Season 17 of The Biggest Loser featured a very interesting cast that, unfortunately, wasn't always very likable. People took delight in saying "Bye, Felicia" all season, but ultimately, most viewers knew that Felicia Buffkin wasn't destined to win the show. From the beginning of the season, however, it seemed very likely that a Hernandez brother would emerge victorious. Not only did the twins manage to take home a victory for their family, they snagged a double championship!
Although Luis was sent home early, he seemed like a good bet for the at-home version of the competition. By the time he was eliminated, he'd already lost quite a bit of weight. Of course, prior weight loss is no guarantee of continued healthy habits at home. But the change of scenery didn't seem to negatively impact Luis, who lost a total of 139 pounds. And the loss of a brother didn't stop Roberto from losing weight either. If anything, his brother's departure served as a motivating factor. By the end of the competition, Roberto had shed a whopping 160 pounds.
Roberto and Luis should have been this season's most inspiring story, but their double victory actually upset several Biggest Loser viewers. Many took issue with the alleged negative attitude these two demonstrated throughout the entirety of Season 17. This negativity was most evident when Roberto referred to Felicia Buffkin as the weakest competitor. Most of Roberto and Luis' haters begrudgingly acknowledged the twins' accomplishments, but a few actually thought that the competition was rigged.
Not everybody took issue with Luis and Roberto's victories. Several found the pair very inspiring, in spite of their occasional bouts of negativity. This viewpoint was not heavily represented on Twitter, but there were a few supportive tweets among all the complaints.
Shoutout to Biggest Loser winners
Shoutout to Biggest Loser winners
Biggest Loser Twins love
Biggest Loser Twins love
No matter what you think of Luis and Roberto's attitude, it's impossible to deny that they've worked hard and accomplished a great deal. They are the ultimate proof that The Biggest Loser is not a popularity contest.
Were you happy to see Roberto and Luis Hernandez win The Biggest Loser? Or would you have preferred to see the season end with a different pair of victors? Comment and share your opinion below.
It all started when Rinna visited with Kathryn Edwards and immediately jumped into the topic of Kim’s relapse and struggle with addiction. Rinna tries to play off her gossip as concern, but she stirs the pot way too much for anyone to believe she’s doing anything but trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of airtime.
Kyle opened up on her blog about how the constant gossip about her sister affects her and her relationship with Rinna. "Things got uncomfortable when the subject of my sister Kim came up. I don't like to hear Lisa Rinna speak against my sister. It bothers me that she claims to have such empathy for anyone who suffers from addiction and then says terrible things about Kim,” she wrote.
Kyle, ever the peacemaker, says that she did her best to keep calm, but some lines just shouldn’t be crossed. She continued to explain, “I have tried to keep the situation between Rinna and Kim separate from our friendship. However, she tends to bring it up again and again making that difficult.”
She concluded by saying, "I understand she is entitled to her feelings, but there is a time and place. If she cared about our friendship at all, it wouldn't be with me sitting right there while saying such hurtful remarks about Kim as well as in her interviews."
For Rinna’s part, she wrote on her blog, "The conversation at lunch moves on to past events that really don't need to be discussed AGAIN. For God's sake, we have already rehashed the situation that went down with Kyle's sister a million different ways, and all of you know just how touchy it is for our group.”
Sounds like an argument from someone who doesn’t want to take accountability. On the other hand, Kyle could be making more of the situation because it is a subject so personal to her.
What do you think? Are you on Team Kyle or Team Lisa?
Now that our hearts are beating again, lets talk about that X-Files season finale. After the most jam-packed (and germ-infused) episode of its brief return season, tonight's TheX-Files ended not with answers, but with even more questions than we had going in.
X-Files - Colbert reaction
X-Files - Colbert reaction
The finale started with Scully describing her past, mirroring Mulder's opening sequence in this season's first episode. Things quickly spiraled out of control, however, when a global pandemic initiated by the Smoking Man kicked into high gear, sending everyone to the hospital. The show's new conspiracy nut, Tad O'Malley (played by Joel McHale), managed to break the story (which involved vaccines and chem-trails turning off everyone's immune systems) before Scully found a cure.
X-Files - shock
X-Files - shock
So much got packed into the finale, it felt like it could have been a couple episodes instead of just one. Reactions on Twitter were intense, with audiences bemoaning the show's rapid-fire pace and unresolved ending. But we're pretty sure Chris Carter has just ensured The X-Files will be back, and here's why.
1. Mulder's on the verge of death
Image: Fox Broadcasting Co.
The X-Files is nothing without Fox Mulder, and ending the season with his life in jeopardy is practically a guarantee the show will be returning — the only question is, will it return as a movie or as another season? With the success of the series' return, we're hoping for another season.
2. Where's William?
Image: Fox Broadcasting Co.
The finale ends with Mulder so close to death's door that Scully's vaccine might not be enough. Sure, it's a little strange that she can tell just by looking at him that he needs stem cells (maybe a case of too much plot needing to fit into too few minutes), but the result is that Scully now has another reason to go looking for their son.
The whole season has been teasing a William/Mulder/Scully reunion, so the fact that it didn't happen feels incredibly unsatisfying. But now that Mulder's life hangs in the balance, it might just be the push Scully needs to track their child down. How fast she'll be able to locate him, though, is a whole different question for a whole new season.
