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5 Ridiculous ways Stefano DiMera died on Days of Our Lives

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From 1983 through to 2012, this devious character has been presumed dead on 13 different occasions. Like a phoenix, Stefano always rises from the ashes.

More: How Kate Mansi's exit will affect Days of Our Lives

Here are five of our favorite and most dramatic deaths.

1. Death by catwalk

In 1985, Stefano was shot by Dr. Marlena Evans after he pushed her husband, Detective Roman Brady, off a cliff.

After the villain kidnaps Marlena’s twins, Eric and Sami, she shoots Stefano, which causes him to fall from a catwalk high above an ice show. The building conveniently catches fire from one of his valuable prisms.

2. Cave collapse

DOOL waited six years to try and kill Stefano again. This time, Stefano is discovered in a Mayan pyramid in Mexico, where he’s peddling Mayan codices to John Black.

The two men get involved in a struggle as the cave collapses. The gun goes off, Stefano is shot and he falls into a fire.

More: Days of Our Lives actor arrested for allegedly trying to punch a bartender

3. Plane explosion and collapsing tunnel

1996 was a banner year for the mobster because he was thought to be dead — not once, but twice — in the same year. Stefano plots to kidnap Marlena and even though the police are on to his scheme, he manages to sneak aboard a plane to San Francisco disguised as Rachel Blake. He fakes a plane crash and everyone in Salem thinks it’s the end for Stefano and Marlena.

He instead whisks Marlena off into the caverns underneath the Parisian streets. A chase ensues as John rescues Marlena, an explosion in the tunnels occurs and Rachel shoots Stefano by a gas tank, which immediately explodes. Is Stefano alive?

4. Drained blood

With the Salem stalker at large in 2004, Marlena and the other supposedly dead victims come upon a burned corpse. Andre DiMera, masquerading as his cousin Tony, tells the group it’s Stefano.

Andre shares that he killed his supposed father by draining his blood to cure his blood disease — such a nice family!

More: Interview with Days of Our Lives star Lauren Koslow

5. Shot by a mysterious henchman

Stefano is dragged out in a body bag, but eight different people had their DNA on the gun. Who shot Stefano DiMera?

It was Ian McCallister, who soon revealed he didn’t kill Stefano, he was only holding him captive. Remember, you can’t keep a good villain down.

What was your favorite death scene from Stefano DiMera?

Actors who started on soap operas slideshow


Craig and Helen Strickland: 7 Things you didn't know about their marriage (VIDEO)

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More: René Angélil died: 10 Things you didn't know about Céline Dion & her husband

The Backroad Anthem musician was found dead on Dec. 27 after his boat capsized on a duck-hunting trip in Oklahoma during winter storm Goliath. His wife, Helen Strickland, has been thanking fans and followers for their support on social media.

She also shared a touching video that her late husband had made for her, writing on Instagram, "On the day of our wedding Craig had me watch a video he had made to tell me how much he loved me. I am so thankful for technology in this moment because I will always have this. I watched this privately prior to walking down the aisle, and so now I want to share this small excerpt with all of you."

The video, which just shows Craig speaking to his wife through the camera, is incredibly touching.

Craig and Helen Strickland 8

Craig and Helen Strickland 8

"There'll be times where we're sitting in our car and stuff where you don't know this," he says in the clip. "But I'll look over at you and be like, 'This is the person that God has created for me,' and that's really special to me and I couldn't be more lucky."

In honor of a beautiful marriage interrupted too soon, here are some of our favorite things about Craig and Helen Strickland's relationship.

More: How Alan Rickman's film roles & acting genius affected my life

1. They had just passed their first anniversary

Craig and Helen Strickland 1

Craig and Helen Strickland 1

2. They honeymooned in Cancun

Craig and Helen Strickland 2

Craig and Helen Strickland 2

3. They had adorable movie dates all the time

Craig and Helen Strickland 3

Craig and Helen Strickland 3

4. They celebrated every single milestone in their marriage

Craig and Helen Strickland 4

Craig and Helen Strickland 4

5. Seriously. All of them <3

Craig and Helen Strickland 5

Craig and Helen Strickland 5

6. They missed each other whenever Craig was on tour

Craig and Helen Strickland 6

Craig and Helen Strickland 6

7. They took road trips together

Craig and Helen Strickland 7

Craig and Helen Strickland 7

More: Tribute tweets pour in following the announcement of David Bowie's death

Our hearts go out to Helen Strickland and Craig's other family and friends.

Heroes Reborn: Claire's kids must save the world to save a boring season

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More: Is Heroes Reborn's Noah Bennet hiding out with Hiro Nakamura?

The season definitely started out stronger than its closing episodes, so here's hoping the finale perks up. I mean, now that there is nothing left but to literally save the world, I can only hope that the final episode will bring much excitement and action. However, based on past recent episodes, I know better than to get my hopes up.

Basically, Tommy and Malina better freaking save the world or I'm going to be one angry viewer. The entire time I spent watching and reviewing this will turn out to be nothing but a waste if they don't follow in their mother's footsteps.

Let's face it, you know they totally will or that makes for one horrible season. Do you really think they're just going to let the world be destroyed and kill everyone on it? I don't think so. Plus, if (or should I say when?) they save it, maybe viewers will finally learn what happened to Hiro and Noah.

At this point in time, Tommy escaping Evernow (that's right, he is currently trapped in the same place Erica Kravid put his father Hiro Nakamura) and reuniting with Malina is the only thing that will be Heroes Reborn's saving grace. In addition to seeing Luke embrace his powers even more. OK. You caught me, I'm a huge Levi fan and just like watching him in action.

More: Heroes Reborn: Is Tommy the new master of time and space?

