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More Than 50 Percent of All Hiring Managers Are Under 35 — Here’s What They’re Looking For

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By Georgene Huang

When we imagine a hiring manager, often we picture someone who’s well into their career; perhaps we envision a middle-aged professional who has a very specific idea about what they want from a candidate. But research shows this is beginning to change.

As millennials have pervaded the workplace, they’ve also moved into hiring roles. In a recent survey, we looked at how hiring professionals — both millennials and older employees — perceive female job seekers. We found that 57.92 percent of respondents (comprised of HR professionals, internal recruiters, hiring managers, external HR consultants, third-party recruiters and staffing professionals) were under 35 years old.

While the report found some shocking biases among hiring managers, these judgments were less prevalent among younger internal and external hiring professionals.

By understanding what hiring professionals want and expect from job seekers, you can better prepare yourself for a job interview. You'll be able to show who you are and what you have to offer in the right way. Here’s what you need to know about what the newest generation of hiring managers is looking for.

More: How to Read Body Language so You Don't Miss Important Cues at Work

Be yourself

In our study, we showed hiring managers images of professional women of varying ages and races who had different hairstyles, clothing, body shapes and demeanor. The respondents chose three adjectives they felt best described each woman. Then they identified the five women they’d be most likely to hire.

One of the women pictured had visible tattoos, and of the respondents over age 45, only 13.25 percent said they’d consider hiring that woman. Of the hiring managers under 35, however, 28.72 percent said they would.

Results were similar for both a heavier woman and an older woman. Just 9.6 percent of those over 45 said they would hire the heavier candidate, but 17.3 percent of those under 35 would. And even though the older-looking candidate appeared to be close in age to the 55-plus-year-old hiring managers, only 15.38 percent of them said they would hire her. Of those under 35, 29.76 percent would consider giving her the job.

It’s important to recognize that younger hiring managers may be less concerned with how you look and more interested in who you are and your skills. Go into your interview confidently, and be yourself!

More: An Inclusive Environment Is Critical for Workplaces — Here Are the 7 Signs Yours Isn't

Friendliness matters

Not too long ago, the general perception of the workplace was that it was a strictly professional environment. Coworkers were not often friends, and employers didn’t take much interest in employees' lives outside the office. Now, organizations know the importance of recognizing employees as whole people. As a result, hiring professionals are trying to get to know candidates in a more comprehensive way.

In our survey, 46.02 percent of respondents under 35 said friendliness was an important trait for candidates to have. In comparison, only 28.92 percent of respondents over 45 prioritized this quality. So keep in mind when encountering younger hiring managers that they may be more likely to want to form a connection with you.

Some of us don’t have the easiest time opening up to strangers, much less someone interviewing us — but doing your research before an interview will help. Most companies will give you the name of the person who will be interviewing you, so take some time to check online to see what you can find out about them and look for similarities. You might find that you went to the same college or have similar interests. If you can home in on any similarities, casually bring up these topics during the interview.

Still, you should be careful not to come off as disingenuous or inappropriate. Don’t force yourself to mention a connection that would seem totally off topic. But if you saw on LinkedIn that the hiring manager went to the same college as you, feel free to bring that up when he or she asks about your educational background.

More: 4 Strategies for Coping With People Who Talk Too Much at Work

Beef up your leadership skills

Even if you’re not applying for a leadership position, it’s worth your while to sell yourself in part on your leadership skills. Hiring managers are trying to prepare for their future talent needs, so anyone who demonstrates strong leadership skills will be seen as someone with potential — and as someone who will be a particularly valuable asset to the team.

In fact, 46.37 percent of internal and external hiring professionals under 35 said leadership ability was particularly important to look for when hiring. Comparatively, 40.96 percent of those over 45 said the same thing.

So, if you aren’t already doing so, take every possible opportunity to develop your leadership skills. Take online courses. Volunteer to organize charity events. Ask to head up a project at your current job. Doing so will give you valuable experiences. By talking about how you’re proactive and how you handled these situations during an interview, you can show hiring professionals you have the skills they want.

Originally published on Fairygodboss.


Corey Feldman Responds to Sexual Battery Accusations

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Normally, Corey Feldman is on a crusade to end sexual misconduct in Hollywood. The former child star has long been open about being sexually abused during his early days in the industry, and has since been working hard to reveal what he says is rampant sexual abuse of child actors. But this week, the tables have turned — Feldman has been accused of sexual battery.

More: Another Famous Child Star Has Corey Feldman's Back

Los Angeles police told E! News that a report was filed on Monday, Jan. 8.

"A female victim filed a police report of sexual battery and named Corey Feldman as the suspect," police said. "The incident occurred on February 4, 2017 at a business at the 600 block of South Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The robbery/homicide division is handling the investigation."

TMZ says the woman claimed that Feldman "grabbed her ass." Feldman is vehemently denying the claim, and seems pretty heartbroken by it.

More: Corey Haim & Corey Feldman Are the Subject of a New Movie: What We Know So Far

"Corey remains focused on his mission to fight the war of inappropriate behavior towards men and women of all ages," his attorney said in a statement. "Given his own painful experiences, the last thing he would ever want to do is make anyone else feel the way that he did. He is confident that the motives behind these false accusations will be revealed and that the truth will prevail. He also thanks his fans for their continued love, support and belief in him."

More: Corey Feldman Claims His Arrest Was Connected to Sexual Abuse Allegations

Amid this accusation, Feldman is still actively trying to raise $10 million to make a movie, based on his life, that he says will expose Hollywood studios and execs that have taken part in cover up sexual abuse of children in the industry.

9 Things You Missed if You Didn't Watch the Critics' Choice Awards

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We are in the throes of awards season now, and you know what that means: lots of timely cultural commentary, feisty anecdotes, amusing (if not somewhat overly contrived) skits, lots and lots of beautiful fashion moments and big award wins. It's a season many of us look forward to, thrive on and delight in watching. We live for the waving of the envelope, the rip of the paper and the reveal of the winner's name. We love to watch the winner take the stage and give their thanks. It's a season of good things, truly, and we all deserve something good in our lives, right?

As the 2018 awards season rolls merrily along, the latest show to hit our television screens was the 23rd Annual Critics' Choice Awards, hosted by Olivia Munn. This show gives the Broadcast Film Critics Association a chance at voting for their favorites in film and television throughout the previous year, and thus, while lots of the nominees are familiar, the results always risk being different.

More: The Best-Dressed Celebs at the 2018 Golden Globes

While big winners at the Critics' Choice Awards this year include The Shape of Water and Big Little Lies, there are likely other great moments from the award show that you missed or deserve to be reminded of because they're just that good. Take a peek at the list below to see what you might have missed.

1. Olivia Munn's feisty & funny opening monologue

Olivia Munn CCA Opening Monologue

Olivia Munn CCA Opening Monologue

Every moment of Munn's monologue was fun, but the moment when she and Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah join forces to do a rap for the Critics' Choice Awards is truly something else.

2. Brooklynn Prince's endearing acceptance speech

Brooklynn Prince CCA Speech

Brooklynn Prince CCA Speech

Prince won Best Young Actress at the Critics' Choice Awards, and as a young actor who has received major praise for her performance in The Florida Project, this will likely be her first in a long string of awards. Watch her acceptance speech and try not to tear up from its genuine sweetness.

3. Kumail Nanjiani thanking white men

Kumail Nanjiani CCA Speech

Kumail Nanjiani CCA Speech

While accepting his award, Nanjiani wryly thanked the white men who made his Big Sick win possible in his casual, offhanded kind of way. Pure gold.

4. Gal Gadot receiving the #SeeHer award

Gal Gadot CCA See Her

Gal Gadot CCA See Her

Gadot's #SeeHer award speech was nothing less than well-stated, beautiful, empowering and absolutely, 100 percent wonderful. Seriously, go watch the entire thing right now.

More: Best GIFs & Behind-the-Scenes Moments From the 2018 Golden Globes

5. Margot Robbie's surprised face at winning for I, Tonya

Margot Robbie CCA Win

Margot Robbie CCA Win

Margot Robbie's delightful surprised face is literally everything. I could bask in the warmth of that radiant smile.

6. Alexander Skarsgård's losing battle with the microphone

Alexander Skarsgard CCA Speech

Alexander Skarsgard CCA Speech

Poor Skarsgård! It looks like the folks in charge of adjusting the microphone height didn't account for the fact that a super-tall Swede would be getting onstage.