3. Everyone's sick
X-Files - Einstein sick
X-Files - Einstein sick
Sure, Scully made a cure out of her own alien DNA, but there's no way it's going to be widely available in time to save the world. With multitudes of people dying of common and not-so-common ailments all over the world and only a few bags of Scully's cure in D.C., the show's got a lot of loose ends to wrap up.
4. Smoking Man needs to be punished
Image: Fox Broadcasting Co.
Seeing Mulder hold a gun to Smoking Man's smug, greedy, evil head was incredibly satisfying... but the fact that he didn't pull the trigger means the villain is still on the loose and in need of punishment. Sure, it's hard to believe he survived the first series finale, but with the soul of a cockroach, Smoking Man is obviously invincible. We need more episodes of The X-Files so Mulder can eventually give the villain the punishment he deserves.
5. Alien spacecraft in Washington, D.C.
X-Files final scene
X-Files final scene
We've seen aliens and spacecraft many times in The X-Files' history, but never in a populated area. It's always been just Mulder, Scully and maybe Skinner, plus some conspiracy wing-nut, who witness alien activity. Not this time! The finale ended with a UFO hovering above Scully, Mulder, Miller and a bridge full of panicked citizens.
6. Miller and Einstein are starting to believe
Image: Fox Broadcasting Co.
Audiences may not be in favor of a reboot with Miller and Einstein, but the two new agents are starting to believe, and that means we need more episodes to see exactly how their story arcs play out alongside Mulder and Scully.
7. David Duchovny is practically promising it's going to happen
But perhaps the biggest indicator that the show might return is all the fan love egging Duchovny, Anderson and show creator Chris Carter on. Audiences tuning in to the revival in epic numbers can't be ignored. And with the finale leaving fans in the lurch, you can bet they'll be demanding Fox renew The X-Files for yet another nail-biting season.
Erin Bates Paine made a comment denouncing the Institute in Basic Life Principals on Instagram, following the filing of a massive lawsuit against the former head of the organization, Bill Gothard, for the alleged sexual abuse of young girls.
Now, despite the fact that both her father and father-in-law serve on the IBLP board of directors, Bates says she and her husband Chad Paine have turned their backs on the ministry in which they were raised, and that their fellow evangelical reality TV family the Duggars actively promotes.
The statement came in the comments section of this Instagram post.
A fan let Bates know that if she ever wanted to escape the IBLP lifestyles, help was available — and that's when Bates dropped the bomb.
"You have a beautiful family," Instagram user rosequartzlioness wrote. "If you and your husband ever want out of the ATI-lifestyle, there's many of us willing to lend you a hand."
"@rosequartzlioness you're so kind! We are not affiliated with the ministry or Mr. Gothard in anyway at all, nor do we support. Thank you for your concern. May God richly bless you! :)" Bates responded.
"@chad_erinpaine aren't both of your fathers on the IBLP board? And your new brother in law works for it as well? Just wondering. Regardless, you guys are adorable and seem incredibly sweet. God Bless," wrote caro_cline.
"So your family is no longer following ATI? Interesting! Would love to hear more about your views and which church you guys belong to!" asked cottoncandytotes.
Bates made it clear that she was only speaking for herself and her husband, not her father, in-laws or any other family members.
"I am speaking solely for Chad and I!" she responded. "Each family makes their own decisions. But for us, we do not support or encourage. Blessings! :)"
Then her brother, Lawson Bates, chimed in, clarifying that their dad only joined the board two years ago — Gothard resigned in 2014 — and was not aware of the accusations at the time.
"IBLP & ATI [Advanced Training Institute] are no longer affiliated with Mr Gothard," he wrote. "ALL of us make our own decisions & follow Jesus Christ. People will always let you down. Christ never will. My dad joined the board only around 2 years ago & was as unaware of accusations as anyone.
"I don't support him or his ministry," he added.
Gil Bates and Dr. Stephen Paine remain on the IBLP board of directors.
UFC-Que Choisir has published a list of 185 products, including toothpaste, perfume, shampoo, deodorant, nail polish and baby wipes, which it says contain substances that are legal but potentially toxic.
"In light of the absence of suitable European regulation, we want to put pressure on manufacturers through consumers' purchasing behavior," said Olivier Andrault, who led the study.
Among the substances that are legal for manufacturers to use but could cause allergies, irritations or endocrine disorders are phenoxyethanol, which could be toxic for the blood and liver, and a "totally unnecessary" UV filter known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, which is often listed on sunscreen products as octinoxate and may lead to endocrine disruption.
While the warning has only been issued to French consumers, many of the products listed are also for sale in the U.K. and many other countries across the world. Familiar brands like Adidas, Playboy, Head & Shoulders, Garnier and Colgate are included.
Parents may be concerned to know that many of the products, such as Nivea Baby Pure & Sensitive baby wipes, contain allergenic toxins not suitable for babies' skin.
And of the 185 products, more than 100 contain hormone-changing substances.
"Despite repeated warnings to toxicologists and dermatologists, manufacturers still haven't changed their practices," said UFC-Que Choisir.
The consumer group advised the public to not buy any of the products, particularly if they are to be used on at-risk people (such as babies). It also called on consumers to report any adverse reactions to the manufacturers.
In response to the study, the Federation of Cosmetics Makers said beauty and hygiene products sold in France were safe and met European regulation, which it described as "the most demanding in the world."
"Our safety evaluation system is very robust and all our products and our ingredients are rigorously evaluated before they are put on the market, always in full conformity to the regulation in place," L'Oréal said in a statement.
