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Jessa Duggar Had Her Baby and We Can't Wait to Hear His Name

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Thank God the Duggars aren't British royalty. It would be getting really confusing to figure out the order of heirs in line for the throne and we're already losing patience here. Slow your roll, Duggars. You're procreating like your life depended on it. Oh. Wait.

Fine. We just have keep all the "J" names straight, really. So, without further ado: Jessa with "J" (Duggar) Seewald and husband Ben announced the arrival of their second child, second son. Their first son — whose name we really love seeing in print — is Spurgeon. So you can imagine we are waiting with bated breath for the release of Baby No. 2's name. We noticed that Spurgeon is also recorded in history as one of the least popular baby names in 1884, so assuming the Seewalds are looking at the same list (and yes, we know they're not, but it's fun to imagine), we have some predictions about this one. His name will be... wait for it... Commodore. No, Orange. Flem? The 1800s had so many terrible names! How can we choose?

More: Guess it wasn't twins after all for the Duggar-Seewalds

The Duggar-Seewald clan released a statement (don't get all excited; you could have written it in your sleep): "Mom and baby are both doing well. We are so thankful to God for this precious new gift of life and are excited to be a family of four! Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes!”

No, it's sweet, it's sweet. Human life and all that. Yay! (*files nails, rummages in fridge*)

More: Jessa Duggar's husband can identify a diaper

Details? Oh, OK. The newest Duggarling tumbled onto the scene at 4:26 a.m. (go ahead, we know you want to mark that on your calendar), weighing a Duggarload at a whopping 8 pounds, 11 ounces. We know how long he is too, but the next impregnated Duggar — Jill with "J," also expecting her second — is ready to blow, so we'll leave some room in your brain storage for that impending info.


Teen Who Died in Wreck Left Mom Notes to Remember Her by

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If you need to cry, here's your news for the day.

Sixteen-year-old Macy Mathis was a special girl. It's something that anyone can clearly see in a series of notes she gave her mother as a birthday present a year ago — notes that have taken on new meaning since Macy was killed in a car accident in November.

More: My child is recovering from his accident, but I never will

On Nov. 20, Macy and her boyfriend, 18-year-old Georgia Tech freshman Adam Sattler were in a serious car accident. A car driven by Sattler hit a tree at approximately 10:30 at night. Adam died at the scene, and Macy died five days later in the hospital.

About a month after Macy's death, her mother, Cindy Mathis, remembered a series of notes that Macy had given her for her birthday the previous year. Handwritten on notebook paper and sealed in envelopes, the 25 letters were each labeled with a time when her mother should open them. There was "Open when... you can't sleep," "Open when... you need a laugh," and "Open when... you don't feel pretty," for example. Cindy read a few on her birthday and then set the rest aside. Now that she had found them again, she was able to read messages from her daughter written just to help her mom through hard times. One in particular was difficult for Cindy to open. It was a note that read, "Open me... when you miss me."

More: Poignant photo shows woman hugging her boyfriend after violent car crash

The letter reads: "Hey Mommy. I'm sorry that you're missing me. I hope that wherever you are or whatever you're doing you're o.k. I'm probably missing you too. I honestly don't like being away from the house for too long. I get home sick pretty easily. When I was little and lived with Dad I would look forward to being with you. I think some of it was because you always had good food at your house, but most of it was because I just missed you so much. I will always and forever love you Mommy. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Oof.

Cindy is grateful to have the letters now as a testament to the kindness and thoughtfulness of her beautiful daughter. "They're so on point, and there are occasions where she knew me way too well. My daughter knew me."

More: Mourning husband writes a moving letter for women with PPD

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West 's Love Story Begins With One Hot Room

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Thanks to reality TV, there's not a whole lot we don't know about Kim Kardashian West, who's been putting her life on display in front of TV audiences for an entire decade now. Through those 181 episodes, we've been graced with the opportunity to watch one of history's greatest love stories play out — while Kanye West wasn't a huge part of the series, filming still captured those precious moments when he and Kardashian started dating and fell in love.

More: Kanye Deserves a Pat on the Back & a Smack on the Head, All at the Same Time

And now that Kardashian is fully re-engaged in her social media overshares, we're learning more about how she knew she had to lock West down. On her website, she posted a list of 20 things her fans don't know about her.

Kim K posts 20 things you didn't know list on instagram

Kim K posts 20 things you didn't know list on instagram

More: Kim Kardashian West & Kanye West Are Reconnecting With Date Nights

The list is revealing to say the least, and we certainly learned a new thing or two we didn't already know about Kardashian, including the reason that she and West are together today as America's royal couple: They're both fucking weirdos who sleep with the heat on in Los Angeles.

Item No. 20 on the list reads, "I love only hot rooms and hate when the air conditioning is on. I knew Kanye and I were meant to be when I slept over and he had the heat on."

I would like to be the person to point out that Kardashian and West started dating in spring of 2012, so it wasn't even winter when this happened. Even if it had been winter, winters in LA are, like, 55 degrees, and turning on the heat in that kind of weather is just insane. Glad those two found each other, because there's probably no one else on Earth who would be OK with that.

More: Long Before Kim Kardashian Was Kim Kardashian West, She Dated Nick Cannon

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kim and kanye slideshow
Image: Noel Velazquez/Getty Images

Need-More-Salt Bae Casey Thompson Was Surprised by Her Top Chef Elimination Too

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I have to start this by saying one thing: I'm super-biased and was rooting for Top Chef veteran cheftestant Casey Thompson all season. And yes, when she was eliminated during a sudden-death Quickfire Challenge, I was devastated to see her go.

More: Katsuji Tanabe & John Tesar, Listen Up: Top Chef's Sylva Senat Has Words for You

But I wasn't the only one.

Casey Thompson Top Chef tweets

Casey Thompson Top Chef tweets

And her response to it all was perfect:

Casey Thompson Top Chef tweet

Casey Thompson Top Chef tweet

While she seems pretty cool with it now, was she surprised by the elimination? Damn straight she was! Find out what she had to say in our exclusive Q&A with her.

SheKnows: Were you surprised by your elimination?

Casey Thompson: I was surprised by my elimination. I think we are always surprised that we are having a sudden-death Quickfire! It happens so fast, really. And to cook a dish as hard as you can for 30 minutes, and then turn right around and cook another for 30 minutes, that means life or death! Death?? Yay! Surprise!!

SK: What was it like working with all the judges on the show? Who's the most intimidating?

CT: The judges are great. What's incredible to me is that I have cooked an event or even a season with some of them! So, it feels a bit strange at times. But, for the most part, they are all intimidating. They decide whether or not they like your food and potentially your demise. On Season 3, it was Daniel Boulud.

SK: Which contestant do you think deserves to win? Or who are you rooting for?

CT: We all deserve to win. I don't think that is of any question.

