But there's gotta be a better way to lessen "regulatory burden" than saying restaurant workers shouldn't have to wash their hands after they... lessen their burdens, if you know what I mean.

Uhh... OK. He goes on to say that businesses could opt out of the policy but would be required to say that they had, and that "the market will take care of that."

But would it? Most restaurants have the "Employees are required to wash hands before returning to work" signs in the bathroom. If you don't go to the bathroom, you would never know whether or not they adhered to the policy. That chocolate-dipped cone from Dairy Queen just got a whole lot sketchier! I'd think twice before getting that frozen lemonade too.

What are some other regulations we could do away with to make restaurant management easier? How about those pesky liquor licenses? As long as a restaurant posts a sign saying "We don't card," the market will totally take care of it. No way will underage drinkers set up shop in such a place. People will just stop going!

And what about rats? A "Pastrami Sandwich/Rat Circus" sign should make it OK. As long as people know there are rats partying in the pantry, it should totally be allowed.

But wait. Who will enforce the use of the legally necessary opt-out signs that take the place of the posted regulation signs? Restaurant inspectors will need to make sure that all these signs are still posted. Which is certainly the same amount of regulatory burden placed upon the inspector.

And when the inevitable outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella hit, how will hospitals deal with the increased patient load?

And when all those pesky 13-year-olds start drinking carafes of Chablis with their Happy Meals, how will cities deal with the inevitable destruction — never mind dangerous medical issues — that will ensue?

In fact, could doing away with hand-washing regulations destroy modern life as we know it?

OK, well maybe let's not go that far. But as far as I'm concerned, there are much better examples Sen. Tillis could have used than the (in my opinion) very necessary hand-washing regulation. Speaking of which, remind me to never eat dinner at his house, just in case!

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1. Tree house in Atlanta

Ever wanted your own tricked out treehouse as a kid? Well, now you can make that dream come true as an adult in this ethereal masterpiece located in Atlanta, Georgia. Actually a group of three tree houses connected by rope bridges, this property is "often described as being the most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique place you'll ever stay. What could be better than falling asleep in the trees and waking up to birds singing around you — all within the city limits?" I don't know. I really can't think of anything looking at this place that was obviously built for fairies.

2. Boathouse in Amsterdam

No, your eyes do not deceive you. That beautiful freestanding fireplace is on a boat that you could stay on for an indefinite amount of time! And what better place to do that than in a city dominated by waterways? This Amsterdam boathouse comes equipped with two bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed (seriously) and all the comforts of home including Wi-Fi and a jacuzzi. All I can say is, how can a boat have so much more going for it than my apartment? Life is not fair.

3. Silo Cottage in Massachusetts

Looking to make life more like a fairytale? You totally can if you stay in this adorable cottage. It has a lovely queen-sized bed at the top of its tower fit for a princess, and the whole thing is located on two acres of woods complete with babbling brooks, ponds and gardens. The owners live in the larger house on the property, but they leave you alone unless you require assistance. So feel free to bring your fake Rapunzel hair, work on your Elvish and have an awesome cosplay weekend.

4. A Castle in Kirkby Stephen, United Kingdom

You heard me right. Stay in your own freaking castle in Northern England! Whether it's for a wedding, or just a long weekend, this castle has it all, including 15 bedrooms, a staff of 16 and 20 acres of land to play manhunt on. It can accommodate up to 30 guests, but you can also just stay with your family if you feel like reenacting The Shining. It was built in 1841 as "a Victorian gentleman's folly" and is now a real family home on the edge of Yorkshire. I don't know about you, but I'm coming up with about 15 different reasons why this should be my spring break destination.

5. Dog Park Bark Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho

And now for something completely different — a house that's shaped like a dog! I think the description by the owners Frances and Dennis says it best, "Stay in a giant dog! That's right, it's a beagle-shaped one-unit inn where being in this doghouse is a GOOD thing and comfortable to boot!" On top of that, the owners have an art studio adjacent to the property where they fashion canine carvings by chainsaw. Yep. Good luck not checking this one out.

6. Historic Civil War Farmhouse, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

What weird list of places to stay would be complete without a bona fide haunted house? The David Stewart farm is located smack in the middle of Gettysburg, and was used as a civil war field hospital immediately after the famous Battle of Gettysburg. Now this is a shared property, meaning the owner will be on the premises, in this case, with his two dogs and six cats (yes, six), but he has lots of stories to tell about the house and its many, according to him friendly, ghosts. So if you're a history buff, and don't mind sharing space with some living and non-living hosts, this is the place for you.

