Quantcast
Channel: What's New
Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live

Chris Soules is continuing his reality TV career on another popular show

$
0
0

Looks like he'll be staying in sunny Los Angeles for a while longer instead of heading back to the middle-of-nowhere town in Iowa where the farmer calls home.

More: Was The Bachelor's Ashley S. faking her craziness?

The Season 20 dancing contestants were announced on Good Morning America Feb. 24, but one name was missing from the star lineup and dance pro, Witney Carson, was left without a partner at the time.

"Her partner couldn't rose — I mean, rise so early to be here," DWTS host, Tom Bergeron, said at the time. Apparently it wasn't just a slip of the tongue. Us Weekly has confirmed that Soules will be putting on some dancing shoes.

The outlet even said that Soules called fellow Bachelor and DWTS alum, Sean Lowe, for some advice about doing the show before officially signing on as a contestant for the upcoming season.

More: Did Becca "the virgin" lose it in Bali?!

But Soules and Lowe are far from the first from Bachelor Nation members to make the reality TV switch to Dancing with the Stars. Jake Pavelka, Trista Sutter and Melissa Rycroft have all competed on the dancing show.

Other celebs joining Soules for Season 20 include football star Michael Sam, Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec, Glee actor Riker Lynch, actress Rumer Willis, actress Suzanne Somers, LMFAO singer Redfoo, gymnast Nastia Liukin and singer Patti LaBelle.

More: 10 Truths revealed on The Bachelor: The Women Tell All

Even more exciting than the news that Soules is competing on the show is the near-guarantee that through the show we'll get an inside look at his relationship after the roses (and maybe an engagement). The farmer hasn't even picked his leading lady yet. The finale of The Bachelor airs next Monday on ABC, but we think Soules will treat DWTS in the same way Lowe did. His fiancée at the time (now wife), Catherine, was by his side continuously throughout the season to cheer him on.

Dancing with the Stars Season 20 premieres Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. on ABC.


What it's really like parenting with constant anxiety

$
0
0

In fact, the other day I diagnosed myself with generalized anxiety disorder. I don't mean that facetiously — I believe I really have the disorder, but I haven't yet made it into my doctor to talk about it. That would be just one additional task to add to my list of things to do. And that, unfortunately, would likely make the anxiety worse.

I'm a mother. I bear my child's world. Even though I'm a single mom and the anxiety is hard to bear on my own, I don't think it's entirely different than what every mother experiences from time to time. From the moment I wake in the morning until the moment my eyes close at night, there is a nagging feeling that everything will go wrong if I let down my guard. It has before. For every human being who is honest, it has before.

Do you ever feel that way? As though the monsters for grown-ups will sneak into your house if you stop thinking about them? Grown-up monsters are those obvious things like a late child support payment, an emergency room visit at midnight or a broken-down car on the side of the road. They're also the smaller but more menacing monsters, like the guilt of disciplining my child from a place of anger rather than love, or the frustration of just wanting to take a shower in peace. All of the monsters join together in a chorus that is the background noise of my life.

It's easy to overlook the chorus over time, but the other day I realized that it's affecting me more than I'd like. My daughter accidentally dropped a book, and I jumped out of my skin and screamed. Then I started crying and scared my daughter by uttering, "Please, please, I just want somebody to help me." I'm not a person who startles easily, so my reaction made it clear that my nerves are fried from the constant stream of worries that swirl in my brain.

Fear is a heavy thing. I wish I could tell my fear to stop being irrational, but I know that it isn't. Things can go wrong quickly. All I know how to do is manage my anxiety by attempting to stay in the present moment with things like friendships, yoga and a glass of wine every now and then.

How do you manage your anxiety — and does it ever ease up?

More about single motherhood

The strange double life of being a divorced mom
How to travel alone with your kids without going nuts
Rocking parenthood when you're a spinster

CSI: Cyber: Patricia Arquette explains why the spinoff is more relevant

$
0
0

More: Stacey Dash's response to Patricia Arquette's Oscars speech is embarrassing (VIDEO)

The Oscar-winning actress wants viewers to know the show is different from its predecessors and that it offers an important look into the world of cyber crimes.

"We've known crime for a long time, but we haven't known crime like this, and the truth is we have this technology incredibly enmeshed in our lives now," Arquette told People magazine. "Crime has moved so much into this world of technology. It's kind of like when the original CSI started. People didn't really understand forensics. Now, if you say you have DNA evidence, it's like, 'Forget it. Good luck, buddy. You're done.'"

More: Patricia Arquette stole the show with her pro-woman Oscars speech

CSI: Cyber premieres today on CBS. Arquette, who is fresh off her Academy Award win for her supporting role in Boyhood, added, "This show is looking at the world of technology in a way no show ever has. When I read the material as a regular person with a few devices, I was like, 'Are you serious? That's capable of that? People are really doing that?'"

CSI: Cyber is inspired by Mary Aiken, a real-life cyber psychologist, People reports. Arquette plays the protagonist, special agent Avery Ryan, who is head of the cyber crime division of the FBI, a group of investigators who stop online crimes.

More than anything else, Arquette said, she hopes the show will inspire parents to have open conversations about online safety with their kids, who are often especially vulnerable to becoming victims of cyber crime.

More: Patricia Arquette's second Oscars speech sparks major backlash

"I have this line in one of the episodes where I say, 'No adult would ever let their child go outside and play with a 45-year-old stranger, but in these online gaming worlds they're doing it everyday.' It's the truth," Arquette said. "I'm not saying this is a show for 9-year-olds, but I think teens and pre-teens will probably watch this show, might get a little scared and realize why their mom is nagging at them to not do this or that. Maybe it'll start a conversation, and I think awareness as a parent is always a good idea."