SK: Who did you consider your biggest competition?

CT: Honestly, Brooke [Williamson]. I feel like we cook very similarly. She is a lot of fun to cook/collaborate with.

SK: Was there anyone on the show you really clashed with? Who was it and why?

CT: Clash? I don't clash. Not my style. I would say that I found certain people a bit annoying at times. It's like getting to know your new college roommate. They might be great in the beginning, but not so great in the end...

SK: What's one thing that happened behind the scenes viewers didn't get to see on the show?

CT: I think Emily [Hahn] touched on this briefly already, but the beach was across the street from our house and viewers only saw us go there once. We actually snuck out like teenagers often and swam in the ocean in the dark. It was the best! I tried to teach Shirley [Chung] to float. We almost got busted when our house Mom said one day, "Why is there so much sand in the laundry room?!"

Oh, and there was an epic workout day in the yard. So great.

More: Top Chef's Emily Hahn Reflects Back on Her "Low Point" With John Tesar

SK: Who do you think deserved to go home on last night’s episode?

CT: I think there were other dish issues that could have been a bit more problematic, but who knows? I would have killed the next challenge and on I would have gone!

SK: What was the best experience you had on the show?

CT: Winning that first episode. I really enjoyed that. I really felt that dish. I loved the way we cooked together. It felt great to be in the kitchen with my friends cooking. I loved the satisfied looks on the judges' faces, mostly Tom [Colicchio]'s and BJ [Smith]'s.

SK: What was the biggest challenge for you on the show?

CT: This season, everything had to be purchased at the store for elimination challenges. Everything. That means no running into the pantry to grab a quick item for an idea you just had. You didn't buy it; you don't have it. Imagine that with a baking item? No leavening agents? Whoops!

SK: Who's your favorite Top Chef contestant of all time and why?

CT: What?! This is a crazy question! Dale Levitski from my Season 3, Silvia [Barban] and Sheldon [Simeon]. Three people that I love very much and find to be special, loving souls on this Earth. Rare people. I can't pick one. No way.

More: Top Chef's Silvia Barban & Sylva Senat Apparently Had Beef on the Show

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Top Chef where are they now slideshow
Image: Joe Kohen/Getty Images

What I Learned When I Was Recovering From Self-Harm

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Author’s note: This article discusses self-harm.

I started self-harming when I was 11 years old. I would bite my knuckles, pick at my arms with sewing needles and even scratch my thighs until they bled, leaving the skin pink and raw. At the time and even years later after I had graduated from needles to X-Acto knives and shaving blades, I didn’t actually recognize the damage I was doing to myself, physically or emotionally.

I self-harmed because I needed a distraction, something that would keep me from lashing out in other ways. It was a way to process my emotions without anyone having to know that I was struggling at all. It wasn’t until people started to comment on my scars that I realized it wasn’t exactly working the way I thought it was. The cuts and scrapes on my body began to cause me more shame than comfort, and I knew that I had to find a way out.

More: Teens in Danger of Self-Harm Find Help in Surprising Place: Instagram

At 16, I started my battle with recovery and began to see a therapist who helped me through the process. By 19, I was self-harm-free, and I have been for two years now. However, even though I am proud of my recovery, I still find myself lying about the scars on my wrists and thighs, or using makeup to cover up their existence altogether.

Two years in recovery has taught me a lot of things. I’ve learned a lot of big truths, like that I am more than my scars, more than what I see in the mirror and more than what others think of me. Or that even my worst moments have silver linings and that tomorrow is always a new day. I have also learned a lot of small truths, like chewing on ice cubes can help you fight the urge to self-harm when you’re feeling triggered and that counting to 10 doesn’t always help, but screaming to 10 usually does.

More: Twitter Is Flooded With Messages of Hope on Self-Harm Awareness Day

The most important thing I’ve learned in my recovery, however, is the one thing that I struggle the most to remember — if you have people in your life who make fun of your scars, you need to get rid of them.

Not a lot of people, inside or outside of the mental health community, talk about self-harm, and even worse, no one talks about the fact that no one talks about it. It gets downplayed as something that only angry teenagers do, and even if it were just teenagers, it is still a serious enough mental health issue that it deserves to be addressed.

When I was younger, I would get teased for the cuts on my arms. People would call me “emo,” a name for kids that were deemed overly emotional or dramatic, or they would say I was just doing it for the attention. Even if I tried to cover up the scars with hoodie sleeves or wristbands, it only seemed to make their presence more obvious and the name-calling worse. The constant teasing I received kept me from asking for help for many years, and though self-harm is a difficult addiction to beat, it’s even harder to beat when you feel like you’re alone.

Cutting negative or harmful people out of your life is never an easy thing to do. However, you should never feel like you have to sacrifice your own recovery or self-care in order to please someone else. You should not have to hide, defend or feel ashamed of your recovery, and if you find that the people you are surrounding yourself with are forcing you to do these things, you need to take a step back and reevaluate those relationships. You should not be forced to surround yourself with people who make you feel like you’re alone.

More: Demi Lovato Shares How Bullying Led Her to Harm Herself

Recovery has not only allowed the scars on my body to heal, but it has also given me the power to put my life back together and to feel things again, whether they’re good or bad. There is no one way to recover from self-harm, and I’m still fighting every day to discover what works best for me. Some days are better than others, but having people in my life who understand and accept me for what I am going through is the thing that keeps me going. Self-harm is like any other addiction or mental illness — it will not go away on its own.

Recovery takes a lot of time and dedication, and it’s one of the hardest things you will ever do because it’s a battle you will have to fight for the rest of your life. It’s difficult, scary and sometimes it seems impossible; however, if you find a support system that can remind you of how much you deserve to get better, it makes the journey a hell of a lot easier.

By Rebecca Nipper

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Goal: To Look Half as Good at 90 as Queen Elizabeth II Does

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If any of us can look half as good at 90 years old as Queen Elizabeth does, I'm sure we'll be happy.

More: Queen Elizabeth's Had at Least 6 Near-Death Experiences Since Wearing the Crown

It's the queen's 65th anniversary of assuming the British throne, and she celebrated by reissuing a portrait she had taken in 2014 in which she's decked out in sapphires. Get it? Because the 65th anniversary is the sapphire anniversary?

In addition to being absolutely dripping with jewels, Queen Elizabeth looks smokin' hot. Is it OK to say that about a 90-year-old European monarch? Doesn't matter. She's gorgeous and nobody can make me say otherwise.

Queen Elizabeth 65th anniversary sapphire portrait

Queen Elizabeth 65th anniversary sapphire portrait

The pile of diamond-encrusted sapphires all over the queen in the photo was a gift from her father, King George VI, for her wedding to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. Five years later, King George VI died, and 25-year-old then-Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

More: Royal Christmas Traditions Are Surprisingly Relatable — Just Kidding!