7. Off-Grid itHouse, Pioneertown, California

This one may be my number one. The Off-Grid itHouse was recently noted by Dwell as one of the "Best Homes in America," and in the Los Angeles Times as one of the best houses of all time in Southern California. Literally off-grid, the house is powered by solar panels for energy and hot water, and is located in a pristine remote valley in the beautiful California high desert. If you want to get away from literally everything (there is no Wi-Fi, television or reception), then this is the place for you. The hosts just ask you to arrive before dark, otherwise you may not be able to find it. Haha, no seriously though, it's pretty hard to spot a house with no lights on in the middle of the desert.

8. The Mirrored House, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Honestly, this house is the only way you'd ever get me to visit Pittsburgh — no offense, Pittsburgh. The entire exterior is covered in mirrors which makes it look almost like an optical illusion. The house's dinning room is similarly embellished, and the rest of the house is done in a mod sophisticated style. Just don't stare at it when the sun's reflecting or you might burn your eyes out.

9. Amazing Round Room in the Sky

Exactly as its name implies, this is a round room you can rent in a converted water tower in North Kensington. Aside from being crazy cool, it's very centrally located in London, with easy access to public transportation, and the sights of the city. However, in order to reach your room, it's a six-flight outdoor climb, so if you have any fear of heights, steer clear of this one.

10. The House of Collections, Brooklyn, New York

Ever wonder what it's like to stay in a hoarder's house? That's the House of Collections in a nutshell, if that nutshell was perfectly organized, categorized and decorated. "Established in 1989, it features an array of oddities both diverse & prodigious. From the walls of antique tools & implements, to the antique, vintage & hand-crafted furniture, art, taxidermy & collections of collections, it is a NY experience not to be missed." If you want to experience Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at its coolest, this is the place to stay. It is the giant loft version of the eccentric New York artist.

11. The Seashell House — Casa Caracol, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

It's a house that looks like a seashell. With a pool. In Mexico. I don't know why you're not there already.

12. Yellowstone Under Canvas, West Yellowstone, Montana

You can rent a deluxe tent, complete with wood burning stove, your own tipi bathroom with flushing toilet, 360-degree panoramic views of mountains and rivers and a private patio with lounge chairs. That's called roughing it. Oh yeah, and you're sleeping under the stars near the entrance of one of America's most beautiful national parks. I'm no camper, but I could definitely make that work.

Images: Airbnb

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Tom Hanks ended up in front of the cameras at the Rangers-Bruins game last night. He was smiling, waving and looking just a bit uncomfortable.

What happened next set off all the feels. A reunion for the ages.

His literally long-lost Castaway costar jumped into the frame. It was none other than than Wilson, the volleyball!

Their parting brought me to tears. It was the first time I clearly remember fully bawling over a movie.

And in case you don't remember it, let me refresh your memory:

After 15 years, as the blog Gothamist said, "It's enough to bring a bloody hand print-stained tear down our leathery cylindrical faces."

Check out the video.

To fully appreciate the bond between Mario and Sophia, it helps to know Mario's story. After being heavily recruited by exclusive college football programs as a defensive end, Mario received shocking news just two months into his North Carolina State University college career. His brother-in-law, a soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom, had been killed in duty.

Mario planned to give up his budding football career to help his widowed sister and nephews. But following some gentle encouragement from his sister, Mario continued college to eventually achieve his dream of playing for the NFL when he was drafted in 2006. After witnessing how his family coped with loss, Mario made it his life's work to reach out to other military families who had experienced the same tragedy.

For Mario, 8-year-old Sophia's story struck a chord. Sophia lost her father in active duty in Afghanistan at the age of 3. To make matters worse, Sophia had been bullied at school for not having a dad. While working with Sophia at the Buffalo YMCA for NFL Characters Unite, Mario was able to connect with the young girl through their shared stories in a therapeutic art class.

NFL Characters Unite producer Charlie Ebersol says of their special encounter, "One of the most powerful revelations between Mario and Sophia came in the shape and colors of the American flag. As Mario told Sophia how, before every game during the singing of the national anthem, he looks to the flag and says a prayer to his lost brother-in-law, Sophia perked up and revealed that she does the same whenever she sees a flag."

"Both discovered that the other found solace in the Old Glory because both believed their fallen loved one's spirit was entombed within the flag. This series has brought about many incredible connections between players and kids, but this one will resonate with me for the rest of my life."

This compelling connection between an NFL great and a child is the running theme through the one-hour documentary, narrated by Cris Collinsworth. NFL Characters Unite features such star players as Mario Williams of the Buffalo Bills, seen in the clip above; Darren Sproles of the Philadelphia Eagles; Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs; and Richard Sherman and Coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks. The fourth annual documentary premieres on USA at 7 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6.

The "special" part of this special is how we get to see the human side of football heroes as they open up to kids from all walks of life. Football fans, get ready to see your favorite player in a different light — and bring the tissues.

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In the video for new single "Lay Me Down," from his platinum-selling album In The Lonely Hour, Smith gets married in a church in front of supportive family and friends. The video was filmed at the parish church of St. Margaret, Lee outside London and directed by Ryan Hope.

