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New Sesame Street Character Rudy Empowers Blended Families

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The Sesame Street family keeps growing — and we are crazy about the newest resident on the block.

Rudy is a red-horned monster who is 3. He had his big debut on Saturday in the episode "Hello, Rudy," when he was introduced as the brand-new stepbrother of Abby Cadabby. Abby's mom married Rudy's dad, and Rudy's on board now as part of a storyline addressing the challenges — and the fun — of blended families.

More: Everything Parents Think While Watching Sesame Street But Never Say Out Loud

Rudy already has some major-league fans. The cool little red monster got to hang with Jimmy Fallon recently and "help" Fallon with his thank-you notes (that's around the 2:20 minute mark, for you impatient souls):

Rudy and Fallon

Rudy and Fallon

We really love Rudy's message that families come in all shapes and sizes. Sesame Street Workshop had this to say about its newest character: “Families come in many forms — including newly blended families, which can present unique challenges for kids. As part of Sesame Street’s kindness curriculum, kids will watch as Abby and Rudy meet for the first time, get to know each other, and overcome their differences to embrace their new sibling relationship.”

More: A Mom's Guide to Sesame Street Besties

Abby and Rudy appeared on Today last Friday to chat about life as new stepsiblings.

“All of us come from different places, right? But we all have something in common,” Abby said, citing their shared love of soccer. (Even Muppets have soccer parents.)
Rudy blended fam

Rudy blended fam

More: Afghan Sesame Street Introduces New Muppet for Gender Equality

We're already in love with this new family — and are grateful as ever to Sesame Street Workshop for always making sure its narratives reflect real kids — and real families — and empowering them no matter what the circumstance.


This Is the Cruise Line Most Child-Free Adults Prefer

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Cruises, the all-inclusive resorts of the sea, come in all stripes. There are comedy cruises, LGBTQ cruises, a National Review cruise for conservatives and of course Disney cruises.

If you don't have kids, going on a Disney cruise might seem counterintuitive. I mean, you want to relax on vacation, and with all of those pesky children running around, wouldn't it be hard?

More: Cruising with preschoolers: Crazy or fun?

Well, according to a new industry analysis, the answer is no. It turns out that without having to care for and cater to the whims of youths, Disney cruises are even more enjoyable than they are when you travel with the whole family — 20 percent of adult passengers on Disney cruises are adults without kids along for the journey, and they often go on vacation during the school year, when there's less likely to be an influx of young'uns.

Now, Disney is known the world over for its incredible customer service, and it turns out that's one of the reasons why child-free adults still flock to their ships even if they aren't particularly jazzed about getting wake-up calls from Goofy. The food and drinks on board are also stellar, and the ships do have adults-only areas for those looking to escape the sound of happy children.

More: Trend alert: River cruises

There are ports of call where adults-only activities, like a Bacardi rum tour in Puerto Rico, take place, and people of all ages can enjoy the high-quality theatrical and musical entertainment on board. Hey, we grown-ups like belting out the classic Disney tunes too.

Disney cruises are actually expanding, so it makes sense that they would want to hit the mark with people other than families with young kids. There are currently four Disney ships, and they're adding three more to their fleet between 2021 and 2023.

More: 12 Delicious Disney treats we want to eat right now

With options like sipping rosé at Champagne bar Pink or sunbathing in the 18-and-up area of Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, it's easy to see why adults without kids who enjoy the finer (and more magical!) side of life would want to cruise with Disney. Why choose between Disney magic and child-free vacationing when you could have both?

How to Get Rid of Broken Capillaries on Your Face

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By: Erin Lukas

Broken capillary are those thin, spidery, ribbon-like lines that populate on the lower half of your face, such as around your nose, cheeks and mouth. While covering them up so your complexion looks truly even is a temporary solution, enlarged capillaries are so stubborn that even using makeup on them can be tough. To find out what the options are for a permanent fix along with what causes broken facial capillaries in the first place, we turned to Dr. Sameer Bashey, cosmetic dermatologist at Obagi Skin Health Institute in Beverly Hills.

First things first: Why do capillaries become enlarged in the first place? "Broken capillaries on the face and around the nose can be caused by a variety of conditions. Most commonly, the cause is sun damage," explains Bashey. Over time, the sun's rays thin out the dermis of the skin, causing a decrease in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. "As this occurs, blood vessels become slightly more obvious and emerge close to the junction between the epidermis and the dermis." These slightly enlarged spider veins are usually small dysfunctional capillaries.

More: How to Conceal Broken Facial Capillaries With Makeup

People who suffer from rosacea can also develop broken capillaries. These capillaries aren't always necessarily broken, but blood vessels that have a rosacea-induced increase in production and open and close as a response to environmental and emotional factors. "This is what causes people with rosacea to feel excessively hot or flush," says Bashey.

Proper sun protection is the best way to prevent broken capillaries from forming. Along with wearing sunscreen and following a consistent skin care routine that targets whatever your concerns are, whether it's aging or acne, Bashey suggests adopting a few lifestyle changes like wearing a hat outdoors and avoiding tanning or laying out in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when its rays are the most potent. These steps are extra important to those with rosacea, who are more sensitive to the heat and sunlight.

For a permanent solution, there are a few ways you can treat broken capillaries at the dermatologist's office. Lasers are one option, and there are a few different ones that will get the job done. Pulse lasers "target anything on the face that is red and spares surrounding tissue that does not have its target, which is hemoglobin," explains Bashey. There are two settings to this laser: one that bruises and one that doesn't. "The non-bruising (non-purpuric) setting is less effective and will require more treatments, but essentially does not have much downtime at all," says Bashey.

Capillaries that form around the nose are usually treated with a 1064 nd: YAG laser. "This laser is often used for capillary formation around the nose," explains Bashey. "It is often the laser to go to when the pulse-dye laser fails. It works through a similar mechanism as the above-mentioned laser, but acts deeper in the skin due to its long wave."

More: How to Reapply Sunscreen Without Ruining Your Makeup

Finally, as an alternative to laser treatments, you can opt for a IPL device. This minimizes the redness caused by capillaries forming as well as pigmentation from sun damage.

While all forms of treatment may irritate and cause tenderness during the procedure, aside from bruising, depending on the laser setting your dermatologists use, there are no side effects or downtime following it. However, Bashey warns that deeper skin tones might experience pigmentation from the heat-based devices used for treatment.

Afterward, Bashey says you can go back to your usual skin care routine and lifestyle. He does suggest applying sunscreen immediately following treatment and avoiding the sun for a few hours.

Originally posted on InStyle

David Letterman's Got a New Show, & of Course, It's on Netflix

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If it seems like all the best shows are on Netflix lately, that's because they are. The streaming giant's latest binge-worthy acquisition is a new, six-episode talk show from late-night king David Letterman.

More: David Letterman's Real Legacy Can Be Summed Up in Just Four Words

The Hollywood Reporter says his new show, premiering in 2018, will consist of prerecorded hourlong episodes, unlike his live stint on late-night TV. Letterman will do long-form interviews with guests (none of whom have been announced yet) and report on topics outside of the studio. We're getting a real talk-show-meets-60-Minutes vibe here, and we like it. Never mind the fact that it's been two years since Letterman left The Late Show and he's clearly ready for a return to TV.

More: Adam Sandler Says Goodbye to David Letterman in Song (WATCH)

Even though the new show doesn't have a title yet, Letterman is already hyping it. "I feel excited and lucky to be working on this project for Netflix. Here's what I have learned: if you retire to spend more time with your family, check with your family first. Thanks for watching, drive safely," he told THR.

