Apparently, there was an airplane on last Sunday's episode in a scene with Rick in frame and the junkyard behind him. But was it an airplane or a bird?
You be the judge.
the walking dead airplane tweet 1
the walking dead airplane tweet 1
Granted, this one actually has a solidly correct answer and the fans seem to agree it was, indeed, an airplane.
I mean, oops... unless of course the next episode is planning on introducing one hell of a curve ball into the series. I guess it could happen. As someone pointed out above, the characters in the show have every other sort of transportation so why not a plane?
the walking dead airplane tweet 5
the walking dead airplane tweet 5
But I'm going to go ahead and say this is one of those times where we're all just going to have to suspend our disbelief and move on. So far, the show's executives have yet to comment on the bird/plane/Superman so let the guessing continue.
She's somehow managed to turn some really bad publicity into a chance to showcase a new side to herself. And it's a side that's blunt, real and totally relatable, despite the fact that Carey is known as the queen of divas.
"It’s just something where if I can’t explain it to the entire world, then they’re not going to understand it, because it’s not what they do," Carey said when asked to explain what, exactly, went down during her New Year's Eve performance. "Just like I wouldn’t understand somebody who had a desk job and how to do that. I couldn’t. I literally am incapable of being in the real world and surviving."
Part of being in Carey's world also means moving on from very bad and very public moments.
"I used to get upset by [controversy]," she told Rolling Stone. "This was out of my control, and had everything not been such a total chaotic mess, then I would have been able to make something happen. Even the dancers should have stopped dancing and helped me off the fucking stage. I’m sorry. It was a mess, and I blame everybody, and I blame myself for not leaving after rehearsal."
Well, I guess that's one way to take responsibility. Of course, does a true diva ever have to take responsibility for anything? You do you, Mariah.
Some people choose to adopt a pet that will be a great guard dog or even seek out a dog breed that is known for their superior athletic ability — but most of us just want a dog that is a sweet companion fit to be our best friend.
These breeds are famous for being super-affectionate and are always down for a good cuddle.
Do you miss the Taco Bell commercials featuring this adorable dog breed? Fanna Easter, national dog training education specialist at Petco, recommends Chihuahuas because they are part of the American Kennel Club's Toy Group, which includes dogs that are bred to "embody sheer delight. [These dogs] will always be popular with people without much living space," she explains. "They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights."
If you're not into lap dogs and want a dog you can really wrap your arms around, consider the faithful Labrador Retriever. Easter cautions, however, that Labs are part of the AKC's Sporting Group, which means you'll need to keep your pup well exercised. She explains that Labs were bred to work closely with humans, making them an ideal companion dog, but that "[they] were bred to work in a field all day — they have a good bit of energy."
Another toy breed, the Maltese is a great dog if you happen to have allergies. These happy pups don't shed much and tend to get along well with other dogs and even cats. However, they live for human contact, so be prepared to spend a lot of quality cuddle time with your pet.
Included in PetMD's list of most lovable dogs, the Bichon is a happy and playful pup that aims to please. The breed is known for its affection and getting along well with kiddos and other dogs. They are also known for excessive barking when left alone, so make time for lots of snuggling with this furry friend.
According to the AKC, the Golden Retriever is an excellent companion dog that has a friendly temperament and is a joy to own. Take note: This breed needs lots of exercise and regular brushings.
The AKC describes these small regal pups as gentle, happy, playful and loving. English Toy Spaniels are intelligent, good family companions, play well with children and ideal for apartment dwellers.
Another large breed lover, Bloodhounds are extremely affectionate but tend to have a dominating personality. Make sure you let your hound know that you are the alpha of the house but follow it up with lots of cuddles and hugs.
Despite the Bulldog's contentious facial features, this loving dog is considered one of the most affectionate dog breeds by PetMD. Warm, charming, docile and devoted, the bulldog makes a great family pet.
The tallest of dogs, the Irish Wolfhound is a large, heavy athlete that is "gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked," according to the AKC. Considered an excellent family companion, this enormous dog needs more room and more exercise than the smaller canine breeds. If you're looking for a lot of love, the Irish Wolfhound is for you!
Considered one of the smartest dog breeds, the Papillon is a deceptively excellent watchdog and constant companion. These diminutive but brave creatures are often described as big dogs in little bodies, which means your adorable butterfly-eared canine can keep you company at home or on the go all the while making it known that they are ready to protect you against anything big or small.
According to AKC.org, these puffballs on four legs are intelligent dogs that love to please.
"Because of their outgoing temperaments, they can be very good family dogs with the right training. Due to their small size they don't require much exercise, but are an energetic breed that needs attention from their people frequently."
An attentive companion dog, the Belgian Sheepdog is happiest with an owner who can give this canine plenty of jobs to do. The AKC describes this breed as intelligent, easily trainable and a dog that gets along well with gentle children. Just make sure you have ample time to give your love-pup lots of exercise.
Who wouldn’t want the loyalty of love of Lassie? Collies are described by the AKC as devoted family dogs that are especially good with children. These graceful pups are as happy jaunting with you on a walk as they are curled up on the couch with you.
Considered one of PetMD's most lovable canines, the "Eskie" quickly bonds with its human family. This extremely energetic dog needs lots of exercise and, with the right amount of attention, is fun, obedient and well-behaved.
Bred primarily for bird-dogging and hunting, this regal gray dog is known for being an easily trainable canine that is friendly and an obedient member of the family. These pups love children and thrive on being part of the family "pack."
What about mixed breeds?
If you'd rather adopt a mixed breed dog (shelter dogs certainly need love, too), Easter recommends, "Determine what breeds were mixed together and this can give you a good idea of the dog's temperament."
She adds that the best way to tell if any dog — purebred or mixed — is an affectionate dog is to pay attention to your interaction and your family's interaction with a dog.
"Determine if the dog enjoys sitting next to you, gives you lots of eye contact, follows you around and enjoys being petted… if it does, you likely have an affectionate dog."
There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who hate roller coasters, and those who will ride the craziest of roller coasters all day long. And the scarier the ride, the better.
If you're one of those people who are down to ride the rails of a roller coaster until you puke, we've got the list for you. These rides — all in the United States — are intense enough to strike terror into the hearts of even the most seasoned amusement park aficionados.
In Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is home to some seriously quirky rides. Family owned and operated, the park's themed areas celebrate four major holidays, including Thanksgiving. The Voyage is a relatively new wooden coaster with a surprising theme — the voyage of the pilgrims. Pilgrims aside, it's a major thrill thanks to record-breaking air time that leaves you grabbing your safety restraints in terror.
