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Olivia Munn calls plastic surgery rumors 'unfair' — and we completely agree

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Olivia Munn is once again taking on those rumors about her changing appearance head-on, and she has a perfectly logical explanation that has nothing to do with needles.

Munn told Fashion magazine that with her unique ethnic heritage comes a host of issues with photographing her, and her changing looks have everything to do with the different styles of makeup artists.

"Being multi-ethnic — I'm half Chinese, half white — brings up a whole set of complications that people don't even think about when it comes to being photographed," she explained. "I have more of a white appearance on the outside, but my bone structure is very much Asian. I have high cheekbones and smaller eyes. When you put shimmer on the inside of my eyes, I immediately look cross-eyed. If you put too heavy of an eyelash on me, it looks like my eyes are halfway closed."

Olivia Munn Fashion cover

Olivia Munn Fashion cover

More: Olivia Munn's lips before & after using Kylie Jenner's lip kit

In fact, Munn blames the recent uproar about whether or not she's had plastic surgery or injections on the great work of her glam squad.

"I posted the picture on Instagram because the glam team had worked very hard. People were like, 'What did she do to her face?'" she said. "A week later, I looked completely different. As an actor, you can be completely transformative and take on different roles. As an individual in the world, it's a totally different story.

"We live in a time where there's (sic) so many pictures that bring so much scrutiny. When your face changes because of makeup, it's hard to let people know that you're not actually doing surgery or fillers."

Munn initially addressed rumors she had work done to her face in an Instagram post last month, saying she lost weight which thinned out her face, reshaped her eyebrows and started eating magic Japanese potatoes said to stimulate collagen production.


NCIS' newest agent has a lot in common with DiNozzo

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Another new face is coming to NCIS. On Monday, it was announced that British actor Duane Henry will join the CBS drama as Clayton Reeves. He is set to appear in the last two episodes of Season 13, with the potential to become a series regular in Season 14.

More: NCIS: 14 hilariously memorable Tony DiNozzo quotes

According to TV Line, Henry will portray Clayton Reeves, who is described as "a young man who rose above his blue collar roots to become a successful MI-6 agent." He is also said to be "offbeat and fun with swagger to spare." Reeves' character description also reads, "Behind his steely eyes and a strong, no-nonsense demeanor is a killer smile and a sense of humor to match."

Furthermore, he possesses confidence and, even though he's "burned some bridges in the international intelligence community," Reeves owns his actions and always sets out to do the right thing.

"We think we found something really special in Duane Henry,” NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg said in a statement. "His unique blend of charm, heart and athletic physicality is going to be a great addition to the mix. Everyone at NCIS is excited to have him join us."

More: NCIS: 9 ways Tony DiNozzo will react to having his identity stolen

NCIS newest agent

NCIS newest agent

Well, it sounds like Reeves will fit right in. He even has some of DiNozzo's qualities, including his good looks, great sense of humor and swagger.

As previously reported, 24 vet Sarah Clarke will also appear in Season 13's final two episodes, with an option to become a series regular come Season 14. Clarke will play FBI Special Agent Tess Monroe, who is said to be "quick-witted, tough and shrewd."

NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

More: NCIS fans are excited about the real reason for DiNozzo's exit

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

NCIS slideshow
Image: CBS

Body shame is officially putting women at a higher risk for heart disease

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Most of us can relate to the experience of going to the doctor and walking out of the clinic feeling ashamed, whether it's about our inability to put down a pack of cigarettes or lose a few pounds (It's hard! Especially when you live so close to a deli selling the best French cheeses!). But a new study by Women's Heart Alliance shows why it's crucial we remove the shame from healthcare.

More: 6 Heart attack symptoms that are different in women

For many women, the shame of being overweight gets in the way of regular visits to the doctor — which can be deadly given that heart disease is the number one killer of American women. It's a sneaky disease and often has no visible side effects, which makes getting screened for heart disease all the more important.

"Women are objectified in our culture and valued for their appearance. Unfortunately, this carries over into healthcare," says lead researcher Dr. C. Noel Bailey Metz. She feels too much emphasis is placed on women's weight, and there's not enough focus on more accurate ways of assessing women's heart health: "A woman with a healthy body mass index may not look like the images we see of thin models," she explains. "She may have some cushion on her and she will likely live longer, yet her physician may focus on her weight — a crude and not necessarily accurate marker of nutrition and exercise."

The report found that nearly half of women (45 percent) have cancelled or postponed a visit to the doctor to lose weight first. According to the survey of over 1,000 women, over a quarter of them thought a diagnosis of heart disease was "embarrassing" because people often made the assumption that women with heart disease were not dieting and exercising properly. Women clearly felt ashamed of their unhealthy habits, too, with 35 percent reporting that they've avoided seeing a doctor because they hadn't managed to quit smoking.

Alarming stats surfaced that showed that many women weren't getting the healthcare that they needed: While 74 percent of women reported having risk factors for heart disease, only 40 percent said that they remembered even having a heart assessment at their last doctor's visit.

More: I survived a near-fatal heart attack without even realizing it

While physicians tend to get hung up on women's weight (and obesity and being overweight, especially around your waistline, can be a risk factor for heart disease), there are other screening methods your doctor should be focusing on as well. For instance, we're supposed to start getting our cholesterol levels screened at age 20, according to the American Heart Association (This is news to me — why have I never done this?), and doctors should take our blood pressure at least once every two years. For more information about how to keep your heart healthy, check the American Heart Association's website.

There's also a worrisome lack of knowledge about heart disease amongst American women. According to the CDC, only 54 percent of women know that heart disease is their biggest killer. So what can we do to keep ourselves from becoming another statistic? Focus on the factors you can influence: Monitor your blood pressure to make sure it's not too high, check your cholesterol levels to make sure you don't have too much of the "bad" kind, or LDL cholesteral, and if you smoke, I'm sorry but it's time to kick the habit.

"These are the risk factors we should be focusing on," Merz says. "We found that women are stigmatized and women's healthcare still tends to focus on bikini medicine of pelvic, pap, and mammogram."

The most important thing you can do though, is refuse to feel ashamed — or let your doctor shame you about your weight or habits — because shame can be deadly.

More: 8 Health rules every career woman should follow

Reddit thread reveals the most unusual requests sex workers have heard

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From having a dental exam performed on your toes to applying clown makeup, sex workers took to Reddit to share the strangest requests clients have made of them — and they're equal parts gripping and disturbing. Though there's no way to prove these stories are all true, if you've ever wondered what outrageous fetishes are out there, you're going to want to keep reading.

More: Shouldn't student sex workers be supported, not stigmatized?

1. A pretend gunfight

"I have a guy that comes in every few months and wants to have a pretend 'gunfight' with me," writes Reddit user HedgiesandTea. "Like, we face off, draw our 'weapons,' and 'shoot' each other. He is super specific with the wording he wants me to use, and it's such an easy show."

