Every show is more amusing when it features inept celebrities, so of course, MasterChef is a delight when our favorite celebs attempt to make magic in the kitchen. This year's MasterChef Celebrity Showdown was no exception. From NeNe Leakes to Tiki and Ronde Barber, a variety of celebrities tried their best to impress Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi. Our favorite by far, however, was Cheryl Hines, and not just because she can whip up a mean serving of chicken and waffles.
Hines is amazing as the wife (and eventual ex-wife) of Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but she's even more entertaining on reality television. From the moment she stepped out for her battle against Kal Penn, she was a ball of energy. She became more and more lively as the challenge went on. She was aided, of course, by the beer that she was supposed to use as an ingredient in her dish. A few chugs of beer and she was positively giddy. Her animated facial expressions lit up the show.
Image: FOX
The most surprising moment occurred when Hines approached Penn from behind with tongs, in hopes of teasing him. Instead, she accidentally poked him in the eye. She didn't mean any harm, and Penn took it in stride. The mishap didn't stop her from being a goofball in the kitchen!
Ultimately, Penn came away with the win. It was by no means a pity victory, as he did an excellent job with his tacos. But as both Ramsay and Tosi acknowledged, it was a very close contest. Hines' fried chicken was commended by the pair of judges, although Ramsay thought her waffles were a bit too sweet. He was, however, impressed by her ability to include beer in the waffles, chicken, and the marmalade.
Image: FOX
Hines may not have won the prize for best culinary concoction, but she did make MasterChef Celebrity Showdown immeasurably more entertaining. Yes, the show's other contestants were also fun to watch, but there was just something special about Hines. Perhaps all celebrities involved in the show should be treated to a bottle of beer!
The hump jokes were all over the place with that camel. Oh, and the running shoes because Nick is always the "runner-up."
4. There was the girl from his past
Liz and Nick slept together during Jade and Tanner's wedding and, after she did the rejecting following the sex, decided to show up on national television to talk it out with him three months later. Still, Nick gave her a rose, but I don't blame him for being skeptical about Liz's motives.
5. Nick isn't into the "right reasons"
Just because Nick is skeptical about Liz's intentions, doesn't mean he's going to get preachy this season about the girls' motives. In fact, he made it clear in his conversation with Liz that he isn't interested in that. But it won't stop him from his well-founded fear of rejection.
6. There was kissing
Corrine is already making enemies after she pounced on Nick the first chance she got. Even Nick was taken aback by the bold moves. But that doesn't mean he's against kissing on the first date. He gave first impression rose winner Rachel a romantic smooch.
7. He talked about his past. A lot.
What would a season of The Bachelor be without baggage? And Nick has got more than maybe any other contestant ever. Which is saying something considering that Brad didn't pick a woman at all during his season and then came back for a second go at it.
8. There's sex drama. So much sex drama.
Sex drama seems to follow Nick around like the plague. And, thanks to him, the show has become a think tank discussion into dating etiquette in the 21st century. Forget kissing and telling, Nick sexes and tells. But it doesn't look like it'll be him doing the telling this season. Rather, Corrine is doing the trying desperately to get him naked, and Liz is blabbing to the other girls about her one night stand with Nick before filming.
Granted, that's a lot of Bachelor essentials the show managed to hit on all in the first episode alone. I loved every minute of the building drama and tension. That being said, I was surprised at the key storylines that were seemingly left out.
1. No one got super drunk
Sure, there were girls that were drunk. But no one got so sloppy that they're worth mentioning in this post. And that might be a first.
2. No moms
None of the women seem to have children, another rarity for the show.
3. No divorcees or widows
Just like with the moms, none of the women talked about their past with other men. Usually, the women come from all different backgrounds and stages of relationship life.
5. No outrageous professions
Yes, there was an aspiring dolphin trainer, but she actually seemed really serious about those dolphins. Let's not forget that Emily and Hayley Ferguson were introduced on Ben Higgins' season simply as "Twin." Compared to that, the aspiring dolphin trainer seems super legit.
Why were there so many red dresses?! And why were the girls so freaked out that so many were wearing red?! If that's all they had to freak out about then I'm going to go ahead and call this a tame premiere.
Did you notice any other Bachelor essentials missing from Nick Viall's premiere?
Ever since he posted an almost proof-positive confirmation of their relationship on Instagram, Drake has been at the center of the rumors that he is getting cozy with Jennifer Lopez. But why won't Drake and Lopez officially confirm their relationship so we can all celebrate and move on? The pair has been pretty shy about saying anything aside from what they post on social media (which isn't much), which has left us — the eager fans — to rely on insider confirmations and other people's social media posts to confirm what many of us believe may already be true.
Such an occasion arose when FOX 5 Vegas reporter Chernéy Amhara attended Drake's New Year's Eve performance at Vegas hotspot Hakkasan. During the evening, Amhara managed to get a video of the crowd at Drake's table, happily dancing while Drake performed. Amhara noticed one very special person in particular who seemed really into the performance, though. I'll give you three guesses as to who it may be.