Now, she's Britain's longest-reigning royal of all time. During her six decades of service, she's been a patron of more than 600 organizations.

"Most Britains alive today don't remember any other monarch," royal expert Victoria Arbiter said on the Today show. "I think they all assume the queen is just going to live forever. She's like the Energizer Bunny."

Elizabeth is the first royal ever to achieve a sapphire jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne. Westminster Abbey marked the day with a series of bells, and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute in London.

Despite rumors that her health is failing, you can't deny that the queen still looks radiant in her portrait.

"She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint," photographer David Bailey said after taking the portrait in 2014. "I've always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman."

More: The Queen Is Quite Impressed With Victoria Beckham

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Queen Elizabeth II's life slideshow
Image: Anthony Stanley/WENN

The Pros and Cons of Two Husbands, as learned from Brother Husbands

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We’ve spent seven seasons getting to know the Brown family on Sister Wives and learning all of the ups and downs of living in a family with one husband and four wives. Now, TLC has finally given us a look into the lives of a family living the opposite script: a woman, her five children, and her two husbands. I just finished watching the one-time special, Brother Husbands, and I think I have a better idea of the pros and cons of polyamory on a day-to-day basis. Here are some pros and cons: 

More: Why It Is Significant That the Sister Wives Were at the Women's March

Pro: Oh, the extra childcare and housekeeping!

Amanda has two husbands, Chad and Jeremy. She and Chad have two sons together (they’ve been married for seven years) and she and Jeremy have triplets together (they’ve been together for two years). Amanda is a paralegal working for the government, while Chad and Jeremy both stay at home looking after the kids and caring for the house. I must say that I was intrigued by the idea of having multiple men cooking and cleaning for me, in between endlessly bottle-feeding triplets and roughhousing with the older boys. At one point, Amanda returns to from her tough work day to sit in front of a lovely dinner and a glass of wine. Yes, please.

Con: Oh, lots more children!

On the downside, as on Sister Wives, polyamory has seemed to have led to having a lot of children running around. While all of their children are adorable, and while children are just wonderful, it looks like a lot of work (and a lot of diapers) even for three parents to handle.

Pro: More Mother-In-Laws

During one segment, Jeremy’s mom comes to meet the triplets and spread grandma love. She’s head over heels for the new babies and absolutely adorable as she meets each one of the three new baby girls. She also puts aside all of her prejudices and really tries to understand her child’s lifestyle and accept her kid’s brother husband. More people can equal more love!

Con: More Mother-In-Law drama

Of course, having more family members also means dealing with more family drama. Several family members have bowed out of the triad’s life, and Jeremy’s mom can’t help but mention her wish for the family to get paternity tests for the triplets and also can’t hide that she’s a bit uncomfortable with the nontraditional turn her son’s life has taken. I can’t help but wonder if Thanksgiving isn’t going to be even more complicated than before.

More: Brother Husbands Is the New Sister Wives, Except Way, Way Better

Pro: The kids have tons of support

It was heartwarming to see the two dads joining forces to care for all five kids, with only a little territorial scuffle every now and then. And it’s a good thing because it was a little stressful even watching them care for three tiny infants plus two rowdy boys.

Con: The kids stand out a bit at school

One segment focused on a parent-teacher meeting in which the family came out as polyamorous to their oldest child’s teacher. While the teacher was welcoming, she was a little worried about how the other children in the class would react. However, there was no evidence of bullying or teasing, at least at that age.

Pro: Fights have a built-in mediator

At one point in the special, Amanda expertly mediates a fight about childcare that is taking place between Chad and Jeremy. The conflict is resolved peacefully, rationally and in record time, making me wonder how helpful it would be to have a third person in my relationship, if only to act as referee.

Con: There are more people to squabble with

Although triads sometimes have the added bonus of a neutral third party to settle dispute, they also have, I am guessing, more disputes, just because of the added number of people. There’s also the extra issue of teaming up during fights – at a couple of points, it felt like Chad was outnumbered by Amanda and her first husband.

More: Kody Brown and His Wives Are Now Exiled From Their Polygamist Church

Pro: More celebrations

It seems like the family has tons to celebrate, from birthdays to anniversaries. Not only that, but you have extra people to pitch in. For the triad’s two-year anniversary, for example, one husband cooked a dinner while the other one decorated the back yard for maximum effect.

Con: High-stakes paternity tests

Unlike sister wives, brother husbands don’t automatically know which kids belong to which dad, which, as we found out, can be a source of stress and conflict. One of the biggest worries on everyone’s mind during the special was the biological paternity of the triplets and whether the triad would be better off knowing or not knowing who was technically the father.

Other pros: 

More people to remember anniversaries.
More sex, I’m guessing?
More people to get up with the babies at night.
I am still thinking about coming home to that gourmet-looking dinner and glass of wine.

Other cons: 

It’s hard to find bathrooms with triple sinks
Lingerie shopping can get awkward.
You have to write out a monthly sleeping schedule.
Getting everyone to fit into a selfie is harder.

Are you ready to start looking for a second life partner? Tell us why or why not in the comments.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Sister Wives rules slideshow
Image: TLC

From Stefani Germanotta to Lady Gaga: How Gaga Got Her Iconic Stage Name

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The name Lady Gaga is iconic — now more than ever, after her mind-blowing halftime performance at Super Bowl LI on Sunday. But Mother Monster wasn't born with the legendary title. In fact, she spent the better part of two decades going by the name Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.

Sure, "Lady Gaga" sounds cool and rolls easily off the tongue, but we got to wondering if there was any special meaning behind the stage name. Naturally, our curiosity led to some lite internet stalking to see what kind of info we could come up with.

As it turns out, the truth behind the origin of Lady Gaga is actually pretty complicated — and there's more than one version of the story of how the name came to be.

More: 10 Reasons Lady Gaga is So Much More Than Your Typical Pop Star

Way back in 2010, Gaga revealed in an interview with Flybe magazine that music producer Rob Fusari (who also happened to be her boyfriend at the time) was the first to call her Gaga because her voice and style reminded him of the song "Radio GaGa," — which is pretty legendary in itself. Check it out.

Queen video

Queen video

Um, yeah, it's hard to deny that Lady Gaga and Freddie Mercury have some serious parallels when it comes to stage presence and talent.

Lady Gaga Super Bowl gif
Image: Giphy

But while Gaga credits Fusari with coming up with the "GaGa" portion of her name, she claims she came up with the rest.

"He started to call me GaGa when I'd come into the studio," Gaga reportedly said in the interview with Flybe. "When we were getting ready to really start performing, I decided that I'd been playing under my real name for so long I wanted a new way to reinvent myself. So I said, what about Lady GaGa, because Gaga is sort of crazy and Lady has such connotations. I went to a private school but now I was living in this trash glitter environment. So, for me, it was the perfect description of who I had become."