Video credit: SamSmithWorldVEVO/YouTube

The singer posted the video to his Facebook page with the following message: 

"Dear All, Here is the Link to the LAY ME DOWN music video. This song holds a very dear place in my heart. With this video myself and Ryan Hope the director have decided to make a statement and showcase something we passionately believe in. This video shows my dreams that one day gay men and women and transgendered men and women all over the world, like all our straight families and friends, will be able to get married under any roof, in any city, in any town, in any village, in any country. I hope you enjoy it. I love you all x"

More: 23 Striking pictures from same-sex weddings

Rolling Stone magazine was with Smith on the set of the video and asked him about the message behind it.

"Obviously gay marriage isn't legal in churches, and we're doing a gay marriage today, in the church. We're the first ever to do it. It's obviously not a real marriage, but still," said Smith. "The priest just said to us, 'We're going against the rules by doing this today,' which I thought was a lovely element in the video."

"Going to the church today, it's like, 'This is the first time we've let people with big noses in.' That's the equivalent to me," added Smith. "I'm walking in, I'm going, 'Why? Why are a man and a man not allowed to get married in this room?' Because it's the most natural thing."

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Le Mini Macaron looks like a French cookie, plugs into your computer and allows for what is usually an hour-long treatment to become a five-minute treatment. And it really works.

I'll admit when the little package arrived in the mail from the company, I was skeptical. I have been getting gel manis every two weeks for as long as I can remember. I found it highly unlikely that I would be able to reproduce the look at home with just a teeny tiny lamp and a bottle of polish. But I opened it anyway. I was shocked by what I found.

First I pushed back my cuticles, then swiped on the polish. Then I cured it:

I did this with two coats of polish on each hand. The polish came out smooth and perfect, just like in the salon. Even better? It really did only take around five minutes for each coat, 10 minutes altogether. And it was dry right away. Here is the result:

Pros: Goes on fast with a professional finish; requires far less time than in the salon; dries immediately.

Cons: Very few colors are available.

That's the only downside! And I didn't remove it yet, so I am not sure how that works, but overall, this little Kickstarter program is one of the best I've seen. I predict a major trend and I am so psyched I got the chance to try it first.

If you donate at least $25 to their Kickstarter campaign, you'll get a free kit!

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The Hunger Games actress stripped down to pose for the March issue of Vanity Fair magazine, wearing nothing but a massive Colombian red-tailed boa constrictor.

The mag shared the striking photo on Instagram, which they referred to as "Girl Meets Boa."

The picture was shot by photographer Patrick Demarchelier as a tribute to Richard Avedon's 1981 Vogue portrait of Nastassja Kinski. And the publication chose to share the story behind the picture, too — you'll be pleased to know Lawrence was really brave and was not fazed by having a massive snake wrapped around her body.

More: Sorry, SAG Awards: Jennifer Lawrence has her eyes on the Grammys

"The actress proved to be very brave and nonchalant about having a serpent wrapped around her body," the mag wrote. They continued to explain that the star only got a little freaked out when the boa took a liking to her neck, and that's when the shoot ended and he was carefully put back in his box.

More: Is reading Sony's hacked emails the same as looking at hacked nude pics?

"Jennifer has the perfect combination of strength, sexuality and humor, and, above all, tomboy to pull this off," Vanity Fair fashion and style director Jessica Diehl said of the shoot, which she styled.

We're seriously impressed with this photo — are you?

French toast is like the ultimate special occasion food to begin with, but when you add Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream to the mix, it becomes the perfect romantic way to start the day. Don't skimp on the bread either — challah is the way to go if you really want to impress your sweetie. The buttery thick slices are where it's at for this impressive stack.

Heart-shaped Nutella-strawberry French toast stacks recipe

A special breakfast you can make in just 20 minutes for your special someone on Valentine's Day.

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 slices thick-sliced challah bread, cut into heart shapes using either a cookie cutter or freehand with a sharp knife
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons Nutella
• Whipped cream, for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat the griddle or skillet over medium heat, and grease with either butter or baking spray.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, coating on both sides, and place on the hot griddle. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned and crispy.
4. Remove the bread from the griddle, and let it cool for a minute.
5. Spread Nutella on the top of 1 piece, layer the strawberries on top of that, and continue stacking to make 3 layers.
6. Top with whipped cream if desired, and serve.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

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The Scandal actress' skin appears to be much lighter on the cover, and this has sparked outrage over Photoshopping and race in the media, with many fans taking to social media to express their disappointment.

More: Kerry Washington on work, life as a new mom — and Fitz

Among the angry Twitter users was rapper Angel Haze, who said she really hates the cover.

Other fans also let their feelings be known.