Malina
Image: Tumblr
Tommy
Image: Tumblr

Viewers have been waiting far too long for Tommy and Malina to come face to face after so many years apart to fulfill their Bennet destiny. I am beyond ready to see them in action, because you know they're going to be even stronger together than when using their powers as individuals. I have a feeling Claire would be so proud.

With the H.E.L.E. (Human Extinction Level Event) on the horizon, I'm going to try and stay positive that the finale will be bigger, better and bolder. If not, expect an even more disappointed viewer come next Thursday.

Tommy and Malina, I'm counting on you. I guess they have more than one task to complete than just saving the world and all of humanity.

Heroes Reborn's Season 1 finale airs Thursday, Jan. 21 at 8/7c on NBC.

More: 7 Reasons Heroes Reborn's Matt Parkman doesn't make sense as a villain

Caitlyn Jenner drops bombshell about her new dating preferences (VIDEO)

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caitlyn jenner promo

caitlyn jenner promo

Caitlyn Jenner's adventure continues!

I Am Cait is coming back, and this promo gives us a pretty good idea of what's going to happen this season. Jenner talks about everything from her views on gay marriage, her former identity as Bruce and dating.

More: 8 Things we hope Caitlyn Jenner covers in her new LGBT column

"I don't see dating women in the future. I've been there. Done that. I've got three ex-wives," Jenner tells her friends.

Her friend responds, "So now you can have an ex-husband."

Everyone laughs as Jenner says, "That's right!"

Everyone needs love and it looks like Caitlyn is planning on giving men a try. I hope we get to see some first dates!

More: Caitlyn Jenner may be the new face of the Republican party

Also in the trailer, Jenner gets her driver's license with her new identity. Seeing the new license causes her to reminisce about her former identity as Bruce.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm throwing old Bruce out the door," a tearful Jenner says, holding the ID. "Maybe he didn't deserve to be gone."

One of Jenner's friends also asks her about her stance on gay marriage, referencing the star's appearance last year on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Jenner said she was initially against it.

More: Caitlyn Jenner may end up more profitable than any other Kardashian

"I was a little hurt about your lukewarm support for same-sex marriage," her friend says.

Jenner responds, "I didn't explain it as well as I should have, but I had, like, 30 seconds to think about it."

Later in the promo, Jenner seems to be in the midst of a discussion about gay marriage when she says, "Obama was against gay marriage. Hillary Clinton was against gay marriage."

Either way, I think the best teaser of the season is when Jenner says, "I am so comfortable now being myself."

I Am Cait returns for its second season March 6 at 9 p.m. ET

How to plan a romantic getaway without going broke

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For most lovebirds hoping to plan a Valentine’s Day escape — at a nearby destination or at home — it all comes down to cost and convenience. Many of us have very high hopes for this lovely day of love and are often met with disappointment when restaurant wait lines are out the door and fine meals cost upwards of $60 a plate. If you’ve found yourself there before, then you might not be surprised to learn that Valentine’s Day spending hit a record high in 2015 at nearly $19 billion.

More: 100 Romantic ways to show your love on Valentine's Day

While the average paramour is expected to spend $142.31, we’re betting that with a little preemptive planning, creating your own Valentine’s Day getaway (that doesn’t involve a five-star restaurant) is a great way to get more bang for your buck (literally).

Pick a place

There are two ways to do this, and both have their merits: Choose a nearby destination for a weekend trip or plan a romantic staycation at home. Taking a trip can re-spark a romance by breaking you out of your familiar routine, while staying at home gives you the (affordable) opportunity to get as wild as you want. Check out one of these top 20 romantic getaways to find a destination in your local area, or consider staying in and spending a weekend in bed.

For a quick and easy getaway, Midori Verity, relationship expert and host of The Ultimate Relationship Show, recommends, “Book an overnight getaway somewhere close to home. Bring tea lights, wine/champagne, picnic basket with nibbles or order room service. Bonus: Pack massage oil and bubble bath. Plan to never leave the room, until the next day.” She continues, “For couples who just want to slow down, plan a cuddly evening at home. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant, purchase a special occasion wine or champagne, light candles, grab a blanket and watch a romantic movie, or maybe a scary movie, so you'll need each other’s protection!”

More: 10 Romantic getaways for lovebirds

Plan an adventure

Whether at home or away, you’re going to need something to keep yourself entertained (and to possibly help you fall in love all over again) on your romantic retreat. If you’re fresh out of ideas, try hitting up your local deals site for some money-saving inspiration. Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized money-saving expert, advises, “Daily Deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer deals on last-minute getaways, including discounted hotel packages as well as 50 to 60 percent off spa treatments, restaurant meals and various activities like wine tasting, kayaking and more.”

Plan the menu

Now, here’s where your pre-Valentine’s Day prep really comes in handy. You can keep it nice and easy by ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant, or you can use this opportunity to cook that five-course meal you’ve planned on your Pinterest boards but have never had time to execute. Either way, make this low-key Valentine's meal special by adding a personal touch: Personalized wine bottles adorned with an adorable picture of you and your SO start as low as $17.

Plan for dessert

And we’re not just talking about chocolates, though you’ll want to have plenty of those too. In this case, your Valentine’s “dessert” is actually the main event that you have been waiting for all night long. (S-E-X, if we need to spell it out for you.) To get yourself fully in the mood, author Christopher Sharp recommends pulling out all the stops: Make arrangements at least a month in advance to send the kids to Grandma’s. And if you’re staying in, Sharp says, “Once that's taken care of, make a deal with your spouse that on the date in question you are going to shut the power off to your house/apartment and spend the night by candle light alone. (All electronic devices should be stowed away with the kids’ clothes when you drop them off.) Make sure there is plenty of wine and candles in the house before you turn the power off (trip the breakers one by one, don't turn the whole place off or there will be no way to keep the wine cold.)”

You probably know what to do next — though you might want to think about busting out a few bedroom toys to get the party started.