Wine makes you attractive and 10 other reasons to pour yourself another glass

$
0
0

While we always thought it worked the other way around, we're not mad about this new finding. Don't get too excited just yet, though. If you go for that second glass, you fall back in the not-so-attractive zone. The good news is, whether you think this is legitimate or not, there are actually several other good reasons to drink a glass of wine besides the fact that it might make you more attractive to a college student.

1. Wine is basically exercise

Wine and exercise

Wine and exercise

A study in the Journal of Physiology found that resveratrol, found in red wine, can not only enhance exercise training and performance, but it can also offer the same benefits as working out. This doesn't mean you can chug a bottle and pretend you won a marathon, though. One glass will offer the benefit without the negative consequences caused by over-consumption.

2. Your heart loves wine

Wine and heart health

Wine and heart health

A heart wants what a heart wants. Red wine, and particularly that magic component resveratrol, provides a nice little boost of antioxidants and may prevent heart disease. The antioxidants increase the levels of good cholesterol in your body and protect against artery damage. Of course, doctors will say that blueberries do the same thing without the negative impacts of alcohol, but who wants a glass of blueberries after a long day?

3. It gives you something to look forward to

Wine and coffee

Wine and coffee

Even on the worst of days, you can always count on wine to be there for you. From a serious standpoint, though, a study published in BMC Medicine found that moderate wine drinking may help ward off depression.

4. It may improve your sex life

Wine and sex

Wine and sex

A study by the University of Florence found that levels of sexual desire were higher in women who consumed moderate amounts of red wine. So, if you need a little boost in the bedroom, let wine help you.

5. You don't have to cook it

Wine for dinner

Wine for dinner

Hey, you're tired. You have no groceries. There's no time to cook. We get it and we aren't judging. Sometimes a glass of wine makes the best dinner.

6. It can help strengthen your friendships

Wine and friends

Wine and friends

A glass of wine may just give you the strength you need to make that phone call that you've been meaning to make for the past two months. Or better yet, invite your friend over to enjoy that wine with you.

7. You save an oatmeal cookie every time you have a glass

Raisins

Raisins

Grapes are meant to be fermented and consumed as wine. They are not meant to be dried up and turned into mushy little cookie-ruiners. Keep the demand for wine up so that there is nothing left to make raisins with.

8. It makes you invincible

Health benefits of wine

Health benefits of wine

Besides the health benefits already mentioned, wine offers so much more when it comes to your health. Who needs a doctor when you have Bordeaux?

9. It can make you love your kids again

Wine and kids

Wine and kids

Parenting is hard and we may not survive it without wine. After 12 time-outs, countless boogers consumed and a shirt stained with a mixture of sweet potatoes and finger paint, a glass of wine will make you forget it all so that you can get up and do it again tomorrow.

10. Wine will never break up with you

Wine love

Wine love

Wine won't leave its socks on the floor or the toilet seat up. It will always be there on your birthday and will never ditch you on Valentine's Day. Let's face it, wine is the best date ever.

More on wine

10 Things you eat when you've had too much wine
10 Wine-inspired kitchens to make you drunk with desire
Wine protects against tooth decay, so drink up

Cyberbullying: Should we protect our kids or toughen them up?

$
0
0

Facing bullying on the school ground versus on a computer screen or smartphone are two very difference experiences. One experience is sometimes physical, with intimidation tactics used on the school grounds and in public places. While cyberbullying seeps into private domains and the security of home and family life.

Australia's cyberbullying statistics are pretty terrifying. From research commissioned by the Abbott government from a consortium led by the University of New South Wales' Social Policy Research Centre, it was found that one in five Australian children between the ages of 8 and 15 experience cyberbullying.

In a further study published in the Australian Covert Bullying Prevalence Study, which interviewed more than 3,000 Australian students from years 6-12, it was found 83 per cent of victims of cyberbullying knew the bully in real life.

But the really worrying statistic is the link between cyberbullying and suicide, with at least 13 suicides reported between 2012 and 2013 likely to have been caused by bullying, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission. With that came tougher policies, one of which made its way through the senate.

New enhancing online safety for children laws passed through the senate on Wednesday and will result in a new children's e-safety commission, which will handle complaints about bullying material targeted at children, also fining social media companies that don't remove such content.

But Senator Bernardi says while the new policies are a step in the right direction, he worries children are being wrapped in cotton wool.

"Ultimately, children need to be taught a bit of resilience in some ways," he said. "There is not always going to be someone there to pick up the hurt feelings."

There is nothing wrong with a bit of resilience, but in a way that supports the child through what can be a very hurtful, shaming and alienating experience. Bullying is a 24-hour invasion of a person's private space and since so much of how we communicate and interact with each other is online, it's no wonder children feel cyberbullying is an inescapable threat which can't be avoided as simply as turning off the smartphone or logging out of Facebook. A mixture of support and tidying up social media sites to keep them free of hurtful and damaging messages could surely go a long way.

What do you think? Do children need to toughen up when it comes to cyberbullying?

More on children and cyberbullying

Teen girl invents brilliant way to protect kids from cyberbullying
How to protect kids from cyberbullying
I survived cyberbullying, but it nearly ruined my life

Sister Wives' Robyn Brown reveals unexpected divorce details on Twitter

$
0
0

More: Sister Wives: Oh, Kody and Robyn are totally running away!

Patriarch Kody Brown's fourth "spiritual wife" took to Twitter to answer fans' questions and defend the divorce that has rocked the family and its fan base.

During the tell-all following Sister Wives' Season 5 finale, the stars of the show seemed sure the "restructuring" of the family following the divorce wouldn't change anything. According to prior reports, Kody divorced Meri, his first and only legal wife, so he could legally marry Robyn, presumably to gain parental rights over her three children from a previous marriage. There have been rumors that Kody plans to adopt Robyn's kids, but those haven't yet been confirmed.

Check out the answers Robyn gave on the social media site to some of her fans' most burning questions below.