7. Olivia Munn & Niecy Nash roasting the men of Hollywood

Angelina Jolie Brooklynn Prince CCA

Angelina Jolie Brooklynn Prince CCA

Munn and Claws star Niecy Nash didn't hold back when the opportunity arose for them to get their jabs in at the men of Hollywood. Holding glasses of Champagne, the women sarcastically "toasted" the men who have done the bare minimum in not being creepy or treated them poorly.

Among the hottest toasts made during the bit was Munn's, who shaded Harvey Weinstein's alleged behavior. "I'd like to raise a glass to that studio executive who had me meet him in the hotel conference room rather than his actual hotel room."

8. Rachel Brosnahan's rallying cry for Time's Up

Rachel Brosnahan CCA Speech

Rachel Brosnahan CCA Speech

Brosnahan won yet again for her performance as Midge Maisel in Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. After the requisite thanks to cast and crew, Brosnahan used her time onstage to encourage everyone to donate to Times Up and explained why the Time's Up movement was so important.

9. This adorable bonding moment between two great actors

Angelina Jolie Brooklynn Prince CCA

Angelina Jolie Brooklynn Prince CCA

Angelina Jolie took some time to talk to Brooklynn Prince in between commercial breaks and ended the conversation with a hug. Be still, my beating heart!

More: 9 Times Women Ruled at Last Night's Golden Globes

The Critics' Choice Awards didn't fail to delight, so let's hope the good times exhibited here keep on keepin' on through the rest of the 2018 awards season.

Ellen Degeneres Announces Her Father's Death In Emotional Video

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For so many years, we've been able to count on Ellen DeGeneres to make us laugh. Once in a while, though, she also manages to bring tears to our eyes. Today is one of those days.

More: Ellen DeGeneres Gets Criticized for Her HBD Tweet to Katy Perry

In an emotional moment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Thursday, she revealed that her 92-year-old father died this week.

"I lost my dad this week. He was 92 years old," she told her audience during the show. "He had a good, long life. And he lived his life exactly how he wanted. He was Christian science his entire life. He never had medicine his whole life. He never went to a doctor. We never had a vaccination. We never had medicine growing up and he lived to be 92."

She continued, "He was very proud of me. He loved this show. He was a kind man, very accepting man. There was not one bone of judgment in his body. He was very funny... Before he passed away I got to talk to him, so I got to say goodbye to him."

More: Ellen DeGeneres Was Adorably Awkward at 15 Years Old, & We Love It

But even more touching than DeGeneres' tribute to her father on her show might be the one she posted to Twitter. She shared a sweet memory from her childhood that helped encourage her to go into show business.

"When I was a kid, my dad took us on one vacation to Warner Bros. Studios. He loved this business. He loved that I was in it. When he died, I saw this rainbow over the stage they named for me," she wrote, posting a photo of the gorgeous rainbow over the studio with her poster on the side.

Ellen DeGeneres tweets a tribute to her late dad

Ellen DeGeneres tweets a tribute to her late dad

More: Jennifer Aniston's BFFs Got Together & Argued Over Who the Best Friend Is

Our hearts go out to Ellen during this tough time.

6 Food Guidelines to Follow If You Have Psoriasis

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Living with psoriasis is rough. Treating it can be even rougher. Since psoriasis can't truly be cured, the best option is to manage symptoms. But in addition to the topicals, light therapy or other treatments your doctor prescribes, it's a good idea to evaluate your eating habits. More clinical research is still needed to understand the link between nutrition and psoriasis, but certain foods have been shown to make symptoms better or worse.

The reason is that psoriasis isn't necessarily a skin problem; it's an autoimmune disease. And autoimmune diseases are caused by an overactive immune system, which may have a lot to do with chronic inflammation and a leaky gut — or, at least, that's how Dr. Nikki Arguinzoni-Gil explains it. She's a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine at Aloha Naturopathic Healthcare. "Over a period of time, the intestinal lining can sustain damage, creating holes that allow unwanted things to get through into the bloodstream like toxins, bacteria and undigested food particles," she says.

This triggers an autoimmune response that can surface as gastrointestinal issues, migraines, arthritis, eczema and even — you guessed it — psoriasis. "Identifying food triggers, cleaning out the gut and healing the gut are very important to reducing inflammation throughout the body and a plays a huge role in healing the skin and strengthening the immune system," says Arguinzoni-Gil.

With that in mind, here are a few food guidelines that can make life with psoriasis easier. Just be warned that it's going to be a process of trial and error, so keep your own doctor in the loop.

1. Avoid nightshades

If you love potatoes and tomatoes, this is a hard pill to swallow. Nightshade vegetables, such as white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, can increase inflammation and make psoriasis symptoms worse.

It is worth noting again that research is somewhat lacking in this area, but one survey of roughly 1,200 psoriasis sufferers published in a 2017 issue of Dermatology and Therapy found that 51 percent were able to improve symptoms by reducing the number of nightshades in their diet.

Conclusion: it's worth trying — a no harm, no foul situation.

More: My Husband Has a Nightshade Allergy — Here's What That Really Means

2. Consider supplements

Certain supplements have also been linked to improved symptoms. A clinical review published in Indian Journal of Clinical Dermatology evaluated several studies on how dietary guidelines play a role in psoriasis. In one case, vitamin B12 completely cleared plaques in 32 percent of patients.

Psoriasis patients tend to have low levels of vitamin D as well as vitamin B12. In the same review, various studies found that supplementing with vitamin D also improved psoriasis symptoms either completely or moderately in many cases. Talk to your doctor about fish oils, pine bark extract, grapeseed extract, milk thistle and turmeric supplements... which brings us to the next point.

3. Turmeric is your friend

More clinical studies need to be done to prove the extent of its benefits, but curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is why so many people with psoriasis add turmeric to their diet, take capsules and even try topical treatments. Arguinzoni-Gil would tell you to opt for capsules because of the concentration. "One would need to get six to eight teaspoons a day [in powder form] to get the equivalent of what is given in capsules and have the desired anti-inflammatory effect," she explains.

More: 20 Recipes That Show Why Turmeric Is Everyone's Favorite

4. Cut down on gluten

The jury is still out, but some studies suggest that people with psoriasis also have an increased sensitivity to gluten. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, if you have an existing gluten sensitivity, that could also make your psoriasis symptoms worse. Further, in the survey of psoriasis patients published in Dermatology and Therapy, 53 percent saw skin improvement by eliminating gluten.

"When the body recognizes something like gluten as a foreign invader, it forms antibodies," Arguinzoni-Gil says. So, people with gluten sensitivity may have elevated levels of anti-gliadin antibodies (gliadin being one of the major proteins found in gluten). If you can reduce the anti-gliadin antibodies, you may be able to decrease inflammation and other psoriasis symptoms. Again, more research needs to be done, but it's worth a shot. Best-case scenario: You might improve two conditions with one lifestyle change.

5. Switch your proteins and reduce dairy

Red meat and dairy were also on Arguinzoni-Gil's no-no list. One study published in Alternative Medicine Review showed that reducing red meat intake, along with other dietary guidelines like eating minimal protein in general (aim for cold-water fish only) and increasing fruits and vegetables (except for nightshades), can supplement other treatments for psoriasis.

The Indian Journal of Clinical Dermatology's review of the link between psoriasis and nutrition found that both red meat and dairy contain high amounts of arachidonic acid, which is thought to trigger psoriasis outbreaks. However, the authors also concluded that more clinical studies are needed to determine to extent of the effects.

6. Pick a diet, one of these three diets

The anti-inflammatory diet is somewhat straightforward: Cut out inflammatory foods that can make symptoms worse. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet and the Pagano diet are both thought to improve symptoms associated with psoriasis.

"The Pagano diet involves the removal of foods that are difficult to digest, highly acidic foods and food allergens," Arguinzoni-Gil says. "A Mediterranean-style approach is high in organic whole foods, vegetables, cold-water fish and olive oil, and it's low in sugar."

Of course, make sure to discuss these approaches with your doctor to determine what may or may not be right for you. It's probably best to try one thing at a time to see which strategy you find most effective. It's not a simple road, but it's not uncommon for psoriasis patients to find significant relief through dietary changes.

