What was off is back on again when Uranus comes out of retrograde on Dec. 29. This should be good news except that there have been some new developments since the planet of revolution and change turned retrograde on July 29. You made peace with whatever disappointment took place in July and moved on. You've even gotten to the point that you can say you're better off without it. Good luck with that. One doesn't have much choice when dealing with Uranus. When Uranus decides to move something off the back burner and into the forefront of your life, you're the one who has to find a way to make that work. It won't be easy trying to marry your past to the present, but that's why they say that necessity is the mother of invention.
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Neptune could do some serious damage to your hard-as-nails reputation when it conjoins Mars on Jan. 31. This combination of cosmic energies makes you sensitive, dreamy and worse: weepy. You'll want to steer clear of sappy flicks if you want to maintain your dignity. Yet this is also a good time to reconsider those hard lines you've drawn in the sand lately. Grudges lose their shape and vendettas their fiery intensity. The things that used to anger you don't seem to matter as much. You'll be more willing to listen to people and to consider alternative points of view. And that's a good thing.
You've never really seen yourself as an independent agent before. You've always regarded yourself as a "company man," so you'll be as surprised as everyone else by the decision to break with the rank and file and to make your own way. Obviously, you'll fret about your safety net, health insurance and retirement fund, but don't let that define your future course now. You need to paint on the largest possible canvas. Acting as a consultant, broker or producer could prove to be so much more lucrative. Let yourself explore. You can always return to what's safe and secure if things don't pan out.
Mercury retrograde is rough, but Mercury being your ruling planet makes its triennial retrogrades doubly challenging for you. Mercury retrograde prompts you to do things that you know you shouldn't do, but can't help. There's just this contrariness that fills your every word and action, and you just can't resist it. It's why astrologers often advise treating yourself to an impromptu vacation — or perhaps a retreat to an ashram — until its effects pass. If you can't, then do yourself a favor and question your assumptions on Dec. 28 and 31. You may be reading the situation right, but you've got the person all wrong.
This is a very creative time for you. Whatever your chosen medium — words, images or music — you will be overflowing with ideas. Work as fast as you can because you will be caught up in the flow only as long as Mars is under the beams of Neptune (Dec. 26 to Jan. 4). This could be a richly productive period for you. Moreover, whatever you create now will have a mesmerizing effect on people who read, see or hear your work. The beauty of Neptune is that it casts a hypnotic spell on people. Needless to say, it's also good for sales and revenue streams.
The next two weeks will be challenging. It looks like you're experiencing some kind of intensely personal struggle around the issues of loyalty to others versus loyalty to yourself. As a Leo, this is supposed to be a no-brainer, but you couldn't be more torn about what to do next. You're the reason a situation teeters on the brink, yet you also represent its last hope. You have always trusted your conscience on matters like this, so put pride aside and touch base with your heart on Dec. 30. You'll find the guidance of the sun/Neptune sextile to be both illuminating and enlightening.
You sealed the deal fair and square. It was a Herculean effort, but you reeled in that trophy catch and now it's flapping around on the deck. Unfortunately, retrograde Mercury aspects on Dec. 28 and 31 show that this victory isn't signed, sealed and delivered. Nobody's saying you have to throw the fish back in the water, but you're going to have to share the spoils in order to keep the peace. That means giving credit to people who don't deserve it or cutting them in on the action. It won't sit well with you in the moment, but you're doing the right thing.
Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, comes out of retrograde on Dec. 29. This is going to flip the game board that originally got flipped over back in July. This could reinstate a relationship that you believed to be over, put you back in contact with a client you thought you had said good-bye to or reawaken sleeping dogs you assumed were comfortably napping. The eeriest thing about all this is the way people will act as if nothing has changed. In truth, everything has changed, but you'll need the next three weeks to figure out the what, where and how.
This week, you show a different side of yourself: bridge builder. Instead of pouring gasoline on the fire (which is your wont) it looks like you will successfully defuse a tense situation on Dec. 27. Rather than get people riled up by firing off one provocative remark after the next, you will help them to mend their differences by pointing out how both sides benefit from working together on Dec. 28. And finally sharing some of your own rough and tumble experiences provides the guidance that a loved one needs on Dec. 31. Who knows? This could be that start of a new trend.
Planetary activity over the next two weeks show that there's nothing to be gained by trying to curry favor with higher-ups who have yet to deliver on their promises. This pattern of behavior will only continue. Yet the stars are giving you a fantastic opportunity to leave the past baggage on the curb and to reinvent. Whatever your station in life, you need to see that you don't have to be chained to any destiny other than the one of your own making. Now is the time to rise to the occasion of yourself and to write your own ticket in bold letters.
Be prepared to lead with your best foot forward, because you're in a prime position to take advantage of the amazing cosmic energies that are surging through your horoscope. You don't want to be caught unawares because you were too busy picking apart this offer or weighing the pros and cons of that opportunity. You will want to be both bold and gutsy when Uranus comes out of retrograde on Dec. 29. The fact that this follows on the heels of a rare Jupiter/Uranus opposition shows that you can take down quite a score if you're willing to bet it all on a long shot.