More: Romantic Valentine's Day ideas for people who like to procrastinate

Put the cherry on top

To truly make a lasting impression on such a romantic of days, it helps to think outside the box and go the extra mile. Personalized wine and a home-cooked meal are a great start, and if you’re staying in a hotel overnight, Brooke Hoffman of the Hilton Anatole in Dallas recommends having a quick chat with the hotel guest services team. She explains that most guests don’t understand (or take advantage of) how much a hotel staff is willing to help to make a special experience, saying, “The hotel's guest services team can act as your Cupid by offering details on upgrades and amenities. Many hotels, like the Anatole, offer romantic in-room amenities that can be added to a reservation, ranging from plush robes and fruit plates to more extravagant options like our ‘Sweet Dreams’ turn-down complete with petite macarons, Grand Marnier and chocolate-dipped martini glasses.”

And while the full romance package at a hotel might not come cheap, it never hurts to ask for a little something extra to make your weekend getaway even more special.

Updated by Bethany Ramos on 1/16/16.

Teresa Giudice is back to glam in her first red carpet appearance (PHOTOS)

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Teresa Giudice is back to her glam self!

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star made her first official red carpet appearance since being released from prison. Giudice attended the opening of her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga's New Jersey boutique, Envy By Melissa Gorga. Her daughter, Gia Giudice, joined her on the red carpet.

More: Teresa Giudice and her prison mates exchanged emotional goodbyes

teresa giudice red carpet tweet

teresa giudice red carpet tweet

E! News reports, "I'm feeling great. I'm happy to be here to support my brother and my sister-in-law Melissa for the grand opening of her boutique Envy. [Melissa] has great style and you see her on the red carpet and you see her being photographed, so, and you can tell from the photographs that she has great style."

Giudice continued, "My background is fashion. I went to school for fashion. I used to work at Macy's Herald Square in the buying office and I also was on the vendor side. I worked for Nine West and Calvin Klein handbags. So, I have a fashion background."

More: Teresa Giudice writes all about the violence she encountered in prison

Giudice wore a black fur jacket, a gold metallic shirt, black textured leggings, black knee-high boots and a black Chanel purse. Daughter Gia didn't fall far from the fashion tree with a white fur coat, white midi-shirt, black mini-skirt, black knee-high boots and a black Chanel clutch.

Just three weeks after leaving her prison jumpsuit behind, Giudice has clearly gotten back to her glamorous roots. No word on whether she gets a family discount at Gorga's store. Given their rocky history, Giudice may need to do some sweet talking.

More: Teresa Giudice's marriage is reportedly suffering while she's in prison

It's good to see Giudice out and about again. Her husband, Joe Giudice, will serve 41 months in prison starting this spring.

Keep up the glam, Tre!

Rob Kardashian uses Kanye West to express his feelings (PHOTO)

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For Rob Kardashian, the sugar craving is real.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, Kardashian posted a meme of his brother-in-law, Kanye West, laying in a bathtub covered in delicious donuts. West has a silly, sugar-high smile on his face. Donuts can do that to you.

rob kardashian instagram

rob kardashian instagram

Kardashian captioned the post with, “Mood lol.”

More: Company offers Rob Kardashian a deal that could drastically change his life

Kardashian has been a recluse over the past year after gaining 100 pounds. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2015. The family has discussed his challenges on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, even though Kardashian hasn't appeared on recent seasons of the show.

It does seem, though, that his health scare has caused Kardashian to make some changes. His sister Khloé Kardashian revealed during an interview with Good Morning America on Wednesday, Jan. 13 that her younger brother is doing well following his hospitalization and diagnosis.

"Yeah, he had a health scare," she said. "Leaving that in 2015: He got out [of the hospital] before the new year. I was like, 'OK. Let's leave all that stuff then. Listen, you found out what the problem is. Let's tackle it head-on.'"

More: Rob Kardashian skips Kim's wedding, tweets prayer for Memorial Day

Khloé believes that the health scare may be exactly what Rob needed to tackle his problems and change his diet.

"Everything happens for a reason, so that health scare? If that's gonna shake him up a little bit and jump-start his health journey, then great," she told GMA. "I'm right here for him."

An insider tells Us Weekly that following his hospitalization, Rob has agreed to “follow-up doctors’ appointments” and to “taking medication to control his blood sugar.”

Sugar is extremely addictive and very difficult to cut from your diet. No wonder Rob is craving donuts. But it's clear he needs to change his eating habits. He can crave donuts, but hopefully he won't give in.

More: Rob Kardashian: Locked, loaded, ready to lose weight

Stay strong, Rob Kardashian!


13 Incredible women the Academy Awards completely snubbed

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1. Sarah Gavron for directing Suffragette

Suffragette
Image: Focus Features

This movie not only told a significant story about the history of women's rights, it was also a fantastic film full of high-stakes drama, beautiful cinematography and moving performances.

2. Carey Mulligan as Maud Watts in Suffragette

Nominated for Best Actress in 2010 for her role in An Education, Mulligan is one of the most talented young actresses around.

3. Abi Morgan for writing Suffragette

Best known for writing the movie The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep, Morgan is a tremendous writer who knows how to tell women's stories like no one else.

4. Bel Powley in The Diary of a Teenage Girl

Diary of a Teenage Girl
Image: Sony Pictures Classics

Based on the novel by Phoebe Gloeckner, The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a heartbreaking mother/daughter story that will shake you to your core. Powley is outstanding in the lead role of the teen girl who begins an affair with her mother's boyfriend.

More: The Diary of a Teenage Girl proves parenting didn't really exist in the 1970s

5. Marielle Heller for writing the screenplay and directing The Diary of a Teenage Girl

Marielle Heller showed great emotional complexity with her debut feature film, and it's not surprising that she's also directed an episode of Transparent. No doubt we'll be hearing more from Heller in the future.