Vienna Girardi Grieves Miscarriage on Scheduled Due Date

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Bachelor alum Vienna Girardi grieved the miscarriage of her twin girls on Facebook on Jan. 10 — their scheduled due date. She lost her babies in August after complications from the high-risk nature of the pregnancy. Girardi explained her difficult pregnancy to Us Weekly in early August. “The twins are monochorionic diamniotic. They share a placenta, which means they also share nutrients. One baby can potentially take more from the other, so I have been monitoring every two weeks.”

More: The Drama of This Season's Bachelor Has Already Begun

Despite careful monitoring, Girardi's amniotic sacs broke early and the babies were unable to be saved. On Aug. 13, Girardi announced the loss to her fans, saying, "I spent the next 2 days in the hospital trying everything to save them... I’m sad and I feel empty. I am still wondering why and I still get angry and today Im mad and sad and just want it to be ok to feel this way.”

“My little angels went to Heaven on Aug 5th,” she added. “And I was rushed into the OR for emergency surgery and was in the ICU for 4 days. Your mommy will never forget you and I loved you both with my entire heart.”

Vienna Girardi mourns

Vienna Girardi mourns

Girardi didn't hold back in her heartbreaking due-date post on Wednesday. “Today should have been a day to rejoice and celebrate life… today was my due date. Instead I’m finding it hard to even get out of bed, hard to smile or feel anything at all. I feel numb as I stand outside watching my dogs. It’s wet and gloomy as if the world knows and feels my pain. Each day has gotten easier to for me to put a smile on and pretend everything is ok but not today. I can’t pretend today. I’m hurting.”

More: The Bachelor Winter Games Are Coming

Fortunately, Girardi's Facebook followers responded with overwhelmingly kind and reassuring messages — a nice reminder that compassion is not dead on the internet.

One commenter wrote, "Sending you lots of love. Just know you are never alone, so many of us have or still do feel the same way, it's a unspoken pain a lot don't understand, but know that a lot do... I do."

Another said, "I’m so sorry you are going through this. No one can relate unless you’ve lost a child. It’s okay to feel what your are feeling. Cry if you need to. As long as you get it out and express it. You are very much loved... you have a network of support behind you."

We commend Girardi for speaking out about such a difficult and personal experience. Her words clearly resonated deeply with many of her followers — and will only help to break down the cultural stigma that still surrounds pregnancy loss.

Ricky Martin Tells His Twins Why They Have 2 Daddies

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Actor and singer Ricky Martin and his husband — Syrian-Swedish painter Jwan Yosef — are loving fatherhood. The couple is raising Martin's 9-year-old twin boys, Valentino and Matteo — and unlike a lot of celebrity families, they have no desire to stay out of the spotlight... for one very important reason close to Martin's heart.

More: Ricky Martin Confirms Marriage to Jwan Yosef

Martin, the star of FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, spoke candidly about his take on family in a new interview in Out magazine. “A lot of people tell me, ‘Well, your kids are on the covers of magazines and blah, blah, blah,’ and I’m like, ‘Yes because I want to normalize this,’" Martin explained. “I want people to look at me and see a family and say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with that.’ It’s part of my mission.”

He continued, "It’s part of my kids’ mission as well. My kids ask me about having two daddies and I tell them we are a part of a modern family. This is a beautiful sense of freedom.” Preach, Ricky!

Will the couple have more kids? At Sunday's Golden Globes, Martin hinted that the answer may be a big yes. “I want four more pairs of twins,” he enthused, as reported by People. “I would love to have a big family, but there’s a lot going on at this moment, a lot of work, wedding.”

Oh, and the family's Beverly Hills home was featured recently in Architectural Digest (the cover story, no less).

Ricky Martin family

Ricky Martin family

Martin captioned an Instagram post of the cover shot, "This is us in our home. @archdigest had a look inside our most personal abode #architecturaldigest #covergirl."

More: Ricky Martin Has Twins Via Surrogate

Yep, fatherhood definitely agrees with Martin, who is obviously a natural (even when it comes to those early a.m. wake-up calls with the kids). Martin shared a super-sweet morning post of himself and his sons on Instagram back in June, captioned, "What a perfect way to wake up!!!! So much #pride ! Hab, vi saknar dig. Happy Pride everyone!!! #Pride2017 #gaypride #gaylove #gaylatino # #loveislove." Tossing an "I miss you" in Swedish towards his hubby? Could these guys get any cuter?

Ricky and twins

Ricky and twins

Love is definitely love, and we have nothing but love for Martin, Yosef and their gorgeous — and likely soon-to-be growing — family.

Anderson Cooper Is Done With Donald Trump's Racism

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After Donald Trump's latest (and possibly lowest) incendiary, racist public comment, how about we all just let Anderson Cooper speak for us. Cooper has some pretty deep emotional ties to Haiti — he reported from the ground there after the island nation was devastated by an earthquake in 2010. Trump's description of Haiti (as well as several other places, like El Salvador and Africa) as a "shithole" is where Cooper draws the line.

More: Trump Administration Makes It Much Easier for Employers to Deny Birth Control

Getting visibly emotional on Thursday, Cooper said the president's comment was flat out "racist," and implored his viewers not to dance around that.

"The president of the United States is tired of so many black people coming into this country. Tired of immigrants from Haiti and Africa being allowed in," Cooper said. "Perhaps the White House feels the president's remarks will be well-received in some parts of this country, among some parts of the president's base, and perhaps that is true but it doesn't make what he said any less ignorant or any less racist. Not racial. Not racially charged, racist. Let's not kid ourselves. Let's not pretend or dance around it. The sentiment the president expressed today is a racist sentiment."

More: Rihanna Calls Out Donald Trump for Neglecting Hurricane Maria Victims

Cooper continued, "Tired of Africans and Haitians, the president said he would like to bring more people from countries like Norway. Norway, which population is overwhelmingly of Nordic descent. White people, in other words."

More: Donald Trump Propositioned Brooke Shields Years Ago Because ‘America Would Love It’

Trump now denies that he ever called those countries "shitholes," but the White House has not denied it and several witnesses to the comment have confirmed Trump said it. Is this Trump's new low point? Only time will tell.


The Problem With the 'Best Sex Position for Female Orgasm' Articles

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Open any women’s magazine or website (including this one), and you’re bound to see a slew of articles promising the “best sex positions” to achieve female orgasm. On the surface, this may seem to be a harmless — even helpful — sexual service piece. Some may even see it as empowering. But if you look deeper, it’s yet another example of prioritizing the sexual pleasure of men.

To be clear: The articles I’m referring to specifically address (typically) heterosexual, penis-in-vagina intercourse, which, unfortunately, is still widely seen as the pinnacle of sex acts, with the conclusion being the orgasm of the person with the penis.

This is something I’ve casually thought about for years, but when I read Dr. Laurie Mintz’s revolutionary book Becoming Cliterate a few months ago, she so clearly articulated the problems with these “best sex position” articles it was clear this was more than something that annoyed me; it is an equality issue. I had the opportunity to ask Mintz a few questions about this and more details on why this concept is so troublesome.

Here's the problem

First of all, Mintz rightly points out that before going any further in our conversation, we should probably address how the words “sex” and “intercourse” are used interchangeably. That doesn’t work because they’re not the same thing. Narrowly defining “sex” as penile-vaginal intercourse automatically disqualifies a whole spectrum of other types of sex — including those that involve mouths, fingers, hands and assorted toys or aids — making the clitoral orgasm an afterthought. "Intercourse" refers to a penis thrusting into a vagina, whereas "sex" has a much wider definition, incorporating oral and manual stimulation, play involving toys or other aids, erotic touch, mutual masturbation — a whole range of intimacy. So, when we’re talking about these “best sex position for female orgasm” articles, by and large, we’re dealing with intercourse specifically.

More: Masturbation Comes With Some Serious Health Benefits

In her book, Mintz also calls for us to pay closer attention to the word “foreplay,” which typically is seen — and defined — as the “erotic stimulation preceding intercourse,” or more generally, something that happens before an event. And yes, in this case, the “event” is penis-in-vagina intercourse.

“The word foreplay implies that this sexual pleasure is not in itself important, but rather an exercise men need to go through to get us ready for intercourse,” Mintz writes.

