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Are you being hacked by bogus cellphone towers in your neighborhood?

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If you're one of the millions who, in the wake of the recent celebrity nude photo iCloud hack, are giving a second thought to the security of the data on your phone, then this is really going to freak you out.

Posci map of cell interceptors

Photo credit: Popular Science

All over the U.S., someone — no one is really even sure who — has put up phony cellphone towers, called "interceptors," which, when your phone happens to be in range, can listen to your calls, capture your texts and even get at those incriminating photos you thought would never see the light of day.

Ugh! Poor JLaw!

Cell towers operate with notoriously easy-to-hack technology. While the network the call is running on might be super secure 4G, the radio cellular technology that connects the device to the base station is easily breached. So it's not too tricky for hackers to slap up a fake base station for $100,000 or less and have total access to anyone's phone in the area.

Up until now, these interceptors have been impossible to detect. But after Edward Snowden showed the world how easily the U.S. government could hack a smartphone, a fresh market opened up for people who want a safer, more secure device.

Deutsche Telekom developed the "Merkel phone" — a super-secure, top-security-clearance-level device — after revelations that the German chancellor's phone was hacked by American government officials. ESD America has developed a super-secure device called the CryptoPhone 500, which, according to the company's CEO, Les Goldsmith, is how his company and its customers have been able to identify these interceptor cell towers.

"Interceptor use in the U.S. is much higher than people had anticipated," Goldsmith says. "One of our customers took a road trip from Florida to North Carolina, and he found eight different interceptors on that trip. We even found one at South Point Casino in Las Vegas."

While no one can be sure who's putting up the towers, Goldsmith adds that many of them seem to crop up around U.S. military installations.

Unless you're deep into international espionage, you probably don't need a super-secure CryptoPhone 500, which, while Goldsmith won't provide specifics about the device's cost, is rumored to be a few thousand bucks. Most people who buy the phones, he says, are traveling with sensitive business data to China, where their devices will almost certainly be hacked by the government. Perhaps a few Hollywood actresses will soon join his secret list of customers. A few thousand extra bucks for phone security probably sounds like a bargain this week to those famous ladies dealing with the world seeing their most intimate images.

With a measly six-figure price tag, how long before TMZ puts up an interceptor tower off the Sunset Strip to get juicy gossip details on today's notables? Can you pay someone for space on an interceptor in your neighborhood to spy on your spouse? This slope is so slippery it's scary.

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Gisele kicks major butt in this Under Armour ad (VIDEO)

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Tom Brady says he acts like a baby for Gisele's attention >>

Earlier this week, Under Armour announced Bündchen as one of the faces of their new ad crusade and the internet spoke. Many felt that Bündchen, who counts kung fu and yoga among her favorite workouts, was a poor choice because she doesn't fit the traditional definition of an athlete, but Under Armour clearly stands by their choice and used the haters as the driving force behind the campaign.

PHOTO: Gisele Bündchen visits teen suffering from cancer >>

Bündchen's campaign is titled I Will What I Want and "means using your will to tune out the noise and focus on yourself," according to the Under Armour website. The ad itself features a very fit Bündchen aggressively punching and kicking a punching bag while social media posts are projected on the walls behind her. Some of the posts are positive, saying things like "Good choice" and "Beautiful as always." However, many reactions to Under Armour's newest spokesperson were not so nice. Tweets such as "Gisele is just a model," "Stick to modeling sweetie," "She's nothing special at all," "She's old," "Way too skinny" and "Under Armour! WTF?" are flashed behind Bündchen as she boxes.

Bündchen, who is the proud mother of two young children, took to Twitter herself to announce her excitement for the campaign.

Gisele tweets about Under Armour campaign

Gisele tweets about Under Armour campaign

The message behind the campaign is powerful and shows that words can hurt, even if you are a supermodel and married to arguably one of the hottest athletes alive. But Under Armour and Bündchen are also saying that when you block out the chatter, be it from social media or other negative forces in your life, you can rise above and conquer anything.

It would also be great if the campaign helped people realize that publicly bashing others, be it celebs or civilians, on social media is hateful and not productive.

