It's pretty much a parent's worst nightmare. You send your kid off to college so they can have a bright future only to have their lives cut short because of some cruel and archaic hazing rituals practiced by the fraternity or sorority they are trying to get into.

Hazing deaths are tragic and needless, but they are in no way, shape or form accidents — because they are 100 percent avoidable.

Hazing sure seems outdated in today's ultra-PC age, but the United States alone has seen more than 125 hazing deaths since 1838. Of those deaths, 25 percent occurred in the 2000s and 2010s alone, which should give you a sense of just how bad hazing rituals have gotten in recent years.

Penn State, which is no stranger to scandals, has recently come under fire for the death of Tim Piazza, a sophomore who died after participating in hazing rituals at Beta Theta Pi fraternity house in February. Piazza fell down a flight of stairs after consuming massive amounts of alcohol and died from irreversible spleen and brain stem damage.

Eighteen men total, all fraternity members, are being charged with crimes including hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors and tampering with evidence, and eight members are being charged with manslaughter. Beta Theta Pi itself is also being hit with nearly 150 criminal charges.

More: Joe Biden Is Teaching College Boys About Rape, Because It's Come to That

Piazza's death has led to Penn State backing proposed federal legislation on hazing and has even caused some to ask for the eradication of fraternities completely.

But the sad hazing death of Piazza is hardly an isolated incident. Here's a look at some of the worst instances of hazing, listed from least to most horrifying. Read on only if you have a strong stomach.

11. The human garbage bag

Britteny Starling, former pledge of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority at University of California, Berkeley, said she was forced to act as a human mop and garbage can, cleaning up juice from the floor and collecting garbage from the other girls using just her hands and pockets. Then she and the other pledges were made to stay awake all night without being allowed to use the bathroom. They were also forced to stay standing, and when Starling's leg gave out, a sister hit her in the ankle, injuring her severely. She later sued the sorority, which was later shut down. At least that's sort of a win, right?

10. The double brand

A drunk Kappa Sigma pledge was branded with the frat's Greek letters by his brothers using a hot iron hanger. He apparently passed out in the process, which gave his brothers incentive to brand him further. He woke up with both Kappa Sigma letters on his butt as well as the sorority Tri Delta's letters. He ended up with third-degree burns, which took six surgeries to heal.

9. Eat the curb

In 2008 at Penn State Altoona, sorority pledge Joanne told ABC news she was forced to stand facing a concrete wall with the other pledges, and if any of them moved an inch, their face would be slammed into it. They were also apparently forced to scrub the floors using only their fingernails and to drink water that she described as "pitch black." While the college website has strict rules against hazing, the offending sorority was left unpunished, and Joanne continued to receive harassing emails, phone calls and messages throughout her time at Penn State. Such emotional scars take much longer to heal than physical ones.

8. Burned out

New Orleans is not just known for its steamy weather. In 2008, 10 Pi Kappa Alpha members from Tulane University poured boiling water, pepper spray and cayenne pepper down the backs of their pledges. Apparently the water got hotter and hotter as the night went on, and the pledges who managed to not scream got the worst burns. Fortunately these hazers were brought to justice and faced charges of aggravated second-degree battery. The fraternity is no longer recognized by the university.

7. The washing machine

Jo Hannah Burch, who was pledging Gamma Psi at Young Harris College in 2013, said she and other pledges were forced to crawl through the mud into a freezing creek in the woods while other sisters screamed and spit on them. Then they were made to sit on washing machines, and any body part that jiggled was circled with a Sharpie. After the school's Greek life was called out, YHC claimed the student's accounts were "false and outrageous."

Next Up: Hot and cold

Originally published March 2015. Updated June 2017.

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6. Hot and cold

At Binghamton University in 2012, sorority pledges told the school they were forced to take freezing cold showers together while reciting the Greek alphabet and being fed vomit-inducing pills by their sisters. To counteract that, they were then made to hold hot hookah coals in their hands. The school shut down the Greek system after these allegations, only to reinstate it later after a new set of guidelines had been enforced.

5. Water torture

If you thought water was the key to life and can therefore do no harm, think again. Chi Tau fraternity pledges from California State University, Chico were forced to drink 5 gallons of water while simultaneously being drenched in ice water and having fans blow cold air on them. They were also forced to do strenuous exercise and not allowed to use the bathroom. One pledge eventually passed out from hypothermia and later died from swelling of the brain caused by water intoxication. Water intoxication — by far the most horribly ironic way to die in college.

4. Gross with a capital "G"

Dartmouth again! Wow, I'm really glad I didn't even think about attending this college. Frat pledges in 2012 had to swim in a kiddie pool filled with human feces, semen and rotten food. If that wasn't enough, they then were made to eat vomit omelets, chug vinegar and drink beer that had been poured through the butt cheeks of other pledges (creative). I also know from an anonymous source that they had to drink from a chalice filled with an unknown mix of alcohol, rotten food and condiments. When one pledge puked, they had to puke into the chalice and keep passing it on. It's funny to think that some of these guys are probably doctors now.

More: Mom Sends College Son a Care Package He'll Never Forget

3. One sip from death

Another Dartmouth winner, this time in the sorority column. This one's so bad it should be told in the victim's own words. A 2009 Dartmouth grad wrote this account of her Kappa Kappa Gamma hazing for Huffington Post:

"We were guided into the back seat of a car and one of our future sisters commanded us to chug the alcoholic punch that had been pre-prepared for each of us in individual 64-ounce water bottles. Simultaneously, I was handed numerous vodka shots from the older sister sitting in the front seat.

"After what couldn't have been more than a fifteen-minute drive, I was told to get out of the car. I did -- but then I lost all consciousness...I woke up the following morning in the Intensive Care Unit at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

I had bruises and cuts all over my body, two of my teeth were broken and I was intubated and restrained. The doctor informed me that I had entered the hospital with a .399 blood alcohol content. I soon learned that a .4 BAC is coma and death. I was literally one sip of alcohol away from dying."

2. The toxic brew

One of the most recent and equally horrifying hazing cases made headlines in 2016 because it sounds like something right out of a movie. In February 2016, Bradley Doyley, a 21-year-old Buffalo State College student, died after being rushed to Buffalo General Medical Center when he "fell ill." As the story came out little by little, authorities learned that Doyley was made to drink a "toxic brew" while pledging to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, rumored to be detergent or even sewer water. "If these allegations are true, I feel strongly that these kids should stand trial. They took away a life,” Michael Myers, Doyley's high school basketball coach, said.

1. An old classic

Sometimes the simplest thing is the most horrible. In 1959 at the University of Southern California, the brothers of Kappa Sigma forced their pledges to swallow pieces of liver the size of club sandwiches without chewing. One pledge named Richard Swanson choked and died two hours later.

We know our kids love us, but it can be hard to read what they’re feeling, especially when they're not old enough to verbalize what’s running through their budding brain. This makes body language clues an important part of making sure your kid is happy, healthy and heard.

"Children don’t have the vocabulary to express their feelings, needs and wants that adults do, so it is vital for parents to pay attention to their nonverbal cues to understand their child’s experiences. While it might be easy for you as an adult to explain that you are frustrated, tired or lonely, children might express these feelings through tears, yelling or acting out behaviorally,” explains school counselor and doctoral student in family therapy, Emily Corbin. She adds that the prefrontal cortex, which helps us regulate emotion, isn’t fully developed until the mid-20s, which can make kids appear irrational, emotional and impulsive during childhood and adolescence. "Paying attention to your child’s body language can help you connect to their needs and feelings, allowing your child to feel safe, loved and understood."

