These aren’t my proudest parenting moments. I do my absolute best to calmly explain to my toddlers why their undesirable behavior is wrong and discipline them accordingly, but they aren’t exactly the most reasonable people on Earth.
A few examples come to mind showing their general lack of reasonableness:
Dumping approximately 4,000 pieces of Legos on the floor two minutes before company is supposed to arrive
Failure to put on shoes after I’ve asked 15 times and we are already running late
Pushing in public because they are pretending to play karate
Asking for candy and the iPad 52 times a day
Refusing to nap even though they are clearly exhausted
Throwing an entire bowl of yogurt in my face after asking for it only a mere two minutes prior
Taking off shoes in the car after leaving the park, promptly dumping about three pounds of playground sand all over my freshly vacuumed car
Screaming at the top of their lungs making the world’s most annoying screeching noise
I could go on and on.
I realize individually these things aren’t a big deal. In fact, from an outsider’s perspective, they are actually pretty funny. But most parents can understand how patience dwindles after a few of these scenarios happen before 9 a.m. Taking away toys, time outs, and loss of privileges are all effective to some extent, but I’ll admit, my kids do tend to straighten up when they can tell I’m really mad.
I was at lunch with a friend a few months ago and we were discussing our equally difficult mornings with our kids. She mentioned that lately, she’d been an angry mom. I’d never heard the term “angry mom” before, but it really made me think.
How often do my kids push me into angry mom territory?
I don’t want to be an angry mom. I want to teach them right from wrong and to control their emotions. Calmly talking through disagreements and identifying reasonable solutions are things we work on everyday. I don’t want them to yell when they are mad or upset, so why would it be alright for me to act this way? How can I expect them to learn from me when I’m the one losing control of the situation?
I don’t have a magical solution or potion to cure Angry Mom-itis. Some days, awareness of my actions and noticing when I’m starting to lose patience is enough. Other days, a glass of wine (or more) at the end of the day helps relieve symptoms. But in reality, I’m human and I can’t say I don’t snap from time to time. I’m not perfect and my kids will undoubtedly continue to push my buttons (I truly fear the teen years). But since my lunch with my friend, I’ve started talking to my kids about my reactions as well. As they get older, I hope that these conversations will encourage them to talk about their feelings and they can begin to resolve disagreements on their own, whether it is with me, a friend or a teacher.
Parenting is tough. The toughest job I’ve ever had in my life. I still have plenty to learn, but there is one thing I know for sure. I don’t want my kids to look back at their childhood and see me as an angry mom.
Victoria Beckham's style credentials can't be questioned, but she's ruffled more than a few feathers recently with her choice of models for her SS17 New York Fashion Week show.
Some social media followers weren't happy with some of the pictures she posted, both backstage and on the runway. One critic went as far as to accuse her of "celebrating anorexia." Another shared her dismay that Beckham went for "skin and bones" on her models and didn't hire more "natural-sized models."
There's no denying that Beckham's models are very thin, but hey, so is the designer herself. And she's always used very, very slight models to promote her line. It's not the first time she's been accused of "promoting" eating disorders, and it clearly doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to her, so why waste your breath? In 2015, Beckham ignored an invitation from MP Caroline Nokes to discuss the fashion industry's position on thin models. The former Spice Girl has never confirmed or denied this, only reiterating that her collection is "for all shapes and sizes."
Of course the fashion industry's bias towards very thin models is worrying and does nothing to promote a healthy body image to impressionable youngsters. But eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, and it's both naive and patronising to assume that it's simply about looking like a thin runway model.
There's also the argument that just because a model is thin, it doesn't mean she's ill. Many people are naturally very thin and struggle to gain weight. Some models have eating disorders; some don't. If people really care about promoting a healthy body image, they shouldn't label a young woman as "anorexic" without knowing the first thing about her diet, lifestyle or state of mind.
There are far more productive ways to help those suffering from eating disorders than slamming Victoria Beckham on Instagram. If you're really passionate about changing the status quo in the fashion industry, write to your local MP. Boycott designers who use thin models. Even better, raise money for a charity like Beat to help people with eating disorders get the support they need. Don't attack designers like Beckham for her choice of models — she's sure as hell not paying attention, and your energy could be used in a far more positive way.
There are tons of baby boy names out there for your little man-in-the-making, but often names that start with F aren't at the top of the list. In fact, in 2015, there was only a small handful of boy names starting with F appearing in the top 1,000 in the U.S.
However, that certainly doesn't mean there aren't plenty of awesome F names to choose from. Some of the names on our list are rocketing up from yesteryear, such as Felix — a name that has always been fairly popular but subject to peaks and valleys over the last 100-plus years. Right now it's creeping its way back up, settling in at No. 262 in 2015.
Frederick, another name from the old days that has never really gone out of style, is certainly on the decline when compared to the early part of the 20th century, but it still captured spot 517 in 2015, so it's really not falling off quite yet.
The rest of these names are a delightful collection of a variety of names that represent quite a few naming styles. Whether you're looking for that amazing classic name for your modern baby or for something that is a little more unique, we've got you covered.
Involved dads are great. I'm married to one, so I can certainly attest to the fact that a father who does 50 percent of the parenting — or at least strives to, if circumstances don't allow for an even split of duties — is better than the alternative. The alternative, of course, is a dude who thinks and acts like he's rocketed all the way back to a crappier era where he's only expected to grunt the odd syllable in his kids' direction before settling down with a pipe and slippers and leaving his wife to the woman's work.
In the age of viral pictures and female breadwinners, it's hard not to get frustrated with the fact that we've skipped from "dads don't do shit" to "OMG that dad is being An Actual Parent give him a medal" without the interim period of nobody giving a crap because that's actually their job. You know, like when moms do it. Instead, we're pretty anxious to give a dad a cookie for everything from basic to varsity-level parenting tasks. Tasks like:
1. Changing diapers
This right here is the pinnacle of dad cookies. Take your tiny baby to a group of other moms with tiny babies and then utter the words "my partner changes diapers all the time" and see what that gets you. Ten bucks says it'll be a round of "oohs" and "wow, so lucky!"
Why? Why is it considered a stroke of luck for a parent to change a diaper? No group of dads crows about how lucky your husband is when you handle a blowout, trust and believe that.