Drake Vegas NYE Twitter Video
Drake Vegas NYE Twitter Video
Yeah, that's right: it was Lopez. Of course it was Lopez. At this point, there's only two possibilities as to why Lopez would have attended Drake's performance so close to the now-infamous Instagram of the pair snuggling by the fireside. The first option is that Lopez just so happened to want to go to Vegas to ring in 2017 and Drake's Hakkasan gig was the only cool event in town; the likelier option is that Lopez was there, supporting her main squeeze. C'mon guys, we see you. Just tell us that you're dating.
The pair never snapped a picture together during the evening, but they did post some handsome snaps on their own. Lopez's New Year's Eve Instagram is especially interesting. Take a look.
Drake NYE Instagram
Drake NYE Instagram
Make sure to pay attention to Lopez's captions. I mean, could the signs be any clearer?
Jennifer Lopez NYE Instagram
Jennifer Lopez NYE Instagram
I think they make a rather handsome couple. Even if they are just friends, at least they rang in 2017 looking incredibly dapper.
If the mere mention of sex while you are on your period makes you cringe, you're not alone. The thought of getting intimate while bleeding doesn't exactly seem like a blast, and many of us avoid it just out of fear of an extremely uncomfortable situation. But you might be surprised to find that sex during your period can actually feel great — and it doesn't have to involve plastic sheets.
The first step to feeling comfortable having sex while on your period is talking to your partner about it. Yes, some guys are a little weirded out by menstruation, but that's mostly because they've never experienced it for themselves. If you have an open dialogue about that time of the month, you might be pleasantly surprised to find your significant other isn't as squeamish about a little blood as you might have thought.
Keep it clean
OK, making a huge mess while having sex during a heavy period is a legitimate concern — and having to lay out a million towels doesn't exactly set the mood. But there are other options.
Turns out menstrual cups are not only environmentally friendly, but they're also a dream for women who don't want to avoid getting off just because they're on their period. Just make sure to wear the disposable kind (not the reusable variety), and remember that you still have to use protection — you can get pregnant or contract an STD while on your period.
"While it is easy to forget you are on your period while wearing a menstrual cup, it is important to remember that reusable menstrual cups are not a contraceptive device and should never be worn during intercourse," Vili Petrova, creator of the Lena cup, told SheKnows.
"Disposable menstrual cups can be worn during sex, as they are positioned directly below the cervix, are made of soft material and are intended for a single use. Reusable menstrual cups are made from sturdier, long-lasting silicone and are designed to sit lower in the vaginal canal, away from the cervix, making them unsafe for use during sexual intercourse."
Heavy cramping is another reason sex might sound like a chore, but a little lovemaking can actually help ease your physical pain.
"The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of the sexual psychophysiology laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author of Why Women Have Sex, via ABC News.
As if being a pain remedy wasn't enough, turns out sex can also make your period lighter and shorter.
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts, and in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds," says Meston. "The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster."
Music to our ears.
Safe sex
Unless you're trying to get pregnant, don't make the mistake of having unprotected sex during your period (if you're sleeping with a guy, that is). Just because you're flowing doesn't mean you aren't ovulating. Take the same precautions you normally would, and use appropriate birth control while on your period.
You're also more susceptible to STDs when you're on your period because the cervix opens to allow blood to pass through.
"Unfortunately, this creates the perfect pathway for bacteria to travel deep inside the pelvic cavity," according to Abha Khetarpal, author of Going with the Flow: A Handbook on Menstrual Management & Hygiene for Women with Disabilities. "You are also more likely to pass on blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis to a partner during your period and more likely to develop yeast or bacterial infections because the vagina's pH during menstruation is less acidic."
Long story short, if you're having sex with a dude, use a condom.
What are your tips for successful sex during your period?
Stop right there and thank you very, very much because a mini-Spice Girls reunion happened that we need to talk about.
Mel C performed a New Year's Eve in the Maldives and was joined onstage for one glorious moment by fellow former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. The pair got together to perform their classic slow jam "2 Become 1," which admittedly is a pretty romantic song, but also worked really well as a simple reunion song about two pop stars becoming one for a truly nostalgic performance. Are you feeling the love yet?
Mel C, known in real life as Melanie Chisholm, looked absolutely back in her element as she embraced Beckham onstage. Luckily, fans were dutiful enough to not only take pictures but also capture a super sweet video of them singing together. Can you even believe how great they sound together after all these years?
Spice Girl Beckham Instagram
Spice Girl Beckham Instagram
While Beckham has previously stayed away from being associated with the rumors of a Spice Girls reunion, but this reunion with Chisholm onstage gives credence to the fact she may be doing otherwise. This reunion is even more intriguing when you recall the fact that Chisholm also opted out of any kind of reunion, which left Mel B, Geri Halliwell, and Emma Bunton to rename themselves GEM. Perhaps this mini-reunion performance is indicating a change of heart?
Regardless of whether or not the pair will actually be joining GEM and re-creating the totally glorious heydays of the Spice Girls in 2017, you cannot deny that seeing Chisholm and Beckham onstage once more was a perfect trip down memory lane. Is it just me, or do you suddenly have the urge to pop on a Spice Girls CD right about now?