So what will Letterman's show look like? We're not really sure. It could be similar to Chelsea Handler's Netflix talk show, where she combines studio interviews with trips to other countries to investigate and try new things. What we do know is that with Letterman at the helm, it'll be a must-watch. Over his 33-year cable career, he hosted more than 6,000 episodes of late-night talk TV, collecting numerous awards along the way for his efforts. Nearly 14 million people tuned in to see his farewell episode in 2015, so it makes sense that another network would want to capitalize on his popularity.

More: Top 10 Ways David Letterman Changed Late-Night Talk Shows

We only have one more question: Will Letterman keep the giant beard he's grown since he retired?

Mom Posts Hilarious First-Day-of-School Pic We Can All Relate To

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Jena Willingham's kids are going back to school, and she ain't even mad. Like, not even a little bit.

More: New Sesame Street Character Empowers Kids in Blended Families

So had her husband snap a photo to commemorate the occasion. Yesterday, she posted the very satisfying result on Facebook — where all the parents who are tired of long school-less summer days of "Liam hit me," "Emma breathed on me," and "I think the dog puked on my pillow" cheered in solidarity. The post has already been shared more than 12,500 times.

Back to school mom

Back to school mom

Willingham said to HuffPost, “My kids have been fighting all summer, so I kept telling them I was counting down to the first day so I could have a pool day alone. Since my youngest was starting this year, it would be the first time in 11 years I didn’t have a baby at home.”

More: Ellen DeGeneres Launches New Baby Lifestyle Collection

Willingham, a mother of three, says she does "silly stuff like this all the time."

The sad news? Turns out she wasn't able to have an awesome solo day by the pool on Monday after all. Waah-WAAH.

“I didn’t actually get to have a pool day today because I was babysitting my cousin’s 2-month-old,” she told HuffPost. “But I plan to on one of my upcoming off days!”

More: When Breast Is Maybe Not Best

We hope Willingham gets her pool day alone very, very soon. (We hope we get one too. When does school start again?)

Judd Apatow, Father of 2 Daughters, Says He's Not a Feminist

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You guys, it's 2017. Can't we just get the feminism thing figured out? It's not that hard. Equality for all women and all men and all the people who don't identify as either across all races and sexual orientations. Or, if you need it put more simply than that, equality. Just equality for everyone.

More: Judd Apatow's Daughters Are Brutal Teenagers

In another category entirely are the people who clearly are feminists, but won't admit it because they think the word is some politically loaded term for man-hating. Judd Apatow is apparently one of those for some reason. While he's super-progressive in his work, he's now claiming he's not a feminist. Go figure.

More: No, Judd Apatow, Theft & Sex Crimes Aren't the Same

When asked by an interview for Vulture if he considers himself a feminist, Apatow replied, "I don't, at least not in those terms. I just try to do what's right whenever I see the opportunity. With Bridesmaids, I never thought, 'It'd be great if there was a movie that starred a lot of women, and maybe that will help open some doors.' It's great if that ends up happening, but that sort of thinking is never the starting point."

So, like, it's cool if feminist thinking is spread by his movies, but he's not going to do that intentionally? Except he does do that intentionally because, in the same interview, Apatow talks about how he goes out of his way to make sure his films pass the Bechdel test (in part because his wife, Leslie Mann, has actively educated him on its importance), and all but one of them do. So, he's making sure his films adhere to feminist ideals, but he's not a feminist? OK, bro.

More: 6 Things Judd Apatow Might Change About Pee-wee Herman

The truth appears to be that Apatow is a feminist, even by his own standards, but the word has been so twisted that he doesn't want to be associated with it. How messed up is that?

Here's Why We Get Hiccups & How to Get Rid of Them

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Chances are, you’ve been a victim of the hiccups.

While a hiccupping baby might make people giggle, a hiccupping co-worker does not produce the same effect. To save you from passive-aggressive comments and frustrated sighs from around the office, we spoke to two respiratory system experts about the mysterious (and super-annoying!) human phenomena of hiccups — and how to stop them in their tracks.

What is a hiccup?

OK, we’re 99.99 percent sure that you know what a hiccup is. But what’s actually going on in there?!

“A hiccup is an involuntary, rhythmic contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles,” said Dr. Adam Wass, a family medicine physician at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “It ends with an abrupt closure of your throat — called the glottis — which makes the characteristic ‘hic’ sound.”

According to Wass, there are actually three different categories of hiccups that individuals report, all with their respective official medical names: 

  1. A bout of hiccups: lasting less than 48 hours
  2. Persistent hiccups: lasting between 48 hours and one month
  3. Intractable hiccups: lasting longer than one month

But whether they last one minute or one month, these strange, tiny contractions don’t actually do anything for our body.

More: How Breathing Issues Cause Chronic Health Problems In Kids

“There is no known physiologic purpose of hiccups,” pulmonologist Dr. Inchel Yeam of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, told SheKnows. “Hiccups have been described in utero, and some have suggested that this may be for babies to exercise their diaphragm and inspiratory muscles.”

Great, just another involuntary bodily function Mother Nature forces us to deal with.

So, what actually triggers these seemingly random bursts?

Bouts of hiccups have a lengthy list of causes, many of which are normal, everyday activities.

“The most common causes of hiccups are gastric distention, carbonated drinks, swallowing air, change in stomach or ambient temperature, alcohol, sudden excitement or stress,” said Yeam.

Persistent or intractable hiccups, on the other hand, are usually caused by some sort of irritation to your reflex arc, the nerve pathway that causes immediate, automatic movements.

Wass explained these throat, esophagus and diaphragm irritations can occur due to a number of infections, including meningitis, pneumonia or hepatitis. Conditions such as gallbladder disease, pulmonary embolisms and tumors can also spur the hiccups.

“Toxic or metabolic causes such as anesthesia, alcohol or uremia related to kidney failure can lead to hiccups,” Yeam added. “And rarely, a foreign body such as small hair can rub against the eardrum, irritating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, and cause persistent hiccups.”

Unfortunately, a good deal of these catalysts are completely out of our control. Our only option is to fight back!

How the heck should we get rid of them?

For years, we’ve been armed with the homemade-but-slightly-questionable hiccup remedies of our grandmothers, like holding our breath for an unspecified period of time or waiting to be scared by an overly enthusiastic sibling. While there hasn’t been a serious long-term case study on hiccup remedies, our experts weighed in with their approved remedies — which vary depending on the severity of your case of hiccups.

More: Grandma’s Remedies for Cold & Flu

If the hiccups don’t disappear on their own as they often do, Wass suggests a few tried-and-true techniques:

  • Interrupting respiratory function such as breath-holding and the Valsalva maneuver (aka shutting your mouth and nose and blowing your cheeks up like a balloon)
  • Stimulating the back of the throat and the uvula by any means, including sipping cold water traditionally or out of the top side of the glass, gargling or swallowing a teaspoon of dry sugar
  • Increasing vagal stimulation by putting an ice pack on the eyeball or soaking your hand in warm water
  • Counteracting the irritation of the diaphragm by pulling knees to the chests or bending forward

Don’t these remedies sound familiar? Doctor Grandma may have been on to something. However, for the unlucky few who develop more severe cases of the hiccups, the solutions are a bit more intense.

According to Yeam, medical treatments for intractable hiccups can include acupuncture, specialized breathing therapies or even certain medications such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide or baclofen.