Are your ideas too ahead of their time or has their time come? If you are too ahead of your time in your thinking (no matter how innovative), people won't listen to what you have to say because you sound too crazy and "out there." However, if your time has come, people will be very receptive to what it is you have to say. They will be excited and inspired. Uranus coming out of retrograde on Dec. 29 signals that this is a good time to test the waters. But don't just dip in a toe; take the plunge. You won't be disappointed.
You will soon experience a change in the direction of your money flow. For months, it felt as if the tide has been going out, but now it's coming back in. But don't expect anything sensational. This revenue stream will start out small and then grow into a trend that will peak around your birthday. Your success and happiness will depend on your ingenuity and innovation. This isn't the time to play by the old rules or to recycle familiar formulas. This is the time to pursue what you want to pursue — even if you have no idea now about how to make that happen.
It's a crazy week for love when Jupiter, the "anywhere but here" planet, forms an opposition to Uranus, the planet of revolution and change. Many people will be waking up to breakup texts or notes left on the pillow informing them that feelings have changed and that their relationship is over. It will be totally out of the blue and completely unexpected. If you happen to be the one left in the lurch, give your partner plenty of leeway. Impulses to break free and to be somebody completely different seldom work out if done on a whim. In fact, he or she will probably be back before you know it. If, however, this is something you've been secretly praying for, move to close the door ASAP because this person just handed you your ticket to freedom.
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Careful. You're unusually susceptible to lost causes while Mars is under the influence of Neptune (Dec. 26 to Jan. 4). Neptune tends to water down the defenses of whatever planet it conjoins. Born under Mars, you're usually drawn to buff, virile types with a lower body fat percentage than you. However, Neptune's influence could lead you into the orbit of artsy types with twiggy limbs, sallow expressions and a two-pack-a-day habit. Snap out of it! Adopt an animal rescue if you have to. It won't cost as much and the pooch or kitty will always be grateful for the love you give.
The new moon in Capricorn on Dec. 28 favors communications from long distances or from long ago. Don't be surprised if you hear from that old boyfriend you dated back in high school or that foreign exchange student who broke your heart when he had to return to his own country. Part of the impulse to reach out comes from nostalgia, but the greater motivation is to make things right. Maybe it's the sentiment that moves you, a long overdue explanation or a heartfelt apology. In any case, this exchange will wind up being one of the best Christmas presents you could hope to have.
So why do you change the subject whenever he tries to ask you out? You can tell he's interested, but there's a part of you that continually pulls away. Are you afraid of getting hurt? Or are you afraid of hurting him? Chances are, it's the latter given your track record of short-term romances. But if there's anything that Mercury retrogrades are good for (Mercury turned retrograde on Dec. 19 and will be backward in the sky until Jan. 8) it's that they will lead you down a path that you wouldn't normally take. Following that path right now could make all the difference.
What's the harm in hoping for the best? Neptune is the planet of visualization in astrology. One can never tell if Neptune is tantalizing you with its promise of wish fulfillment or if it's inspiring you with its wistful scenarios of the way things could be, but one thing is clear: If you don't strive, you will never arrive at your heart's desire. Find the courage to hope for the best and you may just get it when it comes to love and romance from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4. Who knows? This may even give you a whole new outlook on life.
You'd do anything for your lover. You're loyal, protective and are always there with a smile or a shoulder to lean on. Nevertheless, you may flinch at what's asked of you this week. There's a thin line between a tall order and sacrifice and he'll cross it on Dec. 28. It won't be easy saying "no," but you must be true to yourself. It's a core value, which is why you have a deep and abiding respect for people being true to themselves. That isn't always easy, but it's the glue that holds your relationship together. It's also why you'll work through your differences.
This would be a good time to give your lover space and yourself some breathing room. He's going through a rough transition in which he feels uncertain about his future and this is triggering all of your abandonment anxieties. And we all know how psycho you can get when that happens. Your response will be to draw up a series of easy-to-follow action steps and strategies, but that just won't translate to him right now. His headspace is more sullen and philosophical. What it comes down to in the end is something you already know: He's the only one who can sort out his own life.
The impulse to walk out will be very strong on Dec. 26 when Jupiter opposes Uranus. Convinced that your partner doesn't get you anymore, you feel like your "real" life lies with someone else. That might be true except that Jupiter really pumps up the volume on the self-righteousness when it's in your sign. It makes you deaf to reason and indifferent to entreaties. The energies are so strong you'll probably have to leave (at least for now), but don't slam the door on the way out. Cooler energies prevail in February when you'll be wondering if you can go back the way you came.
A certain someone will have to work a lot harder if he's serious about wanting to win back your trust, and given what you've seen so far, you're not inclined to hold your breath. Yet Mars passing under the rays of Neptune this week will put you in a rare mood to forgive and even forget. Born under a water sign, empathy and compassion come easily for you. And it's because you know what it's like to be on both sides of the fence — to hurt and to be hurt — that you will eventually soften your position and cut this person some slack.