More: Sister Wives review: Meri's divorce hardships revealed

Sister Wives 1

Sister Wives 1

Sister Wives 2

Sister Wives 2

Sister Wives 3

Sister Wives 3

Sster Wives 4

Sster Wives 4

Sister Wives 5

Sister Wives 5

Sister Wives 6

Sister Wives 6

Sister Wives 7

Sister Wives 7

Sister Wives 8

Sister Wives 8

Sister Wives 9

Sister Wives 9

Sister Wives 10

Sister Wives 10

Sister Wives 11

Sister Wives 11

Sister Wives 12

Sister Wives 12

More: Sister Wives' Kody Brown reveals he wanted to quit the show (VIDEO)

Did Robyn's impromptu Q and A answer all of your questions? What else are you still wondering about the Brown family, the infamous divorce, Robyn's kids and the family's "restructuring"? Will you tune in for Season 6 of Sister Wives? What do you think that season will be about? Head down to the comments and tell us what you think.

3 Elle Macpherson secrets to being the hottest grandma on the planet

$
0
0

More: Wedding bells for Elle Macpherson

OK, she isn't actually a grandma… but she's old enough to be one. At almost 51 years old, the model showed off her super-fit, bronzed body in a tiny black bikini during a beach shoot for Harper's Bazaar Australia.

For Macpherson, wellness is a pretty big deal. She's been outspoken about taking good care of her body, especially as she ages. She even cofounded a wellness and health supplement company called WelleCo, which tweeted, "Wellness has been a way of life for @ellemacpherson and doesn't it show! In The (sic) Bahamas for @BAZAARAustralia today."

Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson

The photos accompanying WelleCo's tweets about the shoot say it all: Elle is looking absolutely amazing. Literally no one would guess she's 50 years old. But it hasn't been easy to maintain that youthful look as she's aged, the model told Ocean Drive magazine last year.

"'Beauty at every age' is such a boring cliché, but beauty is not just reserved for youth," she said. "There's a big movement that supports that. I didn't feel any kind of milestone pressure turning 50 at all, perhaps because I've been preparing for this stage of my life for a long time."

More: Elle Macpherson tells us her anti-aging secret is poor eyesight

Elle is a mom of two and, in addition to helping start WelleCo, she has a lingerie line and a collection of beauty products. How does such a busy lady prepare to turn 50 — and look so great doing it?

"In my 40s, I started to focus on health and wellness; I stopped drinking and taking any drugs — even aspirin — and I began really cleaning out my system," she dished. "By the time I hit 50, I didn't feel any sort of plateau physically, and it didn't feel like a shock emotionally either. It wasn't like, Oh my gosh, I'd better get myself together before I turn 50; it was more like I was reborn."

So there you have it. The secrets to looking as damn fine as Elle Macpherson once you hit grandma age are as follows:

1. Look perfect from birth.

2. No booze.

3. No drugs — even painkillers.

More: Fabulous at any age: Elle Macpherson poses topless at 49

Could you give up alcohol and all drugs — even aspirin — in order to age in a healthy way? Do you think it would work? Let us know what you think of Elle Macpherson's health plan down in the comments.

Moms decide which gross parenting situation they'd rather be in (VIDEO)


The ultimate guide to Glasgow International Comedy Festival

$
0
0

There's something for everyone at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Have you got the stamina to take in a show a day for the duration of the festival? If you think you can, we've worked out what you shouldn't miss.

March 12: Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company "Love 2.0," Tron Theatre

For anyone trying to date in the age of social media "Love 2.0" will ring many bells. This outrageous comedy is all about what happens when you take a relationship from the virtual world to the real one i.e. things don't quite go to plan. Buy tickets here.

Sleeping Warrior GICF

Sleeping Warrior GICF

Video credit: Andrew McGregor/YouTube

March 13: Hardeep Singh Kohli, Oran Mor

One of Glasgow's favourite comedians, Hardeep Singh Kohli, returns after a sell out show last year. His mixture of stories and insights is fast-paced and quick-witted. Buy tickets here.

Hardeep Singh GICF

Hardeep Singh GICF

Video credit: So Comedy/YouTube

March 14: Robin Cairns "A to Z of Loving a Ned," Govanhill Baths

What happens when a well-bred girl falls for Brian the Ned? Robin Cairns brings his cast of popular characters — Kelvinside Malcolm, his daughter Jennifer, Big Urgy the gangster and of course Brian The Ned — to life at this year's festival for what has been described as "an absolute wee gem of a show." Buy tickets here.

March 15: Lloyd Langford "Old Fashioned," The Stand Comedy Club

Lloyd Langford's show about the struggle to keep up with the pace of modern life has been praised for its "warm humour and witty one liners." The Welshman has also been described as an "undiscovered genius" by The Guardian. Buy tickets here.

Lloyd Langford GICF

Lloyd Langford GICF

Video credit: Starstruck Media/YouTube

March 16: Project You Three "An Experiment in Bad Taste," Yesbar

Graham Barrie, J.D. Brown and Pablo Serski met on the Glasgow comedy circuit and instantly found common ground: brutally honest humour. If you fancy going on a journey into the ridiculous and the macabre buy tickets here.

March 17: "50 Shades of Smay," The Old Hairdressers

What is the true meaning of love in Glasgow? Sarah-May wants to tell us in her own inimitable way which has been described as "laugh out loud funny". Buy tickets here.

March 18: Dylan Moran "Off the Hook," Clyde Auditorium

Star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Cavalry, Dylan Moran returns to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival with his new stand up show, which is sure to shake the Clyde Auditorium to the rafters. Buy tickets here.

Dylan Moran GICF

Dylan Moran GICF

Video credit: Andreas Photiou/YouTube

March 19: Govanhill Theatre Group "God of Carnage," The Govanhill Baths

This hilarious satire by Yasmina Reza tells the story of a fight between schoolboys which brings together their parents for a meeting that starts as a civilised discussion and descends into chaos. Reza's work has won a slew of awards including a Tony for best play and an Olivier for best new comedy. Buy tickets here.

