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

7 TV shows that parents and kids can enjoy together

0
0

The seven television shows below are either currently in production or available through streaming services like Netflix. Whether your pre-teenage or teenage student likes animals or history, at least one of the programs below is likely to catch your interest. Happy watching, families!

1. American Pickers

Currently in its seventh season, American Pickers follows two antique collectors, Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe. Fritz and Wolfe travel throughout the United States (and occasionally abroad) in an attempt to locate and purchase historically significant items. These items include discontinued toys, gasoline pumps, lamps, motorcycles, pre-World War II advertisements and so much more.

2. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

This 2014 miniseries revisits Carl Sagan's 1980 classic, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey invites us on a journey through space. In 13 riveting episodes, deGrasse Tyson explores our current understanding of the universe, as well as what the future may hold for space exploration.

3. Doctor Who

Like Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, the rebooted Doctor Who concerns itself with the wonders of the vast universe. An alien doctor and his human companion travel from planet to planet, encountering unusual phenomena and, of course, danger. In this fictional series, the Doctor is both scientist and protector, creatively saving the Earth on numerous occasions.

4. MasterChef Junior

With three seasons under its belt, MasterChef Junior remains a popular cooking competition, and a cooking competition where the participants are children! Gordon Ramsay (while on his best behavior) serves as host and mentor. Many of the chefs, all of whom are 13 or younger, rival or surpass adults in their culinary acumen.

5. Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is a modern-day re-interpretation and weaving together of multiple fairy tales. While magic is present, so is imagination, loyalty and the crucial concept of free choice. Strong family ties are also a central theme, and the drama's ability to mix the common with the fantastic makes it a compelling watch.

6. Rehab Addict

This reality television show follows the restoration work of Nicole Curtis, a Midwest native. Curtis, who is also a single mother, saves homes that would otherwise be demolished. No project is too large for Curtis, who participates in every step of the process, from refinishing original wood trim to replacing a failing roof.

7. Unlikely Animal Friends

Unlikely Animal Friends is a National Geographic program that is sure to be an entertaining choice for families who love animals. Each episode features a surprising animal-animal or animal-human pair, such as Sunshade (an Airedale terrier) and her prized guinea pigs. In each episode, animal experts share interesting tidbits about topics like habitat conservation or typical animal behavior, all without sacrificing a second of adorable animal footage!

For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit www.varsitytutors.com.


Joss Whedon sued for $10M: Here's how Cabin in the Woods compares to the book

0
0

More: 7 Avengers 2 trailer moments that look absolutely amazing

We love Joss Whedon and hate to ever suggest he's done something wrong. However, when you look at a comparison of Gallagher's book and Whedon's film, it's hard to not see proof that the two are basically the same story. The Hollywood Reporter has the full paperwork from the lawsuit, which lists every single similarity between the book and movie. Here are some of the first few similarities side by side.

Character demographic

Gallagher's Night in the Pines: Two couples and a male friend, recently graduated from high school

Whedon's Cabin in the Woods: Two couples and a male friend, in college

Location

Gallagher's Night in the Pines: Remotely located cabin named "Brinkley House"

Whedon's Cabin in the Woods: Remotely located cabin named "Buckner House"

Name/image similarities

Gallagher's Night in the Pines: Julie (blond and blue-eyed), Dura (brunette)

Whedon's Cabin in the Woods: Jules (blond and blue-eyed), Dana (brunette)

More: Avengers cast sings Christmas carols and it's hilarious (VIDEO)

Plot similarities

Gallagher's Night in the Pines: A local gives directions, but warns the friends that "something is wrong" with the cabin. Later you find out he's working for a third party to manipulate the situation.

Whedon's Cabin in the WoodsA local gives directions, but warns the friends that "something is wrong" with the cabin. Later you find out he's working for a third party to manipulate the situation.

Gallagher's Night in the Pines: No cell service

Whedon's Cabin in the Woods: No cell service

Gallagher's Night in The Pines: Travelers eventually learn that a family was murdered in the cabin.

Whedon's Cabin in the WoodsTravelers eventually learn that a family was murdered in the cabin.

We'll stop for fear of spoiling the book or the movie for you, but the similarities continue throughout the two works, all the way to the resolution. If you've previously watched Cabin in the Woods and would like to check out the book for yourself, it's available for free on Scribd. It could be months or years before Gallagher sees a resolution to his lawsuit. Show him a little love by checking out his excellent book which, for quite a while, he sold on the boardwalk in Venice, doing all his own footwork after self-publishing. We're massive Whedon fans, but as writers we can't help but side with Gallagher on this. Let's hope he gets the money he deserves.

More: 5 Things to know about Marvel's Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman

New alcoholic drink specifically 'for women' needs to rethink its audience

0
0

Did you ladies out there even know that all those malt beverages you've been drinking were for men? Apparently we had no business getting our dainty little hands on the likes of Smirnoff Ice or Twisted Tea. Fortunately Mike's new, chick-friendly Palm Breeze, a "remarkably light alcohol spritz," will help millennial women "vacay every day." Because nothing says girlie "vacay" like a can of sparkling booze, amiright?

According to Mike's, the Palm Breeze is "specifically targeted [at] the 11 million millennial women that drink more than 13 million cases of flavored malt beverages each year." By those numbers, it seems to me that we gals already know a few things: 1) These drinks exist, 2) they are tasty, 3) we're "allowed" to buy them.

We live in a world where alcohol has gender assignments. Mike's isn't the first company to do it and won't be the last. When my husband and I go out for happy hour, we wait while the bartender inevitably places the lemon drop martini in front of me and the bourbon in front of my husband. Then we swap, and I drink the "manly" drink while he sips happily away on his sugar-coated rim.

You hear that, Mike's? Gasp! There are guys out there who like "girlie" drinks. And wait for it… there are women who like booze that isn't light, fruity or spritzy.