Fusari, however, had a slightly different version of the story and sued Lady Gaga in 2010 for $35 million (partly because of the name debacle, but Fusari also claimed that Gaga had cut him out of a business deal). According to Fusari, he discovered her and is the only one responsible for coming up with her stage name.

More: There's a Lady Gaga & Rent Mashup and It's as Amazing as It Sounds

"One day when Fusari addressed a cell phone text to Germanotta under the moniker 'Radio Gaga' [and] his cell phone's spell check converted 'Radio' to 'Lady.' Germanotta loved it, and 'Lady Gaga' was born," the legal papers reportedly said, via the the New York Post.

Fusari later dropped the lawsuit.

There's also been other rumors and conspiracy theories that claim both Gaga and Fusari of full of it, because Lady Gaga's stage name was actually invented by executives in a marketing meeting.

So folks, we may never truly know where the name Lady Gaga came from — or who came up with it — but we do know one thing now: Lady Gaga should totally star in the title role for a Freddie Mercury biopic.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

lady gaga quotes slideshow
Image: Getty Images

Originally published December 2011. Updated February 2017.


Gigi Hadid, a Racist? A Buddha Cookie Is Getting Her Some Trouble

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With as many times as Gigi Hadid has been called a racist, you'd think she would try to be a little more sensitive — or, at the very least, watch herself when there are cameras rolling. After Aziz Ansari called her out on Snapchat for using racist slurs, and after all the backlash that followed her definitely-racist imitation of Melania Trump, Hadid is still proving she's nobody's woke bae by doing dumb, racist shit all the time.

More: There's So Much Evidence to Suggest Anwar Hadid's New GF is a Beautiful Older Actress

In the latest instance, she was out to dinner at an Asian restaurant, and, as someone's phone was filming for Snapchat, held a Buddha cookie up next to her face and tried to imitate it by squinting her eyes. Yeah, that really happened.

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 1

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 1

More: Gigi Hadid is So Good, The Fashion Awards Made a Category Just for Her

I don't even have to go into how offensive her "joke" was, because the internet is already doing a great job of that — predictably, Hadid is being ripped apart on Twitter.

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 2

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 2

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 3

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 3

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 4

Gigi Hadid under fire for racist Buddha impersonation 4

Bottom line: Everyone on Twitter is right. Joking around is great. But some things are not there for joking about, like perpetuating stereotypes about race. Hadid is (once again) being racist AF, and she needs to apologize (once again). But more than that, she needs to start learning from the controversy created by her actions, and do better at not doing racist things.

More: Bella And Gigi Hadid's Father Puts Their Opulent Family Mansion on the Market for $85 Million

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

gigi hadid sexy slideshow
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN

How to Be a Strong Woman in a Time of Political Chaos

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Current events in the political world have catapulted many of us into what can only be described as a shared state of anxiety. We’ve seen so many recent events that seem to threaten not only the rights of women, but those of minorities in the US and the world. These things all began with the swearing in of our new president. His controversial and unpredictable behaviors and his use of fear and hate tactics, right wing agenda and executive orders that are aimed at disrupting our system of government by creating confusion and mistrust in congress, the media, and people everywhere.

How can we deal with current events and keep our heads together?

1. Speak Up and Stand Up

We must pay attention to the things that are happening in politics and business. We must stay alert and be ready to defend the rights and freedoms of women and others. We must all be strong individuals who are willing to speak up and stand up for what we believe in by expressing our concerns about issues affecting us in both our personal and professional levels.

2. Protect Our Freedoms

Now is such an important time to be a woman in the world. This is no time to sit back and “go with the flow”. What we do today will affect the lives of our daughters and sons. We have to protect our freedoms, so that our children will grow up free. Our attitudes and opinions matter more than ever. Women everywhere are influencers and decision makers in every part of our society and our world. Our role is not small, but huge. We are powerful.

3. Believe in Your Dreams

My solution is to do what I have always done. I rely upon my sensibilities and upbringing. I don’t let what is happening in politics rule my emotions, or change my beliefs about who I am or what I am trying to do in my life. I believe in myself and my dreams and I believe in America.

4. Don’t Lose Faith

I encourage all women to take heart and not to lose faith in our institutions and our way of life. Don’t lose faith in people, because of a president who is mentally unstable. Don’t lose faith in government because of apparent chaos in the White House. Don’t subscribe to emotional warfare because of social media. Try not to obsess over media news and social media trends. Be a force for love and strength and hope in your life.

I think the Women’s March on Washington, and the many protests all over the world over women’s rights and the recent protests in cities and airports over restrictions on immigrants are evidence of a nation we need to be proud of.

5. Don’t Value Hate

We must remember that our country is strong, not weak, and built upon love, not fear. We don’t value hate. We value diversity and the many gifts that everyone brings to the table.

The current political administration is not a true reflection of the thinking of the majority of Americans who believe in our traditions and our laws. We believe in fairness, not matter which political party holds elected positions.

6. Honor and Respect Traditions

Americans as a whole are those who honor and respect our traditions and laws. We are not extremists. We are not liars, or bigots or right wingers, or haters. We are ordinary people who hold dear the freedoms and values spelled out in the US Constitution. You can’t take those things away from any of us.

Our country has been built upon and enriched by the struggles of men, women and immigrants and people of all religions and cultures. We have grown into a wonderful and diverse population. We are quickly becoming a nation with a minority majority. We are a tolerant people and our laws reflect that.

The Trump administration wants people to believe that conditions are terrible in this country and we should comply with extreme measures of change. They want us to be filled with fear and doubts and suspicions. They want us to close doors and build walls against each other.

7. Reject Bad Laws

People in government can try to attack our values and try to pass unfair laws that reduce our freedoms, but their actions are only attempts to break down the system and they won’t work. They won’t work because the American people will reject laws that go against their basic rights and freedoms. People everywhere have shown that by the number of protests.

8. Remember the Safeguards

We have safeguards built into our government to protect us from any president who tries to exceed his executive powers, or any elected official that commits crimes. There are many people in our country who will stand up for what is right and use the law to protect our rights and freedoms.

So now is a time to be a strong woman by standing up for your beliefs. Remember our American values and cherish them. Honor those who have fought for our freedoms. Respect those who fight for them now. Stand with those who protect our laws.

We must stand strong, stand for love, and stand up for each other in every situation. We must teach our values and pass on our strength to our children. We must not lose our faith in God and always hope for a better tomorrow.

There's No Way Selena Gomez's New Song Isn't About Justin Bieber

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The feminist in me gets so mad when people talk about Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber comes up. Sure, they were pretty much the most famous couple of all time and yeah, their breakup was a huge implosion of pain and sorrow and we had to talk about that. But Gomez is her own person with her own set of accomplishments and she is so much more than just Justin Bieber's ex. Also, people, it has been years and can the girl just move on and live?