Here’s how to read the clues your child is giving you without saying a word:

Age 2 to 3

The terrible twos don’t just last for a year, but for much of a child's early developmental years. Even if you can’t get a word in when they’re flipping out because they wanted the purple cup instead of the blue one, you can get a hint of what they’re trying to express by watching for these movements.

They’re flapping their arms.

Corbin says because preschool kids often struggle with self-control, separation anxiety and a variety of fears (like the dark, animals or water), they often get overwhelmed in new situations or when they feel disconnected. If your child flaps their arms as if they’re learning to fly, this is them taking the fight or flight response quite literally.

"An important thing for parents to remember during a young child’s distress tantrum is that they are not able to talk nor listen while they are this upset," says Corbin. "Instead, a calm parent or caregiver can lovingly hold the kid to help them regulate their intense and often scary emotions. The key here is that the adult must also feel calm to help calm the child’s immature response system — a challenging ask when the tantrum is happening in the middle of a grocery store."

They’re tugging on you.

Child psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Stephanie O’Leary says pulling on you is your child's way of telling you they’re uncomfortable. "Kids in this age range continue to explore the world with their bodies, so if your child grabs at something or tugs on your arm to get your attention, take a breath before interpreting those actions as aggressive or disrespectful," she explains. "Instead, keep in mind that when your child is excited, frustrated, sick or tired, he or she will tend to use their body more to communicate." In these moments, your best response is to try to articulate what your child is trying to communicate, like asking, "You want me to come with you?" or "You want to have that toy right now?"

Age 4 to 6

Hopefully, now your kid is having fewer freak-outs and is doing a better job of talking through their wants and needs as well as responding to discipline. Even so, this is a difficult stage, says Corbin, because while kids might have the ability to chat with you, they might not be able to label "sad" or "angry" in a way you can understand. This is what to look for.

They’re burying their face in your legs and clinging to you.

When your child is experiencing a bout of separation anxiety or refusing to do something without giving you a reason why, it may be because they’re unable to digest and express an emotion. Corbin takes a note out of Dan Siegel’s book, The Whole-Brain Child, by suggesting his "name it to tame it" method. "If you’re dropping your child off for the first day of school or camp or practice, and they are burying their face in your leg and clinging onto you for dear life, you should kneel down to eye level with them and say something like 'Sometimes we feel worried when we go somewhere new. I’m wondering if you’re feeling a little nervous,'" she suggests. "Using feeling words can help them feel a little control over their uncomfortable feeling and helps to facilitate a conversation so they can express what they might need in that moment."

Age 7 to 9

When your child reaches this stage, their mannerisms and reactions are impacted by more people than just family members. From teachers and friends to coaches and strangers, they’re picking up on more than you realize.

They do something specific when they lie.

With maturity, comes learned negative behavior from siblings or other kids in the playground. According to O'Leary, one way to set yourself up for success is to practice looking for patterns. "One thing parents can begin to note is a child's tell, or a body movement or gesture that is often displayed when your child is being dishonest," she explains. "Here, the point is not to swoop in like judge and jury, but to let your child know that you expect the truth by providing opportunities for a do-over. It's also important to pay attention to how your child uses body language with peers and to provide gentle opportunities to explore how others might feel if they see a disgusted face or a chastising look that your child may be unaware they are giving."

They’re restless.

Clinical counselor and movement therapist Erica Hornthal says that when your child is fidgety or restless, it could be an indication that they're struggling with being upfront about something or are in an uncomfortable situation and haven’t decided if they’re going to speak up or be silent. In this instance, you might encourage your child to practice strong movements that build their self-confidence — like kicking or throwing a ball or an impromptu dance-it-out session. Because they’re still developing a sense of industry and skill, Hornthal says these subtle suggestions will help them build their gusto.

Meryl Streep turns 68 years old today — and we kinda get the feeling she's only getting started. The Academy Award-winning actor has been turning out stellar work for decades now, but it almost seems like each role she steps into is better than the last. Who else is waiting on the edge of their seat for The Papers (directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Streep and Tom Hanks) to hit theaters later this year?

In honor of her birthday, we're looking back at some of the fiercest roles that have made her an icon.

1. Miranda Priestly — The Devil Wears Prada

It's hard to believe someone so warm and friendly could portray an ice queen magazine editor, but Streep did — with ease — in 2006's The Devil Wears Prada.

The iconic actor definitely loved playing such a difficult character because she said she's willing play Priestly again if the book's sequel comes to the big screen.

"I'd have to lose the f***ing weight, but yes," she told Access Hollywood in 2012.

Favorite quote: "By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me."

More: Meryl Streep Is Being Forced to Work With Donald Trump

2. Margaret Thatcher — The Iron Lady

Streep won her third Academy Award for her role as Britain's Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher. The actor completely enveloped herself in the role, taking on the elderly politician's mannerisms and walk with ease.

"To me she was a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit," Streep said in a statement about Thatcher after the former prime minister's death in April 2013. "To have come up, legitimately, through the ranks of the British political system, class bound and gender phobic as it was, in the time that she did and the way that she did, was a formidable achievement."

Favorite quote: "Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become... habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think, we become."

3. Julia Child — Julie & Julia

Streep is the only actress who can do legendary chef Julia Child any justice — and she definitely did so in the 2009 film Julie & Julia. Seriously, who else could copy Child's shrill voice with ease? Only Streep.

Favorite quote: "If no one's in the kitchen, who's to see?"

More: Meryl Streep Gets Standing Ovation at the Oscars for Her 'Lackluster' Career

4. Francesca Johnson — The Bridges of Madison County

A woman's heart is full of secrets — and sometimes those secrets stay quiet until death. In 1995's The Bridges of Madison County, Streep played Francesca Johnson, an Iowa housewife who had a four-day affair with photographer Robert Kincaid (played by Clint Eastwood) while her family was away. Her tender portrayal of Francesca earned her a Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination at the 68th Academy Awards.

Favorite quote: "I want to love you the way I do now the rest of my life. Don't you understand... we'll lose it if we leave. I can't make an entire life disappear to start a new one. All I can do is try to hold on to to both. Help me. Help me not lose loving you."

5. Madeline Ashton — Death Becomes Her

Streep is mostly known for her serious roles, but she has comedic chops, too. Need proof? Her role in 1992's dark comedy Death Becomes Her still makes us laugh — and gives us nightmares.

Favorite quote: "Wrinkled, wrinkled little star... hope they never see the scars."

6. Suzanne Vale — Postcards From the Edge

Streep also knows how to play women who are seriously off-kilter, as in her role as the drug-addicted Suzanne in 1990's Postcards From the Edge.

Favorite quote: "Thank God I got sober now so I can be hyperconscious for this series of humiliations."

7. Mary Fisher — She-Devil

Only Streep could go toe-to-toe with Roseanne Barr — and win!

Favorite quote: "I'm taking back control of my life, Bob! As long as you're all under my roof, things will be done my way, starting now!"

8. Sophie — Sophie's Choice

Streep won her first Best Actress Academy Award for her poignant role as a tortured Holocaust survivor in 1982's Sophie's Choice.