More: Thanks, but we don't need a video to teach us how to drink whiskey

Now, I'm not saying women shouldn't embrace their love for these kinds of drinks. And I'm not saying I don't enjoy one every now and then. But what I don't want is to be told that as a woman, I will love this frilly beverage simply because it is a frilly beverage. Because maybe I will, but maybe so will a bunch of burly, non-millennial men who will also be put off by this marketing campaign.

What I'm saying is, Mike's, everyone liked your Hard Lemonade without any recommendation from you as to whether it was meant for men or women. Just let us make the choice. We might surprise you. But let’s stop with the gender-assigned alcohol, please.

For those of you who want to try the Palm Breeze, gender be damned, you can get six-packs for $6.99 anywhere alcohol is sold, in two "endlessly refreshing flavors": Ruby Red Citrus and Pineapple Mandarin Orange.

More cocktails (for guys or gals)

3 Spring mimosas that will up your brunch game
15 Trendy beer cocktails you must try ASAP
20 Skinny cocktails you'll never believe are actually low-cal

Sofía Vergara is being sued by her ex, Nick Loeb, and the claims are awful

0
0

More: Sofía Vergara says her curves kept her from playing a specific type of role

So, what could Loeb possibly be suing his former fiancée for?

Just six months before the pair split in November 2013, they appear to have been planning a family together, because according to InTouch, they "had embryos created as a result of his sperm and her eggs being fertilized." And Loeb, who has filed court documents using the pseudonym John Doe, wants to prevent them from being destroyed.

More: Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello are engaged

The documents that were filed last August detail how John Doe "seeks to ensure that the female embryos are not destroyed, but Jane Doe [Sofía Vergara] refuses to agree to their preservation under all circumstances."

The documents also claim that "John seeks to save from destruction two cryopreserved female embryos created using John's sperm and Jane's [Vergara] ova for the purposes of attempting to have children. However, before the female embryos could be implanted in a surrogate, the parties ended their relationship." And they disagreed on the fate of the embryos, with Vergara wanting them to be "destroyed" and Loeb wanting to keep them.

And that's not even the most shocking part, because Loeb claims that during their relationship, Vergara was very abusive toward him both "physically and mentally."

The court documents paint an awful picture, one where Vergara reportedly "punched him in the face on two occasions, kicked him and threw her phone at his head. She also routinely bullied him, calling him a 'loser,' 'worthless' and other degrading names."

Celebrity breakups slideshow

First set of all girl quintuplets born in the USA

0
0
All-girl quints born

All-girl quints born

Quintuplets are extremely rare, but for Danielle and Adam Busby, they definitely hit the jackpot. They welcomed five girls when they delivered their quints, a feat so unusual that it hasn't happened anywhere in the world since 1969, and it hasn't ever happened in the U.S.

The girls, Olivia Marie, Ava Lane, Hazel Grace, Parker Kate and Riley Paige, were born via C-section at 28 weeks, two days — around 12 weeks earlier than the average singleton birth. And it was a rapid delivery too, with all five babies arriving within four minutes.

The couple had trouble conceiving, and they had a daughter a few years ago with the help of IUI (intrauterine insemination). They went that route this time but got a lot more than one baby. Mom worked hard to maintain the healthiest pregnancy possible, and one of the doctors who helped deliver the quints said that all the babies are healthy, they weigh what they should for their gestational age and that they are requiring only a little bit of help breathing.

There were over a dozen medical professionals on hand for the delivery, and they also brought on seven neonatologists to assist with the girls after their birth.

According to the CDC, there were only 66 births of quintuplets (or higher-order multiples) born in the U.S. in 2013 (when compared to the 3.9 million total births that year, you realize that's a tiny fraction).

As with most premature births, the babies will need to remain in the hospital until they get closer to 40 weeks of gestation, so based on early reports, they are doing well enough that they should get to go home with their family in a few months.

Congrats to the Bubsys! You can follow along with them at their blog to see some amazing videos and check out photos of the family as they adjust to their five new girlie additions. It is always fun to see how parents of high-order multiples tackle the tasks of feeding, diapering and clothing their huge brood, so their blog should become even more wonderful when they go home.

More parenting in the news

Oversharing mom targeted on Facebook by 'Mean Girl' friends
Breastfeeding fetishism is a thing, and moms are fighting back
65-Year-old mother of 13 pregnant with quadruplets

Kim Kardashian's face was blurred out in a pic for a strange reason (PHOTO)

0
0

The reality star moved on to Israel after her jaunt to Armenia, and while there, she and Kanye West had their daughter North baptized and enjoyed dinner with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat — but when an ultra-Orthodox paper covered the visit, they blurred Kim out of a photo and covered her up with a receipt in another.

Kim K blurred from Orthodox paper

Kim K blurred from Orthodox paper

More: Kanye West walks on water, makes everyone a believer in Yeezus (PHOTO)

Here is how the original photo appeared.

Kim and Kanye

Image: Jerusalem Muni/Israel Sun/WENN.com

Adding insult to injury, Kim wasn't even named in Kikar HaShabbat's article, referred to only as "singer Kanye West's wife."

The site's editor Nissim Ben Haim said that Kim's image was removed because she is a "pornographic symbol" and the antithesis of Orthodox values, but that wasn't their only complaint — they were also disturbed that the mayor was not keeping kosher with his meal, enjoying a dish of chicken and butter together.

In addition to Kim's inauspicious beginnings as the star of a homemade sex tape with her ex-boyfriend Ray J, more recently she attempted to break the internet with her full frontal nudes on the cover of Paper magazine.

The slight did not put a damper on the family's trip, however. They even made time to visit the site where the faithful believe Jesus was crucified.