2. A dental exam... on your feet?

One sex worker remembers her client asking her to remove her shoes and lay on a table, as he laid out dental hygiene tools and an electric toothbrush, only to began performing a "dental exam" on her feet for an entire hour. "I was supposed to play the whole thing straight as if it was really my teeth he was examining," writes Reddit user Jitzgrrl. He proceeded to "floss" her toes and check "for cavities." She writes: "It was actually a totally great time, if a bit bizarre to start."

3. Forced jazzercise fantasy

Richard Simmons would approve of this playful fantasy. Reddit user GirlHips writes: "Client had a fantasy about being forced into a leotard and legwarmers and forced to do jazzercize with my canes as motivation." This was one of this sex worker's more enjoyable client experiences: "I did that and it was awesome."

4. The urine connoisseur

One strip club DJ shared memories of a very unusual client: "Had this one odd duck that would come in and pay girls like $200.00 to piss in a glass for him... " writes Reddit user mudbuttcoffee. "This happened several times, then once the girl took it to a bouncer and had him pee in it." Apparently, male and female urine smells different to some people (who knew!): "She took it back to him, he took one sniff and said 'this is a man's urine' Left, and never came back while I worked there."

5. Man requesting to be kicked in the groin

In one of the more cringeworthy/don't try this at home stories shared, a user remembers a client who'd ask to be kicked in the groin wearing boots. "Guy used to come see me every week and pay me to kick him in the balls. HARD. Repeatedly for 5-10 minutes," writes BBchick. "He obviously loved it. He would flinch a bit, but usually asked me to kick him harder." Though the sex worker was "apprehensive the first few times," working with this client quickly became something she looked forward to: "If I had a stressful week dealing with assholes. I would look forward to him visiting so I could take out some aggression."

More: #FacesOfProstitution selfies challenge the public perception of sex work

6. The "honey-do list" client

A cam girl shares her experience working with a lonely British client who missed his fiancé. "My weirdest customer wanted me to make him weekly grocery lists, errands lists, and just general 'honey do' lists for things he had to do around the house," writes Reddit user smutwitch. "He claimed he was lonely after his fiancée [sic] moved to Belgium for a year for school, and now they were on a break."

7. Just hold me

In one of the saddest stories shared, one male escort writes about a client he had who requested he hug her: "I just held her and she stood there crying for 5 more minutes before I just picked her up and took her to the couch when I sat down and held her for another 20 minutes while she was crying. Just soft deep sobs (I'm getting a bit teary eyed remembering this)," writes Reddit user Escort_Guy. "I asked if she was OK and she told me (without moving her face from my chest) that her husband never holds her, never has." This Reddit user goes on to write an entire essay about other experiences he has and how this job has impacted his ability to have relationships. Reading his post, it's clear that sex work can require a tremendous amount of emotional work as well.

8. Disturbing rape fantasies

Sometimes clients ask sex workers to act out violent simulations in which they play sexual assault victims: "Two regulars would pay me a lot to simulate rape. I'd scream, cry, and try to fight back and they'd wear masks and slap me around while they'd have sex with me," writes Reddit user SchrubSchrubSchrub. The user adds: "Eventually the tears became real tears and I had to stop."

9. Terrorist attack roleplay

One cam girl shared her experiences with a client who liked to get her to pretend to be his wife, and that it was the morning of the September 11 terrorist attacks: "In our sessions, I am to pretend that I'm informing him — for the first time — of the attacks that have 'just taken place,'" writes Reddit user EvelynAModifiedDog. "For nearly an hour, he'll ask questions and pretend to be completely oblivious/ignorant to world politics and even the simplest homeland security issues."

10. Adult babies

Some of the stories were more on the awkward side: One former male escort writes: "Had a larger, 50-ish lady ask me to snuggle with her in a rocking chair." But there's more. Reddit user throw escorts writes: "Wanted me to suck on her nipples as if I were nursing. She stroked my hair the entire time."

So now you know (whether you wanted to or not!) what kinds of things sex workers may face on the job on any given day, as they navigate situations that range from hilarious to tragic to downright cruel.

More: 12 Honest truths about working as a legal prostitute

Teacher lets kids watch Fifty Shades of Grey, and major battle begins

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It seems that politics don't need to play out on the national stage to be an absolutely bonkers nightmare. Just ask all the main players in Mercer, Wisconsin's drama-riddled race for a spot on the school board. This one's a bit of a doozy, but suffice it to say it involves three main things: the enduring national shame of the poorly written and acted erotica otherwise known as Fifty Shades of Grey, a supersize portion of parental concern and a restraining order.

This one's a little complicated, so you may want to go pop some popcorn and settle in for this tale. Go ahead, we'll wait.

What started out as a little extracurricular movie viewing has now turned into a bit of a slap fight between a teacher named Robyn Schoeneman and a parent named Christa Reinert, with Schoeneman accusing Reinert of harassment, intimidation and slander and enacting a restraining order against her. Reinert, for her part, says she hasn't harassed anyone and calls the restraining order politically motivated.

MoreHey, you need to talk to your kid about rape

So where do Jamie Dornan's too-small face and Dakota Johnson's permanent grimace come in? Well, apparently Schoeneman and a school board member and coach named Kelly Kohegyi chaperoned a group of girls on a volleyball tournament road trip, and when they made a pit stop, a bunch of the girls asked Schoeneman to rent the film so they could watch it in the car. Schoeneman says she initially balked but caved when the girls pointed out that only the juniors and seniors — all of whom were over 17 and all of whom would be riding in Kohegyi's car — would be watching it and that some of them had watched it before.

So Schoeneman rented it, Kohegyi played it, and by all accounts, everything was fine. None of the other parents, a school board representative said, had any objections to the film being shown to a bunch of kids who picked it out and were old enough to be subjected to its terrible character tropes, weird ideas about what healthy S&M play looks like and Dakota Johnson's comically large bangs.

Except for Reinert, that is. She's the parent of a 14-year-old who was on the trip — who didn't see the movie — and boy, is she ever mad.

More: Mom hires stripper for her kid's birthday, because what could go wrong?

What happens next is up for debate. Schoeneman says Reinert started harassing her, sending her passive-aggressive threats that included the wording of a state statute describing the felony act of showing children "harmful or pornographic material," which is a common tactic pedophiles use when grooming their victims, and that she sent an anonymous letter to the sheriff, urging him to investigate Schoeneman for sex crimes.

Reinert says Schoeneman didn't seem to find this particularly intimidating until Reinert announced her bid for school board. It's a mess.

But let's back up a second. Did Schoeneman and Kohegyi do anything wrong by letting a bunch of high school girls watch a terrible erotica movie? Eh.