Gisele Bundchen Under Armour ad

Gisele Bundchen Under Armour ad

Video credit: Under Armour

The movie genre that causes you to eat more junk food (VIDEO)

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Are the movies you watch making you fat?

Are the movies you watch making you fat?

Bruce Willis fans, step away from the Baby Ruth bars! A recent study just found that folks watching action movies are far more likely to eat more snacks while viewing them than if they were watching, say, a romantic comedy. Although I've never thought about it before, it makes sense to me that we'd gobble away during these octane adventures. All that gunfire, all those car wrecks, all that screaming: If I can't jump into the action on screen and help, then you can be sure I'm going to anxiously eat my weight in popcorn as the plot unfolds.

Maybe sound factors into it. I'm less enthusiastic about diving into snacks when I'm watching a quiet movie — I don't want to distract or annoy anyone. There may be something to this. Other survey participants watched the same action clip without sound and ate less than their counterparts. Whatever the reason behind it, if you're trying to watch your weight, pack healthy snacks before going to watch Jason Statham parkour off various surfaces.

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Disney Frozen news that will make my daughter freak out

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Snow paper link chain decor

Paper link chain decor

Photo credit: Pink Peppermint Prints

Set the scene for your Arendelle bash by giving your abode a Frozen makeover with the help of paper link chains. Check out the charm those grade school-themed garlands can add when you hang and drape them to set your scene like Pink Peppermint Prints did for her Disney's Frozen party

Rock candy icicles

Candy rock icicles

Photo credit: Kara's Party Ideas

No eternal winter party theme would be complete without icicles, and these rock candy sticks by Kara's Party Ideas double as both Frozen party décor as well as a tasty treat before the Elsa and Anna lovers head home.

Frozen princess punch

Princess punch

Photo credit: iFood

Raise your glass to the upcoming Disney's Frozen animated short with a sparkly punch fit for a princess. Combining marshmallows, blueberries and a little something bubbly, iFood has whipped up a sip that will knock your tiara off.

Melted snowman water bottle labels

Melted snowman water

Photo credit: Stretching a Buck Blog

All that sugar is sure to cause kids to work up a thirst, but you don't have to serve up boring old water. Make your own melted snowman water bottle labels to place over labels on store-bought bottles of water or purchase them like Stretching a Buck Blog did for her Elsa and Anna bash.

Jell-O ice cubes

Jello ice cubes

Photo credit: Bubbly Nature Creations

Nothing says Disney's Frozen movie like ice, and these mock ice cubes are just as yummy as they are cute. Guests will love to stack up these "frozen" two-toned gelatin cubes by Bubbly Nature Creations before gobbling them down. Besides, who can say no to Jell-O?

Party food name cards

choclate kisses

Photo credit: Madi Flournoy Photography

Party-themed treat cards are a party trend I hope isn't going away soon, just like these chocolate-loving Frozen-themed place card ideas by @Agarfinkle on Medium.com that are sure to melt any frozen heart.

Disney's Frozen treat bags

Treat bags

Photo credit: FantastikCreations

To keep your guests glowing like an ice castle at sunrise long after the party's over, these Elsa and Anna-themed treat bags by FantastikCreations are too cute not to fill with your favorite Disney's Frozen goodies.

"Do you want to build a snowman?" kit

Do you wanna build a snow man kit

Photo credit: Pretty Providence

No Disney's Frozen party would be the same without Olaf, but the fun is really in building your own snowman. Print out these treat bag toppers by Pretty Providence and put together take-home kits that will leave kids shivering with excitement over the new animated short.

Read more party tips

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Is it weird Chris Pine being tied up in a trunk is making us feel things?

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Horrible Bosses 2 movie trailer Chris Pine tied up

Horrible Bosses 2 movie trailer Chris Pine tied up

We loved Jennifer Aniston's oversexed character Julia Harris in the first Horrible Bosses. What a risk to play such a kooky, lustful chick. But just when we thought the sequel was going to be more of the same, we caught a glimpse of the delicious Chris Pine tied up in the trunk of a car and our minds and hormones are racing.