Beware of getting drawn back into a family pattern that you recently struggled free from. Mars conjunct Neptune on Dec 31 shows that a parent or sibling will be playing the guilt card once again, and you could wind up jumping through hoops trying to please this person to no avail. The definition of insanity is repeating something in the hopes that the outcome might be different this time. Don't do this to yourself. Make peace with whatever you feel you did wrong. Chances are, it's not as bad as all that. And even if it were, it still doesn't justify someone manipulating you.
Sometimes it's not about finding the right guy, but rather opening up your heart and letting the right guy find you. The power of attraction isn't always about what you put out there in terms of your looks, smarts and earning power. It's not about packaging, nor does it work as your personal advertising campaign. What people find attractive in other people are the things that they like about themselves. If you're at ease with your heart, you will find someone who will be just as comfortable with his. This is the miracle that the sun/Neptune sextile on Dec. 30 will bring if you let it.
You're not used to people seeing you as the answer to their prayers. It's flattering, gratifying and even a little intimidating, but at the end of the day, it's still a good feeling to have because Aquarians see themselves as bringing light and enlightenment into every life they touch. However, you may not be ready for all the feelings of neediness, possessiveness and jealousy that accompany this. Now that people have recognized your merits and pinned their hopes on you, they're going to be personally invested in protecting their own interests. This is something to watch out for over the next four weeks.
Mars conjunct Neptune on the 31st followed by an occultation by the moon shows a paramour pulling a disappearing act. Again. After weeks of slowly moving closer to each other, he'll stop responding to messages and texts. Your gut says to leave well enough alone, but you should reach out to him anyway. It doesn't have to be confrontational, just conversational. Chances are, he's feeling overwhelmed by other areas of his life that have nothing to do with you. These are probably things that he doesn't feel like discussing now; however, just knowing that you're there to listen will encourage him to open up one day.
I suppose it's not their fault — after all, these new, shiny, pretty things are occupying what was once their space. And every time they try to investigate them, they get seriously reprimanded Thus it's not surprising that, much like the Grinch, many pets made it their mission to ruin the holidays for their owners this year.
Oh, Santa. You try so hard every year to work your magic, but some kids aren't having it. Some kids turn on you at the last minute. They're all smiles waiting in line, and then they're on your lap and blammo: waterworks. When all you want to do is provide love and cheer and find out what the damn kids want for Christmas! So unfair. Still, irate babies and sullen kids make for hilarious photo opportunities, so thank you for toughing it out — for us.
Here, in no particular order, are 10 #SantaFAILs that cracked us up this week.
1. I like this one in particular because even though that baby is on the verge of total breakdown, he and Santa are really engaging on a soul level. That Santa gets him. You can feel it.
Santa fail 1
Santa fail 1
2. This one ousted Santa from his chair! Also, I like his tartan plaid bottoms. (Are those shorts? Is that a onesie? I don't even care. It's working for him.) Good work, kid. Now, please let Santa have his chair back; he's got a job to do.
Santa fail 2
Santa fail 2
3. Why are you both so upset? You outnumber him.
Santa fail 3
Santa fail 3
4. This is one unflappable Santa. Keep crying, kid; your tears only strengthen his Santa powers.
Santa fail 4
Santa fail 4
5. Buck up, Santa. You know what Meatloaf says: Two out of three ain't bad. Is Meatloaf Santa? He will be.
Santa Fail Genesee County Moms
Santa Fail Genesee County Moms
6. This poor Santa. Where did he go wrong? What is he even doing there? Why doesn't he have a chair? He's on a bench. Is he at the DMV? Maybe he was getting his license renewed and someone put a kid on him. You can't do that to Santa! There's protocol!
Santa fail 6
Santa fail 6
7. What are you? You're not Santa. Santa doesn't wear houndstooth! Houndstooth is in exactly zero "guess what Santa wears" songs! Unhand those children at once. Children, you are correct to be so enraged. Fight him!
Santa fail 7
Santa fail 7
8. This child is extremely skeptical, and Santa sees her point. I like their chemistry. I look forward to their buddy cop show, Santa and the Kid.
9. This is my favorite Santa by far. He's nothing but delighted! Give him a despondent child and a cat: no problem! Also: Someone brought their cat to a mall. Kudos all around.
Santa fail 9
Santa fail 9
10. This girl is a ball of pure rage — and, well, she should be, because that Santa is creepy as fuck. Santa, you have hairy arms, and your beard is more of a white-blond than white, and those glasses indicate that you're an accountant. Get it together.
Michael's longtime manager, Michael Lippman, told The Hollywood Reporter that he "passed away peacefully at home," and according to Lippman, the cause of death was heart failure.
The Thames Valley Police told the publication that Michael's death was "unexplained but not suspicious," and released a statement saying, "Thames Valley Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2 p.m. Christmas Day. Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post mortem has taken place."