Maybe Schoeneman shouldn't have rented it. If the school district is to be believed, then both she and Kohegyi were disciplined for that. But they didn't show it to anyone under 17, or indeed, they didn't show it at all. It's not like they gave out an assignment on the content in a crossword puzzle or anything — they just allowed the girls to watch it. None of the other parents seem to be too scandalized except for Reinert, and it does sort of leave us wondering why.

There was a time when if your kid did something that was explicitly against the rules — sneaked out to a friend's house, duped the nice Sunday school teacher into letting them watch crappy erotica or stole some of your neighbor's vodka for a little tipple — you'd be really mad at your kid. You wouldn't be mad at your kid's friend's parent or the nice CCD woman or even your vodka-loving neighbor.

Your anger would be directed at your scheming — if at least red-blooded and otherwise pretty normal — teenager for being an idiot.

More: If we don't want our daughters to have sex, we owe them their own vibrators

That's because your kid is not a barely sentient blob incapable of making their own decisions. Neither adult on the trip pried the girls' eyelids open and pinned them there Clockwork Orange-style and forced them to watch Dornan and Johnson do a terrible impression of two people who want to hump each other in a dungeon.

They were not at school, and at 17, if they go home and say, "Guys, I watched a little bad erotica today," and that statement makes their parents angry, the correct answer is some variation of, "I'm really disappointed in you, you're grounded," not "How dare that teacher? Doesn't she know you won't have any agency until the day you turn 18 and the magical responsibility switch flips?"

What happened to blaming kids and not the adults who are unfortunate to be privy to their idiocy when they do dumb stuff? Children, particularly teenagers, are capable of thinking for themselves, and they're capable of making terrible decisions, just like the rest of us humans.

If we all keep letting the consequences for those decisions slide off them like the microwaveable Fifty Shades of Grey licensed massage oil available at Walmart and instead deflect it toward teachers and other adults, how will they ever learn that they alone are responsible for their awful life and movie choices?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

notes from siblings
Image: AdamDawn/Reddit

How I told off a potential employer for being totally sexist

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A local sculptor was looking for an assistant for the summer and was offering excellent compensation. Now, I'm used to tweaking my résumé in an attempt to persuade potential employers that despite my random work experience, I am actually perfect for the job, but this time I really was perfect for the job!

My work experience ranges from construction to nonprofits to the art world and so, so, so many restaurant jobs. Assist a metal sculptor? Not only am I also a sculptor, proficient in steel and small metals, but I’ve also worked as a carpenter’s and a roofer’s assistant. I have earned my BFA and was awarded my college’s annual sculpture award. Most important, I had, only months earlier, been an assistant to a steel sculptor much like the one I was applying to. Not only were my educational and professional backgrounds perfectly aligned with the job, but I had literally done this job before and had the glowing recommendations to prove it. Bye-bye bartending; hello, making money doing what I really love!

More: It's easier to tell when someone's lying than you might think

Unfortunately, only minutes into my telephone interview, the conversation was derailed. Instead of talking about my skills and experience, we were now talking about how old my kids are and what happens if I need to work late. Umm… my husband would feed the kids dinner and put them to bed? Like he is doing right now while I write this. Honestly, that is what happens many days since he and I split child care and domestic chores 50-50. Why are we talking about this again? Do fathers get grilled on how old their kids are and if they can still work late? I assured my interviewer that I had superb child care in the form of grandparents and a competent partner. Next question, please.

So we moved on to… my welding experience? My own sculptural work? My awards, achievements, experiences at a well-known art school and semester abroad in Australia? No. We would get there eventually, but his next question was more of a concern. He admitted that he’d never hired a woman before. Did I know this was hard work? As in using-an-angle-grinder-for-four-straight-hours hard work? I cannot claim to lift or carry the same weight as a large man can, but hey, neither could a small man with a slight build who could have just as easily been applying for this job and would never have been asked that question over the phone. It seemed he was more curious if I was tough enough for this role. Almost as if he was concerned I might be caught standing around, not wanting to break a nail. Umm… did you look at my résumé?

Remember the part where I was a roofer? Where I learned to install metal roofing by hand with antique tools? Heavy antique tools. For shingle jobs, I carried half a bundle of shingles (45 pounds) up a ladder all day in the summer heat. My boss, a man, could carry a full 90-pound bundle, which means I made twice as many trips up and down the ladder as he did, and without complaint. I was not preoccupied with trying to not break a nail; I was busy pounding them. I added that since those summers in my 20s spent pounding nails, I’ve gone on to give birth naturally three times and run a full marathon. I assured him: I’m tough.

More: I quit a great job I loved because they wouldn't give me family leave

In the end, my college adviser, who taught me to weld, was asked both for a recommendation and for his thoughts on hiring a woman, especially one with young children. He was at a loss as to how to respond to such a cringeworthy question. All of which is a moot point, because I did not get the job. A young man was hired as lead assistant, though I was offered a position as a docent to greet people, give tours and talk about the work in the sculpture park. A job that does not appeal to me at all, since I much prefer building things to chatting with people.

In a professional manner, I declined the docent job.

I am reminded of how my old boss, the roofer, said he always hired women when he had the chance, because in his experience, they worked harder than men did. I’m profoundly grateful to the men in my life who have taken the time to share their skills with me, skills that pass so easily from men to boys but less so to girls. Because I want to change my own flat tire, use a chain saw, drive my dad’s farm tractor, improve my home DIY-style and, most dear to my heart, build things. Beautiful sculptures.

More: What it would take for a man and a woman to be BFFs for real

After I sent a personal email detailing the sexist line of questioning to the sculptor, I copied the content into a Facebook post as a type of public service announcement. I asked those who experienced or witnessed discrimination to call it out and for employers to check their biases. I was overwhelmed by the immediate response — not just the likes, shares and comments, but by how many women who had similar stories, how many men who were disgusted and by how many people in general were thanking me for standing up and saying something.

The truth is, the man I was dealing with is not a monster, not a sexist jerk. He is oblivious and old-fashioned, inexperienced with modern, badass females. He maintains that his questions and concerns, framed in the context of my gender and role as a mother, were strictly to ensure there were no injuries in his studio and that expectations regarding scheduling were clear. While I respect his intentions, I do not believe I should have to defend myself in a way a man is not asked to.

And it's not just men who favor other men in the hiring process; women are known to do the same thing, be it not wanting to hire a young woman for fear of her starting a family (many women commented on my FB post with such stories) or a strong female leader because she comes off as less likable. These biases are often unconscious and ingrained, which is why we need to talk about them. Whether it's being passed over unfairly for a job you are qualified for, being spoken over in a meeting or clear sexual harassment, all forms of sexism and discrimination need to be addressed by women who experience these acts or by the women and men who witness them. Only then will women share opportunities equally with men in the workplace. 2016 is no time for assumptions based on gender.

About the author: Sabrina F. Leonard is a sculptor and conceptual artist living and working in Vermont. She attended the Massachusetts College of Art and The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology before earning her Bachelors of Fine Arts at Johnson State College. Her experience as an AmeriCorps volunteer and her interests in feminism and social justice inform her artwork. She and her husband Adam have three young sons. You can check out her work on Instagram.