More: Justin Bieber Says He Doesn't Like Selena Gomez's New BF The Weeknd's Music

Just kidding. All bets are now off because as much as I get annoyed on Gomez's behalf about people not letting the Bieber thing go, now she's making music about it. It's now her fault. I'm still annoyed, but she's doing this to herself now.

Gomez posted a clip to her Instagram teasing her new song, and there is literally no doubt that it's about Bieber. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Don't believe me? Here are the lyrics: "I had a dream / We were back to 17 / Summer nights, my libertines / Never growing up."

Selena Gomez teases her new song about Justin Bieber

Selena Gomez teases her new song about Justin Bieber

And just for a refresher, how old was Gomez when she and JB started their six-year dramafest of a relationship? That's right — 17.

I do have my theory though: People are so freakin' obsessed with Gomez and Bieber even though they broke up pretty much forever ago and there are way more important things to worry about in the world right now. But she knows that teasing a track like this is going to amp up the buzz for her new album times, like, 213,949,832,857. Annoyingly stuck in the past?? Yes. Brilliant PR move? Also yes.

More: No One Wants to See Their Ex Move On Quickly, & Bella Hadid's No Different

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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Image: WENN

Amazon's Proposed Robot Grocery Store Is a Creepy Look at the Future

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Oh, Amazon. Without it, I would have to brave electronics stores, pay retail for hardcover books and haul 12-packs of LaCroix home from the store on a regular basis. Not really my thing. But now, Amazon is pulling a 180, and experimenting with retail supermarket locations. Say what?

They've already opened up an Amazon Go grocery store for employees in Seattle, but Amazon wants to expand. According to reports, they've come up with a prototype for a grocery store that's just like the one you usually go to — except everything is taken off the shelves, bagged and sold by robots. Yep.

More: Amazon Dash Button is the coolest new way to replace household supplies

As someone who grew up watching a lot of sci-fi movies, I'm always wary of any plan that hinges on: "just use robots." But also, as someone who spent a lot of time working in retail, the move to automation has another, more realistic scary implication: fewer jobs for hourly workers (who are predominately women, 15 percent of whom are living in total or near poverty).

Most industries have been increasing automation as technology advances, but so far, most retail stores and restaurants have held out. But as time marches on, companies are coming up with more ways to replace human workers with robots and computers, so the businesses can make money without having to pay employees.

More: 16 Amazon reviews that are pure comic genius

A grocery store that's fully automated could be convenient. Less time waiting in line, less time trying to find what you need. But even if it's faster, I wonder if people will miss being able to ask an actual human for help in the store. And if Amazon's business model is successful, you can bet it'll spread to other stores. That means people will lose jobs, and because of that, I'm having a hard time getting on board with this plan.

Also — correct me if I'm wrong — but isn't the whole point of Amazon not having to leave your house? I can order hair dye, a couch and a pint of ice cream all on the same website while in my pajamas. To me, that's a winning business model, and I'm not sure Amazon's robot-run brick-and-mortar dreams will ever be able to compete with that.

More: Amazon's STEM club will send your kid a science toy every month

Scott Foley Puts Peanut Butter on His Eggs, Is Disgusting

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I learned to cook scrambled eggs when I was 30 years old.

In the years leading up to my awakening, I thought I knew how to make scrambled eggs, but I didn't. What I knew how to make was that rubbery egg chunk abomination you regularly see in cheap hotel buffets, lukewarm and unappetizing.

More: The Gross Things People Do With Food That We All Pretend Doesn't Happen

I have very few regrets in life, but the many mornings I spent serving houseguests this bastardized version of a classic dish give me great shame.

In case you're wondering, this is how you make perfect scrambled eggs (start at 1:00). My father-in-law also adds a bit of cream at the end to make it extra delicious. Follow the directions, serve them hot and add just a sprinkling of salt and pepper. What could be better?

And although it took me many years to learn how to make perfect scrambled eggs, there are a few things I have always been sure of. Like, for example, what to eat with them.

Here are a few things that pair quite well with scrambled eggs:

  • Warm buttered toast
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Ripe tomatoes

Even a squirt or two of ketchup is acceptable if you're into that sort of thing.

For contrast, here is a list of things that should never, ever be paired with scrambled eggs, Scott Foley:

  • Peanut butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Goddamn peanut butter for Christ's sake. What's wrong with you??

Why am I spending my entire Monday morning writing an article about how peanut butter does not now and will never, taste good with scrambled eggs?

Because Scott Foley is putting fucking peanut butter on his fucking eggs. That's why.

More: Scott Foley's 6 Best TV Roles

It's true! Why would I lie about something like this, something that has the potential to besmirch a man's name and destroy his career?

I wouldn't. I didn't have to. He incriminated his own damn self.

Scott Foley PB Eggs

Scott Foley PB Eggs

Look at that.

He's ruined my entire day.

I'm not going to even get into the fact that he's using a fork to spread peanut butter because the bigger issue here is that there's nothing even to spread it on! The peanut butter is just getting smashed around in between the egg bits in a bewilderingly fuck-witted display of disregard for basic principles of taste, palate and human decency.

It's complete and utter bullshit, is what it is. Even the color combination looks unnatural.

And the eggs. Look at how goddamn uncomfortable they look having that peanut butter unceremoniously plopped on top of them. They know full well, as Scott Foley should because he's a grown-ass man, that peanut butter has no business being put on eggs (see lists above if you need further clarification. But you don't. Because this shit is basic).

More: 15 Foods That Hollywood Has Officially Ruined Forever

But Scott Foley? Scott Foley's not uncomfortable. Not one bit. He's just sitting there nonchalantly committing these atrocities in broad daylight like it's no big deal. Like it's completely normal to be combining eggs — scrambled eggs, no less — and fucking peanut butter.

Then, as if this situation weren't abhorrent enough (which, let me be clear, it is), he has to bring his kid into it — sweet, innocent Konrad Foley, a mere 2 years old. Or maybe it's his older son, Keller; I can't be sure. But it doesn't matter. Either way is terrible.

In the video that I wish I'd never watched, Foley can be heard saying to his son, "You want more peanut butter on your eggs?" to which his son responds with a noise that Foley interprets as an enthusiastic "Yeah!" but could just as easily be "Yeugh!" or "Fuck!" or "Why father. Why hast thou forsaken me? Why are you doing this to the eggs — to us?"

Because no, Scott Foley, he doesn't want peanut butter on his eggs. No one wants peanut butter on their eggs. It's gross. You're gross.