However, there has been an update from Michael's publicist, who released a statement confirming his death, and requesting privacy for his family during this sad time, Reuters reports. The statement read, "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period....The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."
Michael enjoyed immense popularity during the '80s with Wham! (the pop group consisting of himself and school friend, Andrew Ridgeley) and later had an impressive solo career. His music touched the lives of many, including fellow musicians and celebrities, many of whom have taken to social media to react to news of Michael's death — and it's clear from the reactions that his death has left many profoundly sad.
Among the reactions were ones from Elton John, Darren Hayes, Bob Saget, Sam Smith, James Corden, Kylie Minogue, Ryan Reynolds and Piers Morgan.
My baby boy was perfect. The delivery had been grueling, but afterward, I was euphoric. I had a healthy son with my blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair.
As the first few months of new motherhood passed, however, I became increasingly worried about my brain. My thoughts began to take on a life of their own, separate from my emotions. Normally, emotion and thought are linked — or at least, related — but I was having moments where my thoughts were taking off from my experience, uncontrolled. Whenever it happened, I’d imagine a roller-coaster car hurtling off the tracks. I’d be nursing my son and suddenly think, “I should put him down, walk out and never come back,” and see the bright blue and yellow cart flying through the air.
I tried to brush this off at first. I was an exhausted single mom under a lot of stress. But the thoughts increased in frequency and urgency. My brain was talking to itself, my thoughts louder and louder, more insistent. "Leave him on the ground and walk away and never come back." "Stay away from stairs — what if you let him fall down the stairs?"
One day I was walking to the mailbox with my baby wrapped in his blanket, his tiny face tucked into my neck, when I thought, “Slap his cheeks. Slap him really hard and see what happens.” I ran back into the house in my hurry to get my son away from myself. I laid him down in his swing slowly, watching every move I made. I was his mother, and I felt like his worst enemy.
I was terrified that someone would take my baby from me if I told them what I was thinking. I was terrified that someone wouldn’t take him away and I would hurt him.
Was I going insane? What other explanation could there be for this? How could a sane person calmly and regularly think about hurting their baby?
I finally decided that I had to tell someone what was happening and I found a therapist. Her response was nothing I could have imagined. It never once occurred to me that she might not immediately want to remove my son from my care. Instead, she gave a label to what I was experiencing: intrusive thoughts.
Intrusive thoughts are associated with OCD by the National Institute of Mental Health, and they also spring to life with postpartum OCD, which is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that occurs after birthing a baby. In the beloved and influential website Postpartum Progress, Jenna Hatfield wrote a harrowing account of what it’s like to live in the stream of intrusive thoughts about your baby.
"Just start dinner. Just start dinner. Man, it was easier to get dinner ready without a baby around.
"Does that mean I don’t want him? Does that mean I want to get rid of him? I know how people do that.
"Oh God, I’m going to be one of those people on the news.
"Stop it. Just stop it. This is only OCD. Of course, it was easier without kids.
"What can I make without a knife? I know it’s in the dishwasher. What if I grab it and…
"STOP picturing it. STOP.STOP STOP.
"Noodles. I can make noodles. If he’s in the other room, I won’t hurt him."
It’s hard, even all these years later, for me to read Hatfield’s honest description. I vividly recall the shame and fear, self-hatred and sadness that I felt when this was happening to me.
During that first visit, my therapist assured me that I would get better, the thoughts would stop and that I was a good mother, and this did not mean I did not love or want my son. It was like Christmas Day a hundred times over. I will never forget the relief and joy that flooded through me. Almost immediately, the thoughts began to retreat. Many believe that by trying to suppress intrusive thoughts, you actually make them worse. I found that to be true. Shame and silence almost engulfed me. By talking about these thoughts, I began to break free.
Editor's note: We recommend Postpartum Progress for anyone who's experiencing any form of postpartum emotional difficulty. There are tons of resources and help available on the site, including support forums, lists of services and mental health providers and answers to questions you might have. If you're experiencing intrusive thoughts unrelated to postpartum, The National Alliance on Mental Illness has information and resources that can help you, including a phone or text helpline. Help is available. You are not alone.
Who doesn't love tacos? Show me a taco and I'll show you my best hell yes smile. They've got the makings of perfect party food. Only one thing could make them better and that's making them mini. Here are some ideas for little bite-size tacos, the easy party app that's going to bring the house down.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's decision to rekindle their romance has been met with much excitement, and while they've decided to keep their relationship (mostly) out of the public eye, on Christmas Day, the pair couldn't help but share their love with the world.
Hemsworth posted a photo of himself and Cyrus rocking Christmas sweaters with the caption, "Happy birthday Jesus."
Liam Hemsworth Instagram
Liam Hemsworth Instagram
He then took to Instagram for a second time, this time to share an image of himself and Cyrus looking incredibly happy as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
Liam Hemsworth Instagram 2
Liam Hemsworth Instagram 2
Cyrus was also in a sharing mood, and took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself and Hemsworth getting into the festive spirit.
