VIDEO: Are Rihanna and Drake the new Beyoncé and Jay Z? >>

During rehearsals on Sunday night, one of the snakes in the routine apparently bit a backup dancer.

According to TMZ, Minaj was, fittingly, performing her new single "Anaconda," with the snake as part of the act for her upcoming VMAs opening.

The dancer, identified only as female, was rushed to the hospital and is receiving treatment, TMZ reports. The snake, which is believed to be an anaconda, is not said to be poisonous but the bite is still dangerous as it easily spreads bacteria.

What Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj & Kanye West have in common >>

Though the snake was quickly taken away in a container after biting the performer, it's unclear whether the same snake will be used in the performance.

Of course, the award show this Sunday is expected to be full of crazy surprises, aside from reptiles on stage. The VMAs are known for unpredictable antics. Last year, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke twerking together on stage made headlines for weeks, while the kiss between Madonna and Spears in 2003 became legendary.

Other performers expected to take the stage during the show include Ariana Grande, Jessie J and Beyoncé, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift and Sam Smith.

Why we're positive Nicki Minaj will out-perform Miley Cyrus at the VMAs >>

Everyone has been speculating about Minaj's performance after the controversial music video for "Anaconda" was released this week. The Parent Television Council has already called for a TV-MA rating versus the usual TV-14, based on the butt-heavy footage in Minaj's video. No doubt her on-stage routine will follow suit.

We wonder if, due to the incident yesterday, Minaj will be toning down the performance.

Representatives for Minaj and the VMAs, which is hosted by MTV, have yet to comment.

Julianne Moore joins the Mommalogues >>

In an interview with People, the actress, children's book author and app designer talks about how she's raised her kids to know that they're lucky.

"We talk about how lucky we are as a family to have what we need, that the kids are able to go to grade school and whenever we need to go to the doctor, we can go to the doctor," the actress says of her kids Caleb, 16, and Liv, 12, with director husband Bart Freundlich.

Apparently, Moore is also making sure the kids know how to give back to those who aren't so lucky.

"They have lots of opportunities, and they're aware that they're lucky that way," she says. "We do talk about giving back or giving to charity or what it means to be less fortunate — they're aware of everything."

Julianne Moore dishes on her new app, the holidays and The Hunger Games >>

The kids have a good example to follow. Four-time Oscar nominee Moore is an active supporter of many charitable organizations, but she speaks up for one charity in particular: Children's Health Fund, which provides health care and services to underserved kids all over the country.

"They are amazing," Moore says. "I was really impressed with how practical Irwin [Redlener, co-founder] and Karen [Redlener, executive director] have been with their pursuit in giving everybody an equal shot in life."

Children's Health Fund backs pediatric programs nationwide, educates the public and uses mobile clinics to provide health care to kids who live in places where doctors' offices are otherwise difficult to access, something Moore says is much needed.

Julianne Moore honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame >>

"We're supposed to be able to have our opportunities in front of us," she adds. "They're trying, in a sense, to level the playing field and give these kids a real opportunity."

Because we love them, but we sure don't want them back

Dr. Melissa Deuter is a board-certified psychiatrist in San Antonio, Texas, who specializes in the care of emerging adults. She helps parents deal when their kids end up back at home. We asked her how to keep kids moving forward instead of moving back in.

"Give your teen room to take on responsibilities and make mistakes while he still lives at home," Deuter says. "Provide abundant opportunities for supervised practice." Your expectations should be based on your child's abilities and level of emotional security — not on age alone. Setting higher expectations than your child is ready for is just as bad as expecting too little from him.

Dr. Deuter groups these skills into eight categories.

Emotional/psychological skills

"These include the ability to identify emotions, self soothe, exhibit self-control of inner emotional states, wait patiently, solve problems, delay gratification, tolerate uncomfortable feelings and maintain control of behavior," says Deuter. These skills help your teen walk away from a fight or get himself out of an uncomfortable social situation.

Friendship/interpersonal relationship skills

Your child may not always feel comfortable in social situations, but good social skills go a long way. Teach your children how to start and carry on a conversation with others. "They should learn to speak up, stand up for a friend, keep (or refuse to keep) a secret, ignore bad behavior and to confront someone who is out of line. Likewise they need to learn to really listen, admit fault and apologize, talk out a conflict with a friend (or roommate), say I love you and hug," adds Deuter.

Romantic/intimate relationship skills

Being able to tell the difference between love and a crush is an important benefit of teen dating. "They can learn to ask someone to dance, navigate romantic feelings and eventually to break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend," says Deuter. "They can also learn to cope with rejection, say no and control the urge to advance physical relationships too quickly."

Financial skills

Teens aren't always comfortable with financial skills because they haven't been given the chance to learn. "Before leaving home, teens need practice budgeting, managing money, balancing a checkbook, saving for emergencies, maintaining bank accounts and paying bills," shares Deuter. Don't assume it's too complicated, and start them off early.

Academic/work skills

Want your child to be a hardworking young adult? Start by teaching them basic responsibility. "When teens know how to be punctual, stay on task and pay attention to details they are better equipped for school and career," says Deuter. Volunteering or part-time work while still living with you is a good place to start.

Domestic/maintenance skills

Many teens don't have basic cooking skills or know how to handle simple problems. "Auto maintenance, laundry, cleaning skills and handling small household emergencies like a clogged toilet are all skills necessary to build before teens move out," shares Deuter.