Kerry Washington, you need to have a word with your boy and get this situation handled. I can't talk about it anymore. I'm too upset.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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Image: ABC

People Are Actually Insane if They Think Lady Gaga Has a ‘Belly Roll’

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Lady Gaga killed it last night. This is not news. But after her performance, something curious started up. People began tweeting about Gaga’s alleged “belly roll,” which she bared in an outfit that consisted of hot pants, a football shoulder pads-inspired crop top, fishnets and the sparkliest boots we’ve ever seen. As far as we’re concerned, she was the picture of beauty and health, but a few certain someones had a different take on the whole thing.

People went in many different directions on this front. Some referenced the men nearby who were there for the Super Bowl (unlike some of us, who tuned in exclusively for Gaga and then quickly tuned back out) and talking shit about her incredibly toned and healthy midsection; some went full body positivity and praised her for her gorgeous bod; some stood up for her, because people have way too much time on their hands and seemingly couldn’t resist body-shaming her on the internet (trolls know no bounds); some posted about how happy and inspired they feel that their belly looks like Gaga’s; some just hit pause to point out that those who take issue with Gaga’s body obviously have some serious things to work out, because girlfriend looks bomb and we should all be so lucky to look as fit and fabulous as she does.

More: Lady Gaga's Super Bowl Halftime Performance Might Just Unify America

I don’t even know where to start to be honest. When I watched Gaga perform last night, I felt heartened at the power of the human spirit — what a feat! Other than Prince, I’m not sure we’ve ever seen such a performance at the Super Bowl, and just imagining the sheer force of talent and collaboration that it took to put on a show of that caliber is pretty wild.

More: Stranger Things Made Super Bowl LI Worth the Watch

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Image: Getty Images

As one person put it, “Seeing Lady Gaga perform with a little fat on her belly was the most inspirational thing of 2017.” I mean, sure. The bar is set pretty low at this point, but I get it — and, yes, we are aware that Gaga’s stomach is not the post-Photoshop washboard of certain models. So what? She looked incredible. End of story. And to all of the frat boys/stepdads/guys out there talking trash: If only you could land a woman half as strong, powerful and drop-dead gorgeous as Gaga. Now I’m going to forcefully throw my laptop on the floor, as Gaga did last night with her mic.

More: There's a Lady Gaga & Rent Mashup and It's as Amazing as It Sounds

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Think You'd Be Happier With Someone Younger? Think Again

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It's an age-old dating cliché: The older, silver fox dating the 20-something female bombshell (Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio, anyone?). And yes, there's some scientific truth to that stereotype — but surprising new research shows that women and men are sexually interested in partners their own age as they get older and that the most sexual activity happens between partners who are about the same age.

The large study was published in Evolutionary Psychology and involved researchers in Finland studying 1,789 adult women and 878 adult men of various sexual orientations: heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual. The study author, Jan Antfolk, expected the research to align with the following findings from previous studies: "Whereas women of all ages prefer slightly older sexual partners, men — regardless of their age — have a preference for women in their 20s."

More: 6 Personality Traits That Make It Easier to Find Love

What the study actually revealed: While yes, it's true that men are likelier to be sexually interested in younger partners than women are, as both genders age, they're more interested in sleeping with partners their own age. This is especially true for men, whose age range of partners widens as they age (whereas women had a narrower age range and tend to prefer slightly older men). In terms of differences between people of various sexual orientations, the age preferences were generally the same among groups, with one exception: Gay men are slightly likelier than bi or straight men to prefer younger partners.

The takeaway: If you're paranoid that your partner is going to leave you for someone younger or older than you are (for looks, wisdom, wealth, whatever) those fears are probably unfounded. On the flip side, if you're unhappy in your relationship and wondering if it's because you need to be with someone younger and more spontaneous, or older and more stable, think again. According to this study, sexual chemistry is less age-based than our culture would have us believe — and that should be a relief.

More: Want a Better Sex Life? Get More Sleep


What You Need to Know About Giving Your Kid an Allowance

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Excerpted from Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even if You’re Not): A Parents’ Guide for Kids 3 to 23by Beth Kobliner. Published by arrangement with Simon & Schuster Inc. Copyright © 2017 by Beth Kobliner.

“We suck at allowance.”

That’s the gist of what most moms and dads tell me sheepishly when I ask about the subject. They admit that they don’t have a system that works effectively and fret about being horrible parents. “We started in the New Year and were really good for the first four weeks,” Kathy, a mother of three, told me. “But after that, we forgot to give it regularly, and then suddenly it was June, and no one could remember who was owed what.”

I’m here to let you off the hook: It doesn’t really matter whether you give your kids allowance or not. That’s what I concluded after combing through more than two dozen academic studies on the subject. The findings are all over the map. One Canadian study, for instance, showed that kids who get allowance understand credit cards and prices better than those who don’t. Yet according to research from the United Kingdom, kids who were paid allowance were actually worse at saving than kids who earned their spending money by working odd jobs. My takeaway: Follow the advice on teaching money smarts in this book, and do what feels right to you personally when it comes to allowance.

That said, I do believe that allowance is a fine, practical way to dole out money to your kids. That is, as long as you follow my rules below. If you do give allowance, it’s not necessary to sign up for one of the growing number of allowance apps and websites that offer to help—sometimes for free, but often for a fee. Some have gimmicks such as issuing “currency” in the form of beans, credits, or IOUs, which sometimes can be used only to buy certain items or in certain online stores. I’m less a fan of these because your child isn’t dealing with real money. If you find one that works for you, that’s great, but just make sure that using the site doesn’t take the place of the all-important money conversations that should come with allowance.

1. Be clear. Keep it simple, and be realistic. The key is letting kids know from the start what this money is to be used for. Every family is different, and you’ll have to make these calls, but here are some general guidelines. With young kids, keep it really basic: You cover food, necessary clothes, and things like birthday gifts for friends’ parties and the occasional movie. For extras such as trendy hair barrettes, Milk Duds at the movies, and iTunes, it’s on them. Once they hit middle school, you will probably still pay for most of the basics, although you’ll have to define what that means. For example, you might pay for a couple pairs of $50 jeans for school, but if they’re hankering for a $100 pair, then they can make up the difference. By high school, the balance shifts some more, with you giving your kid a higher allowance but also more responsibility. Maybe now she has to cover presents for friends and meals out with her crew. College is a paradigm shift. Whatever you do decide, make it clear to your kid that these decisions aren’t arbitrary: His allowance is part of the larger family budget.

2. Be consistent. It’s actually less important to make the “right” rules than it is to stick to whatever you decide. Of course, it would be awesome if you could blow a whistle and have your kids line up like the von Trapp family to get allowance at the same time each week. But realistically, you’ll occasionally forget to give—and they will forget to ask, believe it or not. When that happens, don’t worry that you’ve screwed up allowance for all time. Get back on track, pay your kids what’s owed, and start using a spreadsheet or worksheet to keep on top of things.