However, Washington is one person who is "thrilled" with the cover, which she happily shared with fans on Instagram earlier this week.

Although, the comments on the picture are less positive, with one fan writing, "I'm such a fan of yours @kerrywashington! However, this photo for the cover is awful! You're a gorgeous woman! You have the most beautiful complexion! Why did they make you look so pale? I didn't even believe this was you. Photoshop and editing gone completely wrong! @instylemagazine."

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Reacting to the backlash, InStyle decided to post a message about the cover and address the claims that the actress' skin had been lightened.

"While we did not digitally lighten Kerry's skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern," the magazine wrote. "We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt. We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable. We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward."

Washington retweeted the link to the statement, calling it a "beautiful statement" and agreeing that it is an important conversation that needs to be discussed.

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Tell us what you think of Kerry Washington's cover and the backlash it has received in the comments below.

Four weeks ago, 14 famous — and not-so-famous — faces entered the infamous house. Two of them were ejected, one of them walked and a new one joined the remaining bunch. Who'll take home the title of CBB champ this evening?

Katie Price

The mixed public response to Katie Price's stint in the house suggests that she hasn't made enough of an impact to win the show. The occasional glimpse of her long-retired alter ego Jordan has been entertaining — she's hard to beat when it comes to graphic sex stories — and she certainly doesn't censor herself when talking about her private life. But let's face it anyone who reads the tabloids, surfs the net or watches This Morning probably knows everything there is to know about Price's personal dramas anyway. Paddy Power odds: 4/1

Photo credit: Supplied by WENN

Michelle Visage

Few of us had heard of Michelle Visage before she entered the house but she's finishing her run as one of the most likeable, interesting housemates of them all. She hasn't shied away from confrontation but has often been a lesson in how to remain level-headed. How many people would have reacted in such a cool, calm way when Ken Morley demanded if she was going to "violently f***" Calum Best? Visage has made no secret of her desire to win the show but has remained true to herself throughout, in particular concerning her somewhat surprising friendship with Katie Hopkins, which she must have known would harm her chances. Paddy Power odds: 10/1

Photo credit: Supplied by WENN

Keith Chegwin

Ah, Cheggers. Possibly the most least-like-a-celebrity celebrity from this year's batch. Or of all time. We loved that he had no ego, told lots of jokes and got stuck in to cleaning the toilets. On the downside Cheggers did — as many of his housemates alleged — spend far too much time sitting on the fence. He's a lovely man, and it was really uncomfortable seeing him break down in the Diary Room, but if he was the last man standing it would be something of an anti-climax. Paddy Power odds: 6/1

Photo credit: Supplied by WENN

Katie Hopkins

Everyone's money was on Hopkins to be one of the first housemates to be evicted so the fact that she's made the final is pretty incredible in itself. Could "the most hated woman in the U.K." really be crowned the winner? Well, stranger things have happened. Hopkins has definitely come across as a person with many sides and not all of them negative. Paddy Power odds: 13/8

Photo credit: Supplied by WENN

Calum Best

Best hasn't been the most exciting of housemates but he's hopefully managed to shake off his "bad boy" tag by coming across as a peacekeeping sort, who can still stand up for himself when required. Plus, his tendency to wander around the house topless may have been an added bonus for some viewers. The question is has he been entertaining enough to warrant winning? Paddy Power odds: 15/8

Photo credit: Supplied by WENN

The live final of Celebrity BIg Brother is tonight at 9 p.m. on Channel 5.

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Police say the boy's aunt asked a 23-year-old co-worker, Nathan Firoved, to pose as the main kidnapper. The boy's grandmother reportedly agreed that this was a totally legitimate way to teach a little boy a lesson about talking to strangers. All three adults have been charged with kidnapping, felonious restraint and abuse/neglect of a child for hatching and acting out this ridiculous plot.

Firoved allegedly lured the boy into his pickup truck as he got off the bus after school. When the frightened boy began crying, he threatened him with a handgun.

You'd think the levels of stupidity and abuse would top off there, but no. Firoved bound the child's arms and legs, covered his face and dragged him into his basement. There, the boy's aunt pulled down his pants and yelled at him about his future in sex slavery and how he shouldn't have gotten into the car with a stranger.

Did these people watch way too much Arrested Development? Fake kidnapping is only funny on TV. In real life, it's a despicable crime that should definitely make you ineligible to interact with children for the rest of your life.

The entire kidnapping lasted about four hours. Fortunately the little boy was able to explain what happened to school authorities, who did the right thing and reported it. According to investigators, the family doesn't think they did anything wrong. Not the waving a gun at a child. Not tying him up and terrorizing him. Not pulling his pants down and screaming about sexual abuse. Nope. That was just some good old-fashioned educating according to these abusive a-holes.

Thankfully the child has been placed into protective custody. Hopefully he's being surrounded with love and support after what he went through and was brave enough to report.