Jackson, New Jersey, is home to the world's tallest roller coaster. Ride trains are launched using a breathtaking hydraulic launch system to a mind-boggling height of 456 feet before plummeting back to the ground. You'll want a souvenir photo after you take this tiger on.
Themed after NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, The Intimidator 305 is a steel coaster with a toe-curling drop of 300 feet. One of only a handful of U.S. coasters reaching such heights, it draws thousands of coaster enthusiasts to King's Dominion in Doswell, Virginia.
When it comes to coasters, there's no better destination than Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. This thrilling park is home to several record-breaking coasters, including Top Thrill Dragster, which reaches speeds of up to 120 mph. Though Kingda Ka surpassed it in height, the Dragster is still one of the most-terrifying rides in the United States.
Though nearby Kingda Ka towers over it, El Toro provides its own charm and thrills. Built in 2006, El Toro is a record-breaking wooden coaster with a massive drop that will have you screaming before you're halfway down. As a newer wooden coaster, it's a smoother ride than what you'll experience on vintage coasters.
Tampa, Florida, is home to SheiKra, one of the world's largest steel dive coasters. The floorless coaster dangles riders at the top of a 200-foot drop before plummeting them down at a 90-degree angle. The heart-pounding wait before dropping gives you plenty of time to wish you were back on solid ground.
Thanks to innovative stadium seating, every passenger on Diamondback at King's Island in Mason, Ohio, has a stunning view throughout the ride. With 10 drops and a thrilling splashdown finale, this is a coaster that leaves you breathless.
Millennium Force is a steel roller coaster that resides in Sandusky, Ohio. The creation of Millennium Force led to a whole new classification of roller coaster: the giga-coaster. With speeds of up to 93 miles per hour, this ride will definitely blow your hair back.
Manta, built in 2009, features one of the most-innovative train styles on steel coasters today. Riders are angled at a prone position, mimicking the gliding stance of a manta ray in the ocean. Each dip and loop is taken face first, making Manta in Orlando one of the scariest rides to handle in the front row.
Thanks to a simple lap-restraint system, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure offers one of the scariest plummeting experiences. At 230 feet, it's not a record-breaking coaster, but it's enough to send you right back to the beginning of the ride to take on the terrifying drop again.
11. Cannibal at Lagoon Amusement Park
Cannibal roller coaster
Cannibal roller coaster
We get butterflies in our stomach just thinking about the Cannibal's 116 degree vertical drop, so imagine what actually experiencing it can do. With a max height of 108 feet and speeds up to 70 miles per hour, this ride (located in Farmington, UT) will eat you alive from the inside out... hence the name.
12. Skyscraper at Skyplex Orlando
Skyplex rollercoaster
Skyplex rollercoaster
This new polercoaster isn't scheduled to open at Skyplex until 2019, but when it does, it will be the scariest roller coaster ever. It takes a bit of time to climb to the top before the big drop, and the anticipation just might kill you.
You're busy, Mama. Believe me, I get it — as a full-time working mother of a 5 year old and a 4 year old, I often joke that life would be so much easier if someone just added extra hours to the day (or cloned me, ha!). So if you were to tell me you often skip reading the nutrition label of your kids' snacks, well, you'd get no judgment out of me.
Having said that, I think we all know deep down we very well should be paying closer attention to those labels printed on the back of snack boxes and bags. To underscore the importance of why, we asked several nutrition experts to weigh in. Here are the reasons they insist all mamas should be label-readers.
1. Sodium
Prior to starting her own business, registered dietitian Jessica Levings worked with the CDC's Sodium Reduction Initiative. Today, she works with companies to develop food labels for packaged foods and with restaurants to help them comply with the menu labeling regulation. To say she is passionate about raising awareness regarding excess sodium would be an understatement.
"Most children eat too much sodium, primarily from packaged and restaurant foods such as pizza, breads and rolls and snacks. In fact, the CDC estimates that children ages 6 to 18 are getting about 16 percent of their sodium intake from snacks alone," Levings said. "Higher sodium intake in children is associated with higher blood pressure, and eating less sodium can lower children's blood pressure. Similar foods can vary greatly in sodium content, and checking food labels for lower-sodium options can go a long way toward reducing children's overall sodium intake."
To address this imbalance, Levings recommends buying snacks labeled "low sodium," "no salt added" or "unsalted."
2. Artificial ingredients
Unfortunately, there are many hidden dangers lurking in the ingredient list of some of our kids' favorite snacks... particularly artificial ingredients. As a licensed psychologist and board-certified nutrition specialist, Nicole Beurkens of Horizons Developmental Resource Center is a self-professed "huge proponent of looking at nutrition labels on the foods kids eat." Doing so, she emphasizes, can lead to marked health benefits.
"Many children experience symptoms of mental health issues such as inattention, hyperactivity, irritability, impulsivity and anxiety as a result of the foods they are eating. Research has shown that artificial sweeteners, food dyes, chemical preservatives, added sugars (including high-fructose corn syrup) and more can all cause or exacerbate these issues in children and teens. Parents should be aware of the potential impact of food ingredients on child learning, mood and behavior. Ensuring adequate protein, reducing sugar intake and reducing or eliminating dyes and chemicals are all simple strategies to support a child’s ability to focus, reduce anxiety, improve mood and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity," advised Beurkens.
If you think about it, GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — can also be classified as artificial ingredients and should be another red flag on ingredient labels. "The pesticides in GM produce can multiply in the intestines," cautioned certified nutritionist and best-selling cookbook author Ariane Resnick of Ariane Cooks. "Your child's immunity is still forming (and predominantly in the gut), so weakening their immunity via GMO ingredients isn't wise."
3. Sugar
Of all of the reasons you should read the nutrition labels on your kids' snacks, none popped up with more prevalence than sugar. Marian Mitchell, certified integrative nutrition health coach with Road to Living Whole LLC, has a simple (but pointed) explanation for this.
"I can say that just because a snack is designed for kids, it can have as much sugar as a can of soda or a candy bar," she said. "Looking at labels can ensure that you pick the best snacks for your children."
4. Allergens
According to Food Allergy Research and Education, up to 15 million Americans have food allergies — with the potentially deadly condition affecting 1 in every 13 children under the age of 18. And since food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent just between 1997 and 2011, it makes sense for parents to be more mindful of potential triggers. "Over-consumption of certain foods is a top cause of allergies, so you should know if your child is eating multiple servings a day of wheat, corn, soy, etc," elaborated Resnick.
5. Misleading information
By now, most of us know that things are not always what they seem. This can be particularly true when it comes to the packaging of food products, says registered dietitian and functional nutrition-certified practitioner Stephanie Dunne of Nutrition QED.