Be that as it may, the regulation isn't necessarily offering the public enough protection. Just because something is legal, it doesn't mean it is safe for everyone. Big brands shouldn't be waiting for substances to be banned before they stop using them.
Do you use any of the 185 products on the consumer group's list? Let us know your thoughts on this below.
In the last few years, there have been some sensational books that kept me up far past my bedtime, as I felt compelled to drink in more of these fascinating stories. Each time I read a new account of life during World War II, I feel stunned. In every place, and in every walk of life, there are unique perspectives on this tragic, albeit fascinating, time in world history. The books listed below remind me of the profound power of the human spirit, in good times and in bad.
As the Second World War brewed, the Olympics took center stage in Berlin in 1936. The Boys in the Boat tells the story of nine working-class men from the University of Washington on a quest to win a gold medal in the eight-oar rowing race, challenging Hitler's elite squad in the German boat.
2. When Paris Went Dark: The City of Light Under German Occupation, 1940-1944, by Ronald C. Rosbottom
You probably knew the Germans occupied Paris during World War II, but you've probably never heard the nuances of daily life in the occupied city. Rosbottom conducted extensive research for When Paris Went Dark to bring the reader impeccable details of the bread lines, the shortages and tension both physical and emotional. Life in the occupied city for Jews, the working class, the Vichy supporters and others is portrayed with stunning candor.
Only recently was the fate of eight U.S. airmen shot down in the Pacific during WWII discovered. In Flyboys, Bradley navigates the nuances of the Japanese mindset at the time and carefully reconstructs the events that led to the soldiers' deaths. While eight perished, one survived. His name? George H.W. Bush.
4. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a young U.S. Army soldier who ends up in a Japanese POW camp following a plane crash and harrowing survival in a life raft. The details of the war are interesting, but Louis' spirit will leave you with lasting memories and motivation for overcoming any obstacle in life.
Two American divers discovered a sunken submarine off the coast of New Jersey in 1991. Shadow Divers explores the years that followed, when a team of divers and historians would unearth the remains of the German U-boat and unravel the complicated story of how it got there, defying previous historical reports that no German sub ever came close to the U.S.
In the Garden of Beasts tells the story of the American ambassador to Germany in the early 1930s, as Hitler rose to power. Ambassador Dodd lives in Berlin with his wife and two children and witnesses the evolution of the country as the Nazi regime came into power. The portrayals of the Nazi leaders are unforgettable, as are the warnings of the growing tension in Germany to American leaders that went ignored.
7. Princes at War: The Bitter Battle Inside Britain's Royal Family in the Darkest Days of WWII, by Deborah Cadbury
While London was bombed on an almost nightly basis, England's Royal Family was handling it like any normal family — with strife. Princes at War carefully tells the story of the chaos within the House of Windsor, as the brothers struggled to manage the pressures of the war while acting as the face of Britain.
With young men everywhere being drafted into military service, the women were left to maintain life at home. War Brides tells the tale of five women with radically different backgrounds who navigate wartime struggles together regardless of the circumstances that ultimately brought them together.
With the European continent torn apart by battlefields and bombs, desperate measures were needed to bring the war to a close. Operation Mincemeat shares the largely unknown tale of a highly orchestrated, albeit completely fake, plot to invade Sicily to distract from the impending D-Day invasion at Normandy. The tales of espionage and deception are part James Bond and part Sherlock Holmes.
10. Royals and the Reich: The Princes von Hessen in Nazi Germany, by Jonathan Petropoulos
European aristocracy often has ties to multiple countries, and it was no different for German Princes Philipp and Christoph. They were descendants of Queen Victoria of England with ties to Italy as well, making them attractive targets and allies of the Nazis. Royals and the Reich profiles their roles in the German government and their quiet acquiescence.
Popular with book groups, The Nightingale tells the story of two French sisters living in contrasting environments — one in the city and the other in the country. While their surroundings are different, their support of the French underground was similar, as they took huge risks to support themselves and others while living in occupied France. While this book is fiction, the story is based on events and experiences that happened during the war.
Richards, who recently left RHOBH, is appearing alongside her youngest daughter, Kimberly Jackson, on Lifetime's upcoming series The Mother/Daughter Experiment. In a new promo video for the show, Richards reveals how her life in the spotlight might have affected Jackson.
"It's been a roller-coaster ride," Richards admits. "Being part of the Housewives has been an experience. It really hurt me because I was struggling with certain things."
Kim Richards and Kimberly Jackson open up
Kim Richards and Kimberly Jackson open up
Richards was arrested multiple times last year for public intoxication and shoplifting. She's since been publicly battling addiction. In a separate interview, Jackson explains how her mom's problems have impacted their relationship.
"I feel like I'm her caretaker because she's fragile physically and emotionally," Jackson admits. "And it does overwhelm me."
Richards grows teary-eyed watching her daughter's admission, and says, "I need to remember how my decisions do affect Kimberly."
In the promo, Richards and Jackson sit together to watch footage from their interviews, where Jackson says all the hate that's been leveled at her reality TV star mom has "affected her a lot, and I feel like somebody needs to protect her."
In another separate interview, Richards admits that she feels like being on RHOBH has made her a less effective mother.
"I did the best that I could, so to let my kids down in any way, it's devastating," she says.