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On Friday, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor headed to the Boston-based organization Christopher's Haven, a charity that helps provide housing for families with children fighting cancer, dressed as the character Star-Lord from the hit Marvel film.

In case you missed it, Evans challenged Pratt to a friendly bet ahead of the Super Bowl, saying that if his team the New England Patriots won the game, then Pratt, a Seattle Seahawks fan, would have to go to Christopher's Haven dressed as Star-Lord. However, if the Seahawks won, Evans said he would go to Seattle Children's Hospital dressed as Captain America.

More: Guardians of the Galaxy cast's epic dance-off (VIDEO)

As you know, the Seattle Seahawks lost, but both actors decided to go to both charities. Today was Christopher's Haven's turn — and the photos will completely melt your heart.

Taking to Facebook on Friday, Pratt posted several photos of himself with the kids and their families, along with the caption, "Star[-L]ord is [p]roud to be in Boston today at [Christopher's Haven #christophershaven] with Chris Evans and some awesome families. #‎12thMan"

More: Chris Evans melts our heart after winning Super Bowl bet (PHOTOS)

He also took to Twitter to inform fans that he had made good on the Super Bowl bet.

These guys are truly awesome.

I think you'll be over the moon with this classic-dish-with-a-twist. For a GF Friday (and pretty much any other day), it's the perfect meal. I've swapped cauliflower for the macaroni you'd normally find in this dish.

You won't believe how easy this is to make or how creamy and cheesy it is when you dig in. Not only does the spinach add color, but it's a nice boost to the veggie quotient for your meal too. Do I have to tell you the bacon just makes things, well, fabulous?

Cauliflower "mac" and cheese with spinach and bacon recipe

You won't miss the macaroni in this creamy dish. Cauliflower offers a great, gluten-free option in this comforting classic.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 23 minutes | Total time: 33 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 large head cauliflower, stems trimmed, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra to sprinkle on top
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. To a large pot, add enough water to cover the cauliflower. Bring the water to a boil, then add the cauliflower, and boil it for 5 minutes.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the cauliflower, and set it aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray 4 (6 ounce) ramekins with the cooking spray, and place them onto a baking sheet. Set aside.
4. To a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter melts, add the flour to the skillet, and whisk it for about a minute.
5. Add the milk, reserved cooking water, garlic, dried mustard, salt and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking constantly, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cheese to the skillet, and stir until completely melted.
7. Add the spinach to the skillet, and toss to combine. The spinach will wilt. Fold in the cauliflower, and mix until combined.
8. Add the bacon crumbles, and mix to combine.
9. Evenly divide the mixture among the 4 ramekins. Place the baking sheet into the oven, and bake for about 15 minutes.
10. Sprinkle a little more cheese over the top of each ramekin, and place under the broiler for just a minute or so, until the mixture bubbles and turns golden.
11. Remove from the oven, and let cool slightly.
12. Serve warm.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

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If you are ready and have the money to invest, getting a dog is definitely worth it. But for the sake of Fido, please, please do your homework before buying a new pet so that you don't find yourself in over your head.

Adorably irresistible puppies often cost money — and lots of it. According to experienced pet owners, here's what you can expect to spend the first time you get a dog.

Cost of the dog

Image: giphy.com

When you walk by a pet store in the mall, just know that puppy in the window comes at an exorbitant price — up to a thousand dollars. Buying a specialty breed from a breeder could cost even more, roughly $2,900 for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Because of the cruelty and questionable ethics of puppy mills, most dog lovers urge new pet owners to adopt. Local Humane Societies advertise small breed adoption at $99 and large breed adoption at $65.

Your cost: $99 to adopt a small breed

Food

Image: giphy.com

Growing puppies gotta eat! PetEducation.com estimates pet food costs at $125-$500 in the first year.

Your cost: $125 per year, on the low end

Medical emergencies

Image: giphy.com

While we all hope for a healthy and happy pooch, accidents do happen. If your puppy gets into something that it shouldn't, or worse, gets injured, you could have a major medical bill on your hands. Dog owners of Reddit say that a pet-related medical emergency could easily cost $2,000. One commenter shares, "My dog tore up and ate something she shouldn't have, and the bill was $1,500. I was fortunate enough to have the money. She almost certainly would not have survived without the surgery."

Your cost: $1,500

Miscellaneous supplies

Image: giphy.com

Oh, yeah, man's best friend is also going to need a bed, a leash and a collar with ID tags. All that gear could run you a cool $100. If your dog needs a crate, tack on an extra $35-$50 for a small to medium dog crate. Though not all breeds require grooming, an at-home grooming tool could cost you $15, with professional grooming estimated at $50 per month.