Miley Cyrus Instagram
Miley Cyrus Instagram
Miley Cyrus Instagram
Miley Cyrus Instagram
But Cyrus had an important issue on her mind during Christmas and dedicated a second image to raising awareness for animal rescue and to the love that her and Hemsworth's rescue dog Dora has brought them.
Cyrus captioned the picture, which shows her and Hemsworth (who's rocking a onesie) with "Thinking about how lucky we are to spend Doras [sic] first Xmas together as a fam! Our big and beautiful rescue! What a perfect holiday present for your family to ADOPT & SAVE a life! Think about it! If you go for it send me pictures you know I am obsessed with animals! Obvi! #adoptdontshop."
And just in case you were wondering if Hemsworth's family has given Cyrus their stamp of approval, we think it's safe to say they have, because Liam's brother Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky were also part of the festivities.
Pataky took to Instagram to share a photo of herself and Cyrus embracing each other and she captioned the photo with a very telling message about the way she feels about Cyrus — she clearly already considers her family.
"Fun Christmas Party with my family!" Pataky wrote before saying merry Christmas in her native language of Spanish.
We love seeing Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth together, and these pictures are all the proof we need to know that things between them are going very, very well.
The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be wonderfully relaxing — lounging in your favorite sweats, eating leftovers and watching some TV. Here are a few suggestions for documentaries on women’s health streaming on Netflix right now. This way, at least you’ll learn while you lounge.
1. Trapped
Need a quick primer on the reproductive rights you will be fighting to retain after Jan. 20? Trapped takes a look at how women’s health clinics struggle to stay open despite a steady stream of laws trying to shut them down.
Beautiful Broken Brain
Beautiful Broken Brain
2. My Beautiful Broken Brain
This documentary follows one woman who had a stroke at age 34 as she reclaims her life and relearns how to speak, read and write. It’s a fascinating look into how our brain operates.
Brain doc
Brain doc
3. Bound by Flesh
Daisy and Violet Hilton were some of the most famous women in America thanks to being conjoined twins and musical performers — starting out in sideshows then making their way to vaudeville. This film presents a fascinating and intimate look at the lives of conjoined twins — and yes, they talk about sex stuff.
Bound by Flesh
Bound by Flesh
4. Fannie’s Last Supper
Bostonian Fannie Farmer is one of the most influential names in American cooking. Having survived a paralytic stroke at age 16, she went on to become a leader in the domestic science movement, which focused on ensuring proper diet and nutrition to sustain the body. This documentary technically isn’t about that, but it’s an interesting look at Victorian cooking.
Fannie's last supper
Fannie's last supper
5. Extremis
This documentary on end-of-life decision-making is not easy to watch, but it's only 24 minutes long. In that short time, it offers an interesting and heartbreaking look at choices doctors, patients and family members must make surrounding terminal illness.
Extremis
Extremis
6. Iris
Just so you don't end on a downer, treat yourself to a viewing of Iris, which is about the New York fashion icon. Again, it's not technically about health, but Iris didn't make it to 95 being unhealthy, so we can all take some tips from her.
Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian are sending some major mixed signals about the state of their relationship this month, but the latest news is that they are very much together.
Just last week the couple appeared to have ended their relationship after they took to social media to air their grievances in what was one of the most public celebrity breakups we've ever seen. However, it seems that Chyna and Kardashian have put their differences aside and are back together again (after only six days apart).
Taking to Snapchat on Friday, Dec. 23, Chyna shared a Christmas selfie with Kardashian — and they look pretty happy. The photo shows Chyna with a reindeer filter, while Kardashian snuggles into her side and appears to be planting a kiss on her head.
Chyna captioned the photo with a simple "Happy Holidays" message.
The couple has a pretty volatile relationship (although there are suspicions that their problems are being played up to create drama ahead of the second season of their reality TV show Rob & Chyna), and their constant breakups are starting getting on a few people's nerves.
Media outlets have been reporting that she had a heart attack, but her brother, Todd Fisher, wouldn't confirm that as of Monday.
"We have to wait and be patient," he said, adding that many of the reports in the news so far have been speculative. "We have so little information ourselves."
There is, however, some good news: Fisher's mother, Debbie Reynolds, tweeted on Sunday, "Carrie is in stable condition.If there is a change,we will share it. For all her fans & friends. I thank you for your prayers & good wishes."
Debbie Reynolds tweets about Carrie Fisher's health
Debbie Reynolds tweets about Carrie Fisher's health
Meanwhile, celebrities and fans alike have been sharing their support for Fisher on social media, with many of them referencing the unusual number of popular stars who have died during 2016.
"Hold on, Carrie Fisher. We’re taking you into 2017 with us," one fan wrote. Another tweeted, "Carrie Fisher survived alcoholism, addiction, depression, bipolar disorder & 60 years in Hollywood. If anyone can survive 2016, it’s her."
