Leave it to Congress to start arguing over the semantics of milk products while our country is facing one of the craziest upheavals in history. Thirty-two members recently signed a letter urging the FDA to bar alternative milk products (i.e. soy, almond, coconut, etc.) from being called "milk." It seems pretty clear that their sudden strong feelings about this issue come down to — what else? — money.
According to Food & Wine, the National Milk Producers Federation's political action committee increased its donations to politicians in the last election cycle (from $88,650 three years ago to $115,750), as did the International Dairy Foods Association (from $269,072 in 2014 to $324,231 in 2016). Twenty-seven of the lawmakers who signed the FDA letter have received funding from dairy lobbying groups — surprise, surprise.
The members allege that nondairy milks have become so popular — with sales growth of 250 percent in the past five years — because they're mislabeled and people mistake them for regular milk. (I guess Congress assumes consumers aren't smart enough to read the big "ALMOND" "SOY" and "CASHEW" on the cartons). Dairy milk sales, meanwhile, dropped 11 percent last year.
When no one replied to the letter, presumably because there are a few other things happening in our country right now, the Congress members introduced the "Dairy Pride Act," which would push the FDA to take legal action against companies that make nondairy milk, yogurt and cheese and use those terms to describe their products. Wow.
Luckily, two federal judges rejected claims that nondairy products using the terms milk, yogurt, butter and cheese are mislabeled. One judge said: "A reasonable consumer would not assume that two distinct products have the same nutritional content." Thank you, judges!
It's been well over a year since Bindi Irwin stole our hearts and won Dancing with the Stars Season 21, but we still can't seem to get her — and that heart-wrenching tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin — out of our heads.
Bindi Irwin video
Bindi Irwin video
Just in case you're still missing her like we are, here are some things you might not have known about Irwin. And yes, her life does revolve around animals, but she's got some other stuff going, too.
1. She's in love with a man who is as enamored with animals as she is
Chandler Powell insta
Chandler Powell insta
Irwin's boyfriend Chandler Powell is a pro wakeboarder and every bit as adventurous as the Irwin clan. He loves to help educate and spread awareness for animals, just like his conservationist girlfriend.
bindi irwin insta
bindi irwin insta
Irwin and Powell have been together for quite a while now, but they're still going strong.
2. She's (obviously) following in her dad's footsteps
Bindi Irwin instagram photo 3
Bindi Irwin instagram photo 3
Bindi's dad, aka the Crocodile Hunter, left a lasting impression on his daughter. And even though his stingray death in 2006 would normally scare a child away from pursuing the family wildlife business, Bindi has embraced it in more ways than one. Where her father was the Crocodile Hunter, Bindi has been dubbed the Jungle Girl.
3. She has her own book series
Following her father's death, Irwin cocreated a series of books called Bindi's Wildlife Adventures. The books were published by Random House Australia and focused on teaching young children about wildlife conservation while also providing them with fun stories as they learn how to read.
4. She has been on multiple TV shows and in movies
Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin
Aside from starring in her own wildlife-focused series like Bindi's Bootcamp and Bindi, the Jungle Girl, Irwin has also been featured in movies like Return to Nim's Island and Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove. Needless to say, she's not camera shy.
5. She lives at the Australian Zoo
Her family not only owns the Australian Zoo, they also live there. Of course, Irwin relocated to Los Angeles for the duration of Dancing with the Stars' filming, so she really just traded one zoo for another as she entered the big-city life.
6. She is a huge wildlife philanthropy advocate
Bindi Irwin instagram photo 1
Bindi Irwin instagram photo 1
Her parents started the Wildlife Warriors nonprofit organization back in 2002, and now Irwin continues to support the effort on her own.
7. She had a performing past pre-DWTS
Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin
Irwin had her own dance troupe in Australia called The Jungle Girls and had danced in kids' fitness videos back in the day.
If you don't already know about Corinne Foxx, you probably will soon. While it's true that her famous dad is notorious for keeping his private life extremely private, we've started to get to know Foxx little by little over the past couple years.
Corinne Fox 3
Corinne Fox 3
For anyone who's wondering where they may have seen her before, here are some things you should know about Foxx, a huge up-and-comer in Hollywood.
1. Her mother was in the Air Force
Corinne Fox 1
Corinne Fox 1
Foxx is proud to be the daughter of a U.S. veteran.
"Happy Veterans Day Mama," she captioned a pic of her mom in November. "Your strength, perseverance and endurance inspires me everyday. You have shown me that women can do anything and everything. I am who I am because of you. Thank you for your service. I promise to work towards a better, kinder, stronger America for you."
2. She was Miss Golden Globe
Corinne Fox golden globes
Corinne Fox golden globes
Foxx was named Miss Golden Globe in 2016, an honor historically given to the son or daughter of a film or television industry icon.
"Throughout the years, I’ve grown up watching my dad establish himself as a well-respected actor," Foxx said after the announcement. "I’m honored that the HFPA has given me the opportunity to now share the same stage where he’s been recognized for some of his greatest accomplishments."
3. She's always down for laser tag
Corinne Fox 2
Corinne Fox 2
Foxx wished her dad happy birthday this year with an adorable throw back, and an open invitation to play a little laser tag. But who isn't down for a round, really?
4. She's a model
Corinne Fox modeling
Corinne Fox modeling
Foxx works with L.A. Models and recently shot a campaign for Wet 'N Wild.
5. She's a big-time animal lover
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 2
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 2
From horses to goldfish to tiny monkeys, Foxx's Instagram is full of pics of her getting cozy with some of the cutest animals we've ever seen.