Self-care skills

"Your teen should be equipped to ask for help, say no and be assertive," says Deuter. Work with your teen to help him figure out what works best for him. Maybe she needs a quiet place to regroup, talk or write about problems, or a supportive community group.

Medical care skills

Time for your teen to take control of her health care. "Every adult needs to have health care knowledge to be capable of giving a medical history, filling a prescription at a pharmacy or knowing how to self-diagnose simple illnesses, use a thermometer and take over-the-counter medications," Deuter adds.

Ready to launch? Teach them these skills and they will soar.

More about teens

Do you read your teen's text messages?
How to fix your teen's bad sleep habits
What parenting style is best for raising well-rounded teenagers?

Tip No. 1: Plan wisely

Is it best to spend $500 addressing one issue (like the backsplash) or spread that money around? The choice ultimately depends upon how large your kitchen is and what you want to change. Spending $500 on a new backsplash makes a massive difference in a kitchen, but so does spending that money on new flooring or a new kitchen island. Spreading your money among multiple upgrades like new decor, towels or new cabinet hardware can also make a big visual difference.

Tip No. 2: Shop wisely

With such a small budget you'll want to shop at the right places. Look for seasonal sales at your hardware store and visit local salvage yards, many of which have surplus materials from contractors. Paint stores sometimes have odd lots or discontinued colors that they sell at a steep discount. Ask a friend or neighbor if they have tools to lend or share to help you complete your project.

Best kitchen upgrades for $500 or less

Backsplash

Photo credit: Wentworth, Inc.

The kitchen backsplash, however small, is a highly visible area. Placed right at eye level, the kitchen backsplash is a great area to refurbish, paint or upgrade. And because it's an area generally reserved for artistic expression, you can use a variety of materials to bring your vision to life. If you already have a backsplash, consider painting the wall above it to make it really stand out. If you are handy, you can use tile (visit a salvage shop for bargains) or locate a stone remnant that fits the area. Larger tile pieces are generally less expensive, and you'll spend less money on grout.

Cabinets

Photo credit: Tiek Built Homes

If your cabinets are a decent color, upgrading the cabinet hardware can instantly give them a new look. You can spray paint your existing hardware (remove it first and spray paint outdoors) or find inexpensive new hardware. Stenciling the cabinets, or painting them, may take time but can give a huge facelift to the kitchen. Some home owners even find that removing some of the door fronts and exposing the shelving creates an open look that updates their kitchen. Use those exposed shelves to display decorative pieces or pretty glassware.

New sink and faucet

Photo credit: Fireclay Tile

Sometimes upgrading the sink and faucet, which can look aged and dirty over time, can give a huge lift and make the kitchen feel cleaner. For an easy DIY, purchase new fixtures that have the exact same size and countertop placement. If you are unsure about your plumbing skills, find a professional plumber on Porch.com who can do the job quickly without leaks or spills.

Photo credit: Colleen Knowles Interior Design

New surfaces

Countertops and floors can be redone for under $500 if you have a small kitchen. New laminate or stone remnants can be fitted and placed directly over old counters. If you have tile countertops, there is a special paint that you can use to give them a fresh update. If you have wood flooring, consider stenciling or painting it for a fun, retro look.

Walls and ceiling

Photo credit: Jorge Rosso Architecture Interiors

A fresh coat of paint, even if it's a neutral white, can instantly upgrade the kitchen space. Kitchen walls are usually heavily used and abused with food splatters or greasy buildup. If your walls are particularly dirty, be sure you clean or sand them before applying primer paint. Choose a semigloss finish that is designed for heavily trafficked areas like the kitchen.

Lighting

Photo credit: Fireclay Tile

A well-lit kitchen is incredibly important. Bad lighting may lead to cut fingers or unattractive food. Luckily, changing out lighting can be relatively inexpensive, even if you need to hire a professional electrician. If your current lights have good "bones," you might be able to simply spray paint the fixture or purchase a new shade. Don't forget that adding new lighting can also be a great upgrade to the kitchen. It's easy to add LED lights underneath cabinets. Not only will you increase the functionality, you'll make your kitchen look instantly larger.

Accessories and decor

Photo credit: COOP 15

If you don't want to change any of the surfaces (or can't change them), you can actually make a big impact with accessories. When used in the right ways, objects can draw the eye away from older fixtures. Look through your home and gather decorative objects to place in the kitchen. A handful of seemingly random objects, like candlesticks or serving trays, can be given a cohesive look with a coat of spray paint. Hanging a small display shelf is a great way to use vertical space and add decorations. A new floor rug can cover up an unsightly floor, and valances or blinds can help frame an old window.

More renovation ideas

The $500 bathroom remodel
The $1000 bathroom remodel
5 Kitchen remodel trends

Before summer comes to an end, you may want to take one last trip to the beach. Use this video to learn how to make your own nutrient-rich root stimulator from kelp and a beautiful ground cover from seashells. Your garden will be transformed in no time!

