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Love will prevail: How you can support those mourning the Orlando mass shooting

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Waking up to news of yet another mass shooting left me feeling heavy and heartbroken. The incredibly tragic event occurred in the early morning hours at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, where a gunman released fire that left 51 dead and at least 50 others injured. There are no words; I can only begin to comprehend how the victims' friends and family members must be feeling right now.

More: Don't wait for another mass shooting before talking to your kids

As someone who has worked in media for several years, I know firsthand how powerful social media can be during times like these. It's one of the strongest ways to show solidarity from afar or connectedness within your local community. Whether you're looking for comfort, answers or words from loved ones, there are many different ways you can show your support during this dark time.

Hashtags

Many people are taking to Twitter to show their support and love. You can join in on the conversation by using some of the hashtags below.

#PulseNightclub

#MoreLoveLessHate

#PrayersForOrlando

#PrayForOrlando

#WeStandWithOrlando

#PulseShooting

#OrlandoShooting

#PulseNightclubShooting

#Orlando

#LGBT

#OneBlood [for blood donations]

#ThoughtsAndPrayers

#FloridaNightclub

More: A student on how campus shootings have changed the college experience

Facebook

Safety Check — Facebook designed this feature to help its community easily broadcast updates to friends and family members. You can notify your loved ones if you are in the area or search for people you know who might have been affected.

Orlando Sentinel — This local news publication in Central Florida is keeping followers informed and updated on the latest developments.

Videos and Facebook Live events — Watch and listen to news channels and other media outlets posting information and commentary about the tragic event.

More: Public shootings: How to stay safe if you find yourself in the line of fire

Instagram images

People from around the world, as well as major news and media outlets, are visually spreading awareness of this tragedy. It's one way to show solidarity from afar and illustrate the shooting's impact.

Orlando Shooting social media 1
Image: SheKnows/Instagram

Orlando Shooting social media 2
Image: mom101/Instagram
Orlando Shooting social media 3
Image: rennyvasquez/Instagram
Orlando Shooting social media 4
Image: bradgoreski/Instagram

Orlando Shooting social media 5
Image: baltpress/Instagram

Many in Orlando's gay community are banned from donating blood to shooting victims

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Shockwaves were felt through Orlando and the world after a gunman killed a reported 50 people at Pulse, a gay nightclub, and took hostages on Saturday in the deadliest mass shooting in American history.

President Obama spoke about the attack today. "The shooter targeted a nightclub where people came to be with friends, to dance and to sing," he said. "The place where they were attacked is more than a nightclub. It was a place of solidarity and empowerment, where people come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds and to advocate for their civil rights."

More: I refuse to donate blood because gay men can't

Orlando's gay community is hurting more deeply because many people are blocked from donating blood to help the survivors fight for their lives. Last year, the FDA partially lifted a ban on gay men donating blood by saying they could donate if they'd been celibate for one year. However, the new regulations came under fire on social media following the Orlando attack. American actress and activist Mia Farrow tweeted about the painful fact that members of the gay community can't help their friends and loved ones shot in a gay nightclub: "Straight people please donate blood for the wounded because Orlando won't accept gay people's blood."

Mia Farrow tweet

Mia Farrow tweet

blood donation

blood donation

FDA blood donation

FDA blood donation

This attack hits the LGBT community in the United States particularly hard becase the shooter, American-born Omar Matteen, was known by those close to him to be homophobic. While Matteen reportedly supported ISIS and was investigated by the FBI for harboring radical Islamist sympathies, his father, Mir Seddique, insisted to NBC News that this shooting had "nothing to do with religion." He claimed his son had become enraged when he saw men kissing in Miami.

gay men blood donation

gay men blood donation

While the Orlando community has been coming out in full force to donate blood, many gay men have been unable to show solidarity in this way. Following last year's updated regulations concerning bans on blood donations from men who have sex with men, David Stacy, Government Affairs Director of the Human Rights Campaign, called the changes "a step in the right direction toward an ideal policy that reflects the best scientific research" in an interview with Time. However, Stacy added that that the new regulations still "fall short of a fully acceptable solution because it continues to stigmatize gay and bisexual men.”

More: If gay men could give blood, we might not have a blood supply crisis

Despite rumors on social media that the ban on blood from men who've had sex with men in the past year had been temporarily lifted, OneBlood, the foundation tasked with blood collection in Orlando, claims that it hasn't even switched over to the new FDA guidelines yet. Foundation spokesman Pat Michaels told the Washington Post that OneBlood hasn't updated its system to allow men who've had sex with men but have been abstinent for a year to donate blood, but he promised it would happen later this year.

Many critics of the yearlong waiting period point out that the regulations don't take individual risks into account. For instance, men in monogamous relationships with their partners could be in a lower risk category. In a statement following last year's update of the blood donation regulations, Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin said that she was pushing for blood donation policies "based on individual risk factors, that don’t unfairly single out one group of individuals and that allow all healthy Americans to donate.”

More: America's gun problem in 7 startling images

Celebrating the Tonys in the wake of Orlando isn't shallow, it's a victory

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When something tragic happens, it’s hard to know the appropriate time to start thinking about anything else. Everyone wants to balance respect for those who lost their lives with not letting fear or hate — specifically, in today’s case, homophobia — win. Just last night, 50 people were killed and 53 more were injured at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, so is tonight too soon to enjoy watching the Tony Awards?

Absolutely not. The Tony Awards aren't trying to make you forget. The performers, honorees and presenters want to show you the joy that exists, too.

Tony Awards tweet about Orlando shooting

Tony Awards tweet about Orlando shooting

More: Put James Corden & 4 other Broadway stars in a car, and yes, they'll sing Rent

When senseless acts of violence and terror happen, there is a small group of extremists trying to take power over the many. They try to trick us all into thinking that we’re unsafe and that we need to stay quiet in order to protect our lives. But that’s not the answer.

We need the Tonys tonight. It’s almost poetic that all of these diverse, proudly different, talented people are getting in a room to celebrate each other. Whether they know it or not, everyone in the room tonight is sending the message that no one should be scared to be who they are.

More: Unknown British actor swipes Tony Award from Bradley Cooper and Bill Nighy

Tragedies like these are real, and they hurt, but they aren’t a reason to change who you are or to shy away from things that bring joy into your life. The actors, producers, writers, directors and fans of Broadway who are participating in tonight’s award show are letting everyone know that being hurt or sad is OK, but letting fear stop you from being proud of yourself isn’t.