What we experience when we go to the bathroom can often be such a taboo topic that it’s rarely discussed over weekend brunches or group text messages, even with our closest friends.
For one thing, some of us may be wiping ourselves wrong when we go to the bathroom. If you didn’t ever think there could be a wrong way to wipe, well, it turns out there is, and it could actually be damaging. So avoid another trip to the gynecologist or a scary Google search on some of the post-wiping side effects you may be feeling and take note of what these doctors say you should and shouldn’t be doing down below.
It may not even be something you think about after you’ve done your business and before you pull up your underwear, but there is a right way to wipe yourself and a wrong way to wipe yourself. How do you know if you’re doing it right, and does it even matter? Dr. Justin Sloane, resident physician, PGY-3 clerkship resident adviser Abington Hospital, Jefferson Health, will tell you that it does matter — and he has a pretty good reason.
“Wipe front to back not back to front," he advises. "Wiping back to front brings bacteria from the anus closer to the urethra (hole you urinate from) which can lead to urinary tract infections.”
If you’ve ever had a UTI before, you’ll do whatever you can to make sure you don’t go through the discomfort of having another one again, including stocking up on cranberry juice and wiping correctly from now on.
The art of wiping your private parts can be a mindless action since it is something you do multiple times a day. One of the things you could be doing wrong is how rough and tough you get with the actual motion.
Dr. Michael Ingber, director of the Center for Specialized Women's Health in Denville, New Jersey, stresses that it’s best to not wipe too aggressively.
“Sometimes women can get micro-abrasions, which allow bacteria to grow and can cause inflammation and irritation at the urethral opening," he says. "Sometimes a ‘dab will do’!”
Ditch the feminine wipes
Although they may seem like they help you get cleaner, the last thing you can do to protect your lower half when using the bathroom is ditch any kind of feminine wipes or baby wipes.
According to Ingber, “Avoid any kind of feminine wipes or baby wipes which contain alcohol or glycerin. These can be irritating to mucosal surfaces such as the vagina. If you feel like using a moist wipes, make sure that it is only moistened with water or saline, as some of the chemicals can irritate you further.”
A small shift in wiping can make a big difference to your urogenital health, so pay attention on your next trip to the restroom.
Radar Online reports that Locklear's admission into rehab was tense, with the actor allegedly unwilling to go quietly. A source from Cliffside Malibu Rehab Center stated that, allegedly, "When she came in, she was drunk and on pills, crying and screaming," further adding that, "She’s in a private house with two other people. The only time she comes out is to see the doctor.”
Previous reports surfaced in September 2016 that Locklear had been hospitalized for mixing drugs with alcohol. People stated that Locklear had allegedly been "out of control" during the event and displaying worrying signs of going completely off the rails. There now seems to be a connection between that September incident and this current rehab check-in. People also quoted a source who stated that Locklear was "weighing her options" and luckily had the full support of her family.
While it's unclear what the inciting event was which led to Locklear's fifth rehab check-in, I can only hope that she is able to find recovery during this difficult time. Locklear has been working steadily over the last few years, and she can soon be seen on the TLC/Tyler Perry drama Too Close To Home. Previous to that, she had a recurring role on Franklin & Bash as well as a short stint on Hot in Cleveland and the 2009 Melrose Place revival.
"Receiving all of your prayers and kind words over the past week has given me strength during a time I thought strength could not exist," Lourd wrote next to a photo of her with Fisher and Reynolds. "There are no words to express how much I will miss my Abadaba and my one and only Momby. Your love and support means the world to me."
billy lourd instagram pic 1
billy lourd instagram pic 1
Lourd is Fisher's only child. She is the daughter of talent agent Bryan Lourd, who was with Fisher for three years from 1991 to 1994.
Fisher suffered a heart attack aboard a flight from London to Los Angeles on Dec. 23 and died at the hospital on Dec. 27.
The next day, Reynolds suffered a stroke while at son Todd Fisher's home in Beverly Hills planning the funeral arrangements for her daughter. She died that day. Todd told the Associated Press his mother's last words were, "I want to be with Carrie."
Since the deaths, Lourd's Scream Queens co-stars have showered her with love and support, including her rumored boyfriend Taylor Lautner.
Taylor lautner instagram pic 1
Taylor lautner instagram pic 1
Ariana grande instagram pic 1
Ariana grande instagram pic 1
Lea michele instagram pic 1
Lea michele instagram pic 1
RIP, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. Our hearts go out to Billie Lourd and family during this difficult time.
With the holidays behind us, it’s time to turn the focus to the winter premieres of some of your favorite TV shows. Not only a flood of shows coming back, there are also some new shows to add to your viewing calendar.
This wildly inappropriate, but funny, FOX comedy stars former It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actress Kaitlin Olson as a hustler who is forced to take care of her rich sister’s three kids after her sister flees the country to avoid jail.
Sherlock:
Sherlock trailer
Sherlock trailer
We all know that anything with Benedict Cumberbatch is worth watching. The PBS show is back with Season 4 with Toby Jones joining the cast as the new villain.