More on home and garden

Get started in the garden

Vegetable seeds to sprout with your kids

12 Celebrities that garden

1. Toilet seats

Photo credit: Amazon

The concept is that you will never have to pee in the dark. However, Kohler's LED toilet-seat nightlight begs a few questions, such as is it safe if it gets... wet? Considering that it takes two AA batteries to run, one may also be concerned about not only peeing on it, but cleaning and sanitizing it as well. It may be better to go the old-fashioned route when nature calls and turn on the bathroom light. (Amazon, $62)

2. Showerhead

Photo credit: Amazon

Like to take showers in the dark? If your answer is yes, this LED showerhead may be just the answer for you. This hydropowered showerhead doesn't require any batteries or wires, and claims to have a three-year shelf life. Watering you down in seven bright shades, this may be something that you grow tired of quickly, especially when you also take the occasional shower during the day. (Amazon, $10)

3. Ice cubes

Photo credit: Windy City Novelties

If you are planning on having a rave anytime soon, these LED ice cubes are the perfect party addition. Bringing light to any beverage, the ice cubes come in a variety of bright colors. However, be warned, they are not to be frozen or ingested. Also, advise your guests to ensure that their water-less ice cubes don't start leaking. (Windy City Novelties, $21-$22)

4. Undergarments

Photo credit: Neon Nancy

For people that enjoy going to neon or darkly lit clubs, perhaps an LED garment is appropriate for you. But let's just ask the question: How exactly do you wash these items? Doesn't seem like something that can be worn more than once or twice or in an area where you may be exposed to water, especially this bra, which is also sound activated. (Neon Nancy, $50)

5. Eyelashes

Photo credit: Soomi Park

Promised to make your eyes look larger, these LED eyelashes are made and sold in Korea. A fun look for a night out, one may be concerned with how the LED lights will affect vision. Over time, these may even cause irritation for the wearers who have sensitive skin. (Not sold in the U.S.)

6. For your mouth

Photo credit: Toxel

Yes, LED lights can even light up your grill. Sold as a head accessory or mouthpiece, these creative little pieces will allow a partygoer to be seen all night long. Just be careful you don't swallow it or kiss anybody while it's in your mouth. You also may not want to share it with anyone either. (Flashing Blinky Lights, $1-$2)

7. Pillows

Photo credit: Yanko Design

Currently a concept design, the glow pillow seems like a really cool technological device for your bedroom. Perfect for those of us that like to sleep with our phones, the pillow has an outlet and lights attached. And as awesome as it seems, there is still a worry that the exposure to the LED lights (especially in the dark) will affect the retina over time. And what if you spill water at night? Nobody would like to wake up to an electric shock, or worse yet, fire in the middle of the night. (Not available for sale.)

8. Grass

Photo credit: Amazon

Forget the grass that Mother Nature grows, get yourself some awesome LED wild-grass solar garden lights. Built to look like real grass, this special grass will light your way come nightfall. Just watch pets and young children, who may stomp over the lights or possibly try to eat them. (Amazon, $18)

9. Pacifier

Photo credit: Be Wild

As a mother, the LED pacifier may seem like a godsend, but for babies who like to put everything in their mouths, this may not be the safest calming device on the market. With a concern about the pacifier breaking or it being put too close to sensitive eyes, this may not be the best idea for little ones. (Be Wild, $2)

More on technology

7 Technology investments worth the money
Gadgets that help you sleep better
How to recycle household electronics

Shall we look at everything that was oh-so-perfect about Capaldi's first episode?

Gasp! Is Clara on her way out of the Doctor's life? >>

"The not me one. The asking questions one. Names are not my thing." — The Doctor, about Clara

"Come on, Clara! You know that I speak dinosaur." — The Doctor, to Strax

"Who invented this room? It doesn't make any sense. It's only got a bed in it... So, you've got a whole room for not being awake in?" — The Doctor

"You all sound... English! You've developed a fault!" — The Doctor

"I never bother with sleeping. I just do standing-up cat naps."
"And when do you do that?"
"Generally, when everyone else is talking. I like to skip ahead to my bits." — The Doctor and Vastra

"I don't like her, ma'am, I love her. And as to different, well, she's a lizard." — Jenny to Clara, about Vastra

"May I take your clothes?" — Strax, to Clara

"And then we got swallowed by a big dinosaur. You might have noticed." — Clara

"He's seen stars fall to dust. You might as well flirt with a mountain range." — Vastra, about the Doctor's age

"Big, sexy woman!" — The Doctor... to the dinosaur

"Sorry. I'm going to have to relieve you of your pet."
"Your what?"
"Shut up! I was talking to the horse." — The Doctor

"Planet of the pudding brains!" — The Doctor, about humans

"Don't get it scratched or all your bloodlines will be obliterated across time and space." — Strax, about the TARDIS

Miss Matt Smith? Quiz yourself on his coolest moments >>

"What are you looking at?"
"Your subconscious." — Clara and Strax

"I need clothes. Yes, clothes and a big, long scarf. No... never mind that. That'll look stupid." — The Doctor, taking a dig at the fourth Doctor

"Have you ever looked in a mirror and thought, 'I've seen that face before'?" — The Doctor

"Look at these eyebrows. These are attack eyebrows! They could take off bottle caps!" — The Doctor

"That sort of person would be an egomaniac, needy game-player." — The Doctor, about Clara

"If I got new hair and it was gray, I'd have a problem." — Clara, about the Doctor's new hair