More: 6 reasons James Corden is the best late-night talk show host

So, no, watching the Tony Awards tonight instead of the nightly news isn’t shallow. It’s OK to turn off the bad news and watch a show that celebrates the good in humanity, that reminds us all that most people want to champion each other and to create magic that makes others happy. You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting to celebrate the joy instead of reliving the fear.

Weekly horoscopes: June 13–19

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
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You've made a lot of sacrifices. And being born under Mars, it's something you'll do without regret. Yours is a heroic spirit. You will fall on your sword if asked to and soldier on when others want to yield the field. However, recently you've begun to wonder if you're marching down a road leading nowhere. These sorts of doubts often materialize when Saturn squares Neptune (June 17), and they present questions worth exploring. It's possible that you've become so inured to the costs of battle that you've forgotten what the battle is about. It's time to revisit assumptions that may have outlived their purpose.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
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You don't share easily. And it's not that you're ungenerous. In fact, you can be very giving of your time and energy. It's just that you have a hard time-sharing your stuff with others and one of the worst things that someone can do is to ask to borrow something of yours. Venus in Cancer for the next 3 and a half weeks will help you to relearn the etiquette of give-and-take that you should have mastered back in the sandbox. It won't be easy, but seeing that people really will return things (and undamaged) will do a lot to restore your faith in humankind.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
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Did you make too many trade-offs on your climb up the ladder of success? That's the question you'll be asking on June 13 when Neptune turns retrograde at the top of your solar chart. Sometimes in our quest to be the best that we can possibly be, we wind up focusing so much on the ends that we forget about the means. It's not too late to go back and make it up to the people who helped you to get to where you are now in life. They're only a phone call or a text away. They'll be glad to hear from you.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
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Expect to receive disappointing news on June 17 when Saturn squares Neptune. This could mean the end of a long-distance romance, the termination of a heartfelt endeavor, or a three-line letter of rejection. It's a bummer, but it also lets you off the hook in an ironic way. You've had mixed feelings about whether you wanted to follow this life path and, now that it's no longer an option, you will start to feel a wave of relief and even an excitement about future prospects that now look possible. Sometimes life has a funny way of making some of the hard decisions for us.

Next: Leo horoscope

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
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Do you even believe in what you're selling anymore? It's a question you need to ask on June 17. People are looking to invest a lot of time, energy and money in you and they need you to be on board. Thankfully you're a Leo so you know how to razzle-dazzle them even if your sunny mood is overcast. However, you are embarking on something long-term and you must be honest with yourself about going the distance. These questions don't have to be answered now, but they will by August. The sooner you start sorting through all the doubts and anxieties, the better.

Next: Virgo horoscope

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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Last November you received a calling card from your higher purpose. You were given a special assignment and told to fight the good fight. Maybe it was your job to introduce reform into a dysfunctional environment, to wake people up to an unfolding crisis or to turn around an unsalvageable situation. You may feel like you haven't done it and that you still have a ways to go, but the reality is: you have. On June 17, you need to pass back the reins to those in charge. You may not feel appreciated right now, but you will in the weeks to come.

Next: Libra horoscope

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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Your ruling planet Venus enters the zodiac sign of Cancer on June 17. This brings a calming and restorative energy flow that allows you to reconnect with your family and close friends. For weeks you've been taken up with work — fretting about staying competitive and worrying that if you relax you will lose your edge. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, less is more when Venus is traveling through easygoing Cancer. Instead of racing after things, you should learn to let things come to you. You'll find that getting what you want doesn't have to be as hard as all that.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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You're still trying to figure out what you can do to make people like you again. But this is where you need to take a couple of steps back and reassess your situation. It's true that some of your decisions have been unpopular of late, but just because people were displeased with you in the moment doesn't mean that that sentiment will last forever. A lot can happen between now and never. Give them time to get over their hurt feelings and trust that they will eventually come to see the reason for your actions. People are wiser and more forgiving than you think.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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Sometimes there's nothing as cathartic as a good old-fashioned blowup and yours will be on June 17. This is when you finally say all of those things you swore you would never say, but needed to for weeks. But remember that the sun is in Gemini, which means that yours won't be a standing aria. People must have their say too and you will need to stick around and hear them out. It will be uncomfortable and unnerving, but resentments will be aired at last, the tense atmosphere will disperse and everyone will feel like they can go back to being friends again.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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There's been a lot of stress and strain in a friendship or business relationship lately. The problem is that you refuse to accept this person for who he truly is. It should be clear by now that he's not going to be that successful go-getter that you first imagined him to be. In fact, he could wind up being considerably less. You need to ask yourself if this is such a bad thing because your high expectations (or is it false hopes?) have led you to overlook and devalue what he brings to the table, which are namely friendship, loyalty and unconditional support.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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It looks like people can run the show without you. This should make you feel good about how well you delegate responsibility and the way you've brought all of your mentees up to speed. Unfortunately few things can make you as nervous as a smoothly humming machine. And instead of relaxing you can start to feel overlooked, underfoot and vaguely dispensable. Thank heavens that you'll be contacted out of the blue to help handle an unruly situation on June 17. It's not the crisis that everyone will make it out to be, but it's enough of a problem to make you feel needed again.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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Ruling planet Neptune reverses direction on June 16 and so do you. It will be hard to explain why you're suddenly feeling hesitant about moving ahead with all of those big plans of yours. Are your psychic antennae picking up something treacherous about the future? Or is your habit of leaving things hanging last minute reaffirming its jealous hold over your life? Give yourself a couple of weeks to sort things out. The secret gift of a retrograde is that it gets you to travel over the ground you just covered. This could reveal a pearl of wisdom that you overlooked the first time.