Sonic's square milkshakes will be the most exciting act at Coachella

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Coachella is known for its eye-catching fashion, and this year Sonic wants to add visually intriguing food to the mix too.

It's teaming up with Instagram-famous chef Christine Flynn to bring artfully composed square milkshakes to the masses at SoCal's hottest music festival this year. It's kind of gimmicky, sure, but the milkshakes actually look (and sound) delicious.

More: Copycat Sonic Ocean Water, because sometimes the drive-thru is too much work

Sonic square milkshakes video

Sonic square milkshakes video

The shakes will be served in a square cup with a square straw — even the cherry on top is square. The idea is that the shakes are an homage to Instagram's square-photo format, which makes sense. Chef Flynn is known for her parody Instagram account, where she takes fast food and junk food and transforms it into plates worthy of fine dining, and with its desert landscape, Ferris wheel and wild fashions, Coachella is pretty Instagrammable too.

Sonic square milkshakes

Sonic square milkshakes

More: Copycat Sonic cherry limeade is even better when you add booze

Because of this, the shakes themselves will be ordered via Instagram. Festival-goers will see targeted Sonic ads on Instagram on April 16 and can click a "shop now" button to make their selection. Then, using geotagging, Sonic will deliver the shakes to them wherever they are on the festival grounds. Once you get the shake, just snap a pic, and post it to Instagram — basically the shakes are free in exchange for the Insta-publicity. Sounds a lot easier than standing in line!

More: 25 boozy milkshakes that push decadence to a whole new level

Heartbroken pet owners leave the most moving tributes to their fetch-loving dogs

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Meg the border collie's favorite pastime was chasing a tennis ball on her local beach in Swansea, South Wales.

So when Meg sadly passed away recently, her owner, Alison Lenihan, knew there was only one way to properly pay tribute to the dog who had given her "14 happy years."

More: 9 creative ways to commemorate the loss of a pet

She left a box full of tennis balls at Port Eynon Bay, together with a photograph of Meg and a note for other dog walkers, inviting them to take a ball and enjoy a game in Meg’s memory.

"Please take a ball and enjoy a game with your dog in memory of our beautiful girl," read Lenihan’s note. "Meg loved the beach and loved life! And we love and miss her. So much."

Actress and singer Lenihan, of Gorseinon, Swansea, told ITV News, "It seemed the right thing to do — I hope people enjoy the beach and the tennis balls as much as we did."

Lenihan may have been inspired by the story of Forrest, a rescue dog from California who also loved nothing more than chasing balls on his local beach. Even when he was diagnosed with canine degenerative myelopathy, which began to limit the mobility in his back legs, his desire to play remained strong.

More: Comfort dog helps kids stay calm at the dentist

"Even when he could no longer walk, he would always go to his toy box and grab a ball over anything else," Forrest's owner, Teri Hembree, told The Dodo. "That was just part of his personality."

When Forrest died in May 2015, Hembree and her husband, John, decided to honor their beloved pet by leaving a bucket of tennis balls for other dogs and their owners at his favorite beach.

Forrest tribute on beach

Forrest tribute on beach

Ten months later, and Forrest's memorial is still on that beach in Oxnard, California.

"We're just really happy that there's a legacy for him. He was just a really good dog," said John. "When we're feeling a little bit down, we will go to Forrest's beach and just sit and watch other dogs playing with the balls. It makes our day to know that others are bringing their dogs out to play."

In January, another dog owner named Chris honored his Rottweiler-boxer mix Everything on the two-year anniversary of her death by buying 100 tennis balls, which he proceeded to give away to other dog owners all over the world.

"On Jan 23 I'll mark 2 years without my best friend. I purchased 100 tennis balls last week. I plan on sending them to anyone who wants one. I hope that all the people who get a ball from me will use it to spend some quality time with their best friend," posted Chris on Instagram.

Dog tribute tennis balls

Dog tribute tennis balls

Chris invited dog owners to request a ball by email or Instagram and promised to cover the costs of sending out the balls. He wasn't prepared for the huge response but pledged to try to send a tennis ball to everyone who asked for one.

What a lovely way to remember three special dogs — and proof that dog owners the world over want to pay tribute to their pets in very generous ways.

Did you create a special memorial for your pet? Let us know in the comments below.

More: 6 stages of pet grief and how to move through them


Endometriosis wreaked havoc on my young relationship

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“The next step is trying to conceive.” 

I was only 23, and I was in no way ready for a child. There had to be another way. My doctor shook her head and assured me that now was the best time to try, because my endometriosis diagnosis would lead to infertility.

“And you’re engaged, right? So you are in a serious relationship, and you probably want to have children, right?” 

All I could do was nod. My fiancé and I had only talked abstractly about procreating and the one thing we agreed on was that we didn’t want children for at least a few years. I was neutral on the topic: Kids were great, but I felt no desire to have them on my own. My fiancé wanted children, but he wasn’t in any kind of rush.

I had just quit my salaried job to start cosmetology school, so we were far from financially stable. But his parents raised him well with very little, and this gave us hope we could do the same. We decided to go forward with my doctor’s plan and got pregnant within a few months. Though we had no idea how we were going to get through it, we felt sure we could find a way.

More: The five little words that keep my relationship healthy when my parents' was toxic

The pregnancy was a bright light in the dark tunnel that had been our life recently. Within the last year, I had undergone multiple hormonal treatments that came with a tornado of bad side effects, and a laparoscopic surgery that resulted in a long recovery time and an intense infection. Endometriosis wreaked havoc on our young relationship, and we were relieved to have something “good” happen, even if we were unsure of how we felt about it.

Our uncertainty finally gave way to excitement once I had my first sonogram. We had photographic evidence, so we told our family and friends. Everyone was happy for us, and the cheer and goodwill followed, though something told me it was too soon to celebrate. Having gone through most of my life with some type of health issue, I learned to listen to my body. The lack of morning sickness and food cravings concerned me, but my doctor insisted I was stressing over nothing.

A week after my six-week sonogram, I was spotting and cramping, so I called my doctor who then admitted she hadn’t viewed the sonogram, even though it had been sent over almost a week earlier. She called me back to confirm the lack of heartbeat and prescribed me medication to induce bleeding. I was in the most pain I had ever been in. I couldn't get off the couch and I wasn't in any position to have an intense conversation but I knew that my fiancé was hiding his grief out of worry for me. When we did finally talk about it, he told me he broke down crying when he heard the news. We were both grieving a child we weren’t even sure we were ready to have.

More: How I fell in love with a 'so not my type' guy

My doctor, on the other hand, was unsympathetic to the miscarriage; she insisted it was a good thing that I got pregnant at all — that it was a sign that I still could — and I had to keep trying. But when I took this to my fiancé, we knew what we had to do. We had a fertility issue and needed a doctor who wouldn’t insist we do something we weren’t ready to do.