6. She embraces the great outdoors.
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 3
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 3
Hiking, kayaking and fishing are all activities prominently featured on Foxx's social media.
7. She's super close to her famous dad
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 4
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 4.
Foxx's Instagram features more than a few photos of her hanging out with her movie star pops.
8. She's a sorority girl
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 6
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 6
Foxx went to the University of Southern California, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women.
9. She casually hangs out with Drake
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 7
Things to know about Corinne Foxx 7
In case you weren't already jealous.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below.
Image: Handout/Getty Images Entertainment
Originally published November 2015. Updated February 2017.
Trump's presidential nomination divided the country back in July of 2016 and the gaping chasm between left-leaning citizens and their right-sympathizing neighbors has only grown in the months since.
Feuding over politics is nothing new, even among celebs, but the latest rhetoric coming out of the White House has raised the stakes even further. With families being torn apart and deported, ill-thought out xenophobic executive orders being issued, and literal white supremacists occupying highly ranked positions in the Trump administration, being apolitical has become almost impossible.
As a result, citizens and celebs alike have been increasingly vocal about their feelings toward the current presidency, with the criticism spilling over to his family, too.
I think it's pretty clear that I'm not a Trump fan. I vehemently disagree with basically everything he thinks, says, supports, and does. And perhaps it's because this incident involves Tiffany Trump, who already seems like the an outcast amongst the Trump children (she spent almost the entire 60 Minutes interview with the show logo obscuring her face!) but this felt mean.
This felt like the behavior of kids who refuse to sit with a classmate in the cafeteria and then proudly broadcast that decision to their peers, expecting support and applause from others who dislike the classmate as much as they do.
And while some celebs have drawn a line in the sand between politics and civilian life – Emily Ratajkowski recently defended Melania Trump against slut shaming, and Whoopi Goldberg announced on The View this morning that she'd be happy to sit with Trump at the rest of the week's shows – popular opinion seems to indicate that they deserve it.
Many seem to think that anyone connected to Trump – particularly, it seems, the high-profile women in his life – deserves to be mocked, ridiculed, ostracized, and publically humiliated.
The question is, are they right?
One of the strongest hallmarks of the liberal left in the battle against President Donald Trump is the theme of unity, cohesive protest, intersectionality, and inclusion.
Signs at protest marches demand "Bridges, not walls". Banners carried high read, "Love Trumps Hate'.
But what, then, do we call this meanness? These small acts of aggression and hostility? Does this fit? Are we practicing what we preach? Or do the call for kindness cease when it comes to He Who Shall Not Be Named and his family?
Is it political protest? Are we right to distance ourselves from the Trump name in any way, at all costs, hurt feelings be damned, because the stakes here are simply too high?
Or are we doing what we too often do, punishing women for the actions of the men in her life? (If this sounds familiar, it should. See: Hillary being asked to defend, account, and atone for her husband's past indiscretions for the duration of her presidential campaign.)
It's a tough tightrope to walk, this balancing act between dialogue and derision and celebs often come under fire for daring to even attempt it.
Jimmy Fallon drew harsh criticism from those saying he was "normalizing" Trump when he had him on his talk show back in September 2016, cracking jokes and ruffling his hair. Trevor Noah drew similar ire when he attempted to engage right-wing mouthpiece Tomi Lahren by having her on his show a few months later in December.
One of the lesser-known Martin Luther King quotes speaks about precisely this; the danger of moderation and white politeness. The danger of pretending like everything is OK and not wanting to ruffle feathers, when a little ruffling is exactly what is needed to fight injustice and overturn racist, bigoted systems of government:
"First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate" he wrote, in his now iconic Letter From Birmingham Jail, "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice;"
So. When we mock and belittle Melania's apparent misery; when Nordstrom empties its racks of Ivanka Trump's eponymous clothing line; when empty seats surround Tiffany Trump as though she was a leper – is this just another form of political protest? Are we simply taking any chance we can to denounce an anti-semitic, racist, and xenophobic administration?
Or, is this behavior just mean-girl misogyny in disguise?
What, no Merlex? In this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy, there were two noticeable absences: our intrepid narrator, Meredith Grey, and her guy "person," Alex Karev. And while it was a solid episode nonetheless, well, it's just not Grey's Anatomy without Meredith Grey.
As for Alex, we just missed him. I mean, we did just get him back from the clutches of the penal system, so it would be nice if this week started to reintegrate him at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Rather, what we got was an episode that focused on what life might look like at Grey Sloan if April Kepner's appointment as interim chief of general surgery actually stuck. Was it interesting to see where everyone's loyalties fell and how the dynamic between the doctors played out in the OR? Sure.
Having said that,it simply wasn't the same without Mer, am I right?
I kept waiting for her to pop up at some point or at least be worked into a scene. But nope! She remained the out-of-sight narrator for the entire episode. ICYMI, that basically makes two episodes this season already that have had little to know Grey factor. What gives, Shonda Rhimes?
All of this isn't to say the cast and characters who had arcs tonight aren't important or interesting. Case in point? Dr. Stephanie Edwards learned the hardest lesson any surgeon will ever learn: that sometimes, no matter how prepared you are, things go terribly wrong and you lose someone on the table. And, sometimes, that someone is a nine-year-old boy.
Jerrika Hinton, who plays Stephanie, gave yet another moving performance. Her arc also served to move Minnick's story forward, as this was also Minnick's first loss of a child. For the first time, she is vulnerable and open, letting Arizona console her in the aftermath.