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Your weekly love horoscope

Weekly love horoscopes: June 13 – June 19

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
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For some reason, Aries people feel like they're not as smart as everyone else. It's strange because Aries is the zodiac sign that rules the head. The sun/Uranus sextile on June 14 increases the velocity of those mental wheels and you'll be like a firecracker popping off one funny quip after the next. This will seize the attention of someone who never thought of you as being clever. Don't feel insulted or retreat back into monosyllabic responses. The mind is one of the sexiest parts of the human anatomy and you're a double trouble since you also have the body to go along with it.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
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Saturn in that part of your solar chart that pertains to sex can be a real bummer. Saturn turns down the heat from swift boil to slow cooker. Perhaps you're dealing with health issues, juggling obligations or you're focused on the success of an upcoming project. How long will the ennui last? Saturn is here for another year but its square to Neptune on June 17 will loosen its hold on your chastity belt. Take this opportunity to get naked with your sweetheart and remind yourself that even if you do have Saturn in your solar house of sex, you're still a Child of Venus.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
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Geminis like to scrape the peas and carrots off their plate and onto their partner's when they don't like what they're looking at. You can't just assign all the problems in your relationship to your other half. The hard part about being born under the sign of the twins is you see your mate as a mirror reflection of yourself rather than someone in his own right. Thankfully the Saturn/Neptune square on June 17 will disabuse you of the notion. Not only is taking responsibility for your end of things healthy, you should also know by now that peas and carrots are good for you.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
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Venus, the planet of love and beauty, enters your zodiac sign on June 17. This makes you everyone's favorite object of desire for the next 3-1/2 weeks. What this says about your love life is pretty obvious, but remember that there's a business side to Venus as well. With the right packaging and an eye for presentation, you could land a high-paying job, a client with deep pockets or a hot piece of property. You'll want to circle the dates June 27, July 1 and July 6 in your calendar. These are the days to make your pitch or to make your play.

Next: Leo horoscope

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
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If you're looking (and haven't been finding), then this is the week for you. A sparkling sun/Uranus sextile on June 14 will increase the bounce in your step, the twinkle in your eye and the glee in your giggle. It's as if the sun has come out from behind a cloud and started bathing you in its glow. You'll have more dates and potential amours than you'll know what to do with by the weekend, but be careful because one of the guys you'll be attracting will be someone who let you down in the past. Be sure not to make the same mistake twice!

Next: Virgo horoscope

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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Neptune turning retrograde on June 13 means that that person you set your romantic sights on will be doing some kind of disappearing act over the next five months. He may be called away for work, called back to take care of unfinished business in a previous relationship or asked to shoulder a family obligation that requires his full attention. In any case, you will have to wait for him. It's a tall order considering how many times you've been kept waiting for no-shows in the past, but rest assured that this guy is different — as you'll see for yourself when you're reunited in November.

Next: Libra horoscope

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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You'll be glad to know that a major piece of your financial puzzle will soon snap into place. For weeks, you've struggled to make ends meet only to see them get within inches of each other before springing back into opposite corners. Thankfully this new development (maybe it's a loan, grant or home equity line of credit) will bridge the gap and help you to establish true financial stability. Not only will you be able to sleep at night, but you'll also be able to afford a new mattress. The lucky stars to thank are the sun and Uranus in sextile on June 14.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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You would do anything for the love of your life. You'd change your appearance, move halfway across the world and even bankrupt yourself in the process if that's what it takes to make him happy. This is why discovering that you have run out of funds or resources on June 17 is good. It's the stars' way of pulling the plug on your obsession and making you face reality. Someone who loves you shouldn't be going through your money, turning you against friends and family or making you change. Someone who loves you should love you for who you are — no ifs, ands or buts.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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It's often said that the moment you stop looking for love is the moment when love will come find you. This could materialize as a chance meeting that wasn't supposed to take place, you going on the date that your friend backed out of or the dawning realization that the fellow you've been pushing away is really the one for you. These kinds of pleasantly quirky realizations are characteristic of the sun/Uranus sextile that will be taking place on June 14. The best part is that you will both feel like something special is clicking into place and that your long search is finally over.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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On June 17, Venus enters that part of your solar chart that pertains to relationships with those who like you and those who don't. For those who like you, the next 3-1/2 weeks will be full of happy reunions. There are certain people who bring out the best in you and it will be nice to have them back in your orbit again. And the cranky types? Venus has a wonderful way of smoothing over the ruffled feathers and getting people cooing and wooing again. You'll soon see your differences dovetail and negotiation and compromise take over from where spite and contention left off.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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You like having options — particularly when it comes to love. You enjoy meeting new people and you're always curious about their perspective on things. Intellectually this is stimulating and psychologically it's wise because this distance keeps you from getting too fixated. Yet behind that cerebral façade lies a hungry heart that's aching to connect. It should be clear by now that there's only one person who makes you feel like you're 16 again despite your best efforts to appear cool and indifferent. It might be a good idea to let him know what you feel on June 14.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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Are you living in your own private Idaho? It's easy to do when you have a rich and absorbing imagination. You can spin all kinds of magical yarns and intoxicating scenarios. The downside is that you can wind up living in a bubble where you become enamored by the possibilities of romance rather than with the romance itself. Thankfully this bubble is in the process of being burst thanks to a Saturn/Neptune square on June 17. Your love life will get heated and provocative, but it's in order to wake you up to the fact that there are other states outside of Idaho.

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7 incredible things Lin-Manuel Miranda accomplished before Hamilton

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Lin-Manuel Miranda may seem like an overnight success story to those of us who don’t follow Broadway closely, but it turns out he’s been racking up accomplishments for decades. Way before Hamilton broke records by earning an incredible 16 nominations for this year’s Tony Awards, Miranda was making waves beyond Broadway.

1. He’s written for political campaigns

Miranda’s father made a career as a political advisor who helped New York City mayor Ed Koch, so it’s no surprise that Miranda has such a deep passion for all things politics. When he was growing up, Miranda wrote political jingles for campaigns and was chosen for former mayor Eliot Spitzer’s campaign.

2. He wrote smash hit In the Heights

Hamilton isn’t Miranda’s first wild success on Broadway. He wrote his first successful musical, In the Heights, during his sophomore year of college. The show was based on Miranda's childhood neighborhood, Washington Heights, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008. Miranda won the Tony for Best Original Score that year as well.

More: Put James Corden & 4 Broadway stars in a car, and yes, they'll sing Rent

3. He’s a guest writer for The New York Times

Writing is Miranda’s biggest passion, and it’s led him to write guest columns for The New York Times. In his most successful story, he pleaded for Broadway to do more to get people excited about shows and into theatres. If you’re starting to think he’s passionate about everything he does, you’re right.

4. He brought life to Bring It On: The Musical

Sure, when you put it up against his other accomplishments, it may sound less impressive, but let’s not pretend Bring It On isn’t one of the best movies and musicals ever.

More: Celebrating the Tonys in the wake of Orlando isn't shallow, it's a victory

5. Hamilton started at the White House

Miranda has been a staple in the White House's Evening of Poetry, Music and the Spoken Word event because of his amazing talents. In 2009, he wrote and performed the song "Hamilton Mixtape," which introduces Alexander Hamilton's story and later became the song "Alexander Hamilton." The crowd was so moved and inspired by his performance that Miranda was inspired to expand it into Hamilton as we know it.