6. Teyonah Parris as Lysistrata in Chi-Raq

Chi-Raq
Image: Roadside Attractions

Chi-Raq, directed by Spike Lee, is hands down one of the most important films of the decade. Dealing with gun violence on the South Side of Chicago, Lysistrata (Parris), decides to go on a sex strike. Of course, this is based on the ancient Greek play, Lysistrata, but because all the dialogue is spoken like a rap song in rhymed couplets, it takes the storytelling to a whole new level. Parris is superb as the clever and sexy Lysistrata and should have at least been nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

More: 9 Ways Spike Lee's Chi-Raq film copies a famous Greek play

7. Amy Schumer for writing Trainwreck

Trainwreck
Image: Universal Pictures

We know Schumer is as funny as she is edgy. We could make a solid argument that Trainwreck was the most hilarious film of the year.

8. Star Wars: The Force Awakens for Best Picture

The Academy may now nominate up to 10 films for Best Picture, but chose only to include eight this year for some unknown reason. If The Force Awakens had been nominated, it would have likely ensured high ratings for the awards show due to the large Star Wars fan base.

9. Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Daisy Ridley
Image: Disney


Ridley played a forceful character who's a lot more than a princess. Not that Princess Leia is chopped liver; we love her, too!

More: 7 Ways Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the most female-driven film of them all

10. Lily Tomlin as Elle Reid in Grandma

Grandma
Image: Sony Pictures Classics

Tomlin is a national treasure and, surprisingly, has only been nominated once for an Oscar — for her role in 1975's Nashville.

11. Cinderella for Best Picture

Cinderella
Image: Disney

Sure, it's a fairy tale, but it was pure magic! From Cate Blanchett's Evil Stepmother to Helena Bonham Carter's Fairy Godmother, this is cinema at its best.

12. Maggie Smith as Miss Shepard in The Lady in the Van

Lady in the Van
Image: Sony Pictures Classics

Perhaps because she's already won two Oscars, the Academy thought it was OK to skip her this year, but she was outstanding in this role.

13. Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper in Trumbo

Trumbo
Image: Bleeker Street Films

Mirren was electric in her scenes with Bryan Cranston, who played the title role, giving the largely stiff biopic some wit and pizzazz.

The 88th Academy Awards will air Feb. 28, 2016.


Bringing up Bates stars have unhealthy strategy to lose weight

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Rather than eating healthy and changing her lifestyle for the long term, Bates matriarch Kelly Jo tells her children, "I need something that works quick."

More: Erin Bates opens up about Season 3 of Bringing Up Bates

She's getting ready for her daughter Michaella's wedding and wants to lose weight before then.

She also said that she didn't want to have to go dress shopping for the wedding and feel like she was getting an extra, extra large size.

While those are all perfectly valid reasons to want to feel good about yourself, her strategies to get there are way off.

Mind you, this is right after the family decides to do fast-food-style dinner at the wedding with chicken salad, sub sandwiches and chips.

At least it will be made a little healthier considering that the Bates family said they were only serving tea and lemonade for beverages.

More: Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar's congratulatory video to the Bates family misses the mark

Kelly Jo also decides to make her weight loss challenge a competition against her husband Gil. But they aren't going to base it off weight loss, because then Gil would clearly win based on size. Rather, they are going to ask the children to decide who looks best.

I guess this sort of works because Kelly Jo and Gil are both good humored about it, but if she really is intent on working on a healthier lifestyle, a scale really is the way to go.

Her strategy to eat a really unhealthy meal at a restaurant the night before they start the competition is also seriously flawed. Luckily, her kids see the errors in that one.

Not to mention, she lifts weights in a jean skirt.

More: Jinger Duggar's recent trip refueled Lawson Bates dating rumors

It's important to note, I am no fitness expert. Other than my own personal journey to staying healthy and active. But I'm lucky that I come from a very health-conscious family, so nutrition has and always seems to be a topic of discussion. And, thanks to that, I know quick fixes are often quick fails. And focusing more on how you feel on the outside versus the inside is a sure-fire way to only feel worse and fall off the wagon.

Do you think Kelly Jo and Gil's competition weight loss strategy was smart? Or was it OK because it was all in good fun?

Birkin bags are actually a wise investment, says study

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They're all investments, though only one consistently goes up in value: a Birkin bag.

The bags — designed by Hermès at named after singer and actress Jane Birkin — will set you back at least $10,000, though prices can range as high as $100,000. But, unlike cars, they actually go up in value the longer you have them.

More: Gucci made me go from loathing to loving pleated skirts

A recent study conducted by online luxury website Baghunter found that the value of Birkin bags increased an average of 14.2 percent a year over the past 35 years, a better return than both gold and stocks.

"In particular, the study displays how high-end, rare and sought-after luxury items such as Hermès Birkin handbags have never dropped in value, even during times of recession and economic difficulty," Evelyn Fox, the founder of Baghunter, told Luxury Daily. "There is a difference between luxury and ultra-luxury. While the luxury market suffers during worse economic times the ultra-luxury market is impervious to economic factors that can affect other industries such as high-street retail and stock markets."

More: 5 Blarfs that will up your winter fashion game

Baghunter estimates that the value of Birkins could double in the next 10 years, so purchasing one now might be a good investment if you have the means and can actually get your hands on one. According to a report by Planet Money, they may seem readily available in the designer's boutiques, but Hermès salespeople typically tell people there's a multi-year waitlist. The way to get one? Spend a ton of money.

"She came out with a big orange box — a Birkin bag. And she let him buy it for $20,000," reporter Stacey Vanek Smith said in the report. The key? Michael spent a ton of money on other Hermès products first. "Michael had accidentally cracked the code — buying a bunch of really expensive stuff at the Hermès store first, then casually ask for a bag, and you'll get one."

