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9 Questions Never to Ask a New Mom

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Generally, I'd avoid asking a new mom any questions whatsoever. She'll likely be pretty tired and needs to preserve as much brainpower as possible for the next few months. Take her mind off bleeding nipples and projectile vomit and 3 a.m. wake-up calls with funny stories or celebrity gossip. And whatever you do, never, ever ask her any of these questions.

1. When are you due?

Did you know it takes about 40 weeks for a baby bump to reach its ready-to-pop state? Well, it might take a hell of a lot longer than 40 weeks for it to completely disappear again. If you're not 100 percent sure a woman is pregnant, don't ask when she's due. (Oh, and the tiny person attached to her is kind of a big clue that her due date has come and gone.) 

2. Did you have a natural birth?

IMO, a natural birth is whatever kind of birth a woman ends up having. I may be in the minority here. The prevailing view is that "natural" childbirth is the non-surgical kind, i.e., pushing your child out of your vagina (from experience, possibly the most unnatural thing I have ever done). Others say "natural" and imagine a home birth with candles burning and underwater whale sounds playing on loop on Spotify. Don't label a mom's birth before you know how it went.

3. Will you have another one?

When you haven't slept, washed or brushed your hair for a million years, have breasts that make you wince in agony whenever your baby comes anywhere near them and can't imagine any body part or medical device coming anywhere near your vagina ever, chances are having another baby isn't something you want to talk about.

More: Do High-Tech Baby Monitors Do More Harm Than Good?

4. How is breastfeeding going?

First of all, never assume a mom is breastfeeding. It's not the only way of getting milk into a baby. If you do know she's breastfeeding, please talk to her about something else. Take her mind off the pain of newborn gums grinding against her nipples. They're surprisingly sharp, people.

5. Are you having sex yet?

When did you last have sex? Was it good? How many positions of the Kama Sutra did you get through? If you don't feel comfortable answering those questions, you shouldn't be asking about anybody else's sex life. Also, see No. 3 above.

6. Is it a boy or a girl?

It's perfectly OK not to be sure about a newborn's sex. My own son was so beautiful that when I pushed his head out the business end, both my mom and the midwife shrieked, "I think it's a girl!" Slight headfuck, but he is incredibly pretty. Colors are a pretty good indication, but this is 2017 and girls — even baby ones — can wear blue. So if you don't know, don't ask. It'll become clear soon enough.

More: 7 Tips for New Moms to Get Some Sleep

7. Are you sure you should be doing that?

Short answer: Probably not. We're sleep-deprived, overemotional and can't remember our own names, never mind what we read in those 12,000 baby books. Long answer: Parenting is a learning curve. There are very few right and wrong answers. It takes a while to figure out what your baby needs — this is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. If you have some amazing, practical advice to help out the new mom in your life, share it. Unless the baby is in imminent danger and your next words are "here, let me help," keep your inferred criticism to yourself.

8. Can't you just sleep when your baby sleeps?

Why didn't we think of that already? Because we all know sleeping for seven-minute stretches is exactly the same as an uninterrupted eight hours. At least we have the cleaning fairy, who appears to clean and wipe up and wash and fold and sterilize and cook for those glorious seven-minutes. Oh, wait...

9. Does he/she always cry so much?

Just. Take. The. Fucking. Baby.

More: Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: Where to Find Mom Friends


According to Leah Remini, John Travolta Can Literally Get Away With Murder

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Leah Remini has already revealed some info about the Church of Scientology. A lifelong Scientologist who just left the church a few years ago, she's made it her life's mission to expose the organization for the widespread abuse she claims it perpetrates.

More: Leah Remini Has a Message for the Church of Scientology: Sue Me

But Remini's latest claims are by far her most chilling yet.

In an interview with Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience, Remini addressed a longtime question that has revolved around Scientology: If the organization is so shady, why do actors like Tom Cruise and John Travolta stick with it for life?

According to Remini, the answer is all about the power that both actors have in the organizations. They're willing to turn a blind eye to its darker practices, she said, because of the perks they receive for being such high-ranking members. Cruise, she said, has a staff of people provided by the church who will do literally anything he asks of them. As she put it, they "believe as a Scientologist that you're working for someone who is single-handedly saving the planet... That's an abuse that's not justified."

More: Leah Remini Suggests Police Are Lying About the Scientology Leader's Wife

As for Travolta? He has what the Church calls a "designation of Khakhan," which means he's one of the highest-ranking celebrities in the organization. That ranking "basically says you can kill another human being. If you're Khakhaned, you're going to look the other way."

Hold up. Is she for real on this? Rogan asked for clarification, "So, he's allowed to kill people?"

Remini responded, "Yes. It's called ethics protection. There's another policy called the responsibility of leaders, which he says that what you gotta do to protect the leader you gotta do it. If you see a body, you gotta clean it up."

A lot of what Remini has shared from inside the church has been scary, but this wins.

More: 7 New Accusations That Could Bring Scientology Crashing Down

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Leah Remini Reddit AMA slideshow
Image: Daniel Tanner/Wenn

Survivor: Game Changers Announces Questionable Season 34 Cast Choices

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Here we go! Twenty returning castaways are set to dig their toes in the sand for another attempt at winning $1 million on Survivor. In its 34th edition, Survivor is twisting things up again with a "Game Changers" theme featuring a cast of former strategic, strong players.

"Let's be clear what we call a game changer," host Jeff Probst said. "My definition is people who are willing to make a move to try to change the game. We picked 20 people who love to play."

For me, that means people like winners Tony Vlachos or Sandra Diaz-Twine. Those signify true "game changers," and thankfully both of them will be on this season. Could Sandra pull off her third victory? We shall see.

More: Why Survivor's Jeff Probst is wrong about not doing an all-winner season

But when looking at the lineup, many of these contestants don't match Probst's definition at all. Some of them are questionable when it comes to being qualified as a game changer. With dozens upon dozens of previous strategic competitors worthy of retribution, we're stuck with a gaggle of forgettable, boring choices.

Let me explain.

Full cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

First up, there's Hali Ford. I bet you can't remember who she is without a quick Google search. Heck, you may still not recall anything about her even if you did look her up. Let me refresh your brain a bit.

Survivor GIF
Image: Tumblr

She competed on Survivor: Worlds Apart (Season 30) as part of the "No Collar" tribe. The most notable thing she did the entire season was create the merged tribe's name, which just so happened to be among the worst ever -- Merica. Overall, she was the eighth person booted that season, becoming the first member of the jury. Game changer? Nope.

Then there's Brad Culpepper.

Survivor GIF
Image: Giphy

While I could see him reaching a pseudo "game changer" level for setting a precedent of burning hidden Idol clues, he also doesn't stand out much beyond that. He was the sixth person eliminated from Survivor: Blood Vs. Water (Season 27), and didn't even land on the jury.

We also have Troy "Troyzan" Robertson, who is most remembered for shouting "this is my island!" when his back was up against the wall on the lackluster Survivor: One World (Season 24).

Survivor GIF
Image: Tumblr

Although I think his nickname alone makes him memorable, I don't necessarily think there's a strong argument to be made that he's a true "game changer."

The casting of Brad and Troyzan has another odd layer to it, though. I think what makes the decision to cast these men even so strange is connected to the fan vote, which determined the cast of Survivor: Cambodia — Second Chance (Season 31). If the fans didn't tally enough ballots to bring these guys back for that season, then what makes the producers at CBS think we suddenly want to watch them play again? I know I don't.

Then we have Debbie Wanner.