“Surgery involving diaphragm pacing has also been performed on patients with many years of intractable hiccups with good outcome, but should be reserved for extreme cases only,” Yeam said.

Surgery for hiccups? Will my insurance cover that?!

Don’t freak out — that’s worst-case scenario.

More: My Millennial Doctor’s Advice Totally Won Me Over

“Most hiccups are self-limiting and will likely resolve on its own,” Yeam assured us. “If it persists more than a couple days, you may want to consult with your doctor just to make sure there is nothing more serious going on.” 

In that case, don’t give up on the old-school remedies for curing hiccups just yet. And if you’ve had hiccups for over a month, we highly suggest you quit reading this article and get yourself to a doctor ASAP!

Everything We Know About the Will & Grace Reboot, Including a Season 2

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Updated Aug. 8, noon PT: More spoilers coming your way, Will & Grace fans! This time, they're about the scene-stealing character who might be the real star of the show (even though his name isn't in the title), Jack.

Remember that weird "Just Jack" hand thing he did as a sort of catchphrase in the original series? That's not coming back (and we're not mad about that, TBH). And trust us, you'll understand the reason.

"Well, when you are friends with the actor that has to endure the ‘Just Jack’ of it all and you go to, let’s say, Neiman Marcus and you’re on an escalator and you watch 15 people on the up escalator as you’re on the down escalator doing this — [throws both hands up] — to a guy that just wants to buy a pair of socks, you start to feel for him," executive producer Max Mutchnick explained to People magazine.

But don't worry — Jack won't be completely without a catchphrase in the reboot.

"So for Jack, we’ve created something new,” he added. “He has branded a new form of acting that’s called ‘Jackting.’ We’re going to explore that with him," Mutchnick added.

Cannot wait to see that play out.

Updated Aug. 4, 1 p.m. PT: Will & Grace is going to be so much better than we even thought, fam.

Before it's even premiered, the revival of the hit '90s sitcom has already been renewed for a 13-episode second season. Also, the 10-episode first season has been extended to 16 episodes. That can only mean this show is going to be the best thing on TV come fall.

Debra Messing, who plays Grace, also shared some details about the group's first table read back together, and OMG, you guys, I'm so excited.

"We all came together and read and it felt like coming home," she said. "We laughed so hard. For the last year, it's been a confusing time and I haven't laughed very much, and to come back together and to laugh out loud and to be surprised by one another and to have new stories to tell and to have another opportunity to do it, it's a no brainer."

Original story:

Can y'all believe it's really been 10 years since Will & Grace was last on the air? All that's about to change with a limited-run 10-episode revival season of the hit sitcom set to debut next month. Luckily for you, we have a few spoilers. Get your martinis ready, fam, because this revival information requires a stiff drink.

More: The Will & Grace Revival Trailer Is Officially Here

This week's Entertainment Weekly is all about Will & Grace, detailing how the original cast reunited to do a revival season. It all started way back during election season when series creator Max Mutchnick called the cast together for their 10-minute "Get Out the Vote" YouTube short. It was a hit, getting more than 7 million views. What's more was that it showed how willing the cast was to reunite — when Mutchnick emailed Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes about the possibility, they all responded that they were in within 40 minutes.

More: You Can Bet the Will & Grace Revival Will Be Riddled With Social Commentary

Apparently, it was Mullally who first brought up the idea of a real revival. "I was sitting on the couch in my house reading the script, and then I emailed Max and I said, 'Why can’t we do this show again?' And he emailed right back saying, 'We can!'" she said.

Thank goodness for Mullally's suggestion, because here we are ready to enjoy this wonderful revival. Ahead of the show's Sept. 28 airdate, we also have a minor Will & Grace spoiler. Stop reading now to avoid this spoiler.

The new season is going to pretty much rewrite the ending of the OG series. If you recall, that ending involved Will and Grace drifting apart as friends and no longer living together, only to run into each other again 20 years later when they were dropping their kids off for college. As far as the revival is concerned, that never happened. Instead, they're still living together in the familiar apartment from the series, with Jack living next door and Karen popping in on the reg, drink in hand.

"I think everyone responded to the election video because it looked the same, and the apartment’s a big part of that," McCormack explained. "Why not say these two people are still living together? They’ve had heartbreaks and they’re still together. And rather than making that something to be frowned on, let’s celebrate that. What if our best friends from youth really become our rocks in our middle age?"

More: 4 Reasons to Be Totally Stoked for the New Will & Grace

We're about to find out. The new season of Will & Grace premieres Sept. 28 on NBC.


5 Ways Your Kids' Favorite Toys Actually Have Scientific Benefits

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Ever hover outside your kids' room, just to listen to their cheerful chatter? Watching your children discover the world via play is an often fascinating experience as a parent. As they navigate the world with uninhibited curiosity, sitting on the sidelines may inspire you to think more creatively too. But in addition to being a source of joy and a way to keep your kids entertained when you need to check off lines on your to-do list, specific toys and games provide scientific benefits to your child’s personal growth.

"Children explore their world and expand important developmental skills through play including language, communication, motor ability and emotional regulation. Play also provides opportunities for children to create, use active imagination and practice tolerating frustration and disappointment," explains clinical psychologist and parenting expert, Dr. Stephanie O’Leary.

More: 9-Year-Old "Guardian of the Galaxy" Applies for NASA Job

Here's the surprisingly clinical side of Play-Doh, Legos, dress-up and more.

1. Tag develops gross motor skills

Amazed by your child’s endurance as they play the 100th session of tag with their sibling? It may wear you out just watching the twosome play, but O’Leary explains they’re building gross motor skills, like running and making swift changes in another direction. "These actions are fantastic for general health, but also serve to strengthen coordination, endurance and muscle strengths. Beyond motor skill development, games like tag require kids to think on their feet and learn from mistakes by adapting to use more successful strategies," she explains.

2. Play-Doh develops fine motor strength

Sure, it might be a tad messy (and yep, you already have dried bits permanently buried in your favorite rug), but Play-Doh is a superstar toy for inspiring your little one’s imagination. O’Leary says this timeless molding pastime strengthens fine motor skills, which build motor endurance for the future. In other word, playing with Play-Doh encourages your child to write, paint or draw without getting fatigued or frustrated as they get older. "Play-Doh also allows for creative expression and helps children practice planning and sequencing skills if they choose to create more elaborate items," says O'Leary.

More: 9 Things We Really Need to Stop Saying to Our Kids, Stat

3. Legos build goal-setting skills

While O’Leary says Legos are beneficial in teaching kids to practice their fine motor skills since snapping each piece together is a workout for mini muscles and minds, the real psychological benefit of Legos extends far beyond the playroom. “Building Lego according to plan allows children to practice using a methodical, step-by-step approach to achieve a goal," she says. "And building with Lego in a less structured fashion helps develop creativity, practices planning skills by taking an idea and turning it into a tangible object and works toward mastery in terms of sorting skills."

4. Puzzles help build visual-spatial planning ability

As your kid grows older, she may want to skip out on the building blocks and tackle the challenge of a puzzle. These one-dimensional toys are superstars for a number of developmental benefits. Finding which pieces connect requires fine motor skills and visual-spatial planning ability, teaching your child’s mind to work double-time. Then, separating pieces by color encourages sorting skills, as your brainiac figures out how to design the portrait. An overlooked perk, according to O’Leary, is the attitude lesson that puzzles teach. "Puzzles require a high degree of perseverance, especially as the number of pieces grows, thus helping children learn to work toward long-term goals despite minor setbacks," she says.