Horrible Bosses 2

Life of Crime's Jennifer Aniston admits: "I don't have any secrets" >>

In Horrible Bosses 2, working stiffs Dale (Charlie Day), Nick (Jason Bateman) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) return with a new plan: become their own bosses by starting their own business. Easier said than done, of course, for these numbskulls.

Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz plays Burt Hanson, a wealthy businessman considering investing in Dale, Nick and Kurt's new business. But when he wises up and decides to pull out of the venture, Dale, Nick and Kurt become desperate.

Horrible Bosses 2

Chris Pine loses license after pleading guilty to DUI >>

To get the funds they need, they decide to kidnap the businessman's adult son, Rex Hanson, played by Chris Pine. Using rope, they bind Rex's wrists and legs, then put duct tape over his mouth before throwing him into the tiny trunk of their car.

Pine is so hot, so sexy, we are starting to wish he'd been cast in the S&M flick Fifty Shades of Grey instead of Jamie Dornan. But we guess seeing him in bondage in Horrible Bosses 2 will have to suffice. If only we could come up with the $500,000 ransom Kurt, Dale and Nick are asking for, Pine would be all ours!

Horrible Bosses 2

50 shades of yuck: Stomping Happy Meals and other things I learned in an S&M dungeon >>

Horrible Bosses 2 also stars Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Fox. The movie opens in theaters Nov. 26, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

TV host doesn't beat around the bush with Dan Stevens (VIDEO)

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While we will never truly forgive Dan Stevens for forcing the untimely death of Downton Abbey's beloved Matthew Crawley to further pursue his career, this hilarious interview almost makes his departure worth it. Almost.

Stevens was making an appearance on Good Morning Britain when cohost Susanna Reid, bless her heart, tried to ask the actor how he nabbed his role in the new movie The Guest. We think she meant if he had to compete with a lot of other actors, but, well, it really sounds as if she's talking about the casting couch. The gay casting couch.

"This [is a] big opportunity for you in Hollywood — you must have had to beat off a lot of American men," Reid said cluelessly. "Why does that make you giggle? Did you not have to beat them off? With a big stick?"

Man Candy Mondays: Dan Stevens >>

Dan Stevens giggles at beat off question

Dan Stevens giggles at beat off question

Stevens can barely contain himself for the rest of the interview. You can even hear the cameraman laughing in the background.

Isn't that how everyone gets a job in Hollywood?

The Guest stars Stevens as an ex-Marine who terrorizes the family of a fallen comrade. You can see it in theaters starting Sept. 17, 2014.

Gwyneth Paltrow consciously uncoupling from Kabbalah

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Joan Rivers has some very harsh words for Gwyneth Paltrow >>

Sources say that Paltrow is attempting to privately convert to Judaism, according to Page Six. Previous to the current conversion, Paltrow was a loyal follower of the popular Hollywood religion Kabbalah, which has its roots in Judaism but is still considered separate from the Jewish faith.

Celebrating Judaism should not be a foreign concept for Paltrow. Her late father, Bruce Paltrow, was Jewish, while her mother, Blythe Danner, is Christian. Paltrow has previously said that she was raised in a blended Jewish/Christian household and it "was such a nice way to grow up," according to the New York Post's gossip rag.

Paltrow was very close to her father and previously stated that spirituality had inspired her to talk to his ghost. "I am interested in Jewish and Christian mysticism and Sufism. I'm also interested in cause and effect and karma and God," she explained to The Sun in 2012. "I don't know if I'll ever see him again," she said of her father, adding, "I still feel my dad, I still feel his love, I still speak to him and I still love him."

Paltrow's nod to her father's spirituality comes during a turbulent year for the actress. In March, Paltrow and her rocker husband Chris Martin called it quits after 10 years of marriage and Paltrow raised eyebrows with what many perceived to be a highly pretentious divorce announcement on her website GOOP.com. "We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and coparent, we will be able to continue in the same manner," Paltrow said in her statement.

Since splitting with Martin, Paltrow has been linked to Glee cocreator Brad Falchuk. The two were spotted canoodling in Los Angeles in August and were also seen on several vacations throughout the summer. Martin has reportedly moved on to much younger actress Jennifer Lawrence.

