to wherever the other kids were going.

Outside the school building, the burning smell instantly stung our eyes and nostrils. The crowds were almost impossible to move through, but we had one objective: Get home to the east side, to our neighborhood, which was also just three blocks away from the World Trade Center on the other side of town. But police on the west side kept refusing to let us through, directing us uptown only.

Soon, we were running from a giant cloud of smoke and debris that Ann told us not to look at. “Just cover your faces, don’t look back and run!” The scene for the next hour, during which time we tried every possible way into our own neighborhood, was the stuff that nightmares are made of — bleeding bodies; people covered in debris; piercing, blood-curdling screams and cries. I was covered in debris and kept forgetting to pull my shirt over my face to protect it. We spent an hour navigating through the horror trying to get home, normally a 10-minute walk from school, but police blocked every possible way. Once we finally made it back to our apartment, we found our neighborhood had become a war zone.

More: 25 quotes about success from people who know what they're talking about

The lobby to my building was dark. People hid inside, covered in ash.

When I pushed open the staircase door, I saw Grandma at the end of the hall, standing in the doorway of her apartment, holding the white-chorded phone to her ear.

“She’s here, Paul!” Grandma cried into the phone. “She’s here! Oh my God!”          

She was already sobbing, and I started to cry. So did Ann and Charles.

I ran to her, and she hugged me harder than I thought possible. She kissed me 12 times in a row, just like when I was little. Grandpa was standing next to her, hugging Charles, hugging Ann, hugging me.

“If it wasn’t for you, she’d be dead,” Grandma kept telling Ann.

“No, I put them in harm’s way by taking them out of school . . .” Ann said.

My grandmother gently thrust the phone to my ear, smoothing my hair and kissing my head as I assured my dad that I was OK. There was this sense that time was limited — the dark lobby, the elevators out, Devin’s cellphone that had stopped working. We quickly called my mother next. She was still at work.

Through tears she asked, “Are you OK, baby?”

She’d never called me that before and never would again.

“I’ll get down there as soon as I can,” she sobbed. Then the phone line went dead.

Charles and Ann kissed my grandmother goodbye. She thanked them again, profusely, and then they were gone. It was only 11 a.m., just two hours after the first plane hit, but if you had told me that 10 hours had passed, I would have believed you.

I turned toward the TV, which was showing the same image over and over. The planes hitting — from this angle, now that angle, freeze-framed, in slow-motion, now from closer up. Over and over and over.

Then, they fell down, one then the other. They just... fell.

Finally, I understood. That’s what we were running from all morning. That’s where the dust was coming from.

I picked up the remote and flicked through the stations. My neighborhood was on every single one, and yet, where that same view should have been right outside of the window a few inches away from my face, I could see nothing but black.

Then, new images surfaced, sending a cold, heavy pit of fear into my stomach. The Pentagon had also been hit, and yet another plane had been hijacked. Planes were destroying the entire country.

Soon the power would go out, the phones, the water.

On Sept. 12, 2001, three blocks away, the remains of the twin towers were still on fire, and our couch was still covered in whatever had been incinerated from the World Trade Center.

The neighborhood was no longer completely abandoned like it had been the night before — abandoned in the way that all of us who couldn’t or didn’t evacuate could be alone in their apartments in a deserted war zone, without power, water or phones. Senior citizens, asthmatics, people with disabilities, children, infants can be alone and yet together, as the fires continued to burn, crumbling by the minute.

Stepping outside was like being swallowed in a physical fog, a smell of burnt metal and rust lingering heavily in the air. The smell, the smog, would rotate in its smell, its color, its density over the next six months, but it would never go away. The air would turn gray and dull, a feeling of doom lurking everywhere.

I overheard our neighbor John telling my dad about one elderly woman he checked on.

“She had a blank look on her face and was just staring out of her apartment window at the burning buildings,” he said. “Her hands were shaking. She was cold, for some reason, and just looked out of the window. It was like she didn’t realize I was trying to talk to her.”