She goes on to cite a study in which people age 18 through 29 were asked what counted as sex or not, which found that approximately two-thirds of the men didn’t consider cunnilingus “actual sex.” This doesn’t bode well for their sexual partners for a number of reasons, only one of which is that the way a significant number of people with vulvas and clitorises consistently reach orgasm was dismissed by them as just “foreplay.”

Getting back to those “best sex position” articles, not only are they discounting anything beyond intercourse as actual sex, but as Mintz tells me, most of them suggest many intercourse positions that might indirectly stimulate the clitoris — like it was some sort of happy accident — instead of mentioning direct clitoral stimulation (whether it’s with fingers, a tongue, a vibrator or other aid).

Of course, there are people with vaginas who can reliably orgasm from combining penetration with clitoral stimulation, but many of the others — who can only come with clitoral stimulation — say they find it difficult or impossible to orgasm with a penis in their vagina since it’s actually distracting from the focus on the clitoris, Mintz tells SheKnows.

Then there’s the fact that these articles imply that all women “can” and “should” orgasm from intercourse, and if they don’t, they must not be doing something “right.”

MoreWhy the Pleasure Gap Is a Gender Equality Issue

“Stated a bit differently, when these articles equate sex and intercourse and tell women how to orgasm during intercourse, it implies this is the best or the ideal way to orgasm,” Mintz says. “Many women need more direct clitoral stimulation than an intercourse position provides. I’d thus actually contend that these articles are harmful for these women and that they perpetuate the insidious, harmful cultural message that the best way to orgasm is from penetration and that anyone can do this if they do it right.”

What these “best sex position” articles do provide are different techniques — like having the person with the vulva on top or a strategically placed pillow during missionary-style intercourse — that may help because they at least offer the possibility of indirect clitoral stimulation. Instead of hoping one of these indirect “solutions” work, Mintz suggests combining penetration with direct clitoral stimulation with your own hand, a partner’s hand, using a vibrator (controlled by yourself or your partner) or couples sex toys, like a cock ring with an attached clitoral vibrator.

In another part of Becoming Cliterate, Mintz writes about our standard cultural script for “sex” (which, as we’ve already discussed, is really “intercourse” in this scenario). It starts with foreplay (just to get the vulva-owner ready for intercourse), then moves on to the penetration and ends with the person with the penis having an orgasm.

“When articles focus on ‘best sex positions for her orgasm,’ they are playing into the standard cultural script and thus not providing other ‘scripts’ which will work better for many women,” Mintz tells me. And on top of that, she adds, they perpetuate privileging of male sexuality — where we consider the most reliable route to orgasm for a person with a penis as the best way for everyone.

MoreOrgasms Are Most Elusive for Straight Women

Here's how we can start to fix it

So what can we do about it? For starters, we can stop using words the “sex” and “intercourse” synonymously, stop using “foreplay” altogether and use other types of sexual scripts besides the one in which both partners are supposed to come during intercourse. Mintz also suggests everyone learns and honors their most reliable route to orgasm and to incorporate the type of stimulation you use during masturbation during partnered sex.

And on my end, I will strive to continue to make our sex content as accurate and inclusive as possible. Does this mean taking down all the existing “best sex position for female orgasm” articles on the site? In a perfect world, yes — but given the amount of traffic to these pieces, it's clear that this is a topic a lot of people are interested in, and if one of the tips leads to a more fulfilling sex life for someone, there's at least some element of service. Moving forward, let's all try to be more mindful of how we talk and think about sex — pleasure is a great thing, and we all deserve it.

Wendy Williams Shamed Kylie Jenner & Her (Rumored) Unborn Baby

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While it is not entirely unexpected that talk show host Wendy Williams is in the headlines again for saying something outrageous or shady, it is unexpected this time around because she is talking about a celebrity's rumored unborn child. The celebrity in question is Kylie Jenner and on Williams' Wednesday, January 10 show, she made some questionable remarks about Jenner's alleged baby.

More: Why Wasn't Kylie Jenner in the Kardashians’ Christmas Card?

The messiness began at the top of Williams' Wednesday show. In the video below, around the 2:00 mark, Williams transitions from talking about how sweet Khloé Kardashian's pregnancy confirmation photo was to focusing on Jenner's rumored fractured relationship with boyfriend and rapper Travis Scott. What follows is a deeply uncomfortable, seemingly unprovoked and catty diatribe about Jenner's current recession from the public eye and her rumored pregnancy. It should be noted up front that neither Jenner nor anyone related to her has confirmed her pregnancy, nor has there been any cause for concern about the solidity of her relationship with Scott.

Wendy Williams Kylie Jenner Video

Wendy Williams Kylie Jenner Video

As Williams moved from Kardashian to Jenner's reticence to confirm her rumored pregnancy, she described her own (unfounded) theory as to why. "Well, why do you think?" she asked her studio audience. "I guessed right away: because she's not with Travis Scott anymore." This statement appears to get a reaction out of the crowd, which in turn, only seems to encourage Williams.

"Please, that was a split and run, in my mind. Like, the condom split, she took the test and was probably like, 'Oh my god, what am I going to do now? Travis!' He's like, 'No, I'm a rock star. I got no part of that. You got plenty of money on your own, figure it out on your own.' That's how people cavalierly treat pregnancy," Williams concluded.

More: Khloé Kardashian Reveals Kourtney's 'Crazy' Baby Advice

Then, Williams launched into a digression about what Jenner's rumors child might look like when they are born. "You can do whatever you want to yourself, but the baby's still gonna look like the old you," she commented, likely referring to the cosmetic surgery Jenner has confirmed having.

This is, for a variety of reasons, unconscionable behavior from Williams. Not only is it harsh to say these kinds of things about Jenner when she is not there to comment or defend herself, but it is cruel to say these things because they take aim at her possibly unborn child.

More: Kim Kardashian West Talks About Losing Embryo & Choosing Surrogacy

Listen, it is not wrong to wonder why Jenner, one of the most public figures we have these days, has metaphorically gone underground in recent months. With no official statement from her or anyone around her, speculation will run wild. But to bring a child into this commentary? To take cheap shots at the stability of a relationship that we know nothing about? That kind of behavior is just not OK.

Where You Should Travel in 2018 Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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I'm a through-and-through Gemini. I've felt that way since I started reading astrology books as a teenager, and while I can't say my horoscopes are especially accurate, I've always felt attached to the twinlike personality, the restlessness and desire for community that the Gemini sign represents. But I'd never thought to lean on my zodiac sign for travel inspiration... until now.

And why not? If you see yourself in your star sign, it would make sense that you could take a semi-accurate guess at the type of travel you'd enjoy based on it, the kinds of gorgeous places you long to see.

Your travel plans for 2018 are covered. Here's where you should visit based on your star sign.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Adventure awaits

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Aries - Antartica
Image: Tak

Passionate, competitive and courageous Aries doesn’t want just any vacation — they want a trip to a place that isn’t a tourist trap, that allows them to experience an area like the locals do and to be put out on a ledge a little.

Why not take a trip to the edges of the Earth on an Antarctic cruise? See wild penguins, whales, seals, dolphins and glaciers up close.

For those seeking warmer climates, trek to Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City of Colombia, believed to be more than 600 years older than the ruins in Machu Picchu.

More: Insider Travel Tips From a Flight Attendant

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Natural wonders

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Taurus - Redwood Forest National Park
Image: liquidcrash/Flickr

A Taurus tends to be resolutely practical and responsible. They love being near nature — but not too deep into the backwoods — and enjoy working with their hands, whether that’s cooking or gardening.

An excellent low-key destination for them would be the Redwood Forests of California, where they can see the unbelievably large trees up close.

Try Banff, Canada, for a charming town among stunning mountains.

If Taurus wants to splurge, what about Valencia, Spain, where they can lounge on the beach or wander the Mercado Central?

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Bustling cities

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Gemini - Mumbai
Image: Vidur Malhotra/Flickr

Restless, energetic Gemini likes to be on the move and constantly busy, and their travel plans should reflect that. They love a great city, especially when it offers a chance to learn.

Mumbai, India’s largest city, offers an excellent opportunity for Geminis to get out of their comfort zone and experience a different language and culture. Visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya for a glimpse into Gandhi’s remarkable life or cool off at Girgaum Chowpatty, one of India’s most famous beaches.

For a more European-style vacation, Copenhagen offers plenty of touristy activities, like the 19th-century amusement park Tivoli Gardens or walking the Nyhavn canal.