2. Getting up with their child at night
Ditto this garbage. I think it's understandable that if you're breastfeeding, you're about the only one in your marriage who can make that happen at two in the morning. But there's no magic "sleep through the night" stage that your baby hits when they're weaned or turn a certain age. They just keep waking up forever until they graduate high school. OK, maybe that's exaggerating, but there's no reason for one parent to be getting up 98 percent of the time and for the other parent to get a cookie if they put in a reluctant 2 percent. If you did that at work, you'd be fired.
Dressing children can be done on easy or expert mode, depending on the age and poo volume involved. If your kid's dad can dress himself, he can dress his kid. It's not a magic skill, it's a basic one. Men aren't stupid. When they put a toddler's jacket on, let's not clap for them with the same enthusiasm we reserve for the actual toddler.
4. Doing a mediocre job of dressing their children
And oh, Lord, but could we maybe not gold star them for this crap while we're at it? Congrats, Dad, you did just a little less than the bare minimum. Equality achieved!
5. Using a hairbrush for its intended function
Lately, dudes have been making serious reputational hay by figuring out how to make a braid and then snapping a picture. If I asked people to give me a Klondike Bar for showing them what a simple Google search could, I'd be laughed off of the internet. No.
6. Baby carriers, oh my God
It seems that every time a dad (particularly a famous dad) slaps on a baby carrier, people just go bonkers for the sight of a man with a baby fastened to his person. No one seems to get particularly worked up over a woman doing the same thing, despite the fact that you use literally no part of your genitalia to fasten the straps and dads could have been doing this for a while now.
7. Being in public places with their children
I'm constantly reminded of this weird dichotomy when my husband grabs our kid and heads to a park or playground or the library or a parent-teacher conference. He'll come home with tales of how he was beset by flocks of admirers who are absolutely gobsmacked at his propensity to actually take his child places. What strikes me as particularly weird is that they're usually all their with their own kids: He's just doing what they're doing, except at the end, he'll have a sash full of merit badges and they'll get an open letter on Facebook about how they should have been watching their kids instead of talking to another adult. Cool!
8. Talking to their children at all
Sometimes when my husband works late, my daughter will call him for a goodnight chat. They'll typically have each other on speaker, and if other people are around, here's what you'll hear:
Her: Good night, Daddy. Him: Night night, Punkin. I love you. People in break room: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW SHO SHWEEEEET!
I did this once at work, when I had to stay late. The conversation was very different.
Her: Good night, Mommy. Me: Night, Ducks! I love you. Person in break room: Bet you wish you'd stayed home about now, huh? *dirty look*
9. Staying at home
Stay-at-home parents are pretty amazing. I say this as someone who has tried every version of parenting and working. I've stayed at home. I've worked outside of the home while my kid went to daycare. I've worked outside of the home at a daycare where my kid was. I've worked from home where my kid wasn't. You get the picture.
Staying at home is equal parts awesome and sucky, and the people who do it, no matter their gender, deserve respect and massages and really great alcohol.
However: what the hell, world?
Moms and even some people married to moms will get all backbitey and shitty about whether or not working at home is harder/lazier/easier/more rewarding/whatever, but when a dad comes along and tries it out, there's no question: This is a man who puts his kids above his ego to do "the hardest job in the world." Isn't he amazing?
Yes, he is. He's just not more amazing than the people who have been doing it fiveever.
The thing is, it isn't bad to give dads major kudos. Dads deserve major kudos for being involved and awesome, just like their female partners do. But it continues to be insanely frustrating when we're told that the only way to motivate dads to clear a bar so low it can literally be stepped over is to go over the top praising them like they've just dropped their first deuce in an Elmo potty.
Moms, on the other hand, aren't supposed to expect motivation and praise. They're expected to just do it, and when they do, it'll probably be wrong anyway.
So I just feel like it's time we pick one. Either all parents get a fucking Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade when they remember that kids need to do things like brush their teeth and eat a carrot or something once in a while, or no one does.
As we watch the last embers of summer die in mid-September, just days before the autumn equinox, let's toast to the end of a crazy summer with this águila del desierto. That's Spanish for desert eagle, a tequila-based cocktail created by Glady's, a fine Caribbean joint in Brooklyn, New York. And it's as good an excuse as any to pick up some banana liqueur and a couple of those tiki mugs.
I’d heard the ad on the radio while driving home with my two young sons from the park. The announcer asked if listeners had been diagnosed with depression, were currently in a sexual relationship and were interested in participating in a study to see if antidepressant medication interfered with their sex drive. Then he said the magic words that made me call the number: “Participants will be compensated for their travel and time.” Bingo! I was sold.
Six months before, I’d moved with my sons and began the divorce process with my husband. Money was tight, and I struggled to stay afloat and pay the bills. I’d recently begun a relationship with a new man who’d come to the U.S. from India on a work visa.
Although I was happy, I was also incredibly stressed. To top it off, my doctor had recently diagnosed me with a form of depression that only hit at certain stages in my menstrual cycle (PMDD). I had avoided medication at the time, but realized the clinical study was the perfect opportunity to possibly get treatment and make some extra cash. It seemed like a no-brainer to me.
I was told by the receptionist that I would have to come to their office to be screened. I hired a babysitter the next afternoon and drove downtown where I waited in a room filled with other young adults like me who hoped to be selected for the study. The doctor asked me a series of questions, explained the rules (take a pill twice a day, write it down in a log book, record any sexual activity, come to the office once a week to see a psychologist and turn in the log book) and told me that if I was approved, I’d receive a monthly stipend of about $450.
I tried to keep my cool but probably looked a little overeager. At the time, $450 was enough to pay almost half of my rent. It wasn’t a ton of money, but it would make things a lot easier for me and my sons.
I nearly squealed when the doctor told me I was the perfect candidate and welcomed me to the trial.
Because the study was a double-blind (meaning not even the doctors knew if I was getting an antidepressant or a placebo pill), I had no idea if I was actually taking any medication. Dutifully each morning and each night, I swallowed the pill and wrote down the time and date in my log.