Mark Hamill, one of her Star Wars co-stars, tweeted that he and the rest of the movie's cast were sending their love. Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the films, called Fisher "everyone's favorite princess right now," on Twitter.
And Harrison Ford, whom Fisher recently revealed in her memoir she'd had a steamy affair with on the set of Star Wars, sent his well wishes too.
"I’m shocked and saddened to hear the news about my dear friend," he wrote in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Carrie, her family and friends."
There was Kardashian's robbery in Paris — she was bound, gagged, locked in a bathroom and robbed at gunpoint. She was afraid for her life. She was afraid she'd be raped. I can't even imagine the terror she felt. Can you?
Kanye West has been suffering from a pretty serious bout of mental illness. Reports say he's suffering from depression and that the stress from dealing with his wife's robbery and his career led him to have a psychotic break. He was hospitalized for more than a week. Not exactly the greatest holiday season.
And through it all, they've been hit by constant rumors that they're getting a divorce, something that cannot be easy considering everything they're already dealing with. They haven't confirmed anything, so can we give them a break already?
The latest reports are saying that Kardashian showed up solo to her family's annual Christmas bash, something she and West have always attended as a couple. That's not even true — West had an event to attend earlier in the night and hit up the Christmas party later.
In Snapchats posted from the party, Kardashian wasn't wearing her wedding ring, but that's not even anything new for her. She's ditched the ring before if she felt it didn't fit her outfit, and since her robbery, she's been especially careful not to flaunt her wealth, which would mean saying no to the 21-karat rock that West gave her to replace the diamond ring she had stolen in Paris.
Maybe the rumors are true. That much stress is enough to put any marriage through the ringer, and it's entirely possible that theirs is on the rocks right now. But the only people saying that are anonymous sources who claim to know the inside scoop — no one from the actual family.
Kardashian and West even took their daughter to see The Nutcracker ballet the night before the Kardashian Christmas party. Does that sound like something a divorced couple does? It sure doesn't.
For now, while everything is still speculation, maybe we should all give Kardashian and West a damn break. With everything they've been through lately, they deserve it.
Amid all the news of their split — and the fact that they've both moved on with new significant others — the last people you'd expect to spend Christmas together would be Flip or Flop's Tarek and Christina El Moussa.
But they did just that, and they shared some adorable photos from the holiday starring their two sweet kids.
Christina shared a side-by-side collage with pictures of her posing with each of the kids in her lap, joking in the caption, "When you can't get both kids to cooperate for a pic at the same time."
Christina El Moussa xmas pic with kids and Tarek
Christina El Moussa xmas pic with kids and Tarek
Tarek was apparently luckier with his photo-taking, and posted a sweet shot of himself holding both kids while they all beamed for the camera.
"We love our amazing kids so much!! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas from California!" he wrote alongside the sweet snap.
Christina El Moussa xmas pic with kids and Tarek 2
Christina El Moussa xmas pic with kids and Tarek 2
Tarek and Christina announced just weeks ago that they were separating after a dramatic event that led to police being called to their home in California. Tarek had run outside with a gun, which police had to order him to drop. He later insisted he had no intentions of hurting himself or others.
Since announcing their split, both HGTV stars have moved right on. Tarek had a fling that may or may not still be going on with the family's nanny, while Christina is dating a contractor who helped them with some landscaping work in their backyard. Considering the circumstances, a peaceful Christmas together is definitely surprising, but props to them for pulling it off.
The holidays and engagements go together like tinsel and Christmas trees — a scroll through any 20-something's Facebook feed today is all the proof you need of that.
And celebs are just like the rest of us — at least in that the romance of the holidays sweeps them off their feet too, and they can't wait to post the pics of their brand new engagement rings either.
At least four celebs have already announced their Christmas engagements this year. Here's what we know:
1. Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans
Christmas engagements 1
Christmas engagements 1
Country star Ballerini and her beau of nearly a year got engaged Christmas morning as she was making breakfast. She shared the adorable story on Instagram along with a picture that showed off her very shiny new accessory.
"This morning, 9 months and 13 days later, he got down on one knee in the kitchen while I was burning pancakes and asked me to marry him. Loving him has been the greatest gift of my life. And now I get to do it for life," she wrote.
2. Jillian Harris and Justin Pasutto
Christmas engagements 2
Christmas engagements 2
Former Bachelorette Harris and her boyfriend Pasutto welcomed their first child together in August, so we all suspected a ring was on the horizon. Apparently, it was the only thing on Harris' Christmas list this year.
"Well THAT was SOME Christmas morning!!!!!" she wrote alongside a snap of herself and Pasutto in bed with their son and two dogs. "OH MY GOD my heart cannot handle this much LOVE! @slipperygoose you’ve made me the HAPPIEST girl in the world. #Finally #ISimplyAskedForOneThingForChristmas."
3. Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly
Christmas engagements 3
Christmas engagements 3
Musgraves' musician boyfriend went above and beyond planning the perfect nostalgic proposal, and she shared the sweet story on Instagram.