Another character that saw major development this week? April, of course. as the new interim chief, we're seeing April in a new light. On the one hand, I kind of get where she is coming from — opportunities like this don't just come along every day. On the other hand, I'm with Maggie... the total 180 April did when Bailey offered up Meredith's job on a silver platter makes April seem like a Judas.
So, yes, there was plenty going on this week to sink our teeth into. However, can any fan who has been on this journey with Meredith all these years not feel at least a little slighted when she is a no show?
No offense to April, but we want Meredith! If Alex happens to be right by her side, that wouldn't hurt our feelings either. You can't take away Yang and McDreamy and Lexipedia and George and Izzie for good and, after all of that, deprive us of Mer and Alex.
The new kids may be cool, but there are no substitute for the real deal.
Hopefully Rhimes gets a little pushback from fans and realizes this could never work IRL — as in, if this is all some sort of strange test run to see if you could still have Grey's without Grey. Rest assured, though, Rhimes... you just can't.
Well Thursday's Supernatural was one crazy, dramatic, emotional and intense ride. Not only did Castiel almost die (don't worry, Crowley saved him), but Mary is now lying to her boys and almost got them both killed in the process.
Basically, Mary Winchester is the worst and most untrustworthy character. And here we thought she would be one badass hunter returning from the dead. Yeah, that definitely isn't the case anymore.
The episode revolved around Mary enlisting Sam, Dean, Castiel, and hunter Wally to take care of a demon. However, there was one huge detail she decided to conceal from everyone (save Wally, who also is now dead). The case was given to Mary by her new partners, the British Men of Letters.
First of all, let's just talk about how Mary is working with a group of hunters who not only almost killed her son, Sam, but who go to extreme lengths to eradicate basically anyone and everyone (including those who aren't supernatural) to supposedly make the world a safer and better place. Really, Mary? These are the type of people you want to work with? We get that she probably wants a world without evil, which would also mean a hunter-free life for Sam and Dean, but this is not the way to get it.
Then, to watch Mary lie directly to her boys' face is beyond infuriating. Yes, this demon needed to be killed, but the whole goal was for Mary to steal a specific item from this particular demon. Of course, she didn't let anyone else in on the plan. And because Mary didn't have all of the details (aka Mr. Ketch was supposedly given "bad intel" about who they were hunting), nothing went as planned.
This demon turned out to be a former "Prince of Hell" named Ramiel, who even had yellow eyes like Azazel, another Prince of Hell. He also possessed archangel Michael's lance, which almost killed Castiel. By the way, six years prior, Crowley sought out Ramiel to become the next King of Hell, but he turned it down. That is how Crowley became king.
Moving on. Seeing as Ramiel is one of the most powerful demons and turned by Lucifer, he didn't show anyone any mercy whatsoever. Thankfully in the end Sam managed to eradicate him with Michael's lance. Before that happened, can we talk about how Ramiel told them that he wanted what they stole from him or he would kill them all. Rather than Mary confessing and handing over the item, she stayed silent.
That's right, Mary was willing to sacrifice the lives of her sons for the British Men of Letters. She definitely isn't mother of the year, is she? What makes matters worse is that she has yet to tell Sam and Dean what she stole or that she is working with Mr. Ketch. When or if they ever find out, they are not going to be happy with their mom.
What makes up for Mary's awfulness is how the episode ended. You know the item she stole from Ramiel? Guess what it is. It's the Colt. Yes, that Colt. That's right, the revolver that once played a huge part in the earlier seasons of Supernatural is back. Now what are the British Men of Letters going to do with it?
And that's not the only exciting part. At the episode's end, Crowley was seen talking to a mysterious individual he had locked up. This man was trying to convince Crowley that one day Sam and Dean will turn their backs on him, so he should just stop working with them right now and do what he does best: kill them.
So who is this person Crowley has captive? We didn't get a clear glimpse of his entire face, but it's so Mark Pellegrino. It had to be him, right? It sounded and looked like him. So, yeah, the original man who so flawlessly first brought Lucifer to life seems to finally be back. It's about time. Oh, and this also means that Lucifer is obviously not back in his cage. Why does Crowley have him and what is his plan? We just have so many questions.
Between Mary's secrets, the Colt, whatever the British Men of Letters are up to and Pellegrino's supposed return as Lucifer, the rest of this season is shaping up to be fantastic.
E! News reports Lawrence sent Burke flowers for Valentine's Day. They also started following each other on Instagram and have been sharing snaps of one another on their Snapchat stories, including one where Burke asked her followers, "Should I be worried?" with a pic of Lawrence cuddling her pet pooch on the couch.
The duo initially met all the way back in 2006, when Lawrence's brother, Joey, was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars while Burke served as a pro on the show. They started dating in 2007 for about a year before breaking up in early 2008. While they were dating, Lawrence was so committed to the relationship that he even went on the DWTS tour with Burke.
Clearly, love was not the problem for these two, though it's unclear what drove them to break up back in the day. Maybe the second time will be the charm.
Are you a fan of the Cheryl Burke, Matthew Lawrence reunion?
Sports Illustrated is shaking things up by releasing their most inclusive Swimsuit Issue yet,and starting an Instagram campaign for women to boost self esteem with their Director leading the pack.
Feminism can be a lot for men to handle, especially in today’s mobilized resistance era. It’s not just trendy now to be pro-women, but a crucial part of life in this President Trump world. A lot of feminism is targeted toward changing the way men perceive women and thereby changing how they expect us to live our lives.