The role might not be her typical in-your-face character, but it was actually her vulnerability that made her fierce.

"No question that this person was not going to dominate the conversation at a dinner party," she told NPR of Sophie. "So they fell in love with her."

Favorite quote: "Don't you see? We are dying. I longed desperately to escape, to pack my bags and flee, but I did not."

9. Joanna Kramer — Kramer vs. Kramer

Streep blazed yet another trail in 1979's Kramer vs. Kramer when she played a woman who ditched her family for greener pastures — and then wanted it all back.

Favorite quote: "I woke up this morning, kept thinking about Billy and I was thinking about him waking up in his room with his little clouds all around that I painted, and I thought I should have painted clouds downtown because then he would think that he was waking up at home. I came here to take my son home. And I realized he already is home."

10. Linda — The Deer Hunter

Streep's iconic role as Linda in 1978's The Deer Hunter made her quite the hero among men.

"For men, the favorite character that I've ever played is Linda in The Deer Hunter, without question," she told NPR. "The heterosexual men that I've spoken to over the years, they say, 'That's my favorite thing you've ever done.'"

Favorite quote: "What goes through your mind comes out your mouth."

11. Florence — Florence Foster Jenkins

In 2016's Florence Foster Jenkins, Streep once again showed off her comedic chops — and proved (again) that she's one heck of a character actress.

Favorite quote: "They're getting through the potato salad like gannets."

Who's your favorite Meryl Streep character?

Originally published June 2016. Updated June 2017.

These days, many women are choosing to have kids later in life — some well into their 40s and 50s. Hollywood moms are no exception to the trend, and the latest star to get candid about having babies later in life is Courteney Cox.

The former Friends actress opened up to NewBeauty magazine — and just when we thought we couldn't love her more, well, we love her more, damn it.

More: Courteney Cox and David Arquette make co-parenting work

Cox admits she's feeling broody and wouldn't be opposed to a new little one in her life.

“I would love to have a baby now,” Cox, 53, said. “I would. I know it’s crazy, but I would.”

Cox is the mother of Coco, 13, with her ex-husband David Arquette.

She continued: “I mean, I could carry someone else’s egg... I may be one of the older people doing it, but I would love to, with Johnny that is.”

The Johnny in question is partner Johnny McDaid, 40.

Cox spoke openly about McDaid — and why the age difference is no problem. “He’s younger than me, and with any other guy that would be the hardest thing in the world, but looks are not that important to him or his family,” she said. “External beauty isn’t even on his radar. I used to worry about the age difference, but I don’t think it matters. He appreciates beauty, but it’s deeper than that.”

Aw, man. We're kind of hoping you two do have that baby.

More: Source reveals Kim & Kanye have hired a surrogate to have their third child

If Cox does go on to have another child, she's in good company. Gwen Stefani had her third son, Apollo Bowie Flynn, when she was 44. She was already mom to Kingston and Zuma. Are we curious what a Blake Shelton-Gwen Stefani baby would be like? You bet. We refuse to rule that one out.

The case against Bill Cosby has been tried in the court of public opinion in Hollywood, and the industry came back with a guilty verdict. When it came to trying the actor in a Pennsylvania court for sexual assault, the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision.

More: Bill Cosby Attempts to Look Sympathetic at His Trial With Cosby Show Cast

They were deadlocked with two members of the jury holding out on a guilty verdict on two counts: digital penetration without consent and giving drugs to the victim without her knowledge. Only one juror found him guilty on the charge that Andrea Constand was unconscious and unaware during the event, the rest voted to acquit.

One of the jurors spoke to ABC News and revealed that the deliberations were stressful, with emotions running high and hot. It was not an easy time for anyone on the panel.

The jury was initially deadlocked after 30 hours of deliberations, but the judge asked them to continue in hopes that they would reach a unanimous verdict. After 22 additional hours, the group came to the same deadlocked result.

“There was no budging and there was none from there on out,” explained the juror to ABC News.

More: Bill Cosby's Sexual Assault Trial Is Putting His Paranoia in Overdrive

Emotions also ran high because jurors were moved to a small room when sheriff’s deputies noticed that reporters could see through the windows of the conference room they were originally placed in. The second room was so small, the jurors “couldn’t even pace.”

When jurors are making important decisions on high-profile cases, it’s hard to believe that this was the only room option for the group. The judge wanted a resolution to the case, but instead, the jurors were “losing their minds.”

The juror continued, “People would just start crying out of nowhere, we wouldn’t even be talking about [the case] — and people would just start crying.”

At one point a male juror even punched the concrete wall and broke his pinky knuckle while sheriff’s deputies monitored the heated discussions from outside the door. They knew that trouble was brewing.

More: New Cosby Unraveled Podcast Plans to Explore the Inner Workings of Bill Cosby

The conditions the jurors endured hardly made for an ideal situation. If the accommodations had been larger or allowed the jurors some space to think about the decision, it may have created a different outcome.

It’s important that the anonymous juror gave the public this insight. While many will still find it hard to imagine that the Cosby jury couldn’t come to a decision, it allows for a bit of understanding as to what they endured.

Maybe next time the court will improve the conditions for jurors and get a concrete decision on the serious charges against Cosby.

By: Priya Malani

Buying a home signifies a major #adulting milestone: It’s a cornerstone of the American Dream and as a recent Zillow report reveals, millennials are eager to get in on the action, making up more than half (56 percent) of all first-time home buyers in the market. If you’re just starting your career — and living in an expensive city — it can feel like you’ll never be ready to buy your first place.

But with a solid plan and an understanding of what you need to do, the American dream is achievable. With that in mind, we put together a list of six things to consider to find out if you’re ready to buy a home.

More: 4 Reasons Why Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away

1. The responsibility of homeownership doesn’t scare you

Let’s face it: Renters have it pretty easy. If something breaks, you call the super to fix it. When you own a home, you’re responsible for everything — appliances, windows, pipes and so much more. That means calling around to get estimates and waiting for the plumber or electrician to show up, replacing the refrigerator when it finally stops working and knowing what the heck to do if a pipe bursts.

Plus, you’ll have to maintain the outside as well. If you live in a suburban development, some homeowners associations require things like weekly lawn maintenance at your expense, while city living means that you’re responsible for shoveling the sidewalk when it snows.

Lost in the joys of home ownership is the amount of work involved to maintain your place, but upkeep is super-important if you hope your home’s value will appreciate. Curb appeal means everything, and as parts of your home age, you’ll need to decide if you want to spend money to renovate or sell for a lower price.

Some people love it — hello, HGTV fans — and they get joy out of working on their home. Others hate it. Just make sure you’re in the “love it” or at least the “OK to deal with it and hire someone” camp before jumping in.

More: 13 Cute, Affordable Wine Glasses You Won't Stress About Breaking

2. You have enough money saved up (and a little extra)

Obvious? Perhaps. But all things considered, this one is the most important factor. As the largest expense associated with purchasing a home, most of us start and stop with focusing on saving up for a down payment (a hefty job in and of itself).

That’s a good place to start, but there are many more costs than just the down payment. Normally, I tell clients to plan for an additional 5 percent of the purchase price for “everything else." What does that include?

• Most lenders require three months minimum in cash reserves — part of your 401(k) counts
• Last-minute upgrades
• Moving expenses
• New furniture

When thinking about how much you've saved up for your down payment, it’s better not to include any money you have earmarked for emergencies; once you’re a homeowner, this account will be invaluable to you for unforeseen expenses. (Your emergency fund should equal three months worth of your fixed expenses: car payments, groceries, transportation and of course, your mortgage payment or rent.)