6. He’s a game-changer

Between "Alexander Hamilton" and the full Hamilton show, Miranda would perform the Hamilton Mixtape, which was a condensed set. The New York Times called Miranda and his performance a “game-changer” for its intelligence, passion and political statement. Even without the full Broadway show, Miranda was already being called a genius.

More: Why Hamilton is so important to the Latino community

7. He’s actually a genius

The MacArthur Foundation awarded Miranda a MacArthur Fellowship, sometimes called a "genius" grant, for showing "extraordinary originality and dedication in [his] creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction." There’s really nothing else you can do after you’re officially called a genius.

Ellen, Lady Gaga, Laverne Cox and other celebs mourn with Orlando

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Following the mass shooting in Orlando, which claimed the lives of 50 people who were at gay nightclub Pulse for Latin Night and which became the deadliest shooting in American history, celebrities have been showing solidarity with victims and survivors.

President Obama called the shooting an "act of terror and act of hate" in a statement to the American people. The tragedy has prompted a wide range of emotional reactions from celebrities and all of us.

Many, like Ellen DeGeneres and Lance Bass, spoke about the tears that came after they heard the shocking news.

More: Many in Orlando's gay community are banned from donating blood to shooting victims

Lance Bass crying

Lance Bass crying

Ellen Orlando tweet

Ellen Orlando tweet

Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul

Others, like Justin Timberlake, shared their shock and confusion following news of the hate-fueled shooting.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake

Hilary Duff Orlando tweet

Hilary Duff Orlando tweet

steve carell Orlando tweet

steve carell Orlando tweet

And many others called for an end to gun violence and demanded change.

Cher Orlando tweet

Cher Orlando tweet

gun violence Olivia Wilde

gun violence Olivia Wilde

Orlando shooting Lady Gaga

Orlando shooting Lady Gaga

Orlando shooting John Legend

Orlando shooting John Legend

Country singer Kacey Musgraves took a different tack on Twitter, saying that she wished everyone could go back to "saloon days" where everyone carried "a revolver and anyone walkin in to disturb the peace might just think twice." She deleted her post in response to a backlash, then tweeted, "Just hating hate. Lots of opinions in the mix. LOVE is the only true answer. Hard subject tho."

More: Sofía Vergara, Jennifer Aniston & more make huge statement about gun violence (VIDEO)

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

Regardless of everyone's diverse reactions to this shooting, which is being called the biggest body count on U.S. soil linked to terrorism since 9/11, one thing is painfully clear: The Orlando shooting has shaken people across America and the world. But there's hope in the fact that many celebrities chose to focus on love, not hate.

Ellen Page Orlando

Ellen Page Orlando

laverne cox

laverne cox

More: America's gun violence in 7 startling images

Jesse Tyler Ferguson honors LGBT community from Tony Awards red carpet

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson, star of ABC’s Modern Family and Broadway’s Fully Committed, offered his love and support to the LGBT community while walking down the Tony Awards red carpet.

In light of the tragic mass shooting at the nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Ferguson told reporters on the red carpet that he hoped the Tony Awards would give hope to all viewers but especially to those in the LGBT community. “The LGBT community is my community, I love them very much — all of ours, really. When I was a kid, I would always look to the Tony Awards to give me hope and to give me joy, and I hope that we can give that to the nation tonight,” Ferguson said.

More: Love will prevail: How you can support those mourning the Orlando mass shooting

Before the Tonys, Ferguson tweeted about the mass shooting in Orlando, calling for gun control. “Hearing about this senseless & horrific tragedy in #Orlando. Heartbroken for my LGBTQ brothers & sisters. Time for change. #GunControlNow,” he wrote.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson 6/12/16

Jesse Tyler Ferguson 6/12/16

Ferguson is not only part of the Broadway community; he is also an active member of and an advocate for the LGBT community. With his husband, Justin Mikita, Ferguson founded Tie the Knot, an organization that sells bow ties to raise money to support marriage equality.

More: Jesse Tyler Ferguson's gay porn stash outed him

Ferguson wasn't the only one who sent a message of hope on the Tony Awards red carpet. Legendary Broadway producer Daryl Roth, nominated tonight for Best Musical for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, noted that the night was about celebrating everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, saying, "We have to celebrate everyone tonight and realize how far we have to go."

In a perfect, Broadway-appropriate response to the Orlando shootings, producer Jordan Roth quoted Rent's "La Vie Bohème" while on the red carpet, noting, "The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation." Rent, of course, is one of Broadway's most popular and legendary productions, in part due to the show's inclusion of LGBT characters and the battle against HIV and AIDS.

More: Celebrating the Tonys in the wake of Orlando isn't shallow, it's a victory

Before the show started, the official Tony Awards twitter account dedicated the show to those affected by the Orlando shooting, writing in part, "Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando."

Tony Awards tweet about Orlando shooting

Tony Awards tweet about Orlando shooting


Say goodbye to sunburns, courtesy of this tiny camera

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Summer technically doesn't start for a few more days, but the sunshine — and the heat — makes us want to chuck our responsibilities in favor of beach days and much-needed vitamin D.

More: Woman posts photos of skin cancer to show the true dangers of tanning beds

But with all that sunshine comes skin-damaging UV rays and the potential for skin cancer. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, many of which could be prevented by using adequate sunscreen. And even if you do use good broad-spectrum coverage with high SPF, chances are good you'll only apply about 25 to 50 percent of what you need.

Yikes.

So, what can you do? You could opt to bathe in sunscreen, but that's not very practical — or you can invest in a mini camera that will show where you missed. The inventors behind the Sunscreenr are currently crowdfunding for the camera, which uses special technology to spot the areas you missed or the areas where your sunscreen has run off from sweating or water.

Sunscreenr
Image: Kickstarter

More: Pregnant women have a higher risk of skin cancer

"We humans are pretty amazing but actually our eyes are somewhat limited. Most of us see all the colors of the rainbow but that is just a tiny portion of the light that our sun makes," creators David Cohen and Jon Meyer wrote on Kickstarter. Basically, the areas where you've applied sunscreen will show up darker than the areas that aren't covered. To use it, you either enlist a friend to help or record and play back. The Sunscreenr even has a place for a mini tripod.