March 20: Anna Morris "Would Like To Thank," Tron Theatre

Star of Bad Bridesmaid and Outnumbered, character comic Anna Morris brings four of her creations back to Glasgow. Which of them will be crowned Woman of the Year? You decide — if you buy tickets here.

Anna Morris GICF

Anna Morris GICF

Video credit: Glasgow International Comedy Festival/YouTube

March 21: Craig Hill "Give Him An Inch," Oran Mor

Another Scottish treasure, Craig Hill, promises to bring a delightfully wicked, completely camp evening of stand up to the Oran Mor. He's been described as "absolutely hilarious," "riotously funny," "wickedly subversive" and "risque, rib-tickling and absolutely screaming from the rafters". Buy tickets here.

Craig Hill GICF

Craig Hill GICF

Video credit: sydneycomedyfest/YouTube

March 22: Morgan & West "Parlour Tricks," Tron Theatre

If you like your comedy served with a side helping of magic, don't miss time-travelling duo Morgan and West. Their brand new show for the comedy festival will be packed full of unbelievable feats of magic and illusion. Buy tickets here.

Morgan & West GICF

Morgan & West GICF

Video credit: Morgan & West's YouTube home/YouTube

March 23: "The London 2012 Closing Ceremony Closing Ceremony," The Old Hairdressers

Can Holly bring the spirit of the London 2012 Olympics back into a world of increasing disharmony and social divide? In order to save humanity she's going to try. Join her for the official London 2012 Games Closing Ceremony Closing Ceremony (written by Clare Sheppard, David Callaghan, Paul McDaniel and Richard Brown). Buy tickets here.

March 24: "Michelle McManus' Reality — Reloaded," King's Theatre

McManus brings a new version of her successful Edinburgh Festival show to her hometown, combining an honest, witty insight into her life since she won reality TV talent show Pop Idol with show tunes from the West End and Broadway. Buy tickets here.

March 25: "Walking Shadows," Webster's Theatre

"Walking Shadows" is a farce about a farce. What happens when an amateur theatre company prepares to stage "Oil's Well That Ends Well" based on some well-known American musicals? Expect sensational writing, cast and production from this show. Buy tickets here.

March 26: Dorothy Paul, King's Theatre

The queen of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival wants you to join her on a trip down memory lane. Buy tickets here.

Dorothy Paul GICF

Dorothy Paul GICF

Video credit: Tatty Bacchante/YouTube

March 27: Shappi Khorsandi "Because I'm Shappi," Citizens Theatre

Best selilng author and star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Have I Got News for You, Khorsandi is back in Glasgow with a brand new show for the 2015 festival. "Because I'm Shappi" takes the audience on a journey as she reflects on how she's got to this point and who has helped her along the way. Buy tickets here.

Shappi Khorsandi GICF

Shappi Khorsandi GICF

Video credit: BBC Comedy Greats/YouTube

March 28: Chris Forbes and Davey Connor Stand Up, Blackfriars Basement

Forbes and Connor are considered to be two of Scotland's best upcoming comedians so this year's festival is a chance to catch their two-for-one stand up show before they hit the big time. Buy tickets here.

March 29: Phil Kay "Still Wholly Viable," Heroes @ The Griffin

There's nobody quite like Phil Kay, the crazy storyteller who inspired other comedy greats such as Eddie Izzard, Dylan Moran and Ross Noble. Buy tickets here.

Phil Kay GICF

Phil Kay GICF

Video credit: Lee Herring/YouTube

Want more? See the full Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2015 schedule.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2015

More on comedy

Female comedians are owning their vaginas by talking about them
Comedian Mike Epps sparks outrage with racist Instagram post
7 Steps to becoming an iconic comedian: The Joan Rivers legacy

Why are people so mean to Samantha Armytage?

$
0
0

But the big question is why do people seem to have a difficult time leaving Sam Armytage alone? The Sydney Morning Herald ran a piece earlier this week in which it noted that Armytage has copped criticism for, among other things, "her weight, her appearance, both on and off-set, and her treatment of staff who work in the traditionally female realms of wardrobe and make-up".

The article, titled "Dear Seven, don't let Samantha Armytage become Ann Curry", made mention of what happened to U.S. Today cohost, Ann Curry, who eventually left the show following a barrage of criticism that ultimately led to her being asked to step down (although, there seems to be much debate about how that all went down). While the point of the SMH article wasn't overly clear and its premise seemed to be altogether quite loose and lacking in a structured argument, it did bring attention to the fact that the performance and appearance of women on television — in this case, breakfast television — generate criticism at a much higher rate than the performance and appearance of their male counterparts, not to mention that women on television are subject to gossip fodder and speculation in a manner that can only be described as cruel. That's not to say that male television personalities remain completely unharmed, but none of the vitriol directed at them is anywhere near as vicious as that directed at women.

And none of this is new. The difference in the treatment of women and men, particularly the women and men we invite into our homes each day via the medium of television, is not by any means an untouched topic of discussion. In fact, even some of the men these women share the screen with have gotten in on the act of drawing attention to the disparity. Last year, Karl Stefanovic drew worldwide acclaim for wearing the same suit on air every day for a year purely to prove that the appearance of men on television is subject to far less scrutiny than the appearance of women.

From where we're sitting, it seems that none of the backlash, criticism or mean-spirited remarks thrown Armytage's way are warranted. What we see is an articulate, intelligent, hard-working, accomplished and down-to-earth woman who is in possession of a lot of qualities we consider to be ideal and who is a much-needed breath of fresh air, both on morning television itself and in her approach to the haters.

She has approached criticism of her weight — which is an infuriatingly unnecessary topic of discussion — with humor and with honesty. Now we're going to approach it with honesty, as well: There is nothing at all remarkable or newsworthy about the fact she is a size 12; in fact, it's downright stupid that her weight keeps getting brought up or that people seem to think her size is a topic worth being debated. Who cares?