"Parents should pay attention to the nutrition label of kids' snacks because the information on the front of the box or bag may be misleading, especially if the parent is trying to make a healthy choice," said Dunne. "Looking at the nutrition information includes reading the nutrition facts label to see how many calories and grams of fat, protein, carbohydrates and sugar the food contains, but also means reading the ingredient list so they know exactly what they are feeding their little one."
Several examples of misleading children's snacks spring to mind... one of which most of us have stocked in the pantry at some point or another. "[A well-known brand of] fruit snacks are advertised on the front as made with real fruit and being fat-free. While both of those are true statements, the product is loaded with corn syrup, sugar and nothing to help slow the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream, which can contribute to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance," Dunne explained.
So while it can be tempting to want to save time and just grab whatever is on the shelf at the market, do your kids' health a favor and spend a few seconds reading the labels on their snacks.
This post was sponsored by the goodness of GoGo squeeZ®.
As the drama of Scandal Season 6 unfolds, I find myself wondering: Can I really endure another fake, drama-filled presidency in the midst of the exhaustive presidency we already have in real life?
The answer seems to be yes, for Scandal's sake, yes. At least for now. But I'm beginning to feel the stress in my body every time I turn on the television on Thursday night. It has started to hit too close to home to be comfortable, relaxing viewing. I watch Scandal and am reminded that I would take Cyrus Beene, Mellie Grant, really any of the Scandal characters (except maybe Eli Pope) over the man we currently have in office.
I see the Scandal characters struggle to put a government in place that the people can have faith in, and I wonder if Trump feels that urge at all.
Not even my wine can drown these thoughts that trickle in about honor and integrity, about what it means to be a woman in power and how we help our government find greatness once again. Call me a Fitz, but I want it.
The fact that Scandal encourages these thoughts is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness as we dive into Season 6.
Viewership has consistently gone down each episode. But in my mind, it's not because Scandal's content has deteriorated. The show is still brilliant, the writing quote-worthy. It's that people are living their daily lives immersed in the political drama that is real life. Why do we need a show to give us political intrigue at this point? Ugh, such a sad truth...
Another challenge that makes me glad I'm not a Scandal writer: How could this show possibly end? Vermont is definitely off the table at this point.
Shonda Rhimes said back in 2015 that Scandal wouldn't go past Season 8, but at Season 6, I have no idea how the show could possibly wrap up in a way that feels concise and complete. Luckily, we'll have at least one more season after 6 to wrap things up, as Variety has confirmed ABC has renewed the show through Season 7.
Will Olivia choose Fitz or Jake? Does it even matter anymore or are we so past the love triangle? Maybe more important, will Olivia find some peace in her life in the wake of her advance to the White House?
I don't see her walking away from Washington. If Olivia walked away from Washington, what's to stop the rest of us from doing the same? Right now, we need people to be involved, educated and opinionated. I know Rhimes is of that opinion, which means it's more likely Olivia will flash forward 30 years in the finale as she's sworn into office as the first black female president. I'd definitely be down with that.
Where were you the first time you felt "the tingle?" What was it like? How long did it last?
It's one of those things — like getting your period, having sex or falling in love — you'll always remember your first time. These women remember it all too well, and they're here to share exactly what it was like the first time they felt the tingle, and what happened afterward.
After all, it's something 90 percent of people feel at some point in their lives. Do you remember your first time?
Donald Trump has been president for one month now. I know; it already feels like decades. It's easy to get caught up in the hate. It's hard to get in on the actions. Luckily, celebrities and activists have got our backs for some take-action inspiration.
These influencers are putting their money and their time where their mouths are and actually making a difference within the government.
It isn't just Donald Trump who has big plans for change in 2017.
Oprah Winfrey
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com
Winfrey's network OWN quickly responded to Andy Puzder's nomination as Secretary of Labor by handing over all their tapes with his ex-wife claiming domestic abuse. Following the accusations and the evidence, Puzder quickly withdrew his nomination.
Alec Baldwin & SNL
Baldwin and Saturday Night Live have kept humor alive amidst the Trump era.
alec baldwin snl skit
alec baldwin snl skit
Sally Yates
Image: Pete Marovich/Stringer/Getty Images
As acting attorney general at the Department of Justice, Yates challenged Trump's immigration order and even went so far as to challenge its legality. She was promptly fired. Though she lost her job, she gained the nation's respect and was nominated for a John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
Megyn Kelly
megyn kelly donald trump debate
megyn kelly donald trump debate
Kelly may be a Republican, but she is far from a Trump fan. After facing Trump's bullying for months, including Trump's comments about her period, Kelly finally got her revenge by speaking out about the president in her new book, Settle for More.
Women's March
womens march america ferrera
womens march america ferrera
Millions of women took a stand against Donald Trump the day after his presidential inauguration. The cries for equality were heard around the world in a day that will surely go down in history.
The New York Times has been leading the media's revolt against Trump. The Times is keeping a running list of all the people Trump has insulted. Ever. Including highlighting the insults he's made since taking office.
Rosie O'Donnell
rosie o'donnell tweet 1
rosie o'donnell tweet 1
O'Donnell has been an outspoken critic of Trump for decades, but since his election, she's been rallying people against the president, even suggesting we impose martial law to keep him from assuming office.
Cecile Richards
cecile richards facebook post 1
cecile richards facebook post 1
Since Trump's election, Richards has been rallying as a leader for women. She has taken a stand promising the doors of Planned Parenthood will withstand Trump and his conservative administration. Shortly after his election, she wrote on Facebook, "THESE DOORS STAY OPEN."
Ashton Kutcher
ashton kutcher senate speech 2
ashton kutcher senate speech 2
Ashton Kutcher made an emotional plea on the Senate floor for funding to help prevent child trafficking in the United States.
{pageBreak}
Leslie Knope/Amy Poehler
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com
Poehler as her Parks & Recreation character Leslie Knope, penned a letter in Vox following Trump's election in which she encouraged women to unite. "Our president-elect is everything you should abhor and fear in a male role model... It is your job, and the job of girls and women like you, to bust out."
Lauren Duca & Teen Vogue
Image: Teen Vogue
Duca's Teen Vogue article has helped light the fire of American hope once again in the wake of Trump's win. She writes — among other inspiring things — "As we spin our newfound rage into action, it is imperative to remember, across identities and across the aisle, as a country and as individuals, we have nothing without the truth."
Kal Penn
kal penn fundraiser tweet 1
kal penn fundraiser tweet 1
Kal Penn used a racist immigration ban tweet to launch a fundraiser in support of Syrian refugees.
Maura Healey
maura healey lawsuit tweet 1
maura healey lawsuit tweet 1
Maura Healey has filed three lawsuits against the president since the implementation of his immigration ban. During a press conference, she explained, "By filing this suit today, we are fighting for the principles that have made America a beacon of hope and freedom for the world."