But if the Suffragettes, the reproductive warriors of the Second Wave and today’s Women’s Marchers are proving anything, it’s that women don’t need men to liberate them, we can do it ourselves. And if anyone is quite literally embodying that philosophy, it's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue director MJ Day, who just posed in a bikini with her child (get it, Mama!) on Instagram to promote a new social media campaign #WhatIModel encouraging women to fearlessly embrace and share their bikini bodies.
MJ Day Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Video
MJ Day Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Video
If you don’t understand how monumental the issue is, it is estimated that somewhere around 91 percent of women have negative images of their bodies, leading them to take matters into their own hands. Sometimes, that’s just (hopefully healthy) dieting and exercise plans, but often it escalates to eating disorders, fitness obsessions and surgery in order to achieve what they see as an ideal. The real problem is where that ideal comes from and how it persists. It’s no secret that the triad of the fashion, advertising and modeling industries insidiously perpetuates the unrealistic standard that women bend over backward (sometimes literally) to achieve.
And with the internet armed with trolls who publicly harass women about their weight, especially those in the spotlight (book recommendation on said topic: Lindy West’s Shrill), you have a problem that is hard for women to even try to escape.
It’s certainly one of America’s most serious issues, and with cities like London banning ads that promote unhealthy body images in their transport systems, we’re certainly not on the forefront of course-correcting. It’s also a whole issue in and of itself that women who aren’t a size 0 are considered “plus-size” in the fashion industry and that only a few of those with that title forced on them ever reach supermodel fame and success. But thankfully, a handful of supermodels like Robyn Lawley and Erica Jean Schenk have been helping to redefine and reeducate both consumers and the industry, and with companies like Dove starting their Real Beauty campaign that featured women who don’t fit the industry’s size 0 and white status quo — strides are being made.
Truth: It hasn't always been this way
Sport’s Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue has long been the stuff of feminist nightmares — splaying women out specifically and exclusively for the male gaze, and then only women who meet a very narrow definition of beauty. But regardless, the issue has sold like hotcakes and appearing in it is a huge career opportunity for models. So the fact that they are not just changing directions, but using this issue of the magazine as a platform to promote a cultural dialogue and shift, is a huge step in the right direction. Day’s post admits that she “has never felt truly comfortable in a swimsuit,” and invites every woman, instead of feeling shame, to “love ourselves in the present.” The official campaign announcement admits that this year’s issue is “the most inclusive ever, and features women of various ages, backgrounds and body types.” In collaboration with Health Magazine, and @WomenIRL (an Instagram community) they go on to announce that they're “celebrating this vision of beauty and confidence in our feed…in our swimsuits.”
This move falls in line with how a lot of men’s magazines are trying to update their voices and portrayals of women for the 21st century — like when Playboy announced last year that they would no longer publish nudity (which they've already reversed, calling the decision a "mistake..."). And it is truly refreshing to see avenues that have not always provided a progressive platform for women finally doing so. It does need to be said that it’s a little problematic that in order to promote the sale of their magazine issue, Sports Illustrated is asking women to strip down on social media using their hashtags (#WhatIModel, #LoveYourSwimsuit, #WomenIRL), but Day did somewhat address this by both being the first to bare almost all and leading her post with, “Deep.Breath. If I am going to talk the talk I am going to walk the walk.” Cheers to the beginning of what is hopefully a new era of body positivity and its representation in advertising and modeling.
I mean, shit, I'm not even American! I'm from the land of Joe Trudeau and maple syrup, sitting up here in my toque watching the shitshow down south like:
But fuck, things are depressing no matter where you are. And um, honestly? It's getting kind of hard to keep up.
Like, I'm trying to have a whole life here, but every day I have to educate myself about the latest fuckery engaged in by the Trump administration, watch an increasingly-dead-eyed Kellyanne Conway halfheartedly fumble her way through the day's latest alternative facts, and learn whose ill-advised political appointment we're protesting now.
I can't take much more of this and again, it hasn't even been a goddamn month!
This may have been why I started weeping when I watched this video.
Love has no labels vid
Love has no labels vid
If you're not bawling right now, you have no soul.
Produced by the Ad Council, the video features the Kiss Cam, a cheesy staple at many stadium sporting events. This kiss cam, however, is different.
As the kiss cam's heart is superimposed over a man and a woman sitting next to eachother, the man gets an awkward smile on his face before leaning over to kiss his partner - the man sitting on the other side of him. The crowd registers a brief moment of surprise and then spontaneously erupts into cheers.
And it doesn't stop there, this kiss cam is on a mission to celebrate love in all its forms - without labels.
The camera settles on other couples; biracial, homosexual, disabled, and from different ages, races and religious backgrounds. Music swells in the background as each pair smiles and embraces, some kiss for the camera. The crowd breaks into applause when they watch the camera focus on a lesbian couple - one of whom wears a tee-shirt indicating she is a survivor of the Orlando shooting.
I started sobbing as I watched. This is exactly what I needed right now. This is what we all need right now.
This video, this wholehearted celebration of pure love, needs to be shown after every nonsensical Trump press conference as the ultimate palate cleanser for our exhausted minds and defeated spirits.
It needs to be shown after every ignorant statement about immigrants, people of color, women, and every other minority group Trump has targeted during his short tenure in politics.
We all need to be reminded how happy love makes the two people in it and those fortunate enough to be witnessing it, too. We need to show different forms of love to our children and absorb the meaning of that love. We need to watch this video on the daily to remind ourselves what we're fighting for, what we're protesting for, who we're doing this for.
So yes, it's been less than a month and we are all exhausted by the never-ending shit show unfolding in the White House but let's not ever lose sight of this simple message: Love has no labels. No religion. No disability or race or creed or gender.