More: The Best Ski Resorts to Visit This Winter

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Natural comfort

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Cancer - Galapagos Islands
Image: Will Daravong/Flickr

Cancers are happiest near the water and prefer to stay in places where they feel at home. They often get overwhelmed by too many strange faces.

A cruise to the Galápagos Islands would put them in touch with some of the world’s most isolated animals and let them appreciate the wonder of the ocean.

For a quieter trip, Cancer can take a cozy vacay to Concord, Massachusetts, and wander around Walden Pond, working on their nature poetry.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Regal R&R

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Leo - Phuket, Thailand
Image: Sastha K L/Flickr

Leo loves a regal experience, which is why they should focus their attentions on the finer things in life.

Visit a place where the dollar goes further, like Phuket, Thailand, where the inexpensive luxury hotels and stunning views of the water are enough to make anyone feel like royalty.

Leo can also bring their royal longings way, way back and visit the pyramids in Egypt, where they can bow to the great tombs of ancient pharaohs.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Perfectly planned furlough

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Virgo - Zermatt, Switzerland
Image: Eugene La Roux/Flickr

The analytical and always-looking-for-perfection Virgo wants a travel experience where they don’t have to give up their carefully curated routines. Healthy food and nature walks are a must, but they won’t be suckered into a spiritual retreat.

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a stunning area in the Swiss Alps with plenty of healthy cafés. Take a ride on the Gornergratbahn, the highest open-air railway in all of Europe.

You might also consider Oslo, the capital of Norway, where Virgo can admire the craftsmanship of a Viking ship and still have all the metropolitan comforts of a city.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Fun, social atmosphere

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Libra - Tokyo, Japan
Image: hans-johnson/Flickr

Always striving for grace and diplomacy, a Libra is happiest when they’re able to meet people in social or cooperative settings. For a city-loving Libra, Tokyo, Japan, provides a nice blend of busy, fun atmosphere and a reverence for Zen. Shinjuku Gyoen gardens or Yoyogi Park provide a nice break from the city when you need a breather.

If Libra wants to explore their love of the outdoors, a trip to Kauai, Hawaii — which is called The Garden Island for good reason — will be totally satisfying. Beautiful beaches, the butt-kicking but rewarding Kalalau Trail and the charming Waimea Town make it a spot a Libra won’t want to miss.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Historical adventure

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Scorpio - St. Petersburg
Image: 2benny/Flickr

Scorpio is one of the bravest signs. They want to get to the real truth of the world and see behind the curtain. They’re best suited to deeply historical cities, especially if they have controversial political pasts.

St. Petersburg, Russia, offers plenty of historical turmoil. Visit the Winter Palace of former Russian emperors or the Kunstkamera museum of anthropology, which contains several interesting and shocking artifacts, including the head of Willem Mons, who was publicly beheaded in 1724.

For Scorpios who are interested in more recent historical developments, Hong Kong is a fascinating destination — it only left British rule to become a region under the People’s Republic of China in 1997, which means many locals still remember the handover, and Handover Day is still celebrated today.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Vacay with variety

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Sagittarius - New Zealand
Image: Bernard Spragg. NZ./Flickr

Idealistic, adventurous freedom-seeking Sagittarius is who travel was made for. They’d be happy to see anyplace new and aren’t likely to stay in one city on any given trip, but rather will try to pack several destinations into their plans.

New Zealand is perfect for this. They can travel to the towering Mitre Peak and surrounding rainforests near the Milford Sound, see glow worms in the Waitomo Caves and walk up to 13-meter-long Fox Glacier all in one trip.

For a more urban trip, Germany is the best for Sagittarius. There, they might delight in traveling to Munich, Berlin, Nuremberg and Hanover over a couple of weeks.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Chic & relaxing

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Capricorn - Istanbul, Turkey
Image: Pedro Szelky/Flickr

As a Capricorn, you’re made of class, elegance and love a bit of understated luxury. And since you’re a seriously hard worker at home, you need a destination that will be chic but also relaxing.

A trip to Istanbul, Turkey, would satisfy your need for gorgeous architecture. Explore the stunning colors of the Grand Bazaar market, and when you’re craving a bit more excitement, take in the nightlife in Taksim Square.

If you’re looking for a fairy tale feel, consider Prague, where you can climb up the Petřín Lookout Tower for incredible views of the city and tour several stunning castles.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Vacation with a cause

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Aquarius - Costa Rica
Image: Victoria Reay/Flickr

Independent, intellectual Aquarius is also a natural humanitarian, which is why a vacation with a cause feels the best for them.

Stay in an eco-resort in Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa, or make it a working vacation by doing conservation projects in the Costa Rican rainforests.

To totally disconnect, consider the romantic and historic Paris, France, where you can visit The Louvre art museum or people-watch in Place de la Concorde.

More: A Look Inside Some of the World's Most Luxurious Plane Cabins

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Spiritual getaway

Where to Travel Based on Your Zodiac: Pisces - Varanasi, India
Image: Juan Antonio Segal

Pisces has a tendency to give away all their resources and trust and can be left feeling like their well is empty. A vacation high in romance, spiritual reflection and art would do them well.

That's why a trip to Varanasi, India — believed to be a place where those who die will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation — could be just what the doctor ordered. Stay along the river and spend time studying Lord Shiva, who the city is said to belong to.

For a more local spiritual experience, consider Sedona, Arizona, where you hike into spiritual vortexes, which are said to be healing and transformational.

Image: Getty Images/Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

The Internet Is Slamming Khloé Kardashian for Smoking While Pregnant

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Since confirming in December she's expecting a baby, Khloé Kardashian has faced a lot of criticism about her pregnancy. First, it was that her baby bump was “too small.” Then, people accused her of injuring her baby by working out too much. Now, Kardashian's in hot water again after her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, posted an Instagram photo of Khloé smoking.

The soon-to-be mom came under fire on Thursday because in the picture, Khloé Kardashian and her best friend, Malika Haqq, smoking while playing with wads of cash. Though it’s unclear what, exactly, Khloé is smoking, the picture definitely shows her blowing a stream of smoke out of her mouth while pretending to use a stack of dollar bills as a phone. “Shmoney moves,” Kourtney captioned the picture.

More: Kim Kardashian Calls Out Tabloid for Calling Kris Jenner’s Face "Chubby"

Pregnant Khloe Criticized for smoking while pregnant IG

Pregnant Khloe Criticized for smoking while pregnant IG

Immediately, Khloé Kardashian was lambasted by fans for smoking while pregnant. The commenters accused Kardashian — who is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, Tristan Thompson — of hurting her baby.

“You are pregnant and doing this kind of things don’t be surprised if your baby born unhealthy.”

“Girl you smoking while pregnant.”

“Khloe why you smoking? That’s really not a good thing when you get pregnant! You will hurt your baby!”

More: Khloé Kardashian’s Sisters Told Her to Lose Weight Because She Was "Hurting the Brand"

Of course, Kardashian’s defenders were quick to explain that the picture was likely a throwback. Considering that Haqq is currently competing on the U.K.’s Celebrity Big Brother, where she’s cut off from the outside world, it’s highly unlikely the picture was recent. “It’s an old picture seeing as though Malika is in Big Brother people will judge,” someone commented.

Plus, given how much research Kardashian put into seeing if she could even exercise while pregnant, you would think she would know better than to smoke. The pregnant-shaming trolls can take a seat now.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Khloé

Are the Health Benefits of Gummy Vitamins Worth the Sugar?

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It’s like clockwork. The dinner dishes haven’t even made it to the sink and my kids are asking if they can have their gummy vitamins. When my kids were younger and not able to swallow pills, I made the mistake of buying these tempting little treats.

Believing something was better than nothing, I convinced myself that giving my kids a few of these to chew on would be good for their health.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the sugary, sticky side effects of using gummy vitamins. They stick to my kids' teeth, which was something the dentist was not happy about. And the sugar became a problem. My son would sometimes lick the sugar crystals off the vitamins and then throw the rest away.

This left me with one question: Are the health benefits (getting adequate levels of vitamins and minerals) of the gummy vitamins worth the added sugar?

More: How to Curb Sugar Cravings — for Real This Time

Like most things in the health world, the answer depends on who you ask.

What are the health benefits of gummy vitamins?

There have to be some benefits to using gummy vitamins, right? According to Grace Derocha, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, there are a few positive ways we can look at these supplements.