Another thing that makes us Armytage fans? She has a personality. She has a wonderful natural chemistry with a lot of the celebrities she interviews and she's not opposed to giving a politician a well-deserved grilling when it's called for. She strikes a lovely balance between making what she does seem effortless while also making it clear that she's done her homework.

We love that Armytage hasn't had any of her success handed to her; instead, she's put in the hard yards and worked her way up the ladder. She's gotten to where she is through hard work and perseverance and there's no question of whether or not she's good at what she does or whether or not she deserves to be there.

We're also pretty fond of the way Armytage handles the criticism, which is usually in a manner that brings attention to obvious gender bias and subtly suggests that those hurling mean and untrue comments her way can do, and should be, better. In December last year, she told the Australian, "It's down and dirty. You do have to really put your shoulders back and keep walking forward when sometimes all you want to do is cry," she said.

"Some sections of the media attack­ below the belt... every woman out there has to deal with office politics, whether they’re a nurse, a vet, standing at the school gate or a TV reporter... in most scenarios, the information is untrue and, in some situations, defamatory. It's unjust and that I find incredibly disappointing."

We love that Armytage isn't afraid to stand up for herself, but the thing is, she shouldn't have to be doing it as often as she is. The media and online commenters are fueling a gender divide that we should be well past in the year 2015. We're unabashed fans of Armytage, and for the life of us, we can't see any legitimate reason why others shouldn't also see her as an example of a wonderful success story. To confine the mention of her name in the news to nasty comments about her appearance and gossip about infighting is doing the progression of women in the media, and the progression of women in general, a great disservice.

More on gender equality

Does excluding men from Q&A's feminism panel legitimise the debate
Don't host your International Women's Day event a men-only club like the LNP
Now that Tony Abbott is a #HeForShe campaigner, we can put him to work

Celia Imrie's wolf-whistling comment misses the point

$
0
0

Speaking to Glamour magazine, the 62-year-old star of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel said: "I'm thrilled if I'm whistled at. Of course I am. People have become so moany. I mean, I'm not mad about being called love or dear, but I quite like darling. And really, lighten up everyone. There's enough horribleness in the world."

On the other hand, the award-winning Calendar Girls actress criticised shops for displaying "wall-to-wall pink" girls' clothes and said, "This whole thing of calling little girls 'princesses' is just so terribly wrong.

"Where are the tomboys of our generation? Why are people made to feel their genders so firmly from the beginning?" she asked.

More: Emmerdale's sex attack storyline sparks debate about consent

Well, for starters there are plenty of young tomboys out there (I'm the mum of one). But the thing is these little girls may be the very women who grow up to despise the catcalling Imrie thinks we should all "lighten up" about more than anyone.

The point is plenty of women don't like being catcalled. Some hate it. It makes them feel uncomfortable, objectified, even terrified.

Unfortunately, it seems that Imrie doesn't understand the wider implications of catcalling. During her interview with Glamour, which is published in the April issue of the magazine, she talks about growing up in "a generation that fought for women's rights" and that she thinks it's "outrageous that women are still paid less than men."

But catcalling and the gender pay gap are closely connected (along with, I would suggest, calling little girls "princesses" who don't want to be princesses and encouraging them to wear pink and play with dolls if that's not what they are naturally drawn towards).

By suggesting that women should stop complaining about catcalling we are reinforcing the notion that it's perfectly acceptable for a man to comment on a woman's body. Which contributes to the sexist belief that a woman should be valued, first and foremost, for the way she looks, while a man should be valued for how he acts and what he thinks.

More: Is the secret to a long life avoiding men? (VIDEO)

Those of us — women and men — who believe in gender equality need to keep telling everyone else that catcalling is not acceptable. It's the only way to be taken seriously about any issues concerning women's rights.

More on gender

Dove's #RealStrength and other ads that challenge male stereotypes
Feminist Ian Somerhalder explains how the world is failing women
31 Ways to celebrate International Women's Day online

6 'Workout for your body type' rules you should live by

$
0
0

"I don't look like anyone you've ever seen posing in Yoga Journal or on Gaiam TV, but I'm good at it," she writes in her essay for XO Jane, How I Learned That Being Thin is Not a Requirement For Being Good at Yoga.

"Every body, in every shape and size, has its quirks," she continues, "but I've given up excuses like, 'That looks hard,' or 'I'll feel silly.' The hard poses make me feel triumphant; the silly ones release emotional tension and check my ego."

I too have talked myself out of things or minimized what I could do, because I thought my body wasn't "right." (Whatever that even means!) But the older I've gotten the more I've realized that our bodies are amazing creations, no matter what shape and size they come in and I'm capable of so much more than I think.

Sadly, Anna and I aren't the only ones to limit ourselves based on tired stereotypes and low self-esteem. I hear it all the time in the gym: "I could never do step class, I'm too uncoordinated!" "I can't do Zumba, I have two left feet!" "I can't lift weights, I'd drop them on myself!"

Yes you can.

Sometimes we just need someone to give us the permission to try. It's OK to try and fail — that's how we learn and get better! — but I think you'll find you can do more than you ever dreamed. So here you go, permission to let go of these worries about your body: 

1. You don't have to be flexible to do yoga

Can't touch your toes? So what? Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not about doing the splits upside down or balancing on one toe or any other pose that looks like it belongs in a circus or Fifty Shades of Grey. Yoga is about connecting to your body, as simple as that. You have a body, you can do yoga.

2. You don't have to be fast to run

One of the first times I went running with a running group, a woman told me, "Anything slower than 9-minute miles is jogging, not running." I definitely wasn't running that fast yet and I started the class feeling like I didn't belong. But years later I've learned that you're a runner if you love to run. You don't have to be fast, you don't have to go far, you just have to run.