Jan. 2
The Bachelor:
The Bachelor preview
The Bachelor preview
With Nick Viall running the show, expect the unexpected as this season’s contestant meets up with a woman he had a one-night stand with prior to the show.
Say goodbye to David Boreanz and the gang for their 12th and final season on FOX. Fans can expect a marriage, the return of Eddie McClintock and a serial killer to make the series finale a thrilling one.
Jan. 5
Nashville:
Nashville trailer
Nashville trailer
The country music series finally returns to TV by moving from ABC to CMT. Sadly, viewers will only get Connie Britton in 10 of the 22 episodes and Will Chase and Aubrey Peeples have exited the series.
Portlandia:
Image: IFC
The show is back for Season 7 with some incredible guest stars adding to the fun. Look for Andy Richter, The B-52s and Laurie Metcalf to spice up this IFC comedy.
Jan. 6
Emerald City:
Emerald City Trailer
Emerald City Trailer
Are you ready for NBC’s reboot of The Wizard of Oz? Dorothy is now 20 years old and Toto is a tough police dog. Expect a dark and twisted tale because we are definitely not in Kansas anymore. The 10-episode series stars Vincent D'Onofrio, Adria Arjona and Joely Richardson.
One Day at a Time:
One Day at a Time trailer
One Day at a Time trailer
Netflix rolls out its latest reboot about multiple generations of a Cuban-American family starring Rita Moreno as the matriarch. All 13 episodes are available on the launch date.
Sleepy Hollow:
Sleepy Hollow Season 4 promo
Sleepy Hollow Season 4 promo
The cast is back on FOX for Season 4 with a new cast member, Janina Gavankar. She is the show’s new female lead after writers killed off Nicole Beharie’s character. Will viewers respond? Let’s find out.
Jan. 8
Golden Globes:
Golden Globes trailer
Golden Globes trailer
Don't miss Jimmy Fallon taking the wheel from last year's host Ricky Gervais. Fallon has big shoes to fill after Gervais' snarky turn as host.
Jan. 10
Taboo:
Taboo trailer
Taboo trailer
Tom Hardy joins FX for this limited series in this conspiracy thriller set in the early 1800s. It looks dark and dramatic in a way that only Hardy can deliver, so expect it to be creepy.
Jan. 11
Full Frontal With Samantha Bee:
Full Frontal Season 2 announcement
Full Frontal Season 2 announcement
No one delivered more political talk with a punch than Samantha Bee in 2016. She returns for Season 2 on TBS just in time for Trump’s inauguration. We know she won’t be holding back.
Jan. 13
Sneaky Pete:
Sneaky Pete trailer
Sneaky Pete trailer
Giovanni Ribisi is heading back to Amazon in this Bryan Cranston/David Shore-created series. Ribisi plays a con man who takes on the identity of his prison cellmate once he’s released from jail. The pilot episode has been available on Amazon since 2015, but viewers will get to see the rest of the season beginning in January.
Jan. 15
Homeland:
Homeland Season 6 trailer
Homeland Season 6 trailer
The Showtime series is back for Season 6. The show has started to show its age a bit, but Claire Danes continues to deliver solid performances each season.
The Young Pope:
The Young Pope trailer
The Young Pope trailer
This hot HBO show is already in pre-production for its second season without the first season even airing yet. Jude Law plays the first American-born Pope in this 10-episode drama. The reviews have been stellar, so don’t miss this one.
Viewers have been waiting patiently for the Season 6 return of Scandal. How did Shonda Rhimes' version of the election turn out? We had to wait through Kerry Washington's real-life pregnancy to find out, but the wait is finally over.
Jan. 21
Beaches:
Beaches trailer
Beaches trailer
While the original film starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey really doesn't need a remake, Lifetime released a schmaltzy trailer that sucked us right in. Idina Menzel and Nia Long star in this tearjerker.
Jan. 26
Riverdale:
Riverdale trailer
Riverdale trailer
The CW has become the unofficial home for comic-book series. This time, there's not a superhero in sight. If you loved the Archie comics as a kid, look for this fresh take on the town of Riverdale with Archie, Veronica, Jughead and Betty with a murder-mystery tale.
Jan. 29
Miss Universe Pageant:
Miss Universe Pageant trailer
Miss Universe Pageant trailer
While the existence of pageants merits debates about feminism and women parading around in bikinis, Steve Harvey is back with FOX again this year. Will he screw up the winner again?
Jan. 31
Switched at Birth:
Switched at Birth Season 6 trailer
Switched at Birth Season 6 trailer
This Freeform series is waving goodbye to fans after its fifth season. The show was groundbreaking in its 2011 debut as "the first mainstream television series to have multiple deaf and hard-of-hearing series regulars and scenes shot entirely in American Sign Language."
Which shows are you excited to watch this month? Let us know in the comments.
Keeping secrets is hard for kids. Keeping secrets when you're 8 years old and your dad is starring in the new Stars Wars movie is... harder. That's what Diego Luna, star of the box office hit Rogue One, found out last year after he took his son to the movie's set.