The Iron Man star suffered another personal blow in April when her paternal grandmother passed away, just six days after Paltrow announced her split from Martin.

Overjoyed Pug loves to play in the ball pit (VIDEO)

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Grover the pug

Grover the pug

Oh man, meet Grover. His owner, Mel Stringer, is an artist who wondered just what would happen if she filled her Pug's playpen with his favorite toys and some brightly colored balls (for which he also has a penchant). She decided to see for herself, and the results are captured in this great video set to a bopping, kicky, drum track. If you're pressed for time, allow me to spoil the shocking twist: Grover. Loves. This. So. Much.

The pup flings his tiny body hither and yon throughout the tiny pen, at points almost knocking it over. What I really love is how he doesn't actually pick anything up with his mouth. It's like he's too excited to properly take in what's happening. It reminds me of my brothers at Christmas time.

Grover does take one mini-break, but that's only to pant a few times before losing his adorable mind yet again.

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RHONY star Aviva Drescher gets axed from the show

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The Leggy Blonde author made headlines earlier this year after she got legless, literally, on the last show's season finale episode.

Love Real Housewives? Then you'll love these books >>

But if that was the Drescher's last time on the show then she certainly went out with a bang. Drescher had been accused by her fellow cast mates of being fake and lying about her illness to get out of attending events. At the time Drescher responded by taking off her prosthesis and throwing it across the table at the women.

"The only thing fake about me is this!" She yelled. Take that!

RHONYC's Aviva Drescher gets legless at reunion — literally >>

While it's not yet known why Drescher has reportedly been fired from the show, in the previous seasons it was evident that she had not been getting on well with her fellow cast mates, who have previously accused her of being insincere. Although it would be strange if it was the tension between the housewives that was the reason Drescher was getting the boot, because fights always make for interesting television.

For now, Drescher is the only star said to have been fired for the upcoming season of the show, according to Page Six, and apparently Helena Christensen was invited to join Season 7 but declined.

Meet the new Real Housewives of New York City >>

The publication also reports that Sonja Morgan, Carole Radziwill, Kristen Taekman and Heather Thomson have been asked to return, while LuAnn de Lesseps and Ramona Singer have been asked back part-time.

Tell us what you think: Will you miss Aviva Drescher's antics on the show? Or do you think a new addition would be better?

Badass baby names from Sons of Anarchy

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Sons of Anarchy kicks off its seventh (and final) season in September 2014. In SOA's honor, we've compiled a baby name list that pays tribute to the series colorful characters. To help us keep them all straight, we've notated main characters (M), supporting characters (S) and antagonists (A).

Season 1 (2008), filled with plenty of lawbreaking and conflict, introduced us to the show's major players:

  • Jackson/Jax, the show's star/vice president of SAMCRO (M)
  • John, Jax's deceased father and co-founder of SAMCRO (S)
  • Piermont/Piney, co-founder of SAMCRO (M)
  • Wendy, Jax's meth-addict wife
  • Abel, Jax and Wendy's infant son
  • Gemma, Jax's mother (M)
  • Clarence/Clay, Gemma's husband/former president of SAMCRO (M)
  • Tara, Jax's ex-girlfriend (M)
  • Josh, Wendy's ex-boyfriend/ATF agent
  • Alexander/Tig, SAMCRO most violent member (M)
  • Filip/Chibs, Scottish SAMCRO member (M)
  • Robert/Bobby, SAMCRO member (M)
  • Harry/Opie, SAMCRO member/Piney's son (M)
  • Juan Carlos/Juice, SAMCRO intelligence officer (M)
  • Otto, SAMCRO member (S)
  • Happy, nomadic SOA member
  • Kip/Half-Sack, prospective SAMCRO member (M)
  • Chuck/Chuckie, Otto's prison friend (S)
  • Cherry, Clay's mistress
  • June, ATF agent (A)
  • Wayne, corrupt police chief (M)
  • Luann, Otto's wife
  • Donna, Opie's wife