First, you’ll be more consistent. “To get the benefits of a daily vitamin, you need to take one regularly. And some people are a lot likelier to do that if the vitamin tastes sweet and delicious,” says Derocha.

Another plus is they are easier to take. Derocha explains that some people hate swallowing pills, so they opt for a chewable version instead. This is especially true if you take other prescriptions and are eager for a change of pace (something known as “pill fatigue”).

Derocha also likes the idea that you can take them whenever you want. “Many vitamin labels recommend that you take pill vitamins with food because it helps your body absorb the nutrients and reduces your risk of feeling nauseous. But since a gummy vitamin is foodlike, there are fewer issues with an upset stomach.”

More7 Subtle Signs You're Addicted to Sugar

What should we be concerned about?

While there are some valid points for using gummy vitamins, the negatives seem to always win out. Even Derocha, who gave some solid pros, agrees that the cons outweigh the pros.

“The average gummy vitamin has 2 to 3 grams of sugar per serving thanks to sweeteners like glucose, corn syrup and sucrose,” says Derocha.

Also, gummy vitamins can easily get stuck in your teeth, so their sugar content can make them damaging to your dental health too if you don’t brush afterward.

“And watch out for gummy vitamins that use sugar alcohols to taste sweet. It’s a way to avoid using sugar, but it can cause diarrhea in some people,” she explains.

Chief nutrition officer of Terra's Kitchen Dr. Lisa Davis explains it’s a difficult task to stick to the guidelines when it comes to added sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men. And for kids, it’s even less. Children ages 2 to 18 years old should consume less than 6 teaspoons of added sugars each day.

She gave this example to show how quickly the sugar in gummy vitamins can add up. “Let’s consider a sampling of gummy vitamins in my house, most of which contain about 2 grams of sugar per serving," she says. "If you have one serving of a gummy vitamin and one serving of gummy vitamin C at breakfast, you’ll have 1 teaspoon of sugar (equals 4 grams of sugar) before the sun is up.”

In addition to sugar being an issue, gummy vitamins are often not as complete as other sources. Derocha says calcium and iron are either missing from gummy vitamins or will be found in smaller doses because iron has a strong taste that is noticeable in a gummy and calcium increases the bulk of it.

Additionally, Paul Salter, registered dietitian, BodyBuilding.com nutrition editor and the founder of Fit in Your Dress, says substituting or relying on gummy vitamins to get your required nutrients is not a good idea.

He points to the fact that minerals are not absorbed as well in gummy form, and when resorting to such a supplement, you’re missing out on many other benefits — such as fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals — that can be found in food.

What’s the bottom line?

While gummy vitamins taste good and can provide you with daily nutrients, you should still try to get your vitamins in pill form first.

“Vitamins have an immeasurable positive impact on your body. Vitamin B is responsible for keeping our energy up and vitamin D strengthens our bones and maintain teeth health,” explains Dr. Christopher Calapai, a board-certified family medicine practitioner.

MoreHow a Vitamin D Deficiency Almost Destroyed My Life

“However, these vitamins are easily collected through our diet or sugar-free vitamin supplements.” He says that traditional multivitamin supplements are a great alternative, as well as smart dietary choices including leafy greens, fruits and vegetables high in nutrients.

Just a few things to consider the next time you're in the pharmacy's vitamin aisle.

Are the health benefits of gummy vitamins worth the sugar?
Image: Getty Images/Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Mark Wahlberg Makes Bold Move Following All the Money in the World Wage Scandal

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Mark Wahlberg released a statement on Saturday in which he vowed to donate his entire All the Money in the World reshoot fee to the Time's Up effort after it was uncovered that Wahlberg made 1,500 times more than his costar, Michelle Williams.

More: Here's How the Women of "Time's Up" Will Make a Statement at the Golden Globes

"Over the last few days my reshoot fee for All The Money in the World has become an important topic of conversation," Wahlberg said in the statement. "I 100% support the fight for fair pay and I’m donating the $1.5 million to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund in Michelle Williams’ name."

Wahlberg's agency, William Morris Endeavor, also responded to the backlash and added another $500,000 to the donation.

"The current conversation is a reminder that those of us in a position of influence have a responsibility to challenge inequities, including the gender wage gap," the agency said. "In recognition of the pay discrepancy on All the Money in the World reshoots, WME is donating an additional $500,000 to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund in Michelle Williams’ name, following our $1 million pledge to the organization earlier this month. It’s crucial that this conversation continues within our community and we are committed to being part of the solution."

More: Time's Person of the Year 2017 Honors the #MeToo Movement

The Time's Up Legal Defense Fund was organized by leading women in Hollywood who aim to provide legal support to women who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or abuse in the workplace.

The All the Money in the World scandal started when USA Today reported that Wahlberg was paid $1.5 million for reshoots on the film after Christopher Plummer was cast to replace Kevin Spacey. Williams was paid a meager $1,000 for her part.

Director Ridley Scott previously said of the reshoots, "Everyone did it for nothing. They all came in for free."

More: 9 Times Women Ruled at Last Night's Golden Globes

Williams has already responded to news of the donation being made in her name: "Today isn’t about me. My fellow actresses stood by me and stood up for me, my activist friends taught me to use my voice, and the most powerful men in charge, they listened and they acted. If we truly envision an equal world, it takes equal effort and sacrifice. Today is one of the most indelible days of my life because of Mark Wahlberg, WME and a community of women and men who share in this accomplishment. Anthony Rapp, for all the shoulders you stood on, now we stand on yours."

Ashley Judd Praises James Franco's Response to Sexual Misconduct Accusations

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In a newly released interview on HARDtalk with Stephen Sackur, Ashley Judd revealed that she approves of James Franco's response to the sexual misconduct accusations leveled at him last week.

"I think that what James said is terrific," Judd explained. "And I think that we've all behaved, at a certain level, unconsciously, and done things that were insensitive, inappropriate, without necessarily understanding that they were. I mean, we've all operated with a certain amount of tone deafness, and I like the culpability, and we have to have restorative justice."

More: An Extensive List of All the Jobs James Franco Has Ever Had

She added, "This is about men and women being all together and having a more equitable and just workplace, home life, social spaces. I mean, we know that when women are empowered in the workplace and are in decision-making positions that workplaces have better financial outcomes and there's less harassment when there is more diversity. And it takes that kind of individual accountability to collectively make the change on a large scale."

ashley judd james franco interview

ashley judd james franco interview

Franco opened up about the accusations during The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Tuesday after accusations were made against him by multiple women on Twitter.

"The things that I heard that were on Twitter are not accurate, but I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they didn't have a voice for so long," Franco explained. "So, I don't want to shut them down in any way. It's, I think, a good thing, and I support it."

More: Best Excerpts From Golden Globes Winners' Speeches

Then, on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times released an article that detailed Franco's alleged misconduct with five women. Franco's attorney denied the accusations, and Franco opted out of attending the Critics' Choice Awards that night.

It's unclear when, exactly, Judd filmed the interview with HARDtalk, which was released in part on Friday. The full interview will air on Sunday.


9 Weirdly Effective Hacks for Hair Growth

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At one point or another, our beauty resolutions have included treating our hair more nicely with the hopes of encouraging it to grow. There are a handful of habits, like drinking water and using supplements, that can reportedly make this happen over time, but we’re all guilty of pining after anything that will give us instant results… or something close to it.

YouTube and Reddit are constantly populated with what we can only describe as weirdly effective hacks you would probably have to think over before taking the plunge. Most involve products that you would use in other parts of your life, so in that lies some familiarity, but we’d still encourage researching each one if you’re interesting in trying it. Ahead are nine unusual hair growth methods the internet can’t seem to stop talking about.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Vicks VapoRub as an Edge Stimu

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Vicks VapoRub as an Edge Stimu

Vicks VapoRub as an edge stimulator

This topical gel is our go-to for congestion or a bad cough, but according to thousands of YouTubers, it also stimulates hair follicles, thus leading to growth. It’s also recommended that you massage the scalp after applying it to promote further stimulation. Experts have yet to cosign this method, but word of mouth says the results are legit.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Inversion Method

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Inversion Method

Inversion method

Many believe this method, which is basically a fancy way to say “hang your head upside down,” also promotes inches of hair growth. It is believed that positioning yourself in this manner a few times a day encourages an increased blood flow to the head, which in turn helps the hair follicle to reach its maximum potential for growth.