Luna's son Jerónimo was the envy of all elementary school students everywhere when he and his 6-year-old sister Fiona got to accompany his dad to set last summer while Luna was filming. In an interview last month on Conan, Luna talked about how excited his son was to see the X-wing fighters and all the weapons. "Fantastic day," he said, "The best day in his life." But then one of the producers came up to his son and said, "Hey kiddo, we're so glad to have you here, and we just want to remind you that you cannot talk about what happened here [for] a year, OK?" Luna said that his son agreed but, being 8, there was only so long he could hang onto what was the world's coolest kid info.
Five months after the set visit, Luna and his son were on vacation when he saw the boy talking with a group of four teenage girls. When he went over to investigate, he told Yahoo News that he heard his son say, "Well, no, this film has no Jedis; it's just rebels..."
Still, Luna couldn't help but be a little proud of his young man, who clearly already knows how to work the ladies. "But he did it for the right reason, right? He was talking to the girls and he got their attention. I had to talk to him later to remind him you cannot tell people... but I wanted to say, 'But that was a good move!'"
It seems that Jerónimo's secret-spilling hasn't negatively affected box office. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which has been out for a little over two weeks, has already earned $615 million.
Update: Since this piece was originally published, more celebrities have been slammed for posting picture of parent/child lip contact. Today, commenters are jumping all over Gwen Stefani. A couple of weeks ago it was Hilary Duff. Do better, humanity.
Once again, the judgmental masses are all up in arms over a simple kiss between a parent and child. This time it's Victoria Beckham who is in the firing line after posting a picture of her giving her 5-year-old daughter, Harper, a sweet kiss on the lips.
Just last year the Internet was all in a tizzy over the opinion of Dr. Charlotte Reznick, a child and educational psychologist and associate clinical professor of psychology at UCLA, who said you or your child might find kissing each other on the lips "overly stimulating."Yes, you read that right: According to an "expert," you should not kiss your child on the lips because all lip kissing is sexy.
Hey, moms: People are judging how you parent. If you feed your kid the wrong kind of lunch meat, you’re a bad mom. If you hover over your kid at the playground, you’re a bad mom. If you sit on the bench and look at your phone while your kid is on the monkey bars, you are still doing it all wrong.
You’re probably kissing your child wrong too. I know I am.
Reznick is an expert (and author of The Power of Your Child’s Imagination: How to Transform Stress and Anxiety into Joy and Success), and she thinks lip kissing is confusing. Mommies and daddies kiss each other on the mouth. If we’re kissing our kids on the mouth, we need to stop.
Oh Char, please get a grip and stop trying to make every little thing dirty or about sex. I’m sure you have a super-fancy education with a bunch of super-fancy letters after your name on your super-fancy diplomas. But based on your so-called expert opinion about parent-child affection, I’m going to go with this:
You’re an expert in b.s. That’s right. Bulls***.
I have a 23-year-old daughter and two 5-year-old boys. I also have one 51-year-old husband, a 75-year-old father and a 74-year-old mother. I kiss them all on the mouth. I don’t find any of this kissing to be sexual or stimulating, except for my husband, and even then, only sometimes.
Yes, my kids see me kiss my husband on the mouth. They see us kiss hello and goodbye. They see us peck each other on the mouth during random moments of affection… the same as we do with them. None of it is sexual or stimulating. The thought that someone would label it as such is… well, disgusting.
I don’t make out with my husband in front of my kids or in front of anyone. I’d venture to guess most people don’t kiss their partner in that way in front of an audience. The kisses my two little boys give me are sloppy, sticky, peanut buttery… and freely given. They kiss me goodnight, they kiss me good morning and at random intervals I don’t try to make sense out of. And why would I? I have raised one child to adulthood, and I know full well that these are the golden days before my sweet little boys turn into surly tweens who will be embarrassed by my existence.
The kisses my grown daughter gives me are perfunctory, usually when we say hello or goodbye. These are different from the kisses I get from my little boys, but they are still mom kisses. The kisses I give my parents are the same kind of kiss. I am thankful that I’ve raised my daughter to adulthood and that she still wants to kiss me. It’s reaffirmation I didn’t suck at being her mom. I am grateful my parents are still around and that I still get to kiss them. I realize they won’t be around forever.
This is how it’s done in our family. If that isn’t how it’s done in your family, rock on. I don’t claim to be an expert like Dr. Charlotte, so I’m not about to point my judgy little finger at the way other families choose to show affection.
In all seriousness, child sexual abuse is an awful thing. Parents have to be vigilant and aware. There are sick people out there that would hurt our children by touching them inappropriately if they had the chance.
But to try to make the parent-child bond and the way families express their love for one another into something filthy across the board? No.
I come from a family of lip kissers, and I’m proud of it. If anyone — expert or otherwise — wants to call that inappropriate, well… I have something else they can kiss.
Originally published July 2016. Updated January 2017.
The show had been teasing its New Years episode for a while, promising something big, and it really delivered: Mariah, the 21-year-old daughter of Kody and Meri Brown, announced to the family that she's a lesbian.
On the show, a nervous-looking Mariah gathered the entire family into one room, including Kody's other wives, Janelle, Christine and Robyn, to make the big announcement.