We have since made peace with the fact that we may never have children and have even found that being childless actually suits us as a couple. Being in a relationship where one person has severe health issues is challenging, and my struggle with endometriosis continues, but luckily, I have a very patient partner. In grief, in sorrow, in confusion — those are the moments that will test your relationship the most. They are also the moments that you'll truly discover who you are as a couple.

Mischa Barton explains why she & her partner had a rough time on DWTS

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Mischa Barton and her dance professional partner Artem Chigvintsev have been eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, but Barton thinks we haven't seen the last of the pair. The two fought so much during rehearsals that Barton jokes they "should have had their own show.

"It had been a really intense first few weeks," Barton told E! News in her exit interview.

More: The OC's Mischa Barton sues her mom for stealing from her

"I think we're the only couple in the competition who had a tough first two weeks, and then you're kind of gasping for the air of the change," said Chigvintsev.

Barton thinks bad timing is to blame for the pair's quick elimination. "I came straight out of a film, came into this," she said. "I was going to get this dance training, and it's been a fun experience and I've learned a lot from Artem."

More: Mischa Barton's financial woes just got even worse

Chigvintsev says they had just started to hit a positive stride. "We're achieving our goals, we keep smiling and having positive energy in the room," he said. "And that's the time you're going home."

If earlier reports are to be believed, Barton's rude behavior may also have played a role in her lack of friendships on set. Insiders claim that she is "the most self-entitled and rude celebrity that the employees of the show have ever had to work with," snubbing the celebrity guests as well as the crew.

More: DWTS Season 22: A complete review of every duo's dancing debut

Renee Graziano's new boyfriend will forever remind her of Big Ang

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Her friends, family and fans will continue to feel the loss of Angela "Big Ang" Raiola, but her influence is still with us. Page Six reports that friend and Mob Wives castmate Renee Graziano met her new boyfriend at Big Ang's wake.

Graziano’s new beau allegedly looks just like Ronnie Magro from Jersey Shore so much that she had to take down her Instagram post of the couple when fans were convinced it was a photo of Ron.

More: Why Mob Wives is painful to watch without Big Ang

Graziano and her man visited City Lobster in NYC last week, where she apparently opened up to a waitress about Raiola's role in their love story. "Before Ang’s passing, I asked her to help me meet someone normal. But Ang said, 'I only know wise guys.' Then all of a sudden at her wake, a guy taps me on the shoulder... Starts a conversation and asks for my number," she said. "I thank Ang every day for helping me find him."

More: Big Ang's husband Neil Murphy sets the record straight on their marriage

With Mob Wives over after six seasons, it's a shame we won't get to see Graziano and her new man in front of the VH1 cameras. We love the idea that she's dating someone who knew Big Ang — what a great way to honor her friend's memory.

Who do you think Renee's mystery man is? Let us know in the comments.

More: Mob Wives Season 6 brings back the original cast with new drama

J.R. Ward reveals the most important romance novel of all time

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J.R. Ward releases her 14th book (14th!) in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, The Beast, today. We had the opportunity to pick her brain about it, what she considers to be the best romance novel of all time and what she can't wait for BDB fans to read in the new novel. Take a look!

SheKnows: For people who have never read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, describe it in 140 characters or less.

J.R. Ward: Warrior vampires in black leather pants falling for females who hand their butts to them on a plate if they get out of line.

SK: With this being the 14th book in the series, where do you find inspiration to the keep the story going? Do you ever get burned out?

JRW: Oh, jeez, the stories just keep showing up in my head — and I really hope they keep it up! I write what I'm told, and as long as I do that, I don't have any problems with writer's block or anything. The issues come only when I try to force the story or the people in it to do things they don't want to. As a control freak, it's funny that I've learned to be so comfortable with being out of control in what is arguably one of the most important areas of my life! But there's no arguing with the way it works for me. Lover Revealed taught me that lesson, and it was something I've only had to learn once.

More: Christopher Rice is ready to write his first gay romance

SK: Do you ever read reviews and take reader feedback to heart, and even incorporate them into the series? If so, can you name a specific moment or scene that was fan-inspired?

JRW: No, I don't read reviews or take any feedback from anyone (ummm… see the control freak comment above. And yes, I'm an absolute joy to live with, just ask my husband.) Here's the thing: The stories don't even care what I think about them. They don't listen to anybody! My job is simply to describe what I'm shown in my head so that folks who read the books get an idea of what I'm seeing. As long as that happens, I'm doing my job as best I can. Now, I will say, I'm happy to retweet review links or have my staff do that, but I don't open the links. In fact, I've always kind of thought that reviews written by readers for readers are a kind of private space between consumers. It's their right to say anything they like about your material, and authors need to know that and respect that. As for my end, I'm aware of what my sales are, so I know that my books are working in the marketplace, at least for now, and beyond that, I have to just do my thing and stay focused.

The Beast JR Ward
Image: Amazon

SK: What's one moment in The Beast that you can't wait for fans of the series to read? (I'm sure you can't describe it in detail, but can you give a tease?)

JRW: Oh my God. When Rhage introduces his purple GTO to Bitty! That's all I can say! But it melted me into a puddle as I saw it in my head. I love Rhage. There's something so wonderfully unapologetic about him: He is what he is, without a filter, every second of the night or day. And that means there's an honesty about him which, if you were a slightly nervous, skittish little girl, you would have an intrinsic trust of. Does that make sense? Hopefully, if people read the book, they'll get it!

More: Augusten Burroughs explains why sex is necessary for a happy marriage

SK: This series has a huge following and very dedicated fans. They have even created collages of the celebs who would play certain characters. Can you list 10 to 15 characters and the celebs you'd pick to play the role?

JRW: Oh, I can't. I really can't. I'm so sorry! The thing is, the pictures in my head are so exact and clear, it would be like asking me to pick someone to play my husband or my best friend. Nothing fits just right, and the defects are so glaring, I just can't reconcile them. I will say, I like everyone here, though… I mean, I'm a happily married woman… but man, any of those boys could wash my car any frickin' time they like… Paint my house. Vacuum. Just sit there. Without their shirt on — wait, what was the question?

SK: Romance is hugely popular with our readers. What are your top 10 favorite romance novels of all time? And can you explain why in one sentence — for each book?

JRW: OK, in case you haven't noticed, I'm long-winded. It was an exercise in torture to try to do the 140-character question up above. And finally, I did something glib because I failed at the other attempts because I'd write paragraphs. So instead of doing one sentence about 10 books, how about 10 sentences about probably the most important romance novel of all the ones I've ever read?

So, when I was first starting out as a reader of romance, I quickly became addicted to Elizabeth Lowell's Silhouette Desires, and later, her standalones (her medieval and her Western series). Oh my God, she was just amazing, and more than any other author, she was the one who lit a fire under me to give writing romance a go. There was something so visceral about the way she wrote — I could see pictures in my head and my heart would race and I would read her stuff over and over again.