Love is love is love is love.
Persist.
To learn more about the Love Has No Labels campaign, and take an interactive quiz to evaluate your own bias, click here.
The goatees, the frosted tips and the coordinated outfits might be gone forever, but that doesn't mean *NSYNC doesn't still know how to make our dreams come true.
There is an *NSYNC reunion happening, which means half of America just resorted to their preteen state of mind. If you're like me, you simply cannot handle the grandeur of this news.
"We’re coming out with a really cool vinyl edition of our Christmas album because it’s coming up on the 20 years of that [1998 'Home for Christmas']" he explained. "And then we’re going to be getting our star on the [Hollywood] Walk of Fame this year at some point."
Which means there's not one but two potential *NSYNC reunions in 2017.
The only thing that could make this news better is if Bass said the duo was going to release new music for the anniversary. Or, you know, sing something at their Walk of Fame ceremony.
The downside to this news is that Bass did leave his comments open-ended and filled with loopholes in case things happen to fall through.
"We’re terrible at planning things... We’re five guys, so for us to make a decision about anything is really hard, so we just need to do it. So hopefully maybe around Christmas time," he said. "It’ll be fun to see everybody again."
I don't care what anyone says, news that Bass, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone and JC Chasez are all going to be shoulder to shoulder once again makes 2017 leaps and bounds better than 2016 already.
The surprising truth: Being a reality star doesn't mean you get to be a star in any other arena you choose. Lawson Bates is learning that the hard way on Bringing Up Bates.
The guy is an insanely talented artist, from writing his own songs to playing the guitar to singing and performing. But he is still grinding and putting in the work, just like anyone else who wants to make it big.
Tonight's episode showcased some of the bumps in the roads along the way for Lawson as he prepared for a concert and his subsequent tour. And there have definitely been some bumps.
Lawson was playing stage manager while also trying to prep for his concert, and the results were just, well, rough. The iPads were glitchy, which meant ticket sales were a disaster. Some of the members of his band showed up late so the group didn't get a good sound check. And maybe worst of all, poor Lawson forgot the lyrics to one of his own songs.
Surprisingly, though, the whole concert was still an overall success. Mostly because of Lawson and his knack for keeping it positive instead of crumbling into a heap on the stage like I probably would have done.
"I've been doing a lot of performing over the past year. Mess ups happen," Lawson explained after the face to the cameras. "But taking it light and watching people's reactions, making sure they're enjoying themselves, I think is a lot more important than perfection."
You know a Bates family event was ultimately a success if Gil Bates cries and boy did that guy bawl his eyes out during the show. Gotta love him! Even Kelly Jo Bates shed a tear or two!
Despite the mishaps, Lawson's career is definitely on the rise. Just a few weeks ago, he did an interview about his career with Fox News in which he discussed keeping strong values in all of his songs.
"[My songs are about] faith, values and standing up for what's right," he told the outlet. "I feel like a lot of my faith is weaved into my album and that has a place in country music."
It's Lawson's passion that makes him an easy hero in this success story. I have a good feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of Lawson in the upcoming years.
It would appear that yet another Shondaland vet is at odds with the network that helped launch their careers. What is it about those Grey's Anatomy alums?
Well, unlike Katherine Heigl, T.R. Knight and Isaiah Washington (each has had a feud directly with Grey's Anatomy that negatively affected their careers), Sara Ramirez is going right to ABC to voice her concerns over a joke that was made on The Real O'Neals. The show is a hit in the network's stable of weeknight shows and, at its center, features a young, gay male protagonist who is navigating his own developing sense of sexuality in a conservation, Irish Catholic family.
Ramirez, who is an out bisexual woman and played one on Grey's Anatomy, was apparently none too please when the latest episode of The Real O'Neals featured a joke which was, allegedly, bi-phobic. Ramirez, who has been an active voice in the LGBTQ community and specifically a voice for the bisexual community, took to Twitter to voice her concerns for the fallout from the joke and demand an explanation from ABC.
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 1
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 1
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 2
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 2
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 3
Ramirez ABC Bi Joke Tweet 3
The joke that instigated Ramirez's dismay involved The Real O'Neal's Noah comparing bisexual people to people with "webbed toes" or those with "money problems." Frankly, just reading the joke on paper it doesn't really seem like an amusing joke to begin with. But the you add in those notes of bi-phobic derision and it's enough to turn anyone's stomach. For Ramirez, it was a serious red flag.
Ramirez tagged ABC's Twitter account in her tweets while voicing that she was "disheartened" with the network for allowing such a remark to make its way onto TV. As she notes in her tweet, she worked with ABC for a little over 10 years through Grey's Anatomy and her comments appear to come from a place of confusion, as if to say that she cannot understand how the network could allow a character on one show to be an out, proud and fulfilled bisexual while another show let's a character make fun of bisexuals.
At time of reporting, ABC has yet to release a statement to either Ramirez (who asked that the network comment) or to the public explaining their decision. What can be said definitively is that it is nothing short of admirable that Ramirez continues to speak up and defend the bisexual community.
You've never seen a waffle like this before. All you need is a few ingredients and a waffle iron to create this ooey-gooey lunch or snack that's perfect for sharing.
There are some dogs that can really smell up a joint in a hurry no matter how much time and effort you put into grooming them. We're looking at you, super-duper cute bulldogs.
We love, love, love ourselves some puppies — even when they are stinky. But is it too much to ask that they don't? No, no it's not. There are actually certain dog breeds that don't stink.
If you're searching for a dog breed whose funk isn't strong enough to clear a room, these guys are your best bet.