Kim Kanye Jesus crucifiction site

Kim Kanye Jesus crucifiction site

More: The Kardashians can't park in Hollywood anymore — here's why

Mom's Facebook post proves not all disabilities are visible

0
0

Corinna Skorpenske took to Facebook to defend her daughter.

"Since she was 16 years old, she has been suffering from LUPUS. Basically, her immune system thinks her body inside and out is something bad and attacks it. It started with her joints swelling and the pain being so bad she could hardly walk. But she continued going to school and keeping up with her community service."

She continued:

"Many people suffer with these "GHOST" diseases, which you can't see but are just as bad as a physical disability. People die of depression, but we can't see that."

All this after only a few weeks ago when another Ohio neighbor took the parking spot of an amputee in her apartment complex. To add insult to injury, this unempathetic person called another human being with a missing leg names and went on to threaten the woman for touching her car. I'm still shaking my head at that one.

It would appear that Ohio doesn't treat its disabled population very well but this ridiculousness is happening everywhere so we can't just point fingers at one state. As the mother of a disabled child, someone who cares for a partially disabled parent and also suffers from an invisible disability myself, this is getting old real fast.

More: If daylight saving time messed you up, imagine being autistic

The fearless mother in this most recent attack was nice enough to go into quite a bit of detail about her daughter's private battles with lupus. She gives detail after detail of how her daughter has suffered with what she calls a "ghost disease" for years but has still managed to live and more important, give to others despite her condition.

I know people who suffer with this debilitating and painful disease and their path is not easy. I applaud the mother for taking the time to post such sensitive information when she clearly did not have to. But I hate that she may have felt obligated to do so because of such ignorance and insensitivity by nosy strangers.

When did the parking lot become a hangout for self-appointed vigilantes to dispute the rights of the disabled anyway? Each incident plays out pretty much the same: The vigilante determines, by eye-balling alone, that a person using a "disabled" spot is not really handicapped and so is legally "gaming the system."

What's next, following pregnant women back to their cars demanding sonogram pictures if they're not quite showing yet? Or, even better. I dare you to ask a wounded warrior what his/her disability is. Sure, some people take advantage, cheat and use these place cards illegally but that's not for the average person to police. Just walk your able-bodied self to your parking space and be thankful you don't need the disabled spot.

More: Joni Mitchell helps shed light on controversial disease known as Morgellons

I hope this post finds its way back to the busybody who wrote the note. I hope they've learned the valuable lesson this mom has reminded us all of. "Don't judge a book by its cover." Apparently we are never too old to learn this.

Mom defends daughter's disability

Mom defends daughter's disability

Chilling message from Sopranos creator will make you rethink the entire show

0
0

David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, revealed to the Directors Guild of America how the popular Journey song "Don't Stop Believing" was the perfect metaphor to summarize the end of the show that changed television forever.

But that was the magic of the series. As far as The Sopranos' Mafia family seemed from our own lives, it also felt surprisingly familiar. That's partly because we can all reference a time in our lives when we heard or maybe even sang along to Journey's popular rock anthem. Chase admits that was his intention directing the scene all along when Tony (James Gandolfini) sits alone at the diner, waiting for his family.

More: How American Horror Story empowers women and the LGBTQ community

"Tony's flipping through the jukebox; it's almost like the soundtrack of his life, because he sees various songs. No matter what song we picked, I wanted it to be a song that would have been from Tony's high school years, or his youth. That's what he would have played. When I wrote it, there were three songs in contention for this last song, and 'Don't Stop Believing' was the one that seemed to work the best. I think it's a really good rock 'n' roll song. The music is very important to me in terms of the timing of the scene, the rhythm of the scene. The song dictates part of the pace. And having certain lyrics of the song, and certain instrumental flourishes happen in certain places, dictates what the cuts will be. I directed the scene to fit the song," said Chase.

The Sopranos

Chase went on to explain how the lyrics of "Don't Stop Believing" relate to Tony and Carmela (Edie Falco).

"I love the timing of the lyric when Carmela enters: 'Just a small town girl livin' in a lonely world, she took the midnight train goin' anywhere.' Then it talks about Tony: 'Just a city boy,' and we had to dim down the music so you didn't hear the line, 'born and raised in South Detroit.' The music cuts out a little bit there, and they're speaking over it. 'He took the midnight train goin' anywhere.' And that to me was [everything]. I felt that those two characters had taken the midnight train a long time ago. That is their life."

More: The Sons of Anarchy/Hamlet parallel means certain death for [SPOILER]

The Sopranos

But probably the most emotional part of the scene is when Tony reaches across the table and lovingly touches his son's hand. It's a gesture of love and acceptance, a rare moment for Tony. But it went deeper than just a moment between two actors playing father and son, according to Chase.

The Sopranos

"A lot of the audience I gathered doesn't like A.J. — they think he's a useless, spoiled fool. But there's also something about him that is earnest. He's got his father's kind of questioning and kind of little-boy innocence. When I see Tony reach across and grab his arm [when he arrives], it makes me feel really good. Not only that, I'll tell you who else is reaching across the table: that's Jim Gandolfini reaching across to Robert Iler in the last scene they're going to do together. I never talked about it with them, but I know for a fact."

Then there's the ending, where the lyrics to the song go, "don't stop" and the screen goes black. Many people interpreted this to be Tony getting shot and killed. What Chase couldn't have anticipated is how the emotion of this scene is now compounded, knowing that our beloved Gandolfini died of cardiac arrest at the age of 51, just a few years after this scene was filmed.

More: 11 Good Wife spoilers for season 6 finale

About this end moment of the show — Chase wouldn't cop to killing off Tony Soprano in the scene, but he did make a more ominous statement, saying, "All I know is the end is coming for all of us."