They've already raised about $90,000 with several days yet to go, so this camera — and better sunscreen coverage — should be a reality soon. The only downside: They're not planning to launch the Sunscreenr until the end of the year, so you're out of luck for this summer.

Maybe bathing in sunscreen is a good option for this year. I know I have to, judging from the sunburn I got today from running outside for 30 minutes.

More: Face paint sunscreen that works better than your sunblock — where to buy it

Donald Trump's wall got a perfect shout-out during the Tony Awards

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Host James Corden took a jab at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump while celebrating the diversity of the 2016 Tony Awards. After offering a touching tribute to the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Corden celebrated the diversity of this year’s Tony Award nominees, noting correctly that it was much more diverse than the Oscars. “Think of tonight as the Oscars, but with diversity,” Corden joked before he doubled down, adding, “It is so diverse that Donald Trump has threatened to build a wall around this theater.”

The Oscars, of course, received quite a bit of backlash earlier this year for its overwhelmingly white nominees. The Tony Awards, on the other hand, have an impressively diverse batch of nominees, though it is important to note that there is still progress to be made. This year, Eclipsed writer Danai Gurira is the only woman nominated for Best Play, while the director of Eclipsed, Liesl Tommy, was also the only female director nominated for Best Direction of a Play — not to mention the only director of color.

More: Lupita Nyong'o and 12 other celebs who've spoken out about the Oscars' lack of diversity

Thanks to shows like Eclipsed, The Color Purple and Hamilton, nominees at this year’s Tonys are more diverse than ever, but diversity needs to be sustained. In an interview with HuffPost Live, Gurira added that she hoped to see a day where diversity on Broadway was no longer a news story. “I understand the significance of the moment, but I also find it a shame that there is any significance to the moment... I yearn to see that the next time one of my plays is on Broadway, it’s just not that much of an event for a black woman to have written a play for Broadway,” she said.

Meanwhile, Trump has built his campaign around the promise that he will build a wall to mark the border between the United States and Mexico. “I will build a great wall — and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me,” Trump said during a speech announcing his candidacy in June 2015. A wall, Trump continues to insist, would keep illegal immigrants from coming into the United States. But with one statement, Corden put a spotlight on the racist subtext of Trump’s proposal.

More: Celebrating the Tonys in the wake of Orlando isn't shallow, it's a victory

It seems safe to say that Corden is not on board with Trump’s suggested policies. Nor, it should be noted, are the Broadway stars who laughed loudly in the audience. Other stars also took aim at Trump's immigration policies. While introducing a performance from the cast of On Your Feet, a musical based on the lives of Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan, Emilio joked that the performers from On Your Feet were "all legal," quipping, "We all have papers." Meanwhile, Nathan Lane took aim at Trump while presenting, joking that winning a Tony Award means everything, adding, "That's the first thing I learned at Trump University."

This is the second time this week that Trump has been the butt of a joke on Broadway. On Monday, Meryl Streep poked fun at Trump during the 2016 Public Theater Gala in New York City, donning orange makeup, a wig and a large, fake belly to play Trump for a political interpretation of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare." Christine Baranski, a Tony Award winner, played opposite her as Hillary Clinton.

More: Meryl Streep's Donald Trump impersonation is better than any we've seen on SNL

Trump probably isn't watching the Tony Awards, but here's hoping he hears about it in excruciating detail tomorrow.

Man's Twitter rant about the agony and ecstasy of marriage is a must-read

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June is smack-dab in the middle of wedding season, and couples around the world are vowing to love each other for better or worse, for richer or poorer and in sickness and in health. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of romance — and you should, for a while. But eventually, things settle down, and then what?

That's when shit gets real.

More: Your marriage is at risk of #TrumpStress even if you're not voting for him

Twitter user Danny Tira Trago examined that in a series of 54 (!!) tweets that describe the pleasure and pain of being married. And it's pretty eye-opening, even if you think already know what being legally attached to another person really means.

"I see so many people say stuff about marriage that I am like 'you have no fukking (sic) clue,'" he wrote. "A lot of us think it's all roses and fantasies and kingdoms and all that fluffy crap — it's not."

"I love being married and my wife brings me mad joy — but yo it's real life and real life is hard," he wrote.

marriage tweets 3

marriage tweets 3

marriage tweets 5

marriage tweets 5

"I remember before I got married I was like 'I can't understand why people get divorced,'" Trago added. "In my circle from when we got married — only two of us are still married — this was almost 16 years ago. I thought she and I were gonna inspire everyone to fall in love and have babies and our babies were gonna do the knowledge and win."

More: Whether you're putting the husband or the kids first, you're doing it wrong

He also wrote about the bad times, like when his son got sick, and the good, like when his wife helped bring him out of the depths of serious depression after losing his job.

marriage tweets 6

marriage tweets 6

marriage tweets 7

marriage tweets 7

"But having doubts is normal — worrying is normal — it's okay to have these ideas — we just have to be open and honest," Trago wrote. "And fellas it's okay to have insecurities it's okay to feel vulnerable and it's okay to feel hurt — that's called the emotional spectrum."

More: Signing a prenup doesn't mean you're betting against your marriage

Ultimately, he wrote that he wouldn't change anything.

marriage tweets 1

marriage tweets 1

marriage tweets 2

marriage tweets 2

His whole series of tweets should be required reading for everyone — single or married.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's emotional Tonys acceptance speech brings our nation to tears

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Given the timing of the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting and the role the LGBT community plays in the world of theater, it was to be expected that tonight's Tony Awards would become a somber acknowledgment of one of the deadliest shootings in United States history. I tuned in anticipating a ton of emotional moments, but I was in no way prepared for the touching speech offered up by Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's Wife
Image: CBS

As expected, Miranda's speech was inspired by this weekend's horrific events. But it wasn't your average Tonys speech, with a heartfelt tribute here, an inspirational quote there and plenty of lengthy pauses for applause. Rather, Miranda — who joked that he was too old for freestyle — wrote an entire sonnet dedicated to his wife and to the millions of other amazing individuals who, in the face of tragedy, continue to make America a wonderful place.

More: 7 incredible things Lin-Manuel Miranda accomplished before Hamilton

The short sonnet included everything grieving Americans needed to hear during this difficult time. Miranda began by praising his wife, claiming that she is the force behind all of his accomplishments and that she "nudges [him] towards promise by degrees." He quickly transitioned into discussing the tragedy that has had the entire nation glued to their #PrayForOrlando Twitter feeds all day, admitting that on weekends like these, "senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised."