He left after that, bringing an armful of water bottles back out with him.

My father became one of the first responders you didn’t hear about on the news, just a member of the community who coordinated with other neighbors and with the hospital across the street to get people their medications and to bring in food since the pharmacists weren’t allowed in without ID that proved they lived here and with no grocery stores or restaurants open and no deliveries allowed in.

More: The woman who brought ‘Serial’ to life talks new book, and we're hooked

Otherwise we avoided going outside unless it was absolutely necessary, as the air was full of toxic particulates. Bomb threats for the Brooklyn Bridge, city hall, The Federal Reserve, all within blocks of where we lived, were in high frequency. National Guard members with rifles were posted on our corner, streets were barricaded off, there was no way to get food or medication in and out of the neighborhood until my father and other neighbors began coordinating with the hospital across the street and with local NYPD. Every time we tried to go somewhere, like to see if the grocery store had opened yet, people started barking and shouting and running, and we went right back. We held our own media-free vigil for the Engine 6 firehouse, who had lost so, so many of their men. We wore American flag pins and sang "God Bless America" and watched as the power went off, then on, then off again.

The rest of the city was “moving on” — eating out in restaurants the next day, going back to work — but in the days and weeks that followed, we remained without water, phones or electricity as the fiery remains of the nearby twin towers continued to burn, leaving a black fog over the sky.

Even when our school was relocated two weeks later, our neighborhood was part of the “do not enter” zone, the barrier between Lower Manhattan and the rest of the city. I continued to listen and watch for orange alerts, anthrax scares, suicide bombers, subway nukes, “weapons of mass destruction” and shoe bombs. Physically ducking planes, jumping and crying at sirens and screams, garbage truck booms bringing on tearful panic attacks.

The camera crews hung around for months, and long after they left — though they continued to pop up for years on anniversaries or with new threats — tourists came along, using what was essentially a cemetery, a smoking graveyard, as a stomping ground to pose and smile in front of for photos.

More: I went epically viral for quitting my job on YouTube

After the camera crews leave, communities still continue to struggle, just like they did after the wreckage of Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina impacted those communities for years, and the emotional impact of the Bataclan Theatre in Paris and at Sandy Hook Elementary would never quite go away for those they scarred. Just because you don’t see it on the news doesn’t mean there isn’t a huge piece of the story you’re not getting. That piece of the story could be missing from history forever if we don’t find a way to tell it.


If you care how many people I've slept with, we're doomed

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So the optimum "magic number" of previous sexual partners has been revealed in a new study. If you've been on tenterhooks waiting for this… the wait is over. It's 12.

More: The best sex toys for beginners that will make you want hundreds more

And what's so magic about this number? Well, if you've had more than 12 sexual partners, the next person you meet ain't gonna want to know you. Or maybe they'll become number 13, but then make a sharp exit because you just don't have that long-term relationship potential, you know?

Yes, it's yet another of those scary "studies" that make many of us frantically create a mental tally sheet, then decide to knock a few off to make us feel less like, well, total sluts.

According to online dating site Match, if you've had more than 23 sexual partners or fewer than three, you're less desirable to potential lovers. This makes 12 the optimum number. Men are the more open-minded sex: happy for women to have an optimum number of 15 compared to 10 for the ladies.

More: 6 sex tips that might actually help you conceive a boy

Brits are more permissive than the Dutch and Italians, but less than the French, Germans, Spaniards and the Danes (the latter are the most liberal lovers, claiming not to be put off by someone unless their sexual past included more than 40 partners.) 

I'd happily disclose my magic number to any potential partner who asked. For others, it's strictly a private matter and should remain that way; nobody has the right to demand to know details of your sex life. If someone had a problem with the number of people I've slept with, I'd sure as hell not be adding their name to the list.

A person's worth — as a sexual partner or something more — is about so much more than numbers. Having a large number of previous partners doesn't make someone loose or afraid of commitment. And a small number doesn't equal a lack of experience. However, judging someone on either of those things suggests you need to open your mind a little.