Linda Sarsour
Image: Supplied by WENN.com
As a Muslim American, Sarsour has been a public face for the fight against Trump's immigration ban. She sued the president in an attempt to overturn the ban.
{pageBreak}
Leonardo DiCaprio
Image: Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/WENN.com
DiCaprio has gone with the "keep your enemies close" approach in dealing with the Trumps. He met with Ivanka Trump to discuss green initiatives and jobs.
Maxine Waters
maxine waters msnbc
maxine waters msnbc
California Representative Maxine Waters publicly boycotted Trump's inauguration. She has also been a vocal and consistent opponent of the president.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com
Senator Gillibrand has voted against 16 out of 18 of Trump's measures put to vote in the Senate, according to FiveThirtyEight, making her one of his biggest opponents in Congress.
Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced on the floor of the Senate when she tried to read a letter written by Coretta Scott King in order to oppose Jeff Session's federal judge nomination. Though the Senate effectively silenced Warren on the floor, they gave her the public megaphone, as she has since become a voice for women across the nation.
Caring for a pet really is a childhood rite of passage. The excitement of nurturing another being — which quickly becomes a best friend — is incomparable to anything else. The experience creates lifelong memories, and we always remember our first pet.
But while it's obvious that having a pet is entertaining and gives kids the warm fuzzies, did you know it can also positively affect your child in a much more profound way? Experts say a child's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development can all be encouraged by interaction with the family pet.
Having a pet helps kids improve their motor skills and also just increases overall activity.
In fact, a 2010 study showed that kids in England who had a dog exercised on average 11 minutes more a day than other children who didn't have a dog. Doesn't sound like a whole lot, but a little bit of exercise every day can be seriously beneficial to children.
In addition, a 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children with early contact with cats and dogs are healthier and have fewer respiratory infections and ear infections and needed a shorter course of antibiotics than children without contact with pets.
Social
You know how the saying goes: "Dog is man's best friend" — which is true. But pets can actually help people make new human friends too.
For children especially, pets can be a wonderful catalyst for socializing. Children are more prone to approach and interact with another child who is playing with an animal, so a pet can be the bridge between a less socially outgoing child and other potential playmates.
“Pet ownership appears to be a significant factor for facilitating social interaction and friendship formation within neighborhoods,” Dr. Lisa Wood, associate professor at the University of Western Australia, wrote in her recent study via Harvard Health Publications. “For pet owners, this also translates into new sources of social support, both of a practical and emotionally supportive nature.”
And kittens and puppies aren't the only pets that can help kids make friends, Wood's study showed that other kinds of pets, including rabbits and snakes, can also be catalysts for making friends and finding social support.
According to the Pet Health Council, kids who have pets have higher self-esteem.
"Children with low-self esteem may talk to, or confide in, an animal in ways they would not with people," the PHC reports. "They are often more confident in performing tasks they find difficult with an animal simply because the animal does not care if mistakes are made, nor will the child be afraid of looking silly in front of the animal."
Makes sense, right? A pet is basically a source of unconditional love who provides support but never judges.
Moreover, kids with pets tend to be more capable of showing empathy to other people because they learn how to nurture their animal.
Cognitive
Can having a dog actually make a child excel in school? According to a 2011 study, yes.
The study done on second-graders showed that the ones who read aloud to a dog actually made bigger strides in their reading ability than their peers who read out loud to an adult — possibly due to the dog's ability to help reduce a child's stress and the fact that a dog provides nonjudgmental support.
Having a pet might also encourage a child to learn more about animals in general and in turn foster an appreciation for research and science.
Adopting a pet is a huge commitment and shouldn't be taken lightly, but it might be the best thing you could ever do for your kids' childhood experience.
When and how often you eat could affect the health of your heart, a new study finds. The study, recently published in the journal Circulation, surveyed a wide range of studies on how meal time and frequency affects people’s risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart and blood vessel diseases.
The results? Researchers found evidence from these studies suggesting that people who ate breakfast had a lower risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. In addition, people who ate more frequently (generally around four to six times per day versus three or fewer) often showed a lower risk of obesity.
Finally, researchers noted an association between “occasional fasting” — fasting that occurs every other day or one to two times a week — and short-term weight loss, Marie-Pierre St-Onge, associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University and an author of the paper, said in a press release from the American Heart Association.
However, researchers cautioned that more studies conducted over a longer period of time are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers hypothesized that the link between meal timing and frequency and heart health may be due to the body’s internal clock: “In animal studies, it appears that when animals receive food while in an inactive phase, such as when they are sleeping, their internal clocks are reset in a way that can alter nutrient metabolism, resulting in greater weight gain, insulin resistance and inflammation,” St-Onge said in a press release. “However, more research would need to be done in humans before that can be stated as a fact.”
The authors developed a few different recommendations for those hoping to plan their meals in the heart-healthiest way possible.
Practice intentional eating
Focus on timing and frequency of meals, the authors said in the study, and plan meals and snacks during the day. Try to pick healthy food options like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and use meal timing to help manage hunger and practice portion control.
Eat more calories earlier in the day
And try not to snack late at night. This, in turn, may reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Occasional fasting could be used as a way to help lower caloric intake and reduce body weight for those who need to lose weight (but check with your doctor first!).
Last night, President Donald Trump reversed a directive made by Barack Obama ensuring that students in schools are permitted to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. This isn’t just an education issue or a bathroom issue — it is a human and civil rights issue and yes, we all should be angry about it.
I’ve heard arguments along the lines of, “but I don’t actually know any transgender people, so it’s hard for me to get worked up about this” or “why all this fuss over such a small part of the population?” Well, you should be worked up. Here’s why:
Trans rights are human rights and civil rights, and it is absolutely the responsibility of the federal government to guarantee and uphold those rights. Of course, states should do this too, but saying decisions like whether a child should be permitted to use the bathroom that corresponds with his/her/their gender isn’t the job of the federal government sets a dangerous precedent. It essentially tells trans individuals (and everyone else) that their civil rights are not a concern on the federal level — and that’s not acceptable.
Secondly, whether or not you personally know any transgender individuals should not dictate whether you support their basic civil rights. This isn't about you, and you can't assign value to one person based on their relationship to another. Knowing someone is not — and should not — be a prerequisite for being an ally to marginalized populations. Trans people have rights whether or not you know them.
Then there’s the asinine yet ever-popular "safety and privacy" argument — basically, that the federal government was overstepping its bounds because this decision somehow threatened the “safety and privacy” of non-transgender students. Here’s the thing: It does not. Stalls exist to give everyone privacy, and I have never heard of a transgender student going into a bathroom to attack or harass a non-transgender student or do anything to threaten their safety. Not only that, but there have been no reports of attacks in this direction, but plenty featuring violence against transgender individuals in bathrooms.