"Look at them. Look without looking." — The Doctor

"Who are they?"
"I don't know. But don't worry. That's not the question. The question is, 'What is this restaurant?'"
"OK. What is this restaurant?"
"I don't know." — Clara and the Doctor

"Hello? Are you the manager? I demand to speak to the manager!" — The Doctor

"It's times like this I miss Amy." — The Doctor

"Do it." — Clara

"If the Doctor is still the Doctor, he'll have my back." — Clara

"Hello, hello, rubbish robots from the dawn of time!" — The Doctor

"Five-foot-one and crying. You never stood a chance." — The Doctor

"I could use it to blow this whole room if I see one thing I don't like, and that includes karaoke and mimes." — The Doctor

"OK. That's clever. How are you powering it?"
"Skin." —The Doctor and the head rubbish robot

"Seems like I'm stuck here now. Got a vacancy?" — Clara

"I don't think I know who the Doctor is anymore." — Clara

"Give him hell! He'll always need it." — Vastra

"You've redecorated. I don't like it." — Clara

"Clara, I'm not your boyfriend." — The Doctor

"It's me, Clara. The Doctor." — Eleven... talking one last time to Clara

"I'm not on the phone. I'm right here. Standing in front of you."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Phoning." — The Doctor and Clara

"I don't think I'm a hugging person now."
"Not sure you get a vote." — The Doctor and Clara

Finally... the look in the Doctor's eyes as the TARDIS floated above London? Peter Capaldi may be old... but that was sexy as hell.

Want more TV news and reviews? Sign up for our newsletter >>

Decorated pencil

Photo credit: Work It Mom

Pencils don't usually inspire excitement about back to school, but with a little painters tape, scissors and paint, your kids can easily turn plain pencils into works of art with the help of this tutorial by Work It Mom.

School friends book

Photo credit: Free Kids Crafts

Ease your little learner's back-to-school nerves by focusing on getting to know new friends with this tutorial by Free Kids Crafts. He or she can use a school friends book to collect facts and photos about fellow students.

Back-to-school party

Photo credit: Punch Bowl

Put a fun spin on back-to-school time by helping your kids host a school-themed, back-to-school party with these tips and ideas from Punch Bowl, complete with a "school schedule" and school-themed goodie bags.

DIY pencil case

Photo credit: Cut Out and Keep

Sure, those plastic store-bought pencil cases can do the job, but this DIY pencil case tutorial by Cut Out and Keep turns a toilet paper roll into a customized container that reminds kids that going back-to-school is fun.

DIY customized backpack

Photo credit: Trend Hunter

Boring backpacks no more, there are tons of ways your kids can kick a school tote up a notch with lace, iron-on patches, jewels, safety pins and other embellishments like with Trend Hunter's punk rock backpack tutorial.

Personalized school supply labels

Photo credit: Lia Griffith

Labels not only help keep school supplies organized, they also make it fun to keep track of all your student's new stuff when you print out personalized labels like Lia Griffith's templates.

Textbook covers

Photo credit: Creative Bug

Textbook covers can keep school books in mint condition, but they can be stylish, too, with these ideas for customized — and creative — textbook covers by Creative Bug, from using chalkboard paint to creating bubble wrap rainbow patterns.

DIY embellished school shoes

Photo credit: Titi Crafty

Getting creative with school shoes can not only help save you some dough, but adding jewels, glitter, permanent marker, ribbon, bows and more to embellish plain shoes will make your kid's kicks as unique as he or she is. Get started with this tutorial by Titi Crafty.

Read more back-to-school tips

Adorable back-to-school shirts from Etsy
Green back-to-school tips for every age
5 Ways to get back to school supplies for free

VIDEO: Iggy Azalea slams critics & fans over Nicki Minaj spat >>

The singer was stepping backward, rapping and clearly getting caught up in the lyrics, when she tumbled off the edge of the stage. Fans can be heard gasping in the video following the singer's fall.

Security guards quickly pulled Azalea back onto the stage and she continued performing like a pro, hardly missing a verse of her hit. Charli XCX also joined her on stage during the number.

Once Azalea finished, she reportedly expressed her relief, saying she was "very blessed" that she didn't break her legs.

Iggy Azalea is totally Clueless >>

Though it's unclear whether the Australian singer was injured, she seems fine. Shortly after the fall, Azalea took to Instagram to laugh off the event by posting a video of the fall.

Azalea captioned the photo, "Sorry but it would be a crime not to share this with you all, I know I laughed. #StillFinishedtheSongTho #KeptOnRapping #TheShowMustGoOn."

Fans quickly posted in support of the singer, reaching out to ask if she was OK and praising her for continuing the song. "That's why you're the best," one fan posted. "I love you!"

Iggy Azalea can "Change Your Life" >>

Sam Smith and Tori Kelly also took to the stage to sing at the event supporting Lifebeat, an organization that fights against HIV and AIDS.

Aside from the benefit event, Azalea is set to perform Sunday at the VMAs. She is also nominated for seven awards.

The news of Azalea's fall comes a day after one of Nicki Minaj's backup dancers was bitten by a 6-foot-long snake during a VMAs performance rehearsal. Fingers crossed that this is the last mishap to befall this year's show.

If you're all about oysters in all ways, shapes and sizes, then this recipe roundup is just the one for you. We've got them raw and fried, roasted and baked. But first, make sure to learn how to shuck oysters with this handy tutorial from food blogger Country Cleaver. And this brief guide to oysters will get you up-to-date on how to choose them.