Lin-Manuel Miranda
Image: CBS

Although the speech was quite somber at times, it gave us reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow. The best and most emotional part of the sonnet was particularly simple, but that didn't take away from its powerful message: "Love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside."

More: Put James Corden & 4 other Broadway stars in a car, and yes, they'll sing Rent

I'm certainly not the only one blown away by Miranda's sonnet. Twitter blew up after he left the stage.

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet 1

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet 1

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet 2

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet 2

Lin-Manuel Miranda tweet 3

Lin-Manuel Miranda tweet 3

More: Why Hamilton is so important to the Latino community

Like everyone else, I am in complete shock, to the point that I find it difficult to focus on the cheeriness of the Tony Awards. When a senseless tragedy like this occurs, it all just feels so hopeless — and I'm not even a victim, a loved one of a victim or an Orlando resident. I'm removed from the situation, and yet, it really hits home. Things look mighty grim right now, but people like Miranda remind me that there is still a whole lot of good in the United States of America.

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet Video

Lin Manuel Miranda Sonnet Video

What did you think of Lin-Manuel Miranda's acceptance speech? Comment and share your opinion below.

GoT's Battle of the Bastards isn't shaping up to be much of a battle

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There are only two episodes left in Game of Thrones Season 6, and the odds aren't looking good for the Starks as they gear up to try to take back Winterfell.

More: Please tell me Jon Snow isn't going to die on Game of Thrones... again

Just this week it was announced that next week's episode would be called "The Battle of the Bastards," suggesting that what we theorized all this season would be happening: Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton are about to face off in the most epic battle in the show's history. But the battle might not actually be that epic, given the state of Jon's army. He barely has any men and houses backing him compared to the Boltons. Plus, the Boltons have Winterfell to hide behind.

I can't imagine that in the span of the next 60-minute episode, the Starks are suddenly going to flip this fight around so drastically.

There are a few things that could work in their favor, however.

More: Who needs dragons when GoT's Daenerys is such a badass all on her own?

The first is that Beric Dondarrion's return tonight means the Starks might be getting some supernatural help. They also might get some super backup if the Hound decides to join them to head north. However, Beric's return sans Lady Stoneheart puts a real damper on that theory — and the Hound can only do so much. Jon also has giants, and I'm still doubtful he'll win.

The second is that Brienne made the honorable decision for the Blackfish when faced with the Lannisters. Edmure Tully might recognize that and pay her back with some sly, behind-the-back maneuvers for the Starks, though this seems unlikely because he's seemingly pledged loyalty to the Lannisters at this point.

The last thing is that I can't help but wonder if Jaime will betray his house and help Brienne. Of course, he made it clear tonight that his love for Cersei trumps everything. But that was said in the heat of negotiation, when Jaime needed Edmure to believe him to be the utmost threat. Jaime and Brienne have always had a special bond, which I absolutely adore. Could that bond make Jaime put his love for Cersei on the back burner? Doubtful. But it would definitely be the biggest comeback story of any character on the show if he did.

More: Game of Thrones can't possibly go on without Arya

While I will never say never when it comes to the Starks finally getting a win, Lord of Light knows they deserve one. The Starks' history plus their current preparedness suggests that they should probably retreat now.

Do you think the Starks will win back Winterfell, or do you think they're already doomed to fail?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Game of Thrones replacements slideshow

Gretchen Rossi's Vicki Gunvalson reunion makes us think she's returning to RHOC

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Gretchen Rossi may say she's left the Real Housewives of Orange County drama behind, but she's not above dipping a toe in the in-ground OC pool now and then. According to The Inquisitr, Rossi had lunch with her former co-stars Vicki Gunvalson and Lizzie Rovsek this weekend.

More: RHOC's Gretchen Rossi slams Tamra Judge as a "monster mom"

Fans will remember that Gunvalson spent much of Rossi's last season on the show criticizing her choice to film while her then-fiancé was going through chemotherapy. The plot thickened when Brooks Ayers, Gunvalson's boyfriend, faked his own cancer diagnosis and lied about it to Bravo cameras. The two Housewives have moved past the ugliness and — we learned, thanks to Instagram — moved on to trashing yet another RHOC cast member.

More: Gretchen Rossi on the real reason she left The Real Housewives of Orange County

gretchen insta

gretchen insta

“Thank you for having me to lunch girls Lizzie Rovsek and Vicki Gunvalson. It was so much fun to meet Kelly Dodd (the new housewife this season) come follow her, she is a hoot and yes for all of those asking Vicki and I made up at the end of last season, it’s called forgiveness and moving on from something 3 yrs ago #LifeIsTooShort #SoManyLaughs #BeingDorksHere #RHOC,” Rossi wrote on Instagram.

Gunvalson was less subtle in her post about the meeting. She captioned her photo, "Good times comparing stories of some of our cast members and what is truth. Who do you think we are talking about??" We have one guess: Tamra Judge and her brand-new trophy.

vicki insta

vicki insta

More: Gretchen Rossi goes too far in describing her "lovemaking" with Slade

It's OK to skip the news if tragedy is a trigger for your mental health

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If the news about the mass shooting in Orlando hasn't seriously shaken you, chances are you just haven't heard about it yet.

Mass tragedies like the attack on the night club in Orlando take a real toll on everyone — not just those who are directly affected by it. Terrorists know this, which is why mass killings are used so often to terrorize and are, unfortunately, a very effective tool for causing fear and panic. This is especially true for people who are already vulnerable thanks to a mental illness like depression, PTSD or anxiety.

However, just because these attacks are deliberately designed to be terrifying doesn't mean we have to let the terrorists win, says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of A Happy You, a book about how to create your own sense of well-being, even in difficult times.

"When senseless acts of violence occur, we try to make sense of them in the best way we know how," she says, "but what we do to feel in control again can actually make us feel worse." Fortunately, there are things we can do to stay mentally healthy during a traumatic time.

Rule number one? Stop the information overload.

Our instinct may be to get all the information we can, but once we've ascertained the basics of the situation, more information doesn't help and can worsen depression, anxiety and stress. Instead, she says to spend less time passively reading (or watching) the news and more time actively doing something positive.

The next step is to make sure you're practicing good self-care.

This means not getting so caught up in what's happening around us that you forget to exercise, eat well and connect with loved ones. You may feel like you don't "deserve" to be happy when others are suffering, but Lombardo points out that your suffering for them doesn't help them, or you, at all. In fact, wallowing in sadness only leads to more inaction.