More: 9 Fun Outdoor Activities to Do With Your Kid

5. Dolls enhance emotional awareness

Regardless of your child’s sex or gender, creating a land where Barbies or other dolls can exist helps enhance emotional awareness, explore concepts regarding interpersonal relationships and practice socially appropriate responses and interactions. Often, these dolls become some of your child’s favorite toys and they use them as a way to navigate ideas they may be trying to figure out. "Younger children will often personify inanimate objects, like making a family out of pretend fruits and vegetables, in order to explore topics of family interaction, caretaking, and responsibility," explains O’Leary. This healthy practice can be beneficial and — if you listen in — really entertaining for adults!

Chloë Grace Moretz Has Already Experienced a Great Deal of Sexism in Hollywood

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Sexism in Hollywood is insidious, but it's hard to believe that even the youngest stars are affected by it.

More: People Need to Stop Shaming Chloë Grace Moretz for Tanning Topless on her Date

Chloë Grace Moretz just opened up to Variety about some of the times she's faced extreme sexism on the job, and one of them happened when she was only 15.

"This guy that was my love interest was like, ‘I’d never date you in a real life,’ and I was like, ‘What?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you’re too big for me’ — as in my size," Moretz explained. "It was one of the only actors that ever made me cry on set. I went bawling to my brother and he was like, ‘What happened?’ And I was like, ‘He told me I was too big.’ And my brother was like, ‘What just happened?’ My brother was so angry,” says Moretz, who is extremely close with her four older brothers. “I had to pick it up and go back on set and pretend he was a love interest, and it was really hard… It just makes you realize that there are some really bad people out there and for some reason, he felt the need to say that to me. You have to kind of forgive and not forget really, but it was just like wow. It was jarring. I look back on it and I was 15, which is really, really dark."

More: Chloë Grace Moretz Slams Body-Shamers and Haters in Powerful Twitter Rant

Moretz refused to name the actor involved.

But that wasn't the only time she was targeted for being a woman on set.

"I’ve had a younger male lead ostracize me and bring up fake issues just to try and put me in my place, and make things up to the director… things that are crazy, things that I would never do, unprofessional things that would make no sense," she said. "I’ve had an actor do that to me. It’s crazy. They have this inferiority issue, and I’m like, ‘You are completely equal to me, you are no different than me. I just happen to be the lead in this movie, and I don’t know why just because you are kind of the smaller character that you’re pushing me into a corner to try and put me down. Little snips that just put you down."

A really crazy thing Moretz shared is that she struggles to get roles because she's been so successful from such a young age.

"Now it’s, ‘Oh, you’re too known, your face is in too many things.’ And I’m like, well, if I were unknown, then I would not be known enough," she said.

Another time, she got shut down for a role before she even auditioned because of the color of her hair.

"I was told I was too blond and they couldn’t cast two blond girls in the same movie," she said. "I was like, ‘Okay, because I’m blond and there’s another blond in the movie, you can’t cast two?’ That’s such a masculine way of looking at things."

More: Khloé Kardashian and Chloë Grace Moretz Are Going to War — Twitter War

It's no secret that sexism absolutely still exists in Hollywood. But hearing these personal stories really drives the issue home. Women in Hollywood — and everywhere else in the world — deserve equality, and we need to fight until we have it.

A Christmas Story Live TV Musical Is Happening

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Updated Aug. 8, 1:45 p.m. PT: The Little Mermaid live musical remake may be canceled, but Fox is stepping in with another TV musical to fill the void: A Christmas Story, with Saturday Night Live's Maya Rudolph as the star.

Rudolph will play the mother of the 9-year-old lead, Ralphie, in a live TV version of the three-hour musical rewrite of the classic Christmas film. It'll be produced by Marc Platt, who also produced Fox's wildly successful Grease: Live! in 2015.

Updated Aug. 4, 1:30 p.m. PT: Lindsay Lohan didn't get her wish, and I got mine (sort of) — the live remake of The Little Mermaid has been postponed and maybe canceled.

"We are postponing the ‘Little Mermaid Live’ special," an ABC spokesperson said in a statement. "We love the idea of doing a live musical and want to make it wonderful. The project is so unique that we are making best efforts to do it next year and want to give it all the attention it deserves."

But despite that statement, there are rumors flying that the project has been scrapped altogether due to budget concerns. That's what people close to the project anonymously told Refinery 29.

Some legendary tales are better left untouched, so it's hard to consider this bad news. #SorryNotSorry.

Original story:

Hello, readers, from me, Christina, a person with a butt-ton of very frizzy bright red hair.

Lindsay Lohan wants to play Ariel in Little Mermaid 1

Lindsay Lohan wants to play Ariel in Little Mermaid 1

More: Lindsay Lohan's Instagram Has Been Replaced by a Muslim Message

When you have naturally red hair, people seem to think it makes it OK for them to do certain really annoying things. Women constantly grab strands of your hair, hold them up to the light and exclaim about how people pay all of the money to get that hair color and so you should never, ever complain about anything in your life because you couldn't possibly have problems because you have naturally red hair. Men, particularly in places where alcohol is served and/or on the middle school basketball court, ask if the carpet matches the drapes.

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Image: Giphy

As a relatively well-adjusted adult, I find myself able to brush these things off as minor annoyances. But as an incredibly shy child, they pretty much ruined my life on the regular.

Enter Ariel from The Little Mermaid, who was a strong, independent woman and who had the voice of an angel and whose hair looked just like mine. Suffice it to say, Ariel was a pretty important figure in my childhood life. Normally, when it comes to casting movies, even if I don't agree with the actors who land the roles, I shrug and move on with life because there are more important things to worry about. But when it comes to Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, the idea of Lindsay Lohan in the title role simply will not stand.

hell to the no gif
Image: Giphy

More: So, Is Lindsay Lohan's New Accent Turkish? Arabic? Irish? Please Advise

Lohan posted a side-by-side comparison of herself and Ariel to Instagram, presumably because she's pitching herself for the role.

Lindsay Lohan wants to play Ariel in Little Mermaid 2

Lindsay Lohan wants to play Ariel in Little Mermaid 2

Lohan definitely looks the part, which is great. If this were based on looks alone, she would nail it, and I would shut up and happily buy my tickets to see the movie. But there is one really, really big problem with the idea of Lohan playing Ariel. She can't sing Ariel's music. I know that saying that is going to irritate some Lohan fans out there because she did take a respectable stab at a music career. But Lohan simply doesn't have the right sound for the delicate soprano songs that Ariel sings. I don't want a pop-punk version of Ariel. I want the songs I used to dance around the kitchen singing as a little girl. I don't think Lohan can deliver that.

If there's one thing we've learned from the previews that have come out for Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast remake, it's that the music cannot be an afterthought to casting a famous face for the role. Emma Watson is an incredible actress, but her extremely heavily auto-tuned version of "Something There" is an irritating mess of a great song. Disney, don't make the same mistake twice.

More: Buh-Bye, Lindsay Lohan's Ex, and Hello, Tall, Dark & Handsome Mystery Man

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Lindsay Lohan slideshow

Image: WENN

Taylor Swift Is Suing Her Assaulter For a Mere $1 & It's Amazing

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Taylor Swift is no stranger to making empowering statements, but she is using an unconventional method to send a message this week: a lawsuit. As part of her counter-suit against a Denver radio host Swift alleges inappropriately touched her in 2013, the pop star is seeking a symbolic $1.