3. Give control. It’s fine to have some spending rules, such as limited candy, no toy guns, and a ban on lipstick for little ones. But in general, let your kid have the freedom to buy what she wants, particularly as she enters middle school. The big area that you do control, however, is how much to give. It’s good to know social norms, so ask other parents about the “going rate.” There’s a rule of thumb floating around that says you should give a dollar amount equal to your kid’s age per week. Some parents hear $10 a week for a 10-year-old, do the math, and decide that giving $520 a year to a prepubescent son or daughter is ridiculous. And if that’s out of your budget, I get it. But if it is in your budget, there’s a good chance that you are spending this sum anyway on the array of little items you buy your kid all the time. By giving allowance, you are empowering him to make the decisions about how that money gets spent. You might decide that this is too much discretion for your 10-year-old. But for some kids, it’s a perfect way to see what it’s like to run out of money and not be able to buy what he wants. And that’s where rule number 2, consistency, becomes really important.

4. Use cash. Studies show that all of us spend more when we use credit or some other form of online payment, since the pain of paying is put off to the future. That’s why it’s important to give your kid paper money. (Of course, you need to be willing to launder some of this cash for her into iTunes and other online retailers.) Debit cards are all the rage, but I don’t like them before college. While you’re at it, talk to your kid about the importance of saving some of it instead of spending it all. One point that the findings from many allowance studies seem to agree on is that the conversations we engage in with our kids about money are even more important than handing them the money in the first place.

5. No chores. Research shows that chores are good for kids because they teach responsibility and the importance of chipping in to help others. But it’s a mistake to link those chores to money. Unless you’re willing to negotiate each time you want your kid to empty the dishwasher or put his clothes in the hamper, steer clear of systems that pay per chore. Chores should simply be part of everyday family life. You can pay your kid for jobs above and beyond his usual responsibilities—but that’s work, not allowance. Also, linking allowance to chores or other desired behaviors can backfire. I’ve seen too many parents in the heat of the moment use allowance as leverage and sometimes payback. “You didn’t make your bed?” Bam! “No money for you.” What if your kid thinks it’s worth it to, say, leave his bed unmade or miss curfew and lose $10? You see the problem. Discipline your kid in some other way, and keep the allowance issue separate.

I Was Forced to Quit My Job Because I'm a Mom

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I felt like the walls were pressing in on me the day I was told I was being forced to resign. I suspected the reason was that I am a mother. I am a mother of two, stepmother of three, with a biological father who is minimally involved. I have singlehandedly supported my children for several years, no child support in sight. I went to work on my 8-5, did my job well, arranged for school pick ups, got them there in the mornings, completed homework with them at night.

Then things changed at work: “We’re going to need you on-call 24/7, and available to run to the hospital to complete paperwork seven days a week. Oh, and you’re going to need to be available by 5am”.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; how was this legal?

More: My Supervisor and Coworker Put Me in The Middle of Their Drama

However, being the obedient working woman that I am, I went along with it. I received texts, increasingly condescending, every morning. I was having to juggle how my kids would get to school last minute — I have my husband’s help, but with our children going to three different schools, it was an impossible task for one.

I worked until I came down with strep throat and shortly thereafter had a miscarriage of my 6-weeks along little peanut, the one baby my husband and I would try and have together. I worked 40 days straight without a day off. The strepthroat disagnosis was merciful. With joy I sent a picture of my work note that specified NO WORK for 24 hours after antibiotics started. I would have a WHOLE DAY to recover from strep. Thankfully, I shut my phone and my job off and went to bed, my throat on fire, my body aching, my womb empty and sad.

More: My Old Boss Is Giving Me A Negative Reference

Within two weeks, as my one year work anniversary approached, another female coworker took a moment to berate and belittle me so severely in front of other nurses around her that her name was taken and the supervisor was called about her abusive behavior. I went home feeling beaten down and worthless.

I kept working. After a 9 hour workday that started at 5am, I would work well into the night from home, tears spilling onto my keyboard as my little daughter asked, “Mommy, are you going to be able to spend time with me tonight?”

The answer, far too many times, was “No.”

I went to my supervisor. I explained that the hours and having to somehow juggle my family life with this new schedule was overly difficult. I asked for help, for someone else to take some days of call, for some occasional weekends off.

“You should arrange for before school care,” was the response.

“Are you going to pay for it, as this was not part of my job description?” I asked.

“No, you’ll have to pay it for yourself.”

I left dejected, going home in tears yet again. I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t able to exercise, laugh with my children, or physically connect with my husband. The pressure was pushing in so hard that I felt my skin would pop and I would puddle onto the floor.

More: I Feel Complicit In My Boss Cheating Our Customers

That night, I wrote an email to stand up for myself. The email described the abusive behavior of that coworker. My hope was that we could do better. With help, we could improve processes and achieve work-life balance.

I needed to. I HAD TO. I had nothing left to give to them.

The next day, I walked into work to find files I was working on removed from my desk. The office smelled potently of the abusive coworker’s perfume. The HR rep was lingering in our department. I knew something was awry.

Stomach in knots, I desperately texted my husband. Tears burned my eyes and I knew that the mistreatment was far from over.

I was shortly thereafter called into a meeting during which I was advised that I had two options: complete the seemingly impossible task of the worklist they provided, all to be done within five days without error, or I would be terminated. OR, I could resign by the end of the workday.

“I just don’t see that your life will fit in with our work processes," they told me.

“May I have a copy of my job description, please?”

“I’m sorry, we need an answer," they said.

Desperately, I made calls to my husband and family members. Risk missing something on their list and be terminated anyway? Live under even MORE stress for the next several days, and not have a job at the end of it? OR, choose to step free. Terminate this caustic relationship and walk away. Step into the unknown and heal my soul.

And so I jumped.

One week later I sat in an attorney’s office, lists of grievances before me. After careful review, it was determined that I had a strong case for discrimination based on being a mother, a woman, as well as not being paid appropriately and being harassed.

“I tend to believe that they knew after a previous miscarriage, that once you made it to your one year, you could get pregnant again and now qualify for FMLA. So they forced you out before that could happen,” the lawyer advised. The incredulous look on my face said it all.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

However, it pained me to think that in 2016 it was still possible to be discriminated against by an employer, simply because I’m a mom.

This post was submitted by one of the members of the SheKnows Community.

Why Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Is on the Rise and What You Can Do About It

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Most of us have either watched a loved one suffer with dementia or at least have a basic idea of what dementia does to a person. However, many of us (myself included) were not aware that doggies can get dementia too. Only it's not called dementia; it's called canine cognitive dysfunction — and it's on the rise.

More: Why do some shelter dogs have tattoos?

Like dementia in humans, CCD is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the aging population. And similar to what happens in humans, CCD in dogs is caused by degenerative inflammation of the brain or neuron loss and cortical atrophy.