Summer Thunder
Image: Amazon

To this day, I sleep with Elizabeth Lowell's 1983 release Summer Thunder next to my bed. In fact, I just went over and picked it up so I could look at the red cover with its oval portrait of the hero and heroine on a rocky shore. It's Silhouette Desire #77 and it cost $1.95. It's there to remind me how I got started and why I write: for the love of story and romance and that feeling you get when it's 2 in the morning and you're dead tired, but you have to keep reading because it's just too good to stop. Yes, times have changed and so have heroes and heroines, but the core of what makes readers happy has remained the same: Does the material touch you, resonant with you, stick with you? Do you feel yourself in the pages, see yourself walking in another person's shoes, hear the voices as they speak? Are you in love with the way they are in love?

In fact, I have all of Elizabeth Lowell's first editions, or the editions as I read them first. The pages of the paperbacks have yellowed around the edges, and the spines are so cracked that the gloss and coloring has cracked off, and some of the covers are hanging at bad angles and split on corners. I love these books. They are among my most treasured possessions. I have carried them in boxes through college, law school, apartments and then houses. They have seen me through my darkest moments and inspired me to my greatest joys. I sometimes get scared thinking what would have happened to me if I hadn't started writing. I literally cannot imagine another life. And Elizabeth Lowell played a huge part in getting me on the right path.

More: Welcome to Night Vale creators reveal the hardest part about writing the novel

SK: Lastly, is there anything else you want to add that I missed?

JRW: Well, other than the fact that I apologize for not being able to answer two questions as you asked! Hmm. The only other thing I'd add is that I'm so very grateful to the readers who put down their hard-earned money to read what I write. They don't have to do that. They choose to. And I try and earn that trust every time I put out a book. I know that sometimes the stories head into challenging territory *cough*TrezandSelena*cough* and I respect that that can be hard. It's a wonderful journey, though, and I'm so glad we're all on it together!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

paranormal romance books slideshow
Image: Amazon

Listen, ladies — Strong is the weight-loss competition show you need to watch

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NBC's new show Strong is preparing to put reality weight-loss competitions to shame with a new take on looking great.

More: New weight-loss show Strong could bump The Biggest Loser off TV

The show isn't about losing weight; rather, the focus is finding on finding your inner self in a bigger picture kind of way. Losing weight is just the added perk.

Show host Gabrielle Reece explained, "As a woman, I can say the other part of the message that's so important, at least for this first group of trainees, is they're not looking left or right and saying, 'Oh, I need to beat her or be like her.' They're simply saying, 'How can I get back to or find or become my best self?' Through the relationship with the trainer and that teamwork, I think that that is a very powerful part of the message where it's — the trainer is informing her how to move and how to eat, but then together, they're performing and he's not only helping her, but she's also helping him. So that's a universal message that's never going to go away. I have three daughters, and every day it's how do you find the time. I'm aging. How do you deal with it gracefully and deal with aging? Still, if you're just saying, 'How can I be my best self wherever I am in my life?' then I think that that's a great North Star."

More: 10 exercises for full-body fitness that make you strong (but sore) all over

Executive producer Sylvester Stallone echoed those statements with comments about how the show applies to everyone in life whether they're overweight or not.

"Here's what I think it gets down to. Life breaks us all down. It's not about building. Building is very, very tough," Stallone said. "We get to a certain point and it becomes negative, and every day gets tougher and every month and every year, and the problems compound. People are at a crossroad, and they say, 'Either I'm just going to go down the drain, I'm going to have life put its foot on my chest, or I'm not going to be broken anymore. I'm going to try to become unbreakable. I'm going to build an armor around myself, a body, a strength, mentally and physically,' and all they need is a format. I think the fact that this is going on national television and people will say, 'Hey I can do that. That's me. I share in that.' That's all it is. Someone just to break the dam and just say, 'You know what? I'm tired of being broken. I want to be unbreakable.'"

Not only will the show delve into the contestants' and trainers' journey to strength, it will also cover the difficulty of that journey, emotionally and physically.

More: The Biggest Loser Season 17 could be the most emotional yet

Unlike other reality TV shows we've seen in the past, Strong will make the recovery part following brutal workouts part of the storyline.

"We have a Strong recovery room that we set up, and it's very real. The show pulls the curtain back and just really shows what it’s going to take. There [are] no shortcuts in getting into shape," executive producer Dave Broome revealed. "It's hard work, and I think I told all of the contestants going into this, if you think you're going to come here, you're on television, you're going to take a magic pill and all of a sudden you're going to get this amazing transformation, it ain't happening. There's no secret. You're going to bust your ass together, and that's how it's going to happen, period."

Strong premieres Wednesday, April 13 at 9/8c on NBC.

Which aspect of the show are you most excited to see play out?

9-year-old is too busy reporting a murder to play with dolls, thanks anyway

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Growing up, what little girl didn’t want to be Nancy Drew? A crime-fighting super sleuth who didn’t let her age or gender stop her from hunting down the bad guys.

More: Target's new 'girlie' superhero line is about to make parents very happy

A 9-year-old girl from Pennsylvania may not be a detective, but she’s definitely the Nancy Drew of this decade's reporting world, and she made some headlines of her own this week for being the first person to break the news of a murder. Hilde Kate Lysiak is a bonafide reporter, proving that age is no barrier to delivering those big stories to her 5,000-strong community in Selinsgrove.

Third-grader Lysiak, whose dad, Matthew Lysiak, is a former Daily News reporter, writes the Orange Street News, with assistance from her older sister, fifth-grader Izzy (she’s responsible for the advice section).

On April 2, Lysiak got a tip about police activity on Ninth Street, a few blocks from her home. Arriving at the scene, she learned the police were investigating a murder. According to her write-up, which has the headline, "EXCLUSIVE: MURDER ON NINTH STREET!" and was online hours before the actual community paper covered the crime, a man is suspected of killing his wife with a hammer. She reported that EMTs were seen taking someone out of the house on a stretcher, and that the chief of police, Pennsylvania State Police, coroner and district attorney were all present at the crime scene.

More: Teacher lets kids watch Fifty Shades of Grey, and major battle begins

Most people have reacted to the story with a mixture of amazement, a healthy amount of skepticism (late April Fools' joke?) and a deep feeling of gratitude that kids like Lysiak actually exist in this world.

A fair amount of criticism has been directed toward the young reporter and her family, but — like any journalist worth her salt — the 9-year-old is completely unfazed by any negativity.

Basically, she’s too busy attending crime scenes to pay attention to demands that she go back to "playing with dolls."

9yo reporter

9yo reporter

Lysiak responded to her critics with a video message, during which she read some of their comments aloud ("You are 9 f***ing years old, what the f*** is wrong with you?" is one example of the maturity of those dissing a child).