More: Why meteorologists around the country are all wearing the same dress

With all that said, it's probably still better to put your money into something you can live in — like a home — or in an education, rather than a handbag.

5 Oscar nominees that should definitely win

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1. Saoirse Ronan for Best Actress

I was thrilled to see Ronan nominated for her role in Brooklyn — loved her and loved this movie. It is the type of performance where you sit in the audience and say, “Who is this woman and where has she been?” I should probably hold off on my final prediction until I see Brie Larson's and Charlotte Rampling’s performances. Regardless of who takes home the statue, I think Ronan is going to be a name we see appearing on the Oscar ballot for many years to come.

More: 5 Golden Globes skits that tried so hard to be funny but failed miserably (VIDEO)

2. Mad Max: Fury Road as Best Picture

Really? It is hard to imagine that this movie was one of the best of 2016. The movie is the fourth in the Mad Max series, so an Oscar nomination is pretty impressive. Other sequels and prequels to get a best Oscar nod include The Godfather Part II and The Godfather Part III, Toy Story 3 and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Mad Max: Fury Road did get great reviews from both movie critics and audiences alike. However, I think several of the other nominees in this category are much stronger.

More: Mad Max: Fury Road's nomination keeps the BAFTAs from being a sausagefest

3. Matt Damon for Best Actor

The guy eats potatoes he grows in his own poop! That is pretty impressive — and pretty gross. Granted it’s just acting, but it is good acting, and this is a worthy nod. This role reminds me a lot of Tom Hanks’ role as Chuck Noland in the movie Cast Away in that the majority of the story rests in the character's isolation from the rest of the world. At least Hanks had his trusty volleyball, Wilson, to converse with — Damon basically talks to himself for half the movie and the audience truly feels they are being voyeurs on his courageous journey back to earth. I do think Will Smith deserved a nomination for his role in Concussion, even though I do not think he would win over Damon.

4. Rachel McAdams for Best Supporting Actress

I saw Spotlight and loved it. Rachel McAdams was good in it, but I really can't remember her doing anything memorable at all — not a pivotal scene or great monologue. Spotlight is a true ensemble piece where the sum is greater than the parts. In comparison, Rooney Mara shines in Carol. While the movie is titled Carol, Mara’s Therese is just as integral to the storyline as Cate Blanchett’s titled character. For me, it’s Mara over McAdams. While I want to see all the other movies in this category, I cannot believe I will be more impressed with another performance.

5. Sylvester Stallone for Best Supporting Actor

This is an amazing performance. In Creed, Stallone is strong, funny and vulnerable at the same time. The audience roots for him in his latest fight as much as we did when he stepped in the ring with the original Creed in 1976. The chemistry between Stallone and fellow actor Michael B. Jordan, playing the title character of Creed, brings amazing depth to Stallone’s performance. Stallone forgot to thank Jordan in his Golden Globe acceptance speech. Hopefully, he gets a chance to redeem himself on Oscar night.

More: 5 Reasons Sylvester Stallone deserves to win a Golden Globe

So, I have my initial predictions — as well as a list of movies I have to get to before Feb. 28. What about you? What are your thoughts on this year’s Oscar nominees?

10 Signs the loonie is tanking (GIFs)

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More: 10 Things you probably shouldn't buy at discount stores

1. You downgrade your date nights from The Keg to Swiss Chalet

And you've pretty much memorized all the different variations on the Festive Special.

Pam from The Office
Image: Giphy.com

2. The only new designer in your closet is Joe Fresh

Because you now get all your clothes at the grocery store.

Breakfast Club
Image: Giphy.com

3. Your neighbours have started showing up in the middle of the day to help themselves to your liquor cabinet

Because drinking Irish coffees doesn't count as day drinking, right?

Sisters scene of drinking
Image: Giphy.com

4. You know it's sacrilegious, but you've started making poutine without the cheese curds

Because the taxes on cheese these days are just outlandish. It's basically gold.

Liz Lemon
Image: Giphy.com

5. Moms everywhere have stopped demanding their adult daughters crank out more grandchildren

Or at least they've reduced their nagging to a biweekly occurrence, because who can afford more kids?

Teen Mom
Image: Giphy.com

More: 16 Reasons to blow your Starbucks budget on your kids

6. Your co-workers have started putting their initials on coffee cream in your work fridge

Because your office has deemed stocking the fridge an unnecessary cost to cut (we disagree!).

The Office
Image: Giphy.com

7. People have been reminiscing about the good old days of outlet shopping in Maine and Washington

Because now Americans are coming to Canada and buying up all our overpriced pewter giftware and maple syrup.

Clueless scene
Image: Giphy.com

8. Your co-workers stop asking who wants a round of Timmies

When it comes to your Double Double and doughnuts, it's every woman for herself these days.

Tim Horton's
Image: Giphy.com

9. It's your friend's birthday? Well, you hope she enjoys this random, not-at-all cheap gift from Giant Tiger

Because Giant Tiger has pretty much become your go-to spot for literally everything now.

Devil Wears Prada
Image: Giphy.com

10. You've started going to art openings and networking events so you can fill your purse with cheese and deli meats

Because all that food would just go to waste, and it's the only way you can afford a good sandwich.

Sandwich obsession
Image: Giphy.com

But regardless of how much the economy goes down the toilet, one thing's for sure: We're all in it together! So let's throw more BYO-everything kitchen dance parties and ride this one out with friends and family.

More: 5 Reasons your monthly budget isn't working

Memo to guys: Stop showing off your 'size'

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Size is really a relative thing. That might sound shocking given the importance we seem to place on it in our society, but it's true. One woman's "perfect" is another woman's "too big" and one woman's "too small" is another woman's "perfect." We are all like Cinderella's slipper, looking for that perfect fit.