Very true. None of us gets to escape our own finale, and we're suddenly looking at the show in a new way — almost as if it was a contemplation on death. It's this unrelenting look at the light and dark sides of the human experience that may make The Sopranos the best television show in history. You can rewatch the final scene here.

Images: HBO


Jason Biggs majorly disses The Bachelor's Chris Soules (VIDEO)

0
0

The American Pie star chatted with Nick Lachey on VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live to promote his role in the Broadway play The Heidi Chronicles, when he dropped a bomb about former Bachelor and current Dancing with the Stars contestant Chris Soules — basically, he thinks he sucks at life.

"I think he's a better dancer than he was a bachelor… and that's not saying a lot," Biggs said. "He was pretty boring, I'm not gonna lie. Wasn't a huge fan."

Ouch!

More: Chris Soules' Dancing partner is causing a rift in his relationship with Whitney

Biggs also has a pretty strong opinion about the new format of The Bachelorette: that it defeats the empowering message of a woman choosing from a dozen men by pitting two bachelorettes against each other.

More: Chris Soules had a motive on The Bachelor aside from love

Watch Jason Biggs discuss The Bachelor and The Bachelorette with Nick Lachey

Jason Biggs disses Chris Soules

Jason Biggs disses Chris Soules

Soules survived the eliminations on Monday's DWTS.

Tell us: Do you agree with Jason Biggs' assessment of Chris Soules?

These inexpensive decor tricks will give you a magazine-worthy bedroom

0
0

If you want to fall asleep every night and wake up every morning in a space that makes you feel pampered and proud, try these eight budget decor tricks for creating your own magazine-worthy, impressive bedroom.

1. Bring in a plant

Image: Sharon/Lilikoi Joy

OK, so it's no surprise, but bringing in some greenery is the very cheapest way to add instant class to your bedroom. Make sure not to overdo it; a potted plant or two should be quite enough to dress up your space. For a cottage-fresh touch, add a bright vase of flowers to your nightstand.

2. Update your hardware

Image: Carrie/Lovely Etc.

Use old jewelry to add some interest to your furniture by creating custom hardware. This may be a small touch, but unique hardware goes a long way in your bedroom design, and with this DIY it's totally free. Choose pieces with bold colors or details to draw the eye.

3. Keep a clean palette

Image: Jennifer/Classic Style Home

A simple palette, like white and black or white and gray, will give you more freedom when bringing in details and accents, and will immediately create the illusion of a tidy, put-together space. Even in a small bedroom, this color combo will create bold contrast and lines, and make your decor pop.

4. Pile on the throw pillows

Image: Samantha/Crafty Texas Girls

This easy decor idea works like magic for both beds and sofas. Use a soft mountain of throw pillows to add contrast and colorful highlights, without sacrificing space or comfort. While a bold-patterned coverlet or throw might overwhelm the eye, throw pillows give you just enough space to play with colors and mix patterns easily.

5. Add a beautiful DIY headboard

Image: Stephanie/Glitter & Goat Cheese

There's no question that a stately headboard will instantly frame your bedroom, but shopping for one can put a serious dent in your wallet. Save money by DIYing your own glamorous headboard, with an easy-to-follow tutorial that will help you create the expensive-looking bedroom accent your space needs.

6. Hang a romantic canopy

Image: Teryn @Vintage Romance Style

Though this might sound a bit excessive, a lovely draped canopy can turn a boring bedroom into a chic hotel suite. Achieve this dramatic bedroom upgrade using a simple, low-cost DIY, so that your bedroom only looks like a million bucks.

7. Replace your regular lighting

Image: Rachel/Pintucks & Peonies

Don't underestimate the effect that your boring light fixture is having on your bedroom. For an instant and inexpensive fix, upgrade your underwhelming lighting with an eye-catching alternative, like an interesting pendant light or an elegant chandelier.

8. Decorate with class

Image: Jen/The House of Wood

If you're trying to give your bedroom a high-end facelift, make sure your smaller decor and details aren't working against you. Create a classy marble tray to display your belongings on your vanity, desk or nightstand.
For more bedroom decor inspirations and how-tos, take a look at our bedroom ideas page on Hometalk!

For your kid's sake, learn to be OK with saying 'I'm not OK'

0
0

My daughter and I were finally flying back home after six months of traveling around the country.

This time we were flying from California to New York City and although I had been really tired the days leading up to the flight, I ignored all the signs that I needed to be taking better care of myself. When we arrived at the airport, I was mentally and physically exhausted. My body was hot, my head hurt and I was extremely hungry, but I ignored all of it and kept my mind on getting home.

Thirty minutes after departure I woke up out of a nap feeling very dizzy and with extremely blurred vision. Since I am no stranger to blacking out, I rang for the flight attendant and calmly told her I felt like I was going to throw up and pass out. Then darkness.

I came to and the only thought on my mind was, "I hope I don't disrupt my daughter" (who was quietly napping on my lap). "Do you need a doctor? Gloria? Gloria? Do you need a doctor?" I was asked repeatedly. I replied no and asked for some juice and an oxygen tank instead. While the flight attendants applied cold wet paper towels to my body, hooked me up to an oxygen tank and essentially fed me juice through a straw, I felt the familiar boiling point feeling I'm accustomed to: the familiar feelings that would lead to panic attacks that I have long chose to ignore. However, this time the feelings were coming stronger and with (also familiar) feelings of an anxiety attack.

I sat there crying, shaking, hyperventilating and in cold sweats with very limited vision having an emotional, mental and physical breakdown in front of a plane full of people while my child lay sleeping peacefully in my lap.

The whole time I kept apologizing and saying, "I'm OK, I'm OK, I'm OK," when that was the farthest statement from the truth. I wasn't OK. I was a mess. My entire existence had reached a point where it had to shut down for me to realize it existed.