The much-anticipated season 2 kicked off with intense action, drama and new characters:

  • Ethan, League Of American Nationalists leader (A)
  • A.J., Ethan's enforcer (A)
  • Polly, Ethan's daughter
  • Georgie, Luann's rival
  • Jimmy, head of the IRA (A)
  • Edmond, Polly's lover
  • Cameron, Edmond's father

Season 3 (2010) added more new characters to the already-complicated mix in the make-believe town of Charming:

  • Nate, Gemma's father
  • Fr. Kellan, Cameron's cousin/IRA intermediary
  • Maureen, Fr. Kellan's sister
  • Amy, June's ATF partner
  • Elliott, local real estate developer
  • Hector, former president of the Calaveras Motorcycle Club
  • Margaret, Tara's boss (S)
  • Marcus, Mayans leader (A)
  • Jacob, mayoral candidate (S)
  • Lenny, Niners member

In 2011, SOA fans eagerly returned for the fourth season to meet the latest in the ongoing saga:

  • Eli, sheriff's department lieutenant (S)
  • Lincoln, U.S. attorney
  • Lyla, Opie's fiancée
  • Laroy, Niners member
  • Veronica, Laroy's murdered girlfriend
  • Romero/Romeo, high-ranking member of the Galindo drug cartel (S)
  • Luis, CIA agent
  • Damon, powerful gangster/father of Veronica (A)
  • Thomas, son of Jax and Tara
  • Nero, Mexican-American pimp/head of Byz Lats
  • Lucius, Nero's developmentally disabled son
  • George/Ratboy, prospective SAMCRO member

Seasons five and six were loaded with retaliation and conflict among the gangs:

  • Frankie, nomad
  • Lee, former U.S. Marshal (A)
  • Pamela, murdered sister of Lee
  • Henry, Chinese-American Lin Triad leader
  • Galen, IRA arms trafficker (A)
  • August, Damon's right-hand man
  • Charles, a crooked cop, aka Charlie

Find more baby name inspiration

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Anna Wintour trolled Kim and Kanye into weird baby name

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We're used to celebrities giving their kids weird names — Pilot Inspektor, anyone? — but when it turned out the rumors were true and Kimye actually named their baby North West, we were flabbergasted. Turns out they saw the rumors in the tabloids too, and weren't even considering it until two high-profile friends talked them into it.

Kim Kardashian bares all in GQ spread <<

"It was a rumor in the press and we'd never really considered it seriously," Kardashian revealed to British GQ. "But Kanye and I were having lunch… and Pharrell came over to us and said, 'Oh my God, are you guys really going to call your daughter North? That is the best name.'"

Thanks, Pharrell.

Then the one person Kardashian, who was just named GQ's Woman of the Year, wanted to impress more than anyone in the world chimed in too.

"…a little while later Anna Wintour came over and asked the same thing. She told us, 'North is a genius name.'

"Kanye and I looked at one another and just laughed. I guess at that point it sort of stuck," she said.

So basically they took the advice of a guy who wears a Smokey Bear hat without irony, and Wintour got in on the act knowing Kardashian would do literally anything to nab the cover of Vogue. And guess what? She did, with Kanye and poor little North West joining her.

The rest is unfortunately named history.

Antonio Banderas' hot mystery woman is revealed

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Banderas has apparently already bagged himself a hot new woman and she has been revealed as Dutch investment consultant Nicole Kempel, the Daily Mail reports.

Single Antonio Banderas is loving the attention from the ladies >>

The Skin I Live In actor was previously spotted in Saint-Tropez, France, last month and he was enjoying the attention of hot young women, one of whom was Miss Kempel. At the time the two were seen getting cozy and dancing together at a club, and according to the publication they even left together holding hands.

Now it's been reported that Banderas and the hot banker have been discreetly dating, and judging by the pictures that we've seen of the pair, they look really happy together. But don't be fooled into thinking that anything was happening between these two while Banderas was still a married man.

Bye-bye, Antonio Banderas: Melanie Griffith removes tattoo >>

"Nicole has in no way fueled or been the cause of the split between the actor and Melanie Griffith," sources revealed to Spanish magazine Hola!.