Survivor GIF
Image: Tumblr

Memorable? Absolutely. Game changer? Forget about it. Although she stuck around Survivor: Kaoh Rong (Season 32) for quite a while, her biggest moments came from the kooky Coach-esque conversations she gushed when describing her endless list of jobs.

More: Debbie Wanner discusses Survivor bullies

Let's not forget the casting of Caleb Reynolds.

Big Brother GIF
Image: CBS

Originally a star of Big Brother, he was given his first shot at Survivor on Season 32. His strength is undeniable, but his status as a game changer simply doesn't fit. He was only in the game for nine days before a frightening medical emergency forced his evacuation from the competition. Now, please don’t get me wrong, I think Caleb is a fun player to watch with a lot of potential. But a medevac elimination that early in the competition simply doesn’t cut it as a "game changer." Sorry. It doesn't.

More: Caleb Reynolds relives his Survivor game-ending emergency

Oh, yeah. Sierra Dawn-Thomas, anybody? Exactly my point.

Survivor GIF
Image: Imgur

Many fans have also been questioning some of these so-called "game changers" on social media.

Survivor viewer bashes Game Changers idea

Survivor viewer bashes Game Changers idea

Survivor viewer questions Brad Culpepper's status

Survivor viewer questions Brad Culpepper's status

Survivor viewer wants Parvati Shallow on Game Changers

Survivor viewer wants Parvati Shallow on Game Changers

Survivor viewer wants Russell Hantz on Game Changers

Survivor viewer wants Russell Hantz on Game Changers

Survivor viewer doubts Game Changers cast

Survivor viewer doubts Game Changers cast

Survivor viewer on Sierra Dawn-Thomas

Survivor viewer on Sierra Dawn-Thomas

Now that I've essentially brutally blasted the casting choices for this season, there are still a slew of strong previous players within this wild bunch who definitely deserve their designation as a "game changer." Tony Vlachos, Sandra Diaz-Twine, Aubry Bracco, Ciera Eastin, Cirie Fields, Malcolm Freberg, Jeff Varner, Ozzy Lusth, Michaela Bradshaw and James "JT" Thomas are certainly standouts among this season's biggest threats. I’m glad to see each of them back for another round, too. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally stoked to watch this season.

Who will outwit, outplay and outlast all the others to claim the $1 million prize? Survivor: Game Changers kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Wednesday, March 8. The premiere just so happens to be the series' 500th episode. Impressive.

See the full cast, and their tribal divisions below:

Mana tribe

Mana tribe cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Michaela Bradshaw

Age: 25

Michaela Bradshaw cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Previously played on: Season 33: Millennials vs Gen X; finished 14th

Aubry Bracco

Age: 30

Aubry Bracco cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Cambridge, Mass.

Previously played on: Season 32: Kaoh Rong; runner-up

Sandra Diaz-Twine

Age: 41

Sandra Diaz-Twine cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.

Previously played on: Season 7: Pearl Islands; winner

Season 20: Heroes vs. Villains; winner

Ciera Eastin

Age: 27

Ciera Eastin cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Salem, Ore.

Previously played on: Season 31: Second Chances; finished 10th

Season 27: Blood vs. Water; finished 5th

Malcolm Freberg

Malcolm Freberg cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Age: 29

Hometown: Hermosa Beach, Calif.

Previously played on: Season 25: Philippines; finished 4th

Season 26: Caramoan; finished 9th

Hali Ford

Age: 26

Hali Ford cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: San Francisco, Calif.

Previously played on: Season 30: Worlds Apart; finished 11th

Caleb Reynolds

Age: 28

Caleb Reynolds cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Hopkinsville, Ky.

Previously played on: Season 32: Kaoh Rong; out 4th, medically evacuated

Troyzan Robertson

Age: 54

Troyzan Robertson cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

Previously played on: Season 24: One World; fnished 8th

Jeff Varner

Age: 50

Jeff Varner cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: High Point, N.C.

Previously played on: Season 2: Australia; finished 10th

Season 31: Second Chances; finished 17th

Tony Vlachos

Age: 42

Tony Vlachos cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Jersey City, N.J.

Previously played on: Season 28: Cagayan; winner

Nuku tribe

Nuku tribe cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Andrea Boehlke

Age: 27

Andrea Boehlke cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: New York, N.Y.

Previously played on: Season 22: Redemption Island; finished 5th

Season 26: Caramoan; finished 7th

Brad Culpepper

Age: 47

Brad Culpepper cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Tampa, Fla.

Previously played on: Season 27: Blood vs. Water; finished 15th

Sierra Dawn-Thomas

Age: 29

Sierra Dawn-Thomas cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Roy, Utah

Previously played on: Season 30: Worlds Apart; finished 5th

Cirie Fields

Age: 45

Cirie Fields cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Norwalk, Conn.

Previously played on: Season 12: Exile Island; finished 4th

Season 16: Micronesia; finished 3rd

Season 20: Heroes vs. Villains; finished 17th

Sarah Lacina

Age: 32

Sarah Lacina cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Marion, Iowa

Previously played on: Season 28: Cagayan; finished 11th

Oscar “Ozzy” Lusth

Age: 34

Ozzy Lusth cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Venice, Calif.

Previously played on: Season 13: Cook Islands; runner-up

Season 16: Micronesia; finished 9th

Season 23: South Pacific, finished 4th

Zeke Smith

Age: 28

Zeke Smith cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Previously Played On: Season 33: Millennials vs Gen X; finished 9th

James “J.T” Thomas

Age: 31

JT Thomas cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Mobile, Ala.

Previously played on: Season 18: Tocantins; winner

Season 20: Heroes vs. Villains; finished 10th

Tai Trang

Age: 52

Tai Trang cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: San Francisco, Calif.

Previously played on: Season 32: Kaoh Rong; second runner-up

Debbie Wanner

Age: 51

Debbie Wanner cast photo for Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Hometown: Reading, Pa.

Previously played on: Season 32: Kaoh Rong; finished 9th

Host Jeff Probst on Survivor: Game Changers
Image: CBS

Which of these people is your favorite returning player? Join the conversation now by leaving a comment in the section below!

Utah Is Responding to the Sister Wives by Trying to Make Polygamy a Felony

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Just after the Sister Wives' Brown family's lawsuit seeking to legitimize plural marriage was turned down by the U.S. Supreme Court, lawmakers in their home state of Utah are seeking to make polygamy a felony offense.

More: The Sister Wives' Fight to Legalize Polygamy Just Ended

The bill classifies polygamy as a class-3 felony, but upgrades it to a class-2 felony if it's charged alongside other charges for offenses like child marriage, human trafficking, fraud or abuse. It has already passed through Utah's House judiciary committee on a 7-3 vote, and is headed to the Utah House floor for debate. The committee hearing was tense and filled with citizens seeking to make statements about the bill, Salt Lake City's Fox affiliate reports.

"If I call them mistresses, I’m OK," Joe Darger, who has three wives, told the committee during his testimony. "But if I tell you I’m married and they are my wives, that is what we’re saying is a felony. That makes no sense."

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

The bill's future is in jeopardy, however, because of lawmakers who wonder if it's necessary. Polygamy is already banned under Utah's state constitution, but as the Sister Wives case gained media attention, the Utah attorney general's office insisted over and over that it does not prosecute polygamy alone, and polygamists are only targeted by prosecutors when they have committed other crimes related to polygamy, like fraud, abuse or child marriage. During the judiciary committee's meeting, Utah Federal Solicitor Parker Douglas again told lawmakers that even if the law were to pass, it is not the state's policy to prosecute polygamy as a stand-alone crime.