1. Poodle
Image: littledoglinus
The experts at PetPlace.com recommend poodles for people who prefer dogs that naturally have low odor. These fluffy pups come in three sizes, from toy poodles that are ideal for apartment dwellers to the standard poodles that love larger accommodations, and have a hypoallergenic coat that may reduce allergic reactions.
2. Bichon frise
Image: sandygram78
Another dog that tends to be a good breed for allergy sufferers, the bichon is a low- to no-odor dog that doesn't shed much but requires regular brushing. These playful pups also have a load of energy and love physical activity.
Lassie had more going for her than being a loyal life-saver. She was also a collie, a clean breed pleasantly noted for not having a doggy odor. Keep in mind, though, that collies do shed and need regular brushing.
Originally published September 2013. Updated February 2017.
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4. Basenji
Image: fiuk_the_basenji
The basenji is an ideal pet for the dog lover who wants a breed that is quiet and easy on the nose. Basenjis, also known as the barkless dog, are energetic canines with a short coat that needs minimal grooming and doesn't have the typical doggy odor.
5. Maltese
Image: sonyatanjaya
These graceful, gorgeous pups have a full-body mane of hair that needs regular brushing, but they are easy on the nose and considered a clean dog breed. Their small size and gentle spirit make them ideal companion dogs.
6. Beagle
Image: candy_the_beagle
According to the American Kennel Club, beagles are one of the most popular dogs in the United States. If you, too, are a "Snoopy" fan and want a dog with no odor and low-maintenance grooming, beagles will make you a happy camper.
The experts at WhosYaDoggy.com classify Boston terriers as having little to no odor. This small, gentle dog requires a minimal amount of grooming and makes a great house pet.
Described by the American Kennel Club as energetic, cocky and animated, Poms are easy on the nose and delightfully eager to please their pet parents. Though they are energetic, because of their small size they don't require much exercise.
These bright, alert, and high-energy dogs don't stink, but their long, luxe coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats. Make sure you have plenty of room and exercise for this fluffy, huggable pup.
10. Dalmatian
Image: dogpicturesonline
Another low- to no-odor breed according to WhosYaDoggy.com, dalmatians, the iconic "firehouse dog," are intelligent, high-energy dogs that thrive in a family environment. Keep in mind that they do need regular exercise and brushing to minimize shedding.
An extra tip: Minimize the doggy odor
Regardless of breed, any dog can emit an unpleasant or strong odor, according to Kathryn Barkley, grooming salon manager at Petco in Encinitas, California. She recommends regular bathing and grooming, as well as feeding your furry friend a high-quality dog food. "A lower-quality food that contains a lot of fillers can often make a dog smell bad because the odors come out through the skin and coat," she explains. "In addition, feeding a formula with fish can sometimes make a pet's coat have a slight fish odor."
Presley quietly filed for divorce last year from her fourth husband, musician Michael Lockwood, after 10 years of marriage. The filing was pretty abrupt, and they still haven't finalized their split — Lockwood is claiming rights to Presley's share of the $300 million estate left to the family by her late father, Elvis Presley.
Now, though, court papers reportedly say Presley found "indecent" photos and videos on what she says is Lockwood's computer, and that 80 of his devices have been seized by Beverly Hills police. Reports say it was Presley who discovered the photos and videos and called the police.
"I was shocked and horrified and sick to my stomach," Presley said in court filings. "My understanding is that Tennessee law enforcement is also conducting an investigation related to the photos and videos that I discovered, I have no idea what else may be on those devices and fear that there are more and worse images and evidence in these un-analyzed devices."
TMZ reports that the content found was enough for child protective services to take the couple's 8-year-old twin girls away from both parents. Reportedly, the girls are in protective custody and will stay there at least until a court hearing, scheduled for March.
According to the Daily Mail, Lockwood is still being allowed supervised visitation with the twins, whose two nannies accompany them on visits to see their father. Lockwood has posted on social media about his visits with the girls.
One restaurant has figured out a way to handle rowdy, out-of-control kids: offer their parents a discount to keep their children quiet.
Antonio Ferrari, owner of a wine bar in Italy, had tired of children running around his restaurant getting in the way of servers and being a nuisance to other customers.
Then one day, he observed a particularly well-behaved family dining with five kids. He gave the party a 5 percent polite children discount and has been doing it ever since. And apparently, it's working to keep things more under control during his busy weekend lunch hours.
Now, I often dine out with my five kids. I would love a discount. But it's never going to happen for me.
I'm sorry to tell you this (and please don't read it if you're eating) but my 3-year-old son has, on two separate occasions while dining out, thrown up. Not because he had the stomach bug or anything — because he got so crazy jumping up and down and was jamming so much food in his mouth.
He's also very social at restaurants. So even back when I would put him in a high chair, he would constantly climb out so he could socialize with other patrons. Which other patrons you may wonder? All other patrons. Yup. That was him you saw climbing over booths to get to people. Just to say hi. Mamma mia.
I can already hear Italian wine bar owner Antonio Ferrari yelling, "No discount for those Americans!" However you say that in Italian. And I wouldn't blame him.
I agree that it's up to parents to keep their kids under control. If your baby is screaming, take them out of the restaurant. If your child just spilled water everywhere, clean up the mess. If you have an unusually spirited, social toddler, maybe stick to the loud sports bars where no one cares much anyway.
I guess it's a good idea in theory to give parents a little financial incentive to keep a close eye on their kids — although it does feel a bit judgmental. Maybe that's just me: the person holding down one kid while the other four are running around.