Bottom line: Don’t conflate safety and privacy with transphobia and hate.
This is not just about bathrooms and locker rooms in schools — it’s today’s civil rights issue. This repealed directive may just be the beginning of the erosion on LGBTQ rights during the Trump era, so now is the time to show up and let the administration know that this will not stand.
Divorce is complicated, painful and messy. But it can also teach us huge life lessons about ourselves, others and relationships. Below, 11 women — some remarried, some single — open up about going through divorces (some more than once) and the things they wish they’d known before getting their splits.
Divorce isn’t shameful
“I didn’t want to tell my friends, my family and most of all my neighbors because I felt so much shame. Marriage 'until death do us part' was invented when people lived to be 40. With people now living more than twice that long, I now believe we had a good long run, and a successful marriage that sadly ended after 22 years. This is not a failure; it is life.” — Karen Bate got divorced after a 22-year marriage and three daughters
You learn what you're really looking for
“I know more now about what I am and am not looking for in a person and in a relationship. I defined what I will and will not tolerate, and I was able to take a hard look at attitudes, behaviors and patterns that I needed to change within myself as well. There are lessons to be learned, no matter how hard they are to see at the time.” — Psychologist and licensed clinical professional counselor Nikki Martinez has been divorced and remarried
Hold out for real love
"Know that you have more time and more choices; you don't have to settle for less than soul-inspiring love. I now hold workshops to inspire women to listen to their strong inner voice to live an amazing life — maybe so they won't have to learn lessons the hard way.” — Bridget Cooperwas in an eight-year marriage and has two daughters
Everything happens for a reason
“Had I known what I know now about myself and how the universe works, I think I wouldn’t have spent so much time in the denial stage. I believe wholeheartedly that the sooner we accept that life is about constant change and life is about adjusting to change, the sooner we will accept when a relationship fails us. It’s also important that we understand to not lose ourselves in relationships, so when the sudden change such as a divorce occurs, your life still has meaning.” — Tawanna L. Myles, author of Get Over Your Ex: Thank Him for Leaving You, was cheated on and ended up divorcing her spouse
You are not flawed in love
“The 'failure' of this relationship doesn’t mean that you're bad at attracting great relationships. It is just as important to know through real experience what you don’t want as it is to know what you do want. It isn’t in spite of life’s stumbles that we find happiness, it’s precisely thanks to our stumbles that [we] find deep happiness.” — After years of dating and trying to find the "right guy”, Meridith Hankenson found herself engaged in an abusive relationship, but it was her son who really helped her come to her senses.
Consider a prenup
"I never considered the possibility that I would need one until my ex-husband sought alimony and won. As more women crack the glass ceiling and become breadwinners, we are becoming the ones paying alimony. This will happen even more as we are the ones graduating from college and many male-dominated industries are suffering in the new economy." — Alison, a 42-year old divorcee and blogger, is currently paying alimony to her ex-husband because she made over $30,000 more a year than he did
It's going to hurt and you're going to be OK
“During my divorce, no one told me that I was going to grieve or how bad it would hurt even though I knew I was doing the right thing. I felt ashamed to grieve something so ugly and toxic and I did not know that was going to happen. No matter how good or bad the divorce, there will be a grieving process and there is no shame in that.” — Amber Malcom, an entrepreneur, went through what she felt was the world's nastiest divorce from an abusive husband
“I had a sinking feeling my marriage wouldn't work, but went through with it anyway thinking my partner might change. Recognize red flags and listen to yourself; you know what's best for your heart.” — Julie Nashawaty, an entrepreneur, is 36, single and divorced
Don’t be the ‘Better Half’
“It might be a cute cliché, but the truth is, being half of anything is not good enough. Both people need to be two whole individuals to have the best chance of a successful relationship.” — Author & blogger Tawana Lowery calls herself "The Serial Overcomer" and is recently divorced for the second time
Realize that the marriage is over
“You can end things quickly and save a lot of money and emotion or you can hold onto every single petty detail and the try to 'win' every battle. You will end up wasting precious months or years of your life not being free of each other, and your lawyers will smile all the way to the bank as you fight over silly things that in the end, really don't change the outcome.” — Alison Blackmanhas been happily married to her second husband for more than 26 years
Don’t give up who you are to make someone happy
"You will be resentful. Divorce is OK, as long as you know that you have tried to find a common ground. Don’t worry about social issues from knowing that you’re divorced. Don’t have kids just to have kids. You need to be loved for who you are before you expand your family. When you’re a strong woman, men can be intimidated, and that is just not healthy. Focus on what makes a healthy relationship for you and do regular check-ins with yourself and your partner." — MoniQue Hoffman, 30, has been divorced twice
Just as we've been seeing headline after headline about how Brad Pitt is winning "custody" of Hollywood in his high-profile split from Angelina Jolie — and that rumor that literally no one believes, that Hollywood only ever "tolerated" Jolie because they loved Pitt so much — Jolie is already plotting her return to Tinseltown.
The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that Jolie has several new projects on deck — that she won't be "toiling in obscurity" for much longer, as if that's what she's been doing.
Jolie just wrapped up the premiere of her Khmer-language film, First They Killed My Father, a heart-wrenching story of Cambodia's genocide starring amateur actors, many of whom were affected by the genocide themselves. The premiere was hosted in Angkor by the king and queen of Cambodia.
Next for Jolie could be a rumored reprisal of her role in Disney's Maleficent sequel. She's also in talks to star in an upcoming film about Catherine the Great, as well as The Spy Who Loved, a WWII espionage drama based on the 2013 novel by Clare Mulley. She's set to direct the film adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s 2004 novel Without Blood, and she's signed on as a producer for Disney's The One and Only Ivan.
Still, the fact that Jolie has several projects in the pipeline doesn't mean she isn't picky, and she's earned the right to be — her career is established and successful and she doesn't need to compromise to land roles. Sources say she was dropped from Murder on the Orient Express after the director got fed up with her months of back and forth script notes. Still, we somehow don't think that Jolie is fretting that loss.
My own story about weight and transness is atypical. I have been chubby as far back as I can remember, but my weight was rarely an issue, in terms of body image. My parents occasionally might have suggested I try a diet, but whenever I would, I would stop within a week because it left me feeling hungry and deprived.
But there was an additional aspect that I couldn't really voice at the time as a teenager. I wasn't very motivated to lose weight in the first place because there were parts of being fat that I really liked. Namely, that it gave me breasts of a sort. I might have gotten made fun of for them, but having any sac of fat on my chest was incredibly helpful during periods of dysphoria, when the mismatch between what my mind expected my body to be and what my body actually was could often be unbearable.