Before Mariah drops her news, Kody jumps the gun a little, assuming her big announcement is about getting into medical school, to which she nervously replies, "No, I haven't even applied." A concerned looking Meri asks her, "Why are you freaking out?"
Both Janelle and Kody comment on how nervous Mariah is before she takes a few deep breaths and drops her bombshell, simply saying to her family, "I'm gay."
Sister Wives' Mariah announces to family that she's gay
Sister Wives' Mariah announces to family that she's gay
Jaws drop all over the room, but the one that stays put is Meri's, as a disappointed expression fills her face. While we won't know for sure until next week how the family is going to react, we do know that the Brown family's fundamental Mormonism thinks of homosexuality as a sin.
In a teaser for next week's episode, Kody and Meri discuss the news. Meri tell Kody, "You were like smiling and happy and saying you were so happy for her. And I'm just... I don't..."
On Sunday, Jan. 1., Sherlock finally returned with its Season 4 premiere after way too long of a hiatus. If you've yet to watch the episode, then read no further due to major spoilers.
There's no doubt the new episode delivered on many levels, including its twists, turns, excitement and jokes. However, there was one thing that fans probably weren't expecting. Obviously, we're talking about that shocking death.
Did anyone really think Mary would die? That's right, Mary Watson is no more. After her past life as an agent came back to haunt her, Mary ended up jumping in front of Sherlock and saving him from a fatal bullet. She truly was a heroic badass. Both Mary and her portrayer, Amanda Abbington, will be missed greatly.
Mary's death is one of the most heartbreaking things to have ever happened in the series. There have been plenty of devastating moments, but this one truly takes the cake. With that said, let's become even more depressed over it by listing some of the reasons Mary's demise is extremely devastating.
What makes her death all the more upsetting is that she was one of the few female characters on Sherlock. Plus, she was a badass who never needed saving, held her own against both Sherlock and John, could take down any enemy who crossed her and inspired women of all ages along the way.
Mary and John's relationship was never perfect, especially with Mary's lies about her true identity and past life. Her secrets and choice to run away in Season 4 definitely caused friction with John. Then, there is that whole thing with John talking to that random woman, all while making him super unlikeable. He was never shown sleeping with the woman, but he was texting her quite a bit. Granted, he seemingly cut things off with her, but there's no doubt his marriage with Mary didn't end on happy terms.
Remember when Sherlock made a vow to always protect John, Mary and now Rosie? Well, John is angry at Sherlock for not following through, because Mary is now dead. He wants nothing to do with Sherlock. Whenever these two are apart, it just doesn't feel right and is truly upsetting.
We never thought we'd see the day Sherlock voluntarily went to see a therapist. That's how much of an affect Mary's death has had on him. He is beyond heartbroken. He also probably feels somewhat guilty that Mary saved his life and not the other way around. It's rare to see Sherlock become emotional and when he does, it's, well, emotional.
In anticipation of her death, Mary sent Sherlock a disc giving him one last case: "Save John Watson." He is going to need saving more now than ever. Here's hoping Sherlock is up to the task and won't give up, because John is going through so much at the moment.
To see Mary pregnant, give birth, show so much love to her baby girl and then die was all difficult to watch. The only way Rosie will remember her mother is through photos and stories from friends and family, but mainly her father.
After getting shot and John trying to save her life, Mary said to him, "I think this is it… you made me so happy." She then added, "Being Mary Watson was the only life worth living." If you didn't cry at this point, then you clearly have no heart.
Mary always genuinely liked Sherlock. As she was dying, she told him that again. A look of pure sadness overcame Sherlock, which was a lot to take in. See? He does have feelings.
Emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B have been available without a prescription for years, so why isn’t that the case for preventative oral contraceptive pills too?
Last week, Vox reported that America may be getting one step closer to over-the-counter birth control pills thanks to Paris-based pharmaceutical company HRA Pharma and their partnership with Ibis Reproductive Health, a nonprofit research organization. Together, the corporation and organization will take the first steps toward making some types of birth control pills available without a prescription in the United States.
So what's been the holdup? We know that that accessibility to birth control options decreases the rate of unplanned pregnancy and the birth control pills are relatively safe and effective (when taken correctly). We also know that not all women have access to affordable health care (and things aren’t looking great for us post-Jan. 20) — in other words, the doctor’s visit required in order to get a prescription for the pill may be another obstacle for some. So wouldn’t it be easier and more cost-effective (not to mention preventative of countless unplanned pregnancies) if birth control pills were available over the counter?
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Yes, there are political stumbling blocks (we are talking about women’s bodies, after all), but surprisingly, making birth control pills available over the counter has actually gained bipartisan support — in theory, at least. In practice, we’re nowhere close to a solution agreeable to both sides, particularly in regard to whether or how insurance plans would cover it. But politics are just one part of the equation.
From a medical standpoint, some argue that the potential side effects of birth control pills are significant enough to require a doctor’s visit in order to ensure the woman understands the risks and benefits of the pill. The thing is, a lot of over-the-counter medications have side effects, but don’t require a prescription or doctor’s visit. But then again, other over-the-counter medications aren’t an integral part to many women’s autonomy, so there’s not the same urgency to regulate it.