The alleged incident occurred during a concert meet-and-greet, during which the host, David Mueller, reportedly lifted Swift's skirt and groped her. After Swift came forward about the incident, Mueller was fired from his job at the country music station, despite coming forward with his own version of events.

In response, Mueller filed a lawsuit against the singer under the pretense that she fabricated the story — he is seeking $3 million in damages.

More: Taylor Swift Is Expect to Testify in Her Sexual Assault Case Today

For her part, Swift has never backed down from her story, filing her counter-suit to "make an example out of him on behalf of her young fans," according to Refinery29. Thus, she is asking for only $1 as a gesture of her commitment to seeing justice done.

According to court testimony today, Swift — who was 23-years-old at the time — posed for a photo when the alleged groping occurred. Immediately after the photo, she yelled to her team, "Dude, that guy just grabbed my ass."

TMZ released the photo in question last year, which shows Mueller with his hand below waist level behind Swift.

More: Taylor Swift Returns to the Dating Scene with a New British Boyfriend

Also damning? In July, a judge sanctioned Mueller based on some particularly questionable behavior following the incident. Per multiple sources, before the radio host was fired from his job, he destroyed "multiple electronic devices," including "a cellular phone, laptop, iPad, and computer."

Those devices in particular were said to possibly contain a lengthy recording with his boss, Robert Call, during which Mueller reportedly discussed changes to his story. Mueller and his legal team tried to pose the wrecked electronics as an accident (coffee spill!), but U.S. District Judge William Martinez found the actions suspicious enough to warrant the sanction.

More: Katy Perry's Doing a Lot of Apologizing, Even to Taylor Swift

"He made the decision — inexplicably, in the court's view — to alter the original evidence and to present his lawyer with only 'clips' hand-picked from the underlying evidence," Martinez said.

Mueller may be intent on making his case, but Swift is sending a powerful message with her symbolic suit... and it isn't going unnoticed. The pop star's young fans lined up outside the courtroom as early as 4 a.m. to try to secure the 32 seats in the court gallery and offer their support.

Disney Announces Plans to Launch Its Own Streaming Service & Ditch Netflix Deal

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If you're a Netflix addict with a steady stream of Disney flicks on your queue, you may not like the changes coming down the pipeline — Disney just announced it is planning to end its current distribution deal with Netflix in order to launch its own streaming service.

More: Because We Can't Handle Any More Sad News, Let's Talk About Frozen 2

Of course, this means that in the near future, we could all have access to an entire treasure trove of Disney content at our fingertips. For die-hard Netflix aficionados, though, it obviously means there will be a little black hole in our streaming hearts where Disney faves like Moana and Lilo & Stitch used to be.

Now that we've ripped off the Band-Aid of bad news, here's the not-so-bad news for Netflix users: Disney doesn't plan to launch their streaming service until 2019, and therefore won't ditch its deal with the streaming giant until Disney's 2019 films start rolling out. A spokesperson for Netflix released a statement in response to the news, saying, "We continue to do business with the Walt Disney Company on many fronts, including our ongoing deal with Marvel TV."

More: You Need to See Hilary Duff Recreating Her Awkward Disney Promo

Still, it's an unfortunate development for Netflix, who only just struck its streaming deal with Disney in 2012 — and which only really took off last year.

Curious yet about what Disney's streaming service might entail? Well, according to the company's statement, it will be the "exclusive home in the US for subscription-video-on-demand viewing," with "original movies, TV shows [and] short-form content" being added to the service.

More: A Christmas Story Live TV Musical Is Happening

"This acquisition and the launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands," elaborated Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement following the announcement.

Up first on the streaming agenda will be Toy Story 4 and the highly-anticipated sequel to Frozen — at which point it will be time for Netflix to, ahem, let it go.

A Tasteless Restaurant Ad Has Victoria Beckham Considering Legal Recourse

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A new ad campaign by a restaurant in Tyneside, England is leaving a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths — and no one's more so than Victoria Beckham. The fashion designer is even considering legal action over Sidhu Golden Fish and Chips' insensitive ploy targeting (read: body-shaming) her.

More: 5 Facts About Victoria & David Beckham's 20-Year Romance

The restaurant's ad, which displays prominently on their delivery vans, features a severely gaunt caricature of Beckham in a bikini and sash that reads "anorexic fashion icon." The ad plugs its "Victoria Beckham Thin Crust," so-called because it's only "2 mm thin."

Victoria Beckham Pizza Lawsuit

Victoria Beckham Pizza Lawsuit

While it's hard to even believe anyone would green-light such a thoughtless campaign, someone in Sidhu's camp certainly did. And, in doing so, they succeeded in putting off countless people by targeting Beckham and by making light of a very serious eating disorder (which there is no evidence Beckham suffers from).

All this to sell a few pizzas? Poor form, Sidhu's. Poor form.

"It is highly inappropriate to trivialize such a disorder, and defamatory to be so thoughtless with a person's reputation in this way, therefore we are seeking legal advice," a spokesperson for Beckham told Fox News.

More: David Beckham Defends Daughter Harper's Palace Birthday Party

When the ad began to go viral, the restaurant unsurprisingly began to catch some flack from people upset on behalf of Beckham and just generally repulsed by the concept of the ill-conceived campaign. The deluge of attention ultimately prompted the restaurant to address the debacle on their Facebook page.

"I as the manager on the behalf of all our staff and owners would like to state we recognize how serious eating disorders are and would never make light the seriousness of people with eating disorders," Sidhu's manager began the first reactionary post on their Facebook page. "We are not a fly by night business trying to make a quick buck. Anorexia and any mental illness are very serious."

A few hours later, they followed up with a photo of a blank van window, proclaiming, "It's gone! As of 5:15pm Tuesday, Aug. 2017, we have had no official complaint from Mrs. Beckham or her legal team."

That's an OK start, right? Sure... but there's more.

"No complaint has been made to us about the advert on our van, but with the media hype the whole account has left our staff dejected... it's a sad state of affairs when in England 2017 an innocent joke is twisted and turned into an opportunity by some to cause distress."

More: The Beckhams Posted Adorable Throwback Wedding Anniversary Photos

They further stated that the ad "was not produced by us, the image was supplied and is readily available on Google images." They additionally requested no media organizations contact them, as the ordeal has been "most testing for our great staff who have been dragged through this circus through no fault of their own."

Unfortunately, the latter shows a disconnect between the severity of their actions and their interpretation of them (i.e. an "innocent joke"). By shifting the blame to the media and painting themselves as the victims, the restaurant isn't displaying any authentic accountability for their truly tasteless actions.

8 Totally Simple Ways to Bust Out of a Bad Mood in a Hurry

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Bad moods... they happen to the best of us, right? Sometimes there's a specific reason for feeling out of sorts, and other times it's one of those unfortunate funks that seem to sneak in and grab you when you least expect it.

That's the not-so-good news. The better news is that bad moods aren't too terribly difficult to kick to the curb. Sure, sometimes they may seem unshakable. However, there are a surprising number of ways to ditch a funk and find your way back to joy.

Need a jump-start? Here are eight totally simple suggestions.

1. Watch something funny

If ever there were a good excuse to cue up that viral video of "Chewbacca Mom" or a cat fleeing the scene of a cucumber, the time is now — laughter has proven mood-boosting benefits.