Sure, being fat might have meant that I wasn't considered attractive — but I was a devoted nerd with my head constantly in a book, and so my weight was never my biggest problem. Plus, much higher on the list of aspects of myself that made me uncomfortable were byproducts of puberty, like changes in my voice and new, coarser body hair.
The science of transgender health is very new. Most of what we know comes from one of two traditions: the first, a surgical and endocrinological tradition dating back more than a century on adapting and changing our bodies in order to lessen the feelings of dysphoria. The second, more recent area takes a public health lens and grew out of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and the need to address the fact that transgender people were at high risk of contracting HIV.
While both of these are necessary, the fact that the science of transgender health has largely grown from these acute needs means that more prosaic health concerns have been largely ignored. What we know definitively about weight has to do with hormone therapy, which has many effects on body physiology.
In his book, The Psychobiology of Transsexualism and Transgenderism, Dr. Thomas Bevan, a biopsychologist, breaks down the effects of hormone therapy. Transgender women who take estrogen often find themselves gaining weight and losing muscle mass, and the body fat redistributes into a more typical female pattern. Transgender men taking testosterone may find their muscle mass increasing and their fat redistributing into a typical male pattern.
Image: Trans Bodies, Trans Selves
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, a book about transgender health written by and for transgender people, offers some general recommendations for healthy exercise and a helpful note about eating disorders in the trans community: "[T]here are limited data regarding eating disorders in the trans community. Unfortunately, most eating disorder programs are segregated by gender and few eating disorder programs address the specific needs of our communities."
The scientific perspective on transgender weight, clearly, is pretty thin. In order to get more of a perspective, I asked some transgender people about issues surrounding weight.
Mallory, a trans woman, says that she occasionally gets dysphoric from working out “because it's a 'manly thing,' which will screw up my eating because I feel like I haven't earned food."
Mallory's comments about being dysphoric from working out resonated with me; I have had a similar experience with exercise — it's so male-coded that it can be difficult to summon the energy to do it. And, of course, it is more difficult for transgender women to gain and maintain muscle mass once we have begun hormone therapy because we suppress testosterone, which is a steroid.
Image: Mubariz Khan / EyeEm
Chris, a trans man, feels very dysphoric about his body, which he describes as an "hourglass figure." This, however, has improved by starting testosterone. "I have definitely felt a massive reduction in dysphoria between the changes brought about by testosterone and the admittedly fairly minor changes brought about by exercise," he tells me.
Like Mallory, Chris also has difficulties with certain kinds of exercise.
"There are many kinds of exercise I feel that I cannot do due to being transgender and trying to live stealth in a fairly conservative area... I know I can never [go] swimming," Chris says.
While there is a gym across the road from him, Chris is too anxious to use it, saying that he doesn't want to "[risk his] safety using public changing rooms [and] showers.”
Clearly, people in the trans community face unique challenges with managing their weight in addition to the normal anxieties everyone has — but you wouldn't know this from public transgender figures. Laverne Cox and Janet Mock are some of the biggest transgender celebrities, and both are thin. Caitlyn Jenner is a former Olympian, and even though she is pushing 70, she still looks like she could effortlessly run a decathlon.
Out of all the famous trans people, the only one who has issues with weight is Chaz Bono, who didn't become famous in his own right, but was the child of a celebrity couple. So why is it that transgender celebrities tend to be thin if not athletic?
"I think [trans celebrities] are generally thin because it makes them more easily acceptable," Mallory suggests. In other words, to be famous, trans people have to be thin, because to be thin is to be attractive, and trans people's acceptance often hinges on their being conventionally attractive.
"[By being trans and thin] they are only breaking the mold in one way, and generally that's all that they are allowed if they want to be accepted publicly," Mallory explains.
Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Transgender celebrities don't reflect the true diversity of body types and experiences with food in the trans community. The scientific community has rarely deigned to conduct research into this area of trans health, preferring instead to address the more urgent health needs of trans people, such as hormones and HIV.
While that's understandable, it does mean that much is unknown about this huge area of life. Whatever the reason, a conversation about general health in trans people is long overdue, and the conversation about weight is an important part of that.
It's a revelation to be heard in a time of need. In particular, to recognize your mental health struggle is important, but also that it can be treated, sympathized with and perhaps even destigmatized is like unloading a mountain of bricks off your chest. So when I watched the Be Vocal documentary on mental health, a film executive-produced by Demi Lovato, the spokesperson for Be Vocal, I almost cried. It was absolutely amazing to see subjects documented so poignantly and mental health issues discussed so truthfully. It confirmed in my own mind that we as a society must continue to speak up about the need for mental health treatment and pursuit of mental wellness, if not for ourselves, for others who are going through these issues.
Lovato's struggles with mental wellness have been publicly documented for the better part of six years. Since 2011, Lovato's journey through rehab, mental health advocacy and recovery has been documented by both the press and Lovato herself. Now, Lovato is seizing on the chance to spread the word through the documentary Beyond Silence, "an initiative focused on helping individuals and communities with mental illness advocate for themselves and for others."
Demi Lovato Mental Health Doc Tweet
Demi Lovato Mental Health Doc Tweet
Lovato opened up to Variety, saying that "she hopes that the documentary not only educates, but also inspires people to raise awareness and spark conversation about mental health. [...] 'I hope that this film will show people that there is nothing wrong with having a mental health condition. If you do have one, you are able to live well and thrive with a mental health condition, if you are able to speak up and be vocal about the things you are going through.'"
Watching Beyond Silence, as a person living with anxiety and working through it every day without the assistance of medication (full disclosure: Personal circumstances mean I'm not able to access medication at this point in time) was tough at first, but it got better. The documentary is only 30 minutes long, but it's an eye-opening and necessary watch. I have only recently gotten comfortable even speaking openly to those closest to me about the anxiety that lives in my head. It's not easy to open up, to admit that you need to talk or need help. Beyond Silence, the way I perceived its intention, was to nudge open that door and allow those who need help to see it's OK to say it out loud.
Demi Lovato Mental Health Stigma Tweet
Demi Lovato Mental Health Stigma Tweet
One of the documentary's subjects, Jeff Fink, points out that "my brain traveled with me wherever I went." That feeling of being chained to your mental health issues, that the problem cannot simply be cut off or exorcised immediately because it literally lives within a crucial part of your being, was so real to me while watching his story unfold. What Fink's story, in addition to the stories of Lauren Burke and Lloyd Hale, expresses is that there is a way to regain some control over the illness that is attempting to derail you in life and that there is no such thing as a dead end in treating mental illness.