Despite Richards' time in the public eye, even during her recovery throughout the last year, she also hints at more drama the world has yet to discover.
"There is something that's going on at home that has nothing [to do with this]," she admits. "There's other things."
One mum who isn’t looking forward to the day her 14-month-old child stops breastfeeding is Mallory Bourn, who says she can’t bear the thought of being without the "powerful connection" it brings.
"Breastfeeding, for me, has been an amazing experience," said Mallory, who lives with her partner, Joe. "I think I am addicted to the attachment and the closeness it brings, that powerful connection. When I think about stopping, I feel really sad. I’m so attached to it and can’t imagine my day without those feeds — although I never expected to feel the way I do."
Although Mallory's breastfeeding journey hasn't been without its problems — in the first week as a new mum, she was frequently sobbing and screaming in pain with her nipples raw and bleeding — she says "there is something so sacred about breastfeeding that I don’t think you can understand until you are a breastfeeding mum, and I am just not quite ready for it to be over yet."
Mallory revealed that Blythe refused to feed from a bottle until she was 10 months old, but she now "can’t help feeling a little jealous and replaced" when she does.
Mallory isn't the only mum to react to breastfeeding in this way. In 2013, Penélope Cruz told Allure magazine that she found nursing "addictive," saying, "It's hard when the day comes when you have to stop."
I breastfed both my babies — the first for six months and the second for just over a year. While I wouldn't refer to it as "addictive" (exhausting is probably the first word that springs to mind), I can definitely relate to the feeling of loss when you stop. For me, it was both a huge challenge and a pleasure to breastfeed my babies, one that first-time mums are seldom prepared for. It was all-consuming, and over time, it became such a natural part of my daily (and nightly) life that when it stopped, it was a little unsettling.
According to the NHS, breastfeeding gives babies the healthiest start in life and lowers the risks of stomach bugs, chest and ear infections, constipation and obesity. The NHS recommends that babies are fed exclusively on their mother's milk until six months of age.
And he would know, because he fits the new stereotype: the gay, black best friend.
On RHOA, Deshazer is never far from Kenya Moore's side, as he acts as her assistant in addition to the gay, black best friend stereotype he's opposing. In a long Facebook post, Deshazer explained why this new TV trope has got to go.
"I for one am sick to my stomach when I see such behavior and EVEN WORSE, the dismissal of that behavior by both the black community as well as the Black & Gay community as acceptable," he wrote. "My knees go weak when black gay men are repeatedly feminized and represented on television and in media as nothing more than accessories to a powerful black woman. Meanwhile being 'White & Gay' mean running networks, educated, selling million dollar homes and anchoring political events. The Black & Gay male is nothing more than a shiny thing to pull off the shelf and dust off when most convenient. Nothing more than a funny clown who can serve some good ‘reads’…nothing more than…Nothing." [sic]
According to Deshazer, the stereotype acts as a new way to oppress men who are black and gay. Commonly, their roles on TV seen them referred to as "queens" or "delicate" — treated as accessories rather than people, he says.
Brandon Deshazer facebook post on oppression in TV
Brandon Deshazer facebook post on oppression in TV
He also compares the way gay men are talked about on TV to the way race is purposefully not talked about.
"As I watched television last night, I caught a scene with a group of affluent black women sitting around discussing the sexuality of a black man who was not present. It starts out with heavy insinuation, with words like 'delicate' (cut to talking head with a smirk), then 'sassy' (another smirk), then tap dancing = gay (another smirk) then we get into rumors from around town. FUNNY RIGHT…its just 'shade,'" [sic] he writes.
He continues, "Now lets change the cast but keep the setting. Lets imagine a group of affluent white women sitting around discussing the ethnicity of a person who is not even present. Ghetto gets dropped, Ratchet gets thrown in there (are we on the phone with the NAACP yet). Meanwhile everyone sits around and laughs. FUNNY RIGHT… its just 'shade.'" [sic]
These sparkling cocktails have A-list celebrity written all over them, but the secret is that they’re easy enough for any of us non-celebs to make. And if you happen to have a bottle of Champagne chilling for a special occasion, well, then most of your hard work has already been done.
Cheers to an Oscars night you’ll never forget!
1. Strawberry mojito sparkler recipe
Image: Claire Gallam/SheKnows
Serves 2
Ingredients:
8 large fresh strawberries
10 large mint leaves
4 teaspoons white sugar
4 shots white rum
1/2 cup Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemons, for garnish
Directions:
In a blender, place the strawberries, mint leaves, sugar and white rum. Pulse on low until the mixture is puréed.
Pour the strawberry and rum mixture into Champagne flutes, filling about halfway full. Top each glass with 1/4 cup of Champagne, and garnish with fresh lemons.
In a blender, place the mixed berries, sugar and lemon juice. Blend until fully puréed. Fill 2 glasses halfway full with purée, and top with bubbly Champagne.
"The couple that ______ together stays together." How would you finish that common saying? Your answer is important because, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the habits you create with your partner can make or break your health.
Researchers looked at more than 20,000 couples, asking them about their overall health and diet and exercise habits. They found that those who established healthy habits with their spouse had a lower weight and better health than those whose habits differed from their significant other's, showing that our love life may have more impact on our health than we'd like to believe.
"Although genetics accounts for a significant proportion of the variation between people, our study has shown that the environment you share with your partner in adulthood also influences whether you become obese, and this is more important than your upbringing," said Chris Haley, lead author and professor at the University of Edinburgh. "The findings also show that even people who come from families with a history of obesity can reduce their risk by changing their lifestyle habits."