Once I was nursed back to temporary health and the plane landed, I realized I was not OK and that it is OK to acknowledge and very important to know. My passive relationship with my mental health and not being honest with myself and others about things that affect me led to my 30,000-feet-in-air complete meltdown.

I thought about how many times I wanted to shout "No! It's not OK. I'm not OK. I can't and I don't want to fix it," but instead said, "I'm OK," or "It's OK," or "Don't worry, I can fix it."

Saying "I'm not OK" doesn't mean you are a terrible human — it makes you human. The truth is no one can be OK all the time and pretending that we are is one of the unhealthiest things we can do as people and as parents.

Since my complete meltdown on the plane, I have made it a priority to be honest about how I'm feeling with myself, with my clients and with my family and friends when they ask or when I'm just having a hard time. Being honest with myself about my depression and anxiety helps me manage my mental health better, it helps me identify what might be a hard day and I can plan accordingly and let my daughter know that "Mommy is having a hard day today."

Being OK with not being OK helps me feel more human and forces me to face my mental health concerns straight on. It also helps me parent my daughter in more effective and intentional ways.

Sometimes I'm not OK and that's OK.

Read more on mental health

It's #TimetoTalk — and the topic is mental health
Breaking the mental illness stigma
How to reduce your risk for depression

What President Obama wants all working moms to know

0
0

obama lisa stone

SheKnows' own Lisa Stone, image from WH.gov

So, surrounded by community members and more than 50 SheKnows Media and BlogHer Experts, President Obama participated in a Town Hall today to talk to everyday working American women about the issues that most impact our lives — equal pay, jobs, student debt, child care and the everyday struggle to raise a family in 2015 America.

Led by BlogHer co-founder and SheKnows Community Officer Lisa Stone, we asked the president tough questions about the future of America and exactly how he thinks it will look for our children. In case you missed his answers, here's what President Obama wants you to know.

About equal pay...

obama

Image: WH.gov

"The main breadwinner in our entire family was my grandmother," President Obama said. "I've got two daughters and I expect them to be treated the same as someone's sons on the job."

So why can't we get the Paycheck Fairness Act passed?

"It's really just a matter of convincing a number of Republicans that they have daughters too, they have spouses," he added.

According to the White House, the average woman will lose $420,000 over her lifetime due to the wage gap of about 22 cents an hour between men and women doing the same work.

White House Equal Pay

White House Equal Pay

"Let me tell you, now, Michelle would point out that First Ladies get paid nothing, so there's clearly not equal pay in the White House when it comes to her and me," President Obama said. "But before we were in the White House, I wanted to make sure Michelle got paid as much as she could! I want a big paycheck for Michelle! That wasn't a "women's issue" — if she had a big paycheck, that made us able to pay the bills!"

So what do we need to get this done? An all-too-familiar obstacle: Congress.

"What we need to do is build a movement," he said.

About American mothers' primary concern, family-friendly government policies...

obama

Image: WH.gov

Blogger Feminista Jones submitted a question asking the president why America is so far behind other countries on pro-family policies like paid maternity and paternity leave and affordable child care. Another woman in the audience, Collette (pictured above in red), asked about why the child care vouchers she depended on to take care of her children while she worked have disappeared.

"I'm a single parent and me and my fellow sisters had to make choices between before-school care and after school because we need to work," she told the president. "How can you help us?"

President Obama responded by pointing out that for every $1 the government invests in early childhood education our American economy as a whole nets an additional $7 in a decreased need for social services and interventions in the future and added tax revenue that healthy successful members of our economy contribute.

"It's not charity," the president added about wanting to invest in everyone's children. "If your child is doing well, paying taxes, staying in school... that's an investment."

About student loan debt… 

obama

Image: WH.gov

One college junior who plays on her college basketball team (pictured above) asked President Obama about how to reduce the "the bond" students have today to skyrocketing student loan debt.

No stranger to student loan debt himself, the president says first it's important to give students a basic education about the debt they're taking on.

"We need to educate young people on how student loans work and interest rates," President Obama said. "And we need to reduce the cost of higher education in general."

One of the ways the Obama administration has tried to drive down the cost of college is by introducing legislation making a two-year community college education free for every American.

About what we should tell our girls about a system rigged against them…

obama

Image: WH.gov

Ashley Taylor, who is an R.N. and blogs at The Dose of Reality asked President Obama what was perhaps the toughest question of the afternoon, "As the mother of two daughters, how do you suggest I best empower them if they will be paid less than a male counterpart?"

Obama talked about the need for women to come together and create a movement. He admits that although "we want all these young ladies to feel like the world is wide open," that it's important to recognize where progress still needs to be made.

"Remind your daughters that things aren't always perfectly fair," he said. "But people with determination can make them fairer."

More on Women's issues

6 Books that address women's rights issues
These Equal Pay Day numbers are truly shocking and unfair
How U.S. maternity leave policies compare to other countries

Jamie Costa's imitation of Robin Williams and 16 other celebs are insane

0
0

Costa's insanely amazing impersonations of the late, great Robin Williams have gone viral and we're just sitting over here wondering why we haven't heard of the guy before. Costa's impression of Williams isn't just good, it's downright scary. He perfectly nails Williams' voice and his face even morphs into the that of the comedian's. Watch as Costa takes on all of Williams' most famous roles from Popeye to Mrs. Doubtfire.

Jamie Costa Robin Williams impression

Jamie Costa Robin Williams impression

Though already a celebrity in his own right in the Vine community, Costa is relatively unknown and only has a handful of acting credits on IMDB. However, the guy is clearly a genius and is likely to be on his way to fame.

More: Comedian impersonates Lena Dunham, Kristen Stewart in traffic and nails it (VIDEO)

After watching his take on Williams, it's kind of hard to imagine him as anyone else, but Costa's talent allows him to eerily, yet hilariously, mimic a variety of other actors and characters.