It hasn't always been an easy journey while living with anxiety. The panic attacks, the retreat from personal relationships, the cold sweats, the nerves, the racing thoughts about what could go wrong and even the imagined pressure you place on yourself all becomes so overwhelming that it's so easy (at least for me it is) to shut down. Yes, I am still able to show up for the things that are important. I'm still able to do my job and, hopefully, do it to the best of my abilities. But what this documentary confirms is what I already know to be true: It's entirely possible to give off the appearance of normalcy while going through absolute hell mentally.
Demi Lovato Instagram
Demi Lovato Instagram
What Be Vocal and Lovato, as a united and public face for ending the stigma around discussing and treating mental health, are doing with Beyond Silence is incredible. As the nation grapples with major and consistent political and social changes, the discussion around self-care and good mental health practices has entered our public conversation. The need to take care of oneself or be an ally for someone who is seeking care is essential, regardless of who you are or the circumstances you live with. I watched Beyond Silence and saw the opportunity for beginning a real and meaningful dialogue around mental health and wellness. I encourage you to take half an hour and watch Beyond Silence here. It's an amazing and timely documentary that is capable of achieving excellent results.
The morning the doctor called to say I had cancer, I had been watching a report about salt on the local news. The New York City Board of Health had voted unanimously to require fast food chains serving high-sodium food to put salt-shaker symbols on their menus.
It was a “who cares?” kind of news story, ordinary, like the day. My husband and I had laughed, as usual, before he left for the day when our cat tried to block the front door. Minutes after he left, the telephone rang. I could barely process or believe a word the doctor said. It was like those moments when we note how routine things seemed just before something unfathomable takes place – the beautiful summer day a child drowns, a lovely visit with a friend who is hit by a car the next day.
A year before, I had begun spotting, a barely visible microscopic faint pink drop of blood. My doctor had reassured me this was of no concern. I had stopped using suppositories of low-dose estrogen, which were prescribed at the start of menopause. I was told the hormone barely entered the blood stream and posed no risk. Months later, I read about the risks in articles I Googled. The spotting started happening fairly regularly after sex. My doctor said this was common. Vaginal walls become thin after menopause, hormones help them rebuild, and I had opted not to take them. Why? To lessen my chance of getting cancer.
Image: RICOWde/Getty Images
The change in sex after menopause has been a topic of discussion among my friends. We and our sex drives have had to work around some pain and soreness. We trade recommendations for products that have and haven’t helped, like coconut oil, Astroglide, and organic lubricants from a company in England. The majority of my friends didn’t have spotting after sex. The ones who did had biopsies immediately. Articles stress that any bleeding after menopause is suspect. My friends say endometrial biopsies hurt, so I was relieved when I was told I didn’t need one.
After a few more weeks of reading articles and feeling anxious, not relieved, I called the doctor and she suggested a sonogram. “I’m not worried at all,” she said. “But I know you are.” When she saw a polyp in my uterus, I became surprisingly calm. Polyps can cause bleeding, she explained. She said she sees them all the time and they are almost always benign.
I never considered myself a candidate for anything other than “benign.” I have no family history of uterine cancer. I never smoked a cigarette. I exercise daily and eat an extremely healthy diet. My blood tests are always within the normal range. I never had the flu or a flu shot. I’ve rarely even had a cold. How could I go from nothing to cancer?
I lived my life believing I had protected myself from this fate. I made healthy choices that allowed me to deceive myself, to push away thoughts of mortality. Pre- and post- diagnosis, I faced two of my greatest fears - surgery and general anesthesia. Never having had either before, I was terrified of feeling pain, of being carved up, of being put to death, instead of just put to sleep. And the worst fear of all, the unknown. Would I have cancer? Would it be contained? Would I need chemo or radiation? Would I die?
I expressed these fears to a surgeon during a consultation, as well as fears about losing my uterus. “At your age, you don’t need your uterus,” she said.
I stared in disbelief.
I may not need my uterus and certainly wanted the cancer gone, but there’s grief, at any age, when losing part of your body.
What did help was a relaxation meditation CD, which I received from the pre-testing nurse at the hospital. I listened to it twice a day. The lulling voice guided me to relax every muscle, visualize my favorite peaceful place, and to see myself healed completely. What also helped was requesting that the anesthesiologist angel who had calmed me and spared me of side effects would be there again for my second surgery. After calling the hospital several times, he was there again helping me through it.
I had to find some way to de-stress, take control, and advocate for myself when so much was out of my hands. I no longer counted on good healthy choices, diligence and luck. I had to fight for my life and composure.
Image: Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images
This happened a year ago. I don’t yet have survival markers that come with time. I could look back and point to something I could blame – suppositories of estrogen I was told were safe, not getting a biopsy sooner, my own anxiety that might have contributed to disease. But there’s no point in trying to make sense of it. Even things that seem harmless often cause the most harm.
I put all blame aside when I had my first follow-up, knowing the pathology report had come back in my favor. The cancer was contained in the uterus, and now, thankfully, it was gone. No further treatment was needed.
I have stopped identifying myself as someone who has a disease. I look back on it, rather than at it, as something I endured, passed through, made sure I wrapped my voice around by requesting truth, a hint of peace, and speaking up for what I needed. I’m moving on with some caution but mostly with faith. I take comfort in the thought that for all of us who had to face unthinkable news, every challenge we confronted will strengthen, heal, and free us.
An earlier version of this essay originally appeared in 25 Women Who Survived Cancer (Sellers Publishing, 2016) and is reprinted with permission.
Another day, another rumor about the Sister Wives family splitting up. As much as they all tweet about how these rumors are never true, people keep believing that all of Kody Brown's wives are on a rotating schedule of making plans to leave their husband and then not following through.
This week, it's Robyn's turn. Former family friend/Robyn's frenemy Kendra Pollard told Hollywood Life that, once again, Robyn is on the very brink of packing up and leaving Kody — and this time, she's really gonna do it, you guys. Apparently, the last straw is another very persistent rumor: that Kody is taking on another wife. To make this even more ridiculous, the proposed wifey No. 5 is reportedly 24 years old.
"[Robyn’s] always said that if he takes on new wives, she’ll leave," Pollard said. "Robyn has told friends she is going to divorce Kody. She believes it is her only choice. She says he will be getting a rude awakening soon when he’s served with papers."
Pollard also claims that Kody is losing all of his shit lately for undisclosed reasons.
"[Kody’s] totally spiraling out of control," Pollard said. "She can no longer trust him. He is becoming a hothead, he has no filter and it is freaking Robyn out. They [used to] fight and yell at each other. Now Robyn simply ignores him, which makes him even more infuriated. Kody has a nasty tongue on him. Robyn told me how Kody said to her, 'You would not have any of this if it wasn’t for me.' Kody has to be the king of his castle. Robyn used to be Kody’s puppet. Now she’s saying no."