But what were these habits of healthy couples, exactly? The study didn't say. So I decided to get some inspiration of my own from fit pairs. They shared their couple traditions that not only help them stay healthy but — bonus! — also strengthen their relationship. Here's what they told me:
1. Have a shared goal. Training for a marathon together has given Michelle and Kareem Malek better fitness and more time together to chat. After all, you have to pass those hours on the road doing something!
2. Try new things together. Shannon Hagen swears that CrossFit has made her 17-year marriage as strong as her new muscles. She and her husband enjoy doing the challenging WODs (workout of the day) together and then trying out new paleo recipes.
3. Walk. As long as there have been couples, there have been romantic walks. Not only does it get your heart rate going, it also helps you share what's in your heart without worrying about being interrupted by phones or kids. "We love going for walks at night. It's like when we were dating in college," says Sabrina Winder.
4. Prep food together. Spending your precious free time on the weekends prepping healthy meals for the coming week doesn't sound like much fun, but when you do it with your spouse, like Yvette Jones does, the work goes faster and you get time to bond. Plus, you know, a week's worth of healthy meals already made!
5. Make it a date night. Several couples told me that they skip the dinner-and-a-movie route and make date night all about physical fun like playing Ultimate Frisbee, going snowshoeing, or discovering new hikes.
6. Be each other's spotter. Cyndi Buchanan and her husband get hot and sweaty together at least three times a week... at the gym! The couple plan workouts together where they can help and encourage one another. "We are all about pushing each other and calling each other out," she says, "in a loving way of course!"
7. Create happy memories. Sometimes half the fun of an activity is remembering it later through pictures, funny stories and mementos. Watching Netflix on the couch isn't exactly conducive to these scrapbook moments, but many physical events are. Doing a mud run, a hot yoga class or rock climbing will give you stories that will entertain you for years. In fact, Theresa Geist and her husband have even made an Ironman their anniversary gift. After all, diamonds can get lost, but memories are forever!
8. Sex counts as a workout! Several couples, who prefer to remain nameless, swear by their steamiest workouts. As long as you're not doing it dead-starfish style (don't picture it, I'm sorry), sex can be an incredible interval workout and way more fun than you're legally allowed to have in any gym!
I was 20 years old when the show started, and I watched pretty regularly through all eight seasons. I then rewatched many of the episodes 10 years later when my own daughters became obsessed with the show through the magic of reruns. I even wound up buying the DVD set of the series — which comes packaged in a cute box that looks like the Tanner family's San Francisco house.
Now, close to 30 years later, the show is back this month in a reboot on Netflix, with much of the original cast returning.
So, why did the show resonate so much with viewers of all ages and generations?
1. The chemistry of the cast
So many actors will say, “This cast is special. We get along just like family,” but it doesn’t seem believable. In this case, the cast acted like family on and offscreen. They built friendships and "father-daughter" bonds that continued after the show ended. They spoke fondly of one another in the media, attended one another's weddings and guest-starred on the others' new shows. How cool was it to find out Kimmy Gibbler and DJ were still great friends 30 years later or that Becky and Uncle Jesse really do love each other, even though they married other people in real life?
2. The Olsen twins
The casting agent who found the Olsen twins hit gold. They jumped off the TV screen as babies, and they continued to just grow more adorable as toddlers. These two grew up over the course of the show, and viewers just loved them — and their catchphrase, “You got it dude!” Their connection was especially strong with Uncle Jesse, which brings me to…
Stamos had already established himself as a teen heartthrob, having appeared on General Hospital in the early '80s as rock star Blackie Parish. Stamos gave the character of Jesse a superswoon factor. Yes, he was cool and good-looking, but he was also a loyal guy with a big heart. He gave the best hugs while still protecting the hair. He wore a black leather jacket, rode a motorcycle and slept in a room with pink bunnies. He loved his nieces — especially “munchkin” Michelle, to whom he sang a lullaby every night, Elvis style.
4. Stories kids, teens and parents could relate to
The Tanners really felt like a family. There were arguments among the sisters about rooms and boys and chores. Danny, Jesse and Joey worked together to raise the girls, which meant that sometimes their parenting styles didn’t match. The girls got grounded and learned life lessons. Yes, most episodes had a saccharine-like quality that families love each other in spite of everything, but it rang true all the same.
5. Everyone was allowed to grow up — just not move away
Sometimes TV shows get stuck, and the kids stay in high school way too many years just to keep the initial concept. But the Tanners grew up. They changed schools, they changed jobs, they dated, and they got their hearts broken — just like families do in real life. Well, not exactly but close.
Uncle Jesse married Becky and had kids of their own. They just had to live over the garage, since they did need to keep it a “full” house.
6. It was a comedy that wasn’t afraid to talk about sad stuff, too
A show whose premise is about a widower starts off on a sad note. Unlike the Brady Bunch (what did happen to their original spouses?), the Tanners talked about Pam, the girls’ mother. There were episodes where this loss was acknowledged and discussed, which added to the realness for viewers of this fictional family.
I'm not sure the reboot can live up to the original, but my family is excited to catch up with the Tanners, especially after seeing their fun spoof on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last week. What about your family? Have you started humming the theme song again?