Third, help others.

The best way to feel like the world is a good place is to make it a good place. "We can use devastation to inspire good by reaching out to others and doing little acts of kindness," Lombardo says. You can help with the specific tragedy, like the people who donated blood in Orlando or donated money to a Kickstarter fund to help the victims and their families. Or you can simply work on doing good where you are by finding ways to help those around you. It can be as simple as opening a door and offering a kind word to a stranger, she says.

More: How you can support those mourning the Orlando mass shooting

Lastly, resist the urge to hate.

It's more than understandable to see the perpetrators of such a heinous crime and want to hate them or even hate a whole group of people you associate with them. However, this is a waste of time and your mental resources. "More hate does not equal love, it just equals more hate," Lombardo says. "And adding more negative energy to a trauma doesn't help."

Instead of looking for ways to lash out at those you hold responsible, find ways to help prevent future tragedies. Not only will this help other people, but it can help you stay grounded in the moment and fight off the depression and anxiety that naturally come with such an event. And if you do find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the traumatic event or unable to stop thinking about it, it is time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you process your feelings around the event before they spiral into a deeper problem.

Ultimately, the best thing we can do to fight evil in the world is to do more good — and you can't do that if you're not staying physically and mentally healthy.


You only think you know what it means to be politically correct

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During this unusual election cycle, one of the tropes used to create support for the Republicans is that our country is too "politically correct." Let's be clear about something: When we hear people saying, "This country's biggest problem is political correctness," what they're really saying is, "I'm kind of an asshole and I don't want to be judged for it."

More: My two Muslim kids can't help but notice they're 'different'

When Ted Cruz weighed in on the transgender bathroom issue, he called it "politically correct lunacy." When Donald Trump attacked President Obama over the Orlando shooting, he insisted that "we can't afford to be politically correct anymore." Of late when there is a call for empathy and understanding in America, it seems an increasing number of people brush it off as another example of political correctness.

When people today throw around the term, "politically correct," they are trying to accomplish two things.

First, they want us to hearken back to the 1980s when the term was first used by conservatives to dismiss liberal viewpoints. They want us to remember cumbersome descriptors like, "vertically challenged" and "domestic engineer." They want us to roll our eyes and laugh about misguided attempts to remove shame from words that didn't really have any to begin with. What this conveniently ignores, however, is that there are words that carry the historical weight that comes from a violent past and should no longer be used in a time and a country that is trying to outgrow them.

The second and more obvious goal of using the term "politically correct" is to imply that the other side is too sensitive and needs to get over any pain associated with language. The offended person is said to be overreacting because the offender either thinks they're right and is tired of the pushback or believes that we are all on a level playing field and therefore no harm can be done with mere words.

Recently, a pastor in Oregon was criticized for the words he put on his church's signboard. One side read, "Wake up Christians, Allah is not our God. Muhammad not greater than Jesus," and the other side read, "Only the Bible is God's word. 'Holy Book.' Koran is just another book." When asked about the sign by a local TV station, he said, "I'm not politically correct. I've never been politically correct, but I'm biblically correct and that's what matters to me." He has taken his slandering of Islam completely out of context and instead is pretending that this is just a religious argument. You cannot, however, ridicule Muslims in this country and pretend that it's not firmly entrenched in the last 15 years of our country's history. And by saying that he's not politically correct, this man is implying that any who takes offense to this sign is overreacting.

More: Islam didn't kill the Orlando victims — the shooter did

The truth, however, is that people like that are too removed from those parts of the world that challenge them and too far from the ground to notice the pits and divots there that bring others to their knees.

When people rail about how this country is too politically correct, they are saying that they think they should be able to say whatever they want about people without being made to feel bad about it.

This is similar to the way your ex-boyfriend told you to relax when you got mad because he said that the dress you were wearing made you look like a slut. It's an exasperation with the fact that the oppressed still refuse to come to terms with their oppression.

Let's go to the great wide world of memes for a couple of examples of this viewpoint:

What political correctness really means 1

What political correctness really means 1

What political correctness really means 2

What political correctness really means 2

It's hard to care about other people's feelings, and it's even harder to acknowledge that you hold views that some believe are hurtful and even hateful. (Ask any sociopath — it's much less stressful to live your life when you don't give a shit about anyone else's.)

We're never going to be rid of people who hold their right to cruelty above the rights of others, but we also don't have to let them represent us. Using the term "political correctness" is a sham; it's a desperate attempt to hold onto a worldview that sees a lack of compassion as strength.

More: The 13 things we wish fathers were telling their sons

Fortunately there are still more of us who embrace the weakness that comes with feeling and admire the courage that one only gets from the scrapes and bruises that come with it... at least we hope.

30 places that want to treat you with free food on your birthday

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We’ve searched the internet to find the best restaurant and fast-food freebies for your birthday. This list has everything from free smoothies to complimentary pie slices. In most cases you’ll be asked to sign up for the restaurant’s email or rewards club. It’s a decent trade-off. Everything tastes better when it’s free, especially if it’s on your birthday!

Applebee's: Receive a free dessert on your birthday when you sign up for their email club.

Au Bon Pain: Get a free lunch on your birthday when you sign up for their eClub.

Auntie Anne’s: The My Pretzel Perks program offers you one free signature/classic pretzel during your birthday month when you sign up.

More: Double-stuffed chocolate chip cookies for your boldest what-the-hell treat

Bojangles’: Receive a coupon for a free Bo-Berry biscuit with a purchase on your birthday when you sign up for the e-club.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Join the Amici Club for a free birthday dessert when you buy an entrée.

Chili’s: Get a free dessert on your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards.

Cinnabon: Sign up for Club Cinnabon, and receive a free Mochalatta Chill on your big day.

Cold Stone Creamery: Join the My Cold Stone Club for a birthday BOGO Creation coupon.

Dunkin' Donuts: Receive a free beverage for your birthday when you sign up for the DDPerks Rewards Program.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Receive a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday when you sign up for The Shmear Society.

Firehouse Subs: Sign up for Firehouse Rewards to get a free medium sub on your birthday.

IHOP: Join the Pancake Revolution, and enjoy a Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity pancake stack on your birthday.

Jamba Juice: Earn a free smoothie or juice on your birthday when you join Jamba Insider.

Jersey Mike’s: Get a free sub and drink on your birthday with a subscription to the email club.