But there were previously rumors that there was another woman in the actor's life while he was still married, and that woman was actress Natalie Burn. However, Burn denied that there was anything romantic happening between herself and her Expendables 3 costar and insisted that all they did was speak about his marital problems, RadarOnline reports.

Sharon Stone denies Antonio Banderas affair rumors >>

We're happy for Banderas that he's found happiness again.

Taco Bell's new Biscuit Taco officially crosses the line into ridiculously un-taco

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Its new Biscuit Taco is a lot of things, but a taco? I don't think so.

Tweet about Taco Bells new Biscuit taco

Tweet about Taco Bells new Biscuit taco

Since when does bread plus fried chicken equal taco? Gimme a break! Last time I checked, a flour or corn tortilla, whether crispy or soft, was a pretty essential element of a taco. A biscuit? That, my friends, is the beginning of a simple sandwich.

Instagram of the Biscuit Taco

Instagram of the Biscuit Taco

The charade has gone on long enough. First it released the breakfast Waffle Taco (it's just a breakfast sandwich, people!), and now this. Folding a carb around a filling doesn't make something a taco. If that were the case, then millions of New Yorkers who fold their slices of cheese pizza would actually be eating "pizza tacos." Chinese bao? "Asian tacos." Hot dogs? "Scrap meat tacos." A Caesar salad wrap? "The emperor's new taco."

Sorry, Taco Bell, but this time you've gone too far. I don't even care if the new biscuit "taco" tastes good — I'm just tired of your lies.

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This mother has every right to file a complaint over daughter being forced to wear 'shame suit' at school

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I don't have a teenage daughter, but I remember being a teenage daughter quite well, not too long ago. I am now the mother of two sons, and still I find these dress code violation antics targeted at females to be ridiculous.

I can also tell you that if either of my sons was ever forced to wear a shame suit at school, I would be livid — like this Florida mother is. This mother's teenage daughter was flagged for an unintentional dress code violation on the third day of high school in Orange Park, Florida.

A teen dress code violation is nothing new. In cases like these, school policy provided three options for the breach. The student can stay in their clothes and go to in-school suspension, they can wait for a parent to bring them new clothes or they can wear sweats and a T-shirt provided by the school as punishment and head back to class.

Fifteen-year-old Miranda Larkin claims that she was only given option number three, aka the shame suit. Sweats and a T-shirt seem innocent enough to replace a short skirt, but the branding of this shame suit is problematic. Miranda was told by the school nurse to wear a neon yellow T-shirt that said "DRESS CODE VIOLATION" with red sweatpants.

Miranda's mother did not like her treatment one bit, and neither do I. According to her mother, "I feel that by putting a kid in an outfit that says what they did wrong across their chest and down their leg is taking their private records and making them public and that's a clear violation of their privacy rights."

Part of the issue stems from the fact that Miranda was allegedly given no other options for her violation. The other part of the issue is that this teen was basically required to wear a scarlet letter around campus advertising her "sins."

Miranda's mother plans to file a complaint with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for unnecessary public discipline. The school needs to re-examine their dress code violation policy. Humiliation is never an effective form of punishment.

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All women's college opens enrollment to transgender applicants

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Mount Holyoke College was founded in 1837 by a pioneer in women's higher education, and has traditionally only opened its admission to female students. However, good news for those who were not born female, but identify as a woman — anyone who identifies as a female can now apply for admission.

The change in policy is now much more inclusive and realistic for the changing landscape of human gender identification. Reading through their new admission policy, I got chills and was nearly moved to tears. "Traditional binaries around who counts as a man or woman are being challenged by those whose gender identity does not conform to their biology," it reads. And while that concept proves to be difficult for many to understand, it's refreshing to see an official policy established that recognizes that simple fact — that sex and gender are not the same thing.

I also noted that they don't require proof that a person has been living as a female for any set amount of time, because they recognize that leaving home often affords freedom to be yourself that you might not have in your home environment. The college also states that they will not remove a student if their gender identity changes throughout the course of their academic career, which is in line with the policy they already have in place.