Kardashian revealed the real reason for the split on Kocktails with Khloé, and it seems Harden exhibited some downright dastardly behavior: He insisted on being monogamous even after she gave him an out, then he still cheated on her!
As she explains to Lisa Rinna, she told Harden that since they were in a long-distance relationship and their schedules were so crazy that being committed just wasn't practical, but he insisted on it. And then he cheated on her anyway!
Khloe Kardashian explains breakup with James Harden
Khloe Kardashian explains breakup with James Harden
"I just don't want to put up with people that you want to be monogamous and then you're not monogamous," Kardashian explained. "I've always said, it's long distance we don't need to be monogamous. There's a lot of shit going on in both of our lives. You live in Houston, I live in LA. Like, let's see each other when we see each other. What girl says that? Why would you say, 'OK, that's great'? No, instead forcing a relationship by ‘let's be committed, let's be committed.' He wanted that. I wanted that but I wanted to be realistic.
"You know what, it's unfair. I'm working so much, you're in Houston, we don't need to be committed," she continued. "Nope, he sought me out. He wanted to be committed. Then, wasn't committed. So Koko had to let him go, go. It's literally everything on a platter. I'm not telling you I'm not going to hang out with you… so I was like, 'Great, this guy is in it for the long haul, let's do it.' Found out he wasn't and I got the receipts to prove it."
Damn, that's cold! Well, now we know why she was posting all those inspirational quotes about not letting people treat you like crap on Instagram.
“No. Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise.”
Watchmen was published in 1986 by DC Comics and created by a creative team that consists of Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and John Higgins. The main protagonists get back to being superheroes after one of them gets murdered, just to find out there is a deeper goal and twisted plot. The story differs from the general superhero concept, as the story itself deconstructs it and focuses on moral struggles.
“Remember, Remember, the 5th of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”
Thanks to Alan Moore, David Lloyd, Tony Weare and Vertigo, we can proudly exhibit this masterpiece of a graphic novel on our shelves. The focus of V for Vendetta is on the main character V, who starts the revolution against the government that created a dystopian police state. This anarchist is famous for wearing the mask of Guy Fawkes, which has become a symbol for almost every protest against tyranny in today’s world.
This black and white graphic novel was published in 2004 and is written by Canadian author Guy Delisle. Pyongyang depicts Delisle's stay in North Korea, where he met with many people such as foreign diplomats, NGO workers and his former colleagues. While visiting historical monuments, he is introduced to reverse walking, propaganda and surprised by the fact that there are no elderly or disabled people there.
“You're beginning to get the idea, Clark. This... is the end... for both of us.”
First, it was a four-issue miniseries, but later on all four issues were combined into one volume. In this volume, Batman is an old man who has been out of business for a long time. When Gotham is terrorized by a mutant gang, Batman decides to take his cape and cowl and restore law and order. These events lead to a Batman-Superman showdown since vigilantism is strictly prohibited. Also, Caroline Keene “Carrie” Kelley becomes Robin; and later on in The Dark Knight Strikes Again she becomes Catgirl. Batman: The Dark Night Returns was published in 1986 by DC Comics.
“An old man dies. A little girl lives. Fair trade.”
Sin City is actually a series of comics written by Frank Miller. The neo-noir graphic novel reached the same popularity as the film, and has made some changes in the film industry regarding the adaptations of graphic novels. Both the Sin City and Persepolis film adaptations are original, different and true masterpieces.
Georges Remi, AKA Hergé, the cartoonist and the author of The Adventures of Tintin, introduced a new school of cartooning, characterized by an optically flat style and the clear line.
Tintin and his dog Snowy are characters known all over the world. The young reporter and adventurer faces different adventures that combine different genres such as mystery, fantasy, science fiction and political thriller.
“Then came 1980: the year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school.”
Persepolis shows the growing up of Marjane Satrapi in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the struggle she experiences when she leaves her hometown. This is my favorite graphic novel from the list, as it is emotional, original and introduces us to cultural differences we rarely think about, as today’s world teaches us to be shortsighted and ignorant. Throughout the story there is a lot of powerful symbolism, which helps make it a true literary masterpiece.
“I suppose that a lifetime spent hiding one's erotic truth could have a cumulative renunciatory effect. Sexual shame is in itself a kind of death.”
Fun Home, subtitled Family Tragicomic, is actually a memoir of the author. The story is focused on the relationship with her father and goes through a lot of hardships like emotional abuse, gender roles, a dysfunctional family and sexual orientation.
“To die, it's easy. But you have to struggle for life.”
American cartoonist Art Spiegelman has written a story of his father’s experience from Auschwitz to survival as a Polish Jew. Maus is the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize, back in 1992. The incredible story shows Germans and Poles as cats and pigs, while Jews are represented as mice.
Every graphic novel lover should read this one, as it has given new depth and meaning to the genre.
“Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter… No Women's Bathroom”
Akira is a Japanese manga that explores topics such as power, corruption, coming of age and social isolation. Akira depicts teen gangs who live in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. In addition to inspiring an entire new genre and style, a fun fact is that Akira predicted that the Olympics will be held in Tokyo in 2020.
“You really want to fuck up the system? Go to business school. That's what I'm gonna do. Get a job in some big corporation and, like, fuck things up from the inside.”
The story focuses on two cynical teenage girls from 1990s who aimlessly go through their city and criticize modern culture and people. When they reach adulthood, they drift apart, which touches on several of the book's topics: exploration of friendship, alienation and modern life in general. Ghost Town should be on everyone's reading list today, as it has become popular to just hate on everything, and the message of this graphic novel is that life passes by while we are complaining and hating.