Still, the bill has support from community members who once belonged to polygamist groups, including Julie Atkinson, who testified in favor of the legislation.

"Passing this law will help people go after people in these groups because there are so many abuses and so many times they hide behind freedom of religion and nothing happens," she said.

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

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

sister wives family slideshow
Image: TLC

Scott Disick Tried to Put a Ring On It, But Kourtney Kardashian Said No

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Well, we now know exactly what was up with Scott Disick's poolside party time in Florida right after his family vacay in Costa Rica. He was throwing a big ol' tantrum because he wanted Kourtney Kardashian back and she wasn't having it.

More: Kourtney Kardashian May Be Doubting Her Future With Scott Disick... Again

An insider explained to Us Weekly how the trip, which Disick had promised would be "unforgettable," went down. As soon at the E! cameras were rolling (because there's nothing suspicious about that), "Scott proposed to Kourtney," the source said. "Not with a ring. He just said, 'Let’s get married.'"

Kardashian, though, was not into it — "She told him no," the insider said, apparently because it's just too late. Kardashian wanted Disick to get his shit together years ago, but after nine years of their on-and-off roller coaster of a relationship, she's just over it. Kourtney right now, probably:

Single Ladies gif
Image: Giphy

More: Fans Are Genuinely Convinced Scott Disick and Khloé Kardashian Are Dating

"Scott was embarrassed, upset and angry," the source said, especially after he has allegedly spent the last couple of years cleaning up his act — including spending a lengthy stint in rehab — just to win Kardashian back. So he did what any mature adult would do and decided to try really hard to ruin Kardashian's vacation even though their kids were there. Step 1: Secretly flying in another girl and then hiding out with her in a hotel room. It pissed Kardashian off, but not for the reason he expected, apparently.

"Kourtney is not upset he’s seeing other women," the source said. "She’s upset he’d disrupt the trip with the kids. If you’re dating someone important, bring her to meet the family. Don’t hide her."

After that didn't get the reaction Disick was apparently looking for, he bounced out of Costa Rica a day before the vacation was supposed to end and headed for Miami, where he was photographed all over a bunch of models.

"This is all a 'fuck you' to Kourtney," the source explained. "But she doesn’t care. She’s done with all of it."

More: Scott Disick Is Trippin' if He Thinks He's Getting Kourtney K. Back

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kourtney and scott through the years
Image: Denise Truscello/WireImage

9 Pantsuits You Can Buy at Nordstrom Right Now

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So, today, this happened:

Trump Nordstrom tweet

Trump Nordstrom tweet

Yes, that’s correct: There’s Trump getting involved, as usual, in something that is a) none of his business; b) totally inappropriate since he’s, you know, the president; c) probably a lot less important than a few other issues floating around in this country right now; and d) a U.S.-based company that creates plenty of jobs and revenue right here in our own backyard — the very thing Trump has touted as being up there with cleanliness and godliness.

Of course, Twitter erupted immediately, as it does literally every single time he posts a tweet — including one choice tweet from Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, tagging the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. Yeah, I’ll say.

Armani Collezioni tee jacket & pants: jacket, $1,295; pants, $595

Armani Collezioni Tee, Jacket & Pants
Image: Nordstrom

Then Nordstrom shares plummeted briefly, as a direct result of Trump’s tweet, CNBC reported. #Appropriate. Though shares declined more than 1 percent just after the tweet, people came to their senses and they quickly turned positive, up 3 percent during afternoon trading. Perhaps a bunch of Trump-haters snapped up Nordstrom stock. Who knows.

Cupcakes and Cashmere Hanna jumpsuit: $130

cupcakes and cashmere Hanna Jumpsuit
Image: Nordstrom

The New York Times reported today that it saw an employee memo sent from TJX, the parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, to both stores, which asked stockists to avoid featuring anything that came to the discount shops with Ivanka Trump’s label and to toss signs for the brand, tout de suite. “Effective immediately, please remove all Ivanka Trump merchandise from features and mix into” the common racks, avoiding any special displays, the note read. “All Ivanka Trump signs should be discarded.” TJX confirmed the memo to theTimes.

Vince Camuto Jumpsuit: $89

Vince Camuto Jumpsuit
Image: Nordstrom

In reference to the tweet, National Retail Federation CEO Matt Shay said on a call with reporters, “We're living in a world with a different kind of a chief executive in the White House,” CNBC reported. Once again, for the cheap seats: I’ll say. "We're learning, all of us, how to work in that environment," he said. Very diplomatic.

Theory Blazer top & pants: blazer, $425; pants, $265

Theory Blazer, Top & Pants
Image: Nordstrom

So what are you waiting for? #GrabYourWallets and support a major company that took a stand against Ivanka Trump, her father and their shady business practices.

Halogen suit jacket & pants: jacket, $129; pants $79

Halogen® Suit Jacket & Pants
Image: Nordstrom

T Tahari jacket & straight-leg pants: jacket, $98; pants, $78

T Tahari Jacket & Straight Leg Pants
Image: Nordstrom

Classiques Entier jacket & pants outfit with accessories: jacket, $299; pants $199

Classiques Entier® Jacket & Pants Outfit with Accessories
Image: Nordstrom

Boss jacket & trousers outfit with accessories: jacket, $595; pants $325

BOSS Jacket & Trousers Outfit with Accessories
Image: Nordstrom

Eliza J Cold-Shoulder jumpsuit: $158

Eliza J Cold Shoulder Jumpsuit
Image: Nordstrom

Tom Hiddleston Reaches New Levels of Earnestness in Interview About Taylor Swift

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We all remember it. The most notorious tank top in history (okay, that’s a short list). But seriously, for such a small—like, tiny—article of clothing, Tom Hiddleston’s “I [heart] T.S.” tank top made more ripples in relationship news than all those beautiful celebrities probably made in the ocean that day.

Tom Hiddleston wearing 'I Love T.S.' shirt

Tom Hiddleston wearing 'I Love T.S.' shirt

MORE: After Tom Hiddleston, Taylor Swift Is Changing Her Approach to Dating

It was July 4th, 2016, and Hiddleston was celebrating on the beach with then-girlfriend Taylor Swift, her model/actress/fab-person crew (including Blake Lively and hubby Deadpool Ryan Reynolds), and what we can only assume were some incredibly attractive fish just beneath the surface (part of the Swift Squad contract, all animals within 500 yards must be gorgeous).

It seems a bit…ridiculous? How much impact that tank top had, especially considering the relationship lasted just about three months. But the media picked up on that article of clothing as a sort of emblem of the relationship, and of Hiddleston’s supposedly over-eager affections for Swift, which presumably led to their split.

Yeah, the shirt was a bit tight – we’re not complaining – but in a new interview with GQ’s Taffy Brodesser-Aknerr, Hiddleston not only clarifies how the hell he ended up in the tank top heard round the world, he goes to a whole new level of earnestness talking about his relationship with Swift and the way he feels perceived because of it. Considering the fact that most celebrity relationships are morphed into unwelcome scrapbooks of love and heartache courtesy of Us Weekly and People Magazine, Hiddleston’s GQ realness almost comes off as strange. Isn’t he supposed to just tweet something cryptic about lost love, dye his hair, and date a model?