Politics and medical safety aside, Vox points out that the real problem has been finding a pharmaceutical company willing to go through the incredibly long process of getting FDA approval for over-the-counter use of one of their own birth control pills.
In a statement to Vox, HRA Pharma said that "oral contraceptives are some of the best-studied medicines on the market today and enjoy longstanding support from medical and public health experts.”
Although it is unclear how long this process will take or the specific composition of the pill, Ibis president Kelly Blanchard told Vox that the plan is to submit the application to the FDA within a few years and that some components of application and research are already underway.
What we do know is that the first over-the-counter birth control pill will be progestin-only, rather than a combined pill of estrogen and progestin. This is because although both types are effective, progestin-only pills have fewer side effects and have already gone through the approval process with the morning-after pill (which is also a progestin pill).
Despite the inevitable challenges to women’s health coming from the incoming administration, Blanchard told Vox that she hopes that the FDA “will follow their process and judge it on its merits. And we think the merits are strong.”
2017 is going pretty well for actress Amy Smart so far. The 40-year-old actress has had her first child with husband Carter Oosterhouse, a baby girl named Flora (who was also the Roman goddess of flowers and spring.)
Smart used Instagram to share the news, posting a family portrait with the caption, "It is with great gratitude and pleasure to welcome our little girl Flora to the world. What a blessed way to bring in 2017. Amen and Thank You God for this special new life!!"
Let's be honest — not many of us start a brand new year with much more than a hangover, a few extra pounds and a bunch of resolutions that'll be broken before February. A new member of the family definitely tops all that.
Smart and Oosterhouse started dating in 2010, got engaged five months later and married in 2011.
In a post on Instagram, the Flip Or Flop star gave followers some insight into how he was processing what he called "the most defining year of my life."
"Today signifies they end of another year," he wrote alongside a photo of his 1-year-old son, Brayden James. "It's a time where we all reflect on our own personal journey. Looking back we must ask ourselves what we did right and what we did wrong. It's a time to look back and ask ourselves if we took advantage of the year we will never get back. For me... 2016 was the biggest defining year of my life. It was a year that will change the destination of my life and I'm ready for the ride. The crazy ride of 2016 taught me so much about myself. Today, going into 2017, I've learned i'm much stronger than I ever thought possible and the lessons I learned in 2016 will stay with me through the rest of my life. I truly believe in all these words and I urge everyone to look back and ask yourself what lessons can you take from 2016 to make 2017 the best year ever!!"
El Moussa and his wife, Christina, recently revealed that they've been separated since May and have no plans to reconcile, though they continue to work together on their HGTV show. After they spent Christmas together with their kids, Tarek had the kids for New Year's, while Christina partied with friends. Tarek posted on Instagram with photos of his celebrations, first at the beach with his kids and niece and later, a photo of 7-year-old daughter Taylor Reese fast asleep, with the caption, "Me and #my #date almost made it to #New #Years!! She fell asleep on my shoulder and I had to walk a #mile with her!!! Hands #down the best #New #Year of my life!!!!"
We scoured the internet (and talked with some moms) to come up with a long list of rugged baby boy names — that still have a little bit of sweetness to them.
The following tough baby names with an edge are rock-star cool, yet are also fairly easy to spell and pronounce. As you may notice, names with an “x” or “z” instantly gives them a more unique sound.
Originally published December 2015. Updated January 2017.
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Rugged and cool baby names
Here, we got our baby name inspiration from famous country singers, including John Rich who named his two boys the cool western names of Cash and Colt.
Brad Paisley named his two boys William Huckleberry (after Mark Twain’s character Huck Finn) and Jasper Warren (after Brad’s grandfather who gave him his first guitar).
This is hard to watch. It helps that both kids ended up OK, but man, it’s still hard.
Dresser falls on toddler
Dresser falls on toddler
Brock and Bowdy Shoff are twin boys living in Utah with their parents, Ricky and Kayli. This incident was captured on a home surveillance camera. The boys were climbing the dresser when it fell over on both of them. Bowdy got free right away and worked for over two minutes to free his brother, who eventually rolled away — unscathed, if (understandably) upset.
Their parents were, understandably, reluctant to share this video online. (Read a few of the comments on the YouTube video and it’s not hard to see why.) But, as Ricky told CNN, “a lot of parents have probably made the same mistake that we made, [they] don’t have their furniture secure or bolted to a wall.”
Unbelievably, one child dies every two weeks from a furniture or appliance tip-over accident. “Children like to climb on furniture. For them, the home is a playground,” says the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
These deaths are all completely preventable.
Let this serve as an important reminder to us all that there are hazards for small children in every room — not just kid’s bedrooms. Secure all top-heavy furniture by anchoring it to the wall, and to prevent climbing, keep tempting objects off the top of furniture. For more tips and an updated list of tip-over-related recalls, check out the CPSC’s tip-over information center.