I didn’t mention it to the man I was dating because I was a little bit embarrassed to admit that I had a diagnosis of depression and needed money so badly that I was willing to be a lab rat for a pharmaceutical company for cash.
I was concerned that the medication would impact my sex drive or ability to climax. Shortly after I began the meds, which the doctor told me could take up to two weeks to take effect if they were indeed antidepressants, I was happy to find that — whatever the pill was — it did nothing to dampen my sexual stamina or orgasm intensity.
When I received the first check, I did a happy dance with my sons, who were 5 and 3 years old at the time. We went to McDonalds (don’t judge, it was 14 years ago, and no one was talking about GMOs and pink slime yet) and had celebratory chicken nuggets and a McFlurry. I felt empowered doing the study, as if, through each pill I swallowed, I was somehow helping humanity. The checks weren’t so bad, either.
The study ended six months later and, honestly, I was sad about it. For me, the clinical trial had been a positive, even rewarding experience. Years later, when my former best friend was struggling through a custody battle with her ex and needed to make extra money in addition to her full-time job, I suggested searching for a clinical trial.
To our surprise, we found a study that needed participants to stay in a hospital for a week to be infected with and subsequently treated for (I can’t believe I’m writing this) the Bubonic Plague. After the laughing fit was over, we both seriously considered it.
“A week-long hospital stay kind of sounds awesome,” my friend said.
Neither of us saddled up and allowed ourselves to be infected with the Plague but, even to this day, I’m not immune to looking up clinical trials in my area to see what study might be available.
With Supernatural Season 12 quickly approaching, the series continues to tease fans with new promos and photos. On Tuesday, a new poster was released for the upcoming season and it is filled with fire and leather. Oh, and how appropriate is it that the poster was revealed on "Supernatural Day," aka the day Supernatural first premiered?
As you can see below, Sam and Dean are front and center wearing what appears to be the exact same outfit. Yes, they are also both donning leather jackets that they pull off flawlessly. Hovering in the background (as usual), there stands Crowley and Castiel. It's good to know these two will be present as ever come Season 12.
If you're able to tear your eyes away from the beautiful men of Supernatural, take note of the phrase at the bottom of the poster that reads, "Meet them on the dark side." Well that sure sounds ominous, doesn't it?
Supernatural
Supernatural
There is definitely a lot to this poster. Actually, there seems to be a lot of spoilers hiding so let's take a moment to analyze and theorize what may or may not happen in Season 12.
The fire surrounding the boys may represent Mary Winchester. She did die in a burst of flames thanks to Azazel/Yellow Eyes. Maybe this is Supernatural's subtle way of saying Mary is back bigger and badder than ever.
What Supernatural fan doesn't associate fire with Azazel? He could generate and manipulate it. Does the fire in the poster mean he is coming back somehow? He did kill Mary, after all, so there is a good chance he'll be mentioned at least once or twice or more.
The fire could also be hinting at the return to Hell for Sam, Dean, Crowley and whoever else comes along the way. Hell always seems to play a big part on the show so it's a good possibility.
The fact that Sam, Dean, Crowley and Castiel are standing inside a box of fire, it almost seems to suggest that they're going to another dimension this season. Heaven, Hell and Purgatory have already been showcased, so where could they end up next?
"Meet them on the dark side" does not sound promising, does it? Is everyone going dark? Is the Darkness, aka Amara, returning? That could definitely happen, especially since she is the one who seemed to resurrect Mary. Or, maybe it's referring to all of the darkness the Winchesters will face with either the Men of Letters, Lucifer or whatever "big bad" will be the focus.
Who knows what is ahead for Season 12, but let's hope those leather jackets become part of Sam and Dean's wardrobe.
The Great British Bake Off fans, break out the tissues, because we will officially be bidding adieu to beloved hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc when the show leaves the BBC after this season.
The show's production company, Love Productions, made the final decision this week to leave the BBC for a more lucrative deal with the British Channel 4, and Perkins and Giedroyc are simply not having it.
"We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was," they said in a statement, according to The Guardian.
The BBC reportedly offered £15 million, which was double Bake Off's previous contract, to keep the show where it was, but Love Productions demanded an estimated £25 million a year.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to agree either a fair valuation, nor were the BBC able to provide the necessary comfort for the future protection of such a distinctive and much-loved television series," Love Productions said in a statement, via The Guardian. "We would like to thank Mel and Sue for bringing their own unique humour to the tent over the past years and we respect their decision not to be part of the Bake Off team on Channel 4."
Perkins and Giedroyc made it clear that they cannot be swayed by dollar signs, and the rest of their announcement of their departure was, of course, sprinkled with numerous delightful baking puns.
"The BBC nurtured the show from its infancy and helped give it its distinctive warmth and charm, growing it from an audience of 2 million to nearly 15 [million] at its peak," they said. "We’ve had the most amazing time on Bake Off, and have loved seeing it rise and rise like a pair of yeasted Latvian baps. We’re not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success."
The big question now is whether or not Bake Off will even live to see another season, being that Perkins and Giedroyc's saucy personalities were the major draw to the program. Judging by their statement, Love Productions seems confident, but there aren't many others who echo their sentiments.
Katie Couric is finding out the hard way that although she may exercise her right to freedom of speech in the form of a documentary, other people also have the right to sue her for defamation for what she says in the doc.
Virginia Citizens Defense League is taking Couric and Under the Gun director Stephanie Soechtig to court and suing them for $12 million for what the VCDL says are misleading edits in the 2016 documentary. Epix and Atlas films are also named in the defamation suit, according to Deadline.
"Katie Couric has publicly admitted that the film, which was presented to VCDL as a 'documentary,' was misleading and misrepresented VCDL," Phillip Van Cleave, president of the VCDL, told FOXNews.com. "However, Couric and the other filmmakers have refused to fix the film or to even stop promoting and distributing it. The only way to hold Couric accountable was to file a lawsuit."
VCDL's concern is over a scene in the film where Couric asks members of the organization, "If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?" The documentary is edited to show over eight seconds of lag time between the answers given, making the gun advocates appear as if they don't know how to answer her.
Here's the scene in question.
Under the Gun scene
Under the Gun scene
Audio of the scene (which you can listen to here) proving the exchange was craftily edited surfaced back in May, and Couric posted a message on the Under the Gun website saying she wished she had been more vigilant when initially screening the film.