MORE: Tom Hiddleston & Calvin Harris Are Teaming Up to Get Over Taylor Swift

Tom Hiddleston dancing
Image: Giphy

Instead, Hiddleston gets real. Like, really real. Like spending two days with the interviewer and then coming to her apartment the next morning at 6am to clarify the realness of his realitude. “I have to be so psychologically strong about not letting other people’s interpretations about my life affect my life,” Hiddleston tells Brodesser-Aknerr. “A relationship exists between two people. We will always know what it was.” In an age where we either want our celebrities glossy and photoshopped or makeup-free in a mug shot, Hiddleston’s eager earnestness (earnest eagerness?) feels a bit…awkward. Like a face caress from your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving, or protracted eye contact with just about anyone.

As for the tank top, “the truth is, it was the Fourth of July and a public holiday and we were playing a game and I slipped and hurt my back. And I wanted to protect the graze from the sun.” So one of the beautiful Swift Squad leant him the “I [Heart] T.S.” tank top. “We all laughed about it. It was a joke.”

Except the media made it a sensation, exactly the kind of thing that seems like pretty much the opposite of Hiddleston, who does come off as super earnest but also funny, bookish, kind. Not to mention, if we’re gonna follow Hiddleston’s example, pretty sure we can all admit we’ve either been too passionate in the midst of a relationship (e.g. unasked-for anniversary back tattoo of their face) or engaged in minor freak-outs post break-up (ever dunked Polly-O String Cheese into a glass of red wine while screaming your ex’s name? Whatever, that’s a thing).

MORE: Tom Hiddleston Apologizes for Being Human

But really, what seems the most striking about Hiddleston’s earnestness is the energy behind it, like he had to clear something up, confess something. It’s like the tank top had become his albatross. We’d kind of be freaking out, too. Not as gracefully as Hiddleston, though. Apparently he showed up at Brodesser-Aknerr’s hotel early that morning and gets poetic on everyone’s ass. “You have to fight for love. You can’t live in fear of what people might say. You know, you have to be true to yourself.”

Tom Hiddleston crying gif
Image: Giphy

Not super quotable, but uncharacteristically raw for a profile. Celebrity sound-bytes be damned. Whoever snags Hiddleston next is lucky to get Loki.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebrity couples slideshow'
Image: WENN

Debra Messing's Hollywood Horror Story Is Every Woman's Nightmare

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Debra Messing was inspirational to many women in her role as Grace on Will & Grace, as she awkwardly felt her way through career and love with a cast of unruly best friends. I think a lot of us can imagine ourselves as the Grace, triumphantly squirting her water bra all over some bad artwork painted by someone who was mean to her. But we don’t need fiction to be inspired by Messing, as she is a badass feminist out from in front of the camera as well, everywhere from politics to calling out Hollywood for its nasty sexism.

MORE: Why Debra Messing Loves SVU's 'Warrior Of A Woman' Mariskay Hargitay

If you didn’t notice, Messing spent the better part of last year putting herself in spaces to support Hillary and women everywhere. She spoke and sang at the Democratic National Convention back in July. She told WWD, “I’ve been on the trail, I’ve been out to L.A. and I spoke out there. I was in Philly last Wednesday. I’m all in.” Which many remarkable Hollywood celebs were, but Messing was one of few to actually hit the trail.

Debra Messing on campaign trail with Hillary Clinton
Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

When Hillary lost, she threw just as much gusto into supporting the resistance to Trump and the Women’s March on January 21st. She tweeted this fun comparison of stars participating in the inauguration vs. the Women’s March: 

Debra Messing tweets about Women's March

Debra Messing tweets about Women's March

And she told Vanity Fair “What I hope is that it will send the message that we are going to fight for and defend the civil rights, constitutional rights, human rights of every citizen in our country, and we will be actively resisting any attempt to dismantle any of those rights.”

So it’s no surprise that Messing recently decided to come out about a true Hollywood horror story that happened while filming her first movie A Walk in the Clouds in 1995. What happened? She was told that she needed a nose job, and was sexually humiliated by director Alfonso Arau. She wasn’t just told to get a nose job actually, she was debased during the filming of a sex scene, with Arau screaming, “Cut! How quickly can we get a plastic surgeon in here? Her nose is ruining my movie!”

MORE: Debra Messing Meant Well WIth Anti-Gun Selfie But Got It All Wrong

Just let that sink in for a second while you consider all of the average-build, middle attractive men who’ve never once been questioned as fuckable. All of the men allowed to play romantic leads across women twenty years younger. All of the men who are allowed to play the romantic lead well into being late middle aged, while women age into being the mom or the librarian around 35-years-old. Can female directors start yelling at them, “Can we get a younger man in here? This guys wrinkly balls are ruining my movie.” 

Debra Messing gif
Image: Giphy

What is even more horrific than Arau considering the nondescript nose of a beautiful twenty-something to need surgical intervention, was the fact that he forced an unplanned nude scene on her. Messing revealed at this year’s MAKERS Conference that he lifted her cover to examine her nude body and then, “He dropped the sheet on top of me like a used Kleenex, and walked away without a word.” All of that demoralization also never even had any artistic pay off, with only Messing’s bare back being shown in the final cut. All of that, Messing said, was meant to “demean me, strip me of my pride, my power.” 

Messing closed with, “I'm a fucking original. My nose and I have come this far, and like Barbra Streisand, I'm defiantly keeping it.” And god bless her for it. We need more women at her level in the industry to speak out. If anything is unfortunately true, it’s that with white men having dominated Hollywood for the past century almost – and women’s humanity being so often inconsequential – it’s likely that one of your film heroes has acted inappropriately at some point.

MORE: Debra Messing: I Will Forever Be Grace Adler

Much like when this past year it came out that Alfred Hitchcock tried to sexually assault Tippi Hedren on the sets of both The Birds and Marnie. And the even more horrific revelation that Marlon Brando and director Bernardo Bertolucci conspired to actually rape an unsuspecting 19-year-old Maria Schneider with a stick of butter on camera for Last Tango in Paris. It’s about time this trope got checked, and scum bags who think its okay get put on notice. And by supporting and encouraging women everywhere to speak out, that is how we start making change.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs sexual assault slideshow
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com

Shondaland just scored big, buying the rights to Luvvie Ajayi’s book

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Oh, hey. Sorry to interrupt your busy day, but did you hear? Shonda Rhimes is only developing a TV show (or some other awesome media if our suspicions are right) based on Luvvie Ajayi's book, I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual. You know Luvvie Ajayi, right? She's been a BlogHer badass since way back in 2010 when presidents acted presidential and Jon Stewart was the old Samantha Bee.

More: Could Shonda Rhimes be staging a Grey's Anatomy spinoff for Karev?

It would be an understatement to say we are thrilled one of our favorite contributors is getting some well-deserved love from our favorite vacation destination, Shondaland. But we can hardly say we're surprised.

Shonda Rhimes' production company has acquired the rights to Ajayi's book, which features essays on everything from pop culture to politics. With her razor-sharp wit, she addresses all aspects of humanity — racism, bad internet etiquette, pigpens — with the poignancy and realness her fans have come to expect. And as soon as Her Majesty, the Exalted Shonda Rhimes is ready to tell us just what she has planned for Ajayi's relatable essays, it may be coming to a boobtube near you.

We took a minute — OK, fine… an hour — to put together this video so you can see why this is the best news we've heard, well, all year. Yeah, that's right — move over Beyoncé et. al, there's a new queen in town.

Here are a few choice quotes for those of you sitting in the airport who can't find your earbuds but are too polite to just screw it and play the video anyway.