"If you want me to stop covering news, then you get off your computer and do something about the news," she suggested. "There, is that cute enough for you?"

Convention has it that young girls are passive, fragile, and emotional — more likely to be cowering at home in fear than getting out there and finding out exactly what bad stuff is happening in the world. Just like Nancy Drew did, Lysiak is bending convention, and for that every other 9-year-old girl should be grateful.

Keep doing what you're doing, Hilde! If you can deal with ignorant, small-minded naysayers at the age of 9, just imagine how strong you'll be at 29.

More: Writer's hashtag encourages people to share empowering messages for girls

What to do with overcooked meat so your dinner isn't ruined

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Here's something all amateur and pro chefs can agree on: Overcooking meat is one of the quickest ways to ruin a meal. There's almost no way to salvage a meaty dish that has gone to the other side — now overcooked, tough and dried out — without using these insider tips.

Find out what to do when your back is against the wall and you've accidentally overdone your chicken, pork or beef.

Overcooked chicken

Chicken is very easy to overcook — whether on the grill, on the stovetop or in the oven. On the grill, you can usually remove the burnt edges, and the inside will still be moist. The stovetop and oven are a little trickier, though, since typically the meat is dried out on the inside too. Change up the meal by shredding the dry chicken and adding mayonnaise, salt, pepper and other spices of your choice for homemade chicken salad sandwiches. If you don't wish to change the meal completely, slice the chicken into thin strips, and add a mixture of olive oil or butter and herbs. Drizzle that on top, and garnish with salt and pepper. You can also add barbecue sauce or your favorite vinaigrette.

More: 10 cooking hacks that will make your life much easier

Overcooked beef

Whether you overcooked your steaks or a roast, dried-out beef isn't a favorite of anyone. For steak, slice it up, and soak it overnight in your favorite marinade. Use it in wraps, soups, shepherd's pie or pastas. For roasts, place it in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for a few hours. Shred the beef, and make some tasty barbecue sandwiches. Another idea is to make beef stroganoff. Stroganoff is simply egg noodles, beef chunks and your favorite veggies. We love this quick chipotle beef stroganoff for nights when you're in a hurry.

Quick tip: Add a little beef broth to the dry beef, and let simmer on the stove for a few minutes.

More: 7 common cooking mistakes you're probably making

Overcooked pork

Dry pork is the worst of the meats, but just like chicken and beef, there are solutions. Chop it up into small chunks, and make pork fried rice or a pork stir-fry. Shred it, and place in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce for barbecue pulled pork sandwiches. You can also put the pork into a food processor and mix with green onions, cabbage and garlic to use as a filler in pot stickers.

Overcooked meat doesn't have to be thrown out, and as you can see, there are dozens of recipes that will disguise the dried-out taste.

More: The best cooking advice I've ever received

Tips on preventing overcooked meat

  • Cook it longer over low heat. Unless you're grilling steak, which is best grilled over high heat for a short amount of time, meat is juicier when it cooks for a longer period of time over low heat.
  • Wait to trim the fat. It's tempting to want to cut off all that fat before cooking the meat, but wait until after it's done cooking. Fat traps in moisture and gives your meat a juicy taste as opposed to a dry one.
  • Don't multitask. One of the main reasons for people overcooking their meat is that they simply forget to set the timer or don't hear it go off. We get it — we're busy! When cooking dinner, avoid social media, television and other distractions. Try setting up the kids with an activity or letting them help. That way your main focus can be on dinner.
how to fix overcooked meat infographic
Image: SheKnows Design

Updated by Bethany Ramos on 4/4/16


Bethenny Frankel has plans to 'piss people off' and we honestly can't wait

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Imagine a radio host. He or she has to talk a lot, not be afraid to say what's on their mind and preferably have had some interesting life experiences. What would you do if we told you Bethenny Frankel was coming to the radio? It's the perfect job for her, aside from reality TV star.

According to E! OnlineThe Real Housewives of New York's Frankel will launch a new show. She's mum on who exactly she'll be working for and what the format will be, but we're already excited.

More: RHONY's Bethenny Frankel and Sonja Morgen duke it out over liquor

"I think I've figured out a way to create an arrangement to do maybe one radio show a week, just to have an outlet, just to be able to vent and rant and express myself, and it seems that it just came through," said Frankel.

And what a show it will be. "It's not that I'd rant, it's just conversations," she continued. "I mean, I would probably talk about Trump… I would probably talk about Megyn Kelly. I would talk about Erin Andrews who got the $50 million. You know I would say a lot of things that would piss people off. Like I might say… 'If you give me $50 million I'll drill a hole in this office and you can watch me change every single day.' You know what I mean."

More: Bethenny Frankel's ex-husband has found a new way to slam her as a mother

We have a lot of questions: Will Frankel have guests? Will this interfere with RHONY? Will Bryn be on? Will they all drink Skinny Girl while they have "conversations?"

One thing's for sure: "I'll get in a lot of trouble, don't get me wrong."

More: Bethenny Frankel deserves applause for the way she handled her long divorce

Give your kitchen a whole new look in just two days

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, so why not make it your favorite room in the house?

Maryal and Chris have been busy combining homes and planning their upcoming wedding, but they've disagreed on the fate of their outdated kitchen. Foodie Chris wanted a fancy renovation, while practical Maryal was content to keep things as they were for the sake of their budget.

When Chris headed out of town for two days, Maryal seized the opportunity to surprise Chris with the kitchen of his dreams, and she called in interior designer and YouTuber Mary Elizabeth to help her get the job done without busting their budget.

Watch the video above to see how they did it and to catch a glimpse of the stunning results.

This post was sponsored by Formica® Brand.

More for your kitchen makeover

15 eye-catching accessories to bring color into your kitchen
10 tiny kitchens that feel cozy, not cramped
8 modern interpretations of retro kitchens

Yolanda Foster looks radiant & super healthy in her latest vacation photos

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Yolanda Foster looks like she is finally enjoying a bout of good health — and the timing couldn't be better.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Foster had enough of the trials and tribulations of being a reality star and hopped a plane to the French Polynesian island of Tahiti to enjoy some rest and relaxation, and her photos prove that vacation does a body good.

More: Yolanda Foster's fans applaud her unwavering positivity

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 1

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 1

"It feels good to remember who you are before the world told you who you should be........ #Solitude #Authenticity #Clarity," she wrote.

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 2

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 2

"Paradise........ #Fuchsia #DayDreamin," she wrote.

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 3

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 3

"The road that lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compare to what lies within us........... #InnerStrength #RoadToRecovery #MyHealthJourney #LymeDiseaseAwareness," she wrote.

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 4

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 4

"Trust what the Earth made and the energy it provides........ #Healing #Mind #Body #Spirit," she wrote.