More: Sit back, relax and let your gut feeling guide your love life

The best thing Taylor Swift can do for her relationship is play it cool

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At the beginning of their romance, Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston didn't try to hide their affections, and really, it looked as though they couldn't get enough of each other. However, things have since appeared to cool off as Hiddleston jetted off to Australia to film his new movie, Thor: Ragnarok.

More: Tom Hiddleston & Taylor Swift's global love affair has come to a sudden halt

But before you start worrying about the state of their relationship, it turns out the breather is actually working out pretty well for Swift and Hiddleston.

"Tom [Hiddleston] is really happy that Taylor [Swift] has allowed him some breathing space while he's working," a source told HollywoodLife, adding that she understands that his career is important to him.

"She gets that he's a serious actor and needs to focus on his career. She wants to be as supportive as possible because she wants [their relationship] to last, so if that means giving him some space, she's on board," the source continued. "It's also been giving her a chance to spend some much needed time with her girlfriends, like Blake Lively and Karlie Kloss."

More: John Newman is weighing in on how Calvin Harris is doing post-Taylor Swift

There's nothing wrong with taking a little space and allowing your significant other to have some time to focus on their career or other aspects of their life, and this should definitely not be a warning sign for Swift and Hiddleston's relationship. In fact, if anything, it sounds like their time apart is doing wonders for them, and it proves they have enough respect and trust for each other to make it work long distance.

And even though the couple may be apart currently, Swift is always on Hiddleston's mind, as an insider told the publication that "his co-stars, including Chris [Hemsworth], have been teasing him because they've never seen him like that before with anyone." We're glad to hear it.

More: If you were rooting against Taylor Swift & Tom Hiddleston, you can stop now

Do you think Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston are one celeb couple who are in it for the long haul? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Tom Hiddleston slideshow
Image: Lia Toby/Wenn

Inquiring (and grossed-out) minds want to know: Why do dogs eat poop?

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We're friends, right? You're in the circle of trust here, so I feel I can ask you a fairly personal question. So, here goes: Does your dog eat poop? Remember, this is a safe place, and you can trust me with all your secrets. After all, I've been known to have a few pups in my life who consider poop a food group. Gross but true.

More: Choosing your dog's food may not be the super-simple decision you thought it was

Trust me when I say there are certain things you can't unsee in this world, and my quest for an answer to this peculiar doggy practice yielded several. However, in the name of you, dear readers, I've forged ahead and found out some pretty intriguing information about this repulsive canine habit.

For starters, did you know there is an actual, honest-to-goodness term for such behavior? According to the American Kennel Club or AKC, it is called coprophagia (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh). The bad news is that there are many reasons your sweet doggy may think stools are a delicacy. The good news is that this proclivity can be deterred.

Before we delve into that, though, let's talk about why your pooch feels compelled to gobble poop.

It's in our dogs' DNA

Seriously. Scientists believe it could be coded in your dog's genetic disposition. In a 2012 study out of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference, Dr. Benjamin Hart from the University of California, Davis, explored the phenomenon.

More: No, your pet should not be forced to follow your vegan lifestyle

In his findings, he stated, "Our conclusion is that eating of fresh stools is a reflection of an innate predisposition of ancestral canids living in nature that protects pack members from intestinal parasites present in feces that could occasionally be dropped in the den/rest area." Um, how selfless?

It's just a phase

While some species of animals actually eat poop to obtain key nutrients (so thankful I'm not a rabbit right about now), dogs get everything they need from other food. So sorry, Fido, that can't be your excuse. However, puppies eating poop is still pretty natural behavior. The upside is that they typically grow out of it by the time they are around 9 months. Unless, that is, they are females and grow up to have puppies of their own — at which point they will eat their puppies' poo for around the first three weeks.

Your dog is lonely

Scientists have found that dogs who are frequently isolated from other dogs, like those kept in a kennel, are more likely to eat their poop than would their well-socialized puppy peers. So as gross as it may sound, the next time you see your dog eating poop, he might just need a hug. Or, you know, a playmate.