1. Grilled oysters with herb butter recipe

Photo credit: Eat Boutique

Fire up the grill, and make these grilled oysters with herb butter, because grilling is one of the best ways to cook these mollusks. Make sure to score some fresh, local oysters if possible.

2. Oyster dressing recipe

As a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, try this oyster dressing at your next family get-together. Serve alongside ham or turkey for a true holiday meal.

3. Fried oyster po'boy sandwiches with spicy rémoulade recipe

Photo credit: From Away

A classic oyster preparation, these fried oyster po'boy sandwiches are the perfect summer treat.

4. Oyster ceviche recipe

Photo credit: Laylita's Recipes

We love ceviche for its ease of preparation, and this refreshing oyster ceviche is just what you would need after a hot summer day.

5. Baked oysters and apples recipe

Photo credit: Diabetic Foodie

The flavor of sweet apples really balances the briny oysters in this baked oysters and apples recipe.

6. Oyster po'boys with jalapeño rémoulade recipe

Photo credit: Always Order Dessert

What do you get when you mix classic New Orleans cuisine with the traditional tacos of Mexico? These oyster po'boys with jalapeño remoulade — a treat for your palate.

7. Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter recipe

Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter is the simplest oyster preparation but the most perfect one for summer cookouts.

8. Fried oysters recipe

Photo credit: Sweet Life

Keep it simple, and make some fried oysters to snack on before your cookout is ready.

9. Angels on horseback recipe

Photo credit: Always Order Dessert

Angels on horseback, also known as bacon-wrapped oysters with horseradish, are the perfect retro-style party snack.

10. Oyster shooters recipe

It's a party when you have this oyster shooters recipe ready to go.

11. Buttermilk fried oysters with caper aioli recipe

Photo credit: Kitchen Confidante

We're loving these buttermilk fried oysters with caper aioli, because we know what buttermilk does to seafood — it tenderizes it and makes it delicious. Plus, a caper aioli sounds like the perfect dipping sauce.

12. Oysters Rockefeller recipe

Photo credit: Recipe Girl

Oysters Rockefeller is a classic oyster preparation and a must for any seafood party.

13. Salsify oyster bisque recipe

A unique root vegetable soup, this salsify oyster bisque is a comforting recipe for chilly summer nights.

More on oyster recipes

How to eat oysters
Celebrate oyster season: Easy grilled oysters with herbed garlic butter
10 Recipes using sustainable seafood

I added an Indian-infused touch to these quinoa cakes by using curry powder, tahini garlic and spicy pepper. These are great as snacks, finger foods for a party and as a light meal. Plus, the kids will love them. If you are worried about the spice level for your little ones, then just hold off on adding the crushed red pepper, and sprinkle it on top when serving rather than mixing it in. I love serving these with my simple roasted red pepper dip, which adds tons of extra flavor.

1. Crispy Indian-spiced quinoa cakes recipe

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 2 large whole eggs
• 2 tablespoons tahini paste (found near nut butters in most health food stores)
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1/2 a sweet onion, finely minced
• 1 small handful fresh cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (omit if you do not want these to be spicy)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpea flour, eggs and tahini, mixing very well.
3. Fold the remaining ingredients into the quinoa mixture, and then drop evenly sized spoonfuls of the batter onto the baking sheet.
4. Bake the quinoa cakes for about 20 minutes or until they are crispy and brown.
5. Remove from the oven, and allow the quinoa cakes to cool slightly. Serve with the creamy roasted red pepper dip.

2. Creamy roasted red pepper dip recipe

Yields 1-1/4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted red peppers
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Into a food processor, add all the ingredients, and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Chill the dip for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, and then serve with the warm quinoa cakes.

More quinoa recipes

Southwestern quinoa bake
Strawberry-quinoa salad with Champagne vinaigrette
Herbed quinoa salad with pine nuts and lemon

There is something about rice in the morning that can seem strange for some people. In some Asian countries, it is quite normal, so don't worry, you are not doing anything so out of the ordinary. In fact, breakfast fried rice is a way to use leftover rice from the previous night's dinner. Day-old rice is the best kind to use because it is drier than freshly cooked rice. If you plan to make this, then you can cook the rice the night before to save time the following morning; it also makes the dish taste better.

There's nothing to not love about this breakfast bowl, because it has all the tasty morning ingredients in it with the addition of peas. The bacon plays a large role in giving the dish a big boost of flavor, so if you are a bacon lover, then you will be happy with this different kind of breakfast.

Breakfast fried rice with bacon, ham and eggs recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1/3 cup bacon, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• 4 eggs

Directions:

1. In a large, dry saucepan over medium heat, fry the bacon.
   
2. When the bacon is done, add the peas, and cook for about 8 minutes.
3. Add the ham, rice and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Season with the salt and pepper. Cover, and keep it warm.
5. Over medium heat, bring a pot of water to a boil. Poach the eggs when the water is boiling.
6. Serve the fried rice with the eggs on top.

More bacon and egg recipes

Bacon-wrapped egg cups
Ham, egg and cheese breakfast bread pudding
Bacon-and-egg pizza

When Sally from San Francisco found out her landlord of eight years planned to sell the two-bedroom home she and her husband shared, she was understandably upset. The rent was so low, they knew they'd be facing a spike in their bills. "Our landlord is planning on selling the house to get some money for a down payment to buy [his own home]."