1. Dustin Hoffman

Jamie Costa Dustin Hoffman

Jamie Costa Dustin Hoffman

His voice! If you close your eyes, you'd swear that The Graduate is on your screen.

2. Owen Wilson

Jamie Costa Owen Wilson

Jamie Costa Owen Wilson

He's got the lip pursing down pat, not to mention the fact this totally sounds like Wilson would say.

3. Michael Caine

Jamie Costa Michael Caine

Jamie Costa Michael Caine

Caine's accent isn't an easy one, but Costa's got in on lock.

More: Christina Aguilera's Britney Spears impression is amazing (VIDEO)

4. Captain Jack Sparrow

Jamie Costa Captain Jack Sparrow

Jamie Costa Captain Jack Sparrow

Speaking of tricky accents: The cadence of Captain Jack Sparrow was created by Johnny Depp, but Costa has no problem recreating it.

5. George Bush

Jamie Costa George Bush

Jamie Costa George Bush

Costa is giving Will Ferrell a run for his money with this one.

6. Forrest Gump

Jamie Costa Forrest Gump

Jamie Costa Forrest Gump

We were wondering how Forrest Gump felt about Zayn Malik leaving One Direction. Mystery solved.

7. Matthew McConaughey

Jamie Costa Matthew McConaughey

Jamie Costa Matthew McConaughey

Is it possible that Costa's McConaughey is better than Jim Carrey's?

8. Jack Nicholson

Jamie Costa Jack Nicholson

Jamie Costa Jack Nicholson

Costa sells it as Nicholson, who we are sure really is all about the after-party.

9. Christopher Walken

Jamie Costa Christopher Walken

Jamie Costa Christopher Walken

Walken has to be on of the most often imitated actor's ever, but rarely does someone really nail it. Costa does.

10. Harrison Ford

Jamie Costa Harrison Ford

Jamie Costa Harrison Ford

File this one under creepy. Costa's take on Ford's little half smile/smirk is so close to the original, it's scary.

11. Heath Ledger as The Joker

Jamie Costa Heath Ledger

Jamie Costa Heath Ledger

It's the little details that really make costa's impressions pop. The tongue action in the end of this one really gives it that something extra.

12. Russell Crowe

Jamie Costa Russell Crowe

Jamie Costa Russell Crowe

Again, dazzling us with the accent. He also really gets that growling, throaty quality that is so unique to Crowe.

13. John Lovitz

Jamie Costa John Lovitz

Jamie Costa John Lovitz

Lovitz is another distinct character that Costa has no problems taking on. His voice is perfect.

14 & 15. Gandalf and Smeagol

Jamie Costa LOTR

Jamie Costa LOTR

In a sea of awful Gollum impressions, Costa's is truly precious.

16. The Crocodile Hunter

Jamie Costa Steve Irwin

Jamie Costa Steve Irwin

We're not sure if it's the eyes or the hair, but Costa looks like he could be Steve Irwin's twin in this one.

The reason Kelly Rutherford lost custody of her kids is heartbreaking

0
0

More: Kelly Rutherford loses custody of children in brutal divorce

"I know it's not right," Rutherford said in an interview with Good Morning America. "Parents know — everyone knows it's not right. I can sit here and tell you how often I cry. I can tell you how it feels to leave my kids in a foreign country and seeing them after not seeing them for weeks on end. Not being able to bring them from school and pick them up from school, dress them, hug them, smell them."

All in all, the case is admittedly complicated. It deals with custody laws not only in the United States but also in Europe. Rutherford's ex-husband Daniel Giersh is a citizen of Germany but currently has the children with him in France, after his United States visa was revoked a few years back.

It also deals with citizenship laws since the children are citizens of the United States. Yet, the courts are still denying Rutherford's claims to have them returned to her in New York based on the fact that Giersh can't be in the United States so the two couldn't feasibly share custody if the children were with her in New York.

More: Celebrity mom Kelly Rutherford: Steal her glam style

According to ABC News, the decision from the federal government last week determined, "They [the children] will retain their United States citizenship and, once they reach the age of majority, they will be free to choose where they reside."

Until then, they are staying with their father in France.

Despite the ruling, Rutherford's attorney Wendy Murphy said the actress will never stop fighting, according to Fox News.

The children were originally given to Giersch — not because Rutherford was in anyway considered an unfit parent — but solely because he wasn't allowed in the United States because his visa was revoked. At the time, the judge said, "The best interests of the children will be served because the relocation plan for France is the only plan that offers the possibility of nearly equal parenting time while Giersch can not return to the U.S."

More: Kelly Rutherford files for bankruptcy after brutal custody battle

This unprecedented ruling has left Rutherford fighting not just for custody of her children but for their citizenship rights.

ABC legal analyst Dan Abrams called it "one of the worst custody decisions ever," and said Rutheford now has two options, "One is to go back to California and say, 'Hey California court, have your ruling enforced.' And or, b, make this political, have the State Department get involved, have some leading political figures make a compelling argument that this is ridiculous."

For Giersch's part in the battle, he has actually tried to re-enter the States but was refused. It was then determined in December 2013, that he didn't have to pay for the children to visit Rutherford either.

Giersch's lawyer responded to ABC News' request for comment saying, "Daniel Giersch continues to protect the children from any negativity and therefore will continue to not engage in any of these unfortunate and false media fabrications which only serve one person but clearly not the children."

Rutherford filed for bankruptcy in June 2013.

"I told my son, 'Mommy is still fighting for you,'" Rutherford said in the Good Morning America interview. "My children, not only were they taken away, but they were sent to a foreign country. I don't even know how you explain to someone what it feels like."

Are you shocked by the custody decision that keeps Rutherford's children in a foreign country?

Giuliana Rancic makes final decision about her Fashion Police career (VIDEO)

0
0

While some felt that Fashion Police's time had passed, Rancic confirms the show will be back — and so will she.