Believe it or not, 2017 is a major pop culture anniversary year. There are so many films, television shows and albums that are celebrating milestone birthdays. Some are getting up there at 40 years old, like Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Some, like Juno, are still little tweens at 10 years old. No matter the title, one thing's is for certain: There are some seriously cool and important pieces of pop culture that are celebrating anniversaries this year. The following round-up features some of the most beloved, iconic, interesting and crowd-pleasing pop culture items that will make you feel old. But maybe, just maybe, it will make you feel incredibly nostalgic too.
"Nobody puts baby in a corner." It's one of the best darn '80s movies and it's celebrating a whopping 30-year anniversary. That's right: It's Dirty Dancing. Nothing beats Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey falling in love while "Hungry Eyes" plays. You should treat yourself to an anniversary viewing of this near-perfect film.
The Princess Bride (1987): 30 years
The Princess Bride Clip
The Princess Bride Clip
"As you wish," is one of the most iconic lines in cinema. Spoken by storybook hero and consummate dreamboat Westley, who is at the center of the swashbuckling '80s adventure The Princess Bride. Definitely pop in that VHS so you can swoon over Westley, but also stay for a young and amazing Robin Wright as Buttercup and hilariously perfect Mandy Patinkin as expert swordsman Inigo Montoya.
Men in Black (1997): 20 years
Men In Black Clip
Men In Black Clip
This film still holds up, even 20 years later. Men in Black was one of Will Smith's first major films following his breakout success on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Independence Day. He's definitely getting jiggy with it in Men in Black, the "it" being the aliens that need reigning in.
Titanic (1997): 20 years
Titanic Clip
Titanic Clip
I mean, what is there to say about Titanic that hasn't been said before? It gave us the feminist badass Rose Dewitt-Bukater, the dreamy Jack Dawson, an eternal love story and a thrilling piece of recreated modern history. Titanic is an absolute classic.
The modern masterpiece that is Mad Men turns 10 years old. You can stream it on Netflix. I highly recommend you revisit at least the pilot episode to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Admit it. You want to stare at Don Draper's dreamy mug at least one more time.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997): 20 years
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Clip
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Clip
What could be better than a good, old-fashioned Buffy marathon? Sarah Michelle Gellar has long been the stuff of feminist dreams and that's thanks to her fearless portrayal of vampire slayer and ridiculously cool Sunnydale teen Buffy.
Daria (1997): 20 years
Daria Clip
Daria Clip
Your favorite apathetic '90s teen turns 20 this year. Daria first premiered on MTV two decades ago and won over a legion of fans with her sarcastic tone and cutting take on modern society. She won us all over and now, we should celebrate her milestone birthday with a marathon.
The 30th anniversary of George Michael's hit solo album comes with a bittersweetness. With the singer's unexpected passing in late December 2016, the upcoming anniversary of Faith means you deserve to have a drink for Michael and shake all your cares away, just like he would.
98 Degrees' 98 Degrees (1997): 20 years
98 Degrees Invisible Man
98 Degrees Invisible Man
Maybe you were a rebel back in 1997 and like your pop music in slow jam format. Maybe you liked your boy band members super-hunky and named Nick Lachey. Maybe you loved 98 Degrees unconditionally. If any or all of the above applies to you, you'll be happy to know 98 Degrees is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Backstreet Boys' Backstreet Boys (1997): 20 years
Backstreet Boys As Long As You Love Me
Backstreet Boys As Long As You Love Me
If you were Team Backstreet back in the day, you probably remember playing Backstreet Boys on endless loop after school. It's time to dust off the CD case once again and pop it in your Walkman for a special anniversary listening party.
With rumors of a reunion swirling around, it may be time to get in the right headspace by popping in the anthem that is "Spice Up Your Life" while dancing around your room like you did when you were a tween.
Hanson's Middle of Nowhere (1997): 20 years
Hanson MMMBop
Hanson MMMBop
Can you believe the best bro pop trio's smash hit, along with their debut album, is old enough to go to college?
In case the new season of The Bachelor doesn't promise enough drama for you, Nick Viall got to hang with both Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night.
Dorfman is the one who seems the most out of her element — when Kimmel asked the group when the last time was that any of them saw each other, her response is just, "This is so awkward."
Nick, Andi and Kaitlyn on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Nick, Andi and Kaitlyn on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Apparently, the last time they did all see each other was Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert's summer wedding — yes, that wedding where Viall infamously hooked up with the maid of honor, Liz, who is now a contestant on his Bachelor season.
But apparently, Viall was the only one who had fun at that wedding. Bristowe admits she left early because she wasn't drinking, and according to Dorfman, "I sucked because I was the single girl, and they were up on all the bridesmaids — and I guess the maid of honor."
Overall, though, things weren't too awkward between the three of them, despite the fact that Viall competed for both their hearts — and got dumped at the last minute both times. Apparently, they even see each other occasionally, and it sounds like all is forgiven.
"We talk every once in awhile," Viall said. "We've run into each other. We're friends. Like, we're friendly."
As for whether things went better on his season, Viall isn't giving anything away. He won't reveal whether he's in a relationship now, but did say that he didn't kiss anyone on New Year's. Does that mean he's still single? I can only hope.