The real question here is why anyone is still listening to Pollard. She used to be close buds with the Browns, but they had a very public falling out in 2015. Since then, she's sided with Meri Brown's catfishing online lover and pumped the tabloids full of all kinds of bogus stories about her ex-friends. You'd think by now reporters would just stop listening to her desperate attempts to stay relevant, but here we are.
I'd like to say I'm surprised by Trump's decision to revoke the initiative set out by Obama to allow transgender students use the bathrooms of their choice. But I'm not. This administration has quickly proven itself the enemy of progressive "live and let live" social policy. Instead, we've got a "lie and let die" administration that grows more terrifying by the day.
You know that this is a scary development for transgender civil rights when even Betsy DeVos, our stunningly, thoroughly unqualified education secretary, was against this move — and was subsequently bullied by Jeff Sessions and Trump to back down and shut the hell up.
I'm not transgender. I'm a cisgender white female. I'm not afraid of transgender people or sharing bathrooms with them. You know what I am afraid of? I'm afraid of trans children being beaten and bullied in the schools that are supposed to protect them.
I'm afraid of the straight, cisgender kids who are watching Trump's administration create fear and anger where there is no need for it — and are coming to believe that bullying anyone different from them is perfectly justifiable since our president spends all of his non-golf time doing the same damn thing.
My older daughter is gay, so LGBTQ policy shifts are something we play close attention to in our house. Two of my daughter's dearest friends are transgender teens — one transitioning from male to female, the other, female to male. My daughter and I witness their struggles firsthand — as well as the struggle of their parents to support them and keep them safe in what feels like an increasingly unsafe world for anyone marked as different, anyone who this administration feels like naming an "other" or an outsider.
I also work as a crisis hotline counselor. Many of the kids we try to help are transgender or queer. And many of them are suicidal precisely because they feel they belong nowhere and they feel profoundly unsafe. The number of suicidal transgender young people we care for in crisis climbs each week. The results of the election alone were devastating to most LGBTQ youth — and this new and vile development will only increase the sense of isolation and vulnerability in an already at-risk, extremely vulnerable population.
Trump's move is even more heinous in light of the fact that the transgender student bathroom guidelines from Obama have been on hold by a federal judge, who argued that public schools and U.S. states should make those decisions without input from the federal government. Trump's smackdown of those guidelines — already in limbo — is just more salt rubbed into a growing, festering wound.
Some of the trans and queer kids I talk to every week had expressed hope that maybe, just maybe, Trump wasn't out to get them. But I agree with James Esseks, director of the ACLU's LGBT project, who stated, "Revoking the guidance shows that the president's promise to protect LGBT rights was just empty rhetoric."
I have had it with the fearmongering of the Trump administration, and our POTUS shows no signs of slowing his violent, regressive roll. Legal advocates for the transgender community have ripped into the argument that this is states' rights jurisdiction, insisting that civil rights law is the federal government's responsibility to uphold. But social conservatives are praising Trump's move, insisting that transgender bathroom choice violates the safety and privacy of cisgender students.
You know who's really afraid to use the bathroom? Transgender kids. I know one who has been beaten bloody — in both the female and male restrooms at school.
If we're not looking out for these transgender children and helping to create a compassionate, inclusive society — starting in our schools — I'm telling you, many of them are not going to stick around. I talk to these kids every week, and I have no doubt that some of those already battling with suicidal ideation will eventually turn to suicide. A country that willfully turns a blind eye to the pain of any of its children is not a country I'm proud to hold a passport from.
These kids don't want into any particular bathroom. They especially don't want into any particular bathroom to harm others or create fear. They want simply to be themselves — and no one gets to define who they are but them.
Cannon announced the Tuesday arrival of his new son on Instagram. Cannon posted a photo with the caption: “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning! No matter how hard the world may hit you, God always reminds us of our purpose! #TrueHappiness Welcome to Earth Son! Golden “Sagon” Cannon 2/21/17 #Awakened.”
Nick Cannon Insta
Nick Cannon Insta
Yup, you read that right: Golden "Sagon" Cannon, a new addition to the celebrity baby box of 64 Crayolas (Blue Ivy Carter, Violet Affleck). And nope, we don't know what the quotation marks are about either.
FYI, that first line of his caption? That's Cannon quoting Mariah Carey's 2005 song "Fly Like a Bird." We're wondering what his new son's mama — ex-girlfriend (awkward!) Brittany Bell — thought about that particular Instagram move. There are probably other ways to commemorate your new kid's arrival than quoting from your other baby mama's hit album, but hey, what do we know?
Bell and Cannon have been off and on since his split from Carey and her 400,000 pairs of stilettos in 2014. We're thinking the Mariah Carey quote in his Instagram baby announcement might just flip the dating switch to "off" permanently.
Cannon recently announced that he's dropping out of America's Got Talent after a December hospital stay for lupus complications — although the comedian's behavior has reportedly been erratic enough to have colleagues wondering if something else is really going on. So, yeah, it's not been an easy time for Cannon, not by a long shot (that's kind of a cannon joke... we had to get something in there). We're hoping Golden "Sagon" Cannon is golden when it comes to sleeping through the night and that all's soon well for his dad.
My kids pretty much tell anyone who will listen that their 42-year-old mom should have another baby. And each time I hear those words, I promptly respond with: “That ship has sailed.” Well, it looks like that ship hasn't sailed for everyone who’s considered to be of “advanced maternal age.” Last week, a 64-year-old woman from Burgos in northern Spain gave birth to healthy twins. That is not a typo: She was 64. Sixty. Four.
The babies — a boy and girl — were delivered by Cesarean section by doctors at Recoletas Hospital. And according to the medical team, the twins are in perfect health. The woman, who is being identified only by the initials M.I.A., had undergone IVF treatment in the United States before returning to Spain.
This isn't the first time M.I.A. has made headlines for giving birth. Six years ago at age 58, she had her first child at the same hospital. However, a Spanish newspaper, Diario de Burgos, reports the woman’s daughter has been in the custody of local authorities since 2014 because she didn’t attend school and was not properly cared for.
And while being able to give birth at age 64 seems like a (terrible) miracle, fertility after age 50 is actually not impossible. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 600 babies were born to women between 50 and 54 years old in 2012. By comparison, there were only 144 such births in 1997.
Less than a year ago, an Indian woman named Daljinder Kaur — believed to be at least age 70 — gave birth to a baby boy, the first for her and her 79-year-old husband. Kaur also went through IVF to bear the child.
Even though these women have been able to carry and give birth to healthy babies, doctors routinely warn of the heightened risk of health complications as maternal age increases.