  • "I live in the intersection of comedy, activism and technology online. These are the spaces that I'm in, and I double-Dutch between them with the same level of real. Because I'm the person who says what you might be thinking but you dare not to because you have a filter." — Luvvie Ajayi
  • "I think what is important to women is we shouldn't stigmatize each other for being sexual beings." — Luvvie Ajayi
  • "Stand in your words. Know it. When women put our energies together, we basically take over the world." — Luvvie Ajayi

More: Luvvie Ajayi turned her #FAIL into her dream job

You can hear more and see the considerable list of other publications who've given our girl some love in the video. But please join us in congratulating Luvvie Ajayi by tweeting @Luvvie or come see her as our keynote speaker at #BlogHer17 by buying tickets.

We like to think we discovered her first, but we doubt that's how history Wikipedia will see things. Either way, if this goes how we think it's going to, we have but one request. Luvvie, please remember that we knew you way back when you weren't quite as famous, but we had zero doubt you were this badass.

Donald Trump Isn't Too Busy Being President to Slam Nordstrom

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Of all the Trump children. Ivanka Trump seems to be the most liberal, which is probably why I like her. She is committed to women's right and even made a point to meet with Leonardo DiCaprio about climate change ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.

ivanka trump tweet 1

ivanka trump tweet 1

But just because her dad is president doesn't mean she gets to cheat the ways of business.

More: Donald Trump Talking About Ivanka in a sexual way is stomach-turning

Still, when Nordstrom announced they were cutting ties with Ivanka's line due to poor performance, Donald couldn't help but weight in on Twitter.

donald trump tweet to nordstrom

donald trump tweet to nordstrom

I respect the man for the fact that he cares about his daughter. A good daddy is always going to be protective so when you look at Trump's tweet from that light, it's understandable he's upset.

This is just typical Trump, though. It would take all of a broken nail for him to freak out over things on Twitter. There's a reason he's known for being trigger happy.

More: Rosie O'Donnell's Poem About Ivanka Trump is Actually Really Powerful

That being said, Nordstrom has maintained the decision had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with business, something the Trump family should, should know very well.

If anything, I would think Trump's tweet would make Nordstrom even less likely to do business with the family in the future because what company wants to have to worry about its decisions being blasted on Twitter by the president himself?

This is also a huge issue regarding conflict of interest with a president taking direct action against a company for his family's personal gain.

It's safe to say that, legally, Nordstrom has no responsibility to put Ivanka's line in their stores. If anything, Trump has just dug the line's grave.

More: Ivanka Trump Was Reportedly Verbally Attacked on a Plane

Ivanka is doing the smart thing and not commenting publicly.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

donald trump quotes slideshow
Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Vogue's Attempt at Diversity Draws Major Backlash

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"No Norm is the New Norm," Vogue's Modern American Woman cover proclaims. But there's a big problem: Their cover absolutely doesn't represent true modern, American women.

More: Gigi Hadid Gazes Upon a Life-Size Picture of Herself Every Single Day

Vogue's definition of "The Great Beauty Shakeup," is models Gigi Hadid,Kendall Jenner, Ashley Graham, Vittoria Ceretti, Imaan Hammam, Adwoa Aboah and Liu Wen. It's almost laughable.

Sure, they've got some diversity in skin color and ethnicity — "some" being the key word — but that's where the differences pretty much stop. Even the darker skin tones of the models aren't all that dark.

Still, Vogue missed the whole point: Diversity isn't just limited to skin color.

All of the women in the picture are small, like, itty-bitty, except for Graham, who is a plus-size model but, let's be real, Graham fits in just fine among the other ladies. No one could ever call her "large" though it is suspect that she is the only model in the photo with her hand on her leg.

More: Gigi Hadid Should Have Elbowed the Guy Who Assaulted Her a Lot Harder

The models are all also about the same height. Oh, and they have a lot of the same facial features, despite their diverse backgrounds.

I'm far from the only one who noticed these discrepancies.

vogue cover comment 1

vogue cover comment 1

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vogue cover comment 2

vogue cover comment 3

vogue cover comment 3

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vogue cover comment 4

vogue cover comment 5

vogue cover comment 5

If this is Vogue's most diverse cover yet, they really, really need to try again.

While Vogue has yet to comment on the controversy, Yahoo! reports Graham took to Instagram saying that she chose her pose for the cover. She added, "No one told me to do anything."

More: Ashley Graham Becomes Sports Illustrated's First 'Plus-Size' Cover Girl

But Graham's pose is the least of Vogue's cover problems.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

yolanda foster slideshow
Image: yolandahfoster/Instagram

Everyone's Digging Pamela Anderson's New Less-Is-More Look

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We've gotten used to identifying Pamela Anderson with her iconic Baywatch look — the tousled bleach-blond extensions, the heavy makeup and of course the oversize breasts that propelled her to stardom so many years ago.

But recently, Anderson has been sporting minimal makeup and more natural hair. It's a total departure from the status quo for this Canadian-born star, so much so that some barely recognize her.

I, for one, am totally digging it. Here's why:

1. Because she looks like herself again

Young Pam Anderson2

Young Pam Anderson2

It may seem strange to say because Anderson's dramatically different appearance is almost certainly the result of some cosmetic tinkering, if not outright surgery, but she looks more natural than she has in years. Her face seems softer and more open, which in turn makes her look way younger.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with aging. I'm a firm believer that wrinkles and expression lines are evidence of a life well-lived, but Anderson's lifestyle and styling choices were aging her beyond her years. If she has had some work done, she's been judicious about it, resisting the urge to plump up and iron out all evidence of lines or wrinkles.

The results are incredible.

More: Pamela Anderson Announces Her Hep-C Cure With Nude Photo

2. Because she's stopped hiding behind heavy makeup

Pam Anderson Makeup

Pam Anderson Makeup

Makeup is always a personal decision, but Anderson's heavy eyeliner and thick lipstick were usually a touch overwhelming. The black liner especially contributed to a somewhat harsh look, as though she was glaring or sneering. Her new minimal makeup routine suits her well.

She looks at least a decade younger, fresh-faced and, well, happy

Pam Anderson Makeup2

Pam Anderson Makeup2

 3. She's found her own version of sexy

Pam Anderson Dress

Pam Anderson Dress

Let me be clear, the commentary I'm about to provide isn't about dialing back the sex appeal. At 49 years old, Anderson has just as much right to show cleavage or wear leather pants as any of us. Sexuality isn't something that disappears with age, so let's just let go of the notion that older women should all cut their hair short and cover their sexy parts with thick wool slacks and cardigans.

That said, Anderson has definitely switched up her style and it is totally working for her. The picture above shows Anderson in an A-line dress. When have we ever seen Pamela Anderson in an A-line dress?

She looks fantastic when she's not being crammed into skintight dresses and heavy-duty push-up bras, but she also looks comfortable. Not in a slouchy sweatpants way, but just... content. Stylish. At ease. Sexy without beating you over the head with it.

It's beautiful to see.

More: It's Amazing How Baywatch-Ready Pamela Anderson is 19 Years Later

4. Because she is radiating confidence

Pam Anderson Walking

Pam Anderson Walking

In an interview with Refinery 29, Anderson admits that she's far more comfortable in her body now than she ever was at the peak of her sex-symbol days.

“I’m fairly comfortable in my skin... I feel much more in control these days. I rely less on what others tell me."

She's let go of what others want her to look like and act like, replacing it with an authentic connection with herself. And it shows.