More: 'Fat girl' challenges runners' stereotypes

3. You don't have to have rhythm to dance

I can't count how many times I've heard people comment while watching a dance aerobics class, "I could never do that, I have no rhythm." While that might be true for the Rockettes, trust me when I say your average Zumba class is not made up of former pro cheerleaders and dance teachers. You don't need rhythm or a grasp of choreography to dance for fun, you just need the desire to learn. (Also, a willingness to be silly helps too!) 

4. You don't have to be strong to lift weights

Ladies, we lift weights to get stronger. We don't wait until we're strong to venture onto the weight floor. It sounds so simple yet many women are scared to try lifting weights because they're afraid they won't know what they're doing and hurt themselves. In the end, lifting weights is just about picking stuff up and putting it back down. Technique helps but start small and don't be afraid to ask for help. The more tough chicks in the world, the more we all benefit.

5. You don't have to be coordinated to do Pilates

Whether you're worried about falling off the step in aerobics, tripping over the ropes in boot camp or not knowing how to suck in your core and lift your legs during Pilates, you can let that go. Because the truth is that everyone messes up sometimes. Coordination, agility and balance don't come naturally to most people and so the people you see who are nailing it have likely been practicing for a long time.

6. You don't have to be thin to do what you love

This one may be the most important item on the list. You don't have to be skinny, ripped, young, beautiful or in any other way resemble a fitness model to enjoy moving your body. I believe everyone can find an exercise that they enjoy doing. And in the end it's not looking beautiful that allows you to do what you love — it's doing what you love that makes you beautiful!

Have your body insecurities ever held you back from doing something you love?

More health

New yoga class fuses yoga and ballet for a killer core workout
Thin 'thinspiration' helps you diet? Think again
5 Tried-and-true ways to get yourself out of a funk

Want to get your hands on a one-off version of #TheDress?

$
0
0

The picture of the original dress was first posted on Tumblr by Scot Caitlin McNeill, who asked for help deciding what colour it was. Some of her friends saw it as black and blue, while others insisted it was white and gold.

After Buzzfeed picked up on the story it quickly went viral, with internet users practically coming to virtual blows over what colour the dress really was. Black and blue insisted the woman who saw the dress in person. But most online polls revealed that almost 50 percent of people saw it as white and gold.

And thus began the 15 minutes of fame (and then some) of what will forever be known as #TheDress.

The Dress appeared on The Ellen Show:

The Dress on Ellen

The Dress on Ellen

For some, The Dress became a metaphor for life:

The Dress metaphor for life

The Dress metaphor for life

This guy got a tattoo of The Dress because he "didn't see a reason not to have it done:"

The Dress tattoo

The Dress tattoo

Ant and Dec even created their own version of The Dress for last weekend's Saturday Night Takeaway: 

Ant and Dec The Dress

Ant and Dec The Dress

More: 17 Celebs freaking out about the black and blue #whatcoloristhisdress war

Roman Originals, the clothing company behind the dress that divided the internet, has now produced the garment in white and gold and is selling it on eBay for Red Nose Day. The auction starts today and all proceeds will go to Comic Relief.

You've got until Sunday to bid on this exclusive white and gold version, specially made in your size. (And yes, it really is white and gold.)

More: Here's the explanation behind the colour-changing dress that has baffled the world

Comic Relief's Red Nose Day, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, Davina McCall and Lenny Henry, is on BBC1 on March 13 at 7 p.m.

More fashion

10 Standout looks from London Fashion Week that weren't on the catwalk
2015 Oscars red carpet proves whites and nudes will be all the rage
We love Katie Price's androgynous look at Fashion For Relief

I hate the car seat police

$
0
0

When I scrolled through them, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. For all those people knew, we were parked in the car and not even moving, but that didn't stop them from scrutinizing every angle of the picture in a car-seat-police version of "Where's the Danger?"

A few months ago, the tragic story of one mother who lost her son in a car accident went viral. The mother, Holly Wagner, had posted a picture of her 1-year-old son in his car seat, facing forward with twisted straps, only weeks before the accident and lamented the fact that no one corrected her errors on social media. "No one said anything," Holly told Redbook. "I wish someone had corrected me and told me he wasn't restrained properly." Since Holly's post, many parents see it as their duty to correct other people's car seat photos to prevent any further unnecessary injury.

While, of course, my heart goes out to Holly and her loss and I fully support the campaign to raise awareness about car seat safety, I have to say that I also think that we all know a few moms who seem to take their roles as the car seat police just a tad too far.

Honestly, I gave up even posting pictures of my kids in anything resembling a car seat because I know the car seat police are out there, just lurking, watching and waiting to pounce on my picture and point out every incorrectly-positioned buckle and analyze my lack of safety latches. Heck, I can't even see a picture of a kid in a car seat without my eyes automatically zooming in to the position of their chest strap buckles. Are they high enough? What horrible parents they must be!

I know that technically a comment could provide some much-needed education, but it could also very well be totally misplaced. (Please see: parked vehicle.) And unless we're also cool with policing every aspect of other people's parenting, things can also get a bit dicey. Grapes pose a choking hazard in your kid's lunch. Are the chemicals in your shampoo killing your kids? That plane you're about to board for your family vacation could crash.

My point is, educating is one thing, but I'm not sure social media shaming is the proper forum to get the job done. But then again, obviously the social media shaming I experienced got the job done, because here I am, still thinking about it enough to write about car seat safety. Maybe my real beef with the car seat police is just a slight annoyance because sometimes — and I stress that sometimes — the car seat police think of their thinly-veiled mommy shaming as permissible because it's under the umbrella of "safety first."

I'm not sure what the right answer is. Of course I want more parents educated on how to keep their kids safe and of course I want more children to remain injury-free. Maybe there could be a less offensive way to educate a parent we see making an error? A private message as opposed to blasting their parenting in the comments section? An admission of how someone once corrected us? Maybe requiring that all parents take a car seat safety class once a year?