More: I Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Being Unhappy With My Post-Baby Body

2. Make up a mantra

Preferably while you're in a good mood, make up a mantra for battling bad moods. A 2013 study out of Carnegie Mellon University found that positive self-affirmation served as a shield against the damaging psychological effects of stress. (I borrowed mine from Grey's Anatomy: "You are the sun.")

3. Take a walk

Or if you're in too much of a funk at the moment to exert that much energy, simply find a stoop to sit on and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. In addition to depression-fighting vitamin D, nature is chock-full of health benefits that can quickly lead to a reduction in negative thoughts.

More: Is Your Workplace Toxic or Do You Just Hate Your Job?

4. Break out a coloring book and some crayons

Did you know that being creative — and coloring specifically — really does combat stress? Psychologists throughout history have in fact used coloring as a relaxation technique. Perk? You don't even have to hijack your kids' art supplies anymore since they now make coloring books for grown-ups too.

5. Pour a glass of super cold iced tea

Nowadays teas come in such a variety of flavors, it almost feels ceremonious when you settle on the perfect one. Plus, there's just something about a glass of iced tea that's kinda nostalgic and makes you feel better about the world — and NESTEA new Slightly Sweet Black Tea is just the ticket.

6. Plan a trip

You know that vacation you've been dreaming of taking forever? Go ahead and start planning it mid-meltdown. Even if you won't be able to take the trip in the immediate future, thinking about it and getting excited about future adventures will pull you right out of your present funk.

More: How to Get Killer Confidence

8. Smile at someone

Think of it as a self-fulfilling prophecy... if you smile at someone and brighten their day, that person's smile will bounce back at you and authenticate your smile. You'll actually feel like smiling! That's because the simple act of smiling, even if it's forced, has the ability to influence your mood for the better.

9. Snuggle something tiny and cute

Let's be real — there's no bad mood in the world that stands a chance against a baby. Whether you're hugging on and inhaling the sweet scent of a tiny human or cuddling a puppy, kitten or other small and furry creature, there's a lot to be said for the uplifting power of new life.

This post is sponsored by NESTEA.


Table Service at McDonald's? Yes, Please!

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Because beaches, warm weather and swaying palm trees just aren't enough, Floridians just got something that will make the rest of the country even more jealous of the Sunshine State.

Six hundred McDonald's stores in Florida received pretty sweet makeovers, most of them revamping their service with digital self-order kiosks and table service. Basically, it's now easier than ever to order exactly what you want and to sit down and savor each bite of your meal, whether that includes a classic Big Mac or a custom Signature Crafted Recipe item.

McDonald's gets a facelift
Image: McDonald's

The newly introduced Signature Crafted Recipes are a way for customers to create their perfect sandwich. You can choose from a 100 percent beef burger, grilled chicken or buttermilk crispy chicken (my usual!). Choose between an artisan roll or classic sesame seed bun, then choose from one of the three new signature recipes — including options with pico guacamole (a mashup of Hass avocado guacamole and pico de gallo), sweet BBQ bacon, Sriracha Mac sauce and crispy or grilled onions — to bring an added dimension of flavor and texture to your meal.

More: McDonald's Is Rolling Out a New Afternoon Snack Program

The Signature Sriracha Sandwich sounds especially droolworthy. First of all, it's loaded with both kale and baby spinach, so you can get your greens in while still enjoying a satisfying meal. Then it's topped with crispy onions and the new Sriracha Mac sauce, which brings just enough vinegary heat and spice to balance out any other toppings you might want. And let's be real — when I'm at home, I put Sriracha on basically everything, so why wouldn't I want it drizzled on my crispy chicken sandwich or as a side for my Chicken McNuggets too?

McDonald's gets a facelift
Image: McDonald's

Using the self-order kiosks lets diners see all of the custom options available to them so they can order exactly what they want every time. It's a lot less stressful than trying to remember to tell the person at the register and will keep lines moving quickly.

More: McDonald's Summer Lobster Rolls Are Back — Here's Where You Can Get One

After you've ordered at hundreds of locations in Florida, you'll be able to sit back, relax and wait for a McDonald's crew member to deliver your meal right to your table. For now, the restaurants offering table service are only doing it for select hours during the day —  but fingers crossed that it'll be 24/7 soon, right? The drive-thru is great when you're on the go, but table service is where it's at when you just want to kick back and enjoy every bite.

McDonald's gets a facelift
Image: McDonald's

I already thought of Florida as a magical vacationland, but now I'm even more convinced. Getting to eat my fave fast-food creations while enjoying the benefits of table service sounds like the perfect way to treat myself, even when I'm in a hurry, so I can finish my meal satisfied before getting back out to enjoy the sunshine at the beach.

This post is sponsored by McDonald's.

7 Women Share Their Most Insane Breastfeeding Experiences

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When you become a mom for the first time, there’s plenty of new ground to navigate. How in the world are you ever going to sleep again? What’s up with this post-delivery diaper you have to wear? And how about the amazing amount of onesies a baby can mess up? Among the many huge, often confusing transitions, a big one is figuring out how to breastfeed. It's not all about latching on and milk production, either. Dealing with other people’s reactions can also be a mess too. In honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we found the craziest — and ahem, funniest — stories from real mothers.

More: 21 Badass Moms Show What It's Like to Breastfeed 2 Kids at Once

Is that your lunch?

"I have breastfed and pumped with two children while practicing law, and I always try to normalize breastfeeding. So I try to be open about the fact that I am pumping wherever I go, including with judges and co-counsel. I was once in an all-day mediation at the offices of the large law firm. We were going back and forth between conference rooms, and I was able to pump in a conference room several times throughout the day and use their kitchen to store the milk in the freezer. At the end of the mediation, I went into the kitchen where there was a huge birthday party. They had just finished singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and they were cutting the cake. Everyone in the firm was there. They invited me to have a piece of cake, and I made my way to the freezer to grab my little cooler of breast milk to head home. In a moment of quiet, the mediator — who is a father and grandfather — said in front of everyone, ‘Wow Jessica, I am really impressed you even came packing your lunch today for this mediation’ and I said, ‘Actually, it's breast milk!’ The whole firm had a good laugh, while his face turned a little red. Not embarrassing for me, but I think he did not expect the answer.” — Jessica Markham, attorney at law

I breastfed while playing a role-playing game

"As a mom of four, I've nursed in awkward and amazing places. in the stadium at a football game, in a pew at church on Christmas Eve, on the side of a hiking trail at Palouse Falls. The funniest breastfeeding encounter I've ever had was at a gaming convention in Seattle, though. I was running a table of gamers in a pen-and-paper role-playing game, and my friend who was playing nanny for me brought my baby to the game room for me when he was hungry, and I didn't take my breast pump with me when I was traveling. Well, baby was hungry, I needed to nurse, and there was no one to step in and run the game. If I took a nursing break, my table wouldn't get to complete their adventure and would miss out on the rewards. I pulled my nursing cover out of my backpack and just kept right on rolling the 20-sided die while I took care of the baby. A certain segment of men who play RPGs can barely look a woman in the eye, so imagine the look on their faces when I started breastfeeding while running the game! Mama’s got to multitask!" — Megan La Follett, author of The Practice of the Presence of God for Modern Day Moms

More: 5 Things No One Tells You About Having a Baby

I was asked if I made white or chocolate milk

"I'll never forget the first time I nursed my son in front of my best friend's daughter. She was so fascinated and just kinda stared at me with her head to the side. Then she walks over to me and says, 'I have a question.' While pointing at my chest, she asked, 'Does one make white milk and the other chocolate?' My friend and I busted out laughing and still joke about it six years later." — Kelly Gordon Kaufman, communications director