"We had just been at my parent's house randomly having a night of watching bittersweet old home tapes of all these beautiful family memories that were made in this little, old country house I grew up in that I now have," she wrote. "We came back to that house afterwards and he had somehow pulled off having my sister + brother in-law sneak off and completely decorate my childhood bedroom in the most nostalgic and perfect Christmas decorations. I was bewildered and confused when I saw it all and turned around and the song "Two For The Road" by Henry Mancini was playing (this song is so emotional and sweet..it's one of my favorites..you have to go listen) and he was on his knee with a baby pink velvet ring box and the sparkliest thing I've ever seen! It was so beyond special. Of all the places in the world I've gotten to see, nowhere could mean more than this happening in tiny Golden, Texas in the house that completely made me who I am."
4. Brittany Daniel and Adam Touni
Christmas engagements 4
Christmas engagements 4
Sweet Valley High alum Daniel and North Carolina broker and attorney Touni spent their Christmas in San Francisco, where he popped the question.
"I said yes! My world just became brighter today," Daniel wrote alongside a photo of the smiling couple showing off her ring.
Today we're talking about what happens when a coworker asks you to be in their wedding.
Question:
When my coworker asked if I’d be her bridesmaid, I was flattered and said yes. At the time, I thought it meant being with her on her wedding day, supporting her beforehand and wearing a dress I foolishly thought she’d provide. The other bridesmaid is her best friend and I’m the only person from work she’s asked to be part of her wedding.
That was a big mistake. She expects the other bridesmaids and I to purchase ugly, expensive dresses and today, she let me know her allegedly good news – she’s reserved rooms for us, and we’ll have a “three days of parties,” a rehearsal dinner on Friday, Saturday, and then the wedding and “blow out” reception, with “all expenses paid.”
Then she let me know the rooms would be double-occupancy and told me I’d love to room with her best friend. When I asked "What about my kids?” she looked shocked and said “This is a wedding, it’s for adults,” as if I was out of my mind.
I want out. I understand that to her these are the most important three days of her life but I’ve added up the dress, travel, gift and other expenses and I can’t afford it. I also don’t want to leave my kids with my ex-husband from Friday afternoon to Sunday night when I’m driving to and from hotel, and so I’d be paying a babysitter to boot.
She’s already upset with me. If I bow out now, she’s going to think I’m pushing to get her to invite my kids, or that I’m ungrateful for this “wonderful” opportunity she’s providing me. I’m afraid of how ugly things will be between us at work. What do I do?
Let her know you’re thrilled for her and that you considered it a true honor to be asked. Tell her what you thought the commitment was. Show her the money tally and say you are not asking for your kids to come, but to understand that your kids and finances prevent you from being what she needs you to be.
If she can’t understand, and even if she can, things may change between the two of you. Soften the blow to the degree you can by telling her how excited you are for her, giving her a lovely gift, and treating her with warmth and positive energy even if she treats you coldly.
You can’t make this situation perfect, but you can get through it, and you’ll have learned a great lesson, to ask “what would it involve?” before saying “yes” to an unexpected request.
Despite the many extremely patriarchal and sexist rooted traditions that take place in wedding ceremonies, the most disturbing is when the couple is introduced as "Mr & Mrs Jones," and everyone claps. It feels to me as if the women has just lost her gender equality and everyone is happy a man has saved her.
Upon getting engaged after nine years together, my fiancé and I didn't even need to discuss whether or not I would change my last name upon marriage. He knew that I am very passionate about keeping my name (which also happens to be my mother's birth name) and never hyphenating. His exact words on the topic were "Your name, your identity, I don’t care." I'm lucky to be with someone as progressive as he is on the topic, especially since for so many years women had to fight for this basic right.
The Lucy Stone League was founded in 1921 with the motto stating "A wife should no more take her husbands name than he should hers." They were the first feminist group to arise from the suffrage movement, and became known for fighting for women's own name rights. It wasn't until the 1970s that laws were lifted requiring a woman to use her husband's last name to vote, do banking and even get a passport. Women's rights have come a long way since the 70s, yet despite this we are seeing an increase in women changing their names rather than keeping them. It makes me sad to think that despite the struggle of these women to form a movement that would help future generations, almost 80 percent of women todaystill choose to take their husband's last name.
A Harvard University study found that, among its alumni each year that women who delayed marrying or having children had a one percentage point decline in the probability that they would change their names. An important factor was if the women had made a name for herself or not prior to getting married. Oftenwomen who come from wealthy backgrounds, and marry later in life are also less likely to change their names. The New York Times reports only 10 percent of women actually hyphenate their names.
With so many women complacent about this idea I wonder, where does it begin? Little girls are given baby dolls and princess crowns to play with and emulate their future path of being a bride and mother. For too long they have been told becoming a Mrs. is just what women do – and that it's what they should do to fit in. By the time they are old enough and friends start getting married and changing last names, peer pressure kicks in. They want to be like their friends and other wives they see every day.