Conventional wisdom has us thinking we need to put 20 percent down when buying a home. But putting 10 percent down is a great option for millennials, especially in larger cities where accumulating 20 percent can be a very overwhelming task.

The below example was created with a 10 percent down payment in mind, but you should always consult a financial advisor to assess your specific situation.

If you’re purchasing a home for $250,000, you’ll need:

• 10 percent down payment = $25,000
• 3 percent to 5 percent for closing costs = $7,500 to $12,500
• 5 percent for “everything else” = $12,500
• Total you should have saved (discounting your emergency fund) = $45,000 to $50,000

3. You're happy living in the same place for an extended period of time

When you buy a home, you're laying roots. Real estate isn’t a liquid asset; it takes time to sell, and there are costs involved to do so. To make those costs worthwhile, you need to plan to live in your home for at least five to seven years. If you’re unsure about the city you’re in or think your job might transfer you, then renting is definitely the better way to go.

More: 8 Minimalist Home Office Ideas to Steal Now

4. You can afford what you’re willing to live in

Reality check: When most of us start looking at homes, we realize pretty quickly that there’s a monumental difference between the place we want to buy and the place we can afford to buy. You shouldn’t compromise on things like safety, neighborhood and a reasonable commute, but it may take you a little longer to save up for the place that you’d be willing to live in.

You’ll be much happier that you waited when you’re settled in a home that you’re excited to live in rather than one you compromised on simply because you had to “buy now.” And don’t let anyone pressure you into buying something that’s outside of a comfortable price range for you.

5. Your debt to income ratio is attractive

Finding your debt to income ratio is much simpler than it sounds, and it's one of the most important numbers to keep in mind when you apply for a mortgage. It informs your prospective lender how much of your monthly income goes to paying off debt each month. The lower your DTI, the more attractive you are as a borrower.

More: 4 Quick Tips to Start Saving Money for Your First Home

How to calculate your DTI:

First start by adding up the various payments you're required to make toward debt each month. Things like minimum required payments across all your credit cards, student loans payments and your car loan payment all count. Once you have that number, divide it by your monthly gross income (before taxes) and that’s your DTI Ratio.

Example:

Step 1: Add up your monthly debt payments

Credit card minimums $150 + car payment $250 + rent $1,050 + student loans $400 = $1,850

Step 2: Calculate your monthly gross income

Salary = $65,000, then your monthly gross is $65,000/12 = $5,416

Step 3: Calculate your DTI = $1,850/$5,416 = 34 percent

A DTI below 36 percent is best. Although government programs can lend with DTIs in the 40-percentile range, your interest rate will be a lot higher, and it will likely be harder to manage your monthly debt payments.

More: Need to Save? Here's How You Trick Yourself Into It

6. You’re not thinking of your home as an investment or retirement plan

Last year, a New York Times article featured a study that crushed all of our dreams that real estate is the holy grail of investments. It stated that over the last 126 years, outside of bubble markets (like New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, etc.), home prices merely kept pace with inflation. That means those stories you hear of your friends in Brooklyn who bought six years ago and have doubled their money are a rarity, not the norm.

We don’t advise thinking about your home as a retirement plan either. When you’re about to retire, the last thing you want to do is sell your home just to have enough money to live. When you’re in your 20s and 30s (and even your 40s), there’s still plenty of time to secure a comfy retirement for yourself without having to bank on selling your home. It’s a good worst-case scenario, but your home should not be the cornerstone of your retirement plan.

Originally published on Domino.

One mom is cracking down on her teen daughter's lazy behavior — but some of the internet is taking her daughter's side, it seems.

The Queensland, Australia, mother simply posted some ground rules for their shared household to remind her daughter "you are part of a family, we are not a motel and I am not your maid." Then she shared them to a community website to empower other parents to do the same.

[Insert slow proud clap from us.]

More: Hilarious rules for kids compliments of parents across the globe

Seriously, how is this even a problem, crazy internet? Since when have we become so terrified of offending our precious offspring by expecting them to be participating members of the household?

The mom in question asked to remain anonymous when her story went viral. And she sounds like a pretty damn normal mom to us:

She says, "We love our daughter to bits, but since she got her [driver's license], she has got worse and worse." As they do. Are we right?

So no-nonsense mom posted a list of house rules on her daughter's bedroom door (and on the refrigerator — extra points for that, Mom).

More: The 10 most important rules of parenting

When she shared her rules on Facebook's Sunny Coast Community Board, though, she was shocked that her list instigated a slew of grumpy comments:

One young woman wrote, "I'm an 18 year old girl I would honestly hate my parents if they spoke to me like that."

Well, duh. Maybe a little parent-hating is a good sign that there's some healthy structure in place?

Mom did get a little tough-love on her daughter by including a warning that she could "find somewhere else to live" if the rules were not followed. "P.S. No, we are not kicking you out of home, this will be your choice for not following these simple rules."

More: Setting ground rules for your kids in a digital age

So what do you think of this mom's expectations for a teen daughter? Out of bed by 10, keeping room clean, home on weeknights between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to help with dinner and eat with the family, wash up dishes and take trash out, then all is cool if daughter would like to hang with buddies until 10:30 p.m.

Seems legit to us. Definitely not a prison sentence.

There was one more big task, of course: completely cleaning the bathroom once a week.

Gross, sure, but considering everything parents do to hold down a household, we're thinking this is definitely within the realm of acceptable expectations for a teen.

"Respect is earned," the mom's rules said. "You need to show respect to be given respect."

And that respect seems to be working. Only a day into the new rules, and the mom was pleased to see her daughter responding well to them. She's encouraging other parents of teens to give it a go, and she's laughing at the haters and coddlers on social media, whom she has some strong words for. "For all those people who commented it would make me lose my daughter, it worked...These are hard issues no one talks about. It is nice to be able to express how you feel and ask others and make sure you are on the right track."

She said she's had it with "parents who aren't parenting" and what she sees as a ridiculous amount of "disrespectful kids in the world."

No hate from us — we're loving the rules and think Rule Mom's daughter is probably going to fare just fine.

The 4th of July is such a nostalgic holiday for so many reasons. Even as adults, it conjures up memories of hot summer days barbecuing with family and playing outside. You can easily help re-create those same types of happy memories for your own kids by simply organizing some fun backyard games on Independence Day.

From water fights to classic watermelon seed spitting contests, we've got seven outdoor games to get your party started.

1. Water balloon dodgeball

Break the kids into two equal groups. Kids can throw the balloons at each other or team up and use a towel as a slingshot to catapult the water balloons. If you get hit, you are out of the game. The last child standing is the dodge balloon champ.

2. Bust 'em obstacle course

Fill large balloons with water and place them at the end of an obstacle course. Have children race through the course with the last feat being they have to pop one of the large water balloons by sitting on it. The race itself can be a traditional obstacle course, a three-legged race or a sack race.

Next Up: Summer squirt tag

Originally published June 2012. Updated June 2017.

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3. Summer squirt tag

The old-school game of tag gets kicked up a notch with squirt tag. One or two children are armed with a spray bottle or a water gun. If you get squirted, you are "it" and take over the sprayer.