Or maybe the right answer is simply getting rid of our hang-ups that any constructive criticism is a direct attack on our parenting, whether that be how we feed our kids, parent our kids or buckle them into their car seats.

More on car seat safety

A mom’s guide to car seat safety
Car seat safety
Britax car seats pose possible safety risk (VIDEO)

7 Thoughts everyone had while looking at Kim Kardashian's new blond hair

$
0
0

Beyonce gif

1. Stop trying to be Beyoncé

Girl, we know. Yoncé is the queen of everything. Even Kate Middleton, the most perfect person on the face of the earth, was dying to be photographed with her while visiting New York. So first you married a big hip-hop star just like Beyoncé did and then you had an adorable baby with an unusual name like she did and now you're trying to jack her hairstyle?

Jared Leto

Image: WENN

2. Did you and Jared Leto plan this?

We knew Jared Leto cut his hair and shaved, but then he went and popped up at Paris Fashion Week with platinum locks. Kim Kardashian cut her hair and also popped up at Paris Fashion Week with platinum locks. Coincidence? Is anything in the universe every really coincidence? Ponder that one for a while.

Legolas gif

3. Didn't we see her in The Lord of the Rings?

At the very least, she must have some Sindarin blood, if not a direct relation to Legolas. And judging from the terms of her new E! contract, there is definitely one Kardashian to rule them all.

Spike from Buff gif

4. Who would win a vampire battle, her or Spike from Buffy?

Technically a chip in Spike's head prevents him from hurting humans, but much like when he convinces Buffy she's not entirely human, we're not sure someone with the earning power of Kim is entirely human, either. She's basically a money-making machine who can suck our pockets dry. So who would win? No, really, who?

Draco Malfoy gif

5. This would totally be her face when she gets sorted into Slytherin

She is soooooo Draco Malfoy, for real.

More: Kim Kardashian strips down, shows off her lady bits again in Love

Game of Thrones gif

6. Maybe she's prepping for a guest spot on Game of Thrones

Because she's a dead ringer for Daenerys.

Nicki Minaj gif

7. I wonder if Nicki Minaj wants her look back

Because, really, if it ain't Beyoncé, it's definitely Nicki.

Tell us your thoughts on Kim's blond hair: Love it or hate it?


8 Reasons why Guy Sebastian was the perfect pick for Eurovision 2015

$
0
0

Finally, the word is out about who will be representing Australia on the big Eurovision stage. The suspense was agonising as we were left wondering which Australian music icon would step up as the wild card candidate. There was talk of Kylie Minogue and other Aussie music favourites, but in the end, it was Guy Sebastian who was chosen.

"It's not every day you get to perform in front of that sort of audience, 200 million, beats the local RSL," Guy said after his participation was announced. "I want [the song choice] to represent us as a nation well, but also just be fun or be emotional. Either super fun or like a big ballad or something that showcases my voice."

Guy is going to nail his Eurovision song entry and here's why:

1. Guy knows a thing or two about music show voting systems:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision

Guy Sebastian Eurovision

Not only did Guy Sebastian win Australian Idol in 2003, he also came seventh in World Idol. He clearly knows how to work a crowd and make people vote for him.

2. He's got experience with arena shows and will feel as comfortable as ever on the stage:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 2

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 2

3. Eurovision is all about colourful costumes and big personalities. Guy Sebastian has got that covered:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 3

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 3

4. But he also scrubs up nicely, too, if he decides to go the ballad route:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 4

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 4

5. He's just an Aussie bloke trying to multitask being a parent with being a big kid himself, which is why the public is going to love him:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 5

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 5

6. The man can sing, too, obviously. That voice is going to blow Eurovision away:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 6

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 6

7. When Guy Sebastian releases something new, it's big. He's got more than 50 gold and platinum certifications and he writes his own music, too:

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 7

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 7

8. This has got to count for something, too, right?

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 8

Guy Sebastian Eurovision 8

What do you think about Guy Sebastian representing Australia at Eurovision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More music news

Brit Awards 2015: As told by Instagram
Beyoncé's even more beautiful in leaked, unPhotoshopped pictures
BBC's ageism against Madonna is outrageous and we must take a stand

Should your sex life be part of the workplace?

$
0
0

That's what's on offer to the employees at Australia's largest radio company, Southern Cross Austereo, in Perth to discourage them from having children.

Linda Wayman, who runs SCA's radio stations Mix 94.5 and Hit 92.9, spoke at a Mumbrella conference in Perth this week, saying more than one-third of her employees are on maternity leave or covering for someone who is.

"Thirty-five per cent of my staff at the moment are on a maternity leave contract or maternity leave and that's significant" she said.

"We do have a big jar of condoms at work. I'm not lying, I'm not exaggerating. I do encourage people regularly, to have sex with condoms. That is a big area of focus for me, encouraging people to have sex with condoms."

Wayman is so worried about her staff getting pregnant that she's even opposed to any legislation that enforces the reemployment of staff into part-time roles.

"I don't agree with the union push at the moment that women coming back to work automatically should be allowed to come back part-time. I'd love to, but I'd be lying if I said that was wonderful. It's an idealistic and anti-commercial stance."

Women get pregnant. It happens. And too often it is seen as a financial and social burden for the company as employees go on maternity leave. Some women decide to take time off to have a baby and raise a family, something our current workplace dynamic, which developed during the industrial revolution and favours men in the way it operates, does not always support. But is it right for big business to interfere with employees' sex lives and reproduction goals?

One mother and CEO of company PowerToFly, Katharine Zaleski, says she used to be one of those high-flying bosses who would dismiss mothers for not being committed enough to their jobs because of the responsibilities to their children.

"I didn't disagree when another female editor said we should hurry up and fire another woman before she 'got pregnant,'" she wrote in an essay in Fortune.

"I scheduled last minute meetings at 4:30pm all of the time. It didn't dawn on me that parents might need to pick up their kids at daycare."

But having a child herself made her realise women with children make choices based on their personal circumstance.