"When I screened an early version of the film with the director, Stephanie Soechtig, I questioned her and the editor about the pause and was told that a 'beat' was added for, as she described it, dramatic effect,' to give the audience a moment to consider the question," Couric wrote. "When VCDL members recently pointed out that they had in fact immediately answered this question, I went back and reviewed it and agree that those eight seconds do not accurately represent their response... VCDL members have a right for their answers to be shared and so we have posted a transcript of their responses here. I regret that those eight seconds were misleading and that I did not raise my initial concerns more vigorously."
Jim Bob Duggar has a knack for making the men who court his precious daughters uncomfortable. Unfortuantely, with Jinger Duggar, he's taken the grilling to new extremes, to the point that I felt nearly as uncomfortable as poor Jeremy Vuolo during tonight's episode of Counting On.
Duggar has never seemed particularly enthusiastic about his daughter's courtship, but this is something new. He claims to approve of Vuolo, but his facial expressions, body language and harsh words indicate otherwise. The relationship between Duggar and his future son-in-law is best exemplified by a clip from this season's premiere, in which Vuolo asked to court Jinger Duggar. Future dad-in-law was eating a chocolate muffin at the time, and he seemed way more interested in the muffin than in his daughter's new relationship.
Image: TLC
If you thought the muffin shenanigans or the awkward talk about physical intimacy was bad, well, that was nothing. Tonight's episode took the awkwardness to a whole new level. Obviously not happy about the idea of his daughter moving to Laredo, Duggar questioned Vuolo at length while hanging out at a local restaurant. He mentioned Vuolo's allegedly paltry salary as a pastor and brought up concerns regarding his ability to support Jinger after getting hitched. He even brought up the idea of Vuolo taking on a second job to support Jinger's "expensive" thrift shopping habit.
Duggar acted like his questions were lighthearted and all in good fun, but it's obvious that he has his concerns about Vuolo. These concerns probably have something to do with Vuolo's bad boy past, although he also probably finds the idea of having one daughter on a mission trip and the other in Texas upsetting.
Image: TLC
After multiple episodes of Duggar's cavalier (and sometimes downright negative) attitude, a few viewers have come to suspect that the reality TV patriarch is desperate for somebody, anybody, to court his daughters in the aftermath of last summer's Josh Duggar drama.
Vuolo must have done something to gain Duggar's full approval, since he is now engaged. I will be curious to see how their relationship evolves this season... but at the same time, I dread seeing them in the same room. Vuolo seems like an OK guy and his lady is clearly head over heels, so I think it's time for Mr. Duggar to back off.
What did you think of Jim Bob Duggar's awkward questions on Counting On? Comment and share your opinion below.
Jon Dorenbos is no ordinary athlete. He's great as a long snapper, of course, but he's an even better magician and entertainer. Tonight, I learned that he has yet another impressive talent up his sleeve: He's a truly inspirational guy.
The stakes have never been higher on America's Got Talent, and while any other magician would have pulled out all the stops with a super-complicated act, Dorenbos decided to take a riskier, but ultimately more rewarding, approach. He showed off a relatively straightforward trick, combined with an inspirational speech about realizing his talents and overcoming adversity. In this amazing oratory, he claimed that magic saved his life and helped him find himself. Other lessons he learned from magic? "Don't hate, don't blame, and forgive."
Image: NBC
Dorenbos then expanded on each life lesson he'd previously learned from magic. He advised his audience to remove hate and blame from the equation and instead fill their hearts with love. While doing this, he revealed cards he'd shuffled into the deck with the judges' names on them. No, it wasn't his craziest trick, but it was by far the most meaningful. That's got to count for something, right?
One could argue that Dorenbos is capable of far more, but really, his act is just as much about entertainment value as it is about magic. He certainly delivered an entertaining performance tonight. The judges and audience were both captivated from start to finish by his on-point message.
Image: NBC
Dorenbos is proof that simple and sweet can be the keys to success on America's Got Talent. His act would not have been nearly as effective if he hadn't already impressed viewers week after week, but when added as the cherry on top of his amazing America's Got Talent repertoire? It was a truly fitting send-off. I don't anticipate that Dorenbos will win the competition, but I will be very, very happy if he manages to defeat the odds. And if he doesn't? Well, he has a business degree and an athletic career most of us can only dream of, so I'm sure he'll be just fine without an America's Got Talent victory.
What did you think of Jon Dorenbos' magic trick on tonight's America's Got Talent finale? Did you expect more from him? Comment and share your opinion below.
There's just something about a hot tub that seems to bring out the worst in people, especially when you add alcohol and reality TV camera crews into the mix. The Below Deck franchise has already seen a couple of memorable hot tub moments, and tonight's debacle involving deckhands Trevor Walker and Nico Scholly once again proves that Jacuzzis and Jack Daniel's don't mix.
Image: Bravo
Walker was already beginning to wear on the other deckhands' nerves. This was especially true of his boss, Kelley Johnson. Earlier in the episode, Johnson was none too pleased with his subordinate after he refused an order while the ship's captain was within earshot. Johnson, however, isn't exactly leading by example, especially after getting a little too cozy with a female guest with whom he was clearly smitten.
Tensions were already high, but as always, the hot tub made matters worse. Walker decided to make fun of Scholly's tattoo, using a choice expletive to describe just how he felt about it. Once Scholly removed himself from the situation, Johnson rightfully lashed out at his coworker, telling him just how incredibly unprofessional his lack of respect had been.
In one of the funniest moments of the episode, Johnson actually demanded Walker go to bed, treating him like a naughty child who has stayed up well past his bedtime. Of course, Walker didn't take too kindly to being treated like a fussy child and told the Below Deck camera crew in a not so eloquent way that "My dad's my dad, and you're not it."
Image: Bravo
After just two episodes, everybody on the charter is completely over Walker. Evidently, Walker is Below Deck's answer to Below Deck Med's Danny Zureikat, who, despite being universally hated by fellow crew members, attracted some major viewership to the series. Walker also has quite a bit in common with Bryan Kattenburg — namely, his behavior stinks when he combines booze with hot tub relaxation.