Your cost: $150, on the low end

Toys

Image: giphy.com

Yes, you have to buy your new pet something to play with to keep it from chewing on your shoes when you're not at home. A Reddit pet owner recommends an affordable toy-buying approach: "Toys should be no more than $80 altogether. Don't give him the toys all together. Give it to [him] slowly and wait till he gets bored with one and keep rotating toys."

Your cost: $80

Spay or neuter

Image: giphy.com

Spaying or neutering your pup could cost anywhere from $250-$400 for a small breed, up to $550 for a large breed. Consider a monthly vet plan that may include spaying or neutering, or inquire about discount spay and neuter services when adopting from an animal shelter.

Your cost: $250

Training

Image: giphy.com

If you've said "bad dog" so many times that you just can't take it anymore, it may be wise to consider a training class. Shop around for affordable classes before you sign up. One Reddit dog owner calls dog training "ridiculously expensive" and describes his experience: "I took my pup to a $200 6 week puppy course when he was young. Then I took him to a $20/day general obedience class. That wasn't working out, so I signed up for a $175/month program that is gym membership style, where they offer 10 classes a week and you can go to as many as you want."

Your cost: Starting at $175

Vaccinations

Image: giphy.com

New puppy vaccines could add up to cost you well over $200 by 16 weeks old. Or you could use the helpful advice of another Reddit pet owner: Take advantage of your vet's monthly care plan. "Monthly Preventative Care Plan: $30 — I'm so glad I got this at my vet. Free visits, vaccines included in the plan, 2 decals, 4 dewormings and a spay/neuter procedure."

Your cost: $360 per year

New pet ownership grand total: $1,239-$2,739, depending on emergency medical expenses

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While some people welcomed the opportunity to take in some super-hot man candy, others felt that the male objectification was gross and unfair. "They marginalize brains and the inevitable lovable paunch that comes with being a breadwinner and not having time to pump oneself into an aerobicized lug who writhes onstage for plus-sized patrons wielding rolled up one-dollar bills," writes Mike Fleming Jr. in a piece on Deadline. "Will it be an impediment to post-movie romance because real men are not ab-worthy compared to Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Mangianello?"

While the article is (hopefully) a satirical piece, it brings up a great question: Are movies featuring male objectification a step forward for gender equality, or a giant step back for feminism?

More: Matt Bomer is counting down the days until the end of Magic Mike

The fact that women are now even provided with a mainstream opportunity to enjoy a movie that was made for the sole purpose of ogling men is not something that has been prevalent in our society, while straight men have been given films revolving around their own sexual fantasies since the dawn of modern filmmaking. Women being able to objectify men for entertainment is a sign of the times. Maybe it makes some men uncomfortable for that reason alone: The playing field is leveling out and the script is being flipped so that women aren't the only sex being portrayed in a submissive light.

The objectification of women is everywhere, not in just an occasional stripper movie. It's in films, it's in advertising, it's on TV shows, it's at sporting events, it's in bars and restaurants, it's in the workplace. This is something that women are bombarded with every single day, whereas it's less often that you see men in the same position. But maybe movies like Magic Mike prove that is changing.

The fact that Fleming ignored female objectification in his statement shows he totally understands the irony of people becoming upset with male objectification in the new trailer. (That is, if the piece is, indeed, satire. If not — yikes.) It's obvious that women put up with objectification all of the time. However, Fleming's statement also makes me empathize with men in two ways. One being that the actors in Magic Mike aren't accurate or fair ways to depict men, and it's totally possible that it will make some men feel bad about themselves. The other is that I also personally feel it's fun to watch this trailer, so it gives me a tiny bit of understanding about how men feel when they watch a Victoria's Secret commercial.

It's also arguable that films like this are a step back for feminism because the movement, at its core, promotes equality for all, and while this film makes male-female objectification a tad more symmetrical, it still leaves the door wide open for the continuing objectification of women. This, in my opinion, is where modern-day feminism becomes confusing.

That being said, I'm counting the days until July 1 and have watched the trailer at least 15 times since it came out on Wednesday.

We love it when celebrity moms use their fame for good, as is the case of Shakira who has partnered up with UNICEF. The Colombian singer shared this sweet photo of her son Sasha's tiny foot on her Twitter page.

Sasha's dad is Shakira's boyfriend, soccer player Gerard Piqué. If you want a glimpse of the tot's face, Shakira directs fans to UNICEF's website.

On the webpage is a picture of the adorable dark-haired baby. "We are happy to announce the birth of Sasha Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born January 29 at 9:54pm in Barcelona."

The website also encourages fans to participate in her World Baby Shower with UNICEF.

"With the purchase of an Inspired Gift you can save thousands of lives and give babies a healthy start in life."

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian spent the day at the zoo with her daughter North and her husband Kanye West. North is dressed in her signature black, Kim K. is wearing stilettos to the zoo (What? You don't?) and we can't see Kanye's face — but we are pretty sure he has a scowl on his face.