Because imitation is the most sincere form of flattery

I don't want to say it's your fault your dog eats poop, but... j/k, j/k. Well, sort of. You see, dogs are very eager to please, and like children, they tend to absorb information by watching you. If your dog ever makes a mistake in the house and you clean up after him by picking up his poop, he may try to mimic the behavior. But since he doesn't have those cute little deodorized baggies like you do, he has to use his mouth to dispose of his doo-doo. This mimicry is called allelomimetic behavior in dogs.

The dog really is hungry

Although most dogs get all the nutrients they need from food that is not poop, some dogs — for reasons ranging from parasites to neglect — are not getting their caloric or nutritional needs met and therefore resort to feces to try to fill in the gaps. So if you see a dog eating poop and there doesn't seem to be any sort of environmental or behavioral trigger, it's quite possible the pup needs a big bowl of kibble, stat.

More: If your dog's farts can peel paint off the walls, we may have a cure

If you have a poo gobbler living in your home, don't despair. Since this behavior is not essential to your dog's well-being (not to mention the fact that it's super gross), it can be curbed. The easiest way to get your dog to give it a rest is to restrict his or her access to any poop. Which, in full disclosure, is easier said than done. But if you stick to it, your persistence should pay off. And it goes without saying, the best practice anytime you have a concern about your dog is to consult your vet.

All boys should be taken to a SlutWalk protest at least once

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Last weekend's SlutWalk Melbourne was attended by thousands protesting against victim-blaming and slut-shaming in sex assault cases. At the rally were Catherine Manning and her children: daughter Lucinda, 14, and sons Jem, 11, and Lachlan, 13. Pretty cool, huh? Well, not according to some people, who felt the need to call Manning out for taking her kids to the rally after a picture of her sons holding protest signs was shared on the Facebook page of activist Van Badham.

More: What does a stay-at-home mom do when her kids are at school?

In response to the critics who deemed it "not appropriate" for a mother to take her kids to Slutwalk, Manning reiterated her belief that it is an appropriate thing to do. In fact, she believes it's a really important event for them to attend, and we couldn't agree more.

Manning should be so proud of her sons and their "Boys will be boys respectful" sign. It's not as if they're preschoolers. They're at an age where they need to be getting the right messages about sex and consent, and what better way than to be part of an event that turns stereotypical, misogynistic views on their head?

More: We asked moms why they regret their baby name — and what they did about it

If we don't involve young men in the conversations about sex assault and consent, we're wasting our breath. Gender stereotypes are just as harmful to boys as they are to girls. By encouraging boys to become part of the solution, they can feel empowered rather than demeaned.

The only way to stamp out sexism is to teach the younger generation to be more socially conscious. Hopefully it won't be too many years before it won't be incredible that young boys are doing this, because it will be the norm.

Catherine Manning's sons are sure to grow up into fine men who are proud to stand up for what they believe in and won't tolerate sexism or victim-blaming. Respect for women and respect for humanity should be taught to every young man at the earliest possible age. It's not difficult, and the effect it will have on the world will be staggering.

More: Target Australia has parents all riled up over a sexist T-shirt

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Definition of boy
Image: Clover No. 7 Photography/Getty Images

Kanye West has angered everyone on Twitter — but this time it's different

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Kanye West has been causing controversy on Twitter again, and while you'd usually brush that off as old news, the reason for the latest backlash is interesting.

More: Kanye West issues a semi-apology for his controversial Twitter rants

Over the weekend, West took to Twitter to share the casting call for his Yeezy Season 4 fashion show — and judging by the reactions to it, it's not winning him any friends.

The rapper has come under fire for what many believe to be an inappropriate casting call. It reads, "Multiracial women only … No makeup please come as you are."

Kanye West Twitter

Kanye West Twitter

People have been quick to share their views on what the term "multiracial" implies, and how West is going to verify it.