And I refuse to pull out the smartphones to create silent zombie-children. My kids need to try to be patient, have conversations and doodle on their paper napkins until the food or check arrives. This does mean that from time to time, a child or two may have gotten a bit rambunctious.
I probably will never get a discount for quiet, docile children. In fact, I pay a little more. I leave a great tip.
North Carolina's HB-26 would make it harder for women to successfully complete the doses of the abortion pill.
An abortion bill proposed by legislators in North Carolina would make it more difficult for women to successfully move forward with an abortion pill because of the barriers it would create. Under HB-26, doctors administering the abortion pill would be required to both explain to women the manner in which abortions can be reversed, as well as not move forward with the second dose of the abortion pill unless fetal death can be proven.
“In other words, for the roughly 30 to 50 percent of patients for whom Mifepristone alone doesn’t immediately end the pregnancy, obtaining the second medication to finish the abortion may be impossible depending on how this language is interpreted.”
The abortion is a popular, and safe if administered correctly, option for women who wish to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks after the first day of the woman’s last period. According to Planned Parenthood, the likelihood of success is 93 to 100 percent for women who take the pills before or during their 10th week of pregnancy.
The abortion pill is actually a series of pills, the first of which is administered at a clinic by a physician and which is intended to halt the production of progesterone in the body, which would begin to terminate the pregnancy. The second pill removes the fetus from the woman’s body. Planned Parenthood likens the physical reaction to the pills as that of extreme cramping during menstrual cycles.
According to Cosmopolitan, the second pill is necessary because for about 30 to 50 percent of women, the first pill alone would not terminate the pregnancy. This is where the North Carolina bill would make it near impossible for some women to complete the abortion pill series. If the second pill is dependent on proof that the pregnancy has been terminated, many women would not fall in that category.
Women who do not fully complete the abortion pill series run the risk of taking the pregnancy to full term, having an unsuccessful abortion or getting a life-threatening infection.
We hear the term "gaslighting" thrown around all of the time, but what does it mean, really? Google defines "gaslight" as a verb that means "manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity" — but the reality of gaslighting is far more complicated. In fact, you could actually be the toxic gaslighter in your relationship without even knowing it.
As far as I know, every relationship has moments that make you wish you could take back words. But outside of these glaring moments of regret, it’s possible you cause your partner emotional harm with things you say by getting close to gaslighting.
Consider this: How often do you use the phrase “that’s crazy” in reference to something your partner did or plans to do? Regardless of whether you meant to, this invalidates your partner’s feelings and gives you the upper hand. When done maliciously and purposefully, this is called gaslighting, a behavior defined by The National Domestic Violence Hotline as, “An extremely effective form of emotional abuse that causes a victim to question their own feelings, instincts, and sanity, which gives the abusive partner a lot of power.”
The term for this type of psychological manipulation is derived from the 1938 play Gas Light, in which the husband tried to convince the wife she was insane by subtly changing her environment and insisting she was delusional. Donna Anderson, author ofRed Flags of Love Fraud: 10 Signs You're Dating a Sociopath, says true forms of gaslighting such as that are never accidental.
“Gaslighting occurs when people try to get their partners to doubt their own perceptions,” she explains. “A typical tactic is hiding the partner's keys, saying nothing while the partner frantically looks for them, replacing the keys exactly where the partner left them, and then claiming that the partner is losing his or her mind.”
However, it is possible you are headed down the dangerous path that could lead to gaslighting without yet being that extreme. Here are eight signs you may be on the verge of gaslighting.
1. You end conversations with insults: It’s one thing to want to move on from a conversation. It’s another to systematically insult your partner when you do it, says Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., author of Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship With a Narcissist. Durvasula says common problem phrases include, “I’m not listening to that crazy talk anymore” or “You’re too sensitive.”
2. You turn your partner’s problems into criticisms of them: Another behavior from you that may wear down your partner’s self-esteem is if you blame them for everything — even when the situation is beyond their control. For example, Durvasula says it’s problematic if your partner expresses concern about money, only for you to say something along the lines of, “Stop complaining.”
This may be related to a common personality trait of gaslighters: narcissism. “They are made of psychological Teflon and everything slips off of them,” Durvasula says. “So they aren't able to have compassionate conversations about difficult manners.”
3. You make them doubt their reality: The title of the Gas Light play is derived from scenes in which the abusive husband searched the apartment above their home for lost jewels every night — which would cause the gas lights in their own home to dim. But, when the wife noted that, the husband would tell her she was just imagining it.
Even when the case isn’t that extreme, Durvasula says it’s emotionally harmful to regularly doubt your partner’s reality by saying things such as, “It didn’t happen that way.” Instead, accept there are two sides to every story.
4. You stay in relationships until something better comes along: Another sign that you may be at fault is if you’re looking for a relationship with someone better. Nikki Martinez, doctor of psychology and licensed counselor, explains people prone to gaslighting believe they deserve more and constantly note when a current partner falls short of hopes. She says these people “like the person they are with enough for now, but do not see this as a long-term partner or permanent partner for themselves.”
5. You refuse to accept responsibility: Many behaviors related to gaslighting come from a need to be right about everything, explained Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of How to be Happy Partners: Working it out Together. Think about any times you continued an argument even after you knew your partner had the truly valid point just because you didn’t want to “lose.”
6. Your partner goes to great lengths to explain: In the early stages of the road to gaslighting, your partner may try to make you see his or her side. Durvasula says this often arises through “relationship emails.” She says the partner of a potential gaslighter may resort to long emails or texts if they think that’s the only way they can make a point without getting shut down.