If Walker wants to keep his job and stay in the good graces of everyone else on board, he would be wise to avoid the hot tub from now on — especially when it's 1 a.m. and everyone has been drinking. Walker has already dug himself a deep hole with the rest of his crew and it will be fun to see just how many more altercations he has left before he's thrown overboard for good.
What do you think of Trevor Walker on Below Deck? Comment and share your opinion below.
Only a few weeks after slaying the Rio Olympics (four gold medals, no less), gymnast Simone Biles has experienced one of the downsides of fame — her confidential medical records have been hacked.
The World Anti-Doping Agency issued a statement Tuesday revealing that Russian hackers had made the records of some U.S. Olympic athletes public, including Biles'. Her data showed that she had tested positive for methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin.
Methylphenidate is a banned WADA substance, but USA Gymnastics explained that Biles had received an exemption since she takes it because of a long-term medical condition. Biles herself was quick to offer further explanation, revealing on Twitter that she has ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and has taken medication for it since she was a child.
Simone Biles ADHD 1
Simone Biles ADHD 1
It's sad that we live in a world where people have no privacy. But Biles made it clear she wasn't ashamed of her condition.
The response to Biles' admission has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive, and so it should be. These hackers are nothing but cyberbullies with no motive other than to bring innocent people down. Biles has a condition that requires medication to manage it, and there's no way she should be punished for that.
Biles should feel no obligation to become any sort of "spokesperson" for ADHD. The fact that she's spoken so openly and proudly about her condition will in itself do so much to raise awareness and help eliminate stigma.
And there's no doubt that stigma still surrounds ADHD, because people who don't understand the condition jump to conclusions. This is particularly true when it involves kids with ADHD, because their hyperactivity, inability to control their impulses and failure to pay attention can be mistaken for bad behavior. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children and can continue into adulthood. However, it can also go undiagnosed until adulthood, and the symptoms in adults may be quite different. Common signs of adult ADHD include trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals and holding down a job, as well as difficulties with relationships, addiction and self-esteem.
Biles couldn't have dealt with this situation any better. In fact, she deserves another gold medal.
For more information on ADHD in children and how to address the stigma, visit ADHD Together. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association has information on online resources and local support groups for adults with ADHD.
The first thing that happens to us when we are born is we are gendered. When we come out later and declare everyone wrong about that first gender statement, we’re cast aside. Mentally ill, they call us, freaks, delusional. So many people in society pour so much meaning into the hunks of flesh between our legs, and for trans women, we face a whole new problem: chasers.
Chasers are men who objectify and fetishize trans women for their own sexual fantasies. I’ve existed online in some form or another as a trans woman since I was 14 years old and chasers have been an undying constant for that entire time. Chasers will never truly see me as a woman because their obsession lies between my legs. There’s a usual pattern: man messages me, says hello, then very breathlessly and desperately asks me if I’ve had “the surgery”. I know which answer he’s praying I give. If I’ve had “the surgery”, I’m completely worthless to him. My penis is my entire value to him. Without it, I’m of no interest.
Most chasers don’t see me as a woman; they see me as a failed beta male to be conquered. It’s a dominance thing for them. By asserting themselves over me sexually, they play out a sick power fantasy. It’s a reaffirmation of their own masculinity with the plausible deniability of “it’s not that gay.” Mostly, these are straight men. They are attracted to my hips and my breasts and my feminine face and long hair, but it’s my penis that sets me apart. My penis makes me exotic and different and maybe a little risqué.
But they have a fundamental misunderstanding of how my body works. Having been on hormones for a few months, there are already differences in how mine functions compared to cisgender men. The hormones mean that random erections no longer happen, and there is no regular maintenance. So in return, my penis is smaller, softer and doesn’t stay up very long. This makes it very difficult to penetrate anything. Chasers don’t know this because they’ve learned everything they know about girls like me from porn. They don’t know that trans porn actresses often go off their hormones for a week before shooting, or that some inject themselves with saline to appear bigger and stiffer. There aren’t many public resources for these men to learn about sex with trans women, so porn is their sole education, and it’s a poor one.
I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I should be thankful for the attention, that I should “take what I can get” sexually. Look, I know the score here. I’ve seen the headlines when a famous singer or athlete “gets caught” with a trans woman. We’re ladies of the night. We’re the ones who get the booty calls but never the dinner dates. We never get taken home to Mom and Dad, no matter how pretty we are or how young we transitioned. That doesn’t mean we should be thankful for the attention we do get.
The problem for me is that I hate my penis. It’s the thing that keeps me from being seen as the woman I know myself to be. In many respects, my penis has ruined my life. It’s unsightly and makes it impossible to wear certain clothes. Society is just plain not ready to accept that women can have penises too. But I hate my penis too much to just accept any lover who's obsessed with it.
For me, I’d rather find a man who is attracted to something else — my intellect or my writing ability even. I much prefer someone who isn’t sure about my trans status and has questions about how we could fit together sexually than a man who tells me having a penis is “ fucking hot.” It’s a lonely life being transgender, but I don’t have to “take what I can get.”
In the Middle Ages, doctors consulted star charts before diagnosing their patients. The signs of the zodiac were believed to rule different parts of the body, determine one’s susceptibility to diseases and even influence the efficacy of different medications. The practice of consulting the stars over medical concerns fell out of favor in the late 17th century, but research suggests that our medieval ancestors may have been on to something. Your birth month really does influence your health.
Researchers at Columbia University completed a study in 2015 that used statistical analysis to examine the medical records of 1.7 million patients in order to determine whether birth month had any impact on long-range health. The study, which included the records of people born between 1900 and 2000 who were patients at New York Presbyterian Hospital/CUMC between 1985 and 2013, found a correlation between the month of birth and 55 different medical conditions.
“Our individual personal risk of disease depends on a number of factors, including our genetics and our lifestyle, but it also depends on the environment we are born into and the actions of our parents (e.g., how much sunlight did our mother receive while pregnant). I think the most important finding from this study is that birth month and seasonality at birth is important in understanding disease susceptibility and risk,” said Mary Regina Boland, the Columbia study’s lead author.