Joe’s Crab Shack: Sign up for Joe’s Catch emails, and get a free appetizer with an entrée purchase.

Krispy Kreme: Join Friends of Krispy Kreme email club for a free birthday doughnut.

la Madeleine: Subscribe to the eClub, and get an email for a free pastry on your birthday.

Mimi’s Cafe: Enjoy a free slice of crepe cake or a free two-pack of muffins or croissants on your birthday with subscription to the eClub.

More: 21 boozy, refreshing ways to drink your watermelon

Moe’s Southwest Grill: Receive a free birthday burrito with sign-up to Moe’s eWorld.

Noodles & Company: Get a free bowl of noodles when you join the eClub.

Panera Bread: Sign up with MyPanera for a free birthday pastry.

Red Robin: Earn one free Gourmet Burger anytime during your birthday month with sign-up to Red Robin Royalty.

Ruby Tuesday: Enjoy a free a burger on your birthday when you join So Connected.

Smokey Bones: Subscribe to The Bones loyalty club for a free dessert on your birthday.

Starbucks: Receive a free birthday drink and 15 percent off StarbucksStore.com when you sign up for Starbucks Rewards. You must sign up at least 30 days prior to your birthday.

Ted’s Montana Grill: Join the TMG Email Club, and get a complimentary birthday dessert.

TGI Friday’s: Sign up for the Give Me More Stripes program, and get a free dessert in your birthday month.

Village Inn: The Village Inn eClub offers a free slice of pie on your birthday with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Which Wich: Get a free regular sandwich when you join the Vibe Club Rewards.

Zaxby’s: Sign up for the Zax Mail Club, and receive a free Nibbler on your birthday.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

21 crazy fast-food mashups that went way too far
Image: Inti St Claire/Getty images

Just ahead of Teen Mom 2 reunion special, Nathan Griffith was arrested — again

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Teen Mom 2's Nathan Griffith is back in the slammer after a weekend in Myrtle Beach went awry. There are no details yet on how exactly he ended up drunk and disorderly on a Saturday night in a party town, but it's also not a surprise from someone with multiple arrests to his name. A representative for the Myrtle Beach Police Department told In Touch Weekly that "[It] looks like he had disorderly conduct and resisted arrest." Griffith is expected to appear in court at some point on Monday, June 13.

More: Teen Mom 2's Nathan Griffith was right to abandon Team Jenelle

The mag obtained Griffith's arrest record and mug shot from the local police department. As RealityTea reports, Griffith already has three DUIs and multiple arrests to his name. Most recently, he was arrested for breaking into ex-girlfriend Jenelle Evans' car and stealing it along with $1000 worth of belongings inside.

More: Jenelle Evans makes claims about Nathan Griffith's disinterest in their son

Evans has been rather openly (and humorously) mocking the arrest on Twitter. She and Griffith share a son, Kaiser, and appeared on Teen Mom together; they continue to fight for custody of their son. "At least I can say I'm staying out of trouble," she wrote.

jenelle evans tweet

jenelle evans tweet

Although Evans has been in jail enough times that she hardly has the moral high ground here, it's nice to see her on the gloating side for a change.

More: I agreed with Nathan Griffith on Teen Mom and I don't feel good about it

School penalizes kid for being too... patriotic?

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When New Jersey boy Joshua Bruner was given an assignment in his photography class to take a self-portrait representing self-expression, he knew right away what he wanted to portray. Joshua, 15, is hugely patriotic and it's his dream to serve in the Marines, as his great-grandfather did. The teenager is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of two state shooting teams.

More: Superhero mom takes on daughter's kidnapper — and wins

So, to those who know him, Joshua photograph of himself with the American flag in one hand and a shotgun in the other came as no surprise. But his choice of prop caused a problem when he attempted to upload it to Hunterdon Central Regional High School's website — it was rejected for violating the school's gun policy.

Joshua Bruner's gun picture

Joshua Bruner's gun picture

More: My two Muslim kids can't help but notice they're 'different'

It's ironic that Joshua's photograph was for an assignment on self-expression, yet he was denied the right to do that very thing. If he chooses to express himself by demonstrating his pride in his country and his desire to protect it, who has the right to tell him that's wrong?

As Joshua's mom pointed out, he wasn't doing anything illegal. He wasn't disrespecting the American flag or holding the gun in an irresponsible way. Of course, imagery featuring guns can be controversial, and in the wake of Sunday's horrific mass shooting in Orlando, this is a particularly sensitive subject.

However, there's a world of difference between a patriotic young man who observes gun laws and would never use it as a weapon to murder innocent people, and the gunman who released fire in a gay nightclub and left 49 dead and at least 50 others injured.

More: Parents reveal the worst advice they've ever gotten

To take Joshua's photograph so wildly out of context isn't helpful or healthy. Whatever our personal views on guns are, we should be proud of a teenager who wants to serve his country.

Before you go, check out our slideshowbelow:

walking dead
Image: Mother Hubbard Photography

Plastic surgery or not, Meg Ryan's face is none of your business — so back off

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Meg Ryan's appearance at last night's Tony Awards raised some eyebrows, not for what she said, but for how she looked. And that's not cool.

Ryan has been keeping a somewhat low profile from the acting world, but she stepped back into the limelight at the awards show to introduce a performance by the cast of She Loves Me — and her face instantly became the subject of cruel Twitter jokes.

To be sure, Ryan's appearance does seem altered since her Sleepless in Seattle days, but that's no excuse for people to say incredibly mean things like this:

Meg Ryan Joker tweet

Meg Ryan Joker tweet

More: Celebrating the Tonys in the wake of Orlando isn't shallow, it's a victory

We'll spare you the others, because who needs that kind of negativity in their life? There are other, much more important things to worry about in this world than whether or not an actress has had some work done, as many other Twitter users reminded us.

Meg Ryan Orlando tweets

Meg Ryan Orlando tweets

This is far from the first time an actress above the age of 30 has been shamed for her appearance. Renee Zellweger caught flak in late 2014 for what was being called a newly taut face. Carrie Fisher was forced to remind us that “youth and beauty are not accomplishments” when Star Wars fans debated how well she had aged since her Princess Leah debut. And Ashley Judd was forced to angrily defend herself after gaining a bit of weight that showed in her face.

Maybe the problem isn't what women are choosing to do with their own bodies, but the fact that society is focusing on this non-issue instead of the truly important stuff.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs attacked slideshow
Image: Apega/WENN
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