In all seriousness, though the vagina is an elastic organ, every one is slightly different. This means that being inside you will feel different for different men and yes, women will also experience different penises differently as well. The guy strutting around thinking every woman wants him because he's a shower who grows to 10 inches hard, might not be the perfect fit for a woman who is more on the petite side both inside and out.

Sorry if that is shocking, dude.

In discussions with both female and male friends, it has become painfully obvious that penis size is a point of pride for men. Those who are bigger seem to think every woman should want them, while those who are smaller feel badly about themselves. Neither one is right.

Now, obviously, we are talking about average sizes here. There are micro penises and jumbo-size ones that really do fall off the charts and that can be a problem for both men and women alike. Achieving sexual pleasure might be more difficult if you can't even feel him inside you. But I also grow weary of men who think they need to do nothing more than show up with their big penis to get women going. It takes skill, dude. And a good body, too.

Look at any number of male porn stars and it becomes obvious quickly. Ron Jeremy isn't worrying about his abs, but he sure is pleased with his member. Any time you meet an unattractive, yet bewilderingly confident man, rest assured there is something monstrous lurking beneath his shorts. To him, I say this: It's not that big of a deal.

You need a lot more than a big penis to get a woman excited. It might work on some women, but the vast majority want a whole lot more than a monstrous penis. Get over yourselves. I'll take good abs, a good conversationalist, a good-looking face, intelligence and an average-sized penis any day over some guy with a gut and a hog. Most women I know agree. If a guy happens to have all those things, well fine. But size doesn't trump those other things. Sorry, guys. Find something else to impress us with.

5 Controversial recipes so wrong they broke the Internet

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The company recently posted a photo of collard greens via Twitter... cooked collard greens dotted with peanuts.

Whole Foods collard recipe

Whole Foods collard recipe

The people of Twitter were not happy.

Whole foods collards no

Whole foods collards no

Whole Foods no peanuts

Whole Foods no peanuts

Whole Foods has made amends, but it's not the only one who has made recipe suggestions that fell flat with people. And it's not the company's first time making a foodie faux pas either.

More: The 10 most shocking revelations in Chick-fil-A's 'secret' coleslaw recipe

1. Pea guacamole

People collectively lost their you-know-what when The New York Times suggested putting peas in guacamole. The seemingly innocuous suggestion was met with vitriol from all corners of the web — even President Obama had to step in.

President Obama pea guacamole

President Obama pea guacamole

2. Nigella's avocado toast

People usually love Nigella Lawson's simple approach to cooking good food, but when she shared a "recipe" for avocado toast, they were none too impressed. Even though Nigella herself admitted, "I'm fully aware that avocado toast isn't a recipe, but it's part of the fabric of my life," Twitter was quick to question her credibility as a chef.

Nigella Lawson avocado toast

Nigella Lawson avocado toast

Nigella avocado toast

Nigella avocado toast

3. Whole Foods' asparagus water

Whole Foods has been down this Twitter outrage road before. In the summer of 2015, it made headlines for selling $6 bottles of asparagus water. What the heck is asparagus water, you ask? Um, it's literally just asparagus in water. Considering the fact that you can get an entire bunch of asparagus for about $6 at Whole Foods and the fact that asparagus water isn't "a thing," people were understandably incredulous. Whole Foods later pulled the water from shelves and stated that its very existence was a mistake.

More: Chipotle’s 1-day shutdown proves it's taking food safety seriously

4. Cindy McCain’s stolen cookie recipe

This one was embarrassing. In the lead-up to the 2008 presidential election, Family Circle pitted Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama against each other in a cookie contest. But it turns out McCain's recipe for oatmeal butterscotch cookies was nearly identical to a recipe from Hershey's. As in, the entire recipe was the same, except that Hershey's called for 1-3/4 cups of butterscotch chips, while McCain's called for just 1-2/3 cups. It certainly seems like the prospective first lady tried to pass off their recipe as her own, but we'll never know what really happened.

5. Paula Deen’s fried butter balls recipe

Paula Deen is known for her over-the-top recipes, but at a certain point you have to ask, what the &%$! is she thinking? That's the reaction people had to her infamous deep-fried butter balls in 2007, which called for mixing butter and cream cheese together, rolling it into balls, coating the balls in breadcrumbs and deep-frying them.

Too far, Paula. Even for you. As one heartbroken fan commented on the recipe, "I am sorry but as I look at the picture and read the ingredients and cooking method I can feel my arteries clogging. Love to you & best wishes but please make don't deep fry any more butter, for all of us."

Since then, the stank of the butter debacle has never worn off Deen.

Bonus culinary freakout? This "scientific" method of cutting pizza recently caused an uproar. The slices of pizza may be all the same size, but who wants to get stuck with a piece that's all crust, no topping? I'd rather have a tiny slice of pizza with cheese and sauce on it than a whopping hunk of just crust, rendering this whole method moot.

new way to cut pizza

new way to cut pizza

More: Eatable News: Eating in space, the first vegan butcher shop and more

Dangerous dog flu has U.S. pet owners worried

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H3N2 dog flu outbreak affected thousands of dogs in 2015

The H3N2 virus first appeared in Chicago last spring. Since then, the virus spread quickly across at least 24 states, raising concern among veterinarians and pet owners. Thousands of dogs across the U.S. have tested positive for the new strain of dog flu, H3N2, since the outbreak first started in March of 2015, according to the AVMA. This strain of the dog flu virus is new to the U.S., which means our dogs don't have the natural antibodies they need to fight off the infection.

New dog flu is serious, but not deadly

H3N2 mostly causes mild, non-life-threatening symptoms. It has a very low fatality rate and most dogs recover in 2-3 weeks with veterinary care. However, the dog flu is very dangerous for young puppies, older dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems, because they are susceptible to secondary infections like pneumonia.