Facebook post about the admission of transgendered stu

Facebook post about the admission of transgendered stu

The announcement on Mount Holyoke College's Facebook page was met with celebration by many. "My genderqueer child is a student at MHC," writes Facebook user Aldebran Longabaugh-Burg. "There is no place like MoHome! Many thanks for embracing my child and their friends. You have no idea how happy this makes me." And Amy Gaidis writes, "Crying tears of joy! All my gratitude to every campus organizer who has fought for this over the years."

"Thank you for reaffirming your commitment to providing educational opportunities to all women, Mount Holyoke!" writes Rachel PKahn. "I have never been more proud to be an alumna than I am today!"

Welcome to Mount Holyoke

Welcome to Mount Holyoke

The college was founded long ago to create a space for women to receive a higher education — a notion so rare in the 1800s that the idea was completely revolutionary, and, many thought, completely unnecessary. Now they opening their doors to those who don't fit into society's traditional notions on gender. They are continuing that revolutionary line of thinking by including everyone who identifies as female, regardless of what sexual organs they were born with.

More LGBT stories

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Talking about end-of-life decisions is no joke

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The moment I read Joan Rivers was on life support, I knew the end of her life was near.

When I read this part of Melissa Rivers' statement about the death of her mother, “She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends," I was sad yet happy to read Joan Rivers died on her own terms.

Joan Rivers didn't fear death. As she said in the 2010 documentary about her life, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, what she feared most was a day in her calendar without any bookings. “I’ll show you fear,” she says as she points to blank page, “That’s fear.”

When my kids asked how she died, I answered honestly. I told them about what everyone read in the news — she stopped breathing during a medical procedure and machines were keeping her alive, but in the end she was taken off life support. I said that was most likely Joan Rivers’ wish — to not be kept alive in that way.

The death of Joan Rivers is a teachable moment for older kids about what a health proxy is, end-of-life decisions and the importance of having that discussion before it’s too late. A hard topic to discuss? For sure. But I feel strongly that this issue is brought up with kids old enough to understand what it means for their families.

If your kids are too young or for whatever reason you're uncomfortable talking to them about advance health care directives, then talk about it with your spouse or whoever in your family may need to make decisions if you're unable to make them for yourself.

I think about end-of-life decisions much like I do parents choosing a guardian for kids in case they can no longer care for them. No parent wants to think about even the slightest possibility happening that could leave their child an orphan, but it must be done. Otherwise, you are leaving your child's life open to legal and family battles or your child being in the care of someone they don’t even know.

Parents need to think about the “what ifs” — what if something goes wrong like it did for Joan Rivers and you never talked to your family about your end-of-life wishes or made a living will? I don’t think any loved one should be faced with the decision about whether or not to pull the plug.

As we remember Joan Rivers' life, let's not forget the importance of discussing our wishes for death.

Read more

Joan Rivers outtakes
5 Things Joan Rivers wanted you to know about gay rights and suicide
Make end of life documents available

RJ Mitte hopes he is a trailblazer for other disabled people

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Anthony Hopkins pens fan letter to the cast of Breaking Bad >>

Mitte was born with cerebral palsy, but decided not to let that stop him. He moved to Hollywood at age 13 to break into acting and Breaking Bad ended up being the perfect opportunity. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been without many struggles in his life.

"I had kids that would push me and shove me. I had my hand broken," Mitte told the Huffington Post. "Dealing with bullies and dealing with it growing up, it was interesting, but it taught me to show — I hate to use the word — but to show pity to bullies. At the end of the day, whatever they're going through in life, I feel bad for them because they'll never grow. People like that never learn."

Aaron Paul hosts Breaking Bad scavenger hunt >>

Walt Jr.'s condition on the show brought light to those living with cerebral palsy and Mitte hopes it can be a catalyst for acceptance. He explained, "I try to bring awareness, not just to CP, but to all disabilities in the sense that it's knowledge. My disability gave me so much knowledge that I was able to take into Breaking Bad and to grow and to learn.