And since studies show that now at least 14 percent of geriatric dogs are affected by CCD, this disorder clearly deserves more attention.

Why is CCD on the rise?

There is no hard and fast answer for this one. One explanation could be that CCD has largely gone undiagnosed over the years. Now that more veterinarians are screening for the disorder and more pet owners are becoming aware CCD exists, more cases could be getting diagnosed accurately than were up until this point in time.

A study conducted by the University of California, Davis of dog owners with pets between 11 and 16 years of age seems to corroborate this theory. When asked about their dogs' sleeping habits, disorientation and other common signs associated with CCD, 62 percent of the dog owners reported their pets were exhibiting behavioral changes in at least one of these areas. Since the current estimate on prevalence is the aforementioned 14 percent, it would stand to reason this figure will rise sharply as more people (and their vets) begin to connect the dots between their aging dog's behavior and CCD.

Another possible explanation is that dogs are living longer now, and therefore more dogs are reaching the age when CCD starts to become more of a likelihood. In the scholarly paper "Now Why Did I Come Here? Canine Cognitive Dysfunction," Dr. Kersti Seksel points out, "Better veterinary care is ensuring that companion animals are living longer and hopefully healthier and happier lives. Over time, increasing numbers of 20-year-old cats or 18-year-old dogs will present as patients. In 1997, in the United States, 11 percent of dogs were over 10 years of age and this is similar in Australia."

What are the symptoms of CCD?

While it's not uncommon for an older dog to act a bit irritably from time to time, bump into things occasionally and even experience incontinence every so often, the USDAA underscores that a dog suffering from CCD will experience much more pronounced signs.

For example, as opposed to a general sort of clumsiness, a dog with CCD might seem extremely disoriented or even lost. They may bump into things frequently or simply stand in a corner. Other changes in behavior that seem extreme could also be signs of CCD presenting — think behavior that is completely out of character for your dog, persistent incontinence, lack of appetite and trouble sleeping.

How is CCD diagnosed?

Unfortunately, diagnosing CCD isn't as simple as taking your dog to the vet for a standard screening test. "The syndrome is based on the patient's clinical signs and activity/behavioral changes at home," explains Dr. Joseph Mankin, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. "There is not a specific test to diagnose the problem, although changes on advanced imaging of the brain can give some indication."

More: What to do if your house-trained dog starts peeing indoors

As such, your veterinarian will need to perform a complete physical workup on your dog to rule out any other medical causes that could be causing your dog's symptoms. Essentially, the test for determining CCD in a dog is one of exclusion.

Are there any preventative measures that can be taken?

Although there is no known cure for CCD, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms once your dog has been diagnosed. "Treatment of cognitive dysfunction includes certain medications, environmental changes and changes in diet," says Mankin. "With this syndrome, there may be an association with the lack of dopamine and there are medications that can increase dopamine activity that can help with a patient's clinical signs."

But there are also things you can do before you even notice cognitive decline in your dog that could help stave off CCD or at least keep the symptoms at bay longer. On the Healthy Pets website, Dr. Karen Becker — a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian — offers a nine-step plan to fight CCD.

More: I spent hundreds of dollars just to find out my dog has gas

The foundation, she explains, is a nutritionally balanced diet rich in brain-boosting omega-3 essential fats and a metabolism-enhancing variety of fresh, living food. Becker's other recommendations include keeping your pet's body and mind active, providing your pet with an S-adenosylmethionine supplement and feeding your dog coconut oil to decrease amyloid building in the brain.

And as always, regardless of whether your dog is already geriatric or in their prime, taking your pup to the vet twice a year for well checks minimizes the chance that you'll miss any potentially problematic changes.

If Flip or Flop's Christina El Moussa Can Move On, So Can Tarek

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I don't think Tarek and Christina El Moussa ever expected their divorce to be such a media frenzy but here we are.

More: Christina El Moussa Reportedly Verbally Attacked By Tarek on Flip or Flop Set

On the up side, it has arguably been a great stepping stone for their careers as the two are now household names. The predominant downside, though, is their name has been dragged through the mud repeatedly with rumors. Most of which are probably, completely unfounded.

One rumor that seems to hold true: The El Moussas are moving on from their marriage. And they're gonna be just fine.

Christina debuted her new relationship just a few days ago and now it seems Tarek seems to be following suit. He was seen jetting around in his Lamborghini with a mysterious blonde on Thursday night in Newport Beach, Calif.

More: Tarek El Moussa Reportedly Feels Betrayed by Christina's New Boyfriend

The El Moussas haven't been shy to say they are moving on with new people. The two are dating other people. And that's a great thing. Happy parents help inspire happy children and the two are, as they've repeatedly said, committed to raising their two children.

Tarek recently took to Instagram to vent his frustrations about the rumors.

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"No matter the lies, innuendo, salacious gossip and 'fake news' that is thrown at me from irresponsible media outlets via anonymous sources, I will keep my focus on what matters most which is co-parenting our children and working hard on our business," he wrote.

More: Christina El Moussa is Low-Key Commenting on Her Divorce on Instagram

I think this is a message many parents can relate to even if they aren't being plagued by Internet rumors. There's a lot of bullshit out in the world. Sometimes the only way to move forward is to block out the clutter and do your thang.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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Kanye West Isn't a Fan of Donald Trump Anymore

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It's a good day for Kim Kardashian West who's husband Kanye West has finally seen the light with regards to Donald Trump.

More: Long Before Kim Kardashian Was Kim Kardashian West, She Dated Nick Cannon

As a man who prides himself on his support of black movements and equality, West's Trump support never really made sense. His reasoning for meeting with the president at the end of December, however, was sound. He thought having an open line of communication with Trump was a good way to encourage positive change. Unfortunately, it seems like West is now feeling what a lot of us are feeling: Trump is not the man to steer this country in the right direction.

West deleted all of his previous tweets in support of the president because he isn't happy with how Trump has conducted himself in his first two weeks of office.

More: Kanye West's Squashing the Kim Kardashian West Divorce Rumors with One Photo

Welcome to the club, Kanye. Better late than never.

Not that I think Trump particularly worries about the opinions of others (otherwise how could he in good conscious make the decisions he's been making), West's decision to publicly distance himself from Trump does show that rather than inspiring a new wave of change for the country, Trump's policy only serve to make the people feel even more distant from government.

Kardashian West has been a vocal opponent of Trump and his policies for a while. She supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Kardashian West is a lot of things but ignorant of the rights of women she is not.

More: Kim Kardashian West & Kanye West Are Reconnecting With Date Nights

Still, Kardashian West reportedly respected West's decision to meet with Trump. Maybe she always knew that he'd return from the dark side.

Did you expect Kanye West to turn his back on President Donald Trump?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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