More: Science proves your cats may actually own you

Dog flu symptoms to look out for

Dog flu symptoms are remarkably similar to some of those associated with human flu strains. Here are the H3N2 symptoms you need to be aware of:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Lethargy
  • Reduced appetite
  • Fever
  • Pneumonia (in severe cases)

More: Yes, your cat can get herpes – here's what you need to know

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately to set up an appointment, and remember to avoid bringing your dog to public places like dog parks, kennels and dog day care centers.

How the dog flu virus spreads

Recent outbreaks in the Seattle area are believed to have originated from a Seattle kennel. The respiratory virus is airborne, which means that most infections are spread from contact with other dogs through sneezing or from contaminated surfaces like toys and water bowls. Places where dogs come into contact with other dogs, like kennels, dog parks, dog shows and day care centers pose exposure risks.

That does not necessarily mean you should pull your healthy dog out of daycare until the outbreak blows over, but you do need to be aware of the health risks. Talk to your veterinarian about reported cases in your area and ask your boarding facility or doggy day care if they have any concerns. It might be a good idea to keep young puppies, senior dogs and otherwise immune compromised pets out of public places like dog parks in areas with known cases of H3N2.

More: 7 Unusual therapy pets that will totally surprise you

Treating the dog flu virus

Since dog flu is a virus, treatment is supportive. Your veterinarian might prescribe an antibiotic to treat any secondary infections associated with the virus or a medication to reduce your pet's fever. Dehydrated pets might need fluid therapy, and in severe cases, vets might even recommend hospitalization.

More: Dress Up Your Pet Day is today — here are 28 pet costume ideas

A vaccine recently released in November shows promise in fighting the new strain of dog flu. Talk to your vet about vaccination options if you plan on traveling with your pet or if your pet spends time in at-risk locations. Remember that keeping your pet healthy with proper nutrition, exercise and regular visits to the veterinarian are the best ways to help your pet fight off infections like the H3N2 dog flu.


Arroz verde turns a basic chicken and rice dish into something special

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Enjoy arroz verde with grilled chicken as a flavorful gluten-free meal!
Image: Patricia Conte/SheKnows

Arroz verde — or green rice — is a punch of flavor that goes well with just about any protein or vegetable. I’ve cooked up this traditional Mexican side dish and served it with simple grilled chicken.

You’ll love the flavor and the color of this dish too. I went on the spicy side of things by adding some Hatch chiles to the mix, but you could use jalapeño if you don’t want the heat from them.

Dig in to a colorful side of arroz verde to serve with grilled chicken!
Image: Patricia Conte/SheKnows

Note: Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows tries to ensure that these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Arroz verde with grilled chicken recipe

Serves 4

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 poblanos, roasted, seeds and skin removed, chopped coarsely
  • 1/3 cup cilantro leaves, extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon diced canned Hatch chiles or 2 – 3 teaspoons diced jalapeño (more or less, to taste)
  • 1-1/2 cups gluten-free vegetable broth, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or less if the vegetable broth is salty)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Cotija cheese crumbles, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. To a blender, add the poblanos, cilantro, onion, garlic, Hatch chiles and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Add the salt and black pepper, and blend until smooth.
  2. To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the uncooked rice, and cook, stirring, for a few minutes.
  3. Add the blended mixture to the rice, and mix to combine. Add the remaining vegetable broth to the rice, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed (15 – 20 minutes).
  4. Add the lime juice to the top of the rice, and serve with the grilled chicken, garnished with torn cilantro leaves and cotija cheese crumbles.
gluten-free friday
Image: SheKnows

More gluten-free recipes

Hoisin-glazed chicken with roasted green beans
Cinnamon-spiced pear Dutch baby pancakes
Creamy polenta with roasted tomatoes, onions and eggplant

Wesley True discusses his crucial Top Chef mistake

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We chatted with True about his experience on the show and the fatal mistake that led to his departure.

More: Top Chef fans love Kwame Onwuachi for not being a reality show jerk

SheKnows: Who is your favorite Top Chef contestant of all time and why?

Wesley True: I really enjoyed watching Katsuji. I think he's pretty entertaining.

SK: Were you surprised by your elimination?

WT: No, not at all. I knew I would be eliminated the moment I saw my overcooked lamb.

SK: What was it like working with all of the judges on the show?

WT: It was a good experience for the most part. Padma is actually pretty funny, and Tom is straightforward and tells it like it is, and is a very likable person.

SK: Which contestant do you think deserves to win? Or who are you rooting for?

WT: I think we all deserve to win, we are all great chefs and work hard. I'm rooting for everybody!

More: Top Chef's best and worst reactions to cheftestant dishes

SK: Who did you consider to be your biggest competition?

WT: Jeremy. We were acquainted with each other before the show, and I knew when I saw him the first day that he would be a top competitor. He's a great guy, as well as chef.

SK: Was there anyone on the show you really clashed with? Who was it and why?

WT: No, I can't say that I really clashed with anyone. We all had our little arguments at some point, but I [credit] that to the pressure of the challenges on the show. At the end of the day, we are all a pretty tight-knit group.

SK: Who is your favorite out of the judges and why?

WT: I really liked Emeril, the times that he was on the show. He's super nice and reminds me a little of my dad.

SK: Who do you think deserved to go home on last night's episode?

WT: I made a crucial mistake with the lamb. I think the judges made the right call. Jason's dish was weird, but it was technically cooked properly.

SK: What was the best experience you had on the show?

WT: Meeting new lifelong friends and getting to travel around California. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

More: Top Chef's Giselle Wellman decides who should win Season 13

SK: What was the biggest challenge for you on the show?

WT: Moving around in these fast-paced situations. I have a very bad knee injury from college sports, and it was very painful to get around at some points during the challenges.

Are you sad to see True leave the competition, or do you think the judges made the right decision?