More: 4th of July Activities so Fun Your Kids Will Forget the Sparklers

4. Ice cube and spoon game

Everyone knows about the Easter game where you try to carry an egg on a spoon across the lawn. This 4th of July, switch things up and trade out the egg for a small water balloon or an ice cube.

Next Up: Watermelon seed spitting contest

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5. Watermelon seed spitting contest

One of the best foods of the summer — watermelon — can be a focal point of your 4th of July party with a watermelon seed spitting contest. Be sure to have a tape measure on hand so you can accurately measure the distance of the spitted seeds.

6. Pin the stripes on the flag

Create a 4th of July version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey with Pin the Hat on Uncle Sam or Pin the Stripes on the Flag. These blindfold games are always fun for young kids. Search for images online and print out the pictures from your home computer, or have them printed at a print shop.

More: 3 Perfect Cocktails for the 4th of July: One Red, One White & One Blue

7. Lawn games

Of course, all the traditional lawn games are fun for a 4th of July party too. Consider croquet, badminton, bocce, mini golf and more. A volleyball game with beach balls or water balloons is also a fun idea for both adults and kids.

From the outside, being a royal doesn't seem so bad. You wave, you smile, you go to charity events, you rub elbows with celebs and you have enough money to do whatever you want whenever you want. But if you've seen The Crown or basically any other television show or movie about the British monarchy, you know that being royal is far from a walk in the park.

More: Princess Diana's Life Was Amazing & There Are Photos to Prove It

So it's really no surprise that Prince Harry is completely and totally happy just being a prince, even if times are slowly but surely changing for the royal family. Sorry, Prince William, but you're not allowed to pull an Edward and abdicate the throne. Prince Harry ain't interested.

Luckily, Prince William, the former Kate Middleton and Prince Harry seem to be taking a tag-team approach to handling the throne for the new generation. "We are involved in modernizing the British monarchy," Prince Harry stated. "We are not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people. Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen?" he continued to tell Newsweek during his interview with the news outlet. "I don't think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time."

More: A Walking Dead Actor Was Actually Part of Princess Diana's Funeral

He added, "My mother took a huge part in showing me an ordinary life, including taking me and my brother to see homeless people. Thank goodness I'm not completely cut off from reality. People would be amazed by the ordinary life William and I live. I do my own shopping. Sometimes, when I come away from the meat counter in my local supermarket, I worry someone will snap me with their phone. But I am determined to have a relatively normal life, and if I am lucky enough to have children, they can have one too. Even if I was king, I would do my own shopping."

More: Prince Harry Visits Borough Market After Terrorist Attacks

Prince Harry also said that he recognizes he has a "smallish window when people are interested in [him]" and that he intends to use it to "make something of [his] life."

Get it, Prince Harry.

Sometimes, it's hard not to see Scarlett Johansson as almost inhumanly perfect. The movie star is known worldwide for her talent and beauty, and she was last year's highest-grossing female actor (with $1.2 billion in ticket sales for movies like Captain America: Civil War and Hail, Caesar!).

But on the latest episode of Inside the Actors Studio on Bravo, Johansson opened up about her tough childhood growing up as one of four kids in a home without enough income.

More: Scarlett Johansson Is Keeping It Real About Motherhood

The topic came up when host James Lipton asked Johansson about childhood trauma. She answered by first talking about her parents' separation and also her family's lack of income. "By the time my twin brother and I came around, I think my parents' marriage, it had a lot of strain. You know, we were living on welfare. We were on food stamps," Johansson told Lipton. "My parents were raising four kids in a low-income household in Manhattan. So there was a lot."

She continued, "My mom tried to be as much as a buffer as possible with that experience. But there's no kind of handbook to how to do that stuff. It was just a lot."

More: Scarlett Johansson's Best Musical Performances

This isn't the first time Johansson has talked about her childhood poverty. Two years ago when engaged with a campaign for Feeding America, she released a statement that she understood childhood hunger all too well.

Here's the PSA she released: 

"My family grew up relying on public assistance to help provide meals for our family. Child hunger in America is a real and often overlooked problem, but one that together, we can fix."

More: What's up with Scarlett Johansson's Divorce... and What Will Become of the Popcorn Store?

Following the success of her latest film, Rough Night, Johansson is working on two Avengers movie sequels in which she plays Black Widow. You can catch her episode of Inside the Actors Studio on Thursday night, June 22 at 8/7c on Bravo.

You know what the world needs right now? Women kicking serious ass. We've already gotten a taste of it with Wonder Woman; doesn't it feel good? Don't you want more? I know I do, which is why I am beyond hyped for the new Netflix original show, GLOW. The title stands for "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling," but let me tell you, this isn't going to feature a cast of thin white women prancing around a wrestling ring. No, there will be real women of all races, ages and body types coming together to create a wrestling show that gives male wrestlers a run for their money.

More: Stranger Things Spoilers Are (Kind of) Here

First, let's talk about Carmen

Enter Britney Young, a relative newcomer and one of the stars of GLOW. She spoke to SheKnows over the phone recently about GLOW and why this show is quite unlike anything we've seen before. With the brightness in her voice, it was tough not to end up feeling just as excited as she sounds as she explained how GLOW flips the script on the ways in which women can be seen as beautiful and powerful as well as detailing how she relates to her character, Carmen, a young woman who "comes from a wrestling dynasty family. Her father is a wrestler, her two brothers are wrestlers. She was raised by them in this environment; however, was never really allowed to participate," Young details.

As for Carmen's GLOW journey in this first season, Young also gave me a hint about what we can expect. "Her dream is to be a wrestler. She kinda hears inklings around this audition for this female wrestling show GLOW. So, she shows up and is kinda finally like, 'Yes, this is my dream. I’m ready. Let’s do this.' Once she starts being introduced to the more Hollywood side of things, like being in front of audiences and being on camera, she kinda starts to question [if] being a wrestler is what she really wants."

Now let's talk about all those female characters

Straight off the bat, I asked Young what she believed was special about GLOW. She gently laughed and said, "Hmm, how do I narrow this down?" before launching into her explanation.

"To be honest, I think what I find so special about and what really gravitated me towards the project as a whole is the fact that not only is it a show that’s predominately showcasing female characters, but we’re showcasing female characters in a way that I’ve never seen on TV before," Young tells me. "There’s other show out there like Orange Is the New Black — which is fantastic — which is showing how women are surviving in the real world in their jobs, in the prison system. With GLOW, it’s showing how women are surviving in this physical world. How are we showing that they are more than just faces, more than just their looks?"

More: What Orange Is the New Black Gets Right About Grief

Don't forget, it is also about the '80s

For Young, this includes showing women living within and outside of typical '80s stereotypes of women: "More than just big hair — especially in the ‘80s. I think that’s great. I mean, all of us girls do our own stunts. We do all the wrestling ourselves. It’s not stunt doubles. I really think that’s something very special in this day and age where it’s like, 'Oh no, be delicate, be nice,' and we’re like, 'No. Let’s get sweaty. Let’s get gross. Let’s start throwing some bodies around.'"

And there are a lot — a lot  — of stunts

As Young revealed, all of the women in GLOW are actually doing their own stunts. Of course things are choreographed for safety, but when you see Young slam down GLOW star Alison Brie (of Community fame), you're actually seeing these two women go head-to-head. This is just another thing that sets GLOW apart from other boundary-pushing, female-led shows; get pumped, guys.