She understands his needs, but he's asked her to move out so he can sell it. Legal issues aside (in California, there are very specific rules about how you can ask tenants to leave when you sell), Sally feels she's getting a raw deal.

How should you as the potential new owner feel?

If Sally's story would make you feel guilty, you're not alone. But do you have a moral obligation to the people who are currently renting? Leslie in Pennsylvania feels you do.

The mother of two disabled kids, her landlord decided to sell the house she was living in. The problem? She'd previously been living in another house owned by the same person, but had been asked if she wanted a different house. She agreed because the house would be a safer distance from the main road for her kids. After over 10 years of tenancy, the owner suddenly gave her 30 days notice. She had no recourse because she was on a month-to-month lease (the landlord's doing when she originally moved in). Her children were forced to switch schools as a result of the move, a much more traumatic experience for a disabled child.

Ethics aside — buyers of occupied homes beware

The owner of a home has the right to sell regardless of a tenant's personal circumstances (and the owner may have their own personal circumstances that necessitate the sale). The only thing that governs what happens is the lease they signed. But there are a few things you should know about that.

While laws vary by state, you're typically governed by that lease after you buy. If they have three years left on the lease, you may be responsible for honoring it. If you're buying in order to rent yourself, that may not seem so bad, but there may be laws about raising the rent, and you have no idea what kind of tenants they really are. If the old landlord was a softie, they may be habitually late on rent, cause damage to the home on a frequent basis and more. The current owner may not tell you that if she's desperate to sell.

In some states, if you kick a tenant out early, you may owe them a portion of their moving expenses, money to pay first month's rent, etc. If you agree to buy not knowing this, you'll get stuck with the bill while the person who originally signed the lease pays nothing.

If the house you're interested in is currently occupied, you need to get a copy of the lease agreement and talk to a qualified real estate attorney before moving forward. The attorney, with the assistance of your real estate agent, will be able to help you negotiate any special terms that must be met.

Randy Ganther of Wisconsin West Properties in Eau Claire has some additional insight for buyers who may be worried about disrupting current tenants. He says, "In either the case of a long-term lease or a month-to-month lease, when the tenant has to leave due to a sale, it is really just a function of the time frame the tenant initially agreed to. Therefore, it should never be a surprise unless the owner is attempting to break the law."

In the end, only you can decide on the ethics of kicking someone out of their home. What do you think? Should you purchase a home where someone lives and ask them to vacate? Tell us in the comments below.

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Though the two other victims have yet to be identified, TMZ is reporting that one is in critical condition.

Police arrived on the scene following the shooting. One officer spotted Knight and helped him walk to a police car before Knight was rushed in an ambulance to the hospital, according to TMZ.

Knight's family is telling the outlet that the rap mogul is recovering after sustaining six bullet wounds. He in in the ICU but is expected to recover, they said.

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According to witnesses, Chris Brown and Justin Bieber were the actual intended targets in the shooting.

British model Chloe Lloyd, who was a guest at the event, described what happened on Twitter.

Fellow attendee Katie Clendon also commented on her shock at the events she witnessed.

It is unclear why these attendees knew Brown and Bieber were the targets and how Knight and two others ended up getting shot instead.

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The shooter has yet to be identified, though reports are saying that after the club was searched and partygoers were questioned, a suspect was arrested.

Police weren't taking any chances. As attendees exited the building last night, they kept their hands raised and police held guns outside.

This story is still developing. We'll keep you updated as more information comes to light.

When I was pregnant with my first daughter eight years ago, I knew what her name would be: Emma. Short, sweet, and feminine, it was a name I had adored since childhood. Then I peeked at the Social Security Administration's top baby names for the previous year. It turned out it had been the second most popular name for quite some time! While I loved the name, I wanted something just a bit more unusual. I imagine many other parents are falling in love with Sophia and getting the same rude awakening: It holds the highest rank for baby girl names in the United States.

So what to do if you had your heart set on Sophia but its No. 1 status ruined your fun? Take a closer look at the name and figure out what made you fall in love with it in the first place. We've broken similar names up into a few categories to help you find a moniker as special as your girl is sure to be.

Girl names that sound like Sophia

So much about Sophia appeals to the ear. It proves feminine names don't have to be floral or frilly: Sophia Petrillo didn't mess around. We think Sylvia — nickname Sylvie, just like Sophie! — is the dark horse contender here. While it sounds dated, keep in mind Sophia was an old lady name until a decade ago.

Bianca
Celia
Elise
Felicia
Finola
Fiona
Genevieve
Giada
Josephine
Lucia
Natalia
Olivia
Portia
Sabrina
Scarlett
Sylvia
Victoria
Vivienne
Zosia

Gorgeous Greek girl names

Sophia's Greek roots make for a unique presentation. If the ph is what pleases your eye, you'll adore these gorgeous Greek names fit for a goddess.

Adelphie
Agatha
Althea
Calliope
Chloe
Cynthia
Daphne
Delia
Delphine
Elena
Eugenia
Ione
Lydia
Ophelia
Ophira
Penelope
Persephone
Phoebe
Rhea
Sapphira
Seraphina
Sophronia
Stephanie
Thalia
Zoe

Find more Greek names here.