It looks like she is teaching North her famous contouring skills early, as she posts this snapshot snuggling with her new "make up artist."

Tiffani Thiessen

Zack and Kelly are back together! Pregnant actress Tiffani Thiessen almost broke the internet when she reunited with her Saved by the Bell co-star Mark-Paul Gosselaar during a skit on Jimmy Fallon.

She also showed off her baby bump for the first time since announcing she was pregnant with her second baby. "Wait…what?????" she captioned the photo, showing off her baby bump in a cheerleader uniform.

Thiessen, who is expecting a baby boy, posted the skit on her Twitter feed — and it is hilarious. They got the entire Saved by the Bell group back together and even worked Thiessen's pregnancy into the skit.

Kate Hudson

Actress Kate Hudson got into the Super Bowl spirit as she and her son Ryder cheered on the Patriots.

She also shared this cute picture of her 3-year-old son Bingham, with his blonde curls peeking over an iPad. Bingham, or Bing as they call him, is her son with her ex-boyfriend, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

Alyssa Milano

New mom Alyssa Milano shared this sweet photo on her Instagram page as she breastfeeds her daughter Elizabella, writing that she "Inspires me every day to be better."

Milano has shared several breastfeeding photos and spoke out about some of the backlash she received.

"Who are we that now we get upset as human beings if we see a woman feeding her baby? It’s crazy to me. Crazy, crazy, crazy," she said during an appearance on The Talk.

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The rumor originated with The Tracking Board writer Clark Allen, who posted earlier this week, "I'm hearing that Ryan Gosling is Disney's top choice to star in Beauty and the Beast, and has been offered the role. The part that Gosling is being courted for is the Beast himself."

While far from official, the news does make us wonder: Would Gosling make a better Beast or Gaston?

The characters are opposites: Beast is ugly on the outside but once you get past his rough, gruff exterior he's an OK guy. Gaston is lovely to look at but inside is a menacing, murderous, terrible person. Gosling is neither ugly on the outside nor on the inside because he is the most perfect specimen of man ever born, so it would take a major suspension of disbelief to see him in either role.

More: Ryan Gosling named his daughter after a beloved fairy tale

A case could be made for either, though. If he played the Beast he could be the good guy in the end and be revealed in all his gorgeous glory once he is transformed (SPOILER ALERT!) back into the prince he is. But if he played Gaston, his actual gorgeous face would get a lot more screen time overall.

Decisions, decisions.

More: Hey girl, forget all your troubles with Ryan Gosling memes

It all may be a moot point, because there is no official word that Gosling is in any way attached to the project, unlike Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who has signed on to play Beauty. But interestingly, the actor just started tweeting again this week after a nearly four-year hiatus — could he be prepping for an onslaught of publicity in the future unrelated to all the Lost River promotions he is currently using it for?

Tell us: Would you rather see Ryan Gosling play the Beast or Gaston in the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast?

The main characters

SpongeBob SquarePants:  Shorten it to Bob (or lengthen it to Robert) for your little anthropomorphic sea sponge.

Patrick Star: The starfish best friend offers two names: Patrick, for a boy, and Star, for a girl.

Squidward Tentacles: Ward is a nice masculine baby name for a boy. (If Ward is not your thing, consider Rodger, in honor of the actor who provides the voice of this cranky octopus.)

Eugene Krabs: The red crab sports a classic name that peaked in popularity around the late 1920s but now ranks in the lowest quarter of the top 1,000.

Sandy Cheeks: It is certainly unexpected to find a squirrel living under the sea, but the multitalented Sandy does just that. Her gender-neutral name is favored more for girls than for boys.

Gary Snail: Humans keep cats as pets, SpongeBob keeps a snail. Gary enjoyed its best years in the 1950s and has slowly dropped in popularity ever since.

Sheldon Plankton: The main antagonist shares his not-so-popular name with The Big Bang Theory's goofy Sheldon Cooper.

Recurring characters

Karen: Plankton's W.I.F.E. Karen is really a Wired Integrated Female Electroencephalograph. Karen was among the top 10 names for baby girls from 1951 through 1968.

Pearl Krabs: For some unknown reason, Mr. Krabs' teenage daughter is a sperm whale. Her antique moniker is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to celebs who have chosen the name for their children.

Larry the Lobster: When you think about it, it's silly that this underwater series would feature a lifeguard (and a lobster lifeguard at that).

Officer Nancy and Officer John: Bikini Bottom sees its fair share of crime, and Nancy and John are the police fish who help restore law and order.

Johnny Elaine: The bass anchor-fish has been called both Johnny and Elaine — a great pair of names for a set of twins, don't you think?

Perch Perkins: Perhaps it's time the names of this field news reporter sports names, Perch and Perkins, finally make the Social Security Administration's top 1,000.