7. Your partner puts up a wall: As the relationship or gaslighting behavior progresses, your partner may refuse to talk about problems if they don’t think there is any point. Tessina says other behaviors the partner of a gaslighter may exhibit include becoming anxious, depressed or angry.
8. You constantly tell white lies: You may think of it as a protective mechanism, but Tessina said most forms of lying are actually gaslighting. For instance, if your partner comments on your new shirt, but you don’t want to admit you spent money on it, you might claim it is actually old... That’s a mind game. Other examples include saying you’re working when you’re doing something else, encouraging your children not to tell your partner something or hiding some type of betrayal.
The good news is that any of these behaviors are possible to correct with awareness and help. Durvasula recommends individual therapy to teach you how to take responsibility and couples therapy to help you improve communication techniques. With this kind of guidance and personal mindfulness, it is possible to turn out the lights on gaslighting.
Originally published August 2016. Updated February 2017.
Christina El Moussa may have underestimated how crazy Flip Or Flop fans can get about the show (or maybe she just likes to mess with them, and if that's the case, I may actually like her), because an Instagram post that really was pretty innocuous sent them all into a rabid tizzy this week.
The post in question was just a group shot of Christina hanging with the Flip Or Flop crew, alongside a message thanking them for all their hard work on the series.
Christina El Moussa causes Flip Or Flop fans to panic
Christina El Moussa causes Flip Or Flop fans to panic
"I've never met a group of more positive, fun-loving, funny... all around amazing guys... filming 7 seasons of #FlipOrFlop has been a breeze because of them. I [heart] each and every one of you," she wrote. Aww, that's a sweet message.
The wording, though, was maybe not Christina's best choice. It does kind of sound like she's saying goodbye to the show's crew, and that's how a lot of her followers took it. Complete, all-consuming panic ensued, because a world without Flip Or Flop is not a world any of these people want to live in.
But while Christina's followers were filling her comments section with crying emojis, they were missing the real point of this post: She is shading the everliving shit out of her soon-to-be-ex-husband Tarek El Moussa.
Read the post again. See that part where she says that filming seven seasons has been a breeze? SEVEN? Flip Or Flop season 8 just premiered, fam. Season 8. What she's actually saying here is that the show was all fun and easy until now, and the divorce is ruining everything. You're welcome for that quality piece of detective work.
To start, it must be said that there are spoilers ahead, don't read ahead unless you watched last night's episode, blah blah blah. OK, now that that's out of the way... let's talk about Brooke Williamson's comeback! Come on; of course we all knew she'd dominate Last Chance Kitchen and join the three remaining cheftestants in Guadalajara. And when she did, she not only won the Quickfire Challenge, but she also made probably the best strategic move of her entire Top Chef career: pair up John Tesar with Katsuji Tanabe for the Elimination Challenge.
That's right, you guys — our favorite dysfunctional couple reunited and it did not disappoint. Because, really, the entire time we were all wondering if Tanabe would sabotage Tesar.
Katsuji sabotage Top Chef tweet
Katsuji sabotage Top Chef tweet
Katsuji tweet
Katsuji tweet
Katsuji eff you tweet
Katsuji eff you tweet
Image: Bravo
And the best Tanabe moment? When he basically predicted Tesar would be going home.
Katsuji Nostradamus tweet
Katsuji Nostradamus tweet
Yep, Tesar went home. I'm not about to put this off any longer; let's get to what Tesar had to say about the elimination, Tanabe and this season.
SheKnows: Were you surprised by your elimination?
John Tesar: Yes, I was. I don’t think I should have gone home last night, and I stand behind my dish and my drink, but that’s the way the Top Chef cookie crumbles.
SK: What was it like working with all the judges on the show? Who's the most intimidating?
JT: I love all the judges on the show, especially Gail Simmons. I find her to be very sweet and honest. Tom [Colicchio] is an amazing person and even more amazing as a chef. You have to respect his opinion. He can be sarcastic at times but he makes me laugh. Padma [Lakshmi] by far is the most intimidating because of those incredibly intense model stares, and she is the one that tells you to pack your knives and go home.
SK: Which contestant do you think deserves to win? Or who are you rooting for?
JT: I’m always rooting for Sheldon [Simeon]; I’m one of his biggest fans. I’m also very fond of Brooke [Williamson] and Shirley [Chung]. I’m really afraid of Brooke, but Sheldon is my man.
SK: Who did you consider your biggest competition?
JT: The three that are left, I’ve thought from day one were the ones to beat this season and also the most talented.
SK: Was there anyone on the show you really clashed with? Who was it and why?
JT: Katsuji and I clashed, but we also became friends. From conflict also comes friendship.
SK: Who do you think deserved to go home on last night’s episode?
JT: I’m a chef on the show not a judge, so I have my personal feelings. However, I respect the decision of the judges despite my personal feelings. I really don’t think I should have gone home. C'est la vie.
SK: What was the best experience you had on the show?
JT: The best experience was being able to do the show again. I would go back and be a judge or be on all-stars.
SK: What was the biggest challenge for you on the show?
JT: For me the clock is always the biggest challenge. I don’t like to do things that quickly or under pressure, I like to take my time be meticulous and think them through. Cooking under time constraints often makes me nervous
SK: Who's your favorite Top Chef contestant of all time and why?
JT: Sheldon is my favorite of all time. He’s super talented and super sweet and has a bit of sunshine around him at all times. He helped me through some emotional times during the show. Both as a fan and as a contestant, Sheldon is by far my favorite, and I especially love his kids.