More: Offbeat Beauty Hacks to Cop From Makeup Artists

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Shaving Off Edges

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Shaving Off Edges

Shaving off edges

Are you convinced your thinning edges are past the point of no return? If you’re completely fed up, start over and shave them. According to many beauty vloggers, this is a time-consuming but ultimately effective way to create a healthy environment where your strands can grow back longer and stronger than ever.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Placenta

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Placenta

Placenta

It’s also believed that parts of placenta — the organ that connects a growing baby to its mother’s womb —can also help your hair grow longer. And if you don’t have direct access to it, brands are now infusing it directly into their products so you don’t have to jump through hoops to get it.

More: 9 Supplements That Can Transform Your Skin & Hair

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Wearing a Shower Cap to Bed

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Wearing a Shower Cap to Bed

Wearing a shower cap to bed

If you’ve ever gotten a deep condition at the hair salon, then you’re already familiar with the benefits of heat on freshly washed strands. Well, if you don’t have time for an appointment with a professional, some bloggers recommend simply sleeping with your shower cap on to trap the heat inside your strands and ultimately leave you with stronger strands that can grow more quickly.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Monistat 7

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Monistat 7

Monistat 7

According to Essence, many women say the antifungal cream’s active ingredient, miconazole nitrate, stimulates hair follicles so they can grow at a faster rate. Most women are mixing the cream with an oil and using it as a nightly treatment before bed.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Cayenne Pepper

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper

Although there are now products infused with this spicy kitchen ingredient, it is believed mixing it in its purest form with an oil is the secret to lengthening your strands. The tingling sensation you’ll feel is said to encourage increased blood flow to the roots of hair follicles. But if you have sensitive skin, this probably isn’t the best option.

More: Smoothie Recipes That Directly Benefit Your Skin & Hair

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Scalp Massages

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Scalp Massages

Scalp massages

Although we rarely turn down a body massage, our scalp usually flies under the radar. Like all the products we’ve mentioned thus far, simply rubbing your head a couple of times a day also promotes blood circulation and ultimately more active hair follicles.

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Baking Soda as Shampoo

Weirdly Effective Hacks: Baking Soda as Shampoo

Baking soda as shampoo

Besides removing product buildup, it is also believed this cleanser’s antibacterial properties are so strong it promotes hair growth relatively quickly as compared to its all-natural counterparts. Keep in mind that it’s also been tied to hair loss, so even if you don’t have sensitive skin, consult with a dermatologist before switching out your go-to shampoo.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

5 Doctor Appointments You Should Make This Month

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You’ve already posted the quote across your social media accounts: "New year, new me." You’ve committed to Dryuary, to #Whole30January, and you’ve already claimed your bike for SoulCycle. While this regimen will help you look and feel better, you’re missing some crucial pieces from your wellness (paleo) pie.

In order to know what’s happening beyond your athleisure, here is a list of the doctors you should see in 2018 and every year to make sure you’re taking care of yourself both inside and out.

Check those pearly whites

Yes, that means a trip to the dentist. Dr. Casey Chow of Bella Smiles says regular dental checkups are a must for more reasons than most people realize.

More: The Biggest Health Trends of 2018 According to Top Doctors

"Seeing a dentist regularly will help detect tooth decay and gum-related issues early, which allows for less invasive treatment and in turn less expensive treatment (like simple fillings), but regular visits can also detect gum disease, which is associated with heart disease and stroke and oral cancers," she explains.

Love the skin you’re in

Next up on your to-do list should be a visit to your dermatologist. Dr. Alan J. Parks, founder of DermWarehouse, says it's a good idea to see a dermatologist on a yearly basis for a skin check.

"One reason that skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer is because it can be the most easily recognizable," he explains. He recommends doing self-checks of all your freckles and moles on a monthly basis, and if you see any spots or moles that look out of the ordinary, be sure to make an appointment to see your dermatologist right away.

MoreGet Ready, Because We're About to Drop Some of the "Breast" Facts Ever

"Some people may need to be seen more often if there is a personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma or if they have a history of multiple precancerous lesions or extensive sun damage,” he adds.

Check under the hood

This one is a no-brainer for people with vaginas. “Even though a woman may be on an every-one-to-three-year interval to get a Pap smear, seeing the gynecologist annually is important for a woman’s overall health and wellness," says Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB-GYN.

For many women, the gynecologist is often the only doctor they see annually, making it a time to discuss things like testing for sexually transmitted infections, period irregularities, family planning or sexual dysfunction, as well as more general medical issues like depression, anxiety or domestic violence.

MoreMale Gynecologists on How They Chose Their Specialty

The catchall

Dr. Nieca Goldberg is a medical director at NYU Langone Health and understands that while most women always remember to schedule a yearly exam with their OB-GYN, they must also remember to pay a visit to their primary care physician.

“It is important to have a primary care doctor who specializes in internal medicine, family medicine or a nurse practitioner to take care of your overall health," she explains. "They will be able to assess your risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes [and keep up with] your vaccinations, and it’s always good to have someone when you have an unexpected cold or sore throat.” 

It’s just a chat

This last appointment may not be on your must-do list, but it should be. 2017 was quite the year, leaving many of us exhausted both mentally and physically. Dr. Kevin Gilliland, the executive director of Innovation 360, recommends adding a mental health professional to your calendar.

"Our health is broad-based," he says. "When we eat right and are active, our mental health improves; they’re connected. So, why all the blood work and physical exams, but nothing for our mental health? Find a therapist and meet with them once or twice so they get to know you."

Let the mental health professional know you're there for a mental check up and talk about whatever's on your mind, including anxiety, mood and how you use substances, which, Gilliland says are some of our most common struggles.

Now, grab your phone or log in to Zocdoc and start scheduling!

Best Moments From 2018 Awards Season So Far

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The 2018 award show season is in full swing, and it's brought with it impactful conversations about women in the workforce, meaningful speeches on the importance of equality and, of course, lots of fun along the way.

There is hope in the air. It is not a year of complaining about the inequalities; rather, it's a year of pushing for change and unity. Women are leading on the front lines, but men are standing strong with them. The good ones, that is.

More: 18 Movies You Need to See Before Awards Season

If award show season is any indication, 2018 is shaping up to be quite a meaningful year. Here are the best moments of the season so far.

Golden Globes

1. Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globes speech

Winfrey stole the show with her speech, calling on the voices of men and women everywhere so no one has to say #MeToo ever again. It was beautiful. It was inspiring. It was just the sort of leadership the movement needed. And it also served as proof that Oprah is the type of woman to unite a nation, not continue to drive us apart.

oprah winfrey golden globes speech

oprah winfrey golden globes speech

2. Natalie Portman throws shade at the Golden Globes

How do you outshine Oprah Winfrey's amazing Golden Globes speech? OK, maybe Natalie Portman didn't exactly outshine her, but she definitely provided a great follow-up act when she took the stage immediately after Winfrey's speech. Portman was there with Ron Howard to announce the winner for Best Director and, well, she went off script just a bit. "And here are the all-male nominees," Portman said into the camera, emphasizing "all-male."

natalie portman golden globes moment

natalie portman golden globes moment

3. Seth Meyers' no-holds-barred opening monologue

It was a big question of the night prior to the Golden Globes: Will host Seth Meyers throw shade or won't he, amid all the Time's Up rhetoric at the show? Turns out, the answer wasn't just "Oh, he will." It was a resounding "Oh, he will, and it'll be so dirty you'll be talking about it for weeks."

seth meyers golden globes monologue

seth meyers golden globes monologue

More: Time's Person of the Year 2017 Honors the #MeToo Movement

Critics' Choice Awards

1. Allison Williams steals the red carpet with that dress

Girlfriend wore a colorful Dolce & Gabbana number that made me and women all over the world literally drool. Drool, I tell you.