Reaction to Kanye West casting call

Reaction to Kanye West casting call

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 3

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 3

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 4

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 4

More: Kris Jenner discusses Kanye West's fashion line & inconvenient requests

Others have blasted West for fueling an industry that perpetually excludes black models.

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 5

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 5

One person questioned whether he only wanted women who look like those he's had relationships with (Amber Rose and Kim Kardashian).

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 2

Reaction to Kanye West casting call 2

More: Kanye West is a good designer on his own, he doesn't need fake KUWTK scenes

West has yet to respond to the controversy, but we doubt he minds the publicity it's generating as his line is set to debut in just two days' time on Sept. 7 at the opening of New York Fashion Week. And according to Daily Mail, despite the backlash, there were still a lot of people who went to the audition, as lines were seen around the block from the studio in Manhattan.

What do you think of Kanye West's casting call? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

What the heck? We can't believe people still think Michael Jackson is alive

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Michael Jackson's death was felt by a lot of people, but it's unlikely that anyone was more affected by his passing than his children, Paris, Prince and Blanket —which is why this latest obsession with one of Paris Jackson's Instagram photos is so unfair.

More: Paris Jackson's got a new tattoo and we may have figured out its meaning

For some reason, the internet thinks that Michael is still alive, and they feel that a post Paris made six months ago is proof. The photo in question is a selfie, which shows Paris in the front seat of a car, with a mysterious-looking shadow (which could easily be a pile of clothes, a backpack and a hat or even a person) and it has fans convinced that it's Michael — and they've bombarded the post with comments saying as much.

Paris Jackson Instagram

Paris Jackson Instagram

"Michael Jackson is in the car @parisjackson," giuliaculatti_lpfc74 commented. Raphaelia_lia agreed, writing, "Micharl [sic] Jackson is alive!"

"Omg cant belive that michael is back there," abeer_oshaish_ wrote. And itsrecaaa is also convinced that the singer is still alive. They wrote, "Michael jackson is alive, don't try to hide us this secret..."

More: Paris Jackson has a great tip for all the social media trolls: Unfollow her

While the comment section of the post is littered with people saying Michael is in the back seat of the car, there are also people who think it's absolutely absurd, and have been quick to slam those who are propelling the rumors.

"You're all being so pathetic," goulden.times wrote. "Michael Jackson is not in that photo I don't know what it is but it's not Michael."

"Why does everyone think it's Micheal? He is dead. For 7 years already," mijn_naamismaartje commented, adding, "stop the drama."

More: Being happy and in love looks amazing on Paris Jackson

While flores_fotography noted how damaging comments such as the aforementioned can be. They wrote, "This isn't funny. People need to stop it. R.i.p michael!"

Is it not a lot more likely that the shadowy figure in the background is either a person (other than Michael Jackson), or a pile of clothes? Rather than believing that everyone close to Michael deliberately created a massive ruse just to trick the general public? C'mon people!

What are your thoughts on these reactions to Paris Jackson's Instagram photo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Paris Jackson slideshow
Image: Paris Jackson/Instagram

It's time to get over yourself: Stop hating on Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani

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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have been spending Labor Day weekend together, and they're looking really relaxed in each other's company. So relaxed that they're sporting Hawaiian-style shirts — maybe they've been testing out Shelton's rumored wedding present.

More: Apparently Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani are getting hitched really soon

Stefani took to Instagram on Sunday to share a photo of herself and Shelton, but she didn't give away much about what they're getting up to, simply captioning the post with "Hi Gx." However, instead of focusing on the couple's happiness, critics opted to bombard the post with hateful comments.

Gwen Stefani Instagram

Gwen Stefani Instagram

"Damn your [sic] an ugly couple," stephanie77grace commented.

Awsumiris was also uncomplimentary, writing, "The most confusing mix matched couple I've ever seen. #reboundfails"

While other people insulted either Shelton's or Stefani's looks.

"I love Miranda more .... Gwen is fake," kristy.wales88 wrote — and they weren't the only commenter to compare Stefani to Miranda Lambert.