"I think more than ever, [Fashion Police] is definitely coming back, because [the controversy] shows that a lot of people were watching the show and enjoyed the show. So yeah, it's coming back in September, in time for the Emmys," she told Access Hollywood Live.

"I will be on the show, Brad Goreski will be on the show, and now they just have to fill the other seats."

Giuliana Rancic reveals Fashion Police future

Giuliana Rancic reveals Fashion Police future

The "other seats" in question used to be held by Kelly Osbourne and Kathy Griffith, both of who quit in the wake of The Great Zendaya Hair Scandal of 2015. Griffith was meant to take the place of the late, great Joan Rivers.

There is no love lost between Rancic and Osbourne, certainly. After Rancic told The Today Show that her comments about Zendaya's hair were just poorly edited, Osbourne posted a tweet basically calling her a liar. When Griffith quit, she lit into the show, saying she refused to be a part of something that tears down women instead of gently mocking in a funny way.

But it pretty much sounds like Rancic DGAF. "I haven't [been in touch] with them at all," she told Today. "I can't speak for them, what they meant by those comments. Nothing good can come from trying to speak for them."


INTERVIEW: OITNBM and HTGAWM star talks about shocking fan reactions

0
0

Of course, the first thing I had to know is if McGorry had any of his own theories about who killed Laila on How to Get Away with Murder.

More: Shonda Rhimes dominates Thursdays

"I actually have a unique point of view for actors on that show in that I never bother to try to guess," McGorry explained. "They like to play that game, but I think that if I can guess who it is, then America can probably guess who it is and then it's probably not in the Shonda [Rhimes] world.

"You have to expect the unexpected, and by doing that sometimes you have to relinquish control, and that's what I've done."

Of course, his HTGAWM character definitely has an interesting flair that McGorry manages to play very well. But McGorry doesn't see a lot of real-life similarities. "I think Asher does seriously what I do among my friends where they know I'm joking."

More: Dear critics: Shonda Rhimes isn't angry, she's just black

I'll vouch for McGorry — he is not a jerk. At all. And if my word isn't enough to prove it, just take a look at his other huge hit show, Orange Is the New Black. He plays Officer John Bennett at the prison and, though he has some moments of weakness, his character is truly trying to do the right thing.

Though McGorry said they'd finished filming Season 3, at the time of this interview in January, he couldn't say anything about what's to come in the show. Nor did he know what's to come in Season 2 of How to Get Away with Murder, but he did say what he would like for his character.

"I'd like to see Asher grow up a little more." He doesn't want Asher to grow out of his humor, though, because "that's the fun part." But he does hope he'll "grow up and be venerable and learn some important life lessons."

More: 4 Killer How to Get Away with Murder theories

When I told McGorry that I hoped his OITNB character mans up and makes it work with Dayanara, McGorry again had a unique response, saying it's always interesting to see how people react to the various characters he plays.

"The first person, the other day, ever on Twitter was like, 'You know, I really dislike your character on Orange Is the New Black, but your How to Get Away with Murder character has really redeemed it for me.' It's usually the other way around," McGorry conceded. "Maybe it was a typo."

All in all, McGorry is just happy to be along for the ride with the amazing stories these shows are bringing to life.

Which Matt McGorry character is your favorite?

10 Quotes that prove Kanye deserves to be on Time's list of Influential People (VIDEO)

0
0

He was aptly named that "Boundary Breaker" and love him or hate him, we all know that to be an accurate moniker. In the online article, Time included an interview with the rapper/producer where he waxed poetic about a number of things that solidified exactly why the artist was included in this dubious group of influential people.

1. On Internet Content

Kanye Clip 1

Kanye Clip 1

"Every time I say something that's extremely truthful, it literally breaks the internet. So what are we getting all the rest of the time?"

2. On Leaving a Legacy

Kanye Clip 2

Kanye Clip 2

"I don't care about having a legacy. I don't care about being remembered. The most important thing to me is, while we're here, while we're having fun, while we're going to sleep, while we're breathing oxygen and living life and falling in love and having pain and having joy... What can I do with my voice, what can we do for each other to make life easier? To make life doper for our kids as they grow?

3. On Making a Difference

Kanye Clip 3

Kanye Clip 3

"We were born into a broken world, and we are like the clean-up crew."

4. On His Mother

Kanye Clip 4

Kanye Clip 4

"My mother made me believe in me."

5. On His Upbringing

Kanye Clip 5a

Kanye Clip 5a

"They just let me dream. They supported me. They pushed me. They didn't set me up to be inside of a box."

6. On Pulling Off the Impossible

Kanye Clip 6

Kanye Clip 6

"What's the main thing that makes magic magic? The fact that no one believes it's possible."

7. On Breaking into the Fashion World

Kanye Clip 7

Kanye Clip 7

"It was something fun. We had the entire world against us. There were absolutely no allies whatsoever. It was like, the world was against us. The pressure of that was, like, crazy. It was like the Super Bowl."

8. On Getting Rejected by the Fashion World

Kanye Clip 8

Kanye Clip 8

"This is great! Remember this moment because it won't always be like this. Embrace this moment when no one came to see the collection."

9. On Getting Up After Being Knocked Down

Kanye Clip 9

Kanye Clip 9

"I take things that people look at as negative as an inspiration to do something better."

10. On Helping Others

Kanye Clip 10

Kanye Clip 10

"Just help. Just do everything you got, give everything you've got and, you know, our focus needs to be less about our legacy or how we can control each other, but more how can we give to each other."