5. Because her outer beauty reflects inner peace

In an interview with W magazine, Anderson admits that the way she looks on the outside reflects how she feels on the inside.

"I look back at pictures of myself when I was in this awful relationship, and I looked 20 years older," she says. "I know it sounds like a cliché, but happiness has a lot to do with beauty. Calm, peacefulness and not-constant stress are very, very important to feeling beautiful and confident. And that comes across whether you’re wearing makeup or not."

More: Pamela Anderson May Be Latest Victim of Domestic Violence

Well, Pamela, you don't need to tell us twice. The results speak for themselves.

Pam Anderson Beautiful

Pam Anderson Beautiful

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Baywatch movie slideshow
Image: Paramount

Hold Up, Nick Viall Just Teased Corinne's Fate on The Bachelor

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The Bachelor's Corinne has become, like many villains before her, simply someone amusing to watch on the show. She doesn't actually have a shot at winning... right? Right?!

According to Nick Viall himself, she absolutely does.

More: Everything Nick Viall Has Done Right and Wrong as the Bachelor

"Maybe Corinne saves the season, I don’t know," Nick said during an interview with Huffington Post. "This season has proven that anything is possible. I guess we’ll have to first see what transpires for me walking out and if I pick myself back up. I mean, I know what happens, but I can’t give it away. We’ll have to see. But I think the intensity doesn’t die down anytime soon."

Maybe Corinne's platinum vagina really is that good. Crazier things have, after all, already happened this year.

the bachelor corinne tweet 1

the bachelor corinne tweet 1

the bachelor corinne tweet 2

the bachelor corinne tweet 2

the bachelor corinne tweet 3

the bachelor corinne tweet 3

Right now in the show, Nick seems like he's about to call it quits on the whole Bachelor business and cry himself to sleep in a dark corner.

More: Sounds Like Corinne's Former Flame Wants Her Back Once Bachelor Wraps

I was screaming at my television when Nick walked out of the girls' hotel room after telling them he didn't know if he could continue on in the process. Why did none of the women run after him when he left crying?

No wonder Nick likes Corinne. Judging from the sneak peek, she's the only one who goes to him. Of course, she goes to him with plans to use her platinum vag, which could definitely be bad in his state of depression.

The Bachelor's Corinne
Image: Giphy

I think Nick learned his lesson about sleeping with a Bachelor lady too soon from his time on Kaitlyn Bristowe's season so I don't think he'll have sex with Corinne. But that doesn't mean other shenanigans won't ensue.

More: The Bachelor's Corinne actually had a point about that Taylor 'tude

Will Corinne make it to the final rose or is next week her last?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Bachelor Season 21 contestants slideshow
Image: ABC

SVU's 400th Episode is Further Proof Mariska Hargitay is Everyone's Hero

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ICYMI — which would be a serious oversight on your part — Law & Order: SVU celebrated its 400th episode this week. (Where's that little Law & Order double "boing boing" when you need it?) And besides being a damn good episode, "Motherly Love" drove home a very important point: prime time television needs more Mariska Hargitays.

More: That was fast! SVU already has an episode about Trump's latest scandal

Mull over this for a minute. Including this week's episode, Hargitay has directed nine episodes, produced 35, acted as executive producer on 9 and has starred in all 400.

That in and of itself is incredible. I mean, c'mon, it's crazy the show just made it to the 400 episode milestone. Even crazier? That we (yes, I'm looping your guilty ass in with mine) have seen ALL OF THEM.

But what makes the feat that much more inspirational is that, according to the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film, women are disproportionately represented in television... by a large margin.

Their data shows that last year, 79 percent of the broadcast, cable, and streaming television programs featured casts with more male than female characters. Behind the scenes — in the capacity of creators, directors, writers, producers, executive producers and other creative executives — women accounted for only 26 percent.

Yes, gender inequality is still a thing, y'all.

It's heartening to consider Hargitay an example, though. For 18 years, we have grown to know and love now-Lieutenant Olivia Benson. That probably puts her in the ranks of some of your oldest friends, huh? We've taken this journey with her, and we love her for it.

Sure, we were all a bit broken-hearted when Stabler left (and we'd be lying if we said we weren't secretly hoping he'd cameo for the 400th), but Hargitay's Benson has always been the heart of the show.

More: SVU's Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni Have Reunited — for a Selfie

In an industry that tends to tell women approaching 30 they are past their prime and tries to hand them sub-par roles, Hargitay has proven that a women over 30 can absolutely carry a prime time television show. For nearly two decades, she has given girls and women someone like themselves to look up to.

For their part, the Twitterverse couldn't help gushing about Hargitay and what she has meant to all of us.

Law & Order: SVU 1

Law & Order: SVU 1

Law & Order: SVU 2

Law & Order: SVU 2

Law & Order: SVU 3

Law & Order: SVU 3

Law & Order: SVU 4

Law & Order: SVU 4

Law & Order: SVU 5

Law & Order: SVU 5

And if you look at the landscape of primetime television, I think you could easily say that Hargitay has paved the way for other stellar women in major roles. Women like Viola Davis in How to Get Away with Murder and Ellen Pompeo in Grey's Anatomy — both extremely successful female leads in ensemble casts. Women who aren't just being cast as mothers or hen-pecked housewives, as they might have been 10 years ago.

Hargitay is helping to rewrite the narrative in Hollywood that says a woman has to be any one thing, most of all never-aging. This week's episode was a beautiful testament to the many sometimes messy, yet amazing facets of being a woman.

Handed a case where she had to deal with another woman who was arguably one of the worst mothers we've seen on the show, Hargitay's Benson reacted professionally with her trademark wit and conviction. But she also expressed empathy and anger and sadness.

A woman has many nuances, and Hargitay nailed that complicated depth. When Barba asks if he can buy her a drink and she tearfully tells him she just wants to go home to her boy, she's all of us in that moment. Whether you have a kid or not, you could feel what Benson felt in that moment and it resonated you for some reason or another.

More: If Chris Noth had his way, SVU's Benson would not exist as we now know her

It's nice to be given license to be human. With Benson, we get to see a character who is very clearly strong but who also cries sometimes. This negates that silly stereotype that crying or having feelings is a sign of weakness. In fact, it's because of Benson's feelings that she is such a great cop.

All of this to say that Mariska Hargitay is basically an American hero, and we need at least 10 more like her on TV. Thanks for 400 moving episodes, Mariska . . . here's to the next 400.

What do you think? Did Hargitay nail SVU's 400th episode?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below!

Mariska Hargitay through the years
Image: NBC

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Shows Just How Unpopular Trump Is Abroad

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It's no secret that the rest of the world is wary of President Trump; a Pew poll found that only 9 percent of Europeans had confidence in the then candidate as of June, 2016 — and their opinion is little better now that he's president.

More: Samantha Bee Finds the Silver Lining in the Immigration Fiasco

Trump is particularly unpopular in Scotland, as Full Frontal with Samantha Bee reminded viewers during an intriguing segment. His terrible reputation in Scotland began some time ago, when he went up against Michael Forbes. The local farmer famously refused to sell his property for a vast golf course the magnate had hoped to build. Trump had intended for this to be "the world's best golf course," so, of course, he wasn't pleased that somebody dared stand up to his big plans.

Donald Trump Scotland
Image: TBS

Forbes' refusal to sell was particularly notable in light of the big money Trump was willing to offer. Had he given in, he would have received £450,000, as well as an annual £50,000. The battle between Trump and Forbes got nasty at times, with Trump comparing Forbes' land to a slum.