Young explained to me just how the cast trained for these intense scenes. "Before we started shooting, we actually spent four weeks training with our stunt coordinator, Shauna Duggins, and our wrestling coordinator, Chavo Guerrero Jr. […] It’s really funny because I remember the first day we went in, Chavo was like, 'OK, girls, I’m going to teach you how to get in the ring, how to walk around the ring.' We’d spend hours doing that and we’d be like, 'We know how to get into the ring. We know how to walk around.' And when we started doing it, it was so not normal to us. We were like, 'OK, this is going to be a tough road.'"

More: Netflix Just Released New Kids' Features That Are Game-Changing for Parents

But GLOW also has an important message

The most important message Young hopes viewers take away from GLOW at the end of the day is that this is a show about women winning and that one woman winning in particular is a win for women everywhere. "I think that show really demonstrates where you can be someone who is trying to follow your dreams and find yourself and still be part of a team whose goals are exactly the same. You can be an individual and want good things for yourself and still want good things for all those people around you. Especially in this day where we have 'squads' and women against women, you know, we don’t need that. Me succeeding is me succeeding for women."

Young's success, as well as the successes of the female-led GLOW, definitely feels like a win for women everywhere. Inclusive, feminist and rad as hell, you need to be streaming this show ASAP.

Being a mom is tough, but being a working mom adds a whole other layer of complicated. Then add in some celebrity status, and it's no wonder Nicole Kidman almost threw in the towel back in 2008 while pregnant with her daughter, Sunday Rose.

More: We Dare You to Hate This Video of Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban

During an interview with AP, Kidman explained her decision to almost quit acting while chatting with director Sofia Coppola. "There are so many life issues that come into it when you're working," she explained. "We both have children and that's a big commitment, isn't it?"

Kidman has four children: Isabella Jane Cruise and Connor Cruise with her ex-husband Tom Cruise and daughters Faith Margaret and Sunday Rose with her husband Keith Urban.

More: Nicole Kidman Understands That Motherhood Is More Than Biology

She added, "At one point, I think I was pregnant with Sunday, and I was like, 'I'm going to give up acting, I'm done. It's too much. And the baby and that's it.'"

But it was Kidman's mother who reminded her why creativity is so important to keep in her life. "She said, 'Keep your toe in the water,'" Kidman revealed, "because she said, 'You're going to want that as you get older.' And it's also healthy, if you have a creative spirit and you're artistic, there does have to be a place for that."

More: Nicole Kidman Can Hardly Believe She Married Tom Cruise at Such a Young Age

There is definitely a place for Kidman in Hollywood as long as she wants to continue showcasing her talent, and this year we've seen her really step back into the spotlight. From Lion to Big Little Lies earlier this year to her new film The Beguiled, the entertainment industry just wouldn't be the same without her powerhouse presence.

As someone whose diet consists almost entirely of hummus and foods dipped in said hummus, the latest recall news has me shaking in my boots. Due to a possible listeria contamination at a Hudson Valley Farms pine nut production facility, three brands of hummus with pine nut toppings are being recalled across the U.S.

More: Nooo! Nestlé Candy Bars Could Disappear From Stores Soon

Marketside, Lantana and Fresh Foods Market brand hummus are all being recalled. They've been sold nationwide at stores including Walmart and Giant Eagle. The recall includes batches of hummus distributed from April through June, including one shipment to Canada on April 20.

More: McDonald's Will Make a Major Change to Its Burgers in 2018

Fresh Foods Market is recalling their Artisan Hummus with Pine Nuts, Lantana is recalling their White Bean Hummus with Pine Nut & Herb Topping and Marketside is recalling their Classic Hummus with Pine Nuts. All brands come in 10-ounce clear round containers. You can see the sell-by dates and lot numbers of all the different brands being recalled at the FDA's website.

If you bought one of the recalled products, you can call the House of Thaller (the distributor) customer service center Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST at 855-215-5142.

More: Trump Is Undoing Michelle Obama's Work to Improve Food Labels

We're getting pretty damn tired of all our favorite foods getting recalled — it seems like nothing's safe anymore! Foodborne illnesses reportedly increase in summer because bacteria thrive in warm weather, so you can expect more recalls as we get deeper into summer. But it's not just the heat — listeria also thrives in the cold, meaning it can grow in your fridge and even infect other foods through contact. Ugh!

The good news is that no illnesses as a result of consuming the products have been reported yet. Let's hope it stays that way.

I am sitting at my kitchen table thinking of you, wondering if we will ever meet. I know a few things that my ex has told me about you — and you sound wonderful. He is smitten. Even though you have not met my children, and if I am being honest, I am hoping it doesn't happen until the two of you have been together for much longer and have a serious commitment to each other, we already have a bond.

More: J.Lo and A-Rod are already blended family goals

I realize I've never laid eyes on you in person, nor have we ever spoken. And that this bond has nothing to do with the man I used to be married to; the same one you are dating now, maybe even falling in love with. It has more to do with being a woman and having to break then come back together again because of what we've been through. It has to do with being single moms and wanting the best for our children yet trying to find some balance, fun and excitement for ourselves. Because at the end of the day, we both know we need to take care of ourselves in order to be the best parents we can be.

We need to laugh, indulge, feel desired and valued. We need to feel independent, yet there is a part of us that wants to be taken care of on a certain level. That may involve some casual male companionship or a deep and meaningful relationship. Just because our marriages didn't work out doesn't mean we aren't allowed to feel sexual or put on a nice dress and go out to dinner.

You will know that being a single mom has its trials and tribulations. Fighting our way through certain moments and doubting ourselves can be accentuated when there isn't always a partner there to let us know we've made the right decision. I realize the time away from your children is precious, and when you choose to spend that with someone, it shows how special they are to you. I am glad you have found that in my ex. I know you understand the weight of divorce and co-parenting and the natural anxiety and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to a brand new person that one day may become a big part of their lives.

I have no idea what the future holds. But the one thing I do know, the one thing I just need to tell you, is that I hope — whether it is you or not — I have a relationship with the woman my ex-husband falls in love with. I am uncertain about a lot of things, but I am certain he will not be alone and I know he will not choose someone who isn't kind and generous. If it works out between you guys, it is you who will be there when my son gets married or when my daughter graduates from high school or my youngest has his first speaking role in the school play.

More: 7 apps to save mom's sanity this summer

I want to know you. I want to know whomever my ex falls in love with because my kids will probably fall in love with that person too. They will want her there for their important events, and they will seek her approval, I am sure, whether they act like it or not. I have to prepare myself for this, because this is the reality when you aren't married to the father of your children any more. I will be ready to sit next to another woman and share special family moments with her. I will be ready to meet for lunch if she wants and chat about Christmas gifts. I will be ready to put my ego and pride aside and accept that another woman will be a big part of my children's lives.

So I just had to tell you, mother to mother, woman to woman: I understand we may be bonded for life. And if that's the case, I'm hoping I will do a good job. It might not always be the easiest thing for me, but I will try because my kids will be watching me. And if they are happy to know you and have you in their lives, then I will be too.

Do you leave your job most days feeling emotionally and physically drained? While few people love going to work every day, the number of days you're happy to head to the office should definitely outnumber the ones when you want to hide under the covers — especially since Americans spend an average of 47 hours per week at work!