A similar study published in the journal Allergy correlated birth season with the likelihood of suffering from allergies. The researchers noted that the season of birth can have a wide-ranging impact on a person’s life, even influencing height and life expectancy.
Now don’t get mad at your parents for having you at the wrong time of year; they didn’t doom you to a horrible disease or an early grave. In the big picture, the knowledge gleaned from these studies provides researchers with information that they can use to unravel the causes of diseases so they can search for treatments and cures. At the individual level, knowing that your birth month might predispose you to a certain condition could encourage healthier lifestyle habits.
The Columbia researchers, along with researchers at other institutions, are currently working to understand exactly what drives the relationships between birth month and disease.
“It is important to note that different diseases would have different exposures. Many things vary seasonally, including sunlight, pollen, pollutants and even exercise patterns that could affect prenatal or perinatal development in various ways,” said Boland.
Here's a look at how the prevalence of different health issues breaks down by birth month.
January: Hypertension
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming 610,000 lives each year. The Columbia study found that people born in the first third of the year were more prone to heart problems, with nine types of heart disease linked to birth month. Those with January birthdays had a higher relative incidence of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
February: Decreased disease risk
If you were born in February, congratulations are in order. The Columbia researchers found that February birthdays were associated with lower overall disease risk.
No guy looks forward to the annual prostate exam, but men with March birthdays should be extra sure to get that appointment on the calendar. Men with March birthdays had a higher relative incidence of prostate cancer in the Columbia study, in addition to heart disease.
April: Angina
April birthdays are associated with a higher relative incidence of angina, or the chest pain that results when the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina is a symptom, rather than a disease, and it usually points to heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
May: Lower risk of acute upper respiratory infection
Like February babies, people born in May are winners of a biological lottery, of sorts. They aren’t at increased overall disease risk, and they’re less prone to respiratory infections.
June: Heart disease
Preinfarction syndrome is more prevalent in people with June birthdays. It is marked by chest pain, and it often precedes a heart attack.
July and August
People born in July and August have no increased or decreased risk.
September: Allergy-related diseases
If you’re prone to the itchy eyes, runny nose and wheezing commonly associated with allergies, you may be able to blame your fall birthday.
October: Overall health risk
If May babies are the winners of the biological lottery, October babies are the losers. People born in this month bear the greatest overall health risk.
November: ADHD and respiratory diseases
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a mental disorder associated with difficulty paying attention, poor self-control and hyperactivity. People with November birthdays carry the greatest risk for this condition.
December: Bruising
Bumps and bruises are an inevitable part of life, but strangely, the Columbia researchers found that people born in December were more prone to the kind of serious bruising that can lead to a trip to the hospital.
If you've been keeping up with what's happening at New York Fashion Week (apart from Kanye West's reportedly disastrous Yeezy Season 4 show) you'll know that on Sunday, The Blonds debuted it's latest collection at Milk Studios in New York City. But it wasn't the looks on the runway that stole the show: It was Polanco.
Polanco was spotted in the front row wearing an incredible black-and-white body suit, with no pants. That's right people, she decided she was going to show off her thighs (even though she admitted to Vanity Fair that she has been self-conscious of them) because there is absolutely no point in hiding them just because they don't fit into a certain shape and size category. And because, more than anything, this is the real her — and boy, it's beautiful.
Dascha Polanco Instagram
Dascha Polanco Instagram
She did, however, accompany her body suit with a brilliant hot pink duster coat, adorned with flowers and an image of the Virgin Mary created in sequins and crystals, which paid homage to her Latina heritage.
This look was actually a collaboration with The Blonds and was inspired by Selena Quintanilla. Polanco told Vanity Fair, "[The Blonds] thought that it would go great with my personality, how I like to embrace who I am, being a Latina. I love Selena [Quintanilla], so I'm channeling her up here [with her new hairdo] [and] with the nails, just a modern type of Selena."
Polanco has previously commented on the lack options that there are for people who do not fit into the sample-size mold, which is another reason that this look is so powerful. And not only did she slay, but the pictures that have emerged online of her look to be largely unretouched, signalling a change we've all been waiting for: The fashion industry and the media are finally willing to embrace women with curves.
But I'm not the only one who wanted to write a love letter to Polanco commending her for the incredible message she sent out with her body confidence, because Twitter is also abuzz with reactions to Polanca's outfit.
Reaction to Dascha Polanco's NYFW look
Reaction to Dascha Polanco's NYFW look
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 2
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 2
Body image goals? We agree.
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 3
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 3
It's so important that these pictures have been left largely unretouched and are a true representation of Polanco's body.
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 4
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 4
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 5
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction 5
And hopefully her body confidence and acceptance will encourage others to embrace their own curves in the future.
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction
Dasha Polanco Twitter reaction
What did you think of Dascha Polanco's New York Fashion Week look? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Doherty was a star on Charmed for its first three seasons until she left amid rumors of a bitter feud with her co-star Alyssa Milano. McGowan was her replacement on the show, sparking more rumors that there was bad blood between them after the switch.
Now, as Doherty battles breast cancer, McGowan is mending fences.
She shared a powerful open letter on her Instagram, blaming Hollywood for the longstanding feud between herself and Doherty.
"As young women we were pitted against each other for society's pleasure," McGowan wrote. "The rules of Hollywood engagement brainwashed into us were truly vile. We were cast in this weird fake reality show where we were supposed to be enemies. You and I were pitted against each other, I resented it greatly."
She continued, "I regret not being awake enough to articulate this to you at the time. Fear was drilled into me from day one in this town & you were the barometer by which my behavior was judged."
Rose McGowan open letter to shannen doherty
Rose McGowan open letter to shannen doherty
McGowan also spoke about how Doherty's controversial departure from Charmed affected her as she took over the role.
"I was under a microscope, one false move and I'd be branded 'difficult' just like you," she wrote. "The Bad Girl Shaming you received at the hands of the media was merciless....... You cast a long shadow over my life. We were both cast in a fake real life role, that of the Bad Girl. I had to prove I wasn't as bad as you or I'd get the axe, too. But we were never the bad ones, it was them."
McGowan ended her letter, "Instead of understanding that we were a different breed, they tried to crush us, but they couldn't. I send you strength."