Harold and Margaret SquarePants: Despite their surname, SpongeBob's parents are decidedly round. (SpongeBob has his mother's nose.)

Squilliam Fancyson: The archrival (and former classmate) of Squidward, Squilliam is arrogant, wealthy and talented. We don't recommend Squilliam as a first name, but William makes a nice substitute.

Betsy Krabs: Viewers were shocked when Plankton put the moves on Betsy, who is Mr. Krabs' domineering mother.

Man Ray: Picture a well-built man wearing a helmet in the shape of a stingray's head, and you'll have a pretty good idea of what this villain looks like. Man Ray and Dirty Bubble frequently cross paths with elderly superheroes Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy.

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This traditional English chicken salad recipe was made to honor Queen Elizabeth II's crowning back in the day. Even though my version is a little different from many traditional versions (and there really are many), the basics are the same.

I folded sweet apricot jam, tangy curry, parsley and crunchy toasted almonds into a mayonnaise base for this version. I left out the raisins, but feel free to include them if you try it.

Coronation chicken salad with toasted almonds recipe

This chicken salad will be the crowning glory at mealtime. Tradition calls for raisins or currants to be used in this spectacular salad, but you could try swapping them out for grapes or even dried cranberries instead. To save a good deal of prep time, use leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Serves 2-4

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Inactive time: 15 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (4-6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or just a bit less)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or you could use milk)
• 1-2 tablespoons apricot jam (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra to season the chicken
• 1/4 teaspoon dried black pepper, plus extra to season the chicken
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
• Bread or salad greens, to serve with the salad
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking dish with the nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in the baking dish. Cover with foil.
3. When the oven is hot, bake for about 30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes, until the chicken is done. The FDA notes a safe internal temperature for chicken, as measured by a meat thermometer, is 165 degrees F.
4. Transfer the chicken to a platter, and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. When cool to the touch, cut the chicken into cubes, and refrigerate for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, to a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, cream or milk, jam, lemon juice, ginger, curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine.
6. Fold in the parsley and almonds.
7. When the chicken has cooled, fold it into the mayonnaise mixture, and combine thoroughly.
8. Serve with sandwich bread or salad greens.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

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It's no secret that we love a good feminine twist to traditionally male story lines (hello, female Thor), and so when we found out that Marvel was creating an all-female Avengers, we got pretty fan-girly about it.

More: INTERVIEW: How Stan Lee is bringing women and minorities to the comic world

Here's everything you need to know about Marvel's new A-Force.

The Avengers are no more

In the new story line, the entire Marvel Universe has been disbanded. Thus, in Marvel's Secret Wars, you've got a handful of surviving pockets of the Marvel Universe that are now called Battleworld.

A-Force cowriters G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite K. Bennett have crafted this new story line, which features artwork by Jorge Molina. According to Wilson, one of these Battleworld pockets includes Arcadia, a feminist paradise that is threatened by an outside force. A-Force forms as a result of this threat when, according to Marvel, "There came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroines found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, A-Force was born — to fight the foes no single superhero could withstand!"

Diversity is key

Wilson stated, “We've purposefully assembled a team composed of very different characters from disparate parts of the Marvel U, with very different power sets, identities and ideologies.”

The result is such varied A-Force members as She-Hulk, Dazzler, Medusa and Nico Minoru, among others. (Yes, you read that right — there is a female version of the Hulk, and you bet your sweet bippy we're hoping the A-Force goes to the movies, because we'd love to see that character on the big screen.)

More: Marvel's Agent Carter review: Peggy is just the kind of heroine TV needs

There's a new superheroine on the team

Image: Stephanie Hans/Marvel Comics

Wilson and Bennett created a new superhero named Singularity (who we can't wait to meet) for the series. Singularity sounds so awesome. Rather than a scientist who was bitten by a radioactive spider, or an alien who crash-landed on our planet, Singularity isn't even a humanoid being. According to Wilson, Singularity is a sentient universe that gained self-consciousness during the Secret Wars.

Whoa! That sounds like fertile ground for supernatural vengeance.

In an interview with USA Today, Wilson explained that Singularity has the ability to act as "a whole world within herself and she can also move between different worlds and dimensions like taking a walk, so she has access to all corners of the Marvel U in a way that other characters do not."

More: 9 Details about Marvel's Black Panther, female superhero and more

This is Marvel's 15th female-led comic

And it won't be their last. The company's new focus on female-driven story lines has led to increased book sales across the board, drawing in both male and female readers and collectors. According to Marvel, "event" books tend to sell in the 100,000 range, but the demand for recent female-led books have been selling in the 200,000 range.

With those kinds of sales, maybe we aren't crazy for thinking there could be a film adaptation of A-Force in Marvel Studio's future. Wouldn't that be super?