But if your office and the people you interact with are toxic, it can be tough to make it through those 47 hours without letting those co-workers suck you dry. Unhealthy work environments often feature bad communication, inconsistency in policies and procedures, poor leadership and an unhealthy dose of negativity, says psychologist and consultant Dr. Paul White. Environments like these can lead to low morale, gossip, cattiness and general unprofessionalism among co-workers, all of which are toxic to be around.

However, there are certain strategies you can use for dealing with toxic co-workers so they don't affect your health or performance — here are some of the best ones from experts.

More: 12 Tips That Can Help You Land a Flexible Job

Learn to set — & keep — boundaries

Setting appropriate boundaries can be especially tough for people-pleasers. But if you’re too nice to toxic co-workers (you know, listening to every detail of the annoying interaction they had with your boss), they'll inevitably suck you dry. You end up rescuing them from whatever problem they're having, whether it's helping them with a project they're behind on or spending your lunch break listening to their personal problems. Once that happens, you've set an expectation and they'll have hooked you until you say, “No more.”

White recommends using a firm statement such as, “I’m willing to do this one task, but I'm not able to do that other one," or, "I'm on deadline, so I don't have time to talk about this anymore, but good luck!" Amanda Mitchell, founder of Our Corporate Life LLC, says that it’s also critical to maintain control of your own internal dialogue, which is a different type of boundary. It’s normal when you’re processing your day to think about what others are up to, but when it colors your thinking or becomes something you can’t stop thinking about, you’ve lost your center — another way that toxic co-workers can drain the people around them.

Acknowledge but don’t validate

In toxic work environments, it's smart to stay clued in to the gamesmanship around you, but stay on the sidelines without participating. “It’s important that you don’t convey any judgment of other’s techniques — your goal is to remain neutral and totally aware of the office dynamics, otherwise you could become a target,” explains Mitchell. When things are happening around you and someone is trying to draw you in, say, “that’s interesting” and don’t commit to any action. “You want the person to know you heard them, but you don’t want to validate their game or contribute to the drama they're trying to incite." By remaining an observer, you can protect yourself without getting sucked into conversations and events that will only bring you down.

Protect your perspective

High-pressure work environments with lots of office politics can take on a life of their own. “When your perspective narrows so that your entire focus is on the office, you're more likely to react than respond,” says Mitchell. It also increases your stress level by heightening the importance of what happens at work. Mitchell stresses the importance of maintaining your personal relationships with friends and family. Limit the amount of complaining you do with others and hear what’s going on with them. No one wants to be the person who turns a fun dinner or party into a vent-fest. Stay connected to what matters to you — a hobby, exercise and your loved ones. There's more to life than work.

More: 7 Major Misconceptions About Working From Home

Commit to only using direct communication

“Toxic co-workers are masters of indirect communication,” says White. Don't be the messenger on their behalf or deliver messages to them from other people. When you take on this role, you end up getting the emotional response that's meant for the other person and you become the punching bag. And of course, participating in gossip and hearsay is another way of perpetuating dysfunction and distracting from what's really at stake: getting your work done. In general, it's always wise to stick with direct, straightforward communication.

Learn to take care of yourself

Remember: If you don’t, nobody else will. If you're having health problems and not making time to exercise, cook healthy meals, or get enough sleep, these are all signs that you're letting a toxic workplace and co-workers take over your life. If that stress is spreading into other relationships or your home and family life is suffering, you’re headed down the wrong path. If you don't allow your energy, positivity and excitement about your work to be drained by toxic co-workers around you, these "energy vampires" will move on to new victims and leave you alone, realizing their games and bullshit don't work on you — and that's the ultimate goal.

OK, ladies. Picture it. Maybe you're on vacation, maybe you're on a work trip, either way, you're far from home and you're horny. So, when you're miles from your favorite toys, what's a girl supposed to do? If you're Margaret Cho, you grab the closest Sonicare toothbrush and get busy.

More: Chelsea Clinton & Cecile Richards on How to Defeat the Senate Health Care Bill

At #BlogHer17 in Orlando, Margaret Cho disclosed to the audience that she once resorted to using a Sonicare toothbrush as a vibrator in lieu of her favorite Hitachi Magic Wand. "I was in Europe and I couldn’t plug in my Hitachi Magic Wand with the 6-foot cord —I didn’t bring a converter and I didn’t want it to explode in my vagina. So, my toothbrush didn't need a converter because it was wireless. It’s so clean down there!"

More: Margaret Cho Perfectly and Hilariously Nails Hollywood Sexism

Pretty genius, right? I mean. as long as you aren't using the bristley side, it's essentially a really compact and cordless vibrator.

Cho also added that it can be a great tool if you are a little too shy to venture into your local sex toy store. "If you’re embarrassed to go buy a vibrator and you don’t want to buy one online or whatever, the Sonicare tooth brush does an amazing job… So there’s options."

More: 6 Masturbation Positions that Prove You Don't Need a Partner to Have a Good Time

Cho shared the BlogHer stage with Logan Kevloff, Ph.D., and together, they had a strong message for the audience: Masturbation is normal and masturbation is necessary. Kevloff added, "The concept of masturbation is really often talked about, or at least until recently, as a very male thing."

She could not be more right. At one point, the audience was asked to raise their hands if they frequently masturbate and some hands hesitantly went up, but not many. Now, if that had been a mostly-male audience, you know just about every hand in the room would have been in the air because most men don't feel embarrassed to talk about their masturbation habits. So, ladies, let's grab our toothbrushes, talk about how amazing (and necessary) masturbation is and start normalizing female pleasure.

Earlier today, Senate Republicans unveiled the newest version of their health care bill following a drafting process where women were literally shut out of the room and discussion. Several hours later, Chelsea Clinton and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards addressed a room full of approximately 2,000 women urging them to take action against the bill and reminding them that despite messages from the current administration, women’s voices do matter.

Speaking at the BlogHer17 Conference, Richards encouraged women — and everyone — to strongly push back against this proposed legislation that would disproportionately affect women and families.

“This incredibly important piece of legislation that was meticulously crafted by 13 white men,” Richards began — before Clinton jumped in adding “in secret” — “ends access to Planned Parenthood to millions of folks in this country.”

More: Here's What Ivanka Trumps Wants to do with Planned Parenthood

Richards noted that 1 in 5 women have been to a Planned Parenthood health center as a patient and that half of these are located in medically underserved communities.

And the care provided to women doesn’t stop at prevention and contraception.

“We provide safe and legal abortion,” she said. “I just wanted to say that. It’s important to us and we always will.”

And it’s not just women who benefit. She recalled being at a clinic in San Diego recently where the waiting room was full of men with ESPN playing on the TV instead of the usual soap operas. Turns out, she said, it was Vasectomy Day at Planned Parenthood, and just one example of the health services provided for men.

Clinton, who interviewed Richards, stressed the importance of Planned Parenthood as a health care organization, especially in the face of today’s Senate bill, which she referred to as “such a real threat to health care equity and access and quality and ultimately health in our country.” She explained that like previous Republican attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, this proposed legislation eliminates central health benefits like contraceptive and maternity care as well as preventative screenings; as she put it “the benefits that have ‘leveled up’ what it means to have insurance in this country.” 

More: Trans Rights Are Human Rights & Civil Rights and Yes — That Includes Bathrooms

Both women stressed the importance of including women in the political process, from having more women elected to office to encouraging all women to show up to the polls, the way that women of color have turned out for recent elections.