Doherty is nearing the end of her chemotherapy and radiation after being diagnosed with breast cancer more than a year ago. In May, she had a single mastectomy. She responded perfectly to McGowan's letter, tweeting simply, "@rosemcgowan I'm proud of us now. #girlpower."
Shannen Doherty responds to Rose McGowan
Shannen Doherty responds to Rose McGowan
What do you think of Rose McGowan's powerful letter?
Now that the NFL and college football season is officially underway, it’s time to focus on what truly matters: the food! Football means tailgating and reasons to get together with friends, frenemies and friendly team rivals.
A quick trip to the grocery store will almost convince you that chips and yet another seven-layer bean dip is the way to go. Don’t let those displays fool you. You can’t properly cheer eating just chips! You also don’t have to go full-on Martha Stewart either. There are plenty of easy, not-boring food options to put a W on your game day scorecard.
I mean, sure, you could totally order pizza for the game. But it’s way more fun to make these mini pizzas with naan, a traditional Indian flatbread. Slather it with your favorite packaged tomato sauce, and go crazy on the toppings.
2. Sweet-and-spicy slow cooker sausage
Don’t have time to stand over a stove? Toss some sliced sausages and sauce into your trusty slow cooker, and let those babies simmer for a few hours. Don’t forget to serve them with toothpicks so they look “fancy.”
3. Fresh mango salsa
Oh, so you’re determined to do the chips-and-dip thing? Fine. Well, at least try this so-not-boring mango salsa instead of your usual. It’s a lot of chopping, but the combination of sweet-tart mango, spicy jalapeño and pungent red onion makes it worth it. Pair it with a nice, sturdy blue corn chip, or even spread it across a taco. Need a good taco idea? I got you.
You really don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Grab a premade taco kit, and spice it up with some chicken and canned chilies.
5. Fruit kebabs
I know fruit is not on the menu of most game day parties, but hear me out. Fruit makes a great alternative for guests who can’t really indulge in supersweet desserts. It’s also a great appetizer. Buy the fruit already cut, and all you have to do is shove them onto a kebab.
6. Mini seven-layer dips
OK, so I lied — I actually really love seven-layer dips. I just don’t like to share them with double-dippers. It’s a great idea to make individual cups of dip in shot glasses for stingy dippers like me. And if you use all prepared refried beans, guacamole and salsa, you can make this without any cooking whatsoever.
7. Crock-Pot barbecue chicken wings
I love homemade wings, but I hate tinkering with a ton of ingredients. This recipe involves wings, a can of Coke, barbecue sauce and... that’s it. Seriously. How sweet is that?
8. Turkey, pesto, onion and cheese sliders
You can't have a proper tailgate without a messy, delicious sandwich. These sliders are built on soft Hawaiian rolls, which is what I imagine all dreams are made of. If you’re short on time, you can prep them the day before and just stick them into the oven just before it’s time to eat.
9. Salami and cream cheese bites
Something about rolling up food makes it perfectly fake-fancy for parties. Spread your favorite flavor of cream cheese on a slice of salami, and pin it into a wheel with a toothpick. You can even stack slices vertically and top with an olive.
10. Garlic pull-apart bread
The best tailgating food involves oodles of cheese and an unholy amount of carbs. Cheese? Bread? Check. You want something to shove into your piehole that can make you cheer when your team is losing? Look no further.
The great thing about tailgating food is that your cooking isn't on center stage. Your best bet is to find something easy and tasty so you can enjoy yourself. What’s your go-to recipe that scores on game day?
You've heard it all before, but we swear it's true. Big things come in small packages, and while they may be known for their yappy and excitable personalities, small dogs make some of the best cuddle-buddies you'll ever meet. Following some big changes in dog-ownership trends at the start of the new millennium, 2010 was the first year the numbers of small dog owners and big dog owners were equal. Plenty of people prefer the more petite pooches, not just because they're adorable, but because they're urban-friendly and can be easier to care for.
For apartment dwellers, families, busy professionals or those who aren't a fan of the big dog, here are the 14 small-breed dogs everyone's going crazy for.
14. Maltese
Image: Darrell Knetsch/EyeEm/Getty Images
A good dog for those with allergies (it's not a big shedder), the Maltese is friendly and often gets along well with other dogs and even cats. Just don't leave them alone too much, these companion dogs need human contact. Easily distinguished by their straight and long white coat; it may seem as though the Maltese has just stepped out of a doggie hair salon. However, over-coddling these adorable creatures can actually do them more harm them good, often leading to behavior disorders.
A great family dog, the Boston Terrier is friendly and bonds well with kids. Another plus is they don't require a ton of grooming. Instead, it just needs the occasional brushing to get rid of excess hair. But be warned, they love to munch on household items, so lots of chew toys are definitely recommended. You should probably keep anything you don't want destroyed out of this dog's way, too.
12. Pugs
Image: Melissa Thereliz/Getty Images
What's not to love? Their small, wrinkled face, short legs, and charismatic personality makes the Pug a comedic and friendly companion. And though they can be headstrong at times, the Pug is generally pleasant and willing to please. The dog's unique muzzle does make them prone to snoring and wheezing, so you may want to consider buying some ear plugs if you decide to bring this dog into your bedroom.
The Pomeranian is an adorable dog with a mellow and gentle personality, but they can sometimes get noisy (just like children). As a matter of fact, if you want a Pomeranian, they are great with kids, just as long as they are introduced as puppies. However, because Pomeranians shed profusely, it may not be the best choice for a house with very small children.
10. Chihuahua
Image: Tomoaki Takahashi/Getty Images
Meek though they may look, this small dog can really pack a punch in attitude. They are known for nipping at children (probably not the best choice for a house with kids) or barking incessantly at strange dogs. They can also be loud and demanding. But before you cross this breed off the list, you should know that the Chihuahua is loyal and affectionate, even seen canoodling with cats every one in awhile (after an adjustment period, of course).
Known for being less aggressive than the usual terrier, the small bearded Miniature Schnauzer is playful, spunky, and curious. So curious, in fact, that they may bark at every passerby it sees through your window. That being said, Miniature Schauzers enjoy the company of children and make for an excellent family pet.