"Not hating... Just sayin... MY opinion thinks [sic] Miranda is hotter and more of a natural beauty than caked on makeup...his loss," jackiedavala commented. Crzyme45 echoed these thoughts, writing, "I liked blake better with maranda [sic] .. Sorry i just do. Gwen seems to [sic] uppity for blake. Maybe it should be me!..."

Really, it's time people stopped comparing this relationship to what Shelton and Miranda Lambert had. Do you see either of them pining over the other? No.

Lambert is very happy with Anderson East, and Stefani and Shelton genuinely appear to be in love, and if any of the rumors about their relationship are to be believed, they're very serious about each other — and the wedding bells may sound in the near future.

More: Blake Shelton's not letting anyone talk smack about Gwen Stefani

Of course, not everyone is overly critical, and there were positive comments on the post too, including one from fromdelta_dawn73, who wrote, "Absolutely LOVE the 2 of you together. So glad you found each other during such a difficult time in your lives. Love conquers all!!"

And 81asdanielle agreed, writing, "God, put gwen and blake together for a reason, to love each other. I pray that gwen and blake support and respect each other in this relationship. LOVE IS THE KEY." We love seeing positive comments like these, and really wish people would stop pitting Lambert and Stefani against each other.

Is it time everyone got over the whole Miranda Lambert/Blake Shelton drama? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Gwen and Blake slideshow
Image: NBC

Really, that's it? Rizzoli & Isles' series finale was a snooze-fest

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Well, that's all for Rizzoli and Isles, folks. In Monday's series finale, everyone found out Nina and Frankie are engaged, Korsack packed up his desk and passed it on to Frankie, Kent recorded everyone's testimonies for a bon voyage party and harassed Jane with a sock puppet, Angela served cake shaped like a penis, there was a lot of crying, and Jane surprised Maura with the news that she would be going to France with her because she has approximately 900 hours of vacation time. (Oh, and there was a case, which I seriously doubt anyone was paying attention to because they were too busy crying.) The finale was basically completely devoid of anything eventful, though, except for the last scene in which Jane informed Maura that she would be taking the leopard print suitcase Angela gave her on their trip to France.

More: Maura's struggle is going to make Rizzoli & Isles' Season 7 unbearable to watch

The show has obviously been building up to the finale all season, so we consistently learned new things about the characters (hi, Maura's ex husband) and watched them get ready to take on new challenges, so by the time this final episode rolled around, there wasn't really that much to do except make sure people (characters and fans) were able to say goodbye in a way that paid a proper homage to the show and its relationships. The last scene belonged to Jane and Maura, which it should have, because the show is about them, but although it didn't resolve itself the way many fans hoped — with the two confessing their long-suppressed desire for one another — it did leave open the possibility for fans to imagine that something could happen between the two of them in the future. After all, Jane was essentially telling Agent Davies, whom she's now dating, that she's putting off going to Virginia because she had to frolic in France with Maura. There is hope, Rizzles fans.

More: Was Jane jealous of Maura's new BFF on Rizzoli & Isles or did we imagine that?

While there wasn't a gigantic plot twist at the end of the show (i.e. no flaming car wrecks in which everyone died), I am glad that the show ended the way it did, instead of the writers retracting their plans to send Jane to the FBI Academy. This whole season has been about the inevitability of change, but also the characters taking action to make change instead of just letting it happen to them: Nina and Frankie getting engaged, Jane leaving the BPD, Korsack retiring, Maura going to France. It might not be dramatic in the usual way of procedurals (no blood!), but it was a fitting ending, and the one the show deserved.

Were you satisfied with the Rizzoli & Isles ending? Tell us in the comments!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Rizzoli & Isles sexual tension

Image: TNT

Clearly RHOC isn't all fake, thanks to tonight's terrifying episode

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The Real Housewives of Orange County viewers have been speculating about the infamous dune buggy accident for weeks, and now, finally, the show has shed some light on what really happened.