"I didn't realise how horrible I'd been until five years later, when I gave birth to a daughter," Zaleski admits.

"I wish I had known five years ago, as a young, childless manager, that mothers are the people you need on your team. There's a saying that 'if you want something done then ask a busy person to do it.' That's exactly why I like working with mothers now."

Some flexibility in the workplace and support for women who decide to raise a family as well as work, and a bit of understanding from the corporate world that mums in the workplace are not a liability would go a long way. Perhaps a lot more so than a jar of condoms.

More on women in the workplace

Don't host your International Women's Day event at a men-only club like the LNP
Does excluding men from Q&A's feminism panel legitimise the debate?
Now that Tony Abbott is a #HeForShe campaigner we can put him to work

10 Rich Babies of Instagram who have more money than you

$
0
0

The phrase "If you've got it, flaunt it" comes to mind. I just never thought that parents would take this so literally by flaunting their fat stacks of cash and fancy cars alongside their babies. Unless these lavish #richbabiesofinstagram pics are a joke and we are all being fooled, wealthy parents on Instagram are officially using their babies as a status statement.

Check out the 10 richest babies on Instagram, and try not to be jealous:

1. Baby in a Beemer

Rich baby 1

Rich baby 1

Driving your own mini BMW before you graduate preschool? Now that's living the good life.

2. Baby in Burberry

Rich baby 2

Rich baby 2

Just a super adorable rich baby in Burberry like it ain't no thang.

3. Baby Versace

Rich baby 3

Rich baby 3

If this baby's all-white Versace ensemble doesn't make you #jelly, nothing will.

4. Cha-ching

Rich baby 4

Rich baby 4

Even Joe Jonas couldn't get enough of this cute tot waving a wad of cash like a boss. When he shared the video to Instagram, it got close to 100,000 likes.

5. Insta-rich

Rich baby 5

Rich baby 5

We get it — you have lots of money. You also have a really adorable baby.

6. Little prince

Rich baby 6

Rich baby 6

Only the finest things for this dapper dude who probably hasn't even learned to walk yet. (Don't scuff those shoes!)

7. Little princess

Rich baby 7

Rich baby 7

This sweet baby's mother isn't shy as she poses her among her jewels with the caption, "Please call me rich babe!"

8. Richie Rich

Rich baby 8

Rich baby 8

This baby is living out my lifelong Scrooge McDuck fantasy: I've always wanted to swim in a pile of money.

9. Poppin' bottles

Rich baby 9

Rich baby 9

Not the kind of bottle you would expect a 6-month-old to pop, but what do I know?

10. Solid gold

Rich baby 10

Rich baby 10

Because every baby needs a gold ring — as long as it isn't a choking hazard.

More on babies

Christ, Lucifer and other baby names that have been banned
Baby names that are unique (but not weird)
Adorable baby can't stand it when his dad pretends to cry (VIDEO)

Teen Mom Katie Yeager accused Jenelle Evans of lying about domestic violence

$
0
0

On Wednesday, Evans called 911 and told cops that after going back to the house she shared with Griffith to retrieve some belongings for school (the two broke off their engagement in January), Griffith pinned her "against a toilet and forcibly removed an engagement ring from her finger," according to the police report, explaining that she "went to the master bathroom and was sitting on the toilet when [Griffith] came [into] the bathroom and pinned her against the toilet... [and] wrestled her for the engagement ring."

More: Teen Mom's Catelynn and Tyler reveal shocking details of their drug-filled pasts

Griffith said he "never touched the victim" and that Evans "got upset with him and took the engagement ring off," but she showed cops a cut on her ring finger as proof. Griffith was arrested and charged with one count of criminal domestic violence.

Not everyone is buying Evans' story, though. Fellow Teen Mom, Katie Yeager, tweeted a not-so-subtle dig at her castmate and we think it's pretty obvious whose side she's on.

Katie Yeager victim tweet

Katie Yeager victim tweet

More: Teen Mom's Gary Shirley released a condom line with a rather bizarre name

Evans doesn't seem to be allowing herself to get sucked into the drama, though. She hasn't mentioned the incident and has posted only a photo of what she's studying at school and an inspirational message to herself.

Jenelle Evans school IG

Jenelle Evans school IG

Tell us: What do you think of Jenelle Evans' latest drama?

Katy Perry is starting to look like she's from another planet (PHOTOS)

$
0
0

Katy Perry concert

Rainbow hair just might be the big summer color trend after people see this photo of the singer looking all dolled up for her concert special, which airs March 28. The sneak peeks of the show are making us drool with anticipation.

More: Katy Perry dissed Taylor Swift during the Super Bowl? You be the judge

Katy Perry Concert

It might be even more epic than Left Shark.

Her look is definitely more futuristic than we've ever seen before. And that's saying something if you've seen her music video for "E.T." Just when we think the singer can't up the ante any further, she delivers. These photos look like a spread from an alien-inspired fashion magazine.

More: How Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance became one of the greats

According to Perry herself, "After over 100 shows and counting on The Prismatic World Tour, I'm thrilled to now be partnering with EPIX to share this incredible show with everyone at home in the U.S. IF you thought the 12 1/2 minutes at the Super Bowl were a feast for the eyes, imagine what you'll get in this 2-hour show!"

Katy Perry concert

EPIX President and CEO Mark Greenberg promised the show would include "explosive performances, fiery artistry and fun sense of style." The special will showcase performances of all of Perry's hits, from "Dark Horse" to "I Kissed a Girl."

More: 9 Things to know about Katy Perry's shark guy and his Ninja-Turtle abs

Katy Perry concert

The world television premiere of Katy Perry's Prismatic World Tour will air Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m. on EPIX. Don't worry if you're not an EPIX subscriber. You'll be able to watch the special online at EPIX.com as a live free stream and on Perry's Facebook page.

What do you think of Perry's intergalactic look for her Prismatic World Tour?

Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images