Williams said on her show that she believes the judge's ruling, which basically forces Kesha to work with a man she says drugged and raped her or else totally give up her career, is "fair" and that if Kesha wanted to prove she was raped she should have filmed her attack.
"Unfortunately business is business, and it sounds like it's fair. If everybody complained because somebody allegedly sexually abused them... contracts would be broken all the time... Kesha's no spring chicken. I mean she's, like, 30 years old... so she wasn't stupid 10 years ago and neither was her mother when the sexual abuse — alleged sexual abuse —started. Why weren't they rolling camera on it?"
Let's break this down. First, by saying, "If everybody complained because somebody allegedly sexually abused them... contracts would be broken all the time," Williams is implying that any woman who wants to be a part of the music industry must accept that sexual abuse will be part and parcel of their career and should just suck it up and take it.
Second, she mentions Kesha's age like one's level of maturity has anything to do with someone's ability to slip you drugs and rape you. Implying a woman can't be assaulted if she is old enough to "know better" is a blatant example of irresponsible victim-blaming.
And then there is the absolute topper of them all: If Kesha was really raped, she — and even her mother — should have known it was going to happen ahead of time and made arrangements to videotape it.
So, according to Williams, we should call up our psychic friends daily to see if there is any kind of sexual assault coming up and, if so, make sure cameras are set up anywhere it could possibly occur — or at the very least, have our moms hide somewhere to record it with their iPhone.
"It's so easy," Williams added, "boys are so stupid. If you're sexually abusing us it's so easy to catch you."
It's so easy to catch an attacker that only two out of 10 rapists will ever serve time, according to RAINN.org.
This season has been admittedly more predictable than most, but one thing we didn't see coming was JoJo Fletcher's hometown date being comparable to a never-ending roller-coaster ride.
After a rocky start and an uncomfortable yet mature conversation (thanks to JoJo's ex), Ben thought the date was going to be smooth sailing, but he was sorely wrong. Long story short, JoJo's brother not only accused Ben of having "rehearsed" his answers, but claimed he had "brainwashed" all the girls into falling in love with him. They blamed Ben for making JoJo "more emotional than they would've liked" and questioned if he had any feelings for her at all.
While it makes sense for the brothers to ask the guy dating their sister some tough questions, it's how they treated JoJo that really crossed the line. In a private conversation, JoJo opens up to her brothers about how she is falling in love with Ben. Before she can finish, though, her brothers interrupt her vulnerable moment with condescending remarks and overall bad advice.
One brother patronizes his sister, saying, "JoJo, I'm going to put this in perspective. You've only been on two dates with the guy. And you're my sister and I love you. But how can you fall in love with someone you've only been on two dates with?"
Love is unpredictable, everyone knows that. But this condescending comment makes JoJo feel like an idiot for having any feelings at all. You can tell JoJo feels foolish, because she prefaces her emotions with "I know it sounds crazy, but..." to validate the way she feels about Ben. She tries explaining the depth of their relationship, but her brothers refuse to listen to her side of the story, thereby making her thoughts irrelevant.
Instead of allowing her to express her feelings, they advise her to "keep your heart guarded." I can't think of worse advice than this. If JoJo's brothers really cared about her happiness, they would support her decisions instead of telling her to run from the man she's falling for. It's no secret that JoJo is scarred from her past relationship and already guarded as a result. Rather than encouraging her not to give up on love, her brothers are contributing to the problem.
To make matters worse, they manipulate JoJo into thinking that Ben doesn't feel the same way about her and warn her that he isn't as invested as she obviously is. As a result, JoJo becomes even more paranoid about opening up her heart to someone new. The brothers' bad advice was most likely their way of keeping her from being heartbroken, but they can't expect her to never fall in love again.
JoJo becomes visibly emotional, something the brothers blame Ben for and can't stand. The thing is, emotions are never a bad thing, but the brothers make it seem otherwise. Their reaction to JoJo's vulnerability only serves to convince her to be closed off and not take risks for love.
Throughout the season, JoJo has felt uncomfortable and scared to open up, and her brothers only made those fears worse with their comments. Although they probably thought they were doing their brotherly duty, they actually did more harm than good. If they keep encouraging her to be tough and closed-off, and she keeps listening, then JoJo will have a hard time finding love.
"My mother recalls that even as a small child, I would ask her multiple times to share stories of how she met my father and about their wedding," the Seattle-based artist tells SheKnows.
But society — especially millennials — have largely grown apprehensive about marriage, given the high divorce rates. So, Jarstad documented the lives and marriages of different couples married for as little as 23 years, to over 70.
"I believe the world needs strong, healthy marriages and families. I felt called to use photography as a vehicle to document these strong couples," she adds. Don't assume it's all romance and wine, though. "Throughout this project, I've realized how a relationship begins is far less important than how it endures. Some couples knew they found 'the one' in an instant, others struggled and toiled, and some didn't like each other at all in the beginning."
Take Robert and Patricia. Sparks didn't exactly fly when they first met. "We met on a blind date. My niece set us up and we went to Chuck-a-rama. She didn’t like me at all and I didn’t like her dog," Robert said.
Then there was family influence that factored into marriage decisions.