Wise baby girl names

Perhaps the meaning of Sophia appeals to you? It means "wisdom," which is sadly uncommon among baby girl monikers. Thankfully we found a few strong contenders suitable for your intelligent baby girl.

Athena: goddess of wisdom
Aubrey: rules with elf-wisdom
Jada: knowing
Minerva: wise
Sage: wise one
Shannon: little old wise one
Solona: wise
Sonia/Sonja/Sonya: wise

… or just choose Sophia

If none of these names gives you enough of a tingle to oust Sophia from the top of your list, don't be discouraged. Call your girl Sophia. It sits atop the charts for a reason! Be comforted by the fact that, even if you add in all the Sophies and Sofias, your girl's name won't come close to the popularity of a 1970s Jennifer or early 20th century Mary.

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1. Clean lines

Photos credit: Westend61/Getty Images

Modern design is characterized by streamlined, polished and simple geometric elements. Modern kitchen designs should be clear of clutter and excessive countertop appliances. Long, monochromatic counters in black, white or organic material set the tone for a trending space. Consistency helps lines appear clean and elongated. However, avoid evenly blocked designs that dull the modern look. Asymmetry is a prominent feature of modern design, welcoming off-centered appliances, odd numbers of shelves and irregular lights, stools and art.

2. Varied materials

Photos credit: Zillow Digs

Industrial materials — such as concrete, natural wood, steel and brick — all lend themselves to the organic feel of modern spaces. Mixing metal with exposed brick, cables or stone adds texture and dynamism to the kitchen. Consider incorporating trending styles, such as open shelving to display neatly organized glassware. With all the varied textures, be sure to keep sleek lines and lacquered finishes throughout.

3. Statement color

Photos credit: Ariadna De Raadt/Hemera/360/Getty Images

Modern designs are widely known for monochromatic hues with a couple of striking accent colors. Begin with the natural tones of metal, wood and/or stone and then choose a neutral color, such as white, to finish out the space. Add one or two statement pieces to increase interest and draw attention to a focal point. A popular and variable way to accent a kitchen is with a vase of vibrant flowers or a bowl of fresh fruit. Other bold statement pieces include artwork, bright stool cushions, painted cabinets, colorful dishes on open shelving or a prominent teapot.

4. Pendant lighting

Photos credit: Chuck Schmidt/E+/Getty Images

Another major feature of modern kitchen design is pendant lighting. Sufficient lighting is most important in the kitchen, where many tasks require sharp knives or hot stoves. Beyond necessity, pendant lighting adds an artistic element to a room's design. Pendant lighting comes in countless geometrical shapes and sizes to suit any kitchen style. Consider the clean lines and polished finishes of the materials in the space and select lighting that complements and exaggerates those elements.

Homeowners should design their kitchen with the looks that most appeal to them. Before finalizing upgrade plans, think about how the remodel will work with the existing home design and how functional the space will be for cooking and cleaning. If modern design is preferred, incorporate simple shapes, clean lines, mixed materials, artistic lighting and bold accents.

For more design inspiration, visit Zillow to check out staged homes on the market >>

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Have you seen the GapKids ad promoting the company's Class of 2014 photo contest?

It's a short promo featuring a group of kids getting ready for their class photo. The last few seconds show one of those kids in her wheelchair.

Ancel Krishna, mom of a toddler with cerebral palsy (CP), wrote an article about how she thinks the ad is a great example of inclusion. I agree, but think it's also another way for parents to teach kids about disabilities.

My sister has CP, and I can tell you that we didn't have commercials featuring disabled kids when we were watching TV growing up. When I see everything available to special needs kids and their families today, it warms my heart.

My sister, parents and I had to enter restaurants through the back kitchen entrances because the regular ones didn't have ramps. Forget about playing on new equipment — playgrounds weren't accessible. Kids (who didn't know any better) would point and stare. Adults (who should have known better) would ask to be moved to a different table in a restaurant rather than watch my sister be fed. Other adults would pity us and tell us how they would pray for us which was annoying and uncomfortable for my family. I'm thankful that my kids are growing up at a time when they see disabled kids playing on the same playground and that they have an appreciation for differences because of their close relationship with my sister.

So, I think the ad — and anytime a child with a disability is included as just one of the gang — is awesome. However, I don't think positive portrayals like this mean we shouldn't talk openly about disabilities or stop answering questions kids will have. Blink and you'll probably miss the girl in the wheelchair in the GapKids ad, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Isn't that part of what inclusion is all about?

The other night I was driving one of my son’s friends home when my sister called me. I answered, talked for a minute and told her I’d call her back. When I hung up, I said to the friend, "That was my sister. She was born with a disability so that’s why she talks slowly." The friend asked me questions like, "Do you understand her?" and I said, "Yes, most of the time but if I don't, I ask her to repeat what she says or try to say it in a different way." His response? "Cool." My guess is if he saw the ad, that word would be his reaction, too.

Whether you're parenting a child with a disability, or just another parent watching a cute ad to sell clothes that just happens to include a kid in a wheelchair, remember it's ok for your child to ask questions. It's ok for them to wonder about what's wrong. It's a tool for a teachable moment about the beauty of differences.