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 5

Yolanda Foster Tahiti 5

"Good, Better, Best, never let it rest.... Until your good is better and your better is your Best.......... #MyHealthJourney," she wrote.

Foster, who decided to change her surname back to Hadid since her split from ex-husband David Foster, shared her speech from the Global Lyme Alliance gala in her Bravo blog last week, and in it she detailed the tough road she's traveled to be healthy enough to take a vacation at all.

"Lyme is like being killed from the inside out and left to uncover your own murder mystery without much clarity from the medical community and failing support of my insurance company," she said.

"Eleven countries, five states, 104 doctors later, wondering if I would ever be able to live a normal life again… I honestly don't have the proper words in my English vocabulary to describe to you the darkness, the pain and the unknown hell I've lived these past four years. I actually did not live, I just existed in the jail of my own paralyzed brain."

While Foster certainly is not cured, she does seem like she is able to enjoy a better quality of life than she has in a long time, and that's great news.

Labelling Amy Schumer 'plus size' takes us two steps backward

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As a woman who wears a size 8, I can relate to Amy Schumer's recent beef with Glamour. Schumer called out the magazine for including her in an issue clearly targeted at 'plus size' readers without letting her know, something the size 6-to-8 star said on Instagram just "doesn't feel right" to her. And I couldn't agree more.

More: Researchers blame plus size models for obesity

Amy Schumer vs. Glamour

Amy Schumer vs. Glamour

In the fashion industry, it seems like any woman bigger that a size 6 is considered plus size, which impacts how we view our own bodies and those of other women. Schumer questions what effect calling bodies like hers "plus size" will have on young girls — quite a negative one if you ask me.

Given that the average clothing size for an adult American woman is between a size 14 and 16, fashion magazines are basically marginalizing women with typical — and often healthy — body types by putting them in their own fringe category. And sure, Schumer may be plus size in the absurd world of the fashion industry, where the average international runway model's body mass index is under 16 — a level that the World Health Organization actually uses as an indicator of starvation — but she's bang on when she says that it just "doesn't feel right."

The debates about what is and is not considered a plus-sized body have caused a heavy backlash against the fashion industry, with some even demanding that we retire the term plus size completely. After all, why do plus-size models have to be in their own special category? Can't they simply be models?

Models like Stefania Ferrario have been quite outspoken about how fraught she finds the plus-size label: "Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you're above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I'm often labelled a 'plus size' model. I do NOT find this empowering" (sic), Ferrario writes on Instagram.

Plus size model

Plus size model

It's true — there's nothing empowering about essentially broadcasting to women that if they want to be featured alongside "normal" model bodies in fashion magazines, they have to be thinner than models like Ferrario. Sadly, this whole debate over what is and isn't plus size has become insulting to women, as though there's some magic cut-off size where you suddenly become categorically different than "regular" women.

More: 'Skinny' and 'plus size' are not the only body types

Glamour responded to Schumer's Instagram post with the following statement, pointing out that they never directly called Schumer plus sized: "The cover line on this special edition — which is aimed at women size 12 and up -- simply says 'Women Who Inspire Us,' since we believe her passionate and vocal message of body positivity IS inspiring, as is the message of the many other women, of all sizes, featured," they write. "The edition did not describe her as plus-size. We are sorry if we offended her in any way."

That all being said, I think how Amy Schumer feels and what the cover looks like to the casual observer is what's important here: Glancing at the cover, one can easily get the impression that Schumer has been categorized as "plus sized."

 “I think there’s nothing wrong with being plus size," writes Schumer. "Beautiful healthy women." But I'm starting to think we all might be better off if we just stuck to calling them that.

More: Plus size women to Victoria's Secret: We're here too!

What teachers really think of parents who 'hate homework'

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My daughter came out of her bedroom 10 minutes after bedtime crying because she'd forgotten to do her homework. She's 8 and in second grade, and her teacher wants her to spend five or so minutes a night on a sheet of math problems, in addition to reading for 20 minutes. My daughter's detrimentally on top of things. Earlier this week she completed an art project that isn't due for two weeks. In other words, a polar opposite to her mom, who claims the stress of procrastination makes for better writing.

More: Unicorn poop is about to make you the coolest mom ever

I've never told my kid to do her homework. I don't think it's good for her to have to solve math problems outside of school for the sake of school. This has been proven and talked about quite a bit lately. These articles argue that instead of homework instilling good habits by teaching students to study, it gives them another chore that holds no real academic weight or value. What needs to replace homework is time spent reading or listening to stories.

While it's easy to read a few articles and form an opinion, I thought I should find some teachers who work in the trenches and see what they think.

Their responses? Just as mixed as the experts!

"I honestly am not one that believes homework is useful," said one teacher, who taught third grade for three years.

Her thoughts were echoed by another educator who's 29 years into the job. "I believe that homework is mainly a waste of time for all parties involved before high school," the second grade teacher told SheKnows. "In high school, it depends. I had a son who didn't need homework to help him solidify the information taught to him during the day ("Why do I have to do homework... if my teachers taught it well then I wouldn't have to keep learning the same thing at home.") Whereas homework was a way for my 'social learner' of a daughter to repeat the info she was taught to help her comprehend the information better. Both children crafted their best learning style in school, not as a result of doing homework."

More: 35 things kids simply don't need

But other teachers are sticking with the after-school-hours school work.

"I think homework is an important extension of school," a teacher who is about to finish her first year of teaching first grade said. "Homework isn't really about right or wrong but building a strong study ethic young."

Well, my daughter certainly seems to have that. In a way I find worrisome. If only she felt that way about playing outside.

"My homework was always to go play outside," said a teacher who's taught kindergarten through second grade for a total of five years. "I encouraged reading at home, but didn't require it. And I realize I can't control what happens at home, but the optimist in me thinks that the kiddos did go outside and play. Now that I'm in second grade, I'm a bit more torn about homework. Kiddos are on such different playing fields at home. Some are already taking care of younger siblings or coming home to an empty house, others are met at the door with a snack and a hug."

She brings up an important point: that not every child goes home to the same kind of home, or a home at all. At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, an estimated 1.4 students were homeless, which was double the amount from 10 years ago. And the number of kids with working parents has increased, which makes homework harder on all involved.

One teacher who's spent 24 years in the classroom told us she does support homework — 20 minutes a night, but none on weekends — but says she doesn't assign projects because they end up being a burden on parents. What she does assign is a little math and a little reading, related to that day's classroom work.

"There is scientific evidence that the more a child reads, the better they become at it," one teacher with three years on the job added.

More: What raising kids and fighting terrorism have in common

I'd argue the same point for playing outside. Kids don't need to have one activity stacked upon another after school with study time in the mix. Kids need to be bored, without a screen in front of them, and without feeling the pressure to get 30 minutes of study time in. They will have the rest of their lives to do work, but only a few precious years where their only responsibility is to play.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Beverly Cleary quotes
Image: Amazon
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