Women interviewed about why they changed their last name gave a variety of explanations. Most of which were things like: "I wanted to be a family unit," "It felt like the right thing to do," "It's easier when we have kids," or "It's easier to make hotel reservations."
To me, it seems like they can dress it up as much as they want, but they might as well just wear a sign that says "I'm OK with patriarchy and being second to my husband." No one would ever expect a man to take a woman's name upon getting married, so why is the opposite OK with people? In contrast, every gay couple I know who has gotten married, has kept their own names and doesn't complain about any of these issues.
Women who say those things are making an excuse to avoid the real issue that they don't want to do something that is not widely accepted or goes against the grain in society. A society that still has the incredibly outdated expectation that a married man and woman's last name will be the same. Why? Because women aren't broadly doing anything about it! Society only adapts when people change, not vice versa. In a world where we fight against men for equal wages, raises and promotions it does not seem logical to me that we are then complacent about taking on a man's name in place of our own.
It's time we started re-training society to the fact that the term "maiden name" implies something offensive. It's time we started teaching and empowering little girls with the fact that their name is their name. Not just something they shed when they meet whomever they will marry.
It's time that women became proud to be Lucy Stoners again, and when I get married in a few months, I'll happily be joining the club.
The film opens with Jenner in a wet t-shirt running her hands over her body. And that's just the start, people.
From there, the shirt comes off and, as Jenner smokes a cigarette in the most alluring way possible, the camera pans to all the parts of her body they are allowed to show before the video becomes X-rated.
This is about the three-minute video in a nutshell, just flash after flash of Jenner's hot bod and sultry stare as Niia’s “Last Night in Los Feliz” plays in the background.
Jenner's boyfriend Tyga also appears in the video, and the two engage in a scene that looks a lot like one Jenner shared last month for Tyga's birthday.
Kylie jenner topless instagram pic 1
Kylie jenner topless instagram pic 1
The video was shot and directed by Sasha Samsonova, who People called, "Kylie Jenner's secret weapon," as she works with the starlet extensively.
Samsonova told W, "The whole deal with this video is that it’s a very personal experience. It’s like you’re watching this person from a point of view that has never been seen before."
In fact, W Magazine reported Samsonova was so focused on Jenner "she almost didn't notice when Jenner's boyfriend Tyga stripped down and got in on the action."
The outlet was also sure to note that Jenner does not, in fact, actually smoke in real life.
Check out the full video below.
Kylie jenner w magazine video
Kylie jenner w magazine video
Happy birthday Tyga. And happy birthday to Jesus, too, I guess.
Do you think Jenner's video is too sexy or the perfect holiday gift to her fans?
If I were a celebrity, I would probably get sick of the constant rumor mill too, but Michael B. Jordan's response to recent claims that he's gay is just downright strange.
In an Instagram video via TheJasmineBrand, Jordan expressed how tired he was of all the "shit" (aka. the gay rumors), but he didn't really say much else.
"I usually don’t comment creep but, you know, shit, today I got time," he said calmly. "So look, whoever’s angry, bitter, upset for whatever reason, grow the fuck up ‘cause karma’s real. And I usually take the high road. I usually don’t say shit, I just let it roll ‘cause people are going to be people. Everybody's got their opinion. That’s what the Internet’s for. They're gonna say whatever."
Jordan then seemed to have a change of heart and added, "On second thought, why am I even giving energy to that shit on this day? Y’all my fans. Y’all don’t need to hear me ranting about some BS. Enjoy your family, enjoy your blessings, enjoy the people you hold close and cherish that."
Michael b jordan gay rumors response
Michael b jordan gay rumors response
Jordan didn't have to comment on his personal life. That's his business. But he could have taken the opportunity to discuss why his sexuality doesn't matter. He could have spoken out in support of LGBT rights.
96-year-old World War II veteran Cyrus Porter admitted in a recent interview with Ozarks First that he is a huge fan of the singer, and Swift took note.
The day after Christmas, instead of continuing to stuff her face and laze around like the rest of us, Swift packed her bags and headed to Porter's hometown of New Madrid, Mo., where she was greeted by a very surprised Porter and over 60 of his relatives, E! News reports.
"My Popo was ecstatic!" Porter's relative Caroline Fowler told E! "He was grinning from ear to ear and even had tears in his eyes. The first thing he said to her was ‘How did you get here?' He loved every moment. He told her how he was proud of his family, his country and Taylor Swift!"
Swift serenaded Porter with her hit "Shake It Off."
Taylor swift meets cyrus porter pic 1
Taylor swift meets cyrus porter pic 1
She also spent time with his family.
Taylor swift meets cyrus porter pic 2
Taylor swift meets cyrus porter pic 2
"I’ve been to two concerts," Porter said, according to Entertainment Weekly. “Memphis and St Louis. Look what she does… she puts on a show no one else puts on. I just enjoyed going to see ’em and her. I would as soon go see her right now as anybody!"