Check out the entire interview:

Kanye West Time Mag Interview

Kanye West Time Mag Interview

More on Kanye West

Kanye West walks on water, makes everyone a believer in Yeezus (PHOTO)
12 Kanye West quotes that make you say 'Dear Yeezus'
11 Disney princesses perfectly paired with Kanye West lyrics (PHOTOS) 

Celebrity selfies not welcome on Cannes red carpet

0
0

Frémaux told The Guardian at the press conference revealing the first round of this year's festival premieres: “We are waging a campaign to slow down the contemporary practice of selfies on the red carpet and the steps. Beyond what we think, it's a practice that's often extremely ridiculous and grotesque.”

"We don't want to prohibit it but it's really a matter of timing," he continued. "We have a certain amount of time to get people across the red carpet and up the steps and it really slows things down if people stop every two metres to take a picture of themselves, with themselves."

Incoming festival president, Pierre Lescure, added: "It's always the ugliest picture of you anyway."

More: Dave Benett's Instagram page is a treasure trove of celeb pics

Well, Kim Kardashian might argue with that statement but it's true that we're growing accustomed to seeing selfies popping up on celebrities' social media accounts, mere minutes after they've walked the red carpet. And even press shots of stars caught in the act of snapping themselves, like Rosario Dawson at last year's Cannes Film Festival (above).

We totally get why celebs want to take some control over the images of them that end up online and engage directly with their fans over social media. Perhaps, as a compromise, they could restrict their selfie activity to the Cannes after parties? After all those are the pictures the world really wants to see.

More on celebrities

Laverne Cox's decision to pose nude for Allure will empower women (PHOTOS)
Nicki Minaj may be engaged: 7 Facts about her rumored fiancé
Aaron Paul proves he's cooler than Jesse Pinkman in new Q&A (EXCLUSIVE)

Giuliana Rancic vs. Kelly Osbourne: A time line of their Fashion Police feud

0
0

Having a hard time keeping up with the catfight? Here's a time line of how it all went down.

More: Kelly Osbourne vs. Giuliana Rancic: The feud continues

Feb. 23 — Rancic trashes Zendaya's hair

Suggesting Zendaya's hair smells like "patchouli oil" and weed was probably not the wisest comment Rancic could have made.

Giuliana Rancic's comments on Zendaya

Giuliana Rancic's comments on Zendaya

Feb. 24 — Zendaya comments

She may be young, but she's smart and knows how to stand up for herself. Checkout Zendaya's reply.

Zendaya replies to Rancic

Zendaya replies to Rancic

Feb. 24 — Osbourne weighs in on her costar

Her anger doesn't stop there. So enraged over her friend Zendaya being attacked, she also gives them 24 hours to make it right. Needless to say, her comments about not getting involved only pulled her further into the mix.

Kelly Osbourne tweets

Kelly Osbourne tweets

Feb. 24 — Rancic attempts to apologize

Do you believe her?

Rancic responds to Zendaya

Rancic responds to Zendaya

More: Kathy Griffin is leaving the show, too

Feb. 25 — Osbourne quits Fashion Police

Not quite happy with Rancic's apology, Osbourne throws up her hands in defeat.

Osbourne threatens to quit

Osbourne threatens to quit

April 6 — Rancic appears on Today

She continues to claim someone else wrote the joke during interviews.

Giuliana Rancic on Today

Giuliana Rancic on Today

April 6 — Osbourne tweets, seemingly in response to Rancic

Kelly Osbourne tweets about liars

Kelly Osbourne tweets about liars

The following day, People caught up with Osbourne, who seemed eager to move on. "There's been so much drama surrounded by what went on at Fashion Police that I have chosen to keep quiet about," Osbourne said. "I will [continue to keep quiet] because I don't think it will do anyone service, but I will say this: Giuliana is not often wrong. She really isn't, but it's been really, really heartbreaking to see her behavior that has transpired when she did get caught being wrong. That's what broke my heart."

We agree, Kelly! We're so confused by all this drama and would love to see it end. Sadly, every time one of the celebs comments, multiple outlets include quotes from "sources" that only fan the flames and fuel the hatred.

More: Kelly Osbourne shares that she has the cancer gene

Britney Spears cusses out a body-shamer at a show and it's glorious (VIDEO)

0
0

During her Vegas show on Wednesday night, one very rude fan screamed at Spears as she performed onstage, calling her a "fat bitch," according to TMZ. Instead of letting the comment slide, Spears joined the recent movement of celebs who refuse to allow body-shamers to get away with putting them down. The singer shot back with, "f***ing asshole," while her microphone was still hot.

Britney Spears drops the f bomb on body shamer

Britney Spears drops the f bomb on body shamer

The "fan" in questions is obviously rude, but we can't help but wonder what the person was doing at Spears' show in the first place. With tickets in the front area of the theater ranging from $500 to $800 a pop, that's an awful lot of dough to shell out to see someone perform that you don't even care for.

More: Kelly Clarkson's response to harsh fat-shaming comments deserves a slow clap

Brit Brit has clearly demonstrated she is capable of standing up for herself, but that doesn't mean her fans aren't coming out in full force to support her. One concertgoer was dumbfounded that anyone could say something bad about Spears' body in the first place, and shared a photo from the show on Instagram, displaying how great Spears looked.

Britney Spears Instagram supporter

Britney Spears Instagram supporter

More: "Leave Britney Alone!" actor makes a documentary

Twitter also lit up with people who were happy that Spears chose to stand up for herself.

Britney Spears fan

Image: Shaun Wilson/Twitter

Britney Spears supporter 2

Britney Spears supporter 2

Leave Britney Alone tweet

Leave Britney Alone tweet

Britney Spears supporter 1

Britney Spears supporter 1

One YouTube user echoed our sentiment about going to the show in the first place. It must take a truly unhappy person to show up at an event just to be mean.

Britney Spears fan comment

Image: Josh xoxo/YouTube

What do you think? Did Britney do the right thing by standing up for herself, or should she have taken the high road and stayed silent?

Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images