"You always have to bring in awareness because this is real. This isn't something that people are like, 'Oh yeah, that CP thing.' People live with this and people should see it because it is real. This is our world."

Southwestern chicken cheesesteaks are the sandwich combination you never saw coming

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I can use chicken if I want (a big no-no in Philly) and even throw in a bunch of spices and ingredients that are not typically found in a traditional cheesesteak. These homemade Southwestern chicken cheesesteaks are packed full of flavor and are the perfect crowd-pleasing dish, loaded with smoky paprika, spicy cayenne and lots of cheese.

Southwestern chicken cheesesteaks recipe

Yields 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 pound hard chorizo sausage, diced
  • 2 cups sliced mixed bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 1/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup frozen corn
  • 2 long rolls, cut in half
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until the outside starts to cook and you can no longer see pink on the outside.
  2. Add in the chorizo, and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add in the bell peppers, onions, black beans and frozen corn. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
  4. Once the mix is ready, pile it high on the buns, and top each roll with 2 slices of cheese.
  5. Add the sandwiches to a baking sheet, and place them under the broiler just to melt the cheese.

More cheesesteak recipes

Philly cheesesteak-stuffed bell peppers
Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese

Philly cheesesteak sloppy Joes

Bill Murray's life advice might be a little too optimistic

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VIDEO: Bill Murray crashes bachelor party and gives epic advice >>

The actor delighted fans by showing up on a day the festival had dedicated as Bill Murray Day. Hundreds lined up for hours to see screenings of some of Murray's most iconic films, Stripes, Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters.

It was Ghostbusters that made Murray a nearly-overnight success, but when Murray took the stage after the film's screening to do a special Q&A with fans, he said Ghostbusters isn't the secret to his fame.

"I think the only reason I've had the career life I've had is someone told me some secrets early on about living," The Star reports he said. "The more relaxed you are the better you are."

Bill Murray offers an explanation for Shia LeBeouf's attitude >>

It's not the first time Murray has given fans this piece of advice. He told the New York Times in 2012, "The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything: the better you are with your loved ones, the better you are with your enemies, the better you are at your job, the better you are with yourself."

But maybe Murray's take on life is a little too optimistic. The actor has a reputation for being a little too laid-back, often showing up late for interviews or cutting events short.

Then again, there are studies all over that say that things like better sleep and less stress lead to better productivity. An article by Lifehacker sums it up well, saying, "The importance of restoration is rooted in our physiology. Human beings aren't designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we're meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy."

Bill Murray gains Oscar buzz as FDR >>

So, maybe Murray is onto something, but more than likely, there's a healthy balance to be found between hustle and downtime.

Miley Cyrus' latest Instagram videos aren't the most flattering

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Emotional Miley Cyrus sends homeless youth to accept VMA >>

Aside from her latest fascination with Hollywood, the newest Instagram videos have us questioning the young starlet's condition.

The series of videos shows Cyrus in only a shirt and her underwear, running around in front of a version of the Hollywood sign and discussing how excited she is in an exaggerated New York accent. She's also wearing sunglasses and has her hair in a tiny updo, since she's been styling it in a short pixie as of late.

On the surface, it doesn't sound too bad. We've seen her do much crazier things, after all. (We're thinking about all the VMAs twerking and naked "Wrecking Ball" swinging here.) But she seems so out of it in all the videos, we're kind of worried for her.

What Jeremy Meeks, Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian have in common >>

Watch the series below and tell us your thoughts.

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 1

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 1

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 2

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 2

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 3

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 3

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 4

Miley Cyrus crazy Instagram video 4

Miley Cyrus' nip pic proves she has arrested development >>

We're hoping Cyrus' eye is OK. She doesn't say what happened, but we're assuming, since the singer posted following this video, that she's fine.

Cyrus hasn't been shy about her love of weed lately. She posts pictures of herself smoking the drug on Instagram, after all. It's very possible the singer was just enjoying one of her favorite pastimes. Or it could be a cry for help.

Miley Cyrus smoking weed on Instagram

Miley Cyrus smoking weed on Instagram

Do you think Cyrus needs help? Or is she just over-dramatically having fun?

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