Primarily bred as a domestic and family companion, the Shih Tzu is extremely friendly, and, most importantly, gentle around children. While they don't shed, the Shih Tzu's double-layered, full, and dense coat, does require daily grooming. Consider the "mini lion" if you want a lovable and trustworthy friend.
7. Miniature Poodle
Image: DODDYTANK/Getty Images
A sensitive breed, Miniature Poodles tend to be dedicated to a single person and are shy around strangers, at least initially. They do, however, get along with children, dogs, and other pets. The Poodle's body type is a reflection of their athletic roots. Truly, there are not many dogs that can carry their bodies as well as this dog. Cut your Poodle's coat in a variety of styles, including Puppy, Continental, English saddle, or Sporting clips.
6. Dachshund
Image: Jillian Lukiwski/Getty Images
Believe it or not, this dog actually makes an excellent watchdog and was bred to exterminate vermin! The Dachshund is very attached to owner and family, but can be aggressive around unfamiliar children. Their elongated bodies and short, stubby legs can lead to spinal cord problems and issues with obesity. Just make sure you take this "badger dog" with you on short walks around the block or in the backyard.
It isn't a coincidence the Yorkshire Terrier has been in the American Kennel Club's top 10 most registered dogs ten years running (coming in second place the past two years). The Yorkie, as it is lovingly referred to, is bold, curious, and always ready for an adventure. The Yorkie's coat, which is silky, long, and straight, may be cut in various styles and comes a clear shade of tan with a dark steel blue hue. A beautiful lapdog and wonderful pet addition.
These are the little guys everyone’s always going gaga for at the dog park. Beagles are cute, cuddly, friendly and energetic — what’s not to love? And while most of us are already familiar with the fact that small dogs live longer than big dogs, you might be surprised to learn that beagles are one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an expected lifespan of more than 15 years. On top of that, these playful pups are good with kids and easy to groom.
3. Papillon
Image: Dmitri Kotchetov/EyeEm/Getty Images
These shaggy little pooches that the American Kennel Club calls “happy, alert and friendly” fall into the toy dog group, making them extra-easy on the eyes. But don’t let their froufrou reputation fool you — Papillons are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds on earth, with protective watchdog characteristics. Overall, this small breed is even-tempered, active and easy to groom.
A cute household pet today, this ancient toy dog breed hails from China — which explains why Pekingese pups are also commonly called lion dogs... because they resemble Chinese guardian lions. Across the board, the laid-back Pekingese are known to be great apartment dogs and can be an especially good match for newbie pet owners. While these fluffy dogs do shed, they are also trainable and smart as a whip. Ever the loyal sidekick, your Pekingese is going to be happy spending most of his time on the couch with you while you watch Netflix, as long as he's getting his cuddles.
Considered a toy dog by the American Kennel Club, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel from the U.K. is known to be affectionate, graceful and gentle. If you're looking for a family-friendly breed that’s great with children, this small spaniel may be your best bet. The highly trainable Cavalier enjoys relaxing at home and playing with the kids. And here's another fun fact that may make you love this little guy even more — Charlotte also had a Cavalier King Charles on Sex and the City.
Which small-breed dogs get your vote? Tell us below!
Originally published March 2009. Updated October 2016.
I swore I’d never be one of those moms who over-scheduled her kids (as much for my sanity as for theirs) and I’ve honored that commitment until this year. It seems as the children get older, their activities multiply like dust. Without engaging in much, my week has filled with cross country track, crew, and theater for mye high schooler and musical theater, piano, and soccer for my first grader.
My heart sped up as I mapped out my week on the calendar, following a color-coding system, which also includes my husband’s professional clown gigs. Where is there a day with nothing on it? Pink, blue, purple, green on every day, with many days also having “More” to show me there is more than the little daily square can show.
I’m grateful for my decade of experience as an account manager at an advertising agency because modern motherhood requires me to be a multitasking extraordinaire.
Before I committed to full-time writing I contemplated returning to a corporate job. I spent several hours poking around LinkedIn and MediaBistro and some other career-oriented websites. While their job requirements seemed achievable, my qualifications were of another caliber altogether.
The last six years, outside the corporate world, I have accumulated a skill set which isn’t easily transcribed on a traditional resume. In addition to “running the household,” which involves keeping my family alive and our apartment from becoming mold-infested and the toilet paper stocked, I brainstormed a few critical roles I’ve occupied:
1. Accountant for our family and business taxes annually.
2. Research pro. I've done my homework on new fridges, best dance class, best soccer league, best gymnastics classes for 6-year-olds, best piano lessons, best drama classes, best camps, ice skating, what causes a rash without a fever, how long until you see symptoms for Lyme Disease? Researching from appliances to childhood enrichment to medical health, I’ve read twenty encyclopedias worth of research.
3. Professional chef, including daily vegetarian and pescatarian organic food preparation; no processed food.
4. Fashion designer. Camp color war means I’m spray painting and fringing (real verb?) spirit shirts or finding the perfect outfit for a birthday party (OR ALL SEASON LONG) or learning to make a homemade tutu.
6. Hair stylist. Every single morning. I’ve mastered a french braid and a fishtail braid and something we call “princess hair.”
7. Chauffeur. I've got two children, in two different schools, in two different states (separated by a bridge with an outrageous $15 toll!)
8. Cheerleader/Coach: At track meets, recitals, plays — it's my job to cheer them on.
9. Photographer/Documentarian. I'm the one keeping a record of our lives in pictures and words.
10. Birthday party planner. We’re in the children’s entertainment industry so every year I’m out doing myself.
11. Launderer. 8-10 loads each week, easy. I’ve turned it into an exact science where I split the loads between four different floors and use an alarm to keep track. Perks of living in an apartment building!
12. Nurse. I’ve memorized every WebMD entry there is.
13. Interior designer. I’ve moved 10 times in 20 years and five times in the last six years. I've been in charge of the painting and redecorating each time.
14. Contractor. I'm a pro builder of Ikea furniture and bathroom renovator might as well be my middle name.
15. Housecleaner. I'm the merry maid and not-so-merry mortified mom. I know my way around with the magic eraser.
16. Singer. Every night before bed and a rotating Beatles Rock Band performance on snow days.
17. Mind reader. Every mother’s special skill, which comes innately with the title.