More: Samantha Bee Reminds Us that President Obama Wasn't Perfect

Forbes is by no means the only Scottish individual with an extreme dislike of President Trump. Tonight's exclusive segment on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee highlighted the negative opinions of numerous others, who called Trump all kinds of nasty (but at times, humorous) names.

Trump In Scotland
Image: TBS

Trump's behavior rubbed Scots the wrong way so much, some have decided to rub back. One did so with a big yellow balloon, which was used to muss up Trump's hair during a visit to the Scottish parliament. The moment has since become folklore in Scotland, where residents take pride in the cheekiness of anti-Trump activists.

More: Samantha Bee Is Spot On With Her Kellyanne Conway And Cersei Lannister Comparison

To supporters, of course, it matters little what the rest of the world thinks of Trump. When presented with statistics about his unpopularity abroad, many either gleefully point out the economic issues plaguing Europe, or claim that, in light of his 'America First' approach, the opinions of Europeans matter little. Still, for those of us concerned about President Trump's many controversial executive orders, it's interesting to see that we're not alone.

What do you think of Scotland's impression of Trump? Are you concerned about his poor reputation abroad, or does it not matter in light of his 'America First' approach to international relations? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Samantha Bee quotes slideshow
Image: TBS

The Importance of the Father-Daughter Relationship

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You've probably heard that having a strong male influence is important in a young boy's life, but it's equally important for daughters to have one as well. A positive father-daughter relationship can have a huge impact on a young girl's life and even determine whether or not she develops into a strong, confident woman.

A father's influence in his daughter's life shapes her self-esteem, self-image, confidence and opinions of men.

"How Dad approaches life will serve as an example for his daughter to build off of in her own life, even if she chooses a different view of the world," says Michael Austin, associate professor of philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University and editor of Fatherhood — Philosophy for Everyone: The Dao of Daddy.

More: One Last Look at Obama Being the Best Dad Ever

"What matters in the father-daughter relationship is that Dad seeks to live a life of integrity and honesty, avoiding hypocrisy and admitting his own shortcomings so that she has a realistic and positive example of how to deal with the world. He should try to model a reflective approach to life's big questions so that she can seek to do the same," he adds.

Dads and daughters: From infant to toddler

We now live in a culture where Dad is an equal partner in care giving. From day one, dads are encouraged to be hands-on, changing diapers, giving baths, putting Baby to sleep and calming her cries. That presence and effort is the beginning of a very important relationship.

According to Austin, this quality time together is crucial at all stages of a girl's life.

"Dads need to spend time with their infant daughter, taking care of her physical needs and supporting her Mom," he explains. And once the little lady starts toddling around, "[i]t's essential that Dad gets down on the floor — on her level — and plays with her," Austin says.

Fathers and daughters: From tween to teen

It's those pesky "hormonal" years that can often have dads shying away from their moody and sometimes standoffish daughter. When there's a tween girl in the house, "[d]ads should focus on cultivating a trusting relationship so that their daughters feel secure talking with them about what's going on in their lives," Austin explains. "When necessary, dads should apologize and ask for forgiveness, as this both shows respect and love to our daughters and heals the hurts that are inevitable in daily life together."

As a girl continues to grow and her teen years become fraught with complicated issues, dads should continue to work on building a trusting relationship, give affection and support her as she learns more about who she is and what kind of person she wants to become, Austin says.

"It's imperative that, no matter what, dads avoid the temptation to pull away or withdraw during this sometimes challenging stage of growing up."

More: Dad Who Was Fired for Attending His Son's Birth Gets (Getter) Job Offers

A father's influence on a daughter's self-image

A dad's involvement in his daughter's life is a crucial ingredient in the development of a young woman's self-esteem. Austin identifies positive elements of "common sense" parenting for dads so they can help support their daughter's self-image and curb any possibility of low self-esteem: Verbal encouragement, being consistently present in her life, being alert and sensitive to her feelings, taking time to listen to her thoughts and taking an active interest in her hobbies.

"It's important to actually do these things, which can sometimes be quite challenging," Austin adds. Direct involvement and encouragement by her father will help diminish a girl's insecurity and increase her confidence in her own abilities.

How dads influence their daughter's relationships

The type of men that women date and have long-term relationships with are also directly related to the kind of relationship a girl has with her father. Obviously, the hope is that the father figure in a girl's life will aim to skew that young lady's opinions of men in a positive way.

"He must, first and foremost, treat his daughter with respect and love. Whether or not he is married to or still together with his daughter's mom, showing respect to her mother is essential as well," explains Austin. "He must also value women as human beings, and not as persons to be used. Daughters will see what their dads believe about women by how they value and respect women, or by how they fail to do so."

More: Dad Texts Daughter Reasons He Loves Her Mom, We All Swoon

Originally published October 2012. Updated February 2017.

Top 20 Baby Necessities for New Moms

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Becoming a mother for the first time can be really overwhelming. You want everything to be perfect, but how are you supposed to know exactly what baby products are necessities?

The market is flooded with all kinds of stuff that advertisers will tell you every new mom needs, but not all of it is life-changing. Check out this list — it will help you separate the "needs" from the "wants" and get down to the essentials.

1. A good stash of diapers

Whether you are planning on using disposable or cloth diapers, you need a good stash tucked away. Running out of diapers can be disastrous, particularly at 3 a.m. Do yourself a favorite and stock up on diapers in various sizes.

2. Baby bodysuits galore

The top clothing item for a newborn is the bodysuit (onesie) — a shirt that snaps together between the legs. It stays in place, it's comfy and it keeps a diaper on. Keep loads of them around. Go for Carter's bodysuits, which are thick and cozy.

3. A swaddle blanket (actually, two)

Swaddling mimics what babies feel like in the womb, so it can be super comforting, especially to newborns. Be sure to have two swaddle blankets, so that when one is in the wash, you have another ready to go. Check out the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets (aden + anais, $55), which are generously sized — perfect for easy swaddling.

More: 7 Tips for New Moms to Get Some Sleep

4. Wipes

Like diapers, you may choose disposable or reusable wipes. Whatever you choose, be sure to have plenty on hand. You will use them dozens of times a day for wiping hands, changing diapers and more.

5. A changing pad for outings

Sure, many public bathrooms have changing stations, but do you really want your baby touching that surface — which could very well be dirty? That's why you need a portable changing pad like the Pronto! Changing Station from Skip Hop (Skip Hop, $30). Wherever you are, you can change Baby without worrying about germs. And the Pronto! has room for extra diapers and wipes.

6. A great diaper bag

Face it, diapers and wipes aren't all you need. You'll have to tote bottles, blankets, outfit changes and toys along too. A fabulous bag, such as this one from the Petunia Pickle Bottom (Petunia Pickle Bottom, $189) line, will keep you organized and ready for anything that being on the go brings.

7. A fabulous (comfy) carrier

Much like swaddling, a good baby carrier keeps Baby tucked in as if in the womb. Furthermore, it keeps your baby close to your heart, which can be so comforting for her. Check out the popular Maya Wrap which you can wear in a variety of ways.

8. A great stroller

All strollers are not created equal. Some have ultra-smooth handling but are large when folded. Some are fabulously compact but sheer drudgery to push. Go to the store and test several to see how they work for you. And be sure to try folding them — both to see if the stroller will fit in your car and to see if it's easy enough to put away.