More: RHOC needs more Flipping Out crossovers

It all began innocently enough, with the Housewives deciding to get their thrill on and put their latest argument behind them. Tamra Judge decided to show off behind the wheel, and suddenly, the dune buggy flipped over. It was a tough scene to watch, even though I already knew that everybody would be OK. Perhaps most terrifying was how Kelly Dodd's helmet went flying off. People were quick to comment on the fiasco on Twitter, and while pretty much everybody learned of it several months ago, most still found the moment of impact upsetting.
RHOC dune buggy

RHOC dune buggy

Surprise, surprise... a few stubborn critics believe that the accident was faked, or at minimum, greatly exaggerated. I'm not so sure, however. The show's cast members can be very, very good at manufacturing outrage, but it's a bit harder to fake abject terror. If they really did put on a performance, they deserve some sort of recognition for their acting ability, because it certainly felt real to me.
RHOC dune buggy
Image: Bravo
It's fun to trash shows like RHOC and claim that they're anything but real. And sometimes, this type of criticism is valid. Even hardcore Real Housewives fans must occasionally acknowledge that the show stretches the truth at times and transforms meaningless incidents into huge calamities. But behind all the excessive drama, there is a grain of truth, and sometimes, more than that. Reality shows may feel scripted at times, but there is definitely an element of reality. And when the fake drama is cast aside in favor of true reality, these shows can be incredibly fascinating.
RHOC dune buggy
Image: Bravo
Obviously, the last thing I want is for the ladies of RHOC to consistently go through life-threatening ordeals in the interest of authentic plotlines. I do, however, wish there was more of a focus on the real issues plaguing these gals and less on the petty drama that consistently feels artificial. Unfortunately, the new preview indicates that they're about to fight endlessly about Meghan Edmonds' reluctance to visit Vicki Gunvalson at the hospital. Buckle up, because we're in for one hell of a ride!

What did you think of tonight's episode of RHOC? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

RHOC scandals slideshow
Image: Bravo

Our dreams will be answered if Tom Hughes becomes the next James Bond

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The hunt is on for the next James Bond, and as excited as we are at the prospect that it could even be a woman, it looks as though the odds are in Tom Hughes' favour.

More: Emilia Clarke has a great idea for the first female James Bond: Herself

Hughes has become the topic of Bond speculation after reports revealed that he'd impressed producer Barbara Broccoli with his role in the BBC Cold War thriller The Game. So it's time to get to know this up-and-coming star — and here are seven facts for starters.

1. He's already proved himself a serious actor

Hughes is a graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has proved himself as a serious act. Plus he already has experience portraying a spy with his role as M15 secret operative Joe Lambe in The Game.

Tom Hughes is tipped to become the next James Bond
Image: Giphy.com/The Game

According to Daily Mirror, a source revealed that "Barbara has told those around her how impressed she was with Tom in The Game", adding, "She thinks he is very talented and has been looking at all his shows to see if he is up for the role".

2. Music plays a big role in his acting

It's kind of hard to imagine using music to help your acting skills, but it works wonders for Hughes, who revealed that he uses music to get into character. "The Beatles were definitely my starting point with Joe. Music's my life, and I often use music to get into character. I listened to a lot of The Beatles to get me into character", he said.

More: Tom Hardy may be suiting up for a future role in the James Bond franchise

3. He's a talented musician

It's not just helpful for getting into character — music is also a big part of Hughes' life, as he revealed during an interview that music is "my world. It's my passion". He's been playing the guitar since he was age 5, and even played in the band Quaintways before quitting in 2011 to pursue acting more seriously. We're so impressed right now.

4. His big screen break came in 2009

Hughes first caught everyone's eye with his role in the BBC series Casualty 1909, in which he played Dr. Harry Ingrams — and looked pretty dashing in a white lab coat, might we add.

Tom Hughes is tipped to become the next James Bond
Image: Giphy.com

5. He'd love to be the next James Bond

"Incredible" is the word Hughes used last year when he described what it would be like to become the next 007.