I thought the baby was always wet, but it was me

"My husband and I used to joke about how useless newborn diapers were. Our daughter was constantly having accidents that spilled out all over her, especially during breastfeeding. It wasn't until she was 2 weeks old that we realized she wasn't having accidents — I was! Every time I breastfed her, milk would let down from both sides simultaneously. My poor baby kept needing a change of clothes because I got breast milk all over her belly from the other breast while I fed her. Needless to say, we rigged up some bra pads to tuck into key places to prevent further wardrobe malfunctions. My daughter finally had breakfast without a simultaneous milk shower." — Dr. Shruti Tannan, board-certified plastic surgeon

I nursed in a cornfield

"We took our then-3-month-old son to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country for a long weekend away from home. We were out and about and he was obviously hungry. Since there wasn’t a place to stop and the car was way too hot to nurse in, I walked into a cornfield and held him while nursing in the field. It certainly was private. My husband and I laughed a great deal, but the cornfield did the trick." — Andrea P., mom

I breastfed after running a half-marathon

"My son Bodie has latched on everywhere. Literally. In the beginning, I used to try and cover up with one of those nursing covers, but I quickly came to the realization they were more of a hassle than it was worth for me, and it was so much easier to just embrace that every now and then, there would be a flash of skin or boob until Bodie latched. He has nursed in parking lots, on the side of NJ Turnpike driving from my parents' house in PA back to our apartment in Jersey City. Also in the air, en route to and from Scottsdale, Arizona, which is a bonus since apparently it helps prevent their ears from popping. He's nursed al fresco at restaurants and at the various seating areas of Short Hills Mall, which was practically our second home during my maternity leave. I've nursed him at the pool and at the beach. I nursed in Central Park as soon as I crossed the finish line for the Shape half-marathon this past April — my husband Howie passed off our son to me so I could get some relief and appease Bodie. Anytime, anywhere." — Jaime Maser, founder of Maser Communications

More: Moms React to the New Breastfeeding Emoji

I pumped through my clothes

"After six months of breastfeeding, I went on an day trip with my girlfriends to wine country in Napa, California. It was my first time to 'pump and dump,' and before we got together, I grabbed a manual pump at Target and went back to the car to try it out. I hadn't realized that when you pump on one side, the other side leaks too! Well, it went through everything I was wearing and I had to buy another shirt to get through the day! Lesson learned!" — Sophia Eng, startup advisor

Amber Heard's Statement About Her Split From Elon Musk Is Hopeful

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Update Aug. 9, 2017, 8:35 a.m. PT: After all that she has been through in the last few years in regard to her private life, it's only right that we give Amber Heard her space to process her split from Elon Musk. In fact, she has released a statement on her Instagram recently, indirectly commenting on the breakup while sounding optimistic overall about her future.

On Tuesday, Heard broke her silence with the posting of two photos on her Instagram. In one photo, the word "Give" was spelled out in what looks like flowers. In the second photo, more flowers spell out the word "Love." Alongside these photos, she wrote: "Being in the public eye means having to explain yourself to so many people, so much of the time. In this case, I'd like to remain more quiet. Although we have broken up, Elon and I care deeply for one another and remain close. Thank you for the continued support, respect, and privacy during these difficult, very human times."

Amber Heard Statement Split Elon Musk

Amber Heard Statement Split Elon Musk

While it's clear that Heard is remaining hopeful and even optimistic about what the future holds, this breakup cannot have been easy. She's been through so much in recent years, especially where her personal life is concerned, that it's probably best to give her space to process.

Original story:

Did we really need more bad news? On the day we learned that Chris Pratt and Anna Faris have separated, it feels like things couldn't get much worse. But when it rains, it pours, as yet another celeb couple we were rooting for, Amber Heard and Elon Musk, have reportedly broken up too.

More: Amber Heard and Boyfriend Elon Musk Are Fighting Separate Battles

Multiple sources revealed to E News that the pair has called it quits, with a few saying their busy schedules made it impossible to pull off a relationship right now.

"The timing wasn't good for them," one insider told Us Weekly. "He's super busy and works all the time. Amber is filming [Aquaman] in Australia until October. She's in no position to settle with him. She feels her career is just starting."

More: Now Johnny Depp Is Demanding Money From Amber Heard for Some Reason

This news comes after a sweet love story we couldn't help but swoon over. Musk has been low-key in love with Heard for literally years. No really. He reportedly sent a note to their mutual pal, director Robert Rodriguez, writing, "Can you send her a note saying I would like to get together for lunch in L.A.? Am not angling for a date. I know she's in a long-term relationship, but …Amber just seems like an interesting person to meet." That was when she was still married to Johnny Depp, but Musk has been in the background, biding his time until she was available.

They eventually did meet and become friends, and when Heard and Depp divorced, the rumors started flying. It wasn't long before the two went Instagram-official when Heard posted a photo to Instagram that showed her sitting next to Musk with her lipstick print still fresh on his cheek.

More: Amber Heard Confirms Divorce Drama With Johnny Depp Is Still Not Over

R.I.P. love.

These Sex Facts Will Blow Your Mind (& They're Actually Pretty Useful Too)

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It's safe to say that by now, most of us know a thing or two about sex — but though we've gained plenty of experience through the years, the primal act still seems like a mystery. Yes, we spend a ton of time reading, watching and practicing intercourse, but no matter how long we've been doing it, it always seems like there's more to learn.

Case in point? These crazy facts. From the reason we don't pee all over ourselves mid-thrust to the skinny on why food is a turn-on, you're gonna wanna check these puppies out.

1. Vibrators were invented for something else

The vibrator was originally invented in the 19th century as a way to reduce "hysteria." That seems a little extreme. However, we do not recommend testing that theory by taking away a woman's vibrator to see if she goes into a hysterical fit. That's just dangerous.

2. The sperm ratio

Your average healthy man produces approximately 300 million sperm in just a teaspoon of his semen. However, it only takes one little swimmer to fertilize a woman’s egg and it can live for up to a week inside your body.

More: 6 Positions That Make Anal Sex Easier & Less Intimidating

3. The first thing people do after sex is...

Forget post-coital cuddling! According to a poll by consumer electronics site Retrevo.com, 36 percent of people under the age of 35 check their Facebook and Twitter accounts after a roll in the hay. Hopefully, they are not posting any pictures!

4. Which sex actually gets busy more often

Think men get laid more than women? Wrong! According to Men’s Fitness, women have sex 17 percent more often than the average guy. Go girls!

5. The longest orgasm

Even though the male O seems to get all the attention, it turns out the women get the last laugh when it comes to climaxing. The average female orgasm lasts 20 seconds — 14 seconds longer than the male's six-second O.

6. Orgasms are good for you

Orgasms are good for your health! They can lower a woman's risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and even depression. So have sex and get happy!

7. Sexercise is not a myth

Sex counts as a workout! During 30 minutes of active sex, you burn about 200 calories. And you can even have an orgasm while working out.

8. Women are friskier than we admit

Even though straight women reported only being aroused by men, researchers at the Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, found that most women in a study became aroused by every sexual stimulus they saw — including nude male and female bodies, heterosexual and homosexual sex and even animal sex.