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Apparently, Cyrus is still holding a grudge against Ed Sheeran after his comments about her twerking and comparing the dance to a stripper's move during an interview with The Daily Mirror last year.

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The "We Can't Stop" hit maker was frosty toward the British star on Sunday night, and when he got up to collect his award for Best Male Video for "Sing," she refused to clap and is even rumored to have called him an asshole when he walked past.

Although Cyrus usually has a killer sense of humor, it's still unclear as to whether the star was joking or if she's really furious with Sheeran.

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So what did Sheeran say that boiled Cyrus' blood?

"I think she's got an amazing voice," Sheeran previously told The Daily Mirror, E! News reports. "I just think she's packaged the wrong way." Regarding Cyrus' overtly sexual stage persona, he said, "When I first heard 'Wrecking Ball,' I thought it was a brilliant song, but the video distracts too much from it.

"I think encouraging young people to twerk might be a bad thing," he added. "It's a stripper's move. If I had a daughter of 9, I wouldn't want her twerking."

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Well, Sheeran won't get to see Cyrus twerk again, because the songstress has confessed that her twerking days are behind her, and she's living to be in the studio now.

As everyone now knows, Minaj had a big wardrobe malfunction at the VMAs after her dress did not close while she was doing her opening performance. However, eyewitnesses are reporting that the singer went without zipping up the dress and decided to perform with it open on purpose.

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When Minaj did her rehearsal Sunday morning, sources told TMZ that the "Anaconda" singer came onstage with the same black dress and it was unzipped that time around as well. One witness told the site that it caught their attention because they first thought she was wearing a robe.

"We're told Nicki was wrapping her arms around the dress in a 'weird' sort of way," TMZ said. "Trying to manipulate it to see how much would be exposed."

Other insiders said that Minaj had her own private dressing room right offstage, just so she'd have enough time to change her outfits, so the "not enough time" claim doesn't seem to hold much water.

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Whatever the issue was, it did work, as it got everyone talking about it last night and today, which was Minaj's plan all along.

Speaking with MTV reporters backstage after her eye-opening performance Sunday night, Minaj quickly brought up her malfunction, reiterating the mishap. "You all know I had a wardrobe malfunction," she yelled toward the waiting microphones.

"We ran out of time getting the dress zipped up," she continued. Then, early Monday morning, she posted an explanation about the "slipup" on Instagram.

"God is good" Minaj wrote. "As long as a nipple didn't come out to play, I'm fine."

But it’s not just foreign accents, it’s also slang, local accents and the new “vocal fry” way of speaking, also known as “frying.” Vocal fry is a pattern of speech mostly seen in young women, but men are not immune to this trend, either. It’s signified by a low, creaking sound of the voice, particularly at the end of sentences. A study conducted in 2011 found that roughly two-thirds of college women have adapted this new way of speaking.

Whether English is your second language and you carry a thick accent or you speak with a Southern twang, communication is a vital part of the hiring process. In fact, according to research by the law firm Peninsular, 80 percent of employers admit to making hiring decisions based on accents.

Types of jobs and accents in the workplace

While thick, foreign accents are harder to understand than local accents, if the job is based on communication with the public — such as a telephone sales job — any type of accent may hinder the applicant’s ability to perform the job. In this case, it is legal not to hire someone even if he or she is otherwise qualified. If the job is not based on customer service, it is illegal to discriminate based on an accent, but that may be hard to prove in court. If you think you have been discriminated against because of an accent, speak with an attorney right away.

Also, certain accents — while not right — do come with certain stereotypes, which can affect an employer’s decision to hire someone. Accents that are viewed as “less educated” include Hispanic, Southern and slang, whereas British, French and Asian accents tend to make people appear more educated. Unfortunately, this way of thinking just doesn’t hold any truth. A Hispanic individual could very well hold a Master’s degree and be significantly more qualified than his or her Caucasian counterpart. The focus should be on what the person is saying, not on how it's being said.

What about vocal fry?

Vocal fry affects hiring decisions greatly, even though most people don’t have any issues with understanding what the person is saying. According to this study, individuals whose voices exhibit vocal fry are typically thought of as less competent, less educated, less trustworthy, less attractive and, therefore, less hirable.

How to avoid not being hired because of an accent

Though it’s extremely difficult to completely rid yourself of your accent without intense speech therapy, there are things you can do to help minimize it. Whether your accent was “learned” — such as that of vocal fry— or it’s because of your native language, you can help increase your chances of landing that job by:

Focusing on clear communication skills. In other words, speak slowly and concisely. Don’t think you need to get rid of your accent altogether. After all, it’s a part of who you are, and diversity is a good thing. Companies typically like to hire people from all different origins.

Ramon Santillan, founder and chief interview consultant at PersuasiveInterview.com, shares the following:

• Employers love talking about how big and internationally diverse their payroll is, which is why I tell my clients to own their accent since that will be one more thing that will make them stand out from the candidate pool.
• An accent can be endearing and maybe even add a dash of excitement to what a candidate brings to the job.
• The key is to slow down and enunciate. No matter how exotic or cosmopolitan your accent is, if people can't understand you, you won't get hired.

Focusing on your qualifications. If you do have an accent, don’t stress about whether or not it will affect the hiring decision. Focus on everything that makes you qualified and on being friendly instead. The employer should look past your accent and focus on what you’ll bring to the company — both legally and professionally speaking.

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