"Would I like to be James Bond? There's not many people who wouldn't want to be James Bond", he said. "If someone sits me down and offers me James Bond one day, it'd be an incredible day. I would strongly consider that. No one's asked me to play it yet, but I'd love them to ask, so then I would know (how that feels)".

6. He doubles as a model

This one is pretty obvious given how ridiculously handsome Hughes is, but apart from being a fantastic actor, he's also a model and has been featured in Burberry's 2009 summer collection alongside Emma Watson.

More: 10 reasons Hugh Jackman would make a great James Bond

7. He's a big animal lover

Not that you needed another reason to love Hughes, but we're giving it to you: He's a big fan of dogs, especially his own dog, Frank. He once said this: "I've got a dog, a little dog called Frank. He's a miniature dachshund, and he's a dude". He also explained that he couldn't wait to get back to London and see him. Awww.

Oh, and if there was ever any doubt that Tom Hughes would make a great James Bond, you need only see how great he looks in a suit — seriously!

Do you think Tom Hughes would make a great James Bond? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Will Jen Saviano show up on The Bachelor with Nick Viall?

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We know things with Jen Saviano and Nick Viall don't work out on Bachelor in Paradise, thanks to the fact that ABC already announced that he's going to be the next Bachelor. But what we don't know is what went wrong for the two.

More: Forget Bachelor in Paradise news, Nick Viall is the next Bachelor

Tonight was Part 1 of the Season 3 finale of Bachelor in Paradise, and it showcased Saviano and Viall's relationship, which at this point in the show, seems to be solid-ish, if not concrete. The problem? Viall doesn't seem to be that into Saviano while Saviano is totally into Viall. A fortuneteller even seemed to call him out on it during their date before the Fantasy Suites.

But then Viall reiterated that he's falling for Saviano while they ate dinner.

"I'm hopeful and excited!" he explained. He also said that the reason he wasn't expressing his feelings as fully was simply because he was "nervous" about his "strong" feelings.

"I feel like we are on the same page," Saviano responded. "It's nice hearing you verbalize it!"

Clearly, Viall isn't as hopeful and excited as he's letting on, though, since the relationship will definitely come to a crashing halt at some point in the remaining hour left in the season that airs tomorrow night. These two aren't walking away engaged.

It seems like what happens to them is a classic case of "he's just not that into you."

Yet, Saviano is into him. And she could be looking for a second chance with him now that he's been announced as the Bachelor.

More: Lace Morris found love on Bachelor in Paradise and wants everyone to know it

If anything, she might just be vying for more screen time with the hope of becoming the next Bachelorette. After all, the finale tomorrow night will be the real indicator if there is any remaining hope between Saviano and Viall. But she seems like a classy enough lady that she isn't going to freak out on Viall when/if he ends it with her. Heck, she might even get fed up with how closed off he is and end it herself.

There are even reports that the two were still dating as recently as a week ago. If that's the case, then shame on Viall for leading Saviano on.

Saviano has already taken to Twitter to express her disinterest in pursuing Viall again.

Jen Saviano tweet about Nick Viall

Jen Saviano tweet about Nick Viall

But never say never in Bachelor Nation.

Either way, I think there is a good chance that just because these two don't find their happily ever after together on Paradise, doesn't mean we won't be seeing them share the screen together in the near future.

More: 7 things to know about The Bachelor contestant from a polygamous cult

If anything, the show might bring Saviano on just so the two can hash out their differences on national television.

Part 2 of the Bachelor in Paradise finale airs tomorrow night at 8 p.m. PT on ABC.

Would you like to see Saviano join Viall's season of The Bachelor?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

ben higgins slideshow
Image: Rick Rowell/ABC

Serving lunch to picky eaters is just as tough as it sounds

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If you think making lunch for your picky eater is stressful, imagine doing in it the School Lunch Warriors kitchen — for not just one picky eater, but three.

These brave parents have just minutes to create a lunch that will dazzle the three kid judges. So what did they love and what didn't go over quite so well? You'll have to watch to find out — and you might just pick up some lunchtime tips of your own along the way.

This post was sponsored by Horizon Organic.

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