9. Sex makes you dirty, in a good way

When aroused, people are not as likely to think things are disgusting, according to a study published in the online journal PLOS ONE.

10. How your brain responds to sex

Researchers at Rutgers University, who used fMRI scanners to find out exactly what happens in your brain when you're aroused, found that different regions of the brain became activated in response to stimulation of the vagina, cervix, clitoris and nipples.

Next Up: Sex releases hormones that prevent you from peeing

Originally published December 2015. Updated August 2017.

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11. Sex releases hormones that prevent you from peeing

Ever notice that it's kind of tough to go pee right after sex? Your body releases an antidiuretic hormone when you orgasm, which prohibits you from going potty as easily as usual. Just don't hold it for too long, or you could risk infection.

12. Why it can be hard to conceive

Most of the time, a woman only releases one egg per month.

More: How I Overcame Sexual Dysfunction After Having a Baby

13. How young teens start having sex

According to Live Science, by the age of 19, a whopping 71 percent of American teenagers have already had sex.

14. Answering your phone during sex

Mom can multitask! According to a survey, at least 12 percent of moms admitted to using their cellphones during sex.

15. When kids lose their virginity

The Kinsey Institute estimates that, on average, boys lose their virginity at age 16.9. For girls, the age jumps to 17.4.

16. Physically talking about sex makes sex better

People who are more open to talking about sex are actually happier with their sex lives, according to Live Science.

17. You're not the only one aroused by food

Think food is sexy? Some people admit to feeling a similar sense of arousal when thinking about food as they do when thinking about sex.

18. Your body image plays a huge role in sex

According to Live Science, a small study of obese women found that those who accepted their bodies reported better sex. So appreciate your body, or your sex life could suffer!

19. Sex increases your pain threshold

According to a study published in the Journal of Sex Research, a person's pain threshold significantly increases during arousal.

20. Your brain turns off (sort of) during sex

According to a study from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, the amygdala — the part of the brain involved in fear and anxiety — shuts down during a female orgasm. So that brain mush you experience during sex is legit!

15 Jobs With Flexible Schedules for Busy Working Moms

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There's no doubt about it. Being a mom is 24/7, baby. Between keeping everyone clean, fed and happy, there's usually not a whole lot of downtime when you're a mother — it's definitely the most full-time job on Earth. But even busy mamas need to earn some cash, and luckily there are some jobs that aren't the usual 9 to 5 that can allow you to do so.

Being a working mom isn't easy (heck, being a nonworking mom isn't easy), but with the right job and an accommodating schedule, it can be rewarding. That's not to say that most of these jobs don't require a ton of time and effort; they just have the benefit of setting a schedule in which you can be available for work and your kids.

More: 5 Signs You Need to Quit Your Job ASAP

Here are 15 incredibly flexible jobs for moms who want/need to work.

1. Realtor or appraiser

Real estate agents set their own schedule but typically must be available on nights and weekends. This is ideal for women who have husbands who work 9 to 5 and do not want their children in day care. An appraiser determines the value of a property based on comparisons of similar homes and an evaluation of the property itself. Though both jobs require certifications, both are extremely flexible and offer competitive pay and benefits.

2. Financial planner

Accounting is all about the numbers; financial planning is more about the people. Help prepare people for their future by becoming a financial planner. You’ll be the one providing options for your clients — including saving for college, planning for retirement, preparing for unexpected expenses and more. Financial planners need to be detail oriented and passionate about both people and money. Like accounting, you can work for yourself, work part time, freelance or work at a bank or other financial institution.

3. Interior designer

Have a passion for all things design and decor? If so, interior design may be for you. While education and training are preferred, they're not necessarily requirements. Build your base clientele through family, friends and cheap advertising (think Craigslist or posting flyers). Start with low rates, and once you start gaining clients, you can decide whether or not to charge more.

4. Accountant

Ideally, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting but can always start out as an assistant to someone first. A career in accounting is one of the most-stable careers you can have — which is a top consideration for working moms. With accounting, you can work for yourself (for example, preparing clients' taxes), work for a company, freelance or work part time.

5. Hair dresser or makeup artist

Since beauty likely won’t ever disappear, there’s always going to be a need for beauticians (hair dressers, makeup artists, aestheticians and more). Beauticians can work from home, work out of a salon, take time off when needed, set their own hours and work as much or as little as they’d like. They can also specialize in weddings or other formal events, which typically pay higher rates than strictly working out of a salon.

6. Server

Maybe you’re looking to get out of the house for a bit and earn some extra cash. If so, consider being a waitress or bartender. Both make money instantly in tips, and the pay is significantly higher than minimum wage. Also, most restaurants are always in need of weekend servers, so you can plan on being home with your family during the week and picking up shifts on the weekends.

7. Nurse

There are all different types of nurses — from Certified Nursing Assistants (which require one semester-long course) to Registered Nurses (minimum two-year program) to Nurse Practitioners (the most-highly educated of those in nursing). Whichever type you choose, you can work in a hospital or in a doctor’s office, in a nursing home or providing in-house care, day shifts or night shifts, and so on and so forth. The options and the flexibility are endless.

Up next: Retail associate

Originally published January 2014. Updated August 2017.

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8. Retail associate

Maybe, as a mom, you just need to get out of the house for a few hours per week. Sometimes, a short break every now and then is just what we need to parent to the best of our abilities. If this is you, consider getting a part-time job in retail. You can work for a small candle shop, a jewelry counter in your favorite department store or at a local coffee shop, for example. Though the pay isn’t necessarily the best, the flexibility and the time away from home may be priceless.

9. Fitness instructor

If working out is one of your top priorities, consider becoming a fitness instructor. You can teach as little as one class per week or become certified in a specialized field, such as Pilates, and teach private lessons along with group classes. Group instructors can average $20 per hour, and private instructors can charge significantly more per hour depending on credentials, location and types of clients.

10. Small business owner

Are you crafty and have a passion for baking, making jewelry, or blogging? Zone in on your talents, and open up your own small business out of the comfort of your own home. Etsy, for instance, lets you create your own little handmade shop on the worldwide web. You can also sell your services via a personal website, advertising and referrals.

11. Librarian

Librarians can work in schools, libraries, museums, law firms, non-profit organizations and more. They’re meticulous, detail oriented and extremely organized. Librarians can work either full or part time, and some even have the option to telecommute. Full-time librarians typically make more than $50,000 per year.

12. Teacher

Teachers have the exact same schedule as their kids. Need we say more? You’ll have all the same holidays, breaks and half days that your kids have. For an even more flexible schedule, consider becoming a substitute teacher. Click here for requirements by state.

13. Dental hygienist

Median salary for dental hygienists is nearly $70,000 per year, and most work part time. You will need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, at a minimum. Though you can’t expect to "move up" in this field, flexibility is high and job satisfaction is average.

More: 5 Below-the-Radar Resources Every Job-Seeker Should Tap

14. Nanny

If you’re at home with your own kids all day (and love it), consider being a nanny for someone else’s kids or starting your own at-home day care. Both options allow you to stay with your own children and bring in some additional income as well.

15. Freelancer

Freelancing goes beyond writing or editing, which are what most people think of when they hear the word "freelance." Freelancing is simply working for a company without a long-term commitment. Basically, you work as an independent contractor, usually from the comfort of your own home. You may work as a secretary, be hired on temporarily to complete a project, assist in grant writing or bookkeeping, and more. While it isn’t the most stable of jobs, it is one of the most flexible, and top freelancers earn well over $100,000 per year.

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