Allison Williams at the Critics Choice Awards
Image: Taylor Hill/Getty Images

2. Brooklynn Prince

Prince, who is just 7 years old, won Best Young Actress for her work in The Florida Project and lost it in tears on stage. It was adorable and heartfelt and emotional for everyone right along with her. She called them "happy tears" and suggested she and her fellow nominees "go and get ice cream afterward."

brooklynn prince critics choice awards

brooklynn prince critics choice awards

3. Women win big

Female-centric Big Little Lies took home four awards, The Handmaid's Tale nabbed three, Wonder Woman was named Best Action Movie and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel took home the award for Best Comedy Series.

gal gadot critics choice awards speech

gal gadot critics choice awards speech

Women were also out in full force for the evening with Olivia Munn hosting and many speeches that kept the Time's Up conversation alive. Guillermo Del Toro said in his speech that if you don't treat women equally, "you don’t know what you’re missing." And Chris Hemsworth noted the three biggest movies in 2017 were led by women: "The three biggest movies of 2017 in North America were Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Beauty and the Beast and Wonder Woman. The biggest comedy was a female ensemble, Girls Trip, and the biggest independent movie was written and directed by Greta Gerwig."

10 Labor Myths It's Time to Bust

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Have you heard the one about putting a knife under your bed during labor to "cut the pain in half"? We're not buying that for a second. But there are other more believable yet still dead wrong labor myths that contribute to the confusion around giving birth — as if it weren't confusing enough already. We spoke to an OB-GYN, a midwife and a doula to get the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about labor.

More: The SheKnows Guide to Giving Birth

1. "Spicy food, castor oil, sex and bumpy car rides will bring on labor"

Sorry to shatter your illusions, but none of the old wives' tales about inducing labor have any solid evidence to back them up. That doesn't mean you shouldn't tuck into a hot curry or enjoy some sexy time — just don't do it just to make your uterus contract. Because it probably won't. Your baby will come when it's ready, whether you like it or not.

2. "You need to go to the hospital as soon as you go into labor"

"No way!" says NYC midwife Kara Manglani. This is especially true — or rather, the myth is especially untrue — if it's your first baby. "Early labor can last days before true labor kicks in," reveals Manglani. "And once you are in true labor, you likely still have six to eight hours before the baby is born."

Her advice? Stay home until your doctor or midwife tells you to come to the hospital — often, when contractions are four minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds for at least one hour. Some warning signs you are in advanced labor (and should go to the hospital right away) are contractions coming one on top of the next, a strong urge to push and a lot of pressure in your backside, like you need to poop. In some cases, your doctor may want you to come in earlier, for example if you are high-risk or if you have had fast labors in the past.

3. "Labor starts with your water breaking"

Not true, says OB-GYN Dr. Kecia Gaither. In fact, for women whose pregnancies go full-term, less than 15 percent of labors begin with the water breaking. "Most times, your health provider will likely 'break your water' to augment the labor process," explains Gaither. And if your water does break of its own accord, don't expect a dramatic flood like you see in the movies. Normally, it feels more like a trickle than a waterfall. The most important thing to know about your water breaking — however it happens — is that it means you're in the early stages of labor. Time to call your doctor!

4. "Wide hips make for an easy labor"

Considering that billions of women of all shapes and sizes have given birth — again and again for thousands of years — you might think the phrase "childbearing hips" would be put to bed by now. Alas, no. "What a woman’s hips look like on the outside may not reflect what’s going on inside, says Gaither. "It’s the pelvic bone structure which determines the ease of labor." What does make for easier labor is better alignment of the spine and pelvis. And unfortunately, Gaither adds, "some pelvises may be too small or curvy to allow a vaginal delivery." Luckily, we have C-sections for that!

More: This Is What Childbirth Really Feels Like

5. "Epidurals make labor last longer"

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 61 percent of women delivering vaginally in the U.S. opt for an epidural — despite the myth that this will prolong labor. A 2017 study published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists will hopefully help to debunk that idea. Researchers compared a group of women who had an epidural to a control group who didn't. All 400 first-time mothers self-administered epidurals during the initial stages of labor, but when it was time to push, half of them continued to get pain meds, while the other half were given a placebo. After finding those who got the placebo pushed for an average of 51 minutes while those who continued to receive medication from the epidural pushed for an average of 52 minutes, the researchers concluded that "a low concentration of epidural local anesthetic does not affect the duration of the second stage of labor."

6. "Labor is strictly a 'nil by mouth' event"

Eating during labor is still prohibited in many hospitals, but this is an outdated practice that has only recently been addressed by medical professionals. "It originated in the '40s because the kind of anesthesia that was used on pregnant women (inhaled ether or injection, inducing 'twilight sleep') during labor would actually put them at risk for aspiration — a major issue for pregnant women at the time," explains doula Monique Cowan. "Since then, anesthesia has become far safer, but the policy of giving women nothing but ice chips has prevailed. Recently, however, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has said women at low risk for cesarean should be allowed to eat and drink during labor if they desire." Quite right. It's not called labor for nothing, you know.

7. "Twins can only be delivered by C-section"

Yes, twins are often delivered via cesarean due in part to how common cesareans have become (and also because of policies that seek to keep doctors from being sued for malpractice). But it's absolutely possible to deliver twins vaginally, says Cowan. Still, "with the likelihood that at least one twin will be breech or turn breech during labor, most doctors will not allow their pregnant patients to deliver vaginally," says Cowan. But there are some who will.

8. "A C-section is less painful than a vaginal birth"

As a mom who has had both, I can personally call bullshit on this one. While a vaginal birth can be more painful at the time (depending on what pain meds you take), the recovery from a C-section is often far more painful. And if anyone tries to tell you that having a C-section is "the easy way out," remind them that it's major abdominal surgery. (Then smack them in the face.) 

9. "The baby comes out after a few pushes"

Again, the movies have a lot to answer for. While some women may only push a couple of times before their baby is born, it is not abnormal to push for up to two hours and in some cases longer. "I always remind women to conserve their energy and rest between contractions because pushing takes a lot of energy," says Manglani.

More: 30 Beautifully Raw Photos That Capture the Reality of Childbirth

10. "Babies should be bathed right after birth"

For centuries, residual vernix caseosa, the cheesy coating that keeps a baby’s skin protected in the amniotic bath of your uterus, has been washed off their skin immediately after birth. But research has shown that it is actually best not to wash the baby right after birth. In fact, the World Health Organization has for years recommended waiting at least six hours and ideally at least 24 hours post-birth to give babies their first bath — but it's only recently that practitioners have caught on. "The vernix on your baby's skin helps protect them from infections, heat loss and more," says Manglani. "It's absolutely fine to wait until you get home from the hospital to give your baby their first bath."

While debunking labor myths is important (and well overdue), what is most important for every birthing woman, her partner and her family is to remember that every woman is unique — and so is every pregnancy and birth. "There are many different variations of 'normal' and what fits or works for one woman may not for another," says Cowan. "Trust your body and your instincts and do what feels right for you."

Labor myths it's time to bust
Image: Getty Images/Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 Trailer Is Here, & It's Lit

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Hot on the heels of big wins at both the Golden Globes and Critic's Choice Awards, The Handmaid's Tale dropped an incendiary new trailer for Season 2. The hit series won't return until April, but Hulu certainly did their part to stoke fans' fascination until then.

More: The Most Powerful Female Characters on TV

Clocking in at just over a minute, the teaser is chock full of intriguing tidbits. We see Offred, known in pre-dystopian times as June, wearing the same leather mask worn by Emily (Alexis Bledel) in Season 1 when she is carted off for punishment. We see Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) looking distraught. We see Moira (Samira Wiley) in tears. We see signs of the resistance, yet seconds later see nooses hanging from trees. And, in the final few moments of the teaser, we see Offred set something afire.

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 Trailer

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 Trailer

It's safe to say Season 2 is going to be lit.

During a Television Critics Association panel discussion, Moss — who won both a Golden Globe and Critic's Choice Best Actress award for her role as Offred — touched on the obvious reason the series' second season will be even more suspenseful than the first.

More: Best Excerpts from Golden Globes Winners' Speeches

"When she does have the baby, the baby gets taken away from her. She can't be its mother," Moss explained. "It makes for good drama." The second sesason's tagline of "Whatever is silenced will clamor to be heard" seems to back up this sentiment, suggesting a revolution is under foot.

More: As a Woman, Here's How I Would Resist if I Lived During The Handmaid's Tale

Still, it's unlikely that Offred or the Mayday resistance will successfully overcome the powers that be because, well, that would make for one short series, wouldn't it?

Besides, the network has already hinted at the turmoil the women will face, saying, "Gilead is within you' is a favorite saying of Aunt Lydia. In season two, Offred and all our characters will fight against — or succumb to — this dark truth."

The Handmaid's Tale returns to Hulu on April 25.
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