If passed, the bill would end access to health care for millions of Americans, which Richards said is “one of the problems when you have people negotiating benefits they don’t actually need.” Richards and Clinton discussed how one of the major stumbling blocks to maintaining access to health care for women is that Republican male politicians continuously use the excuse that because they do not benefit directly from provisions like maternity care, it shouldn’t be required.

“If more people in Congress could get pregnant, we’d stop fighting about birth control,” Richards added.

Clinton chimed in, saying “Where do they [Republican male politicians] think they came from? Everyone has a mother and if you think you don’t, look at your belly button.” She then emphasized the importance of using humor to move the discussion forward, “not just to keep our sanity, but to bring new audiences into the conversation.” 

One specific aspect of the bill that Richards finds problematic is that women on Medicaid who are pregnant and give birth — which, she said, account for half the births in this country — have to return to work after 60 days or risk losing their health care coverage.

The plan: to have women continue to raise their voices, because so far, it's been working. According to Richards, an estimated 86 percent of the calls that have been coming into Congress opposing the various iterations of the Republicans’ health care bill have come from women. None of the bills have progressed.

More: No, Planned Parenthood Still Doesn't Use Federal Funds for Abortion

Their first suggestion on how to take action right now: Call your senator, especially if you’re from battleground states like Ohio, Arizona or Florida. Clinton even provided the number to call the Senate: 202-224-3121. Richards added that people can also text DEFEND to 22422 or visit the Planned Parenthood website for more information on how to take action.

“We can do something about this,” Richards said.  “We can fight it and we can beat it.”

Eating bugs is a pretty common practice in cuisines around the world. But when you don't know there are bugs in your food, I think we can all agree it's kind of gross. Yet, according to the FDA's rules, humans can consume up to 140,000 pieces of insect matter each year. Um, what?

Apparently, it's par for the course that some insect parts are going to find their way into our food supply — and it's not unsafe, exactly, for us to unknowingly eat bugs. But can we all agree that it's honestly kind of disgusting?

More: Cockroach milk is a thing, and it makes us want to die

Like, when people eat crickets, ant eggs or other insects on purpose, the bugs are processed and cooked in a specific way. When we eat bugs that get in our food accidentally, it makes me wonder about the cleanliness of the production facility — if bugs can get in, what else is in there?

You're probably wondering how many insects, exactly, we're allowed to ingest. The numbers are shockingly high, according to a recent report by insect control company TERRO.

More: Disgusting bug infestations you hope never happen to you

I'm hoping and praying that some of these are microscopic insects, because otherwise how could one possibly ingest 60 insects with every half-cup of broccoli? The FDA also allows there to be 25,000 insects in each half-cup of hops. Like... how do that many insects fit in a half-cup of anything? Well, it turns out the bugs in question are aphids, which clock in at just 2 to 5 millimeters in size. TBH, still kind of repulsive.

Luckily, a lot of the bugs are actually kind of nutritious. Think of them as nature's protein powder, helping you to be healthier without even realizing it.

Then again, we could all just use actual protein powder, but when life hands you lemons... you eat bugs, apparently.

More: Why are health nerds gobbling up cricket flour?

It’s no secret that a lot of women have a love-hate relationship with sex and sisters, I am with you on that one.

I love sex; I yearn to harness my sexuality and wield it like like a fucking amazonian Wonder Woman, but I haven’t found a way to comfortably do that yet. I've gone through the I-don’t-know-if-I'm-good-at-this phase, the I-hate-my-vagina-because-it's-ugly phase; probably every self-doubt, self-hate phase a woman can go through, I've been there. But now, as I edge into my thirties, that's over, because Margaret Cho taught me to stop giving a shit.

"Orgasming is such an important part of being a woman," Cho said at the #BlogHer17 conference. “I think sexuality, it’s both personal and very political. When we can actually come out of this shame of having to cum a certain way – you know, everybody’s different, everybody’s body is different and the way sex is portrayed in movies and TV and whatever is from a male perspective. So looking for other ways is an important thing."

We all know that's true. Hollywood, whether it be the show biz or the porn biz, is run predominantly by privileged white males. Who are they to tell us how we should cum (or how we should do anything else with our bodies, for that matter)? And Margaret doesn't want us to just use our voice when we're with our partners, she wants us to get real with ourselves when we're alone. Like, alone, alone.

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"It’s very political to talk about pleasure in a way that doesn’t include men, that doesn’t include partner sex. This is about our bodies and fully realizing the potential of our bodies," she said. " What I’ve found is that the true relationship for me is the love affair I have with myself, and that my partner is indeed my body. This is the love affair that you’ve got to make work... That’s why masturbation is so important. It gets you really involved in you. Don’t be afraid of that. As women, we’re constantly doing things for other people... you’ve got to find that true love for you, that’s what it’s all about."

And you don't have to feel pigenon-held to one kind of self-love. Heck, Cho is trying it all.

"It’s really about getting rid of this idea that there’s something wrong with our bodies or that we are somehow, like certain areas are outlawed... I go on these projects, I was like ‘I'm determined to have an anal orgasm.’ Because I just thought from all this porn that it must exist! But I haven’t found it yet."

More: That One Time Margaret Cho Used a Toothbrush as a Vibrator

We have no doubt she will. And maybe I will, too. Heck, join us in this anal, vaginal, whatever-hole-you-want-revolution, why don't you? Because after all, loving yourself in this time of age is a fucking revolution.

"For us to feel good about who we are in this moment, it’s the ultimate revenge. This is it.... This is who we are in this moment. We will be alive for a very short time on this planet and you’ve got to enjoy every second so embrace who you are. I look back at myself in the '90s and I remember I hated myself so much… I’m so sad because that girl was so beautiful and she never got to appreciate it."

More: Gabi Gregg Talks Body-Positivity & Getting the Fashion Industry's Attention

Lesson learned: stop judging, start loving, and girls, start touching yourselves!

Angelina Jolie, actress, filmmaker, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees envoy, spent World Refugee Day in Kenya, celebrating and speaking at the International Peace Support Training Centre. Jolie has been involved in helping refugees with the UNHCR since 2001 after her time filming Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in a war-torn Cambodia. Since then, she has been dedicated to keeping in contact with and helping as many refugees as possible wherever there is crisis.

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While in Kenya, Jolie spoke in the city of Nairobi with refugee girls who were invited to the Center to hear her speak. The actress touched on the dangers that these girls and young women face when they flee their homes alone, or are completely split from their parents or guardians. Many of these cases result in some form of sexual violence against them, and in turn many of these female refugees become young mothers.

“The role of sexual violence in compounded,” Jolie started, “when it is carried out by someone in uniform who has taken an oath to protect. So it is a responsibility of those who wear uniform to take lead now by correcting from within, setting an example stepping forward with new commitments.”

More: Amid grim stories of Syrian refugees, some rays of hope emerge

After 16 years of work with the UNHCR, and three adopted children from Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, Jolie has promised to help each and every country she has visited. Her commitment to charity and donation are admirable, as well as understanding her place as a privileged American woman. With just about 21.3 million refugees in the world, and 65 million total who have been displaced from their homes because of war or other crises, Jolie has kept a firm belief of helping with her presence. Her time in Kenya for this year’s World Refugee Day was notable and important, and we’ll be on the lookout for more humanitarian work from the generous actress.