"My family worried about Steve being from a broken home and tried to talk me out of marrying him," Cheryl said of first meeting her husband of 49 years. Having a very difficult time making decisions for myself, I let my mother influence all of them. I prayed about marrying him and my answer was like lightning. So, he drove all the way out to Utah from California and we decided to elope that Friday!"
And, of course, there are some good, old-fashioned love stories.
"We met when I was working at a women’s dress shop in California, and he was working next door at a men’s clothing store," said Norma of her husband of 57 years, Andrew. Every morning we’d both go out to sweep the sidewalk. One day our brooms met. Day after day, we fell in love on that sidewalk in front of those stores. He swept me off my feet!"
"Hollywood provides countless stories of effortless passion and falling in love," adds Jarstad. "Romance need not be effortless. In the end the effort and grit is what endures. These couples also retained a gleam in their eye when they talk about their partner and how they met. May we all roll up our sleeves and work hard to polish and preserve our love stories."
She wrote to her fans, "I am beyond words in gratitude. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. A million times over and forever thank you. The support I have received has left my face swollen from tears. I love you all so much." She added that a statement "too large for this format is coming."
On Friday, a heartbreaking photo of Kesha spread all over the Internet showing the singer sobbing when she heard the news that the New York Supreme Court judge would not let her record or release music without Dr. Luke. It was only minutes until the #FreeKesha hashtag started trending with thousands of messages of support and love for the singer.
Celebrities from Demi Lovato to Lena Dunham have all spoken out to support Kesha, and it all seems to be lifting her spirits in this truly awful time.
Dr. Luke has also broken his silence on Twitter to deny all the rape allegations — saying he has three sisters, a mother and a daughter so he wouldn’t do something like this. I guess it’s too much to ask that since he’s a human being he wouldn’t do this to another human being. Personal opinions aside, the producer hasn’t been charged with anything, so he is innocent until proven guilty.
I hope this entire debacle ends as soon as possible for Kesha and that she can start work again doing what she loves. And I’m glad she’s hearing all the support from her fans and supporters.
Because that's what literally happens in this video now making the rounds on Facebook. The clip — which has now been viewed over 11 million times — shows a woman with long, fine hair getting an asymmetrical haircut.
Well, asymmetrical is an understatement. The stylist seems to just cut along the woman's hair randomly, leaving her with a seriously blunt style reminiscent of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Some sections are super short; some are super long with a random long section left near her face.
Barbershapp viral video
Barbershapp viral video
The video was posted on the BarberShapp page and is described as a "new trend in the making" without any other context. However, I don't think that's going to happen.
It turns out the model shaved her head immediately after the crazy cut.
"It was [model Julia Andreeva's] birthday and she asked me [to] shave her head, so we decided [to] make something interesting and shoot [a] video about it,” hairstylist Aleona Starzhinskaia of HairF*****r Studio in St. Petersburg, Russia, told Refinery29 via Facebook message. "In a few hours, I turned her into [a] blonde and started [to] make this cut; most of this was... improvisation."
Barbershapp viral video 2
Barbershapp viral video 2
And they were just having fun… but that's not to say Starzhinskaia would mind if it became a trend. "It is just fashion; this is not for every day," she said. "But I hope in [the] future..."
Why? Oh, maybe because her best friend Simon may now officially be a vampire. Yeah, Clary, Simon desperately needs your help, stat. Throughout the episode, Simon panicked severely and worried over whether or not he truly is becoming a vampire.
I mean, he was filled with so much anxiety over the situation (and rightfully so), Simon wrote out a list comparing his possible vampire symptoms to his non-vampire symptoms. For example, under the "Turning into a Vampire" column, Simon noted that he is experiencing sensitivity to light, hallucinations, voices in his head and a thirst for blood. As for the "Not Turning into a Vampire" column, he still loves garlic.
Obviously, this wasn't enough to calm him down. He tried to reach out to Clary (for the millionth time), but she was too busy trying to find the Mortal Cup. Also, Jace didn't help the situation by hanging up on Simon, because, well, that's Jace. Even Simon's mother and sister recognized there is something very wrong with him. I mean, Simon broke his desk in half in front of his mom and sister, proving that his super strength definitely isn't in his head.
So, is Simon truly becoming a vamp? While calling Clary (again) and leaving a tear-filled voicemail stating that he thinks he is turning into a vampire, he said, "I think I need to talk to you more than I’ve ever needed to talk to you in my life." Simon also noted that he realizes Clary is busy trying to save her mom, but he desperately needs his best friend.
Seriously, Clary, now that you have the Mortal Cup, will you please help Simon? Pick up your phone, listen to your voicemail and go rescue your BFF. Here's hoping Clary gets to Simon in time. At the end of the episode, Simon went back to the vampires who kidnapped him asking for help. That's right; he is so desperate that he returned to the vampire lair.
At least vampire Camille gave Simon some answers. She explained that her blood is running through him, causing some "curious effects" within himself. She promised that it will fade and he will soon return to his normal self.
Simon breathed a sigh of relief in learning that he is still very much human. However, Simon's luck changed in seconds when Camille lunged at him. Unfortunately, this is where the episode ended, so now fans have to wait until next Tuesday to learn if Camille really turned Simon this time.
Based on the promo for next week's episode, things aren't looking good. I mean, Simon was sporting some vicious fangs. I'll keep high hopes that those fangs aren't what they seem. All I know is, Clary needs to take some time to save Simon, because if not, she just might lose him forever.