9. A mobile

When babies are ultra-small, getting away for even a simple bathroom break can be tough. A mobile can help. Not only can it lull Baby to sleep, but it also can buy you a few much needed minutes of quiet so you can use the facilities. The Sweet Island Dreams Mobile (Baby Earth, $50) is a very cute option.

10. Nipple cream

Breastfeeding? You need nipple cream. Should your nipples get sore, cracked, chapped or any of the other possible results of breastfeeding, you will be thankful to have this. Try Lansinoh (Target, $7) brand.

Up next: More baby necessities for new moms

Originally published August 2012. Updated February 2017.

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11. Nursing bras (yes, plural)

Do you know what happens if you use a regular bra when breastfeeding and just pop out a boob? It will work — at first — but then it will be uncomfortable. And eventually, you will ruin the bra by ripping it down the center. So, invest in a few nursing bras — more than one so that you can wash one and still have one to wear.

More: 9 Questions Never to Ask a New Mom

12. A port-a-crib/playpen

Can we be realistic here for a sec? Chances are, you won't be comfortable having your baby sleeping a couple rooms away. You'll very likely want him close. And if you travel, you will need somewhere for him to sleep. So, look for a port-a-crib/playpen with a bassinet attachment. You can use it at home or on the road, and it's more cost-effective than a fixed bassinet or cradle.

13. A swing

Like the mobile, a swing can be fabulous for soothing a baby when you need a second. Choose a swing that goes side-to-side, such as Fisher-Price Cradle swings. That's a more comfortable and natural motion.

14. A bouncy seat

A comfortable — and entertaining — bouncy seat is a must-have for your family. One like this Fisher-Price Animal Party Bouncer (Target, $30) provides visual stimulation and play time for when you need to get dinner on the table or use the restroom in peace. It's portable, so you can take it everywhere.

15. A gift card for coffee — at the drive-thru

It's hardly a secret that new moms don't get much sleep. Getting your coffee fix is essential — and a gift card makes it painless.

16. Magazines

Your free time and attention span are severely limited when you have a baby. Reading a book can become a challenge with all the stop-and-go of your new lifestyle — so skip the book and stock up on magazines instead. An assortment (baby mags, gossip rags, etc.) is a good way to go.

17. Baby-friendly detergent

Babies have sensitive skin and need a gentle detergent. Charlie's Soap (Momys, $15) is just that. Keep it handy for washing your baby's clothes, and as a bonus, it's cloth diaper-safe as well.

18. Stain remover

As your baby gets older, the stains get tougher. Be prepared to spritz and spray to keep her clothes from being ruined by a surprise attack of spit-up.

19. Burp cloths

Babies spit (and spit up) often — and when you're burping them, guess where all that stuff goes. Yep, right onto your shoulder and back. The burp cloth gives it a place to land without making a mess.

20. A laptop or smartphone

Motherhood can be isolating, particularly in those long, lingering winter months. That's why having a laptop or smartphone is a must-have for new moms. You can stay connected with the human race on parenting websites, blogs and message boards. And don't forget to connect with your friends via Twitter, Facebook and email.

More: Do High-Tech Baby Monitors Do More Harm Than Good?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

hospital newborn outfits
Image: St. Clair Hospital

Girls' Jemima Kirke Chose Living Her Own Life Over Marriage

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For Girls star Jemima Kirke, the decision to divorce her husband was driven by her acting career, and the way it made her reflect on who she was and who she wanted to be.

More: Jemima Kirke Stuns Twitter With Her Naked Hair-Chopping Video

"I got divorced, and I attribute that to acting," Kirke told ES Magazine. "And just asking myself, 'Is this really me?' So much of my life has been about reaction, just following the flow rather than making a strong choice. In acting you are always asking yourself why you do things, why you make the choices you make. Everything means something. And so then you start looking at your own life in that way. I've learnt a lot more about myself and started to figure out what I really want."

Kirke was married to former lawyer Michael Mosberg for seven years after they met (true to Kirke's character on Girls) in rehab. Now, though, Kirke is admitting that the marriage wasn't what she truly wanted, and in pursuing her acting career instead of placating her husband, she's putting herself and her goals first. #GirlPower, like whoa.

More: Jemima Kirke Shares an Abortion Story Many Women Can Relate To (VIDEO)

At the same time that her marriage is ending, though, so is Girls — the HBO show's final season is just about to premiere. Kirke, who actually tried to quit after the first season, admitted that the show has become a huge part of her life.

"I am not at all sentimental, and on the last day of filming, I was like, 'Oh God, do I have to hug everyone?' But after my very last scene I went back to my dressing room and I was like, 'Oh shit, I think I'm going to cry.' Because it actually did mean something to me that it was over," she said. "My life has changed so much because of it."

More: Girls' Jemima Kirke Admits She Tortured Herself Trying to Be Thin

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

female positive films slideshow
Image: Girl's Club Entertainment

Having Game of Thrones Withdrawal? This New Beer Might Help

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While we’re all waiting for the seventh season of HBO mega-hit Game of Thrones to premiere (no date has been officially announced, leaving everyone eagerly guessing), we will at least have a beer to help us pass the time later this spring. HBO has again partnered with Brewery Ommegang to create the eighth Game of Thrones-themed beer: Bend the Knee Golden Ale.

More: Amazon's Proposed Robot Supermarket Is a Creepy Look at the Future

Bend the Knee, a Belgian-style beer, will be available both on draft and in a series of three collectible 750-milliliter bottles, and (of course) all the bottles will be finished in matte black. For series aficionados, which we assume you must be if you're collecting bottles of themed GoT beer, each bottle will be adorned with one of the three Great House sigils: Stark, Targaryen, or Lannister.

The beer is reported to be brewed with "pils malt and flaked oats and hopped with Saaz, Bravo and Styrian Golding hops" and will have a 9 percent alcohol content, which sounds pretty solid. It'll retail for $11 a pop, which isn't cheap for a single bottle of beer — then again, if you're saving those bottles as collectibles, maybe it's worth it.

More: 15 Kids' Foods Adults Need to Reclaim

Black-ish's Anthony Anderson Learned Sex Stuff From His Mom and the Internet Cannot

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Moms are seriously awesome. But let's all agree that Black-ish star Anthony Anderson is a shining example of what it looks like to be too close to your mom — he revealed during an interview on Conan that his mom taught him everything he knows about going "downtown."

Ew gif
Image: Giphy

"I'll just cut to the chase: My mother taught me how to go downtown," Anderson said, as viewers everywhere recoiled in horror. "My mama taught me how to eat the cookie. Oral sex, Conan! Oral sex."

He continued, "I had just come home from college, and we had happened to be sitting around in the family room. Not only me, but my buddies and their girlfriends. She not only taught me and my brothers and my boys, but also the women how to do what they needed to do. My mother has a very extensive video collection, and she would put the videos on. And go into graphic detail as to what’s going on in the video."

Anthony Anderson on Conan O'Brien

Anthony Anderson on Conan O'Brien

More: Nicki Minaj Is Trolling Y'all With That Pregnancy Pic

Let me get this straight. Anderson sat down with his friends and his mom, and then they all watched hardcore porn together while Mama Anderson explained in detail to everyone what was going on. Wut?

Even though Anderson went on to say that this experience was, for some reason, a "great time," the internet is having a really hard time handling this.

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 1

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 1

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 2

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 2

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 3

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 3

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 4

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 4

More: Camilla Luddington's Pregnancy Is Making Her an Emotional Wreck

But also, because it's the internet and it's full of weirdos, some people are actually here for it.

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 5

Anthony Anderson's mom taught him how to give head 5

There's always one.

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