A mom's guide to Sesame Street besties

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Maybe a little more familiar than you'd like to be (especially when you're trying to write a grocery list and can't get that damn theme song out of your head). But what if you could get even more familiar with this lineup of wacky characters? If you lived on the Street, who would your best friend be? (Your best Muppet friend, that is. Obviously we'd all want to hang with Maria if we had the chance). Let's take a look at the options...

Cookie Monster

Cookie monster
Image: Giphy

The obvious downside to having this guy for a BFF is that a package of Chips Ahoy is going to have an even shorter shelf life in your kitchen than it already does. But on the plus side, what could be more fun than hanging out with a big blue fuzzy ball of walking id? Cookie Monster is the friend you can binge-eat an entire pan of brownies with and not feel guilty about it. (Although you may feel irritated vacuuming up all the crumbs later.)

More: 12 Amazing life lessons kids can learn from Sesame Street

Oscar the Grouch

Oscar the Grouch
Image: Giphy

Oscar is mean, grumpy and never has anything nice to say about anyone. He's like a smelly Gordon Ramsay or Simon Cowell, and if you're the sort of person who has people-watching as a hobby, he has definite A+ friend potential for you.

Rosita

Rosita
Image: Giphy

You may be thinking, "Hey, isn't Rosita from Sesame Street bluer, furrier, and not-as-much-a-character-on-The-Walking-Dead as this?" And this is true. It is also true that GIFs of Sesame Street's Rosita do not exist on the Internet, and it is further true that this is a travesty. Someone with more computer skills than me, please remedy this situation ASAP.

Anyway: This girl is bilingual, dances and plays approximately every musical instrument known to humankind (or Muppetkind). Rosita is the kind of friend everyone deserves, one who is so cool and amazing that she makes you want to be a better person too. Even if you're thinking, "Damn it, Rosita, can you stop being so nice and so good at everything?" while you embark on your self-improvement journey.

More: How to be a good BFF according to TV

Bert

Bert from Sesame Street
Image: Giphy

Bert's hobbies include reading, pigeons, socks and oatmeal. This might sound unbearably dull, but think about it: Sometimes you want a friend that you can just quietly exist around. When Bert says "Netflix and chill," he literally just means "Netflix and chill." But bring your own snacks over when you show up to watch a movie in peace and quiet (unless you really like oatmeal). And be careful how you talk about the stupid bird that crapped on your windshield on the drive over, because that might be a friendship-ender.

Ernie

Ernie from Sesame Street
Image: Giphy

If you like having friends with no sense of personal boundaries, and if having your life interrupted by a constant string of pranks and staring contests is your thing, then Ernie should be your go-to guy. Fair warning: He also won't tell you why he's mad at you when you guys have a falling out, because he'd rather play "guess what I'm thinking"-type games.

More: 4 Signs you need to break up with your BFF

Elmo

Elmo
Image: Giphy

This guy is red, fuzzy and adorable, and constantly, constantly upbeat. Keep him around for when you need someone energetic and cheerful to go do something active with: bicycling, jogging, hiking. But steer clear when you need a listening ear. He'll listen to you, and even be sympathetic, but the problem is his unflagging optimism. Sometimes you don't want a friend to help you find the silver lining in a bad situation; you want a friend to agree with you that Chad is a lying, two-timing piece of human garbage.

Abby Cadabby

Abby Cadabby
Image: Elmo-and-Abby-Cadabby

Pros: can do magic, accessorizes well (wand, hair clips). Cons: that laugh. Take her shopping with you when you need something for a special occasion, but don't let her go overboard with the pink and sparkles. And for God's sake, don't say anything funny.

Céline Dion is about to get hit with another heartbreaking tragedy

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Céline just lost her husband René Angélil to cancer yesterday, and now another important member of her family is reportedly on his deathbed, too.

Céline's brother, Daniel Dion, is suffering from multiple cancers — including the same throat cancer that felled Angélil — and their sister Claudette confirmed he does not have much time left.

More: 10 Things you didn't know about Céline Dion and Rene Angélil's 28-year romance

"It's very painful," Claudette told Le Journal de Montréal outside of Daniel's hospital room last night. "It's a matter of days or hours."

"It looks a lot like René, he had cancer of the throat, tongue and brain. Our family is very experienced… He is 59 years old, very young to be [at] the end of life."

Céline's rep confirmed Daniel's condition to Entertainment Tonight.

More: Céline Dion's reaction to her husband's cancer is heartbreaking (VIDEO)

Despite the dramatic situation in Montreal, Claudette took the time to give tribute to Angélil.

"We received a lot of support and comfort after the announcement of his death. It shows how much he was great and he left no one indifferent. In sentencing, it is heartening to see how much he was loved," she said.

"He led the Quebec music internationally. Céline and René was behind that voice brought internationally. He was passionate."

Céline is one of 14 children. This is not the first time the family has been hit with an awful tragedy. Her niece Karine lost her battle with cystic fibrosis in 1993 at just 16 years old as Céline held her in her arms and sang to her.

More: Céline Dion's tribute to Paris at the 2015 AMAs had everyone in tears

celebrity deaths 2016 slideshow
Image: WENN.com/WENN.com/DJDM/WENN.com

Little girl uses mom's iPad to make fantastic secret video

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They start with some general discussion, which is cute enough on its own. Then the dancing to "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" begins, and it's almost too much to handle.

More: Dad responds to 6-year-old's request for loan with hilarious letter (PHOTO)

cute ipad video

cute ipad video

Johnson said she heard some noise in the room next door but had no idea they had her iPad and phone (to play the music) and were doing this. What a cute surprise.

More: This photo of a dad and his baby has the Internet doing a double take

While it can be a bit risky to hand over expensive electronic devices to kids and there are definitely some safety issues to beware, it's also amazing to let them semi-loose and see what they do.

More: Police officer saves abandoned baby by breastfeeding her

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